Goblin Town -- Logs

After everything is decided regarding who will attend the meeting with Aoi, Tao excuses himself so he and Jaw-Long can go and prepare, then stop in to speak with Llewellyn as needed... and then present themselves to Caradog. Thus when Tao reappears shortly thereafter, he wears a heavy, kimono-like outfit in gold and scarlet silk embroidered with... himself -- in actual gold thread. The embroidered dragon's eyes are created out of dozens of tiny pearls and jet beads, while his scarlet tongue and the plum blossoms around him are picked out in rubies. The human form of the Imperial Dragon has his long hair braided with strands of rubies as well, then wound into an elaborate topknot that somehow manages to be not at all feminine. At his waist hangs a scabbarded blade -- not a katana, but rather a saber of some sort. In all, the Imperial Dragon is wearing far more than a small fortune on his body. Jaw-Long is with him, wearing a heavy chest-plate and some kind of armor over his back -- all crafted from what seems to be lacquered bamboo decorated with gold chains and rubies. Cinnamon blinks slowly as she studies Tao from top to toe... and then slowly back again! Her voice is both awed... and, oddly, a little flat, "Wow." A moment later she grins wryly at him, "I can see why you don't want to do this all the time!"

Tao mutters and shrugs to readjust his attire as he walks, "It's ostentatious and uncomfortable and heavy!"

Jaw-Long snorts, "You are very strong! It is nothing to you to wear so much weight... you just do not like calling attention to yourself anymore!" This makes Tao scowl.

Cinnamon giggles at their interplay! "If you want, I have a family member named Tre who runs a rickshaw on the street. Maybe you could get a lift from him, so your pretty clothes don't get at all dirty?"

Tao smiles wryly, "I would not make anyone else carry this much weight." He walks to Jaw-Long and swings himself up side-saddle onto the fu-dog with a grin, patting his friend and protector on the shoulder, "He can make himself useful -- because he too is very strong!"

Indeed! Cinnamon laughs at that. She grins and waves as they head off, "Well, I hope you have a wonderful time and everything goes well for you both!" She would guess -- with all the gold and silk, and all those gems -- Tao is wearing at least three hundred pounds of finery. She finishes mentally totting up that information as the fu-dog strides magnificently off, the two old friends still bickering amiably together. She giggles, then adds in a low voice to her friends, "Holy shamolies, peeps... I think that was about 300 pounds of stuff Tao was wearing... and it was all the real thing, too -- you don't want to know how much money it likely cost!" She shakes her head amusedly, adding, "I'm glad Liam didn't have a habit of stuff like that, that everyone would expect me to carry on!" There is wry agreement all around, at that.

During the three hours Tao was off being official, Cinnamon sends off a few runners before settling back to chat with her friends: she checks in with Llewellyn for any new letters or requests for assistance -- she tries to do that at minimum once a week. She also sends a message to Quickclaw and Brightscale, asking them to meet with her for a meal perhaps? She has a request for them, and some information she'd like to share. During the meal at her cottage (with all the lights on very low) Cinnamon will explain about both her desire for a structurally sound, small cold-storage cave under her little cottage... and the possibilities of hydroponics. She intends to ask them if they and the Svnoyi Ayvwi elders might maybe like to talk with Jiajun sometime about that.

It's at least three hours before Tao returns. However, by the time Butler sees the yellow dragon and his companion back into the room everyone is mingling in, Tao has already taken off the top layers and draped them over his arm, leaving him in a couple of layers of linen under-kimonos. He sighs, "I am very glad that is over! Though Caradog is a rather pleasant and unpretentious king. He greeted me with all proper protocol, then offered me some plum wine and roast lamb, and filled me in on things I might want to be aware of, all of which you'd already told me about... hm, except for the captives in the dungeon."

"Oh! I'm sorry, Tao -- I didn't know you'd be interested in them!" Cinnamon thinks, then adds, "Umm... was there anything else you wanted to know?"

Thorn grimaces slightly at mention of the bigoted brothers, "It's an ongoing issue. The would-be assassins are being held incommunicado while we try to remove the rest of their network."

Cinnamon beams excitedly at Thorn, "Oh, we have, Thorny -- didn't you hear? Sparrow put his no-luck-at-all thingie on the ranchers who were sponsoring them, and Spice was absolutely brilliant at utterly defunding them all! Plus Baird's emptied out all their safehouses and stuff... that was why I gave you the million dollars too, Thorny, remember?"

Thorn nods to Cinnamon, "I do remember, yes! Spice did amazing work, as did Sparrow and Baird! I'm just... I'm not convinced we've seen the last of them, though, you know? Or if there are more out there... but we don't have to worry about that for now!"

Cinnamon nods slowly to Thorn, "I... admit, I hope you're wrong, but... good point -- we should totally check up on them in a few months' time, I guess." Thorn hopes he's wrong as well. So he settles back into his chair, listening to the banter. He likes Tao, and hopes the yellow dragon can help Aoi, and bring much-needed balance to the council. Cinnamon grins and blushes as she adds to Tao, "Yes, Caradog is surprisingly nice to me, despite my turning into a burbling nincompoop anytime I make the mistake of being alone with him!"

Tao shakes his head, "I didn't need to know about them. The only reason I would need to is if I take a seat with or in Aoi's place." He waves a dismissive hand at Cinnamon as he adds, "You have more power in your smallest claw than he has in his whole body, when it comes to magic! He holds more administrative power here in this enclave. Besides, he seems to be a good, if slightly gossipy, person. I could enjoy having a few drinks with him on a day he did not have a million pieces of administration to take care of. He seems to actually care what is happening with his people."

Cinnamon blinks startledly at Tao -- and then blushes again! "Oh, I, uhh... um, right! R-right, the, er, th-the assassins... we've, er, not officially discussed them at a council meeting but you're right I should p-put that on the agenda for the next one!" She takes a deep breath... then nods in complete agreement as she adds, "Plus you're right -- he does really seem to care, doesn't he? I really like that about him..." she giggles and turns a bit pink again, "p-plus he... he seems to really like unpretentious gifts, from what I've been told? Like, I made cookies for him for Solstice -- and Diarmaid said he was completely thrilled with getting such a useful gift!"

Tao looks interested, "Will the meeting be soon? I would like to attend, even if I am not a council member. I am starting to think I have been sequestered for too long." The Celestial dragon laughs, adding, "I too enjoy unpretentious gifts. I think one can only receive so many bolts of silk or intricate music boxes before one begins to get sick of them and long for someone's Baba to send along some bao or milk candies."

Jaw-Long mutters, "You have too much of a sweet tooth!"

Tao pssshes! "It is not as if I can get tooth rot! Also, if Ganesha can ask for offerings of candy, I can enjoy candy as well!"

Shane leans in toward Cinnamon, murmuring, "I'm starting to understand why Sparrow likes this guy!"

Cinnamon giggles as she watches the two entities -- then grins up at Shane, her eyes shining with happiness as she nods! She replies to Tao, "The next council meeting is here, and Jarek's hosting it, and it's on the 20th of May. Today's, umm... 8th of April, so... about a month and a bit? Plus you're absolutely welcome to attend, whether as audience or with Aoi!"

Tao nods, "I will have to return to the compound between now and then, if only so my people can benefit from my presence and I from their work. I do not need so much energy as Aoi because I do not do anything drastic most of the time. I take my draconic shape once per month and I sleep quite a lot of the time. When they need blessings from me or need my strength for something, I do that... and I try to take what energy I can from the sun itself."

Cinnamon curiously asks, "Are you a restless sleeper? Is that why the seismic events occur there?" She brightens as she adds, "Ooh, how do you take energy from the sun? Can you teach me that? Or is it a dragon-specific kind of thing? Oh, is that why you go dragoning only once a month too?"

Tao motions at his back at Cinnamon's question, "My wings. They are... they are more than wings. They help me soak up the sun and convert it... and yes, I am somewhat restless. I wanted to be far away from most humans so those small tremors do not bother people. Our compound is very sturdy and built to withstand my tossing and turning." Cinnamon nods interestedly; she's faintly disappointed she can't soak up the sun herself, from the sound of it, but she absolutely loves learning all these new things! She also checks with Tao and Jaw-Long, of course, as to how formal they wish the meeting with Aoi to be, so she knows what kind of clothing to wear. Tao replies, "Don't be too formal. We are trying to have this be friendly. You will not see me wearing that monstrosity again." He's smiling as he speaks, however. "I will be wearing another embroidered kimono. If any of you have such clothing, that would be wonderful -- make her feel as if she is being taken seriously, but not so seriously as to swell her ego overly much."

Cinnamon thinks a bit, then checks, "She gifted me a really beautiful kimono a while ago. Would it be nicer to wear that, or just business casual clothing?"

Tao nods, "Wear that. It will make her feel special and appreciated. I am trying to go into this carefully, which is why I'm wearing a kimono instead of my Changshan." He sighs, "I want to carefully walk her into the twenty-first century. You see, the last time she saw me I looked like this..." He takes a breath and calls on some of his stored energy. Where the handsome (but only normally so) Tao once stood, there is now a breathtakingly gorgeous man so beautiful it's almost hard to look at him. His hair gleams like ebony and his eyes are no longer brown but the deep green of jade... while his skin almost shines like pearls. In the next moment, he's back to the man they're been dealing with and looking a bit tired.

Cinnamon winces slightly -- that's so gorgeous it makes her want to run away! She gives him a wryly sympathetic smile once he's back (so to speak), and impulsively replies, "W-well, I like you better like this -- the real you!"

Tao smiles wryly, "Once upon a time we both wore faces to reassure the humans we were worthy of their energy and worship. But I have come to believe -- and I think I have proved it with my people and my compound -- that the best way to convince them of that is to treat them well; to give them our gifts to make their lives better -- and then they will give us theirs in return. Symbiotic, not... parasitic." He winces when he uses that last word, adding, "Though I would never say it to her that way."

Cinnamon nods firmly in agreement! "Okay, I'll let Josie and Shane know what kinds of clothes to wear, then. Thanks!" She's not sure what they'll wear, but wants them to be comfortably sure they're both suitably attired. She'll also explain to them why she'll be in a kimono, and asks both Himeko and Shane for help in getting dressed -- at Himeko's store (which is closer to the Elm Residence) if the kindly older woman is willing. Cinnamon knows, after all, that Thorn has his healer whites, while both Elias and Jalil seem to always be proper for whatever the occasion is, so she's not so worried about them! The little dragon is also careful to hire Tre for the shorter trip to the Elm mansion -- because she would never forgive herself if she tripped and dirtied up the glorious kimono on the way to the meeting!

For now, though, Cinnamon happily thanks everyone for being so kind and helping find Tao, before they all head off for the rest of their day. The little dragon herself is quite busy for that day, in fact! She continues to prep ingredients for the food and drink she intends to have for the Liam Memorial party in two days, and she checks with Elias -- does he know of any favorite foods or drinks Liam had, that she can bring to the party? She's put up a notice in the broadsheets about the memorial as well, so she wants to be sure she has plenty of food despite having effectively made it a sort of pot-luck event. She figures that's a good way to ensure people will remain a bit casual and friendly -- and, hopefully, also upbeat, so they can all remember Liam well and happily! With even more luck (she hopes) she'll get to hear several really good stories about Liam -- because then she can share the stories with Rebecca the next day, on the actual anniversary of Liam's death.

Cinnamon has checked in with Rebecca already, of course, to make sure this is okay with the elderly woman... and to find out whether Rebecca would prefer company during the day, or an evening-sort-of event. The latter, after all, means Elias can come along -- but Cinnamon leaves the choice entirely up to Rebecca.

That evening Cinnamon shares a meal with the two Akoesdi elders, who both are quite intrigued with the idea of hydroponics -- and are quite certain the Svnoyi Ayvwi elders will be too! The lights needed for it will have to be carefully managed, of course -- perhaps by above-ground solar panels? -- and kept away from the light-sensitive eyes of the two earth-dwelling species. They'll happily send representatives or... if this Jiajun is willing... have him visit with them so Tao's people don't have to try to accommodate them. They're quite surprised to find out that large parts of Tao's compound are underground!

One other thing Cinnamon does -- after much careful thought -- is to ask Llewellyn to include two more topics for the next council meeting, to go along with her request for anyone willing to take in refugees. The first topic is simple: she wishes to discuss the supernatural assassins, so everyone is up to date on them. The second topic is slightly more complex, however: she wishes to open discussion, as per Jalil's suggestion, regarding some re-assigning of the territories belonging to each councilor. She does not mention it in the note, but privately she thinks to herself that a better balance of 'land to councilor' would do a great deal in better insuring everyone in the supernatural world is well cared for!

At the appropriate time, the group who will be meeting Aoi -- Cinnamon, Thorn, Shane, Elias, Josie, Jalil, Jaw-long, and Tao -- all gather around a table in the arboretum of the Elm Residence. Food and a fragrant tea have been set out there; Jaeger went out of his way to find the best tea he could, while the chef at the Residence made sure the nibblies made available were to everyone's taste. There's even something which Elias holds in a glass and occasionally tastes but does not seem to actually swallow; clearly it's not actually blood, despite the great pleasure he seems to take in its flavor.

For the meeting with Aoi, Josie and Shane both dress formally for their culture -- Josie in her buckskins, Shane in his kilt. There's a version of formal for Rowan that includes trousers, but most of the men don't wear them, almost universally preferring the sturdy, compact, Irish-style kilt. Elias wears the suit they've almost always seen him in at council meetings, while Jalil is in a colorfully embroidered tunic and loose trousers, along with a simple round cap. Thorn arrives wearing clean and fresh healer's 'scrubs.' He's comfortable in them, and they show his status easily enough. They aren't, strictly speaking, casual... but equally aren't too formal.

Cinnamon is extremely nervous about actually wearing the gorgeous gifted kimono... but after help from Himeko and Shane to get into it and properly wear it, the little dragon is almost glowing with excitement! She chatters excitedly with Tre as he carts her and Shane off to the Elm Residence, and is even more delighted at his sweet compliments on how nice she looks! Butler is kind enough to quietly stash her bag full of her regular clothing, and Marcus (who chose to meet them at the door) promises her that she can absolutely take a moment once the meeting is over to change back! Once all that's done, and Cinnamon has unwittingly left Marcus a bit happily dazzled due to her excited squeak and impulsive hug of thanks, the little dragon patters carefully into the meeting room to greet all her friends before Aoi's arrival.

Tao is dressed in a far less formal, but still embroidered, kimono. This one has both a dragon and a phoenix on it, but is of simple silk. There are no gems or thread made of gold or silver in the embroidery, and any gleam is simply from the richness of the fabric. He sits with the others, talking and nibbling as they wait. Thorn quietly ponders the design on Tao's kimono; it feels like a subtle message to Aoi about how they can be together again, albeit without the fripperies and glamour that they (really, she) had been accustomed to. Cinnamon beams at Tao when she greets him, admiring his kimono... and, admittedly, shyly thinking to herself that she still likes hers better! She gives Jaw-Long a hug, along with her other friends, and is almost bouncily excited (despite the formality of her kimono!), where she sits next to Shane, happily chatting with her friends.

When Ingrid opens the door for Aoi, the phoenix has her chin held high -- as if she's expecting to be her normal superior self. She's dressed in much more formal robes than everyone else, and she's wearing the mask of preternatural beauty they all now know costs her so much energy that she cannot truly keep up with her councilor duties. Aoi starts to speak -- perhaps to demand to know why she's been summoned -- but her mouth drops open in shock when Tao stands. He may have worn a different face when last she saw him, but it's obvious Aoi recognizes her counterpart, as she gasps and softly whispers something in Mandarin Chinese. Cinnamon quietly whispers to her friends, "She said his formal name," then watches silently... though she can't help the beamingly happy smile on her face. She really hopes this helps the sad, lonely phoenix!

Tao shakes his head and equally softly replies, "I go simply by Tao now. I have shed much of the old me... like a too-restrictive skin." He bows courteously, his voice gentle, "I am pleased you came. Please, sit." He motions to the seat left for Aoi, at the round table at which they're all seated. Like the legendary table of King Arthur, no seat is above or below any other.

Aoi frowns slightly when Tao corrects her on his name, but takes his offered hand and lets him guide her to the seat beside him and next to Cinnamon as well. The phoenix looks around as she asks, "Where are Marcus and Jaeger? Surely they are here, since I assume this is their doing?"

Shane leans toward Thorn to murmur, "And thus the reason they aren't here. She made the assumption anyway." Thorn nods at Shane's murmur, understanding some of the byplay going on here. Shane reaches for Cinnamon's hand and squeezes it, knowing she'll speak up and correct Aoi if Tao doesn't. Cinnamon twinkles excitedly at Shane, then turns her happy grin to Aoi and Tao. She waits for the yellow dragon to speak first, of course -- she feels that's only polite, since this is his show, so to speak!

Tao shakes his head, "No. They offered us this beautiful place to meet, but that is it." He nods toward Cinnamon, "We have the honorable Thirteenth Chair to thank."

Cinnamon beams at Tao! Then she grins at Aoi, "You sounded so sad and lost, Aoi, when we talked to you before -- remember, when Nasteexo and Dejiyo and Elias were there too?" She's careful not to mention that Marcus, Snow, and Jalil also helped orchestrate that meeting, though, since everyone seemed to think that might offend the touchily proud phoenix. Instead Cinnamon continues, "So once we left, Elias and I were talking about how it'd probably be really helpful for you if we could find the yellow dragon again!" She grins excitedly around the room, waving towards the appropriate people as she adds, "So Marcus and Thorny and Shane and I were chatting over lunch and we figured out a few places we thought might be a good location for Tao to hi- to sequester himself and his court over the last century or so -- oh, and Hilde and Torben came with us too, since Torben's an earth sensitive! ...and we found them!"

Thorn smiles to Cinnamon when she mentions his name, nodding to her. She next nearly glows with happiness at Tao and Jaw-Long as she adds, "Plus all the folks there were so kind and welcoming, and Jaw-Long and Tao agreed to come back to see how things were, and... well, here we are!" She's simply telling the story as she recalls it, and thanking the appropriate folks; there's no intent whatsoever to belittle or to play protocol mind-games... so it doesn't occur to her that Aoi might erroneously see that in the little dragon's words. "Oh! Plus also, Marcus and Jaeger aren't present because they're providing housing for Tao, and we didn't want that to somehow seem political or like mind-games or anything. So..." she turns to the two newcomers, nearly glowing with happiness, "welcome back, Tao and Jaw-Long! We hope you'll come more often too!"

Aoi listens to this (to her) needlessly meandering story -- and looks moderately thunderous for an instant when Cinnamon mentions Aoi seemed sad and lost. That makes her cut her eyes toward Tao and tip her chin upward again, while her voice is slightly snippy, "Did you think I was begging you for your help in some way?" Her hands are folded together inside the sleeves of her kimono.

Cinnamon blinks a bit confusedly at Aoi, then pushes her glasses up as she politely replies, "No, not at all! But I figured if I could help... then why would I not?" She smiles as she adds, "I'm so happy that the two of you can maybe be together again, too!"

Tao's eyes widen a little -- he's not wanting to get Aoi's hopes too high in the 'together again' arena! He wore this kimono to remind her of the times they cooperated, but now realizes he may have misstepped as well. "It is definitely good to see you again, dear Aoi. I have been gathering a small community and learning how to live within what they can give. It is peaceful and I have found much joy in it."

Aoi's lips tighten, "You have a community... Tao..." She emphasizes the name as if she disapproves of it, then adds frostily, "I have an entire domain."

Cinnamon tilts her head slightly -- she doesn't like the way that sounds! She glances first at Tao, though, not wanting to butt in if he wishes to correct Aoi. Tao's voice is gentle, "You have a community as well, Aoi. It's simply larger than mine... and from what I'm hearing, you've got an imbalance in power availability and use." He sighs softly and stands, motioning, "Please, let's talk together privately." He's starting to notice Aoi feeling she's losing face in front of these people, despite none of them giving off the least hint of judgmental attitude. To the fu-dog he murmurs, "Jaw-Long, please wait here." Jaw-Long settles down into a sphinx pose and huffs through his nose.

Cinnamon privately thinks Aoi too has only a community -- the people who're almost slavishly devoted to her on Coblyn Street! The only reason that's larger than Tao's is because Aoi is more insecure than the yellow dragon... and possibly even just pays them more. The rest of the Asian supernaturals seem to not care whatsoever for her -- or even actively dislike her and prefer someone else as their representative! But she says nothing, simply watching and waiting for the two to depart before saying anything. Aoi rises and goes with Tao over to a smaller seating space in the airy arboretum. There's a small bench under one of the transplanted elm trees where the two of them sit and lean together, talking quietly and seriously. Back with the main group, Cinnamon sighs softly and shakes her head, "Poor Aoi. I feel kinda sorry for her."

Thorn lets out a breath as the two go over to the private space... then glances around at the rest of the group to see what peoples' reactions to this are. "I can't bring myself to be that unhappy with her either," he says quietly to Cinnamon.

Cinnamon nods to Thorn, then muses, "Thinking about her reactions, though... I hope Tao can persuade her to hold the office with him. I don't think she'll willingly step down, now."

"No," Thorn replies, "though I'm not sure he'd want the office, to be honest?"

Cinnamon shakes her head, "I don't get the feeling he thinks of himself first, though, Thorny. Like, if he truly felt Aoi was doing a bad job, and believed he would care more for the people... I think he'd do it."

Elias nods, "Indeed. He strikes me as exactly the sort we need on the council. But having them as co-councilors would be best. There are entities who wield power on their own but have a synergy which makes them more than the simple sum of their parts. I suspect those two are like that."

Jaw-Long yawns with a curl of his enormous tongue, then nods, "When they are on the same page, it is a truly miraculous thing."

Cinnamon grins wryly at Jaw-Long, "Okay... then how do we get them on the same page? Because if it comes down to voting, in the council, for one or the other? Sorry, but totally voting for Tao, y'know? ...and I don't think I'll be alone in that." Thorn nods soberly in agreement at Cinnamon's statement

Jaw-Long looks over at the two Asian supernaturals: Tao has Aoi's hands in both of his and is speaking intently to her. Her head is bowed and she's speaking back in a soft voice with her face slightly averted from the group. The fu-dog considers a moment, then replies, "Perhaps if she were to see just how large this 'little community' of ours has grown?"

Cinnamon shakes her head, "Is it larger than the entire Asian continent, minus Mongolia and Nusantara?" She thinks about that, then grins curiously at the fu-dog, "Okay, I'll bite: how large is it?" A heartbeat later she giggles at her unwitting, silly wordplay -- considering the width of her human mouth compared to Jaw-Long's massive maw!

Jaw-Long smiles, "We have two hundred and fifty members. She just said something about 'caring for thirty or forty people that don't really need much,' which is not how things go. But Tao has enough energy for us and more, because what he does not use, he conserves by resting and by not using unnecessary glamours and tricks. If we want something to be beautiful, we make it so ourselves."

Cinnamon looks confused for a second before she realizes Jaw-Long is eavesdropping -- which makes her laugh! She sighs and nods at the fu-dog's assessment of how to not be energy-wasteful, then asks, "Do you think Tao can at the very least convince her not to be so wasteful of energy? It's so precious -- people are gifting it to her! I don't know how she can be so thoughtless with it, you know?"

Jalil is thoughtful, "If they were co-councilors, they could split the duties."

Cinnamon gives Jalil a curious look, "Is that... important? I mean, if it's always Tao who goes to help folks, and Aoi just sits here looking pretty, that... isn't really splitting duties, is it? Or... do you mean something else?"

Jalil smiles, "I mean perhaps they can split parts of the continent and share energy equally. Take a little of the stress off her shoulders, but also convince her not to be so wasteful."

Cinnamon sighs, "I hope he can do that, at least... I mean, that's a bare minimum of acceptable effort, to me!"

Elias murmurs, "Something tells me Tao does far more than the bare minimum. He simply knows how to efficiently use energy. Didn't you say they had heat sinks that they used to trap and re-use the heat of the day along with solar panels?"

Cinnamon nods just as -- over in their private little spot -- Aoi's voice raises for a moment, then drops again. The little dragon picked up a snatch of Mandarin: Aoi protesting about what is expected of the dragon and phoenix. Cinnamon tilts her head as she glances towards the two Chinese entities, then murmurs to her friends, "She's... saying something about what's expected of them." She thinks a moment, then dryly adds, "I suspect they have different expectations." She glances a bit sadly towards Aoi, wondering if the phoenix is capable of changing any more... then smiles at Elias, "As far as I know, he does a lot more than the bare minimum! My guess is that since they had to be very careful of their energy use, they went all out on figuring out lots of ways to do so, y'know?" She grins at Jaw-Long, "Am I right, there?"

Jaw-Long nods, "We wanted to live with the land, not drain it. It has worked well so far. Also we wanted to help Tao regain some of his energy. He is capable of much, so having him be able to be that force for good is important."

Over by the elm, Aoi has her hands over her face, shoulders bowed. Tao has his hand on one of her shoulders and is smiling softly. Thorn hopes that's a good sign. Cinnamon silently watches Tao, and wishes him and Aoi the best. She's been really unimpressed with the 'goddess' over the past year! Then she turns back to Jaw-Long and curiously asks, "Can you explain what you mean about Tao needing energy to be a force for good, please?"

Jaw-Long rumbles, "He can perform blessings and control weather, but he needs energy in order to do so... and if he wastes or doesn't get energy, he can't do the things he simply needs to do. He's not a healer, but he can bless a mother to have healthy children. He can bless crops, but he can't make them grow from infertile soil. Jiajun's hydroponics have been a marvel -- they work amazingly well without Tao's blessings. With Tao's blessings, we've saved crops which would have otherwise failed because there was a tech failure... such as a generator that stopped working on one of the coldest weeks of the year."

Cinnamon brightens, "Oh, how cool! That's awesome, Jaw-Long -- I wish I could do helpful neat things like that for my people!" She pauses, considering... then grins shyly, "Well... maybe I kinda do, a little...? Just with money instead of a knack. Does that count?"

Shane looks thoughtful, "It's possible you just haven't found that knack... or that your knacks with stones and metals and so forth are, as you say, your way of blessing people."

Cinnamon grins excitedly, "Ooh, how cool! So how do you check for knacks, then?!"

Thorn considers quietly for a moment before adding, "Herding cats is its own superpower, after all, and you organized the help for Nusantara really well. That's kind of a knack, isn't it?

Cinnamon giggles at the 'herding cats' comment, adding, "I don't know, Thorny -- how do you tell?" She beams and blushes as she adds, "But thank you a ton for the lovely compliment! I'll have to tell Veles too, since I think he was the biggest organizational help there!"

Shane smiles, "Sometimes you stumble on them. Quinn was pretty sure I had something like his, so he tested me with it. Explained to me why people that were duplicitous and two-faced always irritated me so much."

Cinnamon giggles as she impulsively hugs Shane! "W-well, I... I guess I'll just have to, um... try lots of stuff, maybe?" She laughs, "It'll be fun!"

When Aoi and Tao return to the table, Aoi looks lovely... but it's the beauty she showed when she lost control and dropped her glamour. Cinnamon brightens at that -- how exciting that Tao actually persuaded Aoi to do something so good! To the little dragon, this is an encouraging sign for the future... she hopes so, at least! Thorn looks up as Aoi and Tao return to the table, smiling and nodding to them. He too hopes this is a good sign. Cinnamon bubbles happily, "Hi there again! So what's up?!"

Tao and Aoi are holding hands as Tao quietly replies, "We are going to work together. Aoi has agreed to not wear glamour except in situations such as state visits and council meetings. I have agreed to work with her as co-councilor as long as it can be voted and agreed-upon by the entire council, as I would wish such a vote to be unanimous. We will count as one vote, not two, and we will work together in learning new ways to collect and distribute the energy from the Asian populace."

Cinnamon beams at that, clasping her hands together with excitement as she bounces a bit in her seat, "Oh, awesomesauce, you two -- that's wonderful news! Is there anything we can do to help?"

Aoi's voice is somewhat unsteady and almost shy, "Be... patient with me? I am..." She takes a deep breath and lets it out shakily, "I am a proud person. This is hard for me."

Cinnamon nods interestedly, "Okay, sure!" She smiles as she adds, "We want you to succeed, Aoi, y'know? People were so kind and patient with me, too... so I figure that's sure the least I can do for everyone else!"

Thorn inwardly breathes a sigh of relief. This is so much better an outcome than he had expected -- let alone hoped for! "Of course," he replies to the phoenix's request.

Aoi nods and takes another deep breath, "I believe I shall let you all be. I must... think."

Cinnamon adds hopefully, "Can the two of you maybe come to Liam's memorial t- ...oh! That's fine, Aoi. Um... I could call Tre for you, if you wanted a ride to your home?"

Tao nods and smiles, "I will gladly be there."

Aoi nods more slowly, "I will try to be there. I think... I actually think I shall fly home."

Cinnamon beams delightedly at Tao, then smiles at Aoi, "Okay. Thank you for coming, and it was really nice to see you again!"

Ingrid, at the door, shifts to attention, "May I show you to the rooftop garden, if you wish, Lady?" Aoi inclines her head to those there and quietly goes with Ingrid.

Cinnamon waits until Aoi is gone for a few seconds... then she nearly glows with delight at Tao, "OhmygoshTaothatwasfantabulousyou'reamazingthisissuchgreatnews!" She's bouncing in her seat again -- she's so happy for poor Aoi now!

Tao blinks at Cinnamon. He may speak English well, but not quite this well! He looks in bemusement around the table, and Shane leans in, "She said, 'That was amazing. Thank you very much. It's really great news.' That's somewhat edited and paraphrased. But you get the gist." He grins and tugs his little lover against his side.

Cinnamon blushes slightly, nearly squeaking, "Sorry!" as she cuddles a bit nervously up against Shane. She hopes Tao doesn't think she's a dummy now! Hastily she adds, "S-so um so like... c-can we invite Jaeger and Marcus in so they know what happened too?"

Tao laughs quietly, "I don't know that you'd understand if I became extremely excited and started speaking that quickly in one of my native languages, either. But yes, please: let us bring in our hosts!"

Cinnamon beams again, "Okay!" She hops up and patters to the door, peering outside to see if (at the least) Butler's there. He is indeed... as if he could sense he was needed. Cinnamon beams up at the tall man, "Hi Butler could you see if either Marcus or Jaeger would like to come in and hear how things went please thank you?!" Butler lets her know he'll fetch them, and disappears down the hall.

A few moments later both men appear, joining everyone in the arboretum. Cinnamon grins excitedly as she gives them both a little wave, "Hihi guessguessguess what Tao managed to do?!"

Marcus looks around and smiles, "I am hoping the answer is not 'scare Aoi off for good'?" It's obvious he's joking, and Tao actually laughs.

Cinnamon giggles, then almost gleefully replies, "He convinced her to drop the glamour and they're going to be a councilmember together!"

Jaeger smiles broadly, "Now, here's hoping the council accepts the proposal!"

Tao nods, "I want it to be unanimous... otherwise we will just cause more trouble. Is there anyone who might oppose?"

Cinnamon thinks a bit... then hesitantly offers, "Might... Killa? I... don't think anyone else would...?"

Thorn thinks, chewing his lip, "I don't... hrm. Killa might." He nods to Cinnamon.

Marcus sighs and nods, "Killa might, just to be..." He stops, re-thinks, "Killa might find it somewhat unfair. But if we emphasize that they will have just one vote between the pair of them?"

Cinnamon nods slowly, "That... is kinda my thought too? Though, um, I wouldn't spend any time talking about what Tao's like, or that he's good at not wasting energy, or anything like that. I don't know Killa that well, but I do know that sometimes he gets upset at stuff for reasons I don't understand... so it might be best not to give him any reason to be upset before the vote?"

Marcus's voice is wry, "Killa takes any extolling of other people's virtues as belittling him. It's a sign of an insecure person." It's clear the elf has been talking to Brynn, and Cinnamon has to cover her grin at that! The little group sit together and chat a bit, and the conversation wanders naturally... and by the time they all scatter out to their homes again, everyone seems to be quietly convinced that Tao -- either with or without Aoi -- will be a great benefit to the Council!

The next day is the memorial for Liam, which has Cinnamon quite excited! She nearly darts through her morning, what with finishing up the last bits of food and drink she's bringing to the office for everyone, and then safely getting it all there. She's set things up much like she did with the pushpin party: the office is cleared and the door is open so the soft, pleasant music spills out into the hallway... meaning visitors can gather and cluster as they wish both inside the office and out. Cinnamon has laid out all the food, drink, and utensils on the buffet, with space for all the potluck goodies she hopes will also be arriving. Since she advertised this in the spreadsheets, she suspects there may be quite a lot of folks coming by, after all!

Thorn is present as well, since though he didn't know Liam, he does know Cinnamon. Also, naturally, he's curious about Liam's life. Many, many people filter in and out. Not all them have stories, but most of them knew and had affection for Liam. Liane comes in with a tray of her shortbreads and smiles at Cinnamon, "Your ultimate great-grandmother's name was Delyth... the one your line comes from. Did you know that yet?" A moment later she corrects herself, "Or, well, that's the name Liam used for her when he brought her onto Coblyn."

Cinnamon blinks in astonishment at Liane, "No! I didn't! Wow, how did you know? Did you meet her?!"

Liane smiles, "I only met her a couple of times. Liam adored her. If you couldn't tell it by the way he looked at her and treated her like a queen, you could tell it by the six children they had. None of them were dragons, but the genes obviously passed on, hm?"

Cinnamon blinks in astonishment again, "Six?! Wowsers -- he said in his diary that dragons usually only have two per generation!" She grins and hugs Liane, after helping her put the tray down, "Thank you so much, Liane, for telling me this!" She also makes a mental note to let Shane and Josie know the approximate time frame of when this happened, because she knows they're both a bit curious as to how old Liane is! Then she hmms to herself, as she remembers the faded daguerreotypes and tintypes Rebecca showed her... actually, Delyth was in the tintype, so that would be after the 1840s and '50s, right. Probably more the late 1800s.

Elias, who is there already in his day-going rig, smiles, "Oh, yes. He was positively giddy about Delyth... and indeed, they usually do. But, as Liane said, he couldn't keep his hands off her, nor his eyes. I think perhaps it was meant to be, that they bred true down to you. Sometimes a line is simply meant to be."

Cinnamon gives Elias a puzzled look, "Er... explain, please? How do you mean a line is meant to be?"

Elias smiles, "Sometimes some people are simply meant to have children... their progeny are meant to exist. Eventually, though, all the branches of that family did get pared down. You and Candi are the last two, now. So until one or the other of you has children..."

Shane visibly winces at the idea of Candi having children! "I sincerely hope the line doesn't breed true through Candi. The last thing the world needs is dragons that turn out like her!"

Cinnamon giggles at Shane, then grins up at Elias, shaking her head, "Well, it'll be a bit before I have kids, I'm sure... 'cause I don't know anything yet about how to raise them, and I wouldn't want to do a bad job!" [like,] she thinks to herself, [Mom and Dad...] Shane bites his tongue about not yet getting around to the type of activity that actually makes babies, either!

Right at that moment Marcus walks in with a tray of tiny, delicate cakes -- and actually fumbles his hello, due to the idea of Cinnamon with babies! Once he's collected himself again, he says, "I didn't get to know him very well, but he was one of the steadiest people I'd ever met. You'd expect a dragon to be more fiery, but he wasn't. He was... large. I mean..." He waves at the chair.

Cinnamon beams and thanks Marcus for coming, helps him put the tray of cakes on the buffet, then laughs about the chair, "Ohmygosh, yes! I sometimes feel like a little owl chick sitting in a nest of pillows in that chair... waiting for the adult owl to come home with, like, a nice plump mouse or something for me!"

Marcus smiles, "So having his heir be so much smaller than him is kind of adorable. Only in human form, however; your draconic form? You're catching up -- if not already the same size he was. You were just a hatchling when you first got here." He bites his tongue then -- because he know 'mouse' is a slang term for penis -- and he will not think of owlet-Cinnamon and a nice plump mouse to 'eat'! He still blushes slightly, though.

Cinnamon nods amusedly, "Oh, yeah... from what Sparrow has told me, I'm definitely larger than Liam was, by now! Which is kind of a relief, really -- I'd hate to be a genetic runt or something when he was so much larger than life, from what everyone has told me!" She beams as she adds to Marcus, "Is your dad coming too? I bet he has some Liam stories also, maybe...?" She completely misses both the blush and the 'adorable' comment, mentally assigning it to the usual charming deflection nice men will sometimes do around her.

Marcus clears his throat to add, "Vater will be around soon. I'm certain he'll have plenty of stories for you."

Cinnamon beams excitedly, "Yay! Oh! Marcus, you know Liane, right?" She brings the elf over to the big, comfy chair in which Liane has been carefully ensconced, to introduce them both... she really likes having all her friends being friendly to each other! It doesn't quite register that she's thinking of Marcus as a new friend in that way... she's just very happy at how pleasant and courteous he is with Liane.

Marcus smiles and bows over Liane's hand with a playful smile, "Oh, I know this charming lady well -- she makes the best shortbreads on the street! So lovely to see you again, Liane." This seems to please Liane, and she invites Marcus to sit with her and talk a while.

Cinnamon sighs happily -- Marcus can be so nice sometimes! The little dragon glances around, making sure everyone is having a good time and enjoying themselves... and keeping an ear out for any fun Liam stories too! She figures once the storytelling really starts, she'll ask folks to tell them to everyone... so everyone can eventually go home with a lovely set of shared memories about the ancient dragon. Plus, she's really hoping to have some good ones to tell Rebecca tomorrow, too! She wonders happily if there'll be any funny stories, as well as the type she's already heard -- stories where someone is very grateful to Liam for some assistance he gave them. She'd like to know more about all aspects of her deceased ancestor, after all. There are indeed a lot of stories -- some funny, some sad, some touching... Liam was well-liked. Of course, no one who wasn't fond of him is going to show up to the memorial.

Cinnamon listens raptly to every story told -- this is, after all, a side of Liam she'll never get to see, and she wants to know him as well as she can, considering he's deceased. She also planned ahead, of course -- so there are discreet boxes of Kleenex on every unoccupied flat surface in the room! By the time it's getting dark, everyone is well-fed and well-storied, and there have been shared tears, laughter, and smiles. Later, once people start to wander off and things are slowing for the night, she gives warm hugs and sincere thanks to everyone who came. By the time the big office is almost completely empty again, the little dragon is tired but sort of bittersweetly happy.

Thorn remains to help clean up, as do Shane, Josie, and Spice. Marcus too helps tidy up for a bit, but gets called away; he leaves reluctantly. Cinnamon laughs and hugs all her friends before they start cleaning -- she really appreciates their help! She grins and gives Marcus a goodbye hug when he gets called away, then gently shoo's him off so he doesn't keep folks waiting. The cleaning goes pretty swiftly, fortunately -- there's singing and laughter together, as well as friendly squabbling about who takes what remaining food home. While Cinnamon isn't adverse to taking most of it, after all, she rather puts her foot down about everyone else getting some of the tasty goodies too! It's a lovely, relaxing, pleasant closer to the day, and Cinnamon enjoys seeing most of her friends to their homes, during the walk back to her little cottage. She's also pleased as punch, too, that Shane is still willing to spend the night with her!

The next day is the actual anniversary of Liam's death -- and, though it is not brought up, of Cinnamon and Spice first feeling their respective restlessness that drove them both ultimately to Coblyn Street. Shortly after the sun sets, the little group is ready to go: Shane in his off-street clothing so he can pass while driving the car and Elias, Spice, Thorn, Marcus, and Cinnamon all neatly dressed and carrying some bags and baskets of tasty food to share with Rebecca. Marcus also has a little basket of honey and bread which Cinnamon handed him, and Shane has done his best to sort of line or layer parts of the car with elmwood, to help the elf. The little dragon is a bit surprised Marcus actually wants to go, but since he promised to tell no one anything about Rebecca, and he's been really quite pleasant lately... Cinnamon decides it's okay as long as Shane (as the driver) is okay with it too.

Shane is okay with it. Puzzled... but okay. So Marcus sits in the middle seat in the back of the car between Elias and Spice, as sheltered as possible from most of the metal. He's still a bit ironsick when they arrive, though, so he's a little paler than normal and his eyes look a little shadowed when they pull up at Rebecca's. Cinnamon eyes Marcus thoughtfully as Shane parks, "Daki-kun, do you need a moment on the porch steps or something? Or... I don't know, a drink of water with the bread and honey?"

Marcus smiles wanly, "Just a moment and I should be well." He nibbles on the bread and honey as they stand for a moment, but Rebecca -- being Rebecca -- doesn't wait for them to knock. Instead, she hustles as much as she can hustle to meet them at the door.

Cinnamon laughs and moves to hug the elderly woman when the door opens, "Hi, Rebecca! Thank you so much for letting us come be with you tonight!" She introduces Liam's widow to the new folks -- Marcus and Spice -- and explains Spice's family relationship with Liam's family. She also takes a moment, while Marcus is working on feeling a little better, to explain what's up with the elf... so Rebecca knows she needn't worry about, say, disease or anything.

Rebecca hugs everyone she knows and then smiles and hugs Spice when it's explained who she is, "Liam told me about your family, but we never had one of your folks around. I think the last passed away before we married?" Then she clucks over Marcus and chivvies him into the house for tea.

Cinnamon looks a bit confused at Rebecca's comment, "Er... do you mean one of Spice's family members used to actually work with Liam? Huh!" She grins bemusedly at Spice, "Did you know that? Or was that, like, part of family legend, kinda?" She giggles quietly as Marcus is neatly herded into the house, pattering in behind with everyone else, then checking to see if she can help at all. She's quietly happy: Rebecca is so nice! Cinnamon wants to be like her -- making everyone feel warm and comfortable and welcome! Thorn too likes Rebecca and feels immediately at ease here, just as before. She reminds him of his own ancestress in a lot of ways.

Marcus blinks, then can't help but smile as he's herded into the house by a woman who barely comes up to his chest. He thinks he could get used to being bossed around by small women! He finds himself smiling over at Cinnamon with that thought. The little dragon blinks in surprise -- what a lovely smile from Marcus! -- then can't help beaming right back at him. A moment later she's happily helping Rebecca put together a tray with teacups for everyone else... so she misses Marcus' reaction. However, others do notice, and there are several 'WTF?!' looks exchanged between Shane and Spice! Then Shane arches a brow at Thorn and leans in close to ask with a grin, "You fixed the concussion a long time back, right?" This new Marcus is a shock -- though a pleasant one.

Thorn is just as flabbergasted as he leans to listen, then murmur in reply, "Yes! This, uh... this is something different...?" Elias just smiles quietly to himself -- his close-lipped, amused smile rather than the full, happy grin which can terrify those who don't know him. It's the same smile Thorn was reminded of, in fact, on seeing Tao smile.

Shane nods slowly at Thorn's murmur, replying softly, "Yeah... it's something else, alright." Something else like... Marcus actually becoming a reasonable human being that his acushla could reasonably become infatuated with. The half-beansidhe wonders thoughtfully: that a bad thing anymore?

Once everyone is settled with tea and nibblies -- or, in Elias' case, comfortably settled -- Cinnamon asks Rebecca if she'd like to hear the stories shared about Liam at the memorial on Coblyn Street. The little dragon has been careful to be as transparent as possible with Rebecca with the things she's been doing, to be respectful of their relationship, after all... so it's a great relief to her to have Rebecca enthusiastically endorse her efforts! Consequently a quiet, pleasant, slightly sniffly several hours are spent in relating stories to Rebecca, and listening to the elderly lady tell stories of her own... as they all join together in remembering and/or memorializing a great and much admired man. Thorn laughs as the humorous stories, cries at the sorrowful ones, and even cries a bit at the bittersweet ones. The tea is, of course, wonderful. It's a lovely time to be had and he's so, so glad he came. He wonders if the history of the Council has the lineages and genealogies of the members... but for the moment he's content to sit and be warmly companionable amongst these old-new friends.

Cinnamon is also very pleased also to be able to share with Rebecca how honored and beloved Liam was to those on Coblyn. For example, she mentions to the kindhearted widow several folks who turned up, and explains who they are and what the significance of their presence was: Diarmaid and Lorcan -- even Caradog, for a brief bit! Also Jalil, of the former 'reveal' faction... and Cinnamon is excited to both tell about Tao's coming to the party, and relate the story of his discovery by the little group! Though she doesn't mention it aloud, the little dragon is very interested as well in how Rebecca reacts to Marcus. Admittedly, Cinnamon knows how charming Marcus can be... but she also suspects Rebecca has a well-developed 'bullshit detector' -- though it would never occur to the little dragon to call it that! She's mostly just a little scared at how really nice it's starting to feel when Marcus is around... because (as with Shane) she's desperately afraid of getting dumped yet again.

Rebecca listens raptly, sometimes crying, sometimes laughing as she share stories of her own and listens to the ones she didn't know that people bring her from the party on Coblyn. She seems to enjoy Marcus' company, but doesn't seem bedazzled by him, which would at least point to the young elvenvolk councilor not using his knack on her and simply being normally charming and friendly -- and pretty -- to her. When Cinnamon goes with her to the kitchen at one point, Rebecca gently teases the little dragon about having two beaux, "It's always nice to have a couple of different gentlemen callers at once. It's also nice when they aren't being jerks to one another!"

Cinnamon looks startled -- then squeaks in embarrassment and turns bright red! "Ohmygosh nonono Rebecca -- M-Marcus isn't a, a... a b-beau! He's just -- I think he's j-just trying to be nice, to be friends again, you know? I think... he might feel a bit guilty about how he's treated me in the past... especially considering I've saved his life once -- no, wait -- was it twice?" She grins a bit wistfully as she adds, "It- er... is it greedy of me, though, to... t-to think two b-beaux would be f-fun?" She looks a bit starry-eyed as she dreamily adds, "Shaney... he's my cwtch, you know? Kind of like how I bet you and Liam were for each other -- that sort of full-bodied hug that you know means you can just like melt into their support! Not just a 'hug' but a cwtch." She sighs happily as she unwittingly hugs herself and adds, "I honestly never ever thought in my whole life that I'd ever have anyone who's as wonderful as him... actually like me -- for me! Not because I could do their taxes or help with their homework or whatever. It's... still kinda scary-wonderful!"

Rebecca smiles and nods, sighing softly, and for a moment she looks almost youthful, "Liam was both charming and comforting... and could be quite... uhm..." she blushes a bit, "virile, when I was younger! He probably could have been as I got older, but he was considerate of my human body, I think. We still cuddled up and were loving." She gently bumps Cinnamon with her hip, her voice quiet, "I may just be human, but I know looks. That pretty boy doesn't look at you like he's just being nice to you -- he looks at you like he'd like to eat you up! Just the same way young Shane looks at you... and I don't think it's greedy at all! It used to be that you didn't get serious over one boy so quickly -- you dated a couple or three until you decided. Though I understands from Liam that it's common with some supernatural cultures not to choose." She giggles and whispers, teasing youthfully again, "If I weren't so jealous, it might have been good to have someone else to help keep up with Liam sometimes!" It's clear from her demeanor that she feels she's being quite naughty telling her step-granddaughter this!

Cinnamon's cheeks are flame-red by this point, but she can't help the tiny giggle and quick, nervous nod of agreement! She doesn't precisely understand why, but the idea of Shane and/or Marcus metaphorically wanting to eat her up gives her the loveliest happy-silly tingles inside! She hastily pushes down the thought of Marcus being that close, though -- she's sure that will never happen! He could never be interested 'that way' in her... especially considering how pretty he is, and how much of a reputation he has. Past Aisling's knack, though, the little dragon hasn't quite registered yet just how good supernatural hearing is.

In the living room, Shane's too caught up in a conversation with Spice, Thorn, and Elias about a complex orrery they found on the living room shelves to actually hear the conversation. Marcus, however -- who is both not caught up in the conversation and closer to the kitchen doorway -- does hear it! His brows go further and further up. He knows Rebecca is right about the way he looks at Cinnamon. It's also interesting to learn that dragons have a libido in the range where a partner might want the dragon to have someone else to 'tag in' sometimes, so to speak. It makes him look over at Shane thoughtfully, reconsidering his feelings of rivalry for the half-beansidhe. He's got somewhat better-than-human scenting capabilities too, after all... and he's noticed the dragon and Shane smell a lot more like one another lately. He has a good idea that this means their relationship has... ahh... progressed.

Elias is hearing this as well because he's got not only frighteningly good hearing, but also a scary-good ability to multi-task, honed by centuries of life. He manages not to smile at the inadvertent seed of polyamory being planted from an unexpected direction... because he knows Rebecca is correct about draconic libido.

Rebecca seems almost to light up during the little party, and spends time with each of the visitors. When it's time to leave, each of them gets a nice, long hug from her and something said quietly just to them. Thorn gets told just how important it is to be the person to take care of the sick and the injured, "-and even those you can't heal, dear. Sometimes it's important just to ease the way on through to the other side, and to hold a hand just so they aren't alone at the end. Remember that. Physical healing isn't the only kind you can do." Thorn nods gravely, and enjoys the time with Rebecca. It is pleasant and enlightening; he wishes he could have met Liam (but then he probably wouldn't have met Cinnamon) at some point. Even so, he's glad they could provide something for Rebecca to remember Liam even more.

To Cinnamon, Rebecca murmurs, "I know you wanted to meet him. He wanted to meet you, too, dear, and I am so, so sorry neither of you got that wish. Just know you're the granddaughter I never got to have myself. I love you. Bring your friends and your beaux over any time you want!" Cinnamon gets a little teary-eyed at that, hugging Rebecca as warmly as she carefully can! On the drive back she sniffles quietly to herself at the realization: it really is as wonderful as she'd hoped it would be... to have family that actually likes you for yourself!

It's a few days after the lovely bittersweet, evening of remembrance for Liam at Rebecca's home, and the morning of Cinnamon's regular shopping day... though today she plans to go off-street for some particular goods she needs to bake with. She intends to have a small (for her) but delicious feast for her closest and dearest friends, for her one year anniversary on Coblyn, after all, and she wants to try some baking for both breads and desserts... but she also knows she needs to practice first! Thus, after a wonderfully warm and naughty (to her) morning with Shane, they both ate breakfast and cleaned up, and then she gave Shane a kiss before he headed off on his errands for others. Well... the little dragon's cheeks flush with attractive happiness as she remembers that kiss: Shane was certainly enthusiastic too! She giggles to herself as she does a last check of her little cottage (to ensure all is in order) and her bag (to make sure she knows where she's walking to, and what she needs) -- and then she heads out after carefully locking the door behind herself. Marcus knows Cinnamon's routine by now -- he 'accidentally' bumps into her and is a bit taken aback, in the very best way, by the glow she's got on her face from her smile. He doesn't realize it's also from the naughtiness she got up to with Shane that morning as well, since they both washed up! "Good morning! And where are you off to, looking so cheerful?"

Cinnamon blinks at Marcus -- then inadvertently beams at him as well, "Good morning! Isn't it a lovely day? I'm going shopping for some stuff for a baking experiment for my anniversary party! What're you doing?" She brightens hopefully, "Oh! Are you here to RSVP for you and Jaeger, for the anniversary party?" She'd enjoyed carefully writing up her invitations on her own lovely, sigil-embossed stationary, using the beautiful pen set and ink gifted to her by Marcus himself -- though she's far too shy to admit to the happy little thrill that had given her! She'd instead sternly reminded herself instead that his handwriting was so gorgeous that her careful, still slightly shaky calligraphy couldn't ever possibly approach that. Consequently she needed to be really-really cautious while writing the Elm Residence invite, so he wasn't disgusted or embarrassed at how awful her handwriting was.

Marcus has indeed brought his RSVP as an excuse. He removes it from the inner pocket of his jacket and smiles his dazzling smile at her, "Guilty as charged! We're both coming. You arriving on the street heralded some amazing changes. Not least of all -- to my mind -- was the healing of my father after his attempted assassination. I have no doubts that trap wasn't meant to simply lame him." He motions at her shopping baskets, adding, "Can I carry some of that for you? I'd love to go with you and get off the street for a bit -- that is, if you'll play metal guardian for me."

Cinnamon beams with dazzling happiness at Marcus as she accepts the RSVP, "Yay! I'm so glad you're both coming." She grins shyly as she adds, "Well, it was actually Thorny who healed him. I just had a funny idea, you know?" Since the little dragon knows (from hearing it from Qadan) that the trap was indeed supposed to assassinate, but she still thinks the entire situation was just too horrible, she doesn't comment further. Instead she blinks in surprise and grins uncertainly, her voice intrigued, "I... sure? Though how did you know I was going off-street?" A moment later she adds a bit anxiously, "Oh! I meant to ask, too: I hope the trip to and from Rebecca's wasn't too... too awful for you?"

Marcus smiles, shrugging, "You're headed away from the places you'd get most baking supplies on-street, so I assumed you'd have to be going off-street for them." It's mostly true -- she is headed in the wrong direction -- but he also knows because he's been spying. "I know Thorn is who healed him, and we're very honored he's part of our trod. But you helped break the entire conspiracy... and you helped bring back the fire in his spirit. My father used to be a warrior thane, you know." He leans in and half-whispers, "Plus, you don't usually wear jeans on-street."

Cinnamon blushes at that, "Oh, I... uh, oh-ok-kay...?!" She's quite pink as she hastily adds, "Oh, um, right -- sure, I'd be happy to, er, t-to be your metal-guard!" She can't help the small, happy smile as she patters along next to Marcus, though -- eeeeee it's so nice to have lovely company!

Marcus slips his arm through Cinnamon's in a companionable way, "I trust you to keep me safe as we go. I know human stores can be a bit... rife." Cinnamon definitely goes hot pink at that lovely, almost intimate-feeling touch! She is at first slightly nervously quiet, but by the time they're stepping off of Coblyn, Marcus has relatively easily gotten her to open up about the day's plans. She shows him, on her cell phone, where they're headed and what her shopping list is, and she enthuses excitedly about her still-tentative menu for the anniversary party, as well as who else is invited. She intends to feed a delicious and celebratory meal to (currently) herself and Shane, Thorn, Marcus and Jaeger, Elias, Josie and Spice, Tre and Navin, Hilde and Torben (if he's still on street), and Aisling! Marcus listens attentively and smiles the whole time, triumphant that she's letting him touch her so easily, and in such a 'slightly more than friendly' way. "That sounds wonderful! I'd offer to have Chef send something along, but I understand wanting to feed everyone yourself. As I understand, it's something of a way of showing your esteem for your friends and loved ones."

Cinnamon nodnods at the comment about wanting to feed everyone, "Oh, totally!" then cheerfully adds, "I'd invite Veles too, but as you know, he's still in Nusantara, making sure everything sort of 'takes,' if that makes sense? But he promised to be back by the next council meeting, in case anyone has any questions I can't answer!" She also enthuses delightedly about her cooking experiments, revealing that the dinner menu will include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, honey and balsamic vinegar glazed asparagus, potatoes au gratin, and Caesar salad... with a baked dessert that she's not quite decided on yet -- thus the experimentation! The little dragon thoughtfully adds, "Though I'm still debating: potatoes au gratin or pommes de terre fondant? I haven't made the fondant recipe yet, and it does look kind of yummy..." A heartbeat later she happily adds -- while super-leaping from one topic to another, "I liked the idea of the babas au rhum, but I don't care for rum, so not that one, unfortunately. The Breton butter cake looked really good though, as did the apple tarte tatin -- but for a real show-stopper I was thinking mille-feuille! What do you think? I loved the way the pears belle Helene looked but they're not baking, really -- and they're not in season right now, either -- which is too bad! Maybe I'll try them later this year." She giggles shyly as she adds, "W-would you like to try some, if I experimented with some new recipes?"

Marcus smiles as Cinnamon chatters, and nods in agreement that the fondant recipe sounds divine and one should always make things that oneself would like to eat so perhaps the tarte tatin would be better... but mille-feuille are indeed gorgeous and sure to make people ooh and ahh. His blue eyes twinkle as he adds -- with just enough purr in his voice to make it sound naughty if Cinnamon actually understood flirting better, "I would adore tasting you...r experiments."

Cinnamon can't help the slightly startled squeak that causes! Though, to her relief, it was also fairly small -- maybe Marcus missed it? Her cheeks are quite flushed as she swallows hard, then hastily adds, "Oh look here we are let's go in don't touch the door please ooh doesn't it smell good in here?!" Marcus follows after Cinnamon with a grin -- he absolutely caught the squeak! It was what he was trying to elicit, after all. Though he wonders if she thinks she was imagining the almost-not-there pause before the R in the word 'your.' The little dragon had indeed chastised herself for imagining the pause! Marcus isn't going to flirt with her, after all -- not like that, at least! So instead she glances around, then patters over to the bakery department to talk to the woman working there. Cinnamon cheerfully compliments the delicious-looking selection of cakes and other goodies in the side display case, and asks for the requisite ingredients for her experiments. With a quick mental adjustment, she also makes sure she'll have enough to try an experimental apple tarte tatin and the mille-feuille! She figures she can decide which is better, then come back here later to be sure the ingredients are as fresh as possible for the party. The lady behind the counter is enthusiastic about helping, but sad to tell Cinnamon they're out of some of the ingredients she needs.

"Oh, no!" After a moment of thought, Cinnamon checks for when they'll be restocked... but upon hearing how late that will be, she unhappily exclaims, "Well, drat! I... don't think I'll have time to experiment, in that case. Shoot! I really wanted to try some baking."

The woman holds up her finger, "One minute. Let me check something." She makes a couple of calls, then beams, "Found them! There's a shop in town that has all of it -- and I got them to put some aside for you!"

Cinnamon sighs in relief, "Oh, awesome! Thank you sososo much, ma'am!" She beams as she whips out her cell phone, "Can I get the address from you, please?!" The address as well as the name to drop is provided, and Marcus beams that the little dragon is going to get her -- shopping -- desire. Cinnamon sighs happily, thanking the kind woman and purchasing two croissants before heading back outside. Once there she hands one croissant to Marcus with the absent comment, "Always nice to have something to munch on while thinking..." then takes a huge bite of the other before tapping in the address so her phone can give her the route. Marcus is happy to chat. He does make a suggestive but (just like the other comment about tasting) easy-to-dismiss comment about liking to take time with his food as he tears the croissant into tiny little pieces and nibbles them as they walk. He makes happy noises and licks the butter from the pastry off his fingers every few bites. Cinnamon is still charmingly oblivious, alas, to her own flirtation options! She brightens a second later, "Oh, the other store's not too far from here!"

Cinnamon sets out with Marcus, chattering happily with him about inconsequentialities: how lovely a spring morning it is and how pretty the flowers are and what a pretty dress that woman is wearing and so on. Her distraction unfortunately keeps her from carefully checking the planned route, though. While the second shop isn't really that far away if one were able to straight-line it there, the Boston roads are incredibly tangled and convoluted! Consequently, the journey is several more miles to go, rather than a simple hop, skip, and a jump... which means Cinnamon is starting to get tired by the time the two supernaturals arrive at the new store. Fortunately, they are expected, and the goods await them. Marcus is a gentleman and notices Cinnamon is drooping a little, so insists on carrying everything. She may be strong, but strength is not the same thing as indefatigable.

Cinnamon politely demurs the first time Marcus offers, but when he gently insists, she's tiredly relieved to be able to hand a few things off to him. Her feet are starting to hurt! She'd impulsively ordered her pretty shoes online, but now she's having to admit to herself: pretty or not, they don't quite fit right... and she's been walking for a while in them. Thank goodness they're at least not high heels or anything! In fact, by the time the two arrive back at Coblyn Street some four-ish hours later, poor Cinnamon is walking rather slowly, and with tired determination to not limp, darnit! She doesn't want anyone's pity... but she is sure as heck sending these darned shoes back. Just gotta keep focused: one step at a time. She doesn't realize her former happy chatter has tapered off to almost nothing, to the point that Marcus can easily tell she's hurting.

The elf asks with a gentle but not condescending voice, "Do you want to stop at the Residence with me and rest a bit? That was a hell of a walk." He's not quite agile or light enough to, as the old meme says, 'nance about on top of the snow' -- but he's quite light of foot and used to walking long, long distances every day.

Cinnamon sighs softly -- that actually sounds wonderful! -- but a mix of manners, guilt, and duty makes her reply, "Oh, I shouldn't, Marcus... I don't want to be a bother... and I did promise Shane I'd message him once I was done shopping, so we could eat."

Marcus smiles almost mischievously, coaxingly pointing out, "There are messengers all over! Plus, it's almost lunch time. Aren't you hungry? I certainly am... and you know just how good Chef is, and how much he likes showing off! Also, don't you think Tre would enjoy getting to take you and your shopping home later today?"

Frankly, the idea of getting to sit down and slip off her shoes makes Cinnamon almost groan with relief! She knows her tummy has started rumbling occasionally too -- thank goodness it's not been loud enough for Marcus to notice and laugh at -- and she also knows Hilde is absolutely right, and there really are no bad meals at the Elm Residence. On the other hand, she's been firmly taught that it's impolite to just drop in on someone at mealtimes... though... is it really dropping in on the chef, if Marcus himself is inviting her? The little dragon is tired enough by this point that she mentally dithers only for a few moments on all the faintly guilty issues tumbling around in her mind, before finally giving in to this lovely option. Her reply is both tired and relieved, "Well... w-well, if you really don't mind... that... would be really nice? I can pay for the messenger, of course -- and I'm sorry to be such a bother!" She's footsore enough by now that her limp is starting to be noticeable... especially on the wide, easy steps up to the mansion itself.

It takes almost no time at all for Marcus to get a lunch for four to six people ordered. He's not certain if Jaeger will turn up -- plus he's seen how Cinnamon can eat when she's been exerting herself. It's the most adorable combination of dainty and voracious! He gets Cinnamon settled on a chaise in the arboretum with a cooling drink and her feet in his lap as he carefully massages them with a pleasantly-scented massage oil. His fingers work over her small feet carefully and with a talent that says he's done this more than once or twice. Cinnamon has had shoulder rubs, which she really enjoys -- she's yet to have Shane put his hands on her and not enjoy it, honestly. However, she's never had a foot massage before, let alone one by someone with some training and skill. She's also far more tired than she realizes, since the first thing she does is drink down all her sweet lemonade, set the glass aside, then lean her head back on the chaise so she can relax completely. Her eyes are closed, and she's making small, drowsily relieved, almost blissful-sounding little purring noises! She's feeling much, much better... as well as slightly sleepy -- sleepy enough that she lets herself daydream a little about how lovely this sort of touch would feel all ove- no, wait, she's not that sleepy! She sighs amusedly at herself; remember: this is Marcus. Not Shane. Right.

Marcus, of course, thinks those adorable little purring sounds are quite delicious! He's careful to keep her feet on his thighs and down toward his knees because he knows she'd be mortified to find out just how much she's affecting him! So instead he gently teases her, "Those socks must be awfully rough to make your feet hurt like this! Why not get something soft and nice and pretty for your feet -- indulge a little? It would help keep your feet from aching so much!" He smiles as he slides his thumb along one instep.

Cinnamon laughs tiredly, "Oh, I'm sure it was mostly the shoes that were the problem, not the socks. Well, that and I'm -- er, I-" She's too weary to hastily come up with a polite way to say she's too fat for her shoes, so instead she simply changes the subject slightly, "I bought them because they were on sale! I'm good with cheap and serviceable when it gets the job done, you know? I don't need to go wasting money on myself. The, um, socks, I mean. The shoes..." She sighs amusedly, "I guess they're a good lesson to me about spending unnecessarily -- they were kind of a stupid impulse buy."

Marcus looks bemusedly at Cinnamon, at that! Her eyes are closed so she doesn't catch his expression, but her voice is so weary that he decides to let her be. Luckily, Ingrid arrives and saves the moment by letting Marcus know there's a visitor for him. Marcus smiles, "Thank you, Ingrid." He carefully lifts Cinnamon's feet out of his lap and rests them on the chaise on a small towel, using another to wipe his hands off a bit. They're still soft and warm with the oil, but they aren't actively slippery. "I need to go greet our visitor, but feel free to continue to rest and have another drink. Keep recovering! I'll be right back. Food will be served soon." Cinnamon mumbles a sleepy assent, and thanks Ingrid when she pours another glass of lemonade... though the little dragon's eyes have drifted closed again by the time the other woman has quietly departed. Marcus rises to his bare feet and heads through the mansion to the front door, where he finds Shane waiting.

Shane's waiting... well, waiting in that he's in the room and not leaving, but he can't stay still. He's not pacing precisely, but he's moving around and examining the paintings, the knickknacks, the furniture -- anything to keep from sitting still and just... being passive. When Marcus arrives, Shane looks him over and arches one dark brow at the rather un-Marcus-like attire: worn jeans and a soft, loose shirt with the sleeves rolled up that the elvenfolk councilor donned so his nice clothes wouldn't get ruined by massage oil. The scent of sandalwood is also unusual for Marcus, but Shane can't quite put together why that makes him slightly antsy. Marcus smiles, "Thank you for coming, Shane. Cinnamon's resting in the arboretum, cooling down and having something to drink while we wait for lunch to be prepared. But... before we go meet her, I have a couple of questions... if that's okay with you?"

Shane nods, "I'll listen, but I'll only answer questions if I haven't agreed to keep the answer in confidence."

Marcus nods, unsurprised, then considers how to phrase his queries, "First... is food or sleep better for her recovery?"

Shane nods sharply, "Food first, always. Even if she's drooping to the point of exhaustion, food will perk her up every time. Sleep is mostly for when she's healing deeper wounds. Napping while waiting for food is good but it won't refresh her as much."

Marcus nods slowly before he carefully phrases the next question after taking a deep breath, "This is a personal one, but... does she just feel like she's not... worth... does she feel like she's... a bother to people? As if she's a burden or a pest or something else unpleasant like that?" He furrows his brows and lets more slip than he realizes, "That she's not worth... cherishing or... consideration, at the very least?"

Shane sighs and rubs between his eyes with two fingers, "Marcus, Cinnamon believes that she's less-than in so many ways that I can't even begin to enumerate them. Her parents are human through and through, in the most and worst ways. They are stereotypical -- they see only surfaces and are stuck in current human beauty standards, so that's all they value. They are so shallow they make mud puddles look deep. She's absorbed that, and sees herself as not worth spoiling."

Marcus nods slowly, remembering his so-called friends being that way toward her, and wrinkles his nose, "I see. Well, someone needs to convince her otherwise."

Shane's brows go up as he wryly replies, "What do you think I've been attempting to do, Marcus?" Then his smile gets almost self-satisfied, "I'm... getting there."

When they arrive at the arboretum, Ingrid is standing uncertainly outside with the food cart. At sight of the two young men, she whispers softly, "I didn't want to disturb Cinnamon... she's fallen asleep!"

Both young men assure her the little dragon will appreciate the food quite a lot, so Ingrid should take it on in. As they follow her in, Shane's eyes fall on the bottle of oil, the small stack of folded towels, the way Cinnamon's bare feet are resting on one towel... and things start to click into place. He looks at Marcus rather pointedly. Marcus clears his throat slightly -- because both men know foot rubs are considered rather intimate, even if Cinnamon might not! Marcus murmurs, "Yes, I know... and yes, I did enjoy it, but it really was initially because her feet were killing her after the walk. The poor thing's socks might as well be made of sandpaper -- and those shoes!" Shane just keeps looking at Marcus, whose ear tips go redder and redder as he finally mutters, "And yes, I might have thought she'd, uhm... enjoy the jeans."

Shane just mmhmmmms... then goes to sit by Cinnamon, stroking her calf gently and murmuring, "Acushla... wake up, a ghr�. Food's here."

Cinnamon blinks a bit groggily at being awakened... then brightens with sleepy pleasure as she reaches up for a warm hug, "Shaney! Hi, milse�n -- thanks for coming! I hope you don't mind eating here? Marcus said it'd be okay...?"

Shane strokes her hair, "I'm always happy to be wherever you are."

Cinnamon blushes happily as she hugs, mumbling a shy, "Awww!" -- though the scent of food grabs her rather quickly! "Ooh that smells wonderful are you hungry, asthore? I sure am!" The little dragon eats with her usual demeanor: sort of a tidy and polite vacuum cleaner effect! She does indeed perk up noticeably as she eats, and between bites she chatters happily to Shane, "-was so nice and gave us the address and called ahead to be sure the stuff I wanted was there wasn't that thoughtful of her?" Pause for food, then a chagrined sigh, "Of course, I was so excited I was a dummy and didn't check the distance -- I'm so really sorry about that, Marcus! I hope it wasn't too awful for you -- so we walked and walked and walked, it felt like, and finally we got there-" By the time she's put away a meal or two, she's far more her old self, excitedly sharing her anniversary meal plans while showing Shane photos on her phone of both mille-feuille and some of the cooking goods she's purchased -- she wants him and Marcus both to please test out her two dessert choices maybe they could come by later today or something what do they think?! Both young men agree quite willingly to be taste-testers!

During this conversation Marcus is sitting quietly and eating... and thinking that Shane's explanation casts quite a few things in a new light! This has given Marcus a new understanding of both Cinnamon's behavior, and how perplexing it has sometimes been. However, he also firmly decides this disparaging self-thought by the little dragon must not stand! She may not ever allow him as close as he'd like to be... but either way, he can gently nudge her to be kinder to herself. He makes up his mind that any gifts from him will always and only be items that feel soft and pleasant and gentle on her skin -- or her scales -- so she'll hopefully eventually learn: she absolutely does deserve beauty and pleasure and cherishing!

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

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