Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon is still grinning as she keeps searching, and slowly following along with the two smaller women, Brightscale and Starhair, who are both chattering about how homey and nice this chamber is. They both make happy noises as they scamper toward the back and find an enormous hearth. The two smaller women point upward as they study the chimney, and Brightscale says to Cinnamon, "The chimney is closed off!"

Cinnamon blinks curiously, stepping carefully onto the stone hearth and crouching to look up the chimney, "Wonder why? It wouldn't have worked very well, if so?" She scans to see if she can tell what's causing the problem, but can't see very far up the shaft.

Diarmaid rumbles, "Because it likely hooked into whatever ducting was up there."

Brightscale chirps, "I can feel the rocks up there -- they're closed off. Bricked all up for a long way. If we could open this up, this would make a wonderful gathering hall."

Cinnamon glances back at Brightscale, "Can you open it?" She looks around the mostly empty room again, murmuring half to herself, "Where did they all go? Why did they leave? They must've been really frightened, to build a fortress like this. What calmed their fear so much that they left?"

Oisin murmurs quietly, "Did they calm or did they flee?" That makes Cinnamon blink interestedly!

Brightscale starts slithering up the chimney, creating little handholds for herself. She mutters when she reaches the blockage, and calls down, "It's very thick. It would take a very long time."

Cinnamon nods as she looks up at the little lizard-woman, "Okay. But it could be done, and then this'd be a good place for you all? I mean, we'll have to check the ductwork everywhere, after all, right? Especially where the first trap was?"

Thorn rubs the back of his head, with a quizzical expression on his face. "I don't get it," he says. "The entrance to this area that we used was sealed a century ago. Someone must have come in here through a different path, and built all this. They were clearly cautious about something...."

Diarmaid rumbles, "That wasn't the only entrance... just the closest to the palace."

Brightscale slithers down, beaming, "I like this very much!"

Starhair rubs her hands together nervously, but looks hopeful, "I think... I think this could make a good gathering hall for both our people."

Cinnamon looks pleased at that, "Wonderful! Okay, what else do we need to check, you two, to make sure this is a good place for you all?"

Starhair and Brightscale speak quietly together, then Starhair replies, "There may be more traps the other direction. But this is a good place to start. We could build little homes for families all around this place, and make it the meeting-house."

Cinnamon laughs and impulsively hugs both women, one after the other, "Oh, yay! I'm so happy for you both -- your peoples will be able to thrive together!" She's beaming as she straightens, "Okay, then! So do you want to make a plan of how you'd like things done from here on, or what?"

The two small women speak together, and then Brightscale nods decisively, "We need to speak with our separate people, but then we will let you know what we need."

"Okay!" Cinnamon turns to her friends, still beaming, "Yay! I think we all win today! So, are we done here for now?" She pauses suddenly, glancing around the concrete and metal room, and a thoughtful expression crosses her face, "Actually... I have a question, please?" She looks at the two small women, "What, um... what will you all eat down here?"

Starhair replies, "We cultivate mushrooms and supplement with hunting, usually. But we will have to learn to trade again, I think."

Brightscale nods, "And we eat small things that scurry, mostly."

Cinnamon glances at Shane, "The folks that set up shop on the street, in that little bazaar... they're ready before sunrise, right? Like, Starhair and her people could trade with them then, maybe?" She grins at Brightscale, "I know sunlight isn't as hard on your people, if I'm remembering correctly, right?" Then she curiously adds, "Have you all thought about maybe... like, raising fish or rats or something? Would that be tasty to you?"

Brightscale grins, "We can go around in daylight easily. We only hide to stay safe."

Shane considers, "Depending on the time of year, the sun can be up by five already, but a lot of vendors are at least setting up before sunup."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully to Shane -- but then grins, "Well, it does set by four, four-thirtyish in the wintertime -- so evenings would work too, I'd guess?"

Brightscale looks at Starhair, then back at the others, "We might be able to make an agreement to work together. My people do what needs to be done in the sunlight." She speaks quietly with Starhair, asking if her people would be willing to raise things that could be sold in a market, and split profits so all the people could buy what was needed.

Starhair listens and considers, replying, "We could possibly learn to raise things that could live and thrive in the dark."

Cinnamon beams delightedly -- this is precisely what she was fervently hoping for -- that the two women would on their own accord decide to start cooperating! If the two species start working together more, the little dragon believes they could perhaps someday be friends. She eagerly asks Josie, the Councilor for both peoples, "Could we maybe help with... oh, I don't know -- stuff that might be useful to them, like some breeding rats, or some nice fat koi, or... or even just schematics on how to build a koi pond?"

Josie considers, "Koi might not do well, but..." She thinks for a moment, absently clicking her claws against a wall, "There's a cave system in Tennessee. The Lost Sea. They have a lake with eyeless fish... if we can get one of the trolls that lives down there to catch a few live ones for us, we could possibly start breeding..." Cinnamon beams again at that. This -- the hopeful beginning of new homes, and a healthier relationship between the two species -- is so exciting to her! Thorn is, by now, a bit more comfortable with being this deep underground. He's not entirely convinced it's perfectly safe here -- someone used to live here, and there's no indication of who they were or why they left. But he knows other are thinking that, as well. He's glad to see the two peoples are working together, or at least starting to!

Indeed, the two new species are chattering excitedly to one another in T'salagi as the little exploring group heads back. Diarmaid looks thoughtful, though he's still keeping an eye and an ear out for any booby traps they may have missed but not triggered last time. He ushers them all back up and out, then locks the manhole cover into place as he rumbles, "We need to explore further the other direction at some point... for safety's sake, if nothing else. But I'll let Caradog know the results of today." Everyone is quite pleased.

In the late afternoon, Cinnamon is thrilled to accompany Spice and Josie, along with Shane and Thorn for directions, to visit with Calliope. Much as the little dragon had hoped -- considering coding is a mix of both perspiration and inspiration, and a muse could surely only help in that regard -- Spice and Calliope hit it off well, and end up making plans to meet again. Later, after a nice early dinner with everyone, Cinnamon stops by a copyshop and has a copy of each of the two translated French books printed out and bound for Caradog, as promised. Those are delivered to the palace, with her compliments to the king, a day or two later. After that, as she happily informs Jaeger when they cross paths at the palace, all that's left is to return the books to the European trod! The little dragon is sure that an opportunity to do so will arise sometime in the near future, after all.

When Sarai later turns up on Coblyn Street for a bit of help with the English-to-Cherokee translation, Cinnamon is happy to assist! She's enormously pleased that doing so also allows her to learn to read and write Cherokee... and between the two small women, a very nice, readable translation of the rules of Coblyn Street are soon ready. Another visit to the copyshop later, and there are ten copies of it, and a thumbdrive for Llewellyn to use for any future needs. Cinnamon knows, after all, that every person that comes to Coblyn must read, understand, and sign a copy.

It's shortly before New Year's when Himeko inquires of Cinnamon: might she be free for learning the tea ceremony on the day before secular New Year's? Cinnamon excitedly agrees to that date, and asks if she should bring or do or wear anything special? Himeko smiles, shaking her head, "No. You will be my guest. Just bring yourself and your wonderful willingness to learn!" Cinnamon beams and happily agrees.

The directions given to Cinnamon are to come to Aoi's house. The little dragon discovers, though, that to get to the actual building she has to walk a winding path through a serene garden. It has snowed recently, blanketing the space in white and quiet. The only actual sound is a soft, rhythmic, hollow thunk every minute or so.

Cinnamon sighs softly in quiet pleasure as she pads along the winding path -- it's very lovely here, to her! She smiles when she hears the slow, rhythmic tonk! tonk! sounds. If her reading is correct, that's a bamboo tube being filled and emptied by a water fountain, the noise of which is said to deter deer from one's garden. Cinnamon's pretty sure deer aren't a problem on Coblyn, but she does love the gentle, quiet sound -- it lets her know (if her guess is right) that the fountain isn't iced over. If Cinnamon remembers correctly, the path she and Shane took was shorter, but only this longer path is clear of snow tonight. She remembers the little garden as pretty, when she first saw it in the darkness with Shane a few months ago... but with the sun-sparkling mounds of pristine snow, she finds it truly magical.

Once she reaches the door, there's a little gong with a small, felted hammer to strike it. Cinnamon grins excitedly -- this is going to be awesome, she hopes! She takes the small hammer and lightly strikes the gong once. It seems like a natural way to alert anyone inside the little building that she's arrived. She mentally reminds herself: remove boots once inside! She's planned ahead for that, fortunately -- she's wearing her pretty Icelandic wool socks.

The door is opened almost immediately by a small, tidy man with Asian features, who bows respectfully and steps aside to welcome Cinnamon in. The room just inside the door is spare and restful. There are scrolls on the wall with artwork, done in both the nihonga style and ukiyo-e style, but there is no calligraphy in this room. Just inside the door are two low racks. One seems to hold outside shoes, while the other holds soft silk slippers in a variety of sizes.

Cinnamon bows politely back, then cheerfully greets Izumi, Aoi's doorman. As she's thanking him for showing her in, she also immediately removes her snow boots, then selects a pair of slippers that will fit her small feet. Once that's done, she takes a moment to admire the artwork on the scrolls, "Ooh! What a lovely rendition of Mount Fuji! Was that painted by someone here?" She'd been careful to read the wiki page on the tea ceremony, in the hopes that she wouldn't do anything too obviously 'clumsy gaijin'! Despite that preparation, however, she does genuinely love the spare, delicate painting style she sees as Japanese.

Izumi looks pleased and bows again, "That was painted by this humble one. Lady Aoi enjoys that her servants also are artists. Please, follow me. There is a gift for you." He motions Cinnamon to follow him down a hallway to a small room with a sliding door made of wooden slats and rice paper.

"You are very talented, then!" Cinnamon glances admiringly one last time at the scroll, with Mount Fuji looming majestically above almost shimmering clouds, and blossoming trees in the foreground for perspective... then follows the small doorman. She's looking around with great interest.

Izumi slides opens the door and ushers Cinnamon in. In the room is a wooden rack holding a beautifully painted kimono, and a table with some sort of cloth folded carefully on it. He bows once more, "Himeko-san will be right with you," then gently slides the door closed. Cinnamon looks around in fascination, then pads over to examine the kimono -- though she's careful not to touch! It's truly lovely: shimmeringly deep blue silk, with a sinuous red dragon winding around it so the golden-frilled head is centered on the back, between the shoulders.

It's only a few minutes before Himeko arrives. She's wearing a kimono herself which is softly painted with lilies. She smiles as she sees Cinnamon examining the colorful kimono. "Do you like it?"

Cinnamon pushes up her glasses as she glances almost in awe at Himeko, "It's gorgeous, Himeko-san! Was it a special gift to Aoi-san, or something?"

Himeko bows, smiling, "It is a gift for you, from both of us. I am here to help you get dressed in it."

Cinnamon's eyes widen in astonishment, "For... for m-me?!" She winces slightly, then blushes and laughs at herself for the little squeak in her voice -- but then she bows extremely politely, her face alight with happiness, "Honored Himeko-san, you and Aoi-san are too good to me -- this is the most beautiful kimono I have ever seen! How can I ever thank you both enough for this... this astonishing gift?"

Himeko bows again, her smile even more pleased, "It is a thank you for being a help to us while Aoi-san recovered. You were kind to Bright Wings, and that was very wonderful. He spoke very highly of you." She moves and starts to unfold the layers of linen under-robes that go beneath the kimono.

Cinnamon hastily pulls off her sweater and jeans, her voice excited, "He did?! Oh, how sweet of him -- he's so kind to me!" She continues to chatter happily with Himeko as they dress her in the gorgeous kimono, asking how this is made, and what that signifies, and where one ties the other... it's very clear she's both fascinated and delighted to be here and learning! Still, she tries her best to also be respectful of Himeko, waiting for answers and thanking the older woman for her patience and kindness.

Himeko helps get all the layers and all the bits done just so. It's obvious someone has gotten Cinnamon's measurements somewhere because it all fits her perfectly. It's even just the right length for the little dragon! Once the kimono is on, Himeko has Cinnamon kneel, and carefully does her hair into a proper bun. As she does so, she murmurs, "I apologize, but the makeup is only after you have done the correct lessons."

Cinnamon is almost breathless with excitement, but that makes her giggle, "Please don't apologize! I'm not really very good at makeup as it is... so I usually just stick to lipstick and blush, and only when I absolutely have to, you know?" She's nearly glowing with happiness as she adds, "Ohmygosh, Himeko-san, this is so amazingly beautiful!" She laughs after she and Himeko rise again, hugging herself as she adds dreamily, "I almost feel pretty in such beautiful clothes!"

Himeko tips her head, looking puzzled, "But Cinnamon-chan... you are beautiful. In these clothes and any others. Surely all you need is to look into the eyes of your..." She pauses, realizing she may be going beyond the bounds of propriety, "friends to see so?

Cinnamon blushes slightly, "Oh! Well, yes, they're very kind to me -- I think they see me... kind of in a different light, if that makes sense?" She pauses, remembering Josie saying that Cinnamon's parents must have bad eyes... then smiles thoughtfully at Himeko, "Though actually... they also often tell me I -- that I shouldn't be so mean to myself. Maybe... maybe they're right...?" She blinks slowly at that radical thought... then blinks again as it hits her: if she really were beautiful, then Marcus wouldn't have dumped her, right? The little dragon flushes at that, her gaze dropping -- then she scolds herself silently: she will not let that doodyhead ruin her day here! No brooding! Going to have a lovely time with Himeko and Aoi, learning wonderful new things -- right! She straightens a bit, deliberately making herself smile at Himeko, "So, what do we do next, please?"

Himeko takes Cinnamon's hands, speaking softly, "I have seen eyes following you as if you are the most lovely thing under the sun and stars, Cinnamon-chan. But I think you are not ready to look into those eyes and see that for yourself." Her smile is gentle, "Now, let us go."

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly at Himeko... but remembers she's here to learn about tea! She nods and follows silently, musing a bit. Past tense... maybe Himeko meant Marcus? Cinnamon sighs softly to herself, realizing the kindly shopkeeper must not yet know about her getting dumped... maybe? Well -- no matter. She's here to learn -- and learn she shall!

Himeko leads Cinnamon further into the house -- though, like Coblyn Street, it seems like it takes up more space than the lot it's on. They reach another door and Himeko slides it open to reveal a small antechamber with a scroll on the wall. A single ideogram is painted on it in graceful, swooping lines. Cinnamon smiles as she quietly murmurs the kanji, "Tranquility..." Yes -- that's what she should cultivate internally, while she's here. No outside influences messing things up! She takes a deep, slow breath... then sighs it out again.

Himeko motions for Cinnamon to kneel with her, murmuring, "Sit with me a moment while we contemplate." The little dragon carefully does so, watching Himeko to make sure she does it right. She's quite wary of either tripping, or yanking on the beautiful kimono! Himeko kneels with Cinnamon, simply breathing and looking at the symbol on the scroll. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the elder woman is correct: a moment of contemplation on the kanji for 'tranquility' helps gently shoo away Cinnamon's unhappiness, and restore her previous joy.

At some unknown signal -- or perhaps just when she has reached the proper level of inner peace herself -- Himeko rises and (should Cinnamon need it) helps her friend to her feet. Cinnamon does need a bit of help, actually -- kneeling in seiza is not a pose she's familiar with! She rises with a small grunt of effort, then blushes and apologizes to Himeko! A moment to surreptitiously straighten each leg under the kimono as she follows the older woman... and she's feeling better. Himeko leads her to the next chamber, where Aoi waits, kneeling on one side of a low table.

Cinnamon brightens at sight of Aoi -- the sacred phoenix woman looks as beautiful as a formal painting, to the (very impressed) little dragon. She doesn't say anything, though, since she's not sure that's proper here. She'll follow Himeko's lead! Aoi inclines her head to Cinnamon and welcomes the little dragon, in very formal Japanese. She then invites Cinnamon to kneel or sit on the cushion provided for her, on the other side of the table. "It is important you be comfortable for this, and it can be a long, quiet time. It is meant for contemplation."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, pushing up her glasses as she listens... then she moves to carefully kneel on the cushion, using precisely the same moves as Himeko did in the previous room. She bows courteously to Aoi, though she doesn't say anything yet, then subtly glances inquiringly at Himeko -- good, so far? Himeko gives an almost imperceptible nod as she kneels to Cinnamon's side -- she's not here to partake in the ceremony, but rather to be Cinnamon's teacher. Aoi gravely explains, "This tea ceremony is ancient in human terms. It came into being after I did, however. Myself and others like me created it and helped bring it to the humans as a way to meditate and to create a sacred space of connection. We have skipped some of the steps, but I wished to show you this part of the ceremony rather than the steps leading to it. Sitting with Himeko to center your mind is enough ritual. Some day soon we can teach you the longer ceremony."

Cinnamon nods, her eyes alight with interest as she murmurs, "Thank you, Aoi-san."

Aoi gracefully inclines her head, then starts laying the charcoal for the fire, speaking in formal Japanese as she explains the steps. Then she begins laying out the implements for making the tea, "We will be making thick tea. The Chinese tea ceremony is different; it does not use the tea pots you may be used to seeing..." She nods to Himeko who takes up the narrative, "Aoi-san will be silent during this. I will explain." Cinnamon nods interestedly, clearly avidly soaking up everything she's being told and shown. This is truly wonderful, to her!

As the phoenix begins the ceremony, her motions are precise and graceful; it almost seems like a dance. Her hands move, sweeping aside the sleeves of her kimono at times, straightening them at others. The silk flows and her hands fly softly through the air. The measurements of the tea into the bowl are very precise; the water poured from the vessel atop the small charcoal fire is just as precise. The swish of the whisk is regular and even, the tempo never wavering. Himeko explains: if they were making both thin and thick tea, then each guest would receive their own vessel of thin tea. For this, however, there will be only thick tea, which is shared amongst all guests from one vessel.

Cinnamon nods silently, still doing her best to soak up everything which the proud phoenix will consent to teach her! Indeed, if Himeko watches carefully, she can see Cinnamon's hands occasionally twitching slightly in sympathetic motion, or her lips moving as she silently counts along with something Aoi is doing. The little dragon is utterly fascinated! She watches as Aoi sets the tea whisk aside and carefully turns the tea bowl, setting it in front of Cinnamon. Himeko murmurs to Cinnamon to turn the bowl ninety degrees clockwise so the front of the bowl is no longer facing her before taking a few sips of the tea. She also explains how thick matcha is different than the tea most Americans are used to.

Cinnamon nods absently, her small hands careful and reverent as she turns the little bowl. When she picks it up, she takes a very cautious sip of the tea. It's definitely thick with... would that be the mixed-in tea powder? Slightly bitter tasting too -- interesting! A few more sips, and then Cinnamon takes a moment to admire the pretty little bowl... and then she turns to courteously offer it to Himeko too. It wouldn't occur to her to not include the kindly shopkeeper in the ceremony, after all -- or to think that Aoi might not consider Himeko one of her guests. It's simply Cinnamon reacting with quiet appreciation and pleasure, the best she knows how considering her level of expertise is one wikipedia page. In fact, both Aoi and Himeko seem pleased Cinnamon offered the bowl to Himeko, though the shopkeeper smiles as she shakes her head, "Today, I am a sort of secondary host to explain things. You are very kind and courteous to offer."

Cinnamon blinks in surprise -- but then smiles, "All right; if you say so." She turns to Aoi, tilting her head in inquiry, "Should I hand it back to you, then, honored Aoi-san?" She is exquisitely careful, of course, to remain in formal Japanese! She'd specifically taken the time to learn that version once she'd found out about it -- because she'd been absolutely sure that at some point she'd want to speak in Japanese to Aoi, and that would be the most correct form to use. She grins with quiet happiness as it hits her: won't Aoi be surprised and pleased when she finds out Cinnamon knows Mandarin Chinese too?

Himeko nods, murmuring, "Turn it around until the side which was facing you is facing Aoi-san, then set it in front of her." Cinnamon smiles as she nods, carefully doing so... then she sits back again, her crossed hands resting on her lap as she grins happily at Aoi. This is so incredibly cool!

Aoi does a small sitting bow, and picks up the bowl. She carefully turns it 90 degrees again, then sips carefully front the bowl, finishing off the tea. Then she speaks again, "At this time, guests are asked if they would like more tea or if you would like to examine the things in the tea room."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! May I please take a moment to admire the lovely scroll and flower arrangement over there?" At the slow, regal nod, Cinnamon thanks the phoenix, then turns and studies the flowers for a moment. She's... pretty sure they're a spray of cherry blossoms! Those are supposed to bloom in very late December, January, and February, after all. She grins and tilts her head at Himeko, murmuring a quiet, "Cherry blossoms?" At Himeko's smile and nod, Cinnamon beams delightedly at her -- then turns back to admire the short-lived froth of pink and white blossoms, which she knows symbolize the impermanent embodiment of both beauty and mortality; hope and renewal. Then, a moment later, she studies the scroll for a moment -- and with a quietly happy smile, the little dragon murmurs the kanji names quietly to herself, "Wa... kei... sei... jaku." She knows the kanji mean, respectively, 'harmony,' 'respect,' 'purity,' and tranquility... so she simply takes a moment to contemplate those four concepts for a short while. They certainly seem to epitomize much of what Aoi is supposed to signify, Cinnamon thinks. After that she gives a short, happy sigh... and turns to face the other two women again. With a small bow, the little dragon murmurs, "Domo arigatogozaimasu for sharing such lovely teachings with me!"

Aoi has risen by now. She smiles, coming to join Cinnamon, "We can meet again to do the Chinese ceremony. It is a different ritual and requires different preparations."

Cinnamon too rises -- though admittedly her motions are nowhere near as graceful as Aoi's! -- and gives a small bow before beaming with pleasure at the phoenix, "That is fine! This has truly been a feast for my senses; I am glad to have time to... to sort of review and contemplate everything I have learned." She pauses, considering for a moment... then almost diffidently adds, "If I might, Aoi-san, may I ask one question of you, as we depart?"

Aoi has her hands folded into her kimono sleeves, and Cinnamon realizes: this may well be a cold time of year for a creature of flame! The phoenix nods graciously, "Of course."

Cinnamon is oddly glad Aoi has stuck to Japanese -- its careful formality helps her ensure she doesn't accidentally offend the ancient entity -- as the little dragon explains, "It is my desire to learn all I may from those with more life experience than I, in order that I will make good and considered decisions. Therefore, so that I may learn wisdom from those older than I, may I ask, honored Aoi-san, for your reasons for voting 'reveal,' please?"

Aoi inclines her head, "It is good the younger should learn from the older. It is also good that the elders should listen to the voices of the young from time to time. I believe we should reveal ourselves because the longer we hide, the less magic is in the world. The less magic is in the world, the more of us die. In my land, there are spirits in everything: in the trees, in the plants, even in the stones. The less people truly believe in them and pay them homage, the weaker they become. The weaker they become, the less they cling to life. Eventually they fade and die... and when they die, the land dies and becomes barren with them."

Cinnamon winces at that, "Oh, no! That is a horrible fate." She frowns consideringly -- she's going to have to think about this a bunch, clearly! For now, though: she sighs softly at the disturbing news, then bows politely, "You are very kind, honored Aoi-san, to so share your great knowledge with this one. It is deeply appreciated, and I don't know how I can properly thank you and Himeko-san for your generosity." With that, she turns to follow the other women out of the tea room... still musing about everything she's learned today.

Aoi thinks for a moment, then inquires, "Have you thought about Jalil's idea for restructuring? It is... very radical."

Cinnamon blinks, pushing up her glasses as she looks up at the graceful phoenix... then she grins, "It is! It really surprised me, honestly... though in a good way, I think. If he thinks we need to review, I'm certainly going to consider what he says very carefully, after all! What do you think of it?"

Aoi's voice sounds careful, measured, "I believe it has merit. Some of us are overworked... and some are not taking the responsibility they should." She thoughtfully considers Cinnamon, "Also I have wondered if perhaps the thirteenth member should oversee everyone, instead of having a territory of their own."

Cinnamon looks intrigued, "Huh, that's an interesting idea! You should bring that up at the council meeting, if you feel it's true... though..." She hesitates, then sheepishly continues, "I, um... I don't want to sound... ungrateful towards your... your high regard of me? -- but... well, I'm not sure I really have enough experience to be, like, overseeing you all... you know?" More wryly, she adds, "Or enough knowledge! I'm learning as fast as I can, but mostly I've realized just how little I know!" She grins sheepishly again, "Sorry. I don't want to sound stupid, but... I do want to be honest here with you."

Aoi shakes her head, "You do not sound stupid. You sound humble. Humility can be important."

Cinnamon smiles quietly, "Then I am honored you see me so, Aoi-san." However, a moment later she adds with a bit of worry, "Er... though may I ask who you feel is not taking the responsibility they should?" She's clearly concerned that it not be her!

Aoi shakes her head, "I will keep that thought to myself for the moment, honored dragon."

Himeko seems to remember something at that point, "Oh! The New Year's celebration!"

Aoi ahs and nods, "It will be the Year of the Dragon. I would speak with you later, Cinnamon, about taking part in the parade, if you will."

Cinnamon hesitates, glancing between the two women... then carefully says, "Well, if... if you felt I was not carrying my fair share of responsibility, honored Aoi-san... may I ask that you be kind enough to tell me, if so?"

Aoi shakes her head, "I was not speaking of you."

Cinnamon looks slightly relieved, "Ah! Then thank you again for sharing your wisdom." She pauses... then looks intrigued, "In... the parade? -and it's going to be the Year of the Dragon? How cool! What would that necessitate, please?"

Himeko is the one who answers, "You would walk with us in the parade, in your dragon form... perhaps let us decorate you with tassels and bells. You're already a lucky color!" Cinnamon laughs and is delighted at the thought! She thanks both women profusely, and Himeko walks Cinnamon back out through the house to the front door. When it's just the two of them, the little dragon hugs Himeko and thanks her again -- this has been a wonderful morning for Cinnamon! She nearly skips the whole way home, hugging the gorgeous gifted kimono to herself as she goes.

Elsewhere, Shane moves up and down Coblyn several times on any given day. If asked how many miles he walks, he'd probably give a number that would boggle many people, but he's... himself. He trained to be a beansidhe warrior, and that includes being a literal footsoldier, so walking isn't hard for him. It's no surprise he crosses Cinnamon's path. Her beaming smile and generally glowing aura of happiness is almost magnetic to him! He crosses the street just so he'll intercept her.

Cinnamon's eyes are sparkling with excitement even before she spots Shane -- and she's almost bubbly as she greets him, "Shaney! Hi there! Oh my gosh you will not believe what just happened to me! Wanna do lunch? I'll make you something as soon as I've put this gorgeous new gift away, if you'd like?" She falls in next to him as they continue towards her house, beaming delightedly. Her words are so fast from excitement that they're almost running together, "Guess what -- guess guess guess! Himeko and Aoi showed me the Japanese tea ceremony it was just as beautiful as I'd hoped and they were so incredibly nice to me but guess what else they did?!" She pauses only long enough to take another breath, before adding, "They gifted me the most beautiful gorgeous kimono ever, Shaney! Wanna see?!"

Shane grins back -- because he can't help smiling back, when Cinnamon's alight with joy like this! He reaches to relieve her of whatever she's carrying as he changes direction to walk back toward her house, "I'd love to have lunch with you, acushla." He listens to her excited chatter with a smile. When she's this excited, she forgets to be self-conscious -- he loves watching her blossom like this!

Cinnamon unwittingly squeaks slightly as he reaches for the kimono, "Oh! Nono, I wanna carry it -- I'm still feeling all excited and special about it!"

Shane doesn't laugh at Cinnamon's happy-wiggle sideways to move the kimono out of his reach, since he knows she's not yet really good at determining if people are laughing with or at her. He's good at not laughing at her -- when he laughs, his laughs are laughs of joy with her -- but he does grin. "Are you going to model it for me?"

The little dragon grins a bit self-consciously, adding, "I know, it's kinda silly of me... but oh my gosh Shaney it is so! beautiful!" -- then laughs at his query, "Oh, gosh no! I have to learn how to put it on right first -- I don't want to be disrespectful to such a gorgeous gift!" She beams sunnily up at the half-beansidhe as she adds, "But once I've had a chance to practice and make sure I'm doing it right, sure! Happy to show you!"

Shane also refrains from offering to help Cinnamon put on the kimono, even though he knows how all the layers are arranged -- because he's pretty sure such an offer would make her turn scarlet and do her rabbit routine! Instead he just replies cheerfully, "Then I'll be happy just to see it."

Cinnamon nearly bounces on her toes, "Okay! Here we go -- home again!" There's a bit of careful fumbling to get out her key without messing up the beautifully packaged kimono... and then shortly they're both inside and the door is securely locked once more. Cinnamon almost rushes over to the futon, "Okay! Here we go hang on let me make sure I lay it out right oh my gosh Shaney do you think maybe I could hang it up on display so folks could see it 'cause I mean wow is it gorgeous whew! Okay!" She gently brushes out one last wrinkle on the beautiful kimono carefully laid across the futon, then steps back, almost breathless with delight, "There! What do you think?!"

Shane steps up behind Cinnamon and rests his hands on her shoulders; he takes every opportunity he can to stand behind her like this. If she were his sweetheart, he'd slide his arms around her waist and pull her back against him, instead of standing here with a few inches between them, and his hands only resting lightly on her shoulders. He smiles as he admires, murmuring, "I think it's gorgeous and perfect for you."

Cinnamon sighs happily as she stares at the shimmering golden embroidery, "It really is a beautiful dragon too, isn't it? Even though I'm not an Eastern dragon..." She pauses at a sudden thought... then slowly adds, "Actually... maybe you know, Shaney. Are... I mean, is there really that much of a... a division, I guess? -- between Eastern and Western supernaturals?" She's enjoying standing this close to Shane -- eeee, she can even feel his warmth against her! So nice! Though... well, she did promise him lunch. She shouldn't waste all his lunchtime trying to glom up therms from him, after all! That thought makes her turn a little pink and grin to herself -- and she quickly adds, "Have a seat, Shaney! Want a soda, or s'more tea, or water, or what, today while I heat up some lunch?" As she heads for the little kitchen she adds a bit proudly, "Elias and I made some really awesome tasting beef pies from Julia Child's cookbook last night!"

Shane arranges himself comfortably and continues smiling, listening to Cinnamon's happy chatter, "Well, not too much, I don't think. I mean, some of them can be a bit elitist, as you've seen. I think the dragons are more like snakes than lizards in some ways... or maybe just more serpentine in form. I know they tend to be aligned to other elements than fire, too. Sometimes water or lightning or wind." He continues to think, "There are a lot of tiny spirits of different sorts like there are a ton of different Celtic boggles, I think. Like... did you ever see 'Spirited Away'?"

Cinnamon grins, "I loved that movie!" She sets a glass of water and a can of soda next to Shane, since he didn't give a preference, and continues, "The eastern dragons... they're sorta like more elemental, almost? But that, um... wasn't quite what I was wondering." She starts making lunch for the both of them, her motions swift and sure in her little kitchen -- she clearly knows where everything is, and has everything in its place. "See, Aoi said something really confusing to me when I asked her about why she was reveal faction -- she said that effectively if supernaturals aren't believed in by people then they fade away and die, right? But you and I both know that's not true -- look at Elias and Liam, or Jaeger, or... or heck, Cronan!"

Shane grins and sips his soda, "Well, yeah. I mean, Cronan's a boggle and he's at least a hundred years old. Whatever human dreamt him up is almost certainly long in their grave. If he needed belief, he'd have faded long before now." He settles on the floor cushions, to avoid sitting on the kimono, and stretches his long legs out in front of himself, crossed at the ankle, "The only thing I know will make a species fade out is if something in their environment that they must have is destroyed. Like dryads and their trees. Or a naiad being completely cut off from water."

Cinnamon clicks the microwave shut and taps buttons, then grabs her drink and goes to sit next to Shane on one of the many floor cushions, "Maybe that's what she meant -- Aoi, I mean? Maybe there are some eastern species that need... oh, specialized food types, or something specific from humans -- and it's hard to get that if the humans aren't cooperative from belief...?"

Shane shifts so he's a little closer, "Well, yeah. If they don't realize that a species needs to have... I don't know, a particular species of tree or plant to survive..."

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully as she considers... then says slowly, "If that's the real reason then... why would Aoi not tell me the truth? Could she... not actually know it?"

Shane considers a bit, "It's entirely possible she doesn't know." He's frowning a little, blinking, "That's... strange." Cinnamon gives Shane an inquiring glance as he rubs the back of his head, "I can sometimes get a ping on if someone was telling someone else the truth or not. I just... really can't tell. I mean, it may be what she believes. Or it may be her logic? I mean, if people believe, they keep the environments right. If they keep the environments right, the supernaturals thrive -- and therefore the supernaturals feed off the belief? Like... the transitive thing in math?"

Cinnamon considers for a thoughtful moment... then straightens in a bit of excitement, "Shaney! Check if I'm telling the truth, please?" She waits for his nod, then grins, "The eastern supernaturals live on human belief -- and if they don't have it, they die!" Then she looks expectantly at the half-beansidhe.

Shane listens, brow furrowed, "It feels like a lie, but you also believe it to be a lie, so..." He shrugs and looks apologetic, "But them feeding off human energy feels... wrong. I mean, the only thing I know that can pull from human energy is magic... sorcery."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully... then tries again, "The eastern species are... struggling, because there's something they need from humans, that isn't there any more."

Shane listens and nods slowly, "That feels true. But... that could also be something in the environment. Japan and China are industrializing at a frightening rate."

Cinnamon nods excitedly and grins, "Yeah, but now we have a baseline, right? So, let's see..." She pauses, forming the sentence in her head, then says carefully, "The thing the eastern species need from humans... isn't there now because the humans don't want to help them." That should help narrow things down a bit! If it's true, then belief isn't the issue -- and if it isn't true, then they can try more questions!

Shane rocks his hand from side to side, "Feels... iffy? That 'don't want to' part had the dissonance in it."

Cinnamon nods happily, "Okay! It's because... the humans don't remember what they need to do."

Shane nods, "Now, that sounds right."

Cinnamon beams, "Aha! So it's not lack of belief, so much as... the old traditions and rituals aren't being passed on, and so aren't getting done!"

Shane nods, "That makes sense to me. It's... functionally similar to needing their belief to survive, I think. If they don't believe, the old ways fall to the wayside. They don't keep the places sacred that need to be sacred because that's the environment those species need."

Cinnamon nods gravely, "So it's not quite what Aoi said... but I imagine she told me what she thought I'd understand." Her small flash of a smile is wry, "I do not get the feeling I impress her overmuch, after all!" She frowns a heartbeat later, musing aloud, "That makes me wonder, though: what's Aoi doing to fix this thing? I mean, surely she's not putting all her, um... all her hopes on revealing?"

Shane sighs and shakes his head, leaning over to kiss the little dragon's cheek, "Aoi is a bit of a snob, sadly. She's so old that she believes she's smarter and wiser than anyone else." He smirks a little, "She sometimes forgets that she's not really Elias' elder by that much." Then he shrugs, "I have no idea what her backup plan is. I'm wondering if that's not part of what Jalil has in mind. I mean, if Snow is given more of Asia, she might well do more to help out the Chinese supernaturals. Maybe even make a sanctuary that some of the ones that are being pushed out of the islands might be able to use."

Cinnamon grins shyly at Shane -- then squeaks, "Oh! Lunch!" She hops up, patters over to the microwave, and hastily serves hot beef pie to the half-beansidhe, "Here you go! Hope you like it!" She sits down with her plate as well, having a few bites before she thoughtfully adds, "I wonder... if this is most of the reason Jalil wants some of Asia handed out to others -- because, like you're suspecting, he thinks Aoi's not doing enough to help her people?" She giggles as she adds, "He's right in one respect, I think -- having a bunch of new folks to be responsible for would make me -- and possibly Snow too? -- spend a bunch of time with them, trying to learn more about them... and I bet that'd include this ritual stuff they need! Which would mean more would be done for them, right?"

Shane has a couple of bites of the pie, making appreciative sounds that make Cinnamon beam with pleasure, before he answers, "It wouldn't surprise me. Jalil's a wily one. Djinni are fire creatures, and fire creatures are often tricksy. I mean, just look at Sparrow."

Cinnamon eats a bit more before she thoughtfully adds, "I... I've been thinking about his suggestions, and I have a few possible alternatives I'm going to suggest at the next meeting. It's not that I don't want to help everyone I can, but... I'm so new, I'd like to be sure there's someone older and wiser there to help me as, like, a mentor or something for the various lands, you know?"

Shane tips his head back, thinking quietly, "You know what I always thought about the thirteenth councilor?" He rolls his head to look at Cinnamon, "-and take this with a grain of salt, acushla, because I only landed in this world after I graduated high school." Cinnamon grins and nods interestedly. Shane smiles, "I kinda thought that instead of having their own territory, that job ought to be more like an auditor. They're the deciding vote on issues. Why wouldn't they also be the councilor that would be the one that sort of made sure other councilors were staying on the up-and-up? I mean, you're already just taking on basically the territories that other people have essentially gone, 'Eh, not mine.'"

Cinnamon grins wryly, "Yeah, Aoi said something like that too... though she also seemed kind of... pleased? -- when I pointed out that I'm way too young to be bossing other folks around!"

Shane literally snorts, "Bullsh..." then coughs, "bull! Aoi just doesn't want to be told what to do. She'd say Elias shouldn't be an auditor either -- and just try and tell me Elias is too young to be bossing people around!" Cinnamon giggles at that! Shane shrugs, "I'd take advice from Elias over advice from Aoi every day and twice on Sundays, too. Of the elder councilors, I trust him most, then probably Ash. But I'm biased there. After that? Heh, probably Sparrow. I know people kinda look askance at him, but for a guy who's not that old in human years, he's got a lot of wise in him."

Cinnamon nods earnestly, "But that's kinda my point, Shaney, you know? Imagine her reaction if I said to her, 'Aoi, you need to be doing more to, um, bring back the rituals your people need! What's your plan?'" The little dragon grins as she adds almost mischievously, "Think she'll eagerly yell, 'Yes ma'am, here's the plan!'?"

Shane smirks, "I think it would do her good to be a bit humbled."

Cinnamon smiles ruefully and shrugs, "Maybe... but as a brand-spanking new member of this council? I don't want her to hate me forever for embarrassing her, y'know? -and more importantly, I honestly don't think that's my job."

Shane smiles and nods, "I get that. I still think there needs to be something like that. But I get how it could be done just with a tie-breaker vote." He leans over and kisses Cinnamon on the cheek again, "For what it's worth, I think you see more clearly than most."

Cinnamon giggles nervously, "I... th-that's sweet of you, Shaney -- thank you!" She pauses, then adds a bit confusedly, "Wait, you think there needs to be something like what, please?"

Shane replies, "An auditor position of some sort. But that would require someone giving over their territory."

Cinnamon looks confused again, "But what would an auditor do? They're not much good, at least in accounting, unless you actually have the power to get folks to do what's needed... and I really don't think folks like Killa or Aoi -- or maybe even Sparrow? -- want anyone else sort of sitting over them, you know?"

Shane smiles and shrugs, "I think I just got used to living in the trod with Saoirse, who never abused her position as elder, but always was the one to be able to say, 'This needs to be taken care of.'"

Cinnamon nods earnestly, "See, that makes sense to me -- Saoirse is an elder! Jaeger's an elder! Maybe Snow is, I don't know... but I know I'm not -- at least not yet, and not really. If it were about finances? Totally willing to give it a try. But... scolding Aoi for not doing enough for her people?" She grins wryly, "I'd be a stuttering mess!"

Shane slides an arm around Cinnamon's shoulder and pulls her close, "It's all good, acushla."

Cinnamon sighs happily as she leans into Shane, "I think so, yeah! But I also bet -- given a bit of research time, of course -- that if I can get Aoi to let me take care of some of the Asian folks, then I can maybe figure out a way to reinstate the rituals." She glances down shyly at her now-empty plate as she adds with a small hint of pride, "I, um... I was able to help Sparrow and Kestrel a bit, after all, I think! I found some good ideas for them to use if they want!"

Shane smiles, "You did a great job helping them. Like I said, you've got a beautiful brain." Cinnamon giggles at that! It's sweet... and nice to think there's at least one part of her that's sort of beautiful!

Secular New Year is celebrated with a large street party on Coblyn, though Shane explains Lunar New Year will be celebrated with equal fervor, with many of the Asian inhabitants melding their traditions together -- including a dragon dance. People also tend to practice first-footing on New Year on Coblyn. He grins, "I tend to try visit a lot of my friends right after midnight."

Cinnamon blinks interestedly, pushing up her glasses, "What's first-footing? Did Liam ever participate in the dragon dancing?"

Shane smiles, "The dragon dancing is humans under a dragon costume. But I'm sure if you ask Himeko, they'd love to also have an actual dragon." He leans against the wall he's standing near, "First footing is a Celtic tradition. It's a sort of luck ritual or saying -- that the luck for the year is determined by who is the first person to step foot into your house on New Year's Day."

Josie, who's there as well, giggles, "Guess who the luckiest person to have step first foot in is?"

Cinnamon's eyes widen with interest -- an excuse to have Shane come over? Yes, please! She grins curiously at Josie, "Umm... a fey?"

Shane grins, "A tall, dark-haired man. Oisin's going to be here this year, and he and some of his trod have volunteered to go and visit some of the folks that practice the tradition."

Cinnamon tilts her head in puzzlement, "A... wait. Why a man? Why dark hair? Do you... sing a chant or something when you come in? Or... get given a gift, or bring something?"

Shane smiles, "I bring gifts. Though actually the folks that practice it usually come by to drop off the things they'd like me to bring back to them. There are other tall, dark-haired men on the street, but..." He shrugs.

Josie grins, "But Shane's popular."

Spice mutters with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "People are probably hoping for a New Year's kiss from him!"

Cinnamon is startled into a hot blush and a nervous giggle at that! She hastily changes the subject back to the safer previous one, "W-what sorts of things do you, er, g-gift, Shaney?"

Shane ignores the comment about the New Year's kiss -- he's already got a target for that in mind, if he can keep her from running away... a-fucking-gain! "I take a lot of shortbread. Liane bakes it in large batches, and it's considered good luck. Whiskey's also popular... and unlike on Christmas, coal is also considered good because it represents keeping the hearth fire burning for another year. Salt and bread too, for staying fed."

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully... she vaguely recalls a recipe for whiskey bread or pudding or something like that, as she was flipping through a cookbook. She'll have to go find it and make some -- then give it to Shane to bring... and maybe he'll be willing to share a few slices with her? Then she grins suddenly as she remembers the recipe more clearly, and beams at Shane, "Can I invite you too, then, and give you something to bring?" She brightens, "Hey, maybe we could all have a party at my place? If you guys wanted? I could make some of the Julia Child recipes again with Elias!"

Shane does casual very well, "Actually, a ghr�, I thought I might start the night out here if that's okay with you? So you could keep whatever it is here, and I'll step out and right back in."

Cinnamon looks slightly confused, "So... wait. So you start here by coming through my door, then leave to go enter everyone else's doors?" She's a bit disappointed -- she'd hoped to persuade all her friends to puppypile here! Still... at least she'll have some time with Shane. Maybe she can still feed him dinner. She absolutely loves how he hangs around the kitchen, sips his drink that she's made for him, and chats with her while she's cooking for him! Er, for everyone, right... of course! Watching Cinnamon's face, Josie and Spice are both biting their lips to keep from giggling!

Shane smiles, "It means I start the night here -- make sure no one else is accidentally the first footer. Make my rounds, then come back."

Cinnamon smiles and nods... then looks slightly confused again. This is... clearly a bit more complex than she'd realized! Still -- doesn't matter! He'll come back! She beams sunnily, "Okay! I can make a nice, yummy dinner for all of us, then!" Proudly she adds, "Elias and I are doing really well on cooking our way through Child's cookbook!"

Shane grins, "So he said." He steps toward her and puts his hands on her shoulder, "I want to make sure I'm the first one to step in your door, acushla. So making sure I'm already here at midnight means all I have to do is step outside and then step back in with your gift. I figured I'd already be here for your party, right?"

Cinnamon blinks up at Shane, and wonders again why it is that some guys unfairly get all the lovely eyelashes and warm hands and pretty... um... "Oh! Yes! Please! Er, absolutely, right!" She hastily pushes up her glasses and looks around, "Do we, uh, are there... firecrackers on the Lunar New Year? We should get some of those too, right? W-wonder if, er, H-Himeko carries some...?"

Josie's ears lay flat at mention of the firecrackers, "Yeah. There are a lot of them. I usually stay human for that reason... but it's still fun."

Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully at Josie... then smiles, "Maybe we can get the British kind, then -- the ones that just give one small, sharp crack when you pull them apart with a friend... and little treasures spill out! Would that be easier on your ears, JoJo?"

Josie looks abashed, "Yes. Those I like, but they're all up and down the street. It's loud." She sighs, "Sometimes having ears like mine isn't fun."

Cinnamon impulsively hugs Josie, "Then you and Spicy can just stay here with me -- I have real good insulation here!" She brightens as her hoped-for outcome looks more likely, "We can all puppypile again!" She grins as she explains to her friends: she had some magical spells added inside her little cottage -- except for the door and when the windows are open, of course -- that soften or deaden sound from outside, so the little dragon can focus better when she's doing accounting.

Shane is happy he's turned toward the kitchen counter -- as he rolls his eyes toward the ceiling, mouthing, 'I'm being patient, I promise!' It's not even really subvocalized. Aloud, he says, "Absolutely."

Josie and Spice also agree, with Josie asking, "Should we invite Thorn? I know he can be a little more reserved..."

Cinnamon smiles, "I always invite him to dinner too, though often he doesn't want to spend the night. He says he wants to be available at the Infirmary, you know?" Fortunately, she entirely missed Shane's non-vocal reaction, and instead curiously adds to Shane, "So you never said, Shaney! Why a man with dark hair?"

Shane clears his throat, "Honestly? I think it's because way back in the day in the British Isles, a tall, dark-haired man bringing gifts was about as far-distant as you could get from a tall, blonde-haired man with an axe." His eyes twinkle, "Though it seriously may be that sometimes the beansidhe are considered lucky if we bless your house."

Cinnamon giggles as she realizes Shane's likely talking about Viking raiders. She beams, "Trade you a house blessing for dinner, then, if you'd like?" She has utterly no idea that Shane would like to get her alone, of course. She's actually congratulating herself on her luck (and maybe a little cleverness?) in setting up a situation where he can't possibly feel she's trying to pressure him or anything -- there'll be a bunch of folks here, after all! There's general agreement all around to meet at Cinnamon's for the secular New Year.

A little later, Shane hands off a hand-written letter from Janet, to Cinnamon, thanking her for the gifts. Inside, there are actual, hard-copy photos of Janet wearing the lopapeysa. Cinnamon squeals excitedly at the photos, gleefully sharing them with Shane, and following up with bouncing and several exuberant hugs, "She liked it! She really liked it -- even though I didn't make it!"

Shane is always happy to encourage hugs from Cinnamon! "Mum would love if you wrote her back, you know." He leaves out the: 'because she knows I'm mad about you and wants to know you better.'

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Shane, pushing her glasses up, "M-me? She... really?" She looks at the photos again, then back at Shane, honestly puzzled, "Why me? Has no one else ever sent her a nice thank-you gift?" She thinks about that for a moment... then indignantly adds, "Because if not? That's really mean of them!"

Shane grins, "People have sent her gifts, acushla, but she likes writing letters and she liked meeting you." He loves that the little dragon jumped immediately to Janet's defense, like that. "She's from a generation where people had pen pals."

"Huh!" Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment... then grins interestedly, "Would it be okay if I used my new, pretty Elgan family stationary and my nifty new calligraphy pen?"

Shane grins again, "She'd love that."

Cinnamon brightens at that, "Awesome!" She's already planning to practice her writing some before she writes a letter -- so her calligraphy is good enough for her lovely new writing gear!

Cinnamon is excited: it's finally New Year's Eve! She's invited her dearest friends -- Shane, Thorn, Elias, Josie, and Spice -- over for a special, sit-down dinner that she and Elias have prepared. The little dragon still has her beautiful Solstice decorations up in her pretty little cottage, and she's cleaned it up for the new year so that it's neat as a pin. She has some fun games and puzzles in mind for them all to play during the time between end of dinner and midnight... and she's thrilled to actually have friends with which to celebrate! The little dragon also has lots of snacks and various types of drinks ready for people wandering in celebration from house to house -- apparently that's a thing here, during the street party? For the actual stroke of midnight she has champagne or sparkling cider for her friends to share... and she's baked a little 'good-luck' whiskey cake, then sliced it up and wrapped the slices, so Shane has something to 'gift' when he becomes the first person over her threshold in the new year... and for other houses too, if he wants!

Cinnamon happily checks herself in the mirror just before opening the door for the first knocking of folks coming for dinner. She looks okay, she thinks! Her hair's in a nice French braid with some bright gold carnations woven into it. She's got her nice, warm, indoor felt boots on, with a pretty skirt and blouse, and a cute, embroidered apron over that -- Ute gifted it to her, in thanks for helping out the other day! The little dragon feels all ready for fun and food with friends!

Shane stops by early on. He's cleaned up in his version of dress clothes, meaning he's wearing his family tartan, and nice boots rather than his usual moccasin boots. He's also wearing a sort of cross between a vest and a jerkin over his puffy-sleeved shirt. Elias is with the half-beansidhe; they both arrive bearing gifts. Elias has a case of his home-brewed beer, and Shane has a large box of cookies Janet sent. Cinnamon beams as she warmly hugs both men while letting them in, "Hi, you guys -- you're the first ones here! Elias, I pulled the food out of the freezer right on the schedule we made, so no worries -- and I hope the stuff that's still cooking smells wonderful to you both! How're you all doing?!"

Elias hugs Cinnamon warmly after setting the beer somewhere safe. He beams at her, glad she's one of the people who isn't frightened by his smile, "I'm doing well, child. I'm pleased you're having a good day so far."

Shane sets the cookies aside and hugs Cinnamon after Elias is done, "You look beautiful, acushla. I love the carnations."

Cinnamon grins delightedly up at Elias, "You should know, Elias -- you helped me move all the food we cooked at your place, to over here, last night!" She laughs, then beams and blushes at Shane, "Thank you, Shaney! I thought they were so bright and pretty, I couldn't resist -- oh! Also!" She grabs Shane's hand, pulling him into the kitchen, "See? I made some whiskey cake for good luck, that you can take around as gifts if you want tonight, after you first-foot here, to all the other places you'll be visiting!"

Shane grins at Cinnamon's enthusiasm, "That's sweet of you, acushla. I've got a few places that I don't have any gifts for, so that'll be amazing."

Cinnamon beams, "Yay! I didn't know if I should have a gift for you to bring in here or not, so... I prepped one for just in case!"

Thorn shows up not long after Elias and Shane, bearing mulled cider and wearing one of the sweaters he got in Ireland. He greet Cinnamon and both men warmly, and Cinnamon happily hugs him in return, then sets up everyone's gifts in the kitchen, so folks can easily share. Josie and Spice show up a bit after the guys, both of them both extremely cheerful. Spice is hugging everyone, and is... suspiciously giggly. Cinnamon gleefully hugs Josie and Spice, welcoming them as well, and waving everyone to the futon sitting area. There's a low table there with tasty snacks and nibblies, so people can sit and chat while waiting for everyone to arrive, and the last bits of food to finish cooking. As they head that way, Cinnamon whispers amusedly to Spice, "What's up? You're in an awesome mood!"

Spice hugs Cinnamon and smooches her cheek, "My cousin sent me some cookies!"

Josie giggles, "Her cousin sent her some weed-laced chocolate chip cookies. She's... slightly stoned -- and apparently she gets very affectionate."

Cinnamon laughs aloud at that! She giggles at the kiss, and gently tugs Spice over to the futon, "You're fun, Spicy!"

The dinner and party go well, and there're a lot of people who come and go throughout the night. Some drop off little gifts of food, but many are just stopping by to say hello and enjoy others' company. It really does seem like anyone who actually leaves their homes, and is even mildly friendly with Cinnamon, comes by to say hello and wish her good fortune in the new year! The little dragon is delighted, happily sharing the appropriate little gifts she's been told about: small coins, bread, salt, lumps of coal, or a bit of whiskey cake -- with anyone who comes to visit. It becomes a bit of a rotating party after the dinner, in fact, with the many happy people there laughing and chatting together, or playing the dictionary game by the fireside -- with much hilarity -- or quietly assembling pretty jigsaw puzzles laid out for folks who prefer quieter pastimes. As it nears midnight, Elias chuckles, "Did people warn you about the bells, Cinnamon?"

Cinnamon keeps track of time as well, of course -- so when Elias asks his question, she grins, "We have to have Shane outside the house before they start, yep!" She wonders (with a little thrill of excitement) if he's going to claim the traditional kiss from every woman in the house when he comes back in.

Elias looks around the room, remembering there are people here who may have issues with certain sorts of bells, "Ahh. Spice and Thorn mightn't know about them, either. It's not a church bell, but you will hear a bell at midnight. It's a very deep bell, so don't panic."

"Oh! No, I didn't know that." Cinnamon considers, then curiously asks, "Only one ring? Not twelve?"

Shane smiles, "Oh, no; it tolls twelve times -- but it's a very loud, deep bell. It can be startling if you don't know it's going to happen."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, "Well, it should start soon, so do we have to wave you on outside now, Shaney?" She giggles, adding in cheerful singsong, "Out with the old and in with the new! There's magic on New Year's in all that you do!"

Shane grins, his eyes twinkling, "I could stay until midnight... but yes: I'll step outside to make one hundred percent sure, acushla." He grabs his cloak before he goes -- it's very cold out there! It is Boston in December, after all. The half beansidhe also takes the little gift of cake as he steps outside the door.

Cinnamon gives Shane a quick, excited hug before he's out the door, whispering, "Thank you, Shaney, for being willing to be my first-footer!"

Shane smiles, eyes bright, "I'm more than happy to be your first... footer." For some reason, that makes Spice giggle, as Shane kisses Cinnamon's cheek.

The little dragon beams up at Shane... then sighs happily after she's closed the door behind him. Turning back to her friends, she adds, "Isn't he awesome?!"

Josie leans over to Thorn and grins quietly, "Shane sometimes really is Quinn's son."

Thorn laughs softly and whispers back, "Oh? In what ways?"

Josie giggles, "In the way that he just said something very naughty to Cinnamon, in a way that she completely missed it -- and he's never, ever going to point it out to her! -- and I don't even know if he realizes what he did. Because he's a gentleman."

Spice giggles, a hand over her mouth because she too picked up on the very slight pause in Shane's comment, "He's pretty cool for a dude!"

At the door, Cinnamon brightens at a sudden thought, "Oh! Champagne and sparkling cider -- gotta be ready!" Just then, the bell Elias warned them about starts tolling. It really is very deep -- something you can almost feel in your chest. The little dragon blinks a bit startledly at the heavy, nearly ground-thundering BONNNNNNNG! -- then laughs, "Wow, that's awesome too! Okay, peeps, help yourselves to the champagne flutes and your drink of choice so we can toast the new year once Shaney's back!" With that, she waits by the door, not quite bouncing on her toes with excitement.

As the second bell rings, there's a loud knock on the door. Elias helps pour people drinks, and another knock comes as the bell tolls a third time. Cinnamon squeaks excitedly, glancing back at Elias and Josie, "Do I wait for the last ring to open the door, or what?! -and can I have a sparkling cider, please, if anyone's free?"

Thorn gives a bit of a start at the bell, his breath catching. A church bell...? No, it's a clock bell -- just very loud! He smiles to Cinnamon, standing, "I was going to get one myself. I'll pour you one, too."

Cinnamon beams, "Thanks, Thorny!"

Elias shakes his head, "It's midnight. You can let him in now."

Cinnamon nearly bounces in place, "Yay!" She whirls and swings open the door, her eyes bright and her voice delighted, "Who's knocking at my door?!" -- then giggles!

Shane stands there. If they all didn't know it was Shane, he could look almost mysterious in the long, dark cape, with the cowl-like hood pulled up over his head and shadowing his face. His voice is warm and friendly, though: all Shane! "I come bringing well-wishes and luck to your household!"

Cinnamon laughs happily, "Enter and be welcome!" She steps back, waving a hand towards the interior of the cozy, warm, good-smelling room full of happy people.

Shane pushes his hood back with a smile and steps carefully over the threshold. He hands Cinnamon a gift, though it's not the whiskey cake she handed him on the way out. It's wrapped up in shiny gold paper. He also leans down and -- without a word of warning -- presses his lips warmly to hers, murmuring, "Happy New Year."

Cinnamon looks down at the present she's been handed -- which means she looks up at Shane just as he kisses her! She squeaks a bit startledly, but doesn't pull away. Ooh, this kissing every woman in the house thing is... kind of lovely, she thinks! She blinks a bit dreamily up at Shane when he straightens... then blinks again, pulling her head together a second later, "Hah... happy n-new year to you too, Shaney!" A deep breath, and then she beams, "Want a drink to toast the new year with us all?"

Shane smiles, "I'd love one." He takes the drink and moves through, kissing Spice and Josie on the cheek to wish them Happy New Year.

Cinnamon asks Elias to give a toast to the new year, and then they all sing 'Auld Lang Syne' together... and then Shane has to leave for his other promised visits. Cinnamon hugs him tightly, quietly thanking him again... then giggles a bit nervously as she adds, "Sh-should I w-wait to open your present till you come back?" She's quite red from blushing as she hastily adds, "J-just if you want to, of course!"

Shane hugs back and sneaks in another quick kiss, landing in that in-between place at the corner of Cinnamon's lips, "You can open it now if you wish to."

Cinnamon grins excitedly -- but then adds a bit wistfully, "I, um... d-don't have one for you, though? I'm sorry! I didn't know I should...?"

Shane shakes his head and smiles, "It's the first-footing gift. Go ahead and open it. You don't have to give me anything in return."

Cinnamon hesitates a moment -- and then, greatly daring, she stands on tiptoes and gives him a quick kiss right back! It's on the cheek, since she doesn't want to presume, of course... but once she's done it she giggles nervously and nearly bolts over to where the little present sits! She turns with it in her hands, hoping a bit anxiously that her unwrapping the present will be distraction enough, if he didn't like or want the kiss... and a moment later, the pretty gold paper is opened.

The present really is a traditional first-footing present, but instead of the whiskey cake, it's a package of shortbread stamped with the sigil Cinnamon chose for her household crest -- not her personal one, but rather the one for the family she's formed with Spice and Veles. Shane waits for her to recognize what it is before he says quietly, "I asked Leanne to make it for you."

Cinnamon gasps as she stares down at the incredibly thoughtful present... then looks up at Shane with her eyes shiny from emotion, "Oh, Shaney!" She hugs him tightly, "Thank you so much!" then turns to beam slightly tearfully at her friends, "Look, everyone -- it's the household crest! Isn't it beautiful?!"

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Thorn says.

Shane smiles and slips out while Cinnamon is showing off the gift... since he still has a lot of other places to make the rounds to, tonight. Cinnamon happily shares the shortbread with her other dearest friends, and they all sip their drinks and enjoy themselves in the first few minutes of the new year... and she invites them all to stay and puppypile if they'd like, since they've all been drinking! Admittedly, Elias wasn't drinking alcohol, but Cinnamon has no intention of excluding him if he wishes to stay. The vampire politely excuses himself, however, since he actually doesn't sleep at night. When Shane returns, though, he says he'll gladly stay for the night, so will take Cinnamon up on the puppypile. He's also very, very slightly tipsy. He only takes a sip or two of alcohol at each place, but he visits a lot of places! Cinnamon beams at Shane, welcoming him back with a bit of shortbread -- then looks hopefully at Thorn, Josie, and Spice. Thorn thinks, then smiles, "Well, Iason knows where I am in case something goes wrong... so sure, I can stay."

Cinnamon brightens, "Yay, Thorny! JoJo, Spicy, you're staying too, right?" She's not going to say a thing about it, but she's crossing her fingers that this will ensure Shane won't think she's making any... what're they called, any 'moves' on him! Josie and Spice are happy to stay. Josie is, after all, a wolf -- so puppypiles are her preferred mode of sleeping. Cinnamon is absolutely delighted! As the night winds slowly onward past midnight, fewer people stop in to say hi, and the dinner guests relax and chat by the fire. Cinnamon does a bit of cleaning up, putting leftovers away, and loading the dishwasher... then comes and curls up with everyone else. When he departs, Elias gets warm goodbye hugs and even warmer thanks for doing so much cooking with Cinnamon, and she hands him one of the tins of leftovers so he can share it with anyone who comes visiting in the next day or two.

Cinnamon glances down the street once, after Elias departs... she hopes Jaeger and Mar- no. She hopes Jaeger had a lovely new year's party -- and Butler and Ingrid too! What she carefully doesn't think about is how she'd planned (before the disastrous 'event') to invite Marcus to this party too. Shortly thereafter, the futon is pulled out and blankets and pillows are heaped on it, so everyone can curl up together and be comfy and warm. As she's drifting off a bit later, Cinnamon sighs in sleepy contentment, murmuring, "Happy new year's, peeps... there's no one I'd rather be here with!"

Thorn stifles a yawn and murmurs, "Same here, Cinnamon... thank you, an' happy new year...."

When the arrangements are made to go with Baird to Ireland, to try to get his curse lifted, he and Keiko go with Cinnamon and Shane to meet the rest of the crew of the Valkyrie. They've met Fraser, of course -- but only Fraser, and they want to make sure Arvid and the crew will be okay with Baird on board. This will also help cement the legend he'll be using for this mission.

Fraser's the one to meet everyone at the gangplank. He actually hugs the other Scotsman, with a chuckle, "I see your lady's kept any pianos from falling on your head, or stray bullets from taking you out."

Baird snorts, his blue eyes gleaming, "And I see no one's keelhauled you yet."

Cinnamon laughs! -- then wryly adds, "No, we caught the piano before it landed." Then she giggles -- she's finding this teasing stuff to be rather fun, honestly.

Shane snorts. When it's his turn to greet the curse-wolf, he claps Fraser on the shoulders and looks him in the eye, "I brought a ball gag. You kept everyone up all night last time and my a ghr� should get to sleep in a damn bunk once in a while, dude." His eyes are twinkling!

Cinnamon is chattering happily with Keiko as they board, so she fortunately misses Shane's teasing of Fraser! She does look back a moment later, though, and curiously ask, "Hey, what's keelhauling, please?"

Fraser can tell Cinnamon's distracted, so he smirks and starts to tease back, but it dies on his lips when she asks her question, "Un-fuckin'-pleasant."

Cinnamon tilts her head thoughtfully -- that isn't a good reaction. She nods once, then smiles, "Okay, not something I want to know, I'm guessing. That's fine!" She grins as she adds, "I calculated out when the next full moon will be -- right while we're docked in Ireland! Maybe Quinn will let you all go running near the trod again?"

Shane snorts, "While that's true, acushla, it's a really severe punishment. You, uhm... string a rope under the ship from port to starboard. The offending sailor is tied to one end of the rope and dragged under the ship, across the keel, and up the other side. They try to do it fast enough he doesn't drown, but it still hurts. A lot." He looks at Fraser, brow raised, "Though I guess this lot would survive it... mostly."

Cinnamon winces at that, her small nose wrinkled up in dismay, "Oh, yuckies! Ew, Frazey was right -- I didn't really want to know that!" Consequently, when Aisling boards and smilingly asks Cinnamon what it was she didn't want to know, the little dragon grabs her bags and follows the graceful beansidhe down below, chattering happily about the trip as she patters along. Keiko too moves along with the other women. Consequently... Cinnamon misses Jaeger and Marcus boarding! It appears the tall elder wishes his son to go on this voyage as well.

Marcus Does Not Look Pleased to be boarding the ship, but he's doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's actually fairly friendly with the crew. Once he got the stick out of his ass on the last cruise, he got along well with them... and hopefully none of them are yet aware of what's going on -- or not going on -- between himself, Cinnamon, and Shane.

Fraser waits until Cinnamon has moved off and lowers his voice, giving Shane an evil grin, "Sure you brought it to keep me quiet. You don't have to be ashamed of being a screamer, lad." That makes all three men standing there laugh, and Shane is once again very glad for having had biofeedback training -- or he'd be scarlet! He saunters off, leaving Fraser and Baird together.

Baird looks at Fraser, "I could have sworn that lad is head over heels for Cinnamon, but I don't see the lass being into that sort of play...?"

Fraser chuckles, "He is, and I don't think she is. I suspect he does have one in his bags, though -- just so he could make the damn joke! He's a chivalrous one, but he's half-beansidhe as well... so he's got a dose of mischief, after all."

Thorn comes on board a bit after Jaeger and Marcus -- he'd been a little late and needed to restock his medical bag -- and he doesn't quite miss a step when he spots Marcus. He's reasonably satisfied that Marcus will behave himself with his father on board, but the healer hopes he won't have to, say, set another broken nose. He greets them both politely and cordially -- perhaps with a bit more warmth for Jaeger! -- and greets the crew of the Valkyrie extra warmly. There's nothing like sailing through a storm and a were-megalodon incident to tie bonds of camaraderie! He's greeted with great warmth and camaraderie by the crew. There are a large number of hugs and back-slaps and he's shown that they've actually cleared off a rack in the infirmary should he want to have quarters of his own. Thorn politely declines, but he thanks them for the thoughtfulness! He'd like to keep the rack clear in case there's any pressing need of it -- he has no problem sleeping in quarters with others, and doesn't want to take privileges he doesn't feel entirely entitled to. The crew is fine with that. They'd meant they'd rearranged so both racks in the infirmary were clear, but they also understand if he'd rather be with the others. They are, after all, pack animals. They just know that humans sometimes like privacy.

Down below, Shane once again offers to share with Thorn, while Aisling offers to share with Cinnamon -- which offer is accepted with gratitude. Keiko and Baird will also be sharing. Marcus is going to be a singleton, which he should be relieved by, but isn't. Jaeger and Arvid spoke quietly together about what's expected; neither older man seems entirely happy with the younger elf. Consequently, while Marcus knows better than to act like an over-privileged brat, he does head for his rack, to stay out of the way as they get underway. He knows the crew usually prefers to do that on their own.

Cinnamon comes pattering back up on deck with Aisling and Keiko moments later -- it doesn't take long to drop one's things in a berth, after all. Also, the lovely beansidhe and the lucky crane woman are fascinatedly discussing amulets and luck, as they go find Baird again. Aisling has the pendant she promised him some time ago, that will allow him to leave the country without some disaster. She wants to get it on his person before the ship undocks. Cinnamon is laughing with the two women as they emerge -- but for a single, shocked heartbeat she freezes, eyes wide in horror at sight of Marcus... and then, almost mechanically, she forces herself to ignore him and continue. She has no idea just how clearly she's accidentally telegraphed her emotions. Marcus sees her, and freezes himself, as well. He knew she was going to be on the ship, but the icing out is getting more painful... and they're going to be forced into close quarters!

All around the ship, heads come up at that sudden, sharp scent change -- and turn toward the center of the deck for a moment. Some watch Marcus move toward the hatch to go below again. Some watch Cinnamon with Keiko and Aisling, as they find Baird. The Scots merc has moved to look out over the railing on the side of the ship away from the dock. Cinnamon stands at the railing, her hands closed tightly around it as she stares out to sea. She knows the other two women are talking with Baird, so that should give her an undisturbed moment to pull herself together. Under her breath she murmurs, "Just... just do what Frazey said -- just grayrock him! He's not there... I don't have anything to worry about!" She takes a few slow, deep breaths just like she was taught... then almost fiercely whispers to herself, "I didn't do anything wrong!" That helps her feel a bit better, and she makes her shoulders and fists relax. Plus... it really is beautiful here. They'll be setting sail soon. It's going to be a lovely trip, darnit!

Baird gets the new amulet in place and gets it against his skin. Once that's done, and he's thanked both ladies... he steps over by a very pensive Cinnamon and asks quietly, "Didn't know he was going to be here?"

Cinnamon flinches slightly -- she'd not realized anyone was that close to her! Her small laugh is brittle, "Oh! Nono, it's fine -- it doesn't matter!"

Baird arches a brow, "Pardon me for sayin' it, lass, but bullshite. Word gets about when someone people care about gets hurt... and that man hurt you."

Cinnamon shakes her head, her expression wry, "He doesn't want anything to do with me, so... who cares, right?" Then her gaze drops to his chest, and she tries to quickly change the subject, "Oh, is that the new, um... pendant?"

Baird mmms, but doesn't say anything to that. He, after all, has been trained to read expressions... and nothing about Marcus' expression or body language says 'indifferent' to him! He lets the little dragon change the subject, though, glancing down, "It is. Feels... odd. Sort of hums."

Cinnamon smiles uncertainly, "So... that means it's working, I guess?" Her smile gets more real, if still a bit melancholy, as she looks up at him again, "We'll get the necklace back. Somehow. Don't worry. You've got a lot of really smart, talented folks who're gonna help!" She adds, almost out of the blue, "Shaney's really good at getting people to leave you alone, too. We'll keep you safe."

Baird's lips twitch, "And just how is Shane good at getting people to leave you alone?"

Cinnamon blinks -- then blushes, "Oh, uhh, he... he... is a really good martial artist!" She nods firmly, "Yes. Very good." More confidentially she adds, "He has, like, several leather belts apparently? All black ones, too... though I'm not quite sure why exactly that's important." A bit embarrassedly she adds, "It's on my 'to research soon' list, sorry! -- though now that I think about it, I bet you know what that means, right?"

Baird's poker face is second to none! He gently says, "It's just black belts, lass... and yes, I actually know he's high level in both Tae Kwon Do and Aikido -- and apparently in cut-you-to-shreds-with-a-sword-do, too."

Cinnamon looks interested, "Oh! Have you actually seen him, then? I've only heard of him doing stuff like punching people or, um..." she hesitates, not wanting to prejudice Baird against Shane -- though actually, surely he'd be more impressed than not? "Uhh... breaking arms and stuff? Boxing, that's it!" She looks pleased, "I think Josie said he had a black belt in boxing too."

Baird smiles, "Oh, aye, I've seen him working out. And I saw him that night in Bulgaria."

Cinnamon sighs a little frustratedly, "I've been in two... no, three fights, actually -- three now with Shane -- and each time I was so busy trying to melt all the guns that I totally forgot to try and watch Shaney!" She grins wryly at Baird, unaware of the clarity of her martial innocence as she declares firmly, "I'll just try to remember next time! But anyways... yeah, he, umm... apparently he, umm... punched Marcus in the nose? I'm not entirely sure why, since Marcus wasn't mean to him that I know of, but..." she sighs softly, "well... it doesn't really matter now. So." She smiles uncertainly at Baird, "Are you, um... someone else's legend on this trip?"

Baird mmms, "I see. I think there are things you and Shane need to talk out between the two of you because I think you're speaking two different languages or hiding between two different battlements, but... how do you mean am I someone else's legend? Or do you mean am I using a different legend?"

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly at Baird, "Battlements? I... oh, um, yes? Like, what name should we use for you? Aisling says she and Quinn will take care of getting the guy to invite us to his home, but I don't want to get names wrong, you know?"

Baird smiles, "You'll be calling me Angus. McDowell. Because we're going full bloody generic on this." He grins, "A bit like Shane being James Smith."

Cinnamon nods -- then laughs! "Oh, so Angus McDowell is the most common Scots name?" She brightens then, her former quiet melancholy abruptly shed, "Oh! Look, we're setting sail -- they're unty- no, wait -- casting off!" She grins up at Baird, her face alight with excitement -- she really enjoys her time on the Valkyrie! "Have you ever been sailing on a wooden three-master before? It's really awesome!"

Baird chuckles, "Not far off from it. People laugh and then forget about it." He taps his cheeks, "These are more memorable than the name. I'll likely use makeup to cover them." He looks out over the sea, "Not a wooden one, no."

Cinnamon looks out to sea, smiling as she murmurs, "I love it. So beautiful!" She leans on her forearms, resting on the railing, as she turns her face up to the wind. It obligingly caresses cool fingers across her skin and plays with the curling scarlet hair framing her face... and for a moment she looks almost blissful. Baird watches her almost trance out, then smiles quietly and slips away. A few moments later it's Shane who leans against the rail beside her. He too saw Marcus, and he wants to check on the little dragon.

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

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