| Logs |
2013 July 09
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
One Pill Makes You Small
Suraksha angrily stomps out of the wagon and down to the ground, then simply stands there with her fists clenched while taking deep, slow breaths. Vashti winces and murmurs, "That was a poor choice of word on my part." She looks out the door, not wanting to face the caravan or the townies after 'Chana's angry exclamation.
Sna'tha simply waves a hand to indicate the two wolf-hearted should precede her out of her wagon. From the wagon's roof, Alg drops to the ground and trots over to lean against Suraksha -- while also glaring at the wagon's door, where Malachai appears. That causes Suraksha to turn and carefully enunciate, "Malachai, do not grab at me again. You do not have permission to touch me." She straighten at a sudden thought, then leans to speak intently to the goblin, "Alg, dear, could you do me a great favor? Could you go get the little whistle I keep in my wagon -- then put it on, and go hunt down Meshek? If he's within about... oh... a thousand feet of our current territory, tell him I wish his presence -- immediately, please." She takes a slow breath, then grimly adds, "If he does not head back this way within 30 seconds, get out of his reach and blow on the whistle, hard. I'll be there soon."
Alg bears his teeth in a goblin grin and swings away to get the whistle and follow his pretty lady's orders. He doesn't like Meshek much. The other wolf-hearted have been perfectly respectful of Alg's standing, but Meshek has been pushing a little -- something the goblin has not reported since the pack is his business.
Malachai's nostrils flare and he strides out across the encampment, back stiff and jaw set. He desperately wants to speak to 'Chana, but she has withdrawn her favors from him. To any wolf-hearted looking, it's obvious how angry he is. Suraksha folds her arms and turns to face the big fire -- she's currently too angry to deal with any more of Malachai's histrionics, to her way of seeing things. The caravaneers present glance from her to the townies... then calmly go about their business. That's how they do things here, after all. Little Joe quietly hands a mug of hot sweet coffee to Sura, and Rattler gently lays a blanket about her shoulders... but to Vashti's worried gaze there's nothing more hostile going on than that.
It's into this tension that Meshek comes strolling, not yet aware that he's being looked for. He'd not been far from the encampment, and he's looking entirely too smug. He's taken the summons as some sort of approbation, it's obvious.
Despite the apparent lack of hostility there's quite a bit of alertness amongst the caravaneers; Suraksha has several pairs of eyes keeping watch for her. That means she is alerted to, and consequently notices, Meshek before any of his pack members do. Without a word she whirls and strides over to the startled wolf, grabbing a handful of scruff as she snaps, "You will come with me now." That ringing tone of voice makes the wolf-hearted that are in the encampment turn to see what's going on. They all know the tone of a commander/alpha. Even Malachai turns to see what's happening, his eyes narrow as he sees Meshek being scruffed and led away by 'Chana. He moves that way as well, since he has words to say to the impudent pup. Malachai's people hurriedly finish what they were doing in the caravan and follow their alpha.
Suraksha stomps determinedly for the town, Alg bouncing gleefully along with her. Several caravaneers exchange inquiring glances and raised eyebrows... then Ohkwari silently rises and pads after her. Suraksha 's lips are tight with anger; she doesn't say a word until she's about halfway to the town, hauling the increasingly worried Meshek along with her -- and all she says is a quiet mutter to Alg, "Run ahead, Alg dear, and blow that whistle in the center of town a time or two, please? We'll be there shortly." She figures that will bring out everyone that's available to hear what she has to say.
Meshek is whining and wriggling a little, hunching his head. He can't stay still long enough to transform back to human -- and he caught Malachai's scent back at the caravan. This is not the reception he expected and he seriously wants to run away just now. Suraksha snaps impatiently at Meshek, "Behave yourself!" Past that she keeps hauling him along with her. She is doggedly determined to divest herself of all these crazy people -- even if she has to shift shape and hunt a fleeing Meshek down in tiger form!
The whistle has brought many townsfolk, including the schoolchildren, who were having a lesson on the life cycle of the trees that grow around the edges of the square. By the time 'Chana appears, a large proportion of townies are there. -- and all the wolf-hearted. Suraksha strides between the gathering, puzzled townsfolk into the little town center, straightening and pushing her hair back out of her face as she glares grimly around the circle. Alg grins smugly, patting his lady before he darts out of the circle and vanishes -- he'll observe from someplace high and hidden, in case the people are stupid and try anything with his pretty lady! Ohkwari simply stands on the outside of the circle, silently smoking his pipe and watching... and keeping an eye on Malachai.
Rattler has not followed into town. Instead, he has stayed at the caravan and is keeping a close eye on their daughters. The caravan's scouts have quietly dispersed into a semi-emergency footing for patrols around the perimeter. It's all done with quiet efficiency. It's not time to panic. Yet.
In the town's center, Suraksha's voice is ringingly clear and sharp, her anger obvious as she tells everyone present, "I have been informed that Meshek has been... deceitfully using me in a play for alpha of the wolves here." She releases Meshek, folding her arms as she stares coldly around herself at the wondering townsfolk, "I will not allow him to take such self-serving advantage of the good natures of myself or my people, and in such an irresponsible manner. I could care less who your alpha is, but I will not be part of his self-aggrandizing political machinations -- and I do not care for liars!" Her eyes are flashing with fury by now, "Completely aside from what I consider the absolutely inappropriate demand that everyone cringe to whomever is alpha, is the fact that he's trying to get other people to fight his battles for him. Let me be absolutely clear here: Meshek is no longer welcome on caravan territory!"
Suraksha turns and starts back to the caravan -- then pauses as she notices Malachai. There is stunned silence in the wake of her announcement; Meshek is cowering where she left him in the center of the circle. The small woman's anger darkens into a scowl as she whirls to add, "I have also been asked by Malachai to... constrain myself for the good of his pack." She has to bite back on the sarcasm there, instead taking a deep breath before she simply says, "You will not see me here again." She turns and heads firmly and swiftly back towards her caravan; as she passes Malachai she says with cold finality, "Goodbye, Malachai," and continues without pause to her home.
Malachai stands quiet and with his face stony as Suraksha makes her announcement. There is a ripple of whispers at the chill of the woman's goodbye to their alpha. The set of his jaw and the pressed-tight line of his mouth could be many things: anger. Determination. Or a powerful fight to keep from showing the pain that has lanced through his chest at the coldness in Suraksha's words. In fact, his eyes blink several times and the tawny shine of them is suspiciously bright. Once the Hetaera has left the square, he takes a deep breath and makes his way to the center. His voice rings out after Suraksha, "My people, let the others know there is to be a meeting in the meeting hall. Immediately. To discuss Meshek's infractions." There is a strange murmur, as if Malachai has said something unusual and maybe a little shocking.
Once she gets back to camp Suraksha makes a few suggestions: consider the town and its people to be downgraded from "friendly" to "potentially dangerous" -- especially the wolf-hearted. Keep the caravan's territory clearly marked and don't cross it or allow anyone else to cross it without exceptionally good reason -- the food-bringers are one exception, and another is any caravaneer heading into town to either help with or pick up the wagon wheels which are still due. Suraksha will also ask Ohkwa if he can do his best to help Sampson, the town's wheelwright and blacksmith, to get the wagon wheels done as quickly as possible. When Alg returns with his news about the town meeting, Suraksha simply nods once, grimly adding, "Well, he's their problem now -- not ours."
After that the small woman will throw herself into work, using it as an energy sink for her current fury at Malachai and his arrogance. Her mood is finally lightened, however, when Rattler comes up to her at one point, deferentially asking for her attention -- and when she whirls to speak with him the much taller man flinches back dramatically. His voice is a teasing falsetto, "Ahh don't bite me please oh big scary alpha ma'am!" That causes Sura's tight-lipped anger to loosen up as she blinks, then relax a bit and laugh in spite of herself. She lightly punches his arm, "Oh, you!" which causes him to grin and scoop her up for a kiss, and the people around them laugh and relax as well.
The marking of the borders is renewed as well as everyone can; even the plain old humans get into the act this time. Rattler is heard to say, "Y'know, I heard all my life 'bout pissing contests, but this is the strangest one I've ever seen." This actually causes a snort of laughter from Buddy, who is not far from him helping with the marking. Suraksha giggles at that! She hugs her sweetheart, and smilingly thanks everyone for helping. She'll make sure she's on some of the night watches from this point on, as well -- there's no need for a Hetaera here, but a night-sighted tiger might well come in handy.
Night draws down with the caravan still on high alert and the patrols almost as intense and intent as they would be in truly hostile territory. The night patrols regularly spot townsfolk, both human and wolf-hearted, around the edges of the encampment, but they don't approach closely and seem mostly to be keeping patrol of their own. Meshek is not among those patrolling the first night.
The next morning the townies bring food as normal, as well as word that Sampson is close to being done with his work. Rachel is, as usual, amongst the people bringing food. Suraksha politely stays out of the way of crossing paths with the townies. She's sitting on her tiny wagon porch, wrapped in a huge furry blanket and with a cup of something hot to drink when the breakfast crew comes through. She yawns as she idly watches them, smiling at sight of Alg, the dogs, and several of the children dashing by while shrieking and barking with excitement at the arrival of food.
The townies have strayed from usual procedure and brought enough food for the entire day, rather than coming into the caravan several times during the day with the food. While one of the older townswomen and Buddy discuss disposition of the day's food, Rachel slips away and approaches Suraksha's position -- very carefully. Suraksha smiles in welcome, but then gets a puzzled look at how carefully Rachel is moving. A horrible thought occurs to her, and she worriedly says, "Rachel, dear, come sit with me a moment?" She pats the porch next to herself, flipping back the blanket to share.
Rachel slips up next to Suraksha, glancing over to where the townies are gathering up the baskets and sacks and crates that they brought the food in. She settles next to the Hetaera and smiles, flashing a little tooth and ducking her head, "Good morning."
Suraksha relaxes a bit when Rachel's body language seems more normal, and the girl is willing to sit next to her rather than one step down. She hands the edge of the blanket to the younger woman to tuck in around herself, then says very gently, "Rachel, tell me, please: you haven't been... disciplined or anything for coming here, or for spending time with Chanti, have you?"
Rachel blinks at 'Chana and looks surprised, "What? No! Of course not!" She flushes up a little bit, "I've actually been encouraged to spend time with Chanti... or with others. There has been some thought that maybe... maybe a sidhe is not the best mate for us... that maybe human would be better." Her ears are pinkening slightly. "No, I just have a message from my Nonnu."
Suraksha sighs in relief, relaxing and smiling a bit as she notices Rachel's slight flush. Her tone is amused, "I confess to a great deal of puzzlement as to why every single willing woman in town -- wolf-hearted included! -- hasn't been spending as much time as possible amongst the caravan's men." Her smile turns slightly bleak as she shrugs once, "Not my issue, however." She politely changes the subject, "Would you like a hot drink as well, dear?"
Rachel gratefully accepts the drink. She giggles a little at that question, her ears turning pink, "There have been a few romances going on... or at least trysts. But mostly in town. Since Nonnu was so strong about your territory being respected..."
Suraksha chuckles quietly, "Hon, if someone invites a lover in for the night, that's fine -- that's their business, not mine or your Nonnu's. It's having folks tromping through without regard for our occasional need for quiet and privacy that's at stake here." She has a sip of her drink instead of saying anything further about assumptions of ownership -- that would just upset poor Rachel. Nor would it be fair to be snappy at her instead of at the person Sura's actually upset with.
Rachel nods, thinking about that, "I see..." It's clear it's a new concept to her, "I... well, the message from Nonnu is about the... about Meshek." She chews on her bottom lip and says, "There was a meeting last night. The whole town." Suraksha nods politely, though she doesn't really care what Malachai's thoughts on Meshek are any more. Rachel looks at her hands, which are twining together, brows furrowing, "He... there was a vote. About what to do about Meshek. What he's done... in the very old days, it would be death. Or banishment at the very least." She shudders at the thought, still looking at her hands, "It hasn't been done in a long time. There's been no need."
Suraksha doesn't care about Meshek's and Malachai's politics... but she does care about Rachel. She reaches out to gently take one of the girl's hands in her own, "Are you all right, dear? If this is painful... you're not required to tell me, you know?" A bit fiercely she adds, "Malachai can deliver his own unpleasant messages!"
Rachel blinks and looks surprised and then smiles a little self-consciously, "I'm just surprised, really. This is... this is not how things have been done. I've wanted change, but... I'm sort of surprised that it's happening." She takes a deep breath, "Nonnu had the town vote on Meshek's fate. Well... first he had them... us... discuss what should happen to him." Her eyes are a little wide, "There were some that thought the old punishments should be in effect, but Vashti... she suggested something else. Taking his rank in the pack completely back to omega and forbidding him from challenging for a year."
Suraksha tilts her head as she thoughtfully regards Rachel -- this is far more interesting than she'd thought it would be! "You're telling me... Malachai let people vote on how to deal with Meshek? Hmm... and Vashti shows herself the best leader yet again, I see..." She considers a bit, wondering if maybe Malachai allowed the vote simply because that would remove all opprobrium from him. Clever, if so.
Rachel nods, "He actually... encouraged it." She smiles a little, first with lips pressed and then a little flash of teeth, as if reminding herself where she is, "Nonnu thought you would want to know that Meshek's punishment is the one Vashti suggested -- he won't be allowed to challenge to rise over omega for a year -- and that it was the townsfolk that voted on it." She flushes again, "I voted that he be refused communion with the pack on the moon nights."
Suraksha nods slowly -- looks like Malachai was indeed cleverly getting the townsfolk to take ownership of Meshek's machinations against Malachai. Her voice is dry as she murmurs, "I wonder just how... enforceable making Meshek omega is. It'll be kind of pointless if he can still push around the non-wolf-hearted, after all." She has another sip of her drink, then smiles as she adds, "Frankly, I think your response is more to the point... but that's just me. I know what it's like out here without community." She shrugs, then curiously asks, "Why did Malachai think I'd want to know how he handled his personal issues?"
Rachel shrugs, "I'm not sure. He didn't tell me that." She sits up very straight and says, "Oh! He also sent this!" She digs into her pocket and comes out with a small muslin bag.
Suraksha raises an eyebrow, "What's inside?" then has a sip of her hot drink. She'll let Rachel open it.
Rachel says, "It's an antidote. To the herbs in the coming-of-age drink." Her brows draw together as she looks at it, "It's mostly only used if there's a really bad reaction to it."
Suraksha gives Rachel a curious glance, "All right. But, ahh... it's been a few days since I took the last drink. Why would he give me this now, please?"
Rachel looks mystified, "I don't know. I just... he thought you'd talk to me easiest out of the townsfolk." She gestures at the townies that are getting ready to leave, "You'll see none of the wolf-hearted have come today, but that was their choice. They didn't want to violate territory."
Suraksha smiles amusedly, reaching out to gently pat Rachel's hand, "Well, don't waste the drugs on me when I don't need them, dear -- go ahead and keep them for someone who actually needs it." As she settles back she chuckles and quietly adds, "Also, there's nothing wrong with people crossing the border, either way, as long as they're invited. I just think it best if I stay with the caravan and Malachai stay in his little town."
Rachel nods and chews her bottom lip, looking at the muslin pouch, "There's another thing... there's a rumor that this will stop a wolf-hearted from being able to change."
Suraksha raises an eyebrow from where she's leaning relaxedly against the tiny porch's railings, "Then why on earth would I want it, dear? Better by far, I'd think, for your people to figure out what precisely it does, so it can be properly monitored, yes?" She looks rather wry, "I can't imagine why Malachai would want me to have this... or at least any good reason. You might want to ask him that."
Rachel shrugs and tucks the pouch away. She chews on her bottom lip for a moment and then asks, "Do you... how often do you take on new members of the caravan?"
Suraksha grins and rolls her eyes a bit, "Oh, gracious, as often as good ones turn up, I suppose!" She laughs quietly and adds, "Of course, far fewer of them actually stick. It's hard work and requires dedication, strength, discretion, and a sturdy sense of humor, you know?" She smiles fondly as she looks out at the folks bustling around the big central fire, "We're all refugees of a sort, I suppose."
Rachel nods and takes a deep breath -- several, actually. Finally she says, "Would you consider letting me come with you? I know more of the outside world than a lot of us -- and I'm not afraid of work -- and... I want to be able to bring back more information about what's out there." She looks somewhat sad, "I think that if we'd been going out more, your fight with Nonnu wouldn't have happened like it did."
Suraksha nods calmly to Rachel, "Certainly, dear; I'd been wondering if you'd ask. And yes, I think your Nonnu is a bit, ahh... set in his ways, for something like us to come along without causing a bit of furor in your town." She adds with gentle care, "I will ask, though, that you spend time only with those you wish to spend time with, please? It is not your, um... duty to bring new seed into the town's bloodlines, after all."
Rachel blushes again and ducks her head, murmuring, "It is, sort of. But I'm not going just for that. And I won't go with anyone I don't want to go with. I promise."
Suraksha 's voice hardens a little, "No. It is not your duty. It is your town's leader's duty to consider such issues -- and this is only one of the reasons I am quite irate with your Nonnu currently." She has another sip of her drink, emptying the mug and setting it aside before she adds with equal care, "I must ask, though: is this your choice, dear? -and if so, does Malachai know yet that you're asking this?"
Rachel nods and checks her pocket to make sure she got the herbs put away safely, "Nonnu asked at the meeting if there was anyone that felt they needed... or wanted... to leave the town. He seemed sad to ask it, but he said he felt he needed to. Travelers are rare, but when you get one, more are sure to follow. So I volunteered."
Suraksha raises an eyebrow, murmuring half to herself, "Well, at least he realizes he can't go back. There's hope for him yet." Then she tilts her head consideringly at Rachel, wondering if the poor girl is the only one who had the courage to do so.
Rachel says, "There were a couple others that said they might consider it. Even one of the wolf-hearted. That was sort of a surprise -- and it wasn't Meshek! Nonnu told him he wasn't to bother you anymore."
Suraksha raises another eyebrow, "Really? Interesting -- I'm surprised! Who were they, if you do not mind my asking?" She wonders if the wolf-hearted was that friendly young Rufus, who played so nicely with Alg and she.
Rachel says, "Well, me, Rufus, Hezekiah and Hannah. They're twins." She says this last with some awe.
Suraksha 's small smile is rather fond -- she'd very much enjoyed playing with Rufus! She's still smiling as she murmurs, "Indeed? Are twins somehow significant?"
Rachel says, "Well... they're really rare." She looks at her hands, "We have so many babies die. To have two of them at once and have them both live..."
Suraksha smiles a bit sadly at that, gently patting Rachel's hands, "Well, the oldest of the Sokoloff children are twins -- Natalya and Alexander. That should hopefully help these twins feel comfortable, yes?"
Rachel grins and nods, "Does... wait... does that mean you'd take all of us?" She rushes on, "I think Nonnu wants us to sort of... scout. Go out and come back with information. Of course... that would mean you'd have to come back close by here. You wouldn't have to come back here, of course..." She's quick to assure 'Chana.
Suraksha shakes her head slowly, both surprised and not. Out of a town of some 250 non-wolf-hearted people... to have only three courageous enough to try something new says to Sura that the town is likely going to die out eventually. That's a mere one percent of the people! She sighs softly as she reflects: still, it's about ten percent of the wolf-hearted... so hopefully that particular bloodline may survive. Rachel looks disappointed, "You won't take all of us?"
Suraksha chuckles quietly at Rachel's comments, reassuring her, "Yes, dear, I realize you'd all be the scouts for your town, and you'd likely want to return home in six months. Nevertheless, as long as all of those brave enough to try something new meet with the approval of the folks who lead the caravan, then yes, you are all welcome." She smiles faintly as she adds, "And yes, we'll make sure to pass through Accident, even if we won't be returning here to Friendsville. That should be a short enough trip back for any of you who wish to return home, yes?" Her tone is lightly wry as she adds, "I really don't think I care to be repeatedly accosted by Malachai again, after all."
Rachel flushes and ducks her head, voice quiet, "I think Nonnu is very sad that he's made you so angry. He'll never say so, of course. He's too proud. But thank you... I'll let the others know they have to come and be approved." She takes a deep breath, "I think some of the younger ones wanted to come too, but the elder folk said only people that had reached their majority."
Suraksha nods relaxedly again, her voice calmly pragmatic, "Yes, I know he's too proud to ever admit he's wrong, dear, but don't you feel at all responsible for that, all right? Heavens knows he's among the majority of men in that respect." Then she chuckles and agrees, "Oh, yes -- we would definitely have to gently turn back anyone younger than thirteen."
Rachel nods and giggles, lowering her voice, "I think two of the children are planning to sneak after the caravan -- I heard them whispering about it. They seemed to think that once they caught up, you wouldn't have the heart to send them back."
Suraksha snorts amusedly, and though her voice is stern, her eyes are twinkling, "Well, perhaps you should tell them about the time we took Rishima's half-sister back home to her father -- we had to gallop madly down a mountainside for half the day to get her back before he noticed!"
Rachel giggles, hands over her mouth, "Did Rattler ever know?"
Suraksha chuckles quietly, "Only Rohana is his blood-daughter, though he and Rishima's father both treat the girls the same -- as their little ones." Unwittingly her eyes light up with happiness as she adds, "They're both... very wonderful, unusual men!"
Rachel nods, looking impressed, "So... he really doesn't have any problem with your vocation. There had been some rumors in town that Rattler stayed away mostly so he didn't have to see you with Nonnu."
Rattler himself, who has wandered up in a moment of quiet, says, "Rattler stayed away mostly out of respect -- and I have no troubles with her vocation." He doesn't mention that his first dalliances with her were as a Hetaera as well. It would raise too many questions.
Suraksha laughs as she hears Rattler speak, holding out a welcoming hand, "Hello, sweet man! Would you like a bit of blanket too?" She shakes her head amusedly at Rachel, "Anyone who has trouble with my vocation doesn't last very long on the caravan... because I'm not the strangest person here."
Rattler settles onto the bench on Suraksha's other side and slides an affectionate arm around her waist, "Share a blanket with two lovely women? What red-blooded man could say no t' that, I ask?" The tease in his voice makes Rachel blush and giggle a little bit. Rattler says, "Word came from Sampson that the last of the repairs can be done by tomorrow if we want."
Suraksha laughs and gives Rattler a one-armed hug, "Charmer." She leans her head against his shoulder and sighs at the news regarding the wagon wheel, adding with more relief in her voice, "Thank heavens. I am so ready-" she goes silent, thinking a moment, then smiles and adds, "to keep heading onwards -- I do miss the traveling!" Considering it's Malachai's relative sitting with them, the small woman doesn't think she should say anything rude about Malachai's behavior. Instead she simply adds, "Can you tell Fantine that I know we're ending up on the short end regarding Malachai's payment for my services as Hetaera... but that it's his problem, not mine? I don't want him to get any strange ideas regarding our staying here longer." For all Suraksha knows, the old thane will decide that means she really wants him, or something else equally perplexing. She still has no idea how he translated "one night's services as a Hetaera" into "life-mate belonging exclusively to me"!
Rachel starts a little, "Oh! The supplies that would make up the rest of the food are coming with you! And Sampson has two of the spare wheels framed in. He'll send the supplies to finish them, too." She ducks her head again, "Sampson wanted to make sure his part of the payment was as close as he could get it."
Suraksha sighs with a rueful smile, "Oh, dear. Rachel, would you tell Sampson that I certainly do not blame him for not having enough time to get the job done -- and further, that it was truly generous of him, and much appreciated, to pick up part of your Nonnu's debt to me?"
Rachel says, "But... we all chose to take up our parts in it, ma'am." She takes a deep breath, "I know you're puzzled by us. Just like we're puzzled by you, but... most of us were just happy to see Nonnu smiling again."
Suraksha studies Rachel for a few moments, then says gently, "Oh, honey... is it that unusual for your thane to smile?" She bites back the rest of what she was going to say; it's really none of her business if the man's unremitting grimness makes life harder for everyone around him. It's their decision to stay, and his to be the way he is, after all. Instead she just sighs and shakes her head, "Never mind, dear -- don't mind me. You just go return that sack of herbal stuff, and let the folks who're interested in traveling know that they should come by."
Rachel nods, "He's sad a lot. Especially since Nonna was taken." She smiles and stands up, "I'll let them know." She hesitates, then impulsively hugs 'Chana -- who chuckles and gently returns the hug -- before scampering off after the other townies, who are a few minutes ahead of her.
Rattler watches her go and clucks his tongue, "She's going to come to some hard realizations on the road."
Suraksha nods silently in agreement as she watches the girl run off. "Yup. I just hope learning her great-whatever grandfather is a benevolently petty tyrant won't destroy all her affection for him." She sighs, leaning her head against Rattler again as she dryly adds, "He's the one I think most needs a bit of walkabout, truth be told. Oh, also: Rufus and a set of twins may be coming along..." her voice gets even dryer, "and there's a pair of children who think stowing away would be a lark. We should keep an eye out for them."
Rattler gathers Suraksha up against his side and chuckles a little, "I love you more than life itself, but I think I might have to pitch a fit if you invited Malachai along. Because either him or me would end up beatin' the ever-lovin' shit outta the other." He snorts at news of possible stowaways, "I'll pass the word -- an' have the li'l ones set to tattle if they see anything of the sort."
Suraksha laughs and hugs Rattler back, her voice teasing, "You think you get to pitch the fit?! Sweet man, I'd have one heck of a hissy fit if he invited himself -- you haven't seen a cat fight yet to compare to what I'd pull!"
Rattler pulls her into his lap, eyes twinkling, "I've seen some mighty impressive catfights, ma cher! Granted, they mostly took place in brothels -- but that's a hazard of the trade."
Suraksha snorts amusedly at that, gently tweaking Rattler's nose, "You are such a tease! Brothels, indeed!" She grins, then gets a curious look on her face as she glances towards the town, "Hey, sweet man, I have a question for you. Why do you think Malachai would offer me a bag full of the herbs necessary to alleviate a bad reaction to the wolf-making drink -- one that they don't even know whether or not it will temporarily stop the shape-shifting ability?" She frowns as she slowly adds, "I would... really like to think he wasn't trying to get me stuck unable to shift to tiger form... but I'm not entirely sure why else he'd offer me such a thing, you know?"
Rattler considers, rubbing his chin. On the road he gets a little more stubbly than he does back in town, though he's still a bit vain regarding his appearance, "Well... did you say one of the wolf-hearted was thinking of coming with us?"
Suraksha says, "Yes, but I didn't learn that until I politely refused the drugs." She gives Rattler a horrified look, "Oh, no! You don't suppose he really wanted poor Rufus to be -- to be crippled that way, do you?!"
Rattler says slowly -- even a little reluctantly, "Or he thought it might be useful if we got stuck somewhere that a wolf would be unwelcome. There were times I couldn't take Guy with me because of the moon." He makes a disgusted sound, "I hate thinking that bastard might have had a good idea."
Suraksha shakes her head firmly, "No. I will not drug someone so -- especially when we are not sure what the results will be! That would be criminally negligent. If necessary, I will have someone here sit on him -- but no chemical experimentation like that." She shudders once, but says no more about it. Now that she doesn't have to be a good Hetaera, her loathing of what was done to her is rising up in her a little more keenly. There's an edge to her voice as she adds, "He'd just better not give me or you or the girls any crap either about two fathers -- I do not have to take that from him!"
Rattler snorts, "Now that you aren't contracted to him, do I get to slug him if he acts the ass?" He sounds maybe just a little too eager about that.
Suraksha laughs softly... then grins as she teasingly taps the end of Rattler's nose, "Only if I get first shot at him!" She giggles, then adds, "Sorry, I'm being silly there. I'm sure he'll be fine -- it's not like he'll be entering the caravan's territory, after all, right?"
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