Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon continues, "...and Josie too, maybe? Or is having a human shape, as a shapeshifter, not the same thing?" She frowns thoughtfully, her brain galloping away with its usual speed once fascinated by a new idea, "Then again... why is Josie a shapeshifter, but I'm just a dragon... when we both have human forms?" She stares up at the stars for a moment, then musingly adds, "Or... is it because I just have one other shape -- and shapeshifters like Josie can do more than just human and a wolf?"

Marcus and Shane both blink down at Cinnamon, as she mentions Hilde and the Norse working with metal, as if that never occurred to them. Marcus says slowly, "Hilde has always avoided steel as much as any of the other elves I've ever known."

Shane looks thoughtful as he nods, "It's true. She's careful to avoid steel. She pays to have steel replaced in things like clothes. Doesn't own a car."

Cinnamon blinks, pushing her glasses up and tilting her head thoughtfully at the two men, "Is she really avoiding steel for personal reasons, though? Or is she just a really nice, considerate person who doesn't want to hurt others who are allergic to it?" Shane and Marcus look at one another -- as if neither of them had ever thought to ask. After all, all the various types of elves had always avoided steel for time out of mind... or at least in recent history. Hilde and her predecessor both had always taken all the usual steel precautions. Cinnamon frowns as she takes off her glasses and holds them up to stare consideringly at them in the firelight. After a moment, she mutters to herself, "Wonder if I can get those new, um... titanium frames?" She looks up at the two pretty men again as she pushes her glasses back on, and grins hopefully, "How about titanium? Does that bother you or not, Marcus?"

Both Sparrow and Elias have stayed quiet during this entire part of the conversation. Marcus says, "No, titanium is fine. It's used to replace steel in many things sidhe use, actually. It's lightweight, strong, and we don't react to it. I know a lot of sidhe ladies use it instead of steel in corsets because whalebone is so very hard to come by now."

Elias murmurs, "Not to mention unethical."

Cinnamon looks pleased, "Cool! Definitely getting new frames, then!" She nods ruefully to Elias -- then blinks, pushing her glasses up as she stares in breathless fascination at the vampire, "Oh, Elias... are there sapient whales, maybe?! Wouldn't that be incredibly awesome, if so?!" She grins cheerfully back at Marcus and Shane as she adds, "Was I right about the term shapeshifter?"

Elias' brows come up as he says, "What makes you think they aren't sapient already? Whales are quite intelligent. They communicate amongst themselves, and they form family groups. Just because we can't communicate with them doesn't make them non-sapient. They just aren't talking to us."

Cinnamon looks disappointedly at Elias, "They... won't talk to us? Well... well, crab cakes!" She's silent for a moment as she thinks... then grins excitedly, "Well, then I'll just have to find out, right? On account of I'm supposed to be representing them -- and I can't do that well if I don't know what they want and need!" Then she blinks again, her startled gaze shifting to Marcus, "Corsets? Ouchie!"

Shane says, "Mmm... maybe? I mean..."

Sparrow butts in, "Shapeshifter is a bit arbitrary. Skinwalker. Shapeshifter. Lycanthrope. You are technically a shapeshifter. Josie would be considered a werewolf by some people, or even a lycanthrope, even though she's not. Some people might call her a skinwalker. Some might even consider her a manitou. Any being that has more than one shape is, when you use a strict definition, a shapeshifter. But somewhere in the mists of time, somebody got shirty about dragons being dragons." Strangely, as Sparrow has talked about these definitions, some of his accent has faded.

Cinnamon giggles as she listens to Sparrow, nodding, "I've noticed there's a lot of different names for the same thing, in all the myths... oh, and also a lot of overlap on definitions!" She thinks for a moment, then tilts her head in curiosity at Sparrow, "Don't pumas have healing?" She brightens at another thought, "Oh! Also, do you know any, er... mishibijiw or underwater panthers?" Then she adds in cheerful explanation, "I was reading up, this afternoon, when it was really hot!" Cinnamon is, in fact, sporting quite a bit of healing aloe which has been spread lavishly across her forearms and the backs of her hands, and across her cheekbones and the bridge of her nose. Despite being a bit red there, however, she's still alert and happy-seeming.

Sparrow smiles, "Yup. They do. Some, anyway. But most of them would rather use herbs and medicines than do it any woowoo kinda way -- do it with learning rather than have people depend on them. And not all of them are very powerful in it... and it's not always physical healing. I know one cougar whose healing is all related to women's issues."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully at that... then beams as she internally guesses that maybe the women's issues cougar might be Kestrel? That'd be wonderful, if so -- and would mean the women on the rez were that much safer and healthier! She grins hopefully at Sparrow, then, waiting for an answer to her second question too... then blinks at a sudden thought and grins up at Shane, "You told me once that you saw Hilde step between an elder and a younger Council member when they were arguing. Was the elder one Qadan, and the younger, Josie?"

Sparrow shakes his head, "I don't know any mishibijiw, but that don't mean there ain't any. Some folks are real good at hiding. Even from us."

Shane's eyes twinkle, "You're perfective, acushla." Marcus' lips turn down a little at the corners.

Cinnamon nods gravely to Sparrow, "Okay, that makes sense. I want to find some sort of water spirit, though... 'cause I was researching how to raise water tables!" She grins uncertainly at Shane again, "...perfective? Explain, please?"

Shane repeats, "Perceptive, sugar."

Sparrow nods, "Yeah. I'd love to see something like that here. Be great to get the water tables up, out here. Get some water run out to the houses further out on the rez." He sighs and shakes his head.

"Oh! Is that like..." Cinnamon's voice trails off as two thoughts hit her at once. First: this means Hilde is free of steel poisoning -- because she wasn't afraid to step in close to an entity wearing big bands of steel all over his body! -but second, and more importantly: ma-aaaybe Cinnamon shouldn't just blurt that out! She pauses, taking a slow, deep breath as she considers for a moment... then grins up at Shane. He gave her a compliment! She knows how to reply to those, "Thank you! That's very sweet of you to say." Her grin gets a bit more cheerful as she adds, "So do you know any water spirits? Could a grindylow maybe raise the water table?" Glancing at Elias, she adds, "Or you? Do you know any... oh, like, a good vodyanoy or rusalka?" She pauses, then adds, "-or actually, more importantly, I think: is there a clearinghouse or bureau or something, listing supernaturals who're willing to volunteer assistance to those in need?"

Sparrow shakes his head, "There's nothing like that, that I know of. The clearinghouse, I mean. It'd be great if there was."

Elias shakes his head as well, "None powerful enough to do it on a meaningful level."

Cinnamon frowns, pushing her glasses up with determination, "Well... well, then -- there should be!" She lifts her chin a bit -- unwittingly just like someone expecting to be mocked -- as she adds, "-and, and until someone better comes along... I'll do it!" Then she goes still, braced for whatever laughter and teasing this causes.

Oddly (to Cinnamon), there is no laughter or teasing. Instead, Sparrow says, "I'll get the word out through my folks. You're gonna need a lotta networking."

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly at Sparrow, pushing her glasses up again, "You -- you think it'd work?" A second later she brightens in delight -- an elder thinks her idea is a good one! He didn't even sneer at her! "Oh, awesome! Okay, sure! Send them to me, please!" She pauses, then adds confusedly, "Though I do have one question, please? Earlier today you told Thorn and me that you were in our debt, and I was wondering: Thorn, I can see! But... why me?"

Sparrow looks at her curiously, "You're both helping out my folks. Harry really does need that bandsaw. What he's doing for you is something he loves and, to him, it's a pittance. That bandsaw? It's going to mean he can keep making money for years, maybe decades. It's going to mean he can feed himself and his family -- his wife, his kids, his sister and her kids." The Trickster continues, "And the food and water you brought? Do you know what a fuckin' pain in the ass it is to haul in water? I mean, yeah, we got trucks and strong backs, but it's still a pain... and you made it so kids can have clean water to drink and to wash in and so their families can cook with it. You brought in sodas, so they can have treats. It seems like little things, but little things are important."

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly at Sparrow, "But... but no, Sparrow! It's not a pittance, what he's doing -- not to me! He's making something beautiful, that takes a lot of skill... and it's going to keep my friends alive! That means a lot to me!" She regards Sparrow puzzledly as she adds, "That's why I asked what else I could do for him, you know? Oh! -a-and I looked up saddles, 'cause that's effectively what he's making for me -- two human sa- well, hominid, I guess? -well, not saddles for them, but, er, m-maybe... more like hominid butt saddles?" She blushes hotly, her hands going up to her cheeks, "Oh, this is so not coming out right -- I'm so sorry!"

Cinnamon puts her hands over her mouth to make herself stop talking, and takes a deep, slow breath. After sighing it out, she's still flushed with embarrassment, but she says firmly, "I -- s-saddles are more than what the, er, bandsaw cost, Sparrow -- I looked it up! -and he's making two for me, and it's custom work! So... so yeah, I do want to know what else I can... I... can..." Her voice trails off as some data clicks together in her head -- and then a moment later she laughs, clapping her hands, "Oh, I know, I know! Sparrow! Would your people like some trees?! That's one of the best things, I read, for helping hold water on the land so the water table can rise -- and some of the local fruit trees are the best at doing that, too!" She beams excitedly up at the Trickster, "Can I give you guys some, um... some fig trees, maybe?!" She happily adds, "There was some other stuff too that I read, that if you want I can share, about people in South Africa figuring out a way to help keep moisture in the land longer -- but just if you want? I don't want to come butting in like some know-it-all, after all, and you guys may be already doing it, for all I know!"

Sparrow smiles, "You're bringing him hides, too, aren't you? Supplies for what he's making for you, plus the bandsaw. If you want to give him more, you can. He may be being a little undervaluing. Hey, darlin', you want to gift us things, you can gift us things!"

Cinnamon shakes her head, her expression abruptly worried, "I -- n-no, I didn't bring any, er, hides... should I have?" Then she takes a deep breath, her expression firming as she adds, "But, but... I can still do that if necessary! No worries, then." She smiles uncertainly up at Sparrow as she adds, "Then, um... yeah, I'd like to... to trade for the saddlery in trees, please?" Those, she knows, are good for the land, sturdy and long-lived, good to eat... and even if everyone here gets sick of figs, they can sell the fruit just as well!

Sparrow grins, "I meant if you want to give Harry something else besides the bandsaw, you can throw in a few hides. Raw materials."

"Oh! Oh, okay." Cinnamon thinks a bit, then hesitantly asks, "Could, um... might you know where to find hides?" She thinks a bit more -- from the idle afternoon's research she'd been doing, the local fig tree species costs... oh, about $100 per tree, including shipping. Okay... so if she sends two or three of those trees to... Kestrel, maybe? That should work! She grins at Sparrow, "Thanks for letting me help, guy!"

Sparrow smiles, "Hey, I'm always going to say yes to helping my folks. They need it. The col... th' people that came over a few hundred years ago fucked 'em over pretty bad."

Cinnamon beams, inordinately pleased that Sparrow approves! She shyly sips her diet soda... then blinks! Somehow she's ended up between Marcus and Shane again -- how cool! Her cheeks turn slightly pink with pleasure. Shane gives Cinnamon another of those side-armed hugs and grins down at her. He's quite proud of the brilliant little dragon. Marcus glances down at her as well, saying, "I'll ask Father about what networking help we can give, with this clearinghouse you suggest, as well."

Cinnamon blushes hotly and beams at the hug -- then beams even more excitedly at Marcus, "Oh, awesome -- thank you, Marcus!" She's almost startled at the unexpected touch from Shane -- and equally delighted. He's touching her again -- without coercion, even! She feels nearly melty inside, and her happiness glows on her face as she glances around the little circle of lovely people who're willing to stand and talk with her. She's likely going to remember this lovely evening for a very long time... and for any time she needs a little bit of an emotional pick-me-up. She still has no idea what a difference her full and genuine smile makes to her face.

Marcus blinks slowly at that smile. That's... a much different look than the mousy little woman he first met -- a much, much different one. The elf's expression makes Sparrow grin, and makes Shane's eyes narrow a little. He absolutely, definitely does not like how Marcus is looking at Cinnamon! Shane isn't jealous, but he doesn't trust Marcus. Cinnamon, however, misses the looks passing back and forth as she abruptly has another idea, "Oh! Sparrow, Elias, maybe you know -- are there Council meetings where the people I'm supposed to be representing live? Like... I know there's one in Greece, at least, right? So... am I supposed to host them?" She takes a deep breath, then adds firmly, "'Cause if so, I want to do it right -- and, if that's what you're supposed to do, I'll... I'll find out what the appropriate clothing is, and... and wear it!" She's having stomach butterflies at the thought of wearing clothing she's not used to, and maybe looking stupid in it -- but simultaneously, she so wishes to do a good job! She mentally crosses her fingers: maybe one of those places will have a national costume that actually looks good on a little fat girl?

Elias smiles, "There are, occasionally. There have been some hosted in Africa. But, as you know, those are often proxied for many of the Council members. However, now that we know of the Havvarger..."

"W-well, Africa's not my responsibility, but Pacifica is...? Plus southern Europe -- I figured there had to be some there." Cinnamon hesitates, then adds ruefully, "I wasn't sure about the Arctic Circle folks, though...?"

Elias nods, "Perhaps have it in Greece?"

Sparrow grins, "I'd love to go out to Greece -- Mediterranean food and dark-haired women in very little clothing? I'm in! They're all about the curves over there."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Sparrow -- then blushes and hastily studies her soda can! She blinks again as Elias' phrasing registers, her puzzled gaze rising to his, "Wait, so... so the locations travel between councilors rather than, er... catchments? And the individual Councilors can say where the meeting is actually held, in the domain they're responsible for?" She frowns thoughtfully... then brightens, "Oh, okay! That makes good sense too, actually! I can just ask the folks I'm representing if they want to host or not, right?"

Elias replies thoughtfully, "There are catchments in Greece... you could choose one over there. There's a catchment in Rome, as well -- though I might perhaps choose one of the smaller ones." He rolls his eyes.

Cinnamon grins curiously, unwittingly leaning a bit against Shane as he stands there with his arm about her shoulder -- it just feels so very nice! "I take it, umm... the Roman catchment is a bit... er... not your favorite?" She grins uncertainly.

Elias chuckles, "The Roman catchment is much like the one in Athens, where the supposed god-emperor lives. There is, however, a catchment out in the Grecian countryside that's mostly overseen by a satyr. It's much less... let's just say you'd get on better with him."

Cinnamon brightens -- then looks worried, "A, er, s-satyr? B-but... aren't they, um..." She blushes hotly again, staring down at her soda can -- she has absolutely no idea how to ask if the guy is a constant horny lech or not! A memory drifts through her mind: Kestrel mentioning that Sparrow's a lech. Cinnamon isn't sure what Kestrel means there, though -- aside from teasing about Greek women, he's seemed perfectly fine to her! She has no idea how many gently flirtatious hints from the Trickster she's missed, of course.

Shane snorts, "No more than the one over there." He tips his head toward Sparrow, "He's got the same reputation among indigenous people, you know, for constantly chasing t-... people."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Shane, "Sparrow? Like a satyr?!" She turns even more red -- if that's possible -- and stands on tiptoes to hastily whisper to the half-beansidhe, "I-is that polite to say in front of him, Shane?!"

Shane leans down, then doesn't actually whisper back because he knows Sparrow doesn't mind, "Cinnamon, Sparrow knows what his reputation is. He revels in it. But he's polite about it." He turns to Sparrow, "Right?"

Sparrow laughs! "Darlin', there's nothing wrong with it. I know exactly what my reputation is. I'm a trickster. I represent sex and fertility and capriciousness and what happens if you don't watch yourself and if you aren't careful. But that's not a bad thing. Clowns are sacred in a lot of places."

Cinnamon's eyes are wide, and her cheeks hotly flushed -- this is definitely not the sort of subject she was taught 'nice' people talked about! She feels almost tongue-tied with confusion as her nervous gaze flicks back and forth between everyone standing there, checking to realize that they all really seem to think... this is... really okay? Plus she's never heard of -- of sexy clowns?! Finally she just nods slowly, trying not to visibly huddle nervously back against Shane.

Shane keeps his arm around Cinnamon, since she seems skittish to him. Elias smiles ruefully, "America is strange about sex. It's both forbidden and celebrated. It's on every corner, but it's also shameful. In many ancient societies, it was simply part of life... and a sacred part, at that."

Sparrow snorts, "I know. It's ridiculous." He sips his beer and grins at Cinnamon, "Blushing looks good on you, darlin'."

Cinnamon squeaks and ducks her head -- then gabbles hastily, "Ohgottagogottagettanewdrinklater!" as she whirls and nearly darts away! Seconds later, the cool night air is pleasant against her hot cheeks as she strides swiftly towards the big cooler full of sodas, mentally scolding herself for being so sensitive -- while also wishing determinedly that Sparrow didn't tease her quite so effectively!

Behind her, Shane watches Cinnamon go and looks a little worried, while Sparrow grins after her. Elias shakes his head, clucking his tongue, "Boys, you need to be gentle with her. She's led a very different life than most of us." Marcus watches thoughtfully.

As Cinnamon trots along, Aisling seemingly appears out of nowhere, and smiles, "Having a good night?"

Cinnamon yeeps! -and startles away -- then catches herself, gasping slightly, "Oh my gosh, Aisling, you surprised me!" She straightens and sighs deeply, trying to calm her hammering heart down a bit, "Whew... sorry about that. Uhh... night, right. Right!" She knows how to answer that question: "Just fine, thank you."

The beansidhe (who had heard part of what was going on) sips something from a red plastic cup, then smiles, "I suspect Sparrow was being Sparrow, over there. Did he scare you away?"

Cinnamon's eyes widen in alarm and she squeaks a hasty, "No! Er... n-no, uhh..." She unwittingly wrings her hands as it registers: actually... he kind of did? She adds uncertainly, "M-maaay- uhm, why would you say that?"

Aisling replies amusedly, "Because I know Sparrow, and because I know the look on his face when he's causing mischief." She doesn't add the 'and I know you're still young and a little naive' part of the sentence. "He's worse than Fraser sometimes."

Cinnamon feels weirdly guilty, though she's not entirely sure why, as she falters, "Er, uhmmm... y-yeah?" She sighs, her gaze falling as she adds almost wistfully, "At least I can bap Fraser's nose when he's rude, you know?"

Aisling laughs, "You can bap Sparrow's too, you know. He'll laugh."

Cinnamon looks up and shakes her head slowly, "Umm... n-no... I couldn't do that except when Fraser's a wolf, you know? -a-and he... well, he's polite when it's not the full moon!" She wryly adds, "Plus, Fraser heals fast. I don't think Sparrow does?"

Aisling laughs again, "Sparrow heals pretty quickly. He's not human. He might not heal as quickly as Fraser, but he does heal faster than a human does. Have you read any of the stories of Coyote, dear?"

Cinnamon shakes her head, "Not yet, no? I was, um, a bit busy trying to learn first about my people... the ones I represent, you know?" She tilts her head wryly as she adds, "Plus... I, um, d-don't want people to think of me as the person that keeps giving black eyes to everyone that disagrees with me, right?"

Aisling laughs again, her eyes merry, "OK, Coyote is a trickster, but he's a trickster that often gets himself in trouble. Did you ever read those stories of Br'er Fox and Br'er Rabbit? Think of Coyote like that."

Cinnamon tilts her head in thought, then nodnods, "Oh! Yes, I saw those on the Disney channel when I was a kid." She smiles uncertainly, glancing around, "Who's Br'er Fox, here? Can't be Kestrel...?"

Aisling laughs, "No, Kestrel is not Br'er Fox -- Kestrel is entirely too sweet for that. They keep Sparrow in line, though. Sparrow will flirt and tease, and he might get his nose or his hand slapped, and he'll laugh and he won't hold it against you unless you're being an asshole. He doesn't hold real grudges unless people are being malicious." Cinnamon nods a bit bemusedly, uncertain as to how one might tell if one has been an asshole... though she supposes if Sparrow is always annoyed with you, that might signify a grudge -- which might mean you really are an asshole? Aisling's eyes twinkle, "So, you're safe; he likes you. A lot, I think."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Aisling, "He... he does?!" She can't quite hide the incredulity in her voice -- although she's relieved she didn't hear a squeak this time. "Wh- how -- er, are you sure?" She's pretty sure Aisling must be wrong on that one, actually... since surely you don't chase off folks you like?

Aisling smiles, "He does, yes. He uses terms of affection. He voluntarily spends time around you. That's someone he likes."

Cinnamon studies Aisling silently for several seconds, her brow furrowed in confusion. As far as she can tell, Sparrow uses words like 'darling' all the time, though! -and... and he sure seems to swear a lot! She doesn't know how he'd avoid her, either, if he's the host here...? Finally she hesitantly says, "W-well... okay...? Er, I... I was just getting another diet cola. You want one too?"

Aisling smiles, "Oh, I've got some wine... I'm feeling quite mellow. Would you like me to come and play chaperone to see if the boys will play nice?"

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Aisling, "Boys... play... er, there's no... no boys at the soda bucket?" She blinks again, blushing, "Oh! Oh, you mean, er... g-going back...?" She glances a bit worriedly over her shoulder, then almost whispers nervously to Aisling, "Is that, er... w-wise, though? Um, going back, I m-mean?"

Aisling tips her head to the side, and motions over to where Kestrel is sitting with a couple of people playing drums, and a couple of other people who are dancing around a fire. Josie is with her, looking quite happy. "There's the drum circle. Are you afraid the guys are going to continue doing... whatever scared you off?"

Cinnamon glances over -- and brightens, "Oh, the drum circle! Yes, I meant to go listen to that too!" She smiles at Aisling, "That's a great idea -- thanks for reminding me! Let me get my soda first, though..." She heads over to scoop up another diet soda, toss her empty into the recycling bin, then head for the drum circle. She'll sit next to Josie -- she knows Josie's a good friend and probably won't mind her doing so.

Not only does Josie not seem to mind, she gives Cinnamon one of her big, squishy, cheerful hugs and beams at her, tongue lolling, "I love drumming circles!" Her tail is wagging extremely happily -- her whole body is wiggling from it -- and her eyes dance in the firelight. Kestrel is there too, seated and clapping with the rhythm. There's singing as well, but it's in some language Cinnamon doesn't yet know.

Cinnamon beams up at Josie, hugging her happily back, "They sound lovely! Do we just... listen and clap along? I can do that!" Plus, though she doesn't say it aloud, she's pretty sure there'll be no teasing here -- the pounding beat is really too loud for easy conversation! Elsewhere, Aisling watches Cinnamon head for the safer territory of the drum circle, then heads instead in the direction of Shane, Marcus, Sparrow, and Elias -- she wants to find out what sent the little Dragon skittering. She suspects it wasn't anything too raunchy, but she does want to scold the men a bit for it.

At Cinnamon's query, Josie nods and grins, "For now, yes! I didn't bring a drum!" Kestrel is singing along now, as well, their voice taking on a deeper timbre than their speaking voice... mostly because that seems to be what's needed in this song.

Cinnamon blinks interestedly up at Josie, pushing up her glasses, "You have a drum? Cool!" Admittedly, Cinnamon isn't trying to cause problems -- she'd be both touched and embarrassed to discover both Aisling and Elias scolded anyone on her behalf! It's just been her (unpleasant) experience as a child that, once someone(s) starts getting emotionally rough with her... it's time to leave, if possible -- because they won't stop, and it'll only get worse. About the best that can be said, in fact, of her childhood experiences, is that they didn't include physical roughness as well. So for tonight she intends to quietly avoid Sparrow... and maybe try and be sure that she's never too long near him, after that? To that end, the little dragon sits next to her large, furry, very comfortable friend, sips her diet soda, and happily claps along. It's simple, undemanding, and satisfies something deep inside her.

Josie beams and nods, "I have two or three!"

The two friends sit and clap and enjoy the music for a while, along with everyone else. However, a few minutes later Sparrow wanders over and crouches by Cinnamon, voice quiet as he says, "Can I talk to you for a few minutes, Cinnamon?"

Cinnamon startles and squeaks nervously at the sudden voice next to her -- then blinks worriedly as she adjusts her glasses. Uh-oh... this isn't good! Her voice is a bit small from tension, "Ummm... s-sure?"

Sparrow smiles. It's a nice smile, not at all teasing, and he tips his head away from the fire, "Over here? Just a few feet away. Promise I'm not trying to lure you anywhere. I just want a quick word, if I may."

Cinnamon looks unhappily between Josie... and The Spot. She clenches her hands together tightly as options tumble rapidly through her head: she could refuse... but then he might get angry and shouty -- eek, no! Everyone would stare disapprovingly at her. She could... run away? Ugh, no -- she doubts she's fast enough. Maybe... maybe best to just get it over with fast. She takes a deep, tense breath, forgetting to sigh it out as she forces herself to her feet. Okay... going to just sidle most of the way there, be ready to dodge away, and... don't let Sparrow get between her and Josie. Cinnamon sighs, closes her eyes and takes another deep breath... then forces an almost rictus smile onto her face, "S-sure." She puts her plan into action, edging over so she can keep half an eye on Sparrow, and the other on Josie, her sanctuary... then she just waits silently, her gaze at about Sparrow's chest height. She's mentally braced, as well as physically, since she's expecting something cutting or sneering.

When they're just a few feet away, Sparrow takes a seat on a log that's sitting there, putting himself purposely lower than Cinnamon and smiling up at her, "Thought I'd give you a little while before I came over... didn't want to feel like a predator was coming after you. I didn't mean to run you off. I only realized after you left that some people -- especially some white people -- try to make other people blush because they're trying to actually be mean. They're trying to hurt other people."

Cinnamon is unwittingly leaning slightly towards Josie, and away from Sparrow, by now. After a moment of silence she wonders: is she supposed to say something? She nervously jerks her chin once in an approximation of a nod. She emphatically does not say, however, what she's thinking -- which is that she kinda does actually feel a bit hunted! She wishes he'd hurry up and get to his point, or whatever... so she can get back to Josie and the lovely drumming! She comforts herself with the thought that he likely wouldn't have been so mean if Josie had been there! She'll be safe with Josie... just gotta hang on a few seconds more.

Sparrow has laced his hands together and is letting them rest on his thighs. Everything about his body language is relaxed and non-threatening, and he's purposefully put himself on the far side of Cinnamon from Josie. There is absolutely nothing in his body language or demeanor that says he's trying to lure her off or hunt her. Instead he smiles quietly, "Wanna call Josie over? If you would feel safer with her here, we can. Or even Kestrel. I never want you to feel unsafe with me. That's actually the whole idea."

Cinnamon starts to nod, but then catches herself -- wait, what was that he said? She runs through his words in her mind again... then frowns uncertainly. What's... his plan here? She doesn't want to call her friend over if he's going to be mean to Josie too, after all. Not only is that not fair to Josie... but she doesn't want Josie mentally associating her with pain! She narrows her eyes with nervous consideration at Sparrow, "What... um, do you want, Sparrow? Can't you just... say it and be done?" She backs up one slow step -- this is getting weird and confusing!

Sparrow closes his eyes for a moment, then says carefully, "OK. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry. I'm not good at just outright saying things; it's not in a trickster's nature to be blunt. I was trying to be playful over there. I'm used to being around women that will laugh and blush and slap my arm and telling me I'm an asshole or a lech, and then hug me and I'll hug them, and we'll go on about our days. I like you. So I was teasing you the way I tease your friends, but I have a feeling I stumbled over some trauma back there." Strangely, Sparrow's deep-South Georgia drawl has faded; he sounds... almost academic, "And if I did, I'm sorry. I never want to traumatize you. I like you. I think you are exactly what this Council needs -- what these people need -- and I would like to be your friend. I don't want you to fear me. You never have anything to fear from me."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Sparrow, staring at him in confusion. As he continues, she blinks slowly a few more times, absently adjusting her glasses and unwittingly loosening up enough that she's not leaning rigidly away from him. Her thoughts are all tangled up again as she stares at the Trickster. Could this all be... some elaborate trap? Or... wait, it... almost sounds like -- like Aisling was right -- and... and she really was supposed to smack Sparrow there? But... wouldn't that, like... maybe have broken something?! She doesn't really want to -- to routinely break people's noses, after all...? Cinnamon blinks again as something else registers: he thinks... does he really think she does belong on the Council? That's a very small bloom of happiness -- because she'd always found Sparrow a bit confusingly spooky, but she'd also thought he was kind of a got-his-head-together, nice-seeming guy.

Sparrow continues, "The reason women wear rouge or blush is, as the name implies, to simulate the natural blush reflex. The reddish or pinkish color in the cheeks and throat is considered attractive and healthy. So I did what I do with my friends, and I teased you a little. If I ever overstep, give my arm a little tap -- I understand you're a little stronger than you look, so maybe not a real whap -- or just give me a warning, and I'll stop. I don't want to trip a trauma trigger, OK?" He smiles a little lopsidedly and the drawl returns, "So, I was an accidental actual asshole back there, in an attempt to be a playful asshole."

Cinnamon absently, nervously licks her lips as she studies the ground and considers for a moment. Finally, with her hands tightly intertwined, she raises her gaze to Sparrow and says hesitantly, "M-maybe, umm... maybe w-warn me -- or..." She isn't really sure what to say, although she's confusedly impressed with Sparrow's apology -- that he was even willing to say something like that to little, unimportant her! She takes a deep breath, then tries a small, shaky smile, "O-okay...? Can we... start over, maybe?" She hastily holds up one hand, "Slowly, please?"

Sparrow nods and smiles, "We can, darlin'." He adds, "What I was trying to say back there is that you really are pretty when you've got a little color in your cheeks, and you have a great smile when you're happy... and if you want me to, I'll fuck off back over to the other side of the clearin' and you can enjoy the drummin'."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Sparrow -- she was with him right up to that point, but... why would he say something silly like... like... oh! She sighs in relief: it's a compliment! It's not supposed to be real -- it's supposed to be something nice between friends. Excellent -- she knows how to reply to those, "Thank you for the compliment, Sparrow." She smiles a little tiredly -- these anxiety attacks are exhausting! -- and adds, "No, you, um... you should go where you want to, guy. I mean, this is your home, right?"

Sparrow stands up slowly; he's not going to make any sudden moves, "You're welcome. It's the truth. It's my home, yes. And I think I'm going to get another beer. I do have something I wanna talk with Elias about, so I'll head back over there, and let you listen to the drums and watch pretty Kestrel dance."

Cinnamon nods and smiles a bit uncertainly up at Sparrow... then takes a deep breath, "Th-... thankyoufortheapology!" She blinks again at her daring -- then flashes another uncertain smile at the Trickster as she scoots hastily back to Josie. Once she's settled next to her friend she sighs and relaxes a little, leaning against Josie's warm, furry bulk. That was... very odd! But also... kinda nice? Josie puts her arm back around her little friend, snuffling Cinnamon's hair and making her giggle. Eventually, too, Shane wanders over to the drum circle... but then, he tends to gravitate toward where Cinnamon is. The little dragon sips her diet soda and watches quietly, and occasionally sways a bit with the drums' music... and just lets herself stick close to Josie and Shane, and relax for the rest of the evening.

The next morning, Cinnamon takes more care than usual with her preparations for the meeting. Lianne did such lovely work on her clothes! So the little dragon is determined to wear them as nicely as possible. Consequently she shyly asks if anyone in the yurt knows how to do a French braid? -and if they do... might she have one, please? Shane is quite happy to help Cinnamon with her hair, especially as he wears his own in a French braid quite often. He just resists kissing her on the shoulder when he's done, in fact.

Cinnamon is quietly delighted with the resulting plait woven into her hair... which, she happily realizes, is becoming (to her admittedly jaundiced perspective) more and more pretty-looking as it turns a sort of... warm mahogany, due to the increasing amount of scarlet in her ordinarily plain, mousy-brown hair! After checking it, she does her usual tiny (and nervous) bit of makeup, then puts on her newly tailored skirt suit -- and then grins shyly at her dear friends in the yurt, "So, umm... do I look okay? More... more confident, maybe?"

Shane grins warmly, "You look wonderful, acushla!"

Josie beams and nods, "You look great! You're gonna knock 'em dead!" True to her word, Josie is wearing something more traditional than the suit she wore on Coblyn. Like Sparrow, she's wearing buckskins decorated with beads and feathers.

Cinnamon's eyes widen, and her voice is impressed, "Wow, Josie -- those are really pretty clothes! You should wear them more -- they look awesome on you!"

Josie grins and wags happily, "I like them! But they tend to get snagged on things and I lose the beads, so I don't wear them on Coblyn."

Cinnamon nods slowly at that, "Okay... pity, though. They're so pretty! Shame there's not a way to make them... um, un-snaggy? ...sort of?" Josie laughs at the term 'un-snaggy,' and Cinnamon giggles, hugging first Shane and then Josie, "Thanks so much, you guys!" After that, Josie swirls around -- the way a girl might swing to make a skirt flare -- so the fringe on her outfit swings prettily outward. Shane laughs, and Cinnamon beams delightedly, unwittingly hugging herself as she watches -- she so loves seeing her friends happy like this! The little dragon also makes sure they have plenty of time to stroll slowly to the underground meeting room, though. She realized yesterday just how blisteringly flattening the heat can get here!

When they get to the meeting room they find Elias is already there and chatting with Sparrow. The Native American is dressed in beautifully decorated buckskins, and his hair is smoothly braided, with beads and feathers woven in. He looks almost regal; the difference between this man, and the casual dude in cutoff shorts that strolled into the marble-clad meeting room on Coblyn Street, is absolutely stunning. Elias is dressed in his formal wear and looks just as at-home here as he did on Coblyn... but then, Elias has that gift.

Cinnamon's eyes widen in surprise -- she thinks Sparrow looks fantastic! She leans to whisper hesitantly to Josie, "Does Sparrow not like dressing up, Jo? He looks so nice when he does -- I'd be thrilled if I looked that fabulous every time I tried to, you know?"

Josie leans down to whisper back, "He looks really amazing when he wants to -- but, see, a coyote's job is to be provocative. If he looked all... chiefly and regal at Currier's Hall? ...he wouldn't be provocative."

Aisling too leans over to murmur, "Here, Sparrow holds space as a sacred figure -- he represents his people's interests. On Coblyn, he's being the thorn in the paw. The nail on the chalkboard. The gadfly." She smiles sweetly as she adds, "Besides, his ass still looks amazing in those jeans he wears." Cinnamon nods slowly in thought as she listens to Josie... but then turns bright pink, and has to hastily cover the nervous giggle at Aisling's commentary! A few moments later she gives Elias a happy hug, then beams as she thanks Sparrow for working so hard on making a nice meeting place that's also comfortable for the vampire!

Thorn is also in attendance at the meeting, not least because Athala wanted him there to observe. He is wearing light clothing -- a loose shirt and loose slacks. He's glad the meeting room is underground; it'll be a lot cooler in there than it is outside. He hopes Elias hasn't been too inconvenienced by these arrangements, and he warmly greets the vampire when he gets closer -- he's genuinely glad to see Elias. As for Sparrow, it actually takes Thorn a few moments to recognize the Trickster -- he looks so damn regal and seriously-dressed here! Elias takes Thorn's hands and smiles, "I hear you have been doing good deeds."

Thorn blushes a little, smiling, "Just been helping out here and there, where I can." His smile wavers, "It... kind of worries me, actually. That... there seems to be a lot of things that can be healed with magic, but... aren't. I know that the mundane population is much, much larger than the supernatural, but I'd have thought that... well...." He thinks for a moment, then sighs softly, murmuring, "I don't know."

Elias says quietly, "They can be, but only sometimes... and the few people that have the ability would drain themselves dry trying to do it." He squeezes Thorn's hand, "Trust that you will be where you need to be."

Thorn nods to Elias, letting out a breath, "I'll try to remember that. Thank you, Elias."

Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully as she listens to Elias and Thorn talking... then sidles over and whispers to the healer, "Hey, can we talk some later, guy? I have an idea I wanna bounce off you!"

Thorn blinks to Cinnamon, then nods, "Of course, anytime!"

People are beginning to filter in, and Kestrel comes over to murmur, "Himeko still isn't here. Cinnamon, I think you may be needed to translate all through the meeting?"

Cinnamon beams in relief up at Thorn! She turns to listen to Kestrel... then nods gravely, "I'm happy to, Kestrel. Where are they, please? Let's make sure the poor guy doesn't feel left out!" Thorn looks around, concerned. Himeko should definitely have been here by now! He hopes nothing bad has happened.

Kestrel points out the bird man -- who is looking actually quite serene by himself. Cinnamon glances over, then nods to Kestrel before heading over to bow politely and say in Japanese to the little man, "Good afternoon, honored fellow Council-member! May I have the pleasure of translating for you today -- at least until Himeko arrives? Also, might I inquire as to a name or alias I might use for you, when relating your words to the rest of the Council?"

Kestrel walks over with Cinnamon, adding, "Normally, I would put you in your regular place next to Sparrow, but I wasn't sure if you'd want to be over by Aoi's rep... so I moved your seat to be by her normal seat." The places Kestrel points out are at the opposite side of the room from Sparrow's place.

The little bird man bows deeply in return to Cinnamon, then writes: I would be honored, Great Dragon Of Heavens, to have you translate for me until Himeko can arrive on behalf of the lovely lady Aoi.

Cinnamon's eyes widen, and she's slightly breathless as she replies, "Oh! Y-you do me great honor, sir -- thank you so much!" She almost glows with happiness at that beautiful descriptive for herself, even if it is somewhat florid: 'Great Dragon of Heavens' -- how lovely! She's still beaming delightedly as she turns to Kestrel, "Oh, I, uhh... y-yes! Yes, that seating is fine -- and thank you so much!" She's so inordinately touched at the kind descriptive -- despite his already knowing her given alias -- that she completely misses, for the moment, that he's yet to give her a name!

As the three entities speak together, Cinnamon also glances around to see who-all else is here as well. In fact, she keeps half an eye out for Killa or his folks in particular -- she likes to know where people that actively dislike her are, after all! Though admittedly, she hasn't seen Killa since she carried his unconscious, horribly wounded body to Thorn for healing. That makes her scold herself lightly: no pre-judging! Killa might have changed his mind about her by now, after all -- and she has seen miracles happen, before!

As people are talking, Marcus arrives. He's wearing clothes similar to the first night, and still looks lovely -- but it's clear he's no longer iron-sick, nor does he look tired. Cinnamon smiles a bit wistfully to herself, suspecting that Marcus feeling better will equate to him also being more on his high horse again. Nasteexo arrives with Dejiyo immediately after, and not long after them, Hilde enters chatting with Jarek -- who is, quite frankly, complaining about the heat. That's no doubt exacerbated by the fact that Jarek is wearing the exact same thing he wears on Coblyn, of course -- and a three-piece wool suit is not the best outfit for the Texas weather! Indeed, Thorn starts to feel hot just by looking at Jarek! Cinnamon goes over to say hi to Nasteexo and Dejiyo, and grins and waves discreetly to Hilde and Jarek -- though she has to cover her giggle at his complaint.

Nasteexo smiles at Cinnamon and speaks directly to her, even though she knows the little dragon can't understand her, and Dejiyo translates, "You look very nice. Very snazzy."

Cinnamon grins shyly, flushing a bit with pleasure, "Oh, thank you!" She hesitates, not sure how to communicate visual pleasure to non-corporeal spirits... then smiles and says sincerely, "I -- I really like the bodies you two are wearing today too? Though I, um... I'm not sure if that's a polite thing to say to you or not... sorry?"

Hilde, of course, looks absolutely beautiful! The Nordic aelfar wears a long-sleeved, long-skirted, pale blue sundress in some gauzy material that seems to float around her body. It's cut in a low V at her throat, framing a silver, moon-shaped pendant resting there. She's also wearing a wide-brimmed sun-hat that is perfect to keep the sun off her skin, and on her feet are comfortable sandals. "Jarek, it would help if you didn't dress like it's Scandinavia!"

Jarek snorts and hahs, waving a dismissive hand... and Marcus murmurs, in an actually rather relaxed voice, "She's right. Wool is just going to melt you and get soggy in the heat."

Hilde grins, "See? When even Marcus agrees with me, you know I'm right!" That makes people smile -- even Marcus. Cinnamon sighs and smiles ruefully as she glances around. She may feel a bit pretty when she's standing on her own, but... wow! Being around all these drop-dead gorgeous women really helps her put herself back into perspective. She sighs wistfully again -- but then firmly and stoutly reminds herself: being a good and sacred person isn't just about outward beauty! It's about -- about being deeply sincere, and doing what's right, and thinking deeply on it, and... and having true and sacred purpose in one's heart! Admittedly, she's still working on that, but... well, she's gonna do her best, darnit!

Aisling watches discreetly, smiling as she sees where Cinnamon's eyes rove, and noticing the little dragon's wistfulness... and also noting the way Shane stands quietly near the door, his ordinarily wary observation often returning with ease to Cinnamon, as if he's always nonconsciously aware of wherever she is in the room. Across the room (and obliviously), Cinnamon frowns with determination as it hits her: the first thing she can do, to do right by everyone... is to be pleasant and cordial with everyone there! She determinedly makes sure she greets everyone she can, trying to be genuinely happy that they're there... and also quietly letting everyone know that she'll be translating for Aoi's representative today, since Himeko has not yet arrived.

Cinnamon brightens a bit, partway through her self-determined greetings, at the sudden realization: is this the beginnings of her learning diplomacy? If so, awesome! She's on the right track! Her smile is a bit more genuine as she continues happily speaking to everyone there, and she's quietly relieved to realize they all greet her warmly. Jalil has been there for a while, as it turns out, but was being quiet -- and therefore easy to miss. He too tells her how lovely she looks today. Apparently the tailored clothes really do look quite nice on her!

Killa is the last to arrive; he's wearing his traje de luces and is escorted by two (unarmed) people. His face is very red and shiny on one side, in an obvious burn scar, but he is walking on his own. Very, very slowly... but on his own.

Cinnamon beams delightedly at Jalil as well -- she's not used to so many people being nice to her! A small part of her warns her that this is likely either a set-up, or they're not sincere... but she decides that even if it is, surely it's okay to let her pleasure make her greetings nicer too! She is, therefore, completely sincere when she tells Killa that she's so glad to see him looking so much better! She also checks to be sure the paperwork she sent him was sufficient, and assures him that she's happy to answer any further questions about it that he might have -- but later, when he feels more like talking, okay?

Killa's body language is stiff, and the two people with him also stand a little straighter when Cinnamon comes near, but he hisses at them. The language he uses isn't Spanish, but he sounds irritated. To Cinnamon, he says, "It is thanks to you that I am not more badly injured, or even dead. I have questions and I have thanks to give you. The paperwork was... enlightening. I would like to speak with you of your trip after the meeting."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, wondering why he's hissing at his people -- then smiles, "Sure! I was going to mention the trip during the meeting, so that might answer at least some of your questions... but I'm happy to talk with you after as well?" She grins cheerfully at the two people with him, giving a small wave as she politely excuses herself to go talk to a few other folks previous to the meeting. She's quietly glad Daniella is one of them -- the little dragon suspects the devoted woman will make sure Killa doesn't overextend himself in order to speak with her, after all.

Daniella murmurs to Killa, subtly guiding the snake-man to his council seat. Cinnamon too seats herself, with a smile to the birdman. She murmurs quietly to him that she's alerted everyone that she'll be translating for him for the nonce. She also apologizes for her youth and inexperience, and promises him she'll do her best for him! After his graceful thanks and assurances, she then looks around the room with interest. This will be the first meeting where she doesn't feel wildly out of place, actually -- and that's a very nice feeling to have, she happily decides!

Curiously, the table is not solid across its surface. It's more of a ring shape, with a fire in the center, and four open sections around its circumference, which allows people to walk through to add wood to the fire. Interestingly, even with the fire crackling there in the center, the room doesn't feel overly warm.

Josie seats herself on Cinnamon's other side, while Marcus settles on the far side of Aoi's proxy. The little birdman has written an ideogram -- it translates roughly to 'Bright Wings' -- on a card which he has set in front of himself. Hilde is next to Josie, with Killa flanked by Marcus on one side and Nasteexo on the other. Jarek looks grumpy next to Hilde, and Elias -- followed by Aisling -- is on his other side... while Jalil is settled next to Nasteexo. Where Qadan would normally sit is empty; Sparrow sits at the head of the table in a chair draped in buffalo robes. He looks quietly regal, in a way that seems quite unlike him.

Around the room are people from the rez, who are aware of the nature of the meeting, as well as people from the entire catchment area -- just as people traveled from around Coblyn to go to the latest meeting there. Shane is present, of course, as well as someone who could be Marcus' driver. Some people are obviously human; some of them are just as obviously not. Cinnamon is quietly fascinated at the audience! This is a very different ethnic grouping of supernaturals... but just as with those on Coblyn Street, they're new and marvelous and beautiful to the impressed little dragon.

Once Sparrow has officially opened the meeting, and roll has been called, Cinnamon stands up. She apologizes politely for her newness to proper demeanor within the Council, and adds that she wishes to have it officially noted that she will be translating for 'Bright Wings,' Aoi's representative, at this meeting -- though he will be signifying his own vote, with his black and white stones. After that she repeats herself in Japanese. As she seats herself a moment later, she hopes this is the best and most courteous way to properly be a translator -- when she's also supposedly of an opposing faction to the person who needs the translation assistance! She waits, after that, for the call for any old business -- since that, she thinks, is where the news of the trip to confront the traitors should go.

Sparrow stands and speaks, "Thank you all for coming. I have word that Qadan's replacement will be here tonight." He smiles a little crookedly, "More and more new blood. It would seem the plan that they were trying to put into effect is coming into fruition. Just not quite the way they expected." At this, he can't help but smirk, "But if you stick your paw into a fire, you're gonna burn your toes, huh?" He smiles down the table at Cinnamon, "We will be hearing quite a story from our newest councilor, the wonderful and illustrious Cinnamon -- more about the conspiracy and the deep and poisonous roots of it."

Cinnamon laughs and blushes at the appellations! Even as she does so, she's also quietly murmuring as direct a translation as she can to Bright Wings, so he doesn't miss anything. Once that's done she stands up again and smiles around the table, then begins, "Both Aisling, Josie, and I were present, as well as several other good folks... so if I mess up in the telling, Aisling will correct me right away." She grins at the other women, then takes a deep breath... and relates, in broad strokes, the occurrences of the group's time in Ireland, while confronting the traitors. She tends to give about a paragraph's worth of information -- and then, at an appropriate pausing point, she'll switch to Japanese and repeat herself. There's a curious side effect of her doing so: everyone has plenty of time to consider all her words, as she slowly speaks...

"Let's see. Josie, Caradog's representative Corrig, Jaeger, Shane, Quinn's representative Maebh, Veles, Thorn, myself, and the crew of the Valkyrie -- they call themselves the Havvarger, and more about them later -- went to find the Trod of the Holly. We eventually met with Killian, the Chie- er, now-former Chieftain of the Trod of the Holly, and his son Darragh, and the three Holly elders Siobhan, Niall, and Caoimhe... as well as something like two or three dozen Hollies in a field between the two trods, since Killian didn't want us near his trod. At that meeting I presented the case against Killian, and the demand for weregild. Killian refused to answer any questions directly, used his sword to hold back Elder Siobhan from accepting paperwork from me, and told us to go away."

Cinnamon's voice is dry, "This... did not impress the Hollies who weren't under his thumb -- which was fortunately the majority of them. Then one of his people shot at me, which, um... caused everything to sort of quickly deteriorate." She sighs before continuing, "Josie got hit by an arrow, which is when we discovered they were all coated with wolfsbane. I lost my temper and shifted and grabbed up Killian -- and then-" her incredulity is clear in her voice, "when Darragh attacked me in a rage with a dagger... I grabbed him up too. After that the fighting pretty much stopped, so I handed over the two men to some of the Havvarger, then shifted back. Shane and I checked on Josie, who was healed due to Thorn's fine work."

Cinnamon smiles at Thorn in the audience... then sighs again, "After that, while Shane and I were walking back to talk to the elders, Darragh broke free and ran up to attack me and Shane from behind. I..." she closes her eyes in a silent wince... then takes a deep breath and straightens. She needs to face what she did, darnit! Oh, and also: Jaeger was right! She did what she did to keep the people she lo- cares about safe -- so even if she's not happy about it, she didn't exactly do wrong. She takes a breath, then says quietly, "Darragh knocked me over when he lunged at us, and I just reacted, to keep my companion safe -- I breathed fire on him and..." She closes her eyes again for a heartbeat, then opens them to stare into a far edge of the room, rather than at anyone's face as she adds -- with only a small quaver in her voice, "He d-died." She looks down at her laptop again and takes a long, slow breath before she can continue.

Around the chamber, people are listening to the story. From the number of people jotting things down in various kinds of notebooks and tablets (none of them electronic), there are apparently various scribes in the room. There are gasps and mutters from time to time, and scowls and glowers are common at points as well. When wolfsbane is mentioned there's an actual growl from a man somewhere back behind Sparrow, followed by a soft, soothing, 'shh!' in what sounds like Kestrel's voice.

Cinnamon sighs, then continues more briskly, "Once we realized that Killian was actually kind of mad, and his knacks -- two knacks! -- are charm-nudging people coupled with causing terror, we realized he couldn't be released out into the world to terrify and abuse both humans and supernaturals. So the Holly elders invited us to spend the night there, and were planning on keeping Killian confined. During the night he escaped, though, with the help of some associates, and broke the elders' oath of hospitality when he tried to kill us all with a poisoned breakfast -- which we fortunately detected in time. In the next, um... hour or so? -he was recaptured, and we examined his entire suite," her amazement at the man's pretentiousness leaks out a bit at that word, "as well as the, um, equally lavish rooms of his children."

Cinnamon glances at her notes as she continues, "We noticed that the fog of fear blanketing the trod was lifting as Killian lost his self control. Also, in Killian's rooms we found binding locks of hair stolen from individuals from just about every trod in Ireland... and that Killian had stolen jewelry from the trod's treasury and was intending -- with a few of his loyalists -- to escape with weapons; poisons (including wolfsbane, cyanide, arsenic, and some of the nettle poison); coded letters which I cracked and found pretty much verified both the plot and its members; a cache of really fine, pure gold, silver, and jewels (about half of which was set into jewelry, and the other half being loose stones and small gold ingots); and about eight thousand pounds sterling in human money... upon his person."

The little dragon continues, "In Niamh's room we found all the treaties with other trods that Holly had -- some of them were even the originals! On the backs of the treaties she was tracking genealogies, showing how many folks were still left in the guardian lineages. She even had letters from Elm and Sequoia! From the coding used, she was also tracking which died on their own, as well as which they'd had murdered. Killian was nearly foaming at the mouth, earlier, about considering himself the rightful king of Ireland, after all."

Cinnamon has a sip of water, then sighs, "Darragh had another, smaller cache of gold and jewels, and paperwork to pass as a human: passport, driver's license, credit cards... and he also had a collection of surveillance photos of all the councilors that he thought were either 'hide' faction, or would eventually turn to it -- as in, Jalil, Marcus, and Nasteexo -- as well as a satellite phone that he used, among other things, to communicate with the traitor in Rowan. Oh, right," her dry voice is a bit flat, "we also caught the Rowan traitor when he tried -- unsuccessfully, thank goodness -- to distract us all by murdering one of our party and making it look like a suicide." She adds in explanation, "He targeted a fragile human... that's why he thought it'd work."

Cinnamon glances curiously, during her mental pause, towards where Kestrel sits -- can she spot the growler? She's guessing he's a wolf skinshifter, if so. However, there are several people, most of whom are scowling, around Kestrel, so it's hard to tell who growled. Nasteexo smiles slightly when her name is mentioned as being, in Qadan's damaged opinion, someone likely to change sides to the 'hide' faction. Both Marcus and Jalil, however, have good poker faces.

Hilde's voice is shocked, "Someone tried to kill a healer?!" It's obvious she's assuming the targeted human was Thorn -- he's the only actual human she knew of in the party, after all.

Thorn smiles wryly at Hilde's exclamation, while Cinnamon glances over at Hilde with a slightly rueful smile, "Er, no. No, he, um..." she looks down at her notes, her cheeks flushing a bit with embarrassment, "thought I was the human." She looks up and grins a bit sheepishly at Hilde again, "So... er, yeah, the attack... was kind of a failure."

Josie rumbles, "It is difficult to kill a dragon by pushing them off a cliff."

Cinnamon giggles at Josie! Sparrow says wryly, "A bit like trying to kill a fish by throwing it in a river, I would say."

Cinnamon laughs! "Well, he did, um, kind of hit me hard on the back of the head, and it likely would have killed a human... but yeah, that didn't, um... really matter to me." She beams as she adds, "Plus Shane turned up there too! So the traitor didn't get away with it at all -- we verified later that the guy was the actual assassin of Branigan, the previous guardian." A moment later she adds, with both relief and happiness, "But after all that, some good news! Holly now has a new chieftain lineage, thank goodness! Also, we were privileged to see what I think may be the beginnings of strong friendly connections growing between the various trods, instead of constant wariness or enmity -- because they're going to be holding moots again!"

Cinnamon sighs happily, then with equal cheer adds, "Also, for our trip to Ireland, we found a three-masted sailing ship with ten berths, called the Valkyrie -- and she's mostly metal-free! It took about two weeks to cross the Atlantic one way, and both Jaeger and Aisling said it was a really pleasant trip. She's also crewed entirely by the pack of werewolves I mentioned previously -- the Havvarger -- and with their permission, I have a handful of their business cards for everyone here to take." She starts passing them around as she adds, "This means traveling to Europe or Africa will potentially be much nicer for anyone who goes with them -- because you won't have to hide who or what you are while on board ship!"

Cinnamon waits until everyone has one of the cards, then says cheerfully, "So that's all I have to report! I think that wraps up the last loose threads in Qadan's assassination plots, too. Does anyone have any questions?" Thorn really doesn't think anyone should have any questions after that presentation! Cinnamon is just quietly relieved at how smoothly her report seemed to go -- she got all the data out clearly, no one seems upset, and some folks even seem pleased! Plus, in a way she's successfully completed this project, just like she'd do at work. She always got a nice sense of both pleasure and closure when she gave her final report, and could definitively state that everything had been neatly wrapped up!

This also means, to Cinnamon, that she can just sit back and relax, and translate for Bright Wings, for most of the rest of the meeting! As far as she knows, the only other thing on her agenda is when voting for new officers comes up -- she wants to ask for the job of treasurer! But she'd put that on the list of new business, some months ago, and Jarek had stated that the Council should vote on new officers anyway, at this meeting... so it should come up smoothly on its own.

There is some discussion after the presentation, but not a lot of questions. Several people on scribe duty are handed the business cards to note down the Havvarger contact information. Hilde examines one of the cards with a fond smile, "I'm almost surprised it's not a longboat..."

Aisling laughs warmly at that, "They have carvings of their shields along the sides, Hilde, and their captain is one of your people, I'm fairly sure... Though at least one of them is one of mine -- and oh my, is he a handful!" There's a quiet laugh from Shane at that description of what is most likely Fraser.

Cinnamon grins and nods cheerfully at Aisling's words, then adds to Hilde, "They're nice folks, Hilde! I think you might like them a lot. If I understand correctly, Jaeger will be sailing with them sometime real soon, too, and he gave me permission to come along. You might enjoy it also?"

After things have calmed down a bit, Elias steeples his fingers and murmurs thoughtfully, "It sounds to me as if the plans were to bring in new blood to strengthen the reveal faction... and that it all backfired -- in rather a spectacular manner!"

Sparrow's eyes gleam -- looking a lot like the eyeshine of an actual coyote -- and he smiles, "Fire is an element of cleansing as much as is water."

Cinnamon frowns disapprovingly, "Backfired... oh, yeah! Anyone crazy enough to think it's okay to kill off their own side? Totally needs replacing." She sighs, silent for a few seconds... then shakes her head once and looks up at everyone there, "So anyways. Hopefully this... horrible treachery has been completely rooted out, and we -- like the Irish trods -- can take this opportunity to pull together a bit more strongly, so we can do our jobs better!" She smiles quietly, adding, "That's all I have. Thank you all so much for your patience, and for listening." Then she sits down.

Sparrow nods to Cinnamon, then adds to everyone at the table, "I had word that Qadan's proxy will be here tonight, but was told they'll be abstaining from any vote for the first two meetings because they want to learn the lay of the land." His teeth flash in a broad grin, "I think the wording they actually used was: 'I don't want to make the mistake of arrogantly assuming I understand a reality I have not perceived for myself.' I think we're all going to like her very much... and yes, I mean all of us."

Cinnamon looks both intrigued and pleased at that! A heartbeat later, though, as she pushes up her glasses, she wonders: should she have waited two meetings before voting? She looks worried... then relaxes as she remembers she was strongly encouraged to come and vote immediately -- by all the 'hide' faction! She holds up a hand, her voice soft, "Um, do we... have a name for her yet, please?"

Sparrow replies, "The only name she gave me was Snow, but she said it was only for the moment. Apparently it's... to represent that she's not the same as Qadan."

Jalil nods solemnly, "Qadan was the black sort of his kind." Cinnamon nods in agreement with Jalil. She's still quite intrigued! Maybe this 'Snow' will be willing to have tea with her, too? Thorn arches a brow at Sparrow's reportage of the new representative's quote -- it's... both encouraging and unsettling! Definitely someone with very strong convictions. But was it said in reaction to Cinnamon's appointment to the Council? For that matter, what is Snow's relation to Qadan?

There is some murmuring around the table, and then -- after some small amount of administrative discussion -- the request for new business comes. Josie does the ritual call for election of officers, which causes Cinnamon to brighten! The various offices are brought up one at a time; Treasurer is first. Jarek looks morose -- at least until Aisling nominates Cinnamon, which makes the domovoi look surprised and actually cheerful. Cinnamon beams, "Oh! Thank you, Aisling -- I would love a chance to do something useful for the Council!" She smiles encouragingly at Jarek, even as she wonders why he looked so down earlier. Both Aisling and Jarek had been present when Cinnamon asked Jarek if she might have the job, after all? Though... oh, maybe... maybe this is acting or something? To convince Jalil, maybe? She looks with a small, curious, and slightly nervous smile at the fire elemental, wondering how he feels about her nomination.

Nasteexo seconds the nomination. The voting is open, and to Cinnamon's surprise, every single person on the council votes in her favor. Indeed, she looks honestly shocked at the vote results -- and then she has to blink hard several times to keep from quietly crying in happiness! Her small smile is a bit tremulous as she accepts the job and thanks the councilors... then promises she'll do her best to make sure the books are kept as clean and tidy as she can! She has to swallow hard a few times before she can continue translating, in fact... though she does so with assiduous care after that. She's got nothing else on her agenda now for this meeting, so she can just focus on what other folks are saying. Thorn smiles quietly. From what he knows of Cinnamon, she's going to excel at this.

The rest of the officers get voted on with very few of them being contested. The one that seems to be at all ambiguous is Master At Arms. There are two people nominated for it: Josie and Jalil. Josie is actually surprised at the nomination and second by Sparrow and Elias. Cinnamon frowns worriedly -- she's not sure how to vote on this, because she's not sure what the job entails! After dithering mentally for a few minutes as people talk, she slowly and hesitantly raises a hand, "Er... excuse me? I'm really sorry, but, umm... wh-what exactly does a Master at Arms do, please?"

Aisling smiles quietly, "Not a great deal, anymore. They keep the peace. They are essentially the champion of the council. Basically, Elias and our dear Sparrow have said that they feel our sweet Josie is the essence of what a warrior should be: calm, but powerful and protective... and I vote yea for her."

Cinnamon continues frowning worriedly as she considers. If there's actually an issue... she'd almost rather Jalil were the Master at Arms -- because she's pretty sure he won't be hurt in any conflict short of a waterspout elemental, or something similar! But... if it's really about keeping the peace... hmm. Maybe Josie would in fact be better? Jalil sort of lost his temper and... well, killed Moustapha, after all, right? She looks thoughtfully at Jalil -- does he seem to want the job? Actually... does Josie seem that way too?

Josie is clearly considering the nomination as people watch, and Jalil listens to the discussion. Bright Wings writes down something in Japanese and passes it to Cinnamon: My lady did not leave me instructions on this. But this humble one believes the samurai were diplomats as well as warriors. This one votes for the sweet-hearted wolf. Cinnamon nods to the little birdman, then quietly asks in Japanese, "Should I read your entire note, Bright Wings-san, or would you prefer I simply give your vote?"

Bright Wings writes another note, This humble one would like for the honorable dragon to read the entire note. Cinnamon smiles and nods warmly, "I would be honored to do so, Bright Wings-san!" She turns and says to the others, "Bright Wings wishes me to read his words to you, please. He says..." and she translates the note precisely. Then she glances around to see how people are taking this.

Thorn considers... based on Bright-Eyes' comment, he'd be inclined to agree... and it's quite an important position, he thinks. Of course he has no voting power, but he can think of much worse people than Josie -- and not any better than her.

There is some discussion. In the end, the voting goes quite heavily in Josie's favor. In fact, even Jalil votes for her -- garnering him a frown from Killa which the djinn manages to completely ignore. Even though he was nominated by Killa and seconded by Marcus, the Germanic elf does not seem upset at all by the outcome of the voting. Marcus quite sincerely congratulates Josie on her new office, and the wolf shifter smiles and thanks everyone, promising to do a good job.

Cinnamon is quietly relieved that she chose to vote for Josie... but she kind of hopes Jalil ends up with a job too! From what she's been able to hear, he seems to want one, after all. Maybe... maybe if he doesn't get one, she could ask him to help her with being Treasurer? Fortunately, when all is said and done, Jalil does end up with an office -- he is voted in as the council's secretary, meaning he will be helping to take care of administration. This makes Killa look a bit confused, but Jalil seems quite content.

Cinnamon beams once the new officers have been installed -- she's very happy that both factions got some jobs! She grins and mentally crosses her fingers that this will be the beginning of a new era of everyone working more closely together, too! Also, she's wondering with interest: what questions (if any) will Killa have for her, after the meeting?

Much of the meeting seems rather mundane -- though, of course, the last one was rather... dramatic, with literal fire, guns, and battle! Josie leans over as Hilde is making a report on some logistics, and whispers to Cinnamon, "Sometimes things are suuuuuper boring like this."

Cinnamon giggles and whispers back, "Better this than explosions, though, right?" She's used to dealing with accounting, after all. Rarely does it sit up and bite her! It's only afterwards, in the reporting, that things can get far too dramatic -- at least to her perspective. She finds calm, mundane meetings like this to be oddly soothing, in fact.

After almost four hours of this, however, Sparrow drawls, "OK, I think we've had enough Robert's Rules of Orders bullshit for the morning. Will someone move that we recess for some fuckin' lunch?"

That makes Hilde giggle, while Josie laughs and whispers to Cinnamon, "I wondered how long he could stay solemn!" Then she speaks aloud, "I move we recess for lunch!"

Nasteexo murmurs something and her translator says, "I second."

Sparrow nods briskly, "All in favor?"

Cinnamon grins and calls out, "Aye!" with everyone else -- and the chorus of yeas and ayes is unanimous.

There's a little laughter as Sparrow slaps the table and declares the meeting in recess, then adds, "Let's get some grub!"

Thorn wonders briefly what Liam's office in the Council was, once upon a time. That being said, he too is quite ready for lunch! Cinnamon thinks lunch sounds like a wonderful idea! Once the recess has been officially called, she quietly murmurs to the young werewolf, "Congratulations on the Master at Arms job, JoJo! I don't know that I'm any good at calming things down, but... well, if you ever need a big, er... mobile wall?" She grins ruefully, "Please feel free to call on me if so, okay?"

Josie looks almost bashful, "I kinda knew it was coming. My people, my whole family... my pack -- we're considered both warriors and teachers. Before the col... before the Europeans and other nations came here, my pack were the protectors of the human tribe. But we worked together with them. We didn't look for war. We sought out council first." She shrugs, "But if words will not work and you cannot simply hold them down until they stop their tantrum, then you sometimes have to bite them." She then smiles brightly, "But you make a very good wall and I would be honored to have you at my back any time. You are my friend." Cinnamon beams up at Josie -- then impulsively hugs her tightly!

Lunch is buffet-style, and people are encouraged to wander freely. It's going to be two or three hours because, as it's pointed out, council meetings are tiring both physically and emotionally. Cinnamon is glad the food is brought into the actual meeting room -- it means she's sure of being able to find a chair if she has a shyness attack, and even better: Elias can stay and talk too! For now, though, she has a question for Thorn. After getting her drink and her plate of food, she looks around... then patters over to grin up at the healer, "Hi! Got a moment, Thorny?"

Thorn has been looking over the selections, and realizing he can't decide. He's just contemplating how to take some micro-portions of what's interesting to him when Cinnamon comes up. He looks to her and smiles, "Sure, of course! That was a great presentation, by the way. Succinct and complete."

Cinnamon beams happily, "Oh, fantastic -- thank you!" She grins shyly as she adds, "I was a bit concerned I was blathering on too long... but I knew I had to hit all the important points, you know?" She sighs happily as she adds, "Thank goodness it's all taken care of now! So..." she smiles at Thorn, "I've been thinking about some of the things here, and that I've seen elsewhere, and it occurred to me: what's the point of having all these amazing supernatural abilities, you know? ...if we don't do anything good to help others with them? So I think you heard me saying I wanted to start a database, right? So I know you're already doing amazing stuff already, and I don't want to overload you... but is it okay if you're in the database, but just for really big emergencies and stuff?"

"Oh, of course! Please, feel free to put me in there for anything, really."

Cinnamon grins and shakes her head at Thorn, "Not just anything, guy -- you're way too important to burn yourself out, I think! But for really big stuff? Definitely -- and thank you so much!"

Thorn smiles quietly, "I disagree, but thank you. Honestly I've been wondering why magic healing isn't more common... which reminds me." He drops his voice, "Thought you should know this: the young man with leukemia, that I mentioned earlier that I healed? He's Sparrow's son -- but he doesn't know Sparrow is his dad."

Cinnamon blinks startledly up at Thorn -- then goes still, thinking for a few seconds... then laughs excitedly, "Oh, how wonderful!" She grins, her eyes shining, "I'm so glad there'll be someone there if he starts showing supernatural abilities!"

Thorn nods enthusiastically, "I've no doubt that Sparrow will be here for him if he does. Though his mother made Sparrow promise not to tell him that he's Sparrow's son until he's 25. He's 23 now, I think Sparrow said."

Cinnamon grins and puts a finger to her lips, "Awesome! -but we should talk about it later -- don't want anyone overhearing, you know?"

Thorn nods again, "Yes, definitely later!"

Cinnamon sighs with a smile as she adds, "I'm just glad this meeting is so calm -- if there'd been some sort of explosive drama in this one, I'd have started wondering if it was me!" She giggles quietly as she glances around... which is when she notices Killa approaching, with Daniella in tow. The second of his people, Jes�s, is sitting at the table and eating -- and frankly looking somewhat sullen. The demigod is still not moving very gracefully, and Daniella honestly looks unhappy that he's here. Cinnamon looks up and smiles, "Hi, Killa! How're you feeling? Hi, Daniella!"

A heartbeat later Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! Daniella, I know you've already met him... but Killa? I'm very pleased to be able to introduce Thorn Elmstrod to you -- he's the magical healer that made sure you didn- er..." Wryly she realizes she probably shouldn't mention just barely not dying, right now, "-that, um, helped so many folks survive, after the attack at the Coblyn Council chambers!" Thorn is currently rather sensitive to Killa's views; he gives a slight bow of greeting.

Killa looks at Thorn, inhuman eyes assessing him carefully. Usually, with a surname like Elmstrod, the person is going to be some sort of obviously supernatural being -- but Thorn looks decidedly human. Daniella leans in and murmurs something to Killa that makes him nod slowly, "You are the other part of the reason the phosphorous grenade did not kill me."

Cinnamon nodnods happily, "Yes! He's pretty amazing."

Thorn smiles to Cinnamon, unable to hide a flush of embarrassment, "I'm just working with what I've been given, really."

Cinnamon grins affectionately at the healer, "How you use it is what makes you amazing, Thorny!"

Killa leans to murmur something to Daniella, who nods back to him. Then he speaks one more time to Thorn, "I will never be able to thank you enough for that. It is perhaps the closest I have ever come to death."

Thorn keeps his expression pleasant and calm as he nods in reply, though inwardly he's a little wary. He hopes Killa isn't going to start, as Cinnamon called it, 'drama.' Cinnamon blinks as the general demeanor of the two helpers registers... then grins as she adds to the snake man, "Oh, right -- you had some questions! Though, um... is it okay with you, Killa, if we sit down while we're talking? We could pull a few chairs together, maybe..." She grins shyly as she adds, "-and that way I won't worry that I'm going to embarrass myself by dropping my drink or something!" She glances hopefully at Thorn, "Would you be willing to pull a few chairs together with me, over by the table, Thorny?"

Daniella replies immediately, "Please. Chairs would be wonderful."

Killa's voice is both weary and a bit edged, "I am feeling as if someone tried to incinerate me with white phosphorous and almost succeeded. It is the closest I have come to death in a very, very long time. It is not pleasant and not something I ever wish to repeat. I am glad that Qadan is dead. I am glad that Killian and his son are dead. I am glad that you are not."

Thorn nods to Cinnamon, "Oh, certainly. I'll get that sorted." He goes to get the chairs arranged for the small party of four at the nearest table.

Cinnamon smiles shyly in thanks to Thorn, then grins at Daniella and nods, "Okay!" To Killa she adds a bit sheepishly, "Well, um... as far as I know Qadan and Killian aren't yet dead? It was Moustapha and Darragh, I think..." She beams cheerfully up at the snake-man as she adds, "-but thank you for the good wishes, Killa! What questions can I answer for you, please?" She starts moving over right away towards the chairs, in the hopes that Killa will come along -- she's a little worried at how tired he looks, honestly.

Killa waves a hand, "Moustapha and Darragh, then -- that people who tried to kill me are dead. War is an honorable way to die. Willing sacrifice is an honorable way to die." Daniella is very good at maneuvering Killa to the seats while he's talking, and the demigod sits when he's encouraged to, "The way they were plotting and seemed willing to murder their own people... that is wrong. My questions are about going forward. You believe that these plots and plans have made things unstable and unsafe, yes?"

Cinnamon nods firmly in agreement with the wrongness of murdering one's own side! At his question, however, she thinks for a moment... then says slowly, "Well, I feel it could destabilize things even more if we let it... but don't we equally have a chance to maybe make things far more steady and dependable too?" She can't help a small, conspiratorial grin at Daniella when Killa is looking elsewhere -- she thinks the other woman is doing a fabulous job of caring for what is apparently a somewhat difficult patient!

Killa shakes his head, "Do you feel it has made things safer for us to be open? Or do you feel it has made it less safe?"

"Oh!" Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully, considering that with care... then sighs and says slowly, "I... would like to say it would be fine to be open, but... well, with all due respect? I d-don't want to lose any of us! -and... and it scares me a lot that we almost lost both you and Aoi... and if Josie and the elves and Nasteexo hadn't gotten out quickly, we'd have probably lost even more, you know?"

Killa thinks carefully as well before he too nods, "I have been thinking, myself. I think that in trying to create a council that would favor us revealing ourselves to the humans, Qadan and his conspirators managed to prove that we are not ready to do so. Such goings-on would not prove us worthy of proper worship to them. It would prove us only worthy to be feared and to be hunted."

Cinnamon tilts her head wryly and nods, "Yeah... I kinda have to agree with that... and frankly, I don't want us all to live in fear!"

Killa continues, "They have weapons that they did not once have, and they do not understand us as they once did. They have stepped far out of nature. If the vote comes again, I believe I will vote differently." He adds, "Fear can be healthy. Terror is not."

Cinnamon nodnods several times, her eyes a bit wide with pleased shock at Killa's words, "Right?! Those always-burning grenades are horrible!" She grins internally as it registers: Killa may not have the humans' best interests at heart... but he's on what she thinks is the right track, at least as far as human-supernatural relations! She adds thoughtfully, "You know, you mention the humans being far out of nature, and I totally have to agree with that... and one of the things I was saying to some friends earlier is that I think having amazing supernatural abilities means they should be used to help folks. I'm starting up a database of folks who're willing and able to do magical things to help like that. If you know anyone who might be a good fit for this, could I ask you to ask them to talk to me, please?"

Killa nods, his face looking tired and a little strained, "I will think on it and have Daniella bring you the names."

Cinnamon beams, "Thank you so much!" She doesn't say anything further, though... since she's not sure how to smoothly conclude the conversation so he's not too tired.

Killa adds, "Lunch will be for another two hours, at least. I think I will retire for a little rest until we reconvene." He stands, though it takes a little effort, and Daniella says a couple of sharp words in a non-Spanish language as she moves to help him. Jes�s is immediately at Killa's other side to help as well, and they all head out of the meeting chamber. The snake being walks slowly and with his back very straight.

Cinnamon smiles and waves to the three, "Thank you for talking with me, Killa... and I'm really glad to see you're taking good care of yourself!" Only once they have departed does she turn to Thorn, eyes wide, and whisper, "Oh my gosh, Thorny -- did you hear that?! What an amazingly cool turnaround!"

Thorn lets out a breath, nodding. "I'm as surprised as you!" he says. "I almost hate to say it, but this might have been the look onto modern Earth that Killa needed. There are humans out there who are aware of the supernatural world, and have the wherewithal and hardware to do some real damage. That being said? I'm glad he's for concealing, if for just a little while longer."

Cinnamon nods several times in firm agreement! "Me too!"

Time passes relaxingly as the two nibble food and chat with each other... until Sparrow eventually wanders over. He's got a plate of fry bread and honey, and a lazy smile on his face. Cinnamon beams up at the Trickster, "Hi there, Sparrow! Want to have a seat? Oh! Also, can you tell me where I can find good hides for Harry, please? I want to send two to him, but I don't know where or how to tell if they're the right type of leather, you know?"

Sparrow grins, "I've got a couple good ideas. I'll send the names to you. Believe it or not, slaughterhouses are the best places. Get them there before you go to anywhere else."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Sparrow -- then winces, though there's still a wry smile on her lips, "Eew! Well, if you say so..."

Sparrow smiles and shrugs, "It's where they come from. But! Honestly, the best places are actually probably local organic farmers."

Cinnamon looks confused, "F-for... hides? So... not slaughterhouses?"

Sparrow explains, "Slaughterhouses are big and industrial. But a local farm might be willing to sell you the hides, and they treat their animals better." He seems relaxed and chill... at home, even.

"Oh!" Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment... then nods firmly, "That sounds much nicer! Thank you, Sparrow." Her smile gets shy as she adds, "Also? You, um... look really nice dressed like that! Did you make your clothes? They're very pretty... oh! Also, is there a way to make nice beaded leather clothing like yours so it's, er... non-snaggy?" She grins as she adds, "Josie said that was a problem for her, on Coblyn!" Cinnamon is aware, after all, that Coyote's job is to be a troublemaker... but she also thinks when folks look nice, it's nice to let them know! She knows how delighted she's been at all the sweet compliments she's gotten today, after all!

Sparrow grins, but keeps Elias' and Aisling's scoldings in mind -- and doesn't tease too much, "Thank you. They were made for me. Kestrel did some of it. My mother did some. A dear friend made my moccasins. Making it non-snaggy, as you say, isn't really easy unless you do no fringe at all... but the fringe is sort of part of it."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully, studying the fringes... they do seem to go from shoulder to toe, unfortunately, which means all Josie's leathers will likely be the same. She frowns consideringly, "Okay... going to have to think more about this later, I can see..." Then she blinks and looks up, "Oh! Sparrow! Can I run an idea past you maybe, please?"

Sparrow grins wryly, "You're always welcome to ask me things. Don't be surprised if I don't answer, though."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, then hesitates before adding cautiously, "Okay, good, and thank you -- but first I want to say up front that, um, I... I really d-don't want to be a, um... a... I think it's a colonizing savior complex, or something? So... so, like, if you d-don't like the idea, or you're already doing it, um... y-you'd tell me right away, right? Please?"

Sparrow arches a brow, "Cinnamon, if you were being a white savior, I'd tell you, OK? We're doing a lot, but if you have a good idea, I'll thank you for it, yeah?"

Cinnamon brightens at that, her genuine excitement at what she's discovered shining through, "Okay! Er, I mean you don't have to thank me, but... wait, I'm blathering, aren't I?" She laughs a bit nervously, her hands to her flushed cheeks -- then remembers herself, "Okay, so... okay!" She hastily reaches for her laptop, pushing her plate aside, and happily adds, "Come look, you guys -- this is so cool!" Sparrow moves around so he can lean over Cinnamon's shoulder and look. As she brings up the saved information and webpages, she explains, "So, like, there was this guy in Zimbabwe during the last century, and he was blacklisted by the repressive white government of the time, and he couldn't find a job but had family to support so he went back home to his barren little eight acre plot of land to try and farm, right?"

Cinnamon goes on to explain the remarkable rain-harvesting done by Zephaniah Phiri Maseko on his little farm -- all accomplished by his own labor and meager resources. Cinnamon's excitement is perhaps forgivable as she chatters a mile a minute about the man's work, "...and the terrain there is just like here -- I looked it up! -- mostly arid all the time, but one short season of sometimes torrential rain, right? -and he didn't want to lose all the rain -- he wanted to somehow save all this precious water for his fields through the year. So he knew water flowed downhill..."

She shows how the man figured out to put long, about waist-deep pits across the natural water flow, with berms made of branches, dirt, even cardboard, on the downhill side of the pits... which both soaked up much of the water and kept it from instantly evaporating, "-and initially just during the rainy season there was this little streamlet, right? So he kept building more places for the water to soak, all around the stream, and adding trees to hold the water in place underground too, and eventually over the years it became a year-round lake! Isn't that awesome? He said there were folks that came from like five miles away to get water there, too! And look! Look at the before and after photos! Isn't the land lush now? He laid underground tubes in concrete, that he built entirely himself, from where the water gathered, all the way down to his fields, so the water would get there and stay and soak there..."

Sparrow nods, brows furrowing as he listens and watches, murmuring absently, "I'll have to get Kestrel and Eagle to look into water rights for some of this..."

Once she's shown all she can to Sparrow, Cinnamon looks up, beaming, "And the very best part? He shares it all with the world -- he says everyone's land is a little different, so they'll know best what works for them... but all his plans and knowledge and learning? It's in his non-profit, available for free to anyone who needs it!" She pauses for breath, then blinks a bit anxiously at the Trickster, "So... so what do you think, Sparrow? Might this maybe help your people, as far as maybe raising the water table?"

Sparrow nods slowly again, his eyes flicking across the remarkable photo comparisons on the webpage as he replies, "It's amazing... and it could work really well. I'll have to check in. Water rights around here are... complicated." He smiles wryly, "In the Old West wars were fought over grazing rights, oil rights, and water rights. If we create a barrier that actually stops water from going off the rez on the downhill side? The people down there might lose their fucking minds, so I'm going to work on it, but I'm going to be prepared for metaphorical war when I do it. It's fucking amazing."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, unwittingly looking like a kid at Christmastime, "Oh, yay! So, so you think it'd work, maybe? That it's an okay idea? Awesome!" She laughs as she impulsively gives Sparrow a quick hug, then hastily sits right back down again, flushing a bit at her daring even as she happily adds, "So should I send the fig trees to Kestrel, since they'll be here more than you? They'd know the best place to plant trees too, maybe, right?" She blinks at a sudden thought, then cheerfully chatters on, "Also, if I get the issues correctly, it isn't stopping the water from going downhill that's a worry, but rather that it all evaporates! If you can do stuff to get the water table to rise, then the first folks who'll benefit are actually those folks downhill, you know?" She grins, "And even better? With over a thousand acres in the rez like you have, there's surely gotta be places where 'downhill' is still on your land!" She hasn't yet quite figured out how much her thought processes -- let alone her speaking -- speed up when she's enthusiastic about a new idea!

Sparrow grins at how much Cinnamon's face lights up when she's excited, replying, "Yeah, there's lots of places where downhill is still on the rez -- and I'm fuckin' well gonna make sure this is looked into. Kestrel's gonna be the one doing all the hard work on this. They're my right hand."

Cinnamon beams and nearly bounces in her chair from excitement, "Fantabulous! Okay, moment..." She turns to her laptop, types a few things, then proudly taps a button, "There we go! Fig trees are on their way!" Both men can see, if they look, that four local-species fig trees have been purchased and will be sent to a Kestrel Painter, on the reservation. Cinnamon blushes slightly as she adds, "I, er... didn't know Kestrel's real name, and I didn't want to be rude and ask, and... and I knew that 'painter' is another common name for pumas or cougars, so... I, er, sorta made up the name? Is that okay?"

Sparrow laughs, "It'll get here! If it's got Kestrel as the first name, it'll get to them. There are a lot of last names that people put on Kestrel's packages." His eyes are dancing, as if that has more than one meaning. He hugs Cinnamon tightly, "I'm going to go give them some of this information. You're a treasure, darlin'."

Cinnamon beams excitedly as she returns the hug, "Oh, awesome! I'm so glad you like the idea!" She's almost glowing as Sparrow heads off -- he called her a 'treasure'! She's dragon enough that she's feeling particularly wonderful at that!

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

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