| Logs |
2021 June 30
| Goblin Town |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Goblin Town Logs |
They Dance for Rain & Rainbows
Aisling, knowing Marcus as she does, laughs warmly, "Cinnamon has been practicing her flight. She brought us all here while in draconic form. No iron-sickness because no iron." Admittedly, Marcus had been starting to figure that out, what with the conversation between Cinnamon and Elias -- but he still blinks as he looks down at the little woman seated beside him, wheels almost visibly turning in his head as he's forced to re-evaluate.
Cinnamon grins cheerfully at Aisling and nodnods! Then she turns back to Sparrow, "Hey, do you have a leather worker here too, Sparrow, that I could talk to?"
Sparrow smiles, "We have several. I do a little leatherwork myself, but mostly clothing. We've got a lot of crafters here. We're trying to keep the old arts alive: weaving, beading... herbs, dancing... all the things that were stolen from us."
Cinnamon nods slowly, "Okay... so would it be rude of me to ask one of your leatherworkers if they could make something for me, and have it ready by, um... the day after the council meeting?" Hastily she adds, "I'd be happy to pay for his time and materials and all that stuff!" Simultaneously, though, her brow furrows in puzzlement: 'stolen'? What an odd word to use! How can an 'art' be stolen? While she doesn't realize her ignorance is showing due to that thought, she is at least socially aware to make a mental note to ask Josie rather than Sparrow about it.
Sparrow smiles, "Darlin', I'm sure we can find someone that'll be happy to work with you. Harry works with saddles, so he might be best. Horse tack would be closer than what I do."
Cinnamon nods in relief, "Oh, that'd be awesome, then -- yes, it's kind of like a saddle, I think!" She has no idea that, next to her, Marcus is hastily recalculating his perception of her. Aisling, on the other hand, knows Marcus quite well, and is watching his facial expressions with quiet amusement. Shane is also grinning, as he too has long familiarity with the Germanic elf! Due to the iron-sickness, Marcus is not able to disguise his thoughts quite as well as he normally would. He's clearly beginning to realize the little dragon's abilities are proceeding at a truly astonishing pace, if she carried Shane, Josie, Aisling, and Thorn here -- in only four hours! -- and is offering to take Elias back as well... as if this is absolutely not a problem for her!
A moment later something registers for Cinnamon, and she asks Sparrow, "Leather... clothing -- like those leather pants you're wearing? The, um... are they called breechclouts or something?" She grins interestedly at Sparrow, pushing her glasses up, "Did you make those? They're really pretty! Why don't you wear them to council meetings instead of the baggy shorts?" She tilts her head, studying the intricate beaded decorations and fringed edges, then adds firmly, "If I had pretty clothes like those, I'd totally wear them instead of boring old jeans!" Because it would never occur to her to do so, she has no idea her words could be taken as a very subtle hint that she'd like some gifted to her! She does, however, pause consideringly for a few seconds... then lift her thoughtful gaze to Sparrow's dancing eyes and add slowly, "Unless... are you making a statement with your clothes, maybe? Is that it?"
Sparrow's eyes twinkle, "No. These are leggings." He taps the leggings. "This..." he tugs the edge of the breechclout, "is a breechclout... and my shorts aren't baggy." They aren't, actually -- most of his cutoffs fit him rather snugly, in fact. "I wear them because they're comfortable." That makes Shane's lips twitch a little; Sparrow continues, "I wear my buckskins here because they're comfortable and they're the right clothes for me to wear here." His dark eyes crinkle at the corners, "-and because I like the way the beads sparkle!" He skips right over the comment about his clothes making a statement.
Shane leans down so close his lips are touching Cinnamon's ear and whispers, "It's Coyote's job to be a thorn in people's side." His voice is the barest breath; even keen-eared people would have a hard time hearing it. "He wears the shorts because it irritates some of the more strait-laced councilors and observers that he's not in formal clothes." Cinnamon goes very still at the even more tingly sensation of Shane's lips on her ear, her eyes wide as she both blushes hotly and works very hard at not just squeaking in a mix of shock and excitement! She doesn't remember to draw a breath until Shane straightens, in fact... and it takes her a few more deep breaths before she can pull herself together, then (in her head) run through what Shane said, and then sort out meanings... so she just nods slowly a few times at Sparrow -- hopefully not looking too dazed as she does so!
Josie nods in agreement, rumbling, "As host, Sparrow dresses more traditional here. Just like when I host, I wear something more traditional." Her expression is somewhat solemn.
In contrast, Sparrow's expression is affectionate, "Though you wear what the colonizers would call male garb, darlin'. It suits you better, anyway. Most of us try to wear whatever's traditional for our location when we host."
Due to just how... incredibly tingly she's currently feeling, Cinnamon has completely forgotten what her plans for the evening were! Instead of making an appointment to meet with this Harry person, or verifying a ride home for Elias, or talking to any of the other folks she meant to talk to... she just sits quietly with a small, very pleased smile on her face, and deeply enjoys how nice it is to be flanked by two such pretty men! She knows she's not good enough for either of them, but in a situation like right now? She can just... pretend a little! It's a lovely, warm sensation. Of course, she's changed a little in how she thinks of Marcus, by now -- before, she thought of him as 'pretty at a distance.' He's like, um... a gorgeous painting or... or a galloping thoroughbred horse: incredibly beautiful -- but don't touch! Don't even come close. Now, though... having him sitting right there next to her? Rather than looking at her like she's a particularly annoying bug? She's having happy-melty sensations!
Admittedly, a lot of that is due to having Shane on her other side as well... oh, and still: Shane kissed her once -- on the nose! True, he likely just thinks she's cute, like a baby sister -- but it was still awesomely nice! Cinnamon is currently very happy with where she is, right then and there. Of course, if her opinion on the current conversation were asked, she'd be majorly stuck. They could be discussing anything from cucumbers to Kant -- or even quadratics -- right now, for all she knows!
Fortunately the conversation is about tomorrow's meeting, and is rather dry and logistical. It's going to be taking place inside, it seems -- underground, in order to be nice to Elias. Sparrow describes the work that went into the meeting chamber; he's fairly proud of the ventilation system built to keep the place aerated, since it will be lit mostly by fire and torches. Marcus too is speaking quietly, his voice soft and obviously tired, though his points are still salient. He's eating little bits at a time, and (as he said he would) at one point he asks for some bread with honey. What he gets is fry bread with honey, which Kestrel brings over, along with plenty for everyone. Once that's done, they settle in next to Sparrow, leaning against him as he puts his arm around their shoulder and thanks them warmly for making sure everything is running smoothly.
Thorn sits quietly, eating and listening. For the most part, this doesn't concern him overmuch; though he's attending the meeting, it's not in any official capacity. Still, he does want to make sure there's no repeat of the last meeting! While he's very much aware he's a bit of a fifth wheel -- at least until someone gets hurt -- he still definitely hopes to remain supernumerary. It is quite obvious, as Thorn observes, that the bread and honey really is having a beneficial effect upon Marcus. As the discussion goes on, the dark circles beneath his eyes start to fade slightly, while what little color is usually in his face starts to slowly return. Thorn makes a note of the effectiveness of the bread-and-honey -- and fry-bread-and-honey -- remedy.
As they're eating, a young woman trots up to the table and lets Sparrow know there's someone at the rez entrance, who handed her a message. She gives it over to Sparrow, who reads and nods, "Bring him on through. We'll figure something out." He looks around, "It's Aoi's proxy. If nothing else, she usually sends him with stones for yes and no to vote with." He shakes his head and chuckles, "Wish we had someone that could at least read Japanese."
Cinnamon looks up at that, her momentary pleasure fugue having slowly abated over time... though she knows she's going to remember this night for quite some time! It's the kind of delightful memory she hauls out when she's having particularly bad days, or being bullied, or whatever. Sparrow's slightly regretful sounding voice, however, pings her helpful side, and she softly murmurs, "Um... actually... er, I can?"
Sparrow grins widely, "Well, that'll make things less of a clusterfuck, then! Do you know what a pain in the ass it is to try to play twenty questions during a debate?" He slaps both hands on the table and says, "Go on and bring him through, sugar."
Cinnamon's jaw drops in shock at Sparrow's language! -then she blushes hotly, hunching her shoulders slightly and ducking her head self-consciously. She's half-amused and half-annoyed at herself: why does she have to turn red quite so easily, darnit?! She glances around hastily, trying to change the subject until the little birdman arrives, "Oh! Uh, so... uh, right! So... was that a yes to a lift, Elias, if I can get the leatherwork done in time?"
Sparrow grins, "Oh, I'm sure we can get it done. But if we can't, y'all can stay here a day or two. Friends are always welcome."
Cinnamon smiles uncertainly at Sparrow, "Well, I wouldn't mind for me, but I d-don't know if Aisling or Josie or Thorn -- or Elias too, actually -- have stuff they have to get right back to, y-you know?" She adds a bit shyly, "Though... I am hoping we can make it nice... maybe match the leatherwork I have so far...?" She wonders if it's just foolish vanity to worry at all about how her stuff looks when she's a dragon... then firmly decides that it's... it's only good sense to have the leatherwork match! That way she'll be sure that, um, that... it's all good quality, right? Besides! She's pretty as a dragon -- even if she's not when she's a girl!
Thorn smiles and shakes his head, "I don't have to be back right away if we stay another day or two." Cinnamon grins in relieved thanks at Thorn!
Josie shakes her head, "My life is essentially being a councilor."
Elias smiles, "I have someone looking after my brewing, but it's all at a point where it's basically just sitting there quietly... so I'm in no hurry." In fact, it turns out that none of Cinnamon's potential group are on a tight schedule.
Marcus thoughtfully speaks up, "I don't suppose you'd have room for another passenger?"
Cinnamon glances startledly over at Marcus, "I thought... oh, b-but... didn't you come with a valet and a driver, or something like that?" She smiles ruefully as she adds, "Because I've only got space for one more person, you know? I wouldn't want to be rude and leave them all behind."
Marcus shakes his head, "Butler doesn't travel, and my driver can go back on his own easily. He isn't bothered by iron. I would be happy to compensate you if it would be any trouble." He smiles slightly, "And if the answer is no, I understand. It is a rather impertinent question."
Cinnamon blinks curiously at Marcus as she adjusts her glasses, "Wait, you effectively traveled alone here -- with just a driver friend, like Elias did?" She thinks a moment... then grins delightedly, "You should do that more often, Marcus! You're both nicer and prettier like this! And sure, I'm happy to give you a lift too!" She laughs a bit self-consciously as she adds, "Though... dress up warm, okay? Oh, uh, a-and you may have to put up with my singing to myself on the way?"
Thorn blinks a little. Did Cinnamon just call Marcus... 'pretty'? Marcus too blinks at that, not entirely sure how to take 'nicer and prettier.' Shane puts a hand over his mouth, while Aisling and Sparrow both tip their heads back and laugh! Both of them are also quite sure Cinnamon didn't intend to deliver such a backhanded compliment. Cinnamon blinks a bit uncertainly at the two older councilors... then grins shyly, "Um, oka-aay... did I just say something dumb?"
Marcus decides, in that moment, not to take offense -- especially upon hearing Cinnamon's nervous question. He shakes his head, "No; it's fine. Yes, I came with just my driver, though he is also a bodyguard. He will likely be happy to have just one duty on the way back; and I have warm clothes. It gets cold out here at night." Jalil wanders up then, smiling at the laughter around the table. The little birdman has not yet arrived, but folks know it can be quite a long trek from the entrance to the rez to where they are now -- especially since Sparrow has told the visitors that those who live here don't bring motorized vehicles out to this spot if they can avoid it.
Cinnamon grins in relief at Marcus, "Okay!" She glances up as Jalil arrives, cheerfully adding, "Hi, Jalil! How're you doing?" A moment later she brightens, "Oh! Also, do you... er, like drink tea or coffee ceremonially? Er, in your culture, I mean? 'Cause if you do? I'd totally love it if you'd be willing to show me how it's done, please?" She remembers reading in a book recently that people like doing things for themselves and/or other folks... far more than just having stuff handed to them. If that's indeed the case, she's going to try using that technique to see if she can also get some chatting time with the various members of the 'reveal' faction -- so she can find out their reasoning! Plus, if this ceremony has some pleasurable meaning to Jalil... maybe he'll jump at the chance to teach it to a newbie!
Jalil smiles, his teeth very bright in the firelight around the table, "We do. It would be lovely to do so with you, Cinnamon." He seems quite comfortable here in the dark. Thorn greets Jalil as well, pleased to see the fire spirit. The healer is still mentally processing Cinnamon thinking of Marcus as 'pretty,' though -- especially after all that's happened!
Cinnamon beams delightedly at the fire genii, "Oh, thank you so much -- I would love to learn it!" She happily makes plans with him to get together once they're back on Coblyn Street... then sighs happily as she looks around the little group, "This is so nice! We should have more dinners together, don't you all think?" She grins to herself as she makes a mental note: must ask Himeko if a tea ceremony with Aoi is a possibility too! After that, the only 'reveal' folks she won't have yet spoken with would be Killa -- no surprise there, unfortunately -- and whomever the new person is, to replace Qadan. The little dragon crosses her mental fingers that they'll be willing to talk to her too, though! The little dragon is still beaming delightedly as she glances around at the other members of the current little circle... and still has no idea how much that smile lights up her face. She can't help lingering a bit in her glances at Shane and Marcus, though!
By that point, the little birdman comes in, mounted behind a young man on a horse. He seems quite comfortable astride, bowing in thanks after dismounting. Cinnamon brightens at sight of the birdman, starting to raise an arm to wave him over -- but then remembers the slightly more formal manners she was taught in the language lessons. So instead she hops up, still beaming, and bows politely to the birdman, speaking in fluent, unaccented Japanese, "Good evening, honored sir! Have you eaten? There is plenty of food if you are hungry. Are you and Himeko well? Will she be arriving later tomorrow? Also, is there anything you need? I am happy to translate for you, if so. I am Cinnamon; it is a pleasure to meet you!"
Thorn looks in surprise at Cinnamon! He doesn't speak a word of Japanese, but Cinnamon is speaking it smoothly and effortlessly. Has she really found the time to not only learn Japanese but also all those other languages?! Nearby, Marcus blinks again, his face still not as guarded as normal -- which makes Sparrow grin mischievously once more. This is utterly hilarious to him! He's loving every. Single. Second! -of watching the slightly stuffy elf be discombobulated!
The little birdman brightens and bows again, this time to Cinnamon -- then he takes something out of a bag at his side and puts it on the table. It turns out to be a small tablet of some sort, on which he uses a stylus to quickly and fluidly write out a greeting and thanks. It has all the normal Japanese pleasantries, and tells Cinnamon that Himeko will be there tomorrow -- she had some things she had to take care of. Cinnamon glances over the writing on the tablet... then beams and nods cheerfully to the little man. To everyone else she says, "Okay, he says Himeko will be here tomorrow! She had some things to take care of first."
Shane blinks and grins at Cinnamon's linguistic ease -- wonders will never cease, he's fairly sure! He also looks over at Marcus... then finds himself frowning a little. He's not entirely sure why he's scowling at the blond elf, but he doesn't like the way Marcus is looking at Cinnamon, or why he himself feels suddenly so protective. Sparrow nods to Cinnamon, "Not surprising. Himeko always wants everything to be neat and tidily taken care of before she leaves."
Cinnamon grins at Sparrow, then makes sure the small birdman knows where the food is, and that it is both proper and expected to simply help oneself as often as desired. She also explains that Shane too speaks Japanese, and that the birdman himself is welcome at the table. After that she turns and -- if the coveted space hasn't evaporated -- slides herself with slightly flushed, self-conscious pleasure back into her spot between the two very attractive men!
Eventually the night starts to wind down; people begin moving toward their lodgings for the night. Josie's yurt has been set up, and she lets people know it's ready. There's a section curtained off for privacy while changing clothes, and there are ways to section off sleeping areas as well, should people want a little privacy for that too. The yurt itself, however, is actually large enough for a family of eight to easily live in it -- yes: live. The structure looks like it could easily be made semi-permanent, as well.
Cinnamon is delighted at how cozy and comfy the big yurt is, though she somewhat guiltily tells Josie that next time Cinnamon would be quite happy to help put up the tent! She definitely takes advantage of privacy for changing her clothes, though she doesn't feel the need for a private sleeping area. In fact, once she's tucked herself warmly into her new sleeping bag, she makes a sleepy mental note: gotta do something really nice for both Jo and Thorn -- for, respectively, letting her stay in this really nice tent home, and getting her the comfy new sleeping bag!
Aisling sleeps... somewhere else, but Shane also sleeps in the yurt, settling near the door as if he's on guard -- though that might simply be a habit of his. Cinnamon blushes a bit when she notices Shane's there too... though she's glad it's dark. Weird how puppypiles are fine, but seeing him right over there... gives her funny feelings inside! Thorn too sleeps in the yurt with the others, discreetly changing in the curtained-off area before skedaddling into his sleeping bag. It's certainly been an eventful day -- and Cinnamon was absolutely full of surprises! The healer is mildly curious as to why Aisling isn't sleeping there, but he reasons that she must have her own accommodation arrangements. Which, if he thinks about it... isn't any of his business anyway! So he beds down for the evening with comfortable contentment.
The next morning there's a tapping on the doorframe of the yurt, and a cheerful voice calling folks to breakfast. Thorn, fully rested, awakens with the knocking. He's careful to make sure his section of the yurt is neat and tidy, and the sleeping bag tightly rolled up. He's also careful to check his shoes before he puts his feet into them, just in case a spider or scorpion decided it needed a warm (if smelly) place to sleep.
The meal is a pretty typically White Tex-Mex affair, which Sparrow says he knows is a pretty colonized thing, but (in his words) people fuckin' love gravy and biscuits! There's also eggs, bacon, chorizo, biscuits, cream gravy, coffee, tea, and juice -- and there's a lot of everything! The utensils are largely made out of bone and wood, however.
Cinnamon eats hungrily, though while chewing she takes several moments to curiously study her utensils. What clever, pretty carvings! She loves how even the most utilitarian items have light, decorative touches added to them. She glances around while eating, checking to see if Hilde or Himeko or Killa's folks have arrived... oh, and she reminds herself to speak with both Nasteexo's translator, and the little birdman, if she gets a chance! Hm... and after breakfast she wants to speak with both Harry the saddler, and whomever the herbalist is. She worries for a moment as to whether Harry is 'in the know'... then realizes with a smile that Sparrow wouldn't have sent her to him if he was ignorant. Good, she won't worry about shifting shape to show him her harness, then.
While Himeko has yet to arrive, Hilde came in sometime during the night. Nasteexo too is present with her interpreter, both of them chatting with Jalil. There are several other people around as well, though Elias is nowhere to be seen -- which isn't surprising, considering it's broad daylight. Cinnamon cheerfully greets Nasteexo, the interpreter, and Jalil, wishing them all a lovely morning! After that, she checks: if this is not a private conversation, she has a question for Nasteexo once they're done talking with Jalil? She's quite ready, of course, to come back later if it is private!
Nasteexo and Jalil seem to be discussing the use of chili peppers in the food of the southern US and northern Mexico, along with South America and Latin America, and how that mixed into the Caribbean Islands... as well as the crossover with hot foods in African nations and the Indian subcontinent, as a way to make you sweat. Cinnamon blinks in silent fascination at that! She's happy to simply listen, if for no other reason than that this information had never previously occurred to her. Thorn comes over shortly after Cinnamon does; he interestedly joins the conversation about the spices and hot food.
Upon her arrival, Nasteexo and the translator smile and include Cinnamon -- and later, Thorn -- in the conversation. Eventually Nasteexo's interpreter says, "We're happy to see all of you here! How was the trip to Europe? Not the visiting; the actual trip? Our people's last trip on a boat didn't go so well?" There's some humor there, and it makes Jalil laugh.
Cinnamon grins uncertainly -- her standard White middle-class education means she's been unwittingly fed all the usual racist pabulum, so she's not entirely sure what Nasteexo and her translator mean there. However, she answers with enthusiasm, "Oh, it was lovely, actually! We found a wooden sailing ship -- a real one, you know? With three masts and as little metal as possible used in its construction, so the elves were all really happy to use it. Plus, bonus: we found out the crew were all werewolves of different types! So we got their permission to let everyone here know, and I'm going to mention it at the actual meeting, but here! I've got their business cards for everyone to have one!" She hands out cards to Nasteexo, the translator, and Jalil, beaming as she adds, "It takes about two weeks to cross the Atlantic, just so you know... but they're really nice people -- and if you want, they're happy to teach you and let you help with crewing the ship! She's called the Valkyrie -- isn't that a lovely name?"
Thorn too adds his endorsement to the use of the Valkyrie! Jalil, the interpreter, and Nasteexo all accept the cards they're handed, and the interpreter smiles at the gesture. Cinnamon hesitates, then shyly adds, "Also, um... well, if you d-don't mind... I was hoping maybe you could tell me a name to use for you, Mr. Translator? I just, ahh... w-well, I guess I just feel really rude... not even having a name to call you, you know? Because, like... you're a person too, after all!"
The interpreter smiles slowly at Cinnamon, "I am, yes. You can call me... hmm... Dejiyo. It means 'calm.' That will work." Nasteexo says something, and he smiles at her as well, "Yes, I suppose I can register it." Nasteexo's current horse is a small, white-haired woman who looks like she's spent most of her life here on the rez, out in the sun. Her hair is in two braids which hang down over her shoulders, the ends tied off with red-dyed rawhide.
Cinnamon beams delightedly up at the huge, dark man, "Thank you so much, Dejiyo, for sharing your name with me! It's very kind of you."
Dejiyo chuckles, then rumbles, "I suppose it is easier." Nasteexo smiles and pats Dejiyo's hand.
Jalil seems curious about the ship, as he says, "The meeting is apparently not until after lunch, so... you said wolves? Like Josie?"
Cinnamon grins and nodnods up at Jalil, "Yeah! Isn't it cool? There was a Norse one, and a Welsh one, and... several nationalities, actually!" She laughs, wryly adding, "Boy, was I surprised to discover there were different kinds of werewolves, too!"
Nasteexo says something and Dejiyo nods, "Tomorrow after lunch. Today we will be taking time to be friends and speak together."
Jalil smiles and nods, "Oh, lots of different kinds of werewolves... just as there are different kinds of vampires. Not all of them are like Elias."
Cinnamon gives Jalil a wide-eyed look, "Lots of... types of vampires?! Oh my gosh! I had no idea!" She frowns with determination, "Just gonna have to do more research later, I guess!" After that she relaxes and chats happily with the four entities, enjoying herself and getting to know the 'reveal' faction members a bit better... though after a while she has to politely excuse herself -- she's got a few more errands yet still to run today! Thorn continues to chat with Jalil, Dejiyo, and Nasteexo, before eventually heading off in search of Sparrow, who can bring him to the rez clinic.
Cinnamon patters off, looking next for Hilde, the little birdman, or any of Killa's folks... or, should she stumble across Sparrow or Kestrel, she's happy to ask for directions to either Harry the saddler, or the herbalist. She ends up asking both the little birdman, and some of Killa's folks: do they, or the folks they are proxy for, have any further questions regarding the info dump of paperwork Cinnamon gave them about Qadan's treasonous plot? She wants to be absolutely sure everyone is on board with deposing Qadan et al, after all. Some of Niamh's words made a lot of sense to her, in a way: how can she be a good tie-breaker if she hasn't listened to everyone's perspective?
Each person that Cinnamon finds and asks her question of is solemn, but is also quite sure: Qadan's treachery was unthinkable. Politics are politics, but what he was doing was beyond the pale. The little dragon is relieved to hear everyone involved is good with that, so she politely thanks them all for their time, and wishes them a good day... then continues looking for the remaining folks on her current to-do list. She's pleased -- making good progress! Now all that's left is asking the saddler for a harness update, asking Hilde for some time once they're all back on Coblyn -- to talk about visiting Iceland! -- and finally, asking the herbalist for some seeds. Excellent!
Cinnamon is delighted, when she finally locates Hilde, to make an appointment for lunch on a later day, with the Norse girl, in order to talk about Iceland and why a dragon might think Cinnamon really needs to visit there. After that, with directions and an introduction from Kestrel, Cinnamon is pleased to speak first with the herbalist, then the saddler. The herbalist laughs at hearing Cinnamon is effectively bringing plant presents home for a friend, and after some thought selects the seeds of a few hardy plants that will probably survive a Boston winter. She's also happy to accept any seeds Muriel, the little nature spirit of Coblyn, might send her -- so Cinnamon beams and promises to pass on the herbalist's contact information.
As it turns out, finding Harry and getting to the rez clinic both require going further into the rez. For that, they do actually have to use a motorized vehicle -- and said vehicle is an old Willys Jeep. The thing looks like it might have come straight out of a movie about the Korean or Vietnam wars -- it's even OD green. Sparrow has to yell to be heard over the unmuffled engine, "The damn thing is sixty years old, but we can fix it ourselves because there's no fuckin' computer in the engine!"
Cinnamon laughs at that, holding onto her sunhat with one hand -- and clinging to the jeep's roll bar with the other! She calls out curiously, "So where do you get water from, Sparrow? Is it okay to ask that? Kestrel said there wasn't good fresh water, so I was wondering... or it is really a water purifier that's needed?"
Sparrow hollers above the engine, "We truck it in and put it in holding tanks. It's really that there isn't much water. There's a couple of aquifers, but some areas, there's just not enough -- the water table's not good! Dry years it's not there... and then, water rights are just fucked! Ranchers own the water and we got pushed onto places where there isn't any!"
Cinnamon nods slowly, her expression troubled. Even as she calls out, "Okay, thank you!" she finds herself wondering: with all these magical creatures... they can't produce one water entity to maybe help these people? For that matter... what's the point of being wonderful and awesome and magical, she wonders, if you're not doing anything useful with it? She really doesn't want to be the magical equivalent of her sister, after all -- who expects to coast easily through her life on her looks.
Thorn says/shouts, "And nobody screaming about 'no right to repair'!" He can't say he enjoys the right, but he does appreciate it. "Any knowledge of what the cases in the clinic are? No problem, if not!"
Cinnamon decides then and there: she's going to look into finding out if there's some sort of... of magical bureau or corporate entity or something -- that consists of magical creatures who want to help people! Human or not doesn't really matter, Cinnamon thinks... what truly matters surely should be that they either need... or can give assistance! She blinks at Thorn, mentally amending, [Like Thorn is doing! He's healing folks who need it -- not asking for money, or if they're magical enough or not!] Then she grins and can't resist calling out, "Right to repair what now?"
Thorn yells back, "'Right to repair'! It's the idea that if you own something, you have the right to repair it yourself."
They pull up to the clinic at about that time, and in the sudden quiet after the engine is turned off, Cinnamon confusedly asks Thorn, "Wait, what's water got to do with right to repair, please?"
Thorn grins ruefully, "Oh, sorry... I was talking about 'right to repair' a car, not the water."
The saddler's shop is actually two doors down from the clinic, and the structure in between seems to be some kind of administrative building. Sparrow swings out of the Jeep and is greeted at the saddler's shop by a man in jeans and a Western-style shirt, wearing sprung cowboy boots. He's got short-cropped pepper-and-salt hair and a seamed face; he teases, "It's a good thing you drive that monstrosity. The smart people hear you coming and run away."
Sparrow teases right back, "Good thing you're not smart!"
Cinnamon blinks startledly at the interplay between the two men -- then relaxes once she realizes they're both grinning at one another before sharing a hug. She clambers carefully out of the Jeep, then pushes up her glasses and grins up at Thorn, "Oh, good... that makes a lot more sense now!" Then she looks at the two men for a moment before cautiously asking, "Mr., um... Harry? The saddler?"
Sparrow motions Thorn and Cinnamon over, and inside Harry's shop... which smells pleasantly of saddle soap and well-cared-for leather. The older man rumbles, "Yup. I'm Harry. And you're Cinnamon, and I'm gonna guess Thorn, yeah?"
Thorn blinks in surprise, "Oh! Yes, I'm Thorn. Pleased to meet you!"
Cinnamon blinks startledly -- then brightens in relief, "Oh! You -- you already know about me? Okay! Can, um... is what I want feasible, maybe?"
Harry nods, "Oh, yeah. Kestrel brought me a sketch last night. I can do that... got some of the roughs already."
Cinnamon's eyes widen, and she glances at Sparrow, "Wow! If you're paying Kestrel anything, they totally deserve a raise for being this on top of things!" She giggles, then grins at Harry, "Awesome! What can I do to help? How much money do you need for this, please?" She giggles again as she adds, "We need to make sure Kestrel and Spice never get together -- unless we want world peace and tidy people all over the place!"
Harry runs a nail over his bottom teeth and muses, "Eh... not so much money. But I could really use a new band saw. Doesn't actually have to be new-new, but a replacement one."
Cinnamon nods a bit blankly, thinking quickly... then glances between Sparrow and Harry, "Um... I'm going to guess you two know what a band saw is, and where to find one? 'Cause... I don't, but I'm happy to... to huck it around or pay for it or whatever?" She grins ruefully -- hand tools are pretty much a mystery to her! She has utterly no idea, in fact, that it's usually far larger than simply a tool held in one hand.
Sparrow chuckles and nods, "Yeah, I know what one is. I'll help you find a good one for him." He thumps Harry on the shoulder, "Good man. Two days? Maybe three?"
Harry replies, "Might be four, for work like this."
Cinnamon looks worried, "Four? Um, let me think... today, tomorrow, the day after... and one more?" She looks hopeful, "Is that what you mean? That'd be okay, I think?"
Harry nods, "That's what I mean. I'm already started, after all."
Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Oh, awesome! Okay, do you need me for anything, or should I get out of your way?" She also pulls out her cellphone, making sure it's connecting to satellites before she types in 'band saw' to see what one looks like. She blinks down at the photos a moment later, her voice thoughtful, "Oh! Those are... bigger than I realized. Huh! Do you want a portable one or a big, 'nailed down to the floor' one, please?"
Harry smiles and shoos them out, "Smaller one is OK... they work better on thick hides. I don't work with heavy wood, most of the time. Go on. Git. I don't need a trickster in my shop for too long -- things start breaking down." Sparrow laughs and casually flips Harry off as they leave.
Cinnamon giggles at that, her eyes sparkling as she glances between the two men. Once they're outside she grins at Sparrow, "I'm guessing that means he wants a portable one, right?" She pauses, then adds more gravely, "He does know this leatherwork is, um... like, if it breaks someone could die, right? I want to get him a really nice band saw, because this is... safety equipment he's making for me, you know? It's really important to me that my friends be secure when I'm carrying them around!"
Sparrow grins, "Yeah, a portable one. We don't use saddles too much, but some of the young 'uns do rodeo." He walks with Thorn and Cinnamon toward the clinic, "He doesn't need the band saw for this. For your harness, he's working with hand tools, darlin'."
Cinnamon nods worriedly as she pushes her glasses up, "No, I get that, Sparrow -- but this is the only way I have to thank him for... for busting his chops, kinda, in getting this all ready fast for me, you know? I want... well, I want to make sure I'm actually helping, you know? Does that make sense?"
Sparrow actually looks serious for a moment, "You will be helping him -- a lot. A band saw will make it so he can do his work for years to come. The one he has is about forty years old, and no matter how much we fix it, it keeps breaking down... because he's used it constantly for thirty of those forty years."
Cinnamon nods and trots along so she's next to Sparrow, "Then okay, how's this one? It's portable, and it, er..." she squints, reading the text, "is... deep cut five inch large ten amp, and... DWM one two 0K, whatever that is? Is that a good one?"
Sparrow leans over Cinnamon's shoulder, getting almost as close as Shane did last night, and nods, "Ayup. That should work. It's close to what he's got now."
Cinnamon beams, "Excellent! OK, hang on a moment..." She types quickly, then looks up at Sparrow and grins hopefully, "Delivery address, please?" She finishes typing in the address Sparrow gives her, then hits the 'Order' button... then sighs softly as she stares at her cell phone. Finally she looks up at Sparrow and asks a bit wistfully, "Is there... anything else I can do to say thanks, Sparrow?"
Sparrow looks seriously at Cinnamon and Thorn, "You can both help keep my people safe... the human ones and the not-human ones."
Cinnamon brightens a bit, "Okay! How? Er, I mean... what do they need to be safe?"
Sparrow's voice is still unwontedly serious, "Staying hidden helps the non-human ones." He puts a hand on Thorn's shoulder, "Thorn's going to help some of the human ones. You're helping Harry. The rest, we'll work on."
Thorn nods soberly, "I'll do the best I can."
Cinnamon nods slowly, her expression thoughtful again. Clearly this will take time -- there won't be any quick fixes. Okay... she takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She's in this for the long run, isn't she? So having things take a while... should be fine! She'll just have to work on things... um, like... like, with determination! It hasn't occurred to her yet that she's already unwittingly exerting influence... with her insistence that everyone is a person and deserves a name, and on helping whenever and wherever she can... even in the friendly little connections she's unwittingly crafting between the various enclaves she's visiting.
The clinic is a small building. The waiting room is floored in some truly unfortunately avocado green linoleum that has obviously seen better days and was probably put down some time in the 60s. The walls, however, are a bright and cheerful yellow, and have a mural painted on them in a tribal style, of several different animals. The chairs are those extremely uncomfortable plastic sort that most doctor's offices have gotten rid of by now. The receptionist's window is plastered with various handbills.
Cinnamon glances into the clinic, realizing the waiting room is very full... so she backs quietly out. She'll just wander around and... shop and sightsee, she thinks. She doesn't know what use she'd be in the clinic, after all -- and she emphatically doesn't want to seem like a tourist ogling other people's pain! She whispers to Thorn just before she leaves, "If there's anything I can help with, just text me, okay? Or stand outside and yell. I shouldn't be too far away!" Then she quietly heads off, to wander along the wooden sidewalks.
Thorn nods to Cinnamon, "Don't worry, we will. Thank you." Meanwhile, Sparrow goes to the receptionist's window and smiles warmly at the woman there, speaking quietly. After a couple of minutes he motions to Thorn to come along, and heads back into the guts of the clinic. Thorn has seen his share of military clinics, but this is even less well-supplied and lower-cost than those. It gives him a kind of clawing, gnawing sensation in the pit of his stomach. He nods to Sparrow as he follows into the clinic.
Once they're in the hallway, Sparrow shakes his head, "No one on the rez actually pays for care, but we don't have a lot of supplies. We only have a few hospital-type beds." He's a little tense, "We did have a bear-spirit that had some healing, but she... well, a fuckin' poacher..." He shakes his head and sighs. "Anyway. There's two people. One's needing a kidney transplant because fuckin' diabetes and one's..." Here, Sparrow rubs his face with both hands -- it may be the first time Thorn has seen him look sad, "Leukemia. I don't know if you can do anything on either of those."
Thorn lets out a breath and nods, "I don't know, but I'll try. It's the least I can do. I promise, Sparrow, I'll do my best." He thinks a moment, then adds, "Let's visit the person with diabetes first."
Sparrow nods and knocks on the door, murmuring, "If you can just fix the kidney... fixing the diabetes might not be a doable thing..." The woman in the room is in her 40s and smiles on seeing Sparrow, laughing and calling him an old fraud. They chat a moment, and then he introduces Thorn as a specialist from off the rez, "Thorn, this is Martha Running Elk. She's on a long list. In the meantime, they keep stealing her blood." He winks at the woman and she winks back.
Thorn smiles to the woman, "Hello, Martha; my name's Thorn. I'll be doing my best to help you." He takes a breath, offering her his hand, "Please take my hand, and close your eyes?" He's already picturing what he wants to do -- to visualize it, as Cinnamon recommended to him. He brings back what he can, about anatomy, into his memory. He'll try to... rebuild? Convince her body to rebuild the kidney? Is that the right word? It'll do. He'll try to convince her body to regrow her kidney. If that doesn't work, he'll see about the diabetes -- but first things first.
When Martha accepts Thorn's offered hand, he pictures the vital life force of her body. Entwining that with magic, he mentally urges her kidney to repair itself -- to grow, to become whole and healthy once more. He puts thoughts of 'if' and 'maybe' and 'if not' from his mind; right now is the time for absolute conviction! Right now is the time to focus on what he can and will do... and so: he focuses upon her body healing itself... with a little bit of help from the magic he's been gifted.
As Thorn holds her hand, Martha watches him and Sparrow watches Martha, one of his hands resting lightly on her shoulder. A kidney is a complex organ; it does a lot of things. But magic is even more complex... and so Thorn's magic wraps around and through the woman's body, whispering to the essence of the cells and reminding them of what they're supposed to do. Organs that were failing slowly begin to work again; begin to filter toxins the way they're supposed to. The change is subtle at first, but eventually Sparrow can see it: the woman's coppery skin takes on a healthier tinge. The long-term effects are going to be what really show up, but Thorn can feel it. He can tell it truly took hold.
The woman's kidneys will have to work a little overtime for a few days, in order to work through a bit of backlog -- but they're healthy again, so that's eminently doable. Martha looks at Thorn's face, then at Sparrow's as she softly asks, "What... what's happening?" Something so internal, as is kidney function, isn't a spectacular change to a human -- but the workings of magic don't go unfelt.
Sparrow -- or Coyote -- strokes Martha's head and grins wickedly, "I told you, darlin'! I brought in real good Medicine."
Thorn lets out a relieved breath -- not only that it worked, but that Martha can feel something went right. "That... may have helped," he says. "Martha, your kidney should be working again, I think. It'll take a few days to get through the toxins and byproducts that have built up, so drink plenty of fluids to help that along. But I wasn't able to remove the diabetic condition, so definitely be careful with that, all right? I... can't promise that nothing more will happen to you because of the diabetes... but this should at least help."
Martha nods slowly, "I wasn't diagnosed early enough and my kidneys were already in danger..."
Sparrow agrees, "Yeah. We're short on meds out here, but Martha's been working on watching what she eats, and we're working on our supplies of insulin to keep her healthy. Who else am I gonna chase around if she goes and dies on me, huh?" The woman laughs again and calls Sparrow an old fraud and a couple of other names in some language Thorn doesn't know, which makes Sparrow grin mischievously, "Probably best you don't say much to the doctors -- just let 'em run their tests and scowl at you for a while, yeah?" Martha agrees to that, with a misty-eyed smile.
Thorn smiles warmly to Martha, and nods in agreement with Sparrow: maybe they should let the doctors figure this one out on their own! Sparrow checks the hallway before taking Thorn out of the room, speaking quietly, "Got enough juju to try the other patient?" His dark eyes are sparkling.
Thorn is incredibly relieved that worked! ...but he's also concerned about the leukemia patient. If he couldn't get rid of the diabetes, then he probably can't get rid of the leukemia... and healing any damage from the cancer would just delay things... but that's better than nothing at all, surely? He nods soberly, though he can't help a small, hopeful smile, "Yes, definitely."
Sparrow nods, "I know leukemia's a tricky one. It's a defect in the bone marrow. Cancer's... cancer. It's a cell that's too fuckin' efficient. It's like the body got too good at somethin'." He shakes his head and snorts, "Kudzu of the cells." The door they go in this time has a room with what looks like a late-teenaged boy in it. He looks a bit pale and definitely too thin, and his head is shaved. Thorn gets the feeling the boy did it on purpose, though -- perhaps as a 'do it now before I have to do it later' kind of measure. He also has an eagle tattooed over his head, and he smiles as the two men enter the room, "Sparrow, dude. Didn't expect to see you."
He fist-bumps Sparrow as the Trickster replies, "Manny, you know me -- I'm like a bad penny. Thorn, this is Manny Cruz y Blackbird."
Thorn nods with a slight smile to the boy, "Hello, Manny. How have you been feeling lately?" [Poor kid,] he thinks. [It's such a short life when 'kudzu of the cells' takes over, as Sparrow puts it. I hope I can help.]
Manny grins, "Like hammered shit, dude. But hey, one more day above ground, right?" He reaches out to fist-bump Thorn too as he adds, "Trying to beat this back into remission again."
Thorn returns the fist-bump, "Had to ask. But yeah, at least one more day." He considers for a moment, then looks to Sparrow, "I'd like to do a quick checkup -- see if there's something I can do -- if you're all right with that. May I?"
Sparrow explains, "Manny was diagnosed first time when he was... what, six?"
Manny grins, "Yeah, six. Been in remission three times." He nods to Thorn, "Check away, dude." He actually seems pretty upbeat.
Thorn's brows go up as he takes Manny's vitals, "Three times? You're damn tough!"
Manny grins again, "Eh, take after my old man. He's a stubborn motherfucker, my mom says." The boy's pulse is a little fast, and his temperature is high but not spiked.
Sparrow snorts, "Your mom's not precisely a wilting flower either!" That makes Manny laugh.
Thorn grins at Manny -- the boy's vitals are all right, albeit typical of someone fighting cancer. The healer glances to Sparrow, then says to the boy, "Manny, I'd like to try something. It'll come off as a bit woo at first, but it may help at least a little bit. You won't have to do anything than lie there, and I'm only going to hold your hand. Up to try?"
Manny's voice is steady, "Dude, my mom took me out in the desert and had the grannies sing over me when we first found out. Be as woo-woo as ya gotta if you think it'll help." His face is serious as he offers his hand, palm-up, to Thorn. Considering what magic is like in this world, Thorn is actually somewhat surprised to hear that didn't work! But he simply nods seriously, takes Manny's hand, and closes his eyes....
Leukemia... cancer. What does Thorn know about it? The diseased bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells that prevent oxygenation from occurring -- among other damages. The trick, then, will be to get the marrow to start properly producing red blood cells once more. The healer visualizes Manny's body in his mind's eye -- specifically, the boy's skeleton, and the marrow within. The body originally knew what it should be like; what the cells should be doing. But can Thorn get Manny's body to remember?
Thorn can feel it. It's not as intense as with Martha, but he can tell the magic wends its way through Manny's body, finding the marrow cells that remember how to create the cells properly, and encouraging them to grow. Finding the ones that don't work right and weeding them out... Thorn can tell he's pushing it back, giving the boy's body the boost it needs to start healing. Also, there's... something... there... like Manny's body might have a little extra 'oomph.' It's not like the healing factor the Havvarger have, but... maybe it's a little better than a human's healing factor? Somehow the magus/healer gets the idea that, if Manny didn't have that, he'd never have gone into remission in the first place. Thorn also gets the feeling that, with this boost he's getting right now, the kid's going to go into remission again -- and this time, it might just be what he needs to stay in remission -- for years, if not forever.
Thorn lets out a tired breath, then reviews: Manny is, at least partly, supernatural. That's probably what let him keep going through three remissions -- he really is tough! Or at least can heal really well. This was a strong cancer, too; if Manny didn't have that extra healing factor from somewhere then he'd never have gone into remission in the first place, and... well. But as it is, Thorn thinks he helped out; it'll probably be a long time before the cancer comes back. The healer rubs his forehead. "I think that helped," he says wearily. "You might not notice anything different, Manny, but it should go back into remission and stay there for... a pretty long time."
Manny nods and gives Thorn's hand a squeeze, eyes serious, "Thank you, man." He takes a deep breath, adding, "I believe you. If you did anything, I couldn't feel it -- but I saw your face. If Sparrow vouches for you, I believe you're the real deal." He smiles crookedly, "They'll keep me here a couple days, jab me a few times, tell me they don't know what happened, and say I can go. Mom'll be happy."
Thorn smiles quietly -- as much in relief that Manny believes him, as anything else. "Yeah, it might take a couple of days for them to let you go, but you'll be outside in no time. If something weird happens, just let Sparrow know. He'll be able to get hold of me."
Manny nods and leans back, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, "Groovy, man."
That makes Sparrow laugh. He pats Manny on the shoulder, then motions for Thorn to quietly follow him out of the room. He's murmuring, "We're gonna get outta here. Doctor'll be back soon, and he usually glowers at me -- says I'm backward and shit."
Thorn smiles to Manny, then nods to Sparrow and heads out with him. Outside, he murmurs quietly to the Trickster, "He has a...." He stops, trying to figure out how to say it, "He has... supernaturals in his family history, doesn't he?"
Sparrow glances sideways at Thorn, sort of out of the corner of his eye, and with a crooked smile, "Yeah. Yeah, he does. Like he said: stubborn motherfucker of a dad... who his mom basically told, 'I don't want him growing up knowin' what you are because that's heavy shit to lay on a little, so you make sure he's got what he needs, and when he's twenty-five, you can tell him who you are and what you are.'" Sparrow sighs quietly, adding, "He's twenty-three."
Thorn's brows both shoot up in surprise as he chews on that for a few moments. "Well, then," he says wryly. "I hope the revelation goes smoothly both for him and for his dad!"
Sparrow shrugs, "I take care of him best I can. Honestly, she didn't tell me until he was like... nine? I was out doin' my thing, y'know? Travelin' and stuff. It's not like I walked out on 'em." He has his hands in his pockets as he adds very quietly, "I love 'im."
Thorn says gently, "It's definitely clear that you do. I'm glad I could help." He doesn't say that he possibly helped Manny reach that twenty-five year mark.
Sparrow still has his hands in his pockets, though he's smiling as they spot Cinnamon and head toward her, "Yeah. He's a great kid -- smart. Creative. He's a writer. His uncle has been doin' the fatherly kinda thing in his life -- and doin' a fuckin' great job, too. Kept the kid on the straight-and-narrow... well, straight enough not to be a drunk or a junkie, but not so straight he's boring. Ya know? He's had fun in his life."
While Thorn dispenses heart-wrenchingly desired medical miracles, Cinnamon is unwittingly more pragmatic. Pattering quietly to a nearby bench on the narrow street, she plops down onto it to hastily and immediately call Spice. The little dragon will chatter happily with her friend for a bit about how things are going: Marcus and Shane are both so cute -- and when he's tired and a tiny bit metal-sick, Marcus is so much nicer! Josie's yurt is amazing and Spice totally has to go camping in it soon with her girlfriend! The five-gallon water jugs that Spice suggested were absolutely the best idea -- because apparently good potable water is at a premium on the rez! What else... oh! Thorn is doing amazing medical-magical miracles right this very minute, Cinnamon is sure! Also, Sparrow's friend Kestrel is a, um, a... what was the word... t-transfo... -- er, n-no, it was, umm... binary-something?
Cinnamon still isn't familiar with the terminology, so Spice has to help her figure it out -- but eventually the human girl realizes Cinnamon is rather shyly admiring of the two-spirit's calm competence, and thinks Spice would like them too. Also, after they've chattered happily together a bit, Cinnamon asks Spice if she could maybe do a favor for the little dragon? It looks like Cinnamon will be bringing in Elias and Marcus as well, on the flight home to Coblyn, which means she's commissioned some extra leatherworking for the dragon harness so she can safely carry them all... which means it'll be another day before they all get back to Coblyn Street. So, could Spice please let the nice folks at Cafe Prague (who don't have a phone) know to move the 3:00 am dinner forward by one night, please?
As Spice listens to Cinnamon, it's obvious she's enjoying the stories and will love going camping in the yurt with Josie and Cinnamon. She bites her tongue hard to keep from teasing the little dragon about Marcus being cute, though, because that would be horrible to do -- it would make Cinnamon terribly self-conscious! Spice would never do that to her friend. She also assures Cinnamon that she'll have the dinner moved appropriately -- which causes Cinnamon to thank her with great relief!
Shortly after her nice conversation with Spice, Cinnamon also texts Shane, in order to check with both he and Aisling: would they prefer she give the Council the concluding data on how things went during the trip to Ireland, in regards to the terrible coup planned by Qadan? Or do they want to tell the story? It was their trod, after all, for at least part of the mission to root out the last of the traitors? Both Shane and Aisling ask for Cinnamon to give the data, but that she tell the story with Aisling -- the beansidhe seems to feel Cinnamon has a better handle on what exactly went on. Cinnamon is happy to agree to that! She asks Aisling to get together with her at some point during the day, so they can compare notes and organize who'll be telling what.
Once that's done, Cinnamon just wanders slowly along the shopfronts, waiting for Thorn and Sparrow to emerge from the clinic. When they do, she's relieved to see that Thorn looks pleased as well as tired -- and Sparrow just looks really relieved! She trots on over, happily congratulating them both, and asks Sparrow where she might find Kestrel next -- she has two questions for the two spirit, if Kestrel is willing to chat with her. Sparrow scoops Cinnamon up in a hug and kisses her on the forehead -- which causes her to squeak startledly, but then laugh and hug Sparrow back! He replies, "Kestrel's back at the campsite -- they'll be happy to chat with you! Kestrel's one of the most extraverted people I've ever met. They like talking to people even more than I do."
Cinnamon beams at the news, then shyly asks if they're all maybe heading back to the campsite now? Sparrow grins, "Hey, I got my errands done! Thorn's done his good deeds for the day, an' I'm in both of your debt. I'm ready when you both are."
Cinnamon grins and hugs Thorn, murmuring quietly to him, "Knew you'd do it, Thorny!" After that she's quite ready to head back -- both for her errands, and to ensure Thorn gets some food into him. He's looking a bit wan!
Thorn hugs back, smiling. "Thanks, Cinnamon," he quietly replies.
The Jeep is just as loud and bumpy on the way back as it was on the way there -- and Kestrel is indeed at the campsite, making sure everything is running smoothly. They kiss Sparrow on the cheek and ask him something in a low voice. He smiles and murmurs something back to them that makes them smile broadly and hug him tight, "That's amazing!"
Cinnamon waits to one side, feeling abruptly shy -- she doesn't want to get in the way of celebrating the combined victories of Thorn and the medical patients! Sparrow grins as he spots her, adding to Kestrel, "Also, little darlin' here has some questions for you."
Kestrel turns to Cinnamon and smiles, "What do you need, sweetheart?"
Cinnamon blinks at Sparrow, blushing hotly -- she's publicly a 'little darling' now?! She's not sure whether to be embarrassed, flattered, or offended! So instead she turns hastily to Kestrel, trying to overcome her flusteration, "Oh! I, er..." Eeek! 'Sweetheart'?! Her cheeks get even hotter as she blinks and momentarily forgets what she wanted to ask, stuttering, "Uhh... d-di- er, I -- I m-m-m..." She blinks again, realizing she sounds like a blithering moron! Closing her eyes and shaking her head sharply once, she takes a deep breath, straightens up, and tries again, "Ehh... right -- hi! Yes, um, Kestrel -- y-yes! Er, I... I w-wanted to ask you two questions, p-please? Er, if you d-don't mind?" She rushes on before she loses her nerve, "Th- er, m-my first question is, um, j-just me being... kinda nosy? But I... I wondered, please: what, um, what animal species do you shapeshift into?"
While they're speaking, Sparrow pulls Thorn slightly aside and quietly murmurs, "I don't care if Cinnamon knows about Manny. She's... she's good people. But I'd like it mostly quiet. People use that kinda information against parents sometimes, y'know?" Thorn nods reassuringly.
Kestrel smiles, brown eyes warm as they lean down to Cinnamon and whisper, "I'm a puma." When they're in close, they let their eyes change and go a little more golden and slit-pupilled -- and then their eyes go back to normal human. Standing straight again, they're still smiling as they add, "I know it's strange for a cat to be so social, but it seems to be my calling." With a laugh, they add, "I know it seems odd too for a cat to have a bird name, but it's something of a tradition for the skin-walkers around here to do so. I mean, Sparrow is obviously not a sparrow... and Wren isn't a wren."
Cinnamon nods a few times at Kestrel's reply, her eyes wide with nerves -- both because pumas are big and scary! -- and also, her second question has her tied up into internal emotional knots, and she's a bit uncertain as to how to ask. So she unwittingly twists her fingers together as she's nervously shifting from foot to foot, staring at the ground and trying to stammer out her query: "Oh-okay... so, um, s-second, I, I w-wondered..."
The little dragon pauses, taking a deep, calming breath -- she's almost 100% certain that, even if she isn't sacred, she didn't actually mess up the spiritual rituals she helped Veles' family perform! But... she still worries a little, so... she finally manages to both stutter and blurt out, "C-can you tell me, p-p-please, how, er... like, is it a feeling, or a -- a thing... something you see, maybe, or -- or hear, or... like, uh -- I m-mean, well..." Another deep breath! "Um, j-just, uhh... howdoyoutellyou'resacred?!" She sighs gustily, relieved that her question was... ehhh, mostly coherent? -then hastily adds, "P-please?"
Kestrel is... possibly the furthest thing from big and scary you could imagine... it'd be like being scared of Josie. The long skirt they're wearing swishes around their ankles as they stand and twist at the hips thoughtfully, biting a bottom lip, "Well... you know you're sacred when you do sacred things with the intention in your heart to do them for a true and sacred purpose, I suppose. I mean... Sparrow's sacred. He's a lech and a jester and a pain in the ass -- and those are all part of his sacred purpose as Coyote. He also loves his people and would literally die for them if they needed him to."
Cinnamon nods worriedly, pushing up her glasses so her intent gaze on Kestrel remains clear, "S-so... it's... mostly intention? Like... if I, um, did something th-that was supposed to be a sacred ritual, uhmm... as long as I was doing it to... like, to help as much as I could -- that'd..." Her voice is unwittingly very small, "W-would that be... okay? It wouldn't, like... mess up the ritual?"
Kestrel goes on thoughtfully, "Wren is sacred. She's a mother figure... she blesses marriages and crops and births, and delivers babies... and she too would die for her people. She lives up in the Dakotas now. Elias is sacred -- even though a lot of people would think he's evil -- because he does what is right... and he thinks deeply on it, and does not shirk his duty. So I think that if you did something that you had the ability to do, and you did it with pure intention... then I think that you did a good thing."
Cinnamon's eyes widen in sudden excitement, "Wh- Elias?! He's sacred too?! Oh, I, I -- oh, thank you, Kestrel!" She impulsively flings her arms around the taller entity, hugging tightly and having to swallow down the choked-up feeling of intense relief -- she can even feel her eyes trying to tear up a bit! The rush of emotional easement is like a huge weight being lifted off her shoulders -- one she hadn't even realized she was carrying. Qadan's cold-blooded barb about Liam not being a true, divine dragon had cut Cinnamon more deeply than she understood... but now she feels more secure both in Qadan's being wrong, and in her having done good things for Veles' family!
Kestrel happily hugs back and laughs warmly, kissing Cinnamon on the top of her head, "Of course Elias is sacred. Can't you feel that about him?" They say that as if it's obvious, and they also sound quite fond of Elias. Kestrel pats Cinnamon on the back as they add, "You are a sweet child, you know that? I see why Sparrow half has his eye on you. You're a very good addition to the council, too."
Cinnamon laughs, still a bit choked up as she mumbles, "Th-thanks, Kestrel!" Straightening up and surreptitiously wiping her eyes, she's smiling shakily as she sniffles and adds more cheerfully, "-and yeah, I kinda do feel that about Elias! Though... not s-sure what you mean about, er... half of Sparrow?" She half-giggles, half-sniffles again as she teasingly adds, "W-wouldn't half a sp-parrow be... really teeny-tiny?"
Kestrel's brown eyes are gleaming, "Oh, not much about Sparrow is teeny-tiny." They're savvy enough to realize that Cinnamon is naive and doesn't realize they meant Sparrow has considered making a move on -- or possibly has made a move on -- the little dragon. Instead they simply smile and add, "Now. Have I put your mind at ease?"
Cinnamon removes her glasses, cleaning them on the edge of her shirt as she nods and beams almost radiantly up at Kestrel -- she's feeling hugely relieved now! "Yes, really and truly... and thank you so much, Kestrel!" She replaces her glasses, then gives the other entity a quick, shy hug, "You're awesome!" -- before she hastily flees. She's got to, er... got to go find Aisling still -- yes, that's it! Behind her, Kestrel chuckles. After receiving that amazing smile from the little dragon, they can see what Coyote sees in her!
Cinnamon's chat with Aisling is quick and, in its own way, equally reassuring -- since the lovely beansidhe is quite happy to simply have Cinnamon acknowledge her as also present, before relating their adventures in Ireland to the rest of the Council.
The second night people are at the rez, there's no big feast, but Sparrow lets the visitors know there's going to be a fire, and folks will bring their drums, and there might be "a little somethin' to get mellow with," along with maybe something to nibble on -- though not an actual meal. The way he talks about it, people might be bringing treats like fry bread, or candy and sweets. It sounds more like a casual get-together where people might wander in and out, than anything else. Cinnamon is happy to join everyone there -- it's been a hot, very bright, and somewhat busy day both physically and emotionally... so the dim, cool, serene night is a relief to her. She gets the feeling that the place they're all out at is where Sparrow basically lives when he's on the rez... and Sparrow's 'house' seems to be an Airstream trailer. The little dragon is quietly fascinated by the trailer, wondering aloud to Elias, "So... would one of those keep you safe during the day, Elias?"
The vampire smiles at the question, "I've traveled in one. The little bathrooms are rather light-proof, but not very comfortable. They can be secured quite nicely." He seems to feel quite at home here in Sparrow's territory, as he adds, "Some of them have a space under the couch/kitchen bench area, for storage, that can be almost bed-like. So yes, one could keep me safe."
Cinnamon frowns as she carefully studies the trailer, murmuring a thoughtful, "Hmm..." to herself as she does so. There will be times, she knows, where she wants to go places with her friends -- and maybe someday that will be more than she can carry as a dragon... or she'll want to bring Elias along, and it won't be night the whole way. Should she look into getting one of these? She'll have to chat some with Spice, later... once they're back on Coblyn! She grins up at Elias, simply adding, "Cool! So does this one just stay here all the time, or does Sparrow drive it around?"
Elias says, "That's Sparrow's transportation and home in one. When he's at Coblyn, he parks it at a secure lot somewhere and comes and stays inside the enclave. He has a little apartment he stays in that the council pays for."
As they're standing near the fire -- which seems not to bother Elias in the least -- Shane wanders up and gives Cinnamon a side-arm hug and a hello. He's got a drink in one hand and seems quite cheerful. Cinnamon beams delightedly up at Shane, "Hi! Have you seen this neat thing? It's Sparrow's mobile home!"
Shane nods and smiles, "I have. It's a pretty fu... pretty nifty little thing. He says it's the closest thing to a tepee the modern people have."
Cinnamon giggles at that, her voice teasing, "Oh, so he has this pulled by a horse too?"
Sparrow wanders up and drawls, "Naw, just horsepower, darlin." He's got a beer in one hand and a lazy smile on his lips.
Cinnamon laughs at that, slightly embarrassed, "Sorry, I really was just being silly there!" She has a sip of her diet cola, then happily adds, "It's really cool looking! Do lots of the council members use stuff like this? Or... hm." She gets a considering look, "This... would it work for the elves? Or is that pretty, shiny outside sort of, um... anathema to them?" She tilts her head consideringly, "How do all of them get around, anyways?"
Sparrow grins, "Way too much metal in that'n, sugar. I use it because I'm basically a nomad... back in the day, my folks traveled on horseback. Nasteexo travels in a lot of different ways. The elves travel as little as possible, but they use cars, largely."
Marcus has come over as they talk; he says wryly, "And we do it as slowly as possible, and in the shortest of intervals possible. A human might drive cross-continent in three days. An elf might take two weeks."
Cinnamon blinks startledly at Marcus, "Really? Oh my gosh -- two weeks of being miserable? I'm so sorry, guy!" She pauses, her eyes narrowing in thought, "Ah -- that's why you were so shocked at Aisling's appearance!" She grins relaxedly, "Well, glad I can help, then!" A moment later she blinks, adding, "Oh! Bet that's why a marria- er, a handfasting between you and Hilde is seen as really good too -- she's Norse, right? They're always working with metals in the myths I read in high school!" She has another sip of her diet soda, cheerfully adding, "Bet that sort of hybrid vigor would be good for any kids -- just like it is for Shane, here -- and Aisling too!" She pauses thoughtfully, her voice musing as she adds, "Kinda... like me too, I guess...?" It simply doesn't occur to her that Marcus -- or anyone, really -- might take affront at her words.
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