Goblin Town -- Logs

Cinnamon wakes up early the next morning. She's feeling very... perky! Really kind of... energetic? Extraordinarily happy! Shane's still sleeping, though, so she remains still and cuddled up with him [eeee he's so warm and snuggly-feeling!]... and muses. Her asthore has effectively given Cinnamon permission to actually (*gasp!*) flirt with him publicly, as well as a means of thanking him for giving her an orgasm -- by giving him one of his own! The little dragon quickly and happily realizes: she really-really likes this new, er... this way-fun thingie they're doing together! In fact... she'd like to do it again -- this morning! Though... hmm. Cinnamon quickly realizes her next problem: she can't quite bring herself to just ask out loud for... f-for, s-s-se- uhmm... eeek! How on earth do others do this?!

Cinnamon considers... and vaguely recalls Aisling just... well, just touching guys? -and... and they seem to just know somehow? Huh. Well... can't hurt to try, she guesses? She experimentally lays a hand on Shane's [warm so awesome can feel his heartbeat his breathing eeeee!] chest... then excitedly waits to see what happens. Shane is a warrior, true -- but he's also aware of where he fell asleep, so he awakens easily at the touch. Laying a hand over Cinnamon's, he turns his head and gives her a happy, sleepy-eyed smile, "Mmmm... morning, acushla." It takes just a few seconds for him to take in the wide-eyed, breath-held expression, and he rolls slightly toward her. His voice is playful as he rubs his nose lightly over Cinnamon's, "And just how can I make it a wonderful morning for you?" In that smooth motion, the little dragon finds herself belly-to-belly with her asthore, one of his arms over her waist.

Cinnamon squeaks excitedly and gives a happy wriggle -- wow, looks like Aisling-stuff really works! She beams as she carefully gives Shane a one-armed hug (since it's hard to use both arms when lying on one's side) and nuzzles up happily against him. It takes her a heartbeat or two, in fact, for her to register: she's been asked a question! Awesome, she's ready to -- t-to, er... oh, dear! She's going to have to... to ask for, er, f-for... it -- with words! The little dragon tries her best, but sheer nerves quickly leave her stuttering and spluttering, rather than coherently asking for yet another delightful orgasm, please!

She sighs in exasperation, resting her forehead against Shane's as she makes herself stop talking for a moment... so she can pull herself together again and... maybe... try again? Argh! It's just the stupid words are so hard to say -- it'd be easy if there were, like... like, non-scary words for... er, for w-what she... wants... oooh! Shane is nuzzling in Cinnamon's hair and making happy sounds, not worrying about hiding the inevitable consequences of it being morning and him being male. He's letting his hand trail up and down her back, and considering just how bold he's willing to be, as said hand gets closer and closer to her backside. Cinnamon brightens, raising her head enough to stare with wide, hopeful eyes at Shane as she asks with emphatic enthusiasm, "Asthore, can we... um, w-would you like... oh! I know! Can- er, no, I mean w-would, ahh, would you... wouldyouliketom-m-makesnackies?! Er, w-with me?"

There's a pause, Shane's body going still as he tries to figure out what snacks have to do with nuzzling and cuddling, and what he thought he was reading in those beautiful bedroom eyes. A blink... and he pulls his head back and decides to be a little wicked to test his theory, "Snacks, a ghr�? Well, there's definitely something I'd like to nibble, but it's not actually food..." An impish grin crosses his lips before he tucks his face against her throat and drags his teeth gently against her skin.

Cinnamon sighs in relief: he gets it! She nods emphatically, "Okay!" -- but then shivers and squeaks startledly at that lovely, arousing sensation Shane's giving her. Is this part of... is he... oh! Maybe... maybe he wants her to go first? That's fine with her! She giggles shyly, letting one of her hands wriggle downwards between them -- because hopefully, after he's had his, um, really good feelings... he'll make some for her too!

Shane almost growls and reaches down to stop her hand, though it's not a mean sound. No, it's less a growl and really more a purr, the more she thinks about it, as her beloved murmurs, "Nuh-uh, acushla. Slow down. My mother raised a gentleman." He leans in and breathes against her ear, "That means it's ladies first." His tongue flicks against her earlobe before he goes on, "Besides, there's no rush. We've got all morning." Now that she's open to this, Shane has every. Single. Intention! -of showing Cinnamon just how lovely this can be. He nudges gently, trying to get her over onto her back, "So just relax for me." The half-beansidhe is still a little sleepy, so some of his wicked and playfully sexy beansidhe side is surfacing!

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly at the 'gentleman' comment -- does he not want to do lovely things wi-... oh! She shivers and squeaks softly, her brain entirely derailed at how freaking tingly her ear feels now who knew ear nerves were connected to down there feels so eeee nice! She's still blinking a bit distractedly as Shane nudges, and rolls over without thinking about it. A heartbeat or two later her eyes widen as Shane's words finally register -- ohmygoshohmygosh she gets to go first?! This is sososo totally amazingballs!

Shane proceeds to kiss his way down Cinnamon's body the way he did the night before... only perhaps more lazily, paying even more attention to finding the best erogenous zones: nibbling here... nuzzling there... dragging his tongue and suckling over there. Once he's slowly made his way down to nestling between Cinnamon's thighs, he looks up along her body with those lovely glowy amber eyes of his, and asks huskily, "I want to taste you, but I'd also like to..." fingertips tease between damp folds, caressing over the opening of her yoni, "see what you feel like from the inside. You know it's always up to you, though. Everything. You've got all the power here, acushla."

Cinnamon feels tingly and wriggly and amazing and she's pretty sure this is just the beginning! She's not at all sure what Shane is talking about regarding power -- maybe he means she's strong? Well, that's true... but really irrelevant right now! So she just nods breathlessly, and fervently hopes he doesn't stop! Shane bites his bottom lip and nods, having to shift his hips to keep from being utterly uncomfortable. He knows this can feel strange and uncomfortable the first time, so he makes sure Cinnamon is utterly and blissfully distracted. Every single thing he remembers her liking from last night is brought to bear: every teasing stroke of his tongue, every playful nuzzle, every nearly-lewd kiss... and as his lips close around the slippery pearl of her clitoris, a warm, exploratory finger slips inside her body. Again his eyes are on her, watching for her reaction. Cinnamon's eyes fly wide open as she squeaks and stiffens up, her back arching a bit -- though it's a reaction of mingled surprise and pleasure, rather than fear or pain. Her thoughts are a tumbling mess -- everything feels sososo! Good! She pants a bit, and the slightly bemused thought floats through her head: maybe it's time (after all this loveliness) to go do some research on-line on what all exactly is... 'down there'?

If Shane could actually purr, he would. As it is, the sound he makes is obviously one of pure satisfied pleasure. That's not trying to get away -- that's a reaction of 'Holy hell that feels surprisingly nice!' So, he keeps right on doing it... adding a second finger as his tongue and lips concentrate on the tight, sensitive nerve endings. He also turns his palm up, his talented, slightly callused fingertips finding a spot inside to stroke as the in-and-out rhythm matches that of the suction and lapping... and at the same time, the little dragon's eager, smitten lover makes yet another mental note to thank his trodmate!

The sounds Cinnamon makes, and the way she arches and gasps and whimpers, have Shane's own half-beansidhe senses in overdrive. He's really quite glad he'll have time doing aftercare to... (*ahem*) calm the fuck down because holy hell is his acushla magnificent in her pleasure! It's obvious in the way she clutches at the sheets and squirms, her entire body rocking so unselfconsciously that she's utterly lost to sensation. Well... after all, Shane did go from 'Let me show you how orgasms feel' to 'This is how a dual clitoral-and-g-spot orgasm feels' -- and from how she's clenching around his fingers and babbling incoherently, that's definitely what's happening!

Shane raises his head a short while later, beaming and panting, when she starts making those 'too much' sorts of sounds and pressing her thighs together. He leaves his hand in place, letting her hold him still there as he slips back up to lie next to her. Resting his forehead against hers, he murmurs, "That's my gorgeous, amazing a ghr�... are you okay?" Cinnamon just pants, still wide-eyed and slightly shocky feeling... wow, she'd thought last night was amazing, but... golly, how much more of this can she take?! The slightly irreverent thought hits her: [but what a great way to go!] and she can't help giggling breathlessly at Shane's soft query! 'Okay'? No... no, she's not okay -- she's... golly, she's feeling absolutely utterly amazing!

Shane gently -- very gently -- extracts his hand so he can wrap both arms around Cinnamon and rest his chin atop her head, smiling, "Mmmm. Thank you for that, acushla. I didn't want to push you too far last night." The heat and hardness of him nudging against her hip is ample evidence he really did enjoy himself. "Now, you just snuggle on in here and float as long as you need."

It does take a while for Cinnamon's breathing and heartbeat to even out, but eventually she sighs very deeply and contentedly, leaning against Shane. This must be real, actual sex! Though... hmm... she knows the p-pe- er... that there's, um, more... insertion... stuff? -- at least from what she's heard, though she usually avoids reading about it. Well! She happily decides that's another bit of on-line research she can do, maybe! She has no idea her own naivete is likely to trip her up when she tries using google search, of course... right now she's simply thoughtfully licking her lips and wondering if Shane would mind if she, ahhh... tried to give him some good feelings too? Though... wow, she really hopes he really-really enjoys the, er, touching down there... because she'd like to at least try to give him delicious feelings vaguely commensurate with what he just gave her!

Much later, Cinnamon discovers her spontaneous 'code phrase' of "want to make snackies with me?" is a very helpful euphemism... in that she can now ask Shane -- even in public, sometimes! -- if he'd like to come have some sex with her... without her devolving into stuttering incomprehensibility! Of course, she's also careful to always (slightly nervously) ask, "Is this okay?" right after reaching for him, or resting a hand on his thigh, and before she really starts anything... and she hasn't yet quite twigged that sex does not have to be transactional -- as in, she doesn't have to 'pay back' Shane for every orgasm she receives, or vice versa. Despite not knowing that, she finds she really-really enjoys seeing her sweetheart enjoy himself... and for some unfathomable reason (to her) he... seems to like seeing her enjoy herself too? So, as long as he doesn't seem to mind, Cinnamon will excitedly 'make snacks' with her beloved just as often as he allows -- as in, when they go to bed, just before sleep... when they wake up, if Shane doesn't have anyplace he has to immediately be... even sometimes during lunchtime, should Shane come over to the little dragon's cottage for the meal!
Of course, Shane himself is quite happy as well. He often finds himself trying not to laugh, because he doesn't want her to take it wrong -- but he too finds great joy in sex, so her being so enthusiastic is wonderful. Admittedly, while he can be all eager and 'nownownow!' sometimes too, he also wants to take time and explore first. In fact, he's starting to realize something no one could have warned him about, for the simple reason that Liam (the only person who knew) is now deceased. What is gradually dawning on the half-beansidhe is that a happy, excited, and enthusiastically in-love young dragon is... very, very energetic -- to the point that, Shane amusedly realizes, having another partner might be really helpful... to ensure he gets some rest!

After such a lovely beginning to her day, Cinnamon hugs Shane tightly before he heads off to run some errands for friends... and then she too patters off for her own work. Much later, in the afternoon, she decides to have a nice spring tea at Esm�'s little shop... where she sort of stumbles across Hilde and Torben seated there. Initially the little dragon just beams and waves at them, since she figures they're snuggling and courting together -- she knows if Shane were here, after all, she'd be doing that too! But when Hilde waves her over and the couple invite her to sit with them, Cinnamon is happy to do so. She doesn't immediately realize, of course, that Hilde's feeling a bit nervous again about Torben's gentle but determined courtship, and has invited a third over to lessen it somewhat... so the little dragon happily chatters with the lj�s�lfar about how things are going, and what a lovely spring it's becoming, and things like that. Then, in a moment of quiet, Cinnamon curiously checks with the calmly smiling man, "So, um, Torben? Is it okay to... to ask you questions about leylines when Hilde's present? I know you wanted it kept quiet, but, um... I... I figured it's... maybe okay to ask when it's just the three of us?"

Torben smiles and reaches to squeeze Hilde's hand, voice warm and deep, "I will answer any question when Hilde is here, unless it is one which someone has specifically asked to have kept in confidence. She's aware of leylines."

Hilde nods, "Oh, j�. I just can't walk them."

Cinnamon looks relieved, "Oh, awesome! Okay then." She takes a moment to sort out her thoughts... then leans forward to earnestly ask, "So... I figure walking leylines is a... a talent? A knack? -whatever, sorry -- something that, um, you can either do or can't do, which is why I'm not pestering you to teach me. But! I do have a really important question: could you walk the leylines while sitting on a dragon? Or walking next to me as a dragon? I'm asking 'cause Ma- uh, b-because I know sidhe are really harmed by steel, right? So... would walking a leyline be a viable way to move them easily across the country, say -- if we were really-really careful and either stuck close to you, or you were being carried by me?!" She pauses for a heartbeat, remembering that she too has an affiliation with Earth... and curiously adds, "Or... actually, can you teach leyline walking?" She grins wryly at herself -- she really shouldn't assume!

Torben hmms, "It can be taught to someone who is strongly earth-aligned. Shane could likely learn, but walking them with someone who is not earth-aligned can harm them. You can literally yank them into pieces." He smiles warmly at her, "I can hear how badly you want this to be something to be a solution for that particular weakness." He shakes his head, "But they would actually not be safe from iron while walking the leylines. Some of them literally go through iron deposits. I am safe doing it because..." He shrugs. Lj�s�lf: immune to iron. Shane: immune to iron. Torben continues, "Those sidhe who walk them are very careful which ones they choose and how far along them to go."

Cinnamon sighs wistfully, sagging back in her chair a bit, "Well... crabcakes!" She frowns consideringly, "So to be safe, I'd need to... to be air aligned, I guess. But... I still don't know how to tell if someone has affinities for -- forrr..." She goes silent and staring off into the distance, her mouth still slightly open as her thoughts gallop madly through her head... until her eyes widen with excitement, "Oh! Ohmygosh, oh wow, oh, I think I get it!" She beams dazzlingly at Hilde and Torben, "That's it! That must be it -- the reason I can carry significantly more weight than I am myself, while flying -- oh, a-and not have people just wipe off while I'm carrying them too -- as a dragon, I must have an attunement with air too!"

Torben nods, "That would make sense... you're a flying creature. A lot of the spirit beasts which fly have an air attunement. It would only make sense."

Cinnamon nearly glows with excitement, bouncing slightly in her chair, "Ooh how cool that is so neat wow so how do you tell if you have a water attunement do you know anyone who does can you swim the leylines maybe that way?! -o-or -- or fly them?!"

Torben chuckles and shakes his head, "Leylines are intrinsically earth. Even the underwater ones are in the ocean bed, not in the water. They're in the earth under the water. They aren't water-attuned."

Cinnamon sighs wistfully, then nods with resignation, "Okay then. Well... w-well, I'll keep working on the problem, I guess..." She grins shyly at Hilde as she adds, "The box worked really-really well too, Hilde -- I don't know if Marcus told you?"

Hilde nods and grins, "He did. He joked a bit about Thorn not being his choice for a snuggle-pal, but that he was glad it was so solid." Cinnamon is startled into a laugh at that! She giggles, cheerfully relating some of the amusing difficulties in balancing the disassembled box so it wouldn't shift disorientingly while Cinnamon was flying everyone across the US... and the conversation drifts comfortably into friendly chatting as Hilde and Cinnamon both -- though for very different reasons -- learn more about Torben... and he, about them as well.

The news doesn't come through directly... but Spice meets with Cinnamon one day, after doing some errands -- and snorts, "I think Aoi's being a fuckin' petty bitch, bosslady. She literally turned her goddamn nose up at me and pretended she didn't even see me when I saw her just now. I stopped in at Himeko's shop -- and the fuckin' tea is that Aoi thinks you caused her to lose face! She's feeling slighted."

Cinnamon blinks at Spice, "She's... trying to hurt you because she's mad at me? Huh... how weird." The little dragon makes a point, after that, of stopping at Himeko's little store -- both to purchase some incense and to thank the kind-hearted shopkeeper for her invaluable assistance in reaching out to Aoi. The little dragon is also half-hoping to see Aoi as well! When she spots the phoenix there, talking to Himeko, Cinnamon is very publicly excited to get to politely and gratefully thank Aoi for her invaluable assistance on Nusantara... such that the phoenix can't really snub the little dragon, while everyone is watching, without appearing rude.

It starts, curiously enough, with Snow. Of course, Cinnamon had just returned from her extremely successful month in Nusantara, and put her request on the official council agenda for the next meeting, asking everyone to please check and see if their peoples had room for refugees from Nusantara -- and that was something Snow strongly felt Aoi should have been more aware of and/or helping with. Aside from that, Snow already has several other examples of (relatively) new council members doing amazing, strange, or revelatory things, too -- so she is, in a way, inspired to do her bit also.

Once she had her idea, she went first to Nasteexo and Dejiyo: as a wife-husband team, they felt the most 'right' to her, of the former reveal faction. From them, the idea spread: Jalil and Marcus were spoken to next, and they too thought the idea was a good one. Jalil thought Snow should next meet with Elias and Cinnamon, while Marcus suggested Cinnamon and (oddly enough) Sparrow.

It's when Cinnamon is included in the discussions, though, that the little dragon unwittingly introduces a bit of a hitch in the slowly-developing conceptualization: "So... hang on, please? We're talking about introducing a resolution at the next council meeting -- a resolution that Aoi should either resign, or hand over all her peoples except for the specifically Han Chinese... with the Taiwanese and Japanese supernaturals given the option to make their own choices, right?" She glances around at all the nods, then takes a deep breath before earnestly adding, "Okay, I think it might be a good idea too -- don't get me wrong! -- but... won't this be just another huge loss of face for Aoi? I mean, she's... kinda proud, right? So if she thought we were all turning on her by forcing such a ginormous public shaming on her, then... well, wouldn't she try to fight it like tooth and nail?" She grins nervously, "Even if really elegantly?"

Snow thinks quietly and musingly before speaking in her gentle, somehow earthy voice, "We could go to her in private. Perhaps we could go to say we have concern for her... because we do have that concern. Even if it's not the whole truth, it is still some of it!" Snow holds her head up with conviction. She came in, after all, to replace a mutinous, cruel councilor -- so she strongly feels councilors are meant to be responsible to their peoples! "It is quite painfully clear Aoi is falling down there! Why? Is she too busy? Does she have too many people? Is she ill? Can we help her in some way?"

Cinnamon considers that... then nods slowly, "That... okay, I could see that working, actually? Though... who would you want to take with you?" It simply doesn't occur to her that Snow won't want to be there. The little dragon is still recovering from years of corporate life -- where good ideas are often jealously hoarded by those who have or can steal them!

Snow sounds surprised, "I will not be going! She would see me as wanting to steal her people. I think perhaps you and Elias should go with Nasteexo and Dejiyo. You are all people who do not share a continent with her."

Cinnamon blinks at that, her voice astonished, "Me?! Why would she listen to me, though? You folks are all wise and experienced -- not me!"

Elias smiles, using his gentle teacher's voice, "Dearling, it was you who was critical in capturing all three of the brothers who were murdering supernaturals... remember?"

Jalil laughs! His alien eyes are dancing with firelight as he spreads his hands, "Alas, our little dragon has an excellent point. After all, we are indeed much older than she, and have persuaded Aoi to teach us new things! -- despite her having had a portion of her people petition us to take responsibility for them, away from Aoi! ...oh, wait, your pardon, esteemed colleagues; that was Cinnamon." His grin widens as he holds up a lecturing finger, "But fear not! We were able to handily resolve practically all the awaiting issues of those peoples in a timely... er... apologies, I believe that too was Cinnamon!" His voice is almost affectionate as he grins at Cinnamon, "Shall I mention your somehow persuading Aoi to graciously accept your thanks for her able assistance -- after you returned from solving Nusantara's issues? When we all know she previously haughtily snubbed one of your people as a stand-in for you... and that she quite likely had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with your successes?"

Cinnamon almost gapes in astonishment at Jalil -- then blinks and hastily adjusts her glasses, "I, b-bu- that, er... w-wait, you make it sound a lot more, though, that it really was! Er..." she blinks at the other quietly smiling entities present, "...r-right?"

Nasteexo is riding a young Columbian man; they grins and snort, "He tell nothin' but de trut', chile. Oh, but we hunt down and smoke out a corrupt councilor what cause... oh, wait, no -- again, dat Cinnamon!"

The little dragon blushes hotly! She looks a bit anxious, "But I, umm... b-but... w-wasn't that... a good thing?!"

Snow smiles almost affectionately at Cinnamon, "That is the idea. They are teasing, but gently."

Cinnamon blinks at Snow, then glances a bit trepidatiously at the others. All she gets back is smiles and quietly encouraging nods though -- and they feel genuine to her. She shivers once, nervously reviewing... then takes a deep breath, "I, um... o-okay then. If... if you all really feel that way, then... th-then I'll do it!" Hastily she adds, "But only w-with Elias and Nasteexo and -- and Dejiyo, okay? P-please?"

Elias reaches over with his (to those who know him) avuncular though somewhat pointy smile, and squeezes her hand, "We will go with you, child. It will be better if there are people there." She squeezes gently back, with real relief on her face!

In the end, it is decided Thorn should also be included -- healers are considered quite auspicious, after all, to supernaturals! The group arrives early in the morning at Aoi's home, and make their way through the complex garden in the reverent and quiet way in which it's meant to be experienced -- after all, it will hurt none of them to be in a meditative and appreciative frame of mine when they arrive. They are met at the door by Aoi's doorman, who bows low to them all but seems perplexed by so many esteemed councilors on the doormat, all at once... and, forgive this humble one, but has he forgotten a scheduled visit? Cinnamon grins shyly as she returns the bow and replies in English, followed by courteous Japanese, that the group arrives not for an appointment, but rather out of their shared care and feeling for the Imperial Phoenix Aoi. Might she have a moment for them to speak?

The little dragon is the one replying, due to Nasteexo and Elias both gently encouraging her on the walk over, to talk for them until they meet with Aoi. Cinnamon had agreed, on the condition that they (as the older and wiser -- and therefore also more diplomatic -- councilors) be the ones to lay out the issue for Aoi. She's not aware that both elder statespersons suspect she's also the one most likely to actually get them in to see Aoi, due to her extreme youth, general innocence, and current friendly status with the phoenix!

The suspicion that Cinnamon is the one most likely to be forgiven for a rude intrusion is correct. The doorman bows back and replies in three languages -- Chinese, Japanese, and English -- that of course they should come in and wait while the great and shining Phoenix is told of their visit. He will bring them refreshments as well, as it may take some time for her to be ready for her unexpected friends. Cinnamon beams as she thanks the doorman, then patters quietly along after him, with her companions. They are shown into a reception chamber with places for them to sit and rest. There are plants and a small fountain in the center. The little dragon ooohs with quiet pleasure at the lovely room... though due to her now slightly more knowledgeable current condition, she also wonders internally if most of Aoi's rather large compound is due to the 'stretching' magicks Caradog uses on the street... and how much does that cost the phoenix? -and... does she really need all the space? Or is it just to look pretty? Glancing around the pleasant, peaceful room, Cinnamon wonders puzzledly: just how many servitors does Aoi actually have?

Just a few moments later the visitors are brought fresh fruit and juices, along with water. They aren't brought tea, but they are brought -- perhaps a bit oddly -- hot cocoa. The room is pleasant and scented of jasmine and something else slightly smoky and sweet... and they wait. And wait. Cinnamon sips her juice and nibbles her fruit and reviews her (admittedly somewhat limited, since it's mostly modern) cultural knowledge of China: why would Aoi have hot cocoa served? She finally puzzledly asks, "Hey, um, people? Isn't cocoa a... New World product? So, like, there wouldn't be any ancient meanings attached to it, right? So..." Her voice trails off as she ponders

It's Elias who smiles wryly and explains his suspicions in his quiet, gentle teacher's voice, "It is possible -- barely -- that she's trying to honor Nasteexo as being nearly as old as she is by offering a New World beverage. It is cold out, in early spring, and cocoa is warm and comforting." The vampire is simply holding his cup, since he's been offered nothing he can eat nor drink. "But the real reasoning is staying within the bounds of hospitality -- food and drink -- but not true esteem. Had it been true esteem, there would have been different food offered -- and tea. Food to warm us and tea to show true esteem. I think she's still feeling a bit slighted, but not enough to outright insult us, dearheart."

Cinnamon listens intently -- she has a lot of respect for her uncle- or father-equivalent, after all -- but then blinks at his words. She looks oddly disappointed as she nods once, then goes back to her juice... though a moment later she murmurs very softly -- softly enough that ears outside the room wouldn't hear, "What a shame she feels she has to play games like that..."

Nasteexo shakes their head. Today she's riding a young Jamaican woman with skin so dark it nearly shines blue in places. Her accent has that island lilt to it, "Doan worry yo' head, chile. Take a lot t' insult me like dis. She poutin' a li'l... got 'er feelin's hurt. We here t' soothe dat." Her smile is soft and bright, very white teeth against dark skin and cherry-painted lips.

Cinnamon smiles shyly at Nasteexo, feeling oddly better. She's quietly glad, as she sips her juice, that she suggested Thorn come along. Not only is it polite to have an official healer there... but from her readings, she knows it's auspicious too. She's also glad, however, that Iason suggested the group visit Aoi on the Infirmary's slowest day of the week -- she'd feel absolutely terrible if Aoi's petty games kept Thorn pointlessly idly while he was desperately needed! Indeed, the little group is kept waiting long enough that Cinnamon starts reviewing her daily calendar in her mind, making sure she has her to-do list all up to date... and idly wishing she'd thought to bring her laptop with her.

Just at the point it would be obviously rude even to a Westerner, the doorman comes to let them know Aoi is ready to see them, bowing very low and motioning them all to follow him deeper into the compound. Cinnamon had been mentally debating with herself: had she actually removed the laptop from her bag, earlier? Would it be rude to check and see? -- when the doorman arrives. The little dragon grins to herself as she patters along with Thorn, behind the elder statesfolks -- possible potential rudeness deflected! Considering how far they walk, there definitely has to be some magic at work to keep this place within Coblyn's confines... though whether Aoi does it herself, or pays Caradog for the privilege, is something that would have to be asked or researched. When the little group is shown into an opulent receiving chamber, they find cushions on the floor to sit on -- and Aoi herself seated on a very slightly raised platform, on cushions of her own. There is also an ornate golden perch beside her, pointing up the fact she's also -- at least part of the time -- the magnificent phoenix.

Cinnamon blinks at seeing the room they're shown to, feeling simultaneously a bit awed and a bit... dubious? -- about Aoi. This is... really pretentious! Is having three councilors over at once really that important... or is Aoi trying to show off... or something? Fairness makes the little dragon hastily review: has she ever had three councilors turn up unexpectedly? As she makes her greeting courtesies with her companions, then seats herself, Cinnamon decides that yes, she's had more than three councilors simultaneously over at her place (Elias, Aisling, Sparrow, Hilde, and Josie all at once count, right?) -- but they weren't really unexpected, in that Cinnamon actually really enjoys having them over. So... hmm, no; Cinnamon doesn't worry about getting all dolled up and/or being impressive at those times -- oh, and Marcus and Jaeger too! The elder is a former councilor, so surely he sorta counts too? -- er, where was sh- ah! She doesn't worry about seeming more important when folks arrive -- she worries about making sure they feel warm, comfortable, and welcome!

Thorn's thoughts go through a similar whirlwind as Cinnamon's. He can tell Aoi is attempting to establish some sort of social dominance -- this just cements the idea that she's annoyed that Cinnamon and the others have somehow ticked her off... or even outright (however mildly) offended her. As a Westerner he's never had much truck with the complicated, ceremonial acts, but he recognizes them as necessary... especially in a society where magic -- ceremonial and otherwise -- is so tied into the fabric of society. Still, he thinks, it would be far easier if Aoi just came out and said what was torquing her off!

The beginning of the meeting is carefully courteous and a bit stilted, due to Chinese/Asian formality... and also fraught with emotion. Not only is Aoi not stupid, she's also unhappy to have her 'weakness' apparently so publicly visible! The three (or four, if you count Dejiyo, despite his mostly-silence) elder statesbeings politely argue back and forth about proper behavior and support of one's charges and whether asking for help is truly losing face. Eventually, Aoi becomes so agitated that a bit of flame flares from her eyelashes and the tips of her fingers. That makes Elias' own eyes flash as he jerks instinctively backward -- from one of the very few things that are potentially fatal to him.

Cinnamon watches with silent, bright-eyed fascination, doing her best to understand and learn about this type of diplomacy. However, at that flash of fire near one of her oldest and dearest friends (who is also most closely seated to the potential danger), she reacts instinctively -- and simply consumes/inhales all the fire in the room! Of course, she immediately apologizes for doing so, since she knows Aoi is a fire being. Aoi is used to being so ancient that almost nothing can override her powers -- so she's shocked, appalled, and (though she would never admit it even to herself) somewhat frightened. The little dragon's explanation, though, is eminently reasonable, as she bows and explains, "Please forgive my hasty action, honored phoenix. It is only that I was concerned for our respected Elias, and knew you would not wish the embarrassment of having -- however accidentally -- harmed a fellow councilor." She's a bit perplexed, though -- she's getting a really unpleasant taste/smell on her tongue... and she's pretty sure it's from Aoi! It's slowly increasing, too: a bad-tasting mix of anger... is that fear? -and... huh, she's not sure what that last one is. It will only occur to her much later: she's smell/tasting desperation as well, from Aoi. As she ponders, Cinnamon realizes Elias must be getting the scent too... though probably no one else is, since they have human noses. Still, that begs the question: what on earth is really going on with the phoenix?!

Aoi maintains what she believes to be a calm and haughty facade as Cinnamon explains she meant no harm... which only points up that Aoi was losing control -- which just further serves to cause her to lose face! When Nasteexo gently inquires as to whether the phoenix is feeling all right, Aoi reverts to her roots, snapping her reply out in Mandarin Chinese. Cinnamon blinks at that, but then reflexively begins translating. Her tone is smooth and even, just like she's done at council meetings for everyone... and though she doesn't realize it, that actually calms things down for a few moments, as the conversation of necessity has to slow down, and everyone has more time to ponder their words. However, it's in the middle of translating one of Aoi's flowery deflections to Nasteexo's very pragmatic queries... that all the disparate clues click together in Cinnamon's brain! She goes still in mid-sentence, her lips still parted -- even as her brain is galloping along at a million mental miles a second, carefully cross-checking her data to make sure it matches her theory. Elias notices the vapor-lock a heartbeat later, laying a hand on his young friend's shoulder as he gently inquires, "Cinnamon, dear? Are you alright?" There's true concern in his voice. He's essentially adopted the little dragon since she's come to Coblyn, after all... since she's never had a true father-figure in her life.

Cinnamon blinks and automatically pushes up her glasses, her voice absent, "Uh-huh... think I figured it out, Elias!" -- and then her head swivels to stare at Aoi. The little dragon's voice is soft -- almost awed -- as she says, "It's... you. Isn't it. You need the rituals and worship from your people! And that's why you're doing less and less for them, over the years, too -- isn't it? You're conserving your energy... but there's not enough any more, is there? That's why you were so adamant about revealing no matter what, too, I bet! You want people to see you, to be awed and impressed... to worship you again -- the way you need them to!" She takes a deep breath, and can scent/taste the almost scary burst of both anger and... she's not sure what, though she'll learn later it's the scent of defeat. Aoi's eyes are flaring scarlet now, though oddly enough, the little dragon isn't afraid at all. She just continues quietly and steadily, as another piece of information clicks into place for her, "That's why you were willing to teach me the two tea ceremonies too, wasn't it -- and why you seemed more energized after them? -- because for those short hours, I was a sort of worshipper, and I was feeding you a lot of unwitting energy during that ritual!" She tilts her head consideringly as she adds, "Right?" Curiously, her last comment sounds more like a statement of fact... than a query.

Aoi raises her chin -- one does not bow before one's lessers, or younger upstarts -- and imperiously looks away from Cinnamon, even as Nasteexo and Elias start worriedly asking the still proud-looking Phoenix how they might help. Aoi is ever-so-charmingly deflecting, smiling a bit superciliously and insisting nothing at all is wrong, even as her desperation scent increases. Her body is stiffening despite her trying to hide it... and as Aoi reacts so dismissively, yet another piece of data clicks into place for Cinnamon: aren't the Chinese imperial symbols always the female phoenix... and the male dragon? But... the little Welsh dragon has never seen nor heard about another dragon here on Coblyn. Could he be in another of Aoi's compounds, in another enclave? But if so... why does the phoenix spend most of her time here? Did they argue or something?

To Thorn, Aoi seems on the verge of a panic attack, were she were human. He frowns slightly; he doesn't like the way she currently looks -- like she's... well, to put it bluntly: close to freaking out! He opens his mouth to say something to the effect that they should probably ease off a little, or something like that -- but then, glancing around curiously, Cinnamon asks, "Hey, Aoi? Where's your dragon? Er, you know... your, umm... the F�ng to your Hu�ng -- the yang to your yin?"

Of all the questions, all the challenges, all the oh-so-polite arguing... that turns out to be the camel-crushing straw! Aoi's facade crumbles, and the proud, beautiful phoenix's head whips around to stare wide-eyed at Cinnamon. Her lips tremble as she clutches her hands together, and her eyes clench closed so tightly that actual wrinkles appear at the corners of her eyes -- and she cries out in despair and anguish, "I -- I don't... know! I don't know anymore -- he left me!" There's an odd shimmer around her, as if something magical is struggling to stay in place... and then it's as if a cloak drops away as Aoi leaps to her feet and bolts out of the room. The deferential old man (who served them food and cocoa earlier) stares after her in shock, his mouth hanging open. A heartbeat later he pulls himself together enough to scramble to his own feet. He hastily backs out of the room, bowing several times and babbling in Mandarin Chinese: they must excuse the great Phoenix, please, she -- she doubtless remembered something important on her calendar that must be attended to immediately! -he is so sorry he will have someone show them out please wait here thank you so much he is so extremely apologetic -- and then he's gone, rushing out after Aoi.

Cinnamon reflexively translates the old man's hasty words... but then simply stares in open-mouthed awe after the fled phoenix. Nasteexo quietly murmurs, "Glad Shane ain' here, me. Dat boy have a t'ree-day migraine after alla dis."

Dejiyo murmurs back, "He'd have had a migraine an hour ago, with all the lies coming from Aoi."

It takes Cinnamon a few heartbeats of silence before her eyes widen and she glances a bit guiltily at everyone else, "Ohmygosh, folks, I... I'm s-so sorry! I totally d-didn't mean to... t-to... er..." She blinks bemusedly at the door again, mumbling to herself, "Did I do that?!"

Elias sighs, thinking to himself that Aoi and only Aoi is to blame for her bad decisions! He gently pats Cinnamon's hand and lets his own lie there as he murmurs quietly, "No, dearheart. I suspect it was more that she's been... avoiding thinking about all this for far too long. Being confronted head-on with it made it all come crashing down around her."

Cinnamon sighs in relief, her smile of thanks to Elias a bit shaky even as she relaxes a little. She glances back towards the empty doorway... but a moment later she blinks thoughtfully, "Um... hang on. Did... er, was it just me, or... or did something happen when Aoi left?" She frowns consideringly, "It was almost like... like she was still beautiful but not... not absolutely stunningly gorgeous?" Dejiyo shakes his bald head, calmly admitting he'd been looking at his wife -- but Nasteexo and Elias both nod thoughtfully, after some consideration. Cinnamon pushes up her glasses and blinks confusedly, "But... but if something like that can fall off, then... doesn't that mean it takes concentration to keep it on? Doesn't that, like... use energy? To do stuff like that?"

Thorn frowns slightly, "I would... say so? At least concentration; probably some sort of expenditure of energy...."

Cinnamon frowns consideringly, "Okay, so... wait, no -- that makes no sense! If she's already short on energy, then why on earth would she... why would she, like, waste it on pointless stuff like that? I mean, she doesn't need to look gorgeous, obviously -- she's already beautiful! Why waste energy she desperately needs on... on nothing more than silly vanity?"

Thorn replies, "Unless she doesn't think of it as vanity...."

Cinnamon gives Thorn a wry glance, "Unless she needs to be gorgeous instead of beautiful to just survive... it really kinda is, don't you think? She's not stupid, too -- she must know that...?"

Aoi's voice is carefully calm, not quite flat, as she slowly re-enters the room, "I... it was for my people... so they could look up to me and see, not just beauty... but perfection." She hesitates, then raises her chin slightly, "I would not expect you to understand, child... but goddesses are not... plain."

Cinnamon blinks, the wry expression still on her face -- has she just been insulted? She takes a moment to study Aoi carefully, now the glamour has fallen away. Hmm... nope, the phoenix really is beautiful... even if she looks a little tired right now. In Cinnamon's admittedly prejudiced opinion, the glamour really isn't necessary! Unfortunately, thinking back... Cinnamon can't remember, off the top of her head, a single supposed deity she's spent any decent amount of time with, so far... that came across as a truly good person! Further, the little dragon is quite well aware she herself is neither a beauty, nor a goddess -- so Aoi trying to insult her is really a ridiculously low bar for the phoenix to aspire to! That makes Cinnamon grin and sturdily reply, "Well, I guess you're right that I don't understand... because I don't want to use my looks to lie to people. If I have any beauty at all, I want it to be real -- I want to be an honest and helpful and true person inside! I want to be someone that's worth getting to know and care about. I want to care about who other people are too, on the inside where it's real... not be all huffy about whether they're pretty enough or... or something equally ridiculous!"

Cinnamon tilts her head consideringly, even as Aoi draws a haughty, affronted breath for reply -- and then the little dragon continues firmly, "I also wouldn't be so ridiculous as to waste precious energy gifted to me by my friends! If they were generous enough to do something so wonderful, then as a responsible councilor... wouldn't it be my duty to share it with those in need? -rather than just hoarding it all to myself? -and if I... if people offered me something so precious, and I just hogged it all to myself, then... then isn't that just me being selfish and greedy?"

Aoi tries for haughty -- but mostly sounds rather desperate, "I... I bless my worshippers! I give back to them!"

Cinnamon considers that... then softly replies, "But... I bet it's only the Han Chinese you share with... right? Not with all of your people?" Her quiet voice is wry again as she adds, "Though I'm sure you do it for the best of reasons... like, if there's not enough to go around, you should only share with those... what? Those who are most like you? Those you want to give you more energy? Something else?" The little Welsh dragon frowns consideringly at another thought, "The, umm... imperial dragon? Is that what he's called?" She tilts her head thoughtfully at Aoi, "Do you know why he left?"

Aoi is silent for a long, still moment... but she's faced with five entities who are quite comfortable with internal silence. Consequently, it's she who breaks and speaks first... however softly, slowly, and reluctantly, "I... yes." She goes quiet again, closing her eyes... then finally continues, "He... he came to me and kissed my brow. He said... he realized there wasn't enough energy any more, and he would not ask me to make do with less... so he was going to hide himself away with his draconic court, and hibernate. Then he simply looked at me for a long moment... and left." When she opens her eyes again, they're brimming with tears, "That was the last time I saw him -- or the lesser dragons -- for... over a century now. He did not return, and I could not find him." She glances away, her voice mournful, "It was only apropos, I thought, the world should descend into the chaos of worldwide war, after that dreadful loss of harmonic balance. I've done the best I could, but... I need my partner of yang to balance my yin."

Cinnamon sits silently with the others, considering even as she gives Aoi a moment to pull herself together -- to (as Cinnamon belatedly realizes) grieve. The little dragon isn't grieving, though -- her thoughts are racing a mile a minute again! She doesn't know what anyone else is thinking, but she can't help glancing at the warmly married couple of Nasteexo and Dejiyo, and wonder: did Aoi actually love her dragon at all? Or was he just... just there, the person she expected and/or deserved to be partnered with? Would there have been enough energy for the both of them, had Aoi not felt the need to magically 'pretty herself up'? Heck, what else has she been wasting such a precious resource on?! Cinnamon sighs frustratedly, still wondering: did the dragon maybe say he wouldn't ask her to make do with less... because internally he felt it was more proper she should offer, rather than that he would demand? For that matter, how hard did Aoi really look for him -- or did she even look at all?! Heck, was that last long look from the dragon, before departure, really just a wistful hope that she'd care enough about him, rather than her silly vanity... to maybe actually share with him?

Cinnamon sighs again, firmly making herself stop this hamster-wheel of confusion about the Chinese dragon -- she has other things she needs to understand right here and now! To Aoi, she says, "I'm a bit confused still -- sorry. Um, when you get energy from worshippers, is that... like, do the rituals actually take anything from them, while you're receiving it?"

It's like watching a reluctant statue move -- Aoi's slow, unwilling nod feels almost as if it is pulled from her, as she murmurs, "...sometimes."

Cinnamon's eyes widen in outrage -- Aoi is stealing life from her worshippers that aren't Chinese?! -- but then Nasteexo lightly lays her hand over Cinnamon's, and gives the upset little dragon a quiet, sad smile. Cinnamon sighs, deflating a little at Nasteexo's gentle smile. Sometimes... clearly, sometimes people do things they'd really rather not, she knows... because for some reason they feel they just have to. She sighs again as she looks down at her (to her) short, fat, pale hand under Nasteexo's lovely, delicate, dark-skinned one, and wonders... could another dragon more successfully track dragons than, say, a phoenix could? But... even if Cinnamon can find the imperial dragon... would there be enough energy for them today? Though -- wait, no -- shelve that for now! Got more important things to worry about, currently. The little dragon looks up at Aoi again, and asks a question she hopes will get the lovely but ethnocentric phoenix to think... without hammering on her about how wrong this is -- because to Aoi, this may not seem wrong! This time there's a hint of pity in Cinnamon's voice as she says, "So if you're taking without really giving back, Aoi... how is that different from Killa actually eating the children of his people?" She knows, after all, that Aoi may vote with Killa... but the aristocratic phoenix clearly almost despises him for what she sees as his brutal and uncivilized nature.

Aoi yet again attempts to dissemble, chin once again going up as she loftily explains: Cinnamon is yet young and may not fully comprehend the dignity inherent in the position of councilor! Dejiyo snorts, about to say something -- but Nasteexo smiles and lightly lays her hand on his so he too doesn't speak. Like Elias, she's quietly delighted both to see Cinnamon blossoming like this... and so ably defending humans to Aoi! To the lwa, Aoi's lack of action for the people she is responsible for is incomprehensibly thoughtless -- not to mention cruel. The lwa, after all, borrow their worshippers' very bodies... but they also gives back in so, so many ways. Nasteexo, for example, isn't seen by her followers as a goddess so much, as rather a sort of powerful and benevolent saint.

Cinnamon raises an eyebrow at Aoi's deflections and excuses! She considers for a bit, then wryly replies, "Actually... I honestly think that really depends on how one defines the dignity of the position, Aoi! I mean, we know both Qadan and Killa, as an example, both seem really big on being councilors, and on their dignity... at least as I think you're defining it? But at the same time, in just the last year Killa actually tried to throw out both a new councilor, and a valid ambassador -- all just because they didn't meet his expectations! Even worse, Qadan was a crazy murderer! He actually tried to kill all the council -- including you! -- as well as an awful lot of the folks living on Coblyn. So... so, yeah, I'm pretty sure I don't want to be that kind of dignified... at all!" She takes a deep breath, starting to feel a smidge indignant as she adds, "And if we're talking dignity, then... then look at Sparrow! He doesn't act dignified at all in council, true -- but did you know all the money he makes for being a councilor goes to his people?" She presses the point, her eyes narrowed, "Did you know they clearly love him, too? Heck, even Marcus! -I mean, yes, all of Southern Europe ending up hating him because he was so freaking 'dignified' -- but he's learned! He's changed now, I think! Even he seems to be doing a new kind of dignity, in council -- because now it seems he can actually admit when he's wrong -- he actually apologized for it, and said he was going to try to do better!"

Cinnamon scowls for a moment... but then sighs, remembering how pathetic it really is to be so scared of reality... like Aoi currently is. The little dragon studies the phoenix silently for a few seconds, and there's almost pity in her eyes as she quietly adds, "So if what you mean by 'you don't understand the dignity of the position' is that I deeply and visibly care for all the world's supernaturals, and will do my best to bust my chops for them however they most need... and I don't sit on a pedestal and expect to be worshiped and slavishly treated like a god... then yes, Aoi, you are right -- but to me, that's not dignity. That's more like... like arrogance or indifference... coldness; not caring about those who depend on me. That's a version of dignity that I will always try not to be."

Elias' eyes are warm. He daren't smile, partially because it can often be seen as a threat -- but also because he doesn't want Aoi to feel as though she's lost yet more face. Dejiyo manages to stay neutral, but Nasteexo nods solemnly along in agreement. Aoi's voice is calm but chilly, "I see." She breathes in slowly, then adds, "I see we all have things to think on." She stands from where she had reseated herself, adding, "My doorman will see you out." This time, her retreat is more dignified -- but it is most definitely a retreat.

Cinnamon sighs gustily once Aoi has departed, then glances apologetically at her companions, "Umm... I guess... I mean... sorry? I really didn't mean to drive her off...?"

This has happened almost too fast for Thorn to parse -- but by the time Aoi perfunctorily dismisses them, he's gotten the gist of what's going on. He can't think of anything that would get Aoi to come back to the table, but at least she (barely) acknowledged there was something she should think on. Whether she actually does think... and the idea that sometimes -- sometimes -- worship takes something from the worshipper... he intends to get that into his (encrypted) notes just as soon as diplomatically possible! "You didn't," he says quietly to Cinnamon. "She drove herself off." The little dragon throws a grateful glance at Thorn, rising with the others as the doorman arrives. The curious thought occurs to her: where would a dragon and his court hide from Aoi? Hmm... someplace the highly civilized phoenix would consider 'ugly,' probably.

The little group of Elias, Nasteexo and Dejiyo, Thorn, and Cinnamon follow the nervous little doorman out, with Elias murmuring, "Perhaps we can find her other half..."

It's not until they're out on the street again that Cinnamon shares her thought with the others. She considers a bit more, then adds, "Someplace that's not lush and green and carefully tended and gardened and built into elaborate temples by devoted worshippers! Someplace where the local supernaturals are friendly and will help him curl up and hibernate for a while... but not where local humans are likely to stumble over them all -- or where Aoi might stumble over them either, actually! Someplace hard to get to, but not a place that might actually harm her... what do you all think?"

Thorn shakes his head as he scribbles in his notebook, using the 'cockatrice scratch' that he uses when writing in code, "I don't know." He sighs, pausing, "There are a lot of places in the world that fit that bill."

Nasteexo considers, "Dere many places like dat inna world, ouais. But dat rule out anywhere unnerwater if you wannit not t' harm 'er. Water a big weakness fo' de Phoenix."

Elias considers, "She could possibly withstand the highest peaks...? After all, Fuji is sacred and often snow-capped... meaning he could be at Makalu, Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, K2, or Everest. But many of those are Asian."

Cinnamon considers that for a long moment... then muses, "I bet... someplace not in Asia? I mean, I'm just guessing here... but if he wants her to actually have to try a little to find him... Asia would be almost too easy?"

Dejiyo rumbles dryly, "Do you think he actually wishes to be found? Perhaps he is, in reality, hiding from her." Nasteexo nudges him, giving her husband a quelling look.

Cinnamon adds, still lost in thought, "-and a mountain... I mean, she is a flyer, right?" She frowns consideringly, "She's a fire element-type. So... what was the dragon? If I'm remembering correctly, he was air, right?" She thinks for a bit... then grins almost mischievously, "So what's the opposite of air and fire? Earth and water, right? But we're ruling out water -- even though I think a swamp would be perfect! -- since we don't want to hurt her. So... that leaves earth! So my guess is he's hidden somewhere in the earth -- the element, I mean, not the entire planet -- that's not in Asia at all. So that leaves... North and South America, Africa, Australia... hmm, Uluru, maybe? Umm... probably not Europe, since it's just a tiny peninsula slapped up against Asia... how's all that sound?" She hesitates, then adds a bit awkwardly, "Also... do we want to find him yet? I mean, in the sense of: do we have enough energy for him to thrive now?"

Elias says somewhat reluctantly, "It, ah... it may be time to have him take the seat for Asia."

Thorn blinks, looking to Elias, "How... how do you mean?"

Cinnamon too blinks at that, giving Elias a startled glance, "He -- b-but... oh... shoot." She sighs, deflating a little, "So... so we don't think poor Aoi can get better at all?" She hesitates, then adds, "Couldn't we... like, maybe give her a little bit? To see if she gets better at all? I mean, she may be a bit, um, thoughtless? -but... but she's not trying to murder everyone like Qadan, at least?"

After a thoughtful pause, Nasteexo muses, "P'raps... p'raps if he found, dis dragon, he help balance her. Dey share de seat, t'sais?"

Elias looks thoughtful, "Two people, one vote?"

Cinnamon looks hopeful, glancing at Elias, "Would that... er, I mean, I'd be okay with that?"

Nasteexo smiles and lays her hand on Dejiyo's arm, "It not de official case, but it what we actually do togedder."

Cinnamon grins at that, still delighted at having figured it out! She thinks the two lwa are so romantic together, too. Elias nods slowly, "It is a thing to consider... but only if he can be found."

Cinnamon beams at that -- but then looks anxious again, "Um, yeah... so... is there enough energy? Do we know? How do we tell?"

Elias replies, "We get her to let go of anything extraneous that's using the energy -- her glamour, and perhaps the size of her compound. I don't know if she's paying for it or holding it at that size herself."

Cinnamon looks shocked, "Oh, no! Surely she wouldn't..." -- but then the little dragon pauses, reflecting. Actually... she really has no idea if Aoi considers a luxurious compound to be part of her idea of 'perfection'!

Thorn asks, "Can that sort of energy even be quantified? I don't know. But if it can, it can be accounted for and measured."

Cinnamon shakes her head at that query, "I'm sorry, Thorny, but I have no idea!"

Nasteexo replies, "Can be t'ought of an' estimated, but not accounted for to de las' bit."

Thorn nods consideringly, while Cinnamon frowns thoughtfully, "Are there any deserts in South... wait, no. Killa would tell Aoi if he found anything like that, right? So... my guess is the imperial dragon won't go there. Okay, so... North America, Australia, Africa... probably not Antarctica, since I bet it takes as much energy just to stay alive there!" She narrows her eyes, "That's... Jalil, Sparrow -- no, wait, it was Lark then, and Jalil's water elemental predecessor, and Josie's father, and..." she blinks, looking at Nasteexo and Dejiyo, "and you two!" She grins uncertainly, "So, um, are you helping to hide the imperial dragon?"

Nasteexo smiles, "Nah, chile. Tell you if I was!"

Cinnamon laughs, hugging Nasteexo, then grins, "Then... I'm guessing he's in Sparrow's territory, because... from what I've heard, the water elemental was sort of go with the flow, so not good at resisting Aoi. Josie's father was worried about getting snappy then, too... but from what I've heard, Lark was a truly kind and helpful person. Does it sound to you all too that the imperial dragon might try her first, for a hiding place?"

Elias looks thoughtful, slowly nodding, "Going to earth... literally. Lark was a very gentle and helpful soul. Still is, I'm sure -- past-tense only in that she is no longer on the council."

Cinnamon nods at that, "Right, exactly!" -- then grins wryly as she adds, "Plus, I bet Aoi would absolutely refuse having to ask any of the Native American entities for help -- I bet she considers them really kinda uncivilized, compared to the Han, y'know?" She laughs, bouncing excitedly on her toes, "So should we ask Sparrow? Or... is it rude to ask, or what?"

Elias chuckles and puts a gentle hand on Cinnamon's shoulder, "My dear, Sparrow encourages bluntness. It's one of his favorite things... especially if it might cause discomfort for someone he considers to be excessively haughty."

Cinnamon laughs again at that! She grins, hugging Elias as well -- and then Dejiyo and Thorn too, "Thanks so much, all of you, for thinking I would be an okay person to have along! Umm... so, do we know if Sparrow's currently on the street?"

Nasteexo smiles, "See him earlier t'day, at de Vault doin' somet'in'. Prob'ly goan be at de pub if he not still at de Vault."

Cinnamon brightens at that, "Should we all go ask him right now?!" When excited, words like 'discretion' and 'slow reflection' really aren't part of the little dragon's vocabulary!

Elias shakes his head and chuckles, "Run along, children. I need to get my rest." Under all his careful, heavy, and protective day-wear, the vampire does actually look a bit tired.

Cinnamon blinks -- then apologizes, "Oh! I -- I'm so sorry, Elias! I wasn't thinking -- er, th-that's fine with me!" She gives Thorn a hopeful glance, "Can you come too, Thorny?" She beams at the lwa as she adds, "You two too?"

Nasteexo smiles, eyes crinkling, "Nah, nah. Godda get dis young lady home -- godda hot date, her!"

Thorn purses his lips in thought, then nods, "Sure, I'll come along!"

Cinnamon blinks startledly -- then squeaks in embarrassment, "Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, Nasteexo -- I f-forgot!" She's still pink as she grabs Thorn's hand, "Okay perfect that's great okay let's go right now okay?!" The little dragon hustles along the street towards Duille Darach, muttering to Thorn, "Ohmygosh that was so embarrassing how could I have forgotten that daylight's so hard on poor Elias and the lwa don't have all day to just hang around with me, eek!" A heartbeat later she brightens, adding, "Oh! Plus maybe we can get some lunch -- my tummy's growling already!" She beams, glancing around as she patters along next to Thorn, "Wonder if Shaney's busy right now...?"

Thorn chuckles softly, "I wouldn't worry about it, honest. Hmm, if I see him I'll sing out...."

Cinnamon grins happily up at Thorn, "Thanks!"

There's no need to try to find Shane, actually -- he's at the pub, picking up messages and chatting with the bartender. Sparrow is sprawled and eating in a corner booth, with apparently not a care in the world. Cinnamon brightens, her voice almost a squeak of excitement, "Shaney! Hihi! Wanna do lunch with Thorny and Sparrow and me?!" She darts over to give him a delighted hug, muffledly adding into his shirt, "We gotta question for Sparrow!" She's pleased Sparrow already knows about the talk with Aoi, from having been part of the little group Snow pulled together to discuss it. Cinnamon is slightly remorseful that Snow herself, Jalil, and Marcus can't be present as well... though it's a good bet they'll get messages sent to them by either Elias or the lwa.

Shane grins and wraps his arms tightly around Cinnamon, making a happy humming sound as he rocks with her and kisses the top of her head, "Always happy to spend time with you, a ghr�." He sighs warmly, and she can feel him relax.

Cinnamon also sighs happily and relaxes a bit... then nearly bounces as she grabs Shane's hand and attempts to hustle over to Sparrow's booth with the half-beansidhe, "Okay, yay! That's awesome let's go see -- hihi, Sparrow, is this a private lunch or can we join you?!" Shane isn't difficult to tug along at all, though he laughingly calls back to the barkeep that he'll finish picking up messages after he's done with lunch. Sparrow lets Cinnamon chatter, as he's already moving around to make room. The little dragon grins wryly as she adds, "Aoi wasn't in any hurry to see us which was apparently just her playing games but that's okay we did get to talk with her!" She glances around, adding thoughtfully, "Shame Marcus isn't here too, actually... or the others! Snow and Jalil, I mean..."

Sparrow grins as he replies, "Of course y'all are welcome, darlin'. You, your fella, and Thorn, all three -- ooor... four. Since apparently you wishin' him present has brought your other fe... ah, friend." Brown eyes twinkle as he nods toward the door -- where Marcus has just entered. Of course, the elf is there because his little network of runners let him know the meeting with Aoi was finally over -- and Cinnamon was seen entering the pub afterward!

Cinnamon happily helps Sparrow move things, though she blinks at his comment... then turns confusedly towards the door. At sight of Marcus, she brightens, "Oh, fantastic!" and calls, "Hey, Marcus! Got a moment?!" Of course, she blinks again a moment later as they're all seating themselves, and grins bemusedly at the elf, "Dude, how do you do that?! Always be there at the right moment, I mean?" She interrupts her curiosity to cheerfully give her order to Jack, who comes out and around the bar to find out what everyone wants. Once the entire table has ordered, the little dragon grins with clear relief at everyone present, "Whew! So glad to be out of there. Aoi is lovely but wow is she, um... way too deep into those, like... one-upsmanship games?"

Marcus smiles, blue eyes twinkling as he replies truthfully -- though also hedging slightly, "I'm just that good, Hase." Which is true, as he is indeed learning spycraft and statecraft... and then he sighs, "Aoi comes from an age where one-upsmanship was admired."

Cinnamon pushes up her glasses as she interestedly studies Marcus, "Really?! Oh, wow, that explains so much!" She pauses to thank Jack a moment later as he deftly serves everyone their drinks, and has a big swallow of her root beer... then sighs happily, "Yummy! Much better." In the same breath, she continues, "Yeah, she made us wait for like hours and hours to the point that I was actually wondering if it'd be rude to pull out my lappy and continue working on my plans for a Liam memorial party -- oh! -and she served us fruit and juice and hot cocoa! That was weird enough to me because it's a New World plant -- cocoa, I mean -- that I asked and it was Elias that pointed out it was most likely a small nose-thumb at us since the real welcome drink is tea so-" The little dragon chatters on cheerfully about the visit, checking in repeatedly with Thorn to make sure she's not forgotten anything... and slowing down only once the food arrives. She's truly hungry by now, so she asks Thorn to continue telling the story while she tidily devours her meal!

Thorn makes a quiet sound, "There are whole volumes, series of books, of etiquette and protocols that people in the past -- and some in the present -- have memorized... because it is simply what is done. It's like a language unto itself." He takes up the telling of the story when Cinnamon turns to her food, explaining that it eventually came out that Aoi was... unbalanced... literally, due to lacking the yellow dragon in her life.

Between Thorn and Cinnamon, the entire story of the meeting eventually comes out, concluding with, "-and then she said we all had things to think on... and just swept on out of the room!" Cinnamon adds a bit sadly, "She's... kinda scared, I think? Poor Aoi..."

Marcus only orders a hot, mulled cider for himself, explaining that he ate earlier. He listens to the story and shakes his head, "Not offering tea is a mild insult, yes. Offering cocoa instead could be... so many things." He sighs, "Aoi is definitely unbalanced." He leans back in his chair, actually tipping it back on its rear legs as he unconsciously mirrors what Shane is also doing. "I wouldn't be surprised if you're correct about the yellow dragon, Thorn. Some beings are meant to be balanced by another. Take father gods -- they need a mother goddess to balance them, or they invariably go off the rails."

Cinnamon nods interestedly at that... then grins at Marcus, "Well... we had a few further thoughts, as we were all leaving the meeting! Wanna hear?" Marcus and Sparrow both listen to the little dragon -- Sparrow with his signature smirk; Marcus with interest -- as Cinnamon happily runs through their reasoning on where to possibly find the imperial dragon and his court... then grins uncertainly at Sparrow, "So after Elias told me you prefer blunt, Sparrow... that's when I decided I'd ask: are you helping hide the imperial dragon, please?" She hastily holds up a hand, "Not that we have to rush out to wake him up! I think if Aoi's still intent on perfection �ber alles, then that'd be doing him no favors. But..." her grin gets shyly hopeful, "I thought... it'd be okay to at least ask?" She blinks as another thought hits her, murmuring, "If... if the imperial dragon is yellow, then... I wonder what a red dragon is?" She beams excitedly, her eyes twinkling and her face alight with happiness and unwitting beauty, "I'll have to look it up later!"

Marcus is just... sitting and watching Cinnamon be excited and beaming -- he seems quite happy, but also to be having issues gathering words together! Sparrow drawls, "Why on earth would I be helpin' to hide Aoi's dragon? There's mischief, and then there's fuckin' in where you truly don't belong." He shakes his head and chuckles, "Well, on a medicine wheel, red is south and yellow is east. But that might have fuck-all to do with it. In your case, red is just that you're a Welsh dragon and that you look damn gorgeous as a ginger." He winks.

Cinnamon turns pink and giggles nervously at the wink! She hastily has a swallow of her drink, thinking as she does so... and that's when she realizes first, that Shane the Truthseer is sitting right there next to her -- and second: Sparrow didn't actually answer the question! She tilts her head and considers Sparrow for a moment... then grins and says, "So you're saying that no, you're not helping the Chinese dragon hide?" Under the table, she rests a hand lightly on Shane's kilt-covered thigh -- she wants to be able to feel if he flinches at all! She's actually not aware just how... intimate the touch may be, though she does know she really-really likes having excuses to touch or lean against Shane.

Sparrow grins, "I'm saying that that fella wouldn't need my help hiding." Again, no flinch at all from Shane. Not about what Sparrow says, at least... though the half-beansidhe does grin at Cinnamon's startled twitch upon realizing she's touching bare skin! She gets, in fact, slightly wide-eyed as well, hastily shifting her hand when she realizes she missed the kilt. After a deep breath she blinks at Sparrow, refocusing her thoughts... then slowly says, "Okay then, are you, umm... no, do you know where he is?" She adds quickly, "Even if it's just, umm... within, say, a few acres?" She doesn't want the Trickster to be able to truthfully say no due to not having checked there recently, after all... under the assumption that the dragon might have shifted in his sleep or something. Thorn is somehow not surprised Sparrow has some inkling of the yellow dragon's nature, and where he is. The healer does wonder, though, how long Sparrow can keep not-answering the question.

Sparrow smiles and looks Cinnamon directly in the eyes, "Nope." He pops the P in the word... and Shane blinks. He'd expected a lot more of a twinge on that! It's just a very, very slight itch, though... like Sparrow might have the very vaguest idea, but not the exact location. If it's not within a few acres... Shane himself leans forward to ask, "Sparrow, would you be more comfortable if we weren't having this conversation in a crowded pub?"

Cinnamon glances at Shane... then looks chagrined, "Oh, crabcakes! I'm sorry, peeps -- I wasn't thinking!" Then her eyes widen at another thought, "Oh, crabcakes and botheration! I completely didn't think -- there might be some kinds of promises or something to not tell except under certain circumstances, too!"

Marcus smiles and pats Cinnamon's hand, "It's fine, Hase. You're sort of cute when you're excited."

Sparrow laughs, deep brown eyes shining and crow's feet crinkling, "Indeed. This conversation might be best had somewhere private."

Cinnamon blushes as she gives Marcus a wry glance, "Cute is okay, I think -- I mean, it's not like I have to worry about that much, right? -- but being dumb? Don't wanna go there... really!" She nods thoughtfully to Sparrow, "Okay, let me be more careful this time, then: would you like to talk about this more in private? Or no?"

Sparrow winks again, "I'd be honored to talk about this with you in private sometime. But you don't talk about where someone's stashed and doesn't wanna be found where someone might hear and it could get to the wrong ears." His eyes flicker over Cinnamon's shoulder.

Cinnamon nods at that, hastily searching her memory: who's seated behind them?! Or... maybe he just means in general? There was no one sitting where Sparrow is looking when they came in, but Shane glances up over Sparrow's shoulder into one of the many mirrors that hang around the pub... and ahhs. It's no one particularly powerful, but it is one of the Asian spirits who reside on Coblyn -- someone who might be willing to report back to Aoi for a price -- or just for a favor. Cinnamon thinks a bit... then brightens, "Dessert! Would you all like some dessert at my place?" She firmly adds, "There's always room for a bit of delicious dessert, I say! How does some Pwdin Eva sound to you all? It's traditional Welsh, ummm... like an apple cobbler?"

Thorn smiles, "That sounds lovely!"

Cinnamon grins as she gathers up her bag, adding, "With ice cream -- I have some in the freezer! I was testing it on Shaney, for my possible Liam's memorial party!" Shane, Marcus, and Sparrow all nod and stand up, putting various sorts of currency or markers on the table to pay for what they ate or drank. Cinnamon also pays, waits for Shane to finish collecting messages from Jack behind the bar... and then patters happily out of the inn, chattering (again) as she goes, "So I was wondering, you guys: do you think it'd be nice to maybe have a memorial party on the one year anniversary of Liam's death? I was thinking maybe hold it in his office, since I think there's the possibility of too many folks for my cottage, and just have it be a time where folks can tell stories about Liam that they remember and, like, think well of him and I'm hoping mostly to just listen and learn some more about him but like this maybe might give folks a bit of closure or something what do you think?"

Shane smiles and laces his fingers with Cinnamon's, "I think that's a lovely idea, acushla. There are a lot of folks on the street and off that would love to memorialize him. Rebecca was, of course, aware of who he was. Do you want to bring her here?'

Cinnamon shakes her head, "Not, umm... I mean, Liam didn't, so... I d-don't want to endanger her at all?" She wryly adds, "-and he was a lot-a lot older and wiser than me!"

Sparrow mmms, "True, he didn't. That way she couldn't be made to bring someone here."

Cinnamon nods, "-and no one could threaten to hurt her to get Liam to do something wrong too!" She pauses to unlock her cottage door, then swings it open and beams at her friends, "C'mon in!"

Thorn hmms, "It would be nice to include her somehow, though. I just don't know how to safely do it."

Cinnamon bustles around happily in the kitchen, a few moments later, as she puts big slices of a spongecake-y pudding (layered with spiced apple slices) into bowls. She cheerfully gives jobs to those who want to help -- adding scoops of ice cream and a spoon to each bowl, prepping hot drinks to go with the dessert, setting everything on the low table, and so on -- so that very shortly thereafter everyone is seated comfortably on the fat floor cushions and other furniture, around the low table. Hot drinks like cocoa, coffee, tea, and warm cider steam gently, adding to the deliciously-scented ambiance of the room, while the pwdin eva itself has a nice, moist texture from the sweet and warmly spiced cake, coupled with the tart sweetness of the apples. Cinnamon sighs happily, where she's curled up on the futon next to Shane, "Mmmm! I think I really like this thing... what do you guys think of it?"

Curiously, Marcus didn't have to finagle the seat on the other side of Cinnamon... in fact, he was nearly herded there by Sparrow! The avatar of Coyote himself is settled -- well, more like sprawled -- on a floor pillow, with a mug of cocoa. The little dragon didn't really notice the move, though, instead adding almost absently to Thorn -- after a lovely, melting mouthful of ice cream, "I was thinking of asking her if she'd like company on that day, and doing something similar with her, actually... just us being there for her, you know? Though it'd have to be a very small group, of course -- I don't want to overwhelm her or anything when she might be grieving, right? I'm just trying to figure out how to have Elias there too, if he wants... despite it being day? Or maybe it should be at night... I don't know. Still considering on that..."

Thorn smiles as he nibbles his own dessert, "That actually sounds perfect, yes. I mean, doing something with her. I don't think Elias can really be around in the daylight?"

Cinnamon nods a little glumly at that... then adds more happily, "But they seem to be becoming really good friends, which I'm really happy about... thank goodness for phones!"

Shane smiles, "It's delicious, a ghr�. And I think a small memorial at Rebecca's would be good. Makes more sense."

Marcus asks quietly, "What's she like? Rebecca? I never had the honor of meeting her."

Cinnamon blinks at a sudden thought, pulling out her cell and typing hastily for a few seconds... then she brightens, "Oh, how nice! Red dragons are the most benevolent and auspicious of dragons, for the Chinese! They represent the south and fire, of course... but also summer and heat, as well as luck, joy, celebration, warding off evil influences, and protecting homes and families!" She giggles a bit happy-nervously as she adds, "They're supposed to bring blessings of good fortune and success, when they adorn wedding gifts and New Year celebrations!"

Sparrow snorts and mutters, "No wonder Aoi's been jealous of Liam and you."

Thorn blinks, "Aoi's jealous of Cinnamon and Liam?"

Cinnamon blinks again as she raises her head to look at the two (holy cannelloni incredibly yummmm!) young men flanking her... and it takes her a few seconds to collect her thoughts, "The, um, where... er, that, wh-who... wha... uh, wait!" She closes her eyes tightly and shakes her head sharply once... then, a little pink with embarrassment, grins at everyone, "Sorry, s-sorry... bit distracted there! Um... Shaney, yay! I'll call her later today and ask, then! Marcus, umm..." She gets a thoughtful look as she stares off into the distance, "Rebecca? Well, she's a very old little human lady who's... well, kind of remarkable, if you ask me! I mean, we went to see her and she was really welcoming even though some of us are kinda strange or different, and she wasn't afraid of Elias, and..." She cuts off, blinking at Thorn... then giving Sparrow a confused look, "Wait, what?!"

"Jealous. Of Liam. And now you." Sparrow shrugs, "People respect you without you having to be lording shit over them. They not only respect you, they like and trust you. You're red dragons, which are auspicious on top of all that respect and love... and sounds like she's been starving and alone for a long damn time."

Cinnamon blinks at that, carefully considering Sparrow's words before she slowly says, "That... b-but I... umm... but no, wait -- how could she not know that you get respect when you earn it? Like from being helpful and kind and, um... well, and respect-worthy, you know?" A moment later she adds a bit mournfully, "Poor sad little birdie, if so...!"

Thorn hmms, "I think it's because Aoi comes from a time and a culture where there was a strict hierarchy. You have to respect the office -- who was in that office was almost secondary."

Cinnamon frowns consideringly at that, "So... so clearly that's something we should be careful of not having happen to us too, then, right? As in not being so... so unable to change with changing times?" A bit wryly she adds, "Wow, she must absolutely loathe how informal people are now... calling her just by her name now, and stuff like that!" Then she glances curiously at Marcus, "Is that why you did most of the talking for her? I don't think she's shy, after all, right?"

Marcus mms and nods, "Indeed. She has been more than a little haughty about being spoken to by 'just anyone who feels they have the right' in the past."

"Huh." Cinnamon considers that for a few moments... then murmurs, "I wonder if it'd help her any to... to just serve herself for a bit? No servants at all?" She's silent for a few more seconds as she realizes just how unlikely that situation is... but then tilts her head and grins hopefully at Sparrow, "So... what can you tell us, then, Sparrow... about the imperial dragon?"

Sparrow smiles, "I can tell you that I honestly don't know exactly where he is. I met him briefly when he was moving from one place to another. My grandfather knew him better. After all, I've not been Coyote for all that long, all things considered." He continues, "And I know you're fascinated with the leylines, but I'd avoid the ones around Maricopa County in Arizona if you talk someone into taking you along them."

Thorn tilts his head to the side at that uncharacteristic and unprompted warning from Sparrow, "Why so?"

Cinnamon looks a bit more excited, "Ooh, so -- so he might be somewhere in your territory? Maybe in a desert, like we were speculating?" She grins, adding, "I was thinking either a swamp or a desert, to be max-unappealing to Aoi! ...but the North American swamps are mostly in Josie's dad's former territory, so I guessed desert!" A heartbeat later she blinks at Sparrow, "Maricopa... er, County? Um, okay... yeah, what Thorny said!"

Sparrow smiles lazily at Thorn, "Because it's dangerous out there in the Sonoran desert."

Cinnamon blinks thoughtfully at that... so, no leyline walking in a chunk of Arizona, apparently. Hmm... must be a lot of iron or something in that area... or... something? "Right," Thorn says, nodding slowly... and thinking, [Aaaaand we're back to non-answers. But a warning from Sparrow is likely not to be ignored as it is. ...I know it's the Streisand Effect, but now I'm curious as to what it is in Maricopa County with the leylines....]

Cinnamon muses thoughtfully, "I wonder... if an overflight over the various US deserts might spot him? A supernatural overflight, I mean, of course..."

Sparrow chuckles and shakes his head, then arches a brow at Shane, who nods slowly, "I see. Walking leylines in the Sonoran desert can be dangerous because things out there can be unstable... I don't think there are any fault lines out there, are there?"

Sparrow shakes his head, "Nope." Again with the popped P. "No fault lines. Still, got some strange seismic effects going on out there."

Thorn blinks. Is this Sparrow trying to say where he last met the yellow dragon? Cinnamon pushes up her glasses, her expression interested, "What do you mean by seismic effects, Sparrow? I thought those were like earthquakes and volcanoes and stuff?"

Sparrow nods, "Yeah. Shifts in the earth. Small temblors and such when there's no faultline nearby. Really kinda fascinating, but it can making walking the leylines there kinda dicey. Interesting effects, though." He stands and stretches, yawning, "It's time for me to have a nap."

Cinnamon looks bemused, "That... but why would the earth be shaking?" She's silent for a moment... and then her eyes narrow as she glances up at the standing Sparrow, "In mythology, the earth shakes because something really big and sleeping rolls over! Are you saying..." She pauses, going silent again as she stares thoughtfully at the Trickster... and then a slow smile crosses her face. A moment later she laughs, hopping to her feet and exclaiming, "Okay then! Thanks for coming over, Sparrow, let me see you to the door and did you like the pwdin eva and ice cream?!" She cheerfully adds to her friends, "I'll be right back! Help yourself to more of the cake if you want, of course!" She does indeed walk with Sparrow to the door, giving him a goodbye hug and thanks for coming over before he departs. She also quietly asks him to please not mention Rebecca to anyone -- well, except Kestrel, of course, though she'd appreciate it if he'd warn Kestrel also to maintain silence on Cinnamon's step-great-great-grandmother.

Sparrow smiles and nods as Cinnamon walks him to the door, "Loved it. Apple pie and ice cream are some of my favorites, darlin'." He squeezes her back and murmurs, "Read about the Yellow Emperor," -- and then... he's gone.

Cinnamon looks very thoughtful as she pads back to her friends... though she can't help beaming shyly to herself as she gets to wriggle comfortably back into place between two such ridunkulously gorgeous guys eeeee! She giggles, her cheeks turning pink with happiness... then picks up her mug of hot chocolate and grins a bit excitedly at Shane, Thorn, and Marcus, "Wowsers, you guys! Is it just me, or does it sound like the yellow dragon is somewhere in Maricopa County -- where he and his court can't be seen from the sky even by supernaturals, but somehow they're still there?" More thoughtfully she adds, "Though... if we can't walk the leylines, but he's... like... hm, somehow under reality, or... something... er, how does that sound to you all?" She frowns musingly, "I think... we need someone more knowledgeable about leylines and stuff! Like, can you see heat through whatever it is that lies somehow between the leylines and -- and this, er, like... 'real' world? Or... or how does it connect? After all, if there's a lot of weird seismic activity there, then there must be some connection between, er... 'there' and 'here'?"

Shane chews his bottom lip, while Marcus thoughtfully rubs his chin... and finally asks, "What does the yellow dragon represent?"

Cinnamon grins, "The Yellow Emperor!"

Thorn thinks for a moment, then muses, "But we already know that. Is there more to the Yellow Emperor than that?"

Shane leans against Cinnamon, "Is he... is he earth-linked?"

"He's, umm... actually, moment..." Cinnamon pulls out her cell phone again, typing and reading for a bit before she starts speaking the words aloud, "He's... in Chinese he's Huangdi, and mythical, and considered the initiator of Chinese culture like the lunar calendar, compass needles, the earliest forms of writing, and more... the beginning of his traditional reign in mythology is supposed to be the start of the Chinese calendar... let's see, what else... he's associated with earth, the center, and the yellow dragon... yeah, definitely earth-linked! Also some mountains or hills named after him... and a star -- there's a constellation for the yellow dragon!"

Shane nods slowly, "So if he's restless, it could cause seismic shifts... and honestly, if Coyote is warning you away from something, it might not actually be something to avoid."

"The dragon is supposed to be both divine, Huangdi's animal form, and the emperor's connection to the heavens, and..." Cinnamon blinks startledly at Shane, "Er, wait -- what? But why would Sparrow -- who Elias says likes blunt! -- warn me away from where he wants me to go? Wouldn't it be downright rude to ignore his kind warning?"

Thorn says thoughtfully, "He may have made an oath to not speak of where he thinks the yellow dragon is...."

Cinnamon thinks silently for a few seconds more... and then facepalms, "Oh, argh! He's a Trickster, duh!"

Marcus touches his nose, then points at Thorn, at the healer's comment. Then he smiles at Cinnamon, "Precisely. He can't tell you where the dragon is. But he can tell you where it would be dangerous to go -- around where the dragon is."

Cinnamon blinks again as some data clicks into place in her brain... and groans again, "Oh, duh again -- the yellow dragon actually represents Chinese quintessence, or 'the fifth element that is the material that fills the region of the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere, also known as aether' -- too... as well as Earth, the center, and the changing seasons! I mean, doesn't that totally sound like where a leyline might lie to you guys too?!" Amusingly, as Cinnamon directly quotes stuff she's read, her voice speeds up dramatically -- then slows down again to her normal, natural voice when she's simply speaking her mind. It does give a bit of a hint, oddly enough, as to how fast she reads, as well as that her memory is eidetic. "He's also the fifth and center symbol of the four symbols or guardians of the cardinal directions or gods or auspicious beasts -- though I don't know if Arizona is really that central to the Americas." She grins suddenly, her eyes bright, "We should totally go look, I think!"

Shane considers, "The center of North America is in North Dakota somewhere, I think. Arizona's way too far west to be the center. But yeah... I think we should look."

Cinnamon grins excitedly, "Awesome! How about... wait, let me check first: do you guys want to go, or not? I don't want to be dragging people willy-nilly all over the place when they don't really want to!"

Thorn nods. "We should, yes. When should we go?" Cinnamon grins happily as both Shane and Thorn agree, then glances inquiringly at Marcus.

Marcus nods, "Of course I want to go. These are auspicious times."

Cinnamon laughs happily, "Yay! Okay then, peeps... how about in a few days? That way we can have the memorials, recover and plan... and then fly on out! Though... hmm, I wonder if we can talk, say, Hilde and Torben into coming with, so we have a leyline walker with us?"

Shane nods, "Yeah... because you're not likely to talk Waylon into it."

Cinnamon looks confused, "No? Huh... why not? Does he not like Aoi, or something?"

Shane smiles and shakes his head, "It's not that. He just doesn't like leaving Coblyn often."

Cinnamon pauses, reflecting for a moment on the sometimes... delicately prissy phoenix... then adds wryly, "Ah, okay -- though I could totally see her refusing to talk to him or something." She beams at the three men, "But anyways! So, let's say in... three days? We'll take off that night -- wait. We need to make sure there's a hotel or something there first... but does that sound good?"

There's general agreement, and Marcus adds, "Maricopa County is where, uhm..." His lips twitch with amusement, "It's where Phoenix, AZ is. There are plenty of hotels."

Cinnamon laughs aloud! "Ohmygosh, that is awesomely funny of the dragon, if so!"

[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]

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

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2019-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster