Nobleman/Leatherworker
Heteroflexible.
Single.
Werebeast
Authored by The X-Ray Dog.
Offline.
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Post by Carjen Brando on Sept 6, 2017 2:46:56 GMT
Carjen nodded pointedly, admiring her ears for a moment but uninterested in staring. He hadn’t met many elves in his time, he’d spent most of his life on the sea, where elves just didn’t seem to really go or stay, they seemed to always have a heart for the forest. He could respect that about them, never judged them for it, but it made him curious, inquisitive about them, about what they kept in their libraries and what they studied in their bed chambers. “I see.”
He trailed off and said nothing more of the subject matter, seized by something. His posture stiffened, his back straightened and his tail flicked irritably but he said nothing on the matter, only closed his eyes against something, some dark insidious thing, before after a long pause opening them again, calmed again. He noticed her somewhat hesitant tone and looked upon the rabbit shifter again, patient and cool, like a teacher might be with a confused pupil. Perhaps he was speaking too seriously, assuming too much of the world the girl had seen, perhaps she’d had it easier than he’d given her credit for but he found that hard to believe. He saw more in his first few minutes of being a slave than he’d ever want to see again, families torn asunder, animals slaughtered, people slaughtered in the same fashion. It was a cold and cruel existence, there was no way this girl had no idea the pain and torment she had just barely escaped. He motioned to her, nodding his head.
“Well, that’s what I mean. You don’t think every girl in Oedir has nothing but the wood of a cabinet door separating them from a fate worse than death, do you?” He turned away again, looking at something far beyond the wall of the cabin. “That’s what I’m talking about. Those moments you’ll never forget, they make you something, someone… powerful, unlock an inner strength that changes you. It’s a good thing.”
He assured her quietly with some finality. He understood her position, she was hesitant to admit that the place she was, a place so fortunate, could have any ups and downs but every place had it’s low points, every mountain had its valleys and it was important to recognize them, so that you could avoid them in the future. Learning from your mistakes, some people might have worded it that way but that seemed too narrow to Carjen. It was a kind of looking out for yourself, something this poor girl seemed to be terrible at so he didn’t really expect her to understand, to see things from his much broader perspective. Maybe one day she’d find the key to that locked box in her chest and would free the power within her, within everyone, but today would probably not be that day. It took more than a simple conversation with a panther to do such a thing.
He smiled and closed his eyes at the thought of being considered a king. He really hadn’t given it much thought but he supposed he would be king of such a kingdom if he started it. He didn’t really want to be, he wanted to be in control, to have some say, but being a king seemed hard, he’d have be… ugh… social. He wasn’t really into that. But he’d do what he’d must to ensure a future for his people and if being a king was what was required of him, he’d do it without being asked. He shrugged broadly, tilting his head thoughtfully. “I guess I would. That wasn’t really the point though.”
He turned to look at her pointedly. “People like us.” He insisted, leaning toward her slightly in sincerity. “You’re welcome to it. If you ever find yourself in danger again, you can come to us. And if you ever need a place to stay warm or food in your belly, my doors will always be open to you. Hybrids, mutt bloods, whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t matter. You’re as much a werebeast as I am. Our home is your home.”
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Bookworm
Hetero.
Single.
Hybrid
Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Larkin Silvaris on Sept 6, 2017 5:18:26 GMT
'I cannot face this alone I can’t get by on my own
There was a moment after she showed him her ears, told her what she was that Carjen...changed. It had been a momentary thing but it was hard to miss to obvious wave of tension that rolled over him. And just as quickly as it had happened it was over. Loud the shadow had passed over and he was now alright again. She hesitated but then ask her worrisome question. Hoping it didn't bother him. "Did...do you dislike elves?" Larkin didn't understand the racial tensions between the races. All of it made no sense to her. What was the point of it? Just to boast that they were better or different?
Larkin looked down at the wooden floor and distractedly scratched at an indention in the wood. She didn't understand his goal in speaking to her about her strife, her life up to being kidnapped had been very comfortable and easy. Her hybridism had been hidden and a fiercely guarded secret. Her brother said it was safer that way. They had a very nice estate, she had all the books she could ever ask for. It was only since her arrival here that she had even felt the pangs of hunger gnawing at her and Felix had remedied that problem as soon as he became aware. "I don't think every girl deals with anything...we all have our own burdens." She chewed on her lip when he explained that it was struggling that made one grow strong. It explained a lot really. Larkin had never really struggled, maybe that was why she was so weak.
"Oh." She said softly, her blue eyes briefly moving up to the large feline before a shiver racked her frame and made her wrap her arms tightly around herself. Snuggling into the small cocoon of warmth she created. "I'm sorry I don't understand it very well. Maybe one day I will, when I get stronger." He leaned in when he explained that it was a them, but an us. Larkin stared up at him unafraid but curious. She was surprised that weres would be so welcoming to her. She had been forced to hide what she was her entire life out of fear of how the elves, her people. Would treat her. To have someone she didn't even know beyond a name welcome her with open arms was...Well...she wasn't sure what it was. But it made her feel all warm inside and a large smile blossomed on her face.
"Carjen thats...much more than I could hope for. I will remember it if I am of need." She scooted forward then and in a move that was likely not what the massive grumpy cat would want she wrapped her slender arms around his furry neck and leaned into a hug. If he didn't pull away that was. "You are very kind and I think you would make a good king....even if it is not the point." She spoke with her cheek still against his furry neck. She already knew he was very soft, but she hadn't realized just how warm the feline was. She wriggled closer with a contented sigh but reluctantly released her hold on him if he hadn't already broken it. Sitting back down but this time leaning against him, an odd move that might make the stranger uncomfortable unbeknownst her her. The whole boundaries thing wasn't something she had a strong grasp on.
"Do you have other rabbits?" How fun it would be to see someone so much like herself. While she spoke she would let her fingers slide slowly over his shoulder and down the line of his massive back. Enjoying the warmth and softness of his fur. It was just so luxurious she could just curl up on him and fall asleep...if he wasn't a living beast...and if it wouldn't be incredibly uncomfortable for him. "Or are they all predators?"
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Nobleman/Leatherworker
Heteroflexible.
Single.
Werebeast
Authored by The X-Ray Dog.
Offline.
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Post by Carjen Brando on Sept 8, 2017 21:03:48 GMT
A perk to his ears was the only surprise that Carjen really showed but somewhere in his mind he was alarmed that the girl thought he didn’t like elves. Sure, he didn’t like them, he didn’t really like anyone if he was honest, he was a cold and distant man. But he held no qualms with them and honestly was hoping that maybe, far in the future when the numbers in his clan were a little more impressive, he could talk to the elves and get them to ally with him and his cause. They were intellectuals, a smart and industrious people, respectable, he definitely did not dislike them. Turning to her, he shook his head tersely.
“No.” He started and then paused thoughtfully. “I mean I haven’t met many despite having plenty of time and means to do so, so I have little to go on. But I assume they are clever, intelligent folk and I can get behind that kind of thing.”
He laughed a little, though it didn’t show on his face, just a sound, a gentle chuckle shared between their minds.
“You just… remind me of someone.”
He trailed off thoughtfully, though it was difficult to tell if they were fond thoughts or malicious ones, his mask was up again and his eyes were trained on the faraway point. But he seemed to move on from it rather quickly, moving suddenly into a laying down position with his big floppy paws tucked neatly under his broad muscular chest. His tail uncurled from its place around his legs to whack against the wall they were sitting beside. It paused there, bounced thoughtfully and then moved back to its place near his feet, clearly idle, comfortable. His guards were down, even though he still maintained an air of cold nobility, it seemed to just come naturally to him that even at his warmest he was the stone face of a mountain. He gave Larkin a look, a mere glance to the side and nodded, satisfied with their conversation.
“I suspect that you will. The more you see the more obvious it becomes, I think. I suspect that your average girl will go through life never realizing how strong a woman she could be.”
He wanted to say more, to somehow tie it to the rabbit shifter so that she would realize, so that he would insist, that she had that strength within her, the power to break chains and sail ships and do whatever she wanted. Especially as a werebeast, she could do so much and he wanted her to know it. But he was so inexperienced at being supportive, so naïve when it came to life lessons and offering advice so as a result he fell sort of short, the words dying on his tongue as the subject went back to his kingdom and his clan. Well at least he’d gotten that point across. He didn’t mind the hug, he was unprepared for it so he didn’t flinch or shift away like his mind told him too, instead he was unguarded and soft and just looked upon her with some confusion that drifted away into his usual mask of cold indifference. It’s not like she could hurt him so he wasn’t bothered by it. It was just a little foolish, she was a werebeast like him of course she’d be welcomed into the kingdom, pointed ears be damned.
He laughed lightly again when she called him kind and this time it reflected in his eyes a little. She was probably the first person in three hundred years to ever call him that. He let his gaze drift to the wood slats of the floor, trying to remember if there ever was a time when someone had been so sweet to him, without the motivation of gold or a night in bed anyway. Three hundred years was a long time, surely someone in that time hadn’t hated him, at least thirty four people thought he was good enough to be their lord. Maybe he was a little kind, maybe… He turned back to her, his nose sniffing the top of her head sort of thoughtlessly. He made a noise, a sort of rough exhale that stuttered like a wagon wheel on a cobbled street. It was called a chuff, it was a noise of affection between cats. Not that Larkin would know that.
“I’m honored that you think so.” He said, speaking the truth. He was more interested in being a good man than a great king, and even then he wasn’t that interested in being a good man. He just wanted a warm and happy place for his people, so they always knew where they belonged and always had somewhere to turn when they were in trouble. Too many times he had panicked and nearly died in times of strive with no one at his back. No other werebeast should live in such torment, no way. He looked away again, up this time as the rain seemed to soften and the thunder grew ever more distant.
“No, but we do have a horse and I believe Isen is an… elk? I always say deer and she always gets mad at me for it.” He shook his head fondly. “Not all predators. There are a lot of wolves and some big cats but if anyone gave you trouble, I’d give them the appropriate amount of hell. All werebeasts are welcome and they will abide by that rule.”
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Bookworm
Hetero.
Single.
Hybrid
Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Larkin Silvaris on Sept 10, 2017 18:15:33 GMT
'I cannot face this alone I can’t get by on my own
Larkin nodded at his words but felt the need to say more. "I wasn't worried about being harmed....the predators I have met have been very kind. Both you and Felix." All two of them. Her experience was very miniscule indeed. She sound and feel of his breath on her hair tickled and send tingles down her scalp. She didn't pull away although she did laugh softly and try to will the blush away from her cheeks. It must be a feline thing, Felix had never made such a sound. It wasn't unpleasant though and his warm breath on her skin was nice. "The two of you are the only werebeasts I've known. Elves tend to..cling to what we know. Not many wander to Aelfmenn." It was sad really. There was so much they could learn from the other races if they were only more welcoming of their knowledge.
Larkin had wriggled around until she was leaning back against the passive cat. Absorbing his warmth and letting her fingers glide over his soft fur. "It sounds like the storm is nearly over." She was thankful for that. The cracks of thunder that shook her cabin scared her a little although not as badly when someone else was around. But Carjen had said he was hungry and she imagined he would continue his hunt now, or at least move toward his home. "I am glad you waited out the storm here. The thunder gets to me...just a little." She offered him smile and reluctantly broke contact, scooting away just a little so that if he tried to stand she wouldn't be in his way.
"Maybe one day I will get to see your clan." A smile and tilt of her head. "If you still remember me come that time. I'm pretty easily forgotten. I don't think I make a strong impression."
(So sorry that this is short and crappy, trying to get back into the swing of things lol)
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Nobleman/Leatherworker
Heteroflexible.
Single.
Werebeast
Authored by The X-Ray Dog.
Offline.
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Post by Carjen Brando on Sept 16, 2017 2:49:37 GMT
“I suspected such.” Carjen started with another short shake of his head. Though he wanted to call the girl out on her naivety, to warn her to not be so foolish with all predators that wandered her way, he also did not want to ruin the moment with his condescending negativity, so he paused, took a moment to really sort out his words, and even then he’d later feel like he still came off a bit harshly. “Anyone who hugs a strange panther must not have much experience with werecreatures. You should be a little more careful, not all of us are so kind, especially to hybrids.”
He paused thoughtfully, remembering all of the times that he too had been swept up in the hybrid conspiracy, back when he was young and foolish and didn’t understand the value of people, of life and living it. Back before he knew what it meant to have a heartbeat and a brain and a will to live, he was stupid, impressionable, scared of everything that he didn’t understand. He’d been cruel to hybrids in his time. Maybe this time with Larkin made up for that somewhat, for the times he crossed the street to avoid passing someone or the time he didn’t stop to help when a hybrid was knocked to the ground and her groceries went scattering across the cobblestone. There was a lot in his life that he regretted doing but judging others so harshly for something they could not help was at the very top of the list. Never again would he be so caught up in something as fleeting and ridiculous as first impressions like that, rumors and hushed tones, bah. It was all nonsense, they were all people and they deserved to be saved, they all did. If he did, then they all did.
Sighing with some finality, the jaguar turned to look at his companion for the afternoon, watching her move away with a sort of quiet understanding before slowly, almost reluctantly, getting to his feet. Though he wanted to, he didn’t shake out his coat. Instead, he left her finger trails and the areas she had ruffled in their disheveled state as a momentary memento. He was all too aware that once he walked out of this hut he would probably never see this girl again. Perhaps they’d pass by each other someday in one of the elven cities, he planned to make some trips over there, maybe if they were lucky they could pick each other out of a crowd. But the negativity that ruled his mind kept him from getting his hopes up. She seemed to be having the same train of thought as she piped up about seeing his clan. He smiled at her, a slight upturn to his eyes that melted the ice in them a little bit.
“I sincerely hope that you do. It’d be a shame if this was our one and only chance to meet.” He paused, taking a few steps away. “My castle is in Mir, west of the kingdom, north of the ruins, on a hill by the lake. I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Reaching the door, he paused and turned back to her.
“Do come see us if you ever need anything. I can make you some armor... and a new door perhaps.” He sighed, eyeing the small dent he had made in the corner of the wood.
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Bookworm
Hetero.
Single.
Hybrid
Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Larkin Silvaris on Sept 18, 2017 2:02:23 GMT
“Anyone who hugs a strange panther must not have much experience with werecreatures. You should be a little more careful, not all of us are so kind, especially to hybrids.” Larkin looked down at the floor in silence at his words of warning, the slightest of nods the only indication she had heard him. She was aware that hybrids were not often welcome even among the races they were made of. The elves...her brother was always telling her to keep what she was a secret. She understood it, he could hardly keep her safe if others knew what she was. That nothing they would do to her would face punishment. Even so, hiding who/what she was...it was hard.
"It would." She agreed with him. She certainly hoped this wasn't their only encounter. He seemed very interesting and kind even if gruff. She listed to his directions and closed her eyes. Repeating his words in her mind several times until she was certain she could remember them. Larkin smiled and nodded in response to armor. She had no idea what she would need something like that for but the idea of having her very own suit of armor was exciting. Maybe eventually she could even learn how to wield a sword or something, like one of those brave heroines from her novels. She stood and followed him to the door, letting her fingers slip over the small groove in the wood his head had created.
"I won't be here much longer." She said thoughtfully. "But...if I ever do make it to your home my own armor sounds great. I'll surely be the only armored rabbit around." She laughed softly at her own joke and in a move that was likely still too familiar she reached to hug the massive cat's skull again. Burying her face in the plush fur just below his ear she placed a soft little kiss against his warm skin.
"Be careful going home...trees might fall or anything after all of that." She frowned at the thought of him being hurt on his way home. But he seemed very capable, surely he would be alright. "I'm glad I got to meet you Carjen, even if I was almost your dinner." She smiled then, and stepped back to free him from her grasp. Her blue eyes looking worriedly outside into the damp darkness.
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Nobleman/Leatherworker
Heteroflexible.
Single.
Werebeast
Authored by The X-Ray Dog.
Offline.
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Post by Carjen Brando on Sept 21, 2017 22:10:58 GMT
It was weird, hearing her say his name, he was so used to being “m’lord” to everyone, it was informal and comforting, a gentle exchange between friends rather than the stiff upper lip of business. He didn’t have many friends, the moment made him realize, he was kind of hard to get along with, it was difficult to get by his mental walls that blocked out most contact. Even this sweet girl had had her work cut out for her. But she seemed to have done it, as she wrapped her arms around his neck again, he allowed it, rolled with it, rubbing his cheek against hers in that classic feline way. He chuffed again softly, the sound tumbling out of him like stones down a mountain, but it was fond, a sign of affection among big cats. Perhaps one day he’d explain that to her, but for the moment, he let the sound fall between them. Maybe she’d figure it out on her own, she seemed to like books, perhaps she had one about big cats.
Finally, he pulled away from her, looking up at her slender figure where she stood above him. He was a big cat, larger than any normal jaguar, even bigger than a lion, but she still stood taller than him and he had to look up at her softly, his expression blank but warm. It didn’t really give away the slight sadness he was feeling about leaving her here, alone. He tried to convince himself that it wasn’t his problem, that she had the man named Felix to look after her and that whether or not she was alright was not his responsibility but theirs. But he just couldn’t help but worry for the little rabbit. She was foolish and inexperienced, she didn’t even have a weapon or armor. He wanted to cart her away home immediately and fashion her all of the beautiful things he could make with his blacksmith- armor, a sword, a dagger in case the sword was knocked away, just everything. She was so kind and intelligent, she deserved it. But instead of saying, instead begging her to come with him, he only blinked slowly and turned away. He padded down the steps and paused briefly in the yard. The grass was soaked through to the mud and his paws squished and squelched in the dampness. It had gotten dark in their time in the cottage and he peered upward at the darkened sky, searching for stars, but they were still hidden behind a layer of dark clouds.
He shook his head fondly and peered back at her. “I’ll be fine. You take care of yourself Larkin. I hope we see each other again.”
He let his pause linger, a black ghost in the shadowed yard in front of the cabin, green eyes stark against the darkness. But then he blinked, turned and was gone, melting away into the night. Where he went was a mystery to everyone except for himself, he should’ve hunted, should’ve went home. But some clues would be left come morning, should Larkin venture out once the sun was out and the day was new. A small basket would be left on her doorstep full of roots and mushrooms and things of that nature, all earthy edible things plucked from the forest by some unseen hands. When he had left it exactly was unclear but Carjen was nothing if not mysterious in his ways.
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