| Logs |
2012 February 08
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Hungover and Hard Up
The morning comes on slowly, the trees outside the bedroom windows filtering the rising sun. Most of the non-shifting townies have been awake a while before any of the wolf-formed waken -- shifting takes a lot of energy and they had quite a run last night. When 'Chana opens her eyes she finds herself in a warm, happy little pile of people. She and Malachai are roughly in the middle, and she's still wrapped in the lovely, soft pelt. Malachai, having shifted back to human in his sleep, has one arm snugly around her. In their human forms he's the larger of the two of them.
Suraksha smiles faintly as she realizes how cuddly the pack is -- being part wolf must affect them strongly! She starts to lift her head, then winces slightly as she also realizes: she has a bit of a hangover from that darned herbal drink. She draws a slow, careful breath to steady herself, then decides it's time to get up. She seriously needs a huge drink of water for her head, and she needs to get back to the caravan. Hmm... first things first, though. With gentle encouragement and nudges the Hetaera causes the sleeping Malachai to roll over, freeing her from his arm. Once that's done, with a bit of relief she slithers carefully out of the bed, then silently gathers up her armful of clothing and jewelry. She'll dress downstairs, so she doesn't wake anyone.
Suraksha is careful, however, to leave the lovely wolf pelt on the bed. She understands now what sort of treasure it is, and she doesn't think it would be right of her to take it with her when she leaves. She's not entirely sure, either, if it was a gift from Malachai to her... or a gift to himself, in a sense -- in that he got to run with her as a wolf last night. The Hetaera wonders idly as she patters quietly down the stairs if the wolf-hearted run on wolf instincts while in that form. She would guess they do, unlike her -- since they do not speak in their quadrupedal forms.
Downstairs there are townies straightening up the slight mess from the night before and starting to get breakfast together for everyone. There's the delicious smell of bacon and sausage and fresh-baked biscuits in the air. There's also a great deal of quiet chattering and laughter. It's more muted this morning, but the folk of Friendsville are still celebrating. Rachel is amongst the townies in the kitchen and she's looking fresh-faced and downright cheerful.
Suraksha sniffs the air with deep appreciation, her stomach rumbling -- she too had a high-energy night on top of a demanding day, and she's ready to replenish her energy! She sits on the stairs and pulls on a tunic, then trots the rest of the way downstairs to the living room area. Stepping to the doorway of the kitchen, she softly calls to the townies, "Hey there! Is breakfast almost ready? I could eat a horse!" She laughs, her eyes sparkling, as she pulls her tangled sable mane of hair out of her collar, "Starving!" After that she pulls on her flowing skirt, then casually buttons up her tunic so it fits more snugly -- and flashes less of her.
The couple of townies in the living room area glance up and away quickly, the boy blushing a little at seeing 'Chana's half-undressed state. It seems somehow more taboo than the full nudity that happens during the coming-of-age rituals. The same happens with the handful of males in the enormous kitchen, but the women are more used to bare skin. It's women, after all, that do most of the healing work. Rachel beams and laughs, moving over to hug 'Chana, ducking her head so that it's lower than the small, dark woman's, "We're still cooking it up. That first change will take it out of you."
The slight Hetaera cheerfully hugs back, then sets her little packet of yesterday's jewelry on a side table, "Well, what can I do to help?"
Rachel again laughs and shoos 'Chana toward a table. There are a couple in the room, one a large dining table that would easily fit more than a dozen folks. The other is a cozy little table in a breakfast nook. It's toward this one that Rachel points her, "Sit. Relax!"
Suraksha glances towards the nook, then back at Rachel, "But... I'd really like to at least wash my face and hands, please. Can I at least cadge a drink of water, too?" She's shown to a little lean-to outside the back door that has a basin each of warm and cool water, some cakes of homemade soap, and washcloths. There's also a small, carefully polished shaving mirror. Suraksha sighs in relief at sight of the little lean-to's contents. She thanks Rachel, then steps inside and pulls her tunic off so she can wash more throughly. Once that's done she glances around, making sure no one is watching before she swiftly washes her lower body as well. She feels much better as she strolls back inside a few minutes later, casually whipping her long hair into a loose braid that she tosses over her shoulder as she glances around.
By the time 'Chana has finished her ablutions there's a large mug of coffee and an even larger glass of cool, clear water waiting for her. There's also a little waxed packet with some powder in it next to the coffee. The Hetaera knows she's being aimed at the little nook, but... the big table appeals, for some reason. She grins amusedly at herself, realizing: she's still intrigued with being so welcomed by everyone, rather than just her client! Tsk... she should be polite, and sit where she's asked to. She settles into the nook in a spot where she can slip out easily, and can see the room -- she's fascinated by the pack's dynamics!
Suraksha has several long, deep, slow draughts of the water, finishing the glass and setting it down with a relieved sigh. After that she curiously studies the powder, sniffing cautiously at it -- is it maybe some ground willow bark, or more of that revolting herbal concoction she drank yesterday? The powder smells quite a lot like willow bark. Every healer she knows has a good supply of the stuff. The small woman checks her coffee too, wondering if she can get some cream or milk for it.
Once 'Chana is seated a young man -- a boy, really, about eleven years old -- brings over a bowl of sugar and a little pottery pitcher of cream for the coffee. He's shy but sweet as he says good morning. Suraksha smiles charmingly at the young boy, thanking him and bidding him a good morning as well. The other salient point about the nook is that it's raised. There are a couple of steps up to it, putting 'Chana above most folks. She raises an interested eyebrow as she notices she had to step up to seat herself -- curious! She realizes she must be where Malachai usually sits, and politely makes sure she doesn't occupy much space.
She doses her coffee thoroughly until it's the lovely sweet stuff she prefers for early morning, then smiles as she sips it contentedly and watches food being set out. She'll also carefully sprinkle a bit of ground willow bark into her coffee -- the strong, sweet flavor will override any bitterness from the bark. Both sexes are present in the room as breakfast is prepared. Folks are setting out platters on the big table like a buffet. Preserves and honey are waiting in dishes, as well as clotted cream. The small woman grins as she realizes her stomach is starting to rumble, and hopefully asks the next person passing by, "So... might I get a plate of something to eat too, please?"
The request for food startles the closest townies, who hem and haw a moment before Rachel steps in, "Of course you can!" She gives the townies a slightly quelling look, "She had a very big night last night! Think who she is!" With that, a plate heaped with ham, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, and several small dishes of jams and preserves are set out for her. Nearly everyone in the kitchen stops by the little nook to say hello, most of them ducking their heads in a way that seems shy.
Suraksha looks relieved as Rachel overrides whatever is causing people to hesitate to feed her, and her golden eyes brighten as the lovely big plate of food is slid in front of her. She murmurs a heartfelt, "Oh, thank you!" and starts tidily devouring it all -- it's delicious! She beams and happily greets everyone who comes by, politely adding, "Won't you eat too, please? I don't want to keep you from your food, after all!" The small woman is slightly puzzled at all the ducking, though -- is she scaring them or something? She watches carefully for a bit, trying to figure out if she's imagining it, or what might be causing that reaction.
No one takes up her offer to eat with her, though everyone that she invites to do so thanks her very politely and warmly. All of them touch her in some small way -- a hand on the knee or wrist or shoulder; never anything intrusive. Everyone also seems quietly joyful -- and it's more than just a good mood. Suraksha will smilingly touch back if she thinks it will be accepted. She's starting to be quite bemusedly fascinated by how people are behaving -- why do they not want to eat with her?
It's as that thought is crossing her mind that 'Chana suddenly remembers something she's seen amongst the caravan's pack of wolf-dogs: no one eats before Alg, the pack alpha, eats! 'Chana's almond-shaped eyes widen a bit at that thought, although she keeps steadily and hungrily eating as she turns that thought over in her mind. Hmm... that would explain the careful touching and ducking, wouldn't it? She can't help wondering, though -- why is everyone so delighted? Do they not usually get to run all together as a pack?
When people start coming into the kitchen and find that 'Chana is eating, they ask if they can eat as well. After a little conferring, they're told to go right ahead. Still, no one joins 'Chana at the breakfast nook until the wolf-hearted start to arrive. The Hetaera keeps a surreptitious eye on how folks behave, wondering how the wolf-hearted will react to seeing the human-forms eating before them -- oooh, wait! That might be bad. Hmm... she smiles to herself. She'll just have to defuse things as best she can, if so. Indeed, there is a little grumbling by the first shifter that makes it into the kitchen. He's a sturdy man in his early twenties who says, "What's going on here? You know the rules after a pack run..." He doesn't try to stop the human-formed eating or take their food, but he turns a very forbidding gaze on them. Malachai has not arrived yet.
Suraksha cheerfully calls out before the man has even finished his question, "Good morning! I'm so sorry to have disrupted things, but I was so hungry! My stomach was growling, and I just couldn't wait!" She's beaming sweetly, even though it doesn't quite reach her eyes, as she adds, "I'm sure there's still plenty, though?"
The grumbling young man startles a bit at hearing 'Chana's voice, but then ducks his head and murmurs, "I didn't realize. Of course there's plenty." He comes over and touches 'Chana's shoulder, higher than most of the folks have dared, "I am glad to see you well this morning."
Suraksha nods once, her smile slightly wary as she murmurs, "Thank you," before continuing to eat. She's telling the truth: she really is quite hungry. She adds more cheerfully to the townies hastily bringing out more food, "This is quite delicious, by the way -- thank you so much!"
Malachai arrives a few minutes later, his silver hair already pulled back into a ponytail and wearing fresh, crisp clothes. He greets everyone and receives several hugs and greetings in return. Rachel is quick to murmur something to him and his eyes flick up toward the breakfast nook, brows raising. When Rachel's done he says, "Of course she needed food!" That seems to make everyone relax a little, though they still seem a little discombobulated by the change in routine. The alpha slides into a seat beside 'Chana and greets her with a warm hug and affectionate nuzzle, "You slept well?"
Sulochana watches in silent fascination -- apparently her guess at what instinctual wolf behavior was like was right on the money. She makes a mental note to remember the pack here, or at least the wolf-hearted, are more wolves in human clothing -- rather than being like she is. Of course, she reminds herself with a small grin, she's in human clothing too! It's just that her native form is a more rational and reasoning being than a wolf. The Hetaera smiles as she returns Malachai's hug, "Quite well, thank you!" She waits until he's seated to lean over and whisper her quiet query, "Malachai dear, did I mess something up by eating right away?"
Suraksha is somehow not surprised when she realizes the nook is for Malachai's exclusive use. That explains quite a bit to her, actually: as his Hetaera for the night, she's clearly being treated as equal to his rank. She smiles in faint rue at that; she figures the townsfolk will get over this unnecessary deference as soon as a day or two has passed. Until then she'll be as polite as she knows how, since it would be rude to take advantage of this.
Malachai chuckles, stroking a hand down the back of her head and then leaning in to kiss her warmly. He's smiling a heavy-lidded smile that she's quite used to seeing on clients and lovers as he murmurs, "The shifters amongst us just tend to be more strongly wolf-like the day after such a hunt. We're not usually quite so regimented." The way he says it hints that there is still some hierarchy the rest of the time. The Hetaera returns the kiss with relaxed enjoyment. Looks like she's right about pack hierarchy -- good! Now she knows not to mess with it accidentally. She smiles faintly as she settles back to finish her lovely big breakfast.
Malachai has not been seated long before a plate with even more food than was offered 'Chana is brought over to him, along with a cup of strong, milky tea. He thanks the townie that brings it and the girl beams at them both before scampering away. Two or three of the folks that took wolf-form last night have retained their quadrupedal forms and have come to the kitchen as well. They're being greeted just as warmly as the humans, and platters of fresh meat are set down for them, out of the way of feet.
Suraksha grins at sight of that -- interesting! So Malachai was telling the truth about some of his folk being more comfortable in wolf form than human. When the wolves come to greet her, nuzzling against her thigh, she'll stroke their heads and be careful to wish them a good morning just as she did with the others. Some time later Suraksha finally sighs happily, laying down her fork and knife. "This was absolutely wonderful -- many thanks to the cooks!"
Several of the folks that were in the kitchen when she arrived seem quite pleased with the thanks, although most of them tell her not to think another thing about it. Rachel seems particularly pleased, coming by the nook several times to chat with the two of them. She's careful to mention how much she enjoyed Chanticleer's company and that she would like to see him again. Suraksha laughs softly at that, gently teasing the young woman, "Well, I suppose if you wished and weren't too busy, it might be nice if you stopped by to say hi while delivering food? I know he's not much for settling down, but he does love meeting people, after all!"
Rachel laughs and blushes a little bit. "That might be so, but people can be persuaded," she says, giggling slightly as if they've just shared a lovely joke. As they chat, the wolves are finishing up their breakfast and are heading out through the front room.
No sooner has the door swung shut behind the last of them than there is a terrific crash and thunder of sound: snarling and barking canines and slamming doors mixed with shouting voices. Suraksha jerks upright, a startled look on her face. She knows that snarl -- that's Alg! She bolts fleet-footedly for the door without a moment's hesitation, calling Alg's name so he knows she's here and he needn't attack. She rips the door open, desperate to get out and protect him -- or, more likely, to protect the poor wolves from the determined, canny goblin!
'Chana has to push through people crowded at the door to get out onto the porch -- there must be something drastic going on for the wolves to be so suddenly vicious-sounding. Malachai is calling for her to stay back, worry clear in his voice. At first, all 'Chana can see is a knot of fur and limbs through the crowd -- and then she catches sight of Alg's black fur. Suraksha shoves hard when necessary, slithering with serpentine swiftness through the crowd -- she's suddenly really scared for Alg. When she realizes how thick the crowd is, she just slides down and through the porch railing, straightening and searching for Alg as soon as her feet land on the grass.
The tangle of fur and limbs has separated out as Alg got himself free of the pack. The moment 'Chana's feet hit the ground he darts toward her, chattering in his strange goblin-patois. Suraksha laughs and relaxes with relief at sight of Alg looking just fine. He's grinning widely and showing every tooth in his head -- and that's when Malachai makes it out the door.
The sturdy man's eyes widen as he sees what seems like a viciously snarling beast headed toward the woman he considers his mate! He snarls himself and vaults over the porch railing, moving with a speed and agility that would seem unbelievable if one didn't know his nature. He impacts the onrushing goblin with a vicious growl and they both hit the ground right at 'Chana's feet, with the wolf-bodied townies closing in fast. The smiling Hetaera was reaching a hand out toward the goblin -- when Malachai abruptly rockets past her and lands on poor Alg! There's a sudden flush of heated, protective fury that swirls up through her -- how dare they attack her family?! She draws in her breath, then roars at the top of her lungs, "Stop!"
The force of the command does what it's intended to do: everyone stops suddenly, almost like children playing freeze-tag. Malachai has his arms around Alg and has him most of the way wrestled to the ground, which is better than many can do with the goblin. The wolves look slightly battered but not seriously injured. Suraksha doesn't hesitate to capitalize on her momentary respite, holding out a commanding hand to the goblin as she barks authoritatively, "Alg, to me! Rachel, help your Nonnu up. You -- Isaiah! Check if anyone needs bandaging." She glares at one of the still bristling wolves, adding sharply, "Stop that pointless growling!" Glancing around as she steps towards Malachai, she adds firmly, "All of you -- check and make sure no one needs healing."
The wolf's ears and tail sag as it is snapped at by the new alpha bitch. It crouches low to the ground as Isaiah pushes through the crowd of townies to start checking on people. Rachel is almost instantly at Malachai's side, getting a shoulder under his arm even as he's snapping that he doesn't need any help. No one seems to be in any serious danger, though Isaiah is having to staunch a small cut to an ear of one of the wolves. Somewhere on the porch a young voice asks in what the owner clearly thinks is a whisper, "What sort of monster is that?!"
Alg gives a self-righteous sniff as he bounds lightly over several astonished bodies to 'Chana's side, taking her hand and glancing around almost smugly. The small Hetaera is reaching her other hand out apologetically to Malachai, but at that whisper her head whips around and she snaps angrily, "Have a care who you call a monster!" She catches herself then, taking a deep breath to calm herself down... then she turns back to Malachai. With a small smile she murmurs to him, "I do apologize, dear, for the ruckus. Alg is an old and dear friend, as well as someone who has saved my life several times over the years. He frequently fills in as bodyguard for me, and I did not think to tell him there was no worry here."
The goblin grins with wicked glee at all the bristly wolves, his fangs increasing. The grin widens, of course, as soon as the goblin realizes how much it disturbs the wolves -- especially since Alg can tell none of them dare tangle with him currently, considering who he is sitting next to! Malachai has gotten to his feet and shooed Rachel off, though she didn't go far, and he's glowering down at 'Chana in a way that reminds her quite a bit of Corbett. He listens to her explanation and sighs, pushing strands of his silver hair off his face. His ponytail came somewhat loose in the heroic (and extraneous) leap to save 'Chana. "He can see, I think, that you don't need protecting right now, yes?"
Sulochana opens her mouth to reply -- then blinks, "I... actually don't know why he's here!" She looks puzzledly down at the goblin currently silently teasing the wolves, "Alg, dear... er, is something wrong in the encampment?"
Alg leaves off his grinning at the wolves to look up at his pretty lady. He's holding onto her hand and almost hiding behind her leg, but he comes around her to says, "Risha got sleepy-grumpies! Wants pretty lady!"
Suraksha blinks again, then mutters, "Botheration!" as she glances swiftly up at the sky, "Lost track of time -- got to go!" She's already whirling to dart into the house, to gather up her little hankie full of her jewelry.
Malachai manages to not sound plaintive as he says, "Where are you rushing off to, lovely?"
Suraksha calls over her shoulder as she whisks through the room, grabs her jewelry, and darts back out again, "It's Risha's nap-time -- my daughter! I promised her we'll always lay down together for her nap, so she considers this her special time with me. She won't lay down without me being there, unless I'm on a job!" She pauses for an instant to stand on tiptoes to give Malachai a peck on the cheek, then calls a cheerful, "Thank you so much, all of you, for a wonderful time!" as she whirls for the caravan, holding a hand out for Alg again.
Malachai tries to hold onto her as she hugs and kisses him goodbye, "You could bring the child here for her nap. There's plenty of room for her to sleep, and you can get some more rest yourself."
Suraksha laughs, ducking free of Malachai with serpentine ease, "That's so sweet -- you're too kind, dear! But Risha will want to be in her own bed, in her own home, with her mother." Alg is already bounding off, coughing impatiently at his pretty lady to hurry up! Before anyone can stop her, Sulochana is skipping lightly along after him, waving over her shoulder and calling a cheery goodbye.
Malachai watches her go with amusement; time enough later to let the little girl know that this is her home now. The old alpha is feeling decidedly warm and mellow, his body language easy and loose. He turns back to the townsfolk, "Go on, everyone. Shoo. Get some food. She'll be back."
It's Rachel who says, awed and happy, "We get new children with your new mate, Nonnu!" Malachai snorts, almost laughing as he mutters something about unexpected bonuses and package deals before starting to herd everyone inside.
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