| Logs |
2013 June 09
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
We Didn't Start the Fire
As people finish eating, the musicians begin drifting back to where they were playing before. Meshek sort of appears at 'Chana's side, crouching near her right hand and resting his hand familiarly on her shoulder. He smiles in the Friendsville fashion and asks if she's enjoying the dinner so far and asks if there's anything he can get her? Suraksha smiles at the young man; she's pleased at how much more polite he's been recently. She'll hand him her plate, "Why, thank you, Meshek! Let me see. Could you perhaps bring me just a few more slices of that excellent meat, if you would be so kind?" She glances inquiringly at Rattler and the girls, "Are you all still hungry, or are you full?" Rishima shakes her head silently as she warily watches Meshek; Rohana holds her plate out and beams, "Can I have s'more d'ssert?" At the warningly raised eyebrow she hastily adds, "Please?"
Roy looks down at his own plate, then at Meshek. Something strikes him as off about the boy -- but maybe Rattler is just feeling grumpy about Meshek challenging 'Chana. He shakes his head, "Naw. Gotta keep my boyish figure." Meshek nods and moves away with the plates to get more food for the alpha and the alpha's cub.
Suraksha giggles at that, leaning contentedly against her beloved. As Meshek moves away with the crockery she smiles at Roy, murmuring softly, "Silly man. So, think we're doing okay so far?"
Roy chuckles and rests an arm around Suraksha's shoulders, "It's true, though. Gotta look my best for my ladies." He winks at the little girls in a way that makes them laugh. They like how silly Papa Roy can be.
Suraksha adds softly, smiling though her eyes are flicking thoughtfully over everyone gathered, "I've still got two wolf-hearted to dance with -- Meshek and Malachai -- then I'll be done. Want a dance with me after that, sweet man?"
Roy smiles and takes 'Chana's hand, kissing the knuckles while peeking up at her through his hair, "Always, ma cherie." He lets his teeth show, since none of the townies are around. Then he drops her hand and picks up Rishima, tossing her playfully over his shoulder so she wriggles a little and says, "I'm claiming a dance with one of my girls right now." Rishima squeals delightedly -- she loves having all her Papa Roy's attention!
Suraksha laughs, her eyes shining as she watches her beloveds. She hasn't yet realized that she's been reacting normally for herself -- which includes her teeth occasionally showing as she laughs or grins. She's just planning quietly as she smiles: she'll make sure she gets the extra meat before she dances with Meshek. After that, maybe wait a dance or two, and then Malachai -- and then her responsibilities are complete and she can dance with whom she may. Consequently when the young man returns with the food she smiles and thanks him, then asks if he'd like a dance once she's finished eating.
Meshek is good at staying out of line of sight when he wants to and he's managing to stay out of Malachai's sight while getting the food for 'Chana and Rohana. He's careful to pick the best of what's still there for both of them and brings the plates back quickly. This is commented on in quiet voices by some of the townies, though it perplexes the caravaneers that hear the comments. Sabrina hears one of these comments and tucks it away to mention to 'Chana when she gets a moment.
As people finish eating and head back for the dance floor, Vashti watches; her eyes are a little narrowed. She's been talking with Malachai about the fact that people are seeming out of sorts. Nervous, even though this is an altogether congenial gathering. Malachai nods slowly and looks out over his people, nostrils flaring unconsciously. He can smell Meshek still and it's making him angry.
When Meshek is invited to dance he demurs, claiming that he's got two left feet and is enjoying watching the others. In truth, he just doesn't want to be out in plain view. He's already managed to be seen by enough people that it would not seem he has any reason to be nervous about being noticed; no one has quite picked up on the way he's skirting Malachai's awareness. Suraksha coaxes gently -- he's a wolf-hearted! Surely he's graceful enough even if he doesn't know the steps? She'd be happy to teach him if he'd like? Meshek shakes his head and smiles with a ducked head, "Thank you, ma'am, but it's not something I really enjoy." Anyone who actually knew Meshek could tell 'Chana that was a lie. He adds, "Besides, I'll just be helping with getting things cleaned up."
Suraksha pats his arm lightly, "All right, then. I won't press you to do something you don't like." She glances around, noticing Malachai is still chatting with Vashti, and that Rohana is happily sharing her dessert with Fantine -- who is smiling and playing along. Suraksha grins, neatly wolfs down the rest of her food, and rises to set down her utensils. As she's looking around for where to put things, one of the townies shyly offers to take care of that for her; the small woman thanks them cheerfully, then heads for the dance floor. Until Malachai is free, she'll either clap along with the watchers, or dance with whomever asks her to dance.
Malachai is also done with his food and is coming down off the porch, looking unwittingly menacing with his lips pressed together and his nostrils flaring. He can catch Meshek's scent more strongly now and he's headed in that direction with obvious purpose when Vashti catches up to him, stopping him just in time to hear a couple of the human-hearted townsfolk talking. The gist of what he hears is that they're wondering if Meshek is right and this whole thing is really just a gentle and easy way for the silver-haired alpha to break it easily to his people that the new alpha is taking over completely.
Standing in the shelter of the building as he is, Malachai can see the dancers as he listens. Rattler has managed to charm the mothers in the crowd even more by dancing with his little girl in as just as serious a way as he danced with any of the grown-up women, though obviously with less sex appeal and flirtation. Sulochana is laughing and dancing with one of the human-hearted men, clearly enjoying herself. However, the two Packmembers sound troubled and uncertain, and from the scents and voices Malachai recognizes them as two of the human-hearted: "-matter what he says, though -- how can she be alpha here?"
"I don't know... except what he said is true, isn't it? She's huge! How could she not beat Malachai in a fight?" There's a quiet, anxious-smelling pause, and the speaker continues very softly, as if she doesn't want to say the words, "Meshek says that's why Sulochana had Malachai hold this party -- because she's kind, and wants to break it easy to him and to us that he's only the beta now... because she's already got a mate and he can't beat either of them."
Hidden behind the building, Malachai's lips draw back from his teeth in anger. It's only Vashti's warning hand resting lightly on his shoulder, and her grave headshake that keeps him from charging out to forcefully correct this despicable gossip -- these lies! As the old alpha gets himself under control again, the male voice scoffs, "Oh, come on! Malachai isn't going to be stopped by a simple human -- even one mated to-" Malachai swallows the growl bubbling up inside himself and nods tersely once at Vashti, then continues listening. Clearly the young man understands his alpha and thane isn't afraid -- though Malachai is also carefully not remembering the humiliating scene at the riverside the other morning. The voice cuts off, though, as if in sudden realization. There's another long pause, then a soft, worried, "...oh."
The female voice sighs, "Yeah. That man is her real mate... so he automatically gets her protection -- and her rank too."
Meshek is not yet aware that the Pack's alpha and one beta are starting to pick up on his little ruse; he's still trying to spead his discord through the party. The caravaneers have heard some of it, but he's been careful to keep it away from Sulochana and Roy. Malachai, in his turn, is having such a hard time holding in his anger that his already-tawny eyes are starting to take on a less human shape and size, the irises growing to almost swallow the whites.
Meanwhile, the party continues as gracefully as Roy and Sulochana can manage it. The dance ends, new partners are selected, the music swings merrily into a polka-like partners dance. This time Sulochana has chosen to stand one out -- she's a little puzzled as to where Malachai has gotten off to, and she still wants to dance once with him, after all. She's clapping along to the music with all the others who are watchingas the couples swirl and prance and bow to each other with the tune. Roy is making her laugh, as well: he's danced with all the wolf-hearted women, and so now he has picked a cute young thing to partner, winking and mischievously teasing her to get her giggling and blushing as well. The two caravaneers, in fact, are doing a great job of keeping things calm and enjoyable around the dance floor -- like good alphas should.
To an outside eye Roy is being possibly outrageously flirtatious, but that's just Rattler's demeanor. To anyone even partially inclined toward dark skin and dark eyes, he's going to be like a flower to a bee. All his years as courtier and king stand him in good stead when it comes to being charming, after all. Meshek, having finally misjudged what Malachai's line-of-sight is -- having, in fact, thought Malachai was still on the porch or inside the house -- has slid up to Sulochana's side. He murmurs quietly to her, asking if he should have a word with Rattler about not leading the young women of the town on quite so.
Sulochana blinks in surprise at Meshek -- then laughs, "Don't be silly, Meshek -- they're just playing! It's the sort of dance you flirt in, you know?" She grins, waving him cheerfully off, "Go have fun and stop worrying so, dear! This is a party -- enjoy yourself!" She goes back to clapping along as she and the other watchers laugh and cheer on the dancers. Rattler really is a good dancer when he wishes to be, and he's lifting and swirling the delighted girl on some of the corner turns. It looks dramatic and makes everyone shout and cheer, adding to the joyous ambiance.
Meanwhile, from the shade of the building where he's been standing with his beta, Malachai sees Meshek slide up to 'Chana and murmur in her ear with that just-obsequious-enough manner. He recognizes it for what Meshek meant it to be -- the demeanor a trusted beta would take with his alpha. After all, didn't Vashti just do much the same with Malachai himself? Vashti watches Malachai's body tense; she's already noticed the way his eyes have changed. She hasn't seen her alpha this angry in many years -- and even then it was something that they still don't speak of, the taboo was so strong. Malachai is gathering his breath to roar Meshek's name when Sulochana laughs and waves the young man off. Meshek heads out past the hedgerows, figuring it's time to lay low for a moment and not realizing he's already been seen.
Malachai is in control of himself enough to not be angry at the two human-hearted. It is their nature to be less decisive than the wolf-hearted. Their instincts are not as strong and the human half of their minds can be easily swayed if they are scared. No, he needs to speak to (possibly with physical force) Meshek and Sulochana to be certain they understand clearly how things are in this town. Meshek needs to learn his place and stay away when he is told. And Sulochana needs to realize that she is... that Malachai has... and that's where his thoughts chatter to a stop. What is it she needs to realize? He is still wondering this when instinct gets his feet moving again, heading after Meshek to make sure that he stays the hell away this time -- and to beat some sense into the insolent pup if he has to! Vashti, worried that Malachai will lose his temper, is following close behind him when the old alpha strays out into sight of the rest of the party.
Vashti asks Malachai quietly and with as much calm in her voice as she can muster where he thinks he's going; Malachai growls to her that he's going after Meshek to remind him of his manners. Vashti doesn't dare touch the angry old thane just now -- that's likely to set him off, in this state of high dudgeon. However, she does softly point out that he cannot leave the party without looking like he has ceded ground to Sulochana -- especially with all this fearful murmuring going.
At the moment Malachai is not exactly sure what precisely he will do. He hesitates, anger still bubbling. Vashti is right, of course... he'll simply have to speak with Sulochana and set some boundaries. She is not to speak with Meshek while he is shamed! It is not seemly! Thus it is that what would have been a bellow of rage at Meshek becomes a powerful shout of "Sulochana!" He should not have to fight her, after all. She is his mate dammit, even if she has been somewhat flighty on the matter.
Sulochana blinks and turns -- along with everyone else at the party -- to stare in astonishment at Malachai. His nearby Pack are shifting well back from him, some of them in alarm at the concentrated ire in his expression. The caravaneers are a little more surreptitious, smiling politely as a tiny number of them start slipping through the crowd to gather their children close. Sulochana isn't sure why Malachai is upset -- but she is delighted to finally spot him, since after she dances with him she has promised herself more dances with her beloved. She laughs, her eyes shining, "Malachai! Just the man I've been looking for -- come dance!" She grabs his hand and tilts her head, with an inviting grin, towards the dance floor as she heads that way. The musicians know a cue when they see one, and the music briskly starts up again with a charming, lilting tune.
Malachai is startled at the Hetaera's cheerful demeanor and obvious appreciation at seeing him. Any one of the townsfolk who had seen his eyes and heard his voice would have immediately wanted to know how to fix it. Instead this infuriating, fascinating woman is beaming up at him as if she could not be happier -- and that moment of startlement is all it takes for him to get lost in her eyes and be dragged out onto the dancefloor with her. As she does so, Sulochana raises an internal eyebrow regarding Malachai's eyes -- what's set him off, when things are going so well? Consequently the Hetaera does her job brilliantly: she nearly sparkles with fascinating distraction at the grumpily furious Malachai, doing her best to draw him after her onto the dancefloor so he'll calm down a bit. The old alpha finds himself docilely following this tiny slip of a girl; the stern talking-to he had in mind gets lost in the needfulness of paying attention to the steps of the dance.
The more perceptive of the caravaneers recognize 'Chana using all her charm to defuse a possible bomb. Rattler too sweetly excuses himself from the next dance and stations himself near the dancefloor. He had a werewolf for a bodyguard; he knows what Malachai's demeanor and the change in his eyes means. The caravan children are surreptitiously -- and still smilingly -- being gathered in, and folks are keeping half an eye on Sna'tha and Rattler for cues. Sulochana, after all, is clearly too busy for giving directions, trusting her friends and lover to read her body language instead. She herself is doing her charming best to happily teach Malachai the dance, which seems to require her lightly stroking his arms or holding his hands, pressing warmly close, occasionally giggling ebulliently up at him with her gleaming lips parted and her dancing golden eyes alight with pleasure in the moment.
Sna'tha watches Rattler watching Sulochana, then quietly murmurs to Mama Minta: they should start saying their goodbyes to the Friendsville folk for the night, and thank-yous for the lovely party. The wily older human woman nods once, then starts quietly exclaiming in the hearing of some of the townsfolk about how much the children are yawning -- goodness, it's getting to be time for bed! The children, of course, indignantly deny it, but the idea has been planted in their heads; some of them are indeed starting to yawn now.
The townspeople are murmuring uneasily; Vashti is highly ambivalent. One the one hand, it's very good that 'Chana is soothing Malachai, since in his former state he might very well have done Meshek some permanent injury. On the other hand, it now looks as if Malachai is completely in the thrall of this outsider woman. Meshek, watching from outside the party, is feeling smug and vindicated. Malachai is obviously losing his strength if he can be so easily let by a woman -- even so formidable a woman as Sulochana.
By the end of the swift, merry dance Sulochana has Malachai completely soothed, his eyes back to their normal color -- to her internal relief. She's met by Fantine at the edge of the dancefloor, holding a sleepy Rishima. As the child holds her arms out for her mother, Fantine says in her soft voice, "Mam'zelle, we are s'inking ze children are all ready for ze sleeping in bed." She drops a polite curtsey to Malachai once Sulochana is holding her little girl, adding, "Merci, m'sieu, for ze lovely party." Rattler is keeping half an eye on his beloved and Malachai, even as he chuckles and swings Rohana up into his arms; she's a little whiny from a mix of tiredness, excitement, and not wanting to stop. All around them the caravaneers are cheerfully thanking the townsfolks for such a nice time and firmly gathering up their children and goods.
Malachai's eyes soften even more as he sees 'Chana with the little girl. He leans in and kisses the top of Rishima's head, murmuring, "Of course the children must be taken care of. They are our life and our future." Even in his calmed-down state, Malachai is determined that he will find and speak to Meshek. Thanks to the dance, it is now much more likely to be a talk and less likely to be a beating.
Soon thereafter the caravaneers are all heading quietly and smoothly back to the safety of their encampment. Sna'tha is already making sure the guard will be doubled tonight, and asks Chanticleer if he can get folks to re-mark their territorial borders. Though none of the caravaneers are aware of it, their departure after Sulochana's calming of the irate Malachai speaks strongly to his people. That is, after all, what good alphas do: make sure there will be no conflicts, and leave calm in their wake.
That night Meshek stays amongst the caravan in his wolf form, not daring to go back to town for fear that Malachai might find and chastise him. He's fairly certain that he can beat Malachai, but there's a niggling thought in his head: what if he's wrong? The caravaneers don't mind, especially when he stays either under Sulochana's wagon or neatly tucked amongst Alg's scruffy pack of wolf-dogs. Most of them don't even know he's there.
The next morning Malachai and Vashti come down with the folks that bring breakfast to the caravan. Malachai is even carrying one of the heavier parcels, a physical show of strength that Vashti suggested, since he needs to remind his people that he is still the most powerful amongst them in many ways. Vashti herself had come to Malachai the night before and pointed out that something must be done! When the caravan leaves, the town will still be there, and Malachai will have to deal with whatever unrest has been sown. She carefully skirts the fact that 'Chana will be going with the caravan. She knows her alpha doesn't want to think about it.
The caravaneers are up and about, and there are several children and young folks waiting for the townsfolks carrying breakfast. They wave and cheerfully call greetings, and come scampering over to help carry things. Papa Sokoloff is teaching tumbling to some of the children, though he's paused for them all to receive breakfast. Sulochana smiles and waves with the others, then goes back to study of the maps and logistics which she's reviewing with Little Joe, Sna'tha, and Ohkwari. Buddy is serving them all tea or coffee, and he grunts once as he nods to the new arrivals. A few of the older adults raise an eyebrow at sight of Malachai, but no one says anything.
Malachai himself is mulling over the options that Vashti presented to him. Sending the caravan away immediately would be breaking his word and admitting he's lost control. Having 'Chana abdicate alpha status would still leave the deciding factor in 'Chana's hands. Besting her in some sort of challenge seems best, but what sort of challenge could he safely win without damaging her? He greets those that speak to him and inspects the morning work of the caravan. It seems strange to him to have men doing tasks that would usually be delegated to women in town, or to have men doing things such as minding the children, or to have what is obviously a woman mucking out the animals with 'Chana's supposed "mate." Well, at least the mate is in his place!
Malachai takes the time before Sulochana notices him to look around the caravan and get an idea of how it's run. Everyone is respectful in the caravan's usual fashion: there are a lot of smiles flashed his way and hands raised in greeting. The smiles are a little strange to him, though: so many teeth showing. When he stumbles into the pack of dogs, they all seem to recognize what he is. Alg growls a little at Malachai, hackles rising. Here, the goblin is alpha, and he is letting that be known. Malachai recognizes that and steps back from the pack, meeting Alg's eyes but not in challenge. It comforts him to see pack hierarchy in place somewhere in the caravan.
It's Sna'tha who leans to murmur something to Sulochana, causing her to glance over at the breakfast group, then raise a surprised eyebrow. She picks up her coffee mug and smilingly excuses herself for a moment, then wanders in sleepy relaxation over to the little group, "Well, hello there and good morning! To what do we owe the honor of your visit, Malachai?" She seems more idly courteous than worried or obsequious, but then -- like her entire caravan, really -- she's never seemed that invested in observing proper protocol with the townsfolk or the wolves. She just murmurs quietly, "Alg, sweetie, be nice to our guest," as she gently strokes the goblin's ears, then smiles over her mug at Malachai as she sips her coffee. To her, hierarchy is not really worth bothering with if she's not in Hetaera mode. It doesn't occur to her that the townsfolk might find it reassuring.
Malachai waits until Alg signals that he is free to go before turning to speak to Sulochana with a close-lipped smile of his own, "He is being perfectly polite, by his lights. I am a strange alpha in his territory." His nostrils flare a little, "Though I seem to smell some of my pack on yours."
Suraksha raises a curious eyebrow again, "Mmm? Who?" She grins suddenly down at Alg, "Have you been playing with... which wolf was that?" She turns her teasing grin on Malachai, "The pretty red wolf that came and danced with us while we were walking patrol the other night... what's his name again?"
Malachai says, "It's Meshek that I'm smelling." He can't quite keep a little irritation out of his voice.
Suraksha blinks at that, then shakes her head, "He was here last night, but he's not really the playful type. Why? Oh, did you need to speak with him?" She turns to look around for the wolf to call him over; she does not yet realize the hierarchical games being played here, after all. "Hmm... Alg, is Meshek around still, or has he headed off home already?" She also does not realize how her casual, relaxed behavior -- such as turning her back or making him wait while she looks around -- will appear to those already anxious about the current status of both she and Malachai. Instead she idly adds, "Rufus -- that's the pretty young man who was playing with Alg and I," as she continues visually searching for Meshek.
Malachai's eyes and mouth tighten somewhat. He murmurs, "It's Meshek I'm concerned with. Rufus isn't trying to sow dissention in my town and my pack." He resists reaching out to make her turn back to him. This is her territory by rights.
Alg is watching Malachai intently, and the goblin deliberately rubs against Sulochana like a big cat as, without taking his unblinking gaze of the old wolf, he chatters to his lady, "Pushy-wolf gone."
Suraksha nods to Alg, "Thank you, sweetie," as she turns back to Malachai. She sighs, pushing her gleaming midnight mane of hair back out of her face, "Oh, dear. Is he being a pest again? I'm so sorry, Malachai. Would you like us to send him on home if he turns up here again? He's been perfectly well-behaved here, but I don't want him taking advantage of our good nature."
Malachai's voice is even and there is even some wryness in it as he says, "He has been doing his very best to undermine me with the townsfolk. It goes considerably beyond 'being a pest.'"
Suraksha is casual about Meshek because she doesn't see the boy as more than a minor annoyance, so she's a bit surprised at how irate Malachai is. "He has? Oh, dear. Well then, would you like us to take him with us when we leave? We'll be back this way in about six months or so, after all, and it might do him good to realize the outside world is going to be heartily unimpressed with his attitude." Her smile up at Malachai is a mix of gently teasing and wry.
Malachai's lips tighten. He's stuck between wanting to gather 'Chana up and kiss her and wanting to shake her for being so casual about this. Vashti, who has come with the morning people, catches her alpha's body language and hurries over to intervene. Before she gets there Malachai says, "If he leaves, he will need to be divested of his membership in the pack." Vashti catches this and her heart skips a beat.
Suraksha sounds mildly intrigued, "Really? What does that entail? Can he be reinstalled later if he's learned his lesson by the time he returns this way?" She has another sip of coffee, then smiles in welcome at Vashti as well, "Good morning, Vashti! How are you this lovely day?" She's beginning to pick up a fair amount of perturbation from Malachai, and so she casually strokes one hand down the older man's arm as she adds, "Are you both staying for breakfast?" Hopefully that will help him calm down a bit?
Vashti smiles at Suraksha in the way of the townsfolk and also does a little half-curtsey, falling into formal body language without thinking about it. Malachai's hand clenches as 'Chana caresses him. Life had been quite simple before these people and this woman appeared in his town; now things are trying to spiral out of his control. Before Malachai can speak, though, Vashti cuts in, "Actually, can you, Malachai, and I... and whoever you would consider your second-in-command, have a few moments in private? A meal would be a good excuse."
Suraksha gives Vashti a curious glance, then smiles at her and Malachai, "Certainly! Which person I bring, though, depends on what you wish to discuss. Is there something you want shipped, or a security issue, or something else?" She wonders with silent internal amusement how the two wolf-hearted will take her calm statement that she has a multiplicity of seconds.
Malachai blinks a bit, the concept of so many betas foreign to him -- Vashti is his second-in-command in everything. Vashti, who is younger and therefore a little more agile-minded, says, "The person you would trust with a delicate matter of interpersonal negotiation. Perhaps the person that would assist you with matters as a hetaera."
Suraksha looks puzzled, "Well... Fantine helps me with my toilette when I am meeting a client, but I'm guessing that's not what you mean precisely?" She's silent for a few moments, sipping her coffee as she thoughtfully studies the two townies... then she smiles, "Ah. Is this about Meshek's behavior? I'm happy to bow out and leave him to you. I offered to take him simply because..." she pauses, then laughs softly, her expression rueful, "well, he does seem a bit... full of himself, shall we say? I thought it might be helpful for him and your family both to have him realize personal physical power is not actually that impressive in the world outside." She wonders idly if this is news to Malachai. She hopes not -- she does find him a pleasant and courteous gentleman most of the time, after all -- but a small internal part of her worries that he may be a bit too set in his ways by now.
Malachai's chest is starting to swell as if he's going to raise his voice -- so Vashti steps in again, "Please, can we have this discussion in private? Perhaps Sna'tha? She does seem to be someone you trust."
Suraksha tilts her head in musing perplexity at Malachai; what is his issue this morning? She sighs internally -- if he's here to try "claiming" her or something, she's going to have to be sharp with him. She truly hopes that's not the case. "Certainly, Vashti, we can ask Sna'tha if she has a moment. Um... is something wrong?"
Vashti says, "We are trying to stop something from being wrong." She lowers her voices, "Both our people and many of yours have very sharp hearing. Please..." She motions back toward 'Chana's wagon.
Malachai isn't sure whether to be irritated or impressed with his beta. He finally manages to speak, "Yes, Meshek's behavior has been causing problems. And I have a request to make of you."
Suraksha raises an eyebrow, "Well, we don't usually hide things from each other here, but since this is your packmate we're discussing... certainly." She beckons gracefully and smiles over one shoulder at the two wolf-hearted, "This way, please!" To her godsmother 'Chana calls out, "Sna'thaid, do you have a moment, please?" More softly, as the glamoured sidhe woman reaches her side, the small woman murmurs, "Apparently there is a problem in the town pack, and they'd like to speak in private and ask... a favor or something?" Her uncertainty is clear in her voice, and
Sna'tha flicks a narrow-eyed gaze at the two wolf-hearted. Her voice also is low, "In private? Let's use my wagon, not yours." She doesn't say aloud that she's got more weapons, and less frangible items, stashed there than are in 'Chana's wagon -- and the girls are less likely to burst in without warning, too.
As Vashti and Malachai follow the two women, Malachai asks his beta in almost-heated tones just what exactly she's doing. Vashti's voice is nervous but quiet as she says, "We need to get you firmly established as alpha again -- and it has to be in a way that's not going to cause this much-larger pack to land on us with all four feet."
At that the keen-eared sidhe slows politely so the two townies can move past her -- and in doing so she also flicks a few smooth, subtle hand gestures towards Ohkwari and Little Joe. The wiry man smiles relaxedly, but also rises and starts quietly making sure there are no children or fragile folks in the center of the wagon circle or near Sna'tha's wagon. Ohkwari doesn't react facially at all, but he does shift to sit nearer the wagon than not, with a very alert Alg crouched next to him. Suraksha steps up onto Sna'tha's wagon porch, smiling at the other two, "Apologies; all our wagons are pretty small. If this makes you feel at all claustrophobic, however, just let us know."
Vashti smiles another of those no-teeth smiles and says, "Actually, wolves tend to enjoy denlike spaces if we feel safe." She means the statement to be soothing. Malachai is doing his best not to bristle.
Suraksha nods again, her thoughtful gaze flicking to both wolf-hearted. She thinks amusedly to herself that actually neither of them look like they feel safe! She says nothing, however, simply turning and moving into the wagon, leaving the door open behind her for them to follow. She seats herself near the front of the wagon, next to the little window there that opens onto the driver's outside seat -- if worst comes to worst, she and Sna'tha will be able to exit relatively quickly. She looks calm and composed, once more utterly unaware that she's behaving like an alpha in her territory by entering first.
Malachai enters ahead of Vashti, who sits near the door and looks as if she's vibrating with trying to keep everything together. Once everyone is settled the beta asks, "Can we speak with privacy here?"
Sna'tha raises an eyebrow at that query, as she steps into her wagon. She closes the door, then gives 'Chana a rueful smile and half-shrug. The younger woman interprets that aloud for everyone else, "As much as anyplace on this caravan. We are more inclined to keep our mouths shut if we overhear something, rather than worry unduly about making sure no one can hear, if that makes sense?" She studies Vashti and Malachai with growing concern, "This must be quite worriesome, whatever it is. What is the problem, please? What is disrupting your calm?" She keeps her voice gentle and soothing; she doesn't want Malachai's sometimes weird interpretations of things to cause him to panic in an enclosed room, after all.
Vashti looks to Malachai, trying to decide if she should bring this up or let Malachai. To her, her alpha looks ready to explode. Before she can start, however, Malachai does, "Meshek has been spreading rumors that you are here to take over my pack. That I am deferring to you and that you are letting me seem to remain in charge out of kindness."
Suraksha and Sna'tha both blink at that -- then 'Chana tosses her head back and laughs aloud! "What nonsense! Well, I hope you put him right, dear!" The more wily sidhe, however, simply smiles briefly and keeps her wary gaze on Malachai, as the more volatile of the two wolf-hearted. Surreptitiously she slides something into her hand, without shifting her body at all. She and Sulochana both look quite relaxed, in fact.
The alpha's lip is beginning to lift in an unconscious snarl, "I have not had a chance to 'put him right.' He has been hiding here in your territory. He was supposed to stay away from the gathering yesterday and went against my express orders." He takes a deep breath, "If he is declared ronin... lone wolf... rogue... it would be no simple thing to bring him back into the fold."
'Chana smiles, "Well, what do you want to do with him, Malachai? What would make you feel better?" Gently she adds, "We can either swap him out from your pack to ours for a six month stint, as I mentioned earlier, or we can shoo him on home any time he turns up here. Either is fine with me." Her smile stays calm and reassuring as she adds, "Deep breaths, dear... you're starting to snarl unwittingly, I think."
Malachai says, "It's not the disposition of my wolf that concerns me most." He takes a deep breath and his eyes flash. He has to remind himself that here, she is alpha. "It is reminding my people that I am their alpha." He struggles to pull himself back together into calmness, "I am snarling because I am angry and trying not to be impolite in your territory."
Suraksha is genuinely perplexed, "Surely your people know you better than that, though? One snotty brat-" she grins charmingly, "apologies, but he is rather a brat sometimes, is he not? -one little brat misbehaving surely isn't enough to turn your pack against you?"
Malachai stands up suddenly, irritated that Suraksha is being so damned... blithe about the whole thing. He snaps, "My people are wolves, Sulochana. They believe what they see. And what they saw was Meshek defying me with your blessing!"
Suraksha goes still, her eyes narrowing and her voice sharp, "Malachai, please have a seat." She too has palmed something at this point, as she adds cooly, "I truly hope you are not actually accusing me of attempting to steal your pack and your position simply because I have declined to stay as your mate." Sna'tha rolls her eyes in silent rue -- that could have been phrased better! Still... her godsdaughter does have reason to be irked about that. Being drugged, however well meaning, is valid cause for alarm -- and Malachai has done that twice to poor 'Chana.
Malachai is trembling a little; it takes him a moment to unlock his muscles and sit back down, and he does it without his normal grace. His fists are clenched and resting on his knees, and his eyes are not quite bulging. Quite. Before he can speak and dig himself in deeper, though, Vashti speaks up, "No. We would not accuse you of that. We are pointing out what the pack is seeing -- and what Meshek is nudging them to see." She takes a deep breath and plunges on, "You have charmed our alpha and he cannot seem to deny you anything. To them, this seems like Malachai has become subservient to you." She's cringing slightly as she speaks.
Suraksha is silently studying Malachai, her expression grave as she ponders what's gotten into him; she's forgotten that a prolonged stare is potentially aggressive. Malachai's lips thin out to a white line and he snaps, "And it does not help that you look at me like I should drop my eyes to you!" Vashti reaches over to touch Malachai's hand lightly. She realizes that Malchai is feeling upset and confused. He has been alpha for a long time -- the whole town has been unto themselves for a long time, in fact. She can feel this whole thing ready to spin out of control.
Suraksha blinks at Malachai in surprise -- then gives him an incredulous grin, "Why would I care whether you meet my eyes or not while I am thinking, Malachai?" She sighs, glancing at the cringing Vashti before she turns back to Malachai and says a little sadly, "Is that what it's come to, in your pack? The strong always have to oppress the weaker? You may be wolf-hearted, but you are half human as well, after all. What of that part of you?"
Malachai snaps, "Sometimes you are an infuriating woman!" He starts to stand and then catches himself and sits back down, "You are hearing what you wish to hear and not what we are trying to say!"
Vashti takes a deep breath, "No, Sulochana, that is not what we are saying. That is not how it is. Meshek is trying to put himself into Malachai's place by allying himself with you. Bypassing me. We are asking for your help is showing our people that Malachai is still alpha. Because neither of us wish to actually harm...." she hesitates before she adds, "or kill... Meshek."
Suraksha can't help the startled half-laugh, "Me, infuriating? I'm not the one-" She catches herself and sighs again, thinking. Finally she rises, her voice firm, "All right, let's just nip this in the bud immediately, shall we? I'll go tell your people what Meshek is doing, and that I have no interest in being the town's alpha." She smiles reassuringly at the two wolf-hearted, "You two should see if you can come up with some... ritual or something that will allow you to hand off Meshek to us for six months. He'll have either learned some manners or gotten himself killed by then, after all." As she steps neatly through the wagon her voice is dry, "The trail is not kind to the foolish or the self-important."
Malachai's jaw clenches, but before he can say something else irritating, Vashti speaks again. She's a little uncomfortable with this, as she's never had to smooth so much over, "That... would not be good. You telling them that you are not alpha."
Suraksha puts her hands on her hips and sighs, clearly becoming somewhat exasperated. "Now what?" She frowns as she glances to Malachai, then back to Vashti, and her voice is calmly implacable, "I'm afraid I will not lie for your pack, people. I am not Malachai's mate, nor will I pretend to be so. I am a Hetaera."
Vashti says, "We do not propose that you lie and say you are his mate." She takes a deep breath, "We propose that you meet him in a challenge. One that he will win. Words get taken too many ways. We need actions. And after that, yes, we will bind Meshek over to you for six months. As a banishment." She does not realize how well she is showing just what a good alpha she will be some day.
Suraksha shakes her head tiredly, "Oh, just lie in another way, eh?" She sighs, waving a hand, "Out, please. We are happy to take Meshek off your hands, but I'm beginning to think maybe you should be reviewing why your standards are so inflexible, rather than trying to work up some rigid little passion play for your people." Sna'tha rises and opens the door as 'Chana steps neatly past the two townies, and the smaller woman adds, "Taking Meshek away should be a clear enough action, after all."
Malachai's eyes are flashing as he stands and he starts to reach for 'Chana, only to have Vashti stop him, voice lowered, "Fighting with her in full view of our people will only reinforce what he has said. Let her stew. We will speak with her again."
Suraksha turns in the doorway, folding her arms. Her voice is sharp again, though she's keeping it low, "Let me stew? You've already fed me mind-altering drugs, against my will, even! -- twice. We've done nothing unpleasant in response to that, and we've tried hard to be good guests -- and yet now you are insisting we do even more for you?! Maybe it is you who should be thinking long and hard -- both about what you're doing, and about what I said!"
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