[IC] The Wolves of Mercy Falls [ High-Casual ]

[Rightful Heir]

June 29th || 6:30PM || 56°F

It'd been only a few months since I'd been back, but it felt like it was only yesterday I was out in the woods. Out in the cold. My skin trembled at just the thought of it. Sitting in the living room with a book in hand, my feet kicked up on the foot stool, I made a point to stay as close to the fireplace as possible. The occasional cackle of the wood burning was a soothing sound to me, nostalgic really. Reminded me of all the years my father, brother and I spent camping in the summer. The wolf within me wanted so badly for me to walk out into the chill of the evening air and let her run free, but I wasn't about to let it happen. No matter how much I could practically hear her whining at me in my inner thoughts, I didn't want to go back out there. Not for another few months. It wasn't where I belonged. I was still very much needed here at the ranch. 'Who am I going to leave the ranch to? Dak?! Ha. Yeah, right.' As much as he was growing older and taking on more responsibility, I could never see Dak running the business, even as small as it was now-a-days.

Speaking of the devil, from the other room I could hear him getting lost beneath the sheets with some girl he'd met at a party from the night before. I sighed heavily, wishing there was a way I could block it out and my eyes met with the back door. Beneath my skin, I could feel her clawing at my skin. A never ending battle with the two of us, and the questions and answers were always the same. 'Can I come out?' followed by a quick growl and a 'NO!' The last couple years, it seemed to be getting worse. My father spent the first 7 years of his change never having to battle with his wolf, but mine, she was relentless. Like an itch I couldn't scratch, but refused to knowing all too well it'd only make it worse. She wanted control.

Finally, I snap my book shut and swiftly get up from the couch, walking down the hall to the stairs which I take two at a time. Reaching the top, I rap on my brother's door a few times and yell, "Dak, we have to bring the horses in! Hurry up, would ya? Let's git' goin'!" I could hardly hear, but I got a muffled 'Yeah' in response and shrugged it off. He probably wouldn't make it out there in time to help me, but I'd get him later for missing out. Making my way to my own room, I shove the door open and close it behind me gently, stepping to my closet to grab out a long sleeve t-shirt, a couple sweatshirts and my thick, black P-coat.

I tug my crew neck over my head and begin adding on the new layers, stepping in front of the mirror to give myself a good look-over. My hair seemed a little nappy hanging down lazily over my shoulders, and I had just the thing to fix that problem. Quickly scooping up all my hair, I tie it all up into a ponytail and half smile. I looked so much like mom, it was unbelievable. Not quite as similar as Dak and dad, but there were plenty of similarities between mom and I that when I was younger, people used to mistake us for sisters. With a partial smile still tugging at the edge of my lips, I step out of my room and shut the door behind me, making my way down the staircase to head for the back door as I slipped on my leather gloves.

'You won't have to be out there long,' I mused to myself, 'Just a few minutes to get the horses back inside, then you can come back in and warm yourself up again.' I had half a mind to go find any one of the pack, but figured they'd prefer staying inside rather than going out and risking a change when it was so close to the breaking point. Just 6 short degrees off from the point we'd be forced to turn, I shrugged off the idea of asking and decided to just go myself. I slide the back door open and step on outside, shutting it behind me to keep the cool air from making its way inside.

[Irisity]

Kate

I laid under a pile of crumpled blankets, trying to ignore the chills creeping up my spine. Just got this room, don't feel like pissing Dav off by ruining it. I sunk down deeper into the mountain of blankets and pillows, trying to focus on the Spanish soap opera blaring on the TV. From my B+ in high school Spanish, I think the lady is screaming about something her boyfriend did. He kissed his cousin on the cheek? I don't fucking know, I don't even know why I'm on this channel.

I gazed at the frost covered windows, worry filling my thoughts. I tried to block out the TV and stare at the cold forest surrounding pack property. Despite my fears, I threw off my blankets and quickly pace across the room, wincing at the cold wood floors. I stared out the window, examining the horses as they graze in the last bits of summer sunlight. Dav will need help with that.

I reached to yank the curtains closed, but then I saw Dav herself walking outside, hugging her clothes close to her body.

"Dear fuck," I muttered to myself as I launch myself out of the room and to the back door. What will happen to the horses if she turns? How would that even affect her conscious later? She loves those damn horses.

I stand at the back door, waiting anxiously. I'm not brave enough to go out and help, not with the cold seeping from the crack in the door and coolin g my skin. I tug my robe closer to my body and wait. Maybe Dav's brother will come out and help soon, afterall, he's human.

[Renny]

Nathan Blu.

June 29th * 6:34 PM * 56 Degrees F

I laid in my bed, one arm folded behind my ravenous locks. Davine's situation had left her alone to tend to the horses; meanwhile Dak got to entertain a lady friend. I could feel a creeping smile pull my lips as I sat up in bed, the pale white sheets lingering on my waist allowed the cool of the room to sap some warmth away.

Guess I'll help her out. I wouldn't mind some alone time with her anyway... maybe I can get her to join me tonight.

I shot up from my bed and pulled on some denim jeans and black boots. Afterwards I sifted through my long, intricate drawer for the black thermal that would keep me warm and accommodate my reason for leaving. If was going to help her reign in the horses, I'd need to look the part; it wasn't too hard considering I wore most clothes rather well.

I pondered, if only for a moment, on grabbing a jacket but tossed the idea aside. I didn't need it and even if I did change, I wouldn't care nearly as much as everyone else. Stepping out my room, I felt the eyes of a group land on me. I ignored the feeling and continued down the stairs and towards the door. My strides carried me quickly off the porch two-steps at a time and into the manicured grass. I was behind Davine in no time and when I was but a few feet from her, I tucked my hands in my jeans and looked up, answering any questions she might have with a stare.

I'm here to help... can't you tell. My eyes might have spoken.

Tuning my steps with hers, I was next to her in seconds. "Why isn't Dak helping you with this?" I said to smother the silence.

[SunsetRoses]

Arianna C. James

June 29th ~ 6:38 PM ~ 56 Degrees F

I look at the clock I have centered on my wall, and patiently watch as the red second hand ticks. It's 6:38 in the afternoon, and I have done almost nothing today. This morning, when it got a bit hotter, I went around riding one of the horses. I played with Iris, and I read, other than that I held back the cravings of nature my wolf was giving me. Then again, that was an everyday occurrence now. My changes were happening more and more often, and my wolf was much more apparent now than it had been when I had just learned how to control my shifts. As much as I tried to ignore it, I was hit with the sudden realization I didn't have much time left. Soon, my human days would be over and I would stay wild. A small part of me craved it, the ability to stay in my wolf form with my heightened senses. The other, overbearing part of me told me no, that it wasn't what I wanted at all.

I turned back to my book, realizing that I only had a chapter left and I didn't want to finish it today. With a quiet sigh, I shut the thick book I had been reading, and picked myself up out of the sheets I had buried myself in. I peeked out of my window, and saw Dav and Nathan heading towards the stables. I yearned to go out there, not because I wanted to converse with them, but because my wolf was scratching at her cage in the corner of my mind. It begged me to change, whimpering and running around. I growled at it inwardly, but it seemed to have no affect on her though. I sighed and gave in, throwing on my thickest sweater over my outfit. Iris followed me out of my bedroom, and I smiled lovingly at her. She had gotten through so much, I was proud of the little ferret for lasting this long. She tittered, and stopped often to fulfill her curiosity in any open room. I passed the kitchen, grabbing a granola bar on my way, and headed outside.

As soon as I was outside, I stuffed my hands into my pockets to keep them warm. Iris had followed me out, and I allowed her to walk between my feet in her usual manner. I quickened my stride, afraid of walking off into the woods if I didn't busy myself with something. As soon as I was matching my stride with Nathan's, I felt myself relax. "Good evening, you two. It's cold out Nathan, why aren't you wearing a sweater?"

[Rightful Heir]

June 29th || 6:32PM || 56°F

Dak rolled around in the sheets with his lady friend that he'd charmed into having a night of wonder with him, jumping slightly when there's a knock at his door followed by his sisters voice. "Dak, we have to bring the horses in! Hurry up, would ya? Let's git' goin'!" Dak sighed deeply and came to a slow stop, looking the girl in the eyes. "Can't ignore the warden. Gotta git out there and help her. God forbid she steps out into the cold." The girl giggled as they untangled themselves and scooted over in Dak's large king size bed, letting him get up.

Dak quickly retrieved his pants and long sleeve, getting dressed as he eyed the girl currently being devoured by the comforter on his bed. He couldn't help but smile, and without hesitation the girl asked almost defensively, "What? Dak shook his head and wandered over to the side of the bed she lay on, placing his hands on either side of her to lean over her. "Nothing is wrong. I just hope you won't get swallowed up by the blanket while I'm gone. I'd like to come back and finish what we started, if that's okay with you." Raising an eyebrow and letting a small charming smile creep up at the edges of his lips, he knew he had his answer when she leaned up and pecked his lips. Turning away from her, he walked over to the bedroom door and let himself out, nearly running into Nathan as he runs off after Davina. 'Typical,' he thought to himself, watching his sister's boy toy go after her probably to help her out and get her back in bed with him later. It happened too often for that not to be the case.

Dak didn't hurry down the stairs as Nathan had, slowly making his way down to catch a glimpse of Kate standing near the backdoor looking out at Nathan and Davina walking out towards the pasture. Arianna mysteriously made an appearance downstairs, too, off to go after Davina and Nate. Dak suddenly had it in mind that he was no longer needed. '8 well-behaved horses, 3 people. They don't need me,' he mused in his mind. Sauntering over to Kate's side, Dak placed an arm on her shoulder like an arm rest and looked down on his friend. "Afraid of the cold, Little Wolf? Dak smiled teasingly, only the right side of his teeth showing in his usual half-smile.

June 29th || 6:39PM || 58°F

Seamus lay there the dark basement room on the bed that was offered to him for the time being, under quite a few layers of blankets and a thick comforter with his eyes trained on the fading light that poured through the basement room's only window. Laying there in the darkness, he could feel the cold trying to get to him through the many layers he'd huddled beneath. He recalled how Davina had explained when he'd first gotten here that he was susceptible to changing at temperatures a little over 50° because he was only a few months old, as a wolf, and that he'd have to be extremely careful of temperature drops the next couple weeks. The whole house was kept at a crisp 60-65°, and the basement was kept at 75° just for extra measures, as Seamus had been told, but he could tell that it was cold outside. Not cold enough for the others to change, but it was possible that he might.

Seamus jumped slightly when he heard voices from outside, still not used to the over heightened senses. Slowly, he got up from his place and dared to wander to the window in attempts to catch a sight of anything. To his dismay, he couldn't see much of anything except the skies that were painted with multiple golds, oranges and pinks. Like God himself and heaven's angels had painted it just for him. The sight of the skies setting up for the sun to lay to rest brought back memories of sitting under the same kinds of sunsets with a girl who was still back in Belfast, Ireland. The girl he'd fallen in love with, and wanted to be beside. The girl who'd probably already forgotten him by now. Seamus' heart sank at the very thought, turning away from the window with the unshakable feeling that maybe he'd made the wrong decision coming here in search of help. Dropping back down onto the bed, he sat there staring at the floor twiddling his thumbs slowly as he lost himself in thought.

[Arcalept]

Cass

Yes, it was 6 pm. Yes, I had just gotten out of bed.

It's not my fault my head was pounding and I could barely see straight. Okay, it is my fault. But who doesn't want to have a good night with drinks and, well, you know. "Fun".

By the time I had made it back to the den, it was extremely late. Scratch that, it was actually early considering the clock read 6 am. Anyway, most were asleep, and those who weren't were going about business, as I probably should have been doing. Since no one woke me up, I didn't bother getting up. I needed all the free time I could get; it comes in scarce doses. Of course, this only leaves me to go to the extreme whenever I can, like last night. I don't do it frequently. In fact, this is the first time I've gotten drunk for a little over a month. Congratulations me! (Man, they should really award me for that)

A hangover is probably one of the worst feelings that could have been blessed upon us mortals. Of course, the only cure for that was a hot cup of coffee, black, and a donut. Towing my new-found 'breakfast' along, I wandered through the house to the fireplace - I needed my warmth, too, despite what some rumors may say. It didn't take me too long to find Kate standing by the back door, apparently watching something intently.

"You know, I like to stalk people, too, but I try to hide it from others in the house." I smirked and glanced outside. "Not like I have any reputation to uphold, but people tend to judge. Anyway, who're you spying on?

[Irisity]

Kate

I glare at Dak's snide comment before breaking out into a grin and playfully punching him in the shoulder. "You would be too if it turned you into a slobbering dog," I joke. So far, Dak had been one of the only ones to outright treat me as a (almost) human being a just be chill with me.

I glance out the window and see Nathan, Arianna, and Dav. "What, didn't want to join Arianna in the third wheeling?" I tease. "Also, when's the next time you wanna light up?"

Before he could respond, Cass walked in, looking half asleep. I flash a sly grin. Everybody in the pack knew about Nathan's little crush on Dav. "Just watching poor Arianna third wheel Nathan and Dav." I stare out the window, making a pouting face. "Poor Dav. He follows her around like a lost puppy." I turn, frowning. "Is the newest one still sulking in the basement?" I remember when I went through that phase. It was a nightmare of constant crying and constant fear, with mountains of blankets practically roasting my body, but I refused to let the room be under 80°F.

[Rightful Heir]

June 29th || 6:40PM || 60°F

I could feel the night warming up a little bit and The White Witch, as I jokingly called the wolf inside from time to time, was stirring uncontrollably. The tease of the colder night air had riled her up enough that she was rattling the cage, and no matter how many times I'd refuse to release her, I knew she'd not stop until I did. For the most part, I'd gotten pretty good at ignoring her. It honestly wasn't too hard, she was just really annoying in the times I wanted my peace and quiet. Out of my peripherals I could see, what someone from out of state might confuse for a flash of headlights, were fireflies exposing their little lights to one another in the knee-high grasses. The marshy ground mirrored the millions of stars in the sky.

I heard him before he could even get a word out, and he gained on me quickly without much effort. Once at my side, Nate gave me a look and I knew he was here to help me even with the possible risk we both faced. Mere seconds passed before he spoke. "Why isn't Dak helping you with this?" I simply shrugged my shoulders and half-heartedly smiled, offering an obvious answer to his question. "Dak is Dak. He's never been one to just stop whatever it is he's doing to do something else, even if it's for me. Especially if it involves a girl of interest." I couldn't help but laugh slightly at the thought that came to me then, nudging Nate's shoulder playfully as I glanced at him and voiced the very thought that corrupted my mind. "You know what that's like, right?"

Suddenly I could hear another pair of footsteps and turned to check over my shoulder, hoping it was Dak only to find Arianna. I smile her way as she makes it to us and keeps pace. "Good evening, you two. It's cold out Nathan, why aren't you wearing a sweater?" I hadn't even really taken into consideration of what he'd been wearing. It was then that I found myself eyeing him over and furrowed my eyebrows slightly at his choice in wardrobe, wondering myself why he wasn't bundled up like Arianna and I. 'Does he not care if he turns?' I thought to myself, giving Arianna a look as if saying, 'I didn't condone this,' knowing full well she knew I would never in the first place.

@Renny @SunsetRoses

June 29th || 6:40PM || 60°F

Dak stood there looking down at his friend with that smirk-smile of his when he heard a voice from behind, turning his attention over his shoulder as the all-too-known voice spoke at them. "You know, I like to stalk people, too, but I try to hide it from others in the house." Cass smirked and looked outside trying to spot any movement outside, but judging by what she said next, the three wolves had to have gone out of sight by now. "Not like I have any reputation to uphold, but people tend to judge. Anyway, who're you spying on?"

Raising an eyebrow, Dak clears his throat as if saying, I'm not invisible, I'm right here., but instead mutters, "Just cause I'm not wolf doesn't mean you can ignore me. Technically part of the pack, too. I pick up after you mutts while you're away!" Dak gave Cass a friendly glare, then turned to look outside trying to spot any unusual movement. In his mind, a million thoughts were running all at once about his sister's safety concerns. As harsh as it sounded, he could care less about Nate and Arianna. 'What if she changed? It's her fifth year coming up and soon her temp range is going to get higher and higher, and she'll start being gone for longer periods of time. Please, Dav, don't leave me. Not yet.'

@Irisity @Arcalept

[Arcalept]

Cass

As Cass continued to watch, she noticed Dav, Nathan, and Arianna outside. In the freezing cold. Are they idiots? To top it off, the only one in sensible clothing was Dav; Nathan had basically nothing on, and Arianna only had a sweater to cover her. These outfits may have been sufficient for the typical human, but to wolves, it was almost the opposite. None of them were too young, so it wasn't the worst thing that could happen. Warmth from the horses wouldn't help them much in this situation, but at least there were three of them. If one were to turn, the others could try to save the horses before anything went wrong.

"Hmmm? Did you say something?" Cass smirked at Dak mockingly. "Sorry, your presence is just... underwhelming. You know?" She gave him a few knocks on the back, with probably a little more force than necessary.

She crossed her arms in a nonchalant manner, attempting to look threatening and playful at the same time. "Anyway, doesn't that just make you the janitor of our quaint little family? Not much of a position here, if you ask me." After giving a sharp bark of laughter, Cass turned back to Kate. "So, Nathan and Dav? Weird. And from what I last heard, New Guy's wasting his day away in his room, thoroughly frustrated at his new life. Anyone want dinner?" She wasn't trying to be uncaring or cold, but they could deal with it themselves. If they wanted to put themselves in danger, they could go right ahead. Cass wasn't about to go out of her way to prevent them from living their lives.

[Renny]

Nathan Blu.

June 29th * 6:34 PM * 56 Degrees F

Officially switching to third person narrative.

Nathan felt his hands fall even deeper into his pockets. Arianna's worry came from a good place; he knew that much but it bothered him, giving him a frosty look as he turned to her. Nathan continued stepping in tune with Davine before fixing his face, etching a cool smirk in place of his kindly scowl.

"Mainly because I could care less about the change. But also because I don't think I'll turn. If that answers your questions I guess I'll have some chores to do later or maybe I should brush my teeth. Oh, how about I head back in; its getting a bit late out here. He didn't give her much time to answer before shaking his head without a smile and looking forward.

Returning to the conversation at hand before Arianna had approached, Nathan rubbed his neck and smiled, lost in goal to get Davina in his bed that night. "We both know what that's like. The feeling of being consumed by someone's affection... forgetting the world around you for a few hours of pleasure and... pain occasionally." The cold nipped at him and he tensed his body, holding on to the fresh warmth in his core.