Post by Mila on Dec 11, 2012 8:05:06 GMT -5
11:33:30 [Cas] ‘Brunch’ was a title that almost always summoned a hebetudinous, lazy-day image. It was something to be enjoyed with casual interest; a slow meal a little later than breakfast – a title for a meal reserved for those who wake up just before the lunch hour and still want to sound like active, productive members of society. Here in Hex, rejoining ‘society’ almost seemed like a laughable, lofty goal at times. Never-the-less, nothing could stop Cas from waking up as late as he possibly could without looking too suspect for sloth or late-night hobbies. The only punishment or bribe that could stop him from edging closer and closer to tardiness was Dball-centric, of course, but there was no power in the world that could stop the boy from at least dreaming about waking up late enough each day to a fine, home-cooked brunch. So, that’s what he does while he gets himself decent. With enough time before classes to at least find himself something to EAT, Cas catches himself in a mirror before he ducks out of his room, musses just a TOUCH more with his hair (because you never can perfect that ‘just out of bed’ look, can you?) and throws his tie over a shoulder to begin the tedious work of tying the Eldredge Knot he loves to flaunt as his piece of flair on his way into the common area and out into the halls.
11:40:43 [Sig] “Come back here you rat bastard! You snogged my girl!” Siggeir glanced back over his shoulder at the three older boys chasing him down, weaving roughly through students in his bid to reach the front door. Bursting out into the searing daylight, Siggeir stumbled a bit as his foot hit the first step, but he managed to hit the ground running. “Yer lying to yerself mate! She came to ME!” Laughing wildly Siggeir continued to leap his way across the snow, mere feet from the pursuing boys’ reach as he taunted them along. One stumble and he would be in their grasp, though of course Sig still had his ace in the hole. Stretching out his arms to his side, they started to ripple and distort as he allowed his instincts to feed him the form he needed. Legs knotted, Siggeir lurched, staggered and started falling forward, and then suddenly swept upwards. The shape of a sleek hawk cried its victory as it worked its broad wings through the air, climbing higher with the outcries of the older boys at his tail, until THWACK. The feathered shape dropped away from the heavy low-hanging branch and plopped into the snow with a soft thud. Seconds later the boys were upon him, ringing him like hungry wolves at the edge of the cops. “Oh shi—“ The first kick drove into his midriff, stealing away his breath.
12:31:18 [Cas] Mostly distracted, but never unaware of his surroundings, Cas didn’t miss shouts in the hall as he finished his knot short of the door to fresh air. He didn’t miss that fiery head of hair and the scrappy voice that bled into the outdoor air (signature of a particular, fresh and young Durusball player he hadn’t become properly acquainted with yet). Cas took a moment, but understood the implications and nature of the veritable hunt Siggier was trying to outrun so cleverly and either happenstance or design put Cas in the riled mob’s wake outside and through the snow to watch the scene unfold… if only for a moment… before he stepped in. His intrusion was not due to any kindness or compassion. The cheery (and utterly out-of-place) expression on his unusually foxy face or his slow and steady manner in doing so may have been indication. When Cas spoke, he made sure to do so as loudly as he could without actually shouting. “Oi—cunts—why n’tcha pickin’ on someone yer auwn size?” Cliché and stern, the midfielder took a few more steps through the snow (surely dampening his pant legs and cursing himself for later discomfort). “Don’ wanna see t’fuckr dead for he gets the field, aye?” No matter how long he’d spent in England, Cas’s tongue clung to Donegal as fiercely as anything.
12:46:51 Pixie storms out of the castle through the courtyard door, all five feet of Were seething rage like heat-waves, like solar flares. Her newest detention is still ringing in her ears, but it is nothing like the cacophony of the fight that led to it. Pixie’s boots are still undone, her curls wild and shirt askance, having recently departed that sixth-year blonde Mer’s dormitory. When a passing professor had seen not only the tiny Arcadian vacating a Tritus dorm so early but the two females in the throes of a make-out session so serious and hungry only high school aged kids can achieve, detention was immediate. The short dame had not expected her casual girlfriend to react to harshly at being discovered, however. “Coward bitch,” the she-wolf mutters, scowling behind her thin clove cigar as it’s lit. Prowling around the grounds, Pixie gravitates subconsciously to the drama-tree and the boys scrapping around it.
12:56:02 [Sig] A hail of fists descended on Siggeir, who in his dazed state could do little but curl into a defensive ball and weather the hits. Fun was interrupted when some kid had the gall to walk up and address them. One of the 6th years—the bigger of the three—peeled off from the group and put himself squarely between Cas and Siggeir, folding his burly arms across his barrel chest. “Whassat mate? You lookin’ for a fight? This here’s our business, got it? Now fuck off.” The pale shape was barely visible in the snow, being nearly exactly the same shade if you minused the freckles, dressed only in the school’s super special undies. Going bird-shaped had a tendency to get you out of your clothes. The other two boys looked up briefly, leveling another kick or two at Siggeir, but all in all their attention was somewhat distracted from putting their best efforts. “Th’ fuck do we care if he gets to play Dball or not?” One of the others spat, the one that had shouted at Siggeir and lead the pack. “Little runt snogged my girl. This is payback.” He cracked his knuckles and leveled a meaningful kick at Siggeir’s knee, grimacing maliciously. “You get in the way, we won’t have any trouble doin’ the same to you, mate. So move along. Same goes for you, bitch. Get out.” He pointed a finger at the little Pix and sneered.
13:11:46 [Cas] “Oi, oi, hostility!” Cas took a step back and made damned sure to cut the nearby passer-by out of the veritable warzone – if not for caution, then for the use of body language when he puts his palms up in a display so inoffensive, any normal adult person would surely be calmed. This terrible trio is presumably less so. It doesn’t stop Cas from reacting the way that comes natural. “Boy, you’re talkin’ a little too much witout needin, y’tink? Sides, if this little fucker snogged yer girl, y’got bigger problems than’im, aye? Should really only be blamin’ yerself. Why ainchu putting this energy inta y’romancin’?” At some point or another, he’d dropped his hands from their offer of peace and he’d let them take their natural, tense balled form at his side. Cassidy’s tone was a little less forgiving thereafter when he reclaimed the step he’d taken away from the brawl. “I won’ be givin’ y’any more chances. Back off.” The threat of violence on his person – as it was with many others with too many charged hormones and anything to prove – wasn’t really enough to dissuade him from saying what was on his mind or get him to rethink his poorly drawn course of action.
13:16:32 Pixie arches an eyebrow primly. He did not just call Pixie a bitch. She can be a bitch—does the job very, very well, in fact. But you don’t say it to the runt’s face! Vapid princess Pixie would be wily and snide to distract them, maybe flash some tits, but the she-wolf is already in a foul and aggressive mood. Let Cas be the one to try taling and peace-making, although she deftly side-steps his attempt to cut her out of the interaction. There are whispered rumors that Pixie does things to get attention, good and bad, and even worse rumors (because of their truth) that she took thirty lashes in a Fae girl’s defense. So maybe the wolf wants to help the pale ginger in the snow, or maybe she wants to let the rest of the student body to remember a small wolf is still a fucking wolf. What better way to channel excess energy than to quickly close the space between herself and one of the pair still giving kicks to the kid! “Puny pup, I did more than kiss yer girlfriend,” the American goads. The leader, her natural target, may not expect a zip of her fist aimed not at his face but the vulnerable throat. She dances back nimbly whether or not the blow connects, in case she needs to break into run or chase. What the little hellion lacks in brawn she has in dexterity and speed, but the odds are not in her favor if all three turn their attention to her.
13:42:53 [Sig] “Why you little--!” The leader of the Big Bad’s made for Cas, but was pulled back by the sleeve by his other comrade. “Just ignore him, he ain’t got nuthin’ to do with this.” The other boy argued. They’d already got their punches in on Siggeir, purple-blue bruises blooming like winter roses on his bare flesh, and although Number Three was content to leave it at that, Jeff and Number Two hadn’t quite sated their bloodlust. “Actually…” A hoarse little voice said from behind, “It was just a dare..” But anything else Siggeir might have had to say was cut off with a sharp growl from Jeff, directed at none other than the little she-wolf who’d struck at him. He’d deflected the blow with almost casual ease, and was baring his teeth at her now. The next moment, a massive blur of snarling black and midnight brown exploded outwards, bearing down upon Pixie. You see, the Big Bad’s were, all three of them, werewolves themselves. More than that, they were older 6th years, with attitudes and reputation to match. Pix hadn’t picked the best of fights. But hey, at least she had backup, right? Right…?
13:56:32 [August`] There was snow outside. Her eyes gazed out her dorm's window, eyes staring at the white blanket that covered the ground. It was so beautiful. Propping her chin onto her arms which laid on the sill, she pursed her lips. She had always wanted to swim in such cold water. To experiment. Perhaps she would be able to manipulate the ice? So she thought about going to the lake. For a swim? Pursing her lips, she stood from her bed, darting to her closet to change into some warm dress, even though she would be half naked if going for a swim - what with her indigo-coloured tail that sprouted as she would hit the water. Tugging on boot by boot after her jeans and sweater, she wound a scarf around her neck, then bounded down to the first level to exit the building. At first, her eyes would be downcast as she watched her boots sink into the snow. A small smile turned up the corners of her lips as she began to walk towards the lake. She seemed to be completely oblivious until she heard the growling. Eyes flickered open as she froze in the snow. And that's when she saw the small group. Werewolves. Lips quivering, she began to run backwards, though the snow dug her heels deeper into the ground, and she fell back, hitting the snow where she sat, staring up at the scene maybe ten feet away. She stared in horror, unable to move as the little mermaid seemed frozen. Her breath huffed as she looked from person to person, confusion and fright etched over her heart shaped face, auburn hair fluttering in the breeze.
14:14:26 Cas ’s smile was restored to his face when the leader looked obviously bothered. There was a childish delight that welled up seeing how easily he wriggled under the kid’s skin. Cassidy just needs to look on the bright side here: Pixie has done him the favor of absolving him of the guilt of the first strike. It’s a gift—the loosening of Hex’s chain. The boys’ reactions to the little lady’s righteous aggression do even more to show him freedom. He spared Sig a spare glance right before a rush of grizzled brown fur flew by him and the shit hit the fan. His immediate reaction was, naturally, to reel back a step—he hadn’t actually been prepared enough for that and year or the size of the dog in the fight did nothing to unsettle Cassidy once he’d come to terms with the surprise a second later. “Shite.” He cussed. It was silly how quickly academics and magical learning could be tossed out a window in a brawl; people here so naturally gravitated toward dramatic, physical displays to settle their problems. Sure, Cassidy was no werewolf and he wasn’t perfect in his transformations, but he knew the ins and outs of dogs well enough to conjure a leggy, hairy hound of his own flesh when he needed… and now? Now seemed to deem it necessary! Cas was hardly any different than the aforementioned ‘people’: his reaction to big dogs, of course, was to do his best to summon a better one… and what better than what’s proven to work against large predators? The dog that came out to bay and catch is of no discernible breed or true type (the shifter’s own tailor-made creation), but certainly comparable to several age-old wolf killers: larger than the boy it started as and grizzled gray. The dog sprung forward* and at the wolf enough to nip at the beast’s heels a few times and let out a shrill, attention-grabbing bark like a proper hound. They’d started this hunt, after all and now that the sizing-up was through, Cas was more than happy to participate (with high hopes of leading the merry chase away from easy sight). A fairly impressive feat with how its coarse, thick mane flew—a stylish choice and functional signature. In doing so, it also flew out of the clothing it had ruined or no longer fit properly enough to wear like some gentlemanimal.
14:21:44 Pixie takes a moment to reiterate her player’s reaction to this turn in events: “Well fuck.” Adrenaline is already coursing through her, singing in her veins with the hum of wolf-promise, but it’s not enough to jumpstart her own Change, not yet. Looks like little Pixie needs to take some licks before she can really join the fur-fight. Her mocking mouth twists into a snarl, baring her pointy little teeth at the posturing pups. The little she-wolf pulls a classic dog fake-out, feigning a punch towards the brown wolf; the twist-shift in her weight opens the misdirection, a nimble kick intended for the black wolf’s throat. The flat of the top of her shoe should connect, and that added heft of her combat boot should pack more of a wallop than just her skinny leg would. A wet growl accompanies the kick, like an exhaled war-cry, to tighten her muscles in anticipation of a retaliatory blow (probably from the brown wolf). Resisting distraction, she tries to ignore the movement in her periphery of a felled mermaid. So many little souls for Mama Wolf to protect. Ever springy and light, the she-wolf launches into an all-out sprint from the wolves: a pace she can’t keep long, but the little dame can outrun four legs for a handful of heartbeats. By then hopefully her own wolf will come out to play.
14:44:36 [Sig] The fight was in full swing now. Whilst the big black Jeff went after Pix, his two cronies were not about to stay on the sidelines. Number Three hunched his shoulders and melted into the form of a big reddish-brown beast, darting forward to engage the hound-that-was-Cas, even as Jeff spun about to irritably snap at the long gray snout. The distraction means that he doesn’t even notice her feigned punch (a punch, really? Jeff’s head was bigger than her whole damned torso, what was she gonna do?) and the kick caught him squarely on the neck though not the jaw as he’d been turned away from her upon its delivery. Boot-top connects solidly with corded neck muscle, its impact muffled by the wolf’s thick shaggy ruff. The big wolf’s head snaps back at nearly the same moment, lashing out towards the leg that did little beyond make him notice her. If she wasn’t quick enough, a few nice bloody grazes from Jeff’s teeth would be what she sported. Now, Big Two was going to get in one this too, but he was just a little bit slower than the others. Hunkering down with a look like painful constipation on his big broad face, Two makes the sluggish transition from man to wolf, his big round shoulders hunching up and growing even bigger still, as thick gray fur starts spreading out over his skin. He doesn’t get very far though, for within the next moment a thick hairy paw backhands the big man straight across the midriff, sending the half-shifted werewolf tumbling through the snow, followed by the sort of roar that vibrates teeth. A great bloody bear reared up out of the snow, and repeated its bellowing roar. It seemed someone wasn’t out of the fight just yet. Jeff was already leading the wild chase after Pix, too stupid or too caught up with the Beast for strategy to prevail, whilst Red Three was trying to catch the elusive Cas, splitting the pack if the two of them went separate ways, or joining in if they went the same. As for Big Three? Siggeir shook his great head and loped into the woods after the man, and the group as a whole.
15:09:04 Cas , in this springy, obnoxious shape really took to the dramatic dog behavior. Splitting the pack is, indeed, what he’d done—but no matter, it was better that way, wasn’t it? When he knew the wolf took chase (but, to his dismay, it was just one he’d lured), Cassidy whipped himself around (thank you, lean legs and long tail) as sharply as any natural sprinter. It was probably better he’d only lured one his way, he wagered then; after all, a dog had a hard fight against one wolf. There, Cas took a second to make an aggressive stance on his borrowed four legs long enough to recognize the signs of a bear in pursuit – one he’d hoped wasn’t coming to back the wolf up. Taking his chances without knowing – for sure – that this daunting creature was the ginger shifter, the dog took its stand. It was all shrill barks from the massive dog and snapping teeth—but before the wolf could rightly get within threat range, the dog was sure to jump back and dart and weave around another tree. His aim, until the bear’s purpose became a little clearer, was to play it safe and keep this wolf busy before worrying about what its friends were up to. How close to class was it now? Tardiness was surely the lesser of the evils looming over the quarrelsome group.
15:21:38 Pixie is rewarded with one of Jeff’s canines ripping into her calf, a few grazes from the less sharp teeth, before taking off in that sprint. The electricity of pain, her blood pooling inside her boot as she runs, is enough to push her nature to the brink. Unlaced boots fly off her feet as Pixie runs, her ever-present turtle-shell backpack thrown to one side. The she-wolf has never Changed mid-run before, but it happens blessedly all at once, mid-leap. Her clothing is abandoned in tatters where the grounds meet the forest, replaced by russet fur. Bliss. Freedom. The Change slowed her down, but the sleek russet she-wolf stretches like a tree branch—one moment, Jeff’s wolf-jaws nearly on her tail; the next, nearly vanishing ahead of him in the underbrush. Even once the smaller lupine is out of her hunter’s sight, she makes no attempt to hide her trail, curving back towards the grounds at the edge of the woods, where two canines and one ursine are having a party. Look, she brought a friend! Instinct clouds her finer thought processes, but the dog-beast and bear are imprinted in her mind as allies, despite the fact that this trio of werewolves are, by Hex’s twisted rules, her pack-brothers. When her allies are in sight, Pixie-wolf suddenly twists deftly and barrels towards her pursuer, who hopefully is too busy trying to keep up with her speed to react in time. Dropping her shoulder, she attempts to plant it in his side, knock him off balance, while teeth and claws strike wildly at his tender underbelly.
15:29:26 [Trix] Before breakfast. Before classes, the beautiful Fae Mage would be found in her spot within the woods. She avoided the Great Hall with all she had in her. Especially after going there last night and practically being ignore by Jeremy, who’d ran out on her after being hit in the face by Emri. Certainly it had left the Fae confused and slightly hurt. Beyond that were the lashes she’d received. Since facing that fateful day, she female had not been able to enter within the Hall out of fear. It brought back memories of that terrible moment where she had to stroll center hall toward her punishment, all for doing nothing. Trix had been innocent and yet still charged with thirty lashes no less. The event on the whole had scarred her significantly, and as such she’d been eating a lot less than usual. Meals were skipped in part for berries and the like she could grow within the forest. But it wasn’t enough to fully sustain her size, regardless how petite she was but it was better than nothing. At this time she was feasting upon some plump ripe plums the Earth Mage had grown, when the ruckus in the woods near her was soon heard. In fact, it was impossible not to hear it. Curiosity ever the reason for most her actions, along with a serious concern due to animal noises, growls and the like, the young female skipped her way, running in a fastidious manner over the land, elegantly moving with a finesse most wouldn’t have in such a landscape. She was dressed in her school uniform, along with a coat that covered her form, mittens and a hat. Her plums had been left behind in pursuit of the situation - though keen hearing and heightened senses, she did not have. Coming upon the Wolf and the dog, she froze in spot. The dog had taken to hiding (or so it would seem) behind the tree, while lashing out aggravated barks toward the Wolf. It was the wolf though that had captured her eyes - one she knew must have been a student. Without thinking the blond femme let out a sudden yell toward the creature, wanting to get through to the student within - what the heck were they doing out here? Breakfast was starting soon and well, this was sheer stupidity according to the fae. “HEY! What the heck! You guys are gonna get in so much TROUBLE!”
15:49:44 [August`] Everyone had disappeared, running off to leave the small mermaid on her own. Swallowing hard, she merely stared after them a while before she'd push herself to her feet. She would begin to waddle towards the bleachers, leaving footprints in the snow as her auburn colored locks blew back in the breeze. She was trembling slightly, but not from the cold. Little things like a brawl such as that frightened her. Surely they would be getting lashes soon. She had never gotten in trouble, let alone gotten the lash! Moving to brush off one of the bleachers, she sat down, eyes gazing out at the blanket of snow that settled over the fields and track. It was a thin layer yet, with some holes to allow the green grass and orange-colored track to peek through, though as the weather was supposed to be snowy for a while yet, she expected no different. She still planned to visit the lake, as it was the opposite way than the other wolves had gone, though she wasn't prepared yet. Burying her heart shaped face in her fingers, she shifted on the bleachers, squeezing her eyes closed. How unsafe was this school, really? Any day at this point she could have her tail ripped from her waist! Prey, she was. All the mermaids were, unless they were in the water. Only there did they have the real advantage. Not in this... Institution.
16:03:20 [Sig] Big Two’s breath was ragged as he staged through the snow, chasing the sounds of his comrades and battle, desperately glancing behind him to try and catch sight of that damn bear. His instincts were to find his pack, safety in numbers. He didn’t try to complete his shift as he ran, Two couldn’t. He needed to buy time. His pack brothers always had his back, he’d be safe with them. Singularly focused, with less natural group mentality than his cronies, Jeff honed in on Pix, the little she-wolf finally coming into her real skin. He doesn’t see the Crazy Ivan coming, he doesn’t need to. Jeff is several times the little she-wolf’s size, and apart from being intimidatingly large, he is also supremely agile; a master at this trick. She barrels into him, but Jeff merely skillfully incorporates her unexpected motion into his own, turning her momentum aside by hunkering low to the ground, and pushing her off with a flick of his terrible great head. Jeff didn’t get his reputation for free. He’d earned it. He was just a natural fighter. Red in the meantime snarls his everliving frustration at the hound-Cas, baring his teeth and tossing his head. After the first few times of being evaded, the more-clever but not-as-well-equipped Red stopped chasing after the dog, standing in the middle of the clearing with his head down and his ears flat, waiting rather than pursuing. His patience is rewarded when Jeff turns up, rolling the female Were in his stride. With an instinct for group tactics, Red circles around and joins Jeff’s side, with Pix and Dog now trapped together in one place. It’s not long before even the slow Two turns up, panting breathlessly and steaming in the cold snow, and he immediately heads for Red and Jeff. Their looks say it all. “Fuckin’ bear man!” He said, pointing back at the trees he’d left behind.
16:04:05 [Sig] They follow his finger and, true to his word, a big shaggy brown shape is steadily trundling its way towards them, hot breath fogging in the chilly air and tongue lolling. That odd rolling lope might have looked comical if it didn’t belong to a tank of an ursine. Soon enough it is no longer Jeff and Red circling Cas and Pix, but rather Jeff, Two and Red caught between the dog, she-wolf and now a bear. Before a decision could be made, all heads turn in unison at the unexpected shout. Glances are exchanged and the whole heated situation is brought to an awkward standstill. Until without warning, Red shook his shaggy ruff and started trotting out past Cas. He’d decided he’d have enough. The lashes they’d get if they prolonged and got caught just wasn’t bloody worth it. Two being the generally confused person he was, lingered for a moment in bewilderment but then set off awkwardly after Red, still in his half-shape. With the realization setting in that he was now without backup, Jeff has no choice but to pursue his pack, but pauses to make his thoughts quite clear with an irritable snarl and snap in Cas and Pix’s direction, before trotting off after his friends. And then they were all suddenly quiet, a dog a bear and a wolf standing around with a bossy little fae at the head of it, probably looking quite authoritive and smug, right about then. Then the bear swayed, and plopped down in the snow.
16:11:59 [Pixie] Something is itching the back of her brain, drip-dripping like the distant sound of rain splattering in the bottom of a gutter: the lovely little voice of her sister-in-arms… The small russet wolf continues grappling with the black fury of Jeff-wolf, getting knocked off balance but attempting to tangle her legs in with his to keep the fight with her, not elsewhere. Thank fucking Chewbacca Jesus for the bear. The trio’s pause giver Pixie a chance to pick herself up from the snowy ground, snarling and growling her own intimidation (which, really..come on. She’s almost pcket-sized!) Hackles still raised and posturing like the big she-wolf on campus, Pixie stalks, unhurried, over to a certain blonde Fae, using her russet-furred body to shield Trix from any unwanted action if they decide to double back.. Trix is her Pack-sister above the others, a tiny flickering flame she has to protect. When the adrenaline fizzles out, a very naked and steamy Pixie is left panting beside Trix. Too bad her backpack full of spare clothes is at the treeline. The spitfire female regards her newest comrades in arms. “Hex Institute Nudist Club?” They’re all gonna be re-evaluating modesty here quick. Pixie is comfortable enough with it, although the cold will set in soon, for sure.
16:17:42 [Cas] Werewolves, of course, were no ordinary wolves and as such, Cas treaded with extra caution. Perhaps the beast wouldn’t slaughter him, but he wasn’t about to give it the chance to try. Through a roller coaster of emotion, fuss and action, imagine how surprised (and frustrated) Cassidy is to find that the trio roll out like nothing had even happened thanks to a brief and bossy interruption by one certifiably batshit fae-girl (who is actually, horrifically, familiar even through his eyes). This was all very anticlimactic! With a tired glance around, the scrappy mastiff plopped back into a sloppy seat in the snow much like the bear had. He took the opportunity here and now to slowly and lazily pick his back foot up and scratch a toenail inside of his ear in a blatant display of flexibility. The change back to ‘normal’ was always so much more difficult than the explosion that had lead to the change in the first place and the snow was not going to make anything easier. Yet, slowly but surely, Cas’s bare, freckled Irish skin did peek through the dog’s patchy fur and eventually, the jock did emerge with only his underwear and his Eldredge Knot (loosened much from its original place) to show for all the trouble to follow the werewolf’s lead. He initially opened his mouth to speak in reply, but when he’d realized the error of his ways, he couldn’t help but let them out: “fuck,” comes the classic Donegal accent “I had all t’at time and I didn’t lick my auwn balls.” Oh, hindsight.
16:23:03 [Trix] Who knew they would actually -listen- to her. Only someone with some gall would have the nerve to yell at Were’s, and yet it was the petite Fae who’s cry had been harkened the moment coming to a swift end after her words. Apparently the thought of lashes outweighed the fun factor of the scrap and someone had to remind those involved of such things. She had shown no fear, but only after did it hit her as the bear collapsed to the snow that she had actually yelled at Wolves. Boy’s who were twice her size if not more. Her body began to shake on it’s own when realizing the situation could have been far more serious than that it ended up to be and there didn’t appear to be any blood loss or injury from those around her. She didn’t recognize Pixie at first, being that she was a wolf but as the change came upon her, it was evident just who the protective Wolf was. Trix offered a smile then removed her coat so that Pixie could at least have some cover to go gather her clothes together. “You should be more careful Pixie. You can’t get caught so soon again, they’ll notice the lashes being gone.” She whispered toward the Wolf-Sister, concern etched upon her features before she motioned toward the bear. Lowering on to her knees, she didn’t mind the snow that soaked through her stockings, her hand motioned toward the animal, offering a gentle pet - again showing lack of fear. Perhaps there was some animal ken within that fae blood of hers that seemed to spin out courage for one so small - Trix was certainly outside of her jurisdiction with this one. Her cheeks however dusted rose as the sight of Cas, his sudden near nakedness causing her to quickly look away, turning her back toward the male, while his words made her blush even further. “As long as you’re alright..” She spoke, her voice dry as she tried to clear her throat from the embarrassment. Turning around once more, the beguiling female glanced toward the threesome. “You should really all be more careful. Lashes aren’t exactly fun to get.” And she should know, having recently had them for the first time, for no reason at all! (curse the school). “What happened?” she questioned though, curious as to their nature there. “Was this for fun or something more?”
16:31:46 Pixie gives the Fae a soft little smile—looking less like a mad tiny woman—and shrugs into the offered coat, for the cold more than for the modesty. Where Trix colors and turns away from Cas’s nakedness, Pixie barely notices it (at least that she lets on; people are so much nicer to look at unwrapped). Wild hair flies madly when the spitfire lass tosses her head back to bark a laugh at his comment. The Fae’s whispered admonishment wipes the grin off the she-wolf’s face, eyes darkening as she scowls. “I couldn’t abide it, couldn’t just do nothing while they—” Kicked the shit out of a weaker boy. The battered are her pack, flocking to broken people as their Shattered Queen. She clears her throat. “While they had all the fun,” she finishes in a rush. Hunching her shoulders, little Pixie stalks back to the tree line for her backpack and boots before it can come out she did a nice thing to help Sig.
16:45:46 [Sig] If it hadn’t been for Red’s more sober mindset, or potentially his exasperation and weariness at being mocked about by the much more agile Hound, the chase might have lasted for hours yet, or escalated rapidly. Jeff was the vindictive Alpha of the pack, relishing in brutality and dancing barely at the edge of control, whilst Two was the mindless brawn with a puppydog disposition. Of the three, it was Red however who held the keys to the other two, the silent Brain who stepped in only when he felt it necessary. Sometimes, Beta’s had more power than they were accredited for. It was clear however that Siggeir had not seen the last of them, and even Pix might find herself on the receiving end of their malicious intent in the near future. Cas probably would not be exempt either, but he had the fortune of being neither Were nor Siggeir, which put him much lower on their list. The big hairy shape of the bear started to slowly melt back, revealing imperfectly the shape of the boy underneath. Brown fur recedes into a mop of flame red hair and skin so pale as to be almost see-through (the red-head’s curse), all mottled black, blue, purple and red with mottled bruising and angry welts. With the reversal nearly complete, it seemed to slow and finally slag to a halt, leaving him imperfectly returned to near-naked human form, all whilst Trix was leaning delightfully close and extending a hand to touch. The boy swayed dangerously, and looked terribly pale. One whole arm still remained very much furry, with claws lining the half of one foot and one eye still black and beady. Drawing his arms up around his legs, Siggeir quivered a bit and cast his glance around at the faces belonging to those who’d gotten themselves involved. “I didn’t need your help you know.” The boy scoffed brazenly, an Icelandic lilt to his accent. “However… If someone could maybe…help me back to the castle? I’m starting to not feel the cold anymore. I’ve gotta get cleaned up and dressed before I’m late for class!”
17:05:51 Cas hopped up out of the snow and into action while Pixie and Siggeir kept Trix busy. Before they knew it, they’d be down one petite mamma-werewolf and up one solid, naked shifter. “Shite boy, get up outta t’snow. We’re auwl gonna be whipped, late and y’still look like y’fell off t’ugly tree and hit every fuckin’ branch on t’way down.” Cassidy extended a hand and wrapped it around the ginger’s fuzzy arm and took a stance to hoist him up off the ground. Once he had, the displaced Irishman regarded Trix with a little more concern than he had taken for the younger boy. “Y’wanna run quick, Mottie, ‘fore we drag you down too.” He paused and stole an apprehensive glance over to the tree where this adventure had begun. “…’less you wanna find m’shoes an’ run ‘em to t’common while I get Ginger here t’where he gotta go. Be a sweetie, aye?”
17:11:48 [Trix] Pixie’s words brought home the story before anyone could say anything further. The fae full well knew the length Pixie would go to help another. She had witnessed it herself first hand when the she-wolf had stood up for Trix that fateful night in the Hall. Pixie herself having received lashes for merely trying to help. It had bonded the two together however. Universally coming to stand for the same thing. Trix merely wanted Pixie to be careful - not wanting her sister wolf to have to experience that same pain all over again. Trix would never wish that on anyone. Not now she’d experienced it. The bookworm was all but certain the Wolves had been the ones to instigate the issue, her attention turning toward two males. Trix was surrounded by two nearly naked men - the gasp itself that left her lips was audible - certainly heard by both. At a loss as to where the look, she spun around to give her back to both Cas and Sig, not wanting to pry on their privacy, but not before she’d seen the bruising and scratches upon the red headed male. “They were bullying you?” She questioned, not looking back. If Jer were to walk into the forest now, she would most certainly have to answer questions from him no doubt. But, she couldn’t just leave someone injured behind either, let alone naked. Her coat freed by Pixie who had since gotten dressed, she motioned toward it, the wool heavy and thick, obviously meant for winter. She handed it, without looking - (basically let it hang from her fingers as she turned her back again toward Sig) - “Here put this on. At least it will cover you. Or wrap it around you or something. And not to worry, you‘ve still got time for breakfast yet. ” Certainly the Fae was small, her alluring figure provocative in how she stood, but petite all the same. This left her blazer and again, whilst small it could offer some cover up for Cas and so the Fae removed it also and offered it to him while he hoisted up the red head. “I’ll get your shoes, Cas. Not to worry. “ She wasn’t sure if Sig’s were out there somewhere too. She could find them quite easily. She knew the forest like the back of her hand. “You two go. I’ll follow along.”
17:26:56 [Sig] “Careful with that! If it doesn’t shift back, it usually means it’s hurt pretty bad.” Siggeir warned of his arm as Cas came and pulled him up by it. “And I did hit a few branches on my way down, incidentally. Stupid tree, no idea how it got in my way in the first place.” Siggeir grumbled on as he dazedly found his feet, swaying a bit unsteadily but held by Cas’ grasp. “Oh, well aren’t you the sweetie, thanks. And no, they were not bullying me. They were beating me up. Big difference. Stupid dare, should have known it sounded too easy…” Siggeir slipped his other arm into the coat and drew it closed about him. For a skinny kid he had a fair bit of definition about him, ropy muscle and sinew standing out starkly against the length of his awkwardly-proportioned limbs. It was that stage in life where every boy seemed to consist mainly of elbows and knees and little else. “Ah, who’m I kidding. I probably woulda done it anyway.” He mumbled mostly to himself, nestling into the warmth of the jacket. So soooft. And it smelled of Girl. “So where’re you taking me, Stretch? Nice trick with the dog. Ugly fucker though. Hey, I can’t feel my feet. Does anything look broken to you? I’m really hungry… Think there’ll be a nice nurse that’ll magic all this away? Oh god, you’re not going to put makeup on me, are you?!” It seemed that when the boy started, there was just no stopping him. The upside was that he would follow Cas wherever the hell he led him, without question. Still giddy with the after-effects of adrenaline and flying face-first into a branch, then having your head kicked in, Siggeir giggled and swayed his way along like a drunken muse.
17:47:34 Cas smiled a wolfish thing at Trix as she made off after assisting a boy in need. “Thanks, beautiful.” He said in parting with the fae-girl before all his attention turned to the injured boy. At least Siggeir’s spirit wasn’t broken in all of this. For the physical abuse he’d taken, the boy was doing pretty well for himself. They hobbled along at Siggeir’s pace and Cassidy got an earful, ever-patient and ever-amused. “Hah, yeah, well, I ne’er seen a hound who didn’t run circles round a wolf. Pret-ty fuckin’ good wit y’bear claw tere yerself. Firstly, we getcha t’yer housin. I’m sure we getche t’te nurse after an she’ll smooth auwl tis away fer you. Aye, tat’ll be t’way… but listen here: y’shan’t say much ‘bout how y’got all banged up, aye? Y’fell down some fuckin’ stairs, fer all she can chew on. Fuckin’ UFO landed on ye. Whatever y’wantin. Tat’s t’story til t’trut catches up t’you.” Cassidy gave Sig a serious glance then to infer the seriousness of what he was trying to convey. He spoke quietly before Trix could catch back up with them. “An’ I weren’t involved if you get moutie."
17:59:23 Trix ventured into the woods, using her expertise as a caster to locate the shoes for both boys. Though it would be funny to see as she eventually moved from the forest, shivering in the cold weather but using some of her inner fae heat to maintain some warmth, with both pairs of shoes, one in each hand. The rest of the clothing had been in tatters for the most part, but she had collected some, yet it was going to be rather difficult to sneak them in. Her coat and blazer were in use by both Sig and Cas, who were now making their way inside. The blond femme, hips swaying ever in her uniformed walk would moved through the snow, out of the forest and into the courtyard, items in tow. Her cheeks were flushed with the cold, her eyes wide and the look within them crisp as she enters within the school, immediately heading toward the Crux common room, where luckily she isn’t caught before hand. Yet again finding that she is risking herself for others, she begins to wonder about this new female she’s turning into. Ever the wallflower, and the obvious bookworm and nerd, over the last few days she’s significantly stepped up to the proverbial plate, making a difference in her own life and those of other around her. Perhaps the lashings had brought more than fear out of her. In fact, she’d even made the move to kiss Jeremy when they last kissed, taking control and actually moving in for the kiss itself. This new Trix was awakening every day, something more from the small fae seemed to be shining bright, and Trix found, at times, she was strangely curious about just where she’d end up.
11:40:43 [Sig] “Come back here you rat bastard! You snogged my girl!” Siggeir glanced back over his shoulder at the three older boys chasing him down, weaving roughly through students in his bid to reach the front door. Bursting out into the searing daylight, Siggeir stumbled a bit as his foot hit the first step, but he managed to hit the ground running. “Yer lying to yerself mate! She came to ME!” Laughing wildly Siggeir continued to leap his way across the snow, mere feet from the pursuing boys’ reach as he taunted them along. One stumble and he would be in their grasp, though of course Sig still had his ace in the hole. Stretching out his arms to his side, they started to ripple and distort as he allowed his instincts to feed him the form he needed. Legs knotted, Siggeir lurched, staggered and started falling forward, and then suddenly swept upwards. The shape of a sleek hawk cried its victory as it worked its broad wings through the air, climbing higher with the outcries of the older boys at his tail, until THWACK. The feathered shape dropped away from the heavy low-hanging branch and plopped into the snow with a soft thud. Seconds later the boys were upon him, ringing him like hungry wolves at the edge of the cops. “Oh shi—“ The first kick drove into his midriff, stealing away his breath.
12:31:18 [Cas] Mostly distracted, but never unaware of his surroundings, Cas didn’t miss shouts in the hall as he finished his knot short of the door to fresh air. He didn’t miss that fiery head of hair and the scrappy voice that bled into the outdoor air (signature of a particular, fresh and young Durusball player he hadn’t become properly acquainted with yet). Cas took a moment, but understood the implications and nature of the veritable hunt Siggier was trying to outrun so cleverly and either happenstance or design put Cas in the riled mob’s wake outside and through the snow to watch the scene unfold… if only for a moment… before he stepped in. His intrusion was not due to any kindness or compassion. The cheery (and utterly out-of-place) expression on his unusually foxy face or his slow and steady manner in doing so may have been indication. When Cas spoke, he made sure to do so as loudly as he could without actually shouting. “Oi—cunts—why n’tcha pickin’ on someone yer auwn size?” Cliché and stern, the midfielder took a few more steps through the snow (surely dampening his pant legs and cursing himself for later discomfort). “Don’ wanna see t’fuckr dead for he gets the field, aye?” No matter how long he’d spent in England, Cas’s tongue clung to Donegal as fiercely as anything.
12:46:51 Pixie storms out of the castle through the courtyard door, all five feet of Were seething rage like heat-waves, like solar flares. Her newest detention is still ringing in her ears, but it is nothing like the cacophony of the fight that led to it. Pixie’s boots are still undone, her curls wild and shirt askance, having recently departed that sixth-year blonde Mer’s dormitory. When a passing professor had seen not only the tiny Arcadian vacating a Tritus dorm so early but the two females in the throes of a make-out session so serious and hungry only high school aged kids can achieve, detention was immediate. The short dame had not expected her casual girlfriend to react to harshly at being discovered, however. “Coward bitch,” the she-wolf mutters, scowling behind her thin clove cigar as it’s lit. Prowling around the grounds, Pixie gravitates subconsciously to the drama-tree and the boys scrapping around it.
12:56:02 [Sig] A hail of fists descended on Siggeir, who in his dazed state could do little but curl into a defensive ball and weather the hits. Fun was interrupted when some kid had the gall to walk up and address them. One of the 6th years—the bigger of the three—peeled off from the group and put himself squarely between Cas and Siggeir, folding his burly arms across his barrel chest. “Whassat mate? You lookin’ for a fight? This here’s our business, got it? Now fuck off.” The pale shape was barely visible in the snow, being nearly exactly the same shade if you minused the freckles, dressed only in the school’s super special undies. Going bird-shaped had a tendency to get you out of your clothes. The other two boys looked up briefly, leveling another kick or two at Siggeir, but all in all their attention was somewhat distracted from putting their best efforts. “Th’ fuck do we care if he gets to play Dball or not?” One of the others spat, the one that had shouted at Siggeir and lead the pack. “Little runt snogged my girl. This is payback.” He cracked his knuckles and leveled a meaningful kick at Siggeir’s knee, grimacing maliciously. “You get in the way, we won’t have any trouble doin’ the same to you, mate. So move along. Same goes for you, bitch. Get out.” He pointed a finger at the little Pix and sneered.
13:11:46 [Cas] “Oi, oi, hostility!” Cas took a step back and made damned sure to cut the nearby passer-by out of the veritable warzone – if not for caution, then for the use of body language when he puts his palms up in a display so inoffensive, any normal adult person would surely be calmed. This terrible trio is presumably less so. It doesn’t stop Cas from reacting the way that comes natural. “Boy, you’re talkin’ a little too much witout needin, y’tink? Sides, if this little fucker snogged yer girl, y’got bigger problems than’im, aye? Should really only be blamin’ yerself. Why ainchu putting this energy inta y’romancin’?” At some point or another, he’d dropped his hands from their offer of peace and he’d let them take their natural, tense balled form at his side. Cassidy’s tone was a little less forgiving thereafter when he reclaimed the step he’d taken away from the brawl. “I won’ be givin’ y’any more chances. Back off.” The threat of violence on his person – as it was with many others with too many charged hormones and anything to prove – wasn’t really enough to dissuade him from saying what was on his mind or get him to rethink his poorly drawn course of action.
13:16:32 Pixie arches an eyebrow primly. He did not just call Pixie a bitch. She can be a bitch—does the job very, very well, in fact. But you don’t say it to the runt’s face! Vapid princess Pixie would be wily and snide to distract them, maybe flash some tits, but the she-wolf is already in a foul and aggressive mood. Let Cas be the one to try taling and peace-making, although she deftly side-steps his attempt to cut her out of the interaction. There are whispered rumors that Pixie does things to get attention, good and bad, and even worse rumors (because of their truth) that she took thirty lashes in a Fae girl’s defense. So maybe the wolf wants to help the pale ginger in the snow, or maybe she wants to let the rest of the student body to remember a small wolf is still a fucking wolf. What better way to channel excess energy than to quickly close the space between herself and one of the pair still giving kicks to the kid! “Puny pup, I did more than kiss yer girlfriend,” the American goads. The leader, her natural target, may not expect a zip of her fist aimed not at his face but the vulnerable throat. She dances back nimbly whether or not the blow connects, in case she needs to break into run or chase. What the little hellion lacks in brawn she has in dexterity and speed, but the odds are not in her favor if all three turn their attention to her.
13:42:53 [Sig] “Why you little--!” The leader of the Big Bad’s made for Cas, but was pulled back by the sleeve by his other comrade. “Just ignore him, he ain’t got nuthin’ to do with this.” The other boy argued. They’d already got their punches in on Siggeir, purple-blue bruises blooming like winter roses on his bare flesh, and although Number Three was content to leave it at that, Jeff and Number Two hadn’t quite sated their bloodlust. “Actually…” A hoarse little voice said from behind, “It was just a dare..” But anything else Siggeir might have had to say was cut off with a sharp growl from Jeff, directed at none other than the little she-wolf who’d struck at him. He’d deflected the blow with almost casual ease, and was baring his teeth at her now. The next moment, a massive blur of snarling black and midnight brown exploded outwards, bearing down upon Pixie. You see, the Big Bad’s were, all three of them, werewolves themselves. More than that, they were older 6th years, with attitudes and reputation to match. Pix hadn’t picked the best of fights. But hey, at least she had backup, right? Right…?
13:56:32 [August`] There was snow outside. Her eyes gazed out her dorm's window, eyes staring at the white blanket that covered the ground. It was so beautiful. Propping her chin onto her arms which laid on the sill, she pursed her lips. She had always wanted to swim in such cold water. To experiment. Perhaps she would be able to manipulate the ice? So she thought about going to the lake. For a swim? Pursing her lips, she stood from her bed, darting to her closet to change into some warm dress, even though she would be half naked if going for a swim - what with her indigo-coloured tail that sprouted as she would hit the water. Tugging on boot by boot after her jeans and sweater, she wound a scarf around her neck, then bounded down to the first level to exit the building. At first, her eyes would be downcast as she watched her boots sink into the snow. A small smile turned up the corners of her lips as she began to walk towards the lake. She seemed to be completely oblivious until she heard the growling. Eyes flickered open as she froze in the snow. And that's when she saw the small group. Werewolves. Lips quivering, she began to run backwards, though the snow dug her heels deeper into the ground, and she fell back, hitting the snow where she sat, staring up at the scene maybe ten feet away. She stared in horror, unable to move as the little mermaid seemed frozen. Her breath huffed as she looked from person to person, confusion and fright etched over her heart shaped face, auburn hair fluttering in the breeze.
14:14:26 Cas ’s smile was restored to his face when the leader looked obviously bothered. There was a childish delight that welled up seeing how easily he wriggled under the kid’s skin. Cassidy just needs to look on the bright side here: Pixie has done him the favor of absolving him of the guilt of the first strike. It’s a gift—the loosening of Hex’s chain. The boys’ reactions to the little lady’s righteous aggression do even more to show him freedom. He spared Sig a spare glance right before a rush of grizzled brown fur flew by him and the shit hit the fan. His immediate reaction was, naturally, to reel back a step—he hadn’t actually been prepared enough for that and year or the size of the dog in the fight did nothing to unsettle Cassidy once he’d come to terms with the surprise a second later. “Shite.” He cussed. It was silly how quickly academics and magical learning could be tossed out a window in a brawl; people here so naturally gravitated toward dramatic, physical displays to settle their problems. Sure, Cassidy was no werewolf and he wasn’t perfect in his transformations, but he knew the ins and outs of dogs well enough to conjure a leggy, hairy hound of his own flesh when he needed… and now? Now seemed to deem it necessary! Cas was hardly any different than the aforementioned ‘people’: his reaction to big dogs, of course, was to do his best to summon a better one… and what better than what’s proven to work against large predators? The dog that came out to bay and catch is of no discernible breed or true type (the shifter’s own tailor-made creation), but certainly comparable to several age-old wolf killers: larger than the boy it started as and grizzled gray. The dog sprung forward* and at the wolf enough to nip at the beast’s heels a few times and let out a shrill, attention-grabbing bark like a proper hound. They’d started this hunt, after all and now that the sizing-up was through, Cas was more than happy to participate (with high hopes of leading the merry chase away from easy sight). A fairly impressive feat with how its coarse, thick mane flew—a stylish choice and functional signature. In doing so, it also flew out of the clothing it had ruined or no longer fit properly enough to wear like some gentlemanimal.
14:21:44 Pixie takes a moment to reiterate her player’s reaction to this turn in events: “Well fuck.” Adrenaline is already coursing through her, singing in her veins with the hum of wolf-promise, but it’s not enough to jumpstart her own Change, not yet. Looks like little Pixie needs to take some licks before she can really join the fur-fight. Her mocking mouth twists into a snarl, baring her pointy little teeth at the posturing pups. The little she-wolf pulls a classic dog fake-out, feigning a punch towards the brown wolf; the twist-shift in her weight opens the misdirection, a nimble kick intended for the black wolf’s throat. The flat of the top of her shoe should connect, and that added heft of her combat boot should pack more of a wallop than just her skinny leg would. A wet growl accompanies the kick, like an exhaled war-cry, to tighten her muscles in anticipation of a retaliatory blow (probably from the brown wolf). Resisting distraction, she tries to ignore the movement in her periphery of a felled mermaid. So many little souls for Mama Wolf to protect. Ever springy and light, the she-wolf launches into an all-out sprint from the wolves: a pace she can’t keep long, but the little dame can outrun four legs for a handful of heartbeats. By then hopefully her own wolf will come out to play.
14:44:36 [Sig] The fight was in full swing now. Whilst the big black Jeff went after Pix, his two cronies were not about to stay on the sidelines. Number Three hunched his shoulders and melted into the form of a big reddish-brown beast, darting forward to engage the hound-that-was-Cas, even as Jeff spun about to irritably snap at the long gray snout. The distraction means that he doesn’t even notice her feigned punch (a punch, really? Jeff’s head was bigger than her whole damned torso, what was she gonna do?) and the kick caught him squarely on the neck though not the jaw as he’d been turned away from her upon its delivery. Boot-top connects solidly with corded neck muscle, its impact muffled by the wolf’s thick shaggy ruff. The big wolf’s head snaps back at nearly the same moment, lashing out towards the leg that did little beyond make him notice her. If she wasn’t quick enough, a few nice bloody grazes from Jeff’s teeth would be what she sported. Now, Big Two was going to get in one this too, but he was just a little bit slower than the others. Hunkering down with a look like painful constipation on his big broad face, Two makes the sluggish transition from man to wolf, his big round shoulders hunching up and growing even bigger still, as thick gray fur starts spreading out over his skin. He doesn’t get very far though, for within the next moment a thick hairy paw backhands the big man straight across the midriff, sending the half-shifted werewolf tumbling through the snow, followed by the sort of roar that vibrates teeth. A great bloody bear reared up out of the snow, and repeated its bellowing roar. It seemed someone wasn’t out of the fight just yet. Jeff was already leading the wild chase after Pix, too stupid or too caught up with the Beast for strategy to prevail, whilst Red Three was trying to catch the elusive Cas, splitting the pack if the two of them went separate ways, or joining in if they went the same. As for Big Three? Siggeir shook his great head and loped into the woods after the man, and the group as a whole.
15:09:04 Cas , in this springy, obnoxious shape really took to the dramatic dog behavior. Splitting the pack is, indeed, what he’d done—but no matter, it was better that way, wasn’t it? When he knew the wolf took chase (but, to his dismay, it was just one he’d lured), Cassidy whipped himself around (thank you, lean legs and long tail) as sharply as any natural sprinter. It was probably better he’d only lured one his way, he wagered then; after all, a dog had a hard fight against one wolf. There, Cas took a second to make an aggressive stance on his borrowed four legs long enough to recognize the signs of a bear in pursuit – one he’d hoped wasn’t coming to back the wolf up. Taking his chances without knowing – for sure – that this daunting creature was the ginger shifter, the dog took its stand. It was all shrill barks from the massive dog and snapping teeth—but before the wolf could rightly get within threat range, the dog was sure to jump back and dart and weave around another tree. His aim, until the bear’s purpose became a little clearer, was to play it safe and keep this wolf busy before worrying about what its friends were up to. How close to class was it now? Tardiness was surely the lesser of the evils looming over the quarrelsome group.
15:21:38 Pixie is rewarded with one of Jeff’s canines ripping into her calf, a few grazes from the less sharp teeth, before taking off in that sprint. The electricity of pain, her blood pooling inside her boot as she runs, is enough to push her nature to the brink. Unlaced boots fly off her feet as Pixie runs, her ever-present turtle-shell backpack thrown to one side. The she-wolf has never Changed mid-run before, but it happens blessedly all at once, mid-leap. Her clothing is abandoned in tatters where the grounds meet the forest, replaced by russet fur. Bliss. Freedom. The Change slowed her down, but the sleek russet she-wolf stretches like a tree branch—one moment, Jeff’s wolf-jaws nearly on her tail; the next, nearly vanishing ahead of him in the underbrush. Even once the smaller lupine is out of her hunter’s sight, she makes no attempt to hide her trail, curving back towards the grounds at the edge of the woods, where two canines and one ursine are having a party. Look, she brought a friend! Instinct clouds her finer thought processes, but the dog-beast and bear are imprinted in her mind as allies, despite the fact that this trio of werewolves are, by Hex’s twisted rules, her pack-brothers. When her allies are in sight, Pixie-wolf suddenly twists deftly and barrels towards her pursuer, who hopefully is too busy trying to keep up with her speed to react in time. Dropping her shoulder, she attempts to plant it in his side, knock him off balance, while teeth and claws strike wildly at his tender underbelly.
15:29:26 [Trix] Before breakfast. Before classes, the beautiful Fae Mage would be found in her spot within the woods. She avoided the Great Hall with all she had in her. Especially after going there last night and practically being ignore by Jeremy, who’d ran out on her after being hit in the face by Emri. Certainly it had left the Fae confused and slightly hurt. Beyond that were the lashes she’d received. Since facing that fateful day, she female had not been able to enter within the Hall out of fear. It brought back memories of that terrible moment where she had to stroll center hall toward her punishment, all for doing nothing. Trix had been innocent and yet still charged with thirty lashes no less. The event on the whole had scarred her significantly, and as such she’d been eating a lot less than usual. Meals were skipped in part for berries and the like she could grow within the forest. But it wasn’t enough to fully sustain her size, regardless how petite she was but it was better than nothing. At this time she was feasting upon some plump ripe plums the Earth Mage had grown, when the ruckus in the woods near her was soon heard. In fact, it was impossible not to hear it. Curiosity ever the reason for most her actions, along with a serious concern due to animal noises, growls and the like, the young female skipped her way, running in a fastidious manner over the land, elegantly moving with a finesse most wouldn’t have in such a landscape. She was dressed in her school uniform, along with a coat that covered her form, mittens and a hat. Her plums had been left behind in pursuit of the situation - though keen hearing and heightened senses, she did not have. Coming upon the Wolf and the dog, she froze in spot. The dog had taken to hiding (or so it would seem) behind the tree, while lashing out aggravated barks toward the Wolf. It was the wolf though that had captured her eyes - one she knew must have been a student. Without thinking the blond femme let out a sudden yell toward the creature, wanting to get through to the student within - what the heck were they doing out here? Breakfast was starting soon and well, this was sheer stupidity according to the fae. “HEY! What the heck! You guys are gonna get in so much TROUBLE!”
15:49:44 [August`] Everyone had disappeared, running off to leave the small mermaid on her own. Swallowing hard, she merely stared after them a while before she'd push herself to her feet. She would begin to waddle towards the bleachers, leaving footprints in the snow as her auburn colored locks blew back in the breeze. She was trembling slightly, but not from the cold. Little things like a brawl such as that frightened her. Surely they would be getting lashes soon. She had never gotten in trouble, let alone gotten the lash! Moving to brush off one of the bleachers, she sat down, eyes gazing out at the blanket of snow that settled over the fields and track. It was a thin layer yet, with some holes to allow the green grass and orange-colored track to peek through, though as the weather was supposed to be snowy for a while yet, she expected no different. She still planned to visit the lake, as it was the opposite way than the other wolves had gone, though she wasn't prepared yet. Burying her heart shaped face in her fingers, she shifted on the bleachers, squeezing her eyes closed. How unsafe was this school, really? Any day at this point she could have her tail ripped from her waist! Prey, she was. All the mermaids were, unless they were in the water. Only there did they have the real advantage. Not in this... Institution.
16:03:20 [Sig] Big Two’s breath was ragged as he staged through the snow, chasing the sounds of his comrades and battle, desperately glancing behind him to try and catch sight of that damn bear. His instincts were to find his pack, safety in numbers. He didn’t try to complete his shift as he ran, Two couldn’t. He needed to buy time. His pack brothers always had his back, he’d be safe with them. Singularly focused, with less natural group mentality than his cronies, Jeff honed in on Pix, the little she-wolf finally coming into her real skin. He doesn’t see the Crazy Ivan coming, he doesn’t need to. Jeff is several times the little she-wolf’s size, and apart from being intimidatingly large, he is also supremely agile; a master at this trick. She barrels into him, but Jeff merely skillfully incorporates her unexpected motion into his own, turning her momentum aside by hunkering low to the ground, and pushing her off with a flick of his terrible great head. Jeff didn’t get his reputation for free. He’d earned it. He was just a natural fighter. Red in the meantime snarls his everliving frustration at the hound-Cas, baring his teeth and tossing his head. After the first few times of being evaded, the more-clever but not-as-well-equipped Red stopped chasing after the dog, standing in the middle of the clearing with his head down and his ears flat, waiting rather than pursuing. His patience is rewarded when Jeff turns up, rolling the female Were in his stride. With an instinct for group tactics, Red circles around and joins Jeff’s side, with Pix and Dog now trapped together in one place. It’s not long before even the slow Two turns up, panting breathlessly and steaming in the cold snow, and he immediately heads for Red and Jeff. Their looks say it all. “Fuckin’ bear man!” He said, pointing back at the trees he’d left behind.
16:04:05 [Sig] They follow his finger and, true to his word, a big shaggy brown shape is steadily trundling its way towards them, hot breath fogging in the chilly air and tongue lolling. That odd rolling lope might have looked comical if it didn’t belong to a tank of an ursine. Soon enough it is no longer Jeff and Red circling Cas and Pix, but rather Jeff, Two and Red caught between the dog, she-wolf and now a bear. Before a decision could be made, all heads turn in unison at the unexpected shout. Glances are exchanged and the whole heated situation is brought to an awkward standstill. Until without warning, Red shook his shaggy ruff and started trotting out past Cas. He’d decided he’d have enough. The lashes they’d get if they prolonged and got caught just wasn’t bloody worth it. Two being the generally confused person he was, lingered for a moment in bewilderment but then set off awkwardly after Red, still in his half-shape. With the realization setting in that he was now without backup, Jeff has no choice but to pursue his pack, but pauses to make his thoughts quite clear with an irritable snarl and snap in Cas and Pix’s direction, before trotting off after his friends. And then they were all suddenly quiet, a dog a bear and a wolf standing around with a bossy little fae at the head of it, probably looking quite authoritive and smug, right about then. Then the bear swayed, and plopped down in the snow.
16:11:59 [Pixie] Something is itching the back of her brain, drip-dripping like the distant sound of rain splattering in the bottom of a gutter: the lovely little voice of her sister-in-arms… The small russet wolf continues grappling with the black fury of Jeff-wolf, getting knocked off balance but attempting to tangle her legs in with his to keep the fight with her, not elsewhere. Thank fucking Chewbacca Jesus for the bear. The trio’s pause giver Pixie a chance to pick herself up from the snowy ground, snarling and growling her own intimidation (which, really..come on. She’s almost pcket-sized!) Hackles still raised and posturing like the big she-wolf on campus, Pixie stalks, unhurried, over to a certain blonde Fae, using her russet-furred body to shield Trix from any unwanted action if they decide to double back.. Trix is her Pack-sister above the others, a tiny flickering flame she has to protect. When the adrenaline fizzles out, a very naked and steamy Pixie is left panting beside Trix. Too bad her backpack full of spare clothes is at the treeline. The spitfire female regards her newest comrades in arms. “Hex Institute Nudist Club?” They’re all gonna be re-evaluating modesty here quick. Pixie is comfortable enough with it, although the cold will set in soon, for sure.
16:17:42 [Cas] Werewolves, of course, were no ordinary wolves and as such, Cas treaded with extra caution. Perhaps the beast wouldn’t slaughter him, but he wasn’t about to give it the chance to try. Through a roller coaster of emotion, fuss and action, imagine how surprised (and frustrated) Cassidy is to find that the trio roll out like nothing had even happened thanks to a brief and bossy interruption by one certifiably batshit fae-girl (who is actually, horrifically, familiar even through his eyes). This was all very anticlimactic! With a tired glance around, the scrappy mastiff plopped back into a sloppy seat in the snow much like the bear had. He took the opportunity here and now to slowly and lazily pick his back foot up and scratch a toenail inside of his ear in a blatant display of flexibility. The change back to ‘normal’ was always so much more difficult than the explosion that had lead to the change in the first place and the snow was not going to make anything easier. Yet, slowly but surely, Cas’s bare, freckled Irish skin did peek through the dog’s patchy fur and eventually, the jock did emerge with only his underwear and his Eldredge Knot (loosened much from its original place) to show for all the trouble to follow the werewolf’s lead. He initially opened his mouth to speak in reply, but when he’d realized the error of his ways, he couldn’t help but let them out: “fuck,” comes the classic Donegal accent “I had all t’at time and I didn’t lick my auwn balls.” Oh, hindsight.
16:23:03 [Trix] Who knew they would actually -listen- to her. Only someone with some gall would have the nerve to yell at Were’s, and yet it was the petite Fae who’s cry had been harkened the moment coming to a swift end after her words. Apparently the thought of lashes outweighed the fun factor of the scrap and someone had to remind those involved of such things. She had shown no fear, but only after did it hit her as the bear collapsed to the snow that she had actually yelled at Wolves. Boy’s who were twice her size if not more. Her body began to shake on it’s own when realizing the situation could have been far more serious than that it ended up to be and there didn’t appear to be any blood loss or injury from those around her. She didn’t recognize Pixie at first, being that she was a wolf but as the change came upon her, it was evident just who the protective Wolf was. Trix offered a smile then removed her coat so that Pixie could at least have some cover to go gather her clothes together. “You should be more careful Pixie. You can’t get caught so soon again, they’ll notice the lashes being gone.” She whispered toward the Wolf-Sister, concern etched upon her features before she motioned toward the bear. Lowering on to her knees, she didn’t mind the snow that soaked through her stockings, her hand motioned toward the animal, offering a gentle pet - again showing lack of fear. Perhaps there was some animal ken within that fae blood of hers that seemed to spin out courage for one so small - Trix was certainly outside of her jurisdiction with this one. Her cheeks however dusted rose as the sight of Cas, his sudden near nakedness causing her to quickly look away, turning her back toward the male, while his words made her blush even further. “As long as you’re alright..” She spoke, her voice dry as she tried to clear her throat from the embarrassment. Turning around once more, the beguiling female glanced toward the threesome. “You should really all be more careful. Lashes aren’t exactly fun to get.” And she should know, having recently had them for the first time, for no reason at all! (curse the school). “What happened?” she questioned though, curious as to their nature there. “Was this for fun or something more?”
16:31:46 Pixie gives the Fae a soft little smile—looking less like a mad tiny woman—and shrugs into the offered coat, for the cold more than for the modesty. Where Trix colors and turns away from Cas’s nakedness, Pixie barely notices it (at least that she lets on; people are so much nicer to look at unwrapped). Wild hair flies madly when the spitfire lass tosses her head back to bark a laugh at his comment. The Fae’s whispered admonishment wipes the grin off the she-wolf’s face, eyes darkening as she scowls. “I couldn’t abide it, couldn’t just do nothing while they—” Kicked the shit out of a weaker boy. The battered are her pack, flocking to broken people as their Shattered Queen. She clears her throat. “While they had all the fun,” she finishes in a rush. Hunching her shoulders, little Pixie stalks back to the tree line for her backpack and boots before it can come out she did a nice thing to help Sig.
16:45:46 [Sig] If it hadn’t been for Red’s more sober mindset, or potentially his exasperation and weariness at being mocked about by the much more agile Hound, the chase might have lasted for hours yet, or escalated rapidly. Jeff was the vindictive Alpha of the pack, relishing in brutality and dancing barely at the edge of control, whilst Two was the mindless brawn with a puppydog disposition. Of the three, it was Red however who held the keys to the other two, the silent Brain who stepped in only when he felt it necessary. Sometimes, Beta’s had more power than they were accredited for. It was clear however that Siggeir had not seen the last of them, and even Pix might find herself on the receiving end of their malicious intent in the near future. Cas probably would not be exempt either, but he had the fortune of being neither Were nor Siggeir, which put him much lower on their list. The big hairy shape of the bear started to slowly melt back, revealing imperfectly the shape of the boy underneath. Brown fur recedes into a mop of flame red hair and skin so pale as to be almost see-through (the red-head’s curse), all mottled black, blue, purple and red with mottled bruising and angry welts. With the reversal nearly complete, it seemed to slow and finally slag to a halt, leaving him imperfectly returned to near-naked human form, all whilst Trix was leaning delightfully close and extending a hand to touch. The boy swayed dangerously, and looked terribly pale. One whole arm still remained very much furry, with claws lining the half of one foot and one eye still black and beady. Drawing his arms up around his legs, Siggeir quivered a bit and cast his glance around at the faces belonging to those who’d gotten themselves involved. “I didn’t need your help you know.” The boy scoffed brazenly, an Icelandic lilt to his accent. “However… If someone could maybe…help me back to the castle? I’m starting to not feel the cold anymore. I’ve gotta get cleaned up and dressed before I’m late for class!”
17:05:51 Cas hopped up out of the snow and into action while Pixie and Siggeir kept Trix busy. Before they knew it, they’d be down one petite mamma-werewolf and up one solid, naked shifter. “Shite boy, get up outta t’snow. We’re auwl gonna be whipped, late and y’still look like y’fell off t’ugly tree and hit every fuckin’ branch on t’way down.” Cassidy extended a hand and wrapped it around the ginger’s fuzzy arm and took a stance to hoist him up off the ground. Once he had, the displaced Irishman regarded Trix with a little more concern than he had taken for the younger boy. “Y’wanna run quick, Mottie, ‘fore we drag you down too.” He paused and stole an apprehensive glance over to the tree where this adventure had begun. “…’less you wanna find m’shoes an’ run ‘em to t’common while I get Ginger here t’where he gotta go. Be a sweetie, aye?”
17:11:48 [Trix] Pixie’s words brought home the story before anyone could say anything further. The fae full well knew the length Pixie would go to help another. She had witnessed it herself first hand when the she-wolf had stood up for Trix that fateful night in the Hall. Pixie herself having received lashes for merely trying to help. It had bonded the two together however. Universally coming to stand for the same thing. Trix merely wanted Pixie to be careful - not wanting her sister wolf to have to experience that same pain all over again. Trix would never wish that on anyone. Not now she’d experienced it. The bookworm was all but certain the Wolves had been the ones to instigate the issue, her attention turning toward two males. Trix was surrounded by two nearly naked men - the gasp itself that left her lips was audible - certainly heard by both. At a loss as to where the look, she spun around to give her back to both Cas and Sig, not wanting to pry on their privacy, but not before she’d seen the bruising and scratches upon the red headed male. “They were bullying you?” She questioned, not looking back. If Jer were to walk into the forest now, she would most certainly have to answer questions from him no doubt. But, she couldn’t just leave someone injured behind either, let alone naked. Her coat freed by Pixie who had since gotten dressed, she motioned toward it, the wool heavy and thick, obviously meant for winter. She handed it, without looking - (basically let it hang from her fingers as she turned her back again toward Sig) - “Here put this on. At least it will cover you. Or wrap it around you or something. And not to worry, you‘ve still got time for breakfast yet. ” Certainly the Fae was small, her alluring figure provocative in how she stood, but petite all the same. This left her blazer and again, whilst small it could offer some cover up for Cas and so the Fae removed it also and offered it to him while he hoisted up the red head. “I’ll get your shoes, Cas. Not to worry. “ She wasn’t sure if Sig’s were out there somewhere too. She could find them quite easily. She knew the forest like the back of her hand. “You two go. I’ll follow along.”
17:26:56 [Sig] “Careful with that! If it doesn’t shift back, it usually means it’s hurt pretty bad.” Siggeir warned of his arm as Cas came and pulled him up by it. “And I did hit a few branches on my way down, incidentally. Stupid tree, no idea how it got in my way in the first place.” Siggeir grumbled on as he dazedly found his feet, swaying a bit unsteadily but held by Cas’ grasp. “Oh, well aren’t you the sweetie, thanks. And no, they were not bullying me. They were beating me up. Big difference. Stupid dare, should have known it sounded too easy…” Siggeir slipped his other arm into the coat and drew it closed about him. For a skinny kid he had a fair bit of definition about him, ropy muscle and sinew standing out starkly against the length of his awkwardly-proportioned limbs. It was that stage in life where every boy seemed to consist mainly of elbows and knees and little else. “Ah, who’m I kidding. I probably woulda done it anyway.” He mumbled mostly to himself, nestling into the warmth of the jacket. So soooft. And it smelled of Girl. “So where’re you taking me, Stretch? Nice trick with the dog. Ugly fucker though. Hey, I can’t feel my feet. Does anything look broken to you? I’m really hungry… Think there’ll be a nice nurse that’ll magic all this away? Oh god, you’re not going to put makeup on me, are you?!” It seemed that when the boy started, there was just no stopping him. The upside was that he would follow Cas wherever the hell he led him, without question. Still giddy with the after-effects of adrenaline and flying face-first into a branch, then having your head kicked in, Siggeir giggled and swayed his way along like a drunken muse.
17:47:34 Cas smiled a wolfish thing at Trix as she made off after assisting a boy in need. “Thanks, beautiful.” He said in parting with the fae-girl before all his attention turned to the injured boy. At least Siggeir’s spirit wasn’t broken in all of this. For the physical abuse he’d taken, the boy was doing pretty well for himself. They hobbled along at Siggeir’s pace and Cassidy got an earful, ever-patient and ever-amused. “Hah, yeah, well, I ne’er seen a hound who didn’t run circles round a wolf. Pret-ty fuckin’ good wit y’bear claw tere yerself. Firstly, we getcha t’yer housin. I’m sure we getche t’te nurse after an she’ll smooth auwl tis away fer you. Aye, tat’ll be t’way… but listen here: y’shan’t say much ‘bout how y’got all banged up, aye? Y’fell down some fuckin’ stairs, fer all she can chew on. Fuckin’ UFO landed on ye. Whatever y’wantin. Tat’s t’story til t’trut catches up t’you.” Cassidy gave Sig a serious glance then to infer the seriousness of what he was trying to convey. He spoke quietly before Trix could catch back up with them. “An’ I weren’t involved if you get moutie."
17:59:23 Trix ventured into the woods, using her expertise as a caster to locate the shoes for both boys. Though it would be funny to see as she eventually moved from the forest, shivering in the cold weather but using some of her inner fae heat to maintain some warmth, with both pairs of shoes, one in each hand. The rest of the clothing had been in tatters for the most part, but she had collected some, yet it was going to be rather difficult to sneak them in. Her coat and blazer were in use by both Sig and Cas, who were now making their way inside. The blond femme, hips swaying ever in her uniformed walk would moved through the snow, out of the forest and into the courtyard, items in tow. Her cheeks were flushed with the cold, her eyes wide and the look within them crisp as she enters within the school, immediately heading toward the Crux common room, where luckily she isn’t caught before hand. Yet again finding that she is risking herself for others, she begins to wonder about this new female she’s turning into. Ever the wallflower, and the obvious bookworm and nerd, over the last few days she’s significantly stepped up to the proverbial plate, making a difference in her own life and those of other around her. Perhaps the lashings had brought more than fear out of her. In fact, she’d even made the move to kiss Jeremy when they last kissed, taking control and actually moving in for the kiss itself. This new Trix was awakening every day, something more from the small fae seemed to be shining bright, and Trix found, at times, she was strangely curious about just where she’d end up.