New Ally

 McMillan:  Now that the immediate threat is dealt with at least for now.. Count down .. 27 days until the full moon, and this day is coming to an end soon.   I have another unassessed issue standing before me.. I feel deceived at the appearance of this youthful being.. Almost feline and as I start to focus in .. Our banjo player .. "another tune" .. My brand is itchy.. No ordinary tune would do that .. 

I pull the hammer back ever so slightly.  In my mind there she is Sable: "Do you have to shoot everything that doesn't seem right."  My retort smothered in sly sarcasm "evidently when around you.. this is becoming a needed habit."

Maria has started to dance.. Tillian is focused on Maria..  Sally is happily cleaning up the mess without her normal blame of me making a mess.. OK maybe I don't need to shoot our banjo playing friend but there is definitely some altering of mood going on with the music.  

I let out a loud .."umm HUM.. clear of the throat but more to get attention.  " Ahh look the kitty looks a bit apprehensive that I am a bit immune.. Damn itchy protection burned into my chest.  "my musical friend why don't you put down that mind-altering banjo and pull up a chair and explain how you found yourself in my Way station." 

As soon as the music stops with a bit of mirth and trepidation on her face.. banjo is swung around behind her and she sits.  With that, I hear.. "WHAT THE HELL MCMILLAN" and Sally is back to her fiery form.   Hands-on hips looking around broken stools, a couple tables turned over.. a bit of broken glass.   "Now Sally, don't you remember, the brothers.. the fight" and I get a look of puzzled anger.  "I will call the stable boys in to clean this up.. and" .. Fire ..yep that's a fire in her eyes.. "You come home with these.. " hand swings out towards Sable and Maria.. Sable is loving the uncomfortable situation I am in .." Unexpected Women that what you have been TRAVELLING with" and then this guy pops in Pointing at Tillian who looks a bit surprised that a human would talk to him this way .. but also that he is getting pulled into this Rant.. " You break up my bar in some mysterious brawl, have my musician drinking with you at a table vs playing music.."   and with that she throws her towel down and stomps toward the office.. 

And Sable concerned but finding it also funny tries to muster decorum and with a smile says "need to go after her"   .. I shuffle my feet a bit.. "Nah, right now if I chased her .. I most likely would have to dodge either the questions or bottles in the air" and with that Sable bursts laughing. Silently I pass  "you're not helping.. " Sable's earnest response "Laine, if you truly needed help I of course would assist, she just needs a bit of time to process all of this, now shall we talk to our guest."

I turn back to see the banjo player drinking from my flask.. and not choking down some harsh flavored alcohol.. "Hey, mine and how are you not choking.. its a special flask" .   and with that, I get a smile and the answer "I spoke with it and asked it nicely"   ..  Now I look confused.  "Sable...." 

 .. 

My plea is more of a "what the hell is going on "   .  The minstrel goes on to bow to Sable and Tillian.. "od and Goddess.. I present myself to you as a humble Nymph far from home looking for a new hollow. It is curious you travel with a gypsy witch of an ancient tribe and this human but not quite human. "  My brand is burning a bit as if the melodic words from her mouth while reverent were also with whimsy and play.  

I hear in my head "Nymphs tend to be more jokers than danger, but know she is power, we will find out if she is friend, foe, or still deciding.".. and with that Sable's Goddess glow fills the room.  

Maria is weaving .. possibly a counter for she is not affected by the melodic charm as was Sally.  Curiosity and awe across her face at the realization of the supernatural in our presence.  " I am Maria, your kind has always been loved and respected by my people. " with this Maria reaches out her hand.  and I instinctively put my hand on my gun..  Maria glances with a look of calm  and assurance

We could walk into a pack of growling, hungry wolves and Maria would have them on their backs for belly rubs like they are pups.  I also have a feeling we would then have a pack of wolves.. Don't get me wrong .. as shown in the brawl ... Maria possesses the ability to take care of herself and this innocence I believe is the balance to such power she contains within.  I respect this ability to see the good and reach out for it .. Quite literally in this case.