run with wolves | open post.

[thelittleone]

Characters

Asil, The Moor
A very, very old wolf and a member of the Marrok's pack.

Jang Eun
Previously of Carmel Valley, sent to Aspen Creek by her former Alpha.

Jesse Hauptman
Daughter of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack

Joshua Brennan
Burden-bound. A Sin-Eater paired with the ghost of a long-dead soldier.

PREMISE

All the stories are true. Years ago, the Fae came out because technology was making it harder and harder for them to hide, and it's been a couple of years since the werewolves did the same. The world is changing day by day. Humans and the paranormal live side by side, but it's not easy nor is it simple. While the Marrok has taken great lengths and care to preserve the werewolves' PR front, everyone - wolf, fae, vampire and other - know that it's only a matter of time before the humans start thinking that perhaps the other stories meant to warn of the dark are true.

This is an open post set in the universe of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series. The books are amazing and you should definitely check them out. More information via this Wiki link. The rules are simple: Drop a prompt, leave a tag, and let's play!

THREAD TRACKING

© tessisamess

Comments

for eun.

[nosco]

[ That Eun approaches Bran about moving to Aspen Creek does not come as a surprise to Asil. His little wolf is flourishing in the wilderness of Montana in a way that he suspected she had not been able to in Carmel Valley. Whispers travel fast after the Marrok sends word to Mason Conway and among those Asil calls found family, the prospect of Eun staying in a more permanent fashion brings much pleasure.

Kara is attached. Peggy enjoys having another woman among the ranks. Anna was evidently tickled pink that Eun had taken his advice to express wanting to coordinate with Charles on growing her bank account.

And him? Well. He is equal parts relieved and anxious of what this could mean for them - the good kind of anxious. The one his princesita says are probably stomach butterflies.

What surprises him however is that when Bran drops by his home to visit (read: apprise him of the new developments) he finds himself volunteering himself for a flight down to California "for however long it is needed to help Eun move" to their neck of the woods. And even moreso, he is momentarily baffled that Bran agrees to let him.

So here he is, puzzling over what to pack for the trip while his mobile phone vibrates on a nearby table - the result of Anna filling his inbox with instructions and messages for coordination purposes. ]

Can you run the itinerary by me again, mi amor?

[lastcall]

[It had not taken long after the full moon hunt for Eun to go to Bran to announce her intention to accept his invitation to join his pack as a member, rather than the guest she had been the previous weeks. Bran had not seemed surprised in the least, but neither had Eun expected him to be. Even without her growing relationship with Asil, Eun would have viewed his pack as the one where she belonged. The one where people would treat her in the way she wished.

The friends she's made in the pack had thought it very likely that she would join them, but were delighted nonetheless to hear official confirmation that she had made her decision. Her talk with Charles had gone well. Despite lacking the know-how of how to manage her funds in a way that would build her wealth rather than have her living paycheck to paycheck, Charles had patiently explained what he could while Anna had baked cookies for them both in the kitchen. It was at that point that Eun had mentioned how happy she was to have more time to be baking, especially with no lack of shortage of hungry wolves to gobble up what she'd created. It was apparently a common past time with the ladies of the pack, though few of them had been baking every day the way Eun had. It puts a thought in her mind that perhaps it might be a good vocation for her in Aspen Creek...but she keeps such thoughts to herself for the moment.

Before she can settle in to Aspen Creek, she needs to uproot her life in California and transfer what she can to Montana.

It had been Eun's expectation that she would be traveling with Charles and Anna alone. After all, most of the wolves in Bran's pack were there for a reason, and while Asil could easily make trips to Missoula, and did, she hadn't expected him to be able to handle a flight out to California, especially for as long as it would likely be. She's thrilled to have him going, especially with a meeting with Mason's pack ahead of her, but it does add complications she hadn't considered at the time. None of them, at least, are complications that are impossible to handle, or unwelcome for her.

It would likely be some months before Eun would have an opportunity to fly out to visit her family again. They had been shocked at her recent call to finally open up about what had happened to her the last year, and why she had not come home to visit despite being so close at the time. It had been a long, and emotional conversation for all three of them, but one that had left Eun with some hope that they would make the adjustment without too much issue. Her parents were intellectual sorts at heart, but not so much that they did not have great depth of feeling for their only daughter. They loved her, and said as much during the call. They would not reject her for what she had come, especially when it had apparently made her so much happier than she'd been as a human. Eun is eager to see them again, and while it will make things more complicated to add in an introduction of future pack mates, and now the man she's fallen for, she's rather pleased to have the opportunity now.

As Eun stretches out on Asil's bed, watching him pack and occasionally looking at her phone as Anna's messages fill up her inbox as well, she feels quite content. Her anticipation of this visit is one that involves more excitement than apprehension, and each item that Asil packs is another cementing his commitment to take this trip with her.]

We arrive in San Jose tomorrow, late afternoon, early evening or so. Charles booked hotel rooms for us close to Daly City, and we can go there to clean up after traveling, but my parents will probably offer to host you and I, if not Charles and Anna too, at least for a few nights while we're in town. You can decide when we've settled in a bit whether you're up for that or not. [She feels certain that Charles and Anna will stay at the hotel. She picks her phone up again after that, and glances at some of the messages.] The next evening after, the four of us are having dinner with Thomas Hao and his companion. It's my understanding that this is a semi-official dinner since it's his territory we're in, so chances are high we'll need to be dressed up for it. Once that's out of the way...it's going to be a mix of me going through my things and packing up what I want to take with me, and enjoying showing the rest of you around where I grew up.

[She looks up at that, face warm with the bright smile she offers. Eun didn't realize how much it would excite her to get to do this already, but it does. She can hardly wait.]

Once we're done up there, I need to do the same with my apartment down in Monterey. That one will probably take longer because I'll need to arrange furniture movers and all of that, and get a truck hired to load all of my boxes into. But after that...Mason's ready to do the ritual that removes me from his pack on whatever our last day ends up being.

[While Eun had been inclined to take care of it right away, the fact that they weren't certain how long it would take her to get ready to move became a factor. It had seemed safer to have her remain in Mason's pack to avoid Eun spending too much time as a female werewolf without a pack. Rolling onto her stomach, she props her head up on the heels of her hands.]

Are you having trouble figuring out what you should pack?

[nosco]

More that I am debating on what would be appropriate to bring.

[ He had briefly entertained just packing essentials, and then considered that if a change of attire was required, he could drop by stores to purchase whatever was needed. But California is dense and for all that yes, it was replete with various shops for his needs, picking out clothing that would last for however long they ended up staying was best.

And so. Here he is, trimming down his choices to what would fit well in a manageable suitcase. ]

Do you have questions about Thomas Hao? I am not sure how much you have been briefed on regarding our... [ there is a wry note in his voice that is at odds with the half-distracted expression on his face as he sets down a set of shirts to select from ] vampire ally.

[lastcall]

[Eun shakes her head gently to his question, gaze skimming over some of the options he'd laid out.]

Mercy spoke to Anna, who talked to me yesterday. If I think of anything I'll let you know.

[There's something that tugs at the back of her mind, but she can't quite put her finger down on it, so Eun pushes it aside for now. There is time to remember.]

As for what would be appropriate, would you welcome some input from me?

[Her clothes are not as fine as some of his, she has not had centuries to accumulate special pieces for accessories or wealth to buy the finer things. Her taste could be seen as questionable at times compared to his. And yet, she offers because at least for two of the meetings, she knows better what people are wearing in California and some of the people they are meeting.

And she has a few thoughts on the matter of presentation, considering the nature of the socialization they'll be doing.]

[nosco]

Yes, very much.

[ The range of clothing he's laid out so far isn't anything too drastic or expensive. Good, solid, dark jeans. Some silk and cotton shirts. Fabrics that take into consideration the warmer climes of California.

Softly, he adds, hands idly srt on his hips. ]

I think I am most concerned about how to present myself accordingly to your parents.

[lastcall]

[It's a statement that somehow both surprises Eun, despite having half-expected it, and she wonders if his concern is wanting to put his best foot forward, or worrying that he may not. She pushes up to a seated position, enough to swing her legs over the edge so she can stand near him. Standing at his side, she wraps her arms around his waist, letting her gaze linger on his clothes contemplatively.]

If it helps any, you're already at an advantage because I have never brought anyone home to meet them. You are the first [and she thinks, very likely will be the only] and for that alone they will want to find good in you to approve of.

[She turns to kiss his cheek, all warmth and reassurance.]

But for something more constructive, I am not dressing up to see my own parents when we first arrive, so it would look a little odd if you showed up overdressed and outshining me. If you wore those pants [the dark jeans] with that shirt [a long-sleeved henley] with maybe a leather jacket, that would be perfect. It's styled enough to look nice and show you've put some effort in, but not so much that they're going to feel like this is a more formal first-meeting.

[Eun may not be inclined to dress in a way her parents approve of most of the time, but that doesn't mean she hasn't had a childhood of being forced into nicer clothes for family events, holidays, and the like.]

There's a ninety-percent chance that they're going to ask us to go out to dinner with them on a different night, so you can dress to impress more then.

[nosco]

[ The worry in his chest eases a little. The feeling is strange, new, but not wholly unwelcome. He is a thirteen hundred year old practical immortal, and yet apparently worrying over one's significant other's parents is something he is not immune to.

Looping an idle arm about Eun's waist, he takes in a breath and nods. ] I may trade the shirt for this one instead.

[ He reaches over to present an alternative: simple cotton shirt with shorter sleeves, in a deep tan that compliments his skin tone. ]

And as for the dinner? What might be appropriate for that?

[ She is welcome to note that his attention has turned to his silk shirts. Something a little more dressed up, but that would not look out of place against dark or black jeans. ]

Since we will be moving around a lot, I think it would be best not to bring slacks. [ He wrinkles his nose. ] I am not up for ironing when we might not have the time given possible obligations as guests of your former pack.

[ "Former", because that is what they will be soon enough. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun glances over at the shirt and merely nods. It's an acceptable replacement, and while not her favorite she's not about to say anything otherwise when he is apparently worrying about meeting her parents. She opens her mouth to point out her favorite of his black jeans, and a silk shirt that would please her immensely to see him in, until he adds that they may not have time enough to iron clothes while there.

While it warms her to already refer to the pack as her former pack, her brows knit together with some confusion.]

Asil, exactly how short a visit do you expect this to be?

[nosco]

[ He blinks. ] I was under the impression that the timeline is loose.

Which is frankly why Bran surprised me by agreeing with my recommendation that I come along.

[ Turning to her again, he asks: ] Why do you ask?

[lastcall]

[She returns his look with one of her own, eyebrow lifted.]

I ask because your last statement made it seem like we would be so pressed for time that you cannot take the time to iron your slacks.

[Her arms squeeze him gently as she rests her chin against his shoulder.]

That simply isn't the case, because I refuse to let it be the case. I haven't seen my parents in over a year. I am picking up my entire life and moving it to another state. No one is allowed to rush me in this, which means there will be time if you even want to take your slacks to a dry cleaners to have them pressed there.

[nosco]

One pair. I do not enjoy ironing. And my experience of dry cleaners has been that I normally have to drive to Missoula.

[ He leans lightly against her, content in the comfort that the press of their bodies brings him. ] Also, beyond making myself presentable for your parents and our obligatory meeting with Hao and his companion, I see no reason to pack my entire closet.

[ He presses a kiss to her temple at that. ]

[lastcall]

You definitely shouldn't bring your entire closet, and you don't have to bring any slacks at all. Personally, I'm a big fan of what how fantastic your ass looks in a good pair of jeans. The only thing I object to is any implication that we will be rushing through this visit.

[She breathes in deeply, and exhales with a sigh.]

Because, for instance, it was my thought that we'd enjoy a few dates in the city before we leave it. And I have friends I haven't seen in months, just like my parents, that I'd like to visit again. Plus the city itself...I want to enjoy it again before I say good bye to it.

[nosco]

[ It is difficult not to preen at her appreciation of hi derriere - so he doesn't bother resisting. ]

[ Turning fully towards her, he allows his arms to encircle her waist so that they stand hip-to-hip in his bedroom. ] And if I propose that you choose which pants you'd like me to bring? And your favorites among my clothes?

I would not object to you turning me into your personal arm candy.

[ The prospect of meeting more of her people intrigues him. As does the idea that they will have time to idle about on dates. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun shifts her arms as he turns into them, letting her hands rest flat upon his back. They fit together well even like this, and with her family and friends in mind, she wonders how they will react to see her like this with him. With anyone, really.]

If I didn't know any better I could accuse you of trying to foist the decision-making for your packing to me since you were struggling with it. [There's a little gleam in her eye as she responds, some of the seriousness of her tone and body language bleeding away once more.] But I am definitely not going to say no if you're really offering.

[The opportunity to pick his outfits at her whims and dress him in the ways she likes best means a related opportunity to undress him later.]

In return I'll add a few special things to my suitcase to surprise you with. Which, on second thought, could be an argument against staying any nights at my parents' home...

[How in the hell would they manage sex under her parents' roof?]

[nosco]

[ Mm. He leans in and presses his lips to hers. ] What if we spend a night or two to allow you the opportunity to catch up with them, while keeping the hotel an option for afterwards?

With your permission, of course.

[ Family is important. And he wants nothing more than the opportunity for her to move at her own pace given such a permanent relocation to Montana.

With a bit of drama he adds: ] But yes, you are more than welcome to choose for me. I have packed my essentials. The rest are to ensure that I present myself well on your behalf.

[lastcall]

[It tickles her a little that he clarifies his suggestion that they could do that with her permission. She did say that no one was going to rush her visit, and he's letting her pick things from his wardrobe, but for some reason a third concession on top of all of that makes her happy as well.

It reminds her, also, of the time he mentioned that she should tell him if he's acting like an overbearing alpha. The context was different, but she can't help but think that he is behaving the exact opposite in the moment. In this particular moment, it soothes some of the nerves she has about this trip, and the opportunity to bring order and have a hand in controlling how things go helps also.

Asil helps a great deal, simply by being there.]

I'll pick from what you've narrowed things down to and then we can have the rest of the night to ourselves.

[She kisses him this time, affectionate, and for the sense of calm she gets with it.]

I like your idea about the hotel room, though. I think the time with my family is going to be necessary for all three of us, and if you stay as well, it would give them a chance to get to know you better a little bit at a time along the way.

[Which that alone would make it worth the sacrifice of the quality physical time they might otherwise enjoy. Eun reminds herself that there's no reason they can't sneak away to the hotel in the middle of the day if they happen to be out.]

I'm glad you're coming with us, and that Bran was okay with it. I was going to miss you otherwise, and I admit there is a very large, very petty part of me that is going to enjoy bringing you with me to my old pack for the ritual.

[It seems only fair to tell him that in advance, though he may have already suspected it.]

[nosco]

I have promised Bran to behave as not to cause offense to Mason. [ Thumbing her cheek at that. ]

Anna and Charles will already be present, which is sufficient representation for the Marrok's pack. I am coming along because I feel protective. And while I have no doubt that they will behave - my wolf and I are happy to provide some additional incentive just in case it is necessary.

[lastcall]

[The fact that Asil has promised to behave almost makes Eun wonder if he is suggesting she ought to try to do the same. And perhaps she should. Perhaps the better way to go into this is to be the bigger person and behave herself, and not rub it in their noses that she found happiness elsewhere.]

Let's talk hypotheticals. And your wolf. Mason will likely step in if there is any grumbling, and if he doesn't then you know I will. If they prove to be especially persistent I assume you might step in at that point? Or would that be Charles' responsibility?

[She would not be displeased if Asil did, as long as she had an opportunity to try and deal with them on her own first. Reaching up, she strokes her hands over his face, fingertips trailing down the length of his neck.]

Do you and your wolf tend to lean into your reputation among others? I don't think I've actually seen you throwing your weight or power around before...

[She does not want to be thrown off-balance in front of the pack. Knowing what to expect will be good for them both, in her opinion.]

[nosco]

In the most ideal situation, there will be zero objections. Mason sent you to us and the Marrok offered you his protection.

You are well within rights to accept an arrangement where you can transfer packs.

[ But yes, hypotheticals. ]

Ana will likely do most of the talking - outside of yourself. Charles is there to show that he will enforce the rule of law. And most pf the wolves in North America are scared spitless of him, with good reason.

In all respects, the only reason I might end up stepping in is if there is someone in your pack who bypasses Mason and the two buffers - Ana, Charles - already present.

[ He turns his gaze to her then. ] We consider you ours, mi amor. Any disrespect directed at you is something we will take personally.

[ Better that she knows now. Rather than later. ]

[lastcall]

[Asil has yet to meet the members of Mason's pack who continually pursued her despite her polite, terse, and then outright aggressive rejections of them. Considering they drove her across state lines with their persistence...she thinks it's unlikely they'll all be able to hold their tongues the entire time. Perhaps he is right, none will object so obviously in front of Anna who will help lead things with Mason, or Charles whose reputation precedes him. But there will be some socializing before and after, and Eun has no doubt that at least one of them won't be able to keep their mouth shut.

Eun meets his gaze as he speaks, and finds herself thinking that yes, being a werewolf suits her quite well. His claim on her does not come with smothering or control, and the offer of a threat to those who would disrespect her is not one she shies away from. In its own way, in a nuance that Eun understands perfectly, it's downright romantic, speaking of support and defense of someone who is valued and treasured.]

We are yours, just as you and your wolf are ours.

[She leans up once more to kiss him, and with it there is somehow affection and fierce acceptance of his words.]

But I still want to know how you carry yourself and how you behave among those who are not your pack, especially those who may show me disrespect. If you will be in any way sharper among his pack, more aggressive or...more something that I have not seen of you here, I want to know now. The last thing I want to have happen is be blindsided and visibly surprised in front of everyone.

[She'll be damned if she gives anyone reason to comment that Eun rejected all of the wolves of her own pack and got tangled up with the Moor not knowing what he was like, and then call it karma. Her goal is to get severed from Mason's pack, and show a united front with Asil, who makes her happy. A repeat of what happened in the woods during the full moon is exactly what she wants to avoid.]

Do you understand what I mean? And why I'm asking?

[nosco]

Yes, I do. [ He lifts a hand, tucks her hair behind her ear in a gesture that is more affection than for any actual need for it. ] They will likely sense what you did when we first met: age comes with it's own kind of power and presence.

If that does not deter the pups, and if they do not know who I am, the older ones in your pack will have likely stirred up talk before our arrival.

I expect that they will be curious. And anticipate that the stupid ones will try to forward challenge, but their wolves will instinctively sense what the human half of the brain might need some prodding on.

[ He pauses a beat, then: ] If their hackles rise, Mason will need to intervene lest he risk offending Bran. If they press the issue, I will be within my rights to have them kneel and acknowledge my dominance.

Make no, mistake, Eun. If I need to hold them down by the neck because they do not know how to respect their elders, I will. But I can promise there will be no bloodshed.

[ He calls the wolf up into his eyes, coaxing a brief glimpse of power tempered by the tenderness of his hand on her cheek. This is a peek at what he is like, of the violence he is capable of, but he shows it so that she can scent his intent to protect her from anyone who dares cross her. ]

[lastcall]

[This is what she wanted to know. His explanation is clear, accounting for possible situations with Mason's pack, and his response. And why, hopefully, nothing will happen at all.

Asil's control of his wolf is good, for all that he has been through. More than that, he knows very well how these meetings go. The stages at which point hopefully they or their wolf will sense why it would not be in their best interests to cross him. Or Eun. She's glad to hear that he would not be so quick to push back and put them in their place, but also that he would not hesitate if necessary.

But what is most helpful is the rise of his wolf and his power. It washes over her, and draws an instinctive shiver up her spine. But Asil is still kind to her, still touches her sweetly, making it clear that this power is used to keep her safe, not to frighten her. Eun shows her understanding by rising up onto her toes, lifting her arms to wind behind his neck as her cheek rubs against his.]

Thank you, I think I understand well enough.

[There will be no posturing, no wielding his reputation like a finely honed blade. He does not need to do any of that because he has the power and experience to not need to flaunt it. It settles over his shoulders like a cloak and a warning to those around him. To act in any other way would be to lessen himself, and show mental weakness.]

So I guess this means I should hold back and let Mason and the rest of you deal with the others first rather than step up to the line myself, hm? [It's in her nature to protect, not be protected, especially when violence is not on the table so much as snarky, shitty comments from butt-hurt werewolves, but she's also not as well versed in pack politics as Asil and the others.]

[nosco]

[ He leans into her embrace and allows his power to subside. There is no need for it here. There is just the two of them in the safety of his own sanctum.

He returns her embrace. And holds her gently, still. ]

You do not need to hold your tongue if there is no need for it. The decision to leave is ultimately yours. Mason's claim is premised on the fact that his pack found you and dealt with the rogue that turned you against your will.

But you have been a wolf a full year. You have excellent control. And therefore, you are allowed to petition a change in pack to somewhere that suits you better.

[ He breathes. ] There must be respect within a pack. Mason's is one of the good ones. He takes care of his own as best as he can. But just because they are good, does not mean they suit your temperament.

Besides. As I told you before: their loss is our gain.

[lastcall]

[His power should scare her. It should have her wolf cowering and lowering in acknowledgment of his dominance. It should send her running far from Aspen Creek, not moving there. But it is how he wields that power, how he does not let it wield him, that makes all of the difference. His power does not seem a threat that hangs over her head with a sense of one day, but something encompassing. A shield of protection. A tool to keep those he cares about safe. He is not an alpha any longer, but as a dominant wolf he protects.

He will never be the Moor to her, he will always be Asil.]

I am definitely not holding my tongue if I have to. Leaving the pack doesn't mean I will not verbally stomp on them up and down the coast if I have to.

[She presses her lips to his ear in another kiss. She's kissed him more in the last several weeks than she has every man she's ever been with, and does not see any reason to stop.]

But yes, I remember. Their loss, our gain. Yours, mine, and Aspen Creek's. [Eun falls silent a moment, thinking back to something that Asil just said. Her expression grows thoughtful.] You said that the pack will already know that you're coming. That there would have been talk...do you think they know that we're seeing each other?

[Having not been the one to make arrangements with Mason, or give him the list of who would be visiting his part of California, she's not certain just how much information has been conveyed. Or how much gossip has made its way out of Aspen Creek.]

[nosco]

There is a possibility. [ He won't lie to her. He's not sure himself what information was passed on to Mason. ] But I can definitely confirm that if whispers spoke of our relationship, it would not have come from Bran.

Likely people will be curious why I am being sent along when there is no need for it. And that no one suspects it has anything to do with how I feel about you.

[ He leans his head against hers and adds softly: ] I suppose it is to my benefit that I was elected as Charles' occasional substitute when dealing with errant wolves.

If that prompts any of them to be nervous, then we can deal with it when we get there.