driftfleet | Run, Wolf, Run

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

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?]

One could easily say the same for you since the time was the same for both of us.

[You know. Just saying.]

I'm older than you. And it's not like it was the first time I'd spent a stretch of time alone.

[Okay so maybe it had been his longest stretch, thanks Channing for ratting him out. But still...]

[He gives him such an amused look.]

You are aware that doesn't actually make it better, yes?

[He is just going to stare at you, Biffy. He has had a lot of people in his life, Biffy. What does it matter if he stays single for a little - a long - while.]

I don't see why, my Lord.

For the very reason we're talking about.

[He leans forward to rest his forehead against Lyall's.]

You were alone for so long to put the pack ahead of your own desires. That isn't something you have to do anymore.

It is not a hardship to put the pack ahead of myself, Biffy. Not for me.

[The principle isn't, at least even if there have been times when the execution left much to be desired. He still doesn't regret it.]

Lyall, please. Listen to what I am saying.

[He looks right into his eyes.]

It is our pack. It is our duty to care for them. Together. You don't need to shoulder things alone and that is what I am talking about.

A habit of a few hundred years is hard to break in just a moment, my Lord.

[It's not that he doesn't hear you. It's more than certain things are as ingrained as instinct and it takes a lot of effort to go against that.]

It is. That is why you need a very stubborn Alpha to help you break it, don't you think?

[And he gives him a fond kiss.]

That is what I am doing now.

Yes, I would say you are very stubborn about it.

[He's not saying he needs it, but he's certainly not stopping you. It's just been a long time since he's had someone by his side so preoccupied with his well-being. Conall wasn't a bad Alpha by any means, but as long as the pack was functioning and Lyall wasn't bleeding that was good enough for him. The concern used to flow the other way around.]

You're welcome.

[He smiles and leans back.]

That is what partnerships are all about. Now, take your coat off. I'm going to brush your hair for you.

[Definitely not going to object to that. This is relaxing and pleasurable for both of them. Lyall removes his jacket and folds it, ready to sit where Biffy wants him two he can be pampered for a while.]

[He has him sit on the edge of the bed and he sits behind him with a brush, slowly going through it. He does have to admit he enjoys how long it is now if only for moments like this.

And other reasons but certainly for this one.]

Run, Wolf, Run

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