Something about these say handle with care. Everything seems like it should be OK...but I pull my revolvers, "MAC scout boy,"... Mac takes off sniffing around the perimeter...
The smithing hut has smoke from the forge. I see the shine off the anvil, hammer next to it, water bucket...but Jarrod is not there smithing. He always keeps embers hot for myself or any smithing work he may need to do. The smithing hut lay between the house and barn but a bit North off set between the two creating an odd triangle but a defensible position from the gate and trail leading in.
My friends trust my instinct but have looks of alarm and concern. I am hoping it's not that I have lost my mind. I'm glad that Sable is in traveling gear . Maria I know is fully charged from a magical night in an ancient stone circle under a bright beautiful moon.
"Can both of you watch the door as I go in .. keep your eyes on the barn , the field and woods .. I have a farm hand Jarrod...I am hoping we find him drunk and passed out...but something is off. It feels...well it's just like someone slept in my bed...sat in my chair...But it takes some skill to get through the cloak."
I think about what it would take to find this place, "Do you see that shimmer at the edge of the field...over there past the barn...The shimmer is the edge of the cloak. "
I walk in...flush room by room checking corners up the stairs, three bedrooms, wash room, stairs to the lofted master (former attic)...nothing so I descend...Nothing is wrong per say... but its like someone ran their fingers across my counter...
I exit...shaking my head a bit, "It's all right in there.. just off."
Sables glow is changing into that of protector...We walk to the barn...check the stalls .. the loft, Jarrod's quarters. All is "OK " The cattle are in the field grazing. Goats, Sheep same...and in play. Ducks and geese on the pond...All appears as it should...Maybe I have just been away to long. Jarrod must be at Sally's...
"OK all sorry for the weird start...Welcome to the Ranch."...Mac is sniffing his baby goats... so I know there is no danger at least...now as he has forgotten his mission and is intrigued by the kids. Always kids, whether humans or goats...he is a sucker.
"Lets go get some libation shall we and we can settle in go for a proper walk around the property and then later go to Sally's waystation for provisions and news."
Mistress Sable Boone Griffin: Sable feels Laine's discomfort. She begins to feel the fire awaken and she holds her hands out from her side and rotates them slowly at the wrist. She is drawing in the energy feeling out her surroundings. She feels a ripple.
That’s when she smells it. A light taint in the air. The smell of blood like a new penny. Sable takes a deep breath. The animal scents permeate the area and the blood scent dies down a bit. “Laine, have your animal track over by those bushes. See if it smells anything." Sable orders, "Fia, fly find." Fia rises up on the current. Sable is on alert. Maria is walking silently. She is like a ghost. Her movements are graceful and watchful. Sable isn't ready to let it go. Laine is right something feels off. Maria begins to hum to weave a spell. Sable feels her senses heighten even more. Sables eyes turn to white fire.
"There is someone about hidden from sight I have no doubt, intentions are evil and impure. Fia, show me what you see from the air. Find the intruder who dares to come within what is a safe haven of my friend."
Laine McMillan: I watch Fia circling above a bush...I think, "What's strange as far as Fia is concerned?" And, Sables hands are lighting up like a she is holding two suns, Maria's lines that she weaves becomes crackly..." Mac is just sitting by the bush sniffing, a bit of a wine, and not really a groan but a punk, pull and half bark. Which I know as finding a passed-out-Jarrod...
"Jarrod!" I put my guns away and run to the bush..
There lies a naked Jarrod. I am seeing way more of him that I have ever cared to and he seems hairier then I remember when seeing him wading in the creek, noodling for Catfish with pants rolled up and shirt off. Maybe that was me just trying to block that out. There is a stickiness to him, and...It hits me. He is bathed in blood and gore...
"OMG, man! What happened to you? Did you wander drunken?" I hear moans. Fia is flying down to either peck him or get a better look. I say to her, "It's my hand for the farm, Jarrod. " "Sable release the power and come help me move him. Maria can you heal some of this ." I don't even know what this is...or where there is injury, as nothing is distinct...but to be this covered...He is surely injured somewhere...As I bend down to start to shoulder him, his eyes open and for a second I thought I saw the green/yellow of an animal but then he opens them and his normal green irises are there.
My friends pause.. and for good reason...This could be an imposter...They do not know this man.. Yet, Mac confirmed it is my trustworthy well friend. While I don't share much with Jarrod, he has carefully watched and tended this farm as if it is his own without asking to many questions, understanding time moves differently here. I am different, yet he tends to everything with careful deliberation. His vice (which is a vice of many with a past and a loner) is the drink. "I give you my oath my sisters, tis Jarrod, I don't know what has become of him or the trouble he fell into .. quite literally, but this is he."
Sable nods...still in defense, but her compassion and her trust lead her to give a shoulder. I also thinks it helps that her winged thief and protector was above and watching with scrutiny...Which meant Sable was watching with another set of eyes to ensure nothing nefarious was happening.
I could feel Maria's weaving around us...partial mending and mostly protective and investigating. I am sure she has her thoughts on this.
Maria opens the door and we half drag, half carry Jarrod in to the bench in the hallway...putting the not so great pillows around him...I go to fetch a bucket of water and rags...Knowing if he makes much of move, well if ill-willed,...he is in good company. If something has ahold of him...and his move is impure, then what ever it is has met its match with the two women who are vigilantly watching him.
I come in and start to wipe the gore off his face with lye soap and water. Half dried blood is such a distinct sticky substance and does not leave ones flesh so easily as it applied. I dab carefully looking for the wound , wounds that caused this. I find None...and the mysterious course of events deepen in mystery and less in clues. Jarrod passes out on the bench, and I say to my sisters , of this made up tribe, "Come let us look around the bushed for hints or tracks of who or what got through the cloak."
Fia has already been scouting around, and I appreciate even more her ability to soar and the insight that she shares with Sable. Sable walks us to where there are prints...I bend down like the tracker , bounty , rogue I am..."human, human.. dog/human...it's muddles...Did they fight...twisting and turning? Then here is the dog coming up to this spot, but not leaving, yet no corpse of the dog and no trail through..."
Sable remarks, "For a dog, the branches are broken high...and there are blood marks six feet up...as noted by Fia." Fia is perching and letting out a call. I figure she does that to fill in Sable. Something tells me she could actually say, "Hey Human.. up here!"
As Maria glides around the trees as if she is talking to them.. weaving , dancing, casting, it is as if the plants and earth hear her call and tell a tale. Maria does not look as if we care for someone who has been tortured.
I have trepidation for the story to fill itself in with what my counterparts have perceived...I am truly hoping it is not along the lines I am thinking.. but denying in my soul, as I rotate the cylinder on my revolver getting sure the silver rounds are loaded.
Maria suddenly approaches me with her hands held up protesting, "Put that away now! The man is still salvageable. He is merely afflicted; not inherently evil. Trust me, MacMillan!"
Mistress Sable Boone Griffin: The ladies are talking softly about what to do when Jarrod starts to stir, they all look at him as he opens his eyes again. He is a little taken aback by the unfamiliar eyes then he lands on Laine's. He notices that she is bunched up and packing. Like she is ready to put a bullet in his hide if he makes a wrong move.
He then realizes he is a mess and completely naked in front of a bunch of ladies. Laine is one thing he knows her well enough, but he knows a lady when he sees one, and that one with the hazel eyes, well she is top shelf for sure. The other one smells like the forest on a moonlit night. He takes in a whiff. They all smell good. "Wait!" he thinks. "I can smell in a weird way." He clears his throat. "Hey Laine, what ya doin there with that piece all cocked?" he croaks out. Laine looks at him and a cocky smile hints at the corner of her mouth. "Kinda strange finding ya in ya birthday suit out there and covered in blood like that, thinking I might need it is all," Laine says. Jarrod looks around feeling exposed. But a bit of lust hits him, looking at the beautiful ladies before him he swallows and pulls a blanket over himself to hide the evidence of his feelings. They seem out of place for him. A rumble comes from him," Who are they Laine?" Laine looks at the ladies and introduces them. She explains they are guests, but Jarrod can see they are a bit more to Laine. Jarrod tries to compose himself he feels sore all over and bone tired, but, strangely, he also feels like he wants to crawl out of his own skin. He scratches his head then looks at the arm (that was mangled up for a couple of weeks) like he had grown a new appendage. There wasn't nary a scratch on em.
Laine clears her throat, "What happened?' Jarrod sits up a bit more, "Not sure, there was a wolf after the livestock. I had my rifle and went out to walk the fence. There it was...as big as me if not a foot taller. I drew my rifle and aimed, but it stood up, Laine, like a man. It stood up all wolf and man it was. It leapt at me fore I could shoot. Tore my arm up. That was last full moon." Jarrod stopped and swallowed again. Maria walked over and and pulled some water into a glass from the water bucket and brought it back. She handed it to him and he drank it in two gulps wiped his mouth with back of his hand.
He swallowed again and cleared his throat, "I got a restlessness afore the full moon, like I was mad at the world and I started with this great itch. The livestock started looking like food ta me...It freaked me out. Then on the first full moon, the pain hit! It was like running into a hornets nest and my insides felt all hot like they was gonna burn me up...I can't tell you the agony! I thought I was dying Laine..." A haunted expression crosses Jarrods face, " I can't remember much more than that just hunger and the need to kill and eat. I remember a steer and blood. I remember a person walking about, I track em, but I stopped...I can't kill a person, I won't kill a person I won't no matter how hungry I am! I won't!"
Maria listens intently. She knows that he has been bitten by a lycanthrope. He can choose his form: full-wolf or wolf-man when he learns to control his change. She knows that if they find and kill the one that bit him, he could be human again. She says as much. Her voice is soft and magical. She offers to make a potion with the help of Sable to control his killing urge during the full moon. He will have enhanced senses and strength on normal days, and when the moon is full he will become a strong killing machine. The animal nature can take over, and he becomes aggressive and dangerous.
The ladies help get him cleaned up, as the first change is the hardest. He wants food. Sable starts fluttering around the kitchen making bacon and eggs and fried potatoes she is humming to herself as she cooks the meal for everyone (this is a side she doesn't often show). Everyone is a bit surprised with her cooking skills as she throws together some biscuits and makes gravy from the bacon drippings. The smell brings a growl from Jarrod which makes him jumpy, as if he is surprised by it (the animal nature within is always hungry). Maria smiles and laughs a bit saying, " You must get used to the beast within...Be at harmony with it or it can take over. If you are at peace, you will find a balance." Sable continues to weave about the kitchen area. We all sit down and start eating Jarrod starts grabbing, and Laine slaps his hand. He growls again.
Sable begins to glow a golden hue. Her voice changes, and the room lights up. Everyone shields their eyes a little. Her voice is that of the Goddess again. It's sultry and beautiful and frightening all at once and weaves a spell, "Calm yourself child of the moon...there is enough for you, keep calm in your new skin you are among friends." Her glow diminishes and Jarod's mouth hangs open in confusion and delight. "Well I never," he says as he chews on some of the bacon.
Laine McMillan: My gun was in my lap during the meal, and (while I trust Maria's insight to this) made a note to follow up later with how she is so familiar with creatures of the moon...Is it because she herself is connected? Is her draw to the full moon caused by a similar or strain of the "curse"? I don't fully understand. What I did get is Sable's power to speak to the demon within.. and Maria's wisdom. We convince Jarrod to take rest, but instead of his normal room, He retires into a darkened room, this room is shielded and reinforced with metal in the walls. I had it made for a safe space in case I needed something bullet proof from possible unwanted guests, or to lock up visitors that may have not so great intentions.
I turn to the ladies, "My friends, I need to run into Sally's and follow up on Jarrod's story." I pay Sally well for her discretion and her keeping me updated on all goings on...both of new faces and of old. "Would you like to accompany me or stay here? We can leave Mac by the door...and an alarm that will alert us and allow us to port back."
Sable and Maria start to head to the path. "Over here," I lead them away from the path. We head to the smithing shed and they look a bit confused. "Follow me," I lead them past the forge, to a door that one would assume led to a supply room, and it did of sorts. We enter the dark room, with shelves and the supplies you would need for smithing, and at the opposite end of the room is a door , with light underneath. I can see their senses tingling, and I smirk at my inventiveness. I open the door into an office at Sally's Way station. "Welcome to my office .... Lets find Sally."
Sally enters the office, "Well, I have news for you!"...and then she notices I have friends...Her look turns to one of questioning and the "I never " as she passes a look at me and holds her hand out to Sable and Maria,"...And Laine brought friends. For you to come in the back door...I am going to assume you are on a first name basis" ---there was tone there...Oh, I may be in for a talk later...
Sally has a confidence about her, and always a trick up her sleeve. Sally has the build of a woman who lifts and walks all day and the agility of cat...Not tall, nor short and is dressed in pants, boots and a twill shirt. Shoulder length straight amber hair, a face that is a mix of girl-next-door, softness and friendly and chiseled stone weathered and knowledge of the world. It's the hazel eyes that would be her tell, but you need to pay close attention. And, most people are too taken aback by her demeanor and smile to notice the piercing allure and green flame behind them.
Sable is amused...very amused almost snickering...picking up on the tone, the intimacy and well any other relation that may have led to Sally's position promptly between myself and my two new sisters. Maria takes Sally's hand and is gracious as always, but seems to weave a bit of calm in the air. Sally's face is still smiling, but the eyes are on fire. Sable gushes, "It is our honor to finally meet you, as Laine has spoken of your importance in her life." Maria turns...I am taking it...to not show reaction to the line. Sally turns, "Oh, she has spoken of me." And gives her hand to Sable. She gives a quick look back to me that makes me pull my hat down a bit. Sable is laughing in her eyes, noticing ever detail.
"Umm Sally, Jarrod ran into some trouble...What's been going on?" Sally proceeds to tell us of the posse that is out looking for a pack of wolves, reported to have killed and mauled several cattle and a single rancher.
"It's about five miles south toward the river bend, Cowley's Ranch." Cowley was a middle aged man, grumpy, loner. He had about 80 head of cattle. His wife died years ago, children off and married and rarely visited. You always heard the click of his revolver before you ever saw him when you road up on his ranch. It's hard to imaging that a pack of wolves got him. But a Werewolf or wolves...Cowley would be no match. I am hoping Jarrod didn't do this...or at least only got the cattle.
"Sally anyone new passing through or settled?" I ask.
Sally then proceeds, "There are a band of brothers...four. They have bought Old man Windsor's Farm on the northwest spread. They have brought sheep with them and goats. I must say, the oldest is a charmer...Black flowing hair, blue eyes that pierce your soul, and a smile and grip that lures you into a giggle and courtesy. " This all was said very much directed at me. Message received and I take the cue to assuage her, "Always my thanks, Sally." I get a look and a sash as she walks out the door with a bit more umph than I have seen before. And, with that,...The outright laughter erupts from Sable. " Sable...," I awkwardly begin to beg for her to stop.
Then I turn to Maria, "Maria how do you know so much about werewolves? And, I am thinking we need to ride out to meet these four brothers...and see if they are the pack or, at least, the lead we are looking for...So our easy time at the farm just became a problem to solve and Jarrod to save."
Sable then pipes in, "And, a Sally to soothe and calm." Maria cannot help but smile and graciously tries to hide it behind a hand. (The teasing allows Maria to bypass my question for the moment about how she comes to know the ways of the werewolves, the dreaded a lycanthrope.)
With 28 days to the next full moon, we have some time to catch up with the brothers. So, we decide to ride out to Cowley's Ranch and inspect the cattle and the scene. I hand each of the women a bandana...and I grab some menthol oil from my drawer, "We will need these for the ride and when we are there and put the Menthol under your nose before we ride up.' All three of us proceed out the door, and there is Reign and two other fine gaited Tennessee Walkers waiting for our trio. Sally knew and fetched them for us.
"There is a similar gateway between the stable here and the barn. I had some time to set up infrastructure," as I get looks asking, how long have I been here to set this up...or do I sense their thoughts? I go on, "As I don't seem to age at this point, I can't tell you how many years have passed since I arrived...I was busy: as I set up my financial interests and network throughout the world, I also learned a few things about tinkering and stones and imbuing some of my ability to transport via runes, and ancient language, and power to create some basic temporal zones and planes for both parts of the waystation and my entire farm." Now, hopefully, a space for myself, Sable, and Maria...new additions to my family.
Mistress Sable Boone Griffin: Sable is excited to ride again. She is still in her assassins' gear, so no side saddle today. She loves the feel of the horse, all muscle and strength. Hers is a beauty. She thought, "Sally is a bright woman!"...and she liked her sass. Sable would enjoy getting to know the woman and getting to learn about their tightly bonded relationship.
Sable takes the bandana. A question lights up her eyes. "Why the Menthol oil?" she thinks.
And, Sable knows Laine heard that thought. Sable is curious how it is that Laine can hear her sometimes. The connection has to be the answer. Maria looks stunning on her horse as well. The trio was something to behold for sure. Sable looks at the picture they all created. Three beautiful women, strong and capable.
Sable decides to say something that was on her mind, " Ladies I am part of an elite group of assassins' who hunt and kill those who would harm the innocent, who call on the forces of evil and allow atrocities to happen. We are all children of the Gods. I myself am the oldest and have stopped aging. The others, well not all demi gods, are immortal. I can be injured, but as of yet, I have found that I heal...even from wounds that would kill someone else."
Laine just tilts her hat back a bit. "Thanks for that, lets get a move on though. We can talk about it all later. Right now, we need to see who these boys are...I don't like strangers in my territory." They all ride out towards the spread. Sable kicks her horse into a full on run. Her hair flies in the wind, and a look of pure joy crosses her face. "Oh, to ride!" Sable thought. Laine spurs her horse to a run to catch up to Sable. "Damn that woman!" Laine thinks. Then she sees her face and it hits her. Sable feels free. Laine sees the beauty of it, and gives her a few minutes to run before she yells, "Sable slow down, you'll wear the horse out." Sables eyes pop open and she brings it to a cantor. "Yes I forgot myself for a moment please forgive me...where is Maria?" They both are startled when Maria comes up beside them. With that Sable laughs a full on belly laugh. Both of the other women seem surprised by this, and Sable clears her throat and quiets down.
Laine remarks, "You sure are different out here...Back in London you were very much the lady all prim and proper, out here you seem more wild and untamed?" Sable looks at her new friend. The light in her eyes seem to dim. Laine feels uncomfortable that she may have done that. Sable smiles but it isn't the same as before. "I am old Laine, although I seem young, I am old, so many of the ones I have loved, all gone. I had a child once. She died before she even had a chance to live...When I am around mortals, I stay aloof," Sable sighs. Then she looks ahead.
"Is that the spread?" she asks. Laine knows the conversation is over and the smell hits the trio as the question is asked. McMillan shows them to take the Methol oil rub, "...a bit in your nostrils and that of your horse , as horses tend to steer clear of the putrid smell of catastrophic death. It will help with the smell. And, pull the bandana back up over your nose and face. It will help..." Everyone applies the oil and kerchief and ride on...
Laine McMillan: The birds of death fly and swoop...cracking calls to one another. Oh, how I know this site...except here it is bright. Even in Autumn mid day, the smell of iron, sanguine contents of stomachs and intestines fill the air...What is left of the beasts are clawed and ripped flesh and bone hardly recognizable except by the legs and tails left in tack. A snout...Whatever, whoever did this is truly driven by not just hunger but a rage to hurt , torment and kill.
I tip my hat to the couple men that are left from the posse, who are building pyres to dispose of the gore. A fresh grave is covered with a mound of dirt. No one to mourn the old man gone from this earth. My mind is flashing to battles, plains of red and hollowed gray remnants of trees with birds of prey gorging on the remains of farmers, villages pillaged from attacks like this. Of course never sanctioned by the Order, yet always in areas we were pulled from, always in areas of thought and a bit of want of something different...Sable looks over to me, her eyes saddened.. .. "in my head again?" I silently ask.
Maria looks ill and curious at the same time. She has seen this carnage before.
We dismount and start to look around. The locals don't question me much, and for three women we do not receive the normal jeers , looks of slight of eye as these men know my capabilities and have a mix of fear, respect, resignation and well needed gratitude. Someday if there is more "order" here the gratitude, will change to a want for normalcy, and it will be time to hide again. Because with that false belief and want, comes persecution of all that fit outside those bounds...
Oh, back to the task at hand. Maria is looking at a fence post with strange markings like a raking of sorts...She seems to be chanting or humming...I know this is her deciphering.
I walk up to the porch.. There are the signs of carnage.. Blood soaked wood.. Splatters against the wall and window.. I see his Winchester leaned up against the wall.. I go to see if any shots were fired.. Two it appears and I look for the casings. I find them both..in a pool of clotting dirt and blood, brass and blood, "God what a way to go. "
I walk into the house.. nothing seems out of order .. the sheets are tossed back, shirt is still on a peg, dishes are stacked on the buckboard, and embers in the fire. He jumped out of bed most likely...grabbed is rifle, went out the door...took two shots and then met his maker.
I walk over and relay this information to Sable and Maria...interested in their observations. I have noticed the birds of prey have taken roost around the perimeter and have a hush about them...This is my companions' doing...literally, keeping the the birds at bay...In a hushed tone, "Have you sensed Jarrod here? There seem to be five wolves' prints, larger than any "normal" wolves, or even dire wolves...What do you gals make of this?"
Mistress Sable Boone Griffin: Fia sweeps in lands on Sables shoulder. She cocks her head. Birds don’t feel like humans, but Fia knows not to interfere here. She makes low crooning sounds to Sable. Fia knows Sable and she knows the Goddess has awakened. Her eyes burn with a green flame. "The carnage here was not done by your moon child. His essence is not here in this house. They bay at the moon and kill with no remorse. The men are callous and hard. They enjoy the kill the hunt the terror. Your moon child fights the beast," Sable swoons a little bit, but remains upright. This sight was strong and the Goddess within her is rightfully pissed.
Sable straightens her clothing as her cheeks blanch pink at losing her balance a little. Laine seems to breath a bit better. Although she isn’t relaxed, she seems relieved. Maria laughs at Sable and hands her a bottle of something. “Take this Mistress Sable, it will revive you a bit from that one." Sable takes the bottle and tilts her head a bit. “Maria you can call me just Sable. I reserve Mistress for those whom I don’t know or consider friend.” Maria smiles and moves away. Looking around like a fairy she glides about. It’s as if she is perpetually dancing no matter what she is doing, always singing or humming, weaving a bit of magic as she goes.
Sable pops the cork and out of habit sniffs the elixir. She is pleased. It smells like fairy tea. She drinks it, and it rejuvenates her. She smile and sighs. It’s like the sunshine itself. Sable begins to glow a golden hue as it settles in her system. "It’s potent," she thinks.
A man pops in with a badge. “What ya doin here McMillan?“ he says. Laine gives him a sneer, “Hey there, Sheriff. Just here to lend a hand...no need to get all worked up.“ Sable sashays into a chair. Sheriff sits as well. She turns on the lady right then...all proper and ridged in stance. Even in her tight clothes and pants, you couldn’t deny she was a lady. The sheriff straightens a bit and Mistress Sable makes an appearance: “Sheriff I am Mistress Sable Boon Griffin and we are here to see about these wolves of yours. I have had McMillan tracking them for me. “ Laine turns away and rolls her eyes at that, a bit of a fuck you sneer on her face. Sable is trying to keep her composure. Maria remains unfazed. She states,“They have caused quite a lot of damage to livestock over in Tombstone. They have been moving from territory to territory, killing animals and people alike.“ The sheriff swells up and clears his throat, “Well ma’am we folks ain’t used to women tracking nothing, let alone hunting... with the exception of McMillan here. But she is different. “ Sable smiles, a put you in your place kind of smile, and a fire lights in her eyes. The Goddess speaks, “ I assure you sheriff I am quite capable. “ Taken aback (not knowing if he is turned on or scared) of what he just witnessed he steps back. “ I’ll leave ya ladies to it then. “ He turns and leaves putting his hat back on.
Laine turns on Sable, “What was that? I have to live here and about...” Sable smiles, "No worries he won’t even remember we were here. I just didn’t like his manners that all.“ Laine throws her hands up. In her mind Laine thinks, “ I don’t know if I should find you amusing, sexy or just plain irritating!” Sable busts out in a full laugh, "I’m all of those things Laine! And, so much more."
Maria clears her throat. “ I’ve found something here.“ She points down at a loose floor board. There is something in the crack wedged. It looks to be a claw. Maria chimes in again with her musical voice, "I think it’s been severed. Is there a knife about?” There is no knife. "Where is it?", they all think.
Off in the woods at the edge of the property, there is a shadow by a tree. Two beautiful eyes stare at the scene. The smell is overwhelming and offensive. Tillian waits. He is curious about his sister and feels a bit protective. The Romany has his curiosity. That McMillan he isn’t sure about yet. Fia flies to the branch above him. “I see you,” she says to Tillian. He replies, “I am sure you do, little bird."
Sable starts, (Fia connects with her.)
“We have a visitor ladies... it seems my brother has come to call."
Tillian waits as the ladies approach him. He leans against an gnarled tree waiting with a guarded look on his beautiful face. It's a face made to admire, one of pure sexual grace. He has medium length raven black hair. His steel blue eyes twinkle with mischief. He is dressed like a ranch hand. Sable is cautious: she still isn't sure of her brother. She didn't even know of him till recently. Laine looked at him cautiously with her gun at the ready. She could feel Sable's trepidation. Maria walked with her usual ethereal confidence. They stop in front of him. Laine, feeling an itch between her shoulder blades, (almost as if she is being watched) and looks around her.
Then she looks at Tillian, "What ya want here?" Tillian tips his hat up revealing an incredulous look. No mortal has even spoken to him with such disdain. Then he laughs," I'm here to get to know my sister. She was kept hidden from all the Gods. I am feeling a bit protective I suppose. However, I realize she is very talented and may not need my protection. Still, she is my sister by blood and I would like to know her ." He dips into a bow to Sable. "Please little sister." Sable tilts her head. "Family," she thinks, "I am so unfamiliar with this." Laine looks at her and she hears her thoughts again. She understands how she feels. She holsters her gun. "Let's get back to Sally's and knock off the stench of this place...Tillian is it? You can come...You got a mount?" Tillian laughs again, "Oh, I'll meet you there. I travel a little differently." With a wink, he disappears. Laine looks where he stood and shakes her head, "He could at least took all of us so we could get on with it." Sable looks at Laine, "We can." Sable hands them both a ring with gears and a sapphire in the setting, "Think of Sally's and only Sally's. Then you will be there." Maria smiles because she loves shiny beautiful things. Laine puts it on. She knows she can trust Sable. "Alright, lets do this thing," Laine says. They all think of Sally's: the rings glow and the gears turn, there is a sucking sound like the air is being displaced...all three ladies are outside Sally's, again.
They dismount and go in. Sally motions them to the bath house. Three baths are hot and ready. Tillian tips his hat from a table where he has his arm wrapped around a lovely saloon girl. She looked to be in awe with him. "I'll wait for you all to get freshened up. "
Sable sinks into her tub and washes the smell off. She finds her bag sitting on a chair, Sable pulls out a lovely grey and black stripped corset dress with a proper set of gloves and a lovely hat. Fia croons her agreement. Sable calls past the screens that were put up for privacy, "Ladies I have my bag would you like to pull something clean to wear?" They both agree and she hands it over to Laine. Laine pulls out some soft suede pants and a white cotton shirt...softer than any she had ever owned.
She then hands it to Maria who pulls out a lovely long silk skirt, a beautiful soft cotton peasant top with a flowery embroidery around the upper sleeves, several lovely scarves and a belt full of silver coins that tinkle as they dance on her hips, as well as, several ankle bracelets and a circlet for her head all with the silver coin. She was ready for the wolves.
They all step out smelling fresh and feeling renewed. Laine looking dangerous with her gun holster and hat.
Sable looked very much the lady but her eyes held a secret and, if you dared to look close enough, you could see the warning.
Maria looked Magical and lovely. Someone you would think was soft and easily taken advantage of but once you really looked close enough, there under it all, you could see the pure strength and ability to hold her own.
Tillian was impressed by the picture they created. All beautiful, strong and dangerous. Oh, were these mortals in trouble! This trio was a force and he saw the pure strength of the sisterhood they had become. There was a missing piece yet. It would soon be filled. He felt it in the air.
"Something is coming," Tillian says. A wall of dark clouds with sheets of rain and persistent lightening is blowing towards them quickly. Maria says, "Yes. We had better hurry to avoid the storm." Tillian mumbles to himself, "That's not what I meant."
Fia swoops in. And, Tillian goes on high alert. He feels it in the atmosphere. Danger was about. His sword vibrates at his side. Pure silver...Someone has let loose the hounds, and they have made a home in some evil men. Lycanthrope have made a home here.
The ladies all move in different directions about the building's interior, as if they planned this meeting of good and evil. A meeting of sorts, nonetheless, will happen tonight.
Laine moves to the bar with her hand resting on the butt of her gun.
Sable sits down with Tillian at a small table with a chair for each of them.
Maria, hearing an interestingly new tune, starts dancing about the space of the room. Her movements captivate Tillian, whose interest is not so easily piqued. She looks toward the music and notices an unfamiliar and interesting face. A girl, who seems too young to be in a bar, let alone playing such ancient sounding music, is stringing a banjo in the corner of the room. Sable notices something different in the music played and catches the intrigue in Maria's eyes while looking at this slinky character, almost feline in appearance.
Laine notices it too thinking, "There is certainly something different about this one." Still, her hand remains on the butt of her gun. The women's gazes meet, almost as if the sisterhood of three are having similar thoughts.
The musician smirks coyly and continues to play, increasing the speed of the music.
Maria laughs and dances in a circle, raising her arms above her head, fully engaged in the sound of the music as she tunes her body to the vibrations, and her silver coins add percussion to the rhythm.
All seems like a boisterous time, though Tillian is aware of an impending danger and he is ready to see some action. He averts his eyes from Maria's dancing and sits back quietly with a look of readiness on his face.
Sable notices this and part of her becomes alert while still enjoying watching both Maria and the banjo player. Laine is, as always, watchful...ready to protect. She is scanning the room when her gaze meets the door just as it opens with the loud trumpeted lighting and howling wind...four shadowed men hurriedly walk through.
They are an unruly yet sexy sight. Large and wet from the storm outside. Even the smallest one is bigger than most men, standing at least six and a half feet tall. His face is sunken and he walks with a limp. Something has injured him and he has a pale look to him, miserable. They stand in a diamond formation with the biggest and most handsome in the front. However, their distinctive features make it obvious they are brothers. All four have dark, wavy hair of unconventional length and the dark shadow of a two-days' beard covers their faces. From the rolled up sleeves if their wrinkled work shirts, more dark thick hair is visible on their forearms and still more hair protrudes from their neck lines -- evidence of an excessive amounts of hair upon their chests. Their eyes are almost hooded by their eyebrows and the eyes are also a shade of dark brown.
They scan the room and the Gypsy dancing catches the attention of their new patrons. The most handsome stands solidly as if posed for action. His muscles are bulky and well defined. Maria continues to dance without any pause in her movements. She seems to pay no mind to their entrance.
But, Maria smelled them as soon as they walked in, just as Sable, Tillian, and the banjo player did as well. They smelled musky, and not just from the rain...there was something animalistic in their scent. A smell that most would brush off as wet skin of any normal person. But those aware of lycanthrope recognize their smell all too well.
The second man, quite obviously not the one in charge but also not the injured one, strutts over to Maria. He has a swagger in his step that would make most women fawn over him. His muscles stretch his wrinkled shirt taunt in certain segments. Maria is much too smart for his show. As is Sable, who watches him like a hawk. He almost places his hands on Maria's hips, attempting to dance with her. As if! She gracefully and kindly dances away before contact. Undeterred, he follows, an audacious smile on his face.
The other three brothers loosen their shoulders a bit and make their way to the bar, close to where Lain has taken up.
Meanwhile, the banjo player is watching her one and only dancer being chased by this unruly man. She says to him, "Aye! I think she prefers to dance a-solo tonight," without missing a beat. She had an old and odd accent, one none of them had heard before except for Tillian who did in fact recognize it.
The second man scruffs and throws his hands up in quick defeat. Sable noticed how easily the man gave into the banjo player's persuasion to leave Maria alone. She continues dancing. He slumps back to his brothers at the bar in rejection.
The rejection angers the brother, and the banjo playing female has his hackles up. As he walks by the smaller of the three, he kicks him in his bad leg which makes the man yelp out in agony.
Sable stands and begins walking toward the band of men, she knew it would be reckless but the violence against those who cannot defend themselves has the goddess inside steaming. She has always drawn attention (being a demi goddess tends to have that effect). She senses Tillian come to attention and Laine's hand has a grip on that pistol now. She is bunched up.
Sable hears them both in her mind. Laine, "Stop, Sable not yet." Tillian, "Mistress has come out has she, think it through sister..." Sable draws a deep breath and goes to the bar. She motions over the lovely bar keep Sally, who looks at her with a bit of trepidation. Sally can feel the tension.
Sable clears her throat and in a husky and sexy voice with a bit of magick, "Can I get a whiskey on the rocks for my companion and some sassafras for myself please." Sally blows out the breath she was holding and laughs, "Sure can!"
Sally goes about making the drinks when the leader of the band steps up to Sable. She looks him up and down with a coy expression. He smiles a sexy smile, one meant to impress a woman. Sable notices the change in his scent...desire fills the air as he tips his hat. "Ma'am I think between you and that dancing lady over there I have never seen lovelier women afore. My name is Frost, these here lads are my brothers," he points to each as he names each one, "This is Kody he is second and that there is Shane and that one with the gimp in his step is Frank. Was wondering if a fine lady such as yerself would mind some company."
Sable smiles, "I am afraid I must decline sir. I am with my brother. He and I were just having a bit of a reunion. I can't say that I like the treatment you have shown your sibling...Frank is it?"
With that Sable picks up her drinks and starts to move away. Frost grabs her arm and causes her to spill whiskey on her fine dress. That in turn pisses off the Goddess and the God in the room. Laine draws and clears her throat and Maria stops dancing. The music, however, continues to play and the tempo speeds up a bit. Sable appreciates the music and a green fire lights in her eyes.
"You shouldn't handle a woman like that mister," Laine says as she holds her pistol steady.
Maria gasps as Kody grabs her from behind and sneers, " I don't need to ask for nothin." He pulls her around and tries to force a kiss on her.
And so it begins.
Sally pulls a shotgun from under the bar: The brothers all pull knives and a snarl escapes Frost as he drops Sables arm.
"What the hell are you?" he asks Sable.
Sable laughs a bit cynically, "What am I you ask...the more important question I think here would be sir what are you...?"
Frost looks at Laine and then at Tillian as he feels their eyes heavy on him. He senses he's in a dangerous position quite quickly. He knows silver when he sees it, and this brother of hers has unmistakable silver. He takes a deep whiff of the room: it is lacking the scent of fear. These people do no fear them.
He looks at Kody and realizes the little wisp of a woman dropped him to the floor. He has hold of his parts, and his face is as white as a sheet looking desperately up at him, eyes watering. The woman is dancing again, the music has yet to stop. He feels it, magic rising in the air (some from the banjo player more from the dancer). He growls deeply again, the hairs on his back rising up. It feels like a trap.
Frost moves away from the pretty lady. He feels a world of danger coming from her. Nothing like this has ever happened, he didn't fear anything, yet he feels this sensation of fear rising up in his throat. His pack moves to him, also feeling his tension. They all begin to growl. Laine looks to the ladies. Tillian clears his throat, "I think this has gotten a bit out of hand shall we calm down?" However , his eyes are dancing with mischief. "A good dog knows his master."
And with that, Frost kicks out at Sable. She shimmies to the side and he barely misses her. He is surprise at her graceful movements, they throw him off and she lands a blow, knocks the air out of him and he looses the grip on his knife that goes scuttling across the floor. Then all Hell breaks loose.
Two shots rang out and howls pierce the air...Laine has both revolvers pulled and has hit the hands of Frank and Shane who had pulled throwing knives...and were flanking from the sides. "Tsk...tsk boys...now be good and sit. I don't take kindly to strays like you making a mess of my house or snapping at my family." She continues, "Maria can you glide over and look you have new knives...so nice of these boys to bring gifts."
Maria dances around removing the knives on the floors and from belts and boots. Quick slide of hand. Laine again admires her Gypsy sister's talent...such grace with speed.
"Now boys...you smell of wet dog. I hear your at the old Watson Sheep farm...I would suggest you take up being Collies and herd...vs. slaughter. Around here we put down dogs that have the blood thirst."
The brothers are snarling.. the slight from Tillian and the dressing down from Laine...being bested by women.
Laine: "I suggest ya all ride home.. you have; what 27 days to think about it?"
As Laine is closing her statement, the sheriff walks in..."McMillan, we heard shots...what's going on here?", he asks as he looks to the brothers. But, his eye stayed on Frost a bit to long...
"Oh, Roscoe," says Laine with a smirk of an inside joke , (Roscoe isn't the sheriff's name, Laine just does this for personal pleasure and the 100 year in the future historical pop culture reference) "you know how lads can get when there is music, libation and beautiful women. The brothers got a bit carried away...they are headed home a few possessions lighter as payment for damage and making me spill good whiskey."
The sheriff looks around and nods, "Well seems as if it's taken care of...You men should leave and ride on out to the farm".
The Brothers trudge out, our party knows this is just the beginning. As the Sheriff follows them out, he states, "Banjo music is a great addition Sally."
With this, the team turns their attention to the waystations new minstrel with heightened curiosity.
Laine MacMillan: We exited the portal into the dusty space that was the walk up to the wrap around front porch of the brick three story farm house...Whitewashed beams, three steps up to the decking. Rocking chairs gently swayed. Chickens ran around pecking...a yellow tabby farm cat stretches out on the front porch...
As Maria glides around the trees as if she is talking to them.. weaving , dancing, casting, it is as if the plants and earth hear her call and tell a tale. Maria does not look as if we care for someone who has been tortured. 
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