ROLEPLAY HQ - wool-and-fangs

Name: Rikert Age: 26 Gender: Male Backstory: Collected from a mountain bandit clan at a young age, the pup grew up in the Valley castle as a servant of the Wolf and Fox clan. As he got older he was able to start training and upon graduating was permitted to join the castle guards. He has traveled across the valley on missions since his graduation. Trained in bow and sword as most guards were. He had a knack for tracking down fleeing serfs.

Name: Ella Age: 23 Gender: Female Backstory: Born and Raised on the Feudal Farm of Wolf and Fox clan, she knew nothing else of the outside world. For all she knew, this was her world. As a lamb her sole purpose was making clothing with the use of her own wool. She dreads the day when she becomes a sheep for slaughter so she works the best she can with her talent for tailoring.

A world ruled by humanoid animals without human influence grew in recognizable ways. Without overreaching government the Strong subjugated the weak. As such Carnivores such as Wolves and crafty foxes began to pull others like sheep and bunny folk under leadership and occasional slaughter. Rarely did someone die of old age when there were meat eaters about. In this valley Stonework was possible, Coal mined and a Castle built for these ruling wolves and foxes. Deep enough to have a growing season and underground hotsprings helped keep it from freezing in the winter. Farms grew crops and sheep made clothing, making talented individuals too valuable to eat. As it got colder Ella was moved off the field and into the spinning cabin for making threads and working looms for blankets, and coats for the winter. Such had been her fate to be sheered naked and work among the other sheep, and rabbits. To watch the older ones leave one by one over the years. Teaching her what they had been taught for generations. This day was different because there was a loud knocking on the Spinning cabin door and in came an armored wolf and two subordinates. They had colors of the local lord and even wore weapons. This was unlike any culling of the elderly she had ever seen.

@Fauna ?

Ella has been hard at work in the Spinning Cabin with a few other sheep. Her cloven fingers working seamlessly on turning wool into threads. This was what her life was like every day. Working day in and day out either turning wool into thread or by weaving baskets. She was good at tailoring, so the young ewe was quite skilled in making simple clothing. "Doris.. Are you doing alright?" Ella asked one of the ewe's, who was much older and had been here longer than she had. Hell, she grew up here since she was a lamb. She considered Doris like family, like a grandmother in a way. "I'm alright, Dear.. Just tired.. These old bones aren't young and nimble like yours.." she smiled faintly at Ella. Suddenly, the sound of a loud knock spooked the young ewe and she turned around in her seat to see a couple of carnivores come into the cabin. Doris just stopped what she was doing and did her best to stand from her seat, facing them. "Doris? What's going on?" Ella asked her, but the old ewe shook her head. "I'm too old, Ella. You know that. My eyesight is bad and I've slowed down.. You're a good lass." Doris reached out a cloved hand and placed it gently on Ella's fluffy head. Is she.. gonna die? Are they gonna take her away? she thought to herself, not sure if she could bring herself to look the wolf in the eyes. She kept her gaze instead on Doris, who knew her time was up, easily. How could someone just give in to death like that? Goodbye, Doris.. @Kyotin

Ella's would have seen the guard of the local fort come and go. Pulling afew sheep and rabbits from the field or even from the bunks where they sleep sharing cots, hammocks, or even bunk beds they worked between. Countless hours she or another would work their wool grown from their own bodies into a project. Making everything made really part of themselves. Given a size and shape to make by hand, wither it was sewn or croched. Sometimes passed to another to finish when old hands would be too arthritic to work, or they needed a nap, a cup of water or feed. When Ella's stood and saw both guards flank the door they wore weapons, but the one in behind them, taking up the middle was lean and sharper looking. He was new to her and could see a feather woven into his head fur behind his wolf ear. His age bellied that the others listened to his barks as they milled between the gathered sheep and rabbits. Moving along they wrapped knotted ropes into loops and pulled the elderly to stand. Riker also had a rope and his were quite larger. He milled in and looked at those working. She saw he was wearing a vest she made awhile back. She could see he was sniffing about and coming her way. Seeing her stand he grinned and motoned her closer. " Choose 3 more sisters to make things in the fort. Young and cute like you means they have it easier than the rest. " he said in a smooth wolfish way. @Fauna

Ella stared and watched the two guards come closer towards Doris and bind her with the ropes they had on hand. Not like she was going to fight them or run. She was old, she knew that. But it was also hard to watch those she grew close to be taken away. She had seen a fair share of older sheep be taken, but Doris? She was like family, and to know she'd never see her again was heartbreaking. Her attention then turned to the new wolf that had joined the guards. She had never seen him before, that was for sure. A new face, and by the looks of it he wore a vest made by her. She could tell that much. The wolf had stepped forwards, staring at her with a wolfish grin. She was very hesitant and also confused as to what was going on. She wasn't elderly, so why was she being chosen? His words however, made her think otherwise. So she and a couple others were just being moved to the fort then? Why was that? She was so used to living here with the others. She had never ventured beyond where she grew up. So the idea of leaving and going somewhere else, with someone she didn't know.. it scared her a little. Ella swallowed, turning her head to look over her shoulder at some of the other sheep that were continuing to work, ignoring the guards like it was a normal occurrence. Three females? Well, from what she knew, there was a black sheep who was quite good and embroidery, so Ella pointed to her first. Then, there was a shorter, more plump and fluffy white sheep working on more elegant clothing. She was more quiet and reserved but was very good with her hands. Then, she looked over to another sheep, mixed in black and white coloring on her wool, spotted. She was great at weaving and was very skilled in whatever task was given to her. Elegant, beautiful. Unlike Ella who figured she wasn't as nice of a ewe. Three ewes were chosen, just as she was told. @Kyotin

"Get them here. " His less than elegant wolf speech sounded. Looking over the ones she picked out were good catches. He didn't know how effective or elegant wool clothing could get, but it was warm and did its job well when out on patrol. He had a large loop ready as he would loop around a waist and tie an arm behind the back at the wrist. The other was used at shoulder length to secure the next sheep. Ella was tied to the last of the quartet the younger wolf led. Another collected a dozen rabbits and the four elderly were probably stew for the lord of the castle. Rabbits were taken first since they were able to flee the easiest. The females and the elderly were led out together. It was chilly outside and the first hints of snow were upon them. All being led toward a black covered wagon. It visited to carry away the injured or elderly. But indeed was the first time in her knowledge they took younger girls. Afew males were upset to see their mating prospects dwindle but it couldn't be helped. Wolf guards or bison managed the farm and it was weaving and sewing season. @Fauna

Ella didn't really put up much of a fight, if any at all. She just figured they were being relocated, so she just let it happen. Of course, the rope did seem a bit much. Then again, it was probably a precaution of sorts. Ella was not a graceful runner after all, so she had no interest in taking off if ever given the chance. The wolf was focused on securing the sheep that Ella had picked out per his request. The way he bound them and her were interesting. Securing one arm behind the back while the other was used to hold onto the shoulder of the sheep in front of her. A makeshift line or small herd of sheep. She was placed in the back, which she didn't mind really. Following the group as they were led outside, she watched as the light snowfall started. She had her wool coat, so she wasn't fazed by the cold. None of the sheep were. The sight outside the Spinning Cabin was a sight to behold though. A blanket of white along the ground, in the trees that were bare of leaves. Even the buildings and such were all coated in a thin layer of snow. Ella hardly ever got to see snowfall, so this was something that mesmerized her as she and the others were led to a covered wagon and loaded up. She remained quiet, staring out at the vast expanse of land that was now white and devoid of color. @Kyotin

The rabbits knew they were going to meet a fate similar to the elderly sheep. A few younger ones were openly crying, the adults trying to comfort them within the confines of the harness of rope they were in. The rabbits could ride on the laps of the sheep, and were quite warm. Such a luxury wasn't found often. Most went to sleep for the trip. The back flap was covered and the young guard rose in the back with them all. It was crowded with the larger wolf and smaller sheep, and even more rabbits. Once on their way, Rikert visibly sniffed and looked among the fearful rabbits. " Relax, you all have jobs at the castle. " This might prompt questions, but he didn't want to give the guards the satisfaction of their fearful scents as he didn't want his men getting used to that odor. If no one spoke up, then he had one for Elle. "You made this? " He gestured to his overcoat vest. Someone had added sleeves and used the wool to insulate it. @Fauna

Ella turned her gaze to the male wolf who asked a question directly to her. She nodded her head and spoke to him since he had addressed her.. "Y-Yes, sir.. I did make it.. the wool.. is also mine.." She remained quiet after that, not really one to say much to others. She usually kept to herself, and in times like this where she and many others were being taken away, at least this meant she would be on her own more. She could focus on her work and not deal with too much idle chatter like in the Spinning Cabin. Ella's eyes gazed out at the snow around them, taking in the pretty view that she got to at least experience. @Kyotin (edited)

Once the flap was closed it was dark in the black clothed wagon. Only bits of light came from where it attached and was meant to keep them calm. The smell of a wolf in the back with them didn't help matters but no one was hurt. "Good, I like the thicker strands this one is made with. You'll be my spinner. Plan making a coat to keep yourself warm. " he cryptically instructed. " If you understand, say Yes my Lycan. " Lycan was a lordly title for a wolf, but who got to use that other than the Lord of the Castle? @Fauna

It seems her fate must have been decided already. She was told that she'd be the wolf's Spinner. Well, he didn't seem like a harsh or overly aggressive wolf, so she was fine for now with doing as she was told. "Yes, my Lycan.. Anything you need of me I will assist with.." Ella smiled faintly at the wolf. Though, hearing how she would need to make herself a coat to keep warm was new to her. Normally, the sheep here would be sheered after winter. So the news of having to make a coat for herself to keep warm, only meant that they planned on shearing them during the cold weather. "Is that.. wise.. my Lycan? We sheep need our wool for the winter.." She wasn't defying him by any means. Just asking a genuine question on his thought process. Plus, making a coat from her own wool would be a waste of material, wouldn't it? She was supposed to be supplying him and others with her work, not herself. But, she understood nonetheless. "Very well.. I'll set on making something when I get situated.." she agreed. @Kyotin

"Thank-you" He replied to her using his preferred title. A few sheep looked between eachother, unable to see well, but obviously this wolf could see their expressions. His job was to keep them calm, and was doing a fair job. "It is. " he replied smoothly. He didn't expect her to understand his motives, and keeping her guessing was the idea. Then again, he could have sheered her and made her stuck next to a fire like the other guards were likely to do. It was a decent trip from the farm and they knew there more than her own farm out there. As it snowed they could smell how much colder it was outside and the higher elevation they moved where the Castle rested in the mountain. A horn would sound, waking several and the guard would stand and hold onto the framework of the wagon as a cranking sound was heard. @Fauna (edited)

((@Fauna @Kyotin Hello! ^-^ It has been awhile since a response was posted and I thought I’d reach out to see if you all wanted to continue or if you’d like to archive this RP. Please let me know either way!))