July 19, 2005.07.19.05. - saying thank you [annemarie][downtown]
(am)
4am, Chicago. Not many people are out and about, late night workers, garbage workers, late night graveyard shifts getting out, early morning shift workers coming in. All in all - it's pretty quiet. Peaceful almost. She's sitting on a random bench somewhere, along a random strip of greenery. There is a sprinkler going off in the distance, joining in the sounds of the sleepy city. She, however, is wide wake.The moon swells in the sky, thicker, heavier, pregnant with Rage, and she's watching it hover over the buildings that soar over the lake. There is the scent of blood about her - not new, but old. Fading remnants of an injury almost healed. It wasn't there last he saw her, and it won't be there tomorrow. There are advantages to her breed. Not many, but a few.
Idly, she sends a thought through the totemphone. Anyone awake? doesn't expect an answer, but there's always hope in a pack full of insomniacs.
(james)
"Sumpin' li'e tha'."an idle thought receiving and idle answer
even amongst the select sounds on city's playlist come 4am
the Gnawer's approach isn't heralded by scuff-scrape bootsteps
little more than the familiar subdermal prickle of pack drawing near
foreshadowed by his own invisable shockwave of the Full Moon Warrior's inner volcano
it isn't as palpable as their Alpha's.... but James' own resources run a close racehow he found her on this random stretch of greenery at this insomniac's hour is a mystery unto itself
romantic notion this chance meeting, to any casual observer, right on par with that silvery glow haloed about the moon
those bonded through things far deeper than affection's acquaintance would know better
the very things that gave away his proximity likely aided the Adren's choice of late-night routessummer's annual addiction is held over her shoulder in silent offer
some ridiculously huge Icee filled to brim with a mixture of Cherry and Coke slush
it may be hovering around 70 at this time of morning, lakeborn breeze tickling comfortably across their flesh
but that isn't the only heat source Garou have to monitor and cool
dirty strips of fabric still wrapped around his hands can attest to that(am)
How he found her is simple - or simply magic. Either way, it brings the prickle of pack coming near, an itch between the shoulderblades that one can't quite reach, and even if they could, they don't really want too. It's comforting, it's familiar, it's something that she wasn't sure she'd appreciate enough, but now finds that she's not quite sure how she managed without it. Wolves are not lone animals, and Garou are not either.He said that he would surprise her, that he was not like most people expect - and tonight is no different. Tonight's surprise comes in the form of iced treat offered over shoulder, condensation clinging to the edges of cherry coke slushy goodness. She turns her head to look back and up at him, as slender fingers lift to wrap around the cup, the straw used to stir it before she takes an almost timid sip... and then a longer one when the taste spreads and melts across her tongue. It's with a nod up that she offers it back, appreciation simmering in her gaze.
There's something else there too. Something... different. Warmer. Pale blueish eyes (matching the silk of her camisole, they were greenish yesterday...) glimmer with hidden secrets as she crosses her legs, fingers smoothing the material over her thigh. Good evening, rhya. Yes, she knows he told her not to bother, but there's something almost... almost, if one looks really deeply... something playful about it. I hoped you would be awake.
(james)
he can't help the tide of amusement sweeping across his features at her hesitation
if he didn't understand it's exact construction at base level, he'd quip some remark about Icees being uninclined to bite
soon enough, however, she finds that out on her own and he allows a sound out of his lower throat
a plosive grunt far too musically light to translate as something akin to Decker's verbal prowess
this is more of a chuffing laughter cut short by the perameters of politeness"Nev'r had one've those 'fore?" negligent wave acts to grant permission, leaving the slushy goodness in her hands a trifle longer in response to that longer second slurp.... his hands are full taking the pack of Camels and Zippo from one of the many pockets on his army surplus pants, smoke lit and supplies offered as James makes it around the bench to take up residence beside the Modi, another chuckle - this one longer, a little deeper for his amusement - following first plume of exhaled smoke "Dunn think I w'z y'r type."
the chide a rarity amongst Eagles, perhaps
not only for their notable sense of humor deficit as a group percentage
but as any would expect given the monumental crash of two Ahroun's overlapping Rage
it might just be the novel combination of the Gnawer throwing what comes combining two of their Get
or simple friendlyness chanced on apparent realization of her pleasent mood"S'on y'r mine, R'higer?"
(am)
She holds on the frozen goodness with a nod and even braves a third sip. It really is quite good. Surprisingly so. No, grandmother never allowed such things. I never thought to try them once she was gone. Old habits... She shakes her head to refuse the cigarettes however, as that is a bad habit she has yet to take up.She does flush, however, at his playful chide, looking elsewhere under the guise of making sure everything still remains calm in the orbit strengthened by double Ahroun heat. She smoothes her fingers across her thigh once more, and the scent of old wound, old blood, rises for a moment before it fades into the early morning air.
She offers him the frozen treat again, and when he takes it, she lifts her hands to slide around the back of her neck. A moment there, and the leather strip is untied, and she removes it. Strung on the leather is a bone disk - perhaps ½ inch or so in diameter, sanded down to a smooth finish. Carved into the bone is a single Rune, that has then been filled with crimson wax. She runs her finger across it, and then with a nod. This.
She offers it to him, and shrugs a shoulder, the corner of her lips twitching slightly, tugging into that odd little almost smile. Thank you. She said yes. Though I made this before hand, with the Godi's help.
(james)
the Ahroun's jawline tips downward in thoughtful nod
dreadlock tips tripslipping across his shoulders before finding some sort of new arrangement
shorter lengths oft displaced by the slightest movement confusing gravity's call
the pack's replaced in his BDUs before wrapped hand serves to soak up Icee's beading sweat"Yeh.... mus' not've been wi' Eagles long 'nuff a be a reg'lar 'ndulgin' bad habi's, yet, uh?" seems everything remains calm as hoped as gentle humor continues, this time focusing on the pack as a whole for levity's insult..... Eagles do seem to support a series of vices on regular basis, as well as induce the formation of such in those that hang around them "Nobody'zzz perfec'."
the last punctuated by wink shown by sideways glance
even beneath Luna's pregnant gaze, he is not safe from his own jokes
is it any wonder why others feel more apt to seek the pack's PR department
before approaching any of it's individuals privatelycuriosity personified by lifting brow soon melts to unexpressive silence
even the easy humor dissipates as James stills before presented gift
his bloodscent notation question even forgotten in the blinking moment
....... now it's his turn to hesitate before accepting a packmate's offer
palm wiped against the rough fabric across his thigh to wick away possible grime or moisture
(...... it's obvious there was none, Icee held by his other, the sweat soaked here dried half an hour ago.....)
carefully plucking the bone disk pendant from where it dangled in night's cooling airmusician's nimble fingers twist the leather until carved signet rests on padded palm
dark eyes peering through Camel's coiling smoke in careful study of the gift's unfamiliar symbol"...... S'it mean?"
a bare murmur escaping touched surprise
(am)
There's a slight, if silent, snort of something akin to amusement. Not many of them. Though I do have a few more beers then I ever dared before. She has done several things she hadn't before, each a new experience.And to his nobodies perfect, she actually dares quip back. but I'm close. before she turns to look the other way again - sometimes daring is so much easier when one isn't looking directly at the Elder one just almost insulted. She really must be in a unusual good mood.
She returns her gaze to him, however, as he examines the talon, studying his reaction in the sudden silence. It is actually the second gift she has given tonight. Its disconcerting to put herself out there this way, to say the least. She nods, then, and explains.
It is the mark of Tyr, a Warrior God. The elder Fenrir believe to earn his favor brings intimate knowledge of his battle tactics. Done as this, however, it offers strength. I used a rite to do the carving, and if you dedicate it to you, it can never be lost. The Godi spent a whole night and half day, teaching me to bind a spirit, so that I could complete it myself. It is not as strong as it would be if he did it, but it is my first attempt. When activated, the rune will glow brightly, and it lends added strength for a short time. ((activated with gnosis, gives -1 diff on brawl or melee for one round)) It will not crumble afterwards, thus it can be renewed again and again with spirit binding.
Its... a very long speech for the Modi, and she trails off, nervously uncertain.
(james)
it's a very long speech for the Modi
it's a very long silence for the Gnawer
she may be nervously uncertain - he's damn well stunned"I'm..... hon'red, R'higer....." her uncertainty surely fades with the Ahroun's turning gaze and warm, genuine - if somewhat crooked - smile "Thank yew."
his dark eyes fall away to aid newest rummage through yet another BUD pocket
switchblade pulled out to snikt smoothly open with practiced ease
the blade sinks into thumb's pad until crimson wells about sharpened steel
bloody bead smeared against the disk's back and smoothed out to soak into leather cord
grimace brought by the stinging procedure is sculpted into words gutterally rolling at the back of his throat
they're just this side of recognizable English or even Garou's beloved High Tongue
but the efficacy of his actions is more than marginally clear
the talen's tied around his own neck, then smoke removed for thumb's consolation
smeared blood sucked clean and wound's tentative closure inspected to satisfaction before James speaks again"'tween th' three've us..... we c'n go inna th' Rune Charm biz'ness."
the way he's adding a relatively smug tone to that low chuckle
perhaps his recent interest in learning her carving talents has more to it than mere curiosity(am)
The relief soon pushes aside the nervousness, and she relaxes back against the bench. While he dedicates the talon, she rescues the frozen treat and even dares to steal another sip before placing it on the bench, situated carefully so as not to spill. She settles her gaze on the moon again, and then there's a sound of amusement across the totem'd line.Her fingers slide over her thigh again, and she wrinkles her nose. Perhaps. I may stick to carving, versus binding. Have you any idea the size and ferocity of the RatSpirits down by the packhouse? Vicious things.
She knows well the Gnawer affinity towards rats, which is why the Godi chose to seek out the biggest, strongest one for the binding. It's clear that's where the wound came from. It remains to be seen how the Godi faired.
(james)
there's a wayward smile at her incognito attempt at more of the Icee
yet another careless wave dismisses the remainder to her own pleasures
with as much sugar as the OtterPop tasting slushy may well have
it's a surprise the Gnawer isn't buzzing on habit-induced rush two inches above the bench
James' fingers are occupied by flicking away smoke's ashes with one hand
injured thumb fiddling with the charm as it begins to slowly heal"Mmhmmm." the Adren's nod is more than agreeable, his knowledge of the very spirits of which she speaks combined with his lack of the same on most spirits in general dictates the work ahead that will be cut out for him should he continue pursuing this path "Why yeh think I'm learnin' th' easy'r stuff firs'?" the soft laughter betrays any concerns of his own future fairing after such events "Jus' cuz I w'z giv'n th' know-how a doin' this very trick dunn mean I got'n'ee quart'r long w'th'it."
a beat or two of the Ahroun's twin hearts
an exhaled lungful of smoke towards the stars and moon at which she gazes"'pprecia'e what'cha both did."
(am)
There's a slight nod of thanks, and the coveted cup of melting icee goodness is grabbed and held close. Painted lips slide around the straw, and she takes a long drink, though not so much as to give herself the fabled 'ice cream headache'. Never had one - not about to start. Grandmother taught everything in moderation, after all. Except for pride. One's pride is where all things other then battle were to be focused. AnneMarie learned early to put up a good front on that end.She stirs the treat with the straw, and then. You did something none of the others have. That....no one...has. ever. I wanted to say thank you. I'm not much good at it, really, but since you'd wanted to learn the runes... Shoulders roll into a shrug. it seemed appropriate. I was glad to find success in it.
And then she turns to look at him, just a bit, and arches a brow. And the Godi? A multi-colored Mohawk in crinos from his quest. I did well not to laugh... though one would wonder if it is possible that she ever laughs...
(james)
"Yeh did more'n jus' say it." the smile is warm at her dismissive shrug, putting a bit more meaning into what she understands of her gracious gesture "Farth'r'n mos'll go at'ih."his laughter is at less than mysterious reputation
small bit of it escaping at the mental image of the poor Godi's newest asset
he'll be sure to keep his manners about it, as well
just as he swallows back the inital comment that follwed her pseudo-confession
associating her laughter and the only one he could think to awaken it out loud
well..... he disconcerted her enough for one night
one more remark might earn the Gnawer another well-placed elbow"'ppropria'e, 'n more success'n yeh think. When Ner'gal'n Rorg gran'ed fav'r a their gif's af'r my ran'ques', they mention' how t'may charmsss such'z this very one, but nothin' pas' what I' need'a learn. Hearin' wha' you'n Hyde wen' through'll help me 'void doin' sum'thin' stupid."
far as James is concerned, he's probably got two strikes against him from the outset
likely his mistakes and costs would tally far more than broken bone or snazzy new 'do
lessons from his quest taken to heart.... he'd rather take the time and learn while he can, thank you very much(am)
She looks at him, sideways, while doing quite a bit of damage to that Cherry Coke frozen goodness. You have a lot to learn of the runes themselves before I'd allow you to use the rite to create them.There's something sparkling in her gaze, deep in the pale depths. Amusement, certainly - perhaps even mischief. That she would allow her elder to do anything laughable, even if he has promised to take his time and learn them well. The fact that she actually said it, shows how much the gift he gave her the other night means to the Modi, how far it went to touch her when no others had.
Shoulders roll, absently, and she finally stands, and smoothes her slacks over her thighs. I've one more round to do before returning home. Thank you for the....whatever this is. Where do I acquire these, anyway? She really hasn't had one of them before, has she? She nods, though - up, of course - and turns to head out of the patrols. And perhaps even a Icee refill.
A last whispered message, however. I'll let you know how the date went when I return. She liked her staff... He's paying, after all, he deserves to hear the details.
[end]
Posted by james at July 19, 2005 12:00 AM