Caroline McGregor: Noooooo..I've been in the ER before. Don't want to go back, on either end of it.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he looks between Grace and Caroline, back and forth between them a few times* hmmm...

Grace Brenner: A smile at Caroline. "Fair enough." Arches an eyebrow at Arn. "...what?"

Caroline McGregor: *A final wave goodnight to Galen, and then notices the look Arn's giving them.* Just get those thoughts RIGHT out of your head. *She says drily.*

Andrea Angotti: Chestnut curls, streaked with black and crimson tumble into her face as she makes her way into the Caern propper. Her girl-next-door face is lowered, chin tucking to her chest and she's dressed almost modestly for once in a pair of baggy blue jeans, combat boots and a snug black t-shirt. A plain black baseball cap is pulled low over her eyes.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: What thoughts? *he says with a rather loud laugh*

Grace Brenner: "I'm not sure I want to know..."

Caroline McGregor: *She gives him a rather speaking look than turns slightly as Andrea comes in waving a greeting.*

Andrea Angotti: She lifts her head and a ghost of a smile flits over blood red lips. Caroline gets a nod and salute. "Ciao," she calls, changing direction to stalk towards the little group, muscular arms swinging loosely at her sides.

Grace Brenner: She looks up to Andrea as she approaches, offering a smile. "Hello."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he laughs a bit at Grace* I'm sure you don't. Although, you're bright, you can figure it out. *he looks towards Andrea next* Well well, you're Andrea right? I'm not sure we've been introduced. I'm Arn.

Caroline McGregor: I wish I didn't. *she says promptly.*

Andrea Angotti: "Andy," she says, nodding, extending her hand to Arn as she lifts her eyes briefly to his.

Grace Brenner: "I'm Grace." Adding her introduction.

Caroline McGregor: I don't think we've met..I'm Carrie. *She introduces herself.*

Grace Brenner: ( sorry, brb! )

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he takes his hand but just for a brief moment, his grip is strong, but he doesn't attempt to crush her hand or anything like that* I'm surprised you're still walking around...the way you and Annika were yelling...I thought one of you might've caught a bullet before now.

Andrea Angotti: She shakes each of the women's hands as well. "Andy Angotti. Or Andrea if you really want."

Andrea Angotti: She snorts, lips pulling back from her teeth. "Barbie better be careful or she'll be shitting her own teeth for weeks."

Caroline McGregor: I wish someone would put out a few of her lights. *she says emphatically.*

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he laughs quietly* Perhaps you might be more apt to live to fight the good fight...if you play your cards a bit closer to the vest. *spoken mostly to Andrea but to Caroline as well*

Grace Brenner: "I wouldn't mind seeing that happen." She adds quietly, her eyes cast down for a moment.

Andrea Angotti: "If the woman hadn't made veiled threats about my daughter I wouldn't have quite the issue with her," she says with a sigh, arms curling beneath full breasts.

Caroline McGregor: *She harrumphs and then gets to her feet.* Sometimes you can't do that.

Grace Brenner: "Have there been any more... attacks?"

Caroline McGregor: She did that?..no wonder you want to make her drink breakfast through a straw. *can definately sympathise with Andrea on that one.*

Andrea Angotti: "I'm not sure." She shakes her head slightly. "I've been prowling around a bit but..." She shrugs.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he laughs* Suit yourselves. *he looks towards Caroline again though* Sometimes...it's best to swallow one's pride...and keep quiet. Although..certainly that's hardly your style.

Caroline McGregor: *She shrugs.* Sometimes staying quiet is worse than taking a stand. I have a hard time keeping quiet..makes me feel like a hypocrite.

Andrea Angotti: "It ain't about that Arn. It ain't about pride. Yeah, she pisses me off but she can say whatever the hell she wants about me. I do porn. Big deal. I do four footed Garou. Big deal...Better I do one of you when you start to rage then you kill someone...Its just that she had to go and drag my daughter into it."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *strange "advice" coming from one who himself almost never keeps quiet*

Ravyn: ((Oooh, don't say her name. You might summon her. Like a Banshee or something. *WEG*))

Caroline McGregor: *she looks towards Grace and Andrea.* I haven't heard anything.

Andrea Angotti: ((*WHAPS* If you couldn't play Troy you cannot play Annika!))

Caroline McGregor: (*Snicker.*)

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: There are more tactically inclined ways to defend one's family than lowering yourself into being drawn into a pointless exchange of words.

Caroline McGregor: *She gives Andrea a distinctly admiring look.* You have a lot of courage.

Andrea Angotti: She flushes and glances at Caroline, shaking her head. "Naw. Its survival. Rage can almost always be twisted to sex."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: (Annika! Annika! Annika! (does it work like candyman?)

Caroline McGregor: They aren't a schoolground group of pranksters, Arn. *she says with a frown.*

Grace Brenner: Her head slightly bowed, she rubs the back of her neck with one hand, silent for the moment. Her dark hair, still wavy from having been held in a bun for most of the day, hiding most of her face at that angle.

China: ((~Kicks Knife in the arse~))

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: That's my point exactly Caroline. They're more dangerous than you seem to be giving them credit for.

Caroline McGregor: And vice versa.

Andrea Angotti: Andy sighs and stretches, working kinks out of her shoulders. "There's other things you can do to help, Caroline," she says softly. "like try and help the victims families an' shit. Its valid. Just as valid as making a more physical stand."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: Tell me something Andrea...have your Elders..*speaking of the Shadow Lord true born of course* Taken a stance on matters of the Reapers?

Andrea Angotti: "No, the Don hasn't as far as I know," she says with a light shrug.

Grace Brenner: She lifts her head, tucking her haid behind her ears. Just listening to the others for now, an odd look in her eyes.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: You'd be wise to not stray far from them in that then. Lest you find yourself all alone on the limb you've climbed out on. (and I'll be back in 10 minutes or so, gonna kill my tag so it doesn't ghost y'all out)

Andrea Angotti: "It ain't like I've not been alone before, Arn," she mutters, snorting.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Ah, what the hell. Though I'm feelin' Aerin more. Anyone mind?))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Color change))

Grace Brenner: ( I don't mind :) )

Andrea Angotti: ((no argument here hon.))

Andrea Angotti: She shrugs and glances to Grace. "You got all quiet."

Grace Brenner: Her dark eyes serious, she looks up at Andrea again. "They threatened your family, you said?"

Caroline McGregor: (owww what a damned boot that was!)

Andrea Angotti: ((*rubs da Caroline-P's booty with a lecherous grin*))

Andrea Angotti: "She made a few comments about my profession and about my daughter. I took it as a threat." The muscular woman shrugs lightly.

Caroline McGregor: (oooh baby!) *She just shakes her head at Arn with an exasperated sigh.*

Grace Brenner: "I just don't know what I'm supposed to do."

Andrea Angotti: "What do you mean," she asks, sliding her arm over Grace's shoulders.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The man makes his way into the park. These days, he's without the Trench. It's a black tank top that reads "Don't Hunt What You Can't Kill" on the back. Jeans and his boots finish the look, along with his staff. Hair is pulled tightly back into a ponytail.

Caroline McGregor: *she looks at Grace. She thinks she understands but refrains from saying anything until she explains.*

Grace Brenner: She shrugs, a bit uncomfortably. "They're my tribe. Is this something I'm supposed to be proud of?"

Andrea Angotti: Andy sucks her teeth briefly and then shakes her head. "I dunno. Do YOU think they're doin' Gaia's duty? Cause lemme tell ya sweety, I know a couple young men who like cock but they still have done and will do their duty to Gaia." She shrugs. "

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Per+Alert: 5,3,7,4,5,2,

Caroline McGregor: I don't think there's anything that they have done that merits pride. *she says softly.*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: And one of them just noticed her, too. He smiles a little bit and makes his way over to the group, nodding a little bit. "Evening, all."

Andrea Angotti: "Yo, stud puppy," she says, nodding to Aerin.

Caroline McGregor: *She smiles and waves at Aerin as he approaches.* They hate, Grace. They hate and fear..and because they do they've decided that what they hate and fear must be against Gaia. They're using their duty to Gaia as an excuse to act out their hate.

Grace Brenner: "But what I think doesn't really matter, does it? It's not for me to dictate tribal policy, hell it's probably not even for me to criticize it. As far as I know, so far what they do has been... accepted."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: (me back)

Grace Brenner: She looks up as Aerin approaches, managing a smile in greeting. "Evening."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs as he hears the conversation. "Ahh, of course. My favorite topic." His shoulders tense almost automatically, and he looks to Grace. "That's not entirely true, Grace. It's just that they've been reprimanded only very weakly."

Andrea Angotti: "To some degree it has been, Grace. That don't make it right. And who says you gotta try and dictate tribal policy? Just do something that makes a difference in someone's life. Y'know?" She shrugs. "I mean, it ain't like I'm saying go out and become a dyke cause...Y'know ew. But don't just sit back and let it happen. Apathy's a tool of the Wyrm."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he returns from beyond the bramble, having wandered out to speak with one of the guardians (or something). He nods to Aerin respectfully and then greets the man as one should an adren* Evening Aerin-rhya. *he moves to rejoin the others*

Caroline McGregor: That's the thinking that allowed the Nazi's to continue their policies. *she looks at Arn a moment.*

Caroline McGregor: *She reaches out and touches Aerin on the shoulder, smiling at him, noticing the tenseness.*

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: No one will be sending 100 white horses to battle tanks. *he says in response to Caroline* Nor will soldiers move when generals have made no command.

Grace Brenner: "Not a whole lot I can do. I can't fight these guys." That's not her whole problem, of course.

Andrea Angotti: "So, Aerin, how's your hunny," she asks gently, bumping her hip into his.

Andrea Angotti: She sighs and glances at Grace. "Didn't you hear what I told caroline? Go talk to the Furies. Help out the victims families. That's doing something. ITs making a statement."

Caroline McGregor: If that's the case Arn, than look around and say goodbye to all of us..because you're probably teh only one who qualifies in their eyes.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yes, you can, Grace." He nods. "It's just how you fight that matters. We're members of our Tribes. We're not mindless, pre-programmed automatons." He looks at Andy and shrugs a bit, flushing a touch. "Okay. Worried, but good. How're you?"

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he shakes his head at Andrea's words to Grace* No, Grace here will mind the words of her Tribe, she won't be putting herself into an untenable situation where she's called out for taking sides when those above her have made no such stance known.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: Not all strength worthy of respect is physical might, nor must every stance in protest be so overt.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Arn...when leadership fails, soldiers will act. The good ones will, at least. That's where some of our best heroes have come from." He says it while regarding the man evenly.

Andrea Angotti: "I'm good." She nods. "Everything's running like clockwork," she adds with a little shrug at him. Her eyes flick to Arn. "She's kin, Arn, not a slave. She needs to do what Gaia calls on her to do."

Grace Brenner: "And when they're done with their current agenda, who's next?" She sighs, rubbing the back of her neck again.

Grace Brenner: "I'm not even kin. Not in their eyes." The words are softly spoken, barely audible.

Andrea Angotti: "Whatcha mean," Andy asks, tightening her arm around Grace's shoulder.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "You know what, Arn..." He scowls, and bites off his words. "Never mind. It's deaf words it's falling on anyway." He looks to Grace and smiles a little to her, supportively. "Then give their eyes the weight they deserve. Less then none."

Caroline McGregor: I'd say they could have their pick. *she answers Grace.* I mean..since no one protested before I'm sure they'd say that they had the backing of the Sept.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he looks to Aerin* I find no error in Hagen's judgement, nor would I accuse him of failing to act. When he does, I shall move with him. *he says before looking to Andrea* She will do what those who wish her to stay safe call upon her to do. Seek out the protection of those in power. *he then looks to Grace* Have you yet sought out Hagen?

Lily Douglas: The woman had been absent from the Sept and the area, or just had been wandering, but eventually found her way back here. It being a warm night out, she's in a plum colored tank top, some jean shorts that used to be a pair of jeans, showing a bit of the fringe where they were cut, and her old hiking boots. She's got her trusty old backpack slung over one shoulder. As she walks, she listens for the voices.

Grace Brenner: "I've looked for him a couple of times, but haven't seen him yet." She definitely looks uncomfotable with the thought of seeking Hagen out.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "People have protested, Caroline," he says. "Unfortunately, it's just been we who are threatened who have been protesting. And Yolanda. If she falls, we stand alone again...because everyone is too afraid of them to make a stand."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: I will go with you when next you seek him out. *although he's under the impression that if she had truly made the effort she would have found him. Being 7 feet tall, Hagen's hard to miss*

Andrea Angotti: "You don't stand alone, Aerin. Whether or not the Don or Craven will back me, you ain't standin' alone." She shrugs.

Grace Brenner: "He might not consider me kin either, you know." The fear of that probably being the reason she hasn't made too much of an effort.

Grace Brenner: Absorbed in the current conversation, she doesn't immediately notice Lily's arrival.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Per+Alert: 3,3,9,9,8,10,

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: Do not make judgements of a man you've never spoken to. He will measure your worth independantly of the purity of your blood. *he shakes his head*

Caroline McGregor: *She shakes her head at Aerin.* That's not what I meant. I'm on your side, so stop bearing your teeth at me. There's very few people who aren't going to be under threat of the Reapers when all is said and done. *She shrugs.*

Andrea Angotti: "Aerin's a little edgy," Andy says, glancing at Caroline. "Cut him some slack," she adds with a sigh, eyes flicking sky ward. "I gotta jet. I have to be on set by eight am tomorrow."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles at Andy and runs the backs ov his fingers over Andy's arm. "Thanks, Andy. I appreciate that." He looks over his shoulder, tensing as he senses someone coming up behind them, but relaxes and smiles when he sees it's Lily. He nods to her. "Hey."

Lily Douglas: She recognizes the voice, squinting a little to see more of the shapes. "Hi Aerin."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Caroline..." He sighs. "That wasn't an attack on you. That was just a statement in the situation. I'm not pissed at you, of all people."

Grace Brenner: Looking up as Aerin greets Lily, she gives the woman a small smile. "Evening." A look at Arn confirms that she heard him, though she doesn't immediately respond.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks at Andy and nods. "All right. You be safe, all right? Call me if you need anything?"

Caroline McGregor: *She sighs.* I'm sorry..I shouldn't have snapped at you. This situation is hard on everyone, whatever the reason for it.

Andrea Angotti: She grins at Aerin and hip checks him again. "I'll be fine. Besides its just a rot, not a dane. No worries," she teases him.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he nods to Lily when the woman draws closer to the group* Evening Lily, it's been quite some time since you've been in the park no?

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He's made no indication or acknowledgment of Arn's words, beyond a little more tension at mention of blood purity. Wasn't that the Nazi arugment, after all?

Caroline McGregor: Evening, Lily, how are you? *she calls out.*

Andrea Angotti: "Night all," she says, nodding as she adjusts her baseball cap. "Miss," she adds, nodding to Lily.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Okay, we need to set some TMI boundaries," he says with a chuckle to Andy, cheeks coloring a bit. "But sure. Catch you later." He looks at Lily and nods. "Hi, Lily. How are you?"

Grace Brenner: "Goodnight, Andrea."

Caroline McGregor: Goodnight. *She says to Andrea with a smile.*

Andrea Angotti: "Oh, please, Aerin," she says, rolling her eyes as she heads off. "Its not like you didn't know!"

Lily Douglas: "Rot....rottweiler?" she tilts her head looking to Andrea trying to figure out if she was speaking about dogs or not. She then looks to Arn, "Yes, it has. I've been up exploring. Missed the country. But I like it here too."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: Welcome back. *he says politely to Lily, perhaps thankful that her arrival seems to have turned the conversation away from his fence sitting on the issue of the Reapers*

Caroline McGregor: *Rot...Dane...is she? ohhhhhh wow...her head tilts to the side and she wonders if she could..no...that'd take one hell of a convincing.*

Lily Douglas: "Thank you, Arn."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks at Caroline, noting her expression and chuckles a little bit. A little shrug, and he looks back to Lily. "It's good to see you again."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he laughs a bit at Caroline's confused expression* You weren't here the night Annika went off ranting about Andrea's...line of work?

Grace Brenner: She's fallen silent again, her thoughts no doubt dwelling on the Reapers or Hagen still.

Caroline McGregor: *She shakes her head at Arn.* No, I don't think I was...she was probably jealous. I bet the only thing that would have sex with her would need batteries and a remote control.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he laughs quietly at Caroline* I...doubt that.

Caroline McGregor: You're probably right...she does have all the genetic googaa's in place to be a perfect Reaper baby factory. Line 'em up and spit 'em out. *she says with a salute.*

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he snaps his fingers at Grace a few times* You still awake Grace?

Lily Douglas: Lily tilts her head then shakes it, deciding this isn't something she should try to understand.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He snorts. "She's a waste of flesh. Proof positive, in my mind, that genetics does not equal value."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Ravyn's Advice 101: Life is more fun when all of your PC's HATE each other. *G*))

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: She certainly walks the line..*he says quietly about Annika. Perhaps there is an opinion deep down in there beneath all the hedging*

Grace Brenner: She jumps slightly as Arn snaps his fingers at her, startled. She doesn't respond to him directly, though. "Excuse me." She stands, picking up her jacket. "I have to go."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks at Arn, eyebrow raised.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Per+Emp (Arnie): 8,6,6,7,2,6,4,

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: Grace wait. *he says taking a step towards her* What's wrong? *asked more quietly. He's not incapable of compassion, and she seems to be in quite a state of distress. If even Arn could pick that out it must be quite obvious*

Grace Brenner: "You really have to ask, Arn?" The sharpness in her tone is quite unusual for her.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~ -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ~Arn does indeed have an opinion about the Reapers, his statement of Annika walking the line was meant to say he believes she opens her heart up to the hateful energies of the Wyrm. He does not believe in showing strength through attacking the very weakest nor does he agree with what he would consider senseless brutality. Above all that though is the overriding sense of indecision, and so...he waits~

Caroline McGregor: *She looks at Grace and than at Aerin.* Annika is not all that. But she does deserve to have her teeth extracted one at a time.

Lily Douglas: She watches the exchange quietly, an obvious puzzled look on her calm face.

Grace Brenner: "'She will do nothing. She will sit by as her tribemates commit murder and rape. She will not have an opinion differing from her 'superiors'. She will be a good little automaton.'

Lily Douglas: Then when she hears what Caroline says, she frowns deeply. "Why would any one wish such a thing on another human being?"

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he shakes his head, he knows what's wrong of course, but his statement was meant to get her attention, and it seems to have worked* Come...we will speak privately.

Grace Brenner: "Forget it." She shakes her head, turning to go.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he grabs Grace's arm but not roughly* Don't walk away.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: Whatever he sees in Arn, it doesn't seem to change his opinion of the man. He looks back to Caroline. "She's a monster. A thing to me, nothing more. A very dangerous thing." He looks over at Lily and sighs. "We've been having...some issues. Division within ourselves. A group of people who have been attacking Garou and Kin for being different then them."

Caroline McGregor: *She looks at Grace a moment.* perhaps that's a little extreme.

Grace Brenner: She looks down at Arn's hand on her arm, then slowly lifts her gaze up to him. "Let go of me." Her voice is steady, with a hint of steel in her tone.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks at Arn and frowns suddenly, deeply. "Arn...I would let go of her if I were you."

Caroline McGregor: (oop, not grace, Lily)

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he releases his grip on her* If you wish to be recognized as kinfolk Grace, you will come and speak with me. Do not turn your back on those who would protect you.

Lily Douglas: Lily frowns more, considering to speak more, but considering the tenseness between Arn and Grace, she decides against it.

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he shakes his head at Aerin.* Don't make threats. She is not kinfolk to your tribe, do not attempt to take her under your umbrella as well. There's not room left there as it is, your resources are stretched to the limit.

Caroline McGregor: He's not going to hurt her, Aerin. *She says softly.*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yeah, threats. That's going to fucking work." He snorts at the giant Fenrir.

Grace Brenner: She glares up at Arn, a fire in her dark eyes. Clearly galled by his words, she takes a moment before responding through clenched teeth. "Fine."

Lily Douglas: "Listen....listen deeply," she says calmly. "Listen to yourselves fighting and dividing. Maybe that is what this other group hopes for?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "He already has," he murmurs to Caroline. "Just not in any way that can heal quickly."

Arn Grimhild ~Demon's Dance~: *he turns to Grace once more and then gestures that they head out*

Grace Brenner: She follows Arn, her tenseness evident in every move.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks over at Lily, frowning a bit, before his eyes flick back to watch Arn and Grace leave. "Probably. It's hard not to be angry when it's your people being murdered and raped, though, and some won't lift a finger to help."

Caroline McGregor: *She looks at Aerin, shaking her head slightly.* You don't like him and you judge him harsher than he deserves. Arn will talk to her as one Get to another. It may not be nice and it may not be pretty; but it is probalby what she needs to hear before she gets to talk to Hagan.

Lily Douglas: "I wasn't ..." she shrugs looking very sad now about something. "I'm sorry.....I'll go now...this is not my place."

Caroline McGregor: *She shakes her head at Lily.* no...that's what we need to hear. Constantly and over and over again. Because you're absolutely right.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks at Caroline a long moment, before he nods slightly. "I don't like seeing Kin spoken to like that. Like they have no choice. You know that. It has nothing to do with my problems with him." He winces and looks at Lily at her words. "No...I..." He sighs. "I'm sorry. It's just...difficult. So many I know and love are in danger, Lily. And I would love to turn the other cheek when people choose indifference. But I can't afford to...I need help. And I'm getting so little of it."

Lily Douglas: "I understand the helplessness. It's not like I haven't watched senseless murder before," she says quietly. "I truly am sorry. I cannot do anything. It isn't my place."

Caroline McGregor: It's difficult for him. He's been taught to follow what his elders say..do as they do. Even if personally he doesn't agree with their methods. He'll choose a side, though...you'll see. I just hope it's not going to take the death or worse, of a loved one for him to choose the right one. *She says slowly.*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "No...I know." He nods a little to Lily, smiling faintly. Appreciatively. "And I wouldn't ask you. Thank you for the sentiment though. It means something."

Lily Douglas: "You're welcome, Aerin."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "And it likely will, Caroline." He shrugs a little. "It won't be until Grace is attacked, or you, or his sister. And not just attacked, but hurt, and badly. Only then will he act. As a general rule, people around here don't seem to give a shit about things until it effects them personally."

Lily Douglas: "I should go. Good luck."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods to Lily. "Thank you. Goddess's Grace, Lily. Be well."

Caroline McGregor: *She lowers her head, looking the slightest bit pained. Then she looks up again with a grimace.* He respects you Aerin. If you can keep your temper in check, and can talk to him...you might help him make that step that much quicker.

Lily Douglas: "You too. Good night." She heads on out, certainly not as happily as she had been when she came in.

Caroline McGregor: Take care, Lily, be well. *She offers with a smile.*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He watches Lily leave, sighing a little bit, and takes a heavy lean on his staff. He looks over at Caroline and then drops his eyes to the ground, nodding a little. "Yeah. Since I've been doing such a good job of that lately."

Caroline McGregor: Well...I admit..he can be a bit of an ass sometimes. And sometimes it's like beating your head against a brick wall. But there's a good man in there. And he's worth the effort. *she's speaking quietly, mindful of her own words. She's probably said too much, but hell, Aerin has two eyes and ears.*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He shrugs. "Maybe. But I'm a bit busy trying to keep those I care about alive to keep ramming my head against the brick wall. People who seem perfectly comfortable with risking fate every chance they get."

Caroline McGregor: Than maybe you need to let other people help you keep the ones you love safe and alive. *she pauses, putting a hand on his shoulder.* No, I'm not criticizing you but I think you wear yourself much too thin and you feel responsible for everyone. You have a lot of very strong people around you. Let them help.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Caroline..." He looks at her and smiles wearily. "I would love to be able to rely on the help of others. But the point is, there's only so much any of us can do. It's all falling apart, and it feels like all I can do is watch helplessly."

Knife: (sorry for timing anyone out if I did)

Caroline McGregor: I know. *She says softly.* That's all any of us are doing..watching the world fall apart and then trying to catch the pieces as they fall around us. Is it going to be enough? I hope so. But I can't guarantee it will be. But I have hope. 'cause in the end, that's all you do have. We have children outside of this city who are relying on our ability to hope. *She sighs and looks at him.* If we loose that..we loose everything.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Hope. That better then a plan?" He grins faintly.

Caroline McGregor: *her lips twitch.* Gaia I hope so. It's late. Would you mind walking me home? I have a piece of couch if you need it, and some bacon and eggs in the morning.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yeah, I can do that." He nods a little bit. "Though I think I should probably get back to my own home some time tonight. I...worry."

Caroline McGregor: I know. At least let me make you a cup of coffee for the trip then. *she puts her arm through his, all companiony like as they head off.* (and that's it for me..I'm turning into a pumpkin.)

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: And off he heads with her. ((Thanks for the scene!))