Fenrir's Wood Starters

Chellam took slow steps as she wandered the gardens, Chanel hanging off her arm and swaying slightly. It was nice to be there in the dark, not that she was typically one of her favourite things to enjoy darkness but there was something to be said for beautiful things being seen in ways you had no before. To be out in the dark with the beautiful flowers of the botanical garden was a new way to look at them and Chellam wanted something pretty to observe.

She had yet to find any sort of purpose in the town and truthfully this felt evidence of that. Aimlessly wandering amongst beautiful things. Her mind was still a mess because of all those wolves that had invaded the town,it still frightened her because she didn't understand why. It was what made her jump upon hearing a sudden scraping sound behind her, heart rate increasing as her eyes adjusted.

Rex wove through the Duck Fair, the vibrant lights and chaotic sound fuelling the excitement that was already buzzing through him. His attention landed on a dart-throwing booth, where hopeful players aimed with determination, only to have their darts veer off-course. The tension was almost palpable – furrowed brows, focused eyes, and then the inevitable frustration as the balloons remained stubbornly unpopped.  

Rex smiled some to himself, pausing as he got in the queue to watch the spectacle. He’d whispered a few sweet promises to the spirits, ensuring the darts found anything but their targets. The unlucky contestants would curse their rotten luck and the rigged game, none the wiser to the subtle nudge Rex had given the game. He was sure to offer the spirits his thanks.

Spotting someone behind him in the queue, Rex turned, an easy smile playing on his lips. “Do you want to make it a little more interesting?” He suggested, his tone laced with playful challenge. “How about the loser has to buy the winner a round at the bar stalls after?” he waved casually towards the bustling food and drinks area, then added with a glint in his eyes. “Unless you’re up for raising the stakes. The bigger the prize, the better the game, no?”

After wandering through the Duck Fair, Roxy finally settled down in an empty spot at a picnic table near the food stalls, her tray loaded with a plate of vegan tacos from Moonshine. She slid onto the bench, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before leaning into take a bite. The flavours were fresh and vibrant, the perfect match for the lively atmosphere of the fair.  

She glanced around, noticing the mix of fair-goers – families, friends, couples – everyone caught up in the festive energy. It was nice to just sit and take it all in for a moment. Especially after having moved through the large crowd for herself.

As she ate, Roxy noted someone sit down across from her at the table. She offered them a friendly smile and pulled her tray a little closer to her to make more room for the other person. “Hey! How’s it going?” She said in a friendly tone. She turned back to take a bite of her food. “Sorry, I’m nosy. What did you go for? Everything smells so amazing, I didn’t really know where to start.”

Noah had been given the rest of the evening off from his duties as bartender at the Mean Duck booth and decided to take the time to explore what the fair had to offer this year. Though, the Duck Fair had never been a dull time. He wandered through the lively chaos of the fair, his mind adrift as he took in the sights and sounds around him. The laughter of children, the bright lights of the Ferris wheel, and the music of the carousel all created a symphony that he had come to associate with summer since living in Fenrir’s Wood.

With no particular destination in mind, he let his feet guide him, weaving between stalls filled with handmade crafts and the enticing smells of fresh street food. His thoughts drifted as he watched the world around him – people laughing together, families enjoying the evening, and couples stealing moments beneath the twinkling lights. However, he was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice the person in front of him until it was too late.

“Oof!” he stumbled back slightly, feeling the impact as he bumped into someone. His hand instinctively reached out to steady them, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I am so sorry! I didn’t see you,” Noah said quickly, his voice carrying genuine apology. He looked up at them, offering a sheepish smile. “Are you okay? I’m sorry. I was miles away.”

Idris wandered through the lively Duck Fair, the cheerful sounds of the crowd mixing with the smell of fried food. The Ferris wheel lights blinged against the sky, and children’s laughter filled the air. It was nights like this that reminded him about why he loved Fenrir wood – community, tradition, and a touch of magic in the air. Though he usually attended the fair, it was the first time Moonshine had been able to have their own booth. However, he had left the booth in the hands of his trusty employees for the evening and had taken the opportunity to explore what the fair had to offer this year.

After ordering a cold locally brewed beer from one of the stalls, Idris scanned the area for a place to sit, but the fair was packed, and every picnic table filled with groups of people enjoying the evening and atmosphere. Noticing a spot at a table with someone sitting alone, Idris approached with a friendly smile.

“Mind if I join you?” He asked, holding up his drink as a casual gesture. “It’s pretty packed here tonight.”  

There was little that Beatrice set her mind to that she wasn't able to accomplish. Even when she felt over her head...once she tied her hair back and organized things by the minute, she could see a clear path ahead. One of the first things she did after moving to Fenrir was look into local plants in the area. There had been a line or two in some dusty old book, maybe the suggestion of a something rare hidden in the woods from a magazine published in the past five years. Even a professor mentioned an uncommon flower once or twice. She was determined to find if there was actually anything of note actually in the woods. Equipped with only the essentials, she entered the woods - was the plant calling out to her? Something in her gut nudged her in a specific direction. Beatrice wondered if the rare bloom released a pheromone for local pollinators since it blossomed so rarely. When she came across it, at first glance, she thought it glowed under the moonlight. ( Or was it just the light from her torch? ). The blossom seemed so delicate, all Beatrice wanted to do was reach out and touch -- She blinked, and the world around her became a blur. Her stomach sloshed, like she'd just drank a glass of sea water. Hadn't she just been in the woods? Could the flower's scent be this strong? Her feet seemed to guide her down the side of the road. The bookstore, under the lamplights, past the library...Had she seen the cafe? Where exactly was she going? Bea didn't know how long it had been until she finally came to. It didn't happen all at once, but each step brought back another whisp of clarity. Beatrice takes her first deep breath. She didn't know what, but something about the whole night felt off. Wrong. "Wh...where am I?" She asks. "What...what time is it?" Never the type to ask anyone for assistance, her voice quiets when she finally pleads, "Can you help me?"

The young woman knew nothing. One weird text from her brother to stay home that night only made her more inclined to go out. Just because he was no fucking fun at all didn't mean that she should also be a social outcast. She could try out a new restaurant, stop by a wine bar, she didn't have to go clubbing to go out, maybe she would even stop by a bookstore.

Of course, once she was in the center of town, and the sun had set, it was aparrent that her brother had been right. The woman's stomach churning as she stepped from the bookstore and onto the sidewalk, before her eyes an animal; a wolf. Surely no wolf would be brave enough to leave the woods, as to her it looked as though it truly were just a simple wolf and not anything more. But it's confidence grew as it stepped towards her, growling through feral fangs. Chellam turned immediately back into the bookstore, locking the door behind her.

The pre-dawn darkness wrapped around Catalina like a comforting shroud as she laced up her running shoes. The air was cool and tinged with the scent of impending rain, a familiar scent that stirred both anticipation and apprehension within her. Today was the morning before the full moon, a time when her werewolf instincts surged to the forefront, demanding attention and respect. With a deep breath, Catalina stepped out into the quiet streets of her neighborhood, the cobblestones cool beneath her feet. Habour Park awaited her, its sprawling paths and winding trails a sanctuary where she could clear her mind and brace herself for the night ahead.

The rhythmic pounding of her footsteps echoed in the stillness, a steady cadence that matched the racing thoughts in her mind. Full moons were always rough for Catalina—agonizingly so since becoming a mother to Leonardo and Marisol. She couldn't shake the guilt of leaving them alone, even with Aiysha's reassuring presence.

As she entered Habour Park, the first streaks of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold. Catalina picked up her pace, her muscles stretching and flexing with each stride. The park was awakening with her—the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of waking birds—a serene backdrop to her solitary run.

With each step, Catalina focused on her breathing, inhaling the crisp morning air and exhaling the tension that coiled within her. She let her mind wander briefly to Aiysha, her steadfast friend who understood the complexities of her life better than anyone. Aiysha would watch over Leonardo and Marisol tonight, offering them comfort and protection in Catalina's absence. As she rounded a bend in the path, Catalina felt the first tendrils of sunlight warming her skin. The park was her refuge, a place where she could momentarily escape the weight of her lycanthropic nature and revel in the simple joy of movement. The morning jog was not just physical exercise—it was a ritual of preparation, a way to align her mind and body before the inevitable transformation under the full moon's gaze.

With her heart beating steadily and the park stretching out before her, Catalina found a moment of peace amidst the turmoil of the impending night. She knew the challenges that lay ahead—the primal urges, the restless energy—but for now, in the quiet embrace of Habour Park, she allowed herself to savor the tranquility of the present moment. As the sun continued its ascent, Catalina slowed her pace, coming to a stop at a scenic overlook that offered a breathtaking view of the forest waking up from within. She closed her eyes, soaking in the serenity of the moment, grateful for the respite before the storm.

With renewed resolve, Catalina turned back towards home, her mind clearer and her spirit steadier. The full moon awaited, but for now, she embraced the fleeting peace of the morning—a reminder that strength and resilience could be found even in the darkest of nights. The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains as Catalina returned from her jog in Habour Park. The rhythmic pounding of her feet had grounded her, easing the restlessness that always accompanied the full moon's approach. She took a moment outside her front door to catch her breath, the cool air soothing against her flushed skin.

With a determined exhale, Catalina pushed open the door to her cozy home, the scent of breakfast lingering in the air. It meant Aiysha had woken up to and was in her morning rituals. The werewolf quietly ascended the stairs to the twins' room, a smile tugging at her lips as she approached Leonardo and Marisol's beds. They lay peacefully, their dark curls framing their innocent faces as they slept.

"Mama's home," Catalina whispered softly, brushing a gentle hand over Leonardo's cheek. His eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across his face as he recognized his mother's presence. Marisol stirred beside him, her eyes blinking open in sync with her brother's, their bond palpable even beyond their slumber. "Good morning, my loves," Catalina murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to each of their foreheads. She lingered for a moment, breathing in the scent of childhood and safety that enveloped their room. The guilt of leaving them alone tonight gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the joy of these morning moments together.

Downstairs, Aiysha was already in the kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast for the family. Her best friend and roommate had become an integral part of their lives, especially during the challenging times of the full moon. Catalina silently thanked the universe for Aiysha's unwavering support as she descended the stairs, Leonardo and Marisol trailing behind her with excited chatter. Breakfast passed in a blur of laughter and conversation, the twins recounting dreams and plans for the day ahead. Catalina savored the simple pleasure of being surrounded by her children's energy, a bittersweet reminder of the fleeting calm before the storm.

After ensuring the twins were settled with Aiysha, Catalina made her way to Pato Pato Tapas. The familiar scent of spices and cooking oil greeted her as she stepped inside, the warmth of the kitchen a comforting contrast to the cool morning outside. With practiced efficiency, Catalina began the morning routine of checking inventory, reviewing reservations, and preparing the kitchen for the busy day ahead. Pato Pato Tapas was not just a business—it was a labor of love, a testament to her Mexican heritage and culinary passion.

As the first customers began to trickle in, Catalina greeted them with a warm smile and genuine hospitality. She moved through the restaurant with grace and purpose, ensuring every guest felt welcome and every dish left the kitchen with perfection. Assisting her staff during the bustling rush, she approaches the next table with practiced ease. "Welcome to Pato Pato Tapas," she greets warmly, her smile inviting. "What can I start for you today?"

Leona stood at the entrance of the Museum of Mythology & History, a group of children from Starlight Sanctuary gathered around her in eager anticipation. The museum, renowned for its vast collection of artifacts and tales from ancient times of Fenrirs Wood, beckoned with promises of adventure and discovery.

"Are you ready, everyone?" Leona asked with a warm smile, her voice gentle yet filled with excitement. The children, a mix of ages, backgrounds, & species, nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with curiosity as they took in the grandeur of the museum's architecture and the mystical artifacts displayed in every corner. Leading the way, Leona guided them through the first exhibit hall, where statues of Norse gods stood tall amidst shelves of ancient scrolls and relics. She paused before a replica of Mjölnir, Thor's legendary hammer, and explained its significance in Norse mythology. The children listened intently, their imaginations sparked by tales of gods and heroes.

As they moved deeper into the museum, Leona encouraged the children to touch and explore some of the interactive displays—a map depicting the realms of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and a puzzle of runes that challenged their problem-solving skills. She answered their questions with patience and enthusiasm, fostering an atmosphere of learning and wonder.

Near a window overlooking the tranquil gardens outside, Leona gathered the children for a moment of reflection. "Imagine what life was like for people who lived during these times," she mused aloud, her gaze sweeping over the young faces before her. "Their beliefs shaped their world in ways we can still see today."

With the full moon approaching, Leona sensed the heightened energy in the air—a subtle hum of magic that seemed to resonate with the children's excitement. She knew these moments, where history and imagination intertwined, were precious reminders of the rich tapestry of Fenrir's Wood's cultural heritage.

"Imagine what it was like here, all those years ago in this place you call home," Leona's voice carried a hint of awe as she spoke to the group of children from Starlight Sanctuary. "Someone else once called this home and life was so different than what it is now."The children's eyes gazed back at her in wonder and thought, their young minds grappling with the concept of an ancient Fenrir's Wood. Some furrowed their brows in concentration, trying to envision a time when the world around them looked vastly different.

Leona smiled warmly at their reactions, cherishing the moment of contemplation and discovery among the eager faces before her. She let the thought hang in the air, allowing the museum's atmosphere to envelop them with its tales of ages past.

Glancing down at her watch, Leona gently redirected their focus. "Everyone, stay with your assigned volunteer," she instructed, her voice carrying a gentle authority. "You'll have the chance to explore more of the museum in smaller groups at your own pace. We'll meet again for lunch, and each group will get to share what they've discovered." Excitement bubbled among the children as they eagerly awaited their assignments, each one ready to delve deeper into the wonders of the museum. Leona gave them an encouraging wink before nodding, signaling them to disperse into their designated groups.

As the children scattered with animated chatter and curious gazes, Leona took a moment to soak in the scene before her. In guiding these young minds through the ancient halls of knowledge, she felt a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing she was nurturing their curiosity and fostering a deep connection to the history and magic of their beloved Fenrir's Wood.

Leona watched with a sense of pride as the children paired off with their assigned volunteers, each group heading off in different directions within the museum. She could hear snippets of excitement and curiosity in their voices as they discussed which exhibit to explore first or speculated about the mysteries they hoped to uncover. Turning her attention to the museum surroundings, Leona took a moment to appreciate the intricate tapestries hanging from the walls, depicting scenes from ancient myths and battles. The soft glow of ambient lighting accentuated the artifacts on display—rune stones, ceremonial masks, and ornate jewelry—each telling a story of its own.

She wandered toward a display of ancient spellbooks, their weathered pages preserved under glass. Leona traced the delicate script with her fingertips, marveling at the knowledge passed down through generations. The scent of old parchment mingled with the faint aroma of herbs, creating an atmosphere that spoke of both mystery and reverence.

Lost in her thoughts, Leona found herself drawn to a corner of the museum dedicated to the legends of Fenrir the wolf, guardian of the woodlands in ancient times. A life-size statue of Fenrir stood sentinel, its eyes seeming to follow her movements as if imparting wisdom from ages past. Leona paused before the statue, feeling a profound connection to the stories that shaped her upbringing in Fenrir's Wood. She whispered a silent prayer of gratitude to the ancestors who had safeguarded their traditions, ensuring that their community thrived amidst the ever-changing tides of history.

She turned to the person closest to her. "Excuse me." Her voice is soft but inviting. "What do you think of Fenrir?"

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the quiet streets as Aiysha unlocked the heavy wooden door of Thistle & Sage, her heart swelling with anticipation as her lavender matcha latte chilled her hand. Today was no ordinary day—it was the eve of a full moon, a time when magic hummed with a potent energy that resonated through every corner of her shop. Thistle & Sage exuded an inviting aura of mystique. Aiysha had spent weeks preparing for this moment, carefully arranging shelves adorned with shimmering crystals, jars of dried herbs, and intricately carved wooden wands. The scent of lavender and sage mingled in the air, soothing and invigorating at once.

As she lit the last of the incense sticks, their fragrant smoke curling upwards like tendrils of possibility, Aiysha felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The town seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the mystical night to come. Werewolves, with their heightened senses, would soon roam under the moon's watchful gaze, and fellow witches would converge to harness the lunar energies.

Outside, a few early risers paused to peer through the shop's windows, curious about the new additions to the shop. Aiysha knew that some would be drawn by curiosity, others by an inexplicable pull towards the mystical energies that emanated from within. She welcomed them all, knowing that each visitor brought with them a unique story and a quest for understanding.

With a final adjustment to a display of moonstone amulets, Aiysha stood back and surveyed her domain with a sense of pride and reverence. The morning sunlight filtered through the shop's windows, casting soft patterns of light and shadow over ancient texts and shimmering crystals. Everything was in place, poised for the magic that would unfold with the rising of the full moon.

Aiysha flips the "Closed" sign to "Open" with a satisfying click, then pulls back the curtains beside the door, inviting more morning sunlight to spill into the shop. With a contented sip of her latte, she sets the cup down and flips a switch on a Bluetooth radio, seamlessly connecting her phone. Jhene Aiko's voice fills the air, gently chasing away the lingering quiet with a soothing melody.

location: dirty pete

"it's good to see queer owned businesses, isn't it?" he asks another patron at the restaurant. hector had only come to pick up his order, but he couldn't help but notice the addition for pride month on the menu. "personally i like to support them whenever i can, i think it's good cause. plus, it helps that the food here isn't half bad. have you tried the new menu item?"

where: coffekanteen

pride month is by far one of benji's favorite months of the year, followed closely by october. being a part of the lgbtq+ community himself, he finds a lot of happiness in being able to celebrate this part of his identity. it hasn't always been the case that people who were lgbt were able to exist out in the open, so they've always felt grateful that they were born in this time period. he's even more delighted that a good amount of establishments in fenrir's wood have events going on for the month, one of which being his favorite coffee shop. the 0.15 cents extra seems like a small price to pay for a pride cup.

"it's such a cute idea, don't you think?" they ask another person in line, gesturing to the cups in a variety of pride flag designs. "and for only a couple extra cents too, what a steal! if the cups weren't made of paper i'd probably save them, i wish i'd thought of it. but you didn't bargain for a spiel about their pride promotion while waiting in line for coffee, did you? sorry, i'll shut up." there's a slight flush on his face as he realizes that he'd gone on a bit of tangent in his excitement.

Fabio had started a guided tour for Pride just in time, with businesses opening up to have special events, they walked around during the day to give out tips and advice on where best to go. People were coming in from nearby towns to visit Fenrir's Wood as if it was truly the amazing city it pretended to be. But it was nice regardless, despite the fact that they'd rather talk about ghosts.

And they also had no idea what they wanted to go see, eventually they'd decided to go for the glow-in-the-dark themed party at Into the Woods rather than the foam machine at Velvet.

Though standing outside now in their most glow-in-the-dark clothing with paint all over their face and arms, they felt like they should go out another night.

"Wow, what a party! Did you also go or just passing by?" they asked a passerby.

( 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄, 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 ) He had promised Bijan he would be on his best behavior this full moon, particularly after recent events that had landed him in the hospital during the flower moon. Colson was nothing if not persistent, yet there was one opinion he valued above all others—one perspective that trumped everything else, and that was his beloved partner's. A few raw stitches just above his clavicle bone still served as a stark reminder of his reckless engagement with a transformed wolf's fury under the full moon. Had he not provoked the beast, none of this would have transpired—the shard of glass puncturing his skin and creating a backdrop of chaos in that drunken alley a couple of weeks ago.

Though he still harbored a desire to lose himself in the soapy pits of a foam machine, tonight he remained more subdued, seated with his bi-flag decked out coffee cup from the COFFEEKANTEEN. As he awaited his order from DIRTY PETE. Colson's thoughts were interrupted as he noticed a nearby patron. With a playful grin, he uttered the question, "If you were to assign a dish after your lover, what would it be?" His fingers traced the lines of his cardboard coffee cup, and he chuckled to himself. "Sentimental, isn't it? Or do you hate these declarations of devotion?" Despite his rough exterior, Colson was a sucker for romance—something he'd never fully admit.

she had told others she had met her boyfriend through a dating app, or high school, or any decent excuse she could come up with but the truth - the deep dark truth - was that she was a child that practically grew up in juvi. maybe it was the fact they both suffered at the hands of a horrible family life or maybe it was mere coincidence but they had both become fond of each other through their shared experience of breaking the law. she was known as ‘the speed demon of new orleans’, known to many juvi kids as the one who managed to steal cars from big names in new orleans. hell, she had even convinced many she had stolen two of the city mayor, a name well respected in her community, cars

so when she saw that her car was locked, she let out a small sigh and ran a hand over her face as she looked around. “i really thought i got past this phase,” she muttered to herself as she took a credit card down and began to play with it where the lock was in her door. cars were more advanced then they were when she was 14 but she had hoped that it would be simple for her to break through. hearing a noise, her eyes widened and a smile formed. “still got it, mavs,” she breathed to herself as she opened the door and stood up before hearing a noise and turning her head. “if i say this is my car will you believe me or do i have to start begging?” she asked

In her opinion, the city government was utterly shameless. The recent news was a travesty. Expanding public transport wasn't inherently a terrible idea, but she despised how it adversely affected hardworking businesses. It was a gross injustice to all those diligent individuals, which is why she had taken it upon herself to take action. Typically, it was Helia—the other Dr. Vaz—who was poised to rally and incite change within the community. Yet, here was Lilette, disseminating flyers and raising awareness with unwavering determination.

Lilette was not one to annoy as a door greeter might. She was strategic and intelligent about her placement, ensuring she was neither obstructing pub entrances nor loitering at exits, and certainly not blocking the bustling thoroughfares. Instead, she had established a booth in the corner of a highly frequented street, her presence marked by a kind wave and a warm smile that invited curiosity before imparting knowledge.

Her booth was a small oasis of information amid the urban sprawl. Adorned with neatly stacked pamphlets, informative posters, and a small chalkboard displaying key points, it was an inviting corner table designed to draw in the interested and the inquisitive. The table was draped in a deep blue cloth, its surface organized with an assortment of materials detailing the impact of the proposed changes on local businesses. Lilette's meticulousness was evident; every item was placed with purpose, each flyer a beacon of her cause.

"I just wish to educate the rest of the population," she said to one of the passersby, her voice gentle yet resolute, as she held up a flyer. "I can tell you more information if you'd like?" Her voice was a melodic blend of conviction and care, her eyes alight with the passion that drove her.

Hasan was not a drinker, he'd never been one to think about taking sipping some alcohol to settle his nerves. He'd only ever been a social drinker, and it was rare for him to be social, it was even rarer to be social and drunk, since he tended to nurse a whole glass of whiskey or cognac during a single evening - which had resulted in being dubbed an 'old man' even at the age of twenty-one.

He'd instead gotten some strange mixed drink that was ten percent alcohol, ninety percent slushy. Or at least that's what it tasted like. He was drinking it from a closed plastic cup out of a straw, feeling like instead of an old man, he was now a teenager. "I am not sure I like what they've done with the place," he said to his companion. "It's certainly a step up from what it used to be, but there is a lot of concrete now. I've seen three kids scraping their knees on the street already."