Goblin Town -- Logs

The rest of the day is relaxing and quiet, a lazy ramble through the trod's lands. Shane explains that England and parts of Ireland have laws that pretty much let you hike wherever you want to, and that's part of why trods work so hard on their 'don't see me' and 'creepy feeling' glamours. Unlike Veles' village, where they can strongly enforce no trespassing laws, things are different here. As they're heading back, they do actually run across Fraser and Jaeger; the Scots werewolf is laughing at something the Elm elder is saying.

Cinnamon is pleased at how much her bruising has faded in the last two days -- she's looking only colorfully yellow, purple, and scarlet in splotches, instead of nearly black-skinned! She's still a bit shy of showing her face in the trod, however... but since they're all outside, she currently has her scarf down as she waves and calls a hello to the two men. Jaeger smiles and raises his hand in greeting. Fraser beams and actually bounds over toward them. It's a very wolf-like gait, but that's only to be expected. Cinnamon giggles as she watches, calling to Fraser, "Looks like you're having a good time -- and that you're not tired at all!"

Fraser's eyes are gleaming as he looks everyone over. His beard and hair look exceptionally thick and glossy and his smile is... honestly a little disconcerting, "Oh, not even a little bit, lass. Don't you all look fine."

Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully at Fraser as she reflexively steps between him and her more fragile friends, "Fraser, are you already in full moon mode?"

Fraser blinks slowly and looks down at Cinnamon, then laughs, "I'm feeling good and I'm not going to bite anyone, Cinnamon -- promise! I'm not even going to nibble."

Cinnamon hmms... then says sternly, "Okay. But you be nice, Fraser!" She has utterly no conception of how peculiar she might look, lecturing the much larger and burlier werewolf!

Fraser's blue eyes gleam as he laughs -- he actually finds Cinnamon's fussing to be rather cute! He sketches a little salute to her, "Aye-aye!"

Jaeger chuckles, "We're trying to wear down some of his energy so perhaps he'll sleep tonight."

Cinnamon giggles at Fraser, then beams at Jaeger, "Veles says hi, by the way!" She walks back to the trod with all her friends, chattering happily to Jaeger about Veles' return to his village and how well he was accepted... as well as his commentary to Eduard regarding having an epiphany. She sounds a bit excited as she adds, "I'm really looking forward to going with you and Marcus to the Basque country -- I want to learn all about diplomacy so I'm better prepared if there's ever another time like that!"

Jaeger nods and mmms, "I'd like to meet this Baird. Veles is correct, in that exfiltration and kidnapping have a lot in common. The only difference is the consent of the person being taken." He strokes his chin, "There are humans in the world who are quite willing to believe and take into account that there is more out there than they're been told... and that science is fallible."

Shane speaks up, "Or that science is not so much wrong as the right data have not been input."

Cinnamon glances between the two men, then smiles curiously, "So... are you saying that you think Baird will be back? Or that I should try learning from him? Or what?"

Jaeger smiles enigmatically, "I am saying that knowing someone like Baird could be quite useful."

Cinnamon nods, "Oh, okay -- that makes sense." She makes a mental note to connect Jaeger and Baird, should Veles let her know that Baird is interested in meeting more supernaturals. She'll have to see if Baird's willing to teach her some stuff too! Thorn is quietly contemplative throughout the walk back to the trod. He still can't bring himself to trust Baird, but if the man is beginning to realize that the world is much larger than he had originally thought... then perhaps there's something good that can come out of all this for Baird. Thorn hopes so, at least.

As they're walking back from the tarn, Shane smiles and reaches out to touch Cinnamon's hair, "The sun's starting to get to your hair, acushla. You're getting some highlights."

Cinnamon blinks in startled pleasure at Shane -- he touched her! She's... kind of shyly thrilled by that! A moment later his words register, and she curiously asks, "Highlights? What do you mean, p-please?"

The half-beansidhe grins and holds the lock for Cinnamon to see, "See? Red." In amongst the accustomed (and oft-despised) brown, Cinnamon can see auburn strands glinting. There are more than a few; perhaps ten percent of her hair has that reddish glint.

Cinnamon blinks again as she refocuses on her hair... then pauses in surprise. Pushing her glasses up, she takes a bit of the hair in her own fingers and studies it carefully. Her hair -- it's... surprisingly nice looking! She utters a softly bemused, "Huh! Never noticed that before..." as she carefully examines the strands... then looks up and grins shyly at Shane, "Thank you! I, um, I'm s-so used to not... not really looking, you know? -but it's..." She sounds both confused and pleased, "It's... almost... kind of pretty?"

Josie's ears perk and she trots a little closer to examine Cinnamon's hair, "It's very pretty! Being in the sun is doing nice things to it!"

Cinnamon beams in startled surprise up at Josie, her eyes shining, "Really?! Wow, maybe I, uh... maybe being outside isn't so bad!" She laughs in quiet happiness, and even though she's a little tired from all the hiking, there's a bit of unwitting jauntiness in her step from then on. It doesn't occur to any of them that it might be anything other than being outside a lot. They're all used to seeing sunbleached hair of various sorts.

The trod that night is quiet, calm... homey. A mystical cave full of supposedly mythical beings laughing and talking together, reading or relaxing... sitting by the fire or spending time together. In some ways it's less complicated than life out and about in the wide world, even if the politics are sometimes more arcane. There's some conversation before everyone goes to bed, and eventually it's decided: the trod's rooms are built quite solidly, so Rafe and Fraser can probably simply be safely locked into their rooms, as long as the keys are with someone else. The locks, after all, are the old sort that can be used from either side, while the keys are brass rather than iron. Further, neither Rafe nor Fraser are very dextrous in their moon-changed forms.

Cinnamon is glad the crew of the Valkyrie is getting some pleasant time off, and that Fraser and Rafe get to stretch their legs during the day. She's yawning quite a bit by now, however -- it's been a long and exercise-filled day! Consequently she heads off to sleep a bit earlier than usual. Thorn is not as tired, so stays up to amicably chat with others, glad to answer questions and ask some as well. He too, though, needs sleep at some point, so eventually he excuses himself for bed. People come by to say goodnight to the folks they know, on their way to bed, in a companionable and affectionate way. There are hugs, and in some cases even kisses.

It's deep into the reaches of the night when a howl splits the peace and silence of the sleeping trod. Within the warren of corridors, it echoes eerily. Cinnamon blinks as she comes shockingly, startledly awake -- that sounded really close! She reaches automatically for her glasses, incautiously rubbing her eyes and then wincing -- her bruising is still a bit sensitive. She frowns as she puts on the glasses, wondering if everything is still okay... well, it can't hurt to check, can it? She hops up, pulling on her fluffy robe and sliding her feet into her plushie unicorn slippers, then hastens to the door. She knots the robe firmly as she glances outside, trying to remember from which direction the sound came.

In his room, Thorn too is jolted awake by the howl, and rubs his eyes. Fraser or Rafe? He also gets out of bed, frowning -- this is not what he had expected. He puts his shoes on, dressing moderately, and pokes his head outside his room. Another heartbeat or two later there's a yowl of obvious pain and another, stronger howl that echoes through the hallways and chambers of the trod. Cinnamon is pretty sure that was Fraser howling. She frowns again as she turns towards the sound, feeling rather disturbed -- who yowled? The second howl has the eerie effect of almost sounding like laughter or triumph... or maybe that's just that even magical creatures don't expect to hear a wolf howling underground in the middle of the night.

As Cinnamon starts to put her head out the door, she catches sight of a half-dressed Shane flashing past, on his way down the corridor. He's got his baldric across his chest and his sword already drawn as he goes by, obviously headed toward whatever's going on. Cinnamon blinks at that, unable to repress her small grin -- my, but Shane looks fine that way! She hastens after him, padding along silently in her plushie slippers. He's got really good hearing, so he'll know where to find the howlers. Plus... she blushes and covers her giggle -- it's a really nice view! A bit further up the corridor, Thorn blinks, seeing Shane zipping along and followed by Cinnamon. He shrugs; that's probably the direction to go, then. He follows after.

Fraser and Rafe were put at the end of a corridor, with the reasoning that putting them there would keep them away from anyone else, should they get loud -- and that's the bend in the corridor around which Shane has just disappeared. It hadn't occurred to anyone that a werewolf's howl might echo like that. It further hadn't occurred to anyone that perhaps part of Fraser's curse might be that he's able to strike fear with his howl. Cinnamon patters hastily around the corner after Shane, then pauses and blinks at the scene. A moment later she keeps moving forward, still looking around to see everything she can in the dim, flickering light.

Thorn thinks this is unusually gothic, even for the supernatural world, what with Shane's sword and Cinnamon's robe -- despite its fluffy nature, and accessorization with plushie unicorn slippers. As he turns the corner as well, he hopes there's no Byronic hero to come swinging in on a monologue and a chandelier. Then, blinking in the dimness, he wishes he had better night vision. Halfway down the corridor, Shane is coming to a halt next to Quinn and Arvid. With Arvid are two more of the Havvarger -- and all five men look grave. Quinn has his sword drawn as he and Arvid talk with quiet intensity. Further, even to Thorn's human eyes there's something stalking back and forth a bit more down the dark corridor. Unfortunately the lights that sit in small alcoves have been put out down toward the dead end.

Cinnamon patters up quietly behind Shane and the other men, feeling slightly self-conscious in her nightclothes -- even if she is in her robe! She peeks puzzledly around them to peer down the darkened hallway, wondering what's going on and why Fraser howled. Is that him there in the dark? Shane is talking quietly with the Havvarger and his father. To everyone's senses, there's a coppery scent in the air. Thorn frowns, looking past the five men and Cinnamon. He doesn't like that movement there, and -- he sniffs, then winces. Blood in the air. Even worse.

Cinnamon is only half-listening to the men as it registers: that's the way blood smells! She wrinkles her nose unhappily, then pushes her glasses up again and stares more carefully down the unlit hall, thinking, [Please don't let anyone have lost their temper or anything, with non-thinking werewolves around!]

To Cinnamon's night sight, it's not just Fraser who is stalking down there, hackles raised... there's another figure slumped at the end of the corridor. Fraser's muzzle looks matted and damp, and the fur of the other figure does too. It's a wolf... the only other moon-linked wolf is Rafe. So unless one of the other wolves changed to try to contain Fraser, that's Rafe down there. Cinnamon frowns puzzledly, squinting as she tries hard to see what's going on down there. Is Fraser mistakenly protecting Rafe or something? She unthinkingly calls, "Who's there, at the end of the hall?"

As Thorn and Cinnamon get close, Quinn is saying, "We can get some bows and try to put arrows into him until he goes down. I'm a damned good shot, and I think if you and one of your men change, you could keep him at bay while we do it..."

When Cinnamon speaks, that makes the tense knot of men look that way. It's Arvid that speaks, "Rafe. We tried to get past Fraser to him." He holds up an arm with a nasty bite wound.

Cinnamon leans so Fraser's bulk is blocking most of the light, blinking to try and see better. Thorn frowns as he comes up, "Any idea why Fraser is acting this way?"

Cinnamon murmurs softly, "It's the full moon and he's likely excited, Thorny...?"

Arvid's face is tight, "As far as we can tell, he got out and Rafe tried to stop him coming down there, and..." He glances down the corridor, "Fraser didn't want to be stopped."

Cinnamon is able to see now that what's got Fraser's muzzle looking so matted is indeed blood. She frowns and says to the men, "Um, g-guys? M-maybe you should decide soon... 'cause it looks like Rafe is getting, er... cooler?" She blinks, then glances at the men, adding, "Can I help?"

It's only as she glances back again while talking to the men that Cinnamon sees a third figure. Rafe's slumped form was hiding it -- was even mostly on top of it. But then it -- she! moves -- that's Spice down there! Cinnamon blinks again, stepping to one side to be sure -- and feels that curiously weird sensation as her eyes respond to her need... or is that a nictitating membrane sliding across them? She doesn't really register the sensation, though -- instead she gasps, "Oh my gosh, is that -- that's Spice down there, too!"

Thorn's head whips around to look down the hallway, squinting. "I... I can't tell!" he gasps out. If Cinnamon says Spice is there, though -- she's there. And if Rafe is getting cooler... "We need to do something, fast!" On second glance, it's definitely Spice -- and that gets the men's attention fast! When they thought it was a werewolf, they had time; now, they don't!

All thought of trying to get arrows ceases. If there's a human, something has to be done -- and done quickly! The five men range out across the corridor, weapons staring to come up. Arvid says quietly, "I hope we can keep anyone from dying, but I understand if he can't just be stopped..." Fraser squares up toward the people preparing ahead of him, and starts to snarl, lips raising off his teeth and hackles bristling even more.

Cinnamon's eyes widen as it hits her: Spice must be seriously injured, to not be replying! Fraser's growl, though, is the last straw for the worried little dragon -- she shoves her glasses up and rushes forward, snapping indignantly, "Fraser, don't you dare!" The tiny little woman is almost steaming with anger as she nearly yells, "That is quite enough out of you, mister! It's one thing to scare me, but darnit -- you do not hurt my family, you -- you are a bad, bad boy!"

Thorn blinks in surprise as Cinnamon storms out. He almost tries to stop her but then realizes... if anyone can get through to Fraser (and put up with pretty much anything he tries to do) it's Cinnamon. Shane's eyes widen and he gasps, "Acush-!" He's starting to reach for Cinnamon -- but before he can, Fraser's haunches bunch and the red-furred werewolf leaps. His bloodied jaws are agape in a roar as he slams his weight into her!

Quinn snarls, "Fuck!" and his sword comes back. He'd hoped not to have to use it, because it's silver... but in human form, Fraser weighs over 200 pounds of solid muscle, from working on a ship. In wolf form, he's no smaller -- and he's got a lot less self-control.

Cinnamon shrieks startledly, both hands coming up to shove as hard as she can at the slavering canid face coming down at her -- even as she's slammed down hard by the impact of all that weight directly into her! Thorn's heart leaps into his throat, a cry from him being choked off. Then he remembers -- probably too late -- the shield that he can cast. Cursing softly, he wonders if it'll push Fraser off of Cinnamon... or maybe let them get to Rafe and Spice...?

In human form, Fraser knows just what Cinnamon is and what she's capable of. Right now, though, he isn't thinking at all! Consequently he howls in shock, pain, and surprise -- as he finds himself flying sideways -- and slamming hard into the corridor wall near the shocked and startled little dragon. It's likely the earthen nature of the walls, along with Fraser's werewolf hardiness, which causes him to mostly bounce, land a bit limply... and then scramble unsteadily to his paws again, shaking his head dizzily. He's no longer snarling, either. Thorn blinks. He too forgot Cinnamon is extremely strong.

Cinnamon lies still for a few heartbeats as she takes a moment to realize she's still all in one piece... and there was something... Spice! Cinnamon gasps, rolling over and scrambling slowly to her feet with a grunt of effort -- then she patters forward, calling anxiously, "Spice! Spicy, please talk to me -- are you okay?!" She's nearly frantic with worry for her more-fragile friend -- though once she's helped Spice (if she can) she's going to have serious words with Fraser!

Fraser starts to growl again as he turns toward the end of the hallway -- or tries to, at least... he's still obviously discombobulated. Spice is limp, but her eyes try to open when she hears Cinnamon's voice. She mutters something that sounds vaguely like 'Fugghin' freigh'truggh...' Cinnamon sighs in relief as she sinks to her knees next to the smaller woman, heedless of blood on the floor, "Oh, Spicy I'm so sorry are you okay?!" At the growl, though, she whirls around and to her feet again, snapping, "That is enough out of you, Fraser!" One fist on her hip, she shakes an admonishing -- almost parental -- finger at the huge werewolf, "You should be ashamed of yourself, young man -- scaring Spice like this, and biting poor Rafe! I don't want to hear another peep out of you until we get Spice and Rafe to safety, you hear me?!"

Thorn blinks, staring at what he's seeing. Fraser too is rattled and confused, and Cinnamon is acting incongruously enough that the growl dies on his lips -- so Quinn and Arvid take that golden opportunity to rush past! The beansidhe scoops up the human and the werewolf scoops up Rafe and they both get out while Cinnamon is facing down Fraser. Shane mutters to Thorn, "Be ready to use that shield if you have to..." and then he moves slowly to stand beside Cinnamon.

Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly as men come rushing at her, starting to raise her arms defensively... then she realizes they're friendlies. She wonders why Fraser is letting them by, but growled at her... then just sighs and shakes her head. Clearly she is neither as friendly-seeming as Quinn, nor very tactical -- because this is the second or third time people have reacted really poorly to her, while in some sort of emergency. She watches bemusedly as people go rushing around, and slowly becomes aware of the clammy, unpleasant feeling of blood soaking her nightie and robe... great, Shane's here, and once again she looks like garbage. She sighs softly and gives Shane a wry smile, "...hi. Sorry about all the yelling and getting Fraser riled up."

Thorn starts to follow along after Quinn and Arvid, then stops short when he sees they're coming back quickly. He nods silently to Shane, and prepares both the shield and healing spells. Once Rafe is back Thorn will immediately cast Healing on the werewolf, urging the slashes to knit themselves.

Cinnamon looks down at her clothing and wonders what gets blood out, "Um... I should go get cleaned up. I'm just in the way here..." She heads off towards her room, giving Fraser a friendly pat as she passes him and murmuring, "I'm sorry about shouting at you, Fraser."

It becomes clear that the reason Fraser let anyone past is because he's concentrating very closely on Cinnamon! She's the one who just slammed him violently into a wall, after all, and is now scolding him like a recalcitrant pup. He slowly starts crouching down in the corridor, looking up at her. He's still growling a little... but Cinnamon gets the oddest feeling that it's like a child who's muttering but doesn't want his parent to hear what he's saying.

Cinnamon sighs and pauses next to the big werewolf, flumping down next to him with a friendly arm about his neck, "Are you mad at me? I really am sorry, Fraser, but... well, you can't go around being a doodyhead like that! You could've really hurt Spice, you know, and you'd feel terrible about that later, if you did." She sighs and tiredly leans her head against his massive shoulder as she adds, "Just calm down a bit, okay? If you stay nice and quiet, and don't get naked at me, I'll stay and scritch your ears some. You like that, right?"

Fraser is still slowly growling as Cinnamon sits down next to him. He stays crouched, trying to keep his massive head down and shaking it now and then. Cinnamon says sternly, "Stop the growling, though, Fraser, please. You don't go hurting anybody else, and nobody's going to hurt you, promise... but if you're naughty then I'm going to have to -- to spank you! So just don't, okay? I don't want to have to smack you again!"

Further up the hallway, Arvid passes Rafe off to one of the other Havvarger, while Quinn crouches to lay Spice down, patting her cheeks lightly. Rafe looks... bad -- Fraser was not simply tussling with him! Thorn's attempts bring the smaller werewolf back enough that his breathing evens out, though he's still slashed up pretty badly. Still, by now they've all learned that 'slashed up pretty badly' is good enough for a werewolf to heal slowly.

Thorn lets out a breath, glad he's finally got Rafe back from the brink. He next turns his attention to Spice, to make sure she's all right. However, once Arvid is sure Rafe is stable, he walks back over to Cinnamon and Fraser. He too crouches, but just so he can be at eye-level with the little dragon. He looks... stunned, "Well, ma'am, I think you have tamed our wild one a bit." Fraser starts to pull his lips back from his teeth again -- but then remembers what Cinnamon sternly told him just moments before. He sullenly rests his chin on his forepaws instead, as Arvid says quietly, "If you weren't there..." The pack alpha and captain takes a deep breath.

Cinnamon coughs very firmly and pointedly at Fraser, at the beginnings of the snarl, and gives one ear a stern tug! Once Fraser calms again, she looks up puzzledly at Arvid, "Pardon?"

Arvid sighs, "Fraser is formidable. Very formidable. I am alpha of the Havvarger, but some of that is because Fraser does not wish to challenge. When he is himself... when he has all his wits about him, he knows he would make a bad alpha... because of how he is at these times. The curse is bad."

Cinnamon tilts her head consideringly, "You're saying... Fraser is as tough a werewolf as you?"

Arvid nods gravely, "Yes... and at times, stronger. If I'd gone against him one-to-one tonight... it is possible I could have died. It is not just strength that matters, after all. It is whether you restrain yourself."

"Is that why he bit- actually, er..." Cinnamon reaches out carefully for Arvid's hand, and if he lets her, she turns the big man's arm so she can see the bite. She winces, hastily looking away, "Oh, yuckies! Y-you should have Thorny look at that, Captain Arvid -- it's nasty!" She opens her mouth to ask another question -- then pauses, considering before she says slowly, "Ohhh... I get it. Fraser doesn't have restraint during the full moon, right?"

Arvid nods, "Exactly. A good fighter, they look for chances. They know when to pull back to save themselves. They think. They are smart. They care if they die. Fraser, on these nights? He does not care. He is hunger. Hunger does not care for anything but sating itself, no matter if it is a hunger for blood or food or sex. He sometimes keeps coming, no mater what. That makes him more dangerous than me."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment... and then turns to hug the big werewolf about the neck, "Oh, poor Fraser!" Indignantly she adds, "That witch or whatever was a very mean person! He would feel so bad, I know, to wake up and find out he'd done something like that!" She firmly adds, "You should get that bite taken care of, Captain... and can you tell me what room Fraser belongs in, please? I can walk him there, if you want?"

Arvid sighs, "If Fraser awoke to find he had killed Rafael and Spice..." the captain nods, "it would torture him, yes. That is part of the curse. She wished him to hate himself."

Cinnamon frowns uncertainly, "W-well... well, we just won't let him then!" She feels almost teary as the immensity of the curse really registers for her, and she scrambles up to her feet by virtue of using Fraser as a steady brace, "Where's he supposed to be, please? I know Josie's going to want to snuffle me over once she's made sure Spicy's okay too, after all!" Arvid nods and sighs, pushing to his feet and offering Cinnamon a hand.

It takes only a cursory examination for Thorn to realize that Spice has a pretty solid concussion. The medic hisses softly, then murmurs, "Spice, please stay awake and pay attention to my voice, okay? You have a concussion. You have to stay awake. I'm going to check you to see if you have any other head or neck injuries. So keep talking to me, all right? Can you do that?"

Spice stares blearily at Thorn and mumbles, "Fuckin' Fraser... bullet-train wolf... scared me... Rafe... whoosh!" She snorts.

Thorn takes the opportunity to check Spice's eyes for proper pupil contraction and dilation as he smiles quietly, "Yeah, I can imagine." He checks her neck for any cervical anomalies, finally adding, "So far it looks like you don't have any other issues, like internal bleeding or hearing loss. You should be all right in a couple of days, but you'll need some physical and mental rest for the next twenty-four hours. If you start vomiting or feel dizzy or anything unusual, let me know or get someone to let me know, okay?"

Spice snorts, "Gonna kick the sumbitch squa' in th' balls wh'n I see 'm..."

"Which one?" Thorn quips, then smiles, "Just don't be physically exerting yourself until a couple of days have passed, or you'll worsen the concussion."

Spice tries to glower. It's not a very good glower, but she gives it the good ol' college try, "Fraser." she peers down the corridor, adding, "Middle one... I think."

Thorn blinks, then frowns and holds up his hand, throwing the horns. "How many fingers am I holding up?" he asks her.

Spice rubs her eyes and sighs, "Two. They're a little blurry, but there's two." She throws the same sign back at him with a little smirk.

Thorn grins, "Okay, good. Sorry, I wasn't sure how many werewolves you were seeing."

Spice grumbles, "Four... but that's countin' Arvid 'n th' oth'r two. Was tryin'a make a fuckin' joke. Damn, my head hurts..."

"Concussions will do that." Thorn smiles ruefully, "It's a good sign, though, if you have a headache."

A short distance away, Arvid is currently pointing Cinnamon and Fraser further down the corridor, where there are the remains of a door that has quite frankly been utterly destroyed, "He was in there." He points at another shattered door, "Rafe was in there. We thought the doors were stronger."

Cinnamon hmms as she studies the doors, "Uhmm... okay, so where's he supposed to spend the rest of the night?" Glancing back towards the little cluster of supernaturals and humans, she adds, "Why did they break out? Do you know what happened?" She's still got both hands thrust into the thick, warm fur of Fraser's ruff, absently scritching him since he's being good. Fraser -- either tired out or groggy from slamming into the wall -- has finally settled.

Arvid muses slowly, "I... suspect he was..." He takes a deep breath, then adds more steadily, "I think he may have been hunting. I want to ask Spice."

Cinnamon nods to Arvid, "When you find out, can you tell me too, please? I'm going to take Fraser to his room now. Maybe we can figure a way to get him to stay there, you know?" She tugs gently on the big red wolf, her voice coaxing, "Come on, big guy... let's go! Don't you want to bed down and sleep off your headache?" Fraser grumbles... or at least it sounds like grumbling.

Fraser's room is... a complete mess. The bed is turned over, the bedding is on the floor, and the splinters of the door are all over the place! It's not really fit for someone to stay in. Cinnamon sighs as she stands next to Fraser at the door and surveys the damage, "Oh, Fraser... we are so going to owe the trod for this!" She glances around, then says determinedly, "Well, let's see if we can figure something out to help you stay put, okay?"

Josie is just now making it to the corridor; apparently she had been walking the perimeter outside the trod. She's a little frantic, snuffling anxiously over Spice -- who laughs and assures her girlfriend that she's fine! Just has a headache... and then it's Cinnamon's turn.

Further down the corridor, Cinnamon initially gently, then more firmly, nudges the big, grumpy werewolf into the room -- then laughs as she's scooped up and thoroughly snuffled by an anxious Josie! "No, really, I'm fine -- eek! That tickles! No, really, it's not my blood!"

Back by Spice, Thorn thinks -- no, he knows a concussion is more serious than a headache! But he doesn't say anything to correct her right now. The young woman watches Josie go after Cinnamon, then looks at Thorn and sighs, "Yeah, I know -- it's a fuckin' concussion. I'll tell 'er once she's done freakin' out and checkin' everybody over. She's a den mum." Spice glowers at Fraser and looks like she might start to growl, too, but then catches herself.

Thorn grins, "I wasn't going to say anything, honest!" Instead he takes the opportunity to check on Rafe again -- to make sure the other werewolf is still healing, and to push a little more healing if he thinks Rafe needs it. Fortunately Rafe is breathing more easily, and some of his wounds have healed slightly more. He is, after all, known to be one of the strongest healers of the pack.

In front of Fraser's destroyed room, Cinnamon hugs Josie tightly, "JoJo, it's okay... really! Please don't be mad! He's not 'him' right now, you know?" She smiles a bit shakily up at her dear, furry friend as she adds, "Go take good care of Spice, please? I haven't been able to go see her yet, and I'm scared -- is she all right? I hope she's not m-mad that I, I d-didn't take better care of her!"

Inside the room, Fraser growls and flops near the bed in a pile of bedding that's sort of half on, half off the overturned mattress. Shane follows them in and arches a brow, "Acushla... maybe another room...?"

Cinnamon glances over at Shane and half-laughs, half-sighs, "Oh, Shane... what are we going to do? Does the trod even have any rooms with metal reinforced doors?"

Josie is still frowning, but she replies to Cinnamon's earlier statement, "Spice's got a headache, but she smells okay... maybe a little sicker than she says. I'm very mad at him! She smells a lot like him."

The young werewolf can feel Cinnamon abruptly relax, where the little dragon is still leaning against her, "Oh, thank goodness! I was so scared he might have bitten her!"

Shane sighs and shakes his head, "No. Not metal. I think Eirich's meat locker has a stone door. But that would be putting a werewolf in with the trod's entire stock of meat."

Cinnamon starts giggling in spite of herself, barely managing to get out, "Well, that -- heehee! -that'd likely keep him busy?!"

Shane grins, "It should! And I'd never hear the end of it from Eirich." He puts an arm around Cinnamon and pulls her tight against his side, "You nearly gave me a heart attack, girl! Rushing at him like that!" Cinnamon unfortunately finds she can't stop laughing once she starts -- and then she finds herself sobbing, clutching Shane's baldric and trying to stifle her tears against his bare shoulder. She's not hurt at all! Why is she so upset?! Shane wraps his arms around Cinnamon and strokes her hair, making quiet shushing sounds and holding onto her. Josie, who can be tactful, quietly slips out. Fraser is watching and is not growling. Yet. Shane just keeps holding and keeps petting.

Cinnamon takes a couple of deep, sobbing breaths and sniffles a few times, trying to stop the tears... then smiles a bit shakily up at Shane, "'M s-sorry, Shane... guess 'm just... overreacting a bit..." She sighs, leaning her forehead against Shane's shoulder as she murmurs in a very low voice, "For a moment there... thought I'd lost her, Shane. She wasn't moving, wasn't responding... and poor Rafe! He was... it was the weirdest effect! Like... like he was losing all his redness! Sort of fading, you know?" She sighs deeply as she adds, "Thank goodness they're both okay now... thanks to Thorny. Don't know what we'd do without him!"

Shane holds her quietly for a little while, then says quietly, "Cinnamon... he was losing his... redness... because he was dying. He was trying to bleed out, I think. I saw how much blood was on the floor back there." He's petting her hair quietly, "I think Spice didn't lose any blood, but I think that's because you stopped Fraser. We didn't realize Spice was back there. We just thought it was Rafe."

Cinnamon sighs as she finally straightens up... then exclaims in embarrassment and tries to smooth out the wrinkles she's put in his leather baldric! She sighs again, her voice rueful, "I am just not good at all for your clothing, am I..." She pauses, considering that statement -- then turns bright red and hastily gabbles, "Oh! Uh, y-yeah, that's, er, that's w-what Arvid said too, er... actually!" She feels almost incandescent with embarrassment as she realizes: she was almost stroking the poor man's naked chest there, too! She gulps and her voice unwittingly goes up an octave as she even more swiftly adds, "Okay! So, er, yeah! I was, um, so maybe -- is there any silver we could maybe use to b-brace shut a door for Fraser?!"

Shane smiles, "A baldric is meant to hold a sword in battle. It can survive a few tears." He strokes her hair, "It'll be OK. Really." At her question, though, he considers for a moment -- then nods once, "Let me check. There might be a couple of practice swords we can use."

Cinnamon sighs and relaxes slightly as Shane doesn't seem upset at her... though she leans against the doorjamb with a gusty, "Whew!" after Shane moves off to check. Dear heavens, could it possibly get any more embarrassing tonight?! She blinks, then mutters amusedly to herself, "Don't say that! That'll totally make it happen, otherwise..." For now, though, she should probably just stay here and keep Fraser calm... and hopefully Arvid will be back once he's bandaged up, to tell her what happened. She sinks down into a sitting position, carefully pulling the blood-soaked parts of her clothing away from her legs with a small grimace... then sighs and leans her head back against the doorjamb too. She unwittingly gets a rather silly smile on her face as she waits, reflecting on how nice it feels to have one's hair stroked...

Shane comes back about half an hour later, after Fraser seems to have fallen asleep. Arvid is with him, though staying well away from what Shane carries -- a pair of longswords. As Shane explains, "Not practice blades! These belong to a couple of the trod's guardians. We can set up a barricade so Fraser would hurt himself badly."

Cinnamon nods in relief -- she'd been starting to nod off a bit! She slowly and tiredly scrambles back up to her feet, "Okay... whoof! There we go. Okay, how can I help?" She smiles uncertainly at Arvid as she adds, "Did you, um... ever find out what exactly was going on, captain?"

Arvid shakes his head and sighs, "No. I think we'll need to ask Spice in the morning. Rafe is asleep and healing, though. That'll take all his energy tonight."

Cinnamon nods slowly, absently patting the captain's uninjured arm, "It's okay... we'll find out tomorrow, then." She covers a yawn, then follows Shane's instructions on barricading the door. After that's done, he walks her (a little protectively) back to her own room. They meet the rest of the group on the way, and Cinnamon smiles wearily at her friends, reassuring them, "We got Fraser all tucked away, with silver across the door! How's everyone else doing?" She doesn't notice the protectiveness so much as feel tiredly relieved that Shane's being so nice despite what a mess she is tonight! She'll have to work on her clothing tomorrow... but tonight she thinks she's just going to wipe off the blood, put on a clean nightie, and sleep like a log!

Thorn nods, "Spice and Rafe will be all right -- though Rafe is going to have to sleep this through."

Cinnamon sighs in relief, giving Thorn a tight hug, "Thank you so much, Thorny! I think you saved Rafe's life... and helped Spice be better!"

Thorn erfs! with the hug, and laughs quietly hugging her back. "Just doing what I can. How is Fraser? Secure and sleeping?"

Spice nods tiredly, leaning against Josie's side. The young werewolf looks like she wants to cradle Spice like a doll... except Spice doesn't do doll-like. Cinnamon's hug for Spice is much more careful... and she whispers apologies for taking so long to get there! Then she nods and smiles to Thorn, "Yep, just like I said: barricaded away behind silver tonight." She glances at Shane, adding, "Will it be okay to borrow the swords for the next two nights too, please?"

Spice smiles and hugs back with a snort, "Don't worry. Fraser gotta watch out, though. Gonna kick 'im right inna nuts for bein' a jerk."

Cinnamon giggles in spite of herself at that! Then she yawns, then smiles at her friends, "So... sleep tonight, stories tomorrow?"

Thorn nods, realizing that he's even more tired now, "Yes, I think that sounds like a good idea!"

The next morning, there's a knock at Cinnamon's door. It turns out to be Quinn, inviting her to come to breakfast in a slightly smaller dining room than the main one with a few folks. Cinnamon sleepily agrees, though she asks for a bit of time to get ready -- she has to clean up both herself and figure out what will take blood out of her clothing without bleaching it! Thorn gets the same invitation, though his is delivered by Shane. He thanks Shane, getting dressed and cleaned up, and in a little while shows up at the designated room.

About an hour later (and with the gratefully accepted help of Aisling), Cinnamon's blooded clothing is soaking, she's washed herself up, and she comes pattering on Aisling's heels into the smaller dining room. When they get there, it's all people they know: Quinn, the Havvarger, Saoirse, Jaeger, Aisling, Josie, Spice, and Thorn. Cinnamon looks around with interest, forgetting the keen ears of her hosts for a moment as she whispers to Aisling, "Is this, like, for special people or something, Ash?" She smiles shyly and waves at friends -- then glances around more carefully, checking for Rafe and Fraser as well.

Rafe and Fraser are both there. Rafe is looking wan and tired. Fraser is looking... actually a bit bruised. In fact, he's looking at the table and nothing else, hands folded there. Cinnamon isn't surprised at that, considering she has a bruise on the back of her head now, too! -- as well as the remains of the bruising from getting shot in the face. However, at least it's slowly going away... enough so now that she doesn't feel the need to cover her face so as to not shock everyone. She sure is hungry all the time while she's healing, though! Her voice is hopeful, "Is there any breakfast left, maybe?"

Quinn smiles and settles down, "Not been served yet. We were waiting for everyone to be here." The table isn't quite round; more an oval. It's means to seat perhaps twenty people instead of the entire trod, as they've seen when meals are general, like in the main hall. Quinn speaks again, "We wanted to figure out this morning what in the name of the stars and stones happened last night, and how we can prevent it happening again tonight."

Cinnamon blushes as she realizes: all these nice people waited for her?! She sits hastily, ducking her head in embarrassment. She really wants to know what happened too, but wow! Rude, much -- her making every hungry one wait?! She's at least glad to see both Rafe and Fraser seem okay now, though. She visually checks Spice too, while the little dragon listens to Quinn -- how is her dear friend?

Eirich and a couple of folks start bringing in sausages, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, juices, coffee, tea... people are mostly just chatting in a general way while this is going on. One of the folks bringing in the food asks about the howling last night and Quinn chuckles, smiling, "Wolves, you know?" The way he says it makes it sound as if the trod was never in any danger.

Cinnamon takes a deep, very appreciative breath of the delicious-smelling food, and her stomach rumbles embarrassingly loudly! She squeaks slightly, blushes again, and ducks her head, hoping no one heard. She listens to folks chatting as she surreptitiously starts her breakfast, with carefully tidy bites that just don't stop -- she's really hungry today! At some point, though, she starts watching Fraser with some curiosity. His initial pose: seated and watching his clasped hands resting on the table -- seemed somehow... odd, to her? Not the way he'd usually sit, she thinks... maybe?

Once Eirich and his helpers are gone, Quinn makes sure the door is closed, then glances around the table. Fraser remains staring at his hands until the cook and the helpers are gone, and then he raises his head -- and Cinnamon sees he's got two black eyes. Her eyes widen in sudden horror -- did she do that?! She whispers in shock, "Oh, my gosh!" Thorn starts to eat, though not as quickly or as famished-seeming as those folks who are still healing. The healer also makes sure Fraser and Rafe are eating, because they both really need to eat as well! Fraser does starts eating, and he does seem to be very hungry, while Rafe is eating like a starving man; he looks a little pale. Cinnamon is quietly relieved to see Rafe and Fraser both are eating well, so she checks regarding Spice, too... even as she leans to whisper to Shane, seated next to her, "Shane, did I do that horrible -- er, a-are those black eyes on poor Fraser my f-fault?!"

Spice is eating, though she's not scarfing her food down. Josie is hovering a little over her girlfriend. Shane blinks, then chuckles, "Ah. Uhm... well... he had one of them this morning..."

Cinnamon gives Shane a surprised look, "Wait, you're saying he got into another fight... this morning?!" She relaxes a bit -- that couldn't have been her, then! She's a bit awed at just how, er... reckless Fraser is during the full moon, though!

Shane grins, "Not so much a fight as..."

Fraser, whose ears are quite good, rumbles, "I didnae get in a fight, lass. I got punched in the eye by a pint-sized Asian."

Cinnamon's eyes widen, and her head swivels around to stare in amazement at Spice -- and then she realizes she talked too loudly -- and she blushes again! Her voice is half-shocked, half-laughing, "Spice! Really!?"

Spice snorts, "Josie convinced me it'd be really rude to kick 'im in the balls, so I punched 'im in the eye. Fuckin' deserved it."

Cinnamon grins, shaking her head in amazement, "Girl, you are so much braver than me!" She has to cover the giggle as she turns back to her food.

Fraser snorts, "I'd not say that, lass."

Quinn nods slowly, "Mmm... nor I. You went after him last night when he was full of bloodlust..." he eyes the werewolf, "and I suspect regular lust as well." He's sounding... almost forbidding? It's not a sounds they've heard much in his voice.

Arvid also sounds rather grim, "Indeed. Fraser. Tell us what was in your mind, if you know."

Cinnamon smiles ruefully and shakes her head, "Not really brave, though, is it... if you know you won't be hurt?" She adds hastily as she accidentally interrupts the men, "But, er, th-that can wait!" She blinks at the tone in Quinn's voice... then looks puzzled. From the way Aisling and others in the trod behave, Cinnamon had gotten the idea that 'regular lust' was a fine thing, actually...? She starts to lean to whisper to Shane -- then abruptly catches herself up. Having everyone overhear her asking Shane about lust?! Dear god, no -- she'd melt away into a puddle of horrified embarrassment!

Fraser takes a deep breath, then says, "I thought I'd be fine. Jaeger and I walked and ran and I was feeling like I might sleep through, y'ken?" There's some nodding around the room. Fraser sighs, "But then I woke up and I thought... perhaps I might hunt a wee." He smiles wryly, "What I might hunt..." he shrugs slowly, "that depended, I supposed..." He looks around the table at those that haven't known him as long as the other Havvarger, "It may be best if I go back to Valkyrie tonight..." he sighs, "since I clawed through the door..."

Spice glowers at Fraser as he speaks. Cinnamon is quietly impressed with how... how Fraser-like Fraser is behaving right now! Not at all like his usual full moon self. She wonders why... maybe getting smacked did it? Then she smiles wryly to herself. Even if it's the smacking that knocked some sense into him, it's not like they can keep whacking the poor man for three days!

There's a glint then in Fraser's eyes that says perhaps his full-moon self might be coming to the fore, but Arvid is sitting by him and the captain growls softly. Fraser sighs, "I saw Spice and she smelled so lovely... I pounced... but Rafe was there. I think he heard me going through me door. There was a fight, and then... I don't remember much until I got thrown into a wall." He smirks slightly, "Haven't been that clear-headed on a full-moon night in... ever."

Cinnamon turns a bit pink, staring down at her plate in embarrassment... then continues eating her toast. A moment later she huhs thoughtfully to herself. Could it be pain that clears his head? Strange. Quinn listens quietly; Arvid as well. When Fraser is done, the captain of the Havvarger sighs, "Quinn, I will make recompense to the trod... and I can take him back to the ship, if you need us to."

Quinn considers for a while... then looks at Cinnamon, "Can you keep him under control?"

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Quinn, "Wh-whuuh...?" then gets a pained look, [Dear god, could I possibly sound any more moronic?!]. She sighs and tries again, "I'm sorry, Quinn, but I, um... I'm not sure what you're asking me, please?"

Quinn smiles, "He seems to behave when he's with you. Could you keep Fraser under control if he stays here tonight? I'd told Arvid that I'd hoped the Havvarger could have a full-moon celebration together here, but if Fraser needs to be on-board the Valkyrie in their brig..."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a bit, then turns to Fraser, "What do you think?" She feels a bit... weird, being asked if she can control someone who's right there in the room, honestly! Her reading materials have not (yet) been such as to necessitate a deep understanding of consent, after all.

Fraser considers, then grins at her, "Well, if nothing else, we know you can knock me into a wall."

Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly at Fraser... then takes a deep breath, pushes her glasses up, turns to Quinn, and says uncertainly, "I, ahh... okay?" Fraser's eyes glint when Cinnamon looks away -- and then there's a hiss and a quiet curse when Arvid pinches and twists the Scots werewolf's ear. Cinnamon blinks at Arvid and Fraser, then adds worriedly, "Though, er... could you guys take care of him during the day, please, Captain Arvid? I still have to finish cleaning up my clothes, I'm afraid?"

Arvid sounds slightly grim, "Oh, yes. I'll make sure he behaves himself during the day."

Cinnamon beams in relief at the two werewolves, "Oh, thank you!" She pauses, then adds a bit diffidently, "So, er... do we know now what... oh!" She brightens, then shifts to French and says to Rafe, "Excusez-moi, s'il vous pla�t, mais vous souvenez-vous de la nuit derni�re?" She's asking if he remembers last night. Hopefully he can fill in the bits which Fraser doesn't remember.

Rafe smiles tiredly and nods once, "Oui. Je me souviens." The story he tells is... pretty much what Fraser told. He heard Fraser clawing quietly at the wooden door, and the French werewolf knew nothing good was going to come of that... so he worked his own way out. He got there in time to see Fraser menacing Spice, and leapt between them. Fraser lunged... and that's when things got painful and hazy.

It's not just the Havvarger that celebrate the full moon; it's a sacred night for the trod, as well. On Coblyn Street, as in any city, you don't see as much worship as you do in outlying areas. Here, however, things are different: people are getting together their clothing for the night, Eirich is baking little cakes, and a contingent from the trod has been sent to town after little treats.

However, during that time Cinnamon is busy -- for several hours, in fact -- trying to wash blood out of her nightclothes. She's only got the one robe, after all, and those are her favorite plushie slippers! Plus she doesn't want her nice, warm flannel nightie to stain... so she sighs, rolls up her sleeves, and hopes a lot of soapy scrubbing will take care of them without destroying the material. Thorn -- who is used to scrubbing blood out of, um, scrubs -- offers to help Cinnamon, recommending cold water instead of hot. He also makes himself available for any healing that people in the trod might need, of course. Cinnamon thanks Thorn for the advice -- she's never had to do anything like this before! She's not quite in tears as she works over her clothing. Last night was scary!

Fortunately for her, there's help with the washing. It turns out there's apparently some precedent here as well -- with getting blood out of clothes, that is -- so she's given salt and peroxide to clean with. Thorn doesn't encourage Cinnamon to not cry, since it's an important part of dealing with fear and stress. Aisling stops by to help with the scrubbing -- and the hugging as well. Josie quietly goes and has A Word with Fraser. She might or might not actually bite him.

Cinnamon sniffles a little at the hugs and returns them tightly -- they mean a lot to her! Having friends there helps a whole lot in chasing away the terrifying idea that people she cares about could die. Aisling being who she is, in fact, soon has Cinnamon smiling shyly again at the beansidhe's gentle teasing -- even singing along softly with some of the washing songs others cheerfully teach her. Thus, by the time Cinnamon is fairly sure she's got her clothing as clean as she can get it, she's still not happy with Fraser or what happened last night... but she's not frightened and shaky any more. She warmly hugs anyone who's still there, thanking them for both helping her... and not laughing at her fears.

By the time Josie is done chewing Fraser out, the scrubbing is done and lunch is ready -- though Fraser is not at lunch. Rafe is, however, and seems to be doing much better. Arvid is just happy that the rest of his crew-cum-pack have made it safely to the trod. Cinnamon sighs in relief at sight of Rafe! If he looks like he can stand up to it, she gives him a careful hug and fervent well-wishes in French. Fortunately, Rafe is happy to hug back. All of the Havvarger are happy to give hugs, in fact -- they're wolves. Wolves are good with physical affection.

Cinnamon nearly devours a huge lunch once again -- though now she's fortunately not embarrassed to do so, because she knows she sure isn't the only one right now! She has no idea what Josie's been doing, of course -- the big werewolf is more tactful than that, since Josie knows her shy little friend would probably be embarrassed. Aisling, however, asks Cinnamon if she wants to wear clothes at the circle, or if she wants a robe that will be easy to get out of. The sidhe asks with a very matter-of-fact sort of tone, of course!

Cinnamon blinks up at Aisling from over her glass... then makes a startled choking noise! She hastily puts her glass down and covers her mouth, forcing herself to carefully swallow... then hiccups in spite of herself, before she asks confusedly, "I, uhh... d-did I...?" Her cheeks are flaming red by this point -- noticeable even past the still-brilliant bruising! She pauses, thinking rapidly. She must have heard that wrong -- or rather, understood it wrong! Aisling's just being nice and offering her a dry, clean robe for tonight, right? So... some folks must go in their nighties or something... maybe? It's going to be a ceremony late at night after all, right? Though... mmm, no, Cinnamon's going to go in regular clothes this time -- no more having to scrub blood out of the very few nighties she has with her!

Cinnamon forces an only slightly embarrassed smile, "I, er, s-sorry there! Um, swallowed wrong... yeah. So, uhh... I, um, I think clothes for me, definitely! B-but, er, th-thank you for the offer...?"

Aisling nods, "Good idea. I'm not going skyclad tonight, either. It's supposed to be chilly even with the fire." She smiles brightly and goes on about her day. This is apparently just another question to ask the visitors -- like what their favorite tea is.

Cinnamon blinks puzzledly after Aisling, wondering what skyclad means... then glances around to see if anyone she knows is close enough to ask. Maybe... some light-colored or silky cloak? It certainly sounds pretty...? Oh, good -- Thorn's nearby. Cinnamon leans to murmur quietly to him, "Hey, Thorn? Are you, er, going skyclad to the ceremony tonight?" She hesitates, then adds a bit diffidently, "And, um... d-do you know what it is, maybe?"

Thorn notices the blush, and the bruising, and also that Cinnamon may not realize Aisling was casually mentioning that the ceremony will be skyclad -- or even what skyclad means. He clears his throat a little, "Um... probably not, no. 'Skyclad' means, ah, 'nude.' As in, 'clad in only the sky.'" Cinnamon blinks at Thorn... and then her eyes widen in horror! She sits bolt upright again with a small, shocked squeak, carefully not looking at anything or anyone but her trencher! Food, yes... she is eating food that is all she is doing uh-huh quite busy yes eating food!

Thorn studies Cinnamon for a few heartbeats, then says -- in part to distract her, "I'm sorry, I should have asked you earlier. Would you like me to do some healing on your bruising? It may take a while for it to go down otherwise."

Cinnamon is determinedly shoveling food into her mouth and chewing hard, so it takes her a few seconds to register Thorn's suggestion. Once she's swallowed and considered, she looks a bit self-conscious as she leans to whisper, "Is it... does it still look awful? I thought it was... maybe... a bit less horrible looking? I mean... well, like, no one has been flinching when they look at me...? Er... much?"

Thorn smiles reassuringly, "Oh, it's not awful, no. I was just wondering if you would like some healing for it. I would imagine it's itchy and sore."

Cinnamon sighs in relief... then thinks a bit. Finally she says uncertainly, "I would, b-but... I don't -- er, I mean... don't you have to, like... save your energy or something? I mean, I'll live, you know? But, umm... but I d-don't want anyone else to, t-to be ki- uh, t-to hurt because of me... you know?"

Thorn nods relaxedly, "That was partly why I hesitated at first... but right now, I don't think anything will happen until tonight. That'll be plenty of time."

Cinnamon looks hopeful, "You're sure? If, um, if you're sure, it... it'd be kinda nice... please? Though just the bruising, right?"

Thorn blinks, "Why? I mean, are you having any other medical issue that I can help with?"

Cinnamon blinks back at Thorn in perplexity, pushing her glasses up, "Nnnoooo? I don't think so? Why?" She looks self-consciously down at herself, wondering if she missed something... then hmms. "Well, I guess my near-sightedness counts, but... I, um, I'd rather you d-didn't change that just yet, please?"

"Oh!" Thorn nods in understanding, adding, "You know, I'm not sure I can heal that... but if you ever change your mind, I'd be willing to try! So, just the bruising for now."

Cinnamon grins ruefully up at Thorn, "I expect you can, if you can heal a slashed throat that's been there as long as I've been alive... but yes, please: just the bruises right now?"

Thorn nods, "Of course! Just have a seat and relax. This shouldn't take too long." He focuses the magic in much the same way Cinnamon first recommended to him, trying to urge her blood vessels to re-knit and the blood to be re-absorbed.

Cinnamon sits still, wondering curiously how this will feel. The effect is overall warm and soothing... somewhat refreshing as the itchiness and soreness goes away. It's not an intrusive feeling, but rather an absence of ouchiness (technical term, that) which almost feels almost like micromassage. Cinnamon blinks and relaxes a bit as the healing takes place. It feels oddly nice! Once he's done, the little dragon smiles shyly up at Thorn, "Thank you so much, Thorny! Is there anything I can do for you too?"

Thorn smiles, shaking his head. "Nothing right now, thank you, Cinnamon. I'm just glad I could help. Again, I'm sorry I didn't ask you earlier."

Cinnamon grins more relaxedly at that, "Oh, don't feel bad about that!" She giggles, adding more quietly, "I forget about myself too, sometimes still, you know? Like... like one time Shane wanted me to make a fire, and all I could think of was that I'd flunked camping in girl scouts! And he said he had matches though they might be wet, and I thought to myself, 'oh, good! I can use my fire to light... the... matches...'" She laughs a bit sheepishly, "and then I facepalmed!" She runs her fingertips lightly over her face, gently prodding... then adds happily, "It feels all normal! Does it look normal now too?"

Thorn laughs warmly with her. "You'll get used to your abilities! I think we're both still sort of feeling out what we can do, so it'll take some time to remember." He studies her face for a moment, then beams and nods. "It looks un-bruised!"

Cinnamon sighs happily, "Awesome. Okay then! I'm ready for tonight... even if it has naked people in it!" She pauses... then turns a little pink as she hastily amends, "Well, um, I -- I p-probably w-won't look, either way...!"

That night, the ceremony is to take place at the top of the mound that holds the entrance to the trod, where there currently is an altar set up. The entire crew of the Valkyrie is present, but some of the trod are absent. Aisling and Quinn explain: since there are very few trespassing laws in this part of the world, it's likely best to divert anyone who is out for a moonlight ramble. All of the Havvarger are in lupine form. Fraser is easy to spot -- partially because he is flanked by the most enormous wolf anyone there has ever seen -- and on the other side he's got one of the trod's guardians... who is holding a very large, very obvious sword. The other Havvarger are scattered among the loose circle of people.

Cinnamon wears nice, warm clothing... and after some thought she's also got a scarf wrapped loosely about her neck. She figures -- a little sheepishly -- that if necessary she can sort of cover her face so she doesn't embarrass the heck out of herself if anyone there is n-naked! ...er, wait... skyclad, right. She tilts her head in fascination at sight of the enormous wolf. Could that be Arvid? She can see why he's the alpha, if so! Thorn attends as well, likewise clothed. It's a bit... chilly to be skyclad -- or so he tells himself.

A wolf wearing a sort of heavy collar is at the east point of the circle with Shane, while Quinn and Aisling are in the northern quarter. There are several people who are either completely, or more or less clothed. Some are wearing kilts and nothing else, while others are just completely bare, or clad only in jewelry. It seems to be up to whatever the person's choice is. Cinnamon hopes she's not noticeably blushing as she notices the naked people! She hastily turns her regard to, er... Josie! And Shane, yes! They're safe to look at. Josie has gone to her fully wolf form and is frisking happily around Spice, who is wearing jeans and a sports bra. Jaeger is wearing a thigh-length tunic and some kind of slim-fitting leggings.

People have -- remarkably subtly -- nudged Cinnamon toward the south, where she finds herself standing with Saoirse and Thorn. In the West are a couple more of the Havvarger, and the pregnant beansidhe. There's murmuring and whispering amongst people, hugs and laughter. If either Thorn or Cinnamon were raised to go to any regular worship services for humans... well, it probably wasn't like this. Cinnamon doesn't notice she's being gently herded, however -- she's just glad she's near someone she considers a friend! She whispers very softly to Thorn, "Hi! I forgot to ask earlier: what are we celebrating, please? Do you know?"

Thorn whispers back, "I'm actually not sure, to be honest. I, uh, forgot to ask. I think it's a celebration of the full moon...?"

Cinnamon looks intrigued, "Cool! I didn't know those were supposed to be celebrated!" She beams, pushing her glasses up, and stands quietly after that. Since she's not familiar with this sort of ritual, she intends to just observe carefully and with great interest! The altar in the center of the circle is stone, though neither Cinnamon nor Thorn remember seeing it up here earlier. Currently it is draped in some sort of white cloth, with a few things resting on it: a chalice and a bowl, some candles, a knife.

As the two human-forms whisper, the moon peeks above the trees -- and the circle quiets down. Quinn and Aisling step forward. They're both fully clothed; Aisling is wearing a long dress of some silver-hued cloth with a slight train. Around her waist and sitting low on her hips is a belt of some silvery metal with inlays of stone. The neckline of the gown is square and embroidered in thread that sparkles under the moon. Her black hair is pulled back in a braid which has been intertwined with silvery ribbons, while a stone that's dark enough to look black depends from more ribbons to rest at the center of her forehead. There's a small sheath at her waist, with a jeweled hilt protruding from it. Cinnamon sighs softly and smiles a bit wistfully -- Aisling always looks so beautiful! Even though Cinnamon usually feels like a hippo in comparison, she does like seeing the slender, lovely sidhe.

Quinn is dressed in a kilt and knee-high boots, but he's not wearing a shirt. There are some scars visible on his torso. He's also got a sheath on his belt, though his bears a sword. His hair is likewise braided, and there's a similar (though square-cut) jewel resting on the center of his forehead. Neither his nor Aisling's jewels look like a crown, however -- it's more like they're wearing badges. These appear to be a symbol of office, rather than an adornment for adornment's sake. Cinnamon glances at Quinn, and is both slightly embarrassed at seeing him without a shirt... and wondering suddenly what Shane's wearing? She looks over that way -- half hopefully and half wary for more potential embarrassment!

Perhaps luckily for Cinnamon, Shane is firmly of the 'it's too damn cold for skyclad' camp! He, too, is wearing a kilt and boots, but he's also wearing a shirt. It's a poofy, pirate-y kind of shirt that shows quite a bit of his chest, admittedly -- but it's still a shirt -- and a lot more than he was wearing last night in the hallway!

At the altar, Quinn and Aisling perform a little ceremony involving the dagger and the chalice. It is... rather suggestive! -and then they turn toward the east and speak in Irish Gaelic. It's a call toward the spirits of air to join and bless them. Amusingly, Cinnamon misses quite a bit of the suggestiveness for the simple reason that she's happily admiring Shane... when no one will notice her! As she does so, everyone in the circle turns toward the east... then deocil toward the south, to invite the spirits of fire and warmth into the circle. That, of course, means almost everyone in the circle is facing directly toward Cinnamon and Thorn! Cinnamon hastily stops watching Shane at that point, of course, staring back a bit wide-eyed as she wonders why they're all watching her... was there something she was supposed to do?! Eeek! She unwittingly takes a step or two back, not quite ducking behind Saoirse and Thorn.

Saoirse smiles and just gets Cinnamon to turn around and face south with them, whispering that they put her here because south is fire and it's a good omen to have her in the south. Cinnamon sighs in relief at that! She can't help grumbling internally a bit at herself, though -- she was supposed to be watching the ceremony... not ogling Shane, sheesh! Thorn is also a little confused as to what to do! He wonders if they're also supposed to turn to the south. Saoirse clucks her tongue and says she's going to have a word with Quinn and Aisling about prepping visitors for circle next time!

The ceremony continues on around the circle to the west, asking for the blessings of water, and then to the north again, for earth... and finally back to the east, in order to seal the circle. Cinnamon is, admittedly, watching Shane again by the time the circle is sealed, though...

Once the circle is sealed, Quinn steps forward and raises his voice, "Tonight, we celebrate the full moon... the coming around once more of our Lady -- and this moon, we also celebrate the freeing of chains that held us long and long. We have thrown those off, thanks to unexpected visitors!" Cinnamon is distracted enough that for a moment she wonders if the werewolves broke some chains while hunting -- then realizes with a slight shock of startlement: Quinn means them! She and her group of friends -- how nice!

One of the trod's guardians is moving around the circles, quietly gathering up Cinnamon and her friends to bring them to the center of the circle. Quinn is still speaking, "Thanks to this, not only are we free, but Holly is freed from chains they did not even know they wore -- and we are going to have conclave again! For the first time in decades, if not centuries!" Cinnamon blinks curiously at the guardian, pushing her glasses up to study the person... but she smiles and follows amiably when asked. She can't help beaming in shy happiness at Quinn's clear pleasure, too. She's really glad she could help a little bit here!

Thorn tries not to shift his posture in embarrassment, though he doesn't resist being nudged into the circle. He's not comfortable with lionizing, but he is glad Cinnamon and Shane and the others are getting the recognition they deserve! Of course, the little dragon glances around the small collection of friends... and then, if she can do so subtly, she ends up half-hidden behind either Shane or Josie! Quinn smiles at them all, "We wanted to offer you each a small token of the trod's esteem." With that, he hands each of them a small piece of beaten silver. It really is small -- perhaps the size of a nickel -- and incised with a rowan tree. That also makes it obvious why the Havvarger weren't brought up for this, though -- silver would be Not Good for them!

Cinnamon is quietly speechless as she receives her token, though her shy smile of thanks to Quinn is almost as brilliant as the excited sparkle in her eyes. The elder beansidhe's eyes are twinkling a little! He knows he just handed treasure to a dragon, after all. He continues: "Without you, we could possibly have lost our entire trod." His eyes twinkle even more, "For obvious reasons, the Havvarger who helped us with going to Holly have been given other thanks." There's some laughter around the circle.

Cinnamon grins shyly at that again, and whispers a quiet, "Thank you so much!" She tilts the little silver token in her hands, admiring the way the moonlight ripples liquidly across it... so pretty!

Thorn blinks in surprise, and bows over the token. "Thank you!" he says warmly, "thank you very much!"

Quinn smiles to Thorn, "Thank you."

Aisling grins at Cinnamon's happiness, as she and Quinn hug them all one at a time, "Thank you all." The lovely sidhe woman takes a small piece of shortbread from a plate on the altar and offers it to Cinnamon, "May you never hunger."

Cinnamon blinks at the shortbread, then cautiously accepts it, "Thank... you...?" She glances at it, then up at Aisling and whispers very softly, "What do I do, please?! Do I share it with you? Or what?!"

Aisling murmurs, "Say 'May you never hunger' and eat it. You're doing fine."

Cinnamon looks abruptly relieved! "Oh! M-may you never hunger either!" She takes a quick bite... then pauses. Good manners -- or at least those she learned as a child -- seem to indicate she really should share! She hesitates... then offers it to Thorn too, "Umm... never hunger?"

Aisling smiles, and when she turns to him, Thorn nods his thanks to Aisling, relieved that she's helping them with the ritual! He bows slightly to Cinnamon, accepting the shortbread. "May you never hunger," he says, and takes a bite from the shortbread. He takes a quick glance around to see who he passes the shortbread to. Josie is there and she grins and takes the shortbread next, murmuring the little ritual phrase. Out around the circle, two of the trod's residents are carrying trays and a pitcher and chalice for the rest of the people.

Quinn is turning to Cinnamon with the chalice, murmuring, "May you never thirst."

Greatly daring, Cinnamon replies, "Ahh... may you never thirst too?" She watches Quinn's face breathlessly -- did she get it right?! She doesn't want to try taking a sip -- which, she's guessing, is next -- until she has some verification, after all. Quinn gives Cinnamon a little wink and a nod, looking for a second startlingly like his son, letting her know she got it right. Cinnamon sighs in relief -- then beams with delight back at him! It's one of her rare, truly happy smiles that light up her plainness into something approaching beauty... and then she glances down at the chalice and half-reaches for it. She's not sure if he's supposed to hold it, or she should...?

Quinn holds it for her, and helps her tip it to her lips. When she's taken her sip, he turns next to Thorn with the same benediction. Around them, there's... something... happening. It's subtle, but it's like a hum along the skin. Thorn resists taking a look around the circle. He can feel that... something happening, though he's not sure what. He glances to Quinn and Aisling -- they would know if something was amiss? -- but they seem to not mind whatever is occurring here. Thorn reasons therefore that it must be an intended part of the ceremony, probably? That thought puts his mind at ease, though he's still curious as to what will happen next.

Cinnamon swallows and smiles at Quinn again, then looks around with interest once he moves to Thorn. This ritual is apparently... doing something? Crafting an effect? Something like that, she thinks. She studies the area curiously, trying to figure out what's going on. She's momentarily distracted, though, by the shimmer of the lovely moonlight on a certain young man's silky, night-dark hair... she blinks and pushes her glasses up a moment later. What was she looking for, again? Still, that something is growing stronger. It's Thorn who realizes what's happening: he's suddenly just more conscious of what's near him! It's like a delicate, lovely, gossamer net of awareness of everyone around him... a mystical, wonderful web of cognizance! Thorn blinks a little as he senses what's happening, looking around in wonder even as he finishes the 'may you never thirst' part of the ritual.

Each of the visitors is given to eat and to drink; the trod and the Havvarger are partaking in the ritual as well. Quinn murmurs, as he sees Thorn's expression, "Pretty amazing, eh? Don't worry. It's a temporary thing. You're not bound into the trod or anything."

Cinnamon glances over at that curious statement! When Quinn moves to the next person, she whispers to Thorn, "What did he mean, Thorny?"

Thorn murmurs back to Cinnamon, "The ritual... it's actually doing something -- I don't... I'm not quite sure what, but it feels kind of fascinating!"

Cinnamon nods excitedly, "It is! But... what? How do we tell?"

Thorn glances around, whispering back, "I'm... not sure! We may have to wait until the ritual is complete to know." Cinnamon nods at that, going back to observing -- and carefully not looking back towards Shane! He may be scrumptious, but he's also quite distracting! She wants to figure out what's going on first.

The tension grows. It's not unpleasant; it's just a feeling, along the skin, of awareness. Aisling murmurs, "You can go back to the circle if you want." There's a little teasing in her voice as she adds, "You don't have to go back to the south, either, if you don't want to!" The two trod members with the tray and the pitcher are almost all the way around the circle.

Cinnamon smiles distractedly at Aisling, missing the teasing in her efforts to figure out what's going on, "Okay... but before I go, can you tell me what this, er, ritual is, um... is creating? What's going on, I mean?"

Aisling smiles as she murmurs, "It's a temporary binding -- completely benign -- it's communion, in the truest sense of the word. You could walk blindfolded out into the woods tonight, and still walk safely back -- because you'd feel all the rest of us here waiting for you."

Cinnamon's mouth makes a small, silent, awed, 'oooh!' shape, and her eyes are wide as she looks around the entire clan and guests gathered there. What a lovely kind of ritual to have! She beams up at Aisling, whispering, "That's so nice!" She considers for a moment... then adds with a hint of concern, "Communion... like presence, right? Not like, um... not like someone else's thoughts?"

Aisling is, of course, in no way blind about interpersonal relationships! Her eyes are twinkling as she clarifies, "Not someone else's thoughts. Just... presence. Just a coming-together." She hugs Cinnamon, then hugs Thorn and Josie and Spice again too, "Go on! Once the ritual is completed, we're going down that way," she points down the hill, "to go dance and laugh and drink around the fire." Cinnamon beams as she returns the hug! She's not precisely sure why someone as gorgeous as Aisling seems to genuinely like her... but it sure is nice! She glances down the hill towards the fire, wondering if anyone else is there already. She doesn't want to be the first! That thought gives her a small pang of shyness.

Almost as soon as Aisling finishes speaking, there's a feeling almost like the mental and psychic equivalent of a tuning fork gently struck against crystal. The bond is solidified, and there's a general cry, "So mote it be!" Thorn blinks, wobbling a bit on his feet at that cry and as the 'tuning fork' strikes. Cinnamon twitches in startlement, glancing wide-eyed about herself -- that was... unusual! She tilts her head, considering how she feels... then slowly smiles. This is a curiously nice sort of feeling, this bonding! She smiles at her friends as well -- she's really happy to be there with them all on this lovely, chilly full-moon night!

The circle begins to break up and head down the northern side of the hill toward a large bonfire built there. People are laughing together and talking, and the Havvarger seem to be starting to group together. Jaeger walks relaxedly along with Cinnamon and Thorn, murmuring, "The sea wolves have permission to run tonight."

Cinnamon grins up at Jaeger, "Oh, what a lovely idea! I bet they'll really enjoy that." Her voice is slightly wry as she looks over at the pack of wolves and adds, "Not much area to gallop about on a ship, after all..."

Thorn grins, "I imagine they'll really love the chance to run around!"

Cinnamon grins in agreement with Thorn! Then she checks curiously with Jaeger, "Do you know which wolves are which? Like... which one is that monster big one that's next to Fraser?" She tilts her head thoughtfully, adding, "Also... how do you hide your weapons, Jaeger? Are any of them silver?"

Jaeger smiles, "The large one set to... what is the word... 'ride herd' on Fraser is Bjarke. Arvid is that one, wearing the heavy collar. Rafe, you know. Bjarke is apparently the one best able to fight with Fraser, should he become rambunctious." Jaeger chuckles as he adds, "Most of my weapons are silver."

"Oh! Okay, that makes sense." Cinnamon grins, "Wow, Bjarke is big, too!" As the wolves all drift off into the night, she turns her attention to Jaeger with a curious smile, "Is that, like... an elder thing, or a protection thing, or... or do you just like silver?"

Jaeger smiles, "It's a protection thing. I can't use iron. I do have some bronze weapons, but most of us prefer silver. I believe your Shane has a couple of lovely basalt blades."

Cinnamon giggles and blushes, "Oh, he's not mine! But... wow, basalt? I've not seen that -- only the steel sword! Or... well, I guess it's steel?" She thinks for a moment, then excitedly asks, "Oh! Do you have any obsidian blades?! I read somewhere that it's even sharper than steel! Not as sturdy, but still much better at cutting!"

Jaeger nods, "Ah! That is the word: obsidian. He has a couple, yes. He does have steel swords, but I do not think he carries them here. I believe the blades he carries inside the trod are silver or another metal..."

Cinnamon nods happily to Jaeger as they arrive at the big bonfire. She glances around with interest, noting with relief that there seem to be some... logs or stumps or something, so people can sit. That'll keep her safely out of the way of the dancers! There are indeed logs and stumps, with pillows and other seats -- as well as tables with nibblies, wine, and water -- and someone has brought out drums. Cinnamon looks relieved at that... then at another thought, she curiously adds to Jaeger, "Can all elders hide their weapons like you do?"

Jaeger shakes his head, still smiling, "No, that's a 'me' thing, not an elders thing." His eyes are twinkling, "But tonight, I am only carrying a very small blade, and the sheath is at the small of my back. That is why that one is hidden."

Cinnamon's eyes widen with excitement, though she's careful to politely keep her voice low, "Ooh! How cool, though! Is that your knack?!"

Jaeger smiles, "It is. Though I have something of a lesser knack that is... not something I speak of." His blue eyes twinkle even more, "But enough talking shop!"

Cinnamon laughs happily, "OK!" She feels oddly proud that she's been trusted with that information... even if it is something that several people already seem to know! She heads for the tables, helping herself to nibblies and water, then goes and finds a nice log to sit on, where she can comfortably eat and watch. Dancing looks like a lot of fun, but she knows better than trying it for herself. With her athletic skill, she'll trip over something and fall into the fire, or something equally dire! She giggles slightly at that thought, and contentedly nibbles her food as she watches all the pretty people. They really are lovely and graceful.

Thorn is content to settle down on one of the blankets, nibbling on the snacks now and then, and imbibing only water. He's simply enjoying the evening, the dancing, and the strange, wondrous awareness that the ritual had awoken in them. The dancing is unearthly in its beauty and grace, but no less a pleasure to watch. It is an evening of camaraderie and... belongingness.

Shane tries to coax Cinnamon into dancing for at least a little while, and Aisling tries the same with Thorn -- though neither are teased or forced if they decline. Cinnamon blinks startledly up at Shane, pushing her glasses up as she sheepishly admits, "Oh, Shane, I'm s-sorry b-but... I don't know how!" She glances away, blushing as she adds, "A-and I, I d-don't want t-to like, uhh... l-like stomp on your foot by accident or s-something!"

Shane hugs Cinnamon tightly and smiles, "No problem, acushla. Next time." He disappears back into whirl of bodies. Cinnamon is a bit startled at the hug, but then returns it gladly! She feels curiously wistful, though she's not sure exactly why, as she watches Shane vanish into the crowd.

People start slipping back to the trod when the moon starts to set, and the werewolves stream off into the forest with a handful of the trod's guardians keeping a not-too-close watch on them. Quinn and Saoirse want the pack to be able to have this rare opportunity to run together, but they don't want the pack to cause mischief that will create trouble for the trod. Thorn is -- quite subtly -- offered places other than his own room to sleep, if he'd like, by a couple of folk, but people are a little more gentle in their flirtation with Cinnamon... perhaps because Cinnamon has a watchful Josie and a somewhat glowering Spice making sure people are respectful -- because the two women know how shy the little dragon can be. Thorn is successfully lured into dancing by Aisling, at least for a little while. It's surprisingly exhausting, even though he's only a beginner, and he picks up what he can. He does, however, politely decline the "alternate sleeping arrangements," so to speak. Cinnamon happily chatters with Josie and Thorn and Spice, though at some point she does puzzledly ask the two women why they aren't dancing? Josie grins and says, "I like watching the dancing. But I don't know this kind. My dancing is a ritual kind."

Spice smirks, "I mosh. I don't dance." Cinnamon nods and grins as if she understands what they're saying! She's had a few sips of the wine -- just to see how it tasted, that's all! Currently the night feels as warm and fuzzy as her robe, and everything is beautiful... her friends are, and the bonfire is, and the dancing is, and... and everything is really, really nice-feeling tonight!

It's probably no surprise, therefore, that Cinnamon is also sleepy far before everyone else... and so Josie makes sure the little dragon gets safely back into her room. Apparently the wolf shifter has decided she's her friend's guardian tonight! Cinnamon thanks Josie with a yawning hug for taking such good care of her, before she closes her cozy little bedroom door, gets ready for sleep, then cuddles contentedly down into the nice, warm little bed. Similarly, Jaeger sees Thorn back to his room, and sleep comes very easily tonight. Maybe it's just that feeling of community, making sure everyone is looked after.

The next day is a quiet day -- very quiet. Shane and Quinn both explain, with heart-stoppingly similar grins, that part of it is that people overindulged a bit in both the wine and the dancing. Quinn intimates that perhaps they overindulged in those activities which come after wine and dancing as well! Fortunately, all the Havvarger returned before sunrise and are there for breakfast the next morning, all looking quite refreshed. The report seems to be that even Fraser didn't get into too much mischief! They've even brought home a brace of plump red deer for the trod.

The quietude continues through the day, with people moving through the trod only on errands, and mostly staying to themselves. Food is served, and there's plenty of it, though much of it is cold because Eirich doesn't want to make people have to adhere to a meal schedule. There are leftovers from the night before, and goodies for making sandwiches and snacks. There's also a lot of water, herbal tea, and such to be found.

Cinnamon has a slight headache, though she's not entirely sure why -- having never gotten tipsy before in her life -- so she has a nice, cozy day where she stays curled up in bed after eating, and reads on her cell phone. She's glad she brought a nice, sturdy recharging brick with her! Though she doesn't consciously realize it, she feels a little safer in here too. Those grins on the father and son made her feel... really strange inside! Hm... maybe she's coming down with something? Probably best to just take it easy today, and drink lots of tea. Yeah... that's the ticket.

Thorn spends the day talking with the trod's healer, who is more than happy to talk! Thorn wants to learn what he can about any additional healing methods he might not know about, and he ends up gifted with pouches and jars of salves and teas and tinctures to take back with him. Further, each of the jars and pouches and such has a piece of paper or parchment attached, explaining the ingredients and the method of concoction. Clearly the healer is the type that loves to pass on learning.

In the afternoon, Thorn asks Rafe and Arvid for their help as he explores the capabilities of this shielding spell Cinnamon helped him to develop. They rapidly discover the spell seems to work only for other people, though -- Thorn himself is never inside its perimeter. This makes Arvid smile, "This is very like every healer. Always for someone else."

Thorn smiles wryly to Arvid. "That's fine with me," he says. "I'll be hiding behind everyone as it is!" Arvid translates for Rafe, who laughs and pats Thorn on the shoulder.

The only meal that day that's cooked and served is dinner, and that's the first time that day that anyone sees Fraser. He's a little scratched up, but he's also grinning -- almost prowling. He's also got Bjarke still with him. Cinnamon tilts her head curiously as she watches Fraser enter... then she grins and murmurs quietly to Shane, seated next to her, "He sure doesn't look all worn out to me!"

Shane leans back to murmur, "I don't think he is. He got to run and hunt... then came back and slept most of the day."

Cinnamon giggles softly at that! After a moment's thought, she adds curiously, "So... wedge the swords into the doorway again tonight, then?"

Shane chuckles, "Actually, I think the plan is to nail strips of silver across the inside of the whole door tonight. Rafe behaved himself, so that's not going to be a problem."

Thorn nods to Shane. "That might be best," he says. He likes Fraser, but gods above, the werewolf can't pull something again like he did the other night!

Cinnamon nods as she chews up and swallows her mouthful, then says, "Yeah, he was always a sweetie, on the ship. He even growled at Fraser a few times when Fraser was thinking about being a real jerkface!" She smiles at Shane as she adds, "If there's any problems tonight, though? Feel free to wake me up if you need me, okay?" The potential suggestiveness of her statement, of course, goes entirely over her head!

Shane, who is still feeling a little high off the energy of the night before, grins, and his eyes twinkle, but he's sensitive enough to Cinnamon not to actually make the joke. "If we need help corralling Fraser, we'll wake you, I promise. As it is, you're already between him and most of the rest of the trod."

Cinnamon blinks, "I am? Oh! You mean like... where our bedrooms are?" She thinks about that, then nods cheerfully, "Good idea!" After that, dinner progresses normally, and Cinnamon is internally somewhat relieved to see that her formerly enormous 'healing appetite' has slacked off somewhat! She smiles and thanks Thorn happily about that. Thorn beams and tells Cinnamon that she's more than welcome -- he's glad he could help!

Fraser's energy causes him to almost vibrate, and he's swaggering every time he's on his feet. Everyone who has seen him at the full moon knows this feeling! As the sun gets close to setting, Arvid, Bjarke, Fraser, and Rafe head to the rooms the two wolves will be sleeping in that night. Quinn watches them go and sighs, "They're welcome back, but I believe we're going to have to make better arrangements next time. I'm not calling it a breach of hospitality simply because it's not conscious."

Thorn nods quietly to Quinn. "Thank you for that," he says sincerely.

Cinnamon nods to herself as she overhears that -- she can understand that! Had she not known it wasn't 'really' Fraser, after all, she'd have been more upset after the full moon last time, on the ship. In an unwittingly adorable effort to be reassuring, she pats Quinn's forearm lightly, "He really doesn't mean it. He was kinda shocking, last time, getting repeatedly naked at me! -but afterwards? He came and apologized really nicely... even though he didn't remember what he'd done! He'd just noticed I was sorta, um... ducking out of sight every time he came into the room."

Quinn shrugs, "Eh. We adhere fairly closely to 'clothes in the common areas,' but that'd not be a huge issue. Who hasn't had to nip across the hall quick? It's the whole 'blood in the hallways' thing I'm concerned about." Cinnamon blinks at that... but then nods slowly. If Quinn is fine with small nips, then... hm, does that mean sidhe don't change if they're bitten? Interesting! But she'll ask more about that later. Frankly, Quinn seems like he's not upset, and that's a win -- as is no blood in the hallways!

With that, Quinn smiles, "On that note, however, I should get meself to bed. I actually have to get up fairly early in the morning. I'm off to Holly for some negotiations."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, good! I hope things go really wonderfully for you both, from this point on!" She bids Quinn a good night, then decides she's going to head that way too, actually... she's still a bit sleepy from staying up so late the other night!

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

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