Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon patters into the Infirmary with Shane, cheerfully greeting Niko and asking if Thorn might be available please? Niko smiles, "I think so! It's been a slow day."

Cinnamon murmurs wryly to Shane, after Niko departs, "Which is totally a good thing, I think!" She grins as they wait, her usual good mood returning.

Thorn is transcribing some of his notes into the infirmary's archive, though only the 'safe' information that he doesn't have to keep encrypted notes for. Iason has been quite pleased with Thorn's observations on the various species, and the occasional new things he's found out. It has indeed been a slow day, and so he is available when Cinnamon and Shane show up asking to go with him to Caradog. Cinnamon explains as they walk over to the palace, "I want to petition Caradog to permanently exile Hans, and I figured having you two there would help back up what I'm saying." She pauses, considering... then blushes slightly as she mumbles, "Umm... a-and also, it's easier to -- t-to talk to him w-when I'm not alone..."

Thorn hmms and nods, "I can understand that. He's definitely shown himself to be a threat to the people on the street. Where will he go?"

Cinnamon shakes her head, "I don't know, Thorny, but..." She's silent a moment -- and then her voice firms up as she adds, "But I also know that I don't want to lose anyone, and I really strongly feel people deserve to not live in fear of a known murderer wandering around their homes at night!"

Shane smirks, "He's shown himself to be a homicidal menace. I can't even remember what happened, but that means it was an ambush." He squeezes Cinnamon around the shoulders as they come to the gates. Two rather nondescript looking guards are there, both of them gealsidhe, but they're the gealsidhe equivalent of having hair-colored hair and eye-colored eyes. Cinnamon smiles and politely introduces the three of them, then requests an audience for them with Caradog, please? She figures they both likely already know Shane, and it's a good bet they at least know of Thorn... but it simply doesn't occur to her that she too might already be known, after all! The guards both nod and call for one of the pages, who scampers off. Shane adds, "He's got a home off the street. If he needs something from the enclave, there are ways to get information to us... and his councilor is Marcus. He can contact the Elm trod or send a message via the mail drop box that Rosie checks."

It takes perhaps fifteen minutes before the page is back and letting the three of them know to follow him. Cinnamon curiously asks Shane, "Marcus? So Hans is really German, then?" She frowns thoughtfully, "I wonder if he could go back there? Are there more forests there that he can disappear into?" She follows the page as she speaks to Shane... and thanks the page once they're shown to a room.

Shane considers, "I could be wrong. His councilor might be Hilde... he is a troll, after all." The page leads the party into a part of the palace that Cinnamon and Thorn have not been in before. They find themselves not in any formal receiving room, but something that seems like a personal sitting room.

Cinnamon grumbles, "Well, he's sure not a nice Scandinavian troll, then!" She glances around the room, wondering if this is the same room where she and Aisling spoke to Caradog, some months ago. Can she still see the little garden, even if it's all covered with snow now? Hmm... no, the little garden isn't visible, even if snow covered... so this seems to be another sitting room.

It's only a few minutes later that Caradog enters, wearing a fairly casual tunic and pair of leather leggings. His hair is pulled back in a loose tail; he looks as if he might have been doing something active, as he nods to each of them, "This is an unexpected pleasure."

Cinnamon had been sitting a bit stiffly on the sofa, next to Shane, and close to the chair for Thorn... but she pops up to her feet at sight of Caradog, giving a quick curtsey, "Th-th-thank you for s-seeing us, Caradog!" Thorn stands as well when Caradog enters, folding his hands behind his back. The little dragon takes a deep breath as Caradog seats himself in a chair across from everyone, then makes a waving motion, "Please, sit."

Cinnamon settles down again next to Shane... then realizes: this is for Shane! -as well as everyone else on Coblyn. She's not afraid at all of defending Shane, right? Okay then! She takes another breath, then says as firmly as she can, "W-we are here, please, to petition for Hans to be permanently exiled from Coblyn Street!"

A footman enters, bringing a tray with what smells like hot spiced cider. As everyone is being served, Caradog listens and mmms, "You mean the homicidal, psychopathic guest I still have in my cells downstairs? I can see why you'd petition for that."

Cinnamon nods in relief -- but then scowls reflexively, her voice angry and indignant, "He -- he tried to murder Shane right in front of me -- and he hurt Marcus too, when he threatened to kill him as well! I don't -- I mean, I'm sorry I had to flame him, but -- b-but not really, darnit! 'Cause he was doing it deliberately -- both times! We think he ambushed Shane too, so that was totally maliciously planned!"

Caradog arches a brow as he sips from his mug, "I'm agreeing with you. I've only had him in the cells because I don't want him loose in my domain. He attempted to murder not one but two of our foremost citizens. So, you're asking for full exile. Never-to-return, yes?"

Cinnamon considers, "Well, didn't he already have partial exile? So clearly that didn't work to stop him from being mean and violent, right? So unless you have some better idea on how to punish him so he doesn't try this -- this nasty behavior again, I'd say yes -- full exile is exactly what I'm asking for -- for all the folks he's scared and hurt and tried to kill, all the way up to now and on into the future!"

Caradog nods, "That's completely reasonable. I know Diarmaid will be happy to have him out of the cells, since he's been making the guards' lives less than pleasant. I have been going back and forth between lifetime imprisonment and exile. I believe your option is better." He leans back, "Of course, exile comes with the consequence of 'on pain of death' should he return."

Cinnamon nods gravely, "Plus there's the question of if he's just going to make the lives of the humans around here miserable instead. I don't know... have you got any experience with exiling someone already? Like, is there anything that can be done to keep him from just bullying someone else instead?"

Caradog smiles wryly, "Exile from my domain includes exile from the city, since there are some of my subjects who live off the street but come here to conduct their business. However, the only way to keep him from bullying anyone else is to execute him. He's a troll -- his specific species is predatory."

Cinnamon frowns consideringly, "Can he live out in a forest?"

Caradog nods, "He could. Would he? That's his choice. Once I've exiled him from my domain, I lose any say over what he does other than 'don't come back here.' I can let other rulers and elders know about him, but I can't guarantee they'll also exclude him."

Cinnamon nods slowly... then looks Caradog in the eyes as she quietly asks, "Is he the type to either vengefully betray the existence of supernaturals to the humans? Or alternatively... is he the type to think he should be able to treat the humans the same way as he treats folks here? Because the latter quite likely may get him hunted down by the police... and he's very clearly not human." She wonders a bit bemusedly: what do the supernaturals do when embodied forces of nature are running rampant? How do they keep human law enforcement from finding out about them?

Caradog's face is solemn, "What the humans would do to him is worse than what we could... and if he were to betray Coblyn -- well... it would put us all in danger. However, exile can be backed up with a geas, and I am willing to expend the energy to do that... because my people need to be safe. So yes: I will grant your request."

Cinnamon sighs and closes her eyes, not quite sagging in relief, "Oh, thank goodness!" She smiles tiredly at Caradog a moment later, "I'm sorry to... to sort of throw all this on you, sir, but... well, it... that night was really kind of a horrible shock! That's why I brought Shane and Thorn, in fact -- so they could verify what happened and how bad the damage was, if you needed."

Caradog nods, "I'm sure it was; I've spoken with people who were there. Exile would be safer for everyone involved. It will be done by the end of the week."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a moment, looking slightly perplexed -- but then nods, "Oh, of course -- Diarmaid and Lorcan, right? Or some of the other guards? Okay, gotcha." She smiles in quiet relief, "Thank you so much, Caradog. This means a lot to me... and I guess also to a lot of other folks too, that I don't know about."

Caradog nods and stands, "Now, I apologize for leaving so suddenly, but I have things I must deal with. Feel free to stay and finish the cider. Thank you for bringing your concerns to me. It's truly always a pleasure."

Cinnamon smiles as she stands, "That's fine! Thanks again, sir." Thorn nods, also thanking Caradog. He's quietly thoughtful. Caradog gives them a nod and leaves by the same door he used to enter. Cinnamon waits until Caradog leaves before she sinks back down into her seat with a relieved sigh. She picks up her lovely-smelling spiced cider again and leans against Shane as she slowly sips it... then smiles at her friends, "I think that went well! What do you guys think?"

Shane blinks slowly, "He meant that..."

Cinnamon tilts her head at Shane, "Which part?"

Shane says, "That it's a pleasure to see us."

Cinnamon considers that as she sips her drink... then grins ruefully and shrugs, "Maybe because... the issues we bring him are really easy to deal with? Or he's already decided to do them anyways?"

Thorn lets out a breath, "Well, it'll be done, then. I'm curious about the geas's wording, but that'll keep for another time. I probably should do one final medical exam of him before he leaves but after he's geased."

Cinnamon nods to Thorn, smiling, "That'd be kind, yeah, to check him before he leaves... though please, Thorny: be really really careful with him, okay? He..." She sighs, looking worried, "Don't let him get his hands on you, y'know? We don't want him to make another hostage situation, after all!"

Thorn smiles quietly, "I won't... but at the same time, I have that anesthetic spell. If he does -- which I won't let happen if I can help it -- I'll be fine."

Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully... then nods, "Good point. But still, Thorny -- please, be really careful! You can't knock someone out if you yourself are knocked out, after all, right?" She smiles ruefully as she gives Thorn a hug, "Stay safe! I don't want to lose any friends."

Thorn nods, hugging Cinnamon back, "I promise -- I'll be careful!"

Shane blinks, "He'll quite likely be shackled until he's escorted to the edge of Caradog's territory -- no one will be in danger from him until that point. It'll likely take place at night, too. That's part of what the tunnel system used to be used for, according to Diarmaid. He did some research, and I asked him over an ale recently."

Cinnamon laughs, relieved at both Shane's and Thorn's assurances... then grins, "Okay! Next stop for me today is to check out my new office and meet with the Malaysian envoys so we can figure out which letters are still needing a reaction! Can I swing by the infirmary later with them too, please, Thorny? I figure they'll be new species for you, and they could likely use a check-up as is?"

Thorn smiles, "Oh, of course! I'll be glad to give them a checkup."

Cinnamon thanks Thorn -- by now they've strolled out of the palace -- then grins hopefully up at Shane, "Are you busy? Or do you have a moment to check out the new office with me?"

Shane stands still and stretches, "I've got time. I took care of all my errands early so we could do this."

Cinnamon beams delightedly at Shane, "Yay!" and gives him an impulsive, exuberant hug before pattering quickly for Currier's Hall, "C'mon then -- I can't wait to see it! I've never had an office of my own before, that wasn't in my own house!"

The office Cinnamon has been assigned is on the fourth floor -- which seems like it actually ought to be impossible, since Currier's Hall doesn't look (from outside) like it has four stories. Then again, Coblyn also doesn't seem like it should be ten miles long. Even on the maps, it only looks three short blocks long. The room itself is spacious, with a ceiling tall enough that Shane can't reach it even if he holds his hand far overhead. It's also in a corner, with two walls of gracefully arched windows. Cinnamon looks relieved at sight of the office, "Oh, good! Enough room for two Iasons as well as me!" She checks the furnishings next, mentally reviewing what she recalls of the few Southeast Asian cultures she's read about.

There are indeed furnishings as well. The floor of dark-stained, polished wood is covered by a plush, intricately-woven rug, and there are book-cases stuffed to overflowing, lining any part of wall that isn't a window, door, or fireplace -- though there are no piles of books on the floor... yet. There's what looks like it might be the world's most comfortable couch, as well as a large desk. Behind the desk is a chair that looks like it was made for someone as tall as Shane but also possibly as broad as Diarmaid. In front of the desk are two visitor chairs, and there are two more cozy chairs in front of the fireplace.

Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Fantabulous -- I think we can work with this!" She's smiling as she looks around, "Wow, I'm gonna have to come back later to see what all these books are too! But for now..." she unslings her bag, heading for the desk, "let's see if there's anything I need before we start. Umm..." She looks around a bit uncertainly, "Shaney, asthore, do you see any cushions anywhere? I'm likely going to need some to fit in that big chair, comfy as it seems... and maybe... hmm, maybe a low, wide table for teensy folks, and those who like sitting on the floor?" She looks around, hands on her hips, "What else... oh! I should start a fire! It's still wintry here, after all, and they're all southern entities, right?"

The little dragon grins excitedly over her shoulder at Shane as she kneels in front of the fireplace and lays some logs into it, "Can I ask a humongous favor, dath�il? Can you send someone to... hm, how about Himeko's? That's the most Asian place on the street that I know of -- and ask her to send me, umm... let's say four more of those really big sitting ottoman-cushions -- and, umm... maybe three or four regular cushions for me, and... and a big, round, low table like I have in my front room at home? -and get it here ASAP and charge it all to me via John at the Vault, and... hmm... maybe I should have a nice light tea here too for the delegates. What do you think, Shaney? Would that be polite?"

Shane moves around the room and runs his fingers along the spines of some of the books, brows drawn, "Some of these are ledgers." His head turns, "Well, you could move the seat cushions from the other chairs. Or you could get another chair." At her comment about the fire, he just naturally moves that way, as if it's been his job to start the fire in a lot of campsites, and it's just slipped his mind that his beloved is a dragon.

Cinnamon sits up abruptly, excitement in her demeanor, "Ledgers? Like from greatgrand Liam?!" She bounces to her feet, almost scampering over to the closest one, "Ooh, lemme see, please?!" Her shy, almost giggly internal delight at referring to Shane as 'handsome' is abruptly eclipsed by her hope to find useful information on her representative peoples!

Shane gets the fire going in next to no time, then pushes to his feet and brushes his hands off, "The cost of furnishing this office will likely go through the council, taibhseach. It's a council expense, after all. But those ledgers could indeed be his. I mean... this whole room feels like it's sized to him. He was a large fellow." He cups Cinnamon's cheek in one hand and leans down to kiss her lips lightly, "I'll head down and get those ordered for you."

"Oh, oka- uh..." Cinnamon blinks, completely distracted by the warmth in Shane's hand -- and his lips, eeeethey're so warm and soft and nice and- drat! She takes a deep breath, opening her eyes and straightening as Shane too straightens... and firmly reminding herself that she absolutely must not go all mushy and squeaky and -- and whatever silliness Shane makes her feel when he's so deliciously close she has people arriving in only a few hours and she has lots of reading and translating to do and she is supposed to be official in here and -- and... she sighs happily, tilting her head and clasping her hands in front of herself as she watches -- and wowsers, Shaney really does have such a lovely muscled butt mmmmm!

After Shane's departure, Cinnamon gets right to work! He's gone for at least forty-five minutes... but then, the little dragon did ask for a lot to be ordered. In that time, there's a light knock on the door. Cinnamon looks up curiously from the letters scattered neatly out across the desktop, "Who is it?"

The door swings open, revealing Hilde. She's dressed in a babydoll crop-top with a Goth Hello Kitty on it. It's paired with hip-hugger boot-cut jeans and a leather motorcycle jacket, and her Docs today are red patent leather. The ljos�lf does, after all, tend to sort of ignore cold weather! "Oh! This is nice! Hasn't changed a bit!"

Cinnamon brightens, nearly bouncing out from around the desk to give Hilde an enthusiastic hug, "Hilde! How are you? Thanks for coming by!"

Hilde laughs and hugs Cinnamon back, kissing her friend on the cheek, "I'm doing well! So glad to see you." Her blue eyes twinkle, "And where's your elsker?"

Cinnamon grins, almost bouncing with excitement, "So this is Liam's former office?! Awesome! I love how it looks!" -- but then blinks puzzledly, "Elsker? I... don't think I know that one, sorry?" She grins again as she looks at Hilde's attire, shaking her head once, "Wish I knew how you always look so gorgeous, Hilde -- no matter what you're wearing!" She laughs, then grins, "So what's an elsker then, please?"

Hilde nods and walks around, letting her fingers trail over the books and bookshelves, "Yup... his little cave. There are hidden shades you can pull over the windows if you need to den up in here... but you've got your cottage. Liam only did that if he needed to stay on the street overnight for something." Her blue eyes twinkle as she adds, "An elsker is your sweetie."

Cinnamon smiles a bit wistfully as she watches Hilde, wishing yet again that she'd had a bit of time to know her lost relative... but then she blinks -- then flushes hotly and squeaks, "Oh! Oh, he, uh, I -- th-that is, he, er, he..." She sighs amusedly at herself, firmly putting her hands over her mouth and taking a few deep breaths. Only once she's made herself calm down a little does she shyly admit, "H-he... he's doing me a huge favor and getting some things for me, so, umm... s-so the new contingent can all be comfy here?" A heartbeat later, though, she glances a bit nervously over her shoulder -- then hastily stage-whispers to Hilde, "Oh my gosh, Hildy, Shane is so nice I can hardly believe it did you know he actually told me h-he -- th-that he had a crush on me too?!"

Hilde leans back against Cinnamon's desk and grins at the little dragon, "Crush? Crush?"

Cinnamon blinks at Hilde, nodding uncertainly, "I... uh, y-yeah? He... he said he really liked me too?" She goes still, a pang of worry stabbing through her: did she misinterpret, and Shane doesn't really... no, wait. Wait. Shane doesn't lie -- he doesn't! -- and he did say he liked her, darnit!

The ljos�lf shakes her head, warm eyes moving over Cinnamon's face, "That boy is head-over-heels, heart-eyes-emoji, little bluebirds flying around his head in love with you." Hilde hops up to sit on the edge of the desk -- as if there aren't literally six other actual seating options -- and swings her long legs, "And he has been, I think, since about two-point-five minutes since he met you. Well... maybe not that soon, but it didn't take long for him to start calling you acushla. You know what that actually means, right?"

Cinnamon nods silently, her eyes huge -- she's starting to feel really nervous about this discussion. Usually when stuff like this happens (from what she's observed or overheard of her sister's affairs), it means there's going to be some horrible argument due to someone else wanting the boyfriend or girlfriend and hopefully it's not Hilde because she's so pretty and smart and she always seems so confident and gorgeously put-together and Cinnamon knows she wouldn't stand a candle's chance in a snowstorm next to someone like that oh crabcakes she's starting to get frantic she can't have a panic attack she's got to remember what is it right breathe -- gotta breathe slow and deep okay she can do that...

The little dragon clenches her hands together, pressed against her chest, and closes her eyes. Slow, deep breaths, right -- one in... sigh it out... she can do this... nice and calm, next deep breath... Hilde tips her head, "You okay? I mean, he's calling you his heartbeat. His pulse. I've been waiting with bated breath for the two of you to make your way to one another. I love that you make one another happy. You both deserve that, you know?"

Cinnamon finishes her deep breaths, feeling slightly light-headed at how much she's inhaled... then opens her eyes and sighs softly. She smiles a bit wistfully at Hilde, "I, uhm... th-thank you?" She looks down at her hands, her voice going soft, "I... I still have t-trouble believing it sometimes. Like... like I keep expecting to wake up because it's all really just too nice -- like in a dream, you know? One where I'm the Mary Sue, sorta..." She takes another deep breath -- then adds more firmly, "A-and I still have a ton to do before the delegates arrive so I... I, um, I'm j-just not gonna worry about that right now!" She strides firmly (or at least as firmly as she can right now) back to the desk, pushing some of the letters around... then pulls out a small handful, "Hey, can I ask a favor, Hilde? I know it's a long shot, since you're not Asian at all, but... can you read any of these languages?"

Hilde hmmms. She's not allergic to iron, so she's had more experience in the human world than some of the other elfin species, "You're not dreaming or having a nightmare. You're finally living in a world outside stupid human expectations... where people understand how amazing you are."

Cinnamon's small smile is a bit rueful... but she simply spreads out the letters she currently can't read, "You're nice, Hilde. Thank you. Here, look... are any of these legible to you? I know Melanesian pidgin though I can't really read it at all well yet, and I've picked up Malay and Mandarin Chinese... but I don't speak Tagalog, though I was told that if you speak Spanish, then about one word in four sounds like they're speaking Spanish... which makes me wonder if this one here is Tagalog, y'know?"

Hilde leans over the letters, brows drawing together as she chews on her bottom lip, "Sadly, I don't speak Tagalog, either. This is when having actual good cell connection comes in handy. That, or a translation cantrip." She murmurs softly to herself as she looks over one of the things written in Mandarin... her accent is pretty good.

Cinnamon nods and sighs amusedly, "Ah, well. Thanks for at least trying. I figure the tall guy -- what's his name, umm... Megat, that's it! -- hopefully he can translate it!" Then she grins interestedly at Hilde's murmur, "You speak Mandarin Chinese? Awesome!" Her voice is much softer as she wryly adds, "Is it just me, or do the reply letters sound more and more... almost smug, sorta? -- as the years go by?"

Hilde nods and is straightening up when Shane comes back in. He doesn't knock -- just enters with his arms full of cushions, calling out, "Hey, taibhseach, I'm back!" Cinnamon nearly bounces upright with a small, nervous giggle -- she knows she's not gorgeous, but it's nice of Shane to say that to her! A heartbeat later she freezes -- unless he... wait, surely he wasn't talking to Hilde... was he?

Hilde grins at Shane, then nods at Cinnamon's question, "Yup. I thought it might be good to learn it when I realized Aoi sometimes spoke it to her entourage, as if she didn't want us to understand what she was saying... and yeah, they do sounds sort of 'Begone, peasant.'"

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Hilde -- then laughs in spite of herself! Then she patters hastily around the desk to go help Shane, "Thanks so much, Shaney! Were you able to find everything we need?" If he lets her, she takes the cushions from Shane and arranges them in the huge chair... then sort of hops up and lets herself plop down into it, to see if the arrangement works. Cinnamon wriggles herself in a bit... then grins cheerfully, "How's this? I'd like to keep Liam's things all here, but... do I look too silly in his chair, or what?" It's very clear she's far smaller than her relative, once she's seated there... she looks a bit like a small, bright-eyed owlet sitting in a huge nest of cushions! A moment later she blinks thoughtfully at the mirror -- then flushes slightly, glancing down at the desk as she adds softly, "Would it... um, d-do you guys think it'd be too... well, like... vain of me -- if I, um, maybe had... like, um, maybe one photo of me as the Lunar New Year dragon? ...here?"

Shane wraps his arms tight around Cinnamon and nuzzles into her hair with a sigh, murmuring, "My gorgeous girl." Then he raises his head and looks around, "No, not at all -- I think it would be wonderful. It's a moment to be proud of."

Hilde smiles, "You don't look a bit silly! You look adorable and comfortable." She grins, adding, "You should see my office! It's piled with beanbag chairs and lapdesks. Qadan fucking hated it."

Cinnamon blinks in shock, freezing in place -- whoa! Shane just -- h-he just said... to her! He was really, truly speaking to her -- but Hilde's over there on the other side of the desk! Shaney -- her asthore! Eeee, her asthore wowsarooties he said that too that he was hers and she was hi- er, wait -- waitwaitwait they're talking to her oh crabcakes concentrate gotta focus-focus-focus what're they saying... "Uhh... yay?" She blinks -- then giggles in spite of herself at Hilde's comment... and then, greatly daring, she... wraps her arms around Shane's arms around her and leans against him a bit too! A moment later she sighs happily, relaxing a bit when Shane seems fine with that... and quickly mentally reviews. Ah! Okay, she didn't fall too far behind in the convo -- whew! She beams up at Shane, "When're you gonna bring over the photos then, asthore? You said Elias was getting some of them framed or something, right?" She pauses, then turns a little pink as she shyly adds, "I... I think I wanna put one up in my cottage too, actually!" She giggles, adding happily, "Right next to the lovely drawing Yuka did of the vision-me!"

Shane nuzzles Cinnamon's hair -- it's like now that he's got permission, he's going to do all the PDA! "Mmm. He did... and they're ready. We just need to get them from his place."

Hilde looks over and smiles, blue eyes warming, "You two are perfect together." She pushes to her feet, "I should get back to doing my own job. I'll see you soon?"

Cinnamon sighs happily again -- Shaney just feels so awesomesauce! She grins curiously at Hilde, "Er, why... why would Qadan hate your office, though? I mean... I thought the nomadic Mongols tended to sit on the ground too?"

Hilde pauses and smiles, "Because it's done in bright, cheerful colors, and I refused to treat him like visiting nobility."

Cinnamon laughs aloud at that! Her grin at Hilde is sunny, "Awesome, I'll have to remember that!" She giggles, waving her fingers as she adds, "Thanks for coming by, Hilde -- I know you're busy, but this was nice! Maybe we can have lunch again soon, or something!"

Hilde nods and waves, "I'm on the second floor -- basically the opposite corner. Stop in any time."

Cinnamon happily thanks the ljos�lf! After Hilde has left, the little dragon adds thoughtfully to Shane, "It wouldn't be disrespectful, asthore, would it... if I kept things like Liam has them, but slowly added a few things of me too... right?"

Shane smiles down at Cinnamon, "Not a bit. He'd likely want you to put your ark on this room." He looks around again and grins, "I have something that would look perfect on the mantle."

Cinnamon brightens in interest, "Really? What is it?"

Shane's amber eyes twinkle and he shakes his head, "Nope. It's a surprise."

There's another knock on the door, right as Cinnamon laughs and tells Shane, "Tease!" -- then calls out cheerfully, "Who's there?" Himeko calls back that it's her with the rest of the things ordered from her shop. Shane goes to answer the door and helps Himeko and her assistant bring in the low table and the other things Cinnamon ordered, including a tea set and a small wooden box holding imported tea. Cinnamon happily assists in bringing everything in and helping arrange it to her satisfaction. Once it's all done, she thanks Himeko with a very sincere hug! Himeko hugs back and doesn't quite scamper out. Cinnamon sighs in pleasure once it's just she and Shane alone in the room again, "Isn't this nice, Shaney? Still all cozy and comfy, but for teeny people as well as really large ones, now!" She swiftly moves all the request letters, as well as her laptop, over onto the low table, then goes and starts the tea as she chatters happily with Shane, "I've been translating the letters that I can read, and making guesses on some of the others -- I can read about half of them so far, so I'm hoping Megat, the translator, can help me with the rest. Want some tea, asthore?"

Shane looks over the letters and hmmms, "Is this... it's not Portuguese... is it Tagalog?"

Cinnamon glances over, then nods uncertainly, "I think so? Maybe? I don't speak the language, but it does seem a bit like Spanish in places, doesn't it?"

Shane nods, "I mean, it's a creole... Spanish and a few other languages." He smiles a bit, "I poked around in it for names." Then he shakes his head, "Wonder if Nasteexo speaks it?"

Cinnamon shakes her head, "I have no idea, but... I wouldn't guess it was one of their languages, if for no other reason than that it's not at all from Africa?" She smiles as she adds, "I'm guessing it's as fluid-sounding as Spanish, though. Look at all the vowels!" She giggles, adding, "Okay, that's a sentence I never expected to say, actually!"

Shane laughs, "Wonder if it's related to Hawaiian? They've got a million vowels... where Wales has all those consonants..." There's another taptap at the door, "Office is busy, acushla!"

Cinnamon nods in surprise to Shane, "Right?!" Then she calls, "Who is it?" This time, it's the people Cinnamon has been expecting. The emissaries from Aoi's forgotten lands. The little dragon adds in an aside to Shane, "If I remember right, it's of the Austronesian linguistics family... so maybe?" She turns, and brightens at sight of the emissaries, "Oh, excellent! Welcome! Would you all like some tea?" She's careful to speak in Malay, which the emissaries all understand, as well as translating into English for Shane. She introduces him to them all as well, adding with a shy (and embarrassingly unwanted!) blush, "He's m-m-my... my boyfriend!" The blush worsens as she hears the nervous squeak in her voice at that assertion! Shane beams at being called Cinnamon's boyfriend, even as he greets each of them, letting Cinnamon translate it back into Malay. After that, he moves to start the tea brewing.

There's plenty of room in the new office, even for the flying horse. Of course, Liam was a large man, and one of the most revered people on Coblyn is a drafthorse-sized centaur. Cinnamon is relieved to see how well everyone fits, and that there are appropriate bowls or mugs or teacups for everyone -- and equally, she's a smidgen pleased with herself for considering those issues before the arrival of the delegation! She makes sure everyone has a comfy spot to sit around the low table -- and she blushes and beams shyly to herself when Shane settles next to her! -- and that everyone has some tea, and a peaceful moment in which to rest, relax, and savor the tea. Only after a few peaceful sips -- or, in Bintang's and Zaituna's cases, slurps -- of tea does Cinnamon smile at everyone and say, "I'm so glad you've come to talk with me! It is an honor to represent you, but I do hope you won't mind that, umm... that I'm going to have to ask you all for some help, please, with translating all the letters." She has another sip of tea after translating, then adds, "But before that, of course: do any of you have any questions for me, or needs that aren't being met yet?"

Zaituna speaks, "All our needs for while we are here are being met. The people here are very curious, but they are welcoming. Except perhaps for the Phoenix. I fear we have quite upset her."

Cinnamon smiles ruefully at that, but doesn't say anything about Aoi. Instead she just nods, then adds, "Okay then! So, I can speak Malaysian, English, and Tok-Pisin, but... I'm hoping that Megat, perhaps, can help me translate all the other languages the letters are written in? I'd like to get the translations onto my laptop, and hopefully then we can figure out which of these letters still mention problems that need dealing with." She smiles hopefully at the shaggy, black-haired humanoid, "How's that sound?"

Megat agrees, "I speak all those. English is not as good." Zaituna bobs her head as well. She's once again on the table -- since, if she's on the floor, she's far below everyone else's sight-line. She did, however, carefully wipe off her dainty hooves first. For the next several hours the little groups work on translating and discussing all the letters -- even Zaituna and Bintang offer opinions and suggestions, both on word meanings and on issue relevance. Shane keeps the nice, warm fire going -- which everyone appreciates -- and a few hours into the work, he's also kind enough to slip out and bring back a hot, hearty dinner for everyone.

Between all the entities present, the letters are eventually translated and triaged into three piles: those which are no longer an issue, those which are a huge issue, and those which are an issue but can wait. Fortunately, as everyone agrees, it looks like only about half of the letters still need to be dealt with... and of those ten, only two are immediate problems. Thus it's much later when Cinnamon leans back and stretches with a sigh, "Okay then! So, it looks like current issues are sea piracy and drug trafficking, the mangrove replantings, overfished and plastic-threatened fisheries, climate change-related stuff... and human political garbage." She has a sip of tea, then grins wryly, "No biggie, eh?" She laughs, adding, "Obviously some of this will take a while for me to try and figure out, but I will try my best to deal with it all. So, is there anything else you all want to see covered right now?"

Shane murmurs, "Human political garbage is probably the largest problem of all there."

Zaituna nods at that! She considers, then replies, "No. Knowing we are seen and heard is almost more than we expected."

Cinnamon smiles a bit sadly at the little mouse-deer, "Oh, Zaituna... I am so very sorry it took so long for that to happen for you!" She thinks for a moment as she sips a bit more tea, then asks, "Hey, would you three all like to visit a friend of mine? He's one of the healers at Coblyn's infirmary, and he does check-ups on anyone who would like it... and he's also eager to examine any new-to-him species. He said he'd be happy to check you all over, if you wanted...?" There's a bit of conversation, but the emissaries all agree to go visit the healer. Cinnamon happily sets her teacup down, thanking them all for being willing to do so! She collects up all the letters -- she can't help a small grin at all the translating and relevance notes now scribbled all over them, much as she suspected would happen -- and neatly tucks them away in one of the bookcases. She's saved everything off already on her laptop, so that too is closed down and returned to her bag. A moment to clean up the tea paraphernalia, then carefully lock the office door... and the little dragon cheerfully invites them all to come with her! As they're all trooping downstairs and off to the infirmary, Cinnamon links her arm with Shane's and beams up at him, "This was a pretty good, productive day for my first day in my new office, don't you think, asthore?"

Shane smiles and kisses the top of Cinnamon's head, "I think so too, acushla." He gives her a quick squeeze, "I do have one quick errand, but I'll meet you all down at the infirmary, okay?"

Cinnamon feels almost ebullient! A really successful day of work, and... wow, is Shaney an amazing sweetie, or what?! "Okay! See you later!" She waves, then chatters cheerfully with the three emissaries until they arrive at the infirmary. "Hi, Niko! Are Iason and Thorn free? I figured they might like to meet some new folks!"

Niko smiles, "They are! You can go on back -- they aren't busy. Everyone on Coblyn is disgustingly healthy today!" Cinnamon laughs aloud at that! She giggles, translating for the delegation as they all troop on back into the infirmary, and there are various forms of giggles from them as well.

Thorn has, of course, told Iason about the impending visitors, and knows the veteran healer will want to conduct the exams with him. He's perfectly happy for that, since Iason has been an actual healer longer than, likely, Thorn has been alive! The human smiles as he sees the group, waving, "Hello, Cinnamon!" Then he bows politely to the emissaries, greeting them too -- albeit in English. Iason comes to meet the emissaries as well, doing his combination equine-and-human bow when he introduces himself. With permission, he stays with them; he's especially curious about the flying horse.

Cinnamon waves cheerfully as they enter the room, "Hi, Iason, Thorny!" She introduces everyone, promises to translate everything for everyone -- as long as they're all patient with her, please! -- and then happily informs Thorn, "They'd like a check-up, please, Thorny -- all three!" Thorn is happy to oblige, starting with Zaituna as the leader of the party. He is extraordinarily gentle with them all, always explaining what exactly he is doing. Cinnamon translates faithfully, silently proud of how well everyone's treating the delegates. Aoi and her man may not have been kind, but the little dragon is determined to show that Aoi is not representative of everyone -- either on the council, or on Coblyn!

Zaituna is tiny, delicate, and graceful... and gracious. The only thing that seems in any way off with her is that she seems to be right on the edge of coming into season. Of course, that may have to do with traversing seasonal boundaries. Cinnamon turns a bit pink at that, but gamely continues her translating! She's faintly relieved there are no mouse-deer on Coblyn -- having to translate a courtship would be, she suspects, more than she can currently handle! At the news, Zaituna does her little tip-tap dance that seems to indicate being pleased. She believes they'll be back to their homes before she comes fully in. Cinnamon giggles, pleased Zaituna's happy! Then she grins at Thorn, "Who do you want to check next, then?"

Thorn thinks for a moment, then suggests Bintang, and then Megat. Cinnamon nods, then waves the winged, magical horse forward, "Would you like to go next, Bintang?" Bintang is happy to be next... though he first brushes against Iason. Strangely, there's no stallion hostility. Cinnamon tilts her head as she watches... then smiles. She's completely missed the horse body language since she knows nothing of it; she's just happy both horse-types seem to be companionable.

Iason smiles quietly and murmurs to Thorn, "He's not had a herd. It can be very nice to be with other equines." He clears his throat, "Sometimes there are... tensions between stallions. But he knows this is my territory and so there's no need for a challenge."

Thorn ohs! and nods to Iason. "That's good to know," he says, making a note in his journal.

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly at that... then decides to check first, "Should I translate that, or was that a comment just to Thorn, please, Iason?"

Iason smiles, "It was just for Thorn. Bintang didn't say any of that. It was in his body language and scent." The elder healer taps his nose. Cinnamon nods at that, relieved -- then simply tells the emissaries that the medical professionals were talking together about the examination.

Once Thorn examines the flying horse, he finds Bintang is the picture of health. It's almost as if every cell of his body is brand new. The healer wonders just how magical Bintang is -- he doesn't come off as a magical construct, but could he have been recently created? Much more likely, was he was recently born? Thorn mentions this, asking Cinnamon to translate: "You're in excellent health, Bintang -- exceptionally so. Is this common for your people?"

Cinnamon grins at that, "Oh, he's a gift from the gods, if I understand correctly, Thorny! He'll help out truly honorable princes in their questing, you know?"

Thorn nods slowly, smiling, "Ah... I see!" He's not at all sure of how accurate that is... but then again, there are people on the Council who claim to be -- some actually are -- gods themselves. He wonders what being made Bintang.

Cinnamon thoughtfully adds, "Though... I don't know if Bintang is one of his species, or completely unique. Hang on, I'll ask!" She turns and translates the short discussion for the Malaysians, then waits interestedly for their reply. It turns out Bintang is not the only one of his species -- they are just exceptionally hardy, and have very good healing powers. Also... he is quite young, and has not yet found his warrior. Cinnamon happily translates that! She's pleased someone so ethereally lovely isn't alone in the world... and that there are more beings just as gorgeous as he.

When it's finally Megat's turn, he sits almost stoically on the table to be examined. He is hardy and heavily muscled -- and quite hirsute! He could mostly pass as human... mostly -- if it were dark and he was careful to slouch and wear loose clothing. He has quite a few scars, and a leg that might have been broken at some point, but it healed well. In other words: he reads like someone who has lived rough. Thorn passes this information on to Cinnamon, for her to translate. He's not surprised Megat has had to live rough; there've been plenty of times when life in the Philippines was less than easy. Cinnamon cheerfully does so, pleased that all three emissaries are healthy and strong, according to Thorn. As it turns out, Megat is not surprised he's got the roughest outcome -- he's more surprised more broken bones didn't show up!

Thorn doesn't have anything more to ask from the emissaries, though he does ask them questions about their nutritional needs -- both to make note of it in his journal, and also to ensure they are getting what they need while on Coblyn. He also asks them to come to the infirmary immediately if they need any medical help at all. Cinnamon translates, of course, and also lets Thorn know where the delegation is staying. She checks with them as well, "When do you plan to head back to your home? Do we have a few more days, perhaps, before you have to go?" Zaituna lets Cinnamon know they can stay for a few more days, but they do need to get back to their homes to report on their trip soon. Cinnamon nods at that, and invites them all to come visit her at the office again anytime they'd like, in the afternoons, while they're here -- as that's when she intends to work there. She happily adds, "Hopefully I'll have at least an answer or two for you by the time you have to go, too!"

The emissaries agree and then thank Iason and Thorn before making their way out of the infirmary. Cinnamon bids them all a goodnight, then sighs and stretches again after they've left. She smiles at Iason and Thorn, "Thank you both so much for making them all feel welcome, you guys."

Thorn smiles. "Our pleasure, Cinnamon. I'm glad we could make them feel welcome."

Cinnamon has discovered she really likes sleeping all cuddled up with Shane! In fact, the next morning as she's trotting along on her errands list, she's unwittingly just about glowing with joy and love. Shane had some promises he had to keep, so Cinnamon has checked in with the two 'no longer Lost Boys,' and given them a list of apartments she knows are available, for them to check when they want -- and offered to accompany them as well, if they wish. She's also reviewed various kinds of rickshaws with Tre, and after he decided which he liked best, they placed an order for it. She then gave him the street's leather-worker's address, so if he wants to try some sort of shoulder harness to help him pull the rickshaw, he can ask the leather-worker for advice.

The little dragon had earlier checked at the inn for any replies from Nasteexo and Dejiyo, regarding her query about their abstention. There's no reply from Nasteexo, but they often play things rather close to the vest. That surprises Cinnamon -- usually the two lwa are careful to reply kindly to her. But she figures maybe they're busy with something else currently, and have yet to return to the street and see they have a message from her. Well, she'll just try back again later.

Cinnamon has also picked up the folding staff Baird said he could get her, and asked him if he can also get her a nice, sturdy staff for her practices with Shane -- which is both exciting and scary to her! She's nervously pleased that Baird approves of her learning staff, as well. Later this afternoon the little dragon plans a quick trip to the infirmary before she goes to her office -- both to invite Thorn (if he wishes) to join she and Shane in their staff practice... and also to ask Iason if he has a moment to draw some blood from her in dragon form, so she can gift it to Elias. She wants to thank the vampire for making the lovely framed photos of her as the Lunar New Year dragon -- she's got a few of those currently in her bag, in fact, which inordinately delights her. All the photos make her look very pretty and fierce and -- and dragonish, she thinks! She's going to hang one in her little cottage, and put another in her new office... and though it makes her giggle and blush, she intends to ask Shaney if he'd like one too!

Next on Cinnamon's list is some spring housekeeping -- she wants to make sure her little cottage is all clean and tidy for the new season! Aisling is out and about as Cinnamon is returning to her cottage; the beansidhe councilor has some sort of shopping basket over her arm as she stops to say hello, and her eyes twinkle, "Why, don't you just look happy as a lark."

Cinnamon blinks at Aisling -- then giggles! "Oh, sorry... was I singing too loud?" She blushes a bit as she admits, "It's just... well, isn't it a really beautiful day?!" She beams up at the sky, then at Aisling... then blinks again, pushing up her glasses as she curiously asks, "Hey, Ash? You, umm... you're staying the councilor, right, even though Quinn can travel now?" She hesitates, then adds in a rush, "I, er, I was asking mostly 'cause Shaney told me once you'd been planning on retiring so Quinn could take your place, and it's true he could, er, see his sweetie more that way, but, umm..." she turns a bit pink, "he, ahh... um, I d-don't wanna be rude or anything, but..." The little dragon hesitates, glancing both ways to make sure no one's near them, then leans in to whisper, "S-sometimes? He's... kinda scary, y'know? Like... like Sparrow is, but I know Sparrow better and he's made p-promises to me and I think I kinda-sorta already know how to stay on his good side?" She looks a bit embarrassed as she adds, "Plus Shaney already leaves me feeling tongue-tied sometimes. I don't need two of them doing that to me, even if it is for really different reasons!"

Aisling smiles warmly at her friend, "No, I won't be retiring. The trod needs Quinn more than the council does." Her eyes twinkle again, "Though I would greatly love to see what would happen if we set Quinn and Sparrow loose on the world together! Aside from a lot of very happily rumpled beds, of course." She laughs, adding, "I can understand why Quinn might scare someone, but he honestly likes you quite a lot, cariad! You get used to him after a while. He's a lot like his son in some ways: noble... affectionate, would do anything for his family." She doesn't say anything about whether or not she can compare their lovemaking skills, "And I could definitely see why those two would leave someone feeling tongue-tied. There are very few bonnier boys out there. They do look quite a bit alike."

Cinnamon nodnods ruefully at that, "Don't they, though?! It's... kinda disconcerting, sometimes!" Wryly she adds, "Thank goodness Jaeger doesn't look anything like Marcus. It would have been really disorienting, back when Marcus was still interested in me!" She laughs at that -- Marcus interested in her any more? Yeah, not likely! -- then grins happily at Aisling, "Okay then! Sorry, just wanted to check, y'know? Have a nice day!"

As she turns to depart, Aisling calls after Cinnamon, voice teasing, "Well, you'll be able to tell them apart now by whether one of them tries to kiss you hello!" Then she just blithely wanders off.

Cinnamon gives a startled squeak at that! She hastily adjusts her glasses, firmly telling herself not to worry: Quinn's not going to do that to her, sheesh! Instead the little dragon patters off, humming happily to herself... and, unwittingly, bursting into song again shortly thereafter! It's just too nice a day not to sing, after all! Once she reaches her cottage she puts away her shopping, then starts her spring-cleaning, working on that for an hour or so. She ends up sitting on a little ladder outside her cottage, so she can wash her little windows while there's nothing in the way, in the windowboxes.

Elsewhere, Hilde answers a knock on her door -- and is surprised to find Marcus there. She leans in the doorway, arms crossed and blonde brows raised, "Well, well. To what do I owe the pleasure today?"

Marcus clears his throat, "I just... need a moment of your time."

The ljos�lf looks Marcus up and down. He's dressed almost casually, meaning the suit doesn't have a waistcoat, and there's no tie or ascot involved. All his blond hair is pulled back in a braid, and he's looking rather serious... so Hilde nods and steps back, motioning him inside. Her apartment is fairly spacious, but feels cozy with all the art and comfortable furniture she owns. She motions him to have a seat, then calls as she heads for the kitchen, "Tea? Wine?"

Marcus clears his throat again, "Water, if you don't mind."

Hilde laughs and teases back, "This must be serious!"

Marcus smiles, though it's not his full-wattage smile, "It is... a bit." He gets out the flat jewelry box he's been carrying, and sets it on the low table in front of the sofa.

Hilde returns carrying a wineglass, and a tumbler of water for Marcus, who holds it while turning it back and forth between his palms. Hilde sits, one leg tucked beneath herself so she can face her visitor. Her blue eyes glance at the jewelry box and then back to Marcus, as she hopes he's not come to make some sort of proposal. She's good at keeping her thoughts to herself, however, so she ignores the box, and asks, "Okay. What's up?" She sips her wine and watches him over the rim of her glass.

Marcus takes a deep breath before replying, "I wanted to return something to you. Because I feel like it's... well, keeping it would be under false pretenses."

The ljos�lf glances at the jewelry box again and then back at Marcus, one brow still arched, "I see. And just what is it and why would keeping it be under false pretenses."

Marcus is obviously nervous, and his brows draw together. He looks... serious... and thoughtful. In fact, he looks... almost humble? If Hilde's ears could prick up in interest, they would! Marcus takes a deep breath, "When there was a thought that you and I might one day be handfasted, you gave me a token." He reaches for the jewelry box and opens it, showing the bracelet, "But... I don't think that will ever happen. I... my... thoughts... my he-... affections are elsewhere. it wouldn't be fair to either of us for me to keep this."

Hilde blinks, then slowly smiles. She gave the bracelet as a different lesson than Marcus thought it was, but it seems he may have learned something from it after all. She sets aside her wine and takes it back, still smiling, "I see." Trailing her fingers along the curve of the bracelet, she adds, "Thank you for being a gentleman... and a friend." Her eyes meet his as she softly adds, "I'm glad you understand the meaning of the gift." One hand moves to cup his cheek; her voice is gentle, "I hope you treat her as well as she deserves to be treated, Tadaaki."

Marcus actually flushes; he takes another deep breath, "If she'll let me."

Hilde nods and leans in, kissing Marcus on the cheek and then murmuring close to his ear, "It may take a while, but I think she'll eventually see that there's a golden heart in there, my friend. Dragons always see where the treasure truly lies." Then she sits back as Marcus flushes and nods -- but doesn't bother denying it. He and Hilde have known one another too long.

Marcus sets his water aside and stands, "Thank you."

Hilde smiles and nods, "Any time." After that, Marcus slips out the door. Now the bracelet has been returned, Marcus takes a deep, cleansing breath after stepping outside Hilde's house. It feels to him like there's a palpable weight off his shoulders, and he starts down the road toward the little cottage as he tucks his hands into his pockets. He's heard some... worrisome things about Cinnamon and Shane, but maybe he can still... fix this.

Elsewhere, Cinnamon is happily cleaning outside by now, and singing cheerfully to herself as she works. She knows Shane will likely stop by in an hour or two for lunch, so as far as the little dragon is concerned: life is awesome right now! She's nearly caroling as she scrubs winter grime off her windows:

"You are my sunshine! My only sunshine!
You make me happy... when skies are gray...!"

Marcus smiles, and his heart lurches in a pleasantly nerve-wracking way, as he hears Cinnamon singing. He's not sure she understands just how deeply the joy in her voice can affect other people... or perhaps it's just him? As he turns onto the little, snow-cleared flagstone path to her cottage, on a whim he joins in:

"You'll never know, dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away!"

Cinnamon cuts off in startlement, nearly whipping around on the ladder to see who's singing there right behind her! Her eyes and face are still alight with her happiness, as she laughs at sight of Marcus -- which makes his heart lurch again in the most wonderful way! "Marcus! Gosh, you startled me -- how're you do-" -- and then she remembers Marcus' last request of, and statement about, her: to not try to build metaphorical bridges between them -- because they're such a bad match. She freezes in place for a heartbeat... and her face goes pretty much expressionlessly blank as she forcibly wipes away any emotion. In a flat, emptily polite voice, she states, "Good day, Marcus. What do you need."

The beaming smile that had been on Marcus' face falls away at the flat tone -- he also remembers that last conversation, that put such a chasm between the two of them. So much seems to have happened between then and now, though! He swallows hard and takes a deep breath, his hand moving as if he's going to touch her knee -- just a small moment of connection as he speaks. Cinnamon's head tilts in unconscious warning at that -- she does not want Marcus touching her without her direct permission! She's not a pet or a toy or... or whatever nonsense he's currently thinking about her, darnit! Fortunately Marcus catches that, pulling his hand gracefully back before sliding them both into his pockets, "Actually, Ci..." He pauses, then decides to go the more formal route. This is simply a very delicate negotiation, after all -- one which happens to have a personal component, "It is not so much a need, Fraulein, as that I was greatly hoping to be able to finish our interrupted tea... to say thank you for your timely and very appreciated rescue." His voice is quiet and sincere -- he simply must get this right! Hopefully that was polite, and pretty good on the tact scale.

Cinnamon stares down at Marcus for a few seconds, noticing things she really wishes she didn't... like the top button on his shirt being unbuttoned, since there's no tie -- which means he looks... well, kinda yummy? -and when he blinks -- wow, why do guys get all the thick, gorgeous lashes, darnit?! -and the way his lips curve when he smi- [Okay, stop. Stop right there we are not interested in a guy who thinks we stink, Cinnamon O'Donnell -- and don't you forget it, girl! Besides: Shane! Shaney actually likes me... right. Okay, and Marcus' pretty hair doesn't mean a thing -- right!] Cinnamon sighs wryly at herself, then replies to the Germanic elf as carefully as she can, "Marcus, why are you doing this? You've publicly and humiliatingly dumped me twice now. For pity's sake, dude, why are you still on about it? I get the message!" She sighs again, glancing away as she adds, "You startled me, just now. It was a mistake, okay? I won't do it again -- just don't startle me!"

The way Marcus' chest tightens, and his stomach knots up, make the elf have to take a deep, careful breath. He doesn't realize the way he reaches to rub his chest bares the wrist that used to wear the bracelet he's just returned. But of course that's the way she'd see this situation: she's got every right -- and then some! -- not to trust him. Things have changed, yes! She just doesn't know it yet. So... time to change tack. His tongue flicks over his lips, slightly betraying his nerves, "Okay... then perhaps you'll have tea with me at the Residence? If you'd like, we can even have Butler chaperone." He knows she trusts Butler, so his smile this time is tentative; he's not used to tentative. Admittedly, Marcus is certain she'd feel much safer, and be happier, if he offered to let her paladin chaperone... but if there's anyone he doesn't want to be there for this conversation, it's Shane. That would definitely be counterproductive!

Cinnamon stares silently at Marcus again, a thoughtful frown on her face. She finds she really doesn't trust this sudden urge he seems to have to get her alone with him again for a meal... well, okay, mostly alone. She doesn't realize she's sort of matching Marcus' thoughts, as she wishes vaguely that Shane were here too -- he could tell her if Marcus was being honest! Though... well, okay, Shane can't tell if Marcus is going to abruptly change his mind again -- like last time -- or some other unpleasant reaction... she'd rather just say no, but she figures she should at least be polite about it. Maybe check a bit first, too? "Marcus, why are you inviting me to tea when you don't even like me?"

Marcus can both see and hear Cinnamon's suspicious tension -- though it's not like it isn't deserved. His right hand goes to rub his newly-bare left wrist, where the bracelet from Hilde used to rest, "Truly, I know I've been..." He closes his eyes as he feels the natural desire to minimize one's own bad behavior surfacing... but he chokes it back, then takes a deep breath and opens his eyes again. After all she's done for him, she deserves so much better than what he's given her! "I've been awful to you, and... and you didn't deserve any of it. If you'd rather a different chaperone, or if you'd..." Marcus takes another deep breath, forcing himself to make the offer in a carefully steady voice, "If you'd like to have Shane reassure you that I mean you no physical or psychic harm, I'd be willing to give that to you. We can even choose a different venue... somewhere you feel safe. Please, sch- ...shall I leave you alone and let you think on it? I won't pressure you." He winces when he realizes he almost used a term of endearment -- he certainly hasn't earned that!

Cinnamon tilts her head, clearly bemused: what is going on here?! Marcus almost -- almost! -- sounds like he means this? This is both curious as well as puzzling, to the little dragon. She considers silently for a few seconds, remembering Hilde's laughing assurance that there are no bad meals at Elm manor! She knows, on some unwitting level, that Marcus is a bit... intimidated by his father, too, so... it's a good bet he won't be willing to have tea with Jaeger there, right? After a bit more consideration she slowly replies, "Would you... how about Jaeger, then? Instead of Butler, I mean? I... think I'd be willing to come have tea with him, as well as you... if that works for you?" She really, really doesn't want to have Marcus stab her emotionally through the heart again, but... if she's lucky, maybe he won't be fool enough to do that in front of Jaeger? Plus... well, even if he does, Cinnamon's pretty sure Jaeger would give her a sympathetic hug and a shoulder to cry on... probably?

Marcus' expression goes from anxious to a brilliant, almost elated smile. "That would work! Father would love having you there." Not to mention, Jaeger would be ecstatic to see his son finally removing his Kopf from his Arsch. "When would be a good time for you?" There's no hint of deception or a sneer in his voice. Just a young man being happy that a young woman is accepting his peace offering.

Cinnamon blinks startledly -- that was unexpected! She'd genuinely thought Jaeger as chaperone would most likely be a deal-breaker for Marcus. Even weirder: he seems... well, almost pleased by her accepting? That's... completely new and unexpected! The only reason she can think of that Marcus would be happy about her attending a tea with him, in fact, is... hm. Could he... maybe want to say thank you for the rescue from Hans? Ooooh! That must be it: it's Jaeger who is insisting Marcus thank her for that. Okay, that makes more sense... except... why is Marcus so happy about it, apparently? Cinnamon blinks -- then abruptly adds something else that's been puzzling her, "Actually... I have a question for you too, if you would: why did you come back to the infirmary that second time, Marcus? The night Hans attacked Shane and you, I mean?"

Marcus' hand reaches to rub his wrist again as Cinnamon asks her second question. "I..." He furrows his brows, "I... honestly don't remember much other than being upset."

The little dragon frowns confusedly, "Marcus are you, umm... are you feeling okay, dude?" She's perplexed enough that it doesn't even occur to her how that query might sound if misconstrued. She honestly just wants to figure out this strange new behavior... well, and ignore that darned gorgeous smile nope not going there it's just confusing behavior she wants to figure out that's it.

Marcus blinks, as he's reaching into an inside pocket for the little datebook/notebook he keeps there, "Well, I do have a little residual anxiety due to the attack... both of them. I have been... uhm... I've spoken to Brynn about them. But Thorn helped a lot with the physical healing."

Cinnamon abruptly smiles at mention of the healer, "Thorny? He's pretty awesome -- that's true!" She's silent for a moment, still curiously studying Marcus -- and completely unaware that her regard might be at all nerve-wracking, since she's so used to being ignored! Finally she takes a slow, deep breath... and (with unwittingly brutal internal honesty) decides to put her faith in Jaeger -- surely Marcus wouldn't dare be a total doodyhead to her in front of his father... right? Hopefully? "Well... okay, if you really mean it, then..." She thinks a moment, then gives Marcus a possible date for the tea, "Is that good?"

Marcus nods and notes it down, then gives Cinnamon another of those broad, relieved smiles, "That will be perfect. Thank you! I look forward to it, k�s- Cinnamon." He bobs his head, then heads back toward the Residence, both his (scary) tasks completed. Now... to speak to Vater!

Cinnamon sits silently on her stepladder, watching Marcus depart... then, once he's turned the corner, she turns back to her windows. Well! That was... really weird! She wonders what's up with the young elf... and if he's been hit on the head enough that some sense finally got knocked in! That thought makes her giggle softly, even as she's amusedly berating herself for being mean that poor Marcus got hurt. Still... she can't help a small, hopeful internal thrill. After all... it was what Marcus considers the absolute worst -- the lowest of the low, in both humans and supernaturals -- who made sure he actually survived that last ordeal. Could this maybe be just the thing to spark a little empathy... maybe even a smidge of affection? -- wait, no; don't be stupid about a crush here! -- but maybe... maybe being pulled back from the brink this time means from now on he'll extend a little more grace to others... just perhaps?

Cinnamon very much enjoys lunch with her asthore, though she'll also curiously ask him: has he seen Marcus lately? Like, does Marcus seem to have... changed somehow, or something, recently? Shane thinks, then replies, "Well, I've seen him, but I've not actually interacted with him much, acushla... so I can't say if he's changed much." It's true; he's been avoiding Marcus.

"Huh. Well... he came over earlier today." Cinnamon tells Shane about the encounter and invitation, then curiously adds, "So does that seem... well, kinda weird to you too, asthore?"

Shane's brows start out furrowed, and end up nearly at his hairline by the time the story is finished! "Yeah, that seems... weird. I'd like to take him up on that offer."

Cinnamon blinks, "Er... what? Oh, the -- the checking him out thingie?" She smiles ruefully, "Feel free if you want, Shaney, but... if he changes his mind again, like before, I... don't think his current possible sincerity will mean much... you know?"

Shane nods slowly, "I still want to go ask, acushla. Just... let's go ask. Because intention is important."

Cinnamon thinks about that for a bit... then unhappily says, "Is it, um... okay if I don't go? I just..." She studies the sandwich she's making for Shane as she thinks, then says slowly, "I... I really don't want to get hurt by him again, you know? And... if I go along, and he's just setting me up yet again to be a silly gullible little fool, well... I... don't want to have to see his face again. Umm..." she looks up unhappily at Shane, "is... that okay? Not too... too cowardly of me?"

Shane nods and leans in to kiss Cinnamon's cheek, murmuring, "You're not a coward -- protecting yourself doesn't make you a coward, caraid. I'll go have a chat with him after lunch."

Cinnamon sighs in quiet relief, hugging Shane tightly as she mumbles against his shirt, "Thanks, asthore... s-sorry..."

After lunch Shane walks down to the Residence, face unwittingly set into lines forbidding enough that most people who would stop him to have a chat just let him walk right on by. When he arrives, Butler's only question, upon answering the door, is a half-amused query about Shane intending any bodily harm. He could already tell by what Shane was putting off that the beansidhe didn't so intend, but the half-chuckle it got from Shane was amusing. The forest-folk man shows Shane into one of the sitting rooms, though the half-beansidhe doesn't actually sit. Instead, he paces and thinks.

After a few minutes -- no more than ten -- Marcus appears. He's still wearing the pants and shirt from earlier, though now he's barefoot, his hands in his pockets. He gives the half-beansidhe a tired half-smile, "Ah. Hello, Shane. I'm pleased to see you. I want to make sure Cinnamon feels comfortable coming to visit."

Shane stops mid-stride and blinks slowly because, despite what his specialized senses are telling him, his brain doesn't want to compute that every single word of that is true. Marcus might not want Shane's company, but he's pleased the young paladin is there. So Shane asks for clarification, "You are? You and I have been on less than friendly terms for quite some time, Marcus. Why exactly are you pleased to see me now?"

Marcus rubs both hands over his face and sighs, "As I said, I want to make sure Cinnamon feels comfortable coming here to have a meal here with me and my father. If she sent you, that means she's truly contemplating it, rather than just saying she'll come... to get me to go away and stop bothering her."

There's another moment of weird cognitive dissonance for Shane even as he murmurs absently, "No, she wouldn't do the placating thing..." Marcus' spoken intentions are all still true! This makes Shane feel confused and strangely uncomfortable; he doesn't like thinking he's been unfair to someone. The half-beansidhe takes a couple deep breaths before saying, "I believe you, but I'll start out saying like I did before..."

Marcus holds up both hands and gives a wry little smile, "If I hurt her, you'll break my nose? I remember."

"Indeed. Or your jaw. But probably your nose," Shane smiles a bit in return, "But what I really want to know is that you're doing this in good faith. You're not asking her here to break her heart again, right? You're really meaning to apologize to Cinnamon? Or are you orchestrating another sick joke?"

"Break her..." Marcus actually looks pained and somewhat horrified, "No, absolutely not -- I have no plans on breaking her heart. I'm chagrinned I seem to have done that already." He sighs, "Many of those memories are somewhat fuzzy... I suspect my brain is trying to protect me from the times I was a bit..." He pauses again, thinking. No. No minimizing. He sternly reminds himself: he is not going to downplay his dreadful behavior any longer! He smoothly shifts, "-times I was an Arschloch, in the past. I want to apologize and thank her. Perhaps get back in her good graces -- and... perhaps by extension... yours." He tips his head, "Did that pass muster?"

Shane listens, brows arched; those words are almost painfully truthful. He nods slowly, "I believe you. But my promise still stands. She is my heart."

"And I would deserve no less." Marcus inclines his head, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I do have some correspondence and council business I must catch up on. Thank you for doing this."

Shane stands and offers his hand, which Marcus shakes. "Thank you... and you're welcome." With that, Butler shows Shane out, and the thoughtful half-beansidhe heads back to his sweetheart's cottage.

Meanwhile, while Shane is off talking with Marcus, Cinnamon blushes quite a bit -- with slightly embarrassed pleasure! -- as she hangs up her lovely photos in both her cottage and her office... of herself in dragon form, gorgeously caparisoned for the Lunar New Year! She sets one aside for Shane too. She vaguely recalls him saying something about having one already... but if he doesn't, then she can give him one!

Cinnamon also decides she needs more information about Maritime Southeast Asia... so she sends a polite note via runner to Keiko and Baird, asking them if either of them know anything about the area, or any of the languages. She can tell already, after all, that communication is going to be an issue there! She texts the same thing to Veles -- he or Baird might have been in or near that area, perhaps? It is a commercial shipping chokepoint for the world, after all -- including contraband, from her initial perusal of the internet! Admittedly, Cinnamon isn't sure if Keiko will be familiar with the area at all, considering the crane-woman mentioned Baird was far more well-traveled than she. Also, while Cinnamon doesn't know for sure, it wouldn't surprise her to discover some Japanese have the same generally disparaging attitude about southeast Asia as the Chinese seem to have! After some reflection, Cinnamon makes a mental note as well to ask Jaeger... during this strange tea-meeting Marcus apparently wants to have with her!

Off in Bulgaria, Veles is in town getting supplies when he receives Cinnamon's text. After reading it, he looks thoughtfully up at the sky. He's been here for a while now, reconnecting... so he pauses a moment to take stock of himself. Being where he grew up, with his people, has allowed him time to strip away the parts of himself he didn't like. However, he still has all the knowledge learned during his life as a mercenary. Using that knowledge to help his new family... that will be a good thing. He texts back, I am very familiar. I will be back within two days. What do you need to know?

Back in Boston, Cinnamon squeaks excitedly at the text -- what good news! She hastily texts back: In last council meet I got handed them to represent + century's worth of problems ignored by prev councilor. Eek! Need help figuring out what to do so I actually help! Veles smiles his crooked smile as he types his reply, We will figure this out face-to-face. Cinnamon sighs happily at that! Baird too sends a message back to the little dragon that he's had some... dealings there, while Keiko has also been there, but is not super-familiar with it. They offer to come visit and have a talk if she has questions. Cinnamon happily sends a message back, setting up an appointment with Keiko and Baird the next day, if they're willing! However, when Baird and Keiko hear Veles will be back soon, they suggest all of them get together at the same time. Cinnamon is fine with that!

Later that day, Cinnamon is quite relieved at Shane's news regarding Marcus' sincerity! She's still not really sure what's up with Marcus, but at least now she won't be twitching the entire time, waiting to... to be kicked out, or yelled at again, or some other means of the metaphorical hammer falling on her! So instead she sets up a weekly date with Shane to go practice staff in the pocket park. She also checks: would Shane mind if she invited Thorn to participate too, so they can both keep learning? He's happy to have Thorn come participate, "Anyone that happens by can practice, as far as I'm concerned. But I'm not going to coddle people. You don't learn to really defend yourself if you're not pushed."

Cinnamon nods in understanding, "I know. I'm still working on actually hitting, after all... so that's kind of what I was hoping?" She grins shyly as she thanks Shane, then sends a note to Thorn to invite him as well. As it turns out, the healer is more than happy to join in the training, and understands it's likely going to be rough. But self-defense usually is difficult, he knows... so best to get the hard part out of the way now.

Cinnamon smiles to herself as she realizes she should check in also with the former Lost Boys -- both to see how they're doing, and to see if they've been apartment-shopping at all, based on the list she gave them. Heck, maybe (if she's lucky) they'll finally want to join House Elgan too! She finds the two men have indeed been looking for places to stay, and they ended up taking the apartment above the seamstress 'factory' that Cinnamon passed up when she first moved onto the street!

The little dragon blinks when she hears the news, thinking... single-floor rental loft, and the seamstress who currently owns the place has an 1860s grasp of money, so rent is about $50/month. The loft is above her shop, which has four seamstresses with antique, foot-treadle sewing machines, but their noise is almost completely inaudible in the little loft above the building, and the shop shuts down at 5:00 on the dot unless there's some sort of big do that has them working overtime. Possible downside for sidhe friends: the entrance to the loft is an outside stair mostly made of iron, that was likely originally a fire escape. As Cinnamon recalls, too, the loft itself is roomy enough for a living room and either two bedrooms, or one bedroom plus an office. Plus it has electricity, with a fifties-style refrigerator and a gas range, but no dishwasher. The little bathroom in the loft is old-fashioned: there's only a tub, and no shower... but the ceilings are plenty high for Tre, though, and have a couple of skylights. Finally, the rest of the attic space seems to be storage for the seamstress shop, and there's a second entrance from inside, through the storage space -- but the little apartment is in the back corner of the building. Also, the door between storage and the loft has a good deadbolt. Excellent! Cinnamon beams at Tre and Navin, "Fantastic! Do you need any help moving in, or furniture, or anything?" xxx

The next day, Cinnamon is nervous before the tea, even though she knows Marcus is theoretically sincere! She's rather touchy with Shane, as a consequence, as she gets ready -- she finds him incredibly reassuring. So she asks him how she looks, and for him to French braid her hair, and she tends to lean against him or hug him a lot. Once she's finally ready she takes a deep breath, sighs it slowly out... then grins nervously, "Okay... guess I'm ready as I'll ever be..."

Shane is happy to French-braid Cinnamon's hair, and even weaves in some pretty ribbons to help boost her self-esteem. The ribbons are black and silver... and not incidentally some which Shane has worn in his own hair before. He leaves out the part that he might be staking a claim slightly, however! He puts his hands on her shoulders when she's done and smiles warmly down at her, "You look beautiful, acushla."

Cinnamon turns a bit pink with excitement when she spots the ribbons, "Eeee, your ribbons are so beautiful, asthore!" She isn't sure why the ribbons are black and silver, but she thinks it's really sweet of Shane to come up with something pretty for her, to encourage her! She doesn't realize there's any claim-staking going on -- mostly because it still simply wouldn't occur to her that anyone would want to do that with her! She's beaming as she hugs Shane tightly, and her voice is a little muffled against his chest, "Thanks so much, Shaney! Can we, umm... m-maybe after this we could, er... c-could get some dinner together?" She doesn't want to say it aloud (mostly out of a tiny fear that doing so will make it happen), but she really wants to know her asthore is there for her -- a strong shoulder to cry on, if necessary -- should Marcus turn out to once again be a doodyhead!

Shane kisses the top of Cinnamon's head as she's pressed in against him and murmurs, "Of course, a ghr�. If you're still hungry afterward, we'll get dinner together. Anything you want." Cinnamon sighs in relief at that, relaxing a bit. Even if it all goes to shi- er, t-to horse hocky... Shane will be there for her.

Of course, by the time the little dragon is standing at the mansion door, one hand out to pull the 'doorbell'... her stomach is once again full of heavily tap-dancing butterflies! She wonders a bit wildly: would it be inappropriate to just run away?! She could claim, ummm... m-maybe no one answered the door?! Even as she thinks it, though, she knows that's a silly idea. Butler, being who and what he is, can feel the tension -- so the door opens before she even rings the bell. Cinnamon squeaks nervously, twitching back as the door swings open almost magically! A heartbeat later, though, she blushes hotly, stammering an apology to Butler -- it's not him; she's just, er... jumpy today, yeah! There's a soothing sensation from him, and the feeling that he's pleased to see her, as he motions for her to follow him. She sighs and gives him a small, nervous smile at his kindness... then closes her eyes and takes a deep, slow breath... then sighs it slowly out again, to try to calm herself down. After that she grins wryly, "Okay. I can do this. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for your patience with me!" She patters after him, firmly repeating her personal mantra: she is a big scary dragon and she is not scared! Not at all! Mostly... er, well... much? She fervently hopes Jaeger is there the whole time, too -- she doesn't really want to spend any time alone with Marcus, after all.

Butler shows Cinnamon to a small room which she likely hasn't seen before. It's intimate, with a cozy fireplace and a small round table with three place settings. In the center of the table is a several-tiered silver tray with a beautiful array of dainties of various types: tea cakes and petits fours, little buns and ice biscuits, tarts and other delicacies. There are three complete place settings as well, and Ingrid too is present, beaming happily, "Miss Cinnamon! We're so happy you're here!"

Cinnamon blinks as she looks around -- this is a new place to her! She brightens at sight of Ingrid, "Hi there, Ingrid! How are you?" She laughs as she hugs the other woman, "It's just Cinnamon -- you know that!"

Ingrid grins and hugs warmly, "But this is a fancy occasion!" Her eyes twinkle warmly, "Masters Marcus and Jaeger will be down soon! Please, sit. Once they're down, I'll bring in the tea and the savories!"

Cinnamon giggles a bit nervously, "Umm... okay?" She hesitates, glancing towards the door before leaning to whisper to Ingrid, "Is... is Marcus..." She hesitates, realizing she really doesn't know how to properly phrase her desire to know ahead of time if Marcus has changed his mind yet again, and is okay with hurting her again. Nibbling absently on her lower lip, she glances at the door -- but then straightens with determination, [You know what? It doesn't matter what Marcus does -- because I've got an awesome asthore waiting for me -- and he really wants me!] That actually helps a bit... so she neatly tucks her skirt under herself as she sits down. She's wearing her business attire mostly because (as Josie once wisely noted) she felt she should wear something that would make her feel even just a little bit more confident.

Ingrid blinks, then smiles when Cinnamon doesn't finish her question, "He's here... and he's doing well since he returned from the... incident. In fact, he's doing better than he has in a very long time." She grins and does a little curtsey before scampering out.

A moment or two later Butler opens the door again; Jaeger comes in, followed by Marcus. Neither man is dressed super-formally. In fact, Jaeger wears slacks and a silvery-blue tunic, with his hair down around his shoulders. The pants are long enough that it's difficult to tell if he's even wearing shoes. He beams upon seeing Cinnamon, and moves to kiss her cheek, "Ah. It's lovely to have you here!"

Cinnamon brightens at the elder's arrival, hopping up to give him a warm hug, "Hi, Jaeger!" She doesn't realize it, but her hug is a little tight -- due to her immense relief at seeing the elder will indeed be there right from the beginning.

Jaeger politely doesn't mention the hug being so tight; he just beams at the young woman, "I was thrilled when Marcus let me know you would be joining us today." He steps aside slightly to let Cinnamon see his son, "He was quite anxious for everything to go well." Marcus smiles softly as well, watching his father greet the little dragon.

Cinnamon sighs in relief as she steps back from the hug, and her smile up at Jaeger is unwittingly brilliantly happy. She blinks, though, at sight of Marcus, her voice slightly uncertain, "He was... anxious? Er, you we- uhmm... w-why?"

Marcus is wearing shoes -- blue suede Oxfords -- and his pants are a darker midnight blue, though he's not in a suit. Instead he's wearing a silver button-down with full sleeves and french cuffs, with the collar and first button undone. His cufflinks bear the Elm symbol, and over the shirt he wears a navy-and-silver brocade waistcoat. He clears his throat and smiles crookedly, looking his age for once, "Because things have gone wrong so often between the two of us that I wanted to make sure they went well this time." He moves around and takes the back of Cinnamon's chair, "Please, sit. We've got a lovely meal planned and the tea is divine."

Cinnamon freezes in horror for a heartbeat -- did... d-did Marcus actually wear some of the same clothes today, as he wore to the Madrigal Banquet?! A fraction of a second later, though, she sighs, almost shivering once in relief: the waistcoat isn't the same! The Madrigal one was ivory and cobalt embroidery, and very elaborate... while this one is actually silver and a darker blue. Now that she's thinking about it, she thinks the embroidery is less ornate on this one too... whew! She hastily yanks herself together mentally then, studying Marcus in silent wariness as he speaks. She's polite enough to not say anything, despite her thought that if he just stopped constantly publicly humiliating her, things wouldn't ever have gone wrong at all. Instead she just takes a deep breath, forces herself to turn her back on him so she can sit... then does so -- despite the unpleasant crawling sensation between her shoulderblades. She almost snaps at herself mentally, [Sit down, for pity's sake -- he's not going to stick a 'kick me!' sign on my back or anything -- not while Jaeger's actually watching!]

Indeed, Marcus pushes her chair in at the perfect rate and the perfect amount for her to be comfortably seated. He moves around so he's seated at her left, while Jaeger is on her right. They're all equidistant around the little round table and there's nothing that would indicate that there's any 'head' or 'foot' for it. The linens are thick and well-made, embroidered with the Elm symbol; both men move them to their laps as Marcus asks, "Do you prefer a darker blend of tea, Cinnamon? Or something lighter and more aromatic?"

Cinnamon is carefully unfolding the napkin herself as well, though she looks up at the question, "Umm... I actually like the aromatics? ...please?"

Marcus smiles and nods, "Me, too. I have this Earl Gray that I've gotten really fond of. Even just the scent of it is soothing for some reason." He grins a bit teasingly at his father as he adds, "Vater has been spending too much time with Aisling. She's addicted him to Irish breakfast tea and it's dark as night." Cinnamon grins at hearing 'Earl Gray,' comfortingly reminded of Captain Luc Picard of Star Trek -- though regretfully, she suspects her dinner companions would miss the reference, so she doesn't mention it aloud.

Jaeger laughs quietly, "It's not like I'm drinking mud. I just prefer the richness of it." A moment later, the door opens again, both Butler and Ingrid appearing with a silver tea cart. Jaeger smiles as he adds, "But this is the guest's choice."

Cinnamon realizes her hands are still clenched on the napkin... so she takes a deep breath, then slowly spreads the napkin out on her lap... then carefully takes a moment to look at everything appreciatively. The coziness reassures her, oddly -- it reminds her a bit of her own cozy little (safe!) cottage. The tea cakes and other items look delicious... the room is beautifully and tastefully decorated. The table cloth sheens slightly with subtle embroidery... okay. Okay, she can do this. Just gotta keep taking nice, slow, deep breaths. As she does so, Marcus murmurs to Ingrid, who nods and puts some tea into an infuser and starts it brewing before placing delicate china cups at each place setting. Marcus smiles, "We're doing the Earl Gray. Do you like sweet, milky, lemon?" Ingrid also sets sugar and cream containers on the table, along with a small dish of lemon slices. The sugar is in the form of cubes with tiny tongs.

Cinnamon shyly replies, "Umm... sweet, please, with a dollop of milk?" She hopes that's not, like, d�class� to tea appreciators, or something!

As the tea brews, Jaeger asks Cinnamon about how things have been going with her; he smiles every time she mentions anything that makes her face light up. The little dragon is happy to relate her concerns regarding the Maritime Southeast Asia area and finding out good information about them... and she asks a bit hopefully, "I don't suppose you know anything about them, Jaeger? Or... even any of the languages, maybe?" She wryly adds, "Still, at least I know I won't be bored any time soon, sheesh! There's like... ten or eleven different issues that still need attention!"

It's Marcus who actually deals with pouring the tea when it's done brewing. He adds two sugar cubes and a small dash of milk, making sure it doesn't curdle, to Cinnamon's cup. Jaeger's is the last cup to be poured, and Marcus actually teases his father, "I thought this might make it a little more like your sludge."

Jaeger shakes his head to Cinnamon, "No. Sadly, those areas are out of my experience." His eyes twinkle at Marcus' teasing, "It's almost dark enough. Maybe I'll have Butler bring me some soil from the Atrium." The two men smile at one another; it's easy to see they're related for a moment. Cinnamon blinks as she watches that, pushing her glasses up... and, curiously enough, relaxing a bit. If Jaeger is this unworried about Marcus' behavior, then... maybe it'll be okay?

It would seem Marcus was either paying attention, or has a good memory -- because when Ingrid comes back with the tea cart, she's brought plates of the very same little sandwiches Cinnamon liked at the tea shop she and Marcus have been to -- as well as some lovely smelling soups; a salad which includes cucumber, tomato, and some sort of cheese; and some sort of heated, tiny little pastry cups with what might be mushroom filling. Cinnamon oohs happily at sight -- and scent -- of the savories and such, beaming as she thanks Ingrid during serving. She grins excitedly at Jaeger, "Have you had these before? They're the same ones at, er... uhm, at the tea shop I like that's off Coblyn!" Her smile is more polite than excited as she turns to add to Marcus, "I'm glad to see you actually liked them too, Marcus."

Marcus nods and smiles almost shyly, "I did -- and I liked how excited you got about them." He looks down at his plate as Ingrid serves. He actually seems almost to be fidgeting with his napkin in his lap. Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly -- Marcus, acting shy?! Hmm... could he still be suffering from being hit in the head? Though... Ingrid did say he was doing much better... yikes. Surely he's not tense because of her? Or... no, wait -- that's silly! Why would Marcus care what Cinnamon herself thinks?

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

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