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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 22, 2020 17:50:21 GMT -5
When Aspen reached out to touch her hand, Jayna's eyebrows rose and she nearly snatched it away, but she held her ground instead. The woman's sudden emotion startled her nearly as much as the movement, but she couldn't help being touched by it. How long had it been since someone openly sympathized with her? How long since she'd had a friend, rather than an enemy held at arms length? She turned her hand and clasped Aspen's firmly. She may have no tears of her own left to cry, but she felt the tug on her heart.
"There's nothing to forgive," she answered quietly, and she meant it--Aspen needn't apologize for her fury, for her mourning. Not to Jayna. "The fact I have no tears to cry doesn't make yours any less valid. And I never doubted that you tried." She smiled grimly. "We all did."
She listened quietly to Aspen's next barrage of questions. "Yes, the daughters are children; the youngest is only ten. Children from his second wife. As for your name, I'd say that's fairly simple. Do you have a nickname? Else we can just make one up, call you Ash or Ana, something simple. I seriously doubt they've done enough to know each member by name--especially seeing as he wasn't familiar enough to recognize you immediately. It's not as if you have a forgettable face."
Aspen Wynfrid was certainly an interesting one; she cared with all the ferocity of a true Moreling for those that had been lost, dozens of people she had never known. Perhaps if they lived through this, Jayna would get the opportunity to give her an initiation and make her a proper Moreling. For now, her trust would have to suffice. A wicked grin crossed her face.
"We could name you Annalise, for my grandmother. I'm sure he'd love that."
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Lux
28
Are you worthy?
Wynfrid Beta Hunter/Warrior
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aspen Wynfrid on May 22, 2020 20:12:04 GMT -5
Aspen smiled at Jayna's words, even if it were more a sad smile than anything. "It's a relief that you're alive.. I just wish things could have been different and finding you alive could have been under better circumstances." She said, sighing softly. "But we're here now, and we need to figure out a plan.. I'm not escaping without you." She said firmly, looking Jayna in the eyes. "No one else gets left behind on my watch. Never again."
It was easy to see that Aspen blamed herself. Against her father, she'd been the only voice of reason - the only female who'd likely be able to sway him in favor of allying. But she'd failed, and that failure had been met with Aspen thoroughly beating herself up about it. Especially after the bloody scene she'd come across. Not even children had been spared and that was nearly enough to send the otherwise cool-headed Wolf into a fit of rage. But still, Jayna had found some way to be strong in all of it. Aspen certainly admired her for that. It was something she didn't think she could have done. As dishonorable as it might have been, she was sure that she'd have taken her own life to escape such a hell.
Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself and flopped back onto the floor as she groaned, legs still crossed. "Ash, Annalise, anything works at this point." She said with a dry laugh. "So, according to Lorcan -" She crinkled her nose at saying his name. It felt strange. "- not only are we in some deep shit, but so are his sisters, do I have that right?" She asked Jayna, sitting back up again. "If that's the case.. we have some serious planning to do to get everyone out alive, I just.. What do we do?" She asked her, pressing her fingertips against her temples as her headache seemed to worsen. Her voice was beginning to feel hoarse and she was sure there would be bruises forming on her throat soon if they weren't already there.
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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 23, 2020 19:58:36 GMT -5
"No one else gets left behind on my watch. Never again."
That settled it. The moment she was able, Jayna was making sure that Aspen got an initiation. Perhaps it would be just the two of them, and the emblem might be a poor replica of her own, but she would make sure it happened. She had the spirit of a lion in her heart, whether she had been born a wolf or not. She would be proud to call this woman her sister. Aspen's words and expressive nature brought the ghost of a smile to Jayna's lips, softening her usually stormy demeanor. The last few years had hardened her face as well as her heart, but Aspen was quickly chipping away at the walls Jayna had built around her former self.
Jayna frowned when she saw that Aspen was in pain--her eager questions and outlook had distracted her from the fact that Lorcan must have done some damage when taking the Wynfrid woman in. She reached for her bag and pulled out the jar of yarrow tincture she'd grabbed earlier. She opened it and briefly waved it under her nose, checking to make sure it was what she thought. Yes, the telltale spice-like scent of the yarrow was exactly like what she remembered from her mother's poultice making. Without thinking she let her eyes fall closed and took a deeper breath, and for the first time in years tears welled in her eyes along with the image of her mother standing in the kitchen with her mortar and pestle, preparing fresh yarrow to use on her injured husband and son. They'd talked and laughed together, glad that their kin had returned safely if a little worse for wear. She could almost feel the pressure of her mother's firm hugs that always threatened to smother you.
Her eyes snapped open and she shook her head sharply before passing the container to Aspen. "Yarrow tincture. Her voice nearly broke and she cleared her throat before continuing brusquely, "It's strong alcohol, so I'd recommend one or two mouthfuls and no more unless you're hoping to be a little muddled. Should aid your bruises and throat. I'd have to check the loft again if you need something else for the pain." She frowned. "I can see that your throat is swollen, but what else did he do? Do you have any other injuries that need tending? It seems there's plenty of resources in the loft."
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Lux
28
Are you worthy?
Wynfrid Beta Hunter/Warrior
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aspen Wynfrid on May 23, 2020 22:27:33 GMT -5
The two of them sat in silence for a moment and Aspen watched as Jayna's expressions changed ever so slightly. Whatever they'd done to break the mighty lion's spirit must have been unspeakable. But even then, there was still something there; a faint spark that refused to go out, desiring to burst into a bright flame. While her spirit seemed broken, it was clear to the Wolf that it was not - at least not quite. Underneath the silence, a lion dared to roar against all odds. It was admirable.`
When Jayna reached for her bag and revealed a jar, Aspen eyed it curiously before it was handed to her. She inspected the contents, taking a sniff and crinkling her nose as Jayna explained what it was and asked what else had happened. Wordlessly, Aspen dug her fingers into the jar, putting the yarrow on her tongue. She took note of the change in Jayna's tone, but felt it impolite to pry. Besides, from the way the young lioness had reacted, Aspen could only assume it was related to the contents of the container. In the mean time, the two of them had more pressing matters to attend to.
The yarrow was sweet with a bitter taste that followed and Aspen had to resist the urge to cough. She looked up at Jayna with a soft, half smile before putting the lid back onto the jar and quickly sliding it under the bed. "Thank you." She said quietly. "It was.. interesting. I was pinned to a tree, his knife at my throat for the most of it." She told the lioness, her hands going to her neck absentmindedly, fingertips finding the cut that Aspen had caused in her effort to play bravado. A few stray strands of her blonde locks had stuck to it, but it didn't bother her so much, really. "Otherwise, I think I'm fairly okay. He could have killed me, but he didn't. I don't quite understand why, but I'll count my blessings when they appear." She said, shaking her head. Opening her mouth to speak again, she realized something and snapped her mouth closed. How long had it been since they'd last heard the swing of Lorcan's axe?
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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 23, 2020 23:10:18 GMT -5
Jayna's disgust at Lorcan's treatment of her was clear on her face as her lip curled and her eyes rolled. She'd thought he was better with women than his father, but apparently, she'd been wrong, and she simply hadn't put him in a position to test it. How disappointing.
She furrowed her brow when Aspen opened her mouth and closed it again, wondering what might be wrong, when she realized exactly what it was--the silence of a winter night around them.
"Hands!" Jayna hissed, already removing the sash from her dress so that she could re-bind Aspen's wrists as quickly as possible. As soon as the other woman held them out, Jayna would bind them securely, although not so tightly that she would lose circulation or be too uncomfortable. The thick linen of the tie wasn't anything fancy, but it would certainly be more comfortable than the rough rope that Lorcan had used, which Jayna could already see had rubbed the woman's skin almost raw. Her hands moved deftly to tie a secure knot without conscious direction from her, the easy muscle memory reminding her that she had once been a warrior too. She missed the sureness of her movements, the warm exhaustion of training each day. Perhaps one day she would reclaim it, but for now her morning exercises would have to be enough.
Satisfied with her work, she gave the knot one last tug, then rose to her feet and faced the door, ready.
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Tendy
30
Widower
2nd In Command
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lorcan Drach on May 24, 2020 2:11:37 GMT -5
Lorcan had essentially stomped out into the snow dusted ground, the cold air biting at his bare chest, but he didn’t let it bother him. His body was warm from his anger, and rage. He walked far away from the cabin. At least a hundred feet, his grip tightened on the axe handle and he found a small maple tree. He lifted the axe with his one hand as he approached, lifting it up and caught it with both hands as he swung it around his head and brought it cracking into the side of the tree. The impact of the axe hitting shook his arms, but he was already yanking it out.
He quickly lost himself the need to just hit something. He let time escape him. Allowed himself to get lost into the anger he felt at himself for being so stupid. He was the ballsy, cocky, stupid one. Or just plain stupid. Either way, he knew letting the Wynfrid woman live was going to cost him. What, he didn’t know. And now that Jayna knew? He could feel himself getting backed up into a corner. Eventually he’d break, and he didn’t know what he’d do when that happened.
Thunk….Thunk…...Thunk….The axe sang it’s little tune to the tree, and Lorcan ignored the burning in his muscles. He let the burning feeling just fuel his movements even more. He thought of everything he’d done, from the extra time he’d spent with Jannik, trying to teach him, his betrayal, helping raise and protect the girls, he remembered Aemon, how he’d been a source of strength and confidence, Turke, Maja… Aemon’s death….Lorcan had been angry then, but he was smart. Careful. Always careful. He had to be. There was a crack and suddenly the maple came down. Lorcan moved quickly out of the way, his breathing heavy, and he set to continuing chopping the tree. Using the stump as his chopping block as he began splitting wood. The careful smart man was apparently losing it. Why else did he not know what had Kaige so agitated? What had he missed? He’d lost focus, maybe he was growing weak? If he was growing weak Kaige would notice. He’d push Lorcan. Probably try to do something to the girls to test him. He was a dragon. He was supposed to be a dragon. The strongest and most feared clan of Aldsage. They were not weak. He’d shown that woman mercy today. Aemon had shown someone mercy and they’d killed him for it. Had Lorcan made a mistake? Maybe he should just kill her. He’d have to kill Jayna too, but he could always tell his father that she’d tried to escape...She’d left him no choice, but...His axe split the wood, and Lorcan dropped to his knees. Breathing heavily, as he let his head drop. His muscles were screaming at him and he was now covered in sweat. He sat back on his heels, his arms shaking as his grip loosened on the axe handle as it rested in the stump.
He tilted his head back then and yelled. The loudest he’d yelled in a long time, if ever. Sometimes you just had to yell into the woods where no one could hear you right? To take out your feelings? I am a dragon, here my roar. He thought suddenly. He began to laugh then, as his yell died off. Laughing softly to himself as he turned in on himself, and then the laugh quickly turned to guttural sob. His arms wrapped around himself, and his body shook. Tears were always foreign to him. He wiped Sienna’s tears all the time, but Lorcan was a man who had it beaten into that showing any kind of emotion, let alone tears was a weakness. And yet here he was, staring at the ground while big fat tears rolled down his cheeks. He didn’t know what to do. He’d never screwed up this bad. What could he do? What do I do Aemon? “Maja-” His voice cracked quietly. As if saying her name would give him some sort of sign as to what he was to do. His breath caught, and he sucked in air. Tilting his head back to star up at the dark night sky. The cold bit at his wet cheeks. He felt helpless in that moment. He took a deep breath. Closed his eyes and breathed. Taking in the sounds of the forest. Letting it soothe him. One thing at a time. He thought. He wiped at his cheeks and then heaved himself to his feet. As fast as the tears came, they were gone now.
The anger he had at himself now just turned to annoyance. It wasn’t his fault. She’d come here. It was her fault. He was doing what he had to keep everyone alive. It wasn’t his fault. He told himself. He began to pick up an arm load of the small pile of firewood he’d created in his rage, and carried several pieces of it stacked up on one arm and shoulder while the other hand carried the axe. He walked back to the cabin, his face blank but his eyes showing he was irritated.
He fumbled with the door only slightly, and kicked it slightly open. Walking in with the firewood, he walked down the small hallway, glaring at the Wynfrid woman, and then glancing at Jayna. He didn’t say anything as he went to the fire and began to fill the small woodbox. With his back turned, and with his shirt removed, the girls would be able to see how his many different scars he’s had. The most noticeable was the on the side of his neck from a blade he’d dodged, the two puckered scars from the two arrows he’d taken to the shoulder, and among others that were scattered across his torso. On his back was a spinal tattoo, and on his right shoulder blade was a large tribal dragon. When he finished filling the woodbox, he quickly made a fire in the fire place, and then took the kettle off of the hook. He walked outside again, ignoring them, and quickly cleaned the kettle out with some snow, before filling it with the white power and walking back in. closing the door behind him this time. He put the axe back in the closet and then put the kettle back over the fire place so it would melt. “This should hold you over until tomorrow.” He spoke finally. His voice gruff. “Food in the sack.” He nodded towards the bag of supplies he’d brought.
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Lux
28
Are you worthy?
Wynfrid Beta Hunter/Warrior
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aspen Wynfrid on May 24, 2020 3:01:41 GMT -5
Aspen had allowed Jayna to bound her hands again, thankful it was not ropes this time. Her wrists were already raw and she could feel the day's events begin to drain her as the two scrambled to figure out just what they'd do. They still really hadn't, but as the Dragon's roar cut through the night, Aspen was aware that their time was up. The sound told her many things, but mostly, it sounded mournful and angry. She could relate to that, but in a much different way. It was the same way she'd felt, the same reaction she'd had when stumbling across the bloodbath that had the Morelings had been subjected to.. Only, it was a Drach that had caused such a massacre. It was a Drach that had made her feel that way.
She sat motionless, blue eyes cast to the entryway as the duo waited. It seemed like an eternity after that, that the Dragon finally entered the cabin again. The Wolf hadn't realized how long she'd been holding her breath until Lorcan's glare had landed on her. Her expression was empty as she stared back, purposely making and holding eye contact. There was no more glaring, no more smirks, just a blank expression cast across her pale features. The deadpan facade flickered into surprise for a brief moment when his back turned to her, showing off not only his well muscled body, but the scars and tattoos that adorned his frame. The years of battle had written their tale across his skin and for a moment, the Wynfrid woman admired him, her breath catching in her throat as pale eyes made their way to the prominent scar along his neck. He'd escaped death many times, it seemed. No wonder he showed no fear. He was not only an enemy; he was a warrior. Despite that, why did she feel such a deep rooted urge to touch him?
She quickly averted her gaze when he turned to exit the cabin once more, kettle in hand. Instead, her eyes landed on Jayna for a split second before falling to the floor only to peer from under her lashes at the entryway. 'If only he weren't a Drach..' She thought to herself before her face lit up, the gears turning in her head. She looked straight at Jayna, eyes wide as she contemplated the potential consequences of what she was going to attempt. "I have a plan." She whispered to the Moreling before Lorcan had returned, placing the kettle over the fire he'd built in the small space. Aspen was thankful for the warmth it had begun to provide and listened as he spoke, allowing her eyes to roam shamelessly over his body before she looked into his eyes again, his deep voice traveling the space between them. "Dragon, I need to speak with you." She said slowly. Her heart felt like it was twisting in her chest as the words left her lips. If this didn't work, it would certainly end in not only her death, but likely Jayna's as well.
No, she had to trust in herself. This was going to work. It had to. She glanced at Jayna again, swallowing against the nervousness that had built up in her throat. Of all the people that could never instill fear into her, why was this Drach an exception? Was it because she had no way to fight back? Or was it because she knew it would be of no use if she tried? Try as she might, she'd never been as skilled with hand-to-hand combat. Her strengths always lain in stealth and ranged weapons.. She was at a disadvantage; completely at his mercy. "I can help you." She whispered, almost inaudibly as her gut churned, making her feel as if she'd puke, though there was nothing on her stomach to come up. She swallowed again, lifting her chin to look at him directly, not wanting to let petty fears claim the place where bravery should always be. She was a wolf, dammit, and she'd do well to remember that and act like it. Her eyes hardened as she looked at him. "I know you don't trust me, and you have no reason to. But, please, just hear me out, even if for a moment." She said, her tone monotonous as to mask any inclination of feeling. She knew what she'd need to do - she'd need to say just the right things to get him thinking. She had to be clever, more so than he was going to have to be if he really planned to hide her here from Kaige Drach.
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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 24, 2020 17:03:46 GMT -5
Jayna raised an eyebrow as she heard Lorcan's cry of pain and anger. How odd, that in his distress the dragon should become so much like a lion--roaring his rage and sorrow into the sky. Good. She was tired of him keeping secrets behind that steel gaze of his. Feel the emotion. Accept it. Move forward. She almost liked Lorcan, and he'd earned some respect from her over the last three years. Today had challenged that, however, and she watched him with wary eyes as he returned and busied himself preparing the cabin for his 'guest.'
She raised an eyebrow at him as he said that the food should tide Aspen over until the next day. Sure it would--if she could get to it. With her wrists bound, that wouldn't be possible. Was he planning to let her remove the ties and have the use of her hands again until the next time he returned? That was unwise, if so, but of course she wouldn't object to him giving them an advantage.
She opened her mouth to ask if he'd like her to remove the bindings when Aspen spoke up instead. She snapped her mouth shut and frowned. The woman may have a plan, but Jayna knew better than to think Lorcan would be easy to fool. She hoped the wolf had not underestimated her opponent.
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Tendy
30
Widower
2nd In Command
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lorcan Drach on May 24, 2020 17:37:22 GMT -5
Lorcan arched an eyebrow at the wolf, tied and chained sitting in the middle of his cabin. He was wondering when she would try and bargain with him. She’d had so much fight earlier, but now was in a position with her hands literally tied.
He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the wall. Tilting his head slightly for her to continue. Jayna and him wouldn’t have much time left before they would need to make it back to camp, and then the serious planning would have to begin.
His eyebrow climbed higher, and his eyes flickered to Jayna for a moment. Boring his steely blues at her. Had they spoken? What had Jayna told her? He had expected some talking, given how...spirited...Jayna could be. His eyes flicked back to the Wynfrid and he slowly reached behind him, pulling out the long dagger that had been put into his waistband earlier. Her dagger no less. He used the tip to begin cleaning the dirt out from underneath his fingernails as he waited for her to continue.
When she spoke, he looked at her. Tilting his head to the other side, and instead of answering, he dug a sliver he’d received from bringing the wood in out of his finger. Taking his sweet time about it. He’d drawn his own blood with the blade, having to really dig in to get it out, but once it was out he sucked on his finger. His eyes lazily looked her over before he motioned with the blade for her to continue, before he wiped the blood on his pants, and then put the blade back in his waistband. He crossed his arms back over his chest, and let a slow sigh out that sounded more like a rumble.
He wasn’t stupid, whatever she was going to say was probably going to be some sort of deal to try and get him to leave, with promises of the Wynfrid clan some how helping the Drachs. He almost laughed at the thought. He kept his face blank, bored even as he was all ears to her.
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Lux
28
Are you worthy?
Wynfrid Beta Hunter/Warrior
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aspen Wynfrid on May 24, 2020 19:07:59 GMT -5
Aspen flashed an apologetic look to Jayna for interrupting her before she could speak before her gaze met the Dragon again. Her blank expression was nearly broken with a scowl as he removed her own dagger from his side and began to use it to clean his fingernails. 'How disrespectful.' She thought. However, as much as she wanted to spit at him, insult him the way he stood insulting her, she closed her eyes and took a steady breath, though the anger that flashed in her eyes was clear. How dare he treat her dagger as one of his tools to be used as he pleased. One thing was for certain, she'd need to get her weapons back before escaping.
Calmly, she met his gaze as he gestured with her blade to continue, the hint of a glare forming in her expression. "Do you remember today when I told you I heard a rumor?" She side-eyed Jayna, forcing the smirk that threatened to tug at her lips to cease. Before he could answer, Aspen's voice filled the silence between the crackling of the fire. "I told you I came alone, on the basis of a rumor. I also told you I saw the aftermath of the Morelings on that day three years ago." She was choosing her words carefully as her eyes landed at his feet, not wanting to send him into the rage she'd witnessed earlier at the mention of the Moreling clan and their slaughter. She needed him to listen. "I heard Kaige Drach's tyranny knew no bounds, that he was cruel to even his own kind." Her words were spoken slowly now, calculated. "I heard even his own children were not safe from his wrath.." She added quietly, careful to avoid that she knew of Lorcan's relation. Her eyes met his face again and her lips pursed into a hard line, contemplating the words that would roll off her tongue next. "My clan did not think it worth their time, but I wanted to know if it was true." She said, allowing a hint of sadness to enter her tone as she let the silence reclaim the space. She would have to play the next part right - perfectly so.
A soft sigh escaped her and she looked towards the entryway of the cabin. "My intention was never to hurt anyone in your territory, Dragon." The Wolf was purposeful to not use his name. "And it's clear to me-" She began, locking eyes with him as if to solidify the false sincerity in her tone. "- that you do not wish for them to be harmed either, at least, that's what I could gather based off your words from earlier. The three names you mentioned, those girls, they must be very dear to you." She said softly, the slightest hint of a sympathetic smile crossing her face, though it was forced; well practiced. "You said having me here puts them in danger, is that correct? I don't want to endanger anyone, Dragon." She hissed the words as her bright blue eyes found his again, this time speaking truth from her heart. If it were not evident in the way she spoke, it would certainly be evident in the change of her demeanor, the spark forming in her gaze that had been there just earlier today when she'd tried to fight. "My clan and yours may be a bunch of savages, but I am no savage." Aspen was all but growling now before she settled once more. "It's clear to me that you are also not a savage. Otherwise, why would I still be alive? Why would she-" She motioned her head towards Jayna. "- be alive?" There was something new to her tone now as the blonde attempted to make herself seem like the very thing she never wished to be; desperate and helpless. She quieted then, allowing her words to sink in.
After a few moments had passed, she filled the air once more. "If it means innocent people are not harmed on account of me, I will not cause you any trouble. As worthless as my word may be to you, you still have it." She made sure he was looking her in the eyes now. "With the wolf's honor." She added, lifting her bounds hands to cover her heart with balled fists, her expression fierce as she watched him. "I will do anything if it means no one, especially children are not brought to harm." There was definitely a touch of sadness now. "Even if it means laying down my life - right here, right now." She whispered, shaking her head gently. "If that is truly what it takes." She finished, allowing her hands to drop back into her lap and her head to fall, eyes closed as she waited for his reaction or words, anything that he would give to her.
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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 24, 2020 19:20:14 GMT -5
Jayna had stepped out of the way of the two of them, silent and expressionless so that they could have their discussion. She leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, waiting, but none too patiently. Lorcan's irritating display of machismo made her want to roll her eyes, but she restrained herself. No, she would be nothing but a witness to this.
Even when Aspen spoke up, sharing what she had heard from Jayna as 'rumor' instead of new information, Jayna didn't even blink. Her breathing was even and not a muscle twitched. Internally, however, she was screaming at the petite wolf. What the hell was she thinking? Surely it would be obvious that she'd shared that information? She was going to get both of them killed with her valiant promises of surrender. Still...it sounded believable, the desperation of one who knows they have no hope. Perhaps he would think that Jayna had told the prisoner how hopeless escape was. After all, no one would know better than her; she had tested the Drach's security again and again.
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Tendy
30
Widower
2nd In Command
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lorcan Drach on May 25, 2020 18:36:45 GMT -5
"Do you remember today when I told you I heard a rumor?" If she hadn't had his attention before, she most certainly had it now. His body stilled and his cold eyes bored into hers. Right into her soul, wanting to look for the briefest sign of a lie in whatever she was about to say. His jaw clenched as soon as she mentioned the Morelings, and his face darkened. It didn’t matter that the last Moreling was in the room. It was a night neither him, or Jayna probably, did not want to remember.
His eyes narrowed at what she said next, his eyes flickering to Jayna again. Had she told her who he was? He hadn’t said his name, so her knowing his identity should have been a secret. Should have… He glared over at Jayna. He’d been careful to try not give anything away, but Lorcan was quickly seeing he put maybe too much trust in her. But maybe she still didn’t know who he was, and this was all...a rumor. It was no secret that Kaige beat his sons. “It makes them stronger.” He had proclaimed loudly one day. On the contrary it made them hate him all the more… Lorcan let his eyes flicker back to the Wynfrid woman to watch her lips purse. He growled lowly in his chest then. Why would the Wynfrid want to see if such a rumor was true? In the mix of things, A chieftain abusing his own children would not be on the top of the list to see if it was true or not. If her clan hadn’t seen the use in investigating the rumor, then this she wolf really was stupid.
Bullshit. He thought. The woman had been fierce earlier, trying to best him when he had her pressed up against that tree. If he hadn't disarmed her, he was sure she would have tried to kill him. It was either kill or be killed out in the territories. No way her intention wasn’t to hurt anyone. Though, he supposed if she was just seeing if the rumor was true or not, then it would make sense to not draw attention to herself. He was still hesitant to believe a word she said. He stared at her as she locked her bright blue eyes with his.
He caught himself from sneering at her, but there was enough of a face twitch for her to know she had gotten a reaction out of him from hearing her mention the girls. He wanted to wipe the smile from her face. He never should have mentioned the girls, but in his anger he hadn’t been thinking. She hissed at him, and then he finally reacted. “Then you should have thought about that before you entered enemy territory on the bases of a pointless rumor.” He snarled. His anger returned. He could practically feel the sparks flying between the two of them again like they had earlier when he saw her fight return.
He growled lowly as she called his clan a bunch of savages. The only savage was Kaige Drach, and his eyes flared for a moment. Willing himself to damper his temper. “She’s only alive because Kaige Drach is a sick bastard that wants to humiliate those that cross him, and mock the dead.” He hissed out. Jerking his head towards Jayna. “She would have been mercy killed or put on a ship off of Aldsage if anyone else had a say in the matter, out of respect for her father.” He growled lowly under his breath. So quietly he wasn’t sure Jayna would be able to hear him.
In the moments that passed, Lorcan took the time to calm his breathing, and to focus on what it was she was implying. What it was she wanted if she had wanted him to hear her out. It slowly began to register then. Maybe she was just some stupid girl who hadn’t realized her actions would cause such an impact on others lives. Well it was too late to go back now. She’d be going under proper interrogation if he had his way, to weasel any real truths out of her.
He moved towards her then, crouching down in front of her until they were practically inches apart, and his eyes bore into hers. His eyes a stormy blue. He reached behind him in a quick movement and her own blade with the tip resting under her chin as he stared at her. “You will die…” He said slowly. His voice a whisper. His wrist moved then in a flash of steel, as the blade came down and her jerked her bound hands toward him. “When I tell you you can die.” He used the knife to cut the sash around her hands. “You stupid, woman.” He shook his head. “What were, you thinking coming here?” He growled. He tossed the remaining scraps of the sash aside, and then took one of her wrist gently, yet firmly. Jerking her arm up so she was closer to him, their faces inches apart so she’d clearly be able to look in his eyes.
For a moment, he got lost the blue of her eyes. So different then his own, though they were the same color. They were beautiful, and it was easy to see how fierce she was in them. “You have my word as a Drach that you will walk out of this territory alive if, I can make it happen. But I hope you realize I just can’t let you go.” He let her wrist fall through his hand, and he stared at her a moment longer, before he stood and backed away. Putting her dagger back in his belt at the small of his back. He looked to Jayna and sighed. Tiredness finally showing in his features. He shook his head. Wanting to stay strong in the face of his enemies but...Lorcan was tired. “We need to head back.” He told her. He moved to the door of the cabin, seeking to retrieve his shirt. When he came back in, he was in the process of putting it on.
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Lux
28
Are you worthy?
Wynfrid Beta Hunter/Warrior
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Aspen Wynfrid on May 25, 2020 20:04:30 GMT -5
She had his attention, that was good. But she wasn't sure just how long it would last as she watched his expressions ever-changing at the words that passed her lips. He'd interrupted now and again, adding his input, but Aspen had continued on. She didn't want his explanations, but if he was happy to give them, she would certainly use them. However it was the words he spoke about Jayna that caught her attention. Her eyes had opened, slowly finding his face as her brows furrowed. She felt the steady beat of her heart as it thumped softly again her chest and she subconsciously tilted her head at him. It wasn't the part about the mercy killing that got her, no. It was the second part, the part about putting her on a ship out of respect for Jayna's father. They seemed to ring in her ears, changing her vision of the Dragon that stood before her into something.. Well, not good, but definitely better. She blinked then, deciding that was information she'd need to process later. After all, the Dragon was now crossing the room towards her, crouching so that his face was level with hers.
She hadn't moved a muscle as he'd approached, dared not flinch when he reached behind to remove her dagger from the small of his back. He'd never broke eye-contact as he put the dagger underneath her chin and Aspen did the very thing she'd done many times during their encounter - she raised her chin, as if in defiance, only this time, it was not defiance, it was an acceptance that she was about to die. How many times had she accepted the fate of death in less than 24 hours? The words that rumbled from his chest were enough to confirm what she'd already assumed and her blue eyes closed as Khan and Lycus - her entire clan - flashed in her mind as she said a silent goodbye. He jerked her hands towards him and just when she was sure she could feel the blade being thrust through her throat, his words came, causing her eyes to flutter open in surprise.
".. when I tell you, you can die."
Her breath caught in her throat as he cut the sash away from her wrists. He continued to speak to her, but the words didn't process. What the hell had just happened? Did she actually manage to speak any form of sense into him? Bewilderment was clear across her features as her mouth opened to speak - as if she could actually manage an answer to his question. She'd expected him to have some sort of reaction, sure, but not this kind. She'd fully accepted she'd be left for the night, bound by her wrists until he or Jayna came again to see to her. Before she could formulate her answer, he'd taken her wrist with a grasp that she didn't think he was capable of. It was gentle over her skin - much different than the hold he'd had on her when he'd first come across her in the forest. However, the gentleness did not last long as he jerked her upwards, giving her a chance to really see into his blue eyes. Even so, he was still not as rough as he'd been when his fingertips had curled around her throat.
She could see so much in those eyes of his; pain and anger were the most prevalent. An internal battle within that he couldn't bring himself to wage. Such a beautiful disaster he was. The pull of his gaze was strong enough that she failed to realize she'd even began to lean more towards him, not even blinking as he spoke his final words to her before dropping her wrist. She nodded without a word as her hand fell to her lap limply, her other hand having been placed on the floor to steady herself when he'd pulled her towards him. Finally coming to her senses, she blinked quickly, leaning back slowly as he put her dagger back into his belt. Her eyes did not leave him until he'd disappeared from the cabin. Her eyes fell to the Moreling woman just as the lioness's fists connected with the wall, causing an ear-splitting crack. Aspen looked at her with a soft expression, hoping she hadn't gone too far, even though she knew it was necessary. She wished Jayna could stay with her, wished she could go home. But as Lorcan had said, he couldn't just let her go. She'd certainly made a mess of things this time around, but at least she and her clan would live to see another day. Aspen didn't even notice him reenter the cabin as her mind had suddenly begun to wander, her heart aching for Khan - to know that he was alright and the Dragon had not hunted him down. 'Soon, my boy. I will see you soon.' She thought to herself silently, sitting motionless as her chin lifted towards the ceiling, ice-blue eyes closed as she willed away the tears that threatened to come. It had worked. It had worked.
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Post by Jayna Moreling on May 25, 2020 20:33:07 GMT -5
“She’s only alive because Kaige Drach is a sick bastard that wants to humiliate those that cross him, and mock the dead.”
That one sentence was enough to make Jayna grit her teeth. Three years and she’d never been able to get him to admit out loud that what happened that night was an atrocity, that his father was an inhuman monster. Three years she’d been a slave in his home. Three years she’d kept herself from killing herself or anyone else, pressing ever so slowly for him to recognize the truth. Three. Years.
Three fucking years of torture, and Aspen Wynfrid and her pretty blue eyes broke him in one night?
He kept going, and she heard every word. “She would have been mercy killed or put on a ship off of Aldsage if anyone else had a say in the matter, out of respect for her father.”
So, he’d been too much of a coward to fight his father for what was right. Too weak to make sure that even one person got mercy. He didn’t agree, but he hadn’t lifted a finger to help her. He’d let her live as a slave instead, humiliated and degraded. He’d let his father violate her in the worst ways possible. How could the Drachs claim to be the strongest and the best when their leaders were cowardous snakes who couldn’t even stand up for what they believed? How could they trust anyone around them to have their backs when they couldn’t even trust them to value basic human rights? This pathetic man had been the one to kill her brother. This man acted as if he were the best, the purest, better than her and her ilk. But all it took, all it took to get him to finally do something, was a girl that better fit his tastes. She wanted to vomit.
She clenched her hands around her arms where they were folded, feeling her nails digging in even through the fabric. Her blood pounded through her veins, but she made herself breathe slow. She wouldn’t show it. Couldn’t show it. Couldn’t scream the absolute fury that was burning her from the inside out. Perhaps she was a dragon, now, ready to breathe fire. He bent to Aspen and she glared at the back of his head with every bit of the hatred in her body. That coward. That snake.
“You have my word as a Drach that you will walk out of this territory alive if, I can make it happen--”
Jayna didn’t hear anything besides the rush of her blood if he spoke after that. Her whole clan was dead, and that hadn’t been enough. She’d been beaten, raped, humiliated, and he’d never tried to get her out. He’d been the one to haul her back, kicking and screaming, to return her to her torment. He hadn’t even had the decency to kill her. And yet now, for this woman, he was going to risk it all. She was going to be the one that escaped. She would get mercy. And Jayna got none. She was nothing. She got nothing. She had nothing. All of it was ashes.
Her hand twitched towards the blade at her hip as she imagined unsheathing it and driving it into his bare back, right through those pretty tattoos. She could feel it, the resistance of his muscle and bone against her blade. She could see the blood, smell it. She ached to do it, to finally vent even a fraction of the rage that had been filling her for years. But something held her back.
She jerked her head away from the ‘touching’ scene that he and Aspen had made, staring into each others’ eyes. She couldn’t break. She wouldn’t. She was stronger than that. She was a Moreling. She wouldn’t sink to that level. She wouldn’t stab a man in the back. She wouldn’t let her rage drive her to murder. She took a shuddering breath in and forced herself to release it slowly, slowly, a silent hiss between tight lips. She would not move. She would not fight. Lorcan may be a bastard and a coward, but he had finally seen what she wanted. At long last he might finally be a good man.
Once Lorcan was out of the cabin, however, she whirled around and struck like a coiled snake, driving her fist into the wall. She kept her fist against the wood and let herself fall with her forehead against the wall. A single broken sob escaped her chest before she took a deep breath and straightened back up. It hurt like hell, and she knew her hand would bruise, but she didn’t care. The pain cleared her mind, sharpened it. She returned to her original position just as Lorcan pulled his head back out of his shirt, and she stood as passive as if she had never moved at all. The only sign of her distress was the slight shine in the corner of her eyes to hint at unshed tears.
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Tendy
30
Widower
2nd In Command
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lorcan Drach on May 26, 2020 0:46:40 GMT -5
Lorcan took the hem of his shirt and settled it down around his waist. He nodded with his head for Jayna to go on ahead, and he’d wait to move until she did. He did a quick scan of the room, making sure there was nothing of importance that was left behind and then eyes settled on the Wynfrid woman. He was still angry at her, and would be. For how long he didn’t know. “We’ll be back.” He told her, and then left the cabin. Grabbing his cloak on the way out.
Once outside he locked the door, and would turn to Jayna. He let a sigh out, and then walked towards the horse as he clasped his cloak up and around his shoulders. He paused, before he mounted the horse, looking back to the cabin and then glanced up at Jayna. He averted his eyes from looking at her for a moment. Wondering what she was thinking about this mess. Wondering if she was thinking she’d wish to be in the Wynfrid’s woman's place, because then maybe then she wouldn’t have to worry about Kaige Drach.
He gently reached out to place a hand on her knee, but he hesitated. Dropping his hand instead. He didn’t think there was any amount of comfort he could give her, let alone words to bring her any sense of peace. He climbed up behind her and then ushered the horse back the way they had come come. Letting the darkness consume them.
When they finally made it home, Lorcan had told Jayna he’d think of something to tell Kaige to allow her out of camp, but until then he’d attend the woman. He had then let his tired body take him up the steps of the dragons den. He was almost to his room when he heard a door creak and a then sound of small feet on stone. “Isä?” came Sienna’s little voice. Lorcan turned, and squatted down, watching his little sitter hurry towards him, rubbing at her eyes. “You should be in bed little dragon.” He whispered. His voice coming out in a quiet rumble. Sienna hurried forward, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She was small for her age taking more after her mother in terms of size, whereas all the other Drach children had gotten Kaige's height. He wrapped his large arms around her, His palm going to the back of her head, nearly took up her whole skull. He wrapped an arm under her and then stood up. Holding the young girl in his arms.
“I had a bad dream.” She whispered to him. She leaned back to look at him, and Lorcan looked into her big brown eyes to find there were tears in them. “You didn’t come home.” She whispered. Fear evident in her voice. “I’m right here pretty girl, I might be late coming home, but I’m home.” He told her gently. Rubbing her cheek with his thumb. Her eyes went to the side of his face then, and she gently reached out to brush her fingers against his bruised face. A look of concern filled her eyes. “Did he hit you?” She whispered. “Walked into a post without looking.” He smiled. Sienna didn’t seem to believe him and narrowed her eyes. She looked at the bruise and then back to his eyes before she wrapped her arms back around his neck, and Lorcan rubbed her back comfortingly. “Promise you’ll always come home? You won’t leave?” She whispered. She trembled in his arms and Lorcan tightened his hold on her. “I won’t leave you.” He told her gently. He turned his head and kissed her temple. Rubbing her back again. “Now bed.” He growled playfully at her. “But i’m afraid to sleep.” She told him. Her head popping back up. “What if I have nightmares again?” She asked. “Then I will scare the nightmares away.” He told her. She smiled at him as she leaned back resting her hands on his shoulders. “Can I go sleep with Jayna?” She asked so quietly he almost didn’t hear her. Lorcan frowned, not thinking it best Jayna was disturbed, considering he’d just seen her to her room. “I think Jayna needs a good nights sleep without little dragons in her bed.” He whispered. Bumping his forehead gently against hers. “Can I sleep with you then?” She asked. Poking out her bottom lip.
How could he say no to that face? “How else will I keep the nightmares away?” He asked her as if the answer was simple. She grinned widely, and Lorcan smiled right back at her. Leave it to Sienna to ease his worries for the moment with her little face and cheerful demeanor. “Come on little Dragon.” He whispered. Turning back to his room. Sienna gently kissed his bruised cheek bone. ‘To help it feel better. Watch out for those post Isä.” She said yawning. She rested her head on his broad shoulder then and he smiled. Resting his head against hers, while he carried the little dragon princess off to bed. His thoughts drifting away from his sister for the moment, and back to the wolf in the cabin in the woods.
[End thread]
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