Open Chronicles Celebration of Winter (Noct Yaegirs)

[Rainer]

​

Somewhere between the adjacent gulley's of Crobhear Lake and the peaks of the surrounding Spine, the eternal homestead of the Noct Yaegir could be found. Built from stone quarried from the many undulated facets of the mountain range, the Castle had seen better days. Time had taken its toll, mortar and stone replaced over time, producing a motley of colors that shone blue and gray in the early morning sun. It had been called many names over the centuries, though many hunters had simply known it as home.

Rainer approached in the morning as the sun rose over the peaks, like an apricot ascending a pile of fresh snow. Beams of light cut through the haze, refracting across the lake in a beautiful gemstone illusion. Winter was approaching yet the terrain was still verdant with thick droves of evergreen pines and hemlocks that bled into small grass fields that bumped against the lake edge. He had taken the mountain pass, or one of many, to make this trek. And up until this point, it had been nothing but granite outcroppings and dust beaten trails.

The bridge to the keep was long and fortified, spanning the distance of one of the larger water reaches that drained out from the Lake and eventually spilled into the Gulf of Ryt. As his horse came to a stop, he could even hear the water running. The large wooden doors swung open as a stout man, likely just as tall as Rainer but a good deal heavier, stepped out from the shadows of the entryway. His wardrobe was that of a man ready for a fight, clad in supple leathers, chain, and plate. He was a bit older but something gave Rainer the impression that he could handle himself in a fight.

“You a Yaegir…”

Rainer stopped to think about the question as he brought the horse forward.

“Wasn’t a question lad. I'm the caretaker of this Keep. Stables in the courtyard, keep the horse out of the Urngor Orhim and we’ll be fine.”

Rainer hopped down and grabbed the reins to lead the horse in. “Urngor Orhim?”

“Aye. A Hunter called it that, once. More beard than man, that one.” He shrugged. “But like a wagon wheel in the mud, it stuck. Call it whatever you’d like.”

“Should I leave any of my belongings or…” Rainer looked over to his meteor hammer and pair of swords.

“Up to you, lad. But we’re here for a celebration of the cold, keep that in mind.” With that, the man was off and headed back up towards the Keep. It was a short walk through the courtyard, up several stairs and walkways, before the castle would truly avail itself. The courtyard seemed to be multipurposed, leading to several areas that could be used for training or defense. As Rainer approached, he could already sense activities inside. Laughter, music, boisterous affairs, and the firelight pouring out from the open windows.

And the food. If he were the sort to eat it, he’d certainly welcome it. But for now, he was just looking for shelter from the snow that had chased him up the mountain. And questions regarding demonic possessions and getting rid of otherworldly beings. A celebration of Yule seemed like as good a place as any to sort out those mysteries.

Spoiler: Interior Dining Area

Spoiler: General Keep Description

General Description of Keep: It goes without saying that this is modeled after Kaer Morhen but feel free to build as you go. This Keep has multiple levels, including a subterranean laboratory and storage facility. The floors above are dedicated to dining, kitchen, meetings, and strategy. The castle has multiple spiral staircases that ascend the Keep, terminating at the top floor(s), which are dedicated to individual sleeping quarters. Additionally, these staircases give direct access to the Keep walls which are constructed in a way to allow elevated defense.

​

Spoiler: Out of Character Prompt

Out of Character Information:

As promised, the Noct Yaegirs will be hosting a feast and greet for all current and prospective Monster Hunters (demons, devils, beasties). As such, you have been cordially invited to the Noct Yaegir Keep for the annual celebration of Yule and the Winter Solstice.

How were you notified: By notice of community bulletin board, by word of mouth through the hunter community, or through simple gossip around the tavern.
Where: The Keep is Located in the Spine, near Crobhear Lake. The environment will be cold with evergreen growth around the Keep. Access to the lake system is permitted as well as the training grounds.
When: Duration will include arrivals, build up to the feast, and afterwards. This means that any who come will have a place to sleep. Out of Character, this thread will span from Thanksgiving Day (11/24) thru the New Year (1/01/2023). Of course, if things are raging, we can extend beyond then.
Who can come: If you hunt monsters, if you journey with monster hunters, then you are invited.
What can you bring: A Yaegir should never be without their gear. But as it stands, fighting will not be allowed within the Keep without severe consequence. Unless...something breaks in.​

 

[Sol Eclipse]

Sol was out of his nature in these lands, the cold and snow making him feel more or less uncomfortable. Luckily his natural heat kept him from feeling the effects of the area. He hadn't even wanted to come all this way, only taking the voyage because Luna had forced him too.

She had even forced him to dress up, wearing a simple yes rather fancy frilled dress shirt and pants. He tugged at these, hating how they felt compared to his usual clothes.

"It's a party for hunters, and you've gone after plenty of beasts, so you are going. And you are going to look good there."

Her words echoed in his ears as he reformed overlooking a bridge which led to the keep. He had been traveling by a mixture of foot and by way of his Solar Relocation, the flash of fiery energy lighting up the area around him. Now that he saw the structure before him, he found himself rather nervous.

*Just be yourself. You're a hunter, like them.*

Luna's advice would have helped, were it not for that fact that she hadn't come with him. He let's out a soft sigh before shifting his form once more and arriving at the bridge. Making his way up to the keep, he can already sense the presence of others withing and couldn't help but wonder just how many would be there.

*Too late to turn back now. Let's just get this over with.*

 

[Kaige Severos]

Halting his loyal horse, Kaige paused to look at the Keep. Its reflection shimmered in the frosted lake below in which freshwater fish swam and deer drank in the summer. Now, the fish dwelled in deeper depths and the deer had long fled to warmer lands. A light blanket of snow coated the rocky grounds and the boughs of barren trees, and the silver sky itself heralded the coming of a harsher storm. But as of just then, the climate was clear, and though quite cold, calm.

It was worn, but the Keep was still an impressive sight. It was massive, and Kaig ecould still see the intricate carving and architecture that had gone into designing the exterior walls. The tall, angular towers. and squatter barracks were all exquisitely in their own way, ingeniously made for safety, security, and defense in the rare case of a war or siege.

“I wonder who paid for it all, hmm?” Kaige chuckled down at his steed. Cloudfrost, dappled in white spots at the back with a silky black mane and tail, tossed his head, whickering. Kaige nodded in agreement and urged the horse on with a light whisper. On they went, and it was not long before Cloudfrost’s rangy trot brought them close to the Keep. There were already others there; Kaige could hear the celebration inside, and wondered truly if what he’d heard in the streets was true. That others who shared his dangerous career were here and welcomed more.

Kaige was greeted roughly at the entryway by an old warrior, and shown the way to the stables where a young but sturdy girl waited to tend to his horse. After making sure Cloudfrost was in good hands, he tipped the girl a silver and made his way to where the festivities awaited – inside.

The man who entered the Keep was lightly armored, a black leather suit that fitted him perfectly and polished just then to a glossy sheen. He carried a long spear lashed to his back at a tight angle, and though he was clearly a warrior who walked with a deadly grace, his green eyes shone with a keen wit and humor belying any jaded or dour personality so many fighting men fell prey to.

There was food, and music, laughter, jesting, and dancing. And among it all, Kaige saw warriors.

Fighters.

Monster hunters.

Smiling delightedly, Kaige wandered over to one of the great feasting tables, examining the food and wondering what this odd gathering would entail for his near future.

 

[Gannis]

"Dog! Get down off that!"

The custos canem of the Venari were a huge breed of dogs, the size of small ponies. They were also exceptionally intelligent and able to understand most of the common trade tongue.

Gannis had chosen to call his Dog. This revealed more about his personality than that of his partner.

Dog shot him a glance, dropped his ears and then dropped his paw from the bench. He backed away from the bone that had been left on the table.

Dog whined.

"Oh for shit's sake Dog, just take it outside with you."

His thick coat was more than up to a little bit of snow. The canem - and the bone - vanished quickly.

"Rainer!" he called out, spilling some beer. "Come in! Don't have anything to eat."

 

[Garrod Arlette]

Having a clan, a guild, that seemed normal enough for hunters. Of monsters and game alike. Every now and again though, you got an oddball.

Garrod counted himself amongst that number. Little more than a street urchin with guts when his mentor had found him, and little more than a fool with odd luck ever since. Suppose it was all just part of the mysteries of fate.

Quite sentimental today, aren't we, old one eye? The demon in the jewel of his gauntlet sneered.

"Oy, is that you Garrod?" a familiar voice called out to him as he picked through the assortment of breads and roasted things. Whole game hens with crispy skin piled high, sausages spiced and sweating with juicy grease besides mounds of sauced breads roasted with potatoes and carrots and an assortment of nuts. Garrod's stomach grumbled, but he pulled his eye up from the food, his plate still empty, clutched by pale-armored fingers as it was.

Garrod blink as his eye found a familiar face. "Beltran?" he smiled and strode over to the man he had worked with time and time again. "Didn't think you were Yaegir'd up,"

The two clasped wrists and gave each other a good embrace.

Even oddballs needed trusted allies.

 

[Larka]

Larka’s slight legs kicked back and forth easily without scraping her boots along the old, worn out floor. Besides Gannis, or rather, close enough to her mentor as she needed to be during this celebration, Larka was busy sticking her tiny fingers into whatever plate of food she could try. Nothing had taste, of course, or much smell, but she could appreciate the crackle of crisp skin from whatever very, very small fowl that was plated high up in a poultry tower.

“You think it’s a baby chicken?” Larka asked her dog, looking at Kitty as she chewed away in mild contemplation. She ripped a chunk of white, steaming meat from the very small breast and fed it slyly off to the side for Kitty to taste, glancing at Gannis and doing it right as he was calling over his friend. Mission accomplished. Hopefully.

The people that had been arriving thus far were all unique in their own way. The young venator in training was cautiously looking over at those who walked in, her gold eyes boring into them. So many monster hunters. So many that weren’t a part of the Conclave.

Larka finished the fowl easily. If it were a baby chicken it was delicious. Very tender. Very small. Like Larka! Another glance back to Gannis as she placed each finger in her mouth, licking at the grease until each finger was clean. Through his mentorship she had learned plenty of bad manners, especially since Sister Aysel wasn’t there to correct her. But with him distracted…

A clean hand went to one of the small leather bags tied to a belt at her small waist, pulling out a glass vial filled with a dry black powder. To most it would seem like she was carrying crushed charcoal. A small baked individual savory pie was taken from a plate, lukewarm at best. Putting it on her plate she sprinkled quite a bit of the black powder all over it.

Larka took a bite and a small sigh of delight came from her closed lips, her swinging legs kicking up in a fit of mirth. Her mouth was on fire. The back of her throat itching to cough. But she could taste something other than that blandness she usually did.

“If you’re going to have some, mister,” Larka said towards Kaige, and holding up her vial of spice, “try it with some of this. I make it special.” She said with sincerity, despite her cheeks quickly flushing red and sniffling through her nose.

Kaige Severos

 

[Rainer]

He watched with a feigned stern expression as the large dog ran off with a bone in its maw, cradling a cup in his hand. The contents were something of a mix, warmed deer blood mixed with hot cider and a hefty splash of old cask whiskey. A special brew and a bit of an accommodation he wasn't expecting, the chef had seemed to be anticipating the arrival of all sorts.

"Got a bit of meat and stuffing and pudding, take your pick there friend." Is what he said, wearing a stained apron, a holster for his cleaver, and a white mushroom hat that seemed almost comical. When Rainer told him that wasn't particularly to his diet, he took that for a cue. "Ah, yes yes. Well, we can certainly whip something up to your liking."

"Damn thing is big enough to ride on." He grunted, placing the bear pommeled sword on the table, as he gestured towards where the dog had once been. Taking a long drink from the wooden cup, he wiped the stubble of his face with the riveted leather bracer.

"Alright, what the fuck are you doing here?" He looked around the large dining room as it filled with other seemingly like-minded hunters, before painting Gannis with a pointed expression. "Last I recall, you were still..." He burped and pressed his hand against his chest. "You...shit, what were we doing? Something about a witch was it?" The brew had a surprising affect on him. "No no, that's not correct. They prefer the term crone...right?"

The place was warm, warmer than it had any right to be. Simple wooden tables, fashioned for group dining, littered the eating area as the whole place was warmed by brightly burning fires. Some on the walls, some within the randomly scattered fireplaces that sent smoke into the grey and blue sky above the keep. And by the sounds of things, there was a bard somewhere in the midst, plucking drunkenly on a lute. Well, he assumed it was drunken musical expression - based on the sporadic chording.​

 

[Kaige Severos]

Inhaling deeply, Kaige savored the smell of the feast prepared by masters of the craft. There were delicate breads and pastries, and most of all there was meat – poultry in plenty, fresh-caught fish, rich venison and stewed beef, roasted rabbit and other prey animals – but there was more too, much more. Plates of vegetables and fruits lay next to steaming bowls of thick stew or chowder; mincemeat pies of exotic flavorings and spices; sauces and special combinations of wild moss and broiled nuts were available; even candy of rare chocolates and real vanilla bean were part of the banquet.

None of this, however, made Kaige so impressed as the drinks. Goblets and casks of spirits sat on the far end of the table, already heavily tapped by the guests and hosts of this feast. Kaige moved closer to the end, head tilted as he examined the stamps on the side of one aged barrel. A fine vintage drink imported from Elbion. Near it, another cask from Malakath – dark red fruits and black oak aged for thirty years. And that was the least of it. At urgings from other guests, he reached out and took a filled cup of the drink, interested to taste something new.

There was a pretty young woman nearby, with golden eyes and a small nose. Small, almost dainty. A bit doll-like, he could say. She was taking a bite of pie sprinkled with coal-black dusting. Cautiously, Kaige took a slice of the same kind of pie and placed it on one of the fine ceramic plates stacked on the table; it was then the woman looked to him and offered him the vial.

Kaige eyed the woman, his mind working deftly. No one would be so foolish to poison anyone here… not intentionally, at least. He looked at the vial of spice and then at her face, which was already red and slightly congested. There was silent moment, and then he laughed, not at all unkindly.

“Spicy, is it? Well, milady, I’ll take that challenge.” He took the vial, uncorked it, and sprinkled a minimal amount on his portion before handing the vial back. Then he took a bite.

It was little like biting into the core of the sun, packed with Dragon’s Breath peppers and a touch of the Death Spiral pepper, dancing together a duet of death.

DAMN.

He was glad he had a drink nearby, and he was sure he was going to regret it the next day… but past the heat, it was tasty. To Kaige’s credit, he didn’t die, handled it fairly well without screaming, refrained from choking, and after he recovered gave the lady a rather dazed smile.

“Ha… aaah. You’ve… you’ve got quite the taste! Are you a… hah… hahhh… hunter yourself? You must be to… hahhh… handle that,” he said, chuckling as he winced.

Larka

 

[Sol Eclipse]

Sol's wasn't expecting his first interaction with someone within the hold to be jumping out of the way as a giant dog ran out the front doors. At first he thought the beast might be attacking, but then he spotted the bone and realized it was just being a dog. He let out a small chuckle before he turned and made his way inside.

As he had expected, there were more than a few others here, and it seemed most of them had brought their gear as well, making him feel less than dressed up for the occasion. He should have realized hunters wouldn't dress up, but then again he was just doing this to make his sister happy.

He knew no one here, despite his past with hunting beasts. Even if he didn't recognize anyone he couldn't help but watch some of the going ons within the keep as he made his way over to where the drinks were and grabbing himself a mug of mead. Even if he couldn't get drunk, he enjoyed the taste.

 

[Garrod Arlette]

"Watcha been up to since we went and took down that basilisk, eh Garrod?" the eldest of the Talon brothers asked.

Garrod scratched at his chin, and tried to grab up one of the chickens, only to have some hunter's falcon familiar swoop down and snatch it out from his grasp. Garrod blinked.

"Um,"

Beltran laughed, "Ha, here," he offered over his tankard. "Have some of this, old Yaegir secret,"

Garrod took the drink, and looked down into its contents. "Hot cider, with a hint of... blood?"

Beltran put a thick finger before his lips, grinning behind his bright red cheeks. "Deers blood," he said in a guarded hush, and giggled some behind his beard. "Potent stuff, Garrod, will knock the winter cold right out of you,"

Garrod looked down once more at the cup with some scrutiny, then shrugged. "Half the tonics and tinctures we drink are made with weirder stuff," he quaffed it down and wiped away at his lips, his eye wide and alert as he felt the strange texture and taste work is way down his gullet. "Well now," he said with a smile.

Beltran guffawed, and slapped Garrod on the back. "Just ask for a Blood Moon, and they'll take care of ya," Beltran had already gotten another cup in the interrum, and just plucked a hen off the pile from one of its legs before he bit into it with a crunch.

Garrod blinked. "Right, yeah, thanks," he said and smiled. "Not exactly subtle, is it?" he said to himself and looked down into his cup.

A loaded plate later, and Garrod milled about the room, saw a familiar face and stopped next to the incandescent man.

"Sol right?" the armored hunter asked the well dressed fellow. "Nice outfit," he said and sopped up some wamr mash with a buttered roll of fresh bread. "You try the Blood Moon yet?" he said through a half full mouth and went on chewing. "Pretty good shtuff," he put the bread down and picked up the tankard he held hooked by his pinky under his plate, and took another drink.

Sol Eclipse

 

[Briar]

It was eerie, even uncomfortable, to be back in the Spine after so many years in Elbion. Admittedly, she was slightly insulted that she had only heard of this event by eavesdropping on some amateur monster hunter’s conversation at a tavern rather than by receiving a personal invitation. She was not a cocky woman, but she knew her worth amongst the hunters.

Her arrival was anything but extraordinary. She presumed they were not to bring weapons, choosing to leave her useless set of daggers behind in an inn somewhere along the way. It wasn’t like she needed them anyway. However, she did don her typical garb- something that could afford her movement and protection if someone were stupid enough to start an altercation in a keep full of hunters.

Briar scanned the room as she picked up a drink. Some faces were familiar, some were…fresh. She found herself gravitating towards the two men she had come across at one time or another. Introducing herself to the little ones was unnecessary. Poor things couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag even if it was open on one end.

“Gannis, Rainer,” She sipped at the drink as she joined them. “You both look well. I haven’t seen either of you in quite some time. Was beginning to think both of you kicked the bucket.”

Conversation was…not her strong suit. Not until she was completely hammered and the stick was removed from her ass so to speak. Her commitment to being overly serious often put a foul taste in people’s mouths, but it was for their own good. She’d hunted monsters with far too many eager children and came back alone too many times to be anything but serious.

 

[Larka]

With a gimlet gaze, Larka noted Kaige’s split-second of hesitance. Yet after an easy-going laugh he took the vial and brazenly sprinkled a good amount over his food. Larka used the back of her hand to wipe at her nose, a single tear slipping through and catching on her lower lashes. Her black scleras hid just how much irritation she was feeling. After all, it was a heat that was potent the moment it touched one’s tongue, but it lingered plenty afterwards in the throat.

“It’ll get numby soon.” Larka informed Kaige, just as Kitty whined softly, his large snout nuzzling her arm. Larka looked at the table, picked a roasted sweet potato, and opened it up with her hands, letting the steam rise. Her gold eyes brightened at Kaige’s observations and Larka faced him with excitement.

“I am!” The young woman exclaimed. She stabbed a thumb at her chest, puffing up slightly to make herself seem bigger. “Well, sorta. Venator in training, technically. Gannis is my second… well, technically my third mentor since Brother Simon died.” She said, pointing at Gannis as he was probably sloshing and spilling more ale around. Larka had thought about drinking herself, but… it was hard when someone was as much as a glutton as she was. “Soon enough, I’ll be on my own.”

Wiping a hand on her long tunic before she held it up for Kaige to shake, Larka beamed at the man with a large yet genuine smile that matched the twinkle in her wolf-like eyes.

“I’m Larka. This is Kitty.” She said with a tilt of her head to the large custos canem dog, technically on the smaller side but beside Larka it looked far bigger. Kitty whined once again and without missing a beat Larka took some of the sweet potato, blew on it until it was cool, and then fed it to Kitty. His silver-capped teeth gleamed for a moment as he ate.

“And your name?”

Kaige Severos

 

[Arnor Skuldsson]

It was not often that Arnor got invited to anything.

And as a result, he did not know what to do besides come late when the invitation came. Fashionably late, at that. Arnor entered the keep, Rhi's mighty hooves clacking along the stone of the keep. The horse towered over many of the structures and the other horses in the stable. Arnor stabled his own horse, and often refused to let strangers handle his compatriot.

Rhi after all, was the King of Horses.

The Nordenfiir entered the dining hall, his imposing mass not the only thing marking him as different. His icy blue eyes and sheer size marked him as a Nordenfiir. Not that he was much of one for the traditions of his people. Hence, him being in the Spine for most of his adult life, rather than the Tundra.

They all had their reasons for leaving home, didn't they?

He entered the hall, most of the gathered already knee-deep in conversation and telling stories and sharing names. He was aware that he was an outsider already- being late didn't help him any.

He poured himself a cup of ale, not saying anything yet. And then drank it. And then another. And then on his third, not quite inebriated but not quite sober- finally joined the table of the other hunters, sort of. He stood at the edge of the table, setting his cup down on the table, looking at each. Each of them had something off about them. But the yellow-eyed man seemed the most.... interesting. He at least, didn't smell human.

An Elf, a girl, a dog? A dog with silver teeth?

Another dark elf, if he had to guess.

All seemed capable. Perhaps the Monster Hunting group wasn't a bad idea, after all. At the least, the money would be there. There would be money, hopefully.

"I am Arnor, son of Skuld."

A very northern way of introducing yourself. Not that he had any love for his father. In fact, he hated him. A lot. But that wasn't a pleasant thought to have at the company of potential friends and business partners.

"Thank you for inviting me."

 

[Kaige Severos]

As the overwhelming heat faded from his mouth, Kaige glanced to the man pointed out. Truly, if anyone looked like a survivalist, Gannis did. He was quite thin, but the fierce look in his bright blue eyes and the way he carried himself spoke of a pure fighter. Kaige saw the blue tattoos and wondered as to their meaning, if there was any. Absently, he scratched at his right arm, where his own tattoos – runes and archaic lettering – marked his skin. Hidden beneath his leather armor they itched, and he guessed the feeling came, if not from Gannis himself, then some other inhuman trait among the other hunters present.

The small lady didn’t look like a hunter in training, especially not an underling of an imposing man like Gannis, but Kaige had learned long ago that those who seemed most vulnerable were often the most dangerous. He cocked and eyebrow at her. She was, though, quite charming. He took her hand in his own, bowing slightly as he repeated her name.

“Larka. I am Kaige Severos. At your service, hunter.” Bringing her hand close and turning it, he gave her fingers a kiss before bringing his attention to the large breed of dog. The custos canem was a beast he’d only seen once or twice on the road to the Keep, and they astounded him with their fierceness and intelligent behavior. A dangerous combination.

Along with his brethren, Kitty only appeared as if he desired fresh meat alone; the sweet potato, as it was, he devoured heartily. Kaige noted the silver teeth and wondered if that was a standard thing.

“How lucky you are,” Kaige smiled at Larka good-naturedly. “I’ve only a horse, and he barely listens to me. Kitty must be a fine companion, no? How long has he been with you?”

He lifted his glass of wine again and drank of it, this time able to enjoy the full flavor of the drink. His throat still burned, but was quickly dying now to a more tolerable warmth.

“I am not really a monster hunter like yourself,” he confessed. “They’re my secondary targets, you might say. I am foremost a demon hunter… although I guess you could say they are often monsters, too. Although they tend to be more… well, less than pretty.”

A late newcomer came to the table, quickly downing a few drinks, probably to take off the chill of the outdoors. He introduced himself as Arnor, and Kaige graced him with a bow of his head. “Well met… I am, though, a guest like yourself.”

Larka Arnor Skuldsson

 

[Sol Eclipse]

Hearing his name called out led Sol to feeling relieved for the first time that someone knew him. Probably due to the fact that he had no idea how to approach anyone in these situations, and having someone recognize him took that problem away.

He approaches the man, searching his own memories to remember where he had seen the man.

*The dragon cave you told me about. I believe that was where you met him.*

True enough, Luna's memory served better than his own. Just another reason he kept her in the loop for everything he did. He gave a small bow of his head in greeting before he spoke, his own mug just over half full at this point.

"Ah, yes. I remember you. Garrod, wasn't it?"

Even without his sister reminding him, the name of the only person he had teamed up with so far was one he wouldn't forget easily. Especially with the respect the man had earned from Sol during their job.

"Can't say I have, though I might give it a try if it's stronger than normal mead. Maybe it'll give me a real buzz."

Garrod Arlette

 

[Garrod Arlette]

Garrod smirked at the man, and offered him up his tankard, as Beltran had with him. "Here, take a swig, see if its to your liking,"

The drink smelled of strong old age whiskey, tinged with the coppery notes of game's blood.

"Gives a bit of a rush," he added, his smile sharp.

My, how you take so well to blood, oh bearer mine. His demon cooed.

Sol Eclipse

 

[Gannis]

Alright, what the fuck are you doing here?

"Drinking and eating, what the fuck does it look like?" Gannis asked.

Before he could make any more remarks, or clarify the dire situation they had survived, he was distracted by Larka sharing her food.

He made the decision to issue no warning. He was fairly certain that if there had been no food, Larka would have chewed at the tables.

“Ha… aaah. You’ve… you’ve got quite the taste! Are you a… hah… hahhh… hunter yourself? You must be to… hahhh… handle that,” he said, chuckling as he winced.

Gannis snorted and then covered his nose. He very nearly shot beer down his nostrils, which was always an unpleasant experience.

“Gannis, Rainier,” She sipped at the drink as she joined them. “You both look well. I haven’t seen either of you in quite some time. Was beginning to think both of you kicked the bucket.”

Still coughing, Gannis raised a hand. She was as elegant as a reed in the breeze.

Gannis was as elegant as a lump of charcoal at the bottom of a quarry.

He never looked well. He always looked as if he had been on the wrong end of someone's boot and frequently had been. He enjoyed picking bar fights between jobs.

"Still not dead. Always worth a bet, but Gannis survives another year."

 

[Rainer]

Drinking and eating, what the fuck does it look like? Gannis asked.​

Rain smirked and nodded, that was as appropriate an answer as one could summon. The truth was that he couldn't rightly recall what they had done, in that moment, but he knows it dealt with the dead and something about...bowels. He was certain it would make sense to someone who was particularly sober.
​

“You both look well. I haven’t seen either of you in quite some time. Was beginning to think both of you kicked the bucket.”​

Rainer lifted his cup and shrugged. "I've never been a fan of the bucket kicking sport, to be entirely honest. Take a seat and warm it Briar, before someone beats you to it." It was then that Rainer shifted his attention to the mammoth who had strode into the eatery. Taking a sip of his blood wine as the man introduced himself, Rain sucked in a bit of air and nodded.

"Well met, Arnor...son of Skuld." He was a big one, thought Rain. But before he could say anything, the Caretaker approached.

"Well fuck me, invite hunters and they bring the mountains. Lad, whoever the fuck Skuld is...I 'magine giants run through his veins." The Caretaker lifted a metal tin cup and smacked it several times as he took centerstage for a moment. Clearing his throat with a curled up fist lifted to his mouth, his cold grey eyes moved around the room and waited to get everyone's attention.

"Gratitude for all you Yaegirs who would venture the cold to celebrate it. Not much for rules here except one - live for the hunt, die by the hunt. The days to follow are for celebration and while I expect a modicum of debauchery and drunken antics..." He pointed his gaze towards Rain, who was busy shying away into the depths of his cup. "I expect some respect among the group. Fighting will be met by equal response. Rules, as they go, are written in blood."

He let that sink in before smiling and lifting his arms. "Drink up, eat up, and be merry. The upper floors are dedicated to living quarters. Some rooms have fireplaces, some don't. But please be mindful of embers - the west wing was ravaged many years ago by a coal fire and we'd hate for that to happen again. Otherwise, I got two shits for where ya sleep and you can have 'em both. I'm off to find a barrel to swim in and if you got any questions, ask Marcelle - the cook behind the stand. He'll know about as much as I do but at least he'll be more warm with the response."

With that, he gave a lazy salute. "Cheers."

Once he was traipsing off, Rain nodded and set down his cup.
​

I am Arnor, son of Skuld.

"He's right though...about the giant bit."

Garrod Arlette Gannis Sol Eclipse Briar Kaige Severos Larka Arnor Skuldsson

 

[Sol Eclipse]

Garrod smirked at the man, and offered him up his tankard, as Beltran had with him. Here, take a swig, see if its to your liking

Sol took the mug from the man, giving it a quick sniff. He knew he would have no issue drinking blood of any kind, Gemini didn't exactly digest the way most other did. He could also smell the strength of the alcohol, giving a quick grin.

Before he could take a drink, however, he heard the clanging of the cup and turned his attention to the caretaker. He listened respectfully as the man said his piece, waiting until he finished before turning to Garrod and raising the mug a little.

"Cheers."

A single swig was all it took for him to realize this drink might give him the buzz he's always wanted. Damn his sun magic burning through alcohol like it was nothing, but now he might have solved that issue.

"Now that's a drink. Can't say I've been effected by a drink before. Blood Moon, you said?"

 

[Briar]

“Yeah, well none of us are ever a fan of it, are we, Rainer?” She took another large sip to finish off her drink with no reaction on her face. True to her nature, Briar would remain so bizarrely unfazed even while consuming the strongest of alcohols.

Of course, this did not mean she was immune to its effects, which would be evident as both time moved on and the warm feeling in her stomach expanded outward to her limbs.

“Hm? What is this, Gannis?” Briar ignored Rainer’s suggestion to take a seat as she noticed the little one pointing at him. A sharp laugh left her lips.

“Fuck me, aren’t you a bit old to have a kid that young? What is she, twelve?” Her tone matched the perplexed look on her face as she pointed in Larka’s direction. “I’d argue this is no place for children, but I suppose I have no grounds to speak on that. I’d reckon I started earlier than that with my own mentor.”

Clink! Clink!

Attention was drawn to the caretaker as he gave a nearly identical speech to the one he’d given the first time she had attended the Celebrations of Winter. Of course, like every year, Rainer was shitfaced by this point as well. It had become almost like a family tradition to witness.

She used the opportunity to grab a second drink and rejoin the group as introductions with the new one, Arnor son-of-something, joined them. As far as she was concerned, names only mattered if you had a reputation. That was partly why Briar had never bothered to learn the names of those she had worked with, aside from the two older gentlemen. That and most had never survived a full hunt with her.

She would break her code just this once for the mountainous man. “Briar. Briar Atherton.” She bowed before him, spilling about half of her drink on the floor in front of her. "Daughter of...Millicent and Alexander?"

---

Rainer Gannis Arnor Skuldsson

 

[Garrod Arlette]

After The Caretaker's speech, Garrod smirked at the newcomer, and took back his mug back, slick like, his strange gauntlet's sharp metal fingers clicking against the tankard.

"Just ask the cook for one, he'll take care of ya," he said, motioning to the man in the mushroom hat. "Marcelle," he reminded the newcomer of the name, and looked down at his own cup, only just starting to feel the warmth that came with such drinks. "Ya know, can probably get more myself to be honest," he said and walked on over. It was in the way he said it that made it feel more an invitation to follow, than a simple statement of fact.

With his drink refreshed, he approached the table where a few familiar faces had gathered, and some not so familiar. He gave the group a nod of acknowledgement, and sat himself down beside them just in time to see Briar spill out half her drink.

He smirked. "Little early to have others cleaning up your mess, ain't it Briar?" and he raised his cup in a teasing cheers, he swigged down a drink and looked to the older Yaegirs. "Good to see the ancients are as amicable as ever," he added, and nodded to the grizzled old hunters. "Didn't take you for a soft hearted mentor though, Gannis," he said with a tilt toward the young lady with the big ass dog. He nod to the big man The Caretaker had spoken of and the lithe one whose name he hadn't caught. "Name's Garrod," he said friendly enough.

Raised by the gregarious drunk that was his mentor, Sinns, Garrod kept one leg out from under the table, leaving the bench open, if only enough for another to squeeze in.
​

---

Gannis Briar Rainer Sol Eclipse Arnor Skuldsson Kaige Severos Larka ​

 

[Larka]

Larka blushed immensely the moment Kaige Severos kissed her fingers, never having experienced this sort of greeting before. While Larka’s face was noticeably unscathed compared to the majority of the venari, plenty of people regarded her eyes to be a good sign to keep away. Of course, one of Larka’s greatest assets was a smile that could disarm even the most guarded man.

With her hand back at her side, Larka almost missed Kaige’s next words. Almost. After all, Kitty was nice enough to give her a nudge to remind her that she needed to speak.

“Yes!” Larka said, the daze quickly leaving. “The best partner. We’ve been together for ten years now.” She said with a smile, and handing more of the cooling sweet potato to Kitty. To many on the outside it would seem their bond was just an intensified form of having a pet for so many years. Kitty was far from a pet, even if in this moment the dog was acting as such.

“Demons.” Larka’s faced twisted in disgust. Sargasso wasn’t that long ago, the quaint little farming village that was actually growing human flesh for food. Her eyes darkened for a moment. “They’re very, very ugly.” Larka agreed. In truth, killing monsters was what she preferred, as she had recently learned. Arnor Skuldsson approached then, and Larka tilted her head all the way up to look at the giant man. He was almost as tall as Sister Aysel! He was, however, far thicker and wider than Sister Aysel ever could be.

Soon enough, a toast of sorts was made, and while everyone held up a drink, Larka decided to hold up a piece of bread and then took a bite while everyone else took a sip.

Larka’s eyes narrowed, a loud voice catching her attention.

“Fuck me, aren’t you a bit old to have a kid that young? What is she, twelve? I’d argue this is no place for children, but I suppose I have no grounds to speak on that. I’d reckon I started earlier than that with my own mentor.”

Larka looked over at the blonde, glowering at her. There wasn’t much that upset Larka, but there was one thing that always made her hotheaded: being called short or a child. She had gone through plenty of teasing back in the conclave, such as when she first arrived with Jovis and one of the other fosters asked her name to only reply back with ‘Larka? What does that mean? Little one?’

She leaned back, fixed a pointed scowl at this Briar and pointed her piece of bread at her.

“I’m eighteen! And I’d reckon that your mentor could’ve taught you more manners.” Larka said, as if Gannis ever taught her manners. Shoving her piece of bread into her mouth and chewing quickly, she stuck out her hand towards Briar— which made her really lean over on the bench and behind Gannis as she didn’t have the most reach— and said, “I’m Larka and any sorry sonovab-bitch that underestimates me ends up regretting it.” Big words from someone that was thrown out a window a few months ago.

 

[Kaige Severos]

It was not long before the daunting Caretaker approached, his very figure demanding attention. Not one to forget his manners, Kaige set down his wine cup and focused his eyes on the older man. He listened soberly to the short speech given, noting the name, Yaegir, given to the hunters as a whole, and nodded silently to the one rule of the hunt -to live for it, and die by it. It was not a lighthearted nor overly dour statement, but simply a truth Kaige knew well.

Having faced a great number of demons and monsters named and unnamed, Kaige was no longer afraid of death. All trials of his dangerous life all the pain and torment, left him unfazed. His ability to survive and endure had only been sharpened, as were his skills in fighting those creatures he slew to protect the those who were unable to protect themselves. It was many times a thankless job save for the copious amounts of coin he had earned in his faraway homeland, but never did he regret his questionable career.

And he accepted that, one day, he would die on the path he had chosen.

Still, he smiled again as the Caretaker finished, lifting his glass in the toast given. HE drained the glass, enjoying the sweet, fruity undertones of the drink. Kaige was addicted to very few things, alcohol being no exception, but he did enjoy a fine drink now and then. He cocked an eyebrow at those who were a little more than buzzed, though declined to run interference. What they did with their drink and how they handled it wasn’t his business, as long as they didn’t cause trouble.

As it was, trouble came anyway, as was expected in a place like this.

The blonde woman, very clearly a talented hunter, made the rude comment targeting Larka, and the latter immediately responded in kind. She was indeed young, as Kaige had already guessed, but grown and, it appeared, as fiery as her spices.

He couldn’t really help himself.

“I’d be careful if I were you,” he said with good-natured humor. “She already burned half my throat away, and I didn’t even do anything.

Larka Briar

 

[Sol Eclipse]

Sol eyes the metal gauntlet the man was donning, finding himself intrigued by not just it but the overall variety of gear and appearance of the hunters gathered here. He follows the one person he knows here, grabbing a mug of Blood Moon for himself after introducing himself to the chef.

*Noct Yaegirs. Might be interesting to look into.*

This would be the first time he felt any kind of interest in a group since he started in these lands. And this intrigued would only increase as Garrod would lead the way to a table of others, though this was when his lack of social skills kicked in and he fell silent, taking drinks when he felt the alcohol wearing off.

 

[Sigrith]

One long journey south from the northern Fringelands, a wolf and an orc followed the foothills of the spine. It was there, while camping on the outskirts of a small city, that Sardok had discovered the posting for the Noct Yaegir's feast.

It wasn't far from where they'd stopped and the pair of them were more than overdue for a feast. Darkstride surmised that this group might also be a good source of information on that which had separated herself from her mate. They'd agreed to attend.


So there they stood outside the main entrance of the homestead, braced against the chill lake effect winds blowing in through the mountain peaks. The direwolf peered silently at the people milling about within the open entryway and watched as a hound-like beast just slightly smaller than herself dodged out between attendees with a large bone in his maw.

With a sniff, she turned her gaze upward to exchange a glance with her traveling companion. The scent of the feast within pervaded all things, even the cold, but the dog's slinking presence outside gave her pause of her own welcome.

"If anyone asks," Darkstride told the orc, "I am not your pet."

She gave an indignant snuff of breath and then pushed on ahead to follow the next group of strangers arriving, maintaining a mostly comfortable distance from their wary backside glances.