Goblin Town -- Logs

The rest of the practice goes surprisingly well for Cinnamon -- much to her later surprise! She's careful and a bit tentative with Sylvie, not wishing to accidentally harm the pleasant Yew elder, and so while her offense is negligible, her defense is quite passable. Thorn practices the staff kata as well; he's really keen on learning more non-lethal (or rather, less-lethal) combat forms, since he really, really doesn't like guns. It's a little odd, he knows -- he spent time in the National Guard, after all, and even as a medic he had to train on firearms in Basic, though he didn't have to carry one. It's actually against the Geneva Convention for medics to be armed. Chaplains, not so much, which half surprised him. Besides, if he ever dresses the part... don't healing mages also have staves?

When everyone switches partners, and the little dragon ends up with Fraser, he pushes her to attempt more offense, which she does... to the effect that, by the end of the practice, she's whacked poor Fraser a few good ones! He laughs it off, though, refusing to allow her to wince or call things off to tend to him... and so, by the time they all come trooping breathlessly in for dinner, Cinnamon is rather shyly pleased at the big werewolf's rough praise!

Cinnamon comes pattering in to dinner a short while later, after cleaning up and changing clothes... though she wryly thinks to herself that she really needs to find a place to wash her clothing soon, or she'll have nothing clean at all to wear any more! At dinner, it is clear there is some serious talk on-going. The little dragon gathers a very large plate of food -- she's hungry by now! -- then looks around eagerly for Shane. She really wants to find out what the rogue Oakies had to say for themselves!

Shane looks tired, with dark circles under his eyes. Zurina is seated on one side of the young beansidhe, and Jaeger is on the other, encouraging Shane to eat a rather large slab of bread smeared with honey. Marcus stands beside his father, scowling. This is, after all, the young elf's consular territory. Cinnamon looks worried as she patters over, then whispers to Marcus, "Is, um, everything okay?" She studies Shane with concern -- why does he look so worn out? Surely just listening can't be that exhausting? Or... golly, did the Oakies do something moronic like attack folks?! Surely not...?!

Shane looks up at Cinnamon and smiles tiredly, "Can you believe they tried to continue lying? Like... big, huge lies? Trying to lay some sort of bullshit fucking foundation for the crap they pulled on Zurina's people?" Shane must really be tired -- he usually watches his language around Cinnamon! "Fuck, my head hurts..."

Jaeger nods and snorts, "And then they tried to escape -- past Shane, myself, Zurina, and a couple of other warriors. That... did not go the way they expected." He quickly goes on to assure Cinnamon, "They're still very much alive."

Cinnamon nods slowly to Jaeger, her eyes wide -- these two rogues must be mad or something! "D-did they... so they're still denying everything?" She blinks slowly, pushing up her glasses as she muses aloud, "Are they... maybe... insane?" She frowns consideringly: she could offer to command them to tell just the truth... but if they're both mad as hatters, she's not sure that would work -- for the simple reason that they may not know what the actual truth is any more!

Shane snorts, "They tried, at first. Then they pivoted to 'Well we did, but this is why...' You ever hear the narcissist's prayer, acushla?" Cinnamon moves around the table so she can sit across from her tired friend. She puts down her plate, settles herself, then shakes her head inquiringly at Shane's query. She starts neatly eating as she listens avidly to Shane -- she's really hungry! Not only did she work very hard today, both physically and mentally... but she also had her lunch inadvertently cut short. Despite that, however, she really wants to hear what Shane has discovered... if anything?

Shane snorts tiredly, "It'll probably sound familiar. I bet you heard it a lot, from at least Candi. Goes like this: That didn't happen! And if it did, it wasn't that bad! And if it was, that's not a big deal. And if it is a big deal, that's not my fault. And if it was my fault, I didn't mean it, and if I did mean it, you deserved it." He smiles crookedly, "The bully's mantra, I call it sometimes. These two were singing that utter bullshit symphony like they wrote it. It was like they were nailing spikes through my sinuses."

"Indeed." Jaeger rolls his eyes as he continues, "But what we finally got out of them was astonishingly small -- petty, even! Acorn was so small and isolated, and so..." he glances at Ciel, "how did they put it?"

Ciel smiles wryly, "So bizarre. They called the Acorns bizarre."

Jaeger nods, "So bizarre, yes -- that they apparently basically deserved to be serfs -- because they obviously needed to be taken care of!"

Shane growls quietly, "Taken advantage of, you mean."

Cinnamon's eyes get even wider as she listens, still automatically eating. She finishes her mouthful, then worriedly checks, "It was just them, though, right?"

Shane nods, chewing and swallowing another bite of bread and honey, "Mmm, just them. They were working on becoming essentially the top dogs."

Cinnamon nervously nibbles her lower lip, then asks carefully, "Are, um... are the folks of their trod okay? Like... I'm guessing that avalanche that killed the other three elders was their fault, right? So..." She falls silent for a moment, thinking to herself that the damaged Oak trod might actually have several folks who'd rather go assimilate with Acorn rather than stay there! Then she reminds herself: that's their decision, not hers! Quietly she adds, "I hope there are good folks who can go help them... 'cause I bet they're going to need it too. Both Acorn and the rogues' former trod, I mean?" She sighs as she considers that... then gives Zurina a worried glance as well, "How are you doing, Zurina? I know this must have been horrible to witness for you, my friend."

Zurina smiles tiredly at Cinnamon, "They are damaged in the soul. It is painful to see. But I think that they may heal. It will take a long time and much help, but I think it can happen... but they cannot be left to their own devices."

Jaeger frowns, his voice grim, "Oh, yes: the avalanche was not what killed them. It was plain murder. The avalanche was a coincidence that made for good cover. Apparently they'd planned to stage an animal attack before that." Shane snorts in disgust.

Cinnamon nods gravely to Zurina, then winces in spite of herself at Jaeger's dry relating of truly vile information. The little dragon sighs softly and unhappily to herself, feeling bad for everyone and wondering how she can help. Finally she hesitates, then shyly murmurs -- not quite wincing in expectation of annoyance, "I... um... d-did okay... in s-staff fighting today? Uh, a-and... and now that w-we've caught them... m-maybe things can, er, can... start looking up? A little, at least... maybe?" She doesn't know what else to say or do to try and cheer up her friends... but she'd really like to! It's totally not their fault, after all, that the two rogues are such... well, such doodyheads!

Fraser, who came over just in time to hear that bit about 'did okay,' rumbles a cheerful, "Bullshite! Ye did great, lass." He grins at Shane, "Oof, lad. Ye look like ye just came off a three-day bender. They must have been lying worse than a roomful o' politicians!" That makes Shane laugh, and Fraser puts an arm around Cinnamon and hugs her close against his side.

Jaeger laughs and nods, "They were, yes. Also, the actual, sane Oak elders think that Oak can indeed supplement Acorn."

Cinnamon grins with shy pleasure up at Fraser, even though she's blushing at his language, "R-really? You think so... even though I hurt your arm?"

Fraser laughs, "Lass, ask Bjarke sometime about the time he broke Arvid's leg in grappling practice!"

Cinnamon blinks startledly up at Fraser, "G-grappling?! Golly!"

Ciel says wistfully, "I wish fertility magicks were more common.."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Ciel, "Why's that?" Her thoughts are still tangled up in fighting, politicians, and how nice Fraser and Shane are!

Ciel smiles, "Because it would help Acorn recoup their lost numbers. But we don't reproduce easily."

Shane adds to Cinnamon, "Remember the lady that was pregnant at Rowan and the father wasn't her handfasted? But no one cared because it was a baby?"

The little dragon nods, grinning a bit sheepishly, "I, uh, y-yeah! That... was so odd to me, at first!" Hastily she adds, "But, um, Aisling explained it to me -- I d-don't still think that, honest!" She considers... then has to admit to herself that she doesn't understand it -- she suspects she'd have a mixed nausea/anxiety/hysteria attack if it was someone she loved going off to have sex with someone else... but then, she knows that's not going to ever happen to her... so she can accept that others are fine with it.

Ciel nods and smiles, "But since the gods no longer walk amongst us, those blessings are no longer available to us. No Brigid. No Freya. No Demeter." She shrugs, "But we are long-lived. Acorn will grow and they will be protected instead of hunted. Are you going to take Zurina back to her people? Or do you plan to go to Oak with the traitors?"

Cinnamon blinks at that, considering... then turns to Marcus, "It's Marcus' territory to administer, so... what do you think, Marcus?" Then she blinks again as something registers, staring almost in awe at Ciel, "Wait -- you're saying real gods walked on earth once?!" She's so shocked that her voice squeaks!

Ciel tilts her head in thought, "Well, beings that we considered gods did; that had abilities beyond our ken. So we called them gods because of their power."

Shane nods, "Remember, acushla, that Veles' people considered you divine. The smok are divine to them."

Marcus looks thoughtful, "If we have time, I think it is meet for us to go to Oak and take word. I think it is my duty, actually."

Cinnamon's eyes are huge again at Ciel's explanation! At Shane's words, though, the little dragon looks slightly relieved, "Oh! Right... that's right. Oh, right -- and Killa is considered a god too, right." She smiles at Marcus, "Okay! So Oak first, then Acorn?"

Marcus nods, "Yes. Oak and then Acorn."

Jaeger too looks thoughtful about something, but then shakes it off, "That sounds reasonable." Cinnamon gives Jaeger a slightly worried/inquiring glance, and the ancient elf smiles reassuringly at Cinnamon, "In the morning, I think."

Cinnamon nods at that, then looks to Fraser, "Is that okay with you, or do you have to get back to the rest of the crew, or something?"

Fraser smiles, "I dinnae have to get back immediately. Besides, I have a satellite phone to get with Arvid and let him know what's on-going."

Cinnamon nods, then glances at Marcus as she adds, "-and can we leave, um... tomorrow night, please? I'm happy to fly us there, if someone will direct me..." she blushes slightly, "-b-but I, um... kinda need to wash my c-clothes after all this exercise!"

Marcus smiles, "We can wait and recover. My clothes are going to stand up without me, as well."

Ciel laughs warmly, "Get them together and we'll get them cleaned for you!"

Cinnamon sighs in relief, then beams at everyone, "Awesome -- thanks so much, you guys!" She's deeply relieved at Ciel's offered assistance with washing clothes. She takes the next day to rest, pack, make sure her friends are all okay again, and check to see if she can help with anything that needs doing. She wants to be completely ready for take-off that night! Thorn has resolved to try to stay away from the two Oak 'elders,' the ones who committed this... he can't call it a 'stunt,' since it was anything but harmless. They killed people, willingly and willfully. He's no closer to understanding why they did it -- the reasons they gave were so foreign to him, and he doubts they would admit the truth to even themselves. Cinnamon takes a moment to check with Jaeger, too -- that thoughtful look he had rather worried her! She also checks with Marcus, as well: will he want to bring the Oak rogues along with him? Or will they be brought overland back to the trod?

When it comes time to leave the next evening, the two members of Oak that were behind this are brought out. They're shackled, though the shackles seem to be made of something that's not metal and not quite wood. It's very flexible, though. They're also gagged. Jaeger asks, "Cinnamon, will you carry them, or are we going to make them march back?"

Cinnamon blinks up at Jaeger, then looks at the rogues... then uncertainly asks the elder, "W-what, umm... do you recommend, sir?"

Jaeger smiles serenely, "I suggest we take them back. Because the sooner their people know of their malfeasance, the faster they get their punishment, and the faster Acorn gets their wergild. But you are the one that gets to decide if you want to carry scum on your back." Jaeger's eyes twinkle as he lowers his voice, "Of course, it will also show them in a very visceral way that you were not bluffing when you told them who you are."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment... then gets an almost mischievous grin! "Well... if, um, a nice, sturdy chain of that flexible stuff linked them together, then I could just catch that up in my claws... and let them dangle for the 15 minutes or so it'd take to get to their tro- oh! Their former trod?" Thorn blinks. The form of transport Cinnamon is describing sounds horribly harrowing... and might very well be appropriate for these two.

Jaeger nods, smiling serenely, "Cargo rather than passengers. I like that." He calls for someone to get a chain to link the two Oakies together.

Cinnamon giggles at that! She grins at Zurina, explaining the plan... and once everyone's ready, Cinnamon very sincerely thanks all the various elders and guardians for their help in finding justice for the poor Acorns! The little dragon gets a very large hug from Sylvie, and another hand-kiss from Ranier. Simeon assures it was an honor to meet her, though his hand-kiss is more courtly and does not include the wicked upward-flick of his eyes, or the mischievous grin, that Ranier's did.

After that Cinnamon and the rest of the party move to the wide meadow where martial arts are practiced. Cinnamon shifts into dragon form, then beams happily at her friends, "Okay, hop on, everyone -- and be sure to buckle in safely!" She's relieved to see Shane's looking better after a good night's sleep! She curiously adds to Jaeger, "Do you really think they didn't believe me when I said I was a dragon, sir?"

Shane does indeed look better: the dark circles are gone. Jaeger replies calmly, "Knowing is one thing. Experiencing is another, my dear." Cinnamon nods thoughtfully -- that makes sense to her!

Indeed, the two Oak prisoners both scream and thrash, trying to get away when Cinnamon changes. They are restrained -- with a very large grin -- by Fraser, whose brogue is very much in evidence as he says, "She told ye who she was. Be happy she's a pacifist and didnae insist on roastin' ye both crispy -- and feedin' ye both tae th' wolves!" That last word is said with a low growl... though he's also careful to speak very, very quietly, so that Cinnamon doesn't pick up on it.

Cinnamon settles comfortably down into sphinx pose so everyone can safely lash on their luggage as well as themselves. She also grins down at the various elders and guardians, adding, "It was a real pleasure getting to meet you all... and just to be sure you all know? You're all absolutely and always welcome at Council meetings!" She is assured if there is one nearby, they will attend! Soon thereafter, those that have traveled with Cinnamon already are strapped in and the Oakies are slung across her withers like saddlebags. They won't be injured or have nerve damage, but they sure aren't going to be comfortable.

Once that's done, the red dragon rises to her feet for the traditional pre-flight wiggle-shake to make sure everything is secure... and then she grins at the small crowd of curious onlookers, "Stay safe, everyone!" She carefully takes a deep crouch for a leaping take-off, since there's not enough room to run, explaining to her passengers, "Okay, we're going to have to go up fast, everyone, so hang on tight and lean forward -- I don't want anyone to get accidental whiplash or anything!" She counts down from five, so folks are ready... then bounds upward with all her strength, her wings slapping down hard for lift!

Once she's airborne, Cinnamon circles above the trod, giving a friendly wing-waggle... then uses the stars to aim herself to the south-southwest, just as she did last time. Over her shoulder she calls, "Directions, please!" -- since she's not sure who precisely has the information to find the Oak trod, this time.

Jaeger is the navigator; he guides them easily to the Oak trod, once again setting the party down far enough outside the trod's territory that the visitors will be able to hail the trod safely. Cinnamon settles easily to the ground, laughing happily at the pleasure of flight and calling over her shoulder, "So, is it still fun, Zurina?"

Zurina laughs as she dismounts. Her whole demeanor has changed since the moot, "It is still wonderful!" Hugo -- one of the members of the other Oak trod -- has come along to be liaison, as well. The two Oak miscreants are unslung from the harness, while Hugo speaks with Jaeger for a moment before heading a little deeper into the forest. He's off to find this trod's sentries, so as to give the correct signs and counter signs.

Back in the clearing, Cinnamon beams gleefully at Zurina, "Yay!" She glances around, adding in English to Fraser, Shane, and Jaeger, "Should I stay in dragon form until they recognize us? Or are we not expecting any trouble?"

Jaeger smiles up at Cinnamon, "I do not anticipate trouble."

Cinnamon nods and gives Shane a hopeful glance, "Sheet, please... maybe?" It's only a few moments later that she comes trotting out to the clearing again, beaming excitedly up at Shane, next to her, "I think I'm getting pretty good at this, don't you think?!" -- then looks around hopefully, "So, have Jaeger and Hugo found the trod yet?"

Shane grins and has an arm around Cinnamon's shoulders, "I think you're doing excellently, acushla." He's actually rather proud she trusts him not to peek while she's changing. Cinnamon grins almost gleefully up at Shane, at his praise -- she's so thrilled that he actually seems to like her!

Hugo has returned -- along with two rather lovely women in leather armor. They both look somewhat stunned at finding their two remaining elders in bondage and on their knees, with Fraser holding them down by the simple expedient of a hand on the backs of their necks. Cinnamon beams and waves cheerfully at the women, still exuberant from the pleasure of flight, "Hi there!"

The two women greet Cinnamon in French, and then the taller one switches to English, "Hugo has told us what... well, he has summed up what has been found. It is..."

The other one picks up, "It is horrific -- and not to be borne!" She sounds disgusted and angry. She's also carrying a quarterstaff and a bow over her shoulder. She takes a deep breath, then adds more calmly, "We're only a half-mile from the trod entrance. Please, come with us." Thorn realizes he'd been holding his breath upon spotting the Oak wardens, half expecting them not to have yet been informed by Hugo as to why their elders were in chains -- which would likely cause them to... disagree. Violently! He silently sighs and relaxes a bit, however, when he hears their words. It seems almost like the Oak wardens aren't surprised; he hopes so. He thinks it's safe to say, now, that justice will be served.

Cinnamon sighs softly at news of a half-mile walk -- well, shoot! She'd have done better to stay in dragon form, so everyone would get there faster. Still... maybe there'll be food once they arrive, so: win! Plus... she glances sideways with a tiny, shyly delighted smile -- she gets to walk with Shane! Yeah, that's a definite win.

Moments later, as she patters along, the little dragon wonders idly what the wergild will be... and what words it is that Marcus feels he has to hear. Well, she'll find out soon enough, she supposes! A few seconds after that, however, she blinks at a sudden idea -- then calls quietly, "Wait. We're still outside the trod, right? So... Fraser, can you call Arvid on the satellite phone? That way the Acorns can be reassured that Zurina's fine!"

Fraser calls Arvid and lets the Havvarger captain/alpha know that Zurina is, in fact, more than good! He quickly sums up how well things went, and that they're at the offending Oak trod, ending by passing along Zurina's (translated) reassurances to her people, then adding, "I don't doubt we'll have even better news soon."

Cinnamon beams up at Fraser, "Thank you so much! I bet it means a lot to both Zurina and her people, to know that she will be coming back safely... and with good news!" A moment or two later, once they're walking again, she ruefully realizes that staying in dragon form would not have been feasible -- since the path to the trod is through an extremely dense wood! Thorn walks quietly but attentively. He had wondered if the Oak elders had been in on the two miscreants' malfeasance, but it sounds like they weren't. Still, it could be a trap; he'd really rather it wasn't, but better to be cautious. Cinnamon glances thoughtfully at Hugo, adding, "So is your knack something that will allow you to sort of insist that the two rogues actually pay wergild, or something like that?"

Hugo says, "I prefer not to speak too much of my knack. But my word is sacrosanct."

One of the guards leading them speaks back over her shoulder, "Hugo is absolutely to be trusted."

Cinnamon glances at the guard, then smiles curiously at Hugo, "I, um, wasn't trying to... well, like, impugn your word or anything? I was just wondering how folks were intending to ensure a wergild was paid...?" As they approach the trod they seem almost to be walking down an aisle. There are ancient oak trees on either side, with the branches arching gracefully up overhead to create an almost cathedral-style ceiling above them all. The leaves whisper softly in a wind that doesn't seem to actually touch the little group walking beneath them.

Hugo nearly intones, "It will be paid because I gave my word it would be."

One of the wardens -- the other one, this time -- nods, "He has set himself as your champion."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at that! She considers for a bit, then gently adds, "You mean... Zurina's champion, surely? Or am I misunderstanding?"

Hugo nods gravely, "She means the general 'you,' I think. You, after all, are claiming part of the wergild, yes? As Liam's grandchild." He smiles wryly, "Besides, one of the elders that was 'killed in an avalanche' was my mother's sister." There are scare-quotes and everything, in the elder's voice.

Cinnamon smiles ruefully, "Well, while I'm claiming part of the wergild for both Liam and Elias... we both thought we'd just contribute what we got to the Acorns." Quietly she adds, "I'm sorry to hear your aunt was one of the murder victims, though, Hugo. Nobody deserves to die like that, I think." She blushes in embarrassment as her stomach -- predictably! -- chooses that moment to rumble.

Hugo's voice is somewhat flat and menacing as he says, "No. No one does."

About that time, a door seems to... appear -- one that's (unsurprisingly) made of oak. One of the wardens knocks on it in a somewhat intricate pattern, and it swings rather ponderously open. Cinnamon sighs softly in relief that no one giggles at her stupid tummy! Then she blinks startledly at the door... and has to cover a nervous giggle! A door in the middle of the woods?! Well... at least it's not a wardrobe? Thorn too blinks. A door? An actual door? This is very different from Elm!

Once past the door, everyone realizes they're no longer outside -- but instead they're in something rather like a palace -- one woven from the forest around them. The walls are wood and vine and leaf; the ceilings are intertwined limbs that soar overhead in vaults like cathedrals; the floors are mossy carpets. There are tapestries hung on the walls and over the doorways, aside from the solid, normal seeming door they came through. Cinnamon cranes her head back and stares around herself in surprise and pleasure, a small, "...oooooh!" escaping her lips. It's a good thing she's walking next to Shane, in fact, since she's not really watching where she's going!

Shane grins down at Cinnamon's fascination. He's been to Oak trods outside of Coblyn, but didn't say anything because he didn't want to ruin the surprise for either her or Thorn. These trods are more earthy than the city-based ones, but Oak is still... Oak. Cinnamon wonders thoughtfully if the rogues' sickness can be felt here, just as it was in Holly... or if there'll just be a lack of that wonderful, peaceful sensation she felt in the European Elm trod. Hugo continues walking as he tells everyone, "We're going to the council hall. Most of the trod will be gathered there." [Well,] Cinnamon thinks to herself, [at least it's not a throne room!] She nods to Hugo, still staring around herself with fascination.

The Oak trod actually feels solemn... rather grand, in fact. Not as peaceful as Elm and not as earthy as Rowan, but it definitely does not have the sickness of Holly. This just seems a very serious sort of place, like a church or a courthouse. Rowan felt like a home where people were joyful and maybe sometimes a bit irreverent and Elm felt... well, yes: peaceful. Consequently, Cinnamon is somewhat relieved the rogues didn't have time to poison this place! Curiously, that makes her feel a bit more certain that they didn't have many collaborators here... if any. She glances at the two rogues, wondering what they're thinking. Shane speaks quietly so Cinnamon and Thorn can both hear, "As I said, Oak takes themselves seriously."

Surprisingly, perhaps, Marcus speaks: "That is because Oak was, once upon a time, the trod that was called on to be the justiciars of the general moots. They were considered the steady, strong ones. The nature of their tree, you see." He motions around the trod they're walking through, "Each trod had its place, and the nature of the tree shaped the job of the trod. It isn't that way anymore, but that old job still somewhat shapes the..." He waves a hand, looking for a word, "The 'feel' of the trods." Cinnamon blinks interestedly at Marcus, nodding as she listens... then glances around with avid interest as they all enter the council hall. What's the demeanor of the various folks awaiting them in the hall? Thorn nods quietly at Shane's and Marcus' commentary, also looking around. It's... a bit intimidating, but then again, most courthouses are meant to be.

The council hall is full almost to bursting -- it would appear that nearly the whole trod is there. No one seems to be standing on the dais that's only slightly above the rest of the hall at the far end. If anyone bothers to check, it seems to be at the eastern end of the hall. Cinnamon silently follows Hugo... though she does sigh quietly to herself again. Oak really must take its job as justice seriously -- because there's been no pause for any of them to tidy up a bit, or get a bite to eat! Ah, well... hopefully this won't take too long, and then she can get some food and rest. She grins ruefully to herself, and hopes her tummy remains discreetly silent... for once!

The wardens introduce them at the door, giving all the names and getting them all correct -- right down to intonation. Hugo steps forward and is greeted by a male and female that look like they could be brother and sister. They actually hug Hugo, then turn to the visitors. Marcus steps forward and greets them, then turns first to Cinnamon, "This is Cinnamon, a member of the global Council. Her grandfather was Liam O'Donnell, and she now holds his seat." He sighs, adding, "I am sorry I have been tardy in visiting this trod, and the others in my territory. I see now that it was very remiss of me. Perhaps this could have been solved long ere now."

Cinnamon nods and greets the two Oak people with grave courtesy, quietly adding, "Thank you for seeing us. I wish our first meeting were under happier circumstances... but I hope we'll have many later opportunities for that." She waits then to see if Marcus introduces everyone else. If he doesn't want to, though, she will.

Marcus does indeed introduce everyone else, with his father Jaeger next -- along with a long list of honorifics! Marcus turns next to Thorn, "This is Thorn Elmtrod, a healer and member of my own trod through association with a kinswoman. He does us the honor of traveling with us, and has done both my father and I great service in the past." Thorn is surprised to be introduced, but he bows politely when introduced. After the healer, Marcus introduces Zurina, "This is Zurina, Elder of Acorn... and the most grievously sinned-against of us all. I only introduce her this late because I wanted to first give our bona fides -- so you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we all vouch for her without reserve. Her trod has been used, lied to, and harmed in ways beyond measure, by these two..." He lets his words trail off, as if he had adjectives he was going to use but politely decided not to. Instead he motions to Fraser, who brings forward the two traitors.

Hugo, however, takes up the description, "By these two animals disguised as sidhe, who lied in the name of your trod, and sought to use the good name of Oak in a most disgusting and vicious manner. They are lower than filth... and I vouch for that on my honor and my name."

The man and woman who greeted them look deeply concerned. The man waves two more wardens forward, "Take these two and make sure they're secured. Give them food and water and make sure they're watched closely." He looks the rogues up and down, adding, "Have Helena watch that one. She will not be swayed by him." There are nods and the two rogues are taken away. Cinnamon has seen the rogues, and doesn't like them. Now, she's curiously watching the audience... and wondering if they'll get led up to the dais, or someplace else where she can politely sit!

The female that came to greet them says, "Please: come and sit, all of you." The people shift around in the room, revealing that there are seats all around the room's edges. The little group is taken up to the dais, where there are enough seats for all of them plus the man and woman greeters. Voices in this room seem to carry very well. Cinnamon sighs in relief once she can sit -- she's been working hard, it feels like, for days now! She grins quietly to herself -- at least staff fighting wasn't too bad earlier today!

The two people that met them at the door are introduced as Solange and Gael. Gael says, "There will be some food brought soon. It is terribly impolite not to have it waiting, we know, but we are anxious to know what is going on and our manners are not at their best." Gael's accent is lilting, and he reaches out to take Zurina's hands, his gaze serious and sad as he slips into French, "Our sister, we are so deeply sorry. The story those two rabid dogs told us was not the story you were told."

Cinnamon sighs in relief again -- she's so happy to see Zurina appreciated by these people! The little dragon relaxes then, settling back and letting the voices buzz around her. She's tired and hungry, and it looks like everything is well in hand... and perhaps most importantly, this is about Zurina, not her! Consequently Cinnamon doesn't feel any need to worry. She does lean to whisper very softly to Shane, though, "Hey, nudge me gently if I doze off, please?"

Shane grins and murmurs back, "Oh, I don't think you'll doze. You're more..." Just then, someone comes storming through the door of the chamber. There was no solid door on it, but there's somehow the sense one was slammed open -- and heads turn in that direction.

Cinnamon blinks startledly, her head coming up -- okay, that snapped her awake again! She leans to whisper to Shane again, "Who's that?" Thorn too straightens, though he was already sitting pretty straight after that introduction. His eyes, like those of a great many in the room, are drawn to the sudden commotion at the doorway.

Shane shakes his head, murmuring, "No idea..."

Hugo, however, growls, "And here is the one possible problem." The man striding up toward the dais is glowering. He's not dressed as flashily as the two disgraced elders, but he carries himself with the same sense of self-importance. Hugo adds, "Marcel."

Solange stands, her own eyes flashing, "I see you've finally decided to join us."

Marcel barks in French, "Why is my brother being treated like a rabid animal?!"

Cinnamon looks puzzled -- the rogues are apparently brothers. So... why is Marcel -- oh! She nods thoughtfully to herself: must be that one rogue has one shared parent with Marcel, and the other parent shared with the other rogue. She bites back on the urge to tartly reply, 'Because he's acting like one?' This isn't her place, after all -- it's Oak's and, (at most) Marcus'. Solange doesn't have to restrain herself, however -- she replies in kind, sharply and coldly, "Perhaps because he has been behaving like one?" Hugo stands as well, moving to descend from the dais, so he can stand between it and Marcel.

Cinnamon grins at Solange as she whispers the translation to Shane, then adds, "Just what I wanted to say -- good for her!"

Shane too grins, murmuring, "I like her." Cinnamon giggles softly as she agrees! Hugo steps down from the dais -- only to find himself shoved bodily aside. The little dragon raises an eyebrow at that... brother or no, this Marcel person is not going to be allowed to free the rogues!

Hugo doesn't go down, but it's a near thing. Marcel gets into Solange's face and there's a quiet but intense argument about the rogues' behavior, with Marcel insisting that his brother would never do such a thing, and Solange telling Marcel to sit down and shut up in the very politest of terms. When Marcel calls Solange some very colorful names, however, the gealsidhe woman's eyes snap and she slaps him smartly across the face, growling, "Sit down or I will have you removed from the chamber until this is settled!"

The slap causes Marcel to reel backward. Shane mutters, "Oh crap..." It's one of those moments that can either explode... or could act like a bucket of ice water to the man's face.

Cinnamon stands up, her unhappy gaze on Marcel as she murmurs quietly to Shane, "Excuse me, please?" She doesn't quite stomp over to stand next to Solange, glaring at Marcel as she says in clear, sharp French, "You should sit. Down. -and listen to the evidence. If you don't... I'm tired and hungry, and you're going to make me lose my temper!" Then she glances quickly around -- is there anything at all staff-like near her? She's waiting for Marcel to recover from staggering backwards, and his demeanor is going to determine her reaction. If he's calmed down and reasonable, then all's good... but if he's full-on angry-face, Cinnamon would prefer to hit him with a stick to yelling fire into his face!

Fortunately Cinnamon spots what seems to be some kind of flag -- actually more properly a standard -- within arm's reach. It's on a pole, so that would be sufficiently staff-like, surely? Unfortunately Marcel does not take kindly to being slapped. He staggers back slightly... and then his head snaps forward again, and he lunges toward the two women! Cinnamon reaches out and grabs the pole, nearly snapping it off its stand -- then steps forward and does her best broadside snap outwards at Marcel, trying to whack him back off the dais entirely!

Almost no one was expecting that! Almost. Shane isn't surprised in the least, so he grins and actually laughs with delight as Cinnamon puts her new skills to use! Zurina too laughs and applauds, as Marcel goes flying backwards off the dais with a shocked expression, ending up skidding several feet along the floor of the chamber. He's had the breath seriously knocked out of him!

Here and there around the room there are gasps and yelps of surprise. Others are whispering hastily, as those who noticed share with others that Cinnamon didn't actually take the standard out of the stand -- no, she broke the solid oak pole off -- with one hand, almost effortlessly!

Solange is slowly blinking, still slightly shocked as two of Oak's wardens move briskly to each grab one of Marcel's arms, then haul him up to his feet. It appears they aren't actually taking him into custody... yet... but they do have that firm, 'It would be better if you didn't go back up there' type of body language. Marcus gets almost lazily to his feet, going to stand by the little dragon and rest a hand on her shoulder as he murmurs approvingly, "And that is why we wanted you to get past the hesitancy to actually hit someone. Brava."

Cinnamon is still in defensive stance as she glances up at Marcus, then turns her grimly focused attention back to Marcel, "Thank you." Once Marcel is on his feet again, she frowns and calls to him, "Now, are you going to sit your rump down and behave? Or am I going to have to resort to fire next?"

Hugo murmurs in quiet amusement, "And this is why it is unwise to arrive late -- and miss the information about a visiting dignitary being a dragon." Cinnamon can't help the small, wry smile at that -- but she remembers her training with Fraser, and doesn't break stance yet! She just shifts the tiniest bit so she can, if necessary, block an attack on Marcus as well -- he's fragile, after all. It happens too fast for Thorn to really register everything that happens. One moment Cinnamon is striding forward towards the inevitable confrontation -- and the next, Cinnamon has... done something! Clobbered Marcel and made him behave pretty straightforwardly!

Marcel's eyes almost bug out -- and then he nervously stutters, "I... I will sit." The wardens both release his arms -- with a bit of an admonishing stare -- and he moves slowly and carefully to sit.

Solange murmurs, "Thank you."

Cinnamon sighs and straightens, neatly flipping the flagpole back upright. She turns and gives a slight bow to Solange, handing the flagpole to the woman as she murmurs in French, "I apologize if this was at all disrespectful to your flag. I hope that it being used in defense makes up for any, um... possible offense?" Once Solange's hands are on the pole, Cinnamon releases and, with a small sigh, goes and sits down again next to Shane.

Solange's eyes actually flash with amusement for a moment, "This is a battle standard. They were carried into war." She motions toward the decorated top of the pole, where there is something that looks suspiciously like a spearhead, as she adds, "They were sometimes used as weapons, in a pinch!" She hands the standard off to a warden, who also takes the original base out of the stand, then fits the now-shorter standard-pole back into the base. Solange nods once, dusting her hands off as she adds, "Now... Let us proceed." She seats herself again, and serious discussion begins regarding what was recently revealed, at Elm. As they talk, food is brought in for the visitors.

Cinnamon smiles tiredly up at Shane, "That wasn't too bad, was it?"

The beansidhe grins and leans to kiss the little dragon's cheek, "That was magnificent!"

Cinnamon blinks, wide-eyed and her cheeks flushing hotly as she squeaks, "Oh!" She turns even brighter red at her rather audible, startled exclamation, and reflexively tries to hide by hunching down a bit... even as she mutters with embarrassed pleasure, "W-wh... er, th-thank you!" Then she brightens at sight of the food -- fantastic, something to distract both herself and everyone else from her embarrassing little outburst! She eats neatly but voraciously, and if she can she'll ask for seconds... maybe even thirds! She's quite hungry and tired by now, after all.

From the way Marcel is moving, his ribs are at least badly bruised -- if not actually cracked -- but he's also likely too proud to ask for any help just now. Things take a few minutes to settle down. In that time, a few more people come in, carrying food for the visitors. The scent of roasted meat with herbs is heavy in the air. Small tables -- a sort of elegant version of TV trays -- are set before each of the visitors and food is set on them.

Thorn glances over to Cinnamon as he nibbles on dinner. He's quite proud of her, the way she reacted and stepped up! He rather thinks that the next time her family tries to barge in on her existence, it won't take Shane to keep them at bay... and from the way Marcel is moving, if it came down to Cinnamon's family trying to drag her away, she'd easily be able to physically resist them. So thinking, the healer turns his attention to Marcel, wondering what that one's stake in the rogue elders is, besides family relationship.

To be perfectly honest, Cinnamon isn't paying much attention to the discussion regarding the rogues! She's really tired from all the exercising of the past few days, so when she finally finishes eating she's full, warm, and contentedly seated next to Shane... and it doesn't take long until exhaustion causes her to slowly tip towards sleep, with her head resting on Shane's shoulder. She doesn't even realize she's done so. She's just peacefully letting the buzzy voices swirl around her, and resting her eyes, as she drifts in that half-asleep, half-awake state. Shane puts an arm lightly around Cinnamon's shoulder to keep her from tipping out of her chair, and lets her doze. They've all heard all of this before.

When the discussion get to the paying of wergild, there's murmuring through the trod. Marcel starts to stand again and object -- but Solange holds up a hand to pause everything, then says firmly, "If you are objecting on the grounds that your brother didn't do this thing, that has already been settled: he did. The truth of it has been proven! Further, it concerns me that you are objecting so strenuously to this. I start to wonder if you were either complicit, or he has somehow tampered with your mind. In either case, you need to stay quiet until you can be questioned, Marcel, or I will not hesitate to have you removed from the chamber. This is not to see if wergild is owed. It is how it will be paid."

Jaeger turns to Shane and murmurs, "That's a good question." He translates for the half-beansidhe, then smiles as he realizes Cinnamon is dozing.

Marcel's eyes are snapping with anger as he opens his mouth, as if to say something more -- but then he takes a deep breath, turns and stomps out. Shane murmurs, "Yeah. I think we need to find that guy after this is over."

The conversation goes on for a while until it is decided: the rogues' fortunes are forfeit and will be paid to Acorn, Elias, and Cinnamon, though the greatest part will go directly to Acorn. There will also be a call for people who wish to join Acorn, to help in bolstering their numbers. The call will have a few caveats, however: those wishing to join must be under a certain age, and will swear a bond of fealty that will include learning the ways of the Basque sidhe, including their language and traditions. The newcomers will essentially be adopted into the trod, eschewing their old heritage. This is unusual, but since the way Acorn was treated is egregious, it is seen as meet. When the talking is over, Shane gently nudges Cinnamon to wake her up, murmuring, "Acushla? They've got rooms for us."

Cinnamon is a bit groggy, yawning and mumbling, "Uhh? Wuz I snorin'? Sorry, Shaney..." She heads with sleepy docility to the room she's led to, mumbling thanks as she closes the door... then nearly falling over again on the bed! She feels like she could sleep for a week!

The next morning, Cinnamon and Thorn are both awakened by knocks on their doors, accompanied by a cheery greeting from a small, chattery someone with trays of food -- cheese, fruit, preserves, and fresh bread. Consequently, when Cinnamon finally comes pattering out of her room, she's far more alert! She's eagerly searching for her friends, information on whether Marcel has been questioned, and information on how the wergild was settled... not necessarily in that order! And... maybe a bit more food. That was a lovely, light aperitif to breakfast, she thinks... or at least her stomach does!

Thorn thanks the person for the food, and reflects on how well things have been going so far. He makes a mental note to check with Oak's healer, just in case there's anything he can help with. Shane's room is directly next to Cinnamon's, and Thorn's is the next after that. The half-beanside sees Cinnamon padding past and calls out to her, since his door is open. Cinnamon checks, turning back to peek (a bit nervously) inside, "Shaney? Oh! Hi... I didn't know this was your room." She beams, adding, "So, what's the plan? Is Acorn getting all the wergild? Is Zurina happy? Are we taking her home tonight, or what?"

Shane is sitting on his bed and braiding his hair as he smiles at Cinnamon, "You and Elias are technically getting some wergild. From what I understand, it consists partially of gems and gold. But Zurina is getting the rest of their belongings other than basic clothing, the bare minimum of furniture, and essential amenities. We'll find out this morning how many Oak members have volunteered to go join Acorn, and then we'll be taking her home tonight so she can take the news back to her people." He smiles wryly, "I apparently get to talk to Marcel for a bit today. He was still up in arms about his brother, but I get the feeling he's just in denial that his baby brother could be a villain -- proud, but not in on it."

Cinnamon claps her hands excitedly, "Oh, yay! That's such good news for Zurina and the Acorns! I hope she feels justice has finally been done!" She nearly bounces into the room, plopping down onto the chest at the end of the bed as she nearly burbles happily, "Elias and I were planning to give the wergild we get to Acorn as well -- I hope Jaeger's proud of Marcus too! When and where can we find out about possible new folks for Acorn? Do they want to ride back there too, or do they want to travel more normally? Have you seen Zurina yet this morning? Is she happy?" The little dragon laughs then, catching herself and apologizing, "Wow, sorry about that... I'm kinda excited still!" She pauses, considering... then curiously adds, "What's happening to the rogues? Are they being kept here, or what?"

Shane ties off his braid with a piece of rawhide and smiles, "Zurina stopped by on her way to see Solange. She was up before dawn, though I get the idea it's when she's normally up. The rogues are being kept here -- house arrest, of a sort. They aren't going to be locked in their rooms, but they're going to be watched very closely. It's not like we can do ankle bracelets, but they're going to be enspelled."

Cinnamon shyly adds, "You have the prettiest hair, asth- Shaney!" She blushes at her almost-slip, hastily adding, "Oh, uh, that -- th-that sounds..." She blinks, pausing and thinking for a while... then slowly says, "They're... going to still be... together? Like... like those nasty incel jerks online that talk only to each other, and feed and fester each other's anger and damage?"

Shane smiles, "Yours is lovely too, you know. It's getting red highlights from you being out in the sun more." He reaches for one of the red locks, pulling it out to show her, in a very subtle caress. "Let's go gather Thorn. I think they wanted him to look at Marcel while I talk to him, and I'd like to have you there in case he needs to be reminded to behave." Cinnamon blushes even more hotly, freezing in place with her eyes wide as she watches Shane. Abruptly the memory flashes back into her mind: last night, Shane... he kissed her! Not just a cute little peck on the nose for a cute and sometimes annoying little kid sister either -- he kissed her on the cheek! Like... like you might do for a really, really good friend! She finds herself abruptly tongue-tied -- she can't think of a thing to say, past what's singing through her head: Shaney ki-iiiissed her! Her -- fat, dumpy little Ma- no! Cinnamon! She's Cinnamon... the red-haired dragon, right! And... and Shane likes her hair too -- he said so! She beams shyly, her eyes sparkling and not a clue in her head any more as to what to say.

Thorn emerges from his room just then, having polished off his breakfast plate, and hears Cinnamon and Shane talking. He hesitates before heading over to the open door, just in case the ice has broken between them -- he doesn't want to interrupt or embarrass either of them! Shane catches movement at the door and calls out, "Morning, Thorn!" He stands up and buckles on the belt with his normal knife. He turned over his sword at the entrance to the trod, but no one tried to take his belt knife. It's as if no one seems to consider the knives most men carry as actual weapons, in the same way a sword or bow would be. "Want to join us in talking to the delusional Marcel?"

Cinnamon is finally able to start thinking again, once Shane's not effectively stroking her hair -- she takes a deep, gasping breath and blinks... and blushes even more hotly! Crabcakes, she hopes Shane didn't notice her mental lock-up there! She hastily reviews: what were they talking about? Oh, good -- just Marcel. Okay, that's safe... she doesn't expect him to be any trouble. She considers for a moment, then adds a bit sheepishly, "Can we, um... maybe... will we, ah, be meeting Solange or... or Hugo there? I, er... I'd like to ask a few questions?"

Shane nods, "They'll both be there."

"Okay!" Cinnamon beams, hopping to her feet, "Let's go, then!" Pattering out the door and cheerfully greeting Thorn, she adds, "Which way, please?"

Thorn relaxes once he realizes that there's nothing he needs to worry about interrupting... this time. He comes to Shane's door, "I imagine that Marcel just has some bruising, but best to make sure. Where to?"

Cinnamon snorts amusedly, "Bruising? I lofted that jerk right off his stupid feet as he charged us, Thorny -- I wouldn't be surprised if he has a broken rib, even!" She frowns, adding, "I'd feel bad about it, but... wowsers, did you hear- wait... right, it was in French." She opens her mouth to obligingly translate -- but then blushes hotly, "I, uhh... if y-you'll excuse me, I'd... rather not translate it... p-please?"

Shane arches both brows, "He must have been calling her some pretty awful things, huh? Well, cracked ribs won't kill him." Not usually, anyway. "This way." Shane seems to know his way around. He's not about to admit that he actually did some midnight exploring, like he tends to do in any unfamiliar place. They find Solange and the other Oak elders, Jaeger, Marcus, Hugo, Marcel, and Fraser there. There's more juice and bread and fruit available.

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! More breakfast -- fabulous!" She beams, adding, "Hi everyone!" then glances around curiously as she's helping herself to more food, "Is Zurina up yet? I was hoping to find out if she's happy with how things are going...?" She's embarrassedly careful not to answer Shane's sort-of query -- because while the names Marcel called Solange were indeed rather deliberately horrible... even just thinking about them embarrass the heck out of poor Cinnamon! So, instead she also asks Solange, "So, um... are the two rogues going to be kept here, together? Or will they be farmed out to other Oak trods -- so they're not together all the time and -- and sort of feeding each other's resentment and sense of privilege and outrage and all?"

Solange smiles, "Zurina went out for just a bit with a pair of wardens. They're gathering the part of the wergild that's portable at the moment. The rest will be... what is the word... liquidated? -and brought to Acorn, with the volunteers, in a couple of weeks. Marcel's brother will stay here with us, and the other is going back with Hugo. You are right that we do not wish to have them together. They are a menace."

Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Oh, good! I'm glad to hear that about them." She neatly devours a strawberry as she seats herself at the open end of the table, then happily adds, "So, um... can I have the wergild for my greatsire and for Elias added to the amount that's going to Acorn, please? Elias and I talked it over and decided that was the most useful thing we could do, since neither of us are wanting... and Acorn needs all the encouragement we can give them right now, I think?"

Solange blinks, then smiles, "You are a good soul. Yes, we can add that to what's going to Acorn -- and they can definitely use it. We're also going to be sending some of our people who are stronger in illusion to help them build defenses when they find a place for a permanent trod. Zurina..." Solange looks up with a warm smile, "-and here she is."

Zurina comes in, wearing traveling clothes. She's once again dressed as she was when Cinnamon, Thorn, and the others first met her. The little dragon brightens as she looks around, "Zurina! Hi there -- how're you doing? Are you okay with how things settled out?"

Zurina is smiling quietly, "I am as content as one can be in such a situation. I am happy to know that we are once again a seed and not a rogue trod."

Solange smiles, "You are not a seed, Zurina. You are powerful in your own right."

Cinnamon tilts her head a bit puzzledly, wondering what situation Zurina means. Is something still missing for the Acorn elder, perhaps? She curiously echoes Zurina, "In... such a situation? What's not right yet, then?"

Zurina says, "That so many had to die and we had to lose so many years estranged."

"Oh." Cinnamon sighs, "I'm sorry, Zurina. That, I can't help with. But if there's anything else, please let us know? Marcus in particular -- he's your territorial representative, after all!" She smiles at Marcus, then adds to the Acorn elder, "Also, I've told Solange, but I'll tell you too: Elias and I are giving our wergild to Acorn as well. I hope it's helpful!"

Marcus nods, murmuring that he has plans but needs to firm them up. Zurina's eyes get a little shiny, though the tears don't quite fall, "That is more than generous of you -- it will be helpful! We need to recoup some things, and being able to buy from the humans will be quite useful. Food, especially."

Solange adds, "We'll be helping with that, as well." Then she sighs, "And now..." She turns to study Marcel.

Cinnamon beams and hugs Zurina, "Oh, sweetie -- it seems like the least we can do, but I'm glad it helps!" She finishes off her piece of toast after that, watching how folks handle Marcel. He's another one she really thinks could use the big dose of reality that traveling offers!

Once the questioning starts, Solange moves into English to make it easier on Shane -- it seems she and Marcel both speak that tongue. Marcel is a little sulky and belligerent at first, insisting that his brother wouldn't do such things. Shane finally rubs his temples and sighs, "He thinks he's telling the truth -- he really does. I'm just getting that background ache of something that's not true, but you don't know it."

Cinnamon curiously asks Marcel, "Did you help him at all?"

Marcel sneers at Cinnamon, "Of course I did not. Because he didn't do it!"

Shane sighs, "That first part is true. The second... same thing. Not true, but he doesn't know it."

Marcel rounds on Shane, snarling, "Will you shut up, you stupid boy! Who are you to tell me what is true and what is not?!"

Solange snaps, "That boy is the son of the Chieftain of Rowan in Galway, Ireland -- and he has the truthseeing knack, so you will quit being childish. He has been vouched for by unassailable witnesses... unlike your disgraced brother."

Cinnamon looks slightly taken-aback by the vehemence... but then gets a fascinated look on her face, "Why are you denying this so emphatically? It's almost like... like your sense of self is tied up in your brother or something!" She thinks for a moment, then glances thoughtfully at Solange, "What's his brother's knack, please?" Thorn arches a brow very slowly at Marcel's emphatic arguments. Why in the world is he digging himself deeper?

Solange sighs, "Marcel helped raise his brother -- their mother died in childbirth. The brother's knack is much like a dragon's, actually. He can sense mineral deposits."

Cinnamon blinks startledly, "Dragons have knacks?!" A moment later she brightens, "Oh! Well, that certainly explains things!" She thinks about that for a moment... then grins excitedly and tries to sort of 'feel' around herself... but underground, this time! Can she sense any minerals under them all? Admittedly, it won't be anything precious -- the rogue brother would likely have dug those up already -- but she's curious as to how good she is at it, if at all!

Marcel is still scowling, but he's also looking a bit stricken, "I raised him -- he would not do this!"

Jaeger smiles at Cinnamon, "No, what you have is not exactly a knack."

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully -- she's not actually getting anything at all, that way. All she's getting is the metal content of the weapons and jewelry of the folks near by her. She blinks a bit startledly, glancing at Shane -- she'd not realized there even were scabbards to hold a knife there! -- but then she blushes and hastily looks at Jaeger instead, "Oh, uh... oh. Um, so... so what is it, then?" A moment later she pushes her glasses up, looking at Marcel with a hint of pity, "Um, you do realize that your insistence that your brother is an angel... is likely a big part of how he got away with being a truly wicked, murderous person?"

Jaeger explains, "It's just a native sense... like smell for anyone else -- or hearing. Or, for various types of elves, our advanced proprioception. It's not quite a knack because it isn't individual. All western dragons seem to have it."

Marcel hangs his head and buries his face in his hands, "He swore to me... swore that he was innocent!" His voice is choked, "Swore it on the grave of our mother!"

Thorn thinks that someone who is willing to murder for temporal profit likely doesn't put too much into what they swear upon, or even the integrity of their oaths at all. Cinnamon reaches out to gently pat Marcel's forearm, and her voice is sincere, "I'm really sorry, Marcel. If it helps any, I know what it feels like to... to have someone you love betray you... even though you desperately want them not to!" Shane doesn't say it, but he thinks Cinnamon -- more than anyone here -- probably know just what it feels like to have family that would use you and throw you under the bus. Marcel's shoulders are shaking and he's sobbing -- but then he hisses in through his teeth as the sobbing sends pain through his body. Cinnamon sighs as she sits back, murmuring, "I'm sorry I damaged you too, now. Thorny, could I trouble you to check Marcel's ribs, please?"

"Of course." Thorn crouches beside the weeping elf, "Marcel? Please give me a moment; I will need to touch you to properly tell what needs mending."

Cinnamon nods quietly to Jaeger, "I wonder if... if it's different to be able to sense something like that when you're a dragon... and if you're not, somehow it's easier for greed to consume you, if you can do that?" She wryly adds, "Though I don't doubt greed has consumed some dragons too!"

Jaeger shakes his head, "It's something to think on. Oh, some dragons have been consumed in that way. People's character is not linked to their species."

Marcel winces and sits up, eyes squinting as he stumblingly tells Cinnamon, "I... was... being irrational. I was angry and scared. You were protecting..." He looks at Thorn and nods, "Thank you."

Cinnamon smiles at Marcel, "Thank you for the apology. I hope you'll accept mine too."

Thorn nods to Marcel, smiling, [Now that he's gotten some semblance of being rational about him, he apologizes well.] The healer attempts to sense just what is wrong -- though it's pretty clear Marcel's ribs are broken. Cinnamon hit him hard, after all! Though better that than him being fricasseed. Thorn closes his eyes, and under his light touch, he visualizes the bones re-seating themselves -- he may have to ask Marcel to sit up straight, even if it hurts -- and mending themselves.

Cinnamon mentally reviews her earlier questions to Shane, in an effort to hopefully draw attention away from Marcel, so the poor man won't be further embarrassed. A few seconds later, she brightens, "Oh! Solange, how many folks are choosing to join Acorn -- do you know by now?"

Solange smiles, "A dozen for now -- seven female, five male. Two of the women are pregnant! We were quite pleased with that, actually." She smiles wryly, "They're the only two pregnant women in the trod, so it's a loss for us, but we are actually quite healthy, numbers-wise, while Acorn... is not."

Cinnamon nods gravely, "Acorn was short enough on children that there was one woman who was simultaneously mother to two!"

Just then Marcel sits up, gasping and with wide eyes, "What... what are you?" His hands go to his torso, pressing at the places that were paining him so badly just seconds ago.

Cinnamon beams proudly at Thorn, "He's Thorn -- an awesome healer!" She grins with wry sternness as she adds, "Though usually the response to him is 'thank you,' rather than 'what are you'?"

Marcel flushes, "I am very grateful, but..." Cinnamon tilts her head and raises an inquiring eyebrow, waiting rather pointedly for Marcel's sentence conclusion. From her behavior, it's rather clear she wants it to be polite! Marcel stumbles, "It is... I have never seen healing like this." Solange is blinking as well. Cinnamon considers Marcel's words... then glances at Thorn, to see if he's okay with them or not. Marcel too looks at Thorn, "Thank you very much. Broken ribs are sometimes called minor, but the pain is very vexing for a very long time. This is a blessing I may not have deserved after my behavior."

Thorn smiles quietly to Marcel, "I've been told it's fairly rare." He doesn't really elaborate more than that... because he doesn't yet know anything more! "I'm just starting to figure out what it is. You're very welcome. I'm just glad to help."

Cinnamon smiles, pleased at Marcel's nice recovery -- both verbal and physical! Then she glances around at everyone, "So! Is that it, then? If I understand things correctly, everything's been settled, and we're just waiting for nightfall to fly Zurina home again. So is there anything else that needs covering?"

Solange shakes her head, "No, that's it for now. I would not ask you to take the other..." she glances at Marcel, not wanting to use the word 'traitor' here because it's clear Marcel is still in emotional pain, "prisoner with you, even though I know it would be quick. Hugo will escort him back."

Cinnamon nods cheerfully, "Okay! In that case, umm... may I ask a favor of you and Hugo at some point? In private?"

Solange nods and stands, "Certainly. If you'd like, we can step outside now...?" Outside seems to mean actually outside. Most of Oak seems to be that 'building that's not really a building' effect... but there are little gardens scattered about that seem to be actual forest, or places to grow food. Solange leads Cinnamon and Hugo through a door into one of those which lies off the room where everyone is.

Cinnamon thanks them both, then whispers quietly to the two Oak elders, explaining her desire: she's searching for a gift for Thorn, who did something very kind for her, and she knows he wants to find books on the 'esoteric history' of the supernatural world. Do they know of anything like that, that she might get for the healer? Solange and Hugo confer; then Solange says, "I have a couple such things, but they are in French. If you know someone that would be able to translate them, I'd be willing to let you borrow them to have them translated. I trust you to be able to get them back to me. One is a history of the migration of the various races of elves -- the Germanic elves, the ljossaelfar, the sidhe... the other is about different magical traditions."

Cinnamon brightens, nodding excitedly, "I can translate them! Thank you so much, Solange -- I really appreciate this!" She cheerfully adds, "We can nudge Marcus to have a council meeting somewhere near here in a few years, to get the books back to you -- and that way we can also check to make sure that you're all still happy with everything! How's that sound?"

Solange nods, "We would be happy to host the meeting, though I am sure someone from Elm would rather have it in an Elm trod." She smiles, adding, "We will look forward to the next time we see you." Cinnamon beams and impulsively hugs Solange in thanks!

The rest of the day is quiet. Shane takes Thorn and Cinnamon to an open place to do a little more staff training, simply because they're both new at it and it takes time to get muscle memory built up. But most of the day is spent in recouping energy and getting ready for the trip back to Acorn. Cinnamon enjoys the relief of not having to worry about Zurina and the Acorns any more -- or at least not that someone will attack them! She throws herself into the staff training with enthusiasm, and by dinnertime devours a great deal of food in short order! She knows she's going to have to fly everyone back to Acorn tonight, and they honestly most likely can't really spare the food to feed her after she's dragoned... so best to get what she can now, she thinks!

Thorn is glad to get some staves practice in, though he also checks in later with Oak's healers, to see if there is anyone he can help while he's there. Fortunately Oak seems to be lucky, in that (aside from Marcel) there's no one currently in ill health. Cinnamon grins and also wheedles Fraser into calling Arvid again, so that the two werewolves can hopefully allow Zurina to share her awesome news with her people! Arvid answers the call and is more than happy to share the news with Zurina's wives. However, they relay back that they want to let Zurina herself share it with the rest of the trod.

After staves practice and dinner, Oak has several leather bags to strap onto Cinnamon's harness, for her to take back to Acorn. They contain provisions such as dried fruit and meats, along with financial treasure: a small amount of coinage as well as gold and jewels. Going into the local town to buy things can be a bit tricky, but modern trods do manage such things from time to time, as evidenced by... most every trod they've visited so far. Cinnamon is happy to carry all of those types of items that Oak wants to send along! She lies comfortably sphynx-pose, watching Shane and everyone else mount up, and helping make sure everything's secure. She's kind of thrilled, actually! She grins toothily at Zurina, asking, "Are you as excited as I am at coming back to Acorn with all this good news and stuff? Oh! Also, will the newly-sworn folks be able... oh, wait, right -- I bet once they swear, there's some kind of magical connection that they can feel to Acorn, right?"

Zurina nods, "There is a link formed when you swear to a trod. Of course, the ritual has some exchange of blood as well as exchange of fealty vows." She sighs with quiet pleasure as she adds, "These provisions will do us so much good!" Cinnamon beams at that -- she's so happy with how things went for the Acorns!

Shane and Fraser are careful to make sure everything is stowed properly. Fraser actually walks Marcus through it as well, showing him a few knots and explaining their double use on the ship. The werewolf snorts when Marcus demonstrates some proficiency with the knots, rumbling, "And why didn't ye show this at sea, lad? Ye tie those like ye've been doing them for years. I thought ye weren't listening!"

Marcus arches a brow, "I wasn't... because I already know these knots. Just not for this particular usage."

That makes Fraser laugh and shake his head, "Right then -- let's go over this use -- because it can actually make a difference..." Cinnamon grins as she watches -- she knows these knots too! When Fraser asks questions, if Marcus doesn't answer right away, Cinnamon will shyly offer the name of the knot that she thinks it might be? Fraser's eyes are twinkling -- he knows Marcus' comment about knowing knots has flown completely over the sweet, naive little dragon's head. Nevertheless, he praises her for her mastery of naval knot-tying. Cinnamon beams happily (and toothily!) at Fraser -- then beams at Marcus too! She's really glad he didn't snarl at her for knowing the names of a knot or two. Shane (who heard the entire exchange) keeps his mouth securely shut as well. Trying to explain shibari to Cinnamon, whilst having cargo tied to her, might make her explode into a million pieces!

Thorn too is quite eager to return to Acorn. Fortunately Marcel was the only severe injury at the Trod of the Oak, so now the healer wants to see if he can be of any further help to Acorn. Like Cinnamon, the reference to 'this particular usage' goes over his head -- but he figures if it's important he'll ask later. Perhaps Marcus did woodcrafting or something.

Once everything is stowed, people start climbing aboard. Cinnamon waits until everyone's securely buckled in, does her usual pre-fight wiggle-check, then spreads her wings and beams at Solange and the small handful of folks who're there watching the departure, "Thanks so much, all of you, for your help and kindness!" After that she warns her passengers, then leaps into the air! Circling once to orient herself by the stars, she starts flying smoothly towards Acorn. Over her shoulder, she adds to Zurina, "Directions, please?" Zurina is happy to guide the red dragon -- and, a short while later, to get them settled safely down into the closest clearing to Acorn. Cinnamon nearly trots up the hill towards the trod, not pausing for folks to hop off, "Yay, we're back! Fraser, can you howl so the Valkyrie pack knows, please?"

Fraser throws back his head and howls. If one did not know it was a human throat making the sound, one would assume it was actually a wolf. It's almost immediately answered by a similar howl -- and a moment or two later, Arvid himself appears from the woods, followed by one of Zurina's people. Cinnamon roars a cheerful, "Hi, Captain! We're ba-aack!" then settles down so everyone can hop off. The (slightly bouncy) dragon is quite pleased at how well things went -- and she's really hoping the pack and Zurina's wives were smart enough to take the day to hunt and cook for a feast! Zurina calls a hello to her trod-mate, and starts to unbuckle herself to climb down as soon as it's safe to do so.

Arvid laughs warmly, "I see that!" He starts helping unload Cinnamon, large hands deft with the knots as he glances at Thorn, "Did you have to do much healing? We were afraid there might be... shenanigans."

Thorn smiles, shaking his head. "There wasn't much -- just one guy who thought he could go off with a mouth that would make a sailor blush -- present company included! -- and was lightly smacked for his troubles by Cinnamon."

The happy dragon beams toothily at that, "But there were some shenanigans, Thorny! It was just us who were the ones doing them!" She adds chattily to Arvid, "Marcus had the brilliant idea to act as if he was too sick and injured to speak because of the actions of the Acorns, so I'd speak for him and there'd be mondo sympathy for the poor guy by the rogues, and then we asked for a chronological listing of complaints regarding Acorn, which meant the rogue Oakies went first before us... and so we got 'em -- by their own words!" She adds hopefully -- and almost in the same breath, "So, um... did you guys happen to do some hunting today?"

Arvid grins, "Ah. Hoist on their own petard! And an elf got to be sneaky... I'm sure he had a wonderful time. And you smacked someone? The mouth must have been truly awful." At Cinnamon's hopeful question, the captain nods, "Oh, aye. We've been hunting in shifts almost constantly." Zurina and her trodmate have been talking quietly but intently, and the elder's eyes are wide about something as Arvid goes on, "We brought in a good eight or nine deer."

Shane nods, "They were the sort of liars that can't seem to quite help themselves. It was painful being near them."

Cinnamon brightens at news of the deer, then sighs in huge relief, "Oh, fantastic! Is it okay if I get a big dinner, then? We won't be leaving anyone short?"

Arvid grins, "We'd assumed one of the deer was yours alone, actually. It's part of why we were hunting so much. Two of the crew and two Acorns are still out, in fact, so there'll be something else coming in soon as well." Cinnamon beams at that, delightedly thanking Arvid as Zurina, Shane, and Fraser show Zurina's trodmate some of what Oak has sent.

After that, Cinnamon helps with getting her harness unpacked... then tilts her big, triangular head hopefully at Shane, "Got a moment, Shaney?" The beansidhe already has a sheet in hand and a grin on his face. Cinnamon beams delightedly again at that, then trots heavily over towards the trees... and seconds later she's laughing as she almost skips in human form next to Shane, heading back towards everyone else, "Awesomesauce! -and we have such good news! Think they'll all be happy? Maybe have a party to celebrate?"

Shane puts his arm around Cinnamon's shoulder and grins down at her as he walks with her. He's loving watching her bloom, "I think they'll be thrilled... and we'll help them have a party if they want one."

Cinnamon beams excitedly up at Shane, "Oh, yes -- let's! Maybe we can talk them into music and singing too!" She waves to the others as they approach, "Hihi, everyone! Zurina, are you going to tell everyone right away, or what?" She wonders in passing what's got Zurina so astonished... but figures it's not really her business! If Zurina wants everyone to know, she'll say something.

Zurina blinks, then replies, "I was going to have everyone gathered in to tell them, yes. Arvid was telling me how much hunting they've done!"

Cinnamon laughs, clapping her hands happily, "I know, right?! Can we eat while you're talking, maybe?"

Zurina smiles, "The food isn't cooked yet! But we can start cooking as we're talking, yes!" They all start in towards the trod, with Fraser, Shane, Arvid, and Jaeger carrying most of the load. Cinnamon is happy to pick up some of the luggage as well, as she patters in with everyone else. The trodmate races off to let everyone know they're incoming, while everyone else hoists a bit of what was brought along. Zurina smiles, "Of course, there is likely to be some food already ready, but I don't know how much..."

Arvid rumbles, "I had them put on an extra deer when Fraser called. We split it up into pieces instead of whole, so it will be ready earlier than if we spit-roasted the whole thing." The returning group is met at the border of the trod by happy adults and the children they did not meet the first time around.

Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Oh, even better! Thanks so much, Captain Arvid!" She grins shyly at the welcoming Acorn folks, though her hands are kind of full of luggage, which precludes waving.

Getting Zurina and everything they brought into the trod is a bit chaotic. People all want the news, but Zurina keeps saying she only wants to tell everything once. Acorn is abuzz! People seem shocked to see their elder actually smiling and laughing. Her wives come to meet her, and the elder cuddles the baby close and murmurs something softly against the top of his head.

Before long everyone is gathered together in an open place in the center of the yurt-fringed clearing, and food is brought. It is, in fact, quite literally piled in front of Cinnamon! -- and, of course, no one else is stinted either. It's a truly welcoming feast! Cinnamon beams and eats hungrily when food is offered to her, smiling almost constantly -- she's very excited for Zurina to have such wonderful news for her people! Then again, the little dragon supposes the people must have suspected something was different simply because the Valkyrie pack was left to care for them. Good! These folks deserve all the good things now, Cinnamon believes!

The little dragon hmms a few minutes later, realizing she's kinda tired by now too... she wonders if maybe they can have a party tomorrow instead, during the day? Though... perhaps the group shouldn't depart until the new Acorns arrive, along with the promised magical help? Cinnamon frowns consideringly to herself as she eats, wondering what the best and safest thing for Acorn is. True, there's no more crazy rogues trying to kill them right now, but... does everyone around this geographical area know yet that the Acorns aren't the actual rogues?

Zurina stands to tell her people the explanation of what happened on her trip, while Jaeger translates for those who don't speak Euskara. There are gasps and tears, laughter and cheers. When the elder announces that there will definitely be new trod members, several people sob in relief and happiness; when she specifically adds that some of the new members are mothers-to-be, there are shouts of joy! Cinnamon beams at that, deeply thrilled for the relieved Acorns! She glances around, then leans to murmur to Shane, "Hey, Shaney? How long does it take a trod usually to find a safe place to settle... do you know?"

Shane muses, "I... don't know..."

Jaeger overhears, replying, "That's not a question with a solid answer -- it depends on the trod and what they want. This is actually a good place for a trod if they wanted to keep it -- nicely secure, not likely to be stumbled upon, easy to defend, and good water source. But they may want one that's closer to -- or farther from -- another trod... or a city. Oak trees are common, so finding oak forests are easy. Elm trods are harder to establish in the US."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully to both men, "So... should we stay until they find their perfect spot? Or what?"

Jaeger hmms, "That would be a question to ask them. I would say stay until they decide if they want to move. A trod is vulnerable when the wards are being taken down. More vulnerable than when they are completely down, because the people that would be doing the protection are... indisposed. Does that make sense?"

Cinnamon nods several times to Jaeger! She considers for a bit, then nods again, "We have time, too. We can stay with them for two weeks at least, easily, and still make the Iceland council meeting... though, of course, I hope it doesn't take that long." She smiles at Jaeger, adding, "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Jaeger considers, "It depends upon what wards they have set. We could either help break the wards, or play guard while they do it. I suggest the latter."

As Zurina continues sharing her wonderful news with her excited people, a small boy comes over and tugs lightly on Cinnamon's sleeve. The little dragon nods to Jaeger -- then blinks down at the boy. She grins, shifting to Euskara to say, "Hello! I'm Cinnamon. Who're you?"

The boy smiles up at Cinnamon and actually speaks English, "I'm Zori. My father says that you are why we are going to be having more babies in the trod." His blue eyes are shining excitedly, "I want to be a nursery attendant, so I wanted to come and say thank you!"

Cinnamon blinks startledly at the little boy, "Oh! You speak English? You do it very well, Zori! May I ask who taught you?" She grins as she adds, "You're quite welcome, though I think it's actually your councilor that you should be thanking! Would you like me to introduce you?" She glances around for Marcus, her eyes sparkling -- this is so cool to her, to see everyone so happy!

Zori beams up at her, "My uncle!" He looks around and points to a man that's speaking quite seriously with another of the children, "He speaks five languages! He said that English could be important... and French. So I speak that and Euskara." Zori beams at the praise as he looks around again, then points at Marcus, "Is that him?" Marcus is talking quietly with Arvid.

Cinnamon grins and nods, "Good for your uncle! -and yes, that's Marcus, your global councilor." She waves to Marcus and Arvid as she and the child walk over, introducing him to the two adults, and explaining a little about him... then smiles as she watches him chatter happily to the young elf. She grins and winks at Arvid, whispering, "Thanks for the food!" and then quietly heads back to her plate -- she's still got some to finish! After that, she's thinking, sleep is sounding better and better, actually.

Shane looks quite interested as she returns, "You know, I have seen more children here in Acorn than in possibly any other trod I've been in!"

Cinnamon glances curiously at Shane as she eats, then considers. She's been to... what, five, six trods so far? All of them with Shane, too. She glances around, wondering if anyone else has input -- because she has no idea, herself. Thorn likewise doesn't have any input into Shane's observation... but it is an interesting one. Maybe there's something about the way the trod is warded or set up? Maybe the Acorn trod members have been trying to subconsciously recoup numbers over time? -or they have yet to 'grow' fully into what the mountain forest could sustain?

Jaeger, who is now seated close to them, nods thoughtfully, "That's true. They had enough children for a classroom... and that's unusual." Cinnamon pauses in her chewing as a thought hits her: she remembers reading once that in parts of Europe, between the world wars, there were incredibly few men left... and oddly enough, the majority of babies being born were male there. She wonders if this is something similar, in that the women, or something about them, somehow know what the need is to survive... and just do it? Cinnamon considers that for a moment as she returns to eating... then grins wryly to herself. Sounds silly, actually, and she has no idea if that was truth or an anecdote! She continues eating, suppressing the occasional tired yawn.

Jaeger continues, "Most elfin races are not incredibly fertile. I have always thought it is because we are so long-lived. I am wondering if it is because Acorn's numbers are low." He looks around, brows drawn together, then looks at Thorn, "That would be something to speak to Iason about, I think."

Thorn taps his chin thoughtfully and nods to Jaeger, "I'll ask him when we get back to Coblyn."

It's a joyful night for the Acorns! They do indeed decide to hold the actual celebration the next day, however -- especially when they notice Cinnamon slowly drooping into sleep over her dinner plate. When the little dragon awakens and emerges with her companions from their shared yurt the next morning, in fact, she discovers not just a festival atmosphere -- but also one of hope. The Trod of the Acorn is welcoming their new-found peace... with great joy.

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

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