Goblin Town -- Logs

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 freshly cooked, 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? Either way, though... she prepared for this potentially horribly awkward tea by memorizing a list of possible questions to ask, should things get... weird. She hastily decides now would be an excellent time to bring one out! "So, uhh -- oh! Um, J-Jaeger, even if you d-don't know any of the languages of, er, of southeast Asia... might th-... er, I mean -- do you know if anyone from that area maybe is l-living on Coblyn right now?"

Jaeger reaches over and lightly lays a hand over the little dragon's hand, smiling gently at her, "Peace, Cinnamon. This really is just a quiet meal." His blue eyes are warm, crinkled at the corner as he smiles. There's no tension at all in his body -- not even any of the sort she's seen there when he's been irritated with his son. "As for your question, I don't know if he's still here, but there used to be a... I don't know if he's a spirit or a demigod or something else. He's somewhat hermitish, but I can ask around to see if Tua is still here."

Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly at the unexpected touch... but at Jaeger's words she gives him a slightly wry smile. She's actually been to two meals now with Marcus that were supposed to be calm and pleasant -- that emphatically turned out to be quite the opposite. But she's not going to be rude and point that out... that'd be a little too confrontational for her comfort! So instead she just keeps her eyes on her tea as she gently stirs it and replies, "I... okay, th-thank you, Jaeger. I'd appreciate that."

Marcus quietly makes sure the two pots of tea are covered to keep warm. He smiles at his father, perhaps a hint of gratitude in the expression... then clears his throat, "Tua left for a... I don't know the term. Something similar to a spirit journey or a walkabout...? -about six months ago. But there's a Na Tuk Kong that stays in his little house to watch it. Which is, as I understand it, exactly what they're supposed to do." His cheeks are slightly flushed and his voice is quiet, as if he's worried he's going to spook Cinnamon or that he's butting into the conversation.

Cinnamon glances up at Marcus, pushing her glasses up as she curiously asks, "Is Na Tuk Kong a species name, or a personal one?" A bit sheepishly she adds, "I haven't had time to do much research yet on the area, so sorry if th-that's a stupid question!"

Marcus smiles, "It's a species name. They're guardian spirits." His eyes dance slightly, "This one uses the name Bob. He said he wanted to try to fit in. I used to play Go with Tua. He got me rather addicted to goreng pisang -- basically fried bananas -- and I sometimes stop by and speak with Bob and bring him bananas and noodles and curry paste since he doesn't really like to leave the house very much."

Cinnamon blinks slowly as she thinks about that... then says hopefully, "Would you, umm... er, I mean not if you're busy or anything, of course -- but... maybe someday, c-could I get an introduction to him, please?"

Marcus nods, "Of course. He would enjoy more company, I think. I'm sorry I didn't think to mention him before. He's such a homebody that I tend to not want to draw attention to him or Tua." He's actually flushed as if he's embarrassed not to have remembered earlier.

Cinnamon's head tilts in slight perplexity as it really registers: Marcus is startlingly red-faced! Considering how pale the Germanic elves usually are, it's really standing out. Is he okay? Could he... have a fever and be sick or something? "Um... okay, thank you, Marcus... that'd be nice. Er... are you all right?"

Marcus shakes his head and gives a wry little smile, "No, but I'm not ill if that's what you're worried about. I'm trying to remember how to just be a person having a meal with someone they'd like to think well of them. It's been too many years of state occasions and not enough years of sitting with friends around good food." He's stating all of this carefully, but there's no hint of caginess there. He seems maybe a bit tired... tired, but not bored, "And it's not pleasant to realize you've been a complete jackass to someone who didn't deserve it. Especially when you realize it was due to falling victim to..." He looks at Jaeger, "What was that human saying you mentioned?"

Jaeger's lips twitch, "Jumping off a bridge just because your friends did." Cinnamon blinks a bit startledly at the two men... then has to cover a giggle! She's aware of the saying, but she can't ever recall a time when it applied to her -- mostly because she didn't have anyone she trusted as a friend to follow, of course. She's certainly been encouraged more than once to do stupid things by others, but even as a child she'd understood it was more maliciously meant than not. So she grins at Jaeger's comment, trying to make herself relax a little... then politely looks back at Marcus.

Marcus chuckles; his blush has migrated to just the tips of his pointed ears, "So, I apologize for letting myself be goaded into being cruel when you have never deserved it. You..." he takes a deep breath, "are far too selfless and generous and lovely to have deserved any cruelty in your life, and I despise the fact that I have added to those scars." It doesn't sound rehearsed or stilted -- it just sounds like he's sorry. Cinnamon might have trouble reading people sometimes, but Marcus' voice is quiet and he's not trying to touch or charm her. Nor is he trying to shower her with gifts. All he's done is ask her to have a meal of some of her favorite foods and offered all the things she's asked to make her feel safe.

Sadly, Cinnamon's childhood upbringing is such that she's perplexedly wondering what it is that Marcus is trying to do or get here... and she's starting to feel awkward again. Is she supposed to answer? But... she missed the question, if there was one... oh, crabcakes, the silence is drawing out -- a question! She's got to have one memorized for Marcu- ah! She takes a deep breath, mentally crosses her fingers that she's not about to make herself look like a fool or something... and treats what Marcus said as just being a compliment -- which, fortunately, she knows how to handle! "Thank you, Marcus, that's very sweet of you. Um... if it's okay, can I ask you a question too?" She takes a quick breath, then hastily adds, "Y-you mentioned once checking for a bricked-up entrance to the underground somewhere in this house's cellar, r-right? So, um... d-did you get to do that? Oh!" She glances nervously between both men as she adds, "Also, I hope the thumbdrive of info on the new species was useful?"

Marcus blinks at Cinnamon's brushing aside of his apology -- or at least that's what it feels like to him. He nods and swallows, feeling his stomach bottom out... then shifts, resettling his napkin and picking up his teacup to cover the disappointment, "Oh, yes. There are a couple of locations that might be entrances..." It doesn't occur to him that she simply doesn't understand what he said.

Jaeger has been watching Cinnamon as Marcus spoke; her non-sequitur of an answer makes him silently go 'Ahh...' He looks at his son, murmuring quietly, "Marcus, I think you may have left a few words out of what you were saying before." Cinnamon looks a bit puzzled at Jaeger's words, but then turns her inquiring gaze towards Marcus. Did she miss something? The younger elf looks at his father, head tipped, and Jaeger taps the side of his head and then rubs a closed fist over the center of his chest.

Marcus puts a hand over his face and then turns to Cinnamon, voice still soft, "I think I was being too poetic and vague. Cinnamon, I'm sorry. I let Frieda and Albrecht get into my head and push me to something stupid and cruel by leaving you behind. You are too wonderful a person to hurt in that way, or in any other way. You're not someone to be ashamed of. You're someone to be proud to be seen with." Cinnamon blinks interestedly at Jaeger's hand motions, wondering: is that sign language or something? She's even more intrigued when Marcus covers his face -- surely covering the eyes would make sign lang- oh. Wait. This can't be sign language, right -- that's a relatively recent human thing. She blinks slowly at Marcus' words, feeling abruptly a little panicked -- she reallyreallyreally does not want to talk about -- t-to --

Marcus then worries Cinnamon might be taking the apology as an apology for being vague, adding, "I am sorry I did such a thing. I'm sorry I hurt you. I've seen things much more clearly lately. I know some scars never heal, but I wanted to be able to at least make the memory of having tea together into a more pleasant one." By that point, though, the little dragon isn't really hearing any more! Her stomach is churning and it feels like her head is pounding with her panicked, thundering heartbeat. She almost jerks herself upright, both hands unwittingly clenched on her napkin: this is getting way too, too -- w-way too much... she bolts to her feet, her chair falling backwards behind her as she whirls for the door, gabbling in a panic, "Scusemegottagorestroomsorry!"

Before Cinnamon can get very far out the door and down the hallway, though, she runs smack-dab into Butler. She nearly bounces off him, yelping in shock... but he just places gentle hands on her shoulders, radiating concern and inquisitiveness. Once it registers to Cinnamon who this is, she manages to pause in her panicked flight long enough to gabble, "P-p-please, th-the ba- uh, r-restroom, please?!" The little dragon is wringing her hands as she stares wildly up at him, her face tear-streaked -- and to the mildly telepathic Forestfolk, poor Cinnamon's mind is a roiling, terrified tangle of emotional overwhelm: painful memories of old wounds boiling up despite her best efforts at pushing them down, all mixed in with agonizing recent memories of being similarly whispered and laughed at, and despised. She's not upset or angry at Marcus at all -- she's just desperately struggling to deal with what his innocently-meant apology has brought up inside her. Consequently she's frantically trying to hold it all together long enough to just get someplace where she can be alone -- where she can try to pull herself together again, and not have anyone see or laugh or sneer.

Butler rests his cool, woody hands on the sides of her face and lets gentle concern radiate out into her. It's not a charm; it's just the surety that she's safe -- she's not being chased. There are no predators here. But if she needs a place to relax, there is a sitting room attached to one of the guest rooms that might be a better refuge. Her frenetic panting eases somewhat at Butler's calm reassurance -- mentally, it feels a bit like cool water poured over a painfully burned finger. Ingrid comes trotting up as well, her voice worried and friendly, "I'll take you up, Miss Cinnamon."

Cinnamon sniffles, then nods once to Ingrid and follows closely. As she goes, she adds huskily to Butler, "Thank you so m-much, Mr. B-butler..." Then she mumbles unhappily to Ingrid, "'M sorry... don't mean to be a b-bother..." Ingrid shakes her head and takes Cinnamon's hand to lead the distraught girl up to the second story, then in through the door of a bed chamber. Cinnamon has no way of knowing this room is very much more luxurious than the one Thorn stayed in. The sitting area isn't just a separate part of the room, but rather a whole separate room one must pass through to get to the bedroom itself. There's a comfortable sofa and two cozy chairs, with a coffee table in the center. There are shelves around the walls and a small fireplace. The door also locks from the inside.

Cinnamon nearly starts crying again at how kind Ingrid is being! Once they arrive at the room, she gives the other woman a quick hug and whispers, "Thanks so much to you and Mr. Butler, Ingrid! I hope I d-didn't hurt him when I ran into him -- really, I'm so sorry I -- I'm kinda p-putting everyone out!"

Ingrid sits on one side of the little sofa and encourages Cinnamon to sit down, "You're not -- you're really not! Jaeger was very excited to have you visit and..." She hesitates, having an idea what set Cinnamon off, so she's very vague, "Everyone worked hard to make sure tea was something you'd enjoy. It's not often we have someone visit just to be friendly. Sitting here with you? It's no problem at all."

Cinnamon sniffles as she nearly flumpfs down on the other end of the little sofa, reaching for her little hankie pocket... and only then realizing she still has the nice linen napkin clenched in one hand. She stares a bit blankly at it for a heartbeat... then just pulls off her glasses and uses the napkin to wipe her eyes. She sighs, her voice morose, "Well, crabcakes... I'm gonna have to apologize for ruining everything too, then." The memory of Marcus' words rises up as she thinks about that... and the tears try to rise up again as well. Cinnamon hastily, mentally shoves it all down again, leaning her elbows on her knees and resting her face in her hands. The hurt and pain are still churning a bit too strongly to think about, so she just concentrates on breathing... and her shoes, there right in front of her. Nice, sturdy, solid... dependable... they're fine. She's fine. Everything is fine. Deep, slow breaths...

A few minutes later there's a knock on the outer door, and Ingrid goes to peek out. When she opens the door again, Cinnamon sees Butler standing there, and the two women get the feeling that Jaeger is asking permission to speak with Cinnamon. The little dragon nearly scrambles to her feet, looking mortified! "Oh, gosh, t-tell -- I m-mean of course he can this is his house I'm so sorry I d-didn't mean to ruin... I..." She gulps, abruptly swallowing tears again, and huskily adds, "Is there -- like a bathroom or... or... c-can I, uh, can I w-wash my face first p-please?"

Ingrid blinks, "It may be his house, but one does not force their company on a guest." Cinnamon nods mutely, staring around herself a bit blankly -- this house is huge! Ingrid leads the other young woman through the second door into a large but comfortable bedroom, through that into a small dressing room, then past that to a private but luxurious bathroom, "You can freshen up in here. I'll let Jaeger know you'll be right back. Take all the time you need!"

Cinnamon sighs in relief at the bathroom, giving Ingrid a shaky smile, "Thanks again -- I'll h-hurry!" She's not being contrary to Ingrid's words; she just feels kind of stupid and clumsy right now for (apparently) ruining the tea that everyone here worked so hard to make nice. Once she's alone, Cinnamon patters over to the sink and washes her face in cold water, which helps a lot. She's careful not to look at herself in the mirror, though -- she doesn't want to see how blotchy and messy she (is sure she) looks. Instead she carefully focuses on the ritual itself, to help her brain sort of pull herself back together again: [Wash face, towel dry... okay. Now blow nose, wash hands, dry hands... clean glasses, okay. Deep breath. Now check in the mirror... ugh.] She sighs to herself, takes a moment to straighten her clothing a bit... then takes another deep breath. Okay. She can do this... she has to. She's just got to apologize to Jaeger, then be polite when he (probably ever so politely) has her escorted out... oh, wait. He might want her to apologize to Marcus too... okay, right, right -- she can do that too -- she must. She did kind of run out in the middle of whatever it was he was saying, after all...

When Cinnamon eventually emerges, Jaeger is sitting in one of the chairs with a book in his hands. He doesn't look upset or impatient. In fact, he looks quite at home -- as if he's spent a lot of time in this room. Cinnamon pauses at the door, waiting until Jaeger looks up -- at which point she straightens a bit and carefully says, "I am so sorry, Jaeger, for -- f-for ruining everything. I... I know how hard everyone worked to... t-to make this nice -- Ingrid told me -- and... and I'm really sorry." Her unhappy gaze finally meets his as she quietly adds, "I... hope you can forgive me, and... and can you tell Marcus I'm sorry too, p-please, if, um... if he d-doesn't want to see me after this?"

Jaeger just looks slightly confused as he rises and walks over to rest his hands on Cinnamon's shoulders, "You've nothing to apologize for, liebchen, and I'm not sure what we've done to make you think you do. This was meant as something to enjoy. If it wasn't pleasant, that's not something you need to apologize for." He takes a deep breath, "I was quite excited when Marcus told me you'd agreed to have tea here with him. I wanted to be able to have a meal as friends. But I think you're reading things in a way we didn't intend. Someone, somewhere has made you think everything is your fault. My son... my dear, beloved, boulder-headed son is trying to be sweet to you because you deserve sweetness, and he knows that. End of story. He's excused himself to his chambers so you and I can enjoy the rest of the meal, if you'd like. He thought it might be best if he made himself scarce since he would still like you to have the gift he prepared for you. The meal, I mean. He hasn't done anything like buy you jewelry or clothes."

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly up at Jaeger... then ducks her head to rub tears from her cheeks again. She swallows hard and takes another deep breath before she looks up at Jaeger again, "He... he really d-didn't do anything wrong -- honest, Jaeger. It was just... what he was s-saying..." She cuts off and glances away, reminding herself: deep breaths help stop crying, right. Okay, how to say this without horrible memories co- er, without, umm... "I... don't..." Wait, this isn't working -- just... just start over: "Can we, umm... I mean, if Marcus isn't... isn't insulted or anything? -- could we maybe just... start over? P-please? Just... have a nice tea but not talk about... um, but... just talk about, er... nice things? Maybe? W-would that... not be... well, stupid or anything?" She's still distraught enough that it's not yet occurred to her that quite possibly, Butler and Jaeger by now have a far clearer idea of her emotional turmoil than she does herself.

Jaeger reaches to take one of Cinnamon's hands, "Marcus is far from insulted. He absented himself to make things easier on you. He triggered a trauma response." The Elm elder's eyes are warm, "I have done some reading since he was returned. He has some... issues... that are not yet resolved, despite his visits with Brynn. I have hope they will get better. But, yes; please. I would love if you would come finish our meal."

Cinnamon blinks in sudden realization, "Oh... oh, no! Oh, Jaeger, did I -- did I hurt him like... uhh..." She blinks, shaking her head sharply once to try and get her brain to slow down, "Wait. Okay, wait, Cinnamon..." She takes another deep breath -- one thing at a time! Carefully she replies, "I'd be happy to, Jaeger, if... um, and if Marcus isn't... like, I d-didn't, um... traumatize him? Maybe... he c-could be there too?" She worries internally about that... but hopefully she didn't?

Jaeger smiles, "You didn't traumatize him. I meant I've been reading because of his trauma. He realized that he'd triggered fight/flight/fawn/freeze in you, and you fled. My suber, dummer Junge wants you to be comfortable here... so he removed what he saw as being the trigger." He takes a deep breath, "So many things I wish to say, but don't want to push you back into that dark place, mein suber Freund. So please, come have sweets and tea with me and we'll talk of frivolous things and I will see if I cannot make you smile again."

Cinnamon considers that, then nods slowly, "I... that, um... okay? But... b-but is it okay if Marcus is there too, I mean?" She sighs, adding, "I'm really sorry about... how, um... over-dramatic I was. I didn't mean to be...?"

Jaeger's voice is still quiet, "Could you have stopped yourself fleeing? Or was it an impulse so strong you couldn't resist... or only with the absolute greatest act of will?"

"I..." Cinnamon blinks, considering that. How strange! She's never thought about it this way before! She absently nibbles on her lower lip as she thinks... then admits a bit sheepishly, "I, ummm... I'm sorry? But... but it's not like... like there's a discussion in my head, then, you know? -- about, well, whether I should leave or stay or... or whatever? It's just... like an overwhelming, umm..." She blinks again, as she figures out what Jaeger's saying, "...oh." Another deep breath, "Okay, this... is... kinda weird? I mean, I, um, was always told it was me being ridiculously over-dramatic -- well, except for that time with Elias, at the palace, when they wanted me to decide- um, wait -- that... doesn't really matter now..." She sighs again -- great, now she's babbling too. Deep breath: "Um. Okay. I would be very pleased, Jaeger, if, uh, if-f you and Marcus would be so kind as to have tea with me?" Whew! There... not too shabby?

Jaeger's voice is gently firm, "You are allowed to have emotions. To take up space. To exist. To laugh and sing and dance and smile and do all those things I suspect someone has ridiculed you for in the past. You don't have to earn the right for that. You earned that right simply by being born... and yes, Marcus can join us again if you'd like."

Cinnamon gives Jaeger a slightly shaky but sincere smile, her eyes a little bright behind the glasses, from unshed tears of gratitude -- that was such a beautiful thing for him to tell her! "Th-thank you, Jaeger... so much!"

Jaeger adds, "You are also allowed to shout and be angry and be sad and to protect yourself." He offers her his arm, "Let's go back down." When he opens the door, Butler is right there. Jaeger doesn't seem to actually speak to him, but the Forestfolk nods and leaves the pair of them. Cinnamon carefully takes Jaeger's arm, surreptitiously rubbing her eyes with her free hand... though she smiles shakily at Butler as well. She's so relieved he was nice to her too -- and Ingrid as well! She should thank them all, she thinks... but later, when she's less likely to burst into relieved tears or something.

When they get back to the little room with the tea all laid out, Ingrid is just bringing in a third chair and Butler is following with a third place setting. It appears as if Marcus really did absent himself and have them rearrange so Cinnamon and Jaeger could enjoy themselves without him. There's a few minutes of rustling around and then things are just as they were when Cinnamon first arrived. This time it's Jaeger holding her chair, and there's a new napkin and set of silverware. Cinnamon smiles gratefully at everyone, though she does turn quite pink at sight of the new napkin, and desperately hopes the napkin she forgot is in at least okay condition!

A few minutes later Marcus returns. He's removed the vest, but is otherwise dressed the same. He would never mention it, but when Cinnamon rabbited, some of the food went flying -- and the vest is now in serious need of cleaning. He smiles almost shyly at Cinnamon, "You... you're sure you're okay with me being here?"

Cinnamon tries to quell the butterflies in her stomach by clenching her hands together in her lap, and nodding firmly, "Yes, please. I, y-you -- you didn't, umm..." She hastily covers her mouth with both hands to keep herself from babbling nervously -- okay, she knows better than this! Plan words first -- then speak! She takes a deep breath, then tries again, with a small, polite smile, "Please? It's so nice of you to have this tea. I d-don't want to spoil it, you know?"

Marcus smiles and tucks his now-loose hair behind his pointed ear, "Thank you for trusting me enough to be okay with me coming back. I really wanted to spend some quiet, nice time with you, so I promise to keep things light." He settles back in his chair and checks on the tea again, then holds up the teapot that had the Earl Gray in it earlier, "More tea?"

Cinnamon blinks distractedly as Marcus' hair registers -- it's a really pretty shimmery gold in this light! She watches him as he slides it behind his ear, replying automatically, "Yes, please." There's something niggling in the back of her mind, though -- something... different about Marcus? A heartbeat later it registers: the bracelet's gone! She tilts her head curiously, watching as Marcus prepares the tea... nope, it's definitely not there! "What happened to your fidelity bracelet, Marcus? You didn't lose it, did you?" She certainly hopes not -- poor Hilde might get aggravated at that, er... tremendous sign of lack of any fidelity at all! Hm... this must be what Shane meant by Marcus having a reputation, too.

Marcus looks down at his wrist and flushes, clearing his throat. He's still got the teapot in his hands, so he can't do anything with them, but he glances up at Cinnamon, "I returned it to her." He finishes pouring Cinnamon's tea and starts to pour his own, "She needs to be free to find and handfast someone she truly desires and holds in high esteem. I am not that person for her." That's truly only part of it, though he's not about to throw Cinnamon back into a panic by telling her that he also couldn't continue to wear something he saw as almost like an engagement token, when his own interests lie squarely with her. Also, he needs Cinnamon to understand that what he did wasn't the same kind of idiotic brush-off he tried to give to the little dragon.

Cinnamon blinks startledly as she stares at Marcus, "You... what?!" She frowns consideringly down at her teacup, murmuring absent thanks for the tea as she thinks. Okay, if he... gave the bracelet back, then that means he's... hm. It must mean he's not interested in Hilde any more? The little dragon glances surreptitiously at Jaeger, wondering how he feels about this. She knows, after all, that the elders of both young people had thought it would be nice if they handfasted, so... is he disappointed it didn't pan out? Jaeger is smiling serenely as he leans back in his chair, not quite far enough to lift the legs off the floor. Apparently he's unconcerned with the fact that his son returned the bracelet.

Marcus's smile gets a little lopsided, "I returned it. We spoke, and she and I are friends still. We parted in peace and understanding. No one was upset or hurt in the end."

Cinnamon stares a bit perplexedly at Jaeger -- then turns to listen to Marcus, staring confusedly at him as well. This is... very weird, to her! But then again, she reassures herself, she can always go check with Hilde later... just to be sure her friend isn't at all upset? Though... now that Cinnamon thinks about it, Hilde wouldn't be -- she'd already decided Marcus was a 'no,' after all. Which means... why did Marcus return it, when he believed it meant he had Hilde's heart? Is he... tossing her aside too? That... would hurt- wait. Stop. Think first. Why... oh! Cinnamon almost sighs out loud in relief: she's figured it out! Marcus must have found out from someone what the bracelet really meant! Whew... okay. Oh, and even better: he's not offended by it! The relief at figuring it out -- and being now sure that this wasn't just a repeat of what happened to Cinnamon at the Solstice Market -- has the little dragon relaxing and smiling more genuinely as she says to Marcus, "Oh, okay. Well, that's good, then -- that no one was hurt." Of course, she's also relieved it wasn't her who told Marcus (accidentally or not) what the bracelet really meant. She hopes whoever it was is okay too... buuuuut... probably best not to ask who that was!

Marcus rubs the bridge of his nose, "She deserves someone far better for her than I can be." He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, putting his smile back on his face, "She's coming over next weekend to help plan a dinner for some visiting lj�s�lfar, actually."

Cinnamon blinks curiously at Marcus, "Far bet-...?" She cuts herself off, thinking: as far as she knows, Marcus is beautiful and charming, but not necessarily deeply thoughtful... which, to be equally honest, Hilde has been more than once, that Cinnamon has seen. Okay, that... kinda makes sense? So she shifts subjects a bit, "Visiting lj�s�lfar? Oh, cool -- is Torben one of them? He's really nice!" She grins at Jaeger as she adds, "He's another of those really-really pretty people that doesn't seem to realize it... which, I admit, I don't really understand, but... it's not really something I need to worry about either!"

Jaeger's eyes are warm, "Yes, Torben is one of them. He's been visiting this continent rather a lot... and yes, I can see that he is... quite pretty." His eyes flicker to Marcus, who flushes but keeps his attention on his food as his father adds, "But, liebchen, you discount yourself too much."

Cinnamon gives Jaeger a curious glance, "Discount myself? Oh, don't worry -- I know Torben's not the only pretty guy around." She grins as she abruptly realizes: this might be a good tease possibility! So she adds, "I know, for example, that both you and Marcus are very pretty too... but you guys know it!"

Jaeger smiles, but doesn't try to talk Cinnamon into realizing she herself is quite highly desired, as he'd rather she didn't panic again, "You're very kind. But I also understand you have a rather pretty sweetheart now."

Cinnamon nearly lights up with delight at that! "Oh, Shaney? Oh my gosh, right?! Isn't he awesome?!" She laughs a bit self-consciously, "I sometimes wonder what on earth possessed him to like me so much, but... well, he says he does, and... and he doesn't lie, so..." She grins shyly at Jaeger, "It's... still kind of amazing... like a dream, almost... you know? I..." she laughs sheepishly, "I know it's silly, but, well... I almost keep expecting to wake up any day now!"

Jaeger's eyes twinkle, "As I understand it, you've woken up several days since this became somewhat official, so don't you think the dream would have ended by now?" He reaches over and lightly squeezes her hand, "I am glad the two of you were able to finally work your way to one another. I know he has been gently courting you for some time. It is good you are letting yourself be loved." He's watching Marcus from the corner of his eye; the younger elf is flushed again. Marcus had really hoped to avoid talking about Shane and his relationship with Cinnamon -- it makes the elf's chest and stomach feel funny. Pre-kidnapping Marcus might have been jealous, but it would have been an irritated kind of jealous. This... is not that.

Cinnamon grins ruefully at Jaeger, "Oh, I've had actual dreams where I woke up, but... well, I guess it's like more metaphorical? Just still... kind of astonishing?" She doesn't mention love at all, though. If she does, she'd also have to admit to herself that she's head over heels for him as well... and when (as she fully expects) he eventually leaves... she's afraid she'll be utterly shattered. So best not to think about that right now -- instead she smiles as she turns back to her tea, "So it's still new and strange, to me." She grins shyly as she adds, after a sip, "-and... really nice!" Her shocked delight at this actually happening to her is audible in her voice... as is the (internalized) ludicrousness of anyone else being interested in her.

Jaeger's eyes get distant, but he's still happy, "I remember those first days of not being able to believe how lucky you are." Then he looks at Cinnamon and his eyes twinkle, "Of course, those came after a goodly time of me being absolutely and completely irritated by my Teiran." He laughs and shakes his head, "I got so aggravated with her -- because she was always underfoot, and I couldn't concentrate when she was. Of course, it was easier to be irritated with her than to admit how badly I wanted her, and how hard I was falling."

Cinnamon awwws at that, holding her forgotten teacup in both hands as she beams at the elder elf, "That's so awesome, Jaeger!" She laughs, glancing down a bit embarrassedly at her teacup as she adds, "I know it's silly, but... I really love romantic stories! It was kinda amazing and wonderful to discover there were folks in real life who were truly, deeply in love as well."

Marcus laughs softly, "Yes. The way I heard that story is that Mutter chased you until you caught her."

Jaeger laughs and nods, "Oh, that's likely the truth. It felt for a while like she was everywhere. Was I out rambling? She would just happen to be out and run across my path. Was I in the common room? So was she -- every time! Was there a ball or a feast or a celebration? She managed to be seated near, if not next to me... and if she couldn't be right next to me, she was always in my line of sight." He smiles at his son, "You get not only your hair and eyes, but your mischief from her." Marcus peers at his father... then flicks his eyes consideringly toward Cinnamon as he thinks, [Ahhh... don't push. Just be there.]

Cinnamon giggles delightedly at Jaeger, her eyes shining as she glances between the two men, "That's so cool!"

Jaeger grins at the little dragon, "It was. But what I loved more than her beauty and persistence was that there was no one more swift and deadly, if she needed to be, in protection of the trod than my Teiran. She wasn't someone who enjoyed having to hurt people -- but she would do anything she had to in order to protect that which was precious."

Cinnamon thinks about that... then nods slowly, "I can see that... yeah, I, um... I don't enjoy fighting but... well, I don't want any of my friends to ever be hurt because I didn't step up!" She smiles with quiet happiness at Jaeger, "That's a really nice way to think about it too. Thank you, Jaeger." She adds a bit ruefully, "Sometimes... sometimes I worry about hurting people... but Elias always says I shouldn't feel bad because I have a good moral compass and only do what needs doing." Her smile gets a bit worried as she adds, "I... hope he's right? But either way... it's something I try to always work on, you know?"

Jaeger nods and reaches to squeeze Cinnamon's hand, "Elias is very wise. I would listen to him."

Cinnamon sheepishly adds, "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry -- I d-didn't mean to make this all about me! Go on, please, Jaeger?" She wonders how well Marcus got to know his mom... and if it was a nice relationship, or more like her own. She hopes it was the former, if so!

Marcus smiles at Cinnamon when she seems so abashed, "Personally, I like hearing about you. Mutter would have loved it, too. She was a romantic as well as a warrior."

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly at Marcus, "Me? Er... o-okay?" She's honestly uncertain as to how to handle Marcus wanting to pay attention to her. Is he trying to... to charm her or something? That makes her feel... a bit squidgy inside, actually -- so she hastily tries to change the subject, "Uhmmm... oh! That, ah, that reminds me -- Marcus, Shaney and Thorn and I will be practicing with quarterstaves in Muriel's pocket park, with her permission. I was going to invite all the folks I learned with, and Shane says anyone's welcome as long as they realize he's not going to be holding back, so they can actually learn..." She blushes slightly as she adds, "I, um, actually think that was... mostly addressed to me, so I wouldn't later think he was like mad at me or anything, but... well, I figured it would be polite to mention it to everyone I originally practiced with?"

Marcus' expression lights up, "That would be good! I don't have many folks to practice at staves with."

Jaeger chuckles, "It's true. Staves were never my weapon. Give me anything with a blade and I am formidable. But I never trained in anything quite so..." He seems to be looking for something perhaps less disparaging to say... "Non-lethal?"

Marcus smiles at his father as he tells Cinnamon, "What he means is that he never bothered learning anything that wasn't for actual warfare."

Cinnamon grins shyly at Jaeger, "Well, hopefully you don't have to do that much actual warfare anymore either, right?" She knows he was right there in the attack against the 'not-rogues' in the Basque country... but is that really a war? She kinda hopes not!

Jaeger shakes his head, "Not now. But for centuries, I was in the midst of it. I was a thane and not just an elder." He smiles -- and doesn't actually look that much older than his son, "It's good the world is less savage now, and I like that people wish to settle things without death being the ultimate test."

Cinnamon nods emphatically, "Me too! I'd much rather use a staff than, um... fire?" She glances apologetically at Marcus as she adds, "I, um... I'm sorry if you d-don't get much challenge at first, unless you're staffing with Shane, but... w-well, I'll be learning as quick as I can? Also I'm not sure but I think Thorny's had some stick practice too, in the past?"

Marcus reassures Cinnamon he's fine with that -- without letting on that time spent with her is the real point of the exercise for him! After that the three entities simply talk about fun and frivolous things, as Jaeger previously suggested; both young people have a surprisingly pleasant time. Marcus might realize it, but Cinnamon certainly doesn't know how smoothly Jaeger manages the conversation, keeping it light and cheerful. At the end of the tea, both men also walk with Cinnamon to the door as she departs... though Jaeger smiles quietly to himself as he makes sure Marcus is a bit ahead of him. Once the little dragon has pulled on her coat, outdoor boots, and cute little woolen beanie, she turns and studies the two elves for a heartbeat or two... then smiles uncertainly, "I... I had a really nice time today -- thank you both. I..." she blushes a bit, "I really apologize for the panic attack, but, umm... w-well, I really appreciated both your patience with me? ...s-so thank you again for that too?"

Marcus smiles, "There's nothing for you to apologize for. I'm glad you felt safe staying." He moves to open the door for her, "I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon at staves practice."

Cinnamon sighs in relief -- looks like neither of them are angry with her! She smiles as she bids them both goodbye and thanks, then patters off down the street. Whew! That... wasn't too bad? Plus... Jaeger said the oddest thing to her, so now she wants to think about it some -- oh! Also, Shaney might be somewhere nearby! She glances around hopefully as she's heading for her little cottage, smiling and waving at any friends she spots... though it's cold enough at this point in the evening that most folks are indoors -- or extremely well wrapped!

Shane is -- abso-fucking-lutely not coincidentally -- just a block or two down the street, and calls out to Cinnamon when he sees her passing by. Cinnamon brightens, turning to trot on over and give him a big, warming hug. Her greeting is her usual word-blurt as all her (slightly tangled) thoughts come out at once, "Hi, asthore! Mmm, so nice to find you! How're you doing? Also guess what? The tea party was okay, I think! Had a panic attack but Butler and Ingrid helped me through it and Jaeger said the curiousest thing that was like a totally different way to see it so I thought I'd consider it some afterwards and I love how cozy you feel!"

Shane wraps his arms tightly around Cinnamon and presses his lips to the top of her head because he knows she still sometimes feels self-conscious about kisses on the lips in public. He smiles into her hair as she does her normal verbal upload, "Mmm... and what did he say?"

Cinnamon sighs happily, turning so they can walk together -- and tucking her mittened hand into his when he lets her, "Well... see, I always thought it was just me being over-dramatic, right? But Jaeger pointed out something -- that if it feels overwhelming, like I can't, umm... can't stop it? -then... then maybe it's not me just, um, being a... being a dummy?" She pauses, running over the conversation again in her head... then adds in a surprised tone of voice, "Whoa. Asthore... I think Jaeger told me something kinda like something Frazey said to me once -- about trauma! I wonder... maybe I -- I should do some reading on that, or something? Or... talk to Brynn, maybe?" She glances puzzledly up at Shane, "Am I... traumatic, to you?"

Shane arches a brow down at Cinnamon, "I think you might have phrased that incorrectly, acushla. I think you have suffered trauma. I think your bio-family did a real number on you and now you have trauma responses. You have panic attacks when you're faced with things that seem on the surface like things that happened before, that ended badly." He leans down and kisses Cinnamon's cheek, "And panic attacks are not you being dramatic. Panic attacks are a very visceral, primitive response. Your adrenaline kicks in and your body reacts as if you're being physically attacked. You go into fight/flight/freeze/fawn. In your case, my love, you mostly go for flight. If you can't stop it, you're not being a dummy." He sighs, "Let me guess: that particular term came from your sister?"

Cinnamon frowns consideringly, trying to work through several conflicting/confusing thoughts and differing perspectives on herself and her life... then smiles and relaxes a bit at the little kiss. She blinks up at Shane, adding, "Which term, asthore? Dummy? Oh, yeah... I wasn't very good at, er, social stuff."

Shane scowls, "That doesn't make you dumb or stupid -- it makes you shy and anxious! -and maybe not good at reading social cues. But the way you phrased your first question made it sound like you wanted to know if you traumatized me."

Cinnamon sighs and shakes her head, "Well... that too, I guess, but... I meant more, um, am I d-difficult to be around? I... I know I've panicked and run off from you, after all...?" She can't quite bring herself to look at Shane, out of nervousness... is now when he figures out how hard she is to be around, and it's too much of a bother to do so?

Shane stops and moves so he's facing Cinnamon -- one hand on her shoulder and using the other to tip her chin up so he can catch her gaze, "Acushla, you are a joy to be around. You've panicked and run off, yes... and I've patiently waited or gone to find you."

Cinnamon stares up at Shane's face... wow, he has the most beautiful eyes...! Then she remembers herself, closing her eyes and giving herself a little shake before she resumes studying his trenchcoat at the chest area. Her voice is a little hoarse with nerves, "Yes, but, ummm... w-was that a bother?"

Shane shakes his head, "Of course not. The only people that I got irritated or frustrated with when you panicked were the people that created the scars that made you think you had to run."

Cinnamon sighs deeply in relief -- he doesn't think she sucks! She leans her forehead against his chest and hugs him gently, "Okay... okay, thank you." She just stands there for a few seconds, if Shane will let her, before she turns to keep walking with him -- though yet another very curious/startling thought occurs to her. Shaney did say that she could touch him any time it was appropriate, right? So... she knows how lovely it feels to lean against his chest, and she remembers (with a slight blush!) his marvelous naked... er, th-the 'towel incident'! Sooo... does that mean, maybe, that at night, when it's just them, maybe... maybe it'd be okay to touch his chest?

Shane strokes her head, murmuring, "Come on, let's get you home... sprawl out. I downloaded a couple of movies last time I was off the street. Want to watch them with me?"

Cinnamon shivers a bit with nervous excitement -- but then sternly reminds herself: she must 1) find out about trauma from Brynn, if he's available, to see if that's what's happening with her... or if it really is just her being a dummy and a drama-llama, and 2) maybe first check in with Shane tonight, to make sure he's not (yet?) changed his mind about her being able to touch him! She blinks up at Shane... then beams and nodnods to him, "Sounds fun! I'd like to tell you more about the tea too 'cause..." she pauses, considering it before she slowly adds, "'Cause... I wanna know if you too think Marcus was acting really... kinda... weird?" Her upbringing is such that Marcus' sweetness to her is making her wary, and wondering what he wants this time from her! That it might simply be her friendship and/or kind regard has yet to register as a possible answer.

So instead she happily takes Shane's gloved hand in her mittened one, swinging their arms together as she cheerfully promises to make popcorn too -- or anything else he thinks would be tasty -- and then talks about all the nice parts of the tea that she doesn't mind other folks hearing. She hasn't really registered, either, that she could cuddle as close as she'd like with Shane while they're walking together. She's still simply thrilled that he's willing to hold hands with her -- she'd almost be skipping like a child, if she didn't know she'd likely slip on the winter-slick cobblestones. Shane keeps looking over at Cinnamon with a smile in his eyes as she nearly skips along. He's not quite to the point of simply pulling her in against his side when they walk together, though. That's a little too close to making her feel trapped or pushing her to rabbit.

Once the couple are safely inside Cinnamon's little cottage, the two of them start putting things together to comfortably nibble on treats, cuddle, and watch movies together. As she's doing so, Cinnamon tells Shane (a little bemusedly) about what Marcus said to her -- how he said such nice things, how complimentary it sounded, how... almost effusively? -he apologized to her... twice! Once she's done relating Marcus' words, she looks confusedly at Shane, "So... is it just me? Or... do you get the feeling too that... that there must be something he really wants -- but I don't know what it is yet, and it's making me nervous! Like, he's being so -- so charming! Why?!"

Shane listens to the play-by-play of the tea, brows drawn together as he thinks. Eventually he sighs and rubs his face, "Truthfully? A ghr�, I think Marcus is trying to make up for being a right tw... for being a jerk. When I went to ask about his motives, I got no feeling he was hiding something. He really did just seem to want to make it up to you." He frowns, thinking aloud, "And he gave Hilde back the bracelet?" That part makes Shane squirm a little -- because to him, it actually seems like Marcus is setting himself as single and available... which is very different than betrothed but free to play around.

Cinnamon nods with confused emphasis, "He did! I mean, I'd like to stop by and make sure she's okay with that, but... but I'm not sure how it might hurt her? I mean... well, she told me herself that the word 'fidelity' on the bracelet wasn't her saying she was his, but rather her saying he needed to get some -- and to something! You know?" She puts the drinks and popcorn together for Shane to carry over to the futon, then starts putting together a nice charcuterie board as she continues chattering, "At first I worried he was... sort of blowing her off, you know? But... but then he seemed... almost embarrassed or shy or something about it? So I figured it had to be that he somehow found out what it really meant!" She grins shyly at Shane as she adds, "Gotta admit I was relieved I'd never talked to him about it... so I know it wasn't me who squealed!"

Shane takes a deep breath, "I saw Hilde today, and she was her usual cheerful self. I seriously don't think she's feeling heartbroken about anything. She did say something about Torben being in town soon and wanting to have you and I over to have dinner with them while he's here, though."

Cinnamon sighs in relief at the news about Hilde, murmuring, "Oh, good. I don't want anyone to... t-to be hurt like I felt..."

Shane settles in with Cinnamon and the popcorn, adding, "Acushla..." He pauses, biting his bottom lip, then continues, "I can't tell you for sure why Marcus is acting the way he is. But I can tell you he really has no desire to hurt you. He told me that -- and it's the truth."

Cinnamon brings over the charcuterie board as well, sliding onto the futon and leaning against Shane before she says thoughtfully, "Well, I know Torben's coming because Jaeger and Marcus mentioned a bunch of folks from the holt were coming over, and there was going to be a nice dinner at the Residence for them..." she grins shyly at Shane, "and I'd love to go to dinner with you, asthore!" She sighs, nibbling on a piece of cracker and cheese as she thinks... then ruefully adds, "But... is it mean of me to still feel... well... kinda wary around Marcus? Even knowing what you say about him? Like... what if he changes his mind... again?!"

Shane shakes his head as he nibbles some of the sliced meats, "No, it's not mean to feel that way. He's hurt you badly at least twice, and that's going to make it hard for you to trust him. There's a reason people say 'once bitten, twice shy,' after all. But being able to forgive doesn't mean you'll forget. Maybe you'll be able to let it go someday, but you're under no obligation to either forgive or forget. But it would be good if you could heal and not panic from the triggers people have instilled in you." Cinnamon looks embarrassed as she nods, keeping her eyes on her drink. After a long sip, though, she asks about the movie -- which one does Shane have in mind? Shane puts on a favorite they share, and cuddles in so they can just chill and watch together.

When it's time for bed, Shane slips into the little bathroom to change into his pajama pants -- which is normally all he wears -- and brush his teeth. When he comes out, he's barefoot and he's re-braided his hair so it's not a snarly mess when morning comes. Sleepiness has made his eyes a little heavy, and he smiles as he settles down for the night. Cinnamon is in her comfy flannel nightie and sitting up in bed with her glasses still on. She doesn't know it, but her eyes are a bit large with nerves as she watches Shane walk over. Holy jumping frog on a pogo stick, he looks SO! FREAKING! YUMMY! He's gorgeous enough to her, and she's nervous enough at what she plans to do, that she just stares silently at him, her lips slightly parted and the words forgotten. Shane smiles at the expression and leans over to kiss that adorable little O of an expression, "What are you reading tonight, acushla?"

Cinnamon unwittingly squeaks very quietly -- eeee, kisses too! -- but then blinks and tries to yank her frazzled thoughts together, "Uhh... ch-chest! Umm... okay?" She registers what she said, and blushes hotly, "No! That, uh, not what I meant! Um, touching instead! Yes? Like you said? Please?" She sighs a few heartbeats later, putting her face in her hands and mumbling, "Oh my gosh, can I just die now?!"

Shane blinks slowly and tips his head, trying to see if what she's trying to say is that she's reading a steamy romance, due to the disjointed words, "I'm sorry, a ghr�... can we try that again?"

Cinnamon squeaks a mortified, "No!" -- but then sighs and makes herself straighten... even if she's having trouble looking at Shane just now. What to say, what to say... oh golly, he looks even yummier than during the towel incident! Okay, stare at her hands, right... "Uhh... s-so you -- you remember how you said it was okay to... t-t-to t-towel -- no! T-to touch! N-not towel, sorry... uhm... y-you remember?"

Shane smiles, eyes twinkling -- he too remembers a moment with a towel. It was a rather... stimulating encounter for him. "Yes, acushla, I remember telling you it was okay to touch me."

Cinnamon sighs in relief! Her smile up at Shane is a bit shaky, but also hopeful, "Even, umm... even if you're n-not... wearing anything there?" She feels sort of warm and tingly. Shane's sitting right next to her -- even touching a bit! -- and... and he's bare on top!

Shane takes a deep breath, thinking: [Do not make a lascivious remark. It's not to that point yet. Just answer the question.] "Yes, acushla. Anywhere you want. Clothed or not clothed."

Cinnamon's eyes get, if anything, even huger! She breathes a soft, "...okaaay..." as her fascinated gaze slowly tracks down from his face to that... amazing, naked chest. She raises one hand from her lap, starting to slowly reach out towards her asthore... but then freezes. Ohmygosh he is so cute what if he doesn't like the way she feels what if she pokes him or hurts him what if her fingers are freezing and he hates that what if what what what...!

Shane literally bites his tongue, then takes Cinnamon's hand and moves it to rest on his chest, flat against his sternum. His voice is low and warm; really, the better term might be seductive, "You can even pet if you want to." Cinnamon jumps and squeaks nervously when Shane takes her hand... but then her eyes widen even more as he places her hand on his chest. He can feel the nervous tremors through her hand as she shivers slightly... but at his words she blinks once at him -- then goes back to staring fascinatedly at his chest... and her hand resting there. It takes her a few breaths before she can bring herself to move at all -- but then her hand twitches a bit. She takes a slow, deep breath... then awkwardly tries a sort of petting stroke. It's... a clumsy flop! That makes her blush hotly, then take another breath and try again -- just stroking this time. He's... he's warm! Softer skin, harder muscles... a small, unwitting, "...ooooohhh..." escapes her as she continues staring fascinatedly at Shane's chest, and her slow, cautiously stroking hand.

Shane takes a deep breath and leans back against the headboard. His own hand reaches up and strokes along Cinnamon's head. Amber eyes are half-lidded as he watches her face and just soaks up the caresses. The beansidhe part of his heritage means his chest really is smooth. The only place there seems to be any hair at all is a very light dusting that starts below his navel -- though Cinnamon doesn't even think to let her hand trail that low. Only after she's gotten a little more comfortable petting him does Shane murmur, "That feels really nice, acushla." A warm sigh escapes his lips.

Cinnamon squeaks very softly, staring in awe at Shane's face. Wow, he looks even more amazing like this! She's not watching her hand... and so at some point she brushes over one of the nipples. Shane's breath catches slightly at that touch and he bites the tip of his tongue to stop himself making a noise that Cinnamon might interpret as pain, but his voice is tight as he murmurs, "That in particular was very nice -- but, uhm... sensitive."

Cinnamon freezes, her head jerking down to stare in concern at her hand, "Wh-what? What'd I do?!"

Shane smiles and guides her hand again so her fingertips brush across his nipple again, "That. But don't worry. It was nice. Just... like I said... sensitive. I just don't want to scare you if I gasp or make sounds if you touch me like that. It feels really... really nice."

Cinnamon squeaks nervously, "Oh... ok-kay?" -- then blushes and tries again, deliberately lowering her voice so she's not approaching ultrasonic, "Uhm, o-okay?" She hesitantly tries brushing her hand across his nipple again, "L-like this?"

Shane bites his bottom lip and nods, turning his head so his nose is against Cinnamon's temple and his mouth near her ear, to whisper, "Like that." He slides an arm around her shoulders and nestles in close against her. He's flushing as his heartbeat starts to speed up slightly, "Just remember, a ghr�, that's a sort of caress we should likely keep to just us, hmm?"

Cinnamon blinks interestedly at Shane, distracted from admiring his chest, "We should? Like... like not doing it in public, maybe?"

Shane clears his throat and nods, "Yes. Not in public." He thinks how to explain, "You can touch most places on my chest or stomach in public and it's fine, but... uhm..." His lips twitch in a half-smile, "That's a more intimate touch."

Cinnamon squeaks nervously, yanking her hand back, "Sorry! Sorry sorry I didn't know sorr... umm, wait... but... y-you liked it?" She considers, then adds uncertainly, "You did, didn't you? You weren't just saying it?" She blinks a moment later... then facepalms, "Oh my gosh that was stupid! Of course you didn't just say it -- you don't lie!" She mumbles sheepishly into her hand, "No intimate touches in public, got it... don't mind me..."

Shane's eyes are warm as he reaches for Cinnamon's hand against, "Exactly. I don't lie. I liked it a lot." He kisses her temple again, "Acushla... honestly, you could touch any part of my body you liked here in private and I would enjoy it. I like when you touch me. I like when you let me touch you. But I'm not going to push you to let me do anything you don't want me doing. I know even kissing is a little scary for you."

Cinnamon sighs, curling her fingers around Shane's. Her thoughts feel all tumbled and nervous, and... wow, she hopes she's not getting sick! She feels flushed and overheated, and her heart is kind of fluttering oddly somehow. Even her breathing feels a little... panting? Hm... this was really lovely, but she doesn't want to get either herself or her lovely asthore Shaney sick. "Maybe... can we m-maybe cuddle and sleep together now, asthore... and if, um, if-ff... it's still all right tomorrow, I, ahh... I c-could touch a little again?"

Shane bites his bottom lip to keep from grinning broadly, "Of course, acushla." He kisses her forehead and slips further down so he's laying full-length instead of leaning against the headboard.

Cinnamon wriggles down next to Shane, cuddling warmly up against him before she sighs and contentedly relaxes a bit. She's silent for a few minutes before she whispers very, very softly, "You feel really-really nice, asthore..."

Shane murmurs back, "So do you, a ghr�. Thank you for trusting me." Cinnamon eeks softly -- she wasn't sure she'd be heard! But then, as she nuzzles in against Shane and drifts off... she finds herself smiling. She's never been so (startledly! confusedly!) happy in her life as she's been with Shane.

The next morning, as she's prepping for her day, Cinnamon smiles to herself -- 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, quickly remembering... 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 antique, foot-treadle sewing machines, but their noise is almost completely inaudible in the little loft, and the shop shuts down at 5:00 pm on the dot unless there's some sort of big 'do' necessitating overtime. There's electricity for the fifties-style refrigerator and gas range, but no dishwasher. The little bathroom in the loft is old-fashioned: a tub but no shower... and the ceilings are plenty high for Tre, and have a couple of skylights.

As Cinnamon recalls, too, the loft itself is roomy enough for a living room and either two bedrooms, or one bedroom plus an office. Possible downside for sidhe friends: the entrance to the loft is an outside fire escape stair mostly made of iron. 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?" A heartbeat later she cheerfully adds, "I've had really good luck with Himeko for furnishings, and if you want something more European, or prefer less expensive things, Shane will know who to go to!"

Shane nods, "If word is passed along the street that there's a need for necessities, there are likely to be people who will pass on things they no longer need." Both Lost Boys blink at the half-beansidhe as Shane shrugs, "There are some secondhand shops to try, but there's no Craigslist or such. Mostly people just give the things they no longer need to someone that does."

Cinnamon nods, adding, "Plus, I'm happy to help you get the basics together. You'll need beds, curtains and window shades to protect Navin's eyes during the day, some food and cooking utensils... stuff like that, you know?"

Navin himself nods, "Some'a them blackout curtains, yeah?" He's rubbing his hands together as he thinks.

Cinnamon grins, "Yup! We can get them from amazon if there aren't any here." She glances at Tre, adding, "Anything in particular you know you'll need?"

Tre turns in a slow circle, looking around the room as he ruffles his hand over the top of his own head, "I'd really like to have a bed that's actually long enough for me." Cinnamon giggles and nodnods cheerfully! The young man really is quite tall.

Shane chuckles, "I'll ask Fionn where he got his. He's a giant -- literally actually a giant -- so he'll have some good ideas. Or Vanya."

Cinnamon and Shane end up escorting Tre and Navin back and forth on the street, helping them locate the goods they'll need so as to at least start out in their new home. The little dragon is excited and pleased for the two men, and happy to help out with either a strong arm or a bit of gilt to make sure the new apartment starts out well for them. It takes some time, of course... but once they're all done, and the heavier items have been lugged or shoved up the stairs, the new little home looks much less sparse, and more like the beginnings of a comfy place to live.

Cinnamon also happily lets Tre know the rickshaw should be arriving any day now! If he wants, he might think about running up and down the street a few times a day... both to make sure he's in good shape, and to ensure he's familiar with where everything is on the street. Later, she checks in with Jack at Duille Darach, as she's paying up for the few days the two former Lost Boys spent there: has there been any reply from Nasteexo and Dejiyo re her query about their abstention vote, at the last council meeting? Internally, she wonders if the real issue there is that they want to see a real plan first, before flat-out stating the supernaturals should expose themselves to humans. Jack hands over a letter from Nasteexo and Dejiyo, with a smile, "Don't know what it says, o' course."

Cinnamon giggles at Jack, and thanks him as she accepts it -- she has no idea if his statement is true or not, since she doesn't actually know very much about leprechauns. Really, all she seems to know is the extremes, she thinks amusedly to herself, as she patters along back to the new apartment. There's that unpleasant one that was a nasty thief, back in Rowan... and Llewellyn, who was scornfully referred to by the thief as being barely even a leprechaun, but who seems sort of crankily nice... and there's Jack, who's a kind-hearted businessman and innkeeper, from what she's seen, too.

When Cinnamon arrives back at the apartment, she's got the letter in her bag, several delicious-smelling boxes from Cafe Prague... and Thorn helping her carry them -- since she met him on the way and cheerfully invited him to join herself, Shane, and the Lost Boys for dinner! Tre, Navin, and Shane have been working on setting up furniture and hanging the heavy tapestries that will stand in for blackout curtains. They do a really excellent job, all said.

Cinnamon cheerfully calls out, upon entering, "Dinnertime! Are you guys hungry?!" As she sets out food on the simple refurbished table, setting it with the pair's new utensils, she adds, "I invited Thorny too, since we met on the street while I was heading to Cafe Prague." Once she's finished setting the table, she straightens... then hesitates for a moment before she shyly pulls out a large bag and hands it to Navin, "I, umm... I also got you guys a... a housewarming gift I hope you d-don't mind?" She's found what she hopes is the perfect gift for the two men who have been so restless and driven for so long!

Navin looks surprised, but Tre looks shyly pleased as he replies, "That's very nice of you, but you've already done so much!" Navin carefully starts opening the bag to see what's inside, with Tre looking curiously over his shoulder -- and they find a beautiful wreath of brilliant flowers and greenery. Attached across the gorgeous riot of scarlet, pink, and carmine blooms is a light, gold-painted wooden piece shaped into the elegantly cursive words 'Assalamu alaikum.'

Cinnamon softly murmurs the translation as Navin holds it up, "Peace be unto you..." The half-ghoul's eyes actually begin to get shiny with unshed tears, and Tre beams. Cinnamon blinks and has to wipe her eyes as well, at that! But then she steps forward and gently hugs them both, "I hope Coblyn becomes everything you've hoped for, guys... and I hope someday you feel comfortable joining Elgan as well! But until then, please do feel free to ask me for any help I can offer, okay? I had it so easy coming here, because my greatsire effectively paid it forward for me, so I want to do that too! ...and maybe someday, if you can, you can help new folks here on Coblyn as well."

Both men wrap their arms around Cinnamon, careful not to crush the flowers. Tre is beaming; Navin is crying silently, "'Course we will... of course." The two men ceremonially hang their lovely new wreathe, and then the little group has a lovely housewarming dinner, full of warmth, laughter, chatting, and growing friendship.

Later, Cinnamon, Shane, and Thorn bid Navin and Tre a good night, and start strolling up-street in the direction of both Cinnamon's and Thorn's various homes. As they walk, Cinnamon seems glowingly happy, humming to herself for a bit before she finally exclaims, "Let's pause at my place for dessert, guys -- want some? I've got a bit of a lemon torte left over that Elias and I made." She laughs, adding, "I'm so happy for Navin and Tre! I know they likely want to get some sleep after such a busy day, but... well, I'm still feeling a little celebratory, you know?" Both men agree -- and also know what Cinnamon's cooking is shaping up to be like! So shortly thereafter they're all settling down around Cinnamon's little table with generous slices of the torte, and whatever their beverages of choice are. Just before they begin, Cinnamon moves her bag from her chair... then blinks, "Oh! I almost forgot! Jack at the inn handed me a letter from Dejiyo and Nasteexo -- do you mind if I read it real quick?"

Thorn is stuffed with good food, and will soon be stuffed with even better torte! He blinks, "Not at all. Go right ahead!"

Shane smiles, "Go ahead, acushla. It's important information."

Cinnamon grins at Thorn as she's slitting open the envelope, "Have you had a chance to read or review the old books from the French Oak's library yet, too? I hope they were helpful for your research?"

Thorn nods, "I've been reading them, yes, thank you! I'm still working through them, there's a lot to process."

Cinnamon beams at her dear friends! -- then quickly peruses the letter she pulls out of the envelope. The letter is written on nice linen-rag paper in a graceful cursive:

Dearest Cinnamon,

I hope you are well, and that the things that have been whispering around in the stars have come to pass for you and yours. You deserve happiness.

As for my reason for abstention... that is both complex and simple at the same time. So, I shall go with the simple explanation. My heart is in two parts on the matter. I believe humans could use magic and belief back their lives, and I want them to have that with all that I am. After all, my job has been to look over humans for as long as I can remember. However, I don't believe the humans are in a place to welcome us. Too many of us have weaknesses that are not meant for the modern world.

So, instead of voting against something I want with so much of my soul (the reunion of humans and magic), and for something I realize is reasonable and needed (staying hidden for the time being)... I abstained. I am pleased the vote went the way it did, as it is not yet once more a time of light. I hope it will be soon.

Regards...

The letter is signed with a complex sigil rather than a name. Cinnamon blinks interestedly at it, after sharing a condensed version of the letter with her friends, "Ooh... I wonder if this sigil is like the voudon version of her name? The, er... the thingie they can be summoned with, you know?" She adds thoughtfully, "You know... thinking about it, I can totally see her reasoning, too." A moment later, she perplexedly muses, "I wonder what was being whispered in the stars?"

Shane leans in to look at the sigil, "That's not what Nasteexo uses to sign official documents in council -- that one's a lot simpler than this one. I think you're right, and this may be something more than just a signature. It might be a summoning glyph or something else."

Thorn taps his chin. "It sounds like she made a reasonable decision," he says. "It must have been difficult for her to make that choice." He blinks, glancing at the glyph, "Why would she sign a letter with that sigil, then?"

Cinnamon nods gravely to Thorn, "I bet so, yeah." She tilts her head thoughtfully as she stares at the sigil... then grins excitedly! Laying the letter down, she pulls out her cell phone and takes a quick snapshot of the sigil... then does a reverse-image search on line for it. There's nothing online that matches the sigil in a quick image search, so it's likely not a mainstream (or as mainstream as voudon can get) symbol of anything. Cinnamon huhs perplexedly, then reports it to her friends... then decides to research it more later. So she puts her phone away, then grins at Thorn, "So, what've you learned from your books, Thorny?"

Thorn smiles, "Well, the thirteenth chair was indeed originally a check on the rest of the council -- mostly an impartial member and tie-breaker. I found it really interesting that it's been most often held by dragons -- and if not, then by extremely long-lived people: vampires, djinn, phoenixes... people like that, who can live for a thousand years or more -- basically, people who can take the serious long view of things. It's only been in the last couple of centuries that the thirteenth has had peoples to vouch, speak, and watch over. I haven't yet figured out why that happened, though."

Cinnamon grins, waving her hand like an excited student, "Oh-oh-oh, I know that one! I think it was Elias who told me? There was a squabble between councilors regarding the contested lands, and it just wasn't getting resolved! So Liam said fine, he'd take them!" She laughs, adding, "So no more squabble -- and a sort of warning to the other councilors: play nice, or else!" She smiles as she adds, "That was well before the current council, of course."

Thorn nods, "Ah! That makes sense. I'm surprised that happened, honestly. I've not found any other instance of the thirteenth doing that in the history of the council. Well... so far, I mean."

Cinnamon nods wryly, "Yeah, it must've been quite a mess -- to the point that folks were determined not to have it happen again!" She grins, adding, "So, what else have you learned, Thorny?"

Shane listens, looking pensive, "I can see that... though it would depend on how intense the squabble was, and who it was between. I mean, before the whole southern Europe thing, most of Liam's territories were Pacifica, right?"

Cinnamon glances at Shane, "Well, according to Elias, Liam got the American northern indigenous folks first? Elias didn't mention how Liam got Oceania, though..." She considers for a moment, then thoughtfully adds, "Unless... that whole area was the point of contention? I know there are folks who feel they're anthropologically linked, after all?"

Thorn smiles wryly at Cinnamon's query re the books, "A lot of stuff that put me to sleep. It's bone dry, seriously... though I'm trying to get through it all. I don't want to miss anything, but most of it is lists of councilors and major decisions they made."

Cinnamon blinks as she remembers a word, "Veve! That's what the sigils are called -- they're a veve for the deity!" Then she giggles at Thorn in sympathy -- she's been doing much the same with some of the more poorly-written anthropological studies of the peoples she represents!

Thorn adds consideringly, "I can see Oceania being a point of contention, depending on when Britain colonized it."

Shane nods slowly, "They are sort of linked in a way. They have similar physical features... similar religions... and the Pacifica peoples traveled a long, long way on canoes. The Inuit and Aleut, they travel by kayak and uniak..."

Cinnamon nods to Shane and Thorn, "Right? So interesting!" She glances at her clock, then squeaks in dismay, "Oh, dear -- I'm sorry, guys! I didn't mean to keep you both up so late!"

Thorn smiles, "Oh, it's no problem. I can sleep late if I need to -- Iason's good about that." Cinnamon nods cheerfully and hugs Thorn goodnight, giving him another wrapped-up slice of the lemon torte to take home with him!

Shane nods, yawning, "Same here. Mind if I crash here tonight?" He still normally asks, despite having stayed here almost every night lately... which Cinnamon absolutely loves!

Very early the next morning there's a light rap at Cinnamon's door. Shane, who stayed the night, nuzzles his sleepy acushla and asks if he should get it or if she wants to. Cinnamon mumbles a bit incoherently, and eventually one hand flops out and about, trying to locate her glasses. Shane chuckles softly and sits up, pulling on a shirt. He's in pajama pants because he's a gentleman and doesn't want to scandalize Cinnamon with sleeping nude. He pushes to his feet and goes to start water heating for tea or cocoa for whoever the early-morning visitor is.

Cinnamon eventually gets her glasses, robe, and plushie slippers on, then patters over to the door, mumbling, "Who'zzit?" She feels frowsy and sleepy, but makes herself take a deep breath and try to wake up more. Might be someone that needs help -- or wants Shane, good point! When the door opens, there's a familiar, scarred face on the other side. Veles' hair has grown out;s he's wearing it in a short ponytail. The clothes are simple and utilitarian and he's got a rucksack over his shoulder. The expression on his face, though... it's the lightest and most carefree smile Cinnamon has ever seen on him. The little dragon squeaks startledly, "Veles?!" then brightens and throws herself in a hug against him, "Veles! Shaney, asthore, it's Veles -- he's back!" She laughs, grabbing his arm to draw him into the little cottage, "Wow, dude, you look great! How are you? How's the family? C'mon in! Are you hungry, thirsty?!"

Veles hugs back warmly with a quiet chuckle, "It is good to be back... and the family is fine." He follows her into the cottage as he adds, "Being home helped me remember myself and what it was like before my father stole us... and yes, I am starving." He blinks and looks around the cottage. 'Asthore'? Shane is here this early of a morning?

Cinnamon beams as she points Veles to a chair, then patters into the kitchen and starts rooting around in the refrigerator, "Okay! I've been practicing my cooking with Elias, so I've got plenty of leftovers -- is steak Diane okay with you? Shaney's got a hot drink for you real soon too, I think?"

Veles lets Cinnamon know steak Diane is fine. Shane asks Veles if he wants cocoa or tea, and Veles asks for tea -- any sort of black tea. Shane chuckles and makes a cup of English Breakfast for Veles and cocoa for Cinnamon, then drops a kiss on her shoulder before going out with the hot drinks. Cinnamon is busily heating up the food, but she beams sunnily up at Shane, thanking him for the cocoa! The older man arches a brow at Shane... who both grins and blushes. Veles chuckles and murmurs quietly, "I will assume by the fact that you look like a schoolboy caught kissing a girl behind the barn, that things are going well here? Because it appears you spent the night here. Alone. With Cinnamon."

Shane clears his throat and speaks just as quietly, "I did. But it's... not quite what you think. We've progressed to the point of a relationship, but not beyond kissing and holding hands. And please... be gentle with any teasing. She's still..."

Veles nods, "She is still soul-wounded."

As they're speaking, Cinnamon has a few sips of her cocoa while the steak -- and some leftover veggies as well -- are reheating. She also puts out a nice place-setting for Veles, checks to see if Shane wants any as well... and then, when it's all ready, she plates it all nicely and brings it out. She doesn't realize it consciously, but she's become rather house-proud -- so she's quietly pleased she can quickly bring out delicious food in a lovely, comfortable setting, for dear friends! Then she sits with Shane and Veles, asking about everyone in Veles' family and chatting happily as he eats a good, sturdy meal. She also checks: does he need a place to stay, here? Does he need some sleep or a shower or anything before she lets Baird and Keiko know he's back? She laughs and also relates the story of Baird and Keiko getting together... because of the now-gone curse. Shane adds, "You can stay at my place until you find one of your own, if you want. I've been sleeping here most nights." Yes, it's totally an excuse to spend even more nights here.

Veles laughs at the curse story, and admits, "It would be nice to have a shower." Shane hops up and grabs the key to his place from his sporran and hands it to Veles, before giving him directions. Cinnamon beams and hugs Veles again, giving him instructions on how to get to her office as well. He can tell by her excited bounce and slight squeak of excitement that she's still thrilled at having one, too!

About two hours later, Cinnamon and Shane have eaten, showered, dressed, and headed for the little dragon's office. Naturally, Cinnamon has (over-)prepared as best as she can: there's a box of fresh doughnuts and other tasty pastries open on the sideboard, along with utensils -- as well as thermoses of coffee and tea, and carafes of cold water and orange juice. The little dragon has carefully pinned up a 3' x 5' map of Nusantara, which Cinnamon has discovered is one of the indigenous names for Maritime Southeast Asia. There are colored push-pins indicating the location of each 'incident' which prompted a letter to Aoi... and the copies of the letters themselves are similarly color-labeled and laid out as well, along with translation print-outs. More chairs have been dragged into the room... and Cinnamon happily hugs and greets everyone as they arrive.

When Thorn arrives, Veles is examining the map with his hands clasped behind himself and his brows furrowed. Thorn is pleased to see the man again, greeting him with a smile and a handshake. It's been quite some time since he met the ex-mercenary. After his 'conversion' (so to speak) it took a bit of time for Thorn to accept Veles after what his company did to the trod. Now, though, Veles is making up for that, and is an ally. Thorn cannot bring himself to continue to harbor anger towards the man. Veles shakes Thorn's hand and then pulls him in for a half-hug, complete with back-slap, "It is good to see you!" His entire demeanor is much looser, more relaxed. He seems very different than the mercenary who helped in attacking a trod.

Thorn laughs quietly as he returns the hug, "It's good to see you, too!" Then he joins the group around the table as well.

Not long after Thorn arrives, Baird and Keiko (in human form) do as well. After Veles and Baird greet one another with somewhat darkly humorous riffs on 'glad to see you haven't gotten yourself killed yet,' Baird turns to Keiko and tells Veles, "This is the delight of my life, Keiko. Keiko, this is Veles. He's one of Cinnamon's retainers and used to be a mercenary, but..."

Veles inclines his head, "But my luck ran out... and it is good that it did."

Cinnamon says firmly, "He's my friend!" She's still a bit squiffy on the term 'retainer,' after all.

Keiko tips her head in a very avian way, asking, "Are you certain it was your luck running out? Or was it your luck finally coming to fruition? It seems to me you have now a new family which loves you, and you shine brightly. That sounds like good luck to me, not bad." Cinnamon grins at that, her eyes sparkling -- she rather feels the same!

Veles blinks slowly at Keiko and his mouth opens as if he's about to object -- but then he closes it again. Baird laughs quietly, "Aye, she has a very unique angle on such things. Her take on me being cursed was that at least partially it meant I met her."

Cinnamon grins as she takes Veles' hand then, tugging gently, "So c'mon, peeps -- let me show you what I've got here, okay?" She'll hand out letters or translations to anyone who wants them, then moves to the map and does a quick explanation for Veles of what happened with Aoi. After that she does a run-down of the issues she's got to deal with, "So there are a few location-specific things..." She starts pointing to the map, "Here, this island's volcano is rumbling enough that all the humans were evacuated. Of course, all the supernaturals that could somehow look human managed to evacuate too, but there are still some that are large or 'monstrous' looking... and they too would really like some help to get away from the volcano before it blows. Then over here, on the Sumatran coast, there's issues with a non-profit trying to replant the coastal mangrove swamps.

"Here in the highlands of Papua New Guinea there's a tribe of supernaturals that's squabbling with a similar lowland tribe. They managed to hammer out a peace treaty -- but then, right before signing it, the highland Big Man was apparently accidentally insulted... so he's refused to sign until the global councilor for the area does. This island chain is really messed up -- the first one, here, is slowly sinking into the ocean. The one next to it -- well, 'next' is relatively speaking -- the people are desperate to protect their nearby, threatened fisheries... and then, over here, this island is sort of the buffer zone that protects all the others from horrible storms during monsoon season? ...which means the supernaturals are having real trouble managing to grow any crops at all.

"Um, what's next... ah. Those are the specific locations. More generally, the entire area is struggling to handle refugees -- both human and supernatural. Also, several nomadic boat-communities traverse the area too -- and they're kinda like the Romani, but on the ocean, if that makes sense? Apparently legend says they've even assimilated supernaturals and humans in their communities too, which is why they wrote the Council for help. So, one of them was blown way far away and would love some help getting back to their usual territ- er... water-itories? Plus one of the islands is an enclave, but some pirates and drug traffickers got blown in by a storm... and now the supernaturals want help getting rid of them long enough to reset the enclave's borders. What else... oh! Finally, one of the traveling boat communities has lost their land-side connections, and could use some help with raw materials... though I'm not yet sure what that entails, since I haven't had time to research it at all yet." Cinnamon whews! -- then turns and smiles hopefully at everyone present, "So... any suggestions on what might help here? Anyone know any of the languages? Anything you think would be useful to share?"

Thorn frowns, "How long was the, ah, prior councilor sitting on the volcano issue? That sounds pretty urgent!"

Cinnamon checks the letter, "Uhmm... ah! This is one of the two most recent letters, Thorny -- it's less than a month old." Wryly she adds, "The oldest one was almost one hundred and twenty years old! Fortunately about half of them, roughly, are no longer issues. The ten or so that I mentioned are all that's left that still need work." She adds worriedly, "I'm pretty sure I could haul a boat-full of people, however big they are, away from the island just fine. But... where do we take them, you know?"

Veles still has his hands clasped behind his back, but he murmurs aloud, "Aoi needs to be ousted. She is stuck in old ways, I think." Shane blinks at him, mouth hanging open.

Cinnamon too blinks startledly at Veles, "Uhmm... o-ousted? I... don't know about that, but... well... I guess, in a way, the people of this area did that already." She thinks a moment, then adds with more determination, "A-and I intend to not let them down! So... so yeah. Um... is that something you can help at all with... please?" She apologetically adds, "I, uhh... I really don't know much about the area. I speak French and Malay and Melanesian pidgin, but... apparently there's a ton of languages there?"

Thorn nods thoughtfully at Cinnamon's run-down of issues, chewing his lip -- but then blinks at Veles, "That might not be up to us. Aoi's failed them... so first we have to pick up the pieces." He nods to Cinnamon, "Language is going to be an issue, I'm afraid."

Cinnamon thinks a moment... then asks hopefully, "Is there anyone on the street that you know of, Keiko and Shane, who does... like, a charm or pendant or something, that'll do translations?"

Shane hms and nods, "I know someone that could probably create one if given the time."

Veles nods, "I can help, yes. I have been in these areas. They are often low-income, which..." he sighs, "means it is easy to recruit people to do illegal things for small amounts of money. I don't speak all of the languages, but I speak Tagalog and I speak Malay." He adds, "I can be the lead man on much of this. It is good to have someone who can get the feel of the land before you go in."

Cinnamon brightens at that news, "Awesome! Okay, let me take notes..." She starts scribbling in her notebook as people slowly start throwing out suggested solutions, possible ideas to try, and more. Thorn, of course, focuses on the medical aid which both the volcano evacuees and the boat community people will need -- he's been studying mass medical logistics -- though he agrees that someone riding point for both incidents would be very helpful.

Baird chuckles, "Still have something of the mindset of a merc, eh?"

Veles also chuckles, nodding, "Yes, but this will be only for getting the feel of somewhere... not for setting up an incursion."

Cinnamon blinks uncertainly between the two men... then hesitantly offers, "Well, I'm actually okay with going there, guys, if it helps? I was kinda planning on having to, in fact. Umm, or... is that not what you meant by incursion?"

Veles smiles, "It is good to have someone go ahead of a diplomatic mission to understand what it's like on the ground... someone who can tell you what's really actually happening there, instead of what you've been told by a third party."

Cinnamon nods at that, "Makes good sense. Okay, so... what'll you need? A translation charm, a list of places and contacts we have, umm..." She looks to Keiko and Shane, "Hey, how would someone like Himeko or Veles let a foreign supernatural know that they, um... like, they're 'in the know'?"

Shane asks, "In the know? As in let them know they're part of the supernatural community, even if they're human? Sometimes they have a letter of introduction. But honestly, having a charm of translation is going to go a big way toward 'I'm not a typical human.'"

Cinnamon nods at that, reassured, "Okay," then grins at Veles, "We'll get you one first thing, then, before you go. Sound good? Oh, also -- do you want one of those satellite cell phone thingies? I got one for me and Spice, and it's been really super-helpful on occasion!"

Veles smiles, "I should have one, yes. When I was home, I had to be in town to be able to call anyone." Cinnamon nods and makes a note of that too -- oh, and a letter from her that says he can speak for her, maybe? Shane makes a few notes of his own for the translation charm, murmuring about it needing to be something that can get through airport security. Veles too takes some notes about things which will be useful in the areas he'll be visiting. Keiko and Baird chip in with the possibility of the two of them sometimes joining the group in some of the more dangerous areas.

Thorn makes extensive notes about the medical logistics needed, and also makes a mental note to review what information the infirmary -- and Iason -- might have about supernaturals in the region. He'll pack the more volatile, dangerous, or critical medicines on his person, with the thinking that it'll be easier to provide for more common treatments locally -- and, of course, anything the local communities have developed from local flora and resources. Thorn also makes very sure that whatever he brings can be brought on an airplane. He doesn't want airline authorities to get in a huff no matter how decent a healer he may be.

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Last modified: 2025-Feb-25 17:51:49

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