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DRAGONMOUNT

A WHEEL OF TIME COMMUNITY

To meet the pack. (Open to all.)


Winterwinds

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A cold breeze tugged at the cloak Winter had found in his hosts spare room's wardrobe, and snow was able to blow under it. It was a light snow, but it had been falling for about half the day, the weather was oddly cold for what it should be, though still warm for a Boarderlander such as himself. He was heading towards the Hole in the Wall, a place he had heard a few of the locals talking about, though he didnt quite know why he was going. Beside him Forest walked beside him happily, they had stayed around house for a few days while Winter had recovered from the journey from the Boarderlands. But, she had insisted they get out and meet some of the other's who lived in this village, and he couldn't argue with her, she was like a sister to him, plus she had threated to just go herself, and he didn't want to go too far from her. The building itself looked like every inn he had ever been to, but the people were, as they had been all throughout the village, unlike any he had encountered before. A few wolves were roaming the streets as well, in any other village that would be a bad sign, but here, it was good he guessed. Though he talked to none of them they seemed interested in him as a newcomer to the village. Forest on the other hand seemed to stop and sniff alot of the other wolves, and just socialize, as she had wanted to do in the first place. So here he was, standing outside the tavern Hole in the Wall, while Forest seemed to be talking to another wolf.

"You should talk to them brother, all they want is to know who the new two-legged pack member is, and I cannot explain to them forever." she said for what seemed like the twentieth time in the past hour.

"I don't know, perhaps later, but come, lets get inside were its warm." he said, it was getting colder as the sun went across the sky, it was starting to worry him. Forest grudgingly agreed and they went inside.

 

What met their eyes was room filled with people, and a warm fire blazing in the hearth. He didn't see anyone he knew, not that he knew many people yet, so he found a table off in a corner to just watch the general energy of the room, what people were up to, and perhaps to hear what they were talking about. Doing this was mostly so he wouldn't have to talk to anyone, but it was also another of the bad habits he had picked up when he had been disowned by his father and became basically a servant, never to be heard and never to be seen. Forest walked over to the fire and curled up next to the fire, which wasn't that far from were he was sitting, and started to take a nap. Perhaps he would order a drink and something to eat soon, but for now, he would just sit and watch.

 

Jonathan Winterwinds and Forest Shadow.

Socializing....sorta

 

OOC: Feel free to jump in and meet the new wanderer if you want, or just to bug him  ;D ether way, I figured I would get him out into the general populace of the stedding and see who shows up. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

After about a half-hour of sitting and watching he flagged a waitress down and ordered some soup and a mug of some of the ale, really just something to warm his bones, he also got something for Forest who commented on being hungry as well. When it arrived he ate it slowly, mainly because it hot, but then it was also some of the best food he had eaten in a long while, not counting the food he had eaten at Aislyn's house. As he ate, he thought of what he was doing here, and of the answers to the questions he had gotten when he had first arrived, as he had been doing for the past few days. As he finished, someone walked up.

 

 

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“Well I’m not cooking just for myself,” Rhya muttered under her breath as she stood in the middle of the spotless kitchen.

 

Owen was still in the Infirmary, looking more like a ghost than ever in his unconscious state. She tried hard to stifle the sadness that threatened to engulf her and to retain a positive frame of mind. The Sages said that was important.

 

Decisively, she strode into the living area, snagged her Ranger cloak from the hook just inside the door and, with a flourish, settled it around her shoulders as she eyed the lightly drifting snow outside. The Hole In The Wall did a hearty soup that was just perfect to stave off a little mid-day hunger and much as she’d seen enough snow recently to last a lifetime, it wasn’t sufficiently heavy to deter her from venturing out.

 

A few seconds later, Rhya was landing with a gentle thud in the garden below the tree house, blowing on her fingers to combat the iciness of the rope she’d just slid down. Her mind was so full of a vision of a steaming bowl of soup that the sudden heavy force applied to her back had no trouble in landing her face first in the snow.

 

Spluttering indignantly, she scrambled back to her feet and looked around for the culprit as she brushed long strands of hair out of her eyes.

 

“SHADOW!!!!” the outraged yell bounded around the trees, echoing loudly in the clearing and had not the slightest impact on the dark shape of a wolf standing poised on the pathway into the village. “Ohhh you….” Rhya was off and running after her friend, weaving amongst the trees and back and forth across the track. Shadow stayed well ahead of her no matter the tactics she tried and it was not long before the pair reached the village proper, careening between the scattered houses with Rhya’s laughter carrying on the quiet air.

 

There were few people around. Most would be tucking into their noon meal in front of the warmth of a fire, others would yet be working. By the time she reached the village inn, stamping her feet heavily to dislodge the worst of the snow, Rhya was out of breath, her cheeks glowing from the exercise. Trying to smooth the clouds of hair fluffed around her head and to restore some semblance of order to her appearance, she reached out to scratch Shadow’s ears before he took off again along the lakeside. It was a rare occasion when he consented to remain around people and even rarer that he would tolerate being indoors, so Rhya was not surprised when he didn’t remain.

 

Pushing open the heavy door to the inn, she shut it again just as quickly behind her but not fast enough to prevent a few disgruntled comments from nearby patrons at the icy blast of air that followed her inside. Nodding apologetically, she made her way to the bar, smiling shyly at the few faces she recognised. Although she had finally made more of an effort to get to know the other ‘Kin, her natural reticence still made it an arduous process. More often than not, any forays into the village tended to end up with her visiting Miryana and Aislyn at the Infirmary rather than socialising with the community’s inhabitants at large.

 

The inn was busy, though not so full that it could be called crowded. Indeed, it was beginning to quieten a little now as people returned to their jobs having been suitably fed and watered but Wall, the owner of the establishment, was still bustling too and fro behind the bar.

 

“I’ll have some bread and soup when you have a moment please Wall,” Rhya waited only for his answering nod before scanning the room for a quieter table. She spied Winter almost immediately, huddled into his corner as though hoping no-one would notice him and most likely feeling completely out of place. Hesitating only a moment, she shucked out of her cloak and wove between the tables until she stood before him.

 

“So, you found our watering hole quickly enough it seems,” she commented, “Mind if I join you? My stomach is demanding food and the rest of me needs reheated. You’ve picked a prime spot here near the fire.”

 

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Winter watched as Rhya walked towards his table, he couldnt help not smiling, it was good to see a familiar face in a crowed of strangers.

 

She then stopped and spoke “So, you found our watering hole quickly enough it seems,” then nodding at one of the empty chairs “Mind if I join you?"  He nodded his consent.

 

She then sat down and continued with a slight smile "My stomach is demanding food and the rest of me needs reheated. You’ve picked a prime spot here near the fire.”

 

"Well, I chose it only because Forest chose to lay by the fire." He said with a smile of his own, he had met her before and was comfortable in the company of someone he knew, if only barely. He then sighed, "And aye, I seem to of found the local watering hole with ease, though I had to get directions and a kick out the door by Aislyn" He laughed slightly at that, unsure if it was funny, but for some reason he could help but laugh.

 

"But, enough of me, how are you my friend?" From where she was pretending to sleep near the fire, Forest laughed slightly, "Always about others brother?" she said

"Everything cannot be about me you know, and I will have to talk to people eventually" he replied. 

"I knew I could train you to talk to others," She sighed happily, "Took me long enough, but we shall see" she said before drifting perhaps back to sleep.

 

John Winterwinds

Small talk.

 

----------------

 

The cool blast of air that came through the room as the door was opened woke forest from her light sleep beside the fireplace, though she normaly would not come into the dwelings of the two-legs the thought of a fire has been to much to pass up. Opening one amber eye to see who it was, she was pleased to see the two-leg who had befriended them at the infirmary walk in and go over to one of the areas where two-legs could sit. She got some food and looked around, and must of spotted Winter Winds for she walked over and asked to sit down, she started to talk to Winter, who replied in kind.

"Always about others brother?" she teased

"Everything cannot be about me you know, and I will have to talk to people eventually" he said back with a hint of sarcasm.

"I knew I could train you to talk to others," she said sleepily "Took me long enough, but we shall see."

 

Forest Shadow

Sleeping, perhaps.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Katrina rubbed her arms to ward off the child and glanced around the forrest. It was obvious that her sisters were not showing up, perhaps they had gotten distracted and forgotten their plans for tonight. Although she has a twin, they were as different as night and day, identical almost other than their hair color, they still had totally opposite attitudes. Her Sister Mena was her twin and in addition their youngest Sister Nana was also a wolfkin. She expected that anyday their other Sister would show the golden eyes but then the odds of that would be beyond belief. The fact that this many family members had felt the change was something unheard of as it was. Rubbing her arms one last time she strode out of the forest and headed to the tavern, The Hole in the Wall was a popular get together place for those of the stedding. Rubbing her arms some more she wondered why she had been so silly as to not wear a cloak in this weather. Perhaps she thought she would be able to stay warm but running through the forest, yes that was it. She smiled at her thoughts and opened the door to the tavern. As she walked in she saw several wolfkin she knew and at least one she didn't. A new wanderer must have come into the stedding. Rena shut the door behind her and glanced around for a seat, finding one she sat down several tables over from the new one and ordered some spiced ale. Her golden eyes took in the man near her, her wasn't huge but he also wasn't petite and small like her and he for sure was from Cairhien like she was. She pushed her black hair behind her, for she should have put that mass back before she went out to meet her sisters and kept stealing glances at the man.

 

He didn't seem to be paying much attention to those around him, he was speaking with one of the other wolfkin who she couldn't see because her back was turned. Although she could guess who it was just by her stature and hair color. Rena glanced up as a serving maid came to her table and quickly ordered a bloody steak and baked potato. Used to be she would eat vegetables but now she tended to avoid them at all costs, although they were told they needed to eat them, for wolves often ate tubers and berries in the woods. Her steak didn't used to be bloody either but that was just one of the many things that had changed when her eyes had shifted into the golden color they were now. Katrina looked over at the man one last time, saw he still hadn't noticed her, for she wasn't the type to approach a wanderer or anyone else and turned her attention to her drink which had just arrived...

 

Katrina Candarr

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A sudden burst of cold air announced someone coming though the door, turning his head slightly he saw that it was a young women, she seemed about three or four years younger then him, and from her skin tone she was from the southern lands. She walked over to a nearby table, close enough to study him perhaps but far enough away to make clear she did not want to engage in conversation. She ordered some food and drink, which came swiftly, and seemed to enjoy her meal.

 

He could not help but lean over the table and ask, in more then a whisper then he wanted it to be, who the girl was.

 

John Winterwinds

Now, who could that be?

------------

 

The cold wind that came forth from the entrance to the building announced the presence of a newcomer, so Forest Shadow did not need to lift her head to see who it was, she really didn't care right now. All that mattered was the warm fire and making sure Winter didn't make a fool of himself, though she very well knew that last one would be hard.

 

The smell of a bloody steak changed her attitude though, and she lifted her head to look in the direction of the smell of fresh meat. It was sitting infront of what must of been the newcomer, and Forest could not help but lick her chops at the smell of the meat.

 

Forest Shadow

MMmmmm Meat.

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Rhya looked at Forest lying contentedly beside the hearth, a small smile curving her mouth as she sensed there was some communication going on between the wolf and Winter.

 

"Wolves are usually sensible," she agreed. "Can't blame her for enjoying the warmth in this weather. Shadow, however, is another story. He took off as soon as I arrived here. My companion," she added at Winter's querying look. "He is not so fond of company but we had a nice run through the snow on the way here." One hand rose to smooth again at her fluffed up hair.

 

A member of the serving staff arrived then, placing a bowl of steaming soup and a plate of crusty bread before Rhya. Murmuring her thanks, Rhya tucked in immediately, relapsing into silence and not noticing the arrival of another Wolfkin at a nearby table until Winter leaned across to enquire who the person was.

 

Surprised, Rhya turned to see, trying not to be too obvious.

 

"Ahh," she nodded, reaching automatically for another chunk of bread. "That's Katrina I think. I'm still learning names myself but I know of her and her sisters from a distance. Owen has been slowly explaining to me who people are."

 

On an impulse, Rhya turned again, raising her voice enough to be heard. "Excuse me... Katrina isn't it? Would you like to join us? Winter here has just arrived and would like to meet more of us." Her words were accompanied by a warm smile, for the girl appeared somewhat reticent. "A meal is always more pleasant with good company and there's plenty of room here by the fire."

 

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Rhya smiled at his comment about why he chose this table, "Wolves are usually sensible," she said, then went on to talk about her wolf companion "Shadow" whom Winter had most likely seen around the village.

 

At his inquiry at who the other wolfkin was Rhya turned slightly to look without it seeming she was looking, then without even pausing in eating "Ahh," she paused to reach for some bread "That's Katrina I think. I'm still learning names myself but I know of her and her sisters from a distance. Owen has been slowly explaining to me who people are."

 

She then turned again, and invited Katrina over to the table.

 

Feeling as if he should pitch in he raised his voice as well to be heard, "Yes, come, the fire is blazing, and the company is most welcome. Both should take the edge off of the chill that has set in of late."

 

Forest seemed to be eyeing the steak the young women had on her plate, and Winter smiled, perhaps he had best order her something before she started snatching things off people's plate.

 

John Winterwinds

All I need now is a flagon of ale.

 

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Katrina heard her name from the other table but she kept her eyes on her food, it was considered rude to use your acute hearing to eavesdrop on other wolfkin from their stedding. The girl who she hadn't met yet, turned to her and began speaking, "Excuse me... Katrina isn't it? Would you like to join us? Winter here has just arrived and would like to meet more of us." She looked up at the girl, her golden eyes serious as she watched the other woman smile before she continued, "A meal is always more pleasant with good company and there's plenty of room here by the fire." Katrina glanced over at the man sitting across from her, waiting for him to same something. She hadn't heard the woman ask him if it was fine with him for her to join them. "Yes, come, the fire is blazing, and the company is most welcome. Both should take the edge off of the chill that has set in of late," he said. She nodded and then gained her feet, not that she was much taller than the two of them seated. Rena walked over to them, pushing her waist length black hair behind her head so it wouldn't get in her food and took an empty seat, in a quiet voice she spoke to them. "Thank you for inviting me to sit down, it is much warmer here." She offered a tentative smile and glanced over at the wolf by the fire. Gulping she turned to the man, "Does the wolf have a name?" Looking over at the wolf she nodded her head in respect and waited for him to speak. It was considered rude to speak to someone elses companion. She had had to learn so many rules after she came here and found out what she was.

 

Looking back towards the man she continued before he could speak, "I am sorry, my name is Katrina Candarr, it was rude of me not to introduce myself." She regarded him and then turned to his companion. It wasn't easy to sit next to a man but with the help of a man much missed, she had learned that not all men were abusive or potential rapists. She most likely would always be more comfortable talking to a woman, but she did want to have a mate some day and pups. So she would have to learn to deal with men and not get angry and agressive or scared everytime one came into her sights. Of course she still needed to be wary as some men and indeed some women were not to be trusted. With a sigh she shook the sad thoughts from her head and focused her attention on the two she now sat with. She really needed to make some friends other than her sisters, who apparently thought it was ok to ditch her in the woods...

 

Katrina Candarr

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Katrina took the invitation and walked over to the table, and sat down with a smile and a comment on how much warmer it was. She then looked at Forest and said rather shyly "Does the wolf have a name?"

 

He nodded and was about to tell her that his sister was named Forest when she spoke again, ""I am sorry, my name is Katrina Candarr," she seemed nervous around him for some reason, "it was rude of me not to introduce myself."

 

"And honor Miss. Candarr," Winter said with respect, he had found that it was best to give the benefit of the doubt to people, and thus show respect to everyone, "My name is Jonathan Val...Winterwinds," he then nodded at Forest in an attempt to cover his slip, "She is Forest Shadow."

 

Jonathan Winterwinds

Respectful.

----------

 

Forest heard, and felt, Winter Winds introduce himself, and then her to the newcomer. A sudden feeling of hate flowed through the link as Winter slipped up and said his old name, Valor Wind, what ever a valor was.

 

Forest watched as the table exchanged plesntries, though she was really looking for an opening to grab some meat from the table.

 

After a while she gave up and drifted back to a light sleep.

 

Forest Shadow

All I need now is something to eat.

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  • 2 weeks later...

ooc- Sorry this took so long, I was waiting for Tay, but I will go ahead anyway. *g*

 

IC- With respect lacing his voice the man started speaking and this close to him she discovered that she wasn't scared of him, which was a shock to her, one that left her with her mouth hanging open for a moment. She snapped it closed and focused her attention on him, trying to figure out why he didn't scare her, "An honor Miss. Candarr, My name is Jonathan Val...Winterwinds," She noticed the change of his name and wondered what he had been able to say, she personally still used her name, but then she found a wolf companion yet and she wasn't ashamed of her name in any way. Though after the way her father had treated her maybe she should be, "She is Forest Shadow." Rena nodded respectfully first at him and then at the wolf. The creature really was quite beautiful and so relaxed around humans. She wondered how long the two had been bonded in this way and decided she would ask.

 

She glanced back at Winterwinds and studied him as she took a bite of her steak, she wasn't sure why she wasn't afraid. Maybe he liked men and so he wasn't a danger to her, but then she didn't get that feeling from him. It was possible that she had gotten over her anger and fear but she wasn't sure that was it either. She shrugged and decided that she would figure it out somehow. "Winterwinds, how long have you and Forest Shadow been companions, not sure if that's the right term but I was wondered. I haven't bonded with a wolf yet and I don't have my wolf name so I wondered." She bit into her potato, and wrinkled her nose, if she could she would eat meat all the time but she knew that she needed to eat vegetables, fruits, and grains for her body. When she got sick of it she just reminded herself that wolves ate berries and tubors and so she should too...

 

Katrina Candarr

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After he introduced himself and Forest Katrina stayed quiet for a minuet as she seemed to mill the information around, perhaps she had caught the slip of names.

 

Finally she spoke, "Winterwinds, how long have you and Forest Shadow been companions?" the question caught him slightly off guard, as he had stopped counting the days and months since he had been shoved into the small room he had been kept in back at his house, he really didnt know what month it was, or really what day. Then again, none of that really mattered at the moment, there would be time for that later. He relised she had continued talking while he had lost himself in thought had he attempted to remember what she had said.

 

"Well, I would say two or three months," He said, "though perhaps more, but then, I can say not long enough." He looked at his sister and smiled warmly, "As for the name, I got it long before I met Forest, a few months I think." He looked back over the table wearily, "But, that is a story for another time, and it was not your question."

 

Smiling he added, "And bond may not be the best word, perhaps companionship is a better one."

 

John Winterwinds

Remembering old times, not all of them good.

---------

 

Forest was enjoying her place by the fire, and was rather tempted sleep, really sleep, to visit the wolf dream, but she wanted to guard her brother more then she wanted to sleep. So she instead closed her eyes and listened to the general chatter around the room.

 

The feelings that flowed from Winter Winds Forest more or less listened to the response he gave the newcomer about how long he had known Forest. It would be about ten or twelve full moons ago that she found him. "Not long enough" Caught her attention though, and made her get up and lay down at her brothers feet, he really was so innocent at times, dispite what the wolves in the dieing lands had told her about him.

 

Forest Shadow

Enjoying her brothers company.

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  • 2 weeks later...

She looked over the man, he seemed to be deep in thought, so she closed her mouth and waited for him to respond. It wasn't nervousness so much as excitement that someone wasn't scaring her, it was the first time since the almost rape that she had met a man and then not been afraid right away. It was in itself a heady feel for her. She couldn't only hope that it continued with every man she met. After all she couldn't have children or get married, and she did in fact want to have that kind of life, if she was so scared of men that she couldn't get near one. In fact some of them she wanted to kill, she had tried to kill the man that picked her up and it had taken her some time to get over that anger with him. "Well, I would say two or three months, though perhaps more, but then, I can say not long enough." He looked over at the wolf with love in his eyes and then continued, "As for the name, I got it long before I met Forest, a few months I think. But, that is a story for another time, and it was not your question." She nodded and was about to speak when he continued, "And bond may not be the best word, perhaps companionship is a better one." 

 

She looked up as the wolf moved closer and lay down at the man's feet. Gazing down in awe she looked at the large animal and smiled. "Wow she is much larger than I thought she was, and what a beautiful coat she had. You are so lucky to have her, I am not sure why I don't have a companion yet, but I am sure it will happen someday." She smiled whistfully  and then looked back at him. "Can I ask where you are from and how you came to be here? I was supposed to hook up with my Sisters in the woods but now I found myself alone and with nothing to do for the rest of the night. I wouldn't mind talking to someone other than my trainers or my younger sisters." Her eyes lit up as she smiled and then blushed as she realized how forward she was being...

 

Katrina Candarr

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John smiled as Katrina complemented Forest, for she was a wonderful wolf. Forest simply laughed mostly acted like it was news to her.

 

"You will find a companion eventually my friend." He said with a smile, it was good to talk to someone other then the few he had so far, then again company was always a good thing after what he went through.

 

"Can I ask where you are from and how you came to be here? I was supposed to hook up with my Sisters in the woods but now I found myself alone and with nothing to do for the rest of the night. Katrina asked, she seemed rather interested in talking to him, and he guessed she really didn't talk to many other people besides her trainers and her sister. What she said next allied that thought.

 

"I wouldn't mind talking to someone other than my trainers or my younger sisters." Her eyes lit up with some excitement and then she blushed for some reason, which only brought a smile from John.

 

"Well, I grew up in the Boarder Lands, in a town that is not much larger then the Stedding. My parents were merchants of varying skill, so I was well off, but not rich."

 

He looked over at the fire, "After...my eyes changed I left after the guard decided I was a Darkfriend. I fled to the woods where Forest found me half frozen, after the company I had back at my house she was a welcome companion, and one that pulled me out of near insanity. Shortly after that, I was found my a tracker who called himself Eric Night's Howl, he lead me from the borderlands to the Stedding. That is how I got here to enjoy this meal, warm fire, and fine company."

 

John Winterwinds.

Remembering the past.

----------------------

 

Forest Shadow laughed as the newcomer praised her, and acted as if she had never heard such praise before, though she knew she was a beauty to behold.

 

The newcomer then asked a question of Winter Winds, and his mood turned dark for a moment as he recounted why he left his home and pack, though it brightened as he spoke of how he met Forest. He then explained the trip here a little, but otherwise he did not go into great detail, for it had been a hard time for him and Forest was not quite sure he had been sane the whole time. His mood was still like dark rain clouds despite the warm words, so she sat up and put her head in his lap, and made him stroke behind her ears, which helped a little.

 

Forest Shadow

It was a long road here, but well worth it.     

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OOC: Apologies for the delay!!

 

 

IC:

 

Rhya watched her two new companions closely as she finished up her food. It was certainly a novelty playing host when she was still a relative newcomer herself. She knew from Owen's informative talks that Katrina and her siblings had arrived at the Stedding before she had but not by much.

 

Something's not right there, she thought to herself, pondering the changes to the other girl's scent. The alteration was subtle but Rhya caught it just the same and it reminded her of the day one of the kitchen maids had been attacked by a stablehand. Her father had been furious, dismissing the man on the spot but despite the comfort from the other staff and the sympathy from Rhya's parents, it had not been long before the young maid had chosen to leave also and return to her own family. Perhaps Katrina had a similar experience. Whatever the case, I doubt it would be a good idea to ask given that she seems to be relaxing now.

 

Indeed Katrina was chattering quite amiably to Winter and Rhya was happy enough to lean back in comfort, listening to their exchange and picking up more information from the two than their words alone provided. The general hum of talk and activity in the background from the other occupants of the room melded with the heat from the fire and her full stomach and she sat there in a pleasant haze deciding that maybe some company other than Owen's now and then was a good thing.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Rena saw the man smile softly as she watched him regarding the wolf in front of him, it was apparent that they were communicating between themselves. A part of her felt such envy and another part was so awed at the easy companionship between the two of them.  "You will find a companion eventually my friend." He smiled again and then looked back at the wolf before answering her questions about where he was from. "Well, I grew up in the Boarder Lands, in a town that is not much larger then the Stedding. My parents were merchants of varying skill, so I was well off, but not rich." With a nod she watched as he looked deep into the roaring fire before he continued,  "After...my eyes changed I left after the guard decided I was a Darkfriend. I fled to the woods where Forest found me half frozen, after the company I had back at my house she was a welcome companion, and one that pulled me out of near insanity. Shortly after that, I was found my a tracker who called himself Eric Night's Howl, he lead me from the borderlands to the Stedding. That is how I got here to enjoy this meal, warm fire, and fine company." Rena nodded and was glad that her journey hadn't been quite as harsh as the one this man had been through. She well remembered what had happened when her eyes had started the turn, when her senses has heightened, and a thirst for raw meat developed.

 

She turned to regard the woman who was leaned back in her chair relaxing, "I am sorry, I apologize for not including you, my name is Katrina Candarr, and I do think I have seen you around the stedding before. May I ask what your name is and where you are from?" She gulped and hoped she wasn't being to forward, she had spent so many months hiding from people after that man laid his hands all over her that she had forgotten how to interact with other humans. Smiling carefully so that she didn't bare her teeth which she hadn't know she did until her sisters had told her so. "I grew up in Cairhien, in the capital city. I lived a rich lifestyle as the oldest daughter of the nobleman.  I was born just minutes before my twin sister who is in fact here somewhere in the Stedding. I have two other younger sisters, the very youngest is also here, they were who I was supposed to meet earlier." She smiled and shook her head before continuing, "I was my Father's favorite until my eyes started to turn color, and the other things happened. My Father kicked me out without a penny, my Mother snuck things to me in the night, and I snuck away. Making my way until another Wolfkin found me and brought me here. My Sisters turned shortly after I did and followed me here. Well that's my story anyway. So how do both of you like living here?" She looked at both of them and hoped she wasn't being to forward...

 

Katrina Candarr

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Rhya started as she was addressed directly. She’d become so lost in the ebb and flow of the conversation that she wasn’t really listening to the words any more but rather to the cadences of the voices around her.

 

“Oh. Yes. Yes, you will have seen me about the Stedding,” she nodded agreement, “though I don’t generally spend much time in the village. I’m Rhyanon Chaede but please, call me Rhya. I came from Maradon in Saldaea. Another Borderlander,” she smiled across the table at Winter, including him in the discussion too.

 

Answering the second part of Katrina’s question was far more difficult. So much had happened over the course of the past year. With yet another start, Rhya realised how close her birthday was.

 

“I’ll be 20 soon,” she blurted out, surprise clear in her voice, then blushing as she realised how odd that sounded. “I mean, well, I’d forgotten how long it was since... since I got here. It seems so long ago...” she trailed off musingly, eyes distant.

 

A brief silence fell on the group as her companions waited politely for her to continue. Dragging her gaze back to Katrina, she laughed quietly, ruefully, “I love being here. I did from the first moment though it took me time to settle in as I’m sure it does everyone. The people have helped... Owen, Aislyn, Miryana... and of course Shadow,” her grin broadened in genuine delight at the thought of the wolf but faded a little as she spoke again. “There was nothing left for me in Maradon. This is home.”

 

Rhya turned as she spoke, catching Wall’s eye and signalling for three more drinks. Settling herself again, she asked Katrina a question in return.

 

"How are your lessons going?"

 

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She gazed at the other woman waiting for her to answer the questions if she wanted to, she knew how reclusive wolfkin could be, it had something to do with the constant bull of the woods and the wolves in your head she supposed. “Oh. Yes. Yes, you will have seen me about the Stedding, though I don’t generally spend much time in the village. I’m Rhyanon Chaede but please, call me Rhya. I came from Maradon in Saldaea. Another Borderlander.” Rhya smiled at her and then at their companion and then continued, “I’ll be 20 soon, I mean, well, I’d forgotten how long it was since... since I got here. It seems so long ago...”

 

She nodded and looked at Rhya, they weren't that far apart in age in fact, “I love being here. I did from the first moment though it took me time to settle in as I’m sure it does everyone. The people have helped... Owen, Aislyn, Miryana... and of course Shadow, There was nothing left for me in Maradon. This is home." The woman signaled for the barkeep and held three of her fingers up. She smiled and nodded and looked over as Rhya spoke again, "How are your lessons going?" She nodded and spoke, "I haven't been here as long as you, I was seventeen when I left home and now I am almost nineteen. I won't be going home ever either, my father kicked me out just because I wasn't his image of a perfect society lady anymore and that's that." She grinned and then continued, "Well I wish I could say they were going well but several of my teachers have been sent off or have left and so I have been left in the lurch with most of them. I hope at some point they notice that I am kind of at loose ends here."

 

Katrina Candarr

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Rhya looked at the younger girl with interest. She hadn't realised they were so near in age nor that they came from similar backgrounds. Katrina's mention of "society" had Rhya wrinkling her nose in distaste.

 

"My father wanted me to marry. I was busy refusing when my eyes changed colour and that was the end of that. I left almost immediately," she stopped as the serving girl arrived, carefully placing their drinks on the table. When she'd left again, Rhya continued, "I've taken quite a few classes myself. I can't really help with the wolf dream or with weapons I'm afraid, Owen would skin me alive if I tried."

 

Speaking his name reminded Rhya of the passing time and the sadness descended over her mood once more. Taking several hasty gulps of her drink, she pushed back her chair and rose.

 

"I have to go, it's later than I realised. If you'd like, I could teach you about herbs Katrina. Unless you've done that class?" Katrina shook her head. "Well in that case, why don't you come over to the tree house tomorrow morning? It's not a difficult lesson and it would be one more crossed off your list. Think about it and if you decide you want to, I'll be there all morning." Rhya made the offer on the spur of the moment, uncertain what had prompted her to do so. Well, it's long past time that I got to know some of the 'Kin and it will certainly be a break from sitting in the Infirmary.

 

Having settled that in her own mind, she made her goodbyes to Winter, Forest and Katrina and left the Inn, walking briskly back to the Infirmary.

 

 

 

 

 

OOC: Jade if you want to reply again, go ahead. If not, I'll get a new thread started for the lesson and you can just jump in when you're ready.  :)

 

 

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"My father wanted me to marry. I was busy refusing when my eyes changed colour and that was the end of that. I left almost immediately, I've taken quite a few classes myself. I can't really help with the wolf dream or with weapons I'm afraid, Owen would skin me alive if I tried." She nodded, she remembered well what it had felt like to be pushed into a marriage she didn't want. In many ways her eyes changing had caused problems but in many others it had been a blessing. She hadn't wanted to marry a man she didn't love and in fact her Sister loved. He had not done anything for her and she couldn't stand to be in the room with him at times. Suddenly Rhya pushed her chair back and stood, "I have to go, it's later than I realised. If you'd like, I could teach you about herbs Katrina. Unless you've done that class?" She shook her head and pushed the thoughts of her ex out of her head as she looked at the other woman, "Well in that case, why don't you come over to the tree house tomorrow morning? It's not a difficult lesson and it would be one more crossed off your list. Think about it and if you decide you want to, I'll be there all morning." Nodding she spoke, "That sounds like a good idea, I will be there tomorrow morning. Have a restful night Rhya." She watched as the other woman said her goodbyes to Winterwinds and Forrest and then turned as Rhya walked from the room. "Well I suppose I should head off to bed to if I need to be up for a class tomorrow?" She smiled at him and spoke again, "It was nice to talk to you Winterwinds, I hope we meet again." She finished off her drink and nodded at Forrest before walking from the room...

 

Katrina Candarr

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