Divided We Stand (A Packs Roleplay, OPEN and ACCEPTING)

[-goldleaf-]

Shiny toes brushed against the shell of ivory, broken nails that were once so pristine and cared for making a dry crackle of sound as she drew an almost gentle touch across the face of the mask. Bright eyes blazed with simple anger, though in truth she felt no real direction for it. It was too raw and wild for her to understand yet. Her teeth flashed in another snarl that echoed the one that was thrown her way with Lilith's words, reflexive. Her dark ears pricked forward attentively with the whispered words that snaked their way to her, something in the back of her mind making a snide joke about how fitting of a meeting place this was, how well it followed any kind of story she had ever read. Old acquaintances suddenly click and locking back together with crashing force in the middle of nowhere, as if drawn by magnets. Her ears flickered back again as she lifted her head in a flash of what was once a picture of the image she had been bred to look like; pride that conveyed power through and through. Were you trying to find me? If it were that simple they would have reunited long before this. "I want nothing from you." was her abruptly bitter response, accented by a flick of her wrist that sent Lilith's finely crafted mask skittering across the distance between them with the weight of a cold dare for it to be placed back over shimmery features. Eyes surrounded by dark satin lifted their weight finally to the one who had extended the original olive branch, gaze calculating even while nothing about her had yet lost its feral touch. Not even close.
The first thing that she thought when she looked at Maia was that she looked healthy, they all did. Though she did not spare Lilith another glance. And there was now no way to miss the singular unity that the combined three held in their scents. "I trust it you've commandeered another pack?" voice that was once the food to lovers poems was now reduced to a husked rasp, crackling as if always in a half snarl with the forced volume that she was forced to use in their uneasy distance. Her flinty eyes danced from one dove to another as she again assessed the third member of the little trio that had come across her as if in afterthought. The words felt like burrs in her mouth, clinging and pointy, awkward feeling with her long unused vocal cords. Small talk used to be her bread and butter, was practically force fed to her from birth. But this was another form of talk, double edged, an equally stressed skill-set given and observed from an uncomfortably young age.

((Will post for Lilu again very soon, pinky promise))

[Nellas]

((Yes, it would be good to bring Clarence and n’Obi back in now))

Anna did not miss the barest flicker of a smile that graced the tall wolf’s angled features; though it was to be expected, his acknowledgement of her returned pleasantry, she couldn’t help a small bloom of pleased connection that yes, she had spoken the right thing and their interaction was still going smoothly. As a result, a subtle crinkling of her amber-touched eyes was produced as she read mirroring sincerity from Abaddon’s dark face.
A short pause followed this silent exchange of expression, one in which the neutral-furred dove felt both some sense that it was her turn to follow, and some sense that it was Abaddon’s, leaving her with a sensation of pressure to the delicate bones of her ribcage as she was caught in a hesitation of uncertainty. Refocusing her dark gaze on the delta’s face to attain her bearings once more, she noticed an expression of careful consideration; so he was thinking, and the pause was not unsightly but intended, or at the simplest, brought on by his train of thought. Though she was not privy to the inner workings of Abaddon’s mind of course, and spoke nothing of her curiosity, Anna’s inquisitiveness remained, though she took caution and schooled her features to a neutral pleasantness, accompanied by a respectful downwards casting of her eyes in which her lashes brushed lightly across her cheeks as she blinked, not wanting to seem inappropriately questioning especially to a wolf of such higher ranking than she.
When Abaddon’s rich voice sounded again, she lifted her gaze again as she took in his words, her expression changing again into an easy smile that was exceedingly more at-home seeming on her gentle features than her previous, more serious, expression. “Very well, Abaddon, I’m sure there must be things one such as you would see to as well before the fête begins,” she murmured. “May your evening is a pleasant one.”

~

Quinn felt already the shift in her senses that the poppy seeds produced; the young brazen-hearted warrior’s mind was beginning to work more slowly as the tension in her bruised muscles eased somewhat along with the edge of the dulling pain. She was grateful for the relief from the aching, and equally grateful she did not feel thus impaired by the medicine when she was out in the forest. “Of course,” she said immediately after Lilu’s sentence, feeling a flash of guilt that she had taken attention away from Lilu’s other patient. A quick glance of her green eyes brought Saber within sight, but she looked away again, smoothing her emotions over as if with a butter knife, and contented herself to wait. A task easier to do in a time such as now, when she wasn’t as full of her usual energy. As Lilu began to focus her attentions again on Saber, a flash of movement caught Quinn’s eye; it was Ruby returning, and a smile creased the corners of Quinn’s eyes to see her. She was sobered somewhat by the sight of the injury her friend was sporting, but Quinn felt a deep-laid trust in Lilu that put the young wolf at ease to know the pack she loved was under the care of such a kind-hearted, experienced medicine wolf. Not that she had ever known how to express that, but the feeling of trust, worldless as it curled in her chest, was still there.

~

Sparrow was a ghost of a presence behind the two sisters and the supine stranger; aware that there was some history, some recognition between the three other wolves that Sparrow was not knowledgeable about, she had the sense to keep wary but silent, and stay out of it. However, this didn’t stop her ears from pricking as forwards as they could, or the attentive, detail oriented attention of her eyes snagging on every bit of visual information she could as she observed the scene from a couple paces back. The entire visage of the small dark wolf was one of battered wildness; her fur ragged, her eyes gleaming with a fierce light, the coiled tension of the stranger’s muscles speaking to the equally tense situation. Maia had called her Kirsten, a name that went recognize but was unfamiliar to Sparrow’s own ears. She continued to remain unobtrusive and out of the way as the situation became a little less drawn now that the little wolf had calmed somewhat at Maia’s soft words.
The whisper of feathers that was Lilith picking up the crow carcass confused Sparrow somewhat; more the thick vibe that was rolling off of her in waves instead of the simple action of retrieving the dead bird. Sparrow was distracted from the words being exchanged however as the stranger, Kirsten’s, intense green gaze flicked to her own self in appraisal; evidently, and unsurprisingly, the other wolf found no threat in Sparrow’s slight form. Kirsten’s burning gaze flicked back to Lilith and again, the whisper of dark feathers as something passed between the two faes, and Lilith lowered the crow to the ground. Sparrow, feet behind the other two, was unable to see the head hunter’s face and therefore her expression, only the back of her head and the set of her ears.

Without warning, the scene exploded into motion.

The stranger was a dark blur of energy, scarlet droplets flying from her snarl-torn features as she launched towards Lilith. Towards her face. It was done with such alacrity and speed that Sparrow’s cry of surprise froze in her throat, Kirsten impacting with Lilith before the tracker had drawn even an adequate breath. Lilith’s mask flew spinning from her face and clattered to the ground. A dart of fear struck clean through Sparrow’s heart. Every inch of Sparrow’s lean body ached to put herself before the hunter and into harm’s way instead of Lilith, but Sparrow was drawing her cues from her alpha and Maia had not joined in the fray. However, she moved closer, and Sparrow took this opportunity of tense standstill to slip forwards to Lilith’s other side, a slim but undeniably protective force. Her face, so easily moved to expressions of empathy and concern, was set now in a fearful but hard mask of warning, for what it was worth. If this wolf flung herself at one of Sparrow’s packmates again, Sparrow would join in the fray.
Sparrow could feel her head pounding a thousand times a minute in her chest. The words that Lilith and Kirsten were exchanging were wrought with emotion and history; Sparrow felt keenly out of place, unwilling to give up her protective spot at Lilith’s side but yearning to put a respectful distance between herself and the private words she felt she was not supposed to hear.

[*~WolfSoul~*]

As Amara's ever-sweet, gentle voice filled the mossy cave once more, Amos lifted his head carefully, a few drops of water trickling down the back of his neck with the motions as he regarded her with great focus, trying to assess that she was being honest, that she was okay. At the mention of returning to camp, he nodded, feeling about ready to leave himself. It was easier keeping his walls up when the harsh northern winds blew cold and hard against them. But going back to camp meant going back to his sparse den... maybe he'd try to find that bear that had started this whole thing. It was bleeding out pretty bad, would be easy to track down even if it wasn't dead. A bear pelt would make his den all the warmer.

It was easier for Amos to think of such things, keeping active and improving his quarters - resting, silence, it lead to thoughts and remembrances that were best left for the depths of sleep, where they could never prey on his waking mind. "Let me know when you think you're ready," he murmured, voice low and soft as he continued his light massaging motions, almost reflexive by this point.

Amara's only verbal reply was a barely audible hum in her throat, hardly having the energy to put much effort behind the affirmative, compliant sound. Spiky lashes, inky black with residual dampness, fluttered with the weight she felt on her eyelids. The further she warmed, the more she wanted to simply sleep the next several days away. The quiet of the cave muted the sound of the chilly winds outside and made her feel sheltered, safe. The rhythmic massaging motions of her company's paw against her shoulder started to feel a little far away as her perpetually curious mind turned to sleepy cotton clouds, and Amara let several minutes pass without comment. She rested rather snugly against Amos' side at this point, gaining precious warmth from him as her fur dripped into the moss beneath her weary bones.
Letting her chin rest against the soft cushion, Amara's eyes shut for a moment as the scent of the moss filtered through her nose. The smell was both a comfort and a melancholy reminder, associated with the sadness she usually felt when she sought this little cave out for comfort. Eyes fluttering back open as Amara felt herself begin to dwell a bit too much on those less pleasant feelings, the miniature dove tilted her head tiredly in Amos' direction and rasped, "I guess we ought to get going." The trip, although not really long, would be difficult for her no matter how long she waited. She would rather get it over with and be able to rest in her den.

~

The brief downcasting of Anna's gaze, expression controlled and neutral, drew the faintest tilt of Abaddon's head as he observed her, feeling again that conflict of satisfaction and desire - she was following social rules as should be expected, and yet there was a familiarity to the achingly earnest nature of her expressions and demeanor that reminded Abaddon of another fae long gone. It was an uncomfortable sensation, these conflicting values, as the thick-furred baron found himself wishing against his appreciation for rule-following, hoping to see more of this young dove's character. All this was felt in a quick instant and belied only by that single degree shift of the senior delta's dark head.
Their gazes met again as the dove reacted to the sound of his voice, unblinking amber steadily meeting warmly lit orbs of rich and sweetly spun brown. Their eyes might have been relatively similar in color but opposite in their movement - one pair blinking and shying away, dancing to and fro with the rhythm of conversation, while the other pair stayed true to one object of focus at all times. Abaddon's gaze was not overwhelmingly intense but rather strikingly unintimidated, his lack of breaks in eye contact signaling a deep-rooted confidence in his own self as a capable and powerful being.
Another polite dip of his pitch black chin was his first reaction to the young dove's words, a faint curling of his lips forming an appreciative almost-smile at the sight of her own, much brighter expression. "I'll see you tonight then," was his calmly worded reply, voice as smooth and rich as ever with the lilted accent he carried. With one last polite dip of his head in farewell, the dark furred wolf stepped away from the dove and back onto the busy path without any collision, seeming to pace himself effortlessly to fit into the crowd which also seemed to actively give him a wider berth than most as he moved steadily through the street.

[Nellas]

((I'm going away for a couple days, but I will be back on Monday!))

[The Royal Mirage]

((Bye Nellas sorry I couldn't get this up sooner, hope you have a good trip!))

Turquoise and emerald were suddenly reunited again as Kirsten turned to Maia, the silvered fae recoiling slightly as she became the main focus - an unconscious check of movement, neck arching and back straightening as though feeling a need to stand attention under such cold calculation. "I- yes, we have," she replied, Maia's usual crackly tones seeming to flow like honey in comparison to the sandpaper tones that whispered towards her. It seemed like Kirsten had calmed down at the very least, though her detached mannerisms put off the cheerful fae, being so different from what she was used to from the young princess. "You can come back with us, we've got some food left over from our last hunt, and our healer can take care of those scrapes-"

One corner of dark lips lifted in disbelief, the movement flashing pearl fangs as Lilith's gaze found her sister in a situation she couldn't have imagined taking place after what had just occurred. Maia had just watched as, unprovoked, the dark fae had attacked her sister, and was now offering her shelter, food, and care? "You're unbelievable," she muttered, toes reaching forward just enough to push the piece of discarded ivory towards the older fae. "Take her back if you want, I'm going to catch up with Lia. And tell Tanga we're going on that trip she wanted after the festival. I can see when I'm not wanted," she sneered, blue gaze flashing defiantly to Kirsten again, noting how high-and-mighty the previously feral fae seemed to be positioned. Maia was soft, she wouldn't deny her help, but Lilith didn't have to be a part of it. She didn't want a part in it, didn't want to be constantly on alert just because Maia couldn't say no and turn her out.

Maia's lips parted momentarily, brows quirking upward in pleading as she turned to her sister. "Lilith, come on, that isn't going to solve anything. Just come back to camp with us, I'm sure we can sort everything out..." Lilith had been running from her past for too long, Maia knew she was miserable; the only way to get back to her normal self would be to face what she'd done and get over it. She couldn't just keep leaving...

But the fae was already turning, passing Sparrow a small, apologetic grimace as she went while the beseeching tones of her half sibling fell on deaf ears. She couldn't pretend everything was fine anymore, she hadn't been able to pretend for a long time. So why bother when it seemed those from her past hated her as much as she hated her own actions, as necessary as they had been for her sanity. She'd had to cut ties. "You heard me Maia. I'm leaving, and you can host whoever you damn well please in your pack."

The stretch of silence had brought a drooping quality to Amos' singular eye, the darkness around him having blurred to singular shades of darker and darker greys as he dozed, half awake with a warm little body pressed close against his. It felt almost normal. But the gentle stirring caused by Amara's raspy tones brought the brute back to a more conscious state, noting faintly that his massaging had stopped, paw simply holding the fae to him in the darkness. He nodded, and with great reluctance began to extricate himself from their embrace, fangs flashing for a moment as the movement stretched and irritated the bruises that had formed along his side. Stiffly he stood, favoring his right leg before gritting his teeth and stretching it out, a low grunt in the back of his throat the only indication of the difficulty the task had presented before his muscles seemed to loosen up again. A few cuts and bruises were easy enough to deal with, especially after having suffered much worse. "How far is the camp?" he asked lowly, still feeling as though he didn't want to interrupt the peacefulness of their hideaway with too much noise.

---

It was a little while before the pair finally made it back to camp, the beige baron covered in braids finally letting down his share of the load and leaning back into a low, languid stretch. While n'Obi was well-built, he had never been used to exerting his muscles to their full potential, and the haul had itched a few too many scratching needs for exercise for his liking. It would have been much easier to cut away the meat that would be used and haul it back to camp in bundles, but it looked like this other method was the more common practice for the pack wolves here. "How often does your pack take down a big kill like this?" he asked as he straightened up, bright tones breaking their silence as sunny orbs found Clarence's own shady blues.

Ruby's wet, slightly shivering form blocked out the light from the den's back entrance for a brief moment as she entered, orange eyes readjusting to the darkness before noticing the companionable grin Quinn sent her way, warming her heart even as the other fae's injuries were put on full display. She returned a half grin of her own, the motion causing her already swollen eye to shut completely as she made her way over, trying not to limp too much, and settled in next to her sort-of friend. "So you brought in a wolverine?" she started, her curiosity getting the better of her, though a hint of pride colouring her tone as she wiped some excess water from her forelegs. "Now this is a story I need to hear."

Gemini nodded as Jesse's explanation made things clearer for him. He'd have to be extra mindful of it, not wanting any further misunderstandings to come between them. Despite the hugely apparent differences between the hulking white wolf and the tiny shadow alpha, Gemini felt as though there was something oddly similar about them, a fragile tie that made the two of them less mismatched than they'd appear. His thoughts came to a halt as the rumbling voice of his companion broke the forest's silence again, turning to listen as Jesse asked again about the gathering - the familiarity with which the other brute regarded him was new, Gemini's returned grin shy, but less fearful than it had been. "No, not at all- Well, I mean yes, you're welcome to join us," he stumbled over his words, a shaky laugh berating him for his nervousness. Hopefully they'd make it back to camp soon, so Gemini could focus on his healing herbs instead of trying and failing to make conversation.

---

Phaed's grin turned uncomfortable, head tilting down and glasses flashing in the afternoon light, hiding his eyes from view as they traced the filigreed edge of the dining table. "I hate to turn you out like this, you're of course welcome to stay as long as you like- but, well, I should really be helping to get everything ready and.." he trailed off, hoping beyond hope that Beau would put him out of his misery and just go of his own volition. But if he really needed his hosts' blessing to leave, Phaed might never have been able to push him out. Luckily, his mother had it covered, turning back with a little smile and waving Beau off with a flick of her auburn tail. "You go have fun, I'm sure you'll find something much more entertaining than our preparations while you're in town anyways," she smiled, her words shooing the loner off in that maternal way that a mother robin would encourage her fledgling out of the nest.

Opal's unabashed grin widened in delight at Katrina's reaction, her tail swishing with her glee and causing more delicate tinkling sounds to colour the room with their sweet melody. The snowy fae always found enjoyment in seeing the reactions of others to her work, and Katrina didn't disappoint, a quiet giggle rising in her throat at the fae's comments. Though her porcelain complexion hinted more towards sweet pink as she spoke of the other young wolves at the party, Opal's mind immediately lighting upon the one brute who'd been on her mind on and off the whole day. 'Hopefully Finch will like it too...' she thought, her mind's eye imagining his own lighting up when they meet at the party. Her cheeks flushed darker as her heartbeat began to race, shaking the thoughts away with some effort. "I should hope so," she returned after her distracted paused, feeling a little embarrassed to have had her focus drawn away so easily. "It would be wonderful for my business, in any case."

((I think these are all the replies I owe, though I feel like I've missed someone - let me know and I'll try to get whatever else I owe up!))

((Also goldie, I'm not sure if you saw the roommate discussion in the chat for the human rp, but you're welcome to add your own preferences too!))

[*~WolfSoul~*]

With a blink and a deep, wary breath, Amara braced herself for the effort that would be required of her to return to camp. As Amos stood, she felt the heat that had formed between their bodies leak from her damp fur. She allowed this unpleasant feeling to spur her forward rather than slow her down, for she knew that she would only become colder the longer she took to reach the warming fire of Tanga's den. She gave a soft groan as she fought the stiffness in her muscles, paws pushing against the soft cushion of moss as she struggled to stand, using her weight to help herself up and pausing to take a breath and find her balance. Her ears reflected her obvious tiredness, the tall appendages managing just a weak flick in response to the low sound of Amos' voice. Truthfully her little hideout wasn't very far from camp - on a good day it took her perhaps a quarter hour to reach it. But now their pace would be dramatically slowed by exhaustion, and would take a bit longer. "It'll probably take us about half an hour," she answered regretfully, carefully lifting one paw at a time to stretch her legs and flex her weak muscles in an attempt to get them warm and prevent cramping. She very much hoped that they might be able to make it in less time, if she pushed herself. She hoped that the chill of the wind would spur her on rather than slow her down, its biting chill would be like insistent nipping at her heels. Granite orbs turned to the light that came from the entrance of the little cave, head lifting just faintly as her chest pushed out not with pride but determination to make the journey back.

With Vivienne's mothering dismissal a spark of excitement lit in Beau's chest, dampened only by a brief ache which was brought on by the affectionate way she shooed him out. He gave no sign of this though, giving the dove and Phaedrus a blinding grin as he stood, eyes twinkling with a tilt of his head in farewell. "Have fun at that party, I'll see you two sometime later," he said as rusty paws took steps with a dancing energy towards the door. With a final brief look in their direction and a farewell crick in his tail, Beau opened the door and descended the steps he had taken earlier, thoughtful enough to be sure that the door clicked shut behind him. The bright flag of his tail flashed natural hues of orange in the lamplight as he stepped down to the second door, seeing himself out into the library he had passed through before. Easily recalling the steps he'd committed to memory, the loner found his way out with all the confidence of someone who had been through the building many times before.
At last stepping outside into the fresh air, the short-furred baron grinned, flashing pearly fangs as he took a deep breath, supplying renewing oxygen to that flame of anticipation in his chest. Where to now?

(think i'll post again for him later once I know exactly where I want him to go and make trouble)

~

Jesse kept an eye half trained on Gemini's mouth to be sure he understood his words, and appreciated that it was slightly easier now that the velvety dark baron made an effort to raise his voice a little. The pale brute made no fuss about the small alpha's verbal stumbling, though Gemini's self-deprecating laugh drew Jesse's attention. The self-conscious sound of it coaxed a concern out of Jesse the same way Gemini's earlier comments about his looks had. He didn't voice any thoughts on the subject, though there was a brief look of thoughtfulness in the foggy hue of his eyes. Instead he said only a polite but warm "Thank you," the hint of a small smile lifting up the corner of his mouth. He added this expression purposefully, not wanting to seem too severe in his thoughtfulness. It made him almost sad in a strange way, that this soft-eyed, star dusted baron had so little confidence in himself.
With a blink, Jesse turned his head to look forward through the trees, wondering how close they were drawing to the camp. He had to admit that he was overdue for a few days of rest - he knew it was unhealthy to run himself so near exhaustion, but he simply couldn't make himself slow down his search until he absolutely had to. He was truly lucky to have found a pack with such a hospitable alpha, though he was admittedly puzzled by the drastic difference between Gemini and Emily. What was the rest of the pack like? He had questions that wouldn't really be answered through conversation, so he let quiet fall between himself and the small wolf at his side. Small talk had never really been his strong suit. Jesse himself didn't feel much pressure to speak, his only worry being that Gemini might.

[The Royal Mirage]

Amos nodded gravely, having figured it might be around that long - they had been swept pretty far downstream, and the river traveled much faster than wolves could. But they could stop to rest if the need came up, it wouldn't be too big a deal if they were delayed a few minutes. With a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach, the wiry brute slipped out of the cave's small entrance, immediately regretting leaving the tiny sanctuary. The wind's buffeting blows were as cold as ever, whipping at his eye and chilling the few remaining drops of water still left in his coat. He gave a brief shake in the hopes of getting rid of the last pesky droplets, though the motion only brought on more shivers. It probably hadn't been such a good idea to leave the warmth of the cave so suddenly.

Lifting his nose to the sky, Amos sampled the air in the hopes of picking up the pack's scent - the river's distinct aroma was strong, cold and fresh, but other than that the indecisive wind was confusing his senses. He looked back to Amara, giving a small smile despite his shivers. "Lead the way," he grinned, trying desperately to distract himself from the cold with some playful conversation. It had always been a worthy distraction in the past, after all.

---

As Beau's company disappeared from the cozy home, the corners of Phaedrus' lips turned down brows quirking as he resettled his spectacles in an act of nervousness. What kind of havoc would the loner wreak on his quiet little town? "Phaed, wash up!" His mother's instructions broke through the tutor's worrying, heading to the private powder room an beginning to set up a soapy bath.

A distinct pout replaced her toothy grin as Sham lifted the bar rag to his fine features, wiping away the stripes of red paint that Melanie had been admiring just moments before; her lip jutted even further, almost comically, as he spoke of the good roasts, how there was always something good at the parties in their pack. Well of course there was... though she often didn't get to it until much later, when the leftovers went unguarded. She gave an indistinct shrug in response, lifting her glass to her lips and finishing the remainder of her drink, the unique woodsy burn of whisky restoring her cheerful mood. "Save a little enjoyment for me then, I can never get into those shin-digs. Can't sully any names, right?" she laughed, the breathy sound filling the air around them as wispy strands of white hair covered her eyes in a haphazard way

((I forgot Mel, I'm a terrible person))

---

It wasn't long in companionable silence before the pair broke through the brush and emerged in the small clearing that was the camp of the Western Forest. Gemini let out a small breath as the surroundings worked at his tangled nerves, glad to be in a familiar setting again, even if it appeared mostly empty. He could vaguely tell, either from scent or from knowing how many injured wolves there were, that the medicine den was at full capacity, and looked to Jesse with an apologetic expression on his fine features. "We've got a few spare dens along the southern ring of camp - anything that doesn't smell occupied should be fine for you to stay in," he explained, tilting his nose in the direction of a couple trees with discreet holes showing dens wove beneath their roots. He wanted to get to Jesse's shoulder, but he wasn't sure he would be able to treat the tall loner in his den - even the foxish brute sometimes hurt himself when emerging from the small entrance. "I've just got to get some herbs for your shoulder, then you can get some rest," he added, heading with the loner towards his own den under the northern sugar maple tree.

[The Royal Mirage]

"I yearn for fields of gold that stretch on till eternity"

Player name: The Royal Mirage
Pack: Eastern Shores
Name: Elia
Age: 1 year and 6 months
Sex: Female
Scent: Elia's blonde tresses carry the scent of sweet, ripe hay and freshly threshed oats, with notes of fertile soil and the ever-present warmth of other animals. Notes of sweets freshly baked in the oven radiate a homey welcome and wholesome charm with each breath that kisses against your nose
Body Type: Having only just reached her full, rather unsubstantial height, Elia comes off as a bit awkward – she's short and compact, with well-developed muscles from working the farm all her life, though her still-slender adolescent body contrasts oddly with her long, burly legs, giving her a look of disproportionate strength. Her medium-length tail helps to balance out the look a bit, and it isn't hard to assume that, with a little time, she'll fill out into a pleasantly curvy fae.
Pelt color: Elia's shaggy pelt is the pale golden blonde hue of standing hay in autumn, with peachy undertones of ripe corn and parsnip highlights, and darker gold oat spots. With her constant chores around the farm, her fur is often riddled with mud, dirt, and grass, though when seen at her shopfront she's always clean and well put-together, making sure that her fur is at least presentable, even if it's not styled in any way.
Markings: Elia has no discernible markings, though her pelt does lighten or darken over her body to accentuate certain features. Her entire neck and hackles are darker, with the shade spreading from the top of her forehead to the start of her tail, though the spread of this burnt gold hue is less noticeable over her shoulders, ribcage, and hips. The tips of her paws and tail are accented with a bright, creamy hue, as well as her muzzle and the fur surrounding her eyes.
Eye Color: With rounded eyes surrounded by light brown lashes, Elia's orbs are a rather soothing hazel green, it's hue rather dark at most times, though in the light their depths shine with hints of sunny yellow and leafy greens.
Other Details: She always wears her twin jade earrings, a gift from her parents at the start of her apprenticeship.
Personality: Elia's a sweet girl, well-mannered, and seems to follow social protocols well enough, but something about her demeanour just tends to put others off. It's a subconscious melancholy which leaks into every smile she smiles, or every thanks she gives, and the inhabitants of her pack know the reason for it all too well. It's this subconscious sadness and reluctance to become attached to others that keeps Elia from making many friends, though she's made acquaintances of most of her pack. Her only close relationship lies with her younger brother Hamish, who she dotes on and mothers in place of their deceased parents. She's very caring and thoughtful, but shy and unwilling to try to branch out socially. Despite her soft exterior, Elia is fiercely protective, and can become a force to be reckoned with when those she cares for are threatened. Even perceived threats to her little brother can become a source of scrutiny and caution well after the issue has passed. she's sweet and polite, but a little too honest, a little too willing to get dirty and do the hard things herself. And that includes making scary roars to protect her fluffy charges.
Likes: Her little brother, gardening, cooking, baking, caring for her animals, snuggling up with her Alpine goat Maggie, settling down by the fireplace with a good book, the smell of fresh hay, freshly baked anything.
Dislikes: Shearing the sheep, coyotes and foxes that go after her flock, getting dressed up, being stared at.
Main Talent: Cooking
Weak Point(s): Elia is incredibly caught up in her own world, which ends up keeping her from making real connections with the rest of her pack – she would rather spend an afternoon with her flock of sheep or the chickens than make any new friends. She's also pretty stubborn when it comes to her beliefs and how she does things, an is often unwilling to accept help unless things get out of control and she can't fix them herself.
Fear(s): Losing Hamish, losing the farm, being alone
Song:
History: Elia has lived in the Eastern Shores since she was born, with her mother having been a native to the pack while her father had travelled there from a far-off land and settled down after becoming mated to the shore-bred fae. Her father had been particularly skilled with sheep, something in his odd lineage, so the mated pair had begun to care for their own flock, soon setting up a small farm outside the pack where they could raise them as a business. With the growth of their homestead, the pair also wanted to have children – that's where Elia came in. The whole operation was still much a work in progress when she was a pup, but she watched with fascination as chicken coops were built, sheep were sheared, and stone walls were erected as their small home expanded.
Elia loved the farm, and took after her father with the sheep, eventually befriending an Alpine kid – Maggie - and raising her to help protect the flock. She began her apprenticeship shortly after that, learning to bake under her mother's instruction, while also looking after the farm chores with her dad. And soon, there was another member of the family to love – her baby brother, Hamish.
Desired Rank: She's fine where she is
Current Rank: Chef, farmer
Crush: None
Mate: None
Relatives and Pups: Hamish (younger brother), parents are deceased
Pic: ((old art, I need to redo))

RP Example: Woof.

"There's nothing like a chicken hug to warm a frosty heart"

Player name: The Royal Mirage
Pack: Eastern Shores
Name: Hamish
Age: 8 months
Sex: Male
Scent: Hamish's scent is an oddly clean, soothing scent – like freshly washed laundry, still warm from the sun's heat, though this is tinged with the more musky hints that are carried in his sister's pelt of hay and rich soil.
Body Type: Most of Hamish's discerning features are hidden by plush, unruly fur, still quite soft and pup-like despite being old enough for an apprenticeship. He's mid-sized for his age, but always growing, and his large paws indicate that he'll be a substantial wolf when he's fully grown. But for now, his puppy-fat is still present in his rounded cheeks and belly, both accentuated by his round eyes and large ears.
Pelt color: Hamish's fluffy pelt is a rich, woodsy brown, with darker mahogany hues and light patches accenting specific features. He's pretty good about keeping clean, when he knows he needs to be – if it were up to Hamish, he'd be covered in feathers and dirt all the time.
Markings: Much like his sister, Hamish's darker and lighter tones accent his eyes, paws, ruff, and tail.
Eye Color: A paler hazel than his sisters, with caramel lashes accenting their green-tinged depths.
Other Details: Short, scruffy, dark bangs that just barely cover the top of his head, as well as a cream plaid neckerchief that looks way too big for the youngster.
Personality: Hamish is still pretty young, and hasn't gone through very many developmental experiences, so his personality is all a product of his surroundings and his sister's care. As such, he's a very kind child who cares a lot about the animals they raise on the farm, and formed a close bond with one of their hens (who he calls Henrietta). He's curious and playful, and can be a bit selfish at times, especially since Elia is always trying to do what's best for him. He can start to feel entitled and get upset when he doesn't get his way, but is understanding of the reasons when they're explained to him. He's actually very intelligent, not just intellectually but emotionally, perhaps something that came about from looking after animals and learning to read their emotions without them being able to tell him. He's very good at seeing when others are upset or angry, even in his clouded society. It's in this way that the youngster tends to make friends wherever he goes, and thereby forces his older sister into some semblance of socializing with the rest of the pack. He wants to be like his sister someday and protect all their brood, though he doesn't really like the planting or cooking parts – he just enjoys looking after the animals and making sure they're safe.
Likes: Chickens (not for eating!), caring for the animals, making new friends, sweets (just for eating!), bedtime stories
Dislikes: Gardening, cooking/baking, being confined to the house, not getting his way, not having enough to eat
Main Talent: Being a pup
Weak Point(s): As mentioned before, Hamish falls victim to a classic fault for children - he's selfish, and doesn't quite understand yet that he can't always have his way. His curiosity can get the better of him, as he'll either get himself into trouble, or ask inappropriate questions that older wolves just aren't comfortable answering. He's also got a bit of a lack of personal boundaries - growing up relatively secluded on the farm, he's used to getting affection whenever he wants - so he's... huggy. Not that most people mind, though it can get Elia into trouble when one of her clients sees her messy baby brother giving their daughter a big muddy hug.
Fear(s): Heights, the dark, and sleeping alone
Song:
History: The pudgy pup was barely weaned when disaster struck the family; Elia's mother and father passed away at the same time, though the young fae never told her brother how it happened. He grew up raised by the girl, who defended her right to care for him even as family friends and older wolves offered to take the pup in. She worked hard to keep food on the table, even though they lost a lot in the beginning when they had to sell some of their belongings to scrape by. But Hamish grew up with his hardworking sister as his rolemodel, never knowing the sorrow of losing his parents the way that she did. He was more open to the others, more friendly, and in turn helped keep his sister out of isolation.
Desired Rank: Warrior (likely to change, he just likes the idea of protecting the pack)
Current Rank: Pup/Apprentice
Crush: Nope
Mate: Shh he's still a baby
Relatives and Pups: Elia (older sister), parents are deceased, Henrietta (chicken)
Pic:

RP Example: Bark!

[*~WolfSoul~*]

The dim light inside the little cave flickered out briefly as Amos passed through the entrance. Amara blinked as the light returned and then, steeling herself, eased out into the cold winds, automatically lowering her head and tucking her tail down. She squinted a bit against the chilling whip of the wind against her face, turning her head a bit to look at her companion as he spoke. His grin seemed a little out of place in such a chilly atmosphere, though it's contrast was not unwelcome. Though her body was incredibly weak, Amara obeyed and set forth with a steadfast determination, her usually gentle brow furrowed in concentration as she more or less willed each step forward, eyes trained on the rocky terrain beneath her toes. Though she was a moment late by normal standards, she did realize that Amos seemed to be grasping for some kind of lightheartedness. She played along, turning her head just enough to let her voice carry back to him as she called, "Try to keep up." Her ironic intent was clear - she was determined, but admittedly slow as she trekked forward in the wind. The occasional harsh gust would push through her fur to the dark skin that lay beneath, icy fingers combing through and leaving her with a shiver.

As they finally arrived at the pack's camp, Jesse subtly took in a breath as he looked around, nervousness rising in his chest just from being in the heart of a territory other than his own. He fought his instinct to survey the camp, needing instead to focus on what Gemini was saying. The white wolf cast a glance in the direction of the spare dens Gemini mentioned, noting their location for later. While his eyes were kept occupied on Gemini, he took in the many scents of this new place - the familiar scent of blood, the many individual scents of packmembers, that vaguely unfamiliar scent of an animal he had first picked up earlier. Many of the packmembers had scents that reminded him vaguely of home; they were warm, smoky, fiery, musky, earthy. It was true that there were softer notes in the mix, but the scent of this pack seemed to be one of strength and foreboding.
As the slender shadow of an alpha took light steps to a den at the north end of the camp, Jesse followed, feeling exposed and on guard in this unfamiliar place, forced to hope that whatever wolves who were present would take queues from their alpha's relative calmness. And it was true that Gemini seemed a bit calmer now - Jesse had noticed his voice was a bit more even than when they'd first met a few minutes ago. Once the pair had reached the den which, judging by the lingering scent of smokiness around its roots, belonged to Gemini, Jesse hesitantly took a seat and spared a glance to see if Emily was still with them, though for the most part he fixed Gemini with a look of openness and patience that bordered on friendly, tall ears perked intently forward. It was a bit curious that Gemini seemed to double as a healer, though it wasn't uncommon back home for many wolves to have a general knowledge of healing and medicine - injuries were absurdly frequent. "An alpha who is also a healer - quite an important asset to a pack." With this little comment Jesse raised his brows a degree with the barest hint of an encouraging smile, certainly having picked up on Gemini's low sense of worth and hoping that he wasn't crossing any lines by giving this little nudge. The little baron could definitely benefit from a little flattery, in whatever form it took.

(We meet Elia and Hamish at last! I love them both, can't wait to see them in action <3 Hamish is just too cute, I keep imagining his hugginess and questions making for all kinds of interesting exchanges)

[The Royal Mirage]

Amos' shaky smile widened as Amara caught on, following a bit belatedly on slender legs, fighting against the wind that threatened to blow the pair over. Or perhaps it wasn't really so strong, and his exhaustion made him feel its presence all the more acutely. Either way the warrior very nearly danced towards his companion, following at her shoulder when they were paired in stride. "I'd suggest a race home, but you're the only one who knows the way," he teased, tossing a wink in for good measure. Though, with an eye patch, it really just looked like he'd blinked. He grinned a bit at his own inability to lighten the mood in such a way, shaking his head at his own silly motions.

---

The closer the dark brute got to his little home, the more relaxed he felt, as the sweet scent of maple entangled with his own smoky essence, a familiar dance that reminded him of rest and recuperation. His ears flicked back as Jesse began to speak, hesitating at the mouth of his den and looking over his shoulder to assure the brute that he was paying attention, though what he heard sent a curious pounding to his ears. Gemini let out a soft, stuttering breath at Jesse's comment, biting his lower lip to keep from smiling. Important, really? Sure, it had occasionally proved useful for Gemini's healing talents to be present, but Lilu would have been able to handle the situation later if he hadn't. And yet, the compliment had him feeling an odd giddiness; short, laughing breaths escaping him as no returning words found purchase in his mind. He motioned to his den's entrance as he tried to formulate a coherent sentence, ultimately settling on: "I- heh, uhm, herbs, heh- I'll be back," before scuttling inside as quickly as he physically could. Once inside, the foxish brute let out a hefty sigh, forgetting for the moment that being inside his den didn't make him any less audible, before searching for the bag of herbs he kept in his den for emergencies. He'd already figured out which herbs the brute's shoulder would need, but Gemini took his time to try and get his act back together before emerging again with dried marigold and chervil root clasped between pointed white fangs.


---

As the sun continued its tireless trek across the afternoon sky, hazel orbs watched as the crowds in the streets grew thinner and thinner. Elia was still busy, serving out sweet rolls to her casual customers, and taking out packages of meals she'd cooked for their specific pickup time as clients came for their lunches. It was a busy day for a chef, and her work would be no closer to being done once the lunch rush was over. Then she would need to deliver her desserts and hors d'oeuvres to the party venue, along with her ingredients for the dinner to be made. Two lambs would be roasted for nearly the entire first half of the party, a total of 4 hours, before being served piping hot and more tender than could be imagined, and she'd also had plans for some poultry dishes to round it out. The carrots would need cutting, apples and potatoes peeling, lemons grating, salt grinding. The fae jumped out of her stupor as she realized she was packaging quail eggs with a honey bun, quickly separating the pair and delivering the sweet to the fae and her pup over the counter. She cleaned her forepaws on a tiny rag she kept at her shopfront, going back into the kitchen to check on the second batch of rolls. "Hamish!" she called out, not seeing the young baron at first, despite the kitchen's small size and open design. "Hamish I need you to watch the front, where are you!"

The young pup in question had left the stifling heat of the kitchen for a moment, relaxing against the outer wall of the little shop. It was just a one story little place, nowhere to sit or eat in - just a storefront counter and a back room kitchen, pickup and takeout only, though Hamish knew his sister would be delivering too, if she could. She was always working, they hardly had time to play anymore... but he knew, even if he didn't like it, that all this work was for him, for both of them. His ears perked up as he heard her voice echo through the cobbled walls, his heart jumping as he wondered just how long he'd been taking his break. The fluffy pup rushed through the door and collided with the wall of heat and scents, visibly drooping under his sister's gaze. "Sorry, it was just so hot..."

The fae sighed, holding a paw to her chest, and suddenly felt her brother's shorter forelegs encircle her neck. "Don't go disappearing on me like that," she murmured, returning the embrace before pulling them apart. She couldn't stay mad at him. "Watch the storefront for a few minutes, okay? I need to get the new rolls out - seems everyone wants something sweet today," she smiled, watching his eyes light up at the mention of sweets. "And I'll bring you one too, if you promise to tell our customers how good they are."

((So tired))