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Darren Lynch: It was still early morning and the mists of the evening damp were rising with the sun. It would be a dreary overcast day, but that seemed to suit Darren just fine. The man stood at the Centenial Arch, piercing green eyes cast out against the atmosphere, taking a moment of calm while he smoked a cigarette in silence. On the ground before him were a handful of white stones, cast to tell the days fortunes, their predictions only known to him. He was a tall man, 6'4, in a dark jacket over a fitted shirt and slacks. To those that would look for such things, he was carrying. Tattoos spread out of his sleeves over his wrists and hands, depicting gaelic imagery along with Uratha symbols woven in between. Subtle, but clear for those who knew what to look for.
Salome Perez: Along the path comes Salome, a red scarf wrapped around her neck her messy hair hidden under a beanie, a not-so-worn leather jacket and a pair of weather battered jeans and hiking boots. Alongside her is a bloodhound with brown fur and darker areas on him, carrying his own leash. Salome is holding a bird in her hand and chirping alongside it as she head toward the Centennial Arch.
Darren Lynch: Whatever reverie that carried Darren's attention was, the sound of footsteps drags him out of it. A slow blink before he turns his head to look at the oncoming patron of the park, the dog and .... the bird. He took another drag of his smoke, silently watching the approach. Green eyes looking over the Uratha overtly.
Salome Perez: "Well have a good day!" She says to the bird, raising her hand upward to a nearby tree and the bird flies up to join the branches above, trimming it's plumage and causing a feather to drop down. Which Salome gathered after failing to catching it as it falls.
Only then does she notices that she's being watched by Darren. Awkward little wave ensues. "Hi."
Darren Lynch: He exhales the smoke from his lips, blowing it towards the washed out morning sky. "Morning." There seemed to be an unspoken question, Were you just speaking to a bird?
Salome Perez: "I'm really good with animals." she points to the dog beside her as if it's some form of evidence. "Spends a lot of time with them, so I got lucky with this little one." Salome puts the feather she got in one of her jacket's pocket. "His name is Sasquatch."
Darren Lynch: "Appropriately so," Darren looked to the dog. He didn't seem to dislike it, but he also knew he wasn't any good with them and so left it alone. "Regular Disney Princess." he comments towards Salome then.
Salome Perez: "I am not a princess." The statement is not made out of anger, but it is a firm one, even if done with a smile. "I'm more like the huntsman in Snow White's story." she shrug "Or the one in Little Red Riding hood."
Darren Lynch: "I'd say you're more like the wolf that eats up grandma." he took another drag, watching her closely.
Salome Perez: "Nah, that's a dietary restriction, people are friend not food." A shake of her head, she bends down a little, grabbing the leash out of Sasquatch's mouth, ending up playing a round of tug of war with him.
Darren Lynch: His jaw worked a little, assuming she didn't pick up on the reference. "Is 'e friendly with strangers?" he asked of Sasquatch.
Salome Perez: Salome makes a sound that halfway between a bark and a word and the dog seems to activate in a playful way and he approaches Darren, sniffing the air in his general direction. "He's okay with you, sometimes they don't feel social..."
She extend her hand to greet him. "I'm Salome by the way."
Darren Lynch: Darren transfers his cigarette to his off hand and reaches to shake her hand, "Darren Lynch," he greets evenly. He wasn't mean per say, but he wasn't all smiles like many were. He knelt down, offering the back of his hand to the dog.
Salome Perez: The dog brushes his nose against the hand, leaving a little wet spot and Salome uses the closer proximity to try and scent the man, she smiles. "Yeah he slobers alot, sorry about that." (1s on wolf sense to id Darren as maybe a WBed)
Jolene Logan: She was not a Disney princess. She was closer to the feral wild animals that Salome won over, than the princess. The spirit touched, roving locus had a moseying pace to her steps as she lazily made her way towards their little gathering. Wearing jeans that were a little too big and a black leather jacket that was way too big and zipped up. Her hands shoved in it's pockets to try and take the bite off of the cold, Philly morning. She gave a faint grin as her eyes, too bright, the wrong color, and completely not in the normal human color palette landed on Darren, before flicking over to Salome, and her animal companions.
Darren Lynch: "S'fine," Darren said, giving the dog a pet, scratching behind its ear, his attention on it collapsing after a long moment. Sasquatch most certainly could scent that he was blooded, if the tattoos and eyes didn't give it away, they solidified it. "Been considering gettin' a dog." he mentioned off hand. He'd finish his smoke and return his hands to his pockets, casting his green gaze towards Jolene as she appeared beyond Salome.
Salome Perez: "Hey there! Didn't bring any deer with you this time?" Salome nods to Jolene when she shows up. There's only one of her dog with her, the darker colored Bloodhound. "They're fantastic, getting a dog is a joyous event. What are you planning on getting?" she looks back on him when he mentions the dog.
Jolene Logan: "Oh I hope not" She gave a laugh, and did a little spin to make sure none were following her before looking back to them. "It appears all clear, but you never know, sneaky bunch them." The deer? The others? It was clear Salome and Jo had met before. "I see you've met Darren." She offers with a warm grin to the man. "Salome is one of the locals I haven't gotten to know terribly well-" She offers to Darren before looking back to Salome "Yet." Assuring the woman, as she falls in near them.
Darren Lynch: "I like Irish Wolf Hounds, but they migh be a bit too on the nose." he said. He nodded gently as Jo came closer, apparently not upset by the addition. "Aye, we were jus' saying our hellos." Looking back to Salome then.
Salome Perez: "Well, that depends on what you want a dog for. If you want help on hunts or a guard pup. Or just companionship." A shrug. "I'd need to read up on that particular breed, but they're build for speed."
Then she looks over to Jolene and smile, Sasquatch approaches her and sniff the air in her direction. "Been getting accustomed to the green spot inside of town."
Jolene Logan: "Hmmmm, I could see that....but I don't know a lot about them...." She confesses with a sheepish grin, animals were not her forte for as much as her mannerisms could be reminiscent of them with her little expressions and vocalizations.
Darren Lynch: "It doesn't matter. If I got one, I'd 'ave to get Fi one and then there'd be dogs everywhere." he said with a shake of his head.
Salome Perez: "I have three dogs sometimes with me and whoever else I meet along the way." She chuckles a little bit. "More dogs with loving people is always a good thing." she leans down and rubs the dog's floppy ears.
Jolene Logan: She made a thoughtful sound "Ludwig has a kitten.....maybe once I'm done with the house I'll get a pet, seems like a bad choice during a remodel, probably stressful for them." Her eyes on the dog, but her hands still firmly in her pockets! She looked sidelong to Darren at the mention of Fi and made a thoughtful sound. Likely she'd just found a piece of ammo to save for later.
Darren Lynch: He studied Salome again, "You decent at training 'em then? Dogs, at aleast."
Salome Perez: "I'm very good with dogs in particular, or canine, I've taught a few wolves things before." She ponders, remembering a thing long past. "I can train them to help with a lot of different things."
Jolene Logan: She seemed content to let them talk for a moment, her eyes flicking around, taking in the area around them. You never knew when someone might sneak up on you! And she was perpetually trying to make sure that didn't happen! Rocking on the balls of her feet.
Darren Lynch: "You 'ave a card? Or a number? If I get a dog, I want it trained. Probably need to train m'self too." he said, pulling out his phone. It was obviously a still a consideration. He didn't have his heart set yet on doing so.
Salome Perez: "I don't have a card but I have a number." She pulls an old phone from her pocket and shows her number to him, ready to add his to hers. "We can exchange too." she says to Jolene too. (brb)
Jolene Logan: She nodded and pulled out her phone, flicking through the screens before pulling up a new contact, and programming Salome in, offering her number in turn. Not that she was terribly certain she'd get a dog, but getting the locals numbers seemed like a good idea!
Darren Lynch: Darren's phone wasn't special. Likely a burner. He put her number into it and gave out his own. A matter of how much she charged didn't come up, as he didn't seem to care. If someone was going to train his dog, he wanted the woman who talked to animals. "Not a word of this to Fi, I'll never 'ear the end of it." he comments to Jolene, already knowing her gears were working.
Jolene Logan: Her eyes narrowed like she was really debating challenging the request. Before she said, far too chipperly "I won't whisper a word of it to her." Anyone who'd ever worked with spirits, fae things, or ...well...Jo would know she'd left herself a curious amount of latitude in her word choices!
Salome Perez: "That's a really, really specific kind of wording." Salome says with a little chuckle. "I'd be careful with her around Mister..." she seem to be struggling with remembering the name, she does seem to be speaking in good humor though.
Darren Lynch: "Don't I know it," he said with a nod, aware of just how tricky the sprite could be, though it was hard to say if he wanted to strangle her or found it endearing. He was a difficult man to read. "Lynch," he said. "But I'm only called that at work. Darren is jus' fine."
Jolene Logan: She gave a little whine of sound as Salome called her out, but looked all too pleased when Darren showed no inclination to try and hold her to stricter wording. Looking a little too pleased with herself, even though she likewise had no idea if she was endearing or strangle worthy!
Salome Perez: "Darren, right." As Salome makes an effort to commit the name to memory and then just... sit down on the ground and sort of half - lay against Sasquatch, who slides to the side and puts a paw to her face, smushing her cheek. "And I saw Ludwig's kitten! It'S SO Small! Such a little baby!"
Darren Lynch: Talk of training killer attack dogs had ended. The girls had moved on to adorable baby kittens. Darren's eyes floated back to the sky, losing interest.
Jolene Logan: "Ooooh you should have seen him fussing over her when Sigi brought her home." She looked sideways to Darren "I can't wait for you to meet Ludwig and his sister." then back to Salome "Soooo tiny, and I'm not sure she'll never meow properly. So cute." A wistful sigh....and then she realized Darren had said nothing of talking to Fi about kittens.
Salome Perez: "I probably could try my hand at training some birds too." Salome ponders for a moment, running her fingers over her head, adjusting her beanie. "So they can evade the cute kittens."
Darren Lynch: "If there's eventually going to be dogs, there can not be kittens." he said to Jo, already knowing what she were thinking.
Jolene Logan: Her head swiveled to Salome "Is that true?.....or can you train the dogs to be good with the cats?" because they had a subject authority right there?!
Salome Perez: "Yeti, Sasquatch and Bib are good with other animals." She says with a nod. "You can train them, but it helps when I can tell them that's it's not food and they understand me clearly."
Darren Lynch: Darren wasn't in a habit of repeating himself. He was looking at his phone now, sending off a reply to a text he'd received.
Jolene Logan: She wasn't sure if that was a small victory but she suspected it was unlikely. Still she didn't press the subject, she just nodded her head and made a thoughtful sound. "Well, something to think about." She offered by way of compromise. Then paused. Then looked back to Darren, and slowly smiled again, a little softly. "It can be dogs." She decides as if she's really processed his words and the implications.
Salome Perez: "Hey, so I'll see you people later. I need to go grab something and get back home..." (the player needs to focus on RL for a bit!)
Darren Lynch: "Take care," Darren said, still looking at his phone, dealing with work.
Jolene Logan: "It was good seeing you again." She offered, and as Salome slipped away, Jolene's posture grew a little more casual, relaxing near Darren, but she had no great need to fill the silence, and was content to let him focus on work.
Darren Lynch: He slipped his phone away after a moment, placing his hands back in his pockets. "You 'ave a talent for finding me." he said, looking down to the white stones near his feat.
Jolene Logan: Her eyes followed his to the stones. "....I like to think the world likes me best in your presence and turns my path to yours." She offers before she dropped quickly to a crouch to eye the stones with curious eyes. "What do they mean?" Looking back up to him from where she kneeled next to him.
Darren Lynch: "I'm better at readin' bones," he said quietly. "These aren't marked as they should be but.." he worked his jaw a touch. "I 'ave work to do is all. But tha's always the case, innit?"
Jolene Logan: "And always well be." She says with all the weight of a seer, looking at them. "If I cast them will you tell me what they say for me?" Looking up at him curiously still, her hair a wild mane about her face.
Darren Lynch: He looked to her aside and offered his hand for her to rise up instead. "You believe in superstition?"
Jolene Logan: She took the hand, giving a light squeeze as she rose to her feet. She nodded slowly "I don't know that superstition is how I would call it....but the world is more than we know, and I think there are many ways to interact with the universe. Scrying with stones and bones seems like it could be one of them." She moved to her feet slowly, largely to keep the little contact as long as possible.
Darren Lynch: He'd turn her hand over, much like he had in the pool and looked to her palm. "It's only superstition if you don't believe." he said softly, tracing the lines of her hand with his finger tip. "My motha would set her clock by what the bones told 'er. I'm no where near as good, but I don't fuck around when I see what I see." His finger stopped on a line, a slow blink as his lips pursed. "Your pain isn't over." he said, curling her hand up and turning it to kiss her knuckles before letting her hand go.
Jolene Logan: She thought every touch of his would be burned into her memory, that her nerves had only been made for them, and every other sensation had been a poor use of them. She let out a slow breath at the stroke of his finger, but for all that his touch captured her attention, the expression was not lost on her. Nor did she see overly surprised by his words. She knew eventually her past and all the emotions she hadn't dealt with were going to catch up to her....and even barring that, they didn't live in a kind world. "Well..." Swallowing "I suppose I don't find that terribly surprising." She spoke softly, watching as he kissed her knuckles before sitting her hand free.
"....but I'll survive." It wasn't a question, it was her assuring him that she would be okay. Maybe herself.
Darren Lynch: "So you will." He nodded, turning to begin walking. "Plans for the day?"
Jolene Logan: "Nothing terribly exciting, I tried to promise myself that I would be well behaved today, and have a perfectly ordinary day." A crooked grin, last nights adventure having convinced her should at least go through the motions of being good! "Though I've already failed." She promises him "Your company makes it impossible to have an ordinary day, or to refrain from being excited." falling in to walk at his side, fighting to keep her expression perfectly neutral.
Darren Lynch: There's a small grumble of noise, suggesting he understood. "I met another wolf yesterday. Firefighter. Jacob. You know 'em?"
Jolene Logan: "Mmm no, I don't believe I've met that one. A firefighter." For some reason that amused her, it felt so....normal? "What was he like?" Curiously as she moseyed with him through the park, her eyes flicking around curiously.
Darren Lynch: "I dunno, I didn't chat with 'em for long. Fi was workin' 'er charms so I let 'em be."
Jolene Logan: She laughed a bit at that and nodded "That doesn't surprise me, she's pretty charming." pauses as she reflected a moment "....think she's going to be okay with things?" Chewing at her lower lip a moment, she's fought any urge to ask what may or may not have been there earlier.
Darren Lynch: He looked over at her, "We're not each others keepers. Not in that way. When I come over, she was one of my contacts. Her father also told me to watch after her but that doesn't mean her romantic affairs unless that gets ugly for some reason. She 'as no say in mine sides driving me up a wall if she wanted. But she likes you. More than I'd like her to like you really."
Jolene Logan: She visibly relaxed, there were nuances in there that reassured her various stay thoughts. "You know if you told me to put some distance there I would....I like her, she's fun, and I enjoy our little game of trying to rile you up. But she isn't someone I need in my life." Looking over to him in turn.
Darren Lynch: "I'm not in the 'abit of telling women what they ought to do unless it mixes with my business. I don' really care. Just going to keep you twos away from sugar when you're together." He said. "Er and I 'ang out quite a bit. We'll 'ave you over soon. She fucking bakes, you believe that?" he said rather surprised.
Jolene Logan: "You live together?" She didn't seem bothered, she seemed something closer to...amused? She perked up "She bakes? I like cooking, but I've never been great at baking, it requires everything to be....so exact." A wrinkle of her nose at that.
Darren Lynch: "God no. I live alone," he shook his head gently. "She just invites me over. I can't do a lick of either so if someone can, I'll usually sit for dinner."
Jolene Logan: She perked up at that "My kitchen is useless right now, but after it's done...I'll cook for you." She declares proudly "Or maybe if you come to the foundation, they have an awesome kitchen." She was trying so hard to respect boundaries and not suggest cooking at his place, it was hard, she wasn't terribly good at social boundaries.
Darren Lynch: "Perhaps." he said, "You really wan' me to meet these folks, aye?" continuing down the path, hands in his pockets.
Jolene Logan: She made a thoughtful sound "I like them. They're clever, thoughtful, I like the little rituals of their ways. The formality, the beer, the brandy, the smoking. But also, for all that formality and ritual, they're very open and easy to talk to in their way." She muses a moment as her fingers tugged at her jacket zipper.
Darren Lynch: "I enjoyed Sonja's company. She's easy goin'. Got some wisdom in 'er head." he said with a nod.
Jolene Logan: "Yeah...she is the least formal of them, and I think she even gets more informal around the other two just to act as a counterpoint." Grinning widely at that, a bounce in her step "I'll see about finding time for you guys to meet." She declares oh so helpfully.
Darren Lynch: "I grew up on formality. I'm not worried." he said simply.
Jolene Logan: "I didn't think you were. Especially since they don't use it like a weapon, but as....a language." She wasn't sure that was the right way to describe it, maybe English had a better word, but culture wasn't quite right. "Like another layer, like how body language is." She nods
Jacob Caulfield: As the pair walked Darren would spot a familiar face sitting on one of the benches along the path. Jacob was dressed casually with a well-worn leather jacket rounding out the ensemble, looking forward but not really focusing on anything in particular as others passed by.
Darren Lynch: "It'll be fine, Jo." he assured "Sides, if people don' like me, that's usually the way of it. I'll not be too sad." he said, pulling his cigarettes and lighting one. He paused for a moment to hold his hand over the breeze and looked out to Jacob. "Speak of the Devil," he points with a casual wave of his hand, "the Firefighter."
Jolene Logan: "Oh I'm not worried about them liking you, even if they do, it'll barely be noticeable." She announces with a grin before casting her eyes to the man he's waving to. She looked amused, it merely served to reaffirm her theory the universe was trying to apologize by aligning things to her whim a little more often. "Oh, look at that, you'll have to introduce us!" She declared.
Darren Lynch: "His name's Jacob," he took another drag. "Go play." he gestures for her to head on over. He'd casually walk behind her, not in any hurry, though he gave a nod to the man in recognition as he neared.
Jacob Caulfield: Eventually Jacob's gaze did drift towards the pair, although it stopped at Jolene's side first before focusing on the two Blooded themselves. As Darren's presence registered he gave a quick salute, sitting up a little straighter as he turned his sight back to the mundane world.
Jolene Logan: She turned her eyes to Jacob, eyes that were far too bright, and a shade of sea green that didn't belong to humans, but to jewels, the light streaks of color shot through opals, and the sheen of mother of pearl. Her response to Darren was a trill of sound better suited to animals, or maybe first tongue, her vocalizations often pulled from one or the other. And she started at a pace a touch faster than Darren, and though she wasn't out right skipping there was a frolicking little bounce to the way she walked. She was clearly in good spirits. A contrast to Darren's casual pace.
"You must be Jacob, Darren mentioned you earlier." She offered by way of hello.
Darren Lynch: Darren stood his usual 10 feet away, though he seemed more involved this time than he was with Fi, likely cause they could talk now. (brb!)
Jacob Caulfield: "That I am." Jacob replied, a hint of a drawl wrapped around the words as he offered Jolene a hand. "Who might you be?"
Jolene Logan: She took the hand with her own, giving it a firm shake. "Jolene." She offered, which of course was just a name, and not a who, and she doubted she had much reputation here to proceed her.
Darren Lynch: "Fi's not like us." he said simply. "I apologize for the awkward introductions yesterday. Wasn't sure if you's was Pure or not." he said simply, still working on his smoke.
Jacob Caulfield: "Good to meet you." He gave Jolene's hand a firm shake in return before nodding to Darren. "No worries, better to be safe than sorry on that front."
Jolene Logan: She gave a smile and drew her hand back, most of which disappeared into her over sized jacket. Reaching up to brush hair from her face as she gave an easy smile. "Good to meet you to." She nodded "Fi is a delight though."
Darren Lynch: "Jo's and I are both new to the city, give or take a few months. Doing our rounds to meet the People, as it were."
Jacob Caulfield: "She seems like good people, yeah. May have a game of pool coming up with her soon." Jacob said with a small smirk. "Same, honestly. Just got in a couple months ago myself."
Jolene Logan: She nodded a bit at that "She seems like a lovely sort to play with..." And then she leaned in ever so slightly to Jacob's space and stage whispered "Bet nothing you aren't willing to lose." Before rocking back on her heels like she'd said nothing at all!
Darren Lynch: Darren ran his tongue over the back of his teeth, though Jolene said it before he could. "Trust nothing. But she's a good girl otherwise." It went without saying Darren was protective of her. That much was shown the night before. "Kind of.." he adds after a second thought.
Jacob Caulfield: "We set up a pretty safe wager there, so I think I'll be alright." Jacob nodded with a chuckle. "Good to know, though."
Jolene Logan: She nods at that and then grinned over to Darren "He's totally going to lose." A sharp little toothy bit of pleasure at the declaration. Shifting a bit so they formed more of a social triangle than a line, and they could talk easily enough.
Darren Lynch: "He's a grown boy. Besides, I'm sure Fi will make it fun." he had faith. "So Jacob. Can I ask your affilations? Your brother one ya as well?"
Jolene Logan: She did give a little affirmative sound, apparently she agreed Fi was likely to make a fun evening of the game. Her hands shoved in her pockets, content to listen for a moment. (and holding until Jacob gets back )
Jacob Caulfield: "Maybe, but it should be fun nonetheless." Jacob said with a small smirk. "I'm with the Shadows myself. If my brother's in the know it wasn't through me; far as I know he's not of the Blood."
Darren Lynch: "I take it then you're looking into the Wound too then? If you knows about it already or not."
Jolene Logan: She looked up at the mention of the wound "Have you met Ludwig, I know he's looking into it too, I'm helping him with some research..." Because she wanted to help, but some ways were more prudent than others!
Jacob Caulfield: "I've heard about it but haven't gotten involved in looking into it yet. Been getting settled in for the most part." He thought a moment on the name before shaking his head. "Don't think I've met him yet."
Darren Lynch: "That does it Jo. You've got the most connections." he said, looking around the park casually as he smoked, keeping those emerald green eyes peeled.
Jolene Logan: She laughed and ducked her head "You would certainly know if you had, he and his pack are the memorable sort." Or perhaps she was just exceptionally fond of them! She looked over to Darren "That can't possibly be true..." She muses for a moment. "Maybe it's true....I do shamelessly get to know everyone I can." She readily conceded.
Jacob Caulfield: "Not a bad thing, that." Jacob nodded with a small smirk. "Ran into a few folks at Amadeus a bit ago but haven't really made the rounds with the locals too much yet."
Darren Lynch: Darren shrugged gently. "It doesn't make one way or the other. I just don't like not showing respects is all."
Jolene Logan: The convergence, her eyes narrowed, but the little locus said nothing over those thoughts, not yet. "Not a bad thing at all." She chirped almost proudly, her curls a wild mane about her face. "I haven't made it to Amadeus yet, that's Ianto's place?" Tentatively as if making sure.
Ludwig Altman: A rather eccentric looking fellow, tall and lanky, dressed in an immaculate suit that reeks of bespoke origins and a four digit price tag, comes strolling up the walk way through one of the park's many winding footpaths. To most onlookers, he appears to be speaking into his cell phone. In German, no less. Those with an eye for such things may see a single little Lune circling his head, doting on his every word. When he is done speaking, he slides the recorder into his messenger bag, adjusts his position on his shoulder, and hastens his stroll a bit. The Lune gives one last circle of his head before zipping off through the air like it has somewhere to be that isn't here, and is out of view in short order.
The lanky fellow continues bustling along like the path behind him is on fire. There's just a subtle sense of urgency to him that suggests he has places to be and things to do.
Jacob Caulfield: "It is, yeah." Jacob nodded to Jolene, sparing Ludwig a glance both from his hurried pace and the rather impressive outfit. "Someone's in a hurry..."
Darren Lynch: Darren's attention split towards the mention of a newcomer, settling his gaze on the new man through the smoke of his cigarette. He'd exhale towards the sky, not taking his eyes of him or the mote that danced around his head.
Jolene Logan: She followed their gaze and immediately lit up "LUDWIG" calling out, despite his urgency, and the clear desire to be someplace, she seemed intent in on ruining his best laid plans to be somewhere else. A hand lifting in the air, and the sprite of a girl started to take some steps towards the man. This did absolutely nothing to dissuade her from the notion that people were put exactly where they were wanted and needed!
Ludwig Altman: "Good day, Fraulein. I hope you are well." Ludwig offers this by way of greeting as he draws nearer to the small cluster of persons, eyeing each one with a gaze as much curious as it is cautious. "Gentlemen, good day." He lifts his hat slightly from his head with that greeting, settling it back against his head and adjusting it to a properly broody angle. He takes a moment to close the neck of his topcoat a bit and adjust the tuck of his scarf, likewise. He leaves Jolene to handle the introductions.
Jacob Caulfield: "Hey." Jacob offered Ludwig a salute as he approached, a hint of a drawl wrapped around the words. "Jacob Caulfield, good to meet you."
Darren Lynch: Darren would take a step forward, offering the man his hand to shake. The tattoos on his hands and wrists which disappeared into his jacket depicted a mixture of gaelic imagery and uratha history. "Darren Lynch. I've 'eard a lot about you, sir." he said, his Irish accent likely as thick as Ludwig's own.
Jolene Logan: She cleared her throat as if recalling her manners. "Her Doktor Altman, I'm doing quite well thank you." She paused and hunted for the right way to phrase things "Jacob I've only just met, but I'm led to believe you may have somethings in common." She offers in turn "Darren I have a good bit of fondness for, and he shares some common ground with me." She offers pleasantly enough.
Ludwig Altman: "Mister Caulfield. Mister Lynch. A pleasure to meet you both." Ludwig accepts Darren's handshake with gusto. The Austrian Handshake and the American Asshole Handshake share a lot of qualities, just minus the intent to cause pain. It is otherwise firm and vigorous. There's a lot of eye contact, too. But it's over fairly quickly if that's not to one's taste. His eyes watch Jolene as she speaks, taking in the subtext, and then he nods once more to both men. "Very good. If there is anything I can do to assist you gentlemen, I trust you will not hesitate to contact me. May I offer you both my card?"
Jacob Caulfield: "Fine by me. Don't have a card myself but I can give you my number." Jacob nodded, pulling an older model cell phone from his pocket and tapping through to the contacts screen. "Heard from Jolene that you're looking into the mess in Bancroft?"
Darren Lynch: Darren didn't shy away from eye contact at all, in fact he was likely the last to drop it, only glancing at Jo when she was spoken to again. His own handshake wasn't overly gripping or weak, but straightforward with nothing to say by it. Darren nods, ready to take the card, if only to be polite. His intentions on contacting Ludwig just yet weren't existent. "As I was telling Jo, I only wished to introduce myself and pay my respect. I doubt I'll be in your business much."
Jolene Logan: She smiled that sly, sneaky smile of hers. "Mr. Lynch hasn't seen the library yet, he likes to read..." oh so coy, as if she was convinced the library was a clever trap that could capture just about anyone. Of course Darren didn't exactly look the part of the bookworm, but you could never tell!
Ludwig Altman: "The offer remains nonetheless, Mister Lynch," Ludwig replies as he reaches into his top coat to take out a silver fold-open card case. Monogrammed, even. The card he hands over is for one Herr Doktor Ludwig Johannes Altman, PhD / Professor Emeritus fur Archäologie / Universitat Wien. There's a cell and office number, along with an e-mail address. A similar card is likewise provided to Jacob with a small nod. His expression never really changes much throughout, at which point he pulls out his phone to take down Jacob's number.
"Yes, Mister Caulfield, that is correct. Along with Fraulein Logan, Mister Kills Crow, and Miss Perez." Confirmation given, he glances aside to Jolene and gives her a spare little nod of understanding. "Mister Lynch is free to live his own life, of course. But the library is intended as a resource for the People." He then addresses Darren directly, "It is impossible for you to be unwelcome where you are expressly invited, Mister Lynch. But I understand your reserve, and admire it for what it is."
Jacob Caulfield: Say 'library' and the Bone Shadow perks up, it seems, with Jacob looking rather interested all of a sudden. He took the offered card, looking it over before putting Ludwig's information into his phone and giving the other Ithaeur his own number in return. "Not opposed to coming by at some point."
Darren Lynch: Darren's jaw worked a touch after Ludwig's words, "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. My main concern is Jo's got friends in 'igh places, right?" he said simply, pocketing the card. "Anything I can do to be of service of course, please don't hesitate. I'll send along my information."
Jolene Logan: She did perk up a moment "That reminds me, I did finally finish my side of the bet." She'd spent hours in the library, apparently refusing to uses furniture appropriately as she sprawled this way and that on it, or sometimes even on the floor, transcribing a copy of her own families repository for the man. "I'll give it to you tonight or tomorrow, but if curiosity simply must be satisfied, it's stashed in the closet of the room I use there." She offers with a pleased smile.
Her eyes shift to Darren at his words and she softened just a touch. She almost made a quip about also having friends in low places, but that didn't need to be said.
Sierra Roen: Sierra's in the park. She's dressed in habitual dark colors and with her arms absentmindedly crossed across her chest as she walks down a small pathway, traveling as much in her thoughts as through the bright landscape, and her gait slows when she comes upon the nexus of four people speaking, base recognition registering on a gut-level of Jacob and Ludwig.
"Well, hi," she opens, dark green eyes observing them like museum specimens. She shoves a phone back into her pocket and considers the four of them like that for another moment until she resumes walking forward, and incidentally towards them, at a slower pace than before.
Ludwig Altman: "You may find me at the Altman Family Foundation in Radnor, Mister Caulfield. Fraulein Logan can show you the way, no doubt. I am afraid I am as yet unfamiliar with Philadelphia's best routes." Ludwig graces Jolene with one of his exceedingly rare slight smiles. Ludwig's phone is tucked back away. He then answers Darren's question with a slightly arched eyebrow, "Why is that a concern, Mister Lynch?" He seems like he might have more to add, but he cuts himself short as Sierra makes her approach.
Watching me... watching yooooooou! SWEET WEREWOLF TIME! Bah bah bahhh!
Jacob Caulfield: Darren's comment earned a curious quirk of the eyebrow, the Ithaeur watching the blooded for a moment before Sierra's approach caught his attention as well. He offered her a quick salute as she approached, keeping an eye on her as she moved to join them.
Darren Lynch: The tall Irish wolfblood splits his attention yet again for the approaching wolf, emerald green eyes studying her, seeing more than they let on. His focus cuts back to Ludwig at his question waiting for him to finish before he'd return words, but as it's cut short, he leans back at a touch and balances with the change of topic: Sierra.
Jolene Logan: "He shares some of the same beliefs you did that convinced me that staying in society was better for my wellbeing....." This was offered softer, as attention shifted towards Sierra and hers otherworldly eyes followed suit, making a curious sound. Falling silent, and like any good dancer she was prepared to take her lead from others, eyes fixed on the wolves and Darren, for how to handle the approaching figure.
Sierra Roen: "I would say don't let me interrupt," she remarks. "But I think we're past that already. This is all so sudden," she quips, an amused-by-herself grin tugging pleasantly at her features. As she draws closer to them, she unnoticeably pulls in a breath, and flickers her focused attention to Darren and Jolene both.
Interesting.
"I think this is the part where I tell you my name, and you tell me yours, but don't quote me on it, I'm out of practice. I'm Sierra," she offers, looking around at the four of them to see which one will engage in the social ritual first.
Ludwig Altman: Ludwig's cultural heritage and upbringing make him the one to leap on that particular hand grenade. "I am Doctor Ludwig Altman. This Mister Darren Lynch, Mister Jacob Caulfield, and Miss Jolene Logan." Ludwig steps forward a half measure to extend his hand towards Sierra, even tugging off his glove like a proper gentleman. Once the handshake is accepted or refused, he gestures along to each of the introductions so that they can literally try their hand with the newcomer. His role as social lubricant concluded, Ludwig's head makes a decidedly canine tilt to the side as he considers Sierra anew. Curious canine style. "May we have the pleasure of your name, Miss?" His accent is strong, and easily mistook as German or Swiss. it is, of course, Austrian.
Jacob Caulfield: Jacob nodded to Sierra as Ludwig handled the introductions, offering her a hand in kind. "Good to meet you."
Darren Lynch: Darren probably looked the most reserved out of all of them, offering his hand after Jacob, "Ma'am." Holding eye contact throughout the exchange. "Seems our day, innit Jo?" he said to the other blooded, though the mirth that should accompany such a comment was lacklucker and straight forward.
Ludwig Altman: It was at this moment that the lune which had been circling Ludwig's head a short time ago comes zipping back again. It floats around his head, whispering his deed name in an effort to get his attention. It causes him to frown a bit, since it's interrupting the niceties. "If you will all excuse me, please, I have a small matter to attend to." That is buzzing at his head and tugging at his ear, even. "Fraulein, will you please see to it the Miss is given my contact information?" Another apologetic smile, and Ludwig is slouching away to hear what the little messenger has to say for itself.
Wolf text messaging, man.
Jolene Logan: She let the men have their shake first, and then with them all satisfied, the little locus stepped forward, and took her turn shaking Sierra's hand. "Of course I will Herr Doktor." She offered as he begged off to talk to the Lune, Sierra would find Ludwig's card left in her palm in the wake of the handshake. "A pleasure to meet you." She offered, before flashing Darren a grin "The stars align." she offered in turn.
Sierra Roen: "Sierra Roen," she offers at the further prompting, upnodding her head at Ludwig as he slips away and then turning her viridian-hued attention back on Darren, Jacob, and Jolene, accepting the handshakes
- and card - where they were extended.
"I don't often expect to come upon four People in the park. I have to wonder what I'm interrupting," she drawls the last word out by a degree.
Jacob Caulfield: Jacob gave Ludwig a nod as he went off to answer the message before looking back to the others. "Happy coincidence, it seems. Was here getting a feel for the place when Jolene and Darren happened by."
Darren Lynch: As the doctor slipped away, Darren backed up a half step and pulled out his smokes, tapping one out. "Everyone is new to the area it seems. Exchanging names and numbers and play dates." he said, leaning to light.
Jolene Logan: Her hand returned she settled back a couple steps too. "A happy coincidence." Or a convergence was happening Philly! Look when you deal with weird spirit stuff all the time, sometimes you see things that may not be there too. Those jewel toned eyes gleamed playfully. "And Darren is right, mostly just everyone meeting each other, which means you weren't interrupting, but exactly in the right place at the right time..." Maybe, the stray thought sunk home, and she eased back a bit near Darren's side.
Sierra Roen: "I'm not new," Sierra corrects with an amiable wink. "I'm just back." She looks around at the three of them, and gestures a little in the direction she had been walking.
"Walk with me," she asks-without-asking, glancing over at Ludwig, wherever he may be doing his wolf text messaging, and offering a vague indication of that intention, such that he might catch up.
Jacob Caulfield: "Fair enough." Jacob got up from the bench at that, dusting himself off briefly before moving to follow after Sierra. "What brought you back, out of curiosity?"
Darren Lynch: "Where you 'eaded?" he asked before just taking her invitation.
Jolene Logan: She canted her head and almost stepped forward until she heard Darren's words, and shoved her hands in her pocket, lips pursed awkwardly, like a kid who's just realized they almost potentially fucked up!
Sierra Roen: "That way," Sierra answers Darren obliquely, pointing with an indolent flick of her hand. "To see something beautiful. It's better than standing in a field."
She glances back to Jacob and gives him a wry, mirthless smile. "What else? The Wounding. I lost some people," she replies, raising her shoulders. "We all lost some people. There's something to be said, I think, for remembering where you come from, and showing up when they need you."
Jacob Caulfield: "Here here. Came here for family myself, although it wasn't tied to that. They needed help, though, and I'm not one to leave people in the lurch."
Darren Lynch: Darren cared little for views when a field was doing its work of holding them up for a conversation. He took another drag and glanced down to Jolene who obviously wanted to continue, and Jacob already on his way. Nodding to Jo, he took a step forward, though he kept his usual 10 feet back.
Jolene Logan: She gave a little nod in turn and began to follow with him, making a throaty sound at the mention of the wound. "Nasty business, so many lost..." they were her people, but not HER people, she could only imagine how that body count affected those who had known them, loved them, lost them. But her eyes traveled, she liked nature, and beautiful things!
Sierra Roen: "Yes, so many lost," Sierra echoes, and bobs her chin in an agreeing nod as she walks along with them at a casual pace, and she is as good as her word, leading them down a southwestern-branching path that strolled along the Schuylkill River, and rivulets of Essence and wispy little spirits flit in their periphery, giving them ample space as they went, but still quite visible to those that could see.
It's not long before the soles of their shoes were clacking down the wooden boards of a small bridge to a pavilion that stares down into the forestscape. Red oak and black walnut and white pine trees sprawled out around them, the canopy thick and leafy. Sierra turns to face them and leans back against the wooden railing, regarding the three of them. "I've been gone so long, it's hard to remember what it was like before I left. Remind me. The Tribes, the Society, how are things?"
Jacob Caulfield: Jacob's pace slowed a touch as the Essence in the air caught his attention, his gaze focusing briefly on that side of the veil as they walked along this new path. Once they reached the pavilion he found a post to lean against, head tilting a bit at the question. "Still getting settled in with the other Shadows here so far, but from what I can tell things have been going alright, all considered."
Darren Lynch: Darren followed, the though spirits got a bit of side eye. She'd moved the conversation to her own stage, so be it. "Just where've you been then, Ma'am?" he'd ask. "I suppose the rest of its all about 'ow you left it. The People tend to carry on without us, yeah?" He stopped, standing straight, rather than choosing a thing to lean on.
Jolene Logan: She was momentarily distracted by the wispy spirits making little chirpy playful sounds at them, that might have been the equivalent as happy clicking at cats. Her fingers found trees and traced over the ridges of them, a tactile little creature. The sort that was bound to find a pebble or leaf that she had to take with her like a little blooded magpie.
"The people carry on..." She echoes like she was chewing the sentiment over, while she twirled a skeletal version of an autumn leaf in her fingers.
Sierra Roen: "Ma'am," Sierra drawls back at Darren, affecting that the formality wounded her, a playfully amused curve lifting the corner of her mouth. "Most recently, I was in D.C.," she supplies. "Not long. Any amount of time is long enough," she adds, the curve inflecting into a broader smile.
Jacob Caulfield: Jacob's eyebrow arched up a touch at Darren's statement, watching him for a moment. "Every member of the People are welcome, and far as I'm concerned the Blooded count in that too. Not sure if that's the overall sentiment here, though."
Darren Lynch: "Sierra," he corrects at her request then. He looks to Jacob after, "Course they are." Though he still stood apart a touch.
Jolene Logan: She looked over to Jacob and gave a wolfish grin "I am sure we count, and I'm just as sure that we are valued." Though perhaps that wasn't the right word for someone who wanted to be respected as a person and not a resource. She made a thoughtful little sound followed by a grumble. Stupid English.
Sierra Roen: Sierra draws in a deep breath through her nose, traps that air in her lungs, holds it, lets the oxygen get restless, and then expels it in a slow exhale as she turns her head to look out at the canopy of trees. "Every Uratha was a Wolf-Blooded first. Every single one. Separation is a reflection on the separator, not the separated." She glances over at Darren. "But you seem to like standing apart."
Jacob Caulfield: Jacob remained quiet for the moment, looking between Darren and Sierra as the conversation unfolded.
Darren Lynch: There's a gentle squint, "What's this got to do with blooded suddenly? We were talking the wound and DC. How things 'ave been since you left. But you say you weren't gone long, so why the debriefing?" he seemed confused by Sierra. "Doe'n't really add up. It's also not my business. I was just being respectful and introducing myself."
Sierra Roen: She raises her shoulders. "Just following conversation. And I said I wasn't in D.C. long," Sierra tsks at Darren. "My full itinerary would bore you," she assures.
Jolene Logan: And she suddenly seemed very interested in the dead leaf spinning in her hands. Though her curious eyes kept flicking up from under dark lashes to take in the unfolding situation. Rocking on her feet like standing still was near impossible! "Oh.....yes...gone long, but traveling..." She chirps.
Jacob Caulfield: "'The People carry on without us' sounded to me like you think yourself not included, is all." Jacob looked to Darren, an eyebrow quirked upward. "If I'm wrong, please correct me."
Darren Lynch: Darren gave a flat look to Sierra, "I'm not interested in arguing over semantics." he said, his gaze shifting to Jacob, "No sir. I meant all of us. The People. When one drops away the others continue. Is 'ow it's meant to be, no? The Pack carries on. So I suspect, largely, no matter the length of time Sierra was away, The Tribes and the Society itself a pretty much the same." he said, exhaling the smoke through his nose. "I apologize I can't answer the more pertinant question of what's been happening in Philadelphia, I 'aven't been here long and only just now retintroducing myself." He looked between them all to make sure everyone was on the same page now, his voice never raising or dipping either way. Just a calm even tone of reply.
Sierra Roen: "Nor am I. Just responding to your self-admitted confusion about my comings and goings," Sierra allows at Darren. "And I do appreciate your interest. We're moving so quickly. I'm practically bashful," she hums, eyes still taking in the glittering canopy, dotted by its Essence motes and growing even more restless as the evening winds started to mutter through the verdant foliage.
"And for someone with no interest in semantics, that sounds like a very forceful, stubborn way of saying 'you don't know'." She exhales another deep lungful of breath, pushing that wall of air out. She clicks her tongue behind her teeth again. "I need to talk to someone who does." She gives them an apologetic smile. "Not your fault."
Jolene Logan: "The wound...A convergence of people have come here, I don't know if it's true coincidence, knowledge of a city in need, instinct, or something more...." She followed her eyes up to the dancing bits of essence. "I know that some want action now, and grow impatient. Others say intel is still being gathered and we should wait. For many life carries on, and others are figuring out what their lives look like now. " She thought for a long moment.
"There seems to be a generous amount of talons and shadows among those I've met recently...and that feels fitting." The little sprite of a blooded offers.
Jacob Caulfield: "Best place I can think of would probably by the Amadeus Lounge." Jacob looked to Sierra. "Not sure if that was set up before you left but that's seems to be a regular hangout spot for our folks."
Darren Lynch: Darren settled on Sierra again, "Oh I'm very clear on things I suspect. Silver tongued you are ma'am. I bid you good luck with your return. 'ave a good evening then." Shrugging his shoulders gently he turned and started back up the path.
Sierra Roen: Sierra smiles and inclines her head at Darren as he makes his departure, and turns to the other two, starts fishing around in her pocket for her phone and finds it, pulls it up, and starts swiping and tapping across the glowing LED screen, a little brighter for the growing dimness of the area.
"If you are new, here's someone to know," she primes the remaining pair, "Take this number down. Lily." She pauses only a moment for them to get their own devices or prepare their memories for the Philadelphia area-coded number. "I've got lunch with her tomorrow... she keeps a busy little social calendar, but if you need to know something about the city or the People, she's always got the goss'," she chimes, reading off the number.
"Lily Takahashi. Blooded. Very into favors," she summarizes. "Tell her Sierra says 'hello'. I can't promise that will buy you any kind of good-will at all, but at least she'll talk to you."
Jolene Logan: She looked to Darren and gave him a little smile "If it's okay, I'll meet you in the parking lot in a minute?" before turning her attention towards Sierra, and pulling out her own phone to take the number and even putting a little not on it. Before she looked up at Sierra again "Darren's a straight forward man, I do all the charming parts." Which wasn't reeeeeally true yet, but felt true enough, and like how things were probably going to go. Still she captured all the information, and looked perfectly pleased, before pausing.
"I should get your number too." She decided holding her phone to Sierra to an open contact screen.
Jacob Caulfield: "See you around." Jacob nodded to Darren as he headed out, taking out his phone when Sierra readied to give out the number and saving it as she spoke. "Noted, and thanks. Can give you my number as well if you like, although if I'm on-shift I may not be able to answer."
Sierra Roen: "That's usually the next step, right?" Sierra chirps, reading her own off to either of them, and it is, in fact, a DC area code number. "Just text me your name so I know it's you. And don't text Lily. Call her. She hates texting, and she's awful at it," the Irraka discloses, winking at either of them to entomb this little secret between they three.
Jolene Logan: She grinned at the heads up, wiggling a little bit side to side as she programmed Sierra into her phone and texted her with a 'Jolene' before pocketing her phone. "I'm going to go see if I can swing a ride and dinner with Dinner, but it was good to meet you Sierra." The blooded offered easily. (need to make me some food!)
Jacob Caulfield: All of the offered numbers were saved and Jacob's given, his own sporting a Houston area code for those who knew such things. He pocketed the phone once again, giving Jolene a quick salute. "Have a good one. Was nice meeting you."
Sierra Roen: All of that technologically wizardry managed, Sierra stuffs the phone back into her back pocket and gives Jolene an inclination of her head in a goodbye. She presses both palms on the stretch of wooden beam, pushes up so she sits there, balanced on the ledge with her feet dangling down, facing Jacob.
"So," she says. "One to one," she gestures in between the two of them in a manner that most likely means Bone Shadow to Bone Shadow, maybe, by the context. "How bad is it?"
Jolene Logan: She makes her goodbyes, all the pleasantries and off she goes, leaving the to talk!
Jacob Caulfield: "To be determined." Jacob replied, shaking his head as he adjusted his position against the post he was leaning on. "From what I know there's been work tracking what sorts of spirits Bancroft is cranking out at this point, although I haven't been too involved in that part as of yet. There's a lot of waiting and wondering what might be coming next, since the Pure backed off almost right after they hit and haven't swept in to do more damage yet despite it being months at this point."
Sierra Roen: "Kind of makes you wonder what they're waiting for..." Sierra trails off, stating the obvious. She digs her teeth into her lower lip, catching it underneath that row of hard enamel and then expels another deep breath. She spends a moment in her thoughts before she looks over at Jacob again. "More importantly," she drawls. "You said something about a lounge? Do they have drinks? This scenery is great, but I need a drink," she decides, hopping down off the ledge and back down to her feet.
Jacob Caulfield: "Exactly." Jacob nodded, pushing off of the pillar as the talk of changing locations came up. "They do, yeah."
Sierra Roen: "Well, I'm gonna go do that, do you want to come?" she says, pointing down the walkway they had come up. "You can be good cop while I shake people down for more information, it'll be great," she cajoles amiably.
Jacob Caulfield: "Usually not the 'good cop' of that sort of set up, but sure." He replied with a chuckle, moving to head up the path. "Nothing on my mind but my hat, as the line goes."
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