[The fight against the Calamity goes better than expected, given how little preparation they had this year. Having to train up half of the wizards is a challenge in its own right, and with the looming threat of world-ending magic breathing down their collective necks it makes everyone feel on-edge. People make mistakes and get hurt, and a couple of the Sage's wizards will be out of commission for a few weeks as they heal up, but most survive.
Most. But not all.
Two lost is far better than the ten lost the previous year, but both deaths still hit hard. One an old man, well past his prime and only involved in this 'world-saving' business because he got forced into it, and another driven mad by the moon just a year prior. Both were well-loved, and even if Brad has his own negative feelings about those two, he can recognize that now isn't the time to bring up grievances or say 'good riddance'. Everyone is exhausted, many are mourning, and the sun is just starting to rise after a sleepless night of saving the world.
The Sage, just as exhausted as the rest, sits on the ground near the battlefield as they watch the sun rise. They're young, this is this first fight against the Calamity, and yet they did so well. Though admittedly, being a human meant they could only give instructions and stay focused on the big picture. That has been the Sage's job since time immemorial: a single human tasked with uniting a small group of wizards for the purpose of saving the world.
This Sage has done a good job so far, much better than the three previous in Brad's mind, but he can see that they feel awful about the loss of two allies. So Brad walks over and crouches down by them, and he reaches out to pat their shoulder.]
You did a good job, Sage.
[The Sage looks down tiredly, as if to avoid the praise. Surely two deaths is nothing to celebrate, right? But Brad won't let them wallow in these losses, as the Sage still has to keep this fractured group of wizards whole. Even if that means finding two new wizards to make them whole again.]
Ready to go home?
[Home being the manor they all share. Brad is already thinking of what must be done: two rooms have to be emptied, valuables redistributed to those who want mementos. Then the rooms have to be cleaned and prepared for whatever two unlucky bastards get magically selected to join this crusade. Depending on where they live, they could be to the manor within hours of the selection happening. And when they arrive, everyone has to be ready to accept them.
And, a bit selfishly, Brad wants to have everyone settled and moving on with life before his yearly heat hits in about six weeks. He'll have to disappear for a week when that happens, and he can't easily disappear if they're all still looking for a missing wizard.
The Sage finally looks up to Brad and nods tiredly. Before anything else can happen, everyone needs rest. And the Sage can't fly on a broom on their own, so someone else will have to carry them. This someone else is Brad this time, and he will help them up onto the broom to head home.
All across the five countries, news of the Sage's Wizards' success in fighting off the Calamity spreads like wildfire. Some question why the wizards can't just defeat the Calamity once and for all, but most have learned to accept this as a part of life. There's not much anyone can do about it anyway, not with some of the strongest wizards in the world already being involved in the efforts to save the world.
About three days after the world is saved, two wizards somewhere in the world will suddenly receive a mark on their body somewhere. One is somewhere in the South, living on a farm and specializing in magic that helps with farm chores, while the other leads a much more isolated life...
Along with this mark they will get the intrinsic feeling that they need to go to the Central country and find the Sage. Regardless of if they leave right away or try to delay it, that feeling will just grow in their mind until they finally make the trip to the Central country.]
[ Instinct drives Wulf in everything he does. Steal from travellers, kill other wizards, hide and eat. When the Wulf's instincts tell him to leave his range of mountains he's haunted for so long, Wulf doesn't know how to question the drive. Instead he brings his supplies, the hoard he'd accumulated of rare objects he had no more use for over the past millennia.
The mark on his body is out of his view, the back of his neck along his spine, so when Wulf finds the center country he'd been looking for, where he's to go is muddled. He snaps at most anyone that approaches him until--
The Sage. He knows them, and the back of his neck burns: this is where he's meant to be.
Which is unfortunate for all the other wizards fighting the calamity with him.
Even after the Sage washed and dried him off after, Wulf does not settle gracefully and territory spats are fierce: Wulf thinks he got someone's ear a couple of days ago, likely the other beast wizard from the North. These wizards all have tools so fighting them is simple when they're unarmed; his own tool in his body already with the claws he grows, the eye teeth in his mouth. ]
[When Wulf arrives, Brad thinks nothing much of him. He looks like just some guy who needs a bath. Whatever his past may be, Brad doesn't care too much.
Instead, Brad starts back up with training the youngest of their numbers in the use of magic. Two boys, Mitile and Riquet, both sixteen now but still looking far too young to be tied up in this world-saving business. Brad has always had a soft spot for kids, and he has decided to be a friendly face among the other scary wizards that have gathered here. It's proven helpful too, since the boys have learned a lot from him over the last year and are ready to learn more over the next year.
Though the presence of this new wizard has been a bit of a hindrance, since the kids get spooked by him and get distracted from their magic practice. It's not really Wulf's fault, the boys have to learn to be brave if they want to stand among the wizards of the world, but right now the need to learn magic is more important than learning bravery. So after a few days of this, Brad decides that it's time to talk to this new wizard and try to find an amicable solution.
(Though he is careful to apply scent concealers before approaching this man. Smelling like an alpha will probably get better results.)]
Hey~! You're the new guy, right?
[He'll start the conversation out by being relaxed and friendly. Mostly because he doesn't like fighting if he can avoid it, and secondly because people tend to underestimate him because of his friendliness. If he needs to fight, that will hopefully give him the upper hand.]
[ Unlucky for Brad, smelling like an alpha does not yield better results. ]
[ Wulf hasn't bothered learning the names of the other wizards here, only paying mind to the Sage when they appear. With them he's relearning that touch can be soft but Brad is an unknown threat in Wulf's mind so he snaps when the wizard approaches; the shimmer of his fangs clear that his tool is already in hand. ]
Back off.
[ But then Brad's scent fully hits him. Wulf's face pinches in confusion, the subtonal growl ceased and his own scent of wood smoke and charcoal heady. ]
[The smell on Brad does pass for an alpha scent, but it smells like everything and nothing at the same time, and a good nose will be able to pick out the fact that it's artificial in origin. Brad isn't fond of it either, but it keeps his cover story up.
In response to Wulf's harsh tone, he holds up his hands in a show of submission.]
Hey, I ain't lookin' for trouble. I just wanted to talk about somethin'.
[He is doing his best to subtly breathe through his mouth and not his nose, because the last thing he needs right now is the scent of a new alpha messing with him. He can't disappear to go hide in the woods quite yet, so he doesn't want to trigger an early heat.]
[ Wulf seems uninterested in Brad's submission or words, glaring at him through squinted eyes while scenting the air visibly. The artificial smell of chemicals sticks to Wulf's nose unpleasantly, clinging even once gone. ]
Your smell. [ If Brad asked for Wulf to be all up in his space, that would be one thing, but Wulf wasn't invited and is rapidly approaching. His nose doesn't lie, the connection between him and the black dog inside him strong. He comes close enough to touch, but instead tastes the air around Brad. In any other form, Wulf's ears would've been pinned to his skull once the perfume fully settled on his palate. ]
Wrong.
[ The magic is there, Brad's a wizard, Wulf can sense it-- but there's something the other is hiding, something intrinsic, something Wulf wants found. ]
[ the lie passes, and Wulf returns to baring his teeth instead. ] Their weakness is not my problem. [ It has been centuries since Wulf was 50, millennia even. He hardly remembers the acrid taste of fear. For him, survival is a fight, even if he hadn't been summoned to fight the Calamity. The young wizards would face hardship no matter and its with hardship that Wulf learns. ]
Let them learn and ripen on their own. [ Wulf wants to take their powers, sure, but he spares the meal for the sake of the Sage. ]
See, I agree with you there. That's the way it's been for millennia. But unfortunately, these kids gotta be ready to fight again in a year, and a year ain't exactly enough time for them to 'ripen'.
[Brad himself was sixteen when he killed a man and ate his mana stone for the first time. He doesn't want other teenagers to be forced into that same position.]
If nothing else, think you can avoid the courtyard from lunchtime to dinnertime? That's when I train with the kids. I'll get you some beer as a thank you gift if you can.
[ A snarl, lips pulled back from his cuspids-- but Wulf doesn't bite where he would've any other alpha in his presence. Instead he clicks his teeth, standing down finally and crossing his arms. ]
[ A years time is only 4 seasons. At least this one has seen more than that. ]
Beer? [ Seems treats work even if the dog doesn't know what exactly the treat is. ]
[For a moment Brad wonders if Wulf can smell though his scent maskers. Even the guys he sees all the time like Cain and Owen can't tell he's not an alpha. But Wulf wasn't escalating like alphas do when they butt heads, and that makes Brad worry for a moment.
But Brad quickly decides that he's going to keep up the act, even if Wulf questions it. He's worked hard to become as strong as an alpha should be, so he has nothing to fear. He can hold his own in a fight.]
Yeah! Never heard of the stuff? It's pretty great.
[Not as good as hard liquor, which is what Brad had expected Wulf to negotiate too, but he won't explain that now!]
[ Wulf will question Brad's scent later when the artificial markings are finally purged from his nostrils, for now he is calm in ways he hasn't shown anyone else. ]
Fine. [ If it's so great, Wulf will take it and hoard it along with everything else he's brought. His room is already pretty full as it is, which Brad would be able to see. ] Midday to evening?
[Wow rude. He will not stop wearing his scent blockers, thank you.
That said, they do wash off easily, and all it takes is one mission to a swamp to get rid of them.
On that day, it's a handful of the older wizards and the Sage heading out to the Western country to hunt down some magic creatures that have been supposedly dragging humans into the swamp. Though he is not happy about the early hours, Brad is going along on the mission, and Wulf has been asked to go too as a sort of test run to see how strong he is.
The Sage is standing in front of the other wizards, giving instructions to everyone present.]
I haven't gotten much information on our target yet, but some of the wizards to the West have been sending reports saying they feel a strong magical presence in this one swamp. Bradley can provide support, while Wulf, Cain, and Owen fight the thing. We also have Faust here in case anyone needs healing. Any questions before we go?
[Brad yawns and rubs at his eye. Eight am is far too early for him! But he doesn't complain or ask questions, and instead glances to Wulf to see if he has any questions.]
[ To say Wulf was sulking would be kind-- being around so many other powerful wizards and not being allowed to take their powers for his own is a sign of his unending patience. There's only one other Wizard who might stand against him, and Wulf is aching for that fight. ]
[ He hasn't fought the Calamity before, he doesn't know what they face yet but Wulf's an untapped well of magical energy: the black dog prowling along snowcapped mountains, the one that finds you if you stray too far northward. The idea of a new enemy has Wulf is equal parts curious equal parts furious at the situation he's in. So for now, he stands as far away from the rest of the wizards as he can manage while still being as close the the Sage as possible. He's not very successful in standing very close. ]
[ A broom, hardly something Wulf had need of before. Wulf watches closely, flicking his hazel eyes over when Brad calls to him. If he wanted to Wulf thinks he could take any branch of any tree and make it into his broom but a different option opens up. ]
Are you wearing that perfume again? [ Cautious. ] And where's my beer?
[He grins and holds out his free hand, and a glass bottle of beer poofs into it. Then he holds it out to Wulf.]
I stuck a few in the river to cool 'em down. They taste better cold.
[Faust looks over and shakes his head. Really? Drinking on the job? But Brad pays him no mind and keeps his attention on Wulf to see his reaction to beer.
He is still wearing scent masking too, just not as heavily applied as previously.]
[ Wulf approaches, not caring for the looks any of any other wizards throw him. For a glass bottle it's tough, the beer foaming as the top is easily yanked off. He drinks it without a second thought, the pinch of fermentation biting the back of his throat. Oh, it's like the fermented vegetables and fruits he'd find on rare occasion, only with far more fizz. Wulf downs it in one and drops the bottle. ]
Fine. [ His answer the incoming question of how he liked it and the previous question of if he needed a lift. Brad's won him over here again. ]
[Beer always brings people together! Brad grins as he hops on his broom, sitting more towards the front so Wulf can climb on behind him.
The other wizards present regard the pair with amusement (Cain and Owen) and tired glances (Faust). Truly it is odd for a wizard to offer up his broom to another wizard so easily. 'Just like Bradley', Wulf might hear Owen say under his breath. Whether that is praise or teasing is hard to tell.]
[ Wulf catches himself growling at Owen when the snipe is lobbed Brad's way, teeth bared in a display of territorial dominance. It's only when Brad speaks that Wulf looks back at the other wizard, hackles instantly soothed. ]
[ Just like Bradley, indeed. ]
Never had to. [ Honesty, because he doesn't care enough to lie. Wulf saddles the broom easily the heat of him radiating against Brad's back. ] I prefer to run. [ As a wolf, but that's besides the point. ]
[Damn, he had no idea a single beer made Wulf so protective. It looks like Brad has a new friend, albeit a toothy one.
But running, huh? Too much exercise, Brad thinks. But he doesn't say that, as he chooses to see the positives in this situation.]
First time is always the best. Hold on and enjoy the sights.
[He doesn't seem outwardly bothered by the presence of an alpha right behind him. But being just a few weeks from his heat, his heart is fluttering in a way that he has to stamp right down. Nope, he's not going to think about how close they are. Flying on a shared broom is normal and something Brad has done countless times before with the different Sages he has known in his 90 years as a Sage's wizard.
(he is absolutely thinking about how close Wulf is right now.)
Though Brad's natural smell is still covered up, this time it's with less concealer and more of a soapy smell, as if he took a bath earlier this morning.
After giving Wulf a moment to settle down on the broom, Brad will take to the air, with the other wizards following shortly after. They don't fly high up, just above the trees, but it still gives a birds eye view of the ground below as they travel from the manor to a forest in the Western country.]
[ Wulf presses closer when Brad takes to the sky, confidence in his balance only reaching up to a certain height. Being so close, though, has Wulf's nose pressing in just behind Brad's ear for a brief, bright second. ]
[ A second, which is all Wulf really needs. ]
[ Brad's scent is still disturbed, Wulf finds, though in a easier way than before. Instead of a cloying scent gag, Brad simply smells clean. Frustrating, but understandable. Wulf, on the other hand, is bathed in his own scent: a heated of piece of charcoal so close to combustion. While not in rut, Wulf's instincts run higher than many other alphas like him. He reflexively covers his pack in his scent when they are weak and without a strong one of their own. That includes Brad now. ]
[He is a little annoyed by the smell of Wulf's scent spreading and presumably covering him as well. Even though he covers up his own scent, he doesn't need another to fill that void! Brad's omega instincts tell him that this is a good thing, but he fights against that instinct to keep up his act as an alpha.]
You know I'm one of the strongest here, right? You don't gotta scent me.
[Here in the air their conversation is relatively private, with the rushing wind keeping those on other brooms from hearing. Though Owen is still watching with his unnerving grin, as if he's trying to catch what the two of them are saying.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 02:18 am (UTC)Most. But not all.
Two lost is far better than the ten lost the previous year, but both deaths still hit hard. One an old man, well past his prime and only involved in this 'world-saving' business because he got forced into it, and another driven mad by the moon just a year prior. Both were well-loved, and even if Brad has his own negative feelings about those two, he can recognize that now isn't the time to bring up grievances or say 'good riddance'. Everyone is exhausted, many are mourning, and the sun is just starting to rise after a sleepless night of saving the world.
The Sage, just as exhausted as the rest, sits on the ground near the battlefield as they watch the sun rise. They're young, this is this first fight against the Calamity, and yet they did so well. Though admittedly, being a human meant they could only give instructions and stay focused on the big picture. That has been the Sage's job since time immemorial: a single human tasked with uniting a small group of wizards for the purpose of saving the world.
This Sage has done a good job so far, much better than the three previous in Brad's mind, but he can see that they feel awful about the loss of two allies. So Brad walks over and crouches down by them, and he reaches out to pat their shoulder.]
You did a good job, Sage.
[The Sage looks down tiredly, as if to avoid the praise. Surely two deaths is nothing to celebrate, right? But Brad won't let them wallow in these losses, as the Sage still has to keep this fractured group of wizards whole. Even if that means finding two new wizards to make them whole again.]
Ready to go home?
[Home being the manor they all share. Brad is already thinking of what must be done: two rooms have to be emptied, valuables redistributed to those who want mementos. Then the rooms have to be cleaned and prepared for whatever two unlucky bastards get magically selected to join this crusade. Depending on where they live, they could be to the manor within hours of the selection happening. And when they arrive, everyone has to be ready to accept them.
And, a bit selfishly, Brad wants to have everyone settled and moving on with life before his yearly heat hits in about six weeks. He'll have to disappear for a week when that happens, and he can't easily disappear if they're all still looking for a missing wizard.
The Sage finally looks up to Brad and nods tiredly. Before anything else can happen, everyone needs rest. And the Sage can't fly on a broom on their own, so someone else will have to carry them. This someone else is Brad this time, and he will help them up onto the broom to head home.
All across the five countries, news of the Sage's Wizards' success in fighting off the Calamity spreads like wildfire. Some question why the wizards can't just defeat the Calamity once and for all, but most have learned to accept this as a part of life. There's not much anyone can do about it anyway, not with some of the strongest wizards in the world already being involved in the efforts to save the world.
About three days after the world is saved, two wizards somewhere in the world will suddenly receive a mark on their body somewhere. One is somewhere in the South, living on a farm and specializing in magic that helps with farm chores, while the other leads a much more isolated life...
Along with this mark they will get the intrinsic feeling that they need to go to the Central country and find the Sage. Regardless of if they leave right away or try to delay it, that feeling will just grow in their mind until they finally make the trip to the Central country.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 07:03 pm (UTC)The mark on his body is out of his view, the back of his neck along his spine, so when Wulf finds the center country he'd been looking for, where he's to go is muddled. He snaps at most anyone that approaches him until--
The Sage. He knows them, and the back of his neck burns: this is where he's meant to be.
Which is unfortunate for all the other wizards fighting the calamity with him.
Even after the Sage washed and dried him off after, Wulf does not settle gracefully and territory spats are fierce: Wulf thinks he got someone's ear a couple of days ago, likely the other beast wizard from the North. These wizards all have tools so fighting them is simple when they're unarmed; his own tool in his body already with the claws he grows, the eye teeth in his mouth. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 07:54 pm (UTC)Instead, Brad starts back up with training the youngest of their numbers in the use of magic. Two boys, Mitile and Riquet, both sixteen now but still looking far too young to be tied up in this world-saving business. Brad has always had a soft spot for kids, and he has decided to be a friendly face among the other scary wizards that have gathered here. It's proven helpful too, since the boys have learned a lot from him over the last year and are ready to learn more over the next year.
Though the presence of this new wizard has been a bit of a hindrance, since the kids get spooked by him and get distracted from their magic practice. It's not really Wulf's fault, the boys have to learn to be brave if they want to stand among the wizards of the world, but right now the need to learn magic is more important than learning bravery. So after a few days of this, Brad decides that it's time to talk to this new wizard and try to find an amicable solution.
(Though he is careful to apply scent concealers before approaching this man. Smelling like an alpha will probably get better results.)]
Hey~! You're the new guy, right?
[He'll start the conversation out by being relaxed and friendly. Mostly because he doesn't like fighting if he can avoid it, and secondly because people tend to underestimate him because of his friendliness. If he needs to fight, that will hopefully give him the upper hand.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 09:08 pm (UTC)[ Wulf hasn't bothered learning the names of the other wizards here, only paying mind to the Sage when they appear. With them he's relearning that touch can be soft but Brad is an unknown threat in Wulf's mind so he snaps when the wizard approaches; the shimmer of his fangs clear that his tool is already in hand. ]
Back off.
[ But then Brad's scent fully hits him. Wulf's face pinches in confusion, the subtonal growl ceased and his own scent of wood smoke and charcoal heady. ]
You're wrong.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 09:27 pm (UTC)In response to Wulf's harsh tone, he holds up his hands in a show of submission.]
Hey, I ain't lookin' for trouble. I just wanted to talk about somethin'.
[He is doing his best to subtly breathe through his mouth and not his nose, because the last thing he needs right now is the scent of a new alpha messing with him. He can't disappear to go hide in the woods quite yet, so he doesn't want to trigger an early heat.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 09:41 pm (UTC)Your smell. [ If Brad asked for Wulf to be all up in his space, that would be one thing, but Wulf wasn't invited and is rapidly approaching. His nose doesn't lie, the connection between him and the black dog inside him strong. He comes close enough to touch, but instead tastes the air around Brad. In any other form, Wulf's ears would've been pinned to his skull once the perfume fully settled on his palate. ]
Wrong.
[ The magic is there, Brad's a wizard, Wulf can sense it-- but there's something the other is hiding, something intrinsic, something Wulf wants found. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 09:53 pm (UTC)Like half of the wizards here are under 50, and sometimes we alphas gotta cover up with a neutral smell to keep everyone from gettin' confused.
[A lie, but like hell is he explaining the truth. Nobody needs to know that he is actually an omega. Not even the Sage knows he's an omega.]
That actually connects to why I wanted to talk to you: we got kids here and you're scaring 'em with your...
[He gestures to all of Wulf.]
And it's makin' it harder for 'em to learn magic since they hide whenever you come around.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 10:16 pm (UTC)Let them learn and ripen on their own. [ Wulf wants to take their powers, sure, but he spares the meal for the sake of the Sage. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 10:54 pm (UTC)[Brad himself was sixteen when he killed a man and ate his mana stone for the first time. He doesn't want other teenagers to be forced into that same position.]
If nothing else, think you can avoid the courtyard from lunchtime to dinnertime? That's when I train with the kids. I'll get you some beer as a thank you gift if you can.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 10:59 pm (UTC)[ A years time is only 4 seasons. At least this one has seen more than that. ]
Beer? [ Seems treats work even if the dog doesn't know what exactly the treat is. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-16 11:09 pm (UTC)But Brad quickly decides that he's going to keep up the act, even if Wulf questions it. He's worked hard to become as strong as an alpha should be, so he has nothing to fear. He can hold his own in a fight.]
Yeah! Never heard of the stuff? It's pretty great.
[Not as good as hard liquor, which is what Brad had expected Wulf to negotiate too, but he won't explain that now!]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 12:26 am (UTC)Fine. [ If it's so great, Wulf will take it and hoard it along with everything else he's brought. His room is already pretty full as it is, which Brad would be able to see. ] Midday to evening?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 12:42 am (UTC)Midday to evening. And I'll let you know when the kids toughen up too.
[Surely they will eventually, right?]
Thanks for bein' so understanding.
[Really, it's a breath of fresh air to see an alpha that doesn't turn everything into a fight.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 02:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 03:02 am (UTC)That said, they do wash off easily, and all it takes is one mission to a swamp to get rid of them.
On that day, it's a handful of the older wizards and the Sage heading out to the Western country to hunt down some magic creatures that have been supposedly dragging humans into the swamp. Though he is not happy about the early hours, Brad is going along on the mission, and Wulf has been asked to go too as a sort of test run to see how strong he is.
The Sage is standing in front of the other wizards, giving instructions to everyone present.]
I haven't gotten much information on our target yet, but some of the wizards to the West have been sending reports saying they feel a strong magical presence in this one swamp. Bradley can provide support, while Wulf, Cain, and Owen fight the thing. We also have Faust here in case anyone needs healing. Any questions before we go?
[Brad yawns and rubs at his eye. Eight am is far too early for him! But he doesn't complain or ask questions, and instead glances to Wulf to see if he has any questions.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 03:16 am (UTC)[ He hasn't fought the Calamity before, he doesn't know what they face yet but Wulf's an untapped well of magical energy: the black dog prowling along snowcapped mountains, the one that finds you if you stray too far northward. The idea of a new enemy has Wulf is equal parts curious equal parts furious at the situation he's in. So for now, he stands as far away from the rest of the wizards as he can manage while still being as close the the Sage as possible. He's not very successful in standing very close. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 03:31 am (UTC)At that, everyone grabs their brooms. Flying is faster and will make this a simple day trip.
Brad, with one hand on his broom, looks to Wulf and grins.]
Need a ride?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 03:49 am (UTC)Are you wearing that perfume again? [ Cautious. ] And where's my beer?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 04:11 am (UTC)I stuck a few in the river to cool 'em down. They taste better cold.
[Faust looks over and shakes his head. Really? Drinking on the job? But Brad pays him no mind and keeps his attention on Wulf to see his reaction to beer.
He is still wearing scent masking too, just not as heavily applied as previously.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 04:36 am (UTC)Fine. [ His answer the incoming question of how he liked it and the previous question of if he needed a lift. Brad's won him over here again. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 05:11 am (UTC)The other wizards present regard the pair with amusement (Cain and Owen) and tired glances (Faust). Truly it is odd for a wizard to offer up his broom to another wizard so easily. 'Just like Bradley', Wulf might hear Owen say under his breath. Whether that is praise or teasing is hard to tell.]
Ever flown on a broom before?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 05:22 am (UTC)[ Just like Bradley, indeed. ]
Never had to. [ Honesty, because he doesn't care enough to lie. Wulf saddles the broom easily the heat of him radiating against Brad's back. ] I prefer to run. [ As a wolf, but that's besides the point. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 05:38 am (UTC)But running, huh? Too much exercise, Brad thinks. But he doesn't say that, as he chooses to see the positives in this situation.]
First time is always the best. Hold on and enjoy the sights.
[He doesn't seem outwardly bothered by the presence of an alpha right behind him. But being just a few weeks from his heat, his heart is fluttering in a way that he has to stamp right down. Nope, he's not going to think about how close they are. Flying on a shared broom is normal and something Brad has done countless times before with the different Sages he has known in his 90 years as a Sage's wizard.
(he is absolutely thinking about how close Wulf is right now.)
Though Brad's natural smell is still covered up, this time it's with less concealer and more of a soapy smell, as if he took a bath earlier this morning.
After giving Wulf a moment to settle down on the broom, Brad will take to the air, with the other wizards following shortly after. They don't fly high up, just above the trees, but it still gives a birds eye view of the ground below as they travel from the manor to a forest in the Western country.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-17 06:00 am (UTC)[ A second, which is all Wulf really needs. ]
[ Brad's scent is still disturbed, Wulf finds, though in a easier way than before. Instead of a cloying scent gag, Brad simply smells clean. Frustrating, but understandable. Wulf, on the other hand, is bathed in his own scent: a heated of piece of charcoal so close to combustion. While not in rut, Wulf's instincts run higher than many other alphas like him. He reflexively covers his pack in his scent when they are weak and without a strong one of their own. That includes Brad now. ]
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Date: 2025-08-17 06:12 am (UTC)You know I'm one of the strongest here, right? You don't gotta scent me.
[Here in the air their conversation is relatively private, with the rushing wind keeping those on other brooms from hearing. Though Owen is still watching with his unnerving grin, as if he's trying to catch what the two of them are saying.]
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