Goblin Town -- Logs

Upon their return to Rowan, the returning group is feasted and thanked before they are allowed to get to their beds in preparation for leaving the next day. Cinnamon is beaming and bouncy with excitement when Spice manages to get her alone for a moment, though the young hacker whispers to the little dragon that the plane tickets were no problem at all -- but the arrival time will be the day after tomorrow! Will that be an issue? Cinnamon laughs quietly, "Oh, gosh no -- I would absolutely love a day to just recover from all this insane hiking all over the place! Let Shane know the time frame too, though, please?" Spice nods excitedly, adding that the tickets were sent to the address Shane gave her, and she'll give Shane as well as Cinnamon the actual times and dates.

The young dragon is quite gleeful at how well things are progressing -- and so, over dinner with everyone else, she asks with a weary smile if the little group could maybe spend one more day here at Rowan... so her poor feet can recover, please? Cinnamon really is quite tired, so once she gets agreement from the others, she eats well and then nearly falls over into bed that night. She sleeps a bit restlessly, awakening herself from a nightmare... but then she glances around the little room and realizes where she is. She's in Trod of the Rowan... Rowan is safe. She sighs and smiles tiredly to herself... then relaxes and slips back into a calmer, more restful sleep for the remainder of the night.

Quinn and Shane are up early the next morning; the Chieftain suggests they go speak with Cinnamon. Quinn wants to thank the little dragon and make sure she knows that she and any of her companions -- by which he means Veles, Spice, and the Havvarger, since the others have either been given sort of diplomatic status or actually live at Rowan -- are welcome to visit any time they want. He also plans to stop by Thorn's room and give the medic/mage much the same invitation. As they walk, Shane and Quinn are chatting about the travel plans back to Galway: the leprechaun isn't being invited to be a guide this time. Instead, Quinn himself will be doing the honors! "It'll be grand to see how the world's changed in twenty years, lad."

Cinnamon is already awake, due to Josie knocking on her door to check and see if the little dragon was able to get up for breakfast, or wanted food brought to her. Cinnamon had cheerfully agreed to meet Josie and Spice in a little bit to eat -- but she needed to get cleaned up and dressed first! When Josie left, Cinnamon did not realize her door had not latched completely... and so as she's preparing for the day, she's also singing with quiet happiness to herself:

"This is my own little room just for me
When I'm here at the Rowan trod
An honored guest at this trod
I'm not afraid anymore in my pretty little room
It's cozy here and safe for me..."

Elsewhere, as they're coming down the hall, Quinn slows -- which makes Shane slow, brows going up. He's got great night-sight, but his hearing isn't as sharp as his father's. Quinn is smiling a bit at the little, self-soothing song -- it's a long way from the nerves Cinnamon exhibited when they first arrived! He gives a short pair of knocks on the door that makes it swing slowly open since it wasn't latched properly.

Cinnamon is just tucking her folded flannel nightie under the pillow of her newly-made bed, but she startles at the louder-than-expected knock, wheeling around with wide eyes -- and then realizing with embarrassment that the door wasn't actually closed! She blinks at sight of the two men, blushing slightly, "Oh! I -- I'm s-so sorry! I-is, er -- is my singing too loud? Am I annoying the others?" Having had absolutely no musical training, and a rather negative upbringing, it simply doesn't occur to Cinnamon that anyone might find her voice appealing, or her singing pleasant.

Shane smiles and leans in the doorway as Quinn steps completely into the room, "On the contrary, lass. It was lovely to hear you feeling safe and comfortable enough to be singing. The first time you were here I managed to terrify you -- and that is never what I meant to do. It is a regret, and I am glad you have apparently forgiven me."

Cinnamon blinks again, one hand rising to her throat as she blushes even more hotly, "Oh, I, uhmmm... er, I m-mean... w-well, I didn't mean t-to be... terrified...?" She looks wry as even she realizes just how lame that sounds, then grins weakly, "So, uhmmm... oh! W-what can I do for you this morning?"

Quinn leans back against the wall by the door. Neither man gives the impression of trying to block anyone in or be intimidating. In fact, the body language makes both of them loom less -- which is a relief to Cinnamon -- she's not used to males wanting her to feel at ease! Quinn smiles again, "I wanted to do the official diplomat thing, lass: invite you and your folk back any time you'd like -- you, Veles, and Spice. Thorn and the Havvarger too, of course, but I'll be extending those invites myself."

Cinnamon blinks slowly at that, considering... then she glances surreptitiously at Shane, checking to be sure Quinn doesn't yet know of the young folks' plans -- because if he doesn't (and Shane's relaxed, subtle head shake says his father doesn't yet know), then... this is really real! They really like her -- and her family! -- and they're really sincere about the invite! They're not just saying it to be polite! She blinks again... and then her face lights up in a huge and surprisingly lovely smile, "Really!? Oh, that is so nice of you all! Thank you both so much!"

Quinn is still smiling, while Shane's eyes are twinkling with amusement. Quinn laughs, teasing a little, "Don't thank me. Saoirse would give me a drubbing if I was rude and didn't invite such lovely folk back."

Cinnamon giggles a bit self-consciously at that, then beams, "Still, it's really nice that you're inviting us back because you want to -- because you like us, you know? Not just... not just to be polite?" She happily adds, "You're much nicer than I expected, too! So, shall we all go get breakfast?"

Shane steps out of the doorway and smiles, "We'll meet you there, acushla. I think da' wanted to speak to Thorn too."

Cinnamon beams and waves, "OK! See you soon!"

A few minutes later father and son are tapping on Thorn's door, while also continuing to discuss the plan for getting back out to Galway and the inn. Thorn opens the door and blinks in surprise, "Quinn! Shane! Good morning! What can I do for you?"

Quinn smiles, "You and all the others visiting have already done a great lot, lad. I came to let you know that you're welcome back any time you'd like. In fact, we'd love to see ye again -- and not just because we occasionally need someone to work on folks what need a little more than some first aid."

Thorn smiles, bowing his head slightly, "I understand, and thank you! I'm just glad we could help. But it is a beautiful trod, and I look forward to visiting again sometime!"

Quinn smiles and squeezes one of Thorn's shoulders, "Hell. Come back just for a visit if you want. Ireland's a good stopover on the way to Germany if you're ever sent to visit Elm."

Thorn smiles quietly and nods, "I will, thank you! Even if I don't have to go to Elm."

Quinn gives another squeeze and pats Thorn's shoulder, "And tomorrow we all load up and take you back to Galway and th' Valkyrie for the trip to Wales. It's beautiful there... an' now I've got a werewolf alpha and ship's captain to speak with." Thorn thanks Quinn gratefully once again, honored by his trust -- and also asks the sidhe to please let him know if they have need of a healer.

Cinnamon has a lovely day just relaxing and enjoying herself with no stressors or duties left to perform. It's in the afternoon, in fact, that she finds herself sitting by the fire and making notes on her computer... and finds herself with a few questions in mind. She looks up to see who's there, that might be willing to chat with her. Since they're leaving the next day, every visitor to the trod is in the main hall so people can find them to say goodbye or just speak with them for a few minutes. Most of the trod's guardians are there as well, along with Quinn and Saoirse. It would be rude, after all, for the Chieftain and the elder to absent themselves. Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully as she sees the two elders near each other... so after a moment she says a bit hesitantly, "Um... Jaeger and Saoirse? If, er, you d-don't mind my asking... how do you become elders? Is it just once you become the oldest in your trod?" Thorn perks his ears for the answer. He's been curious about that as well.

Jaeger and Saoirse both turn toward Cinnamon at the questions, and Saoirse smiles, "Not necessarily. I mean, I am the eldest here, but I'm also one of the eldest beansidhe left in existence. But I, along with two others, was elder of this trod when there were still people older than me living here."

Jaeger also nods, "I'm not the eldest in Elm -- neither in the US nor in Germany. But the handful of those who are older than me have no desire to be any sort of decision-makers."

Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully again, "So it's... as much willingness to take the job, as age and experience? And... I'm guessing there are as many elders in a trod as there are qualified folks willing to do so?"

Saoirse nods and smiles, "Aye. I know most trods try to keep it to an uneven number, as well. That's why Holly has three. Oak has five, and Ash has seven."

Cinnamon huhs thoughtfully, glancing down at her screen and making a note or two... then she looks up at Jaeger and beams excitedly, "Let me guess: German elves are different, and that's why you have two in Elm?" She pauses, considering again, then curiously adds, "Is it a German elf thing to despise humans, too?"

Saoirse's voice is wry and amused, "If that were so, Killian and his get wouldn't have been trying to eliminate people to swing the vote around."

Jaeger smiles quietly, "There are two in Elm only because one of them stepped down a few decades back."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Saoirse, pushing her glasses up, "Er... I'm sorry, ma'am; if what were so?" She nods to Jaeger, wondering absently if her second guess is correct, but the elder is too polite to say so in a room that has humans in it.

Jaeger sees the confusion, thinks back, and clarifies, "Nein, it is not a German elf thing to despise humans. I think Saoirse is saying that if despising humans were a German elf thing, then Killian wouldn't also despise them." He adds amusedly, "Though there was a time where I saw them as lesser. Indeed, there was a time that many in the supernatural community did."

Cinnamon ahs! as she comprehends Saoirse's point, and nods happily, listening with interest as Jaeger explains. "Ok, so Marcus's attitude towards them is... common, but not ubiquitous? So... okay, then: what changed your mind, please, Jaeger?"

Jaeger is holding a cup of some kind of fragrant tea in both hands as he considers how to answer, "I started leaving Coblyn and the trod more often. Sometimes with your grandfather, sometimes with others. I got to see how the humans are faring today. They have some amazing things. They are not, as used to be the common thought, merely cattle -- nor are they stupid. They are sometimes violent, greedy, and hateful, of course... but so is any other race of beings, at times."

Cinnamon brightens at news of her greatsire being a good diplomat, listening carefully... then she cheerfully asks, "So... are you going to do that with Marcus too, then? Take him out into the human world more, I mean?" A bit sheepishly she adds, "I, um, didn't know he was nervous about doing so, that first time we left Coblyn. I'm sorry if it scared him -- I didn't mean to!"

Jaeger snorts in the way that only a parent half-amused and half-exasperated by a child can, "There are times he's perfectly happy to be out in the human world. But he's also young and impetuous at times. Hot-headed, even."

Cinnamon giggles, blushing slightly as she tries to cover it -- but then she excitedly adds, "I, um, I was wondering! I know you and Marcus are, like, really trained in diplomacy and stuff, and are going to go talk to the French Basque rogues soon, right? So, um..." she grins hopefully, "I was wondering...? -if I could come along and watch, so I can learn too? Please?"

Jaeger smiles. Cinnamon's occasional flashes of very youthful exuberance are sweet, he thinks, "Of course you may, if you wish."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, almost bouncing in her seat, "Yay! Thank you so much, Jaeger! I promise I'll be very quiet and do exactly what you tell me to, so I don't mess anything up!" She happily types a very swift note to herself, then beams up at Jaeger and Saoirse again, "So... so how come you two don't think you get to be the boss? How come you believe in -- in serving your people, instead of ruling them? Is... is the way Killian is normal, and you two are unusual? Or... what?"

Saoirse says wryly, "Elders which endeavor to become tyrants... well, in the past they sometimes suddenly stopped being elders -- and suddenly started being quite dead! Sane elders realize what they must do is make sure the trod is healthy, because an unhealthy trod kills its people. Tyrants don't care about that. They have the insane idea that they can keep taking and there will a bottomless well of people and resources and adulation to draw from." Gravely she adds, "But tyrants also cause slow, painful attrition to their people." Cinnamon nods interestedly at Saoirse's comment -- she can understand that!

Jaeger smiles quietly, "Elders should be like parents, not rulers. Yes, we do set rules and such for our people. But that's no different than a parent setting rules like 'don't touch the stove' for their children." Cinnamon blinks, then unwittingly shutters down a bit at thinking of elders as parents. To her, that's a very unhealthy relationship -- to the point that she's still not figured out how it is that Shane and his father can get along so well! Maybe... maybe it has something to do with his parents being in love? She considers that for a moment, and the conversation rambles onwards in a relaxedly organic manner. Cinnamon finds it a very pleasant, calming, and educational evening, all in all.

The next day the little group of various and sundry personages are sent off with food and gifts for the journey back to Galway, and the little inn where they stayed upon arrival. For this journey there's much more cheer -- and while Aisling chooses to spend some time relaxing in Rowan, Quinn comes along with them, cheerfully explaining, "It's been decades since I left the trod -- and now twice in a week? I feel quite giddy!"

Cinnamon giggles at that, her eyes sparkling, "So you're happy the treaty got changed, then -- yay!" She's almost jittery with nervous excitement, even despite the hiking portion of the trip back to Galway -- she really hopes everything goes wonderfully, as far as Janet's arrival! Indeed, she finds herself having to stifle excited giggles every time she glances at either Shane or Quinn. The trip goes with much laughing and some singing, which Cinnamon shyly joins in with -- and enjoys herself more than she expected to! There are no radios in the horse-drawn wagons, after all.

When the travelers finally reach the Galway inn, Quinn is laughing and telling a story about when he was a boy and got caught filching blackcurrant jam from Eirich. He's backing through the door and turns around as he gets into the little taproom/pub -- then stops mid-sentence, stock-still and staring. Cinnamon goes still and alert, watching intently and with an excited grin on her face -- is it Janet he sees?! She doesn't realize that Spice, Josie, and Shane are all doing the same, in fact!

Sitting at one of the tables is a woman. She looks to be in her late 40s, but she's still lovely. Her dark hair is shot with silver and her blue eyes are nested in laugh lines. In fact, she's laughing at something the innkeeper is saying -- which makes it clear to anyone where Shane gets his smile and his way with people. Quinn stares for a moment... then almost whispers, "Janet?"

Cinnamon's eyes widen with excitement, and she covers her mouth with both hands, her glee feeling so immense that she needs to stifle the urge to squeal and jump up and down! She hastily tiptoes forward so she can peek through the doorway and see the (hopefully wonderful!) reunion! Shane is being as quiet and still and unobtrusive as someone of his build can be.

The word was too quiet to be heard the first time -- but the second time, Quinn's voice is clear, "Janet? Is it..." He's stopped about halfway across the floor, as if he's afraid getting too close will dispel some wonderful illusion.

The second time Quinn speaks, the woman turns toward him and starts to say something -- but then she stops, with both hands covering her open mouth. There's a moment of silence before tears well in her eyes, and she stands abruptly, "Quinn? My Quinn?"

Cinnamon takes a big, enormously pleased breath... then blinks in a bit of surprise as she feels happy tears welling up in her eyes! She beams up at Shane, then hastily turns back to keep watching. For Shane, this is the first time in his life he's seen his parents in the same room -- he's holding his breath! It's clear to everyone that these two people, separated for almost three decades, are still madly in love. Quinn takes an almost hesitant step forward, saying, "Lass... how...?" only to have Janet fling herself at him and kiss him to silence. She's trim and only an inch or two taller than Cinnamon -- and Quinn lifts her off her feet for that hello kiss.

Cinnamon sighs happily as she leans against the doorframe, her hugely beaming smile getting almost dreamy -- this is even better than all the romantic bits in the urban fantasies she loves reading! Thorn smiles quietly, staying in the doorway with Cinnamon as he watches the reunion. "I don't know how you managed it," he whispers to the little dragon, "but I think they both like it!"

Cinnamon laughs softly, patting Thorn's arm several times in her delight, "I agree! But... wasn't really me, Thorny -- was that they're both really in love! Just like Shane said!"

The kiss goes on... and on... and on. When the pair of them finally come up for air there's no talking, just wondering staring... right up until Shane clears his throat and says softly, "Welcome to Ireland, mom." That's when Janet finally notices her son! She laughs, blinking back happy tears as she hugs him tightly, scolding lovingly about not warning her.

Cinnamon laughs softly as she watches, her eyes shining -- she's so happy this worked out so well! Without thinking, she impulsively turns and hugs Spice, whispering, "Isn't this awesome?! Thanks so much for making it happen!"

Spice grins and hugs Cinnamon, "The fuck you mean me? You and Thorn are the folks that helped clear it for Quinn to be able to leave."

Thorn laughs quietly and holds up his hands, "It was all Cinnamon's doing... but yes, we should let them have their time."

Cinnamon giggles, bouncing slightly on her toes as she replies, "You took care of all the hard stuff -- ordering the tickets and getting them paid for! Honestly, I think it was really Shane, too, who cleared it." She sighs happily as she glances into the taproom again... then giggles! "Maybe we should tiptoe away and leave 'em to it?" She beams one more time into the taproom, murmuring, "This is so incredibly sweet!" -- then grins and nods, "Let's go get our rooms... we're supposed to spend the night and leave in the morning, right?" She tiptoes into the taproom, trying to move quietly around the edge of the room so she doesn't interrupt the reunited lovers. The beaming innkeeper gives them all their keys to go up to their rooms, while Shane gently disentangles himself from his mother and turns her back toward Quinn. Thorn too collects his key from the innkeeper, smiling quietly at the sight of the two lovers... then Shane and he quietly follow Cinnamon out.

As they're walking along the upstairs hallway, Shane is grinning like a fool, "Wow. Just... wow!"

Cinnamon opens room doors, then turns and giggles delightedly, hugging Shane, "That was so incredibly nice!" She's still thrilled at how happy the two reunited lovers looked at sight of each other! "Wasn't it cute how right you were? They didn't have eyes for anyone but each other -- even as we tiptoed through and got our keys!"

Shane laughs and sits down on the edge of the nearest bed, "I knew they were in love. You could see it when they talked about one another -- but... wow!"

Thorn heads into his room as well, sitting on the bed and reflecting on the events of the past several days -- they've been very fruitful! He'll be going into the next Council meeting with a lot more positivity, he suspects. Abruptly he feels extremely exhausted, lying down and promising himself that he'll get changed for sleep in a moment or two... he doesn't get that far.

It's the next morning when Arvid checks the tide charts and lets the group know that it will be early afternoon before the ship can put out to sea for the trip to Wales. Early that morning is also the first that anyone sees Quinn and Janet again. They're sitting in a little nook in the taproom of the inn when people begin to filter downstairs to get ready to re-board Valkyrie. Cinnamon gets an almost sappily goofy grin on her face when she spots the couple, and she squeezes Spice's hand as she whispers, "Ohmygosh aren't they the most wonderful thing?!"

Thorn gives a quiet grin as he sees Janet and Quinn in the nook. He's glad the reunion went off so well! Though he wonders what the two are going to do next. Quinn and Janet are sitting across a table from one another, holding hands across it and speaking quietly. Their eyes don't leave one another's faces until Shane moves over and slides in beside his mum in the booth, eyes twinkling. The little family talks quietly and with a lot of smiling. Spice laughs, "Fuck yes, they are. That's the kinda shit you only see in sappy romcoms."

Cinnamon giggles and bouncies excitedly on her toes, "I know, right?! Awesomesauce!" She sighs happily, her eyes shining as she adds, "I wanna have that kind of sappy romcom love affair someday!"

Spice snorts, "Eh. Depends on the romcom." She looks across the room at where Josie is chatting with Arvid, "Mine's sorta the queer urban-fantasy one. Really niche stuff, y'know?"

Cinnamon giggles and squeezes Spice's hand again as they head towards Josie, "Oh, that one's awesomesauce too, Spice -- you don't have to be in a niche, as far as I'm concerned!" Spice grins -- and then the barman is starting to herd people toward tables, saying they can't eat a proper breakfast standing up like that! The meal turns out to a full Irish breakfast, and most of it is fried. There's black pudding, white pudding, bangers, fried eggs, fried tomatoes, bacon, sauteed mushrooms -- even the bread is fried, instead of toasted, before being slathered with butter. Cinnamon has learned by now to not ask what everything is! Instead she eats a full breakfast with pleasure, exclaiming happily at how good everything tastes! She figures even if she gets ill again for the first day of sailing, then by gum she's going to enjoy her last meal today!

When it's time to leave, Quinn and Janet are finally able to pull out of their intense involvement with one another to wish everyone a safe trip. Quinn is beaming and Janet is also all smiles. Seeing them together fills in the missing parts of where Shane got his looks. Quinn's arm is around Janet's shoulder and Janet's arm is around Quinn's waist. They're both very happy to thank everyone for making this possible. Janet smiles, "Quinn is going to take me to see his home. He says you'll all be back in a couple of weeks?"

Cinnamon beams happily at the couple, her eyes shining with excitement... then blinks as it registers: she was asked a question! "Oh! Uhh... oh, right! Right, um, yeah! We will!" She giggles, adding, "Have a wonderful time, you two!"

Quinn's eyes are twinkling with mischief as he says, "Oh, we will. We might even actually make it out of th' bedroom for a day or two so she can meet everyone." That makes Janet laugh and gently slap his arm -- though she does not, however, deny his assessment! Cinnamon giggles even as she blushes hotly! Thorn wishes Janet and Quinn all the best, happiness and well-wishes as well. They really do make an adorable couple, and he's glad that he can see them together again. Everyone gets hugs before they head out to Valkyrie to get going. Janet and Quinn wait until the party is out of sight of the inn before turning back to disappear inside.

Once they're all heading for the Valkyrie, Arvid smiles, "They're like wolves, they are."

Cinnamon glances curiously up at Arvid, "How d'you mean, please?" A heartbeat later she startledly adds, "Oh! Like... mating for life, maybe?"

Arvid nods and smiles, "Ja. Mating for life. They have been gone from one another for how long? Decades?"

He looks over at Shane, who says, "Over twenty-five years. More than a quarter-decade."

Arvid nods, "But that love? That is the kind of thing that is true."

Cinnamon sighs happily, clasping her hands under her chin, "Isn't it awesome?! Up till now I'd only read about things like that!"

Shane grins, "Most people have only ever read about or seen relationships like that in movies."

Veles goes his separate way, a couple of miles from the inn. He'll be taking a plane to Bulgaria, and will meet them all back here later. Cinnamon gives him a hug and wishes him a lovely reunion with his family! She also whispers nervously: he'll call her if the dragon is willing to talk to her, right? Please? She beams when he smiles his crooked smile and reassures her that he's not forgotten. He promises he will call whether or not the smok will speak with her, in fact.

The cruise to Wales is short and easy in the extreme, compared to the crossing from Boston. They do have to wait for the tide to come into port at Aberdyfi, which Shane explains is pronounced much like 'Abberduvvy.' There's the same checking of passports and papers, since Ireland isn't part of the UK, and Wales is. The street signs are all bilingual -- they may say 'Oak Street,' but that is beneath 'Stryd Dderw.' They also hear a lot of people speaking Welsh. Jaeger explains, "The Welsh are very proud and attached to their language. It was almost wiped out."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, bouncing on her toes as she exclaims, "Oh, it's just like the language lessons too -- yayness! I can understand it!" She happily adds, "It's such a lovely, fluid tongue!"

Thorn blinks to Cinnamon. "Just how many languages do you speak, now?" he asks, laughing.

Cinnamon beams excitedly at Thorn, "Uh...? Um..." She pauses, counting on her fingers, "Well, English, of course. Also... um, slightly archaic Italian, Irish, French, Welsh, Melanesian pidgin, Greenlandic, and... um, I think that's it so far?" Apologetically she adds, "I'm still working on Greek and Hawaiian -- I want to be able to talk to all the folks I'm supposed to be representing! I don't want them to regret having me as their Councilor, you know?" She grins as she nods towards Shane, "He was the one that got me started, in fact -- Shane told me that all the other Councilors spoke multiple languages! So I figured I better get a hustle on!"

Shane chuckles at that, "All of the other councilors are at least bilingual, yes, and many are polyglots."

This time, most of the Havvarger stay on board Valkyrie, but Fraser and Rafe come with the group to the hotel where they're staying. It's another 'cozy inn' sort of a place, though the person behind the bar is shorter and stouter than the one in Galway. Cinnamon is enchanted! This lovely realm is where her ancestor Liam came from... and it's so pretty! She walks slowly, her delighted gaze traveling back and forth as she looks around at everything she can... to the point that occasionally someone has to put out a hand to keep her from wandering unwittingly off! Thorn doesn't have the connection to Wales that Cinnamon does, but it's a lovely part of the world. It was treated poorly during the Thatcher years, so he's glad to see that it's doing at least a little better; the place deserves happiness. Shane is grinning at the way Cinnamon is transfixed, "I felt that way the whole time I was traveling in the British Isles the first time. But I was seventeen or eighteen at the time."

Cinnamon giggles and blushes, "Well, okay, maybe I should be... less excited? But -- but it's my first time here -- out of the States!"

The innkeeper at their hotel greets them all with their chosen rather than their legal names -- Spice made reservations using the aliases, after all. The innkeeper seems to have no need to see any kind of ID, but he does have them sign a guest register. The signatures before theirs are two-part: a name followed by a sigil. He brought this register from beneath the counter and set it atop the register that was already there, that seemed to be filled with mundane names. Thorn is a little surprised. How did the innkeeper know to use the register for, ah, more supernatural guests?

The 'normal' register beneath the 'secret' one shows a last guest more than six months ago. The one on top shows a last guest sign-in two days ago, with sign-out yesterday. The sigil on that one looks like an oak leaf. Spice grins as she notices the looks of surprise, voice quiet as she says, "I asked the innkeeper back in Galway for suggestions..."

Cinnamon beams, her voice impressed, "Oh, wow -- that's really smart, Spice!" She happily adds, "This'll make it easier for all of us too, I bet!"

The innkeeper laughs! His voice has those lovely, round Welsh vowels when he speaks, and his voice is a bass rumble that seems almost too large for his 5'5" frame, "Aye. He gave me a call to vouch for ye, too. We're lucky t' have rooms enow for ye all."

Cinnamon beams excitedly at the innkeep, "Thank you so much! This is so exciting -- do you have any suggestions on places to visit for folks who're interested in the supernatural, sir?"

Thorn brightens at Spice's explanation, "Thank you, Spice! And thank you, too, sir!" he adds to the innkeeeper.

The innkeeper smiles as they each sign in with their nom de guerre and their sigils. Then he examines them, rumbling, "Elmtrod? We've not had any of Elm in decades, sir."

Jaeger smiles, "We've been somewhat insular. To our shame."

The innkeeper also looks Thorn over, nodding once, "Not so much now, I think, an' that's a good thing. As for sights you might see, there's a small enclave in Llanelli you might like to visit. Nowhere near the size of the one in London, of course."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, "An... enclave? Like a place where folks are currently living?"

The innkeeper nods, "That'd be the way of it, aye. It's an old one, established when the folk here started traveling to the other islands and to the continent."

Cinnamon ooohs excitedly, "Maybe they knew Liam!" She beams at her friends, "Shall we go there tomorrow, maybe?"

The innkeeper raises an eyebrow, "Liam? Which Liam?"

Cinnamon says, "Umm... Liam who just died recently? He was one of the global council?"

The innkeeper smiles, "Liam Connelly, aye? The dragon? They'll know him there, yes." He starts to flip through the register. It takes a dozen pages before he finds what he's looking for, "There we are!" The line shows Liam's name and a sigil. The sigil is a flame encircled by a pair of wings.

Cinnamon gasps in shock, her eyes wide... then stares avidly at the little sigil. Tracing it gently -- almost reverently -- with one finger, she feels her eyes tearing up -- he wrote this! He was here once... where she's standing now! She whispers softly, "Hi, Liam..." then has to swallow hard. She looks up at the innkeeper, blinking back tears and smiling shakily at him. "Thank you..."

The innkeeper is surprised at the reaction, "F'give me, lass. I didn't mean to make you cry..."

Shane says quietly, "She's his granddaughter."

The innkeeper blinks, then breaks into a broad smile, "The little girl that likes books!"

Cinnamon blinks again as she's pushing up her glasses -- and then, despite the smile, the tears start rolling down her face, "H-he said that about me?" She sniffles, her shaky smile almost beaming as it really, finally hits her: he really was proud of her! She laughs a bit, her voice quavering, "Oh, dear... I d-didn't mean to c-cry..." She sniffles again, rootling around in her backpack for Kleenex as she mumbles embarrassedly, "S-sorry, everyone..."

The innkeeper offers Cinnamon a handkerchief, "Oh, yes, he said that about you. I was reading something... mostly because it made me laugh: a fairy tale for humans. Liam saw it and smiled and said 'My granddaughter likes those books.'"

Thorn smiles quietly to Cinnamon. "It's all right," he says gently.

Cinnamon smiles shakily up at the innkeeper as she accepts the hankie, "Thank you. Was it Narnia?" She wipes her eyes and cleans her glasses... then smiles a bit tremulously at Thorn. "You know, Thorny, I think... I think it really is all right... finally."

Thorn's smile widens, "I'm glad," he says simply.

The innkeeper nods and laughs, "That's the one! I was reading the one about the ship."

Cinnamon grins happily, "The Dawn Treader! The second book, yes." She sighs quietly as she glances again at the signature, her smile soft... then she pulls out her cell phone and takes a photo of the signature. "There. I may not be able to have him, but I can have things he wrote, at least!" She sighs happily again, then grins at the others, "Well! Let's go settle our stuff, and then we can get together again over dinner and decide what's next! Sound good?"

The rooms are just as cozy -- and fae friendly -- as the place in Galway. The plumbing fittings are all copper and porcelain. There are no steel or iron knobs on anything. Even the doorknobs are copper or brass. There's electricity, but there are no telephones in the rooms. Cinnamon is enchanted all over again with the cozy little inn! As she settles her stuff into the room, she happily entertains herself with trying to imagine Liam in one of the rooms... maybe even the two of them talking together! She could tell him about her research, and he could explain how things work with the supernaturals... Cinnamon has to wipe away another tear or two, but on the whole they're happy tears. She feels oddly closer to Liam here... and hopefully soon she'll get to hear stories about him too, from these folks in... Llanelli, wasn't it? That'll be fun too!

When they come down to dinner, the barmaid is diminutive and homely, but she has a warm and friendly smile as she carries in plates and silverware and glasses. There's no menu, which makes Jaeger laugh warmly, "This reminds me of how inns used to be! You didn't order food -- you ate what the innkeeper's wife cooked that day."

Cinnamon grins at Jaeger, "Were they usually good cooks?"

Jaeger laughs again, "Usually! Inns got to be well-known by the wife's larder-keeping and cooking. An innkeep whose wife couldn't cook didn't get much custom." Cinnamon giggles at that! She's finding herself getting nervously excited at the prospect of getting to meet more folks -- in Wales, even! -- who also knew her great grandsire. Thorn doesn't have the connection that Cinnamon does, but he's comfortable all the same. It's a lovely part of the UK... and that Liam stayed here before is such a nice coincidence! He's glad they were directed here, and that the innkeeper remembered Liam.

During dinner there is some discussion of how to get to Llanelli. Jaeger considers, "That's two to four hours in a car or a bus... or even a train. Very ferrous vehicles, all of them. I can handle that if you wish me to come with. The enclave he's talking about is perhaps a quarter the size of Coblyn... if that."

Thorn frowns slightly, "That's also an awful long time surrounded by ferrous metal. Isn't there a better way?

Fraser mms, "We can take Valkyrie down around the coast... it'll take four hours or so if we have a really good wind. Bit longer if we've bad luck with the breeze. But it'll be much safer than a train for Jaeger."

Cinnamon smiles, "Works for me! Jaeger, everyone, how's that sound?" She's delighted -- she enjoys traveling aboard the Valkyrie!

Shane agrees that it seems like an excellent idea. Jaeger does as well, "And I can ride back up with the ship if you want to take a more leisurely route around the countryside and go back."

As always, they have to wait for the tide, but that gives them a little time to explore the village. Aberdyfi is a lot more rustic than Galway, and has more of the feeling that you're still early in the last century. Shane points out a couple of things that are lovely, then grins, "I'm almost surprised you don't know a little about this place, Cinnamon. It's talked about in the 'Dark is Rising' sequence -- the one where Will spends a summer in Wales."

Cinnamon gasps in shock at that, "Oh, wow, Shane! I didn't realize -- that is so cool!" Her eyes are shining with excitement as she stares around her, absently adding, "Context is so important, right?!" They have time to grab a quick meal in another inn in town, though this one is quite obviously run by humans, so there's a lot of steel around. Jaeger chooses to spend that time on Valkyrie.

Once everyone is aboard the ship, the wind is brisk and the wooden vessel almost seems to skip over the waves. Arvid keeps her in close to the coast so they can watch the countryside as they travel. It's getting dark by the time they come into port at Llanelli, but they somehow manage to not have to speak with customs despite sounding distinctly Not British and the ship flying a foreign flag. Once on land again, Shane takes out the directions they were given to get to the enclave. Cinnamon is tremendously excited -- to her, this is just like an urban fantasy adventure! She giggles as she whispers to Spice, "If we see someone with a light on over their head, d'you think we should take the sidequest?"

Spice snorts, "Never do the side quests until you've finished the game. Then you go back and take all the fuckin' time you want."

Fraser chuckles, "If you see someone with a light over their head, it may well be a coblynau with a headlamp."

The little group discovers this enclave is not like Coblyn, with its trap street -- instead the locals have built all around the building, which turns out to be the type of place some would call an antiques store, and others would simply call a junk shop. It's dusty and uninviting-looking, with grimy windows and faded paintwork... and, as it turns out, visitors must go through it and past guards in order to get in. Thorn is fascinated that they built around their enclave. He reasons there have to be other entrances and exits -- it'd be an adventure in and of itself to try to find them! Shane grins at the shop, "You know what this reminds me of?"

Cinnamon blinks in fascination at Fraser, her eyes bright with excitement, "What's a coblynau, Fraser? Is it Scots?" then grins with enthusiasm at Shane, "What?!"

Fraser shakes his head, "Nah. Welsh version of a Knocker." He motions around, "There's a lot of coal in Wales. It's why the name Collier spread here, even though it's English."

Shane grins at Cinnamon, "It reminds me of the description of the angel's bookshop in Good Omens. He made it as unpleasant as possible so people wouldn't actually buy books."

Cinnamon blinks again, "What's a knocker, please? Is it like, umm... like a poltergeist or something?" She laughs delightedly at Shane's reply, looking around with delight as she mentally adjusts her internal picture of the fictitious bookshop to more closely appear like this one... then adds firmly, "This time I won't be scared, too!" She mentally crosses her fingers, reminding herself that she herself is a big scary dragon -- so there's no need for her to fear!

Fraser says, "I think they call 'em tommyknockers in the US. Mischievous little folk. Live in mines. 'Bout yea tall." He holds his hand down indicating someone no more than three or four feet tall.

When they open the door they hear the clunking ring of a bell with a truly unpleasant tone. There are piles of random... stuff... everywhere. Almost none of it looks like anything someone might want to buy. The woman behind the counter has the kind of expression that sometimes gets called 'resting bitch face.' She scowls as there are suddenly several strangers in the shop, "What d'ye want?"

Cinnamon laughs as she looks around, then beams at Shane, "Oh, it's perfect!" She grins excitedly at the woman, "Hello! We're, er..." She pauses, glancing back at Shane again, "Is it okay to just blurt it out?"

Shane laughs, "Well, we sure don't want to buy anything! Did you dig this lot up from the local midden?"

He winks at Cinnamon as he says it and the woman's expression changes to a smile, "Oh, aye. Mostly. If I had anything good in here, I'd never keep all the nosy humans out. Tourists are a strange lot."

Cinnamon giggles in spite of herself at Shane! She turns and beams at the woman, "Well, nice to meet you, and we're actually looking for the, er, fey enclave here!" Thorn is surprised and impressed. This entrance to the enclave is really well-disguised, and the guardian of it is very good at her job!

The woman laughs, "Oh, I figgered that, lass." She comes out from behind the counter and shuffles to the door, engaging a couple of locks before she turns to what looks like a very precariously stacked bookshelf. She gives it a nudge and it glides smoothly out of the way... to reveal a tidy, well-lit brick and cobblestone tunnel -- along with an alcove in which sits a troll. This one is smaller than Hans and doesn't appear nearly so aggressive. He looks the visitors over, then glances at the first guardian. The old woman nods, and the troll waves them through.

Cinnamon beams and waves at the troll as she pads along with the others, "Nice to meet you! Have a nice day!" The troll actually smiles... though it's not a very reassuring one. There are what look like tusks and some very jagged teeth. He doesn't speak. Cinnamon looks around in fascination as she passes through the 'bookcase,' wondering how it slides so delicately. Clearly it's really good craftsmanship! Thorn too thanks the guardian, and greets and thanks the troll, as they are let in through the... bookcase secret passage? That's awesome -- almost as awesome as the ward that protects Coblyn Street!

The tunnel goes on for about twenty feet before they encounter another heavy door. This one has two guards. One may be another Fomorian, since he -- or maybe she -- has the head of a big cat of some kind. The other is obviously gealsidhe to anyone who knows what gealsidhe are like. She's of the redheaded variety with green eyes, and the delicate ears are very visible due to her hair being cut into an almost military style. She steps forward and asks them to sign a register with name and sigil, and also tells them where to find the Registrar, should they wish to register their sigil with the enclave. Cinnamon brightens at that, pleased that she thought ahead (like Thorn did) to bring along an official note from Llewellyn -- this way she'll not only be official... she'll also have some spending money available to her here! She's happy to sign the register when the gealsidhe asks them to. The little dragon is still young and new enough that signing her lovely little sigil is quite exciting!

As Shane signs, the gealsidhe looks at him, "Rowantrod... Quinn's get?"

Cinnamon grins at Shane, pleased that he's getting what she considers to be well-deserved recognition! Shane nods, "That's me."

The gealsidhe laughs warmly, "Oh he's bragged on you, lad." Thorn's signature gets a similar looking over and he gets examined by her, "You I don't know of. Are ye like Shane? Half-breed?"

Thorn shakes his head, smiling quietly, "No, I'm not, actually. I'm a magus, a healer -- sworn to Athala of Elmtrod."

The gealsidhe nods, then notices Jaeger is also Elmtrod, and greets him by saying it's nice to see more of Elm around. Fraser grins broadly at the guard when she gets to his name -- he's the only wolf besides Josie who came along this time. She mms, "Havvarger... I think I met a clanmate of yours a century or two ago. Glad to hear it hasn't died out." Thorn blinks in surprise at that; he didn't know the Havvarger would be recognized here. When she gets to Cinnamon and Spice, the gealsidhe tips her head, "This clan name I don't know." Her eyes move over Spice and Cinnamon as if trying to figure out what type of being they might be.

Cinnamon grins cheerfully at the gealsidhe, "We're, um... kinda new?" She glances inquiringly at Spice -- does that sound about right? Spice nods and grins, letting the bosslady lead the way.

The gealsidhe is furrowing her brows, obviously still a little stymied, as Jaeger puts an arm on Cinnamon's shoulder and murmurs, "Your grandfather..."

Cinnamon wonders excitedly what the gealsidhe will guess she is! She blinks up at Jaeger, smiling in puzzlement, "Yes?" For a split second she wonders: is there some... some magical code word or signal or something that she should be giving here, that she doesn't know because Liam died before meeting her?! A heartbeat later, though, she reassures herself: he'd have written it down for her, if there was one! So... there must not be one.

The gealsidhe eventually shakes her head, "I'm off my game today." She chuckles, "The registrar will need to know species for the records if you do register here. Especially as you're a new clan."

Cinnamon beams at the woman, but then checks visually with Jaeger again -- what was he trying to communicate to her? Jaeger smiles and says, "Her grandfather used to visit here."

Cinnamon blinks up at Jaeger, eyes widening, "He did?! Whoa, did you come with him -- is that how you know?!"

Jaeger smiles again and shakes his head, "No. But he told me of it. Besides, this whole country was once his home."

Cinnamon sighs a bit at that, her gaze wistful as she turns back towards the gealsidhe. She would so have loved to come here with Liam -- to find out all the places he loved and remembered with fondness! She takes a deep breath, then smiles determinedly at the woman, "Well. Maybe you knew him... Liam? Connelly?"

Both guards' faces light up, "Oh! Aye!" The Fomorian's voice is almost like gravel rubbing together with sand, "He was a good 'un! We were sad to hear of his passing."

The gealsidhe smiles and closes her book, "Ahh. Yes. You've got his eyes." She stands and opens the heavy door, then says, "Step very carefully over that stone there..." She indicates one of the cobblestones. Cinnamon's smile gets wistful again at the Formorian's comment, but she nods quietly to the gealsidhe and does as directed. Thorn eyes the cobblestone in question curiously as he steps over it as directed, following after Cinnamon. He wonders what it does.

As they step through the doorway and over that cobblestone, both Cinnamon and Thorn glance up and see holes in the heavy stone of the doorframe -- and more holes at the bottom. The openings are staggered so the ones in the floor are between the ones at the top. Because they're both observant and looking carefully, they also spot glints of metal inside the holes -- glints which are shining off of points up there... very much like spearheads! Cinnamon nods once to herself and keeps moving so she doesn't block the way for others. She's curious, though: just how commonly do humans stumble over this place, that it's so heavily warded? After all, to her knowledge there's nothing so dangerous on Coblyn. Once they're through, the portal swings heavily closed. Spice laughs, "Hidden doorways and secret passwords and lots of guards to get past... are we in a goddamned video game?!"

Cinnamon grins wryly at Spice, "I know, right? It makes me wonder why it's so... well, relatively open at Coblyn!"

It's Jaeger who replies, "Coblyn only seems open to you because you were either guided in or given a map. Coblyn's concealment is magical. The concealment here is physical. Because it's physical, it needs physical safeguards." He considers for a moment, "Plus, there were clan wars and insurrections and all manner of danger centuries ago when those safeguards were put in place here."

Thorn frowns a bit, seeing the spear trap -- he's suddenly not so certain about this! "Um... some trouble with unwanted visitors?" he asks.

Cinnamon blinks at Jaeger, "Danger from other supernaturals, then? Huh... is that finally over, now?"

Shane puts an arm around Cinnamon's shoulder, "Acushla, we just came from rooting out a cancer between two trods. No. It's not completely over."

"Oh." Cinnamon blushes, feeling stupid, "Right, I... sorry. Um... so! So, uhh... is this enclave all underground, then?"

When they step through the second portal, they're in what looks like a market... much like the entryway to Coblyn Street. They're outside, under a lovely sky, and the scent of the sea air is brisk. Jaeger shakes his head, "No, just surrounded. Walled, basically." He motions around, "The buildings are divided. There's been some trickery with deeds and so forth, changing the sizes of the things the humans see on the other side."

Cinnamon blinks in startlement as she looks around -- then grins wryly at herself, remembering that first moment of shock and horror in Coblyn! She nods to Jaeger as she stares with interest, guessing, "Same kind of thing to hide from satellites and drones and such, though?"

Jaeger nods, "Though I think the one here is more an illusion overhead. The fiddling of the deeds and city plans means that this area seems fine from the outside. However, it cannot grow the way Coblyn can."

Cinnamon gives Jaeger a surprised glance, "Really? Why not? Can't they do that curving reality thingie here too?" She wonders suddenly if Liam owned any property here. It'd be amazingly cool to be able to come visit! Thorn nods quietly at Jaeger's observation, though... he kind of likes this enclave. Bright light, fresh air... it's not as bustling or cosmopolitan as Coblyn, but it's lovely nonetheless.

Jaeger says, "I don't think they have the people with the correct abilities as permanent residents." He's moving through the market and toward the building that the gealsidhe said was the registrar. Unlike Currier's Hall in Coblyn, the registrar is in a little shopfront with a door that's between a fruiterer and a stall hung with baskets and upside down chairs with caned bottoms.

Cinnamon gives Jaeger a boggled look, "That -- that effect is, is like... constantly refreshed?! Good gracious! What would happen if that person went on vacation somewhere else?!"

Jaeger smiles calmly, "People. There are six of them that I know of, and two of them at any given time are helping to keep the effect in place. Should something happen to one of them, the others fill in until they can find a replacement. It's happened at least once..." Cinnamon sighs with a bit of relief at that news! She makes a mental note to find out more about that ability, though -- if there's something she can do to help, even if it's only with money or food or whatnot, she feels she should! Jaeger opens the door to the storefront, and they are immediately greeted by a trio of black cats. Clearly this shop is much more welcoming and cheery than the one that serves as the gate.

Cinnamon oohs and crouches, "Oh, hello! Aren't you three gorgeous... do you like scritchies? Do you talk?" It seems only courteous to her to check for sapience, all things considered... especially considering where they are! None of the cats seem to talk, but they purr up a storm as they make the rounds, rubbing around every person they can find, and head-bunting aggressively for scritches.

One of them, with long and luxuriant fur, even rolls onto its back and sprawls at Thorn's feet. Thorn blinks, "Huh. I hadn't thought that it was a constantly-maintained effect." He wonders if that's something he should be helping with, if he gets better at magic. He's more than happy to serve his feline overlords -- that is, to give scritches on demand. He crouches down and gives the big cat a healthy belly scritch. He looks around while he does so, wondering where the registrar is.

For once, the belly does not seem to be a trap and the cat's purr ratchets up. As it does, a woman comes in from a back room with an armful of books -- she jumps a little, surprised, "Oh! Hello!" She's quite short and broad and very red of cheek and nose. Her hair is so white it almost glows and her eyes are a piercing blue, "Visitors!"

Cinnamon happily scritches the kitties that stick around for it -- she's wondered more than once, in her solitary life, if she should find a cat or dog, after all. She beams up at the small woman, still scritching kitty ears, "Hello! Are you the registrar?" Thorn is not known to be aware of the feline man-trap that is the offering of the belly for scritches and scratches. He looks up at the woman who enters, smiling warmly as he continues to scritch. This is clearly someone who doesn't believe black cats are unlucky!

The woman puts the books down on the desk -- which is already piled high with books -- and comes around it, offering her hand to people, "Yes! That's me -- Ragna -- and most of you are new! Oh, that's lovely!" Her accent isn't Welsh. In fact, it sounds a lot more like Arvid's than anyone else they've encountered lately. She turns to beam at Jaeger, "You, I know! Welcome back! Are you going to visit home?"

Jaeger nods, "Ja. I shall be visiting home after a day or so here with my friends." He smiles as he adds, "I see you have added to your family."

Ragna laughs, "Oh, you have been gone too long -- these are just the friendly ones!"

Cinnamon grins as she stands up and shakes hands with the woman, "Ragna? Nice to meet you! I'm Cinnamon, and this is..." she goes through the introductions for everyone, then cheerfully adds, "and we'd all like to sign in, please, if we may?" She hopes they'll have time to wander around and explore, as well, though... as she glances back at her companions, Cinnamon finds herself wondering: why would Captain Arvid sent his second in command to hang out with them, instead of, say, Rafe? While the French werewolf can't speak a word of any tongue Thorn knows, he did seem almost obsessed with the human healer... or maybe it's that Arvid didn't want that fixation to increase? Cinnamon blinks at that thought, wondering suddenly as well: is Arvid (like herself) grateful for Thorn's abilities even as he finds them very abruptly -- and creepily -- powerful? That would certainly explain it, if so!

Once everyone is introduced, Ragna works with them to get their sigils registered. It's almost identical to what Llewellyn did on Coblyn, though she examines each sigil with what appears to be a jeweler's loupe after each one has been registered, as if checking something for authenticity. Once that's done, she beams around at everyone, "Welcome to Hafan! Are you all visiting or are any of you staying?"

Cinnamon blinks distractedly at Ragna... then smiles, "Oh, just visiting, mostly. I, um, had relatives here -- it's where they came from, you know? So... I wanted to visit to see what it's like!" She adds a bit shyly, "So do I, um... hand you the note from Llewellyn so I have money available here? Or... what, please?"

Ragna nods and takes the note, reading over it. Her eyes widen a bit, "That is... quite a line of credit!"

Cinnamon looks interested, leaning to look for herself, "It is? Is that... good? Bad?"

Ragna blushes, "Well... it's good. You'll easily be able to buy anything you need here, like... a mansion." That last bit seems like it might be a joke. As she's talking, another cat pads out from the back, using the many stacks of books and boxes to climb up and perch on Ragna's shoulder like a pirate's parrot.

Cinnamon giggles as she watches the cat, then smiles at Ragna, "Well, unless my greatsire already has a place here in Wales that he forgot about, that will remember me, I doubt I'll be purchasing anything that, um... grandiose?"

Ragna smiles, as if hearing that Cinnamon has family here delights her. She tips her head as if listening to the cat on her shoulder, then asks, "Who was your grandfather?"

Cinnamon finds herself both relaxing, and slightly disappointed, the longer she spends in Wales. It appears there's really no link at all left in it to her or her lineage. Not that she expected trumpets and flung flower petals and shouted hosannas the instant she set foot on shore... but she'd wondered about the legends of the red Welsh dragons being iconic of the land -- and, of course, all the bits in 'The Idylls of the King' where the health of the land reflects the king's health, and vice versa. But it looks like Liam's got no connection -- mythic or otherwise -- any more to Wales... which means she has nothing to worry about. She smiles dutifully to Ragna as she replies, "Liam Connally," then adds a bit hesitantly, "um... so, is it rude to ask what your species is, ma'am?"

Ragna blinks. Pauses. Blinks... and then says almost in awe, "You're... you're a dragon? A Welsh dragon? Red and all?"

Cinnamon blinks in surprise at Ragna, pushing her glasses up as she replies, "Er... yes, ma'am? Is that... bad?"

Ragna says "Bad? Why would that be bad? It explains the credit for one thing, but a dragon. One from here! Oh! There is someone who will want to meet you!" She pauses, then circles back in the conversation to add, "I am a dwarf." She pauses, smiling, "And a witch. But my species is dwarf."

Cinnamon blinks again, nodding as she mentally sorts out the replies -- then shakes her head in bemusement, "Er, there is? ...who, if I may ask?" She really hopes there's no white English dragon here in Wales and spoiling for a fight, after all! Or a knight -- she shudders at that thought.

Ragna laughs again. It's a hearty, happy kind of a laugh, "Maerlyn! He will want to meet you."

Cinnamon's eyes widen -- and then she blinks very slowly, unwittingly echoing Ragna, "...Maerlyn... the Merlin?!"

Thorn blinks. "Buh?" is what he manages to get out when Maerlyn's name is so casually dropped.

Ragna smiles, "Well, he says he is, and he has been around as long as anyone living here in Hafan has known -- and we have some very long-lived folk!"

Cinnamon nods slowly, her eyes still wide -- and looking even huger behind her glasses! "Uhh... oka-aay...! That... should be, um... an interesting meeting!" She glances around at Jaeger -- the longer-lived member of her group, "Do you know him?"

Jaeger slowly shakes his head, then adds, "Well, I mean: stories, yes -- I've heard of him there. But I have not met him. I'm not even sure I've heard anyone say that name outside of stories in.... centuries! Though... I know the historical one was said to be a recluse."

Cinnamon raises an eyebrow, curiously reassured by his response -- because this says to her that the one here is probably not the 'real' Merlin. "Huh. Well, okay!" She grins at Ragna, "So do I have to make an appointment, or what, to see the guy?"

Ragna shakes her head, "Oh, no! But I will send a letter." She pauses and looks Thorn over, then asks, "Where is your companion?" His companion -- if she means Erin -- had stopped outside earlier, to perch in the eaves. Perhaps she realized there were predators inside.

Thorn blinks in surprise, then beams, "Oh, you can tell? She's just outside." He glances a bit pointedly at the cat he's scritching, "Probably because she was a little concerned about your friends here."

Cinnamon blinks from where she's been considering things, looking up at Ragna, "Excuse me, please? What's the difference between a witch that's a supernatural, and a human that's been granted magical power? Are your, um... spells different, or what?"

Ragna smiles at Cinnamon, "In my case? It is that I am very weak in my people's natural magicks. It is like... being colorblind -- I lack something in my make-up. So I studied so that I would have different skills. It turns out that I have a penchant for cantrips, scrying, and some small amount of weather control. I make a joke that the scrying is like the colorblind men they recruited in the humans' world wars because they are not fooled by camouflage."

Cinnamon nods slowly, not quite comprehending... but not wishing to be rude, "Um... okay. Well, so, er, what should we do now? Is there, um, like... an inn or something here?"

Jaeger leans close and murmurs, "I think she may be saying she lacks the nightsight of dwarves... and perhaps some of their mineralogical abilities." Cinnamon ah!s and nods to Jaeger, pushing her glasses up. She's clearly going to have to research supernaturals more, once she's finished thoroughly familiarizing herself with the peoples she's supposedly representing!

Ragna beams -- she seems to be an extremely happy person -- as she says to Thorn, "Oh, yes. If your companion is a creature they would hunt, it would be good for her to be outside." A few minutes later she's drafted a quick letter and written directions to get to Maerlyn's home. She's also written them directions to get to the larger of the two inns in Hafan. Cinnamon pushes her glasses up with a thoughtful expression as she studies the directions. From what Ragna has written, the inn is maybe three buildings down from where Maerlyn is living. Good! This means Cinnamon can take a good look at the house Maerlyn is in... and if it gives her a bad feeling, ma-aaybe she'll just be... a little too busy, or too forgetful, to visit! Ragna also smiles at Thorn, "If you find yourself at loose ends and wish to talk shop, it would be lovely! I am glad to have met all of you today!"

Thorn smiles back to Ragna and bows slightly, "I'd love to! Thank you, and it was good meeting you today too!"

Cinnamon blinks again as the Welsh enclave's name suddenly registers, "Oh, haven! Hafan, I mean -- that's what it means!" She beams at Ragna, "That's lovely! Thank you so much for your help, ma'am!" She beams up at the others, "Let's go see the inn, okay?"

The house that is indicated to be Maerlyn's is actually quite a lot like Cinnamon's little house on Coblyn. It looks as if there may be actual wattle and daub between thick, dark beams. Other than the beams, the walls are gleamingly white whitewash. The roof isn't thatch, however -- it's a nice slate. There are several windows of clear, clean glass and every single one has a windowbox outside with either flowers or herbs planted in them. On either side of the door is a tall planter with phlox overflowing in a riot of purples and white. The door itself is painted a bright and cheery blue, with a brass knob and knocker. "Huh," Thorn murmurs. "Looks rather pretty."

Cinnamon blinks interestedly as they walk past, pushing up her glasses for a very thorough look. Hmm... actually, it looks... pretty nice! She tilts her head interestedly, symbolically 'reading' the phlox -- they signify harmony, if she remembers right. The various herbs and flowers... hm, no, she'd have to go closer to see them better, but she's now willing to bet they're all good, protective, or helpful herbs. She grins sunnily at Thorn, "It does, doesn't it? I think I won't mind meeting with him, if he lives in a nice place like this!"

Shane too is looking. He grins and points at one of the windowboxes, "That's got chives, basil, mint, oregano, and thyme."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, thank you! Your eyes must be better than mine -- I couldn't tell at this distance!" She's quietly pleased as she adds, "All good herbs... so yeah, I think I'm okay with visiting him!" She giggles as she adds, "Plus, love the door! It's very cheery!" She interestedly adds, "Can you see what the knocker is too, Shane?" She knows that sometimes they're decorated in the shapes of heads or hands or animals or something, after all!

Spice mutters, "I half-expected it to be green and circular..." Cinnamon giggles and nods to her friend!

Shane tips his head and squints a little, "It's... huh. I think it might be a lion?"

The little dragon grins at Shane, "A lion? Not a small raptor? Okay, that says he's hearkening back more to Arthur than himself, if the symbology holds true!"

Shane shakes his head, "No, not a bird -- at least, not on the knocker." He grins, "The knob is also engraved or sculpted, but I can't tell what's on it."

Cinnamon nods cheerfully, "That's cool! I'll just check it later. For now, though... maybe we can get food at the inn!" She's feeling much better now that it looks like the stranger that wants to see her isn't someone scary or unpleasant!

The inn is much like the other two they've been to so far in the British Isles... except this one doesn't have to make any pretense for non-aware humans. The taproom is full of laughing people of various species, sizes, and languages. There is what appears to be a rabbit phouka speaking spiritedly to a man with a long face and hair that mostly seems black but sometimes seems green -- and always seems wet. The innkeeper is quite short and seems to be standing on a platform behind the bar/counter/front desk. Cinnamon looks around with an almost child-like delight -- she's still utterly thrilled on occasion with this wonderful new world she was so unexpectedly thrust into! She whispers excitedly to Fraser, "Is that a sea creature man, Fraser? Do you know?"

Fraser looks toward the man and breathes in deeply, "I... actually think he may be a kelpie. It's the hooves, lass."

Cinnamon blinks at a sudden thought, "Oh! Could he maybe be... a kelpie? You know, the lake horses?" Then she giggles as she speaks at the exact same time as Fraser! She brightens, "He has hooves?! Oh my gosh, how wonderful!" She stands on tiptoe, trying hard to see as far as the much taller Scots werewolf -- and not realizing she's actually rather staring now!

Spice grins and mutters, "Maybe, y'know, walk around toward him rather than playing meerkat, bosslady?"

This makes Josie giggle as Fraser replies, "Aye, he has hooves, lass. Rather nicely polished, actually."

Cinnamon blinks at Spice -- then blushes hotly and grins sheepishly, "Oh! Sorry, sorry..." She beams up at Fraser, then darts around to peek past a few of the folks between her and the possible kelpie, muttering, "Polished? Awesome! Wanna see!" She figures she can sort of fake heading towards the innkeeper -- and get a good look that way!

The kelpie's hooves are kicked up on the seat across from him, beside the phouka's thigh, and his hooves are indeed nicely polished. In fact, they may have had something used on them to make them look like they're made of basalt -- because those hooves are some of the deepest, blackest, shiniest things Cinnamon has ever seen! The little dragon ooohs silently to herself, her eyes wide -- how eerily cool to see hooves on the somewhat human looking legs! She beams as she pushes up her glasses -- how useful, too! That'd keep your feet from getting achy while hiking -- that's for sure!

The apparent kelpie is dressed in a rather utilitarian manner: heavy jeans held up with a pair of well-cared-for leather braces, and a thick flannel shirt in somber brown. Cinnamon wonders interestedly if he's shod... or would that make him, like... too heavy in mud or something? She stares intently at the hooves, pushing up her glasses again as she tries to check for the tell-tale end-stubs of horseshoe nails on the outer surfaces... and absently thinks to herself, [Huh, supernatural physiology sure is interesting! I could spend a lot of time learning all about the various species... I wonder if there already are books on them -- or maybe I could write one?! Ooh, neat!]

After a couple of minutes Shane steps up behind her and murmurs, "Acushla. You're staring." There's teasing amusement in his voice.

Interestingly, the kelpie also doesn't appear to be shod. Cinnamon nods absently to Shane, still staring as she mumbles, "Uh-huh..." -- then blinks up at him, "Er... what?"

Just as Shane is speaking to her, the kelpie glances over and realizes he's being ogled. That makes him flash Cinnamon a grin and a nod. Once he's looking her way, it's easier to see that he has horizontal, slit pupils. Shane murmurs, "Staring. He might think you're flirting."

Cinnamon blinks at Shane again, her voice bemused, "Staring means flirting?" A moment later she blushes slightly as she adds even more bemusedly, "Uh, Shane? Is there, um... anything that doesn't mean flirting to supernaturals?"

Shane grins and squeezes her around the shoulders, "I was teasing." He gives the kelpie a nod and the kelpie nods back before turning his attention back to his conversational partner.

Cinnamon blushes rather more hotly at the kelpie's notice, hunching her shoulders in embarrassment and whirling with a small squeak so she's facing away. Her voice is a mortified half-whisper, "Ohmygosh he noticed was I being rude I'm so sorry!" She glances up at Shane again -- then grins and happily burbles, "Oh, but did you see his hooves, Shane?! Weren't they so cool looking? Wow, can you just imagine not having to worry about sore feet all the time while hiking -- wouldn't that be awesomesauce?!"

Shane grins, "I'm sure that's an up-side. But I'm also sure that polished hooves would be hell on icy cobblestones."

Cinnamon blinks thoughtfully, "Cobblestones? Wait, I thought that was laid so the horses didn't have to slosh through mud...? Or... huh, actually, I'm not sure! What for and where did cobblestones come from?" She grins up at Shane again, "I'll let you know, if you don't already, once I've researched it, okay?" She happily returns to the group as she adds, "Let's get our rooms, and maybe we can get food and go explore too!"

There are rooms for everyone. The innkeeper speaks in an accent so thick that some of the transaction is almost a game of charades. Partway through, another of the same type of person comes up, this one female and with a much less thick accent -- who tells them that breakfast is served from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and supper is served at the same times only in the evening. Cinnamon blinks... that's a really early breakfast, she thinks! She hopes lunch is at a slightly more reasonable hour. Fortunately it appears that lunch is available from around 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The rooms are again cozy, comfortable, and supernatural-safe. There's no electricity in this inn, but there are good oil lamps and small fireplaces in every room. Cinnamon beams around herself, enchanted at how cozy it is! She gets instructions on how to light and trim the oil lamp... and then she decides she's as snug as a bug in a rug. The silly saying from her childhood makes her giggle in quiet happiness to herself. Thorn also settles into one of the snug, warm rooms they've rented from the inn, slightly tired but at the same time invigorated. He hasn't spent a great amount of time exploring Coblyn yet, so seeing a microcosm of the supernatural world here -- smaller and more compact than Coblyn -- will, he suspects, prove to be fascinating. He also wants to see what else there is to see here... but he thinks that he won't look for alternate exits and entrances. If they trapped the main entrance with spears, then he doesn't want to even think what the others must be trapped with!

The night is that sort of deep, utter quiet that one does not get in modern cities -- though, of course, the little group here are used to quiet nights by now. It's much like Coblyn in that way. At about 4:30 a.m. is when there are the first sounds of hooves and wheels, along with some singing. By 5:00 a.m. the street under the inn's windows is alive with people setting up for the day. Thus, as it turns out, breakfast is early because most of the guests of the inn wake up early. Cinnamon wakes up and groans a little -- she's still slightly achy from the astonishing amount of hiking she's done in the previous week! Still, she figures philosophically to herself, she should soon be all recovered and caught up on her sleep... if she can manage just a few more days without any traipsing about hill and dale! That makes her giggle to herself as she rises, gives herself a quick wash, dresses, and heads down to breakfast. She plans internally: got to let someone of her group know that after breakfast she'll be heading on over to visit with the person calling themselves Maerlyn... but after that she's available for any exploring anyone wants to do with her!

Josie is up early and in her wolf form in the taproom when Cinnamon arrives. She gives her friend a big, happy, waggy hug and asks if Cinnamon would like any company for the visit with Maerlyn. Once reassured that the little dragon will be fine on her own, Josie settles back in with a bowl of porridge... actual porridge, with treacle and cream in it! Breakfast is delicious, warm, and filling, and soon Cinnamon is ready to head on out.

There are more barrows and stalls set up along the street when the little dragon finally emerges from the inn, though no one is set up in front of Maerlyn's house. To either side of it, yes -- but not blocking the house itself. The knocker, as Shane had noted earlier, is indeed a brass lion holding the knocker ring in its jaws. The doorknob, as Shane had also said, is indeed carved -- with, as it turns out, a falcon's head in profile. Cinnamon blinks interestedly, pushing her glasses up as she leans in to carefully examine the two items -- she thinks they're rather pretty! She gets distracted by the lovely phlox as well, and the pleasant herbal scent coming from the window boxes... such that it takes her a moment to realize: she's kinda sorta staring again! Cinnamon blushes at that, abruptly straightening and reaching out for the lion knocker, in order to knock briskly on the door.

Before she can actually use the knocker, however, the door opens -- swinging wide on obviously well-oiled hinges to reveal a man standing there. He's tall... quite tall -- at least a few inches over six feet! He's also built in the sort of way that says he's got both a high metabolism, and doesn't mind good, hard labor. His sun-darkened hands look a little bony, but his shoulders are wide enough that he doesn't give an impression of gauntness. The strange man is dressed in bell-bottom jeans and a tie-dyed tunic -- a very bright one! Purples and oranges and pinks and reds and blues riot across the cloth. Probably unsurprisingly, the man also has long white hair pulled back into a braid, though he's not bearded. His face is also sun-darkened, with all the signs of someone starting into their golden years, who has been happy for most of the years leading up to now.

Cinnamon squeaks a bit startledly, yanking her hand back as the door swings open... then goes still, her jaw dropped, and simply stares for a long moment. She finally pulls herself together enough to breathlessly say, "Uhh... h-hi? You... wanted to see me?" She pushes her glasses up as she stares up at the man and interestedly asks, "Are you really Merlin? That Merlin?!"

When she speaks, the man smiles a friendly smile. He's got strong teeth that have just that little bit of yellowish tinge that says he takes care of them but he lives in a place where tooth-whitening trays aren't a thing. "You must be M... Cinnamon. Well, I am a Maerlyn, and for now I am the Maerlyn. Sort of the way Elizabeth II is the Queen." He steps out of the door and makes a welcoming motion, "Please, come in! I was having some tea and talking to my herbs."

Cinnamon freezes in shock at his slip, her eyes widening -- then she blurts out in one shocked breath, "Howdidyouknowmyname?!"

Maerlyn smiles warmly, "I knew your grandfather -- and when he talked about you, of course, he used the name you had before you became a councilor. The names of the councilors are known to those that read the news."

Cinnamon stares silently at the strange man for several seconds... then narrows her eyes and says slowly, "By 'names of the councilors'... you mean my alias, right? Cinnamon?" She frowns thoughtfully, then tilts her head, "Wait, what news? I thought it was all broadsheets? I didn't see anything international on the Coblyn Street broadsheets?"

Maerlyn's smile widens a bit, "Yes, I mean the name you're using now: Cinnamon. By news I mean letters of the Council's meetings and decisions, which are sent to most of the larger enclaves so those decisions may be put into effect."

"Oh!" Cinnamon wonders what news there was of her... then blushes, and wonders if they portrayed her as some crazed, fire-breathing monster or something. She steps into the house past Maerlyn, her demeanor slightly embarrassed, "Uhmm... o-okay..."

Maerlyn smiles, but doesn't laugh at the flush, simply murmuring a relaxed, "This way, please." The door opens into a cozy little parlor with some comfy places to sit. Almost every inch of wall space is covered with shelves, and almost all the shelves are full. There are a couple of stacks of books on the floor, but none where someone might trip on them while walking through the room. Maerlyn leads Cinnamon through the parlor and into a sunny, cheerful kitchen with bright, yellow-painted walls. There are shelves and cabinets here too, and there's a mug of tea and a windowbox sitting on the table. It may be one of the ones Shane was talking about last night, because Cinnamon can see chives... and that scent is definitely of mint! She glances around in fascination, delighted at the little house's cozy interior -- this is very much like how she's tried to put her little home together! She smiles at the herb box... then grins almost mischievously at the tall man, "So when you talk to your herbs, do they ever reply?"

Maerlyn reaches into a cabinet which Cinnamon would never be able to reach without a stepladder as he says, "Not in words, no. But they seem to like it, and I think they grow a little better for knowing they're appreciated. People are like that too, you know." He pauses, glancing over his shoulder, "Do you even like tea? Liam never said."

Cinnamon beams and nods enthusiastically, "Oh, yes, please!" Then manners makes her add, "Er... and, um, is there anything I can do to help?" She grins as she continues, "I totally agree! I talk to the flowers at my house sometimes too, actually. Though, um..." she sighs, "I'm sorry, but I never actually got to meet Liam... if that's what you wanted to talk about...?"

Maerlyn pours another mug of tea from a little teapot covered by an adorable knitted tea cozy shaped like a curled-up, happy cat -- then says, "I usually let people doctor it to their own liking. After all, my 'one sugar' seems to be 'two sugars' for most people." He sets the mug down in front of one of the seats, adding soothingly, "I know you never did. He'd have written me to say so, if you had. He really was quite proud of you." He puts his big, callused hands around his own mug.

Cinnamon falls quiet at that, simply murmuring her thanks as she slips into the chair and accepts the mug. She sighs softly as she stares at the tea for a long moment... then takes a deep breath. She can't live in the past... and she can't ever meet Liam. So. Time to move forward -- and hopefully do things he'd have been proud of. Well... continued to be proud of... maybe? That brings a small, wistful smile to her lips as she leans forward and adds some sugar and cream to her tea. As she stirs it she studies the strange man, "So... why did you want to talk with me? Or is it just that you wanted to meet Liam's little hatchling?" Her smile widens a bit as she remembers Elias telling her how Liam used to call her that.

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Last modified: 2019-Jun-12 19:53:32

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