Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon happily pitches in however she can, helping to set things up for the party -- she's strong and willing to do whatever the Acorns need to get stuff done! She wishes a bit vaguely that she'd brought a pretty skirt or something... well, no matter! She can still dance, after all, now, thanks to Jaeger's lessons -- and if she's lucky there'll actually be music to dance to! She makes a moment to talk to Zurina too, if she can -- she wants to find out if the Acorn elder likes this spot, or plans on moving the trod.

There are people going basically every which way in organizing the party! At first it looks like chaos, but it's soon obvious that no one is getting in anyone else's way, and everyone seems to be aware of where everyone else is going or is supposed to be. The person that's doing the logistics seems to have a genius for knowing who would be best at any particular job, and Thorn, Cinnamon, and any others who offer help are put to work where their talents would be most useful. Cinnamon is given some heavy lifting jobs -- literally lifting heavy things and holding them steadily in place for assembly of a pavilion. Shane seems to have been sent off into the surrounding forest with the Havvarger and Acorn's own hunters. Thorn finds himself pressed into service with the children, of all things. It seems a lot of them are anxious, what with all the unaccustomed people and activity. His soothing presence seems to help out there.

Zurina is available because she, like everyone else, is doing whatever she's been directed to. She's even laughingly teasing the logician. Cinnamon grins as she watches that, quietly delighted to see so much happiness in both the Acorns, and their elder. When there's a moment that she and Zurina are somewhat alone, Cinnamon says softly in Euskara, "Zurina... can I ask you a possibly personal question, and you can tell me if it's... rude or not?" She takes a breath, then more softly asks, "Are you a he now? I want to be sure I've got your pronouns right!"

Zurina smiles, "If you refer to me in general conversation here, then yes: I am a he. To my wives, you can use either pronoun. My relationship with them is somewhat different than my relationship to the trod as an elder." She looks around, adding, "It is a very old custom."

Cinnamon nods determinedly, "Okay... got it, I think! I just want to be sure I'm doing it right, you know?" She grins at Zurina, adding, "Also, we were wondering: do you want to keep the trod here, or are you thinking of moving it? My companions and I want to help if you need it, after all!"

Zurina looks around, "This place... it's a good place for a trod. We've had our camp here a few times. We have moved from place to place, obviously, but there are only so many areas even a temporary trod can be established. To make it permanent, though, we need to do some work. The wards we have now are good, but they would need to be re-done and tied permanently. We would need to dedicate a tree to be the father tree..."

Cinnamon nods excitedly, "Okay, Jaeger was talking about that! Can we maybe help guard the trod, sometime in the next week or so, while your ward makers are working?"

Zurina looks pleased, "You'd be willing to stay that long?"

Cinnamon sounds a bit uncertain, "I think so? I mean, we can't stay more than two weeks or we'll miss the next council meeting... but again, if you or some of your folks wanted to come along to the council meeting, that's good too, y'know?"

"I think that at least one of our people would like to go, especially since Arvid has said his people can safely transport elfin races." Zurina looks thoughtful, considering logistics and how things might have to be worked.

Cinnamon nods cheerfully, "Well, the Havvarger are taking us back to Boston, but after that I bet they could be hired to head to Iceland!" She grins as she adds, "That's where the next meeting is going to be -- Hilde's hosting it!" She pauses, then adds almost shyly, "So, um... will there be any, ahh... any dancing today, to celebrate?"

Zurina looks surprised, "You say that as if dancing is optional." Her eyes twinkle.

Cinnamon grins with a mixture of nerves and excitement, "Really?! Oh, awesome -- I've just recently learned how to dance, and I really want to try it out!" She laughs, adding, "Unfortunately I didn't pack anything like a skirt or anything, but that's okay -- it's the dancing that I'm hoping to do most, you know?"

Zurina smiles again, "Oh, I'm certain we can get you something pretty to wear, if you would like something like that. It would be the least we can do!" The elder whisks Cinnamon off to one of the women in the trod, to help get the little dragon set up with a nice, swirly skirt. Cinnamon ends up with a circle skirt with a draw-string waist that can fit a very wide range of sizes. The little dragon is both shocked and delighted -- she had no idea anyone would be able to loan her a nice skirt that actually fit! She finds herself inordinately delighted with the skirt, repeatedly twirling every once in a while as she walks around -- it's so much fun to see the lovely patterns whirling out around her as she does so! The kind-hearted woman also braids Cinnamon's hair for her, putting it up in a crown-like arrangement, with some silver hairpins decorated with amethysts.

Thorn is... admittedly not much of a dancer. In the time leading up to the party he helps to ride herd on the children, entertaining them when he can with lively stories. He's also content to help out where needed during the party, but will be equally content to watch the lively dancing -- especially the whirling gaiety of colors and patterns.

By the time night arrives and the party is really starting, there are lanterns strung through the trees, and some sort of luminarias line all the pathways throughout the trod, to keep anyone without good nightsight from straying. The flames dance and flicker in different colors, though it seems to be only partially due to the coloring of the lanterns. The music being played around the main gathering meadow is lively and has a slightly unfamiliar feel -- though it also has a lively beat and is very danceable! It is, Jaeger explains, traditional Basque music.

Further, almost everyone is dancing. Some of them dance the intricate patterns of some sort of folk dance. Sometimes it's just joyous movement to the music. No one that shows even the slightest inclination toward dancing is left without a partner -- or several! There is also much food and drink available. The food was largely provided by the Havvarger, but the drink is mostly from Acorn and Oak -- the friendly Oak trod sent along some very good wine. Marcus and Jaeger both indulge in it, along with Arvid and Fraser... not to the point of becoming obnoxious, but rather to the point of being happily boisterous.

Cinnamon abruptly realizes, when the music starts... she has no idea how to ask a guy to dance! She blinks, then glances around worriedly -- where's Jaeger? He'll tell her without laughing at her, she's sure! However, before Cinnamon finds Jaeger, Shane appears -- and asks Cinnamon to dance.

As it turns out, Shane has been nudged not-so-gently by Jaeger to ask Cinnamon to dance! The elder elf found Shane before the party, commenting to him, "I know you asked her to dance at the celebration at Rowan and she said no, but if you don't ask Cinnamon to dance tonight, I shall be very disappointed in you. I spent quite a lot of effort teaching her how, and she's now very eager to put her lessons to use." Also, though Jaeger won't mention it aloud, he wants his son to see the young dragon beaming and sparkling with happiness -- Jaeger is not above a little manipulation!

The little dragon blinks startledly at Shane's invitation, pushing her glasses up... then almost visibly brightens with pleasure, "Oh, wow -- sure, Shaney!" She's still beaming, her eyes sparkling as she nearly burbles, "I learned how -- Jaeger was nice enough to teach me, so now I can!"

Shane smiles, "Then I'm sure you'll be great! Jaeger's been dancing for longer than, well... most of the people here have been alive." He offers her his hand to walk out into the dancing area.

Cinnamon happily adds, "He said there'd be winter parties with dancing -- oh! Do you think maybe there'll be any Halloween celebrations on Coblyn?" She laughs, "I can hardly wait to see how supernaturals celebrate Halloween!" She nearly bounces out onto the floor with Shane as she speaks -- then beams up at him as she rests her hands lightly in the correct positions.

Shane himself was taught to dance by his mother and by Aisling. He laughs as he settles into proper form, "How supernaturals celebrate Halloween is with great verve and joy, usually. Some are quite solemn about it. Elias is a hoot, though. He usually chooses the corniest costume idea he can think of to wear. Last year he was a bedsheet ghost -- but it wasn't a white bedsheet! He had me go off Coblyn to a thrift store and find the tackiest, gaudiest patterned sheet I could -- and he put eyeholes in it." The little dragon gets a bad case of the giggles at that!

Cinnamon rapidly discovers that while Shane may not have had all the high-class dance training which Marcus received... the half-beansidhe is a tremendous delight to dance with! His enthusiasm and pleasure is clear as he grins down at her, and as they whirl around the impromptu dance meadow, the little dragon feels ebullient -- almost dazzled by how lovely the night feels to her! She giggles about Elias, but then focuses for a moment just on the sheer sensuous joy of dancing with what she considers the prettiest, nicest boy there! She's almost startled when the music slows down, glancing around and blinking as it hits her: the song is over! Bummer... she thinks more dancing would be an absolutely fabulous idea!

Shane smiles down at Cinnamon and chuckles at the wistful look on her face, "You know, we don't have to stop with just one dance..."

Cinnamon brightens excitedly, "Uh, okay!" She bounces lightly on her toes, beaming, "Now that I know how, I think dancing is awesome!" To Thorn, of course, it's obvious that Cinnamon is smitten with Shane, and vice versa. It's also obvious that Shane doesn't want to startle Cinnamon away, and that Cinnamon doesn't exactly want to admit -- or know? -- that she's smitten. The healer smiles quietly; someday they'll connect, when they're both good and ready. He hopes he's around to see it.

The little dragon doesn't know anything about dancing protocol, however, let alone realize that she might be a desired dance partner... and so she doesn't know she can call a break or ask someone else to dance or accept an invitation from anyone else. Since she really is enjoying herself, therefore, she's happy to continue dancing with Shane until he's tired of either it or her! Shane does know proper protocol, but he monopolizes Cinnamon for a dance or two longer before making the polite excuse that he needs to get something to drink... thereby allowing Fraser to have a turn.

Cinnamon agrees a bit breathlessly that a drink would be good! She's swallowing down her water when Fraser comes up, and she blinks a bit startledly at him too -- wow, this is two guys who're willing to dance with her! She beams up at Fraser -- then blinks again, glancing at Shane, "Uhmmm... Frazey, Shaney, can you guys tell me what the, er, the polite thing is to do here? I mean, I, um, I kinda know how to dance, but..." she blushes slightly, "I, uh, f-forgot to ask Jaeger about, er..." she waves a hand, "like... like how you, er... well, sort of... behave between dances?"

Fraser snorts a laugh, "How ye behave between dances is however ye'd like, lass! If ye dinna want tae dance the next one, ye say 'Not this one. But ask again later!' Or 'I'm sitting this one out, but I'd love to dance the next one!' Something like that. Or go and ask someone on your own."

Cinnamon nods in wide-eyed fascination, pushing her glasses up as she listens intently to Fraser... then glances a bit hesitantly at Shane, "Are you, um... if y-you're still drinking, is it okay if, if I, um... if I had a dance with Fraser, then?" She's a little worried about possibly upsetting Shane, since she really, really wants to have more dances with him later! She's yet to realize, after all, that Shane doesn't do jealousy.

Shane smiles and kisses the top of Cinnamon's head, "Go ahead, acushla. Dance with the big, bad wolf."

Fraser laughs at Shane's teasing and holds a hand out for Cinnamon, eyes twinkling, "I dinna know any of these complicated dances, so forgive me if I just swing ye around the meadow."

Cinnamon stares up at Shane, her eyes huge -- OMG he kissed her again! He did -- he really kissed her! He... wait, what did he say? She blinks as she hastily yanks her thoughts together -- then blinks again at Fraser as she accepts his hand, "Uhmmm... okay?" She has a moment of panic when it hits her: she doesn't know that dance! -- but then it's too late and she's out on the meadow and Fraser is beaming down at her and it's... actually kind of fun? Like he really means it about swinging her around! -- but if she just sort of hangs on, he doesn't let her fall, and her skirt swirls out really pretty and she likes the way he laughs and... and this is a lot more fun than Cinnamon thought it would be!

After that things kind of blend into a sort of colorful, musical, laughing, breathless blur for Cinnamon. The dancing is a real joy for her, and though she doesn't realize it, her partners are all kind people who genuinely like her and are keeping an eye out for her. She goes from dance to dance and partner to partner, getting rather giggly and a bit charmingly windblown, so that her fiery hair is starting to curl around her face from where it's escaped the pretty amethyst pins. She loves the swirly way the skirt swings around with her, as she's twirled -- or lifted, by her stronger partners -- and she's utterly delighted -- almost amazed! -- at how many people seem to want to dance with her... which causes her eyes to sparkle with joy.

Thorn also gets in a little bit of dancing -- he's almost as skilled as Fraser! But it's enough to remind him that he isn't that good at it. Of course, this evening, that doesn't really matter much; nobody is going to critique his two left feet, mostly because most of the dancing tonight isn't about getting the steps right, but rather just moving with rhythm and joy. Of course, he knows that's not stopping Cinnamon from being a sight to behold on the dance floor -- whether it's with Shane, or Fraser, or someone else entirely! Indeed, the people asking Cinnamon and Thorn to dance are quite varied. Even people they don't know at all are being friendly and welcoming, and requesting their company! Even Thorn's 'two left feet' don't seem to bother anyone, other than bringing a little good-natured laughter.

Jaeger watches this from the sidelines... and he watches his son. Marcus dances as well, of course, and is quite pleased to see some of his people doing so well. He's rather amazed, in fact, that this has come out so wonderfully -- and pleased enough that his native charm comes out, and his mischievous nature as an elf shows through -- enough that his dance partners laugh and flush. Cinnamon's joy also catches his eye, and he finds himself watching her with a bit of surprise. This... is not the same dowdy little woman that showed up at that first council meeting!

Marcus drifts near Cinnamon during a time that she's taken a moment to rest and get a drink of water -- or whatever she's drinking -- and smiles, blue eyes twinkling, "You seem to be having a wonderful time tonight." He's dressed in simple clothes that bring out the blue in his eyes and the white gold in his hair under the colored lanterns and the starlight.

Cinnamon is giggling delightedly, her eyes sparkling at Arvid's gentle teasing... she turns to beam at Marcus when he speaks to her, "Oh, yes! Thank you so much, Marcus, for helping your dad teach me to dance -- he was right, and it is so much fun!" Though she doesn't know it, the luminarias are wonderfully warming for her skin tone, and bring out the fiery highlights in her hair. That, plus the sheer, genuine joy she feels bubbling up tonight, make her a lovely dancing flame who is nearly innocently delighted at all the moths who wish to dance around her!

Marcus laughs quietly, "Well, watching you tonight, I'm glad I could help." He's had a little wine, so he's quite relaxed... and she really does have a nice smile. He tucks a little strand of her hair back behind one of the little jeweled pins, "You've done a lot of good for these people, even though they're under my purview."

Cinnamon tilts her head and grins curiously at Marcus... then laughs! "You did help -- a bunch -- and thank you! So... want to dance now too?"

Marcus' smile flashes and he holds out a hand, one pale brow arched, "Oh, I would absolutely love to dance with you tonight." He raises her hand and bows over it. He doesn't kiss her knuckles, but he does flick a glance up at her face, with a little flash of a smile that somehow conveys the idea, before moving to lead her out onto the dancing meadow.

Cinnamon laughs startledly before she realizes it's just a turn of phrase -- he doesn't really 'love' dancing with her! Still, she knows it'll be fun, since he's a really good dancer and she has experience with dancing with him... so she heads out to the meadow eagerly. She is, of course, utterly unaware of the machinations on-going behind her, and she'd likely be both confused and mortified if she found out what Jaeger was doing and saying!

Marcus grins, happy to have made her laugh as he squires her out onto the meadow dancefloor. Tonight, his dancing is less formal than in the ballroom, probably because the setting is less formal. He's friendly too, actually keeping her for two dances before handing her off to her next partner -- which quite gratifies his father!

The rest of the party goes late into the night, with the joy of knowing they're no longer considered rogues buoying the little trod up. Eventually, people begin drifting toward their beds or, in some cases, toward their watches. By the end of the night Cinnamon is breathless, tired, footsore... and very, very happy! She nearly crashes headlong into sleep in the little yurt... and when she awakens the next morning, she's still quietly smiling. Dancing, she has decided... is amazingly fun!

The next morning Thorn wakes up feeling refreshed. He's not hung over -- he didn't drink much more than water -- but he did have a fine time people-watching. Consequently he does his best to tend to the people who are hungover to various degrees. He is, however, curious as to how the wards are going to be raised. Breakfast awaits everyone, along with discussion of getting back underway so as to make it on time to the next council meeting. There's also one or two hangovers! -- so there's a lot of bread and honey in evidence. Cinnamon checks with the others, as she gets ready that morning, as to what the plan is. They're going to wait until the new trod protection spells are up, right? Or is she remembering that incorrectly? Also, if so... how long will that be, please? She grins wryly to herself as she glances around at the hungover, and is silently glad she stuck to water!

Jaeger nods, "We are waiting, but we have to make plans for getting back. I'm offering my assistance with some of the wards. The trod here is more like our trod than the big Oak trod nearby. They want the entrances to be more natural."

Zurina nods, "Yes. We don't want it to seem to be indoors, like many Oak trods. We want it to be part of the wood."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, then glances inquiringly at Arvid, "In that case, is there anything I can do to help guard?"

Arvid rumbles, "Actually, I think they may want you to help with the wards..."

Jaeger nods, "Who better to be fire? One of the Havvarger will stand in for water, too, when we raise the circle at the beginning of the ritual. The whole thing will take a while. Thorn, we want you on standby. People aren't often harmed, but there have been instances in intense ritual that people become exhausted without knowing it."

Thorn nods, smiling. "Of course!" He's intrigued by the idea of the ritual, and is glad he'll be able to see it.

Cinnamon blinks a bit perplexedly... then abruptly brightens and nods, "Ah, I get it! It's like that, um, that moon ritual, right? As in there's, um... the four directions they talk to, or... or something like that?" She grins as she adds, "Who's the water-wolf? I know Jareth is closely connected to the River Wye, but he got left on the Valkyrie with Thomas... so who're you picking for water?"

Zurina nods, "Yes. Fire, water, earth, air." She smiles, looking a little wistful, "We ourselves will be earth. I wish we had a different flying creature for air... one of the gossamer-winged ones..."

Jaeger smiles quietly, "Instead, Marcus will stand in for air, since he is the councilor for this area."

Cinnamon looks curious -- so even though she flies and Marcus doesn't, she's more strongly connected to fire? Though... what makes Marcus connected to air, she wonders? A moment later she wishes she'd paid more attention at the moon ritual -- though honestly she wouldn't have known what to look for at that point, she realizes. Ah, well! "Okay! So... when? Tonight?"

Zurina nods, "Yes. When the moon rises." She laughs softly, "It would be nice to wait until the full, but I know that would not be wise." Jaeger translates that, which makes the Havvarger laugh.

Cinnamon giggles and nods cheerfully -- then excitedly asks, "Okay, so, um, what should I do? Should I wear anything special? I've never done anything like this before, after all -- not knowingly!" She blushes slightly as she grins and adds, "At the full moon ritual I didn't know why everyone turned to stare at me, so I tried to duck behind someone there! I'm, um, g-guessing that's not what you want this time, right?" Thorn listens to Cinnamon's questions, and hopes the answer to 'what should I wear' isn't 'skyclad'... if only because that would horrify the little dragon at this stage!

Jaeger smiles, "Yes. This time there is actually a... a formula. I will write it down for you phonetically. You're quick with languages, I've noticed, so you may even be able to memorize it. As for clothing, wear something comfortable." He pauses, "There will be... a range of what is comfortable, so be prepared for... rather a lot of skin to be showing."

Marcus nods, "Skin and body paint."

Cinnamon nods inquiringly to the two elves... and a moment later, she mentally puts two and two together -- and squeaks nervously, her hands flying up to her flushed cheeks, "Oh, my! D-do I... er, must I look? Or, uh, or could I just... um, just keep my eyes on my notes?" She can't help bewilderedly adding a moment later, "Wait... it's winter here! There's ice sometimes, in the mornings! Wouldn't, er... 'skyclad' be cold for them?!"

Fraser manages not to actually laugh, but his eyes are twinkling! "Aye, lass, it will be cold -- but that dinna always stop everyone... and there'll be aye a bonfire as well. But keep yer eyes on yer notes if 'twill bother ye."

Zurina, when asks, manages not to grin as she replies, "Most will probably wear at least a skirt or leggings."

Cinnamon sighs in relief at that, nodding several times as she somewhat anxiously considers what to wear. Jeans and... a nice shirt, maybe? Along with her hiking boots, of course. Okay... that should work! She makes sure to spend a little time with Jaeger too, so she's absolutely sure she won't flub the phonetic pronunciation of her lines in the ritual -- and also so she knows when and where to speak! Once she's done that, she curiously asks, "So... what language is this, then, please? Oh!" She grins shyly, "Also, I, um... I... really wanted to say thank you so much -- for insisting I learn to dance!" She laughs, her eyes shining with happiness as she exclaims, "It is so much fun!"

The language, according to the Elm elder, is a Brittonic tongue which evolved into Welsh and some other languages. Jaeger smiles back, "I knew you would enjoy it. You are too hard on yourself, child."

Cinnamon grins in perplexity, tilting her head uncertainly, "I... what?"

Jaeger repeats gently, "You are too hard on yourself. You believe that you are... ugly and ill-favored and clumsy. That people do not wish to spend time with you."

Cinnamon blinks slowly at Jaeger, feeling a bit hurt for some reason... hearing vague feelings crystallized into harsh words is... well, a bit more painful than she expected! Surely... surely she's not quite that bad? She stares down at the notepaper in her hand, "Umm... o-okay, w-well, I... I need to go get dressed and, uhh... practice..." She whirls and almost flees for the yurt!

Jaeger reaches to catch one of her hands before she flees, and his voice is both kind and firm, "Cinnamon, you are a joy to be around. You smile and make other people smile. Your friends are amongst the best people I know. You do not see yourself through the right lens. I thought dancing would let you adjust the lens a little."

Cinnamon startles slightly at the unexpected touch, but then makes herself pause and listen. She feels... confused, though, when Jaeger is done. She knows Josie thinks her family doesn't see well, but... is Jaeger suggesting she too doesn't see well? But... if she doesn't, then... then how much worse is she, really? -and if that's the case, then... why is Jaeger saying things that are nice about her? She blinks slowly up at the elf, pushing her glasses up with her free hand, then softly says, "I... okay? I, umm..." Was this a compliment? She's starting to feel a bit panicky about this -- what's the right response?! Go with the compliment, even if she's not sure, she decides -- then get outta Dodge! "ThankyouJaegerthat'ssoniceofyouIgottago!" She feels almost breathless as she darts off for the yurt.

Jaeger watches her go, smiling slightly. Eventually, Cinnamon will understand that she still sees herself through her parents' and sister's eyes, rather than her own, or those of her dear friends and colleagues. Cinnamon herself honestly has no idea what to think of Jaeger's odd statement -- does dancing somehow inherently change other people's personalities or something?! -- so she chooses to focus instead on her role in the ritual. Brush any mud off her boots, put on clean shirt and jeans, brush and braid her hair... she's got her lines memorized... okay! She's ready to go. Maybe get a nibble to eat before nightfall, though -- she'd be utterly mortified if her stomach growled audibly in the middle of the ritual!

Unlike last night's feast, today's food is essentially 'there's grub in the central area if you need it.' People are moving hither and thither... and then there's a moment when something happens and almost the entire trod just... stops. It's as if everyone stops breathing for a moment. Cinnamon blinks in startlement at that, looking up from her meal... then whispering to Thorn, next to her, "What's happening? Could the wards have gone down or something?"

Thorn frowns, looking around from his own food consumption. "I... don't know!" he whispers back. "Maybe they're getting ready for the wards to come up?"

"Huh! I thought they'd need the ritual for that!" Cinnamon glances around for any elves who might be willing to talk to them, continuing to whisper to Thorn, "Maybe... Jaeger or Shaney would know?"

Thorn says, "Yeah, I think... I think we should find someone and find out what's going on."

Shane is there, and also looking around warily. Cinnamon blinks thoughtfully as she pushes up her glasses -- Shane looks confused too! That's... possibly not good. She waves discreetly, whisper-calling, "Shaney? What's happening, please?" Thorn unknowingly agrees with Cinnamon: Shane looking confused is Not Good!

Shane says slowly, "It's like... like when I first saw the trod at Rowan. Like when the door just appeared. I think the wards are down... all of them."

Cinnamon looks confused, "But... why would they do that before we've started the ritual?" She looks around more carefully this time, both to see how the Acorns are reacting now, and searching for Zurina... or any of the Acorns that Cinnamon has been introduced to.

Shane considers, "That's... I think something..." -- and that's when a whole lot of bustle begins happening! No one's panicking, exactly, but people are moving very quickly. Zurina isn't there, but one of her wives is.

Cinnamon waves inquiringly to the wife, hoping she'll come over. In Euskara she quietly calls, "Excuse me? Can you tell us what's going on, please?"

The young woman is talking in that very calm way you do when you know there may be a problem but you don't want to panic and you don't want other people to panic, "The wards are down. They weren't supposed to come down until later... but we're no longer rogue so... so it shouldn't... shouldn't be..." She starts to shake a little, "We should be safe... right?"

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully... then sets down her utensils and stands up, her voice firm, "Yes. Yes, you are. The Havvarger and I will make sure you are! Go ahead and... and can you find Zurina, please, so we know where and how to start the ritual?" She translates for Thorn and Shane, adding quietly, "I think we need to find Arvid and Jaeger right away, guys!"

Thorn frowns. The wards shouldn't be down, then. He nods to Cinnamon, "We may need to send out a party to see what's going on, too."

Cinnamon glances around worriedly, searching for the people she mentioned even as she steps away from the table. To Thorn she murmurs, "Hey, Thorny? Can you get your medkit and have it handy, please? For just in case?"

Thorn nods, "That's an excellent idea. I'll be right back." He goes to the yurt to get his medkit as quickly as possible.

Shane nods and moves away fast, leaving Cinnamon with Zurina's wife. The young woman is shaking a little, but she's not screaming in hysterics or anything. No one is screaming. No one is shouting either, but people are moving fast now. They all know that most of Acorn's warriors have been taken out, leaving the Havvarger, Shane, Jaeger, and Cinnamon as the trod's defense, should something happen.

Only a few minutes later, Shane brings Zurina and Arvid back. Cinnamon sighs in relief at sight of the new arrivals, "Oh, thank goodness! Where's Jaeger? Arvid, how can I help best with protection?" Shifting to Euskara, she adds worriedly, "Zurina, what happened?! Why are the wards down?!"

Zurina's voice is a little tense, "The wards fell before we meant them to. The trod is... open. Completely open. If a human hiker walked through now, they'd just... see us. We're no longer rogue, so we'd be safe from that, but humans... stumbling into a trod? Not the safest thing."

Cinnamon nods gravely to Zurina, translating that for Arvid and Shane -- and Thorn too, when he returns -- then turning to Arvid, "So, should I be patrolling with a wolf, or translating between you and Zurina, or what? How can I help?"

Arvid rumbles thoughtfully, "I will get my wolves patrolling, and send Jaeger and Marcus here. I think that the faster you get the wards up, the better. This is not the sort of place you want even one human knowing about..." He smiles a little, "At least not if the human isn't someone like your merc friends."

Cinnamon grins wryly at that, but simply asks again, "What should I do, please, Arvid -- so I'm most useful?"

Arvid looks up, "High overwatch."

Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly -- but then nods once: of course! That makes sense to her. She glances around, shifting to a spot where she won't accidentally squish anyone when she changes, and calls to Arvid, "Just have someone wave a red flag or something down here if you need me right away, okay?" She shifts shape, then leaps upwards with a powerful wing flap -- got to get up there quick, so she can help protect! Okay, she should expect to see Havvarger... maybe Jaeger? -but that's it. Anyone else is... well, not welcome -- even if they're not hostile!

Cinnamon flaps up to about 50 feet, then spreads her wings and starts drifting on the wind currents, slowly circling the mountain peak. As she does so, she studies the forest and terrain below her... and she uses all the various varieties of vision which she has. First: can she catch the heat signature of anything human-sized below her, that isn't in Acorn's trod? Second, can she detect anything that might explain why the wards fell so soon and so abruptly? The dragon frowns as she's flying... for the wards to do that, someone trained had to have done something. So... hopefully Jaeger and Zurina will first locate and protect the trod's wardsmiths right away! That way, any potential hostiles can't keep the wards down.

Thorn remains in a central location near Arvid and Zurina, tense but ready. Depending on how quickly the wards can be raised, the chance of a normal, mundane human stumbling onto the trod might be low... or it might be a certainty. There's no way to tell yet. Seconds later, Jaeger arrives -- and he is, uncharacteristically, out of breath. He is just starting to ask where Cinnamon is, but Shane points upward before the question is completely out of the elder's mouth. Jaeger nods, then says so Thorn can hear, "The ritual requires at least some moonlight, so we're vulnerable until nightfall." They all know that there aren't a lot of humans out this deep into the mountains... but there are at least some!

Thorn asks, "Any idea what made the wards fall early?"

Jaeger's voice is a bit tired, "One of the people working on one of the physical wards managed to fall out of a tree. They brought down the entire ward with them. Unluckily, it was a central ward... a delicate, woven one." Jaeger rubs his temples, "Luckily, they didn't break any of their own limbs -- just the tree's."

High above, Cinnamon actually spots the place Jaeger is just now telling the ground-bound folks about. There's a beautiful tree that has several broken branches, with several Acorn trod-members around it, working with saws and axes to neaten it up. Near them, another Acorn is reclining on the ground and being checked over for injury. She's glad to see the wards coming down was an accident... and that Thorn's there to take care of the poor fallen person!

However, about two miles out from the trod Cinnamon also spots a half-dozen hikers. The dragon frowns thoughtfully again, wondering if the sidhe have ways of... sort of 'deflecting' the curious. Hmm, should she land and warn about the hikers? She considers a bit... then nods to herself -- the more warning they have, the more likely the Acorns can do something smooth, simple, and discreet to sort of direct the hikers elsewhere. The big dragon neatly folds her wings and drops downwards, landing as quietly as she knows how... then shares the news of the hikers. Jaeger considers, musing, "We can either gently deflect them, or we can scare them off."

Cinnamon rumbles quietly, "Gonna leave that up to you guys, okay? I should get back up onto high guard!" She bounces once, leaping into the air again, and resumes her slow, floating drift as she keeps her eagle-eyed stare all around. Hopefully the sun will set soon, and the moon will rise at the same time or close to it!

"I'd recommend deflecting them," Thorn says. "If they get scared, they'll eventually become curious again, and return. Or worse, tell someone else about what happened."

Jaeger nods, "This is true... especially if the story involves wolves or dragons." He rubs his jaw, "Thorn, you and Shane can pass easiest. I think getting you out there to nudge them off into a different direction would work. Tell them about a rockfall or some other reason the path is impassable."

Thorn nods, hefting his medkit like a backpack. "That might help, yes. It'll at least delay them for a bit."

Shane nods, twisting his hair up and glancing around for a knapsack to borrow. He smiles wryly, muttering, "Let's hope they speak a language one of us understands..."

Thorn blinks, then grimaces, "Er... I imagine it'd probably be a variant of European Spanish? Which isn't my strong point. Then again... if we can't speak their language we can at least take a lot of time trying to translate."

Shane chuckles, "Hey, anything for a delay, right?"

It's probably lucky that the terrain really is pretty rough. Acorn chose it for that reason, after all. Cinnamon also keeps an eye on Thorn and Shane, and if they look up at her she'll point down towards where the hikers are. Shane and Thorn are able to reach the hikers well before the humans get close enough to see the vulnerable trod, though the half-beansidhe does look up for directions a couple of times. Shortly thereafter, Shane hails the first hiker they see and is hailed back in Spanish-accented English. Shane murmurs, "Well, at least the language barrier is low..."

Thorn murmurs wryly, "We can make it worse... but maybe not. Let's just try to convince them that going this way is not possible."

Shane laughs -- then mutters, "I am going to have such a headache! You should probably handle the misdirection."

Thorn nods, "I'll do my best!" He smiles and waves to the other hikers, "Hi! Hello! You might want to turn back -- a rockslide blocked the trail, it looks like."

The two lead hikers look a bit disappointed, and one of them says, "We brought pitons. We might be able to make it over...? I mean, there's some beautiful camping sites up that way. Or there were five years ago." Some of the other hikers talk quietly in Spanish amongst themselves.

Thorn grimaces, glancing over his shoulder, "It looks really treacherous, to be honest. It's a pretty big one, and the rocks are really slippery."

One of the hikers still seems willing to try, but she gets voted down by the others, "We came to hike -- not to get airlifted out because boulders fell on us, Daniela!" Shane suggests the humans hike in a direction that will take them well away from the Acorn trod -- though of course he does not mention that fact. Admittedly, the humans might circle around back toward it at some point, but it would be well after the wards are back up.

Moments later, Shane lets out a breath and pats Thorn on the shoulder, "I managed to not really listen, so my head's not hurting too bad. You did a great job. Let's get back."

Thorn grins quietly, "Thanks. Sorry for giving you a headache! Yeah, let's head back."

Shane grins, "Any misdirection was going to. If I'd been the one making up the story, it would have been worse. I got sent because I look human. Let's get back and let them know we're in the clear." Once the two men return to the trod, everyone seems to take a deep, calming breath. High above, Cinnamon stays up in the air as the sunset slowly streaks the sky in beautiful fiery colors. She's keeping an eye on the hikers, as well as watching out for anyone else. She waits for the moon to rise before she comes down again -- that's what Zurina and Jaeger said was required for the wards to be brought up again, she remembers.

While Thorn, Shane, and Cinnamon are making sure the humans are deflected, the Havvarger are dispatched to do perimeter patrols for just in case. Down below, the dragon sees the hikers apparently arguing a little, but they are definitely heading away from the trod by now. The sunset is truly gorgeous, and the night looks like it's going to be clear enough for a good amount of moonlight. When the moon starts to rise, everyone gathers in -- every soul within the borders of the trod comes together.

Thorn is relieved the hikers appear to be going off on to another part of the forest, although he is anxious until the time comes for the ritual. It can't happen soon enough; he feels like he can sense the vulnerability of the trod. Thus it's a great relief when the moon starts to rise.

Cinnamon lands lightly -- for a dragon -- and looks around with a mixture of excitement and worry, "So... we all ready? We should do this quick, right? Should I change shape, or is this okay?" She quickly reviews her lines, in her head -- yep, she's still got them ready, even though she just knows them phonetically!

Zurina hmms, "I think changing shape would be best."

Cinnamon nods, then glances hopefully at Shane? The beansidhe grins and gets out the blanket to go follow Cinnamon. He's been wondering when she's going to realize just how easily she's trusting a guy to not peek behind a blanket as she's changing! Of course, he's also quite touched that she has no compunctions about trusting him. Cinnamon beams toothily as Shane comes back with the blanket, then trots over to the closest trees. Her nerves are likely showing a bit, however... as her changing process is accompanied by, "Oops! ...darnit! ...oh for...! Whew... finally!"

Marcus speaks quietly to his father, "That... was odd. Why did she switch back and forth several times?"

Jaeger murmurs back in reply, "If I understand it correctly, sometimes the change doesn't happen exactly right... and it takes a few attempts."

Marcus nods solemnly, unwittingly misunderstanding, "It must be disconcerting."

The little dragon comes pattering back moments later with Shane, pushing up her glasses as she mutters to him, "Well... at least it wasn't my worst time trying to change! That time it took six tries... and I was planning to just stay a dragon, and curl up someplace under shelter on the Valkyrie, if the sixth time didn't work!" Wryly she adds, "Thank goodness it did -- that was during the really awful storm! Remember that one?" She shudders, "Icky-cold!"

Shane grins, "I remember the storm. I also remember you being frustrated at how difficult the change was." He puts his arm around her shoulders, without thinking, as they walk back, "Josie thought it was adorable."

Cinnamon nodnods ruefully as she glances up at Shane, "It was frustrating, yeah! Though I'm not sure why Josie thought it was adorbs? I was out in the freezing, sleeting rain alone, after rescuing Alfred... or... oh, no!" Her hands fly up to her flushing cheeks, "Oh, crabcakes -- was someone watching -- that I didn't see?!"

Shane shakes his head, "No. I meant the first time you had issues changing back and Josie was helping. She said the way you grumped was adorable." He smiles down at her, "No one was watching that time, acushla... and you were brilliant." He gives her a little squeeze just as they get back to the circle of people.

Cinnamon sighs in relief at that... then half-grumps, half-grins, "Adorable... well... I guess it's better than annoying?"

Shane snorts, "You're definitely not annoying." Around the gathering of elves and werewolves and humans and dragons and so on, the lights of the trod are being put out. Any small campfires are being extinguished. The lanterns that were hung around are being put out. People standing in the central area are being handed candles.

Cinnamon blinks startledly up at Shane... then gets a soft, quietly pleased smile on her face. Not annoying? How nice! ...and another nail in the coffin of her birth family's assessment of her. She sighs happily and accepts the candle handed to her. Thorn accepts a candle as well; his medical kit is tucked away behind a tree nearby. Cinnamon glances around after a moment, checking which way is south -- she knows that's her spot. She wonders who else will be standing with her... or will it be just one person per direction?

Shane has quietly moved Cinnamon around to the south, and other people are moving into position as well. There's far too many in the trod to just be one person at the cardinal points, but there is some space around the little dragon. There's also a marking on the ground there, done in some kind of stone dust or chalk in colors of ochre and rust. Cinnamon glances down at it, then up at Shane, "Do I stand in that circle, then?"

Shane nods and winks at her, murmuring, "Yup." He motions around and Cinnamon can see people at the other three cardinal points standing in similar markings. But there are people close around them... perhaps a foot of clearance. No one is standing far separated from the trod.

Cinnamon nods and steps into the circle, then looks up and around herself to see what other folks are doing, "Where will you be standing, Shaney?" The moment Cinnamon steps into the little circle, she can feel something like a tingle along her skin. She blinks with a bit of surprise at the tingly feeling! But nothing bad seems to have happened... so she continues looking around with interest. Shane murmurs that he'll be right there with her, and not to worry. Once Cinnamon is in place, the quiet talk and shuffling around the circle begins to quiet down. As silence settles, the very last lights that were being kept until that moment go out.

For the night-sighted, the area isn't in darkness. Even for Thorn, it's not pitch black, because the fires and lanterns and candles were put out gradually. Still, one does not get dark like this in a city. One doesn't even get dark like this a few miles out from a city. The trod is in a true wilderness area. Looking up, it's possible to feel like you can see the depth of the heavens, and the dimensions and colors of the stars. Thorn looks upward into the night sky, his jaw a little slack in awe and wonder. It's rare that he's seen the real depth of the night sky, and this just takes his breath away. He chalks up the tingly feeling to goosebumps from being at the doorstep to eternity.

For the space of a few heartbeats, no one speaks and no one moves... and then Zurina steps into the middle of the circle. She is wearing clothing that very much looks male, but that might be because she is in her role as the elder tonight. She wears a bow and quiver across her back, and daggers at her waist. But she also carries a small, delicate lamp that seems to be wrought of brass, or perhaps bronze, in the shape of an acorn. Cinnamon feels... oddly at home here. The chilly winter air, the cool night sky, the soft sounds of the local wildlife and the sheep and ponies... Zurina's voice seems somehow very much a part of that auditory environment, in that moment.

When Zurina speaks, it's in Euskara; those that can, quietly translate it for those that don't know the tongue, "Our trod has been hidden for decades. We had to be ready to move in the blink of an eye. To run. To scatter. To be like a leaf on the wind. To live in the dark and to hope not to be seen. We could not have roots."

The Acorn elder goes on, "The wards we used have been just as transitory; just as quick to go up and take down. We have not had a real home." Around the circle, there are murmurs and a few sounds that are obviously of people quietly weeping. It's only a few words, but they are so true! These people have not had a real home... and for some of them, it has been their whole lives. None of the children in the trod, for example, have ever known what it was like to have a permanent home. Zurina goes on speaking, "Tonight, we cease being leaves, and once again become acorns. Seeds. Something to settle into the earth and begin growing roots." Around the circle, here and there, sighs can be heard. Cinnamon's small, growing smile warms her face. She's so happy for the Acorns!

As Zurina speaks, the small lantern in her hands begins to glow, "Tonight, we come out of the darkness of fear... and into the light of acceptance and home." At that last word, the glow of the little lantern sparks up for a moment into a multicolored flame. She walks slowly over to Cinnamon and tips the little lantern toward her, speaking quietly, "Time for your part."

Cinnamon holds up her candle for lighting, and takes a deep breath as the flame catches at the candle's tip... then carefully and clearly intones her phrases. She's concentrating on the phonetics, so she doesn't realize how clear, pleasant, and true her voice rings out in the cool night air... but when she's done, she beams at Zurina!

While Cinnamon speaks, Zurina steps slightly behind and to the east of her, offering the lamp to one of the trod members and speaking quietly. The candles the people hold are the warm honey-amber of beeswax, with some kind of scented oil worked in. They start filling the clearing with a warm, dreamy scent as the light is passed from person to person, and candle to candle, around the group. When Cinnamon's true, clear, lovely voice rings out around the circle there is a sensation somehow of something moving into place. It's not a click, but rather a definite sensation of something settling into its proper position. Thorn smiles comfortably as everything seems to settle into place just right. He's so glad the Acorn trod is now in a permanent home! It seems somehow meet and right for it to be here, in this gorgeous location. Up above, the stars bear witness, from great glorious Sirius to the nearly invisible specks of glittering sand.

The candles being touched one to another around the circle bring a gentle, growing glow to the clearing as Zurina speaks again, "Tonight, the light of the moon will shine down upon us, mother of the elves as she is, and she will bless us with protection." She walks carefully to the west where Arvid stands, offering him the lantern; he touches his candle to the lantern's flame. His voice is not as melodious as Cinnamon's, but it holds the ache of someone who knows what it is to have been long separated from home... who finally sees a familiar shore bidding you welcome. As the last word is spoken, it feels for a moment as if a gentle drift of rain has touched everyone's faces -- and another piece fits into place. Zurina goes on, "The blessing of water will help us to grow, and nurture us."

The Acorn elder moves around the circle to the north, "And the earth will welcome us, holding us in her warm and healing embrace." The person in the north is one of the Acorn members. She's tall and slender, wearing a long skirt that brushes the ground -- but her upper body is clad mostly in body paint and some simple jewelry made of beads and woven cord. Cinnamon blinks and hastily drops her gaze to her candle's little flame -- fire, that's good! She's supposed to be fire OMG that woman's not wearing any clothes on top! s-so... so staring at her, uh, her... f-fire, yes... that's good!

The Acorn woman speaks her part in a voice that sounds flowing; almost singing -- a sleepy, dreamy, welcoming voice. It's the kind that would welcome you in after a long day's trek and give you food and a place to rest. There is the phantom sensation of warm, fertile earth under the feet, and the sensation of yet another piece sliding into place. All around there is a tremor in the air of potentiality.

Thorn watches the ceremony attentively, attempting to learn all he can about it. Much of the symbology is already somewhat familiar to him, from his lessons with Iason, but seeing it in actual practice is something different altogether. It's fascinating as he feels things "click" or settle into place, as the wards slowly take hold of the area.

The collection of candles being lit follows Zurina -- a slowly increasing glow trailing the elder's footsteps around the circle. When the Acorn elder reaches Marcus, where he stands in the spot for air, she smiles at him. He's wearing cobalt blue leather leggings with a close-fitting jerkin in a sort of silvery-blue robin's egg color. His arms are bare, wound about with green leather thongs from which tiny silver bells hang. They tinkle as he holds his candle to the flame of Zurina's little lantern. His blonde hair is more than a little wild, too -- this is... not the normal, sharply-put-together Marcus of Coblyn! "And the wind will once again dance through the leaves, laughing and singing with us." Marcus smiles as he speaks his part of the ritual -- then he closes his eyes and raises his arms, swaying them to make the little bells sing. Cinnamon blinks slowly as she studies Marcus... wow, he looks... surprisingly nice! Almost... relaxed? Pretty, too -- like... like he really could be a creature of air?

When Marcus finishes speaking there is an actual breeze which ruffles the hair of everyone there in the circle, and the scent of fresh leaves in the spring. Everyone can feel, just at the edge of perception, that the ritual is almost done. As Zurina completes the circle, coming back to stand in front of Cinnamon, one of Zurina's wives steps forward with one of the children of the trod -- a small girl wearing brown leggings and a green linen tunic, her hair interbraided with ribbons. Zurina leans over and smiles, "And we will make a home for our children." Cinnamon smiles down at the little girl, feeling a slow-growing internal warmth -- the children will have a safe place they can call home! She knows how critical that is, due to having lacked it in her own life.

As she says this, every member of Acorn says something that neither Cinnamon nor Thorn can make out. It's neither Euskara nor English -- it's none of the languages Cinnamon knows -- but it's obviously important. As it's spoken, and Zurina passes the lantern to the little girl, there is something like a chime beyond hearing... and the other-sensory singing of the trod's new wards coming to life! All around the folk attending the ceremony there is now an amber glow of candle-light -- and the ritual's culmination has been timed so the moon shines directly down upon them all, standing together in the clearing. Zurina raises her voice, "It is done!" -- then laughs and raises her arms. It is the most carefree, joyous sound any of them have heard her make.

Cinnamon smiles up at Zurina, echoing quietly, "It is done..." She sighs happily... then looks around with interest to see how the other Acorns are doing. She's not sure if she can move yet, though, so she holds position as she does so. Thorn too lets out a breath, smiling quietly -- not only at feeling the ritual come together... but also due to the joy in Zurina's voice, and her laughter. It's such a welcome sound after all the trod's been through!

All around there's laughter and chattering, joy and warmth, as the ritual ends and people begin to move around, hugging one another. Arvid, Marcus, and the woman that was in the north are all moving around, so it's likely okay if Cinnamon does. She watches the other three, um... 'directional' folks thoughtfully for a moment... then takes a careful step out of her little ochre circle. Okay! So far, so good... hm, what did they do with their candles? Cinnamon really doesn't want to flub anything here, after all -- and this is only the second ritual she's been part of! People seem to be simply holding their candles, almost casually, until someone starts moving around and gathering them up. Here and there around the camp, lights are starting to be lit again.

Cinnamon sighs in relief once she figures out what proper action is! She watches people as she quietly wanders around, much as she used to do whenever she was (forced to be) at a party, before she learned about Coblyn Street and her heritage. Of course, this time around is far more relaxed and happy-feeling to her! She doesn't feel quite so out of place here. But she's still very curious as to how people are interacting. Who do Shane and Marcus gravitate towards? What do Zurina and Jaeger do? Who do the Havvarger and Thorn seem to hang out with, amongst the Acorns?

Jaeger seems to be moving around and speaking to... almost everyone. He's staying largely with Zurina, though, and she's speaking to almost everyone, so that might be a side effect of that. Marcus is also circulating -- these people are technically his responsibility, so he may be taking more notice. Or maybe he's just enjoying people smiling at him and wanting to touch the little bells on his arms. Shane and the Havvarger are talking with the Acorn folk that understand the language they have in common (which is English), but no one seems to be unhappy or made to be a wallflower.

Thorn helps to ride herd on the children, for the most part, though he isn't adverse to talking to anyone who comes up to him. He seems to otherwise circulate, albeit in a smaller region than Jaeger and Marcus. Cinnamon smiles with quiet happiness... looks like everyone is doing well! This mission really did end beautifully. She sighs contentedly as she searches for and finds a comfy place to curl up and watch, then sets her candle down beside herself.

The evening is physically cool, but the emotional warmth between everyone there is a powerful connection. People laugh and chatter, sing together, hug and weep with release... and the sensation of relief on the part of every Acorn present is nearly palpable. It is a quiet but deeply sincere celebration, which lasts for as long as folks are still awake. Cinnamon heads to bed well before then, however... she's worked both hard and satisfyingly over the past few days! Shane is also one of those that heads to bed early. He enjoys parties, but this one, he figures, is mostly for the newly secure trod.

The next day is a peaceful one, full of rest, food and hunting, planning the hike back, packing, and making gentle, heartfelt goodbyes. Everyone sleeps peacefully, and in the morning the Havvarger and their passengers are gifted a hearty breakfast before they all head off to hike back down to the coastal town where the Valkyrie is docked. It's a bittersweet parting: the Acorns are truly grateful, and sorry to see their strange new saviors depart. The travelers are encouraged to return whenever they wish, and there are hugs and Gallic kisses for them all.

When they leave the trod, one of the Acorn trod members goes with, to witness the Council meeting in Iceland. She's a woman who speaks English, Euskara, Spanish, French, and German. Her name is Garaitz and she is quite friendly -- and also not a bit afraid of hard work.

The first day of hiking is both rainy and muddy, and very up and down -- it leaves Cinnamon panting and tired by the time they stop for the night. Alfred makes sure there's a sturdy, hot dinner for all, which is a relief to the little dragon. Consequently it's only a few hours later that she's cozily tucked into her sleeping bag in her little tent. She sleepily decides that she's pretty pleased with how things are going! Nobody got seriously injured, she and Thorn have learned to use a staff, the Acorns are all safe now, and her friends all seem happy. The little dragon smiles to herself as she remembers how nice Shane was to her today, helping her over some of the rough spots. As her thoughts drift towards sleep, she finds herself idly musing on Sparrow's comment about Shane -- that he was: "long, tall, and noble."

The 'tall' part, she can see -- to her, everyone is tall! The 'noble,' though... hmm, that could have two meanings. One could be that he's the son and heir of the Chieftain of Trod of the Rowan... and the other could be simply that he's very nobly intentioned, like paladins are. That's what Elias called him, after all -- a paladin. Cinnamon thinks she likes the second definition better; it makes her feel a little closer to Shane -- and it makes Shane feel a little less potentially scary to her!

The only question left in Cinnamon's mind is: why 'long'? She muses a bit sleepily on that for a while, sorting out possible meanings in her head. It couldn't be long hair -- Sparrow knows people with as long or much longer hair than Shane. It couldn't be Shane's arms or legs or nose or fingers or anything like that -- he's really nicely proportioned, to her perspective. Further, she's seen pretty much all of Shane, that one terribly embarrassing time when he opened the door wearing just a towel!

It's at that point that a (personally shocking) thought occurs to Cinnamon. Could it be that Sparrow was talking about Shane's -- about his, er... his n-n-naughty- oooh, crabcakes! Uuh, d-down... there?! Cinnamon has trouble even finishing the phrase in her mind, and a loyal part of her tries to assert that Shane would never do something like that! However, the more pragmatic and honest part of her points out that neither Shane nor Sparrow have any trouble with body modesty -- and also: Shane wears a kilt! Even if Shane and Sparrow didn't make love together at some point -- and why would that be bad, if it's okay to Cinnamon that Shane and Aisling had made love? -- b-but m-maybe it's just that... er, maybe Sparrow saw the wind blow the kilt up at some point? After all, technically the correct way to wear a kilt is with nothing underneath, r-right?

Cinnamon is so embarrassed at her current (and highly personally inflammatory!) thoughts that she gives a small squeak of horror and dives under her covers, in a sort of incandescently embarrassed sleeping-bag-burrito with her blankets! Good thing Fraser's not here, or he'd want to know what was up -- and she hopes nobody else heard that very silly noise!

Naturally, at precisely that moment is when she hears the soft crunch of boots on dirt outside her tent -- the person on watch? -- and then Shane's voice calling softly, "Cinnamon? Are you okay, acushla?"

Cinnamon's voice comes out squeaky with panic, since she's sure that her guilt at what she believes are disgustingly rude and intrusive thoughts will be immediately discernible upon her flushed face, "N-no -- don't come in! Er, w-wait, I mean yes -- everything's fine! N-nothing's wrong!" Then she facepalms silently... could she possibly have sounded any more guilty!?

Outside the tent, Shane smiles to himself. When Cinnamon squeaks like that, she's likely thought or seen or done something she finds embarrassing! He's gentle enough not to tease her about it. Yet. He has a moment of thinking, [Not until afterwards...] -- and then he wishes her a good night and goes on about his watch.

It took six days to climb the Pyrenees and find the Trod of the Acorn. Fortunately it only takes five to hike back down to the little French coastal town where the Valkyrie is docked. The group checks into the same quaint little hotel, so as to have a last night of sleep on land. Since the Havvarger are taking a day to restock the Valkyrie, Cinnamon takes that day to happily browse through the local shops for some pretty thread and notions for Lianne, in thanks for her swift revision of Cinnamon's council clothing! The little dragon is also looking for something nice for Josie... but for that, she knows to ask Shane: what does he suggest, please? Shane considers for a moment, "Josie likes textiles. If you can find her something cloth that's actually meant to go on the wall, she'd love it."

Cinnamon blinks as she pushes up her glasses... then gets an intrigued look, "Okay!"

Shane walks with Cinnamon, "I think it's because she likes things that are touchable."

A couple of hours later, and after some careful searching and excitedly-exchanged French, Cinnamon emerges from a store flushed with victory! She bears a well-wrapped tapestry over one shoulder, and she's chattering happily to Shane, "Yeah, it should fit on any of her walls, if she wants it there... or as a bed spread! I hope she likes it -- I picked the one with the most vibrant colors and the softest wool for her!"

Shane grins and nods, "I like it too. I think I know the history of that image... but I'll have to ask my mom about it."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, cool! Tell me about it too, please, when you find out?"

Shane nods and smiles, "It's, I think, the lady and the unicorn. Or at least one of them..."

Cinnamon blinks interestedly up at Shane, pushing her glasses up, "Oh, the one where there's, umm, like four or five tapestries, or something like that? Huh!" She glances at the rolled-up package over her shoulder, then grins at Shane again, "Do you know which one it is?" She adds cheerfully, "Hope I can squeeze it into my cabin okay... oh! Also, I have a gift for Thorny too! I'm translating some books for him on a subject I'm hoping he's interested in... think I should tell him right away, or wait for some later date?"

Shane muses, "I'll have to have a look again... and ask my mom. She loves mythology, and there's some stuff about those tapestries that's tickling the back of my brain." He taps the back of his head to symbolize the sensation, adding, "You can always put it in the hold."

"Oh! Good idea." As Cinnamon patters up the gangplank she happily adds, "And the other question? Any thoughts?"

Shane considers, "I'd wait until you have at least one translated." He grins down at her, "What are they about?" On the ship, the crew and passengers are already getting ready to make way. Everyone is falling back into sailing mindset easily.

Cinnamon nearly skips along next to Shane, she's so excited about her little gifties to dear friends! "Oh! The history of magic -- they're in French, and borrowed from Solange! She was so nice to loan them to me!"

Shane nods, "I quite liked Solange. Meeting folks from trods in other places has rather cemented the idea that they do indeed adhere pretty strongly to the archetypes."

Cinnamon blinks, "The... oh! You mean like the tree archetypes? Huh... do you feel you and Rowan don't?"

Shane grins down at her again, "Rowan are said to be earthy, courageous, protective, and sometimes mischievous."

Cinnamon tilts her head as she thinks about that, pattering across the deck to find Fraser or Arvid to ask permission to stow something in the hold... then grins shyly at Shane, "That, uhmm... sounds right t-to me?"

Shane nods solemnly, "Indeed." He left out a couple other descriptors sometimes used to describe the trods traditionally lumped into the 'beansidhe' side of the equation. Instead, he points up to the fo'c'sle, "Arvid's up there." Cinnamon blushes slightly, relieved that she didn't accidentally offend Shane -- she'd actually meant just him, after all! She hastily patters over to the fo'c'sle to talk to Arvid, silently berating herself -- that was dangerously close to sounding like she was saying she really liked him! She should be careful about that... she doesn't want to drive him off!

The voyage home is much less... contentious... than the voyage out. Marcus actually listens, for one thing. He wears the sunscreen he's told to wear if he's standing a daytime watch. He wears a hat when he's told to. But he actually stands more nighttime watches than daytime ones, and he proves to be quite agile in the tops. On the second or third day out Arvid is even heard to rumble, "If he'd been like this on the voyage out, I'd have had a lot less desire to bite him..." Cinnamon has to stifle the giggle that causes! She's been spending all her free time transcribing and translating the smaller of the two books loaned to her by Solange -- and finding it's actually quite fun! Not as much fun as helping out aboard ship, but close! Thorn is, of course, also helping as needed, both on the deck with ropework or up in the rigging with sailwork -- and, naturally, with any of the myriad minor injuries that may happen. He's particularly glad to see Marcus working out much better this leg of the trip; maybe the guy doesn't have so much to prove anymore?

It's as the group is sailing just a week out from the homeward shore that it becomes obvious the moon is going to definitely catch them at sea... and Fraser is starting to become more... Fraser-y. He's certainly teasing Shane more. Shane takes it in stride, grinning. He knows that Fraser can tell how he feels about Cinnamon, but he's not going to let himself be goaded. It's not time yet, and he knows that Cinnamon can handle herself just fine with the curse-wolf. Cinnamon herself is somewhat clueless as to Fraser's actions, since she's spending quite a bit of time translating... plus she's gleefully texted Spice on her sat-phone about the pretty gift for Josie! The little dragon unwittingly picked the 'Sight' version of the "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestry series -- because to Cinnamon's eyes, that's the one where the lady and the heraldic creatures seem the friendliest. Considering both Josie and Cinnamon herself have animal forms, that's an important consideration to the little dragon! Spice texts back: J will <3 it. So many rabbits!

On the first night of the full moon Fraser is... fractious... during the day -- to the point that he's actually pushing Arvid's limits somewhat. He even teases Shane about something, while in Cinnamon's eyesight -- not close enough for her to actually hear, but the expressions are clear. Fraser's grin is broad and beyond mischievous, while Shane wears an expression saying that he knows Fraser is being this way because it's the full moon... and that's probably one of the few reasons the curse-wolf didn't just get checked and checked hard.

Cinnamon has just looked up and stretched, taking a quick mental break from her translating work... but she frowns when she spots Shane's rather... set expression! Hmm... is Fraser being a meanie again? Maaaaybe she'll just take a quick snack break too! She closes her laptop and tucks the precious book carefully under cover, then rises and patters over to frown up at Fraser, her hands on her hips, and looking unwittingly very much like a small child addressing an adult! "Frazey, are you being mean to folks? You be nice, now, okay?"

Fraser grins down at Cinnamon, his eyes glinting, "Mean? I'm not being mean." He looks at Shane, "In fact, I was bein' pretty complimentary, wasn't I?"

Shane is forced to admit to himself that what Fraser was saying was, indeed, quite complimentary. "Oh, yeah. He was saying some appreciative things. But he is also being quite..." The half-beansidhe looks for a way to put it that's truthful and fairly benign, "...Id-driven today. I'm sure that a week from now, he's going to be quite apologetic."

Cinnamon nods gravely to Shane, "He's being... kinda pushy, right?" She tilts her head at Fraser as she wryly adds, "You do like pushing more than you really should, on the full moon. You better behave tonight, though, guy, okay?"

Shane's voice is dry, "That's a good way to put it."

Fraser chuckles, "Oh, I always behave, lass."

Shane rolls his eyes, "Any kind of way someone acts is behavior. Whether it's good or bad behavior is a different matter." He takes a deep breath, "I'm meant to be up in the rigging. I'd listen to her if I were you, Fraser. She may be small right now, but she's very, very mighty."

Cinnamon beams cheerfully at Shane, quite touched at his comment about her might! Then she turns to Fraser and shakes a stern finger at him, "You know quite well I meant behave well, you fink!" She smiles as Shane heads off, adding to Fraser, "Be nice, please?" before she heads back to her translating. She doesn't offer to sleep with the incarcerated wolves, though, since there's no storm or real need to do so. It doesn't occur to her that they might like that, after all -- it's just her, rather than anyone important, right?

As night comes on, Fraser is more and more fractious -- if he had hackles in human form, they'd be up! It takes both Rafe and Arvid to get Fraser down to the brig when the sun starts going down -- and even then, there is almost a set-to. Arvid ends up snapping at Fraser, while Rafe gives the big Scottish wolf a strong nudge to get into his cell. The entire time, Fraser's growling under his breath as he strips down to the skin and settles in for the night. Rafe just sighs... then settles down.

Once the moon is up, though, and Fraser is in wolf form... it becomes obvious to every person on the ship that he is Not Happy! The first howls are ignored. The Havvarger are all wolves of one sort or another, so they're used to sleeping through the occasional howl. The key word, however, is occasional -- these howls go on. And on! And on... and they're piercing... and mournful. Piercing enough that everyone through the entire ship can hear them! Poor Rafe, stuck in the next cell over, is whining because it hurts... and he occasionally howls along in protest. He's tried putting his paws and tail over his ears -- even dragging bedding off the rack in the cell to hide under -- but nothing helps.

In every occupied rack in every room on the ship, people groan and toss and try to figure out a way to block out the sound. Every time it seems like Fraser might be letting up for a few minutes, it turns out that he's just catching his breath to start up again. Even when Fraser himself started to feel thirsty and a little hoarse, he doesn't stop. In this form he doesn't have much of a human thought process, but last time he was down here in this stupid cage, there was that lovely alpha lady! So maybe if he keeps howling...? He can smell she's still here!

On the other end of the ship, Cinnamon initially sighs and hopes Fraser settles down soon. After a few minutes she tries the pillow over the head gambit... unfortunately unsuccessfully. In a cabin nearby, Thorn tosses and turns, finally sitting up and rubbing his exhausted eyes. What is all this cacophony about?! The howling is piercing and he's reasonably sure that any ship passing less than twenty leagues away can hear these howls.

In the rack above Thorn, Shane rubs his forehead with the fingertips of both hands, grumbling in a sort of resigned fashion, "He sounds like he's trying to howl down the moon... though I'm betting he's just trying to get... someone's... attention." He sighs. He's not got quite the sharpness of senses that Marcus and Jaeger have, but he is a little sharper than pure human, "I wonder if a muzzle would help." This is more sarcastic than most folks hear Shane get.

Thorn grimaces, "If there was such a thing as a safe soporific... it certainly sounds like he's trying to announce our presence to the entire North Atlantic." He has to stifle a laugh at the mental image of a Canadian coastguard ship coming alongside with Fraser's howling, and the rest of the crew trying to act like there's absolutely no howling going on.

Shane snorts, "Yeah. Maybe we could find some Scotch to give him? Though I don't think a drunk Fraser just now would be wise." He sighs and then laughs again, "Can you imagine the kinds of urban legends this could spawn? Should we go ask Arvid what to do?" At just that instant, the howling stops -- just shuts off like someone hit a power button.

Thorn opens his mouth to say that he seriously doubts Arvid doesn't hear what's going on -- when the howling stops. He blinks, listening intently. "Uh...." he says wisely.

Just a few minutes earlier, Cinnamon has finally just... had enough of this nonsense! She worked hard all day, she's tired, and she wants some goshdarned sleep! So she grumpily gets up, kicks into her plushy unicorn slippers and yanks on her robe, grabs her glasses and nearly plonks them onto her face, then grabs her pillow and blanket. The only reason she doesn't stomp audibly across the deck, in fact, is because she doesn't want to wake up anyone else who was blessed enough to be able to actually sleep through this bedlam! She firmly dogs closed the hatch to the lower deck that holds the brig, then turns and snaps, "Fraser-wuffie! You stop that racket right this instant!"

The moment Cinnamon speaks, Fraser stops the howling! Instead, he starts happy little whimper-whines -- it worked! She came! He wags happily, his tongue lolling. Wolves do wag, after all -- dogs got it from somewhere! Cinnamon sighs, still feeling grumpy as she stomps over to the clothes locker and grabs the keys off the hook. She lets herself into Rafe's cage, murmuring, "Bet you're relieved it got quiet too, eh? We'll just curl up here next to the bars for Fraser's cage, okay? That way we can all get some sleep finally!" She glares sternly -- and, though she doesn't realize it, totally ineffectively! -- at the big red wolf... then sighs again and flumpfs down next to the bars, flipping out her blanket to cover both her and the smaller wolf.

Back in the cabins, Shane blinks and sits up carefully. He has a moment of thinking of those old pulp jungle movies: 'It's quiet... too quiet...' He listens with great intensity... for the sound of running feet -- because he's almost afraid that Fraser got out! Thorn too glances left and right in the sudden silence. Some of the sounds he hears are certainly sighs of relief, but he's a little worried at the sudden not-howling. Though... there weren't any yelps or yowls, so he doesn't think anyone bopped Fraser a solid one to knock him out? At least he hopes not. That's not healthy.

In the brig, Fraser's happy prancing stops when he sees Cinnamon go into the wrong cell! He starts to grumble-growl and scratch at the bars, pushing his nose through to try and reach Rafe and Cinnamon. It's not as ear-piercing as the howling, but the whines and growls are certainly unpleasant, close up. The big red wolf is persistent -- and annoying! -- enough that Cinnamon finally sighs and sits up, snapping, "Fraser S. Wuffie, cut that out again!"

Even as a wolf, Fraser looks indignant at the appellation! -- but he does indeed 'cut it out.' He lies down, putting his head flat on his forepaws, and lays his ears back, looking as demure and remorseful as a huge red wolf can. His tail is, however, still wagging like mad! That makes Cinnamon smile in spite of herself... which makes him sit up excitedly, his tongue hanging happily out as he pants and wags at her. She's still smiling even as she sighs... then finally says sternly to Fraser, "Okay, here's the deal, Wuffie. You behave yourself -- I don't want even a squeak out of you! -- and Rafe and I will come snuggle up with you. You got that?"

The big wolf continues to wag happily, so while Cinnamon's not entirely sure he understands, she decides to give it a try. She gets up and pushes her stuff through the bars into Fraser's cage, uses the key to exit with Rafe -- using her robe sash as an impromptu guide/leash about Rafe's neck -- then sternly points for Fraser to go sit in the back of his cage. After that she and Rafe enter, though the smaller wolf is somewhat dubious about this... and then Cinnamon gently and firmly pushes Fraser to lie down. She settles her pillow on his side, cuddles Rafe up on one side of her and tucks Fraser's head under her arm on the other side, then tucks her blanket in around all three of them.

Fraser does require one nose-bop and a stern glare when he starts to bristle a bit at Rafe... but after that he sighs, curls up around them both... and the little group finally drifts off to peaceful sleep. Cinnamon sighs quietly in relief. Not only is the quiet an amazing blessing... but this furry cuddle-pile is really cozy and warm!

Back in the cabins, Thorn doesn't hear anything untoward... though he suspects he really should check Fraser. It's what a good healer would do if he were really concerned about the cursed werewolf. But on the other hand, if Fraser escaped and is running around... "What do you think we should do?" he asks Shane.

Shane swings his legs out of his bunk and drops lightly to the floor, "I'm going on deck to make sure people aren't running like hell. You stay here. We don't put healers in battle." He sighs, "If he's still locked safely away, I'll let you know." He sounds... not worried precisely, but more like someone ready for a fight if it's needful. He takes time to get fully dressed and armed.

Elsewhere on the ship, Arvid had been sleeping fitfully -- sailors have to be able to get at least a little rest through some pretty disconcerting things. Consequently, it took him a moment to figure out why he was suddenly very, very awake. His nostrils flare as he tries to figure out why he's so alert. All his senses sort through the variety of input: smells are all correct, the tang of salt air is fine, the motion of the ship is normal as she rocks along with Mother Ocean... the creaking of the wood and the crack of the sails is correct. There's no roar of a gale or shrieking wind, there's no... his mind abruptly backtracks on that: no shrieking -- and there's also no howling!

In retrospect, Fraser has been howling since moonrise -- ululating like a pup who's lost his dam and his whole litter! -- and now he's silent. Arvid groans and mutters several curses. If the damned curse-wolf isn't howling, he's probably out of the damned cell and loose somewhere on Valkyrie -- and that could spell disaster. While the entire pack loves Fraser, they all also know that Fraser on a full moon is not precisely Fraser the rest of the month. If they were all wolves together with him, it might be different. But with the others on board... Arvid does not want the cursed member of his pack ripping a deadly and bloody path through anything or anyone on his ship!

The captain is out of his bed in an instant. It takes him less than two minutes to get his clothes on and get his hands on the red-filtered flashlight they use to run night-patrol on the ship. Most of them have excellent night vision, after all, so none of them want to ruin that for anyone else... and a normal flashlight would do just that. Arvid considers for a moment if it would be wise to change shape himself... after all, the transformation takes some time for him. Instead, he eventually (and somewhat reluctantly) slides a sheathed blade into his belt. It will help him hold Fraser off until he can raise an alarm. Plus they've got Thorn on board, so hopefully any truly excessive damage can be more easily put right.

With that slightly disturbing thought, the captain starts a careful prowling of the ship. There's no screaming or running, so if Fraser is loose, the cursed wolf is going about it quietly. Consequently Arvid meets Shane almost immediately, and the two of them agree to work together -- since, as Shane murmurs with a wry smile, "Harder to get ambushed if there's two of us, right?" Arvid nods grimly. He holds no illusions about how much fun (or not) his cursed pack brother would have in hunting and ambushing them while he's in this state!

The two hunters start first on deck. The watch in the crows nest immediately answers their hail, which removes some tension. The captain quietly calls up his concerns, and Jaeger (who is one of the two currently on watch) admits he was worried as well. However, neither of the current watch have seen the big Scots werewolf, despite being quite alert.

Next, with Shane at his side -- and back, when needed -- Arvid quietly stalks the ship from stem to stern. All the cabin doors are closed tight and safe -- none of them have been clawed open. No Fraser in any of the ship's passageways. The galley is clean and tidy; the food storage lockers are unmolested. The hold is a bit of a nervous search because there are a lot of nooks and crannies, but he's not there, either.

After that, Arvid and Shane consult together quietly for a moment. The young paladin seems quite a bit older than his years as he murmurs quietly, "Cinnamon's door didn't have any signs that Fraser got out and tried to claw through, so she's safe even though he seems to gravitate toward her. He's definitely not gone overboard either. He's not stupid, at the moon -- just very much instinctual."

Arvid nods, face tight with worry, "Oh, yes. There is almost nothing and no one deadlier or more sly than he at this phase of the moon. Cinnamon is the only entity I've ever seen pull him up!" The captain sighs, then carefully considers, "He... could have just given up the howling... maybe? Though... actually, the only place we haven't yet checked is the brig itself."

Shane nods, "True." He shifts his sword, loosening it in its sheath... then takes a deep breath, "Let's go check."

The two men carefully, quietly make their way down to the brig -- and, worryingly, find the outer door open. As they get closer, they hear a low snarl. They both pause, starting to draw their blades... but then pause and wait. Arvid turns off the red-tinted light, letting both his and Shane's natural senses take over.

As they pause, a sleepy, slightly slurred voice grumbles, "Fraser S. Wuffie, this's y'r las' chance -- no more growlin' at poor Rafe-y!" There's a slightly grumpy-sounding, gusty sigh, followed by, "Thas' better. Now, go back t' sleep... please!"

Peeking cautiously around the corner formed by the wooden barrier, the two men peer into the darkness surrounding the brig. One door is indeed swung open, while the other is still closed and locked. In the very back of the cage, lying in a fluffy heap, is the big, red, and extremely dangerous cursed wolf! Curled up against him, with one arm about his big head and a pillow leaned against his broad shoulders... is Cinnamon. She's got the much smaller Rafe snoozing contentedly next to her, and she's tucked her blanket in around all three of them. The two littler entities are sleeping within the nearly protective-seeming curl of Fraser's burly, shaggy body, looking comfortable and well-cuddled.

Fraser has laid his big head back onto his forepaws by the time Arvid and Shane peep cautiously in... but as the Scots wolf spots the two men he flattens his ears and silently bares his teeth in warning. This is hiscomfy spot -- and he has absolutely no intention whatsoever of sharing!

Arvid arches a brow... while Shane puts a hand over his mouth -- both to hide his grin and to stop himself saying anything! He has no doubt that Cinnamon is far too sleepy to notice anything other than Fraser's grumbly fussing. In fact, Cinnamon is exhausted after a hard day's work followed by several hours less sleep than usual, so she doesn't even notice Fraser's slight tension -- she's out like a light!

Arvid makes a motion; Shane nods, and both men fade back so silently that even the other Havvarger would be hard-pressed to hear or notice them -- any of the others except Fraser, that is. Once they're well out of ear-shot, though, Arvid actually snorts a laugh, "Well... that answers that!" He rubs his forehead with his fingertips, "He was howling for her, wasn't he?"

Shane nods and sighs, "I'd bet so, yes." He smiles crookedly, thinking that he understands the sentiment! Fraser teases him about Cinnamon because Fraser is smart and has picked up on Shane's feelings. Then the half-beansidhe pauses and asks, "What do you think the S stands for?"

Arvid laughs a little more relaxedly this time, "I was wondering that myself! Only Cinnamon would scold a giant cursed werewolf with a name like Fraser S. Wuffie." He chuckles, adding, "Shall we ask her in the morning?"

Shane grins, "Let's think about it then."

Arvid chuckles and thumps Shane companionably on the shoulder, a little harder than he means it to be simply due to his great relief. Shane doesn't even sway, which impresses Arvid -- though he says nothing about it. The two men part ways... Arvid back to bed, and Shane to let Thorn know everything is fine. Moments later, Shane slowly gets back down to his nightclothes and sighs, chuckling tiredly -- the search was stressful! "I hope they'll be able to deal with him after Cinnamon's back on land and he's not." Thorn is very relieved to hear all is well! The sudden cutoff of the howling had alarmed him, but he's glad there was nothing to worry about after all. Well, there's plenty to worry about, of course... but for now, not so much.

When the sun comes up, Rafe actually wakes up first, and very quietly -- and oddly insistently, for him -- gets Fraser to at least put on his unders before Cinnamon wakes up. Cinnamon herself is really tired, so she sleeps on despite her two furry companions departing. They left her with the pillow and blanket, after all! That's probably for the best for the two werewolves, since she'd likely react in shock to being abruptly faced with a nude Fraser first thing in the morning! There's a little arguing as the two men depart, but eventually Jaeger comes to find Cinnamon in the brig, once the two wolves are seen in the galley -- without the little dragon.

Thorn wakes up slightly after the sun as well, a bit slowly -- the howling did rather keep him up, though he's learning to deal with it. He wonders what the sailing-wolves are going to do once Cinnamon is off-ship! In fact, the Havvarger are all moving a little more slowly than normal today -- though that's still faster than any human -- while Fraser is getting some pretty dirty looks.

Cinnamon wakes up a bit groggily at the gentle shoulder shake, rubbing her eyes and then feeling around for her glasses. Once she has them on, though, she blinks in confusion at Jaeger, "...you're not Fraser? Er... uh-oh!" She glances around hastily, "Did he get out?! Did he- wait..." She blinks again at Jaeger, pushing up her glasses, "It's daytime, right? So, uhh... what're you doing in the brig, please?"

Jaeger is crouched by Cinnamon; he offers her a mug of tea when she has her glasses on, "I am bringing you a hot drink, and the information from the captain that you are relieved of any duties today, because your duties last night let everyone else get at least a few hours' sleep after Fraser stopped die Katzenmusik. Though he did say he wants to speak with you when you feel ready to be up and about."

Cinnamon accepts the tea gratefully, holding it with both hands as she sips from it and listens... then puzzledly asks, "Wait, Arvid wants to talk to me? Or Fraser does?" She blinks sleepily again as she adds, "Er... shouldn't it be Wolfmusik? Or was there something I missed last night?" Wryly she adds, while rubbing her forehead, "Considering how tired I was, that doesn't surprise me, actually...?"

"Arvid does. Fraser is not speaking very much today. He is being... Fraser." Jaeger smiles, "By which I mean, he is being irritable and somewhat snappish today." The Elm elder amusedly adds, "I think the English word is caterwauling: loud, irritating sounds."

Cinnamon giggles, then nods in understanding. A moment later she gives Jaeger a slightly worried glance, "The Captain, umm... did he sound mad when he said he wanted to talk to me? I didn't, um, like, do anything bad by coming here, right? Er... I hope?"

Jaeger chuckles, "No, no -- he didn't seem mad at all. He seemed quite happy with you. Does someone saying, 'Please. Rest. You did us a favor. Come see me when you are feeling up to it, please,' seem upset?"

Cinnamon blushes at that, mumbling sheepishly, "S-sorry, I just... well, still a little groggy, you know?" She scrambles carefully to her feet, not wishing to spill any of the lovely hot tea, and gathers up her things, "Okay! Umm... I may get breakfast and a shower first, actually -- that'll help me wake up more." She grins shyly up at Jaeger, adding, "Thanks for the tea. Also, please don't t-tell anyone but, um..." She turns pink again as she adds, "Y-you're much nicer to wake up to than a, er... a, uhh... than full-moon Fraser!" She tried... but she couldn't quite bring herself to admit that Fraser being naked at her is still way too much for her to handle, first thing in the mornings!

Jaeger chuckles and stands easily, "Oh, I am certain Fraser could be quite pleasant to wake up to... in the correct circumstances, and for the correct person."

Cinnamon mutters grumpily, "Aisling, maybe... but he keeps trying to be naked at me instead of her!" Jaeger tactfully says nothing, though he smiles as he goes about his morning. He had the longest watch, so it's just about time for him to get some rest. Cinnamon hastily patters off, after that embarrassing admission! Time to go clean up -- and then she nearly wolfs down a large breakfast. She's really hungry! She can't help wondering though, even as she cheerfully greets people, why Fraser's grumpy today. He got what he wanted last night, after all, right? She finds Shane in the galley, and Thorn too enters not long after, looking relatively awake and aware... though, like nearly everyone else, he could probably do with another couple of hours of sleep.

Cinnamon doesn't eat so fast that she can't beam at her friends, of course! "Good morning, Shaney, Thorny! How're you two doing?" She grins a little to herself, wryly wondering if Marcus will be his old, rather snooty self after not getting enough sleep. Still, it's not her problem, fortunately! So instead she curiously asks her dear friends, "Hey, maybe you guys know: why is Fraser grumpy this morning?"

Shane slides into a seat by Cinnamon and chuckles, "Because Rafe rousted him out of bed before he wanted to be out of bed, maybe? Though I'm surprised Rafe stood up to him at this time of the moon." He also smiles at Thorn, "Morning!"

Cinnamon blinks interestedly as she pushes up her glasses, "Did he? Good for Rafey, then! Serves Fraser right for keeping everyone else up so late!" She chuckles quietly to herself as she eats a bit more... then sighs amusedly, "I'm guessing Fraser-wolf's going to be a pill for the next two nights too, unless I'm there. I just hope he realizes when I'm not on the ship that yelling for me to come cuddle him won't do any good!"

Shane smiles wryly, "Yeah, I was wondering about that myself. I think he's got enough sense to know that. Otherwise, I don't know what they're going to do."

Thorn nods to Cinnamon and Shane, "I'm doing well, thanks, and good morning, Shane. It was quite the evening, wasn't it?"

Cinnamon giggles a bit sheepishly at that, "Sorry about that! So sorry... I should have realized quicker what was going on."

Thorn says easily, "Don't apologize! It wasn't anything you did!"

Cinnamon says, "Well, I mean more that I didn't stop it sooner... but yeah, you're right, Thorny." She eats quickly and neatly, then sighs happily over her fresh mug of tea, "Okay then! Feeling much, much better now. Guess I better go talk to the captain!" As she rises, she adds curiously, "I wonder if he has some special job for me, or something?"

Shane thoughtfully inquires, "Why would you have stopped it sooner? It's not as if he walked up and knocked on your door and said 'Hey, can you come snuggle with me?'" Cinnamon blinks at Shane, at that... then abruptly blushes hotly and giggles, hastily pattering out of the room! For a shocking moment her brain had given her precisely what her reaction would have been... had it been Shane who'd done so!

On her way out the door, Cinnamon nearly bumps into a rather groggy and somewhat rumpled Marcus. She eeps startledly, trying to dodge aside, "Oops! 'Scuse me- oh! Marcus, good morn... umm... are you okay, guy?" The slightly surprised thought occurs to her, as she studies Marcus: he's really kind of... well, adorably cute when he's rumpled up! Kind of like when he's tired, she thinks. It's like... pretty Marcus under the mask, maybe? She grins to herself at that thought -- but she's far too smart to share it!

Marcus chuckles, "I slept for not quite two hours. The last time I slept that little, I was wine-drunk before an important examination. It was unpleasant. Last night, those were the two most blissful hours of my life." He takes Cinnamon's hands and kisses them, "And now I am going to drink half my body weight in tea." The little dragon gives a small, startled squeak at the courteous hand-kisses, stock still and staring in a bit of amazement down at her hands. Wow! That was just... wow, that was so nice of Marcus! She's still standing there a second later, as Marcus squeezes past her... then abruptly turns bright red and flees the galley! [Oh my gosh oh my gosh that was so cool he treated me almost like a real person that he liked!]

Thorn had turned back to his tea and brekkie, with a contented sigh, as Cinnamon headed off -- but then almost spits out his tea when he hears the unexpected and incredibly cute squeak Cinnamon emits! He blinks, looking back perplexedly at where she was... and is surprised to see Marcus standing there. What did the elf do to cause Cinnamon to make such a sound?! Shane too is mystified -- he has one dark brow arched as he looks carefully and rather pointedly at Marcus... who gets a very large mug of tea and comes to sit down at the table with Thorn and Shane. The young elf is being... surprisingly pleasant!

Cinnamon is still a bit pink as she patters up to the bridge and hails Arvid, "C-captain? You, uhh... Jaeger said you wanted to speak with m-me, sir?"

Arvid looks up and smiles broadly, "Ahh! Our savior! I had expected you to have gone back to your rack for a bit more sleep."

Cinnamon blinks up at Arvid... then flushes even more with pleasure. Wow! People are being, like... so nice to her today! She grins shyly, "Oh! I, umm... w-well, I think I kinda slept a bit late after the guys left? Like, Jaeger had to wake me up... and, um, and th-then he said you wanted to talk to me, and I didn't want to keep you waiting? Er... m-more than a shower and breakfast, I mean?" Honesty compels her to admit, "Though I, um, may need a nap around noonish or later? I was, um, planning on spending the night with the wolves again for the rest of the full moon, too, unless you think it's a bad idea?"

Arvid nods in relief, "Oh, good. No. I was hoping you would, actually. I spoke with Fraser -- in fact, I gave him a dressing down like I rarely do. I wouldn't have wanted to, last night, but today it's a little safer. He understands, of course, that you'll be gone after this cruise. But if you can stay with them tonight and tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it." His lips twitch, "Shane and I had a nervous hour of it last night prowling the ship and hoping the sudden quiet wasn't Fraser going on a silent killing spree. When we heard it was that you had instead managed to quiet him with cuddles and calling him, ah..." Arvid glances around to make sure it's just the two of them, "Fraser S. Wuffie... we were relieved."

Cinnamon blinks at the nickname -- then abruptly turns bright red again, her hands flying up to her cheeks, "Oh! Oh, I -- I d-didn't know anyone would hear that!" She blinks again -- then adds more seriously, "I'm sorry I didn't think to warn you, sir, that I was going down there... but thank you for taking such good care of us!"

Arvid raises an eyebrow, "Why would you warn us? It wouldn't be something you'd think of. I'm just glad you did. I am curious, however. What does the S stand for?"

Cinnamon blinks again, "St... uh, nothing! Ah, um, absolutely no- oh!" She hastily shifts in mid-sentence, at a sudden thought, "Scottish! Ummm, y-yeah! Scot... uhh..." She abruptly deflates, realizing just what a terrible liar she is! A bit sheepishly she confesses, "I, um... when he's being... well... full-moon Fraser? He's just... well, he's a stupid, stinky... well, a real stinker, you know? Being naked at me, and -- and teasing Shane and folks and all!" She has no idea just how adorable her flusteration is, as she worriedly adds, "I, um... I really d-don't mean to be rude, sir... s-sorry?"

Arvid chuckles, "Stinker? Really? I was almost hoping it was something more scandalous than that... but you are very sweet and everyone does tend to keep their language rather moderate around you." The captain adds, "It sounds silly, but he teases Shane because he respects him. I trusted Shane to go on that night-prowl with me, looking for a possibly marauding Fraser. That young man is quite remarkable... and he is quite fond of you. Shane, that is. You're lucky to have friends like him." Cinnamon beams at Arvid's assertion regarding Shane, nodding with enthusiasm -- she quite agrees! She's deeply relieved, too, that the captain isn't annoyed with her for mentally tagging one of his crewmen with such an unpleasant slur -- to her way of seeing things, at least! She's not quite sure why Arvid would want something more scandalous, in fact.

Elsewhere, that particular young man is looking across at Marcus, "What did you say to Cinnamon, to make her squeak like a mouse?"

Marcus -- who is oblivious when he's this tired -- blinks, "What? Mouse? When?"

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