Oaks to Ashes
Quote from Indy on October 14, 2024, 2:47 pmThe heat crept at the back of my neck to Clay and Tara's words. It wasn't the first time I had received them. Chapman had said something similar back in the woods. I'd spent most of my life learning how to look behind me as I went for something creeping up behind me. Even when Robin had my back, between three eyes, there had never been enough for every threat.
I trusted Chapman, and by extension I should trust his men. It should be easy, but trust was a funny thing that had to be earned, not given. On both our ends - because my abilities were just as much an unknown to them as theirs were to me. It was a fun little paradox that could only be resolved in that first step forward.
I exhaled the breath in my chest, letting it go steadily through my nose. It was far too late to turn back now. Besides, if Lyra could be brave enough to stand beside the very thing that had haunted her since her partner's death tonight... then I could be brave enough for the leap of faith.
The heat crept at the back of my neck to Clay and Tara's words. It wasn't the first time I had received them. Chapman had said something similar back in the woods. I'd spent most of my life learning how to look behind me as I went for something creeping up behind me. Even when Robin had my back, between three eyes, there had never been enough for every threat.
I trusted Chapman, and by extension I should trust his men. It should be easy, but trust was a funny thing that had to be earned, not given. On both our ends - because my abilities were just as much an unknown to them as theirs were to me. It was a fun little paradox that could only be resolved in that first step forward.
I exhaled the breath in my chest, letting it go steadily through my nose. It was far too late to turn back now. Besides, if Lyra could be brave enough to stand beside the very thing that had haunted her since her partner's death tonight... then I could be brave enough for the leap of faith.
Quote from Adriana on October 15, 2024, 3:05 pmThe silence was telling. Tara decided to shut up and went around to the other side of the car to check on Eleanor and let her know Clay's thoughts.
Clay returned shortly after.
"Alright... you guys ready?"
The silence was telling. Tara decided to shut up and went around to the other side of the car to check on Eleanor and let her know Clay's thoughts.
Clay returned shortly after.
"Alright... you guys ready?"
Quote from Indy on October 15, 2024, 3:35 pm"Mmm".
Time was slipping away quickly. Even if Chapman's property backed out to the woods, I still didn't necessarily want to be strolling on the ashes of his lawn in my winter-coat. In any case, things were about to get interesting.
"Mmm".
Time was slipping away quickly. Even if Chapman's property backed out to the woods, I still didn't necessarily want to be strolling on the ashes of his lawn in my winter-coat. In any case, things were about to get interesting.
Quote from Adriana on November 3, 2024, 10:07 am****
Elsewhere.
****
"Lake Chapman" sat at the foothills of (the) mountain range.
Northwest of Middlecrest, the Chapman cabin was nestled in a wooded place all of it's own. Out here, there was no light to challenge the stars in the sky, which were plentiful and bright.
The world was quiet, except for the sounds of the wildlife; the rutting elks bugle would echo off the sleepy little lake, the owl might screech as she swooped on a prey, but many creatures had gone into that yearly slumber.
The nearest convenience store was a little gas station a thirty minute drive out, most of which was a long dirt road. There you could buy your most basic necessities.
The cabin itself was well stocked and cleaned in preparation for Mark's "retreat". It was a spacious and beautiful cabin, with six full sized bedrooms, three each on the first and second floors, a fully finished basement with two more bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a comfortable recessed living area surrounding a fireplace which was centered along the A frame floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lake.
The furnishings were comfortable and minimal, but evidence of many years of love and family were plastered on the walls; portraits of family reunions, baby pictures, even a few albums, all a testimony to the Chapman family heritage. One didn't need to look long or hard to see that the lake house was not only a family communal space, but a Holiday resort. The pictures told stories of the Chapman's bringing down a fifteen foot evergreen and hauling it in a trailer back to the cabin for Christmas, of little Bianca opening gifts under said tree, of Thanksgiving dinners at the long table with a dozen or so smiling faces. There were July Fourth photos, and fishing photos.
Now, those big windows faced the valley between the mountain ranges, and over the lake, and the full moon was on perfect display from the balcony, with it's light reflecting off the surface of the water and into the living space.
****
Elsewhere.
****
"Lake Chapman" sat at the foothills of (the) mountain range.
Northwest of Middlecrest, the Chapman cabin was nestled in a wooded place all of it's own. Out here, there was no light to challenge the stars in the sky, which were plentiful and bright.
The world was quiet, except for the sounds of the wildlife; the rutting elks bugle would echo off the sleepy little lake, the owl might screech as she swooped on a prey, but many creatures had gone into that yearly slumber.
The nearest convenience store was a little gas station a thirty minute drive out, most of which was a long dirt road. There you could buy your most basic necessities.
The cabin itself was well stocked and cleaned in preparation for Mark's "retreat". It was a spacious and beautiful cabin, with six full sized bedrooms, three each on the first and second floors, a fully finished basement with two more bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a comfortable recessed living area surrounding a fireplace which was centered along the A frame floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lake.
The furnishings were comfortable and minimal, but evidence of many years of love and family were plastered on the walls; portraits of family reunions, baby pictures, even a few albums, all a testimony to the Chapman family heritage. One didn't need to look long or hard to see that the lake house was not only a family communal space, but a Holiday resort. The pictures told stories of the Chapman's bringing down a fifteen foot evergreen and hauling it in a trailer back to the cabin for Christmas, of little Bianca opening gifts under said tree, of Thanksgiving dinners at the long table with a dozen or so smiling faces. There were July Fourth photos, and fishing photos.
Now, those big windows faced the valley between the mountain ranges, and over the lake, and the full moon was on perfect display from the balcony, with it's light reflecting off the surface of the water and into the living space.
Quote from Adriana on November 5, 2024, 6:40 pm****
Meanwhile...
****
Tara kept with the group. She had put her second in charge of the Eastern border. Right now, the Alpha's wife was the priority, and with Chapman still MIA, they needed all the support they could get.
Clay didn't think it was wise to bring anyone else to the scene. He didn't feel it was prudent to involve others who were on a need-to-know basis until more details were gathered.
The lake house was to the Northwest of Middlecrest. The Southeastern border hugged, or rather was woven into Svalnaglas territory, while the border to the North of the Monvac and directly East of Middlecrest, was claimed territory. The Captains had been called into it once, with the express purpose of finding Mercy on that mountain-a miserable night for everyone involved. Now Chapman had been called back, and was yet to return... the concern was palpable, but nobody spoke about it or speculated openly.
And as of yet, none of them had changed into their secondary forms. Tara took the flank, and Clay marched ahead, but they kept in close pace. Eleanor was in the center, between Val and Lyra as directed.
Mrs. Chapman was a mother, a hostess, and a caretaker. She was a wallflower, who often preferred to exist quietly among the boisterous groups that her husband so often organized under their roof. She would plate up hors' d'oeuvres, and pass them out, make small chit-chat, and steal away into the kitchen to eat alone in silence. She did not like to be the focus for any extent of time.
Bob was the yin to her yang, outgoing enough for both of them; where she wouldn't talk about her accomplishments, he'd brag on her proudly at every opportunity, with delight in his eyes. He was her voice, and her shelter, and the two together were a powerful force; a display together of strength, and confidence, alongside humility, nurturing and gentleness. They were always together on Full Moons. To see her without her other half, crestfallen and weary, was a hard sight for sure.
While nothing could be made out from her expression, her heart raced, and she would glance towards the radios or pagers on the officer's hips often. In spite of their equipment, all of the Captains walked in near silence.
Forty five minutes had passed before that silence was broken - at a brisk pace, they'd gone roughly five miles, but that distance might have been doubled or tripled on four legs. However, they needed to accommodate the weakest member of the group. Presently, that was not Lyra.
****
Meanwhile...
****
Tara kept with the group. She had put her second in charge of the Eastern border. Right now, the Alpha's wife was the priority, and with Chapman still MIA, they needed all the support they could get.
Clay didn't think it was wise to bring anyone else to the scene. He didn't feel it was prudent to involve others who were on a need-to-know basis until more details were gathered.
The lake house was to the Northwest of Middlecrest. The Southeastern border hugged, or rather was woven into Svalnaglas territory, while the border to the North of the Monvac and directly East of Middlecrest, was claimed territory. The Captains had been called into it once, with the express purpose of finding Mercy on that mountain-a miserable night for everyone involved. Now Chapman had been called back, and was yet to return... the concern was palpable, but nobody spoke about it or speculated openly.
And as of yet, none of them had changed into their secondary forms. Tara took the flank, and Clay marched ahead, but they kept in close pace. Eleanor was in the center, between Val and Lyra as directed.
Mrs. Chapman was a mother, a hostess, and a caretaker. She was a wallflower, who often preferred to exist quietly among the boisterous groups that her husband so often organized under their roof. She would plate up hors' d'oeuvres, and pass them out, make small chit-chat, and steal away into the kitchen to eat alone in silence. She did not like to be the focus for any extent of time.
Bob was the yin to her yang, outgoing enough for both of them; where she wouldn't talk about her accomplishments, he'd brag on her proudly at every opportunity, with delight in his eyes. He was her voice, and her shelter, and the two together were a powerful force; a display together of strength, and confidence, alongside humility, nurturing and gentleness. They were always together on Full Moons. To see her without her other half, crestfallen and weary, was a hard sight for sure.
While nothing could be made out from her expression, her heart raced, and she would glance towards the radios or pagers on the officer's hips often. In spite of their equipment, all of the Captains walked in near silence.
Forty five minutes had passed before that silence was broken - at a brisk pace, they'd gone roughly five miles, but that distance might have been doubled or tripled on four legs. However, they needed to accommodate the weakest member of the group. Presently, that was not Lyra.
Quote from Adriana on November 5, 2024, 8:02 pmClay stopped and turned to assess the group. He gave them a moment to come closer. Tara kept behind Eleanor, but put a steadying hand on her shoulder. Clay cleared his throat, and there was a pensive look in his face as he studied the disposition of each person. Under the shade of the trees, his tawny eyes caught the scarce moonbeams and reflected them as his eyes moved. To break the silence was difficult... but the sooner it was out, the better.
"It's our job to adapt, and to be prepared for things to change on a dime." he said, his voice raising from a whisper to a steady tone, deep and even. It was firm but not loud, and soft but not gentle.
"Still we find ourselves in uncharted territory tonight; the ground we walk on is as fickle as limestone, and as changing as sand." there was a little feathering in the dark flesh of his cheek, but only those who could see better in the dark might have caught it.
"Our goal is to get to the safe house. It's about a two hour drive out from Middlecrest. Forty-five minutes, for the boss with his lead foot.." he trailed off, uncomfortably, and left that unspoken question hanging in the air (then where is he now?).
"The goal is to stay moving and get there by sunrise. I have no idea how far this goes," (also implying - will we find a safe house, or another pile of ashes?), "if anything changes along the way, the priority is first and foremost Mrs. Chapman. I trust we will all do what is necessary to keep her safe."
Now he looked back to Lyra. He remembered vividly how her face looked when Reggie transformed in Rock's. He inclined his head towards her, asking, but didn't voice his thoughts.
Are you good?
Clay stopped and turned to assess the group. He gave them a moment to come closer. Tara kept behind Eleanor, but put a steadying hand on her shoulder. Clay cleared his throat, and there was a pensive look in his face as he studied the disposition of each person. Under the shade of the trees, his tawny eyes caught the scarce moonbeams and reflected them as his eyes moved. To break the silence was difficult... but the sooner it was out, the better.
"It's our job to adapt, and to be prepared for things to change on a dime." he said, his voice raising from a whisper to a steady tone, deep and even. It was firm but not loud, and soft but not gentle.
"Still we find ourselves in uncharted territory tonight; the ground we walk on is as fickle as limestone, and as changing as sand." there was a little feathering in the dark flesh of his cheek, but only those who could see better in the dark might have caught it.
"Our goal is to get to the safe house. It's about a two hour drive out from Middlecrest. Forty-five minutes, for the boss with his lead foot.." he trailed off, uncomfortably, and left that unspoken question hanging in the air (then where is he now?).
"The goal is to stay moving and get there by sunrise. I have no idea how far this goes," (also implying - will we find a safe house, or another pile of ashes?), "if anything changes along the way, the priority is first and foremost Mrs. Chapman. I trust we will all do what is necessary to keep her safe."
Now he looked back to Lyra. He remembered vividly how her face looked when Reggie transformed in Rock's. He inclined his head towards her, asking, but didn't voice his thoughts.
Are you good?
Quote from Kaqurei on November 13, 2024, 5:47 pmIt would never do to behave like a sulky child when she was so stubbornly engaged in the task of proving herself. Yet, the look Lyra gave Clay spoke volumes more than his did.
Why are we walking? Did you really just ask me if I'm okay again, chulo? Sure, I'm tired, but it's Mrs Chapman we need to be worried about. Again, why are we walking? Some bomb scare with the cars? Or do you got something to prove, Mr. Captain Werewolf sir? If you can dish it out, I can take it, bro. I'm not a quitter. Shoulda known that about me by now. You want us to walk twenty miles, I'll give you forty. FORTY, you got that? Sheesh, I'm hungry again. Next person who asks me how I'm doing gets their face bit. I don't need wolf teeth to bite your face, my monkey teeth will do the job just fine.
Not a word of which she'd actually say out loud, and once the initial glance actually met his eye, she tempered her expression down to the more appropriate yes, sir, I'm good look.
And deep, way deep down, somewhere no one would spy in her face or eyes no matter how hard they looked, she ingested the question more honestly. Was she ready to see werewolves again? Was she okay?
She looked first at Mrs. Chapman, wondering what it must be like to be married to a guy who turns all big and hairy and dog-like once a month. Then her eyes wandered to Val.
And then she looked very quickly at her boots.
...Dog-like was not at all a turn-off.
It would never do to behave like a sulky child when she was so stubbornly engaged in the task of proving herself. Yet, the look Lyra gave Clay spoke volumes more than his did.
Why are we walking? Did you really just ask me if I'm okay again, chulo? Sure, I'm tired, but it's Mrs Chapman we need to be worried about. Again, why are we walking? Some bomb scare with the cars? Or do you got something to prove, Mr. Captain Werewolf sir? If you can dish it out, I can take it, bro. I'm not a quitter. Shoulda known that about me by now. You want us to walk twenty miles, I'll give you forty. FORTY, you got that? Sheesh, I'm hungry again. Next person who asks me how I'm doing gets their face bit. I don't need wolf teeth to bite your face, my monkey teeth will do the job just fine.
Not a word of which she'd actually say out loud, and once the initial glance actually met his eye, she tempered her expression down to the more appropriate yes, sir, I'm good look.
And deep, way deep down, somewhere no one would spy in her face or eyes no matter how hard they looked, she ingested the question more honestly. Was she ready to see werewolves again? Was she okay?
She looked first at Mrs. Chapman, wondering what it must be like to be married to a guy who turns all big and hairy and dog-like once a month. Then her eyes wandered to Val.
And then she looked very quickly at her boots.
...Dog-like was not at all a turn-off.
Quote from Indy on November 14, 2024, 10:04 amWhen the road before you is dark, focus on it one step at a time...
Even with inhuman eyes, I couldn't see where it would take us. Would the arsonist return? Was Chapman compromised? Within each of those questions was a universe of further questions. I didn't dare probe them further. We could only proceed blindly.
And still was Tara's voice saying I needed to let go of all of that. So I took it one step - the smell of the earth, two steps - the rhythm of breath around me, three step - the rustle of distant wildlife, startled by our arrival. I could have walked a hundred miles the same as I did one. It was how I'd taken the first few changes. And how, evidently, I was taking the first full moon on the force.
As Clay had us stop, I nodded and observed. He didn't want to cause panic, yet nor did he speak of what he didn't know. Although limited still in our interactions, I could take a few educated guesses why Chapman thought him a suitable replacement.
There was, of course, what went unspoken. And in that final unspoken word to Lyra, I realized how few moments remained. By the feeling of the moon tugging at my bones, we were out of time regardless of her answer. Now my steps were forgotten as an entirely new fear crawled over my neck in a heat.
There. That was it. Lyra's gaze flashed upward to mine and then away again. Even she knew this was about to be all kinds of awkward. Even if she wasn't afraid, she certainly wasn't going to see me the same way again. Suddenly, childhood nightmares of giving a classroom speech in my underwear surfaced. It was surely the same idea. Except this time, it wasn't a dream.
When the road before you is dark, focus on it one step at a time...
Even with inhuman eyes, I couldn't see where it would take us. Would the arsonist return? Was Chapman compromised? Within each of those questions was a universe of further questions. I didn't dare probe them further. We could only proceed blindly.
And still was Tara's voice saying I needed to let go of all of that. So I took it one step - the smell of the earth, two steps - the rhythm of breath around me, three step - the rustle of distant wildlife, startled by our arrival. I could have walked a hundred miles the same as I did one. It was how I'd taken the first few changes. And how, evidently, I was taking the first full moon on the force.
As Clay had us stop, I nodded and observed. He didn't want to cause panic, yet nor did he speak of what he didn't know. Although limited still in our interactions, I could take a few educated guesses why Chapman thought him a suitable replacement.
There was, of course, what went unspoken. And in that final unspoken word to Lyra, I realized how few moments remained. By the feeling of the moon tugging at my bones, we were out of time regardless of her answer. Now my steps were forgotten as an entirely new fear crawled over my neck in a heat.
There. That was it. Lyra's gaze flashed upward to mine and then away again. Even she knew this was about to be all kinds of awkward. Even if she wasn't afraid, she certainly wasn't going to see me the same way again. Suddenly, childhood nightmares of giving a classroom speech in my underwear surfaced. It was surely the same idea. Except this time, it wasn't a dream.
Quote from Adriana on November 15, 2024, 4:58 pmClay's eyes lingered a little longer after he received his confirmation. He may have missed the internal battle Lyra was having about seeing werewolves again, but he certainly didn't miss the lightning quick glance from Val and away down to her shoes. Then he glanced to Val to see how it was received. Finally, he looked to Tara, and in a second the two Captains held their own quiet conversation with their eyes.
Val did not yet trust them, this Clay knew. As was expected; he had not yet pledged himself to the pack under the traditional methods. Chapman's initiation was the closest thing he had to a proper introduction, but until one had the opportunity to run, hunt and howl with the pack, he was still new, and that would lend itself to necessary caution. They all believed his confidence would come, with time and experience.
Tonight would have been ideally used for the furthering of that purpose, but now they were all suspended in uncertainty. The shame he felt was human, and it seemed the way for many first generation werewolves to favor one form or the other. Chapman himself did not favor those who leaned into their primitive sides, and thus exposed their lesser desires, for he had too often seen the consequence of such a decision - Val being among them.
Lyra had worked alongside the pack far longer, and although she had never been exposed to their other forms, she was just as much a member as anyone else. Her confidence was not unfounded; in terms of rank, she was above Val, both as a member of the force and an honorary member of the pack. She and Kimberly were both well on their way to success, yet the fates would have that Kimberly's efforts be rewarded in the next life.
Clay's eyes lingered a little longer after he received his confirmation. He may have missed the internal battle Lyra was having about seeing werewolves again, but he certainly didn't miss the lightning quick glance from Val and away down to her shoes. Then he glanced to Val to see how it was received. Finally, he looked to Tara, and in a second the two Captains held their own quiet conversation with their eyes.
Val did not yet trust them, this Clay knew. As was expected; he had not yet pledged himself to the pack under the traditional methods. Chapman's initiation was the closest thing he had to a proper introduction, but until one had the opportunity to run, hunt and howl with the pack, he was still new, and that would lend itself to necessary caution. They all believed his confidence would come, with time and experience.
Tonight would have been ideally used for the furthering of that purpose, but now they were all suspended in uncertainty. The shame he felt was human, and it seemed the way for many first generation werewolves to favor one form or the other. Chapman himself did not favor those who leaned into their primitive sides, and thus exposed their lesser desires, for he had too often seen the consequence of such a decision - Val being among them.
Lyra had worked alongside the pack far longer, and although she had never been exposed to their other forms, she was just as much a member as anyone else. Her confidence was not unfounded; in terms of rank, she was above Val, both as a member of the force and an honorary member of the pack. She and Kimberly were both well on their way to success, yet the fates would have that Kimberly's efforts be rewarded in the next life.
Quote from Adriana on November 15, 2024, 5:04 pmStill was it ever pertinent that trust be tested and built earlier on. Val's actions need not be dictated by paranoia and phobias brought on by past offenses against him or his allies. It was crucial for him to trust those who would die for him, and that he did not die for those he did not trust in, although duty may drive him to regardless.
"Lyra, you'll be at the head with me. Tara, you're on the flank, and Val-stay beside Eleanor. She is your priority first if anything goes awry. We go a little further before the change."
In other company, Clay need not voice the commands, but everyone would fall into place naturally.. but for Lyra's sake, he did. He waited for her to come to his side and would thus begin walking.
Still was it ever pertinent that trust be tested and built earlier on. Val's actions need not be dictated by paranoia and phobias brought on by past offenses against him or his allies. It was crucial for him to trust those who would die for him, and that he did not die for those he did not trust in, although duty may drive him to regardless.
"Lyra, you'll be at the head with me. Tara, you're on the flank, and Val-stay beside Eleanor. She is your priority first if anything goes awry. We go a little further before the change."
In other company, Clay need not voice the commands, but everyone would fall into place naturally.. but for Lyra's sake, he did. He waited for her to come to his side and would thus begin walking.
