But if I could live a different life...

Affiliated RP Blog for Hati - Ashen Wolves student at The Officers Academy

[inserviceto]

Tempering

Epidemic +1 Gauntlet

[inserviceto]

He cannot help the way his eyes go from her face to her expressive ears and then back, still incredibly unused to people with the attributes of animals. Terribly rude of him, and an apology is quick out of Harken's mouth before he steers himself back to the topic at hand.

"Ah, well that is...that is unfortunate," he stumbles a bit over his words, markedly keeping his gaze focused on her face.

Her smile is betrayed by the irritation in her eyes.

"Perhaps...I might offer you an exchange?" Harken hedges, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "If there is a dessert you prefer more over chocolate, I would be happy to make it for you and trade it for whatever you end up making here. That way, you have someone to take it off your hands and you do not have to concern yourself with giving someone closer to you something you may not be proud of. Does that sound acceptable to you?"

[ivorymoonshadow]

The apology is dismissed with a flick of her ear. She doesn't particularly care for the stares she sometimes garners, but all up it doesn't bother her. Instead she keeps her focus on the conversation at hand. His words catch her off guard a little. The.... random kindness she got shown when she wasn't actively trying to get people to join Fenris... it was....

Nice.

Her eyes widened slightly. He just offered her a simple solution to her dilemma. And it was offered with no ulterior motives....? But.... why? What does....?

"What do you get out of it?" she asked, cautiously sceptical about it. It didn't stop the way her ears perked up hopefully though. The offer was so very tempting. Very... very tempting. More tempting than a wish to Fenris? It took Hati a few moments to think up a desert she did like.... it was difficult to think of one... because no one ever really gave her and her brother anything out of kindness before.... And such things were too frivolous for a god to allow her.

But there was one......

"Do you know how to make those little folded pastries with fruit in the middle, with some kind of icing drizzled on them?" she asked. "They sort of remind me of little sweet bird nests. Really tasty though."

[ivorymoonshadow]

February Activity Check - Passed

Total Skill Points: 7 -> 8 Allocations: ActCheck +1 Faith (2/4) E+ -> D

Claims: Heal (Faith D) (pending)

Event: No event this month

[academiaskoll]

And It's Off to the Races with the Hounds

Epidemic Non-Mission Task (Riding +1) with @ivorymoonshadow

[academiaskoll]

"Hah." Skoll uttered, with the same usual good-natured, yet also slightly smug smirk that he usually gave to his own sister. "...As if you need me by your side for luck, from the looks of it. I know that you're well capable of making yourself a good racer. Don't pout like bowing out one little race is going to ruin your career."

He then decided to lean against one of the wooden poles in the stable, making sure not to accidentally lean too close to any of the horses in the stable, since he is well aware of the fact that the horses might not resist the urge to munch on his own fur and hair, as is part of their own natural instincts.

"Looks like you're doing well in getting to know the people of this land, right?" Skoll declared. "Well, considering that I've had a fair bit of time going through it all, what with that illusory arena, and that trip to the other region... Jugdral, if I recall it correctly, as well as meeting a few interesting faces. I even met quite the odd little dark mage, who seems to have quite a... interesting personality." He then flicked a hand out, before waving it about. "...On the other hand, there's also that two-toned woman, with blue-and-red hair. Looks like she's one of those people, the kind that we have been trying to stay away from. Good thing she's a naive and trusting one, so we just need to play nice with her, and she won't be on our cases." After that statement, he then took a moment to sigh. "...You know, I'm starting to understand why our goddess wants to get more people to make contracts with her." Skoll remarked. "...Perhaps she's just the kind of person who wants to make one's true nature shine brightly, and change the world with it. So what if it causes a few messess here and there? Better than what anything these self-righteous hypocrites could do. At least we're staying true to ourselves in a sense, without any regrets." Skoll then walked over towards Hati, before he then pat her back twice with a gentle hand.

"But let's save that faith stuff for later." Skoll declared. "I can see that you're very much enjoying this. However, you should know that this kind of stuff won't last forever. It's gonna have to go into the ground, considering all of the stink that it's generating in the local region. So you should get as much fun out of it while you can. Just don't do anything stupid, alright? I rather not want to have to clean up any messes here, or cause complications that might fray any relations we're building with the people in the academy. But I'd do anything. Anything to make sure that you're safe and sound. Don't you ever forget that, sis."

[ivorymoonshadow]

"No luck about it, brother dearest~" Hati purred, her eyes sparkling deviously. "Just a well scripted race by my benefactor and I~"

Who needed luck when you could sabotage your opponents after all? But she let that topic fade with her brother starting to talk about his trip to Jugdral. Her eyes widened and ears perked up in interest when he mentioned an odd little dark mage and a dual-toned hair girl, though the excitement turned to sour defensiveness when Skoll brought up Fenris and getting people to make contracts. Fenris wasn't here.....! It was much more interesting seeing people react to other occurrences than just being suddenly offered their deepest darkest desire.... Hati's ears folded down.

"... yeah," she merely agreed. She knew better than to say it out loud though. "Tell me more about these people later, and your adventure too. I'm sure you learned a lot about everyone you went with."

Hearing that the locals were starting to kick up a fuss though... Hati's defensiveness turned to annoyance. She growled slightly.

"People have to go ruin the fun," she muttered. "It will be fine, Skoll! It will blow over and I can keep having my fun here! I'll be fine."

Despite her whine though, she really did know her brother was right. This wasn't an at all legal activity. It was underground, black market and all that jazz. And it borrowed horses from the Academy, even though Hati brought her own horse from home. She sighed and pouted dramatically.

[breidatactics]

all the better to eat you with

[breidatactics]

The other reacted in a… kinda weird, kinda odd way. Not that Kiran blamed her. Their mother had made sure they were, y’know, cautious around wolves. Still, helping others was in their nature. Too much not to offer this up. Not all of it, obviously. A couple missing scones or muffins would be a little hard to notice, right?

They nodded. They held it out to her to take some from inside. With their other hand, they held up three fingers. That oughta last a while, right? Maybe they could offer leftovers after—actually, nope. That’d be straying and Mother would actually kill me for that. 

Kiran furrowed their brows. So that was why she only just appeared. Less shyness, more fear. Kinda sorta really bad but Mother would be gladdened by the news, less wolves, the less she’d be so… rigid. Honestly, it was kinda funny if it weren’t so harmful. Humans and wolves fearing each other to the point of… this. 

Kiran’s smile softened and nodded. It took them an extra second to remember they were technically running late. Like really late. They pointed to their wrist, pretending there was a watch or something to check the time with. Then, they pointed in the direction of Grandmother’s home. A signal they needed to get going. Still, they pointed at the other and then themself and used two figures to mime walking. She seemed lonely so…

[ivorymoonshadow]

The kindness, it burned something in Hati. Something deep... something.... broken. With a hesitation that Hati didn't even realise she could have, she darted forward and carefully selected three treats, as indicated. Small things. As though expecting to be reprimanded or have the offer rescinded.

".... thank-you," she murmured.

Humans.... confused her. Humans.... fascinated her. Maybe.... maybe just this once... she could deny who she was.... and follow her curiosity instead? Get.... closer to the humans.... and find out more? Maybe... just this once. Perhaps she would be allowed to deviate just this once.

Lady Fenris... please...

The offer to walk with the other to the old lady's house... Hati smiled. It was with a nod that she agreed, and gestured for the other to lead the way. For the first time in her life, Hati tried to ignore the shadows coiling in her heart, content to indulge a curiosity she was never allowed to indulge.

It would be fine, just this once.

Right?

"Lead the way," she invited.

[academiaskoll]

And It's Off to the Races with the Hounds

Epidemic Non-Mission Task (Riding +1) with @ivorymoonshadow

[academiaskoll]

As Skoll managed to watch her sister, yes, he couldn't mistake that flowing teal hair of hers, as well as her ears, concealed as they might be, as he managed to sneak right into the stables, making sure that he is not considered suspicious.

It took a few minutes of actually making his way through the various stalls in the stable, but he was able to get to where Hati was, just in time to see that she was securing her own horse, something that surprised Skoll. Looks like sister is learning some riding skills. Makes me wonder if she's trying to become like me in a sense. Eh, not like it really matters. I bet that she's learning it for the fun of racing, rather than practical use for combat. Or maybe so. Just have to see about that.

With his own thoughts on the matter concluded, he decided to get close enough, before letting a whistle low enough in volume that it didn't get enough attention from other parties, but just high enough for Hati's ears to pick up hopefully.

"So, sis. How's everything been going on your end?" Skoll addressed her. "Looks like you've got some interest in what's coming with all of this racing and betting. Never took you for a racer, rather than a better, or even a fixer."

Skoll then took a look towards the horse, before he then gave a fairly approving nod, considering that the horse seem to be fairly in tune with her sister for a racing equine.

"Good horse you have right there." Skoll praised her. "...I imagine that you definitely had some effort put into getting this one on the track. Might be good if you're pursuing... further studies regarding equestrian matters."

[ivorymoonshadow]

Her horse had played her part amazingly, and thus once they were back in the stable, Hati wasted no time giving her horse a carrot in her feed. Securing the mare, Hati's ears perked up when she heard her brother's whistle. She didn't react beyond that though, instead waited for him to come closer.

"Everything was boring while you were gone," Hati sniffed. "Until I heard about this place. Racing is so exhilarating, you know?"

She fussed her horse's mane for a moment before she straightened and turned to her brother. Just the thrill of riding with the intention of going as fast as possible, not worrying about some opponent rushing at her with a weapon...! Just racing fast, feeling her hair trailing behind her, the wind rushing past her ears....! All of these feelings culminated into a wide and wild grin on her face.

"It's also fascinating how people waste time and money on watching these races," she added, letting her voice drop low as she spoke about the second reason why she was here. "I did not understand at first, but I might be starting to." And in understanding that... rigging the races to increase the profits of her sponsor was easy enough. "You should come on a day that I'm supposed to win."

Clearly she had been indulging in her curiosity while being here. No thought towards improving for battle, just... pure, unadulterated curiosity and mayhap a small savage glee at people wasting their money on her and her scripted race outcomes.

[academiaskoll]

And It's Off to the Races with the Hounds

Epidemic Non-Mission Task (Riding +1) with @ivorymoonshadow

[academiaskoll]

Skoll found it odd that Hati seemed to be fairly absent within the Academy's walls, ever since he had returned from that... eventful trip to Jugdral. And considering that Skoll know that his sister wouldn't be gone without a good reason, he decided that he might as well go and see if he could gather some clues.

And considering that he found a request that seems suspiciously within their own fortes, it was likely that she could be present for it. From what Skoll could tell... rumours of unsanctional horse racing, which has resulted from horse-napping from the Academy's stables? If her sister didn't have anything to do with this, even if only as a minor supporting role that is not related to the kidnapping itself, he might as well shave his own tail bald.

That said, he wouldn't dare to throw his precious sister under the carriage like some goody-two-shoes. But that does make him wonder what might be involved. While he has no doubt that her sister is both wily and strong enough to get herself out of certain troubles, there is still a limit that even a disciple of Fenris could do. Especially considering that there's danger on both sides, even if the Academy wouldn't resort to torture or murder like the underworld of society would.

And so, he decides to do some investigating himself, although only to find his own sister, and starting by managing to get some seedy crook that looked like that he was easy to buck with some well-veiled threats, which gave him the direction to go, as he headed for the location where the races were being held, while keeping his own affiliation with the Academy under tight wraps for now.

[ivorymoonshadow]

Honestly, her brother had been gone FOREVER!! So of course she had gotten bored. Without his nagging, she freely chose to chase her amusement, chase her curiosity. Discovering the races was but one path to satiating that curiosity... people were so fascinating! Perhaps in her boredom, in her entertainment, she had quite lost track of time.

As she raced against the others, Hati smelled a scent she had missed in the last month. Her eyes widened and she scanned the crowd, her horse slowing as she did so. It was alright, she wasn't supposed to win this race, in fact, she had been keeping to the middle this time. It wouldn't matter if she fell behind to search for Skoll. When she spotted him, she gently, surreptitiously, nudged her horse.

Her mount started to limp, a small trick she had taught it. Graciously bowing out of the race, Hati stared at her brother for a moment before nodding slightly towards where the stables were. She would meet him there to talk. Clicking her tongue, she guided her limping horse off the track.

The mare deserved a carrot in her feed later for the act.

[inserviceto]

Tempering

Epidemic +1 Gauntlet

[inserviceto]

It was impossible not to notice the abundance of brightly colored flyers that had appeared around Garreg Mach as a whole: around the academy, in the town and market, getting passed around to students and staff alike. It was a tad saccharine with its pink and red hearts, but the message of putting in effort to return a heartfelt gift was a nice one.

Harken didn’t particularly have anyone to give such a gift to, but he doubted some chocolates left for his fellow knights in the commons would go to waste. Besides, chocolates themselves were not something he was very familiar with making, so it was a little bit of self-indulgence on his part to join the seminar.

The chocolatier was absolutely bustling with energy and nervous excitement; seemed the pamphlets had more than done their duty of garnering the place attention. There were quite a lot of younger attendees — which was understandable, as they would have friends or perhaps even a sweetheart to give a gift of chocolates to — but there were a fair number of adults and even some more elder partakers, too. There was the smell of sweets and the clink of kitchen supplies permeating the air, and for the first time in a long time, Harken felt himself relaxing in the nostalgic familiarity of an active kitchen.

But, while most in attendance seemed to be looking forward to learning, he did spot someone among the crowd he looked less than enthused to be here.

“Ah, I’m guessing you were given a gift and now have to follow through on your own...?” Harken clears his throat lightly to get her attention, "Perhaps an unexpected condition to being given a gift, but I'm sure it won't be without its own rewards?" It's spoken more as an uncertainty than a proper statement. After all, he's no expert in this field and there was no saying how difficult this seminar would be to follow through on successfully.

@ivorymoonshadow

[ivorymoonshadow]

Hati detested chocolate. It was practically poison to her. The fact that she had been 1) forced to take some of the chocolate samples, and 2) dragged along to this seminar on chocolate making, was certainly enough to bring a scowl to the wolf's face. She did not want to be here at all. Understandably, it smelled like death to her in here. Hati sighed irritably.

Whoever gave her that chocolate....!!

Her thoughts were cut off as she was approached by someone else though. Blonde. Knight. Looked strong. Like that old man she and her brother almost turned. Hati's ears flicked slightly at the unwanted intrusion at this undesired event. Still, she put a smile on her face anyway.

"I am afraid I don't quite see the benefit or reward in this," she replied, her smile saccharine. "I wouldn't even know to whom I would give such a gift, let alone know if it tasted good enough to give away."

Seemed like an experiment waiting to go wrong, if you asked her.

[argentiia]

*snuffle snuffle* Hi!! *nefarious tail wagging*

A tail and wolf ears.

It's the first thing Erma notices, immediately wary of the telltale signs of Fenris kin. Wolves were not a common sight, which made this woman's appearance all the more glaring.

"...Hello."

She would not rush to judgment or action. And yet... her hand twitches, ready to grasp her lance at a moment's notice. "Might I ask what your business with me is?"

[ivorymoonshadow]

To say she was curious that one of HER people was here, one of the ones travelling with her little brother, if she recalled, that was an understatement. But.... as long as she kept Naga out of it, Hati was happy to play nice. Fenris and Naga weren't here right now.

"I just wanted to say hi," she hummed. "Welcome you here and stuff. Check out the new people coming in."

Hati's ears twitched, perking up. She smiled, not kindly, the smile of someone being suspicious. To keep the other guessing. To unsettle. Nothing more, she didn't want trouble. After a pause, the wolf then snickered and darted away.

[breidatactics]

all the better to eat you with

[breidatactics]

Kiran nodded, their mother was quite smart to make it a rule. Still… they furrowed their brows. If she knew the dangers ahead, wouldn’t she also know of Kiran? It wasn’t like it was a rarity to see them in the woods. They might’ve thought she was just shy if it weren’t for her sudden appearance. 

But the warning was nice. 

They tilted their head at her reply. Seemed she was struggling, maybe that was why they’d only just met her. They pointed to their basket and then her, hoping she’d understand. A few baked goods could be lost if they were… a part of her diet?

Uhhh… how to hint towards grandmother… They grabbed some of their cloak, lifting it up for the other to see (not that she couldn’t see it…). Then, let go of it and pointed deeper into the woods. That’d be close enough, right?

[ivorymoonshadow]

The gesture to the basket and then to her makes Hati freeze in place, her eyes widening at the same time her jaw dropped slightly. Kindness never... shown to the wolf before. They were offering her.... food. Though she had been playing the part of pitiful wolf, the response she had gotten was.... not expected. The small sound that escaped her wasn't faked.

"Isn't that... part of your delivery?" Hati asked in a voice that was small. She hated it. "You're offering some to me?"

It didn't make sense. Humans were selfish, they hunted wolves! Chased them off. This... this human was different. Her ears twitched uncertainly. She coughed slightly, trying to regain her composure. (And failing.) Hati smiled as the other finally gave her the information she suspected. Good. Get back on track.

"Oh, so you are the one who comes in here frequently to visit the old lady!" she said. "I wasn't sure, cause usually there's someone else with you right? Too many humans at once... I can't do that..."

She flattened her ears, not needing to feign the fear at the thought. She had met groups of humans before. She would never be that weak again... Focus on what you're doing, Hati. All humans were bad, they didn't belong in the wolves' forest any more than she belonged in their village. This one didn't seem so bad though.

[ivorymoonshadow]

Hello Darkness My Old Friend || Berkut & Hati

continued from [here]

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut couldn't stop the smirk on his face even as he listened to the description. A wolf goddess, one who oppressed the divine dragon Naga even. Now that was a name he was more familiar with, though hearing she had someone in opposition was very intriguing indeed.

However it was the concept of being given a wish in exchange for service that made him almost laugh. As if there was any truth to that exchange. No doubt that was simply a ploy, and once you were bound to this shadow goddess, you were simply hers no matter what.

Though he couldn't deny, some part of him could guess why many would find some appeal in this goddess. The concept of having any wish be granted in exchange for servitude, no doubt it would tempt plenty of the weak minded.

A small voice in his mind did want to ask, could she give him an empire?

At the end, he gave a small nod. "Now that is quite the intriguing offer. Though I think you could already guess my own answer from my own story."

Giving her a smirk, he still gave a small bow of thanks. "However, it was enlightening to learn about your Lady. Perhaps at another time we could speak again. The idea of a goddess opposing Naga of all beings is intriguing. Though you won't find me an easy convert no matter the circumstances."

[ivorymoonshadow]

There was nothing that Hati could have done here. Not really at least. Berkut had experienced his fill of darkness, and from her beginner's understanding of people, it was difficult to get someone to trust something that they had already had unpleasant experience with. Were Fenris here... Hati absolutely would have pushed further.

But her lady wasn't here to punish her for failure.

Thus the rejection of her goddess' offer did nothing to stop the way her tail moved happily. She had gotten something more valuable to her own interests, some insight to why some people did things. Hati offered Berkut a smile.

"I know when its time to stop pushing my offer," Hati conceded, bowing slightly in return. "I enjoyed our conversation however. I would welcome a chance to speak with you again, on many other topics than just the two goddesses I hope."

Honestly, back home that was all she seemed to talk about. To fools she encountered, with her brother. This was... a school and there was a certain taste of forbidden freedom about it. Then she snickered and waved, before she dashed off just as quickly as she had approached. Not offering Berkut the chance to respond.

===end===

[craneswings]

two birds(?) grab some feathers

mission board: epidemic (bow +1)

[craneswings]

The natural heft of the iron-reinforced bow makes it natural to load the arrow in, and release it nearly as quickly. It is unfortunately nowhere near quick enough to pierce the flier’s wings. A simple roll to the left, and her efforts are dodged.

“Tch-! What speed…!”

The hunter’s curses are muttered aloud, for she cannot help but respect this mighty foe. Not for its grace or beauty…far from it. The enemy many lengths above her is a massive bird of a beast. Its size rivals the monsters she’s fought overseas once… No, it puts those ones to shame. This one is at the very least double the size of any winged creature from Valentia. More comparable to the undead dragons, at that…

If Yuzu had never been capable of felling foes of that stature before, perhaps her bow would be a lot less firm in her two hands. But the resolute warrior never strays from a challenge, and so she fires again. Aiming more toward the bird’s center, the arrow manages to clip right at the corner of its wing! The faint sound of collision begs for the crane to celebrate, but two things hold the premature victory off.

For one, she is unable to see if the arrow falls from its perch or remains in the creature. The damage she’s truly done remains questionable.

More importantly, the black-feathered beast has finally taken attention toward her. And decides to deal with her personally.

Its approach is lightning fast, though Yuzu remains stubborning brave with her bow remaining in her hand. If it continues charging at this rate, she can easily…

“...?? Fie, watch out!”

Desire of a simple intersecting shot is interrupted when the avian fiend elects to fly right by Yuzu in favor or approaching a second hunter in her group. Although she holds a bow of her own in her hands, Yuzu has admittedly never seen it be used as of now.And having the need to shoot because of her aggressions does not sit right with Yuzu.

@ivorymoonshadow

[ivorymoonshadow]

She has never once used a bow in her life. Not that Hati had said such when she voluntarily joined this hunt. No, she wanted to use some of her own darkness to attract darkness, to feel the exhilarating surge of the hunt of large prey. That was what Hati wanted.

Thus she would do anything to keep this beast's attention on her. Anything, even partially transform her hand to give her the claws of her shadow form. Easy enough to explain away as her gauntlets, Hati clawed at the beast's face. Make it angry. A feral grin crossed the wolf-girl's face as the bird screeched at her.

Heh...

"I can get you clean shots at it," she called to her hunting partner. Yuzu, wasn't it? Hati's tail swished. No, what she wanted was to tear this creature's wings~ eh heh hehe. The concept of firing a bow was simple enough, but Hati decided instead to use one of her arrows as an improvised weapon. Next attack, aiming for those wings—

[ivorymoonshadow]

February Plotting Call

Alrighty!! New month, new prompts!! Thrasir and Hati both looking for new threads, lets see how we go!

Thrasir: @willowitxh

Any other post event threads, please feel free to grab Thrasir for!!

Hati: You Are Here

Requires BL: Reason +1 — if you want to make Hati stop loitering, drag her along to do research! She doesn't LIKE it persee, but she'll certainly find something by accident.

Event Report: Hati is VERY HAPPY to help someone try to get away with writing up their report in exquisite detail! She'll even deliver the papers for you in person so that you don’t have to face the people trying to get this report out of you! She thinks its a good idea to claim you're starting to come down with symptoms of this illness— either encourage her or convince her of a different idea

Gauntlet +1 — I am deciding this now, Hati is allergic to chocolate, poor pupper. So she is trying to pawn off some chocolate samples she has been given to someone else, definitely in the hopes that she doesn't need to go to the seminar.

Discord DM or ping me in the server please, I do not use tumblr messages, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can

[ivorymoonshadow]

What Not To Do In Rome || Hati & Nasir

mission board: epidemic - riding +1

[ivorymoonshadow]

Recently, certain denizens of Garreg Mach have been looking a little more flush. As it turns out, horses from the monastery stables are being used for races off-campus, on the back of which an increasingly prolific gambling scene has evolved. All of it, of course, is completely unsanctioned. The monastery staff cannot take action on the perpetrators without knowing who they are, and risk a scandal if the issue becomes public. Will you help them in their efforts to end this quietly? Or are you interested in seeing the races—or the gold—for yourself? [Grants Riding +1] starter for @yukyunotabibito

People loved to bet money. Why? Hati wasn't sure, but she could certainly see the appeal of horse racing though. It was fast and exhilarating. Thankfully people liked betting money on horse racers, and Hati had found someone to sponsor her participation.... and a partner in crime of sorts.

After all... this wasn't officially sanctioned by the monastery or the academy.

So the gambling certainly wasn't allowed. Nor was Hati and her sponsor rigging the odds to win big. That just made it all the more enticing really. With a demure smile, Hati waved as she left the track, leading her "borrowed" horse along. She headed in the direction of her sponsor. Nasir. A merchant from the town. And such a wonderful scheme it was.

"Hello Mr. Nasir," she greeted cheerfully for anyone listening, and then quieter now that she'd cast the ruse. "How much did we win this time~?"

It was such a simple thing really, rigging the odds. And on occasion, her wolven nature was able to be used to spook her opponents horses. Not often enough to be suspicious, infrequently enough that she could pass it off as an accident. A mere incident outside of her control. How tragically simple.

[ivorymoonshadow]

January Activity Check - Passed

Total Skill Points: 6 -> 7 Allocations: ActCheck +1 Faith (1/2) E->E+

Claims: No claims

Event: Did not participate

[breidatactics]

all the better to eat you with

[breidatactics]

Down the path they went, holding their basket with one hand. Maybe it was because they’d been here a thousand or more times before but they saw no need to fear the place. Along the path, they would find a patch of mushrooms with bright yellow flowers. Giving the flowers only a glance for they couldn’t break their promise, Kiran continued forth. 

The arrows on their back served as a warning to any who weren’t Grandmother. Most of the time, no townsfolk dared to question these trips, maybe Mother had given them an appropriate explanation. Is that a shadow behind that tree…? Rather than show Kiran had seen her, they continued to walk like they saw nothing. Soon after, someone appeared. 

A wolf. 

Plenty of warnings had been given to them growing up, never let a wolf corner you, never let them get close enough to bite and, most of all… Never listen to their words. Kiran tilted their head, waving. They pointed to the ground, specifically to the path and then to the arrows on their back. 

In close combat, their bow would become useless. Especially when the wolf was this close, so they kept their cloak close to them. It hid the daggers on their waists. Kiran pointed to the wolf, as if to ask her the same questions as she’d asked them. 

[ivorymoonshadow]

Ah, smart brat. Hati offered a smile, she only offered the appearance of friendship. With the right amount of prompting and a proper enough plan... the wolf might actually be able to eat tonight. Hmmm...

"Ah, smart bringing your own weapon for defence," she complimented. "Also smart to follow the path. Most of the dangers are deeper in the woods. Bigger and badder wolves than me. Bears."

She sighed softly. When the other pointed at her, she assumed the question was being thrown back at her. Hati lifted her hands in a shrug.

"I, unfortunately, live here," she said. "Not like there's anywhere else for me to live. Not a lot of food, plenty of bullies to steal it, but I make by. Where are you going? I can tell you which places to avoid!"

Humans were big on empathy right? Maybe if she came off as weak and pathetic then she would win some brownie points. Weak, but... what was the word, resourceful? Capable? She would have to ask her brother whenever she saw him again.

[ivorymoonshadow]

Hello Darkness My Old Friend || Berkut & Hati

continued from [here]

[rigelprinceofdespair]

As he watched her take in the information, Berkut couldn't help but let the smirk widen on his face. It was always so interesting to watch those take in the truth of his land. The reality that so called gods can never be trusted. Dragons little more than conniving beasts that could turn on you at any moment.

Part of him was curious if she would still make an offer. Try and entice him to make a deal with this shadow god of hers. Though would that attempt be amusing or insulting?

Perhaps it would depend on how the offer was made.

Regardless he took a moment to think. Fenris, so that was her name. "It is fine. We didn't put terms on how much information we shared regardless. Besides... considering we are both students here, I'm sure we'll have more chances to make an exchange or two."

Thinking for a moment he nodded. "Very well. I'm curious to hear about this... Fenris. Perhaps your lady is better then the so-called gods I have dealt with in the past. Enlighten me."

[ivorymoonshadow]

He said it was fine. Something in Hati's mind was disgruntled at the inequality of the trade. Like.... she would owe this man information later if it wasn't satisfactory. Well then, she would just have to make this information worth Berkut's time. Alright then. Her tail curled slightly.

"My lady, Fenris, is the wolf goddess of shadow," she hummed. "She is the antithesis of Naga, the goddess of light. She is able to grant any wish you might make, in exchange for serving her." In exchange for betraying your loved ones, family, friends. "Her chosen retainers have been from the wolf clan, we share her blood."

She shared a little more, describing her lady as only a loyal follower would. Though in Hati's heart she knew some discontent that she wasn't allowed the freedom to chase down her interests. She didn't mention the persecution she and Skoll used to receive as children. She didn't mention her anger at Naga's followers. Why allow the wolves to suffer. At least Fenris took care of them.

"So, if there was a wish that your heart desired most," Hati ended, ears perked. "I assure you, my Lady can grant it."

[breidatactics]

all the better to eat you with

[breidatactics]

Once upon a time…

Life for Kiran was quite simple. Too simple they’d say on boring days, but yeah. Today, like every day before the full moon, they were to visit their grandmother with their mother. Click! “There, now we’re a-okay to get going…” they turned around to grab their basket. Their mother would hold hers filled with grown up stuff that Kiran was just not old enough to touch yet while Kiran held this one, filled with all kinds of baked goods. 

“Scones… check, strawberry tarts… check, apple pie… che—”

“KIRAN!!”

Jolting, Kiran looked up to see their mother was not yet out. Odd. The reason for it must’ve been why she called them. Shrugging, they put the basket back on the table and walked to the kitchen. Normally, their mother would be here to make her basket.  “Yes? Did something happen?”

Their mother turned to face them, sighing. That’d be a ‘yes’ then. “Mr Rose wants me to do a check up for his daughters, it shouldn’t take too long but…”

But we’d be late to Grandmother’s.

Shaking her head again, she smiled. “You’ve grown up quite responsible, you go on ahead to Grandmother’s home and I’ll be right there when I’m done. Don’t take my basket, only yours, okay? And,” she tightened their cloak, putting the hood over their head, “never ever stray from the path. Promise me.”

She didn’t let go of their bow, not until they said the words she wanted to hear. 

“I promise.”

Slowly, she let go of them and allowed them leave. Down the path they went and into the forest, a place they had walked many, many times before. Yet never did she allow them to take even a second off path, now was no different. 

ᯓ★ @ivorymoonshadow

[ivorymoonshadow]

Now when someone entered the forest, Hati usually kept her distance. The townsfolk were far too wary of her and her ears and tail. Fair. Oh but what was a poor little wolf to do? She was practically starving~! People came into this forest in pairs or larger groups.

It was just her luck then that she say she smelled someone entering the woods. Alone. Excellent. Hati darted towards the path. She might as well greet her new visitor. She waited behind a tree first, wanting to see who had entered before she approached.

Just one person, as she had sensed before. Armed with... a bow? And a basket in the other hand. Visiting the old lady who lived in the forest? Actually, looking closer, wasn't that one of the people who frequently entered the forest? Hmmm...

Wearing a kind smile, Hati left her hiding spot and talked up to the other.

"Hello there," she greeted. "What are you doing out here alone? The forest can get at times dangerous, you know?"

Oooo as she got closer, Hati could smell the delicious food smells from the basket. Hmmmm...