Run, Wolf, Run

[sandywolf]

Who: Randolph Lyall and YOU
Broadcast: Yes, to the whole fleet
Action: Yes
When: The whole month of July



a. Wolf run [ACTION/BROADCAST]

[If you visit one of the natural islands during one of the evening/nights, you might run into a pair of wolves running.

Both of them are more slender than what you would expect a wolf to be. The bigger one has deep chocolate-colored fur with a shot of oxblood at the throat. The smaller one is sandy-colored with darker, almost black hair running along his back from his nose to the tip of his tail. He's so small you might confuse him for a fox and wonder why those two are walking or running companionably together.

If you're in human dwelling place, you might see them trotting around, looking everywhere and sniffing the air, with much more intelligence in their gold eyes than one would expect of a beast. If you leave the buildings behind to get into the forests or fields, then you'll see them taking off at extremely high speed. You might hear some howling as they finally get to stretch their legs and enjoy actual wind and air.

Don't try to hunt them, though. You might be in for a nasty surprise if you do.]



b. A night on the town [ACTION]

[Whether with Biffy or on his own, Lyall will only be seen roaming the streets at night. There is some shopping to be done, and of course, the theatre. Finally some place that is civilized and with a night life.

No matter the night you see him, Lyall will always be dressed impeccably in a three-piece suit in brownish tones, with a waistcoat of yellow or cream and a cravat in a suitable, muted color, plus a bowler hat.

When shopping, his preference goes to clothing, and also mechanical parts. You might have to pry him from exploring some second-hand shops with mechanisms and fascinating apparatus.

If you also go to the theatre, he might ask you what you thought of the play, and offer his own opinion.]



c. Mask Shopping [ACTION]

[Strange mists and a contraption that can help go through them and explore? Count Lyall in. Especially since the mist powers the technology here, and he is curious as to how it works. So off he goes to buy a good mask.]

Have you tried any of these? I'm looking for some recommendations.



d. Mist Exploring [ACTION]
[TW: threads may contain references to violence, torture and sexual assault]

[Lyall was certain he'd bought the best mask that he could afford, and that he'd used it properly. But it appears there may have been a small defect, and he's ended up breathing in some of it.

If you are nearby, you will see the mist coalescing into an enormous, black wolf, slowly padding out and towards Lyall. He doesn't move from where he is as the beast comes closer, refusing to back down, but he looks extremely small, even in human form, while facing this wolf.

If you are close enough, you might hear Lyall say something under his breath.]

You're dead. I made sure of it.

[If you would be so kind as to drag him away before the wolf gets any closer...

If you don't, the wolf will morph into a human shape and attack Lyall. He will attempt to dodge or minimize any 'damage', but he's not running away or really attacking back for some reason.

Help?]



e. Mask Tinkering [ACTION for SS BLAMELESS/BROADCAST]

[Following his misadventures in the Mist, Lyall is back on the Blameless and in the lab. He's taken off his jacket, which should tell you all you need to know about the fact that he is very focused on what he is doing right now.

Which happens to be consolidating the sides of the mask he bought, resoldering some parts, adding some leather in some places, or metallic bits. He is pretty absorbed, but will be willing to have a conversation if you come interrupt.]

Comments

[sandywolf]

[Lyall presses closer against Biffy, the whole length of his smaller body plastered to the side of the bigger wolf. The weight and warmth are comforting, and to Biffy at least he doesn't need to explain with words.

He is slowly calming down now. He doesn't think he breathed in enough to matter this time, and last time he'd been a bit too adventurous with the mask.]

[dandyofawolf]

[Walking Lyall to some taller grass where it will be harder to see them, he gently nudges him to lay down before basically wrapping himself around him protectively. Keeping his head up, he lets himself be the one fully in charge of keeping watch of their surroundings so that way his mate can just calm down.

Not only is he the Alpha but this is his mate as well. He fully intends to make sure that he is a steady place for Lyall to rely on until he feels better.]

[sandywolf]

[Lyall curls up into a small ball, basking in Biffy's presence and just wrapping himself into his Alpha's scent. Warmth. Protection. He closes his eyes, buries his nose in the chocolate fur. That's better already.]

[dandyofawolf]

[He can feel the tension leaving that smaller frame and he knows right away this had been the right decision. So he keeps himself calm and collected for Lyall. Honestly, this instinct for how to take care of others has always come naturally for Biffy so it works now as well.

Honestly it's a surprise others didn't figure out sooner that he's extremely well suited to being an Alpha.]

[sandywolf]

[Once he's calmed down, Lyall doesn't move immediately. It's nice to be where he is right now. When he finally uncurls himself a little, it's to nuzzle along Biffy's jaw as way to thank him.]

[dandyofawolf]

[Biffy nuzzles him back, gently giving little licks at Lyall's face to straighten out his fur. There. Now he can feel better and look good at the same time. He's got everything covered.]

[sandywolf]

[Lyall stands up and shakes himself again, thoughts now clearer.

He beckons Biffy to follow so they can go back to where they left their clothing. It's probably best to head back for now.]

[dandyofawolf]

[Trotting after him, Biffy keeps an eye on their surroundings. Lyall is feeling better but he knows he'll only really be safe when they get back to the ship and to their room. That means keeping an extra watchful eye until then.

When they get to their clothes, he lets Lyall change first before changing as well, sliding his fingers through his hair to fix it.]

[sandywolf]

[Lyall doesn't speak as he changes back, only focused on getting dressed again as quickly as possible. As soon as he is, though, he quickly turns to help Biffy, arranging those now wild curls. Biffy's hair always flies a little wilder after a change and a run.]

[dandyofawolf]

Thank you. I'll have to fix it again when we get back but the help is appreciated.

[He smiles fondly at him then slips a ribbon from his pocket so he can tie Lyall's hair back at his neck.]

[sandywolf]

[Lyall knows Biffy doesn't like his hair running wild this way, but Lyall thinks it suits him and it looks good on him. He's never said it so far, because he's not sure Biffy would like hearing that.

Plus, any excuse to run his fingers through Biffy's hair is good enough for him.]

Shall we, then?

[dandyofawolf]

Of course.

[He's figured out how to do this remotely and so he manages to get them to the ship rather quickly. From there it's a short walk to their room. He's already thinking that maybe they should see about combining two rooms into one. They don't need the space but it would...feel nice.

Turning to Lyall now that they're alone, he cups his face and looks into his eyes.]

Are you alright now?

[sandywolf]

[Once the are alone and and Biffys' attention is focused on him, it's like all the remaining tension bleeds out of Lyall. That took more out of him than he expected even with Biffy there being strong.]

Yes. I'm sorry. I was afraid I may have breathed in too much again.

[dandyofawolf]

I know.

[He guides Lyall over to their bed and has him sit down, moving to sit next to him so he can wrap an arm around him and hold him close.]

I'm just glad you're feeling better.

[sandywolf]

[Lyall puts his head on Biffy's shoulder, comforted by the closeness and scent.]

It felt... all too real. Like it was happening all over again.

I thought I'd put all that behind me.

[In fact, in many ways, he has. It was a long time ago, and it certainly doesn't affect him on a daily basis. But the effect of this mist seem to be much more potent than he expected.]

[dandyofawolf]

Sometimes we can put things behind us and still have them resurface.

[He takes one of Lyall's hands with his free one.]

That is when we have to remember we're not alone and have others to support us through that time.

[sandywolf]

[Lyall gives a small smile to Biffy.]

The first time you heard about it, you cried.

[dandyofawolf]

It broke my heart to know what you endured. And to know that you did so alone yet still did what you could for those you cared about.

[He pauses just a moment before continuing.]

At the time, a part of me wished I could have been there with you so you wouldn't have had to be alone.

[sandywolf]

[Lyall remembers those tears all too well. They were the tears he never shed for himself.]

It was my role to do it. That is what a Beta does. And I would do it all over again if I had to.

[dandyofawolf]

Lyall, that is why it is so heartbreaking to me.

[Turning, he takes his face between his hands.]

That is why I want to be the Alpha that will allow you to never have to suffer like that again. That is what I want my duty to be. My role to be. Because you are my Beta, my pack, my mate.

[sandywolf]

[He has known for a while that this is at least part of the motivation for Biffy to make their pack evolve, but he hasn't heard it put in so many words before, and his cheeks heat up a little at those words. He covers one of Biffy's hands with his, nuzzling them.]

.... I know.

[dandyofawolf]

[Leaning forward, he gently presses his lips to Lyall's.]

Together let us find a new role for you. One that lets you be happy.

[sandywolf]

[Lyall receives the gentle kiss almost reverently. To this day it still amazes him how deeply Biffy was affected by the whole story. Then again, most of the pack doesn't know about it, and of those who know, Biffy knows the most.

Yet even with Biffy's assurances - that he believes in; if anyone is capable of that, then Biffy most definitely is that person - he still can't shake this almost ingrained instinct to keep the pack together no matter what.

But here, the pack is just the two of them.]

How about your happiness?

[dandyofawolf]

[He laughs gently but not mockingly. Then again, he never does anything in a cruel manner. If one were to be honest about his character, one would have to confess him to be one of the kindest people around.]

Lyall, were you not paying attention? This is no longer about sacrifice. This is about us working together so no one has to suffer again.

[sandywolf]

Well, forgive me for asking, but it too you long enough to get there yourself.

[Because really now, staying celibate for twenty years and pining after him of all people?]