Tanuchan

Really good imagery here, Az... every time I read this, different parts seemed to call my attention; there's strength, packed tight - I'd say an almost hypnotic tension. The long sentences made me quite breathless, and I think they add to what you wanted to express here. It's an intriguing piece, and I can understand why you opted by posting at the Banquet Room. The end kept me wondering, though... was it all a dream, a wish, a memory? The shift from past/present made me think so, and the abrupt sense of awakening at the end. I don't know if this was the effect you expected, but these were my reactions. Again, an intriguing piece, and I like it.

I have to go over part of this with Azuran yet... but basically: Rahnia, fremen woman, daughter of Niab (Azuran), from Sietch Tabr. She's in her 20's, and has all the temper of a fremen behind her usual sweet smile. She's very good in hand-to-hand combat, and has been also prepared to be a sayyadina (wise woman). She hasn't gone through the spice agony yet, though - and isn't sure she truly wants to. (For those familiar with the Dune history/timeline, Rahnia and Niab left Sietch Tabr before Duncan arrived. They know of Stilgar, but aren't close to him.)

I'm late for posting, too... got a bit swamped on several stuff, including work-related ones *wishes vacations weren't over*. I'll be posting during the weekend...

I talked to HappyB, suggesting that he could play a newly-arrived guy at Arrakis. In that way, he doesn't need to know anything at all about the planet and its customs. From his answer, I think he's in

Still have to work on the whats and whys, but throw me in as a fremen woman. Probably Azuran's daughter or granddaughter (as he's thinking of a fremen, too). More to come when I catch my "dad" online Oh, I'll find a name later, too.

Tsal looked at Cedric, angry thoughts mixing with grief and a hint of pity for the merchant in front of them. He had seen Cedric around the village, looking always so sure of himself, so aloof - a man of a higher station than all of them, who deigned them with their presence. And there he was, letting tears fall, actually apologizing to a boy who knew nothing more than carving wood. A boy who has nothing, but also has everything... or thought he had, when you came and ... He felt Lillen's hand squeezing his, and immediately wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. Her fragility both angered and grieved him more, having known how strong she usualy was and how quickly she dealt with anything that happened in the tavern. Cedric also looked at Lillen, opening his mouth to apologize once more - but words never came, as he got caught by Lillen's eyes. Have I also killed her... her will to live and be happy? Lillen hid her face in Tsal's chest, and he wrapped both arms around her. He didn't look again at Cedric. "Please, go away." His voice was hoarse. "You have no right to be here." Cedric lowered his head, and turned to leave. Then, still with his back to them, he found again his voice. "I know nothing I might do will be ever enough... but let me help you both... I have another house in the village. And marriages... the marriage costs... " He felt his words awkward, and for some reason he saw Susan's face in front of him, the face she had worn when she had thought he had but bought a wife. He let his voice drift into silence even before listening to Lillen's answer. There was a quiet dignity in it. "We don't need anything, Mr. Fernsworth. Everything John had... is mine, and Tsal's. And the tavern... is mine." After some moments of silence, Cedric nodded slowly. Realization had hit him hard when he had remembered Susan's face. "I'm too used to a world where money buys everything. From respect to friendship." A hand on his arm when he was about to open the door surprised him. He looked at Tsal. "Mr. Fernsworth..." He hesitated, trying also to find the right words. "We know you spared my life, and Lillen's, when you could have just killed us. We... we do believe you were not completely responsible for your acts when you killed... " Cedric couldn't be sure of what he felt when hearing those words. He knew they didn't mean forgiveness, and that he wouldn't ever have that. But at least it was understanding. Part of the weight on him eased, and he nodded. "... but you should understand... must understand... that we can't forget. You... the beast... " Tsal's voice caught. "I know." Cedric drew a deep breath. He had to ask them, and he didn't want to. He didn't know whether it was deep shame, or fear. But he loved Susan. It had been that love that had saved him. "I have no right to ask. But... Susan and I are marrying, and leaving the village, in six months. Could you... would you keep all this hushed until we are gone? Not for my sake... but for hers." Minutes dragged by, hope growing in Cedric when no immediate refusal came. Tsal looked at Lillen, decided to do what was needed to protect her and soothe her grief. She looked at Cedric, then around her. Everything in the workshop was still as John had left them, except for a few tools and scraps of wood that Tsal had been using when Cedric had arrived. She felt John's presence around her, and heard him again advising her as a small girl, and then as a young woman. Then she looked back at Cedric, with a small nod. "Then... might I hope..." Lillen raised a hand, stopping him. Her voice was low, but surprisingly firm. "Mr. Fernsworth, we..." she glanced at Tsal, who nodded. "We will keep your secret. On the condition that you tell Susan." Cedric paled visibly. Lillen didn't give him chance to speak, though. "She is going to be your wife. Marriage should be based on love and trust. She may not return your love quite yet, but betray her trust and may never. Tell Susan, and you have our word we'll keep it hushed." She didn't wait for an answer, and turned back. Her steps took her to the stairs to the loft, and she looked up. She fought tears, and felt Tsal's loving arms around her once more. She closed her eyes, and let her thoughts drift. A letter, found on John's nightstand the previous morning, and addressed to her... ~~~~ Thanks to both Azuran and Panther for writing with me, and Patrick for giving me directions for Cedric.

FINAL RESULT: wolves won - congratulations! THE ROLES Wolves: Katzaniel/Karen & Patrick Durham/Cedric Seer: Panther Baner: Jammeez THE TARGETS (in chronological order) Wolves: Venefyxatu (Baned) - Jammeez - Venefyxatu - Panther - Azuran (spared by the wolf in RP) Seer: Katzaniel - Jammeez - Mynx - jdrollins (not really Seen, for the Seer was killed) Baner: Venefyxatu - Venefyxatu (and Baner killed) ~~~~ Some quick explanations: with the lynching of jdrollins (innocent), the wolf needed just the night kill to win the game. So, I've decided to wrap up the game without giving a formal night phase. Azuran/Tsal was to be the kill, but Patrick decided for a change in the story... still, technically, wolves won - congratulations again on a well-played game! Azuran, Patrick, Mynx, and I are writing a small series of wrapping-up posts. Anyone who's been transformed in ghost is welcomed to do the same Congratulations to all players for a really fun game - at least for me. You're great RPers!! And I hope you have had as much fun as I have. *hugs all* ~Tanny PS. We already have a sign-up for next game... here

Joseph was at the back of his store, stooped over a barrel, when he heard a creaking noise. He bumped his head on a shelf when straigthening, and grumbled while turning around. "What do you want, Peter? I told you to stay at the front, this is a most busy time of the day!" Peter was there, and even under the dim light Joseph could see that he was pale. Behind him, there were other men. "Well, what is it? I'm sorry, you shouldn't be here... let's go to the front and I'll do my best to help you..." It was then that Joseph noticed the clubs on their hands. They threw Peter rudely to the side, and the boy went limp over the sacks of flour. Joseph stared, refusing to understand. "It can only be you. Nice, good Joseph. A bit naive, a good fellow, always so helpful. Always delivering goods to the people, whatever the time. Who better to enter our houses at night?" "What did you do to Granny? Maybe offered to walk her home, heh?" "Nathaniel was so absent-minded, he wouldn't have even seen you." "What did you do, drugged John's s tea when you last sold it to him? To make it an easier kill?" Joseph stammered, trying to step back from the menacing circle. But his back was against the shelves, and he could hear the front door being closed. He didn't have a chance, and he knew it. ~~~~ Tsal brushed away the hair covering Lillen's pale face, looking down at the girl asleep with her head on his lap. Even her puffed eyes and tear-stained face didn't mar her beauty for him, and at that moment he knew what he wanted for his life. John wanted me to learn a craft. He was looking at Lilly when he we were talking yesterday. He looked around, at the silent beauty that nature created in that ruined stable. He knew that night was coming soon, and that he should take Lillen home. But for some reason he felt safe in there, safer than he had felt in his room, with sturdy walls around him and a lock on his door. John was killed in his workshop. Walls won't stop the beast if it wants to kill. And it attacks the village. He pulled the coat tighter around him, making himself comfortable and covering Lillen better in hers. The corner where they were was hidden in shadows, and protected from the cold by the piled debris of a fallen loft. I'd die to protect you, Lilly... Hands touched his face and gently pulled it downwards, startling him. He looked into Lillen's eyes, hearing her whispered words as if in a dream, some corner of his mind realizing he had been talking aloud. "And what would keep me alive, with both John and you dead, Tsal?" She kissed him. The shadow appeared in that moment - a tall man, running into the stable, looking for a hidden corner. It loomed upon Tsal and Lillen, half-man and half-beast, face contorted in a struggle. The rest of the transformation into beast took less than three seconds, after which nothing human remained about his features. But Tsal and Lillen both had the image of the man who had been standing there seconds before burned into their minds. Unable to control himself, Cedric smashed a support beam of the stable in an attempt to get closer to his victim, Tsal, causing the structure to creak and groan as it readjusted itself to an unstable balance. His fur-covered feet taking him closer to Tsal with every passing fraction of a second, Cedric lifted a clawed hand to strike. He only noticed Lillen in the last moment, as his claws stopped barely half an inch from Tsal's jugular. Muscles twitched in the werewolf's upper body, and the claw scraped Tsal's neck, bringing a thin trickle of blood. They are in love. Just like Susan and me. Just like… The werewolf let out a long howl, and in a sudden whirl of fur was gone, storming out of the stable. The roof of the stable groaned again, threatening to collapse without warning, and Tsal jumped to his feat. With one hand still holding his neck where blood seeped from between his fingers, he quickly pulled Lillen up to him and hurried them both out of the structure and into the moonlit night. Thanks to Patrick, who has written the werewolf's attack, and Azuran for his help! ~~~~~~~ OOC: Wolves won - check the OOC thread We're still having wrap-up posts here, so... keep reading!

Katz, looks good enough for me You've got a lady-in-waiting ... let's see what advices she'd give, and how

Erylin Serandar, daughter of a minor noble family. She is one of the ladies-in-waiting for a noble woman *. 20 years old, she's not a beauty, but pretty enough to sometimes attract the attention of noblemen, being however apt at declining any unwanted invitation. Apparently shy, no one knows for sure if she's just one more of the ladies-in-waiting or a very discreet and cunning councilor for her Lady. * I have no idea if we can set an interaction between players... if so, anyone can take this role - the Lady whom Erylin serves. Otherwise, maybe Gwai can provide an NPC.... If the character doesn't fit, please tell me and I'll modify it

Uncannily unruly Uzbekistani units underwent unofficial ungrateful upbraiding.

I hope Patrick doesn't mind - I'm adding two Wikipedia links, I think they'll help a bit. Dune House Atreides And a glossary, should someone need it. Dune glossary of terms

Sweet, the theme's not hard. I can help you, if you want to play Tomorrow I'll be putting a link with some info... *hugs*

I'm in. Character to come

Scorecard Enjoying Lillen's tasty stew at the tavern... Patrick Durham => Cedric Fernsworth, a man in his early fifties who's to marry Susan, a 16-year-old girl JDRollins => Joseph Gunalo. merchantile and general goods store proprietor Mynx => Susan, 16-year-old girl to be married to Cedric; Azuran => Tsal, 19-year-old boy who spends most of his time making small sculptures and figurines from wood Enjoying the comforts of specially crafted coffins... Mark, the town drunk => first NPC kill Jonathan, the tailor => second NPC kill Jammeez => Granny Jammeez, baner and wolf kill Venefyxatu => Nathaniel Blake Churnstone, wolf kill Panther => John, Seer and wolf kill Giles Jordan => Adam, lynched LeifTheBunny => Leif the Bunny, lynched Sweetcherrie => Annie, 7-year-old brat and lynching victim Katzaniel => Karen Zahn, werewolf 48 hours to vote! Panther, feel free to joing the ghosts at Nathaniel's mansion... Again, this is your only chance to catch the remaining wolf. If left alive, the night kill will end the game. Good luck! Edit: John's in John's coffins... okay, looked weird

Having thought over John’s offer of an apprenticeship, Tsal still found it difficult to wade through exactly what it would mean. He was both excited and scared at the prospect of learning something new and he realized that he had never really given much thought about his future, always worrying about the past he had escaped instead. Everything was a little overwhelming now, an offer to train to become a carpenter, the possibility of a family of his own even… Tsal hurriedly tied on his boots, one of the laces still a temporary piece of string, and hurried off towards John’s shop, determined to accept his offer before Tsal’s own mind started having doubts again. Three times he moved to knock on the heavy door only to pull his hand back at the last second. Finally he struck the wood, the sound louder in his ears than expected, and quickly brushing the hair out of his eyes he tried to think of a good way to greet the older man. “Lilly?” Tsal was surprised to see Lillen standing in the open doorway, her beautiful eyes both laughing and looking equally surprised to see Tsal. “Hey…hi! I came to talk to John, if he’s around? I’ve decided that I’d like to be his apprentice!” It sounded even better than he’d expected coming out of his own mouth, and he repeated the words again in his head, smiling a little broader. John, having heard those words, came to the door and - to Tsal's surprise - pulled him into a hug. "I'm glad to hear that, Tsal. Come in, let's talk. " Later, Tsal sat by Lillen observing her gentle hands probing John's face and thinking about the last events, that had had the side effect of making him realize what he truly felt for her. Twice he had just thought of taking Lillen out of direct danger - not even thinking about who else was around. And this change in his life now, being apprenticed to John... John winced a bit, but Lillen held his face firmly and kept spreading the ointment. "It'll bruise, but not too badly, John. If you ever let me finish." She kept her voice low on purpose, hiding the shakiness. If I ever lose John... he's been like my father all these years... Tsal's silent presence comforted her, and she let her mind wander. "It's enough, Lillen." John grabbed her hands gently, pushing them away from his face. "I'm not that old that you have to be afraid that a simple punch will break me." He smiled to her, standing. "I'll be alright. You had better go back and try to rest, you look pretty shaken. Tsal, boy..." Tsal took some moments, and Lillen's slight nudge, to register John's voice. "Yeah, what?" He blushed, embarassed at the seemingly rude words that always came out first. "I mean... heh... yes, sir?" John chuckled, and had to resist an urge to ruffle Tsal's hair. "I'll be waiting for you tomorrow morning. I have many things to show you, and Winter's a good time to start." Though this Winter... too many coffins. John sighed at the thought, and then found himself being hugged by Lillen. "Take care, John. Are you sure you don't want to sleep at the tavern? We have spare rooms... I don't like to think of you alone in your workshop... " "You worry too much, dear girl. I'm as safe there as here. Tsal, walk her back, please. And I'd recommend you to not go out again tonight; it seems we're going to have a snowstorm again." That night the wind howled, and the thought of the second werebeast weighed the mind of most villagers, but they also hoped that the storm would keep it away. On his loft, John looked through the window a last time - he saw the tavern's lights being put out, then nodded and went to bed. Sleep was elusive, but he started dreaming as soon as it came. He looked around. The village square was empty. He didn't move - or so he thought - but the door to his workshop came into view. A hand - not his - rested on the handle. John turned in his sleep, frowning. Part of him knew he was just riding someone else's body and mind, but he didn't wake up. Inside. His tools were where he had left them, and the scraps of wood that he had separated for Tsal. But that wasn't what the person was looking for. The sight changed, and focused on the stairs that lead to the loft. The first step creaked. John turned again, restless, sweating profusely. He saw his loft, and had a sense of urgency, of avidly looking for something. Of suddenly finding it. He looked down. At himself. Gasping, John woke up in instant alertness, at that moment his mind grasping what was happening. "You!" So that's it... what was always hidden in my mind... the intuition, the odd certainty... the dreams that faded... It was John's last thought as he gripped the knife at his side, facing glinting yellow eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OOC: Panther/John was the Seer. Congratulations to the wolf! It's Day Phase and you have now 48 hours from this timestamp (by MOnday, 8 pm EST) to vote. Good hunting! Scorecard at the OOC thread. Thanks to Azuran, who wrote Tsal, and Panther, who suggested the killing scene.

Finally someone spoke. "What's true, miss? What's in that letter?" Karen started. Gingerly, she unfolded it, showed it to him. She didn't need to reread it; she had memorized its entire contents, word for word. "I can't protect myself," she sighed. "I don't know how. And I swear to you, I swear to all of you, whether I was doing the killings or not, I'd react in the same way. Why can't you believe me? I never did anything that should have been suspicious!" Someone at the back of the crowd grew brave. "Did you do them?" he asked quietly. The room went quiet for the answer. Karen slumped. She fell forward, onto her knees, and stared at the floor. "I can't control it," she murmured into the silence. Someone gasped. "I didn't mean anything, at first. Well, I barely knew what I was doing. Suddenly there were claws, and there was hair, and it was like I was watching someone else. It was so interesting, though, I didn't really try... I didn't hurt them very much, anyway. The next night, the same thing happened. That one died. I didn't realize it was actually happening until I woke up that second morning and found out someone had really been killed. The first time, I don't know, it must have made them like me? The third night, I tried to fight it, but it's so hard to control. I even thought I had it, until the fourth night. So horribly hard to control. People keep dying. I'm trying to fight it. I'm so sorry. And Granny Jammeez? You must realize that I wasn't really myself. Like moving through a dream. And the compulsion. The blood. Fascinating, but horrible. Yes, very horrible." She trailed off, thinking something to herself. People began to exchange glances, and one or two men moved forward. She didn't seem an immediate threat, but she certainly had to be contained. Killed, even, despite the fact that they had known her. They couldn't let the Werebeast contaminate any more than it had. "Wait," she said, one last time. "You'll use my body, won't you? Find a cure? Kill me if you must - I'll even try my hardest to let you kill me - if only you'll promise to find a cure for the other." Lillen, stepping closer, asked in a soft voice, "What other, Karen? Who did you convert?" Karen looked frantically around. Everyone was closing in. Nowhere to go. No way to escape. She wailed. Suddenly she felt a prickly sensation; fur was growing. Her mouth began to hurt; her teeth were getting sharper. "Now," she screamed. "Promise me!" Tsal grabbed Lillen's arm and pulled her away from Karen. The Turning happened quickly, and before anyone could say anything, the girl was swinging her claws wildly, sneering, instincts taking over as she cut down the wall of people before her. "We promise!" someone said. It was the town doctor. There were a few breathless moments as the killing continued - six people had fallen, killed instantly, another four seemed to have hope of surviving - until the beast slowed. Lillen whimpered, hiding in Tsal's arms - the boy himself wearing an expression of shock, disgust, and incredulity. The beast, who had been Karen, was staring at John, drooling, but shaking, quivering hard. It moved forward, mouth opening, but more slowly, almost reluctantly. He used the moment to thrust a knife into the werewolf's neck. She reared, her paw swiped across his face. John staggered, and put his hand to his cheek. The beast had hit hard - it would surely bruise - but the claws had been retracted. He stepped back, and others moved in. It was just as good, for the beast was taking over again. Injured, bleeding, she was fighting for her life. Numerous wounds from numerous townspeople put an end to her. ~~~~~~~ OOC: Katz/Karen Kahn was a werewolf. Congratulations! It's now Night Phase. Seer/Wolf, you have 24 hours from this timestamp (by Saturday, 8pm EST) to send me your targets. If I get the targets early, I might end night phase earlier - keep an eye on this thread. Good luck! The post was written by Katzaniel. I've added a couple lines, with the names of some characters. Thank you, Katz!

Azuran, I wanted to tell you that your last post is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for writing it, and the last paragraph in the previous voting phase - for me, it's a brilliant symbol of how hope never dies. You play Tsal in a beautiful way. *hugs* ~Tanny

Outstanding orthodontically omnivorous ostriches ominously ogled onerous omelettes.

Scorecard Enjoying Leif's tasty stew at the tavern... Katzaniel => Karen Zahn, the butcher's daughter Patrick Durham => Cedric Fernsworth, a man in his early fifties who's to marry Susan, a 16-year-old girl JDRollins => Joseph Gunalo. merchantile and general goods store proprietor Mynx => Susan, 16-year-old girl to be married to Cedric; Azuran => Tsal, 19-year-old boy who spends most of his time making small sculptures and figurines from wood Panther => John, the town carpenter. He can do almost anything with wood, be it houses, cupboards or coffins and everything in between. Enjoying the comforts of John's crafted coffins... Mark, the town drunk => first NPC kill Jonathan, the tailor => second NPC kill Jammeez => Granny Jammeez, baner and wolf kill Venefyxatu => Nathaniel Blake Churnstone, wolf kill Giles Jordan => Adam, lynched LeifTheBunny => Leif the Bunny, lynched Sweetcherrie => Annie, 7-year-old brat and lynching victim 48 hours to vote! Vene, if you want to "haunt" the game thread, go ahead. Maybe you'll end up as one of the ghosts in your own house? Also, feel free to add any post dealing with Nathaniel's last wishes .

Lillen gasped, not needing to wait for the riders to come back with Annie's small body to know what had happened. She wanted just to lie down there where she was, but didn't resist when Tsal lifted her. "You surely don't prefer the snow to a warm bed, do you?" He still held her close, guessing accurately that she probably wouldn't be able to stand without help. "Come, I'll walk you back to the tavern. There's no need for you to stay here, and it's not safe to stay outdoors." Lillen just nodded, feeling tired and drained. Tsal's arm holding her gave her comfort, and she let her mind wander again. So lost she was, that she needed some time to notice John's hands holding her. She blinked, and recognized his workshop. "John..." she sighed, and tried to say something. But the carpenter interrupted her, making her sit down. "Hush. You're cold to the bones, and you'd better rest. If you haven't noticed, I called you and Tsal when I saw you coming this way." Tsal brought her a cup of steaming tea, while John made sure that she was in a warm corner of his workshop. Her father had been one of John's best friends, and had died when Lillen was still a toddler. For almost all purposes, Lillen saw in John the father she had barely known, and he cared deeply for her. "So, Tsal..." John studied the boy's face, wishing that his hair didn't hide his eyes. "I have been thinking... you have a lot of skill in your hands, and I see you already know a lot about wood. I've been in need of some help here, and with your carving skills... I'm wondering if you wouldn't like to apprentice with me." He poured some tea for Tsal then made himself busy with some scraps of wood. Tsal stared at John for a few moments, blinking in suprise. Then he dropped his eyes hastily, brushing his hair away with his free hand while holding the cup of tea with the other. "People like your carving, Tsal. By apprenticing with a carpenter, you'd learn to use your skills with wood in a way that would touch even more people. And you're in an age to start thinking seriously about a craft for yourself. You'll eventually want to have your own family, and your business." John said that casually while separating scraps that Tsal could use in his carvings, but he observed carefully both the boy's and Lillen's reactions. Tsal didn't notice it, but Lillen did - and she blushed at his slight smile to her. "You are very kind, sir... I mean... I'm just a boy, no family here, you don't really know me... and you're offering me this, when I just came here for scraps of wood, I wouldn't really be able to do things right, I just know... I mean... I do some little carving, that's all...?" In spite of his words, and blushing more and more while trying to say something coherent, there was a tone of hope in Tsal's voice. John just nodded. "I saw some of your carvings. And Lillen there has an extremely good piece of your work; I saw it when I went to the tavern for dinner." Tsal gulped, suddenly realizing that he was talking to the man who would see Lillen as his daughter. He glanced at her, but only registered her cute flushing face and beautiful bright eyes, which were looking at John in surprise. Do I want it? Is he trying to match me to Lilly? She's... she's such a good girl... John handed Tsal a bag with the pieces of wood he had selected. "You don't have to answer me now, Tsal. Think it over, and give me an answer as soon as you have made up your mind. Now, would you please walk Lillen back to the tavern? It's dark already, and I don't think we should have people outdoors. Stay there, both of you. And Lillen..." "I know, John. I won't go home, I'll stay there. Leif has always kept a room for me, for when we had snowstorms and it wasn't safe for me to leave." The carpenter noded, and waited on the door until he can see them entering the tavern. Maybe less than a couple of hours later, not very far from the village square, a solitary person arrived home carrying a basket of goods. He lowered the hood of his cloak, opening his door without really noticing two figures approaching from the sides. "Oh, what a nice red cloak! And hooded also!" "Hey, what's in the basket? It smells good!" Nathaniel turned, frowning a bit, then smiled as he recognized them. "What? Ah, the basket? Good Lillen sent me some of their stew and fresh bread, said that then I might have a nice supper later tonight!" He grinned at the person. "I don't mind sharing, why don't you come in?" "We'd really like to have the time... but unfortunately we have some business. Tell me, when was the last time you visited Granny?" "My Granny?" Nathaniel's voice shakes a bit, saddenend by the reminder. "Why, just yesterday morning... funny that you ask, I was carrying exactly this same basket... Lillen sent lunch and some cookies to her..." "Poor Granny..." one of Nathaniel's visitors sighed, then asked, "Shame she has also been visited by wolves." "Wolves?" Nathaniel blinked. It might have been because of his precious notebook, but that word didn't go unnoticed, and he knew immediately why. "How do you know they were wolves? No one knows for sure the shape of the werebeasts... unless..." Wolfish grins stared at Nathaniel, and he had just the time to wonder at the sharpness of the claws. ~~~~~~~~~~ OOC: Venefyxatu/Nathaniel Churnstone was an innocent villager. It's now Day Phase, and you have 48 hours from this timestamp (Friday, by 8pm EST) to vote. If you don't get a wolf this turn, they'll have won after night phase. Choose wisely and good hunting! Scorecard at the OOC thread.

How many people minimum, Gwai?

*hugs Sweetcherrie* It was fun to see little brat Annie ... thankfully I'm only the mod, I'd have broken her neck myself if I were playing... hehe... I loved your post as a ghost. Please, keep coming back! *grins* *hugs* ~Tanny

I had instructions from Sweet for voting in case it was needed, however even if she had voted for Katz, she would have been lynched. So I'm opting for not posting her vote, since she has been absent from last night phase and this day phase, and might have changed opinion otherwise. I'm cutting the Night Phase an hour short so to not mess my schedule - sorry for that, but I think you'll still have plenty of time to think and discuss. If there is any trouble, do PM me! Good hunting - I'll update the scorecard next day phase. ~Tanny PS. Sorry for being late... got busy elsewhere...

Lillen sat on a bench by the kitchen table, hugging herself while feeling the warmth coming from the big stoves. Her mind wandered, hopping from memory to memory - her childhood, her first kiss, the day Granny had matched her to Andreas. Her first day working at the tavern. The day the village found out that her fiancé had run away with Widow Pearson's granddaughter, almost a year past. The first time she had noticed Tsal observing her surreptitiously. Leif's still body on the floor of the tavern. Tears came to her eyes again, and she fingered the rings tenderly, thinking of all the feelings she had buried since Granny had decided she would be better off married to Andreas and not Ned. Since Granny had matched Ned to her sister, and she had seen them leave the village. Lillen sat in the kitchen for a long time, automatically giving the necessary orders to the other girls. Leif had made her the first of his barmaids, and she knew the responsibilities. He would be proud of her. The sun was nearly setting when she left the tavern for a walk. The cold air will do me good. I used to like to walk in the snow... From his window, Tsal saw Lillen leaving. He hesitated, but a sudden worry made him pick his jacket and go downstairs in a run, intending to catch or at least keep an eye on Lillen. The werebeasts attack at night. I can't leave Lillen walking alone after nightfall! He saw Lillen walking leisurely towards the stables - he knew she had a mare, one her late grandfather had given her on a birthday some years before. He supposed she wanted to ride a bit, and hastened his steps. Both Lillen and Tsal stopped when they saw the gathering, and the voices rising. "No, not again..." whispered Lillen. Being taller, Tsal could see better what was happening - a small girl on a pony, surrounded by adults. "Let me pass! You don't have the right to stop me! My father will see that you regret this!" Annie looked arrogantly at the people around her, but Lillen saw something else - heard something in her high-pitched voice. A little scared girl. The people surrounding Annie argued among themselves quite heatedly. "She's a little girl. She's a brat, but can't be a beast!" "Werebeasts have to be small at some time, don't they? She's a werepup, and we can't let her go. And she must have a parent somewhere! Maybe that father of hers, huh?" "My father isn't a beast!" Enraged, Annie forgot her fear for a moment. "Let me go!" She screamed in frustration, and hit her pony hard with the whip. The pony, already restless with the tension it feels around it, neighed in startled suprise and panicked, charging against the people. They gave way hurriedly, and Tsal had barely the time to lunge and push Lillen away from its path. Annie screamed, but now in sheer panick as the pony stampeded and ignored all her panicked attempts at control. Two riders in horses rushed after her, but everybody saw when Annie was thrown from the saddle, laying limp on the ground. "Broken neck," said one of the riders, after kneeling and examining her delicately. ~~~~~~ OOC: Sweetcherrie/Annie was a brat - but not a beast. It's now Night Phase. Wolves/Seer, you have 23 hours from this timestamp (Wednesday, around 8pm EST) to PM me your targets. More info at the OOC thread. (Edit: typos)