Goblin Town -- Logs

Bad enough that officious knotty-pated fool turned up and started butting into Hans' business -- and what right did Shane have to start throwing his weight around, anyways? Hans had lived there longer, and worked harder on putting together a big enough protection racket that he could live comfortably on it! Bad enough the pestilent little plague sore was butt-hurt to find Hans simply... 'maintaining discipline' amongst his business network -- because who respects you unless you enforce your word? But no, just because Hans was punishing the twerp who'd not paid up, that half-breed beansidhe first actually attacked him -- him, Hans, the rightful troll of Coblyn Street! -- but then the lily-livered boy got all up on his high horse to Caradog about Hans... getting a hard-working troll semi-exiled just on his say so!

That had been bad, though Hans had made do. He's a survivor, he is -- despite petty little people getting in his face and trying to ruin his legitimate business! He'd been grimly pleased to hear Shane was taking off periodically with council members for month-long pleasure junkets, or something like that. That allowed Hans free rein to slowly, carefully start reestablishing his former protection business, and things had finally started looking up a bit. True, Hans had to duck out of sight or off the street when that ship returned with the rotten, crying cur, but it was dependable timing -- as in, Hans could clean up all remaining debts a day or two before the ship was due to dock, and none the wiser.

But now, this... this unfairness! At first Hans had just thought it an unfortunate trick of the weather, that the ship should dock four days early. But then he'd learned that somehow the stupid dragon had sped things up -- and Hans is sure he knows why, too. It just has to be due to that... that bull's pizzle, that starveling eel-skin, that clay-brained guts... getting into Hans' way again! It's just more than a hard-working man should have to bear!

The big, angry troll broods on the apparent injustice in his life... and in the darkness, an ugly plan of revenge begins to come together...

Elsewhere, Marcus too is not having a good day... no, month. This month has stunk.

It was bad enough his verdammt father had insisted Marcus be the one to take that stupid package to Solange of the French Trod of the Oak. The iron sickness had been unpleasant on the way there, but downright horrific in his efforts to make the Valkyrie, so he'd be in time to return to Coblyn Street for the next council meeting... that he was supposed to host! Even more annoying was that the package had turned out to be nothing more than the two books Cinnamon had borrowed, then loaned to Jaeger -- and why didn't she return them?! -- and a letter from Jaeger to Solange which she'd not allowed Marcus to see, but which had made her smile wryly at Marcus. Just what had his father written about him to Solange?!

Further, Marcus had half-hoped apologizing to Cinnamon and Shane would clear the metaphorical air... but while Cinnamon no longer gray-rocks him, she also doesn't go out of her way to speak with him. Then there'd been that miserable storm on the way back, before he'd even recovered from the iron sickness... he'd actually considered fighting his way up on deck during the storm, just so he could throw himself overboard and end it all. No, he didn't really mean it... he was just sick and tired of being revoltingly sick... and exhausted.

What the trip back had given him plenty of was time to think... to ponder the things Solange and Gael, two of the Oak elders, talked about with him for the almost-a-week he'd spent there. Solange had talked to him about proper responses to inappropriate behaviors, such as abusing the trust of one's trodmates or underlings, or how to smooth over feelings of hurt and betrayal during negotiations. Marcus is pretty sure that's training in being an elder which his father asked for him to receive, so he's very receptive to it. He hasn't quite twigged to the immediate connections the training potentially has to his current situation.

Gael, however, had curiously asked him about his personal life, which had made Marcus extremely uncomfortable. As a consequence, he'd not talked much except in response to direct questions... but still, Gael had seemed to know more than Marcus was happy about. What business of Gael's was it, after all, who Marcus chose to handfast with? Why did the elder want to know so much about Marcus' feelings regarding Cinnamon and Hilde? Why did he persist in asking why Marcus was trying to reconnect with a girl he'd very clearly dumped? Marcus had been short in his replies... mostly, though he didn't admit it even to himself, because he was still quite conflicted! He really did want Hilde back, didn't he? He was just trying to be nice to Cinnamon... right? It's not like he was in love or anything foolish like that -- he just... wanted Cinnamon to not be angry with him any more. Yes. That's it... that's all it is... and that's what he's going to do.

Watching the beautiful scarlet dragon nearly bounding through the sky, powerful wings pumping as she dragged the Valkyrie, and with her lovely, happily singing voice blowing back to the ship on the wind... had been a bit difficult for Marcus. His heart had leapt up at the sight because... because it was a very pretty picture, of course. That's all it is, for stars' sake. He doesn't even care -- really, he doesn't! -- that it's always bloody damn Shane who gets to fly with her... because it's not like Marcus cares that deeply for her, or anything!

Consequently, once he's back home on Coblyn, Marcus plans out how he's going to regain Cinnamon's... friendship, yes -- nothing more. It's perhaps a mark of his distracted thinking that, when he hands Butler letters for delivery, he's forgotten the tree person can accurately read emotions....

Due to time spent with Jalil and others, Cinnamon now knows she truly adores concerts and dance performances -- wonderful things like ballet and poetry nights and ethnic dancing and such! She gets back to her little cottage one day and finds an envelope delivered to her home. It has the elm stamp on it, so she assumes/hopes it's from Jaeger, since Marcus doesn't seem that interested in her now unless he's in public. So she excitedly opens the envelope and finds an ticket to an upcoming ballet at the palace, eeee! -along with a graciously written note inviting her to accompany... Marcus.

Cinnamon abruptly loses all her excitement at that! She sighs, realizing this must be just another attempt by Marcus to look nice in front of everyone again -- since despite his apologies to her and Shane, folks have really been kind of quietly not happy with him re how he treated her at the faire. Well, then again... she really should give him the benefit of the doubt, right? Maybe it's not just performative public remorse -- maybe he really means it this time! She'll check this out at the mansion, when she knows Marcus won't be there.

Some time later, at the mansion, Cinnamon asks Butler: is Marcus finally genuinely interested in her? Or is this again just more trying to look good in public by showing he's been forgiven? The Forest Folk man sighs and shakes his head once, which Cinnamon knows means it's still the latter. So she smiles and thanks Butler, who has become an oddly good friend over the last months. Then she hands him the ticket and letter, and asks him to please let Marcus know she'd rather he didn't attempt to sort of bribe her any more for public affection like this, please and thanks. She and Butler both figure if Marcus is ever more interested in her, rather than how he's seen publicly, only then will it be worth her time to let the elf get closer -- but not before.

Cinnamon holds her Lunar New Year party early in the day so she can celebrate a bit with her friends, and so they have a nice place to watch the parade go by. Her little cottage has a dinky little front yard sort of thing, so she sets out seats there, along with little tables so they can eat nibblies and drink and cheer as the parade -- and she herself too, to her slightly self-conscious delight! -- goes by. That'll be for the evening, though -- around early lunchtime is when she serves a nice home-cooked meal, finishes setting out all the nibblies she and Elias made previously, and makes sure Josie and Spice know where all the food and drink is.

The little dragon intends to have lunch here, then head off to the market circle where Coblyn exits into Boston proper -- since that's where everyone is costuming up, lining up, and then starting the parade. It'll progress slowly through the ten-mile street, pausing for occasional performances, and end up with a huge, elaborate show in the courtyard before the palace mansion and Currier's Hall. Since most folk tend to watch the parade go by, then follow it in a big, cheerful throng so they can watch the final performance, Josie and Spice also have a key to the cottage. After everyone has finished celebrating, Cinnamon intends to return to her little home and crash... and happily feed anyone who turns up!

Cinnamon has a wonderful time on Lunar New Year's Day! There has been celebration all day, of course -- a Flower Market Fair with all kinds of Asian and new year paraphernalia, as well as flowers, food, and treats for sale; a Miss Asian Coblyn pageant to be followed later by a coronation ball at the palace, with Caradog's kind permission; and even a light-hearted basketball jamboree! Considering it's the Year of the Dragon, the Asian contingent is thrilled to have Cinnamon there for the parade this year! She's liberally draped with ribbons and tassels, decorative fringed banners, good luck charms, multiple bells, and other colorful, beautiful paraphernalia. The usual dragon dancers, attired in their bright uniforms, accompany her -- both to ensure the audience stays well back, and to have the long, traditional silken serpentine-dragon-puppet there to prance and pose with Cinnamon, in a rare and auspicious double-dragon dance!

Aside from the two dragons, in the parade there are also drumming contingents, a flag-waving drill team and fan dancers, ribbon-twirling children, and a variety of music-playing marching bands. It's loud, enthusiastic, cheerful, and extremely celebratory! The day is long, enjoyable, tiring, and beautiful... and when the brilliant, colorful fireworks finish off the night, everyone can congratulate themselves on absolutely having fully welcomed in the new year.

Shane would have loved to just sit and watch the parade but, sadly, parades tend to cause a lot of chaos -- and that means a lot of people need watching... so he's been roaming a bit instead. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize just how much chaos there is this year. Hans -- the troll who first brought Thorn to Coblyn, and who is otherwise supposed to mostly stay away -- took the rumors that Shane has been largely absent as a chance to sneak back onto the street and get up to some nefarious deeds.

But finally the parade is safely over. Shane heads back down the street toward Cinnamon's little cottage, singing quietly to himself and keeping his head casually on a swivel... when movement on the ground in one of Coblyn's many narrow side alleys catches his attention. It looks... wrong somehow... not like a cat or rat or other small animal. He pauses, waiting to see if the motion on the ground repeats... and it seems to. It looks like a pile of rags, but he absolutely knows 'pile of rags on the ground' often translates to 'injured person.' Shane moves carefully toward it, saying quietly, "Hey... you okay?" He's crouching to get a better look when he notices it really is a pile of rags with... why the fuck is there fishing line leading upward from it? He doesn't quite have time to stand all the way up, or to glance upward fully, before something lands on him like a half-ton of bricks. Or, more realistically, a half-ton of partially stone-formed troll.

Hans had been ecstatic at realizing Shane was patrolling! Consequently, he deliberately set up this really rather clever little snare for the over-noble half-beansidhe. He knew the only way he was going to get the drop on the agile little bastard was to get the literal drop on him. The only reason Hans' little trick doesn't literally crush Shane is because, even distracted, the quicksilver reflexes that serve the half-beansidhe so well in battle make Shane duck enough to keep his spine from being shattered, and his head from being squashed.

Further up the street, a tired but brimmingly happy Cinnamon pads home. People loved her parading! She was nearly showered with flowers and small new years gifts and candies by the enthusiastic crowd, and the children practically screamed themselves hoarse with excitement as she went by! Cinnamon is humming in quiet contentment to herself as she goes, feeling wonderfully loved by her community, and wondering if any of her friends are waiting at her home -- wouldn't that be nice? Especially if Shane- wait. The little dragon blinks. That was a... rather disturbing/peculiar crunching noise she just heard! She looks around, then tiptoes over to the edge of the little alleyway from which the sounds seem to be coming.

Peering around the corner... she spots Hans, the troll, holding someone up by the throat -- and drawing back his other fist?! The little dragon nervously, reflexively licks her lips... and is abruptly galvanized into horrified action: that's Shane she's scenting down there -- along with blood! As she charges down the alleyway as fast as she can run, Cinnamon screams in fury, "Get away from him!" She skids to a halt facing the troll, below and next to the weakly struggling, pinioned Shane -- then flames Hans's entire upper torso with all her power! It's only due to Hans' nature as a troll that the flame doesn't kill him, but it definitely hurts him -- because he bellows in pain and drops the ragdolling Shane. Shane's right arm is hanging at a decidedly unnatural angle, which might explain why he hasn't gotten even a chance to use his sword.

Cinnamon catches Shane the best she can with both outstretched arms -- and over his shoulder she snarls, "Get out of here, Hans -- don't you ever let me catch you here on Coblyn again!" Later, she will absolutely petition Caradog to permanently banish the homicidal troll from Coblyn Street, but for now her sole concern is Shane. She turns and starts half-carrying, half-supporting the badly injured beansidhe towards the mouth of the alleyway, terrified and worried thoughts tumbling through her head: [Got to get Shaney to the infirmary -- better just carry him -- wait, too slow that wa- -- no, wait: carry him as a dragon, right! Hope he's awake enough to hold on -- so much blood scent -- don't die, Shane!]

Shane is probably in the worst shape Cinnamon has ever seen him -- he's limp and very messed up! His hair is matted with blood, which is also streaking his face. His right arm is bent at unnatural angles, and he's either unconscious or very close to it. The little dragon has seen him after fights -- even fights where he's gotten hurt -- but he's never been this hurt. Shane's hard to knock down, usually... hell, Shane's hard to actually get close enough to hit most of the time! Consequently, Cinnamon is getting more and more frightened -- this is bad! Hans is a terrible person and ohmygosh she has got to get Shane to Thorn at the Infirmary immediately!

The little dragon gently braces the badly wounded Shane against the wall just outside the alleyway, then steps back and shifts shape. Once she's a dragon she helps the shocky, disoriented Shane as much as she can, to get him on her back. She hikes her wings a bit, trying to help hold him in place as she rumbles worriedly, "Don't fall off, Shaney, okay? Please?" -- and then she turns and starts running down the street as fast as she can while still being smooth and non-jouncy. There's a panicky edge to her voice as she yells repeatedly, "Emergency! Clear the way, please -- medical emergency coming through!" She can feel Shane sliding around on her back, though, when she hits the first corner -- and she has to hastily stop and reach back to keep him from falling off. Once she's resettled him, she glances around in wide-eyed hope for... Josie, maybe? Heck, even Spice would be big enough to help! Unfortunately, considering the lateness of the hour, the only person she spots is Marcus -- but she's panicky enough by this point that she doesn't care, "Marcus! Great, hop on and hold Shane -- gotta get to the Infirmary now!"

Marcus is in a deeply self-righteous funk, so it takes a moment for him to get words going, "I don't know if that's the best idea..."

Cinnamon is swinging her big head around, neck extended to see as far as she can -- but it looks like there really isn't anyone around except Marcus, darnit! Further, to Cinnamon, Shane's injuries are far, far more important than whatever Marcus is blathering about... so without really thinking about what she's doing, the young dragon whirls her head back to glare down at the Germanic elf, "Will you shut up and get on, for pity's sake?! You are wasting time -- and Shane may be dying here!" Marcus' temper flares at being told he's blathering, and his eyes gleam with anger -- but he bites his tongue; though Cinnamon doesn't know it, sometimes having his pride stung is the best way to get the Germanic elf moving. In the next second, he's moving with the eerie grace of the elves to swarm up onto Cinnamon's back. At sight of Shane, Marcus swears in German and wraps an arm around the injured man. With his free hand he works at undoing his cravat, to press it to the worst of Shane's wounds.

Earlier...

Marcus stalks home, in a decided funk. This verdammt month just keeps getting better and better -- at being awful! First, he can't get even a(n adorable -- wait, no, it is not!) squeak of interest from Cinnamon -- or even Hilde -- in doing anything with him. How's he supposed to publicly show he's forgiven when neither of them will even talk much to him?! Then his father had gotten an invite to the palace, to watch the lunar new year fireworks and parade from one of the balconies... but Marcus hadn't. It was somewhat humiliating having to go as his father's plus-one, especially since Hilde had been there with her own invite, and that human healer Thorn as her plus-one. The palace's organizer had been very apologetic about Marcus not receiving an invite, but they'd not realized he was back yet; so sorry, very very sorry! ...to the point that Marcus began to think it was deliberate...

-and then, right there under his nose where he can't possibly miss her: the parade dragon for the lunar new year... is Cinnamon herself! Of course it had to be the bloody year of the dragon... and of course yet again he couldn't seem to get away from her, even as she totally ignored him, verdammt! Looking down from the balcony, it felt almost like he couldn't see anything but her... liberally draped in emerald, scarlet, and golden tassels and fringe; myriad tunefully chiming golden bells; and a plethora of little embroidered and fringed banners for good fortune -- she'd looked amazing!

Further, Marcus had not realized just how dextrous the huge dragon form could be -- her twining, swirling dance at the end of the parade had filled the courtyard, to Marcus' perspective, with her beauty and laughter. The delighted, almost martial shouts and acrobatic leaps of the red and gold uniformed people accompanying her -- even to the point of setting off their fireworks from her back as she posed, and flipped people in carefully timed jumps with her tail, and champed her jaws and gouted flame at precise intervals, and at the end reared up dramatically and roared with their dance... all of that had served more as a foil for the startlingly lovely dragon, to the enchanted Marcus. He hadn't even realized it until someone had giggled near him. It had taken a real effort for him to turn away and appear nonchalant, with the canap�s and his drink.

Then, just to add insult to injury, when Hilde introduced him to the pretty girl he'd started casually flirting with earlier... she'd blinked and drawn back... then smiled distantly, wishing him a happy new year -- and turned to flirt instead with his thrice-verdammt father! What is this, some kind of star-cursed conspiracy or something?! It was shortly after moonset when his father had smilingly murmured that Marcus could find his own way home, yes? -- since Jaeger was going to be, ahh... indisposed for a few hours yet... and the two had wandered into the palace, murmuring and laughing quietly together... and that's when Marcus decided: enough was enough! Everyone had pretty much left the balcony by then, so there was no real reason for him to sit here alone, or stay at the palace -- he hadn't even been properly invited! The celebration at the palace has been beyond frustrating, so he might as well go home and at least have a glass of better wine than this!

It was as he was fuming and marching on home -- and looking forward to some personal time with a very good bottle of Riesling -- that things took a decided turn for the worse... though, Marcus grimly decides, he really should have expected something like this, considering how this month has gone! Cinnamon as a dragon really is as dangerous, careless, and feral as he'd feared -- because not only has she apparently horribly harmed Shane... but now she's demanding he-Marcus hold the poor fool on her back as she runs screaming for the Infirmary!

Cinnamon feels like it takes forever to reach the Infirmary at the end of Coblyn Street! Even before she's skidding to a stop, broadside to the door, she's roaring, "Thorn! Iason, help! Medical emergency!" She flops flat on the cobblestones, still yelling, "Wake up! Thorny, we need you! Emergency, help help!" She's panting a bit, arching her neck around so she can help get Shane lifted off her back right away.

Deep inside the infirmary, Thorn hears the roaring and looks up startledly from the patient ledger. Then he hears "medical emergency" -- and he leaps to his feet, rushing to the front of the infirmary. Cinnamon gasps in relief as Thorn comes bursting out the front door, "Oh, Thorn -- thank goodness! Hans hurt Shane he's really bad there's blood everywhere he's not talking please-" She gulps, abruptly terrified for her very first and very dear friend, and her voice shakes as she tries not to cry, "Please help him get better, Thorny!"

Iason almost never moves in a rush. He can move quickly, but rushing is not his style... after all, a centaur the size of a Clydesdale moving at-speed does not a soothing presence make! But with Cinnamon's shouting, Iason almost gallops after Thorn. He arrives at the dragon's side, face going taut. He's tall enough that he simply reaches out to take Shane from Marcus' grip -- but he also knows Thorn's abilities are going to be more help here at first than his own. Thorn takes in all of Cinnamon's information at once, processing it while he snaps, "Bring him inside! I -- oh good, Iason, thanks!" [Hans did this?! Dammit, Hans!]

"Iason! Oh, yay -- please help him, you guys!" Cinnamon's breathing is evening out, but she still looks huge-eyed with fear for Shane as she adds, "You all go on! I'll be in, in a minute -- gotta change first, but don't wait for me!"

Iason carries Shane almost princess-style, moving quickly and surely as he calls to Nikos at the front desk, "Get the guard! Shane was assaulted by Hans the troll, who may still be on the street -- Diarmaid will want to know." Thorn and Iason get Shane into the infirmary and onto a bed, with Thorn already casting the spells to visualize everything currently wrong with Shane.

Outside, in her anxiety, Cinnamon doesn't even register the elf still on her back, once Shane has been carefully gathered up in Iason's strong arms -- she just reflexively changes and prays it works right without a shelter, for once! Marcus is unceremoniously dumped off Cinnamon's back -- and again, it's only his inborn grace that saves him from a rather ignominious landing. He's rather covered in blood himself, and looking grim. Cinnamon staggers a bit as she transitions somewhat clumsily from quadrupedal to bipedal, leaning one hand on the nearest wall to catch her balance. A few seconds later she sighs in relief as she looks down and sees clothing on her person -- excellent! Then she blinks, pushing her glasses up -- Shane! Gotta go find out how he's doing! She whirls to head for the Infirmary door, muttering an absent, "'Scuse me," as she half-bumps into, half-dodges someone standing in her way. She's still scared enough for Shane that she's already mentally dismissed Marcus.

Marcus stumbles as Cinnamon knocks into him, apparently completely disregarding him in her worry for Shane -- and his nostrils flare. Is she still bloody well gray-rocking him after demanding he help? He snarls, "Why the hell didn't you call the guard already? Hans could be raging down the street hurting more people! Are you so verdammt obsessed that all you can think about is him?"

Cinnamon blinks startledly as someone apparently yells at her, pausing to glance around... oh -- Marcus. She blinks again as his words register... and then she straightens in a sudden burst of anger, "Excuse me?! I didn't call the stupid guard because I was trying to save someone's life, you jerk! Further, if doing stuff in the stupid 'right order,'" she uses disdainful finger quotes, "is more important to you than actual, flesh and blood people, then... then you can just go pout about it to your precious Robert's Rules of Order!" She whirls and stomps off into the infirmary, slamming the door behind her.

Of course, once she hears the door slam resoundingly into the doorjamb, from inside the shuddering building, Cinnamon winces and apologizes profusely to Nikos, "Sorry! Sorry, I'm so sorry, Nikos! I-" She smiles apologetically as she nearly tiptoes past, and her voice trails over her shoulder as she darts down the hallway, "-didn't meant to slam the door that hard promise I'll pay for any damages but later please okay? Wanna see how Shane's doing..."

Outside, Marcus stares in stunned shock after Cinnamon, nostrils flaring with rising fury -- and then he throws his bloodied cravat to the ground and stalks off, muttering to himself. He has apologized! He has given her space... he's given Shane space -- what more does she want?! He's covered in blood and irritated and -- even if he can't quite admit it to himself -- scared and worried about Shane. He doesn't actually hate the half-beansidhe -- he knows Shane is an honorable man; the Germanic elf just has a bit of a grudge in the romance department.

Inside the infirmary, Thorn grimaces as he checks all the injuries, speaking aloud so Iason can hear, "Concussion, blunt impact on back of the head... severe bruising around the neck, some esophageal damage... one cracked and two broken ribs on one side... abrasions and lacerations all along that side too. Bloody hell, what did Hans do to him?" The healer takes a deep breath, then concludes, "The worst seems to be the head and arm, two fractures, and the multiple torn tendons and ligaments. Dammit!" He applies the anesthetic spell, and Shane's moaning and occasional twitching immediately quiets. He relaxes as Thorn's soothing spell takes hold, his breathing evening out and the pain tension tightening all his muscles starts to seep away. He's less a ragdoll now; more simply asleep.

Iason's voice is clipped, "It looks like he tried to beat him to death." He's usually more tactful, but this is not the time for that. Cinnamon comes trotting hastily into the room, just in time to hear that. Her face is white with worry, and her eyes are huge and frightened... but she doesn't say anything as she sidles into a spot that's well out of the way. She just looks trustingly to Thorn -- she has complete faith in his ability to fix everything! When the healing magicks start taking effect, the first thing noticeable is the near-shattered arm. It had been splinted into the correct position, but now the shocking swelling and lurid bruising start to disappear... followed by other bruises as well -- most remarkably, the gruesome damage across poor Shane's throat, and (hidden by his blood-matted hair) on the back of his head. Thorn lets out a relieved sigh, "He's starting to recover, at least. I'll let him sleep for a little longer, and evaluate how well he's healed before waking him."

Coblyn is only one street, but there are alleys and back passages and ways for the nefarious to move around. Naturally, Hans is nothing if not nefarious! He's used those hidden passages to make his way to the infirmary, and he's badly burned and roaring in pain when he reaches the closed doors. By now he's too enraged to think of opening them himself -- he just starts pounding on them with his less-damaged fist, roaring to be let in. Deep inside the infirmary, Cinnamon intently watches Thorn and Iason at work -- but at the racket, her head comes up sharply. What is happening up front?! She glances at the two healers -- yes, she absolutely trusts them to fix all Shane's problems! Okay then, she'll go deal with whatever is happening at the front, so the healers aren't disturbed. She whirls and trots swiftly for the lobby, wondering where Nikos is -- has he even had time to go call the guard yet? No matter; she can cover while he does.

When Cinnamon reaches the lobby, she only sees a very worried looking Nikos there, staring fearfully at the heavily barred doors -- which are currently shuddering under Hans' assault. It's possible to bar the doors to the Infirmary, but it's very rarely done, since the healers normally don't turn anyone away. The small daemon glances anxiously towards Cinnamon as she enters, then nearly squeaks out the information that he's not yet had time to go get the guard! Cinnamon nods grimly to Nikos, "It's Hans, isn't it. Okay..." She stops and takes a deep breath, then starts walking firmly forward, "I'll get him to back off a bit, if I can, and then you can get the guard. Sound good?" She glances back for confirmation from the little daemon, one hand resting on the door bar. She won't open without his permission, after all.

There's no one else in the lobby for Hans to injure immediately, but there are patients in the long-term care rooms of the infirmary... and Shane, Thorn, and Iason, of course! But Nikos shifts so he can dart out quickly, then nods bravely, "Go ahead!"

Cinnamon squares her shoulders and gives a firm nod... then in one swift motion, she yanks away the crossbar and braces herself to push the doors open against the hammering. As soon as they're even slightly opened, she yells, "Go away, Hans! Back up or I'll flame you!"

Hans is charred and bloody -- his hair is only there in clumps by now -- but he remains undeterred. He's a stone troll! He's not quite immune to flames, but he's pretty sure he can survive them... so he crouches, lips peeling back from his teeth, "Try it again, girlie, and I'll tear you limb from fucking limb!"

Cinnamon growls determinedly, "You are not coming in here, Hans. I will not let you hurt anyone else!" She stands with fists clenched, her sneakered feet spread to brace herself in place. She's so angry with the troll that her eyes have turned scarlet, and the reflection of flame flickers across her glasses. She is utterly determined: Hans will not pass her! It's dark and late enough that the streetlights have been turned low -- which means the flames flickering around Cinnamon's eyes and mouth are clearly visible, making her look downright sinister as Marcus comes stalking back up the street. He'd been intending to give Cinnamon a piece of his mind for her carelessly unkind behavior! At sight of the little dragon facing down the huge, shadowy figure, though, the elf comes to a dead stop, his eyes widening. From the outside it looks like a five-foot-nothing, chubby, bespectacled little girl glowering at a furious, injured, looming stone troll. It should seem like the odds are in Hans' favor... but they are decidedly not!

From behind Cinnamon, Nikos is signing frantically at Marcus, trying to communicate: 'Go for help! Get the guard!' Marcus, however, is at first stunned, then glowering. Why is Cinnamon stopping this man from getting medical help? Did she assault him too, as well as Shane?! Lamentably, the elf doesn't immediately recognize Hans, and he's a little too irritated to read the situation correctly. Instead he stalks up, intending to demand to know what in the name of all the stars and stones is happening. Marcus has, after all, been having quite the streak of bad life choices right now!

Hans too is making some truly horrific life choices right now -- and he unfortunately decides this clueless little lordling will make an excellent hostage! He snatches Marcus, one bloodied and half-stone hand wrapping around his throat and the other around Marcus' face, nearly suffocating the elf. His gravelly voice grates out, "Let me pass or I will break this one like a godsdammt twig!" Hans is huffing breath through his nose; his eyes are wild as his big fingers flex on Marcus' head and throat. The trapped elf squirms and struggles -- he can't breathe! He's trying to reach for his blades, but he's blinded and in pain. Nikos' eyes get huge at Hans' demands! Fortunately the goat-like daemon is quick and agile enough to use that moment wisely: he leaps out through the door and scampers away, calling frantically for the guards.

Cinnamon's eyes widen, and she reflexively takes a step back. When things are normal, she doesn't wish harm on anyone -- and she'd honestly been falling hard for Marcus before he dumped her. So to see him in real, terminal danger like this is almost as terrifying as finding Shane earlier tonight! A heartbeat later, though, reason intrudes: Hans will likely gladly kill Marcus just to hurt her, once he's inside. She's got to somehow get him to release the poor guy! She takes a breath... and then her eyes narrow: she's still got a weapon she can use! She calms her voice to a more conciliatory tone, the same way she's heard Jaeger do, "Okay, Hans, you win. You can come in; you don't need to hurt anyone." She keeps talking calmingly as she steps forward again, one hand reaching out... and when Hans' eyes meet hers, she locks her gaze on him and uses all her ability to mesmerize: "-just... let him go!"

Hans reacts as if he's been clubbed, hands opening as he half-reels back. Marcus stumbles forward and falls to his hands and knees, his body heaving as he scrambles and struggles to catch his breath. The troll was not gentle with him -- he's now covered in Shane's, Hans', and some of his own blood! Cinnamon closes her outstretched hand on Marcus' forearm and instantly hauls him hard, shoving him behind her. Then she straightens and inhales, ready to breath fire... but then she closes her mouth sharply and steps back... as, fortunately, right then is when Diarmaid, Lorcan, and several other guards arrive at the gallop. Normally, just the Fomorian and the sidhe would be enough -- but an enraged troll is a little above most people's pay grade! As the guards all nearly dogpile on the hapless troll, Hans is almost rugby-tackled.

Cinnamon whews softly -- okay, that should take care of Hans, thank goodness... she glances around, checking for Marcus. Is he okay, or does she need to take him back to Thorn as well? She spots Marcus sprawled across some of the chairs in the lobby, and sighs in relief again -- he's okay! She glances back outside next, checking the guards are okay too. Has Hans been effectively stopped? It's taking four guards to keep the guy at all subdued -- Hans is howling and roaring and trying to claim Cinnamon is the assailant here. She flamed him for no reason and now she's trying to stop him from getting medical attention for his wounds!

Cinnamon looks shocked at that accusation! She steps outside and snaps, "I certainly did not flame you for no reason, you jerkface! You were trying to kill Shane when I stopped you!" She heatedly adds to the guards, "Shane would be here to tell you I'm telling the truth, except he's back in the infirmary being tended to -- because of this nasty troll's attacking him! Oh! Also, he threatened to kill Marcus too, if I wouldn't let him in here -- which I wouldn't do because: hello, attempted murderer?!"

Nikos arrives at that point, panting hard as he nods in agreement, pointing back into the infirmary, "Shane, inside! Broken bones... cut up bad!"

Inside the lobby, Marcus groans as he tries to get his feet under him. Bruises are already blooming across his face and throat, livid on his pale skin. It's going to be a miracle if he can talk easily -- or at all... Cinnamon glances a bit worriedly over her shoulder at Marcus, then whispers to Nikos, "Can you see if Thorn or Iason can see Marcus too? I want to stay here and make sure Hans doesn't get away." Marcus coughs painfully, panting a bit for air as Nikos scampers (he's good at the scamper) back to find Thorn and Iason, and let them know what's going on. Cinnamon's eyes widen as she sees the bruises on poor Marcus! She turns to the guard outside -- most of them are wrangling Hans, though one is taking notes on what's being said -- and adds, "Hang on a moment, please? Let me get Marcus to talk to you too, okay?" She trots over to the elf, gently picking him up as she murmurs softly, "Easy now, Marcus... let me help you, okay? Guard wants to talk to you..." She turns, still more than half-carrying Marcus as she heads for the door, and adding, "-but don't worry -- I won't let Hans get anyone else here tonight!"

Marcus struggles as Cinnamon picks him up, trying to push her off him. It's enough that she's been snapping at him and ignoring him -- but now she's treating him like a child?! Yes, she's saved his life, but he's not a complete incompetent! Cinnamon pauses by the door, setting Marcus carefully on his feet... and only then getting a good look at him, "Oh my gosh, Marcus -- he really did a number on you!" She pulls a hanky out of her pocket, "Here, you can wipe your face... umm... oh, dear." She glances at the guard, apologetically adding, "I, um, don't know if he can talk to you right now, sorry?"

Thorn is making final checks on Shane before waking him up, when Nikos comes racing in, gabbling something about the healer being needed immediately in the lobby for Marcus! Thorn exchanges a grimly bemused glance with Iason, muttering, "The heck is going on tonight?" as he heads out to retrieve Marcus. He comes out to the waiting room and blinks, staring around in amazement. He's just in time to see Marcus being carried by Cinnamon, while outside the infirmary a roaring, struggling Hans is being violently scrummed by a ton of guards. A heartbeat later Thorn just shakes his head once, and moves to help Cinnamon with Marcus.

Marcus glowers at Cinnamon as he snatches the handkerchief from her, then tries wiping the disgusting mess off his face. He really can't speak, unfortunately... but the snap in his eyes speaks volumes of anger and irritation! So much of it isn't actually for her -- it's the whole verdammt night! -- but right now it looks like he's glaring at her like she's dirt under his shoe. Cinnamon catches that look up close and personal when she turns back to Marcus -- and she blinks and unwittingly takes a step back at Marcus' clear fury with her! She's relieved to see Thorn come in, nearly rushing over to him, "Oh! Thorny! Thorn, how's Shane -- is he okay?!" She grabs his hands without thinking, "Is he all better? Even just a little would be fine he's not going to die or anything is he wait I'm babbling aren't I -- sorry!" She hastily drops Thorn's hands, wringing her own together, "Sorry, I'm sorry, just -- j-just a little worried sorry -- oh! The guard, right -- uh, Thorn, can you please tell the guard about Shane so he knows Hans is lying about me attacking him for no reason?!" The little dragon is, perhaps understandably -- a little spooked!

Thorn says reassuringly, "Shane will be fine! Uh..." He looks outside the doors -- yep, there's Hans still howling and fighting, claiming none of it is his fault. The healer shakes his head ruefully, "Imagine I'll be going to the castle to look at that. Sure, I'll be glad to tell them the truth. Just give me a bit to get Marcus taken care of."

Cinnamon nods in relief, "Yes! Yes, please -- Hans grabbed him as a hostage, poor guy!"

The chain of misunderstandings continues as Cinnamon steps back -- and Marcus' anger flares into life as the dragon turns around as if he doesn't even exist to babble at Thorn about Shane, who has surely already been taken care of. He stomps over, shoves the handkerchief back into Cinnamon's hand, and husks out, "You'll need this to wring over Shane. I'll leave you to it. I can heal on my own." This last assertion is to Thorn as the elf turns, trying to stalk away with offended dignity. Unfortunately, he's actually dizzy from pain.

Cinnamon blinks confusedly at Marcus, then down at the dirty handkerchief in her hand. Wring it over Shane? Is... is Marcus' blood magic or something? That's the first she's ever heard of that, if so... though... wow! Would that help Shane somehow?! She's uncertain but polite, calling, "Thank you, Marcus....?" She knows Thorn will take care of the elf regardless, after all.

Thorn can see a comedy of misunderstandings when he sees one, but he's not entirely in the mood to be an audience -- he's still angry at himself for giving a damn about Hans. "Marcus," he says levelly, "frankly: no, you cannot heal this on your own. Come inside and let's get you properly healed."

Cinnamon nods firmly, "Thorn's right! Thorny, should I help Marcus walk to the back?"

Marcus grits his teeth and steps quickly out of Cinnamon's reach, voice hoarse almost to the point of not being a voice at all, "I. Can. Walk. On. My. Own!" He puts his head down and moves to follow Thorn, not allowing his eyes to move toward the little dragon. Thorn sighs; he's learned enough in his studies to know Hans will heal, but slowly and painfully. Still, the healer will want to -- ugh -- visit the troll in whatever pit they throw him into (since Hans will likely be put down far enough in the palace that the sun won't reach him) just to speed along the troll's healing... and his inevitable exile from Coblyn. At the moment, Thorn would rather have a snarling patient in Marcus, than the badly injured elf stumbling all over Coblyn Street on his own. The healer opens the door to the back to let Marcus though, and the elf follows Thorn, not quite stomping. He has obvious finger bruises around his throat and across his face, and he's still rather bloody.

Cinnamon backs up, a bit hurt even though she's not entirely sure why. She watches the two men leave the room... then sighs and peeks back outside. The guard have managed to start dragging Hans away. To the last remaining guard standing there, Cinnamon asks, "Um... do you guys need any help with Hans, or is there anything else you need me to tell you?"

Lorcan is the sole remaining guard; he politely replies, "I would like to hear this full story, if you don't mind."

Cinnamon nods and glances in, checking with the little daemon, "Nikos, is it okay if we talk in here?" She settles down in the lobby with Lorcan, at Nikos' immediate assent, then tells the whole story -- from her hearing really unpleasant noises while heading home, all the way to this moment.

Lorcan listens with his lips pressed tightly together... then finally nods slowly, "I'll take this information back with me." He gives Cinnamon's shoulder a gentle squeeze, "Thank you." Then he's gone. Just... gone. He surely walked away, but he must have done it very quickly. Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly -- that was fast! She takes a moment to compose herself, since she'd almost started crying a few times while relating what she'd seen and done... but then she hops up. Time to go see how Shane and Marcus are doing!

Nikos blinks slowly and says, "I... don't know if we were supposed to see... or, uhm... not see that."

Cinnamon gives Nikos a puzzled glance, "See what?"

Nikos motions at the door, "However it was that Lorcan was just... not here." Cinnamon frowns a bit perplexedly at Nikos... but then realizes Shane's more important than her confusion, right now. So she nods and smiles to the little daemon -- then heads quickly back to Shane's room.

Further back in the infirmary, Thorn has Marcus lie on one of the tables while the healer wakes up Shane -- or rather, ends the anesthetic spell. Then he does the same thing for Marcus that he did earlier with Shane: a quick but comprehensive diagnosis, then healing. There's little or no urgency at this time, but Thorn would rather Marcus be on his feet soonest. It turns out that Marcus has lurid and extensive bruising -- not just to his skin, but to the soft tissue in his throat. If he'd let it go untreated, it really could have swollen to a dangerous point. Luckily there are no broken bones in his face, but there are more deep, vivid bruises there. When Thorn examines Marcus's eyes, he notices there are actually broken blood vessels in them. The healer gets the feeling, given just the smallest bit more pressure, that Marcus' neck would have broken -- along with his skull. Thorn grimaces, relating this to Iason... and muttering again, "Dammit, Hans." He feels much less compunction about healing Marcus with his magic now -- he simply cannot let Marcus go outside like this.

Marcus takes a deep breath -- then actually groans at how much relief he feels, at the healing! He still looks badly bruised and battered, but the internal swelling he'd been suffering is much, much better. When he speaks, his voice is mostly back to normal, "Thank you..." He rubs at his throat.

Thorn nods to Marcus, smiling quietly, "You're welcome. So: take it easy for a few days. Lots of liquids."

Cinnamon peeks in the doorway, catching that exchange -- and sighs in relief. At least one guy is okay! She's smiling as she comes in, "Hi, Thorny, hi, Iason! How's Shane?" Since she just heard Marcus speak, it doesn't occur to her that he might be offended that she didn't ask about him.

Marcus nods to Thorn, teeth grinding as Cinnamon just seems to gray-rock him... again, "Yes. Thank you, Thorn." His nostrils flare as he looks between the groggy Shane and Cinnamon, pushing past silently without so much as a goodbye.

Shane is blinking as he slowly awakens; he licks dry lips, answering Cinnamon's query, "Feel li' 've gone twel' roun's wi' Tyson..."

Cinnamon blinks confusedly again at Marcus' abrupt departure. Is he okay? He must be, if Thorn just healed him! Though... that reminds her: she turns to Thorn, her voice soft so she doesn't disturb Shane, "Hey, Thorny? Do you know if elf blood is... healing or something?" However, at the sound of Shane's voice she squeaks in shock, nearly whipping over to the bed, "Shaney! Shane, you're okay!" She sighs in relief, hastily dragging a chair over to the bedside and flumpfing down in it, "Thank goodness! You really scared me there, asthore!"

Thorn arches a brow as Marcus grumpily leaves -- but then he too turns back to Shane, letting out a breath and glad that's taken care of. He blinks at Cinnamon's question, "Not that I know of, no?"

Cinnamon glances up distractedly at Thorn, "No? Huh... okay, that's... confusing then... I guess?" She looks back at Shane, still a little worried, "Should you be talking yet, asthore? Do you need a drink of water or anything?"

Shane smiles sort of goofily at Cinnamon and reaches to take her hand, "There's m'girl..." He relaxes and blinks slowly, "I'm... li'l fuzzy on why'm here?"

Cinnamon happily -- if also very gently -- takes Shane's hand in both of hers, "Oh! Hans attacked you! I saw him trying to kill you I flamed him hope you don't mind then carried you here Marcus helped I'm so glad you're okay now thanks to Thorny!" She beams up at the healer, adding quite sincerely, "Thank you so much, Thorn! I'll have to thank Marcus later too!" The little dragon is really not familiar with physical damage, considering her fairly sheltered life... so it doesn't occur to her that her rapid-fire explanation may be just a smidge much for someone with a head injury!

Shane slow-blinks at Cinnamon... then looks over at Thorn. His speech is getting better, "D' I have a brain injury?" He reaches with his free hand to gently palpate his skull. Admittedly, most of the reason he doesn't remember the larger part of the attack is -- well, he was unconscious for it. He was blitz-attacked, after all. Cinnamon glances worriedly at Thorn as well, unsure of the answer.

Thorn shakes his head, "No concussion, at least not anymore. Some injury to the back of the skull and the skin there. I'm guessing Hans had you up against a wall." He figures Shane doesn't need a full run-down of his injuries. He's pausing to make a note in his notebook that trolls can survive -- briefly -- the force of an enraged dragon's breath... but it's not what anyone would call a fun time.

Shane, however, sits up a little too fast, "Hans?"

Cinnamon squeaks worriedly, "Eek! Careful, asthore -- don't hurt yourself again!" She reaches to gently touch Shane's temple when the half-beansidhe winces at the too-fast movement, adding absently, "Don't worry, Hans can't get in -- he's in the dungeon."

Shane looks back and forth between Cinnamon and Thorn, "Oh... kay... so I somehow lost a fight... to Hans? ...and he's in the dungeon?" Thorn has to let Cinnamon explain it; he doesn't know the details, only the result.

Cinnamon nodnods earnestly! A moment later, though, she frowns and shakes her head, "You did not lose a fight to him! He had you up by the throat, Shaney! He was gonna punch you out -- so of course I came running!" She scowls as she adds, "I don't know what he did, but you didn't even have your sword drawn... so he did something wrong, I'm sure! Sneaked up behind you or something, I bet!"

Shane doesn't let go of Cinnamon's hand, but he uses his free hand to rub his eyes with a groan, "Fuckin' coward. Probably blitzed me somehow. Only way he'd get the goddamn drop on me like that..." He must really be out of it for his language to be quite so blue in Cinnamon's presence.

Cinnamon does blink a bit startledly, admittedly... but she doesn't say anything. Poor Shaney! He needs all her support, right now -- everyone's, in fact! She considers for a bit, then glances at Thorn, "Shane should... rest now, right? I mean, it's almost two-thirty or three in the morning by now!"

Thorn nods soberly, "Yes," then adds, "He should be okay to sleep in his home if there's nothing wrong with him now. But maybe...?" He looks to Iason. "Do you think he should stay the night for observation?"

Iason thinks, then shakes his head, "Sending him home is likely not the best idea. If I remember, he lives not only at the far end of Coblyn, but on the second story."

Cinnamon nods several times at that! Shane snorts and leans his head back, still holding Cinnamon's hand, "Damn steep stairs, too."

Thorn nods, "Then he should stay the night. You're welcome to stay with him, Cinnamon."

Cinnamon squeaks and turns pink! A moment later, though, she lights up, "Really?! It's okay if I do that?" She whirls to beam hopefully at Shane, "Is that okay? You won't mind?" She babbles with nervous hopefulness to Iason, "I can start working on the financials again tomorrow -- promise I won't get in the way at all! Er, th-that's if Shaney doesn't mind?"

Shane rolls his head, eyes half-open, and his lips curl into a small smile. It's unwittingly like bedroom eyes, though Cinnamon wouldn't know it, "You can sleep over with me anytime you want, a ghr�." He looks back at Thorn, "Hans... survived the flaming, yeah? Bet he didn't learn a damned thing."

Cinnamon beams at Shane! At the query she nods, her voice rueful, "Nope! He tried to break in here. Nikos ran for the guard, though, and they took him down. Oh, and he tried to use Marcus as a hostage so I'd let him in." It simply doesn't occur to her that her stopping Hans was at all remarkable, however... though that reminds her of something else, "Hey, Shaney. Do you know Lorcan at all well? Is he, um... really fast, or sneaky, or... or invisible sometimes, or something?"

Shane slow blinks two or three times, "Lorcan... I dunno his knack. But 'd be useful t' have a don'-see-me as a guard..." He's rubbing his thumb gently over Cinnamon's hand as he finally asks, "Marcus 'kay? Like... not-dead?"

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully; sounds like Shane doesn't know why Lorcan sort of vanished either! She'll have to ask Nikos what he meant, later. She smiles reassuringly and nods, "Oh, yes! Thorny healed him!" She beams, glancing back at the healer as she adds proudly, "Thorny's been just amazing tonight!"

Shane nod, eyes closing, "Good. Not-dead's good." He sighs, "May be a jackass, but he's not deserves-to-die levels of jackass."

Cinnamon grins at that! She gently pats Shane's hand, "He's okay now. You should sleep, sweetie. I'm gonna go see where Iason and Thorn want me to be for the rest of the night, okay? I'll be back later, but you sleep now, 'kay?" She glances up at Thorn, adding quietly (so as to not disturb sleepy Shane), "Is there a cot or something I can borrow, Thorny?"

Thorn smiles, "Oh, sure; there is. Let me go and get it for you. I'll put it in Shane's room."

Shane nods and brings Cinnamon's hand to his mouth, turning it so he can kiss the center of her palm, "Mmm. Yeah. Sleep." He takes a breath and sighs and seems to be out again before he finishes the breath.

Cinnamon squeaks softly again -- eeeyipe that felt tingly! She shivers happily, waiting until Shane releases her hand... and then she silently rises and patters off with Thorn, to help with carting the cot around. She has things she's going to have to do tomorrow, but for now she can spend the rest of the night with Shane... eeeeesoveryverynice!

Cinnamon wakes up very early the next morning. She's not in her own cozy little bed, and she slept in her rumpled clothing from yesterday, and her mouth tastes awful! She decides best to go home and clean up, before returning to the infirmary to check on Shane again, and to work on the books a bit more. She tiptoes carefully out, and shortly thereafter is pattering along the street in the pale, chill early morning light. Her relief is such that she finds it a beautiful morning! She inhales deeply, smiling with quiet relief to herself: Shane's getting better, and Thorn will take good care of him -- he's awesome! Actually, they both are... oh, and also: Marcus is going to be okay too! Hm, should check on Marcus later to be sure everything is fine, and to thank him for helping last night...

As she patters along, Cinnamon's thoughts run far faster than she: they almost lost Shane last night! That -- she shudders -- no, that's just not anything she wants to consider! Fortunately Hans is captured and the little dragon intends to make sure he's permanently exiled -- if he's willing to just ki- t-to -- er, and to Shane... if Hans is that bad with someone who can defend themselves, then... wow, imagine how horrible he must be being to everyone else! Cinnamon shakes her head in disgust... but then, like a magnet, her thoughts return to Shane.

Up until this point in Cinnamon's life (though without knowing the terms) the little dragon has considered herself an aromantic ace, rather than the demiromantic demisexual she truly is... simply because she's never knowingly spent any length of time around someone who genuinely cared for her -- let alone romantically! But... a life without Shane? Ugh, no! She almost lost him; she doesn't want to go through life never having had the chance to... well, to -- t-to maybe... well, like Josie and Spice -- that cute, cuddly way they touch each other sometimes? Cinnamon is nervous at the idea, but determinedly makes herself consider it... and finally, she decides playfully touching and being touched by Shane... should be okay... maybe? Oh! Plus, that way, even if he later lets her down gently due to not really being interested -- well, she's still pretty sure he wouldn't deliberately hurt her -- which means there'd be no mockery or disgust if/when he turned her down. Also... maybe she'll even have gotten to enjoy herself... for at least a little bit? The wistful thought occurs to her: she'd really kinda like to experience the sort of happy/friendly closeness she sees with Josie and Spice...!

Wait -- Josie and Spice! Abruptly, Cinnamon remembers: she's supposed to have lunch with them today! The little dragon eeps, glancing around for a clock... oh, whew. Okay, she has plenty of time to shower and clean up before lunch! Though... hm. If Cinnamon intends to, er, to... um, be interested at Shane? She certainly can't just come out and say it -- oh, god, she'd just die of embarrassment! The little dragon's face flushes hotly even in the cold winter morning, as she thinks that! A moment later, though, she's frowning thoughtfully again: how, er... what does one actually do, to show interest -- but not so, um... blatantly? -that it just scares the other person away? A moment later Cinnamon sighs in relief: of course! She'll just ask Josie and Spice! After all, they both had to, er, to... do it at each other, right? To show they were interested, at least? Definitely, hopefully a good pair to ask!

Thus, a few hours later, Cinnamon is seated in a nice, cozy little booth at Duille Darach, the Irish pub, inn, and post office. Across from her are Josie and Spice, and the threesome are having a tasty lunch as Cinnamon updates the couple on what happened last night. The high-sided booth is excellent for muffling the voices within, which is good... because poor Josie keeps accidentally growling -- she really hates it when pack gets hurt! Spice too is shocked, and they're all deeply relieved, in the end, that Cinnamon was there at the right time, Thorn was able to heal both Shane and Marcus (though Spice snorts and mutters something profane at how disdainful Marcus was!), and Shane will, ultimately, be All Right. However, a few seconds later Spice metaphorically pricks up her ears and grins at Cinnamon, "Okay, out with it, bosslady! There's still something on your mind -- I can fuckin' tell!"

That, of course, causes Cinnamon to blush even more hotly as she hastily straightens, then puts down, the poor metal utensil she'd absentmindedly been twisting between her fingers! It takes her a minute to work up the courage to ask, and her blush gets even more scarlet as she does so -- but she finally manages to shyly get out, "I, uh, I w-was hoping you -- you two, I mean -- could tell me... oh! Um, I m-mean, if... it's not rude to ask? S-since you both, er, p-prefer women? B-but, ahh... how... h-how, uhh..." She gulps, takes a deep breath... then blurts out, "Howdoyouletsomeoneknowyoul-l-l-likethem?!" She winces at the high squeak in her voice at the end of her sentence, hastily covering her face with both hands and muttering, "Ohmygosh, Cinnamon, you are such a dork!"

Spice's lips twitch! "Well, since I don't think you're the 'Nice shoes, wanna fuck?' type and I'm nine-thousand-percent sure you're talking about Shane, I'd say y'know... talk to him."

Josie widens her eyes at her sweetie when Spice makes the 'nice shoes' comment, then looks at Cinnamon. Clearing her throat, the wolf spirit asks very gently, "How much experience do you have with, y'know, guys?" She's pretty sure the answer is 'slim to none,' but knowing will help. Cinnamon blinks at Spice from between her fingers, her eyes widening -- then she squeaks in horror and covers her face completely again! Josie reaches across the table and gently lays a hand on some part of Cinnamon, "Ignore her. Sometimes her mouth completely bypasses her tact filter." This is one of the times sweet Josie shows why she's a counselor, "I know you've not, like, had a boyfriend before, but have you had any kind of experience with boys?"

Cinnamon takes a deep breath at Josie's query -- and why would shoes make you want to f-f-fu- er, h-have, umm... oh, poop! She fiercely reins in her runaway thoughts, considering the question again. Lowering her hands, she lifts her chin -- she is not intimidated at the prospect of -- of, umm... um, yeah! -- and manages to stutter, "I -- I, I've had some! I've... uh, d-done... kissing! Yeah!" She hesitates, and her gaze drops to her slightly twisted-together fingers, "Um, sort of? Really!" She tries to smile at Josie... but then her basic straightforwardness pushes her, and she drops her gaze again, admitting, "Well, umm, not... not much, really...." She sighs, her shoulders slumping a bit, "Really not much. Er... at all."

Spice shrugs at Josie as if to say 'What? Am I wrong?' -- then grins at Cinnamon, "So, like the smooches Shane and shit-for-brains have sneaked, right?" Josie gives Spice another 'Use tact, please!' look and Spice manages not to roll her eyes as she continues, "I mean, that's... kinda... not much. Which, I guess, I understand why that'd be fuckin' nerve-wrackin' when your intended future-boot-knockin' partner almost got made into beansidhe pate."

Cinnamon visibly wilts at Spice's assessment, looking like she'd desperately appreciate the earth opening up and swallowing her forever! Josie actually snaps, "Spice!" and kicks her sweetie under the table, before saying calmingly to Cinnamon, "Well, usually a gift is a good way to let someone know you're thinking about them. Y'know, like when someone shows up and brings like flowers and chocolate? There's a whole language with flowers and stuff."

Cinnamon looks hopefully at Josie, "A gift? Flowers and chocolate? Or, wait... aren't flowers and chocolate what you get girls for Valentine's Day?" She thinks a moment, then adds with unwitting honesty, "Well, that and overpriced jewelry, from what I've seen?" She frowns consideringly, "Though... a gift. Hmm... I could do a gift!" She brightens a bit, "Do you think Shane would like a gift from me?"

Josie smiles warmly, "I think Shane would love a gift from you... and yeah, probably not flowers and chocolate."

Cinnamon looks somewhat relieved, beaming at Josie, "Thanks so much, JoJo! Actually, thank you to both of you, for being willing to talk to me about this!" A part of her is very confused -- do Spice and Josie really kick their boots together to be, er... erotic? Another, more protective part, though... thinks maaaaybe don't ask Spice any more questions -- unless Cinnamon wants to feel like she needs to crawl under the table in sheer embarrassment! Though there is one other confusion: how did Spice know it was Shane?! As she's rising from the table with her friends, Cinnamon sighs at herself: of course! She gave it away by asking about liking people -- right after telling about Shane's accident! Okay, that was on her... she'll have to be more careful, in future... wait. Ooh, what an exciting thought: if Shane actually doesn't mind getting gifts from her... then maybe Cinnamon won't have to hide her feelings so much! The little dragon hugs Josie and Spice both, thanking them sincerely for helping her out like this -- she's going to go gift shopping right away! That wonderfully happy-making thought buoys Cinnamon during her brisk walk all the way down Coblyn Street, and out into Boston proper -- even right into the closest mall! ...and then, as Cinnamon stands on the pavement and looks back and forth at all the many shops, the worrisome truth hits her: she hasn't a single freaking clue as to what one buys boys for gifts!

The poor girl dithers a bit, wracking her brains... but no, she's never read any instructions, to her knowledge, of gifts for boys. She's never needed to know, before this! She finally makes herself sit down on a bench and take several deep breaths: she is not going to panic, and she is going to logic this problem out! Okay... okay. She doesn't know what gifts to get boys... so who does? Hmm... other boys? Excellent. Okay, who does she know that she can ask? She brightens -- that's easy! She can ask Marcus! Though... wait. He seemed... kind of upset or something, last night. Hmm... okay, different boy. Elias? Jaeger? Umm... maybe not. She wants a gift for someone close to her own age, after all -- maybe even (she blushes at the thought) something a bit... romantic! It doesn't immediately occur to her that even men who're older than Aisling can -- like Ash herself -- still have active sexual lives. Instead she realizes with relief that she does actually know someone who might be able to help: Baird! Plus, bonus: she can call him!

Cinnamon hastily fumbles out her phone and calls the number Baird gave her for leaving messages. She has no idea just how frantic she sounds as she nearly gasps out, "Baird! Um, p-please call me back as soon as you can, please? I have a, uh, really big problem I need help with I'm happy to, er, t-to buy you a late lunch how's that if you please please please come join me so, um, we can... maybe fix this? Please? Oh! Also, I'm, uhhh..." Cinnamon glances around -- then brightens at sight of a restaurant she likes, giving its name and address, and adding, "If, um, like, if you can make it? Let me know please and we can meet there? I mean, j-just if you want, of course -- another restaurant is fine if you prefer!" The little dragon sighs gustily as she hangs up... then takes a deep breath. She is not going to let this intimidate her! She's going to get a nice, lovely gift for Shane, with Baird's help -- and then she, uhh... oh, yikes. Well... then they'll see. Hopefully Shane will like it...? Though... better be careful she doesn't let slip that it's for Shane. Don't want to embarrass the poor guy -- especially while he's still stuck in the hospital...! The little dragon sits and frets and stares around herself and occasionally remembers to take deep breaths and firmly remind herself: Shane is safe! Marcus is too! Things will be fine. Really. They will. Absolutely...

Baird checks the message because there's only a scant handful of people who have that number and those who do rarely leave a message frivolously. Worryingly, Cinnamon sounds frantic... and she needs to fix something. In Baird's world, 'fixing' something either means someone needs to die or, gods forfend, the lass needs an abortion, or something similar. Though, that latter means things sped up rather drastically since Valkyrie got back in port. He grimly thinks he'd much rather someone need to die than have to break Cinnamon's confidence and inform Shane of the latter, so the poor lass doesn't have to decide something so momentous alone. He texts back to let Cinnamon know he'll meet her and when, since he doesn't want to let anything of his grim thoughts come through to her in his voice.

Cinnamon nearly jumps out of her skin when her phone dings at her -- but then yanks it out and reads the message. Oh, thank goodness! She sighs, closing her eyes and relaxing -- Baird's coming! He'll know what to do, thank goodness. Why, he's even in a romantic thingie right now -- with Keiko! For a moment Cinnamon has a tiny flicker of pride: she helped Keiko and Baird meet! She sighs gustily again, her mood starting to lift at the prospect of this problem being so easily resolved... then patters over to the restaurant and asks for a table facing the door, so she can see her lunch companion arriving, please? The little dragon has absolutely no idea Baird's conception of her potential problem includes things like blackmail, emotional injury, unwanted pregnancy, or worse!

It occurs to Baird on the way to meet Cinnamon that it might not even be Shane that might be the source of the issue that needs fixing -- and if that's so... it might turn into both sorts of issue that need fixing -- because Baird himself will not take kindly to someone taking advantage of the lass! Further, he knows Shane will likely demonstrate how a spinal column can be removed through one's rectal sphincter, should something like that have happened. Thus, when Baird arrives he has his normal messenger bag slung cross-body, but he's also carrying a rather large blueprint case with him. His face is grim as he narrows in on the little dragon and slides into the booth where she's waiting, "Are ye okay, lass?"

Cinnamon gasps in relief, "Baird! Oh yes, now you're here -- thank you so much for coming!" She manages to plaster a (very unconvincing) smile across her face as the waitress arrives, ordering a diet coke and waiting until Baird has ordered and the waitress has departed before she sighs in relief. She smiles at Baird -- shakily but more sincerely -- as she reiterates, "Thank you so much for coming so fast, Baird!" She has a sip of her water -- but then she can't help blurting anxiously out, "This is really important and I really need your help please and can you please promise not to tell anyone about this please?!"

Baird orders black coffee and puts his bag and case in the booth beside him. His face is grim as he reaches across the table to lay his hands over her's, "Of course, Cinnamon. You've saved me arse. I'm a vault." He feels no compunction in that little white lie.

Cinnamon sighs in relief again, gently squeezing the merc's hands in return -- thank goodness for Baird! "Okay... whew. Okay." She takes a deep breath -- but then is suddenly overcome with shyness: will he think poorly of her because she's so inexperienced? She has to firmly remind herself that Baird was kind when she was hurt by Marcus! Baird's not going to mind... he's a friend! He'll help her figure out a gift, surely! So she takes another deep breath, then manages to stutter out, "I... I n-need your help because... b-because, um, well see there's uh th-this guy, you know? Uh a-and I, I w-want to, t-to..." Her voice starts to speed up and get slightly squeaky out of sheer anxiety, "-uh, well, J-Josie and Sp-p-pice said giving a gift was, w-was, ahh, was a good way to let a guy know you were interested, uhh..." She has to pause and take another breath before she can manage to blurt out, "and I, I really like him but, b-but I, I, I..." [Arrrgh! Just say it already, Cinnamon, you dork!] "I'mr-reallysorrybutIdon'tknowwhatboyslikepleasehelpme?!" She's unwittingly anxiously squeezing Baird's hands as she speaks, and her eyes are huge with nervous anxiety... which is, oddly enough, coupled with an absolute faith that Baird can, if he's willing... resolve all the little dragon's current problems!

Baird is listening intently because he's been around Cinnamon enough to know she blurts and slurs her words together when she's anxious and upset. When she begins by saying she really needs help because 'there's a guy,' his vision starts to go red... but then she continues... and he blinks. He mentally rewinds the words and replays them in his head... then rewinds them again. After that he says carefully, "You need help... figuring out... a... gift. For a lad..." The merc blinks slowly again and quite literally bites his tongue; none of his desire to bray laughter shows on his face! You do not get to be Baird without being able to school your features, after all. The only person with a better poker face than Baird is quite likely only Sparrow.

Cinnamon nods earnestly, "Yes! Please! You're the only one I know that's not mad at me or centuries old or Sh- uh, th-the guy himself!"

Baird nods, "Not Shane, y'mean. Because if it's Marcus, I'm gonna be checkin' for the pods, lass... and every single werewolf on Valkyrie is at least a century old, Elias is like yer uncle, Sparrow may only be 35 or so in human years, but he's a millennium in spirit. If ye're wantin' to know why I say Shane."

Cinnamon squeaks in horror, "Oh, nooo! Uh, I m-mean, yes, but -- oooh, crabcakes! You can't tell him anythi-!" She blinks, cutting off as the (personally still very strange) thought hits her again: she's going to be effectively telling Shane... herself! ...that she's interested in him! Baird arches a brow as Cinnamon works through the fact that Shane's going to eventually learn this himself from Cinnamon as she blinks slowly again... then takes a slow, deep breath... then slowly sighs it out again. Okay. Calm... be calm. She can do this. She pauses, reviewing whatever it was Baird just said... then absently replies, "Oh, no, it's not Marcus -- he's still mad at me about getting him all bloody last night, even if it was an accident... and yeah, Elias is, I think, over a millennium too... um. Huh." She smiles uncertainly at Baird, "It... yeah, it is Shane? Is... that okay?"

Baird narrows his eyes, "Back up a bit. Bloody?"

Cinnamon nods earnestly -- then blinks, "Oh! That's right; I bet you don't know about the attack yet, do you?" She brightens a bit, "Um... I could tell you, if you're not in a rush?" She adds in what she considers a helpful manner, "That's why I want to get a gift for Shane -- b-because I don't want to lose him before I ever even said anything at all, you know?"

Baird leans back and crosses his arm, voice wry and calm, "I've got all bloody day, lass, because -- as I've told you before -- you don't send a man on a mission with incomplete intel."

Cinnamon looks first relieved... then trepidatious... then worried... then just takes a deep breath. Better tell Baird everything, and then see if he's upset or not. Plus, he did say he'd help! So she leans forward and tells the whole story, pausing only for the waitress, or when she's chewing and swallowing. Once she gets to the end, she adds, "-so then I thought I'd run out right away and go get a gift for him! But then, once I got here..." she sighs in embarrassed chagrin, "I... I realized I'm... kinda clueless about... about guys...? So... can you help me? Please?" She's still rather distraught, so the story takes a bit to tell... especially since, when Baird holds up a hand and asks for clarification, she obligingly pauses and does so -- such as giving a quick, slightly upset thumbnail of who and what Hans is.

Baird rubs the inner corners of his eyes with his thumb and forefinger and rumbles calmly, "A gift for Shane." He keeps everything else, like 'It takes the lad nearly dying for you to admit you love him?' and 'I wonder if I can infiltrate the dungeon, and how do you kill a troll?' to himself. Cinnamon nodnods several times, staring hopefully at Baird. Eventually the merc muses aloud, "If he were a normal, human, 'out in the normal world' lad, I'd suggest something like cologne or cufflinks. But neither of those exactly screams 'Shane!' to me. So, perhaps some sort of body armor... or a new pair of boots. He's near worn holes in the soles of those moccasins he seems to love so much. Ah, and I mean modern body armor -- something he could wear off Coblyn and not have people think he was a refugee from a Renaissance Faire. There's some very good lightweight stuff out there now." Baird considers a bit longer, "Or even a nice new blade, but blades shouldn't be simply a gift. You'd need to request for him to give you some token in trade."

Cinnamon brightens, "Armor -- oh, like the kevlar you got him? Or... is there something more modern than that?" She frowns thoughtfully as she muses aloud, "Though... if his boots are wearing out, that might be more important to him...?"

Baird nods, "Shane would place a great deal of importance on thoughtful over extravagant, I would almost stake my life on it."

Cinnamon shakes her head, "No, not a blade -- he's got Waylon the Smith as his blade-maker!" She says the name with clear awe, then adds, "I looked the name up, after I met him. Oh my gosh, Baird! The guy is totally, truly legendary!"

Baird does a slow blink, "Waylon Sm... well! You could see about getting the blade from him, I suppose, but you might want to stick with the boots."

Cinnamon nods eagerly in agreement, "I think so too! I prefer giving practical gifts anyways, after all!" She beams at Baird, her tone heartfelt, "Thank you so much, Baird, for helping me! Can you suggest a good brand of boots that I can pick up for him?"

Baird chuckles, taking a deep breath and letting it out, "Do you want pretty or do you want practical or do you want both?"

Cinnamon adds absently, "Besides, Waylon only does jobs he wants to do now. I know he likes Shane a lot, so he'd likely make a blade for him... but I also know Shane has a lot of blades already! I don't think he actually needs any... I think?" She thinks about the question, then grins excitedly, "Can we do both?"

Baird mms and nods, pulling out his phone and quickly bringing up a website. Then he pauses, glancing up at the little dragon, "Cost limit?"

Cinnamon blinks at that -- she has no idea what boots cost! "Uhhh..." Ack, he's waiting on her! She hastily grabs a number out of thin air, "...a hundred thousand?!" A second later, she falters, "I, um... I mean... what do good boots usually cost?"

Baird arches a brow, "They don't cost a hundred grand, lass, but a few hundred for really good boots isn't unheard of." Cinnamon sighs in relief, leaning forward to check the phone. She'd gladly spend $100K if necessary to keep Shane safe, true... but money aside, she'd really rather he not be in quite so much danger! Baird turns his phone toward her, "These might be the lad's style. They're sturdy, handmade... those canvas tabi boots are quite like the lad, too."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh! These are nice! Though, umm... wow, how do you choose?" She taps lightly on the screen a few times, then frowns, "Hmm... okay, I'm going to have to get Shane's measurements for these... which means not a surprise -- though..." She brightens again, "Oh! I know! I'll print out a couple of the photos of different boots, and ask him which he wants! Then I can ask for his measurements as well -- how's that sound, Baird?"

Baird nods, "That works. Choose a couple styles and give him the option... or, possibly, ask someone who might know his size." He smiles, "Mostly you choose by looking through them and going 'Those are definitely ones I can see him wearing,' or 'I would love to see him wearing those.' That's why I suggested those tabi boots -- I could absolutely see Shane wearing them. They're sturdy and allow for very good movement. One of my occasional co-workers has a pair."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully -- the photo does show nice boots! Though... she blinks at Baird, "Why are you calling them tabby boots, please? They're not stripy at all -- they're just black!" Then she blinks again, blushing as something in the photo registers, "Oh -- tabi boots! With the toe, like jika-tabi -- I get it now!"

Baird nods, "Aye; tabi. T. A. B. I. The fella I know can scale a wall like Spiderman in those."

Cinnamon blinks interestedly, "Oh, is he a supernatural too?" She shivers slightly, "Good thing he's a guy! Otherwise I'd be worried you'd accidentally stumbled over a jorogumo!" Firmly she adds, "Keiko would not like that, I'm sure -- they're mean!"

Baird arches a brow, "It's hyperbole. He's just a damned good free climber."

Cinnamon nods slowly... then apologizes, "I'm sorry, Baird. I just sort of... well, assume it's real, now, I guess?" She also makes note of the website Baird shared with her, so she can make a card for Shane and include some of the nice boots in it. Once that's done she smiles a bit ruefully, "I would have liked to be able to carry something in for Shane, right away... but this is much, much better than not having anything. So thank you again, Baird -- this has been enormously helpful!"

Baird smiles, "Lass... doesn't Shane have some sort of collection? I thought he mentioned it at some point."

Cinnamon blinks thoughtfully at Baird, "A... collection? Do you mean, like, of blades? Sure! He carries multiples of them, if I understand correctly! Or do you mean something else?" She considers that for a bit... then brightens, "Oh! The, uh, the miniature supernatural statues thingie, right!" She wonders what she can get him, though -- but then abruptly nearly beams with excitement, "Oh! Oh, oh, that is perfect, Baird -- I know just what to get him!"

Baird nods, "That's the one -- the little statues. When we were in Galway he got something for his mum and said she collected dragons, and he collected all sorts of wee things. Fraser teased him about collecting a dragon or two of his own."

Baird is quite certain that comment will sail right over Cinnamon's head... and smiles wryly when it absolutely does, as the little dragon bounces up excitedly -- since their meal is pretty much finished by now, "Oh, wow, thank you so much, Bairdy! You've been awesome-sauce!" She hastily pays for their meal, then darts around the table to hug him, laughing delightedly. "I'm gonna go get it right away -- I hope he loves it! This is so exciting! Thanks again, Bairdy!" She nearly flies out of the restaurant, almost singing with happiness: she's going to get the adorable little red dragon figurine for Shane! It kind of looks like her, and hopefully he'll like it! Back in the restaurant, Baird finishes his meal and his coffee, and shakes his head. He needs to remember to first call back and ask Cinnamon if the emergency is actually life or death, next time. He chuckles wryly as he gathers his messenger bag and the blueprint case -- and is rather glad he doesn't have to use the compact sniper rifle in it -- and heads back out.

Two days later, Cinnamon blinks abstractedly as she opens the door of her little cottage to Josie and Spice, "Oh! Wow, I'm so sorry, peeps -- is it noon already? C'mon in! I lost track of time..." She turns and walks back into her little house -- which is rather uncharacteristic of the ordinarily meticulously careful little dragon! Both hands push back her hair as she glances around the room and rambles a bit, "Been trying to get something written but... well, it's just not coming out right, and I'm seriously thinking maybe it'd be best not to mention it at all..." Her ordinarily extremely tidy little cottage is a bit of a mess, in fact! The laptop is open on the sofa, and Cinnamon's usually tidy little writing desk is on the low table, with her usual pen and ink obviously in use. Further, there are wadded-up pieces of paper strewn haphazardly around the floor -- a clear hazard and temptation to any cat-related supernatural!

Josie and Spice look at one another, and then Cinnamon, with concern. Spice starts to open her mouth, but Josie puts a hand over it before gently asking, "We're happy to help. What are you writing?"

Cinnamon sighs, "Oh, it's me being dumb... see, I finally decided maybe it'd be okay to admit to Shane that I was kinda, like, interested, you know? So I got a gift, like you suggested -- a nice card with some printouts of some nice boots in it, so he could pick the ones he liked most, and then I'd ask for his measurements, and then he'd get some nice, sturdy, practical boots because Baird mentioned his moccasin boots were almost worn through on the bottom which I hadn't noticed which really I should have, don't you think? Except he also suggested a figurine for his collection so I got the really cute adorable little red dragon because I was hoping he'd think of me and like it..."

The little dragon is moving almost on automatic, going to the kitchen and bringing out the food she'd intended to share with her dear friends, as her story continues reeling out of her. It's almost a relief to finally tell someone about how frustratingly hard this has been! "...but when I got to the infirmary he was asleep so I didn't want to wake him but I hadn't realized just how many people love him, you all! -- there were like just tons of flowers all in vases and beautiful arrangements and stuff and baskets of wine and food and fruit and all kinds of things and all these gorgeous handmade get-well-soon cards and even some little paintings and things and wow, I had no idea!" She sighs as she starts getting drinks as well, "So my little box and card looked really small and unimportant and I was embarrassed so I just tucked them into the back and left..."

Cinnamon sets out the drinks and food as she continues her story, "But then once I was home I got mad at myself and thought, 'Cinnamon Elgan what is wrong with you? You have got to just tell him how you feel -- that's what JoJo and Spicy and Bairdy told you to do!' So I thought first I'd just practice saying it to my mirror so I didn't freeze up and babble nonsense at him, but I got the stutters so bad that I thought maybe better to write a short speech first, then practice that in the mirror... but I'm just awful at writing stuff like this and I'm still all stuttery and stupid in the mirror!" She sighs, pushing back her hair again as she frustratedly adds, "I'm seriously considering that I shouldn't mention it at all, so he doesn't get spooked by me and run away or something!"

Josie keeps her hand on Spice's mouth until Cinnamon is done, because the wolf-girl loves her girlfriend, but Spice has a real problem not saying whatever pops into her head sometimes! Once Cinnamon sort of verbally runs down, though, Josie's eyes are soft as she goes to wrap the little dragon in a big hug, "Here's what you do: you write it down without thinking about it too much. Just let your heart lead you, 'kay? ...and I promise you, any gift you give Shane is going to outshine anything else he got."

Cinnamon hugs Josie back tightly, blinking to keep back the tears. The warm hug is unexpectedly reassuring, and Cinnamon sighs and relaxes a bit -- JoJo always knows just the right thing to do! The little dragon takes a few deep breaths, then sighs and smiles up at her friends, "You know what, you're right -- I'll do it! I'll just keep it really short and simple. That should do it." She laughs shakily, hugging Josie tightly again, "I'm just sorry I got so caught up in my head that I forgot what time it was, and that we were having lunch here today!" She blinks as her stomach rumbles, then laughs again -- more genuinely this time, "Guess having a plan really helps! C'mon, let's eat!" As they all settle in for one of Cinnamon's tasty, home-cooked lunches, Josie gives Spice a firm 'Don't start!' look.

After the very pleasant, relaxing, and reassuring lunch, Cinnamon turns with renewed will to her plan to inform Shane of her feelings! She's keenly aware of how easy it is for her to be reduced to near-incoherent babbling, though, so she thinks long and hard about how to alleviate that... until it hits her: she should do like she did with her card! She'll handwrite (so it's more personal) her original speech -- and give that to Shane! Unfortunately for the little dragon, her emotions are starting to catch up with her... which means her hands are shaking rather badly, due to her tremendous fear of rejection. That, plus a few nervous tears as she's writing, means she gets the note written, but... studying it with dismay, she wonders if it's going to be legible to anyone but her! What's she going to do, darnit?! She promised Josie and Spice that she'd go see Shane by tomorrow morning at the latest!

It's with a sense of relief she realizes: she can give a printout of her speech to Shane! -- along with the heartfelt, handwritten letter itself. Cinnamon sighs in relief again; she's absolutely sure Shane will be able to read a simple printout, even if her own handwriting is awful right now. A moment later, though, she blinks at another horrifying thought: what if Shane, even accidentally, lets someone else see this letter?! Oh, crabcakes -- she'd just die of embarrassment! Should she ask for the letter back, once Shane has read it? Hmm... yeah, definitely. Cinnamon quickly writes another, very short little paragraph which basically asks Shane to please read her letter while she waits in another room, then give it back to her without letting anyone see it, please? Also, he can please take maybe five minutes or so to consider, and then let her know what his answer is? However, what the little dragon rapidly discovers -- after much spluttering and stuttering in front of the mirror yet again during yet more terrifying attempts at practicing -- is that she's way too nervous to really say much of anything at all to Shane right now!

By this point, of course, poor Cinnamon is struggling to ward off a full-on panic attack -- dear god, this emotional stuff is so! -hard! She's fully expecting Shane to tell her 'thanks but not interested that you're in love with me' by now... so the poor woman finally just exasperatedly prints out her short request for the return of the letter, as well as the letter itself -- she can hand them to him one at a time, darnit! She's not worried about Shane breaking his promise once he makes it, of course.

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

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