| Logs |
2012 April 13
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Have a Bite
Things go along fairly quietly for a day or so. People from the town still seem friendly, and they still bring the food that's been promised as part of the payment. The carter, the blacksmith, and the other handy folk in town are still doing the work that was promised -- and apparently still with a good will. The day after the fight between Roy and Malachai, Rachel comes to the caravan with a bundle of 'Chana's clothes and jewelry, and an invitation for 'Chana, Roy, and the girls to have dinner with Malachai.
Suraksha smiles and thanks Rachel for the return of her goods. She raises a surprised eyebrow at the invitation, however, as she hands the clothing off to the newly-arrived Fantine. The small woman stands thoughtfully for a moment as Fantine bustles off, then looks up at the young townie woman and says slowly, "Rachel, dear... may I ask you for your unvarnished opinion, please? I promise to keep it in confidence, and to not be angry, regardless of what you say."
Rachel wets her lips and looks around to see who's listening before she bobs her head in assent. Suraksha holds up a hand at that clear sign of nervousness, calling over her shoulder, "Alg, sweetie? Would you do me a great favor and circle us as we walk? I'd like Rachel and myself to be able to speak privately, please?" The goblin pauses in his play-wrestling with the big caravan dogs, then snorts amiably once and lollops off, taking several dogs with him. There's a great deal of rustling in the underbrush as Suraksha smiles and waves a hand for Rachel to come stroll with her along the field's edge. The smaller woman simply walks for a bit, enjoying the feel of the sunshine on her face and shoulders. Finally she murmurs quietly, "How is Malachai doing? Well, I hope?"
Rachel takes a very deep breath there. "He is quiet and very serious. I think... I think he may be doubting his own fitness a bit. He mistook your Rattler very badly."
Suraksha nods with a faint smile, "Mmm, most people do. I certainly did, initially." She continues strolling for a bit before she adds, "So, if I may -- your opinion, please? Is our presence here good or bad for him and your pack?"
Rachel has to consider this very, very carefully. She's one of the few townies that has been outside the town, after all. "I believe that it is good for us to begin seeing things outside our town. Being isolated kept us strong during the Dying Off, but now... now we have to consult charts and books before we can even try to make a child."
Suraksha gives Rachel a startled glance, "Oh, my! I'm so sorry, dear -- that is indeed a bit, er, drastic." She sighs softly as she walks, although it's a sound of relief, "Thank goodness. I really didn't want to be damaging, and your people do have nice potential sales items to trade with the outside world." She dimples mischievously as she glances at Rachel from under her bangs as she adds, "Plus not only is it good to not assume about others, but also meeting new and interesting people can be so... so, um... arousing?" She has to cover her giggle at Rachel's quick blush!
Rachel laughs a bit too and ducks her head to hide the pinkening of her cheeks, "Oh, that it can be." She lays a hand on her stomach, "It's not likely that I'll kindle, but I do hope."
Suraksha smiles and gently pats Rachel's arm, "It's good that you don't have your heart set on a child with Chanti. The sidhe are not, alas, very fertile... but I suppose that's a good thing for an immortal people." She takes a breath, then more briskly adds, "So, I have one more question, please. Do you think this plan your Nonnu has for dinner with me and my immediate, present family is a good idea, or no? It'll likely make clear to the rest of your pack that I'm not his mate... which I'd like to have be clear, but I don't want to harm anyone in the process, you know?"
Rachel says, "I think it may lead to some skirmishes while he reminds people that he can still fight and win, but I think that might be good for some of them to realize."
Suraksha smiles thoughtfully at that, nodding once, "All right, then I think I and the girls, at least, will accept -- I do not know Rattler's answer yet. Hmm... how are the wolves likely to react to me and Rattler, do you know? Will they consider me, er, sort of up for grabs? Or do they realize I fight my own battles?"
Rachel clears her throat and tries to hide a bit of a smile, "Nonnu has made it clear that you are not up for grabs. I think he wants those who might doubt it to see you with Rattler."
Suraksha gives Rachel an amused glance, "Good heavens, does the poor man still feel he's responsible for me? Or does he not realize I'm quite willing to fight my own battles?" She gets a faintly perplexed look as she adds, "Wait... those who might doubt it? Who else in the wolf-hearted is interested in a Hetaera? Or..." she grins suddenly, "are they only interested in a possibly powerful mate?"
Rachel chuckles, "He knows you can take care of yourself, but he would rather none of the wolf-hearted make fools of themselves." She pauses slightly, adding, "You could also bring some other members of the caravan. Most of the wolf-hearted are going to be there. As I said, Nonnu is trying to establish a few things with this dinner."
Suraksha nods thoughtfully, not really sure precisely what Rachel means regarding the wolf-hearted, but not wishing to cause the young woman discomfort. "All right then. I'll see who is interested. Tomorrow night, yes?"
Rachel nods, "Yes, tomorrow night, at sunset."
Suraksha considers a bit, then curiously asks Rachel, "So... it'll only be two or three days after the full moon. That won't be a problem?"
Rachel thinks on that carefully, "The wolf will be very close to the surface still for some of the less-strong wolf-hearted, but there shouldn't be anything that would trigger a change."
Suraksha nods and smiles, "All right then, we'll come by. Tell Malachai thank you for both the invite and returning my things, please?" Rachel too nods, smiling that close-mouthed smile.
Suraksha lets everyone know of the invitation and the timeframe, so those who wish to come along (whether for the free meal, the different company, or in support of their lady being the one to choose who she mates with) will be ready on time. Shortly before sunset the little group of festively-dressed caravaneers set off across the field for the town, the children excited and with faces freshly scrubbed. Chanticleer is dressed in the usual colorful elegance of sidhe going to a party: a loose-sleeved cream shirt, snug breeches of dark brown, and brown boots. A brightly colored sash is about his waist, with matching ribbons in the shirt and along the outer seams of the breeches.
Suraksha laughs as she watches all the caravan's children practically romping ahead with Alg and Rufus. The Hetaera had had a small chuckle that morning, upon opening her wagon's door, to find Alg and Rufus curled up and asleep together on Alg's cushion. Her girls had been delighted, rushing out to "appropriate" the young wolf and introducing him just as proudly as they had the silver wolf the day before. Now all the caravan kids seem to consider him their personal playmate! Suraksha happily swings her hand where it's clasped in Rattler's larger one, grinning up at him with sparkling eyes. She doesn't know how this evening's meal will turn out, but she hopes it will go well... and no one will be foolish enough to challenge Rattler again to get at her.
Rattler has been told that he's been invited as 'Chana's mate, so he makes himself up to catch the eye. Deep blue silk trousers are tucked into soft leather knee boots, the legs blousing out around the tops. His shirt is so white it almost glows, and sets off the deeply tanned tone of his skin and the darkness of his hair. He's wearing a sash around his waist that's royal purple; the fringed ends swish down past his knees. Around his neck is a leather necklace with a gator's claw and quartz pendant. He grins down at 'Chana and says, "Feels sorta like a state dinner. Been a while."
Suraksha murmurs with a small grin, "Mmm. Is it the stateliness of the dinner that makes you dress up fit to be eaten up in chop-licking yumminess?"
Rattler grins his lopsided grin, "Nah, that's the bit where I want to remind people that I ain't just a strong back and a devastatingly 'ffective fighter. Men wanna be pretty sometimes too, y'know." He winks at 'Chana.
Suraksha is also dressed to the nines, her curvy form nicely filling out her long, deep indigo blue silk tunic and harem-style pants. Gold embroidery is picked out on the tunic, and her gold jewelry shimmers and sparkles at her ears, throat, wrists, and ankles. She laughs, giving him an impulsive hug, then winces slightly -- she's still getting used to her body changes. She straightens her top over her sensitive breasts, then glances around as she says happily, "I think we all qualify as pretty tonight!"
When they near the edge of town the caravaneers find there is a double-line of luminares on the sides of the path, winding their way up to Malachai's house. There are no townies along the pathway, however. Chanticleer arches a brow at the sight. "An invitation?" he murmurs.
Suraksha raises an eyebrow and smiles, "Oh, this is nice!" She strolls along the created path with the small, chattering group of caravaneers, watching the children scampering along ahead of them. Rufus, who is from Friendsville, seems completely unfazed by this, so the small woman takes her cues from him.
The reddish-blonde wolf pauses partway into town, however, raising his head and sniffing the air. His ears swivel as if he's catching something -- and then he bounds off into the dimness on the other side of the luminares, leaving the caravaneers behind. The children start to dash after him until the adults call them back. Chanticleer is a little concerned with Rufus's action, but it's most likely that the young wolf is just going off to meet his friends again. Chanti shakes his head ruefully; he's gotten entirely too paranoid over the past couple of days. Suraksha has to laugh at Rishima's soft, "Does he not like us any more, Mama? Or does he have chores too?" She hugs the little girl, reassuring her, and soon the group are approaching the hill leading up to Malachai's house.
The path winds its way up the hill to Malachai's house; the town on either side of the path is dark, making the luminares and the house on the hill the only illumination. As they get closer the caravaneers can also smell the aroma of roasting meat. At the bottom of the hill Rachel and one of the young male townies meet them. Both of them are dressed in Friendsville's version of dress clothes: lots of wool embroidery, and Rachel's hair is done up in a multitude of braids. She smiles shyly at Chanti as she says something in the lilting native tongue of the townies and then says in English, "Welcome to the house of Malachai. We greet you in peace."
Suraksha smiles and courteously replies in her native tongue, then adds in English, "We of Corbett's Cross-Continental Caravan thank you for your kindness in hosting us." Chanticleer smiles back to Rachael warmly, inclining his head to her. Rachel and the young man, who has the same jaw line and cheekbones as Rachel, turn and start leading the host of caravan folks up the hillside to the lighted house. The path snakes around the house to the back, where 'Chana knows there is a fairly good-sized open space.
Suraksha smiles fondly at the two lovers, following them around the building. She pauses there, looking around slowly and carefully and letting the rest of the 25 to 30 caravan adults and children attending the feast flow past her. She wants to place where several of the wolf-hearted are before she goes strolling through here. The space has been filled with tables and chairs and a large cooking pit with what looks like three whole sheep roasting on a spit being turned by a couple of sturdy youngsters.
There are no four-footed forms in the back yard; everyone there is in two-legged form. There are perhaps twenty townies, most of them between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five, and a good smattering of the children 'Chana saw at the classes Malachai held. The town children meet the caravan children and there's that sort of telepathy that happens between friendly kids as they move off to the edges of the yard to play while the adults mingle.
Malachai is there, with his silver hair and beard braided. At his side is a woman who looks like she is perhaps in her late forties. Her eyes are the same shape as Malachai's and she's got the same mouth, softened just slightly by her gender. Suraksha smiles faintly, wondering if that's... what was her name -- Vashti, that's it. His granddaughter and Rachel's grandmother. The Hetaera paces slowly forward, her gaze continuing to cover the wide backyard. She's searching for a slight red-head, as well as Meshek. Then she grins at a sudden realization: Alg will know! She glances around for the goblin, checking to see who he bounds up to.
Surprisingly, Alg is sticking near 'Chana for the moment, looking carefully around the back yard. Malachai steps forward and says, "Welcome. Thank you for accepting the invitation. I thought it was time we all met as humans." He puts his hand on the woman's shoulder, "This is my beta and my granddaughter, Vashti." Vashti curtseys and says, "Welcome, all of you."
All of the folks that came with 'Chana were encouraged to come unglamoured. Chanticleer is a little uncomfortable; he's never gone this long unglamoured, especially in a town. Well... that's not true. He went unglamoured in Baton Rouge fifteen -- fifteen?! Has it been that long? -- years ago. Still, he can forget he is unglamoured easily enough. He bows his head politely to Malachai for his welcome; he's still a little uncomfortable around the man, after all that's happened.
Suraksha tilts her head at Malachai, then gently replies, "Meeting in a shared and humanoid form is an interesting thought. Thank you for letting us know earlier today that that was your desire." She's a little uncomfortable herself, truth be told -- there are just too many unknowns here currently. Why does Malachai want everyone to bare their true forms to him? Why is Alg sticking so uncharacteristically close? What is the goal here? She's not sure... but she won't let her discomfort show. Instead she nods politely to the other woman, "A pleasure to meet you again, Vashti. Thank you." She decides as soon as she can she'll send Alg to stick with the kids; she doesn't like how this is setting up currently. Where is everyone?
Malachai hesitates slightly, hand squeezing Vashti's shoulder again, "I wanted my people to remember that different is not to be feared." He smiles his close-lipped smile, "It is something that we have forgotten over the years, I think."
The townies that are present have been quiet so far, and now Vashti speaks, "Some of us have never met anyone that wasn't from Friendsville. Most of us, actually. Even after the carnival we weren't really familiar with you folk, and we thought that it would be better to have something more friendly." She smiles that close-mouthed smile as well, eyes twinkling with something like mischief, "But we also wanted to make a good impression. I think we may have gone overboard."
Chanticleer smiles quietly to Vashti, reminding himself to keep his mouth closed and no teeth showing; it's rather difficult since Courtly sidhe are taught to laugh often; the more cynical of the Courtly sidhe would say 'The flash of a smile hides the gleam of a blade.' In this case, though, it's simple survival: no need to be misconstrued as baring teeth.
Suraksha nods slowly, glancing between the two entities. Her voice is carefully smooth and polite, "I am so sorry, but I'm not quite sure... what you mean?" She can practically feel the quiet drift of her extended family, shifting discreetly through the crowd so most of them are close to the children; they trust her to keep herself safe. Like them, she's feeling slightly worried and wary, but still willing to be friendly if that's appropriate. How to tell that difference, Suraksha is not yet sure. She's also starting to be slightly weirded out by the close-mouthed smile, though she's strongly suppressing it. Do these poor people ever show their true emotions, or open their mouths in honest belly laughs, she wonders? She adds puzzledly, "What... no, how was the carnival not friendly?"
Vashti laughs warmly, "This was meant to be just a nice dinner, and people got excited, so..." She shrugs, "We apologize if we've made you feel out of sorts." As she's talking, a slight young man with a red tinge to his blond hair comes trotting around the side of the house, tucking his shirt into his britches as she moves. Suraksha grins as she spots the young man -- something about that tilt of the head reminds her of Rufus. She's oddly reassured to see he doesn't prefer wolf form due to some physical deformity or something; she'd be very uncomfortable with a group that would rag on someone just for that sort of difference.
Malachai says, "Oh! No, the carnival was friendly, but it was..." He sighs, "I begin to think we speak two different languages. I wanted my people to meet you and your family. You and your mate."
The Hetaera drags her attention back to the two town elders and nods slowly, "I see... I think I understand now." She hesitates, then decides not to elaborate on her personal definitions of "family" and "mate," instead smiling warmly as she replies, "Well, when we first came to town there were some folk who asked if we ever played instruments for others to dance. So... I know some of us brought our instruments to dinner. We'd like to help make things nice, if we can." She mentally crosses her fingers that she's making the right decision here... but from the behavior of Vashti and her grandfather, they're quite sincere.
Vashti claps her hands delightedly, a gesture they've all seen Rachel make, "That would be wonderful! The meat needs a little time to be done. I am afraid we got behind in our preparations today." She calls out to have a space cleared for the dancers, and several of the young townies drag some chairs together for the musicians to use.
Suraksha smiles at sight of the shared family traits, relaxing a little. She glances up at Rattler, gently squeezing his hand as she murmurs, "Want to dance some, sweetheart?" She nods and smiles at the rest of her extended family, and they relax as well, moving about to mingle with the Friendsville townies. Suraksha grins as Alg patters partway over towards the reddish-blonde young man, sniffing intently.
Rattler's eyes twinkle as he says, "Just try 'n keep me from it."
Vashti laughs and says, "I hope that you aren't jealous of dances. Your mate is quite pretty."
Suraksha blinks at Vashti -- then laughs aloud! "Jealous? How funny! No, no, Rattler's quite capable of taking care of himself."
Rattler grins and then remembers himself and closes his lips over his teeth, "Miss Vashti, I'd be happy to dance with you later." He squeezes 'Chana's hand, "But the first dances are for ma cherie." Many of the townies haven't set eyes on Rattler yet. He's been doing a good job of being invisible by staying with the caravan, after all.
Suraksha laughs again, cheerfully calling out a request for a brisk, bouncy first dance to the handful of caravaneers tuning up their instruments. They grin and nod, and she happily tugs on Rattler's hand, "C'mon, handsome man -- let's go cut a rug and look fi-i-ine together!" She adds mischievously over her shoulder, "Why, Chanticleer, I declare! Why aren't you asking that nice Miss Rachel to dance yet?!"
Rattler can't help a grin as he says, "Why, I believe that's the best idea I've heard all night." Rachel is standing nearby; her eyes light up hopefully.
Chanticleer says merrily, "I was waiting for the right moment, naturally." He bows to Rachel. "Would you do me the honor?" he says, his tone indicating that it's anything other than the stilted pavanes and step-dances of the court that he's anticipating. Rachel beams at Chanti and steps up to him, happy to dance.
Suraksha waits until they're on the impromptu dance floor before she glances flirtatiously up at Rattler and grins, whispering wickedly, "Wait till you hear the ideas I have for later tonight, pretty man!"
Rattler grins down at 'Chana and leans to kiss her cheek, murmuring, "Oh, b'lieve me, I'm all ears, sugar."
Suraksha laughs delightedly, her eyes shining as she grins up at her beloved. Just for a little bit she sheds her concerns and focuses on this moment with Roy. The two of them both know how to dance, and have been dancing together for over a decade. Right now, right here, Suraksha's going to make it very clear: there's only one person who gets to decide who she mates with -- and that's her! She'll make her own decisions and back them up with her own determination, thanks very much.
The first dance is a spirited song that's part jig, part reel and part simple exuberance. It sets the tones for the carefree spirit of the music. The caravan musicians play different music than the Friendsville folk are used to hearing, much of it with a Celtic twist; some of it is Gypsy-inspired as well. Sabrina offers herself as dance partner to Malachai, eyes twinkling. Normally she'd be with the musicians, but she opted out for the night. Malachai takes Sabrina up on her invitation and steps onto the floor with her. Once the ice has been broken, several people move to start dancing. The townies are a little nervous, not being familiar with the music, but they are physical folk and pick up the steps fairly easily. It's clear most of them are not used to improvising, but they seem to be having a good time learning how.
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