Jaeger Manor

@Erehh Jaeger Mikasa nodded at the Head Alpha respectfully. His expressed concern for Historia was a little unexpected. A charming response, empty as it was. "Regardless, if there is anything to which we may be of assistance, Lady Historia is prepared to do so."

The female alpha chose her words carefully. Divulging her background to the other might not have any negative consequence, but it was prudent not to overshare. She bunched the sides of the loose skirt in her fists as they walked, preventing the fabric to lift up at the onslaught of wind. "The Reisses took me in officially. Before that, I lived at the orphanage. The Northern clan takes care of the orphaned children like their adopted siblings." Not every orphan was well-known or deeply integrated into society. Mikasa was one of them; her true identity only known to a few clan members.

They came to a stop outside the door of Historia's room, her tantalising rose scent permeating through the wooden door. "Wood sage and sea salt," she rattled off memory. It was drilled into her by the one who came up with the scent, stating that although the fragrance would flicker in strength, it would still hold as long as Mikasa took her maintenance shots. The ravenhead politely requested the Head Alpha wait outside, before dipping into the room and returning in tow of Historia.

"Lord Eren." The heiress curtseyed. "I hope I'm not dragging you away from your duties. Mikasa will be accompanying us, if you don't mind."

@Hange Ackerman the GOAT () got it!

@Mikasa Jaeger In the North the concept of having one mate forever and always was not nearly as present in the culture of the south. Omega's and alpha's alike were quite promiscuous. They did not hold heat festivals and did not expect virtue. They could be forward thinking, at least, in that effect. Alpha's in the South realized that they could take omega's when they so pleased if such social standards didn't exist and got rid of the construct altogether. That was the very reason omegas and even beta's were not safe to wander alone in their kingdom. And upon taking over as pack leader, Eren quickly figured out that alpha's 'taking what they wanted' was a big problem this side of the mountain rage and less of an issue in the North, where, an omega's virtue is considered sacred and chivalry was not an afterthought.

Higher ranking alpha's in the North used their position to enforce a dutiful lifestyle, but the alpha's of the South preferred to use their power to take everything they wanted. With that being said, Omega's in the South were far more outspoken than those of the North. Northern omega's had far more expectation's placed upon them thanks to the courting process and heat festivals. Eren knew that his wife-to-be had been made to adhere to an alpha in every regard and what alpha could complain about that? "Lady Historia is already worried about her husbands feelings...? And who will worry about hers?" He offered a charming response for a young man who'd ripped the previous pack leader to shreds. The pack leader paused briefly, allowing his icy colored gaze to shift to the servant's. "The transition is still in full swing I'm afraid. I apologize for the mess."

The wind wafted in through the open aired hallway once more, bringing the faintest scent of sugared cherries to his nose. He paused from his walking, eyebrows furrowing a bit in confusion. They were the only two in this hallway. The scent however was quickly covered up by a musky scent and he chose to ignore it once more. Something about it this alpha didn't seem right, but to his knowledge there was nothing that could make Mikasa smell like an alpha. Perhaps alpha women of the North just... smelled like that?

His conversation shifted from Historia to the honored knight following close behind him. "You're also from the North...? How did you come to know my fiancé..?" Perhaps she was from the neighboring country of Solis, an oasis nestled within the dessert. They were an ancient matriarch of wolves that followed a power dynamic of submissive alpha's and dominant omegas. Omega's there were also considered quite the exotic treat and the most beautiful, despite their inability to submit. Which reminded him that he was to meet an alpha of Solis... "Your alpha scent... do you know what it is?" Any alpha would be able to tell their own scent. His was an earthy cedarwood scent when he wasn't aroused by anger... If she were an alpha, she'd cure his suspicions.

@Mike "Sniffer" Zacharias () cool. Let's pause mike, sasha, and nanaba until eremika leaves :]

@Hange Ackerman the GOAT () lets keep Mike Sasha and Nanaba here then and continue with Eren and Mika before moving to the city room! i think that’s be the best move

@Erehh Jaeger () we can add a kitchen or continue here and move mikaerehisu to the city room after a couple short replies here.

@Erehh Jaeger The ravenhead stepped in line, following a pace behind the other alpha. She had disregarded his earlier comment on quickly familiarising herself with the tricky wings. Navigation was a skill of hers; a useful ability that kept Mikasa in her position as the personal guard of the heiress, in spite of her dubious background. Her fragrance got picked up by the incoming breeze, and she tensed slightly as Lord Jaeger turned to her direction. Her true scent must be wafting from her exposed neck. Mikasa mentally calculated the days — come dinnertime, she would have to take another pill. The alpha raised her hands to her collar before recalling that the Southern garment she wore had none. She dropped her hands in vain. The flowy traditional attire of the South was, as she had expected, unfavourable to her.

Seizing her opportunity since the Head Alpha brought it up, Mikasa questioned him. "Is the transition going well, Head Alpha Jaeger?" She was aware of how the Southern clan worked and after the abrupt shift in power, there was some opposition left unquelled. Not everyone was happy with the new Head Alpha, especially given his young age. "Lady Historia wants to know how she may be of support to you. It is her role of a dutiful fianceé." Historia had mentioned that she would aid her soon-to-be husband in any way she could, but Mikasa's motive was different.

Although the Reisses had been at war with the previous Southern leader, Eren Jaeger, who had assumed the position as the new clan leader,. was indirectly an adversary in the Reiss' eyes. It was partially why the arranged marriage was set: both to deter any conflict between the new Southern Head Alpha and the Reiss clan and to fortify the Reiss' influence. She eyed the Head Alpha for any hostility.

@Mikasa Jaeger "Mikasa?" He hadn't been expecting her to find him on her own. She must've been quite devoted to her lady Historia. The alpha offered a charmed smile as he made a mental note to scold Mike for allowing her out alone in a new place. "I'm surprised you made it all by yourself, Even I am not familiar with these halls." Having overthrown the previous clan only recently, the palace was under much construction and they were unaware of the intricacies of the building. Unfortunately, the previous clan did not care to give them a layout plan either... considering they'd been slaughtered.

It was hard to imagine him as a murderous leader, but to be able to kill off the strongest alpha was the only way to become a lead alpha. It was simply normal among wolves, though some packs thought of it as barbaric and had switched to more 'civilized' ways of electing a pack leader. "Shall we make our way back to her then? I've made you both wait so long. I apologize." As the wind blew through the large open hallway and he inhaled her scent, he cocked an eyebrow but didn't say anything. The tail in of it... seemed a tad bit sweet didn't it? Had he imagined that. Eren allowed his eyes to trail over her exposed collarbones for a moment. She was quite muscular... Surely she wasn't taking some sort of suppressant and if so, what drug could make her smell like an alpha? He'd never heard of such a thing. (I'm going to say the timing on this is right before Mike leaves with the other two, so Historia isn't alone. We can switch to another room for them after Mikasa and Eren talk for a while ;) I'm thinking we can make another room for Sasha, Mike, and Nanaba to explore the kitchen as well.)

@Nanaba It wasn't uncommon at times for betas to smell off. Alpha's weren't as unattracted to them for no reason. Their scents were sparse and unmemorable, at least, that's how most southern alpha's would describe them. With that being said, Mikasa's scent was strange to Mike. Sure her scent was musky like an alpha's, but even so, it lacked authenticity. The trusted hand of the pack's leader had much a much stronger ability to detect such delicate differences, but since he was the only one who could sense it, there was no verifying it with others and it would have been improper of him to accuse the pack leader's soon-to-be wife of allowing an omega into such a prestigious position. This type of behavior was scandalous among Southerners; tp bring it up with haste was not something Mike could do without evidence.

Instead his gaze remained stoic and unreadable as it always did. He lead them as he had been instructed to, allowing them to observe the wing prepared for them without a word. The beta who told him to be careful with her cases had earned his attention quickly, though it was somewhat in distaste. He was an alpha; she had no right to tell him what to do. In fact, it as almost an insult to assume he didn't know how to properly lead and as big and strong as he was. One could tell he was obviously high in rank due to his overbearing scent and size. High ranking alpha's needed no redirection and were often so prideful, even omegas saw it as a fault

Mike remained silent as he carried the trinkets to their respective place, listening to the remaining beta and alpha chatting among themselves as he lead them to their respective spaces.
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After a while of making himself useful, tucking away their various sacks of flower, clothing, blankets and other foreign items, Mike returned to the room of the two individuals he'd left to their own devices a couple hours earlier. He knocked to let his presence be known, but regardless they likely could tell due to his approaching scent. Seeing the tiny beta come into view, Mike cleared his throat. She had a light, cotton scent. It may not have been especially sweet like an omegas, but he couldn't call it unpleasant... Her scent was quite pleasing, on the contrary.

How bothersome.

His sharp gaze shifted to meet hers. "I can the two of you to the pantry if you'd like. Lady Historia and Mikasa have gone into the city with Ser Eren." He mumbled, not bothering to look away from the tiny blonde. "I've been tasked with watching over the both of you."

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Mikasa roamed the hallways, vaguely recalling the way the group had taken to get to their wing. Historia was resting in her room. The ravenhead had offered to inform their host that they were ready for departure. The Southern clan loved their open spaces, Mikasa noted as another stream of wind ruffled her bangs. Her musky alpha scent permeated the air. It had a tinge of sweetness that was quickly covered by more earthy tones.

She wore a Southern attire similar to Historia's, though it was more plain.
She felt a little awkward; skirts were restrictive in her job. Nevertheless, the current Head Alpha Reiss had directed everyone in their party to don the Southern attire, or include Southern influences in their outfits. Turning into yet another wing, the guard bumped into another who had suddenly exited a room. Mikasa stepped back and bowed a little in apology. The familiar scent... she looked up, coming face-to-face with Eren Jaeger. "Head Alpha Eren. Lady Historia is ready for the tour when you're available."

Nanaba was piqued by the newcomer. His pheromones had immediately filled the open space, overshadowing the Head Alpha's and even Historia's intense sweet scent. It was definitely a prideful display. Next to her, Sasha made a face and clutched her precious belongings to her closer. The shorthaired beta stifled a laugh before subtly elbowing the younger. Nanaba smiled at the scruffy, towering, and well-built alpha. He would be a fun model for whom to tailor. Challenging, yet interesting.

Nanaba let out a soft sound of gratitude when the weight was lifted off of her hands. The cases looked tiny in his arms. "Be careful with those." They held the Northern trinkets that would be on the wedding couple's outfits — outfits that composed of both North and South influences, to symbolize their alliance. Nanaba blinked at the light chiding. "There is no assistant to the assistant." She and the rest were used to carrying their own stuff, in addition to the Reiss'. The beta turned to Sasha to offload one of her bags of flour.

"I want to see your pantry! For research purposes," Sasha spoke, nodding in guarantee of the trip being solely for research. "I would like to observe the clan going about their daily lives," interjected Historia. She looked to Mike as she spoke but was also addressing her clan members. "Lord Eren had offered a personal tour, and I intend to take him up on it. Mikasa will follow me." She glanced at the sole beta. "Nanaba, do accompany Sasha on her visit to the pantry." Nanaba understood. It was a foreign land, and the clans were once at war. It was better for them not to stray.

"Let's take a break first. We'll continue after." The beta moved to have Mike lead them into their individual rooms.


--‐

The pair lazed in Nanaba's room after splitting off from the young Lady and Mikasa. "So, what do you think of Mike?" The beta hummed nonchalantly. Ever since Sasha got mated, she'd pester the eldest to be next, introducing potentials from out of nowhere. Nanaba adored the younger and was happy for her and Niccolo, but she was done with the matches. The unkempt alpha was intriguing, although it was too soon to identify any interest. Their focus was on Historia's and the North Head Alpha's marriage.

A knock on the door broke them out of their conversation, and Nanaba rose to open it. Mike had said he'd them to the pantry, but after Historia's request to tour the city, the alpha might have been dispatched there instead.

Eren was staring at Mikasa. Historia fixed her hair, cutting in with a quiet clear of . "My Lord, about my earlier inquiry," she prompted. She was more concerned for Mikasa than knowing the details of who from the Jaeger clan would start with them. He couldn't have realised Mikasa's true identity. Even as the wind blew in through the large, open window, all Historia smelled from her closest friend and personal guard was the deep, musky scent associated with all alphas. It had a slight fault, an uncanny taste if one paid close attention to it. The experiment had worked thus far, Mikasa's secret known only to a few. Her distraction paid off when Eren continued, oblivious to Historia's relief.

The group followed their host deeper into the wing, Sasha giving an "ooh, ahh" every now and then at the back of the group. Historia was used to grandiose estates and wasn't impressed. Such fittings were typical of the living space of the one leading the clan. She pondered on if the property was passed down leader to leader. Unlike the Reisses, the Jaegers had only took ahold of power recently. It wouldn't be unexpected if the previous Head Alpha's establishment was torn down. The South led by strength.

Upon meeting the newcomer, the Reiss clan females curtseyed while introducing themselves.

Her group was colorful to say the least. Lady heiress Historia was an omega surrounded by beta women, all of which did not carry the submissive nature alphas preferred. Eren quietly cleared his throat, offering them a hospitable bow. He’d heard unseemly things from his informants about the brunette in the middle, but the dark haired one with the slightly exotic features was the one who’d stolen his attention. Without meaning to, his gaze remained locked on her serious face for far longer than would be considered appropriate. His blue quickly shifted back to future wife-to-be. “I’m afraid that most of the homestead is busy with tasks related to our wedding in a few days’ time.” He was also quite busy but had made time to them to Historia’s manor.

“I will show you where you all will be staying so that you can become acquainted with your bed chambers and with the palace.” A light breezy wind blew in through the open walls, jostling the delicate curtains that hung over every open space. The south spared no expense in their architecture. “Then, perhaps a little later I can show lady heiress around personally.” In the North such a custom probably seemed inappropriate, but being as powerful as his family was and the fact that the two of them were no longer in the North, he figured there was no harm in them spending alone time together. This whole arrangement would be awkward if they didn’t.

Eren stopped upon entering the large, exquisitely carved wooden doors with a soft hum. Beyond the door was to be her corridor. Her room and whatever rooms she needed for her servants as well as many more for any potential servants she required. Truthfully the space was just as luxurious as the rest of the palace. They would of course share a bed when they felt like it, but it wasn’t uncommon for the omega of the clan to have their own space as well. He too had his own corridor, such only showed how wealthy the Southern clan truly was.

The alpha offered another smile, eyeing the flowing garb that adorned the omega’s petite frame. It was immaculate and truly fit her better than most who adorned it here in the South. Her seamstress truly had worked wonders on the fabric, he was impressed. “Should you need more appointment servants just tell the appointed official. He will find you some to choose fun.” He placed a hand on the tall gentleman standing next to the door with his chest tall and focused, furrowed expression. “Mike is my personal guard and attendant. He will leave you wishing for nothing at all.” As the Head Alpha introduced him, Mike’s eyes shifted to meet the four women, his overpowering scent inserting itself promptly.

His nose crinkled a bit. Except for the omega head herself, the rest were Betas. Alphas in the South had a special preference for sweet, submissive omegas and their taste left many betas to fight for a mate. Alas, there weren’t enough omegas for every alpha to have one so normally only the strongest were allowed their special preference. Mike was indeed an alpha who could have whatever he liked.

Didn’t the North value their s? He took in their scents before he wrote them off as worthless, crossing his arms over his broad chest as he looked away. They all smelled so incredibly sweet. Especially the smiling short haired one holding the cases of clothing. Unlike other appointed officials, Mike did not follow tradition and often came off as coarse and rude. Still, Eren trusted him to do most everything and had easily entrusted the task of watching over them while they observed the palace.

The head alpha inched back a few steps, bowing his head. “I’ll be back later, my lady. Please settle in.”

Mike stood awkwardly for a moment, his eyes shifting the the short haired beta for a moment before leading forward and taking the heavy bags from her hands. “Silly of an appointed servant lady to carry her own things.” He grumbled, gestured for the guards to open the large wooden doors leading to their corridor, ignoring the brunette and her bags of flour entirely.

“Do you all require anything?” The corridor had a large open air middle space fit for socialization and cooking, with doors to separate rooms all along its sides.

@Erehh Jaeger "Are you absolutely certain, Historia?" Mikasa pressed on. The Reiss' youngest answered with an affirmative nod. It was her duty, her role as the North clan's heiress. However she truly felt about the arranged marriage didn't matter. The Reiss clan wasn't like the others. The Reiss had always held the title of Head Alpha, a hereditary ruling, rather than having multiple bloodlines fight for the top.

It was with such traditions that her title as heiress was only in name. With her older brother's passing, the succession of the clan would go to Uri instead. Historia, on the other hand, was only to bear a child for the South's newest Head Alpha. A 'peace offering', as Mikasa had put it. The North was in a delicate position after recent events.

The team proceeded across the yard that loomed before the manor. Her fiance certainly knew how to live in style. The estate almost rivaled the Reiss' own back in the North. Fruit trees were planted on the path to the manor, providing not only shade, but also substance. One of which was already being attacked by her head chef and close friend.

"Sasha, get down from the tree!" The named alpha growled through the bitten banana, the fruit forming a yellow-brown patchy smile on her face. Mikasa frowned and tugged at the alpha's leg to no avail; Sasha clung to the branch and bit off the end of the fruit, face contorting in disgust immediately. "Ees skyn kant e eden! Eets rubba!" She spit off the chunk towards Mikasa, who dodged it at the last second. "SAASHHHA!!!" The other alpha grabbed the former's leg and, with a display of strength, yanked her down with no mercy.

The youngest Reiss sighed at the scene. Her rose scent intensified, triggered at the embarrassing display of her retainers, especially when in her fiance's land. "I'll take care of them. You go ahead, Historia." Nanaba winked and fixed the curls of Historia. The shorter thanked her seamstress before moving to the front door. She had faith in the beta. She had faith in all of the three — the advance team who were tasked to protect Historia and prepare for the wedding.

Historia entered the manor and curtseyed back. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Eren Jaeger, my fiance." She dragged the last word with nonchalance. "Thank you for your kind words. The Southern dress is beautiful and perfect for the weather here. My seamstress was raving about it the whole way here."

His sandalwood scent filled the air as a breeze flit past, entangling with her rose aroma. "They should be here any minute now. They got ... captivated by the fruit trees outside." She looked past her fiance into the empty hallway. "Is your family around? Or will we be the only ones here before the wedding?" Them and their respective members.

As if on cue, a knock sounded. The front door opened to reveal the three Reiss clan members who were appropriate in their appearance. "Eren Jaeger, the Head Alpha of the North and our host." She introduced each member. "Mikasa Ackerman, my personal guard. Sasha Braus, the clan's head chef. And last but not least: Nanaba, the Reiss' personal seamstress."

“How barbaric. Since when do we subject ourselves to the customs of the olden days?” One councilman laughed into his cup of wine, full of ego and painfully far-removed view of commonfolk. The man, short and stout, had weaseled his way into the position by stabbing others in that back. The young lord valued him and his opinion very little, but accepted him mostly because of his father’s influence. Of course, the custom in which the older man referred to was that in which the Reid’s Clan still practiced: public mating festivals. They had one day a month where they performed mating rituals in the festival of heat. It was during this festival that the omega’s lined up to be ed by the any eligible alpha of the pack and of their choosing. Everyone watched them together and if the alpha liked their presence in return, they would meet in the mating tent later.

The custom did seem a bit outdated, but Eren knew of plenty of clans that still performed this way. And quite frankly, it was not horrible for those involved. They could at least ensure that omegas were not taken advantage of in the privacy of an overpowering alpha. In fact, it was usually illegal to mate outside of this monthly event. It’s no wonder they were all riddled with fever. “An alpha should be able to bury his into whatever filthy omega, he so pleases.” The fat idiot continued to spout his unwanted opinions.

Eren was quick to cut him off. “-and do you not think what you say is barbaric?”

The sire’s laughing slowly lost its strength and a few other councilmen cleared their throats with wine. The alpha then continued. “Our honored guests will be welcomed with hospitality, not colonization.” And to that, the room became quiet. Perhaps they could return to politics now.
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It was known that his wife to be was to meet him before the ceremony. They did this as a formality, of course. It was not polite to keep someone with such power waiting.

Werewolves did not refer to themselves as King’s or Queen’s like the humans, but they did have their systems of hierarchy about them. Clans had leaders and in certain regions, when they became larger and began to overlap, leaders would fight for their claim. This was exactly what was happening between the Reiss and Jaeger clans. His father had offered him up to take over because he was well known as the strongest among the alphas among their own, but leaders were not royalty. His family may have been powerful, but he’d earned his place as a potential claim. Any alpha, if strong enough to go against him, could have played this role. The Reiss kingdom had lost its heir to illness and had sent their omega princess to him to appease their ongoing war.

He approached in a polite, light-footed manner considered customary when in the presence of an omega, especially one with virtue. Her rosy scent wafted through the air, carried by the wind that fluttered in through the open windows of their large manor. “The lady of the North has arrived early.” Eren bowed his head and offered a kind smile. “Welcome to our home”.

Unsoiled omegas always smelled the sweetest… Omega’s from the reiss clan smelled the sweetest.

Of course, there were omega’s who chose to lie with an alpha and be observed by the audience of the heat festival and therefore, failed to remain virtuous according to their culture. If not chosen by an alpha, they were often labeled unattractive. The practice was probably considered scandalous to their clan. “Might I say you look very lovely in our styles.” He could tell the omega chose to wear their warm southern attire as a kind gesture, the light flowing attire matched his flowery scent. “I am your host, Eren Jaeger. I assume the rest of your crew is on the way…?” He acted accordingly, asking about the other individuals who would help her to prepare for her wedding with him.