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Elfreth’s Alley, a historical part of Philly, dating back to 1703, and looking every part of it. With narrow cobbled streets, and residences built in Federal and Georgian styles. They originally housed tradespeople who would use the first floor of their homes to run their business.
During the 18th century, families were moderate in size. During the 19th century, the homes began to hold larger families, especially families of German immigrants, leading to some homes having small additions built in the back to gain extra living space.
This spirit of Elfreth's Alley remains in place today as many artists and entrepreneurs have made it their home, even as visitors constantly walk up and down the alley and peer at the features of the 32 buildings. The charming flower boxes, colorful doors and windows, and elegant brickwork have endured across centuries, with the help of conservation activists who have worked to preserve it as a model colonial street.
Access was by foot only, and so, not entirely telling him the adventure she had in mind, Jo had given Darren directions to a parking area. "Decided we needed to mix it up a little, and while it's not an epic breeze, on a field of green....this place is...it's a breath away from what modern cities offer..." She explains tentatively.
https://www.visitphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Elfreths-Alley-father-son-c-ridgeway-2200VP.jpg
JJRey (she/her)Today at 11:20 AM
Per usual Darren arrived, tired and slightly grumpy. It was charming at the point, no? Freshly showered, today had been a workout morning and he'd since taken care of a run, lifting, and some other weight training for endurance. Back to his old self after the magath incidient. He'd step out of his car, locking it up and shooting his attention around for Jo, though that little blonde sprite was easy enough to spot.
He wasn't sure of just a walk down a residential street, but for Jo he wouldn't say no either. Deciding it was best to leave his cigarettes behind he tossed them back in the car and followed along after her.
"I should take you to back 'ome eventually. This is cute, but it's nothin', if you're looking for charming small streets." His gaze floating over the surroundings. He realized she was trying to be kind though, and added, "I like the red."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 11:27 AM
She smiled as she saw him, her eyes lighting up a touch as she fell in with him. "Eventually." She agrees, because she did want to see the things he described. Far less because she cared about meeting his family. She looked over the houses, and started down the streets. She wanted to try and explain why here, the place, had history, real history, that hadn't been torn down and rebuilt a dozen times. It had families who'd grown up here, and artists who'd taken up residence, it felt like a jewel in a concrete world to her.
"A lots been happening lately, and I know it's not anything like where you're from, but at least it's not another boring street, with more boring houses..." There was a brief moment of thinking this was a bad idea, shoving her hands into her jackets. "Figured we had a night, and this might help...stretching our legs, looking at some cool shit, and trying to remember the world is bigger, older, and more colorful than it sometimes seems, when we are...constantly put in situations where all we can do is react." Looking at all the bright colors and not at him, as she did her best to explain in a language that wasn't her first.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 11:34 AM
His pace was easy, and perhaps a bit slower so his long legs didn't leave Jo behind. His attention drifting from the doors themselves upward to the homes as the rose to second and third stories. His arm brushed hers as they walked though he wouldn't hold her hand out here. It was places like these and moments like this he remembered she was young and still noticed the stars when all he saw was darkness.
"How're you... takin' things? It's been a rough few weeks for you..."(edited)
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 11:41 AM
Her lips rub together, debating things, it had been a lot of ups and downs. "...It's been a lot, met some great people, had a lot of how I've been interacting with the world challenged..." She exhaled "I'm angry, a lot these days." She admits, her voice hollowing out a little as she did. It was perhaps not the response he'd expected, she never acted angry, she had lashed out all of one, harmless, time. "You?" Looking sidelong to him.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 11:43 AM
"Tell me why you're angry," he prompted her gently, his voice lowering a touch.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 11:51 AM
Her mouth opened and closed several times. Sure that if she gave voice to any of it, vetriol would come forth in a never ending supply. That every hurt, and rageful thing would have to be given voice in that moment. She didn't look at him, she just looked forward. "...I" Slow breath, Her jaw grinding as she composed herself to try and just use words and not open a flood gate of emotions.
"I lost a lot, a lot, and I know we all do, I know it's part of our life. But it fucking pisses me off sometimes to see other people just taking for granted the things they have, or to be casually given some of the shit I lost. And I know it isn't all the same thing, I know it's not fair to be pissed off that someone else has good things, but it is what it fucking is." Staring straight ahead, her face a perfectly neutral mask, and her words even. She had a tight leash on herself in this moment.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 11:54 AM
What a juxtoposition to be walking down such a street, admiring what others have that their lives would likely never afford them and talk of envy and anger. He looked ahead, giving a single nod. "Who are you talking about specifically?" He could guess but he liked to believe her world was far larger than his little dark corner she graced her presence at ever so often.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 11:54 AM
Coming down the street is a possibly blonde woman in a colorfully striped knit hat, a black wool coat, and a pair of skinny jeans, with flat-soled boots on her feet. Sonja doesn't seem like she was following anybody to end up here, or even like she's noticed Darren and Jo at this point, busy as she is checking out the architecture and such. She has her hands in her pockets, is strolling along with no hurry at all, and is coming right toward the two.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 11:59 AM
She slowly exhaled, and looked over to him, pulling on an easy looking smile, leather jackets weren't her only bits of armor at the end of the day. "It's not important, my feelings are no one else's responsibility." as if she's heard that line at some point in her life, and as if saved by the bell! She turns and spots Sonja, and the smile becomes a little more honest. "Sonja! Fancy meeting you here!" Letting their paths close the distance between them.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 12:02 PM
Jolene's deflection was met with a frown. He ran his tongue under the flesh of his bottom lip and raised his attention back up at the shouting of Sonja's name, his demeanor shifting a touch - less relaxed, a little more formal, letting his hands leave his pockets and of course looking more alert. "Ma'am," he greets with a reverent nod, allowing the two of women to do most of the chatting.(edited)
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 12:06 PM
Sonja seems to spot Jolene almost exactly the same time that Jolene spots her, which could also be coincidence, or she could have just been watching out of the corner of her eye, waiting to be spotted. "Jolene!" she responds with a dawning smile, and she reaches out to offer Jo a hug as she gets near. "Is good to see," she adds, before her attention shifts to Darren. "Ma'am," she laughs. "Always so formal. Just say Sonja, maybe? I prefer this. Is your choice, but I am not formal person."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 12:09 PM
She leaned into the hug, letting it last a couple seconds longer than usual before releasing the woman. "Well aren't you a pleasant surprise." Letting out some of the tension she'd been holding as she switched gears from the cesspool of rage she carried to being around some of the people she really enjoyed. "It is terribly fun to watch her in the same room as Ludwig, while people try and figure out the social rules between them." Teasing a bit, there was no mistaken the woman did not adhere to that Austrian formality of her packmates.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 12:11 PM
Darren took mental note and nodded to Sonja's request. "O'course," lowering his eyes briefly. "Old 'abits. First name basis with ...." letting the People go unsaid, "usually meant a smack in the mouth. This country, even those that come from elsewhere don't seem quite so keen on formalities. But I'll do my best."
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 12:16 PM
Sonja gives Jolene a warm and affectionate hug, as if they're old friends, and then laughs before she explains to Darren. "I come from Yugoslavia," Sonja says, naming a country that doesn't exist any more. But it's where she was born, so that's what she says. "Not as formal as some places, yes? But also, I grew up orphan, on streets. Respect is important, yes? But respect and formality are not the same thing. I try to take what people mean from what people say, not just what they say. If you are not trying to insult? Probably I will not take insult. Will definitely warn if something would earn mouth smack if you said again, yes? Because respect goes both ways."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 12:20 PM
She made a thoughtful sound at that "I like that...formality and respect aren't the same thing..." And it was a good thing Ludwig wasn't there to see the potential for all his hard work being undone! Looking over towards Darren curious how he's take the woman's approach to things. "I was feeling like we needed a little more color in our lives today." Looking up at the houses.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 12:21 PM
"I recall. You'd said as much during breakfast," with a solemn nod. There was a strange little twinge in his eye as Sonja spoke of respect going both ways. Clearly he felt different, or at least struggled with the idea a wolf would respect a blooded for any reason. Still, he didn't argue, "O'course," was all he provided in return after watching the long hug they'd shared. He looks off the topic towards the vibrant background once again. "What brings you out... Sonja?"(edited)
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 12:28 PM
"I say many things," Sonja tells Darren with a grin. "I cannot be expected to remember all the things I said, and when!" Her response to having repeated herself. Apparently she thinks it's funny, though she narrows her eyes slightly at Darren when he agrees with her without seeming like he actually agrees. For now, she doesn't address it, and she doesn't stop smiling, either. "I am just having look around. Is good to know lay land, yes? This might not be normal place for my family," pack, she means, "but knowing what is here, this could still be important some time. You could say I am on scouting mission." She looks between Darren and Jolene. "Am I interrupting something?" Then a pause and her smile brightens. "Is this a date? I can leave."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 12:32 PM
She laughed as Sonja insisted she couldn't be expected to remember everything she says. "This is an excellent place for a scouting mission. I love that people still live in these houses, like living in a piece of history." Of course she was very American in that way, there were places around the world where people lived in houses just as old and older. She decides her eyes flicking around "And you aren't interrupting, I was trying to find something other than concrete for us to look at..." Though at that last question, Jo briefly had a fools grin before she swallowed it down to a normal smile. "Not a date date, no, and you certainly shouldn't leave."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 12:35 PM
It was difficult to keep a stoic face around the woman. Warm and jovial were not traits that Darren often ran into. He knew too she was Irraka and that made it hard to trust, but .... she was doing everything right to sneak inside of the barriers he often put up. His gaze slowly warmed on her, though it kept him looking the other way. "Of course," he understood not all things could be remembered, would not explain all the mental notes he made for every person he met. Perhaps when he got to be her age with her skill he could allow himself the luxury of forgetting a few details. "No.. not a date. Just company. Enjoyin' a walk. You've come from that way, but.. walk with us?"
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 12:38 PM
"Oh," Sonja looks mildly disappointed at the news that this isn't a date she's interrupting, but it's something that comes and goes in an instant. She lets out a soft laugh and addresses a different portion of what was just said, instead. "History. All of the history of United States is modern history," she says with a look Darren's way, like at least he might understand. "But they are not new houses, this is true! And very cute. But why are these here?" She reaches out with a booted foot and kicks one of the nearby pillars along the sidewalk. "Do people try to dive down street or something?" She motions for them to continue walking, silently suggesting she'll walk with them.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 12:44 PM
She saw that disappointment and couldn't help but grin, she leaned in and stage whispered "I'm seeing him." she offers like a consolation prize to Sonja. It wasn't really something they'd advertised, but it wasn't exactly a secret either. "Mmm, someday I'll manage some traveling I think, there are definitely places I want to go, and I've picked up enough languages I should be able to get by..." she muses "And Darren has described Ireland like it's a magical place, so it's definitely on my to do." She eyed one of the posts and nodded "Yeah, I imagine it's exactly why it's there...lots of people like to think rules don't apply to them, and aren't use to neighborhoods where you have to walk to get around."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 12:47 PM
It was slightly hard to believe Jolene's words given even when Sonja had spotted them before they weren't holding hands or touching much at all. Still Darren was silent, and lack of an argument in these matters often meant confirmation. He didn't speak on Ireland being magical, even if it was, he had no intention of going back any time soon. "It's to stop people from parkin'. And protect the stoops from those that'd drive down this way like idjits," he said, placing his hands back in his pockets as they began to walk again. "I think she'd like Greece, Sonja. I think the water would suit her, no?"
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 12:52 PM
"Learning language is important," Sonja says as they start to stroll. "This is why I have become master of English. But I have not been to Greece. I hear it is very nice? But I never went. There are places along coast of Croatia that are much like coast of Greece can be, though. Little old villages on side of hills going down to coast, this kind of thing. Dubrovnik is very pretty. Water is beautiful there, too." She looks at Jolene and asks, "have you ever been to other country?"
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 12:57 PM
She clearly didn't judge Sonja's description as a 'Master of English', nodding her agreement. "I haven't, my family always kept me close to home, any travel was always state side, and even that was pretty rare." She admits "Though making my way here, I tried to make up for it, hit every land mark I could find." well, not at first, the first month had just been pointless driving while on auto pilot. "But Greece probably would suit me...and it sounds like the coast of Croatia, and there is this place in the Maldives, Vaadhoo...known as the sea of stars, that I really want to go to someday." She didn't know if she'd ever make it to any of these places though, life could be precarious.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 1:00 PM
More mental notes. Darren was fairly quiet as they spoke, though he did nod at mentions of pretty places, because only a fool wouldn't make it a point to remember things such as these. "It's American I've not seen, though... if its all just like Philadelphia, I can't say I'm eager to roam much." A gentle frown for the cold.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 1:06 PM
"I am sure that one of us will have to go back to Vienna at some point, to take care of a business," Sonja observes, mostly to Jolene. "I am sure you could go with if you wanted. Vienna does not have ocean, but it has many histories, and you would be with guide who could show you many things. If I have to go back to Zagreb for one or other reason I would be happy to have you come along. Is not long trip to coast from there. I do not know Vaadhoo? What is sea of stars? You show me picture some time?" She looks at Darren and grins. "Oh, is not all like Philadelphia. I know most of things from movies and comic books, but I know some places are not cold. Like Florida. Or Hawaii! I think Hawaii sounds like very nice place to visit."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 1:11 PM
"That would be good for you," he nodded to Jo, agreeing with Sonja that she should go with them if the opportunity arose. "Ireland is cold," he said, "I'm quite over drizzly damp days." He patted himself for his smokes a regretted leaving them in the car, recalling why he had in the first place and chewing on his cheek a bit instead. "This is 'ome for a bit though I think." He sniffed gently, "What sort of business back in Austria?"
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 1:12 PM
She perks up a bit at the offer "Ooooh, I've been practicing my German, I'd love that...what is a good language for Zagreb?" As if language and places and cultures were hopelessly intertwined, and in a lot of ways they were. "I didn't make it to Hawaii or Florida, mostly did a moseying pace from California to here, Though I've heard both can be pretty nice and warm." She muses as they walk down the cobble path. She eyed Darren for a moment, she did have an emergency stash of his cigarettes she'd pilfered, but she didn't think it was quite time yet.
[1:21 PM]
"Altmans also own funeral home in Vienna," Sonja explains to Darren. "Is likely that Sieghilde or Ludwig will have to go back for some reason sometimes, yes? Even if other people can usually manage things. I have son in Zagreb still, so I will probably go visit some time too." She looks at Jolene and grins. "Croatian, of course! Croatian and Serbian are basically versions of same language, so I can teach you some things. Also, it would be help that in Croatia they use latin alphabet, not Cyrillic, so reading and writing is easier for you to learn."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 1:27 PM
(My turn, back now!)
[1:29 PM]
He raised his brow slightly at that but nodded, "Death practices around the world are somewhat of a fascination of mine," he never shown that interest before. "Funeral homes seem so strictly American. Is it similar in Austria? Their regulations and customs?"
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 1:30 PM
She nods at that "How many children do you have Sonja?" Curiously, her wild curls half in her face, those sea green eyes, too bright, too big, and just full of interest. "I would love to learn Croatian..." but she actually smiled a bit at Darren's words, she'd asked Ludwig once after the practices herself, preparing for when she was ready to actually start processing some of her loss.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 1:36 PM
Sonja just shrugs expansively. "I do not really know difference between? This is not topic I pay much attention to. But in any place, someone must tend to dead, yes? Even if it is just to put into fire box and turn into ash. I think in most countries they have place where this is done." She laughs. "But I do not really pay attention to business side of business. I leave to other people." She glances at Jolene, considers the question, and then says, "this depends on what you are counting, but as I count, I have many children. I would have to stop to count in head, yes? Only one comes from my body, but others still count."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 1:42 PM
"I don't know many of the details, but Austrians, from what I have heard romanticize death. It's actually rather beautiful if you think of it. I don't believe in burial in caskets and the like, but ... mourning as an active practice." He recalled for a moment, "Poe actually, I think it was gave them a strong fear of being buried alive after his writins'." He worked his jaw quietly and shut up, realizing how morbid he was being in such a nice setting. "Anyhow.." The subject moved along to children, and Darren quieted, listening carefully.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 1:46 PM
She had a slowly spreading grin, oh he much like Sonja, because he was not the sort to just start using all those words with just anyone. "Active mourning..." she made a little noise with her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "I like that....I like to think we have the opportunity to find family." But of course she would, she'd been an orphan for less than a year, and was still trying to figure out what things like family, and home meant to her now. "...being buried alive sounds awful, I think I'd want to be cremated and spread somewhere nice." Putting it out there....just in case.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 1:50 PM
Sonja pauses to give Darren a brief squint, like she's wondering if he's actually hinting at something, or making reference to something, or if maybe he just hit on it by accident. But she doesn't seem annoyed, just suspicious, and she isn't trying to hide that suspicion at all. Then she just shrugs and moves on, answering like she never had that pause at all. "Ah, well, being buried alive in topic that I do have some experience with," she says like it's really nothing. "Is very bad. I am glad I do not have to repeat this experience. But yes, Jo, I also think that finding family is important. This is only family I have ever had, yes? My father died before I was born, and my mother died making me born. I have never had family that was no chosen, by me or by them."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 1:54 PM
Darren caught the look and sobered, straightening his back. He hadn't realized of course, but he looked Sonja over anew and his mind flooded with visions of her fighting against such a fate. His lips pressed thin by way of silent apology. He fell back a touch, letting the girls focus on happier topics, his attention drifting back towards the houses they'd come to see as the girls spoke about family. Not his topic of choice.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 1:59 PM
And where Darren might imagine the horrors and sober, Jo imagined them and grew more curious. She generally wasn't the sort to pry how ever. "...I'm glad you don't have to repeat it either, I don't like imagining it." But who would? "...I like thinking there might come a time where I get to choose or be chosen....I've really been thinking a lot about what family is and what home means lately..." She let out a rush of warm air "Feelings are so fucking stupid." huffing, a girl who was teetering on reaching a point where she'd have to deal with some of hers sooner or later. She looked over to Darren "Buried or cremated?" Her eyes narrowing a little, though she suspected the very family that had sent him here, would magically swoop in and try to handle it all should the need arise.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:03 PM
Catching the straightened back and everything Sonja tells Darren, "I was just wondering if you knew, and that is why you mentioned. Is not important. Just curious." She shrugs, looking unbothered. "No worryings." Then she laughs and looks at Jolene again. "Feelings are stupid, but feelings are also the best part of living, too! But you are hoping to find new family in life? If you are looking, and you are willing to make family happen, you will find. I do not know enough about you to know why you are looking, or what you feel like you are missing, but if you need new mom, I am always taking application."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 2:10 PM
He looks ahead at Jo as she talks of stupid feelings, but says nothing towards it. "Buried," he said, "As naked as the day I came, unmarked and left to go back to the earth." he said simply. "Though if I was participating in a cremation I'd likely be interested in hows they do it in Japan. For a loved one, they separate the larger bits from the smaller ashes with chopsticks. It's time consuming.. takes days. But its the family's way of showin' respect. Scrap ashes are also buried under cherry blossom trees in the mountains. Tourists have no fuckin' idea," he said with an amused smirk. People often don't look past the surface of beauty and wonder.
"I didn' know ma-- Sonja," he said, glancing back to 'er. "If I'm bein' honest, I've done some 'orrible things to people but that'd be an act of passion to bury someone alive. Fillin' em with that much fear before leavin' em to die. I was more worried for the folks who did it to you and what became of them." Not realizing it was for a ritual in a lodge of course.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 2:15 PM
She gave a chuff of sound "There are so good feelings." She begrudgingly admits, before giving a goofy little grin. "I know I'm hoping to find my people, and i think when you have the right people, some of them become family." Making a thoughtful sound as if she's double checking those thoughts as she goes. "and...I will totally put in an application-" She laughs "You have already done a great job at making sure I eat when i'm at the foundation, and you give amazing hugs." Clearly strong positives for her, though the people who could hug her were a small group, she generally wasn't huge on touch.
Her eyes shifted to Darren and her features softened, sweetened "I like that....I wonder where the closest cherry blossom trees are....i know they were a symbol of mortality, and the fleetingness of life, and that makes so much more sense now..." looking between the two as the talk of being buried alive. "It does sound like a personal sort of anger that'd be behind that..." As if she could imagine one or two people she'd be fine seeing go that way.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:20 PM
"I will tell you whole story some time," Sonja assures Darren. "When there is more privacy, yes? Is not story I want to share where strangers are listening." By strangers she really means humans, of course. "Was not act of passion, though. I tell you later." Nothing about the way she says it seems dismissive, at least. Like she actually does plan to tell him later.
She gives Jolene a warm smile and reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder, at least for a few moments. Sonja is definitely a toucher, but also tries to be respectful of boundaries. "We should talk about this more some time too then, yes? About what you need, that are you are missing. At least, if you are serious."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 2:25 PM
He'd not gently at Sonja's offer. It was a conversation he'd look forward to.
To Jolene's part of the conversation, Darren licked his lower lip and looked elsewhere, stepping off to the side so they might have a touch of privacy. There were things she needed that she'd have to find in others and this was one of them.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 2:27 PM
And with a slow smile, that had just a touch of slyness to it "Sounds like the three of us should do dinner or lunch sometime soon and talk where we have a little more privacy. Of course you can invite Sieghilde and Ludwig, who ever else you'd like." Oh yes, yes, she was definitely suggestion another little get together. "Did you know Darren is working on putting in a medical bay at the foundation?" oooooh someone was getting conniving.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:30 PM
"I am always happy to eat food with people," Sonja answers with a grin, which she turns to include Darren in. "I would be happy to do this, is good idea. I did not know about medical bay, but this is good. I know some things about trauma care, from my days as guerrilla fighter. Sometimes was important to be able to patch up those I fight with, yes? If you need help, let me know."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 2:33 PM
Darren seemed to be subtly opting out of dinner dates, though he'd commited to the medical bay. He'd at least see that through. "I've got a list going of supplies and equipment I think might be useful. For those you us that don't heal like others." he pressed his lips. "I'll let you look over the list before I give it back to Ludwig," he said with a single nod, appreciative of another medic's help.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 2:38 PM
She nodded at that "Awesome we can swing by the foundation sometime, eat a little, talk a little..." she looked side long to Darren "Just something easy and casual." as if assuring him. Smiling a bit as they compare notes on medical supplies, with their skill set for fixing people largely being a side effect of them knowing how to break those same people. "Maybe get a lay of the land on where the bay is going to be."
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:40 PM
"Everything is easy and casual with me, unless Sieghilde tells me that it's not allowed to be," Sonja says with a slight eye roll, like she's willing to be formal if Sigi asks. But only because it's Sigi. "Is fun to dress up for more formal things, but also fun to annoy everyone at them by not acting formal. Is only shame it's so hard to get really drunk."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 2:43 PM
A glance was throne to Jolene, to anyone else it didn't look like much but from him to her it silently read don't push it. "I said I'd be there for that, and then I can be on my way." A glance at Sonja again, trying to picture her drunk and shaking his head. He looked ahead now, hoping for a change of topic.(edited)
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 2:47 PM
She gave a little chuff of sound but nodded "I suppose talks can happen while looking at supplies and the area." That was a compromise right? But it was clear, she wasn't going to push it. She'd received the message, and gave an easy smile in turn. "Darren's been kind enough to teach me a a little about fighting...even bought me a -" Her hands made a cylinder shape in the air in front of her.... "Punching bag!"
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:49 PM
"Really?" Sonja asks Jo, before glancing at Darren, who gets a smile. "This is good thing to learn," she says as she turns back. "Maybe you show me some time? I can be like punching bag, except punching bag that moves. But I am glad you are finding someone to teach. Is good to know how to defend self, yes?"
JJRey (she/her)Today at 2:52 PM
"Poor thin' was out back punchin' a tree," he frowned gently while looking back to Sonja with a nod. "Yes. Train with everyone who offers it who knows what they're doin'. Especially if you think you can't take 'em. Tha's ow you learn." he said to Jo.(edited)
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 2:55 PM
She nods "Oh yeah, he's been great, and knowing how to look after myself is definitely good." There was a brief pause as he describes her hitting a tree, small pink skin with a speckling of scabs on her knuckles say that was likely sometime about a week ago. "Oh I'd definitely be up for practicing with someone who moves...honestly with anyone-" Agreeing with Darren with a nod "I need to learn what ever I can and that means embracing different opportunities, styles...you never know what will click...like combat batons..." Her eyes narrowing, okay, yes, that was going to be her thing. "Just enough reach...I like em."
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 2:59 PM
One thing Sonja doesn't point out, in public, is that an advantage to practicing with a werewolf is that you can get experience hitting at full force, against a real person, and it's basically going to all be healed in a few seconds anyway. She just nods in agreement with Darren instead of saying all that, though. Instead saying, "I'm good at taking a punch, so I'm happy to be practice target." She grins. "Batons are good weapon. I prefer bare hands. Never really went for weapon styles. I would not be best teacher there."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 3:03 PM
He looked again to Sonja, down over her arms and finally to her hands and nodded briefly. "Practice target for me, even?" he asked. He had no delusions he could drop a wolf, but he'd just said to spar with those you were sure to lose to. "I 'aven't been able to train like I used to since I got 'ere. I'm out of practice to be honest.."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 3:05 PM
She seemed perked up by the idea "This is a great idea, moving things are very different than bags....like learning the difference between form and application." She muses, looking between Darren and Sonja as he mentions possibly getting in some training too, but she's smart enough not to say anything.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 3:09 PM
Sonja is one of those people whose strength is almost entirely functional strength that came from decades of long development, rather than from body building. It means that while she's got some serious muscle, it wasn't built up with serious bulk, so her strength doesn't really show. The strength of a gymnast or acrobat, more than the strength of a weight lifter. And, since she's a werewolf whose wounds usually heal without scars, her hands don't look like the hands of a bare-knuckle brawler. She's an irraka, and deception is in her nature. Her ability to fight is one of those things; she looks more like a pretty soccer mom than a warrior. She's even pretty good at hiding a lot of it in the way she moves.
She just smiles at Darren and says, "of course, yes. I practice with you, if you want. It would be pleasure. Also, if I said no and then you got hurt later because I didn't try to help you be better fighter, I would feel bad about this."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 3:13 PM
"Gettin' hurt later is part of the job. Gettin' hurt less is all I can 'ope for." he said. He seemed sure he was in for an ass beating, but he'd always enjoyed training. It was far better than a punching bag, as they'd all agreed. There was a nod of agreement then sometime in the near future.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 3:15 PM
She'd been raised by wolves, and had long ago learned, you didn't know the capabilities of a person in whole by looking. If you had a keen eye you could pick things up, their stance, their dominante hand, how aware of their surroundings they were, if they had weapons. But you never looked at someone and decided who was capable of killing you and who wasn't. Her family had a really useful trick for that, you just assumed everyone was capable and planned for it. "Ooooh this excites me." Says the girl who was still sore from training that morning, and was likely to get sore still, because that's what learning meant. Things ended up hurting.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 3:17 PM
"Yes, true. I mean hurt that won't just get better, yes?" Sonja shrugs. "If I can help with getting hurt less, this is also good. I will take." She smiles, encompassing them both in the warmth of the expression. "I should get back to scouting, but it was good to run into you both, yes? We meet up and talk about other things, or practice fighting, or both soon."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 3:19 PM
Darren nodded at this, still standing off to the side of their conversation. "Aye. Be good." he said to Sonja, as she was readying to head off.(edited)
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 3:20 PM
"You get back to scouting, it was great running into you, and I'm looking forward to it." She'd get another hug goodbye, and find herself grinning like a little idiot. It was clear she was fond of the woman, and every interaction just seemed to reaffirm that.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 3:22 PM
Sonja returns the hug happily, rarely one to turn such an offer down. "You two enjoy afternoon. I'm glad I ran into you," she says, and as she finishes hugging Jolene she turns to look at Darren, arches a brow, and lifts her hands slightly to suggest he can have a hug if he wants one, too. But she's surely not going to force it on him. "I see you both soon."
JJRey (she/her)Today at 3:24 PM
Darren rarely looked surprised, but here it was. "Not a hugger," he said with all the politeness he could muster. "But it was good to see you."
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 3:25 PM
There was a brief moment where her eyes widened, and she watched, knowing the likely outcome, but always best to see how it played out! She wasn't surprised by the outcome. "Tell your lovely wife and brother in law I said Hi." She offers among the farewells.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 3:30 PM
"Your choice," Sonja says, like she's not judging it one way or the other. She lowers her hands, smiles, and then has a thought and offers her hand out as if for a handshake, instead. "How about this one?" she inquires, kind of but not entirely teasing. Jolene gets a glance from her, and a nod, but she waits to see how this plays out before responding.
JJRey (she/her)Today at 3:33 PM
"Of course," he pulled his hand from his pocket and shook her hand then, his grip firm but not trying to prove anything. He looked between their glances and shok his head slightly at Jo.
Jolene (FoxFire- She/Her)Today at 3:35 PM
And she looked just comfortably pleased as the two found an accord for their goodbyes.
Untitled Goose Admin (she/her)Today at 3:36 PM
Sonja returns the shake with someone who practiced in Vienna, land of handshakes being entire conversations all on their own. Hers says, 'yes, hello, I am shaking your hand with my hand now. Yep, this is happening'. And then it's done, and she turns to head off. "I'll say hello for you, Jolene. You two have fun!"
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