Fantasy In the Woods Somewhere

[Oenanthe]

When I awoke


The moon still hung.


The night so black that the darkness hummed

I raised myself.


My legs were weak.


I prayed my mind be good to me.

A woman's voice!


I quickly ran


Into the trees with empty hands.

I clutched my life


And wished it kept.


My dearest love I'm not done yet

How many years


I know I'll bear


I found something in the woods somewhere.

[media]
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[Oenanthe]

Claudia

Indeed it was so dark and black that evening that the darkness did seem to have it's own angry vibration that rattled the evergreen needles. What should have been a relatively bright night, due to the state of the moon, was instead a bleak and dreary one. Choked out by elderly December hands as it rained down powdery snow upon the forest. Though, even if it were not for these conditions it might still be bleak for the night always seemed to hold a certain musk to it that clouded the eyes and suffocated the throats, these forest were truly a cursed one and no one knew this better than Claudia and those of her company back in the village.


It was on these nights though that she was entirely alone. It was safer this way, large groups meant plenty of attention for what lurked beyond in the frozen depth of the forest. Large groups were worth the energy to snuff out their meager candle lit lives. One person though proved much easier to sneak around, yet when caught it was hardly worth attacking to these great beast. Whether they be of mortal origins or something...different.

Claudia's hood was drawn far over her head so that she looked nothing more than a mobile shadow, which was fearfully common in these sort of forest. She moved swiftly and with intention, the powdery snow even seeming to part in front of her for fear of being caught on her coat in her gusty stride. Her path was lit by a single candle that floated directly outside of her coat line, as if the thick, depressed air was enough to hold up even a candle.


Soon she neared the woods edge and waited patiently, her eyes keeping a focused gaze trained n the large log crafted doors that led into the main and largest town known as Albany. She waited for she knew exactly what was to come tonight, many wondered how she knew each time a new one would come to them, others dared not ask, others knew.

For better or worse, she waited.
​

 

[MustardSeed]

In the heart of the Devil Woods, the low wind blowing through the trees had an ominous sound to it, low and moaning. Even the lightest breeze brought out the most sorrowful sounds from the twisted pines and dark oaks, sometimes sounding like the soft crying of a lost child. It was eery to most, but not to Beul. She knew much better than to fear the crying trees and shifting shadows, knowing there were even worse things hiding in those shadows and howling with the winds. She saved her fear for the demons and true monsters that waited just outside the confounds of the tribe grounds to snap her up.


Having climbed up into one of the few lookout perches they'd so far managed to build in the outskirting trees, Beul was crouched down low, staring off with her one good eye into the woods. Breathing low and slow, her hands stuffed underneath her armpits to keep them warm, she watched with patience for a few things in particular. As the trees groaned and cried with the winds that blew through them, she sat watching for any sign of danger or for Claudia and whoever she brought with her. Earlier that night, the woman had slipped off into the dark in that silent way she had. Beul knew she was off to scoop up some unfortunate souls, it was her duty to know this after all.


Sighing softly, the only light with which she could see being the few strands of moonlight that managed to break through the thick canopies above her, she glanced down towards the ground. She heard the soft crunch of frozen leaves, and sat up a little. Her heart beat quicker, and she studied the ground to see what had caused the noise. Down below, she saw a familiar face lift up and smile at her, gray eyes almost glimmering when a beam of moonlight came over them.





"It's just me, Beul, relax. Scoot over, I'm coming up kiddo." Daniel said, grinning and reaching to grab a branch before she could even give him the okay.


Beul grumbled lightly about how he should have been back with the others, and how there wasn't enough room (espcially for someone as big as him), but she moved over anyways. The lookouts were not very high up, and they were simple and large enough to squeeze two full-size people together if they really squished close. Since Beul was small though, there could be comforable space between her and another average sized person. She watched Daniel make the easy climb up and then sat cross-legged next to her.





"If you call me kiddo again, I'll push you off. I'm a grown woman, thank you very much." She muttered, glaring shortly at him. She turned her eye back to the forest, looking out as he chuckled at her. He had pet names for everyone, and she found it annoying. She shook her head. "And if you're up here, you're going to shut up and help me keep an eye out. Be my second and third eye. No chit-chatting, there's time for that tomorrow."





Daniel laughed quietly, leaning forward to mockingly peel his eyes open and stare ahead where Beul was looking. "Alright then, your word's my command kid-"





Beul punched his shoulder before he could finish, and he laughed softly again before patting her head and falling silent like she wanted, looking out into the night with warm and watchful eyes.

 

[Problematic Pixie]

The comfy sheets enveloped Alexandria's body as she slumped down into her bed. It had been a long day even though she did absolutely nothing productive. Her mother had asked her to do an endless list of chores, but Alexandria refused to do anything.


A small oil lamp emitted a faint light in the corner of her bedroom. She tends to come off as a tough, mean girl, but in actuality, she was still scared of the dark. The wind howled ruthlessly outside, and a pesky tree branch tapped on her window. It was nights like these that sent shivers down Alexandria's spine.


Just as sleep was about to take her, she heard distressed voices coming from the other room. It was her parents, and they were arguing about something. They always fought about everything, and Alexandria couldn't stand it. Most of the fights involved money, Alexandria, and the Church. She sat up in bed and listened closely.


"No, please! You can't take her, not tonight!" Her mother pleaded, but to who, and who was going to be taken? Knots began to form in Alexandria's stomach, something bad was about to happen, and she didn't want to find out what. The front door slammed open, and heavy footsteps echoed throughout the house. What was going on? "You've got to give up more time! She can change! I beg of you sir, just give us more time!" Her father's voice sounded desperate like he was on the verge of tears, but her mother had already started to sob. Alexandria's breathing had quickened, and she threw the blankets off of her body. The footsteps grew louder, someone was coming.


Her bedroom door flew open and revealed two large and burly men. There was no doubt that they were guards.


"Let's go." One growled, and roughly grabbed her by the arm.


"HEY! Let go of me, you wanker!!" Alexandria screamed as the man dragged her out of the house. "Where are you taking me? I'm still in my night gown and I don't even have shoes!!" Her feet became numb and stuff from being submerged in the freshly fallen snow; her nightgown was far too thin to provide any warmth. Everyone in town was alarmed by Alexandria's screaming and they stood outside watching closely; they all knew what was happening. They arrived at the large wooden doors and Father Culver, the head of the church, was standing near the entrance. The guards threw Alexandria to the ground and she landed right at Father's feet. She looked up at him with hurt in her eyes.


"Alexandria Hightower," Father Culver started, staring at her intensely, "I hearby vanish you from Albany to die in the forest. You are a disgrace to us, and a disturbance to our peace." He bellowed, venom dropping from every word. Alexandria stood up and stared him in the eyes.


"This town is rubbish..." She insulted, and spat in his face. The guards jerked her away and threw her out of the open doors. Her small body collided with the dark snow on the ground. She stood up and tried to dart back inside, but the doors slammed shut, and the last bit of light disappeared. Tears formed in her eyes and she slowly backed away from the doors.


"FINE!" She screamed. "I didn't like our town that much anyway! I'll be fine out here! You just watch me!!!"

 

[Oenanthe]

Claudia

It was always a very unique, and very telling, experience when Claudia caught her first glimpses of the outcast who was to join their little motley family. Everyone reacted differently. Some threw fits of rage, screaming at heave or hell or anything in sight. Others were over taken by grief and would crumble at the door, begging and crying to be let back in. If not for Claudia, she suspected these types might just die clinging to the wooden doors of Albany. Some relished in the joys of their new found freedom and would quickly head into the forest with high heads. Then there were those that were more than ready to go but where all too fearful of the forest and simply stood like frozen monuments to fear, staring buck eyed at the dark forest line. The last kind were the accepting kind, the kind that simply grabbed what they had, if anything, and started walking. Hopeless and quite ready to die, but maybe not at the door step for all to see. She had been the last kind.


It was all too obvious that this girl, who ever she might be, well she was the first kind.


A small smirk grace the lips of the shrouded figure. Claudia always like the fighters, in the beginning anyway, they provided the most amusement and had the most spunk to them. However, they often proved to be the worst additions to the family. If someone was going to start a fight it was usually these people. Oh, they made for the best parties or the best trainers. As long as you kept them out of the forest, where they might have very easily challenged the demons or beast and kept them away from too much alcohol or people of equally hot temper, they tended to be wonderful additions.


Eventually though, when it seemed the girl had no intention on letting up, she stepped forward a few steps into the field separating them and Albany. " Hush child." She said in a motherly tone, though she was not but a child herself really. " You will wake the dead with screaming like that, and in these forest that might as well be fact rather than an expression."


Normally, she would have all the patience in the world to wait on the person but tonight it was a full moon, it was cold, it was dark, and the girl was very, very loud. " Well, come on then. Before they spot us." her invisible hand underneath the cloak motioned to the village walls, " or they do." Her hand dropped to her side as she waited for the girl to have some sort of reaction.


" That is, if you want to live of course. If you have come here to die...well, you certainly won't need my aid for that, but to live... that is a different matter all together."




(( @Problematic Pixie ))

​

 

[Problematic Pixie]

((I has the permissions to god mod Claudia for this scene))


Alexandria


A soft feminine voice caused Alexandria to spin around and come face to face with a black shrouded figure. She jumped back and prepared herself for a fight. Whatever this thing was, it was dressed very mysterious.


"Who the hell are you?" Alexandria demanded forcefully. The tiny black figure did not respond, she only stood still without saying a word. The candle in her hand flickered and emitted a soft glow. Alexandria studied the person closely. It was very short, and it had a soft voice. It was definitely a small woman, and Alexandria knew she could win this fight. She had only been out here for a few minutes and weird things were already happening.


"HEY! I'm talking to you, you dankish earth-vexing hedge pig! Look at me!!" Alexandria screamed obnoxiously. The shrouded woman let out an irritated sigh and began walking towards the dark forest. This only angered Alexandria further, she hated to be ignored. "Where the hell are you going!" Alexandria began following her.


The mysterious girl continued to walk through the thick woods with an angry Alexandria hot on her heels.


"Where are you going?! My feet are about to fall off, this snow is too bloody cold!" With every question and complaint, Alexandria flailed her arms around angrily. "Are you scared of me? Why are you walking so casually?! HEY!!!"


After a grueling twenty minutes of walking, they neared the entrance of the village.


{@Oenanthe}

 

[Oenanthe]

Claudia

The voice behind Claudia fell to deaf ears as she continued to make her way to the village. She figured it would be a lot easier to just continue on her way then try convince her that coming with her was the right thing to do. Sometimes, it was rather difficult to convince the feisty ones that following her was the best thing for them to do but more often than not if she just ignored them, they couldn't resist the taunt. It worked too, she managed to coax the girl into following her all the way from Albany to their humble little village.

As she entered the little village of tents and caravans she was greeted warmly by many faces. Blind people, deaf people, people without arms, legs, people with deformations, and seemingly normal people. A whole rainbow of people accompanied her on her entrance into the town. The girl was greeted with as much enthusiasm as the cloaked one. A large warm robe was placed around her, as well as a wreath of pine draped over onto her neck. The majority of the village had prepared for the new comer and a large meal had been prepared in celebration. It was not all too often that they people got to feast but they made new comers an event.

Goat meat, winter berries, roots, dishes of greens, and milk had been prepared and ready to serve for the arrival and all of the town to partake in. Food was a treat in this village and while most did not technically go hungry, it wasn't exactly abundant. Though, in their new location which was conveniently on a clear open hill surrounded by forest, with even a little stream not too far away, it seemed that they could begin to grow crops and food might not be so hard won.

Claudia removed her hood as she made her way past the central great fire over to the large tent used as a dinning hall. The woman shed her snowy cloak to be hung on the back of the chair directly right of the head of the table, and exchanged greetings to everyone. Her blue dress remained majorly untouched by the harsh weather and so proved for a lovely dining garment, one used for only special occasions. It had delicate accents of cream and gold swirling in with the baby blue of the cloth, perfectly accenting her curled brown hair.

MISCELLANEOUS SIDE CHAR.


Meanwhile the newcomer had been sent to the back of a small tailors tent, he happened to be missing a leg but it didn't seem to stop him from hobbling around with great speed. " So, tell me what do you like to wear? I am under instructions from Claudia to get you something warm and a new pair of shoes. I have some basic things in stock you can pick from, unfortunately cloth usually has to be traded from brave dealers inside of the city. If you can bring me anything you find, or manage to trade, before the usual meeting times then I can craft something for you out of it. Claudia recently got a lovely bag for gathering made out of nothing but some bark and vines."


(( @Problematic Pixie @MustardSeed ))
​

 

[Problematic Pixie]

it took several moments for Alexandria to take in her surroundings. The little village was filled with tents, caravans, and livestock. It was the perfect representation of a little gypsy town. Chills ran down Alexandria's spine as she saw the village's inhabitants. Most of the people were abnormal, disfigured, and creepy. She almost felt sorry for them.


Her eyes widened when she spotted a few people that she knew. There was a man without legs that was thrown out of Albang two years ago, and now he was here in this village. Who were these people, and why did they live like this in the woods?


Claudia had a tall man escort her to the tailor's tent. Upon entering the flimsy cloth doorway, there stood a man with one leg and a cane. Alexandria had assumed that he was a tailor because there were small tables with a wide variety of clothing, shoes, and hats. When she turned around to ask her escort a question, he had already left the tent. The one legged man was babbling on about something, but Alexandria paid no attention; she was still in shock and trying to take in everything that had happened in the past hour.


"So," Alexandria started, "Just give me anything. I'm not a big fan of dresses, though. I would prefer pants and a shirt." The tailor chuckled gaily and hobbled over to a table. He picked up a pair of brown trousers, white knee high socks, and a white button down shirt. The man handed her the outfit and smiled.


"Since you don't like dressed I had to give you a boy's outfit. There's a pair of brown shoes in the corner there, they look about your size." The tailor explained, and pointed his cane towards the shoes.


Alexandria slipped out of her dirtied night gown and put on her new clothes. She thanked the tailor as she laced her shoes and left the tent. She wandered aimlessly around the village trying to find somewhere to sit down and think. She stumbled upon a large noisy tent in the corner of the village; it was brightly lit from the inside and many voices could be heard coming from inside.


Alexandria pulled the cloth entrance open and quietly slipped inside. No one had noticed her yet, so she stood quietly watching everyone mingle and feast.


@Oenanthe

 

[MustardSeed]

The woods had remained silent save for the pesky wind and the scurrying of small animals in the brush for another twenty minutes or so before the footsteps of Claudia and her lightly complaining follower were heard. Daniel had heard them first, lifting his head and crawling to the edge of his and Beul's shared perch to look further out. Beul shifted and became more alert, watching with him to see their approaching forms. As the two of them came closer, Claudia's candle illuminating the trees around them but only just barely rushing over their lookout, Daniel and Beul both watched with patience. Daniel waited until they had reached the entrance of the village before he grinned and dropped down directly from the lookout to the forest floor. He landed silently and gracefully, crouching to the ground momentarily before standing tall and following after them. Beul was slower, being less trusting of her ability to jump to the ground without breaking a leg or falling on her face and disfiguring the other half as well. She came after Daniel, swinging down the tree limb by limb before jogging to catch up.





The scent of the feast they would soon be having hit both of them as they came up behind Claudia and her taglong, the aroma of many different foods filling their nostrils and awakening their stomachs. Beul felt hunger growl in her guts, and she looked with a starving eye at the dishes being cooked and prepared as they passed them. She moved out of the way of other busy villagers as they bustled about and came over to greet Claudia with earnest. Those who did not have any specific tasks to do formed a trail of eager people, following both Claudia and the girl she'd brought back. There was always quite a gathering whenever someone new came to join them, with everyone wanting to get to know the new addition.


Beul shared a few short words with some as she passed them, with usual greetings and explanations of, yes, eventually they would be able to meet the new person. She made her way through the crowd, Daniel still ahead of her, chatting pleasantly with several other villagers. He was well-liked among them, being very friendly and kind with everyone in their interesting little tribe. People liked talking to him, and he liked talking to people. Winding her way through the bodies, Beul let out a rough sigh when she finally caught up to him, entering the dining tent with Claudia. He turned to look at her and then chuckled.





"There you are. Thought we'd lost you for a minute; I see you're still as slow as ever." He teased, going to a chair that sat a few down from Claudia's seat at the head of the table. Beul frowned at him, but said nothing as she stayed back to wait by the entrance to the tent. She was hungry, but she would wait to be sure that their new member found their way to the tent. She nodded down towards Claudia, her first real greeting of the woman since she'd returned. She hadn't had a moment before to actually say anything to her, but that was alright. She had gotten more than enough greetings from the other villagers that she was sure her own wouldn't be heavily missed.


Playing with the hem of her tunics sleeve, Beul waited as other villagers streamed in and took their places to eat. She greeted a few, and a small blind child came over to briefly hug her legs in his own way of saying "hello" before being led off to the table. The side of her mouth that was capable of movement twitched into a small smile at this, and she looked fondly to the others as well. She knew every face in that hall well, as it was her job to. Eventually, the face of the newcomer would be one that she'd know as well as her own mangled features too.


When the flap of the tent lifted and the girl, dressed in new clean clothes, came quietly in, Beul walked over to her. "I see our tailor's seen to your clothes already. That's good. You'll have more to wear eventually, but what he's given you will work well for a short while." She nodded towards the banquet as the others ate. "Hungry any?"

 

[Oenanthe]

Claudia

Greeting everyone with good cheer she settled into her spot as they all waited patiently for the new arrival, they could all very clearly remember what it had been like their first day in the village. For the ones who had come in the beginning it was nothing like this but for the alter additions they knew this tradition well and the emotions that went along with it. Each one of them receiving such warm welcomes on their time of arrival.
​

Claudia had never had this welcome for their current leader, Roman, and her mother had been the founders of the village. After she and her mother had been out casted from the small town of Matlock they had soon encountered Roman, she had just been a child at the time and the events were not all too clear but she remembered slowly gathering more and more people that Roman knew lives, then forming their own community. From there new people were recruited until eventually they numbered a good twelve people and could really call themselves a tiny village. Her mother had long since died during one of their early winters when Claudia was eleven, now she proudly filled the role her mother had served. As a healer, advisor, and seer for their little merry band of outcast.


Looking over at Daniel as he greeted her, she sent towards him a warm smile and a nod of acknowledgment. He was the only person she could honestly say...she never saw him coming. There were no dreams, no calling towards a particular city, no signs. Nothing told her of a new member in need of her aid. He had simply found them, and in this way she was always quite fascinated by him. Why had she not seen him? What made him so invisible to her? His presence made her senses fearful and doubt her skill but her mind was far too curious.

As the new member entered Claudia stood from her chair along with the rest of the occupants in the room. " Welcome!" She started, as it was customary for her to do the introduction then for Roman to make the welcoming speech and tell who they are. " And what is your name? What would you like us to know about you?"




Adrian




She had been with the tribe for a while now. Born in a distant town she had been outcast from a very young age as she had a very special defect. Adrain was indeed female, but she was also male in every sense of the word. While she appeared to be mostly female, save for a few masculine traits, she possessed not only the anatomy of a woman but also that of a man. This was the cause for her exile, though her mother managed to hide and delay it until she was five, when an older woman was assisting her to change into a new dress that had been made for her.


Once thrown in the forest she met a kind older man who was completely deaf, a man named Samuel, who cared for her. It was with Samuel that they soon discovered the forming village and were some of the first additions. Samuel was now a ripe old ago of 86 but Adrian was a mere 33 years of age.


Now she happily fulfilled her role as the head cook for the village and was always most cheerful during a time of feasting and with the addition of a new member. This of course was always her busiest time to, having to either prepare or over see the cooking of everything that went out on the table. She was good at her job though and ruled the kitchen with a soft but sturdy voice.


Once everything had been served except desert she peeked her head inside of the tent to view the happenings, just in time to see everyone take their seats from a standing position and Claudia to rise.




​

 

[Problematic Pixie]

( I was literally so close to finishing my reply... Then it was all deleted. ;-; )


((By the way, I wanted Roman to be in the tent before Alexandria arrived.. So I had to travel back in time a few minutes.. I so sorry, forgive me senpais.))


ROMAN


Roman pulled on his fur boots and shrugged his coat on preparing himself for the harsh relentless wind. He had always preferred the cold weather because, "You can always put on enough to get warm, but can never take off enough to be cool," that was a quote his father had always said when the seasons changed. He pushed open the door and hopped out, snow crunched beneath his feet. He walked quickly to the large meeting tent in the far corner of the village.


Tonight's dinner was special, because Claudia had dragged in yet another outcast for the village. The years seem to fly by; it seems like new people show up every day now. Roman had always hated the initiation dinner because it was very awkward and stressful for him and Claudia. The two of them had to watch the newcomer closely, and pay attention to everything they said. There was no such thing as being too cautious, and Roman was very protective of his people.


He pushed open the cloth doorway and stepped inside of the noisy and crowded tent. Almost everyone had showed up to greet the new face; however, the outcast had not arrived to the tent yet. The smell of freshly cooked food filled his nose and his stomach growled angrily. He had not eaten since early that morning; Claudia would often have to remind him to eat throughout the day, but keeping the village in order was stressful and time consuming.


He scanned the room and saw Claudia already sitting next to Daniel at the table. Roman walked past Claudia and squeezed her shoulder as he passed to let her know that he had arrived. Claudia meant the world to him, she was just like his own daughter. He and Claudia's mother, Marie, had an unbreakable bond. It nearly brought tears to his eyes to think back to her death; he had promised Marie that he would take good care of Claudia and raise her right. If Marie were here, she would be very proud to see Claudia now. Claudia was an amazing asset to the village, and Roman would most likely crumble without her help.


Roman made his way to the very end of the dining table where his throne-like chair sat. He would have been perfectly fine with a normal chair, but the village carpenter insisted that he needed comfortable furniture. After several minutes of mingling with villagers, the outcast had finally arrived to the tent.


-------------------------------------------------------------


ALEXANDRIA


Alexandria stood with her arms crossed and a blank expression. She was trying to comprehend everything that had happened in the past few hours. Would this place really be her new home? She shuddered at the thought of never being able to return to Albany. Even though it didn't seem like it, Alexandria really did love her parents; now she would never see them again. Her eyes began to water and she was on the verge of breaking down, but she managed to swallow back the sobs and focus on something else.


There was a man sitting at the end of the table; his brown messy hair hung down on his shoulders, and he was munching on some kind of meat. Whoever he was, he must have been important because of his elaborate seating. Alexandria stared at him intently for several seconds until he finally looked up to meet her gaze. She quickly averted her eyes and turned around to see a blonde headed girl with a very disfigured face walking towards her. Alexandria's eyes widened a bit when she took a closer look at the stranger's face. It was only disfigured on one side, but the other half was actually quite beautiful. The girl stood in front of her and began talking about how Alecandria had gotten a new outfit.


"Yes, the tailor gave me boy clothes because I really didn't want a dress. I'm not too fond of them, they are too long and they always get in the way of moving. Trousers and shirts are definitely my style." Alexandria explained with a smile. This girl was a potential friend, and in a time like this Alexandria really needed a shoulder to cry on, even if she didn't want to admit it to herself. The girl had asked her if she was hungry, and before Alexandria could answer the weird lady that had brought her here stood up and told her to introduce herself. Every villager in the room fell silent and all eyes were focused on her. Alexandria swallowed hard and paused before speaking.


"Come now girl, spit it out! Say what you will." The man in the throne bellowed; he too was now standing.


"My name is Alexandria Hightower," she started, "I'm sorry to say that I personally do not want to be here. If it were up to me, I would still be in my nice warm bed catching up on some sleep." Roman sighed and rested his hands on his hips.


"Well now, you don't have much of a choice, my dear." Roman said nonchalantly. "You aren't going home I can tell you that much, but if you would like to leave my village, please feel free and get out. You'll be dead within three days and then I'll have to send people to find your body. These forests are dangerous, so if I were you, I would get used to it here." Roman went on explaining how, when, and why the village was founded. He went through the normal process of giving speeches, and happily welcoming her. When he had finally finished, he looked over at Claudia. "Claudia, is there anything you would like to add before we give our new citizen a plate of this delicious food?"

 

[MustardSeed]

((That's alright! And that's annoying. D:


I'm going to go ahead and follow suit with everyone splitting up their responses with


Character A:


Words


Character B:


Words


Lol))





Daniel





The tent was full of excitement and intoxicating aromas, with the food being warm and plenty (considering what they would usually serve) and the chatter loud and lively. Everyone wanted to see the newcomer, they wanted to know what sort of person she was, how they could help her to adjust. If there was anything certain Daniel could say about the villagers, it was that they were very accommodating. They wanted to make all of their villagers feel welcomed and wanted, and they did their best to be sure that they did whatever they could to ensure the survival and happiness of their fellow man. It was interesting, but there wasn't much about the small nameless tribe that was not of an interesting nature.


Daniel flashed a characteristically charming smile to Claudia and received a warm one in return as he slid into a seat near her. He was a friendly man, and this was especially true when he was around Claudia. He was known to often be with her, sometimes not doing much more than idly talking with her about the day's events. There was a presence to her, and that was something he felt inclined to investigate, ever so subtly. There was no doubt in his mind that he intrigued her as well, as he well should. It was amusing to watch her try and place her pretty finger on what felt so off about him, despite his fairly harmless persona.





Deeply inhaling the strong scents of delicious foods that surrounded them, Daniel felt a dull hunger growl in his stomach. He grinned, remarking to Claudia how the cooks had done a wonderful job preparing the special feast. He only hoped it tasted as good as it smelled, although as he looked over the plates of food it all in actuality only mildly piqued his interest. Nothing on his eager face showed this though, as his gray eyes even gleamed in hunger at the sight of the steaming meal.


When the flaps of the tent rustled, Daniel glanced up to see Roman, the leader of the village, enter the makeshift dining hall. Other heads lifted to greet him too, although most of the villagers did not seem to notice him at first, being too busy talking amongst themselves. Daniel watched as Roman passed them, giving Claudia's shoulder a fatherly squeeze as he walked by. He reached forward to pour himself a cup of milk, goat milk, the closest drink to him, and said his quick hellos to the massive man as he made his way to his throne. Daniel was not a small man by any means, but he was fairly certain that Roman was a miniature giant, having only stopped growing shortly before he'd become a mountain. A man as large as that couldn't very well sit in a chair meant for short little mortals.





Chuckling very quietly to himself at his own thoughts, Daniel took a drink of his freshly poured milk, barely tasting the white liquid but feeling its coolness against his hot tongue. It created a strange but pleasant sensation as he swallowed it, almost burning in his throat. He always liked it for that more than he did the taste. Continuing to drink and to talk with those around him, he looked towards Roman again when the new addition finally arrived, and the man rather gruffly welcomed her. He raised his eyebrow, standing with the rest when they realized that the person they had been waiting for had finally made their way into the tent. Claudia was always warmer with introductions, pleasantly welcoming the new one into the tribe, but Roman didn't quite have the same ways. Blunt, and perhaps a little cold, that was a good way to describe his methods of welcoming new villagers. The rest was the practically rehearsed story of the village, something Daniel and everyone else in the room had heard at least once before but still knew by heart. Even the little ones and those with an unfortunate amount of memory loss remembered the story of the village, and barely listened as Roman explained it to the girl, this Alexandria Hightower.





Beul





The look of shock that the newest outcast's had when she saw Beul was not something that had much effect on her. She was used to receiving stares and appalled looks from those who saw the mangled shape of her face, and it didn't much bother her anymore. Beul wasn't even sure if it had ever truly upset her to see how uncomfortable she made people, or if she'd always been in acceptance of the fact that her disfiguration frightened and disturbed others. Hell, if she had any sense, she would be terrified of her own features as well. But she didn't have any sense, just as she didn't have a face that could make up its mind on whether it wanted to be ugly or normal.





Beul shrugged her small shoulders when she explained her male clothing, before motioning briefly to her own loose, masculine clothes. Simple trousers and tunic, which were baggy and concealing, just as she preferred her clothes. There was, however, a belt to her pants that was secured tightly to her waist, holding the fabric closely there but nowhere else. "You obviously would not be the only one to think so. Dresses are far too open for my tastes."





Her short conversation with her was interrupted by first Claudia, as she rose to greet her (prompting many others to come to their feet as well) and ask her name, and then by Roman. She crossed her arms and looked to Alexandria as Roman rather blatantly warned her about the dangers of leaving. Perhaps some would think the gruff way he'd stated it and snapped at her to answer would have been unfair, but Beul didn't see it that way. It had to be laid out, and only a fool would try and sweeten the nasty dish of truth. Beul waited out the story of the village's beginning and existence, before looking to Claudia when Roman turned to her to see what she had to add.





"Don't worry," She muttered quietly to Alexandria in the short pause that came as Roman invited Claudia to continue on, "just listen to what he says and he's not half-bad. Also, prepare for a wave of questions from the other villagers when you sit down to eat. The kids especially love new people."

 

[Problematic Pixie]

Alex


After listening to the long drawn out history of the village, Alexandria sighed with relief. She thought that the old man would never shut up, he seemed to go on forever. Deep down she had a great deal of respect for the village and its history, but right now she could care less. Roman walked past the bustling villagers until he stood right in front of Alexandria. She had to strain her neck just to make eye contact with the man, he was literally the largest human being she had ever come in contact with. Roman leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.


"Welcome to the tribe. I'm sorry you were the one they chose to exile this year, but that is what we are here for. If you do your part here you'll be taken care of. If you have any questions, you know where to find me." Roman explained in a soft voice. At that moment Alexandria knew why he was the village leader; he cared a great deal, but at the same time he was harsh and straight to the point. These people needed someone to tell them what to do, and Roman was the perfect man for the job. He gave her one last smile before walking over to Claudia.


Alexandria turned her attention to the girl next to her. She had meant to ask her name earlier, but forgot.


"I never got to fully introduce myself earlier. I'm Alexandria, but you can call me Alex; Alexandria is a bit of a mouth full." She spoke with a small smile. "I wanted to apologize for my actions when I first saw you; I know it was wrong of me."


-------


ROMAN


Roman approached Claudia, who was standing near Daniel. He smiled at Daniel and shook his hand. He was very different from the other villagers here, and at first, Roman was skeptical about keeping him around. Claudia had never been able to fully understand him either, but as time progressed it was clear he wasn't a threat. In fact, he was far from a threat; Daniel was actually quite useful to the village. Of course, everyone had their jobs.


"Hello, Daniel," Roman greeted, "I hope the day has treated you well." Claudia stood next to him and Roman pulled her into a quick hug. "Have you two eaten? I had a little bit before our newcomer arrived, and I have to say, it really pleased my growling stomach!" Roman exclaimed with a laugh. He purposely got in the way of Daniel and Claudia just because of one reason: He didn't want Claudia to grow up. Not only did he interrupt her when she was with Daniel, but he would barge in if Claudia was talking to any of the handsome young villagers.


Roman turned around and plucked some berries from a bowl and popped them into his mouth. Even though he was the village leader, he too was a human being. He hated to come off as awkward or weird, but sometimes he couldn't help it.


(LOL)


@MustardSeed @Oenanthe

 

[Oenanthe]

(( I literally starred to type this at 4:15 a.m. have mercy. Then I couldn't figure out if I wanted to do anything with my other char, then I decided Ill just being her in later. ))


Claudia




The young woman gave a small smirk of amusement at Roman. The entire village knew them to be quiet the duo. While she was a force to be reckoned with and he verbal bombshell of the operation, everyone knew it was Roman who was the disciplinarian. He was far more organized than her and his people skills were impeccable, a kind man too. The symbol of strength and courage they needed. While they looked to her for her wisdom, they looked to him as a shining beacon of hope. He put the fire in the operation.


She thought of him in everyway as her real father. Originally she was a bastard, the daughter of the towns mayor and his maid, she had been a born-of-rape bastard. It took a lot for her mother to trust Roman but once she did, Claudia immediately followed and he had been her father since. A good one too. Never had he been bad but it seemed he got even better at his fathering job after her mother had passed. Clinging to Claudia as much as she clung to him. Some would have thought it was entirely for her sake but she knew he was a gentleman undre all his manly prowess.





Looking to him specifically as his speech ended she gave one of her occasional smiles, the kind that lit up the eyes but not quite the teeth. " Welcome." A small cheer was given for Roman, Claudia, but for Alexandria especially.


Music began to play as a particularly talented flutist and guitar player happened to be among them and everyone began to fill their plates. Food was passed all around in a generous and kind manor, those who needed assistance were giving it. Those who could see fixed plates for the blind, those who could hear translated for the deaf, and even the man with no real arms was fed. It seemed that where any capabilities were lacking, love made up for the gap and then some. They certainly were a disfunctional little family but a family to be certain.


It was not always merry, there were fights of course. There were deaths. There were times of hunger and need. They faced a great many hardships. There was so rarely, however, even a look of I'll will on welcoming nights. No one was really certain if it had been the work of Claudia, fear of Roman's dissaproval, or if everyone was just equally determined to be as welcoming as possible and a prime example of happy people.


When Roman approached her she instantly knew what he was doing and watched as he wedged himself in between her and Daniel. She loved him dearly but he did not need be so defensive.


Claudia had no interest in men and often his protective nature kept her from fuffiling her duties. So in typical young girl fashion she looked up at the wall of man separating her from Daniel and shot him the typical 'shoo old man I know what you're doing, your not smooth'


The witch was eager to get herself a small slice of goat meat, cheese, nuts, mushrooms, and her favorite, fried fiddle heads. ((The curl on the ferns, people eat these)) She was excited as anyone for their food since in this time of winter they were in dire need, working terribly to just gather what they had now. Everyone was rather grateful that they would have enough for everyone but everyone would have to keep their portions smaller than in the summer.

Moving a bit of hair from her face as she sipped some water she gave a glance to Daniel. Normally amongst such a crowd she was a silently entity, a precense that was felt over the room like the gaze of a crow. It was only in small groups or individual she spoke. Maybe it was the good cheer or maybe it was just her personal excitement over the proposition that made her crack but she looked up to Daniel and begin to quietly speak. Her fave was blank but her eyes twinkled with excitement of a child.


" I can't wait for next winter. The scouts, Roman, and I, after a lot of consideration and thought..." The next part was mouthed to him as it had not yet been announced to the tribe and few knew of even the idea of it other than the two leaders and Daniel.


They were planning to make this a permanent residence. The water source was close and clean, it was warm, elevated, large enough to expand, far enough that no town could spot them, a good midway between the 2 major cities, but just far enough off of the route that the incredibly rare traveler or mail carrier took. The southern hillside, the side that would likely not be moved as it was the highest point and home to Roman, would be perfect to carve a winding irrigation system to farm.


" I've also been stocking up on seeds and the supply looks good for the first year. We won't quite have rich crops but seeds create more seeds. Not to mention we will still have gathering. The goats will have a permanent place to...about time too, they've propagated at remarkable rates...not that I'm complaining." She said in a tone that could only be identified as a very gleeful mouse with a completely monotone face.


(( @MustardSeed @Problematic Pixie ))
​

 

[MustardSeed]

Daniel





Roman's smile was quickly returned, and Daniel firmly shook the man's hand with an easy laugh. "And to you too, Roman. Even if the day didn't treat me well, the night sure has." He said with another low laugh, nodding towards the food and the pleasant hum of conversation at the table to show what he meant.


He had been about to say that, while he couldn't speak for Claudia, he had not yet had the pleasure to help himself to the food, when he noticed what Roman was doing. Rather predictably, he practically pushed himself between him and Claudia, forcing space between them. Daniel raised his eyebrows, but held back his comments on this and instead chuckled at the man. Daniel was not the only one he did this with, but since Daniel was the eligible male who spent the most time around Claudia, he was mostly the one Roman made sure kept a safe distance from Claudia.





Daniel's eyes cut across to look at Claudia, humorously glancing between her and Roman as the leader turned his attention to some ripe berries. There was the mark of a true father; ever afraid that any man who came within two feet of his little girl was going to steal her away from him, or of course turn her into a very grown woman. Brushing it off, Daniel reseated himself, reaching for a mushroom or two. There wasn't much meat on the table, as hunting in the forest was exceptionally dangerous, but there were some small squirrels and rabbits to choose from. Animals that could be shot down from the trees in or around the village or that came running through were their primary source of meat, except for when Daniel made his rare voyages into the woods to bring back better game. For this feast, he had contributed a fair sized hart, something he had to carefully plan to hunt. He could never go out too far in the woods, that was suspicious, but the better quarry was further in, in the thicker neck of the woods where more danger laid as well. He'd managed to come across that wanderer not too far from the village's borders though, and most of the villagers had been too elated by the prospect of fresh deer, of good meat, to question the hunting of it.


He was taking a bit of rabbit when Claudia, who he usually had to tempt into conversation during these dinners, leaned over and spoke to him. He glanced up to make eye contact, and smiled as he listened to what she had to say. This smile grew when her topic of choice turned out to be about the coming winter, and the future of the village. These were plans Daniel was aware of and even included in, as he often helped to form and comment on them. He easily read her lips as she mouthed the rest to him, and he leaned forward on the table to talk quietly with her, yet still have her hear him.





"If next winter's any better to us than this one has been, we'll have more food than we know what to do with. Especially with you storing your seeds like a chipmunk." He said with a light chuckle, overexaggerating only in the slightest. The winter so far had not been the absolute best they could hope for, but it was certainly far from the worst. They had done alright, as could be seen with the feast they could afford to give for Alexandria, the newest member of the family. "Maybe, even, if we really wanted to dream, we could find and add a sheep or two to that little herd. Have some warm wool along with the milk and cheese."





Beul





Shaking her head, Beul waved off Alex's apology, dismissing it.





"Oh, please, don't apologize. If there were any mirrors in this village, I'd be reacting the same way every time I saw myself in one." She extended her hand, taking Alex's to firmly shake it. She managed to make her own small smile, which looked grotesque and malicious with the permanently upturned corner turning it into an unnaturally wide sneer. "Beul. Short and sweet, just like me."





Now, what she'd just said wasn't an entire lie, because there was one thing for certain, Beul was indeed somewhat short. Sweet, however? That wasn't exactly a word anyone would use to describe her, and even when she said it her voice was nearly dripping with sarcasm. Neither she, nor her name, were sweet in the least bit. She wasn't entirely sour either though, for that matter.


Looking towards the table, Beul scanned it for seats, and immediately saw one or two eager villagers move to make room for Alex. Everyone wanted to get to know her; they were curious to talk to her and hear her story. "For now, just enjoy some food. We have a tent ready for you, and I'll show you to it later. Tomorrow everything will start settling down. Come on, we'll get you a chair."





Beul was absolutely famished and was more than ready to just dig into the meal the cooks had spent a good portion of the day preparing. She was not going to let any of it go to waste. Food was precious to the village, and before she had joined, Beul had been more than well acquainted with the pains of starvation. Food to her was something that was never overlooked, and she'd already spent a good portion of the day without it. She motioned Alex over, leading her to the table.

 

[Oenanthe]

Claudia

Closing her eyes in a pleasant humm of approval at the idea of little baby sheep hopping around, though if asked she would say the humm was for the benefits of the village that those sheep would bring. If they could get their hands on some wool then they could make better clothing and perhaps they would not all be so cold in the winter days. She grew a little bit more serious as she began to turn into calculating mode. " Could you sir," She tried her best to refrain from calling him Daniel in public because people already speculated enough that there might be something more between them then Claudia's curiosity. " Do you suppose you could gathering the carpenter and a few men and maybe get to work on a fence, I'd like to organize a raid soon."


The village did their best never to raid the cities for it was not just dangerous but would give them away. However, every once in a blue moon they would get their most skilled and stealthy hunters to sneak into a city wall, steal under five incredibly useful things, and get out without alerting a soul. They didn't always go exactly right but so far the cities still thought it was just wolves, kids, or their own old minds. This time she planned to send them to get two sheep and any seeds they might be able to get theirs hands on. Of course this raid wouldn't be for a good few weeks if not months but she liked to do her research before risking the lives of her people.


That was about the extent of what Claudia said for the first portion of the dinner. She mostly just bounced from conversation to conversation, simply listening in on what everyone was talking about. It helped give her a sense of how moral in the tribe was doing and what was on the minds of her people. Looking over to her father she would occasionally give him a small smile or a thumbs up when he looked praticularly stressed about the proximity of Daniel to her. No doubt calculating if it was possible for the boys resting hand to make it to Claudia's legs underneath the table. Not that he stressed the whole time. She knew his LOVED big feast and gatherings and had the loudest and deepest laugh in the whole room.


Looking around the room once she finished she realized three were missing, guards out on the watch. It was customary to have three looking out at ALL times, even if it was a feasting night. So rising silently from her seat she made her stealthy exit from the side of the tent and relieved the eldest watchman from his post so that he may go and eat. As everyone knew this rule she figured others would notice the watchmen come in and remember the other two, and two would voulenteer to go out and take their places. So was the way it worked on nights of feasting.
​

 

[MustardSeed]

Daniel





Her hum of approval was not lost on Daniel, and he caught it and assumed its true meaning the very moment it left her lips in a pleasant noise. He raised a single brow, his gray eyes alighting in amusement at her poor attempt to disguise what had her so pleased. The thought of lambs was one that entertained Daniel as well, although more so because it would be interesting to watch Claudia subtly and cautiously fawn over them. But it was only for the wool, she'd insist. Even now, Daniel had to scoff lightly at that, and he chuckled underneath his breath.


His raised brow was soon matched with a light smirk, as she continued on to refer to him as sir. He made a haughty laugh, and cocked his head at her. "Oh, so it's sir now? My, my, I feel so very refined now, you give me too great a title my lady."





He mocked a bow, although since he was seated this was just a wave of his hand and a slightly lowered head. He chuckled again, reaching across the table to grab at something absentmindly as Claudia asked him to arrange a small construction crew. He nodded, and did another wave of his hand, as if to bow.





"Oh, of course. That's no problem, I'll see if a few new hands would want to help erect it as well." He took a pause as he piled whatever food he'd grabbed onto his plate, and then turned to Claudia. "Although that depends on how soon you're planning this raid...and how quickly we'll need to raise a fence."





Oh, Claudia tried to withdraw herself from the conversation after this, as she might have usually done. However, Daniel would not have it, and he cheekily grinned at her and lightly pestered her, keeping her talking. He wasn't about to let her sit silently as she preferred, no, Daniel enjoyed talk greatly, and Claudia's voice was a fine one to hear. He might have compared it to silk, but silk was poor in his tastes and he was not one for great comparisons.


However, whatever Daniel was saying to try and coax her into common conversation ceased once she rose from her seat. Daniel glanced to Roman in his throne, before he pushed back to follow her. Giving her yet another one of his dazzling smiles, Daniel fell in step with Claudia.





"Guards?" He asked, assuming she was rising to see to their security. She always fretted so over those things, and Daniel found that interesting in a maiden of her still tender age.