A harsh, bloody cough had made its home within Erik’s lungs. Blame the damp. Blame the fact it never got truly cold or dry here, so the boy always felt like he was stewing in his own wet breath. The damp made his condition worse, that of his sister as well. The adults had been whispering in languages they were pretty sure Erik couldn’t understand. Not quite a boy, not quite a man— Erik has always been a secret, worse, third thing. This is no different.

Black mood settling thickly around his shoulders, Erik doesn’t even try to fight it off. Instead he wanders from the Oaks and on into the woods. Brilliant orange gaze cutting through the trees, the sound of rain on the leaves enough to mask his footsteps.

The day was foggy and dreary. Erik finds it suitable, even if his throat ached. Same as always. Casting a long shadow through the dim light, the viking bastard was content to explore.

"Speech"

Bellatrix Ravenwood

The day had started like any other, wet and dreary but still a day to find something to do. She'd started with breakfast and moved onto checking in on Frank. Then she'd made to find Blind, knowing the fox was around somewhere. Why she still needed a babysitter she wasn't sure, but she wasn't going to argue with her fathers, that was unbecoming of a princess to do.

After she had coerced the fox into following her she made for the woods. They weren't far from Norad so it wouldn't be an issue. She really wanted to see if she could find some stuff to work on a dagger with. She'd seen Beauregard wield a sword, and figured she could make something similar but more her size. Beauregard couldn't baby her forever especially if she had ways to protect herself.

She was padding around, flipping rocks over and trying to judge them for metalwork when she spotted someone else. His pelt was like it was kissed by fire and she found herself putting on a friendly smile and turning in his direction. He smelled of another pack! He could be her friend in a pack she didn't know about! It was important to have them after all.

She bounded up to walk beside him before she spoke. "Hi there! I'm Bellatrix Ravenwood, Regium of Norad, or princess if you dont know what a Regium is." she turned her smile to him and her tail wagged happily behind her.

"Talk"
Say come on and show the world who you really are

Throat aching, heart aching, he stalks through the woods. Burning gaze curious and searching, hackles remaining up. It gives him the impression of being larger, casting a longer shadow. Erik would take all the help he could get in that department. Undercurrent menacing enough to match his mood, the boy cuts through the weird, misty fog with a starving curiosity.

At once, the peace of the afternoon shatters around him. Erik's ears flattened back against his head, gaze pulling down into a scowl. Something about her reminded him of Delphi, though her voice and colors were jarring in a way that his sort-of sister's weren't. He does his best not to grumble, not to roll his eyes. Though Erik's posture remained non-aggressive, the viking bastard gave an annoyed flick of his tail.

"You're very loud." Speech crackled and rumbling, the iron-rich scent of blood thick on his breath. So the wet season wet, for both Erik and his sister. Though most of the damage is less evident at first glance, it's damage all the same. Norad... his ears flicker back forward. His father had come to Tojo-kai with news of their recent raid. He'd keep that to himself, though. "Erik Archer." The greeting was stiff, and Erik's voice never did even out. Remaining gravelly and rough, the more the boy spoke, the more he smelled of blood. He could taste it, feel it as it began to color his teeth as well. Visible when he speaks, though his gaze remained trained on the woods around them.

"Speech"

She cocks her head as he claims she is loud. Her eyes on him fully, giving him her full attention. She glances the crystals in his neck but refuses to acknowledge them as weird. It would be rude to do so. She is anything but rude. She moves her eyes to his eyes as she readjusts herself to ensure she keeps up with the larger boys strides and longer legs.

She guessed she could be loud, if u included the other meanings of the words. Her smile doesn't falter though. He gives her his name, and she grins up at him though her grin falls as she sees his mouth. Theres blood. She aims to try to stop him moving now, a paw aiming for as high as she can reach on him(about mid leg). "You're bleeding... are you okay? My home isn't far if you need a healer." concern for the other lacing her voice. Bleeding was usually a sighn of being hurt and she couldn't let him be hurt, even if she only just met him.

"Speech!"

Art & Code by Rex 2023

Blood coating his teeth, resting in his mouth, threatening to slide free and drip down the corners of his mouth but oh not quite yet. Orange eyes blazing as they flick from the landscape back to the girl, remaining on edge. Alert. He'd be a fool to think they were the only ones out here, he'd be a fool to think he's safe. There'd be no fun, no excitement in being out here, if it was all safe.

Smile finally slipping off her maw when her gaze hits it, Erik is caught off guard as she reaches for him. Trying to touch the boy, trying to keep him in place. Making a wounded animal feel cornered was always a mistake. If she wanted to fuck around, he supposed she'd find out. Wearing his savagery like a crown, it's the only one he needs.

A reactive boy snapping to life in an instant, he rounds on her. Teeth gnashing, Erik strikes out and doesn't stop. His intent is to sink those still-bloody teeth into her cheek. A snarl rips free of his throat, wet and ragged around the edges. Every breath brought about by a wet rattling, the scent of blood thick in the air. If he gets his way, Erik will not be the only one bleeding now.

"Speech"

Erik vs Bellatrix for maim (cheek scarring)
Round 1/?
Age: over 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Mutation 1: Neck crystals - Defensive
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Hunter
*using the amethyst mask from wicked ooc

I don't care, go on and tear me apart She expected the other to do anything but turn on her with intent to harm her when she had shown him genuine care and concern with his bleeding mouth. Its perplexing but she has little time to think. She reacts as he comes at her, ducking and pinning her ears. Her eyes narrow and she turns counterclockwise attempting to leap back and away from him. Her hackles raise. Is he crazy?! She had thought they could be friends... and that he needed help with his mouth bleeding. Her eyes narrow on him. Does he know the picture he is painting of his pack? That they are a bunch of insane barbarians. She is even more surprised as Frank comes Barreling in, antlers down and intent to knock the boy over and away from her. How the reindeer knew she was in trouble she would never know. She was thankful for his help though. Walk, "Talk", Think I don't care if you do

Bellatrix vs Erik for self defense
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Toy size
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Dagger
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Vest
Companion 1: Reindeer, Male, Battle
Mutation 1: Rhino Horn (Offensive)
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty: none

And the winner is...

BELLATRIX

Due to not posting within the time limit, ERIK loses by default. They must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Bellatrix successfully defends herself and Erik's maim attempt fails.

Such a heavenly view She was able to get away and she barked at frank as she ran. Bicolored eyes were turned on the boy as she slid to a stop to make sure Frank was able to get out. "Jeez i was just trying to help you out." she turned as soon as frank was away. Her mind filing away the other's face for future reference. He was obviously a big guy who didn't like help. She began dashing for Norad borders. Her dad didn't need to know about this though unless he came to their borders seeking asylum. -exit- Walk, "Talk", Think

_{Art by Asena}