[OCTOBER 25TH]

Aerin Thomas: Take place last night, rather. Bliss's Phone rings, about 11:15 PM

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss picks up his phone just after the second ring. "Aerin," he purrs, apparently not sulking anymore. "How are you?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (I'm assuming he called from a number Bliss knows....)

Aerin Thomas: ((Cell, yes.))

Aerin Thomas: He's running. Fast. "The Camarilla knows about Ita." No time for subtleties, no time for even hellos. Just right there, out and in the open.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "The what knows? Where are you? Where is she?"

Aerin Thomas: "The Camarilla. The leeches. They know. I'm running home. She's home, hopefully."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I'm home now. If I'm closer, I'll be there. And if you want someone else to stay with you. I know protecting a very pregnant woman and a child that can't run yet...you migh want a hand."

Aerin Thomas: "Joshua's on his way for outside. I'm gonna be inside. Going up to Luddington farm soon as it's light out." It's coming short, staccato, through his breathes as he forces his pace to remain at a sprint. The sound of an angry car horn, close, as he runs across a street without waiting for the light to change.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Careful," Bliss says gently. "You accomplish nothing if you die before you get there. What can I do?"

Aerin Thomas: "I need to find someone who can do the Rite. As soon as possible. Do you possibly know where I can find one, or where to start looking?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "As I once told Brianna, my tribe...." He sighs. "How do you feel about bargaining your immortal soul? I may know someone who could help."

Aerin Thomas: "My soul vs. Ita's life? What do you think?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I know. I know. I'll call you back." The only real word for the note that creeps into his tone is dread.

Aerin Thomas: "All right." *Click*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: About 15 minutes later, Aerin's phone rings.

Aerin Thomas: *Click* "Hey."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay, she's willing to talk." He sounds tired, as if just that much negotiation was an ordeal.

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He nods, his voice just a little terse, though his gratitude is obvious. "Who's she?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Maia Raven. Bearer of Thunder's Secrets. You will be speaking to Storm though, at least initially, that much I could arrange. Raven, Marika, or I will escort you and Ita to her. As soon as you are ready."

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He nods, taking a deep breath. "Thank you. Where will we be going? I'd like to get this done as soon as possible, but if it's a long trip, then getting Ita there may be difficulty."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Canada. Just over the border. I think. It's...complicated."

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He sighs, leaning against the wall. "How long would it take to get there? Knowing it's complicated, of course...I mean approximately?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Seven hours maybe? Give or take. I'd reccomend not taking Ita...do you have a way to make her temporarily unconscious?"

Aerin Thomas: "Not that I can do without risking harm to Archer."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Fuck. I'll have to arrange something for her."

Aerin Thomas: "Are we going Umbral, I assume? Or something else?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Something...else."

Aerin Thomas: "Okay. How worried should I be, in all, complete honesty? And do you think it's something we can do, in your estimation, before Ita gives birth?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Talking to Maia, yes. I'm not sure if she knows the rite or of the rite though."

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He takes a deep breath...he's still just a little out of breath. "Do we actually have to bring Ita with? Or could I go alone, and leave people here to watch Ita?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You could come alone."

Aerin Thomas: "Okay...good. I tell you what...I'm going up to the farm in Luddington, like I said, tomorrow morning. Can you maybe meet me there whenever you get a chance, and we can head up?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Sure. I'll head up there tomorrow morning."

Aerin Thomas: "Thank you, Bliss. You have...well, you do know what this means. You have no idea how grateful I am."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I know what you're afraid to lose. And I know what it is to lose it. I would not condemn you to that. I love you far too much not to try to spare you that. I'll see you in the morning. Thunder guard your steps, my friend." <click>

Aerin Thomas: And he hangs up the phone, slipping it in his pocket to commence guard duty for the night.

Aerin Thomas: Aerin is outside of the farm, patrolling the grounds. The Child of Gaia is well-armed, with his Glock, a shotgun, and another pistol inside the trenchcoat. He's on hyperalert, watching the road, the treelines nearby...everything.

[OCTOBER 26TH]

Shadow's Blissful Silence: The next moring Bliss shows up at the farm. He looks...less pretty and more intimidating. His hair is braided back, but without charms or bells, tied off with a black silk cord. No make-up at all today. His black leather pants, the kind one would expect a motorcyclist to wear are scuffed down one side as though at some point he'd taken a hard fall in them. A black cotton tee-shirt, no shimmer, no cute slogan, and black combat boots complete the outfit. He slides out of his car, looking around curiously. Hyper-alert might not be the word for the way he moves, but he makes even less show of being anything but a predator than Aerin has seen - and less humility, he scans the grounds of the farm as if he owned them.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (Sorry, people interruption.)

Aerin Thomas: ((No Prob)) Upon seeing Bliss, he starts moving toward him, giving him a nod. The man is all business, this morning. "Hey. Thanks for coming."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: All business or not, Aerin gets a hug, if he allows it. "Whyever wouldn't I? She's alright so far? How are you?" (Again, if Aerin lets him) Bliss kneads up along his spine.

Aerin Thomas: He does allow the hug, although his posture is beyond stiff. He's tired, stressed, pretty much been running on Adrenaline, stress, anger, and fear since he found out last night. "I'll live. I'll feel better when we get this done. She's okay...very scared, very angry. You know her. The animals are having a field day of it. I though Brutis was gonna try and throat me when I busted in last night."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Relax. I'm here now. You can rest." Bliss turns his head to press his lips just above Aerin's ear. "I know you can't now, but you can." There is a soft chuckle. "Go say goodbye, get whatever you need. I'll wait here."

Aerin Thomas: "All right. I'll be right back." He pulls away and starts to walk to the house, then stops and looks back. "We're not gonna need the guns, right? Or they won't help, at the very least?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Bring them. We live in an uncertain world. I certainly don't return home unarmed."

Aerin Thomas: A short nod. "All right. I'll be right back." He heads into the house, where he's there for about five minutes before coming back out. The only thing he's added is his staff, replaced the Glock, which is inside it's holster.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Obvious weapons for now go in the trunk," Bliss says. "Unless you can fit that staff in the back."

Aerin Thomas: He nods and moves to the truck, putting the shotgun and the staff in when Bliss opens it. "How much is this going to suck?" he asks conversationally.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "It's going to be interesting. I haven't been home in awhile. Probably more interesting for me really. You don't have a history, on the downside, it means you've no allies but me until you make them, on the up side-" He shrugs. "No enemies. Save mine that may try to come after you. But that is unlikely, save perhaps one. And I do not believe she'll know how to use you against me."

Aerin Thomas: "Okay..." He gets most of that...gets a little fuzzy toward the end, mainly because he's going on about 26 hours of wakefulness, the last 12 or so of which have been stressful, to say the least. "Intresting is...SOMETIMES better then just straight out suck. I can deal with that."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You'll be alright." He opens the car door for Aerin. "Remember, I learned to beave from Storm, and if you think I'm overprotective...." He smiles. "Yeah...she's something."

Aerin Thomas: "I'm kinda gettin' that idea." He smiles a little bit and slides into the car, leaning back against the seat. He hooks the seatbelt in and shuts the door.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Also," Bliss says with a smile as he slides into the car. "She's nine feet tall, bulletproof, breathes fire - AND bakes chocolate chip cookies." He flashes Aerin a quick grin and leans over to recline his seat. "Get some rest. You can't do anything to save the world while I drive." He starts the car and starts for home.

Aerin Thomas: "Rest is good." He nods and reaches in his trenchcoat, taking an IPod earbyud out and putting it in his ear before settling back and shutting his eyes for the second-most fitful patch of sleep in his life.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Eventually Aerin wakes to Bliss stroking his hair, perched on the center console, practically in Aerin's lap. (Any other times he may have woken during the ride there he would have been petted as well, just while Bliss was still driving. And Bliss sings when he thinks no one is paying attention, or when he doesn't care that they are. Pretty well. Nothing like Brianna, but he's not bad.)

Aerin Thomas: His eyes shoot open and he starts, panting a little bit. There's a couple moments of wild-eyed instinct before he calm down, remembering where he is, and relaxes.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Ohhhhhhh...." Bliss waits until Aerin relaxes before leaning down to hold him. "It'll be alright. It's alrigt. Almost home."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little bit, and falls back against the seat. When he realizes that Bliss isn't driving, he sits up a little more. "Walking from here?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. Yeah, this is the walking part." Bliss looks concerned as he glances outside. "This part...this might be hard for you. Just remember I know the way, and I'll protect you. Whatever you might see, whatever happens, trust me."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little, eyebrow raised. "Understood. Pop the trunk, so I can get my staff, at least?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. After the first time though, you'll be okay. Is there anything else you need?"

Aerin Thomas: "Not that I know of." He chuckles a little. "Don't know if I wanna bring the shotgun, if trusting what I see becomes an issue."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "We can send someone for it."

Aerin Thomas: "All right. So no, just the staff."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Plan." He squeezes Aerin's shoulder. "It'll be alright."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little bit, and smiles fantly. "Okay."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss starts leading him through the woods. (Roll Willpower for me, and then Gnosis.)

Aerin Thomas: Aerin: d10: WP: 1,9,2,6,2,3,

Aerin: d10: GN: 1,8,3,3,4,

Shadow's Blissful Silence: The trees loom, branches already missing their leaves reach up to claw at the sky. The shadows seem alive, whispering and moving. The whole forest seems eerie, haunted. Bliss quite calmly walks along, unaffected by any of it. Ahead, Aerin can hear a river, a large one. It seems Bliss means to cross it, but there's no bridge Aerin can see.

Aerin Thomas: He follows along behind, staff in hand, his eyes twitching from spot to spot. Fucking paranoia. He stays close to Bliss, not out of fear, but simple wariness and making sure not to lose him. These things can happen, after all. He seems perfectly ready to follow him across the river.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You okay?" Bliss asks, looking over at him. "What do you see?"

Aerin Thomas: "Just...the shadows." He shrugs a little bit. "Paranoia catching up on me, or something else?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "No. That's definitely what people see in the beginning." He slides an arm around Aerin's shoulders, drawing him toward the river. "You're alright. I know it starts to get crazy here." And then he steps with Aerin into the river. (Willpower and Gnosis again.)

Aerin: d10: WP: 6,9,8,9,3,1,

Aerin: d10: GN: 4,6,8,7,2,

Shadow's Blissful Silence: The water is ice cold, choking him, and then gone just as quickly as the shock of the cold. He can feel the air around him heavy with the kind of power that surrounds a caern. The moving shadows stop, and the trees have leaves again, though they're falling now. There is no more of that ominous presence.

Aerin Thomas: He looks around, and relaxes, with a sigh. A look ahead to Bliss, following his lead.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Blis is still protectively close, finally starting to spook at sounds. "If you see trees moving," he murmurs. "They are. Hurry."

Aerin Thomas: "Got it." He picks up the pace, moving along and matching the other's speed.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Aerin does catch shadows that seem to move, roots and branches that seem to twitch as they pass. When they reach a break in the trees Bliss sighs heavily. Without warning the forest just gives way to clearing, and a bonfire is burning ahead. People are gathered there. Bteween them and the fire is a game, maybe of football. It seems to resemble football with more acrobatics and indescriminate tackling and no breaks to reform lines. People are playing in both homid and lupus forms, though no others. "And...welcome home."

Aerin Thomas: He looks around the area, smiling a little bit. It's been quite a while since he's been in a Caerin that you couldn't hear traffic from. He's still wary, still on edge...the man may never be comfortable around new Septs. But he's staying at ease, for now, as much as he can.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss starts to edge around the game, toward the fire. One of the girls looks up, looks about ready to tackle the intruders on the feild, but then when she recognises Bliss she turns back to tackle someone else. It's the same look Marika gave him, as fearful as respectful. "Come meet Storm. And, maybe a few other people."

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He walks along just to the right of Bliss, a little behind, eyes alert, taking it all in.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss slows and presses Aerin along beside him with a hand between shoulderblades. "Don't. I've grown used to company."

Aerin Thomas: "Just didn't wanna misstep if we suddenly had to turn, Bliss," he says, shrugging a little as he's easily moved forward to be even with the Shadow Lord..

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Oh no.... All of the command I don't have in New York I can call upon here. No sudden turns to worry about. Though possibly adoring fans." He smiles, leading Aerin past curious looks, to a woman of about thirty-five, with long black hair and not a hint of grey. Curious, intellegent brown eyes scan linger on Bliss before scanning over Aerin, before she jumps off the picnic table she'd been sitting on and walks up to them. Blue jeans and a low-cut top despite the cold do nothing to make her look less dignified than she would in a full suit. Her features are sharp, too sharp to be considered pretty. Her nose is just slightly cooked, and there are scars that indicate she's survived a war - at least so far. She's built much like Bliss, definite muscle, but she's still graceful. She however moves like she's powerful, unlike Bliss who seems to try to hide the fact.

Aerin Thomas: He stops up short when Bliss does, or if he doesn't, just before they reach her. His gaze is respectful, and calm. Bliss trusts her...he thinks...and so does he. As much as he trusts any unknown member of the Sept he just walked into...which is to say, there's some very well-hidden tension in the small of his back as he inclines his head to the woman, respectfully. As with every Garou he knows, not quite submission...respect, rather.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She smiles in reponse to Aerin's nod. Bliss lets his hand fall from Aerin's back and steps up to her, letting her hand brush over his cheek and into his hair. The gesture turns less gentle as she catches a handful of his hair and forces his head back to close her teeth over his throat. "Storm, Aerin." Bliss murmur once she raises her head. "Arein, Herald of the Storm, Elder Shadow Lord Galliard, Grand Elder of the Sept of the Forgotten Star." It's like a formal introduction, but not. Bliss' eyes are still closed, expression peaceful, head still held back, through supported now rather than forced. Storm gestures Aerin to her with the hand not still tangled in Bliss' hair.

Aerin Thomas: He bows his head once more and steps forwad, toward Storm. "Aerin Thomas, Cliath Philodox of the Children of Gaia, Rhya. I'm honored to meet you."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She reaches out and brushes her thumb across Aerin's throat. "Of course you are." She scratches behind Bliss' ear and yanks him into her into a one-armed hug. Bliss melts into her with a sigh, but his eyes open slowly to watch Aerin as Storm continues. "I hear you have a problem that requires my sister's expertise."

Aerin Thomas: "Quite possibly." He nods a little bit. "I have need for the Rite of the Parted Veil.."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Come talk with us. Somewhere quiet." She leads him a few steps, dragging Bliss with her, before pausing, and looking down at him. "The three of us, or alone?" The question, despite the where her eyes are, is for Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: "The three of us," he answers, calmly, without a trace of doubt or hesitation.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She smiles and releases Bliss, and resumes leading them off. "Wonderful. Have you eaten?"

Aerin Thomas: "Not today, no, actually." He follows behind. So far, so good...he thinks, maybe?

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I'll have someone bring something. Unless you like sandwhiches. They're about the extent of what I cook." She moves quickly, apparently through sheer force of habit. Bliss drops back to Aerin's side from Storm's. He seems perfectly content with how everything is going so far.

Aerin Thomas: "Whatever is most conveniant would be fine," he says with a smile. "I'm not particularly picky."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She turns to look at him, eyes more playful than dangerous. "I asked you a question. I'm well within my rights to do as I please with your answer, but I do expect an answer."

Aerin Thomas: His smile remains, and he nods in response. "My apologies. In response to your question, yes, I do like sandwiches."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Sandwiches it is then." She laughs and looks at Bliss. "Last I saw Jessi she was ducking into the woods with Gregory. I don't know that she'd like to be disturbed." She seems delighted by the slightly perplexed look on Bliss' face. "Spend more time here. They grow up." And then she's off again, brief slowing of pace to talk done.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Storm leads them through the paths and off them occasionally. "Uh...where are you two staying? We...if you wanted your house it's ready for you. And your father has offered, and you're welcome with me, but-" She shrugs. "Just let me know once you-" Pause. "Talk. Conicidentally your father has invited you both to dinner, tomorrow. Non-political family dinner, so neither Maia nor I will be there. And I can...arrange for something to entertain Claudia. He misses you. And that's as much of the awkward personal questions you've got to deal with in the next few days from me. At least with an audience. We are coincidentally going to my home now, not either of yours. We'll let them buzz tonight and do your official homecoming tomorrow." She doesn't seem to want an answer, she seems mostly to be warning him, or offering him options, more than anything. And there seems to be a lot she wants to say, but won't around Aerin. "So, turkey? French dip? Grilled cheese? I have tomato soup? I have no idea what you eat."

Aerin Thomas: He remains quiet, listening without meaning too. Not his business...he picks up what he can. Kinda hard not to. "French dip would be nice, thank you," he answers with a nod.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Alright then." She leads them into a cabin, two story. The room they walk into has an already lit fire, which Storm promptly starts coaxing to blazing. Two couches sit at an angle facing the fire. There is a doorway to a kitchen, and a few closed doors. "Have a seat. I'll fiddle with this and then get the food. You may not know it yet, but you're safe here." There is a low chuckle. "If for no other reason than that blood would stain the hell out of my floor."

Aerin Thomas: "Good to know." He nods with a faint smile, and takes a seat on one of the couches, getting comfortable.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss sprawls over the couch, head in Aerin's lap. Storm grins at Aerin, glances at Bliss, and walks out of the room. "You've got about fifteen minutes boys. I'm promise to at least not share what I may be forced to shamelessly eavesdrop on." She says over her shoulder.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss takes a deep breath. "So, you probably don't want to stay with my father. Storm maybe. And I have a house here, if you'd rather not subject yourself to anyone else."

Aerin Thomas: He smiles a little. "Thanks for that." He looks over to Bliss, listening. "All right. I don't mind subjecting myself to the others here, though you of course now how twitchy I get around new Septs. I'll stay here, or at your place...whichever works."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "My father is good, but he'll come with siblings. Most of whom I don't want to see. Storm is just Storm. No kids, no mate, just her here. And my house is empty, so we'd be alone. And we'd have beds, Storm just has couches. After getting a nap in the car and everything, you might want a bed. Or a jacuzzi."

Aerin Thomas: "That might be nice..." He shrugs a little bit. "Goddess knows I could use it, after the last 36 hours." And what another 24 or so he has to go, unbeknownst to him. "You'll get no complaints from me for whatever small comforts abound."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Then you want my place. Storm's not as into all that. She used to tease me for requiring three times as many kin to support me. Of course, she only encouraged it most of the time. You can trust her. The worst she'll do is not help you. She knows enough about the situation in nNew York not to have Veil issues. And I doubt you're being interrogated until tomorrow. She seems more about the hovering right now. Which is probably my fault. I know you wanted to do everything pretty much instantly."

Aerin Thomas: "As soon as possible, yes," he admits with a sigh. "The longer I'm away from the farm, the more paranoid I'm gonna get." He rubs at his forehead wearily.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Maia's not here yet anyway. And whatever it is, Storm doesn't know. I asked her first. Maia will be back sometime tomorrow, she was away when I called, and she made it clear I would get to beg favors at her convieniance, not mine."

Aerin Thomas: He sighs, and nods. "All right. I guess...I'll take it as it comes. Just try to keep me grounded, okay?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He gives Aerin a completely non-comprhending look, he can't imagine not feeling calm here. "I'm no good at that. Just remember Storm reads people like no one else I've met. If she is holding off her questions, it's to know you better when she asks them. She is the most dangerous person I've ever known, just not to me." He's relaxed, perfectly calm, no tension at all as he rests against Aerin. "What do you need?"

Aerin Thomas: "Sanity?" He grins a little bit. "The remotest, minute level of peace of mind? The hope that, when we get out of this, my mate's going to be okay?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He sits up slowly, so he can hold Aerin. "Hey, we're here. We're still breathing. We have a place to start. It will be alright. It will."

Aerin Thomas: ((Ahh, joy. When Micah died...due to Aerin's Rose & Reyna's LWS, they both felt Micah die.))

He nods, slowly. "I know it will. I hope it will, at least. Somehow, it will work out."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (Ouch. That'll be fun.)

He nods. "Sorry, I'm just...tired. It'll be okay. The hampster running my brain is just taking a break."

Aerin Thomas: ((Yeah, no kidding.)) "My hampster had a heart attack and died sometime last night. I'm runnin' on fumes." He sighs. "I should have known this would happen. Things were going too well."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Then rest. I'm right here. You're safe. Ita's well protected. It's alright. Scary and uncertain yes, but it will be okay. Everthing will be okay."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little and reaches up, pulling the hair tie out of his hair. His neck twists to either side, bringing those ouchy-good pops. "Yeah. I know."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss winces and rubs lightly at Aerin's neck. Storm reappears, setting plates in front of them. Bliss' hair gets ruffled. And then she's gone again.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs a little at the touch, leaning back into Bliss's hand. His eyes open at Storm's approach, giving her a grateful nod as the plates are set down.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Storm comes back with a plate of her own, which she sets down. Sitting on the opposite couch from them, she studies them a few seconds. "You two need a minute?"

Aerin Thomas: He looks up and over to Storm, shaking his head. "No, I don't think so, Rhya...thank you, though." He smiles a little. "It's been a long day and a half, is all."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "So I've come to understand. It must have been something to bring Bliss running home to us for help. Tell me about it?"

Aerin Thomas: He sighs and nods...where to begin? "My mate, Ita, is human. She has attracted the attention of the Camarilla, one of the vampiric organizations, and they consider her a breach to their Veil. I've been wanted to make her kin for some time, obviously...but this adds a further urgency to it."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "This is the human that was a vampire, as I recall?"

Aerin Thomas: "Correct." He nods, unphased..

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "And now they plan to kill her?"

Aerin Thomas: "The Camarilla does, I believe, yes. That is the information we got."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Alright. Why not simply desroy them? If she is under your protection, aren't they disallowed anyway, with your treaty?"

Aerin Thomas: "Because that would provoke a war. And technically, although she is my mate, she's not kin yet. And as a mortal, she is not specifically portected by the treatym, outside of the Demilitarized Zone that takes up the southernmost tip of the island."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You can't claim her as territory?"

Aerin Thomas: A pause. "Allow me to reastate. That would provoke a war that would spilll into the streets. The Veil would be shattered, and many innocents would di in the process." He blinks, and looks to Bliss, then back. Can he claim a non-kin as his territory?

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss shrugs. "Brianna has contacts. We might want to press at them. I could not say with certainty."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [As everything is odd time-wise, when does Micah die in relation to this scene?]

Aerin Thomas: ((He dies tomorrow in relation to this))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Night or afternoon?]

Aerin Thomas: ((Afternoon. 3:00 PM))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Thanks.]

Aerin Thomas: He shrugs a little. "I don't know if we can. It's certainly a sticky situation." He sighs. "Regardless, my first choice, as it's something I seek anyway, is to attempt to get the Rite of the Parted Veil performed. Failing that as an option, I am open to suggestions."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Well, that is one option. Bliss has friend in upstate New York that may be willing to shelter a pregnant woman. Is the child kin?"

Aerin Thomas: "I have two children. Tori Dream is not Ita's daughter, or even mine, biologically, but she is mine. She's 3 months old. Ita's child, Archer, is not kin, no."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Storm chuckles. "I would speak to the pack in New York before they leave, if for nothing else than to see if they have a protection fetish or three available for trade. They may know something of the rite as well." She shrugs. "Maia has never s[poken of this rite to me."

Aerin Thomas: "To my knowledge, it's not well-known outside the Elders of my own Tribe, so that doesn't surprise me." He nods a little bit.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "They have an two higher ranked of your tribe in their number. The other three are Furies. So far Bliss has gined little enough infromation on them. I think he's slipping." She casts an affectionate glance at Bliss, who is half-asleep, curled up around Aerin. "Beyond that...we could offer you shelter here, for some time. I think that is not what you're looking for however."

Aerin Thomas: He smiles a little bit. "As much as I appreciate that offer, I do not know if Ita would do well with that. I must confess, through no fault of anyone's here, I would be a bit on edge myself, for a few reasons."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Well, we've no problem with vampires. Or killing them." Storm shrugs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [how much longer re you here? Is it Thursday nights you're gone?]

Aerin Thomas: He smiles, faintly. "I'm sure you don't. I regret to say, Rhya, that's not the concern." He sighs. "I have issues, around Septs I am not familiar with...even around ones I am familiar with, really. Personal issues, through no fault of the Septs. And Ita is..." How to put this. Stubborn and pissy and untrusting of anything involving Bliss... "...headstrong?"

Aerin Thomas: ((Yeah, I have 2.5 hours))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Ah." Storm smiles.

Aerin Thomas: An apologetic shrug from the man. "Again, I very much appreciate the offer."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "It costs me nothing."

Aerin Thomas: "Which makes me no less appreciative."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Maia will test you, and I can promise it will not be pleasant...."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss, still curled around Aerin, shudders at the mention of testing by Maia.

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little. "Tested in what way, if I may ask?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "That she did not mention, only thatshe would be certain the test was not lethal."

Aerin Thomas: ((Yeah, THIS'LL be lovely timing... :) )) "There's a bonus, at least." He smiles faintly.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Yeah. Aerin is not going to be happy tomorrow.] "It is, from my sister."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a bit and sighs. "Any guess as to when this will be?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "By mid-day tomorrow, I would imagine. She told me she would be back by morning."

Aerin Thomas: "Perfect." He nods to that, running a hand through his hair. He leans back in the couch, looking over at Bliss, then back to Storm. The tension is mostly drained away, leaning him a little weary, still a bit on edge, but not too badly.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss mumbles something when Aerin moves, and opens his eyes. "Right," Storm says. "Get out of here. Both of you. Get some rest."

Aerin Thomas: A grin, and he nods, making sure Bliss is stable on his own before rising. "Thank you again, Rhya." He nods to Storm, and waits on Bliss to leand them onward.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss rises to head to the door, after slipping over to let Storm have his throat again. The sleepy peacefulness is gone the second he's outside. Leading Aerin through the woods again, he takes him to a larger house. Beautiful, three stories, Victorian. The porch lightsa are on. Bliss walks straight past the yard, not looking at anything but the door. He hesitates, only briefly once he's there. "Welcome home," he says, just a touch bitterly, and steps inside leaving the door open for Aerin to follow.

Aerin Thomas: He raises an eyebrow slightly and follows Bliss into the house. "You seem popular around here..." He looks around as he walks in.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Inside is a living room that puts the apartment to shame. Black leather couches, velvet armchairs, rich cherry wood tables. "Yeah. With a few people." He sinks into one of the chairs. "I think I may have promised you the presense of a real bed and a jacuzzi. Both of which are upstairs."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (Love?)

Aerin Thomas: ((Sorry, comp froze)) "You are my hero, Bliss." He grins at that and sets his staff dor, near the foor, before moving toward the stairs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. I'll...be up...."

Aerin Thomas: "All right. He takes a couple steps up the stairs, then stops, turning around. "Bliss?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah?"

Aerin Thomas: He moves back down the stairs, toward the man. He reaches out to draw him into a hug. "Thank you. For all of this. For everything. I don't say it enough."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He sighs. "What is family for?"

Aerin Thomas: "Getting on each other's nerves, in my experience." He chuckles softer, wrapping his arms around the back and squeezling lightly.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "One of us has to stay half composed, and under the circumstances, I think it's me. Don't do that here." He hugs Aerin back gently and steps away. "Upstairs, at the end of the left hall. Bed and jacuzzi."

Aerin Thomas: He smniles anot nods. "Got it." He pulls away, heading up trhe stairs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: There is indeed a bedroom at the end of the hall. More cherry wood on the dresser, tables, and mirrors. King sized bed with a dark blue canopy, drawn open. Through one door is a full walk-in closet. Through the other door is a bathroom full of black marble and brushed stainless steel. And a jacuzzi big enough to fit about five. (And let me know if he actually looks around, countertops are all bare. Nothing but an antique music box sits on the dresser. It's...almost eerie how impersonal the house has become.)

Aerin Thomas: For now, just a quick look over, noting the impesonality of the house with a raised eyebrow. He heads for the jacuzzi...his back seriously needs the attention.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Filling the jacuzzi and slipping into it is no problem. No Wrym-spirits lurking in the pipes, no ghosts in the mirrors.

Aerin Thomas: He settles gets dressed down and into the the jacuzzi, sitting back with a sigh. He SO needed one of these in his apartment. He almost falls asleep, the warm water and jets lulling him in that direction. It really HAS been a rough day and half.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: After awhile, there is a soft knock outside. "Aerin?"

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah?" He looks over, rousing a little bit.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You okay?"

Aerin Thomas: "I'm fine." He nods a little bit, flushing. "Just...relaxing." Yeah, almost relaxing in the snoring way...not that he snores. "I'm on my way out, actually."

Aerin Thomas: He pulls himse out of the water and moves to get dried off, then gets dressed.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I'm sleeping downstairs, if you need anything. Okay?"

Aerin Thomas: "All right. Thank yoy, Bliss."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "It's nothing. I'll see you in the morning, unless you want me to stay up here."

Aerin Thomas: "No, you're fine down there. Good nigth...I'll see you in the morning."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. You like coffee?"

Aerin Thomas: "Sure do. Half-exist on it, these days."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You so need rest. Try to get some."

Aerin Thomas: "I will. Promise."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. Sleep well." He smiles and walks out. Tere are the sounds of footfalls down the stairs.

Aerin Thomas: He pretty much dries off and goes to bed at that point. He knows he'll need his rest for the next day.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He falls asleep without too much trouble, considering he's warm and much more relaxed.

His dreams, never peaceful, begin with him standing in a lab. The air is cold, antiseptic. He's wearing a hospital gown. Sitting on a bare steel operating table is a tall, slender woman. She is not dressed to match, but in a flowing black dress that reaches her ankles. Her black hair is long and left loose. She has rich emerald eyes, but they're cold too. She smiles at him, very much an expression of her amusement - but not friendliness. "So," she asks him. "Ready for your dissection?"

Aerin Thomas: He blinks, looking up at her. "Who are you? What dissection...where...?" The confusion of the beginning of a dream, not knowing where, what, or why, has him instantly wary.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Here, of course. And because it is time. You've come to me. We should begin." She jumps off the table. "Lie down."

Aerin Thomas: He frowns a little bit, and looks around. He's here...he's not restrained. Means he came here willingly...so, hesitantly, he nods, moving to lie down on the table.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: It's so cold it stings his kin for a few seconds. The woman starts to restrain him, binding him to the table.

Aerin Thomas: He looks up to the restraints, something sliding into his eyes, much like panicked fear. He tries to pull away instinctively, looking at her. "What are..." His eyes flick to her, his jaw setting.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I'm going to dissect you. If you aren't still it will hurt more." She doesn't sound as if it really matters to her either way.

Aerin Thomas: "Why?" He's frozen, limps drawn as inward as they can...if already restrained, not far of course, but if not, then the extremities pulled up against his body. "Why did I come to be...this place..." He looks confused. "I don't understand. Explain."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She shrugs, done with her restraints and uncovers a tray of surgical tools. "We'll find out, won't we?"

Aerin Thomas: He stares at her, body tensed, and looks to the restraints. Slowly, he relaxes his body as best he can, his limps uncoilling. He doesn't have any other options, it seems. "...sorry," he murmurs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "What for?" She picks up a scalpel and studies him, head tilted to one side, determining the best place to start cutting.

Aerin Thomas: "...I don't know." He looks at that scalpel, eyes wide, and clenches his teeth. Knowing that this won't be pleasant.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Then why apologise? General apology induced by fear is worthless." She walks over and cuts the hospital gown away from his chest.

Aerin Thomas: He ctaches his lip between the rigth upper and lower canines, and bites down hard, just waiting. Anticipation of pain buiilding to intolerable levels.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Two fingers trace lightly over his chest, coming to rest just over his heart. A few seconds after they stop she follows that same line with the scalpel. There is no hesitation, and the blade is sharp enough that the pain isn't immediate but starts only when she starts to open the wound. "So," she says conversationally as her clawed fingers wiggle and search for something inside his chest, indifferent to the pain she's causing. "How did you find out you were Garou?"

Aerin Thomas: His hands grasp whatever part of tahbe or restraint he can, and he forces himself to stay as calm as possible (WP) eyes squeezed shut. "I was...nineteen...did mushrooms...first change...during trip..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Her hand closes around a section of muscle inside his chest and for a blessed few seconds stills. "And when that happened, when you were chosen, what did it mean to you?"

Aerin Thomas: He's quiet for a moment. "It meant...that a hallucingoenic substamce had intervened where fate hadn't. That I became Garou wasn't what was meant to happen...it was something I brought about by my own actions, however unwittingly."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Interesting. You believe that you accidentally triggered the fate that lay written in the heavens for you?" Her hand tightens. "You awakened to the world that chose you. There was no other way. Your life, your soul, was spoken for." She pulls her hand back, tearing out a good-sized bit of flesh.

Aerin Thomas: "Ggggggh..." He tries to respond to that, say that had be been chosen properly, it would have been at a proper age, not almost his twenties. But dammit, it's hard to speak when you're getting parts of you ripped out.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She opens her hand, letting the severed muscle and tendon drop onto Aerin's chest. "And now," her bloodied fingers trail down to his stomach, clwas tearing away the fragile paper-fabric. "You want to rewrite destiny and choose who is chosen?"

Aerin Thomas: His breath is coming in ragged gasps now. "This is not...the same. This person has...already had fate intervene in an incredible way...the Goddess has granted her...redemption. Now, she deserves...an opportunity to continue on...in her life. Without being...a breach of...the Veil, which occurred...only because of what she...was before."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Perhaps her death is what will bring her to us. If her fate did not lie with us until late in this life, perhaps she will be reborn to us." Not the scalpel this time, but her claws trace the bloody line down to his stomach. [And, pause. Grrrrrrrrrr.... Family and their messed up timing and lack of warning about it. *hugs* Back tonight, I hope.]

Aerin Thomas: ((Okay))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Back. *hugs* If you want to pick back up for awhile. Or talk. Or whatever.]

Aerin Thomas: ((Awesome...let's pick back up. Really need to get him out of backdate...got a lot of people waiting on him.))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Yeah. I know. *hugs*]

Aerin Thomas: ((*Hugs*)) He shakes his head, his entire body tensed as she manually incises into him. "No. If her...if that was all that was needed to bring her back...then she would have not needed to be returned to mortality."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She nods at that, then smiles as she digs through his body for a new bit of flesh. "Do you know that when you're torn away memory by memory until I know everything you will simply be a skeleton? Mute. Blind. Ruined. It rarely gets that far, these days, but understanding someone to that degree, stripped bare of all masks and at your mercy is...intoxicating."

Aerin Thomas: "I would...imagine so." It's practically gasped out as she digs. "I think...I somewhat understand that."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Are you so certain-" She finally stops with the digging and grips something. By this point figuring out what she's doing or touching is difficult since so much hurts right now sensation is just overloaded. "This is a wise idea?"

Aerin Thomas: A cry of pain escapes finally, body arching as she takes hold. "What you're doing...not sure," he gasps. "Your...call...there." Okay, so even in agony, he's got a slight sense of humor. "Making Ita...kin? No doubt...in...mind...body...soul."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She smiles at his words and the cry, not letting go, but leaning into him until the pressure brings different pain, steady and oppressive instead of sharp and tearing. "How did you meet her?"

Aerin Thomas: That version of pain, he can handle better, and he relaxes just a little. "She had volunteered to help the Sept of the Green with a raid into a Wyrm-tainted labratory. Trevor Dunne had made her aware, and she wanted to help. Hesitant as I was to let a...Wyrm creature come with..." It seems difficult for him to refer to Ita in that way, even iin the past tense. "...we frankly needed the help. So she came along...and performed well, but for my error in leadership that left her and me both...infected."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Tell me about that error in judgement." The pressure is kept steady for now. Despite the fact that he should be losing more than enough blood to feel faint...it seems not to work that way here.

Aerin Thomas: "I...the algorithm. I had been given vauge information on how to defeat it...all I knew was that it hunted people in their dreams. I attempted to stay away from people, so I could kill it on my own. When we entered the lab, I saw it there, and went Umbral to try and destroy it alone, while the others got the information we needed. As it turns out, it was more then a match for me, and I became infected."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "And how did she become infected? Why was a vampire trying to help destroy something of the Wrym?"

Aerin Thomas: "Because, even as a vampire, she was trying to make the world a better place...how ~we~ see it as better. The Garou. She was Embraced against her will...her wish had always been to escape the taint." He winces as an involuntary shift brings the pain back. "She became infected by another algorithm spirit as we made to leave."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I see." She brings her hand back suddenly, tearing out this new bit of flesh and ropping it beside the other on his chest. "How was she embraced?"

Aerin Thomas: "Aaggghh..." He has to take a couple moments to recollect his thoughts. "She moved her to the United States from Scotland to protect her family from the mob, and had no way to make money, being illegal. So she worked as a prostitute. She sent letters back home...one person started to steal and her letters. He came upon her one night in an alleyway and took her.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "A determined woman." She moves to stroke his hair with a bloodied hand. "And she would serve Gaia?"

Aerin Thomas: "Without a doubt." He nods a little bit, looking up to her. Despite the agony there, or perhaps because of it, that conviction shines through in his expression.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She smiles again, dragging her claws through his skin, down to the skullbone. "And you would be willing to bear the consequences of her actions?"

Aerin Thomas: There's no sound that comes out...kind of hard to speak when every synapse in your brain is flaring in pain. He merely nods, likely causing further agony. Which he'll gladly endure to see this done.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: She pats the side of his face. "Wake up." Which he does. He can still feel the pain, but it's fading now as he wakes up.
 

[OCTOBER 27th]

Aerin Thomas: He starts straight up, grasping at his head, breathing hard. It takes him a few minutes to calm down, eyes closed, trying to focus and regulate his breathing.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: A hand catches his shoulder as he sits up. "You alright?" Bliss' voice.

Aerin Thomas: "Y...y...yeah..." His breathing calms, finally, the Shadow Lord's hand on his shoulder helping. He opens his eyes and looks around, remembering...oh, yes. Unfamiliar setting...now he remembers. He slumps a little, relaxing with a sigh. "What time is it?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Just before dawn, judging by the sky. You don't think you could get back to sleep?" Bliss seems to expect the answer to be no.

Aerin Thomas: "Not a a chance," he says with a shake of his head and a rueful smile. "Sadly, not the absolute worst dream I've had this year...but still." He reaches over for his cigarettes, pulling one out and flicking it to life. "Pretty damn close. I wonder if Charity had any idea how twistedly appropriate my deed name would turn out to be. If she did, she had a much eviller sense of humor then I thought."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He nods and curls around Aerin, resting his head on Aerin's shoulder. The gesture is more companionable than dominant. "With a name like Charity?" Bliss chuckles. "I knew a girl named Chastity once...way off...."

Aerin Thomas: That draws a chuckle from him, as he exhales a drag of smoke. "Yeah...names are quite often more ironic then appropriate, I've noticed."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "So...the treaty is a non-helpful entity right right now. Brianna offers her help in any capacity."

Aerin Thomas: "I'm not surprised about the Treaty...they can't get involved. This is between two Treaty members, after all. Helping one side or the other would emtail being...well, not neutral." He purses his lips and thinks. "Hopefully, after Archer is born, we can take our vacation...get out of town for a couple weeks. Let things die down a bit." He considers.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss reaches out to touch one of the pillows gently. "Why don't we go downstairs? I'll make coffee."

Aerin Thomas: "Sounds good." He nods and slips out of bed...he's still in his slacks. Someone doesn't typically wear clothes in bed. He reaches over for his dress shirt, buttoning it up.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You must be exhausted." Bliss sighs.

Aerin Thomas: "Exhausted, Bliss, is par for the course for me. Nothing new." He shrugs and moves to follow him out of the room and down the stairs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "We'll have to fix that sometime, it's awful for you. Breakfast?"

Aerin Thomas: "That would be incredibly nice, thank you."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You seem to assume I'd be making it, and not causing it to be made...." Bliss chuckles.

Aerin Thomas: "Whichever would still be incredibly nice, thank you." He grins faintly.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Mmmmm...while Mel should be awake I've not cooked anything this year, and it's nearly over."

Aerin Thomas: "Well, then. Do you keep the streak going, or give it a shot and try to poison me?" The tone is teasing, the grin becoming a bit stronger.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I've never poisoned anyone in my life." Bliss growls playfully as they head down the stairs. "Accidentally at least."
[And, unless there was something Aerin wanted to ask or do with breakfast, skip ahead a bit?]

Aerin Thomas: ((Skipping works))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: After breakfast, Bliss practically runs Aerin out of the house, through the back door, and around to Storm's house again. Sitting across from Storm at the table is the woman from Aerin's dream and a powerful late middle-aged man in good shape with brown hair and hazel eyes. They look up at the sound of the door opening. Storm gives them a welcoming smile, the dream-woman smiles more like she's contemplating having them for breakfast and the man rises and smiles stiffly taking a half step toward them.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Aerin, I present Maia Raven, Bearer of Thunder's Secrets, Elder Shadow Lord Theurge and my father, Robert Montgomery, Athro Shadow Lord Ahroun." Formal announcement finished, Bliss walks past his father to greet Storm. Both his father and Maia get nods, nothing more.

Aerin Thomas: He follows behind, and when he is introduced, he gives them both inclinations of his head, respectful. "Aerin Thomas, Fostern Philodox of the Children of Gaia. An honor to meet you both, Rhyas."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: They return Aerin's nod. Storm looks between everyone for a few seconds. "Bliss, go talk to your father. I'll stay with Aerin and Maia." Bliss gives her a Look, but does walk out, trailed by his father, leaving Aerin alone with Maia and Storm.

Aerin Thomas: He watches Bliss and Robert head off, briefly, before his eyes turn back to Maia and Storm. His hands are left at his side...he sees just the slightest bit tense, after the dream last night, in Maia's presence. Not afraid, more just...nervous.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "So, I do believe this is the part where you get to find out what I know." Maia says, something almost playful abou the predatory tone.

Aerin Thomas: "I believe it is," he says with an even nod. He moves to take a seat at the table, watching Maia.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Assuming he sits close enough to her, Storm reaches out to run a hand through his hair. Maia nods. "Little enough, really. You'll need others there, at least two, to speak for Ita, outside the rite, and they'll need to be tested, likely as heavily as you and she."

Aerin Thomas: Well, that took him all of about three seconds to think of possibilities. "All right." He nods. "I'm with you so far."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I believe it is conducted near the New Moon." She shrugs. "Beyond that, I've gotten no further, your family guards it's secrets as well as mine, when it sees the need."

Aerin Thomas: "So the question is, Rhya. Do you know of any Elders of my tribe who I can talk to, in order to conduct the ritual?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I know of no living being who has even breathed mention of that rite to me within the last 25 years, though I wish you luck."

Aerin Thomas: His shoulders drop just the tiniest bit, and he sighs half a breath outward. "I see. Thank you for the information you were able to provide."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "My pleasure." She rises with a smile. "And if you'll excuse me?"

Aerin Thomas: "Of course." A hint of a nod.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: And Maia walks out, moving to join Bliss and his father, who are still in view of the cabin windows.

Aerin Thomas: He watches Maia go, and then sighs a little further. He goes for another cigarette, pushing back a little bit, to keep the smoke away from Storm, in case she takes exception.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I wish your visit had been more social." Storm smiles. "You'll be leaving?"

Aerin Thomas: "I have to," he says with a nod. "My mate is currently in a farm house in upstate New York with a powerful cadre of vampires after her, and her guards are a skilled, but blind, Fianna, a musician, and a prostitute. Maybe a kinfolk, if he's made it up there. And two of those four have no concept whatsover of what's going on."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I see. Your sept will not move to help her?"

Aerin Thomas: "She is a human who used to be a vampire, Rhya, and a walking breach of the Veil. Until she is kinfolk, the Sept of the Green won't touch her with a 20 foot pole."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I would have my questions concerning the subject answered. If you succeed, I would like to know."

Aerin Thomas: "I'm sorry, Rhya?" He frowns a little, as if confused. "Which questions are those? If I failed to answer anything, it wasn't intentional, and I'll be happy to answer, if you ask again."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Storm shakes her head. "If such redemption is possible, there are implications for at least one person you've come to care for. I would simply like to know as I would expect with your life approaching in order you would like to move on with it."

Aerin Thomas: He considers this a moment, and nods. "Of course, Rhya. Whatever occurs as a result, I will make sure that you know it."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I am still not certain you understand my concern, but in the end...it is personal and has little impact on our war. It has been wonderful to meet you. Go let Bliss know he's escaped, and best of luck. Further goodbyes are unnessasary." She glances out the window. "Though I believe he has one more thing to do before he leaves."

Aerin Thomas: He tilts his head curiously, and then nods. "Thank you. All dignities and formalities aside, Storm...it really has been a pleasure to meet you." He stands, offered her a nod of respect, before he turns to go.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Likewise, and appreciated." She watches him go.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (Assuming he heads for where Bliss is....) The three Lords are all tense, even Maia. Whatever power struggle is going on here it's less clear who stands where. And a lot more willingness to display more aggression than they showed in front of Storm. You can practically touch the tension in the air around them, for all their voices are barely over whispers.

Aerin Thomas: He approaches calmly, and stops within obvious sight of them, simply waiting there to be acknowledged, hands hand his side, relaxed. Maybe a little resigned, but otherwise even-tempered. Just waiting.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: With a shake of his head Bliss stalks away from both higher ranked Lords and over to Aerin. He is NOT pleased, his eyes are too wild and his lips are twitching back as if he's about to start flashing fangs at people. "Aerin." He nods, but the usual affection in the greeting is absent. Maybe this is who people are afraid of around here, the chilling, empty eyes don't seem like Bliss - at least not as Aerin knows him.

Aerin Thomas: "Bliss." He nods, his expression calm. Time to help with that later. "I'm ready when you are."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "For dinner? Hours away. I-" He takes a deep breath. "I have to see someone."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little bit. "Understood." He reaches out slowly to touch the other's shoulder, briefly...a calming gesture, it's supposed to be, not too fast so as not to set the other Fostern off. "Like I said, whenever you're ready...and not before."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He sighs and nods. "When I'm here, all I do is want leave. But I miss it, when I'm gone. It's home. I have to go talk to Verona. She must be wondering why I haven't yet, I normally see her first, unless Storm catches me first." He talks about this like he was going to talk to someone who was still breathing, not a grave. "But after that, yeah. If you've found what you're looking for, it'd be a shame to break two long running streaks in a single visit." He smiles, but it's as bitter as his tone. "Care to meet Verona?"

Aerin Thomas: "I'd like that," he says with a nod. "Lead the way."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: There is a soft huff, but he does lead off through the woods to a clearing with a gentle stream running by the edge. There is no evident sign anyone has ever been buried here, no mounds, no stones, just what looks like virgin glade. Bliss sinks to the ground at the base of a huge willow, ear to the earth as if it might whisper to him. "Here," he says softly.

Aerin Thomas: He stops a pace or two away, watching quietly. He takes a look around, quietly surveying the scene, and nods a bit to Bliss's words. "All right," he says, not taking anything for granted yet. He just waits and watches.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: There is no ghostly voice in the trees, no sign of another presence. Just the quiet calm of the forest.

Aerin Thomas: He pauses, then takes a step forward, to come next to the other Garou. Slowly, he drops into a crouch, next to him. Still quiet, still waiting.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "She's not here," Bliss says softly. "She's not anywhere anymore. But at least here I remember her still alive." One of his hands trails over the ground.

Aerin Thomas: ((*Oofs*))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (*pets* Need a repost?)

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (*and loves on shamelessly*)

Aerin Thomas: ((Nope...got it)) He nods a little bit...he remembers being told about Verona, now. He looks up to the tree solemnly, eyes on the branches above them, and then back to Bliss. A hand drops to the earth, steadying himself and providing physical contact with the soil. "I think I can understand what you mean by that, though perhaps not the same way."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "How do you see it?" Here, he still seems like he should be, subdued maybe, but that wild, viscious edge is gone.

Aerin Thomas: "Well..." He takes a deep breath. "The places we remember people strongest...the places they had strongest associations with...they resonate there with us, long after we've known them...long after they've left us, however they have. Sometimes, it's a place we charish...sometimes, a place we'd rather it not be. I know that I personally can't handle being out in Staten Island, by the mansion...it almost makes me physically ill. So much emotion tied to that place, good and bad...it just kind of overloads me. Doesn't stop me from finding reasons to drive by it, and Alexis's house. Just to get a feeling. A sense of Trevor, and a sense of Alexis. To remember what they smelled like, what they sounded like. What they felt like...what being around them felt like." He takes a deep breath, sighing. "It's not all pleasant, that feeling. But it's something that I need, nonetheless."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "The house is like that for me...this place is...she loved it here. She said that if there was anywhere that was home, it was here. No matter how many times I told her home was was where we were, that all this was ours if we'd only claim it she'd laugh and shake her head and tell me it was here. She was right, but I didn't realise that until I left and this place pulled at me. Love it, hate it, doesn't matter. It's home. I can claim all I want, become whoever I want, but this place will have always claimed me."

Aerin Thomas: He nods very slightly, expression calm, a little sad, both at his own thoughts and emotions and at Bliss's words. "I can understand that, too," he says quietly.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "She loved me, but not as much as she hated what the world." He rises, kisses Aerin's forehead, and starts out of the clearing. "That's why we have to change it. It should be worth living in. Let's go."

Aerin Thomas: He nods and rises as well, moving to follow behind him.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Don't tell anyone it's something so...atrocious. They take me far more seriously when it's about power and my ego. Dead girlfriend...not so much."

Aerin Thomas: "Keeper of Secrets here, Bliss. I understand."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "So. Uh. Where are we going?" He sounds apologetic about not knowing.

Aerin Thomas: "Back to Luddington. I have to make sure Ita's all right before I start trying to think about where to start looking for someone who knows anything else about the Rite, or hopefully, can do the Rite itself."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. Would now be a bad time to mention we have this thing called a phone...?"

Aerin Thomas: "Bliss, the only place I can imagine to find an Elder Theurge of my tribe in the next five days without any real idea where to start is the Gaian Network. I can try to contact them about as well from Luddington as I can from anywhere else, and I don't think I'll get my answer in the next five days. And I'm not missing the birth of my second child, nor am I comfortable leaving Ita in the hands of a skilled but blind Fianna, and what looks like a coked-out musician and an ex-whore who, from what I understand, just recently kicked a heroin habit. Not with the entire Camarilla after her, at least."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss laughs softly and hugs him. "Easy. Not that world doesn't go on. If you miss it. I did. But I hear that's lousy parenting."

Aerin Thomas: He smiles, faintly, and hugs Bliss back a little. "That's what I understand, as well."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "We'll head back to Luddington, and you can see Ita, track down what you need. I certainly am not at all helpful on this trek. Maybe I can find someone to assassinate, get back to what I'm good for." He's playing now, not sulking.

Aerin Thomas: "Sounds like a plan. Don't worry, I think I can come up with a good list of people for you to kill." Okay, that was a bit of a joke, too. "Shall we?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah." Bliss smiles. "I'll bring you back to your sprite. I'm sure she's convinced I've killed and eaten you by now." He heads back to the car, perfectly calm again.

Aerin Thomas: "Probably...I wouldn't doubt it." He grins just a little and moves along at the man's side, heading away. He takes a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh as he walks out. One more Sept he's made it in and out of alive. This is starting to become a habit.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [And, amusing as their banter is - fast forward so as to unback-date. 8)] They get to the car without incident, illusions not bothering Aerin this time in the woods. Bliss slips back into the car (driving of course).

Aerin Thomas: ((Yeeeah, Blis driving is, to be a bit prophetic, a good idea. *S*)) He places his staff in the back and drops into the passenger seat, leaning back with a sigh. "This was...I didn't get quite what I was looking for yet, but thank you, Bliss. I'm glad we came here."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (It's a good thing that Bliss pretty much doesn't do the passenger thing. Convincing him to nap while someone controlled where he went, or even just to watch...?) "Oh? Shame it wasn't more helpful." He reaches out to run a hand through Aerin's hair before starting the car. "Rest."

Aerin Thomas: "It's...a start. I know a little more then I did before." He nods and leans back in the seat, closing his eyes.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Good. Good." He smiles and starts back to New York, turning on soft Celtic music and falling quiet.

Aerin Thomas: The music and the stress over the last week-pllus lulls him off to sleep...he hasn't exactly gotten the best sleep, especially last night, even for him. He's there, sleeping quietly, a little less fitfully then usual...until about 3:30 pm, when his eyes shoot open and he cries out, a half-yelp, half-whimper, completely soul-rending and heart-breaking. ((Rage: Aerin Thomas: d10: : 5,9,3,6,. Das ist gut t'ing.))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Aerin?" Bliss reaches out to run a hand through his hair. "Easy. You okay?"

Aerin Thomas: He doesn't hear Bliss, or even seem to feel the touch. He reaches up and grabs his chest with both hands, clutching it almost as it he's trying to grab hold of his breastbone and rip it out, staring straight ahead. Tears have already welled up and are starting to spill down his cheeks, and he shakes his head, trying to deny what he's feeling. "No, no, no, no..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Fuck! Aerin? Hey! Can you hear me?" He taps lightly at Aerin's cheekbone, but there's only so involved you can get while steering a car.

Aerin Thomas: He curls sideways, toward the driver's seat and Bliss, knees coming up as he folds into the fetal position. "Micah...oh, Goddess..." He bows his head into the fetal position, eyes squeezing shut. ((Aerin Thomas: d10: WP: 3,9,8,4,1,9,)) He manages to get out "Just...get us back to the farm, please...I need....aw, fuck, no..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "What's happening?" He pets Aerin's hair, but despite what he Aerin just instructed does pull the car over so he can actually pay attention to Aerin without running the car off the road.

Aerin Thomas: "Micah..." He takes a deep, broken breath inward, and lets it out raggedly. "...he's dead." His arms are now clutching his shoulders, crossed over his chest.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: There is a soft sigh before Bliss frees Aerin from his seatbelt and curls around him. "Fuck," he says softly. "I'm here. I'm right here."

Aerin Thomas: Bliss can likely feel a bit of warmth radiating from his chest for a few moments, before it fades, and Aerin shakes his head, the sobs really starting as he feels the kin fade. He just sort of...breaks down, there. Murmured apologies, to Bliss, Micah, or no one in particular, echo between the sobs, and he's completely insensible for a good fifteen to twenty minutes until slowly, the sobs and half-ramblings die out. His body slowly returns to a more normalized state of breathing, and he slips into what must be a very welcome unconsciousness.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He stays there, the hell he's going to let go of Aerin and resume driving immediately after that. He waits for Aerin to wake. At least Aerin looks like he just had a mental breakdown and there aren't MANY illegal weapons in the car. Oh yes, and Gaia has granted gifts to allow him to be VERY convincing. But not to raise the dead. He'd trade about now.

Aerin Thomas: It's not partiularly long before he starts awake...less dramatically then before, just with a little jump. His eyes flick open and he looks around, breathing heavily, not quite sure what's going on or where he is.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss is still holding him, so there's only so much jumping he can do. "I'm right here. Easy. Easy. How do you feel?"

Aerin Thomas: He lifts his head and looks around, frowning as he reaches up and wipes at his eyes. The man just looks...kind of blank. He stares out the windshield, and moves to pull away, legs coming down from his body. "Where are we," he asks in a quiet, even tone.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Aerin?" He lets him pull away. "We're in my car, on our way to Luddington. Do you remember what just happened?"

Aerin Thomas: "...yeah." He nods a little bit, going for a cigarette. It's placed between his lips, and he goes for his lighter, leaning forward to bring the end to light. "I remember."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay." He watches this with some concern, but he knows enough about grieving not to be too caught off guard. "You okay for awhile if I start driving again? You want to talk? You want a drink? What can I do?"

Aerin Thomas: "Just get me home, Bliss, please." The window is opened a little, and he exhales a drag out. He stares out at the road. "I have busy times ahead of me."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay." He leans over to hug Aerin again and then pulls away to start driving again.

Aerin Thomas: He's silent the entire way back to Luddington unless Bliss attempts to engage in conversation, chain-smoking the entire way. His emotions don't change, up or down...he just kind of sits there, waiting to get back his mate. Someone he knows is alive, still.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: No, Bliss doesn't talk. He does reach over on occasion to pet Aerin's hair, or squeeze his shouder, or rub his neck, but there is no real talking until they reach Luddington.

Aerin Thomas: When they approach the farm, he keeps his eyes alert on the woods, trying to sense for movement, any sign of an impending ambush directed their or the farm's way. As they pull up to the property itself he pauses, and looks over to Bliss. "Are you coming in, or heading back?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "In." His normal refusual to get near Ita, playful as he may leave it most times, is vanished.

Aerin Thomas: "Okay." He nods a little bit. "Under no circumstances does she need to know about Micah until after Archibald is born on Tuesday. The last thing I need is her to go into premature labor clear out here. There's a hospital in town, but still.." He shrugs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He closes his hands over Aerin's shoulders. "Okay. Less rigid then. You still look like hell. What's our excuse?"

Aerin Thomas: "I was put through a fairly agonizing ordeal in order to find out what I was able to learn, and it's weighing pretty heavily on my mind. And I haven't been sleeping. She'll believe all that."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. You think she'll tolerate my presence?"

Aerin Thomas: "50/50, I'd say. We'll find out," he says with a shrug. He scrubs his hands over his face tiredly. "Oh, don't forget...there's two humans around, too, and Laidan. Anyway, pop the trunk? Have to get the shotgun."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He obediantly pops the trunk. "How human?"

Aerin Thomas: "Very." He gets out of the car, removing the staff from the back, and moves around to get the firearm out of the back.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay."

Aerin Thomas: The shotgun is rested on a shoulder, and he slams the trunk closed. A deep breath is inhaled, then exhaled, before he sets his face in a more relaxed mask, heading toward the house. ((And if we're bring Ita and maybe Lai in, you wanna go to Luddington?))

Laidan [lupus]: d10: : 2,5,1,10,1,2,2,

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He slides out of his car, glancing at Aerin. "If nothing else, can I crash here, even just in the car if she won't have me in the house? You're not the only exhausted one here...."

Laidan [lupus]: Ow. Ow ow ow. Ow. One mistep, and she had splinters in her nose. She tried to keep moving around the house, to keep up guard, but OW that HURT. Stupid fence and stupid scared horses. A slight whine and a pause as she tried to get the damn thing out.

Aerin Thomas: "Of course, Bliss." He nods to the man and makes his way from the car toward the house, the shotgun in one hand, resting on one shoulder, staff in the other hand. The Child of Gaia...well, he's looked better, that's for Goddess-damned sure. He looks physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. He scans the area around the house as he approaches the door.

Ita McNairee: *again. she shouldn't be out of bed. she'd been herded back there several times in the day by one housemate or another, but as everyone seemed distracted she takes the oppurtunity to walk around the house as quietly as possible. with the annoyance of pain in her belly happening almost constantly.. she figured if she got up and moved about they'd lesson a little.. a whine and the car draw her near the window, fingers brushing laidan*

Laidan [lupus]: She shakes her head again, finally managing to pull the stupid thing out. A shake of her head, and a faint fluffing up. ~ws~ "You're supposed to be in -bed- Ita..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He moves near Aerin, less paranoid, but then he is in near the same shape as Aerin. He's content with playing guard. He lets Aerin lead into the house.

Aerin Thomas: He takes his keys out and unlocks the door, turning the knob and pushing it open. He steps inside the place, giving a look around and calling out. "Ita? Laidan? Anyone?"

Laidan [lupus]: d10: : 7,7,1,4,6,5,2,

Laidan [lupus]: What...? Noise. Noise she'd missed with the sliver in her nose. She moves swiftly and fluidly, putting her body inbetween Ita and the noises at the door. It SHOULD be Aerin, his scent drifting to her... but she gets ready to pounce anyway.

Ita McNairee: ~ws~ i've been in bed all- *Ita starts as Lai rushes past her, head coming up like a deer in headlights, tense.. her shoulders relaxing as she hears aerin's voice*.. darlin? *could be a nosferatu ita... but then claud said it was alright.. so ita starts waddling over*

Laidan [lupus]: ~ws~ "Itaa!" She growls, only just faintly, still keeping her considerable form between Ita and the noises at the door. ~ws~ "Aerin? "

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He rests a light hand between Aerin's shouderblades, rubbing gently up and down, looking behind them before closing the door. Not as paranoid doesn't mean oblivious.

Aerin Thomas: The staff is laid against the corner of the main room, and he looks around, frowning a little. "Love?" He makes his way to the 'lab,' as it's called, were Ita's bed was set up. The shotgun remains in his head, and he smiles faintly, wearily as the pregnant Rroma woman comes into view. "Hey, you." he looks to Laidan and nods. "Lai."

Laidan [lupus]: She relaxes, and carefully moves out of Ita's way, so the two can meet. ~ws~ "Welcome back Aerin..."

Ita McNairee: *she smiles in releif, hawkish features a little wary as she rubs her belly and approaches, making a cluck to lai. it was alright afterall.. Aerin was hear.. chocolate eyes float to bliss then her brow furrows, she looks back at Aerin*... are we en trouble darlin?

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss, for all he's been practically ontop of Aerin for the last two days pauses at the door, not stepping in as if he belongs there. Tired, off balance from being home, he looks actually vulnerable. He's not even gesturing dramatically, just leans quietly into the doorframe.

Aerin Thomas: "No, love...no more then we were before." He steps forward and puts his arms around Ita, gently. "It was just...a difficult couple of days." He looks to Bliss, then Laidan. "Have you two met yet?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Formally...not that I recall...."

Laidan [lupus]: Much like Bliss, the wolf slips out of the way. Ears flick about, listening for... well anything. Ears flick to Aerin, and then to Bliss. She couldn't remember... ~ws~ "I... I don't think so."

Ita McNairee: *her lip nibbled as she watches bliss, curling her arms round Aerin lovingly. mm. trusts the shadowlord as far as she could throw him. but.. the man looked in as rough a shape as Aerin, a sigh.. she sings quietly* och.. stop 'olden oop tha door darlin .

Aerin Thomas: "Bliss, Laidan. Laidan, Bliss." That's as formal as he's getting right now. He keeps his arms around his mate, turning to hug her, eyes shutting.

Laidan [lupus]: If Bliss wants more formal, they can do it later. She's still staying tucked out of the way so Aerin and Ita can reunite.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Shadow's Blissful Silence. Fostern Shadow Lord Ragabash. It's a pleasure." He glances at Ita, curious, wary, concerned. He dips his head slightly, and then slides down the doorframe, which even now looks more graceful than it probably should. Not perfect, but's better than standing - or tripping over his own feet trying to find a chair.

Ita McNairee: *a kiss pressed warmly to the slim garou's jaw, her one hand tangling in his hair as she murmers closely between them, brown eyes turned up to peer into his in worry*

Laidan [lupus]: Ears flick back towards Bliss. ~ws~ "Laidan Sees with the Heart, Fostern Fianna Theurge." It's a low murmur to the man.

Ita McNairee -> Aerin Thomas: d10: per emp aerin: 5,5,5,8,4,

Aerin Thomas [10/27 Evening] -> Ita McNairee: d10: Manip+Subt: 2,6,3,9,4,8,8,

Ita McNairee: ye look tired.. ye aulrecht sweetlad??

Aerin Thomas [10/27 Evening] -> Ita McNairee: He's exhausted. Absolutely beat. A little shell-shocked. But otherwise...well, he's been worse. Hey, it's not like anyone died or anything...

Aerin Thomas: "I am tired, love. But I'll live." He smiles a little bit. "You should be in bed."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "So should you. I vote both of you git...." He manages a smile and a weak shooing gesture.

Ita McNairee: *a little grunt as pain spasms across her distended belly, she gives a shallow breath and smiles up at him, a shake of her head* nae darlin... ah'm aulrecht.. yer tha wan wha needs rest.. *she looks over his shoulder to bliss* an ye tae.. ye wan a wee bet o somethen tae nip awn? *and she's moving at a waddle towards the kitchen. the men needed something in their stomachs likely.. potato soup would be good..there were some mashed potatos in the fridge....*

Aerin Thomas: d10: Persuasion: 7,8,8,8,8,10,8,

Aerin Thomas: ((Why, Why, WHY do I always do SO WELL on the roll where it's the same effect, whether one success or 90?))

Laidan: ((What the hell did you do to the dice roller?!)) There was a soft crack of bones, and then the woman was standing there instead of the wolf. "I'll get it Ita... you and Aerin should rest." Softly.

Ita McNairee: ((*laughs.. ass.. off*))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (I'm telling you Ravyn, you gotta stop playing chicken with trains and flipping god off....)

Aerin Thomas: "Ita...please. I'm asking you. For me...do not start working around in the kitchen. You're giving birth in five days. You're under a lot of stress. I can't handle anything happening to you or Archibald." Yep, he even used the full name. "Please, lay down? At least on one of the couches?"

Aerin Thomas: d10: Charisma+Exp (WP): 2,9,6,9,2,3,

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Ah, promptly forgotten. Better than it could be. He curls up, knees tucked close to his chest by the doorway.

Laidan: Not forgotten. There is a metis standing beside him, albiet dressed in only underwear and a tank top. As the pair talk, there is the faintest of touches to Bliss' shoulder, the metis 'looking' down to him. Inquiring silently if he needs anything made for him.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He flinches at the rather unexpected touch and looks up at Lai, boots clambering a little as he finds his footing before realising there's no threat, lips twitching back from his teeth in warning. "Ahhhhhhhh...hi...?"

Ita McNairee: *she looks over her shoulder, and its clear that she's intending on arguing, but the weariness of her mate softens her features asns he turns around, trundling back to him slowly with a surrendering sigh* aulrecht darlin.. ah'll be aulrecht ye kain..*she looks up at him and smooths his hair* naethens gintae 'appen tae oor wee family.

Laidan: She raises hands in a VERY distinct apology, backing out his space and realizing her error. Seems his sudden movement scared her too, before she slowly lowers her hands. "S-sorry... I just... was going to ask if... you wanted anything."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He shrinks a little at that. "Oh. You just...I'm jumpy today. It's alright." He frowns. When's the last he's eaten? Breakfast? Oh hell. "And food might be an idea. We've not eaten since...dawn? Something like."

Aerin Thomas: He purses his lips a bit, and smiles, tiredly, at Ita's response. "Go find us a spot...couch space, bed, whatever. I have a phone call I need to make. And retarded me, I left my phone here when I left." He heads to the coffee table, picking up the cell phone located there, and flips it open, dialing up a number.

Ita McNairee: *she jerks her head up and around to bliss and lai, worry flashing across her face before she realizes nothing bads happening, a bit of a frown as she nibbles her lip. a nod at Aerin's words and she jingles slowly towards the couch, yipping as animals seem to come out of the woodwork, 4 dogs 3 crows and a plague of mice. it appears she's taking inventory as she waddles to the livingroom*

Laidan: She nods slightly to Bliss, and then moves to slip into the kitchen. She'll make them something quickly. Hopefully, Aerin will eat.

Aerin Thomas: He speaks into the phone as he heads toward the back porch, pulling a cigarette. "Jaikula, it's Aerin. I need to ask a favor of you. Can you give me a contact number for someone within the Gaian Network?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He watches both Lai AND Aerin abandon him with Ita a little anxiously. There go the only people who even might have wanted him here. He keeps a wary eye on Ita and the dogs.

Ita McNairee: *crows are fetching a blanket from across the room, twin Dane puppies trying to help and succeeding in dragging it across the floor and being met with annoyed squawking. Ita makes to settle on the couch, shooing the mice back to the kitchen after laidan. the two fully grown dogs take up residence on the floor at her feet. she looks up to the shadowlord* coome set. ye look knackered as me darlin daes. an ah dinnae like ye, but ah'll nae put ye oot. *and thats that, all chimed in that lovely singsong*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: But...someone should stay with her. Camarilla, yeah. He rises and follows Ita, who headed somewhere else entirely, at enough distance she hopefully won't try to kill him.

Laidan: A faint smile at something, but she disappears in the kitchen. Soft clinking sounds as she sets to make up something fast. Sandwiches. Eggs. Just water to drink, unless they ask for something else.

Ita McNairee: *ita's voice chimes out in warning as the flood of mice waves into the kitchen* Lai darlin.. stan stell fer a moment.... tha wee cheesers are coomen en....

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He walks over and sits, stiffly. "Your honesty is refreshing, if less than pleasant, as always."

Aerin Thomas: He steps outside the back door, lighting up and speaking into the phone, quietly.

Ita McNairee: *a soft sigh. such a pissy untrustworthy git. she winces as another pain comes through her belly. those should have stopped by now. walking didn't seem to do much for them. another sigh as she petsthe head of an unpleasant looking husky dog and watches Bliss* why're ye sae banjanxed darlin, look like ye need a good kip?

Laidan: "The... what?" Comes the very confused voice, though she goes still anyway. A toe twitches. Oh. She means mice.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He slowly sinks deeper against the couch. He really is too tired to get into a full fledged battle of wills with Ita, so he just tries to puzzle that out before asking, "Like I need a good what?"

Ita McNairee: *and the mice parade washes through the kitchen and bottlenecks near a hole in the pantry. a few seconds of scurrying and then silence. the mice apparently gone. the crows fly to perch and peer intently at bliss.. from a good distance. ita sighs and winces again at her belly*

Laidan: "Nap." The metis supplies from the kitchen, moving again as the mice run their course. Starting to cook the eggs, now that the sandwhiches were done.

Ita McNairee: kip darlin. a nap.. fer tae sleep aye? yer ruddy knackered ah'd reckon.. wha ye been daen yer sae tired?

Aerin Thomas: More muffled Aerin voice from outside, as he exhales a cloud of smoke into the air.

Ita McNairee: *she looks over towards the back door, worrying on aerin as she waits for bliss's answer*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss' eyes narrow at Ita. "You are not in labor?" He asks softly. He just sounds worried and tired. "Though I suppose there would be more fuss...." He gestures weakly at the menagerie.

Laidan: For a blind woman, she cooks pretty well. Scrambled eggs are slid onto a plate, the stove carefully turned off. She sets things quietly, putting it all managably onto plates so she can carry it out in a few minutes.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Dragging your mate around, trying to pull every contact I have in the city willing to risk political suicide, not sleeping much. Aerin's whole thrashing dreaming thing...I get over protective. And...dunno. I didn't stay awake like that with most people. But then, even Paul sort of invited me into his bed to sleep, so it wasn't awkward."

Laidan: Bare feet on the floor, bringing the food out to Bliss. A pause as Aerin doesn't come in yet, a little frown, before she turns to Bliss. "Do you want anything to drink? You too Ita..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Water?" He asks Lai.

Ita McNairee: *she doesn't get the majority of that.. but maybe the simple pikey just doesn't have a mind for politics. she nods and lullabys softly, comforting regardless of dislike* Aye darlin.. reckon ah'll be 'aven tha babe en a few days.. ane yet. *she rubs her stomach and watches him* ye need tae sleep... yer welcome tae stay. *she looks up to lai and smiles* nae darlin.. ah'm aulrecht.

Laidan: A nod, and she drifts back to the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water for Bliss, handing it to him when she returns.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Not yet. In theory I should eat. And possibly force Aerin to." But he doesn't move for the food yet.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Thank you," he says quietly to Lai.

Laidan: "You should eat." She agrees quietly, drifting towards where Aerin is. "And you're welcome."

Ita McNairee: *a smile to Lai, and a soft cluck of appreciation as the pikey shifts in her seat, a sigh as her bulk makes it impossible to get comfortable*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Left alone with Ita again he sighs, takes a few bites of food, and then flops back into the couch. His half-closed eyes watch Ita.

Aerin Thomas: He passes in front of the window at the back door briefly, jaw slightly set as he speaks into the phone.

Laidan: She steps half outside, so Aerin knows she's there. Her head is tucked, clearly worried about the man.

Ita McNairee: *she makes to reach for a chocolate on the coffee table. its out of reach and she's too damn fat. a frown as she looks up to see bliss watching her. she sits back into the couch.. considering*

Aerin Thomas: As the door opens, he's in the middle of talking, a little annoyance creeping into his voice. "...it for quite some time." He pauses himself momentarily, looking over to Laidan and reaching out to touch her shoulder, an acknowledgment that she's there. "Look...I know all about what's going to happen. Believe me. All I need you to do is get me in contact with the Elder. I'm sorry if I'm sounding irritable, it's a stressful time for me. I'd appreciate anything you can do for me."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: A few more bites of food, and he yawns behind a hand. He follows Ita's movement with his eyes and then looks back to Ita, one eyebrow raising.

Laidan: She gently touches Aerin's hand in return, trying to sooth the man just a little bit.

Ita McNairee: *alright. maybe its not nice. buuut.. let the gypsy play with the shadowlord a little. he was almost as surly as ingvar. and less likely to imediately cut off chunks of her body.. eyes drifting to the chocolate, she reaches again, fingers hovering an annoying 2 inches or so from the treat*

Aerin Thomas: The phone is covered, he mumbles "I'll be right in," to Laidan with a smile, before he goes back to the phone. "I'd...really rather that you let me speak to him. I appreciate what you're saying, I really do. I know how to deal with Elders, believe me. I've dealt with a doozy or two lately. Today is just a very bad day. And frankly, it might mean more coming from a near-Adren then a Cliath...no offense meant at all."

Ita McNairee: d10: sta + ani/ken (wp): 3,6,5,4,5,5,

Ita McNairee: *her hand lengthens into a sort of scaly bird talon, yellowing and extending to pluck a candy up, before she leans back with a sigh,, brown eyes twinkling with mischeif*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss sighs and leans forward to get it for her. He's still a little stiff for the motion to look pretty, but it's not nearly as when he came to sit down.

Laidan: She nods, and then slips back inside, heading back to where Ita and Bliss are.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes widen as he almost grabs a claw and he pulls his hand slowly back.

Ita McNairee: *mirth playing all over hawkish pikey features as she unwraps the little chocolate and pops it into her mouth, eyes on Bliss. see. did it herself.*

Ita McNairee: *her hand slowly melting back as she almost chokes, trying to chew and not laugh. can't explain. mouth full of something she's not supposed to be eating anyway. poor confused wolf*

Laidan: She pauses in the doorway as Ita makes a funny noise. "Ita...?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Somehow you always manage to mock me for trying to help you." He sounds more generally bitter than angry. "If I had any idea what I was doing anymore I would leave you to fend for yourself."

Ita McNairee: och.. an hows tha maken fun o ye? *she chuckles and looks up to lai, head cocking* och.. aye darlin? ye need elp?

Laidan: "I'm good." She murmurs softly to Ita.

Laidan: ((And Lai will remain, and make people eat and sleep , and then go patrol again. Spaz loves you all and needs to sleeps now))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (*snuggles a Spaz goodnight*)

Ita McNairee: didnae kain we 'ad sae complex a relationship darlin. ah'll remember tha fer next time. *she gives a crooked sort of grin, eyes twinkling as she folds the wrapper and tucks it in the couch, all classy like, a wink to the irate shadow lord* reckon yer jes tired an soory.

Ita McNairee: ((night da spaz))

Aerin Thomas: He opens the back door and heads inside, slipping the phone in his pocket. He looks at least a little hopeful as he moves to the couch...ooh, they're in proximity and no one's dead. This is good.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Oh, any relationship like ours is bound to be." He sighs, settling more heavily into the couch. "I am tired."

Ita McNairee: we're bound fer tha Tv Phil felly.. we keep awn like thes.. *she sings quietly, smiling with a certain soft wariness to her, dislike not gone from her eyes, but at least she's relaxed.. she looks up as Aerin comes in and brightens considerably* .. Darlin..

Aerin Thomas: "I think we all are," he says in response to Bliss's comment. He moves and sits down between Bliss & Ita, leaning slightly toward the more pregnant of the two.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "What?" Bliss blinks hazily at her. That went over his head. His eyes trail hers to Aerin, and he lifts one hand to wiggle it a little in greeting. "Aerin," he breathes, greeting and question and plea all rolled into that tone.

Ita McNairee: *her hand finds her mate's thigh and rubs comfortably as she sighs, glad he's home and safe*

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah," he says in response to all three meanings of the call from Bliss. He rests his head on the Rroma woman's shoulder, sighing. "May have a lead on an Child of Gaia Elder. Whether a Theurge or not.." He shrugs and sighs. "Up in the Sept of Gaia's Hand, in the Finger Lakes."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He lays in his corner of the couch, curling up and resting his head in Aerin's lap, careful not to touch Ita's hand, though with his hair everywhere some of that brushes against her.

Ita McNairee: *theurge..hand..lakes.. all over the head of a pikey, she contents herself with trailing her fingers across Aerin's face soothingly, half listening, a frown at Bliss. she nibbles her lip in annoyance*

Aerin Thomas: He gives Ita a look that just says 'Not now, please' as he reaches down to pet Bliss's hair. "So anyway, it's a start, at least. Unless you have any other ideas, Bliss..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "No, sorry. Executioner. This saving people thing I don't really do save in the abstract. I just don't know how. I keep telling you that."

Ita McNairee: *a wince as a cramp spasms through her stomach. she withdraws her hand from Aerin's cheek, considering as she struggles to rise from the couch*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He sighs, letting himself relax a little at the petting, even with Ita there.

Aerin Thomas [10/27 Evening] -> Ita McNairee: d10: Per+Emp (WP): 7,2,8,7,6,2,2,

Ita McNairee: d10: manip sub (wp): 6,5,10,3,4,5,10,

Ita McNairee: d10: tens: 9,5,

Ita McNairee: och.. *she puts a hand to her back as she gets up* reckon ah'll gie tha bed turned doown.. aye? ye fellys et an talk shop. *she nods, giving a tired sigh*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes flutter open. He nods at her, though it's fairly doubtful he really caught much of what she was saying. He's not really awake anymore.

Aerin Thomas: He looks to his mate and nods a little bit, smiling fainlty. "Thank you, love...but I think we're done talking shop for now. I think we all need sleep." He carefully moves away from the other Garou, putting a hand on his shoulder briefly. "Get some rest, Bliss. Thank you for everything."

Ita McNairee: *the tiny pikey trundles heavily towards the linen closet down the hall of the farm house, dogs getting up with a huff and plodding behind her, mastiff's footsteps rivalling the pregnant womans on the hard floor, she pulls a blanket down and waits, offering it to aerin* there's a draft wha coomes en tha back door. ee'll catch hes death o cauld.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Aerin leaving gets a soft whine from Bliss when he starts to move, but then Bliss nods, calming a little when Aerin touches his shoulder. "'night...."

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He smiles a little bit and takes the blanket with a nod, bringing it back to Bliss and laying it over him carefully. "Good night." He turns to head back after Ita.

Ita McNairee: *its an atrocity she's holding. orange and green and red.. ugliest damn blanket in the world. almost gauranteed she's made it.. it looks like its patched together out of old clothes of coats... and its HEAVY. so.. at least its warm. smells clean at least. she waits until bliss is covered before trundling down the hall to the "bedroom"*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes don't even open this time. Apparently someone's crashed.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (And I'm off. *hugs* Take care you two. Awesome doing scenes with you again.)

Aerin Thomas: He pauses to pet Laidan once and bid her good night, as well as thank her for everything, before following Ita into the room, shutting the door behind them.

Aerin Thomas: ((*Hugs the Fox* Thanks for the scene, hon))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: (NP)

Ita McNairee: ((yeah! fun to have a bit of adversarial tension with bliss *grins* see yo later! thanks)

Ita McNairee: *ita's lowering herself into the side of the bed thats easiest for her to roll out of, dogs settling by the door. the puppies are both at the end of the bed as she takes great effort to lie down, sighing*

Aerin Thomas: He pretty well just pulls his shirt off, rubbing painfully at the Rose scar on his chest, a heavy wincing and a weary sigh in reaction. He moves over to help Ita into the bed. "I missed you," he murmurs.

Ita McNairee: *she draws the man close as he helps, inhaling his scent happily* ah've missed ye tae darlin. awfi. *she gives a tug on his shoulders* coome lay doown.. ye look recht knackers.

Aerin Thomas: He sheds the rest of this clothes and climbs into beds, cuddling close to the pregnant woman. Relaxing, he lets his body slump a little bit, revealing just hos tense he really was. "I'm sorry we took longer then I said we would...there were...events I hadn't anticipated on."

Ita McNairee: *her hands stroke over his shoulders best she can, a little wakward for her, a hiss as a pain shoots through her back, she murmers* ets aulrecht darlin.. yer hoome noow.. aye? tha's aul wha matters. Safe an hoome. *a sigh of pleasure as she looks at him* ah love ye darlin.

Aerin Thomas: "I love you too, Ita..." He takes a deep breath, and sighs. His arms come saround her, fingers going straight to her back and beginning to work on the key spots, trying to ease his mate's pain. "Everything went okay here while I was gone? How are the other two?"

Ita McNairee: *a chuckle* they gaw drunk as puzzies, ah foound em en tha ketchen coovered en strawberry girlies. *she groans a little as he hits a particularily tense spot, letting her head fall forward slightly as she murmers close to his chest* ..ded ye gie wha ye were afty?

Aerin Thomas: "No," he admits, eyes closing a little bit as she leans forward. "But we're closer then we've been yet. We'll get there, Ita...I promise."

Ita McNairee: *she gives his chin a kiss, just barely ,as its hard to reach what with her belly between them* Ah kain darlin. et'll be aulrecht. an ef nae, well fook em. effen ah keep tryen o me changen ah reckon ah'll be able tae be a wolfie wan day.. an they cannae dae naethen aboot a damned wolf, noow can they?

Ita McNairee: es et breaken yer rules effen ah'm a wolf?

Aerin Thomas: He blinks, considering that. "I...don't know. I have no honest idea." He might be able to consider it more clearly later, but he's just too brain-dead for in-depth interprtation of the Litany. "Breaking the rules how?"

Ita McNairee: well.. reckon ah'm nae tae kain aboot yer folks.. but.. effen ah'm a wolf ah reckon ah'm nae a pikey wha was a vampire.. ah'm jes a wolf aye? sae nae wan'd wan tae aft me?

Ita McNairee: *its all murmered as she shifts, rolling a little towards him to rest her head near his. a sigh that she can't get closer*

Aerin Thomas: He blinks, thinking about that. "Well...um...that's something I hadn't thought of. I really don't know."

Ita McNairee: och.. *she winces, shifting heavily, hand stroking down the line of his body and over his hip* hmm. doesnae matter thes minute aye? yer knackered oot, can see tha..

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah, I am." He sighs. "Ita...just advance warning. My dreams may be...worse then usual. Whatever I say...just don't worry about it, okay?"

Ita McNairee: *she tilts her head slightly on the pillow, eyes opening from the half moons they'd dropped to* darlin? why ye 'aven awfi dreams agawn? *she smoothes his hip again and then slips her fingers through his tangle of hair, concern clear on her features*

Aerin Thomas: He sighs a little and settles in a bit, looking at her. "I had to be...tested before I could get the information. It happened in a dream. So...as I'm sure you can imagine."

Ita McNairee: tested? *she struggles to sit up, anger creeping into her voice, a little outraged as she creaks the bed*

Aerin Thomas: "Ita...it's something I knew I would have to go through. I just wasn't sure what." His voice is calm, almost mild. "Think of it...something like what you had to endure when you used the Cup. Same purpose. Only mine was in a dream...not real."

Ita McNairee: ye've been through sae mooch shite aulready darlin.. es nae fair tae make ye gawn through nae moore o et.. *she insists, voice rising then falling as she remembers those sleeping nearby.. she drops to a soft lullaby* ets me wha needs fexed,a ye? nae fair tae punish ye sae

Aerin Thomas: "Ita..." He reaches over, fingers ghosting her cheek lovingly. "I was warned before that I'd be tested. You know how well aware I am of what a test means, in situations like this. I took it on willingly. This was something I had to do. And I did it without a moment's hesitation. I'd do it again, and a hundred times over. And it's my choice to make."

Ita McNairee: *she snags his fingers with her own, curling her hand round his and pressing it to her cheek, a frustrated growl noise* nae when ets both o es wha yer daen et fer. let a pikey 'elp. ah can elp.. ah wan tae fex thengs darlin.. ye dinnae ave tae dae et aul by yer damned self.

Aerin Thomas: "Anytime you can help, love, I promise, I'm letting you." He smiles a bit. "But some things, you can't yet. You couldn't have come with us into this Sept...it was arduous enough for us to get there ourselves. I would have brought you if I thought you could have made the trip. I really would...I was going insane with the idea of you being as far away as you were. But it just wasn't possible."

Ita McNairee: *a throaty noise of disapproval, but she hauls his hand to her mouth and kisses it soundly, before letting her body sink back down to the pillow with a look of wry concern, grudging affection shining through on the tired pikey, she strokes his face with the back of her hand, jingling slightly*

Aerin Thomas: He smiles a little bit, apologetic. "I'll be fine. A little longer of restless sleep is nothing compared what we'll have if we can make it through this." He's actually looking a little misty around the corners of the eyes, the emotion of the past week-plus all catching up with him.

Ita McNairee: ah love ye.. *she murmers lovingly, wiping carefully at the corner of his eyes* we'll aul make et through , recht as rain darlin.

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah, we will." He folds up a little, curling around her with his head resting against her shoulder. He's sort of gone semi-fetal, and just lays there against her.

Ita McNairee: *she kisses the side of his head awkwardly, smoothing down the back of his neck and breathing his scent in deeply with a hum of satisfaction* nae thrashen, oor ah''l so- *its cut off by a sleepy yawn, coming out after a pause as a mumbled*.. hod ye...mmf

Aerin Thomas: "Deal," he mumbles.