300+
getting a faster reply than I'm up for after SoSu, because I SHOW YOU HOW WE DO EET HERE. /spazzes


Why was winter such a groggy, disgusting season? Geography be damned, Strelein wanted it to be sunny with palm trees and warm sand. Not that the redhead knew much about the tropics and what went on there, but he sure loved the stories of them; he just did not want to wake up to see wet snow falling thickly outside his window and coating the sill with the stuff. Cold rooms were not inviting and Strel would never let friends visit in such a season since he lacked a fireplace in both of his rooms at the Hotel. The bedroom was a small one and the former dining room did not need a fireplace even in its heyday. At least a roaring blaze could be started in the lounge. That was something, was it not?


Yet whenever it happened to snow even a bit, Strel left home and wandered, unable to sit still for long. It reminded him of Michigan and he did not want to brood his anger towards them. Had he remained in his room, beautiful as it was, he would have ended up hurting himself after punching the floor so much from frustration. The second floor would echo from the loud bombast he would give over the indignation he had suffered..The Marquis was very glad to be where he was, but this all would not have happened had his old home been so unjust and unfair to a progressive mind. Naturally, his walks would be long when he did not have sewing work to do. So by the end of his trek, he ended up somewhere beyond the stables and much further south than he thought he would've gone. No wonder he almost walked into a horse. Only he could have, really.


Startled, the redhead yelped, jumping backwards and hands shooting out of the jean pockets. What he did was shoot himself back far enough to trip over his own two feet and tail. With a resounding thud, slight pain radiated from his rear. Strel looked up at the creature he almost walked into like some absent minded dodo. "Oh god, a horse. Just what I needed," he said, eyes widening as he scrambled to rise and dust off the wet snow. Naturally, paying attention let him see the woman on the creature's back. "Sorry, miss - Miss? Madam? Missus? - whatever, but I have accidentally stumbled upon you. Uh hi. Sorry for almost crashing into you, uh, guys."

300+
I'm sorry, I'm terribad


The woman jumped off her horse as though it were an easy thing and the height meant absolutely nothing. It almost made him think of her as a quixotic person, reckless and headless at times, all because of her leap off the mount's back. He eyed her as though she would explode at any moment, wondering what she was playing at. Even though his mouth was slightly agape, Strel still managed to keep back his total and utter confusion as to why she had leaped upon him and straddle him. It did nothing but impede his eventually rise off the ground. Naturally, the redhead was shocked about it. What kind of man would he be if a woman 'mounting' him like that did not get his attention. Though this was where he did differ; it did nothing but surprise him. Nothing more. The tap to the nose with the blade only made the Marquis realize it was there, adding a hint of danger to the entire scenario being played out here. Just as he were about to protest all of her actions, the woman rose up -- after threatening him of course -- and offered the male her hand. He took it to rise, and let a wary look fill up his face.



Yet the woman's look changed all of a sudden, from sly to something far more innocent. An almost audible sigh escaped him, wondering why the stranger, Annan, had acted like that. "If you were my enemy then I must have offended you when not so very sober," he stated plainly, giving the woman a flat look. "Strelein von Rosnete, ma'am." Normally far more chivalrous, the redhead would have beamed graciously, bowed, and a whole slew of courtier-like behavior. Then again, they were still basically on Cour lands and it was his duty to his rank to be a gracious host of sorts. Eying the horse warily, the redhead took the woman's hand that did not hold a knife and gave it a soft kiss with a slight bow, as he had seen the King do once before. It seemed like an appropriate thing to do. "I'm afraid I can't really let you pass much further, since you're getting dangerously close to Cour des Miracles land. Being in the midst of a war, I can't really let strangers by," he apologized, knowing fully well that he could not accept people, but could take them to his home to enjoy a brief stay. But Annan had pulled a knife on him, so he let his tarradiddle stand.

no worries =)

Whatever anann thought the man's reaction might be, it certainly wasn't what she got. Sure there had been some level of shock and surprise on his face but it faded quickly. It seemed the intended message had failed to be received at all. Quickly and effortlessly the little blade disappeared into its sheath as she helped the redhead male up off the ground. It seemed apparent the reasoning behind her actions and what she had hoped to achieve had complete escaped the redhead. A side for the initial shock of it all he seem rather unperturbed about it all.

The golden fem just kept her sweet smile in place. Though her eyes looked questioningly at the male as he kept hold of her hand, placing a kiss atop it. Giving a slight curtsy of sorts Anann bowed her head. A pleasure, sir Von Rosnete. Having lived a life of privilege she'd been well trained in manners and edict. Often having served as a body guard on trading expeditions. Formalities of this type neared second nature for her. A deadly combination really, deadly skill in combat with the manners of a princess and a sweet disposition outside of battle. Still it was not the kind of meeting she had expected to encounter. Oh, but why not? It was a court after all.

Anann broke her gaze from Strelein, looking over her shoulder to see what her companion was up to. The friesian stallion had decided to go off grazing, digging through the snow to find what little there was buried there. Her attention quickly returned to earth colored male. So you are aware of the war and yet you wonder around oblivious to all around you? Her brows raised, Anann was at a loss for understanding. He had walked right into them. Besides, I'm not interested in entering Cour des Miracles lands, Heath already gave me a tour anyway. Anann reached back scratching at the back of her head and neck through her short mane and hackles. Her smile turning to more of a silly grin. Actually, my goal all along was to hopefully run into someone from the court. I'm interested in joining Cour des Miracles, but I want to know more about it before I do. Hate to make a bad decision, you see?

500+
I swear my reply times will pick up after I'm done with most of my AP essay nonsense.



The woman did not really seem bothered by his lack of response, though the Marquis would probably not notice it at all. She was probably more aware of his movements than he was of hers. It came with the lack of any extraordinary strength or endurance or real speed. Strelein was on his toes, of course, but he tried hard not to show his suspicion of a stranger at the borders. He knew his duty to the Kingdom, but the stranger seemed harmless; well, when she did not have her knife out at least. Giving a slight laugh, eyes filled with something sly, the redhead gave a brief counter, "I hope so, m'lady." Nothing but a charming, bold courtier. Maybe the woman could hide behind the pretty mask of a lovely lady, but for the redhead, this was less a mask and more a light coating of makeup.


Shrugging, the redhead let his casual smile linger on his lips for a while longer. The war had nothing to due with him, and his little tête-à-tête with a Inferni coyote did not affect his choice to remain on the sidelines ever more. He was not fit for battle, not with real warriors. To protect himself and others in time of emergency, certainly. "Oblivious I may be, but an enemy of the two fighting parties I am not," he said a bit sharply, as though it should have been obvious that Strel could not survive being enemies with either side. Surviving was good and the redhead wanted to remain alive to keep doing so. "We are a safe haven so I don't feel as though I should be too afraid, despite the enemies our leaders have."


Anann revealed her goal to the Cour des Miracles male and he let off a laugh, shaking his head slightly. Spreading his arms wide, the Kingdom to his back, the unclaimed to his front, Strel gave another short bow. "Then I'm happy to oblige you. If you can stand me, I'm sure you'll be able to stand us all." Well, maybe not all of us, he thought a bit harshly to himself, reminded of Leroy and the man's attitude problems. There would still be some minimalistic attractions for that muscular husky, but any chance of emotionally attachment disappeared in a moment. And it was not coming back. Nothing in his facial features betrayed the trail of thought running through the redhead's mind. He was going to help the woman choose his home, the place he had devoted himself to.


Moving slightly, Strelein moved himself so his back were to a bare tree, knowing it was not the smartest position to be in should the woman pull her blade on him again. Well, at least he would still be on Cours lands, right? "So what would the lovely lady like to know about the Kingdom, the Court, and us ever so lowly peons?" Of course Strel was no peon, but he was not a member of the Court. He was just somewhere in the middle, so his position was good and he was comfortable. But he had been so as a Seigneur too. Oh well. It was just comfortable all around.

X.X Time change sux! Killed my monday...and this is lame *dies*

Anann bit her tongue, fighting back the urge to bicker with the red-head. It was his home after all and if he was comfortable, knowing the situation, to walk around with his damn head in the clouds. Well she supposed it was his right to do so. The sharpness of his tone made it hard not to part her pretty lips with her own bitter words but She really didn't want to leave too much of a bad first impression either if she did decide to join the court. Though it did seem she was starting to make a habit of getting off on the wrong foot. Oh well, all the more interesting. Besides Anann didn't fault the man for his lack of tactical thinking and perhaps he truly did have nothing to fear from the warring packs.

Anann raised a brow at the man's sharp words. "...despite the enemies our leaders have." Those words sent the woman's thoughts racing. Heath had told her the pack had decided to remain neutral in the war between the northern territories. That might prove a difficult feat if the leaders had gotten themselves involved in the mess. The red-head's comment also lead her to the conclusion that he must have a fair amount of relations with the other packs to feel so confident that he wasn't an enemy. Perhaps in time she would ask him about such things, but first thing was first. She wanted to know what what this man thought if his leader. What she could expect of pack life. The earth toned male with his rust colored mane would surely find her previous home life as alien as she was finding this situation.

Bowing yet again, he seemed eager to answer her questions and he was much more talkative than Heath. It had taken some work for the golden fem to get the trust of the dark coy-wolf. She probably owed Rem for that. He had seemed much more interested in the horse than the woman. Although it had also been Rem's fault that things had gotten off to a rocky start. Strelein moved, leaning against a tree. Anann took the unspoken invitation to get comfy and plopped unceremoniously on the ground. Sitting cross-legged a few paces from the man she looked up at. Well, for starters. I'm starting to feel a bit under dressed. Her tone belying the serious look of her dark brown eyes. Does everyone in the pack wear clothing? Anann had only brought one piece of clothing with her and it was only suitable for formal occasions. Anann had always preferred only her fur to shield her, even in battle she had forsaken the armor worn by most.

Table by Alli<3

omg don't know where the length came from, please forgive me. Just shy of 700 o.o

Anann was glad to see the air of formality starting to fade. A sense of ease starting to spread between the two strangers. Having spent the past several weeks alone, save Rem, the golden fem was enjoying the company of her own kind. The seriousness she had carried when she had first 'assaulted' the man had vanished. Replaced by her simply sweet and good-natured self. Just because she'd be raised a warrior didn't mean she always needed to act like one. It was just down right unhealthy to take life that seriously all the time. Besides, her lack of alertness would be made up for by her ever present, self-appointed bodyguard Rem. With the horses vigilant eyes and ears, she could afford to be lax.

Anann had only been curious about the clothing since both Heath and Strelein had donned clothing. She wanted to know the culture of these lands as well as the disposition of the leaders. It would make fitting in a lot easier. Anann giggled and swatted playfully in Strelein, though the distance between them made it impossible for the blow to ever land. Oh, I wouldn't say never. Actually I have a bear pelt I'm interested in having turned into a cloak or coat of some sort. There was an interesting story behind how she had obtained the bear skin, but now was not the time for such tales. I don't know if you work with leathers and furs or not, but I'm a tanner and leather crafter. I'm sure I can make you some supple leathers if you ever have the need for such things.

Yes, Heath showed me the stables, the hotel, Chien Hotel isn't it? And then he took me to the ocean. I'd never seen it before. Was really impressed with the stables, nice facility. The stables had made her feel like she was home. The scents there reminded her of the happy times she had had at home. Away from the battlefield. Heath seems like a good man. He wasn't quick to trust me. A smirk spread across her lips, she had been proud of the man for his distrust of her and her stallion at first. Considering the circumstances, his response had been correct. Heath rode by my camp while I was sleeping. Rem there, She jester-ed over her shoulder at the grazing horse, decided he might be a threat and charged him. Not the best of first impressions you could say. Heath handled himself well, given the situation.

As much as she really didn't want to talk about it, she knew it was only natural that people would be curious where she had come from. She hoped her family's reputation hadn't made it this far north. Her whole point for traveling this far. She'd decided there was no point in denying her pack of origin or the fact she was a trained warrior. Those were too difficult to disguise, but she could deny the fact she was heir to its throne. Much like the Cour des Miracles ruler, her father too had thought himself a king. She found that men that put themselves on that kind of pedestal often saw those around them as nothing but pawns. Pieces to be moved only to their favor.

I grew up in a large, large pack to the south called Tosawi. Its more like several small packs combined, living in close proximity, but not too close. Her family had learned early on that it was best to break the colony into smaller, pack-like units. We number in the hundreds Somewhere between 200-300, if she were to count the slaves she had only recently learned about. They were kept at the coal mines where they worked, far from the other citizens. Out of sight, out of mind. Hunt was outlawed, except for the hierarchy. For food we raise bison, well more the crosses of the human raised cattle and bison. There really isn't any purebreds left. They started crossbreeding and overtaking the plains once humanity declined. We also have a metal works and a textile workshop with looms and spinners. She didn't even want to go into the fighting force all this fed. Sadly the land is torn by war, current king determined to expand, even by force. She had often wondered what her mother would think of the path her father had set himself down.

Table by Alli<3

normally Im lucky to get out a 500+ =p

It was nice to have someone to talk to. During her travels the golden fem's mind had been flood with thoughts. She had talked to Rem, but the horse rarely had a response of any sort. Anann hadn't been sure what to think of Strelein when they had first bumped into each other, but she was glad to have come across the red-headed man. His corky attitude was chasing away the darker thoughts that had been eating at her as of late and it was also making her suddenly aware of how lonely she had been.

She knew how to stitch leather and could probably do something with the pelt herself but she had no talent for things that nature. She could make bags, straps and harnesses sure, but her attempts of any sort of clothing always ended in frustration. Oh no, its already tanned. I've been using it as a blanket during my travels actually. I can stitch leather well, but I'm afraid I'd make a wrong cut and ruin it or something. Frustration was a fair description of the woman's relationship with clothing. The belt she wore from time to time was nothing more than a place to strap her pouches. Her sense of fashion non-existent.

Her chance encounter with Heath had sent Anann on a quest to learn more about the Miracles pack. She had found herself drawn to the coy-wolf. A kindred spirit, she supposed. In the short time they had spent together she felt the had similar ideals. Finding the right pack could be a bit of a crap shoot. Meeting more members, learning what she could of the packs life style had become her next goal. Oh its nothing like that. She said dismissively. Laughing at the odd look Strelein gave her. The feminine scent that hung on his fur told me that much. A potentiality good friend, nothing more. She raised her hands in fain defense.

Setting her hands on the ground, slightly behind her. One hand landed on the pouch of jerky at her side. Reminding her of its presence. Before she had chance to offer her companion any the topic of conversation finally tilted toward something of great interested of the fem. I would like to know about your king if I am to make him my own. All I know so far is that he is a one-armed dog whose interest in conquest of women. She said, a slight smirk on her face. She was intrigued by this King Jacquez. Oh and that he came her by boat! Would you like some jerky? She held out the pouch to the man now sitting across from her.

Table by Alli<3

Essentially, it had been the fault of her king and father that had caused Anann to leave home in the first place. She was reluctant to put herself in a similar situation again. She certainly hadn't expect to find herself in the prospect of joining a pack ruled by a yet another man claiming to be a king. While she knew better than to judge the man solely by his title, it was hard for her not to form some prejudice against the man.

She listened to Strelein's words with great interest. Heath had given off a much different vibe when she had asked about their leader and had given her little more than his title and name. She assumed whatever distaste was between the two was of a personal nature. She believe Heath would have warned of the man were it necessary. The red-head however, gave her a new feel for the monarch. He sounds unlike any King I have ever heard of. In all ways but for his womanizing and love of his title. She laughed. But I guess if I liked the way my prior king did things I wouldn't be here.

Tosawi had been ruled with a iron grip. While most were content enough it seemed Anann had finally learned that many suffered. Freedom of choice is exactly what I was looking for to be honest. It was the lack of it that helped drive me from my home. A hint of regret slipped in to her tone. Conformity is never something that should be sought after, but there can also be a fine line between freedom and neglect. You seem to think he has found this balance? The question really needed no answer for Strel's words had already said that much. So what brought you into his fold? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

Table by Alli<3