Frankie
Tharn Skorn
Burgh

He gazed up at Levi, his eyes barely able to focus on him. Try as he might to carry on the fight, even a man as great as Tharn had physical limitations. He was, after all, a mere mortal. His breathing was ragged and choked with blood; as pitiful as he looked, it really wasn't much of a victory for Levi. 

The blows rained down on Tharn's skull, and long before Levi had finished thrashing, Tharn was gone, his skull smashed open like a watermelon. One yellow eye remained, wide open and staring up at the sky, dim and lifeless. 

With their leader fallen, the wolfmen offered no further resistance. It was as if they could sense their leader's passing, even without all of them being able to see him. With the final blow, the wolfmen disengaged and retreated, vanishing into the woods like ghosts. 

***
Nestled safely in the hills of Northwind, far from the reaches of Burgh and Iron Gate, a small encampment laid. The men had returned from war, far fewer in number and without their leader. 

As the news spread through the encampment, a great, mournful cry went up. Eerie, sorrowful howls echoed through the forest, rolling over the hills, signaling the death of their leader and the end of an era. The wolfmen no longer howled together as one, but as individuals, each mourning their great leader in their own way.

In one of the largest tents, a young woman wept over an infant child, her sobs occasionally permeated by wails of grief, a mixture of human and animal cry. She moved in a fog, wrapping the screaming, wailing child in thick furs. Her grief was so great that she couldn't even begin to comfort her child, whose wails joined those of all around them. 

Slowly, she put on her great fur coat, then placed the baby into the pouch sewn into the back, which held him close against her back. Gathering their few belongings, she and the child joined the others, both in the grieving process and in movement. 

From beneath the coat, all that was visible were the infant's yellow eyes. Filled with tears, they gazed out at the encampment from beneath a mop of thick black hair, which covered most of the child's body. 

Heads low and with labored steps, they moved through the forest, leaving not a trace in their wake. It was as if the encampment never existed.
Katherine
Bastien de Lysse
The Keep Sempiternal of the Grey Hills

Bastien felt a strong surge of warmth blossom from his heart as he wrapped Fleur's small frame closer to him. He cherished her hugs. Even though he knew it was improper to show such great affection so openly, with Fleur he would gladly take the risks.

He finally released her, afraid he was smothering her slightly, and listened to her question of his leaving as she stepped off her stool and went over to her bed. He sighed, giving her a small smile. Fleur seemed to be able to read his thoughts more than he would like to admit.

"Yes," He said as he walked over to her. "But not for long. I am going to Sol for a few days, and then I will return." He ruffled her hair gently. "I will bring you back a special present," He added, as she looked particularly sad. He was not immune to his younger sister's puppy-dog eyes. "You will like it, I promise."

Though, at the time, he had no idea what that present would be.

***

Bastien stood outside of Lady Kolgrim's room, leaning his back against the stone wall with his arms crossed as he drummed his fingers against his arms. It was morning, bright and early, and he was waiting to escort Lady Kolgrim to Fleur's room. He wanted to introduce the two as soon as possible to get them acquainted. Preferably before Selene found out about his plan.

*'Even if she does, there is nothing she can do about it,'* He thought as he watched a servant walk by. *'Besides Father, I'm the one with the most power in this house.'*

He glanced down at his shoes, tapping his foot impatiently. Since he was back home and not doing business in Sol, he was wearing less formal and more comfortable clothes. A loose, white linen drawstring shirt, brown pants, and his lace-up black riding boots: his go-to outfit of choice when he was not busy.

His tapping ceased and he straightened up, turning his head as he heard the door to Lady Calypso's room finally open.
Bill
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Keep Semptiternal of Gray Hills.


Calypso had woke up that morning in a bed she didn't recognize, the room around her was different, and the confusion of the first wake threw her in a momentary worry. But it didn't last as the memories from yesterday came back to her mind. She wasn't at Sol anymore, the view outside her window completely different. 
The young lady took a moment to collect herself before getting out of bed.

The plan had worked. Yesterday she and Lord Bastien had the opportunity to talk without fear of being heard from indiscrete ears. Lord De Lysse informed her of the .... "Strict" Attitude of his aunt, from his words the woman seemed some extreme evil that needed to be stopped. He talked about the castle and where she was permitted to go and where she better stray from. Calypso also managed to make him talk about his sister, it was clear he was very fond of her. In her heart she hoped that the two of them would go along, It would have been a nuisance if they had gone through all that trouble only for Fleur to reject her.

While getting ready she thought about what to say and how to act around the girl, despite Bastien encouraging her to be more natural. Maybe she could allow herself to be a bit more friendly with the young lady, wondered her as she slipped on her white dress, the large bell sleeves waving with each movement. Over it, she put an overdress with a laced front witch helped bring out the shape of her body. The overdress was a dark blue but overall her attire was far from her mourning clothes but still, she managed to look elegant even in that simpler outfit.

Her dark hair let mostly loose and some light jewelry to go with. She looks at herself in the mirror. She seemed more youthful and simple but her stance betrayed her, looking poised as always. Satisfied she stepped out of her room, but when she opened the door Calypso was immediately welcomed by the stiff figure of her employee. But he looked different, more relaxed in what looked to be his house clothes. Despite not being as elegant as the tailored pieces she had met him in, they looked far more natural on him. 
"Oh, Good morning your grace." Said her dry bowing slightly, lifting slightly her skirt, "Are we off to meet her grace your sister?" Asked her even though she already knew the answer.