[ P ] happy accident

The ex-captain felt more at ease with Merrin at his side. If anything went awry he was certain they could tackle it together. They did, after all, make a good team. He felt a smile spread across his features when Merrin echoed his sentiments about having her back. There was no one else he’d rather have guarding his back than his mate. Her eagerness to explore was apparent when she took the lead and investigated the perimeter. Argent stood watch, guarding her back as he’d promised and making sure no one was watching them. A quick sniff once again assured him there was no wolf scent marking the boundary. Coming, he called after her when she summoned him, large paws bounding after her. He poked his head inside the cabin, squinting at the interior. Dust particles danced in the shafts of light cast through grime streaked windows. One of them was broken and a branch poked through the hole, leaves waving in the wind.

He jolted with fright when his weight shifted the floorboards and caused one of them to squeak. Pressing down again reproduced the same sound and he let out a gruff sigh, shaking his head. It smelled like the forest inside of the cabin. Leaves had blown inside creating a natural carpet of forest on the wood panelled floor. There was an old pallet on the ground covered with mouldy hay which he assumed was once some kind of nest. He could see another entrance suggesting there was another room, but for now his focus remained on the main room.

A table made out of an old stump was placed in the centre of the room and he saw that there were bowls carved out of wood. He’d only seen the chipped clay bowls that they served food on at the Drunken Seagull and in the castle. Huh, he murmured, grey eyes wide with amazement. I’ve never seen anything like this, Argent finally said, looking back at Merrin in wonder.

Art by Ashon

Her confidence began to wane as she entered the space. It was large enough, yet eerie quality that came with an abandoned space make the hair along her spine prickle and stand on end. She lowered her head peering about about with delicate steps, her heart beginning to race wit a rush of adrenaline that came with the fear and uncertainty.

The enclosed space was suddenly feeling smaller to her and although it was Luciel who was behind her, ensuring her safety, the shadow figure from her dark memories looked over her shoulder. She attempted to reign in the panic, but a loud creaking and a jump of movement from behind her enticed a small yelp. Merrin leapt aside, stumbling over one of the bowls and hitting one of the adjacent walls. An accumulation of dust and dirt rained down on her and she pinned herself to the floor covering her face with her paws.

Once the worst was over she peered out from beneath her paws and started to sit up, but not before succumbing to a couple consecutive sneezes. Merrin shook her head and tried to refocus on wherever Luciel was, casting an apologetic glance his way. "Oof, I'm so clumsy..."

@Argent

table by Yahtzee-Penguiduck [da], click for attributions

Alarm shot through his core when Merrin yelped and he whirled around, ready to defend his mate. In her panic she stumbled over a bowl and crashed into a wall. Merrin? he called out, obviously afraid for her. He couldn't see any immediate danger so he decided it was safe to tend to her. She was a bit dusty, but seemed okay otherwise. Tentatively he nudged her cheek with his nose, worry clear in his silver gaze. Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? he asked, looking her over for any signs of injury. He didn't blame her for feeling frightened. The abandoned cabin was more than a little unsettling in its neglected state.

She seemed apologetic about her stumble, but he shook his head. It's okay. I got scared too, he admitted, not too proud to let his mate know that even he was spooked. He laid down so that his side was pressed against hers, hoping she might find comfort in his presence. We can go back outside if you want, he suggested, wanting her to feel safe again. Merrin was more important to him than exploring the cabin. He would happily leave it an unexplored mystery if she wanted to go back.

Art by Ashon

Luciel was quickly there at her side and she quickly got to her feet. Still a bit shaken, she wasn't quite sure whether she was hurt or not and took a couple steps back to look herself over. "Ehm no...no. Only my pride, I suppose." She chuckled feebly, leaning against him and hiding her face in the silvered locks of his mane about his neck.

She withdrew and then rested her cheek in the same spot as he claimed he too had a fright. Listening to the rapid beating of his heart, Merrin remained close if not for her own comfort than also for his. She slowly peeled her face away reluctantly, turning her head to look about the cabin again.

There were no dark figures to be seen, there was only herself and her lovely mate. She then looked up into his eyes and gave a small sme. "I'm alright. Thank you though, Luciel."

@Argent

table by Yahtzee-Penguiduck [da], click for attributions

Once assured that Merrin was unharmed, Argent allowed himself to relax again. There was nothing dangerous within the cabin, only their own imaginations. Jumping at shadows and creaking floorboards. He nuzzled into her cheek as she snuggled into his neck. It was nice just being close with her like they were. Where once such closeness would have flustered him with Merrin it felt natural. If you’re sure, he replied when she assured him that she was okay to continue their little adventure. You can stay close to me if it helps, he offered, expression soft as he faced her.

Taking another glance around the cabin he tried to picture it looking a little less dilapidated. He tried to imagine it as a home rather than the shell of one. Do you think? he began and then shook his head. Again the thought surfaced and he couldn’t shake it. If it was a bit tidier… could it be a home? he asked, wanting her thoughts on the place. Or is it too creepy? Argent followed up his question, watching her for signs of disapproval. They had spoken of him moving to the mainlands and he hadn’t found a home yet. This was close enough to the barracks that he could be neighbours with Merrin and that was an exciting enough idea to make him look past the creepiness of its dark corners and creaky flooring, but if Merrin didn't like it he couldn't stay here.

Art by Ashon

She considered him once more, reevaluating how she was feeling in the moment. When she'd entered this structure, taking the lead ahead, that was when she'd suddenly experienced a piercing of the veil she constantly held up against the demons of her past. But now that she found herself pressed against his frame, breathing in the faintest musk of berries weaved into his fur, she was reminded of memories that only brought her joy. Luciel nuzzled into her cheek, another reminder that she was safe so long as he was with her.

Finally, Merrin nodded and nestled her head beneath his chin as he offered his closeness. "I'm sure...seeing as I likely will not stray from you again." She chuckled sheepishly with her feeble joke, trying to make light of what had just happened.

When they began to move through the shelter again, she remained in step with her mate, glancing around warily with each little sound. Merrin turned her face towards him as he spoke, clearly pondering on something before he'd dismissed it with a snake of his head. "Do I think...what?" She curiously tilted her head. Her eyebrows rose, making lilac orbs widen slightly when she looked about the interior again.

Merrin was silent as her gaze drifted around trying to see past what was there and allowing her imagination to create something new. She saw warm sunlight spilling into the space, with floors cleared, piles of furs from hunts laid out to comfortably rest on, perhaps even some fresh flowers here and there to bring about a lighter mood...

"Yes." She murmured almost automatically, pulling herself from her vision to refocus on him. "I mean, yes. I could see it being a home. Is this...where you would want to come live, Luciel?" Merrin asked, a small smile starting to tug at the corners of her mouth. Had they stumbled upon the next chapter of another adventure?



@Argent

table by Yahtzee-Penguiduck [da], click for attributions

Loch Ness

The water was supposed to have all dried up and yet... there in the distance... is this massive figure. It towers above you and casts a long shadow. Do you try to get close?


To interact with the Loch Ness monster, please post in #updates