Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon is excited to fly to Iceland with her friends! Before they depart she makes sure to print out maps of the route, with the correct latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates for each point they're aiming for, so as to ensure the majority of the flight is spent over land rather than ocean. She makes sure next that everyone is familiar with the maps, and that Shane can use her phone to follow their route and direct her as necessary -- since she knows her phone will connect to satellites! She also makes sure there's snacks packed for her friends, that Elias' light-proof box will fasten securely to her harness yet can also be opened if necessary, that the ljossaelfar holding in Iceland knows roughly when to expect her, and will have some glowsticks outside for her to spot in the darkness, and a huge snack awaiting her... in short, she plans and organizes to her usual state of careful, meticulous over-planning -- so that her friends will have a pleasant and comfortable flight with no problems!

The flight itself starts a bit shakily -- Cinnamon overshoots Coblyn in her efforts to take off smoothly, and spots a few perplexed civilians in the square below pointing upwards at her and calling to each other. She hastily speeds up and rises a bit more, so she's harder to see in the night... and after that she sticks meticulously to the scheduled plan! Fortunately that means the flight goes almost boringly smoothly. Cinnamon happily sings with Elias, Thorn, and Shane as they go from pre-planned point to point, and when the time comes for her to cross the ocean she takes a deep breath, has everyone double-check their harnesses... and then wings it as fast as she can across the open water!

By the time they arrow in on Iceland, Cinnamon is almost elated with how well things are going! A few minutes later she's flapping relaxedly along the island's southern border, keeping an eye out -- and eventually spots a rough circle of glowing lights, not extremely far from a dark and forbidding cliff face. Excellent! As she tells her friends, that's their landing field, next to the Eyjafj�ll mountains. Shane's a bit surprised as she heads in for her landing -- the flight was significantly faster than expected! Cinnamon blinks curiously over her shoulder at Shane, "Wait, how could I be... what, almost two hours early, you're saying? Huh! Did I mis-program my phone, maybe?"

Shane shakes his head, "No, you didn't. I think... you might have just made better speed?"

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Shane, "Really? Weird! Though... let's talk about it later, okay? Landing first!" She grins as she looks down, checking for anyone watching the landing lights in the snow, as she angles downwards. She's pleased that the cold doesn't seem to bother her at all while she's exercising! Thorn, on the other hand, is glad he bundled up. Iceland is cold -- and even colder in the winter! Cinnamon calls cheerfully to the heavily muffled figure standing by the circle of glowsticks, "Hi there! Do you speak English? I'm Cinnamon, and Councilor Elias is with me... as well as Shane and Thorn!" As she circles, she adds apologetically, "We're really early; sorry! Hope it's not inconvenient!"

Torben waves to them as he calls back, "It's fine! Not inconvenient at all!"

Cinnamon beams toothily as she flaps into a landing, "Oh, it's Torben! Hi there, guy! How are you?" She pauses, then hastily adds, "Uh, wait, I, uh -- I mean, it's me -- I'm the, um, Cygnet from the Halloween ball -- r-remember?" She tilts her huge, triangular head to look down at Torben, and grins shyly at him, "I know... I'm a bit bigger right now! S-so, um... how far to the trod? Er, holding, I mean? Want a lift there?"

Torben actually laughs warmly and strokes Cinnamon's nose when she peeks down at him so shyly. The giant dragon being bashful is, to him, rather adorable! He motions to the rather huge, ice-capped boulder standing black against the snow, and smiles, "That's Drangurinn in Drangshl��, the entrance. So, not far at all."

Cinnamon beams at the stroking -- how nice! She likes it a lot when her size doesn't scare folks. She's impressed at the size of the boulder, too -- it's as tall as ten of her standing on all fours! "Oh! Okay, that's real close. Let's go, then! I want Elias to be under cover ASAP, please!"

Torben nods, turning to trudge back through the snow, "Of course! We want everyone in safely and quickly too -- it's quite cold out here! Though it will... be easier when you're in your bipedal form, I think...?"

Cinnamon waits until they're by the huge boulder Drangurinn, and the luggage is unloaded, before she tries changing forms. As always (when Josie isn't there), Shane goes to be cover. Unfortunately, it doesn't go as smoothly as Cinnamon would like! Four tries, and many embarrassed squeaks later, a red-cheeked Cinnamon patters sheepishly along after everyone else as they head safely underground. A little bit later, helpful holding-folk take their luggage as they all get shown to their rooms, and Elias is settled in with his big box. After that Cinnamon shyly asks Shane and Thorn if they'd like to fly out to the Valkyrie with her, so they can sail in for customs tomorrow?

Shane is quite happy to fly out with her, so he can get the stamp on his passport -- the one for James Smith. It's the same one he used when he went to help Cinnamon move out of her old apartment. It's apparently his 'official' human ID for now, though Cinnamon suspects it's not his actual birth name. Thorn too wishes to go with them, though (like Cinnamon) he's using the passport Baird gave him, rather than his regular one. The little dragon beams excitedly at Shane being willing to accompany her! -and Thorn too, yay! She happily hugs and thanks both young men, then hugs Elias and thanks him too for coming along -- she thinks he should be able to enjoy life more! After that she hugs Torben as well, thanking him for the nice landing lights and (even more important, to her) the lovely, huge, and delicious snack they fed her upon arrival!

Once they're all ready to go, Cinnamon trots outside with her friends and, while standing in the snow, makes a phone call to Josie and Spice. Shortly after that, Josie has warned the crew of the Valkyrie to hang out all their lights so Cinnamon can find them more easily, and Spice has given Cinnamon the ship's current geographical coordinates. The big scarlet dragon waits until her companions have buckled in securely -- then leaps out in flight! She's happily singing sailing songs with her friends, as Shane guides her to the coordinates... but before they even arrive Cinnamon crows happily, "There they are -- I see them! I see the Valkyrie!"

The scarlet dragon excitedly does a huge, circular fly-around, well out from the ship, arching her neck so she can blow a trail of fire along their flight path as well. The brilliant, fiery stream through the darkness definitely gets everyone's attention! -- and Cinnamon is utterly delighted to see the crew and passengers all waving and cheering, at the railings. She comes in smoothly a few seconds later, still almost glowing with happiness as she settles gently onto the deck, "Hi, everyone! How are you all? How was the trip? Did you have fun?!" Everyone moves out of the way so Cinnamon can easily land in the center of the deck, and the ship isn't rocked at all.

Cinnamon is still chattering excitedly to Josie as the werewolf takes the sheet Shane hands her, and as Thorn and Shane unbuckle and slide off the scarlet dragon's back, "Also, I want to talk to you soonest all about the two new species, okay? I think the negotiations went okay, and I hope you're pleased, and Caradog seems interested, and Jaeger says his trod's okay with polite neighbors underneath them, and once we're all back in Boston we can go adventuring under Coblyn to see what the underground looks like and what condition it's in, and Sarai has been an absolute gem! -- and we think we've gotten the Coblyn rules mostly translated and-" She pauses just long enough to patter over with Josie, to shift shape, then hugs Josie and squeals delightedly, "Yay! Right on the first try -- go, me! Oh, and I brought a copy of the, um, the translated rules with me if you want to check it over and make sure we did okay and, um..." she glances around thoughtfully, then beams around excitedly, "Hi, everyone! It's so nice to see you all again!"

There's a lot of happy greetings of Cinnamon and her passengers. Josie catches the excitement and her tail is wagging like mad. She prefers her bipedal wolf form and doesn't bother to change when they're all out at sea. She'll go back to human when they have to travel through any human-inhabited places, but they're still far enough out that she doesn't have to. There's hugs and laughter and -- because the crew of Valkyrie have experience of Cinnamon as dragon -- there are a couple of nice, big steaks ready for her once she's changed. They were aware she was on the way, after all. Cinnamon squeaks excitedly when she's presented with the steaks -- then whirls and hugs Alfred tightly, "Thank you so much, Alfred -- this is just amazingly delicious smelling!" She settles onto one of the benches, then neatly and voraciously devours the steaks -- in between more cheerful discussion and laughter! She finds she truly and deeply enjoys the times she gets to spend while relaxed -- with both the crew of the Valkyrie, and with all the councilmembers who chose to take the graceful ship for this voyage!

Cinnamon also happily reports to Fraser that last she heard, Keiko and Baird were doing fine, and Baird was resting and healing up nicely... then the little dragon giggles as she adds, "Did I tell you my name on my passport? It's one that Baird got for me!" Her eyes are sparkling with mischief, since she knows all the Gaelic-variant speakers will get the joke immediately, "I'm going to be... Elizabeth Dearcteine!" Thorn grins as he takes a drink of water. He remembers hearing this before, when Cinnamon first got her false passport.

Fraser arches a brow, "Lizzie the Lizard, eh?" He snorts, "Well, fire-lizard. Interesting name there. I'm glad the lad's doing well. He was fairly gobsmacked when we met. I don't doubt Keiko is keeping him in line. She seemed... formidable."

Cinnamon giggles and nodnods, "Isn't that a great name?! Makes me laugh every time!" She laughs again, nodding, "Oh, yeah, Keiko's really good at somehow always getting her way, when it comes to not letting Baird do anything foolish -- like not rest enough!" She beams, adding, "So how was the trip, peeps? Hopefully nice and smooth and no storms?"

Marcus is quieter than normal, but he's thinking a bit about how enthusiastic and bubbly Cinnamon is -- and he's... surprised. When she'd first arrived on Coblyn she'd been subdued... to the point of seeming dour and frumpy. This... is not that woman. Shane sits beside her as she eats, arm looped loosely around her waist. It's an easy gesture, like he's entitled to touch her... or just like he knows Cinnamon doesn't mind. Marcus -- to his surprise -- finds he minds.

Cinnamon beams as she looks around at all the familiar faces -- it's so incredibly encouraging, to her, to see the two council factions mingling like this! She's not surprised that Himeko, Bright Wings, and Daniella all chose to fly to Iceland -- two of the three have pressing 'real life' concerns, after all -- but she's really pleased at how many folks chose to sail in together! However, it's been a long and exciting day for her, so once the meal is done, the little dragon gives her apologies and heads off for the night -- she's really tired by now! Cinnamon sleepily remembers to reassure everyone: Elias is safely ensconced in the Icelandic holding, awaiting them all -- and quite well aware that several of them may take a shopping day in the city before arriving!

Josie beams and wags so much her hips almost waggle with it, "I want to get things to take back! There are people I want to give little gifts to." Josie, like Cinnamon, really enjoys giving people things to make them smile. "Plus, it's colder here than I remembered. I think I'm going to need a sweater or a coat or something -- and I know Spice will too. She's almost sleeping under me!" There's a quiet murmur from Fraser about that not having a lot to do with the weather. Cinnamon giggles at that, completely misunderstanding Fraser's comment -- since the little dragon too thinks being very snuggly and cozy is absolutely wonderful!

Once Valkyrie is in sight of port, everyone makes sure they look as human as possible and prepares to debark. Passports are gotten together, entry papers are prepared, declaration cards are filled out. Some of the Havvarger also go into town to do some resupply, and enjoy shopping with the council-folk and their companions. Cinnamon falls in love with the beautiful, colorful Icelandic sweaters! She's also delighted to discover the sweaters' name, since it makes her giggle -- and her hand-knitted lopapeysa makes her feel very cozy and warm! She impulsively purchases three, and wears one with shy pleasure that night, as they all head out to the cairn. Shane, Josie, and Spice too all purchase one of the beautiful Icelandic sweaters, though luckily most everyone in the shops speaks English. Thorn packed well for the trip, but he too decides to go in on a sweater. After all, it's extremely warm -- even warmer than the coat he brought! Cinnamon has also bought a bag-full of the matching hand-knitted, colorful beanies, as well as a few pairs of the mittens. At another store she gets a little package of flavored local sea salt for Elias -- maybe he'll enjoy using it in his cooking? She also secretly (she hopes) manages to purchase a whole bunch of really cute Icelandic Christmas tree decorations! She plans to give them as Winter Solstice gifts to all her dear friends.

Even with spending most of the day shopping, the group is still able to make it to the trod's entrance before it's too late in the evening. In the growing darkness, the boulder Drangurinn looks quite forbidding... and as it's approached from afar, there's the 'this place is not somewhere safe to be' feeling of a keep-away. Cinnamon is not surprised to see, while approaching Drangurinn, that Hilde seems completely unaffected by the 'keep-away' -- though the little dragon does wonder if it will affect herself as well now, since she's been welcomed there once already.

Interestingly, even those that have been here already can mildly feel the sensation, but it's more a tickle and less a push. Hilde smiles and apologizes, "It will be less uncomfortable next time. A moment. It will be better if I get one of the actual trod members to..." Before she can finish the sentence, Torben is approaching, bundled up and waving as he calls, "I apologize! I was distracted. Welcome, friends!" The moment he greets them, the feeling of dread lessens for those that haven't been here yet.

Cinnamon beams and waves back, "Hi, Torben!"

The entrance to the holding -- much like Rowan's, in Ireland -- seems to simply appear in Drangurinn's side. At first the huge boulder seems unbroken, but then there's an arch they can enter. They go underground and into a tunnel which they follow to the main holding, and Torben explains as they walk that a large part of the reason this particular holding is predominantly underground is that it's warmer that way, due to being heated by re-routing natural geothermal vents. Cinnamon nods, unsurprised -- it's hard to miss the tall, cliff-faced Eyjafj�ll Mountains nearby, and it makes sense that that's where the actual holding lies. Cinnamon whispers to Hilde, as they're all following Torben, "Hey, I read there's a volcano that started erupting a few days ago! Is that anywhere near here? Would we be able to go see it, maybe, after the meeting?"

Hilde speaks quietly, "Oh, we can definitely go look at that! Jalil mentioned it too -- he was fascinated. Apparently they don't have a lot of those where he's from. Mostly just desert heat!"

Cinnamon beams at that, whispering, "Yay! Thanks, Hilde -- it sounds super-fun! Hopefully a volcano is part of why the old Bulgarian dragon said I should come here, too!" Cinnamon is, in fact, rather pleased at how well she's apparently packed -- she's not yet felt too cold anywhere, so far! As they're chatting, the pathway does start angling upward after a while, exiting into the main hall of the hold -- which is high-ceiling and somewhat cavernous. But it's also well-lit with clear-burning torches of some sort, and during the day there are skylights that can let sunlight in during the very short, five-hour winter days. A large number of the holdrfolk are there, as well as the rest of the council members.

Cinnamon beams and waves enthusiastically when they enter the main hall, "Oh, look -- there's Jalil! -- and I see Daniella and... oh, Bright Wings made it with Himeko, yay!" She curiously asks Hilde, "Did Nasteexo and Dejiyo do like at the rez, and ask for some volunteers to ride, here?" She cheerfully waves and calls to Elias too, when she spots him! Then she grins shyly to herself, wondering if Daniella, Garaitz, and Himeko will like the colorful little hand-knitted Icelandic beanies she got them all -- since the little dragon figured that's one of the easiest things to forget to bring along... especially when one is used to a very warm locale! Admittedly, Garaitz is used to the Pyrenees, but hopefully she'll still like the pretty little wool cap? Cinnamon has one to send back with Garaitz as well, meant for Zurina.

Torben answers Cinnamon, "They did. A couple of our hold-mates were curious about that. We don't really have any human allies that know about us here -- we own the nearby farmland via our more human-looking members -- so we got internal volunteers." He motions to a couple of figures at one end of the room, speaking with Elias. One is a broad figure wearing a long tunic from which a tufted tail peeks. The other is a shortish, plump entity with apple cheeks and long blonde braids, wearing a dirndl dress.

Cinnamon blinks in fascination, "Oh! A tail... is that a local huldra or something similar?"

Hilde smiles, "She's a gnome."

Cinnamon brightens, "A gnome? Ooh, a new species for me!" She beams at Hilde, "Can I ask an introduction, please?" She laughs, adding, "So which is Dejiyo and which is Nasteexo?"

Hilde takes Cinnamon, Thorn, and Shane over for introductions. The tall, broad figure turns out to be Dejiyo riding a local huldra, though Hilde explains that they might also hear him referred to as a troll -- though he's definitely not the same species as Hans back in Boston. Nasteexo is riding the plump little female gnome. Cinnamon beams and cheerfully hugs both entities in welcome, after she's hugged Elias hello. She's clearly very happy to see everyone! She checks with Dejiyo: as long as she doesn't touch, can she visually check him over? He's riding a species that's new to her, after all! The troll/huldra is quite handsome -- remarkably so. Torben joins them and smiles, "Oh, most definitely different if it is the Hans Hilde has spoken to me about. The hulder-folk have some very... well, let's just say that the Christians were not very happy about how their young people tended to enjoy their company." His blue eyes are twinkling.

Dejiyo seems to be consulting internally -- then he smiles, "He says you are welcome to touch as well, as long as you are respectful of my boundaries."

Cinnamon giggles with a touch of embarrassment at Torben's comment! She beams up at Dejiyo a moment later, "Oh, thank you! Um, can you tell me your boundaries first, though, please? I don't want to be rude to either of you, after all?"

Dejiyo chuckles and raises his arms out to the sides and turns around in a slow circle, "I would rather not disrobe."

Cinnamon squeaks startledly, "Oh! No! Nono, I -- uh, right, n-no!" She hastily drops her gaze to study the man's tail, legs, and feet... or are those short, cloven hooves? The tail is flicking a bit, like a cow's tail -- and indeed, it looks very much like one! However, though Cinnamon's neighbor is a huldra, Dejiyo's horse isn't quite the same. The baker seems to disappear when her back is turned, but this man does not. Thorn is fascinated as well, observing along with Cinnamon. He's also seen the huldra in the bakery next to Cinnamon's house, and wonders why this one is different -- why he doesn't disappear when he turns around. The legs are almost like a horse's, despite the tail being somewhat bovine, while the equine-type hooves appear to be unshod.

Dejiyo grins over his shoulder as if his horse said something to him, and Torben smiles, "The huldrvolken have different sub-species, I think. Just as the fae do." Indeed, Cinnamon remembers that Uta has humanish feet.

The tail flicks against both Cinnamon and Thorn's legs before Dejiyo gets turned all the way around. Cinnamon blinks startledly, crouching to look more closely at the hooves -- and splutters in shock at the tail flick, almost falling over onto her rump! She looks startled, then giggles as she straightens, "How very cool! My neighbor is a huldra, but she's more... more bovine-like? Like, she has the pretty cow ears, and really big, sweet eyes... and when she turns her back to you, she just vanishes! But you don't -- you're still all here, and visible... this is so cool!" She beams up at the (currently double) entity's face, "Thank you!"

Dejiyo laughs a bit and touches his forehead, saying, "He says he is a different kind, but he knows the sort you mean. She is probably very gentle and homey." Seen from the front -- if the hooves were hidden -- it would be hard to tell he weren't human.

Torben chuckles and shakes his head, "Don't let him tease you. That type of huldra has a defense mechanism. This..." he waves at his holdermate "...type of huldrfolk is very, very... friendly."

Hilde rolls her eyes and leans toward Cinnamon, "Torben is trying to say that the legends about them from the Christians were all about how evil they were, and how to know them by their tails and hooves, so they wouldn't lure good Christian men and women astray with their evil wiles." She grins, "In other words, they're all too pretty for their own good -- and extremely flirty!" That makes Nasteexo giggle.

Cinnamon giggles too, at the same time as she blushes! She nods up at the huldra, "Uta's a baker, yes! She's really sweet." The little dragon hastily turns her attention to Elias next -- so she doesn't flame out from embarrassment! "Oh, Elias! I, um, I... hope you d-don't mind but I... got you something nice hopefully even though it's maybe hard for you to go to Reykjavik?" She holds out the pretty little package of flavored local sea salts, adding happily, "For your cooking! Also, umm... well, I was hoping that m-maybe, umm -- later, of course! -- but maybe we could, um... like... cook together? 'Cause... well, I w-want to learn how?"

Elias smiles warmly -- or at least, it's a warm smile to those that know him. To those that don't, it's a terrifying display of at least thirty-two fanged teeth, "How thoughtful!" He takes the sea salt and nods, "This will be wonderful to experiment with. I'd be happy to do that together."

Cinnamon beams in relief, "Oh, yay -- thank you, Elias! I was thinking of maybe getting Julia Child's cookbook and doing all the recipes, to learn better -- like in that movie, you know? So... if, um, you could show me some of the things for cooking, that'd be really helpful...? Er, j-just if you want, I mean?"

Elias considers, "I think I watched that. There is a theatre in Boston that shows movies all night; occasionally I will go. It's a very seminal cookbook... and so is 'The Joy of Cooking.' It teaches the mother sauces..."

Hilde smiles at Thorn, "The anatomy is interesting too, apparently. Largely humanoid, though the hooves are prone to the same sorts of maladies horses -- or, in some cases, cows -- are prone to, much like the satyrs. I've sometimes wondered if they aren't related in some way."

Cinnamon blinks curiously at Hilde, wondering what maladies horse hooves get in the wintertime... or, really, any of them? She turns and smiles at Elias when he speaks, "Awesome -- thank you, Elias!" She leans in enough to whisper, "How're Daniella and Bright Wings and Himeko doing, do you know? I don't know if any of them are used to really cold winters, after all?"

Thorn hmms at Hilde's explanation, "I remember watching some hoof doctor videos on the net. That sounds like some fairly gnarly issues with hooves, though I imagine it's not as bad as dealing with humans who go barefoot all the time."

Hilde smiles, "Most of the time they take very good care of their hooves. Too pretty for their own good, remember?" Her eyes twinkle, knowing Dejiyo's horse can hear her. She's obviously teasing someone she knows! Then she looks around the room, adding, "It's good that everyone seems to have made it safely. Getting up here can be a bit tricksy." Cinnamon smiles at that, pleased to hear everyone made it safely.

Nasteexo smiles, in the body she's riding -- which doesn't even come up to the top of Cinnamon's sternum! "We were lucky to have horses that were interested in seeing Iceland. They will come back for us when it is time to leave." She actually giggles, "This body is interesting -- and the perspective from down here is also interesting!"

Cinnamon blinks slowly as it registers: there's someone here that's actually shorter than her! She grins shyly at Nasteexo, "How is the body interesting? Is she another new species?"

Nasteexo replies, "I've never been in someone this small. Apparently she is a gnome, which I have been told is another kind of troll, but they are saying that troll is a word much like elf. It is a... what is the phrase -- catch-all. A troll is a catch-all term for a kind of people."

Cinnamon nods in agreement, then grins, "Gnomes are very cute!"

Elias murmurs back to Cinnamon, "They seem to be a little bit chilly at times. They are bundled up quite a lot." He smiles with his lips closed, apparently remembering that he can be alarming if he doesn't, "People are trying to make sure to keep the fires stoked."

Cinnamon beams at that, "Oh, good! I have a gift for them too, then!" She grins up at Elias, adding, "Back in a bit!" -- then patters off to where Daniella and Himeko are standing near the fireplace. She waves a bit to them, making sure they see her before she says a shy, "Hi, there! I hope you're both doing well?" Daniella is bundled up quite a bit -- and, in fact, looks somewhat uncomfortable. She is, after all, from a very warm climate. Himeko seems a little less uncomfortable, but then, there are winters and cold places in Japan. But she too looks rather like she's wearing every single layer she brought. They both greet Cinnamon, who smiles a bit hopefully as she brings out the bag of warm, hand-knitted beanies, "I, um, thought it might be... a little cold for you both? So, I... hope you don't mind, but... I, er, got you both a pretty hand-knitted Icelandic wool beanie!" She holds out the bag, adding, "There's almost ten in here. Would you both like to pick your favorite colors?"

Thorn makes the rounds with Cinnamon -- greeting those he knows, being introduced to those he doesn't, and asking after the health of those not present. Cinnamon grins happily at Thorn -- things seem to be going very well so far! People greet both Cinnamon and Thorn warmly, and while she's talking to others, Marcus asks Thorn about Elmtrod -- especially about the changes that will happen with the possible digging beneath it. Thorn gives Marcus all that he gathered at the trod, though he didn't have much time to gather news from there. He talks with Marcus about the -- hopefully -- new guests who'll be coming there. Marcus nods -- he really, truly is trying to be a better councilor, and that includes being a better member of his own trod. Further, Thorn is (technically) a member of his trod. The Germanic elf considers for a moment, then murmurs, "I think there's actually a bricked-up entrance to those tunnels, somewhere in the cellar of the Residence. We should look once everyone's back." Plus, he knows, that will get everyone to the Residence... perhaps for a dinner or something...?

Daniella looks like she'd like to kiss Cinnamon as she hastily pulls on the woolen hat, then says very quietly, "I have never been so cold in my life! -- and I thought winter on Coblyn was bad." Then she looks around almost guiltily. Himeko says many thanks as she puts the hat on, then laughs softly behind her hand at Daniella's response.

Cinnamon grins ruefully at the poor woman, "I'm so sorry, Daniella! Um... would a sweater and mittens that match the beanie help? Or... we could ask for more blankets and cloaks for you? I suspect the hold-folk would really rather you be comfortable, after all -- they wouldn't want to think their hospitality was lacking, you know?" She adds a bit worriedly to Himeko, "Is Bright Wings doing okay, warmth-wise?"

Himeko considers, "Perhaps a hat as well for Bright Wings? Keeping your head warm can make everything else feel so much warmer."

Daniella chuckles dryly, "They've been wonderful. I just dressed for 'cold weather' according to Columbian standards, is all."

Cinnamon smiles and nods to Daniella, but doesn't push the issue, then. She's made the suggestion, after all... and now Daniella knows it's okay to ask. To Himeko, Cinnamon grins, "Okay! Do you think he'd like one of these?" She glances around to spot the little birdman... then smiles at Marcus, "I gave a thumbdrive of all the notes on the two new species I had to Spice, for Josie... but if it's okay with her, I'm happy to share with you too?"

Marcus nods to Cinnamon, "I'd like that. If they're going to be living under Elm, it would be good for me to know about them. Maybe you could come by and talk with me about them as well." He's rather glade Shane isn't right there, at that moment!

Himeko smiles at Cinnamon, "I think he would be quite happy to have one. He has mentioned that your company is pleasant."

Cinnamon nods cheerfully to Marcus, "Happy to -- let me check with Josie first, okay?" She brightens at Himeko's words, "Oh, really? Awesome! I'm so glad I've not accidentally offended or anything!" She looks around, then beams, "There he is! I'll just go offer him one, okay? Thanks so much, Himeko-san!" Cinnamon trots over to where Bright Wings is, pausing a polite distance away to bow correctly and shift to Japanese, "Good evening, Bright Wings-san! I hope you are doing well, and your travels were not too difficult. It was my thought to bring you a small offering which will perhaps be of use to you?" She pulls out one of the lovely, brightly knitted beanies, adding with a smile, "Remaining warm can be... a bit of a challenge here, from what I have seen!"

Bright Wings bows back and looks delighted. He answers in flowing Japanese script on his tablet, 'Good evening, Cinnamon-san. This is a very welcome gift! It can get cold in parts of Japan, but it does not get this kind of cold very often where I live!' He takes the hat gratefully and puts it on his head. Then he shows his hands, on which he is wearing mittens that look a bit too large, 'One of the holding-folk let me borrow these, as my hands are very delicate.'

Cinnamon oohs, then nods, "That is very clever -- I wish I had bought mittens too for you!" She studies him thoughtfully for a moment, then worriedly checks, "Are you warm enough, Bright Wings-san? I am sure the people here would not wish their hospitality to be considered lacking... and I think the expectation here is that one simply asks for what one needs?"

Bright Wings nods several times enthusiastically, 'With my head and my hands warm, I am much better! I will ask for what I need. It was impressed upon me that I should... though I may ask for someone to take me to get a sweater, and I may make Himeko-san go with me. She is very cold and wants to take care of others. it is a very sweet thing she does.' He adds after a moment, 'She is like you.'

Cinnamon is deeply flattered -- she admires Himeko a lot! Anyone who can argue politely with a deity, and still remain friends, impresses the heck out of the little dragon! Consequently, being compared to the worthy Himeko is a very nice compliment indeed! A moment later Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully at Bright Wings -- he's not much taller than her, and very feather-fluffy... hmm. She grins as she offers, "Would you like my sweater, perhaps? I believe it is the right size to fit you, if you wish?"

Bright Wings looks surprised and pleased, but then writes, 'That is very wonderful to offer, but would you not then be cold, dragon-san?'

Cinnamon beams as she swiftly shrugs out of her sweater, offering it to the birdman, "Well, apparently I don't get cold much, as a dragon, Bright Wings-san!" She grins shyly as she adds, "It was a very nice surprise to realize this, I must say. But please: will you accept this so you too are warm and comfortable?"

Bright Wings is beaming as he bows deeply and accepts the sweater. When he shrugs into it, he looks rather adorably bundled up. 'I am very warm and comfortable now, and most appreciative of your concern! Fire creatures often have problem with the cold, I know, as does Aoi. I am glad to hear you do not!'

Cinnamon beams at Bright Wings, giving another happy little bow, "I am very pleased to hear it! Thank you, Bright Wings-san, and please don't forget it is perfectly polite to ask for what you need here... especially since we want everyone to be comfortable and happy, as you said!" Bright Wings bows again and excuses himself to go show Himeko his new hat and sweater. He seems almost to be preening, as a normal bird would. Cinnamon giggles happily, hugging herself -- she helped a bunch of folks be happy! This is turning into a truly lovely evening! She looks around to see who else there is to talk to... hm, interesting thought: how does Jalil handle the cold?

Jalil, Cinnamon can see, is speaking with Snow -- who, unlike many, seems to have actually packed correctly for the weather! She's wearing something made of heavy, decorated felt, trimmed in fur -- she looks relaxed and absolutely comfortable. Cinnamon grins at that, unsurprised -- from what she's seen of Mongolia in videos and photos, it can get very cold there! She wanders in that direction, though not quickly... she doesn't want to interrupt, after all. Also, she's curious as to how Jalil is doing, warmth-wise... and... well, okay. She's a bit curious as to where Shane is! ...and Marcus too, now that she thinks about it! She wonders what the Madrigal Banquet is... isn't that the holiday feast or something that he kinda-sorta invited her to?

Marcus is still with Thorn, Nasteexo, Dejiyo, and Elias, while Shane is not too far away, speaking relaxedly with Aisling and a couple of the Elmtrod folk... though the beansidhe often glances in Cinnamon's direction, as if making sure she's fine. Cinnamon hopes Shane's not observing her because she's done something stupid like leave her warm flannel shirt unbuttoned! Hmm... no, it's fine, whew. In the other direction, Jalil seems to be doing quite well. He's actually dressed very much like he normally would be: wearing a bright dashiki, and sporting his normal dark glasses. When she approaches, both the tngri and the djinn smile at her. Cinnamon brightens at the smiles, waving shyly, "Hi, um, peeps! Looks like you're both doing okay with the cold?" She grins as she adds, "It's been very nice here so far! How're you doing?"

Snow smiles, "I enjoy the cold. It is my element, as they say, and I know how to dress for it. Mongolia can get very, very cold in the winter."

Jalil too smiles, offering Cinnamon a hug of greeting, "I don't feel the cold very much... inner fire, and all. It staves it off -- or at least it does for me."

Cinnamon happily returns the hug -- how nice of Jalil! She grins shyly and nods, "It, um... I seem to be having the same effect? ...kind of? Though I don't know how strong it is -- I've not tried, say, going outside yet like this, you know?" She pauses, then grins as she curiously asks, "So, is it okay to ask you what geographical changes in the councilor realms you're going to suggest? Or should I wait for the actual meeting?" She adds in slightly sheepish explanation, "I was wondering if I'd, um, be losing any of the peoples I'm currently representing, which is why I asked...?"

Jalil smiles mysteriously, "I believe it would be best to wait. That way everyone will hear at the same time. I do not believe you would be losing anyone. Snow has been speaking to me about it. I have been rolling it over."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully, glancing at Snow, "Oh? How do you feel- er, wait. Probably rude to ask, right?" She grins shyly again, "Sorry! Just really curious. Okay!"

Snow tips her head, "No; please ask."

Cinnamon blinks, "Oh! Um, well... I w-was wondering how you felt about maybe having more territory? I mean... well, the Mongolian Empire at its largest was really big, right? Like the largest contiguous one in the world ever?"

Snow nods, "It was... and my territory is still large -- the peoples I cover are more extensive than they seem. It is a large part of Asia. Much that Aoi does not cover, I do -- and then it changes to the Slavic countries. I believe Aoi's burden is large. Between China and India, there are three billion people, and that is almost half the world's population."

Jalil says quietly, "It is not only a great burden; it is also great power. Between Snow and Aoi, it is 4.5 billion -- well over half the world's population."

Cinnamon curiously asks, "So, who actually has India, then?" She'd thought it was Jalil, actually! She wonders again if part of the reason Jalil is suggesting the changes... is because he doesn't want quite so large a territory to represent.

"I do, in fact." Jalil smiles, "India, the Middle East, and North Africa. I actually cover something like 2.1 billion people on Earth. Snow has Mongolia and East Asia, but not the Slavic countries -- those are Elias'. Aoi has basically the rest of Asia."

Cinnamon nods slowly, her eyes wide in thought. Finally she asks a bit hesitantly, "Are you, then, umm... l-looking to have less territory to cover? Is that it?"

Jalil smiles again, "Let us speak of it at the meeting."

Cinnamon blushes a bit, muttering hastily, "Sorry! Sorry, that... was rude." She hesitates again, then adds, "By the way, umm... Hilde mentioned maybe having a visit out to the volcano that started erupting a few days ago, after the meeting. I don't know if that'd interest either of you, but... well, it's really amazingly scary and beautiful in the photography I've seen so far?"

The change of subject makes both of them look quite interested, and Jalil murmurs, "I would very much like to see this -- the juxtaposition of fire and ice is very interesting to me! The fire of the desert is very different than a volcano's fire. I think much of your people's territory and mine does actually border the Pacific Rim, where there are live volcanoes, but they are not my natural habitat. Dry, scouring heat is what I am used to -- not this live, molten heat."

Cinnamon grins cheerfully, "Okay! I'll mention to Hilde that there'll likely be a bunch of us interested in the tour, then!" She chats a bit more with Snow and Jalil, and can't help smiling as it occurs to her that they seem almost like opposites! Fire and Ice, in a way... well, hopefully things will be friendly and smooth between them regardless! Cinnamon likes the way Snow seems to care first for her people, after all... and Jalil seems to actually care about whether the council folks are properly representing their people, too. Cinnamon likes that! She wants to do a good job for her people as well.

When Cinnamon is done making her rounds, Shane comes over and slides an arm around her waist to give her a squeeze, and kisses her temple, "How's going, acushla? Having fun being the social butterfly?" He smiles down at her. She's certainly blossomed from the wide-eyed, nervous little Mary Brown that wasn't sure she could even approach the other councilors. Across the room, Marcus is talking with Hilde, Torben, and Thorn -- and the elf catches this interaction. It's another very familiar type of interaction -- very familiar -- the kind of thing one does with one's sweetheart when one is trying not to be too overly-affectionate in public... and Marcus very, very much does not like it! Worse, he's not sure at all when that happened. Hmm... the Madrigal Banquet -- it's not far off. This meeting is not quite yet the time, though, he thinks...

Cinnamon squeaks a bit startledly, then blushes and grins shyly up at Shane after the kiss, "H-hi! I, um..." She pauses -- what did Shane actually say, there? Oh, right! She starts over, her voice enthusiastic, "I think I did some good, Shaney! I gave the beanies away to the folks I'd gotten them for, and they really seemed happy about them! Plus Himeko suggested I give one to Bright Wings too -- I hadn't planned on it since I didn't know if that would be forward of me, but thankfully not! Fortunately I had extras for just in case -- and the poor guy was so cold, I ended up giving him my sweater too -- and doesn't he look happier now?" She giggles, adding softly, "He looks all fluffed up and adorable in it, doesn't he?" She considers for a bit, then adds, "Hey, Shaney... are Aisling and Marcus warm enough too? Or wait -- they'd know to just ask for more warm stuff, right. Okay! Just checking."

Shane looks over at Bright Wings and nods, chuckling, "He does. He reminds me of how parrots can get when they're all proud of themselves and feeling handsome." The beansidhe considers that phrasing, then adds, "That's... a good thing, actually -- I wasn't meaning that to sound disparaging. I like parrots." He smiles down at her and taps her on the nose, "Aisling would be happy to get a gift from you." [So would Marcus, but I'm not suggesting it. I don't trust him as far as I could throw him, about that...] "But I think they both know the rules of trod hospitality... and I think they also both know how to dress for the cold."

Cinnamon nods at that, relieved... then she grins almost mischievously up at Shane, "Well, then, should I offer you a beanie too?" She's silently relieved she impulsively bought several of them, as well as mittens and three of the lopapeysa sweaters! This has turned out to be a surprisingly nice and useful thing to gift folks -- she's very happy about it.

Shane grins down at her, "I would love a beanie, acushla. I look absolutely devastating in beanies." He's teasing -- she's seen him in beanies! He looks sort of like a skater dude in them.

Cinnamon giggles at that! Then she excitedly produces her bag of beanies, holding it out, "Pick your favorite, then?"

Shane looks around in the bag, then pulls out one that has a lot of red in it. He puts it right on -- and yes, he does look a bit like a skater dude! He smiles, "There. Devastatingly handsome." Then he rolls his eyes as if he's looking at his own head, "Or possibly stoned pizza dude."

Cinnamon giggles again, inordinately pleased -- Shane likes her gift! She impulsively hugs him, still giggling, "Or maybe one of those Nordic gnomes with the big red hats? But then where's your pipe?" She laughs aloud at successfully teasing back, not quite bouncing on her toes -- this is so much fun! Definitely going to have to offer beanies to Aisling and Marcus, at this rate!

Shane laughs, "Okay, no -- I am not one of those gnomes from the book. I don't smoke a pipe." He taps her nose again and kisses the center of her forehead, "But thank you for the beanie, since I think we're going to be doing a lot of going in and out while we're here. Hilde mentioned the trip to the volcano."

Cinnamon glances around at where Aisling and Marcus are talking to some other folks, then loops an arm through Shane's, "Yay! I want to go on that too -- and so do Snow and Jalil, I think! So, come with me while I offer a gift beanie to Aisling and Marcus too?" She's still beaming excitedly -- Shane likes her gift! ...and he kissed her too! Though actually... wow, has he been doing that more?! Maybe... maybe that means he actually likes her a bunch -- like a really good friend? That'd be awesome, if so!

Shane does. Not. Grit. His. Teeth. Instead he nods and goes with Cinnamon back toward the group -- which now consists of Marcus, Thorn, and Hilde. Cinnamon beams excitedly at everyone, "Hi there!" She's no longer wearing her lovely lopapeysa sweater, but her eyes are sparkling with happiness, and Shane's wearing a pretty, colorful knitwear Icelandic beanie. She holds out her bag towards Marcus, adding, "Are you keeping warm enough, Marcus? Would you like one of the beanies I got, too? I'm going to give one to Aisling as well, if she wants, and to Garaitz!" She grins at Thorn and Hilde, adding, "I know you peeps don't need them, since Hilde is from here, and Thorny went shopping with me!"

Marcus blinks, then smiles broadly, "That's very sweet of you, Cinnamon. Thank you." He looks into the bag and finds one that's got blue in it... that's the color he's noticed she seems to like him wearing. He puts it on and smiles -- and yes, it definitely brings out the color of his eyes -- and then he surprises the hell out of everyone, including himself, by kissing her on the cheek, "Thank you."

Cinnamon blinks startledly, then blushes hotly and giggles! "H-hope you like it!" She glances between the two pretty men and grins, adding, "Definitely devastatingly handsome, yeah!" She laughs, blushing again!

Shane, being Shane, knows better than to call attention to the kiss, especially since it seemed like an actual spontaneous gesture. But his smile gets a little fixed and his fists tighten at his sides when Marcus bestows that friendly little kiss. Thorn glances sideways at Shane, and wonders briefly if he should... edge carefully away -- or at least not get between Shane and Marcus! The healer knows exactly what's going on in Shane's head, and he very carefully doesn't ask if Shane is okay. He knows the answer would be a tight smile and a terse, 'Yes.' Hilde, however, bites the tip of her tongue to keep from giggling. Shane manages to turn his smile more natural as he smiles at Cinnamon, "I told you: me. Beanies. Irresistible."

Marcus' eyes twinkle a little bit as he teases, "You should see me in a deerstalker. Your heart would stop!"

Cinnamon laughs, impulsively hugging Shane... then grins curiously at Marcus, "Okay, I've always wondered -- what on earth is a deerstalker, please? ...and why is it called that? Was it really used to stalk deer? Is it a camo hat or something?" Shane puts his arm back around Cinnamon after the hug, relaxing a little -- and she unwittingly beams a bit more brightly as Shane does so -- he feels so nice!

Marcus laughs quietly, "The hat that the old-school Sherlock Holmes is shown in. With the earflaps? And the two brims? Usually done up in some sort of tweed? That is a deerstalker... and yes, they were used by deer hunters. The flaps can be tied down to keep your ears warm, and the two brims keep rain off your face and neck."

"Oh!" Cinnamon nods interestedly, "Right, I've seen the Sherlock Holmes pictures with it... okay!" She pauses... then grins wickedly, "So... if my heart's going to stop, that means I really don't want to see you in one, then, right?"

Marcus grins, "Oh, but I know CPR!" He actually manages to stop himself referencing mouth-to-mouth... aloud. Instead he just lets his eyes flicker to her lips and away.

Cinnamon laughs again at Marcus's assertion, shaking her head amusedly, "Oh-kaaay... think I'll still avoid the heart attack, all things considered!" Though her eyes are sparkling with happiness -- this kind of gentle teasing is nice! -- she also completely misses the implied innuendo.

Hilde is actually pressing her lips together to stop herself laughing at this interplay! She does, however, decide that maybe in the interests of Shane not murdering Marcus if he steps over a line of propriety, she should perhaps separate them, "Marcus, I wanted to introduce you to one of the elders..." She gently steers the blonde councilor away, after saying a friendly goodbye.

Cinnamon cheerfully bids Hilde and Marcus goodnight, then beams up at Shane and Thorn, "This has been a really wonderful evening, you guys, hasn't it?! Though," she blinks startledly as a yawn breaks free, then grins wryly, "I think... maybe bed soon for me. Gotta be alert for the meeting tomorrow, right?"

The Inuit of Thule -- the northwesternmost coastal strip of Greenland -- are a hardy and fierce people. They still tell their stories, for example, of when they invaded and conquered a Viking settlement for this land, many years ago, and they relate with mingled pride and sorrow that it took the US military to defeat them. Despite this, they have remained as true to their culture as they can, favoring family and community above all.

One of these Greenlandic Inuit is a very old and powerful shaman. In a world with magic and supernatural creatures it should probably be no surprise, for example, that he still remembers the arrival of the US forces which displaced his people for their military base, back in the very early first half of the 20th century. However, recently he's been having a great deal of trouble with calming the goddess Sedna so she'll release more seals and other good food animals for her people to hunt. Ordinarily she withholds her bounty only when the taboos are broken, and combing out the tangles in her hair (which are caused by the broken taboos) is sufficient to appease her. The shaman is becoming concerned, though -- both that the sea game is not as bountiful as it used to be... and (perhaps more importantly) that he can't seem to completely comb the messy, oily, garbage-y tangles out of the goddess's hair any more.

Eventually the shaman turns to Sila (the deific source of shamanic powers as well as the god of creative inspiration, the weather, and the animating life force), to ask for intuitive whispers from the deity that would allow him to help his people. After suitable ritual effort, the shaman awoke from an oracular dream -- and had his apprentice immediately call in his youngest adult relative -- a young woman named Amka. Since she spoke English as well as the native Greenlandic tongue, she was chosen to take on the quest to locate the magical individual who would assist the shaman in rescuing his people from eventual starvation -- by bringing the shaman a special comb made to his specifications, so that Sedna's hair could once again flow clean and freely... just like the nearby oceanic currents and sea creatures resultingly would, due to the shaman's actions.

Greenlandic is a polysynthetic language, as in: entire ideas are expressed in a single word by addition of prefixes and suffixes to a root subject. Consequently, English is a much easier language to transcribe from slow, hesitating dictation... and so the young woman hastily translated and wrote down the shaman's words in English, as he musingly related his dream to her. She was to travel to the little Ice Island next to their much larger island home, and go to the Drangr Inn, nestled by Drang's hill -- which is the great rock of the elves located in the far south of the island, only a short distance from the highway that encircles the entire island. Two to four nights after the night when the moon god Tatqim is delivering souls back to earth for reincarnation (i.e.: the dark of the moon), the young woman should wear all her beautiful, handmade native attire, then go knock on that boulder. When asked her business there, she should reply very politely that she is there, "for the Council meeting, please," and request shelter until then.

The young woman is alarmed at that, but her shamanic elder assures her that in Sila's intuitive dream, he could tell the people of that realm are kind and civilized -- they too understand the importance of family and community! He then continues slowly relating his dream to her. However -- though no one there realized it -- the shaman has had limited interactions with the outside world, and so the magical beast he'd been shown in his dreams was not familiar to him. Consequently he described the creature in terms which he understood -- and his young relative dutifully wrote down his translated words.

Since there are no reptiles in Greenland, the shaman doesn't have that visual reference. However, he clearly remembers the large head -- wide at the top, but narrowing down to the snout -- and says, "The head is like a horse's, and on a strong, curving neck." He considers the vision, not realizing the wrinkled, leathery folds he'd seen across the creature's back were wings, and adds, "She wears a loose leather indoor wrap down her back; her feet are clawed like an eagle's." Last of all he remembers both the long, curving tail -- more like a cat's sinuous wave than a husky's curled-up tail -- and the beast's striking color. He concludes, "Her tail moves like that of a cat, and she is red all over! She too is kind and friendly despite being high-ranking amongst her people, so you must persuade her to come and visit me. Sila has told me that we can get a properly crafted comb through her help, and then I will be able to soothe Sedna once more. You must not fail!" It doesn't occur to him to emphasize that she is quadrupedal, however. He mentioned the feet but not hands, after all... but his young relative is not as familiar as he is with the magical -- and so it does not occur to her that this sapient creature is anything but bipedal, just like all the other talking sapients (as in, humans) she knows.

Amka, the young woman, is unsurprisingly a bit nervous about traveling off to visit another (supposed) world, all on her own... and so she's relieved when her cousin and good friend Yuka excitedly offers to accompany her. So the two of them pack up their finest indigenous clothing, bundle up the offerings which the shaman has foretold they'll need, and (with a mix of happy nerves and trepidation) head off towards Iceland. The cousin is a decent artist, and so -- as they're riding in a bus towards their destination -- Yuka offers to help by drawing a sketch of the creature they're looking for. That sounds like an excellent idea to Amka, and she brings out her notes. As she reads aloud, the cousin begins sketching...

"Ok, first of all, it's female. Umm... start with a horse's head..." The cousin sketches in a furry Icelandic pony's head, complete with a short, thick, arched neck and a shaggy mane. Amka nods, "Nice. Next, she wears a loose leather indoor wrap... and her feet are eagle claws." The cousin thinks a moment, then adds onto the head -- she sketches a standing figure with a hooded cloak hanging around the equine neck, falling to about mid-thigh length. She gets a slightly impish grin as she adds visible breasts to the figure. When Amka laughingly protests the nudity, Yuka points out that the creature is supposed to be female! There's some giggling between the two of them, and upon learning that the creature has a cat's tail, the cousin compromises, covering the visible parts of the torso with the blanket-wrap. She renders the legs and feet as an eagle's, though since there's nothing specifically mentioned about the hands, she just puts short, matching claws on the human fingers. Once the entire description is related, the cousin brings out her color pencils and polishes up the sketch. After studying the sketch for a few minutes, both young women decide this is indeed a very nice rendering of the description they were given!

A few days later the two young women have successfully arrived, and are safely within the ljosalfar enclave of Drangurinn, where they were magically (and startlingly, to them!) granted entry through the massive boulder resting close by the Drangshl�� foothills nearby. Today the two are seated up front and to one side in the audience at the council chambers, holding hands as they wait with bated breath for the Council members to arrive. The carefully rendered artwork rests across both their laps so they can easily glance down to verify. As the various Council members process solemnly in, however, both young women start to get first a perplexed, and then a worried look on their faces -- absolutely no one here looks anything at all like what they were told to look for! In fact... all thirteen of the people seated at the big, round table look... rather human...? Even the clothed (apparent) wolfman seems fairly humanoid, except for the head. The most 'alien' one among them is the feather-fluffed little birdman -- and he's neither red nor female!

The cousin whispers worriedly, "Amka, what if she's not even here?!" to which the other stoutly replies (in order to hide her own internal fear of failure), "Great-grandfather said she'd be here -- so she is! We just have to find her, Yuka!" The two fall silent, watching and wondering if maybe more people will join the table later, perhaps?

It's a few minutes after the meeting starts, and under cover of the talking around the table, that the cousin turns to her relative and murmurs softly, "Amka, remember how we got teased for our skin color and body- and eye-shape, and the white people treated us like we were lessers, at the public school? I wonder if it's not skin color or eyes here... but rather that the more strongly animal-looking magical people are treated that way by the more human looking ones here?"

The young woman stares at her cousin for a few heartbeats, eyes widening... then whispers, "Yuka, that's brilliant! That means..." the two young women start to grin excitedly at each other -- then hastily jerk around, almost as one, to visually search the seats behind them in the crowded little amphitheater, "-that means she's in the audience!"

The council meeting starts (as most of them do) with the introduction of the hosting enclave's or holding's elder, just as was done for the elder of the tribe at Sparrow's rez, and by Caradog at the Coblyn Street enclave. In this case, the elder's name is Sigrun, and she's dressed in very traditional Norse finery -- heavy on brightly-dyed and embroidered felt -- with her blonde hair in a thick braid down her back. Much like Caradog, she sits on a dais -- though rather than looking like she's lording it over anyone, her dais is set up just high enough that everyone can see her.

The councilors enter less in an orderly fashion, and more simply coming in to comfortably settle themselves around another round table. Fortunately the council chamber is underground, so there's no need for the carefully shielded seat Elias needs in Currier's Hall on Coblyn. Roll is called in alphabetical order by the councilor's name, and if the councilor has a proxy, their name is added -- for instance: "Aoi, proxy held by Bright Wings," or "Killa, proxy held by his lieutenant, Daniella." Each person or proxy signals their presence, which is marked down by the scribe recording the minutes. Once roll is called, Hilde make a motion to call the meeting to order, Aisling seconds it, and it's called to a vote. Since that vote is always a formality, it carries unanimously. After that, though, there is a sense of quiet... as if everyone is realizing just how many changes have happened to the council in just the last 6 months or so. Out of only thirteen councilors, two are brand new -- and two proxies are required.

Cinnamon beams at her friends on the council, as they all come in. She's still very curious as to what Jalil will suggest, as well as who is going to host the next meeting! She's actually feeling somewhat pleased, as well -- before the council meeting, early this morning, she'd packed the cardigan-style lopapeysa (along with matching beanie, mittens, and socks) that she intends to gift to Rebecca -- she hopes her sort-of step-great-grandmother likes them! Then she'd dressed in her remaining lopapeysa sweater under her suit jacket -- as well as the matching socks and a pretty pair of decorated, fur-lined boots -- along with her nice pantsuit trousers. After that she'd gathered up mittens and socks, and pattered on over to Daniella's room, to offer yet more warm things to the poor, cold woman!

All the councilors (except, of course, Sparrow) are in fairly formal wear. Daniella has something akin to a dress uniform, while Elias is in the suit that looks like it was made in the 1800s. Josie is in her suit as well, while Hilde wears her Norse finery. Sparrow's in jeans, heavy boots, and a fleece-lined denim jacket with a T-shirt under it -- but at least it's clean! Cinnamon grins at Sparrow's outfit -- comfort before formality once again! She'd teased him a bit about it when he hugged her before they'd all entered. The little dragon had been both surprised, then pleased, at getting hugs from both Snow and Marcus too, amongst others!

Up in the audience, Thorn wonders briefly if Killa is doing better, or if he's still convalescing -- or if he's trying to find the best time to make an appearance again, after the loss of face he experienced. Then again, the snake shifter had been moving very slowly at Sparrow's rez -- and then been subsequently poisoned! The poor man is likely still healing as best he can.

Seated next to Shane and Thorn in the circular hall are two clearly indigenous women, seated side by side and holding hands. Their faces look similar enough that they quite likely are related, with their long black hair neatly brushed and tied back. Were Cinnamon there, she'd be able to tell Shane and Thorn that the two women are Greenlandic, both warmly dressed in their traditional costume, or arnatuut -- much of which (as per tradition) they each make for themselves. The outfit consists of beautifully patterned and brilliantly colorful beadwork yoke-necklaces that hang from a black sealskin collar, laying over their shoulders and almost to their elbows; worn over a colorful silk timmiaq or blouse. From the waist down they wear their short foxskin pants and the wide, thigh-high, fur-lined kamik or boots, which are white polar bear skin on the bottom third (since neither of them are yet married), and intricately decorated with avittat (decorative bands of stitching) and silk floral embroidery on the upper two thirds.

The two have been whispering quietly to each other on occasion, since before the meeting began. Spread over both their laps is a nice color-pencil drawing of a bipedal, very shaggy, horse-headed figure, standing so most of the torso isn't visible due to the short brown leather cloak that falls in multiple folds around it. The artist is clearly familiar with the intricate decorative detailing done on the fur clothing of some indigenous peoples, and so has added some nice decorative beadwork and fur fringe on the cloak. One slightly-clawed human hand emerges from the cloak, holding its edge so as to keep it closed. A wavy, thickly fluffy cat's tail rises up behind the entity, which perches sturdily on wide-spread and -clawed eagle feet. The furry cat's tail and horse's mane (which covers almost the entire head but for tiny, furry ears and the equine nose) are rendered in a dark mahogany. The horse's long nose, and the bit of leg feathers showing just below the cloak, are a more ochre shade, while the eagle legs are the usual slightly yellow-brown, with black talons.

At one point during the meeting the two women stop whispering to stare at each other in some emotion, just for an instant -- and then, almost as one, they both jerk around in their seats, visually searching the audience behind them! Shane -- being Shane -- is always alert to sudden movement. When it's right there in his peripheral, he's especially aware of it, so he also looks around (a little more discreetly) to see if he can see what the girls are trying to spot... or maybe what's caught their attention. The council, after all, is still going through the opening rigmarole according to Robert's Rules of Order. Thorn too catches both the Greenlandic women's sudden movement, and Shane's, right after. He frowns, looking around as the three of the others look around as well. "What's wrong?" he murmurs to both Shane and the women.

Shane murmurs back to Thorn, "Not sure. They just seemed suddenly agitated or worried." Since Thorn spoke to the girls, he waits to see if they answer. The two young women don't seem to realize they've been spoken too -- they're quite focused on carefully visually searching the audience. If Thorn thinks back, he might realize their whispers weren't in English, either. The audience is about what one would expect, really -- trod members of various species, and a very few others who either came with the councilors, or are simply visiting and interested. Both Spice and Garaitz fall into the former category, just as an example.

Shane is doing his best not to be too on guard. This isn't his trod, so he should let the hold's guardians do the real guarding... but it's not like you can just turn off instincts. He leans across Thorn a bit, and touches the closest of the girls on the shoulder to ask, "Is everything OK?"

The girl startles slightly, jerking around to stare wide-eyed at him -- then smiles uncertainly as she says softly, "Oh! Yes, um... yes?" The other young woman glances down at the drawing on her lap, then looks up to regard Shane and Thorn as well. The first woman looks around, then back at Shane, adding with shy politeness, "Did we disturb you? I apologize, if so. We can move down a few seats if you would prefer?" It's the second young woman who whispers almost fiercely, "Amka, there's nothing wrong with our being here -- we shouldn't have to move!"

The first one -- Amka, apparently -- whispers back, "Yes, but it's their home, Yuka! We should be polite!"

Shane leans back and lets Thorn ask the questions, since he's the one closer to the girls... and, he admits to himself, he knows he himself can look somewhat intimidating to anyone that doesn't know him. Next to him, Thorn shakes his head, "You did nothing wrong! You don't have to move, nor should you. You just seem startled. Is everything all right?"

The young women seem to relax at that, looking a bit relieved. The first one smiles again, holding up the drawing, "We're looking for this person! Do you know them?" The second one nods earnestly, "It's very important that we find them, please!" Both young women watch hopefully as Shane and Thorn look at their drawing.

Shane examines the drawing, trying to figure out what it could be. To him, it looks almost like some kind of gryphon, what with the eagle-talon feet and the horse-like head. But he doesn't know anyone like that. But... this isn't his home trod -- or even Coblyn. There might be a gryphon in this hold, maybe? Thorn blinks, looking at the picture, and his brow furrows. He doesn't know who (or even, for that matter, what kind of being) this could be. "I'm afraid I don't, no," he confesses.

Shane asks quietly, "What... what kind of person is it? They look kind of like a gryphon..." He's scanning the room himself, to see if he can spot a horse's head.

Both women sigh slightly at that. The second one goes back to scanning the audience, while the first one accepts back the drawing, "Well, thank you anyway, sir." She smiles at Shane's comment, shaking her head, "We don't know for sure. All we know is that our shaman told us she would be here, and we urgently need to talk to her."

Thorn opens his mouth, then closes it, then peers at the picture again. Could... no, it couldn't... could it? He glances to Shane, "The cloak on this one could be wings... the head could be stylized... and those look like claws....?"

Shane blinks, then ahhs and murmurs to Thorn, "Y'know... well, you can ask what they were told?"

Amka giggles a bit nervously, "We're not actually sure if she has claws on her hands or not -- great Grandfather was describing a vision, after all!"

Thorn nods to Shane, and smiles to Amka, "Visions can be cloudy, sometimes. Uh... no pun intended! What did your Great-Grandfather tell you about finding this person?"

The second girl -- who seems slightly more confident -- leans around her cousin to offer a hand to shake to Thorn and Shane, "Hi, I'm Yuka, and this is my cousin Amka! She's just tense because her grandfather's a bit... in another world a lot of the time, you know?" Amka hisses softly at her cousin, "Yuka! Don't say that about Grandfather! They'll think he's mad or something!" Yuka grins and whispers back, "No they won't -- they're in another world right now, right?" Amka blinks at that, turning to study the two men for a moment... at which point she says softly, "You both look so... so human, though!"

Thorn smiles and nods, "Yuka, Amka. It's a pleasure to meet you both! Ah... yes, in my case, I had an ancestor not of the mundane world -- but that was many, many years in the past." He realizes these two somehow, some way, found their way to this trod and made their way in -- without being a part of the non-mundane world! He hopes their tidings from their great-grandfather aren't dire.

Shane's lips twitch as he says, "Well, you're about half-right." He's keeping his voice down. There are other people murmuring about the council goings-on, which are the mundane 'treasury' portion of things right now.

The two women glance expectantly between the two men... until Yuka whispers a bit tartly, "So, do you two not have names, or what? Is shaking ha-" -- at which point Amka hisses in outrage, "Yuka! Don't be so rude!" She hastily adds, "Please forgive her -- she's just, um... eager to get our mission done too!" Yuka covers her grin, but politely doesn't contradict her cousin.

Shane grins a little and murmurs, motioning to himself, "Shane. Pleasure to meet you."

Thorn acks, "I'm sorry. My name is Thorn." It comes out so easily, without even thinking; he doesn't even reflect that his birth-name, Martin, is no longer how he really identifies himself.

Yuka cheerfully elbows her cousin, whispering, "See? They're not mad!" Amka glowers back, "You got lucky!"

Shane nods, "Now... how was this person described to you?"

Yuka giggles again, nodding towards the two men, "So, go ahead and tell them the description you got, Amika!" The other young woman huffs a bit, still clearly a bit concerned about antagonizing fickle supernatural creatures... but eventually pulls a folded piece of paper out of a notebook. She reads in a soft whisper, "Great Grandfather said the entity would help him find a special comb that he needs -- there's been less and less good food animals in the ocean recently. He needs..." She pauses, looking doubtfully at the two men, "Umm... you're both really non-human? Like... you'll believe me when I talk about shamanic visions?"

"Absolutely," Thorn says. "There's lots of magic in the world -- and we're still finding ones that are new to us! So yes, I do believe you."

Shane nods and murmurs, "I'm half-human, but look where we are. We're not going to disbelieve you."

Yuka puts her arms around her cousin in a supportive hug from behind, "Amka, my dear cousin -- relax! They're trying to help... and we really have to find this person!"

Amka sighs softly, then nods once, "All right. Here's what Grandfather told me I had to look for: she's got, like, a horse's head on a strong, curving neck. Her tail is wavy like a cat's, her feet are clawed like an eagle's, and she's red all over. That's all he could see in the vision, because she was wearing a loose leather indoor wrap down her back... oh, and she's supposed to be kind and friendly despite being high-ranking amongst her people -- so hopefully she won't, like, eat us or anything for being disrespectful!" She gives her cousin a wryly amused glare, then looks back at the two men, "Does that help any... hopefully?"

Yuka grins as she hugs her cousin more tightly once, then cheerfully adds -- still in whispers, "We have to persuade her to come talk to Grandfather Shaman so she can help him get the comb, so he can sooth Sedna, so she'll release more seals and sea birds and other good things to eat!" Amka adds worriedly, "Sedna will release... not this person."

Thorn looks to Shane, a brow raised. If that isn't a perfect description of Cinnamon -- even counting that the wings are described as a wrap -- he'll eat his nonexistent hat. Shane aaahs... and asks, "Where... where are you ladies from?" He has a suspicion what has happened here -- after all, he has family based in Ireland, where there are no snakes, and only one native species of natural reptile.

Both young women look slightly wary, and Amka says carefully, "We're... from Greenland. Why?"

Shane murmurs to Thorn, "They don't have reptiles there. They wouldn't know a dragon from Adam. Ancient Irish only would because some of them migrated on over from the bigger islands... Ireland has precisely one native reptile."

Yuka still looks slightly wary, "What do reptiles have to do with us, please?"

Shane smiles quietly, "The person you're looking for is actually right down there." He nods toward the table, "But she doesn't always look like she does right now. She shifts shape." He leans back again to let Thorn explain.

Thorn looks at the drawing again, nodding to Shane, "In that case, I think we know who Great-Grandfather was referring to." He smiles to Yuka, "Just a matter of identifying who this drawing represents. We think we know who it refers to." He looks to Shane, not wanting to say too much.

Amka looks a bit confused, "You... can tell who we're supposed to be looking for by where we're from?!" Yuka tilts her head, also perplexed, "Maybe... maybe it's a supernatural thing, Amka?"

Thorn looks back to Yuka and Amka. "She's a dragon," he says. "Shane is guessing that since there's no reptiles in Greenland, that your great-grandfather may not have had the points of reference to describe a lizard-like dragon."

The two women stare silently at Thorn and Shane for a moment -- then stare wide-eyed at each other. Amka whispers, "...of course!" and Yuka cheers very, very quietly as she hugs her cousin tightly! They're almost bouncing in their seats, they're so happy! A moment later they both turn back to Shane and Thorn, still beaming with relief and happiness, "Thank you so much, gentlemen! She must be in another room here -- can you take us to her, please? We want to talk to her as soon as possible!"

Thorn says bemusedly, "Um... she's in this room, actually. Shane explained. She's a dragon who can change her shape. She's the red-headed woman sitting at the council table right now." He points towards Cinnamon.

The two women blink again, glancing back and forth between Cinnamon, and Shane and Thorn. One murmurs, "Really? That's... really convenient -- good! It'll make getting her to Grandfather Shaman much easier!" while the other blushes and whispers, "We are so sorry! We didn't mean to ignore things you said -- we were just... well, a bit nervous, I'm afraid!" Yuka tilts her head thoughtfully as she studies Cinnamon... then looks back at the two men, "Are all those people Changers of Bodies?" Amka adds more pragmatically, "-and can you introduce us to her, please, if you know her?"

"Not all of them, no," Thorn says. "A fair number of them are, though... and yes, we can introduce you to her once the meeting adjourns." Shane looks down at the councilors and counts in his head: Cinnamon, Josie, Sparrow, Jalil, Elias, Nasteexo... he chuckles a little to himself. Of the thirteen councilors, several of them do change shape in some form or another -- including the two absent councilors.

Both young women sigh in relief at that news! Yuka nearly kicks back in her chair, grinning as she puts her hands behind her head, "Wonderful -- now we can relax for a bit!" Amka gives her a wry grin, then turns to the two men and whispers politely, "Thank you both so much! Our people will be grateful for your kindness."

Shane gives a little acknowledging nod and turns back to pay attention to what's going on at the table; he knows there's going to be at least one important conversation brought up. Thorn smiles and nods to the two women, "I'm very glad to help!" Then he relaxes as well, watching the minutia of the council continue, and then land in what he's been most curious about: the territorial changes.

Indeed, during this discussion the Old Business has wound its way to the precise issue which Cinnamon is actually most curious about: what territorial changes does Jalil suggest? The fire elemental stands, as is sometimes the order of business when discussing something new, "I have mentioned to several members of the council that we may need to re-draw some of the territorial lines. I do not believe we need to add or remove any councilors. Thirteen is a good number; it is odd and prime. It makes sure that there is never a tied vote." He beckons, and one of the people that traveled with him brings over a large map and rolls it out on the table. Over it he lays a transparent overlay showing each councilor's territory. Cinnamon watches with interest... then smiles quietly as she sees where the people who are her responsibility live. It makes her feel a bit proud that they're willing to have her as their representative! Still, this is the way things are currently. After studying the map a bit, Cinnamon glances up curiously at Jalil for more information. Does he maybe have another transparent overlay that shows his suggestions?

The djinn goes on, "This is how it is divided currently: Sparrow, Killa, and Josie amongst them have North, Central, and South America, with Killa and Sparrow occasionally squabbling over Mexico. Aisling represents the British Isles. Elias, Marcus, Jarek, and Hilde essentially divide up Europe along various lines; it is... somewhat chaotic... and some of those European countries are given over to Cinnamon. Cinnamon likewise has Australia, Pacifica, and many of the Inuit peoples -- essentially, those who are dispossessed by the others. Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent are divided amongst Aoi, Snow, and myself." He sweeps his arm across the map, "Between the three of us, that is responsibility for over four billion people... because it is not just the supernaturals for whom we take responsibility. We are all tied to our peoples, and that puts the onus of the humans tied to our peoples onto us. Four billion amongst three of us, and three billion divided amongst ten others."

Cinnamon tilts her head as she studies the map, nodding slowly -- she can see Jalil's concern! She's pleased he cares about the humans too. Hmm... actually, though she'd never say it aloud, she can see another potential concern of Jalil's -- that's a lot of regular humans which Aoi apparently doesn't really care about, if all she wants is to be a goddess again! In the audience, Thorn leans forward, chin in his hands and brow furrowing. He can understand where Jalil is coming from -- that's a severe inequality of coverage! It also doesn't escape the healer's notice that Jalil mentioned many of Cinnamon's that she represents people were 'dispossessed' -- which is... a delicate way of putting it!

Jalil rolls up the first transparency, then rolls out another, "This is my suggestion." The new map has redrawn a few things, though North, South, and Central America remain largely unchanged, as do Australia and Pacifica. However, the color representing Cinnamon has expanded, and now includes Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Kazakhstan -- previously Snow's territory -- has now been put under Elias' purview, along with part of Russia, while Turkey is shifted to Jarek. Jalil explains, "I know the European countries under Cinnamon's purview are there by choice, so I did not suggest they revert to the, ah... logical lines." Interestingly, the shifted territories are all from Jalil and Snow -- aside from Madagascar, which was Nasteexo's. Clearly he's not asking anyone else to give up any territory -- and he's asking only three other councilors (all of the 'hide' faction) to take on more peoples.

There is suddenly a great deal of murmuring all around the room... though both Snow and Nasteexo are silent. Cinnamon blinks slowly -- that is a lot more territory that Jalil wants to hand to a brand-spanking new baby councilor! She frowns consideringly as something else hits her: either Jalil did not or could not speak with Aoi... or she's just revealed herself even more as a beautiful but essentially selfish individual. Cinnamon looks up at Jalil... then at Nasteexo and Snow. Her voice is soft and careful, "Forgive me, please, Jalil... but in good conscience I must check." She turns her gaze to Nasteexo and Snow, asking, "Are you both really okay with this? I don't want to lose friends over... well, territorial issues or anything, you know?"

Shane blinks slowly as he does math in his head... then he leans toward Thorn and murmurs, "You realize if Cinnamon says yes to India and Pakistan alone... that's 1.7 fuckin' billion?"

Thorn too blinks -- he has to wonder who Jalil organized this with beforehand, since he had to have consulted with some of the other councilors, didn't he? Seeing the expressions on Snow and Nasteexo's faces, he's suddenly not sure that Jalil did consult with anyone else before this... and that is a huge mass of people to assign to Cinnamon! As Shane has just noted, India and Pakistan alone account for over a billion people. The healer nods, realizing Shane is following his same thought-train. "That's... a lot!" he says a bit lamely.

Shane murmurs, "But... he did just also cut the 'reveal' faction's numbers down by... a lot..."

Nasteexo speaks to her translator, who replies, "I am good with this. I offered Madagascar as an island nation, but if you do not wish to take it on, you do not have to." That could also mean: 'This is a gesture to let you know I am on Jalil's side in this.'

Thorn softly replies to Shane, "He did, but... he's got to know that the 'reveal' faction will do the same math and realize what they're losing? I really have to wonder what his angle is -- though it's not like the changes in this mean differences in voting power...." He nods thoughtfully; so Nasteexo, at least, was consulted beforehand! He imagines Snow was as well, then.

Snow speaks up next, "The numbers need to be more balanced; I am very much okay with this. I spoke with Jalil extensively about this before it was suggested. My predecessor was a greedy and arrogant person. I am not that person; I wish only the well-being of those I serve. But I will not force anyone to take on a burden they do not wish to bear."

Cinnamon nods slowly, thinking... then rises and bows politely to Snow, and to Nasteexo and Dejiyo, "You do me great honor, my friends. I will do my best to... to live up to your faith in me!" she seats herself, adding with a small, rueful smile, "Though I do hope you will not think badly of me sometimes asking you for advice?"

There is some scowling around the room as people mutter and murmur -- not the hosting hold's members, but rather the people who came with some of the councilors. Interestingly, none of the 'reveal' faction have been offered additional territory, and not all of the 'hide' faction have. Hilde, Sparrow, Josie, and Aisling will be keeping their territory as-is -- it's only the two eldest, and the newest, of the 'hide' faction who will gain more responsibility. In the audience, Shane looks around the room as he whispers to Thorn, "Yes, but... Jalil, Snow, and Nasteexo are all 'reveal.' So if those three vote yes, plus all the hide faction -- all of who are either keeping their territories, or gaining something -- then this will carry easily!" Thorn can't help but think that there's more to this than reorganizing and balancing the territories. But maybe he's been exposed to too many mundane politicians? Jalil has been fairly straight-up, from what Thorn can tell... but the healer can't shake the feeling that there's something going on that he can't clearly see... and that there's a trap waiting for Cinnamon down the line.

Cinnamon has a nervous grin as she replies, "I'm... well, almost overwhelmed, Jalil! I'm assuming you wouldn't make this suggestion if you didn't agree with it, so..." She takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm and confident-looking... and, truth be told, actually looking a bit nervous still! "I... if you really believe in me this much, Jalil?" She looks trepidatiously at the map, then smiles worriedly up at Jalil, "I... well, I can promise I'll do my very best?"

Jalil nods and half-bows in return, "I would not offer part of my territory to someone I thought would do a poor job."

Cinnamon smiles a bit at the lovely compliment... then glances around thoughtfully, wondering how others are taking this. What does Marcus seem to think -- or is he trying his best to look inscrutable? Also... how do Daniella and Bright Wings look? The little dragon muses internally as she looks around: this is... incredibly generous of Jalil, Snow, and Nasteexo! The people who're being gifted with new territories and new responsibilities are... hmm, herself, Elias, and Jarek. Nope, that doesn't add up to some sort of bribe to those harmed by Qadan -- good! It does seem to indicate some of those with the least territories will now have more, while those with the most territories (excepting Aoi) now have less. Hmm again... Cinnamon thinks she'll have to study a world map for a bit and see if she's right in that guess! Daniella looks more than a little thunderous, while Marcus is studying the map quite seriously. Sparrow is leaned back in his chair, hands laced together over his stomach and feet kicked up on the table, smiling to himself. Elias too stands up and curiously studies the map, then looks across at the djinn, "Do you expect to call the vote on this at this meeting, Jalil?"

Cinnamon frowns consideringly at the map, at a sudden thought, "I have one question, actually... could you remind me, please, as to who currently covers Malaysia?" She's not sure, but she'd thought that was either Aoi's, or contested by Aoi. Hmm... be interesting to see what's up with that part of the world!

Several of the councilors, in fact, have stood up to look more carefully at the map; one of them is Bright Wings. He finally says through his tablet: 'Some of these territories are contested by my lady Aoi. I do not believe she would vote for them to be ceded. I would not be able to vote that this map pass as it is currently drawn. Malaysia and Indonesia should stay as they are. Even if that concession is made, this is a decision that is large enough that I feel a proxy vote on this would be... above me.

Cinnamon nods gravely to Bright Wings -- she can understand that! She wonders, though, why Daniella looks so upset. The little dragon will check with Killa's right-hand woman after the meeting. Thank goodness Marcus, at least, doesn't look pissed! He isn't scowling; instead, he just looks really thoughtful as he examines Europe closely, as well as the lines re-drawn through the Middle East and India. Hilde's head is tipped curiously as she too examines the map; she mmms, "I sure wouldn't want to vote on something like this without all thirteen votes being cast." She flashes a grin at Cinnamon, "Otherwise, I'd be all for you having more territory!"

Cinnamon glances at Jarek and Elias, wondering if they're willing to accept the increased responsibility too. She hopes she wasn't too... well... excitable? Premature? -in telling Snow, Nasteexo, and Jalil that she's willing to give it a try! Then she blushes slightly as she grins nervously back at Hilde, "You just want to see me have a public panic attack!" The little dragon blinks once after she speaks, her eyes a bit wide as she pushes her glasses up. Did she... did she just... make a funny?!

Around the table from Hilde, Daniella nods once -- a sharp, military motion -- and snaps, "I move we table the vote until such time as all councilors can be present for discussion and debate." Across from her, it's probably unsurprising that Bright Wings immediately seconds the motion. The scribe asks for all in favor, and hands go up one after another, until all thirteen councilors or proxies have a hand raised. Cinnamon thoughtfully raises her hand with everyone else. This... yeah. She doesn't want to make enemies over this! She's willing to wait one more meeting for a vote, just to insure that everyone's good with it. Indeed, it seems everyone is of the opinion that this -- like the decision to hide or reveal -- is important enough to necessitate having the entire council present.

Cinnamon wonders, though, who Aoi is contesting for Malaysia and Indonesia. They're... island chains mostly, aren't they? So... oh! She blinks, pushing her glasses up -- is it she herself that Aoi is contesting, regarding these islands? Or Jalil, maybe? It's Nasteexo who says through her translator, "Indonesia and Malaysia are in-between places, but they have been back and forth between Jalil and Aoi. I think judging them as being part of Cinnamon's territory, as attached to Pacifica, makes more sense. It is part of why I suggested Madagascar go to her."

Daniella comes back immediately with, "In that case, why not suggest Cuba go to her as well, instead of it being part of Killa's territory?" Her voice is somewhat wry.

Nasteexo calmly replies through her interpreter/husband, "If any of the other of us were to claim Cuba and the islands near it, it would be me. My people are there more than anyone's."

Cinnamon nods politely to Nasteexo as she listens. She's quietly fascinated by all this -- because this demonstrates some really striking lines of dissent through the 'reveal' faction! The little dragon is very curious to see how this turns out. She says quietly, "Cuba is not in the Pacific, Daniella, so I wouldn't feel right about having it handed to me unless you or Killa specifically asked me to take it... and while I can't speak for Josie, my guess would be that Cuba isn't part of the American Indian indigenous population... so she might not be comfortable with it either." She pauses, then adds, "Um... I hope that answered your question?"

Josie nods and adds, "The native folks on that island are a lot more like the native folks in Central America --and then they brought folks over from Jalil's and Nasteexo's places too. That island's people are definitely out of my wheelhouse."

Daniella appears somewhat soothed by the commentary, and Cinnamon smiles at Josie -- she's relieved she didn't speak wrong regarding her friend's possible thoughts! Now that Cinnamon thinks about it, too, it's clear that the 'hide' faction does tend to work together better. Sparrow and Josie, for instance, tend to simply assume one or the other of them will help out the other's people. After all, some nations have reservations in both places -- there's an Eastern and Western Band of Cherokee, one of which falls in Sparrow's territory in Oklahoma, and the other in Josie's in North Carolina. Consequently, both of them share responsibility for that tribe. Likewise, Jarek and Elias tend to be a little hazy on who covers what, because the Slavic countries have shifted borders so much that neither of them is sure which country is which anymore.

Cinnamon takes a deep breath, then adds firmly, "Jalil, thank you so much for this suggestion -- it has certainly made us all think carefully about who we represent, and how we're doing it!" She looks at Hilde next, adding, "So, since this is tabled until the next meeting... what's next on the agenda?" She grins, "Have we decided yet where the next meeting will be?" That, she thinks wryly, is going to be a very interesting meeting! She hopes it's someplace nice, without outside pressures on the councilors... which, she dryly thinks to herself, pretty much excludes both Aoi's and Killa's territories! She makes quiet mental notes, too, on the potential new territories she'll be responsible for... going to maybe have to learn more languages and cultures! That'll be fun... she loves doing the research on 'her' peoples.

People are still intently studying the map as Jalil replies, "I had copies of the map drawn up so people can review it."

Cinnamon grins shyly at Jalil, "I would love a copy, Jalil, if you have enough, please?"

Hilde smiles at Cinnamon, "I think the next meeting is supposed to be in Marcus' territory, but he's planning on asking Caradog if he can host on Coblyn again... which could be good. It's easiest for all of us to get there."

Cinnamon looks relieved as she nods, "Oh, excellent! Plus it'll be very indoors and warm for the folks who prefer that." She beams at the Germanic elf, "Thank you, Marcus!"

Marcus smiles back, feeling unaccountably warmed by the little dragon's lovely smile, "We're going to be meeting with both Aoi and Killa present this time, I think, so I wanted us all to be comfortable." A couple of people nod in agreement as Marcus adds, "Especially since we'll finally be able to review the motion regarding revealing or continuing to hide." Cinnamon nods slowly at that, pushing up her glasses and looking intrigued. Considering how close some of the reveal faction recently came to death... she's very curious as to how the voting will go! Then she blinks thoughtfully as something else interesting occurs to her: Aoi has pretty much had her way with Qadan, as far as claiming land. However, Snow is a bit less xenophobic than Qadan, and thinks all one's peoples should be cared for. Does that mean she's going to start pushing back hard on Aoi's casual assumption of land ownership all around Mongolia proper?

[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]

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

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2019-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster