Thornhedge RP

David

David was a bit put off by Maugrim’s comment about lupin pets, but he wouldn’t let it bother him and simply smiled nervously in response. “Heh, yeah, us humans tend to bond with smaller, tameable creatures for comfort. I appreciate you keeping them off your prey list, my cats and other animals bring me great joy. There is only so much of it being a king of a fallen kingdom.” He walked into the room behind the wolf and settled back into his chair, trying to ease the nerves that bit at his skin. He hated to be at odds with Elmira, but there were lines that had to be drawn. His staff needed to serve to the best of their abilities, not to him but to the kingdom they swore their loyalty to. Dividing their time too wide would snap away everything they had built for Folgario. Himself included. Letting out a breath, he shook his head towards his company. “I do appreciate it, but Elmira can make her own decisions. Even if I send her on a mandated reprieve, I doubt that will stop her from doing what she wishes to do. Her choices are hers to make, and I do not wish to interfere more than I need to.” He was made very clear of that fact many years prior. “However, she will be working with you to make you comfortable in Folgario and understand our culture and goals. If she trusts that you will be loyal to my kingdom, I would like you to be familiar with the way we do things, so as to make my citizens trust you. It is very hard for them to trust newcomers, especially as they’ve been misguided in the past. The more you can be one of them, the better it will be for everyone involved. I can provide you with temporary housing in the city and a small allowance for necessities, but nothing more at this time.”

Legion

The tiefling watched the two horses for a moment, ensuring their safety and comfort, before slipping his hand into Alyana’s and walking with her the rest of the way to the wrap around porch and into the small wooden cabin. He set down the supplies near the front door on a nearby bench, scanning the room. A couch and seat sat atop a rug before a rugged stone fireplace, set with firewood for the next burning with a hefty stack next to it for future use. The right held a small kitchen and dining area, with a hallway beyond leading back to the master and guest rooms. It was much smaller than the castle he was accustomed to, but the higher ceiling helped to make it less constricting. Legion felt himself begin to relax however, the smell of the wood and stone bringing him back to the times before he held such responsibilities of a kingdom on his shoulders. “I do not know what you would like to do, but after a long ride, I would like to change and lay down, to simply do nothing. I have not done nothing since I was young, and would like to try it again.” Squeezing her hand, he picked up the saddlebags again and led to the back room, into the spacious master bedroom with a massive bed and an adjacent bathroom. He wasted no time grabbing his day clothes and swiftly changing behind the provided divider. What a relief to be in clean, dry clothes. Once done, he combed through his hair and sat on the bed, closing his eyes to listen to the leaves and birds outside.

Stallion whinnied again as Clover raced around the pasture, kicking up her heels and letting loose all the energy she had from the long ride over. He didn’t follow suit, but was happy to see her return to him and nuzzle him when she had released some steam. Brushing his muzzle against hers, he nickered and flicked his tail before beginning to groom her mane and shoulders, removing anything caught from the journey.

Alyana

Entering the cabin, Alyana took in the sights before her. How long had it been since she stayed in a lovely home like this? Her mothers home was smaller then this but it did manage to remind her of the woman, who raised her with all the love and care a mother had to offer. It brought a smile to her face, the scent of the unburnt wood had saturated the room, she loved it. Only having a few happy childhood memories, this place seemed to being the majority of them back. Breathing in then letting out a content sigh in return, she smiled over at her husband, showing him just how content she was with their current abode. "It's lovely, truly lovely." She murmured as she continued to admire the place. Her eyes went from the cozy seating around the stone fireplace, to the high vaulted ceiling. Beyond that to the right seemed to be the kitchen, it looked to contain everything they would need to fix their own meals for their honeymoon. It had been a while since she had last cookied a meal… she hoped it wouldn't run her new husband out into the woods. A pink tint of embarrassment creeped across her face, she now knew what she'd do with her free time, refresh her cooking skills… silently walking through the kitchen, the angelic being noticed the hallway before venturing down it. Legion behind her spoke of his plans to simply relax and do nothing. This sounded wonderful to her, pausing at their bedroom she looked at him to acknowledge his words and respond. "That sounds like a wonderful idea to me." She said a gentle smile on her still slightly pink face. Stepping inside their room she waited for Legion to finish changing before she slipped behind the same divider after him to remove her damp clothes before searching through her belongings for something to get comfortable in. Choosing a comfortable daily outfit, Alyana began to change her clothes while thinking about looking through her recipe book. It was the smallest book in her satchel, it only had but maybe a handful of recipes in it that her mother and father would make. The condition of the book was rather poor but it was handmade years before even her adoptive parents. With her thoughts running away with her, Alyana shook her head then untucked her long golden hair from her warm, dry shirt. She for a moment forgot about the worries back at the castle, she needed to relax and rest and what not a better time than this to let her mind do just that. Coming out from behind the screen divider, Alyana left her hair down, so it could freely lay across her back and shoulders. Walking towards the bed she rummaged through her bag before locating the tattered book and sit down gently on the bed. With Legion now resting as he'd wanted, the healer dove into her cookbook silently reading to herself, listening to the wind and occasional nicker of the horses outside.

Clover softly squealed of Stallions grooming touches before pawing at the ground and grooming him back with more calm vocals. Once she had cleared the debri from his coat she nipped his shoulder and tugged on his mane a bit before trotting a couple hoof beats away to graze and later lay down in the meadows tall cool blades. Laying there, like a large loaf of bread, the mare soon rolled over onto her side and let out a loud side. She was finally relaxing as well, it was amazing how much energy this mare had.

Elmira

Maugrim

Maybe the wolf would inquire about pets more in the future.. that is if he ever had a reason to, he hoped that reason would show up soon. "Yes, I wouldn't want to upset the balance. Pets are kin here and I will make sure the rest of my pack understand this." He reassured the king before him, taking his seat. The Wolf watched the man's face worry with the stress and tension of his prior conversation with Elmira. Letting a soft exhale leave him he waited for the Kings busy mind to come back to him and their previous discussion while he too took his own seat at the table. Though Maugrim didn't always look it, he was patient, more patient than most of his male kind. When the king answered his question, it caused a gentle look of amusement to travel to his canine features. "Yes, she can… she can be rather stubborn for sure…" he voiced knowing fully well David knew this fact about the woman in question. With a nod of his head, the wolf-man agreed to doing his best at blending in with the Folgarian people to make them more comfortable with him and his own people. Though his kind rarely accept outsiders he understood the tension and distrust when one happened to join the pack. It would he similar here, he had little doubts about that. "Thank you, David. To help blend in, I'll accept the living quarters and allowances. I do not believe I'll need anything more, however if I do happen to need more im sure ill be advised by you and Elmira as needed." He dipped his muzzle respectfully.


Elmira

Taking a hand off the try as she reached the meeting room, El gently racked her dainty knuckles against the door before entering. Once allowed inside she calmly carried the tray to the large table before gently placing it on the table. "I brought more refreshments." She spoke with a coolness to her voice before handing off the glasses of wine to both the men before her. Maugrim, could feel his hair wanting to stand in end from the false calm she showed. To a human it probably wasn't noticeable but he could tell the woman was doing everything in her power to stay calm. The wolf's hues followed her for a moment before picking up his glass and taking a moment to sniff at the drink. It was different from the previous one she’d shared with them, but it smelt nice. "Thank you." With Maugrim's thanks Elmira took her seat near the wolf where she'd been sitting before. She assumed she was still wanted here but if not she would leave.

Fraeya

A warm smile took over, "Yes, the blooms and tree blossoms are quite lovely as well." This amused her, not many men liked to admit their love for a flower's beauty, at least not in her kingdom. It was nice to be in the presence of a man so willing to share such gentle things in this war filled time. With the cold breeze picking up, its bitter chill causing the Queens nose and ears to pinken. "I see… i'm so sorry you went through that. I am glad you're here though, you're helped make great changes in this kingdom's views and so much more." She shared her appreciation for the man. His comment about her brother brought a smile and a tear. "He had a soft heart for others, he knew that everyone is the same on the inside its only the outside that looks different. Our father definitely had an influence over him in our younger years but he grew to do what he believed was right. Im glad he did all of that for you and stood up to our father, the King… You've been a wonderful addition to my court and the kingdom, do not let anyone tell you otherwise, Tobias." Giving him a warm smile, grieving tears threatened to leave her eyes. Fraeya took a deep breath before exhaling softly, a puff of mist leaving her warm lips. Calming herself, the Queen smiled at her new friend. "Me too." She finished their conversation just before noticing her son's caretaker just up ahead. Reaching the woman, Freaya carefully passed the infant off to her before returning her hands to the warmth of her fur coat.

David

The king bowed his head in recognition of Maugrim’s acceptance, glad to not worry about the status of his pets. Another step in the right direction towards their working together peacefully. Continuing on, the wolf accepted his gifts, and David pulled out a paper to write down a contract, a simple union between the two so that the wolf would attain his rightful wages and property, and that Maugrim could not claim a false narrative should things go awry. As he wrote, Elmira knocked on the door and entered once more, a refreshed tray of foods as well as a couple goblets of an interesting drink in her hands. The tension he felt from her was palpable, but he wasn’t about to cause another disruption, and took one of the drinks with a smile. “Thank you,” he also said, swirling the drink before taking a long sip. Once satisfied, he looked at the woman, gesturing to the paper. “I’m writing a simple contract to allow Maugrim a place to stay and a simple wage to help him settle into the town. I’ll be adding a clause about your assistance in helping him settle, such as introducing him to locals and understanding Folgario’s purpose and goals. Nothing specific, but just so we all know who to ask since you know him best. I’m depending on you to help this union work.” He offered a small smile, trying to ease some of the heaviness between them all before going back and finishing up the writing. Skimming over it, he signed at the bottom before turning the paper towards the two, offering a quill and ink. “You may make any changes you would like if needed, and I can alter it before we all sign in agreement and I seal it.”

Legion

Legion could hear his wife shuffling about the room as he sat and listened, hearing her make herself comfortable before her weight sat next to him on the bed. He opened an eye and glanced over to see she was reading a book, one that was rather small and not seen prior to now. From the looks of it, it looked to have recipes scratched onto the pages. Perhaps she was hungry from the journey. But he had never seen her cook before - hopefully this wouldn’t be her first time while out in the woods. He’d keep a close eye on her just in case he needed to assist. Crawling back to the headboard, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Alyana’s waist, pulling her between his legs as he embraced her middle and placed a few kisses onto her shoulder. Her warmth was soothing. “My beautiful wife,” he murmured onto her skin, curling his tail around her ankle. “Who seems to be hungry.”

Stallion was taken aback by the sudden pull to his mane, throwing his head to shake off the surprise as the mare trotted off, happy with her tease. He watched her find a spot and settle down, and once she collapsed onto her side to enjoy the sun on her pelt, he walked over to her area and nickered before beginning to graze nearby. The male was not one for rolling around, but he could enjoy the presence of his female as she relaxed.

Tobias

As the Queen shared her condolences, Tobias bowed his head to accept it, smiling at the wind chill that blushed her cheeks. It was unusual to see the ruler in such a state, considering the serious matters she had been attending for weeks now. She continued by speaking of her family, of their impact, and he felt the tears as much as he saw them drip down her cheeks. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Your family has always treated your kingdom with kindness, and it will not be forgotten by any of us. They leave behind a great legacy that you follow well. I am thankful you are our Queen.” Smiling down at her, they entered into the slightly warmer stables where, like his queen had stated, Quinlynn was waiting for them. The tiefling assistant beamed to see Inarie, and happily took him into her arms, cooing to him as she brought him back towards the nursery. It warmed Tobias’ heart to see Fraeya so openly accept a tiefling into her court, a sign of growth that would continue into the kingdom’s future. Perhaps the alliance with Folgario would secure that future for good. “You mentioned wanting to know my findings so far, Your Highness,” the archivist spoke, leading her towards Eldrin’s stable which he currently shared with the Folgarian king’s mare. “I have never seen a bond so close between a stag and a mare, let alone the two species entirely, but Eldrin is rather attached. I am wondering if it is because of your bond to King David that he feels the same attachment towards his mount, or his own volition, and that is what I have been studying. It’s not uncommon for stags to pair with does from a humanoid partnership, but I did not think the same would happen across species. It’s really quite fascinating.” He stepped towards the stable block once they arrived, the two in a large stall enjoying each other’s company as Evergreen grazed on some provided hay. The mare turned her head towards the two at their arrival, and temporarily left her snack to walk over and sniff them both. Tobias happily lifted his hand to stroke her nose. “Though less affectionate now as when she came for her first visit, they still are happy to be together. Eldrin is protective of her as you know, but the most surprising part is he is still protective even if she’s with foal.” Moving his hand to her cheek, he stroked the fur gently as the mare watched him. “I suppose it mimics you and the King, with Inarie being the child between. He was still your fiance regardless of who the father was of your son, or even the species.”

Elmira

Maugrim and Elmira

David seemed pleased with the wolves words, progress. With their conversation coming to a close, the King pulled out a quill and began writing a contract. Soon the man had finished the written binding for the wolf-man, signing this would create a bond between him and the king, his people and Maugrim's. Without hesitation, Maugrim gathered the quill in his wolf-like hands and began reading over the document, ready to agree and sign while Elmira glanced over the contents. A smile was on her face, a look of wanting to tease was evident too but the woman refrained for the moment as she responded to David. "Wonderful, this will be a great way to get to know the Folgarian people, and to begin to trust you, Maugrim." She had a genuine smile now, though she hadn't forgotten about her and David's disagreement and discussion earlier for now she was going to be happy for Maugrim and the future of Folgario. "I'll make sure he fits right in with the people, David. You needn't worry about that." She reassured him that she was on the same page regardless of her displeasure earlier. She adored her kitchen, but she needed to focus on Folgario and where she was most needed… El didn't enjoy admitting it due to her stubborn nature, but she did know deep down David was right. "I believe the document is of agreeable terms." Maugrim spoke up, trying to ignore the tease resting in the woman’s eyes. "I do as well." El spoke up a slight grin pulled at her lips. Watching this wolf try to live as a normal citizen was going to be amusing.

Alyana

Reading silently to herself, Alyana mentally took note of each recipe on the first two pages. They were not very difficult, they used mostly wild vegetables and herbs… it wouldn't be that hard would it? Beginning to gently crease the corner of the old books pages she wanted to mark each one she was interested in attempting to make. Turning the page she glanced over the recipes that were offered there as well, that is until Legion's arm wrapped about her waist and pulled her close. "O-oh! I thought you'd dozed off!" She spoke with surprise as he had managed to startle her. A heavy blush rushed over her face as he pulled her to his waist, settling her between his thighs. His lips trailed along her shoulder with each affectionate kiss he placed, her cheeks growing more red. The murmur of his voice calling out to her, only increased the racing of her heart. Legion's tail had soon found its place wrapped about her ankle, yet again he spoke, the low tone of his voice caused her to squirm a bit, however, she didn't try to get away. She was enjoying his passionate behavior. "O-oh, a-am I?" She chuckled as she closed her old book laying it down beside her. "I-I thought you were wanting to do… nothing?" She questioned as she leaned back into him.

Nickering back at the stud beside her, Clover laid there for a moment longer before rolling back up into an upright position before standing back up and shaking her pelt free of any grass blades that may have stuck to her pelt. Once free of debri, the mare happily grazed near Stallion… for once she seemed calm.

Fraeya

Quickly dabbing back her tears as Tobias bowed with respect, she didn't want to cry anymore… she couldn't, her kingdom needed her strong and clear minded. However, it seemed just as she'd cleared her face Tobias' cheeks, nose, and ears reddened more despite the chill that had already blush them previously. Before his eyes could also well with tears like hers had previously, Fraeya had to look away which was just in time for Quin to take the young prince from her arms. "Thank you Quin." She murmured, before returning her attention to her company. "Thank you, my father did what he could to appease our alliances with the neighboring kingdoms, in the end, it became clear he had to do what was right for the people and not just the elves either. I believe my time with David, the brief time my father had amongst Folgarios citizens… he realized just how wrong he was for his previous lack of compassion for all raises. I am also quite sure, my brother had a hand in it as well. You were his example after all." Fraeya spoke with a warm smile as she watched her son and Quin disappeared around the corner back into the castle and ultimately the nursery. With her eyes lingering on the hall, Tobias mentioned his findings which pulled the Queens attention back to him. "Yes," she responded with curiosity to her voice. Following her archivist to the stags stall where he and his mare were housed, Fraeya offered an affectionate smile to her handsome stag, along with gentle muzzle pets for Evergreen. "Yes, I was surprised from it as well…" she paused, clearly wanting to hear more of what the man had to say. With David being brought up however, an ache resonated in her heart, it was a struggle to write to him lately but her kingdom had to take pressedance, there was a war at their doors after all she was sure he'd understand that. "Neither have I… I did not think it was possible. It makes me wonder if the offspring will be viable and if it is… will it survive and reproduce." She wondered allowed, "It's all very interesting, please continue with your study. I would love to hear what the conclusion is at the end." She shared her interest as she offered her hand towards Eldrin. He did acknowledge her, before heading Evergreen back to the hay and allowing Fraeya a quick pat on his rump. "He's still rather moody even with me around too." She grumbled a bit, however, that quickly turned into a chuckle. "Maybe, however, I adopted Inarie. I'm not sure if Eldrin would adopt a foal or even a fawn… let alone accept a foal bred by another male to his Evergreen." She offered her thoughts but she knew Eldrin could be unpredictable, she never would have imagined him breeding with a Mare let alone wanting to keep her around after bearing fruit, sure the offspring wasn't here yet but the mare was getting more round.

David

The king was pleased - and relieved - that the two accepted the terms and would work together to integrate Maugrim into Folgario. He knew they worked well as a team, and it made him question many things of their past, but it would not dwell on it. “Perfect, I’m glad we’ve come to an agreement.” He watched the two sign the document, and once the ink dried, he poured navy wax onto the parchment and pressed his signet ring of an ember crown into it. “It’s sealed, and from this moment until upcoming changes, you are considered an ally of Folgario. Thank you for serving us, Maugrim.” Smiling at the wolf-man, he took a few crackers from the tray into his hand and began to snack. “Are there any questions that I can answer for you, for either of you?” With his free hand, he rolled the paper into a scroll and a flick of his hand teleported it straight into his locked desk, where it would stay safe until he could hand it over to Legion and then be stored properly with confidential documents.

Legion

Legion chuckled softly at Alyana’s surprise, holding her firmly even as she squirmed and settled against him. She warmed more, and he could see the red blooming across her face. It was more amusing than anything to fluster her now that they were married. “I want to do nothing, with you,” he mused, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Were you not just reviewing recipes? I assumed you wanted food…unless you have a different craving." He placed another kiss behind her ear, stroking her side with his thumb. All he wanted was to spend time by her side. He worried that once they returned to Folgario, their time alone would be very limited, similar to the preparations of David and Fraeya’s wedding. After all the years of waiting, he wanted nothing more than to savor every moment with Alyana that he could, no second being spent apart. A week was all he asked for, for now.

Tobias

Though David was a tough subject to bring up to the already vulnerable Queen, Tobias couldn’t think of a better comparison to help the elven woman understand his studies and findings thus far. There was not a clearer picture he could paint. But regardless of the sensitivities, Fraeya was still interested in his work and responded appropriately, even giving Evergreen some pets on her muzzle, the mare appreciating it. “I’ve been thinking the same, worrying that the foal - or whatever we wish to call the hybrid - will survive. But as far as I’ve been told by the stablehands and medical staff, the offspring is thriving and doing well alongside Evergreen. They’re both healthy as can be, which is good news. We aren’t sure of anything beyond that, not even what the foal may look like, but a healthy foal is better than a miscarried one.” He pat the mare’s neck and stepped back, allowing Fraeya to interact with her stag more openly despite the male’s uptight nature. “You make a good point, I don’t think Eldrin would appreciate raising another male’s offspring. It’s not in the nature of deer to let other males run rampant with each other’s females, which is why I believe Eldrin is so protective over Ever. She’s new and different, and carrying his son or daughter, so no other male can approach her and disrupt their family unit. I don’t blame him in the slightest.” The tiefling hybrid chuckled, watching the mare shake her mane before going back to grazing on her hay meal. “Once she’s nearer her time, David has agreed to allow her to stay here and bond with her foal fully alongside Eldrin before returning back home together. He doesn’t want her or your stag to stress more than necessary. After all, this is a brand new circumstance we are experiencing, and it’s important that every precaution is taken. I suppose a comparison to this would more be like David’s court members Legion and Alyana, who I’ve heard are a tiefling and aasimar respectively. Their children would be completely unknown, if they could have any at all.”

Alyana

Blushing madly now she stammered over her words, “Y-Y-You do? You’re re sending-ing mixed sig-signals you know.” She stuttered with a chuckle. Before managing to pick up her book, trying to ignore the heat that was taking over her face and ears. “Th-This is a b-book I managed to save from my home in M-Mellow Fork.” She told him before opening to the second page, from which she had been looking at before his sudden need for love and affection. “N-No, I’m n-n-not hungry.” She tried to focus on the recipes but every word that came from Legions lips made her flush and fidget. Was he meaning to be suggestive? Surely he was. With the kiss behind her ear and strokes down her side a little squeak left the Aasimar. “I… I wanted to to … Try and make us dinner at least one night… “ she managed to say before hiding her face within the thin pages of her old recipe book. Peeking out from behind the book to glance over her shoulder back at him, the woman was rather embarrassed; she didn’t know how to cook well… What woman didn’t know how to cook? Apparently she was one of the few… She hope she could make wonderful meals for her husband and not kill him in the process with it’s possible horrid taste. Looking back at him, she managed to smile through her embarrassment before flipping over to face him. “Are you certain… you want to do nothing together?” She asked him curiously and softly, still blushing madly before him.

Elmira

Maugrim and Elmira

Maugrim bowed his head in appreciation and honor of the new alliance the two had formed together. Lifting his head he smiled at Elmira, proud of himself for going through with such an alliance, he had been, previously, a bit skeptical of. His kind rarely made alliances with kingdoms, they were a wild folk, feral even, it was unheard of for such a beastly creature to form an alliance with more civil beings. Feeling an urge build in his chest, his wolf tail beginning to wag from side to side between the chair legs, he felt the urge to howl beginning to build, however, it wasn’t quite time for a cry of celebration, so he managed to contain himself. “I thank you, King David, for the opportunity to craft such a bond.” He responded as his eyes were not back on David. “At this time, I believe any questions I may have will be left to be discussed when the others return to the kingdom in a week's time.” the wolf answered before glancing towards Elmira, she looked as though she had a question to ask for a moment, this look faded and came back again as she pondered the question. Finally, the woman’s lips parted, “Would the castle be open to house orphans until there is a proper orphanage built in place?” She managed to ask, she already housed a small classroom of children.

Fraeya

With a nod of her head, Fraeya gave a sigh of relief with the knowledge that Tobias was able to provide her with. “Good, now all we need to do is worry about the delivery then, as long as, the baby continues to develop at a guesstimated health speed.” She smiled feeling relieved for the Mare and her Stag.  “Please, be sure to inform me of any changes as soon as possible. I need to keep David updated to the best of my ability.” she told Tobias. Listening to him agree with her previous statement she nodded her head in agreement, “Yes, I’ve never known a stag to accept a child that wasn’t his either. Neither do I, a good stag should never allow other males to come in and steal their Doe’s.” Fraeya watched the mare step away to continue grazing after Eldrin had pressured her away from their visitors. “Indeed, but what will we do if Eldrin still refused to be separated… I don’t necessarily want to be without my stag, but if it’s necessary I’ll work something out with David I suppose.” She hated the idea of not being able to visit her handsome stag… he’d been with her since birth, a born bond held them both together. However, though she wanted to be selfish she wouldn’t split her mount from his family unless he was ready to part ways. “Yes, we should handle it with care, it’s hard telling what could break such a fragile life and unique bond.” she agreed these precautions were needed for this amazingly unique pair. Listening to him mention Alyana and her race so freely caused the woman to shoot him a look before glancing around the stables. “Please, use caution announcing such things in the open. You never know who is listening… “ She murmured to him in a more stern tone than she’d been using. Fraeya had a protective look in her eyes, she cared a lot for Alyana, she was a delicate flower that she would not allow to be hurt on her watch no matter how far away she was from Folgario.

David

David smiled at the wolf, grateful to finally come to a peaceful conclusion to the airy tension surrounding the male and his inclusion into the court. It seemed Elmira was a bit calmer too, and he hoped it would stay that way as time went on. The wolf’s tail began to wag behind his chair, and the king had to bite his tongue to avoid bringing attention to it - he couldn’t imagine that going well. “I’ll be happy to answer questions when Legion and Alyana come back, just keep them in mind. If you ever need me, I’m available in the meantime.” Both men’s attention then went to Elmira, who questioned about housing the town’s orphans in the castle. That was a new proposition. David’s eyes went wide at the thought, but he mulled over it in his chair, knowing the extra space his castle had. “It is rather cold outside…and I know it’s difficult to take care of how many children there are during this time. If you think we have the capacity, food, and staff to help care for them, I don’t see how we couldn’t make that work. I can section off part of the guest wing specifically for the children and we can arrange as needed. I won’t have the most luxurious of items for them, as I will need to buy in bulk to provide, but it’s better than sleeping on the streets. Would you like that as your first project?”

Legion

Mixed signals? Legion thought he was giving two sides of the same coin, but it seemed he had confused his wife instead. She stumbled through explaining her book, trying to focus on its words, but eventually she put it down and faced him instead, giving up on the idea. Though he didn’t want to disrupt her time, she seemed open to his advances, which he wasn’t going to argue against. He grinned softly and pulled her closer to straddle her legs around his waist. “I would be delighted to have dinner prepared by you. Whenever you would like, I will help you make it. It will be a wonderful meal.” He leaned forward and kissed her once, hands sliding to her waist before he laughed softly. “I am certain that I want to do nothing together. That is what this honeymoon is about, is it not? Just the two of us isolated from the world?” He leaned forward and pressed gentle kisses to her neck, trailing his lips up to hers where he left a slow, methodical kiss and pulled her against him. “I have wanted this for a very long time, my Alya,” he murmured against her lips, “to ravish and worship you for days on end. I have since the very first night we slept side by side.”

Tobias

The two continued talking of the pair, glad that the queen was so interested in the continuing development and progress of their bond. There were no others that shared his passion and research, which made it all the more comforting to have his ruler interested and dedicated in his work. She brought up a good point though, of the stag possibly never separating from the mare. He scratched his cheek, watching the two interact in their conjoined stall. “I don’t think they will be inseparable for forever, personally…I believe once Ever has foaled, and the foal grows to a month old or so, they can begin traveling back to Folgario and Eldrin will eventually calm down when she’s away for a long period of time, no longer carrying his foal. That is my hypothesis anyways, and we will see how we can safely play it out. I understand your bond to Eldrin, and would hate to see it broken after so many years of loyalty.” When he continued to speak of Alyana, Fraeya was suddenly quick to silence him, and his face and ear tips flushed red at her correction. “O-O-Oh, I am so sorry Your Majesty, I-I didn’t realize that was a secret,” he whispered to her, his ears pinning back. “I-I thought it was more common knowledge…I’ll keep it to myself from now on,” he promised. “My point still stands though, w-with the comparison and all. We are in new territory with such a hybrid offspring.”

Elmira

Maugrim and Elmira

David confirmed the wolves thoughts, “Then I’ll save any questions I have for the future.and request a meeting with you if anything is needed immediately” He said with a nod before looking to Elmira. The woman spoke about the Orphans, he was wondering when she would bring them up.. After all the orphans were not just Folgarios anymore, El, his pack mates, and himself had already brought many children to Folgario for refuge from slavery. If it wasn’t for El’s cottage being on the outskirts of the main village it wouldn't have been easy or possible to get them into the kingdom safe and sound. Maugrim kept his eyes on El for a moment, she looked as if she was ready to argue why he should allow it if at all necessary. She was passionate about children, he knew she wanted more of her own too, she hadn’t told him that personally he could just tell from how motherly she was with all of them. At this time Maugrim had returned his attention to David, who was mulling over the request before accepting on the condition that they have enough to provide for them all. “That wont be a problem at all!” Elmira chimed in, her eyes were bright and confident. “I’ll gather what I know we will need right away.” she said jumping to her feet nearly knocking the chair over with her sudden movement. “They don’t need to look like little lords and ladies, they just need shelter, food, and warm clothes and a bed to sleep in.” She shared the eagerness in her voice rang out as she bounced towards the door as her feet shuffled with the urge to run to get what they needed right away. “Yes, yes this will be my first task!” She shouted back as she rushed out the door. Quickly her foot steps shifted to hoof beats as she rushed down the halls towards the front doors. Watching this scene unfold Maugrim couldn’t help but let out a bellowing laugh once she was gone. “That woman loves children, it’s to bad she’s not a Lupin..” The wolf teased before looking back at his king, the wolf man’s tail was still saying back and forth, happy to have seen such a sight given the tension from earlier.

Alyana

As Legion grinned softly at her, pulling her body closer to his and settling himself between her thighs, Alyana was beginning to realize what he actually meant by ‘Nothing’. With his hands sliding down her waist her told her he could help her with their meal… that it would be wonderful and made by the both of them. This made her smile, her blushed cheeks as rosy as ever. “Y-You’d not rather me make it m-myself?” she asked him to confirm his previous statement once more. Alyana’s heart increasingly pound within her chest the longer she sat there straddling her husband. Her gem-like hues gazed up at him, her pink cheeks making them look even brighter than usual. His hands resting on her waist, that gentle laugh of his, it was all so tantalizing… When he said ‘Nothing’ it didn’t mean literally nothing, he meant doing nothing he had to do on a regular basis. So, he did want her, no matter how tired he was from the journey he still wanting to be there in that bed with her, caressing her, kissing her… feeling her. If her heart could beat and faster she would probably pass out from the rush. “Wh-When you said noth-nothing… I thought you meant literally nothing. No-Not this.” She murmured to him before kissing him back gently at first before rolling smoothly into a more passionate kiss. A pleasant moan left her as she felt his lips trail along her neck, his words being responded to with her soft pants of anticipation. It didn’t take much to make the young woman melt in his arms.

Fraeya

Tobias understood her worry about Eldrin and Ever’s bond not weakening. However, the man seemed sure that the bond would lesson over time, especially after the hybrid was born. “I hope you’re right.” She sighed before quickly correcting the man’s mistake. He stammered on his words, clearly startled and embarrassed from his slip up. “Do not let it happen again.” she told him her eyes narrowing on the tiefling. “That knowledge is only to stay within my castle walls, within my courts secure meetings. Once this war is over, I’ll become more lenient with this but as of right now it’s too dangerous. I don’t care how strong her husband is, it's too dangerous right now to become careless.” she told him in a hushed stern tone. Having finished her correction, the Queen nodded in understanding of his comparison before looking towards an open window to guess the time provided by the natural light outside. “I must be heading back to throne room, it’s time I meet with the lords and lady’s of this land.” She shared a touch of her schedule with him before beginning to turn from him, “Was there more you had to share?” She asked not wanting to leave before he was finished.

David

It had been a long time since David had seen Elmira so eager, so thrilled towards a project, towards anything really. She left the room in such a rush that it took him a moment to catch his breath. He knew the break from the kitchens would provide a reprieve and advancements in their slave rescues, but not to this point. Maugrim however found the whole thing very amusing, his tail wagging the whole while. The king chuckled in surprise, taking a drink of one of the provided glasses. "She does love children…what would being a lupin have to do with it though?" He asked curiously, not wishing to insult but rather inquire about the difference. He knew about Saela, and had a suspicion she wanted more due to their past conversation, but she harbored such devotion to the orphans that he figured she would be adopting as many as she could handle at this point. Perhaps she refrained due to the fact that choosing any may cause favoritism, or a desire to help as many as possible and caring for more than her biological daughter would cause a shift in priorities. That, he could not blame her for. David himself wished he could provide more care for the orphaned children of his kingdom, but so many needed his help. Elmira was the perfect person to be in charge of them for the meantime.

Legion

Legion chuckled softly as she asked about his request to cook with her, thumbs stroking her sides under her shirt. "I only wish to spend time with you, and learn more about proper cooking skills. If we can learn together, we may continue to do so when we are back home. But if you want to tackle it all solo, I will encourage you from the sidelines." He gave her yet another kiss, infatuated with the heat beginning to pour from her body. She very well may burst into flames, and he'd be all the more enticed to see it. His kisses began to roam, going down the column of her throat to her collarbone where he brushed his nose against her skin. "'Nothing' has many definitions to me," he mused in a low voice. "It could be reading in silence, watching the rain fall down our windows, a walk through the forest." With each definition, he placed a kiss continuing upwards again. "Something that indulges our innermost desires, the things that break us away from responsibility. Nothing means many things. Nothing, could mean this." Snaking an arm around her waist, he turned them over and let out a satisfied growl, kissing her again with his own desire rising to the surface. "I am completely and utterly infatuated with you," he murmured to her, his eyes glowing with an intense silver glow. "There is nothing I want more in this world than you."

Tobias

Tobias was startled by the Queen's sudden tone shift, now quickly becoming protective and sharp towards him. He took a step back, almost frightened by the change. This wasn't something he anticipated. "I-I'm sorry Your Majesty. It won't happen again, I swear it." He lifted his hand and pressed it over his heart, swallowing the knot that formed in his throat. Once she finished, he could let out a small breath of relief, but the impact she left lingered in his chest, a small pain of disappointment in himself. "No, no I was finished," he responded. He would never bring up the Folgarian healer again if this is what it got him. "You-You may go attend to your subjects. I'm sorry for taking so much of your time." To prevent holding her back further, he gave a deep bow of respect before rushing off, face flushed with embarrassment. To think he was so quickly reprimanded from just a simple word…

Once the queen was back inside the true castle walls, an armored male waited by the doors, hand on the hilt of his sword as he bowed to her arrival. "My queen," he greeted. Though handsome in features from elven blood, the dirty blonde beard gave his partial human side away, contrasting against the dark brown of his eyes. Upon straightening, he was very similar in height to the queen, but he showed no qualms about the similarity. Rather he smiled and took her side. "I am your escort for the day, Vaun has taken his leave. I am Reuben, and it is an honor to serve you." The male had never been the personal escort or knight of the queen, but there was always a first time, and today would be the time. Due to the sudden death of the king and crown prince, the knights of the Queen's guard were on high alert, and constantly assigned each other to her side to protect her. Though their protection could be called off by Fraeya, Reuben was determined to show he belonged among the knights. "I am told by your lady in waiting that you are on your way to the throne room. I will be attending as your personal guard for the hour and am happy to assist with whatever you require."

Alyana

“Al-alright, then I don’t mind you hel-helping me… we can learn together.” She managed to say as she blushed from his gentle touch and low tone. His kisses only further made her heart race, they were so sweet, filled with his gentle love and passion for his mate. Legion’s kisses began to travel downward, each gentle notion tickled her throat as his beard trailed along the way. Soft moan escaped her with a touch of a giggle. Her husband stopped at her collarbone, his lips parted to inform her of his definition of “Nothing”, a chuckle left her “I’ve taken notice.” she responded, her blushing cheeks pulled into an amused yet flirty smile. As he defined his “Nothing” for her he kissed her, traveling back up her neck this time. Alyana’s heart continued to race, pleasant noises left her as she enjoyed his teasing, his company. Finally, Legion finished with his last definition, moving his arm around her waist and quickly turning both of them over. Eyes wide with surprise, Alyana was now looking up at Legion as he growled down, a seductive look in his eyes. Blushing madly he kissed her once more, his desire to have her continued to rise with each touch. Wrapping her hands around his neck and shoulder area she pulled him close, returning the kiss with an equal amount of passion. “As I am with you… “ She murmured to him in response, her aqua hues glimmered in the dim light of their room. Legion’s husky voice just shared with her how much he desired to enjoy every last bit of her like he had their wedding night. Squirming underneath him in anticipation, Alyana let out a little moaning of excitement, “Are you surtain?” She smirked up at him as she allowed her fingers to twiddle with his beard hair as she seemingly wanted to tease him.

Elmira

Maugrim

Maugrim looked to David as he asked his question, causing the Lupin’s ears to flick forwards, a bit of surprise rolled over his muzzle. However, that surprise fell before turning into a bit of a grin which he tried to contain. “Well, let's just say it’s rare for a female Lupin to only have one child per litter.” he chuckled softly, yet it faded pretty quickly. “Elmira would be so much happier if she had someone at her side.” he said this as he stood up shifting back down into his four legged wolf form. Stretching and shaking out his pelt, the huge canine looked back at him. “When you’ve decided where I’ll be housed, you or your ninja’s will be able to find me at Elmira’s cottage.” He shared as he stared slightly up at the king. Given his words, lingered just a bit to make sure David was done speaking, though he was a wolf such actions as to walk away when being spoken to were still considered rude.

Elmira

Running out the door and out into the village, the centaur quickly made her way to the tailor. It didn’t take long for the horse woman’s hooves to carry her right where she needed to be. Shifting back down into her more human form. The woman looked around for the shopkeeper, who met her promptly after entering. “Elmira! It didn’t expect to see you so soon. I’m sorry to say, but your new attire has not been finished yet.” The redhead answered as she picked up a bolt of material. “I’m actually not here for that… I was wondering how much you wanted for all the materials from last winter and any other fabrics you no longer have interest in selling.” Elmira got to the point quickly. The woman’s eyes widened for a moment before motioning for El to follow her. “Well, we have a lot… I was going to donate it to the stables to be made into rags for the equines… Not sure what you’d want with them.” the tailor muttered as she walked to the storage doors which held the fabrics. When they opened, Elmira’s eyes brightened, “So you were going to donate them? Will you donate them to the castle?” She asked the shopkeeper who thought about it before nodding. “Yes, I can do that. May I ask what it’s for?” the inquiry was expected, “Yes, it will be for the orphans of the village. It’ll be made into clothes, bed sheets and blankets.” With that information the woman nodded and began counting out the bolts. Some were partials, others were completely full. “I’ll have a wagon bring them all to the castle by this evening.” She confirmed before writing out a recipe of donation for Elmira.

Fraeya

Watching Tobias become frightened, Fraeya felt her gut turn. The queen had to turn her back for a moment, she shouldn’t have been that harsh. “I’m sorry Tobi-” However as she tried to apologize, the man had already vanished. A heavy sigh left her as she placed a hand to her forehead, she should have been more gentle with him… it was an honest mistake, there was no need to lecture with such a tone. Looking in the direction the man had rushed off in, she sighed heavily, “I’ll apologize after I’ve finished meeting with my people.” She murmured before turning to head towards the castle.

Walking inside her castle, Fraeya still felt guilty for snapping at the young man from earlier but she did her best to hide that concern which rolled around with many others in her busy mind. Stopping at the door as she was greeted with a respectable bow, the Queen greeted her new guard with a kind smile. “It's nice to meet you Rueben." Freaya greeted him before continuing to her throne, "Yes, I have a scheduled meeting with my lords and ladys.." she informed him as they traveled down the hall. "Has there been any word… have the guard found my brother and fathers assassins?" She asked curiously.

Tarjinn

Tarjinn watched his daughter chew on her jerky, enjoying its taste for her temporary breakfast as they waited on the two felines to return. As she continued to eat however, she asked where her mother was, and he smiled a bit down at her. “Mama is out getting us breakfast with Mellow,” he explained. “She won’t be too long, we have to get up and travel again today once we all eat. We are pretty close to Tarshious, but we have to take another path than what we were expecting, so the sooner we leave, the sooner we get home.” It was odd to refer to the country as home, but he would have to get used to it. Esme would be his wife, and they would settle either in the castle or the castle town, so it would become his new home. It would take some adjusting once they arrived - hopefully Esme and her family would give him the grace.

Mellow Rain

Mellow gave the woman a curt nod, scanning the trees before finding a suitable one and scaling it quickly. It wasn’t hard to get into position, maneuvering along the branches to search for her prey. The cold was less biting in the leaves, but she could still feel some brushes of ice wind against her fur, her tail and spine shivering with the temperatures. How she hated the cold - she would much rather be in the tropics, soaking up sunlight and warmth. But she had to bite through it and get food before she starved. Her green eyes peered down at the snow, and after what seemed ages of waiting, she caught movement from a bush, and a rat scurried out from nearby foliage, cleaning its face. It gave her the perfect opportunity, and with a snap of her bow, she aimed for the creature. Just her luck however, it hit the tree behind it, and it fled into the opposite direction. She cursed under her breath and quickly loaded another arrow, firing again at the scampering creature. With a squeak, the rat was flung from the impact, lying dead in the snow soon after. Mellow was proud of her catch and whistled to Esme, giving the location of the prey as she moved trees and continued to look for something else to take home. At least she had something to show for herself. For that, she could be in a slightly better mood for the day.

Kanajo

Kanajo still had to take everything the male said with a grain of salt, skeptical of his trust towards these strangers, but she had not resided with them in their journey or prior and couldn’t exactly judge because of it. Simply nodding, he then explained the relationship between the two beastfolk sitting a few feet away, talking quietly. “It is an interesting pattern to be born from two white parents,” she commented. “And surprising to have only one as well. I have not heard of catfolk having few kittens - perhaps that is the result of Dragonborn genes.” She mulled over the thought, observing the two before letting out a sigh. “Even more surprising that she has survived this long in the mountains, but I can’t say I see too many catfolk to have a true understanding of their species.”

Reuben

Walking through the large hallways of the castle, Fraeya inquired about the investigation surrounding the assassination of her family members, and Reuben frowned to be asked about such a morbid topic but would oblige his queen anyways. She deserved to know everything being shared. “We are closing in on identifying the evidence left from the scene. Bloodbeasts and spells are being used as we speak to track the scents of the attackers as far as they are carried. We are narrowing on suspects, however individuals haven’t been taken into custody as of yet. Our only current leads are Mellowfork and Haathes, but our searches will reveal more specific information. It’s still a long road to a prosecution, but the teams are working day and night to find their assassins. We will find them and bring them to justice, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head to any other guards passing, making sure they knew his position at the time and would not interfere or try and step in to take his place. He had enough of that already, and wished to show his capabilities to his queen first and foremost. “My father is a local historian and is looking into any records pertaining to the attack. I relay his findings to the teams directly. I have told you all we know so far, but we do have a gathering tonight to discuss the updates found. Even Folgario is assisting in the hunt, as King David has sent a team of his finest radars to search and investigate. We are doing all we can.”

Legion

”Am I certain?” Legion chuckled under his breath as he leaned into her touch, his clothing becoming far too restrictive for his tastes. “How do you wish for me to prove my words true, my love?” Slipping his hand under her shirt, he brushed his fingers along her side before swiftly removing the piece altogether, tossing it aside. He then settled himself comfortably between her legs, his tail curling swiftly around her ankle. “There are so many ways to cure my hunger…I could give you a taste of each.” A smirk curled across his lips as he pressed kisses to hers, a hand wandering further and further down her body. “Or, perhaps, you want to see the true strength of a tiefling, experience beyond what you see before you. There are so many possibilities you have yet to see, to feel.”

David

Though David was initially amused by Maugrim’s comment, his next caused a knot to form in his throat and catch his breath swiftly. He thought maybe the wolf was implying something, but in the short time of knowing the male, that couldn’t be the case. He was simply stating a fact. The king had always found it odd that Elmira never settled, not after all these years, especially with her desire and dedication for children. She could have had her pick of anyone, even the town baker she seemed to have an affinity for. It wasn’t hard to see how wonderful of a wife she would be to any man of her choosing. “I agree,” he responded, before nodding. “I will have one of my ninjas meet you there and escort you. Expect them no more than an hour from now, I’ll send my summons and coinage immediately.

{Skip - Couple Days Later}

It had been a whirlwind of activity at the castle, getting prepared to house many orphan children from the capital city and keep them safe during the impending war. Though chaotic, David was appreciative for the distraction from all that bothered him. Today would be the day Elmira would escort the children into the castle walls and settle them into their rooms, and she couldn’t be any more excited judging by all the work she was putting into the project. He knew it was a good idea to give it to her. Saela had even been around more to help, in turn able to play with his son, Kliff, and Yumeia in between. It was a comforting sight to see them all enjoy each other’s company. As he placed blankets embroidered with each child’s name on their respective bedding, a ninja came to his side and announced the arrival of their new guests. He thanked them and whisked away to the foyer, where he could greet Elmira and her grand crew of orphans.

Fraeya

“Good, at least we are getting closer to an answer…” She felt satisfied with the information she was given. It was troubling they didn’t have an answer just yet but knowing they were getting closer to the answer rather than further from it was satisfactory enough. “Thank you,” she was happy to know this guard was a bit more useful than her own personal meat shield. Fraeya had given up on running the guards off, it was just easier to comply with the unwanted company then to shoo them off every twenty minutes, this way her court was satisfied with her safety. “Wonderful, then you can report to me as soon as you’ve found something or have more information?” she questioned him as she carefully walked up the steps to her throne before turning and sitting down gracefully. She didn’t comment on David’s mentioning, she ached still with having to be apart from him, the first month apart she’d been able to write frequently but, these last two months have been difficult. When was the last time she had the time to read one of his letters, as far as she knew the man never failed to send them yet… she had been failing to respond in a timely manner however. Finding herself wandering off in thought, Fraeya quickly shook her head clear mentally, to focus on her subjects who were about to enter the throne room. Sitting there a court courier brought her the scrolls for this particular meeting, each scroll gave her a run down of what each visitor had wanted to discuss.

Alyana

She wasn’t prepared for what Legion had to say next, for a moment she was speechless, too worked up to utter a word. When his hands slide under her shift, lifting it from her skin and ultimately off her person, she felt like her heart would beat out of her chest. Oh what had she done, she’d gotten him all sorts of determined now. “O-oh?” She managed to stammer out as he was now positioned perfectly over her, between her legs. Her breaths were stifled as his hand wandered lower and lower down her abdomen, Alyana’s earlier confidence had dwindled under his determination, but she wasn’t fearful or alarmed in a way she wasn’t curious, no, she was very curious given the wonderful experience they had the day prior. He’d opened up an entirely new world to her, one of pleasure and passion which she wasn’t sure if she’d ever experience up until then. Those books she’d managed to read in the past were quite something but nothing like the real thing. Alyana’s shyness was taking over, she couldn’t manage to tease or anything at the moment, cheeks a blazing as she gazed up at her husband.

Elmira


Maugrim

David agreed with him, it was easy to see, the woman was lonely but she filled her time with children and work to fill that void she for some reason hadn’t tried to fill before now. “I’ll be waiting.” He responded before leaving the room at a trotting speed for a wolf. He needed to speak with his pack about the day's events, so the sooner David’s ninja came for him the sooner he could inform the pack of their new alliance.

(Couple days later)

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

A couple days had passed, Maugrims pack were aware of the change, the alliance they now held with David’s kingdom. Some were not so sure about it, but like every change came adjustment. Standing outside the castle, the male helped lead the children to the castle, keeping them from wandering off. “Stay close, young ones.” A feminine voice sounded from behind Maugrim. The voice belonged to a female lupin, her fur was a creamy color, her paws and face roaned with a deep red color, her back and shoulders slightly darker with charcoal grey than the rest of her body. The most unique part about her wasn’t her lightly colored pelt, however, it was her eyes. The female had heterochromia, two different colored eyes, one white and the other a creamy golden hue. “Thank you for the assistance Maliha.” Elmira sounded from just behind the female Lupin and Maugrim. “I don’t mind helping, there are no young in the pack to watch over either, I have plenty of free time to help with these children.” She told her, a classic Lupin smile on her muzzle. Once inside the castle, Elmira went to the head of the group to lead everyone inside to David so he could speak with the children before going to their new rooms. At the end of the group was Maugrim and Mahila. “Are you sure I should be here?” Mahila asked her alpha, “You’ve not brought any of the pack this close to the castle before… “ She murmured to him. With a reassuring nuzzle the alpha let her know it was perfectly okay that she was there. Elmira smiled as she could now see David just ahead, “We’ve finally arrived! My apologies it took a little longer than I imagined it would getting all of them ready to make the move.” She shared. Each child was packing along their own belongings, what little they had… most were things Elmira had given them during the time they had been with her.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai


Suu

Understanding her fathers words, Suu nodded her head and went back to eating her jerky. Every little noise or motion her eyes and ears caught though, caused the little lynx to look towards the exit of the cave. It wasn’t often she was away from Esme for very long, given previous events it made the child uneasy to be without both of her parents.


Esme

With Mellow gone to her own perch, Esme would quickly and quietly find her own. She was built for the snow, the cold temperatures, neither of the two elements bothered her. Finding a suitable tree and rocky ridge, Esme hoisted herself up into the pine tree and over onto the rock ledge. This was suitable, she was hidden from incoming prey and the rocks were to her backside, so nothing could truly surprise her. Sitting there, her icy hues scanned the forest, it took some time after the two had passed through but finally a Snow Rabbit had made itself known to her. Readying her bow, Esme quietly pulled her arrow from her quiver, placing the arrow on her bow she pulled the line taught before finally lining up her sights. Letting the arrow free, it cut through the air hitting the creature just right to kill it instantly. Thrilled with her kill, Esme quickly jumped down from her hiding spot and retrieved her kill. Removing the arrow she quickly stuffed the animal into an old hunting bag so its scent would be muffled to reduce unwanted predators. Wandering through the snow, she debated on whether or not she should try to get another rabbit. About that time however, Mellow had whistled, giving Esme the signal she’d caught something and was going to continue on looking. Finding another perch, Esme returned the feline's call letting her know she had a kill as well. Getting comfortable within the trees, the Snow Leopard watched the forest below for any more life, nothing too large due to their need to leave soon but at least something of a decent size. Time passed and the sun was starting to shine, still nothing else had shown it’s self to Esme. She was happy she had caught the rabbit but she had hoped to have something else to bring home as well. Letting out her finally whistling call to Mellow, Esme decided it was time to go back to everyone else. If it took them any longer they wouldn’t have time to cook the meat before leaving.


Mordecai

Look at Kanajo as she commented, “Suu is adopted.” he clarified, “I didn’t feel that that was necessary to share, she has parents that’s what matters.” He added, “I’m not clear on all the details of how they came across Suu, but she’s a sweet child. Sometimes a little trouble maker depending on what she sets her mind to but a good child over all.” He shared a small smile on his face. If it wasn’t for Suu he probably would still be in that trench with the rest of the dead slaves, or eaten by those death consumers.

Legion

Legion was more than pleased that Alya had suddenly become speechless, her entire body warming with a red tint as his hand brushed down it. To make his wife so flustered by his touch was always his favorite, and now he could worship her their entire honeymoon alone. He couldn’t wait to see all he could do with her, all she would respond to. “I love you,” he murmured in a growl, grinning as his hand reached its final point. “And I will show you all the ways I do.”

~~~

He didn’t know how long they had spent together in their bed, but he knew he was elated in the clouds by the time they were too exhausted to continue. The tiefling was completely spent, something he had never been able to say before, and he was more than happy to have a wife to do so with, going through each and every one of his suggestions to truly give her the experience of a lifetime.
After bathing, he accompanied her to the kitchen of the cabin, where they could prepare the dinner she had been wanting to make earlier. He wore only pants, just enough to keep from pulling her back into the sheets. “There is something I did not mention about tieflings,” he mused as he pulled out ingredients from the pantry and icebox, things they had bought as they traveled to their home for the next week. “When we bond with our mate officially, we have a heightened drive for about a week afterwards. We are obsessed with our mates and will not leave their side. So, there may be another day between us like today.” Chuckling, he walked up behind her and pressed a kiss to the back of her head. “But, you are welcome to push me aside whenever you feel it is too much. I want to please you and give you the bliss you deserve, but I understand the exhaustion that comes with it. Do not let me pressure you into anything.” Setting a loaf of bread on a cutting board, Legion began to slice a few pieces, grabbing one to eat uncooked to fuel him enough to eat. “Regardless, my love, have you chosen a recipe for us to prepare?”

David

David was pleased to see all the children together and excited to come into the castle, watching their bright eyes take in their new home. He had not experienced it since Yumeia first came with her father, who he saw walking in alongside the group. Elmira was quick to come up to him, and he gave her a smile. “No worries, I was preparing their rooms in the meantime. I see we’ve got plenty of help, which will be useful. Everyone can settle into their beds and organize their belongings before lunch. I’ve had it prepared ahead of time so you can sit and enjoy it for once.” Turning to the children, he cleared his throat to get their attention. “Welcome to the castle! I am King David, and my staff and I will be taking care of you for the time being. We’ve prepared you all individual beds and separate rooms by girls and boys so you all have quiet spaces. There’s three girl rooms and three boy rooms, and we will show you which one you will each be a part of. There will be signs as well so you never get lost. You can ask any adult in this castle about anything and we are happy to assist you. It doesn’t mean you can get anything you want, but we do want to make this a home for you until you can find a family or grow into the citizens of Folgario that you are all destined to be. A part of being in the castle family is joining the school, which you will all be doing. We have classes set up just for you that you will partake in every day, depending on your age and talents. Eventually you will all get to participate in the yearly tournament. It’s a lot to take in, but let us take you to your rooms!” Giving a look to Elmira, he began to lead the now very chattery children towards the guest wing, answering questions given by the frontmost children as much as he could.

Toma/Saela

Toma was very nervous to say the least when he saw just how many children were arriving to the castle. Having helped with the kitchen staff all morning and bringing Yumeia to entertain Kliff and Fenrinn, he was totally unprepared for the amount of food they were making. His bakery looked so meager in comparison. But, nothing could have prepared him for when he went to help with the group and saw a beautiful female vulpine following Elmira. His face burned red as he ducked around the corner, observing her from afar. Her dark fur was so different from his, and he had never quite seen someone like her before. Judging by Elmira’s height, she was also taller than him, and carried herself with so much confidence, unlike himself. He went through a thousand different methods of greeting her before he sucked in a breath and jogged up to the group, coming up beside her with a still warm face. “H-Hey there, um, my name is Toma, I-I’ve never seen another vulpine before a-and I just wanted to introduce myself.” He scratched the back of his head, smiling meekly. “I-Is there anything I can do to help?”

Reuben

”Of course, Your Majesty. Your ears will be the first to hear any updates I have for you.” Reuben bowed his head with a smile before following her up to the dais. He took his place to her right, facing the room with a steady gaze. His task was to protect her, and if any men dared to threaten her position, he would be the one to face them directly. It was a very precarious position to be in, but Reuben was assigned to protect her with his life. He would sooner die making sure she lived than any other position he could take in Es’lond. His parents would be so incredibly proud of him. Queen Fraeya looked through the scrolls of concerns before the line of nobles started coming one by one into the throne room.

The first male, an elf traveling from the edge of the kingdom, came forward and bowed deeply in respect. His long black hair traveled almost to the floor, pulled back into a neat ponytail down the back of his robes. “My deepest respects, Queen Fraeya,” he spoke, straightening when a respectable time had passed. “I am Lord Erym, Duke of Oshallone. Recently our city has been bolstering our perimeters in preparation for the incoming slave traders. But we have had an influx of escaped slaves entering our city, and we are running out of space to house them. We fear we will be overrun and our resources thinned before the war, and will be overtaken and destroyed quickly. We require a stipend to provide transport for the slaves, as well as to purchase food to provide them with food. As you likely know, they are starved and in need of a larger quantity of supplies just to keep them alive. We want to provide safe passage for them of course, but we are such a small city founded solely on defending Es’lond, Your Majesty.”

Tarjinn

Tarjinn yawned again as he sat with his daughter, keeping her warm amidst the cold exterior of the cave. He noticed just how jumpy she was, and wanted to do something to keep her from being too scared, but could understand the fear of being away from home, and away from her adoptive mother. “Mama will be back very soon, I promise,” he assured the kitten. “Then we will get to travel to Tarshious, and you will have your very own bed and get to rest as much as you want. Won’t that be nice?” He hoped by distracting her he could help ease her somewhat. “You’ll get a whole new wardrobe too, and you can pick out all sorts of things you want to wear.”

Mellow Rain

Keeping to herself, the jaguar prowled the trees in search of any scattering prey, anything that caught her ear or eye. She wasn’t particularly fond of the snow, as everything seemed to blend in and the cold bit at her fur, but she wanted to at least seem somewhat useful to the group. Climbing up a taller tree, she waited for a few minutes before she caught sight of a bird flying overhead. Her heart lept into her throat as she aimed, swiftly shooting the animal to the ground. Upon hopping down to fetch it, she saw it was a hefty hawk, and she pinned it to her belt alongside the rat before a whistle came through the winds from Esme. She whistled back, tracking where the noise came from and swiftly making her way back to the snow leopard. “A rat and a hawk,” she spoke, showing the catches from her side before seeing the rabbit from the other woman. “Once prepared, we may have enough to spread around just enough before we get into your kingdom.” Mellow knew her stomach ached for more food, and her meager fat stores were eaten up by the day, but she would make do with the scraps they were able to get before they reached the castle and she would raid the kitchen until she had eaten her fill.

Kanajo

”Ah, I see. I suppose it wasn’t necessary, I apologize. I’m not used to seeing mixed families, especially of catfolk, so I wasn’t certain if it was a normal outcome. She is their daughter regardless,” the reindeer centaur agreed, turning her gaze back to her company. “How long have you all been traveling together? You seem to be quite comfortable with all of them, but I can’t imagine coming from very far away considering the two others are winter bound.”

Alyana

After quite the excitement and plenty of rest after, Alyana and Legion found themselves in the kitchen. The Aasimar’s hair was still damp from their earlier shower. The young woman wore an evening gown, nothing fancy, just something comfortable to wear. Holding her old tattered book tightly in her hands, still a bit flushed from their earlier activities, Alyana let out a sigh of content before loosening her grip on the book and placing it on the counter. “Oh?” She blushed as Legion mentioned something she wasn’t aware of about tieflings. “I- I see.” She stammered, ears getting hot all over again. With his lips pressed to the back of her head, she could feel the steam wanting to rise from her body all over again. “G-Good to know.” She chuckled as she pointed to a recipe in the tattered old cook book. “I was thinking of a simple venison stew.” She told him. “ she was trying to ignore the heat growing on her body, she personally wasn’t ready for another round yet. “I won't, I promise.” She told him a bit of a giggle leaving her as she began looking through the meats they had available. “If we don’t have Venison I’m sure we can use a different kind of meat.” She shared as she glanced through what Legion had laid out for her and what they had in the ice box.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

Elmira couldn’t help but beam with pride, “Yes, I couldn’t have asked for better assistance.” she told her King. Stepping back, Elmira stood silently beside David as he spoke to the children, her eyes were bright as she was happy the children would finally be safe behind the castle walls and actually have room when sleeping, no more sleeping on straw beds and old furs. David’s comment about her sitting and enjoying lunch for once made her playfully roll her eyes. She would silently be judging the cooks technique even though it was someone she trained. David spoke to all the children and told them where they’d be staying and what their expectations would be while living here under the Kings roof. Excitement barreled through the children, Elmira hadn’t told them everything about the move, just that they were moving somewhere behind the Castle's walls. She wanted it to be a surprise, something that would, for once, bring joy to the little ones faces. Once David had finished Elmira began dividing the children up, “Toma, you will take boy group one, Maugrim, you will take boy group two, and David will you take boy group three?” She asked him. Meanwhile, Maliha divided up the girls into three groups, ready to pair them with their chaperone leader.

Cosette

Smiling warmly down at the children, Coretta helped the littlest of the children carry their comfort toys and blankets. This way, no one lost their special items during the journey. Gently speaking to the children as they walked, for a moment Cosette was unaware of her admirer for the time being. It was only after David had finished speaking to the children that he came forwards "Oh-oh hello." She paused for a moment a little surprised to see another of her kind in these parts. "Its nice to meet you Toma, my name is Cosette. Yes actually I think we could… would you mind taking one of the boy groups to their rooms?" She asked before waving a hand at Elmira who then spotted Toma and was quick to assign him a group. Cosette soon had her own girl group as well, same with El and Maliha. "El, whos the Vulpine?" She asked a curious look in her eyes. Elmira smirked at her long time friend, "His name is Toma… he's a baker." She added causing Cosette's ears to perk, "The baker?!" She questioned only receiving a quick nod before El started to lead her own group.

Fraeya

Looking up from her scrolls, Fraeya listened to the lord’s words. They needed the assistance, the money, the means to feed and protect the slaves, as well as themselves. “Yes, for now I can send you with enough to feed the refugees, however, I’ll have to discuss the larger sum with my treasurer.” She informed the lord. “We will do anything we can to help the city and refugees. I am working on devising safe transport for them as well… The small cities like yours have not gone unnoticed, I promise you that.” Fraeya provided what words of encouragement she could, money was always a subject that had to be fussed and discussed.. If they had enough soldiers and materials she would be able to provide a lot of assistance as a donation but unfortunately, things were not that simple.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai


Suu

Tarjinn was effectively calming her down, her little body shivered a bit from the cold and anxiety of worrying for her mother. However, with something on her little belly, the warmth from her father and the fire, the cub started to fall asleep once more. She dreamed of her new room, clothes, and all the fun things she’d be able to do once they were safe back in her home land, a land she didn’t remember, Tarshious.

Esme

Hearing yet another call cut through the chilly wind, she knew Mellow was returning as well. “Nice to see both our hunts were successful in this weather.” She smiled at Mellow, “Don’t worry my family will feed us well once we are safely within the castle, no one goes hungry.” Esme reassured her, seeing the hunger in her eyes as they stood there. With that being said, the snow leopard began making her way back through the snow to the Cave. It wasn’t long before the two had returned, pulling the furred animal from her belt she smiled at Tarjinn, “Would you be willing to prepare it for us?” She asked, “”Mellow also got two kills for us, She was a little more lucky than I was.” She chuckled happy to have been able to go out with the female, it made her feel a little less disliked by that cat.

Mordecai

Shaking his head Mordecai smiled at the woman, “No need to apologize… There was no harm done.” he reassured her. Upon asking her next question Mordecai had to think about how long it had been since he’d joined the group. “I believe Esme and Tarjinn came from Thornhedge… They found me not but a couple days from the village within a slave dumping trench. I believe all together… I’ve been wandering with them for 4 or 5 months now.” He shared as he readjusted his fur blanket over his shoulders.

Legion

Legion was amused by his wife’s returning heat, but didn’t want to rush her into anything after seeing how tired she was not too long ago. They needed something in their stomachs for fuel or they’d never get anything done, productive or otherwise. “I like venison stew, I believe I picked some of that meat up.” Searching through the ice box again, sure enough a small portion of venison was wrapped there and he brought it out to dethaw on the countertop. “It is not much, but should do the trick,” he affirmed. Walking over to where she stood, he curled an arm around her middle as he glanced over her shoulder at the recipe she had out. “What can I do to help?”

David

David was more than happy to take his group to their room, interacting with the boys as they walked. They all seemed curious about their new home, with a couple seeming more timid or upset. He hoped they would adjust in time, though he knew how difficult it could be to change a routine and a similar safe environment. Glancing over his shoulder to ensure the other groups were cooperating, he showed a few shadow fire tricks to the boys, who were fascinated and wanted to learn how to do it themselves. He simply laughed and told them it would be something they would grow into eventually, but assured them that they would all have unique tricks once they came of age.

Toma/Saela

Toma quickly took to his group, walking alongside Cosette’s so they could continue talking. They got separated temporarily as one of the boys was eager to hold his hand, and he did so willingly before catching up. He only caught the tail end of it all, hearing the female vulpine’s surprise at his job. Was it good surprise? Or was she disappointed? He really couldn’t tell. “Y-Yes, I-I’m the town baker. I adopted one of the orphans, a little tiefling girl, not-not too long ago. Elmira wanted to use some of my breads for the harvest ball and I’ve been assisting at the castle ever since…Yumeia, my daughter, has become good friends with the prince and his friend so I’m here often. King David has graciously allowed me access to come whenever called.”

Reuben

“Thank you, Your Grace. My town thanks you for your generosity.” Bowing again, Lord Erym took his leave from the room, and the next filtered in with their request.
There was a longer line than usual, which Reuben contributed to wanting to take advantage of the queen’s rule and gain advantages not previously offered by the king due to his decisions. Luckily, he remembered most and was able to give advice to Fraeya on what they had asked for, what they were given, and why they had returned. He did not want the queen scammed on any topic, least of all the lords and ladies that could take control of her by their honeyed words or sympathetic requests. Just because she was newly crowned did not mean she was dumb or unaware of the kingdom’s comings and goings.

After a couple hours of divulging with the nobility, the  end of the line was announced and the last couple people filtered in before the doors were closed and all final tallies were made. A small woman came forward and listed the agreements made to be finalized and sealed later by the queen before the meeting had come to an end. “You did well, Your Majesty,” Reuben complimented. He didn’t know if the queen wanted encouragement, but he knew he would have if he was newer to a position. “You will become a target for those nobles as time goes on and entering into the war…keep your guard up and never be afraid to consult prior agreements or charts to make your decisions. Your father was very diligent at keeping records and it served him well. He made many enemies during his time on the throne, but many advantageous allies as well.” Smiling slightly at her, he gestured to the exit. “If you are finished, I may escort you to your next destination, if you so wish.”

Tarjinn

It didn’t take little Suu long to fall back asleep, likely still exhausted from the night prior, and he couldn’t blame her. The heat would be soothing for a kitten like her. He looked up as he saw two figures approach the cave, and smiled to see his betrothed and old friend return to the gathering. “Excellent catch Esme.” Trading off, he handed Suu slowly to Esme as she sat down before taking the rabbit and making quick work of skinning it and adding it to a spoke over the fire. Once that was beginning to roast, he cleaned the skin using cold water and a knife before coating it thickly with salt and rolling it up to tie and place into one of the saddlebags. It could cure while they traveled alongside the other pelts they had collected, and he checked on those as well while Mellow prepared her own catches for the fire. “I may have told Suu some things that may not be true,” he mused quietly to Esme as he worked. “Like having a bed for her own, a new wardrobe…I am not certain what will be provided, so I apologize if she doesn’t get exactly what I told her. I have not been in a castle nor among royalty before. Which, speaking of…how will our arrival work?” he asked. “Are we summoned to a grand room, are we greeted at the door like a home, are we…sneaking in somehow, using your title as Princess to walk right in?”

Kanajo

“Four or five months? That’s a very long time.” The woman was shocked, giving a look over to the group now that everyone had returned. She was aware of the jaguar’s side eye given to her, a watchful eye over the newcomer speaking with Mordecai. The tabaxi seemed a bit protective over the male, and it concerned her, but would not speak up about it. It was not her place. “I am thankful they saved you though, if it has been this long and they’ve treated you well then I am more assured that they are not saving you for some tedious work down the road.” Crossing her arms, she settled easier as she waited for the group to finish cooking their meats, eat, and set off once again to cross the rest of the blocked terrain. “What do you plan to do, once in Tarshious? Is there something or someone you are returning to, or is this brand new territory?”

Alyana

With his hand around her middle, Alyana smiled up at him lovingly before looking back at the book, “You could help me peel and chop some potatoes and carrots.” she suggested as she leaned back against him, loving his warmth and presence. They had wanted this for so long, it was almost like it was a dream that they were now alone, in a dainty cottage with one another. If only there wasn’t a war going on… Shaking the depressing thought aside, she found the knives and sat them on the counter. “I can do the carrots, you can do the potatoes?” She questioned.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

Elmira admired David’s kindness towards the boys, his quick actions to cheer them up and bring them more joy and happiness then she could offer at her cottage. She wished she could have allowed him this with Saela… her eyes wandered towards her child who was tagging along. Maugrim had caught on to this as did Cosette, a touch to her right arm from Cosette and a low murmur from Maugrim, “Don’t make it too obvious.” he grinned at her causing Elmira to blush and hurry off. Cosette swatted at Maugrim who at first wanted to growl at the vulpine but he kept his manners about him, he has always had a love hate relationship with Cosette since he met El. “Why don’t you go talk to your lover boy.” Maugrim teased the fox before getting wacked in the face with her tail as she playfully led her girls down the hall, “Don’t mind if I do.” She mouthed to the wolf before making up fun songs with the kids to help them remember where all the necessary rooms were. Maugrim sneezed before scowling, which received him a chuckle from Maliha, “What, you’re not on my side either?” He asked, “Of course I am Uncle… It’s just nice seeing such friendship, kindness, all in on one effort.” Though the male was proud of his niece he couldn’t help but tease her, “Such a sap you are.” He grinned before calling out to his little group, “Alright kids, Hop on and keep up!” He said as he was then tackled with laughing kids and followed by those less enthusiastic. Lastly was Maliha, her group didn’t know her all that well, which made the walk a bit awkward at first, “It’s okay lady’s, I’m just as fun as Maugrim over there. Come on Get on my back.” She offered a smile and wagging tail got her some smiles and few climbing up on her back to sit perched for the ride. She was surprised her uncle could put up with the fur pulling it was… kinda painful.

Cosette

Surprise fell over her as the male vulpine had seem to have overheard her conversation with El. Feeling her cheeks flush she tried to hide her embarrassment by naturally continuing their conversation. “Your bread and other baked goods are wonderful.” She complimented, her fox tail swishing back and forth quickly. “Yes, I think I’ve noticed her around Elmira’s place before playing with Saela… It's nice to finally meet the male who took her in.” she said as a child took hold of her hand giggling all the way. She was glad to see so many of the kids happy, though there were some that were not as gleeful. It was a step in the right direction, eventually they would all settle. Trauma took time to heal, she of all people knew that.

Fraeya

Once the doors were closed, the seals were set. Fraeya let out a soft sigh of relief. She never realized just how tiresome these meetings were. “Thank you Reuben.” She thank him before placing a hand to her head, her head was beginning to pound from a long day, let alone the stress she felt caving in on her. “Yes, records are my friend, as they were for my father before me.” She murmured before returning the smile. “I need a bit of fresh air… I have time before my meeting with my court.” she shared with him before she crossed her arms and began towards the exit. A walk in the gardens would be nice, so far there had not been any disturbances close to the castle, she was tempted to send Rueben on his way for the time being.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai


Suu /Esme

Taking the child from Tarjinn as she sat down, holding her little warm body close to her own she smiled at the man as he confessed to have possibly told some lies to the child. “She will have all that and more.. Knowing my parents they will give her all she needs and then some.” She chuckled before placing a kiss to Tarjinn’s cheek. “Well, I haven’t heard from them in quite some time… When we arrive in Tarshious I’ll call for a courier bird and write a letter of our arrival… This way they will know we are well on our way to the palace.” she shared as she tucked a bit of her own hair behind her feline ear. “And once the people see me, they will know without a doubt who I am.. There are not many snow leopards in the world that are not of royal descent.

Mordecai

Looking at Kanajo, he thought about her question for a moment, “Tarshious is brand new territory for me… it is Esme’s home land, knowing it’s under attack and she’s in need of those who can help her kingdom fight.. I want to help, I want to fight to end the slavery that is plaguing us beast folk.” he shared his determination with her. “That is why I agreed to come with them, I want to pay off a debt even if I’ve not been required to.” Pulling an oat biscuit out of his bag he chewed on it a bit, not being one for meat it did his best to keep small rations for himself. He didn’t want to bother the group with finding edible greens in this weather.

Legion

Legion was pleased he was given something to do, but he stayed embracing Alyana for a moment as she leaned against him. It was moments like these he would treasure, able to be content with his wife without the stresses of what was going on back home. They were completely and utterly away from the plagues of war and misery. He squeezed her slightly, kissing the top of her head a few gentle times. “I will peel the potatoes,” he murmured. “Is there anything else I can do?” Picking up one of the middle sized knives, he pressed a kiss to his wife’s shoulder before finally parting from her and picking up potatoes to slice and peel the skins off of. “I am not proficient in many skills related to foods, but I do know how to prepare and clean ingredients due to my time in exile years ago.”

David

It didn’t take long for the king to arrive to the hall of rooms, leading his group into the left side and the furthest room from there. Upon entering, the room revealed six beds, three on either side of the room, all with individual sets of sheets and pillows as well as an embroidered blanket and a chest on the end of each. A large window seat was at the far end of the room, looking out to the dense forests surrounding the castle and kingdom. The boys were a mix as some rushed in, some others walking in cautiously, but due to Elmira’s planning they all found their specific bed and placed their meager belongings on their bed or in their chest. David enjoyed seeing their individuality, their excitement in a new environment and seeing all the trees and expanse of the grounds they’d get to explore. One little boy however, a little faun boy with tiny horns and hooves, stayed at the door with the king and clutched onto his leg. David looked down and bent to his level, smiling softly at him. “You’re welcome to go in, Cortland,” he said quietly, noticing the only belonging the boy had was a worn rabbit plush. “Your friend would like to explore.” “There’s too many,” Cortland responded in a whisper, cowering behind the king when he heard a particularly loud laugh. David sighed, but took the boy into his arms and lifted him up to carry him on his hip. “That’s alright. You can walk with me for a little bit.” The faun was content with that answer, resting his head on David’s shoulder as the king left the boys to settle and checked on the others arriving into the hallway.

Toma/Saela

“O-Oh, thank you so much.” Toma’s face burned heavier, unseen beneath his thick fur. “I-If you are staying for lunch, I-I did bring some of my treats for everyone that you’re welcome to.” He then smiled and nodded, reminded of his daughter with a few of the children following the adult leaders. “She’s a wonderful little girl…she was always around my shop and I couldn’t bear to leave her alone when she was the one who wanted to be with me and even help make my breads. I-I know Elmira has a daughter…do you have any children?” he asked, glancing up to her with round eyes, tail wagging behind him.

Reuben

Reuben noted the tension in Fraeya, and was not surprised that she made a beeline for the outdoors. He hopped off the dais and followed beside her. “Of course, Your Majesty.” Nobody blocked the woman’s path as she made her way out the doors and into the gardens, the snow dusting the paths being cleared by a few winter-born servants for the safety of everyone passing through. Reuben didn’t mind the now, but was utterly unprepared for the cold and shivered beneath his leathers. “You are alright without a coat, my lady?” he asked her, surprised she was not bundled head to toe.

Tarjinn

Tarjinn nodded as he listened, blushing slightly at Esme’s kiss to his cheek. He rolled up the skins upon checking and resalting them all, placing them securely back in the saddlebags before scooting back to sit next to his bride and watch her rabbit cook. “I see, that is interesting,” he mused. “I didn’t realize you were so well known,” he teased with a soft grin. “Tarshious is not so far from Ivoryfang I’ve discovered, but we won’t be passing near it. It is interesting to be back in the mountains where I was born.” He breathed in the winter air blowing in, still content. “Does…does your title and recognition mean we will have many eyes on us towards the palace?”

Kanajo

“Hmm…I see,” Kanajo responded. She pondered on his sacrifice for a moment, and upon noticing his eating of a biscuit, reached into one of her side pouches and pulled out a couple bars of nuts and honey for him. “We will pass through my village on the way towards Tarshious…you may be able to recruit some people towards your cause. Many of us are anxious about the slave war impending and want to do something about it. You wouldn't believe how many people came to us from your same conditions...they couldn't make it all the way through the mountains and we were the only ones able to keep them from falling altogether. These ranges are very secure, but also extremely dangerous, as I can imagine you know. Slaves were desperate to escape, and we see more and more trying to traverse through here. You're lucky to travel with a group, and it will be enticing to my village to continue their mission of ending slavery after escaping it themselves."

Alyana

“Thank you.” She smiled up at him loving his gentle kisses to her head before finally separating from him to get to work on the vegetables. Pulling out a bundle of carrots they had managed to bring with them, Alyana laid them on the counter, Skimming through the recipe she began opening all the cabinets looking for something. “Do you know… if … There is a …. Cauldron here?” With each pause she had been looking in another cabinet or closet. She felt.silly to ask for such a thing, it's what the book said to use. Spotting a kettle, the girl lit up, “Do you think this will work?” she asked Legion as she tried to pick up the kettle, It was rather heavy being cast iron. How did Elmira do this every day, several times a day?! The woman had to be strong!. Stepping back from the kettle she looked over at Legion with pleading eyes for help. “Would you please take this to the fire place for me?” She asked him embarrassed she couldn’t lift the dang thing. “Good, at least one of us knows a little bit about preparing foods.” She chuckled, clearly embarrassed by her lack of knowledge in the field. “I have to admit… I didn’t pay attention when my mother tried to teach me to cook… I was more interested in herbal remedies than wifely duties.” She admitted, her cheeks and ears as pink as a rose.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

Elmira lead her group into their room, the girls seemed pretty excited. Their girly squeals and wonder echoed through her groups room. However, the centaur was worried about a specific few, it wasn’t just the girls either. Watching the girls for a moment longer, she made sure they each found their beds and placed their things where they needed to be. Turning her attention to those in the hall she spotted David and in his arms was one of the youngest of the boys, Cortland. He wasn’t just the youngest, he was also pretty shy… she was worried he wouldn’t acclimate well to the group home but this was the best option for the children, the safest option. “Cortland? What's the matter, dear?” Elmira asked as she approached the two of them.

Maugrim watched Maliha as she properly took care of the children, getting them to their room and even helped settle them in. For a moment, Maugrim hadn’t seen the wolf come out of the room. A wave of concern washed over the Alpha so we quickly trotted to the door way just to check in. Peaking through the door he found his Niece on one of the beds, the kids curled up around her as she comforted them with an old Lupin pup story. Her group seemed to be one that was more frightened than others, particularly the little one between her paws that had a deathgrip on the female's neck fur. He watched for a short time before hearing a little boys voice come from behind, “Maugrim Maugrim! Can you read us a story too?!” That single voice multiplied causing a chuckle to leave the large male, “It’s not time to sleep yet.. Are you sure you want your story now?” He asked as he turned to to back to their cozy abode.

Cosette

“I can probably stick around…” She smiled at Toma, her tail swishing from side to side as she continued to admire the male. “How old is your daughter?” She asked before she arrived at her groups room. Luckily it happened to be just across from where Toma’s group belonged. “Come on girls.” She said sweetly, “Your warm cozy beds are just through these doors.” She beamed happily for the children. Within her group, some of the older girls were more overwhelmed with worry and concern to really enjoy being within the castle. There were a few younger girls who bounded in, they were young enough to ignore the war for the time being. Looking back at the Male Vulpine, Cosette smiled over at him, “And no, I don’t have any children.” She told him, her left hand now held her right as she gazed over at him.

Fraeya

Taking in a deep breath as she stood in the fridges fresh air of the gardens. Fraeya had closed her eyes for a moment, Reuben’s voice sounded from the darkness of her eyelids. Opening her golden hues to look over at the man she watched his body begin to quack from the chill in the air, “The cold doesn’t bother me all that much.” She answered before removing her royal clock and putting it around the man. “There, that should help you… Do my guards not have winter attire?” She asked him, shocked by the discovery. Looking around she tried to spot any other guards to see what they were wearing. Taking a few more steps away from him she sat down on a bend nearby, allowing the cold air to help ease her headache. “If you need to, you can go inside and get heavier attire… I’ll stay right here.” She told him knowing just how cold he was… her thin clock was not going to offer much protecting from the cold.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

Esme chuckled, “It’s not entirely recognition of me per say, it’s more the recognition of my pelt… Most Snow leopards from these parts are of the Royal family. My pelt comes from my mothers side of the tree.” She shared, “Being one of their less significant children, I’m not recognized by my name so much as I am my pelt.” She clarified however, Hearing the newcomer's words caused the Snow Leopard's ears to perk up. Had she really heard her right? They would fight for their cause.. “If you’re certain, I’ll send word as soon as possible to my family's kingdom” Esme spoke up, her eyes set on Kanajo, hope filled them. Her grip on her child tightened a bit, more help ment they could fight this evil, they could get through this horrible point in time.

Mordecai

With the offering of nuts and honey, Mordecai nodded his head gratefully taking them with both his hands from the female, “Thank you, I appreciate it Kanajo.” She smiled at her looking her in the eyes. He taking a bite of the nuts and honey, he about choked as Kanajo made her decision so quickly to help them in their cause. His brown eyes rested on her for a moment before looking to Esme who was just as stunned, however she managed to get the words out before the centaur could manage to. He had hardly noticed her mentioning the slaves making it up through these parts out of desperation. “Are there Slave refugees at your home town now?” He asked as he clutched the nuts in his hand, what if… what if his family was actually alive?

Legion

Legion’s eyes flashed upwards as he heard Alyana struggling with something, and saw her trying to pull a kettle out while asking him for assistance. He rushed over and pulled it out of her arms, taking it over to the fireplace to hang it appropriately. “You should not have tried to do this yourself, my love,” he mused with a chuckle. “But I appreciate you trying. It should suffice for the two of us.” He went back to peeling the potatoes as she spoke about her past, and her lack of listening. It caused a smile to form on his face. “There is nothing wrong with learning herbal remedies. Just because you are now a wife does not mean I expect you to learn the stereotypical skills of one. I have never expected anything but devotion in the work you surround yourself with, and have admired what you know since you arrived. We are both learning these duties together. Pulling the skins aside into a bowl, he rinsed off the knife and put it aside before rinsing his hands. “What other tasks do you consider wifely duties? And what husband duties do you expect me to fulfill?”

David

Cortland looked over as Elmira walked up to him, pulling his plush toy close to his face as she asked him if everything was alright. He glanced up at David, as though seeing if he was allowed to answer, before his gaze went back to the woman he was familiar with. “Too many,” he murmured in a muffle into his toy. David swallowed nervously and glanced at Elmira. “I think he’s a bit overwhelmed with all the commotion. He’s letting me hold him until things calm down.” The faun didn’t make any motion to agree with the man, but was content to curl into him further and clutch his rabbit tightly in his little hand, the other gripping David’s shirt.

Toma/Saela

Toma had to hide his delight at hearing the vulpine would likely stay, and focused his attention on her next comments to avoid melting into a pile of fur. “Y-Yumeia? I-I would say between six and eight, I-I don’t think either of us know. She’s about the same age as the prince as far as I can tell…they get along really well.” He nodded as she mentioned her lack of children, leading his group into their room and making sure they were well behaved before he turned to continue speaking to Cosette, an ear turned towards the room behind him just in case. “W-Well, I guess if you wanted one, you have a lot of children here now!” he said in a quiet tease, not wanting the children to hear. “I-I didn’t think I would have a child until I found a wife b-but Yumeia was so easy to bond with that it was just…natural.”

Reuben

Reuben immediately regretted speaking up as Fraeya immediately turned her attention on him, placing her royal cloak upon his shoulders. He froze, but not from the cold, unsure of what to do with the simple action. To anyone else, it could be a sign of deeper affection, but surely that was not the case?! Panicking, he cleared his throat and tried to address the issue at hand. “N-Not many of us are suited for the cold, your highness. Funds are very low for personal attire and it is rarely this cold for this long in the wintertime…the trees normally protect us against the chill but I hear rumors that the forest is scared, prepared for the kingdoms uniting against us.” He always thought it was a ridiculous rumor, but he wouldn’t tell that to his queen. She requested he go and fetch something to keep himself warm, and though he was not supposed to leave her side, he didn’t want to disobey her either…taking her words, he bowed and rushed inside, trying to be quick about attaining warmer clothing. He just hoped she stayed right where she was to avoid being lost to the guards’ eyes.

Tarjinn

“I see…I suppose that makes more sense. Your pelt is very unique compared to others, such as Mellow.” The dragonborn tilted his head when he thought about her mother’s side, which brought him more curiosity. “Does that mean your father is not a snow leopard? What is he instead?” Esme’s attention however was turned towards the reindeer centaur, and would sit back and let them converse instead.

Kanajo

Kanajo was not expecting the reaction she received, suddenly all eyes on her in the silent cave. She blinked, weighing her words before she sighed and adjusted herself on the ground to speak clearly to the group as a whole. “I don’t know how many would join you, the numbers entailed…but yes, there are some of my village that have spoken about rallying. I can imagine with the right words and support they would come with you to help your kingdom.” Her eyes turned to Mordcai, who looked like he could choke on one of the bars she gifted him. “There are a few, yes, in varying conditions. You’re not the first to make it up here. I couldn’t count on my hands how many have come here just this season so far - more and more are coming, too desperate to flee anywhere else.”

Fraeya

She silently listened to his panic as she sat there waiting for him to finally take the bait and leave. It didn’t take long, his feet carried him to the castle and the doors shut. Looking over her shoulder quickly she smiled, “Finally…” She murmured before standing up and shifting into a white doe. Taking off through the garden and into the trees. She needed a moment away… some peace and quiet, that’s all she asked for. Wandering around the snow covered forest she recalled what her guard had mentioned, It had been a while since she’d been able to tend to the forest… It could be scared, but she was also worried it was angry more so than scared. Standing within the large ice covered pines, Fraeya lifted her doe head placing her muzzle to a tree to listen and feel the nature around her. There was hardly a sound in the forest, she couldn’t feel the life of the forest through all the ice, at least right now she couldn’t not with all the stress she carried with her.

Alyana

Watching Legion easily take the kettle to the fireplace, “Yes, I’m glad I at least attempted it.” She told him with a giggle as she gathered some water in a bucket to power into the kettle, it would need to be boiling for the veggies. “I know, I just always thought it was nice when my mother did these things for my father… “ She shared with her husband the small things she noticed between her parents. “Um, well… “ She thought about it as she dumped the water into the kettle and went back to the counter to peel the carrots and chop them up. “I suppose my father always brought home meat from his daily hunts.” She shared as she poorly shaved the carrots, at times taking off more of the ‘meat’ of the vegetable then the bitter skin. Chuckling softly as she reminisced of her parents, “I don’t expect anything of you though Legion.. Just be there for me like that’s all I ask.” She smiled over at him warmly, paying little attention to her blade for a moment. “Do you have any expectations of me?” She asked him curiously.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

Looking at the little boy as he hid himself behind his rabbit, Elmira looked to David. “Are you comfortable with holding him until then or would you like me to take him?” She asked curiously not wanting David to be held back from any other important work he had to deal with this same day. For now, it seemed all the other children were doing alright, nothing sounded a miss and all the other chaperones were keeping an ear on their group if not their entire being.

Cosette

Sharing his daughters age, Cosette was surprised at first that he wasn’t exactly sure but she should have been, being an adopted child she probably lost her parents.. Like many of these children here had. “I’m glad she has you, let alone a friend such as the prince.” She smiled happily for Toma’s daughter. Soon the conversation about her own littles ones had come up and at first when Toma was about to suggest she adopt a child, she could have sworn he was going to suggest they have a little one together. And in the split second her eyes got large before realizing what he had actually intended. “O-O-Oh ye-yes one of these days for sure.” She chuckled embarrassed from her silent misunderstanding. How could she think he was going to ask such a question… man where was her vulpine mind at?!

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

For the moment, Esme removed one hand from around Suu, the other still firmly around her keeping her warm with the extra fur blanket and fire’s warmth. Her free hand she placed on Tarjinn’s to allow him the piece of mind that she had heard his question and would answer it as soon as she was able. Listening to what the woman had to say, clearly not everyone was ready to rally against the enemy just yet but a few was better than none. “We will take what we can.” Esme spoke up a smile on her feline face. It was possible they could walk out of Kanajo’s village with a few more hands to help aid in the war. After things had been discussed, Esme looked to Tarjinn taking her hand off of his, “My father, i'd say, looks something like a lion and tiger cross. He has the mane of a lion but pale stripes of a tiger… He’s also albino in coloration.” She mentioned to him.


Mordecai

Kanajo had said there had been many slaves, more than she could count, that had managed to come up these mountains. A tinge of hope tugged at his chest, eating the rest of his honey nut bar he tried to get his excitement under control as he laid there beside the reindeer woman.

Tarjinn

Tarjinn was thankful to be heard, allowing Esme and Kanajo speak about the freed slaves for a while before her attention was brought back to him, explaining her father's appearance. "I see, so similar to the caravan leader but the opposite colors," he said, trying to picture the male in his head. "I'm surprised you carry your mother's pelt so strongly, not that it's a bad thing. It makes me wonder if our kittens will carry it strongly as well." He tilted his head as he gazed at her, smiling a bit. "Do your siblings side more with the snow leopard spotting as well? Are any of them albino like your father? I don't mean to pry, I just like having a visual so I am prepared for who I meet on arrival. You know I'm not used to anyone like you."

Mellow Rain

When the rabbit was done cooking eventually, Mellow switched it out for her two smaller catches, dividing up the rabbit by size and need amongst the group and giving herself the smallest portion. She would take more of her own catches to make it fair to the others. She offered a piece to Kanajo, but when the woman politely refused, she shrugged and handed it to the trio instead. The back of her mind rolled however, wondering if the reindeer would be following her neighbors to Tarshious. Mordecai was obviously interested in getting to know her further, and it knawed on the back of her mind. Mellow was the one who had been traveling longer, she didn't need some male eyeing some new candy walking into the cave. But it wasn't like she was head over heels for him either. The traveling was simply making her lonely for intimate company, is what she told herself. Watching Tarjnn and Esme ogle each other made her want to either block them out of her mind entirely, or have her own male to tangle with to not feel so out of order. With the reindeer in the pack, she'd be one extra. She stared at the Hawk and rat upon the fire, her mind spinning as much as the cooking meat.

Legion

Finishing his work and waiting for the next task, he listened to his wife happily and watched her work according to the recipe. Eventually she made her way back to the counter and began peeling the carrots, though he noticed just how much she was cutting off what was meant to stay. Pushing himself off the counter, he meandered over and chuckled softly as he quickly showed her a better grip for the knife in her hand before he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I expect you to be my wonderful wife. Luckily for you, that is what you will always be." He kissed her again, aching to take her back to their bed but refrained from doing so. It was so difficult to keep distance from his mate when he was so eager to show her just how much love and devotion he had for every part of her being. She was completely and wholly his. "I do enjoy hunting, so if I am able to do so again in the future, I will fulfill the role of hunter and provider. Back when I was first given my role, he and I would converse while we hunted for our meals together and that provided a pathway towards our respect towards each other. I would be delighted to offer the same provisions to you." His tail curled around her ankle as he stood beside her, allowing her to work as necessary but also stick to her side for the time being. "You have always taught me new things, and reignited my love for foliage and flowers that I have always wished to indulge in. If there is any physical expectation you wish to meet, so there is contentment in your heart, teach me what you learn, so I may grow alongside you. I may not understand all you speak of, but if you are passionate about it, I wish to be involved and help keep that within you for all of your days. Seeing you happy and your love of life will fulfill me beyond anything else, my love, my Alya…my wife."

David

David couldn’t help but laugh a bit at Elmira’s offer, shaking his head. “It’s not a problem at all. If Cortland wants comfort, I’m happy to provide it to him.” He glanced down at the boy before looking back at his friend with a wider smile. “I remember when Fen was this little, he never wanted to be carried. He was such a stubborn boy and swore he could walk hundreds of miles on his own two feet! He never made it that far, but I do miss the days when he was small.” Reminiscing on the past, he looked down the hall to see the others mingling and settling their children groups down. “Are these all the children you’ve been helping take care of all this time?”

Toma/Saela

"I'm glad as well. I know as her father I provide certain comforts, but having friends her age makes all the difference. I'm just surprised she bonded with the prince of all people." Toma laughed a bit, tail wagging behind him. He was surprised when Cosette was suddenly so embarrassed, not catching on to what she could have been so flustered about, but politely didn't ask to make any of it worse. "Do you…do you want children down the line?" Wait, she just answered for sure, why would he ask such a question? He slammed a hand to his face. "I-I am…so sorry…you just said so." He let out a small groan, becoming more wrapped up in his own head. "I-I don't talk to girls like you o-often, I'm so sorry…"

Reverse Harem

There was an interesting shift in the air as the male looked up from his work. He felt the change within his core, an alert to warn him of a change beyond what was normal for the area. He was too far from anywhere to be disturbed so easily. He slipped out of his home, observing and tasting the air to find where the shift had come from. It wasn’t too far from where he stood. He shifted carefully into the form of a fox, weaving through the trees and following the trail of another being, an unnatural web that fled quickly past his small abode and territory. It didn’t take long to find the strongest end of the trail, and shed into a cougar, blending in with the trees and creeping up on the being to find a beautiful white doe. She must have survived well through the winter’s beginning, but would come to a poetic end, he thought to himself. Crawling on silent paws, he picked up speed faster and faster to follow her before he ran alongside her path and got close enough to lunge when he was overwhelmed by her magic presence and was forced off his trai, growling in protest as he swung around and landed straight in front of her path, face to face with the golden-eyed doe. With the male’s ears pinned back, he prepared to pounce, but another wave of her magic pressed against his and his eyes flew open when he recognized the scent of the queen of Es’lond. Unable to move, he stood frozen before her a few feet away, mouth slightly agape as he tried to form the words of an apology, and many, many questions.

Alyana

With his help and a gentle kiss placed upon her lips, the healer was able to more carefully peel the bitter skin from the carrot without taking off to much of the “meat’ of the vegetable. “Thank you, Legion.” She smiled up at him before placing another kiss on his lips, a loving look in her gem like hues. “I expect no more from you then that from you as well.” She told him a smile on her face as she finished the carrot peeling task. “Would you be willing to cut up the venison? It needs to be cut into… inch thick cubes.” She said as she read it from the old book before her. Taking the finished carrots she began cutting them up into bite sized chunks as well. Careful not her cut herself she responded to Legion’s comment about hunting. “I don’t want you to feel like that’s what I expect of you though… That is just something I remember my father doing for my mother. Life was hard in Mellowfork so having fresh meat on the table was always something my father did for us..” She explained. Alyana would like fresh meat caught from Legion though, it would be nice to have a personal home cooked meal from time to time just with Legion. Feeling Legion’s tail curled around her ankle made the woman look up at him, she couldn’t help but smile warmly at his comment, “I’m always happy to teach you Legion, there is much to learn.” She stated before putting her knife down, giving him another kiss and a hug. She couldn’t have asked for a better husband… The gods were crazy for thinking this wasn’t right for her for her mission in Folgario’s kingdom.
.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

David was so kind and loving, it warmed her heart how he didn’t mind to comfort the child. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it then.” She smiled at them before stepping a bit to the side to check on the others briefly and just with her eyes. David began to speak about when Fenrinn was little which caused the woman to look back at him with her full attention. This made a sentimental look roll over the woman’s face as she thought back to when Saela was small as well, “Yes, those days are greatly missed even by me… They grow up much too fast.” she admitted missing her own daughter's little antics. She was 8 years old now, very much so no longer a toddler. David’s next question made the woman look back towards the hallway where the children once were. “Yes, this is a large portion of the children I had been caring for. I was able to find foster homes for a handful of others. I still check in on them to make sure they are being treated well. I still have a couple teenagers staying at my cottage, but they refused to come to the castle… Given their age I felt it would be fine for them to stay since they were uncomfortable with the move. I think mostly they wanted to wait and see if any of their siblings or family members would appear…” she murmured the last bit to him as she crossed her arms.

Cosette

“That is quite something isn’t it.” She giggled as the Male beamed happily about his daughter. She tried to force the embarrassment she felt back into the shadows. However, he ended up asking her once more if she wanted children, again she blushed madly before answering even though he had began to apologize, “No, I do… one of these days I do want children of my own.” She told him her tail wagging again as she blushed under her fur. “No need to apologize, we Vulpine are hard to come by these days.” She comforted him, her pawed foot twisted on the floor as she spoke. “Will your daughter be present at Lunch?” She asked him curiously, she’d seen Yumia before but had never met her one on one before.

Fraeya

Standing there trying to sense the presence of the forest, she could almost feel something… watching her. Taking a glance around she couldn’t particularly see anything in the snow, nothing standing out at least… She took a couple more steps forward, her hooves crunching the snow beneath them. She continued onward, but soon halted, was something following her? Her ears flipped backwards as she turned to look, again there was nothing there, from her angle she couldn’t see any predatory tracks left within the snow either. ‘Maybe I should head back to the castle after all…’ she thought silently to herself. As she turned to face forward, she was met with a Courage, his eyes and lips raised as he stood there before her. His ears were pinned back flat against his head. She was stunned staring at him, she was nearly food… Why didn’t she run though? His expression quickly changed as well, it was as if he somehow recognized her… What should she do? Should she run, avoid the stranger all together, act as though she was never roaming the forest alone, unescorted? Or should she speak to him… confront him? Frozen, the two of them stood there staring at one another, neither forming any words but seeming to want to. It took a bit more thought but, running in this situation was the best option, she didn’t personally know all of her guards or men… what if this was one of them patrolling… If she gave it away that she really was the Queen all best were off on her getting any alone time like this again. Her panicked mind settled and she turned and fled, throwing snow in the courgers face as she took off heading somewhat away from the castle in hopes to lose the male and shift into something with wings.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Months had passed since Kilrune was first able to feel his little one kicking, Ailani’s stomach had grown but not as big as everyone had thought it would, at least not until now. Her stomach had dropped a bit lower, making her look much more round then she was previously looking. It was hard to get around, the woman waddled, no one was to bring it up, her mood was rather grumpy towards the subject. The nice had been restless lately, she couldn’t sleep and her body ached all the time. Last visit with Dr. Pine advised she rested as much as she could and kept her feet elevated due to some general swelling. With some pain making sleep achievable, Ailani managed to sit up in bed and signed, “I just can’t get comfortable…” She muttered to her lover. He was probably still out, he was getting better sleep then she was these days. Standing up she wandered down the hall, waddling with every step. She was craving meat… ham, steak… anything to get the want to cease for the time being… to get her mind off the “false” contractions she was experiencing. Down the stairs and into the kitchen the woman went, slowly but surely she made it to the ice box to pull out a cured ham, “Ahh yes, he picked more up!” She beamed with excitement as she picked up the whole ham hock and bit into it like a savage child.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

“Sort of yes,” She agreed with a smile on her feline muzzle, “It’s not very common, only two of us have held our mothers pelt. The rest of my siblings are a bit of a variation being more tan in coloration or simply looking that of a lion. My oldest brother held my fathers albino pelt, however, he’s no longer with us.” it was still hard to talk about but she managed to keep tears from forming. Forming a forced smile on her muzzle she leaned into Tarjinn while Suu slept in her arms. “It’ll be nice when you can meet everyone.” she told him before looking towards the others. Her ears flicked as the meat sizzled and popped over the fire, Its aroma began to rise in the cave causing her stomach to grumble. About that time the Rabbit was divided amongst the group, Mellow then began cooking her own kills. “Mellow, you’re welcome to have some of my rabbit while you wait for prey to cook.” Esme offered some of her food to help tie the other feline over till her meal was finished.

Mordecai

Mordecai watched as the reindeer centaur rejected the meat, he didn’t blame her he wasn’t much of a meat eater either. There were times he caved the protein but it was very rare and he generally ate eggs in those instances or well in the last couple months that is what he generally did. His brown hues traveled over to Mellow, she seemed rather unpleased but it could have been because she was hungry too. “Why don’t you come over here and lay on my back where it’s warm, Mellow?” he offered a bit of a grin on his face as he lifted the fur that laid over his horse back.

Tarjinn

Tarjinn listened intently, thankful that she was comfortable enough to share about her family even with her brother’s death still fresh in her mind. It hadn’t been that long ago, but he knew how much she grieved for the family member she loved so dearly. He wrapped his arm around her as she leaned against him, curling his tail with hers. “I look forward to meeting everyone. I’ve always been the leader of my family clan, so it’ll be interesting to be more towards the bottom of the ranking.” He chuckled to himself. “For once the pressure won’t be solely on me, and that’ll be a nice feeling. I won’t have to have all the answers.”

Mellow Rain

Mellow’s attention was drawn away from her meal as Esme addressed her, and she gave her a blank stare in response, not quite pulled from her spiraling thoughts. It took her a moment to respond. “I caught some meat myself, you and yours deserve better quality meat. I’m content with bird and rat.” She looked back at the creatures in question, ready to mute the world around her again, when Mordecai’s voice pieced through and her ear flicked towards him. He was really offering his backside? She turned her head over her shoulder and found him lifting the pelt off his back to allow her the warmth he offered. Her eyes went to Kanajo, who wasn’t bothered in the slightest, and she mulled over her options in her head before sighing and grabbing the now cooked rat, letting the hawk continue to roast as she walked over and settled herself on the centaur’s back, pulling the pelt over her and chewing on her snack as she kept an eye on the other meat. If he was going to offer himself to her, with that big stupid grin on his face she had grown accustomed to, she could offer him her attention in return.

Kilrune

Kilrune didn’t know how much anxiety his body could hold the last month or so. Fretting over every decision and change, he had hid his sweltering mind behind jokes and smiles from his lover to avoid her being stressed out, and any toe injuries. Pulling her into his troubles would only bring downsides to their anticipation, and he wanted this to be the smoothest process he could make it. After all, he was the man of the house now, and had duties to tend to. If he couldn’t keep it together, how could he keep his family together too? He had to appear strong and willing to Ailani. Sleeping on their bed with chaotic dreams swarming, he was pulled out of his state bit by bit as his lover stirred by him, eventually bringing him back into the dark room as she murmured her discomfort before leaving the room entirely to do who knew what. He pushed himself up with a hand and yawned, running a finger through his now soft and wavy raven hair. He knew how hard things had been for her the entire pregnancy, and sleeping was not left out of it. Any hour or minute was a gift for her, and Kilrune did all he could to help her rest. Recently, though, he wasn’t sure how much rest she got at all. He slipped out of bed and meandered after her, only to find her eating ham straight off the bone. He wasn’t sure what to do or say, but simply let her eat it as he came into the kitchen and leaned against a counter. “Man, you really weren’t kidding when you said you had an appetite,” he mused, treading on his words carefully. “Do you need something to go with that?”

Legion

Alyana solidified his next task, and he glanced over at the venison cut on the counter before nodding. “I can certainly do that, it will not be a problem.” He then chuckled softly as she clarified about her past, understanding the struggle her family went through. He knew how special fresh meat was, a delicacy when your family was suffering under cruel leaders. “I prefer to have an expectation to live up to. Otherwise I have no meter in which to better myself. I want to be the best version of myself I can achieve, so whatever bar can be set I am happy to meet or exceed it, in any area of my life. Hunting for you is no burden. It will continue to not be so, for you or our family. If it makes you happy, then I shall commit to it in the future.” The tiefling watched her finish her task before facing him, arms wrapping around his torso as she offered him another kiss. He returned it full heartedly, his heart pounding. She was the most wonderful miracle he had ever been given, and he would never be able to repay the gift that she was. “You are the most incredible woman I know, and I am blessed to call you my wife for the rest of my days.” Pressing a longer kiss to her lips, he cupped the back of her head to seal it before slowly pulling away with a smile. “But if I do not keep working, I will pull us right back to bed, and I need some food before I starve.” He chuckled and kissed her forehead before peeling away from her warmth and going over to cut the venison into the required chunks, setting them into a separate wooden bowl.

David

David was always nostalgic when he reminisced on his son’s childhood, the chaos and the joy it brought together into his life. Though a scenario he wouldn’t want to repeat, he was thankful that he had Fenrinn with him, even if just to keep him sane amidst the terrors that lurked around the corner. Listening to Elmira as she explained the situations of the children, he nodded to affirm her words as she checked on the orphans in each room. “You’ve always done such a wonderful job looking after them that I have no doubt they’ll be happy just to have you around still.” He smiled over at her. “I don’t blame the older ones, though. Change is much harder when you’ve endured it for so long. I would do the same if I were them.”

Toma/Saela

Toma’s tail continued to wag as he conversed with Cosette, glad that he had not hiccuped their conversation too badly. She still seemed to want to talk to him, which was a good start. “N-No kidding, I don’t know if I’ve seen any vulpine despite my own family, and they left many years ago. I-It is comforting though, to have someone of the same species around. Makes me stand out just a little bit less.” He gave her a nervous smile, fiddling with his hands before his ears perked at the mention of his daughter. “Oh! Yes, yes, she should be a part of lunch if the boys haven’t pulled her far away from the castle. I don’t know if I’ll be able to separate her from their side for too long, but she should be present. All three of them are going through a growth spurt I’m sure with the amount they’re eating and sneaking away! I-I swear, I have a full loaf missing all the time.”

Reverse Harem

The cougar tried to continue and muster up the courage to speak, to clarify his appearance, but the queen in her doe form watched him with wide, terrified eyes before bolting in the other direction. She must assume him an actual predator, wanting her for his next meal - which hadn’t been far off until he had caught her royal scent. Shaking off his nerves, he raced after her, quickly shifting into a white stag to hopefully ease her worries and allow him to explain. “Your majesty!” he called, weaving through the trees as easily as his other forms. “Your majesty, please! I mean you no harm!” She had quite the speed, but he couldn’t blame her. With royal elven blood in her veins, and being a lithe figure in general, her doe form took on the qualities most wanted in a deer and only enhanced them. Her speed could make her outrun any foe, regardless of their tenacity. It was a trait he admired, but also loathed at the time as he didn’t want to completely frighten the queen to death. He’d never have anyone trespass again - and while that was a nice thought, the queen shouldn’t be afraid to be in any of her territory with threats looming beyond. She deserved to feel as safe as possible within the borders she ruled over, including his own.

Alyana

Her husband clarified, removing her worries of unwanted expectations from her, this made her heart sing with relief and a new found desire to find different ways to help keep Legion feeling like he had ways to better himself. Of course, this would be a hard task… In her eyes the man was already perfect. Smiling up at Legion, Alyana couldn’t help but to place another kiss on his lips given his next compliment, “The same goes for you Legion, I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful husband then you.”  she told him before allowing him to get back to work a pink blush to her cheeks from his generous compliments and passionate desires. He made her so happy, so full with no desire for anything else in her life, this was love, this was true happiness. As she turned around to focus on chopping up the carrots again and later the potatoes, her angelic wings decided it was time to appear due to her overwhelming joy. Standing there she hummed with delight as she roughly chopped the potatoes, narrowly missing her fingers a time or two. Glowing with pure delight, the woman finished up the vegetables and gathered them into a wooden bowl to drop into the kettle that was hung over the fireplace. A thought came to her mind as she gently poured the cut up tuber plants into the kettle, slowing her movements as she glanced back at Legion. “Are you… worried at all?” She asked him as she finished placing the rest of the vegetables into the pot.
.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

“Thank you. I love children, I can’t imagine them not having a loving home or guardian to look after them.” She shared, “I wouldn’t want Saela to be alone in this world, just knowing the fear and worry that must go through the mothers and fathers separated from their young ones… I had to do something.” she shared with David softly as she watched the littles begin to mix and mingle while they waited for lunch time. “Yeah, I don’t blame them either… They’ve been through a lot… seen a lot.” She sighed softly before crossing her arms as she began to be consumed by her thoughts. Before long Maugrim began to come towards them, his niece not far behind. Sitting down he glanced over his shoulder at the female behind him whom slowly made her way forward. “H-Hi.” She answered nervously, her tail swished back and forth. “Thank you for allowing my alpha and I into your D -” She paused briefly realizing her mistake, “Castle.” She smiled up at their king, her multi-colored eyes beamed like a young pups for a moment. Maugrim chuckled before nudging the young she wolf causing a surprised whine to leave the female followed by a playful glare. “I hope we are not interrupting anything, Maliha wanted to thank you and meet her new King.” the male spoke up as he looked at the two before focusing on the tiny goat child in the man's arms. To be polite he stepped back, not wanting to startle the child which prompted Maliha to do the same.


Cosette

Cosette smiled at his nervous nature, his way of expressing his excitement for another Vulpine was cute too. “Well, I’m glad I could help you with that.” She chuckled along with him. Being the only Vulpine was probably pretty lonesome, she knew it was back at the red light district… Being pulled back to the talk of his child she giggled, “Wonderful, I’d love to meet her! I can imagine, children grow up so fast.” she smiled at him, a giggle fading from her lips as she thought about the children sneaking bread from the bakery, “Who can blame them? You make the best freshly baked bread in the village!” She complimented him before checking on the children within the room behind her. Most of them had already put their things away and were beginning to visit their friends out the hall and some even across.

Fraeya

Bolting from her pursuer she hadn’t noticed him shift at first… that is until she noticed the delicate hoof beats in the snow rather then the crunch the cougar’s paws had created previously. Slowing down a touch, Fraeya kept a couple trees between him, eyeing him from a distances as he called out to her. The Stranger knew it was her, the Queen… the jig was obviously up before she even knew it had been. “Who are you… “ she asked as she kept a comfortable distance from the stranger. “Have you been stalking me this whole time?” She asked as she stepped out from the trees a bit more. Her golden hues were fixated on the figure while her doe ears twitched and rotated as they listened to the sounds beyond her vision.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

Purring with his comfort, Esme was happy to have Tarjinn at her side. Once Mallow had rejected her offer Esme nodded her head and split hers with Suu’s so the child could have more to eat when she woke up. In the meantime Esme ate her portion while enjoying her to-be-husbands affection and kindness. “I’m glad, you’ll enjoy them I think… After everything is said and done I believe we will all get along nicely.” She smiled up at him, “Yes, that will be a nice change.” She agreed with him, placing a gentle kiss on his draconic cheek.

Mordecai

With his cheeky grin winning the attention he sought, Mordecai was happy to see the woman gather her meal and take her place on his equine back. It was a good thing too, her feline body was chilled to the bone. "The cold truly isn't for you, Mallow… You're ice." He murmured wishing he had another fur to throw over the female. Shifting his weight ever do slightly he tried to make sure he was warming her evening with the help of the fire before them.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Ailani stood there, ham held to her mouth with both hands as Kilrune walked in. His comment caused her to lower the ham from her mouth as she chewed a bite. Swallowing she narrowed her eyes at him, a grumpy look taking over. “N-no…” She grumbled with a pouty look on her face before she sat down the cured ham and got a knife to cut off a slab like a normal person. “I’m just… hungry and trying to ignore this discomfort I’m in.” She told him as she calmed down a bit. Taking the chunk in her hand she stood there eating, failing to get a plate for the time being. “I figured…” she paused for a moment, “Eating would help me feel better..” She told him between bites. Finishing off the chunk she walked over to the counter and put her head down on it feeling uncomfortable and defeated. “This baby needs to get here…” She muttered in a pleading tone, about that time the sound of water hitting the floor sounded through the quiet room causing Ailani’s head to shoot up from the counter, her eyes were as wide as sources.

 

Tarjinn

The dragonborn smiled as she kissed his cheek, enjoying her reassurance. It would be a big change for all of them to endure, but he would do his best to adjust to her family and culture. He was thankful she had already explained some portion of it so he was prepared for what was to come. Looking down to Suu, he stroked her soft head as she tiredly ate her meat, lost in thought. “How long has it been since you’ve been back home?” he asked softly, amber eyes looking back to his fiancee.

Mellow Rain

Mellow made quick work of her snack, and at Mordecai’s comment, she snorted and curled further into his human back to create a sort of nook for herself. She was meant for very warm climates - the cold wasn’t for her in any sense of the word. “Regretting your offer?” she teased, a hint of a purr beneath her words. She didn’t notice how her shivers lessened between his warmth and her leather, but she was thankful for the reprieve from the snow outside. Being in Tarshious was going to be a nightmare, but it was better than being alone and bored.

Kilrune

Kilrune frowned, hating that he couldn’t help her more. His cooling and cooking only went so far to soothe her, and now at the last legs of her pregnancy it was all constant discomfort. As she spoke to him, the pain present in her gaze, she continued to eat through the ham in more suitable chunks. Perhaps he could prepare a ginger drink, or some cheese to ease her palette. “I agree,” he spoke, before the sound of water hitting the floor - or at least, what sounded like water - broke the silence between them. He didn't know if he wanted to find out. He simply stared back with the same wide eyes, hand beginning to shake on the counter. “What…what was that, Ailani?”

Legion

Content in his task, feeling Alyana’s happiness fill the kitchen, Legion smiled as he worked on the venison cubes quickly and efficiently. He made sure he had butchered the meat properly and checked for any missed fat or bone content before he brought them over to the kettle for his wife to place in when needed. Her wings had decided to make an appearance, and he was more than delighted to see them, using his non-meat hand to stroke one a few times before placing a kiss upon her feathers. How he absolutely loved seeing her wings. He then went back to his ‘station’ and began cleaning the cutting board and knife for the next tasks. As he did so, she asked a question of his worry, and he raised a brow, still focused on his work. “Worried?” he mused. “What would I need to be worried about, my love?”

David

David nodded as he listened to her, understanding her desire deeply and knowing just how much she put into caring for the orphans and Saela. The break from the kitchen work would do her well…he knew it would give her more opportunities to do what she loved and make a bigger difference. Just for now, the food could be second priority until she felt fulfilled that things were running smoothly. He just hoped she understood his reasoning behind her sabbatical. “I can understand, and I want to help them as much as you do. There is no life more innocent than a child’s, and I would go to the ends of the earth to keep them safe from harm. You are doing wonderful work so far, El.” He gave her a soft smile, adjusting Cortland in his arms before his attention was brought to Maugrim and his guest. She thanked him for his invitation, and David grinned down at her. “It’s an honor to have you in our kingdom and castle, Maliha. Your alpha’s alliance with Folgario has already been paying off with his and your service, and I am more than grateful. You are welcome anytime.” Cortland shifted in his arms, but only to see the lupins more clearly, eyes wide as he studied them. “Also, you are more than welcome to call this our den. If a den is a home of safety and comfort, then this castle is just a very…exterior den.” He laughed a bit, “A bit of an inside out situation if you will. It is open to all that respect its value and for those wishing to better our reach in our goals. You’re just a small part in what’s to come.”

Toma/Saela

Toma was very flattered by the vulpine, skin warm beneath all his fur as his tail swished back and forth. “That’s very kind of you. My recipes are passed down from my family, and I improved on them, partly with the orphans’ help actually. When I first took over, I had to ensure that we had decent food, and I would let them taste test for me. In exchange, I’d give them a little bit of money to buy proteins or necessities at market. Not much, but…I can’t afford any staff. My bakery has always been family owned, and without a family, well…” He lifted his paws in front of him with a shrug. “Yumeia is the best little helper I can ask for. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, really.” He smiled broadly, wishing the little girl was around now so he could give her a crushing squeeze, but knowing she was likely having fun running around as she always did. He’d have time to snuggle with her later that evening after the chaos had slowed. “Y-You’re always welcome to stop by and say hello though, my doors are always open. I’ve always got something new I can let you try, i-if you’d like to anyways.”

Reverse Harem

The male was more than thankful when his queen slowed, willing to hear his explanation even with the concern that radiated in her voice once she addressed him. He let out a sigh of relief, keeping the distance she had set herself before bowing his antlers towards her in an act of respect. “No, I haven’t been stalking you - not in the sense you’re thinking, your majesty,” he explained. “I thought you were simple prey walking into my territory…not the queen herself. It was never my intention to pursue any elven-blooded animal. I did not realize until I was close enough to feel your magic.” Lifting his head, he met her gaze through the tree barriers with eyes that matched the color of the leaves beneath the snow covering. “I…I am a man of the forest,” he explained. “This has been my home for a few years now due to an…incident. I mean nobody harm, your majesty, none at all, least of all you. I am sorry for giving you such a fright. Had I known you were who you were before I approached you, I would have kept my distance entirely.”

Alyana

Feeling his hand against her wing made a loving smile roll over her lips as she stood there carefully dropping potato chunk after chunk into the kettle. “Well… “ She paused for a moment as she struggled to find the words for the topic. “Wh-what if there is a chance I can have children… And … our honeymoon bears well… fruit.” She nervously stammered about her words as she finished dropping the veggies in. “Will we be able to raise a child in these times?” She asked a bit worriedly as she turned to face him, her wings fading away as her elated emotions began to waver. Everything was so unknown, so new, and unexplored… nothing was documented to her knowledge, just myths and legends nothing could be taken more than with a grain of salt.
.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

Elmira enjoyed his praise; “Thank you.” she was glad he felt the same way about the orphans as she did. David was a wonderful King, she understood his reasoning for her sabbatical… sure she loved her kitchen but giving it up for now has freed her hands of a lot of work that can now be focused on the children before them and their parents and family in slavery. Shortly there after their conversation had finished, Maugrim and Maliha had came forward. She’d met the female previously, she was very kind and gently spoken, though when needed the female had a side that was a force to be reckoned with. With his response, Maliha’s tail began to wag, a bashful look rolled over her canine muzzle as she was filled with pride for her good deeds. “Thank you, I’m not used to human ways and words just yet.” She was a bit embarrassed from her mistake but clearly happy to be allowed to call this place home. “We Lupines will do everything in our power to help bring those goals to light in Folgario.” Maugrim spoke up before chuckling a bit at his niece's demeanor. She was so shy starting out, which wasn’t like most lupines, yet that wasn’t the case outside the pack. She had a lot of potential as a hunter, a warrior, but the female decided to focus on young and their needs. He personally didn’t understand it, but he wasn’t one to shut down his packs desires in their lives, there was room for everyone and it was helpful to have a well trained warrior as a pupsitter too.

Cosette

The vulpine female could tell Toma was indeed an amazing father. That was a plus in her books, he love the little girl even though she wasn’t his own. As their conversation continued her tail wagged more as her interest in the male bloomed. How come Elmira hadn’t introduced them sooner? She was truly holding out on her with this one. Of course, they just met and she wouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet, but she was interested in meeting him again. “I’ll have to stop by then.” She answered as she fiddled with her fox-like hands in front of her.  “I better check on the rest of my group… Thank you for speaking with me. I’ll find you and your daughter at the Lunch then?” She asked one final question before stepping into the orphan’s room.

Fraeya

Narrowing her hues at him she raised a brow at him, “But you were stalking me…” She said once more before huffing at him. Sure he said he wasn’t stalking but the last bit clearly said otherwise, whether he was following her because he knew he was the queen or because she was a possible meal it was all ‘Stalking’. Soon, however, the stranger began telling his story, how he originally thought she was simply a prey animal wandering the forest. Relaxing a bit, the doe stood in a bit more of a relaxed stance, “I see…” She spoke a bit more gently now. Lowering her tail from it’s high stance, she stepped a bit closer tilting her head in curiosity towards the stranger, “Incident?” She asked, wanting to learn more about the stag before her.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Eyes locked on Kilrune, she was nervous to look down to try and determine what just occurred. “W-Well my-my love I think… Either I peed myself… or m-my water just broke.” she tried to stay as calm as possible as she finished eating the bit of ham she’d bit off previously. Swallowing, the woman carefully stepped away from the counter to assess the situation, given the volume and the sudden waterfall effect she was pretty certain she didn’t just have and accident. “I… I think it’s time we have Dr. Pine over.” she squeaked as the shock was beginning to set in along with the contractions. “Yes, I think it’s time we get him here… now.” She grit her teeth as she then traveled up to the room they had prepared previously for this day.  

(Three hours Later)

The birth of their first child was long but well worth it. Exhausted, laying in the bed the woman had a hard time keeping her eyes open as she admired her little one. Her draconic features were so unique and so beautiful… “She looks a lot like her Daddy huh, Kilrune” She beamed up at him with as lively of a smile as she could muster. Bringing a Dragonborn into the world was much more difficult then she imagined it would be, however, she would do it all over again to have their amazing bundle of joy in her arms like she was now. “What should we name her?” Ailani asked as she brought her amber hues back down to the infant.

Legion

As Alyana expressed her concern, Legion slowed in his cleaning and turned to her, knife still in hand as he dried it with his clean cloth. It was an odd thing to be concerned about, especially with her goddess herself expressing the minimal chances for children between them. Yes, their marriage so far was filled with many…moments that could bring about such a child, but to be concerned was something he didn’t expect from her. “You were not created to bear children easily,” he started slowly, thinking of how to word his own thoughts on the matter. “Inanna herself was not too sure about our chances. Which means to me that if we were to bear fruit, even in the midst of a war, they would be a blessing and be conceived for a reason. I would be thankful to have the chance to even have a child at all, and if this is the time one is given to us…well, the gods can answer for that.” Finishing his cleaning, he put down his tools and walked over to her to press a hand on her arm. “I assumed we would be waiting a long time before it came to such a thing. But you also know my desire to be a father. Any child would be just as loved by me if it were born now, or many years in the future. We would keep them safe regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.” He bent down and placed a kiss on her cheek, his eyes glowing softly. “If you are too concerned though…we do not have to continue with our intimacy and just enjoy our time together. I want you to be comfortable and happy for this time we have to share.”

David

David bowed his head once more to the two, continuing to smile. “I would not have expected lupins to be part of my kingdom, mostly because I wasn’t even sure they existed. But I am ever grateful that Elmira introduced me to your kind. I look forward to meeting your pack, and starting to take down the surrounding plantations continuing to plague our lands. Folgario is meant to be a place of peace and refuge, and no slave owners within my land deserve to keep living their lives by preying on others.” He stroked Cortland’s back, partly in emphasis and partly to keep soothing the child and his anxieties. “If there is anything I can do to ease your introduction into the human ways, Maliha, you can ask anyone in my court, who you will get to know if you attend Maugrim here, including myself. We may do things differently here, but I will do my best to make comparisons where necessary to help you understand. As long as our goals are aligned though, I think we will find a way to make a friendship work between all of us.” Looking between all of them, he gave a glance into the nearby rooms before stepping towards the entryway of the hall. “I must be heading to get some work done to finalize this and check on the final deliveries for the orphans as well, but thank you for allowing me to see the work you all have done. These children will have a much better life thanks to all of you.” He looked to Elmira, a certain look in his eyes before he bumped Cortland higher on his hip and retired to his study, eager to get his work done before lunch so he could take time to take in the new arrivals and all they entailed.

Toma/Saela

Toma was glad to have spoken with the woman before him, and though it wasn’t long, it was more than he anticipated from her and he grinned up at her as her tail wagged as fast as his. “Y-You will, yes! I’ll make sure to save you a good seat at the table,” he said, eyes bright. “I’ll make sure Yumeia makes it here promptly too. Thank you, um, miss Cosette.” Watching her go into the room, he ventured back into his own, trying to adjust to the swarm of children and make sure they behaved as his focus shifted to them. This afternoon’s lunch, however, would be an exciting one. He had never had lunch with anyone other than Elmira, so it would be a brand new experience. The vulpine was eager to learn about Elmira’s friend, and hopefully they’d get to know each other better over some good food, and good bread.

Reverse Harem

The male was a bit afraid that the queen wouldn’t accept his explanation and call a guard upon him, but when he saw her position relax, he could have collapsed with gratefulness if not for her next inquiry. His stomach stirred as he stood before her, ears twitching. Was it wise to tell her, even if he was the one to bring it up? He had assumed she would have known of it, been aware of what had occurred a few years prior…perhaps word had not gone around from her father and brother at the time as she was not an important heir. Avoiding her eyes, he tried to figure out how to speak. “Yes, an incident…I can assume you were not present if you were not aware of my case, about four years ago. But I believe it is in my best interest to keep details minimum due to the recent…recent assassinations.” A lump formed in his throat, finding it hard to continue as he took a single step back from her. “Let’s just say I am the last person wishing to harm the royal family, your highness. I apologize again for frightening you. I was only hunting what I assumed was mere prey, nothing more than that.”

Tarjinn

The large white dragonborn was amused to see his young cub have the ability to eat and fall back asleep without a second thought - he wished he still had that ability himself. His attention went back to Esme as she spoke though, and as she leaned against him he kept his arm braced securely around her middle. "I see," he replied softly, as to not wake Suu intentionally. "I've never been away from Kilrune for longer than a week or so, if you disregard my leaving my birth clan a long time ago. You're very brave to be gone for so long from those you care for. But I can only imagine their joy upon your return. We can all breathe a short sigh of relief before things become more complicated."

Mellow Rain

Mellow snorted quietly, giving him a glance before settling into her position on his back. He was getting filled out more, which made it a lot less of a burden to take in his heat. It was a slow and steady process, but one she didn't mind watching. Perhaps Tarshious would be her final settlement if Mordecai stayed.

Kanajo

Watching the outdoors for signs of weather changes or anyone approaching, Kanajo's attention was shot back to the centaur beside her as he asked about he journey. At least, she assumed he was speaking to her. "We will reach my village by dusk at latest. Depending on what you all want to do, you can spend the night and get a larger meal before heading out the next morning or continue through the night to get home quicker. If I were going solo, it would take me five days to get to a populated area of Tarshious, but with the group of you I would say maybe a week. Not much longer compared to the months you've been traveling for."

Kilrune

The male was quiet for a moment after hearing Ailani’s explanation of the situation, and the alarm bells began ringing in his head as he completely panicked and forgot what he was supposed to do. He simply stared at her and tried to think of what steps they had taken, what things to prepare, and everything involved that they had set up weeks prior. “S**t,” he whispered, before racing towards the door. “Thavre, Thavre it’s time!” he shouted up the stairs, before rushing out of the house to fetch the doctor and welcome their child into the world.

{Three hours later}

Kilrune could see the exhaustion weighing heavily on Ailani, but after so much longing and anxiety, they finally had their daughter before them. Doctor Pine had given her a clean bill of health and had left the two temporarily to let them bond in silence. With one arm around his lover, and his other hand atop her’s holding their newborn, he laughed a bit at her comment before sniffling. “She’s so wonderful,” he whispered, having to reach up and clear tears from his eyes that continued to fall. “I-I would have a better idea of what to name her if I wasn’t blind with tears.” He laughed again, a bit of a choking one, but he couldn’t shove down all he was feeling when they finally had their daughter before them, their long awaited gift. He had never expected to become a father so young, to start a family so soon. But seeing his new little girl before him, he wouldn't change history for anything. Ailani was truly meant to be his soulmate, and their daughter was the most wonderful thing he could ever imagine having in his life. She was utterly and wonderfully perfect. “I just, I love her so much," he blubbered, struggling to keep his tears at bay as they flooded his cheeks. "I shouldn't even be the one crying."

Alyana

“No, that is true…” She agreed but it didn’t help ease the worry she held in her chest. “I want to be a mother too, I’m just worried the war will prevent us from being able to be parents.” She told him as she walked back to the counter to clean off the cutting board. As she wiped it down, she sighed softly before looking back at her husband, a concerned but loving look in her eyes. “I wouldn’t expect any less, I’m just- scared is all.” she told him honestly as she dried the board and walked towards the kettle with a ladle in her hand. Standing there in front of the fireplace she gently stirred the kettle with the ladle, mixing up the vegetables until they were well combined. “I’m not saying I don’t want to or that I’m uncomfortable with continuing as we are. I’m just worried the future won't be in our favor like I desperately want it to be.” She told him before removing the ladle and returning his love. “I don’t want the chance to be parents to be taken away from us because of the war.” she told her husband before giving him another kiss. “I don’t want to stop our intimacy.” She confirmed one last time before sliding her hands into his.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira

“The pack is anxiously awaiting to meet you as well David.” Maugrim responded with a gentle smile on his face. Maliha nodded her head in a silent response to the King before watching him depart. He was a busy man as was her Alpha, she had to admit it was odd to follow two alpha's but she would do whatever her alpha and uncle believed was right and directed their pack to do. Before to long, David had to retire from them to get more work done for his own kingdom. Maugrim too would be leaving soon, it was about time he left for another raid. “Are you leaving too my alpha?” she asked softly before watching the wolf nod his head, “Yes, it is time I leave as well… would you take on my small pack of orphans, Maliha?” the female lupine nodded her head before watching him exit the hall with haste in his step. Turning to Elmira, the wolf noticed a look in the woman’s eyes as she watched after David, leaving the area with the child in his arms. “Do you… long for him?” She asked softly, Elmira’s face instantly turned ten shades of red, “N-No… He-he’s happily engaged… He’s already mated to another female.” She frantically explained ot the female lupine. However, the wolf only tilted her head before speaking up once more, “This that so? But Saela holds his sce-” Quickly the woman began calling for the children to gather, “Alrighty kids, lets gather around for a nice story before Lunch!” Maliha however frowned, she didn’t appreciate being rudely ignored but it was clearly a subject the centaur did not want to speak about. Meanwhile, Cosette helped round up the children after her goodbyes to Toma.

Before long the Lunch had come and gone, day turned to night.. It was time for the pack to come to Falgario, to meet David and learn their new role with the villages and kingdom before them. Standing in the castle courtyard, Maugrim’s pack stood tall and at the ready, males and females alike. There were fifteen of them all together, no pups to be seen, a few teens yes but no little pups among them. Their pelts ranged from different shades of black, white, gray, browns, and reds… Each one is as unique as the next. “Maugrim… are you sure this is right?” a masculine voice spoke up the male green hues were sharp against his gray and brown pelt. “Roan, do I need to remind you that I am your Alpha?” Maugrim growled at the young male advising him against his poor judgment. “Maliha, go announce our arrival, please… “ he grumbled, he’d about had it with his young pack members today. The night before was tiresome, the last thing he needed was a ‘pup’ advising him against something he knew was best for his pack. Roan about to speak up against his alpha again was quickly put in his place by his own mother, a jet black female with deep amethyst eyes. “Behave boy,” She snapped at him in Lupine, causing the young male to yelp out of surprise and tuck his tail submissively. “Thank you, Akita… “ Maugrim murmured before sitting down waiting for the king to arrive. In the mean time Maliha had raced inside, she was sure David already knew they were there given his ninja’s but Maugrim was a bit impatient this morning… The raid didn’t go as planned the night before, Elmira had been put in a rather tight position resulting in a small injury… The female Lupine noticed Maugrim’s mood to only sour more after that, if she wasn’t mistaken she’d swear her alpha was growing feelings for the prey animal. Nearly losing herself in her thoughts, Maliha stumbled upon David walking in the Hall, “David, there you are!” She called out to him in a chipper tone. Her canine tail waged happy to see the man. “We’ve arrived a bit early, Maugrim wanted me to come find you… he’s in a bit of a mood today, I’m hopping the sight of you will lesson his touchiness.” She chuckled a bit as she greeted the king with a nuzzle, nearly knocking the man over by accident, “Oh, sorry… I’m still not use to how easy human’s are to push about.” She apologized.

Fraeya

Stepping forward, her brows narrowed on the stag. “What does it have to do with the recent assassinations?” she asked as she came forward, clearly ready to integrate him. Had he done something similar in the past… was he an assassin? A Rogue? What was he… what did he do four years ago? If she wasn’t able to get it out of him now, she’d dig through the historical archives and find out.. “Answer me!” She snapped at him as she got muzzle to muzzle with him. Her voice echoed through the forest, having unintentionally raised her voice a bit too much. “If that is true then what does your past have to do with what happened to my family?” She asked him more calmly after his very vague explanation. Her golden hues looking into his own for the answers, getting a little to close her doe nose touched his causing the doe to step back, a pink blush rushing to her cheeks beneath her fur. “A-Any way-ways.. I- uhm… Still want an answer.” She tried to recompose herself.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

“Thank you, I did what I had to for Suu and my family.” she smiled at him as she spoke softly as to not wake Suu, however, she was pretty sure nothing would wake the cub at this point, poor child was exhausted. “Yes, we can for a short time at least.” she smiled at Tarjinn as she agreed. As long as her mother didn’t find out about their prior… engagements, things should stay pretty calm for the most part. Esme’s tail twitched and wrapped around Tarjinn’s in a loving manner.

Mordecai

Mordecai rolled his eyes at Mellow, the woman’s snort was enough to tell him what she thought of his comment. Kanajo then spoke up, answering his question about the journey, “Thank you, then it won't be much longer of the journey then. Hear that Mellow? You won’t be freezing to death for much longer.” He chuckled, causing the feline to bounce a bit on his equine back.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Sleep weighing heavily on Ailani’s eyes, she smiled up at her lover before settling her eyes on their little one again. "Yes, she is." The new mother agreed tiredly, her own tears fell from her eyes. Holding their little one in her arms she stroked her little head full of dark hair. A soft chuckle left the mothers lips at her lovers comment, "We have plenty of time to decide." She murmured lovingly to him. As she closed her eyes for a moments rest, "My love, I've cried enough for one night… " she shared a giggle managed to escape her briefly. "Every father has a right to cry at the sight of their little ones… not just the mothers, my dear." She murmured before moving slowly to hand the child carefully to him. "Would you like to hold her?" She asked, the woman greatly needed rest, she was so tired she felt as if something may be wrong with her, however she did just bring a life into the world.

 

Tarjinn

“Of course. I would do anything for my clan, and now that it includes you and Suu, I would do anything to protect and serve you two, and your kingdom.” Feeling her tail curl around his, he smiled and kissed the top of her head before resting his head atop hers. “I think the first thing we need to do upon arriving back at your castle after meeting your family is sleeping hard and long. I miss comfortable beds - even after months of travel and adjusting, you get used to a king sized bed with its many comforts.” The thought of beds pulled him in another thought direction, and he hummed in pondering. “Speaking of…I can’t imagine your parents will be thrilled if we ask to share a bed.” He chuckled softly. “Or a room at all.”

Mellow Rain

Mordecai was getting his money’s worth of teases out, and although Mellow was usually exasperated by them, she wasn’t going to make him stop. She was expectant of them now. “I’m holding you accountable if I freeze, horsey.” She chuckled under her breath, checking her hawk upon the fire. “Deer thing, could you grab that bird? Pretty sure it’s done cooking.”

Kanajo

“Sure, cat.” The two gave each other a long stare before Kanajo shifted into her human form, walking over and grabbing the cooked hawk. Mellow reached for it, and the centaur was reluctant to give her the meal, but realized that she had hunted it fairly and handed it over. Not like she was going to eat it anyways. She then settled hersel back on the dirt floor, much shorter than Mordecai while propped up on a hand behind her “You all ready to head off soon?”

Kilrune

Though still feeling guilty for his tears, Ailani reassured him that he was alright in sharing his emotions, and he smiled down at her for it, giving her a gentle kiss on her temple as tears streamed down his cheeks still. “You did a wonderful job, my love, even throughout the chaos.” She then adjusted and gestured for him to take his daughter, and his breath hitched in his throat. He had expected his lover to keep their child for longer, but seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, perhaps it was best that he took over and allowed her to rest. She would need it after her endless nights of little sleep. Sniffling again and trying to make himself less weepy, Kilrune pulled his little girl into his arms and tried not to cry all over again to have her tiny weight in his grasp. “Oh my sweet baby girl,” he whispered, tucking her close to his chest with the biggest smile of his life on his face before he looked to Ailani and kissed her temple again, breathing cold wintery air upon her forehead. “I love you so, so very much, my phoenix. Get your well deserved sleep, and rise again from the ashes anew. We will be right here when you awaken. ” He kissed her cheek, then her nose, and finally her forehead, leaving a cooling breath over her with a single snowflake upon her brow before he slid from the bed into the adjacent chair, allowing her the quiet and rest she deserved. After struggling for so long, he would let her sleep as long as she needed to. He was more than happy to take care of his daughter, who he could not get enough of in the slightest. Kilrune held her as closely as he could, murmuring soft nothings to her and brushing a very dullened claw over her scales, her hair, her wings, just to make sure she was actually there before him, that this wasn’t a dream, that his daughter was finally in his arms. How his world had changed in so little time.

Legion

Legion listened carefully as she explained her worries, a soft frown on his face as he digested it all. He was aware of her anxieties surrounding being parents and the possibility of even having children, but her concerns were valid when it came to the war and all it entailed. Once she was back to his side, the stew cooking properly, he squeezed the hand she slipped into his own before leading her into the living room adjacent and pulled her down to sit next to him together. “I understand your worry. The war will be pulling us into it and we will not be proper parents. The other day, very early before you awoke, David met with his inner court and we discussed your upcoming role in Folgario. He was very worried that you would be overwhelmed by all you are being asked to do, especially when it comes to something as big as a war on your shoulders to bear. When we return, you will have your naming ceremony, and be officially announced as the Royal Healer, and your duties begin almost immediately. There is a lot that David would like you to accomplish…it would put another burden on you to be raising our first child alongside them.” He paused, stroking his thumb along the backside of her hand as he looked out one of the windows beyond. “I do not want your fears to cloud the next important steps in our commitment to our kingdom, and the first steps in our marriage. …I know of a tonic I can take that will prevent pregnancy. I know one exists our there for females as well, but I am not currently aware of what it contains. Tomorrow, I will go into the nearest market and look for the ingredients to prepare here, and begin taking. But, Alyana,” his silver eyes looked back to her gemstone ones, their intensity glowing as he held her hand firmly, “if we have already produced a child, or the tonics somehow do not work, do not take drastic action. Our court is our family, and we will work it out all together. The war will not completely hinder our capabilities of being proper parents. Our chances are slim for a family, and to take it away in a panic may prevent us from ever having another chance afterwards. I am by your side no matter what, my Alya. I know this worries you, and you are allowed to feel it. But do not feel as though I will not listen to your concerns if things change. Trust in me, and I will trust in you, just as it has always been.” Cupping her cheek with his free hand, he leaned forward and kissed her gently. “I will do anything to keep you happy and content."

David

David was antsy as he waited for the lupin pack to arrive, pacing one of the front hallways. Though he was accustomed to their presence in the castle doing their work, it was another thing to step foot in their territory and start making actual strides with freeing slaves and housing them safely. His teams of ninjas had been working hard to set up inns and get food prepared, along with other provisions needed. They would continue to work until there was enough for all the slaves to rotate, but it would be a long time before that would settle. Who knew how many existed, and how many Folgario could hold until things started to crumble… getting lost in his thoughts, he didn’t even see Maliha approach until he was suddenly knocked off his feet. He stumbled and caught himself before he face planted, but whipped around to see the lupa looking ironically sheepish. The king laughed off his nerves as he brushed himself off, shaking his head. “No, no, I didn’t properly brace myself, you’re okay.” It took him a moment to remember what she spoke before he smiled down at her. “Maugrim in a mood? When is the male not?” he teased. “He’s like my grand advisor, such stubborn males. Probably needs a girl hanging around to lessen his nerves.” Chuckling at his own tease, he began to follow the female back outside where the pack would be. “How many of you are here, just the two of you?”

Reverse Harem

The male was shocked by the queen’s sudden boldness, her threats ringing through the trees around them and shaking some of the leaves. His ears pinned back against his head as he took a step back, grounding himself against her attacks before she stepped too close and her nose pressed against his. Instantly all threats left her and her figure fled back to the princess he had seen from afar years ago. But it was gone in a flash, her walls coming back up to portray the queen that everyone desired to see, the one they demanded from her. He grit his teeth together as he watched her, wondering how to explain his past incident well without her alerting all her guards and sending him to the prisons. “I will tell you one thing, your majesty…if you keep shouting like that, and one of your men comes to escort me away, I will not tell you a single thing,” he warned, holding his head high. “I have built an honest life for myself, and you will not ruin it, no matter what your rank may be.” Taking a moment to let his words sink in, he sighed and began to scan the surroundings again with his ears, not hearing anything of note but making sure nobody was on their way. “I used to work with my father in the castle. He was a close advisor of your father’s, and worked with the council. But he was accused of treason when one of the council members died unexpectedly from enemy forces. I am sure you remember when that happened.” He tilted his head askew slightly, studying her expression. “They could only blame my father for the incident. I was his apprentice, but because they did not have proof of my direct involvement, I was banished. I do not know what has become of my father - they sent me away in chains before my father’s sentence was ruled.” He went quiet for a few moments, listening to the nature surrounding them to ease the pain that grew within his chest. Though years had passed, the unknowing was haunting, and he imagined it did the same for the woman before him, with her father and brother killed without knowing the true culprit. Not the same, but…a similarity. “I have not had anything to do with the royal assassination. There is no purpose for me to do such a retched thing. Killing them would never reveal what happened to my father, nor give me access to the archives. I was told to never step foot on castle grounds again, or I would be executed. I suppose my presence enough would be proof that I was following my father’s footsteps, to gain a foot in the royal council and make another grand kill. I can assure you, your highness, that I have not been outside my territory since that day. I have killed no man, not a day in my life, and would never hurt you. I respect the royal family regardless of their ruling. They had no other direction to go.”

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

Esme was so glad she’d found Tarjinn, he was such a kind male, let alone devoted. “I hope my mother and father can see just how devoted you are to us.” she told him as she snuggled into him nuzzling him as she did so. Chuckling from his comment the Snow leopard nodded, “I agree, we all need a nice long rest, time to recuperate after this long journey.” While talking about sleep came a question about sleeping arrangements which caused Esme to sigh gently. “Unfortunately, until we are properly wed… sharing a bed chamber is not viewed as acceptable.” she told him softly. “We will all be put in our own rooms… “ She sort of grumbled this was going to be difficult, especially with her next cycle being not that far off.

Mordecai

“You’re not going to freeze, kitten.” He chuckled as he laid there, rather amused by the feline. However, his chuckles fell when the feline on his back began making demands from their guest… it was a bit rude but Kanajo didn’t make much of a fuss, in fact she gave the meat to her. Shifting not her human form, Mordecai couldn’t help but look her up and down… she was, quite attractive in her human state. Realizing he was ogling her, he redirected his attention to the meat and then back at Mellow, “Quite a bird ya got there.” He grinned at her, “Hope it tastes better than that rat.” he teased before looking back to the others who were deep in their own conversations. About that time was when Kanajo asked about leaving, “Yes, I’d say we are about ready to go. Let Mellow finish her meal before we head into the cold.”

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Laying there watching her lover cuddle his infant, Ailani smiled weakly at them. She was growing more tired with each passing moment,and growing weaker by the minute, she didn’t want to worry Kilrune… not while he was so elated to be a new father. Dr. Pine would be back soon to check in. Struggling to keep her eyes open, the new mother closed her eyes for the moment listening to Kilrune whisper his sweet nothings to his tiny daughter. However, the concern she felt for her own health began to grow as it became harder to keep her eyes open. “K-Kilrune..” She murmured, she wasn’t sure if he could even hear her. Everything was becoming blurry, her mind beginning to get foggy. Ailani’s body began to tremble as she laid there in the bed. Still, she didn’t want to worry Kilrune, “C-Could you get s-some more b-b-blankets please?” she stammered weakly, “An-and send Dr. P-Pine in for a moment.” She managed to ask, she tried her best to sound normal, forcing a smile to not worry him.  

Alyana

With her concerns voiced, Legion gently pulled her from the boiling kettle and into the livingroom where the two sat down on the couch. Her husband pulled her close before he spoke his understanding of her worries, he shared his and David’s conversation the day before. David had expressed his own concerns of placing to much on the woman’s shoulders, too many expectations, and requirements of her. Those were all tasks she expected, tasks she was prepared for but… that was before the thought of offspring had ever entered her mind though. Legion had paused, gently stroking the back of her hand with his thumb with the silence. Once he did begin to speak again, he mentioned not wanting her judgment to be clouded by fear in their next marital steps. From there he went on to discuss with her a tonic… it would lessen their chances of conceiving. Though it was probably for the best, a part of her disliked the idea. She knew herbs, she knew the risks, and the idea of preventing a possible miracle child was almost worse than the worry she had about bringing a child into the world during a war. Her conflicting thoughts were making decisions more difficult then she’d ever imagined. Letting out a sigh, she looked to Legion, “I’m not sure how I feel about that exactly… The risks that come with tonics of that nature rang greatly, and vary from person to person… “ She shared with him. “What if such a thing makes it impossible for us to ever bear children in the future, when we are finally free to do so?” she asked him as she worried her hands in her lap. Then Legion brought up her taking drastic measures upon conceiving out of fear. This caused the woman to turn her eyes up to him in a snap, a look of disbelief on her face at his statement, “If you’re suggesting I’d void my pregnancy, I’d never even dream of doing something like that. No matter how worried or concerned I am about bringing a child into this world during these scary times… I would never take our unborn child's life.” She told him as he held her cheeks in his palms. Placing a kiss on her lips as gently as he held her, she kissed him back with just as much love and a bit more passion. Once again her wings had appear, her happy mood returning as she sat with her husband, enjoying his company as much as she could with the little time they had to themselves.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)


Letting out a whine in regret for her actions and a couple licks beneath the kings chin the Lupine expressed her apology for her actions, even though he stated it was alright. "I should have been more contained with my actions." She murmured still a bit embarrassed. The mention of her alphas mood pulled Maliha from her sheepish state, however, "Yes, he's more touchy than usual.." she shared before rolling her canine eyes at him, "He has plenty females.. I think none of them satisfy him right or something." She shared with a giggle rolling from her muzzle. "I dont see another addition to his choice of females would ease his tension." She giggled again as they traveled back to the pack. "There are fifteen of us all together." She told him as she sped up to a trot beside him. "Its out of season for pups and with the neighboring kingdoms collecting beast folk… Maugrim made it clear its unsafe to raise families at this time, so if you notice a lack of pups that's why." She didn't want him to think the pack was unhealthy due to the lack of offspring.

Fraeya

Huffing at his retort, Fraeya stomped a hoof against the snow covered earth before looking off to the side a bit annoyed and slightly embarrassed from her earlier fumble. The guards didn't know she was out here… it would be a while before any of them realized she wasn't in the castle somewhere but he didn't know that…
Stepping up to him, standing high and glaring her golden hues into his own large eyes she bit at him with her words again, her confidence back as she rubbed pushed the earlier embarrassment to the side. “And I’d suggest you lose the unwelcomed tone…” she snapped at him, however she kept her voice down. She understood him not wanting to lose his freedom… She hated not having her own. “And I’d suggest you refrain from threatening me in the future.” She told him as she seemed to stare into his soul. WIth that being said he began to speak about his past. How he use to work within the castle with his father. Who was his father? It had been many a year since she lived within the castle walls up until these last few months. She was still familiarizing herself with current staff let alone those who had passed or leff before her arrival. Yes, yes she remembered his father, but it was a very brief memory.. Being an unimportant air to the throne she was kept busy with Princess duties rather than those of an heir. Of course, she couldn’t remember any of her fathers close council members having a child let alone a son… but then again she was busy focusing on her own achievements as a princess.. Reading herself for marriage and stuff of the like. “Yes, It made quite the stir within the royal court.” She answered recalling the event. But she still couldn’t place a face to the stag standing before her… Standing there she took in what he told her. The stag was banished because of his relation, his position, with his father… She didn’t feel like that was right, if she could she’d look into it further.. She needed to cross analyze his words with those of history and come up with a conclusion for herself. Seeing the hurt in the males eyes it sparked a desire in her, a desire to find the truth for the poor man. “I’ll take your word for it.” She spoke up letting her expression soften as she did. “You believe your father had no part in the assassination of the council member?” She asked him gently, curiosity to her tone.

Tarjinn

“I hope they do too,” Tarjinn murmured, enjoying her fur against his scales as she made herself comfortable in his side. Despite Kanajo preparing to leave and continue, Esme still wished to spend her time by his side, which he was thankful for. The castle would be a much different environment for both of them, which was only confirmed by her disgruntled reply to his inquiries. It had been a long time, a very long time, since he had shared a bed with any other, but he had grown used to sleeping beside Esme since their time in the infamous inn. Even Suu had stopped questioning it and assumed it as fact when she snuggled between her parents on particularly cold nights. “We will have to grow used to it then, until we are properly married. But, because we are betrothed, we will still have plenty of opportunities to be together outside our rooms. Our time apart will be brief in comparison to the marriage ahead of us.”

Mellow Rain

Mellow was going to reaffirm her threat, but decided against it when she had her bird in hand. She began tearing into it easily, starved for real meat and thankful for the fuller stomach she would have from it. The jaguar had completely muted the world around her, more focused on consuming every bit of the bird, when Mordecai spoke back to her again. “I think the only problem we are going to have is the two lovebirds over there. Peeling them apart will be harder than getting me back out into the freezing temperatures.”

Kanajo

“That difficult, huh?” Kanajo was unaware of Mordecai’s roaming gaze as she looked over at the family, snuggled together firmly and speaking in hushed tones to one another. They were quite close for such a mixed bunch, but it was admirable at least. Anyone would want the bond they clearly shared. “I’m surprised they’re not dragged behind in a wagon so lest they part each other’s sides.” She chuckled to herself, shaking her head.

Kilrune

Kilrune continued to coo at his newborn, knowing she was asleep but still offering her all the love he could. She was much smaller than he expected, but he was told that she would grow quickly, and he wanted this moment to last as long as possible. After a few moments between him and his daughter, Ailani’s quiet voice came from beside him, and he whipped his head around to see her weakly ask for blankets, and the doctor. She must be more exhausted than he thought, and he frowned slightly as he stood. “You should rest, my love,” he murmured, “you’re probably more tired than you think. But I will get what you need.” He went to the nearby closet and pulled out two more blankets with his free hand, carrying them over and carefully adjusting them over Ailani as best he could with their child in his arms. After that, he walked over and pressed a kiss to her forehead, hoping she would sleep soon, before exiting into the hallway. “Dr. Pine? Ailani is requesting you.” “Oh, of course.” The man looked up from his writing and swiftly went to the door. “Stay out here for the time being, I’ll call you in when needed.” He then walked inside the room, going to Ailani’s bedside and noticing the extra blankets. “Hello Ailani, how can I help you?”

Legion

Legion was thankful that, although he brought up the tonics as a suggestion, she knew the risks behind such things and could warn him. He appreciated learning the rights and wrongs of medicine, and though it didn’t solve the worries at hand, it did provide him some closure that they didn’t have to navigate a precarious medicine. She willingly kissed him back, her wings finally unfurling again, and he began to stroke the back of one, enjoying their presence as he pulled away. “I understand your fear. I will not go to the market then, and we can simply discuss plans for if things change out of our control later on. Thank you for informing me; I do not want to put our future at risk any more than you do.” He gave her a soft smile, before he shook his head. “Including what is a misinterpretation of my words. I am sorry that I gave you the impression that I was offering a void as a want of mine. That is furthest from the truth, my Alya. I was not sure if that was a route you would take, and was simply trying to state that I would never wish to remove a child from our family regardless of the circumstances at hand. We see it the same, I assure you. I think this is just a concern we will have to keep in mind and tread through carefully together, which will not be a problem for either of us. But like I said before, if new concerns arise or you are fretting too much that it causes you trouble, I am right here to ease you and find a solution. There is nothing we cannot do together.” Kissing her gently once more, he pulled her into his lap, her legs off to the side as he embraced her close. “I am glad to see your wings again. They really have space to breathe here, and I cannot wait to see them outside during our honeymoon. You will get a chance to strengthen them back to what they once were, and I am thrilled that you now get that opportunity. It makes me wish I had them as well, but then again, I have my tail which provides its own benefits.” He curled it around her wrist for emphasis with a smile, and a small laugh, “You have simply made me a lovesick fool on par with David.”

David

The lupa ways were very different from what he was used to…lots of physical expressions. Not that he minded, but he wanted to keep it in mind for the future less he end up shocked at every new motion done towards him and possibly offending the pack. As they walked however, Maliha clarified Maugrim’s mood a bit more, and he raised a brow as he shoved his hands into his pockets. What a life, surrounded by females and leading a pack of strong wolves capable of taking down any enemy in your path…he was starting to wish more and more that he was born a lupa. “I’m shocked by that notion…a male capable of having any female he wants should be less fussy about that side of things, but perhaps it’s not related to women at all. I’ve only known him so long, and asking Elmira about that would likely end in disaster.” He laughed a bit at the thought, seeing Elmira’s expression after asking. The lupa escort then continued with explaining the size of the pack and lack of offspring, and he tilted his head as he gazed down at her. “That I can understand…I wouldn’t expect puppies to make the travel to the castle anyways, but I appreciate the clarification if it ever comes up. I know children was something my Fraeya and I discussed due to the upcoming war, and the challenges it would include. I’m not surprised at all that Maugrim would put a halt on litters.” Though, lupin puppies would be rather adorable. Pulling around a few corners and exiting the front of the castle, David was met by the pack in the courtyard, Maugrim at the front and center. “Welcome, Maugrim and co,” he greeted, giving the male a smile. “Thank you for making the trip here.”

Reverse Harem

The stag continued to hold his ground against the doe, not further intimidated by her threats. Regardless of her rank, he had set his boundaries, and if she crossed them, she would get the consequences. She would have to execute him for any information to arise from his lips. But, thankfully, after explaining more of his past, she seemed to digest the information well. The gears turned in her head, her eyes studying him intensely. She eventually spoke up after hearing all he had to say, seemingly interested by his words. That was a good start. It was a relief to have her on his side, even if only temporarily until she searched his files and discovered whatever truth lay within the papers. “To be honest, your majesty? I do not know what is true or false regarding my father’s dealings. Any of his secretive side business were not part of my training and therefore out of my realm of knowledge. I have no idea if he was guilty of it or not. All I know is that he was the lead suspect of the case, and because I knew nothing about it and had no evidence to my name, they let me live.” He let out a sigh, casting his eyes aside to chew on his thoughts, and the past memories. “If he was guilty, then his execution was his own fault. If he was innocent, I have no idea who caused the assassination in the first place, and it could be tied to your family as well. But I know nothing, and have not known anything since my banishment. I just want to live peacefully and forget it ever happened in the first place.” His forest eyes met hers again, a frown on his muzzle. “You will discover who I am when you ask about my father. I am sure my trial is in writing. All I ask is that my territory is kept quiet by you. If you feel I am responsible or have a hand in the assassination, so be it. But I am telling you the truth - I do not live to harm. I have lived out my banishment in honesty.”

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

Esme nodded her head, “Yes, that is true…” She answered though she was still concerned about her mothers thoughts… It wasn’t custom to marry outside of their species. Her mother, thought not a royal law, generally had individuals already lined up for them to court. Esme had avoided it for the most part, even had the chance to court Suu’s brother before his untimely death.. However, she wasn’t sure what her mother had up her sleeve these days… She prayed there was nothing, she prayed to her gods that she would see Tarjinn as an appropriate and capable mate for her daughter… But, she had her worried doubts, knowing her mother and all… Perking her ears to Kanajo’s want to leave, Esme reluctantly pulled away from her fiance and stood to her feet, still holding Suu firmly in her arms, the child sleeping through the entire thing.

Mordecai

Mordecai released an uncontrolled laugh at the feline's comment, “Calm down kitten, you’ll cause your workload to increase.” he told her through chuckles. Once Mellow was finished consuming her bird, he warned her to hold on before standing to his hooves. “You know, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you women were jealous of such affectionate couples.” He mused. He had to admit though, couples like them were rare to see, it was definitely admirable. With that being said he started towards the door ready to get back out into the cold now that the chill was removed from their hides and their stomachs were held over for the time being.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

With a nodd of her head towards his words she tried to focus on him, however, she couldn’t see him clearly or really hear him well. Her heart was racing, she was trying to keep herself from going into a silent panic, was she going to die after having their baby? Was this what it was like to begin to fade? Pushing the thoughts away she tried to calm her fears and simply wait for her lover to return with Dr. Pine and the Blankets. With the blankets soon placed over her shivering body, she felt Kilrune’s lips press against her forehead. For a moment silence consumed the room until she could hear the familiar sound of the door shutting and then reopening again. Dr. Pine's voice sounded, echoing in her hazy mind as she looked up at him, struggling to focus on the man. Parting her lips, she tried to form some words but through her shivers and her lack of energy, she couldn’t manage anything. Ailani’s lack of speech, trembling, and inability to focus on him with her eyes were all red flags. Quickly Dr. Pine took hold of the woman’s wrist to find her heart beat. It was elevated, much more elevated then he would like, however, he wasn’t surprised. Her labor took longer than he expected it too, being a first time mother it was traumatic, however, the child arrived healthy and so far Ailani’s body responded well. However, that must of been a delay’d response. “Dear, you’re going into Shock… You did the right thing asking for more blankets. Try to rest, I’ll keep a close eye on you for the next couple of hours… I’m going to get Kilrune in here to let him know what’s going on.” He informed her before stepping towards the door. Opening it, the Dr. called to the man. “Kilrune, I need you to come back into the room please.” With that Dr. Pine waited until he returned to the room.

Once he was inside, the Doctor began informing the father. “I don’t want this to frighten you, but currently Ailani is going through shock from giving the child into this world. Nothing to get too seriously worried about as of right now.” He quickly stated, “However, it could become serious if she’s not watched closely. Do not let her get out of bed for a couple of hours, keep her covered in blankets, allow her small drinks, she must stay hydrated.” He told him before stepping back to Ailani’s side to check her pulse, “Right now her heart rate is much higher than it should be. I will administer a poultice that will help calm her heart, after that however we will have to watch her.” He shared what he could do for her at the moment before falling silent to allow Kilruned to ask any questions he may have.

 

Alyana

Feeling his hand gently stroke her wings she smiled at him, cheeks blushing at his touch. However, Legion pulled away, which caused a frown to fall on her face, she was really enjoying the gentle strokes on her feathers. “Thank you.” She spoke after he shared his decision to not go to the market for the tonics. She then gave a nod in agreement with his desire to discuss things as the time came. Truly the two had make full circle back to the beginning but for some reason, though nothing was really changed Alyana felt better, less anxious about the ‘what ifs’ shortly after Legion cleared up the misunderstanding she had about his concern about her actions towards a pregnancy at the wrong time. “I see, well that is not something you have to worry about, I’d never take an unborn child's life.. Especially our own.” she further confirmed. As they sat and talked, Alyana’s husband was very comforting and supportive. “Yes, I’ll be sure to speak with you, as you will with me if I ever have any concerns or worries.” she smiled up at him before returning his gentle kiss. Soon, Legion pulled her into his lap, pulling her closer to him, her heart beginning to beat quickly. “Sorry they don’t come out more..” She murmured to him, “They kinda have a mind of their own these days it seems.” she chuckled a bit, “I probably just need to get use to having them visible, to be honest.” She looked back over her shoulders at them before spreading them out a bit, careful not to knock any picture off the walls as she sort of close her and Legion in between them. “I love you, so very much Legion. “ She told him as she looked down at him from on top his lap. He loved her for her, he loved her wings, everything about her… It didn’t matter that she wasn’t a tiefling like him, he loved her for her and he always would. “I’m excited to be able to stretch them again.. But I have to ask, are you scared of heights?” She asked curiously, hearing him say he wished he had them too gave her an idea. Blushing at the mention of his tail she had to look away for a moment, her mind filled with not so innocent thoughts given what she’d read before able Tiefling tails.. Not to mention what he has told her before as well. “H-Have I.” She giggled a bit at the thought, that was something hard to imagine, but given legions earlier actions, words, she knew first hand it was true.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Maliha caught on to David’s surprise, lowering her ears she was worried she had done something wrong, however, she too wasn’t used to human ways as the king wasn’t used to Lupa. Understanding this herself, the female pushed her concern to the side and focused on the task ahead while listening to David. “Do human Alpha’s not have all the females available to them?” She asked curiously, it was normal in a Lupine pack, everyone wanted the Alpha, even just laying with him was a blessing. “And I suppose so… I’ve never indulged in the passions of the night.” She shared not embarrassed about the intimate topic, “But we Lupa also have those that we imprint on. Every wolf has a destined one.. Once a Lupine imprints, you have no desire to lay with anyone but them, be with anyone but them.” Looking up at the King, Maliha continued, “If it is that, I think maybe my Uncle is simply tired of waiting for her to show up.” she giggled softly. “I’m not entirely sure… the younger wolves in our pack seem to be getting on his nerves lately, specifically Roan… he’s a young adult and likes to second guess every decision Maugrim makes.” She shared still walking beside the King, a decent pace being kept. “Yes, it’s not advised to try and raise pups.. We Lupa have many at a time which makes for a difficult time feeding and protecting. The recent forest fires have really thinned out the wild game in our territory.. If it wasn’t for the alliance with you, I’m afraid we may have struggled more than not.” she shared with him. Finishing their conversation, the two of them soon met up with the pack Maugrim’s sour expression changed to a less irritated one upon seeing David’s appearance. “Thank you, my friend.” he greeted, before offering a thank you to Maliha in the form of a quick shoulder nuzzle as she returned to his side. “No thank you, my pack has been eager to meet their new King.” he spoke up a smile on his canine muzzle as he soon stood to his paws. Behind him the ‘eager’ pack members were looking at David with expectant eyes, some were curious, others intrigued with the sight of a human, a kind human at that. However, Roan, the youngest wolf in the bunch was rather sour faced. His green hues never met David’s figure, Akita, his mother, took noticed at this and quickly nipped the young male’s hip causing the boy to growl and whine as his mother glared at him. A few low grumbles sounded from the black pelted female towards her offspring, whome whined in response. Maugrim’s eyes had narrowed before he looked back to see Akita had already silenced her son. “You’ll have to ignore Roan… my son he’s… Not so thrilled about this but I can assure you, King David, he will not be a problem to our goals or to your people.” Akita spoke up stepping forward, she now stood between Maugrim and Maliha. The younger of female scooted away, crouching a bit in submission as the wolf soon took Maliha’s place at Maugrim’s side. “I am Akita, Maugrim’s lead huntress and warrior.” She wanted to introduce herself as his mate but Maugrim had not committed to her as of yet which was frustrating. She and he knew they’d never find their soulmates… it was time they settled on one another, however, she wouldn’t force anything on her Alpha, that’s just not how things were done. Maugrim glanced towards Akita as she came forward, he was happy she introduced herself and relieved she didn’t tag on any unproclaimed titles… the female was his Lead huntress and best warrior aside from himself but she was also stubborn and rather possessive of him and things she’s desired. “I will introduce you to everyone else as we walk.” Maugrim stated as he turned and took his place beside David, leaving Akita on her own, Maliha on David’s other side.

Fraeya

The strange Stag didn’t exactly answer her questions as she had asked it, but she wasn’t going to pry any more. He was obviously bothered by the topic, it was a sting to his mind that he probably wanted to let be in it’s resting bed. “I believe you.” She told him, I wont pester you any further.” she told him before stepping back. Turning slightly to the left she started to leave him. “Hunt me again and I’ll give you away.” she gave him a small teasing grin before starting back on her peaceful walk through the forest. This had been an eventful outing… Glancing over her shoulder back at the stag, she was curious about him, secretly she felt she was to curious about him… but she couldn’t help being intrigued by someone who hid behind a creatures face and never disclosed his name. Fraeya assumed, if it continued to bother her she would just have to look into him on her free time. By now she was only a couple yard sticks away from the stag, she was honestly surprised that knight hadn’t come looking for her yet, but she was grateful… she never got this chance anymore and Eldrion was too infatuated with his mare to go for rides.

Tarjinn

Tarjinn could see her mind turning, but did not interrupt as she went quiet and focused on what had caught her attention. In the meantime, he watched little Suu sleep soundly, curled in her pelts between them with a content look upon her face. He could only imagine how much she was going to sleep when they got to Tarshious. After a few minutes, the reindeer centaur’s words spurred Esme to action and she stood abruptly, causing Tarjinn to stand as well. He checked the saddlebags on the horses they had, ensuring everything was secured, before leading them out into the snow and summoning his illusionary beast. “Kanajo, you wanted me at the back, correct?”

Mellow Rain

Mellow Rain couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his jesting, holding onto him as he got to his hooves and adjusting the pelt blanket around herself before settling on his back to ride through the mountains. Her horse could follow behind - she was too accustomed to Mordecai’s warmth to lose the heat so quickly. “Jealous? More like exasperated. Not all women want the gushy touchy romance like that,” she told him, keeping her voice low to avoid any eavesdropping from Tarjinn and Esme. “Some prefer mutual benefits over the fluff.”

Kanajo

“That is correct,” Kanajo affirmed to Tarjinn, walking outside into the snow as well and shifting back to her larger form. She pulled her polar bear furs tighter around her shoulders as she stepped easily through the snow mounds and placed herself front of the line. “The path gets narrow as we venture through the alternate route, so eventually we cannot be side by side, just in case others need to pass back. It’s not common, but will make it easier and faster.”

Kilrune

Kilrune waited outside not too patiently, conversing quietly with Thavre as the doctor spoke with Ailani inside. He had nothing to be worried about…right? She was probably just asking questions before she slept. The conversation helped alleviate his curiosity, at least until Dr. Pine came out and asked him to come in, the look on his face not one of casual conversation. Kilrune swallowed the knot forming in his throat as he walked back inside, clutching his daughter close to his chest and listening. Shock? He looked to Ailani with wide eyes, wanting to rush over and hold her until she was back to normal, but he knew that wouldn’t work. If she needed warmth and water, he was the last thing she needed at her side. “I-I see,” he spoke, unsure of how he could feel in the moment. Looking down at his newborn, he walked over to the bassinet they had prepared and set her gently inside, wrapping her snugly in a blanket to comfort her before he looked to the doctor. “I’ll get her water right away.” With that, he rushed downstairs, taking breaths to keep him calm. Ailani was going to be fine, this was normal, wasn’t it? At least for something like this? She was exhausted after all, and their daughter was not all human…it would take a lot out of anybody. He just hoped he could provide the right assistance to his lover in her time of need. Grabbing a large block of ice and melting it with his hand into a large pitcher, he grabbed a glass and went back up the stairs to pour her a glass and sit next to her gently on the bed. “I have some water for you my love, drink as much as you can. I’ll hold it if I need to.” He glanced at the doctor, “Is she allowed to sleep? Should I be monitoring her if she does? What else can I do?”

Legion

Having moved on from their more serious conversation to her wings, the tiefling happily listened to his wife, lifting a hand to stroke them again after her disappointment in stopping earlier. His fingers weaved through the soft feathers, avoiding any particularly ticklish spots. “It is not a bad idea to keep them visible more frequently. You will get used to their weight and feel quicker, and feel more your true self as well. I would not mind seeing them more often either.” He kissed her temple, his tail tightening slightly as he leaned back into the comfortable couch cushions with her. “I love you too Alyana, more than can ever be expressed.” Her next question caught him off guard, and he raised a brow, thinking over it. “Well, I do not believe I am…I can stand at high points on the castle and not be intimidated. I have also scaled walls, like I did once to reach your bedchambers, and did not fear the fall. So I would not say that I am. Are you?” Her cheeks flushed soon thereafter, flustered by his comment, and he chuckled softly, nuzzling her. “I have never been so besotted by anyone before. I did not know what it was like to feel love, to feel cherished. I have never been happier in my lifetime. To have you with me is having an eternal blessing, one that I will never take for granted. You know the man I was before you. Life was miserable, and I struggled to find meaning. It did not help that, as a tiefling, I longed for a mate and a legacy to go beyond me, and I had no attraction to any female, not wishing to pursue any that came across my path or that David tried to hand me. It was not until you that I felt that connection, that interest that sparked so quickly. You are helping me become the male I have always wished to be.”

David

“Have all the females?” David laughed at the comment, shaking his head. “Technically? Yes, I am sure many women would want to have me because of my wealth or appearance, but humans don’t necessarily work in a pack setting, at least not like yours. If I’m with anyone even temporarily, they don’t stick around. But I’m not that type of man, nor do I have many women at once. I focus on one at a time. It hasn’t been working well for me though, so who knows.” He shrugged his shoulders, though was curious about lupin imprinting. That was something he could relate to. “We don’t have imprinting that I know of…however I believe I had a soulmate, back some years ago. Someone you are destined to be with, the one you desire most. The one you dream of. Things did not pan out well however…” The king sighed, waving the thought off. “Regardless, I’m sure you and Maugrim will find your imprints eventually. It’s always worth it in the end. There’s nothing quite like having your match with you.” He managed to finish before the pack introduction, and he watched the few wolves interact, again the physical nature of their communication clear. He was not great at reading canid language quite like his feline or equine knowledge, but he hoped to learn more with their alliance and teamwork. It would come in handy to be able to express the same level of nonverbals that they did, for hopes that they would appreciate and accept him more as an alpha and king. Maugrim apologized for his son, and David smiled softly towards him and then to Roan. “Anyone is allowed to dislike me. I am not a well liked king overall, so I understand the hostility. As long as you don’t threaten my health or rule, we will be fine. No need to force people to like my presence - I have found it doesn’t turn out as expected in the end.” He then turned his attention to Akita, who presented and introduced herself as Maugrim’s most valued pack member. There was obviously some tension between the two, that he could see even without being around canines often, but did not comment on it as he smiled at her as well. “A pleasure to meet you, Akita. Thank you for introducing yourself. I am certain you will be a great help to our cause.” Maugrim and Maliha took either of his sides, and they plus the pack began to walk away from the castle through the entry courtyard, David’s hands still in his pockets as his flame crown appeared atop his hair and danced in the light.

Reverse Harem

The male finally felt the most at ease when the queen dissented, believing his story and beginning to back away from him. He would be left in peace, not arrested or interrogated or antagonized by her guards. She would leave him to his territory. Her leaving tease did bring a bit of a smirk to his face though, and he watched her trot away until she was out of view. Such an interesting new queen in charge. Satisfied with their conversation, he shifted one last time into a fox and sped away back to his home, wondering if the queen would ever wander close again.

“Just where do you think she went? She was literally sitting in the middle of the gardens and you lost track of her?!” “I was not stationed there, I don’t-” “Do you realize what kind of situation you could be putting her in? The king and crown prince were killed and their murderers still haven’t been discovered! And you think letting her wander alone is a good idea?!” “Weren’t you the one who left her side?” “I was directed by her to do so!” Reuben fumed at the two guards he spoke with, a heavy cloak now on his back as he chewed them out. Eyes were supposed to be on the queen at all times, and though they were placed in the gardens, whatever they were doing wasn’t protecting their ruler. They simply could not afford another loss. “I should have you demoted for such recklessness. But if she returns safe, you will be let off with a warning. Regardless of who is with her, your job is to literally guard her with your life. I took my position because I would die for anyone in the royal family. I suggest you think about the same.” Huffing, he dismissed the two back to their posts before he continued to search the outskirts of the castle grounds. She hadn’t gone back inside, and she wasn’t seen anywhere in the gardens, which meant she ran off somewhere she wasn’t supposed to. Just what was she thinking?! Queen Fraeya was going to get herself killed and things would be even more of a disaster, not to mention the impact it would have on the Folgarian kingdom either. She was being overwhelmed with everything happening, and was wholly unprepared entirely, but she had to start thinking things through a bit more. Reuben’s  desire to please was landing him in hot water, and if he made any more mistakes, he would be thrown out of the knights and left to fend for himself as a shamed cast-out of the kingdom. He could not let that happen, and he could not let anything happen to the queen either. She was their last hope.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme

“Yes we will.” She agreed before carrying Suu to their horse and carefully mounting up. Thank goodness her stead wasn’t squirrely, or else this task would have been much more difficult if not impossible. Once on her horse, the Feline looked to Tarjinn who was clearing information up with Kanajo. Overhearing their conversation refreshed her love filled mind that they all had positions within the trail this time around, how could she have forgotten. Making sure her and Suu were where they needed to be, Esme waited for everyone else to get in their positions, careful not to be in the way of anyone trying to pass. Once more the group would be out in the cold, she didn’t normally mind the cold, but she was exhausted and was ready to rest and get out of the bitter cold. Before the group began to move, Esme made sure to securely tug Suu in by wrapping herself in fur blankets, she fashioned them in such a way that it made it to where only Esme’s arms were free and Suu was out of sight and out of danger of the cold.


Mordecai

Chuckling once more the man decided to point out, “It looks like those two lovebirds have already made their way out.” He added a laugh following. Pointing at the two with a slight title of his head and a raised brow, “I think we should get our tails moving.” He added a smirk on his lips as he too began to trot out of the room. Kanajo’s comment made a light chuckle to leave the centaur man, “That would slow us down.” He shared, “I think if it wasn’t for that we may have had a wagon.” Having said that, the man realized he was already nearing the rump of Esme’s mount which made him look up at Esme who was eyeing him with that look of disapproval. It was very rare of a look but he’d seen it a time or two when Suu was not behaving.. It was a first for him however. “M-My apologies.” He murmured, managing to be slightly embarrassed from his previous teasing. “Where did you want us all at again, Kanajo?” he asked with his handsome grin following.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Having shared the news with the new father, Pine could see the unpleasant surprise invading his once overjoyed face. “No need to worry, in time she should come out of it.” he reassured him. Nodding his head in response to the man’s statement, Dr. Pine went back to Ailani’s side to do another reading on her heart rate. Once he’d completed this, the doctor went to his medical bag and began making up the tonic for Ailani. Her heart rate was staying rather high and from his last reading it only seemed to have raised. Getting the medicine mixed up, Dr. Pine added a small amount of water to the powder mixture, turning it into a paste. “Ailani, can you hear me, Miss?” He started off slow, not wanting to startle the disoriented woman. “I need you to try and take this medicine for me, Kilrune is coming back with some water for you, I want you to try to take it then.” He spoke to her slowly and calmly so as to not add more stress or anxiety to the situation. Opening her eyes, she struggled to keep them focused on her dr. as he spoke and showed her the brown looking stuff, the scent rolling from it was potent and herby. Medicine, it was medicine… She put the pieces together as she laid there before him silently, before closing her eyes again tiredly. Kilrune was coming, where had he gone? She tried to wake up, “W-Where is he?” She murmured as she glanced around the room, “Where is K-Kilrune a-and our b-baby?” she asked as a look of worry began to cross her face. About that time, her lover barged into the room a pitcher and glass in hand. “Th-There are you are.” She forced a smile before closing her eyes again. “Ailani, I need you to take this paste, please” Dr. Pine told her as he gently took the glass from Kilrune and put some into a small beaker to mix with the paste and administer to the new mother. Giving the glass back to Kilrune the doctor nodded his head, “Yes, however, she shouldn’t have a lot all at once. It needs to be gradual.” he warned before helping the woman sit up just enough to drink down the tonic. Holding her head he gently placed the beaker to her lips and waited for her to drink it. This was a slow process, it was bitter and the look on the woman’s face said it all. It was a wonder she didn’t spit it all over him, however, she was barely staying conscious. “She can sleep, she needs it, this tonic will help her do just that and slow her rapid heart rate gradually.” he shared, “Do not let her try to sit up or walk on her own… It would be best if you carry her instead of allowing her to try and walk for the time being.” he advised before stepping away to allow him to give her a drink of the water Kilrune prepared for her. Ailani opened her eyes long enough to try and sit up for the drink.


 

Alyana

“I know.. I know you’ve told me before to live more freely… I just can’t help but worry about unwanted attention.” she told him softly as she looked down at her lap and back up at him briefly. She was ashamed she was still so worried about such a thing when her husband had reassured her so many times… it was just something she couldn’t let go of so easily. As he kissed her temple she smiled at him before returning the kiss but instead of his temple she kissed the tip of his nose. His proclamation of love to her caused her sweet smile to beam as she returned her gaze kissing him on the lips this time,”Not at all!” Alyana told him, “Good, once my wings are strong enough, I’ll take you for a flight.” She told him as she cupped his cheeks with her hands. Pressing her forehead against his as she smiled and giggled a bit. “It’ll be fun.” She told him as she pulled away, still overjoyed with the idea. Legion chuckled with her and explained a bit of his past, how he felt back then and how he feels now. This caused the woman’s smile to spark again before she kissed him gently, “I’m glad, I’m glad we met and I’m glad I get to take this journey in life with you.” She told him softly before wrapping her arms around him in a hug, her wings pulling in tight to them in response. The feeling of his fingers trailing through her wings was wonderful, she didn’t get this feeling often and it was wonderful. Maybe it was similar to Legion’s sensitive tail, it sent shivers down her spine at times but she couldn’t help enjoying his touch.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Maliha listened to David as he spoke about human ways, “I see.. But you don’t want all the women? You just want one?” She asked curiously as she strolled beside him down the hall. “Just one at a time? I.. I don’t know how it would work with more than one at a time.” She spoke aloud, confused at the thought. “How does a human enjoy pleasures with more than one female at a time?” She managed to ask before arriving at the pack’s location in the courtyard. They also didn’t have imprinting, that was interesting… There was so much to learn about these humans. Sure their pack does mix and mingle with other species from time to time, but none were very human like though, they were all wild in nature. Shifters and druids… that sort of type or beast folk. “A Soulmate? Well isn’t that about the same thing?” She inquired a tilt of her head as she asked. “Imprinting is sort of the same… You see them and your whole world stops, its almost as if you can see your future in their eyes. You don’t want to be away from them and you’ll protect them at all costs and threaten anyone who tries to step between you and them. Your life revolves around them, is for them.” she explained a bit her tail wagging at the thought. She wished she could find her imprinted bond. However, she wasn’t sure if that would ever happen with this war. “Exactly, there is nothing like it at all.” she agreed as they finally entered the courtyard, the sun causing the she-wolves eyes to squint. With their conversation coming to an end, Maliha listened to the introductions of a few of the pack members. Akita pushed her weight through the other pack members introducing herself proudly, causing the younger female to roll her eyes, a unhappy flinch of Maliha’s lips happened before she averted her gaze. Akita was so power hungry which was why Maugrim never gave her what she wanted… he breed with her once and it’s gone to the females head. A moment of weakness on Maugrim’s part, but ever since then Akita tended to act as though she was the Alphaess and it was so annoying. When the female tried to take Maliha’s place beside David, the younger female made sure to push passed her and press herself against David’s side as to not allow any space between him and her. Akita huffed before following along on the outside. Roan managed to bring his green hues up to David, a snort left him causing Maliha to bare her teeth respectfully. Roan lowered his ears and straightened out a little more. The male had a thing for the light colored female but it was never reciprocated. “No, but it’s best if he is taught to respect you rather then express such rudeness.” Akita spoke, Maugrim looked to the young Roan with eyes that said ‘enough’ “The journey to our pack home is a bit far from here, would you like to ride on Maliha’s back?” Maugrim asked Maliha’s tail wagging at the opportunity, it would be such an honor to help the King with his journey. Instantly Roan’s face scrunched up in a scowl in the back, why did the king get to ride Maliha, he wasn’t better than him! Akita caught on to her son’s disgruntled expression before she whacked him with her paw, “Thank you, you’re highness.. “ She answered a smile on her canine lips. “ As they walked Maliha waited for David’s answer, ready to help him with anything he needed, proud to be of service.

Fraeya

Hearing a commotion near the gardens, Fraeya quickly shifted down to small house cat, David had made her a custom to having cats around. She was confident if she was noticed she would be assumed as one of her feline companions. Sneaking around the gardens, and to the stables, the Queen made her way into the castle through the stable boy lodge. Slipping into the mess hall, the cat navigated the busy areas like she knew the place like the back of her paw. She traveled through the staff dorms from their mess hall, into the castles kitchen, up some stairs into the east wing, and finally, she slipped into a small study of her own, it wasn't her normal work study. This rooms was where she chose to come and wrote her letters to David… it was a place she generally didn't have her guards come into. Seeing it was empty as it should be Fraeya quickly shifted back into her human form. Taking her overdress off, she hung it on a hook to dry at the skirt. Sitting down at her desk she pulled out a letter she had started a couple days prior. Taking a deep breath she exhaled before trying to find the words she needed to complete the letter. She say there for a while, working on the letter before she was satisfied with its contents, folded and pressed it with her royal seal. Taking the letter into her hand she put her heavy winter skirt back around her lighter skirt before walking to the royal courier. It took a bit of time but she eventually made it to the middle of the castle where the royal Courier stood at the ready. "I need this letter delivered as soon as possible to Folgario’s King." She told him kindly.

Kanajo

Looking at the group as a whole, Kanajo put together a line in her mind to find the best way to travel to her village. Though it wasn’t far, she wanted it to be as smooth a transition as she could make it and make sure everyone was safe. She stepped out to the side, ears flicking at Mordecai’s question. “You will be with me at the front,” she told the centaur, “alongside your ‘passenger’. Tarjinn, you will be at the back in case of any followers. The other horses will be in front of Tarjinn, and the snow leopard will be at the center between the steeds and Mordecai due to the cub. We must stay in line back to back to ensure we get through safely. If anything happens, communicate quickly and coherently. I know my way through the mountains if we have to find an alternate course. Is everyone okay to start?”

Kilrune

Kilrune did not realize how tense he was sitting beside his weak lover, hoping she would come out of it like the doctor said. He wanted her to be just as involved with their daughter’s first days of life, the most important in his mind. They wouldn’t have these moments again. Watching her take the medicine, he slipped his arm around her to help support her upright position enough to choke it down, before offering the water and giving her small sips. He looked at the doctor shortly and nodded, watching the man step aside before his own attention was brought back to Ailani. “I will be right here my love,” he murmured. “Drink this one glass, then get some rest. If you need anything, just ask me.” He didn’t want to share his worry, the tension filling his body. She needed to relax and be healed more than concerned for his well being. He kept his arm around her as he helped her drink, holding her snug to avoid any faltering. All he wanted was to see her loving and smiley self again. The young dragonborn pressed a few kisses to her temple, shaky but intentional. “I love you so much, my Ailani,” he murmured. “I love you more than anything.”

Legion

Legion tilted his head, watching her cower after his expression of wanting her wings visible more. Unwanted attention..that was true. “I understand. Wings are not common with any humanoid kind…it would display your position more openly. If it helps, I would like you to practice with them in our suite back home, alongside here. It has plenty of open space, and it will be in private where others will not be so keen to watch. As for a flight - I would be delighted to fly with you when you find the confidence and strength.” She then opened up a bit more, pulling his face in and embracing him close. It brought a wide smile to his face, and his smile turned to a grin as she wrapped her arms around him. His wife was so wonderful. “I am more than thankful that I get to journey alongside you,” he murmured, kissing her again as her wings wrapped around the both of them. He continued to stroke her feathers as he pulled away, content with their softness. “Because I feel this is the best time to ask, is there anything else that you are nervous or worried about with our marriage? Anything that concerns you, for now or the future?” He kept his face close, his expression soft to soothe any sudden panic. “Even concerning your upcoming title and position? I would like us to enter this union on the same page, prepared for anything else that comes forward between us. If nothing now, you are welcome to come to me at any time to ask. I have seen others suffer with inconsistent communication…I would not like us to have the same fate. I know recently we have struggled with not enough clarity between us. Our secrets are, as far as I am aware, known between us, but even so, I would be comforted to be aware of anything that could cause an obstacle to arise in the future.”

David

David was happy to be talking so casually with Maliha, it being easier than speaking with Maugrim or navigating the relations with the pack as a whole. It was more comfortable to have one friend among the more military-based lupins. Before he could continue however, Maugrim asked if he’d like to ride on Maliha’s back, and his brows rose. It reminded him of riding Elmira’s horse back in their youth…he chuckled as it caught him off guard. But he grinned, looking at the lupa who had bright eyes, upright ears, and a wagging tail, eager to serve. “I would be honored.” He slipped onto her back easily, brushing a hand through her coarse topcoat curiously before taking a small clump gently in his hand to not fly off in case of emergency. “I’m used to beastback riding, so don’t worry about going slow. As long as you don’t mind my grip, you can go as fast as the wind will allow.” He patted her shoulder, hoping that was an acceptable motion. “Now, you mentioned the imprinting,” he began, voice lowered to speak to her directly, “and I can understand that feeling. You dream of them constantly, your future flashes in images through your head upon your first kiss…you feel a strong bond together.” The king was quiet for a moment, pushing back past memories. “At least, you hope you do. I have not had the best luck with soulmates. But it is very similar to an imprint. It changes your entire world, hopefully for the better. Do many lupins find their imprint?” He pulled his voice to a whisper, “Has Maugrim found his?”

Reverse Harem

The short elf courier took the message from his queen, bowing in response as he held the sealed message close to his chest. He raised a brow to hear it was for the king - it had been a while since she had last sent a letter to him when he had sent them frequently, one a week it seemed. “They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder….I am not so certain that is the case here, your majesty.” Before she could swipe or bark in response, the male sped off, racing down the stairs and bumping into another member on the way. He squeaked an apology before continuing to his post to send off the queen’s envelope.

Reuben dusted himself off after being run into, sighing out as he continued up the stairs and down the hall where, luckily, the queen was still standing. “Your majesty, you ran off,” he spoke, walking up and standing before her with his arms crossed. “You do understand that I trusted you to stay put in the gardens? For your own safety?” His teeth grit together, but he tried not to be so abhorrent towards his queen. She could cast him aside, throw him out of the guard entirely, make him homeless on the Es’lond streets if she so chose. But she needed to know the dangers. “If we cannot locate you, and something happens to you…we will be left in the same spot as your father and brother. We do not, and cannot, lose you to our enemy forces. Please, I know our presence is infuriating or frustrating, but we do it for your and Inarie’s safety. Our kingdom is on thin ice at the brink of a war, and to have something happen to you would be detrimental.”

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme/Mordecai

Moving into their positions Mordecai nodded his head before speaking aloud, “I’m ready when everyone else is. Right, Kitten?” he asked the feline on his back before turning himself back around to face the others. Esme nodded before looking to Tarjinn to see if he was ready to go as well. He was at the back of the group but given the storm had settled a bit it was easy enough to see him, “Yes, I’m ready to go if the rest of us are.” Esme spoke up as she curled her tail around herself and Suu as a means for extra support to hold the cub against her as the child slept.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

With Kilrune’s assistance, Ailani took the poultice as easily as she could manage. Drinking the water down with it as her lover was able to give it to her. Feeling his presence near her helped the woman relax a bit, his familiar scent was comforting as well. For the next couple of hours Ailani rested, Dr. Pine check her vitals every so often, a couple of times he had to use a bit of magic to try and further relax the woman to ease her heart rate. Eventually, the doctor calmed her body down enough to where the man was comfortable leaving the room to rest in his own guest room for the evening in the house. “If anything changes with her, I’ll just be in the next room as we discussed.” He told him before stepping out to get himself a bit of rest. A couple more minutes passed before the crying of her little one woke her up, its hungry cries sparking something inside the woman, her motherly urges surging. “W-where’s our baby?’ she murmured tiredly as she tried to get herself to wake up faster than her body was willing to move. “K-Kilrune?”

 

Alyana

“Okay.” She answered with a bit of a nervous smile on her lips, she was willing to try though. Using her wings in public was a huge hurdle for her to get over but starting off slow and steady was not too much to ask. Eventually she would feel comfortable to show her true self to the world and not fear war breaking out every time she turned around. She knew great things were to come for Folgario, but first this war of slavery had to rain down upon them. “Wonderful, then I will do my best, for you.” she told him a warm smile on her cheeks as she hugged him tightly to herself. Legion told her of his joy to be alongside her, to travel this journey together. This made her smile even more her wings only pulling closer to them until her feathers were touching Legions horns and shoulders. Soon however, her husband pulled away, just as content with their heart to heart moment as she was. “Not at this time, I’m sure something else will come up eventually though.” She told him a bit embarrassed from her response but it was true. She hadn’t been worried about offspring before nor really anything else aside from showing her wings. For now, she was sure they had covered all that she was concerned about. “Well, that I’m not sure about, I want to do everything I possibly can for Folgario, it’s what I was born to do… So I suppose more then a concern for myself, you may need to pull me from my duties at times I tend to get absorbed in my work.” She admitted her tendencies to lose herself. The woman took her job so seriously it was likely she’d neglect doing things for herself, spending time with family and so on. That would be a challenge for herself, to keep from pushing Legion away due to her work, her duties to the castle, and the kingdom as a whole. “As for secrets, I don’t have any. You know everything as far as I’m aware.” She shared with him before kissing him gently and pulling away from him. “I’m going to check on our dinner.” She told him before sliding off the couch and walking into the kitchen to check their stew which was boiling nicely in the kettle. Grabbing some seasonings from the cabinets, the Aasimar returned back to the kettle to add them in. With that being done she walked back to the livingroom to join Legion once more.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Once David was securely on her back, his hands gripping her wolf fur, Lupine grinned before warning him, "You better hold on!” she said before hearing her uncle chuckle and comment, “You’re in for a ride David.” Maugrim laughed before Maliha took off. Her canine paws carried her quickly through the forest putting quite a bit of distance between them and the group before they too sped up just to keep a protective boundary around the king. This was the wild forests, it wasn’t exactly safe to let a human wander around all willy nilly. With the distance between them and the rest, Maliha listened to David as he spoke, her ears flicked back to face him as she listened. “Yeah, it's very similar then, huh?" She answered before lowering her ears a bit, slowing down to a sort of trot as they near the territory, Maugrim and the rest zooming past a good distance away on either side. "Well," she started glancing down a bit melancholy, "Not often do we Lupa find our imprint, at least not in this age… when our packs flourished, before the claiming of lands and village construction, we often did find our imprint… back then from the stories I've heard, it wasn't so uncommon." She shared with him before whining at his next question. Stopping, she looked up at David with her eyes from where her head was drooped, "Yes, but she was taken from him… our pack was attacked, we won in the end but my Aunt was severely wounded. I was only a pup back then… my Uncle was much more lively than… losing her really broke him. He's never been the same." She shared, her voice soft as she spoke not wanting her Uncle to hear. It was a taboo subject, after losing his mate he never wanted to hear the female’s name again, it was his way of coping from the loss. “I hope one day he can find another Imprint, so the ache he’s plagued with can go away. It’s very rare to find a second, but for the sake of his heart I hope he can find another.” Maliha confided in David a bit about her Uncle, sharing stuff the male would have never brought up on his own.

Fraeya

A scowl took over Fraeya’s face as the courier made quite the inappropriate comment before taking off down the hall and out the door. Huffing, the woman crossed her arms before grumbling to herself about the courier's future within the castle. About that time she noticed the Knight whom the courier had ran into before exiting the castle was in fact the one she ditched earlier. Sighing softly to herself she got her temper under control and turned towards the stairs before looking back at Rueben. “Ah, there you are.” She spoke acting as thought she had been looking for him. “I ran off?” she repeated a bit a grin pulling at her lips, “A queen does not ‘run off” she told him before starting up the stairs a bit of a chuckle had started to form as she elegantly started up the stairs. Of course, that even tempered chuckle faded as the man continued to lecture the woman before him. She had a good cover up story, lying straight through her teeth, rather convincingly the woman turned about half way up the stairs looking back down at Rueben who continued to bark at her. “Did it ever occur to you that a the Queen may have had to use the ladies room?” she asked him with a seriousness about her as she once more crossed her arms looking down at him, “Forgive me for doing so and then continuing on to my personal study.” she lied quite well, it was a talent she had picked up from years of living with a husband that treated her like a caged animal. Turning back around she began back up the stairs. Shaking her head in disbelief at the knights words and actions towards her, of course it was an act. “Thank you, for showing me just how much faith you have in your own Queen.” She glared over her should back at him as she arrived at the top of the stairs. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my room… Or do you feel the need to company to my own bedchamber.” She asked him.

Jezebeth

Sitting tall on her throne beside her fool of a husband, she listened to him bark his orders, all things she had previously approved of course. Their villagers were being brought forwards, some in chains, some in gowns, it meant no difference to her, her bidding was being done and that’s all she cared about. Sitting there she grinned at the less fortunate souls being pulled to the back of the castle, towards the dungeons. “Duke and Duchess Camden, It’s a pleasure to see the two of you this fine morning…” Jezebeth spoke first at the sight of the two nobles with her throne room. “You’re Majesty, it’s an honor to be here today. We’ve come to purchase a few more slaves for our land. We had a few parish this last week, apparently they weren’t designed for the heat of labor like we thought they would be.” The Duke spoke rolling his eyes at the disbelief. The Queen sighed, “Oh what a shame… was it the centaur you purchased last month?” She asked the Duchess crossed her arms, “Yes, she just wasn’t up to the task apparently.” The King then shook his head, “You needn't worry, we got a whole new batch this morning. You two can be have the pick of the bunch.” He told them moving his hand outward, gesturing to the back courtyard where the auction would begin. “Please, take your places at the front of the stage, the best view is there.” Jezebeth spoke a giggle leaving her.

Kanajo

“Right,” Mellow stated, and with Tarjinn’s agreement as well, Kanajo nodded as she made sure everyone was aligned before beginning to walk forward and make their way through the mountain range. It was a bit difficult due to the large snowfall the night prior, but with some maneuvering and Kanajo’s lead, they were able to make it to the village within just a couple hours. They came to a stop to the beginning of a stone road lined with a low stone wall, leading up to the entrance of a village housing a few dozen buildings. Smoke rose from chimneys and some voices were heard ahead, villagers going about their daily business to get chores done. “We’ve arrived,” she spoke back to the group. “We can huddle closer together now, but keep an eye out just in case of any followers. We will go to Union Hall where you can get a meal and rest while I sort out rooms for later tonight, if you wish to stay. I’ll also see the Baron to gather anyone at the Hall who would like to follow you.” Her ears flicked as she gazed at the group, backing up a step before turning and trekking onto the stones, her hooves clicking audibly as she trotted ahead confidently to her home village. “You will be able to make your case, however we as a village cannot provide much help to get you to Tarshious. We work off our own land and supplies being so deep in the mountains, and we do not outsource regularly. Any extra will be slim, and costly. I am sure you understand.”

Kilrune

Kilrune was thankful that eventually Ailani settled and the doctor felt content enough to leave them be for the time being. Thavre was also still nearby down the hall, but everything was at peace. Having sat back in the chair next to Ailani, the male had been able to snag some minimal sleep, at least until his daughter’s cries and his lover’s sudden worried voice came to him that he snapped awake and resituated himself. “Hold on, hold on,” he murmured tiredly, gripping the bed to stand and pressing a hand to Ailani’s arm. “I’ll go get her, you stay here. You can’t move about just yet.” Squeezing her arm, he made his way around the bed to the bassinet, where his daughter cried and wiggled beneath her blanket. His heart clenched tightly in his chest as he picked her up, holding her close as he walked her back to her mother and sat next to her to hand their daughter over carefully. “She’s right here, don’t worry. Seems she missed her mother.” He wrapped an arm around Ailani again to support her, staying close to provide any additional help as would be needed. He then yawned, rubbing his eyes with his free hand. Sunlight was just beginning to peek out from under the dark curtains across the room, and he wondered just how long they had been in the room thus far. Longer than he liked - his back was beginning to ache from the lack of proper sleep. But Kilrune would not complain when he knew his love had far more to deal with. And, besides that, he wished to focus on his family instead of his own needs. It was his turn to put in the work, just like Tarjinn had prepared him for. “You know, I may have lied to you a few months ago. Your face is quite cute, but I think our daughter’s got you beat.” He chuckled tiredly to himself, yawning again.

Legion

Legion could not help but be amused as his wife explained she would likely need to be pulled away from her work at times, as he understood completely. She was unaware of just how deep he could get into his work - perhaps he should tell her about his life before her. Ever since she stepped foot in Folgario, he had been a different male, and she deserved to know how he was before, if only if something happened to take him back to those darker days again. Before he could start, she kissed him gently before leaving to check on their dinner, and for once he wasn't hungry. All he wanted was her curled up with him, sharing each other's warmth. He watched as she checked the meal, applying spices to the bubbling kettle as the aroma filled the cabin before eventually returning to him. He eagerly pulled her back down into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling the side of her head. "My love," he murmured. He was quiet for a moment before he kissed her cheek. "I have not told you about my past completely…not in detail. You have shared more than I have. It is not a happy story, but I feel as though my wife should know the most about me, and where I came from. May I tell you what life was like before I was in David's council, before my title?" He kept her close, a hand going back to her wings to stroke them softly again. "I have not been clear about what has happened to me, what I endured in my youth. It is not a pleasant novel to share, but it is part of who I am. It is only fair that you know the darkest parts of me before we continue on our path of marriage together, an honest laying down of the past and its horrors. It is not that I have lied to you before...it is that I have not shared the complete truth in its entirety."

David

David knew how beastfolk could run, but nothing prepared him for the absolute swift speed of a lupa. He gripped Maliha’s fur tightly as she weaved into the trees, as though she had memorized their positions by heart. He steadied himself upon her back, finding his groove and matching her pace with his position to make sure he would not fall. It took some time, but eventually he was able to enjoy the ride as much as she enjoyed the run. Even the pack joined alongside, surrounding them as one as they closed the distance between the castle and the pack territory. It was a thrill unmatched. They made their way easily through the forest, before in time the female slowed to a trot and the others raced ahead so they could talk quietly to one another, and David could catch his breath before meeting the entirety of the pack. He listened as she explained the troubles with imprints, and Maugrim’s past trauma leading him to the loss of hope he carried currently. He himself could understand such a loss…and such hopelessness. “I am sorry to hear that,” he murmured. “I did not realize how similar he and I were until now. Perhaps it is some sort of sign that he came to be in my court, even after all these years.” He sighed, running a finger through his now tousled hair to smooth out its insanity. “My first wife died in the coup of Folia, what is now Folgario. I thought I could protect her from the chaos, but when all the blood was shed, and I was the last one standing, she didn’t stand next to me. She had fallen in the fight. I know the pain of losing an imprint, a soulmate. Knowing if you have another is a hard burden to carry after such an event.” He often questioned if the world had given him another after such an event, even if punished with his wife’s death. It was never confirmed in the same way as others spoke. “Nothing is easy after such a loss. Maugrim’s recession is understandable - we all grieve in different ways.”

Reverse Harem

The knight was prepared for an argument, but certainly not the confidence that the queen suddenly showed. She was entirely different from the tired, swarmed royal he had seen just an hour earlier, striving for fresh air after a long meeting. His expression tightened as she defamed his faith in her, in his dedication to the crown. What right did she have to suddenly be so against her knights, that put themselves before her to keep her alive? Perhaps they should let her wander free, if only to get the same fate as her family and be taught a lesson. But he could not let that happen. Her blood on his hands would only lead to a guilty conscience, and an agonizing aftermath. He did not believe her story, not when he had asked other guards of her whereabouts and disregarding their opinions of himself to discover her location. They would have seen her do as she said, and clearly that was not the entire story. Reuben continued to follow her however, up to the last few stairs where she stood triumph at the top, looking down upon him several steps down with her chin raised. It reminded him of a guillotine, a blade ready to come down on his head. But he raised his chin in response, returning her glare. “Inviting a male to accompany you to your bedchambers? After clearly sending a letter to her betrothed? I would hate for word to get out of your unfaithful heart.” He set a hand on the hilt of his sword. “Be careful what you say, your majesty. A single word of miscomprehension can lead to a wildfire of blame.” The elf took an intentional step down. “You flaunt your power as if you own it. But I warn you - you have enemies at your back. Assassins killed members of your own blood, and are after yours. Being so frivolous in your escapades will lead you to the wrong ending. I do not know why you are so against those that put their lives before yours. If your knights and loyal guards left your side, you would be left to defend yourself. Which we all know you cannot accomplish. You ran to Folgario, a fallen kingdom, to save yourself and your son. You would have not survived had the king found you. His protection saved your life. Will you truly disregard all those in your service with your stories, your haughtiness? The men who you have not earned the full loyalty of? Because you have not yet proved your worth righteously? Perhaps it is best you leave altogether, and let your younger siblings take charge. They would have far more maturity than a woman who would marry a man the moment he gives her a bed to share.”

The Other Side

Standing at the front center of the stage, the crowd in conversations and excitement before him, the auctioneer grinned at the sight of the eager nobility and slavers craving for a new selection of captured. From the old and experienced to the young and new, there was quite the sea before him, and he was excited to make thousands for the royal family - and himself as well. “Good afternoon, seekers!” His voice boomed over the crowd, hushing those from the front rows to the very back of the courtyard. “We have a thrilling new selection here today just for you. Picked right from the very lands surrounding us are some of the finest specimens for your pleasure. They are fit and ready to take on any task you ask - or force - from them.” This got a chuckle from some, and his grin widened. “To begin, we have a tasty treat for you all, to bring you a taste of what is to come.” He snapped his fingers, and a group of lupins were yanked onto the stage, chained with magic-heavy metal cuffs and collars as they growled and fought against the spell keeping them contained. But they were not strong enough to break their tethers. Gasps and murmurs from the audience arose as ten healthy lupas were hauled to the front, snarling and wide-eyed. “An entire lupa pack, twenty-four strong. Our bids start at a hundred thousand crowns. Who will start us off?” A young adult snapped at the people in the front row, drool splattering across the wood as he barked and raged against his containment. The crowd roared, eager to see more shining white teeth as the bids rose higher and higher through the courtyard. All the while, the auctioneer took the amounts and tallied them, practically drooling himself with the amounts being poured onto the paper. This was just the beginning of a very, very good afternoon.

Esme/Suu/Mordecai

Suu /Esme/Mordecai

All ready to go the group began the journey to Kanajo’s village. The snow was deep but with the centaurs guidance the group was able to maneuver it all well enough. Before long they had found themselves standing before a village, it wasn’t huge but there were a couple dozen buildings, it was a pleasant sight. Hearing voices in the distance, the smell of wood and food cooking on the distant fire places was such a comfort after their journey. Breaking formation, the group began to travel loosely, hooves clicked against the stone path however everyone was still alert and keen on their surroundings. Esme was happy to once again be beside Tarjinn. A purr rolled from her chest as she neared him. "Thank you, Kanjo." Esme spoke, "We appreciate your efforts for us we couldn't thank you enough." The snow leopard told her. Mordecai to was a happy with the outcome, he was glad they had met the centaur. "Yes, thank you." He smiled at her before turning his attention to Esme and Tarjinm to see what they would say about meeting the Baron. Esme shook her head, "You've done enough already, you needn't worry about supplying us for our journey. We will buy what we need if it's available for purchase or trade. Even just a roof over our heads for the night is a huge help to us." She shared, happy to have met such a kind centaur along their journey.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

It took everything in Ailani not to get up out of that bed and rush to their baby, knowing she couldn’t stand up, she still sat up, “I’m feeling much better, are you sure I can’t stand yet?” She asked him, her normal stubborn self starting to return. Sitting there, she watched her lover tiredly wander to the bassinet and get their little one, he was so gentle, so careful when picking her up, it was the sweetest thing to watch. “I think she hungry.” She told him as she covered herself with a blanket a tad embarrassed from the sight of her top. Once Kilruned returned to her with their little girl in his arms she carefully took her from him as gently as possible before adjusting her properly and covering the two of them again with the blanket so the infant could feed in peace. “Thank you, you’re doing so well… “ She told him sweetly before leaning towards him to give him a kiss. She kissed his cheek and pulled away, feeling dizzy as she did so. Putting her free hand to her forehead she sighed, “I guess I’m not a hundred percent yet.” She admitted with disappointment in herself. “What did the doctor say?” she asked him as she rested herself against him again. A grin appeared on the new mothers face, “Oh really?’ before a laugh left her followed by an exaggerated gasp, “Oh how could you!” she acted as dramatic of course she was playing. Watching his earlier actions and listening to his yawn, she knew he was hiding his true exhaustion, “Kilrune, you should rest.” She told him giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I promise I won't move, you just get to some sleep.” she told him sweetly.

 

Alyana

Being pulled back into his lap, his face nuzzling into the side of her head caused her to giggle, “Legion,” She said smiling brightly at her husband. She still couldn’t believe they were finally wed, and now on their honeymoon. With him falling quiet it worried her for a moment, “Is everything ok?” She asked before he spoke up again. “You haven’t?” She asked a tilt of her head as confusion took over her once happy and loving expression. “Yes you may,” She spoked a worried look taking over her confusion. What had he not shared with her? Was it going to be life changing for her? Surely not, the gods would have warned her previously if it was anything that would cause a rift, or pain between them, right? With her mind jumping to worried conclusions she listened to him share what hadn’t been spoken about previously. His arms holding her close with his hand gently brushing her wings. “Oh?” she asked, her tone sounding just as concerned as her eyes may have looked but she wanted to know what it was, what he hadn’t told her. “Please, continue.” she asked him, though she was concerned that didn’t mean she didn’t want to know. She wanted to know everything about her husband, no secrets.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

“Maugrim doesn’t talk about the past, about what he had, so there is no way you could have known.” She told him her ears perking up as she did, her voice still calm and sweet as ever. “Maybe, we believe things all happen for a reason… “ she shared as he tousled his hair back into place. “I’m sorry David, losing loved ones is never easy not to mention imprinted ones.” she whined for him and his loss. Before nodding her head in an agreement, “Yes, we all do. I just hope if either of you find your next imprinted, they are able to stay at your sides for many a moon to come.” she shared her hopes for him and her alpha. Before traveling into the dening area, Maliha glanced over her should at David, speaking once more, “I do want to warn you about some things before we enter the pack territory…” She started, “I don’t know if Maugrim informed you but it’s quite normal for pack member to um… rough house upon seeing each other again after a time away.” She warned, “Maugrim tends to get bombarded by the males of the pack to rough house… it may come off as actual combat, but I promise it’s not.” She told him a bit of a chuckle leaving her. “Another thing, If any females bring you a kill, don’t accept it right away… different sized kills mean different things. If a female brings you a small kill it’s a sigh of respect and is okay to accept… however if it’s a medium size kill, thats a form of well… it’s a requests of the nightly kind.” She found herself getting a bit embarrassed. “I’m not sure if any of our females will want to do such things with you… but knowing you are a king, an alpha, for all intensive purposes… they may attempt such things with you. “ She told him a bit of an embarrassed chuckle left her. “I didn’t want you to make a mistake and accept a kill and be met with a um… expecting lupa.”

Fraeya

Sighing annoyedly, Fraeya knew he was right, gossips would be gossips and those who liked to twist words would do so, especially with a Queen no less. Putting a hand up to the side of her forehead, her headache from earlier returning she sighed aloud before speaking, “Yes you are right… I sometimes forget that I am a Queen and can not be so lax with my words.” she hated to admit it but it was true. “I would never step out on my Fiance, I was simply being sarcastic. I’m not fond of having my guards and knights every eye on me or following me around like lost puppies, but I understand why they are necessary.” She told him and spoke loud enough to make sure all servants and other lurking ears heard her loud and clear. Her knight continued, Fraeya crossed her arms and looked off to the side as she listened, “You needn’t remind me of that Rueben…” She said, a bit more defeated as she turned her back to him still listening. “I’m not against them, Reuben…” She spoke however her voice was more gentle now, it almost sounded as if she was beginning to crumble. She motioned for him to walk with her as she started walking down the hall towards the east wing which contained the castle's extensive library and several personal studies. “I know my guards and knights are just trying to protect me. Especially with a killer on the loose… But I need just a moment away to breathe to be a normal elf for a moment. Yet, that’s too much to ask for a Queen…” She said melancholy, Before long the two were in the library, it was empty, not a soul within, only the guards posted outside were there. “I never wanted to be Queen, Reuben… I never wanted this life. I’ve always wanted to be free to do as I wished but that’s never been my fate. I was betrothed to a corrupt general and later wooed by a King. Then thrown into a throne that I never intended on warming.” She confided in him, rubbing her bare arms as she walked towards the center of the library. Her eyes wandered to the walls that were literally covered in books, history of the elven kingdoms, biographies, geography, so many different kinds were in this massive library. “But I am aware that I have to give that up, the freedom I’ve always wanted to have.” she clarified as she leaned against a table to face him. “And you’re right, I wouldn't be able to face the war at our borders without my guards and knights. I do need all of them to trust and have faith in their Queen, and I’m sorry for doubting yours in me.” Pushing herself up on the table she closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath, she was forcing herself to keep from crumbling, she wasn’t made to be a Queen and she knew it. Opening her eyes she parted her lips with an exhale before speaking again, “Though, I do feel like I need to make something known… I’m not entirely helpless like you seem to think I am.” She let him know, “Holding an infant makes shifting a bit tricky.” She let him know before shifting into a common house cat and leaping up on couple shelves until she arrived at some history books. Sitting down she looked down at Rueben before taking her feline paw and pulling a book out. “Can you catch this for me please?” She asked him, “Maybe you’re right… “ She responded, there was no fight left in the woman, she was tired and just simply trying not to break under all the pressure she was being consumed by. He was right though, she fell for David so quickly… all of this was wrong, she badly wished she was free like the strange stag, what she’d give to have that freedom. Wait, couldn’t she have freedom if she knew how to protect herself? Eyeing her knight as the gears turned she leaped down from the shelf after the book fell, the woman shifted into her saber form and knocked her knight to the ground, a low growl leaving her as she landed on the floor, careful not to hurt him from the impact. “Then teach me… Train me to be a Queen who can protect herself, and those around her, so I can have my freedom at least on rare occasions and my Knights can relax a touch.” she asked him as she hovered over him as he laid on the ground. “S-Sorry are you alright?” She asked as she stepped back, making sure he had room to stand back up or at least sit up.

Jezebeth

Having Dismissed the nobles to the auction Jezebeth then gaze upon the Slaves being ushered in, “Ah, are these the newest from the recent hunt?” She asked her King and husband, “Yes my beautiful love. They are actually from this mornings hunt, quite a wonderful hall is it not?” He chuckled as he eyed the beasts being nearly drug through the doors as they fought back. Children crying and mothers trying to comfort their offspring, “Hmm yes, however the little runts wont fet a nice price… Strip them away from their mothers and send them to the barns.” Jez spoke and waved them away with her hand, “Are you sure my love?” the Queen looked at him with a bit of shock, “Yes, when have I doubted my own decisions?” She snapped at him before stepping down off her throne and walking towards the smelly group, “They are not fit for work, much to small for really anything of use to use and our kingdom..” She blurted an eye roll as she eye the youngest of the group men snarling at her like the bests they were and mothers panicked and pleading against the womans choices. “My word is final and law… “ She smeared at the begging beasts before turning back around to face her husband, “They are no more use to me then dog food do you understand my darling? Send them to the plantations on the far end if they survive the wilds I’ll bring them back to serve a greater purpose.” She instructed the hunters that had brought them in. One by one the young were pulled from their families before all that stood before her were the weeping mothers and enraged fathers and those of the like. Pacing up and down the group, eyeing them, with each one she had the guards check their teeth at their own risk, along with other things of the like to insure health. “This one, that one, and the one at the back of the group all have great potential, nice teeth, body structure.. They will do in the breeding stock. These ones however we need to auction off… she pointed at a group of male tielfing some were teens others were seemingly in their early to late 30s. “Take them to the stage for todays auction. The queen spoke before a hunter spoke up, “And the females, your majesty?” Standing there she tapped her chin with her finger for a moment. “The ones with good teeth and body structure… and those that had offspring I want them to go to the breeding stock as well, the others go ahead and put them up on stage as well and see what kind of prices we can fetch.” she waved her hand before walking away from them a male snapping his teeth at her head as she passed, it didn’t phase her. Instead it angered her husband causing the king to stand ot his feet and bark his own orders, “SEND THAT ONE TO THE SLAUGHTER, HOW DARE HE SNAP HIS TEETH AT THE QUEEN!” His thick face boiled red with anger causing Jez to laugh, “Oh please, they are beasts, they know no better.” She continued to giggle as she walked back towards her husband, “Come on deer, lets go watch the Auction before we miss all the fun.” She spoke to him in a sickening sweet way before taking his hand and pulling him off his throne to head to the courtyard balcony, their own best seat in the auction yard.

Once there, the two took their seats, the first beasts to be pulled to the stage were none other then Lupines! She hadn’t been sitting long before she stood to her feet shocked at the sight, “Why were they not brought through the castle for our viewing first my love?” The queen asked her loving king, “They are dogs my dear, once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all.” He laughed before the woman turned to him and gritted her teeth, “You fool, they are more then just dogs, they are wolves damn near dire wolves that are stronger than oxen could ever be!” She growled at him before turning towards the stage again leaning over her balcony, she eyed them looking for the best ones to pick for her own uses. They already had a mut but she was to young for breeding if they could raise their own they’d be in hog heaven, the kingdome would have more money they they could ever dream of… Let alone the war would be in their hands there would be no second guessing. “Auctioneer,” The Queens voice spoke over the crowd, loud and clear pausing the excitement below, “How many female and male Lupin do you have there?” she asked

Kilrune

Kilrune smiled to see their daughter and Ailani together, the little girl now quieting as she fed. It did amuse the dragonborn that his lover covered herself, but he wasn’t about to ask her why. He had seen everything there was to her. His smile only grew when she kissed his cheek, though found herself woozy again and he tightened his grip around her waist. “He said to stay in bed for now, and if you need to move I need to carry you, just for the time being. I imagine he wants to wait a full day before you are up and walking around again after your shock. He was rather concerned with you just a few hours ago.” He yawned again, brushing his hand up and down her side. His smile turned to a soft grin to hear her tease and laughter, the sound music to his ears. How he had missed it all, even if it wasn’t gone for long. He kissed her temple in return, chuckling softly. “I know, I know, I’m a terrible lover. But it’s true. She’s so little and adorable. But, if it makes you feel better, I think she shares your face more than mine. I don’t know what her eye color is, but I imagine as she gets older she will look a lot like you. And I won’t mind a bit.” Yawning once more, trying to shake off his exhaustion, he waved aside her suggestion even if he knew she’d persist. “It’s my duty to take care of you and our little one for the time being, until the doctor deems it safe to leave. You have gone through so much to bring our baby into the world, it is time for me to put in the work to help. I am not bothered by a lack of sleep. That would be an insult to how little sleep you have gotten this entire pregnancy. I will be fine, my phoenix. Until I pass out on the ground, I will attend to you and our daughter.” He grinned down at her, giving her a small squeeze. “Speaking of her, though, she still needs a name, if you’re feeling well enough we should christen her with one.”

Legion

Legion didn’t like causing his wife concern, not when she was so happy and bright before. All he wanted to do was bring clarity to what had happened in the past, but prepare her properly for it. He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss, lifting a hand to cup her cheek. “Do not worry for me,” he murmured. “Nothing of my past affects how I feel about you, or our marriage. But since we are in private, it is the best time I feel to express what happened to me. It may come up during the war, or bring back bad memories, and I want you to understand my side in case anything happens.” Taking a deep breath, he leaned back against the cushions of the couch and continued to hold her, a hand resting in her feathers as he gazed up at the ceiling to recall all the most prominent events of his lifetime. “I do not remember much of my childhood. But I had two tiefling parents. I was very intelligent even at a young age, so my parents had me apprentice with a scholar to improve my skills and put my knowledge towards a career. I found that it suited me quite well, and I bonded with the noble scholar as I grew. I stayed with the man into his older age, practically growing up beside him. But, he died one day due to circumstances that I still cannot get clarified to this day. His death is still a complete mystery. However, the town we were based in…never liked my kind very much. They tolerated me as I proved to be worth their time, but beyond that, I had no higher respect. They were doubting my presence and assumed I had ulterior motives for my apprenticeship. There was never any proof though, as you can imagine. Because there was no proof otherwise, I was blamed for his death, and was deemed a murderer, a savage demon come to take what I did not deserve. I was dragged into the center of the town and they tried to kill me.” His breath hitched, but he tried to keep his voice level, to push past the memories, the pain that seared in his chest. “I did nothing to them, never a foul word or a wry glance, but they saw my appearance and knew of the rumors surrounding my kind. They sold me off to slavers when they found I could not be burned by fire, and I was thrown into a cage and transported to a noble’s territory, where I was shackled and forced to do mine work. I was there for months, until one day I had worked up enough strength to overtake one of the guards. It was enough to get me out of the mines, but not enough to flee entirely. A good friend of mine, a fellow tiefling, and I both ran to the forests to evade what had been done and survive in the wilderness alone.” He paused again, this time for longer as his voice quivered. “They found us eventually. We were not strong enough to overcome the slaver’s forces. I gave in quickly, but my friend…they bludgeoned him until there was nothing left.” He pulled Alyana closer, wishing to feel her warmth against him as his tail coiled tightly around her. “I was dragged back to the center of the camp and branded in front of every slave as an example for those who fought. They tossed water on my skin to stop the burning before they pushed me right back into the mines. Everything became a blur after that. I am not sure what happened to me in the time following, until I was brought into Folgario alongside a group of slaves, and I was brought before David. He had heard of my situation, and had bought my freedom along with as many slaves as he could afford with the prior Folia’s treasury. He apologized for not being able to save me sooner. But I would have perished down in the mines had it not been for him. His sheer will to save me and the others saved lives. I see the children of those slaves running around Folgario. David did all he could to restore me, have my wounds healed and my past accounted for. The scholar’s estate and all its contents were given to me as my restitution, and once I proved my knowledge and worth, he brought me into his council and gave me my title. We worked from then on to make Folgario a place of solitude, of peace. I have never been back to properly claim that estate, though. Though I am stronger now than I was in the past, to see that town again, to relive what they did to me, is something I cannot fathom. I have not stepped foot near it since, despite my rightful ownership.” He opened his eyes and looked to his wife’s, stroking a hand down her cheek. “I wish to show you it someday, so that maybe your presence will heal its past wrongs, and we can use it as a home away from Folgario, or even just take the belongings within and sell it to build our own home like this, to raise a family in our own solitude. I have not decided what to do with it since I was given the deed and all its contents. Kochab tells me it is safe, that the village has changed, but it is difficult to believe him after what happened due to those villagers. It is, however, one secret I have kept from you, and I am sorry to have withheld it for so long, along with everything else it entails. I never meant to hide from it all. But I did not know when I would have the courage to speak of it again.” Letting out a sigh, a burden lightening from his shoulders, he looked to the kettle to see that their meal seemed to be done. “If you will forgive me, I would like us to share this meal, and continue with our honeymoon as the peaceful escape it was meant to be. We will enter this marriage in complete and utter clarity, and have no demons behind us once and for all.”

David

David wasn’t too assured by Maliha’s attempt to comfort him, but he knew she was trying her best. It was not easy to understand such a loss when she herself had not had an imprint, so he could not blame her. Hoping for an imprint, a soulmate, could drain someone so deeply. He had seen it happen with Legion, the anger that boiled within him until Alyana had stepped into Folgario. Sometimes the desire could desecrate someone’s entire soul, and the only remedy was their soulmate. Shaking off the darkening thoughts within him, he preferred to hear about the ways of the lupin pack as they continued to walk towards the pack territory. “That’s quite an introduction. Not gonna lie, I’d love to be tackled when I come back from trips by my court. But I don’t think any of them would be too pleased to participate. Thank you for warning me though, I wouldn’t want to mistake their greeting for an attack. I am still learning lupin behavior.” The next part intrigued him though, and he raised a brow. Would females really try to suede him? What an interesting thought…he would never have perceived their kind wanting a man like him, but then again, what did he know at all? He grinned cheekily down at her, wiggling his eyebrows. “Expecting them after me, or expecting my children afterwards?” He barked a loud laugh, shoulders shaking at his own comments. “I’m surprised I’d even be enough for them, everyone is so large! If anything I should be the swooning male to be offered a chance to bed a lupa female!” He continued to laugh, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. He had missed joking around such subjects in Fraeya’s absence. It continued for a while before his laughter began to subside and he patted her shoulder affectionately. “I’ll keep that in mind though, thank you. You don’t have to worry about me. Just because I have a half-orc son and an elven bride doesn’t mean I’m trying to check every species off my lay list. I don’t even have one. I’m just amused that females of your kind would have a genuine interest in me. There are many more suited males to match your species’ brilliance.”

Reuben

Reuben frowned as he listened to his queen, the confidence seeping from her figure as she trudged through the hall towards the expansive library, the second floor to an auditorium of books and scrolls. He followed her inside and was certain of the room’s silence and lack of guards before locking the doors behind them for security. Nobody would be wise to attack the queen in her own castle, but crazier things had happened before. He wasn’t sure where she was going with her speech, why she was suddenly being so open to him of all people, but when she instantly shifted to a cat and started leaping on the shelves, his eyes went wide as he watched her easily scale the books and shelves surrounding them. It wasn’t long before she asked him to catch a book, and the knight caught it in his hand, yet was thrown to the ground seconds later as she pounced on him in a beastly saber tiger form. His heart could have stopped in his chest, but seconds later it pounded in his ears, blood rushing from his head as he lay beneath her in panic. What was his queen?! He was brought breathless and could only begin to breathe once she had backed off of him, clutching his chest. “Y-Y_Your majesty, please don’t startle me like that, I thought you wished to kill me.” Swallowing the knot in his throat and panting, he wobbled as he stood to his feet, face flushing red in embarrassment to be caught off guard by his ruler of all people. Clearing his throat, and bracing himself on a nearby table, he picked up the book and set it on the table for her use before he looked back at her narrowed cat eyes. “I-I can teach you what I know…but I’ll have you know your highness that I am not the highest ranked knight in your stead. You are better off learning from Vaun, or one of the officer knights of your guard. I would be remiss if you were not trained well in self defense from me, and something happened to you because I didn’t cover something crucial. I am honored to be asked, but it would be wiser to ask a senior knight…preferably a shapeshifter too, if we have one. I am afraid I do not hold such a gift…but it would be a great asset to use and make it easier to convince others that you can care for yourself.” Taking in a few deep breaths, he brushed his hand through his hair, glancing at the book she grabbed before looking back to his queen, still startled by her appearance. He had no idea his queen had such a talent. “Did you, um, need this for anything in particular, your majesty?”

The Other Side

The auctioneer was surrounded by bids, the lupins still trying to occasionally fight against their restraints to no avail. It simply made the crowd more hungry to see them in action, the things they could accomplish with the beasts before them. Tallying the bids, suddenly the royals from the back had raised their own flag as ballot, and the audience hushed to hear the queen over their heads. The man on stage brushed salt-and-pepper hair out of his eyes and grinned to hear her question. The woman had bitten the bait just like everyone else. “Eight males, the rest females. All in excellent hunting and fighting quality, ranging from young adult to sturdy full-grown beasts,” he called back, gesturing out to the group. “On stage? Five and five, to see the full range of what you will receive. Quite beautiful specimens, are they not? And only the first of many prize creatures we have for you today. You will be shocked at our luck.”

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Ailani sighed at the diagnoses and requirements but she understood and would do her best to not push her self. “You really have to carry me?” She asked as her dizziness began to wear off a giggle trailing her words. With that being said he kissed her temple, their topic changed to the cutest girl in the room and Ailani couldn’t help but laugh, “No, you’re a wonderful lover… Our daughter is the cutest one in this room after all. Who could deny her cute little face.” She told him another giggle trailing her lips as she snuggled close to their infant kissing her little forehead as she did so. “I think she will have a nice amount of us both in her… She’s a perfect mix.” She told him looking her little girl over. She even had wings, she wished she still had her own, man those will make her teen years a pain if she is able to use them… “We might have our hands full if she’s anything like us when we were young.” She chuckled as she gently brushed her finger tips over the childs wing tips. “She has more than her legs to get herself away from a punishment or to sneak out.” She told him with amusement in her eyes. Speaking of which Kilrune brought up needing to settle on a name for their little girl. “Yes, we do…” Sitting there for a moment she hummed as she thought about a name for her white scaled adorable dumpling. “Lets see…” She hummed as she traced her little face with her finger, “How about Naveala?” she said softly as their baby was now back to sleep with a full tummy and gentle forehead strokes from her mother.

Alyana

With Legion reassurance, Alyana settled a bit. Leaning against his chest she listened to his story. “I’ll be here for you no matter what has happened to you, Legion.. I promise that will never change my love.” she told him gently before letting him continue to tell her his story. He told her what little he knew about her childhood, but mostly he spoke of his life before Folgario came to be. He torture he went through the stuffering he endured and the way he was treated by the people that were suppose to be his neighbors, how they blamed him for the death of his teacher... It was all gut wrenching… Why were people so close minded, why did they see Beast-folk as nothing more than beasts to be used for their own bidding. Nuzzling her head into his chest, she comforted him as she listened to him speak of his past. There wasn’t a fair justice system for beast-folk either, let alone tieflings… He was drug away and put in a mine. Losing his freedom all together… All for a crime he didn’t commit. Squeezing him, Alyana hugged him tightly feeling he needed more comfort than her weight against him. He lost a dear friend after escaping the mine, only to be thrown back into the mines… Before there was no more time, he shared how David saved him and the other slaves that were stuck in the mine as well. This warmed her heart, David saved Legion, that was how they had actually met and from there on he became who he is today. Her husband also shared that he still owned the property from before his enslavement, how he was not sure if he ever wanted to return there. “Legion, I want to do whatever you feel most comfortable with.” She told him softly, “I’m happy living at the castle, even having a vacation home in the forest right outside of the castle… We don’t need a place far away or in another village.” She shared, happy to stay where they were. “I will be happy to see it some day if that is what you wish, however.” she kissed his cheek after her stroked hers before offering him a comforting smile, “I’m glad you shared this with me.” She told him before giving him another kiss, this time on the lips, a gentle comforting kiss.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Maliah couldn’t help but laugh at David’s response, “Maybe you can partake with Maugrim some time, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind especially once you two get to know each other better.” She shared, her tail wagging as she thought about the sight of two alpha’s horsing around upon greeting one another. His eyebrow wiggle caused the female to laugh more, blush rasing to her canine cheeks beneath her fur. “Alpha David please.” she said her giggles fading after a bit of time. “I suppose so, you know we can shift…” She told him, “We are still pretty large then but I guess if you’re speaking romantically things could be a bit more do able.” she added before feeling a bit embarrassed about the topic suddenly. She was learning David was rather open about these kind of topics, it was funny but nice he was so comfortable which such topics. Elmira was always so embarrassed by such things, she thought all human like creatures were the same but David, David seemed more Lupin then anyone she’d met so far outside of her pack. “Worry?: She paused for a moment confused before giggling, “Oh, I believe Elmira mentioned before that a lot of species don't’ believe in sharing their significant others. We Lupin tend to enjoy having multiple significant others, it helps with raising the young and providing for our families. In fact, I have one mother and three fathers.” she shared, her tail wagging all the while. “I don’t understand why most don’t like such things. However, I’ve never felt strongly towards another so I haven’t got much experience to really understand.” She chuckled before pausing just a few yards from their Denning sight. “I don’t think it has much to do with your species David, more to do with your rank. Being accepted by a capable male is everything to a female. Sure we females can provide for ourselves but knowing we are worthy of the Alpha’s attention is nearly every female's wish. Not all are accept, and those who are may not be accepted all the time.” she told him as she turned her attention to her pack, which was starting to pool into the middle of the den sight. “Mom! Father’s!” Maliha suddenly called out before rushing forward to great them, she nuzzled them each lovingly her fathers were happy to nuzzle back and sniff her pelt, making sure she was unharmed and safe from her travels. Her mother was a beautiful white female, who had gray and red ticking along her shoulders and down her back. Her muzzle had a red blaze down to her snout, grayish tan markings were under her pale blue hues, and her paws were all dusted in the same grey and red that ticked her back. “Has my daughter been claimed by the human Alpha? He was rather close to you.” Her mother excitedly asked, her tail wagging as she seemed to be rather proud of her daughter, the fathers were supportive but like most fathers protective, they didn’t speak against the king however. Her fathers were of varying blacks, browns, and reds as well, white/tan bellies and chests as well. “N-No mom, we’re just friends.” She said happily and a bit embarrassed. “Human alpha’s are not really like that mom.” She told her in Lupin, her ears had fallen to the side with embarrassment as she let a bit of a whine out as she expressed this emotion to her mother. Before long the rest of the pack had come forward Roan upon entering the pack territory tackled a nearby male, his older brother to be exact. Maliha’s eyes rested on the older male as he rough houses with Roan, her heart raced a bit. He was an attractive young adult male, his pelt was a reddish brown with darker brown tones and red and golden brown highlights. He was nothing like Roan, he was kind and a hard worker, he wasn’t a brat like his little brother. How Akita managed to have such a kind older son Maliha would never understand. As Maugrim entered the pack he too joined in on the rough housing, before long the rest of the young males had join in on the wrestling; the pack females howled in celebration as did those who didn’t participate. “Get ‘em Alpha!” Maliah shouted as her tail wagged madly, looking at David she laughed, “It looks like fun doesn’t it?!” She giggled. However the scene before them probably looked like a huge lupin fight if the on looked wasn’t use to such a thing. Over time some females had even joined in, happy to celebrate in the fun. However, Maliha stood happy to cheer them on beside David, she didn’t want him to be alone. However, as Maliah was happily watching, Roan had come over after he’d been kicked from the tussle. Growling as if to start a fight, Maliah was pulled from the scene before her to look at the male before them. He was challenging David, as did the tussling generally started, “Roan, he doesn’t know the rules or our ways just yet… “ She warned him before the gray male clicked his teeth and said, “Then let me teach him.” without hesitation Maliha snapped at him, “No, that’s not your place.” She growled at him before stepping in front of David, her pelt rose on end as she stared down the younger male. He attempted to get around her before she grinned and wrestled him to the ground. Their growling and snarling echoed as the earlier excitement was starting to calm. Before long, Maliha had Roan kicked off of her and pinned to the snow covered earth. She huffed in his face before turning her back on him and trotting back to David, her tail held high in victory. “ Behind her she could hear Maugrim bellowing in laughter as he looked at his tired pack mates, “David, come meet my pack, please!” He motioned for the king to come over as he sat down catching his breath, his smile fading as his eyes glanced over his pack as if he was looking for a specific wolves approval and praise. He would never have that someone he looked for however, and he knew it.

Fraeya

His surprise caused her to chuckle, “You shouldn’t assume you know everything about your Queen then.” She told him kindly. “I may not have fought off those wolves all those months ago, but I’m not completely incapable. The best decision at that time was to run, so that is what I did.” She told him, before jumping up on the table and sitting down, still in her sabor cat form. “I wouldn’t kill my own knight, unless he or she decided to take part in treasonous ways.” she reassured him. He had answered her request pretty quickly which caused her to frown a bit. Why of all people did they have an under skilled Knight at her side then? A sigh left her as she sat there, a frown pulled at her cat muzzle. “I’m surprised… Since when is an underskilled knight stationed at a royals side?” She asked with a title of her head. She hadn’t said it in a hateful way, she was rather curious actually, “I’m fine with you teaching me, learning the basics or more is better than having nowhere to start from.”. Looking at the book he placed on the table she nodded her feline head before answering, “Yes, I do need it. I’ve been away from the kingdom for some time, I need to refresh my knowledge of the previous years I’ve been away.” she shared as she placed her paw on the book and pulled it towards herself, examining the cover as she did.

Jezebeth and her "Pet"

Listening to the charismatic Auctioneer, Jezebeth eyed the Lupin’s before them. “And are they all from the same pack?” She asked curiously as she watched the beasts thrash and snarl in their enchanted bindings. Before he could answer her, the Queen snapped her fingers for a guard. Before long a man came forward, “Yes your grace?” He asked before the woman flipped open a black laced fan to whisper to the guard. “Very well your, Highness.” Leaving the balcony the man took a moment to return but in the meantime Jez smiled at the Auctioneer, “My dear pet will help me decide just who I want from your haul.” With a motion of her hand, the woman gestured to the Courtyard doors as they opened. A knight in heavy armor walked through the open doors, pulling a large wolf behind him, bound with thick chains laden with magic to help contain the beast he tugged along. “Move, Mongrel!” The knight snapped at the creature as it fought back. Trying to lock her legs, her massive Lupin paw’s drug deep into the top soil leaving marks in the dry soil behind her as she fought against the chains and man with all her might. Of course, it was with no avail. Once the gray pelted wolf was in front of the other Lupin’s she was forced to take in the sight before her. It pained her to see so many of them up there. How was it possible… How were so many captured? Was her own family going to meet this fate as well? Her thoughts were interrupted as the Queen snapped at her from behind, telling her to speak to them or else. Her ears were pinned flat against her head, if only they could all break free of this damn place, they’d all wipe the demons out around them no problem… Being prodded by the Knight once more, the female lunged at him, only to be pulled back by her bindings. A snap of the Queen’s fingers brought a magic whip down across her gray pelt. Causing a low whine to leave her before bringing her eyes back to the fighting lupin before her. She was told what to say before exiting the castle, where she’d been being kept for the time being. In the Lupin language, the she-wolf parted her lips to speak but gritted her teeth, continuing to refuse. Jezebeth huffed, “Stubborn today are we?” She muttered before flipping her finger in the air causing the magical whip to beat the wolves hide again causing a loud yelp to leave her, her body trembling as other wounds from the past were aggravated. Once more, she parted her lips and spoke up, “Are you all from the same pack? “ She asked her voice shaking, she sounded to be a young adult 17 or 18 to be exact, looking at her it was hard to tell from the abuse and neglect she’d suffered through thus far. The only thing that was certain was that she was at least being kept fed enough to fight and be strong. “And… who's related… who are mated pairs.” she hated asking and she hoped no one would speak up… even if that did mean more pain for her in the end.

Kilrune

Kilrune couldn’t help but grin softly at her comment, lifting his other arm to flex teasingly. “What else do you think I’ve been gaining muscle for, just for show? I quite like the idea of carrying my lover around the house. I certainly did before you were pregnant, it’ll be the same now.” Kissing her temple a final time, he watched her take in their daughter, applying little touches and strokes to her brow and wings. It brought a chuckle out of him to be reminded of the trouble her little wings would cause down the road. “That is very true…she might get into quite the mischief. Hiding things out of reach won’t work very well when she can fly and get them all on her own. But, on the other hand, I can’t wait to see Tarjinn try and babysit her!” He laughed a bit louder, but realized his volume when he saw his daughter settling to sleep and quickly quieted. He reached out and stroked her head himself, smiling at her soft skin and tiny presence. She was so little even in Ailani’s arms, and would grow quickly he imagined. He would treasure her at this size as long as he could. Gazing at his little girl, his lover spoke a name, and suddenly everything seemed to click. An image solidified in his mind, him with his family, and his smile turned to a grin. It was like that night in the inn the first time they met. “Navaela,” he murmured, taking her little hand and kissing it as she fell asleep. “A perfect name. Our little Vae.”

Legion

Legion was comforted greatly by Alyana’s small kisses and murmurs, holding her close as she gently kissed him. He kissed her back, stroking a hand along the inside of her wings before he rested his forehead against hers. “I am thankful you are not changed by it,” he murmured, kissing her cheek. “If I ever wish to go there, I will let you know. But for now, I would rather spend time with you.” Adjusting her in his arms, he held her close as he walked to the kitchen and set her down on the island with a smile. “Especially eating the dinner we made together.” Going to the cabinets, he pulled down a couple bowls and cooled the kettle down to a mild heat before ladling the soup into the bowls and handing his wife one with a spoon. After he got his own, he leaned against the island next to her with a smile before taking a taste of their dinner. Though not the most exotic meal, it was tasty, and he enjoyed its comforting warmth. It reminded him of, well, this time with her. “I think we did a wonderful job,” he told her, giving her a smile. “For our first dinner made together, it is quite the nice one.”

David

David couldn’t help but grin at the thought of rough housing with the alpha of the lupin back. As a leaner man himself, he would get tackled pretty easily, and it would be harder to get up than at the harvest ball. But it was still an entertaining thought, and he would have to discuss it with Maugrim at some point later. His attention then went to Maliha again as she started to explain more of the lupin behaviors, focusing on the more romantic and bonding etiquette. It was fascinating, the intricate workings of multiple lupas bonding and the desire for an alpha mate. He chuckled as he thought about himself as a lupa, a prized male with as many females as he desired. With all the trouble chasing individuals, having his own group who desired him wasn’t the worst idea of a life. It caused a pain to swell in his chest, and he had to push it down as he was brought in front of Maliha’s family unit, her mother and fathers. He curiously watched them interact, but his face burned when her mother asked if they were a pair. He scratched the back of his head, about to defend and explain his betrothal, but his friend had seemed to explain the situation easier. It at least kept the fathers off his back as he noted their more relaxed gaze on him, more of a respect of an alpha than a guard of their daughter. It did make David wonder though who was the biological father of Maliha, and he tried to clue in using their patterns, but his mind was drawn away by the female’s bark towards the tousling. He blinked and looked towards the howling pack still greeting their alpha male. A sight to behold, all the members so happy for their king. The pain began to take hold again, but once more he pushed it down, focusing on the joy they all shared. At least until Roan had suddenly approached them, seeming to challenge the king before Maliha had stepped in front of him and returned the challenge. It was probably good to do so - David knew that even with the male’s smaller size, it wouldn’t take much to dominate him. Chuckling in embarrassment, he gave Maliha a good scratch behind the ears as a thank you, opening his mouth to thank her more personally when Maugrim called him from across the packsite, where many wolves stood with tails wagging. He looked down to the female beside him, smiling. “Want to join me?” he asked, before making his way over to the alpha. “Quite the greeting, but an alpha like yourself deserves no less,” David spoke with a smile.

Reuben

Reuben didn’t like claiming that he knew all, but there was only so much he knew about her in general that he had to confront her with the knowledge he had. She was so new to the role that nobody truly trusted her completely. She leapt up easily onto the table, and though she reassured him that she would not kill him unless necessary, her mere presence was incredibly intimidating to have looming over him. He took a step back intentionally, watching her carefully. However, he was stunned to hear her call him underskilled, and narrowed his eyes. “I think you misunderstand my worry, your majesty…I am not unskilled. I am simply saying that I have never trained anyone before, nor am I a shifter, so I cannot provide you with the best skills for your…gifts. I am more than happy to help you but I just figured you would prefer someone with more experience.” The knight watched his queen paw the book around, an amusing sight for a single moment, before she flipped it open with a claw and began to look through it. He was about to warn her to be careful, but figured that would offend, and simply watched. “That’s…not the worst idea, your majesty. Would you like me to pull some more records for you?”

The Other Side

Though a bit confused as to why he could not answer, the auctioneer watched as the queen summoned her pet, the animal being pulled forward on similar, stronger chains like the ones on stage. The audience watched the queen command the animal, its handler striking it once, twice, before it finally spoke to the lupin pack in its own language. The crowd watched in silence, unwilling to disturb the queen’s demand.

The oldest male on the stage, a dark gray and black lupa, growled low and loud towards the female, an acknowledging sound to recognize her. He was the biggest on stage, a few scars tainting his otherwise flawless coat. He stepped forward, ears pointed towards her and unrestricted from speaking with her in their ancient language. “We are one,” he spoke, his voice gravely but strong. “Two imprinted pairs, with our mixes of young adults.” He paused, huffing and his eyes narrowed. “All of our children, our pups, were taken from our sides. They were stripped from their mothers!” He growled loudly, lunging against his chains but held back tightly by the heavy magical chains. It sent an electrical shock down his spine and the disappointment was clear across his muzzle. “Our…our young adults are a mix of siblings and their…their chosen mutuals.”

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Watching him flex caused the woman to laugh wholeheartedly, although she quickly toned it down due to causing the baby to wiggle a bit in her sleep. “Good, I’m glad they are not just for show.” She chuckled softly before giving him a kiss on the cheek. Another giggle left her as Kilrune added to the future mischief they could both see their daughter getting into. “Yes, we won’t have any luck on keeping things away from her after she learns to fly.” she giggled, “Oh what I’d do to be a fly on the wall for that.” She continued to giggle and muse over the future memories to come. “I couldn’t agree more.” She told him, a warm smile on her face as she gazed down at their little bundle of joy, Naveala.

 

Alyana

Looking up at her husband, Alyana exhaled softly before running a hand through his beard. “Legion, you don’t have to worry about your past changing me or us. I’m very grateful that you felt you could share it with me.” She felt privileged to know his deepest secrets. His gentle strokes on her wings caused shivers to travel down her spine. Legion’s soft kiss to her cheek made her smile warmly as she rested there against his chest a while longer. “Thank you, I want you to take your time though… There is no rush to see that place, we can go when you feel ready. And like you said, I would like to just spend time with you as of right now.” She shared, letting him know it was fine that they held off. Before long, her husband picked her up and carried her to the kitchen, setting her down on the counter before going to the cabinets and pulling a couple bowls down for them. “Yes, I can’t wait to have a bite, I’m honestly quite hungry now.” With her bowl now in her hands she smiled softly before taking a spoonful of the soup and tasting it. “It’s not as great as Elmira’s but it’s nice, I think we did a great job too.” She smiled, feeling proud of the two of them and their new cooking skills.

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Maliha’s tail wagged happily at the invitation, “Of course!” She said excitedly to accompany her alpha to the meeting of the pack. Maugrim grinned at David, his breathing had evened out while the rest of his pack was still breathing a bit hard from the wrestling. “I’m surprise you don’t do the same with your council, it’s refreshing from time to time, keeps you on your paws too.” he said a bit of a smile on his muzzle as he spoke. “This is my pack, King David, we welcome you to our home with open paws.” he walked around David in a particle circle to face his pack members, who all had been sitting behind him. “My pack has more males than females at the moment, but they are all well bodied males with great skills in battle as are the females.” He shared as he looked at the Lupin’s before them, many of the males were adults, their bodies built stocky and tough for battle. Others were more built for speed but still had great muscle tone for up close and personal encounters. Looking around the pack before him however, Maugrim noticed someone wasn’t up at the front, “Where is Sirona?” He asked, almost in unison, all the wolves back glancing around before a male voice spoke up, “She’s back in the healers den. She sends her apologies for not being able to meet the King.” The voice came from the male Maliah had been eyeing previously, he was a handsome young male with a relatively deep voice. “Thank you, Rudra” Looking back at David, Maugrim, “I’ll have to take you to our healers abode to introduce you to her… It seems she has something of more importance to attend to today.” He groaned a bit. Of all wolves to not show up, his own healer was absent… just what was going on in that old woman’s head. “Why don’t you make yourself at home, David.. I’m going to go check on my healer.” He told him before padding away, allowing David to meet with his pack members on a more personal level before speaking to the lot of them. As Maugrim disappeared in the forest of dens, the available females came forward, sniffing David as any canine would. Tails were wagging high pitched whines were coming from the females as well as they sniffed at him curiously. They nearly knocked him over, which was when Maliha stepped in, supporting him with her own back and giving a warning growl to her fellow pack mates. “I told you.” She chuckled a bit embarrassed at the things the females were saying in lupin.

Fraeya

She couldn’t since Rueben’s discomfort, tilting her head she looked at him, “Does this form make you uneasy?” She asked pausing for a moment she shifted back down into the small house cat form. “Is this better?” She asked her feline tail flipping from side to side behind her. A chuckle left her smaller form at his words, “Oh that’s reassuring, in that case you shouldn’t doubt yourself… You are skilled enough to get me more then started.” She purred as she smiled at him with her cat-ish smile. “We can start our training… hmm lets see… Tomorrow afternoon? I believe I have an hour of free time I can spare.” she thought about her schedule for the next day. It wasn’t often she had even an hour of free time but for something like this there could be time made. “Looking back to the book she flicked an ear in Reuben’s direction, “Yes please, I’ve been doing my own study on my own time but only on what was immediately important.. It’s time I learn more of my kingdom’s history that I was not present for.” She added as she flipped a page with her little paw, a claw separating the pages as she did so. She was careful with each turn of the page, never slipping her sharp claws in a way that would harm the book.

Jezebeth

Jezebeth grinned, happy to see the creature obeying, of course she couldn’t understand them but she knew her pet would give her the information she wanted or else. Standing there, the Queen tapped her long nails against the balcony, patiently waiting… or well mostly patient. She could see the Auctioneer’s confusion, however she didn’t care, she didn’t trust man to tell her what she wanted to know truthfully and correctly, she truly didn’t trust anyone.

Hearing the low growl, her pale hues traveled to the voice and landed on the oldest male of the pack. Again she spoke in their ancient language, a series of whining low growls left the female as she spoke to the male. “The demon upon that balcony will not split the pairs apart. She wants them for breeding purposes. They are the only ones I can ensure will not be split up from one another.”, she wasn’t going to sugar coat their situation, the Queen wanted a future army, anyone could see that with her eagerness upon that perch of hers. “I am not certain as to where the pups are… If they are within Jezabeth’s grips they are being raised in a nursery barn.” she quickly told them before she was being yanked around by the knight again. Turning her muzzle towards the man she snarled at him, her fur raising on end as she gave him a warning. The man spit at her for the aggression before she was once more hit with the magic whip. A yelp left her followed by a whimpers of pain, however, the young female looked back to the Lupa on stage before her. “I have to tell her what you’ve told me… I’m..I’m afraid she will split the majority of you up unless you cooperate, do her biding as she wishes.” She managed to say before the Queen snapped behind her, “I’m waiting!” the woman yelled. An apologetic look fell over the Mix Lupin’s muzzle, “Please, forgive me.” she asked for the Lupins forgiveness before turning her back to the stage, the chains clanking as she slowly turned to face the Queen. If she didn’t share what he’d told her the pack would be split up completely… at least the imprints would be kept together. “They are a pack… and there are two Imprinted pairs within the pack… “ She finished her ears pinned to her head as she spoke. She had no choice, it was to speak or be beaten and whipped, let alone the pain the chains inflicted with their electrical shock.

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Roan & Akita)

Davids response caused some amused chuckles to roll up from the pack before a voice spoke up, “You don’t think we get scrapes and bruises?” the masculine voice was followed with echos of laughter, of course all in good fun. Maugrim silenced them gradually, his tail wagging a bit, “ Before long everyone began doing their packly duties as they waited for David’s speech to the pack. The alpha looked to David nodding his head, “Yes, everyone has their own place in the pack, what they were born to do.” He told him, his facial expression going back to his usual stoic state. “Once their skills are acknowledged, they are placed into the role best suited for them and their capabilities. “ He told him before nodding in agreement, “Yes, our views on such subjects are very similar, that is one of the reasons Elmira was able to convince me to come and see you to discuss our similar goals against this evil that is upon us.” He shared, “My apologies but I must go see what my healer’s excuse is for not appearing.” Having said that, he realized David probably couldn’t hear him over the females who pooled around him. Maugrim’s jaw at first dropped before he closed it and shook his head a bit. They weren’t use to human men so he’d let it slide for now. After a bit of a walk, disappearing around a corner from the pain denning sight, Maugrim growled lowly, making sure the female could hear his discontent. “Oh stop your growling…” The familiar voice sounded before telling whomever she was working on to “Hold still…” That caused Maugrim’s ears to perk, who was injured within his pack? He hadn’t noticed anyone missing up front… Rushing in he looked to see none other than Elmira sitting on the den floor, her shin being bound in salves and linen bandages. “What in the world are you doing here!” He scolded softly, “You do know that David is here today don’t you!? If he sees your injury he will come unglued and insist on answers.” Maugrim shook his head before he was told to calm down by the older healer, “She had no other choice, it was either come here and get mended or go to David’s castle and get medical assistance there.” The Lupa turned on her hind legs, to face him, she was in her Bipedal form, her neck fur was long and decorated with feathers and wooden colorful beads. Around her muzzle and eyes, her fur was gray, a bit of wrinkling could be see showing the females age. “If you keep making a fuss, David will know before to long that she is here… Our younger wolves love Elmira quite a bit, need I remind you.” With that being said Maugrim sighed out of annoyance. The young males were quite taken with the pray creature, they often mentioned how nice she smelt. Part of the time he wasn’t sure if they meant good to eat or just good in the sense that her natural aroma was pleasant. He had to stop Elmira once from giving one of them a kill, that was before she knew the ways of the Lupa the disappointment on that males face as his alpha had stepped in and took the kill was quite something. “Just hurry, David needs to meet you, Sirona.” With that being said the old healer chuckled, “Of course my dear son.” She continued to muse over his insistence as she carefully worked on the centaur’s leg. “Be more careful my darling, We can’t have you getting terribly injured can we.” Elmira smiled at the elder and nodded her head, “No we can not.. I have much to do. Has there been any findings on Maugrim’s daughter?” Elmira inquired, knowing she was pulled from the raid early in the night due to the accident. A soft sigh left Sirona as she shook her head ‘no’. The young female had been missing for a year now or more… Hope of finding her was becoming more and more grim… They feared she was deeper in the base rather than in the plantations outside of Mellowfork. “I’ll be back, I must go meet you King now. Take care of yourself, Elmira.” Leaving the Den she followed behind Maugrim who was already a couple yards ahead of her. As she walked the elder woman shifted down into her quadrupedal form, her neck fur was just as long and decorated in this form.

Meanwhile, Maliha was facing the other females on with David, supporting him so he wouldn’t fall over from their rather amorous words and behaviors towards him, “Alright alright enough goodness you’re gonna suffocate him with your fur!” She finally gave them all a growl to back off. The females were a bit disappointed but they knew it was time to back off, some flashing their tails at David as they turned. This caused Maliha to roll her eyes, clearly some of them were wanting more than to simply be accepted by him. David’s question pulled her attention back to him. Heat rose to her face as she looked at him, “I, um…” she stammered as she was trying to find the words, “I’m not exactly sure how to explain this.” She admitted, a bit embarrassed as she sat down beside him. “I don’t get to feel such feelings towards Alphas,” She told him, “Firstly, I’ve not experienced my first heat, I’m not crazed by hormones as of yet.” she shared, “We Lupa don’t experience that until we are full grown adults. I’m still just a young adult.” she told him, “I’m also not a high rank within the pack so even if there was an alpha available, I wouldn’t be looked at as a potential partner. All those females were hunters and warriors, they have a right to want your attention and come to display such things, I do not, I’m just an omega basically.” she admitted her ears falling to the sides as she admitted it. She had a place in this pack because of her Uncle, otherwise she’d just be an extra mouth to feed at this time. She had no job due to no pups being available to pup sit which was why she was at the castle so much. Finally, the rest of the females left David alone after being shooed off by the younger female for the final time.

Kilrune

Kilrune grinned softly as she began to cry herself, and he leaned down to kiss the tears from her cheeks. “We are allowed to cry at the sight of our baby girl. She is the most perfect child we could ever ask for and are blessed by Bahamut to have her here before us, happy and healthy.” He leaned further down to kiss Navaela’s forehead, leaving a little frost across her brow which didn’t bother the child in the slightest. Ailani then kissed him and pressed her forehead to his, and he gladly accepted the gestures from his lover. She was excited to bring their ‘sister’ in, and he nodded, giving her a small squeeze before he slipped out of the bed and walked to the hallway. Luckily, Thavre was just making herself out of her room, and she smiled at the male. “Everything alright?” “Everything is perfect,” Kilrune replied with a wide, tired smile. “Ailani is awake and would love for you to come and meet our daughter.” “Oh, of course!” The bronze dragonborn jogged over before quietly entering the room after Kilrune, smiling over at Ailani snuggling the little bundle. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better Ailani,” she murmured, walking over and leaning over slightly to see the sleeping baby as Kilrune made his way back to his lover’s side on the bed. “Wow, she is absolutely beautiful, you two…such a unique child. I’m shocked to see she has wings too - that’s definitely not what I expected at all.” She chuckled softly, looking up to the mother. “What did you name her?”

David

Though the king was starting to get accustomed to the female lupins and their inquisitive nature, he did not expect them to flash their tails towards him, a tease as they trotted away. His face burned when he finally put his full attention to Maliha. They were certainly an interesting species…an enticing one, but one he could not indulge in. He did wonder how things would be different however if a certain someone had been a lupa. Listening to his friend start to explain, he wondered if the reason she was so embarrassed by his talks of a more intimate fashion was because of that heat, because she had not fully matured. That he could understand. However as she continued, he frowned as she explained her rank, her lack of a role within the pack. She was far too valuable to just be on the side, especially with her assistance thus far. “That’s unfortunate, I’m sorry. I hope you know, though, that you always have a place in my castle and Folgario.” He gave her a good scratch behind the ears with a small smile. “You’re welcome anytime. My staff knows to let you in and let you have access to my guest amenities. Besides, I like having you around to visit. I only have so many friends outside my political court, and it’s nice to have someone I can casually talk with and get to know. Seems most of my connections are developed for Folgario and not for me, and with you it’s a welcome change. I hope you’re alright with that. It doesn’t mean you can’t participate in our dealings, as you work alongside your uncle, but, I like having a casual friend. Someone to just joke around with.” His smile turned to a grin as he stroked the top of her head. “You’ll understand my sense of humor once you go through your heat, though. Then we can really have a blast. A friendly one, that is - I am a taken male beyond your age.”

Reuben

Reuben was about to decline his queen’s questioning, as she had the right to be whatever form she wished, but her shifting back into her housecat form settled his racing heart, and he cleared his throat. “Y-You’re allowed to be anything you wish, your majesty. You are just…very tall when you sit atop the table in your saber form, is all. Almost threatening even if you say you won’t kill me. A long-toothed cat leaning over you isn’t the most comforting sight in the world.” He laughed nervously, but was glad to have a task to do and take a few deep breaths from her earlier pounce. He wasn’t sure why it had him all worked up, but it was rather intimidating, and she was right in saying he didn’t know anything. If she had the right forms at the right time, any enemy could be scared away by her presence. He just wished she knew how to convey that to her guard, and her kingdom. “Tomorrow afternoon, of course. I will be doing my usual patrol and you may summon me when you are ready to begin. I will meet you in the training courtyard and we can practice there, or wherever is most comfortable for you. I’m not sure how open or private you’d like it to be.” Not that she’d have any reason to keep it extremely private, as it was just self defense, but he couldn’t be sure with his queen. She had final say. The queen looked down at her book and accepted his request to fetch more records, and he hopped away to go grab the relevant books and scrolls she wished to see. There weren’t many in her lifetime, but he found the ones that she would likely like to reference and brought them back, setting them a comfortable distance from her current book and the edges of the platform she sat on. “Is there anything else I can do for you, your majesty? Or shall I just keep guard as you research?”

The Other Side

The large male atop the platform growled continuously as the female before him explained their situation. He knew being taken as slaves would not be easy, but to know they would be forced to breed and their offspring taken away as they already had been…his blood boiled beneath his skin as his teeth bared their anger. How he wished to strip away his chains and slaughter the lot that had brought him and his pack to this hellscape. But there was nothing they could do anymore, not with the restrictions placed upon them and the female’s warning. They had to cooperate, or they would be in a worse position than now. He already saw the devastation of his pack before he was dragged before he audience, and the male knew some of the parents’ desperation to get back to their young. Some pups were only weeks old. “Tell your mistress we will do whatever she requests, if we get our pups back to us,” he commanded the pet, claws digging into the wood boards beneath him. “Otherwise, we will do whatever it takes to get back to them, including taking the lives of our members. I cannot imagine she will like losing worthy slaves.” His ear flicked to the other males beside him, who were incredulous about his proclamation. But he had to play this game carefully. He would not kill his own family, his own pack, but the threat was its own card. They would not be up here with the queen’s own attention upon them if their worth was not valued appropriately. “We know how to raise strong members of our pack. Their appearance on his stage proves as much. If we cannot raise our young, they will suffer and perish beneath anyone else’s care. We have our offspring, the queen has her prize.”

Ailani Kilrune’s Phoenix

Kilruned echoed her words from earlier in the night, he was right… There was nothing wrong with crying tears of happiness. With their affectionate gestures finished, Kilruned left her side to retrieve Thavre, so their sister by all rights could see her new little niece. Cuddling the bundle and humming to her gently as she slept, Ailani waited for the two of them to return. It wasn’t long before the door opened and the two dragonborn came back through the door. The female was eager to see the child, excitement in her eyes, “Yes, I know, I’m so happy to see she will be able to enjoy the joys of flight.” the new mother expressed as she brought the child closer for Thavre to see better, “Would you like to hold her, Thavre?” She asked the bronze dragonborn as the dragoness admired the child’s unique appearance. “She definitely got the best of both her parents I’d say.” She chuckled softly before sharing the infant's name, “We named her Naveala.” Ailani spoke softly as she gently brushed the baby’s little black strands of hair from her brow.


 

Elmira/Maliha/Maugrim

Maugrim / Maliha / Elmira (Sirona / Roan & Akita )

Perking her ears at David’s apologetic tone, Maliha wagged her tail and leaned into his scratching. “Oh, don’t think that I’m unhappy with my Uncle or my pack for it… My skills are lacking compared to the others, I just need more practice… I know in time, I’ll be more useful to my kind.” she told him a smile on her muzzle as she spoke to him. “I thank you though, for seeing my value and providing a home for me, David.” she whined happily to him, her tail wagged quickly behind her before she nuzzled up next to him forcing his hand back on her head, basically begging for more scratches. Before long he was stroking her head, a low pleasant growl rumbled from within her, clearly a sound of enjoyment from the young female as he showed her his human way of affection. It didn’t take long for the other Lupa to notice and express their jealousy with pinned ears and soft grumbling growls. “She’s not even a mature female yet why is he showing her such affections.” Displeased, the females muttered in their ancient language. “I’m happy to be your friend David,” She told him as she ignored the jealousy growing among the females within the immediate area. Her joyful smile held strong listening to him until he mentioned her “heat”. Once again she was embarrassed, her ears fell to the sides and she chuckled nervously, “H-have a blast, huh?… “ She murmured in response before she chuckled, her tail wagged in short but quick bursts. Why oh why did it have to be her heat that would make her understand, the one things she was the most anxious about, worried even. “Y-Yeah.” She tried to smile through it before returning to her begging for his scratches and pats. For now she wouldn’t think about the anxieties of her future heat cycle, she’d just enjoy the attention of her friend, David.

Fraeya

Looking up from the book in her house cat form, the queen tilted her head, “Tall creatures unsettle you then?” She asked curiously as she laid down to read the book right there. Fraeya’s feline legs folded underneath her make her look the perfect cat loaf upon the large wooden table. “I see, I’m sorry, I never think about how menacing that form looks.” She admitted as she looked up from the page to look at her knight from where she had made herself comfortable upon the table. As Rueben gather the books she’d requested of him, he accepted her training time for the next day in the afternoon. “Can we keep it private? I don’t want people knowing I’m not some dainty newly crowned queen.” She shared, “It may be a bit risky to do that but… I feel that doing so may work better in our favor, as crazy as it may sound.” She shared her thoughts on the subject before returning back to the book's contents. Before long, Reuben had brought her more documents, both in book and scroll form. “I would like you to stay guard while I do a bit more researching here… However, I plan to take these back to my room with me at the end of our time here.” She told him, “Would you help me take these back to my room by Sunset?” It wasn’t that far away, maybe another half hour or so before the sun was to set behind the mountains.

Jezebeth

The Lupa hybrid looked back at the male as he spoke, he wanted to negotiate to save the pups… What he said just may work. “What is it now!?” The Queen snapped down at the female wolf as she noticed how she was looking behind her listening to the Alpha’s ancient language. “They want their pups back… If you allow them their young back, they will obey your every command, your majesty.” the she-wolf spoke up, her ears had perked with curiosity to what the queen would say in response, “However, if you do not accept, they will not hesitate to kill themselves with any means necessary.” she shared before the Queen could say anything against the terms. Clicking her tongue, the evil woman thought about the options. They were necessary for her future plans, there were ways around them killing themselves but if they did happen to succeed… and given how old some of the pups were in the recent reports… it was probably best she accepted the terms.”Fine… I’ll accept your terms and conditions, beast.. You’ll get your pups back. Auctioneer, I’ll take the lot of them.” She said with a wave of her hand, “Please, take the good man his well earn coin.” The queen told her royal treasurer to pay the auctioneer. He had been standing at the door, waiting for a purchase to be made, it was a common thing the Queen did but she made quite a bit with the sales of slaves too. “ I’m sorry my darling subjects, you won't be able to have any of these beasts this time around.” she apologized to her eager nobility below. “Please, take them to the enclosure… including my darling pet, she deserves to get some fresh air and a bit of a leg stretch… Who knows maybe I’ll get another bonded pair.” She giggled at the thought. About to walk away she paused, “Your pups will be brought to the enclosure shortly, I expect nothing but the best behavior out of all of you… “ she smirked at them before looking at the Auctioneer as her Treasurer had passed through the doors carefully making his way over to the sales men. “Sir, how much for the entire pack?” he asked as the seemingly nervous man pulled out a quill to record the purchase before handing over the required coin.

Upon hearing the Queens decision, the young female looked rather surprised, she was going to put them in the enclosure, all of them were going there. She was actually going to get to have a touch of freedom? She wasn’t returning to the dark damp rat infested dungeon below? For the first time in over a year she felt excited, however, she refrained from allowing her tail to show such joy. Before long they would all be free of their bindings or well for the most part they would be.