[Lukas] Well, Lukas isn't quite a storm, though there are those who would class him and all his ilk in something of the same category. It's labor day weekend and warm enough, albeit grey. Beachgoers are all about with their flipflops and their picnic gear, their barbecue grills, their slabs of marinated meat and corn on the cob. Lukas stands out, not so much because he's wearing jeans rolled up halfway up his shins; not because his shoes and socks are in his hand; not because he's not carrying umbrellas and towels and coolers, but because of who
(what)
he is. A ripple of silence follows him. Heads that turn nervously, conversations that hitch. He's headed straight for Gina, and rather purposefully, though apart from one ride in his car a few months back the Shadow Lord and the Strider kin have essentially never interacted.
[Gina McClaren] *Gina feels him approach before she turns to acknowledge him. The wash of rage, that telltale prickle of anger that raises hairs on the back of her neck and makes her heat skip a beat in warning. A beast comes this way. The line of her back stiffens and she turns her face toward him, long hair slipping off her shoulder into the water. Recognition sparks in dark eyes and she offers him a soft smile.*
Och. Allo peaches.
*And there it is, that singsongy voice, distractingly pleasant on the ears. She tilts her head in query frm her crouch in the sand, skirts soggy from lakewater.*
[Lukas] "Hi, Gina."
The Shadow Lord catches up to Gina as she turns to face him. He gestures for her to continue the way she was going, falling in beside her. The wind coming off the lake is stiff and rather cool, moist. It feels like autumn. There's a brief silence -- it's companionable enough for Lukas, though Gina might feel differently.
He turns to the kinswoman. "I guess Marcus must've already told you about my brother?"
[Gina McClaren] hmm. Tha he did darlin.
*She rises to her feet with a jingle of charms. Dark hair dibbling cool water down her back and skirt. Gina sighs and drags a hand through the sodden ends, shaking them out.*
Reckon tha was a few weeks back. How're ye holdin up?
[Lukas] The smile Lukas gives Gina is furrow-browed, a little wry, a little sad. "There isn't much 'holding up' for me, I think. It's never really a surprise when you lose a packmate. It's easier if you remember to be grateful for the time they ran with you, and even more grateful if they managed to make something worthwhile of their death."
A pause.
"Thanks for asking, though." He turns eastward, facing the body of water that in so many ways reminds him of the atlantic ocean -- and in so many others, doesn't even come close. "I actually came to talk about you. Sampson was the only trueborn Strider in town that I knew of. Is that true?"
[Gina McClaren] Aye darlin. Reckon until another wanders through. *Gina wrings thick hair out into the lapping water, eyeing Lukas suspiciously.* Reckon ah've aulready spoken tae yer Marcus on tha account, tae. 'ave ye nae spoken tae hem?
[eyeballing YOU shadowlord. What're you feeling, What do you want?]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 4, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 5 at target 6)
[Lukas] (subt!)
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 2, 2, 5, 8, 8 (Success x 2 at target 6)
[Lukas] Perhaps Lukas should be concerned that so many kinswomen seem capable of seeing so easily and so deeply into him. Gina looks; Gina sees.
She sees that whatever fatalism and stoicism Lukas might affect -- and indeed, might strive toward -- the pain of losing yet another packmate is raw and real. She sees that Lukas tries hard to choke this down because it makes him weak; she sees that he tries hard to be strong, and honorable, and do right by Sampson and what was Sampson's.
She sees that there's little in the way of malice in this Shadow Lord; much in the way of complexity. She sees that he has no idea whatsoever what this Marcus business is. She sees that he's quite capable of deception.
And -- when he looks at her a moment, controls his surprise, subdues it, and then says, "I haven't spoken to Marcus about you." -- she sees that he isn't a liar.
"Why?"
[Gina McClaren] Hmm. Reckon he wanted yer circle tae keep me as kin, wha wi'Sampson gone. Ah tauld the lad nae thank ye.
*She says it like Sampson's just out of town, on an extended vacation. Not ashen and buried in the Caern with a just pinwheel and charms to guard his grave. Sympathy was likely not what this garou wanted, and so she gives him very little, offering simple comfort instead.*
Come set en the sands wi'me? We might be treated tae a storm, aye?
[Lukas] "It might not be up to you," Lukas reminds her -- gently, for what it's worth, "whether or not my pack lays claim."
Then his eyes, which are a pale and shocking blue, skirt to the sand. The Lord's coloring is dark: black hair, swarthy skin. His cheekbones are wide and angular, his brow broad, jaw sharp. Everything about him speaks of eastern europe, of thunderstorms, of the sort of brooding and troubled power that develops by necessity in a land so long oppressed and wracked by war, famine, cold, lawlessness. He has no accent beyond bland american, but Lukas's blood is as foreign to these shores as Gina's is.
After a moment's thought, he drops his shoes on the sand. Then he sits, reaching down to dust some sand out of his rolled-up jeans cuffs.
"But tell me why you'd refuse."
[Nessa] Lake Michican is all Chicago can offer for idyllic beachfront summer pleasures. Nessa skirts an old tire, washed up at some month in the past, encrusted with zebra mussel remains. Its smells.
She skirts it more thoroughly, her pace picking up.
Maybe the pretty metallic leather sandals weren't the best choice out here after all. Crud lurks to infect her with something nasty.
Still, the view is nice, although the divebombing seagulls can be a problem.
At least it might storm. Nessa smiles widely, smiles from deep inside her, from her very center of being. Her center is a very happy place today.
A couple chats in the distance, turns out to be familiar to her and both welcome and un. Still, she continues on her path, and when she is closer, smiles at her tribesmate with all the appearance of Friendly, and barely, so nearly not, nods to Gina in acknowledgement of her unfortunate existence.
[Gina McClaren] Och ah kain darlin, but reckon et certainly merits me opinion, aye?
*And as she settle in the sand, Nessa approaches. Gina glances up to her, and falls silent, whatever explaination she was going to offer to Lukas dying on her lips. Offering the kinswoman a forced smile.*
Och, Allo loves.
[Lukas] (o hai, u guyz no laik each othr?)
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 4, 5, 9 (Failure at target 6)
[Lukas] (OH COME ON. SHADOW LORDS DO NOT FAIL.)
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 2, 4, 5, 10 (Success x 1 at target 7)
[Nessa] (R gud friens, lotsa luv!)
[Lukas] Gina's attention strays over Lukas's shoulder. The Shadow Lord turns a moment later, squinting against the still-bright sky.
"Hey, Nessa." A beat. "I guess you've met Gina McLaren, who was once kin to my brother Sampson."
[Nessa] "We have met." Three words, which are addressed to Lukas, and not at all to Gina, who, though present, is wholly ignored.
It's STILL like that.
"My condolances for your loss, Lukas." This she knows, grieving. All of them do, in these times.
[Gina McClaren] *Gina sighs and offers Lukas a tired smile.* Reckon ah'll leave ye tae yer business darlin. Take care o yerself. Mind yer house.
*And with that she pushes back to her feet, skirts brushed of sand with a jingle*
[Lukas] "Thanks, Nessa. Gina -- hold on a minute." He turns back to the Russian kin. "Nessa, could you give me a private word with Gina?"
[Nessa] She nods easily enough, and steps away a number of feet until a normal person would be assured of privacy. Nessa too, for that matter.
In lieu of conversation, she waits with all complacent
[Gina McClaren] Saerry loves. Ah'll nae deal wi' the likes o tha.
*Gina shakes her head, but remains put, dropping to a crouch beside the ahroun with a clink of bangles.*
Ye wan tae kain why ah'd rather nae be wi' yer circle, aye?
[Lukas] The likes of that. Curiosity, plausible deniability and a certain tribal obligation toward affiliation war in Lukas for a moment. In the end he doesn't, instead nodding a quiet yes.
[Nessa] Probably she can get away with a snack here. Probably th ebirds won't actually attack for her food.
Nessa fishes about in her purse for a granola bar and in a matter of seconds is nibbling contentedly-- and contemplating the need to draw a blade to down some of the bolder squawking gulls.
[Gina McClaren] Reckon yer folks 'ave a history, a long one. Details o which ah'm nae privvy tae. Ah Dinnae kain aul yer pack members, aul yer kin, oor aul yer enemies. An ah've been here three months darlin. The better part o' whech ah was under Sampson's an' unbroken circle's protection.
*Gina shakes her head, voice smooth and soft and reasonable. Dark eyes daring to find Lukas's a moment as she sings her reasons.*
Ah dinnae wan tae need tae keep a roladex on who ah can, an' cannae asociate wi'. Because jes bein' associated wi' yer pack has aulready found me en a world o trouble wi me warder. Ye folk clearly 'ave enough on yer damned plate. Reckon ah'd rather start fresh, or bugger aft entirely.
[Lukas] Lukas's eyebrows flick up. "I wasn't aware we had so very many enemies," he says. "It's always been my opinion that a burned bridge benefits no one.
"But my concern is that the kin of my brother remain safe and cared for, as he would have wanted. If you will not accept my protection, then whose hands do you mean to place yourself in?"
[Nessa] (Dont wait for me, she isnt doing much different till Lukas indicates she should)
[Nessa] Yep. She pulls a blade out, eats with her left hand, , holds the blade close to her leg and hard to see from a distance, watches the creatures swoop and keeps an eye out on her targets.
Mostly, she just eats.
[Gina McClaren] *The pikey shakes her head ruefully.*
Och darlin, ah'd start sniffin round then, because seems ah've discovered a few o' em on me own, an' ah'm nae even tryin.
*She upturns her palms, gesturing helplessly.*
Ah understan ye wan' tae dae recht by Sampson. But effen ye dinnae kain who yer at odds wi', then how'm ah supposed tae? Ah'll nae put meself en tha position again. Ets nae safe fer naewan. But ah dae kain ets nae safe tae go et alone, an Ah'm workin on findin meself a warder. Ye've aul Sampson's wives tae deal wi' ah reckonm, Sae dinnae fret over me much, aye? Ah'll be taken care o soon enough, or ah'll leave, an' nae be a problem fer ye.
[Its ok, I'll be safe, and, I'm oh so reasonable. FEEL ABSOLVED OF DUTY! (Diff = wp6 -2(enchvc) = diff 4]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 7 at target 4) [WP] Re-rolls: 3
[Lukas] (fuck's sake.
empathy: R U TRYIN TO
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 5, 6, 7, 9 (Success x 3 at target 6)
[Lukas] Mind: Lukas isn't a rumormonger. He doesn't particularly live off gossip. Nor does he skulk around in halls listening through doors, or dish about the latest in the goddamn ladies' room. But Gina has a reputation, and it's gotten so grand lately that even Lukas has hear of her.
Not that he gave much of a crap. Or even bothered to stop and think: why? how?
But now he knows. Because Gina is a damn persuasive woman. Lukas finds himself nodding along to not safe for no one; he catches himself about to dust his knees off and get up, satisfied that everything was settled.
Except. No. Hang on a second. He was here for a reason. A beat goes by; he looks out across the water, then back. This time -- for the first time -- the smile is genuinely amused, goodhumored. "Gina," he says, "I'm glad you're using your wiles to convince me to leave you alone rather than -- " wait; it's impolite to mention a lady's bedroom activities. Lukas catches himself, " -- well. Let's just say you could sell snow to eskimos.
"But there's really no reason for you to lay it on me. I'm not particularly ... obsessed with the idea of taking over my brother's responsibilities. If you can find yourself another warder, by all means, do so. You're right; that would be best for all. But until you do, can we compromise? You'll come to me if you need help, and I'll help you if I can. You're not obligated report anything to me. I'll come to you if I need your assistance, but you're not obligated to help me.
"Is that fair?"
[Nessa] Her snack finished, Nessa wanders a little further afield; Lukas will not find it hard at all to catch up to her when he is ready, should he wish conversation; and if not, then they will likely meet elsewhere soon enough...
[Gina McClaren] *The pikey crouches at his side smiles, crinkling her nose in an expression of pure flirtatious fun.*
Aye, more than fair.
*Gina stands up, hair swishing heavily at the small of her back, still damp as she beams warmly at the ahroun.*
Thank ye Lukas Darlin. An' as fer me wiles, well... reckon Shadowlord men are well an' good.. *A dark glance towards Nessa movie off in the distance*
But yer women are right fookin murderous. Aye?
[Lukas] Lukas breathes a laugh. "Is that what it's about?" He doesn't confirm or deny, nor wait to hear the answer. Instead, he dusts his pants off, gets up, then stoops to pick his shoes up.
"Take care, Gina," he says, ties his shoes together by the laces, and hangs them from the crook of his fingers. He does go after Nessa -- but at his own pace, catching up by dint of having a longer stride.
[Gina McClaren] Och, fooked effen ah kain!? Ye be careful darlin. Mind yer temper. *Gina laughs in bewildered exasperation, shaking her head. She gives Lukas a dark eyed wink and a wave, before darting off up the beach to gather her shoes and head on out. She'd chase the storm and see where she ended up.*
[Nessa] Her skin prickles as he nears her, sends her into goosebumps rather like the growing stormclouds do, as the pressure rises. She'd sort of kept an eye out for him, turns now to smile, shadows giving mystery to her otherwise plain face.
Apparently Gina got his shoes off him, her glance at his shoes could state. "How long do you think, before storm opens up here?" Nessa shivers, and not with dread.
She is so alive, inside and out, and completely full of energy.
[Lukas] Lukas turns a thoughtful eye to the sky. The sun is setting, or has set; the shadows are long and livid and dark.
"Storms set their own rules," he replies. His tone is hard to read: there's something of wry humor in it, as though they were sharing an in joke; there's also something about it that's dead serious. "It's not for us to guess the when or the where."
He turns to Nessa then, this rather notorious kinswoman of his tribe. "How've you been, Agnessa?"
[Nessa] "Excellent. Milo is back. It was good reunion." She smiles at him, her happiness lingering, the afterimage of lightning. "Have you seen him yet?"
[Lukas] "Has he? I was wondering why you seemed so happy." Then Lukas shakes his head. "No, I haven't, but I'd like to. Ask him to come find me at his convenience, would you? You both know where I live."
[Nessa] Not a crumb remains for the gulls to find.
With Lukas's approach, the gulls have been driven away, seeking easier prey than the last bit of honey-scented granola that she pops into her mouth and crunches up before replying to him.
"Da, I will tell him. He means to come though already to you. It won't be long, I am sure.
Does his presence here mean now that he is my guardian again or is challenge needed first?"
Nessa smiels the smile of the Mostly Innocent, for the chances of Lukas WANTING to remain her guardian can't be terribly high.
[Lukas] "He isn't your guardian. He's your blood. His claim is higher by default. I'd have to challenge him if I wanted to claim you. But," a faint half-smile, "I'm not really itching to keep you and your brother apart.
"I've been wondering, though. What's Edwin's interest in you?"
[Nessa] "Good. Sometimes I think that when I first came to Chicago, was sent here to meet with him, I only then truly came alive. As if everything up to then was just... so much prequel. I am very lucky to have him for brother, his wisdom and trust in my life."
Oh yeah she's sappy today. Hormones rage through her like marshmallows across sparkly rainbows.
"Edwin is.. hm. Apart from my own brother, I have known no other of our tribe longer. He was in pack which held my guardianship while Milo was gone all those years. He saw so much that happened- well.
We are seeing each other now."
Her eyes shoot fluffy feathered daggers of joy at Lukas. "In fact, I am pregnant! Milo is thrilled for me. "
[Lukas] Truth is, Lukas expected something along the lines of we're seeing each other.
Truth is, Lukas is not expecting I'm pregnant!
The Ahroun stares openly for a second. Then he recovers. "Congratulations." He looks down to negotiate a rocky patch, then returns his attention to the kinswoman. "Will Edwin be challenging for you soon?"
[Nessa] "I have no idea, " she beams at him. Her hands smooth her teeshirt over her still-flat belly, and if he had any doubts about what she wanted to do about the pregancy he can have none if he but sees her pale, ecstatic face.
Keeping it!
Baby Mama Strikes Again!
"Thank you! Once curses stopped, and I stopped buying pregnancy tests, then I felt very happy about this. I will of course be changing my routines somewhat, will not go willingly into danger, but if you have need of ... what I can do, it will not hurt us to do that sort of thing, in fairly controlled locations. Hmm I smell.. something.. what cologne are you wearing, Lukas?"
Life is good. and somethign smells sort of ... foresty.
[Lukas] "He should," Lukas persists on the original topic, despite a small detour: " -- and, it's aftershave. Kenneth Cole, Reaction.
"But as I was saying, Edwin should challenge for you. Now that Milo's back, I suppose it's up to him in the long run. But we're half wolf, not stray cats. Mateship is in our blood."
[Nessa] Details, details. She Loves The World, and her stomach growls a little. "Mmmm. Well, we will see what comes. We are seeing only each other now. After last time though, Lukas, this is so much better. I think..."
She thinks at some point she better shut up.
"Is better than Nautical one. I don't like that stuff."
[Lukas] That manages to surprise a laugh out of Lukas. It passes; he turns to face Nessa, slowing to a stop.
"I'm glad to hear this time it's going well for you. I do wish you the best, Nessa." A pause, wry. "Even if you're trouble and a half."
[Nessa] She turns to face him as well, and her gaze is serious, focusing abruptly on him. "Am I? Am I trouble? Have I given you fits, myself, Lukas? Or are we so near end days now that ... conflict is becoming way of life? Everything is changing now, so fast, all over. Rules, how people interpret them, who interprets, which world they matter in. Who must follow them and who must not. I think is going to get worse, before things get better. "
The darkness is overtaking them. And she is bringing life into this darkness. Wise, or stupid as hell? "I appreciate your good will, always."
[Lukas] Her direct stare, as can be expected, neither cows nor shames Lukas. The Ahroun returns her look levelly, directly, and unflinchingly.
Is she? she wants to know. Is she trouble? And he interjects: "Absolutely."
It doesn't seem to sour his disposition, though. He listens to the rest; considers it; lets it sift through his mind.
Then, "And I appreciate your candor." A pause; he's turning to go, seems to think better of it. "As for being trouble, Agnessa: don't take it too personally. Some people simply are, whether they want to be or not, whether they're conscious of it or not. You're one of them." He shrugs. "It doesn't necessarily define the whole of you, no more than Ahroun defines the whole of me."
And then he does make to go, looking down to tap his shoes one against the other to free them of sand.
"You know where to find me. Give your brother my regards, and tell him that he can always trust me with your wellbeing if the tribe calls on him again."
[Nessa] What the hell is she supposed to say to that??!??
Nessa-- laughs. "Well then. I don't think I have anything to add to that. Thank you for your protection and that of your pack. I will tell him what you have said. Good night, Lukas. Enjoy that storm!"
He's gonna laugh at that trouble thing. And agree. She doesnt' add that. She doesnt' technically have to, does she?
Trouble grins at him and then heads out to find something sour to drink.
[Nessa] (thanks for scene!)
to Lukas
