Charcoal Moon

9

My feet took me to a small pond where I sat myself up in a tall tree, enjoying the sounds and smells of nature. It's been about a week in a half since I dropped into the forest, an interesting week at that. I have run into a few more of those weird rogues and killed them all. I'm just outside the castle border now.

My hands gracefully drawing the large, beautiful castle I will soon be living in. I don't want to be the first to arrive because they will pay a little too much attention to me. I don't know how long I sat up in the tree but once I saw another applicant arrive, I gathered my things and dropped from my spot up in the strong tree.

Making my way to the border I took note of how the men stiffened when I approached them.

"State your name and business at the castle." A scruffy looking man stated while eyeing me carefully, while his partner pulled out a long list of names. Most likely all who were supposed to be arriving for the army training.

"Keelin Blake, Lycan army applicant." My head held high and my eyes holding contact. The scruffy man clearly took offence and let out a small grumble, his partner simply put a hand on his shoulder and nodded.

"Very well then miss Blake, through the gates and swing a right. You will find the training grounds, a man named Koda will be waiting who will show you to your new quarters. Congratulations on making it out seemingly unharmed." His eyes roamed my body for injuries, I nodded in response and made my way through the gate. A large man pushed the gate open without saying a word.

"Well hello to you too." My voice came out very snarky, but he did not respond and motioned for me to keep going.

I made my way to the training grounds, admiring the lovely flowers and plants that lined the tall grey walls of the castle. There was a tall dark haired man looking through a file with my name, as he herd me approach, he snapped the file shut and held his hand out.

"You must be Keelin Blake, I am Koda" My hand met his and a warm smile formed on his face.

"Yes, and you are the friendliest person who I have encountered in the last week."

"Oh about that, people around here can be pretty serious most of the time. Just ignore them for the most part, lets get you to your room!" He spoke about the history of the castle as we wound our way through the long twisty halls. He stopped as we came to a wing with a warrior symbol above the large dark wooden door. "This is the warrior wing, as you can see. The wing is set up somewhat like a dormitory. There are many rooms, new recruits share rooms with their squad which was previously determined by Army head Jace."

I mentally rolled my eyes at his name.

"As you rank up you move to better rooms, there are six bathrooms and each has multiple showers, toilet stalls and so on. Jonah has already arrived and is in your room. You will also have Corinn and Luis if they make it in time. Here in your schedule for the following five days, there is a map of the grounds on the back. Any questions?"

I quickly scan the schedule and map.

"What are the areas with red lines? Off limits Im assuming?"

"That is correct, the royal wings, kitchen and living space solely for the royal family and special guests. The green is the areas your space. Training spaces, kitchen, living spaces, game areas, library, restrooms, and any officer offices you may need. Yellow is common areas, and the blue is the rest of the pack, you may go anywhere except the red, unless specifically invited by a member of the royal family. Lastly the purple is the throne room, Alpha, Luna, Beta offices and halls used for parties and the guest spaces."

"Gotcha" My voice came out mindlessly.

"Well feel free to come find me if you need anything, we will see you around and in five days for intake. I advise you to train your ass off until then. Jace may have selected you but the King or Luna may dismiss you if they are not pleased."

"Okay thank you, see you around." I said with a wave and made my way to my room to introdue myself to a roommate.