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

[*~WolfSoul~*]

Jesse was more than a little perplexed by the quick overview of the gatherings that Gemini provided – several packs, all meeting together peacefully, regularly, enjoying the experience? They had fun? The only part Jesse really found himself able to relate was the brief mention of war. But even then, nobody back home ever switched packs. If you found yourself on the losing side, then you died being loyal.
Forgetting himself briefly in these thoughts, Jesse’s impassive mask slipped off, and he wore a half-perplexed expression of thoughtfulness. His gaze was focused intensely on Gemini, to be sure to catch his words. There had been war in this region, but now there stretched a time of peace – what happened to make the wars stop? The question grappled its way up to the tip of Jesse’s tongue, but he gritted his teeth – Clarence spoke, the deep tones of his voice cutting off the growing tangle of thoughts in the loner baron’s head.
Eating and resting. The two major obstacles in Jesse’s journey so far, entirely inconvenient - if not for them, maybe he would have caught up to Beau by now. Jesse’s gaze swung to the fresh kill that Clarence and n’Obi had dragged into camp. Clarence had suggested that the guests – n’Obi and himself – should eat and rest. But Jesse was uncomfortable with making the first move toward their meal, highly accustomed to the rule that the Alpha should always be the one to take the first bite. Cautiously, the scarred brute looked to Gemini, large paws remaining where they were on the ground, unmoving. The way he held himself conflicted oddly with his perpetual wariness – he stood always with a deep-rooted stability about him, tail resting easily at the level of his hips, his steps smooth and calculated. In short, his body had an air of authority that was not reflected in his actions. This massive baron held himself like someone of high rank, yet he was clearly out of his element, exhaustingly cautious.

(one last reply for the night, the others have not been forgotten)

[The Royal Mirage]

At Clarence's suggestion, Gemini felt his face heat up in embarrassment. Of course, Jesse probably wasn't all that interested in the background of the gatherings, and both of the newcomers must have been hungry. He flicked his ears back in apology, nodding contritely with his agreement. "Of c-course, how silly of me," he murmured, voice returning to its usual timid crackling, gesturing to the moose. He wasn't sure what Ruby or Saber wanted to do with the pelt, but they could surely feed without disturbing the fur too much. His enthusiasm for food had waned since making the poultice, his mouth pretty much used to the faint lingering bitterness, but he tore a small bite out of the stomach anyways. It was the alpha who was meant to eat first, and he wouldn't breach protocol again in front of Clarence. He's more deserving of your position than you'll ever be... Shaking the cruel voice from his mind, Gemini finished off his bite quickly and motioned to the kill. "Go ahead, please."

((I was finished this post before I saw your Jesse response, Wolf - glad Jesse didn't go ahead and eat so I don't have to change anything lol))

[Nellas]

((Clarence is being a little difficult right now, I'll try and come back to him later))

Katrina's expression opened with her surprise at the other's response to her question- before she let out a little laugh of her own, the sound easy and low in her throat as her blue eyes winked shut briefly. The coutourier was fast discovering that this unknown baron was possibly completely unaware of the various intricate rules of the pack culture, and it fascinated her. If he didn't know these strict rules, then it meant he also had no idea that the way they were interacting was technically wrong. It excited her. Her tail floated relaxedly, brushing her hind legs every now and then as she followed keenly the play of expression across his face. Her mouth curved with knowing amusement as he nodded- his face was interestingly guarded in that moment, as if there was more he might say but was refraining from. The way she raised a single brow, still smiling slightly, as she met his eyes again acknowledged without words that she had noticed this pause and taken curiosity in it, but was choosing not to pursue it.
"Beau, huh?" she repeated thoughtfully, her gaze flicking past his for a moment as a wolf carrying a satchel breezed past the two. "A short name for a tall wolf," Katrina said curiously, her head tilting slightly to one side, light falling across the angle of her cheekbone as she regarded him comfortably, this Beau. A moment passed before her eyes narrowed slightly not with malice but with interest, her pointed ears drawing further forwards.
"What brings you here, Beau- the market, or?" she prompted to further the conversation, despite the voice in some corner of her mind that was warning against these breaches of etiquette. Most wolves to visit their pack were here to trade or buy the exquisite goods produced here- the Eastern Shores were proud indeed of their advanced society. But something about Beau, Katrina mused as her eyes skimmed over his trim, sandy form, spoke of something much wilder, more fierce, than the simpler trade-and-purchase desires most strangers tended to have when arriving at their pack.

~

Pearly teeth flashed against dark lips as Quinn bit the inside of her cheek with the effort of coaxing her stiffening muscles to move into a standing position, eventually making it to her feet but grimacing all the while with the aching pain of her weary body. Limping slightly in compensation for the movement tugging at the injury on her side, the battered young warrior followed Dovev through the tunnel and into his own den, coppery fur brushing briefly against the earthen brown of the moose pelt. Her green eyes, still shining even now with her inherent curiosity, roved over the rows and columns of cubbies that she had never yet tired of gazing at, so filled they were with varying different fantastical items and materials. Flashing a grateful look in Dovev's direction, she eased herself down onto one of the grizzly bear pelts, appreciating its cushioning softness against the packed earth. Though she still felt clouded both from tiredness and the soothing influence of the poppy seeds, the brief spurt of movement from den to den had cleared her train of thoughts somewhat. "The thrill is beyond words," she said honestly, absent-mindedly running a tuft of bear fur through the claws of one of her front paws. "With most kills, I know that even though it's always kinda dangerous, I usually make it out okay. But with the wolverine, there was honestly a couple minutes in there where I really didn't know who was gonna come out on top." Quinn lifted her head to look back at Dovev, his back to her as he rustled around the alcoves gathering supplies. "It was kinda scary, but the feeling I had when I knew I had him was seriously something." Quinn let out a medium breath, resting her chin down on her front paws in the moment of quiet as she waited for Dovev to come back. She let herself trust in the fact that healers generally knew what they were doing; the directions and details of using herbs in complicated ways to care for patients was a little beyond her kenning.

[*~WolfSoul~*]

In truth, Beau had to agree with this charismatic dove when she observed that his name seemed a little short – but the thought only emphasized the absence of his last name, and so instead of playing back he simply entertained himself with the dance of setting sunlight over the dove’s fair features, supplying an amused little hum so as not to appear to have completely ignored her comment. The light struck her clear blue eyes at an angle, bringing to life the subtle differences in shading from the darker outer rims to the lighter inner iris. For a moment, Beau was reminded of rippling water.
What brings you here? The rusty baron’s immediate response was a gentle-minded huff, scoffing at the idea that he might be here for whatever trinkets might be available, and in so doing he unknowingly proved Katrina’s inner musings to be right – he was here for reasons bigger than trade. The loner hesitated for just a heartbeat though, in which his smile did not quite falter but lingered half-alive while he gave his head a little shake.
“Darling,” he started again, so smoothly that a wolf from a less socially sophisticated pack would not have noticed his brief hesitation; he lifted his chin to grin at her mischievously, the tones of his voice rumbling rakishly as he avoided really answering her question, “I’m here to have fun.”

~

Yet again, the sly narrowing of Acadia’s wine-dark dark gaze coupled with the subtle curling of her lips signaled her casual interest in this primly groomed she-wolf. Where Lia’s eyes seemed to eagerly trace every visible bit of her form, Acadia let her own gaze trail leisurely, lazily, flicking about choosily without ever lingering long anywhere except for Lia’s bright eyes.
“It’s good to get the blood pumping,” she rasped lowly, the husk of her accented voice nearly swallowed up by the wind. In contrast to Lia’s buzzing energy, Acadia’s own presence was focused and intent, her gaze steadily meeting Lia’s as her body remained steadfast, unmoved by gusts of wind. The breeze rustled the crimson fur on her chest, revealing no signs of injury, only flashing an equally bright, soft undercoat.
“Tell me, Lia,” she prompted after a thoughtful pause in which dark lashes partially shielded, and therefore softened, the incisive darkness of her gaze, “Where are you going?”

~

Even in the cruelly buffeting winds that currently berated the pair as they neared camp, Amara managed to cast a gently concerned look in Amos’ direction. If her own den were any good at really keeping someone warm, she would have attempted an offer. However, she had only a rabbit pelt or two so that the stone floor did not leech away warmth too quickly.
Having taken her eyes off the trail for just a second too long, the miniature dove slightly miscalculated the incline of a turn in the path, one foreleg nearly giving out for a split second as she misstepped. She recovered just in time, but was reminded of how weary her muscles were. Gratefully, the mountain-born dove noticed that the pair were reaching the camp now.
“Perhaps someone else might be able to lend you a pelt for the night,” she suggested softly to Amos, then added after a pause, “Let me know if there’s anything you need.” As if the frail little omega could really lend a helping paw, especially right now. But she couldn’t let him go without making the thoughtful offer anyway.

~

Abaddon gave a thoughtful nod in reply to Hamish’s input, his generous, pitch ruff relinquishing the faintest breath of his natural scent – a woodsy, almost-sweet perfume, as though he walked in foggy woods while the trees bled out their sap. It was an unusual smell in such a warm, breezy place like the storefront. Abaddon let his eyes peer through the blueish glass at the many treats, pretending to contemplate. “Well, Hamish, would you mind fetching a sticky bun, then?” the senior delta asked politely, adding a faint smile for the benefit of the pup. “They do sound delicious. I’m sure your sister is very skilled in crafting them.”

[Nellas]

((Jesse "They had fun?" River please let me hug you))

Clarence's dark brows knitted together as he followed the reaction to his suggestion across Gemini's gold-brushed features. He hadn't intended to embarrass his alpha so, especially in front of others- he knew how worried the slight wolf could get about these things. Not wanting to further shove Gemini in the spotlight, Clarence instead settled for keeping quiet but sharing an expression that carried his steadfast encouragement, as well as sympathy that showed in the slightly pursed set of his mouth.
After hauling the moose alongside n'Obi all the way back to camp, the beta seemed to have underestimated how hungry he was; the sight and smell of fresh meat set his mouth to watering. However, instead of stepping up next as a beta would, Clarence politely inclined his head towards n'Obi and Jesse, indicating that they could eat next. It was a courtesy taught to him since he was a pup that one's pack could let guests eat higher up than their rank intended, as a show of respect and good intention.

((Haven't forgotten Kat))

[The Royal Mirage]

Watching Quinn disappear into the shaman's quarters, Ruby felt a swell of fear rise in her chest, before shoving it down quietly. The other warrior wasn't concerned, so she would try to keep her feelings in check; it's not like it was her job to protect the fae whose prowess had just exceeded her own. No, it had been her job to protect Opal, no one else, and she gave up that duty when she ran so many months ago. With a quick appraisal of Saber's treatment, noticing that not much leeway had been made with his injuries, the newly washed dove made her way out of the medicine den. She was hurting, but not desperately, and maybe Gemini was back by now - he wasn't her first choice by any means, but at least the brute was one she could trust.
Her hazy gaze scanned the camp quickly for signs of life, noting with a touch of surprise the presence of Emily around the fringes, before being drawn to the large gathering of brutes around her kill - one unfamiliar. Yet another loner, two in one day was unprecedented. Gemini was with them though, and didn't look too busy.

The interaction between alpha and beta wasn't lost to the keen eyes of n'Obi, though he kept silent for now and instead took Clarence's unspoken invitation with a look of gratitude. It hadn't been too long since he'd eaten, but his last meal had been scavenged and unpleasant, meant only to fuel his journey. In contrast, the fresh moose meat was a shock of flavor to his senses, unable to hold back a pleased groan.

"You like my meat then?"

The teasing, raspy voice snapped the crafter from his reverie, looking back in surprise at the spunky fae he'd met earlier as a grin already began to form across his still shifting jaws. Ruby's returned smirk was like a victory, he had earned a smile, no matter how taunting it had been. "You picked a good one," he returned simply, stepping aside to give the fae some room.

Ruby huffed, but couldn't wipe the smirk from her face - the ochre-eyed brute seemed well-intentioned enough, no use in fighting a losing battle in trying to stay cool and collected. Her gaze instead shifted to Gemini, ignoring the newest loner for the most part. "Lilu and Dovev have their paws full in the medicine den - think you could help me out with this?" she asked, flicking her damp bangs away from her black eye.

Gemini could have cried with relief as Ruby came over and asked for his help, nodding more enthusiastically than was completely acceptable as he picked his way over carefully. He paused slightly as the fae turned to follow his lead, unsure if he should be giving the others permission to eat, or excusing himself, or something that his mind couldn't think of in that moment. Clearing his throat of the heavy weight of responsibility, he looked back to the group of well-muscled, large barons, who could have easily bested him had they felt the inclination to do so. "I-I suppose duty calls, but don't h-hesitate to call on me... if you need anything?" His gaze rested purposefully on Jesse's in that moment, having remembered again to raise his voice enough for the other brute. He hoped the snowy traveler wouldn't feel on edge in his absence, but at the same time the foxish brute was glad to get away from the situation, following Ruby's cue and leading her back to the medicine den.

---

Almost on reflex, Amos' steps faltered as he watched Amara's misstep, the motion one unknowingly taken out of an inborn empathy for those close to him; relief colouring his exhausted expression as she recovered. He looked away then, nodding, while feeling a bit foolish - he didn't need to worry so much about Amara, she wasn't as frail as she appeared. He'd learned that much in their short time together. "I'll be sure to come to you if the need arises," he replied, tone grateful as their chilled paws touched familiar ground once again. "And thank you, for today. I feel.. better." Amos wasn't sure why he said this, but the truth of the statement filled his chest with its warmth. He really did feel better, much better than he had in the past year at the least.

---

Hamish's grin widened, nodding briefly. "Oh they are, especially this time of year; the spices just feel so warm and cozy... I'll go get one." With his grin turned sheepish, the youngster gave a little laugh as he dipped into the kitchen - there were still a few buns at the storefront, but he wanted to get a fresh one for the senior delta. Tipping the sticky-sweet treat into a paper napkin, he brought the still-warm treat back out and set it on the counter. "That'll be two copper pieces," he piped up promptly, just as Ellie had taught him to do. No one in the packs enjoyed discussing prices, and the fae had disliked the looks of pity on other wolves faces when they had tried to offer more in an act of charity for the orphans, so she had learned to set the prices early on, so that no discussion was needed. Even having only started working in the shop recently, Hamish had picked up on this rule quickly, feeling quite accomplished in his knowledge of the prices of the snacks, and how that currency was related to other goods in the pack from his lessons.

---

She must be trying to give me a heart attack... The thoughts running through Lia's mind as she felt the lazy deep red gaze travel over her, making her skin tremble as though it were a physical touch of the eyes, were jumbled and stinted, her own blood pumping as if in answer to her husky comment. Another shock, this one cold in contrast to the electric heat she had felt before, froze her to the spot as the other fae used her name - she hadn't told her, she was certain, and hadn't used it any time recently. So this beautiful stranger must have known from another instance, must have seen her before. That knowledge was a tempering force to her boundless nerves, her mind slowly starting to work again as she felt herself become more curious about where the other dove had been as opposed to charmed by her exotic accent and striking looks. "I go where I please, though you've probably noticed that by now." It was a gamble, a guess, but an educated one, and Lia curled her chin slightly closer to her chest with the light tilt of her head; tone teasing yet pleased in an odd, undetermined way. If nothing else, she felt glad to have regained her footing in this exciting new encounter.

((ouch, my heart. Lia you need to calm yoself))

[*~WolfSoul~*]

(please give him all the hugs)

Luckily for Jesse, his bite of food was already mostly chewed when the amber-furred dove’s question reached his ears – with widened eyes he swallowed convulsively, and managed to resist an automatic sputtering laugh only because he feared choking.
The large baron turned in time to watch Gemini step away from the group with the dove who had approached them. Jesse’s eyes met Gemini’s steadily as the Alpha leveled his gaze at him; the white baron gave a subtle but grateful nod, acknowledging Gemini’s effort. He appreciated it.
Without Gemini, however, Jesse was left on his own with n’Obi and Clarence. Trying not to appear overcautious, the pale-furred baron turned back to the two strong brutes at the kill. Clarence had yet to have a bite – tentatively, he inclined his muzzle to the beta as the dark brute had done earlier.
---

Finally tumbling into camp, river-soaked and and wind-blown, Amara stinted her pace to a slow halt and turned her face up to look into the eyes of the baron beside her as he spoke. She regarded him thoughtfully, eyes faintly rounded to show just the hints of the teal rims of her irises. “You’re welcome, Amos. I’m glad that you feel better.” She paused again, in her heart wanting to reach out to the brute in some way but not quite knowing how. She settled for a shy seeming dip of her head, the fur of their ruffs not quite brushing together, rather it was the ghost of contact. “And thank you…for, you know, saving me.” She felt sheepish – no words could really thank someone to the appropriate degree when a life is saved. But the gentle depth of her eyes conveyed her sincerity, both in her thanks and in her previous statement that she was glad to have helped him feel better.

---
“A fair price,” Abaddon replied promptly, reaching to a dark leather coin purse and neatly selecting the appropriate pieces. With well-versed precision, the dark brute placed the coins on the counter top with a soft clink-clink as metal met glass. Sliding them towards Hamish, Abaddon added kindly, “I must say, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Hamish.” With a conspiratorial grin then, amber eyes focused intently on pale hazel as a dark paw slid the warm, sugary treat back across the counter toward the young baron. “Enjoy your snack,” the senior delta spoke softly, the tones of his voice only just brushing hips with playfulness.

(sorry for the shortness, gotta run for the night)

[The Royal Mirage]

((Jesse's reaction was worth it - priceless!))

The slight brush of contact sent an electric pulse to the scarred brute's limbs, unused to experiencing physical exchanges so delicate in weight - it was like the wings of a butterfly brushing his coat as it landed precariously on a long strand of fur. Amos was a being so used to physical intimacy, so comfortable with touch and closeness, that the shy caress of just-barely-there feeling seemed far more meaningful in its rarity. "You're worth saving," he replied lowly, voice rumbling under the wind's roar as his single functioning orb met Amara's, wide set and sweet as a young does. With purpose he placed his larger paw over hers, nearly covering the appendage with a light pressure, almost shielding it from the fierce winds that buffeted the mountain camp. It was a touch he was more familiar with, more comfortable with in a way, as he hoped to return that sense of rarity, of uniqueness, to the shivering, bony dove.

((I can't do anyone else right now, I'm so tired, but I had to get Amos in there. I missed Amaros too much))

[Nellas]

Katrina had held no expectations of what the answer to her question might be; she had thrown those deceptively simple words out there with the knowledge that she'd almost definitely not get a straight answer. Simply put, she wanted to see what he'd say, and this Beau continued to intrigue her. It was her nature to be intrigued.
Her slim auburn shoulders lifted briefly as she rolled them backwards in a slight stretch. Her bright gaze was obscured by honeyed lashes as she cast her eyes to the ground in a moment of thought, the slight pause born from the careful crafting of her response. When she flicked her gaze back up again to match blue against blue, the corners of her mouth were curled slightly, letting amusement dance across her freckled features.
"I think you'll find there's a lot of fun to be had," she said smoothly, her voice airy, "But you might want to take caution- there are more rules to be followed here than what first meets the eye." She held his gaze a heartbeat longer, eyes dancing with her character mischief and intrigue, as she tried to measure how seriously he was taking her lightly-delivered warning. Unsurprisingly, Katrina found herself envying him somewhat- what would it be like to experience the Eastern Shores with no ties? With no expectations ingrained in her since birth that would try to dictate what she said, how she stood, what she'd do? Every fiber of her being was taught to be restricted and contained, to be slimmed down until she was deemed acceptable, and each day Katrina chose again and again to defy it. But it cost her. And it would hardly cost Beau, if at all, no matter how he chose to act- because he didn't live here. It was even more astounding to her than wondering the same of wolves from the mountains of the forest, because they too, though assumedly less strict, had expectations and rules. And she knew Beau did too, he had to have been raised from somewhere, but Katrina knew next to nothing about him. As far as she could tell, he didn't know that the openness with which she had greeted him, let alone speaking to him before he spoke to her, that all of it was wrong. And it amazed her.

((Clarence when I get home!))

[*~WolfSoul~*]

One dark brow arched faintly higher than the other, lending a satisfied look to the expression of aloof amusement on Acadia’s finely sculpted features. Lia was playing along now. “I have,” she answered, letting her chin rise as Lia’s own was lowered. The dark dove paused thoughtfully for a moment, her inner thoughts unreadable behind the shield of lengthy lashes and dark irises. She decided to forgo any explanation for how she knew Lia’s name, instead tilting her nose in the northern direction where Lia had come from. “You visit the Mountains often. You must have friends there?”
The silky-furred white fae seemed to have found some narrow footing in their encounter for the time being. Acadia added on, “That milky eyed wolf could smell the pack on you.” Stepping closer, the red-chested fae did not come so close as to warrant a swipe, but near enough to collapse the wide length between them to a fraction. She did not touch Lia, but let her nose drink up the smell of her slowly, dark muzzle leaning toward the white fae. Whether the action might be perceived as strange, forward, or anything else did not cross Acadia's mind. She gave a little shake of her head with a subtle smirk though, concluding, “It seems my nose isn’t quite as sensitive.”

(these two. outta control)

~

Amara’s first reaction was a seemingly bashful dip of her head, eyes lowering to the ground and hiding for a moment behind inky black lashes. Oddly enough, the dove felt a wire of guilt constrict her chest – she was less certain that Amos was right, and some part of her felt bad for being unable to agree. The sensation of the baron’s paw overlaying her own helped distract her from this strangely guilty sensation, though. The dove’s granite eyes flicked to see one black-toed paw resting gently over her own. Briefly, the skinny dove was absorbed in simply feeling the calloused pad of his paw resting on the chilled, damp fur of her own. After a moment she raised her gaze again to his, blinking vaguely sad eyes with dark lips that tried for a smile – genuinely grateful, but subtly guilty. “Thank you,” she murmured softly, sincerely, but felt her chest constrict again and found herself wishing to flee to someplace else, where her emotions were not so overwhelming. “Please try to keep warm.” She asked him again, her worry for his well-being warring with her desire to deny the swell of feelings in her chest, which rose now to sting threatening at the backs of her eyes. “I’ll see you around.” With this she broke away from Amos at last, slowly enough so as not to appear hasty, and began turning in the direction of Tanga’s den.

~

A thoughtful rumble sounded in Beau’s sand-hued throat. His gaze turned away from Katrina to look down the street, seeming to consider the pack’s grounds anew, even as the light of his eyes showed a startling lack of real concern. This warning she gave, it echoed some of the nervousness that Beau had observed earlier in Phaedrus. Perhaps there was some truth to the strictness of the niceties here – Beau took her warning seriously, but again as he had with Phaedrus, he considered the possible consequences and then promptly tossed caution aside with a shrug of supple, sunny shoulders. Tropical eyes met cornflower blue again as Beau gave Katrina an appreciative smile, but shook his head. Forget rules, he seemed to say in the electric depths of his gaze.
“Nobody here is going to skin me, I think it’s safe to say. The worst they can do is kick me out.” And in truth, Beau would rather not be kicked out, if only because he’d rather stay and leech off the resources here for a few days at least. But really it would not be a great inconvenience to the loner at all to move along at any time.
“Tell me,” he started again, fixing the curious dove before him with a mildly intrigued look of his own, taking a single step nearer to her. “If the rules here are really so uncomfortable to bear, why not leave?”