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Darkseeker
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Winter's Fangs
Open!
Everyone knows the story of Castle Lycodria and it's people. How they were savagely attacked and slaughtered by some unknown, horrendous beast one night. How there were supposedly no survivors, and the Castle and it's Village were left soaked in blood and completely vacant. Deciding it was better to honor and respect the dead, Castle Lycodria was left to waste away with the elements, no one daring stepping foot in the area, and many refusing to speak about the atrocity that occurred.
However, what people don't know is that not everyone died that night. Some of them managed to pick themselves up off the ground, and seek shelter near by til morning. Unfortunately, though, they didn't come out of the whole ordeal unscathed and were no longer the people they were prior to the attack. The very next night, the survivors were forced to transform into the very same beasts that had attacked them and killed many of their family and friends the night before.
Afraid of what they had become and what they could do, and not wanting to repeat the past, they fled into the mountains, leaving their lives and homes behind without so much as a whisper. There, deep with in the mountains and out of the eyes of the world, they found an old, and abandoned castle. Deciding it was off the beaten path enough that they were no danger to others nor at risk of being found out, they settled there. They rebuilt the castle, and worked to become self sustaining so they didn't need to rely on other communities to trade with them in order to survive. The survivors also fortified the castle to keep others out, but, most importantly, to also keep them in during the nights of the full moon.
All was going well, and the newly forged Lycan Pack were living content and peaceful lives, able to grow and move on from what had been done to them years before. However, their hidden lives are all put at risk when a group of travelers arrives at their gates begging for refuge after having just been attacked on the road by bandits. They have nothing with them except the clothes on their pack, and they need the help of the Lycan Pack, otherwise they will succumb to the elements and die.
Knowing the risks, and that the people will surely die in the wintery mountains without their aid, the Lycan Pack has to decide whether or not to help, and, if they do, for how long? With a record breaking winter storm moving in, and the full moon only a couple of nights away, it seems like time is excatly what the travelers need, but also what the lycans do not have.
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Brand new Rp. Working out the Kinks and the Issues. Please Pm me if you have questions or anything. Thank you! |
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Darkseeker
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The Roleplay Rules
Follow all of Eve's and WP's rules
1. Be Active. I will be expecting Rp posts to occur every 2-3 days at Minimum. Activity is required for both Rp and Discussion. Inactivity of 5+ days without notice/reason, will result in removal from the Rp.
2. Maximum of 4 Characters Per Person. At least 1 has to be a Human Traveler.
3. All Travelers are Human, all of Lycos Residents are Lycans.
4. No Lycans have Control on Full Moons. They can only shift into their Lycan Forms on Full Moons right now.
5. This is more Middle Age or Medieval Times, so Appearances will need to reflect as such.
6. Semi-Literacy is the minimum for this Rp, with Minimum 2 Paragraphs for Rp Posts and Descriptions, as well as decent Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, etc. This needs to be shown in Rp and Sign Ups.
7. Drama in Rp is Encouraged and Accepted, but Drama out of Rp is Not. If you have an issue with someone, please come to me so we can figure it out.
8. There may be people who were in High Positions in the Castle when human, but aren't now. A new Hierarchy and Titles/Positions were created when they became Lycans and left. But not everyone has to be happy about this.
9. I reserve the right to deny applications for any reason for this Rp. Typically I will let you know why I've denied one if you ask, but do not expect me to walk you through or hold your hand about fixing it. I will let you try to fix it though.
10. Follow WP's rules in terms of image usage. If you do not use them correctly, it will get your entire form denied. No exceptions.
11. Have fun!
The Lycos Pack Rules
1. Do not be seen by outsiders, if you are, do not let them follow you to the Castle.
2. Anyone who isn't pack seen nearby needs to be reported to the Leads immediately.
3. Help each other out, we're self sustaining, so trade goods for goods, labor, etc.
4. On Nights of the Full Moon, be Locked In before Sundown. Any Lycans who do not keep themselves Locked In during a Full Moon will be dealt with.
5. No Humans are to Know of Our Existence as Lycans. Do not draw attention to us. |
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Darkseeker
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The Lycos PackAka the Castle Lycos
Brief InformationCastle Lycos is made up of the survivors from the Lycodria Slaughter, hence the derivative of the name in their current one. These are the people from the original attack that survived and were turned into Lycans as a result. Not everyone survived the attack, but those who did were able to rebuild new lives for themselves in the hidden castle in the mountains.
Most of the survivors were 16 to 20 years old at the time of the attack, as those older and younger just didn't survive the attack or the transformation after. It's been about 6 years since that occured, so the population of Castle Lycos are all adults of the ages 22 to 26, and possible youth of Newborn to 6 Years.
It took them some time, but now Castle Lycos is completely self sufficient, able to provide for itself the necessities it needs, as well as some enjoyable luxuries. Since they're more pack than community, they're very tight knit with each other, but occasionally disputes do occur. Everyone, though, has some form of role to fill, and everyone ensures they are pulling their weight in some regard so no one is freeloading.
In terms of living arrangements, the Lycos Members have the choice of living in the Castle itself, or living in small homes near it. But that will all be described later in a segment about the Castle and the Lycos Valley itself.
The Lycos Hierarchy
Due to no longer being human, the Lycos Residents have adapted a different hierarchy to their life than what is seen in human castles. Since they have more animalistic instincts and tendencies, they found that this arrangement seems to work the best for them. Not everyone is super happy with how things turned out, especially those of high status previously who aren't now, but currently little can be done about it since most are in agreement.
Alpha
The Original Leader of the Pack. This is the person who pulled the group together and has helped get them to where they are at. While he assumed leadership in the beginning, he was eventually elected and recognized as the Pack's Alpha as time went on. He has primary say over the Pack and its rules, and it's everyday life. His word is law. He can be challenged though, but if the challenger loses they could be killed as a result. If a female takes over, the rank is referred to as Alphess.
Luna
This is the mate of the Alpha. She helps him lead, but also helps keep the peace in the pack. For some reason, the Mate of an Alpha seems to have a natural soothing presence about her that helps keep the peace in the pack when riled up. Her presene is just as important as his, just in a different way. Her word is law too, but can be overruled by the Alpha. Her rank cannot be challenged for, since this is the rank given to the Alphas Mate. If a male ever fills this role, they're referred to as Lune.
Betas
These are the Two Lycans Viewed as Second in Commands. There is 1 Male and 1 Female, with each being assigned to their Respective Leads. The Beta Male is almost like an Alpha in Training, as he is capable of leading in place of the Alpha, and ensures that his orders are followed. The Beta Female, though, is more like a built in body guard and loyal friend to the Luna. She ensures the safety of the Luna and any children, as well as making sure her word is also followed. Their positions can be challenged for, but only with their respective Lead's permission. Either rank can also be replaced by their respective Leads.
Gamma
This is the Lycan who is viewed as the Third in Command, and is there to help the previous roles lead and ensure the success of the pack. This role is kind of like an enforcer, as they enact out punishments for offenses, etc. They also ensure, with the Beta Male, that the Lycans are all trained in different skills to defend the Castle if ever need be, and that everyone is pulling their weight. One of the Gammas primary jobs is to report to the Leads where they might be lacking in the pack, so they can fill the area to help with productivity. The Gamma often works closely with the Betas, and also is the first choice to help protect the Luna [and her children] when needed. This rank can be challenged for with the Alpha and Luna's permission, as well as they can also elect to replace the gamma if needed,
Pack Members
These are all the rest of the Lycans of Castle Lycos. They make up the bulk of the pack, whether they be adult, child, etc. There seems to be a subtle hierarchy within the Pack Members, but it's not enough for anyone to truly be considered above another. All the Pack Members, aside from the children, have different jobs and responsibilities to the pack.
"The Council"
While this is viewed as like a title, it's not an official one. It's merely the 5 High Ranked Lycans of the Lycos Pack. They refer to themselves as the Council, or Council Members, because when it comes to big and important decisions for the pack, especially something that could drastically impact the entire pack, they prefer to discuss things as a group than to leave it up to a singular person. Since there are 5 Lycans, they prefer when things are Unanimous amongst them, but they also accept a Majority Rules when needed. The council is big on ensuring the safety and future success on the pack, and it's there to ensure no one Lycan becomes to powerful or greedy, and can vote to have a Lycan stripped of their rank too. So if an Alpha is becoming too greedy or trying to overthrow the council, the council can vote to strip the Alpha of his rank and choose another to lead in his place. Or, lets say a Luna is acting out of line in a way that is detrimental, they can vote to have her stripped of her title [not her mateship, they would never] and either choose to have enother female take her spot [but not mated to the Alpha] or leave the role empty for now.
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The Castle Lycos
Credit Belongs to Einheit00 on DA. This is a Stock Image.
Castle Lycos is a massive manor, its foundations sturdy but aged. Back in it's glory days it was a majestic and luxurious mansion, but nowadays it seems a little rundown and worn, though still functional. It's nestled in a rather large valley thats situated between some very large mountains. It isn't the easiest thing to reach, and many are unaware of it's existence because of it's difficult location. It was merely by happenstance and luck that the Lycos Pack found it, but it's been home ever since.
They've worked hard to rebuild and renovate the desolate manor, fixing it up and bringing it back to a twinkle of it's former glory. It's a massive thing, with more than enough rooms for a growing pack, even if all of them were to choose to live within it.
It's built almost entirely of stone, though some new wood finishings were added to it during repairs, but majority of the structure is made of heavy stone. It makes it impervious to the elements, a pillar of strength in even the hardest of times. To get an idea of it's structure, please reference the above image. No description I give will do it justice.
The Following are the Rooms in the Mansion:
1. 16 Bedrooms With Attached Bathrooms
2. 11 Bedrooms without Bathrooms Attached
3. 7 Unattached Bathrooms
4. 2 Courtyards [1 Big, 1 Smaller]
5. 1 Large Kitchen and Pantry
6. 1 Large Dining Halls
7. 4 Offices/Studys 8. 1 Large Library
9. 1 Personal Library to the Alpha's Office
10. 1 Great Hall [Also a Ball Room]
12. 1 Map Room [Used for Council Meetings]
13. 1 Basement Dungeon [Expands the Entire Beneath]
Perhaps the most important feature of the castle is the Basement or Dungeon, though its more accurately both. The Dungeon is seperated into two sections, first is the first Dungeon that you descend into, and is used like a normal Dungeon to house prisoners, criminals, etc. It's more for show than anything. However, a door in the pack leads to the massive Dungeon that is for the Lycans themselves during full moons.
The Lycan Room, as they jokeningly call it, is fixed with individual cages or cells that are specifically built to be able to hold the Lycans on full moons. The bars of the cages are made out of a combination of Iron and Silver, preventing the Lycans from being able to break or even bend the bars. The bars alone are enough to prevent the Lycans from having the strength to claw beneath or above the bars, or even through the ceiling.
There are more cells than there are lycans for multiple reasons. First, it is an expanding pack, so they needed more cells to accomodate future additions. Second, in the case a cell is damaged and needs to be repaired, a different one can be used until then.
The door to the room is made with Iron as well, acting as another safe guard just in case. It also locks from the inside, with the key being kept in a lock box. Each of the cells are also locked, their kept in hidden crevices within each cell. Before the change, the Alpha will go around and test each cell, and make sure that they are all locked before checking the door, and then locking himself in his own cell.
The Surrounding Grounds
Obviously there is a lot more to the area than just the castle itself. There are various small buildings, often small cabins or shacks or houses built by pack members to live in. These are spread throughout the valley, as each member is given the freedom to choose where they live, though most choose the convenience of being close to the castle.
There is also what is known as the Merchant's Square, where the pack will trade their goods for various things. There are some merchant stalls set up to display what they are offering, so they don't have to just carry their stock around. This Square is open from sun up to an hour before sun down, but people trade all hours of the day.
In the valley there are also plenty of crops and pastures for live stock, chicken coops, gardens etc. Some of them are private, whereas some of them are for everyone to have access to. Those that are private are often attached to a house. Whereas the public ones are on their own, and often have signs letting people know what is ripe and ready to be used. Though most of these go to the Castle to feed everyone, if someone needs some food for a night or something, they're welcome to it.
The Pack does not have a true currency like coin, but coin can be used to purchase goods if someone has nothing else to offer. Basically the name of the game is barter and trade, and the pack often is willing to help out those even when they have nothing to offer in return. They just find ways to make it work.
The Walls
Surrounding the valley, keeping it closed off from the world so that no one can enter without permission, are tall, thick walls. They're made of stone, like the castle, but have iron and silver spikes at the top to prevent any escaped Lycans from getting over, or anything from getting in. Growing along the outside and inside of the walls are also Wolfsbane bushes, which helps do the same thing. Because of this, there is always wide space between the walls and the rest of the area. There is a patrol path that is laid far enough away from the walls that the Lycans are not effected by the Iron, Silver, or Wolfsbane, and then more space before anyone can build.
There are two points of entry to the valley through the walls. The first are the main gates, a large set of gates that are made out of steel, tipped with silver spikes so that the gates do not drain them but prevent anyone from climbing over. These are traditional barred gates with designed woven onto them, with two guardian statues of hand crafted stone set outside of them to mark them. These statues resemble lycan like wolves, and stand as a warning to others that danger resides there. The second point of entry is an old gate in the back of the valley that leads to an old mountain trail. This isn't used often, but when it is it is typically by hunters or trackers or something of the sort. This gate is sturdy and a single gate, made of wood and steel.
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Darkseeker
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The Available Roles
The Lycos Pack
Alpha:
1. Christopher Frost | M | Imperial Sands | Pg. 1
Luna:
1. Colette Frost | F | Tenebris Umbra | Pg. 2
Betas
1. Paige Neuvel | M | Raven Wing | Pg. 3
2. Catherine Donnaugh | F | FrostyK | Pg. 2
Gamma:
1. Locked for Now
Pack Members:
1. Maisie Bennett | F | Imperial Sands | Pg. 1
2. Camila Evans | F | East MountainClan| Pg. 7
3. Erasmus Toussaint | M | Spellbound | Pg. 4 4. Llewellyn Frost | M | Spellbound | Pg. 4
5. Kavik Forger|M | Mother | Pg. 3
6. Rhea Frost | F | Mother | Pg. 3
7. Aella Soren | F | The Bewitched | Pg. 4
8. Elias Sauzac | M | Imperial Sands | Pg. 5
9. Azela Kirshten | F | East MountainClan | Pg. 5
10. Mara Moonridge | F | Mara Moonridge | Pg. 7
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The Travelers:
1. Jhesica De Valios | F | Imperial Sands | Pg. 1
2. Fredricko Tuolani | M | FrostyK | Pg. 6
3. Geralt Fairweather | M | FrostyK | Pg. 2
4. Winona Suhre | F | Night-Owls | Pg. 7
5. Gaia Altolos | F | Mother | Pg. 4
6. Warwick Pierce | M | The Bewitched | Pg. 5
7. Zira Lucius | F | East MountainClan | Pg. 5
8. Carter Lucius | M | East MountainClan | Pg. 5
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Darkseeker
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For the Rp
The Setting
It's Early Winter at the start of the Rp, not the beginning of winter, but early. So snow its quite cold out during the day and night, so fires are commonly lit in the Mansion, as well as a large fire in the center of Merchant's Square, and the Courtyards of the Mansion. There is snow and ice on the ground, and a fresh layer of snow coats the lands right now from a recent storm.
Temperatures during the day are from 31 to 64 Degrees Fehrenheit during the day, and 21 to 51 Degrees Fehrenheit during the night. To make matters worse, a large winter storm looms on the fringes, not quite making its way to the Lycos Manor yet, but no doubt it will reach it within the next couple of days.
The Castle faces the south, with mountains extending in all directions, however, forest also dots the landscape, which is where much of the pack does their hunting. Currently their main sources of meat are: Big Horned Sheep, Mountain Goats, Deer, and Elk. Occasionally they also get Bear, Wolves, Cougars, and even Moose. They also harvest their own livestock for meat, so chickens, cows, etc as needed.
For the Beginning Posts
It's about 8 Am in the Morning, and the Sun is just beginning to crest the peaks of the surrounding mountains. The previous night the Travelers were ambushed while in camp along the Merchant Road commonly used. The bandits took most of what they had, attacking some and even killing a few who resisted them. Thankfully, the travelers had enough to make it through the night huddled around a small fire, however, they do not have the supplies to make it through another several since their destination is still days away.
So they've been traveling on foot, looking for any source of shelter or aid, hoping someone will come across them even though they know it's unlikely. Thankfully, though, it seems luck is on their side when one of them stumbles upon a path that eventually leads to a set of sturdy gates, a large mansion looming overhead, and the signs of bustling life from inside seem to promise warmth and safety. Hoping that they'll be taken in and helped, they arrive at the gates, ready to make their plea.
For the Lycans, it was another normal day, albeit it was the day of the last night before the night of the full moon [so the full moon is not tonight, but the following]. So some of them are on edge and feeling the tension and heightened agitation and agitation from their blood, but they've come to some semblance of acceptance of it now.
What they weren't expecting, though, was for a group of travelers to arrive at their gates, and in pretty rough shape. They seek help, but its been so long since the pack has been seen by anyone of the outside world that they don't really know what to do. They now fear normal people the way they used to fear the things that went bump in the night.
The lives of the travelers rest in the hands of the Lycans as the Council has to decide what to do, and how far to go for the people at their gates. |
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Aella Soren 22 years old | Female | Healer | Lycan | Mentions: (indrectly) The Pack As the first rays of the winter morning sun filtered through the sindow, Aella stirred in her cozy cabin nestled near the forest. She picked the closest one she could get near the forest while still living in the valley and close to the castle. Being near the forest reminded her of home, also providing access to her herbs. The soft, cool light painted patterns on the wooden walls, coaxing her from the embrace of dreams. With a yawn and a stretch, she rose from her simple cot, feeling the familiar coolness of the wooden floor beneath her bare feet. She ran her hands up and down her arms, watching her breath come out in a puff. Aella hated the winter, she grumbled to herself as she slowly moved through her cabin, stretching out her stiff joints. Aella's cabin was a sanctuary of simplicity, a haven for both her soul and the verdant life she tended to so diligently. The walls were adorned with dried herbs and bundles of fragrant flowers. Potted plants crowded every available surface, their leaves glistening with the morning dew that seeped through the gaps in the cabin's aged roof. She inhaled deeply, the scent of fresh lavender soothing her soul. Aella loved her little cabin, close to the castle yet far enough that she was surrounded by peace and quiet. Aella knelt next to the fireplace, adding logs before coaxing a small flame. As she stared into the flame, her thoughts started to drift back to that gruesome night, her body trembling slightly. A shrill bird call brought Aella back into the present, regaining herself. Righting herself up, she looked around- there was work to be done. Aella donned her worn cloth apron and stepped gingerly across the wooden floor to her collection of herbs and plants. Each one had a story, a purpose, and a place in her heart. With gentle hands, she began to tend to them, nurturing their growth with a deep sense of devotion. Her fingers brushed softly against leaves and petals, and she whispered words of encouragement that only they could hear. Oh how she loved her plants, watching them grow and sprout new babies. Thriving under her care, each new leave require a celebration. She loved them like her own friends. Really, her plants were her only friends. She hummed a soft tune, one her mother used to sing when she was child, as she pruned some yellowing old leaves. As she finished up, she glanced outside, seeing her barren garden. It felt like a knife pierced her as sadness crept through her veins. She hated seeing her garden so...lacking. Aella couldn’t wait for spring to come, bringing new life. When spring came, she could move the majority of her herbs outside in the larger garden to flourish. For now, many of her herbs were in pots, cluttering her house but she enjoyed the company. Still humming, she checked her sage, yarrow, rosemary, and others. Aella placed her hands on her hips, she was quite satisfied with the progress of her plants despite the cold. If there was one thing about Aella, her plants never failed. She plucked some of the mature herbs, placing them in organized bowls. Her movements were meticulous and organized, each herb has a special place with no mixing until later. Aella was working quickly now to hang them up to dry while simultaneously taking other dried herbs down to make potions or ointments. Aella loved being the healer to the Pack, it gave her a sense of purpose but also a sense of normalcy. She grew up in a Healer family, she was desperate to continue the tradition. Carefully, she began placing some of the ready mixtures into jars before moving them to a small bag. She would bring these to the Castle, the full moon was right around the corner and you can never be too prepared for injuries. Aella pulled on her navy blue cloak, quickly double checking her jars are sealed to avoid any spills as she secured her satchel across her body. She stepped out into the cold day, the warmth she felt quickly fleeing from her body as she began her trip to the Castle. |
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Christopher Frost
Lycan | Alpha | Male | Mentions: Colette, Rhea, Paige, Caite, Travelers
Elbows rested on his knees as Christopher sat on the edge of his bed, his hands in his curly red hair as a yawn raked through his body. He hadn't gotten into bed until late the night before, and while all he wanted was to sleep for longer, he had things he needed to do today, to prepare for tomorrow.
Rising up onto his feet, he stretched his arms above his head and glanced back at the blonde beauty still tangled in the blankets of their bed. He smiled softly and padded around to her side and bent gently to kiss her softly on the head. A warm and fond expression overtook his features as he gently rested a hand on her expanding belly, taking a brief second to bask in the fact that is offspring stirred there.
"Sleep as long as you need, My love," he murmured softly, nuzzling against her ear before straightening and heading to his wardrobe to change. His clothing choice was simple, a long sleeved shirt that was thick and warm, a pair of pants that were well worn but comfortable, and a thick pair of boots that were furred in the shafts. He grabbed a cloak that was furred at the top and shrugged it around his shoulders. He tousled his hair a bit, and then exited the room quietly.
He crossed the few steps of the hall to another room and slowly peaked open the door to glance at the sleeping child in the room. He sensed no movement, nor heard no sound that claimed the child of their was awake, so he closed the door and headed down the hallway.
Being in one of the largest bedrooms on the second floor, Chris descended the stairs and then out of the main front doors of the castle and headed outside. He rubbed his arms as the bitter cold of the mountain nipped at him, it was as unforgiving as always, but it was home now. His eyes settled on the still smoldering embers of the fire from the night before, and he walked to the large wood shack near the Merchant square and grabbed several logs and some tinder. It didn't take him long to have a decent fire roaring back to life in the center ring of the square where it always was.
Extending his hands to the fire, he sighed contently before working through the mental check list of things he needed to do first thing this morning. First he would need to touch base with Paige and Caite. He and Paige would need to ensure that everything was set and secure for the following night, and he'd probably send Caite to go assist Colette, and Rhea, though he would be surprised if she hadn't already done so by the time he saw her.
While most of the pack had adjusted somewhat to what they were now, the tension surrounding a full moon was clearly evident in the air alone. He, himself, often found that he felt like he was holding his breath until the night in question was over, praying that it would be another one of smooth sailing and relatively uneventful all things considered. It had been years since any sort of incident had occurred, and he was determined to keep that going if he could.
He was so enraptured with his own thoughts that he hadn't caught the distant voices and sounds of someone, no, a group of someones, approaching from outside the walls until he glanced up instinctively as saw them standing outside the gates. The hair on his neck stood up, and fear briefly washed over him before he shook it off, and growled softly to him.
People? Here? How had they found them? Were there more? Was his pack in danger? His wife? Kids? All these things rushed through his mind before he stiffened to his full height, fists clenching at his sides.
With his pack stirring, he glanced at the nearest Lycan [can be anyone] and snapped to them, "Go and find Paige, send him to me directly. Then find Caite, send her to Colette and Rhea, and have them come here." His wife was strong willed and fully capable of taking care of herself, but he would have her in his own sight until he figured out what exactly was going on.
Finally, he warily approached the gate, though never drawing to close to it, and eyed the rag tag group. "Who are you?"
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Warwick Pierce 25 years old | Male | Assassin/Blacksmith | Traveler | Mentions: (Directly) Christopher, The Group. (Indrectly) Beckett Warwick's weary footsteps echoed through the narrow forest path as he finally emerged into the clearing that led to the steel gates of a foreboding castle. He paused for a moment, studying the gate, its cold iron spikes giving it an imposing and defensive quality. It was clear that those who resided in the castle were determined in keeping something out... or perhaps, keeping something in. His teal gaze flicked to the menacing wolven statues that guarded the entrance, their eyes seeming to follow his every move. His eyebrows furrowed in deep thought, wondering what the place had in store for them. He ran a palm across his face, trying to gains some clarity, a strategy, something to help him prepare whomever is behind these gates. The group, battered and bruised from their encounter with the bandits, trailed behind him. He could feel the heaviness in the group, it pricked at him. Annoyance soaking in his skin. They should be tougher by now. Yet, as bloodthirsty as he was, even he was feeling the strain of the attack. His gaze moved over to his brother, Beckett. The only one Warwick knew who was loyal and he could trust. Even if his brother played a servant role now to one of the women in the group. Though, he wasn't sure if he was actually being a servant or was trying to seduce Jhesica. His brother was known for getting around. Amusement rippled through him as he thought about his brother's... endeavours. Shaking his head to refocus, Warwick rolled his shoulders, releasing any tension that was held there. He knew that presenting himself in a non-threatening manner was essential to gain entry. He glanced behind him, his gaze moving over each individual. Such an odd bunch, he thought. They had all been through hell, even he was beginning to take pity on them. Pity, such an unusual emotion for Warwick to experience. He didn’t like it. A ghost of a sneer etched onto his face, but in a blink, it was gone. Turning towards the gates again, a figure was approaching. Warwick spotted a red-headed man approaching the gate. The man's demeanor was neither hostile nor welcoming, but his presence told Warwick that this was the man in charge. Warwick knew he had to present himself in a way that would not appear as a threat. As he slowly approached the gate, he raised his hands to show that he carried no weapons and meant no harm. His voice, though deep, carried the weight of exhaustion as he introduced himself, "Warwick. We've been attacked by bandits, and many of us didn't make it." He gestured behind him toward the beaten group, almost like to prove a point. He was taking a gamble with being so honest about the broken group, this could work in their favor or those behind the gates could just finish the group off. His words were short, to the point, and laced with a weariness that spoke of the horrors they had endured. Warwick continued, his gaze never leaving the man before him, "We mean no harm and ask only for a place to rest and mend our wounds. Then we will leave. We don't have much to offer in return to you, but we can pull our own weight while we are here. We will help where you need us too." His gaze remained fixed on the red-haired man, hoping to convey the sincerity of their plea through his weary but determined eyes. Warwick wanted nothing more than a hot meal and a bed. He could feel his heart beating, slow and steady, as watched the unknown man. |
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Jhesica De Valois
Traveler | Female | Mentions: The Group, Warwick, Christopher
A shiver ran through the young woman's body, causing her hands to grip her arms even firmer than she was before. If she pressed her fingers any harder she would leave bruises, and that just wouldn't do. The soft, cardigan like coat she wore was not enough to keep the cold from her bones, her nice fur coat having been stripped from her during the attack. At least it was something though, and wasn't some ragged, rough blanket that she had to share.
Narrowing her chocolate colored eyes she sucked in her bottom lip and bit it quietly as she kept pace with the group as they headed down the path they had found. She missed the warmth of her coat, of her coach, of her home. Hell, she missed the warmth of that scrawny little fire they had all huddled around the night before. Part of her wished they had stayed with it instead of where she was at now, but even she recognized that they didn't have enough supplies to survive another night. They needed help. At least she did, she cared little for the wellbeing of her companions.
When a pair of gates came into view, a large castle jutting up above the walls alongside the peaks of the mountains she found herself filled with relief. Some nobles! Surely they would at least take her in, if nothing else. A gleeful little smile curved the corners of her lips up, and she tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
Slowly she pushed to the front of the group to the bars of the gates, her lips pouting when they didn't just open at her presence. No bother, they weren't expecting guests, she understood. Rude. But she understood. Her hands came up to grip the bars before her, keeping the light coat as a barrier between her hands and the freezing metal beneath.
Dark eyes scanned what she could see, and the pout to her lips deepened to a full frown at what she saw. This wasn't an elegant mansion with an elaborate townscape beside it. These were small little houses, though they looked more like run down shacks to her, and muddy walkways. Where were the cobbled roads? The painted glass? The flashy fabrics and flower beds?
Her eyes flicked to the figure of a man of average height standing by a fire, a frock of curly red hair atop his head. He was dressed rather casually, in her opinion, a light colored silk shirt covered by a warm looking cloak. His boots and pants also looked warm, but worn and maybe even hand made? What was this place? Her own personal hell?
"What is this place?" She murmured, not hiding the clear disgust in her tone. Her eyes had begun to wander again as she saw people begin to stir within te village behind the gate, only to snap back to the man by the fire when he barked something to another, his attention turning to the group she was with. She swallowed a bit at the unwelcoming look set into his features as he walked towards them, though she noticed he didn't come right up to the gate.
Glancing at the others, she focused back on the man who asked who they were. Rude. He showed no formalities, no immediate offer of aid, no welcome, nothing. Just who were they. Where were his manners?
Jhesica scoffed to herself, and was about to speak when one of the men in the group, Warwick she thought his name was, spoke. He introduced himself, confirming to her what his name was and she nodded gently in agreeance. When he finished speaking, she piped up, trying to add more incentive to their offer, just in case these people weren't as amicable as they should be.
"I'm Lady Jhesica De Valois. If you're worried about the extra mouths to feed and your supplies, I assure you my father will repay you handsomely for your hospitality and my safe return to either him or my fiance," she offered him her best winning smile, albeit a tired one, hoping that between her and Warwick's words it was an offer the man couldn't refuse. |
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Lightbringer
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Catherine O'Donnaugh
Lycan | Beta | Feale | Mentions: Colette, Rhea, Paige, Chris, Travelers The female buried her face further under the thick woolen blanket trying to fight the cold that had settled in her bones. The Beta had done an early morning patrol around the perimeter of the grounds both inside and outside of the castle. A low hmph escaped her lips as she finally pushed the blanket away letting in the beginning rays of the morning sun. Caite didn't mind the cold weather of winter as it meant she could snuggle into as many blankets as she wanted and she didn't have to share, for the time being. The female sat up with a long stretch hearing a few cracks and pops as her joints objected to the cool air rushing to embrace them once more. The braid that she had put her hair in earlier was still mostly intact though a few whisps of hair had escaped and danced along the nape of her neck and framed her face. Her dark eyes scanned her room for a few moments before she finished standing and moved to put on her riding boots once more. She would not be ashamed to admit that she had gone back to bed wearing the clothes that she had gone patroling in. Standing with another stretch, Caite then stepped over to her fireplace and with the poker crouched to prod the cooling embers seeing if she could incite another fire within their grouping. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she set the poker against the stone of the fireplace and stood, dusting her hands on her pants before grabbing a cloak that she wrapped about herself as she stepped out of her door. Caite's room wasn't one of the larger rooms, as she prefered to leave the larger rooms for those that were married or have families. Her steps echoed on the cold stone walls as she made her way to the Alphas' room. It was her routine to always make sure to check on Colette and Rhea, sometimes Chris if she was ever awake before the man though rarely successful, to offer her help and if it wasn't needed, she would then make her way down to help in the community gardens. Caite adored helping Colette with Rhea and would gladly stop digging within the dirt to keep the child busy while her parents worked. She has even coerced, forced, the pair to take time for themselves away from the duties of running the pack. Her hand reached to knock upon the wooden door leading to the main bedroom but paused when she heard footsteps coming her direction. Her body tensed noticing the hurried tone within the steps as they came closer. Either someone had been injured or a fight had broken out due to the heightened feelings with the full moon so close. Her hand fell to her side turning to meet *insert Lycan name here* as they approached. "What has caused such a worried expression this early in the morning?" |
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Winter 
Day 
