Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon glances around, realizing they're almost at Coblyn's edge -- so she quickly leans to whisper to Jaeger, "What, uhh... wh-what do you think of Jalil's land allocation suggestions, please?"

Jaeger considers his reply, "I believe reallocating the territories makes sense. I also think having the thirteenth chair be truly impartial could be a good thing." He shrugs, "That is no longer a choice I get to have any say in. I stepped down." He rubs a hand over his face, "Though if my son isn't found, I may have to step back up."

Cinnamon's response is immediate -- almost instinctive, "We are gonna find him, Jaeger! He can't have just vanished, after all!" She pauses, then frowns a bit worriedly, "Though... oh; no, wait -- I get it now! You're saying it might be better to reallocate the territories, yes -- but also that it might be good if I didn't have any, so I could be impartial, right? Did I get that right?" She beams hopefully at Jaeger. She's straightforward enough to admit to herself she'll be sorry to see the little handful of peoples she's supposed to care for be parceled out to others... but also, if it makes everything more peaceful on the council, and better for all the assorted peoples... she'll do it.

Jaeger nods, "That is indeed what I am saying. As I said, the original purpose was to have someone who was both impartial, yet cared about everyone equally."

Cinnamon patters along through the snow next to Jaeger as he turns down Coblyn, silently considering his words. If she didn't have any peoples to help, she wouldn't have any traveling to do, true. All she'd have to do is... sit on the Council and... and what? Mediate squabbles? She's honestly not sure she has the chutzpah to make, say, Aoi or Killa -- or even Jarek or Sparrow -- hush and sit down, if they're all yelling about something. To her, helping people feels a lot easier to do!

But then again... is she shirking her true duties? Should she actually be trying to mediate more? Though... similarly, is she really impartial? She knows when it comes to the reveal/hide issue, she's definitely not, after all! Or... is it maybe just the people she's supposed to be impartial about? The little dragon finally, slowly asks Jaeger, "Was... was Liam impartial?" She pauses as Jaeger leads them into the Elm manor, knocking snow off her boots and removing her outer gear as she continues pondering, and listening to Jaeger. Lunch would be good, actually!

Jaeger replies, "The thirteenth chair was, as I understand it, rather a busy job. They went wherever there was an issue, no matter whose territory it was." He rubs a hand over his face, "Liam was one of the most fair-minded people I have ever met... and very protective." He actually chuckles tiredly, "I believe he saw all of the supernatural world as his hoard... and therefore protected it as any dragon protects its treasure."

Cinnamon blinks at that, "Wow! All the supernaturals?! That's... a really big hoard!" She considers for a moment, then adds, "So he traveled a lot, then? How did he find out about the issues?" She beams her thanks to Butler as he takes everyone's coats, letting them know, in his way, that Hilde is in the small dining room and lunch will be soon.

Jaeger nods to Butler, replying to Cinnamon, "Petitions from the people themselves. Or rumors."

Cinnamon nods thoughtfully to Jaeger, "I remember that, yeah -- it was rumors for the Basque not-really-rogues, after all." She grins at Shane (since she's pretty much repeating his words) as she adds, "So maybe the 13th chair would be more like... like an auditor, like the deciding vote on issues, but also the councilor who sort of made sure other councilors were on the up-and-up?" The little dragon frowns thoughtfully as she considers that... and realizes once again: she really doesn't feel that's something she should try to impose upon the council. If they asked for it, and she could be sure her peoples were all going to be well-cared-for, then... yes, she could probably (nervously) do it. But aside from that? To her, it would feel a bit... well, arrogant of her to insist that was her job!

Jaeger nods, "Exactly... because like Liam, you too are very good with looking at root causes." He opens the door to the small dining room, adding, "But I suppose it would be a change which should technically be brought up by someone else."

Cinnamon sighs softly in relief at that comment from Jaeger! Like, how would she know when an issue should simply be dealt with by the appropriate councilor... and when it should go to her? She'd be on tenterhooks all the time, worrying about stepping on other folks' toes! As she enters, she grins shyly and waves at the waiting woman within, "Hi, Hilde! We found Marcus' cufflinks and Elm necklace! We're going to go find him and the last remaining piece -- his dagger -- after lunch! Want to come with?"

Hilde nods, face serious, "Having him just... disappear like this is hard. I may tease him and find him infuriating sometimes, but he's... he's a friend." The little dragon nods silently at that, wondering whether she and Marcus are friends. She's not sure, actually? She... hm, doesn't think so. After all, you don't dump your friends, right? -and he's dumped her twice now, so... she sighs softly. Well, even if he doesn't want her as a friend, she still doesn't want him lost -- so that'll have to do, she guesses.

Cinnamon neatly eats a large meal, since she doesn't know how long she's going to have to go without food for the rest of today. They could get lucky and find Marcus right away, after all! But equally... it might take them hours to track him down. So, best to be prepared and all fueled up. As she eats, Cinnamon looks around the table. What a curious collection of folks, to help find the missing Marcus! His father, his... not-quite-an-ex? Cinnamon's not actually sure Hilde was ever a girlfriend to Marcus, from the way Hilde talks... one of the Coblyn healers, the girl Marcus dumped twice, and... Shane. Oh, and Josie and Spice. Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully, wondering: is anyone else helping search? Where are all the reveal councilors? Are none of them Marcus' friends?

The meal is a quiet one, but delicious -- as is every meal served at the Residence. Toward the end Jaeger says quietly, "If he's not found in time for the meeting, I hold his proxy."

Cinnamon blinks startledly, refocusing on Jaeger... then replies stoutly, "We'll find him, Jaeger! The meeting isn't for another... what, two, three days?" She tries for humor, adding, "He can't escape us!"

Jaeger chuckles quietly, "I can't find his consciousness. Either something's blocking it, he's in a coma, or...." Hilde glances with concern at Jaeger, knowing that chuckle is a response to him being tired and worried; there's no humor in it.

Cinnamon tries to sound confident, "Well, it wouldn't surprise me if the poor guy's unconscious, yeah, after five nasty men beat him up! But we have Thorny with us, so... so I'm not worried!" She actually is worried, and her voice quavers a bit at the end there... though she hopes no one else heard it. She doesn't want to get anyone else down because of her fretting, darnit! So instead she swallows hard, firmly pushing her glasses up before adding, "Well, I'm done eating! Let's get back t-to looking, okay?"

Thorn nods quietly, "Yes, let's." Shane reaches over and gently squeezes Cinnamon's hand -- then nods and stands, followed by Jaeger and Hilde. Like Cinnamon, Shane sees an odd collection of people in this search... but also sees the (very small handful of) people who care about the asshole despite his jackassery.

Jaeger takes a deep breath, "The dagger is last."

Cinnamon pauses to thank Butler when he helps them all get back into their coats and outer gear. Back on the city streets, the compasses both point in the same direction, and it's not back to Coblyn. Coblyn's cloaking magic prevents it, despite the jewelry being there. The little dragon peeks over Shane's shoulder, "Which way does the compass want us to go, please, Shaney?" Shane leads them in the opposite direction they found the last pieces of jewelry. Indeed, it's going back toward the tea shop, making the half-beansidhe frown. Cinnamon blinks at his expression, "What's wrong, asthore?"

Shane replies tensely, "Feels like we should have found it before, if we're going this way." His jaw is tight, "Unless one of those fu... guys has the dagger and is moving around with it."

Cinnamon nods, "Rog -- that's who those other two guys said took the dagger."

Jaeger murmurs though gritted teeth, "It's not his mother's dagger, but weapons are...."

Hilde finishes his sentence when Jaeger's tight voice cuts off, "Weapons are very personal. Taking someone's weapon and keeping it should only be done after honorable battle. Five on one is not honorable battle."

Cinnamon glances at Jaeger and Hilde as she listens, nodding once. She doesn't know much about weaponry, but she's happy to learn -- so she doesn't commit any stupid faux pas about weapons with her dear friends! She murmurs thoughtfully, "I... didn't really get the feeling they were honorable, though... so much as, um... expedient? Though I don't know if they're muggers out of desperation... or just 'cause they're meanies."

Hilde is downright furious, "Oh, they were absolutely not honorable! Had they been so, they would not have -- have overpowered him so much. Though..." she sighs, "he likely had to be taken by surprise." Cinnamon looks unhappy, starting to hunch up a bit -- was Marcus taken by surprise because he was so upset at her? Is this actually really her fault? Shane holds up a hand as he starts to slow down, and the little dragon almost bumps into him, due to staring at the snowy ground rather than watching where she's going. However, once she realizes he's slowed, she pays more attention too.

Shane glances around and spots that look on Cinnamon's face. He cups her cheek, "Hey, acushla, what's wrong?"

Cinnamon replies immediately, her train of thought tangled by the sweet caress, "You were frowning, asthore, as you looked at the compass!"

Shane nods, "Yeah, it's another alley up here."

Cinnamon nods at Shane's explanation, her voice pragmatic, "Want me to go first again?"

Shane nods, "I'd like you to have a look again, acushla."

Cinnamon beams at Shane -- this she can do! This she knows is not a fault in her -- in any way! "Sure! Happy to!" Greatly daring, she stands on tiptoe to give him a peck on the cheek -- then nearly bolts down the alleyway, hoping that her heated flush isn't steaming in the cold winter air! Shane grins as Cinnamon kisses and runs... at least it's not rabbiting away this time!

Down the alleyway, Cinnamon can see the heat signatures of three people, though they're slightly obscured by a fire in some kind of barrel. She pauses, glancing back over her shoulder at Shane, and holds up three mittened fingers -- then points towards the barrel with the fire in it. She calls very quietly -- since she knows there's non-human supernatural hearing in her group, "Want me to go on?"

Shane shakes his head and motions her back toward him, voice low, "The dagger's definitely down there. I know you're hard to harm, but I don't want you to have to flame them, a ghr�."

Cinnamon nods and comes pattering back, "Okay! What do we do, then?" She's still beaming -- it's hard to be worried when Shaney -- her asthore, eeeee! -- doesn't mind her giving him a quick smoochie! -and calls her 'a ghr�' in public, after!

The alley is between a couple of two-story buildings. Shane looks at Hilde and Jaeger, then flicks his eyes upward, arching a brow... and Hilde's eyes gleam, "Oooo. Are we going to play eerie and unnerving?" Jaeger looks thoughtful. Cinnamon glances between the three supernaturals. This is new! She watches in silent fascination. Hilde beams, then looks at Cinnamon and Thorn. She motions everyone close and lowers her voice, "Okay, so here's the thing: I'm... not bad at charms." That makes Shane snort a chuckle, causing Hilde to roll her eyes, "By which I mean, I can lay something like a Fear on these guys. I think Shane is suggesting that I do that and we come down at them from the fire escapes. Basically..."

Shane nods, "Basically, seem to appear out of nowhere." He looks at Cinnamon and Thorn, "I want you two close, because they will likely try to run and might hurt themselves... and you, acushla, might have to help us subdue them."

Thorn nods, frowning a little -- though he'll do as he's told. Cinnamon nods uncertainly, "So... like stick-fighting?" She glances around for anything pole- or stick-like that she could press into service, muttering to herself, "I need to ask Baird if he can get me a folding staff or something..." as she searches. She makes a mental note to also make sure she gets those nice new custom boots for Shaney soon! She needs his measurements... and Baird is right: his current moccasin boots do look a bit patched.

There's what looks like it was once a push broom leaning against a dumpster, but the head's been broken off. Cinnamon tilts her head as she studies it... then crunches over through the snow to it. She gives it an experimental twirl -- then beams as she turns back to her friends, "This is light, but it should do?"

Shane nods and smiles, "Perfect." He looks at Thorn and smiles wryly, "I don't expect any of us to get hurt, dude, but if we have to hurt them, you willing to be a good Samaritan? I don't want them going to a hospital and talking about ghosts and goblins."

Cinnamon giggles, "And things that go bump in the night! Or snow, in this case!"

Thorn nods, "Absolutely and always!" Cinnamon beams at Thorn -- she's really proud to have him as a friend!

Hilde grins, "Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggity beasties!" She tips her head and looks both Jaeger and Shane up and down, "Well, they both have lovely long legs, so it fits." She gives Cinnamon a saucy grin -- and then the three elfin folk slip away to find a different way to the rooftops.

Cinnamon giggles and waves as they slip away -- then grins at Thorn, "Okay, let's position ourselves so we can see them coming, but they don't necessarily immediately see us. Sound good?"

Thorn nods, "Sounds good -- let's do it!"

Cinnamon tucks herself and Thorn at the corner, on the side that has the dumpster. That way, any runaways shouldn't spot the two until they round the dumpster -- which will hopefully give Cinnamon plenty of time to step forward into the alleyway and block it! Once they're settled, she watches with silent fascination to try and see what 'casting a charm' actually looks like. She's intrigued to learn this about Hilde, too -- from seeing the �lfr at the Infirmary, Cinnamon had speculated that Hilde's facility was either a really mild form of pre-cog, or fabulous hearing!

It becomes obvious when Hilde gets to work. The edge of the Fear brushes Cinnamon and Thorn, much like the first time they visited Ireland and had to have help getting past the entrance to Rowan. It feels like icy fingers brushing against their skin, with the barest edge of the desire to run far, far away there as well -- muted, but still there. Hilde is apparently keeping it tightly contained, but the three targeted men further down the alley are starting to mutter. Even Thorn and Cinnamon can hear one of them growl uncertainly, "What the fuck... did you hear that?!"

With her enhanced sight, the little dragon also spots three slim figures slipping down the fire escapes on the sides of the building, behind the anxious toughs. Cinnamon whispers to her companion, "Soon, Thorny! Ready?" Thorn nods quickly to Cinnamon, peering down the alleyway, while she grips the makeshift staff firmly in her mittened hands as she watches.

There's a sudden commotion, and some shouting from the men. One of them shouts, "Where the fuck did they come from?!" Another sounds like they're praying -- followed by Hilde's voice -- sweet and coaxing, but with an eerie wind wailing behind it, "Oh, sweet boy... your god doesn't listen to cowards and thieves!" That's when one of the thugs breaks, bolting in a panic for the mouth of the alleyway.

Cinnamon brightens, stepping out and taking a moment to brace herself. Okay, he's running wildly, good -- he should be easy to flip! In fact, the man is looking back over his shoulder as he flees. He doesn't see Cinnamon and Thorn at all! The little dragon looks pleased -- even better! She steps forward again, angling slightly. Her intention is to try tripping the man such that he tumbles into the wall, rather than out onto the street.

Only seconds later, after a brief swirl of Cinnamon's makeshift staff, the man goes down hard. Soon thereafter, three figures come ghosting toward the mouth of the alley. For an instant, they're unrecognizable -- wrapped in shadows and mist -- and then it clears... and Shane, Hilde, and Jaeger are visible. Cinnamon beams at them, "We got one!" She points with the stick, adding, "Sorry, but the other two didn't come this way. Want to check him with the compass?"

Shane smiles tightly, "Oh, he's the one."

Hilde grins with manic cheer, "Guilt always makes the Fear worse!"

Cinnamon beams again, "Awesome! Okay, you want to check him or should I, asthore?" She tilts her head as she studies the man, then adds, "I think he knocked himself out on the wall."

Shane sighs, "I think it's best you do, a ghr�. If this idiot has anything sharp on him, it won't penetrate your skin."

Cinnamon nods quickly, "Happy to." She shivers slightly, thinking worriedly, [Let's not get Shaney perforated!] -- then steps over and crouches next to the unconscious man. She doesn't know anything about patting people down, though, so she just senses for metal to find the knife, then sticks her hands in his pockets and empties them. The dagger is in the guy's inner coat pocket, along with a couple of other weapons which are little better than shivs... though they are steel. If these got used on Marcus... the little dragon frowns at that thought. After pulling out the various implements, she blinks slowly to check the knives with UV vision. If they've been used recently to stab someone, then even if they were wiped off there should still be blood remains. Bodily fluids -- especially blood -- flare up brightly in UV!

There's blood on all of them... though since the guy is a mugger, that's not really surprising. The only one with no blood on it is the dagger he took off Marcus. Cinnamon glances up at her friends to relay that information to them, then unhappily adds, "I'm really sorry, peeps, but I have no idea how to... t-to tell whose b-blood it is...?" Thorn frowns. He doesn't either... but that there's blood bothers him a great deal.

Shane crouches by the still-prone man, though it's Jaeger who speaks, his voice carrying all the force and presence of his long, long life, "The man you took that dagger from -- did you use one of your other knives on him?"

Cinnamon also finds several small bags of white powder on the man and a simple, nondescript phone. She blinks at the baggies -- what're these? It takes her a second to remember: that's what, er, illegal drugs look like, isn't it? She offers them to Shane, under the hopeful premise that he'll know what to do with them. Shane takes the baggies and wrinkles his nose, muttering something about heroin. He stands up, walks into the alley a ways, and empties each baggie into a drain.

The guy's eyes are wild and he shakes his head vehemently at Jaeger, "N-no! Didn't need to -- h-he went down hard...!"

Jaeger's eyes go absolutely arctic as he snarls, "That was my son, you piece of offal!"

The thug's eyes widen, "We jus' roughed him up, dude -- fuckin' swear! Took his shit and left him!"

Cinnamon growls at the thug, "You are a bad man! You should think real hard about not doing stuff like this again... because if we catch you again, you're gonna be really sorry!" She isn't very good at threats -- but she tries, for Jaeger's sake. She rather suspects the ancient elf would feel bad later if he damaged someone dishonorable like this guy, after all.

"I'd take her seriously," Thorn adds. "Otherwise she'll be angry -- and you know what they say...."

Shane murmurs, "I rather like her when she's all righteously angry..." Cinnamon reacts reflexively, of course -- she beams delightedly at Shane! It's not very intimidating at all, honestly.

Hilde chuckles, "You like her any and every way she is, loverboy." She adds another quiet mutter that just might be: "-about fuckin' time!"

The guy is nodding frantically at everyone's comments, stammering, "Yeh-yeah! Uh, so, uhh... c-can I go now?!"

Jaeger snarls, "After one more question. The man: where is he?"

The thug sounds uncertain, "I... w-we just left him?" Hastily he adds, "He was breathin', though -- fuckin' swear!"

Cinnamon glances around at that, "Oh! What alleyway did you leave him in, then?" The description the guy gives is of the alleyway where they found the jacket -- at which, Jaeger curses. Shane hisses through his teeth... then stands up and drags the thug to his feet, "Okay. Get gone. My friend is very protective of his son and you were very careless. You probably don't want to stick around here." The guy doesn't say a word -- just takes off as fast as he can!

Cinnamon sighs as she rises to her booted feet, watching the guy vanish... then she hands the phone to Shane, "Here. I'm guessing you'll know what to do with this too?" She glances at Jaeger and smiles hopefully, "So now all we have to do is get the knife onto Coblyn... and then follow the compasses to Marcus, right?"

Jaeger takes the dagger and tucks it away somewhere on his person... then looks tiredly at Cinnamon, "Liebling, we tried finding his consciousness." He sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face as he mutters, "But... we should try again..."

Cinnamon looks slightly confused, "But I thought... didn't you say it'd track whatever was closest? Like, his stuff or him himself? ...and we have all his stuff now?" Then she blinks slowly as it suddenly hits her: did she just push poor Jaeger into having to admit something horrible? Oh, no! She stumbles a bit verbally, trying to hastily change the subject, "Though we -- b-but, um, I mean -- uh, sh-shouldn't..." She trails off miserably, her voice small, "I'm sorry. I -- I didn't mean to be a dope here..."

Jaeger shakes his head wearily, "No, Liebchen; it's fine. We'll take the dagger back and... and we'll try again."

Cinnamon sighs in relief, trying to be encouraging, "Definitely!" She can't quite bring herself to realize Marcus could actually be dead, after all. No one in her immediate life has ever died... with the sole exception of Liam, whom she never actually knew. Death is not yet personal to her. Nevertheless, the trek back to Coblyn this time is very quiet. Cinnamon sighs softly as she crunches along in the snow next to Jaeger, who looks very much like a distinguished storm cloud. This time the little dragon is more worried for Marcus, so consequently can't think of anything to ask Jaeger in order to distract him. Well... hopefully they'll drop the knife off quickly, and the compasses will lead them right to Marcus next... right?

The dagger is left with Butler; Jaeger immediately turns for the end of Coblyn again, expression set into grim lines. Hilde takes a deep breath and looks at Cinnamon, "The compasses will only find his consciousness -- his mind and spirit. His... Marcus-ness, if you will. They won't find his body."

Cinnamon nods to Hilde, her voice quiet as well since she doesn't want to hurt Jaeger, "Right! But... if he's unconscious too, they can't locate him, right?" She frowns consideringly, "Though... is sleeping unconsciousness too?"

Hilde bites her bottom lip as she thinks, then replies, "Well... you're still you when you're asleep. If you dream, that's your... your you-ness, still. It... might be different with a coma...? But we really, really don't want Marcus to have been taken to a human hospital. The first thing they'd start doing is putting steel needles in him." Cinnamon nods slowly as she listens to Hilde.

When everyone steps out of the mouth of Coblyn, both Shane and Jaeger look down at the compasses, and Cinnamon watches to see which way the two men turn, to follow Marcus. Except... they don't turn. Cinnamon patters up and peeks at the compasses... and both of them are pointing dead at Jaeger. The elder takes a deep breath as Cinnamon looks up puzzledly at him, "Are you holding something from Marcus still, Jaeger?"

The Germanic elf almost jerkily shakes his head once, his voice thick with emotion, "Nein. But I am the closest thing to him it can find."

Cinnamon frowns at the compass again... then impulsively throws her arms around Jaeger in a tight hug, "He -- you can't give up, please, Jaeger! He could be unconscious, right? Right?!" She doesn't really know how to comfort the poor man, but she tries to be as warm and sturdy and confident as she can for him.

Hilde rests a hand on Jaeger's shoulder as well, her voice soft, "She's right. If he's unconscious, it would register the same way... or if he's too far out of range. The charm only works in about a five mile radius. Let's... let's get back and regroup." Cinnamon nods gratefully to Hilde, continuing to hug poor Jaeger. The alfr takes over a bit at that point, herding everyone back to the Elm Residence, then bustling off to get warm drinks and something to eat. Jaeger maintains a rigidly stoic facade as he discusses more ways for them to search for his son -- they'll be more systematic this time, quartering the city so as to check it entirely. Jaeger will remain behind to check in with Josie and Spice, to see if Marcus has maybe been entered into a human hospital as a 'John Doe.'

As the little group is sipping hot drinks and discussing how to next search for Marcus, Cinnamon earnestly assures Jaeger that she's happy to continue helping search... and points out that even if Marcus is in a human hospital, the people there will absolutely try their best to deal with any allergic reactions. A few moments after that, she has a small brainwave -- and turns to the elder elf, asking, "Hey, Jaeger. Do you have a painting of Marcus? One that's, ohh... say, no larger than 8 and a half by 11 inches? If you do, I have a favor to ask of you while the rest of us are driving around Boston -- could you take it to my place? Spice and Josie are there, using the internet connection, and I have a scanner/printer she can use to copy the painting -- or if it's a big painting, just Marcus' face -- and then make printouts for us to take with us while searching!"

Cinnamon frowns as she adds thoughtfully, "Do you know, by the way, if the upcoming council meeting is in the evening? If it's not, can you request that it be moved to that time? That will not only help Elias, but it'll also discreetly give us more searching time for Marcus too." She scowls as she adds, "Plus at some point I just gotta go talk to Caradog -- I want to petition for Hans to be totally banished from Coblyn! Bad enough that he's a creep -- but not only that, in one night -- and right in front of me! -- he tried to flat out kill Shane -- and Marcus, too!" Almost fiercely she adds, "I am so totally not down with Hans using murder to get whatever he wants!"

Jaeger rubs his face with both hands -- it's likely the most tired any of them have seen the elder, "I have a miniature of him... but it was painted when he wasn't yet twenty." He pushes to his feet and leaves the room, only to come back with a small, framed painting. In it, a younger Marcus is smiling, with his golden hair loose around his shoulders, wearing a cobalt tunic with a silver jerkin over it.

Hilde's the one that says, "It's a night-time meeting. We wanted to accommodate Elias more often."

Cinnamon studies the painting, feeling a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Marcus looks so... so pretty, so alive in the painting! She swallows hard, sighs, and then nods to Jaeger, "This would work. Can you take it, please, to Spice while we're out searching?" She nods again, this time in relief, to Hilde as she adds, "Good... that's awesome."

Shane takes the painting instead and leans down to kiss Cinnamon gently, "I'll take it and be right back, a ghr�." Cinnamon gives Shane a wry glance -- she'd actually been hoping this would both give Jaeger something to do while they were all gone... and ensure he was with people, instead of sitting alone and hopeless! She doesn't know how to stop Shane without potentially embarrassing Jaeger, though, so... she can't think what to say. She says nothing.

The searching goes on well into the night, as the group try their best to use the compasses right up to the point where the spell-charm dies. As they search, Cinnamon keeps track on the map on her laptop. Shane drives, and Thorn and Hilde hold the two compasses. While it takes hours to effectively quarter the entire city in five-mile blocks, there's still no flicker of reaction on the compasses themselves. The little group take a quick meal break once they've done the entire city, so they can regroup and replan... but after some discussion they decide to simply remap the five-mile blocks in a different way, then crisscross the city again. As Cinnamon hopefully points out, they might have unwittingly left a sliver of land uncovered... and as Hilde adds, even if Marcus was unconscious before, it's possible he's awoken since then.

Unfortunately, despite their efforts continuing until Hilde stops them at spell's end... they've still found nothing. The dispirited, exhausted little group return to Coblyn to update Jaeger. Even though his expression becomes ever more grim and hopeless, the elder courteously thanks them all, and ensures they have food, drink, and a place to rest at the mansion, should they wish.

The next morning, after food and ablutions, the less hopeful searching begins. This time Spice hands out the scanned printouts of the painting of Marcus to everyone who can easily travel amongst humans... as well as a long list of all the places to check in the city, to ask if they've seen the young man in the graphic. The list includes shelters, hospitals, police stations... and morgues, though people are careful to ensure Jaeger is the central clearing point, rather than going out with them. It's a long, tiring, dispiriting three-plus days working through the list, with no results to speak of. Further, the weather is depressingly overcast and threatening, though it doesn't actually snow, thank goodness. Thus, each time the group returns to Coblyn at night, everyone is a little less hopeful and a little more tired... though they try to hide it for poor Jaeger's sake.

Even though folks keep assuring her it isn't her fault, Cinnamon also feels increasingly guilty about the missing Marcus. She and Shane finally finish their list in the early afternoon of the fourth day of searching -- roughly the same time of day as when Marcus was mugged. It's the day before the Council meets. Cinnamon is unhappily resting her forehead against the window, watching the first snowflakes starting to drift downwards as Shane drives the car back towards Coblyn... until she realizes they're in the same neighborhood as the little tea shop. She sighs, feeling even guiltier... but then blinks and sits up at a sudden thought, "Shaney! Asthore, can we park here for a bit? There's something I wanna check in that alleyway where Marcus got mugged, please -- I just had an idea I'd like to try?"

Shane is more than happy to indulge Cinnamon in anything she wants to do at this point -- he's been frustrated and worried himself too. He may be upset with Marcus, but he's also a protector. He doesn't want harm coming to the other man, "Of course, acushla."

Cinnamon waits until they're parked and heading for the alleyway to explain what she'd like him to do: she's going to try and sort of trail along a likely path for Marcus, and she'd appreciate Shane following along some 15 to 20 feet behind her... since she knows she's about as streetwise as an ostrich! "I mean, it can't hurt, right? -trying to sort-of roleplay being alone, hurt, and defenseless?" She glances hopefully up at Shane, "Please?"

Shane rests his forehead against hers and half-smiles, "Sweetheart, I know you're literally bullet-proof, but I still get growly-protective sometimes. I'm willing to do this, though. It sounds like you've got something specific in mind."

Cinnamon gives Shane a quick, tight, unhappy hug right back! Aside from this wild idea she just had... she's totally out of ideas on what to do to maybe find poor Marcus. She really, really doesn't want to think the poor, foolish elf is dead, after all. A moment later she patters over to where Marcus' bloody suit jacket was found, then stands there a moment with her eyes closed. Shane can hear her muttering softly to herself, "Okay... okay... I'm really beat up and hurting! I'm feeling ouchy and ashamed, 'cause they were just stupid minions... even if there were a lot of them. I'm freezing and it's snowing... what do I do?" She just stays in place for a few heartbeats, only turning slowly in a circle... until she finally picks a direction to go. She starts slowly wandering that way...

It takes Cinnamon quite a long time! She wanders slowly and with her eyes half closed, trying to roughly emulate how someone seriously injured and confused might behave. Every once in a while she realizes she's wandered into a dead end -- at which point she sighs and backtracks a bit, then tries again. She knows, from occasional flashes in her peripheral vision, that at least once (and maybe more?) Shane warned off someone... but she keeps slowly, disjointedly wandering despite that...

Shane does stay the prescribed distance back, but he also keeps a careful eye out. The first asshole that looks like he's about to accost Cinnamon finds the dark-haired half-beansidhe in his face really quickly -- to the thug, Shane seems to basically appear out of nowhere. Having a tall, athletic guy cheerfully tell you that if you even think about touching the confused little redhead, he'll break your arms... is more than slightly disconcerting -- especially since the words have a very clear ring of truth to them. The next guy doesn't take the warning quite as seriously -- until Shane flickers a very sharp, rather large knife and lets his features go hard, "Or we could also go with me slicing you open from asshole to appetite." Then the smile is back on his face, "Your choice." That predator nearly trips on his feet trying to get away.

Eventually Cinnamon passes by a scruffy, older man dressed in several layers of clothes, who holds out a hand and mumbles, "Spare a buck? Gotta li'l change fah an ol' man?" Cinnamon blinks, distracted out of her mental fugue, and glances startledly at the old man. He's stooped, raggedy, and moves as if he's very tired... and her mittened hand starts moving reflexively towards her pocket. The old man, though, squints at Cinnamon and says more clearly, "Honeychile, wha'choo doin' out here all 'lone? Dis a danj'rous hood f' a li'l gal." It doesn't sound like a threat, but rather like genuine concern.

Cinnamon smiles tiredly at that -- what a nice guy! Just as with the predators, Shane is suddenly there, seeming to appear out of the shadows next to his acushla. The little dragon brings out the folded-up printout of Marcus, and pulls a $20 from her wallet as she replies, "Oh, I'm not actually alone, but... here, we're looking for someone, please? Have you ever seen this guy?" She holds up the printout -- then adds earnestly, "You can have the money, sir, but we're really worried about... about our relative!" He's an elf, he's distantly related to the beansidhe -- that shouldn't hurt her asthore, hopefully... she adds unhappily, "He's been lost for days now, and... well, he's not really very street-smart, I'm afraid?" Shane does wince slightly. The genetic relationship isn't close enough for that not to hurt at least a little bit.

The guy looks really warily at Shane, then back at Cinnamon. His eyes flick to the picture and he mutters, "Dunno 'im..." as he starts backing away.

Shane's voice is tight, "Not true."

Cinnamon glances startledly at Shane -- then wheels around to the old man again, her eyes bright with sudden hope, "Wait! Please, wait -- umm..." She fumbles hastily for her wallet again, "I can, um... here, I have more money? Please tell us what you know?" She yanks out all the bills she has in her wallet, holding them all out hopefully.

The guy was looking nervous -- but now he looks affronted, "Whu'choo take me for? I don' sell my frien's an' fambly!"

Shane's brows go up, "That is true." He looks intrigued, his heart rate picking up a bit: this is promising!

Cinnamon glances at Shane again -- then back at the old man, thinking furiously... and then she holds out her free hand, "Wait! Please... please don't go? His father is in agony right now -- he thinks his only son may be dead! I want to see Marcus safe too, even though he was rude to me, so... please? Help us find him?"

Once the ragged man realizes they aren't trying to grab or stop him, he pauses and squints at the pair of them, "Dat his name? Marcus? Dis guy, he got no mem'ry..." He taps his temple, "Been callin' 'im Fauntl'roy." That makes Shane have to bite his lip. The ragged man glances over his shoulder, then turns back to the pair of them, "Stay right 'ere. Be back in a jiff..."

Shane nods, "We'll wait."

Cinnamon sighs in relief as the old man disappears... then grins in tremulous hope up at Shane, "Could that do it, Shaney? Fox the compasses, I mean? I mean..." She pauses, remembering Jaeger's concern that the painting of the younger Marcus might not well enough reflect the elf as he is now... then leans against Shane, putting an arm about his waist as she adds a bit shakily, "-well, it could be Marcus... c-couldn't it?"

Shane takes a deep breath, "If he's got amnesia, acushla, the him-ness would be gone. I mean, he'd be in there somewhere, but the compasses would be looking for the things that make him Marcus closer to the surface." Cinnamon sighs in relief, hope starting to bloom in her once more!

It takes the old man a while to get back to them; it's just as Shane is talking about tracking the guy that he finally shows back up. Cinnamon brightens, whispering to Shane, "No, wait, asthore -- there he is!" She waves shyly at the old man, "Hello? Can we, um... can we see him, maybe?"

The old man motions for them to follow him. The route is winding and confusing and Shane mutters at one point, "I swear it feels like we just walked through something like Coblyn..." Cinnamon giggles nervously at that! Eventually they end up at a shantytown, with tents and huts that look like they're made of tarp and tin siding. Some 'homes' are just cardboard boxes or little nests of shopping bags with a pallet of some sort. In the center is a fire in an old barrel. Most of the inhabitants seem to be male, but all of them look like they fall under the label of 'tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'

Cinnamon looks around worriedly, whispering to Shane, "Oh my gosh, Shaney... these poor people!" A moment later she adds, "Do you see anyone that looks like Marcus yet?" She wanders, thoughtlessly fearless, into the crowd after the old man. She's peering at all the faces she passes, hoping to recognize one of them. As they near the fire barrel, the old man moves a little off to the side and leans down to talk to a lanky figure sitting with his knees pulled up and his chin resting on them. The seated man's head turns and the flicker of the fire lights up fine-boned, familiar features -- it's Marcus. Cinnamon gasps, clutching Shane's sleeve, "Asthore, look! Look, I think it's him!" She patters hastily over, kneeling on the other side of the seated man and reaching out with one mittened hand to gently touch his shoulder, "Marcus?"

Once they get close, Cinnamon can see there's a bandage wrapped around Marcus' face, covering one eye and effectively hiding the tips of his pointed ears. He's also wearing a large, rather floppy hat, and is wrapped in a trenchcoat several sizes too big for him. He jumps at the touch, then looks confusedly at her with absolutely no recognition in his expression. Cinnamon smiles shakily at him -- despite how ragged, filthy, and scruffy the elf is, she can tell it's really him! "Oh, Marcus! I'm so glad -- we're all glad! -- to see you're still alive!" She looks up at the old man, adding earnestly, "How can we thank you?" She blinks a moment later, adding with sudden curiosity, "What happened?! How did you find him?"

Marcus speaks and his accent is... thick is the best way to put it. Cinnamon is used to hearing only the very slightest hint of a Teutonic background in his words, "I don't know who you are...." But when he looks at Shane, something seems to shift in his gaze, some kind of familiarity. He also softly repeats the name, "Marcus..." It's almost as if he's tasting the name.

Cinnamon feels a small pang of hurt at Marcus' words... then stoutly reminds herself: why would he remember a girl he dumped?! But if he kinda-sorta remembers Shane, then surely he'll remember Jaeger, right? She nods to Marcus, gently patting his shoulder, "Yes, your name is Marcus -- you chose it yourself! Your father's going to be so happy to see you again!" Then she looks up at the old man, hoping he'll answer -- she's quite puzzled as to why and how this man helped a damaged, pointy-eared stranger!

The old man looks around, then motions at another guy who was almost unseen nearby. They take Cinnamon and Shane aside to tell them the story. The two of them have been in this area because there's something calling them here, but they can't quite find what it is. While they were exploring (yet again), they found Marcus beaten-up, delirious, and wandering, so they brought him back here to keep him safe. Cinnamon listens silently, nodding on occasion... then glances inquiringly at Shane, "Could it be... Coblyn, maybe, that's calling?" She blinks at a sudden thought... then closes her eyes and 'feels' a bit: can she feel Coblyn's 'pull' still, even though she knows where it is now? Hmm... mmmaybe?

Shane listens to the story -- the men are telling the truth. He nods slowly at Cinnamon's question, "Possibly. Quite possibly."

The old man licks his lips a little and lowers his voice as if afraid they'll be overheard, "Couldn'... fella like 'im, with 'is... allergies... couldn' jes' let 'im wander 'n such."

Cinnamon blinks her eyes open at Shane's words, relief flooding through her: Marcus is alive! She didn't accidentally get him killed! That almost liquid internal surge of ease causes her to beam brilliantly at the old man, "Oh, thank you -- so much! You must be supernaturals too, right? We need to take Marcus home tonight, so his father can help him and won't worry any more, but... well, is it okay if I come back tomorrow? Is there anything I can bring with me that you'd like, or that would help?"

The two men look nervous at the "S" word, but they nod at it, and agree to her coming back. The second one upnods Shane, asking, "You get surg'ry or sumpin' on your ears?"

Shane's lips twitch, "Nope. I'm a half-breed." He's not ashamed of it, but he's had people spit hate at him before. Instead, both of these men look... hopeful!

Cinnamon beams just as delightedly up at Shane, hugging him with one arm -- then she turns back to the two men, "Okay then!" Impulsively she hugs the older man, though she's careful not to squeeze, "Thank you both so! Much! again!"

The older man hugs back a bit hesitantly, "Couldn' let 'im get hurt. I'll mee'choo back where you saw me b'fore."

Cinnamon thinks about that once she stands back again... then nods, "Okay! I can find it, sure." She beams at the two men again, giving them a shy wave, "You're both awesome for helping Marcus so! See you tomorrow, okay?" After that, she patters back over to Marcus, kneeling next to him again. She's beaming brilliantly at him, almost tearful from the enormous relief, "Let's get you home now, okay, Marcus? Jaeger's been nearly frantic with worry, and Hilde too, and Thorny and Spicy and JoJo have all been helping, along with me and Shaney, to search for you too!" She reaches out carefully to offer him a hand up... but just if he wants! She knows Marcus' pride sometimes gets in the way.

Marcus blinks slowly at Cinnamon, "You have a lovely smile, fraulein." He reaches up a hand to touch her cheek gently, "I do not know who these people are, but I will come with you." He takes her hand, easily accepting the hand up.

Cinnamon blinks -- then beams again at Marcus, "Oh, thank you! That's so sweet!" She rises easily to her feet, careful to stay braced so Marcus can lean on her if he needs to -- she remembers the thugs talking about having to beat Marcus a lot to get him to 'go down.'

Marcus does in fact need the assistance -- plus he grabs a cane once he's on his feet. He smiles in return at her, "It is no hardship to compliment someone who shines such as you do." Shane whistles low under his breath.

Cinnamon laughs, blushing a bit at the compliment. She's so excited she's almost breathless -- she didn't get Marcus killed! Jaeger's going to be so happy! Marcus is safe! As she beams at Shane, a further thought occurs to her: they may have found new supernaturals, too! She carefully tucks her arm into Marcus's, so he can lean on her if he needs to, and happily tells Shane, "Okay, I'll walk with Marcus and you can keep watch for us both, yeah?" She walks slowly so Marcus doesn't have to rush at all, and is careful where she chooses to walk -- the snow is getting pretty thick by now, after all, and she doesn't want to slip. It takes a while to get back towards Coblyn Street, but the little dragon isn't worried -- Shane's there to keep them safe! As she goes, she talks gently with the amnesiac elf, asking questions about this or that person or name, watching to see if he reacts to any of them. He shakes his head, not recognizing any of the names or things she speaks of. She's carefully not thinking, however, of how Marcus is likely to react to her, once he gets his memory back. This polite, cautiously moving man is more like the Marcus she'd gotten such a huge crush on... and she knows that realistically, he's likely going to withdraw entirely from her once he remembers who she is.

Marcus smiles and murmurs, "You blush prettily, too." It's clear from the strain in his voice that he's hurting despite being sweet to her -- and he winces a bit as he walks. He looks over his shoulder as Shane lags behind them, "Is your Liebste going to be upset about another man leaning on you?"

Cinnamon smiles ruefully and shakes her head, "No, he knows you're injured. Don't worry, okay? Let's just get you safe back home to your father." She keeps her walk slow and supportive... which gives her plenty of time to realize something else regarding Marcus. Once they're close to the street, she waves Shane over and whispers to him, "Shaney, can you run ahead while I wait here with Marcus? I know Jaeger has a carriage he could bring out for him..." She thinks a moment, then shifts into Irish Gaelic to say quickly and quietly, "He probably doesn't want everyone on the street seeing him like this -- he'd likely be embarrassed forever by it!" In English again she adds, "Also, once Jaeger's on his way, umm... could I ask a huge favor? Could you run tell Thorny too, so he can hopefully come help Marcus get his memory back?"

Shane leans over, listening -- then nods, "I can do that." He looks at Marcus, "Behave yourself."

The amnesiac elf looks confused, "Of course I shall."

Cinnamon grins delightedly up at Shane, "Thank you so much, asthore!" Then to Marcus she adds, "Let's sit down over here, okay? It's sheltered and out of the snow, and we can wait for folks to arrive." As she heads that way, she curiously adds, "Hey, do you remember Tadaaki?"

Marcus tips his head back against the wall and smiles, "It means moon." He points up to the sky. Cinnamon smiles thoughtfully, nodding once. So he recognizes the Germanic elvish word... but doesn't connect it to him? Hmm... well, hopefully Thorny can work a miracle on Marcus' mind, the same way he has on folks' bodies. Cinnamon mentally crosses her fingers about that, and then just chats relaxedly with Marcus until the carriage arrives: how he's feeling, if there's anything she can do to help him be more comfortable right now, if he's hungry or thirsty... simple things.

Before long, Shane steps out of the entrance of Coblyn and comes to them, "They're waiting for us just inside. Jaeger was home. Ingrid's with him and a couple other servants from the Residence." He offers a hand to help Marcus up, which the elf takes with no apparent care. Indeed, he thanks Shane with a wince. Cinnamon beams in relief at sight of Shane, and gladly helps Marcus stand as well.

When they step through the plane of illusion onto Coblyn Street, Jaeger is there. His breath catches as he murmurs, "Mein Sohn!" Tears start down his eyes as he enfolds the younger man in a welcome embrace, careful of the injuries he's been warned about.

Marcus' breath catches, and after a heartbeat or two he wraps his arms around Jaeger in turn, whispering, "Vater?"

Cinnamon watches Jaeger hug Marcus, feeling a bit teary-eyed herself! At Marcus' uncertain whisper, though, she leans to murmur to Shane, "Did you tell Jaeger about the amnesia, asthore?"

Shane nods, face a bit tight, "I did. I think that may be why Jaeger's speaking German to him -- going back to memories pre-Coblyn."

After a moment, the two Germanic elves step back a bit from one another and Marcus looks around, "Wie kam ich hier hin?"

Cinnamon smiles at Marcus, replying in German, "Shane und ich haben dich von dort hierher gebracht, wo wir dich gefunden haben, Marcus ... erinnerst du dich?" She quietly translates to Shane, "He asked how he got here, and I said: Shane and I brought you here from where we found you, Marcus... remember?"

Marcus blinks slowly and looks around, wincing, "Aber warum bin ich verletzt?"

Cinnamon's eyes widen, her voice suddenly tight with hope, "Why are you hurt...? Marcus! Do you remember, now?!"

Marcus winces and rubs his temples, licking dry lips, "Ich erinnere mich an das Lager... Ich erinnere mich... Ich erinnere mich, dass ich... jemanden... getroffen habe..."

Cinnamon tilts her head, translating quietly for Shane as she listens, "I remember the camp... I remember meeting someone..." She thinks a moment, then carefully asks in German -- and translates into English for Shane: "Do you remember your father? Or Shane?" She whispers to Shane (and she knows Jaeger has excellent hearing as well), "I saw a girl in school once get hit in the head and have temporary amnesia... but it was... like, partial? Like, she remembered everything except the last year or so. Maybe... maybe Marcus is having that problem too? Also, did you get to connect with Thorny, asthore?"

Shane nods to Cinnamon, "He should be on his way."

Jaeger nods to Marcus, "Ja. Du hast Cinnamon getroffen. Und dann bist du gegangen und verschwunden. Du wurdest angegriffen." He translates for the others, "I told him he was meeting Cinnamon and was attacked."

Marcus nods and winces again, "I remember..." His Teutonic accent is thick, but he's back to English, "I remember leaving the house... I remember the camp. But between... nothing." The younger elf is very much the worse for wear right now -- and consequently looking very un-Marcus-like at the moment. Almost none of them have seen Marcus looking less-than-immaculate for any length of time.

Cinnamon smiles thoughtfully, "Huh... well, maybe we should get you home, Marcus, okay? Standing in the snow can't be good for you... and Thorn will be heading for the mansion, right? So probably best to meet him there?" She waves him towards the carriage, smiling at Jaeger, "Plus I bet you'll want to have some time with him, yeah?" She's abruptly feeling extremely wary again -- because if Marcus remembers going to the meeting with her... then he's also likely remembering the why of that meeting! She adds to Shane, "Want to come have dinner with me, after we've gotten Marcus safely home, and Thorn has checked him over?"

Jaeger helps his son into the carriage and beckons to Cinnamon and Shane, "Why don't both of you come along with us?"

Cinnamon considers for a moment... then nods, "If Shane's okay with that, sure! I'd like to see Thorn get Marcus all fixed up, after all." She curiously asks Marcus, as she steps into the carriage -- and very firmly slaps down a sudden, aching memory of riding in this very carriage for the Madrigal Banquet, "Do you remember the two guys at the camp, Marcus? The ones that rescued you and helped you?"

Marcus nods, "Ja. I remember them." He politely moves out of the way to make sure there's room for everyone, then politely thanks Ingrid when she helps get his injured leg and cane settled.

Cinnamon tilts her head puzzledly, watching Marcus' behavior. This is... not the man she remembers! But... didn't he say he remembered before going to meet with her at the teashop? Almost absently she murmurs, "Oh, good... did you catch their names? I was so relieved to find you that I forgot to ask."

Marcus nods, "Andreas and Tre. They took very good care of me." He looks at Cinnamon and Shane, asking softly, "Why did you come looking for me?"

Cinnamon quietly mouths the names to herself, not wanting to forget them... then blinks distractedly at Marcus. At the question she smiles, "You were lost, Marcus -- maybe in danger! We needed to find you so you'd be safe!"

Marcus nods and... is he actually blushing, "Thank you. I..." He takes a deep breath, "Thank you."

Cinnamon nods slowly, wondering at the blush, "You're welcome." A few minutes later she looks up as the carriage comes to a halt, "Oh, are we at the mansion already? Awesome... hopefully Thorny will be here soon too!" Indeed, as they're all disembarking from the carriage, Thorn arrives in a mad rush, carrying his kit.

Marcus is wincing as he steps down from the carriage, "Can I have a bath before the ministrations? Or do I need to be looked after first?"

Cinnamon eyes the younger elf amusedly -- now that's the Marcus she remembers, putting looks before healing! But she says nothing, since it's really Jaeger's and Thorn's bailiwick, not hers. She moves to whisper softly to Thorn, "Thank you so much, Thorny, for top-speeding it here at the drop of a hat!"

Thorn smiles to her, "No worry, Cinnamon." He looks to Marcus, adding, "It won't take long, and it's better to prevent any long-term harm if I do it now. It'll be quick, I promise." Cinnamon nods in silent but firm agreement!

Marcus nods, "If that is best, then that is what we will do. I am simply very achy and thought the warm water would help." Shane blinks slowly... he'd thought the same as Cinnamon, so he's surprised to hear that it really is due to pain rather than vanity. Cinnamon watches silently as Jaeger and Thorn help Marcus up the walkway, then pads along behind them, with Shane. She's starting to think Marcus is in good hands, though... especially since his memory is apparently coming back. She doesn't really want to be here when he mentions anything about just why he was meeting her, after all.

Once they're settled inside, Thorn starts to magically visualize Marcus to perceive what may be wrong with him, paying special attention to the man's head and neck areas. "Where does it hurt?" he asks, as he casts the diagnosis spell.

Marcus is looking at Cinnamon as he starts shrugging out his outer layers, and simultaneously asks, "When I asked why... I meant..." He flushes again, "I meant why, after the way I have been to you."

Cinnamon listens... then considers for a few seconds. Finally she smiles, her voice quiet with unexpected confidence, "Because you'd have done the same for me, were it me lost out there."

Marcus blinks once at her... then almost hastily turns his attention to Thorn, "Basically all over. But..." he carefully unwinds the bandage from his head, "I've had a headache for... well... as long as I can remember... and my leg is very painful."

Cinnamon glances at Thorn and Jaeger, at that point, her smile more sincere, "You guys got this from here?"

Thorn finds a rather bad concussion, cracked ribs, and multiple fractures in Marcus' leg -- though fortunately no outright breaks. The healer nods to Cinnamon, "Absolutely. He'll be right as rain in no time."

Cinnamon beams with relief at the healer, "Thank you so much, Thorny!" She smiles up at Jaeger, gently patting his arm, "I know you'll want time with your son, so I'm gonna head out with Shaney now... okay, Jaeger?" Jaeger nods and simply hugs Cinnamon tightly; she hugs him back just as warmly -- he's always been so incredibly kind to her! She's so happy she could help alleviate his pain! After that she smiles a bit tiredly at Shane, sliding her arm about his waist as she whispers, "Let's go home, please?"

Shane smiles and nods, sliding an arm around her shoulders, "Of course, a ghr�." He guides her out of the Residence and toward her house.

Inside the mansion, Thorn frowns at his diagnostic discoveries, then has Marcus lie down as soon as possible to take pressure off the leg. "We'll take care of the headache first, then the leg." He immediately tries to apply an analgesic spell, to take the edge off of his pain. Unfortunately he's both tired from several days of searching, and a bit flustered -- which means he feels the spell fizzle.

Marcus closes his eyes and lays down, then takes a deep breath, voice quiet as he murmurs, "Thank you. I could have come to the infirmary. You didn't have to make a special trip."

Thorn smiles, "It's no trouble at all." Inwardly, though, he's frustrated the analgesic didn't work. Nothing for it, in that case; he'll need his magic for the healing he's about to do.

As Thorn works on him, Marcus sighs -- then groans, "Oh... that... that is much better. My head has been pounding for... how long have I been gone. I have not kept track very easily."

Thorn hesitates before answering, "Five days. It's been harrowing, but we're glad you're back."

Marcus looks bewildered, "Five days? So long and yet..." He shakes his head; his accent is starting to soften back toward what people remember. Both hands cover his face, "My poor father..."

Outside on Coblyn, Cinnamon sighs gustily, watching her breath cloud before her in the cold, snowy night air, "Well... that's a relief! Knowing Thorny, Marcus will be fine by tomorrow night, and can host the council meeting like planned -- and tomorrow-day, would you like to come with me to talk to Andreas and Tre again?"

Shane nods slowly, "I'd very much like to talk to them again. The second one... the one that was at the camp when we arrived? He's a big fella."

Cinnamon nods silently as she pads along through the snow next to Shane. It's a beautiful, if also very cold, night. She wonders if the two men would like warm coats and gloves, or boots... or maybe a job? She wonders if they'd like to see Coblyn Street... or if she dares bring them in. She leans a bit against Shane as she walks. He's warm and sturdy and... and he says he actually loves her! Really, now... she needs to get rid of this silly crush on Marcus. He is, after all, someone who doesn't even actually like her. She wonders also if Marcus will think to thank the people who busted their chops to search for him... ah. She glances around, searching visually for a streetrunner kid, and smiles as she spots TimTam, "Hey there! Are you still running or have you quit for the night?"

Shane rubs his cheek against Cinnamon's head as they walk, "We'll take them food and maybe some warm clothes. Ask a few questions. If Coblyn has been pulling at them, they belong here."

Cinnamon grins at the stout, "As if!" which TimTam gives in reply, then asks the girl to please let Hilde, Josie, and Spice know: Marcus is now safe and sound at Elm Mansion. TimTam brightens at the rather large coin she's handed, and nearly vanishes into the night! After that, Cinnamon sighs and nuzzles up against Shane -- he feels so absolutely wonderfully relieved now! She nods quietly, "I was thinking that too, actually. Okay, then let's get some food and sleep, and we can head out tomorrow morning." Her grin gets a little mischievous as she adds, "After we stop by the cobbler's, so he can check your measurements and start working on those fabulous new get-well boots for you!"

Shane chuckles, "I admit, I'm excited about those. I need new ones, I just keep forgetting to get them."

Cinnamon beams at Shane's enthusiasm, and makes a mental note to thank Baird a lot for his help! Maybe... hm, she'll have to ask Keiko if she and Baird like cake or something! The little dragon continues walking silently with Shane for a bit... simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful, cold, snowy night. She's idly mentally planning out dinner too -- gotta have enough for her and Shane, of course... and it's possible JoJo and Spicy, and maybe Hilde and Thorny? -- might all stop over as well! Need to make sure there's something hot and nourishing available for everyone, so... stew? Hmm, yeah... that's relatively quick, and it's only about six-ish right now... as she's musing, something occurs to Cinnamon, and she asks Shane, "Hey, Shaney? Why did you whistle, before, please?"

Shane too is lost in thought for a bit, so when Cinnamon asks her question he has to try to think back, "You mean when Marcus said it was no hardship to compliment you?" She nods curiously, tilting her head to look up at Shane's (much-belovedgoshhe'ssopretty!) face. Shane tugs Cinnamon in against his side, with his arm around her shoulders, and takes a deep breath, "Because he meant it. He was being sincere. It felt easy and true to him to compliment your smile. It felt a bit... un-Marcus-like."

Cinnamon nods ruefully as she leans in quiet contentment against Shane, as they walk, "Yeah... you felt that too?" She sighs gustily, grinning a bit at the huge cloud of condensation her warm breath creates, and then adds a bit tentatively, "Is it... mean of me to... well, to kinda like the, er, amnesiac Marcus better than... than regular Marcus?" She sighs and adds (as her mind super-leaps in unexpected ways), "Do I... um, d-do you think I should, well, write an apology to Fraser? Since..." she blushes hotly, but makes herself continue, "s-since he was actually right!" She winces in embarrassment at the squeak at the end of her sentence -- then hastily adds, "Also, um, d-do you know if there are actual f-folding staffs?!"

Shane looks down at her with a brow arched, "An apology? For... ?" Then his grin widens, and he laughs softly, kissing the top of her head, "About me and you? Want to know a secret? I chewed him up one side and down the other for pushing you on that -- because you pulled your head in, and it set us back. I'd been going so slow and patient..." Cinnamon blushes hotly at both Shane's response regarding Fraser, and the kiss! She just continues walking alongside of him, beaming almost goofily out into the night... her Shaney's so nice! He's ju- wait, eeek! Is it okay to think of him as 'her' Shaney?! Would he mind? Maybe... maybe ask sometime later, actually, 'cause this is a very scary-wonderful thought! He's still smiling as he considers the staff... though the question about amnesiac Marcus makes his face go serious, "Me mum once had to deal with a failed suicide attempt in the ER when she was doing a rotation. The young man had tried twice before. This time he survived, but with a traumatic brain injury. When he recovered he was..." Shane shakes his head, "His intellect had taken a hit, but he was one of the most joyous, sweet people you'd ever want to meet. Me mum said she hoped that the almost-tragedy killed whatever demons were eating at him. So no, I don't think it's bad... and yes, there are folding staves."

Cinnamon hastily yanks her distracted mind together again, and nods gravely at the story with his mother. Her voice is a little wistful as she murmurs, "Well... as long as I keep my distance, I g-guess I don't really need to worry about Marcus any more..." She sighs, adding more pragmatically, "Cool. I should get one, then! I was standing in that alleyway and it hit me that learning how to use a staff isn't much good when I don't actually have one, y'know?" A moment later she happily adds, "Also, where're the dragon photos from Lunar New Year's, please? I was thinking that maybe I could print one out, if it's really nice and not too, um... too vain? -to, uh, t-to hang on my wall?" Nervously she adds, "That, um, that wouldn't be... too impressed with myself, would it? M-maybe?" She's still keenly aware of being mocked for how she looked in photos, as a child... but surely the dragon form is beautiful enough that it wouldn't matter? She adds wryly, "Also, we really need to come up with some sorta signal between you and me, asthore, to say you should maybe not listen too close, please? I don't want to hurt you, after all, and sometimes I need to, um... to not say the absolute total truth?"

Shane replies, "We're working on getting them printed and framed. Elias wants one, and of course it's not vain. People have family photos on their walls all the time. So having a photo of yourself all decked out is perfectly fine." He laughs quietly at the 'truth signal' comment, "I understand, a ghr�. We'll work something out."

Cinnamon looks shocked, "Th-the photos?! Ohmygosh, Shaney -- all of them?!" She squeaks in embarrassment, covering her face with both mittened hands, her almost apologetic-sounding words running together into muffled nonsense as she mumbles into her hands! When she finally looks up again she's bright red and half-laughing, half-mortified, "Oh golly, asthore, I -- I d-don't know what to say! I, uhh... w-well, I hope I l-look okay...?!" She anxiously adds, "N-nobody laughed at me in the photos, d-did they...?"

Shane smiles, "No one laughed... and not all of them, acushla. Just the best ones."

Cinnamon nods a bit worriedly... but then sighs and firmly reminds herself: she's trying to trust Shane more! He's been right about an awful lot of stuff recently, after all... plus, he's always scrupulously honest with her! She takes another deep breath, shakes herself a bit to get rid of tension... then smiles (only a little shakily) up at Shane again, "Okay then. So, um... Irish stew for dinner?"

Shane nods, "Irish stew sounds great." Once they're back at her house and starting to get things ready for dinner, though, the half-beansidhe says quietly, "He wouldn't have, you know." His brow is furrowed as he says it, looking a little puzzled.

Cinnamon blinks at Shane, glancing up distractedly from where she's slicing veggies, "Uhh... what? Who wouldn't have what, please?"

Shane licks his lips slightly, "Marcus. He wouldn't have come after you if you were lost." He rubs his fingertips against the center of his forehead, "You know that right?" The half-beansidhe is still looking a little perplexed, but his voice is quiet and even.

"Oh!" Cinnamon smiles quietly as she finishes chopping the carrot, "I know. But... I think everyone needs someone who... well, who really believes in their best self -- the truest and best and most wonderful person they could be -- even if they don't, really... you know?" She scoops up the carrot pieces and dumps them into the bubbling stewpot as she adds pragmatically, "And even if Marcus doesn't, I still want to be the reason someone believes in the inherent goodness of people."

Shane nods again and looks at Cinnamon with a small smile, rubbing his eyes, "I don't think Marcus has enough empathy for that." He shakes his head, squinting a little and sighing, "I'm exhausted. I'm glad we found him, though... and I'm glad you believe that about people."

Cinnamon laughs, covering the pot and moving to hug Shane warmly, "How could I not, asthore, when I have you as my example all the time?"

Shane's eyes are warm as he wraps his arms around the little dragon, "How are you so sweet?"

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly up at Shane -- is she sweet? She... doesn't know? -- but grins and replies stoutly, "Good role models, right?!"

Cinnamon has a lovely, warm, friendly, cozy evening! She ends up getting to feed herself and Shane, as well as Hilde, Josie, Spice, and (once he's done helping Marcus) even Thorn! There's good food and drink, good company, and a warmly happy home for them all to rest and recover in. Cinnamon tells and retells both the story of how she found Marcus, and why he'd wandered off on his own in the first place. Hilde is shocked to hear the second story, since she hadn't yet heard it -- and she makes people grin when she mutters exasperatedly to herself about Marcus, in her native tongue! Everyone's fascinated to hear of the two potential new 'lost boys,' though unfortunately it looks like everyone will be busy tomorrow, due to the council meeting that evening -- which means it'll be only Cinnamon, Shane, and Thorn (who volunteers) going out to see how the two lost boys are, tomorrow morning.

There's general relief to hear the Germanic elf has been found and returned home, and Thorn is asked how Marcus is doing now. Thorn is curious; he wonders how many of the homeless are supernatural. Maybe not as much as he might imagine; and he'd feel bad about helping just the supernaturals... but there's only so much one medic can do... "Marcus is doing fairly well. His head trauma is healed, but of course he remembers what happened before and after, so that will have an effect on him."

Cinnamon sighs softly at hearing Marcus' memory is all back... well, still. That's good for Marcus, even if she's not thrilled! No need to be mean. Spice nods, "Fuckin' brain injuries are a bitch to deal with, I've heard. Even when you heal up, things can be weird." There's a peaceful -- and very relieved, now Marcus has been found! -- puppypile that night with those who wish.

The next morning Cinnamon is up early, making sure Shane gives his measurements to the cobbler next door... and also that she has hot food made for the two Lost Boys, and her council clothing and accounting tools are all neatly laid out for her. She knows she may have to rush from one event to the other, after all! Shortly thereafter she sets out with her two companions, almost chattering with excitement, "-wonder what species they are? I couldn't see much about the smaller-older guy, but the younger one was kinda big, don't you think, Shaney?!"

Shane nods, "Oh, yeah; he was a big 'un. Not as big as Fionn, but big. So possibly part giant, but there are other species that are large. I mean, just look at Diarmaid."

Cinnamon is laden with a big basket of hot food, with several other things tucked in around the carefully wrapped food. She'd gone hastily shopping on the way out of the street, picking up two thick blankets, some large woolen beanies, two scarves, and a few other things. She nods happily to Shane, taking a few skipping steps, "Right?! So cool! I'm thinking if it's okay with you, Thorny, once we're out in the city you carry the basket and Shaney will keep us both safe and I'll try to re-track where I went last night, okay?" She adds interestedly to Shane, "Is there like an inn or something on the street, where those two guys can stay for a night or three if we bring them onto the street, 'cause if they're feeling the pull then I think you're right and they totally belong on Coblyn?"

Shane smiles, not having to verbally agree to be overwatch, "There's not an inn, but all of the pubs have at least a couple of guest rooms. That's what pub comes from, you know. Public house."

Thorn nods, setting his kit a bit to his front, "Sure, that'll be fine. I'd like to take a look at their mortal friends too, though... see if any of them have any medical conditions I can help with."

Shane nods and breathes in and out once, slowly, "It's a tent city. You're going to have your work cut out for you. Like... you won't be able to do it all in one day. Most folks on the street are unhealthy in one way or another."

Cinnamon beams at Shane, "Awesome! I should be able to cover the cost for them, right?" She smiles at Thorn, "Okay! Just make sure to be careful -- like if Shaney says don't go near someone, probably shouldn't, right? 'Cause he's likely more streetwise than both of us together!" She grins, then adds more seriously, "Also, Thorn, I know you want to help all you can, but, umm... mmmaybe only do it this once? Or only once a week? I know you're worried about burning out, after all?"

Thorn nods, "I know. I won't promise anything, but I'll make another visit soon to at least go once over everyone there. But that comes later." He smiles as he adds, "I'll definitely listen to what Shane says, and do as he says."

Cinnamon looks relieved at that, as she hands the basket to Thorn, "Okay!" She takes a deep breath, looking around herself -- fortunately it's not snowing this morning -- then nods firmly once, "Okay, good -- I can do this!" Shane takes his former rear overwatch position and lets Cinnamon make her way back to the spot they found the older of the two "lost boys." He's hoping there won't be as much need to play the scary guy this time. What took Cinnamon a slow, rambling, often-backtracking three or four hours at night... only takes her about half an hour to an hour today. It helps that the snow is packed down a bit, visibility is good, and Cinnamon has an eidetic memory, of course... and she brightens, a short while later, at sight of a particular stooped, dark-clothed figure, "Oh, look, guys! I think that's him!" She waves, calling to the figure, "Hello! It's me, from last night! We brought you some stuff!" She hastens over, beaming.

The old man peers at her, then at the two younger men with her, with a sharp nod, "Wa'n't sure y'd come back." He sniffs a bit toward the basket, looking cautious.

Cinnamon laughs softly, "Of course we did! We brought a friend, too -- he's a medical professional..." She turns to Thorn, starting to produce things as she names them, "-and also there's a blanket for each of you-" she straightens, looking around curiously, "Where's your friend? Oh, also: are you Andreas or Tre? Mar- er, Fauntleroy told us your names -- here, nice and thick and warm! I brought some warm woolen beanies too, and scarves and some other stuff, and I hope you two like stew? I brought paper bowls, though, no worries! You don't have to worry about returning them or anything -- and there's fresh bread and I put some cheese in too and, um..." She straightens again, beaming, "That's all I could think of that might be useful right away since I don't know your coat sizes and also do you still feel the pull? Want to talk about that any maybe some? Oh! Where are my manners?!" Cinnamon blushes, hastily introducing herself and her companions as well, then cheerfully adds, "Want to go sit somewhere so you and your friend can eat and talk with us, if you want?"

The old man looks somewhat overwhelmed and astonished, "'M Andreas. Th' boy's Tre." He motions, and the large young man, Tre, comes forward. He tosses his head, getting a long lock of hair out of his eyes, then peers at the basket and the people. He's got his hands pushed deep in his pockets, and his pants are dragging along the ground.

Cinnamon beams up at the tall young man, "Hi there, Tre! Here, have a blanket, and then if you want we can sit and you can have some nice hot stew and fresh bread, okay?" She happens to glance down as she's retrieving the blanket... and her eyes widen in sudden interest, "Oh! Wow, I think you both really do belong on Coblyn!" She smiles at her friends, discreetly indicating the tracks left by Tre in the snow. They're sort of smeared over by the long pants he's wearing... but they're also definitely not human-foot-shaped! If anything, they look a bit... equine or bovine? Tre takes the blanket and wraps it around his shoulders, speaking a quiet thank you in a voice that is shockingly deep for someone who looks like he can't be more than twenty-two. Shane looks where indicated, and his brows rise. He looks Tre up and down carefully, noting the footprints, the body language, the fact that the tall young man wears a trench much like Shane's own favorite coat.

Cinnamon glances around, then nods towards a few benches, "There -- that'd be good! I want to be able to sit down to serve the stew so I don't spill any." She thanks Thorn, takes the basket, and patters over to the benches. A few moments of brushing off snow, and then she comfortably plumpfs herself down on one bench. Seconds later the scent of hot Irish stew and fresh bread comes drifting out, as she unwraps the bread and tears off a few big hunks, opens her crockpot, and starts serving stew into two sturdy paper bowls. She adds a few pieces of bread and cheese, a spoon each -- then looks a bit chagrined, "Oh, crabcakes! I'm sorry, you guys... I didn't think to bring something to drink!" She frowns at the bowls, but then holds them out, "Well, if you're thirsty, just let me know and I can run get some bottled water, okay?" She beams as she adds, "Also, Marcus is healing beautifully!"

Shane remains standing between everyone else and anyone that might disturb them, as Andreas and Tre sit down. Tre settles carefully and eats his stew with very careful motions -- it's as if he was taught very precise manners at some point in his life. Andreas murmurs, "No worries. Got s'm water'n stuff back at camp. Don't got no stew good's this, though!"

Now she has a moment, Cinnamon looks more carefully at the two men. She's guessing, from the very large, drooping hat, that Tre maybe has pointed ears too? She's still not sure what Andreas is, though... though she gets the feeling it'd be more polite to allow the two men a moment to eat and think, than to keep shooting questions at them! She beams and thanks Andreas for the lovely compliment, adding, "So I've blathered a ton already, so now I'm gonna hush, and if you guys have any questions for us, you feel free to ask, okay?" She adds more softly, so her voice won't carry past the little group, "Even questions about the pull or other supernaturals are okay, guys!"

Andreas looks shifty for a moment, "Yeah. Ain't figgered out why we keep circlin' back roun' here. Jes' gets frustratin'."

Tre nods, "An' we can't stick 'round close for long. Get moved on. The..." he licks his lips and swallows, lowering his voice, "the elf boy... he's lucky we's there."

Cinnamon nods gravely to Tre, "He really was. He'd have died without you two." She sighs, adding in quiet relief, "Thank goodness you were!" She absently nibbles on a little piece of cheese as she thinks... then smiles hopefully at Shane, "So, I'm going to tell them stuff, asthore, but can you stop me or correct me when necessary, please?" At his quiet smile and nod, she happy-sighs and beams at him -- he's so! CUTE! -- then blushes and hastily looks back at the two Lost Boys, "Okay then! So, um, the pull."

The little dragon thinks a moment, then nods again and starts talking, her voice again carefully pitched just for her companions, "So there's a super-secret, magically-hidden street just for supernaturals, here in Boston. I mean, it's not the only one, right? But since we're all here in Boston, we can feel the pull. But to be safe, you can't actually ever find the street unless one or more of three things happens..." Cinnamon holds up one mittened hand, counting off on her fingers, "One, you've been there before; two, you have a map; or three, someone that already knows about it shows you where it is." She pauses there, smiling at the two men, "Make sense so far?" Both of the men nod, listening intently as they eat. It's obvious neither one has had a good meal in quite a while.

Cinnamon is immensely pleased they seem to like her homecooked food! She adds a bit absently, "There's more bread and stew and all if you want, okay? So, where was I... ah. Okay! So this street's name is Coblyn Street, and it's... like a little township all on its own? Like, when I arrived less than a year ago, I'd only just found out I was a supernatural too! I had a map, but it was still really scary for me when I first walked in, since I only half believed what I'd been told. But I met Shane, and he knew my deceased relative whose death 'pulled' me here, and Shane and some other friends helped a whole bunch to get me on my feet and now I have a house and a job and it's all wonderful!" She grins hopefully at the two men, adding, "So that's really my question for you guys: do you want to come to Coblyn? You have to behave decently, of course, but far as I can tell you're both already decent folks... and you probably shouldn't tell anyone else about Coblyn too, please? See, if I take you onto Coblyn, I'm kinda responsible for you both, which means I'll do my best to help, of course... um, actually, I'm kinda going fast, aren't I? So let me pause again: all this make sense so far? Any questions?" Then she hastily adds, at a sudden thought, "Also, you don't have to decide right this minute! We have a, um, an appointment we have to go to tonight, but if you want the night to talk it over, I can always come back tomorrow, okay?"

Shane smiles quietly, "Kept her from being pickpocketed as well -- which I think was just fate shoving us at one another." Cinnamon laughs at Shane's comment, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she beams up at him! Andreas and Tre look at one another and lean close, talking quietly and intensely together. Shane says, "Someone may have to vouch for you. I'll do it, but please don't make me regret it." He pauses and adds, "Also, don't try deceiving me. It makes me unhappy."

The two men nod and, as usual, it's Andreas that talks, "Give's t'night. Gotta get our things, ennyway."

Cinnamon tilts her head in curiosity, "It can't be me vouching for them, then, asthore? Oh, is that because if I bring them in, someone else has to do the vouching?"

Shane shake his head, "You can do it if you want, a ghr�."

Cinnamon nods interestedly to Shane, then beams at the two men, "Wonderful! I think you'll like Coblyn Street better than here, honestly... the pull is incredibly annoying sometimes, I know!" She wrinkles her nose amusedly, "Had a friend that said it gave her itchy feet, but for me it was more that I couldn't concentrate on anything any more!"

Tre snorts and tosses his head as if he's trying to clear a lock of hair off his face again, "It makes me antsy. Like my skin's crawlin' off."

Cinnamon nods ruefully to Tre, "Right? So annoying!" She cheerfully adds, "I'm happy to cover you for the night at one of the pubs, and we can talk about what you can do so you can pick jobs that make you happy, okay? Oh! Also, umm..." She glances around -- they're kind of out in public... so she looks at Thorn, "How, um... how private do you need for a checkup, if they agree to one, Thorny?"

Thorn shakes his head, "it doesn't need to be very private. I can check them with magic, just hand-to-hand contact."

Cinnamon nods, "Okay! Um... actually, you should explain that to them, not me, okay?" She adds to the two men, "So, you guys go ahead and eat as much as you want of the stew, and I'll take the crockpot when you're done, and I'll be back tomorrow at about the same time as I came today, okay?" Both men nod. They're quite tidy with making sure that no trash is left on the ground. The little dragon beams up at Shane as she adds, "Wanna come along again then too, asthore?" He smiles and nods.

"Oh, of course." Thorn looks to the men, "I'm a healer, I can do some healing magic and also diagnose conditions. I'd like to check you both -- it's not required for coming onto Coblyn -- just to see if there's anything else we can do for you."

Tre looks at Andreas, "Let 'im look you over." Andreas mutters about being just-fine-thank-you, but then grumbles and accedes.

Thorn smiles to Andreas, reaching over with a hand, "It's completely non-intrusive, and painless, I promise."

Cinnamon nods earnestly, "Totally is, promise!" Andreas nods and reaches out his hand, pulling off his glove, and Cinnamon blinks interestedly at the dark-skinned hand. The fingers are crooked and the nails seem almost... claw-like? A moment later, since she doesn't want to stare, she leans to whisper to Shane, "Hey, sweetie? Does Waylon do hoof care too? Like a... like a horseshoer?"

Shane blinks, "You mean is he a farrier? Maybe? But I know there is an actual farrier on Coblyn. Caradog has a stable, after all."

"Oh! Huh, did not know that..." Cinnamon thinks a moment, then adds pragmatically, "Does the farrier do Iason's hooves? Or at least know how to treat sapient hooved folks?"

Shane nods, "Yeah. I think he also deals with some of the Fomorians that have hooves. So I'm sure he's real respectful."

Cinnamon looks relieved, "Oh, good -- okay! Thanks!"

Andreas holds still as he's examined, and Thorn can feel the older man has something that feels sort of like arthritis, but not quite... and he's got some retinal damage. Thorn mmms, "Some arthritis, and retinal damage. Give me a moment." He visualizes the man's body, especially the skeletal system and the eyes -- he pictures the eyes' cells regenerating, rebuilding the retina and its nervous system connections. For this particular type of arthritis, he urges the joints -- gently and a few at a time -- to rebuild the tissue between the bones; to restore the tissue that pads between the bones.

Andreas' breath catches and he actually groans as the healing slides through his body. A heartbeat later he squints, then quickly slaps a hand across his eyes, and starts searching around with his free hand in his pockets. Tre looks slightly alarmed and quickly fishes a pair of sunglasses out of the older man's pocket for him. Seconds later the crooked fingers straighten out slightly and, oddly, his mouth starts to change shape slightly. Cinnamon blinks startledly as she watches -- but then nods to herself: Andreas must have very sensitive eyes! Okay, going to have to make sure he has some sort of good sunshades on the street, right. She tilts her head curiously as she watches the man's mouth, wondering what's being repaired there. Maybe he got punched in the mouth some years ago, or something?

When Thorn's magic is done and Andreas speaks again, it becomes a bit more obvious why his mouth looks different: he's got extremely prominent canines. Not quite fangs, but they're outside human norms for certain. "Din't 'spect these t'grow back."

Cinnamon grins relaxedly, "Thorny's the best!" Curiously she adds, "What happened to them? Did they get knocked out or something?" She pulls out one of the scarves, offering it to him as she adds, "You can use this to cover your lower face, if you want, until tomorrow, okay?"

Andreas nods, thanking Cinnamon for the scarf, but pulls out a bandana to tie across his face, "Pulled 'em out. Scared people. But I guess if we're gon' be where people don't worry about that stuff..."

Cinnamon laughs! "Oh, no -- big teeth aren't a problem at all! One of my favorite people there has a smile like a shark, you know?"

Shane laughs quietly, "She means Elias. He's great. Like Mr. Rogers, only, y'know... if Mr. Rogers was a vampire." Cinnamon grins at Shane!

Thorn smiles to Tre, reaching out to him. "Your turn?" he asks. Tre reaches out for Thorn's hand, looking into the healer's eyes. Cinnamon happens to be looking Tre's way when he locks eyes with the healer, and she notices a brief purple flash in the young man's pupils. She tilts her head -- that was curious! She wonders what caused that... she'll have to mention it later to her friends, and see if Shaney knows what it was.

Tre actually seems to be pretty healthy other than some mild malnourishment, but that's not unusual on the street. The young man must have a very good constitution... or he's not been out here as long as some. Thorn nods quietly to him, "You're reasonably healthy, just malnourished a little. Have you been on the street long?"

Cinnamon looks interested, "Oh, interesting! Do you know what kind of food you need more of, Tre? Maybe we can make sure to get you some tomorrow?"

Tre shakes his head, "Not as long as some." He licks his lips and shifts a bit, "I need a lot of grains. Oatmeal would be good." Cinnamon nods at that, pulling out her little notebook and making a note to herself. Tre rubs the back of his neck a bit, his deep voice rumbling, "I digest things different."

Thorn nods, "No worries. Everyone has different dietary needs."

Cinnamon glances up again, nodding, "Makes sense, if you have hooves, that you'd have a slightly different digestive tract too."

Tre nods and sighs, "Yeah. I'm enough of what I am to have all these characteristics, but not enough to have the ability to hide 'em."

Cinnamon beams at the two men after she puts away her notebook, feeling rather pleased at getting to help yet more deserving folks find their way to Coblyn, "Okay then! If you've both had enough to eat, and don't have any more questions, we'll pack up and get going. We'll see you tomorrow at the same place we met today, right?" She adds to Thorn, "Thank you so much, Thorny, for helping Andreas and Tre!"

Thorn hastily replies, "Oh, just doing my job!"

Cinnamon laughs, patting Thorn's shoulder, "Still, guy -- thanks!" Andreas and Tre both stand, giving their thanks to the healer, the dragon, and the half-beansidhe and agreeing to meet back here. Cinnamon smiles and gently pats Tre's forearm, "It's okay, truly. Once we're all on Coblyn, I think it'll be easier for you both!"

Tre smiles hopefully, "That'll be nice." Cinnamon waves happily, and is almost skipping the whole way back! She's thrilled at being able to help two more Lost Boys come home, so to speak. She's also immensely pleased there'll be plenty of time to get ready for, and travel to, the council meeting -- without any rushing at all!

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

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