the rite of spring ;

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The fragrant aroma of rosemary, mint, and thyme filled the woman's lungs and began to flood her with memories of her beloved aunts and sister sitting around in their home, laughing and singing while crafting their potions. The memories made her lips lift with a slight smile and warmed her heart with the sound of laughter filling her ears. Gwendolyn grasped onto that memory, refusing to let go of the last thing she had of them. With the unfamiliar scents floating around her, she guessed she wasn't in Stonehaven anymore.

With a hesitant opening of an eye, Gwen glanced around the bare landscape, noticing how the evening light reflected off the fallen powder. Slowly lifting her head from the earth, Gwen turned to look up at the mountain, taking in its sheer size. Judging from how barren it was this time of year, Gwendolyn assumed it'd be full of herbs and flowers in the spring. Just the idea brought her smile back. She knew it would be a sight to behold once the flora was in full bloom, just like the meadow her aunts took her to last spring. Gwen still remembered the vibrant and fragrant wildflowers she had picked to decorate Aurora's fur.

But at this moment, the area was empty. Gwendolyn could spot a treeline, their dark trunks appearing like fingers reaching from the earth. The girl couldn't see or hear anything above the sound of her own breathing, which could prove to be a good thing. There was nothing here to kill her. Or, it was just good at hiding.

However, this also proved that she had come alone. Aurora was not around, nor were Aunt Juniper and Aunt Lily. Gwen sniffled a bit but sucked back her tears. It was not time to feel sorry for herself. Well, not right now. Maybe later, once she was alone in a shelter for the night. But at this moment, she wondered what her sister would do. Aurora was always the more adventurous and courageous of the two, while Gwendolyn was cautious and analytical. Always the one to wait, while Aurora rushed forth to explore the forest around their home, even after Aunt Lily told her to stay away from the caverns to the south.

And now, Gwendolyn wished she had an ounce of her sister's bravery—something to fuel her enough to move from this place. But the cold was sinking into her body, settling in her bones. And she felt drowsy, like she wanted to lay her head back down and let herself fall into her dreams once again.

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mainly for those of vanderfell woods but open to anyone <3

the staff team luvs u

It wasn't often that the mountain king wandered so far from the summit, but what kind of king would he be if all he ever knew was what lay tucked away at home? Both of his parents had traveled to see other lands and learn of neighboring groups. They had gained stories and unmeasurable experiences he could only fathom, and so he too would wander.

For it being winter, the path out of the woods had been easy. The snow that coated the ground was light as air, clinging in powder against the guard hairs along his frame. For all the beauty his home held, there was something special seeing another land, similar yet different, as snow-covered hills rolled into the horizon. A deep, childish laugh rumbled from his throat as he bound and lept with heavy paws through the wonderland.

Moments like these reminded him that even if he was now High King, he was still considered a child. For a while longer, at least.
the staff team luvs u

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At the sound of a masculine laugh, Gwendolyn slowly blinked open her still blurry eyes and tried to make out what had made the noise. The aroma of herbs and damp earth reminded her of Aurora. But as her vision cleared and the figure sharpened into a dark-furred wolf running through the snow, Gwen struggled to stand, her limbs numb from the icy chill of the snow.

Gwendolyn sniffled as she shook off more snow from her back, the soft powder flying in every direction. The melted powder had soaked the fur of her nape and chest, but the wind began to make the chill seep into her bones. A slight shiver trailed up her limbs as the cold started to bite at her skin and muscles, refusing to let her move.

“Is anyone there?” She stuttered through chattering teeth. Gwendolyn didn't want to stay here alone, not in such a quiet place. What if something attacked her in the night? Or a pack wolf found her here?

Gwen took a small step forward, though she shrank in on herself to keep her warmth close to herself. Would this be where she found eternal rest? In the cold's warm embrace as it whispered promises of sleep and a soft bed?

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