Goblin Town -- Logs

By the time the carriage arrives at the Market, Cinnamon has quietly and courageously determined to herself that she's not going to let this ruin her day! The Solstice Market is bright and colorful and full of merry music and happy people, after all -- she can just walk with Marcus and enjoy the day with him, right? Unfortunately, Marcus is starting to feel a bit tense himself as well -- he has an idea, after all, what his friends are whispering about. Still, at first things are fine: Marcus is charming, and shows Cinnamon a couple of his favorite vendors. However, any time she moves away from him and the other two, they're dripping poison in his ears... and it starts to get to the young elf.

For the most part, Marcus is intelligent, and can be quite good at his job as a councilor. But (as Hilde has discovered) Marcus can also be pushed with just the right leverage -- and these two childhood friends know all the levers, and all the right places to stand in order to most effectively apply them: she's just... so plain! Dumpy as a peasant, and... well, she's really just so uncultured -- frankly, she has nothing at all in common with them. Truly, she does seem a bit... slow -- doesn't he agree? Oh, they're sure she's a perfectly lovely girl, but... really? Her? And Marcus?

Cinnamon has no idea what's being said, but she does realize both that Marcus isn't happy, and... well, she's not sure why these two wanted to come along if they're so disapproving of everything? She sighs internally, and externally gets quieter and quieter... and her smiles get rarer as she pulls inward. When they're seated at the food court for some lunch, and Frieda incredulously asks if all that food is only for her, Cinnamon finds herself staring just at her plate as she eats... and wishing she were someplace else. Still, Marcus seems to cheer up a tiny bit as he and the other two elves reminisce about some previous good times they'd had together... so that's encouraging. Plus, her skirt makes her feel nice -- it's got an almost velvety knap to it, even if she does feel a bit like a middle-class girl tagging along after the nobles... which makes her smile wryly.

Partway through the meal Cinnamon politely excuses herself to visit the restroom... and as she goes, she wonders a bit wistfully if they'll be able to go home soon. This has not been her favorite day with Marcus... or as a supernatural. Unfortunately for her, it's while she's gone that Marcus' friends finally get to him: the irritation, the frustration... the embarrassment -- his friends have convinced him that he's humiliated by being seen with Cinnamon. He hasn't yet figured out -- and won't for a few days still -- that he's actually ashamed for them. After all, they're right: she's so very different from them and from anyone else he's ever been interested in. Thus, during the time Cinnamon is absent, Albrecht slips away just long enough to warn the Solstice Market Security of an incipiently angry and very strong woman at the food court -- they might want to arrive in force? While he's gone, Frieda leans a little on her own charms to convince Marcus to leave with them... without Cinnamon.

The little dragon has managed to cheer herself up a bit by the time she returns from the restroom -- maybe she'll go see Shane and Josie and Spice after she gets home tonight, and share her impressions of how lovely the Solstice Market was? Her mood takes a dramatic turn for the worse, however, when she discovers Marcus and the other two elves have vanished. They left her remaining food untouched, but took theirs and departed -- with no sign of where they went.

Cinnamon's heart sinks. She sighs and reflexively sits down again, staring at her dessert for a few silent, depressed moments... then methodically finishes off her meal, despite apparently being set up and abandoned. It's unfortunately not the first time this has happened to her... and, as she morosely admits to herself, it probably won't be the last. She's kind of a sucker that way, she knows, what with her trying to think the best of folks.

Once she finishes her meal, Cinnamon neatly tidies up the debris, then sighs and remains seated -- she hasn't got anything else to do right now, she doesn't currently want to deal with having to get a taxi, and she's at one end of the wooden picnic-style table, so there's no one else near her right now. She feels kind of... well, kind of depressed really, she admits to herself, as she sits staring silently at her hands folded in front of her on the table. After all, she'd really been starting to believe Marcus might actually like her a little -- just a bit, as a friend? To be dumped like this is... really heartbreakingly isolating, Cinnamon thinks glumly to herself. The occasional nervous whispering and pointing from other supernaturals doesn't help any either.

As she sits there, the little dragon suddenly finds herself surrounded by four very large, very serious-looking Security people. She's feeling too miserable to look up, though were she to raise her head she might vaguely recognize a couple of them, from having glimpsed them working as palace guards -- one of them is even a Fomorian, with a stag's head. She can hear there's one man standing on each side of her at about 3 feet of distance, one standing behind her, and the last man stands before her, on the other side of the table. The little dragon doesn't raise her head, simply addressing her words to the kilted, knobby knees and hairy, white-socked legs she can see. Her voice is low and quiet, and trembles a bit as she struggles with tears, "I... I'm in a r-really bad mood today, so... so if you're here f-for... for more fun at my expense? ...you should probably just... j-just go away, please."

This... is not what these men were led to expect. The way the informer had described things, the Security forces were braced for at least some shouting; maybe even some throwing things or banging on the table! Instead, they've found this small, sad, utterly miserable woman. The man across from her looks at the other three, giving them some signal which causes them to all back off a bit. He himself steps carefully forward and sits down before her, his voice deep and not quite human-sounding, "Ma'am, are you all right? We were told there was someone in this area who might be causing a problem... but I don't think that's you."

Cinnamon really, really doesn't want to talk to strangers right now! She's already been deeply humiliated despite trying to be nice to the two strangers Marcus wanted to bring along to the Market, and the horrible thought occurs to her: was all his being nice to her just so he could set her up for something like this?! Being mortified in front of what she suspects is yet more superciliously amused strangers is suddenly just too much for her to deal with right now... so, still without looking up, she tightly closes her eyes, clasps her fingers together, and whispers tightly, "I... I w-would like to... to be left alone right now, p-please...."

The Fomorian mms, then murmurs, "Yes, ma'am. Understood." He signals the other guards, and they all quietly move off. Cinnamon doesn't watch them leave -- she's just relieved they're giving her some space when she feels so incredibly cruddy! For now, she stays where she is... and eventually the tears start to flow. She's sniffling quietly, head still down over her clasped hands... and miserable enough that she just doesn't care her glasses are getting badly blurred by tears.

Some time later... crying time always seems weirdly stretchy... someone very quietly slides something into her line of sight, on the table. It's... not quite a business card -- though it seems to serve the same purpose? -- because it's got writing on it in elegant yet weirdly cheerful-seeming text. It reads simply 'Brynn' and, beneath that, "Spiritual Psychologist." The piece of cardstock (perhaps parchment?) is wrapped around a soft-looking, neatly-folded handkerchief that has a tiny little Capricorn sigil embroidered in one corner. Cinnamon sniffles, glancing confusedly at the card and wondering what sort of job 'spiritual psychologist' is. After a grief-numbed moment or so of slowly puzzling over that thought, she slowly turns her head... just barely enough to glance, over the smears on her glasses, at the person currently bothering her.

Crouching just past the end of the wooden table is a slender, curly-haired man dressed in jester's motley, right down to the bell-tipped hat -- though it's not jingling right now because he's holding it in his hands. His clothes are wildly colored, and he has a rucksack at his feet. He's also got on glasses with large, round, thick frames of an oddly yellowish shade. They're apparently hooked behind his soft, floppy goat ears -- and they frame eyes with the odd, hourglass pupils of a caprine.

Cinnamon blinks slowly again, struck first by the goat ears and the weird eyes. A moment later, a small part of her brain clicks together some random bits of data: this must be why there's a capricorn symbol on the hankie -- and he must be the really nice goat-like person Shane once said he'd met and liked. The little dragon blinks again as she notices how funny the glasses look to her, around those strange eyes... but then the man smiles quietly at her. That abruptly reminds her of Shane himself -- not because of the man's slightly rumpled looks or wild hair... but rather due to the kindness in his expression. Her voice is a bit choked and husky still, "H... hello?"

Shane knows Cinnamon's going to the Winter Solstice Market with Marcus today. He kind of misses having lunch with her, though, so to cheer himself up he asks Josie and Spice if they'd like to have a late lunch with him. Fortunately they're happy to join him at Caf� Prague, and the three have a very pleasant time together, chatting and laughing and generally enjoying themselves. It's as the meal is almost over that TimTam (one of the street kid runners) comes darting in and glances swiftly around, then trots on over to the table the threesome are at. With her usual wide, cheerful, gap-toothed grin, and a flourish of her hands, she gives the half-beansidhe a small, envelope-folded note, "Message for ya -- been paid a'ready, thanks!" In almost the same breath, she waves at the two women, "Afta'noon!" and darts off again.

Shane tilts his head in curiosity as he slits open the little envelope -- isn't that a tiny elm leaf embossed on the flap? But who in the Elm mansion would be writing to him... especially on the evening when Elm is holding its annual (and extremely anticipated) Solstice feast? He unfolds the envelope-letter to read the (clearly hastily scribbled) missive inside... and as the sense of it percolates into his brain, his expression goes very carefully blank and his body language moves from loose and relaxed into still and controlled...

S;
Sorry can't come myself - busy night - B's covering so I get this out. Overheard F&A brag re: getting M to dump C at Sols Market. Is she ok?!
Pls destroy this
I

Josie and Spice blink and nod confusedly when Shane -- whose voice was animated and cheerful just a moment ago -- is suddenly cool... almost drawing-room polite, "Excuse me. I have something I need to take care of." He folds the letter and tucks it into his sporran -- once he's on the street he'll take the moment to strike a match and do what Ingrid requested. For now, he stands and drops enough coins on the table to cover more than his part of the bill -- then wheels around and heads swiftly out. Spice and Josie glance in startled wonder at each other -- then both turn to watch Shane's departure. He's moving with dire purpose, and they have a perfect vantage... to see people part like the Red Sea in front of him. It's as if people instinctively know: This Is Not The Time -- despite his not appearing overtly aggressive at all.

Shane usually moves so easily and loosely, that to see him move so quickly and with such... menace... is a little shocking. Before anyone in the room really knows what's happening, the half-beansidhe has crossed the marble-floored atrium and spun Marcus around by the shoulder. The gealsidhe's blue eyes widen as he finds himself faced with a glowering Shane. He manages to get out, "Wh... ?" before the young paladin says in a deadly calm voice, "I've told you several times now that if you ever, ever hurt her, I was going to break your fucking nose, Marcus -- and you know by now that I do. Not. Lie."

Before Marcus really has time to register the movement, Shane's fist connects with Marcus' face -- and the tall, slender elf councilor goes sprawling on his ass. Shane looks down at him impassively, "You are such a complete prick. Do you even know how much it took her to trust you? Do you? She's fucking humiliated... and you're damn lucky I've got actual honor." He takes a deep breath, then adds tersely, "Don't you dare speak to her or me again -- until you can apologize and mean it... asshole." After that, he stalks back out -- and directly to Cinnamon's house... because no way on earth or any other realm is he going to let her be miserable by herself.

After Shane storms out, and while Albrecht and Jaeger are helping Marcus to his feet in preparation for a trip to the infirmary, Frieda gasps indignantly, "Who was that brute of a beansidhe?!"

Hilde arches a brow, "Brute? You mean Shane? You obviously don't know him." She thoughtfully studies Marcus... the only person she can think of that Shane would be protective enough of, that he'd simply walk up and sock Marcus in the nose, is Cinnamon. The ljosalf looks back at the other woman, "Did Marcus do something rude to a lovely, plump little, redheaded dragon?"

Frieda is too shocked to remember diplomacy, "'Lovely'?! No! She was just fat -- and short -- and completely dull and... and plebian! Do you have more than one dragon here?" She doesn't mention already hearing from Marcus that Cinnamon was a dragon -- neither of his old childhood friends had really believed someone so utterly common could possibly be anything so exciting. That's why the two elves had quietly and deceptively warned Security at the Solstice Market about 'some dragon person-thing' getting angry -- they were sure she would be easily overwhelmed.

Hilde mmms, "I see. Let me explain something." Her voice is coldly amused but still drawing-room appropriate -- she knows how to be diplomatically cutting when the need arises, "The fat, short, and dull dragon you're disparaging has saved the lives of more people than you can imagine. She's loving, brilliant, and worth four of you! Plus, the man that just came in here? He's perhaps the most honorable person I know. In fact, I might even call him a paladin. He doesn't attack unprovoked or without warning, so I'd guess he laid out those consequences some time back." The ljosalf's eyes go cold as the courteous part of her tone goes out the window, "So I think you need to fuck all the way off with that bullshit, girl."

The elf woman blinks in shock... then indignantly huffs, "Well! I can see why Marcus isn't interested in you any more!"

Hilde laughs and shakes her head, "Oh, you really can't see past the end of that upturned nose of yours, can you? Marcus is pretty, and he's an excellent lay." The ljosalf would normally be perhaps a bit less crude in her language, but her mischief is now coming very much to the front; wanting to see just how much she can offend this uptight, priggish person who has chosen to be a source of pain for one of her dearest friends, "But more than that will never happen -- because I prefer my men with a few more years and a lot more substance." She steps in close to the elf and lowers her voice, "Also, just between you and I? I wouldn't count on Marcus staying deluded for long... about Liam Connelly's granddaughter being someone to be casually discarded!" She lets her gaze rake along the pretty, spoiled woman as she adds caustically, "Because unlike you... she isn't trash to be tossed to the curb!" Her head tips, eyes gleaming even more brightly, "Oh! Methinks I hear the approach of der M�llmann even now!"

From over Hilde's shoulder, Marcus' childhood friend can see Jaeger approaching like a regal thunderstorm. His voice is calm, cultured, and above all discreet, as he murmurs, "Frieda, you will come with me, please. I would appreciate it if you did so quietly; my son has caused quite enough Aufregung tonight. You and Albrecht are no longer welcome here. Once he and Marcus return, Butler will be showing both of you out."

Frieda still looks aghast at the bluntness of Hilde's tongue-lashing -- but at Jaeger's words she starts to straighten to her full height, opening her mouth with a haughty expression. Jaeger turns the full force of his icily disapproving stare on her, bringing to bear the presence of a warrior-thane, elder, and former councilor, "It would appear I misspoke; I said I would appreciate you not making a fuss. I should have said you shall not make a fuss."

Jaeger's blue eyes are mercilessly cold -- and Frieda suddenly looks a lot less offended and a lot more worried. She nods silently and takes Jaeger's offered arm, gaze dropping to the floor and voice choked as she murmurs, "Of course, meine Herr."

Hilde watches them go, smirking. Tomorrow she'll speak with Cinnamon about the people who were amused about this -- as well as those who have quietly departed in silent protest of Marcus' behavior towards (as is heavily speculated) Cinnamon. The ljosalf will talk with her friend about the folk even now saying Marcus absolutely deserved this comeuppance. Hilde will not, however, mention her public reading of Frieda for the filth she is.

When he knocks on Cinnamon's door, Shane's trying to simmer down a bit -- but the anger is still clinging to him a little, which means when the little dragon opens the door, she sees him as kind of looming. His hair is down, his eyes are intense, and his jaw is set. In fact, her first friend (who is usually relaxed and smiling) looks... kinda dangerous! His voice is low and quiet because he is working very, very hard not to growl, due to still holding those traces of anger. The growl is still there a little, but he doesn't want her to think he's mad at her, so he's trying to keep the volume soft, "Hey, acushla, can I come in? I know you're upset, but I thought maybe I'd keep you company a little? Have some cocoa and cuddles?" It's what they normally do when things get rough. He's trying to be comforting. It's just there's a whole different energy right now while he's trying to shed that protective edge -- and (let's be honest) the urge to wrap her up in his arms and kiss away the way she feels ashamed and miserable. But that would spook her, and he promised her they could step back and take it slow, so he offers what he thinks she'd like.

It's probably a good thing Cinnamon doesn't currently have a clue as to Shane's thoughts. She'd gotten home and taken Brynn's advice: maybe have a nice bubble bath, then wrap up in her favorite flannel nightie and her lovely thick, soft robe, and slip on her plushie unicorn slippers... make herself a hot drink, and then cuddle up with a good book, a warm blanket... and maybe some nice music. She'd considered not answering the knock, but... it's Shane. She can't ignore Shane... so she'd trudged morosely over to the door and opened it -- and then... sweet hopping frog on a pogo stick, as one of her grandmothers used to say!

Cinnamon clings to the door and simply stares up at Shane for a few agog seconds... then wonders belatedly if she's blushing as hotly as she feels like she is, all over! How on earth can Shane be so scary looking -- and yet also so amazingly, blisteringly hot at the same time?! In what world is that even fair?! ...and good flaming golly, has she been standing here with her jaw dropped this whole time staring at him dear heavens he must think she's such a doofus can she just go crawl under a rock and never ever come out again?! She finally manages to rally her badly-rattled thoughts enough to stammer, "Guh... golly! Uh, n-no, I m-mean, uh, go -- uh, n-no, good -- er, c-come! Uh, y-yeah, that's it... um, yes? C-come in... er, if y-you want, I mean...?"

Shane can't help softening a little at the stuttering. She's just so damned adorable! He leans in and kisses her on the cheek -- that's usually safe, "Thanks, sweetheart." He then wraps her in a quick hug before coming in. Were he to abruptly wheel around, he'd see her staring a bit blankly after him -- still clinging to the door to stay upright, but now with a slightly bewildered, small, but genuine smile on her face. Things don't completely suck, it seems! Yes, she was a fool to fall for Marcus, and she probably deserved being treated that shabbily by the arrogant elf, but... even if she's an incredibly ninny... apparently, for some inexplicable reason... Shane still likes her!

It takes a few seconds... but then Cinnamon sort of shakes herself mentally, and pulls herself together, closing the door and pattering in after Shane. Hot chocolate -- yeah, that sounds kinda yummy, actually! It does take Shane a little while to shake off the glower, and he's a little nuzzlier than normal. He doesn't actually realize he's doing it, but he puts his face against Cinnamon's temple or hair a lot during the cuddling. But he wants her to feel safe and protected. That's what he does -- he protects people.

Cinnamon doesn't consciously realize it, but this is exactly what she needs right now. It's deeply comforting to her badly wounded ego -- to know there's someone here who truly wants to be here with her; that isn't just putting up with her, or laughing at her behind her back. She sighs and relaxes against Shane... eventually falling exhaustedly asleep curled up against him. It won't be until tomorrow that someone else tells her what Shane did.

Marcus is escorted into the infirmary by a glowering and indignant Albrecht. When Nikos looks up and sees the swollen, crooked nose and the quickly-forming black eyes on the normally impeccable and beautiful face of the youngest councilor, his eyes widen, "Oh, Panacea! What happened?! Have the guard or Shane been called?"

Marcus grits his teeth and grinds out, "Shane is actually what happened."

Nikos' worry and startlement calms immediately, "Oh, I see. What did you do?"

Albrecht blinks in shock. He'd just opened his mouth to snap an angry answer -- something about an uncouth and barbaric beansidhe -- when the daemon here just reacted like... like it was completely irrelevant that some violent, ill-bred beast of a man just stormed into an ambassadorial residence -- and assaulted a councilor! Even more puzzling to Albrecht is that Marcus himself isn't absolutely livid about this outrage. He's not even demanded the guard be called on the assailant!

Marcus closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, "Can I please just see one of the healers to get my nose set? What happened is between myself and Shane."

Nikos snorts wryly, but then quickly escorts Marcus into the infirmary to see Iason and/or Thorn. As the little daemon trots briskly through the hallway, though, both elves can hear him murmur half under his breath, "Certainly... though I'm sure I'll hear all about it in a day or two -- the grapevine's lightning-fast here!"

Once Marcus is sitting on one of the tall examining tables, with Iason preparing everything he'll need to relieve some of Marcus' pain and set his nose, the big centaur healer gravely rumbles something similar, "Is this a matter which should be brought before Caradog, Marcus?"

Albrecht again opens his mouth to insist this obvious case of an unprovoked attack is absolutely a matter to bring before the king of the enclave! -- except once again he's shocked into bemused silence by his old friend's reaction to the centaur. Marcus simply rubs his temples and takes advantage of the confidentiality to which healers hold, "No. It's a private matter between myself and Shane."

Thorn hears that last as he emerges from Botany, and arches a brow. Then he sees Marcus' current condition, and winces in sympathetic pain. Marcus is going to have severe long-term bruising! What was that about Shane, though? Shane did this to Marcus? He must have had a reason- aaaaand the reason makes itself immediately apparent to Thorn: Cinnamon. Thorn sighs silently. [You goddamn idiot], he thinks of Marcus. [What did you do to her?] "Iason? Do you need me?"

Iason arches an eyebrow at Marcus, the tiniest hint of a smile quirking the corner of his lips, "Ah, I see. So, you did something he told you he would... disapprove of, and that his displeasure would take physical form?" Marcus simply nods tersely. Iason snorts in a very equine manner, his voice dry, "Then you're right -- and you should have known it was coming. In fact, you're very likely lucky it's only a broken nose and, I believe, a fractured cheekbone." Upon hearing Thorn, Iason calls back, "Yes, please! Resetting bones, even small ones like noses, can be quite painful. It's good to have a second set of hands to hold the patient in place." The centaur says this while looking Marcus directly in the eyes -- he already knows Thorn is well-aware what it's like to set bones.

Albrecht finally manages to get some (highly indignant) words in edgewise, snapping heatedly, "From what I heard, that barbarian did in fact threaten Marcus beforehand -- so this is clearly a case of premeditated assault!"

Thorn nods and moves to stand behind Marcus, ready to help with the resetting of the elf's nose... which yes, is absolutely going to hurt! "Welcome to Coblyn Street," he murmurs to Albrecht. "Have you met our unofficial sheriff yet?"

Iason snorts again, not bothering to glance at Albrecht as he works, "I can see you aren't from around here, young man. There are a few things you should know about our unofficial sheriff." He puts subtle emphasis on those last two words, then continues, "One, Shane neither lies nor threatens. Threats imply bluffing, which is a form of deception. Instead, Shane lays out consequences." The centaur looks up from the preparations he's making and stares coolly at the unfamiliar elf, "So I very much doubt anything he did tonight was unexpected or unprovoked." He changes his focus to Marcus, "Am I correct?" Being a healer, he's not being rough or refusing Marcus treatment, but -- like Shane -- he also does not believe in sugar-coating things.

Marcus closes his eyes and sighs in exasperation, "Yes, already! He said if I hurt... if I did the thing that angered him, he would break my nose. I did; so, he did."

Iason rumbles dryly, "Count yourself lucky." He glances at Albrecht for an instant as he explains, "About six months after Shane arrived on Coblyn, he got wind of someone who was physically abusing their spouse. He found the fellow -- a wolf-headed Fomorian, by the by -- in the pub. He sat down with the man at the bar, and very nicely explained that the next time he saw bruises on the man's wife, the fellow would find himself with two broken arms." Thorn sees Iason getting ready to set Marcus's nose, so the healer takes a slow breath and puts his hands gently but firmly on the elf's shoulders. He'll increase the pressure once he's certain Iason is about to re-set the nose.

Albrecht's eyes are wide with both shock and perplexity as he asks a bit faintly, "What... what happened?" Fomorians are known to be formidable warriors, after all -- and with good reason! While that formidable nature is not the complete explanation for why Diarmaid is Caradog's captain of the guard, it is an important part, after all.

Iason looks up from where he's got his large-but-gentle hands on Marcus' nose. The healer's face is calm; his voice matter-of-fact, "A week and a half later, I was setting and putting casts on both the Fomorian's arms, as well as treating him for broken ribs. As I said, Shane does not bluff." At the last word Iason gives a short, sharp twist of his hands, pulling Marcus' nose back into place with a small, unpleasant crunching noise -- which is instantly echoed by a yelp unwillingly torn from Marcus himself. It's a good thing Thorn is holding Marcus because the elf does jerk. Iason's hands are strong and sure, but having the other healer holding Marcus in place means that the set is straighter and Marcus doesn't re-injure himself by jerking away from the centaur's powerful grip.

Iason continues calmly speaking as he sets splints into place, "Though I suspect he chose your nose for a reason, Marcus. Your face is going to be swollen black and blue for days... if not a couple of weeks." Thorn's thoughts mirror Iason's explanation: he is a healer; he takes no joy in pain... but pain is a teacher. Maybe this -- if nothing else -- will sink through Marcus's skull! Thorn decides he'll stop by Caf� Prague for dinner tonight, and thence to Cinnamon's home, to see how she's doing. He has very little doubt Josie and Spice, and Shane, and maybe even Hilde are already there.

Marcus' voice already sounds rather nasal as he grumbles, "Yes, yes, I get it... I suspected as much." He grits his teeth at the pain, glancing at Albrecht from watering eyes which are already swelling, "This is why calling the guard would be pointless. As soon as we mention Shane's name, everyone will know he warned me ahead of time... which, technically speaking, means it wasn't unprovoked." Fae logic can sometimes work against the fae themselves.

Cinnamon wakes up blearily the next morning. Shane has already slipped out to do his daily rounds... so after some consideration, the little dragon decides she'll just treat herself today. One nice, hot shower later, she's headed for someplace to get breakfast... and that's when and where Hilde finds Cinnamon. She rushes up to the little dragon, eyes wide and with a mischievous grin on her face -- and after a tight hug, she says fiercely, "I'm so glad you're okay! I only just found out what that was all about! I'd have punched Marcus too, if Shane hadn't beaten me to it! I mean, whew! I know Shane's a warrior and all, but...!" The ljosalf fans herself, not immediately noticing Cinnamon staring at her in blank confusion as Hilde considers, "Okay. I probably wouldn't have stopped with just one punch... but Shane really is very noble. He followed through on his promise -- and then left! Marcus got his nose set last night, but both his eyes are going to be black for a while!"

Cinnamon stumbles confusedly for words, "W-w-whaaaa... wait, what? Marcus... did Marcus do something stupid to Shane too?!" She shakes her head slowly, "Wow, he has no sense of self-preservation, does he? Though... that explains why Shane was so growly-looking last night." She thinks a moment -- then looks slightly upset, "Darn! I wish he'd told me... so I could give him a reassuring hug or something! Shane doesn't deserve to be treated like that!" It simply doesn't occur to the little dragon that someone might care that much about how she feels! She's going to be startled all over again when she meets her other friends, today.

Hilde blinks -- and then actually laughs, "You mean he didn't... has no one told you...?!"

Cinnamon looks perplexed, "Told me what?"

Hilde puts a hand over her mouth for a moment and then clears her throat. She says very carefully, trying not to giggle, "Last night, during the much-awaited Solstice dinner party at the Elm residence, Shane walked in, told Marcus that he'd warned him if Marcus ever hurt you he was going to break his nose, reminded Marcus that he never lies, then went right on ahead -- and kept his promise!" She whacks one of her own fists into her palm with a sharp smack that makes Cinnamon jump, "Wham! One punch -- and Marcus landed right on that shapely ass of his! Then Shane told him not to speak to you or him again until Marcus could give you both a real apology... and he stalked off looking like a sexy thundercloud! I figured he was going to make sure you were okay... because, I mean, it's Shane! He didn't tell you this?" Then she slaps her forehead, "Of course he didn't -- that would be bragging, right."

Cinnamon stares in shock at Hilde during the story, her eyes getting wider and her mouth dropping open. At the end, she stutters, "H-he wha... you mean he... uh, and it -- it was... public?!" She squeaks nervously on that last word, clapping both hands to her mouth in reaction. She feels... very strange -- trembling and dizzy and... she's not sure what, but -- but she's got to get away! She mutters, "G-gotta go," and nearly flees, running awkwardly for her home. She wants to hide, to tuck herself away, to never come out again -- at least not until the laughter dies, or gets turned on someone else. Why did Shane do that?! What is going on?! She wants desperately to get out of sight -- so she can't see all the whispers and pointing and laughter directed at her! She's upset enough that she's not really registering it's not as bad as she's afraid of -- she just wants to hide for a while so she can try to figure out what on earth possessed Shane to do what he did!

It's not long until Josie arrives with Spice. They knock, of course. But when Cinnamon doesn't answer, Spice just unlocks the door with her spare key and comes in. She's pragmatic, in that she's not about to let her friend hide like that.

Cinnamon is curled up under the same blanket she'd covered herself and Shane with last night, though this time she's still clothed but for her shoes and glasses. She sits up in startlement, the blanket held over her head like a fluffy hood, and rubs her eyes before reaching for her glasses with her free hand. Her voice is blurry with tears and confusion, "Spicy? JoJo? What're you all doing here? I'm still in town...?" She'd given the key to Spice for housekeeping when the little dragon is out of town -- as she frequently has to be. It simply doesn't occur to Cinnamon that friends don't leave friends sobbing alone in the dark.

Josie has her worried face on, while Spice looks stern as she says, "We're here because Hilde told us you'd run off after she told you about Shane knockin' that fuckin' jerk Marcus on his ass last night -- which Marcus goddamned well deserved! So Josie got worried, so we came over to see if you were okay."

Josie nods, "We also saw Shane and he was still mad at Marcus today and he asked us to check on you because he's still worried about you. He didn't want to leave you alone today, but he made promises, and Shane doesn't break promises even if he really, really wanted to stay here with you today because he's in l- uhm, because you mean a lot to him -- and I smelled and heard crying, so we knocked and you didn't answer, so we came in. Because you shouldn't have to cry alone. But I don't know why you're crying. Are you still mad because Marcus left you? A lot of people are still mad at him. Butler even just let Shane in last night when he showed up."

Cinnamon blinks blankly after finally getting her glasses on, "Butler... let Shane in? But... but he's telepathic! He must've known what Shane was, umm...?" Her voice trails off uncertainly.

Spice snorts and nods, "Yeah. Apparently Shane knocked on the door at the Residence and Butler looked at him, then just stepped aside and let him in -- even with Shane looking like a big ol' avenging thundercloud!"

Cinnamon looks both perplexed and thoughtful, "So... not everyone thinks I'm a stupid doofus, then? That... that's so nice of Mr. Butler... I'll have to thank him for being so nice, later." She grabs a Kleenex, wipes her eyes and blows her nose, then sighs, "Ugh, am I the onliest ugly cryingest person I know, or what..." Pulling the covers up around herself again, she belatedly tries to be nice to her dear friends, "Do, um... I think there's some hot chocolate makings still on the counter from last night, if... if you all want some? I mean, like... you can help yourselves, of course, if you want?"

Spice blinks in some perplexity of her own, "Doofus? Wh... huh? The fuck? No... hell no! We heard that even Jaeger called Marcus an idiot and told him he deserved it, after Shane left. In semi-private -- Hilde overheard him as he was helping Marcus get up and into another room, so they could stop the bleeding and get him to the infirmary, to set his nose so it won't mess with the moneymaker. One of his cheekbones might also be a little fractured, but not enough to cause any problem. Goddamn, can Shane swing a punch! It apparently only took one. The only person anyone thought was ridiculous was Marcus!"

Cinnamon blinks again, seizing on those parts of the flood of confusing information that make sense to her frazzled brain, "Jaeger... thought Marcus was an idiot? Oh, that... that's nice too...!" She sounds almost heartbreakingly relieved -- she'd worried that perhaps Marcus' actions had been dictated by Jaeger -- whom she greatly respects! She would truly hate to disappoint the kindly (to her, at least) Elm elder. Which means... "Oh, is that why Shane's feeling bad? Jaeger's disappointed in him too?" She rubs her face, adding tiredly, "He was all growly last night, to the point that I was a little worried he was mad at me for being a doofus too."

Josie nods, "Yeah... Shane seemed a little ashamed of himself today. He's one of those people that doesn't like to start a fight. He'll finish one if someone else starts it, but I kinda think he considered Marcus being mean to you as Marcus starting the fight." She doesn't say it out loud, but she also thinks Shane sort of considers himself Cinnamon's champion, in a way. After all, Cinnamon is perfectly capable of defending herself physically -- she's just not always up to defending herself emotionally. The wolf spirit blinks and continues, "What? No! Jaeger's not mad at Shane. The only one disappointed in Shane for hitting Marcus is Shane."

Spice nods, "Yeah. For the amount of ass he can righteously stomp, Shane's about the most chill person I've ever known."

Cinnamon's voice sounds slightly trepidatious, "So, um... yeah. Two things? First... why did Shane do that? Was he trying to make a funny or something? I mean, Hilde was certainly laughing about it -- I thought she was laughing at me! -- and if even Hilde was laughing at me, then it must've been all LOLfest in the room when Shane did that!" She presses one hand to her mouth, hiccupping back a sob and blinking away tears -- that had been a truly horrible thought! Then she makes herself take a deep, slow breath before she adds in a small voice, "-and, um, two... what's Marcus' moneymaker?"

Spice arches a brow, "What? No, Shane wasn't making a funny -- Shane was making a point. Bosslady, Shane told Marcus waaa-ay back that if he ever hurt you, Shane was gonna break Marcus' nose. Marcus ditched you. It upset you. A lot! It got back to Shane -- and it Pissed. Him. Off!" She motions between herself and Josie, "We were there when he found out. There was practically steam coming out of his ears."

Josie nods, eyes wide, "Yeah. His voice was calm, but he was... yeah. Said, 'Excuse me. I have something I need to take care of' -- and just stalked off! It was definitely a stalk... and then like an hour later, word got back of what happened. Couple people actually left the party because they found out why Shane did it -- because they're disappointed in Marcus. Snow and Nasteexo are still both really put out with Marcus, too. The only person anyone was laughing at was Marcus, because he deserved being taken down a peg or two for what he did to you. No one was laughing at you!"

Spice laughs as she explains, "His face, Bosslady -- it's slang! Pretty people's faces are sometimes called a 'moneymaker' because models and stuff make money off how good they look. Or pretty people make their way in the world just by being pretty. Marcus isn't very pretty today, though. Both eyes and his nose are black and swollen. Hell, most of his face is swollen!"

Cinnamon nods slowly, thinking furiously; her voice is a bit distracted, "Ohhh... like Candi, got it..." A moment later she tears up again, though this time she's smiling shakily, "S-snow and Nasteexo... they d-didn't think I was a dummy? They were mad at Marcus, not me? Th-that's so... so nice!" She sniffles a bit, pulling off her glasses and groping for another Kleenex. A moment later she replaces her glasses, then studies the blanket as she thinks. Finally she glances up sideways at her friends, absently picking at the blanket as she shyly asks, "Y-you guys... you don't... don't think I'm d-dumb either... do you? 'C-cause, um... if you don't? I, ummm... I w-wouldn't mind a bit of a hug... maybe?" She smiles a bit tearily at both women. How'd she get so lucky, to have friends like these?

Josie looks confused again, "Of course we don't think you're dumb!" She scoops Cinnamon up into one of her big, snuggly hugs -- the kind Shane had to warn her about when Cinnamon first came to Coblyn, and that always make Cinnamon squeak startledly, then laugh.

Spice joins in on it... then snorts, "Bosslady, you really don't know why Shane did it, do you? Like, seriously have no clue?" She's got a brow arched as she leans back to study Cinnamon's face. This reaction has hammered it home that the little dragon's brain is completely rejecting all the -- to Spice -- glaringly obvious signs. Well, to Spice and every-damn-body else with a modicum of social awareness.

Cinnamon presses her face against Josie's thick fur, inhaling the comforting scent of her friend... then sighs deeply in relief. Okay. Things aren't as bad as she'd feared -- oh, interesting! Sounds like Brynn was right about this! He'd told her not to fear that her friends would abandon her in disgust due to her falling for Marcus' shenanigans -- that true friends wouldn't do that, and she did have true friends. Admittedly, Cinnamon knows she'll still be horribly embarrassed and self-conscious if she notices any whispering or pointing while she's on the street -- and, though she doesn't realize it, she's likely to imagine it's worse than it really is -- but... at least Josie and Spice and Shane are still her friends! -- and Hilde wasn't laughing at her, thank goodness -- oh! -and there are actually other folks who think it was Marcus who was in the wrong! Cinnamon sighs and relaxes a bit, hugging both her beloved friends back warmly.

It takes her only a few seconds to think all that... and then Spice's query registers. The little dragon smiles -- a bit shakily still, but she's clearly trying hard to get better -- and replies firmly, "'Course I do -- you guys told me yourselves, just now! Shane did it because he's my friend -- a true friend, like you all!" A bit wryly she adds, "Though I should probably tell him that he doesn't need to do that for me again. We don't want him getting a bad reputation for starting fights, just because I wasn't wary enough around Marcus." She worries for a moment... then nods once, "But we just need to be sure all his friends know not to let Marcus get to them -- and then Shane won't have any need to pop him one again... right?" She's still hugging Josie as she grins tiredly at Spice... repeated tears can be exhausting!

Spice pinches the bridge of her nose and squints her eyes -- to explain or not to explain? Poor Shane is carrying a torch the size of Lady Liberty's! She takes a deep breath and says gently, "Cinnamon. Shane is and will always be your friend, yeah. But Shane is also..." Her voice trails off as she tries to think how to put this so Cinnamon will finally get it.

Cinnamon nods happily, "Shane is also an awesome friend to all of us, yeah! We're very lucky to have someone like him in our lives." She sniffles again, wiping her eyes and giving Spice another shaky but sincere smile. Josie looks at her girlfriend with a very significant, 'Not. Now!' expression... and Spice sighs. Cinnamon blinks as another thought hits her... then sighs and wryly adds, "Oh, golly... I so have to go apologize to poor Hilde! Was she upset when I ran off? I... I hope I didn't scare her or anything!"

Spice smiles wryly, "No. Just worried. She understands."

Cinnamon is encouraged enough by her friends' arrival and comforting that she decides she's simply not going to let this stop her, darnit! She'll just use Fraser's technique -- and grayrock both Marcus and anyone else who is nasty to her about this. She'd be even more deeply touched if she knew that Thorn, Josie, Spice, and Hilde all would have stopped by her little house the night before to be there for her, but that Shane had quietly sent notes to all of them letting them know he was with Cinnamon, and she was seriously into hide mode. While their actual presence would have been too much for her at that very wounded moment, she's still keenly aware it's the thought that counts! Admittedly, a herd of wild horses would not have been able to pull from Shane that he'd perhaps been a bit selfish in wanting Cinnamon to himself that night. Well... Quinn might have done it, but Quinn is a special case. Okay. Quinn or Janet. But neither of them would have had to ask. They'd have understood.

So the little dragon is fine with letting her friends in today. While Josie and Spice are there, in fact, Cinnamon washes clothes and enthusiastically cooks up a huge batch of deliciously gooey chocolate chip and butterscotch cookies -- the more sweets the better, today, Cinnamon thinks! Once they're baked, she starts packing up the various goods... she wants to give cookies in thanks to Shane, Thorn, Josie, Hilde, Spice... and both Butler and Ingrid. The batch for the two Elm servants is packed in with a bag of things and a note of invitation -- the little dragon has a large pile of those!

Cinnamon (relatively) cheerfully packs up all the presents she's gotten and gaily wrapped for her friends on Coblyn -- with one notable exception which she carefully doesn't think about too much: the book she'd intended to give to Marcus. Admittedly, there is a bag of things in her pile that's going to him, but it's more a returning, honestly. Then she dresses nicely, including her favorite lopapeysa and a cute and silly Santa hat... and then, with the help of Josie and Spice, Cinnamon gathers up all the presents, invites, and other goods, and heads down to the entrance of Coblyn Street. She'll start there, working her way back to her house and handing out presents, cookies, and invitations as she goes... and then, when she reaches home again, she'll load up the rest of the holiday goods and deliver them to the far end of the street too!

Cinnamon's first stop is Himeko's store -- and the kind-hearted woman receives a pretty package of cookies as well as an invitation to Cinnamon's Winter Solstice Open House, on Solstice Day, three days from now. As Cinnamon explains in the note, it's just a small get-together where folks can wander in as they're able during the day, and get a nice hot mug of cider, hot chocolate, mulled wine, or something else. There'll be music, cheerful conversation, and nibblies... and that way Cinnamon's party won't be in the way of anyone else's Solstice dinner with family that day! The little dragon also gathers up her courage and somewhat timidly asks Himeko if maybe the tea ceremony teaching which Himeko said she and Aoi could give the little dragon could perhaps occur after the upcoming new year? Cinnamon doesn't want to pressure Aoi at all if she's still feeling poorly, after all... nor does the little dragon wish to inadvertently pick the wrong time of year for a tea ceremony. But she figures Himeko will courteously set her right if she has.

Himeko is charmed by the sweet gift and invitation, and is happy to assure Cinnamon that teaching her the tea ceremony can absolutely occur after the lunar new year! The shopkeeper is, in fact, excited to be able to share this knowledge. Cinnamon beams in relief, hugging Himeko and thanking her, then wishing her a happy Solstice and a very auspicious new year! Next on the list is the Bank Vault, where both Fionn and John receive a tin of cookies, Cinnamon's warmest Solstice wishes, and one of the invitations -- which they both received with a mix of surprise and pleasure. After that, the next stop is upstairs above the Mad Hatter Haberdashery, where Shane lives -- though Cinnamon knows the odds of catching Shane there at midday are small. She'll knock anyway... and hope that she instead crosses paths with Shane on the street, so she can invite him to lunch with her at her little house... or maybe after more deliveries, when Josie and Spice have to depart? They've promised to stick with her until she's past the Elm mansion, though... which is a bit of a relief for her!

Shane isn't home, but that's not unusual -- he's rarely home at mid-day unless he's had to stop in and take a shower after some particularly sweaty or dirty task. So that means the next stop is... Cinnamon sighs softly to herself -- Elm mansion. Fortunately, after trotting across the street and down a few buildings to the mansion, Josie gently and firmly insists Cinnamon wait out of sight nearby, with Spice... and the wolf spirit will go knock first. If someone... untoward answers, Cinnamon will be hidden... but if Butler answers, the little dragon can come right on up! It's right about then, too, that Shane bumps into the little group... and today he's looking far, far less like a thundercloud. Cinnamon grins at Shane, where she, he, and Spice wait to see who answers the Elm mansion door, "Hi! I'm, um, d-delivering Solstice presents! Are you busy? Want to come along?"

Shane smiles down at Cinnamon and wraps her up in a warm hug. Admittedly, she's quite festooned with packages and bags, so she has to set several of them down for the hug -- which she does with alacrity! The half-beansidhe relaxes a bit, cupping the back of her head in one hand to press her in against his chest, "I'm done with what I need to get done for the next few hours. I'd be glad to go with you." He glances across the street and asks in an admirably calm tone of voice, "You have a gift for Jaeger?"

Cinnamon's voice is a bit muffled against Shane's [mmm, very nice!] chest as she replies, "Uh-huh... 'n Butler 'n Ingrid too! Plus a bag for Marcus. But I d-don't want to see him, which is why Josie's ringing. Ugh... or those other two."

Shane's body language stiffens almost imperceptibly at mention of a bag for Marcus, "It's nice of you to give him something even after he was a jerk, acushla."

Spice snorts amusedly, "Oh, fuck that noise! It's not a gift -- she's giving him back the shit he gave her!"

Across the street, Butler answers the door, and Josie's tail starts wagging. Cinnamon giggles at Spice's emphatic reply, nodding, "Yup! Oh! There we go -- it's Butler!" She hastily grabs up her bags and things, then patters hastily across the road, calling, "Happy Solstice, Mr. Butler! I have some things for you and Ingrid and Jaeger... and, um, a bit more!" She arrives on the doorstep, setting down her goods and beaming up at the tall tree-man, "Do you like hugs, or are they too much, please?"

Butler makes it understood that hugging him is welcome but is usually not comfortable for the hugger. Josie giggles, "He's made of sticks! I think he may not want to poke you."

Shane clears his throat, then gives Butler a small sort of bow, "I apologize if I made things difficult for you when you let me in, Butler." There's a feeling coming from Butler: he has no ill-feelings toward Shane. In fact, there's a sense of... approval.

Cinnamon laughs and replies, "Well, I suspect I'm thick-skinned enough as a dragon that it won't be a problem!" She hugs Butler warmly, and though she doesn't realize she's doing it, he can easily feel her relief that it was him who answered the door -- rather than any of the three young elves! "A very merry Solstice to you, Mr. Butler, and a happy new year!" When she straightens, she starts handing him bags and invitation notes, "This is for you, and one for Ingrid, and one for Jaeger too... and the tin of cookies is for all three of you as well!" Butler exudes a sort of thank-you energy, though there's some amusement mixed in about the cookies being partially for him -- since he doesn't possess a mouth. Cinnamon shyly adds, "I, um, I apologize that I don't know what you eat, sir... b-but if, um, sometime when you're not busy... maybe you could tell me? -and I could see if I could make something nice just for you?" Butler gives a sense of it being fine, and it would be difficult to feed him, as he photosynthesizes.

Cinnamon giggles at that, promising to consider that predicament! She blushes a bit as she adds, "I, um, I kn-now I'm just a kinda beginner cook compared to the chef here -- Hilde says he's a genius -- but I hope you all enjoy the cookies! Also, this bag is the clothes I borrowed for the Market, but I washed them first... and when you all have time -- no rush! -- could you just send back the jeans and sweater I was wearing, please? Oh, and also, this is for..." she takes a deep breath, then sturdily continues, "this is for M-Marcus. I don't want anyone getting any f-flack about this, though, so I'm showing you here: there's a dress and this boxed necklace, and that's all. They're things he gave me and I d-d-don't want anything that... th-that will remind me of him, thank you, sorry if that's m-mean of me!" Shane listens stoically, while there's a sense of sadness but understanding from Butler. The returned gifts are both lovely things, after all.

Cinnamon takes another deep breath, tucking her hands behind her back when Butler accepts the bag... and hoping he didn't notice she was trembling from reaction. A moment later she hastily adds, "Oh! Also, this little present is for Jaeger, please -- it's a thank you for how much he's done for me." The little dragon hands over what is clearly a gaily wrapped book -- she really liked hearing about the Icelandic tradition of giving books to friends for the holidays. They all get the feeling that Butler will pass on the wishes of the season to Jaeger and Ingrid. There's something else that doesn't quite get all the way to the surface, that feels a little less pleasant... something directed elsewhere. Thus, after more happy holiday wishes, the group continues on so Cinnamon can drop off another little tin of cookies and an invitation to Vanya, at Caf� Prague.

After some cheerful murmuring together, Josie and Spice peel off -- they're pleased to see Cinnamon is metaphorically safely in Shane's hands. Before the two women depart, Cinnamon hugs them both, thanking them fervently for coming by her place and cheering her up so much! Then she excitedly hands them both their invitation and package of cookies, and a present each. The little dragon's face is almost glowing with happiness -- it gives her great joy to actually have friends she can give holiday gifts to! After Spice and Josie have departed for their own lunches, it takes Shane a moment or two to slowly murmur, "That... that was a really nice necklace." His voice is quiet, "I'm sorry it's got bad memories now." He slides an arm around Cinnamon's shoulder, rubbing gently up and down her biceps.

Cinnamon snorts almost fiercely, and Shane can feel she's tense as she marches along next to him, "It was just a thing, Shaney -- not even a gift given with love! I have a much more beautifuller necklace from Liam, and I know he really cared about me!" She scowls as she adds, "I don't need or want his... his nasty old paternalism!" It's clear in that last sentence that she's not talking about Liam.

Shane mmms and squeezes the little dragon against his side, "Good way to look at it." He smiles as he spots Thorn hastening up, "Hey! Good to see you, man." The healer is on his lunch break, and quite pleased to have stumbled across Cinnamon and Shane. He'd been worried about the young woman all morning, but found she wasn't at home -- so he's glad to run into her now.

Cinnamon beams and hugs Thorn happily, "Hi there, Thorny! Happy Solstice season! Shaney and I are delivering my Solstice gifties, and maybe we could get lunch too while we're doing that. Want to come along?"

Thorn smiles quietly at the two, "Good to see you both too!" To Cinnamon he gently adds, "How are you holding up?"

Cinnamon blinks a bit puzzledly at Thorn, then looks down at her sneakers, "Um... fine?" She grins cheerfully up at him, "We haven't been walking that long, really? Why -- do you want to get lunch right away?" She blinks again a second later, blushing slightly, "Oh! Oh, got it -- sorry! Sorry. Umm..." She thinks a bit, then nods firmly, "Gonna take Frazey's advice and just grayrock the guy. He's... not my problem!" Of course, there's a bit of a quaver in her voice, and Shane can feel her tenseness as she stands next to him... but the little dragon is determined to do her utmost to not let Marcus either ruin her holiday happiness... or camp for free in her head.

Shane's lips twitch a bit and he gives Cinnamon another squeeze, "Smart idea." [Even if I did tell him not to talk to either of us until he could give a genuine apology... since I don't know if that will ever happen.]

Thorn opens his mouth to ask what 'grayrock' means, but then doesn't -- he gets the idea. Instead he smiles and nods, "That's the best thing to do: forget him. He won't bother you again, I'm certain."

Cinnamon smiles a bit sadly up at Shane and Thorn, "Hope so..." then takes a deep breath. Okay, she is not upset. She doesn't care what Marc- uh, what that doodyhead thinks -- she is happeee! Her stomach growls, and she blinks and blushes, "Oh, dear! S-sorry, guys. Um... yeah, f-food?" She glances around, then grins hopefully at the two young men, "We could... head back a bit, and eat at Little India, if you guys wanted?"

Shane grins, "Little India sounds amazing. I delivered some fresh saffron the other day, so there's sure to be something to die for... and Elias wanted to see you sometime today."

"Oh! Okay, we can do that." Cinnamon happily patters back towards the Boston end of the street with her friends, chattering about how pretty the various Solstice decorations look, how she hopes that it snows for Solstice proper, and other holiday related topics. Once the three of them are seated and eating, however, Cinnamon curiously checks, "So what are you two doing for Christmas day, rather than Solstice? Are you both heading off to spend time with family, or what?"

Thorn smiles lopsidedly, "No close family to speak of, really. I'll be here on Coblyn, being available if needed... and hoping it will snow!"

Cinnamon thinks for a bit, then says hopefully, "Umm... would you guys maybe like to come with me to spend Christmas with my, ah, my step-grandmother Rebecca?" To Thorn she adds in explanation, "She's Liam's widow."

Thorn brightens, "I'd be happy to! Thank you, Cinnamon!"

Cinnamon beams, "Yay!" then adds, "We have to be very careful while going there, and after too! We don't want anyone to find her, you know?" She glances at Shane with a smile, "Are you spending Christmas with your mom? Or..." she brightens, "Oh, I know! Are you sending her to Ireland for her Solstice gift?!"

Shane grins, "Yeah. It's my gift to her this year -- plane tickets to see Quinn." His grin broadens, "I actually made her blush! Told her I wanted a baby sister."

Cinnamon stares at Shane -- then giggles and blushes herself, "Shaney! W-what a thing to say... t-to your mom!" She giggles again, "That's awesome!" then grins hopefully, "So, umm... are you busy Christmas Day, then?"

Shane chuckles, "Mum's always been very frank about the birds and the bees." He shrugs and his smiles gentles, happy to have made Cinnamon giggle, "I'm free Christmas Day and New Year's Eve both."

Cinnamon blinks in surprise, pushing her glasses up, "Oh! New Year's... I hadn't thought about that one yet. Is there any kind of... like a street party, or something at the palace, or something... where everyone celebrates together?"

Shane smiles, "New Year's is less of a big deal. Lunar New Year is bigger, but a lot of folks who were raised by or spend a lot of time with humans celebrate the secular one."

Cinnamon hmms thoughtfully, "Okay... well, I'll worry about those later, I think! For now," she beams at Shane, "thanks for being willing to spend Christmas with me and Rebecca and Thorn!"

Shane smiles quietly, "Of course. You're family." Cinnamon blinks in surprise at Shane... but then smiles slowly. That's... what a lovely thing for Shane to say to her! He really is an awesomesauce friend... just, she hastily reminds herself, like Josie is!

After lunch, upon returning to their little quest, the group pauses at Hilde's to see if she's home. Unsurprisingly (since it's late lunchtime), she's out... so Cinnamon tucks the invitation into the doorjamb, and saves the package of cookies and gift to give Hilde later, in person. Shortly thereafter, Liane also receives an invite and a package of cookies... and then, a block or two later is Elias' home. Shane can see Cinnamon brighten a bit at the prospect of visiting the kindly vampire with gifts. It's daylight, so Elias' drapes are drawn and his door is closed. Shane jogs down the steps and knocks loudly to let the vampire know he has visitors... and after a moment the familiar voice lets them know it's safe to open the door. Cinnamon scampers down after Shane, cheerfully calling Solstice greetings to Elias -- and warmly hugging the vampire once she's safely in the house, "Hi there! I have some things for you, Elias -- I hope you like them!"

The vampire invites all three of the young people into his house, moving into the front room once the door is safely closed. He returns the greetings and murmurs, "Gifts? I'm honored!" He beams at them, flashing that smile that would be terrifying if you didn't know him. Of course, Thorn feels perfectly at ease near Elias, and doesn't mind the smile at all.

Cinnamon has beamed cheerfully at both vampires and megalodons, now -- so she too is good! She burbles happily, "Oh, they're Solstice gifts, Elias -- here you go! -- and an invite, here, for my Solstice open house in three days! I figure you'd prefer to stop by after 4:30, once the sun's set, right?" A bit wistfully she adds, "I wish I could give you cookies too... or you could come with Shaney and Thorny and me to visit Rebecca on Christmas Day -- but I don't want to endanger you either, y'know?"

Elias smiles, "Rebecca. Ah, I may send something with you to take to her. Liam was mad about her, you know. It was quite something to see, when they met. He was like a teenager for a while."

Cinnamon grins shyly, "Awww! That's so awesome, Elias -- I'd love to take something along! Also..." She hesitates a bit, then nervously forges onward, "Could we, um... c-could we maybe pick a day of the week and, um, just when we're both available, of course... maybe... do some cooking? Like from Julia Childs' French cookbook... maybe?"

Elias smiles, "I'd be happy to help out with that, Cinnamon." The little dragon is delighted! The four friends sit and chat together for a bit, sharing tea and pleasant times... and Elias can tell Cinnamon is hurting but doing her best to put it behind her. Shane too is happy to sit and eat with friends. He's trying not to hover and loom over Cinnamon, but Elias can see the extra-protective body-language... which makes him smile slightly. He knows it will fade after a bit... but he also spoke with Shane earlier about just what happened. In fact, Elias himself is rather irritated with Marcus as well, and has plans to speak to the elf later. For now, though, he's got centuries on everyone else in the room... especially when it comes to much practice in not giving away his thoughts.

After the pleasant time spent visiting and gifting with Elias, there's only dropping off a gift for Uta -- and then the little group has returned to Cinnamon's little cottage. The little dragon invites Thorn and Shane in for a nice warm drink while she loads up for gifting to everyone on the upper end of the street... and then the threesome continue on their Solstice-cheery way! An hour or two later they're almost to the Infirmary, and Cinnamon is burbling happily to Shane and Thorn as she nearly skips along between them -- it's relatively easy to forget being dumped when you're with good friends...

"-happy they all seem to like the cookies -- even Muriel! Plus hopefully she and Llewellyn and Libby and Esm� and Astrid can come by for Solstice Day too -- oh, and I asked Astrid to bring me some tasty teas for then as well because Kestrel told me Sparrow liked tea sometimes, and hopefully Jalil's people will enjoy the cookies too -- oh! Also I gave Jalil a book on Icelandic volcanoes since he'd mentioned he wasn't used to ice and fire volcanoes, and I'm not gonna say what Aisling's book was since she hears real good 'cause that's her knack, and Jarek got some pipe tobacco as well as cookies and the invite -- Hilde told me what his favorite was! -and hopefully Nasteexo and Dejiyo will get their invites too, next time they stop by Duille Darach pub -- and then if they come to my little get-together, I can give them their gifties then!"

Cinnamon pauses only long enough to take a deep breath before she continues almost without pause, "-and both Diarmaid and Snow seemed tickled by the cookies too, I think? So maybe they'll come as well... oh, and I left a nice Solstice card with Aoi's people, since I don't know her well enough to tell if she'd like cookies and a gift or invite or not -- same as with Caradog, you know? -- but I'm hoping to learn that soon after learning how to hold a tea ceremony from her and Himeko -- oh! Did you know there are two tea ceremonies?! There's a Japanese one and a Chinese one -- I'm so hoping they'll teach me both of them! And I didn't specifically invite the folks at the palace that I've met, like Oisin, but Shane, if you think they'd enjoy coming, can you let them know it's okay to drop by? -and so that leaves only Daniella and Jesus, but they're off in South America with Killa, so maybe I'll just make them some cookies when they get back... and you guys and Iason and Nikos are all invited too, of course! I've got your official invites and cookies for whenever you want them!"

Cinnamon beams happily as she adds without pause, "-and here we are at the Infirmary -- awesome timing! Hi there, Nikos! Happy Solstice! Here are some cookies I baked for you and Iason and Thorn, and here's your invites to my little Solstice open house and Shane and I brought Thorn back after a good lunch and is Iason available maybe?" Nikos beams and wishes Cinnamon a happy Solstice as well, then ushers her back to see Iason, who is busy wrapping bandages. He doesn't shy from doing scutwork when it's needed, and he's not busy doing something else.

Cinnamon happily hugs the big chirurgeon, wishing him a happy Solstice as well, and gives him his invite... then takes a deep breath and asks, "So! Umm... so. D-do you happen to know, Iason, how Liam drew blood to give to Elias?" She blushes a bit at how that sounds -- though clearly Iason is far less fazed by the query than she -- and hastily adds, "I, um, I -- I w-wanted to know so maybe I could donate some b-blood for him too?"

Iason mms, "With a syringe." The big, drafthorse-sized centaur's voice is a rolling bass, but it's also quiet and gentle when he speaks inside the infirmary, "Elias doesn't like to bite people if he doesn't have to. So for those people who donate to him, they usually draw the blood with a syringe or an IV, as they would for a blood donation. But they try to do so immediately before he ingests it. Blood that's been let sit too long slowly loses its nutritional value. It... well, for lack of a better explanation, it 'dies.'"

Cinnamon nods slowly, her expression slightly confused, "That... y-yeah, Elias said that too about the blood -- but he also said Liam did something that meant he could store the blood and... uh, j-just a little at a time? And... w-well, I was wondering... if Liam and I can like, um, b-bounce bullets, then how... how, er, w-would a syringe work?"

Iason rolls bandages for a few minutes, head tipped as if he's listening to something, then nods and continues quietly, "Dragons are not one-hundred percent invulnerable... and we drew the blood when he was in draconic form because the veins were larger." The centaur looks around, then curls his own tongue out to point at the visible blood vessels. After that, he quickly closes his mouth again. Thorn makes a mental note to not put that into his notes. Some things are best left to oral tradition.

"Oh!" Cinnamon looks surprised... but then nods, "Okay, that makes sense. Thank you, Iason! Umm... though m-maybe, if you don't mind, I'll, uhh... wait until after the holiday season to try that?" She blushes again, "I -- I d-don't want to end up accidentally jerking or hurting myself or whatever... right before a party!" She also (though she doesn't realize it) is going to need a bit more time to get used to the idea of drawing blood for someone else to eat... regardless of how much she cares for the person in question! So she hastily adds, "Oh! Also, uh, d-did I ask you all this already, or wh-what... but I was hoping to maybe learn first aid from you or Thorny...? Like, that way m-maybe I can help next time there's an emergency, but one that doesn't need a great mucking dragon stumbling around in a small room or whatever... right?

Iason nods, "It is best to do the first time when you don't need to speak immediately after. It's usually fairly painless, but can cause some swelling."

Cinnamon looks relieved -- awesome, she's not just being a selfish scaredy-cat by waiting! She beams at Iason, "Okay!"

Iason adds a moment later, "I think it would be good for Thorn to teach you."

Cinnamon brightens, glancing hopefully at Thorn, "Oh, cool! Um, would that... w-would you be okay with that, Thorny?"

Thorn nods, smiling, "Of course! I'll be glad to. I'll be taking paramedic classes at about the same time."

Cinnamon beams and hugs Thorn enthusiastically, "Yay! Thank you, Thorny!" After some more chatting together, and Cinnamon reiterating her invitation to the Infirmary members to visit her open house on Solstice, and to enjoy their cookies, the little dragon hugs Thorn goodbye and thanks him for both his kindness in worrying for her, and his niceness in walking along the street with her and Shane. As she notes to them both, tomorrow she'll be shopping all day for the food and other goods for the open house, and the day after will be spent with Elias in prepwork and cooking all the little hors d'oeuvres and drinks... and then the day after that is Solstice proper! She doesn't want to admit it, but having other folks out in public with her is incredibly helpful in keeping her fears at bay. It's far easier to determinedly not see someone whispering and pointing or laughing, after all, when you can keep your focus on chatting with your friends! Then the little dragon and Shane head off for the evening.

Cinnamon is nearly glowing with happiness at having gotten almost all her gifts, cookies, and invites delivered... so at least initially, she walks in quiet peace alongside Shane. He has his arm protectively around her shoulders as they walk down Coblyn back to her place. He has also -- without saying anything about it; really, without even thinking about it -- placed her on his side that's nearest the buildings. Coblyn doesn't have as much to worry about in the way of speeding cars as the wider world does... but it's a habit ingrained in him by his mother as something a gentleman does.

The darkness is kind of soothing to Cinnamon, interspersed with the occasional lamp or other light streaming from various buildings... and fewer folks are out and about due to the extremely chilly night. After a while, though, a slightly worrisome thought occurs to the little dragon. She muses over it for a bit... then finally looks up at the half-beansidhe's face, "Shaney... is it true, what they're saying about you? That you, um... apparently told Marcus at some point that if he hurt me, you'd punch him in the nose?"

Shane doesn't quite miss a step at that question -- of course that would eventually get back to Cinnamon! If nothing else, the grapevine and the broadsheets would leak something like that... and everyone knows unprovoked attacks are not his style. So eventually the half-beansidhe takes a deep breath, not quite daring to look down at the little dragon walking beside him, "No, acushla. I didn't tell Marcus if he hurt you I'd punch him in the nose." He looks down at her, then, "I told him if he hurt you, I'd break his nose." His smile is crooked and apologetic, and he scrubs his free hand over his face. He'd known he was going to have to explain this -- and do so within the confines of her requested 'back up and slow down.' "Back around Samhain I started noticing that Marcus was... showing signs of interest. Flirting... and he's got a reputation."

Cinnamon murmurs confusedly, "...reputation?"

The half-beansidhe continues on, "For being kind of a fu... being a little capricious when it comes to women. So after we all had such a great time on Halloween giving out candy, I could see you were starting to trust him... and I... I care a lot about you. I'm extra-protective of you." That, he figures is truthful enough without being scary to her, "So I told him something that I figured would keep him in line. Marcus is vain about his looks, so I told him that if he hurt you, I would break his nose." He shrugs, looking abashed, "He hurt you. I broke his nose." Cinnamon patters along silently next to Shane, musing carefully. She's not aware of his nervousness simply because she's thinking so hard... nor does she realize that her continued calm and physical relaxation is both a relief and a perplexity to him. Shane rubs his face again, "I would rather not have had to do it. I don't actually like hurting people, but some folks only seem to learn lessons if they are illustrated in some painful way. And I don't make threats, beautiful. Threats imply a bluff and bluffs are sort of soft lies. So he forced my hand... kind of literally." He's slowly relaxing himself as well, as he realizes she's not pulled away from him... and seems thoughtful rather than upset.

Finally Cinnamon frowns consideringly up at Shane again, "Have you... ever done anything like that before, Shaney? Er, aside from Cronon, I mean?"

Shane blinks slowly, "Told someone if they did something, I was going to hurt them?" Cinnamon nods interestedly, watching his [really kinda wonderful and lovely and shut up shut up do not go there look what happened with Mar- er, with that doodyhead!] face as he thinks.

Shane nods, "Unfortunately, I've had to do that a few times." He blows out a breath, "When I first got here, I wasn't doing what a lot of people jokingly call my sheriff duties. I was mostly running errands -- helping Ash out. Just... general stuff. I'd step in and calm things down if I was in a pub or somewhere, and saw people getting huffy. Stop a fight, y'know? But there was this Fomorian -- he's not on Coblyn anymore -- named Faolan. Big fu... fuzzy guy. Wolf-headed. Kind of a bully. He... his mate is a real sweetheart of a lady. She still lives here. Works at the tailor shop. Ash deals with the tailor a lot." The half-beansidhe grins down at Cinnamon -- they both know Aisling is a clotheshorse!

Cinnamon thinks a bit, then hazards a guess, "Liane?"

"No, not Liane. Her name is Conri." Shane sighs, then continues, "So I was in there quite a lot... and started noticing the signs: long sleeves in the summer. Wearing her hair half-over her face. Claiming to be clumsy when she couldn't hide the facial bruises. I couldn't let it lie, so I went and found Faolan at the pub one night and told him that any real man didn't need to lay his hands on a woman half his size, that wasn't a warrior -- and if I ever saw or heard of him doing it again I was going to break both his arms." His brows draw together as he adds, "I... Mum's real open about this. The guy she dated for a long time before me da' was abusive. I've got big opinions about guys like that."

Cinnamon blinks -- that's quite a story! She frowns a bit confusedly, though, "Um... real open about what, please? That it happened, or shouldn't, or... something else?" She checks her memory... nope, she's not met Conri the seamstress yet. She'll have to see if that's the woman who made the perfectly amazingly wonderful Cygnet costume -- and thank her, if she is! The little dragon grins wryly and wonders if the wolf-Fomorian really picked a name that means 'fool' in Irish Gaelic, though... or if that's what folks call him now. Though then again... it can also mean 'little wolf'...

Shane takes a deep breath before going on with the next bit, "She's open about it happening. I take it that it took some fancy talking to keep Quinn from killing the guy, when he found out. Anyway... with Faolan, a bit later -- maybe a week and a half, or two weeks? -- I went to pick something up at the seamstress' for Ash... and Conri had a black eye and her lips were so swollen she could barely talk. I picked up Ash's stuff and went to find Faolan at the pub -- he was drunk as a lord at 10:30 in the morning. I'm afraid I went a bit far. I broke both of his arms, and I think I also cracked a few ribs in the process. I didn't mean to, because I'd only said the arms. They called the guard, and Diarmaid and a few others came and questioned us both. Faolan claimed I landed on him out of nowhere, for no reason... except the barkeep and bar-back happened to be the same ones as when I'd told Faolan what would happen if he laid hands on Conri again."

Cinnamon blinks in startlement at the rest of the story, asking worriedly, "What, um... what happened? Was Diarmaid upset? Wait -- Conri is the wife... not the seamstress? Oh, okay... I got it now."

Shane chuckles, "Loophole in the law: it wasn't considered an unprovoked attack, since Faolan's attack on his wife was considered the inciting incident. Plus, I kinda think Diarmaid was looking for a reason to come down on Faolan. That's the first time Diarmaid tried to recruit me for the guard. Faolan was howling about thinking I was bluffing and I explained to the guards that I don't bluff. I just tell people what's going to happen if they do something." Shane shrugs again, "Couple more much less debilitating incidents of having to visit some... percussive attitude correction... on people and it started getting through that I don't bluff. I would really, really rather talk people down. Aikido before tae kwon do, you know? Redirect before hitting."

Cinnamon frowns consideringly again, her eyes narrowing in thought as she walks... but after a bit she stops, taking one of Shane's hands in both of hers. Her voice is tremendously earnest as she says softly, "Shaney, I... I really appreciate your thinking of me this way, okay? I really do. But... but you can't go doing stuff like this again!" She sighs, glancing down the street to ensure no one's nearby, before continuing, "Those other things you told folks not to do? Those were all validly wrong. But... well, dumping someone isn't nice, but it's also... not illegal, you know? And I really, totally don't want you to go to jail or something just because I wasn't smart enough to realize someone else was a real doodyhead!"

Shane looks down at Cinnamon, laying his free hand over both of hers, "Acushla, I'm not in any danger of punishment for what I did. The laws here are... different than the ones out there, about physical altercations. And I am always going to protect you in any way I can. You mean too much to me not to. I had actually hoped that laying out consequences like that for Marcus would make him really think, and keep his intentions where they ought to be. But if it can be avoided, I won't do it again." He's telling the truth, of course -- he's Shane -- but he also can't promise to never do it again... because there are just too many variables.

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully down at their clasped hands as she carefully considers Shane's words. It's not that she thinks he's trying to be tricksy with her, but rather more that she's trying to figure out any place where she can change her behavior... so Shane isn't stuck having to hit people again because of her. She's rather completely unaware that her immediate concern for Shane first, rather than herself, is a clear sign to anyone in the know that she's head over heels for him! Instead she finally says slowly, "That... well. Okay. I guess that will have to do... and I'll just try harder not to be a ninny next time."

Shane tips Cinnamon's face up so he can look into her eyes, "You weren't a ninny, acushla. Marcus was a jackass." He sighs, "Hell, even I thought maybe he was getting his head out of his arse." He must feel strongly about this to be using this language around her.

Cinnamon blinks up at Shane, distracted by how wonderfully the nearby lamplight is making Shane's lips gleam... so pretty! So, umm, touchab- yikes! She hastily stares down at her hands again -- then almost recklessly decides she's going to do it! She takes a deep breath, then blurts out nervously, "D- ...d'youlikecasseroleroastedchicken?!" If he's willing to wait, she can cook that for him -- she has all the ingredients ready to try it, after all! She'd intended to originally make it with Elias, but... but this is, um, is... an emergency, yes! Yes, absolutely -- she has to properly thank Shane for being so nice to her! Ooh -- and she could bake a cake too maybe? She glances up again, nibbling on her lower lip for a heartbeat before she realizes: in for a penny, in for a pound! "I can bake a cake too, if... er, if y-you're not busy and have the time to wait while I, um, c-cook it all?!"

Shane smiles down at the little dragon, giving her hands a gentle squeeze before sliding his arm back around her shoulder, "I'd love some casserole roasted chicken, and I make a great sous chef, acushla." Fortunately, he's learned to decrypt 'Cinnamon's anxious and speaking all in one breath'-ese.

Cinnamon huffs a huge sigh of relief -- he likes the idea! She beams up at him, eyes sparkling in the lamplight, "Yay!" then happily chatters as they continue along the street, "I'm not sure yet what indigenous chiefs have to do with French cooking but I'd really like it if you tell me all about it and we can turn on the Christmas and Solstice music and have some hot cider or hot chocolate too oh! Do you know if anyone on the street sells ice cream? Cake is always better with ice cream...!"

Around the time Cinnamon, Thorn, and Shane were chatting with Elias, Marcus is still nursing a bit of a headache. Frieda and Albrecht had kept him out late the night before; he'd been in a horrid mood then, and is in an even worse one now. He's got painkillers, but he's been taking fewer of them than he probably should. When Ingrid brings him the boxes which Cinnamon dropped off for him, he's in the atrium, his head hanging back and eyes closed, and a barely-touched glass of wine in his hand. The maid gently clears her throat, "Sir? There were packages brought for you."

Marcus rubs his forehead with his free hand and keeps his voice as level as he can, since (as he believes) none of this is Ingrid's fault -- he doesn't know she's the one who sent the worried note to Shane. His voice is a bit raspy, "I didn't order anything..."

Ingrid clears her throat again before continuing, "They were dropped off by Miss Cinnamon."

Marcus immediately sits up, eyes wide and posture straight, "Please, bring them over." He sets the wine glass aside, heart racing. Has she forgiven him? Maybe...? Ingrid carefully sets the boxes down and nearly scampers off, leaving the youngest councilor to open the boxes in private. Marcus swallows and takes a deep breath, then opens the smaller of the two boxes... only to feel like he's been punched in the gut -- it's the necklace -- the one he commissioned for Cinnamon, for the Madrigal. Suddenly the nausea from his hangover is threefold. He sets that box aside and looks at the larger one. If she returned the necklace... his hands are a little shaky as he lifts the lid on the larger box... and then his heart drops into the stomach that feels like it was just punched. The dress -- the one which had looked so very lovely on her. Marcus closes his eyes and takes a couple of breaths through his nose (and wincing, because it's still swollen and tender) as he dully thinks, [Fuck.] If she won't even keep the gifts, then he has definitely screwed up royally.

A year ago, he might have been offended to have the presents returned -- but this isn't a year ago. Marcus puts the lids back on both boxes and stacks them together, picking them up to carry to his suite. He speaks to no one along the way, tucking the returned gifts into his closet -- far in the back where no one is going to find them unless they go looking.

Three days later on Winter Solstice Day, Jaeger is putting on his overcoat to head out... and Marcus blinks puzzledly, "Where are you headed."

Jaeger arches an elegant brow, "Cinnamon's open house party. Butler and Ingrid were invited as well, but Butler declined since he doesn't really like parties. Ingrid went earlier; now she's back, I'll be heading on over as well."

Marcus blinks slowly, realizing everyone Cinnamon knows in the Elm house has been invited to her Solstice Open House... except him. He nods slowly, "Ah. Yes." He hesitates for a moment, considering... he suspects sending his greetings via his father would probably not sit well with Shane -- it would most likely count as saying something to Cinnamon. So instead he simply murmurs, "Have a good night." He manages to keep his face smooth and mostly unbothered as he heads back to his rooms.

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

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