Dogs of War: Howl at the Moon

Calm down. They're not like the one that hurt Mason. Not everyone is alike.

"We were taught that anyone deserves a chance. That not everyone is alike. They want peace, and we are here to help them achieve that goal." Her voice shook, and she kept her gaze forward, brow furrowed. "I believe if someone wants something bad enough they can have it. If the leaders on both sides truly want to achieve that, then it is possible." She paused and shook her head. "There will always be ones on both sides, like the one that... one's that attack for no reason, who will never want that peace. But that's why we are here. Because discord among other clans, or packs, or species, even if they're across the sea can still be brought down on us. And if we are to survive we have to make the right allies before that happens."

Teager would help her former pack make the right allies. But even if what she spoke of did happen, where peace was not achieved due to radical, or rebellious creatures on both sides, she was convinced she wouldn't be alive to see it. "I'm going to be fine in Alaska. I feel like this is the first time you've met me, you seem to doubt me a lot today~" She nudged him slightly, smiling. "Besides, I've got you with me. I can keep a cool head around you."

"Well you have to admit that this is one of the few times that you've been this calm," Tor replied with a nudge of his own. "But if being near to me keeps your head cool, then we'll just make sure I stay near." It was nice feeling an actual connection with Teager. He always had, ever since he met her. There was no doubting that theirs was a strong bond. Julia had always despised it, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Tor lead his colleague and newest friend to the gate then sat her down next to him as they waited for boarding to begin. "If you want something bad enough, you'll do anything to get it. It's a trait that we all share, no matter where you come from. Then there are things that you'll always want more than anything else in the world, but never obtain, for one reason or another." There were so many things that Tor wanted for himself, things he would never have because situations would never allow for it.

He would never have children with Julia. Julia was loyal to the Alpha so any aspirations of leadership over the Grays was out. Could he be content with what he had and never seek for more?

"You also never know what you have until it's gone, and then there's definitely no chance to have who-..what you want." Teager leaned back in her chair, sighing deeply. "Is everywhere this crowded? There's so many people here. They all smell... so different." She sniffed the air, her eyes following the oddest smells she could pick out. If it wasn't obvious, she was trying to switch the subject from her stumble over words. She had made it seem like there was someone she was interested in and it was impossible to have them. While there was a number of people she had interacted with, and none she had shown interest in, it could lead him to narrowing down the list. If he narrowed it down he might find out. If he found out... no, she couldn't have that.

"I wonder if it smells this weird over there, too. I guess not though, I heard Alaska is pretty secluded. Maybe it'll smell fresh.. but I guess not so fresh. Their gonna be everywhere, and they don't smell very good."

Whomever Teager wanted must have been very special to her, for Tor had seen that look of longing in the eyes of many a pup still pawing for the one they wanted to spend their life with but could never have. Pairing was, at times, incredibly unfair and extremely unpleasant. Almost as bad as never finding that person to begin with. To see everyone around him, happy and devoted, had driven a knife into his heart, where it was left for all to see, yet no one bothered to look hard enough at him to see it.

"Very true..."

Tor's expression changed slightly when Teager changed the subject again. "No. There are some areas that are lousy with people, like the airport we're flying to, but most places won't be like this. But the plane will be worse. You'll see." In a way Tor was almost eager to see how she would handle a plane ride. From the looks of the gate, it would be a full flight, which meant crowded seats and lots of crying children and smelly humans.

The time came to board. Tor got them up and onto the plane right away. Iorek traveled his clan well, affording them the luxury of first class and priority seating. He got the pup seated, giving her his window seat while he took the middle, not only because he knew she would want to stare out the window, but to keep her from having to sit next to someone who didn't know her.

"You'll get used to the smell, by the way. Your nose will adjust. Just don't make it obvious. People don't like to be reprimanded or reminded about their natural odors."

Finally seated on the plane, Teager felt a massive excitement and apprehension swell within her. Seated by the window, she gazed out watching the people board the plane. It wasn't much to look at, as they were stationary on the tarmac, but it was all new to her. She was going to fly! It was quite obvious that she was excited, and was even able to keep her mouth shut, despite the crinkle of her nose when the smells of the others flooded the plane. None of that seemed to matter to her, she was too absorbed in the prospect of being up in the air, leaving her home for the first time.

When the seat belt sign came on, she quickly buckled herself in, and waited impatiently for the aircraft to take off. After the flight attendants brief introduction and explination, the captain came on for a moment to introduce himself as well. Then they began to move.

Teagers eyes remained glued out the window, watching the scenery roll by. "Tor!" She exclaimed breathlessly as liftoff began. "It's really going up.." She turned her wide eyed gaze to him, a smile on her face. "This is so cool!" She squealed.

Tor chuckled softly as the young Were next to him marveled at the miracle of human flight. He yearned quietly for just a taste of her inexperience, for she was experiencing everything for the first time, while flying and many other activities had become so common he hardly paid them a second thought. Her youthful exuberance was a breath of fresh air blowing across the monotony of gray, boring activities to which Tor had become very accustomed.

"There's much you don't know about the world, Teager. Most people take for granted the luxuries they experience on a daily basis. They forget that, for many people, flight is an exciting and thrilling adventure." The ascent into the sky was smooth for a take-off, lacking any significant turbulence, for the day was clear and quiet for a change.

Knowing that it was going to be a long flight, Tor leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. He doubted he would actually sleep, given the rate and which Teager could talk, as well as the duration. Her continuous chattering made it impossible to sleep, but it did feel good to rest his eyes and relax his body.

"Nudge me when they come by the the drink cart. I want a Coke."

Teager did nothing but talk since the moment they took off. She spoke about what she saw, how excited it made her feel, and a variety of other things. Even though they were high in the air, and there was ocean below them, it seemed like she was being taken from all of her problems. Her fear was left behind in their home land.

She noticed a few moments later that Tor was nearly asleep, and she quieted her voice. The young Were couldn't seem to pull her eyes off of him. The stewardess came by, effectively drawing her attention away from the older male, and she grinned, motioning to whisper. "He wants a Coke, please."

"What about you? Anything?"

"Coffee, please." Teager didn't want to sleep. Though her exhaustion was clearly visible on her face, she didn't want to miss a single second of it... or of being able to watch Tor. He looked so peaceful, and she didn't want to disturb him. After the drinks had been put in front of them, and the woman walked away, the young girl felt her heart jump, thoughts pushing forward in her head. When would be the next time she would see him like this? Probably never. Teager would never again get this opportunity, and she was going to take full advantage of it.

Sitting back in her chair, she hesitantly glanced at him just to make sure he was asleep, or close to. With a blush high on her cheeks, she reached for his hand, but stopped, feeling her heart pounding in her chest like it was going to burst. It was at that moment that there was a bit of turbulance, and instinctivelt she grabbed his hand in her own, her eyes darting out the window. When she realized what she had done, her eyes widened a fraction, but she did not let go of his hand; she just sat there, glancing out the window as if nothing was wrong. Though her heart wouldn't calm down, and her cheeks were bright red.

It was no secret in their clan that Teager was a talker, and an obnoxious one at that. Most people found her ranting to be wearisome and highly annoying. Sometimes Tor did as well, but only when her off-topic tangents derailed an entire lesson or distracted the other Pups what what he was trying to teach them. There, however, on that plane, her voice was a comfort. Having to leave Julia behind while he undertook that journey had left him with a strong feeling of guilt, a feeling deepened more by his appreciation for Teager's presence.

With the Pup he felt something he'd never felt before, a strange sensation that left him feeling odd when he left her behind to undertake a mission. He had specifically not taken her on hunts, for despite her strength and skill, she was still learning, and if something had happened to her, he would never have forgiven himself.

As he slept next to her, Tor's dreams were more involved than ever before. He dreamed every night, vividly, but that particular nap brought a level of clarity and realism to the table the likes of which he'd never before seen. He stood upon a cliff, overlooking their territory just as the moon began to rise up in the east, its face red like blood. He could hear the howls of his clan just below the rise, mixed with the sounds of padding paws as they crept up the rock next to him.

One set was heavy and strong, belonging to an adult female he could only picture as his mate, while several small pups follow behind her, newborns who'd yet to find their voice. He felt no shock or surprise when he identified the female, not as Julia, but as Teager, with a curious and mischievous smile on her canine face.

"Teager..." he moaned, quiet as a whisper. In the real world his hands closed around hers gently. Tor shifted a bit toward her, and rested his face against her shoulder. Though he knew not what he was really doing, the closeness to Teager, the touch of he skin against his, brought him peace and comfort.

Was Tor awake? Teager did not move a single muscle in her body, just glancing over with her eyes. He had shifted in his sleep and his head now lay on her shoulder. If the plane crashed, she would have died the happiest pup on earth. His fingers squeezed hers, her heart going a mile a minute, and he whispered her name. Why? He must've been dreaming, but what about?

Curious, but afraid to move lest she woke him up, Teager stared out the window, time seeming to go by so slowly. His hand felt warm in her's, and though she knew it was wrong, she wished it were like that all the time. But it couldnt. Tor had Jackie, or whatever her name was. He had his mate, and it was for the best that it wasn't her. Iorek had removed her from his pack, and while it would have been nice for her to have Tor by her side, would he leave to be with her?

A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she turned her head to look at her unrequited love, a longing look in her eyes. What she wouldn't give to have him. Deciding to revel in the moment, and hold of to him for as long as she could, Teager relaxed against him leaving her dark thoughts behind. She would never again have Tor all to herself, she wanted to take advantage of this time.

Tor's fatigue had caught up to him while he napped on that plane, causing him to sleep for most of the trip. While he did not wake up, he did occasionally change positions, even burying his face in Teager's neck at one point. Had he known what he was doing, he would have chastised himself vigorously. But he didn't know, so he didn't.

When finally he did begin to stir, it was slow and peaceful, not the sudden jarring that usually happened when the plane his a large pocket of turbulence. His body was awake before the rest of his senses came back. Tor stretched his arms out high, groaning as he worked the sleep from his muscles as he started to sit up.

"mmm... morning baby," he murmured, his eyes still closed. Whatever dreams he had while he rested on Teager's shoulder, they were pleasant and very happy. The rest of him finally started to perk up, and for a moment, he felt a flash of heat in his cheeks and ears.

"Oh, uhm... hey Teager. Sorry if I talk in my sleep. I do that sometimes..." Clearing his throat, Tor tried to busy his hands, as he didn't really know what else to say. If she knew that he actually had feelings for him, she would rebuke him for betraying Ju.. juuuuuulIA! Julia, yeah, that's her name. Julia.

'Oh gods... i'm in so much trouble...'

Teager felt her heart stop for a fraction of a second before it began to beat a million miles an hour. Her cheeks were bright red, but luckily she had been gazing out the window when he spoke. Taking a slow, steady breath, she calmed herself, then turned to look at him, a wide mischievous grin on her face.

"Baby, hm? I wonder who was having good dreams~" She purred teasingly with a laugh. The young pup had to contain herself or she might give away how she felt for him, and that could not, absolutely, definitely not happen. Her cheeks, however, were still tinted pink, but that could have been a result of her excitement or own exhaustion since she had not slept in nearly 48 hours.

"I got your Coke, but didn't want to wake you up. Pilot just said we are about thirty minutes out so if you want to close your eyes for another minute or so..." She trailed off and wiggled her eyebrows, stifling another laugh, trying to seem like she wasn't about to die from happiness.

For that whole flight she had gotten the love of her immortal life all to herself. And she had loved it. There wasn't much that could bring her down at that point, and in the back of her mind, Teager wished they could have stayed on that flight forever.

"Oh, thanks." Tor's face was warm under the skin, as were his ears. But despite his embarrassment, it seemed that Teager wasn't terribly put out by the fact that he had been sleeping on her shoulder. He had to admit that it was a wonderfully comfortable shoulder on which to rest his head, and though there was a woman waiting for him to return home, he did not want to lay on her shoulder. He wanted Teager's.

Letting the Coke sit a while longer, Tor shifted and laid his head back on her shoulder, closing his eyes contently. "I was having good dreams. Very good. But I won't bore you with the details." In truth the details were not boring at all, but very very interesting. If he told her what they were, he was convinced that Teager would literally die from embarrassment.

"Maybe just another few minutes."

It was longer than a few minutes. It was the rest of the way there, till the wheels touched the ground, and he didn't sleep during that time at all.

Teager didn't expect Tor to actually lay down on her again, but she was ecstatic that he had, though she didn't show it. It was lucky for her that they were close to landing as she could blame her rapidly beating heart on the fact that she was excited. Even though he hadn't meant it he had called her baby, and had even said her name in his sleep. Thoughts raved through her mind, and she had to scold herself for letting her mind wander out of control. Logically he had to have been dreaming about reprimanding her, it was the only explanation.

When the wheels touched down she watched out the window as they landed on the tarmac, turning slowly into their terminal. She watched people move around them directing the plane. There were so many people, and it looked so busy.  It was so completely different than what she was used to; it was amazing.

The young pup wanted to express her excitement, but Tor was sleeping again and she didn't want to disturb him. She turned her gaze to him, a soft smile falling across her face as she watched him. Her desire for him swelled inside her chest, and for a moment she held onto that, but then quickly squashed it. Teager couldn't let herself feel that, or she'd open herself up to being hurt. Again.

Tor could feel the girl's gaze on him, even if for just a moment. Perhaps she thought he had been asleep, but he was very much aware of what was happening. In his mind he didn't feel as if he were doing anything wrong. He had seen members of his own pack laying on each other, fully clothed and completely innocent before. It was done between blood relatives and good friends. So what if he laid his head on her shoulder. So what if she laid her head in his lap. They weren't doing anything wrong.

Soon though, the moment had to end. Tor sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and neglecting to let her know that he had been awake for so long. "Oh, we're here," he said groggily as he looked at his surroundings. People were starting to stretch out and grab their bags from the overhead compartments. Being closer to the front of the plain, Tor knew they would be moving momentarily, so he started to assemble their belongings.

"You really should have slept, you know. It's going to be a bit before you get another real opportunity. The rest of the trip is pretty short, then it's straight to work. You won't get another chance to sleep until tonight." Tor's tone was authoritative, but not harsh or admonishing. He spoke softly, as a mentor, friend, and perhaps even the way a mate would speak to their Other. There was no reason to be mean.

"I know," Teager chewed her lip sheepishly. "I was just so excited I don't think I could have slept even if I tried." She did not tell what, exactly, she had been excited about. That him laying on her and holding her hand had caused her to remain awake the majority of the trip. He would never know that.

"I can stay awake until tonight, I'm still real excited about it." She grinned, and continued chatting even as they began to leave the aircraft, telling Tor all about the flight over. The things she had seen and how amazing it was to see the world from the air. Even if he had seen it before, it was exciting to her and she had to tell someone.

"Do you know what we will be doing here? Aside from looking for the Envoy, I mean." That last part she whispered to him, not sure who might have been listening and not wanting to give anything away. Teager knew her constant chatter could be annoying, but she had to keep herself talking or she would fall silent and think about things that could never be.

"No, the details were not very clear. But when we get there, we'll meet with the council first. We must introduce ourselves when entering someone else's home." Tor's voice was hushed significantly, knowing he did not have to speak very loudly for her to hear. The people that rush by didn't pay them any special attention, choosing instead to keep to themselves or continue their conversations elsewhere. Though it was normal for a human to subconsciously move away from a Were or a Vampire, Tor would not bring his guard down.

The rest of the trip was very unremarkable. There were not interesting sights to see, and clouds had moved in so visibility was reduced. A bit of light conversation accompanied the two as they soared toward Juno. Tor did not sleep, but took an interest in conversing with Teager. The pup may have been annoyingly talkative at times, but there was something kind of endearing about it. Tor had noticed that she used a different tone of voice when it was just the two of them, but never spoke of it.

By the time their car pulled up to the Coven, it was evening time. It was impossible to tell exactly what time it was, since the whole northern part of the world was cloaked in perpetual darkness. It was a nice building, antique in appearance but pristine in its restoration. There were gargoyles on the corners of the roof, and a pair of large stone lions flanking the front stairs.

Tor stopped to admire the architecture of the structure. A great bit of detail and care had been put into it's construction, hard work which he could appreciate and could see easily that it was well maintained.

"Now while we're here, you need to be on your best behavior. Don't start talking up a storm. I don't want to be in here all night, so anything we can do to make this as brief as possible without being rude, we'll do. Then we can eat and get settled in. Got it?"

"I won't speak unless spoken to without being rude.  I can follow the rules. " Teager felt a chill run through her whole body as she gazed at the towering structure.  This was a Coven.  It was going to be swarming with the undead,  and her heart began to pound.  Her only experience with one of their kind had torn into her brother mercilessly, and for no reason.  But that was from her home,  they weren't home now.  This coven had requested for them to come.  They weren't going to attack them,  they were hoping for peace between the species.  She just had to remember that. 

Sticking closely to Tor,  Teager examined everything without giving away that she was noting everything. Being a pup this was her first real experience going out on a mission or hunt. Mason and Tor had never taken her with them and she could never figure out why. She was skilled, and a good tracker. Mason told her it was because she wasn't ready, but she knew there was another reason. Teager could follow direction when she needed to, and when the situation called for it, but still they would take others over her. Teager had never had the opportunity to show them what she could do, or how capable she really was, and she was determined to prove to him that she was better than they thought.

She was also determined to make Iorek regret what he had done. When Tor returned to the pack and told what Teager had done and accomplished, he would regret forcing her out of her home. But she would not return to them. Even if Iorek admitted his mistake. She refused to return to a pack that didn't want her, the only one that would miss her was Mason anyway, and he would eventually forget her and move on. They always did.

Tor lead the pup up the stairs and beat on the door with the brass knocker. A set of double doors received their rapping, the sound able to be heard through the thick oak as it echoed in the entry way. After several seconds, the lock slid back and the door was opened, revealing a nicely dressed gentleman, whose pale complexion mirrored the face of the moon on the clearest of nights.

"I am Tor, and this is Teager, representing Alpha Iorek and the Graymane Clan. We are expected." Tor's voice had flipped from his last conversation with Teager, still polite but with a firmness similar to the edge of the iron blade attached to an old plow. It was not sharp, but it could certainly cut through the toughest of intimidation tactics. He would not show fear in the face of the Were's centuries-old enemy. He stood tall and proudly, his physique silhouetted by the lights behind him.

"Of course, this way please." The vampire let both of the wolves enter, closing the door quietly and locking it behind them. "Welcome to Juno. I trust your trip here was uneventful?" It was clear that the bloodsucker escorting them was not young, nor was he rash or rude. In fact his manners were impeccable, well refined, with an air of respect that Tor was not accustomed to seeing, living primarily the tribal life of his pack.

"It was fine, thank you."

"And you, young miss. Are you enjoying the scenery so far? I could not help but notice how wide your eyes were when you came to our door." The trio continued to walk as they spoke, passing down a long corridor and into the study, a relatively large room filled with books. On the western wall was a fireplace, flames dancing atop the wooden logs. Against the north wall was a fine antique desk, behind which there was no one.

"My Master apologizes for her tardiness. She received some unexpected news that required her immediate attention. She will be right with you. May I offer you some refreshments while you wait?"

Teager stood with the same posture as Tor, though she was not nearly as intimidating in stature. She remained silent until the vampire leading them down the hall spoke to her directly. This creature was not at all like the one she had encountered in her home, and it reassured her somewhat.

"I was admiring the structure of your home, and the land around it. It is different than I am used to, but I find I do enjoy it." Her tone was vastly different from how she usually spoke. Despite her unease being around the undead she remained respectful and courteous, though there was a hint of curiosity.

Remaining glued to Tors side, she glanced around the room, this time a bit more onviously. Apparently the old ones lived more lavishly than she was used to seeing. Not that her own kind lived in squalor, or were too poor to live that way, they just preferred alternative living styles. It was interesting to her, and new things excited her. As promised, however, she kept her excitement to herself until such a time when she would have been able to express it to her companion.

"I'm very glad you approve. We do strive to keep the grounds held to the highest of standards." The well-dressed, nameless vampire continued to make small talk, bringing attention to the various features of the room, including the hand-carved woodwork, multitude of rare and valuable texts, and the hearth, built from marble recovered from ancient Roman temples. Not one expense had been spared in the manor's construction, and to those with a sharp eye, close attention had been paid to every single detail.

Tor had spent most of the time listening, silently admiring his companion and her ability to reign in her wild side and actually put on a very elegant and sophisticated aura. She was, by no stretch of the imagination, stupid, but as a pup she tended to act more childishly inside the clan and out. But here, she was a lady, as if she had grown up surrounded by lavish luxury, with servants at her every command. When Tor did speak, it was to ask about the coven itself, or to the man babysitting the wolves.

After a few minutes, a new face appeared at the entryway to the study, a tall, olive-skinned woman whose long black hair fell in waves down her shoulders to the small of her back, full of volume and luster. Despite her species, it seemed that she kept her natural skin tone very well. She looked healthy, with a sensual and curvy body that did not waste any energy on extra pounds. She could have been a realistic supermodel, if it weren't for her flair for flirtatious and dangerous encounters.

"Ah, thanks you Bries for entertaining our guests. Tor, Teager, I apologize for keeping you so long. This is a revolutionary and controversial time in my leadership."

Bries bowed slightly with a small smile. "Lady Delphi," he said respectfully.

The lightbulb suddenly illuminated above Tor's head, signifying the realization to which he had just come to. "Tor, you look confused."

"Not confused, but enlightened. I was under the impression that you were a man."

"Yes," she said through a slight chuckle. "A clever rouse suggested by Bries here. It takes the focus off me so that I may conduct my affairs without the constant interference of suitors banging down my door. You must understand this, Teager. Surely your beauty has befuddled many of the wolves in your clan." There was absolutely no sarcasm in the woman's voice. Her eyes had noted the pup's natural beauty, needing no makeup or alterations to make her stand out.

"Don't let her out of your sight, Tor, or she may just be snatched away and never returned." Again she smiled, but this time a little more seductively, as if she were tempting not just Tor, but Teager as well.

As the woman spoke Teager felt her cheeks grow warm, and a small sheepish smile spread across her lips. "No, ma'am. My looks aren't usually what the others in my clan notice about me." She did not elaborate further, though she had to admit this woman was alluring. Her gaze was piercing, her words seductive. She was absolutely stunning to look at, and unless you had the keen sense of a supernatural no one would know she was a creature of the night.

Teager did not, however, miss the comment about Tor holding onto her lest she slip away. If only Delphi knew. Tor wasn't hers, he never would be, and she was already slipping away. This was the first, and only, mission she would go on with him. But she couldn't dwell on that now. It was depressing, and she had to be elegant and proper now, not a saddened, heartbroken pup.

With a smile, the vampire waved her hand. "Oh no, my dear, you mustn't discredit your looks so quickly. Believe me, you are a stunning creature. I certainly would not kick you out of my bed." Delphi winked in her direction, then smiled in Tor's. It was clear to him what she was doing, but he wondered if Teager's pup-like innocence would allow her to catch on.

"Lady Dephi," Tor began. "I hate to be the one to bring it up, but we must discuss what happened with the Envoy and how we plan to remedy the situation. Ieoric does not desire to see such a sincere attempt at peace slip through the cracks."

Delphi nodded, the smile on her lips slowly fading until her expression became passive and nonchalant. "Very well. Here is what we know." Just then the table that sat between the two wolves and Delphi began to change shape, the surface becoming jagged and spiked all over. When the transformation was complete, the top of the table had become a topographical map.

"The Envoy and escorts were meant to be delivered to us two weeks ago but never made it. We believe they were ambushed here." Delphi touches a part of the now-tangible map, which created a small yellow beacon to easily find the site of the injury. "We don't yet know who is responsible, but that is where you come in."

Tor nodded his understanding. "So we should start at the last known location. We'll see if there were any witnesses, but i doubt there were any. If they made it that far, we'll be able to track them. You just happen to have the two best trackers in our entire clan."

Delphi smiled again. All in all she was a pleasant woman, much different from the last set of neck biters he'd encountered. The woman stood, her eyes focused on both the Weres. "So I have heard. Your reputation is flawless, but I believe this will put you to the test. But tonight, you must rest. I see the fatigue in your eyes. I want you to be fresh and ready to go... times are unpredictable. I've arranged for you to stay nearby. There is a small house I normally rent, but i'm afraid they were not punctual with their payments." Delphi licked her lips, remembering the taste of their crimson essence in her mouth.

"You may stay there as long as you need."

Again, the wolf pup felt her face grow warm, a deep crimson hue highlighting her cheeks. She had to admit the woman before them was very alluring, and had she been a human there was no doubt she would have been caught in her web.

Thankful for the switch in conversation topic, she paid close attention to the map, and the last known location of the Envoy. They had gone over the details, and when it was finally over, she realized how tired she really was. Teager had to stifle a yawn, taking great care to not be rude. Instead of remarking on the almost creepy way the woman spoke of the previous tenants of the house they'd be staying in, she smiled.

"We greatly appreciate your hospitality, ma'am, thank you."

Again Delphi smiled, her toothy grin frightening to some but friendly nonetheless. "Oh no, it is I who thank you. Your willingness to aid our mission for peace brings warmth to my cold heart." If there were such a thing as a friendly and polite hunter outside of a Disney special, Delphi would be the embodiment of that image. She seemed to be as gentle as princess, as seductive as a succubus, and terrifying as a lioness protecting her cubs. Tor did not want to cross her. Ever.

After another bow and a than you, Tor turned toward Bries and allowed the vampire to escort them out, who continued to make small talk with the pair of wolves on the way to their arranged lodging. Tor kept him engaged enough that there was not a dull moment, or break in their conversation so there was no awkward silence. There was a break, eventually, which Tor used as time to converse with Teager.

"Well Delphi seems nice. A hospitable host. What do you think?"

"I like her. She is not at all like I thought she'd be." Teager grinned over at Tor, her thoughts on the woman. "You can tell that she cares a lot about the Envoy and getting that peace for her kind. It's admirable."

Her first impression of the vampire leader had surprised her.  Never having thought she'd like their race at all, given her first experience with the children of the darkness, Teager was pleasantly surprised.  "Her passion to achieve that really makes me want to help her."

The end of their journey could not have come soon enough.  Teager was finding it incredibly difficult to keep herself awake and aware enough to function.  Her exhaustion was beginning to wear her down, body slow and sluggish. All she wanted to do, in that moment, was to lie down in a bed, and close her eyes.