RP:A House for the Heartstrings

Synopsis: Tiber and Lanara go house hunting. The beach house was too big. The house with the draft and the decapitated man was too... cold. The house in Southern Sage Forest was just right. So right that it might make a grown man cry--not really--but Lanara does. And for that, it is sold to a Tiberius Lowell and a Lanara Banks.

Part of the Lunar Tides and Silver Linings Arc

Cenril

(Post 1 of 2) The past week had gone by in a blur for the couple and it had reaped both good and bad rewards. Tiber had stepped into the role of Alpha of the Amber Lunation and he had placed his chosen wolf mate, Lanara, to be Luna. With the undertaking of the troupe that had been rescued from Alastor’s clutch, came great responsibility, as everyone would need housing, employment, security, and schooling until they learned their place in the world. Tiber had chosen a piece of land for the group to build on, and everything had been put in motion. Lanara had spent a great deal of time attempting to tame Asha, her wolf within, and it had been quite the struggle on the new lycan. She had foolishly allowed herself to shift and Asha had gone for a run in the nearby forest, however, the wolf had been hungry and had taken down a deer to dine upon before she had let Lana take the reins and shift back into her elven form. This wasn’t any typical deer, either, it was a royal stag! Lana had been heartbroken and gave the majestic creature, one of the most symbolic gifts from the Goddess, a proper burial. Tiber had discovered his mate bathed in blood, naked, and digging a massive hole so she could hide the sin that she had committed. She couldn’t stop crying and kept yelling at Asha, until both were inconsolable, and had shut themselves inside the apartment. To make matters even worse, the witch had an awful nightmare about some wolf-pig hybrid and she had woken up screaming, three nights in a row. The couple had received an eviction notice from the landlord, stating that they had ten days to collect their belongings and vacate the premises.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara sits at the kitchen table, lost in thought, as she waits for Tiber to finish getting ready so that they can meet with the realtor and find a new place to live. She feels overwhelmed because everything is moving so quickly, and it’s like learning to run before she has even begun to crawl. She had been on the verge of death and then she had been returned to life, sharing her beauty with a beast, and then taking on the role of Luna in their newfound pack. Normally, she enjoys things happening at a rapid pace as she’s never been very patient, but she’s unsure if she’s the right ‘fit’ for such a task as she’s so new at everything relating to lycanthropy. By becoming Tiber’s girlfriend, and by Asha mating for life with Luca, she had been chosen as Luna by default, and she refuses to step down because that would mean rejecting the man she loves. At least Tiber seems happy with the way things are moving, and that brings her some comfort, even though she dislikes sharing him with others in any capacity. The Amber Lunation will be family, she reminds herself, trying to settle the growl coming from Asha. “Shush. We are going house shopping and that will cheer you up, so behave yourself! And no more venison! If you need to feed, munch on a rabbit or something.” Lana falls silent as she hears Tiber exiting the bathroom and she fixes a smile on her face, “Morning, Handsome! Are you ready to go look at some houses? We will have to christen every room on the day we move in, you know?” Her words come out in a purr, as she winks at the Catalian, knowing he would be game for such a feat. She’s a perfectionist at playing the role of the flirty, playful, doting girlfriend, but she knows that Tiber isn’t a fool. He can sense that she’s been ‘off’ for the past few days, but she’s hopeful that they can focus on just -them- for today and enjoy a day out and about. Today, the witch wears a white skirt, a navy and white tank top, and a pair of sneakers, mimicking the attire that one may wear for a game of tennis. Her hair has been pulled away from her face and is held in place by a thick navy headband, a pink quartz necklace rests above her cleavage, and she wears minimal makeup. “You didn’t warn me about the hair growth! I thought it only affected lycan males! I’m going to have to brew some sort of potion so I don’t have to shave every single day.” Rising from the table, she presses a sweet kiss on Tiber’s cheek and takes his hand, “Come on, we don’t want to be late!”

(1 of 2) Tiber had been busy each day with the rest of the crew. Tiberius worked on helping the Tybalt with hunting--archery and shifting into their wolf forms. Stalking. Silence. Speed. Tybalt needed extra support, so the man felt he would help the kid get a headstart. The Alpha made sure to stay near the youngling in the course of prey to help the three-legged wolf catch a rabbit. A rocky journey to snag the rabbit, but Tybalt was able to head-first tangle himself into bushes and snag some fur in his mouth. The rabbit, however, lucked out and escaped the boy wolf’s mouth. It was a start, at least, and Tiberius was proud of the little one for trying. As for Lanara, however, Tiber spent his days consoling her due to the empathy she had for the creatures before her. The day he found her drenched in blood and digging in sin, he knew that they were in for the long haul of understanding the needs and desire of the wolf. Tiberius spent late nights holding the witch close as she cursed and cried through the nights. She was blaming herself, and the man was sinking into a loss at the thought of Lanara struggling. They knew lycanthrope would not be perfect, but the man still felt anxiety over the fact that Lanara might have been second guessing her ways. Her beast within. Asha. As for the wolf-pig hybrid, Tiberius was in blatant, shocked awe at the course of nightmares she was having. Over and over again he had to explain it was ‘just a story’ and was ‘not real’. The day the landlord knocked on their door, the blonde knew that time was crunching down on them to move on.

(2 of 2) With all the worries, Tiber steps from the bathroom and watches the woman smile before him. As if she did not just have a nightmare the night prior. There was a reason he had been reflecting her sportiness in attire. He was almost made to match her in navy blue shorts and a white polo. Image was important. Other couples would be wanting the same houses, so it was important to beat out the… snobs. Amber eyes stare at her. The woman who had just been yelling at Asha to be quiet. Was Asha annoying her? Tiber keeps the ease plastered on his face for Lanara’s sake. Both of them were tiptoeing around each other. Today had to be for… excitement. New chapters. Fun. Her flirtiness makes him grin slyly at her and he runs a hand through damp hair to slick back the sides in smoothness. “Well, let’s see how many bedrooms we can afford,” he sauntered over with his dumb sultry look. The man runs fingers through her hair to observe and then she talks about shaving which makes the man belt out in a laugh. “Alright, let’s go, hairy. Last thing we wanna do is miss the appointment.” He would grab her hand before leading her out of the apartment to their first appointment. House numero uno.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara pouts as Tiber refers to her ‘hairy’ issues, and she shakes her head, “Not fair! Men look sexy with a five o’clock shadow. If I have stubble on my legs, it feels like I’m rubbing up against a cactus!” It’s nearly as traumatic as the wolf-piggy monster that haunts her dreams. Accepting her handsome boyfriend’s hand, the two make their way down the street and to Realty Headquarters, where they meet with their real estate agent. Margaret Thorning, a human in her mid-fifties, greets the couple with extended hands, “You must be Mr. Lowell and Ms. Banks, very nice to meet you! My what a lovely couple you two make, and you’re purchasing your first home together! How lovely!” Clad in a khaki dress with a thick belt around the middle, the woman smooths her hands over her attire, and peers up at Tiber from behind a pair of spectacles that hang low on her pointy nose, “There are a few concerns I have after looking over your applications… Mainly those of the financial variety. If you choose to take out a loan for the purchase of a new home, I fear you will be denied.” She not-so-subtly glances at Lanara, “For example. You haven’t worked in nearly three years, your only property is a nonprofit organization, and for a reference you listed Mother Nature?” She pauses, setting her lips in a thin line, “You also have an outstanding loan of nearly forty thousand gold and it’s currently in default, as you are behind on making -any- payment. And you provided a bank statement and I believe as of this morning you have a little less than three hundred gold in your account.” Margaret returns her gaze to Tiber, “And you haven’t provided any sort of bank statement, nor have you listed an occupation…. So, as you can see, that would be a very big concern for any bank to offer a loan, even at a higher interest rate. Unless you are going to pay in coin and not take out a loan?” She leans closer to the couple, “I hate to say it, and I don’t mean any offense to you Ms. Banks, but a boyfriend and girlfriend buying a house together is a big risk. Perhaps the one that is paying the bulk of the cost should be the only name on the deed? That way we are -all- protected in the event that something goes wrong.” Patting them each on their upper arms, she shuffles a few papers in her hands, “I have four homes to show you today, one in Cenril, two in Sage Forest, and there is another that’s a bit of a trek as it’s up the Xalious Mountain path. But before we head there… Why don’t you two chat about everything I just said? I would be happy to show you some rentals in Gualon or Gamorg that would be much cheaper!”

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara’s cheeks are bright red as she’s basically told that she’s worthless as an employee and at managing money. Also, she’s in moderate debt, doesn’t deserve to own a home with her beloved, and that they will likely end up living in some swamp. It’s only ten in the morning and she’s already shaken off the fears of the wolf-piggy that haunts her dreams, had to shave the forest from her legs, cope with the fact that -she- had gotten them evicted from their apartment, and now she fears that Tiber is going to break up with her due to financial trouble. Margaret stands a short distance away and Lana sighs as she lifts her big brown doe eyes and looks up into those dreamy amber orbs of the Catalian, “I’m sorry… I thought I could just take out another loan for my portion of the cost? I haven’t taken a salary from the sanctuary in two years, I had tons of legal fees for when I stood trial, and the last loan I took out and ran up because I didn’t think I was going to live…” The witch looks as though she’s about to cry, “We’re going to be homeless and it’s all my fault… I don’t want to live with Corrine and the others! I make around ten thousand gold a year from the sanctuary, that’s my annual salary, but I know that won’t make much of a difference… I could get another job to pay you back, but it will take a while.” She nips her lower lip, “I could return to dancing at the club, but I know you won’t like other men touching me and the skimpy clothes I’ll have to wear… Or maybe just -you- can get a little apartment and I can live there… Sort of like our situation now?” Margaret looks up and smiles pleasantly, “Have you decided Mr. Lowell?” She’s past addressing the witch, as she isn’t the one with any coin, and if they don’t answer fast it looks as though Margaret will move onto her next client.

(1 of 2) Once the two make their way to the Realty Headquarters, Tiberius walks in with his head held high. Lanara and Tiberius come across almost like a suburban ritzy couple with their matching outfits. It was all a part of the act on Tiber’s part, really. A hand extends to Margaret Thorning as amber eyes glaze over the woman’s attire before eyes settle back on the middle-aged woman with a plastic smile. His smile is challenging against the eyes that are covered by glasses. “Problems?” He lets the realtor continue about the two of them being in debt. Debt? He had debt? No, that was not a Tiberius Lowell move. Tiber was -never- in debt. Tiber always tried to make sure he had a clean slate. Perfect credit. Those tense eyes begin to slide down to the witch who looks mortified. The true culprit. Then, the lady is talking about how the two are not married. This hag is really taking some blows to his ego. Not married and in debt. Like children. The patting on his arm as if he is a child really tops the cake as the woman steps back. Tiberius Lowell is -not- cheap. His facial expression is hard with a tightened jaw. Right on cue, he turns with his voice stern and low towards his flushed girlfriend. “Forty thousand gold, Lanara? Are you insane?” He then side-eyes Margaret who glances their way before he smiles and gives her a wave as if he is the most charming man on the earth. His face drops as he gazes back at the Kelvarian. “You can’t just take out loans willy nilly, Lana. Where did all that money go?” He could only imagine. Clothes. Entertainment for some certain werewolves. Silly gifts. Then, Lanara is apologizing, talking of being homeless, and talking about how she could make money by stripping and his hand runs over his face. Is he wrinkling yet?

(2 of 2) Tiber lets out a sigh and shakes his head at her suggestions. Tiber is groaning. “No, no we need the plan,” there goes the plan again. “I don’t need to be cutting off the hands of men or having us get evicted again because that’ll make our backgrounds worse!” Then, they are interrupted. Tiber has two fingers pressed on the bridge of his nose in his flustered stance. His head lifts and he gazes at Lanara, and the intensity fades away into softness. He turns to the realtor. “Look, we have a plan and we intend to keep it that way. I wasn’t planning on any loans. Loans equal -interest- and -debt-,” he emphasizes the words for a certain someone to hear. The man was a little harsh with his bluntness, but someone had to say it. “I bank with Cenril--I’m private with my funds for a reason,” a.k.a he ran with a sketchy crowd in Cenril, and if they knew how much money he had, well that would be bad. “I can pay in coin.” The man is confident in his next point for their appointment. “Our names are -both- on the deed. That’s the plan. I don’t care about messes with legal issues. There aren’t going to be any. I love her, she loves me, kapeesh?” This realtor was making him on edge, and he places his hand gently on Lanara’s back. “Our location we mainly are looking at is Sage, but… who wouldn’t want a beach house in Cenril?” He smirks at his own little joke and leans down to kiss Lanara’s head. Maybe one day. “Shall we?”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara isn’t fooled for a second when Tiberius turns with a smile towards the realtor and then scowls once he returns his attention to her, as she had seen his Jekyll and Hyde maneuver a few times over the years. Hell, she has used it herself every now and again. They make quite the pair with their mood swings! The -real- man behind the mask is fuming at his girlfriend and she allows him to patronize her for a few moments before he strikes a chord and she senses Asha getting upset. “I returned to the lands on my deathbed, remember? I only had the clothes on my back and a trunk of mementos! I also brought along two dozen Kelvarian Elves, who were new to the lands, and also had no income or belongings… Yes, Lunalesca found them jobs and provided shelter, but -I- had to help them furnish their housings, put food on their tables, and help with clothing and supplies. I also had to pay rent on the apartment over the funeral parlor. Taly got engaged and I knew that I didn’t have long, so I threw her a fun bachelorette party! And… It was going to be my -last- Yule, so of course I needed to get everyone presents!” She pauses, and if Tiber is looking at her closely, he will see that the witch is blinking rapidly, likely holding in tears. Lanara’s tone is softer as she picks up where she left off, “That loan was my final loan, and I had no intention of ever paying it back. The bank could have eaten it for all I care, because I was going to be dead, and it’s not like they can come into the Afterworld for compensation! I didn’t want to borrow gold from Taly or a friend, because it would raise too many questions, and I wouldn’t be able to pay anyone back in time. Nick was out of the question for obvious reasons, and there was no way I could ask you… We were just getting back together when I took out the loan and I’m not with you because you are wealthy, Ty…So, I took out a large loan and spent it all, and now I have to figure out a way to pay that off, while trying to put my new life in some sort of order.” This experience is supposed to bring them closer together and instead it feels as though there is a rift, so Lana drops her chin to her chest and takes a step away from Tiber. What ‘plan’ is he talking about?! She is failing at -everything- these days and Corrine’s words echo in her mind every time she upsets her mate, because if he rejects her then it’s the end of the road. Lanara wouldn’t survive as Asha would die of heartbreak, and Tiber would roam the realm alone, unable to replace that void with another mate. She flinches as Tiber emphasizes a few financial terms, but her gaze is hard on Maragaret, as the woman has the audacity to chuckle at their little feud. “I’m sorry…” Lana whispers, after Tiber kisses her upon the head and they begin their trek to the first house on their list, the beachfront mansion in Cenril. It’s unknown if she’s apologizing to Tiber, the bank she tried to scam, the realtor, or quite possibly to herself for getting into so much debt.

(Post 2 of 2) Margaret drones on and on about the first house, which is over a million gold in price, and has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. She winks at the couple as she continues in her spheal, “It also caters to a private beach that you would share with just your two neighbors! So, if you were to plan a beach wedding or party, it would be the perfect location! Also, with this many bedrooms, you won’t have to worry about upgrading to a larger home once you have children.” Lana eyes the exterior of the lavish home and she inhales the scent of the salty air, before her gaze trails to the indicated privacy of the beach, and the ocean that is only a few hundred yards from the doorstep. They hadn’t discussed in depth how many rooms they wanted, but at the mention of popping out kids, Lana shakes her head, “No Mowgli, there won’t be any kids in our future… Though, a man cave or office would be great for Tiber.” She pauses, “And -I- really want a yard for our dog, and perhaps a little balcony or loft for my, um, arts and crafts.” She would need a place to set up an altar and keep her trunk of tools that she uses for rituals, and the closer to the moon, the better. Four bedrooms should suffice, she thinks, but since she’s not paying for their home, she tries not to give too much input. Margaret frowns as her name is horribly mispronounced, but the couple is paying full in coin, so she lets it slide and quickly ushers them into the manor, “Come along, I will walk you through each room and offer descriptions and then I will step outside so you can converse in private. Don’t forget, I have three other homes to show you, as well!” Obviously, this is the most expensive, which is likely why she had sneakily chosen it to be the first. Lanara takes Tiber’s hand and presses a kiss to the inside of his wrist, teasingly nipping the flesh, as though to mirror the mark that he left upon her own skin. She whispers against the indentation that her nip left, smirking devilishly, “So, you want to cut hands off of anyone that touches me? Stumps are so not sexy… But, when Mango steps out so we can chat in private, we can roleplay. I can be the performer, doing a little dance, and you can be my bodyguard that has just saved me from being pawed onstage.” Their spat is forgotten as they breeze from room to room, and Asha is content for the moment. “Babe, I was wondering, are we going to order our furnishings from a catalog, or did you want to just decorate it slowly on our own? I imagine that Greyson and Bjorn will help us, maybe we can hire some local teens to paint and build stuff?” Lana isn’t paying much attention to the chatter of the realtor, because she knows in her heart that this house isn’t meant to be their home. However, it is impressive and worth every coin of the asking price!

Tiber (1 of 2) :: Tiber was not sure whether to feel guilt from Lanara and her Kelvarian refugees. Did she have to furnish their homes? Bad thought, Tiber. He better keep that thought to himself, he thought. But he still cannot get off thoughts of the following: did Talyara -really- need a bachelorette party, and did she need the apartment above the funeral parlor when she was living with him? He would have helped her with wealth even if she did not tell him what it was for. Maybe she had extra baggage. Everyone had extra baggage. All these thoughts cross his mind, and he remembers that she was dying. She really did give in to the thought of death rather than the fight at the time. Perhaps she was careless and reckless… perhaps he would have been, too. “Look, Lana. We’ll figure it out. I get it,” his voice seemed sincere in that moment, although those ‘buts’ still linger in the back of his mind. It is clear that they should probably stop the conversation, however, due to his stubbornness. Today his goal was for no tears and no fights. So how would he end the conversation? What was the true clarity to make them move on from the topic? Kiss her. Kiss her to make her stop talking. He looks at her once he pulls back, brushes a thumb against her cheek before adding, “We’ll get the loan paid off.” Then they are off to the first house.

Tiber (2 of 2) :: Once they approach the first home, it is huge. Too huge. Too huge for Tiberius Lowell? Yes. Seven bedrooms? What in the hell would he use seven bedrooms for? Seven bedrooms of fun is all he could think of as he stares at the Kelvarian who is breathing in salty air. His mind shakes itself out of the gutter before wandering around the exterior. Tiberius then rolls his head to the conversation of children. “Yeah, we’re not really children material, if you get what I mean?” Then again, they never really had the conversation about children, but it seemed clear that Lanara was not going to have children. Perhaps she did not like them either. He almost clutches the bridge of his nose again when Lanara calls the realtor ‘Mowgli’. “An office would be perfect. As well as a balcony, but also something that has a view of a clear sunrise. Inspiration for those arts and crafts,” he side-eyes the witch with a sly smile before wandering forward to enter, but only caught by the witch herself. The kiss upon the inside of his wrist sends a small shiver. Luca will not shut up at this moment with the howling and gleeful remarks. The man leans in next to her ear to whisper. “Weird roleplay, but also somehow sexy. Maybe I’ll play if I get my own personal dance,” he grins wickedly with his voice sultry. Then, the serious rolls in as they meander into the home. “I think we can bring in a mix of things? Catalogs and building our own furnishings? That way no moronic teen can mess anything up,” clearly Tiber wanted cleanliness. The couple tour the home with the high ceilings, white walls, and the feeling of emptiness in such an expensive, ritzy home. There is, however, a feeling of neglect in Tiberius’ mind, for this is not the place for them. The seaside would no longer be his home… Cenril will be left behind, and Tiber will be a local in the trees. City life for the man would be… almost over. At least Cenril would not be too far away. The home, of course, is furnished to create a ‘homey’ feel, but the furnish is too stiff, although Tiber feels drawn to the kitchen. The dark blue stone countertops to match the sea. Then again, would blue always be in season? How would Tiberius know this? “Next home.” He says flatly. It was in the middle of Margaret talking up the place. Margaret blinks as if she is appalled that the man is interrupting her. She looks slightly offended at the moment and Tiberius opens his mouth again. “Look, we know what we want. This isn’t it. It’s nice… But it’s so overwhelming that it has no home-like feel at all. We know what we want,” he looks at Lanara. “So, next home, Margaret.” At least he can get her name right which gives Margaret enough respect to nod and agree. “Sure,” she responds. “Let me just step out and figure out the directions for our next listing.” Then, the realtor steps out of the kitchen and he turns to the Kelvarian. “I’m sorry, I know you want this to be fun, but… this is too much.”

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara -hates- that Tiberius can rile her up in one moment and then soothe her with some sweet talk, a passion filled kiss, and a brush against her cheek. No woman in the realm would be able to put up much of a fight with the Catalian, as his suave demeanor will win. Every. Single. Time. Is she losing her stubbornness? Is he nearly as captivated by her, as she is by him? Just how -many- girls did he have this natural pull over? Eventually, both of their qualms about her finances diminish, as they are busy touring the beachside mansion. The palatial home definitely has a view from every angle, as the sunlight pours in, and it’s big enough to host fancy parties with hundreds of guests. Not that she likes that many people, or would ever host a public affair at her own home. Too risky. Lana pauses before a massive walk-in closet and she plays with the door, winking at Tiber, “Seven minutes in Heaven would be fun…” She glances at the realtor and her smirk fades, because deep down she knows they cannot defile this home with their very apparent lust. At least they will always be hot for each other, at all ages! She quits fiddling with the door as Tiber tells Margaret that this home is great, but not for them, as they both have something else in mind. “Oh. Are you -sure- because this is the most -perfect- home in all of Cenril?! Why not put in a lowball offer? I’m sure they will come down a little bit with their asking price…” She looks from the man to the woman and sighs unhappily, because she was sure they would fall in love with this home above the others. “Off to Sage, then.” She spins on her heel and ushers them outside, as she locks up, and goes over her next sales pitch of the second home on their list. Lana takes Tiber’s hand and gives it a squeeze, “I prefer the forest, remember? We don’t need a beach or big city, Babe. Plus… We will live close enough that we can visit as often as we like!” It’s a comfortable walking distance from Sage Forest, if they happen to like the next home!

Kelay-Sage

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) The trio makes idle chit chat as they make their way from Cenril through the main strip of Kelay, and finally to their destination. It seems that this house is in a gated community and caters to their age group, as many of the residents are newlyweds or have recently added a kid or pet to their family. So far, so good, Lana thinks, a smile on her face as they breeze through the entrance once Margaret shows some identification. At least it’s safe, right? The home has a large front porch with twin rocking chairs, a large fenced in yard, and she hears the realtor saying it has five bedrooms and one and half baths. The rustic vibe of the exterior is inviting, and the witch has a good feeling about this home, until the door is opened and they step over the threshold. A dark aura encompasses the foyer and Lana inhales sharply and puts up a protective shield around herself and Tiber, but she keeps this from the other two in her company. It’s clear and will protect the couple from any negative energy or magical attacks, but it’s obvious that she is keeping her wits about her, as she keeps peeking over her shoulder and wildly glances around the rooms. Margaret points here and there and frowns at Lana, confused by the woman’s dislike of the home, but perhaps she will understand better once the toe of her shoe makes contact with the dead body on the floor. Margaret takes a header towards the floor and her scream is muffled by the carpet, as she scrambles to push herself up, but she cannot avoid gazing at the horror. It’s a man, recently decapitated, and it leaves one to question just where the head is, and if the murderer is still in the house. Lanara turns pale and shakes her head, “Um… I’m going to look upstairs and check out the rest of the house.” Nothing a cleansing spell can’t handle, right? The realtor is trembling and hollering for the city guard, which draws the other neighbors from their homes to see what's going on. Lana continues to look in each room, driven more by curiosity than by interest in this unsafe ranch. “We aren’t getting this house… I don’t think it’s a ‘who’ that killed that man, but more of a ‘what’ as it’s likely some beast.” She looks at Tiber, “What do you think? We could probably buy this house for a steal! Flip it to someone else at a higher price?” Is she seriously having a business conversation right now? Only Lana would default on her loans, rely on Tiber to buy them a house, as well as the others in the pack, and now she expects him to buy a house she doesn’t even want?!

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiberius feels like a chapter in his life is closing as the two decide that Sage is best. Although Tiberius knew that Sage was what they were looking for, there was now a concrete answer to the hypothetical. Tiberius Lowell had been a city man for years. Ten years living in the twisted salty city. A hand reaches up to scratch his head because instantly he knew the beach house was not it. She wanted the forest, and deep down the rest of the pack wanted and needed the forest too. It made sense to live close together. “Yes, we can visit…” He drags slowly as he looks out a window towards the beach. “Change is good. It’s going to be good.” There is a toughness to his voice--a bit of solemnity. Who knew the man would be so attached to the rotten city, but this is where he found himself, and now the chapter was closing. New growth. The couple turns and heads out the way as Margaret leads them to their next destination in Kelay. A tight-knit community. Perhaps it was safe. Suburban. Tiber liked the idea of ‘safe’, only for the thought of Lanara. There, however, was too many neighbors which was a slight turn-off, but one he could maybe look over. The couple makes it to the house, and as he walks in, there is an odd sensation he feels. Something was off. Very off. The home was cozier, and had a clean feel and as the couple walks around and finds the man without a head, Tiber frowns. He sort of tries to turn Lanara away from the decapitated man. That was going to leave a gnarly stain. Safe was not the word of choice anymore. Perhaps there was identification for a reason, but his girlfriend thinks its a beast that did this. As Lanara wants to look at the rest of the house, Tiberius agrees with that heaviness on his shoulders of the off-putness.

Tiber (2 of 2):: Lanara is talking on a level of business of selling the house at a higher price to someone. He blinks at her several times with a blank stare before liking the idea. He likes the idea a lot, though still he feels the intensity of whatever is bugging him. The body downstairs? The lack of security? The nosy neighbors? “It’s a bit drafty… isn’t it?” Maybe even a little creaky. That was it! Too much draft! The off-put feeling is solved. “I don’t think I want to take my time finding where the breeze is coming from and changing out the boards. I like the five bedrooms, but also too many neighbors. You’re smart to pawn this off, but I’m also too lazy when we have to build an entire place for the Lunation.” He waves off her idea, although brilliant. “I wanna see house number three,” the casualness in his voice is clear. Both the couple have seen their fairshare of worst things in their life to care about the chaos going on downstairs.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara nods her head as Tiber mentions the draft, and so naturally, the witch is off in pursuit of finding an open window or perhaps an attic string that she can pull. Why is she so intent on finding the dead man's missing head?! Ever the adventurer, Lana steps into the master bedroom and finds what she’s looking for… A set of bloody paw prints that seemingly ends before the broken window, as though the beast had leapt through the second story window and brought the head along in it’s maw. She studies the prints, noting that it looks as though two of the same animal have left these tracks, and her eyes grow wide, “Tiber! Get a towel and help me clean up this mess!” Lana heads into the adjacent bathroom and collects a cup of water, which she pours onto the floor to make the dried blood easier to clean up, and so that investigators can’t trace this back to her sanctuary. “I think I know what left these marks…” The pair of hyenas that had been gifted to her from Queen Lunalesca a year prior! “I knew I should have socialized them more! I told Venin to let them out the other day to go hunting, and I guess… Well, they hunted and took off with a head, probably thinking it’s a toy ball or something.” She can just imagine the faceless head being batted back and forth, as the hyenas play tug-of-war with the masticated makeshift ball. Venin would know enough to properly dispose of the victim, but the last thing the sanctuary needs are any complaints, and she doesn’t want to have to euthanize the animals. Sure, they are predators, but they will make fine pets for someone, right?! “Maybe next week after I visit with Taly in Frostmaw, I will have the hyenas released in the woods of Venturil. It’s far enough away and I’m sure they will fit right in with the other hostile animals.” She speaks casually about this, as though it’s not the first animal attack that she’s had to cover up, as she takes the towel from Tiber and pads the floor dry.

Southern Sage Forest

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) The pair descend the stairs and each of them are asked to give a statement to the officer before they head outside with Margaret. The woman is obviously disturbed and second guessing her career choice, as she lights up a cigarette, and shakily leads them to the third house. “This one is rather private, a thin strip of woods separates the home from the single neighbor, a woman in her nineties that is both blind and deaf. She’s very sweet and won’t be a bother! It’s on a one acre plot, it was built a few years ago, and it’s remained vacant. The owner poured his life savings into the place, and he was hoping to surprise his pregnant wife, but she passed away during childbirth… He recently listed it, in hopes of another couple carrying out their years here, and filling it with the love that was intended upon construction. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fenced in backyard, an office, and there is a lovely balcony on the second floor, just outside of the master bedroom. All of the amenities have been properly enchanted to provide perfect temperatures, convenience, water, and protection.” It sounds wonderful, and Lana again is all smiles, as they head further into Southern Sage Forest, and she hopes this venture doesn’t lead them to -another- dead body. Whispering to Tiber, she sidles closer, “Hey… We can still do business or find work in Cenril. I just think our homebase should be somewhere on the quiet side, right?” They both had nefarious dealings with others that could haunt them, their lycanthropy and witchcraft can mostly remain a secret, plus, they have an unstable pack that needs guidance and protection. It makes sense, and she gives a brilliant smile to Tiber, “Hey… We are planting our roots somewhere… Together. It’s a new start!” A whole new life with the man she loves! Could it get any better?! As the charming home comes into view, Lana’s heart beats faster, and she points to the large cherry blossom tree, with a wooden swing gently swaying in the breeze. A cobblestone path brings them to the front door, and the atmosphere is welcoming, like a breath of fresh air, compared to the last house! “Ready? This is the last house on our tour!”

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber is so fixated on figuring out where the draft is, but he sees Lanara going frantic over this missing head. Had he created her to be some sort of sleazy con-artist too? Was he proud? Of course he was, so now he finds himself looking for the head through Lanara’s state of fixation because he had been somehow mad for this woman. The man follows the woman to the master bedroom and he could see the look of ‘ah-ha’ on his girlfriend’s face and then eyes trail to the paw prints. She had been right in her little detective ways and he frowns when she comes up with the conclusion. Hyenas? -Her- hyenas? “Ain’t no way those things are staying with us. What the hell,” another reason why he was not a fan of wild animals. Venturil is where they would belong. “I think Venturil will be the perfect place,” far away from him, that is. As she mentions Talyara and visiting her, he frowns. “Talyara? For how long?” Did Lanara not want to break in the new house? He blinks before shaking his head at his own internal thought process. Not part of the plan. “It’s fine. See your sister. The plan… I just, I just thought we would be unpacking and settling in that’s all,” he reassures her before they both descend down the stairs.

Tiber (2 of 2):: House number three comes into the clear. A hand is wrapped around Lanara’s as they approach the scenery. The acre that the house was planted on. His footsteps were slow as he approached the house. Along with the cobblestone and the tree had been a small creek that lingered off to the side of the house. The story of the man who built the home for his pregnant wife made Tiber’s hand slip away from Lanara’s and run through his hair. “Damn,” he looks at the place. Two stories. Spacious enough, but not too small either. Tiber reflects back to the Yule model that Lanara had gifted him a time ago. The one he had been using for the Amber Lunation. Although there was the pack, beforehand, Tiber had been building something different. A home. A place that seemed… lush with water, large trees, seclusion. A safe place. “You’re right… this is what I wanted. Quiet. You and I and… our piece of land.” It was true. “Cenril is crowded.” Truth. Lanara’s smile throws the man for a whirlwind and his gut is sucked in a foreign feeling of nervousness and… peace. Roots. Planting their roots. He gazes at her longingly before they both come up to the home. The wooden swing creaks with serenity and the birds in the distance tweet softly. There is a timidness to the man, but not one of negativity. One of eagerness. “There is a fourth house, but… I’m not gonna climb a mountain today,” he smirks. “I’m ready,” he stares at the home before they both enter inside the premises.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara sensed the unease in Tiberius long before he went on to assure her that visiting her sister in Frostmaw would be ‘alright’ and she feels that she has again disappointed her mate. She plans to address the issue in a little while, but for now, she’s taking in the beauty of the home, a little breathless, and a whole lot of impressed. The color schemes are neutral in the living room, kitchen, and dining room, and she’s imagining all the furniture they will fill this house with, along with decorations. Lana pauses before the hearth, eyeing the mantle where they will hang their stockings for Yule, and her gaze trails over to the bay window which has a breathtaking view of the serene stream and the foliage that will shift with the seasons. It will be a lovely spot to put a Yule tree, and she can picture Tiber holding her up as they place a five pointed star atop it. The kitchen is spacious and sunlight floods the window, adding warmth to the sill that Salem will likely nap on each day, and the island in the center is big enough to place a plethora of baked goods and appetizers should they wish to entertain guests. Three of the bedrooms are done in pastel hues, likely meant for guests or children, and the plush carpet looks comfortable. There is plenty of closet space for storage in each of the rooms, and the master bedroom is the loveliest that Lanara has ever seen. It’s large enough to be a ballroom, and she’s already imagining where they will place the bed and dressers. The adjacent restroom has a ‘his’ and ‘her’ sink and has a clawfoot bathtub that could easily hold the two of them, and a small enchanted rack to keep bottles of liquor chilled. A sauna shower combination is further in, along with a golden gilded full length mirror, and a towel rack that magically keeps the cloths warm. Lana moves on now, seeing visions of Tiber and her chasing each other playfully through the halls, decorating this and adjusting that, and she feels her heart swelling to the point where she’s fearful it may burst. The office space is warm and inviting, done in earth tones, with built in bookshelves, and the balcony is everything one could want to perform a little magic beneath the moon, or to sunbathe in the privacy of ones own home. The backyard is fenced in, as Margaret had mentioned, and there is also a small storage shed, and it looks as though a little garden had been started but needs some tending. “Wow…”

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) The Catalian planned this day with the thought of not causing any fights or seeing any tears in Lanara’s eyes, and they had made it through all of the viewings without any issues. He hadn’t even had to climb a mountain! It had been going -wonderful- until now, because the witch is teary eyed and the film of moisture is threatening to spill onto her cheeks in a matter of seconds as she grabs Tiber by his bicep, “I… I’ve spent my whole life taking responsibility for everyone and no one ever took care of me, even during my childhood. Ty, you are the first person to ever care enough about me to give me a home, and I hope you know how much this means to me… You look after me. And I will do my best to show you that you are my everything, and that I will always love you.” Trust is the hardest thing to earn in Lana’s eyes, but this man had managed to earn it tenfold, even before he had marked her as his wolf mate. Asha is content in this home and the swirling of butterflies in Lana’s stomach intensifies as both the woman and the wolf come to the same conclusion. -THIS- is the home! The certainty is so strong, but she knows better than to force Tiber into liking the home. He is the one paying for it, after all! The realtor smiles and sees the first tear trickle down Lana’s cheek, and she points at the witch, “I think we have a winner! What do you think Mr. Lowell?” Lana returns the woman's smile, the kindest she’s been thus far, and she lifts her head to look into those mesmerizing amber hues, “What do you think, Babe? Is this home in our future, or should we keep on waiting for something else?” There’s a pregnant pause, before she adds, “I’m only going to visit Taly for the day, perhaps one night. Of course I will be back before and right after to unpack and help design the place! It’s just, well, my sister still thinks I’m dead. I -need- to see her, Ty, and we can go together whenever it’s a good time to Venturil…” She dares not mention the hyenas in front of Margaret!

Tiber (1 of 2) :: Once the door is pushed open, amber eyes become child-like. Along with the neutral feel, there comes a clean forestry feel to match the home’s location. The living room is not what impresses Tiber, for the kitchen does since the man loved to be in the kitchen. A hand glides along the clean, modern-like wood on the kitchen counters and his head turns to face the great space of the dining area with the light that floods in with the tall windows. The dining room is built for a family, but that was what a dog and cat was for… right? The house is full of light to make the house feel open with the tall ceilings. Tiberius stares back towards the living room and up the stairs as he watches Lanara lead the way for him. He pictures her… in his arms as he strides up the stairs. A house full of laughter. Petty fights. Passionate moments in different angles of the house. Each room in the house is spacious enough to create solid guest bedrooms with Lanara’s sister and her other half. Meri or Penelope if they wanted to stay the night over while he is kept within his office. His office. Again, there had been large windows to create natural light, the built-in bookshelves were also made of that wood that matched the clean kitchen downstairs. It had a mix of both of the two: Lanara’s cozy feel with Tiber’s minimalist, modern flair. Of course with a touch of earth. Every inch of the house was not what he imagined… it had been more. A new memory. A new chapter. Tiberius stands on the balcony with the witch as they stare into the overgrowth of the backyard. The man pictures himself in the back chopping wood while Lanara is pulling weeds. The images roll through his mind, and it is only Lanara who could pull him out of his imagination. His gaze is pulled to her weepy gaze.

Tiber (2 of 2):: Tiber appears startled at her tears until he realizes that she is not sad. She is… happy. The girl that had somehow managed to become his dream was… happy. After all this time. The man who had been selfish, stubborn, and a shell of a man had come to bloom because of the girl. With all he did to struggle to help her to survive, she had made the hole of the man come back to life. “You gave me the time of day,” he sort of laughs, but his voice sounds hoarse because the timid feelings of want pull at his heartstrings. Tiberius had heartstrings. He does not cry, though. Nope, nope, nope. His hand slips to grab her own to pull it gingerly to his lips. “All I want is for you to be happy. I didn’t think I had love to give until I met you,” cheesy, but true. “And because of that, you made me feel… me. I was lost, and… now we have a future.” Amber eyes sink back over the balcony. This was the home. This was -her- home. -Their- home. Margaret interrupts the moment for good cause, and a slow gaze turns over to the realtor. Her observation of the home being a ‘winner’ is spot on and here Lanara goes trailing her mouth again. “You can go to Frostmaw, we’ll work around it. Your sister is important. She misses you, I’m sure. Hell, surprised you haven’t at least sent word. As for the house…” a small little smirk presses on his lips as he looks down at his… partner. Partner for life. “Eh, I don’t know,” he teases for a reaction from his mate before he looks back at Margaret with a laugh. Genuine. Full. Complete. “We’ll take it.” He then turns to scoop up Lanara to give her a tight hug as she is lifted into the air. “Baby, welcome home!”