[IC] Dusk: The Return of Caligo Nox

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie still stood at the door, watching, and waiting, looking for some sign that everything was okay. She wanted nothing more that to follow Zack, that sense of pack wanting her to protect, wanting her to run. Her family was her pack, but friends were another kind of pack.

besides, her brothers would form packs of their own soon, and while they would still remain a part of the family pack, it would be different. She needed to think of her own pack too. This got a laugh out of her. A pack with a vampire, probably unheard of, but than Cassie as a strange wolf in any case.

She couldn't help but think some strange twist of fate had thrown them all together. So she woukd trust Zack, and Chrystella. She turned back into the house, to the kitchen. "Somethings upnat the barrier" she said to Say'ri, "Chrystella went to investigate, and Zac followed soon after"

she looked about, the kitchen. It had been a while since she had cooked anythingnother than game shenhad caught and than cooked on a campfire. "If you need a hand with cooking, incan help" she said, "which reminds me, do vamoires eat, and if not, how do you know how to cook?"

[Daxam]

As Zac followed the scent of death which grew stronger with each meter-eating stride, he also began to feel the fur on his back rise. No one should reek this bad, he says to himself as he begins coming up to the crest of a hill. It just isn't natural.

As he reaches the top of the hill, he sees two figures down below. Even with the overpowering scent of death and decay, he could still make out Chrystella's scent. As he begins running once more, he realizes that the two of them seem to be talking, although it quells the sense of alarm burning inside of him by only a fraction.

Within minutes, Zac slides to a stop behind Chrystella, growling fiercely at the man opposite her, ready to charge should he try anything, although a nagging doubt in the back of his head finally makes itself known as he takes in the man's nonthreatening posture. Maybe I am overreacting, he thinks, although he doesn't let his guard down.

[Absolute Grace]

When he held his hand out, she took it as a sign as permission. Taking her wand out from her sleeve, Chrystella held it over his town turned hand, her eyes flashing an array of colours as she transferred her power into the crystal wand she used to inscribe the Entry Rune upon his skin.

“All done now, Dragniast. Shall I show you to my home? I have a few guests already, but they can provide you with some of the information you seek. For you see-“ She could say no more for she jumped in surprise at the sound of a fierce growl. Looking over her shoulder she notices that Zac was there, intently focusing on Dragniast. Realising that he thought the contracted undertaker was a threat, she spun around and held her arms up. “Peace Zac.” She very almost pleaded. “This man is not an enemy.”

[Daxam]

Zac's golden eyes remain fixed on the man smelling of death for a few more moments until Chrystella almost begs him to calm down. Reluctantly, he quiets his growls, although a low rumble continually sounds from deep within his chest as he straightens up, his tail standing straight up. Soon, he shifts back into his human form, keeping his gaze locked onto the man and says, "Who are you? And why do you smell like you just crawled out of a grave?"

[Mortim]

Dragniast’s head tilted gently sideways, his look being something of sympathy.. or perhaps sorrow. Said expression birthed itself into existence shortly after chrystella began pleading for Zac to calm himself. Though most wouldn’t notice our vampires elegant features curve towards melancholic dismay, for only the smallest hints found their path upon that picturesque face.

He lowered his hand, taking several steps forward as to close the gap between them. He appeared to once again be unconcerned by the world near him, Zac’s growls holding no purpose by their unnecessary existence. Zac should discern that this wasn’t in seeing something lesser from him, for he cared just as little over Chrystellas anxiety.

*Tap… Tap… Tap…*

He felt no rush, slow steps creating well-paced rhythm. The very air near Dragniast trembled in submission, moisture and extreme temperatures moving away from him. 72 degrees was the constant state of perfect humidity near-him, there would be no hints as to how said feat is achieved.

Once being whithin five feet of the pair he spoke through eloquence again.

“Shall we be off beautiful?”

Dragniast complimented Chrystella so simply, as if it should be common courtesy for her to receive said praise. He hadn’t even looked towards Zac, not out of rudeness but more-so from being pre-occupied with his current hunt. Pressure to leave hadn’t found refuge, but the purpose to do so was entirely present and occupying most outward expressions.

Once close the aura our werewolf had ‘smelled’ would change drastically. That power from which he felt only death wouldn’t shift at its core, but the way it is interpreted would most certainly be corrected.

No ‘stench’ could possibly exist near Dragniast, no foul presence lasting even for the briefest of days for our noblemen personified peace. When sensing him you would feel tranquility that could only be brought by death, rest given by another rising moon. Perhaps he didn't respond to Zac because he felt insulted by that heinous comment, nothing but the peaceful affirmation that all things die in their rightful season coming near. Description might better be served with comparison to serene winter nights, another season finding its refuge beneath soft flakes and warm moments near fires which inevitably fade when rest is needed. No outward hints expressed his offense, perhaps he would elaborate if asked?

[manapool1]

Marduk bust open the door and set the quest items on a table, and sat on the ground.
"hey I got your stuff, come get it" he said as he chewed on a flower, only to spit it out.
He waited a moment and wondered if she was here. He had never been here when she was gone, it felt wrong being here alone, and he had a feeling that she was probably here. But what if she wasn't? A wide grin went up his face, maybe if she was gone, and he could do anything he wanted. She didn't like him messing with her stuff, as he was clumsy and his hands were not made for being gentle. But as she is gone, and he could touch anything, maybe even her undergarments. He stood up as he drooled, only to sit back down. Had this been anyone else, he would have touched everything and leave, but he knew that chances are he would get caught, and be made into a rug on her floor. Though Marduk had only seen chrystella's magic only a few times, but he knew how powerful it was, as it could keep such a barrier up. He was not about to get his ass kick for something as stupid as touching people's stuff.

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie heard someone come in, and immediately was up. Someone had entered the house withiut knocking, friend, or foe? Was it someone needing chrystellas help?

no, she was pretty sure if it wasn't friend, they wouldn't have shouted out, still, she proceeded with caution, heading down the hall, and to the living area again. She could near someone moving in there.

be intimidating, she thought, moving into the room. Yeah, tnst was going to work, she was still limping slightly, her hair a mess, her clothes dirty and torn. Not very intimidating.

"Who are you, and why do you not knock?" Cassie said, standing in the door way.

[Absolute Grace]

Chrystella was filled with relief when, Zac reluctantly gave in and shifted back into his human form. Her relief, however, was short-lived when he spoke. Her eyes widened in shock. Did he really just ask that? To inquire after a name was fine, but asking-demanding someone why they smelt like they had just crawled from a grave, especially someone like Dragniast, was simply rude. She was flattered that he liked her enough to be protective over her, but honestly his last comment was going a bit far. Looking back at Dragniast, he seemed totally unperturbed and perhaps she should have known that as a Contracted Undertaker, reacting to such words were beneath them.

When the eloquently spoken words of a compliment reached her ears, Chrystella's cheeks slightly reddened. She wasn't use to such things and to be called beautiful from one male, in front of another was slightly embarrassing. Though a slight smile appeared on her face as it appeared that Zac was going to be ignored by Dragniast and she looked at Zac apologetically. "Yes. We shall be off. My home isn't too far away." She answered politely and hopped onto her broom, yes she could have walked but she had her broom with her and it beat carrying it around. Hovering above the ground she set an easy pace. "Just this way."

[FoxFireOfDawn]

Vilo sighed, breathing in the cold air that surrounded him. It was always like this. Nothing stuck out to him as much as it did now, apart from a more powerful stench near his friend's house. How long have I known her now...I must have forgotten as time has moved on... He thought. Vilo was currently on a walk around the area he lived in, which was no where near that horrid forest. Who knows what was in there. He had worn his scarf, hand knitted, just in case, since he felt like it would be a colder day today. He didn't really need it though. Vilo stopped and looked around. He noticed he was slightly edging closer to Chrystella's house on instinct. Maybe it was because he had visited her so many times before? Oh well, it didn't matter to him. But the scent around there was thicker, more mixed than before. Vilo whimpered, wanting to investigate, but he was afraid of something. His gut instinct was gnawing at his mind, telling him not to dig deeper into this, but he didn't obey.

He stood still as he began to focus his mind on what his wolf form felt. Then, he shifted into a wolf and sprinted over to her house. Still, he was quite a distance away. It would take some time before he got there, but he didn't mind. The wind brushing against his fur as he jumped over obstacles in the way was far more exhilarating. He seemed to have his own sense of passion and mysteriousness wherever he went and looked like this. Especially when he looked like this. He howled loud and proud, knowing that he had at least a bit of pride in him.

[MarshiestMallow]

What now? Cassie thought, hearing the howl. Was a wolf coming this way? Why were people showing here when Chrystella wasn't even here? Feeling somewhat paranoid she shifted forms, growling af the intruder, while listening for an approach, just in case the howl wasn't friendly.

she didn't know what she could do by berself, injured, but she would do it. She would prove she could protect herself.

Or at least not get killed. Essentially the same thing, really. She let out a long, piercing howl, waiting for the introducers answer.

[FoxFireOfDawn]

Vilo would of grinned if he was human right now. He had heard a reply from his howl and it was, or at least it sounded like it was near the house. He let out yet another bellowing howl, but this time it was shorter. Hopefully, they would catch on from that and find out that that was meant to signal he was an ally, not an enemy. Hopefully. If it was a forest wolf who had replied, then that wouldn't dare make any sense. No forest wolves he's ever known have ventured out from their home and go near a humans'. That meant there was a slight chance of them being a werewolf, even if it was only small. Vilo's mind then went on an adventure of thoughts to do with this. He just hoped this wouldn't end in unnecessary bloodshed.

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie growled again. Just because a wolf howled they were friendly, didn't mean they were. Leaving the intriuder, figuring she could deal with them later, she padded outside, crouched, ready to pounce just in case.

Even with her leg wound, she could cut an imposing figure in wolf form. Her fur was reddy brown, with lighter under colours for her belly, muzzle and paws. Her body was lean, and strong. Her ears flicked at nearby sounds, her teeth clenched, sharp and long. Her black nose sniffed the air, to catch any on coming scents.

she howled again, meant to convey a warning.

[Demous]

Say'ri turned as Cassie entered the kitchen and told her what was going on. Not to surprised as she could fell a strong presence approaching from barrier she nods and was about to answer when they heard someone call out. Following Cassie she looking as helpless as possible (which wasn't hard in an apron.) As Cassie stopped she looked over her shoulder into the room.

Tapping her on the back she mutters in Cassie's ear, "If anything starts get behind me it'll be hard for you to fight," as they heard the howl her lips tightened, 'Things are happening too quickly for my liking...'

[FoxFireOfDawn]

Vilo mentally sighed and slowed down as he had nearly reached his destination. A warning, eh? That wouldn't stop him if he was human, since the figure had heard a wolf. He could just lie, saying it was a forest wolf scavenging for food outside it's territory. Now, pretty close to the house, he stopped and started to shift back to human. As soon as he did, he walked the rest of the way, his breathing ragged from the running. He didn't bother replying with a howl, if he did, he would probably get punished somewhere along the line. Just in case, he shouted, "I said I was a friend, idiot! If you're still on high alert, you can stop now!" before running to the front of the house and sitting down on the steps to the door to take a rest.

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie growled, and because she was likely to attack in this form, shifted back human. Her nose was still quite good in this form, and she knew that this wasn't merely anhuman.

"Anyone can say they are a friend, nimrod" she replied fiercely. She didn't like being called an idiot, "why should I believe you?" She demand

[manapool1]

Marduk heard the ruckus outside and cautiously opened they door, making the scariest grin he could, which was easy, as he was like the grinning man when it came to that. He had once scared a man into near hysteria, merely with a smile. He looked at the man outside the door.
"well a friend you are huh? well come on in the water's fine" he said in quiet, bold voice. The moment he saw the human, he remembered the fun he had in Salem. But it wouldn't do now, he needed this guy to be a sleep. But again he was sure chrystella would not allow such deviant actions, things of a mad man it would seem. Still he gestured the man to come in, he wasn't going to be rude, but he wasn't happy that the man in front of him was just that, a man. He was never a fan of people, even with his tribe, it just hot worse when they were killed. He longed for revenge, but had come to understand scaring the living daylight out of people, taking a few out, would not do a thing to bring them to justice.

[FoxFireOfDawn]

"Why not? You don't have any proof against me that I'm not a foe. Go ahead and ask Chrystella, if you care that much, deary." He replied, ignoring the fact she had called him a nimrod, "You gonna rip me to shreds now that I've given a reason, like a useless and rabid wolf would do? Or are you more civilized?" He snickered. Gosh, was it a joy to toy with people.

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie hissed, "ylu can stay outside until Chrystella gets here. I dont see why I should invite someone I dont know into her house" she stormed back in, ignroing the intruder from earlier, and into the kitchen. She flopped on a chair, pale and sweaty. She had probably damaged her leg again.

she looked abkut for Say'ri, then realosed she had followed her out. Cassie sighed and stood to make sure sh was okay

[manapool1]

Marduk looked at the girl confused. he had never met these people, and they were human by the looks of it, yet they didn't seem afraid of his appearance, so maybe not, his smile turned to a frown, he had a lot of fighting experience, and a was strong for his figure, yet he was no match against magic users, and if they knew magic, they were about to ransack the place. He shook his head, no no no this couldn't be happening, if they took anything, chrystella was going to rip him to shreds, he looked at the girl who seemed pale and winded, if they tried anything he would take her first, that way he had a chance, if if they killed him, he would go out doing what he love, girls. thought he was sure he had never met them, he heard chrystella's name, which slightly reassured him.
"um hey so a-are you guys like witches or warlocks or something, I mean a human shouldn't go busting into someones house like that"

[MarshiestMallow]

Cassie couldmt believe this guy. "No, if gku had been watching you would havr seen I am a werewolf, ooen your eyes to the world" she just ouldnt work up the energy to makr her tone threatening, "and Say'ri is a vampire. Who are you andnwhy do you go barging into others places?"