September 10, 2002.09.10.02. - gooood chit [starling-nathaniel][pine barrens]
(james)
it's amazing where a random stroll will land you, honestly.if at first you don't succeed, try and try again and boy did he try, and try, and try so then, before he really knew it, he found himself past the outskirts of the city and so far into the woods that.... well..... it really didn't matter did it, he was here, it was now, and by golly...... he should be nearing that Wendigo's territory again
so if opportunity knocks, so shall he
coupla nice hand-sized rocks picked up and smacked together to the tune of a nice little ditty which, well, should sound familiar if he's where he thinks he is..... poised to listen for any reply
(orion)
He chuckles and nods. "Sure...want to add some meat to it? elk goes good in chili(starling)
"If you know what you are doing." Smiles, freezing with the sound coming through the trees. "Hear that?"(james)
Mother always told him it was rude to yell, so he doesn't, not quite yetthis time only tapping the stones together in repeat performance.... maybe he was more lost than he thought
(orion)
Frowning, he turns and heads off through the trees once more following the sounds of the rocks.(starling)
Getting a little freaked when nothing comes back but the weird clacking sound. Heading for the tree fort and the weapons there when Orion moves off through the trees.(orion)
Moving closer to the banging rocks, he watches hidden in the shadows for a long moment
(james)
"Shoulda made that left instead of a right at Albequerque, Jamey-boy"shaking his head to set light brown dredlocks dancing on his shoulders into a dance all of their own, rocks replaced from whence they came and the patchwork tophat adjusted and returned to its proper position, second-hand issue boots choosing a new direction in which to stroll, tattered tails of the longcoat catching on a bush here or there..... and over there, too.....
(orion)
He finally says. "You normally come all the way out here to bang rocks together?"(starling)
Waiting and listening. Shotgun ready just in case. She didn't hear the strange sound anymore.
(james)
there's a monumental pause, before the lean boy swirls towards the voice..... nonchalantly plucking the end of one coattail from a slightly too touchyfeely bush and greeting the man with an easy smile"But of course.....you'll find the best rocks out here."
a loose shrug
"I always thought it rude to enter without knocking. So knocked."
(orion)
He nods quietly. "Catchy tune....who are ya?"(james)
the compliment warms the smile, reaching to tip the tophat into something of a bow"James Branson, at your service."
straightening and resettling the hat, the peer around slightly perplexed
"I was on my way to visit some good people, well, had hoped to since my stroll lead out here..... who might you be?"
((orion might notice some of the stitching on James' hat form glyphs, depending on how far away he is))
(orion)\(james)
the compliment warms the smile, reaching to tip the tophat into something of a bow"James Branson, at your service."
straightening and resettling the hat, the peer around slightly perplexed
"I was on my way to visit some good people, well, had hoped to since my stroll lead out here..... who might you be?"
(orion)
There's a pause asthe hidden man speaks...his voice sounds like gravel and tombstones in a crypt. "Orion."
(james)"Orion...... where have I heard that name befOH!"
head tilting most curiously
"Did Starling ever find you?"
(orion)
He nods quietly. "you know starling my Bone Gnawer friend?"(james)
oh...... and the smile warms even more, relaxation taking a stroll through his frame starting from shoulders and working down to toes - recognition saved half the introduction right there"How else would I know she was looking for you? And yes..... sort've.... not very well. We only shared a meal the other night but I thought since I was in the area I'd pay my respects to her and Nathaniel...."
it is his territory after all....
(orion)
He nods quietly. "I haven't met him yet. but anyways. come along."(james)
"Nice guy, really."grinned, falling into step behind Orion
(orion)
He nods quietly and motions him to move ahead of him. "Nothing personal...but I don't let anyone walk behind me.(james)
attention is carted back away from the trees and the occasional small glade, blinking a moment before that easy smile returns beneath brown eyes"No offense taken..... this way, yes?"
plowing on ahead as if he really did belong out here in the woods in a tattered carnival longcoat and patchwork tophat - Dr. Caligari eat your heart out
(orion)
He nods quietly. "Ayte...this way."(james)
hands slide loosely into the pockets of surplus black BDUs, in that way that keeps them free and clear and without the coat falling to cover them - while Orion is at his back he doesn't want anything paranoidally or accidentally thrown into his back for any apparent reason - whistling Gambler's Blues quietly under his breath and continuing on in what feels like the right direction(starling)
Quietly waits, watching through the opening from above. Wondering if something ate Orion or if he vanished again. Stomach growling, dinner getting further away by the moment.(orion)
Quietly waits, watching through the opening from above. Wondering if something ate Orion or if he vanished again. Stomach growling, dinner getting further away by the moment.(starling)
Nearly jumping with the sound of the voice before realizing it used her name and who it was. Slowly relaxing enough to climb down from the fort.
(james)
well, that beats arriving unannounced, doesn't it, the smile widening to welcoming - even if it isn't his camp, particularly - when he rounds the bend into now familiar territory, looking up and, wehell, there she is"Well hello there Starling, fancy meeting you here....."
(starling)
Relieved for one thing. A little surprised for another. Smiling at James as he speaks. "I didn't know if I would see you again. Welcome."(james)
"We tend to show up again when you least expect us to."chuckled warmly - and maybe a little wryly - tophat removed once he's within camp boundaries, mostly shoulder length dreds shaking loose as that trademark grin stays quite put
"Thought I'd drop by since I was in the area... wanted to see how you were."
it may have only been a matter of days, at most, but the Hood's concern is genuine
good people(starling)
"I'm good, thank you." Relaxing more. The meat still wrapped in the tarp and laying near the small fire pit along with the fixings for dinner. "I was going to make dinner earlier and had invited Orion. He brought a big side of meat, it was kind of him. Anyway, just chili, but you are welcome to stay too."(orion)
quietly he goes over and begins to slice meat for the chili.
(james)
brows lift a little - he had noticed the big thing in the tarp and could very well smell what it was - he may not exactly know it's elk, but it smells good, and venison is venison, it must have been a good hunt, nodding a bit as he reaches to search the seemingly endless amount of pockets on the longcoat, some keys jangling, something else rustling"I'd be delighted, Starling."
a sudden lightbulb sparking above his head as it seems he's found the pocket he's been searching for, pulling out a half-full box of spice tea, fairly unscathed
"Do you think this would set the meal off?"
a step closer, held up for her perusal - one should never go empty handed
(starling)
Grinning with the offer. "I think so. Why don't you relax and I'll go up and get a pot for water and a few other things, like cups." Turning for the tree. "I won't be long."(james)
"I can't argue that....."laughing softly, finding the place he chose the other night to settle by the fire, coat removed and lain over log as if a blanketing pillow and hat set neatly aside
(starling)
Clammoring up the ladder to the fort above to collect together a few more things. Then pulling the rope to get the basket up and load it before lowering it to the ground again. Once she's down again, lugging it all to the fire pit. "If you want, you can stay the night."(james)
at this, he looks somewhat surprised - breifly - though it's amazing how quickly that easy smile returns"If you don't mind...... I've found it's quite a walk out here, would be nice to see the last few miles of it during daylight in the morning. Nice country."
and even though she told him to just relax, as soon as she's done her part to lug the supplies over, he's reaching for the pot to go fill with water and start the tea
(starling)
Grins watching him a moment before starting to work on the chili. Squating down before the small fire with a blackened pot over it. "So, have you found any others out here?"(james)
it's a quick trip, and pretty soon he's back by the fire's heat and settling the pot to warm so the tea can start brewing, meeting her question with a soft grin"Other than the braying jackass, his companion the warrior princess, your furry man and now orion?"
dreds shake a bit as his head does
"Not yet. The hitch the other day didn't take me quite as far as I hoped... hence why it was so easy to get back here on a stroll..... I was actually heading to see if any of Our relations were still in Atlantic City, if they were faring well..... the barking chain spoke of some activity from the Nasties in these parts....."
(starling)
"There have been nasties a plenty. But who is the warrior princess and my furry man?"(james)
"The warrior princess is Sim....er.... Douglas' companion, I never caught her name. His and that guy Lucian's Alpha, I suppose. Chipper little bunch they were..... wonder if he always acts like his pantyhose are in a bunch. He should be happy he at least has pantyhose, nylons were quite scarce during the Wars, and still are for some of us. And Nathaniel...... I at least assume you and he are....."
just.... lets that drift off, nonchalantly placing a couple tea packets in the warmed water, inwardly cringing in hopes he didn't say too much inopportunely
(starling)
Glad for the dark as her deep coppery skin takes on a even redder hue. "Nathaniel is my friend. He has looked after me for weeks now, since Russell told him to."
(james)
too bad the white boy's skin doesn't hide as well as hers does, even tanned, his flush shows rather well - blame it on the fire, boyo, it's a reflection from the fire, right"Oh..... I..... uhm."
clearing his throat turns into a chuckling laugh, doing his best to duck and hide behind the ropey curtain of dreds, but it honestly isn't working, quite a shy smile finding a way to replace the easy one
"Well you know what they say about assuming something - must be right, now, hm?"
(pause!)
(starling)
Kneels near the fire pit to add a few more sticks to it. Then reaching for a long handled wooden spoon to stir the pot hanging over the fire. "So, did I ask you if you had family in this area?"(james)
this time his head shakes"No.... and not exactly. More distant relations. Immediate family's up north in Albany, but I've been in NYC a few years...... but the family there sent me down to check things out in Atlantic City and sort've..... find myself, I guess. What about you?"
(starling)
"I came here from Oklahoma. My family there had passed and so I found myself wandering in this direction to eventually end up here at the beginning of summer." Tapping the spoon on the side of the pot and scooting back some from the heat. Firelight dancing across her coppery face.(james)
and now it is the time for his head to tilt in canid curiosity, geneology and ancestry always did interest him"What native tribes?"
(starling)
Glancing towards him with a small smile. "How did you know it was more than one tribe?"(james)
the smile grows again, meeting hers with a wink as well"Call it a hunch...... living where I have for the past few years, ya find every tends to have more spices in them than not. I find it far more interesting anyway..... one of my pals was a linguist.... now he could tell you some interseting stuff about folks."
(starling)
"I am mostly Apache and Seminole, though my father always teased my mother about a little Osage in the ancestory." Leaning back a little against the trunk of a tree while watching him.(james)
a laugh finds its way to the surface"My dad always teased my mom she must have had some Uktena along the way..... though she swore it was only Yokut. Ah... it's done."
grinned, before reaching to take the pot from near the fire, hand held out for the cups
(starling)
Twisting to reach for the cups and hand one to him at a time. Moving a little closer so he can reach. "I am Uktena." Murmuring the words softly.(james)
the cups are set between them, so the spice tea steam can rise like a bath when its poured, then hers picked up to offer with both hands, his voice carrying just as softly"Chosen or Kin?"
(starling)
Cupping her hands around the offered cup to bring it towards her face to inhale the steam. Brown eyes meeting his over the rim of the cup, a grin flitting about her lips. "I thought it was obvious. Kin."(james)
there's another wink, picking up his own cup and blowing across it to make the steam curl up and dance around his dreads, quite the playful gleam in brown eyes"Sorta..... but I wanted to make sure before I said anything and assumed again. Ya got me paranoid about saying things now...."
(starling)
Laughing with a shake of her head. Holding one hand up. "I do? What did I do?"(james)
"Well, my dear....."chuckled again, gesturing carefully with the cup as if it were a grand scepter
"..... I"ve learned not to make assumptions anymore, less I go crawl behind a tree in embarrassment."
(starling)
Finally getting what he was talking about. Hiding her embarassment by taking up the spoon again to stir the chili. "It happens. Sometimes he tells strangers I'm his wife. And sometimes we have children too."(james)
well, she's not the only one affected, he, though, hides it in a long sip of the tea, chuckling softly"Safer that way...... I just put together my own little scenario becuase you were up in a treehouse in his territory and, well....."
lets that trail off into another soft laugh - put your foot into your mouth there, didn'tcha Jamey-boy? - but at least he wasn't that far off the mark, whatwith the last part of her comment, teasing
"Oh? How many little darlings are sometimes running around?"
(starling)
"You know." Pausing to look back at him a moment. "He never has said. And once he even said we were in the process of making one when someone turned up. I just about died." Turning back to the fire to fish the pot off with a dish towel and stick. "This is hot." Setting it down near the basket with the bowls and crackers in it.(james)
and the street performer's wallet emptying smile rises just then"Well you know..... timing is everything."
winked, once more, before leaning in a bit as the scent from the pot trails in the movement, his own torso leaning a bit to follow quite a bit like, well, a hungry homeless dog
"Didja ever think he was serious?"
teasing still, of course, but there's genuine curiosity - family is a wonderful thing
(starling)
"About what?" Brows furrowing as she fills one bowl to hand to him before offering a spoon and the packet of crackers. "We weren't...well...you know." Turning for another bowl to hide her hot face.(james)
he's careful with the bowl, biting his lower lip through the grin, stirring slowly to let it cool a bit"I know.... feel free to smack me if I'm being rude. You've just got a nice smile..."
(starling)
Turning back with a bowl for herself and crossing her legs as she sits on the ground facing him. "I wouldn't smack you for a compliment." Blowing across the bowl. "I don't know, Nathaniel is so sweet and he's been like a brother to me. Always teasing and picking on me."
(james)
"Those are the best kind!"smiled, before a first bite actually brings a quiver to his frame, practically melting along with the swallow - she may think it only chilli and some crackers mixed in with elk, but to him home cooking is divine.... even if it's out in the middle of the woods, and it takes a moment, but he finally pulls out of the mini food-gasm
"Well..... it was obvious even to me he really cares about you."
(starling)
"I care about him too. He always worries me when he vanishes like he does. I never know if he is alive or never coming back like Russell didn't." Dipping her spoon into the chili to blow across it before taking a bite.(james)
this causes him to glance up, studying her a second like a bard just before inspiration hits"You mentioned that Russel was gone..... I didn't know if it was appropriate to ask what happened....."
he's curious, by all means, because if it has anything to do with what he's about to face, he'd at least like an inkling of an idea of what he's getting into
(starling)
"All I know is he was killed by something out here. We have had problems with Dancers and with things that seem to take many forms." Looking around at the dark. "That's why Nathaniel asked me to come stay out here. He thought it would be a little safer than where the things were turning up."(james)
there's a nod, somber, chewing silently a moment - it's always sad to loose a warrior, no matter what Tribe he's from, finally looking up after, well, several thoroughly enjoyed spoonfuls"Where..... are they turning up..... anyway?"
(starling)
Pointing off into the dark towards the city. "A dancer came to Kimber's place where I was staying. Only I didn't know that's what he was. And then there were these metal monsters between here and there. And one thing made of swamp water. Nathaniel says it was from someone dumping toxic waste out here. They thought it was all cleaned up, but I guess not."
(james)
there's a nod and a sigh"Things are getting harder and harder to clean up, things that shouldn't exist are...."
paused, for another spoonful, he's cleaning the bowl rather quickly
"He's right, it's a lot safer out here."
(starling)
"I know, that's why I agreed to come out here." There as that and that near desperate look in his eyes. "There's more in the pot if you want some." Not missing how he ate like a hungry wolf.(james)
those eyes light up, grinning almost sneakily but it was offered, minding himself to casually reach for the pot to refill his bowl rather than pounce on it like a juicy little lamb, chuckling softly as he knows it was a bit obvious - but he wasn't about to take without the offer"Thank you"
(starling)
Smiles with a nod while taking a bite of her chili. "You are welcome. Nathaniel eats like that. Always hungry I think. Though he does cook some too."(james)
"Waste not want not, as the adage goes"laughed a bit, a little sheepish (the irony) that his appetite is probably bigger than he is
"Happens when you're never exactly sure when or where your next meal's gonna be, or mostly how big it will be. And that's good. I was always taught to help out if I expected to eat, and never to go empty handed if I went visiting......"
(james)
"Do you mind if I ask what tribe you are? I get the impression you are not Kin, but Garou." Reaching for her cup to take a sip while watching him in the flickering light.(james)
there's a shake of his head, and that smile again - it always seems to stick around at varying levels, doesn't it"Bone Gnawer. Do you know Glyphs?"
he reaches for the tophat
(starling)
Giving a small shake of her head while watching him. "I'm afraid there are very few I know. Just the basics. Mostly to know family."(james)
oh, the smile widens, and he leans foreward a little, twirling a little then showing the patchwork tophat, fingers running along a strange yet specific criscrossing of stitches and patches"They're both really hard to see unless you're looking for them..... but this one's Bone Gnawer... and this one is for Brother Rat."
leaning a little more to draw both in the dirt between them, so she can really see
(starling)
"Brother rat?" Not sure if he had a brother he called rat or what. Watching his movements closely. Dark hair falling forward to curtain her face.(james)
well, knowing his Tribe, he may very well have a brother called Rat
but there's only a chuckling smile, reaching to wipe away the Glyphs - it is a Wendigo's territory after all"The great spirit Rat, he guides and protects Us. And a good way to recognize if you're in a Gnawer's territory...."
(starling)
Wishing Nathaniel was here to hear this. Maybe he knew more and maybe he would of learned something with her. Nodding while storing away that bit of information. "I didn't know that. Where do Gnawers generally stay?"(james)
ah, but what use is knowledge if it is not passed on
and the bowl is cleaned once more and set aside, sip of tea taken to cleanse the palate"We're generally found in Urban areas..... " not exactly including that's why most Garou don't like them "....though there are a few woodsly Camps."
(starling)
"Ah, so in the cities and perhaps reservations?" Nodding while taking another sip. Storing away the knowledge gained.(pause!)
(james)
nails scratch along scalp at the base of his skull to stimulate a little thought"Possibly reservations, though I don't know anyone personally, but you'll find us in every city in this nation..... something that doesn't quite sit well with the other Garou."
there's a shrug, loose
(starling)
Contemplating how she was going to preserve the elk and get it up in the tree as she listens to him. "Hmmm? Why is that?" Her attention sliding back to James to study him.(james)
"Well that, dear Starling, depends on who you ask....."winked, though he noted her glance to the elk
"Want help getting it upstairs?"
though he has no idea how to preserve it, food never lasts long enough where he comes from for it to be preserved
(starling)
"Well I don't think that way and I'm sure Nathaniel doesn't thing bad of someone cause of tribe." Heck between them both they had very little experiance and knowledge of other tribes. Her gaze going to the Elk again. "He said he cured it. Not sure how. But I was thinking I can't leave it down here, a bear might come along and get it. And so maybe I'll have to try and dry some of it out over the fire and the rest is going to have to go to the bears. I don't have electricity or a freezer out here."
(james)
his laughter returns"Well..... both of your Tribes don't think that incredibly lowly of us.... the 'Lords, though, boy can we get their knickers in a bunch."
the gleeful snicker backing those words might imply that sometimes its on purpose, then his head tilts
"I can help you cut it to strips for drying..... if you had a garbage bag or something waterproof you could refridgerate the rest to keep until tomorrow's meals."
(starling)
"I'm afraid I don't have the means to refridgerate it up there." Grins pointing to the tree house. "Though I have a couple sharp knives up there and a rack for the fire we can use to dry it on." Rising and collecting the dishes to take to the creek to wash out.(james)
his head shakes with a grin"I didn't mean up there. If you had a way to waterproof it, the creek's cold enough to refridgerate something overnight"
(starling)
"Oh, I never thought about that." Frowns considering what was up there. "Well, there might be something. I had a couple bags I hauled some of my stuff out here in." Swishing the bowls and utensils around in the water. She'd wait till daylight to boil water to clean them better.(james)
nods a bit"It works pretty well, I lived on the Harbor for awhile and that's what we used to chill some of what we scrounged."
(starling)
Stacking the wet dishes before rising and drying her hands on the seat of her shorts. "I'll go up and get the bags. Then tomorrow we can slice it and dry what we can. This should last quite some time, cured."(james)
grins and takes his turn going to wash his hands in the creek, leaving little handprints across the BDUs in efforts to dry them"No kidding..... that was quite a gift from Orion, you can do all sorts of things with cured meat over time."
one tenet from his background showing through - everybody eats - and for the guy to leave a side of elk to feed her for so very long, it's quite renowned...... so to speak
(starling)
"Yes, it was very kind of him." Calling down on her way up. Returning a couple of minutes later with two very wrinkled trash bags. "Here they are."(james)
he's already picked the meat up after rewrapping the tarp around it - every layer helps, he's sure - and helps to place it in the first bag then inverse the second bag to make sure it stays watertight"Got any spare rope?"
(starling)
Nodding before heading for the ladder again. "Yes, upstairs of course." Shaking her head with a wry smile before climbing up. Calling out the opening after a moment. "Anything else you can think of?"(james)
"Well of course!"grinned, even cavalierly
"You don't think you'd get to enjoy a great meal and not have to immediately work it off by vast amounts of calestenics, do you?" a moment of thought "Well, a tent stake of some type may be good, if not, we can make do."
(starling)
"Um, I think we are going to have to make due. I don't have tent stakes. I do have a small hatchet." Her face appearing in the opening of the tree fort.(james)
"Well..... if your rope is long enough..... we can tie it to this tree right here there's overhanding the creek a bit."(starling)
Tossing the rope down to him, it's in a loose roll. Plain white corded rope like used for a clothesline. "How's that?"(james)
"Perfect!"a hand extending to snag the coil before it's wound around the package like a Christmas ham, tied neatly with a rock for weight, and he stretches to securely fasted the rope around a branch and sploosh! in goes the meat, nice and neat, safe from the fishies and all but a scuba-diving bear
"Just pull that loose end there and the knot will untie without your taking an unexpected bath."
(starling)
Grins coming down again. "What, you're not going to be here to help with it?" Brows lifting while looking to him.
(james)
there's a bit of a pause, and even a blink or two, grinning almost boyishly shy at that one"Well.... it's your camp...... and I didn't wanna impose by staying too long and all...... but of course I'll help if you want me to."
he knows he was gone by daybreak last time, it's never good to overstay one's welcome, and he's made a habit of keeping the tenet alive
(starling)"Well I said you were welcome to stay overnight. But you also said you would help with the Elk and I'm going to hold you to it." Pausing a moment, trying to decide if she should give him a pillow and blanket or let him stay in the main room.
(james)
truth in that, there is, he did offer to help, and he wouldn't dare go against that offer, sometimes old habits die hard, don't they"No worries, I will not abandon you to the task, fair lady..... just toss a rock down at me when you wake."
obviously, he doesn't expect anything more than a little bit of space by the embers of a doused fire
(starling)
After a moment's more contemplation, speaking softly. "You can sleep in the main room if you want. I don't think Nathaniel would mind too much."
(james)
that....... takes him a little by surprise, blinking as he looks to her"You're..... sure?"
any kind of shelter never passed up, looking rather excited at the prospect, honestly, but it's just that it's far more than he's used to, and he's also a little frightened of going that far into a Wendigo's territory
(starling)
"I'm sure I invited you." She wasn't so sure what Nathaniel would think and hoped he didn't get mad at her. Their one fight had left them both storming off. Forcing a smile into place. "Besides, he knows you."(james)
there's a great pleasure shining warmly in brown eyes - a shelter, well-made, dry, oh, and warm by it's own devices rather than his"I'd be delighted, Starling, thank you."
(starling)
"You're welcome. It's not real fancy, but Nathaniel fixed it up real nice and he worked so hard on it." Smiles sitting down near the firepit. "You'd never guess he grew up in the city."(james)
he reaches to pour another up of tea for them both, head tilting
he actually wouldn't guess it"One of his in the city is a rare thing..... least in my experience. Bonies, Walkers, Lords, Fangs..... coupla Fianna and Coggies, even a Fury or two.... but never Wendigo"
(starling)
"Yes, he had a not so good home life until he was pretty much kicked out by parents not worthy of the name." Accepting the cup with a smile. "He's a good man and he works hard to protect those he cares for."(james)
there's a knowing, if somewhat sad, nod"That seems more the norm these days for our kind, honestly."
a soft chuckle ending the thought, he hears more hard-luck cases than anything, and sometimes wonders if there's such thing as good luck anymore..... then he remembers himself and it goes away
"And I noticed that..... looked like he was ready to skin the braying jackass and I there for a second the other night until I was able to explain things. Douglas'...... uh..... rapier wit.... didn't exactly help much."
grinned
(starling)
"He was rather rude and asking for it. I thought Nathaniel was going to completely flip there for a few moments." Grinning while lifting the cup for a sip.(james)
there's a bit of a sigh again, though he can't help the chuckle"Well, the Irish Setter did have a nasty case of PMS. But that's still no excuse for neglecting one's manners, now is it. If Nathaniel tore into him I had half a mind to help."
even if it wouldn't have been fair, a strong wind seems like it could break the Theurge, but the sentiment was there.... he wasn't exactly fond of th way Douglas was talking to anybody, to be truthful
(starling)
"PMS? No, I think he's just ill mannered and has gotten away with it far too much for his own good."(james)
"Not to mention uneducated! I'd half a mind to slap him for calling the tune I was whistling Pop"(starling)
Laughing with that one. "Well I don't really know him other than that unexpected meeting the other night. But I can say he wasn't entirely pleasant. Though there are many that have an unpleasant feeling around them. He on the other hand seemed to go out of his way to be that way."(james)
laughter is infectious, isn't it, because he's caught on too"You've got that right...... I suppose misery loves company, hm?"
stifling a bit of a yawn, it's been a long walk, but he's enjoying the conversation and company too much to give in quite yet
(starling)
"I suppose so." setting her cup to the side. Her attention shifting to the woods around them. "Oh, there's an outhouse off that way." Waving to a small path behind the tree fort. "Nathaniel made that too. And um, I do have a few warm cokes up in the fort." Smiling to him.(james)
there's a bit of a chuckle, looking off towards the path in the darkness"You've got quite the place out here, then.... seems he went all out."
actually, quite impressed...... but the mention of the cokes gets his attention - that's not something he often has
"Really?"
trying not to look like a conventional kid at Christmas
(starling)
"Yeah really." Her grin widening before standing to wave him towards the fort. "Come on, let's get them." Already planning the next hike into town to resupply. as she leads the way to the ladder.(james)
you...... don't really have to ask him twice, do you..... there's a quick check around to make sure everything's cleaned up except the fire which is low anyway and they'll be able to see it from the fort so there's barely a beat missed before he's following her to the ladder, and right on up(starling)
The tree fort consisting of one big room with a smaller section closed off. A bunch of pillows, blankets, and some shelves with things stored on them. There's even a window on one side, looking out over the dark woods. "It sways, but you get use to it." Waving towards the pillows. "Have a seat." And continuing to the far end to grab a couple of cans of coke. Returning to hand him one.(james)
he can't help the curious perusal of the fort, grinning from ear to ear as he claims a few pillows for himself and teases"Swaying's half the fun...."
and he can't believe he just said that
so, uh, takes the coke with a gracious smile and hopes the subject changes soon before he says something without thinking that really embarrasses himself(starling)
She wasn't certain what he meant by that but her face felt warm. "Um yes, though when it storms and the wind gets real bad, it can make you feel a little sick." Plopping down on a pillow and cracking her can open to take a sip that makes her eyes water. "Good stuff."(james)
and the young Gnawer will probably pretend he doesn't know what he meant by that either and, uhm, hope she doesn't ask, though the shy smile sorta gives him away completely, but she could have handed him gold and it may not have gotten the sparkle in his eyes at the red can did (it's the little things) caaaarefully cracking it open and taking a slow sip as if it were ambrosious wine rather than a simple carbonated drinknot often he gets an entire can to himself
sighing with a grin
"Divine stuff....."
(starling)
Laughing with a nod. "One thing I will walk all the way back to civilization for." Taking another sip. "One time Nathaniel went to get pizza for us and even with everything that went wrong with his trip, he still remembered the cokes."(james)
that easy grin finds its way to his face once more"I remember once when some cronies and I went through a dry spell for awhile, had to do more scrounging or rely on gifts for food than anything..... then one of us got enough money for everyone to go to McDonald's. "
a near orgasmic shudder ripples through his frame for effect
"I didn't mind going hungry for a while for a meal like that..... cheeseburger all melted and drippy....fries.... and an enormous coke."
(starling)
Watching his face as he speaks. Getting a small look inside him for a moment. "How old are you anyway?" Cocking her head slightly.(james)
when the grin was boyish, it was apt, and his own head tilts a bit in thought and calculation"Twenty......One?"
(nathanial)
And from the trees
silently
He emerges and stands at the base of the tree...
Glancing up where he heard the voices coming from...
funny, the place that was suposed to be so far off and desolate for safety was now more of a tree fort
But hell he couldnt expect her to be alone in a fucking forest...
One could go crazy...
From the base of the tree he chuckles and calls up
"A party without me?"(starling)
Nearly choking on a swallow. Laughing with a dhake of ehr head. "You're not sure?" Pausing in surprise with the sound of the voice from below before scurrying over to look down through the opening. "Nathaniel! Where have you been! And where's my present?"(james)
he..... well..... jumps a bit at the voice, even if it's chuckled, glancing nervously at the door then back to her with that boyishly easy, and slightly apologetic, grin"Not..... exactly....."
then to hear it's Nathaniel, well, he's not so nervous (okay, he is, it is the Wendigo's territory after all, and while he has permission from her to be here, he doesn't have it from him, and, dammit, calm down Jamey-boy)
(starling)
Looks back at James with a grin. "I never know when he's going to show up or not." Her attention going back to the opening. "Well, come on up!"(nathaniel)
Scaling the branches avoiding the 'steps' he made for her The 18 year old native american pops into the fort
looking relaxed
Sure he could play tough and my space territorial But the young Wendigo wasnt wired that way...at least not when Russell wasnt around, and since he was dead, Nathaniel didnt have to act any certain way if he didnt want to.although sometimes he felt like Russell was watching him
"Present...I thought I WAS your present" he smirks and reches in his pocket pulling out a king size Snickers bar..
"But i did remember chocolate" he winks..and turns to the guy
she let ya up, your kewl with me till ya do something to piss me off The smirk grows.."Nathaniel...and you are??" he waits, pretty relaxed and calm, shirtless and barefoot an usual
(starling)
"Oh baby!" Snatching the candy bar before hugging Nathaniel tightly. "You remembered!" Grinning with a look over to James. "That's James, the nice one from a few nights ago that we let stay near the fire. The one with the food. Remember?"(nathaniel)
He doesnt but he nods..and wraps his arms around her in a hug lifting her off her feet and grinning at her, then placing her back down, and looking around for a shirt..
glancing back at her, he chuckles..
"any strange troubles i should know bout? any knees i need to break?" he smirks(starling)
"No, Orion brought some Elk meat and I made chili and James helped to hide it in the creek till morning when we can slice it and smoke it." Thinking a moment. "Oh and, it's been real quiet and I told him he could sleep up here tonight, if you don't mind."
(james)
there's a quick grin at Starling which translates to "that makes two of us" because that's the second time Nathaniel's appeared out of nowhere upon the scene, now isn't itchuckling a bit
"Yes, but I've returned without the braying jackass this time."
(nathanial)
He nods and sits down on the wood floor.."right on" he smirks and leans back against the wall glancing around...
"man im gonna have to add an addition eh?" he smirks.."you know how to bang nails and put up walls?" he jokes, "cause my girl here is making the small tree fort a commune" he nudges her,
but it was fine, he really didnt care, not yet, not unless the guy overstepped some sort of boundry(starling)
Smiles with a look between them. "Well, he's nice and um, you know how picky I am. There's few I like." And wasn't that the truth. She'd pissed off more than one in the past.
(nathaniel)
He chuckles and looks at James..
"good thing you dont have a horse"(starling)
Nearly choking again with that one from Nathaniel. Starting to laugh so hard she can barely catch a breath.(nathaniel)
He smirks and pokes her in the ribs.."well i thought i should warn him dont ya think?"
(james)
boundary? oh no, he wouldn't be staying if it weren't for her hospitality and kind offer, and it's simply not in him to do something rude in another Garou's space - his elders would skin him, even if they were a state away, chuckling"I can hold my own, mate, if it's needed...... since you're givin my a place to sleep tonight, ask anything you need anyway."
but the offer gets lost in the laughter (its contagious)
(starling)
"He's not like her." Swiping at her eyes and still giggling. Then unable to resist making a snorting horse sound. "Ye haw!"(starling)
Standing after a moment, still grinning. "Well, I'm going to head for bed. I hope you two don't mind. Nathaniel can point out the blankets and stuff. Night." Turning to head behind the wall.(nathaniel)
He chuckles and shakes his head...
"wanna head down" he nods his head towards the fire,
"trust me you dont wanna keep her up when she is trying to sleep"
he motions a cutting motion across his neck
(james)
there that smile again, waving"Goodnight Starling, thank you..."
the coke (an entire one!) lifted in salute, before turning back to Nathaniel, and nodding with a soft laugh, unfolding from the pillows and heading on down the ladder
inordinately carefull with the 3/4 can of coke, not. spilling. a. drop!
(nathan)
He skips the ladder and scales the branches (always up in the trees, moving along the branches) HE meets James by the fire
dropping from one of the lower ones, and chuckleing..
"So what brings ya out here, you obviously arent from here right?"(james)
"Oh no."smiled, easily, getting comfortable against a log with the ease born from one that can get comfortable just about anywhere when needed, though he's much more relaxed here than some places
"I'm from NYC, most recently. Sort've moving south little by little."
(adds)
"I felt like a walk earlier and sorta wandered back this way, ran into Orion and Starling and got invited to dinner."
(nathan)
He nods and pokes the fire, or the smoldering coals..as the case may be as he sits with James.."New York...busy place..."
He nods...and shakes his head..
"Orion, i keep hearing his name..." the smirk grows..."He seems to be taking a liking to Starling eh?" his brow raises as he asks...directing all his attention to James(james)
"Very... but the barking chain talked about things down here getting busier. And he did bring an entire cut of elk....."that may mean something entirely different to the Wendigo, but that's some pretty impressive gift of food when looking through a Gnawer's eyes, shrugging loosely
"I'm not sure, I've heard his name a lot too, but just met him tonight. He has a penchance for disappearing just like you for appearing out of nowhere."
(nathan)
He nods..perhaps pondering something and then shrugs a bit...
"I see" he shakes his head.."thats good to know" he chuckles.."cant wait to meet him"
(james)
a bit of a smirk of his own growls, chuckling"I'm sure he'll show up again."
another slow, exquisitely appreciative sip of the coke taken again - you can bet he's making it last
(nathan)
He chuckles.."so whattya do, whats your story..." eyeing the fire which is beginning to take life again..
(james)"I'm a street drummer by trade..... if you can call it that. But currently I'm more of a scout. Sent down from NYC to see why things were seeming a little awry further South."
he's.... very aware of that fire springing back to life
"Suppose it's to be a learning experience for me."
he doesn't look much older than Nathaniel does, honestly
(nathan)
HE nods.."learning experiences, gotta love them" he chuckles and continues making the fire grow..
Glancing up at the tree house type structure as he pokes then returning his gaze to James..
"I had someone I was learning from, since im so young and wet behind the ears" he mimicks someone..
('yeah kid, your wet behind the ears)
But the person he mimicks he actually had much respect for, this was just his way...."But since he's gone, im kinda taking a vacation from the whole learning thing, i just watch out for her..." he nods his head up at the tree..
"anything happens to her.." he looks directly at James.."well im sure you can just guess"
(james)
"We're a mobile Tribe..... it was my time to go somewhere else to get more Stuff under my belt and learn something new, so I was sent. You never really stop learning..... least you shouldn't."just "I" - no one else to help the guy out, let's just see how resourceful one can be, his words not exactly advice, just as the respectful mimic, it's just his way, nodding a bit as he listens
"She mentioned he didn't return one day, and that's her biggest fear about you..... she's a nice girl though, I don't blame you for being so protective."
(nathan)
He nods.."ill always return, at least as long as i have a choice" he smirks."and im pretty smart, and what i lack in knowledge i make up with speed and silence" he chuckles.."yeah shes a nice girl..."
(james)
"Good plan"toasting a bit with the coke, still steadily emptying, and still superbly savored
"So...... how many kids did you two have running around again?"
indeed, he and Starling have been talking all night, and he hides the smile for the tease behind another sip from the can
(nathan)
He blinks a bit and tries to figure out what the hell....pausing
Then finally getting the joke, or at least thiking he did..
"which time, every time someone harassed us id come up with a better story, i think we had 6 kids once, and maybe 9 another time" he chuckles..shrugging his shoulders..
"ya know.." he quiets, and his eyes move to the fire as he pokes it.."She doesnt really know.."
another pauseand a shrug.."anyways..." he smirks.."so you sticking out in the woods or you staying in the cabins back near the real world of the woods?"
(james)
the smile stayed easy, that's exactly what they had been talking about, noticing the shrug and pause and sideswipethought, but, well, he doesn't say much of anything about it, moving along with the conversation - he is, after all, a guest"I'm more a native of the concrete jungle..... I'd be on my way back there now if Starling hadn't invited me to stay."
(nathan)
He nods.."yeah well twister made it so i dont do so well in the concrete jungle" he chuckles.."i kinda leave my mark i guess" he smirks
"She doesnt like to be alone, shit i dont blame her, she didnt know id be popping back, but here i am, you are welcome to stay, its late now, plus who wants to haul ass all the ay back out there now?" he chuckles
"you burn?" he raises a brow(james)
there's a nod, sending light brown dreds playing over his shoulders"I don't blame her, from what we've been hearing about down south, I taught her a couple Glyphs to look for, should she ever be in the city and need help..... though I wouldn't particularly want to be alone either."
though, packless as he is, he doesn't have much of a choice, and then that head tilts, curiosity bright in his eyes
"Burn?"
(nathan)
He chuckles..and holds an invisible joint to his mouththe guy had dreads, so hell he may as well ask
(james)
oh! yes, you meant burn
that must have been a longer walk than you thought, Jamey-boy
but to cover it all, the grin slides easy once again, nodding with a bit of a sheepish (isn't that ironic) chuckle"Yea..... but the last time I was able to get ahold of any of that was about the same time I had a full one of these to myself."
cheers the can a bit
(nathan)
He chuckles.."Russell showed me where it grows freely and hidden" he smirks.."Starling isnt too into it i dont think, so i keep it to when im hanging out alone" he smirks and pulls out a small pouch drom his pants pocket...the pipe Russell gave him already packed and ready to go..
"i never take much, was taught that too, i dont sell it or nuttin, just enjoy it, and i plant seeds when i take..ya know, replenishing" he chuckles..
and hands the guy the pipe
"watch it, its good" The Ragabash smirks and nods handing him the black lighter along with it(james)
the Gnawer's jaw nearly drops as the pouch is pulled out
elk, chili, a warm place to stay, an entire can of coke, and now weed?!somebody pinch me
he tries not to simply fall over himself in scooting (more zipping) closer to be within easy reach, can placed carefully within the confines of crossed legs as the pipe is taken with a near reverence and the hit taken with some madd skillz - light, steady, smooth, eyes closing with a serene smile to pass the pipe back, holding, holding, holding (23 skiddoo)
"Thaaaaaaank yooooou"
exhaled on a cloud of smoke
(nathan)
He laughs and nods...watching the guys rection as if he handed him the holy grail..
ahhhh"No problem, its nice to have someone who appreciates the finer things in life" he smirks and watches James...
"It tastes good too" he chuckles.."you running alone? or you got a pack with ya?"
(james)
smiles through another serene exhalation"It taste diviiine"
when you've lived on scraps and leftovers for a better part of your life, something so pure is a grail all of its own, and if nothing else, the full moon Gnawer knows how to show appreciation, though his head shakes a bit
"Nah.... it's just me and my drumsticks."
(nathan)
He nods...not offering, since he was unsure about much of the whole pack thing..
he smirks looking at the gnawer and the pipe.."hey dont forget to pass it" he chuckles..
"I had a pack, well i had one other..actually at one time there were 2 others, one disappeared, one died" he shrugs..
"so i guess im kinda on my own too, but hell it doesnt matter to me, i wasnt taught a whole helluva lot bout this whole thing, i mean, i know enough, and thats all kewl...but"
he shrugs.."whatever, i just had to get away fromt he folks ya know" he sighs.
"and they arent around anymore either, so that leaves me, me...my home in the trees...and her" he nods his head in the general direction of Starling
(james)
he swore he did, but makes sure this time to hand it back over, immediately - one pipe, one lighter, two Wendigo hands, got it"I had something of a pack once, it was never a formal 'pack' or anything..... just a bunch of us kids that hung around each other for company and safety while we were learning the ropes the first years after the Change. More littermates, I'd guess. Soon as we were old enough to start hitchin' properly and head out to get more Stuff under our belts, we split. Hear through the barking chain the good and the bad."
he glances back towards the treehousefortcommune and nods
"Helluva place you built."
weed, carpentry, all makes sense now
(nathan)
(oops) thenHe hits the pipe and holds in the smoke....as long as he ca before letting out a long cough with puffs of smoke accomapnying it
He laughs.."yeah well i wanted to have a place in the middle of no where...i like being up in the trees, it was a lot different before Starling came out here, i added stuff to it, she had a bit more needs then i did, " he chuckles and passes the pipe back....
"I mean so far so good, she hasnt added flowerey curtains or anything, and i like the half-wall on the east side...you can watch the sunrise" he nods...leaning back a bit.."It didnt take long to build, but its sturdy, and mostly hidden, except for all the friends Starling meets" he chuckles(james)
there's a grin, and a stretch, and another long smooth hit drawn into his lungs (being careful indeed), keeping up the rotation before he slowly exhales - you may not be tokin if you ain't chokin' but he has a little forethought so he doesn't hack up a lung for a gift, another sip of coke soothing the smokey burn, chuckling"Well.... I won't tell a soul about it.... though she doesn't quite seem the type for flowery curtains......"
(nathan)
he nods.."yeah no shit" he chuckles..."shes one firecracker...she isnt one to fuck with thats for sure" he chuckles..
Taking the pipe and drawing a big hit before handing it back to James..
"i dunno...sometimes i wonder...."
he stops and looks at James
then he laughs...."sometimes i wonder how the hell i can forget a sentence midway"(james)
that laughter is rich and mirthful - no question how he's enjoying himself and the company - he will have to find a way to pay him back, surely"I think, my friend...."
holds up pipe and lighter, still chuckling
"..... this may have something to do with it."
winking before his next (and probably last, it's been so long, he may not be able to make it back up the ladder) hit, passing before settling in to let the high wash over (gooood chit)
"Or maybe you just weren't ready to say it yet."
Posted by james at September 10, 2002 12:00 AM
CommentsPost a comment