RP:Feels Like Home

Summary: Five members of the Amber Lunation take a trip to Rynvale so that they can hide some supply caches in case of a future emergency. Tiber and Nick oddly bond, while Lanara and Corrine find some common ground. Greyson opens up about his past, and everyone agrees that being in the Pack feels like coming home.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

(Post 1 of 2) It had been a week since the housewarming party and the tension in the Amber Lunation seemed to grow with each passing day. Nicolai Garter had supposedly ‘imprinted’ with Corrine Venger and as a result, the Backstreet Bard had been voted into the Pack. As predicted, Tiber had been furious and Lanara had been fearful, given the fact that Nick had done everything in his power to destroy their relationship as well as nearly murder the woman he had spent years stalking. The members of the Pack had been divided, because they didn’t want to break their Code, nor did they want to judge Nick based on his past choices. They -all- had a colorful past, even Tybalt, and so they were willing to welcome another to their ranks. A few members felt that it would look like they were betraying their Alpha and Luna, so they had given Nick and Corrine the silent treatment and tried to avoid any drama. Overall, the week had been one of the worst for the Pack, and it had even set back the planning of Tibara’s upcoming wedding! Unsure what else to do in this situation, Tiber and Lana had agreed that they needed to at least pretend to welcome Nick into their ranks, and to get the Pack back on track. A meeting had been called and two overnight trips had been planned, one up in Frostmaw, and the other in Rynvale. Half of the Pack would remain at their homebase to guard their territory, while the other half would work on placing hidden caches, that way everyone would be able to go on at least one of the trips and share a little responsibility in the absence of their Alpha.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara finishes zipping up a small duffel bag and sighs, “As much as I hate to admit it, I’m hopeful that the rest of the Pack will see that we are putting our best foot forward and that we’re giving Nick a chance. Not that he deserves it, or that we’ll ever fully trust him, but it’s important that everyone knows we follow our Code closely…” Clad in an orange bikini, she slides a pair of dark denim shorts on and steps into a pair of white sneakers, “I’m glad that we chose Rynvale for the first of the cache trips, because I would love to work on my tan a little before our big day!” She flashes Tiber a smile and winks, “Plus… Maybe we can sneak away for some ocean action when everyone else goes to sleep.” Ever the flirt with her fiance, Lana’s cheeks turn a rosy hue, and she reads off their checklist to make sure they aren’t forgetting anything. “Okay, so for this trip… It will be us, Nick, Corrine, and Greyson.” She wisely figures that if anyone can pull Tiber off of Nick, it’s their Beta, but she doesn’t voice her reason for bringing him to Rynvale. “The Frostmaw trip will have everyone else, plus we can make a small detour to have Tybalt’s arm adjusted.” It -does- worry Lana that Bjorn is going to be the security at their homebase in Sage, but Violet and Celeste will hopefully keep him in line! “All of the supplies are at the Pack’s house, so when we pick up the crew, we can all help carry stuff.” Lana rubs some bug deterrent onto her wrists, neck, and ankles, before she tugs Tiber by the arm and begins to rub the waxlike ointment on his flesh. It's the color of mustard, it smells like sour milk, and the skin reddens and tingles once contact is made, but the witch is certain it will do the trick! “Trust me… You will be thanking me later when everyone else is covered in bugbites.” She doesn’t mean to share any of her bug ointment?! Lana smirks and leans in for a kiss, trying not to sneeze as they both reek, “I love you… And remember… If either of them step out of line? I have matching dolls in our bedside drawer.” If the Catalian doesn’t believe her, all he has to do is open the drawer to see Corrine and Nick voodoo dolls resting side by side. She closes the distance between their faces and delivers a sensual kiss that will leave them both wanting more, before she forces herself to pull back, “Ready, Babe?”

Tiber :: Rynvale would have been the perfect place, if it was not for Nick. Nick the di--keep thoughts appropriate, Tiber. The man is moody lately, but he does his act to play the part in front of the others to abide by Code. The stinking blood oath. Tiber was going to be thrilled to watch Nick bleed on his blood oath, though if he made it that far. The Backstreet Dweeb. Tiber wears a loose cream tunic and a pair of khaki shorts. A very casual, beachy look. “Let’s just get this cache thing over with, so we can just enjoy ourselves.” Grumpy Tiber. As Lanara pulls on the Catalian’s arm, the smell crosses his nose and he tries to pull back. “Lana, what the heck are you doing? That smells god awful. Please tell me I’m not going to smell like this all day.” He deeply frowns, but let’s the Kelvarian rub it into his skin anyway. He kisses her back, but coughs a little at the gross smell. The scent is heightened due to being a lycan, and he is not down with it. “I’ll gladly smack someone if I have to. You won’t even have to worry about the dolls.” He grins to himself at the thought. A wicked look before he looks at her. “I’ll try to behave. Let’s go.”

Lanara knows well enough not to argue with Tiber about the smell of the paste she had rubbed all over their bodies. He’s going through enough as it is with having Nick amongst the Pack, but perhaps -now- he understands how Lana has felt the entire time as she’s had to put up with Corrine. They leave their house and arrive at the Pack’s in a matter of minutes, and the witch has to stifle her laughter because she’s fairly sure she saw Tiber’s eyes tearing up every time the wind blew a certain way. If he thinks the smell is bad, wait until he tries to wash it off, and finds that it sticks to his body hair! Lana leads the way as they step inside and it seems that Greyson already has everything in order, as he passes each member of Cache Team Rynvale a large backpack with supplies. Nick and Corrine warily eye Tiber and Lana, but neither of them complains, for once. “Ready?!” At least the witch seems excited to go on an adventure, even if it’s with two people that she cannot stand.

Tiber was expecting for Nick and Corrine to comment on the smell of Lanara and him, but he was braced for… nothing? No complaints? Did they have a fever? Did Nick charm Corrine to ease down or something? Maybe the blows would come soon enough. Tiber grabs his pack before he slings it over his shoulder. Greyson, however, comes in with the blow now instead. “Whoa, I’m ready and all, but you two reek. No bro bump for you, my dude, and my seat will be taken on the trip to Rynvale,” he brushes past Tiber. Greyson surely is ready to go, and Tiber is left dumbfounded before giving Lanara a look. The man then shakes his head, “I’m thankful,” he tells Lanara before proceeding onward with the rest of the group when they are ready. He is trying, although it’s hard smelling like sour milk.

Lanara bites the inside of her cheek so that she doesn’t burst into a fit of giggles at Greyson’s observations, because she knows that Tiber is holding onto the shreds of his sanity. The awful end of their housewarming party, Nick and Corrine suddenly imprinting, having to travel to all ends of the realm to store extra sets of clothes and survival supplies, and now the fact that he smells like a combination of sweaty feet and moldy cheese?! The witch winces a little at the weight in her backpack and glares at Corrine, as the redhead is making Nick carry both hers and his! The Bard, wanting to show he can be of some use, walks behind Lana and tears his gaze from her legendary ass long enough to ask, “Would you like some help? I can take a load off.” Lanara bets he can, but she pretends that she doesn’t hear him, as she loops her arm through Tiber’s and whispers, “We can be smelly together, and Greyson won’t be cracking jokes when he’s bitten all over.” They arrive at the docks and board the ship, all of them falling into an awkward silence, before Lana speaks up, “So, I guess we can break into teams? That way one of us sets up camp in the southern part of Rynvale, one team takes the western expanse, and the other team handles the east coast? We can all meet back at camp, in the morning head to the northern peak, and then venture back home! How does that sound?” Greyson looks bored, “I call dibs on setting up camp.” He pointedly looks at his Alpha, as if encouraging him to partner with Corrine or Nick, so it looks as though they are attempting to accept them.

Tiber travels along with everyone else. Tiber notices Nick’s chivalrous ways of holding Corrine’s pack, but Tiber is too much of a dud to connect the dots that it is chivalrous. Lanara gets to keep that pack the whole trip unless she says something. Sorry, Lana, Tiber is oblivious to those sorts of things. Remember the hunting trip? Once they arrive at the docks and board the ship, Tiber shrugs the pack off to sit. He likes the awkward silence. Lanara, why are you talking? You don’t -have- to talk. Lanara, however, discusses important business instead, so this makes it easier until Greyson chooses to stay back and stares at Tiber expectantly. Tiber sucks in his cheeks in an almost annoyed way before scratching his stubble. Tiber would be an idiot to let Nick go with Lanara and let him try to kill her again. “I’ll partner with Nick and we will take the eastern expanse.” Manboy. Besides, Tiber would like a close eye on the bard anyway. Tiber feels bad, but only hopes Corrine is civil enough to be around Lanara.

Lanara rubs her sore shoulders and seems to hate Corrine even more, merely because she isn’t feeling any discomfort as -her- chivalrous man carried her things without complaint. Tiberius is clearly not catching on in the gentleman department, and Lana shakes her head, mildly annoyed. Even -Bjorn- would have carried her stuff! At the same time that Tiber speaks up, Lana also talks, and she points to Nick, “I’ll go with Nick, and Tiber you can go with Whore-in… Um, Corrine.” She feigns an apologetic grin as Corrine scowls, “Whatever. I’m sure Tiber would prefer me to Lame-Ah.” Corrine may talk brave now, but she won’t be cozying up to the Catalian when he smells like week old garbage! The witch looks smug, and if Tiber catches her gaze, she shrugs as if to say she’d rather traipse through western Rynvale with the devil she knows, rather than the skank she refuses to get to know. Nick looks thrilled and is all smiles the rest of the ride, and he offers -both- ladies a hand and helps them step onto the dock. Lana takes the bard's hand and quickly drops it once she’s on shore, wondering if Tiber is taking notes. Greyson looks less bored, as he drops a hand on his alpha’s shoulder, “If I hear a scream or anything seems amiss, our camp isn’t too far from where Lana is heading… She’ll be fine, Boss.”

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber feels the uneasiness settle in when Lanara agrees to go with Nick instead of Corrine. Surely it makes Tiber’s life easier, but Lanara walking with the psycho? “Fine.” He keeps a close eye on Nick who is wearing a stupid grin on his face. Then, Tiber looks at Greyson who is staring at the Catalian. Tiber shakes his head before leaning back and looking out at the sea instead of talking to the group. Eventually when they sail in, Tiber watches Nick’s every move. Tiber is taking notes, but not the way Lanara thinks. Once Greyson pats Tiber, he looks the Beta up and down. “I swear it’s on you if something happens.” Ouch. Greyson, however, takes no offense. “Eh, you’re all talk.” Greyson smiles. “Come on, Boss. It’ll be good. Besides, you really want those two chicks playing cat fight instead?” Tiber finally caves before moving onward. The group moves from the docks onward. Tiber keeps Lanara close for now until they get to the place to set camp. Once together, Tiber finally speaks out to the lot of them. “I think it’s best we split now. Corrine and I will take the east. Nick and Lana, the west. Greyson gets to be Mr. Slacker.” Tiber dryly teases before Greyson grins. “Gladly.”

Tiber (2 of 2):: Before the teams head their separate ways, however, Tiber pulls Lanara to the side. “Greyson won’t be far if you need -anything-. He’s going to be listening for you. I love you and I’ll see you soon, yeah?” The man gives his girl a quick kiss before giving her a squeeze. The man then adjusts his pack before moving over to Corrine. “Ready?” Corrine then nods firmly before swaying in front of the Catalian for the hopes he might ‘check her out’. She bats her lashes a bit ‘nonchalantly’ before the two of them head off. Throughout the walk, Tiber starts with, “So, how’s your manboy boyfriend adjusting?”

(Post 1 of 2) After dropping their belongings at the designated area that they plan to make camp at, the team's plan to part ways, save for Greyson who is erecting three spacious tents and preparing food for their return in a few short hours. Tiber pulls Lana to the side and she looks expectantly into this amber eyes, wondering if he’s going to scold her for choosing Nick and pinning him with the evil wretch, “I need to learn to at least be in his presence, on the off chance he doesn’t screw up and get booted from our Pack. I’ll be okay, Babe.” She lifts her hand to caress his cheek, ignoring the stench of the salve on her wrist, as she fights a wave of nausea, “I love you, more… No checking out Corrine, either.” She’s teasing, somewhat, because she’s already caught a glimpse of the redhead in skimpy swimwear and she’s the jealous sort.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara and Nicolai make their way towards the west coast of Rynvale, carefully stepping over roots and rocks, before they find the ‘X’ on the map where they should bury the cache of supplies. They only had to walk a little over an hour from camp, whereas Tiber and Corrine would have a rather long trek. The witch points to a spot and instructs the bard to dig, and while he does that, she carefully folds a few sets of unisex outfits, arranges non-perishable food and jugs of spring water, and a bag filled with gold coins. “Okay. Food, water, clothing, and some coin, that should do the trick!” Lana glances over at Nick, notices that he has worked up quite a sweat, and she wonders if it’s from the sun beating on his frame or because she has been bent over for the past fifteen minutes arranging supplies. Taking pity on the male, she offers, “Why don’t you go take a quick dip in the ocean? You can cool off. I will finish up here.” There’s a long pause as they hold each other's gaze, and a shiver runs up Lana’s spine, as she hopes he’s not going to try anything. Greyson isn’t -too- far away, plus she has lycan blood now, so surely Nick won’t try anything… Right? The bard sighs, “Lana… Come take a dip with me. Can’t we at least try to be friends? I know I messed up, I apologized a hundred times, and I’m not going to mess up again. I’m a new man moving forward… With Corrine.” Nick sighs again and motions towards the water, and although she doesn’t want to go in the ocean, she relents, “Fine. Only up to my knees, I don’t want to get my hair wet.” Nor does she want the creep groping her under the water.

Tiber :: Corrine’s joy slightly flattens as Tiber asks about Nick, but it quickly vanishes. Tiber is not looking at Corrine, anyway. “Nick is fine. Violet seems to get along with him, at least. Probably some teen thing. After all, he’s like an ex-celebrity. That counts for something.” Tiber only does a ‘hm’ in response and the two continue on the longer trek. “Oh, by the way, you have to go tux fitting soon. You’re going to look -amazing-. I figured I can help you with the tailoring places around Lithrydel to choose the -perfect- one. Maybe we can go together.” Tiber raises a brow. “Is Lanara supposed to go with me tux shopping? Or is the tux a surprise?” Corrine laughs. Maybe too over the top. Tiber does not get the joke, but the two carry on the journey together before coming to the east. Tiber is the one to get down and dirty as he digs while Corrine lounges back on a rock as she gets her tan on and slaps at bugs. She enjoys the view of Tiber’s manly hard work and the water. She takes off her cover to reveal her bikini in hopes Tiber might check her out. The man shoves the bag down before covering up the bag. “Okay,” the man breathes out before stumbling over with sweat to sit next to Corrine. Corrine offers the man water. “You must be exhausted. We can hang out here for a bit!” She chimes. “No, no. I just need a breath and we can head back.” The man then pauses and glances over Corrine who is flipping her hair. “I’m ready to head back,” Tiber says, which causes Corrine to frown. The two stand up and then get ready to head back to camp. “I appreciate you accepting Nick and having us come on this journey. Following Code. I guess Tibarfa isn’t so bad.” The red head says this slowly to watch Tiber’s expression.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara slides off her sneakers and shorts, allowing Nick to take the lead down the shore, before she takes a deep breath and pads barefoot through the sand. The male is waist deep in the water, babbling about it being a beautiful day, and she feels sick to her stomach. How is she supposed to put the past behind them when she doesn’t even want to be in the same -ocean- as the bard? A true Luna wouldn’t hesitate, she knows and so she forces herself to step into the water and as she had promised earlier, she only goes in up to her knees. Despite it being autumn, the water isn’t that cold, and the nature lover rinses her hands and inhales the scent of the salty sea. She closes her eyes, loving the element of water, but when she opens them she freezes, as Nick stands in front of her, “How did you know that Tiber was truly the -one- and that your imprint was the real deal?” Lana is relieved he’s not trying to kiss or kill her and she relaxes somewhat, as this is a much easier topic. Her beloved Catalian, the one and only Tiberius Lowell, the keeper of her heart. “I didn’t know at first… We had three years of ups and downs, and when we finally let those walls down, we sort of just collided. We have been together ever since we crossed that threshold, and after turning me, it was just an added layer of what we already knew… That we belong together. Forever.” Even Aunt Sharna had predicted that they were soulmates!

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara narrows her gaze, suspiciously, “Why? Do you have doubts about Corrine?” Nick shakes his head, a little too quickly, and his gaze seems far away as he speaks, “Well. We’ve got the fighting like a married couple thing down, but she’s feisty, and I think that’s part of the attraction.” He dodges her question and Lana doesn’t want to get too deep with the male, so she offers a small smile, “I’m happy that you’re no longer pining for me, and I think you and Corrine make a nice couple.” Her words are forced, but it’s the best she can do! “We should head back to camp.” Lana heads back to the shore and retrieves her shoes and shorts, her mind wandering to Tiber and Corrine. She hopes that he’s having an alright time with the wretch, and the faster they finish their tasks and get back to camp, the quicker they can retire to their tents. Being in the company of Nick makes her uneasy, as she’s never sure of the man's intentions, and she only feels truly safe when at her mate's side. The witch and bard make their way back to the camp, mostly in silence, but most of their tension seems to have washed off in the ocean. Lana looks forward to seeing Tiber and she practically sprints the last few yards, offering Greyson a fistbump in greeting, “Did we beat them to camp?” The brunette’s smile falters slightly as she realizes Tiber isn’t back yet, so she busies herself with helping prepare dinner.

Tiber :: The two walk and Tiber sort of keeps silent for the most part. “You know, I know you’re not set on Nick. But just know, we imprinted. Besides, what’s not to like? He’s hot and he does like -everything- I say.” Tiber squinted, but love worked in mysterious ways. Tiber was a dude. He never knew he would find love, and although Corrine and Nick were insane, insane people were meant to be together sometimes, right? “Listen, I trust you more than I trust Nick.” Tiber begins. Corrine had never wronged Tiber. Only Lanara due to the girl tension they had and shared. “But because of you, I will try harder with Nick. Because I care about you and your, uh, feelings. What kind of Alpha would I be if I didn’t give someone a chance?” Amber eyes roll over to Corrine who is staring longingly at Tiber, but the Catalians shrugs this as a ‘thankful’ stare. “Thanks, Lowell,” she smiles before the two nod and continue on their way back to camp. The two eventually come into the clearing. Corrine in her bikini and Tiber… the same. The two look for the others to greet and Tiber instinctively looks for Lanara to make sure she is in one piece. He ignores Greyson's loud 'wussup' for now because he was still bitter, and he comes into the clearing meeting the Kelvarian elf. “We survived, and it wasn’t, uh, so bad. Creep didn’t touch you, right?” He grins before helping her with dinner like he normally would do at home.

Lanara is at Greyson’s side, preparing a huge bowl of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, which she then drizzles with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. The Beta is grilling sausages and beef patties, and surreptitiously eyes Nick and Corrine every so often, as though silently keeping the peace. Lana nearly drops the bowl of salad as Tiber appears at her side and she kisses his bicep and gives his arm a nuzzle, as her hands have yet to be rinsed of the ingredients. “I missed you.” She speaks just above a whisper and gives her fiance a longing look, but it fades as he mentions that being with Corrine isn’t so bad and asks how her adventure with Nick had gone. “He kept his hands to himself, but he -does- seem a bit uncertain about their imprint. I get the impression that he’s struggling a little, moreso with himself than with fitting in with the Pack.” The couple in question are sitting side by side on a log, not speaking to each other, and neither offers a hand in making dinner. They seem content to rest for the moment, but as soon as they feel eyes upon them, hands are raised in greeting. It’s -too- orchestrated for Lanara’s taste, but she knows better than to delve any deeper into their relationship, because she’d rather not have the bard pining for her affections or have the bitch trying to charm her mate. Asha stirs anxiously, and it’s not the first time that she’s alerted Lana that something is amiss. “Why don’t you work on making the drinks, Babe?” A few minutes later and dinner is finished being prepared and everyone makes their plates and sits down around the campfire. Lana and Tiber sit to the left, Corrine and Nick to the right, and Greyson plops down in the center, as though he aims to play referee.

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber snakes an arm around his lady in a returning squeeze as she prepares the salad. He kisses her forehead and presses her close before snooping in to see if he can take a bite of the freshly prepped greens. That was Tiber’s job, normally: eating the food not yet prepared! He grins at her comment of her missing him before brushing a loose strand out of her face. Then he nodded with content to hear Nick’s hands were in the boundary. Amber eyes cast over to the bard, and there is an easiness that settles, but not fully. “Glad he didn’t go for a feel.” The moment of talking about the ‘imprint’ situation. “Yeah, I don’t know about that. I’m still kind of weary on that too. Kind of coincidental to me, but… then again, the dude lost everything. Maybe he feels unsure?” Tiber had been trying for Corrine, but there was also still a ping of oddity in the couple sitting on the log. Corrine turns from the greeting before whispering something in Nick’s ear. Her face looks sly… seductive, but Nick’s face looks squinty. Not in a disturbing way, but almost in a processing way before Corrine gives Nick’s leg a squeeze for show. Nick then grins like a doof from the touch. Tiber just stares. “Hm… Someone has never been touched by a lady before,” he mumbles, but was that whisper more than that, though…? Tiber shakes his head before placing another kiss against Lanara’s cheek. “Sure thing.” He is then off to mix the beverages.

Tiber (2 of 2):: Once they all sit around, Tiber waits for everyone to eat before he starts. The man digs into a piece of meat before filling his mouth so he would not have to strike much conversation. Then again, Greyson keeps glancing the Alpha’s way in anticipation to be cordial. “So Nick, uh, you still sing?” Well, that would sting. Lanara already said ‘no’. “Like… at bars and stuff. I dabble in a bit of music, myself, so… I was just curious about good spots around Lithrydel.” It was a start before the two men could really have a chat.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara eats a plate of salad, though every so often her gaze falls enviously upon Tiber’s plate, at the mountain of meat that’s piled atop it. The witch is in excellent shape, the perfect weight with the perfect curves, yet she dares not disturb perfection, especially with their wedding day nearing. She vows to be exquisite in that white dress and she wants Tiber to find her extra desirable, so she stabs her lettuce a little less angrily and tries not to look so hangry. In her mind she repeats the mantra ‘less calories, more lust, it -will- be worth it’ as she finishes the remainder of her food. It’s Greyson’s clearing of his throat that has Lana reaching for a glass of water, and after taking a sip, she focuses her sights on Corrine. “We need to discuss the dessert menu for the wedding…” Asha groans, disliking this sudden starvation diet, and the thought of something sweet is overkill. Corrine wears her usual bewildered look whenever Lana is nice to her, and she pauses before smoothing her fiery locks, “Um. Sure. I actually brought the notebook along.” There’s a long breath, before the woman lowers her voice, “Lana, I forgot my brush and I need to control this frizz! Can I borrow yours?”

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara doesn’t want to share her things with Corrine, but it’s at the exact same moment that Tiber makes an earth shattering inquiry to Nick, and it’s obvious the bard is about to have a breakdown. “Uh. Sure. Front pocket of my backpack, to the left. Just put it back when you’re done.” Everyone’s focus is on Nick as he delves into his musical upbringing and thankfully he manages to hold the tears at bay, as he reminisces about being a ‘ladies man’ back in the day. “Maybe we can go and grab a beer one day, Tiber… Collaborate on something together. Do you play any instruments? I’m good with drums, the guitar, piano…” Are they making friends?! Lana’s lips part in shock, until Corrine returns, and it looks as though not a hair on her head has been brushed. If she possessed any magical abilities Lana would show suspicion, but she’s fairly sure a few strands of hair hadn’t been removed from her brush. The thought is dismissed, as Corrine hands her a notebook with various drawings of cakes and a list of flavors.

Tiber is used to the wedding planning that is going on, so the question about dessert does not phase him as Lanara asks Corrine. The man, however, is phased that Lanara just eats salad, so he decides to place a fork of meat to her mouth. “Greyson cooked this, try a little. A little won’t hurt, babe.” He calls tauntingly in a playful and easy way. Lanara said she was ‘dieting’, but Tiber always thought Lanara was hot, so there was no need because she was a queen. Tiber listens to Nick who seems to be quivering a bit to hold a tight face. Amber eyes slowly sink over the man. A beer? Nick wanted a beer? Tiber blinks. “Uh,” the man is a little thrown that Nick is also trying to make some peace. “I, uh, play guitar and a little piano too. Drums are killer,” Tiber is short, but also opens a small bridge. “A beer wouldn’t be bad. Maybe we can go to a tav one day. Give a little… sideshow, maybe earn some side hustle?” The man scratches his head and takes a fork full of meat. Tiber takes no interest in the girls sharing the brush as the curiosity of Nick was at play in the Catalian’s mind. Were they not going to talk about the insanity of what happened to Lanara and Nick? And the two men as jail mates? Perhaps that would be a conversation over a beer instead? In the meantime, Greyson is smiling over his own drink of hard liquor as the two pairs mingle. A dorky smile. One of know.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara flips through the pages, admiring the drawings, and her eyes widen as she lands on the last page in the book. It’s a picture of a stunning three-tier wedding cake, with a topper that looks -exactly- like Tiber and Lanara, and the swirls, lace, icing, and decorations are so over the top yet elegant. “This is my dream wedding cake!” The witch is shocked to learn that Corrine can draw, and even though she complains constantly about being her attendant, the woman is excellent at following orders. “You totally should go to school with Violet, maybe study business? You could open a bakery or even a bridal boutique! I saw your drawings of the dresses the other day, too…” She had been snooping. Corrine flushes but accepts the compliment, a slow smile on her face, as she nods and points out other features of the cake.

(Post 2 of 2) All of this wedding talk has worked up an appetite in Lanara, so she practically snaps the fork in half when she takes a bite of Tiber’s offering, but it tastes so good that she’s forced to savor the flavor. “Oh my gosh, Greyson you are quite the cook!” A grateful glance is offered to Tiber, because he sates her every need, and if another bite is offered she will accept! Nick looks a little awkward once Tiber accepts the offer of a drink and a gig, but his smile seems genuine, and he extends the invitation to Greyson, as well. Dinner winds down and a platter of chocolate covered cherries and fresh strawberries is laid out before the group, as drinks are replenished and everyone seems a little more at ease. Lana snuggles closer to Tiber and curls up beneath his arm, kissing him on the neck, before she catches Greyson’s bemused smirk. Offering a half smirk to the male, she hugs Tiber tightly, but addresses her words to their Beta, “Greyson… I feel like we have been talking all night but you’ve been sort of quiet. Something on your mind?”

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber looks over his shoulder when Lanara compliments Corrine on the drawing of the wedding cake. Tiber tries to take a peek at the elegant tiers that were sketched out. Brows raised, but he is a man, so really it was just a cake to him, however, the drawings were not too shabby. “Lanara’s right, Corrine… you have kind of a knack for this stuff.” He finishes the last piece of meat on his plate. The small group is content, although awkward with the swirl of offerings and compliments, but it’s enough to get Tiber’s thoughts stewing. Perhaps, things would work out. Perhaps Nick’s jealousy, although not totally waved away, happened for a reason to land with Corrine. Was this making Corrine better for imprinting? Were the two actually imprinted? The more the group was able to socialize, the more Tiber was coming to a slow trust. Tiber gives Greyson an annoyed shove and a shake of his head before dessert is laid out. Tiber reaches out easily for a strawberry to shove in his face before grabbing a strawberry for his fiance to also tease her. “You know you want it,” he teases. Whether the strawberry is eaten by Lanara or not, Greyson then has eyes on him.

(Post 2 of 2) Tiber :: Greyson shakes his head, then stops, then ponders with that smile still addressed on his face. There had been a glow about Greyson, although an intensity at times. He was a very loose and whole-hearted soul. The man had been understanding, loyal, easy. Not to mention he was very easy on the eyes. If Tiber did not trust the man so much, the Catalian would be jealous. So how did Greyson Briars end up… here? The tidbits Tiber and Lanara had known was that Greyson was homeless beforehand. That was a detail that was given in Greyson’s file, but who was… Greyson Briars? A hand slowly picks at one of the stems of the cherries before shrugging. “I don’t know… I--” The man shrugs again in a sheepish grin. “I just… Family was never one thing I ever knew, I guess.” The lot of them look at the Beta as he squirms in his light-hearted way. “I grew up as an orphan. Never knew what family even was besides those I grew up with. People came and went. It wasn’t anything that phased me. Some people are just resilient in those ways while others struggle,” he looked to Tiberius in that moment and a gentle hand was placed on the blonde’s shoulder in a pat, but Tiber understood. “After the orphanage, I never was really adopted. Never really showed an interest in couples coming in. Just didn’t see the point. I was fed, I had a bed, friends, people who looked after me, I was fine. What was the point of ‘family’?” He looks between the group. “So I was a wanderer. Homeless. Not like pity homeless, but I enjoyed the discovery. The world. New bonds. People came and went. I found ways to earn food or a trip to the baths. It wasn’t awful. I actually enjoyed it.” He shrugged. “It was just one of those messed up scenarios when Alastor came in. He said he had money, and I was looking for the next handout. So I ended up here.” He paused and took a breath and looked out at the sea. “But through that, I understood what family was. Loyalty. Close-knit people. Love in a very weird, screwed up way. Not forced, but… I’m just… feeling content. That’s all, Lana.” Blue eyes strike against her own in a sincere, friendly way. “I never even really knew that I would know it, but I’m just glad I’m somehow… home.”

Lanara slowly nibbles on the strawberry that is offered, whispering in Tiber’s ear, “I can tie a knot in the cherry stem… We can sneak some into our tent later and I’ll show you.” Everyone clearly hears said whisper, as they all have enhanced abilities, but thankfully no one snickers or comments. Corrine rests her head on Nick’s shoulder and he doesn’t react, but Lana assumes he just needs more time. Imprinting, entering a new pack, dealing with Tibara, it’s all taking a toll on the guy. Or maybe they aren’t truly imprinted and Corrine is forcing the affection? She’s not sure what to think, and she is happy to just leave things to simmer, as everyone is mostly getting along. Snuggling closer to Tiber, she maintains eye contact with Greyson for the duration of his speech, touched by his words. “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. And… I’m glad we all share the same ‘home’ with you, Greyson. From the very start I could sense the bond between you and Tiber, and it warms my heart that he found a brother in you.” The Alpha likely wouldn’t get emotional on the group, so Lana speaks on his behalf, her words now include all that are present, “We may all be different, but we also balance each other out. Some of us have a strength where others have a weakness, we are all willing to put in the work, and I see a bright future for this family.” Big brown eyes shift to lock with amber, “We should probably call it a night, right?” She’s dying to get her fiance alone, but they will have to be mindful that their tent is nearby the others! “We have to head up north tomorrow to place the final cache.” Lana must be talking to a wall, because everyone knows exactly what she’s planning with Tiberius, but the witch is oblivious to the eyerolls and smirks.

Tiber is looking at Lanara’s lips in a sultry way as she talks about the cherry. That would definitely be a way to end the night. Or keep the night moving. Tiber is so interested in Greyson's attention that he does not pay attention to Corrine and Nick. Another oblivious Tiber move. As Greyson has a smile on his face and explains his time in the orphanage, Tiber grinds his teeth quietly. Though, Greyson talks of resilience, Greyson found his in the orphanage and it was not a sob story as Tiber found his resilience in meeting… Lanara. Lanara Banks. Eyes would gaze over the witch who was invested in the words of Greyson, and that was okay because… Lanara was his. The personality of Greyson makes Tiber smile, and although the two had walked different lives, the two were similar in many ways. Tiber found what he might have been despite the homelessness within Greyson. He would have found… peace, happiness, a man who was easygoing. Tiber, in this moment of truth, is just placing a hand on the Beta’s shoulder and looking at him. The two had a silent understanding. Truly the moment would come out in booze another time. “Welcome home,” is all the Catalian has to say with a few pats. “So glad you’re with us.” The sincerity in the Alpha is true. As brown eyes link with honey, the man sighs. “Yes,” but wandering eyes move to Greyson who fully knows what is about to go down in that tent. Greyson rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, just leave already. Love you two,” he waves them off. Love? Greyson truly found home. Tiber looks at all the others with their eye rolls. "Don't act like we aren't engaged." Tiber was the blunt one. “Night, everyone. See you tomorrow. Bright and early.” He is playing Alpha again. In his serious tone, he leans down to grab the almost empty plate of cherries and strawberries. He then gently reaches for his Luna's hand before pulling her off back into the tent for a night of… the surprise of no sleep!