The House of Canis is a rather old family founded by a man known as Maximus Canis. This is a home for all whom embrace nature and a lifestyle away from mans' influence. Though, it takes a strong will to live out within the wilderness, there is very little in the way of rules. There is no true leader to the Canis family: making it a pure democracy. Free of rank or title; each person is able to live their lives and value the opinions of those they choose to.

Despite their lack of law or rule: they are not without power. Living in the wilderness conditions both the body and mind. So, it would be unwise to cause trouble and break their tranquility. If one were to cause enough trouble to upset their family as a whole; they will be outcasted. No longer seen as family and cast into the unforgiving wilderness they cherish so. You give respect to get respect. The law of nature.



As implied: the Canis family is cast into the wilderness. Though, they are not without their... Luxuries. Maximus, along with family members of past, had built them a large castle carved into a steep moutain: though it appears small from the outside.

The entrance to this castle placed on the very peak of a large castle in between several waterfalls. The water cascading down into a large crystal clear pond.

Once one would enter this large entryway, which was kept open, they would find themselves in a massive hallway. This hallway holding four doorways. Each leading to a separate, large, portion of the castle. On the left doors they would lead to either a public sawna/bath and the other to a small kitchen. The other doors leading to the massive arena and a room meant for meditation/magical training.

At the end of the hall was a spiral staircase: leading up to a hall heading deeper into the mountain. Countless bedrooms on the left and right side of the hall: only for Maximus' room to be seen at the end of the path. Every inch of this castle dimmly lit by candlelight.

Catrina made her way to one of the castle towers, this tower happen to be her favorite since it was filled with books and had space for her to draw on one of the wooden desks. Today she was here to just grab so paper and charcoals so that she way sketch the castle's exterior from a tree. Her six tails followed behind her and her long fox ears always managed to catch a web on the way up. "Oh no not again I am sorry for destroying your home...these ears are so unmanageable." Carefully she untangled the web and continued on her venture. Entering the librery she made her way to the desk where her papers lay from the day before. "Hopefully I can have a good day it was cloudy yesterday..."

In the forest for so long Ashera could not remember when she had last rested. She was exhausted and in lack of a better word, lost. She sunk down, falling to her knees and dropped her bag on the ground. The dirt was so cool and the grass semi moist. "Wait a moment, moist grass yet it has not rained? That must mean there is water near."

Quickly she climbed back on her feet, picking back up her bag and swinging it around her arm up onto her shoulder. Ashera continued and as she grew closer she could hear the roar of a water fall, prehaps many! She hurried traveling as fast as her feet could take her weaving around rock and thick raised tree roots. Before suddenly she stood in awe. [color=007236]"This is truely marvelous! I have never seen such a sight!"[color=007236]

Asher stood before a mountain carved into a large castle! Water cascading down into a lake below the castle and a rather large waterfall on the side of the castle. Thick trees hid this wonder which could only mean this marvelous place was hiding wonders within. She quickly made way to the enterance which was left open? Slowly she walked in and birds could be heard chirping one flew by her and it was one that was highly endangered! She kept going looking about the court yard where even more beautiful creatures stood before, they didn't even as much flinch. "This place is truely marvelous! I wonder to whom this place belongs?"

Catrina shifted through her papers there was sketches of the mountian, some of the animals who came around but her favorite was the one of the creator of this place, Max. She managed to clip them all in her folder and place the floder in her bag along with some supplies.

She looked out the librery window to see the cloud coverage but instead noticed someone in the courtyard! Catrina watched from the window. She was nervous, outsiders could mean trouble but she just continued to watch her...

Sweat dripped fiercly down his bare, scarred, chest as he lay thrashing under the covers. Loud sounds of gunshots and images of enemies of old plaguing his mind. Only for his body to shoot up from the thick velvet of the blankets: gasping for air. Feeling as if he were back in that damned tube.. Drowning in his own misery. Though, his mind quickly had come to terms that he was back into this thing he called reality. Bringing his hand to his face only to realize he had smashed the gas lamp he had besides his bed: blood dripping onto his sheets. "Ugh... It was just a dream, Max..." He said to himself: almost as if trying to convince himself that he was back to reality.

As soon as he was now fully conscious of his awareness: he heard a voice of someone new. A woman. "About time..." He mutteredto himself as he stood. It had grown boring here with Catrina and the animals.

Making his way down to the courtyard he stopped as he heard the words of the woman. Leaning against the cold castle wall: wearing nothing but pajama pants. He spoke in reply to this new woman. "This place belongs to the earth. Nobody owns it." His words were plain and nearly without emotion, yet, he gave her a kind smile as he stood up tall again. "Shall I show you to a room?" He said ashe out stretched his hand to the woman.

@MaximusCanis@Sleepyhollows

Twas another lovely day at the manor of Maximus Canis, "Maxy" the vampire affectionately called him much to his chagrin.

A partly clear blue sky stretched endlessly over the vast, verdant greens of the forest with a few puffy white clouds. Birds chirped as the sun shone brightly, shimmering across the tranquil, trickling waters surrounding the castle.

Twas at this hour the vampire Claudia was leaning against the railing of the balcony nestled in the cool shade of a few hanging plants. She delicately sipped of her wine from a crystal chalice, enjoying the bittersweet taste, just as much as she enjoyed the lovely view from atop the courtyard. She sighed peacefully, her languid blue eyes taking in the lush, beautiful flowers and the almost crystal appearance of the waters.

Then, she noticed someone approaching, a soft curl of her lips into a smirk.

~"Oh my~ Seems we have a visitor, an adorable visitor too."~ Pleasantly the woman mused to herself.

It seemed the Master of the house was already awake and had beat her to the punch of greeting such a fine young lady. Claudia pouted slightly upon ear of Maxy's voice, but nevertheless resumed her charming smirk calling down,

~"Oh Maxy deary~! Why don't you let me show that cute young thing around, hmm~?"~

As she had been startled she quickly turned to the voice with her arms clenched agaisnt her tight but it was all misguided as he was not trying to harm her. Ashera looked at his outstreched hand and did indeed reach out to shake his.
That would be marvelous, I have been traveling ever since the death of my husband and never had I seen such a lovely place. More so to say it belongs to the Earth is even more a just deed. But to whom would invest so much to create such a wonder might I ask? I myself am called Ashera."
Just as soon as she finished her responce another came in and offered a tour. The kindness here was welcoming even such a species as vampire was quite kind, a bit bold but nevertheless. "A tour would be lovely as well, thank you."

Catrina watched as everyone greeted the girl including the master. She hurried down from the librery so that she too may introduce herself.

Upon getting down to the courtyard she quietly came up to them holding her book of drawings. She stood quietly with a smile. Everyone was overwhelming the newcomer,but after all she was fresh meat. "Please your all being overwhelming she must be tired let her rest."

Maximus could only roll his eyes to the vampire; not appreciating her falsely playful attitude. It was always a farce with their type. You always catch more bees with honey after all. Attempting to ignore Claudia: he took the newcomer's hand into her own. Giving a faint, respectful, bow to her. Though, in hearing the news of her husband he stood and his hand slipped from her own. Turning around as he walked towards the staircase: expecting the girl to follow. "I laid many of the bricks to this home, but, not all. The Canis are an old family, so, I had help..."

As he walked by Catrina he brushed his hand through the girl's hair in a faint pet. Most would see this as a rather condescending notion, but, to Max it was a sign of agreement. She was a rather astute little thing.

Finally he made his way up to the top of the stairs and stopped towards the beginning of the long hallway that contained dozens of rooms. Opening a door from the second set of rooms: exposing what lay within. Maximus was renouned for his decorative tastes. So, naturally, the room was elegant. Filled with gentle fabrics and various colors. The large queen sized bed covered in see-through drapes that hung from the frame. Only waiting in the doorway for the newcomer to accompany him.

Ashera smiled and watched as he so quickly made his leave. She had began to follow him, quickly too since he was already making his way down the hallway. Although she did manage to bow to the others before following the man to be polite.
Once again she was left standing in awe by the beauty of this castle. Her mouth dropped her bag upon eloquent wooden floor. "This is just lovely! Also if I may be so bold, what you are doing is truely amazing. All the animals that are living within this place I mean. I seen quite a few endangered species not a single one ran from me. I would love to stay here for a while if you will have me. I wish to observe the animals help tend to them. If you say no I am afraid I will have to beg."
She left out a short laugh before smiling back to him and picking up her back from the floor so she could take it to the bed.

@MaximusCanis@Sleepyhollows@Nightingale95

Claudia grinned rather cheekily, a bit of her fangs poking from her upper lip. Her robes elegantly wisped behind her as she moseyed back into the sanctity of the castle happily humming to herself.

My, what a cute girl Ashera was, she thought. She would have to introduce herself to the little elf later. The vampire strolled down the hall to the living room and lounged across one of the couches pouring herself another glass of wine, quietly sipping of it with a soft exhale afterwards.

Catrina watched the two head down the hallway with a breif sigh. She wanted to ask the new girl many questions but now was not the time. It was time however to see if Claudia would allow her to sketch her.

Catrina was unfamilar with the vampire natures but from stories they lack a reflection so prehaps it would be nice for her to see herself on paper.

"Claudia wait I would like to ask you a favor!"

Quickly Catrina ran after her, stopping in the doorway to the living room seeing Claudia had made herself comfortable. "May I draw you? I already made one of Max a while ago and the new girl is busy. So I'll have to get her later...you wouldn't have to move."

@Nightingale95

Claudia looked up from her wine glass upon hearing a familiar voice call her name.

~"Ah, Catrina darling~! So good to see you, my little artist~!"~ The vampire greeted their aspiring artist with a warm smile and a soft chuckle. Catrina was always a sweet girl, quiet, soft spoken, bashful. Had she but a drop of blood in her veins, Claudia's cheeks would be as red as fresh, ripe strawberries in the orchard. She took one more sip of her wine rather eloquently and sat it to the side. She was already feeling quite tipsy to be honest.

Ah yes, so the cute little artist wanted to draw her. Claudia was quite flattered by the offer, giving Catrina a coy smile as she replied, ~"Oh my dear, I would be delighted to be your artistic muse. Would that be nude, or can I keep my clothes on~?"~ A devilish smirk crossed the vampire's ruby lips, then she giggled, ~"Only teasing, Catrina! Hecate knows I wouldn't want to embarrass you, honey! Ah...but yes, I would love for you to draw me. It's been ages since someone has captured my beauty in still life. Ah, but please, ignore my musings, dear."~

Claudia smiled softly and decided to relax on the couch, remaining perfectly still for Catrina. It would be lovely to see her face once more, though not a reflection in a mirror. The woman knew she hadn't aged a single day past her late twenties, but still, call her vain, but the vampire felt a comfort in seeeing her own face, even if it was drawn or painted.

It was Catrina's nature to be rather shy and boy did Claudia's teasing make her face turn brighter red than a cherry tomato. She only could smile and leave an embarrassed laugh as she was setting up. Carefully pulling a clean canvas out and pulling up one of the eloquent chairs in the livingroom.
"Max's taste in furnisher really flatter you Claudia. Thank you for the opportunity it was getting rather boring to draw the same castle, more so with the recent clouds."

Catrina took out some pencils and charcoals from her bag and began to press them to the canvas. Her eyes would look up and back down. Each line careful to catch as much as she could of Claudia's figure and features. She wasn't perfect but what else was there for right now? Back home she was outcasted due to her own disfiguring. Or well what the chimaera gene that infected her, giving her such an animal apperance.

Her ears flickered and her tails slowly waved around, but within fifteen minutes it was finished! "Done! You are just perfect are you ready to see it? Of course the real you is much more than a paper could ever display beauty wise." Catrina got up from the chair her ears perked up as she walked over to Claudia. She extended her hand out holding the drawing for Claudia to examine.

@Rusalka

@Nightingale95

Claudia sat quietly for the few sparse moments that had passed, a pleasant demure to her face as she lounged across the sofa gazing softly at the young artist sketching her. There was a brief curl of her lips every time the mousy little girl poked her head slightly above her canvas to get a good look at her, Claudia having to stifle a chuckle or two.

She was careful not to move any for Catrina, but excited was she to see the end product. No doubt in her mind Catrina was a natural with pencils, charcoal, and pastels. She had seen her many drawings of the castle, how the adorable chimera captured even the most minute details such as a glint of light or the fold of fabric. So talented...and so beautiful too.

Claudia couldn't help but muse about those cute ears of hers and her many tails. To say she was...monstrous, that was a travesty to the vampire. She could never think such of Catrina, calling her such awful names, spewing toxic prejudice like those close minded buffoons. Catrina was beautiful in her own special way.

If only someone could capture her beauty as well upon canvas.

The girl had finished her handiwork and presented it to the woman. Claudia, her face brightened upon viewing it. No doubt in her mind it would be magnificent, no, magnificent was an understatement. No word could express how Claudia smiled upon seeing her lovely features captured so perfectly.

~"Why honey, it's gorgeous!"~ Claudia cooed excitedly. ~"Time has been good to me, hasn't it? I'm quite flattered, my dear. But Catrina please, if anyone should be called beautiful, it is you honestly."~ Softly the vampire smirked. Her robes billowed as she stood with a yawn and a light stretch. She leaned down to the cute artist, a soft peck of the woman's plump ruby lips to her warm cheek as she mused quietly.

~"I would love for you to draw me again, Catrina. You have quite the talent, my cute little artist."~ A wry smile the vampire gave before ambling over to the window with a chuckle. The view, as with from nearly every window of Maxy's home, was breathtaking.