Fantasy Red Hood Society

[Blue098]

He leaned into the priest a bit more now, he got a soft scent of his clothing and held on to him for warmth in the rather dark and cool cave. "Looks nice enough for me, though I would sleep anywhere at this point. Also let's get eating and drinking then while the night is young." He replied to him a much more gentle voice. It seemed Tonson didn't truly hate the priest, and if anything seemed to be completely open to him at this moment in time.

Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"Hope you don't mind jerky and dried vegetables. It's not much but all I brought." He spoke softly as he let go of Tonson. Removing his layers of coats and all that resided in the pockets. Daggers, a clawed silver gauntlet, the food and some medical supplies and such. He spread the coats out on the ground for a softer and warmer place to sit. Then proceeded to start a fire for the night.
"Agh. Dammit." He winced as a sharp twinge struck his torso. Around the stomach area of his white shirt a red stain began to grow. "Take all you want. I've got to take care of this mess real quick...pulled the stitching. Don't get too crazy though, I'll definitely need something when I'm done." Sisceal grumbled as he grabbed a needle and strong thread. After holding the needle over the fire a moment to sanitize it, a few large swigs of alcohol and a nice soft leather wrapped stick to keep from chipping a tooth the priest stripped off his shirt and began working on re-suturing a painfully deep three inch stab wound. Not the choice method but better than an infection that would take an even longer rest to heal.
Blue098

 

[JokerValentine]

Axeykins

Honus stroked his chin for a moment, feeling the brown-grey bristles of hair as he surveyed the room. He sighed deeply, thinking about his options. "Focus on the walls. I want this palace to stand despite being hit by boulders and trees. Get any men you can to do that, and go into the forest with everyone else to dig trenches three hundred feet long and six feet deep. Fill them with sharpened sticks, and anything you have. I want our palace secure. Lastly, send five men out on an escort mission. My officer is out in the field, and I want her back by nightfall. I don't know when they plan to attack, but when they do, they won't take any prisoners. She has the wit it will take to save us." Honus turned to the kid, his eyes oddly wide with excitement. "Kid, you can come with me to my quarters. I don't know what I can exactly do with you, but I can't... we'll figure out something."

 

[JokerValentine]

Axeykins E Echo dreamsong Blue098 Malice Queen

The plans were coming together as planned. It surely would not be much longer now. Soon the wolves would be on the move, tens of thousand strong, and the Hoods will be far from recovering from the last attack. Then, once they had fallen, and Sylvia had been killed, or perhaps brought into the light with her new form, this world would be for the wolves, as it should be. Asher liked the plan of his commander, to use the human weapons against them, to make use of the towns which they ransacked. Although each town had a garrison of Hoods, usually they were oorly trained, and thus fell easily. And with travel so slow, they would fail to alert the Hoods until it was too late. They could conquer this land if it weren't for them. But for now, the various hovels would suffice for membership. Asher looked up to the air, and looked to smell the incoming wolves. But he caught a whiff of something else. he couldn't be positive but... it smelled like HER. He could feel himself urging, being prodded to go after her. And so he did, saying nothing, but heading away to the approaching, ignorant wolves. They had no idea of their scent yet, how to recognize the humans they hated.

He walked away from the epicenter, alone, and soon stood on a short-standing hill overlooking the scene. He raised his snout to the air and... he knew it. Inhaling deeply, the brown male took all the strength to his voice, and let loose in a gruff voice "YOU" He said, not seeing them exactly but being able to tell they were close. Alas, surely they knew the sound of his voice, especially the one they called Syl.

 

[Malice Queen]

She didn't stop, she just kept running. The howls of the wolf behind her as they all seemed to scatter at their master's command. An entire army of wolves dedicated to turning every able-bodied human within miles just to bolster their forces. It was the extinction of humanity....she could hardly believed the plan they were setting in motion. The she heard it...a voice dripping with disdain and rage it was undoubtedly her brother Asher. "Gods no..." She was worried about Tonson and Father Sisceal but she couldn't turn back now, not with such important information and with that fool boy in his drunken state he'd just slow her down. "I'm sorry..." was the only thing she'd whisper before continuing on her way back to the keep.

Her muscles screamed for her to stop, lungs felt as if they were on fire, and her heart felt as if it were going to burst – she had to keep running. The trio had left the horse back in Mirewood – bringing a horse on a scouting mission would have been a stupid decision. She had thought about going back and hopping on to make her trip shorter but it wasn't exactly her horse nor did she want to leave the other two without a quick getaway should anything happen on their way back. Then she saw it it from the distance, the Keep. She was almost there. Her heart swelled at the sight of it. Just a bit further!

Upon exiting the woods she would set eyes upon the muddy and bloody former-battlefield, she was in the clear. The gates opened for her and in she rushed, nearly collapsing as she asked passing soldiers where Honus was. When she found him she would have sweat running down her face and she would be gasping for air. "W-Wolves...army...turning villages...grow in strength..." she would manage to sputter between wheezy gulps of air as she propped herself against a doorway. A string of coughs later Syl would gulp hard and speak again. "I-I left...Tonson behind...and Sisceal arrived near Mirewood with his horse. He's with Tonson now." she would move a couple steps before collapsing on the ground, legs practically giving out on her. Should Honus move to help her up Sylvia would hold her hand up, a simple gesture to leave her be. She would scootch her body so her back would be propped against a wall and her head would lean back against it.

Yet another opportunity missed to end things between Asher and her...but this information was far too important to be jeopardized by a quest of vengeance.
JokerValentine

 

[Blue098]

As some time would pass, Tonson would be holding onto Sisceal as he slept soundly in his arms. Happy and satisfied, nothing in the world woukd stop him from being with Sisceal now. Feeling a closer bond to this man than with any other, he would now be at his side whenever he could. It was almost as if Tonson had fallen for him head over heels.

Eventually Tonson would wake up and see where he was. No longer drunk, but a massive hangover lingered. He looked to see Sisceal and realized what had happened. A bit weirded out, but nothing he didn't mind at this point either. He simply laid his head back down on Sisceal. Waiting for him to wake up.
Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

Sisceal woke up grumbling and rubbing his eyes. It felt like someone had taken a hammer to his skull. "Gods dammit my head. Ugh..." Cracking his eyes open he looked down at Tonson wrapped around him. His heart raced frantically. Did they? They were stark naked and extremely close...he hadn't done such a thing since...Dammit. Way too much to alcohol last night. "We should get going...don't want them to think we died out here. Right? I've got some brews to help the nausea and headaches and overall...blah." He say up farther. "And not talk about this at camp either. Okay? It was a....It was a drunken mistake. And even with It being a mistake the High Commander will crucify me."
Blue098

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen

Immediately, he could recognize the breathing as it entered the keep. Seeming as if though she were going to collapse, Honus made his way to her, forgetting about the boy. But he was too late, and she fell to the ground. "For fuck's sake," he said under his breath as he tried to get her to her feet. His mind hung on every word she managed to get out of her before her voice gave out, or everything rather. It made sense, but there was so much more. The beast that had attacked the first time was not about to replicate the mistakes from last time, it seemed. And those troops would perhaps not even reach in time.

"Syl..." he said softly, motioning to a steward to bring her water, "Syl I need you to stay awake. I need you." But now it came to the realization that Syl had made a critical mistake. She had abandoned her own. As unlikable as the priest was, and as important as the information was, Honus was still torn about it all. She left two humans to die, or be turned even, at the hands of the growing wolf army. Honus too questioned himself. What could he do to prevent this? Here he was, a commander, sitting in his high tower with his provisions, and for what? He could not send any troops, because they were coming here. But now, they were no saviors, they were soldiers.

Mirewood was a few hours' march regardless, even longer if they wanted to avoid the wolves. But those two men were out there, two less fighters, two less healers, two men that Honus could not afford to lose. He turned again to Syl's face, wide-eyed and drenched in her own sweat. She seemed broken, as she had literally run a marathon. It was troubling for the Hood to make the determination. He had to abide by the rules and punish her accordingly. But the information was crucial, was pertinent, and if it helped save men it would be worth it. She was clearly tired, but there could be no rest given if they were to attack at any minute. Honus looked into her gaze, and saw something more than tired. It was guilt, it was fear.

"You saw him again, and you ran, didn't you?" Honus guessed, waiting for a reply as if it were Christmas morning and his parents were not awake. "You let the fear of dying getting to you, didn't it? I sent out good men to get you. You left your own out there to die, regardless of their character. Syl, are you afraid of Asher?"

 

[Malice Queen]

The exhausted Hood would grip the water skin that was handed to her and start chugging. She drank so much water that she coughed some back up. She looked up to look Honus in the eyes, he looked like a disappointed yet pained father who had to discipline their child for the first time. The next words would make Sylvia wince and her heart pound against her chest. How dare he...was he calling her a coward? Asher. "H-Ho–" she would swallow hard after a couple of coughs, her body still on the floor as she stared up at Honus. "How...dare you ask that...I'm no coward Honus. I'm not afraid to die...hell, I'd even welcome it seeing how we're about to be overwhelmed by beasts!" she would raise her slightly hoarse voice. Her eyes were filled with hate, nose wrinkling in anger and lips downturned in disgust. "I was never afraid of Asher, never you hear me?!" in truth it was not fear of him, it was the fear of losing the last member of her actual family...and actually being alone. "What did you expect me to do?! Stop what I was doing and charge at him? Had I not ran, you would have never gotten this...and you would have probably thought I died..." her heart would sink at the thought of Tonson and Sisceal being found by the growing fur army. "The others are safe...I think I saw them taking shelter when I looked back briefly. Foolish boy got himself drunk on some flask Fathe– Sisceal carried.." after the scene in the woods with the alcohol she had lost respect for Sisceal, now refusing to refer to him by his title.
JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen

Now Honus should have restrained himself at that moment, but the terrible comments she was no issuing to him sent him past his ability. As a matter of fact, he nearly raised his arm to strike her, but the ending part of her words caused him to relax his mind and focus his anger on something else. "That priest has been nothing but trouble. Dishonest, drunk, everything Honus suspected of him. At least he did as he was asked, and gave forth potions and herbs before departing without his consent to get lost. "What am I supposed to do with you," Honus said, shaking his head and turning away. She couldn't exactly be deemed trustworthy anymore. She now let her own opinions of others get to her more than to do the right thing. She left seven (as Honus had sent out five to save them) to die. As disturbing as Syl's lapse in leadership was to Honus, the information was valuable. They now could anticipate what they would be going up against.

"Fight your demons Syl," Honus said, thinking finally of how best to address it, "otherwise they'll just come back to haunt you on another day. And then, when you've grown so passive to the demon you nearly find it likable, it will end your wretched existence." With that, the commander made an attempt to grab at the water skin, snatching it from her hold. "You better hope they come back alive. Important information or not, Tonson is one of your own, and you made the decision to let Asher have his way with him. I hope you sleep well on whatever happens to them."

 

[Malice Queen]

Sylvia stood silent the entire time Honus had reprimanded her. She was angry and ashamed of herself. When Honus snatches the water skin from her grasp, Sylvia's gaze would be fixated on the ground, tears welling in her eyes as her shame ate away at what remained of her heart. Without a word she would get up and head for the door. If he wanted them back, he'd get his soldiers back and this time she wouldn't leave anyone behind...and face that bastard. Her muscles ached and she was a bit dizzy but that would pass and she would certainly find another horse to make the trip much shorter. Food, water, and her blades and off she went back towards Mirewood.

When she arrived she saw the body of a soldier, a Hood from the Keep to be exact. That's when she realized what Honus had done, he had sent people after her – after Tonson, Sisceal, and her..and to set a foothold in Mirewood. There were all sorts of tools strewn about, shovels, swords, a bag of food. This man's throat was ripped which meant there were wolves nearby and perhaps even Asher... Disgrace, it was such a disgrace for her to have turned her back on Tonson and Sisceal even with such crucial information...

She made her way through the town, following a trail of blood that would eventually lead her to another soldier – just barely alive. Kneeling, Syl would apply pressure to his wound to help stop the bleeding. He was fading fast but if she could just help some way. Then she remembered an herb that would grow around these parts, nothing to cure his wound but enough to dull the pain. Immediately she set out for it, keeping a lookout for the other soldiers, wolves, and the two she had left behind.
Axeykins Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[Blue098]

Tonson nodded at the priest's words, but still kept extremely close to him as they began to redress and made their way out of the cave. Practically leaning on him at some points, it was obvious Tonson thought of it more then just an accident. Though none the less he would keep quiet about it until directed otherwise. "Wonder if she made it back alright..." Tonson asked the priest as they walked along through the forest together.

Malice Queen Axeykins JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen

The scare tactic had seemingly worked, or so as Asher would like to refer to it as. His sister's scent quickly distanced from him, perhaps going to her pathetic hovel to be scolded by her commander. But she did something that defied all logic and reasoning. As if she had unfinished business. Asher had already made quick haste of the scouts that Honus had sent out, killing three of them, wounding one (but not infecting him) and letting the fifth go. It was one that would provoke a scare, a trap of sorts, but it was simply just an attempt for Asher to get lunch.

But now, the scent of Syl's sweat hit his nostrils, and a grin formed on his maw. She was all alone, perfect for a kill. Asher departed from his spot in the thicket, heading towards the scent. He was on the prowl now, his bloodied maw serving as a compass of sorts to lead him to his sister. She was so close, yet so far. His paws kicked the dirt backwards as he awaited her arrival in anticipation. That's when he heard a rustle, and there she was, unsuspectingly making her way back to the cave she came from. She wouldn't even see it coming.

Asher prided himself on the hunt, but even more so on the kill. He had killed commanders before, he had perhaps killed his parents, but now Sylvia Aldrich, what a prize to have. He waited just a moment longer, and then he released his energy. Asher charged at the female as quick as he could, snarling as he closed the distance between them. Then, he lunged at her, his bloodied teeth ready for the kill.

 

[Axeykins]

"She's tough. I'm sure she made it back fine." Sisceal made absolutely no eye contact as as they walked. His face hot with nerves and embarrassment as Tonson lingered so close.
"Wait. Do you hear that?" He stopped abruptly in his tracks. They were already near Mirewood and the sound of bushes rustling wildly was all too clear. He could have sworn he picked up on the sounds of paws against the dirt far too close to where they were now and headed in about their direction. Had they sent a party out here looking for them?? This was not good. None deserved to die for their foolishness. Taking in a deep breath he let loose the loudest possible shout he could as a warning. "WOOOLF CHARGING! GET OUT NOW!"
Blue098 Malice Queen JokerValentine

 

[Malice Queen]

She could hear the rustling of the bushes but couldn't tell where they were coming from, she had found the herbs she sought but they were quickly dropped as the rustling got louder. Then a loud cry would come from a familiar voice. A wolf? She spun in a slow circle, trying to pinpoint the location of the sound, blades out and poised at the ready. By the time she saw Asher it was too late, he had sunk his jaws into a chunk of meat near her left clavicle – thankfully, turning towards the beast as he lunged threw off his target just a bit...she was spared his teeth in her carotid artery but now she had to suffer through the pain. One blade was lost in the tumble to the ground but she immediately began fighting, her left hand balling tightly into a fist and aiming to make Asher suffer for ambushing her like this – her aim was smash her fist against his ribs.
JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen

Direct hit, at least on her. That enough made Asher more than happy. The mighty Sylvia Aldrich now had a timer on her life. That is, if he were to allow her to live much longer. But her blade struck him in a very vital place. He wasn't inhibited, but the injury was something to rear to. Asher released his grip from the bloodied female and took some steps back, admiring his handiwork for a brief moment. He smiled, seemingly, knowing that she couldn't raise a blade well anymore with that type of injury. And plus, perhaps his new gift shall traverse through her even quicker now. No, he didn't want to kill her, that would be too easy. She had to suffer, she had to become one of them, one of us. "Give it up, Sylvia. You know as well as i do that you don't have much longer," Asher bellowed, his wound somewhat angering him. Then, he eyed the two idiots in the cave, the two humans. They had a... disturbinf smell. One that he would not dwell on much longer.

But Sylvia seemed ready to attack, but who? Maybe, just maybe, Asher could wear her down. She was tired already, she couldn't fight, not him or the new presence inside her. "You know who you should really desire to fight? Your friends, Sylvia. Think about it, annoying you, making your life hell. And that Honus. Did he send you out here? He hides in his castle, and sends the young to die. Oh Sylvia, Do you fear what you are about to become?"

 

[Malice Queen]

He would jump off of her and circle her like he animal he was, all the while Sylvia had taken the time to hold her wound and keep it from bleeding profusely. "D-Damn you Asher!" she would lunge at him in anger, stumbling about as she tries to fight through the pain; in her weakened state she posed little threat to him. It felt like a sickness spreading throughout her body...a taint that would grasp every fiber of her being and twist her into the most disgusting being on this world.

A desire to fight the Hoods?...No. Never. Though the Tonson boy had done foolish things he was still a Hood and Sisal was a horrible priest but he still cares for humankind. Then Asher mention Honus...and her blood began to boil. "Don't you dare speak of him!" she would snarl at him, it seemed like the beast inside was beginning to take over her emotions. He was right...he was right. She feared becoming this thing...what an ironic fate. "Tonson, Sisceal! Go back to Honus...I'll be...right behind you..." her heart would pang with sadness and boil with anger as she wanted to assure their safety. She still had some time...and with that time she was going to do what she could to redeem herself of her last and damning mistake on this world.
Axeykins Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[Blue098]

Tonson saw the beast and he grinned, "Sisceal dear....please step back." He spoke softly while walking towards Sylvia. Tendrils filled his arms and he felt Exile coming back.
"Hunt Hunt! I want to kill!" Exile roared out in Tonson's mind.
"Don't worry buddy you can kill soon." Tonson replied back to him.
He began to swing his daggers wildly like before. He wasn't Tonson anymore as tendrils surrounded his body to protect and enhance him. "Hey doll face nice to see you again. Seems like you got yourself in some shit this time!" Exile spoke out to her. "You! the lapdog dancing around! Come play with me for a while!" Exile added on.

Malice Queen JokerValentine Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"Sylvia!" Sisceal shouted as she finally came into view. The first thing he spotted being the blood oozing from her wounds. "I am not sitting back doing nothing Tonson!" he hissed. Rushing into the fray. "Hang in there, I can stop this!" Reaching into the lining of his coats the priest dawned a glimmering silver gauntlet with sharp claws. Something to keep the beast at bay as he tried to save her. "Take this. It will stave off the infection for a short while. I'm no true witch but I'll try to get rid of as much as I can." He put his hand gently on her wounds. Both of his eyes glowing brightly as he worked as fast as he could. However, it wasn't long everything on his left side contracted and tensed up painfully, causing him to reel away from her. Every inch of his muscles, organs and bones burning as if they were in fire as his body killed the fast spreading disease the only way it could.
Malice Queen Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[JokerValentine]

Axeykins Malice Queen Blue098

Now that Sylvia's worthless friends had finally noticed her predicament, Asher felt the time was right to try yet again. The one with the demon, he had not seen before, but alas he had some fears for him indeed. He had seen a human with the borderline mythical powers before, and how easily his body was torn asunder by Draven. This would perhaps be no different. And him, the false priest, now that truly was an oddity. How he healed, it was almost as if he cared. He feigned his true love for everything. And let us not forget the scent Asher noticed. But all that aside, the two males before him were among the most unworthy opponents to face.

"Oh, I do wish I could stay and waste my time, but I have a species to ruin. I'll leave you to be for the moment. And Syl, I'll be seeing you very soon, I hope." With his smitten reply in paw, Asher quickly made haste away from the scene, only slightly hampered by his fresh wound in his side. He quickly put distance between the shell-shocked humans, and was quickly approaching the camp where he had been. With a slight limp, Asher arrived back at the throne of Draven.

The lycan shifted to his human form, and placed himself down on one knee. "May it please you, Draven, to know we are to have a Hood commander among us within the day. I would think that the time to attack is now, my alpha." He looked up to the lycan leader, a grin stretched along his sweat-laden face. Blood still pooled across his side from his wound, but the rush of it all made it melt away at the prospect of victory. "They are weak. Sylvia Aldrich is no longer herself, or at least not much longer. And what appears to be their finest warrior and their healer are stranded near here. If we move on the Keep now, they will surely fall."

 

[Malice Queen]

Sylvia would glare at Tonson as he approached, that wicked and twisted grin on his face he said that stupid word - doll face. "Grrrh...Fuck you demon!" she would yell at him, her veins in her neck popping out of her neck as she shouts. Maybe Asher was right, this monster wasn't worth saving...he was just an annoying arrogant prick. It was the human, Tonson who she cared about not that monstrosity. Sisceal would come to her side and as soon as he began to alleviate her pain and the spreading infection.

She felt a pain surge through her as well, the lycanthropy within her wasn't fully halted...but slowed. It was enough. Sisceal would writhe in pain and reel away from her, this was her chance. Her eyes filled with rage as she stared at Tonson and those dark tendrils around her. She HATED that demon. She scrambled for her blade, not a second thought and she lunged towards him with a crazed scream.
Axeykins Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[Axeykins]

"Commander stop! He is your own soldier. Forget all of this and let us return to camp at once!." Sisceal fought through the pain and scrambled to his feet. Getting a strong grip on her shoulder with the silvery gauntlet and accidentally digging the claws in. As quick as he could he attempted to remove the rest of the lycanthropy from her. There was no telling if this endeavor was successful whatsoever though. As he collapsed into a ball on the ground gasping sharply for air as his entire body felt as if there was molten lead flowing through every vein. Burning away anything the infection touched.
Malice Queen Blue098 JokerValentine

 

[Blue098]

Exile watched the wolf run, and he would let out a sigh from this. Turning his gaze back to the woman and her screaming he looked at her with uncaring eyes. Even when she was ready to attack he didn't move an inch. "We save your life again yet you fight us, quite the bitch I see. Maybe deal with the man who just about gave his life for yours." He growled while looking at the woman. If she continued her advance, he would hold no qualms in killing her here. If anything he wanted her to be foolish enough to attack in her weakened state, that will only make taking her soul that much easier.
"All of you are the same, don't even know what your even so mad about. Kill whatever you see in front of your eyes for reasons even beyond my understanding. Even now as I stand here, you only prove my point. I risk my neck to save you and yet you wish to strike me down, how unsightly." He spoke out to her.

Malice Queen Axeykins JokerValentine

 

[Moolock]

Ash swirled in the air thicker than snow, caking pools of blood and blanketing ruined structures and bodies. Those not turned into piles of ash themselves were gaunt, grayed, and shriveled. It does not stop in the town square. Everything here burned and smelled of death and in the center of it all, hair fluttering on its own breeze from a thick aura of power stood Raegazel, a demon once starving, now in her prime once again. She stepped over the bodies, the cinders, all of it was so far beneath her. With no sound but her shoes on the charred cobblestones, the crackling of the fires behind, the demon gave a little chuckle. She'd forgotten what human matters were like. All their petty little feuds. She stepped over the body of a wolf, large, humanoid. Filthy dog. Two more laid at the side of the street, blood still seeping out, soaking their fur.

As she reached the end of the street, Red gathered the ash around her and with unnerving silence, dissolved and reformed into a raven, then sailed off into the sky. She felt a faint tug she'd been ignoring for ages. A certain Hood who'd undoubtedly be elated to see her. She banked on the wind and started flying toward her old friend.

Eventually she came to where the bond was strongest, looking down to see Syl and another being, powerful, undying, and the two- Syl lunged with dark tendrils surrounding her, the scream echoed. Her gaze flickered among those gathered, sitting back to enjoy the show. If any of them brought her to the brink of death, she would intervene. Otherwise, well, this was all very amusing. The raven form landed not far away with a good view of the area.

 

[JokerValentine]

Malice Queen Axeykins Blue098 Moolock

"What the fuck do you mean you just let her go off on her own?" The furious commander yelled at the subordinate. Trembling, the boy tried to issue an excuse for his actions, to which there was none. But alas, the words did not come out. Honus, beyond enraged and stressed, pushed the kid aside and headed away. He could not spare a single man more, not one, so he could only hope that Sylvia made it back alright. Who was to blame? Was Syl so idiotic and not right in the head that she went out into the great unknown alone? Were the priest and his warrior friend to blame for being terrible at protecting her? Was Honus to blame for involving her in all of this? She should have stayed at home, not become involved with the Hoods. Because now, with the attack seemingly nearly upon them, it could only cause further worry.