ROLEPLAY HQ - unexpected-pack

ROLEPLAY HQ

Archive 29 / unexpected-pack

Triggers: Sexual content, violence, war, more TBD

TW: sexual content, violence, war, more TBD

Liulfr Stigandr strode alone between his two armies, iron bound staff in hand. Dawn was approaching, and he intended to make it to his next destination before full day break. Behind him, several hundred Ostmen followed just barely in eyeshot if he turned to look, though he did not need to, to know that they were still following at their usual distance. They may never follow him closely and they would almost certainly always treat him as an outsider, but they still followed him. The reason for all of those things was the army spread out over the leagues ahead of him. Over a hundred wolves roamed, some hunting, others scouting. As a child, Liulfr had an understanding with most animals that others grew to fear. Once, a group of older boys pushed him around and made a game of seeing who could strike Liulfr the hardest. Afterwards, any animal they came in contact with, be it cattle, goat, bird, or dog would attack them. Later that winter, a bear attacked the outskirts of the town, killing three full grown men and when Liulfr threw himself in front of it, the bear calmed and strode off, back into the woods. By that point, people had already started treating him as an outcast. Even Liulfr’s parents kept their distance, so he spent much of his time wandering in the woods alone. Birds, squirrels, and all other sorts of small animals would gather around wherever he decided to rest. He found that he could sense their intentions, most of which were guided by basic instincts. They did not possess enough cognition for Liulfr to do more than give them the most basic commands, but he still amused himself by making them travel in patterns or in making them all call out in turn as he mentally commanded them.

23:03

Liulfr’s father, along with a group of hunters came across him once while he was playing with his animals. His father beat him soundly, telling him that what he did was unnatural and that he would face the wrath of Odin for going against the natural order of things. He attempted to bring Liulfr home, kicking him all along the way, until a group of badgers and birds of prey started to attack the hunting party. They were harried the whole way back to the village. They finally drove off the animals on the outskirts of their village and then the hunting party, led by Liulfr’s father, took him before the Jarl to be judged for his use of this magic. The hall nearly broke into a riot as, in turn, the hunters, as well as others who had observed the strange behavior of animals around Liulf, told their tales. Each story grew more and more hysterical and most were little else but lies. Liulfr never even had a chance to speak for himself before the Jarl banished him from their town. The Jarl treated it as a mercy that he did not have Liulfr executed. As he was led away, Liulfr’s parents refused to even look upon him. He was driven from the village with nothing but what little he had on his person. He wandered deep into the forest, further than he’d adventured before, utterly distraught. Eventually the coldness and hopelessness caught up to him so greatly that he just collapsed on the ground and knew no more for a time. Liulfr was woken up by the sense of a mind pushing against his own. It startled him, as, in the past, he always had to seek out the minds of other animals. But this one had a persistent curiosity that kept mentally prodding at him. He sat up, limbs half numb from the cold and set about gathering kindling for a fire to warm himself, the whole time, the other mind kept pushing at his mind with a persistent curiosity. Liulfr finally pushed back and mentally projected, “What do you want?” to the other mind.

23:04

The other mind did not give a coherent answer, it just continued to probe with curiosity. Liulfr built himself a warm fire under the ledge of a rock outcropping, using the walls of the outcropping as a windbreak. He worked warmth back into his joints, all the while the mind still prodded at his. Liulfr gathered more logs and made himself a small lean-to to shelter in. The other mind remained, pressed against his own. Liulfr, now warm, crawled into his shelter and wept. He kept trying to figure out what he should do. All he wanted was to go home to his warm bed and his parents. Eventually he wept himself to sleep, the other mind trying to understand his sobs. While he slept, Liulfr could feel the other mind nearby, circling around his camp. When Liulfr woke early the next day, he put more wood on his fire, warmed himself, and then went looking for more firewood. As he gathered it, he could see fresh wolf tracks in the snow. Once he built himself up a large pile, he set about finding a stream to get some water and to try and catch a fish or two for food. As he walked, he could feel the other mind nearby, following at a consistent distance. Liulfr tried to ask the mind who or what it was, but the mind just responded with confusion. He then tried projecting images of animals he had communicated with in the past, squirrels, rabbits, birds and the like. Liulfr could tell that the other mind recognized what he showed it, but also that it was not one of those animals. When he had driven off the bear from the village, Liulfr hadn't really communicated with it other than to mentally shout at it to go away, so he didn't know if the higher level of thought he was touching could have been that of a bear. He projected the image of a bear at the mind, and again could tell that there was some recognition of the bear, but that the mind was not that of a bear.

23:04

Remembering the wolf tracks all around the camp, Liulfr projected the image of a wolf and felt an affirmative response from the mind. Liulfr nearly went into a panic. A wolf? He hadn't come in contact with any before, but what little he knew of them were stories of hunting parties being attacked by packs of wild beasts with few survivors. Liulfr found a small stream and was able to catch a few fish by hand. It was very simple, since he could compel the fish to come close to where he kept his hands dipped into the water. He was able to get a few decent sized fish in what felt like no time at all and resisted the urge to take more than he needed. He filled up his waterskin and then headed back to his little campsite. When he got back, he built up the fire again, sharpened a couple of sticks to skewer the fish with and cleaned the fish, removing the entrails and heads. He could sense the wolf growing hungry. Once Liulfr finished putting the fish over the fire, he gathered up the remains and walked a few steps away from the fire and set them in a heap and pushed the idea of eating the pile at the wolf. He walked back and sat by his fire and started to pick at the fish as it cooked. After a few minutes, a large dark grey wolf slowly edged its way out of the shadows. Liulfr pointedly looked anywhere but directly at the wolf as it advanced forward, low to the ground. Liulfr tried to think safe, comforting thoughts while he ate his fish. The wolf ate the fish remains with relish and then laid down, watching Liulfr with bright yellow eyes. Liulfr ate what he could of the fish, then put the rest in a little pile near the fire and spoke verbally and with his mind, "Here, you can have some more." That night was the first time Liulfr would share a meal in the company of wolves, and it would be the first of many, setting his life on a brand new course.

23:04

As the grown man, Liulfr walked through the still pre-dawn light, his lead scout, Skjote, had made it to the outskirts of a small town and through their mental link, he could see that the people of the town were unprepared and weak. There were no fortifications of any kind and no one was awake on watch. A man with a rusty old spear sat leaned up against a building asleep. Skjote's all white coat blended into the snowy landscape. If anyone had been awake, by the time anyone would have seen her mismatched blue and yellow eyes, they would already be too close to outrun her. She was the nimblest wolf Liulfr had ever encountered, outstripping every other wolf in the 4 packs that made up his Ulvehaeren. Liulfr mentally told the wolves to form up loosely into their 4 packs, with Skjote at the lead of two, and her mate Hod at the head of the other two. Hod was all black with two brilliantly green eyes. He weighed as much as a full grown man and was the greatest of the offspring of the wolf that Liulfr first met all those years ago. He came to know that wolf as Brodir, as they quickly became as brothers. Brodir too was alone, without a pack, and over the next nearly 2 decades, Liulfr and Brodir made their own pack, eventually drawing in other wolves and creating the Ulvehaeren as it was today. The packs following Hod were made up of the largest and most powerful wolves in the Ulvehaeren, who would take a very direct approach to attacking the town. Skjote's packs were made up of most of their trackers and scouts, quick, fleet footed wolves who would do most of their damage in passing. Tearing into a calf muscle or biting into a nearby ankle, they would help in bringing their current prey to its knees for the others to rip out their throats.

23:04

Liulfr decided to not even bother signaling to the army of Ostmen behind him. By the time they got to the village, all of the blood would already be shed. Liulfr slightly increased his pace as his heart started to beat faster. The blood thirst of his packs was getting to him. He could smell the fresh flocks, ready to be consumed and he could almost taste the blood, spurting hot from the arteries of those he would stand in his way. With each step forward, the iron called end of his staff made a loud thunk that mirrored the rising rate of his heart. The wolves were ready and in position, waiting on Liulfr to give the go command. He waited until he made it to the town, slamming his staff into each door he passed, waking any within, as he made his way towards the center of town. As he started to hear doors opening behind him, he gave the wolves the command they had been waiting for. Everyone who stepped outside soon found themselves in the sights of a wolf. He could sense through his connection to the packs that none of the villagers even took the time to arm themselves as they came to the door. Liulfr shook his head at them. Even if they had armed themselves, it wouldn't have been enough to save them, but still, then they could have died with some dignity. The shouts of fear and pain spread through the town and soon, Liulfr no longer needed to knock at doors for people to come running out into the streets. He struck down any people who stood in his path with his heavy iron bound staff, letting the wolves finish off any that were still alive when they hit the ground. In a matter of minutes, the town went from still and sleepy to a maelstrom, and back to a much bloodier silence.

23:05

Liulfr made his way through the town, following the strong odor that nagged at his nose until finally the tannery was before him. He pushed through the door and started looking through the building. The tanner’s racks held many wolf pelts, as King Athelstan had placed an enormous bounty on them. Liulfr could smell the fear sweat of the tanner and he followed his nose the rearmost rooms and up to a large closet. In his gruff voice, Liulfr said, “I know you are in here, wolfskinner. Why don’t you come out and play with me? Try and take this pelt of mine and see what your king would give you in return?” The man made no movement to leave the closet, but Liulfr could smell it as the man soiled himself in fear. “You choose to stay here hidden? Fine. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.” Liulfr grabbed the poker from the fireplace and bent it around the handles of the closet, barring the man in. Liulfr looked around and found the barrel full of lamp oil in the next room and pierced a hole in it, letting a stream of it run onto the floor as he walked around the tannery, coating the racks and the rest of the tanning equipment before heading back into the room where the tanner hid. He set the small barrel in front of the closet, with the hole still draining out onto the floor. Looking around and seeing a flint and steel lying nearby on a dresser, he said, “I hope you don’t mind if I borrow your flint and steel. I find myself in need of them. I do not think that you will miss them overly much.” Liulfr grabbed the flint and steel as well as a small oil lamp and made his way to the entrance of the tannery. He paused, pulling a pipe from his side pouch, packing it and testing the pack. Then he lit the oil lantern, and used the lantern to light his pipe, puffing to make sure it was well lit, and tossed the lamp back into the building, walking away as the fire spread rapidly, following the lines of oil.

23:06

In his mind, Liulfr could hear one group of wolves warning the others about a rider on horseback who was making their way at a frantic gallop away from the town. Skjote prepared to chase down the person, but Liulfr impressed on the minds of the wolves a command to let the rider go. Liulfr figured a city full of terrified people would be more likely to come to the negotiation table, and if he didn’t need to raze an entire city to the ground, losing many members of his Ulvehaeren, he would be content with the lesser victory a negotiation offered. He found his way back to the center of town and waited for the rest of his army to arrive and gave Skjote permission to start sending scouts ahead for the rest of the day’s journey.

23:06

@VaVaVicodin

War is a human construct. It affects nearly all walks of life, and humans and supernatural beings are equally affected by war. War is the intent to steal power from another kingdom or prove that one kingdom is stronger and better than another. War was bloodshed, pain, misery, and destruction. Thankfully, the Kingdom of Nixvelia had never experienced war once it had begun. Nixvelia was a small kingdom of humans that had been founded several hundred years ago and it managed to keep itself safe by remaining neutral in all outside battles. It's location was prime for its thriving tiny little town that rested outside of the castle. King Aldon ruled over Nixvelia for several decades. He had begun his rule when he was twenty six after his father had contracted a deadly illness and passed. He married a Duchess that came from a nearby kingdom in order to meld their kingdoms together six years later. Thus, Queen Ophelia began ruling under her husband. Within a year of their marriage, and their daughter Elysian was born. King Aldon was now in his early fifties and was nearing the end of his rule. He dreamt of a time when he could retire and reside in a sleepy village living without the fear of holding up an entire kingdom on just his own shoulders. However, his daughter had no interest in any of the suitors that came to his kingdom in search of her hand. It frustrated him to no end, because he was unable to retire and allow his daughter to rule if she never took a husband and birthed an heir.

01:00

Elysian was twenty one years old. Her childhood had been a kind one, but rather sheltered. Her father would not allow her to go into the village outside of the castle. However, Elysian didn't let her father frighten her that much. She would sneak out as a child and play for hours in the gardens outside. Ever since Elysian could remember she had always had an affiliation with nature. She felt like she could identify and understand any plant or animal that she came in contact with. She didn't necessarily know every single name of these plants or animals, but she could understand their properties quickly, and handle animals with a a sense of care and understanding. She had been found numerous times cuddling with several wild animals much to her mother and father's frustration and disappointment on her lack of 'lady likeness' whenever she behaved this way. Out in the gardens was where Elysian was when the rider came to the kingdom of Nixvelia... "Help! My Lords! Help!! Savages have attacked the village! Help!!" The rider screamed as his horse galloped down the trail, its nostrils huffing and snorts of exhaustion and its hooves stamping the dirt pathway. Elysian heard the screams from the rider. Her eyes widened with shock. The rider screamed until he disappeared through the gates and his screams were enveloped into the castle. Elysian shakily set down her cup of tea, her handmaiden's eyes widened with fear. "M-My Lady, we need to head inside now." "Y-Yes. Of course." Elysian said. Elysian stood at five feet tall with hair as dark as a raven's wing and eyes as bright as green emeralds. Her handmaiden was a woman named Brailen and she was taller than Elysian and in her late thirties. She took Elysian's hand and guided her inside. Elysian followed Brailen to the throne room where the rider was down on his knees sobbing and gasping before the King and Queen.

01:01

The throne room was a large open room with a platform in the back center of the room. The walls were a dark stone and the floors were a bright white marble. Massive windows sat around the entire room, filling it with sunlight. Three gold thrones, the largest one in the center and two equally sized ones beside it, symbolizing the Queen and Princess, and the King. King Aldon was a tall broad man, but in his older age, he seemed to slump forward now. Queen Ophelia was in her mid forties and she stood at five feet seven inches, and was thin and still fair and beautiful. King Aldon stood, his eyes showing the fear that radiated through the room, but also holding the most power of the room. "Speak, young man. What of these savages?" "T-They...They have...they have taken the village. Just south. They will be here within.. a day. They are far too strong, Your Grace. I-If...If they arrive they...they will..." The man sobbed heavily again. "My wife and children were cut where they stood. I only managed to survive because I was in the stable." The King nodded slowly, his grey hair showing from under his crown. He let out a deep sigh. He stood before the rider. "How many were there..." "I-I don't...I don't know Your Grace. It felt like hundreds." He said.

01:01

It did not matter because King Aldon knew that his army was not ready to fight. His army was small. They were a small kingdom. Unless every man took up arms... they'd never win. His eyes flit around the room as he searched for the answer to this problem. And yet... when his eyes landed on his daughter who stood beside her handmaiden, he felt as though... perhaps his answer had come. "When they arrive... guide them to me. Guards will surround the throne room. Inform them that we have an offering for them. We will present them an offering, and once they accept it, they shall leave." Ophelia stepped forward, "Your Grace, what... what on Earth do we have that they want?" King Aldon said nothing. He looked at the rider. "Go. That is your mission. Stand in wait at the gates. Bring that... savage... to me at once. I will prefer the offering..." Once again, he glanced to his daughter, who was busy speaking with her handmaiden that she did not see. But Ophelia did... Her hand immediately went to her husband's sleeve. "No." Aldon turned, his eyes narrowing. "Silence." He growled softly. With that... the rider stood on shaking legs, and fled the throne room to do as his King commanded. He stood at the front gates of the castle... waiting for the savage leader to arrive. @Several people

Liulfr stood in place, almost motionless while he waited what felt like hours for the rest of the Ostmen horde to catch up and arrive in the village. The whole time, he stood there like a statue, watching through the eyes of the Ulvehaeren as they scouted the countryside, circling around the actual city of Nixvelia. He could see where the walls had been poorly taken care of, as well as a spot where a stream passed under the walls, undercutting the structure of the wall. The stream was only guarded by a small iron grate as it passed under the wall, and the grate was barely anchored into the ground by the banks of the stream. A few wolves secreted themselves into the space where the grate was and set to digging a hole underneath, creating a space not quite large enough for a man, but plenty large enough for a wolf. Skjote even managed to sniff out a secret exit from the city, an entryway hidden among a small quarry area that sat almost up against the wall of the city. Liulfr commanded a few wolves to stay near that area, keeping themselves unseen in case of any nobles attempting to flee the city. The wolves observed the change in the behavior of the guards and the closing of the city gates. Liulfr felt satisfied, knowing that the man who escaped must have been able to warn someone important of the coming horde and Ulvehaeren. The soldiers were in disarray, at a panicked frenzy upon hearing the news of the incoming armies. Liulfr took note of their lack of preparation. If these people were to serve his purposes, they would need to be reshaped into something better. The walls of King Athelstan’s city were well fortified and stone. The only way Liulfr would be able to end the man and his determined campaign against the wolves in his land was with a much larger army. Not just an army of mighty Ostmen, but an army of those who were well acquainted with the tools of war: siege towers, ballista, trebuchet.

00:22

By the time the Ostmen horde caught up with Liulfr, he already had a plan of how he would position the armies under his command. The various clan leaders gathered together in the center of the town as he had a table moved into their midst and a map set up. He told them to allow their men to have a quick lunch of travel rations, but to be ready to march again within the hour. Liulfr set about outlining the positions each clan should take; where the archers should place themselves, the best points of entry, where to try and set their siege ladders. He would have parts of the army split off from the main road and circle around to the side and rear of the city. A show of force should hopefully be enough to encourage the King, Aldon to make a treaty with him. Once each clan leader knew their duty, they set out again, splitting into their individual war bands. Once they were closer to the city, a few wolves would split from their packs and take places near the clan leaders so that they could directly relay messages to Liulfr if something went amiss. It was not quite a perfect solution to relaying messages, since all of the communication was one way. Liulfr again sat off on his own, trailed by a group of messengers that he could dispatch at his command to relay any outgoing directions to the army. Liulfr thought with regret that if he had been taught his letters, a wolf with a message tied to it could make its way much more quickly to his intended recipient than a man even on a very fast horse. No need to worry about riders being killed or horses stumbling on uneven ground. A wolf could easily outstrip a horse across the mixed terrain of any of the kingdoms in the country. Liulfr considered seeking out someone to aid him in learning his letters in the time it would take to retrain the soldiers of Nixvelia and form a combined Ostmen and Nixvelian army.

00:22

His style of waging war was very wolf-like in nature. First, hamstring your opponent, then go for the throat. To bring an end to King Athelstan, he knew he would need to become more than just a ruthless wolf. Liulfr also hoped to glean some knowledge of modern war tactics in his campaigning. Nixvelia would be a turning point, where he turned his horde and warbands into a true army. As he ruminated on these things, the city came into view. He told the messengers nearby to raise his banner high so that if someone left from the city to parlay, they would know exactly where to come to. Skjote and Hod appeared from the surrounding woodlands to walk at his side, with another group of 20 wolves nearby forming his honor guard. They made their way to a rise straight out from the gates of the city and waited. He did not have to wait long for a lone rider to come out of the gates, carrying the king’s banner. The man rode as far as his horse would let him, which was still some distance from Liulfr. The hackles on the surrounding wolves rose and they started to circle around the man and horse, driving them both closer to panic. The man looked from the wolves, to his horse, to Liulfr before speaking, “S-sir, King Aldon re-requests your presence in his audience chambers. I’ve been told that you must leave your savage animals,” with these words, growls began to grow in the chest of the wolves around the messenger. “Uh, he uh, requests that you leave the-the-uh, them here.”

00:22

Liulfr mentally commanded the wolves to calm themselves and give distance around the man and the horse. He did not intend to come this close but push too far and kill a messenger, even with just fright. With a thought, Liulfr sent his honor guard away to find their way to the hole underneath the grate by the stream. He also prepared the rest of his Ulvehaeren to start a constant howling as soon as he entered the gates. Hod and Skjote stayed by Liulfr’s side as he walked towards the man on the horse. “These two shall stay by my side if your king wishes to speak with me.” The man on the horse gulped and nodded his assent. They set off towards the city, Liulfr with iron bound staff in hand and a wolf at either side, one black as night, one white as snow. As they passed through the gates, the wolves on the far side of the city from the no-longer-secured grate started howling loudly. Liulfr could see the attention of any of the guards he passed being drawn to that side of the city. Large numbers of soldiers abandoned their posts and ran to the wall on that side of the city expecting an attack. * *As they walked further into the city, the streets were more and more empty. Only a handful of soldiers could be seen as they moved about the city. His honor guard made their way under the grate and into the city. They kept at a distance, but paralleled Liulfr as he made his way towards the palace. The gates to the palace stood wide open and as they passed through, the rider was sent away and a group of 8 guards took his place, circling around Liulfr. He could feel Hod’s amusement as Hod let out a half growl that Liulfr knew was him laughing. Through the link they all shared, Hod said, “Only eight guards, all shaking in their boots? This whole city reeks of fear.”

00:22

Skjote let out a growling laugh and a few of the guards jumped back, scared, as she turned her head to look at them as they walked. “To be fair Hod, you always think that the humans stink. Which is weird. Weren’t you raised with Liulfr around literally all of the time?” Hod bared his teeth in a wolfy grin. “Well, Ulf here has a nice wolf smell to him. He doesn’t smell nearly as bad as the other ones.” Hod gave Liulfr a playful bump with his shoulder as he walked beside him. The wolves that had made their way into the city were now at the palace and had found an area leading into the garden where the fence could be easily dug under, and soon they had found their way into the dark corridors of the palace to wait for Liulfr to call upon them. The guards led Liulfr into the throne room, a dark walled room with gleaming marble floors. A man and two women sat on the raised dais. The man was easily 30 years Liulfr’s senior, greying but still strong. There was no question that this man was the king. His very posture radiated regality. Liulfr kept his focus on King Aldon, but he could feel that Skjote was distracted by the small, raven-haired woman sitting beside the king. Liulfr prodded questioningly at Skjote, but she seemed to not notice his attempt at communication. The guard in front of the king all placed their hands on their swords and stepped forward, telling him to stop where he was. Liulfr looked up at the king and spread his free hand wide and gave a slight inclination of his head. “Well, King Aldon, here I am.”

00:22

@VaVaVicodin

As the rider left the throne room and Aldon turned to hiss at his wife to be silent, Elysian glanced back over. She had never seen her parents fight, but seeing the expression on her mother's face, she knew that... something was wrong. Something was not right in the world. Her world... was crumbling. Nixvelia had never been attacked before. She had seen the troops training, but there were only roughly one hundred of them. If every man took up arms, they may have a chance, but this would include the elderly and the children... and there was no way that that would ever happen. Aldon took a deep breath and he turned. "Everyone out. I wish to speak to my wife and daughter alone." The guards hesitated for just a second too long and Aldon turned and bellowed. "EVERYONE GET OUT!" It was the first time that Aldon had roared at his audience, and everyone listened without needing another reminder. The guards and servants bolted from the room. Ophelia stood still, her hand no longer holding his sleeve. "Tell me you are not considering doing what I fear you are doing, Aldon." Ophelia said, her voice sharp and full of concern. Elysian stepped toward her parents. "Father?" Aldon let out a shaky breath and beckoned for his daughter to approach. She went to stand before him and he wrapped her up in a tight hug, pressing his lips to the top of her head, much like he had when she was a child. She wrapped her own arms around him. "Father...? Will...Will we be alright?"

01:47

Aldon didn't respond for at least a few minutes. Elysian felt her stomach drop. Her father always had an answer, and now... his answer was silence. After another minute, all he whispered was, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Ophelia turned, covering her mouth with her hand. She clutched the front of her dress as she held back her tears. She didn't need to be told what her husband planned, for her had told her long long ago what he would do in the event of an attack if she couldn't produce him a son... Ophelia felt like a failure. Her stomach felt tight and hot. She nearly threw up, but she held it all back. Aldon brushed his daughter's hair and quietly whispered his apologies over and over again... Elysian didn't know what he was sorry for. "Father? What's going on?" Aldon did not answer her. "Mother?" Ophelia merely shook her head. "Father, you're scaring me..." Elysian said, her own voice trembling. Aldon called out, "I require a seamstress and a handmaiden. Now." Quickly, two female servants rushed in. They bowed before their king. "Your Grace," They said together. Aldon gestured to Elysian. "Have her dressed in her finest gown. Have her cleaned and presentable... She is to become our peace offering." Elysian's eyes widened. Her chest tightened and the only sounds she could hear was the scream of her anguished mother, and the blood thudding in her ears. She stumbled slightly as she stepped to her father. "F-Father...? You...You plan to... offer me? What...What does that-" "You have refused all suitors that have come. You are an unwed, untouched, pure woman. You are of a strong noble line... You should be able to produce perfect heirs." Aldon said, but now, he wouldn't look at Elysian. Tears pricked at her eyes as she rushed forward and grabbed her father's sleeve. "You can not mean this! You can't be attempting to send me off like cattle! You can't-" Aldon turned, throwing her arm off and causing her to stumble back onto her backside.

01:47

His face was dark red as he bellowed. "I am the King! You are my daughter! My word is law! You are to be this kingdom's offering whether it pleases you or not!" Her father roared. Tears ran down Elysian's face as she looked up at her father, mouth agape. Her mother covered her mouth and sobbed hard, taking her leave to clean her face. She couldn't watch this anymore. She couldn't handle this... Aldon stared down at his daughter who now trembled, tears running down her face. He attempted to reach for her, his anger subsiding. "Ely..." She flinched now, and Aldon stopped. He grit his teeth and clenched his fist. He clenched it so hard that blood dripped down onto the platform of their thrones. He turned back to the servants. "She is to be brought back here once she is prepared. Not a second more. If you do not heed these instructions, consider your lives over." He growled darkly before he went to follow after his wife. The servants carefully approached Elysian. They helped her up and guided her to her bedroom. Once she exited the throne room, she broke down into painful sobs. However, she kept them quiet. She didn't wish for anyone to hear her sorrow. She merely wished that perhaps she'd drown in her bath... ~~~~

01:47

When Liufr arrived, Elysian had been dressed in a black and silver gown with a tight laced bodice, her long raven colored hair brushed and curled at the ends. Her makeup was sharp and pristine and she wore a black and gold metal headdress that seemed to resemble wolfish ears. It was quickly made by the Blacksmith, but the sharpness and beauty of it was unmistakable. Elysian gasped softly as Liufr entered the throne room, two large wolves at his side. One of them seemed to stare at her... and Elysian swallowed nervously. "Well, King Aldon, here I am." Aldon forced a smile and stood, "Ah, good afternoon, Your Grace. It is wonderful to finally... meet. I understand that you are here to take my kingdom. However, I would like to offer something else instead," Aldon said quickly. He turned to gesture to Elysian. Elysian stood, bowing her head. "Sir, I offer you my daughter, Elysian, in exchange for the safety of my Kingdom. We are a small kingdom. Our land is small and she, she can produce you plenty of heirs. Strong fit warriors. What do you say?" He forced a grin. Elysian hesitantly looked up at Liufr, curious to see just what he might say... or do. Would he accept her...? Her eyes then moved to the wolves, and Elysian felt something tug at her. A very faint and brief thought crossed her mind. "She's pretty." It wasn't a voice she recognized, and she gasped slightly, her eyes landing on the wolf that stared at her. What was that? @Several people

Liulfr heard King Aldon out, feeling appalled that he would offer up his daughter, especially when he could see so clearly in her face her distaste for being given away to one such as himself. He had no intention of forcing someone to call him husband or to force her to be his slave. And besides, he needed a kingdom, a city, soldiers and training. Hod’s hackles stood on end, “What sort of man offers up his offspring to save his own skin? What a coward. I would not even give up the scrawniest pup of the lowest litter before I was killed, covered in the blood of my enemy.” Skjote remarked offhandedly, “She’s pretty” Liulfr took his first properly good look at Elysian. He did find her beautiful, almost... captivating. He noticed the wolf-eared shape to her headdress. King Aldon certainly had tried to tempt him. The King was a fool. He brought his eyes back to King Aldon and said, “No, King Aldon, I won’t be stealing away your princess. I have plans of my own. I intend to take so much more, but yet so much less. I ask for your kingdom. Your fealty. Your obedience. Your armies, your equipment, your training and tactics: mine. You may still administrate your city and the surrounding areas, but your will shall fall into line with mine. You’ll keep your life, your Queen, and your daughter. But my word will be your law.” Skjote kept looking at Elysian and said to Liulfr, “Ulf, I don’t think you should be so quick to dismiss the princess. Something feels... strange about her.” If Liulfr had been paying closer attention, he would have seen Elysian jump at the wolf’s words, but his eyes were fixed on King Aldon. *King Aldon stood straight up and started to yell at Liulfr, “Who do you think you are, you mangy cur? I am the king here. I reject your twisted attempt at a treaty. You’ll take my daughter or taste our blades.”

07:05

Liulfr shook his head as twenty wolves strode into the room from the side hallways. The guards all turned to the approaching wolves, and as they turned away, Hod sprinted between the guards in front of the King and slammed into his chest, knocking him back into his seat and pinning him in place with his front paws. Hod let out a low growl in King Aldon’s face. Liulfr spoke, “Aldon, you misunderstand me. I was offering no treaty. I was offering you your terms of surrender. If you refuse, everyone in this room heard you give your daughter over to me. Hod could rip out your throat, then your queens, and then I would just need to marry the daughter you already offered me. But I prefer not to do that. I am not a monster. Just a man with goals and the determination to make them happen. So how about you help me help you? Run your city, play politics with your nobles, but follow MY lead. I will lead the pack.” Liulfr strode up onto the dais, all of the guards corralled into a corner by his wolves. He placed a hand on Hod and brought his face close to King Aldon. “Do you understand, your Highness?” King Aldon gave a small nod of his head and Liulfr gave him a pat on the cheek. “Good boy. My armies have supplies but could do with warm beds for the night. I’m sure your barracks could fit them. My wolves will provide for themselves. Have the gates opened and let them all in. Tell your citizens that they are not to harm any of my wolves and that they are to be left to roam freely. We will discuss our next steps once the men have had a nice hot meal and a good night’s sleep.” Liulfr stepped down off of the dais and Hod got off of the king. Skjote walked in front of Liulfr, completely blocking his path. “Ulf, listen to me! You need to speak with Princess Elysian. I think the princess hears me.” Liulfr snapped his head around to Princess Elysian. She jumped when their eyes met.

07:05

Hod looked at her and said, “No fucking way. How long have you looked for another person like you, Ulf?” Princess Elysian’s head turned to Hod when he “spoke”. “Oh, shit. She hears me. Ulf, does this mean you are going to have a litter of puppies with her?” Hod turned to Liulfr and gave him a toothy grin. Liulfr shook his head and gave Hod a playful nudge with his leg. *Liulfr looked up at Princess Elysian and said, “Princess, this is no command. I do not intend it as an order, but as merely a request. But would you please walk with me in the garden? I would very much like to speak with you. I will wait for you there.” Liulfr walked out of the throne room and headed down the corridors that he’d seen in the wolf minds. Liulfr chuckled to himself as he thought that this would be the first time he slept in a proper bed fully indoors in years. He set his wolves to roaming the palace. He figured that no one would understand that he could hear every word that was said within earshot of the wolves, which was a considerable distance. Any attempt at treachery would be heard and relayed to him. Liulfr had the wolves near the quarry entrance remain in place in case King Aldon decided to try and flee, but let the rest set to hunting and scouting. Hod and Skjote followed him to the garden and he found a bench to sit on. Liulfr shut his eyes and let his mind be filled with the scents, sights, and sounds of his Ulvehaeren. He had some linger near guard outposts and groups of soldiers. Liulfr wanted to know of any troop movements or orders that contradicted his. He could not hardly believe that things had gone so well, nor that he may have found someone like him. His heart leapt at the thought of it, but he tried not to get too excited. The idea of no longer being alone, of finding another person who could understand sent shivers down his spine.

07:06

Liulfr began to grow worried as Princess Elysian delayed. He had been too rough with King Aldon? Had he driven her away before he even had a chance to get to know her? How could he win her back? Skjote gave him a small nip on the leg. “Ulf, stop your worrying. You’re making the whole pack anxious. Let what is going to happen happen. You’re worse than Hod was when I first joined the Ulvehaeren. He acted like a foolish pup for weeks. He drove all of you half mad.” Hod leaned over and gave Skjote a nip. “Hey, you’re still here at my side, are you not? We have had two beautiful litters together.” Skjote grinned at him and said, “Well, there are certain perks about being at the head of the pack. I can tolerate you if I get those perks in return.” Liulfr nudge both of them and said, “Oh go find yourselves a cave or something. I have more important things on my mind than you both planning your third litter. The others like me might not have all been killed. I might not be without a companion of my soul. I had always been afraid it was just me.” Liulfr stood and began to pace back and forth, his mind still racing. What could he have done better to not have risked setting Princess Elysian against him? If she did hate him, could she be made to change her mind? What if she was not like him and he was all worked up for no reason? He could sense Hod and Skjote growing annoyed at him again, so he threw himself back down on the bench and tried to compose himself. “Deep breaths, little pup.* Skjote teased him.

@VaVaVicodin Sorry, forgot to tag you

"I would very much like to speak with you. I will wait for you there." Elysian's heart was thundering in her chest and the sound of her blood pouring in her ears made her almost dizzy. The entire past five minutes made her head spin so much that she slumped back down on her throne and clutch her head, her eyes wide with disbelief and pain. How on Earth could her father just offer her up like a piece of meat to a starving animal?! What was even worse was this Liulfr had rejected her. A mix of feelings swirled within her chest. Anger, pain, rejection, and sorrow. How on earth was this allowed? No... this couldn't be happening. This couldn't be real. THe anger and hurt that raged within her became to great... "Elysian..." Her father's voice rang out through the thumping of her own brain catapulting itself around in her skull and she glanced up. She rose from her seat and she felt her father reach for her. She stepped back quickly, pulling her arm away. "Do not touch me!" She hissed. The guards tensed and her father stiffened up. "Listen, Ely. This was harder for me than-" "Oh bullshit!" She yelled. Tears began to pour down her cheeks as she rounded on her father, staring at him angrily. The King quickly waved everyone out, and the throne room quickly. Ophelia stared at her daughter but said nothing. Her father stood tall, attempting to regain control of this crumbling situation. "Elysian. I am your father and also your King. What I say goes. Do you understand?" Elysian shook her head, "So you sell your own daughter off like cattle? Is that how a King responds to threats of war?! This new King was being generous! You didn't even hear him out first! Instead you decided to sell your own child like a common whore? Some King you are." She spat.

20:42

There was a loud sound that broke through the throne room. The sound of skin slapping across skin and a heavy thud of a five foot tall human woman crashing to the floor rattled the room. Ophelia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Elysian was on her side, her right hand holding her torso up and her left cheek which throbbed with agony. She coughed with the pain and the shock. Tears immediately dripped to the marble floor. Aldon stood above his daughter, his hand stinging from the pain. "You are my daughter. The princess of Nixvelia, and as your King, I demand your obedience. This is your duty as a princess. You do not get to order me around or criticize my decisions. Is that understood?" He snarled. Elysian merely nodded. "Good. Now pick yourself up and follow that man. Stay on his good side. If you displease him and he retaliates, the blood of this city will be on your hands." He growled. With that, Aldon took his leave, storming from the throne room. Ophelia did not go to her daughter's side, and she would regret that decision for decades. Instead, she chased after her husband.

20:42

Elysian remained on the floor for a moment before she picked herself up. With shaking hands, she brushed her skirt. She looked over towards the servant's door and she saw her handmaiden peeking in. "M-My Lady!" She gasped, rushing to Elysian's side. Elysian shook her head. "I..I...am fine. Please. I need a touch of makeup to cover this." "O-Of course, my Lady. Here." Her handmaiden always carried some makeup just in case Elysian requested it. It was rare, but it was good to be prepared. Elysian's left cheek was red and a bruise was already forming, but the makeup covered it enough. With a trembling breath, she left the throne room and went to the gardens. Elysian was all too familiar with the path to the garden as she had traversed it her entire life. But now, it felt miles long and like she was walking to her death. She walked out and saw Liulfr sitting on a bench. Elysian swallowed nervously and approached him. "Y-Your Grace? You wished to speak with me?" She was behind him, her hands clasped in front of her. Her cheeks were stained with her tears, and her gemstone eyes red. She prayed he didn't say a word about it... @Several people

Liulfr stood bolt upright from the bench and dropped into a hasty bow. Still bent over in a bow, eyes on the ground, he said, “Princess Elysian, I am honored by your presence. I would be honored if you would walk with me in the garden. Uh, here, in the garden, that we are already in.” “Smooth,” Hod teased. “Hush,” Skjote said, rising and walking over to Princess Elysian. Skjote looked up into Elysian’s eyes and they made eye contact. “She’s upset Liulfr. Perhaps you were too rough with King Aldon and it has affected her. If you want to convince her that you are more than a mindless brute, it might be a wise idea to apologize. And stop that silly bowing.” Liuflr stood up and walked closer to Princess Elysian. “Princess Elysian, Skjote told me that you have been crying, and I see it now too. I am sorry for the distress I have caused you. I did not mean to be so harsh on your father. I just do not want any more needless bloodshed, so it did what I thought I needed to stop this from turning into a full blown siege. I have caused enough death already and do not intend to raze a city to the ground. Besides, I need as many warriors alive as possible.” Liulfr realized he was rambling and paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. “Here, come sit here on the bench with me and we can speak more, if you want. Just like I said inside, none of this is an order to you.” *They took seats on opposite ends of the bench. *

05:38

Skjote walked up and rested her head in Princess Elysian’s lap. Liulfr could see the hesitance in Princess Elysian’s face as she lifted her hands, unsure of where to put them. Liulfr slid closer to Elysian and said, “There is nothing to be afraid of. This is Skjote. She is one of the leaders of my Ulvehaeren, along with her mate Hod, the black one laying by the tree over there. I trust them both with my life. They are no trained beasts, but my two dearest friends. You can pet her if you like.” Princess Elysian lowered her hand to Skjote’s pure white coat and started to rub by her ears. Skjote nuzzled in closer to the princess. “As much as they may not like being compared to dogs, they don’t mind the ear rubs and stomach pats either.” Liulfr stopped himself again and tried to decide how to continue. He figured that he might as well go for broke and be completely upfront. “I can speak with them, in my thoughts, just as plainly as I speak with you now. And as crazy as it may seem, they can speak back. And I think you might be able to hear them too.” Skjote was practically melting in Princess Elysian’s hands as she rubbed her ears. “Mmm, that feels great, Princess. A little lower would be even better though.” Princess Elysian adjusted her hand down for a few seconds before realizing what had just happened, nearly jumping out of her seat. “Holy shit, Liuflr. She really did hear Skjote!” Hod exclaimed. “You can hear them,” Liulfr said with shock in his voice. Questing out with his mind, he aimed a thought at her, “But can you hear me too in this way?” Princess Elysian’s eyes grew wide and she stood, backing away from Liulfr and the wolves. “Wait, please don’t go!” Liulfr begged both aloud and in his thoughts. “Please? As far as I know it is just you and I left. I do not want to be alone anymore.”

05:38

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian jumped as she heard a voice that wasn't hers or Liulfr's. She noticed a black wolf against a tree and the same white wolf from earlier. She made eye contact with the white wolf and her eyes widened as she heard it say to 'hush.' "T-They-" She was cut off as Liuflr approached her and began to speak about what happened. He seemed to be... apologizing. Why? Why was this massive brute apologizing to her? But, even as she thought about him as being a brute, she felt bad. No. He...He wasn't a brute. A brute would have attacked her father, killed him, and then forced her to marry him on the spot and slain her entire family. Instead, he was here and he was apologizing to her. He had her come sit on the bench and before she could say anything, the white wolf appeared and placed her head on her lap. Elysian gasped, going to raise her hands, but the wolf's gentle nature was sweet and calm... so, she carefully placed her hands down against the wolf's head, giving 'her', she came to realize her name was Skjote, small scratches. Liuflr suddenly explained that he could speak to both Hod and Skjote, in his mind. Elysian's eyes widened again. So he could hear them as well? She wasn't going insane? He then said that she could probably hear them too. Skjote spoke again and suggested that Elysian could pet her even more, and Elysian felt her hands move on their own. When she realized what she was doing, Elysian yelped and pulled her hands away. Liuflr confirmed that she could hear them, and then, in her mind, she heard him speak!! That was it! She was clearly going insane! Elysian stood quickly, backing away. Her hands were shaking and she whimpered. "I-I don't understand! I don't understand what's happening? Why can they talk! Why can I hear them? Why can you hear them? What is this? What is happening? Am I going crazy?" She pressed herself against a tree as she clutched her head, "H-Have I gone insane? Is...Is this madness?"

00:56

Then, due to the overwhelming situation, Elysian crumpled to the ground, covering her head. She began to cry, her head pressed to her knees, her sobs weak. "I-I don't want to fall into madness...I...I don't know what's happening to me." She sobbed. "I'm scared, Lord Liuflr. I'm scared..." @Several people

Liulfr rose from the bench, hands outstretched in an attempt at calming Princess Elysian. He kept a low posture, walking a little bit closer, but still giving her plenty of space. “Please Princess Elysian, you are not going mad. There is nothing to fear, at least while we are here in this city, surrounded by my pack.” He squatted down to be close to her level, while still staying several paces away, trying to not scare her more. He brought himself the rest of the way to the ground, sitting on the scrub grass on his bottom. Resting his arms on his knees, he looked off to the side, looking down further into the garden before speaking.* “I will try to explain everything I can, though there is much that I do not. As for my own story, ever since I was a child, I spent every moment free in the woods, among the animals. This is not so uncommon for Ostmen like myself. We are taught to survive and to make a living wherever we may find ourselves. As far back as I can remember, I could reach out and influence the animals around me. Let me show you.” Gazing into a tree he pushed out with his mind, seeking a bird. He held out a finger, and down came a small songbird to rest upon it. He looked over towards Princess Elysian and gestured with his hand, the bird staying in place, looking around curiously. He whispered a thank you to the bird before continuing. “Once, when a group of boys kept harassing me and seeking to do me harm, I accidentally turned the bulk of the town's animals against them. They could not enter a goat pen or a chicken coup without being perpetually rammed or pecked. And once, I was able to drive off a bear that was attacking some of the people in my village.” He let out a pained chuckle, “I thought the people would see me as a boy hero, but instead they grew afraid and pushed me away. When I should have been learning, they kicked me from the hall. I drew further from people and closer to the animals.”

06:57

“Eventually, after many beatings from my father, the Jarl banished me, telling me I was lucky that he did not kill me for my unnatural ways. I was alone, and a lone wolf took me in, Hod’s father. We grew together and made our own pack, since we both had none. We traveled freely, and the wolves gave me my new name, Liulfr Stigandr, Wandering Wolf. The wolves were the cleverest of the animals I had met, and the more I spent with them, the more they became like me, able to form coherent sentences and to truly communicate in more than just images and impressions. “One day, we came across a bear, near death from arrow wounds. I tried to calm it down with my mind to ease it from this world, but it too was able to think formed, structured thoughts. Before it passed, it told me that it came from a village of people like me, like us, but that they had all been brutally slaughtered by the armies of King Athelstan. I don’t know why, but everywhere I go, I have found word of mouth stories of the cruel King Athelstan seeking out people like me and torturing them and killing them in the most brutal ways possible. Making those bonded with animals watch as they, as they..” Liulfr started to grow choked up, but pushed forward, skipping the worst of the details. “As they did awful things to hurt their companions. He hunted them like game. Some tried to escape, like a small family that fled through the town we demolished earlier. The tanner there convinced the town council to sell out the refugees and much of the town joined in the... in the elimination of the family and their companions. What I did to that village... It was done in a cold rage. I was wrong to do it. But by destroying that town, I may have prevented a much more deadly siege on this city and I will not apologize for that.”

06:57

Liulfr paused to regather his thoughts. Hod had made his way over and curled up next to him attempting to comfort Liulfr, while Skjote had gradually creeped up to lay before Princess Elysian, her head just before Elysian’s feet. They stayed silent, but radiated calm, caring emotions. Liulfr gave Hod a few scratches behind the ears, feeling himself settle before he continued. “I don’t know if there are any others left like you and I. I have to hope that there are. You are literally the first human I have met in person who could do these things too. I have chased rumors for years, but here, I find you by chance, or perhaps by wyrd, by fate. I also do not know why King Athelstan has made it his personal mission to seek out those like us, but I plan to stop him. And I need more than just my Ostmen to do that. I need tacticians, war machines, and a proper army. But I also know that he expects me. At the very least, he knows the rumors of me. The bounty on wolf pelts has grown to be enough to make those who specialize in hunting and trapping them into very wealthy people. Even here in your father’s lands, the eradication of wolves should be noticeable. I need to stop it. For the family that did not beat me and toss me away without so much as a farewell. For my pack. And if it means making myself a monarch and a warmonger, I will do what I must. And I intend to try and find out why we are this way and if there are others. But unfortunately, any writings on those things are worthless to me... I was never taught to read, so I would need someone to help me search through stories to find out exactly what we are and why we are. So, no, you are not mad. Just something that no one can explain and that most people do not want around because of it.”

06:57

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian was absolutely petrified of what was happening. The voices of the wolves, his voice in her head, her own voice in her head! It was all so maddening and she felt as though she was going to collapse. Liulfr appeared and knelt down to her, and he began to explain his own story. He explained how he began, and how he found out about his abilities, and how he discovered that he could speak to animals and connect to animals on a far different level than he was ever used to. Elysian looked up as she saw the bird gently land on his finger. Her eyes widened slightly as it seemed to relax on him, almost as if the bird realized how gentle he was. As he continued, Elysian found that her shaking was slowly stopping. Her fear of what was happening was less intense, and even as Skjote appeared and rested against her feet, she was less fearful. Liulfr's story was sad and Elysian felt her heart break for him as he explained how King Athelstan began to seek people like him out and destroy them. How could someone destroy someone else simply for having powers to connect with animals? Wasn't that something they should be excited to have in their kingdom? Elysian wasn't really good with politics, but she was a fair individual and she wanted everyone to be happy as much as possible. If she was Queen, she'd never let something like this happen, but then again, no one could control everyone.

23:22

Liulfr explained that she was the first person he met that was like him, and she felt a strange feeling in her chest. She blushed a little and looked down at Skjote. She cautiously reached out until her fingers began to brush against the soft white fur of the wolf. Skjote seemed to melt into her touch and she smiled softly. Liulfr wasn't trying to be a monster, he was just trying to save his people and the wolves... How... How on Earth could her father mistreat this man? "I...I understand, Your Grace. I am sorry that your people and your kind have been targeted. I am also... sorry for how my father has behaved. He is... clearly delusional and he's never understood things that he dislikes. Animals and nature... are not something he is willing to understand." Nervously, she scooted closer and she touched his hand with hers. "I promise to help as much as I can. If my father gets in your way, then, I will do as much as I can to handle things as calmly as possible. Please, know that you can come to me for assistance as you need." She wanted things to be better. She wanted things to be peaceful, and as long as she wasn't going insane, then she would do what she could to help. @Several people

“Thank you, Princess Elysian. And, please, when it is just the both of us, you can drop the title. Liulfr is fine, as is simply Ulf, for it is what the wolves of my own pack call me. Unless you find it distasteful or if you find another animal that you bond more closely to, Hod, Skjote, and I invite you to be one of our pack. Either one of my inner circle or myself would always be by your side if you request it.” Liulfr pulled his hand away from Elysian, pushing back his long brown hair and pausing. “I’m sorry if this seems like a lot all at once. I just cannot stand the idea of finally meeting someone like me and having any risk of harm coming to you. The safest thing I can think to do is have you as part of my pack. Then we can help guard you. No one else needs know that you are like me if you do not wish, but I hate the idea of any harm befalling you.” Liulfr rose and began to pace again. “Princess Elysian, I just feel like there is so much that I do not know. I cannot even communicate to the clan leaders without first having to tell someone else my words. All of my communications within my army rely on there being no spies, which I do not expect to find among my Ostmen, but what of your father’s armies? Can I trust even the worst treated page to keep orders a secret or to relay them accurately? I’m going far beyond the raids the Ostmen are known for, driving towards open warfare. “Would you help me? Would you be the person I can rely on? I can control your father with fear, but I need more than that. I need trust. I will force nothing on you and I will do my best to make you the master of your own fate, but I need someone who I can trust and to trust me.”

00:59

Liulfr came back and sat beside Princess Elysian again, taking her hand in his while she continued to pet Skjote and Hod came to rest against Liulfr. Looking Elysian in the eyes, Liulfr said, “I’m not asking you to make any sort of commitment to me, but I am asking you to be part of my pack, my family. That can mean whatever you want it to mean, but it also means that you are one of us. You have a voice in what we do and you are given every protection afforded all of the members of my pack. If you so wish, Hod or Skjote can stay with you at all times, they’ve said as much to me as I’ve rambled on.”

00:59

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian nodded as Liulfr explained that this was unusual for him. He seemed so stressed and concerned, terror and fear filling his veins in a way. But, he held himself with such an air of regality and power, that Elysian felt a little awe struck. Having him show his inner feelings was interesting, and Elysian was a little surprised. She didn't think he would be so comfortable with her this early on. "I think..." She slowly brushed her thumb along his hand, "I would be honored if you, or Skjote, or Hod would be willing to accompany me. I can help control my people, my only request is..." She took a slow deep breath. "That we are wed. My father will be bound by the laws and traditions of our people, and if I am wed, then he will be forced to listen to you. If he goes against you, as my husband, he would be breaking his honor, his traditions, and our laws." She looked at Liulfr nervously. "Is this... alright for you? I do not mean to push any of our customs onto you either, but, if we are going to work together and try to make this connection work, we will have to have some unification that is...well, factual." She looked at Skjote and continued to pet the beautiful wolf. "I am unsure what animal I would connect to, but right now... I feel connected to Skjote, and to you, and to Hod, and I... I want to ensure all of your safety." @Several people

“Marriage?” Liulfr paused, unsure of what to say. “You would want to marry me?” Of all of the possibilities he had been prepared for, Princess Elysian willingly offering to marry him was not one of them. He waited a moment, considering, before realizing his silence in answering likely sounded like a rejection. Liulfr squeezed her hand more tightly and looked deep into Elysian’s eyes, his face softening. “Princess Elysian, I have barely begun to get to know you, but I can already tell that you are an amazing woman. I would not want you to be forced to marry a man such as myself. I am no proper king or prince. I am half feral as it is. My only hesitation is at the thought of binding you to myself without a way out for you, especially if this is being required of you by your father.” Liulfr’s face grew harder as a voice spoke inside of his head and he took on a much more severe look before continuing. “My wolves have overheard the servants talking. I know that he struck you before you came out to the garden. I did not know at first, but the servants talk, and it is surprising how quickly people start to ignore the wolf in the room. I beat him senseless, tearing him limb from limb. But something in your face and demeanor tells me you would not want that of me. I don’t want you to be mine by force, but I’d be lying if I said I did not want to have you at my side. Would marrying you wrest power away from that coward of a man? Whether or not you choose to marry me, you have the protection of the pack. We will stand by your side. You are pack now. See, I’ve already got you sitting on the ground, like a wolf,” Liulfr said, trying to inject some humor.

02:02

@VaVaVicodin

As he feared, Elysian felt her heart thudding faster and faster within her chest. Would he say no? Would he insult her and call her stupid or silly for thinking she could simply force a marriage? It wasn't as though she was forcing him! She just figured this was the best solution! Was it not? Was there one better? Suddenly, he took her hand and squeezed it. He confessed his fears, and Elysian looked down, understanding what he meant. He then brought up how he knew her father had struck her. She looked down even more. He had known about that? It was embarrassing and Elysian frowned. "No... I do not wish for you to kill my father. If you do, the entire army would try to end you. I don't want that." She pet Skjote again and she let out a soft sigh. "I do not feel forced. I feel as though... marriage would protect both of us. My father would not try to stage any form of coop against you if we were wed. If he did, he'd being attempting to hurt his own child, and that would truly cause an uproar amongst the kingdom." She said softly. She chuckled at his joke and she nodded. "You'd be surprised to know that I've sat down in the grass several times." She she looked back at him fully now. "So...Is...Do you...?" She felt her cheeks grow warm as she attempted to ask. She didn't really.. expect to be the one to ask someone to marry her! So, she didn't know how to ask! Her face burned, and her cheek throbbed with pain. She looked into his eyes. She was curious to know what he would say! @Several people

Liulfr really began to understand just how serious Princess Elysian was being. He had done everything in his power to try to assure her that she was in no way under obligation to him, but still she said that she would choose to marry him. She was already so beautiful, but when the blush hit her cheeks, it made him feel as though something was moving within his gut, an anxious but still excited feeling. This morning, he had no reason to find another like him, gifted with the peculiar magic, but now not only had he found someone like him, but that she would have him as her husband, even if for only practical reasons. Liulf pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it, the whiskers of his facial hair brushing against her soft skin. He met her eyes and held the gaze, considering her. He had only had this chance to speak with her, but his impression was that of someone who was strong willed and passionate, but also very caring. He did not question whether he could come to love Princess Elysian, he knew he could and that it would not take long. Liulfr cleared his throat and said, “Princess Elysian, would you become my wife? Would you be my queen? I would be honored to be your husband and I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the sort of man worthy of such a title. I hope that I can be someone that you could love, in time. In just this short time we have spoken, I understand why the people of your kingdom love you so dearly. I suspect that much of the wisdom attributed to King Aldon was likely the wisdom of his daughter, simply misattributed. So, if you would have me, I would happily have you, Princess Elysian.”

01:06

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian's face got darker, if that was truly even possible. As Liulfr kissed her hand, she couldn't help but giggle a little at the feeling of his whispers on her hand. It tickled, and she found that his gentleness was something she truly admired. He was so kind, and it was such a change of pace from the other men in the castle. Everyone had always seemed to steer clear of her, so having someone tend to her like this and be so accepting of her, and even go as far as to kiss her hand, was just so nice, that Elysian wished this moment would never end. She smiled as he asked if she would become his wife, his queen. She placed her other hand under his, holding his larger hand in between her own. "Lord Liulfr, I would be honored to become your wife, if you would allow me that honor. I do believe that in time I can love you, just as I hope that you can love me as well. I feel as though we would be better off if we both could love each other." In a moment of bravery, Elysian carefully stepped forward and she leaned up and lightly pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. "I would be honored to have you as my husband, Lord Liulfr." She felt excitement bubble in her chest at the realization that she was going to be married! "We must tell my father. Is there a special kind of ceremony that the Ostmen perform for occasions such as this?" @Several people

Liuflr was surprised by the kiss that the Princess had given him. He absently reached up and touched the spot where her lips met the corner of his and he could feel the dopey grin spreading across his face as what little of his cheeks was not covered by beard grew red. “I do not doubt for a second that I will come to love you, Princess.” Liulfr reached out to cup her cheek in his hand before speaking. “Well, Princess Elysian, there are many traditions of the Ostmen, things like our wedding must take place on Freya’s day, that we must exchange the ancient swords of our families, and that you must trade in your virgin’s kransen for a bridal crown, and we would drink honeyed mead at a week long wedding feast. However, you have no kransen and I have no ancient family sword, since I have long since been disowned by my own family. Besides, I carry no sword, I prefer my staff, and when I must, I have blades I attach to the ends, so it would do me little good to carry your fathers sword. I think a simple exchange of rings and vows would suffice, along with a feast, unless you have any specific traditions you would adhere to. “I only have one request from you. Come hunt with me. This is no great tradition of the wolves or myself, but as a pack we have always hunted together, and you and I shall become our own special pack, so I ask that you hunt with me. Usually, when I hunt with the wolves, I hunt with nothing but my hands and only bring out my knife to skin the kill, but in this case a bow and arrow would suffice. Can you shoot? It will be your kill to take and then we will build a fire and eat the kill then and there before spending the night under the stars. Of course, we can tell your father first, though we will make it very clear to him that your wedding to me will mean he steps down and passes his power on to you.”

05:17

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian laughed as he said that he didn't want to carry her father's sword. "I do not want that either. Honestly, our traditions are simple. We exchange vows under our most sacred tree, and we offer to serve one another in the name of the Gods, to earn their blessing. That allows our union to bring prosperity and joy, as well as.." She swallowed and nervously said, "Lots of children." He then told her his request, what he truly wanted for her to do. "A hunt?" He asked if she could shoot and she blushed nervously, shaking her head. "Father never let me even pick up a steak knife until I was fourteen. I have never trained or shot a bow in my life. B-But I would like to! I want to go on a hunt." She said, her voice filled with determination. She wanted him to know that she could be useful! She wasn't just some pretty face. When he mentioned telling her father about the union, she felt a large sense of dread fill her. "R-Right..." How would her father react when they told him that they were going to be married... Oh well, she shook her head and she smiled up at him. "When would we go hunting? Now? Tonight?" She was really excited, and she didn't even realize that she hadn't let go of his hand. @Several people

Children. The word rang in Liulfr’s ears for a moment when she said it. “Well, typically, picking a mate involves some amount of mating, Ulf,” Hod said teasingly, to Liulfr alone. Liulfr just had not let his mind get that far ahead in things. His blush grew deeper. He finished what he had been saying and was well pleased that Princess Elysian was willing to go on a hunt with him. “I think your father would be happy that you and I shall be wed. It was just earlier that he was so eager to offer you up to be my bride without even consulting you first. He may not be so happy that it comes at the cost of his own power, but if he is so willing to give of others, he should be content to have just as much taken of him. Much of my Ostmen army is already within his walls, so there is little he could do about it if he changed his mind, and if we have a few messengers spreading the news of our nuptials and his abdication, he would look like he was going back on his word if he tried to refuse to step aside. The city will already be celebrating your ascension to the throne by the time he is told,” Liulfr said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I think tomorrow afternoon would be a perfect time to tell him of our plans. Let word spread through the city. If what I have heard of your father is true, he does not often hear words from the common people of your city, unlike yourself. He will be one of the last to know. And in the meantime, you and I can go on our hunt tonight. My pack has found a place that should work well for a hunt. I can handle the supplies that we will need, as well as a bow for you. You may prefer something a little more.. Rugged for our hunt. You look unbelievably radiant in your current dress, but we will be going on foot for most of the trip, and a sturdy pair of boots and some trousers as well as a good cloak will serve you better for the hunt. Could you meet me on the hill outside of the west gate just before sunset?”

01:07

Liulfr started to turn and walk away before stopping himself, “One last thing before we part.” Liulfr let go of Princess Elysian’s hand and brought both of his hands to his neck. Behind his head, he untied a long necklace, a string of large animal teeth that he had worn ceaselessly for years. He stepped behind Princess Elysian and put it around her neck, tying it securely, and in a low voice said into her ear, “This is a necklace of bear teeth. It was the first bear I ever killed, but I could not have killed it alone. I keep it not as a trophy, but as a reminder. This bear had gone mad, rabid. Nothing I imposed on it with my mind would calm it or drive it away. At the time this bear came upon us, I had been with the wolves for several years and we had grown to nearly twenty in number. By the end of that night, only six of us were left alive. We all fought against this wild bear, but we could not stop it. The first wolf to take me in, Hod’s father, led the fight as the alpha. He was the leader and he would not lead from the back.

01:07

“Eventually, he took a blow that nearly cost him his life. When the bear attempted to finish off the alpha, I was able to get in behind it and strangle it, freeing it from its madness. These teeth have always served to remind me of what it means to be under the protection of the alpha. An alpha is not some leader who directs from the back, who lets others take injuries before themselves. An alpha is the one who would take their deathblow just to give the pack a chance to win the fight. The alpha is not alpha because they are the strongest or the most violent. They are the alpha because they are trusted fully by the pack and it is the greatest folly of all to betray that trust. Even barely able to move, that alpha made sure to clean the wounds of those remaining of the pack and to seek out a safe place for us all to heal. He hunted first and ate last while the pack healed. That is what it means to be pack and for me to be the leader of the pack, what it means for Hod to lead the packs in my stead. You are a part of that now.”

01:07

@VaVaVicodin

"Of course but, you don't know my father. When his control is taken from him, or someone tries to, tell him how things are going to go, he gets a little..." She absently touched her aching cheek, "Upset." She blushed a little as he mentioned that she looked radiant in her dress. Was he trying to make her blush? If so, he was doing a great job! "I believe my tailors can create something quickly." He then quickly came to step behind her after he removed a necklace from his neck. Elysian didn't fear the appearance of the accessory, and the idea of having bear teeth around her neck didn't bother her either. She lightly touched the teeth as he explained the story of how he obtained the teeth. His mercy to the bear, without disregarding its life or trying to act as if it was just some savage beast, was extremely sweet. She looked up at him as he told her that this taught him what an alpha was, and that she was now apart of the pack that he was in. She smiled and leaned up again, pressing a light kiss to the corner of his mouth again. "Thank you, Alpha Liulfr. I am honored to be apart of your pack. Thank you. I promise to do well and honor your pack, and protect your Ostmen with my life, as well as you and your wolves." She felt Skajld bump her hand and she gave the white wolf some more scratches behind the ears before she bowed her head. "I must depart to obtain the proper clothing for a hunt. Let us meet outside the tree line of the gardens when it becomes dark." She gave him a kind smile as she bowed her head lightly. "See you later, Alpha." She then turned and exited the gardens. She called for her hand maidens and informed them that she wanted hunting clothes prepared urgently, and for the blacksmith to prepare a short sword, and a bow and a quiver of arrows. While she wasn't skilled with these objects, she hoped she would be able to learn with them through her hunt with Liulfr. @Several people

Liulfr watched Princess Elysian walk away, feeling his heart quicken at the idea of such a woman as his betrothed. “You really seem to be enamored already, Ulf,” Skjote said to him, nudging his side with her head, leaning her weight on him affectionately. Liulfr stroked the soft white fur just behind her ears and smiled to himself. “It feels weird to have another one of you around though,” Hod said with amusement. “I wonder, will your litter of little ones be able to hear us too? Imagine that, a little pack of Ulfs running around.” Hod strode over, pushing his head in between Skjote’s head and Liulfr’s hands jealously. Liulfr gave Hod a playful nudge with his foot and said teasingly, “Shall I have them fit a saddle for you so you can give the little ones rides?” Hod nipped at Liulfr’s leg in response and the three began to make their way inside. Liulfr took notice of the various Ostmen and camp followers that had made their way to the keep. One of the servants of the King came up to Liulfr and bowed, eyeing the wolves nervously and began to speak, eyes never leaving Hod and Skjote. “Sir, uh, lord, uh Master Liulfr, chambers have been prepared for you and your things have been brought to them. Would you like me to have water drawn for you to bathe? Or anything else, your, uh Lordship?” “Bathwater would be excellent. And food, as well as some raw meat.” Liulfr answered. The man’s eyes bulged at the request for raw meat. Liulfr chuckled under his breath. “The meat is for them, not me.” Indicating to Hod and Skjote. “Uh, yes, sorry, your Lordship. I will have a bath drawn and food brought immediately.” The man bowed again and scurried off.

05:19

“I fear that I am going to have to grow accustomed to servants,” Liulfr thought to Skjote and Hod. He asked directions to his chambers from another panicky servant and was led down several hallways to an ornate door, wide enough that Liulfr and his two companions could all walk through at the same time. He was let into his chambers. Liulfr was taken aback by their size. The cottage he’d grown up in was of middling size for his village, but it easily would have fit into the main room he entered, not even counting whatever other space there was beyond the three doors that led off from the room. The first room had cushioned seating, a small table, and a large hearth. Crossing the room, he opened the food immediately opposite him and found that it led to a large balcony facing out over the city. There was ample seating there as well. He left the door opened, enjoying the breeze and natural light. Opening the next door, he found a space for relieving oneself. The next door led to a bedroom fully half the size of the main room, with a large overstuffed bed, a metal tub, and a great oak closet where he found that his few meager outfits had already been hung. Liulfr heard a knocking at the main door and walked over to permit in a line of servants bearing steaming water and another two bringing food for Liulfr and the wolves. Once the tub was filled and the servants gone, Liulfr began to remove his armor, bit by bit until he stood in just his sweaty underclothes. He peeled them off along with his underclothes and climbed into the steaming hot bath. Most of his bathing had been in cold streams and rivers or not at all.

05:19

Liulfr was a little embarrassed at just how murky he left the bathwater when he stepped out. Once he dried himself, he picked out a simple outfit of warm leggings, his soft hunting boots, a thick tunic and cloak. He dressed and belted on a simple knife and his quiver of arrows. He grabbed his bow and placed his bowstring into his pouch, along with his flint and steel. He tied two bedrolls onto his back and walked out to the main room where Skjote and Hod were laying by the hearth, soaking in its warmth. Hod gnawed lazily on a remaining bone from their meal. Liulfr picked at some of the food before setting the rest down for the wolves to finish. “You two enjoy a nice night by the fire. Princess Elysian and I should be fine with the wolves roaming the hills if anything should go wrong.” Neither wolf even bothered to lift their heads as he walked out of the door, leaving it unlatched, should either decide to roam during the night. Liulfr avoided people and made his way from the keep without much notice and found his way to the gate, following the path to the tree line at the top of the hill where he had agreed to meet Princess Elysian. The sun was starting to grow close to the horizon, changing the color of the sky. Liuflr let the sun’s waning light warm his skin as he took in the smell of the countryside and took note of the game trails that seemed obvious to his eyes that most might miss. He breathed deeply and waited for his Princess.

05:19

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian quickly made her way to her bedroom. She had plenty of outfits prepared so a seamstress did not need to measure her. For once, Elysian didn't dilly dally in the hallways on her way back to her bedroom. She went through the hallways and up the steps to a large tower. Once she reached the top, she was in her bedroom. Her bedroom was large and held a large four poster bed with thick fur blankets and pillows. She had a desk for writing, a large wardrobe and a closet, as well as an attached washroom. She had a metal basin in the floor that resided over a stocked flame, consistently keeping a warm bath ready at her disposal. Her tower over looked the lake and the forest, and she enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and view from where she stayed. She entered the washroom and her hand maidens helped her undress from her gown. Elysian was already pretty clean but getting freshened up was necessary, especially with the bruise that was forming on her cheek. She dipped into the basin and her hand maidens helped wash her. Elysian suddenly stopped, carefully shooing the girls away. "I think it's best if... I try washing myself, unassisted. Same with dressing. Don't help me right now." She said, giving them smiles. The hand maidens stared at her in confusion. "But...My Lady-" "No, it's alright. I'll explain it all to you in time. Let me wash myself and dress myself from now on." She wanted to become more independent. She didn't need to rely on servants. Liulfr didn't rely on servants to dress him and wash him. If she was going to be his wife, she needed to be self sufficient. With that in mind, she took a wash cloth from the edge of the basin and she dipped it into the water. She then grabbed a small vial of soap and poured what she recalled the handmaidens using onto the cloth. She then started to wash herself.

21:35

A simple task such as washing oneself should be something anyone could do, and yet, Elysian felt so accomplished when she did it herself. She finished her bath and she stepped out of the water and grabbed a towel. She dried herself off and when she stepped out, she grabbed a basic sleep dress. She sat at her vanity desk. She started to brush her hair and as she stared in the mirror, she saw the bruise. She sighed softly, shaking her head. The dull throbbing in her cheek reminded her of the day's events. How her father had struck her, essentially tried to sell her to the Ostmen, and now, she was going to be betrothed... It was all so much! As twilight came to fruition, Elysian got dressed in the hunting outfit she had commissioned. She had requested trousers and a tunic top, plus a belt and some leather boots. She tied her hair into a high ponytail, and once she was dressed, she was given a dagger, one hand crafted by the black smith. It was made of ebony metal and had a leather hilt. She felt... ready. She headed out to where she had told Liulfr to meet her. She slid past several guards. She hadn't informed her father of what she was doing, and she didn't want to frighten him, so she refused to tell him. Once she got to the gardens, she rushed to the tree line. She saw a large figure standing there and her lips curled into a smile. Walking up to Liulfr, she tapped his shoulder. "Good evening, Alpha." She beamed up at him. @Several people

Liulfr found himself momentarily without words at just how gorgeous Princess Elysian looked in her simple hunting garb. He had known that she was beautiful, but earlier, when they had first spoken, she had been wearing an expensive gown and the finest makeup as a part of her father’s attempt to use her as a bargaining chip for peace. Her, in simple clothing, her beauty shone forth even more clearly. He reached up and caressed her unbruised cheek, losing himself in her eyes for a moment. Feeling an uncommon serenity within himself, he said, “Princess Elysian, you do not need to call me Alpha. Neither Hod nor Skjote do.” Hod’s projected his voice mentally so that both Liulfr and Princess Elysian could hear, “Yes, we don’t want Ulf here getting too big of a head.” Shaking his head at Hod’s comment, Liulfr said, “Those closest to me call me Ulf, though Liuflr is also fine if you prefer.” Pulling out their bows, Liulfr began to show Princess Elysian how to properly string and unstring the bow, explaining the importance of keeping the string dry at all costs, making use of the dying daylight to prepare for the coming hunt. He drew his bow and explained sighting down the shaft of the arrow and how to keep one’s wrist from being hit as the string was released. He stopped what he was doing to give Princess Elysian a chance to ask him any questions and to try out shooting a few arrows while the sky was not yet completely dark.

22:39

@VaVaVicodin

The touch to her unbruised cheek sent a shiver down her spine. Elysian blushed a bit as he told her that she didn't have to call him Alpha. "Alright... I just..." She looked down and tucked some of her hair behind her ear as she quietly said, "I kind of liked calling you Alpha, but if it bothers you I won't. Perhaps calling my future... husband... by his name is better." She chuckled at Hod's comment, "I understand. Thank you for letting me know." Those closest to him called him Ulf. She wanted to be close to him too. She followed his instructions and within a few minutes she learned how to string a bow and draw it back. She felt confident even though the bow was heavy and she shook a little when she pulled the string back. She aimed an arrow out at the tree line, and she shot the arrow. She missed the tree entirely, and she laughed softly. "That's alright." She aimed another one, and this time she hit the tree, though it wasn't dead center. "I hit it!" She jumped excitedly, and after another shot, she hit closer to the center. "I think that's good for now. I shouldn't waste all our arrows." She felt ready to go! She was about to tell him that they could ehad out, but then a thought struck her. She wanted to be close to him... She swallowed and took his hand in hers and smiled up at him. "Ulf, are you read to get going?" @Several people

Liulfr smiled as Princess Elysian took his hand. “Yes, I am ready, Princess.” Liulfr was pleased with the few shots that she took. Luckily, the place that Liulfr had in mind would put them quite close to any potential deer that might come by. He squeezed her hand and they set off together into the twilight. “My wolves found a well traveled deer trail about an hour's walk from here. We should be able to find ourselves a spot not far from the trail to settle in and wait just as full night settles in. When the moon rises, we should have enough light to see any deer come across the trail. From here on out, we will need to be as quiet as possible,” Liulfr said in a voice just above a whisper. “I’ll be here to help you however I can, but the deathblow will be yours to make, if you are alright with that, Princess Elysian. Judging from all of the scratchings that bucks have left on the trees along that path, we should not have any problem finding deer traveling it. They will rub the bark off of the trees with their antlers, and then at night, when the moon is out, the exposed wood will reflect the moonlight, standing out against the dark bark and the deer can follow the path more easily. If we go long enough without seeing anything at all, we could have a wolf disturb where they bed down and try to push them along our trail, but we can hold on to that as a last resort.” Liulfr enjoyed walking hand in hand with Princess Elysian, but he started to feel foolish for making their first bonding experience one where they could barely speak to one another.

04:46

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian listened as Liulfr told her that his wolves had found a deer and from here on they had to be quiet. She nodded, her smile still prominent as she followed him through the woods. The twilight air was warm and yet the chill was starting to appear. This only made Elysian walk closer to Liulfr and listen intently as he explained that they would not have any trouble finding the deer because they rubbed bark off the trees with their antlers. "Wow... I never knew that." She whispered. Her father hadn't taught her anything on hunting, so anything she knew about animals were from the manuals and journals from the library. But now she was getting first hand experience through her new 'union.' "I think waiting is perfect. That way we can respect the deer and try to make this as quick as possible so that there is no chance it passes through fear." Elysian did not want the deer to suffer, and while she knew Liulfr wouldn't let that happen, she wanted things to be fair if possible. She was trying, and she hoped he didn't take offense to her request. She squeezed his hand as they continued walking to where he had suggested they wait. Once they arrived, she sat down in the grass, waiting. She looked around at the woods, curious to know if she could see anything. @Several people

They arrived at the spot near the deer trail right as full darkness set in. Liulfr wordlessly directed Princess Elysian to the spot with the best view of the trail and she sat while he squatted just behind her. It was nearly pitch black, the moon not yet out, but Liulfr could still perceive Elysian sitting with her bow at the ready not far from him. He tried to settle in and take in the noises of the forest around him, but he could not pull his mind away from the princess. Her lightly perfumed scent teased at his nose and he could practically feel the warmth from her body just a short distance from him. He hoped that she would not be too cold as the night lingered on, as they would not start a fire until after they had finished their hunt. Liulfr tried to refocus his mind on the hunt and away from his hunting partner. He took a few deep breaths in through his nose, letting the earthy smell of the dirt and the citrus scent of the nearby evergreens fill his mind. He could smell the softest wisp of cedar, indicating a nearby grove. Liulfr was not sure if his connection with the wolves granted him more acute smell or merely if the connection helped him to understand and differentiate between the scents better than he did before he found his connection with them. They sat there in silence waiting for the moon to find its way into the sky and give them the light they needed to hunt by. Liulfr was overwhelmed by the desire to hold Princess Elysian in his arms, but instead of pulling her tight to him and abandoning the hunt altogether, he gently rested a hand on her shoulder and waited. After a time, Liulfr could tell that there was a slight change to the smell of the air, the wind carrying the scent from his left. Moving slowly, he brought his lips close to Princess Elysian’s ear and whispered in the barest breath, “Draw your arrow, take a few deep breaths and be ready.”

02:14

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian perched herself on the ground and held her bow at the ready. She had not drawn an arrow quite yet, but she was prepared. She kept her eyes and ears open, looking and waiting and watching. She was not an experienced hunter, so she wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for, but she was ready nonetheless! She would try to make the best of this. Although, she couldn't deny that the feeling of Liulfr behind her was a bit distracting, though she was not going to complain. She didn't dislike having him behind her. It was just so new to her that she wasn't sure if she would actually be able to hunt well! She could feel his presence, and smell his earthy musky scent. It wasn't bad. In fact, she actually really enjoyed his scent. She felt her cheeks grow warm, and the chill of the night was no longer nipping at her body. She leaned slightly back as she felt his hand rest on her shoulder, her blush growing hotter in her cheeks. Suddenly, Liulfr leaned forward and he told her to draw her arrow and be ready. She nodded and she took an arrow and knotched it, drawing it back and waiting. She took several deep breaths, her chest slowly rising and then falling as she inhaled. One....Two....Three... She then gave a slight nod of her head, indicating that she was indeed ready. @Several people

Liulfr’s heart rate started to increase as the smell of the deer grew stronger. With his lips pressed tight to Princess Elysian’s ear, in a breath of a whisper, he said, “Just to the left. Keep your breathing slow. Your heart rate may make your hands shaky. Try your best to relax. Focus. You can do this, Princess.” Liulfr felt irony in telling Princess Elysian to focus, when all he could think of was Elysian. The smell of her hair filled his nose, masking the smell of the deer, of the forest, of every other unimportant thing that was not her. He started to wonder if he was being too hasty. Was he getting ahead of himself? They had only just met today. But on the other hand, they had already agreed to be married. Was it wrong to feel some level of infatuation for one’s betrothed, regardless of how long they’d known one another? And how much of his infatuation with her was because she was the first person he met that was like him? Would she be able to touch his mind like the wolves did? Was she hearing him now? His heart was still racing, but no longer from the thrill of the hunt. A snap of a twig brought his mind back to the deer making its way along the trail not far from them. It was nearly to a spot with no visual obstructions between it and them. The perfect opportunity to shoot, but also the place where the deer would be most likely to spot them. Liulfr held his breath.

05:39

@VaVaVicodin

Elysian shuddered slightly as she felt Liulfr's breath in her ear. She listened closely but it was so difficult as he seemed to just stir something within her. But, she wanted to be a skilled hunter for him, so she aimed her bow, her hands trembling only slightly. She saw a tanish brown smudge moving through the trees. The deer. It was walking cautiously, its keen sense of hearing picking up their sounds, but not enough to frighten it. Her eyes narrowed as she aimed he bow. She wanted this arrow to strike true and end the animal quickly and without pain. She wanted to make Liulfr proud... She didn't want to delay. As she saw the deer walk by that sweet spot that Liulfr noticed, she let the arrow fly. The bow string snapped forward, sending the arrow shooting through the wind with a whistle. The deer looked over just as the arrow stabbed into its breast, piercing its heart. The deer crashed to the ground, its body lifeless. Elysian gasped loudly. "I got it! I hit it!" She cried, looking at Liulfr with a wide eyed stare. She watched his facial expressions, curious to see what he thought. @Several people

Liulfr was pleased and a little surprised by how well Princess Elysian’s aim was. He had been prepared to finish off a wounded deer, but the arrow made a direct hit on the heart, and after only a few beats, the deer had shredded its own heart on the edges of the arrow. It dropped into a heap on the ground with a soft thud without taking another step. “Wow, Princess, are you sure you’ve never shot before? That was a shot to be proud of.” Liulfr gave Princess Elysian an affirming pat on the shoulder as he stepped forward towards the carcass. “There is a rock outcropping not far from here that would make a good campsite, but let’s field dress the deer right here to lighten the burden. It is somewhat...” Liulfr paused briefly, “gruesome task, so I understand if you do not care to watch, but if you want, I can show you how to prepare the deer. We’ll leave the innards out for the wolves that helped find this trail and we’ll take the rest with us, and then we can walk to our campsite and start a fire to cook the deer over.”

23:51

@VaVaVicodin

"Never! I have never shot an arrow before." She confirmed. She was just as surprised as Liulfr when she watched the animal collapse. She did feel a little guilty as the animal passed away, but she needed to show him that she could hunt and keep up with him. He mentioned that they had to 'field dress' the deer and Elysian wondered exactly what that meant. She didn't have to wait long as he explained it quickly, and indeed, her stomach churned a bit at the thought of removing the deer's insides and letting the wolves have them. But, she swallowed the bile that threatened to push up her throat and she nodded. "I-I want to learn. I will try to watch every step, but please forgive me if I need to look away." She said, standing and following him over to the deer. @Several people

((

hey there @Several people , your RP partner for this RP has left the server. Would you like to keep it open to find another partner or could we archive it? All archived roleplays are eventually uploaded onto http://rphq.me/ and can be viewed there. If you wish to archive this roleplay, you can request this with the /archiverequest command in #channel-request . If you want to keep this open to find another RP partner please can you respond to this message and ping me within 7 days, otherwise the channel may be archived. ))

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