| Logs |
2026 August 02
| Goblin Town |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Goblin Town Logs |
High Deeds Requited With Foul Contempt
It seems to be the day for running into people, because the little group meets Josie and Spice as they're headed in for lunch. Cinnamon beams at Josie, chattering excitedly away at her as they're arriving at the restaurant, "-and Sparrow thought it was a great idea and you might like it too so what do you think is that maybe cool and helpful for your folks too?!"
Josie listens with her ears up and her eyes wide and tail wagging enthusiastically, "Oh! That is such a good idea! I will take it to all the elders, but I am sure they will love the idea, too." Josie may be the councilor, but she also respects the elders of the peoples she represents.
Cinnamon beams and hugs Josie too -- then, because she's so exuberantly happy today, she hugs Spice too, "Spicy! Can you help Sparrow and JoJo set up a rocket stove company with some of the proceeds from the supernatural hunters, maybe? That'd be awesome if so?" She also beams and waves happily to Urvashi and those of her children which are currently visible in the cozy, plant-filled little restaurant, "Morning, Urvashi, morning everyone! There's five of us and we're here for an early lunch and celebration, please!"
The lovely, curvy yakshini is happy to seat everyone and gives them congratulations. Spice hugs back because she's generally affectionate, replying, "Oh, yeah -- we can definitely do that! There's still plenty left in that fund."
Cinnamon adds after a moment's thought, "Hey, is there any way we can somehow 'legitimately,'" she uses her fingers to make air quotes as she says the word, "-give or sell the ranch lands we got to the folks on the next-door rezzes?" She blinks at another thought, "Huh... do you peeps think maybe some of that land might be useful to some of the Nusantaran refugees?"
Spice snorts, "Oh, fuck yeah. I can do all sorts of shit to make that look legit. Of course, it'll take some manipulating shit way below the surface, but we'll get the damn thing done." Thorn nibbles at his curry. He opens his mouth to opine that it's probably not possible since the reservations are federally mandated... but he closes his mouth as Spice reminds him that, well, the information is stored in a computer somewhere.
Cinnamon looks relieved, "Oh, fantabulous. We don't want those racist jerk-faces somehow getting the land back, after all!" She sighs, then once they're all seated and have had water brought to them, adds firmly to Josie, "Also, JoJo... I have finally got to get my shapeshifting under control. I was wondering... if I rented one of the rooms in Currier's Hall, would you be willing to come with me and walk me through some focusing techniques for changing shape, please?"
Spice thinks about it, "Or, well, I can't make the fuckin' rezzes bigger than they are. Even I'd have issues gettin' into the federal goddamn databases, but we can 'legitimately' sell the land to some folks livin' on the rezzes." She grins wickedly, "Of course, no actual money's gotta fuckin' change hands. We can give that shit away but make it look like a real sale." At the query regarding the Nusantara refugees, Spice adds, "Could be, yeah, but I just bet the folks on the rez'd be pretty damn happy to help out displaced folks."
Cinnamon sighs happily, "You're amazing, Spicy -- thank you so much!" Then she tilts her head thoughtfully at Spice's last comment, "Good point. Well, either way, we'll be asking all the councilors about any possible space for refugees at the next meeting... so we can find out then."
Josie's ears perk at the question about shapeshifting; she grins, "I'd be happy to help you out with that. But why at Currier's? Because it's got big rooms? We could do it in the park?" It doesn't even start to occur to Josie that Cinnamon is shy about the possible nudity.
Cinnamon winces at thought of the park! "Er, yes, absolutely -- there's at least one or two of the rooms that I can fit into as a dragon. I don't want to be outside at all doing this any more!"
Shane leans in and murmurs into Josie's ear and the wolf-shifter's face gets an expression of 'Oh!' on it. She nods firmly, "I'd be happy to help with that -- shapeshifting can be hard! Especially when you're trying to do it quick!"
Cinnamon nods ruefully to Josie, "Yeah. No fun when it doesn't work." She sighs, adding, "But you told me once it just took practice and focus so... it's been a whole year now, and I've never actually taken time to really learn! So... I think it's time, now."
Josie nods and reaches to squeezes Cinnamon's hand, "We'll work on it. You'll do great! You've got a lot of focus or you wouldn't be good with numbers like you are!" Cinnamon smiles a bit nervously in reply, gently squeezing Josie's paw-hand back.
After lunch, Josie and Spice promise to get back to Cinnamon about the training and about what Spice finds out about 'legitimately' transferring the property. They also suggest she get with Sparrow at some point about who would be best to set up as stewards for the land. Cinnamon nods, but whispers to Spice and Josie that she really wants to get the shapeshifting training done in the next day, please? She wants to have learned it well by the time she has to fly to Arizona with Tao! Also... since Spice is the one 'legitimizing' the land transfers, surely it should be her that talks with Sparrow? Especially since Cinnamon may be gone by then for Hawai'i?
Spice is happy to talk with Sparrow about the land transfers. She and the Trickster get along well as it is, having similar senses of humor. Josie is happy to work on shapeshifting the very next day if Cinnamon wants to! She's got nothing on her agenda that can't be shuffled around. Cinnamon sighs in relief, thanking Josie profusely and (slightly nervously) inquiring as to whether Spice might be present too? The little dragon blushes as she admits she does, after all, have a, um... question to ask them at the same time...? Spice isn't sure what help she'd be, but is happy to be there. Cinnamon whews! -and hugs them both. Quite frankly, she'd rather die right there on the spot than admit the extremely personal nature of her question, after all!
Once lunch is done, people begin to disperse. Even Shane has some jobs he needs to get done, so kisses his acushla goodbye for the moment. Cinnamon heads off to talk to Llewellyn, since she wants to rent the council room for several hours for tomorrow's shapeshifting practice. She wishes a bit absently that she had some errand that'd take her to the Elm mansion... but then briskly scolds herself: Marcus is a busy man! He can't just go faffing about with her any time she pesters him!
At Llewellyn's office, Cinnamon makes sure the hall is lockable as well, so there'll be complete privacy once she's in there with her friends. After that she heads home and makes several high-protein snacks and drinks -- she'll take them with her tomorrow, and share them with her friends as she practices.
The hall the little group will be using could be set up for a banquet, but there are no tables or anything else in it now, so there's plenty of room for Cinnamon in her dragon form, along with Josie and Spice. Josie has brought several things with her to cleanse the space and Spice has brought along several bottles of water and bags of jerky, having had a similar thought about hydration and protein. Josie has also laid out several thick, comfortable rugs and furs on the marble floor to make it comfortable to sit or even lay down on, and has lowered any lights that could be overly bright. The shutters have been closed on the windows as well, making the large space as cozy as it can be made.
Both Spice and Josie hug Cinnamon when she arrives, and Josie wags excitedly at getting to teach her friend this new thing. Cinnamon sighs in relief as she sees the preparations which have already been made. She adds her snacks and drinks to the table where Spice has set hers, then hugs both women... and then takes a deep breath, "Okay. Okay, I... I h-have something to ask you both. I apologize if it's, er... inappropriate but... b-but y-you're the only folks I know that kinda get what it's like being human, y'know? -a-and th-that I... th-that I can ask something l-l-like this!" She winces at her nervous squeak at the end of her sentence, but then makes herself take another deep breath. Her voice is a little rushed, as if she's memorized her speech, as she blurts out, "PleasehowdoIletShaneknowI-I-Iw-wantt-to-t-t-tryp-p-p-ppp..." She splutters to a halt, blowing her bangs exasperatedly out of her now-flame-red face as she tries to figure out how to simply say this exceedingly difficult question!
Finally she squeaks in a tiny voice, "H-h-howdoIletShaneknow... I, I, I w-w-want to, to, t-to try... more s-s-se-sss... oh, bother! What exactly is missionary, darnit?!" Her shoulders droop a little in chagrin as she squeaks, "I'msosorry! I mean, I, I, I know y-you b-both prefer girls I'm sorry I wouldn't bother you but I j-just d-don't have anyone else to ask you know?! I mean... Aisling is a sweetheart but... but she just seems to assume there's things I know that I, I..." The little dragon takes another deep breath, then almost wails, "Everyone is so confusing!"
Josie blinks and tips her head as Cinnamon begins her ramble, while Spice leans back against the table and just lets Cinnamon get to the end of her questioning -- and then the hacker puts a hand over her mouth to hide her grin and stifle the giggle at the question that eventually gets blurted out. Josie blinkblinks at... a question about missionaries? -then registers that Cinnamon isn't asking about colonizers! She giggles a little, unable to help herself as she steps forward and takes her friend's hands, guiding the little dragon to sit down on one of the most comfortable furs, "Ohhh... you want to know about sex!"
Cinnamon squeaks in horror, "No!" Then, even more bright red, she glances away and mumbles, "...y-y-yyyes...?"
From her position leaning on the table, Spice says, "Jo, hon, that was a bit blunt."
Josie looks a bit confused, "But it's right -- that's what she wants to know -- and you can't tiptoe around it too much or things get confusing!" Cinnamon hastily opens one of her drink bottles and has a long, thirsty slug of it. Can't look at anyone while drinking, nopenope! Busy, yeppers!
Spice comes over and settles down, "I prefer girls, yeah. A lot, but I fucked around with guys a little, so I know a bit about what the hell you're asking. And I know Jo's been with a guy or two."
Josie nodnods! "I have. Before I knew you could like girls!" She giggles and bumps her shoulder against Spice. Cinnamon blushes again at that, hastily returning to her drink! Josie smiles, "Nobody was shamed or anything. There just weren't any lesbians in my tribe. There were a couple of two-spirits, but they were AMAB." She reaches out to squeeze Cinnamon's hand again, "'Missionary' is a sexual position. It's when the woman is on her back on the bottom and the man is on top, facing her. It's kinda the basic position for a lot of people."
Spice adds, "It doesn't have to be a man and a woman. It can be... fuck. Gettin' ahead of myself a little. It's when one person is on their back receiving penetration and the other person is on top doing the penetrating. But you're asking specifically about men and women."
Cinnamon is still hotly blushing, and so tense that her hands are shaking a bit! She takes a deep breath and whispers, "B-but... but how, er, h-how d-do you let the guy know you... y-you want... w-want to try, uhh, t-t-try... p-p-p-pentati- er, pentisative- uhhh..." The little dragon's shoulders sag again -- is she ever going to learn how to talk about this -- this, this, er... subject?! "H-how...?"
Josie's voice is gentle, "Penetration?"
Spice nods at Josie's question, "You're wanting to tell Shane that you're ready for that step, huh?" Inwardly, she's a little surprised they haven't gotten to that point yet, what with the way Shane practically lives with her. Even Josie could tell something sexual was going on because of the way the two of them smelled of one another, but Spice hadn't realized it hadn't gotten to that stage. Cinnamon can't bring herself to look at either of her dear friends as she gives one small, tense nod, and she's praying internally that they don't laugh at her! She's so spooked at this moment that it hasn't yet occurred to her: she knows Josie and Spice wouldn't mock her. She's just generally terrified at being seen, yet again, as the dumpy slow girl that everyone makes fun of.
Spice chews on her bottom lip, trying to figure out a way that Cinnamon could do that. Spice herself was usually just... Spice about it. Josie rubs her chin and considers how much easier it is when you can simply smell interest on someone else. Eventually, she muses, "You can try saying it without words? I know words are hard for you."
Cinnamon nodnods fervently at that! -then whispers, "But... how?!"
Josie smiles gently, which means her tongue is only lolling out a little, "Set a nice scene. Candles. Something that smells good. Maybe flowers or even rose petals on the bed in circles and right in the middle of the circle... a condom."
Spice resists facepalming, knowing there's no way Cinnamon would buy a condom. She adds, "If you're worried about buying those, I could get them for you. I know that's embarrassing to get at first."
Cinnamon blushes hotly, her hands flying up to her cheeks as she squeaks nervously, "Oh!" She has to make herself breath deeply again, several times, before she manages to whisper, "Wh-wh-..." Then she blinks, staring in huge-eyed gratitude at Spice, "Oh, would you? P-please?!"
Spice nods, "Abso-fuckin'-lutely. You'll want to have them, anyway. I'd bet anything you want that Shane doesn't have any kind of, uhm... infection, but until you're ready for little dragon-sidhe babies, you'll want to use birth control."
Josie nods solemnly, "You should do reading on birth control too. Sidhe are kinda low fertility, but Liam had several kids through the years, so dragons are more likely."
Cinnamon nodnods fervently again, utterly tongue-tied at that moment! A heartbeat after that, however, she scrambles to her feet and gives first Spice, then Josie very tight and heartfelt hugs, "Thank you both sososo much please really I totally mean it thank you thank you thank you I had no idea how to do it or who to ask or what you know?!"
Both the human and the wolf shifter hug Cinnamon back with smiles. Spice grins, "No fuckin' problem. I'll grab a box of rubbers next time I'm off-street."
Cinnamon sighs gustily in huge relief a moment later as she settles back on the soft, fluffy fur, "Plus total bonus: d-don't have to ask Iason about b-b-bi- er, ab-bout... things for no babies!" She's so relieved that she nearly wolfs down a few snacks... then grins brightly at her friends, "Okay then! Shapeshifting? So what do you do, JoJo, that helps you get it perfect every time, please?"
Josie sits again and pats the furs, "Sit down. We're gonna relax and talk about it first. Because being relaxed is a big part of it!"
Spice mutters, "Big part of both things." She's over by the table and hopes Cinnamon doesn't hear that part.
Cinnamon nodnods earnestly at Josie, plopping down next to the wolf spirit, "Okay!" While she kind of heard Spice, she's frazzled enough that she doesn't quite 'get' it -- and doesn't think to interrupt Josie to ask for clarification from Spice!
Josie reaches to take both of Cinnamon's hands again, "Take some deep breaths and let your heartbeat settle. I know you got yourself all worked up asking your questions, so we gotta get you geared down." Then she demonstrates the deep breaths she wants Cinnamon to take.
Cinnamon nods ruefully at that! She blinks a few times to make herself focus, then follows Josie's lead on breathing... though for the little dragon it's easy to almost accidentally hyperventilate! She tchs at herself at that, reminds herself of how wonderful it'll be not to have to worry about changing any more [don't think about those jerkface ravenboys again don't don't! Think about breathing flying changing well right there we go niiiice and caaaalm...] and finally... starts to relax.
Once Cinnamon has calmed down, Josie walked Cinnamon through some of the focusing techniques she's used to get herself to the point of being able to change consistently, even demonstrating the quick change herself a couple of times. They mostly come down to being able to intensely picture yourself as you will come out the other side. At one point, Josie comes back from her wolf form into a human for wearing different clothes -- because that's the picture she formed of herself. The clothes aren't drastically different -- still generally jeans and a t-shirt -- but different ones. Cinnamon is utterly amazed at the new set of clothes! She excitedly wonders to herself if she could maybe someday do that with a ballgown? -but for now: just having clothes on is her goal, right! Josie has Cinnamon try to change several times using those techniques, praising her every time she gets it right and reassuring her every time it isn't quite right. The wolf shifter also suggests Cinnamon try wearing simple clothes when she's going to be flying for a while so the concentration on what she'll look like on the other side will be easier... then slowly work up to other clothing that might be harder to concentrate on.
Cinnamon nodnods determinedly -- though she does tend to squeak in horror and hastily shift back to dragon form when she 'misses' her goal! Fortunately neither Spice nor Josie is fazed by naked Cinnamon; they don't show any kind of reaction other than, "Good try! Let's go again!" on Josie's part. Cinnamon finds it both surprising and a huge relief when there's no laughter or mockery -- despite knowing her friends wouldn't tease her like that, her body retains the tension. However, over time she starts to relax and gain self-confidence -- and she slowly improves until eventually she's getting it perfectly every time! Josie claps and beams ecstatically, and even Spice is cheering! Cinnamon is exhausted but glowingly happy once they're done! She eats ravenously when she treats Josie and Spice to a delicious dinner at Little India -- since she remembers how much the wolf spirit loves their kebobs!
Cinnamon sleeps very soundly that night too, awakening the next day feeling much better -- and (surprisingly, to her) more confident too! She decides to go see how Tao is doing and when he wants to move his folks from Arizona to here. She's delighted, as a result, to come across him near her little cottage, standing with Jaw-long and chatting with Thorn about Aoi's likely physical condition after having her flame eaten -- and does Thorn know anything about that?
Thorn nods to Tao's query, "She's likely to be fine -- not in danger of... dissipation? -or injury. But it'll take her a while to recover and regain her energy. She won't be able to transform or even use cosmetic magic for a pretty long time. Depending on how vain she is, this may or may not hurt her emotionally. She may retreat into familiar surroundings. I don't think we'll be seeing her much in the near future."
Tao nods solemnly, "This may be good for her. Humility is important. I hope she is able to see this." He sighs quietly, "I was headed to her house, since I will be living there when I am 'on street,' as I have heard people say."
Thorn nods again, "Humility is important, yes... though sometimes having a lesson thrust upon one's self makes one resentful, if one doesn't have mindfulness about it." He smiles as Cinnamon comes pattering cheerfully towards them, "Hi there, Cinnamon!"
Cinnamon is in such a good mood after having 'made snackies' this morning with her lovely Shaney, that she's almost chirping, "Hi, guys! How're you all doing what'cha talking about isn't it a lovely morning whose house are you going to gege?"
Tao nods to Thorn and sighs, "This is true. We are long-lived, however. Hopefully she will come to appreciate this lesson in time." He turns to Cinnamon with a smile, "It is indeed a lovely morning!" He motions down the street, "I was just on my way to Aoi's... or I suppose it is mine now... house. I want to take my time with moving, but I want to see what I will be working with."
Cinnamon nods interestedly at Tao's reply, "Cool! Do you and Jaw-long want company, or is this a private thingie? Oh! Let me guess: the move will be after the council meeting tomorrow, then?"
Tao nods, "Yes. After. I could get a lot of things today and move them, but I want to take the time. Please, come along. Your company -- both of you -- would be appreciated." He makes an 'after you' motion and starts down the street toward the house Aoi has occupied on-street for her tenure as councilor.
Thorn nods, "I'd be pleased to come along!"
Cinnamon too brightens, "Oh! Thank you, Tao!" She chatters happily with the three men as they walk, checking that Jaw-long is getting enough to eat (he rumbles that he is indeed -- Elm has been taking very good care of him!), and thanking Thorn again for healing the young rabbit-pucca man that Tre brought in to the Infirmary -- and proudly telling the interested Chinese about how amazing Thorn, Veles, and Tre were and are -- and asking Tao how he's doing with the new job and if he's heard anything from Aoi since the aborted meeting and if she'll be with him for the revised council meeting tomorrow? As Cinnamon chats happily with them, Thorn does manage to get in a word edgewise about Cinnamon's own awesomeness as well -- when the Elm Trod was attacked and she pretty much saved the entire trod. Of course, Cinnamon blushes hotly at that!
Tao shakes his head sadly at Cinnamon's query, "Aoi is already gone. She will not be with me tomorrow. I believe she is feeling either very ashamed or very angry... possibly both." He soaks in the information about the people mentioned and the good they've done, making interested noises and agreeing that all of them are indeed to be thanked for the good things they've done. The yellow dragon's calm can sometimes make it hard to tell exactly what he's thinking.
When they reach the gate of the house and open it onto the extensive garden, Tao blinks curiously, "I thought there was not this much room here on Coblyn? This garden..." He steps onto the path, "-is quite large?"
Cinnamon nods and grins wryly, "Magic. It's all magic -- inside the house too."
Thorn says, "I'm surprised it's still here. I thought she had drained herself almost completely...."
Cinnamon adds in explanation, "If I understand correctly, you can pay Caradog's magicians who maintain the street's hiddenness, and they'll extend a space for you too. I was thinking about doing that for my cellar, until I realized how much energy it took... so I negotiated with the underground folk for the space to be physically created instead. So she was paying them, I guess? I can't imagine she did all the expansions herself... maybe?" She adds a bit grimly, "At least, I hope not." She looks around, her voice bemused, "I wonder where the gatekeeper is?"
Thorn blinks to Cinnamon, "Huh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. So it's not- it wasn't her who was expanding the size of her place...."
Cinnamon shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders, "Don't know?" Then she blinks -- surely Aoi isn't so petulant that she took all her people with her... and left Tao with nothing and nobody?!
Tao shakes his head, reaching to touch a plant -- and his hand slips through it, "I think it's fading. The space may be expanded by magic, but the garden in it... I think it's a type of illusion. Still, it's likely easier to follow the path for now."
Cinnamon calls a bit worriedly, "Izumi? Are you here? Anata wa koko ni imasu ka?" She adds in explanation to her companions, "Izumi's the gatekeeper -- he lets Shane and I practice Japanese with him!" A moment later, there's the sound of pattering feet and an out-of-breath Izumi appears, blushing and bowing for not having been there. Cinnamon brightens in relief, bowing herself as well, "Oh, Izumi! I'm so glad to see you -- we're so sorry for barging in like this!"
Tao smiles, "Thank you, meimei, for the introduction."
Cinnamon beams up at Tao, then smiles at Izumi, "This is Tao, the yellow dragon! And that's Jaw-long, his..." Cinnamon tilts her head, curiously asking, "Jaw-long, I am so sorry but I don't know how to introduce you, please?" She figures Izumi will recognize a lion-dog, but might appreciate having his name as well.
Izumi bows again, "It is no intrusion. I am sorry I was not at the gate. It is only me here now! The others have gone with Aoi." He turns toward Tao and bows very low, "It is an honor for this lowly one to meet the majestic yellow dragon and his companion the mighty Jaw-long. I have heard many good things."
Jaw-long actually blinks slowly, "He's telling the truth. Somehow he's heard good things about us -- even living here."
Izumi stands and says with dignity, "I would not lie to a truth-speaker, mighty one."
Cinnamon blinks in surprise at Izumi's words, though, blurting out, "She... took everyone?!" She blinks again, then glances up at Tao, "I'm so sorry, gege, for this lack of welcome from Aoi -- though I can assure you that Izumi has always been very kind and helpful to me and Shane. Also, if you need to make multiple trips to Arizona I am happy to help however I can." She worriedly adds to the small human man, "Are you okay here alone, Izumi? Can I bring you anything? Food, any other goods?" Then she realizes she may be intruding, and hastily adds, "Er, sorry -- I mean until Tao and everyone have moved in too?" She blinks again at another awful realization: if the garden is fading after Aoi being gone just one day... does that mean it was being magically maintained by the phoenix?! Dear heavens, what a breathtakingly incredible waste, if so! Thorn too is a bit aghast that Aoi took everyone with her, leaving only Izumi. The healer figured Aoi would want her entourage with her even if she was drained, but this feels beyond the pale. This sort of behavior isn't good for Aoi's servants either; it must build up resentment in some of the less zealous ones... or the ones who are less invested in serving the goddess.
Izumi bows politely again, "I have everything I need. I am the gatekeeper and the caretaker, so I have access to any necessary funds. But it will be a pleasure to have others present as well, should the revered yellow dragon have other helpers?"
Tao lays a hand on Izumi's shoulder and sighs, "I will bring some of my people... but since I will only need simple things, you will not be so very harried, my good Izumi." The warmth in Tao's voice seems to take some load off the gatekeeper's shoulders.
Cinnamon smiles at that. She likes Izumi, so she's glad he's going to be cared for. Only once Tao's finished speaking does she ask, "Is it okay for Tao to see the house too, Izumi?"
Izumi bows again, "Of course it is allowable for the majestic yellow dragon to see the house. It is now his home here on Coblyn Street." He moves to motion them in, though he sounds abashed and somewhat sorrowful, "I am sorry to say that the beautiful gardens will soon fade."
Cinnamon curiously reaches for a wide-fronded plant -- then shivers a bit as her hand passes through it, just like Tao's did. How incredibly peculiar! She follows Izumi and Tao, with Jaw-long and Thorn walking with her. She feels a bit bad for the poor yellow dragon being so rudely abandoned by Aoi! After some thought, she leans to whisper to Jaw-long, "Aoi won't blame Tao for my actions, will she?"
Jaw-long shakes his shaggy head, "Aoi is likely in a snit and wants to still be surrounded by admirers. The staff here was as much her staff as it was the Councilor's. They were loyal to her after so many years."
Cinnamon has to cover her small giggle at the large and dignified Jaw-long rumbling the silly little word "snit"! After that she looks around in great interest, wondering how quickly things will fade -- or did Aoi perhaps already notify Caradog's people that she wouldn't be paying for the expansions any more? That'd certainly make the house instantly far smaller! The little dragon wonders what the original house looked like. Thorn nods at Jaw-long's explanation, stifling a sigh, and hopes the servants are at least being taken care of and are not being neglected by Aoi in her funk. He looks around curiously as they enter. Beside him, Cinnamon wonders suddenly -- but politely doesn't ask aloud -- why Izumi alone stayed. Was he maybe 'new' to the position? She'll probably have to ask Shane later.
Izumi leads them along the path, despite his comment regarding the gardens' frangible nature. Admittedly, the garden still looks beautiful even if the substance of it is fading. Tao looks around himself, asking, "Did Aoi design the garden, Izumi?"
The gatekeeper nods, "The garden here, yes. Also the rock garden in the back." He pauses, "That one is real because it is smaller and the space it takes did not need to be expanded." As they reach the house they can see it already looks plainer, though not really smaller. Izumi leads them up the stairs, "The inside of the house is already smaller, but the outside never looked larger than it actually was."
Thorn asks curiously, "How much smaller is it now, if I can ask?"
Cinnamon nods slowly as she looks around, "So... Caradog's folks maintained the house, and Aoi did the gardens herself?" She sighs softly, and politely does not say aloud what she suspects everyone is thinking: [What an incredible waste of energy!]
Izumi replies to Thorn, "The house has twelve rooms now. It used to have closer to twenty -- sometimes more if Aoi wished to have a specific room for a special occasion. The courtyard in the middle is also real. The house is not tiny... it was expensive, money-wise, but it is not rented. It is bought."
Cinnamon curiously checks, "It belongs to the Asian chair, though, right? Not to Aoi specifically? Or am I wrong?"
Izumi nods, "It belongs to the Asian chair, not Aoi. That is the agreement on the deed. I think Aoi believed she would always be the chair or that she would perhaps share it with the majestic yellow dra-" -- at which point Tao holds up a hand with a smile, "Please, simply call me Tao."
Cinnamon smiles at that. She thinks 'majestic yellow dragon' sounds lovely! But she can also understand Tao wanting to keep things friendly and informal. She looks around with interest at the house. Weirdly, she rather likes the simplicity and... honesty? -of the actual building, rather than all the added fripperies. She curiously checks with Tao, "You're not going to have all 200 folks here, are you? Although... I guess you could go downwards for more rooms if you needed... maybe?"
Izumi goes a little pink, "She believed she might eventually share the seat with Tao, so the deed was written very specifically. Now that she is no longer the chair, the house no longer belongs to her. It belongs now to Tao." He invites them into the front room of the house which seems to be a roomy sort of sitting room with cushions on the floor and a low table. At the back, there is a sliding door. Izumi goes on, "The house is built around the courtyard..."
Cinnamon grins at Izumi, "Shall I open the sliding door, since it's a beautiful day?" She figures Tao might like to see the courtyard!
Izumi nods and smiles, "Yes, please. It is a beautiful day."
Cinnamon cheerfully patters forward to slide the paper and wood door open. Just as she's smiling at how pretty and Japanese it looks... she realizes that the house really is very traditional Japanese in style! The inner courtyard is lovely and full of greenery, and surrounded by the house. All the inner doors of the house look into the courtyard, and there's a wide, covered wooden porch or walkway between the house and the courtyard garden. It looks to Cinnamon like you'd need to use the walkway to go from room to room, as well. Nestled in amongst the courtyard's greenery is a small koi pond, with a tiny fountain splashing into it at one end, in a quiet ripple of water. Cinnamon glances around assessingly, mentally reviewing what she's seen of the plans of ancient Japanese houses. The downwind side of the house will likely be where food is cooked -- so one or two rooms for food storage, and the actual cooking area. Might be a bathing room or two, with foyer, in the back side of the house as well? There'll be two, maybe three big rooms in the remaining two sides of the house... and a small isolated area for the bathroom. Then again, this is a biggish Japanese house... there might be two bathrooms -- and that'd be all the rooms in the house! Izumi waves a hand outwards, "This garden too is real."
Thorn looks around, "It's very beautiful."
Tao looks around as well, a soft smile on his face, "I will only bring a couple of people with me. It will not overcrowd the space. I see only four bedrooms, I think, and once of them is yours -- yes, Izumi?"
Izumi nods to Tao, "Yes. Two on each side of the house." He goes on to explain the layout of the house, which is just as Cinnamon imagined it might be. He also explains that two of the bedrooms are meant to be shared by servants.
Tao nods, "My people are used to sharing space, but I do not need much in the way of tending. The ones that come here will be mostly coming to teach and to learn. This is a beautiful space. Will you show me the rock garden, please?"
Cinnamon looks up as she muses aloud, "You could safely build up one or two stories if you needed to, Tao... though more than that, you might want to check with Llewellyn as to how high the SEP field goes, first?" She grins at the other dragon as she adds, "Currier's Hall looks only three stories high, after all... though it's really four stories... with a basement too."
Tao nods to Cinnamon, "That's an excellent idea if I need to bring more people to the street." He looks upward, "Currier's is fairly tall. That reminds me... is there a cellar, Izumi?"
The doorkeeper nods, "There is a cellar for cold storage. We dug that out, so it is also 'real' as you think of it and not extended."
Cinnamon bouncies excitedly -- sounds like Jiajun will be coming here, in that case -- excellent! She's got quite a few folks lined up now to hear his talk on hydroponics and solar, and she hopes to chat with him as well about wind power! "Oh, fantabulous! Is the cellar wood-lined? The Akoesdi Ayvwi won't accidentally burrow through wood, after all."
Izumi replies, "It is stone-lined and then wood-lined to keep things down there cool. Would you like to see it? It is very nicely-organized?"
Tao smiles, "I would be happy to see it another time. It is a very comfortable house."
Cinnamon nods in agreement! She smiles at Jaw-long and Tao, "I hope you both have a lovely time here, guys -- it's a really nice, sturdy, well-made house from what I can tell."
Jaw-long harrumphs, "This is a plenty-large house! Why did Aoi feel she needed to waste so much energy making it larger, and creating that garden? This simplicity is beautiful on its own!"
Cinnamon rests a hand on one stone corner pillar of the house, enjoying the silent strength she can feel. She grins up at the fu-dog's grumble, answering a bit diplomatically, "Isn't it a nice house, and beautiful courtyard?" She admits to herself, however, that she really wishes there was a way to gift back some or all of that pride-wasted energy to its givers!
Izumi flushes again and hangs his head, reluctant to say anything bad about his former mistress. Tao gently replies, "I think she was trying to save face."
Jaw-long hmphs, "She was trying to show off. Her people could have used that energy. Look at all that had to be fixed in her wake!" He shakes his mane to settle it and announces, "It is a beautiful house and I shall enjoy my time here." To Izumi he adds, "There is a rock garden?"
Izumi nods, "Yes. It is good for sitting in the sun."
Cinnamon whispers quietly to Izumi, "Please don't feel bad! Others' behavior is not your fault -- and I am sure Tao and Jaw-long don't blame you either!" She figures even if they hear, that's okay.
Tao looks almost shocked, "Of course we do not blame you, Izumi! You have done a wonderful job keeping this place!" He lays a hand on Izumi's shoulder, "I will be honored to have you as my gatekeeper and caretaker!" This makes Izumi's shoulders droop with relief! Cinnamon beams at that, mouthing, 'thank you!' to Tao when Izumi's not looking.
Izumi shows them the rest of the house as well: the bathing room, the kitchen on the back side of the house, the storage rooms. The entire house is well kept, but most of furniture is gone, meaning Tao will be able to decorate to his taste. The very last thing Izumi shows them is the rock garden. It's not extensive, but it is beautiful and serene. It runs the width of the house and is perhaps six feet deep. The rocks and sand are placed beautifully to look like a chain of islands in a calm sea. Cinnamon ooohs admiringly. She may not like how Aoi wastes energy, but she can certainly appreciate the phoenix's excellent taste in decorating! She sighs happily as she looks around... then grins up at Tao, "So, gege, will you prefer a Chinese or a Japanese housewarming gift?"
Tao looks surprised, "You don't have to bring either, but since this is a Japanese style house, let us stay to this."
Cinnamon laughs and gives Tao a quick, impulsive hug, "Of course we'll bring housewarming gifts! I got some when I first arrived, and it was so heart-warming!" Tao looks touched, and hugs Cinnamon back. Cinnamon remembers her learning on Japanese gift-giving: that the emphasis is on giving the gift, rather than on the gift itself. Hmm... plus, as she recalls, presents can have layers of meaning, such as fresh bread meaning that the new owners will never go hungry, or a new coin for wealth, or a straw broom to sweep away any evil, or wine or sake to bring the household happiness. Considering who she is, however, Cinnamon thinks she'll probably bring some fresh bread! Maybe she'll tell Shane or anyone else who wants to bring a gift that good ideas are either a lovely vase filled with harmonious and non-white flowers, a bunch of lucky bamboo, or a tasty pineapple!
After the lovely house has been examined and appreciated, everyone departs. Cinnamon excitedly reminds Tao: the new council meeting is tomorrow! After that, she still has two weeks before she needs to head to Hawai'i, so she can help him with any moving then. Tao gives Cinnamon a hug, "I will see you tomorrow, meimei, and we will do the moving before you go to Hawai'i."
The next day, Cinnamon arrives at the council meeting with a strong sense of purpose: this time she's going to be active, not reactive! She's going to make sure things that need to be discussed actually do have that happen! She has all her notes and laptop and information ready this time again, as well... and she's made sure there will be a drop-down screen for her to project onto from her lappy, if necessary. Spice and Veles both have been invaluable as well, and promise to be ready for any questions Cinnamon herself can't answer. The little dragon already knows, of course, that Marcus, Thorn, and Shane will be there too. Indeed, Thorn settles into his seat in the gallery, listening attentively and calmly.
The council meeting starts in an orderly fashion, people coming in as their name is called. Even Sparrow is chill and wearing clothes except for his shoes. Thus, when Old Business is finally called and Cinnamon stands, she speaks firmly to everyone present, "Thank you all for coming. I do want to give you all the run-down on the Nusantaran information, of course... but I actually rather strongly feel there is a different piece of old business that is currently more important." She glances at Sparrow as she adds, "It's about the brothers who were hunting and killing supernaturals. Since we caught them on Sparrow's rez, he's going to tell you about them. Sparrow, would you like me to yield the floor to you?" She adds, "I have the dispersal information on them, once Sparrow is done."
Sparrow stands and says, "Thank you, Cinnamon." Killa actually snorts, but crosses his arms, looking away. Sparrow gives the snake-god a smirk, "Somethin' to say there?"
Killa huffs, "I don't know why we would listen to you -- you are a Trickster!"
Cinnamon replies gently, "Tricksters can speak truth too, Killa." She smiles as she gestures towards Shane as explanation. Her smile widens into a grin as she sees Jaw-long seated next to her sweetie, and she cheerfully waves to them both!
Shane smiles and calls, "I will be happy to vouch for him... as will Jaw-long." The big fu-dog inclines his large head with dignity.
Sparrow grins, "There ya go. So, unless you just tryin' to pick a fight, I'm gonna go on." He smirks as Killa just crosses his arms and almost flounces back in his chair -- and then the Trickster tells the story of Kestrel's injury, and the subsequent hunt. As he speaks, it's almost as if his eyes begin to glow with anger. He talks about finding the hunter on rez territory, his capture, and then the later capture of the other two brothers, and lays out all their specialties. The story goes on, explaining the story behind why they were hunting supernaturals, the land around the reservations, and the greedy money attached to it. It's a long story, but Sparrow is, at heart, a storyteller.