he didn't exactly hope for anything in life outside of his continual survival. this little festival seemed amusing, and so he threw his name into the bunch with the lot of desperate men and women looking to find their one. or two. or more. y'know, he didn't judge. the more the merrier. Hemlock sat alone, slightly entertained by all the wolves walking about finding their random matches and going off alone together. the falls was a large place, and he thought it'd be fun to explore them when there was less foot-traffic. he hadn't been told his partner's name. he told the woman running it to tell his partner his name. but he wanted it to be a complete surprise for him. who knows, he may have met the other wolf before coming to Auster. it would ruin the fun. his fun, that is. Hemlock supposed he could wait until everyone else found their matches and guess the remaining wolf was for him... but that wasn't fun either. though it did amuse him when his eyes focused entirely on the water's surface, did he pick up the scent of someone he did happen to know? Deathbelle. one of the wolves he had met so far in this realm. his tail flicked in greeting to the woman if she was close enough, but Hemlock also knew that there was a chance she was not his partner. he wouldn't speak to her unless she spoke first, to confirm or deny such things. for now, he merely waited by the water's edge.

Honestly she hadn’t intended to appear at this.. event at all. She needed to be with her children while they mourned the loss of Archon. A fact that still pained her deeply, she wasn’t ‘over’ losing her beloved. She’d lost a bet though, and followed reluctantly after Hela. Her mood hadn’t improved when she arrived, and for a moment had debated about turning around and going home. However, the first one she matched with was a name she recognized. At least she would be eased in with a friendly face. He knew enough not to try anything funny with her.

”Hemlock,” she said solemnly as dainty paws carried her to the water’s edge beside him. Deathbelle didn’t want to bring the party down, so tried to wear the hint of a smile as she struggled through her emotions. ”I suppose I should have figured you were a bachelor when you said you’d been alone for a year.” She mused softly, eyes shifting to the clear water as she gracefully dipped a paw.

it seemed every time they were destined to meet he would laugh at her little jokes. Deathbelle sat near him, confirming his suspicions they had been paired up for this lovely event. at least he would start with a fun one. true, he hadn't entered Boreas with anyone, let alone for anyone else. "bachelor or taken... either way, it'll make a lot of girls cry, I'm sure" Hemlock said smoothly, rolling his shoulders. if he was available - which he was - then the women may fight about becoming his singular partner. leads to crying. but if he was taken by a lovely lady, it would make the others potentially cry about his status. he couldn't exactly see a happy route. due to tact, he wouldn't admit to her he'd been with other women over the course of his travels. Hemlock just didn't consider them worth mentioning or proclaiming he hadn't been with them other than a quick fling. "but that's getting ahead of myself" he admitted with an arched brow as he looked toward the empress "I suppose I should start by asking some questions" he grinned, recalling the instructions he had been given. shifting his body to face her, he'd take in her lovely visage before launching into the hardest part. getting to know a pretty lady without some intention backing it. "so, Deathbelle Klein. Empress of Ashen... where were you born?"

She had no doubt, not that it was proper to give such thoughts any time, that Hemlock had tested the waters of romance. He was a charmer, obvious even in his subtle flirting. Belle wasn’t ready to return such efforts, her heart hurt too much, but the motions were appreciated. She raised a brow as he mentioned getting ahead of himself, but she made no comment as asked the first question in their ‘blind date.’

His confidence spoke more words than he said, and Belle respected that quality in him. She tried to hold herself similarly, but she was a stark contrast to the previous festival she made attendance to. ”A land far from here, to my father’s empire.” She told him briefly, not having much of an answer. ”We were plagued with drought and many of my kin fell before we made the move in ones and twos to this land.” She added before her gaze found his face hesitantly.

”What do you want to gain most from this festival?” She asked back, ivory tail swishing around her coiled haunches. Deathbelle held herself together well enough so far, and her wavering emotions failed to show in her words.

so she was some sort of noble lady. well, it made sense. some wolves did carry themselves with overflowing confidence (like him) but with a sense of privilege that they often didn't deserve. Deathbelle could be bullshitting him. she could be lying, but he didn't think she was. there was no reason to lie in a casual setting such as this. he nodded, making a note within his head. she was a foreigner, like him. "and then you come here, where there is a volcanic eruption..." he mused, thinking these Kleins couldn't catch a break. her question was fair though. "I may let you down with my reply" Hemlock replied in a more serious tone. he wasn't here to have a quick fling or two, though he wouldn't say no to that "all I truly wanted was to meet new people, exchange stories, gain alliances. but also... I mentioned I was looking for my sister, yes? I merely felt this was a good place to start." all these different wolves in one setting was an acceptable start to his search for Twig. they came from all backgrounds and all different packs. surely one of them saw her. he could only hope. he was also a very social creature, and such festivals were a great love of his. "do you have any siblings?" if she did, she would understand his need to see Twig again. to make sure his littermate was safe.

”Among other natural and wolves made disasters.” She added, giving him a taste of the trials that the Kleins had been through since her father's death. She dismissed the tragic thoughts, knowing grief was like knowing herself. There was always loss to mourne. Her parents, her sister, her husband… Deathbelle suppressed a heavy sigh as she focused on Hemlock and his answer. She wasn’t here for any reason beyond the debt of a bet. She wasn’t ready for anything serious, and even less ready for something casual. Though the thought of having a warm body beside her for the night…

She banished the thought. She wanted Archon, not a stranger to act as a surrogate pair of arms. ”Yes, you mentioned your sister.” She affirmed softly as he explained looking here was as good a place as any to start looking. ”I have many, most of them reside within my pack.” For now, until Hannibal returned to raise the second pillar in the Klein Empire.

Deathbelle paused and looked Hemlock over once again, her lilac gaze unabashed as she took in his attractive markings and handsome face. ”Have you ever fallen in love?” This question was a bit more bold, but Deathbelle had little to lose in this game.

"ah, well" Hemlock chuckled "they say suffering builds character." whatever the pack or its members endured so far was beyond the taste she had given him. the man was quite sure it'd continue to endure though. unless someone challenged Deathbelle for her crown or she passed it along to an heir... however packs are run in this land. he wasn't sure if each community had their own thing, or it was a universal understanding. perhaps he'd ask someone later. for now, he should focus entirely on his 'date'. her question didn't make him pause or stumble as some men would have. he calmly turned to her, raising a brow before a shake of the head. "no" that is to say he'd not fall in love eventually, but as of right now he had no formal plans to do so. "I had traveled too long, went to different lands briefly... no women would want a vagabond" because women liked to settle typically, build lives with their chosen mate and have children. Hemlock felt restless. "I suppose you could say I haven't met the right woman yet." he added. it was his turn to ask a question now, but judging by her bold one he guessed she had a lot more on her mind about the manner. Hemlock recalled her controlled sobs and her whirlwind of emotions. it hit him suddenly that she may have lost someone she loved. "have you? been in love?" he dared ask, though his tone was less bold and softer. his eyes focused entirely on her delicate face, noticing how weary she seemed despite a strong front. he both respected her and felt sorry for her.

She didn’t chuckle at his statement, the Klein family had been through too much tragedy for that. The emotions were still too raw and the hurt far too real for her to accept the light of the events that transpired in the past. She ignored it and perked her ears as he answered the question without hesitation. No. A rather unexpected answer in honesty. Hemlock was a handsome man, but he explained why he’d been so single. He was a wanderer and there weren’t many she wolves who shared that love of freedom.

Deathbelle was not one of them. She was a pampered princess, and enjoyed having her creature comforts, servants to do her bidding, a kingdom at her paws. Of course his return question reflected her own, and her mind was forced to shift suddenly from her privileged life to the loss she was suffering. Archon was dead. The Empress watched, over and over again with her nightmares, her beloved fall into the inescapable heat of the volcano. Belle’s gaze grew distant as she avoided Hemlock’s eyes. His words had been soft and cautious, and she tried to tell herself he knew not what she was going through.

”Yes.” She answered simply at first, her emotions lingering behind her watery eyes as she debated her words. How to explain herself while also keeping control of the volatile emotions beneath? She’d not told anyone but Zee and Sirius of her love for him, and doing so had also ended in heartbreak. Could she say that she was in love with Hannibal? ”I was even married recently, but…” Her gaze was forced to the east and the huge pillars of smoke and ash that still clung to the sky. Archon.

She felt tears fill her eyes again and she lowered her head to shake the emotion from herself. This was no pity party and she wished not to indulge her sadness, but the question begged an answer and that’s what Hemlock received. She aimed to gain control of herself, but couldn’t recover enough to offer her next question of him. Tears welled up into her lilac gaze and Belle stood up to look away from her ‘date.’ ”Excuse me.” She managed to whimper as dainty aws were brought up to wipe her watery eyes.

peehaps it was in poor taste to joke about the sufferings of others, but Hemlock did not know them personally. he barely knew Deathbelle, and she was the only Klein he had ever spoken to. he shifted on the ground, rolling his rear briefly as he thought of what to say. though she hadn't been angry with him, there was clear disappointment. he was ever the gentleman though, apologizing to a woman if he irked her. frankly, he did care what opinion the empress had of him and didn't set out to make her upset. "jest aside - your people sound strong. too strong to care what a lowly vagabond says about them" he added in with a more genunine emotion. her emotions once again threw him for a loop. as she practically cried in front of him, Hemlock frowned and resisted placing a reassuring paw on her shoulder. "you came to this event after losing your spouse" he said, stating, at last. looking directly at her after she avoided his gaze. his head shook as if clearing himself of a bad memory. "it isn't my business what you do in the end and you may not want my opinion but... do not force yourself, Deathbelle" he said gently "loss is a hard subject. we all take time to heal in our own ways. just... remember that. honor your spouse. mourn them in your own way." his grin returned as he smirked. "and if anyone has a problem with that, I know you are quite fond of using your teeth." he gestured to his still-healing limb, hoping to draw her mind away from her sorrows if only for a moment. to remind her she was still a strong leader, and capable. even if she felt like she was doubled over from a punch in the gut.

He seemed to realize his infraction as he spoke softly and corrected himself about her family. Maybe it would have been amusing in a few years, but Belle wasn’t ready for it and Hemlock seemed to sense that as he assured her and spoke of his lowly position. She sighed softly and nodded just as gently while he continued.

The truth of her distress came out, and he spoke the truth. She had lost her husband and it was destroying her inside. She tried to put up a good front, but it was harder when they were speaking about him. Hemlock tried to assure her with his words, that she should take all the time she needed to mourn her lost love. Her husband and father of her children. Losing Archon hurt more than she could have imagined, and his missing presence was a black hold of misery.

Lilac gaze was forced to return to Hemlock and his amused smirk as he spoke about his experience with her teeth. She tried to force a smile but its authenticity was questionable with the tears still lingering in her eyes. ”I have little intention of forcing myself along,” she replied softly, her voice a little stronger than before. ”I’ve lost a bet, and that’s the real reason I’m here today. I did not intend to invoke his memory.” It was almost an apology for crying in front of him when they should have been enjoying their blind date. ”Our time is coming to a close, what else should I know about you, Hemlock?” She asked while removing a last tear from her cheek. She had to welcome the distraction, dwelling on Archon was too painful.

personally, he felt losing a bet and being forced to come along to this event was a bit cruel considering the circumstances of her loss. but he kept that to himself, giving a conversational nod to the woman. Deathbelle spoke her words and he listened to her intently, only to muse when she asked more about him. Hemlock pondered this before smiling. "just that I enjoy your company" perhaps what the woman needed above all right now was a friend "in a not, obviously, creepy or untoward way." he added in with a chuckle. Hemlock was a lot of things, but he wasn't about to try and snipe her heart when she was grieving her own. he considered her a friend, the very first he had in these lands. though she was quite lovely to look at and easy on the eyes (and ears), he was not a cruel man. "I only hope to have more conversations with you in the future" he replied honestly "perhaps we can do something more interesting when you are not busy. a hunt or gathering herbs for your craft..." if she gathered herbs, he could help haul them back to Ashen, for instance. he didn't mind.

Though her emotions were still a wreck Deathbelle managed a chuckle as he joked about his intentions. He enjoyed her company, but made sure to add on that it was thus far completely platonic. A fact that Belle appreciated. She didn’t want to think of the future without Archon and wouldn’t entertain another life partner for a long time. Hemlock’s presence was a gentle balm to the usual duties Deathbelle had to keep in mind when around her family and pack. She owed absolutely nothing to him, and that kind of relaxation around anyone was rare. He seemed trustworthy, and Belle could look forward to spending her time with him in the future.

”I couldn’t agree more, I look forward to our next visit. He didn’t ask a question back, but suggested he would happily accompany her in gathering her herbs or hunting. Either would be difficult with the current weather and disaster, but maybe with help the woman would find her wares. ”I enjoy your presence as well, Hemlock. I look forward to reuniting with you in the future. Stay safe until then.” She added with a little chuckle, trying to sail on his bright mood.

good, he could continue to be there for her when she needed it. because he was not part of Ashen, she had no illusions. she could speak her mind, be strong or not. they could be allies without rank attached. Hemlock was a free wolf, and he would not join a pack on a whim. he needed a reason, especially since Twig was still missing and he feared the worst. however quaint this distraction had been, he needed to find her. the man spotted the greenette (the host) on the edge of his vision just now. a gentle reminder that his time with Deathbelle was at its end. he would be paired with another woman and have another chance to inquire about his sister. "you as well" he rose, giving a dip of his head to the Ashen empress before leaving. "I shall come to visit again" Hemlock added as a promise, wondering if he would even be welcomed at their camp and opted to remain on the outskirts once more. he did not want to give the pack members some anxiety about his status. a rogue, a vagabond... they were not exactly allowed to come and go on pack lands as they pleased. / EXIT & END