Goblin Town -- Logs

When Cinnamon opens the door she finds Shane there, smiling, "You can't be too careful around here." He steps through the door. He's got a basket in his arms, overflowing with fabric and with a small round mirror sitting on the top.

Cinnamon blinks at Shane as she closes the door, "Careful... about, er, cloth?" Then she abruptly brightens, "Oh! Shane! I have a new name and a new sigil now!" Proudly she adds, "I'm Cinnamon!"

Shane grins, "About who to let in and making sure your house is protected." He shifts around so he can set the cloth on the hearth and smiles. "Word got to Liane that you were looking for somewhere to live and I tracked down where you settled. She sent you curtains and a mirror." He motions at the door, "Hang it where it's the first thing people see when they come through the door. It'll reflect back any ill intent." The half-beansidhe grins, teeth flashing very white and even, "Or that's the idea, anyway. I'm not sure that one actually works."

Cinnamon blinks at that, intrigued, "Oh! You mean... on the, er... mal-intender? Their badness falls back on them? Hmm..." She glances around thoughtfully, "Gonna have to figure out the room layout here too, I think! I want an office as well as the little kitchen and bedroom... and a nice comfy living room too!"

Shane looks around and smiles, "Uta and her husband used the loft for their bedroom, I think. But it could make a nice office. Or a little bit of both. Both of those are something you want a little privacy for. Keep the public rooms down here."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully, still glancing around, "I think... I'm going to have to think about that a bit. But I do know I'm probably going to do the bedroom first, up in the loft -- that will give me time to consider how I want things laid out!" She turns back to Shane and Josie and beams, "This is so nice! Will you two join me in breaking bread here together for the first time? You two are the first and best friends I've found here!" Cinnamon happily adds, "Uta gave me some bread and salt as a gift, and I have water in my water bottle. We could share?"

Shane grins and says, "Just a sec. Be right back." He's as good as his word and he's back in about five minutes with a small pot of jam and a knob of butter on a plate, "Let's definitely break bread... and use some of Uta's jam and Marga's butter."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, lovely!" She pulls out her little penknife to cut the bread, beaming as she hands thick, warm slices to her new friends, "Thank you both so much -- I've never felt so welcomed in my life!"

Shane offers his larger boot knife after Cinnamon makes the first cut with her own knife. He sits tailor-fashion on the floor and seems just as comfortable there as someone else lounging in an easy chair, "Well, you are welcome."

Cinnamon pauses at that, tears welling up in her eyes again. She sniffles, still smiling as she wipes her eyes with the back of one hand so she doesn't get butter on her face, and her voice is a bit quivery, "Y-you are the nicest people! I wish I'd met you all years ago!" She suspects, but does not say, that she might have been a much happier child if so!

Josie, being Josie, wraps Cinnamon up in a hug, and -- being a werewolf -- gives her face a couple of swipes with her tongue. It's obviously meant to be comforting. Shane reaches out from his seat and puts a hand on the closest part of Cinnamon that wouldn't be considered inappropriate to touch and gives it a gentle squeeze, "We wish you had, too."

Cinnamon giggles a bit tearily at the face licks! She rubs her face off as she smiles, "You guys really are the best!" She hugs Josie back warmly, then has a big bite of her bread and jam -- then blinks! "Wow, this is amazing!"

Josie and Shane sit with Cinnamon in the new house for a couple of hours, sharing the bread, jam, and butter and talking about places the dragon-kin can get what she'll need to make her new house a home. There are apparently artisans of all kinds that sell wares on Coblyn, even if they don't live on the street permanently. There seems to be a fair number of the non-human folks that move between the worlds often. Josie slaps her forehead at one point and says, "We forgot to ask John about someone to build a little vault!" Apparently she doesn't feel that Shane knowing about a hidden safe is any kind of a risk.

Shane pulls a small notepad of the Moleskine variety out of a pouch on his belt and notes down some folks for Cinnamon to go to about furniture. On the bottom of the page he jots his address and apologizes that he doesn't have a phone, "Just in case you need me."

Since there's no furniture and not even blankets or a sleeping bag that Cinnamon could make a bed out of, Josie invites her friend back to stay in her spare room again, reassuring Cinnamon several times that having her there is no trouble at all! There werewolf also points out that Elias, Shane, and possibly even Hilde have spare rooms that the dragon-kin can crash in if she feels too much like she's imposing.

Cinnamon beams and happily thanks Shane -- she's very excited at making this little place her own! She thanks Josie too for allowing her to stay. Before Shane leaves, she also asks him an important question: is there someplace or someone that can quickly and discreetly help her sell her current car and purchase a different one under her new name? Shane considers that question, "Your new name isn't a legal change out there. You could sell your car, but any vehicle you bought under your new name would have to be from someone in this world. And the title would be murky because... well... you aren't legally Cinnamon O'Donnell out there. And almost no one here uses their real name."

Cinnamon nods gravely, "That's why I want to sell my current car and purchase one from someone here -- I don't want anyone hostile to be able to track down my family, you know? What do other folks do when they are newly arrived here?"

Shane grins a little bit, "Well, what I did was arrive with Aisling and stay with her for a month or two to get the lay of the land. After that, I worked a few jobs that required a little brawn but not a lot of etiquette... but they let me see how people did things. Delivering purchases from the seamstresses or Uta or any of another half-dozen places. I watched what kinds of things passed for currency. I watched the currents of the people. Eventually I stepped in a couple of times to stop people being bullied..." he hesitates a moment and glances at Josie before looking back at Cinnamon, "...and I stopped a murder in progress. Word spread. I live on barter, mostly. And I still do errands now and then for people that need things done outside the street. I pass pretty well, you know?"

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully, "So... most folks here don't ever leave? You're saying I probably won't need a car?"

Shane shakes his head, "That's not it. I'd say about half the people here move between the worlds with some frequency. But some of them can't. You met Cronan. He always looks like that. He doesn't have a glamour. He's not a shapeshifter. He's very obviously not human. Or Elias. He used to live out there most of the time and only come back for Council meetings, but he found it harder and harder to start over and erase his old lives as everything became digital. He's not left Coblyn more than I'd say about six times since around 1992. Josie goes home sometimes. I was raised out there by me mam. I look... different, but people just assume I'm a goth with freaky contact lenses."

Cinnamon tilts her head puzzledly at the two of them, "So do you have cars out there?"

Shane goes on, "So, basically, you could stay on the street most of the time and not need a car. I mean, the street's about ten miles long. Which is a neat trick seeing as how even the maps only show it being about two miles. I've got a car out there because I've still got connections out there. I go back to see me mam sometimes. Or, as I said, I run errands. Uta, for instance... she needs flour. You've probably noticed we don't have farmland here. So I travel to a mill run by someone that does have farmland and bring the flour back here for her." The half-beansidhe goes on, "I don't like to be gone more than about a week."

Josie smiles fondly at Shane, "Because he likes to make sure people are being treated right."

Cinnamon says, "Ahh..." She stares off into the distance for a bit... then focuses interestedly on Shane, "So how do you hide that you have a car out there? How do you protect your family?"

Shane says, "Elias couldn't hide multiple lives. I only have to hide one. I've got ID out there. It's not my legal name, but it lets me move around unmolested. I have a license I can show cops if they pull me over. I've even got a birth certificate and a certificate of citizenship... mostly because my birth certificate says I was born in Dublin. Aisling and Quinn arranged that for me."

Cinnamon nods with relief, "So that's who I should talk to about my car then, right?"

Josie blinks and asks, "Aisling? I'd probably go to Llewellyn about that. If it has to do with money moving between people, Llewellyn records it. He could probably help you transfer ownership of a car with a contract that would be binding in any enclave like this. But the real title might go back eight or ten layers."

Cinnamon beams, "OK! Thank you!" She laughs as she adds, "I'll likely be looking for a job at some point too, but that can wait until later. I want to get the house done first!"

Shane nods, "Aisling and Quinn helped me with my birth certificate and other papers because they are... uhm... charming." Cinnamon blinks... then giggles!

Josie says, "By which he means that Quinn has a knack for getting people to tell him the truth and Aisling has a knack with getting people to do what she wants." Cinnamon laughs! The rest of the visit is relaxed and warm and friendly.

The night is peaceful and the next morning is filled with the scent of bacon and eggs when Cinnamon wakes up at Josie's place. She beams again as she sits up in bed, sniffing happily. As she gets dressed it occurs to her that she hasn't been this ridiculously happy since... well... hmm. Maybe since she was still a child and hadn't yet disappointed her parents? Cinnamon giggles at that, skipping out to the kitchenette and sunnily greeting Josie, "Morning! What can I do to help?"

Josie grins at Cinnamon and says, "I'm still cooking like you're company. I usually have cereal and fruit or go out and grab something from the market."

Cinnamon looks surprised, "But... that's fine with me! You don't have to do anything special just 'cause I'm here?"

Josie ducks her muzzle and manages to convey a shy smile despite her decidedly inhuman features. "I know. But I'm still all excited to have a guest! And a new friend!"

Cinnamon laughs and exuberantly hugs Josie, "Me too!" A moment later she adds, "So, did you have anything planned for today? I'm going to try the folks Shane suggested, but I certainly don't want to get in your way on anything?"

Josie thinks about that, "I've got a few errands to run, but I can do those on my own. Shane wrote down the information for you, right? Remember, street addresses here aren't like modern American. They don't go odd on one side and even on the other. So if you're looking for 1343 it will be between 1342 and 1344. If you don't see it there... ask one of the folks you trust."

Cinnamon nods to Josie, "Got it!" She grins as she adds, "Though... it still feels odd to me!" She laughs, then brightens, "Hey, want to meet for lunch?"

Josie points toward what Mary is pretty sure is the end of the street that debouches out into mundane Boston, "If you're starting there and facing down the street, number 1 is on your left. First building there. Then it's down to the end of the street. Caradog's mansion is down there and then you go clockwise, then come back down the street." The werewolf lolls her tongue and grins, "Sure! I can grab us some food and we can meet at your place?"

"OK!" Cinnamon beams excitedly as she adds, "Got a bunch to do today, so it'll be fun to compare notes at lunch!"

As Cinnamon walks down Coblyn Street shortly thereafter, she plans her day as she smiles and waves at new people she knows. First some measurements in the house, so she knows what size kitchenwares and furniture she can purchase. Next, talk to someone about either walls or very big curtains -- she's going to want to be able to close off at least her bedroom in the loft, and her office downstairs, from the occasional visitor. After that she can start working on purchasing kitchenware, bedding... oh, and some very sturdy, large, low furniture for the main living room area!

Measurements are easy and just serve to point up just how perfectly sized for her the house is. When she goes to ask Liane about getting the curtains made, the goblin spinner thinks about it and then says, "For downstairs if you want to section something off, I'd say screens rather than drapes."

Cinnamon says, "Really? OK! Um... do you know who I should go to about those, please?"

Liane thinks a moment, "The Japanese often use them, so perhaps at Himeko's shop. She stocks a lot of the things the Asian folk need to survive or just to make them feel like they're at home. Sort of like Brigid stocks things to keep the Irish and Scottish from getting too homesick."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, making notes in her little notebook, "OK! Thank you, Liane -- and can you give me the address too, please?" After chatting a bit more together, Cinnamon heads cheerfully out for her next stop!

Himeko's shop smells wonderful. There's a very light scent of incense, but not the cloying cloud some shops out in the mundane world have. The scents of spices are more prevalent. The little shop is quite crowded with merchandise -- everything from those spices Cinnamon smelled to bolts of silk to actual kimono and even statues and statuettes of various sizes. Cinnamon blinks fascinatedly as she pushes her glasses back into place and stares wide-eyed around herself. This is beautifully, startlingly exotic to her!

There's some quiet sounds in the shop. The most recognizable seems to be the tinkling of water as if over a small waterfall. Cinnamon smiles as she wanders around, examining all the pretty things. She keeps half an eye out for screens, of course... but there's so much to look at here! She blinks as she comes across a futon display... might this be sturdy enough for Josie to flop on if she wanted?

As Cinnamon moves further into the shop, examining items and taking in the scents and sounds and sights, she begins to hear voices. They're most definitely not speaking English, but are also obviously friendly to one another. Cinnamon slowly heads in the direction of the voices... both to give whomever time to notice her, and so she can continue admiring all the pretty things!

Around a corner (and just how big is this shop, anyway?) she comes upon two women. One is small and has hair white as snow. She's wearing an embroidered tunic and simple trousers with slippers on her feet. The other looks to be perhaps 30 with raven-black hair pulled up into a bun held in place with hairsticks. They are quite obviously not chopsticks and seem to be made of some dark wood with strings of delicate beads depending from the ends. She's dressed in a very red, very obviously silk, and very heavily and expertly embroidered cheongsam. She, also, wears some sort of slippers.

Cinnamon blinks, feeling abruptly shy. She looks rather scruffy compared to these two lovely, elegant women! "Uhh... hi?"

The white-haired woman smiles and the crinkles at the corners of her eyes and the lines around her mouth fold into something fascinating and beautiful. She may be old, but she is exquisite in her age, not despite it. Her voice, when she speaks, has only the faintest edge of accent, "Hello, child. What do you need?"

Cinnamon gives a small, nervous wave to the other woman, then hesitantly says to the older one, "I, umm... I'm Cinnamon? I was looking for, er, Himeko? F-for some... screens, please?"

The other woman is watching Cinnamon, but hasn't spoken at all. Himeko is still smiling, "Screens to divide a room?" She's already starting to move as she adds, "They are here..." then pauses and says, "Lady Aoi, if you will excuse me? I will return."

The other woman -- Aoi? -- nods indulgently, "Of course, Himeko. You have a customer."

Cinnamon blinks again, "Oh! I, uhh... I mean, I don't want to interrupt?"

Aoi smiles. Like Himeko, it is a beautiful smile. Her teeth are small and even and her eyes already turn down at the outer corners, so it gives the smile an appearance of sincere pleasure, "We have all the time in the world to speak together, child. Let Himeko show you the screens. Besides, we were discussing politics."

Cinnamon nods slowly, a little wide-eyed still, "Um... okay? Thank you!" She turns to follow Himeko as she adds, "I need them to close off a little office in my new house, please?" Cinnamon pauses as something clicks in her head -- then she turns to look at Aoi again, "Oh! I've heard of you -- you're Lady Aoi the phoenix, right?" Her smile is shy but genuine.

Aoi seems pleased that she's recognized, "Yes, child, I am. But I don't think I know you. Are you new to Coblyn Street?" As Cinnamon talks to the woman, she can see that Aoi's pupils aren't black. They flicker in the colors of flame.

Cinnamon beams and nods brightly, "I am! I'm Cinnamon! I just purchased Uta's little house yesterday!" She grins shyly again as she adds, "Y-you're the most beautiful new type of person I've seen, though." Then she blushes hotly at her daring! She hastily whirls to follow Himeko, gabbling, "Well, um, have a good day don't mind me nice to meet you!" Under her breath she mutters exasperatedly to herself, "Oh, that was smooth, girl!"

Aoi's laugh is warm and has at the back a little crackle like low flames. "Why thank you, Cinnamon. Perhaps I will see you again." When the dragon-kin wanders off muttering to herself, the phoenix chuckles softly. She is not unaware of her beauty, after all.

Himeko has moved to an area where there are several folding screens that are folded into compact rectangles. Some of them have paper screens so delicate that the layers of painting on them are seen from layer to layer. Some are much more sturdy and made of lacquered and painted wood. There are a couple that have been opened out to show how they work. Himeko smiles as the girl comes toward her, "Now, do you have an idea what you would like? Privacy? Delicacy?"

Cinnamon shyly adds to Himeko a moment later, "I, um, hope your political talk wasn't, er..." Her voice trails off -- she's not sure how to put this! She hopes the talk wasn't... critical of Liam? Too important? Anti-human? Uninterruptible? Something else? She can't say any of that without revealing more than she wants to right now... plus she doesn't want to seem nosily rude. Well, plus she just doesn't quite know what to say!

Himeko smiles, a hand coming up to cover her mouth as she laughs warmly, "Our political talk would be boring to most. Aoi and I like to debate, but apparently being civilized and calm during a debate over things upon which you don't agree is the exception to the rule."

Cinnamon blushes as she mangles the beginnings of the conversation with her rambling, "I'm sorry! I'm just, uhmm..." Yeah, no smooth way to clean up that mental mess! She sighs at herself, then smiles ruefully at Himeko, "Well, I'm glad there are folks who actually can debate without yelling or histrionics or... or guilt-tripping or... that..." [unlike my parents,] she thinks with a sigh -- then hastily adds, "Oh! Ah, privacy, please? I have a large downstairs room and I'd like to be able to block off parts of it, please?"

Himeko nods, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She's got some truly lovely crows feet there. For a woman that looks so tiny and fragile, she's able to move the screens around quite easily, "You may wish some of the more modular screens, then..." She's setting some of the lacquered wood ones out so Cinnamon can examine them. They range from about four-and-a-half to six feet tall. The wood ranges in color from a rich cherry to a deep mahogany and all of them are painted with delicate, obviously Asian designs.

Cinnamon sighs in quiet admiration of the screens, murmuring, "Oh, they're lovely!" She runs her fingertips lightly over the smooth, gleaming wood... then smiles, "I better stick with something slightly shorter than 6' though, please? The downstairs ceiling is only about 5'10 or 11" tall. Do you have something that's, umm... let's say... between five and a half to 5'8" tall?"

Himeko laughs her musical laugh again, "That's right. You said it's Uta's old house!" She starts sorting through the screens with surprising quickness until she's got several that are around five and a half feet tall.

Cinnamon nods happily! She beams as she browses through the selections, admiring their beauty even as she asks, "Have you been in it, ma'am? Like, um... if you have, do you have suggestions on what might be prettiest there?"

Himeko is already putting the unwanted screens away and she shakes her head, "Not inside, no. But I have seen it from outside and neither Uta nor her lord are taller than five feet seven."

Cinnamon nods, then blinks, "Her... lord? I thought... she was married?"

Himeko giggles quietly and puts a hand over her mouth, "I am sorry. I am old. When I was young, a woman's spouse was her lord."

"Oh!" Cinnamon blushes, "I'm sorry -- I'm, um... well, I'm still a baby, I guess, compared to the older, more long-lived folks here?" Hastily she adds, "Also, um, I... well, this -- er, this one here? C-can I get another one that matches it? That'll do it, I think, for screens?" She remembers Josie and happily adds, "Oh! Also, are the futons sturdy enough for big folks that might come visiting?"

Himeko folds the two screens and heads toward the front of the shop, carrying both of them as if they weigh nothing, "I do not have the frames. Only the futons themselves. In my homeland, you sleep on them on the floor."

Cinnamon patters after the startlingly strong women, "But, but, are they... like, comfortable? Polite? Like for visiting guests, you know, just to sit and maybe chat and have tea with me?"

Himeko thinks as they move, "I will find you something good for that. If they are large, perhaps floor cushions..." She sets the screens against the counter and heads back into the shop. She returns with a couple of sturdy pillows. They're round and about eight inches thick. They look like they'd be comfortable for Josie to sit on.

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! Those are lovely! Um, do you have more? Maybe I could make it more like a nest with these and some nice, thick rugs and... oh! Also, can they all be lovely and colorful like these, please?" She draws in her breath at a lovely thought: might a futon be a very cozy nest to sleep in on the low-ceiling side of her loft? With shy happiness she adds, "Also, um... can you show me where the futons are too, please? I... might want one for me?"

Himeko nods and smiles, "It sounds as if you are making a very Japanese sort of home." She takes Mary to the futons. They are thick, soft, and made to be rolled up, "If you hang it out your window during the day, it will air out and keep it right."

Cinnamon grins excitedly, "Well, I, I've never made my own place before, so this is... kind of new and cool for me!" She nods as she listens carefully to the instructions, then happily browses the futons and throw pillows before making her selections. "All these and the screens, please?"

Himeko doesn't seem surprised at the amount of things Mary wants. The dragon-kin has told her that it is a new home, after all. These are all good things for a new home. With the screens, cushions, and futons, Himeko adds some incense and a burner, "Do you have someone that will carry these home for you?"

Cinnamon blinks, "Oh! Uhm, no -- I'm sorry! I didn't think ahead." She hesitates, then adds sheepishly, "Is it okay if I make several trips, please?"

Himeko's eyes crinkle a little, "I understand the excitement of a new place. You may make as many trips as you wish. Or find someone with a cart to take them to your home."

Cinnamon grins with a bit of embarrassment, "I, uh, well, d-don't really know yet where to find stuff like that, I'm afraid!" Hastily she adds, "But, but I'll be very quiet when I return, so I don't interrupt you any more, all right?" She studies the lovely things she's bought, then nods happily -- she'll start with two of the pillows! "Oh! Also, maybe Uta will know someone with a cart. I mean, she has to deliver baked goods sometimes, maybe?"

Himeko tucks away the payment for the things and says, "You do not need to be quiet, child. It is a shop. People come in and leave and they are sometimes very loud. I like the sounds of people." She nods and says, "She does. And there are other merchants."

Cinnamon beams, "Okay! Also, thank you so much for your help!" She waves shyly at the lovely phoenix again as she heads out of the shop, tucking a pillow under each arm, "Have a nice day, ma'am!" She steps outside the shop and takes a deep breath. Okay! She is strong and... and brave! Yes! -and if she tells herself that often enough, maybe she'll believe it someday! But for now she just has to get her two pillows home, and be confident enough looking that no one tries grabbing one. Cinnamon grins to herself and starts walking briskly, trying to keep an alert eye out around herself. Shane had mentioned that doing so helped, after all!

Shane's advice is sound, but no one seems to want to mug her for the pillows. As she's headed home, she actually runs across Shane himself, who is talking to a vendor in a stall selling fruit. Cinnamon brightens at sight of the unofficial sheriff -- just who she needs! She trots over and smiles at the fruit vendor, then waits for the discussion to end.

Shane just seems to be chatting with the little, wizened man and making him laugh. When the vendor looks in the direction of the new person, Shane does as well and his face brightens, "Cinnamon! Have you been buying things for the new house?"

The vendor also brightens, "A new home? New homes need sweet fruit!"

Cinnamon grins with shy pleasure, "Hi, Shane! Yes, I have -- and I have a question for you, please? Do you know someone with a cart that I could ask to help me move some stuff?" She beams at the vendor also, "That sounds lovely, actually! Umm... ooh! Do you know what Josie Moonsdaughter's favorite fruit is? I'd really like to gift her some to say thank you for her kindness, if you do know?"

The vendor laughs warmly and says, "She likes apples. The crunchy ones." He starts to sort out several lovely red-cheeked apples into a small pile.

Shane looks thoughtful, "There are a lot of folks with good sturdy carts. How much stuff do you need to move?"

Cinnamon looks pleased, "Thank you so much, sir!" She grins happily at Shane, "Two screens, one futon, and six more pillows like these -- oh! Also, I met Lady Aoi -- she's there talking with Himeko." More shyly she adds, "She's... very pretty..."

Shane nods as he listens to the inventory. The vendor puts the apples into a canvas sack and asks Cinnamon if she wants to pay or start a credit she can pay at the end of the month. At her description of Aoi, Shane chuckles and nods, "She's more than pretty. She's stunning. And she uses it to her advantage. Tell you what, we'll check to see if we can use Uta's cart. I'll pull it for you."

Cinnamon thinks for a moment, then sets the pillows on the counter, "May I pay you now, please, sir?" She blushes at Shane's suggestion, though, "Oh, no! I don't want to take you away from your job, Shane -- people need you on watch!"

Shane grins, "I can watch as I walk down the street. I promise if something happens, I won't hesitate to leave you to your own devices wondering how to get that cart home." The vendor nods and takes payment for the apples now. He belatedly introduces himself as Kai.

Cinnamon beams happily as she collects up the apples, "Thank you so much! I'm Cinnamon. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kai!" She pauses... then laughs ruefully, "OK, I did not plan this well!" With a bit of embarrassment she adds, "Shane, can you carry the apples and I'll carry the pillows, please?"

Shane scoops up the apples and another shopping tote and takes one of the pillows as well. He somehow manages to make it look graceful, "So, Uta to ask if we can use her cart. Back to..." he breathes in, "I'm guessing Himeko's... for the other things."

Cinnamon blinks as Shane neatly picks up more things than she can easily carry! ...then blinks, wide-eyed, and nods to him, "Er, yes, please?" She hastily grabs the last pillow, waves to Kai, and patters along after Shane. A bit breathlessly she adds, "Do you, um... not like Himeko? Or is it Lady Aoi?"

Shane laughs and shakes his head, "I like Himeko. She's very sweet. I just know the scent of her shop. It's the incense." He rolls his eyes at mention of Aoi, "Lady Aoi is an aristocrat. And a politician. And far too pretty for her own good. The Asians mostly revere her almost as a goddess. It's gone to her head. She thinks that we hide too much from the humans."

Cinnamon nods fascinatedly as she listens... then curiously asks, "But... don't you like the way the shop smells? I thought it was, um... kind of nice?" She happily adds, "She gave me some incense too for my new house! I hope it's like the one in the shop."

Shane seems to see no irony in him saying someone is too pretty for their own good. He blinks at Cinnamon, "Why... oh! Because I breathed in so deeply? No, I love the way it smells. That's why I was breathing in like that. I sometimes go in to say hello to her and smell the spices." The half-beansidhe nods, "If you told her it was for your house, it probably is. It's a purification thing. Everyone's going to want to give you little tokens and so forth for the new house."

"Oh, ok!" Cinnamon grins, relieved, as she nods rapidly, "Yeah, I, um..." Her voice gets wry, "yeah, totally get too pretty for their own good!" She thinks as she trots along, then asks consideringly, "So... what's hiding just enough, then, for her?"

Shane chuckles and nods, "Knowing that people like looking at you is one thing. Using it as a weapon is something else." He grins down at her, "And you'll find that here, people liking to look at you isn't like it is out there. People love Jarek's mustache. And there's a little boggan I know that has the most amazing chocolate eyes." He listens to her question and then smiles wryly, "Not hiding at all. She wants people to worship her."

Shortly thereafter the two friends are at Himeko's shop with the little two-wheeled cart. It's parked in the narrow, crooked, cobblestone street as they load it -- and breathe the lovely scent of incense as they do so. Currently the cart is loaded with a carefully folded heap of paper-wrapped futon, its end hanging out longer than the cart's length. There are a few colorful pillows tucked in along the edge... and Cinnamon comes trotting out with a double armload of more pillows -- and blunders directly into someone! She gives a startled squeak as she's bounced back, and pillows pop out of her arms as she staggers backwards, trying not to fall -- and ending up sitting on her rump with an 'oof!' As she sits there, slightly stunned, someone slender and not too tall moves over and concernedly asks, "Are you okay?"

The tall, completely covered entity standing nearby simply grunts and then scowls down at Cinnamon, glaring as if he's trying to decide whether or not to eat her. As he's doing so, Shane comes out of the shop as well, speaking with the sort of casual almost-friendliness of someone that's civil but not warm with the person they're greeting, "Hans. It's been a while."

Cinnamon peers over the top of the few pillows remaining in her arms, gasping startledly to the rather human looking man leaning over her, "Oh, dear! Are you okay?" Then his query registers, and she stares up at him, "Er... what? Uh, I'm sorry -- I mean, I'm fine! Fine! D-did you... it wasn't you that I ran into, was it?" She scrambles to her feet, glancing around with dismay as she reflexively pushes her glasses back into place, "Well, drat!" She starts collecting up pillows again, almost gabbling, "Please excuse me -- I'm so sorry! I w-wasn't looking where I was going -- my fault!"

The tall, grim man grunts at Shane, growling, "On business, Shane. And the business is none of yours." Shane nods, "Of course. And if you behave yourself this time, it will continue to be none of my business." He looks past the troll to the man with him, but lets Cinnamon speak to the guy... since she already is.

The human male helps with the pillows, though he seems a bit (understandably) distracted by what seems to be a rather frosty reunion between Hans and Shane. Cinnamon beams at the guy, squeaking, "Oh, thank you!" She dusts off the pillows that hit the ground, tucks them into the cart, then smiles at the human and the troll, "How do you do? I'm Cinnamon! I know everyone knows Shane, but... who are you guys, please?"

The human male -- now she has time to study him a bit -- is a normal-looking man wearing a normal-looking, plain and slightly worn two-piece suit with a pale blue tie. He looks almost faded, in a way. He wears his brown hair short, and is clean-shaven and of average stature, without any noteworthy features other than perhaps looking a little soft and pretty. He blinks and says, "Cinnamon. My name's Martin. I'm sorry, I'm rather new here myself...."

Shane nods to Martin, looking him over as if memorizing him in case they ever meet again. It's not as friendly as the look-over Cinnamon got, but... well, it's not frosty, at least, she thinks? "Martin. I'm Shane." He gives Cinnamon a smile as he adds, "This is actually someone I don't know."

Cinnamon blinks at Shane -- then swivels around again to stare with interest at Martin, "Oh! Another new person? Are you moving in too?" She smiles a little uncertainly at Hans, adding, "If it was you that I ran into, I apologize, sir...?"

Martin smiles, nodding. "Pleased to meet you, Shane." Hans scowls down at Cinnamon and grunts. Was that an 'it's OK' kind of grunt or a 'watch yourself' kind of grunt? Hard to tell. He doesn't seem to want to just push by Shane. Since Hans has most of a foot and what looks like a hundred pounds on the sword-armed man, the fact that he's not just pushing past is somewhat remarkable.

Cinnamon's smile at Hans gets a little more uncertain... and then she blinks, "Oh! Excuse me, please -- still gotta finish loading stuff!" She turns and darts back into the store -- with, to be honest, a bit of relief. Hans is... a bit scary! She can hear Shane behind her saying, "I'll go back to helping my friend. Welcome to Coblyn Street."

"I, ah, don't know that I'm moving here, yet," Martin says, then, "Coblyn Street. Thank you!"

Cinnamon peeks cautiously out the door a moment later, a pretty folded screen held a little awkwardly in her arms -- it's as tall as she is, and maybe taller. When she cautiously emerges, she sidles carefully to the cart so there's someone between her and Hans the whole time. Shane smiles ruefully as he takes the screen from her -- total win! That lets her hide from the troll a little more easily. Shane nods to Martin and Hans, "Have a good day." Hans grunts again -- it seems to be his native language -- and continues stumping down the street.

Cinnamon watches the troll stumping off, her brown eyes wide... then she whispers to Shane, "D-did I, um... like, insult him or something by running into him? Was there something else I should have done to apologize, Shane?"

Shane laughs and shakes his head, "No. There's nothing you could have said or done to apologize. Hans is as perpetually grumpy as Josie is perpetually cheerful. Especially if he's out during the daylight. It hurts him, so whatever errand he's on with that fellow Martin must be urgent."

Cinnamon says, "Ohhh... poor man!" She stares after the troll and the... washed-out man? Martin, that's it. "Well, I hope their errand is over soon then, for Hans' sake." She starts to turn back into the store... but then pauses and glances at Shane before she directs a long, thoughtful stare down the street after Hans. Her voice is soft, "Hey, Shane? What, um... what is Hans, please?" She glances back at Shane, her small smile worried, "He looked almost like... well, like he wanted to squish me like a bug or something, you know?"

Shane watches Hans for a block or so with the new fellow and makes a note to himself to ask around about Martin. When Cinnamon asks the question about Hans, he smiles a little wryly, "Hans is a troll. Not the ones that start fights online. The kind that can turn to stone in the sunlight and used to be known for eating humans. He's got a bad attitude and a chip on his shoulder the size of Uluru. And... I have no idea what he's doing with what seemed like a common or garden variety human." The half-sidhe shakes his head, "He probably did want to. But he knows better. And he'd absolutely not hurt someone with me around. Last time he did, I knocked his hat off and sliced through the sleeve of his coat. It was a very sunny day. I'm not his favourite person."

Cinnamon winces slightly at that, "Oh, dear! Though... wait. He was moving around just now, so... do trolls heal from turning to stone, then?" She pats down her pockets, finding her little notebook and happily scribbling notes in it about this new person: Hans, very grumpy troll -- do not touch! Cinnamon glances up, adding more worriedly, "Wait, I completely got that backwards, didn't I! Is the person Hans hurt okay?"

Shane's smile is still wry, "It isn't instant. He got under cover fast enough that it was essentially like a bad second-degree burn. Once part of them is stone, it stays that way as far as I know."

Cinnamon says, "Wow!" Her eyes are wide behind the glasses, "So... part of his head and one arm is now stone?! Does that... hurt him or anything?" She glances back down the street, adding in fascination, "I wonder how much of him is stone now?"

Shane shakes his head, "No. He wasn't exposed long enough to get to stone. He got under cover from the middle of the street to under an awning. He basically suffered a really terrible sunburn. Took a couple months to heal." Cinnamon winces slightly at that -- she doesn't want someone being hurt by bad-tempered trolls, but she's soft-hearted enough that she doesn't really want anyone to be hurt! Shane thinks a moment, "I'm pretty sure at least part of one of his legs is. Did you see the way he... not exactly limps... but walks like his feet are literally heavy? He's sort of a thug for hire." He's still looking after Hans with his brows drawn together. The look on his face is somewhat forbidding. Cinnamon has seen it before when Shane was looking at the creature that tried to purse-snatch Cinnamon on her first day and at Cinnamon herself when asking if she planned to harm Elias. Then he shakes his head and remembers the other question, "The person Hans hurt is fine. They had a broken arm and a fractured foot. But they heal quickly."

Cinnamon blushes as she remembers that day, confessing with embarrassment, "I, er... you know, I was so, so nervous that day, about meeting a vampire, you know?" She looks down at her feet, scuffing one as she admits, "I... I actually did eat a garlic bagel -- deliberately! -- that morning because I was so spooked!"

Shane grins down at Cinnamon, "And then you met Elias who is possibly the most civil and soft-hearted person I know and felt bad for it. And you won't do it again."

Cinnamon blushes even more hotly at that! Her hands fly up to her cheeks as she nearly squeaks in embarrassment, "OhI'msosorrynoI'dneverIfeelsobadI'msosorry!" She nearly flees back into the store, hastily remembering she has more to load! Shane grins and watches Mary flee. He thinks it rather adorable and follows her at a more sedate pace to let her get the blushing under control.

It's not until she returns, laden with the last bits of her purchases, that an interesting thought hits her, "Hey, Shane? That Hans -- and Martin -- those guys... they must be from the other side, right? Like... like Hans likes eating humans, you said? But... wouldn't it be dangerous for him to have humans know about him? I mean... why would they want that, you know?"

Shane helps with the packing of the barrow and thinks about that, "Well, Hans does do errands for some of the darker elements. Or for some of the more powerful as a way of currying favor without having to be charming." He looks at her seriously, "Cinnamon, if we weren't hidden and people like Hans were about... humans would be in a lot more danger than Hans."

Cinnamon tilts her head inquisitively at Shane, pushing her glasses back into place, "Sure, I get that, Shane. But it's just... I mean, the folks that need to stay hidden, like Hans or Elias? Aren't they safer while humans don't know about them? That's all I'm asking, y'know? Like, trying to figure out why the Other Side folks want that, you know? Or the... or the snake shifter that's from South America -- what was his name again?" Cinnamon chatters cheerfully -- if also very quietly -- to Shane as they head down the narrow cobblestone street towards her new home, "So, South America -- that's a constrictor, right? So I'd think he or she would want to remain quiet and sneaky... because otherwise wouldn't it be just that much harder to catch a human unawares?"

Shane's face is serious and his eyes a little sad, "Cinnamon, given free rein, some of these people could cause real damage to the humans. Even Liam, who would have never done it, could have flattened large swathes of a city on his own. And those that have power that could make them like gods again... it would make humans into slaves. It's very possible that the rules keeping us hidden aren't for our safety. Hans? Trolls are very good at hiding. There are sewers and electrical tunnels and subways he could move through with ease. My da', Quinn, can make you tell him things you'd never say aloud. I can hear truth if I listen just right. Some of the sidhe have the ability to enthrall humans... and not just one human at a time." He takes a deep breath, "Killa. Yes. He's an anaconda, actually. They aren't shy. They're ambush hunters. And anacondas are huge to start with... think of Killa as a megaconda. I've seen him in his serpentine form. He's 25 feet long and weighs over 300 pounds. Aoi is a phoenix. Gorgeous birds... and immortal. Well, functionally immortal. You'd have to kill her and immediately scatter her ashes irretrievably. If even a few ounces of them stay together, she can rise from them."

Cinnamon frowns perplexedly as she trots along next to the easily moving Shane, "Okay... okay, so from what you're saying, there really aren't any, uhh... supernaturals? -- who might be harmed by the humans knowing. Which..." she sighs, "honestly, I find that really hard to believe? I mean... what about iron and steel? What about bombs and... and other nasty stuff like that? Do all the supernaturals really not worry at all about that?" Though she doesn't say it aloud, Cinnamon is mentally trying out a few possible arguments against letting the humans know about them... though she's a little disconcerted to find that apparently there's really no ability for the humans to harm the supernaturals at all! That, she worriedly realizes, is going to make it very hard to argue from any position but that of, say, careful shepherding of the herd. And while she doesn't really like her immediate family... she's pretty sure she doesn't want to think of them as livestock!

Shane looks down at her, "I didn't say we couldn't be harmed. I said that humans would be in danger from many of us." His lips quirk, "Quinn can't use a steel sword... but I can. Hybrid vigor they'd call it in some circles. Most of us can be hurt. But..." He tips his head up thinking, "It wouldn't just be pogroms. It could grow to something that would destroy the world."

Cinnamon nods earnestly up at Shane, "Yeah! See, that's what I'm afraid of -- that's why I want to understand!" She pushes her glasses back into place, puffing a little -- amusedly she wonders: does everyone run everywhere here?! -- then breathlessly adds, "I mean, if it's not rude to ask all these questions, y'know?"

Shane, being considerate and keen-eyed, slows down when he realizes Cinnamon is having issues keeping up, "I'm sure you've heard of hubris. The problem is... 'our' side wants to protect both sides. Theirs... think they shouldn't have to hide. Some of them... and of us... were worshipped as gods."

Cinnamon whews slightly as Shane slows, though she doesn't immediately realize he's spotted her breathlessness. "Sure, I can see that. But again, Shane... wasn't that a really long time ago?" She pauses, then brightens, "Home again!" Standing still for a moment in the street, she considers... and then a slow, very happy smile lights up her face, "Home... I guess it is!" She laughs happily, darting forward with the big, arcane old key so she can unlock the door for them both. As she swings the door open for Shane she adds, "'Cause like... there's an awful lot of folks nowadays -- human ones, I mean? -- at least that I've seen... who really don't believe in gods any more, and don't want any?" She thinks, but does not say, that it might not take too long for the humans to figure out weaknesses for a vast majority of the supernaturals too... and wouldn't that be a mess?!

Shane smiles at Cinnamon's enthusiasm, "Yes, it's home." He starts carrying things in, quite subtly picking up and carrying the heavier pieces so Cinnamon can catch her breath, "And that would mean war. There are more of us than humans realize. And there would be severe losses on both sides."

Cinnamon nods enthusiastically as she trots in and out, carrying pillows and a folding screen -- then she blushes as she realizes Shane's hoisted in the big, awkward futon all on his own, "Oh! Shane, I'm so sorry -- I can help with that!" She drops the pillows she's carrying and darts over, trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to grab one end without unbalancing the load, "Be careful on the ladder! Or, uh... oh dear! I didn't think about how I'd get it up safely into the loft!"

Shane laughs, "Cinnamon! Relax! I've got some training on balance and strength!" He sets the futon down and says, "I've gotten more awkward loads into more awkward places. Bring in your pillows and bedding and such. I'll take care of this!"

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly at Shane, "Uhmm... are you sure? I don't want you to hurt yourself or anything...?" She can't help worriedly peeking as he starts maneuvering the awkward and (to her) heavy bundle.

Shane nods, still smiling, "I'm sure." He does unstrap and put down his sword on the hearth and adjust a few things about his kilt before he makes sure the futon is rolled up carefully. He slings it over a shoulder and uses the other hand to help him up the ladder into the loft. Cinnamon blinks again, startled at how... well, how easily Shane seems to move! Then she realizes she's staring with her mouth hanging open -- which makes her blush again and hustle out to continue emptying the little cart.

That night, Josie shows up with food and Shane shows up with wine and a pot of flowers to put on the mantelpiece. They're light pink roses nestled into a cloud of white heather. The werewolf also brings over a woven blanket for Cinnamon's bed. When they're all settled around on the floor basically having a picnic on the sturdy stone floor of the cottage, Josie asks, "Do you know what you're wearing to the council meeting? You're going to be sort of a surprise to them."

Cinnamon blinks over her fork at her companions, "I... oh! Uh, gosh -- what sorts of things should we wear?" She's a little pink with worry as she adds, "I, uh, I don't have any like renaissance fair clothes...?"

Josie giggles. It's an odd sound from a large and shaggy bipedal wolf, "You don't have to wear that! I mean, I basically wear a suit -- slacks with a nice jacket. I even wear a tie sometimes! Hilde tends to wear a lot of embroidered wool clothes, but that's sort of her national costume. Aoi wears a cheongsam or a kimono. Sparrow wears... whatever the hell he wants. He showed up once wearing jeans shorts and flip-flops."

Cinnamon looks a bit relieved, "Oh! Okay, so business clothes maybe would be okay?" She pauses... then giggles nervously at the image of Sparrow in nothing but jeans shorts and flip-flops! "Wouldn't... that be kinda cold for Sparrow? To wear so little, I mean?"

Shane smiles at Cinnamon, "I think that particular meeting was in Taos. But it's not like it's perpetual winter up here, either. Business clothes are fine. What clothes make you feel confident? That's the question. Marcus'll be in a three-piece suit. Nasteexo wears... people, actually. I've seen Nasteexo appear as a tall, lanky white guy with dreads and a broad-shouldered black woman that looked like she'd been carrying bundles of roofing all day every day."

Cinnamon blinks in startlement... then whews and relaxes, "Oh! You mean like... like possessing them, right!" She grins a bit weakly, "Yeah, not the other... uh, anyways! So, um... okay, business clothes like for a presentation, got it. Uhmm... can you tell me what the plan is, please? Like... the Council's meeting in, er..." she counts how many days she's been here on her fingers, then looks up again, "in I think three more days, right? So... can I sit in the audience until it's time? Will they try to vote for letting the humans know right away, or will they want to fill Liam's spot first -- and how does that happen, please?"

Shane is leaning back on his elbows with his ankles crossed, grinning. Josie is wagging and grinning as well, "They'll call roll." She puts on an exaggerated officious voice, "'Josie Moonsdaughter, Eastern First Nations!' 'Here!' 'Sparrow, Western First Nations.' 'Yeah, yeah!'" The imitation of Sparrow isn't bad and makes Shane laugh. Josie grins, continuing with: "Then they'll get to Liam's spot. 'Liam Connelly...' Someone will make the official announcement of his death... and theeeen... 'Cinnamon O'Donnell. Granddaughter of Liam Connelly, new councillor by inheritance!'"

Shane says, "Of course, there's also the possibility of letting them call roll, announce Liam's death and having you be quiet for a moment. Then when someone... likely Marcus... calls for a vote for a replacement..." He looks at Josie, "Who do you think would be the most dramatic to introduce her?"

Cinnamon blinks interestedly, pushing back her glasses... then grins excitedly in spite of herself, "I've never been the dramatic center of attention before! This should be fun!"

Josie grins and nods, "Boom! Surprise! Joke's on you. Vote's still 7-6! And no time to interfere beforehand." Shane nods, "Unless they try to get it tabled on a technicality."

Cinnamon looks worried at that, "B-but, er... could they do that?! Hold the human-reveal vote first... once they knew there's a new councilmember there?"

Josie tips her head in a canine fashion and asks, "How do you mean? Have the vote? They may well try. But they may also table it to see if they can red pill you."

Cinnamon's eyes get wide, "Th-they what?!" She winces as her words come out in a squeak, then takes a deep breath and tries again, "Uh, I mean... could you explain that further, please?"

Shane grins across at Josie, "I think she's thinking of poison." He turns to her and says, "It's a reference to a movie." He puts his voice down into a lower register, "'This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill -- the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill -- you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing More.'" Shane's voice goes back to normal, "Basically, they'll try to convince you they're right. The red pill is a metaphor for showing you what they think is the truth."

Cinnamon says, "Oh!" She looks relieved... then grins sheepishly, "Sorry! Sorry, I misunderstood. So, ahh... well, is there anything I can do if they try to table the vote? Like... demand my rightful seat or something?"

Josie says, "The vote they'll try to table is the one about exposure. Not about you taking the seat. You have every right to the seat. You inherited it. They might call on some bylaw about showing proof of relationship... which I'm sure we can find if they try it."

Cinnamon smiles and holds up her necklace, "Like this?" Curiously she adds, "Why would they table the exposure vote, though? I mean..." she frowns thoughtfully, staring at her plate for a moment, then looks back up at the other two, "like, if there's no one in Liam's seat, they win, right? But if they try to put someone into Liam's seat... then wouldn't all of you fight it? So... why wouldn't they go for the sure thing?"

Josie and Shane both grin and nod, "Yes, like that," is the werewolf's answer. Josie nods, "Because you're new. They'll suspect you'll vote the same as Liam, but they'll hope you won't. And hell yes we'd fight it. Just like they'd fight any other candidate we brought other than you."

Cinnamon says, "So... so we have to insist on my taking Liam's chair... before the exposure vote, right?"

Josie nods, face as solemn as Cinnamon has seen it, "Yes. We need you in that seat for that vote."

Cinnamon takes a deep breath -- this is a first for her! She's been the critically important math whiz of the team that worked out financial chicanery... but she's never been the person who talked to the client, or been the 'face' of such a truly important project! Can she do this? She frowns at herself, not realizing she's already changing from mousy little Mary Brown: of course she can! She has to -- her new friends are depending on her! And... in a way, so is all of humanity! Cinnamon raises her chin proudly, "Then we'll make it happen!"

The dinner goes with much laughter and camaraderie. It's clear to anyone that has social awareness that the half-sidhe and the werewolf enjoy Cinnamon's company as well as one another's. Josie is excited and chattering about places Cinnamon can get furniture and decorations for the walls. Shane offers to help her navigate any supernatural interactions outside Coblyn. Cinnamon thanks both of them quite sincerely! She also asks Shane if he can help her get her car situation set up like his, please? She doesn't want her car to lead someone nosy directly to her previous life, after all. Shane assures her that he'll do what he can. "The different sorts of elves.... they're... we're good at obfuscation and fouling of trails. I'll ask Aisling if she has any contacts inside the DMV still."

Cinnamon beams, pushing her glasses back in place, "OK! Thanks so much again, you guys! Oh! Also, Josie... didn't you say you had a suggestion on someone who could... do something with the bread oven?"

Shane waves it off with a smile, "I liked Liam and I like you. I've told you before, I like helping people. It's part of why I do the things I do here. Quinn keeps telling me that I ought to try to get some kind of official post -- judiciary or something -- because of what my knack is." Josie stage whispers, "He doesn't like calling it a power." Then she takes her voice back to normal, "Oh, definitely. John would know. And anyone that he would recommend would be very discreet." Shane nods, "Or Hilde might be able to talk to one of the dwarves."

Cinnamon leans to listen to Josie's whisper... then blinks wide-eyed at Shane, "You... have a power?!" She's mentally absently relieved she got so many cushions -- Josie seems to be reclining comfortably enough on them, despite the low ceiling!

Shane sighs and laughs and nudges Josie with one soft-booted foot, "It's not a power. It's just... something I can do." Josie nods and lolls her tongue in a lupine laugh, "Which other people can't do." The half-sidhe chuckles and looks at Mary, "I know I can, but I have to ask, can I trust you?" After he asks, Shane tips his head and looks quite directly at Cinnamon's face.

Cinnamon blinks again, her eyes still wide, "I... I d-don't know, Shane? I mean, er... is this... something that might hurt other people?"

Shane smiles and says, "Just answer the question. I won't hold you to anything that you would feel immoral."

Cinnamon blinks again, though this time her eyes narrow in thought as she stares at the far wall... "Oh! Oh, is this like what you said your father Quinn could do? The honesty-telling thingie?" She considers that... then grins cheerfully at Shane, "If that's the case, then sure! I can keep it secret!"

Shane nods and chuckles, "OK. Now. Have you heard of the game two truths and a lie?"

Cinnamon frowns as she absently nibbles on her lower lip... then shakes her head, "No... is it like Truth or Dare, maybe?"

Josie wags and grins, "Nope. You say three things about yourself. Two of them are true and one of them is a lie. Then the other people try to guess which are which!" Shane nods, "And make them mundane. Nothing outrageous. Things that anyone could have done or not done."

Cinnamon stares thoughtfully at Josie... then giggles! "Mundane, huh? So... no mentioning being a dragon-kin?"

Shane laughs and says, "I already know that's true. Things we haven't talked about."

Cinnamon grins as she thinks for a moment... then beams, "OK! How's this: I was the best reader in my class in first grade -- won a gold star on my forehead for it! Also I graduated high school summa cum laude, and at my first job my father's name and my excellence at math got me quickly promoted." She smiles, wondering how precise Shane's ability is. Will he simply know that the third statement was (partially) false? Or will he be able to tell that it was only the bit about her surname that was a lie?

As Cinnamon speaks, Shane nods slowly, watching her face. His head is tipped and his expression is a little distant. "I'm not surprised about any of those truths... though you did sort of three truths and a lie there. Your father had nothing at all to do with your promotion. You did that all your own."

Cinnamon laughs a bit sheepishly, "Yeah, sorry about that! I'm... not very practiced at lying -- I sorta panicked partway through and tacked on a truth without thinking about it!" She grins as she adds more sincerely, "But wow, that's a cool power, Shane!" She sighs amusedly at herself as she continues, "I'm not real good at detecting lies either... spoken ones, at least? So I just assume things that sound too good to be true always are." Cinnamon grins, "Math lies are easy, though. Oh! That reminds me: do you guys think either John or Llewellyn might be interested in hiring a helper? Someone that can do math real well? Or... is there anyone else here that needs a really good mathematician?"

Shane nods and says seriously, "You may have to get better at lying. And it's not a power. It's just... a knack. I can't make people tell the truth like Quinn can. I can't make people forget time so they think they've only been gone a day but it's been weeks." Josie grins and nods, "Llewellyn might. I mean, everything goes through him and he's not so young as he used to be. You might even run for treasurer of the council."

Cinnamon brightens, beaming at Josie, "Oh! That sounds like it could be fun! Er... though wouldn't the current treasur- oh! Wait, let me guess: it used to be Liam?"

Josie says, "No. It's currently Jarek, but he only ran so that Jalil didn't get it. He's good with numbers because they can be very domestic, but he doesn't exactly love them."

Cinnamon thinks, "Which one is Jalil again, please? Is that the loa?" She frowns, adding, "Surely you're not saying the councilors would deceive each other regarding something as important and easily verifiable as money?"

Josie shakes her head, "No. Nasteexo is the lwa. Jalil is a djinn. Genie. As for money... not all the council's assets are monetary. Remember not everyone on the council gets paid in cash. But Jarek thought Jalil might be not dishonest but immoderate."

Cinnamon says, "Oh! Huh... okay." She considers for a moment, then pushes her glasses up as she curiously adds, "Does Jalil not like humans because he has a bottle or something? And what else would they get paid in?"

Shane blinks at the question about bottles and then grins as he realizes she's thinking like Aladdin or I Dream of Genie. "The only bottles Jalil usually has with him are araq and water. Djinn live in caves and such. He's got a basement apartment like Elias has." Josie wags and says, "Nasteexo is paid largely in rum and tobacco. Elias... well, you can guess, though his is partly money, too. I don't even know if Sparrow takes any pay or not."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a bit... then shyly asks, "Could I... ask to maybe be paid in gold? Or... would that be greedy of me?" She adds in a more pragmatic tone of voice, "What's araq?"

Shane says, "He does. But I suspect the things he gets paid in go to other people." He turns to Cinnamon with a smile, "You're a dragon, asthore, asking for your pay in gold sounds perfectly reasonable to me."

Josie grins, "Araq is a good way to wake up not knowing where you've been or for how long." That gets a laugh and another nudge of his foot from Shane and then Josie explains, "Araq is a kind of really, really strong liquor. It looks sorta like vodka, until you add water. Then it looks sorta like milk."

Cinnamon blinks interestedly, "I am? What's a dragon as Thor, though?" She blinks startledly at Josie, "Eep! Ok, don't drink anything Jalil offers me -- got it!"

Shane smiles, "Asthore. It's a term of endearment. Means treasure. Sorry, I was teasing a little."

Josie nods solemnly, "Not unless you watch him pour it and it's about 1/3 araq to 2/3 water or more. More water that is."

Cinnamon looks puzzled for a moment, considering... then she turns a little pink, laughing a bit, "Oh! Okay, I get it." She quickly changes the subject, asking, "But, um, actually that's something I've wanted to check with you all, please? Like... all the stories about the Goblin Market say don't accept anything from them, right? So... is any of that still true if you're... like, part of the supernatural community?"

Josie thinks about it, "Still be careful. But taking your pay for being on the council isn't accepting gifts. It's renumi... remone..." She scowls and Shane says, "Remuneration. The only thing you have to watch there is that you're given what you're worth."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully, "Okay. So, like, if I'm offered food by... by an elf, say? That's okay?"

Shane says, "Depends on the elf. Hilde is an amazing cook. Aisling, however, can barely boil water without burning it." It's clear from his grin that he's teasing still.

Cinnamon laughs at that! "Oh, okay -- so no magical, um... hooks get set into you or anything, then, right?"

Shane smiles, "It really does depend. I mean, I wouldn't accept food from Marcus. He's got a bit of an enchanter's knack. It seems to run in his family to be able to get people to adore them. I would say -- for now -- not to accept food from someone you don't know unless you've got someone you already trust there with you."

Cinnamon nods worriedly, "Um, okaaay? So... how can you tell if you're, er... enchanted?"

Josie wags and is actually sort of lounging on her side now with her head propped on her loosely fisted hand, "Mostly... you can't. It's something someone else usually notices first. I mean, there are precautions. Iron will interfere with some of the Celtic enchantments..." She looks at Shane, "Does it bother yours?" Shane shakes his head, "I'm sort of the nightmare of both the sidhe and the humans. I can do my thing and iron doesn't interfere with me. I mean, I can be lied to, but you have to be really good."

Cinnamon nods interestedly as she listens to her two friends, "Precautions... are there some I should know about that might hurt me?"

Josie says, "If you can carry a bit of iron and a bit of salt, that can help. You'd not be bothered by fire and a lot of enchantments can be broken by burning them. Clean running water, too. Believe it or not, modern plumbing pissed a lot of us kinds of folks off."

Cinnamon laughs at that, with a bit of relief, "OK, I can do that!" She grins teasingly as she adds, "Carry the iron and salt, I mean. I don't think I can carry plumbing all the time with me!"

Josie nods and tries to look serious. It doesn't sit well on her smiling muzzle, "Guys are better at the plumbing thing." Cinnamon blushes and giggles at that!

As the night is winding down and Josie is looking like she intends to stay the night, Shane says, "You mentioned the car. You might also want to see about breaking your lease with your landlord. Leave a fake forwarding address maybe. Some people trust it going to their family. Gather up anything that's precious to you." He pauses, "Do you actually want to keep a life out there? Some people do."

Cinnamon says, "Oh! I forgot about that!" Embarrassedly she adds, "I remembered my job and my car, but not the apartment!" She frowns thoughtfully... then sighs, "I really should go back and tidy up. There are a few things I'd like to keep, after all. Though... should it wait until after the vote?"

Shane thinks about that last question and shakes his head, "I'd get anything truly precious out of your apartment quickly. I don't think anyone would try something truly destructive, but they might."

Cinnamon looks puzzled, "Why would someone from my past life do that? I mean, even Candi's not that bad? Patronizing and self-centered sometimes, sure, but destructive? Not... in my experience?"

Shane says almost gently, "Not from your old life, asthore. From your new one." He considers, "How far is your apartment from here?"

Cinnamon looks worried, "But... how would they know... so fast? Er... well, it took me three days to drive here? Or... oh. Right -- once the vote has happened, they'll be looking real hard. Got it."

Shane looks at Cinnamon, "If you wait until after the vote and you've got things still connecting you back there to here. That's when things might go missing."

Cinnamon says, "So better to do it- right."

Shane smiles, "Great minds think alike."

Cinnamon sighs and nods... then frowns, "Yeah, but that's six days driving time -- we don't have that long!" She scowls as she mutters, "Well, heck. I guess I'll have to fork out for stupid plane tickets."

Shane arches a brow, "Cinnamon. You're on a street that takes up three blocks on the map. It's ten miles long."

Cinnamon looks blankly at Shane, "Yes? So? How does that matter to my getting to the apartment and back again on time?"

Shane says, "It matters because the legends about thousand league boots came from somewhere. I can probably finagle it to be two days, but you'd owe me a favour."

Cinnamon gives Shane an alarmed look, "I... what?! What does that mean?"

Shane leans forward and pats Cinnamon's hand, "Just like it sounds. You'll owe me a favour." Josie yawns and says sleepily, "Shane never asks for anything you would feel bad about doing when he calls in favors. He's safe. I promise. You can even ask Elias if you want."

Cinnamon looks uneasy, "I... I don't want to start out like that, though -- owing people stuff -- especially something I d-don't really know what it is!" She laughs nervously, her voice tight, "I, um, you know, I should have plenty of money for p-plane tickets... really!"

Shane nods, "Because Elias has owed me favours in the past. The last time I called one in, it was to have him help me research some weird geography thing." He smiles again, "We can fly if you'd like. I do have outside ID. But you will eventually end up trading and bartering with people. Not everyone has use for money."

Cinnamon looks unhappy, but doesn't argue, "Umm... okay." She just makes a mental note: Avoid open-ended favors at all costs! Cinnamon pauses... then says more startledly, "Wait, what?! What do you mean, 'we'?" Confusedly she wonders: how did she get talked into buying tickets for both of them?! Is she enchanted?!

Shane gives Cinnamon's hand a squeeze, smiling, "Set limits on favours and they can't be called to make you do anything you wouldn't want to. I'll pay you back for the plane ticket. But I don't want you out there alone just now." He smiles, "Or I'll pay for my own ticket up front. I have to do it in cash, though."

Cinnamon says, "Oh!" She sighs, shaking her head once, "Oh... kay. I... think I get it." Sighing again, she adds, "But you don't have to come if you don't want to, Shane. I don't want to be a drag, you know?"

The half-sidhe sits up and puts his elbows on his knees so he can look at Cinnamon directly in the face, "You didn't ask. I volunteered. I really want to make sure you're safe."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly -- pretty boys don't usually show this much interest in her! Does this mean... she's truly in danger?! "Uhh... okay? But... er, do you really think it's... that bad?"

Shane says, "I always assume it's that bad. Your grandfather was murdered to free his spot on the council. We think we've kept you secret, but I don't want to assume you are and then have something bad happen."

Cinnamon winces at that! -- then takes a deep breath and straightens. Her voice is only a little quavery as she says, "You're right. Okay, I'll get the tickets -- you can pay back when you have the money. Can we leave tomorrow?" She frowns thoughtfully as she muses, "Need to ask Elias if he's had any breakthroughs on the assassin too, don't I..."

Josie nods and murmurs, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst." Shane says, "And if you have things you want to give to your family, do that while we're there." Cinnamon nods gravely to Josie... then smiles ruefully at Shane and shakes her head. Shane assures Cinnamon that he'll pay her back the same day and calls on Josie to witness it. It seems a bit formal for the interactions between the three of them, but Josie agrees to witness the pledge and then seems content to curl up very much like a large, friendly dog, and drift off to sleep.

The next day finds Shane and Cinnamon up early so they can stop by an ATM for Shane to take out the money and hand it to Cinnamon. He assures her that John can change it into whatever kind of currency she'd like. The half-sidhe is dressed quite mundanely in khakis, a blue polo shirt, and a pair of Converse that look as if they've nearly been walked to death. He checks a small bag and carries one on as well, but he seems more concerned with Cinnamon's carry-on stuff than his own.

Cinnamon is a little surprised at his concern, but obligingly (and a little sheepishly) shows him what she's got: a very large purse with some toiletries and a change of underwear. As she explains, she doesn't have much reason to stay there. She'll just ship what she wants to keep to a FedEx pickup point in Boston, then fly home again. Cinnamon smiles as she adds, "I figure we can take rental cars while there. The post office shipping boxes are free, after all!"

Shane stays by Cinnamon the entire time, being careful to call her by her mundane name, since that's the one on her ID. His says his name is James Smith, which gets a couple of the airport workers joking with him. "I think you're right." Once they're on the ground and they've claimed their bags, Shane goes into one of the 'family' restrooms with his bags and comes out wearing a long coat and a pair of dark jeans with a dark t-shirt. He's back in his moccasin boots. If Cinnamon pays attention, she might be able to notice that there's a bit of stiffness across Shane's back.

Cinnamon giggles, teasing in a quiet whisper, "So can I call you Jimmy?"

Once they get the rental car, Shane asks her to pull over at a gas station and, without leaving the car, pulls a sheathed sword from where it was resting against his back. He puts the sword in the backseat and then grins at her, "Not if you want me to answer."

Cinnamon giggles again, her eyes sparkling -- this is almost like an adventure for her! She is in her usual off-work clothes: sneakers, blue jeans, and a nice blouse. She has a jacket with her, just in case, of course. She drives in an orderly fashion, just like she does most everything else in her life, first to the post office for shipping supplies, and then to a bland, simple apartment complex. "Here we are!"

Once they arrive, Cinnamon sees a familiar car. Candi's snazzy little two-seater convertible is parked at the curb in front of Cinnamon's unit. Once she sees Candi's, she also notices her parents' Mercedes sedan. Cinnamon groans and rolls her eyes, "Oh, fudge!" She sighs, glancing over at "James" as she adds in doom-laden tones, "My family is here. You might want to wait in the car."

Shane arches a brow as he gets out his sheathed sword and puts it into place along his back and beneath the coat, "Not on your life. I'm here to protect you. You're not going in there alone." He starts gathering up some of the packing supplies. "Besides, families are sticky things. They can kill your momentum. My mom isn't like that, but her parents were. They despise Quinn."

Cinnamon sighs lugubriously as she trudges for the building, "Yeah, mine despise me..." She makes a mental note: Do not label the boxes in the apartment, like she'd intended to! Must load them into the car and take them to the post office, then label them.

Shane looks offended at that, "Why? Are they blind?" He's walking along with her and they're still about ten feet from the door when it slams open and Candi comes rushing out. She's dressed in jeans as well, but hers are actually jeggings and disappear into Uggs. Her blouse is the sort of casually expensive thing meant to look like it came from a thrift store. The expression on her face might look real to someone that had no idea of her relationship to her sister, "Mary! We've been so worried!" Shane watches this with a completely unsmiling expression.

More slowly, Mary's parents come out of the apartment. Her mother looks like she's been sucking on a green persimmon. Her father looks irritated and put out. Candi puts her hands on Cinnamon's shoulders and says, "I'm so glad you're safe! I don't know what we'd have done if you hadn't come back!"

Cinnamon sighs and forces a smile, "Hello, Candi." Glancing over her shoulder at Shane, she murmurs, "No, it's 'cause they're not." She turns back to step around Candi as she tiredly adds, "Candi, James. James, my little sister Candi. My parents should be ins- oh, there they are." She adds with a bit of exasperation, "Why are you all here in my apartment, guys?" Walking inside, she adds over her shoulder, "Did you bribe the landlord again, Dad? We talked about that already... remember?"

Shane nods to Candi, who smiles up at him and tries to take one of his hands in both of hers. He quite deftly manages to have no hands free for her to do so, even as she says, "Thank you, James. No one had heard from her in a few days and we got worried. I mean... anything could have happened." Shane looks down at Candi and doesn't say one single word. Mostly he looks irritated, then he... steps around Candi and heads up the sidewalk after Mary. The younger Brown sister blinks. That is so far outside her experience that she doesn't know what to even think about it.

Mary's father is irritated, "I didn't bribe him. I simply told him we were worried and were trying not to involve the police." That makes Shane roll his eyes as he walks around the elder Browns and calls out, "Mary, where should I put the boxes?"

Cinnamon sighs at her father, "You couldn't leave a voicemail, Dad?" She glances around as Shane enters, then nods, "On the sofa is fine, please?" She lays down the packing paper and tape roll, then hastily tucks the address labels into her purse -- hopefully before her parents spot them and ask where she's going! "If you can go ahead and start taping the boxes together, I'll grab up everything I want, okay?"

Shane nods and moves so that he's -- subtly and relaxedly -- between Mary and her father as he's putting the boxes together. His hands are quick and nimble. Mr. Brown says flatly, "No. Because you'd have ignored it." He looks around the house and shakes his head at the shelves of books and the complete lack of designer furniture or feng shui. He also eyes Shane distrustfully. This young man is not the sort of person he'd expect to see around his elder daughter, "Besides, we were worried." Every time someone in her family says that, Shane has to fight rolling his eyes. Candi has come inside and smiles at Shane, reaching for one of the boxes, "Let me help. I'm good with my hands."

Cinnamon snorts quietly, but simply continues browsing through her books, pulling out her favorites to pack. She's used to her parents. First Dad will be Sternly Disappointed... then Mom will wail about ungratefulness and where did she go wrong... and at some point Candi will (fake) shyly offer to try and talk to her big sis, which will garner a shower of appreciation for the good daughter....

Candi has on her most impish, playful smile as she tries to help. Shane takes the box back and says with clear irritation, "No. I can do it myself, Candace." Having her full name used actually makes Candi pout, "I'm just trying to be nice."

Cinnamon blinks at that, pushing her glasses up as she turns to look at Shane and Candi. That was certainly... different! She can't help but grin a little as she turns back to the books -- maybe that will derail the usual sturm und drang?

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

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