It's a fool who plays it cool

[foolsmakeitcolder]

WHO: Jude & OPEN
WHAT: Arrival & settling
WHEN: Early Justinian
WHERE: First the Vimmark Mountains, then the Gallows
NOTES: Warning for giant ass wolf, giant wolf ass, nudity, violence.



Starters to come.

Comments

[foolsmakeitcolder]

Jude smiles, one of his sadder, more somber ones, his eyes steady. He pats her shoulder. Even if she can guess, it's good to ask. To understand.

"The settlement of the west nearly wiped us out," Jude explains, as he would to one of the younger members of his pack, learning.

"A few hundred years ago, there was a bounty on wolf ears. We weren't seen as people." Not human, obviously, but still people.

"Given how native Thedosians treat any race that isn't human, it would make sense for them to hide. And for that matter, I've been told that shapeshifting "magic" is frowned upon. Haven't been told why."

[armd]

"Right."

She looks troubled when she adds, "Guess you couldn't keep the secret from them forever." Because of course, as Jude currently is, standing in front of her, she never would have guessed he could turn into a wolf if she hadn't just seen it happen. But what should his pack have done, never shifted again just to be safe? A denial of their nature. It isn't fair.

She sighs. "I don't think there really is a specific 'why'. Most people here are wary of any kind of magic."

[foolsmakeitcolder]

"Seems like a terrible way to live. Hiding who you are."

Not a part. All. Jude doesn't view himself as part man, part wolf. He is one person, one soul. How is.

He gives a sigh.

"There are werewolf legends here, too. I'll keep looking."

[armd]

Oh, shit.

"Are there?" She didn't know that. "I... hope you find them?"

[foolsmakeitcolder]

"Thank you."

He warms, brightening again. While he doesn't cover up the sadness, it's a natural part of life, he wants to make sure he won't hand it to her by surprise, either.

"Anything you want to find here?"

[armd]

"Cup of tea would be alright," Abby says and shifts her weight, looking past him. She isn't stupid, she knows he means something a little more philosophical than that, but she doesn't know how to say something like 'a purpose?' to a guy she's met twice. So.

Cup of tea it is. It's not not true. "You might want to come with me to find one." Tarp outfit doesn't shield entirely from the cool night breeze.

[foolsmakeitcolder]

"All right, then. Keep your secrets."

Jude gives her a slow smile -- and just to be a little bit of a shit, shifts back. The tarp falls down between them, and he snags it with his teeth, pulling it back into place. Mostly.

It's far more comfortable, back in fur. He's so dark he nearly blends into the night, and would if it weren't for the torchlight.