[ P ] I'm on my way

Trick or Treat

Luca traveled around a familiar place. Not quite home, but close enough that he felt the comfort of it. Always at a good reach, he'd let himself tease the idea of coming closer, of checking in when he knew his mothers expected him too. But always as he got a little closer, he'd dash away the other direction and decide to check in at another time. Too busy or too nervous to say hello, no one would know for sure. However, this time was different. He needed to visit- at least pop in really quickly and let them know he was around. They deserved to know that much, at least.

But what would he say? The last few times had ended with him acknowledging their ire with him, and then he'd follow the same pattern. They did not search for him, which only made the habit fester more. As time grew, so did their reaction to seeing him.

His thoughts did tumble through some different sets of dialogue, imagining a welcoming return to the chastising. In every scenario he put himself on a higher pedestal than he deserved. Eventually his mind quieted and he simply strolled through the forest, distracting himself on the view. He was just passing the lake when he noted something off about his surroundings. A faint scent was scattered in the air, his nose rose to catch whether it was familiar or not.

"We are all young and naive still."

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Life was changing far too quickly and without her permission.

She had wanted to marry Monarch slowly, to take the time to plan it all well. Her sisters and mothers at the Abbey—a small group of spiritual wolves that worshipped the fae—would have taken the time to consult the stars and moon in search of the most auspicious date. Then, they would collect the necessary flowers and fruits, prepare the oils in which they would annoint both her and Monarch, and they would be married. Not quickly, not with fanfare or wealth, but with intimacy and love as the tethers to their union.

In an ideal world, that would have been the case. But instead, she had come home to find soldiers waiting there. Soldiers that were informing her that she was expected to begin her medical training in three days' time so as to be of service to her king and country. Monarch, due to his Vanadium wealth, was welcome to volunteer but would not be conscripted.

...

Ara looked at her reflection in the lake and smiled weakly before trying to smudge out some streaks that the tears had left. There's no use crying, right? Perhaps her skin was too sensitive to the summer sun and she'd be left burned while tending to soldiers on the battlefield. And maybe she'd lose the opportunity to try and apply to be a professor of mythology at the College—at least she had finished her graduate studies! And there was still time, she could always marry Mon later... right...?

Biting gently into her cheek, Ara forced herself to suck in a deep, calming breath. When she looked up, she realized that another had appeared. He looked about her age, his eyes bright and ruby-red. His fur was bathed in tawny colors, almost reminding her of one of the herbology professors. "Hi there," Ara called, smiling from her shady patch by the water's edge. "Lost? Looking for something?"

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Trick or Treat

His eyes weren't as sharp as his nose was. As soon as he began searching for that scent, a voice called nearby. His head spun around to meet it, knowing it didn't sound familiar enough to warrant concern. For a moment, however, his heart fluttered at the possibility. Another unexpected visit was not what he craved for, currently.

His red eyes found a peculiar coloration of pink and blue, a fur palette of white which suggested her appearance was more the condition of something. Albinism was a rare gift, or curse, depending on who was judging. She was also very petite, and her tone welcoming. "Hi there," she greeted, "Lost? Looking for something?" Her question seemed genuine and so he approached. Whatever apprehensiveness had momentarily stuck him in place was gone as soon as he failed to identify the individual. They didn't know each other, and that was enough. He was always happy to meet new faces.

"No," he noted for her but didn't dive further into detail. He didn't want to give too much away, knowing how far gossip could go. While he didn't know the wolf in front of him, he didn't like risking the message of him avoiding getting out. Something about her seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. "But, I can pretend to be lost if you need something to do." A dangerous smile danced upon his lips, though he meant no harm by it. He could easily play the role, though he doubted a stranger would be so quick to improv with him. He sat easily, knowing there wasn't much harm either could cause, and opted that a conversation here was far better than being alone to his thoughts.

code by claerie

After a moment of pause, the stranger came closer. He was not lost evidently, and Ara bobbed her head in understanding. She wouldn't force him to accept her help, especially when he didn't need it. Also, if she was being honest, she could hardly help herself. There wasn't much more that she could do other than point him this way or that.

"But, I can pretend to be lost if you need something to do."
"...what?"

Her pale features furrowed as he offered a devil-may-care smile before easing onto his haunches. It took her a second to realize that he was, perhaps, flirting with her—and so boldly at that.

"No, I don't need that," Ara answered, flicking her paw in a light shooing motion.

No matter her concerns over the draft, she loved Monarch. It wasn't her desire to dally about with a stranger that had the courage to boldly reveal himself as a dandy rogue.

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