Announcements: Cutting Costs (2024) » January 2024 Copyfraud Attack » Finding Universes to Join (and making yours more visible!) » Guide To Universes On RPG » Member Shoutout Thread » Starter Locations & Prompts for Newcomers » RPG Chat — the official app » Frequently Asked Questions » Suggestions & Requests: THE MASTER THREAD »

Latest Discussions: Adapa Adapa's for adapa » To the Rich Men North of Richmond » Shake Senora » Good Morning RPG! » Ramblings of a Madman: American History Unkempt » Site Revitalization » Map Making Resources » Lost Poetry » Wishes » Ring of Invisibility » Seeking Roleplayer for Rumple/Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time » Some political parody for these trying times » What dinosaur are you? » So, I have an Etsy » Train Poetry I » Joker » D&D Alignment Chart: How To Get A Theorem Named After You » Dungeon23 : Creative Challenge » Returning User - Is it dead? » Twelve Days of Christmas »

Players Wanted: Serious Anime Crossover Roleplay (semi-literate) » Looking for a long term partner! » JoJo or Mha roleplay » Seeking long-term rp partners for MxM » [MxF] Ruining Beauty / Beauty x Bastard » Minecraft Rp Help Wanted » CALL FOR WITNESSES: The Public v Zosimos » Social Immortal: A Vampire Only Soiree [The Multiverse] » XENOMORPH EDM TOUR Feat. Synthe Gridd: Get Your Tickets! » Aishna: Tower of Desire » Looking for fellow RPGers/Characters » looking for a RP partner (ABO/BL) » Looking for a long term roleplay partner » Explore the World of Boruto with Our Roleplaying Group on FB » More Jedi, Sith, and Imperials needed! » Role-player's Wanted » OSR Armchair Warrior looking for Kin » Friday the 13th Fun, Anyone? » Writers Wanted! » Long term partner to play an older male wanted »

0
followers
follow

Lyra Khöller

Just because I am a female does not mean I cannot beat you. It is because I am a female that I must work harder.

0 · 1,523 views · located in Downstairs

a character in “Marked 2”, as played by RainWish

Description

Image
My Name is: Lyra Khöller

I am the: Alpha's daughter. An Omega still.

I am age: Seventeen.

My mate is: Kiyoshi Tanaka

In human form I look like: A girl. Lyra has long, black hair and light, hazel eyes that are on the yellowish side. She is tall for her age and athletic. Typically she will only dress in black with accents of red.


As a wolf I look like: Lyra will have black fur with yellow eyes.
Image


Personality: Lyra is very strong headed and competitive, especially towards her brother. She is not willing to admit defeat in any form, especially when around her parents. Mostly, this stems from Lyra's desire to be seen and loved by her mother and father. She believes that her brother is the favoured child and loathes that he has already received his wolf form while she most wait for her mate to set it free and, in all likely hood, that he will one day be the alpha of the pact. She strives to push herself and beat him in any way possible; and in her mind that is to "be one of the boys." She will push herself to the limit because, since she does not have her wolf, she is naturally slower than the males. It is because of this she works hard to beat them, never letting them out of her sight or try to discourage her desires. Sometimes, she does push herself too far and will refuse help in fear of appearing weak. However, when alone or not driven by sibling rivalry, Lyra is warm and welcoming. She is easy to talk with and hang around with. She loves to draw and paint in secret, fearing the criticism or rejection that she could face. Over all, Lyra personality is powerful. She dresses only in black and red not because she is gothic, but because she believes those are the colors of power.

Likes: Art, playing instruments (her favorite is the flute or piano), thunderstorms, silence, beating her brother, democracies, and caring for young.

Dislikes: Her brother, favoritism, losing, having to show people her art, not having her wolf form, needing to find a mate in order to unlock her wolf form, people thinking she is weak, and rejection.

How you feel about the pack: Lyra is accepting of everyone, except her brother. She refuses to be second best to him, pushing herself to the limits in both education, music, and physical activity. She is caring towards the females and sometimes can be seen as a hardball to the males. Lyra likes the company that the pack can offer her, although she will still tend to isolate herself at times.

Other: Lyra has lived a normal life, filled with jealousy and regret. She cannot understand why females must wait to receive their wolf form, and hates that the alphas are chosen by lineage & gender rather than skill and efficiency at the job. When she was younger, and partly still new, she was very much a tomboy. Now she has grown slightly more accustomed to being female and chooses to wear skirts, but refuses to admit that she could be only second best.

So begins...

Lyra Khöller's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Gavroche "Gavin" Argentum
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Abalyth
"If you need to talk later, we can do it with inside voices for once. We don't always have to start our venting sessions by yelling at each other." Gavin heard Lyra say in her bell-like voice. Maybe it was his mood, but her cheery attitude put him off. Gavin didn't need her. Now that he had Jac, everything seemed more right than it ever had been... aside from the brewing suspicions stirring up around town. Gavin let Lyra's smile pass, along with the rest of her cheery mood.

Gavin wasn't cheery. He was about to tell his only sibling horrible news that would change her life forever. In more than one way.

He didn't really trust himself to interact with the other girls who were courteous enough to let him have a moment with her, so he let Ray pass, picking up on her frustrations. When she exited, Gavin nudged his head in the direction of the front door. "Outside. Probably the most privacy we'll be able to get here."

Refraining from guiding her, Gavin stuck with holding the door, waiting until she passed through before closing it behind him.

How to start...

"You look great." Better than he suspected she would have if he stayed. Not that he had much of a choice in the situation. The compliment came out with only the deepest sincerity. He was genuinely thrilled to see her, all suspicion aside. "Dad and I weren't murdered, Tabs." He looked down awkwardly, finding no way to ease into the subject. "When we went camping, it was because..." His eyelids fluttered, trying to think of how to say it. At the last second, he deflected. Before he could tell her the big secret, he had to clear his name off of her hit list. "He had to tell me the family secret. This secret... well, it put me in a state of shock." Paralyzing shock, His wolf panted with twisted humor. "At least, that's the best way I can describe it for now. Dad told me it would, told me he'd be there to help me through it."

He hadn't thought about it in a long time, but putting it in human terms made the actions of his father seem that much worse. Gavin let his voice drop, his eyes almost darkened as he sighed and continued:

"When it started, he told me it was very important for me to listen to him. That if I didn't, it could kill me. Then it started- the shock." He could spare her the details. "I strained through it, trying to hear him. So it would stop, or whatever. But dad left. He left me to die in the middle of no where. I was only ten."

A burning ball formed in the base of his throat.

"Then I heard a voice, urgently instructing me. I clung to it, because I didn't know what else to do. I made it through the shock, and found the woman who helped me sitting right next to me. She said her name was Evon, and she watched... him leave me there. She went to him and told him to help me, but he refused, making some comment about me making my own fate. So she came and helped me through it instead. Since then, I abandoned mom and dad. I knew I would miss you, too, but for some reason, my gut told me to not mention you. I thought by keeping you away I could keep you... safe or something."

After her little scoffing of Rory, Gavin wondered how much of an extension he'd have to go to if she didn't believe him. The inkling of thought made his wolf stretch out and nod its muzzle in the direction of the almost-full moon outside with ravenous glee. It longed to take over.

"Tabs, you have to understand: Dad left me for dead. I couldn't just go back home like nothing happened. Evon and Daniel welcomed me with open arms, and helped me through... it."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Ares Fagan Character Portrait: Ashley Williams Character Portrait: The Rogues
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra smiled to a joke as she passed by a group, glad to see everyone was having a good time even with all the chaos. It as nice for her to, for once, let everyone else have the worry. For tonight she would enjoy everything going on. The title of alpha would not be handed over in one night, a sincere smile would do her some good.

Her gaze lingered over Duncan, Adrian, and Anya as the trio grabbed their jackets and raced for the door. She frowned, knowing that few things would cause the alpha to abandon a party in his own house. Duncan's father must have become worse, his illness threatening to take him away faster than first anticipated. She wondered how her own grandfather was doing. She usually went to visit him every other week, hoping that any time spent with him would be a valuable resource from his days and alpha. He kept most of that secret though, sharing few stories unless pestered endlessly by the excited granddaughter. Lyra expected this was due to the fact she was female, unable to judge how the old timer would react to her hidden desire of leading the pack one day. She knew from past experience and taunts that many of the older generation did not approve of her ideas, favoring James for the simple fact he was male and 'the destined heir.'

Although she attempted to socialize, Lyra found herself in front of Kiyoshi before long, smiling up to him as she handed an iced tea to him and kept one herself while passing Ares a soda.

"How are my boys enjoying themselves?" she asked, her mood as high as the moon. "Things are getting quiet, the party will be over soon. It will be sad to see everyone go home." She sighed softly and looked down to Ares, curious as to what they had gotten for the birthday girl. “You two made a gift together?” she questioned, knowing Kiyoshi was never one for commercial items.








Ash sighed with boredom, slightly annoyed that Jason hadn't brought anything back for her. She thought of herself a class above the others of the pack, and expected to be treated as one. Well, all expect for Winter. Something about Winter sparked her interest, one of the only reasons she continued to stick around with the Lost Boys. For the life of her, Ash could not figure out what Winter was thinking at any given time. He was like a mystery that needed to be solved. Quite frankly, Drake, Nico, Q-Ball, and Craig bored Ash. They were just like the guys from her old town, dull and had too much energy to do anything productive with themselves. And Jason, well, he was a sleaze, and probably on the borderline of pervert if Ash did not watch herself carefully. Besides Winter being their leader as a driving force for Ash to remain, there was one other factor: they were fun to play with. Ash enjoyed being able to manipulate people, finding pleasure in their efforts to please her constantly, making them work for her attention. With the scattered brains of the younger pack members, this was a fairly easy task as she had never been one to dress conservatively.

Ash leaned up against the car as she found fascination with her nails, her ears wandering to the present conversation. She did not recognize the names and found little interest in people she couldn't criticize openly. "The two that ran away with the...the 'son'?"

Ash glanced up to this, her icy blue gaze resting on Winter. From her stay with the guys, she had known very little to surprise Winter. At last, her interest was sparked. "The very same." Jason said looking pleased with himself.

Winter looked around at the others, then motioned for Jason to follow him into the van. "We'd better talk about this inside for a moment."


Ash remained motionless, her eyes following Winter and Jason as they hid inside the club house. "What was that about?" she asked once they had disappeared from view.

"How the hell should we know?" Drake scowled, falling back into the grass as he rubbed his jaw line. "Man I wish those wolves weren't there. I'd kill for a beer!"

Ash flicked her hair over her shoulder in aggravation , annoyed that she had been ignored. "Well, what about those people? Evon and Daniel? Ever heard of them before?" she asked, hoping since the boys had been around for longer they would know something more than just the names.

"Nope," Craig said, still trying to gnaw on dinner. "What do you care anyway?"

"I don't," Ash growled, her gaze flickering over to Craig venomously. "I'm just curious, that all. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Curiosity killed the cat," Q-Ball remarked, high fiving Nico.

"Well then, it's a damn good thing I'm a wolf," Ash snapped, standing up with a smirk. She stretched her arms and slid around the van, crouching beside the door that never shut properly. Playing with the amber necklace draped around her neck, Ash strained to listen in.

Gavin. . . Now where had she heard that name before? Gavin. . . "You should come to this party with me and meet my buddy, Gavin." Right! That twit from town had mentioned him. Dory, Bory . . . Rory, that had been his name. She met him a while ago upon first scoping out the area. Although he was fun to play with, and she had gotten a free meal out of the deal, Ash had denied the request knowing Winter would have been angered. Ash still smiled at the thought of him, covering her mouth so not to laugh. Even without her wolf, she could tell that his story about being a wolf was complete BS.

The Calvin guy sounded pretty interesting, though. Even if it was mated, she would still be interested in meeting with him. Ash had little-- Absolutely no faith in the mating system that the wolves used. She knew this from experience.

Ash was unsure why Winter was so upset that they were at the pack house. She had lived in one for three years, they weren't that terrible. Hers had been rather friendly actually, it was one factor that she missed about her old town. Well, on to better and bigger. She shifted slightly, hoping that Jason would continue with the story about the Gavin dude. With her weight unevenly distributed, she slipped, landing on her rump as she looked up in horror, hoping that she hadn't been discovered by the conversers.

The setting changes from Connorsford to Downstairs

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Anya West Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
Tabby was quite literally lost for words. Gavin's percieved impatience did nothing to ease her anxiety...but his declaration that he was about to 'shift' actually did. Her breath caught in her throat. This was above and beyond anything Rory had done earlier that day...he'd only claimed to be able to 'dream shift', but Gavin seemed to be suggesting something more literal. Which was impossible, of course, and Tabby was confident that he was about to prove her right and make an idiot of himself. Which gave her no comfort whatsoever, but it transformed her fright into something more like...pity?

She watched closely as he opened the door to summon 'Jac', and shifted her weight onto one leg as he then did a volte face and decided he was going to spare her the experience for tonight. How convenient. Nevertheless he said everything will an apparent conviction...but there was one thing in particular about his words that piqued his interest. She glanced at Jac when she appeared, equally intrigued to know what her reaction would be to all this, but there remained a latent expectation that she too was probably in on this delusional little game.

"Rogues?" she said, "What are they, like...the baddie werewolves?"

"Not bad, just misunderstood." a gruff voice came from a little further down the path. Calvin was walking towards the three of them at a leisurely pace, his eyes still hazy from alcohol and moving with a haughty swagger. Tabby looked back, hoping at first that it would be Lance, but not recognising the boy who looked around about Gavin's age. Another denizen of the wolfie den no doubt...

Calvin squinted at Tabby, regarding her highly perturbed state, then leered at Gavin. "Well buddy," he slurred, "I see finding your mate hasn't stopped you from rubbing folk up the wrong way. Is the party still going on?"



Adrian remained in the doorway as Duncan shared his father's final moments. A selfish part of his would have liked to take one of those moments for himself, to speak to his old friend one last time. But the scene that unfolded before him made one thing clear; Gray had been clinging on to see his son. No doubt nature would have had him put to rest hours ago, but it was just like Gray - a fighter to the very last - to stave off the inevitable in order to speak to his son before the end.

Gray's passing seemed immediately to mark a landmark in Adrian's own life. Gray had been to Cid something rather like Duncan was to Adrian. Gray had stepped in late in life as Beta - replacing Garrett after his murder at the hands of rogues - and now his time in the world had ended. Adrian felt distinctly old.

He remained behind a few minutes longer, before stepping forward and placing a hand on Ava's shoulder. He felt thoroughly unqualified to preside over the scene...after all Ava knew Adrian when he was a small boy. Nevertheless, the words which seemed so trite at any other time felt the exact right thing to say now.

"As true to his wolf in death as in life, he has found unity with himself, and fellowship in the ancestor pack. Do not contain your grief, for in it's wake comes pride at a life fulfilled."

He allowed another minute or so of silence, then kneeled down behind Ava, struggling to contain the lump that was forming in his own throat.

"Would you like me to call my parents?" he whispered, "I'm sure they would be happy to come and give you company tonight, or have you stay with them. Whatever you choose to do, you shouldn't stay alone."

He looked across at Duncan, and added, "Whatever you want to do, my friend, I'll make it possible. Stay here, or stay with us. I'll take care of all the arrangements."



Tai tilted her head with curiosity. Tabby had gone off to speak with Gavin? Why him specifically? She wasn't worried about it particularly...until it dawned on her that she hadn't had the chance to prep Gavin about Tabby not knowing about her true nature. But surely someone else would have given him the heads up. And Reina had seemed to be under the impression that nobody was going to tell Tabby the truth, so that would presumably include Gavin...right?

She felt a distinct unease at the situation. She was also aware of the sounds of people starting to leave the house, and that Lyra and everyone else might be settling down for the night quite soon. She didn't want her daughter to feel like she had been ignoring the latest development in her life, and was wondering whether to wander off and find her, when Kiyoshi and Ares came into the kitchen, followed not long after by Lyra. Tai was putting something away in the corner, and Lyra must not have seen her...but Tai certainly did hear her refer to 'my boys'. She smirked to herself deeply, then turned around to see what it was Kiyoshi and Ares had made.

"Oh I think I saw it earlier," she beamed, moving in to stand close to the three of them, and briefly catching Lyra's eye with a knowing twinkle.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra smiled down to Ares, please by his remark about the gift and even more curious as to what it could possibly be. Her eyes wandered up to Kiyoshi who seemed not to notice her presence yet, his face tight and worried. Lyra hesitated for, never seeing her mate this way before. She wondered if it had anything to do with when she saw Gavin and Kiyoshi whispering together but decided it would be best to question that detail later. Her priority at the moment was the general well fair of her mate. "Is everything all right?" she questioned softly, stepping closer to him and rubbing Kiyoshi's arm. "You look like the world's problems have just been put on your shoulders."

At Tai's comment, Lyra mentally jumped. Turning her head to meet her mother's gaze, Lyra felt a soft pink blush brush her cheeks and quickly looked down. She quickly realized that her mother knew more than she was admitting. Lyra laughed nervously before settling in closer to Kiyoshi and looking up to meet Tai's gaze, confident in herself and her decision. No matter what, Lyra knew an alpha had to display confidence with every choice they made, and Lyra never once doubted that Kiyoshi was her mate. She had no reason to. "Mother, it was a wonderful party, everyone had a great time," Lyra said, her voice smooth and strong. She felt a small tinge that she was unable to confess to both Tai and Adrian who her mate was at the same time, but decided that it was only a small, trivial detail.

Lyra smiled, looking to the three people around her, her golden eyes lingering on Kiyoshi for a moment longer before turning back to Tai. "You are not going to be the only Khöller female shifting this moon, Mom," she said, her hand slipping into her mate's fingers. "I'm going to be right out there with you, side by side with Kiyoshi. I'm looking forward to joining you and Dad for once." Lyra smiled, at peace with herself and her comment. "Ares, why don't you go get your gift now before Ray goes off to bed. She looked pretty beat when I last saw her. Do you need any more help?"

The setting changes from Downstairs to Connorsford

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade Character Portrait: Ashley Williams
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra smiled to Tai, sensing the approval of her mate. Knowing this, Lyra felt herself relax even more. Of course her parents would accept Kiyoshi with open arms. She only wished that Adrian could be here. Not as alpha, but as Dad. Then it would be perfect. "You see...it's easier for a female to learn to trust her wolf when she sees that the first decision the wolf makes for her is a good one."

Lyra grinned shyly to this, a soft blush painting her cheeks at her mother's nudge. She bit her lip softly, looking to Kiyoshi for his input on the situation. She did not like the trouble expression he wore so subtly that even Lyra almost missed it. She sighed and rested her hand on his arm, nodding unconsciously in agreement to Tai. Yes, it had been a good decision. A very good decision.

However, Kiyoshi did not seem to respond to Lyra's touch, his eyes focused on something behind her. Lyra frowned, unsure what could be wrong and if he was the source of such a low mood for Kiyoshi. She wanted to talk with him privately. Whatever was on his mind he should not be handling alone. Before she could speak, Kiyoshi nudged her gently and nodded off into the distance. Lyra turned her head to follow his direction. She smiled openly to see Calvin, still curious as to his reaction to her mate. Surely as friends he would be happy for her?

Before she spoke, Lyra heisted. Even without her wolf, Lyra could tell that Calvin was drunk. This alarmed her, wondering what could have gone wrong to throw Calvin so deeply away from his motivated path. He was never one that Lyra would have expected this from. With a shared glance to Kiyoshi and Tai, Lyra moved closer to the intoxicated boy. She did not want him to scare Ares any more than he usually did. She went up to Calvin and offered a smile, moving to help him if he stumbled along the way. "You missed the party, Calvin. It must have been a good game, right? Went for a few too many celebration rounds afterwards?" she asked with a chuckle, her eyes warm as she searched his face for clues.

Lyra was confused. This was Calvin, her friend and trusted companion. Why where the hairs on the back of her neck standing upright?






Ash released her breath as Winter spoke, glad that he was not upset at her spying in on their little powwow. Sure he was annoyed, but she could distract his mind away from annoyance easily. Not only that, but it would be simple enough to push the blame upon one of the others. In the background, one of the boys meowed to reference their joke. Ash scowled and tossed her hair away from them as she settled down beside Winter. She wanted to be the closest to him, to see the most interested in his words. Even if she wasn't at times. Or at all.

"So, what is so special about this Danti guy? Isn’t he dead, so who cares?” Ash pouted slightly, her tone unmotivated. “And now what, you want his kids and one of their friends to join our little group?" Ash sighed softly, playing with the ends of her hair trying to keep her attention focused. "And why are you so afraid of the pack house? They aren't that scary. I was in one just two years ago and there isn't any big bad wolves chaining us down. If anything, they're kinda fun. A bit strict at times and all "Be with your mate and be good little puppies so you can run with the moon" at times, but I got out. So can they. Why are you so worried about these kids anyway?" she moaned, leaning back to get more comfortable.

The setting changes from Connorsford to Downstairs

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade Character Portrait: Kathy Stone
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
Calvin saw Kathy in the hall but walked straight past her without acknowledging her. He was looking for Lyra, even though he was in two minds about whether to wait until the morning to talk to her. He was aware of his state, but he knew that his mind was operating as sharply and lucidly as ever...even if his body was acting a little sluggish.

He rounded the kitchen door and stopped. The cozy little scene he was presented with spoke for itself. Lyra and Kiyoshi...well nothing unusual about them together, but there was very evidently something different. The look on Tai's face, something unspoken being passed between her and Lyra, certain aspects of body language, a definite flushing of Lyra's face.

He snorted and tilted his head back. "Yeah perhaps a few too many. Still when something's worth celebrating it's worth celebrating, right?"

He formed a crooked smile. He wasn't talking about the game, of course.

"So what's going down here? I see Gavin's acquired a sister...what else is new, hmm?"

The setting changes from Downstairs to Connorsford

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Ares continued to blush as he pressed his fingers together shyly. Looked up as he saw a figure walked to the kitchen, Ares paled dramatically as he realized who the person was...Calvin...the one that treated him worst...and had the most potential to harm him...His breaths hitched as he smelled...alcohol...alcohol in the air surrounded the older man...Had he drunk? 'Oh my god...he's drunk...he'll hurt me...I must hide...I cannot let him see me...he will hurt me like Father did...' Ares panicked as he looked around helplessly, trying to find a place to hide and protect himself. He gripped Kiyoshi's shirt tightly and took several steps backward until his back touched Kiyoshi's body. That was then Ares decided Kiyoshi would be his newest hiding place. He pressed his face into the man's shirt and began to tremble uncontrollably. He was terrified of the smell of alcohol...it remained him too much of his past. He muttered into Kiyoshi's shirt in a traumatic voice "...I-I'm s-scared, b-brother...I d-don't like h-his smell..."

Gritting his teeth and forcing himself not to cry, Ares shook like a leaf in a storm. Please, someone...please helped him...he didn't want to be beaten...Ares breathed heavily and pressed his eyes tightly together, praying silently. His wolf remained quiet though...like it was observing how his 'newest' family was going to act in this situation...

'Please help me...I'm scared...'

Ares prayed again and again as he gripped the shirt as hard as he could with his fragile fingers, which were surprisingly strong at the moment...He would be safe...He must believe in Kiyoshi...the man had promised he would protect Ares...He must believe in Kiyoshi...He must...

The setting changes from Connorsford to Downstairs

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
Cid lead Ava out to the car then quickly popped his head back into the house to see what the other two were doing. Duncan seemed in need of a minute or to longer and was getting a drink with Anya, so he called out (irrespective of whether they heard him or not), "Just gonna drop your mum at my parent's place, I'll be back in ten and we'll head back to the house."

Not waiting for a reply, he got in the car and left.



Tai looked quizzically at Calvin when he walked in. She really didn't approve of any of the youngsters getting recklessly intoxicated, but she knew as well as any person responsible for young people that as far as rules were concerned you had to pick your battles. Plus Calvin had had a pretty big night...so it would seem.

She also felt that Lyra was fairly astute to guide him out of the kitchen. Calvin was no harm to anyone, she was sure, but it was all about perception and if Ares was being upset by it, then it was as well that the two not be in the same room together. She looked down at the young boy.

"Say, Ares," she remarked, "you ever tried a malted milk hot drink? It's good for helping you sleep and I figure you might like me to make you one, since you already kinda had some sleep today and it's been a pretty exciting evening. What do you think?"



Calvin was all too happy to allow himself to be led out of the kitchen, not really in any way interested in communicating with anyone else who was in there. It pleased him, in fact, that despite initial appearances Lyra was so quick to get herself alone with him. Especially in tandem with those last words she used...had her apparent closeness to Kiyoshi in the kitchen actually been due to her relating to him as a...confidant?

He didn't remark on Ray's prank, not being especially interested in the girl or her tomfoolery, and he refrained from commenting on Duncan's father, not wanting to create a gloomy conversational dead-end about something they'd no doubt hear about in due course.

"Yeah I caught Jac and Gavin...they sure seem like they had quite a night. Better late than never huh. What's with you girls huh. So you figured out how you're gonna tell your guy? Happy with who ya got, huh?"

The setting changes from Downstairs to Connorsford

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade Character Portrait: Ashley Williams Character Portrait: The Rogues
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra offered Kathy a smile as she past the wolf, although she did not pause to offer idle conversation. She was more concerned about Calvin forgetting where the side tables were and crashing into the ground. The young female was grateful that her mother's attention had turned towards Ares. Perhaps the older female's loving attention would help Ares grow comfortable in his home. She was able to hope, at least.

"Calvin, I know you don't mean any harm, but please try and be calm around Ares. He's a bit timid and has the bravery of a mouse. He just needs to adjust to everyone around here." She smiled, trying hard not to insult her intoxicated friend.

"Yeah I caught Jac and Gavin...they sure seem like they had quite a night. Better late than never huh. What's with you girls huh. So you figured out how you're gonna tell your guy? Happy with who ya got, huh?"

Lyra chuckled softly, her smile pleasant as she considered herself and Jac. "Yes, like I said you missed a lot. It just happened that Jac and I figured everything out on the same night, we didn't plan it like you guys think. It just. . . Happens." Lyra laughed, running her fingers through her thick, black hair. "As for my mate, yes I am happy. It feels weird that it took me this long to figure out who it was, but I guess the wait just makes it better. Now that I'll be getting my wolf, my future may finally be falling into place. And it's even better to know that Kiyoshi will be with me every step of the way."





Ash frowned and leaned back on her seat as she crossed her arms in thought. Something about this situation still bothered her. She didn't care much about the results as long as she had fun along the way, but this pack was beginning to feel a bit too much like her old one. And she would be damned before she let that happen. She was not going to get sucked back into all of the crap about mates and heirs. She could go along with Winter's destined leader, but he was suddenly dangerously close to crossing her comfort line.

"This all sounds like a wonderful bedtime story, Winter, but be careful. I left my pack because I was sick of the old standards and systems; so didn't we all. It sounds like to me you are just trying to make a hierarchy from this Danti guy." Ash sighed and looked to him, her eyes challenging this remark. When determined, Ash was not one to let something die easily. She looked to the others, her voice steady. "If this chick goes along with the plan I'm okay with it, but you'll have to kick me out before I let you mate someone with who they don't want." She cast her eyes away, frowning as if a bad taste had suddenly appeared in her mouth. "I know how being forced together with someone feels," she added softly.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Gavroche "Gavin" Argentum Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade Character Portrait: Kathy Stone Character Portrait: Jacquelyn Marie
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Abalyth
Tabs asked if he had been happy here. Gavin never really stopped to think about his own happiness, not really. But the more he thought about her question, the stronger the answer came back: yes. Adrian and Tai had never really stopped him from doing what he wanted to, and when he needed to get away he certainly could. He had friends, and in a sense, family here that he never really had with Daniel and Evon. While he was eternally grateful to them for saving him, had he not insisted on joining a pack, he may not have ever found Jac. Or Tabs.

"Yeah, I have. How about you and mom?" Gavin waited patiently for her answer, not really wanting to bring up the mystery of their father. Dead was dead, and from Gavin's perspective: good riddance, bastard. But still, the topic seemed to upset Tabs a good deal, and he didn't want that.

When Tabs finished talking, Gavin gave her another hug before turning with Jac back into the house. He was exhausted- the physical and emotional strains of his day finally caught up with him. He caught a glimpse of Kathy wandering upstairs just as Lyra and Calvin disappeared into some other room. Gavin didn't feel like dealing with them. Right now he just wanted to curl up with Jac and pass out.

So he opened her bedroom door for her and waited, leaning sleepily against the door frame for her to invite him in.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Anya West Character Portrait: Gavroche "Gavin" Argentum Character Portrait: Duncan Reidon Character Portrait: Calvin Roseblade
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
When Lyra mentioned Kiyoshi's name, it was like a gear shifted in Calvin's mind. Right up until that point he'd been robing himself ready to accept the role of Lyra's mate, but when it became apparent that wasn't going to be the case, the revelation was a surprisingly...understated one. It was as though he'd really known it was going to be that way all along.

And strangest of all...it didn't feel like a problem. The robes he'd robed himself with did not fall off...

"Awesome." he said, simply and casually. "That should work out nicely for ya."

He smiled faintly and looked towards the stairs. He had other things to say, but the new information meant that he'd have to give a little more thought as to how to present it all. He flexed his shoulders in a tired stretch.

"Hell of a night it seems." He grinned, "I got a feeling this moon will be even crazier though. Hopefully I'll catch you before then. You know, just coz you got your mate doesn't mean you gotta disappear into a black hole of...mate-...hood or whatever. I met some interesting folks tonight; had some interesting insights on some stuff we were talking about earlier."

He leaned back and yawned, tilting his neck with a soft click. "But anyway I'll catch you about that tomorrow. I'll just jumble it all up if I try to explain it now."

He turned to move away, but as soon as he was facing away from her a slight scowl broke onto his face. Everyone was going to bed soon. Lyra would be with Kiyoshi...no doubt the natural progression of things would take it's course. With a long breath he blew out the frustration. Just gotta think of it like another sport...it's not about who scores the first point, it's about who walks away with the trophy.



Adrian returned after about a quarter of an hour, and unlocked the front door with the key Ava had given him. He found Anya and Duncan much as he had left them. With a faint smile he stood in the doorway.

"Hey champ," he said, using a name he normally reserved for younger wolves, certainly not someone with position of beta, but somehow it seemed fitting under the circumstances, "your mother's in good hands, my dad was still up and about so she's being looked after. I've made a call, arrangements are gonna be made for your dad. So I think all that's left is to get you back to the house for some rest."

He glanced towards the room where Gray was laid and took a deep breath. He also did a mental count of the rooms they had up at the house...he had already accounted for Duncan staying, right? Yes, he was sure he had. Besides, with some people having found their mates, rooms were about to start freeing up anyway...



Tabby shrugged and looked off. "We've been fine really. Still in the same house. Mom hasn't really changed, still does the same things, keeps to herself. I've been involved in the talent camp a lot...just...normal life really."

Returning to the even keel of small conversation was comfortable. Yeah, there were more interesting things she could have said, but nothing that quite topped the claim of being a werewolf. If anything, giving a more mundane answer made a solid point about how 'normal' Tabby believed she was. Not that she'd ever felt particularly normal in her home town, what with the way her mom always discouraged her from mixing or meeting with anyone else. But she wasn't going to talk about that right now.

Accepting a token hug she closed her eyes and tried to forget almost everything that Gavin had said, instead picturing in her mind the face of the mischievous young boy who had gone camping and never came back. Her eyes threatened to well at the memory, but she fought them back...she wasn't quite ready to trust these people with her emotions just yet.

She followed them back into the house, not knowing where else to go. Lance hadn't shown up at all, so she didn't have any of her things, but it didn't matter. She was more than prepared to sleep a little rough tonight...after all anything was better than sleeping in Lance's stupid car. And at least here she had the offer of a bed.

Inside she followed the only remaining voices into the kitchen.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

"Yeah. We'll talk tomorrow, Calvin," Lyra said softly, watching as her friend disappeared from view. She sighed softly which ended in a tired yawn, curious as to what incite he had received between their chat and now. But as he said, that was a matter for another day. Lyra remained where she was for a moment before turning back toward the kitchen, running her hands through her hair in a vain attempt not to appear as exhausted as she felt. She smiled upon seeing Kiyoshi first, his body blocking her initial view from Ares. If her mate had not spoken, Lyra would have assumed his still body had fallen asleep. She came up silently behind Kiyoshi and slipped her arms around his shoulders in a warm embrace. "I'm beat," Lyra said, closing her eyes to confirm her statement. Seeing Ares finally, Lyra stood slightly but kept her hands massaging Kiyoshi's neck, sensing that the days events had stressed him out.

"Ares, how are you feeling?" Lyra asked, smiling to him. She looked to her mother and gaped slightly at the drink being prepared. It was a childhood favorite. "Mom, could I have one too?" she asked. "You always make the best."

Lyra turned her head as footsteps sounded and Tabby entered the room. "Hey Tabby. How did everything go? Are you feeling okay?" she pressed softly, curious how it went with Gavin.

The setting changes from Connorsford to Downstairs

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
With a nod and a smile, Tai set about preparing the drinks, setting out a number of mugs in case anybody else felt like having some, including herself. She replied to Lyra with an affirmative two-tone hum, and looked through the corner of her eye at Kiyoshi and Ares. The young man certainly seemed to have a knack for bringing out courage and confidence where previously there seemed to have been none, and it was difficult not for her to imagine him being the perfect person to instigate worthy values in a future alpha of his own.

Wow..., Tai stopped herself for a moment. Had she really just thought that? Thought in a way that assumed she knew who would take over as alpha after Adrian? She dearly wished it was as simple as being able to assume. Poor James...there's going to be so much pressure on him now that Lyra has taken the 'next step' in life.

Swallowing her concerns, she finished making up the drinks, taking one piping hot cup and leaving the other two on the side for Ares and Lyra.



Tabby's frame eased up in the kitchen, presented with the wonderfully domestic sight of what almost portrayed multiple aspects of the happy family. It seemed to contrast quite starkly with the situation as it seemed in the case of her own family at that moment; father missing presumed dead under sinister circumstances, a mother who had consigned both herself and her daughter to a reclusive life on the edge of town, and a brother who had resurfaced after years of mourning and was found to be harbouring this fantastical delusion about being a werewolf.

She struggled to know how to answer Lyra's question. The honest answer would have been something like 'well he thinks he's a werewolf, please god tell me you don't believe that', but she was afraid she wouldn't like the answer and she wasn't in any state to stomach a blow like that.

"I'm alright." she said with a weak smile, "It's just strange, I never expected to see him again so it's a lot to take in all at once. But I'm glad I came, for sure."

"Us too!" Tai chipped in, standing nearby with one of the drinks. "Wouldn't do to leave you out there sleeping rough again. Did your uncle not come along?"

"No I've not heard from him." Tabby shrugged, "He was supposed to drop my things by but I think he was gonna sleep down in town either way."

"Oh alright, no problem." Tai nodded, "Well I've set up a room for you downstairs, I'm sure Lyra will show you to it when you're ready. Lyra honey it's the one by the games room, I think Duncan's going to be taking the other one."

She peered out into the hallway, satisfied that everyone was accounted for except Adrian and Duncan, and she knew she didn't have to worry about those two.

"Your dad and Duncan will be back a little later," she said to Lyra, "so don't worry if you hear the door go. Other than that, I'll see you all in the morning! Tabby, we all have breakfast usually around eight thirty but if you get hungry, then seriously just help yourself to anything you find any time."

"That's really great of you," Tabby smiled, "thanks Mrs...?"

"Tai! Always Tai to everyone who doesn't call me mom."

The setting changes from Downstairs to Connorsford

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra smiled thankfully to her mother as the drink was handed over. It was a warm relief that not everything was spinning out of control at this house. Then again, Lyra was partially to blame for the chaos in revealing her mate. She chuckled softly and squeezed Kiyoshi's shoulder lovingly before stepping away to enjoy her drink quietly for a moment.

"You must be exhausted Tabby. Come on, I'll show you to your room," she said with an open smile, rinsing out her mug and putting it in the dishwasher to run later. Lyra yawned softly and stretched her arms up with a soft sigh of release. She knew every day had 24 hours in it, but today had just felt longer. "Goodnight Ares, Oyasumi nasai Kiyoshi-san." Lyra watched them for a moment longer before turning and motioning Tabby from the room. She had considered to use the familiar term -kun for Kiyoshi, but decided against it. He was still her elder and she would always respect him too highly for that, even if they were mates.

Lyra walked slowly and smiled to Tabby, desperately wanting to pry but knowing that she shouldn't. She was most of all curious how much Gavin had revealed to his sister about their race. Still, Lyra knew it was not her place to interrupt. "Well, here you are Tabby," Lyra said, opening up the door to the room. "Everyone's turning in about now, so things will settle down. I am glad that you decided to stay with us instead of that car. If Lance wants to have breakfast here, he's welcomed also. I'm sure you want to let your uncle know about all this. Well, goodnight!" Lyra said, waving Tabby off. She paused quickly and turned back to Tabby. Even if she did not want to pry, she did need to say something on the matter.

"Your brother is a really good guy," Lyra said softly with a sigh. "Gavin did what he thought was best for you. From my experience, he acts with his heart rather than his head which gets him into trouble pretty much all the time. This is rough for him too, so give him time. I can tell from his eyes that he missed you terribly, he never meant to hurt you. And I know that he would never lie to you." Lyra shrugged and yawned again softly with another stretch. "Well, time to turn in. If you need anything just ask, okay?"

Lyra waved and turned from the girl, ready for bed. Kiyoshi was probably tending to Ares about now. She had felt the Japanese by doze off repeatedly downstairs. It must have been a lot for him today. It was a lot for all of them today. Quickly Lyra changed out of her dress and slipped into a pair of shorts and a tank top, sighing and the extreme level of comfort it brought her. The dress and make-up had been worth it, though. She would never forget his face. . . Even if it was more time consuming to clean herself up than it was for Jac to apply the facial accents. For the life of her, Lyra would never understand how females wore it daily. Natural was perfection in her mind.

Her hair was slightly tangled but the tired she-wolf did not mind or even care at this point. She shut the bathroom lights and slipped into the hall about ready to return to her room. She hesitated, however, and with a small smile slid into Kiyoshi's room to lay upon his bed and wait for him to finish. Silently she slipped the bells off her wrists and placed them on the floor besides her head.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Ares Fagan
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Ares was half-asleep as he listened to Kiyoshi's words and he nodded his head softly, unaware that his eyes had closed as he laid his head on his hands, slept within minutes. He mumbled sluggishly underneath his breath as he realized it must be rude not to say goodnight to Kiyoshi or Lyra.

"...g-goodnight, s-sister, b-brother..."

He muttered and finally gave in to the sheer exhaustion. Today was indeed a very stressful day to Ares...he had formed unexpected bonds with both Lyra and Kiyoshi, met new friends, learnt how to make salad...He smiled slightly...He hoped his Mother would be proud with his effort in making new friends...His Mother always loved seeing him make new friends. He jolted awake as Tai placed a cup of something hot in front of him and he raised a cup, drinking it in one gulp. It was...delicious to say the least...felt like home...He mumbled a small 'thank-you' and placed his head on his hands again. This time, he was determined that he would only rest his eyes for a moment...he would surely come back to his own room by himself now...he would...

His mind drifted off before he could even finish his thoughts...and for the first time, Ares felt perfectly safe in the hands of these stranger he had just met not even a week before...maybe this was the place he could call home...maybe this was the place that could provide him what he longed for so long...

"...g-good night...my family..."

The last part was nothing but a half-conscious whisper as Ares felt the tension on his shoulder relaxed slightly...it was good...to be in a place where someone didn't try to hit him every 10 seconds...

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka Character Portrait: Ashley Williams Character Portrait: The Rogues
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra has drifted of to sleep waiting for Kiyoshi, her dreams pleasantly interrupted as he called out to her. She smiled and sat up slowly, her muscling aching from not having stretched as she usually did before the night's rest. But tonight it could be put off. She doubted that she would be able to remain conscious through most of the activity anyway. Perhaps she could begin tomorrow with yoga to make up for the lost time.

"Long day," Kiyoshi whispered, as though an explanation were necessary.

Lyra smiled to this, tossing her head with a slight chuckle as she looked down to him. He appeared to be all ready asleep with his eyes closed. "I just wanted to say goodnight to you again. It seems the closer we get the less time we have to spend together," she sighed softly, laying down and resting her head against his chest. She smiled as her eyes drifted closed, feeling like she should be remembering something but the thought slipping from her mind. "Go, I know you want to pray for your parents," Lyra mumbled, her voice growing softer with each word. "I just came to say good night and that I . . . love. . . you." Lyra sighed softly with the lest few words, spoken from the heart as her eyes slid closed and her consciousness drifted away after the long and tiresome day.




Ash watched Winter carefully, her arms crossed as she leaned back in her seat. She could tell that everyone there was uncomfortable with Winter's bringing up the flash from their past. Ash was just the only one man enough to say anything, as ironic as that could be. She sighed dramatically and flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Whatever. You know where I stand in this. I'll just be a good little pup and do as I'm told for now. Besides, I'm just curious to see where it gets me in the end," she said with a snicker, purposely stabbing Winter's plan.

She yawned loudly and stretched, her eyes looking longingly up into the night sky. "Well, this wolf needs her beauty sleep. You don't get this good looking from telling camp fire tales all night. Just wake me up in the morning when you need something from me. Or better yet, just let me sleep," she moaned, stretching up and walking away from the group to find a soft spot somewhere. That was the one thing she missed from pack life: a bed.

The setting changes from Connorsford to The Pack House

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Tabitha Davio Character Portrait: Anya West Character Portrait: Tai Khöller Character Portrait: Duncan Reidon Character Portrait: Adrian Khöller
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by shmband
It was as though Lyra's words pulled the curtain back on the reality that Tabby was indeed exhausted. The strangeness of the events that night had been enough to keep her mind on it's toes, but the invitation to let all of that go and embrace sleep was far too inviting.

"Thank you." she said to Lyra, lifting a hand gently to the other in the kitchen before following Lyra out. The room she was shown was certainly not as modest as Tai had led her to expect; for a downstairs guest room it was very well laid out, with a sofa-bed that had been dressed so as to look to all intents like an actual bed and a softened bedside lamplight.

"I'm sure Lance holed himself up somewhere." she chuckled halfheartedly. "He's not the best at organisation."

She listened as Lyra went on, and realised for the first time that people had probably been well aware of the discomfort between her and Gavin that evening. What had they made of it? Well, that probably had a lot to do with what they made of themselves. But she had already resolved not to dwell on that. Lyra was being good to her, even to the extent of trying to reassure her about her own brother. For now, it would be enough to be grateful for that.

"Thanks Lyra," she said, "I'll see you in the morning. G'night!"

When Lyra was gone, Tabby rolled onto the bed. Sinking into the soft foam surface felt like a welcome immersion into comfort, and was luxury compared to anything she'd experienced the last few days! All there was to do was to lay there. She had nothing to change into. Before sleep took over, she checked her phone one last time, but the battery had died. And, of course, the charger was one of the things in her bag that Lance had been supposed to bring up. She shook her head and bit her lip. True enough, she'd landed on her feet being invited to this house. It took the edge of an otherwise thoroughly miserable experience. But for everything that had happened, she wished more than anything she could just go home. Apologising to mom for disappearing without an explanation suddenly seemed to have lost it's sting in comparision with the longing to be back with her.



Having remained fairly quiet while Lyra had tactfully removed Calvin from the room, Tai nodded at Kiyoshi when he excused himself.

"Of course Kiyoshi," she said, "sleep well. And thanks for all your help today."

She lingered in the kitchen a little while after the others had left, pretending to find something else to put back in place. James had all but disappeared, but then she hadn't seen much of Dante either. Perhaps he was looking after her. Tai had forgotten about the new girl...there had been so much else to think about. She blew out a long, slow breath. It had been quite a day all round. And tomorrow would bring the challenge of trying to consolidate and make sense of it all.

Stepping out of the kitchen she grabbed a few extra towels out of the utility cupboard nearby and turned back into the main hall.



As he made the short drive back up to the house with his two silent passengers, Adrian wasn't sure where his mind was meant to be. Essentially there was nothing so sinister and troubling that had happened as to wrench his mind away from the passing of an elder packmate. Not a 'tragic' passing in the true sense; Gray had been of a good age and had come to a peaceful end following an exemplary life. It was, in many ways, precisely what every wolf should aspire to have at the end of their journey. Factor in the aspect of having your offspring at your side at the final moment...well, that certainly made it something Adrian hoped to achieve when his time came.

In no time at all they were pulling into the driveway. Adrian didn't bother opening the garage; the car could sit out tonight. He glanced back at Duncan and Anya, but a mixture of tiredness and emotion rendered words inappropriate. What everyone needed right now was rest. Not many lights remained on in the house, and certainly it was evident that all the guests had gone home. Little surprise; it was well after midnight.

He got out of the car and made straight for the front door. Once inside, he saw Tai in the hallway holding several towels. The pair made immediate eye contact, and Adrian shook his head solemnly.

"I see." Tai said with a nod. "Is Duncan alright?"

"He's staying here tonight." Adrian replied softly.

"I thought he would." said Tai, "The room is ready. I'm just putting out some extra towels for the morning and then I'll turn in myself."

"Good call." Adrian hung up his jacket and waited for Duncan and Anya to make their way in also, turning to the Beta and squeezing his should with his hand. "Head straight on up pal. We'll see you in the morning. Remember, in the wake of the grief comes the pride, but the grief will have it's rightful time."

The setting changes from The Pack House to Connorsford

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra shifted slightly as her consciousness drew awake, unaware of how long she had been asleep. Her golden eyes fluttered in arousal, a flicker of tense confusion stirring in her body as she did not immediately recognize her surroundings. It only took a moment, however, for her to recognize Kiyoshi's calm breaths and scent; both of which seemed incredibly clear inside her mind. Perhaps that was how she knew this was the right decision. Even without her wolf - although the knowledge of it being so close was almost painful - Lyra could still find Kiyoshi wherever he was. She admired the thought of that and curled tightly against him in deep comfort.

Lyra gazed softly up to his peaceful sleep. He seemed to be resting calmly, but one could never tell. She wondered if his parents still haunted Kiyoshi's dreams. At adolescence, Lyra did not come to comfort him any longer. She often wondered if he would even let her.

Lyra sighed softly and closed her eyes again. She could tell it was still early, her usual rising time. She liked to get a run in before most of the world awoke, to feel the peace of nature unharmed by another day. Perhaps, just this once, she could sleep in. Finding a mate cannot make you soft. Lyra opened her eyes to this thought that intruded upon her peace. It annoyed her because it spoke the truth. If she wanted to be alpha, she could make no exceptions. She needed to be stronger, faster, more dedicated than her predecessors. As painful as it may seem now, lounging with her mate would only slow her progress. They had an entire future together, they would share more moments. But still, one more minute would not harm anyone, she thought, closing her eyes again for a second.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra felt her eyes grow heavy, her will power weakening in the comfort of Kiyoshi's arms. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Beneath her head she could feel the gentle thump of the man's heart. It was a soothing tune that lulled her back into sleep and relaxation. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thumpthumpthumpthump.

Lyra opened her eyes softly, listening as his heart rate picked up to an alarming speed. She sat up as the fear was slowly cracking through his calm exterior and Kiyoshi began to toss in his sleep. Lyra bit her lip fiercely, realizing her initial fear was correct. His dreams had not left him. It was almost ten years since their deaths... An anniversary that was approaching quickly.

Kiyoshi woke with a start leaving Lyra with a hole in her heart as there was little she could do. She could comfort him, but she could never truly solve his pain. "I am sorry Kiyoshi," she whispered hoarsely, looking down to him, pushing the hair away from his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me you still had the dreams? I should have been here for you helping you through them," Lyra whimpered, wrapping her arms protectively around him as if her body could shield him from the pain of his parents' deaths. "You do not have to hold this pain alone anymore, I am here. I am not going anywhere." She was frightened for him.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Lyra Khöller Character Portrait: Kiyoshi Tanaka
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Lyra closed her eyes with a heavy sigh, feeling the man tremble in her grasp. She had no idea that their deaths affected Kiyoshi to this degree after so many years. Yes, she had seen him this way before as a child but he eventually grew to a point where he no longer wanted her attention to the nightmares and her comforting aid. Lyra had assumed this was because they had begun to fade as Kiyoshi grew accustomed to his new home. In reality, it appeared that they only grew stronger. Some of Lyra felt betrayed that he had hidden this part of himself from her; the rest felt guilty that she had not noticed it before this point. How could I have been this blind?

Lyra could feel his tense body as his hand shook that gently attempted to stroke her hair. He was struggling, that much Lyra could tell. What she could not decide was why he felt the need to still hide this from her. She was his mate, he had no reason to fear her seeing him in weakness. "I'm alright."

Lyra shook her head to this, a difficult task due to how firmly she held herself against his chest. Slowly she pulled away and sat on her knees to better mirror his height while sitting, her golden eyes dark from sorrow. "Do not lie to me, Kiyoshi," she said softly, cupping his cheeks with her hands so he was forced to look into her eyes as she shook her head. "There is no need to. Why can't you just admit that you miss them, why hide yourself away behind your wall? You always distance yourself away from everyone, from me, when all I want is your happiness." Lyra looked to him deeply, meaning all of her words. She was well awear that her efforts could only deepen his wound, but it was something she had to do. "I have never pried into how it happened because I did not want to upset you. But, I will not stand by and watch you suffer in this way. I am your mate and lover, but I am also your friend. I won't leave you like this. You can scream at me, you can hate me, but please, Kiyoshi, do not lie to me."