Catherine O'Donnaugh
Lycan | Beta | Feale | Mentions: Colette, Paige, Christopher, Azela, Travelers

The female looked over towards the Alpha pair when Colette then Christopher spoke to the travelers. Unease raised the hairs along the woman's neck when the gates began to lift to let the group of ragtags in. As Colette spoke to the blonde haired woman that appeared to be a guard or protector for the first woman that had spoken up. She raised an eyebrow while listening but even with the calmness of the Luna, the air didn't settle for the beta. At least they won't have their weapons. She thought turning and following the pair after noticing Aella was heading to the table by the fire where Christopher had pointed the group towards.

She followed Colette and Christopher into the Map room, watching the male move about to light the few candles there were. We will need to get more of those. She mentally noted as her head nodded in agreement to the Alpha's words. "I don't think this is how any of us were planning to start this morning with." The tired tone caught Caite's attention and she stepped to the side after entering the room to let the others in.

"Realistically, do you they'll be fit enough to leave tomorrow? Do we have the extra supplies to help them? And can we risk them staying, even in the area, for more than tonight?"

As much as the female wanted to believe that the group only needed one night of rest. After looking them over and hearing what happened, she knew that they wouldn't be. "Christopher, deep down you know that the answer is no about them being able to leave tomorrow. That judgment will have to come after Aella tends to the wounds and if any are severe."

Caite's arms wrapped reflexively around herself not particularly happy with her statement, but it needed to be said. Those people would not survive another night, well most of the people in the group wouldn't, without proper supplies and weaponry. "What if we put them in the rooms farthest away from the Lycan Room? That way even if one lets their curiosity win out, they are still far enough away to avoid being close to the door." It wasn't a great option but it was one of the few that they had to offer.

"Or we could make them sleep in the barns...I mean I think they will take anything as long as it is out of the elements." Her eyes roamed over the others in the group, landing on Colette and Paige for a few moments longer than when she finally looked back to Christopher.

As for the supplies, Caite looked over to Paige while running through the list within her own mind. The fresh deer kill that Maisie and Elias had been bringing in was a needed item, but with the added travelers another hunt would need to be scheduled sooner rather than later.

She made a note to head to the stores to go over exactly all that they have for supplies and speak with Camila about what she has listed for their supplies. As Caite was thinking about food, her mind turned to the twins of Colette and Christopher. Her eyes snapped over to Colette before she spoke. "What about the children?"

Colette observed the woman, a neutral expression remaining upon her features. Her eyes flew across the remaining travellers, taking them in before returning to the individual before her. Truth be told, she had focused her attention upon the woman due to her apparent status. She seemed to be a guard, given the sword remaining by her side and her hand instinctively resting on the pommel. From Colette's own experience, guards knew more than anybody about what specific resources were needed, hence, why she focused solely on her.

When a respectful bow was offered, Colette took a step forward, her voice gentle. "Please, no need for that," she spoke, noting the woman's stiffness in response. Her own brows furrowed as she listened to the tale of what had transpired. For a moment, it brought her back to the night when she and others had been attacked. Perhaps it was that memory that prompted Colette to offer a nod or perhaps the sorry state of the travelers; regardless, she wanted to help.

"I'm certain we can find a solution," she continued, addressing Christopher more than the travelers. "At the very least, we should tend to those wounds." She briefly glanced at Aella, confident that her skills would quickly mend the visitors. Her proficiency with herbs and healing practices was both astounding and impressive to witness.

"Thank you," she suddenly spoke, nodding to the woman for explaining things to her. Head tilting to the side lightly, she listened to the plan Christopher had concocted when addressing Paige before offering a smile when he approached. Leaning into his touch, she placed a hand upon his arm, squeezing gently when he gave the command to open the gates. Staring up at him, Colette's grin only grew before she averted her eyes away and back onto the visitors. She remained latched upon her mate's arm as he spoke, observing momentarily to ensure that his request was followed.

Her complete attention was captured when Christopher turned to her, gently tilting her chin and planting a kiss on her lips. "Well, good morning to you too," she remarked with a grin, leaning in for a second kiss before allowing herself to be guided away without any protest. However, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder and extend her hand toward Caite, latching on to the woman and dragging her along with them.

Entering the Map Room, she watched as he lit the few candles, noting the reduced amount. A small puff of breath escaped her mouth, dragging it out like a sigh before silencing herself. Listening to her husband speak, Colette already knew the answer before he finished.

"Realistically," she repeated, "they will not be able to leave before then." Agreeing with Caite, she glanced to the three. "You saw as well as I did the severity of their wounds. Not to mention the weather. I can practically feel a storm brewing." Clutching the cape tighter around herself, Colette supressed a shiver. "If we send them off, supplies included, the chances of them surviving are slim. I don't want that on my conscience." The mere thought caused the beginnings of a frown to twist upon her mouth, her head shaking. "But to offer them sanctuary knowing about the events of tomorrow?" Truly, it was a difficult predicament.

"Then again, we're in the beginnings of winter. What supplies we have are meant to last us the remainder of the winter," she continued. "There are.. what.. six? Seven additional individuals? Do we have enough?" Glancing around the group, the matter was beginning to give Colette a headache.

"The Lycan Room locks from within. We would remain undiscovered by sight, that much is certain, it's a matter of if we're heard." Turning to Christopher, Colette motioned outdoors. "We also have the cabins on the grounds. Not to mention, most rooms within the castle lock from the outside.." Trailing off, she was spitballing ideas before pausing, turning her attention onto Caite upon the mention of her children.

"The twins will stay in their rooms during the process, just as they always do," Colette declared, her tone hardening as she gave Christopher a serious look. "But they mustn't know which room they're in. I want them to be safe and secure." Her body tensed, her maternal instincts taking precedence. "I don't even want them on the same floor as our children, if we decide to go that route." She nearly growled her words, clearing her throat and straightening her posture.

"I trust that they won't pose a threat, but I also don't know them. Until then, they are to be kept separate from the twins," Colette insisted firmly.

Geralt Fairweather & Fredricko Tuolani
Human | Knight & Bard | Male | Mentions: Those in the travelers, and the growing group at the gate.

Surprise would be an understatement that the two men felt hearing the person that appeared to be the leader of the other group say to open the gates. Even though Geralt wouldn't outwardly express it, a wave of relief washed over him as he followed the group inside setting down his sword upon the table before moving to stand by the fire as well. Though when the females of the group entered, he stepped aside motioning for them to take his place. He had his cloak but the bruises underneath his clothing and his muscles cried out when the warm embrace of the fire left.

"Thank you." He called out watching part of the group leaving before turning his attention to the woman that appeared to be a healer. "And thank you. I may not speak for everyone but I am grateful." He stood not far from the table but far enough that any of the weapons left on the table were out of his reach. He was smart enough to stay close but not close enough should something happen. If this was their only chance for reprieve for the night, you can bet that Geralt was not going to risk losing it. Especially for those that had the more severe wounds.

Geralt had come out with mainly bruises and a few minor scrapes due to his extensive training and the large sword. Even though he had escaped with the large blade, the thieves deemed it not valuable, he was still beaten upon his torso once the group had surrendered and a few given some extra hits for being more troublesome. The expression on the blonde woman's features that had spoken to the female guard in their group flashed in his mind when it was described what had happened to them.

Thankful as Geralt was, there was still unease from their generous hosts and his eyes roamed about the area they were in looking to see how many lived within the stone walls. Though the ramblings of the oldest male in the group earned a scowl from Geralt.

"Oh this is bigger than it appeared on the outside." Rico stated as he followed the group inside making sure to follow the ladies in instead of leading the way as Warwick and Geralt had done. If anything he was going to be a gentleman for the ladies even if it made him look like he was just posing. If he showed respect or acted not as boisterous as the other males in the group, maybe he could get around the castle grounds without being noticed to see what all is within the walls.

The beauty of the blonde female who appeared to be with the leader of their saviors had captured Rico's attention and he wanted to see how close he could get to knowing her without her husband and the female that appeared to be guarding her. The male moved to take a place by the fire leaving space for the others as he warmed his cold hands, being one of the few that hadn't sustained any injuries from the attack. How, well that was his little secret.

A happy sigh left his lips as the warmth of the fire moved up his arms from his fingers and began to envelop his entire body. After the warmth came weariness from traveling as his body started to relax from being in fight mode. A smile formed on his lips as he looked over to the healer. "I will also state my gratitude for you and the others being such generous hosts, helping us in our hour of need."