Let's Make a Deal

[Lycus Wynfrid]

This might have been unnerving for any other man, but not Lycus Wynfrid. No, he casually rode his horse across wolfish land at a casual pace until he got to the border. To that invisible line that separated his home territory from the Oisen. To the line that should not be crossed.

But Lycus had plans. He was curious, and he needed to see that curiosity satiated.

And that line was where he physically stopped. Lycus was by himself, completely unarmed except for that impish smile that curled his lips, and the fingers that clutched tightly to the reins of his equine. He was fairly certain there would be patrol the moment he set foot across that border, even if he couldn't see them.

Dismounting, icy blue eyes looked among the trees, expecting heat, expecting to be approached the very second he took another step. Patting his horse on the neck, he murmured a goodbye to the beast before he arrogantly strode forward onto Oisen land. And would not stop until someone approached him.

[ Xahrina Oisen ]

[Xahrina Oisen]

It would be a short five minutes before the sound of thunder was approaching him, hooves beating the ground as the group of six approach. It was a mix of men and women, all armored and riding towards the stranger who seemed to cross into Oisen territories rather peacefully. That would earn him one boon, being unarmed and calm as he was approached, the head of the patrol moving ahead of the group on a his apposoosian horse. 


The man looked him over, taking note of him not having a weapon and just signaled the other riders to move around him, "On your horse," He told him flatly, not giving him anymore information than that. As he did so, the reigns would be taken by a woman as he would be lead straight into the Oisen settlement.

It was lush and green, horses roaming freely or tethered to another as to train them better. People immediately became suspicious of the stranger, mothers urging children away as some of the others rested their hands on the pommels of their blades or the butt of their crossbows. 

The man would be brought out to the fields where a woman dress in leather britches and a snug deep crimson tunic dress with a corset cinching her torso. She was working with a rather randy yearling who was starting to listen to the woman when she turned and rested her eyes on the stranger.

"Give him to me, Jaal, go back on patrol, I'm pretty sure I can handle him," The Chieftess told the man who nodded as Lycus's horse was brought forward to her and he was urged- well pushed some- to dismount. "He came peacefully, unarmed Chief," That would be met with an approving nod- decent start. With that, the patrol would leave to keep her lands well guarded.

Xahrina would pass the young colt off to someone else before turning to look at the man, "Who are you and what are you doing in my lands?" She asked him rather calmly, not at all bothered by him but she would look the stranger up and down a bit.

[Lycus Wynfrid]

That still took longer than he had anticipated. He felt the ground beneath him reverberate as the thundering hoof beats grew louder, however, Lycus still casually pressed on. The wolf only stopped when he noted how very out-manned he was; raising his arms up and out at his sides to further indicate that he was unarmed and did not intentionally mean any harm. Regardless, that wry grin remained on his face.

Blues watched the man approach, remaining in place for a few seconds longer after he was ordered to get back on his horse. Alright, so they weren't going to drag him in. That was good, and a start. Lycus nodded slowly and said nothing as he carefully turned back to the animal and pulled himself back up into the saddle. There was no argument from him, allowing the Oisen people to lead him towards their chieftain; attention flickering from one person to the other as they noted his presence. This wolf among the horses. Normally wolves didn't travel alone, but he was without his pack today.

No one knew he was here.

A low chuckle, he seemed unfazed by their suspicious reactions, simply letting his hands rest on his thighs while they traveled along through the town until the air was more open upon the lush green field. This was the perfect spot to take him down, he imagined, and despite that, his arrogant grin refused to dissipate. Maybe because it wasn't a man he was being brought to, but a woman. Apparently the former chieftain had passed?

Forced to dismount, Lycus slipped down from the saddle; eyeing Jaal with a sidelong glance, amusement painted all over his face. This just got very interesting and he didn't try to hide his pleasure over it. A swivel of his head brought that piercing gaze back to Xahrina where he, too, brazenly looked her up and down, letting her question linger in the air for but a few seconds. "Lycus-" he answered her, pausing for a moment. "Lycus...Wynfrid." Yes, there was a wolf in her lands, and not just any wolf but the chieftain's own son. His attention finally found her face. "I was wondering...about a mutual agreement, perhaps?"

[Xahrina Oisen]

Xahrina would look the man over, he didn't look outwardly intimidating but she knew better than to underestimate someone from another tribe, that could spell disaster. She would though, walk past him and to his horse and without an issue, easily got the beast to come to her and nuzzle into her hand as if he had known her all his life.

The name made her head turn back to him and then she chuckled a little, "Well that is interesting, I don't think a Wynfrid has come to these lands in a good long time- if ever to my knowledge. Color my intrigued." she told him as she would check his horse over, it was habit really but also she wanted to see if they treated their horses well because that would speak to her on other levels as well.

"Xahrina Oisen, eldest daughter of to the former chief- he retired after age started to settle in." she would explain. The woman was pretty sure it wasn't a common thing to see a female leading a clan but the people loved her and agreed with her and the choices she made- so she more than earned her title.

"So, what mutual agreement were you thinking about, Lycus Wynfrid?"

[Lycus Wynfrid]

One should never underestimate a wolf. Even one that was alone.

For once, however, this truly was a...peaceful introduction. Lycus wasn't a fool. As competent as he was in battle, he wouldn't (and couldn't) take on an entire clan by himself. But both the Wynfrids and Oisens had a bigger problem, one that they should consider dealing with together.

And that was precisely why he was here.

The grin on his face widened a bit at her laugh as bright blues continued to study her closely. "A Wynfrid has never had reason to," he answered. It was meant to be somewhat polite, but his gruff voice might have made it seem otherwise. To be frank, if he didn't have a reason, he'd never have set foot here. The wolf looked down at everyone these days- that came to being "second best". And being second was no option.

"Xah...rina..." he echoed her name as if wanting to hear what it would sound like falling off his tongue. A cant of his head, he was a bit intrigued. "So...you are in charge now, yeah?" It wasn't uncommon that a woman was in charge of a clan, but was very rare.

Lycus turned his back to her, letting his gaze fall across the vast, open field. He supposed there was beauty here, but he preferred the darker, more denseness of the forest. "Despite our clans having no alliance...we both have a common enemy to the South," he began; turning his head to look over his shoulder at her. He spoke of the Drachs, of course. Their territory completely made up the southern part of Aldsage ever since they wiped out the Morelings. "I can only assume that it is only a matter of time before they try their little...stunt again."

He would know. He was in on it. Sort of. These were details that the Oisen Chieftess did not need to know.

[Xahrina Oisen]

"So why does this one have reason to?" she asked him simply. She couldn't wrap her head around it really that he had the gusto to just come to her lands without permission. True, they were not as vicious as the other clans who would kill on sight but any who entered with ill intent were never heard from again and most of the time Xahrina was the one who took care of them.

A little smile tugged at the corner of her lips as he mulled over her name, her head bowing some in acknowledgment, "Yes, I'm the oldest so I took over, I've more than earned my place as Chief here," she told him matter of factly. It was something that wouldn't be disputed, she knew she earned it and was going to keep it until she was old and grey, and then her own eldest would earn the title.

Xahrina petted the horse, he was in good health from the feel and nothing was protruding that shouldn't, it was good. She would then move around to face him more, staring into his bright blue eyes, "We do don't we...we probably have a couple of months before they attempt something," she told him simply as she motioned for to him follow her as they would start to walk through the lush green fields.

"So then what sort of alliance did you have in mind or your Chief," she asked him wondering where he was on the totem pole of clansmen. Her body moved easily, staying rather close to him as they went through the fields where he would see some new foals trying out their legs for the first time and others that were playing.

[Lycus Wynfrid]

Despite being the "wolves", the Wynfrid Clan respected and took care of their animals. Even during hunts, it was tradition to say a small prayer, to acknowledge that the beast had given their life so that others- the humans- could live and flourish. Same went for their horses. They may not have been as grand and beautiful as those of the Oisen, he noted, but they carried their masters through combat or through simpler tasks such as farming. Watching her examine his equine, he wondered what would have happened if it hadn't been in good health, though...

The thought kept a somewhat amused grin on his face while Xahrina explained how she came to be the chieftain. Again, it was simply rare that a woman ruled over a clan, but it wasn't unheard of. When one did, though, it left others often wondering what she had done to earn the title. So this, of course, left Lycus more curious than before; he just wasn't voicing it yet.

He followed her when she requested to walk. When she turned her gaze to him, his bright eyes were stern despite the grin that had been curling his lips. Lycus was being serious. The Drach should probably not be trusted...despite the secret deal he had made. For a fleeting moment, he wondered how Kaige Drach would respond should he know he came here to the Oisen. And that was precisely why he came alone.

"That is for us to decide, Chieftess," Lycus said, bowing his head to further acknowledge her status. Some might think he was mocking her, but it was simply how he was. That ever-present devious glint in his eyes probably didn't help matters. Regardless, his intrigue was there. "My father sent me here to negotiate." That would answer her question as to whom the Wynfrid Chieftain was...even if he was lying. Lycus was making this deal and Lycus would see it through.

The man had plans.

His pace quickened just a little, his long stride able to bring him in front of her while walking backwards so as to not break their stroll. Attention averted to the foals and the vast landscape for the briefest of moments before bright eyes were back on her. "So, the question is...what can the wolves offer you in return for your aide against the dragons, should that need ever arise, hmm?"

[Xahrina Oisen]

Well, if his horse had been anything but healthy that would have landed in some hot water here- they were very passionate about their horses and she was very particular on how they should treat their animals to keep them at the peak of their health.

Her hands would move to cross and rest against her lower back as she walked with him, heading towards one of the mothers with a foal that had just gotten their legs under them. His acknowledgment of her title did earn him another spot in her graces, a smile rising on her lips as she pet the mother's neck, "Easy girl..." she told her as she walked around and felt her stomach some, "What does the wolves have to offer is the question actually." she told him simply, her tone easy-going as she popped back around to look at him.

Xahrina was hard to read, she was relaxed and it seemed to be easy going but she was watching him carefully, studying him silently while he spoke.

"The Oisen people are always ready to defend their lands from those invaders...and making some sort of agreement would be favorable to both sides but again, I'd like to know what is being offered before oaths are made." Xahrina explained to him as she then stood in front of him. "And I will tell you now, we make an oath, it best be kept." There was an underlying warning there that he hopefully caught, her tone changing ever so slightly with that.

[Lycus Wynfrid]

Lycus was silent as he watched the chieftess attend to the mother. There was a brief thought that entered his mind, about how much time she took out of the day to do these tasks that others could just as easily do. It was admirable, he'd give it that, even if it wasn't so much his style. But then again, he was too busy dealing with private matters to do otherwise. Maybe it was arrogance. Maybe that was why she was far more interesting than what he thought he'd find here.

To anyone else, he'd appear easy to read, and that was because he hid everything behind that grin, behind the intrigue of those eyes. It were as though he were an open book...but there was a hidden compartment in the back that always held his true intentions. Only those he could trust would know these thoughts. Whether this woman would ever be one of them, it was impossible to tell.

Xahrina was questioning him, and he was indeed listening, yet it was that caution in her voice- no, that warning that made him pause. In truth, he liked it. The Oisen woman took things seriously, and Lycus didn't need to ask to know that those who went against their promises would be punished. Now, his lips curled in a pleased smile. "Of that, I have no doubt...Xahrina," he said, testing her name again. Technically, they weren't on equal ground in title, but they would be.

Yes, Lycus indeed had plans.

"It would start with loyalty, a promise- nay, an oath of protection..." The Wynfrid trailed off after using her word. Those bright eyes narrowed just slightly in curiosity as he studied her; grin turning wry. Lycus was slow to approach her casually, to ensure she understood he meant no harm. He wasn't that foolish to even try in her own lands if he had even intended to hurt her. "There's also trade. My wolves are experienced hunters...and we could use better horses than those that we have. More, if possible." What better way to bring down dragons with a large cavalry?

Then, his head tilted while he regarded her, mulling ideas over in his head. His gaze dropped to that lovely mouth for a span of a heartbeat, curious again. "An alliance can be fortified by a marriage. One of yours, one of mine...to ensure the safety and prosperity of our territories." That hadn't been his original idea, but it wasn't a horrible one.

Blues rose back up to her eyes while he was silent for a moment, lingering as close as she would allow. "You tell me, àlainn...what...can I do for you?"

[àlainn = lovely]

[Xahrina Oisen]

Daily the Chieftess chose to prove herself, that she was able and more than capable to lead her people and that included the dirty tasks of helping and being there for a mother and her newly born foal. She enjoyed this long before the title was placed on her shoulders and she would enjoy it long after it left them. Anyone who knew her, knew how hard she worked and went about her days, not resting or stopping unless she had other important matters to attend to. She wanted to be a Chief that was remembered for her deeds and no one that is mentioned in passing that sat and was lazy and maybe had a few children.

This one who entered her lands, she wasn’t sure of him yet. Was he a pretending to be a loyal sheep but under was a devious wolf ready to attack at the drop of a hat or was he hiding something more that she wasn’t seeing yet but she aimed to figure it out. So much was probably hidden behind those vibrant oceanic blue eyes and she was going to figure it out before he was allowed to leave her lands.

When it came to their oaths they took them seriously, to break one was to have you branded an oath breaker and shunned- sometimes even killed depending on what oath was broken, “Good,” she told him, not yet using his name, no he would have to wait for that now but he could keep using her name as it didn’t seem to bother her just yet.

So far he was on a decent track with his words, she was listening to him as he slowly encroached in her space. Her eyes would look up into his and if he came too close her hand would lift to press against his chest in a small signal that it was close enough. If there was- she didn’t think there was but she was the cautious sort- he would feel any ill intent ease away as a calm slowly rippled through him.

“Better horses can be a part of the agreement as would furs and leathers and dried meats…a marriage alliance would be the best route to go to show that two clans are working together, that both can benefit from the boon it offers but the unity of two would have to be a great one,” she told him simply. Xahrina didn’t back down from the idea of a possible marriage as that was still a sacred thing and had there ever been a willing marriage between clans?

Now she smiled, her hand lifting up to run a bold finger along his cheek just to see what would happen. He was brazen, “Trade agreements, marriage alliance between two powerful families, and all parts shared when it comes to war and defense. I refuse to be left in the dark and if I so much as feel like I am being betrayed I will rip someones lungs out of their back and drape them over their shoulders like a new scarf,” she told him with an easy smile. The kind woman had a ruthless side, “So, madadh-allaidh gorm-shùileach, will you join me for dinner, I want to know what is going on to call for two clans to unite and I want to know everything,” Xahrina told him with an easy smile as she kissed the mare on the nose gently while watching him to just see his reaction and to hear his response. 

_{[madadh-allaidh gorm-shùileach; Blue-Eyed Wolf ]}

[Lycus Wynfrid]

Perhaps Lycus was not so much different then...he was just caring for his clan in other ways. True, they were ways that went against the code, but it was to possibly rid them of the dragons once and for all, before the bastards tried to rule over all of Aldsage. That wasn't something the wolf was going to simply let happen. He had to tread carefully, though, because one misstep could end in disaster. Which was precisely why he was here speaking with the lovely Oisen chieftain. If the clan was as strong as she appeared to be, then it may not be a bad idea to have the Oisen on their side. It was beneficial for everyone, not just the Wynfrids.

Those vibrant eyes barely left her face, only flickering down to her mouth for a second when she uttered that single word. Good. Yes, good. It meant little that she didn't refer to him by name or any sort of title. If he had known those inner thoughts, that she was waiting to use it, then it would have sparked up an internal challenge. He would have debated with himself on whether he wanted to hear her say it...by whatever means.

She was talking again, and he made sure to study her face as she softly accepted the offer of an alliance. At least, she was thinking about it, and that was a good start. But there was something strange that happened. He felt her small hand against his chest, halting his advance immediately yet there was also...something else. This sudden, weird feeling, like a calm where all the tension just disappeared, all the tension in his body temporarily drifted away. There came a confused look on his features as his hand was lifting to her own although he didn't seem to understand what exactly was happening or that she was the cause of it.

Her fingers were slipping through his own and her touch was at his cheek. Xahrina would come to realize that the wolf held no ill intent, at least not towards her, because his mood and response still seemed to match how he was from before. Lycus gently snatched her hand back; her words causing an immediate stir within him. She was speaking of punishment, and one that wasn't simple whip-lashing or beheading.

By the Great Wolf, who was this woman?

A slow, easy smile found his mouth then, curling wryly as he idly toyed with her fingers if she didn't pull her hand away by then. This just got very, very interesting, and he needed to know more about her. Here he thought the horses were gentle. Sure, they were peaceful, but there was this intriguing darkness inside their chieftess that he simply had to know about. "I'll join you wherever you want," Lycus replied coolly. All she had to do was lead the way.

[Xahrina Oisen]

Xahrina could feel him relax at her touch, she knew what she was doing and how to use it subtly enough that people never really suspected her but if he was coming into her space, she was making sure that he was chill. Her body was calm and relaxed as she spoke and could tell more so now that this was a wolf coming as a wolf to protect his own in a sense and that she could respect that. Even as the confusion took over on his face, her own remained calm and peaceful as she spoke.

Her tone never changed as she spoke to him, her fingers touching his face gently to make sure his attention was on her as she let him know that she wasn't a pushover, that even a tame equine had a vicious side if given a chance. Xahrina wouldn't stop him from taking her hand back to him, a little smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she looked at him.

This woman was different and she would show him over time just how different she was compared to others.

His response made her smile, her head inclining a little to the side to him as she would just pull him to her and wrap her arm through his to walk him back into her clan. This was a small show that she was ok with this stranger, to allow him into her space. In doing so he would receive fewer glares now but more curious looks as to what would be going on now.

"Since it will be us, we can speak in my quarters during supper so that we still have some privacy. Tell me about your people while we walk, I know about your affinity with wolves so I can assume those traits but I want to know what your people are like," she told him, hoping he understood that she wanted to know about their culture. As they walked, he would see the various houses, the wood would have intricate carvings along it which did include horses but also waves in the designs. Where the pair was heading though, was at the back of the village to he massive bulky long house that was raised up a little. It may look odd but it made it rather easy to just mount a horse from that height. The wood itself was stained with a dark red with slate blues thrown in to break up the colors.

Walking up the steps, she pushed open the double doors to show the great inside with a long fireplace in the center with cast iron pots over hanging into it. On metal slabs meat was being cooked by the slaves and around was furs and tables as well as jugs that had fresh mead in them.

"Welcome to an Oisen gathering hall and my home." Xahrina told him with a little smile, quite proud of the ornate place that she called home. There was one curious decorate around the large chairs that sat at the head of the hall, it looked as it broken ribs adorned it as decor as well as the thick fur pelts that rested on the carved chair. 

[Lycus Wynfrid]

Lycus wouldn't call himself a violent man, at least not necessarily. Devious, perhaps, but not entirely violent. Despite what other clans would think, the Wynfrids were a pack; the people were loyal and trusted each other and those traits remained throughout all aspects of their life. Him being here now, alone and having told no one, of course, went against all of that. But, it was for the good of the clan. A certain dragon couldn't find out what was going on.

Did he have darker plans for the future? Oh, it was quite possible. But Lycus Wynfrid was the type to make the plan up as he went along, going with the flow because just like the river, things in life could change direction. Could speed up or slow down depending upon the circumstances. And Xahrina Oisen was one of those things he hadn't anticipated.

The woman didn't need to keep her touch upon his face for him to pay attention to her- he had been doing it from the moment he was brought before her. It wasn't just because she was lovely to look at. No, that was just one reason. As a hunter, the wolf needed to watch and learn about his possible opponent, find a weakness and exploit it before striking. Only, he wasn't here to strike...per say.

He allowed her to slip an arm through his, leading him through the Oisen village and towards the grand place she called home. Even while eyes were on him, suspicious again, he barely paid them any mind. He knew he probably wasn't welcome, or at least his presence was questionable, so let them question silently. It all made that grin on his face turn sly, looking sidelong to her as she mentioned her quarters. It was like a taunt to him, but he said nothing about it nor insinuated anything further. Lycus was certain any man would have had the same fleeting thought were they in his boots right now.

"We aren't savages," he was quick to answer her, finding the need to point that out. His tone wasn't harsh, either, but he knew most of the other clans thought so. Second to the Drachs, that is. "The wolves are loyal to their own, dedicated-" Lycus paused for a moment. The look he gave her might have been indication that, if an alliance was formed, the horses would be included. Hoofs instead of paws didn't matter- if they were allied, whether by marriage or not, they were protected. "Oaths are sacred because we are a pack. Nothing is kept secret." The chieftain's son nearly laughed then, aware of how much of a hypocrite he currently was. "We are strong as a society as much as we are in combat because of it. We are one with the earth, àlainn, and we do not forget it. In fact, we honor it, respect even the creatures we hunt." Maybe it was that strange calm that seemed to still be enveloping him, but Lycus was talking a little more than he normally would.

Following her inside, he was a little surprised at the size of the place. The Wynfrids, too, had a large dining hall that could fit most of the clan inside at once. Not that he was caring much about it as the various smells suddenly assaulted his senses. That particular chair, however, grabbed his attention. Drifting his way to it, fingers delicately and curiously ran along the bone. "I suppose...this one's yours?" he questioned lightly, sending those vivid eyes back to her in dark amusement.

[Xahrina Oisen]

Was Xahrina violent? Only when the time called for it, she preferred to be peaceful and calm and use her wits to outsmart her foes but those that have crossed her or her people have paid a justified price. She was passionate in what she did, even if she managed to come across as mostly calm and mild mannered there was much more beneath the surface of her.

Life here on the planes had been rather calm, the surprise of the Wynfrid was a shake up that rarely happened so it would have many people talking amongst themselves at what could be going on. The Chief though trusted her people to not go talking about this to outsiders, it wasn’t their business and the wolf came unarmed and peaceful, so he wouldn’t make a chaotic ripple like a Drac might.

It would be a lie if she said she didn’t enjoy just keeping this mans attention, it tickled the female part of her brain that just liked being looked at because in truth, most men here were intimidated by her and she didn’t want an intimidated man in her life in the slightest.

Xahrina could smell the earthiness of him, the wold of the forest clinging to him but something else as well. It was probably him and it made her smile as she walked with him, her hip brushing against him slightly as she walked with a natural sway to her step. The side glance he gave her at the mention of her living quarters had her just giving him a rather innocent look but on the inside, she wanted to tease the man a little because he did just walk into her land so she was going to keep him on his toes and guessing at what she might do next.

“The Drac’s are the only savages that come to mind, just because you live in the forest doesn’t make you one- actions do,” she told him simply. Her eyes would look up at him as he spoke and now she smiled more at that because she approved at how they kept their oaths- just as the Oisen’s did, oaths were sacred and not made lightly. “The Oisen are similar in a way. We are strong- enduring as the beasts we tame. Your first horse here is earned one of two ways- you share the day they were born or you must take a wild one and tame them yourselves to prove you understand the beast. Just as that takes time, forming a last friendship or alliance, will as well but preferably a bit quicker than weeks,” she told him with a little chuckle, “Do you keep wolves?” she asked him, curious if that had been just a rumor she heard among the vines or truth.

Xahrina would let him head that way, her arms folding under her chest some as she nodded, “Oh yes, those are a reminder to those who have broken our laws in the worst way. That one was a man, who after getting his hand removed for theft, killed one of our sacred horses…he can’t harm anything now where he is,” she told him, a bit of coldness in her tone at that. She had been furious that day when he had been caught and she had shown no mercy. A trial or vote hadn’t even been needed because everyone knew that was unforgivable.

“Hilda we will have supper in my room, bring ale and food in there please and some sweet tarts, thank you,” She asked the servant woman, a kind smile on her face as the servant bowed and went to do as asked as she would lead him to the open door that had strings of hanging shells and stones as a type of divider while open.

Inside, there was a table with two chairs by the window, candles resting on it. The window shutters were open and letting in the fresh air. There was a slight divider that hid her bed slight but it was spacious and covered in furs. It was on a large bed and the wood carved that held it had various patterns in it. There was a large fireplace that was just burning coals right now since the heat wasn’t needed.

Xahrina would walk in and undo the buckles of her corset and toss it onto her bed, “Please, make yourself comfortable,” she told him as she walked over to the trunk she kept her clothes in and pulled out a clean Outfit and would just step far enough beyond the panel to be hidden- at least mostly. She turned her back to him as she pulled off her work clothes and tossed them over a stool. If he peaked, he would see tattoos along the curve of her spine and along the backs of her shoulders that slipped down onto her upper arms. Her hips and thighs as well had more ornate patterning but the type was hard to see with the bedpost in the way. She would pull on her clean pants and then top before adding the waist cincher to hold the dark red material to her skin.

Once she was in clean clothes- not even bothering with shoes, she would pull out some paper and ink to place on the table, her eyes looking at him a little mischievous, “So, shall we go over things and what our clans have to offer each other?” Xahrina would ask him with a little innocence in her tone, as if she didn't just change with him in the room.

[Lycus Wynfrid]

Even Lycus would expect this clan to be suspicious of a wolf entering their territory. There were currently no alliances between the clans of Aldsage...even if he desired to remedy that today, or as soon as possible. And with each second spent with this chieftess, he was hoping for it even more. He didn't know exactly why, but call it an instinct. Intuition. A simple need that was swiftly growing into an unexplained desire.

The Drachs were the only true savages, yes. Kaige slaughtered an entire clan, families including women and children. Not many were willing to overlook that. It had been some time since that horrendous slaughter, though, and nothing had been done about it. Of course, not until now. Should some sort of alliance proceed with the Oisen, perhaps Xahrina would become privy of these...delicate details he was keeping secret, even from his own sister. But trust went both ways, and even though the Oisen batted her lashes and swayed those hips, he didn't know this woman well enough. Well, not at all, actually.

'Just as that takes time, forming a lasting friendship or alliance, will as well but preferably a bit quicker than weeks.' Maybe he shouldn't have grinned at that hope, but he had and he didn't care that he did. "Let us hope," he commented before answering her question. "Some of us do...but they are respected companions and not considered pets." And should the beast decide to leave, it must be respected.

Icy blues studied her when she explained the bones, and despite her tone, it was just making this man far too interested in her even more. Was it bad that he wanted to see this delicate creature display some form of violent aggression? If it was, he'd gladly accept that sin. "I like that..." he murmured, grinning once again. Lycus was quick to follow her into the other room, into her bedroom.

He was the wolf, yes, but it appeared as though the lovely equine was luring him along instead of being stalked.

When asked to make himself comfortable, he slowly wandered his way towards the small table and took a seat; attention aimlessly wandering around the furnishings of the room before it was settling upon something else. If this wasn't a tease, if this wasn't a test of his own willpower, he didn't know what was. She was blatantly undressing and he didn't bother to hide the fact that he was watching. Blues observed every curve he could see and the inked marks along her back and arms, wanting to ask her about every single one. Even as she turned, dressed then, Lycus didn't try to hide that he had been watching. His gaze remained upon her as she moved and then returned with ink and parchment.

The wolf felt a growl forming in his throat, his jaws clenching, and it took a lot for him to remain seated. So much willpower...

Leaning across the table, he was still eyeing her with that sly smile. "Yes, we shall." His voice had dropped low. "Tell me what it is you want, àlainn...and it's yours." Perhaps. If it was just trade, that was easily done. If it was a heftier alliance, then they would figure it out.