regency au } { of whipping boys and flirtatious knights

[impetere]

Erica: [Cora and Erica aren't drunk - werewolves can't get drunk, after all - but they've drunk enough that they feel warm and flushed with excitement and the party and have thus stumbled outside to get some air and away from the other nobles for a moment. They're both laughing as they stumble to the doors of the stables and Erica makes a face as she laughs] Oh, no, they smell awful.

Cora: [feels her lady start to tug her away and she laughs as well, shaking her head] You get used to it and no one would look for us here. Come on.

Stiles: [is sitting in the corner of one of the horse stalls eating his dinner. He is holding a hold rock to his cheek to help soothe the dull ache there. When he hears the women’s voices, he puts the food down and gets up, going to press himself between the voices and Thor, hiding in the shadows since there isn't a lot of light in the stables]

Cora: [enters and stops short, Erica stumbling into her with a laugh] Do you smell that?

Erica: Horse? Yes, I smell horse.

Cora: No. Blood. [and with that the good mood from the party earlier is gone and she makes her way through the stalls. The scent is old so she can't quite distinguish if it's human or not so she's checking all the horses as she goes, but she's not going to stop until she finds it]

Stiles: [and when he hears her feet approaching, he will shift back more to stay out of sight and turn Thor a bit to block him more.]

Erica: [at the mention of blood, she drops the party attitude as well, taking more time to focus and sort out the scents. She's still new to being a wolf and doesn't have Cora's delicate nose, but eventually she picks up on the scent as well and follows her through the stables]

Cora: [is the one who finds him first however, catching his scent - new, fresh - near Thor, and her voice is gentle as she calls out] Stiles?

Stiles: [now that he can hear the voice, he recognizes it. He also knows she's not alone] You shouldn't be here, m'lady.

Cora: That is nothing new. [she's always where she's not supposed to be] Are you alright?

Stiles: [he smiles a bit, leaning against Thor to keep his face hidden and maybe just hug the horse a bit] Yes, I am fine. Just getting a bit to eat before bed.

Cora: Are you sure? [she doesn't like the way he's hiding his face, and one hand reaches out to his shoulder gently as though she wants to be sure] I thought ...

Stiles: [licks his lips, wincing a bit as the fresh scab pulls a bit] I assure you, m'lady, I am fine.

Cora: [no, that wince doesn't make her feel better, and since he doesn't flinch away from her hand, she takes another step closer, forcing him to pull away from the horse so she can really look at him] No, you're not.

Stiles: [and as she pulls him back, she would see the raw cheek from being hit and the split lip. There are a few other bruises on his arm from where he had been hit with the stallions' bridle, but they are hidden under the tunic] M'lady, please... [it's his eyes telling her not to say anything as his eyes look at the ground]

Cora: [yeah, no, too late for that. Her hand wanders up, gently tipping his chin so that the injuries were forced into the light, and just from touching him she could feel the pain he's in] Who did this to you?

Stiles: It was my fault, m'lady. The saddle slipped in the joust, causing Lord Whittemore to lose to Sir Parrish.

Cora: [her eyes widened] Did he do this to you? [okay, now she's really angry]

Stiles: [he's not going to speak ill of his master, and just go to look away]

Cora: [her jaw sets for a moment, before she reaches down and takes his hand gently] We should clean out those cuts. They could get infected. Come with me, please? I promise I won't get you into trouble. [she's learned the manor well enough at this point, she knows where they can sneak in and go unnoticed]

Stiles: [he sighs, then nods. She's above him in station, so if she gives him an order, he has to obey] Okay.

Cora: [she nods her face softening as she guides him out of the stall and turns back to her lady] Erica, please go ahead and see if Sir Deaton will allow us access to his medicinal herbs? Tell him I will replace whatever I use.

Erica: [turns at the sound of her name before her eyes widen in surprise and horror at the state of Stiles] Did he ... ? [Cora flashes her a look to focus, and she nods in acknowledgement] Yes, Lady Cora. I will meet you in your chambers. [and with that she's gone, running back to the house on foot.]

Cora: [turns back to Stiles, and slips one arm around his waist] You can lean on me if you need it.

Stiles: I can walk fine, m'lady. [his legs are fine. It's just his face and arm.]

Cora: [she nods, before turning to guide him towards one of the less well known entrances to the manor, but in order to get to it they have to cross the open gardens between there and the stables.]

Stiles: [he is just going to follow her quietly. He knows that if he's caught, it will be worse.]

Jackson: [and someone is stumbling around, not fully drunk but yup, he sees you two] So this is where you wandered off to?

Cora: [she hears his voice and her eyes snap to him, all the anger she had suppressed when it came to deal with Stiles roars back to the surface and the look she gives him is nearly predatory as she lets Stiles go in favor of charging towards her intended] You brute!

Jackson: What the hell are you talking about?

Stiles: [nope, going to grab Cora's arm] No, m'lady. Please.

Cora: [when Stiles grabs her, she stops, not wanting to hurt him, but she's certainly not going to stop yelling. She can't.] You cannot just abuse your staff because your massive ego cannot handle one loss.

Jackson: [his eyebrows go up] You're talking about me abusing my whipping boy? That is his job, m'lady Cora. He take punishment in return for not living on the street begging for his food. Isn't that right, Stiles?

Stiles: [looks away] Yes, m'lord. [sorry, Cora. Jackson trumps you]

Cora: [yep, nope, she still doesn't care] Just because you have conditioned him to believe it doesn't mean it is right, and so help me if you ever lay a hand on him again, I will make sure you receive it tenfold. This ends now.

Jackson: You are not in any position to order me around, m'lady. You are my wife in practice if not by marriage, and I am the lord of this manor to you, and you will do as I say, not the other way around.

Cora: [her eyes flash, for a moment, just enough to prove a point, and when she speaks her voice has more of a growl to it than it should] Do you really wish to test me? [never mind the fact that if her uncle found out about this, she would never be his wife, but Cora isn't thinking that far ahead at the moment, and she's used to fighting her battles for herself. She isn't the kind of girl who hides behind her family's power. She prefers to use her own]

Stiles: [no, no this isn't good and he finally moves to step between them as he sees Jackson's hand fisting] M'lady, as I have assured you, I am fine. I know my station, m'lord. The lady was just concerned for my wellbeing.

Jackson: [glaring, but he knows better to strike Cora. And he's an idiot and thinks he can control her ever when she is stronger than him] As you see, m'lady, Stiles knows his place. Perhaps you should speak with your uncle and learn yours.

Cora: [her jaw sets because she certainly won't go through Stiles to get to Jackson. So she just continues to glare at him until the anger settles again.] Perhaps I will. [she then glances to Stiles because she won't let him be sent back to the stables like this] But I'm still going to clean up your mess. [and with that she will take his hand again and continue to lead him to the house] Do not call on me again tonight. [because she will not be responsible for what she does, and he can take any implications from that he likes - she doesn't really care]

Jackson: [and he will just storm on off. But Stiles will probably not hear the end of it tomorrow]

Stiles: [and he will just quietly let himself be led away] I'm sorry, m'lady.

Cora: [she glances back to him, before shaking her head] You have nothing to be sorry about. This is not your fault.

Stiles: No, but it is my place, m'lady. As much as I can see it angers you, Lord Jackson is speaking the truth. My role in the Whittemore household is that of his whipping boy.

Cora: No one should be subjected to such a thing. Ever. And if he thinks that it will be tolerated when I am his wife then he will be sorely disappointed.

Stiles: That is the way the world is sometimes, m'lady. But I hope, for your sake, you do not marry him. You deserve someone better.

Cora: [she shakes her head] Do not worry about that now. Let's just get you cleaned up. [and with that, inside they go and up the back stairs to her chambers]

Stiles: [and when he realizes where they are going] M'lady, I should not be going into your chambers. That is not proper.

Cora: What have I said about propriety? [she will not accept any argument on it, and to be fair, he's not going as far as her bedroom. She has a small sitting room that sits between her, Erica and Kira's rooms with a couch for him to sit on while she cleans his wounds.] It's the only place we'll have any privacy.

Stiles: [nods] Yes, m'lady. [he's not going to argue further, but he's going to stay quiet and make himself not touch any of her fine garments since he had just been sitting in the stable before that]

Cora: [she sits him down on one of the couches and turns to head towards the washroom] I'm going to get some washcloths and clean water. Erica should be back soon. Just wait here.

Peter: [and when she does, Peter is right behind her, his face firm. Of course he also sees a boy in his niece’s room and stops short]

Stiles: [and he's up and bowing] My lord. I know I am not supposed to be here...

Cora: [turns and her eyes widen and then her face is pleading hands starting to shake because the anger is fading and being replaced with the concern the anger was hiding] Jackson beats him. He's ... he's his whipping boy. I just ... I just wanted to clean him up that's all.

Peter: That is the role of a whipping boy, Cora. [he looks at Stiles a moment] What infraction did Jackson cause that caused you to be in this condition, boy?

Stiles: [looking at the floor] I did not tighten the saddle fully, m'lord. Lord Jackson said that it slipped when he jousted and caused him to lose.

Peter: [his head tilts a bit] And Did Lord Whittemore punish you for this, or Lord Jackson?

Stiles: Lord Jackson, m'lord. He says that I am the reason he did not win the tourney.

Peter: [nods]

Cora: [does she look like she cares, Peter? But she at least has enough common sense to at least keep her mouth shut until Peter speaks one way or the other]

Erica: [and comes in with the box of herbs] I got i - [stops short when she sees Peter and drops into a curtsy] Lord Hale.

Peter: [nods to Erica, then comes closer to Stiles, lifting his chin and examining the marks on his face] Are you injured more than just this?

Stiles: [pride makes him want to say no, but he nods]

Peter: Remove your shirt. Ladies, please advert your eyes until I speak otherwise.

Cora: [Erica does as she's told easily, but Cora regards her uncle for a moment before doing so, keeping her eyes fixed on the far wall]

Stiles: [sighs and pulls his tunic off. The years of whippings are evident on his back, and there is fresh bruising there and on his arm]

Peter: [he walks around Stiles, taking it all in. The boy is hurt, all skin and bones, and yet he isn't flinching or keeping his head up with some amount of pride.] Your last five instances of punishment - what were they and who punished you?

Stiles: [he lists them off. Both times the tutor whipped him, and the three times Jackson would use Stiles to relieve his anger at something by blaming Stiles]

Peter: And Lord Whittemore knows that Jackson punishes you in such a manner? [nods for Stiles to put his shirt back on]

Stiles: [licks his lips as he quickly does so] I do not know if he is aware, m'lord.

Peter: [nods again] You are aware that your role as whipping boy is for the tutor, not your lord, right?

Stiles: [he just stays quiet]

Cora: [glances over briefly out of the corner of her eye, because she knows that Stiles is silent when he either doesn't know the answer or he doesn't want to get himself in trouble]

Peter: [watches him] When I ask a question, boy, I expect an answer.

Stiles: [takes a deep breath] M'lord, I spent most of my life whipped for Jackson. He did not want my friendship as I was told he would, and he took enjoyment seeing me whipped for his crimes. In the last years, his tempter has only grown and... [he really doesn't want to speak ill of his master] I would rather take the blows than have it fall upon others who aren't built for it.

Peter: [nods, watching him, then looking at Cora] Is this the stable boy you asked for me to purchase?

Cora: [her head drops for a moment, before she nods] I didn't know. [about the whipping boy part. That was new information she learned tonight] I just knew that the Whittemores could be cruel, I didn't know how much.

Peter: [thinks, then nods. He's made a decision and he's going to end up talking to Laura in the morning] We may not need a stable boy, but I could use a page, and someone to help care for my daughter. Do you think you can take on that role, boy?

Stiles: [is so very confused] .... Yes, m'lord.

Peter: Then it is settled. [he will be buying Stiles, not caring about the price] Cora, finish dressing his wounds and I will send one of Derek's boys to help you pack your belongings, boy. You will be returning to the Hales lands with us when we depart tomorrow. [they weren't supposed to leave for another few days]

Cora: [her eyes light up and she nods, turning and moving to sit on the couch next to him again, gesturing for Erica to follow her. Before she gets too far, she glances back to Peter with a small smile] Thank you.

Peter: [just nods. you're going to be doing a lot more than thanking him, Cora.] I will see you in the morning. Goodnight, my dear.

Stiles: [And he's going to be confused and silent]

Cora: [nods and takes the chest from Erica] Can you get me a bowl of clean water and a washcloth?

Erica: [nods and disappears into the bathing area]

Cora: [opens the chest and lets her fingers run over the vials delicately to find the ones she's looking for]

Stiles: [when Erica is in the other room] You asked your lord uncle to purchase me from Lord Whittemore?

Cora: [nods as she goes to sit next to him, placing vials on the small table in front of them indicating the ingredients she needs for the salve] I knew he would treat you better than they would. You deserve to be treated better.

Stiles: Not to impugn your judgment, but you barely know me.

Cora: [she glances up at him for a moment, before smiling softly] You were one of the few people in this whole manor who were actually kind to me. Servant or not, for me that is enough. [once she has all the ingredients she needs she pulls out the mortar and pedestal and begins to mix them together the way Deaton taught her]

Stiles: [nods] The Whittemores are known for their money and for swift justice, m'lady. Not for their kindness.

Cora: This isn't justice. This is cruelty, pure and simple. [Erica returns at that point and she takes some of the water from the bowl she's carrying to help to make a paste. She hands that off for Erica to do while she takes the cloth and water from her. She places the bowl in Stiles’ hands to steady it, before dipping the cloth in it. Once the excess water is wrung out, she gently takes his chin in one hand and moves in slow gentle circles against his skin, cleaning the dirt away from the larger cuts and bruises and using her ability to pull the pain when she feels him flinch as it stings]

Stiles: I don't know anything different, m'lady. At least the Whittemores make sure I am fed, and clothed, and educated. I would not have had that elsewhere.

Cora: Now you will get to know different. [at least if she has anything to say about it]

Stiles: Your lord uncle... the servants say he is a very strict man.

Cora: There is a difference between strict and cruel. He expects things to be done a certain way and done well, but he would never abuse you the way the Whittemores do. If you do your work for him the way you care for the horses, you will be fine.

Stiles: I take pride in my work, m'lady. [he's worried though about the other servants in the Whittemore household. They were now going to have to deal with Jackson's ire]

Cora: [smiles softly as she finishes cleaning the last of the cuts] Good. [she glances back to Erica, and Erica hands the bowl over to her. She gives a few more cursory pushes with the pestle to make sure it's finished, before using her fingers to scoop some up] This will sting at first, but it should ease some of the pain once the medicine starts to work.

Stiles: [he is used to pain, so while he winces, he doesn't complain about it.] Thank you again for this.

Cora: Of course. [and she will work quickly, bandaging those that need to be bandaged, before dipping her fingers in the bowl to clean them and pulling back] That should do it. And one of the knights should be here soon.

Scott: [and look, on cue, knocking on Cora's door] Lady Cora? I am here at Lord Hale's request.

Cora: [glances over with a smile] Yes. Did he tell you what you need to do?

Scott: Yes, m'lady. I was to take young Master Stiles back to gather his belongings and to prepare him for the journey back to Hale lands. I have some coin in case we need to purchase a trunk or a heavy cloak. [the sword on his hip shows that he's also taking on a protective role]

Stiles: I don't have enough to fill a trunk.

Cora: [She is glad to see it, and she glances over to Stiles] Do you have enough winter clothing? It's much colder on our property than here.

Stiles: No, m'lady. I only have two sets, and one jacket for when I ride. The stables are warm that I don't need much.

Cora: [glances up to Scott] We can probably get him more when we return to the manor, but until then, make sure he has enough for the journey.

Scott: It will be done, my lady. [he walks closer to Stiles, grinning] Master Stiles, I am Sir Scott, one of the Hale Knights. I will be your escort until we leave these lands. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Cora: [smiles in return, before gently nudging him forward] Try and stay out of Lord Whittemore's sight. I'm afraid I put him in a foul mood, and I would hate to further ruin his evening. [actually, she wouldn't, but she doesn't want Scott or Stiles to get hurt either]

Scott: You brother is already making the young master a billet for the night.

Stiles: You are all being too kind.

Scott: From what I hear, you had best be getting used to it. [holds out his hand to help Stiles up] Come, let's get you some warm food, and some rest. We can gather your belongings in the morning then and buy you what else you may need.]

Cora: [there's a small smile at that] You're in good hands. I promise. [besides, she and Erica should probably be getting some sleep themselves]

Stiles: Thank you again, m'lady. [and he is going to leave with Scott, who is going to literally jabber on about the knights and his brothers and arms and who else he is going to meet and family ranks and everything]

Cora: [and Cora and Erica will both get ready for bed and go back to sleep to be prepared to leave in the morning]

Peter: [and he went to buy Stiles from Lord Whittemore that evening while the man was still in an amicable mood, and managed to get a horse as well since the boy will need something to ride on his trip back to the Hale lands. Of course, the next morning, he is at Laura's door the moment breakfast is getting ready to be served]

Laura: [the servants will open the door to let him in as she's already dressed and she raises an eyebrow when she sees him] Was I supposed to be expecting you?

Peter: No, you were already in your chambers by the time I needed to speak with you last evening. We need to talk over a situation from last night.

Laura: [eyebrows go up even further before she nods for him to sit]

Peter: [goes to sit] It has come to my attention that there is a history of Lord Jackson beating his servants.

Laura: [and that makes her eyes narrow] Is there.

Peter: There is. He was apparently beating his own whipping boy, and from what I have observed, the boy let his master do so as a way to keep him from beating others. [he shakes his head]

Laura: [deep breath] Well, if that's not a warning sign for how he'll be as a husband, I don't know what is.

Peter: I've already spoken to Lord Whittemore and purchased this whipping boy on bequest of your sister to get him free from this abuse. I had been needing a page as it is. But with your blessing, I wish to meet with him and break the contract on your sister's intentions. It will cost us some, but they will have no problem with their wealth finding him a new match, and maybe some time to straighten him out before then.

Laura: What will it cost us?

Peter: Some of the dowry, I assume. And that will be if it doesn't lead to insults and conflict.

Laura: It would be easier if we could put some of the blame on them. Some way to shame him somehow?

Peter: From what I gather, I'm not sure Lord Whittemore is aware of his son's anger and abuse.

Laura: Then perhaps we should address it. And have a backup plan just in case. [there's pause as she takes a bite of her breakfast] Talk to Erica. She's usually pretty in tune with the manor gossip.

Peter: [nods] So you approve then of ending this agreement of marriage between them? [she's the alpha. It's her decision to make, he just acts on it on her behalf]

Laura: [she nods] I'm not going to put Cora in a position where she will run the risk of being hurt. Did she know about this before now?

Peter: No. The only reason she learned seem to be because she befriended the young boy.

Laura: [nods. good. Because of Cora knew but didn't say anything they were going to have words] Figure out what it will take to break the engagement. We will have to look at other prospects.

Peter: [nods] It will be done. Derek is already packing up to take the knights back to the castle as well as my daughter and the young boy. Shall I tell your sister to also back for departure on my way?

Laura: [pauses for a moment, before shaking her head] Not until everything is done. Whatever she can get together quietly is fine, but nothing visible. We don't want to make it seem as though we're cutting and running.

Peter: Understood. [Derek was leaving anyway now that the tourney was over, so he won't draw attention] I will keep you advised on what comes from this.

Laura: [nods in agreement] Thank you for letting me know.

Peter: You're welcome. I will leave you to your breakfast. [and he gets up to go]

Laura: [she nods and sighs softly as she leans back in her seat. She really hates being in charge sometimes]

Peter: [and he is going to go and do a lot of negotiating, some yelling, posturing, and all in the cunning way to totally lay the blame of this on Jackson and lack of discipline and anger issues and fear for Cora's safety and after a few hours he will return exhausted but triumphant and they can all head home and Stiles gets to take Thor because he was the old horse that Peter was able to buy]

Cora: [which means she happily gets to have the boys load up her things and feed Thor a bunch of carrots while she waits. Everything is beautiful and she's totally going to spoil that horse]

Thor: [happiest horse in the realm]

Stiles: [and he's looking a lot better in the morning as he's helping Scott, Isaac and Boyd with the lifting. The little group of boys have instantly become friends since Stiles is very likeable]

Cora: [hence why Cora wanted to steal him]

Stiles: [and finally he comes over to her, smiling a bit] You keep feeding him, m'lady, and you're going to make my horse fat.

Cora: Well, we have a long journey ahead. It's inadvisable to make one on an empty stomach.

Stiles: I am sure Thor is very appreciative of your concern.

Cora: [she smiles before glancing back to him] And what about you, Master Stiles? Are you ready for our journey?

Stiles: [he looks back at the stables, thinking a moment] I think I am, m'lady. I think I'm more than ready.

Cora: Good. We will probably be leaving soon.

Stiles: I don't think I will even be able to thank you enough. I just hope that I am able to live up to the expectations of your family.

Cora: I'm sure you will be fine.

Stiles: We will see, m'lady. Do you need help getting up on your horse?

Cora: [she shakes her head] I will actually be in the carriage with my sister and my ladies. But thank you.

Stiles: Then I will wish you a bump free ride. m'lady. [he gave her a small bow]

Cora: [small curtsy in return and makes her way over to the carriage to climb in next to Erica]

Scott: [riding up next to Stiles] I don't think I've ever seen Lady Cora get close enough to a horse like that before.

Stiles: Well, Thor is special, Sir Scott. And she spoils him. [for a scrawny kid, he can mount the horse like the best of them]

Scott: And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the horse's master at all. [smirks]

Stiles: [blushes a bit] I know not what you mean, Sir Scott.

Scott: Uh huh. Come on, we have the rear detail behind the carriage.

Stiles: Lead away.

Cora: [totally heard that and she will be giving Scott a look like "what are you talking about?" as he rides past her because that's totally not the reason. Shut up, Scott]

Stiles: [and he is going to ride with Scott, and they are going to be best friends by the time they get to the forest line. Stiles then goes quiet, watching the world he doesn't know pass as they are beyond Whittemore manor now]

Cora: [leans in the window, more excited since they're going home and it's a place she's wanted to be for a long time]

Stiles: [sees her and smiles a bit, but keeps his attention on the road. He wouldn't recognize his old village if it snuck up on them, but maybe one day, one day he could have a chance to find his own way home for a bit]

Cora: [would find a way to make that happen if she could, but she has a lot more questions to ask first. She wants to reunite him with his father, she just doesn't know how yet]

Parrish: [and then there are two horses siding up the traveling party] Good morrow, Lord and Lady Hales.

Cora: [grins brightly] Sir Parrish. Did you decide to join us?

Laura: [totally hiding behind Kira in the carriage. Nope. She's not here]

Parrish: I came to make sure everyone was safe and sound, m'Lady. Word has started to spread of your broken nuptials to young Lord Whittemore.

Cora: Everyone is fine. My uncle decided it was no longer an appropriate match.

Parrish: I would say I am sorry to hear, but you do not look heartbroken to my eyes.

Cora: Oh, no. My heart is terribly broken. I don't know how I will go on. [all sarcasm]

Parrish: Well, I am sure you will find another strong, dashing young knight to align your heart to who has the capacity to return that affection.

Cora: Provided my uncle approves, of course.

Parrish: Of course. [grins] Also, I came to see if you will all be coming to the tourney in France in a few months?

Cora: I don't know. You will have to ask my brother if he will be competing.

Parrish: I shall do so. But I would very much enjoy having my first fan in the stands to cheer me on, even if not. [or perhaps the elder sister to be on his arm]

Cora: I will have to see if my uncle will allow it. [yep, nope, Laura is not going to acknowledge that]

Liam: [riding up next to Parrish, a tiny wolf on a huge horse twice his size. He's 12, but looks 9] Did you ask them yet, Sire?

Parrish: No, pup. I was working up to that.

Cora: [glances over at the bbwolf in confusion] Who is this?

Parrish: My squire. Liam, say hello to Lady Cora.

Liam: Hello, Lady Cora. [bright grin]

Cora: [smiles back] Hello, Liam. How are you?

Liam: Now that we are away from the city and the knights who are angry at my Sire for winning the tourney from their Lord, I am good.

Parrish: You say too much, pup.

Cora: [she laughs] Well, I am glad that you are better.

Parrish: But yes, it seems both the tourney loss and your withdrawal has made the Whittemores less than hospitable, and we were asked to leave the grounds. I had been hoping to camp there through the winter, but now we are looking for some place to camp.

Cora: [opens her mouth as though to say something while her sister's foot strikes out and catches her sister's shin, and her face turns to one of pain as she turns to look at her. Laura gives her a look that says "don't you dare" and Cora just raises an eyebrow before turning back to Parrish.] Another matter you will have to discuss with my uncle. Though if your wolf friend is looking for a pack, that he will have to discuss with the alpha on his own.

Parrish: [looks at Liam] You didn't tell me.

Liam: I was going to.

Cora: It's not his fault. If you both are from the southern lands, they aren't too fond of wolves there.

Parrish: Oh, no I know of Liam's gift. He normally warns me of others since I do not have the nose he does.

Liam: All but the small bruised one in the rear. That one is human.

Parrish: So the Hale family is made of wolves. Fascinating.

Cora: We like to keep our ranks close.

Parrish: So I see.

Liam: I am not looking for an alpha though, m'lady. I owe my sire my life. I swore to him I would always be of service to him.

Parrish: I can't even lose him in a crowd. He has a lock on my scent. [smirks]

Cora: [she laughs] Well, wolves are loyal if nothing else. You have earned yourself a true friend.

Parrish: And I am glad for him. No one deserves to be alone in this world. [rubs Liam's head affectionately] So, I would speak with your Lord Uncle to see if there is a place for us to camp for the winter in the Hale lands?

Cora: [she nods] He is a few horses ahead.

Parrish: Then I shall see what he says. And please, tell your sister that hiding and kicking you is very unbecoming of a lady. [and with a smirk, he's going to spur the horse ahead to find Peter]

Cora: [turns back to Laura and her eyebrows go up as though to say "see?" and Laura just glares at her some more, while the other ladies burst into giggles]

Peter: [and he will tell Parrish that he can ride with the party and camp a week, and they can discuss longer terms at that point. It's something about his scent that makes his wary]

Laura: [a week is long enough as far as Laura is concerned. she isn't sure she could take longer than that]

Peter [will of course consult with her on the long term and her opinion on if the Gilderland knight is welcome]

Laura: [good. Because he isn't. he can't. All that.]

Peter: [and is amused at his niece being flustered]

Laura: [shut up Peter.]

Peter: [but for now, they will keep pushing on until the homestead comes into view, and the knights that had been left behind come to open the outer doors and stand at attention as the alpha returns]

Laura: [waits until the carriage comes to a stop in front of the building before she climbs out, intending on heading back inside and resettling into her room]

Liam: [watches a moment, and then leans to Parrish] Lady Laura is the alpha, sire. Not her lord Uncle.

Parrish: I see.

Laura: [glances back because she heard that, before sighing and heading inside with the knight with her belongings.]

Parrish: [gives her a playful wave wiggle of his fingers as Derek comes over to show them where they can stay. very straight faced. he saw that.]

Stiles: [and he has human hearing and has no idea he is the lone human in the wolves den. He's just going to follow Scott to the stables with the horses and Scott will find him a bunk in the servants quarters in Peter's wing]

Laura: [she saw that too, and she can't help but duck her head a bit as she returns to her chambers. Which also happens to have a small balcony adjacent to her bedroom over the garden]

Parrish: [yup. tiny wolf will eventually lead him to that during the day and there will be a fresh flower waiting there for her the next morning]

Laura: [and she will smile. and then sigh. You are not making this easy on her, you silly knight.]

Parrish: [nope, he's not trying to make it easy. but he likes to flirt, but he knows he can't stay. there are people after him and eventually he will need to flee.]

Laura: [yes, well, that flower will stay where he left it. With regards to future flowers, however, that may change]

Parrish: [he won't leave one every day. especially if the first one if left on the balcony like she doesn't want it. But a few days later? A different kind of flower]

Laura: [well, what she does with it will depend on how much time he's spent with her]

Parrish: [he will try to pull his own weight with the rest of the knights, and will probably enjoy getting in some sword practice with Derek when Derek learns that Parrish is good with the joust, but crap with swords]

Laura: [usually spends most days in the gardens or the library, playing the part of reclusive matriarch and also partially avoiding him]