Fantasy Red Hood Society

[Malice Queen]

A young boy - a child - hid from the wolves attack and survived because of his actions and yet he feels guilty for it. Sylvia in her younger days was often left floating in a sea of rage and guilt. Why hadn't Asher taken HER life that day instead of her parents? Honus turned towards her with a look of concern, her mind prying away from her thoughts as he spoke. With a nod she would turn her back towards the two, hesitating for a moment. The woman commander would turn back around and approach the boy, kneeling before him. "You survived...You did what you did to survive. You cannot blame yourself for what happened. You could not have done anything to stop those monsters...You survived and that takes more courage than most think.", she spoke while placing a hand on the boy's shoulder; the child would see her eyes were watering a bit as she spoke. Clearing her throat, she stands and begins to make her way towards Tonson's last known location.

The cold wind nips at her nose as she runs through the keep searching for the priest and the soldier. By the time she found them, a guard presented himself and conveyed his message. "Ah...How convenient. Tonson, we need to fortify the keep. Mired was attacked by the filthy mutts and the keep is next." her head would turn towards the priest. "Father, if you're not too exhausted we could use your help – though if you are I suggest you be on your way...Things will be getting bloody real soon." Her attention then turned towards the guard who had come before Tonson and Father Sisal. "Spread the word, get every able-bodied man you can and start working on repairing or reinforcing parts of the keep. We're holding this ground no matter what." With that the messenger would depart and begin to rally every man possible. Soon the keep was akin to a swarming pile of ants – men and women scattering to all ends of the keep to reinforce gates or repair minor infrastructure while others prepare weapons. "There are a few of barrels of cooking oil in storage, Honus wants to use them to burn the beasts...I just hope we have enough to last the attack." she explained to Tonson and Father Sisceal.
Axeykins Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[Axeykins]

The boy sniffled and nodded. Giving her a swift side hug before burying his face into Honus. "Sir...I'm real hungry now." he muttered. Not entirely better but soothed greatly by Sylvia's words.


Sisceal quickly stashed the flask away as the soldier arrived. Thank the Gods, the commander followed soon after.
News of another attack. Could they really defend with so little forces? "Commander. If you don't mind my input. Shouldn't we watch their movements first? Observer where they're going and what they're doing. That way we can prepare accordingly." He straightened up. Inhaling deeply to try and regain some of his stamina and strength. "I am fine. Place me wherever you like. As I've said before. My services are at your disposal. Healing, fighting, tactics. Whichever you need."
Malice Queen JokerValentine Blue098

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen Blue098 Axeykins

Honus sighed deeply, pinching his nose as too much was going on at the same time. "My child, you must surely be hungry. Here," the commander said, giving the boy a quarter-portion of a loaf of bread. Surely for a boy this would be a feast. But still, the other burning questions remained, This human child, while deserved so much care for his suffering, had to compete with many other terrible problems the Hoods now faced. Besides, the priest, a proclaimed academic, now thought it to be best to supply more men than they had to be slaughtered. "Father, your input is valid but incorrect. This keep, the only keep perhaps, is the only thing that stands in the way. The wolves will attack it. They will take it. If we remain inside then we are to survive. We have no men to supply, we have no reinforcements. We cannot spare even one man. But the wolves, they are not smart. They will attack this fort with disunion, they fill fling their corpses to the ramparts as they try to get in. What we know is that they will not make the same mistakes they did last time, but they will make many mistakes."

Honus thought for a moment, thinking of what best to do. "Boy," the commander said, "how quick are you at running? Can you send a message for me? Additionally, you will need to know your way to Asperglad, North of here around 3 miles. Father, go with Tonson to repair the ramparts. Syl, get the oil and see to it that the archers have enough to repel them. I shall tend to the armory, distribute what we have now, and see to it that we succeed." Honus leaned in close to her rather suddenly, telling her something nobody else would be able to hear. "Be brave, like I know you are. Know that your father is so proud of you, and so am I. Be the pride of House Aldrich, my dear."

 

[Axeykins]

The boy was overjoyed to receive the bread. He respectfully bowed his head to Honus, his eyes lighting up, before gobbling it down. His expression turning to surprise as he heard the commander's next words. "North of here. Three miles." He repeated under his breath. "I can run awfully fast sir. It should be no problem getting there quickly. Give me whatever message you wish and I will go immediately. I have enough left in me for that."


Sisceal's face scrunched up into a scowl. "Sir, these wolves are neither stupid nor fools. They are beasts with the intelligence of man. Not something to take so lightly or assume a direct attack from or to assume they are dullards. Despite what you seem to believe I have fought them before and seen too many brave men and women die from underestimating them." He spoke boldly against the commander's orders.
"You need more of a strategy and to know their movements and numbers. Learn the more exact time they plan on attacking. The last thing you want is to be dealing with a hoard that is larger and smarter than you expect. You wouldn't need many to follow the wolves. Two or three at most, the quickest and stealthiest you have. The men you have here will heal in that time and greatly increase your numbers and allow faster repair of the ramparts and stand a better chance against this. Please be extremely cautious about this." He pulled out the piece of parchment with the report he was given on it. "They're already very hesitant against sending reinforcements Honus...they er...they think your regime has been making up fairy tales. Particularly since that mention of an Alpha? When it was brought up they laughed and called you senile, sir. It's all right here."
JokerValentine Malice Queen Blue098

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Let's just say that Ackara was not doing well. Exhaustion was deep in her bones as she weakly threw a punch. She'd tried to take care of the pups, but there was a pulsing and constant thought of training. She didn't even stop to eat. It had been two days since she'd stopped to do anything but train. Her knuckles were bloody from hitting the tree she was fighting, since no one else would encourage this behavior.

The pack was starting to get a bit worried at her skeleton appearance. Which they really should be. The pack had found her laying on her back next to the tree with breaths ragged and arms twitching as she tried to get back to the tree. She wanted to train more, but the others had practically dragged her back to the bed where she was restrained. None could figure out what the heck was wrong with her, but she kept pleading with them to release her, refusing to drink or eat.

It wasn't good...

She even tried to claw poor little Annabeth when she was set on Ackara's chest. The she wolf wasn't in the right mind, so the wolves sent for Marius.

The man who went was a little on the shorter side and wiry like a weasel. He ran a little slower than usual, not really caring too much for Ackara (She bit him...) yet he had a duty to her in a way. "Marius?! Marius where are you?" He called, trotting around a bit more. "It's Ackara! She's... Not well..." He mumbled with a bit of a growl (Grudges).
JokerValentine Axeykins

 

[Blue098]

Tonson watched as many came to him such disastrous news and even orders. Both commanders, and some messenger telling him about a upcoming fight. Though his mind was now clouded with greed as the demon's lust for souls was beginning to manifest in his thoughts. "Kill, Kill, Kill.....Feed me Tonson, feed me their souls." The demon spoke. Tonson heard about repairing some ramparts and even the priest beginning to object such a plan and offered a new one.

"Then send me in to scout them....and dwindle their numbers while I'm out there..." He spoke out to Honus. "Set up fortifications, and I'll come back with news of my scouting mission." He added on while looking at Honus. "I will even bring the priest with me." He continued to speak.

Axeykins JokerValentine Malice Queen

 

[Malice Queen]

Sylvia would jump a bit as Honus leaned in close to tell her something and it made her heart swell with pride and thrum with agony. Why would he tell her such a thing?... Sylvia would simply bit the inside of her lip hard, trying to keep herself from bursting into tears – always such a softy when it came to Honus. She would nod silently and move to gain entrance to the keep's larder; or that was her plan before Father Sisceal began talking back to Honus. Syl would wince slightly at the priest's mistake, regardless of how right he was Honus has never taken kindly to people arguing about the weres.

The priest had a sound plan, though his presentation could have been a bit better. "Honus...he's right...", she hoped her admittance would soothe the grumpy old bear Honus often was. Tonson spoke up, seeming rather off for a moment as he did so. Syl was shocked, he had volunteered to scout for the wolves' whereabouts as well as takedown a few should it be doable. "But you've only just recovered, Tonson! And not to doubt your skills Father Sisceal but I think it'd be best if you were here tending to the wounded you can." Syl would blurt aloud. "I can go with you." she would look to Honus for a moment before adding on "Once we've finished what preparations we can here, of course.", an impish smile forms on her lips as she stated playfully.
Axeykins Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Blue098 Malice Queen Axeykins

Surely he wouldn't listen to the pervert, but Sylvia's words were rather persuasive. And there were volunteers as well to go on this scouting mission. Honus had no other choice but to go with what was best. With a deep sigh, the commander turned aside from everyone, thinking deeply of a plan. "Father, she's right. You're not swift on your feet. Head to the kitchen, brew what you can. Whether it may be wildfire or whether you manage to cure lycanthropy in your endeavors, what potions you may brew is but one thing I can see you being useful in. Perhaps serve as an advisor to those in trouble, whether injured or lacking confidence. Syl, Tonson, you are far too valuable to be sent out but I have no other choice. Be back by sundown. Know that humanity's lasting rests on your survival. And boy," as he turned to him, handing a piece of parchment, "seek out the highest official you may find in Asperglad. What supplies or troops they may assist to bring is what we require."

But what would Honus do? Perhaps he was to rectify the ramparts himself. He knew them better than anyone. And maybe seeing such a man as him working to save this fort would inspire others to assist in it. Before they all departed, the man approached the boy. He took from his neck his necklace, something very important to him. "Show them this necklace, and they will know my intentions to be true. Best of luck."

 

[Axeykins]

"Thank you." He nodded to Sylvia. Thankful that somebody else here had some logic and their head screwed on straight. "I can run faster than you think sir and do more than you think. I am an elite..." He retorted swiftly to Honus' comment on it. Still so little respect in this place... What did he have to do to prove himself around here?"But I will be more useful in the kitchen. I can brew whatever is needed to aid in healing and strengthening the soldiers. You name it I will make it. As for further healing I can use magic for that. Except Lycanthropy, I've tried and nothing but pain and death is generally the outcome of that. If you need anything else I am at your disposal." He bowed to the commander like a servant. "And would you like to send a messenger bird to the Heads? Maybe they'll reconsider sending backup rather than attempting to move your operations there?"

The boy sniffled. Hugging the letter and necklace he was handed close to his chest. "I'll be quick as the wind Sir! Just watch! I'm gonna be as brave and strong as you!" The kid declared in a most serious tone. Saluting Honus before taking off in the direction of the town.
JokerValentine Malice Queen Blue098

 

[Axeykins]

Marius groaned and rolled his eyes at Asher. "Fine fine fine. I shall rest before we move on." He rumbled. Shaking the blood from his fur. "Let us go back and re-" His attention was taken up by a newcomer to this gathering.
Their news shocked him. Ackara, ill? But they had only seen her moments ago. Right? "Asher, we need to hurry back. Something is wrong with my mate...I must see for myself and ensure is in good hands and comfortable before assisting with further towns. If it is not too much trouble." He looked to Asher and the Alpha.
The Alpha could care less. He waved off the situation and whispered something to the wolf who had run up to them before walking away tall and powerful.
JokerValentine Error404RealityFailed

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen Axeykins Blue098

With a final and brief reply to the know-nothing priest, Honus spoke. "Funny, how you know very little of my own plans when I have just explained them. The boy is going to Asperglad to requisition more troops. There is a garrison of Hoods there, a more relief body that anything. They are wealthy too, rich in goods and services far beyond what you and I may supply. And they are in my debt, for who guards them indeed? That would be us. Now is the time to test the validity of the phrase 'if you need anything ever.'" With that, Honus stepped aside. "Father, you will find a kitchen below this floor, in the cellar. There you may procure what you need, and only what you need, to give us an edge. Whatever you see fit to make, be it so. Is that clear?" The commander again looked aside to the other two waiting to leave, and the boy saluting him so preciously. He wished them well. "May whatever gods that may still listen to our cries give up victory."

 

[Axeykins]

"You explained them clear enough and they were not solid sir. Surely would have caused more deaths than necessary and wasted resources with preparing before an unknown time of attack at the moment. And the sir, ones in that town may respect you, but back in the big headquarters it's an entirely different story. Your settlements aren't providing as much as they used to Honus and they don't like that." He stared cold and hard at Honus. "Wait...The....cellar?" He raised an eyebrow at the order. He heard that correctly, right? Too late to argue now that he had given his sworn services to the commander. With a heavy sigh and roll of the eyes he saluted Honus. "Clear as day.I shall get right to it sir. I'm sure there is a lot to make for the troops and many spirits to lift and blessings to give. Send any of your injured and in need to me and I shall make time for them as well. You obviously will know where to find me. And Tonson! You still owe me that drink when you get back." The priest gave him a softer smile before heading into the cellar to begin his work.
JokerValentine Malice Queen Blue098

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

The wolf that had brought the message turned and began to lead Marius away without waiting for Asher's reaction. If the Alpha had said it was alright, then it was.

He led them to a small hut in the village with a scream fading into the air. It was one scream, one scream of annoyance as Ackara struggled against her bonds. There was only one room in the hut, and it was partially occupied by the cot in which Ackara was tied to. It was for her own good, to keep her from trying to beat the tree (And her hands and health) to the death. "LET ME OUT!" She screeched as she thrashed about. She kept her eyes squeezed shut the whole time as she tried in vain to kick her way out.
JokerValentine Axeykins

 

[Blue098]

He gave the priest a smile, a drink really sounded nice right now. Tonson then sighed, and nodded. He hated being forced to have so much responsibility, it makes room for mistakes. Though he guesses this was necessary. They needed the help and the demon needed souls. To be honest though, he felt the demon's greed for souls beginning to make his heart race...he wanted to kill them to. He looked to Sylvia, "Just let me when your ready to go Commander." He spoke out to her.

Malice Queen JokerValentine Axeykins

 

[Malice Queen]

Sylvia would sigh heavily as Honus and the priest go back and forth with each other, her gaze fell upon Tonson and a small smile forms on her face as she spoke. "Let's leave the bickering married couple be, shall we?" Tonson was reminded of a drink earlier, boy did that sound great. Sylvia would head towards the entrance, assuming Tonson would follow promptly. "Hopefully when we come back the keep won't be a complete mess...I fear those two could go on for days without end." Syl stated with a slight eye roll. "The boy said Mirewood was not too far from the keep...we'll start there and see if we can track the wolves."
Blue098

 

[JokerValentine]

Axeykins

Now if cars had been a thing in this realm, Honus surely would've asked this priest to stay in his own land and not pretend to be an expert in fields he knew not of. "The cellar is where the cooks work. They prefer the quiet. One floor above would be the garrison, where I will be. If you need anything, ask one of the cooks." Honus said nothing more that would call attention to the father's idiocy. He knew nothing of the wolves. He was a man of the robe, a filthy robe that perhaps he had forgotten long ago what it meant. That was something the aged commander would not soon let go. "Oh, if we are to discuss drinks, there are two problems. You are a priest, yes? So thereby you are forbade of drinking altogether. Surely as a man of the cloth you abide by that rule. Even if you don't, Father, our alcohol is needed for burning the mutts from above, lighting our arrows aflame, or treating the injured not by the spoken word. Alas we may have a toast of chicken oil if that suffices."

 

[Axeykins]

"Alright, I have no problem with it I was simply curious of it's location. I've never seen a kitchen in the cellar before. And If you don't mind I would prefer coming to you directly with any questions." He steepled his fingers as he spoke. "And so you know, It is my own alcohol sir so would do nothing to your supplies. Besides, fats, oil or kerosene would be better for what you've listed off. Wouldn't burn off as fast or go out when fired from an arrow. As for what else you happened to bring up. It is none of your damned business what I do or don't do in my life, particularly regarding my faith.I will do as told but would appreciate it if this attitude stopped.You don't judge me, I won't judge you and vice versa. "
JokerValentine

 

[Blue098]

Tonson gave a slight chuckle to her comments. Though only if she knew why Honus and him despised the man so much. "It's your call commander, you have both the experience and wisdom I can only strive for." He spoke out to her.
"Kissing ass are we?" The demon asked while chuckling a bit. Tonson felt a bit embarrassed now by the demon's comment, "Hush up, I'm kissing no one's ass..." He replied back to the demon.

Malice Queen

 

[JokerValentine]

Honus raised an eyebrow, and was rather intrigued. He was not about to let this one go. "Oh yes, tell me again why so many hate the church? You set a bad example by telling people to act in a certain way and then not doing so yourself. But that's just my personal problem with the church. And again, the tips of our arrows are specially made. We have more arrows than fat and oil can supply. We need everything, so no drinking for you. Don't be selfish in our time of need, father." Honus seemed rather subdued. He just let the priest talk himself into the ground. "Now," he said, "I should get to work. Follow me." And down the stairs he led, away from the lights, into the depths of the keep. The smell of artichokes and oil soon became overbearing.
Axeykins

 

[Malice Queen]

"Right then, let's get going..." and with that Sylvia would lead them off through the woods towards the town of Mirewood. She made them stick close to the road, yet they remained amongst the trees. The first thing that the scouting party would notice was the smell...followed by the gruesome scene. Several bodies lay out in the town's center with torn skin and punctured flesh and as if that weren't enough, there seemed to be a few wolves licking their chops as they feasted upon the deceased.

She turns her head towards Tonson, giving him a sign to stay as quiet as he could – a single finger on her lips. Slowly the two recon the area, one...two...three...four bodies and the rest were turned – this didn't look good at all. From the brush Syl would cast her gaze upon the wolves who seemingly stood about watching the newly turned enjoy their new-found freedoms. '...big black and speckled white one with these horrifying goldenrod eyes. The Alpha showed up as well and spoke to him and some others, a female and ashen wolf...' the terrified boy's words resonated in her mind. "Brother...? Are you here?" Syl thought to herself with a furrowed brow as she scanned each wolf. The Alpha was not there or else they would have been spotted and most likely killed already.
Blue098 JokerValentine Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"You would be speaking of the stuffy old assholes back in the capital. They pretend to be high and mighty yet you would not believe the things they've done....at least I won't deny what I've done nor will I tell you how to act. I'm here as a guide for those who feel they need it." He kept his cold stare locked on Honus. "And again. I've got my own, not enough to make a difference in your effort And will not try and take reserves from here. Although more than oils and fats can supply?....what are you doing eating it? Because that makes no sense Honus." His eyes briefly darted to the commander's...shapely figure. Round was a shape wasn't it? Luckily before he could smart off any more the pungent odor hit him. "Oh Gods above. Are you sure this is the only place I can work? It's rather hard to breath in here with this smell."
JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Axeykins

Honus was getting rather annoyed. He had seen far too many characters with this personality, where the only things they ever had to say pertained to his weight, his age, or how intense he was. But Honus not once was ever fazed by any of it. "Some is to eat, some is to kill. But the point is we cannot afford the wolves to be any less numerable than they already were. I expect a long fight, so thus I prepare for it." He also seemed unfazed by the stench. The commander led him into a back room, where the smell was rather subdued but still present. "Complain about the smell here, and there's only one other area you can work. The latrines. You don't want to smell fear shit, do you?" It was surely a joke to the male, surely. "Anything you need, it is yours to prepare. But don't waste anything, father."

 

[Blue098]

Tonson remained quiet as ordered and simply looked around. He wondered how many times these things happened, not only to human towns, but to wolf packs as well. Forced to watch their own young get killed and slaughtered...it's something that he wishes would simply stop. Though he knew that it wouldn't, not anytime soon.

"C'mon...there right there...just let me free...let me kill"The demons spoke out as a black mist began to form around his dagger and tendrils were now wrapping around Tonson's wrists. He was beginning to lose a bit of control, though tried his best to keep the demon's greed at bay.

Malice Queen

 

[Axeykins]

"Ackara! Calm down! What is the problem." Marius walked to her side. A twinge in his heart seeing her like this. Taking in a deep breath he softened the tone of his voice as he spoke to her. "Ackara. Please calm down. You are not well my dear and the pups are crying out for you. They miss the warmth of their mother...and it hurts to see you in this state." He knelt by her bedside. Gently taking her hand in his.
Error404RealityFailed

 

[Malice Queen]

Sylvia would feel a knot form in her stomach as the wolves continued to eat, her gaze went back to Tonson and that's when she noticed the inky blackness wrapping around his arm. She looked up at him with alarm, eyes widening as he seemed to be struggling against something. Footfalls would draw closer to the two, a lone newly-turned wolf was sniffing around the area no doubt drawn to the strange scent that the two humans gave off. Sylvia would curse in her mind, attention drawn away from Tonson and towards the prowling wolf. It would bear its teeth as the scent got stronger and stronger. Sylvia had her hand on the hilt of her blade, ready to slit the mongrel's throat before it could alert the others of their presence.
Blue098