loccent | run with wolves

Maybe let's start with something simple? [She takes a sip of her tea again, and cants her head to the side.] I don't think it would surprise you that after a month here in Montana I am already more than halfway convinced to accept Bran's offer to join his pack.

[Her free hand covers his, fingertips idly tracing nonsensical patterns on the palm.]

But the logistics of how I would make that work are definitely on my mind. Housing. Work. Money to support myself. And I do want to support myself. Bran's been very generous letting me stay in that guest cabin but I couldn't expect to occupy it indefinitely, or if I did, not without paying some sort of rent. Which takes it back to what income opportunities there are here...

[None of this is a question.]

How does it work for a new wolf here who hasn't had centuries to build up wealth like the rest of you?

Edited 2020-05-01 16:20 (UTC)

[ He watches her hand; enkoys the way touch comes so easy between them. He lets her words wash over him. Tries not to dwell too much on the possibility that she will stay, even as the wolf becomes alert at the reminder that her stay in Montana was originally just temporary. ]

Aspen Creek was built as a sanctuary. Bran is invested in making sure that we, as a species, survive. And that includes even the oldest of those us who have no other place to go.

[ He rests his cheek on the side of her head, calming the wolf. ]

For many of us, the Marrok provides. But for those who are able-bodied and sound of mind seeking solace and quiet - lile Peggy, to set wolves up for the transition to their new life here, Charles often arranges manageable loans.

A wolf that cannot support him or herself is unlikely to feel safe and settled. There is some truth in how money aids the presence of happiness.

We have had wolves who stayed with us who took jobs in the nearby areas. And with the rise of remote technology, others - and I will use Peggy as an example - find work that does bot require them to be physically present.

[Eun cannot sense his wolf's alertness or concern at the reminder that it was never a given that she would stay, but the way that Asil responds is enough for her to take note of it. Her fingers stop tracing over his palm and instead she laces their fingers together. A symbolic confirmation that she is there and not easily leaving them.]

For some reason the possibility of remote work hadn't occurred to me. I know it's a thing a lot of people do but in the Bay Area it's always people who have high-paying tech jobs. Most employers around there want their people in the offices or workplace.

[And there is not a single thing she knows that she could do remotely for others.]

A loan could be an option if I could figure out what it would be for and how I could pay it off, but the prospect of being in debt the moment I move here permanently doesn't appeal to me at all. [Giving his hand a squeeze, she purses her lips together briefly.] Maybe this week I'll head around Aspen Creek a little and the closer areas to see what's out there. I know a city like Missoula would have more opportunities but...it's just too far from here.

It is four hours away, Eun. I don't think it would be too much of a problem.

[ He holds her hand and ignorea the whisperings of his wolf that she could stay. With them. Because as appealing as it feels, he will not compromise her independence.

So instead, he offers reassurance and options: ] Anna has told me that remote work is not limited these days. Perhaps you could speak to her and Charles to see if there is anything that piques your interest.

Another way that we differ from other packs is that Bran does not require a tithe the way other alphas do. [ He pauses, allowing a moment of silence so she may process that. ] Charles plays the stock market. He is also very good at it, as it provides his wolf a hunt where no one dies.

A number of us live off investments. While myself and a handful of other old wolves have accumulated fortunes, the others do not. So Bran has Charles step in to help them grow what meager savings they may have. Or set up loans that help instead of hinder.

[Asil isn't the only one whose wolf is making their feelings known. After last night it is even more convinced of Asil's suitability, and Eun finds it difficult to disagree. But she is not willing to jump in during the rush of new love when practical thinking has always guided her so well in the past.

It is not the wolf that whispers in the back of her mind, questioning if her life was really that fulfilling when she was so practical that she would not let herself get entangled that closely with others.]

So it sounds like the first thing I ought to do is talk to Charles, and Anna, and get their feedback and input. Discuss what options I have with regards to loans and the expectations there, or seeing if Charles would help me work with the savings I do have... [She considers asking her parents for a loan, they both make good money, but they don't even know what she is yet. What she's become.] And Anna knows a lot of people so she would be a good resource for possible job opportunities. The lack of tithe...definitely helps while I'm getting started.

[She turns then to look at Asil, and presses a soft kiss to his mouth.]

And let me clarify an earlier point. Missoula is too far away from you. And too far from the community I want to be part of.

[ He tells himself that he did not stop breathing for a bit. Not even a little. But he is not entirely sure. So he breathes, and then lifts a hand to tenderly run his thumb along her cheek.

He does not know what to respond to that gentle declaration. So he elects to address other concerns instead: ] You could also speak to Peggy. She may offer alternatives as well, given that her situation in Aspen Creek is not the norm.

[Eun's eyes close a little at the touch, so she is certain he has heard her and understood, but that he goes on to mention Peggy again surprises her just a little. She nods, accepting his response. The lack thereof might have given her concerns if it were a week ago...

But it hasn't even been twenty-four hours since he told her that she had his heart. Since he took her to his bed and made love to her. For all of their enthusiasm and roughness, it had been making love in its own way. If Asil had any regrets in the morning, she's certain his behavior would be different from how it is now. Not wanting to push this time, Eun takes his silence as a sign of his acceptance of her statement, and continues. Everything else she's said has had to do with her, her choices, her life, her opportunities and what expectations she would face in moving. This may not be the life she imagined for herself but if she can make it work it certainly feels right for what it's becoming.]

I'll do that. Charles. Anna. Peggy. Bran as well, if I can get a moment of his time sometime this week. [She has no doubts he would make himself available to her, but Eun is trying very, very hard to be respectful of the fact that he is not just an alpha by The Marrok. That he is isolated here from the rest of the world does not make his duties any less--

--the timer for the oven goes off just then, and Eun releases Asil's hand at once, darting up before he can get up.]

Here just...wait there a minute. Let me get the rolls out and I'll come back, okay?

[Not waiting for an answer, she slips away, barefoot and bare-legged as she trots into his kitchen to remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven.]

[ He lets her go, watching her as she goes to see to the rolls. The scent of cinnamon wafts into the air and he choosing the momentary respite to address his wolf.

Yes, she is their heart and it is difficult to not outright say that they would gladly make her comfortable and wipe all worries about assimilating into the pack. But to do so would mean crossing a line, he is sure. Eun is independent and supporting herself as she carves her own way in life is a large part of why she has won them over.

So they will wait. They will answer her questions in complete truth. And then perhaps, they will see where the road they are on brings them. ]

[Eun checks the rolls before pulling the deep pan out, and she lays it on a towel to cool. The icing is already made, so she just sets another timer before heading back to Asil.

She appreciates his feedback, but more than that she appreciates that these "how do I organize my life?" questions with regards to the packs and everything do not somehow remind him of the differences in their ages and experiences once more. It isn't difficult for her, but she is trying to approach this as the adult she wants to continue to be. The woman she is further becoming.

Eun settles on the couch once more, pressed against his side. This time she drapes her legs over his knees comfortably.]

Rolls will cool, then I'll ice them and we can eat. [She grasps his hand and settles it on her thigh, letting her hand rest there as she gets comfortable.] I appreciate your feedback with this. If I were living my old life I'd know what was expected of me and what my options might be, but pack things and Aspen Creek do present some challenges I haven't had to consider before.

[Her fingers are back to toying with his hand, this time drawing along the inside of his fingers.]

I'm curious though...on a scale of one to ten, how much is your wolf responding to this conversation with a driving need to take care of anything and everything we've discussed so far? [She asks the question lightly, but with a slightly impish cast to her smile.]

Twelve. [ Part of him anticipates it, he realizes. So he answers with the truth. It is true. So little of his money goes to maintaining his home and the daily requirements needed to survive. A sizeable amount, he spends on his roses. But beyond that, he could do more than support her comfortably. Charles would not even need to step in. ]

But, [ Asil continues softly ] we can negotiate it down to seven.

We have spent enough time together, Eun, that I know what it means for you to support yourself.

[ He is also not unacquainted with poverty. There is a saving that it takes twenty years of everything going right before you can lift yourself up from whatever your present circumstances are.

He has had more than twenty years. ]

[His honesty earns him a laugh, but it is followed quickly by the draw of her arm across his waist. The twelve and offer to negotiate down to a seven is appreciated. But what touches her most is the affirmation that he knows how important it is to her to take care of herself when it comes to things like this.

She lifts her hand from his waist briefly to cup one cheek and then kiss the other.]

Thank you for understanding where I'm coming from and not offering to help that way. I recognize your restraint and I appreciate it. [Her hand drops to settle across his waist once more, and Eun lets her head rest against his lightly.] I'm willing to negotiate on a couple points. I don't think it's unreasonable in light of where we're at to let you act at a two, maybe three, and work up to a seven once I've had a chance to get my feet under me better and not feel like I would be a dependent in this relationship.

[It is a low number, but Eun isn't unreasonable and as far as she is concerned he is essentially in the role of her boyfriend now, even if the phrase seems wildly unfitting for what he is.]

But you can be at a reasonable eight when it comes to matters of safety and potential danger, since I know that I would be out of my depth with most things outside of a moon hunt.

[ He leans into her touches and makes no effort to hide that the physical reassurances do well to satisfy him and his wolf. And without saying it outright, her words inform him that it is a partnership that she seeks - which he can understand. ]

On the matter of caring and providing for yourself, Eun, a two or a three is fair.

[ He pauses, momentarily and considers her last words. ]

Where it concerns your safety and matters of danger, I will do my best. [ He will not lie to her. There is very little in their world that doesn't count as "potential danger", especially now. ] However, I think it prudent to tell you that should I overstep, you are well within your rights to let me know if I am behaving like an overbearing Alpha.

Edited 2020-05-02 03:24 (UTC)

[Eun does not stop. It may be that physical reassurance is helping, but also she does it because she wants to. Because she and her wolf feel the desire to touch and bond that way. His immediate agreement with her only intensifies that desire, because time and again he proves himself worthy.]

The way that I see it is this: When I was human I learned to handle a knife well enough to not cut myself and be a threat when necessary to protect myself or others. I'm a werewolf now, who in wolf form knows how to hunt and attack and protect in that way. But I am also aware that becoming a werewolf puts me as a little fish in a much larger pond of more dangerous sharks.

[Her eyes meet his as her voice grows soft. There isn't fear in her tone or her gaze, but she is quiet in hopes that her words do not ruffle his wolf any more than she has to.]

I'm aware of the current statistics of survival in wolves once they've made the Change. I picked eight because I have every intention of using that remaining two to learn to fight better and in more ways that I know now. In both forms. But I want to survive long enough to learn and hone those skills until they're instinctive. Since I think that in most cases we would do our best to both act in good faith with one another...I have no issues being guided or protected by you if you think it's the right call and can explain everything when the danger is passed. If I have questions, anyway.

[Or demands explanations.]

[ His gaze on her is steady, but he turns his hand palm up against hers. He's recalling a conversation overheard at Bran's, where Anna shared how she and Peggy had sat with Kara to talk about a why women learn to defend themselves and take precautions given prevailing attitudes that view women anywhere from helpless to prey. ]

I could teach you. [ He murmurs softly. ] Knifework, even swordplay, if you so wish.

[ They had taught Sarai once. His late mate had been handy in a fight, but she had also been receptive to picking his brain to expand her knowledge and experience. ]

[Eun lets their fingers lace together once more as he turns his palm up, gentle. She does not squeeze, but his offer does earn him a smile, especially since he mentions swordplay.]

Absolutely. Knifework would probably be the more practical one to learn first but I don't think I'd be able to resist learning to use a sword. [She pauses a beat.] I think I ought to learn basic hand-to-hand as well. If not form you then from someone in the pack.

[Knifework and basic hand-to-hand are more likely to be of use to her as a basic foundation for any other fighting style...but she would be lying if she said she wasn't currently imagining herself wearing a sword on her belt.]

Edited 2020-05-02 04:20 (UTC)

Speak with Bran, [ he returns her smile with one of his own. ] We are not like Adam's pack who routinely train. But the Marrok will be able to give you a list of who you can approach for training.

[ Canting his head at that. ] What other questions do you have about Aspen Creek or pack dynamics in general?

[She nods with easy acceptance of his advice, and steals a kiss before getting up again.]

Let me think about that while I ice the cinnamon rolls. Have you eaten anything yet?

[This time, it is she who offers her left hand, not to help him up (though he's welcome to use it for that) but simply to offer it.]

Not yet. Just tea. [ He takes her hand, allows her to lead him to where food waits for them.

The feel of her lips over his lingers, and he rises, easy and relaxed despite the subject of their conversation. ]

I realized it has been on my mind, but it seemed too trivial to ask: you like sweet things?

[ Perhaps it is just that what meals they have shared are his only point of reference. But still: then, scones; today, cinnamon rolls. ]

[Eun glances back at him as she reaches for the icing, already mixed, and uses one hand to lift the bowl and control the drizzle of icing over the rolls.]

Preferences aren't trivial. I do like sweet things, but I like most everything. I think most of what I bake tends to be on the sweeter side, pastries and desserts, but I do know some more savory recipes for some baked goods. [She nudges him gently with her hip.] I also liked my steak done rare even before I became a werewolf, don't enjoy wearing pastels except with rare, case-by-case exceptions, and...hm, to my parents' despair, I really dislike the texture of tofu.

What about you? Any preferences I might like to know about?

[ He settles at the island counter, elbows resting on the granite tile. ] You already know about my gardening. So I will tell you that I have a preference for music where they do not rely overmuch on electronics, which oftentimes feels there is little of in this decade.

[ He pauses, considering more. ] Documentaries interest me. But I seek out the fringe ones. More mainstream offerings tend to bore me. It can often feel like the same narratives are rehashed until they feel more like truth than truth itself, which I find dangerous.

I have been told that I have a taste for expensive cars, which is difficult for me to dispute given the vehicles I keep in my garage. I rarely read fiction - most of what I have are either loaned or gifted by others. But I enjoy essays that reveal the thought processes of their authors.

I appreciate the convenience of automation, but I do not like relying on it too much. Trial and error are useful tools for problem solving and I believe that we need enough of it lest we take the need for it for granted.

Edited 2020-05-02 05:53 (UTC)

[With both hands free, Eun takes better control of her bowl and continues to ice the rolls, clearly well-practiced with the process. She doesn't look at Asil, but her body language makes it clear that she is attentively listening.]

Would a reliance on electronics in music include electric guitars and keyboards? Or do you also enjoy that?

It depends on the setting. [ He smiles, amused. ] I suppose if there is a melody and lyrics I am amenable to trying.

Kara listens to an eclectic playlist. She says I tend to be conservative and share favorites akin to things her father says that his father used to listen to.

[Eun's tastes are fairly varied, but she is not particularly passionate about it. However...]

Most of what I listen to veers more toward rock music and alternative rather than electronica, though there is some pop and R&B that I enjoy also. I like acoustic and I understand what you mean about needing melody and lyrics but...more often than not if I want to listen to music it's usually something with a heavy beat and good percussion with it.

[She sets the bowl down and uses a towel to turn the tray of rolls this way and that, to survey the icing distribution.]

I prefer documentaries about nature and history to more contemporary exposé types. Fiction and poetry to non-fiction, unless it's a particularly good memoir or travel book.

[She moves to the cupboards where, on second try, she finds small plates. Eun pulls down two and turns back.]

How many expensive cars do you have?

Three. [ The answer is placid and without discomfort. ] A Mercedes, a Subaru, and my Cayenne.

[ He can hardly hide his garage from her. And she has riddennin his SUV twice. ]

I only take the third out if I need to impress. More than often the Subaru is best for driving around these parts.

[Icing complete, Eun lifts an eyebrow at the number he offers (which is not that many, actually) but also at his comment about the Cayenne. She swipes a finger through the icing and licks it off her finger, the picture of innocence.]

You don't need to impress me then?

[She gives him an intentionally wide-eyed look, having not even heard that he had the Cayenne until now.]

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