Goblin Town -- Logs

A few days later the Valkyrie makes port in Galway. The passengers all head for the inn which is the outpost for Quinn's trod. The same innkeeper is there; he beams at the familiar faces, "Ash and friends! -- and some new friends!"

Cinnamon grins excitedly, "Hi there, John! Yes, we're back!" She turns to Aisling, "Do we have time for a shopping day this time too?" She cheerfully introduces Baird, Keiko, and Marcus to the innkeeper as well, then grins at Keiko, "So do you like wandering around pretty towns too?" Thorn greets the innkeeper warmly; he remembers their prior stay in Ireland here very fondly. The innkeeper looks around the common room, making sure they're alone before he pulls out the alternate book for them to sign in. The one that's on the desk has normal human names, of course -- it's the one he brings out which has ones more like they're used to now -- along with name-sigils.

Aisling smiles, "I think we do, yes!"

Keiko looks around thoughtfully, "I do. I have not been to this part of the world yet."

Cinnamon signs in, then beams at Aisling, "Yay! Then even though it's freezing and rainy out, I think we should sightsee like wow!"

The innkeeper leans over the desk and stage-whispers, "We're in Ireland, luv. It's always freezing and rainy." He winks, with a grin -- causing Cinnamon to giggle!

Aisling laughs and slaps the man's shoulder gently, "Flirt!" Then she turns to Cinnamon and Keiko, "Yes, shopping. We'll want to pick up some things for the, ah... party."

Cinnamon looks perplexed for a moment -- well, drat! Looks like she missed a flirtation again! Ah, well... instead she asks interestedly, "That's right! You said there was a dress someone here was making for me...?" She smiles at Aisling, adding, "I'd like to pay you for this one, though, okay?" She remembers quite well the beautiful Halloween costume, after all!

Aisling smiles in her carefree way, "You can try." She slips her arm through Cinnamon's, "We should get our things put away first."

Cinnamon blinks up at Aisling... then laughs ruefully, "Ash! I can't keep accepting these amazing, expensive dresses from you... it's not right!" She scoops up her bag as she follows the lovely beansidhe up the stairs, her voice trailing after her as she tries to persuade Aisling otherwise.

Ash grins over her shoulder, "You can if I keep refusing to let you pay for them!"

Shane rolls his eyes, having walked up behind Cinnamon, "Aisling..." It's a gentle warning.

Cinnamon grumbles in quiet amusement, "I am so going to start refusing to let other people buy dresses for me...!" She considers returning the dress, like she did with Marcus... but then shakes her head once. That could seem mean, when Aisling really, truly is just trying to be nice -- and Aisling hasn't ever done anything crummy like Marcus did! The little dragon finds, on the second floor, that she and Aisling have been given one of the rooms with two single beds. Shane and Thorn are once again bunking together as well, while Keiko and Baird have one of the few double-bed rooms. Cinnamon grins excitedly to herself when she realizes that -- how nice that Baird's finally found a woman who likes him for who he actually is! She remembers the merc being a little surprised, that day they were both chatting together, when she'd mentioned the possibility of him having a sweetie. She giggles quietly about that to Shane and Thorn later, in fact -- she's delighted!

Thorn wonders if that will affect how Baird approaches his mercenary/freelance work -- now that he has someone. Shane chuckles, "I think Keiko is a little more bloodthirsty than people assume. Cranes are seen as peaceful, but you also don't want to mess with them. They can be deadly."

Cinnamon smiles uncertainly at Shane, "Um... is that... are you worried for Baird? I, er, j-just thought it was nice he'd found a warrior woman too...?"

Shane shakes his head, "Worried? No. Quite the opposite."

"Oh!" Cinnamon looks relieved, "Okay! I was confused -- sorry!"

Cinnamon greatly enjoys the day wandering around Galway, even though this time she doesn't really have anything she wants to shop for. But she happily browses and offers advice to her friends and chatters excitedly about all the lovely little places Aisling takes them to -- the beansidhe is a good guide. At the dock, Marcus says his goodbyes to those speaking with him... and he meets the people he'll be traveling with to France. The expression on his face says he's not looking forward to the trip. Cinnamon nods politely to Marcus as he departs... but doesn't feel any great need to do more than that. She'll stay where she's standing near Shane, Keiko, and Aisling, thanks! Keiko brought Baird, and Shane too has come along on the day's jaunt, inviting Thorn as well since they will need formal wear for this little caper. Thorn is happy to accompany them all; while he has formal wear -- and packed it -- it's a pleasant time to spend with friends.

The little seamstress shop Aisling takes them to seems like it might not be purely human-run. There's just something about it... and they seem to know Ash well. The entire group is greeted happily, and the men are individually swiftly checked to ensure their formal-wear accoutrements fit well. Cinnamon looks around in great interest, then grins excitedly at Keiko and Aisling, "Cool! Are we all going to look similar, or all unique, or pair-bonded, or what, please?"

Aisling smiles, "We're going in as couples." She motions between herself and Thorn, then between Cinnamon and Shane, "The lads will have matching accessories to our gowns but you, Keiko, and I will be dressed differently. To have matching gowns would be gauche." She's grinning... but then, Ash has always been a clotheshorse!

Cinnamon nods interestedly, "Okay?" She thinks for a second, then hastily adds to Shane, Baird, and Thorn, "That, umm... you guys are okay with that, right?" She does a bit of mental math: Aisling and Thorn, Cinnamon and Shane, Baird and Keiko... "Um, Aisling? Wouldn't you be escorted by, er... Quinn? Which... who's the last guy going to be escorting? Or... will he just be along as one of our group, maybe...?"

Thorn blinks in surprise; he hadn't heard of that part of the plan before. "I'm fine with that, sure," he says... though Cinnamon brings up a good point. "Hrm, yes -- what about Quinn?"

Aisling smiles again, unfazed, "Quinn's going stag. We'd actually thought of sort of... disguising him and Shane as one another."

Shane winces, "No, please. Let's not -- and I think we ought to pair him up with you. You two are metaphorically lethal."

Aisling hmms, then nods, "Fair point, dearling." She looks everyone over, "Well, then; hmm... let's pair Keiko with Thorn. That gives Baird cover from everyone since he won't have to be acting the attentive mate, even though he is."

Cinnamon looks faintly confused, "Cover from... everyone...?"

Keiko smiles, "I believe Aisling-san says we may all have eyes on my beloved warrior, while he will not feel he must have eyes on anyone in particular."

"Oh!" Cinnamon nods more confidently, "Sure, we can do that!" She grins as she adds, "Plus, Shane won't be, um... 'deceiving' anyone if he's not pretending to be someone else, right?"

Aisling nods, "Yes! And Quinn won't glower at me if I suggest he cut his hair to look more like Shane."

Shane winces again, "Dear gods, let's absolutely not do that -- me mum would beat you senseless!"

Once the men are checked, and their clothing slightly revised at the change in plans, the women are taken back as a group, to see their dresses for a fitting. Cinnamon giggles delightedly! She's almost skipping as she follows Aisling, "So, what're our dresses like? Are they pretty?"

Aisling assures Cinnamon, "They're gorgeous..."

Cinnamon beams and nearly squeaks excitedly, "Yay! Can't wait to see!" Moments later it's her turn, and she receives quite a bit of assistance in dressing, just as she needed with her Halloween outfit. When she finally looks into the huge, wrap-around mirrors, she just studies the view with some perplexity. The dress is simply breathtaking, to her perspective! The short, very puffed sleeves flare widely, accentuating her bare shoulders and highlighting the smooth curve of her bust. Intricately twining embroidery also shimmers about the bust and corset-shaped waist, then narrows down the wide-flaring front of the dress... in order to blossom out in lush profusion along the generous hem and short train. The embroidery -- as well as the dress's richly gleaming emerald silk -- is echoed in Cinnamon's fan, while the amazing dress itself gleams smoothly along all Cinnamon's lovely curves. Long ivory silk opera gloves complete the ensemble. Cinnamon blinks slowly, pushing her glasses up... then confusedly inquires, "Aisling, can things be, um... blessed as well as cursed? ...'cause this dress? ...wow!"

Aisling and the seamstress fuss with the dress, and Ash adds, "We'll do makeup and hair the night of, definitely. Something big and bold for the hair... how do you feel about wigs and hair pieces?" She pauses at Cinnamon's query, and smiles, "It's not blessed, dear. It's simply built to accentuate all the right things."

Cinnamon tilts her head as she continues studying the... the apparition before her -- because it sure can't be her there in the mirror and looking so... so gorgeous! She murmurs absently, "...okay...?" Aisling's own dress is a sapphire blue, while Keiko's is a rich, deep scarlet. Each of the men are color-coordinated to the woman he's escorting -- except for Baird, whose cravat and waistcoat are a golden yellow which makes him rather easy to spot.

The night of the party, everyone is double- and triple-checked. Keiko is especially careful to ensure Baird's charm is secure and sitting flush against his skin. She actually seems a little nervous! Cinnamon has on the amazing, gleaming emerald dress, and her scarlet hair is piled up dramatically. She wears no jewelry but for small gold earrings, and Aisling helped her with her makeup. The little dragon feels incredibly nice -- and simultaneously, incredibly not really herself! The one thing that's keeping her grounded is her almost fizzy pleasure at Shane's face when she walked in -- and his warm arm either tucking in her hand, or wrapped about her waist.

In fact, when Cinnamon steps out of the room where the women are getting prepared, Shane is talking intently with his father about possible battle coordination. Baird would normally be included in these plans, but he's not part of the strike force in this case -- he's the asset! When the door opens and Shane looks up, his lips part and he stops speaking mid-word. His amber-brown eyes slowly blink once, and he finds himself having to lick his lips -- because they feel suddenly extremely dry. Quinn's lips twitch and he leans in to murmur, "Ye'll want to reel yer tongue back in, lad, else ye'll trip over it! -an' now ye know how I felt the first time I saw yer mam sitting outside that caf�!" Quinn's mischievous streak has him adding very quietly, "A'course, lad, I have more game than y'seem to be displayin', because yer mam dragged me off a lot quicker than yer lass seems to be doin'..."

Shane glowers at his father, muttering, "Don't make me commit patricide." That garners him a wide grin!

Cinnamon is a little pink from both excitement and nerves as she comes up to Shane. She beams up at Quinn, then shyly asks the two men -- though her slightly trepidatious/hopeful gaze strays to Shane, "D-d'you like it? The d-dress? Isn't it, um... k-kinda pretty... maybe?"

Shane, being absolutely incapable of lying, looks down at Cinnamon and replies, "Acushla, you are a vision tonight. I'm going to be hard-pressed to keep my eyes off you and on Baird."

Cinnamon lights up at that! Coming from anyone else, that would be mere flattery. She straightens a bit more confidently, her excitement shifting slightly from nerves to more delight -- they're on a mission, and Shane likes her in this dress! They're going to help Baird... and she's a vision! -- which means she'll really be able to do the job she's supposed to do, of distracting their target... Shane said so! She beams at Keiko, a short while later, as she whispers in Japanese, "Are you nervous, Keiko-san? I am!" She's beaming almost incessantly, in fact -- she's so amazingly happy tonight!

Keiko speaks quietly, "This humble one is concerned her beloved warrior's curse will prove beyond all good fortune... though I am also confident we are all very good at our jobs." She smiles a bit self-disparagingly, "Love will make one worry!"

Cinnamon awws, and gently hugs the lucky crane-woman, "That's so nice, Keiko-san! Don't worry, though -- we're all committed to doing our utmost to get things straightened out for you and Baird-san!" The little dragon thinks for a moment, trying to figure out something that might help Keiko relax a bit... then brightens: maybe another review of the plan? She cheerfully calls to Quinn, "So is it okay, Quinn, if I run over our order of go one more time, so I'm sure I have it right?" He grins in amused agreement, and Cinnamon happily reviews: "So, first of all, this is our 'gathering information' run, so we can find out as much as we can about this guy and his home and security. We're running it like a, um, a full dress rehearsal, though -- as in, Baird's carrying the special sealable pouch that the necklace will go in when we do the real run, and we're all to keep a wary eye out for the safety of both Baird and Thorn!

"Second, Quinn tells us the guy is really proud of both his Irish ancestry, and returning to 'Th' Auld Country' -- so playing that up will likely please him some too." She grins as she adds, "He's even talking of learning Irish Gaelic, which is cool! Not so cool is his, um, apparent habit of quietly acquiring Irish artifacts regardless of legality -- like the necklace, and apparently other stuff too. But tonight we want to focus just on the necklace, right. Um, what else..." She frowns thoughtfully as she reviews in her head, "We'll be arriving in a wooden carriage, right, and it's after dark so the charms work on it and the 'horses'... what else..."

With an encouraging smile, Aisling murmurs, "Conversation topics?"

Cinnamon brightens again, "Oh! Right! Let the conversation swing around naturally to, er, prized trophies. If he offers to show his off, like Quinn said he might, Aisling and Keiko and I will sound disinterested in arms and armor, and Ash will suggest no libraries -- before I suggest it!" She giggles, her eyes sparkling as she teases Aisling a little, "You know me too well!" She laughs, then continues before it actually registers she was successfully teasing, "So... gems and non-martial metals are fine, paper and paintings and wood aren't, right. Let's see, what else... oh! Also, Quinn warned me the guy might want a, um, Irish ballad-" she blushes a bit self-consciously, adding, "s-so I, um, I t-took some voice lessons so I wouldn't embarrass you all! Oh, and I, um, I was thinking of maybe singing, um, th-the Fields of Athenry? I mean, it's, like, almost the national anthem of Ireland now, right? So... a guy that's proud of being Irish should love that, hopefully!"

Cinnamon doesn't say it aloud, but she also has a back-up song ready, should she be asked for an encore. She's half hoping she won't be, since she considers her possible encore song to be rather daring -- but it had felt so perfect to her! Thus, should the opportunity arise, she'll sing 'I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls'... and (for fear of a bad case of the stutters) carefully not look at Shane as she sings it! For now, she hastily adds, "So, um... so, I checked? -and there's no port near Kilkenny, where the Apple castle is, but it's only about a hundred miles away, so that'd only take me about, umm..." She does a bit of math in her head, then grins confidently, "About seven or eight minutes to fly there, if you want? Um, what else... well, the only other thing I can think of that might be relevant is that it's the full moon two nights after tonight?" She notices Baird's confused brow furrow, and giggles, "Sorry! Sorry, I was just noting that Fraser'll be all wolfy and, um, Id-y for the full moon!" That causes a few snorts of amusement from those who know Fraser!

When the carriage arrives, each of the gentlemen hands up their escort, helping with dress trains and making sure everything is well tucked in... and also, incidentally, making sure the warriors are on the outer sides, near the doors. Once they're all safely in the carriage, Quinn speaks quietly, "Please don't treat the horses like animals -- they're sentient. I don't think any of you, aside from Aisling and Shane, have met a phouka in their animal form, and horse phoukas tend to be..." He seems to be looking for a word; Aisling murmurs, "Arrogant." Quinn snorts, "Proud. They tend to be proud. Ash, you can't stamp them all, after one bad apple." Thorn arches a brow at that interchange. 'One bad apple' sounds like it made for a hell of a story! But... he shouldn't pry. Especially now; they need to focus.

Cinnamon oohs delightedly at the dramatic carriage, gleaming with apparent gold leaf painted along the midnight-black wood. The four black horses drawing the conveyance also gleam richly -- their coats as much as their shining hooves. The little dragon raises an intrigued eyebrow, however, when she realizes the coachman -- or coachperson? Hard to tell under that heavy greatcoat and broad hat -- is holding the reins loosely in their gloved hands! Consequently she simply nods, unsurprised to hear the 'horses' are sapient, "That's really nice of them! Is it okay to thank them and the coach, uh, person, later... for helping us?" She smiles as her gloved hand gently strokes the rich velvet knap of the well-cushioned bench seat along this side of the carriage, adding, "This is so amazingly beautiful, Quinn! Thank you so much for making this all happen for Baird!"

Quinn smiles, "Oh, thanking them later will be well appreciated. The coachman will be proud as well, since he too is a phouka. This lot is a herd."

Cinnamon's eyes widen with excitement again, "Oh my gosh, they are?! Oh, wow! Can we -- I mean, will they let us see them later -- all beautiful and running together?!" She sighs happily as she adds, "Horses kinda scare me up close... but watching them all move as a herd, like they're all dancing perfectly together?" She nearly glows as she beams, her hands clasped with delight, "So gorgeous!" She blushes as she shyly adds, "Also less scary because they're at a distance..."

Thorn definitely doesn't know how to ride, least of all horses, but he certainly appreciates the majesty of arriving at the party in a horse-drawn carriage. He makes a mental note to praise the phoukas for taking them to the ball! Shane smiles quietly at Cinnamon's enthusiasm, "You can ask, acushla. It would appeal to their pride. You could also ask to ride, if you'd like. They'd not let you fall."

Cinnamon blinks at Shane, considering that... then nearly squeaks in alarm, "Oh, no! N-nonono, no thank you. I, er, I..." Hm... maaaybe not mention how disastrous her handful of riding adventures were, right here and now! "Um, n-no, that, ah, th-that's fine!" She hastily adds, "I, er, I w-wouldn't want them to think I w-was taking them for granted or anything -- I mean, I wouldn't like it if folks just assumed I was just a ride too, r-right?" Quick, better change the subject! "So! Um... right, um -- so if we, er, s-see a way to successfully nab the necklace tonight, is that okay to do?"

Quinn and Baird both look at Shane with their brows raised, biting back smirks. After all, both men know a whole other meaning to 'just a ride,' when applied to a woman! They're waiting to see if the younger man is going to try to explain to Cinnamon why she oughtn't say that. However, Shane just skips right over the issue entirely, "They won't assume, a ghr�, but of course you don't have to ride anything you don't want to ride." Cinnamon looks slightly relieved at that! She glances expectantly at Quinn, for an answer to her query.

Aisling leans close to Quinn so her lips are basically right against his ear, murmuring, "No matter how badly the lad would like her to."

Quinn puts his hand over his face and mutters back, "I was trying not to say that, Ash!" He clears his throat and replies to Cinnamon, "If we find a way that will allow us to do it without getting caught -- aye, lass."

Cinnamon nods a bit uncertainly to Quinn, smiling politely... then asks, "Aisling and Shane, have you shared the most recent news about Niamh with Quinn?" Both of them shake their heads, and Quinn looks curious... so Aisling smiles and gently urges Cinnamon to do so. The little dragon considers, then checks with both Keiko and Baird, "Are you both willing to promise to not let anyone outside of this group know what we're about to talk about?" After some careful questions from Keiko to establish the parameters of what Cinnamon means -- effectively, she doesn't want Niamh's privacy broken -- the lucky crane woman agrees for both of them. Cinnamon grins a bit at the slightly wry expression on Baird's face -- she suspects the Scots merc is learning a great deal, and very rapidly, about supernaturals, due to Keiko's thoughtful training!

Once that's settled, Cinnamon relates to Quinn the tale of both visits to Niamh. It's clear she's appalled at what was done to the poor woman, though she is also equally proud to tell of Thorn's clever healing. She concludes with, "...and now she's thinking of trying to return here to see if she can help put things aright again, though she was thinking maybe Rowan first would be better since she's sure she doesn't have any friends in her home trod any longer. Brynn thinks if she had someone to accompany her, it might work out okay... though I don't think either of them had anyone in particular in mind, last we spoke with them. What do you think?" She's pleased when Quinn replies that he has a few folks in mind who might be able to accompany Niamh... but he'll have to talk to them first. She thanks Quinn, then goes back to quietly watching the night-dark countryside passing by. The carriage-lights flicker from their speed, but it's just enough for her regular nightsight to see for quite a distance. Fortunately the target's mansion is just outside of Galway.

As the carriage draws up with a flourish to the immense, brightly-lit, and ivy-covered mansion, the little dragon is murmuring under her breath, "James for Shane, I'm Eliza, Baird is Angus, Harry for Thorny... and the guy's name is Patrick Kelly, a good friend now of Quinn's..." She concludes with, "-and everyone else stays the same -- okay, got it!" She grins excitedly at Shane, "Isn't it a lovely house, James?"

Quinn smiles and rolls his shoulders, and his demeanor changes a bit. The confident but friendly personality shifts slightly toward cocky and aloof. Cinnamon's demeanor changes slightly too, though possibly only Shane or Thorn will realize it. She's considering how her parents would react, and modifying her own usual enthusiasm through the lens of their 'been there, done that' demeanor, that hides their envy. She's being careful not to lie, of course... but instead of bubbling about how gorgeous the grounds are, she'll instead mention what a nice little spread this is. Shane/James takes Cinnamon's hand and loops it through his elbow, looking around, "Indeed; it's a lovely place. Anyone would be quite proud to be the person to deserve this place." Quinn and Ash walk ahead of everyone, being the first to be greeted at the door and have invitations checked.

Cinnamon grins up at 'James,' her eyes sparkling... then she pushes up her glasses, lifts her chin, and mutters firmly to herself, "Let's do this thing!" She walks next to Shane as if she belongs there -- because she does! He took her hand and everything! They're gonna save Baird and have a fabulous time doing it, she's sure! Baird goes after Quinn and Aisling, smiling a charming smile. He's wearing makeup that partially covers the scars so the doorman doesn't immediately register anything very wrong with his face. Thorn and Keiko are next, with Thorn/Harry trying for the demeanor of someone pleasant but a bit vacuous. Shane and Cinnamon -- or rather, James and Eliza -- are the rear guard.

Cinnamon looks around with interest as she enters. Having seen both Elm's manor on Coblyn, as well as Caradog's palace, she's not overwhelmed... but she does wonder a bit at how... very full the front hallway is! Dusty hunting trophies which look as though they've seen better days; huge, heavy, nearly black wooden furniture; a few mirrors and a ton of paintings -- all of rather cranky looking individuals in clearly historical dress! This guy is really enjoying playing the part of an Irish laird, Cinnamon thinks. The doorman directs the group to follow the main hallway to the ballroom, which is apparently where the hallway ends. Huge, ornate double doors open onto the room, and voices and music spill out from it. The place has been modernized only to the extent of making it comfortable and well-lighted -- but the owner is clearly trying for 'old Irish authenticity.' Quinn mutters to Aisling, "Why live aboveground and not at least keep everything dusted?" She nudges her cousin in the ribs and he grins at her before putting on his serious expression again. They're met at the doorway by another servant in livery.

Cinnamon is quietly glad, as she hands off her wrap to the doorman, that Aisling was so smart -- and made sure everyone is so formally dressed that they're all wearing gloves! Very proper, almost military-looking white gloves on the gentlemen, and silk-gleaming opera gloves on the women... and don't they all look so fine? Walking last, with Shane, means the little dragon can appreciate just how glitteringly beautiful her companions are! Thought... she grins in quiet delight to herself -- she thinks she doesn't look too shabby either, actually! Thorn hands off his coat to the doorman as the others do, looking like he's clearly impressed with the d�cor and the overall ambience of the entire place. He hopes Keiko doesn't get annoyed with his 'highly drafty brainpan' persona. She actually seems amused with Thorn's behavior, portraying something of a 'lady of a certain age with a bit of a boytoy' persona with it. It gives her the chance to point things out to him under the guise of explaining things to her slightly vapid escort. Cinnamon blinks slowly as she realizes what's going on with Keiko and Tho- er, Harry -- it's like Athala and Thorn! The little dragon giggles quietly to herself, pleased she now knows how to react to them.

Shane checks his gloves once they're in the room, then carefully shoots his cuffs to make sure everything is in places. Cinnamon takes a long, slow breath after Shane does that -- wow but he makes her feel all tingly sometimes! He smiles down at Cinnamon before looking around the room, trying to spot their host. She's slightly flushed as she grins shyly up at him again... then hastily glances away, "Oh, um, there... that must be Mr. Kelly!" Baird has faded into the crowd, not wanting to risk being recognized. Cinnamon beams charmingly at Patrick Kelly when Quinn introduces she and Shane, offering her gloved hand to the man, "A pleasure to meet you, sir -- Quinn has told us so much about you and your work here!"

Kelly takes Cinnamon's hand and kisses it, doing the same for each of the other women as well. At her comment, the man puffs up, "I met Quinn at an auction when I outbid him on a lovely statuette. Lucky for me, he was gracious about it."

Cinnamon flips open her fan to cover her lower face as she laughs softly, "Boys and their toys! Well, I'm so pleased to hear you both hit it off well!" She's not entirely sure why Aisling suggested she use that phrase, since she's pretty sure neither man really qualifies as a boy... but Aisling hasn't steered her wrong yet!

Quinn chuckles quietly and his eyes gleam as he replies, "Oh, but how are we supposed to lure in the real beauties except with the shiniest baubles?"

Cinnamon laughs again at that, since she's quite well aware that Aisling likes all respectful men -- she doesn't need baubles for that! Heck, Cinnamon herself is wearing no jewelry except for small gold studs in her ears. "Pretty shiny things are nice, true... but I think the real deal in antiques is nicer." She blinks once as it hits her: did she actually just talk-flirt there? Like... are both Quinn and Aisling 'real-deal antiques'? The little dragon falls silent as she puzzles over that: was it teasing, or truth, or flirting, or... something else entirely?

Quinn's eyes gleam again as he lets his eyes flick up and down Cinnamon, Aisling, and Keiko, all, "Oh, but art doesn't have to be antique to be appreciated."

Kelly tips his head back and laughs, "Oh, indeed! Some modern art is quite... enticing."

Cinnamon blinks, looking abruptly pleased -- ooh, Quinn thinks she did it successfully! Um... whatever 'it' was that she did... but anyways! She beams up at Shane, blurting out without thinking, "It just has to be real -- that's the best kind, right?!"

Kelly's eyes gleam as he nods, "Indeed, indeed; originals, no matter who the artist! Studies and prints are all well and good, I suppose, but for a true collector..." He motions around them with the hand that's holding a brandy snifter, "I've made it something of a personal quest to fill this place with all sorts of true works of art. Paintings. Literature. An armory of antique weapons..."

Shane brightens, and Cinnamon sighs and rolls her eyes, "Oh, James, please... not more weapons?" She giggles, adding, "Aisling will never forgive you!"

Before they can get any deeper into discussions of Kelly's collections, there's the ringing of a bell. Their host looks over his shoulder with a chuckle, "Ah. That would be the signal for dinner. Please: follow me." Cinnamon grins up at James/Shane, shyly tucking her hand into his arm -- he feels so nice and warm and eeeeeee! This is so cool, getting to pretend she's Shane's sweetie for this mission! Shane lays his hand over Cinnamon's and winks down at her, somewhat playing the rake and more than somewhat taking the chance to flirt with her with impunity. After all, she's supposed to be playing the confident lady tonight -- so perhaps he can get away with more than normal tonight.

They're shown into a formal dining room with a table that looks almost like it should be an art class study in perspective. Cinnamon blinks interestedly at the room, pushing her glasses up with one gloved finger as she studies it all. Her eyes brighten a little as she notices the string quartet in one corner -- how cool! Thanks to Jalil, she's starting to have a real appreciation for live music. The seating arrangements have the group from Coblyn at the host's right and left sides -- and it's likely no trouble guessing who got that arranged. As they all know by now, Aisling is very charming, and they've got luck on their side now, with Keiko along! Cinnamon grins at sight of the seating... then hopes internally she'll get to sit next to Shane -- she always feels more confident with him there! There are only a handful of other guests, but they all seem as if they know one another and are talking amongst themselves easily enough. Cinnamon is relieved the huge table isn't full, despite knowing the group from Coblyn need a little cover for just in case. A truly huge crowd would be a smidge too intimidating for her, after all!

Thorn is... well, a little overwhelmed. He tries not to show it, hiding it behind gawking wonder, which fits his persona of the lady's boy for the evening reasonably well. It is, though, he admits, a very lovely room. Keiko has been using Thorn's manner of the slightly vapid, pretty boy-toy to point things out and explain them to him. It serves as the perfect cover to keep up a running commentary of the arrangement and tactical layout of the whole place. Cinnamon tilts her head interestedly as she realizes that... and starts quietly listening to Keiko as well, when she can. The little dragon is all about learning new things, after all! Keiko's conversation runs to subjects such as: "Windows like this are so narrow because they were meant to protect archers. You can see our gracious host has had them glazed. It looks like he's even gone so far as to put alarms on them... because no one keeps archers anymore!" Or, "There are very many doors in this room -- so many ways in and out!" Kelly, however, is completely oblivious to the crane woman essentially giving a mercenary, a centuries-old sidhe, and a young warrior the layout, choke-points, defensible areas, and optimal ingress and egress points of his well-defended home.

The little dragon grins quietly to herself as she realizes what sorts of things Keiko looks for. She too can do that! Plus, her memory should help as well, right? The little dragon starts trying to notice interesting and/or useful stuff in the room as well, as she nearly promenades in with her date -- who is quite certainly the absolute cutest guy here, Cinnamon is sure! Thorn inwardly snickers; he thoroughly enjoys and appreciates Keiko's running commentary.

The meal they sit down to is opulent; Aisling sits at Kelly's left, Cinnamon directly to his right. Cinnamon beams charmingly at Kelly as she's seated -- she can do this! She's got Shane backing her -- nothing is gonna stop them now! She also, of course, makes a mental note to later find a website on tactics -- maybe Keiko can recommend one? Shane sits at Cinnamon's right, Quinn at Aisling's left. Keiko and Thorn are next to Quinn and Aisling, with Baird next to Shane. As they start with dinner, Aisling smiles at their host, "This really is a gorgeous home you've made here. Is it your family's?"

Cinnamon glances at Baird, making another mental note: keep an eye on the poor guy for any possible bad luck dogging him! He's got his amulet on, though, so he should hopefully be fine...? Plus... well, her job right now really is supposed to be to keep Kelly charmed by his guests. Okay... she'll keep an ear out for Baird -- that should work, she decides with an internal grin! Shane is also keeping an eye on Baird, since they are in semi-close proximity to the cursed object. Cinnamon is faintly relieved at spotting that -- excellent! Now she can focus a smidge more on Kelly. With a small internal thrill, she happily wonders: is this, like, teamwork? How awesome, if so!

As it turns out, Kelly is a little bit of a braggart and a flirt... and apparently somewhat easily distracted by breasts. It's often as if he's addressing the ladies' chests instead of their faces, which makes Ash roll her eyes when their host is speaking with Cinnamon. Fortunately the little dragon doesn't really notice -- because she'd be mortified if so! Instead she laughs at all the right moments that she can tell she should, and is smiling and sweet and lovely as she knows how to be. Also, whenever Kelly pauses, she simply asks him to say more about himself, or whatever subject he was talking about -- and he's naturally happy to comply. That technique, the little dragon knows, is always a helpful technique with men, when one wishes to slide out of the spotlight. Whether Cinnamon notices or not, Shane does -- and he also rolls his eyes. But he doesn't glower, the way he would were it Marcus, because he knows this man is simply a mark.

As dessert is taken away, Quinn leans to beam at Cinnamon/Eliza, "This hall has fantastic acoustics! Your voice would do lovely things here, Eliza-dear."

Cinnamon /Eliza grins shyly at Quinn, "Oh, I'm sure our host isn't interested in me singing! I bet he's already got entertainment planned too; I wouldn't want to interrupt that." She unwittingly takes a very deep breath to make sure her reply is convincing -- which might remind Kelly that opera singers often are quite... zaftig while singing! The little dragon isn't sure precisely why Aisling coached her to be sort of hesitant at the first request for song, but she does know Aisling compared it to fishing, which the little dragon has never done. Something about setting bait and hooks and stuff...? -but then again, the clever beansidhe hasn't steered Cinnamon wrong yet!

Quinn smirks, as that breath doesn't remind Kelly a bit of opera singers, so much as it reminds him that dress certainly has an interesting bodice! For once, though, the man is actually looking at Cinnamon's face as he replies, "No vocalists -- just the musicians. I'm sure it would be wonderful to have you grace us with a tune or two..."

Cinnamon tilts her head at the man, smiling a bit, "Are you sure? Or... oh, I know! I know some songs that are very Irish, from what I've heard. Would you like 'Fields of Athenry' perhaps?" She's quite aware this is the closest thing Ireland has to a national anthem right now, after all.

Kelly's eyes light up, "Oh! That would be lovely!" He stands and offers his hand to Cinnamon, "Please, come with me to meet the musicians." Cinnamon dimples delightedly at Kelly, a bit pink with excitement as she accepts his hand and rises to walk along with him. She's mentally reviewing her notes from Aisling, for when she's ever near Kelly: deep, slow breaths; lots of smiles; keep him talking, and keep her face towards him like she's fascinated -- got it! Fortunately the little dragon has no idea what... remarkable things her breathing is doing for her cleavage.

Once Kelly has Cinnamon away from the table, Baird murmurs, "One day that lass is going to realize someone is ogling her -- and they're going to get their jaw broken when she slaps him silly!" That causes a few hastily restrained snorts and/or coughing -- to cover the laughs!

Cinnamon smiles pleasantly as she's introduced to the musicians, guessing that they probably aren't thrilled at having some strange woman wanting to sing with them... so she silently promises herself to do her absolute best for them! She notices their slightly rolling accents, so after she's introduced she curiously checks, in Gaelic, "And might I ask you, then, for the Fields of Athenry?" That, she hopes, will encourage them a bit that she's not a total loss to play with! She's been practicing her voice lessons faithfully, too... so maybe once they hear her, they'll be happier as well. She isn't sure how good she is, admittedly -- but if nothing else, she knows this song inside and out!

Only about two thirds of the musicians speak Irish -- but the ones that do are excited. They agree they'd be pleased to play for her to sing. Cinnamon beams at that, "Thank you!" She shifts politely to English to check quietly with the musicians on key and speed, then turns as Kelly cheerfully introduces Cinnamon/Eliza to his dinner guests. She smiles and curtseys at the polite applause, then waits as Kelly seats himself, and the musicians vamp with a slow introduction to the song.

Quinn murmurs to Kelly, "She's quite the siren."

James/Shane murmurs, "Oh, aye."

Kelly nods and gives Shane a somewhat roguish smile, "And you're a lucky man to be her escort." Thorn nods quietly, smiling as he listens to the musical lead-in to Cinnamon's singing. He isn't unaware of Kelly's comment, but he doesn't make a reply... because something about it bothers him.

Cinnamon hasn't sung in public before, though she's sung a great deal in the last month.... and she really likes this sad yet somehow... defiant? -song. She waits for the lead violin's subtle nod to her -- then takes a deep breath and does her best to sing her heart out! The passion of the lovers cruelly and unjustly forced apart trembles in the pure, clear tones of her soprano voice, and she keeps her gaze mostly on Shane or the fireplace as she sings:

"By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
'Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyan's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay...'"

As the chorus begins, Eliza/Cinnamon smiles and holds out her hands, encouraging everyone to sing with her -- she suspects the Irish, at least, among those present won't be able to resist this paean to defiance against the English occupiers! Aisling told her that getting everyone singing along will make Kelly happy, too... and so the little dragon serenades beautifully, her soprano rising clear and gorgeous above the smiling, nostalgic crowd's singing along:

"Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry..."

Not a word is spoken as Cinnamon sings, until the audience is encouraged to sing along with her. Cinnamon harmonizes with the musicians during the verses, internally relieved at how pleased they seem to be -- she has no idea the first violin is utterly thrilled at being able to play with a truly fabulous chanteuse! He repeats the chorus twice more at the end, recognizing a mesmerized crowd when he sees one. When the last notes finally go silent, there's applause and encouragement and calls for another. Thorn applauds as well, eagerly and happily... though he does keep an eye on Kelly. The host looks entranced, eyes gleaming as he too applauds and calls for an encore... causing Shane to murmur to Baird, "Acquisitive fucker."

As the crowd enthusiastically applauds, the violinist steps forward and takes Cinnamon's hand, turning her to face her audience as they both take a bow. When she straightens from her deep, glowingly happy curtsey, he turns to face her and, still lightly holding her gloved hand, bows this time to her -- he feels she performed superlatively! Her cheeks are attractively flushed as she laughs delightedly, curtseying to him as well. This time when she straightens, the violinist smiles and murmurs quietly to Cinnamon, "Do ye know 'A Nation Once Again,' lass?" Cinnamon grins and nods! She likes the bouncy tune, and she agrees with the violinist: it's a song that will appeal to their host! The violinist beams and sits back down, striking up the music. The rest of the players pick it up immediately. The second song goes even better than the first, since the crowd is now primed to sing along with the chorus. The Irish present can take pride in their being free people once more, as well:

"...That hope has shown a far light,
Nor could love's brightest summer glow
Outshine that solemn starlight;
It seemed to watch above my head
In forum, field and fame,
Its angel voice sang round my bed,
A Nation Once Again!
...and Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation Once Again!"

Quinn murmurs near Kelly, "A proud nation, indeed." He shakes his head as if there's some melancholy thought there.

At the applause and cheerful calls of yet another encore at the end of that song, Cinnamon whispers to the violinist, "Umm... so, do you happen to know 'I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls,' by any chance?"

The violinist grins -- he knows a good closing encore song when he hears one! -- and nods reassuringly, "It's a favorite, lass!" Turning to his companions, he starts it off slow and soulful, and they quickly pick it up... and then Cinnamon/Eliza joins in -- though this time her gaze is just to one side of Shane, since she's afraid she'll stutter with nerves if she's actually watching the guy she's truly singing to!

"I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls
With vassals and serfs at my side,
And of all who assembled with me in those walls
That I was the hope and the pride.
I had riches all too great to count
And a high ancestral name.

But I also dreamt which pleased me most
That you loved me still the same,
That you loved me
You loved me still the same,
That you loved me
You loved me still the same..."

The whole hall quiets. This is not a song to sing along with. Shane watches her face intently, his heart in his throat. She's a dragon singing about treasure. It's just a different sort of treasure. Cinnamon's voice is clear and pure as a mountain stream, and in the great hall her voice echoes gently... as she performs the most haunting, ethereal rendition of the shy lover singing to her unwitting beloved. The violinist is a clever man, and music is his life -- and so he gently draws out the closing chorus, allowing Cinnamon's voice to rise into a gloriously entrancing closing descant... and then the music fades slowly away with her voice.

Cinnamon gives a quick, slightly nervous glance at Shane once the song is over -- does he seem to have enjoyed it? Hopefully he won't think she's making a public pass at him or anything, and feel offended...? She feels rather a lot of empathy for the song, in fact... being a dragon's child has been a shock, a joy, a responsibility, and more... but she truly hopes Shane still likes her just for herself! Shane smiles warmly back at her, laying a hand over his chest as he mouths the word: 'Beautiful.' Quinn glances back at his son and his lips twitch. He leans to one of his oldest friends, and murmurs, "And why is it this hasn't been consummated yet?"

Aisling murmurs back, "Because she was raised in the wrong world."

During the applause, Cinnamon and the violinist bow again to the audience and then to each other... and she blushes with happiness at his quietly murmured, "A true, true pleasure, lass. Thank ye kindly for making this a performance to remember!"

He steps back politely when Kelly approaches to escort Cinnamon back to her seat, and the little dragon beams with shy pleasure as she's settled once more. Shane leans over and kisses Cinnamon's cheek, murmuring, "Truly a gorgeous performance, sweetheart."

Cinnamon is so thrilled at that, that it actually takes her a moment to remember Aisling's coaching! She feels all tingly and warm with joy at Shane's reaction... but she does recall soon enough to not lose the moment -- she leans slightly towards Kelly, to grin and ask, "So, I've shared a treasure with you... have you any treasures here that you'd like to share with all of us, too?" Across the table, Aisling grins at Shane's startled glance -- nope, she definitely didn't tell the little dragon about the potential innuendo of her statement!

Kelly's eyes gleam as he replies, "Well, that would depend. What sorts of treasures would you like to see?"

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! I'd love to see any antiques you have! Though..." she glances around the heavily wood-paneled room and furniture, "maybe... not any more wooden stuff, please?"

Quinn gives Aisling a significant look as he opens his mouth -- and the sidhe quickly and firmly says, "No. No more libraries! I'm beginning to think I'm allergic to whatever it is they make that old ink out of."

Quinn sighs lugubriously, "No more than I think I'm developing hives every time you drag me to an art gallery, luv."

Cinnamon blushes slightly, "Oh! Sorry, Ash -- umm... how about no wood or paintings or paper, then?"

Shane's eyes light up, "Well, there's always metal...?"

Cinnamon groans, "Uuuugh!" -- then laughs as she realizes she and Aisling are echoing each other! She lightly touches Shane's arm, trying to seem persuasive, "Maybe you could ask for the weapons and armor tour later, please, James? Though..." she frowns thoughtfully, "I'm not sure what kind of antiques are metal but not weapons or armor, actually...?"

Kelly says -- in a tone he obviously thinks is playful and perhaps tempting, "Well, perhaps other artifacts! Jewelry, for instance. Or other such things recovered at historic sites..."

Cinnamon brightens again, "Ooh, that'd work!" She beams at Kelly, "Do you have any lovely old antique Irish or heirloom jewelry then?" She worries a bit internally, though: do Aisling and Quinn have a way to get rid of the rest of the dinner guests? The fewer eyes on them as they reconnoiter this place, the better, after all... right? She thinks so, at least?

Kelly looks down along the table before he replies, "I have a few, but I don't display them to just anyone..."

Quinn smoothly murmurs, "Well, perhaps after everyone's gone home for the night?" He's got no worries he and Ash can convince people they're awfully tired.

Cinnamon bounces slightly in her chair, unwittingly clasping her hands just above cleavage-height, "Oh, could we, please? Something new to see -- how exciting!" Shane knows Cinnamon didn't do it on purpose, but he also knows it's definitely helping her case!

Kelly smiles and reaches for one of her hands, "Oh, absolutely." Cinnamon beams delightedly up at Kelly, happy to take his hand. She's not entirely sure why he's reaching for her, but... she knows she's safe and okay. Shane is here! ...and so are several more of her friends! People are beginning to stand for the whole 'after dinner port and coffee' interlude. Strangely, it takes less than forty-five minutes for people to clear out.

Once it's just the little group, Kelly takes them all through his home to a door which looks like most of the other heavy wooden doors in the place... but then he moves what looks like a stone aside to reveal a security panel. He attempts to block it with his body, but there are too many of them and at least one of them manages to see what he puts in for the code to unlock a door that proves to be about eight inches of steel with a wood veneer. Cinnamon is quietly pleased at how surprisingly easy it is to read touchpads that have just been used -- infrared shows the heat nicely! She memorizes the code even as she beams excitedly at Kelly, "So, what do you have? Is it pretty?!"

The door swings open as Kelly jovially replies, "Oh, I've got quite a few things! But there's one in particular..." With a flourish, he ushers his guests into the room, which is set up like a small museum. Just inside the door is a panel of lights which Kelly flips on -- showing a large room with several glass cases around the edges. However, right in the center and taking pride of place, displayed against white velvet -- since it highlights emeralds better than the normal black -- is a necklace which Baird wishes he'd never accepted a job to transport!

Cinnamon gasps in apparent shock and awe... then heads towards the necklace, "Oh my gosh how gorgeous...!" Curiously, though, as she rests one gloved hand on the glass case, she realizes: there's something... 'off' about the necklace! She tilts her head in slight perplexity -- could the case actually be somehow messing with her 'reading' of this thing? The rest of the group moves into the room as well. Shane and Baird are both moving around to quietly check out the security; well, Baird is also just trying to stay away from the necklace. Quinn and Aisling are with Cinnamon and Kelly. Keiko stays with Thorn, doing the same she was before: explaining just why museum displays are the way they are, and basically breaking down how to get into every single one of the cases. Thorn nods eagerly, if vapidly, as if he is focusing all his attention on Keiko but some of what she's saying is a bit beyond his little brain.

Shane has been amused as hell by Thorn acting so vapid. At one point he moves near his friend and the crane woman, murmuring, "You make a fantastic Malibu bimboy, dude."

Thorn stifles his laugh, doing his best to stay in character. "Trying my best," he murmurs cheerfully.

Elsewhere in the room, Cinnamon has to stifle a giggle at Keiko's excellent directions! She smiles up at Kelly instead, "What is this piece? Is it special, or named? It's really striking!"

Kelly goes on about the central piece: where it was found, how much gold is in it, how many carats of emeralds... and then he gives Cinnamon what he considers a charming and impish grin, "And of course, there's the legend of the curse." His problem, though he doesn't know it, is that he's in a room with beansidhe -- and beansidhe basically invented impish!

Cinnamon looks intrigued, "A curse? Ooh, how romantic! What is it?"

Kelly touches the wood of the case rather than the glass, as he replies, "It's much like the supposed curse of the Hope Diamond -- bad luck. It's supposed to bring enough bad luck to be deadly to anyone who possesses it." He chuckles and leans close, murmuring, "As you can see, however, it's just a legend -- I've not been affected!" Of course, what he's not saying -- and what they all know -- is that he went to great pains to avoid the actual terms of the curse.

Cinnamon stares in wide-eyed delight at Kelly -- then looks down fascinatedly at the shining necklace, "How cool! So if it's not real, you can still wear it and such, then, right? The curse, I mean?"

Kelly chuckles, "Oh, I suppose, but it's very precious and it's quite old. It's not something you'd wear out somewhere."

Shane is standing near Thorn, staying out of the way of Cinnamon's efforts with Kelly. Aisling beams, "Oh, but it would look so gorgeous with her dress!" To Quinn she adds, "Wouldn't it, dear?"

Cinnamon studies the necklace in apparent longing... then looks up and smiles shyly at Kelly, "May I... just try it on once, then? Please? I've never worn a real antique before-" Shane winces slightly, while Cinnamon unwittingly continues, "-especially not one with a curse on it!" Behind Kelly, Keiko gently pats Shane. He knew there would be some lies. That one just hurts because (as all the supernaturals here know) the necklace Liam gave Cinnamon is far more ancient than even this one.

Kelly seems to consider for a heartbeat before he muses, "Well... perhaps just for this occasion." He moves carefully to shield the controls, and the glass drops into the base of the display. Kelly carefully lifts the necklace out, to place it about Cinnamon's neck. Around the room, people collectively hold their breaths.

Cinnamon beams excitedly, turning so he can clasp it easily about her pale throat. Once that's done, she turns to admire it in the nearest mirror or other reflective surface. Her gloved fingers stroke it lightly as she smiles quietly -- the necklace really is striking! Against her pale skin, with her scarlet hair and the richly adorned dress framing it, the gold-adorned gems seem to spark emerald fire. She grins up at Kelly, "Thank you so much! It's lovely." She unfastens it and examines it once more before handing it to him again, "Also, it's very clever of you to have a fake out on display like this! Are all the pretty things here just good fakes as well? Or... oh, how disappointing... do you not actually have the original of this beautiful necklace?"

Kelly too admires the (admittedly, very good) fake on Cinnamon -- at least until her shocking announcement! He blinks at first, dumbfounded that she could tell -- he'd had it made so that it was weighted very much like actual gold and emeralds, after all! But then he laughs, delighted, "Oh, I do have the original... but it's much like the crown jewels. You only display the real thing very, very rarely."

Baird is almost shocked at how relieved he feels, at hearing the necklace is a fake! Of course, as he reassures himself, it's not as if he could be double-cursed! ...right? Shane also is immensely relieved, though he feels a bit guilty about it; he knows they truly do need to fix this issue. Still, he doesn't like the idea of his acushla being cursed even accidentally! Cinnamon nods gravely as she carefully pours the necklace back into Kelly's hands, "Actually, I can totally understand that... though I still would love to see the real antique. Can we do that?"

Kelly puts the fake back into the display case, and only then carefully considers, "Well... getting to it does require going a little deeper in the house -- and I do mean deeper. It's in a sub-level, cramped and not very pleasant, but much more secure. Are you certain...?"

Cinnamon's sweet smile up at Kelly is utterly genuine, "How often will I get to see -- maybe even touch! -- a real, live, gorgeous, supposedly-cursed antique? Isn't something like this truly a once in a lifetime treasure? I would adore going to see it!"

Kelly considers... then acquiesces with a smile, "Very true, my dear... and it really would look lovely on you, with that dress."

Cinnamon beams at that, blushing slightly with pleasure, "Thank you!" She steps back politely as Kelly re-locks the display, her mind racing. Okay, they're going to get to see the real thing, though this caper is getting more and more difficult -- they're going to have to return and sneak into the bowels of the building to retrieve the cursed necklace. A bit wistfully she wishes they could just swap the fake with the real one now -- that'd certainly save them a lot of time and effort! Be a lot easier and less dangerous t-too... ooo... her thoughts stutter off for a moment, as the incredible, wonderful thought hits her: why not now?!

Cinnamon glances around quickly, assessing what they'd need to do... ah! Aisling and Quinn -- perfect to retrieve the fake necklace here... and maybe Baird and Shane can distract Kelly while that's happening! The little dragon almost subvocalizes for the beansidhe woman with the knack of hearing everything, "Ash! Can you have Quinn pick the lock and nab this necklace... and we can swap them downstairs when Kelly shows us the real one!" Then she glances at Shane, her eyes unwittingly huge with her current need for him to see and understand her! When he smiles at her, she stares intently at him for a moment, then deliberately tilts her head a few times between Kelly and one of the display cases with what looks like (to her untutored eyes) a dagger thingie in it: can Shane get Kelly talking with him about that for a few moments?

As they're all starting to move slowly toward the door, Shane glances to the side -- and his eyes light in recognition and interest, "Ah! It looks like there's at least a couple of weapons in here as well!"

Kelly chuckles and veers in that direction, with Shane, "Well, just these." The case the two men peruse holds several short, double-edged daggers. They don't have any sort of cross-guard, and the blade is almost leaf-shaped, starting out as wide as the hilt and tapering to a point. The weapons vary from a very plain hilt, to one that's quite bejeweled and with a gilded sheath. Cinnamon is delighted at how smoothly Shane did that! She drifts along with him and Kelly... and it's surely coincidence that she stands between their host and the necklace's display case. The little dragon takes a surreptitious, subtle peek that way, in fact, to see if Aisling and Quinn are doing well too. Kelly smiles proudly as he looks down into the display case, "Do you know what they are? Your... companion seemed to think you're fond of weapons?"

Shane smiles, glad he doesn't have to lie, "Sgian dubhan, I would think, yes?" Cinnamon laughs softly at the careful choice of appellation for her, quietly fanning herself as she watches.

Kelly nods, pleased Shane knows what they are, "Indeed!" He indicates one that's actually got a dropped tip with a black handle, "That one is the oldest in my collection. The handle is bog oak... and there's some speculation that the traditional material is where the name came from, though some think the term 'black knife' actually means 'hidden knife.'"

Shane nods, "Because it could be hidden in kilt hose, or even in the armpit, in places you were supposed to surrender your weapons." Cinnamon looks intrigued, but doesn't say anything -- she doesn't want to give Kelly any reason to turn around, right now! She'll ask Shane later if there was that much back-stabbing and such, back then. Also, Shane has told Cinnamon he's almost always armed with at least one blade... so it's likely the young man has one on him right now.

Back by the necklace case, Keiko is standing near Quinn and Aisling -- perhaps lending some of her luck -- while Baird is near the entry for in case someone tries to interrupt from that direction. The breach of the case itself seems to be going smoothly. Cinnamon sighs in quiet relief at that... then tilts her head so she can keep an eye on Shane and Kelly. She's a bit surprised Baird didn't join in the weaponry conversation, after all, to help distract Kelly -- and have Thorn watch the door! Then again, she'd guess Baird is trying to stay away from people who might need good luck just now. Thorn knows very little about non-modern weapons -- he received basic training in the National Guard, of course, but as a medic he wasn't allowed (by the Geneva Convention) to bear arms. He was fine with that, but it does put him at a disadvantage compared to the more professional soldiers. So he remains near Keiko, quietly watching the door. Aisling seems to be chattering at Quinn about an exhibit they're actually nowhere near -- just background noise, as Kelly continues bragging about and giving the history on the blades.

Quinn's quick fingers make short work out of getting the necklace; he passes it to Baird just as smoothly. After that the elder beansidhe slips up next to his son to regard the weapons display... and hmms thoughtfully, "Scots rather than Irish, though, yes?" Cinnamon beams up at Quinn, eyes sparkling as he slips past her... then follows him over.

Kelly nods, "Oh yes. Definitely the other Celts, but the history was fascinating enough."

Once Aisling has joined the little group around the weapons display case, Cinnamon sighs heavily and gives Shane a gentle nudge with her fan, "James, really now... you promised no more weapons geeksquealing!" She's grinning mischievously, though, as the gentlemen glance her way -- and she teasingly adds, "We don't want to have to roll up a newspaper and bap you over the nose with it while saying, 'No! Bad James!' now, do we?"

Shane's amberish eyes gleam as he leans in to kiss Cinnamon's cheek, looking rather faux-contrite. Instead of apologizing -- since he's not sorry for the distraction -- he replies, "A spanking might be more effective, sweetheart -- but I'll behave, so you don't feel the need for encourage... I mean deterrents."

Quinn chuckles, "Are we all ready to go see the real McCoy, then?"

Cinnamon snorts amusedly, lightly bapping Shane's shoulder with the closed fan, "You're just pushing now, James!" She grins up at Quinn as she cheerfully adds, "Oh, I hope so!" She beams at Kelly, "Please?"

Kelly chuckles, then ushers the group out the door. Thorn moves with Keiko, as the group moves deeper into Kelly's treasure 'vault.' Even when their host's attention is not on the healer -- though Thorn does, of course, remain aware of reflective surfaces -- he maintains the visage of a 'himbo': attentive to Keiko. Naturally, he also keeps an eye open for... anything, really. Keiko keeps up her running commentary to him as well, making sure to pass along the interesting information that there are a couple of 'footmen' they pass along the way that move a lot more like military than domestics. Shane drops back to rear-guard position and Aisling lets herself lag a bit, voice almost subvocal as she murmurs, "You're being daring tonight, lad. If she weren't so sweetly naive, that might have gotten you a slap -- or she might have squeaked loud enough to break her cover!"

Shane chuckles softly and sighs, "I don't get the chance to be aggressively flirty with her often. I'm taking advantage, even if she's missing a lot of it."

Cinnamon chatters with cheerful excitement to Kelly as he escorts her along the hallway, the others streaming out behind them, "-and so there just aren't any more really deep, gloriously green emeralds being mined anymore -- they've all been found already! Or at least the ones closest to the surface -- but they never have any bubbles in them, of course -- that's an issue with glass. So that's one way to tell if the emerald is real or not: if there are bubbles in it, and it's that really beautiful shade of deep, deep green? Glass!" She's doing her best, as she was requested, to keep their host distracted!

Kelly nods and smiles, "I never noticed any bubbles in the stones for the decoy. I was very exacting in my standards." He walks them down through the house and down... and down. They reach a heavy wooden door that leads into a wine cellar first.

Cinnamon glances around the cellar and laughs softly, "Oh, I have a friend who'd be thrilled to see all these old bottles of wine!" She grins up at Kelly, adding, "I take it the cramped part is after this, then? Because this has been really pleasant so far!" Nearby, Thorn thinks, [Because of course the secret vault is through a fake wine barrel or a secret door in the wine cellar. I suppose I can't blame him, though. If I had the money and a large enough house, there'd be secret rooms to spare.]

Kelly chuckles and nods to Cinnamon -- and, just as Thorn suspected, he swings one of the wine racks forward to expose a small door. It looks like it'll be a bit short for Shane or Quinn to stand all the way up in. Well. they'll likely to be able to, unless there are light fixtures -- then they'll definitely have to duck. Kelly replies, "Indeed! This is where it gets tricky. Apparently there were escape tunnels."

Cinnamon oooohs excitedly, "Secret tunnels?! This is awesome! Was it so people could escape the British?!"

Kelly nods, "It was, I believe. They originally came out beyond the peat bog beyond the north side, but they've mostly collapsed by now. Only this portion was still sound."

The tunnel/hallway they're slowly moving along has been retrofitted with electric lights, such that anyone taller than about 5'8" has to duck periodically. The tunnel itself ends in a thick vault door like those one sees in banks -- complete with keypad and handprint sensor. Cinnamon, of course, has no trouble walking upright -- to the point that she giggles when she notices people having to duck, and cheerfully admits, "Okay, this is the first time I've been pleased at being short!"

Aisling and Keiko both chuckle -- they're both just barely under the threshold of having to duck themselves! Shane, however, mutters, "And I rarely regret being so long."

That causes Cinnamon to blush hotly and stare determinedly forward down the tunnel! She hastily asks, "S-so, umm... how much further?"

Kelly shields the keypad with his body and smiles over his shoulder, "Just beyond this door." He enters the code -- which sounds like it's far more than four digits -- and lays his hand on the pad before turning the airlock-type wheel and dragging the door open. Cinnamon reflexively tries to memorize the code, of course... though she's still feeling a little flustered! Thorn wonders if the pad is biometric, as well. No matter; if they pull this off right they won't need to get back in here. They both immediately notice that, while the air inside the tunnel was slightly damp-feeling, once they all pass the threshold of the vault the air is now fresher -- as if the ventilation in there is better.

In the middle of the room is a table with a spotlight trained on it. Around the walls of the room there are no glass cases, but rather myriad drawers and small doors into cubbies -- each of which appears to have individual codepads as well. Cinnamon glances around in fascination, her voice slightly perplexed, "What is all this?" Thorn too looks around, inwardly impressed. This really is a megalomaniacal millionaire's cupboard! He wonders if it doubles as a panic room.

Kelly replies proudly, "A vault. Not all of my most precious things can be exposed to light -- and some of them have to be climate controlled as well." He moves across the room to one of the drawers, not noticing that Quinn has moved to stand at a slight angle from their host, in such a manner that the beansidhe might get a look at its keypad. Kelly uses the pad, opens the door, and removes a jewelry case -- the type in which a jeweler might store an elaborate necklace.

Cinnamon glances around, apparently at all the drawers -- though she's actually carefully checking for where Baird is. She grins and tilts her head slightly to encourage him to stand closer to her... then steps over to be right next to the table. She's got a hopeful and expectant smile on her face, should Kelly turn around suddenly. Baird slides up right next to Cinnamon, murmuring very softly, "I'm feeling dizzy and nauseated."

Cinnamon gives Baird a worried glance, then slides one hand up behind him so she can brace him if necessary. She looks around for Keiko -- some luck would likely help a bit right now! She hopes so, at least... because she doesn't know where the fake necklace is, and she's keenly aware they may have only a second or two to make the swap! She's not sure, either, how Kelly will react to Baird being so close. She'd thought Baird would stay behind her, so she could hold a hand out for the necklace -- crabcakes! She subvocalizes, "Ash, help, please? Where's the fake?" Cinnamon knows the keen-eared beansidhe is likely already aware of Baird's condition, after all.

Baird, standing beside her, mutters, "I have it. That's why I'm here..."

Shane has slightly distracted Kelly, while Baird and Cinnamon talk, while Keiko slides up and gently lays her hand on her beloved's neck. The merc swallows and takes a deep breath at that, and Cinnamon whews softly, smiling at Keiko -- then hastily turns her attention back to Kelly, "Is that it? The original?"

When Kelly actually turns toward them, Baird takes a step back -- as if he physically can't quite bear being near the cursed object. Then the merc slides behind Cinnamon, as Kelly sets the box on the table and opens it to show the original necklace. Cinnamon ooohs as she stares down at it... then she grins excitedly up at Kelly, "Can I try this one on too? Please?" She glances around, not seeing any mirrors -- so she asks Shane, "James, can you make your cell work like a mirror for me, please?" Shane smiles and takes out his phone, arching a brow at Kelly for permission; the man nods indulgently as he pulls on a pair of kidskin gloves. Only then does he move to place the necklace on Cinnamon's pale throat. He seems remarkably sanguine about having so many strangers in here with him! By comparison, both Quinn and Aisling are a little tense. The floor they stand on is concrete -- but the walls all around are steel. Keiko has Thorn near Baird as if she's worried her beloved might need healing. The merc is looking more than a little green.

Cinnamon beams with excitement, "Oh, this is so cool!" but holds still for Kelly to put on the necklace. She does, in fact, precisely what Aisling told her to do: turn her back, lean her head forward just a bit, and slide one hand slowly up from the base of her neck to about mid-head -- as if she's making sure her hair doesn't get in the way. She has no idea how sensual that can look, though... and Aisling definitely didn't tell her either! The goal is to keep Kelly nicely distracted, after all -- not to cause Cinnamon to turn beet red in embarrassment.

Shane actually has to be nudged by his father to get the phone's camera ready! He flushes; he's not normally one to get distracted. However, Kelly too looks quite taken with Cinnamon, as he gently places the necklace about Cinnamon's neck, then clasps it. He strokes the back of her neck, as if to smooth the chain, then brushes his hands over her shoulders, "There we go."

Cinnamon sighs softly in admiration as she brushes her gloved fingertips lightly over the gemstones and goldwork; her voice is a soft murmur, "It's really amazing." Indeed, it is... though not in a pleasant way. Anyone standing near can sense there's something just wrong about this gorgeous piece of jewelry. It truly is lovely: the emeralds are flawless; the goldwork is mesmerizing. In fact, that might be part of what's wrong with it -- it's difficult to look away from! Physically, it's identical to the fake Baird has in the warded pouch -- but metaphysically, it's almost painfully obvious just how different the two necklaces are.

Cinnamon glances up and smiles with quiet sweetness as Shane aims the camera at her and takes several snapshots... and then she's had enough, even though she doesn't show it. There really is something deeply 'off' about this necklace! She wonders a bit how poor Baird could bear to carry it around for a week. She reaches up to unfasten the clasp, praying internally that her companions all have it together enough to help at the right time...

Thorn mentally winces: [So this is what a curse feels like?] Then he sees Cinnamon reaching up to the necklace's clasp, and he prepares himself... and as the little dragon unfastens it, Aisling moves toward the wall, reaching to touch something near the door, "This is such an interesting vault. What are these controls for?"

Aisling's fingertips are actually touching what is literally a Big Red Button, before Kelly manages to dart around the table, crying, "No!" He grabs Aisling's wrist to pull it back, only then taking a deep breath and adding more courteously, "I mean: please don't. It's a quick-close switch for the door." Thorn realizes he's been holding his breath; he looks suitably flustered at Kelly's reaction. [So, it does double as a panic room!] the healer thinks, intrigued. That means there must be food, water, possibly weapons... almost certainly communications... he looks up at the ceiling for any telltale indicators of semi-hidden cameras. Hmm... no, there don't seem to be any cameras in the room. Of course, that would actually make more sense -- given this particular treasure is possible the most licit of the ones Kelly has. Thorn mentally sighs in relief -- he should have thought of that earlier! Then again, it makes sense; Kelly wouldn't want people tapping into a camera line into his panic room, and being able to see where he was hiding... and this is where most of his ill-gotten treasures are. Thorn wonders what else is in here... um, no. Best not to inquire further! Likely they're all cursed... or something to that effect.

Cinnamon smiles as she holds the cursed necklace in one hand, but doesn't move past that -- she doesn't want to draw any attention from Kelly right now! -- and in that fraction of a moment when Kelly is distracted by Aisling's impressive display of "Things You Never Do" -- one empty hand comes forward past Cinnamon's side, and another comes around her other side -- and this one holds the fake. The little dragon sighs inaudibly in relief, and immediately drops the cursed necklace into the empty hand, while scooping up the fake from the other... and the cursed item is whisked away. In fact, Baird is actually several steps away, looking nonchalant and even bored, by the time Kelly chuckles a bit tensely and carefully guides Aisling away from the Big Red Button. Cinnamon shifts to lay the fake out across one ivory-gloved hand, admiring how it shines... then looks up at Kelly and smiles with genuine sweetness at him, "Thank you so much for indulging me so, Mr. Kelly! This is truly a gorgeous necklace... you're so fortunate to be able to collect such beautiful things."

Kelly smiles back, "I would adore seeing the pictures your companion took. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Cinnamon beams at that, "Oh, how nice! Yes, I'd love to share the photos!" She mentally apologizes to Shane -- that was a flat-out lie, after all. Shane winces, hiding it in an awkward-looking smile as he too realizes that wasn't even a fib -- but rather a bald-faced lie from Cinnamon! She has no intention of allowing Kelly to keep anything that might help him find her again, after all. Instead she glances between Quinn and Aisling -- especially the woman, considering Aisling moved right up to one of the steel walls in order to distract -- and wonders how to get them out of there as swiftly as possible. Hmm... "Ash, dear, are you feeling all right? Do you need a hand?"

Aisling smiles and fans her face, "I think I would like to get back upstairs. I really don't do all that well in enclosed spaces and caves." And the-eeere's another wince from poor Shane! Aisling loves caving, as well as having lived at the underground Galway trod for most of her long life.

Cinnamon looks chagrined, "Oh, dear! Aisling, I'm so sorry -- I didn't think! Here, let me help you, okay?" She offers both hands, glancing back at Kelly as she worriedly adds, "Is it all right if we head back up now? I should have remembered about underground." To the elf she says, "You're so sweet to indulge me like this too, Aisling -- I'm so sorry! We'll... we'll get a drink or something for you, back at the hotel, maybe, okay?"

Thorn hopes Shane doesn't get a long-term migraine from this! He makes a mental note to pass a couple of aspirin to Shane on the way out. The half-beansidhe is rubbing his temples, though he knows the low-level lies are absolute necessary for this. Still, he'll recover pretty quickly. He's actually more worried about his Da and Ash being inside a steel box. He does, however, have the urge to hit the Big Red Button before Kelly can follow them out, since the man is indeed angling to be the last out of the room. Shane has been giving in a little to his beansidhe mischief tonight -- so now he's struggling somewhat to put it away. It's a side of his nature he doesn't often indulge in!

Cinnamon escorts Aisling out of the room, glancing back to see if (hopefully) Quinn is close behind -- she doesn't want any of their group to come to harm, after all! Once they're all clear of the room, Kelly closes the vault door and actually seems to type in another code before leading them all back along the tunnel and up into the main house again. When Quinn naturally moves to 'support' Aisling, Cinnamon grins and winks once at him, then moves forward to walk next to their host. As they walk, she smiles up at Kelly, "This has been a really lovely evening, Mr. Kelly. Thank you so much, again, for such a delightful night!"

Kelly smiles down at her in return, "I would be honored if you'd visit again." His eyes flick backward, finding Shane at the back of the group, before he murmurs, "Perhaps a more intimate setting?"

Cinnamon laughs, her eyes sparkling, "We shall see!" She's careful to do all the things Aisling said she should, as the group gets ready to depart: don't answer questions directly, breathe deeply when around Kelly, make sure to offer her gloved hand to him when he's near her, smile warmly up at him any time he's looking her way, and all the rest of the little 'recipe' she's memorized. She's glad, though, that the carriage comes swinging around to the front fairly rapidly -- she's a smidge worried about Baird! Kelly says courteous goodbyes to everyone, kissing the women's hands and saving Cinnamon's for last. He obviously thinks he's got his hand-kissing technique down, but he's not got a patch on most of the men in the supernatural community.

Cinnamon beams delightedly as Kelly kisses her gloved hand, though she's actually thinking, [Almost outta here!] She giggles and reaches with her free hand to gently pat his cheek, "You're such a charmer!" As she's handed up into the carriage by Shane, she makes a mental note: absolutely must thank Aisling for all the truly fabulous advice! She'd wondered if it was really doing anything -- since she's not quite socially astute enough to notice -- but she'd caught the suddenly happy-seeming look when she touched Kelly's face. Maybe even... a bit besotted? Like... well, he didn't look repulsed, at least? Shane is almost biting his tongue in his bid not to say something snarky to Kelly about his lack of game! Fortunately he manages to remain immaculately courteous... even if he winces at Cinnamon's little fib about Kelly being a charmer.

The dinner party will be accorded a great success by all who attended. While the host discovers the theft of the fake a few days later, when the room's weekly cleaning servant notices the case is empty, there are no fingerprints -- everyone involved was wearing gloves. However, Kelly simply double-checks the 'original' remains in his vault, then congratulates himself on his wisdom in planting a fake. He'll have another fake commissioned later.
It'll be several years, in fact, before he realizes his mistake... and by that point, the original has long been restored to the well-warded -- and now much more magically secret -- castle owned by the Trod of the Apple.
Right now, though...

Quinn and Shane make sure they're the last into the carriage, and once the two beansidhe men are settled in, the carriage moves off. Baird nearly melts into his seat with a relieved groan, and Cinnamon sighs in relief as well, relaxing against Shane, "Oh my gosh I am so glad that's over with!" Shane absolutely takes advantage of that to snuggle Cinnamon in against his side! She grins at Aisling as she adds, "I did all the stuff you suggested too, Ash! I'm not sure but... I think it helped? What do you all think?" She's momentarily forgotten that no one else knows what she was told, after all.

Shane murmurs, "Yes, acushla, it worked. Whatever the fu..." He rubs a hand over his face, "Whatever Ash told you, worked."

Thorn grins and passes Shane a small packet of aspirin. "Definitely," he said. "We did it! All went pretty well, I'd say."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, "Oh! She gave me such good advice -- like how to talk and move, and when to do what, and how, and... well, I wasn't always sure why I should do it, but I just memorized the list and did what she suggested and wow did you see Kelly at the end there?! Like he seemed totally interested in me so yeah, I think Aisling's playlist was just awesome!" She doesn't immediately realize someone being apparently 'interested' in her was not quite what Kelly was angling for. She's simply bubbly with happiness at how well their mission went! "-and it all worked so good -- even better than we expected for a dry run, right? -'cause we totally got the necklace and all and don't have to go back is that awesome or what?!"

Shane mouths 'thank you' to Thorn and downs the aspirin dry, rubbing his temples as he does. He blinks at Cinnamon, then at Aisling, and says slowly, "Ash, you... did you actually tell her that what you were telling her to do was how to be seductive?" His shields are a little down, so it's out of his mouth before he can stop himself. Thorn blinks... then wonders almost distantly if Cinnamon is simply going to flit right out of the carriage in sheer embarrassment. Quinn has his hand over his mouth, but his eyes are crinkling and gleaming with amusement.

Cinnamon blinks at Shane in surprise... then looks puzzledly at Aisling. When she looks back at Shane, she smiles uncertainly, "No, Shaney, she said that breathing deeply like that is a good way to make sure you're calm and thinking clearly -- and it's true! I actually sort of did something like that while I was working at the accounting corporation, though I didn't realize I was doing it." She glances back at Aisling, starting to look even more uncertain, "...right?"

Keiko -- being far more socially ept than most -- replies with hopefully distracting, clear approval to Cinnamon, "That is indeed amazing. This one is very grateful her beloved will not have to risk another infiltration at that place."

Cinnamon beams at Keiko, distracted by the lucky crane-woman's comment, "Right?! I was so excited when I realized maybe we could do it all tonight! We were all so awesome!"

Shane nods slowly, "Okay... Aisling, did you explain to her that there might be other reasons that might help us along tonight?" He arches a brow at Aisling, just daring her to lie about this. He's not angry, but he's somewhat wry about the fact his old friend didn't actually explain to Cinnamon why she was doing what she was doing.

Aisling clears her throat and says, "I did say that, yes. But it has... other effects as well."

Cinnamon pauses in her bubbliness, glancing between Shane and Aisling and feeling a little... uncomfortable, "What... what do you mean?"

Shane shakes his head and smiles, "It's nothing, acushla. You were amazing." He presses a kiss to her temple and squeezes her tight. He'll have Words with Aisling later.

Cinnamon blinks, subconsciously realizing she's not going to like this -- and says firmly, "Wait. Before we talk about this, I want to know: will the folks at Apple's castle be ready to take the necklace tonight? Because I'm absolutely ready to fly folks there right away, as soon as we're in a safe place to do so. Aisling? Can we do that?"

Aisling nods, "They would have prepared long before they would need to, to have things ready."

Cinnamon looks relieved, "Okay. In that case, where should we take off from?"

Quinn turns in his seat and opens the sliding partition that will let him speak to the phouka pretending to guide his herdmates. The beansidhe turns back around a moment later, "They say there's a secluded clearing they sometimes use to change and run, if we want to take off now."

Cinnamon glances worriedly at Baird... then nods firmly to Quinn, "Let's do it!" Quinn passes that on and the carriage picks up speed.

Baird says quietly, "I actually feel better with it in the pouch. I thought I was going to pass out while it was just out."

Cinnamon says firmly, "Good, I'm glad to hear that -- but I don't think we need to lollygag around at all if we don't have to, you know?" She glances at Thorn, adding softly, "How's his physical condition, Thorny? I don't want him passing out or anything while we're flying, you know?"

Thorn does a quick check of Baird's vitals and such. He hopes the man is doing well, since being this close to the necklace might not be good for him. Baird actually seems to be doing wonderfully: pulse is good, breathing is good... all systems are go, as one might say... though it might be because the necklace is currently so well-warded. Thorn lets out a breath, "You seem to be doing okay." He glances at the warded bag, "So long as it stays in there, I think."

Baird smiles wryly, "No worries on that front."

Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Oh, good!" She smiles warmly at Baird as she adds, "Soon! We'll get everything all sorted out."

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

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