Searching for Aid among the Roma < open >

[Wilhemia]

Willa had set off through the markets, the question that Edward had poised the night before had caught her heart and seemed an excellent idea. Perhaps his time with the good Brother was indeed rubbing off on him? She could only wish this was the case. However, she wasn't a fool to believe that returning to the underdark alone would be a wise idea.

Especially not after having to deal with Lars. There were some men there that would not take her encouragement of some to depart the darkness, lightly. She had considered her options at this point. She could go and speak with Bess or even Eirian , and she had no doubts either woman would deny her aid of a guard or two. However to show up in the darkness with men of the law was to tempt danger even further.

What she needed was someone capable of protecting themselves , as well as seem common enough to be trusted. Which lead her to the lane here as she looked down the road. She would stick out like a sore thumb, that was certain with the blond hair and pale skin. However the odd looks from a few as she greeted them in their own tongue with a respectful nod of her head.

The question was now if Hawk would agree to it, or what he would require for payment of aiding her? Well, there was but one way to find out.

[Breanna Keelan]

The idea to look for aid in likely places turned to that of unlikely findings as life on the Lane was apt to do what it wanted. Color exploded amidst a symphony of life. Gypsy bands melded with the wander-at-heart. Booths of games sat beside booths of chance beside booths of goods only the seeker sought when it moved them to do so. Indeed what was thought of as one Lane had long since taken over neighboring alleyways and an another three streets over. A veritable little district of wayfarers and cinnamon skinned immigrants were proud to pitch their canopies.

Among this breed of business minded ne'er-do-wells could be found a former trouble maker who would be as honest as hawking good performances could make him. Hawk sat outside of the Keelan's shop, playing a game of dice with a man he'd befriend. How he had come to befriend the thin, tightly muscled Kenyan slave was a story they were not disucssing. Now the Kenyan couldn't read, but had learned to count considerably well. He was winning, much to hawk's chagrin, and so well that hawk was losing a half a week's pay to him. "Tha's good money," he muttered, "Tha's the money I use to sweet m'sweethearts." and pay for them too. He collected girls like beads on string, so charming was he that even whores who tupped for a living would let him have a later owe if only for the benefit of watching the hair fall in his eyes.

Wilhemia hopefully, wasn't so easy to charm. He caught her eye just as Breanna called down from the windows above company was close at hand.

"Ah, the pale headed girl what speaks Rom to Rom. Ello there! What can I do ye for today?"

[Wilhemia]

The small smile was given for some of the children that offered blessings and charm items. " Ah...no..thank you. " She spoke softly as she skirted around them. Her eyes lifted at the call from Brenna.
"Good day to you Rani! A word with you and a gentleman of your employ! "She requested as she approached. Her hands slipped before her and clasped one another. While certainly she was not dressed in refined silks , the common brown skirts and the blouse of faded blue was worn. The cropped hair caught a breeze and fluttered about in a messy annoyance but she didn't correct it as it came to lay along one eye.
The attention swept from Brenna to the two men. The small incline of her head was offered to both men. The midnight skinned man was noted, if nothing else for curiosity. One could never truly be certain as to what they would find within the markets of Skye.
"If the Ran Hawk will hear my words? "She questioned singling him out of the two men. The pile before the midnight man was however noticed.

[Breanna Keelan]

Breanna hung over the window ledge, arms crossed one over the other with a critical eye for the men who would speak to the girl. It was a double standard she should watch an unmarried chavi for the sake of her propriety (Hawk was terribly bold) while having railed against the same practice. At her age, she was able to laugh at a standard while practicing it. Burnished amber gaze tossed its gold flecked being out over Mena. Her smile illuminated it. For Hawk? He felt as if he were having daggers throw in to the back of his brain by the Roma's keen aim. "Hai, speak with them, speak with them."

The Kenyan scooped up his earnings with a blunt, "We do not gamble infront of women," to Hawk. Not that it mattered, his pockets were as thick as Hawk's winter coat. (In retrospect, he wished his pockets were thick, because he could commision a new coat if it were too thin.) Besides his poverty, if Hawk noticed anything it was that the girl's language was awful refined for some poor brown homespuns. Who was he to judge? Breanna loved the feel of silk and used it with little care when Conlaed purchased it for her, because there were no public sumptuary laws. For all he knew Wilhemia really could be wealthier than Sheba. "What can I do for you, miss?" He bowed, looking up at her with a cokey glaze to his eye. On rising, his body snapped straight only to go fluid so it could sink his side in to the neighboring wall. "Yeah, I'll hear it, about it, what e'er so long as it won't hang me." He grinned to his dark fleshed friend who smiled with perfect teeth. That made Hawk jealous too.

He couldn't help the gap he had off to the side of a set. Not in the front, but still. It was because he loved sweets..

[Wilhemia]

She offered Brenna a light smile before her attention returned to the two men. She waited of course as the men shifted and the darker declared he would not gamble in front of her. She dipped her head politely in gratitude. Honestly ? It was their own coin.. they could share it , loose it.. spend it however they choose, it was no business of hers.

As the two turned their full attention to her, she paused a moment, flash of shyness appeared but it had to be overruled at this point in time. " Thank you, I am hoping to get your help. I have to go back into the Underdark, there are those that deserve a life better then what the darkness delivers. However, I can not go alone.. not safely. " She spoke softly and the last was spoken in a rather frank tone.

" I wondered if you would consider allowing me to hire you as an escort and protection. " She summed it up in that right there. The small frown touched her face as she lifted a hand to push the hair out of her eyes. She should have worn another kerchief, but that was beside the point.

[Breanna Keelan]

He leaned in against the wall, flashing the colors of his many colored cloth vest worn so with a patchwork leather coat of sorts that had no place here nor there. Dark blonde dirty went helter-skelter in his face as he considered what the young woman was asking him. "So now," he began to repeat her statement, "You, want me to go with ye back to the dark bit of hell that you left. Can't go along so ye want old hawk as a bit of muscle aye?" Arching a brow the obvious was just so blatant it smacked of ridiculous. That was hawk for you. He was a Hawker of the unusual, the insane, the didn't-belong-there. The gears turned only in his eyes because his head was long since made up. Of course he'd go! He wasn't without morals. (If he didn't go Breanna would have made him wish he DID go. Conlaed would have beaten him in to submission, thoroughly.) Wry grin aside, he nodded, "Aye, I'll go with ye girl. We'll discuss the particulars of payment...whenever" He waved his hand this way and that "But we'll get the particulars on this little venture. We should take more than one, may I recommend my dark skinned friend there?" Who could break three European men with what, his wrist? "Take him along too, and maybe we'll find ye one more. I'll be the main. Are we saavy to that?" One didn't go in to the underdark where she'd been, the real center of the labyrinth, merely to waltz. He was quite prepared to do things that'd get him tossed in the chink.

Beckoning her over, he took a seat on a hay bale by the shop door. "How many are ye lookin to bring up?"

[Wilhemia]

She stood quietly and gave a small nod, her eyes flickered to the black man and ducked her head to him as well. " If he has no objections, I would be most appreciative of the additional help. "She spoke softly. The sigh passed her lips as she moved to where he had gestured and seated herself.

" We should discuss price now, I dislike leaving such things hover in the open air. "She explained as she absently smoothed the skirts over her legs. " As for how many? As many that wish to walk away from that life and live within the light. There are some.. that are good people, who simply have no where else to go. "She pointed out. " And I assure you, that sort of helplessness is a wretched sort of feeling, it leaks over to the children.. who in turn become the monterous felons there. "She was quite sure of that. " Yet, there will be men that will be completely unhappy to see their meal tickets depart. Lars, I can assure you is one of them. "She noted dryly.

"They will need to be escorted to the farm.. it was my father's before he passed away. " Mena spoke on as she wanted to make sure the men knew what she had meant to do here. " It is far to large for me to handle alone.. I am hoping with the promise of a community not built on thieves and murderers.. but a chance to apply their true trades, will be enough to strengthen their courage. "

[Breanna Keelan]

From Below to Above
the following takes place in the Underdark

Wilhemia

The young woman was pleased that Hawk and his companions were willing to help. The small blond had lead the way down the familiar path, however this time she didn't walk with her head down, avoiding the faces of those she passed. Instead she was looking for a handful in particular. There was a woman that had been trapped here, loss of her spouse and mouths to feed.. no where to turn, yet the woman was capable of spinning and weaving some of the finest, or well good weave if she was provided the proper materials, then there was a man that was missing a hand, yet it did nothing to tarnish the work he could do, nor did it make the knowledge he had of masonary.. these were the people the young woman sought out. However finding them within the crowd of whores and thieves, murderers and cutthroats. It was those things that had pressed her to seeking out Hawk. After all is she brought guards here? Some of those would hide, simply to keep themselves out of the sight of the miscreats. " We will look for Emma and her family first.. they will still be in the back caverns. "She spoke softly to the men she walked with. <d

Hawk

Flippant disregard for subversive life-cycle was a healthy attitude to possess with all knowledge the light would disappear the deeper down the party went to what was 'abandoned' by the established. A to-do for the fellow man, a good deed in help for another? By no means a man of lesser value (having been born with complete disminished return) he knew the use of two good hands. Mena's price was agreed to because she wouldn't do it without one, and it was avalue he could appreciate. Who really did anything for free? Cudgel in hand the wood was hefted up so it wouldn't tick-tock sound on the cobbles quickly becoming broken or giving way to mud. The Kenyan fellow endured the usual heralds of Blackamoor or midnight skin before the crowds of folks became sparse. "Got that, we're lookin for Emma and her kinfolk. Heft that up will ya, gettin darker." He laughed, the man already as dark as the pitch entered.It was the first sound he made in awhile "Pale people will glow in dark." Who needed a lamp, when such pale hands, arms, and ass were prevalent? Even black things needed humor. Get it, black? (d)

Wilhemia

She was so used to tranversing through without the light, she moved a head. One of the women came from the side, her face was bruised , though it was clear there was relief upon her face. " Oh blessings.. I thought HE got you. "the woman whispered as she griped Mean's arm. The girl looked at her and sighed softly. " Megs.. again? " She asked softly as she tipped the woman's face toward the light. The other female was obviously hold.. by the signs of abuse and her careless way of dealing with it was done through a shrug. " It happens.. when he drinks.. "the woman commented quietly. " Come with me.. get away from him. "Mean spoke earnestly. " No man has a right to harm you like this. "She encouraged the woman. The look of fear came to life within Meg's eyes. " Are you mad.. he'd hunt me down and kill me fer sure.. no.. but mind yourself.. you marked Lars.. and he ain't none to happy about it."Meg warned. Mean wanted to try to talk her out of returning to the tunnel which Meg and her man claimed as their own. However it was a lost cause.. fear had ahold of her, and Mean knew it..just as Meg herself did.. it would be that fear that spelled her death. Instead of detering the young woman, her shoulder's squared and her chin lifted. " We go to the left. "She stated over her shoulder to the men with her. <d

Hawk

Hawk fell silent as the women talked with one another, the signs of an life gone by the wayside ever apparent as a man marked the passage of times drunk or sober against blue black lines he ticked in her face.His eyes turned downward, noticing the hobble in the left foot. He may have been an inifinte lover of women, but was never heavy handed. Had seen enough of that with the women who reared him, and the ones deemed obdient there after."Why is such questioned," the blackamoor asked Hawk. Thought wasn't his forte - The Keelans would be the first to reinterate the fact his knowledge was the stuff of back alley brawls, coin for collective criticism gone awry - simplyrefered to as theft. Still, the Griffin interested him enough to pay attention "Women see have things they can say for themselves, n' beatin' isn't allowable, but ye know the way one person wants a thing and the way nother lives it be two different things. Left." Cudgel pointed in anointed direction, thus all turned. "We can not take all." The Kenyans broken English expressed a universal truth: "Aye, some folks won't want to be saved. We'll get what we can. (d)

Wilhemia

There were a few however that came out of the woodwork , or well earth works to speak with Mean.. there had been an man that seemed far to thin to be of any real use.. however Mean knew he was good with animals.. the testiment to that was a pair of dogs at his side.. mind there weren't many animals here, most were eatten.. sadly to say. She had spoken to a few to gather their things.. they were leaving, and never coming back. She paused for a moment outside the hovel she and Edward had called home for over a year. There were a few things she had left behind in hast.. however those things were best left there. Forgotten. She turned away as those she had passed word to had begun to gather. A rather motely looking group..some having children , others seemed.. inwardly broken. There were only twelve in all. but .. Twelve was enough. One of the children however looked extrodinarily pale. " Oh Emma.. he's burning with fever. " Mean spoke as she took the little boy from her arms. The woman herself was simply exhausted. There were other children with her.. none looked particularly healthy. <d

Hawk and Onyx

The Blackamoor for lack of a better name recieved his fare share of stares, yet in spite of this some were bold. The young held no bias of the aged, even so far as one child seeking to be held aloft his high shoulders. "You are too small," he observed, "It is not good." Among them certainly had to be women, so he would set about seeing the women were given children to mind. An inate quality of a man, but still one was on his shoulder as they walked through. "I must watch, go with woman there. Listen." Hawk was apt to share the opinion of his simple spoken gambling friend. The lantern was put out to tease the thick blots of black. It bobbled and bounced as an unsteady sun. "Was easy gettin' down, we'll draw attention gettin back up. Eh, Onyx." Impromptu, but it worked. He turned around, the old slave of Arabic merchants and a Christian priest, moving toward the front. He withdrew a scimitar (even in freedom he found the arms of Europe still so..burdensome), his only possession worth a great amount of coin. "You looked at a place." Onyx came to tower by Mena, looking down on her from his unfathomable heights. If not for the lantern, she would have spoken to shadow. "Is there anyone in place, there?" (d)

Wilhemia

She shook her head. " No. These are all that will leave.. the others still fear too much. "She spoke softly to the dark man. She cuoldn't help but marvel still.. at the fact his teeth were white. Yes yes silly wasn't it? But she had even seen a man so.. well.. black. " We should go .. nightfall is when the worst of them come out. "She spoke cradling the sick little boy close to her. She had taken off her shaw to wrap around the little boy. " Could you and Hawk lead the way?" She asked quietly, she would make sure of no stragglers. Besides both of the men needed the light, she had come to remember the tunnels. <d



Onyx

"You are certain." He hadn't the chance to 'question' a person of pale flesh lest it lead to him whipping. Sometimes questions were asked, evident by the marks across his great black back. "This chance. It may not come again. Tell me now, if so. Or a deed to be done, so there is no more fear." The world was simpler in his rearing, principles of exactness could cross cultural divide. he had no qualms with killing to this daynor obeying if it were worthy. He was one step to the front, yet waited. For a man who couldn't read but only quantify, he seemed astue. (d)

Wilhemia

She looked back and shook her head. " No, it is sometimes difficult to leave a place once thought a haven.. " She spoke softly and looked back down the tunnels. " There is nothing there for me now.. my son is awaiting me at the farm. I have asked all those that I believed would come. " She looked back to him. Emma moved forward and took the sick lad from her arms. Truthfully, Emma was terrified of the large black man.. he was imposing. Mean released the boy with a grin and gave a nod to Hawk and Blackmoor. " Let us leave this place.. and never look back. "She promised those that had agreed to come with her. There was word left among many, if they choose differently, to find the farm.. they would be welcomed there. <d

Hawk

Wilhemia had a good heart. Some people could be persuaded to what qualified as better, if there was better than what was known. A haven was any place that one created for safekeeping of self, of possesion, of heart. Even here below the ground a sort of comeraderie made people connected. A tapestry of derilects to the outside world was an unjudged assortment of vagabonds laughing by tavern light. Some were worse than others, others without any label at all. It was all in how one judged. Evident to him they didn't belong down here, Hawk led the way with Onyx when he left Wilhemia to do as she needed."I still think we came down too easy," he half muttered, casting the corners, jabbing it out to make men turned rat scurry away. Others lived here by choice if one might believe, not out of desperation's last resort, but the mazes with no torchlight, the base of civilization simply because! Where would he have lived if not for the company of the gypsy folk? Who knew (d)

Wilhemia

Oh it was easy to get into the Labyrinth.. as the myths all said that it would be. A careless walk, almost.. it was infact the departing that caused trouble. While there were some that fled the light, there were scowls on faces of the filthy that watched as the group began to move toward the tunnels leading upward. Mean kept everyone moving as she told the mothers to keep the children close.. as she walked behind. As they continued to walk, there was sounds of feet moving from behind them. Mena turned , to watch as several men came forward. " Where ya think you going.. Emma.. get back home.. "One man demanded as he started to reach out for the woman but was pulled out of reach by the man missing a hand. Ironically he had carried a nasty looking pick like hammer in the other hand. " Mind yerself.. " He stated bluntly. " Keep moving forward. " Mena told them, putting herself in the way. " you own no one, it is against the laws of the crown to keep people as chattle. "She stated bluntly. There was another that was slowly emerging from the shadows.. Lars was a big man, the cut along his face was vicious looking as he lurched forward himself. "You! " He spat out. <d

Hawk

"Ya wanna drift backwards, Onyx, I got the light 'ere. If it gets hard just give a note out? I'll pass the light to one of the others." The blonde, rag tag showmen made quite a pair with his black, bare armed second. Futures. What soul did not crave a place in the world made better by the assurance of security? "Take that hand back," He said to one of the others reaching out for another woman, Lisa. "Or ya might lose it, mate." A hit of cudgel left knuckles to swell. The dangerous things about group was the liklihood of chatter. Chatter was like the rats here, spread out far, fast, and in numbers. "Keep coming." Turning around he saw some of the others led up near him. The passageways began to slant, signifying the incline. Wouldn't you know, though, he proved right? Easier down sure as not easy out!

Onyx

By the time he turned his head to see what was coming at Mena Onyx had already turned to move back through the people. They might have run faster because of him! "Come!" His large, thick hand reached out to Mena, his arm bridging space his legs were still working on. It would be a fight, it seemed, over where mena would go (d)

Lars

Lars sneered at the black man then looked to the blond, " You mind your own Shadowman.. I owe her for this.. "he jabbed a finger at his face as he glared back down at Mean. " I'll show you what real pain is.." He snarled as Mean absently stepped toward Onyx.

Wilhemia

" I told you then, Lars.. to leave me be.. " She stated firmly. Frightened? Of course who wouldn't be? The others were still slowly moving forward in an attempt of gaining the freedom. The skinny man gave a nod to Hawk as he pressed Lisa and the others forward. " Go.. the longer we linger here.. " he warned them, not wanting to put himself and the others in more danger. Emma kept her littles close and kept moving forward. Fearful if she stopped now.. she wouldn't have the strength to do this. <d


Onyx

Onyx pulled Wilhemia close to him before turning her toward the path of the incline as if she were no more than a sack of feathers "follow own words." Short, sound advice. His eyes brokered little disagreement (though he found in his freedom many agreed simply because his eyes, like his skin, strange. A sable brown warmer than the pitch of his flesh) Looking back at Lars, he grabbed the man by his shoulder in aggressive force, pressing his scimitar against soft throat skin. Drawing a line of blood, he uttered "Try it again, and you will bleed to death and go to hell." For added insurance, he brought his fist across Lars face to knock him flat on his back.

Hawk

Hawk pushed Lisa ahead of himself with the others. This is why he had been hired. The end of the cudgel jabbed in no less than two guts before six men recieved the clue that these people were leaving. "Things gone to shyte 'ere since peregrine left," he muttered.Not that it wasn't bad prior, but it sure as hell wasn't this. Even the prince of thieves had his odd set of...scruples. Morals wasn't quite the word he applied to Breanna's cousin. (d)

Wilhemia

Mena blinked as she was moved? She turned and began to usher the others forward, then turned to look at Onyx. The callused hand of hers reached out and lightly touched his arm. " Come.. "She spoke softly. She knew how these men were.. they were like jackels. if one fell, the others would fall upon the fallen. She gave a small nod to Hawk as she caught up her skirts and another of the small ones moving too slowly was brought up to her hip. She gave a nod to the pickax wielding man as he continued forward , clearing the way along side of Hawk. Mean paused and lightly touched his arm as well. She ducked her head before the group in general had broken out into the evening light. "Keep together and move down toward the road. There is a wagon waiting. "She promised. She set the child down to find his own mother before waiting on the two men. Lars however had glared at the black man. Though he wasn't given time to offer any words, the glare itself had stated it wasn't over yet, not be far.. as the other men that had come forward eased back a bit. No one had expected teh large black man to draw blood.. <d

Onyx

"In the desert, we would cut out his tongue, his ears, a hand." For all the talk of morality and conquering, the insides of many white men he found softer than the fleece of a sheep! Perhaps he would rise to the occasion to be a worthwhile adversary later, and no doubt, it would be a different day. She was still made to be ahead of him as he followed, looking at the subterranean world they left behind. He had not come down so far before, and had no desire to ever do so again. If so, he'd offer his own admonition against it.

Hawk

Hawk assisted the last of the people over the step before the evening light fell on faces in place of the fading afternoon glory. He leaned on his cudgel, the lantern at his feet. Poor Onyx, he had to duck down deeply in order to not hit his head on the way out. It had not been by the common routes they'd come, but by chinks in the perfection of the upper world. "That's it then." Onyx nodded, seeing no one behind him. Hawk looked down at where they had come (d)

Wilhemia

Mena saw to the people, their faces seemed to hold wonder as one of the littles leaned in and whispered. or well didn't whisper too softly, children weren't always so delicate with their curiousity. " Ma'am.. did someone try to cook em? "The child asked pointing a finger back at Onyx. Mean turned and looked before laughing quietly. " Of course not. He's far too big.. what pot have you seen could cook a man that size? " She chided the child with a grin and wink. She turned back to the two. " Thank you. I am going to take them back to the farm,, you are both welcome for dinner, if you wish. " She offered politely. Well she had gotten the first bit of coin from Bess. And well, she wanted to make sure those that came with her.. all went to bed , for the first time in a very long time.. with full bellys. <d

Onyx

"Mmm. We go." He decided for himself and Hawk "I do not fathom all of the customs of this land. Women that travel at night...not good." No, it wasn't good at all to him. Let alone with many women, a man with one hand, and several children. Hawk would fix the lantern to the front of the cart before joining up at the front. Onyx, well. Onyx would abide with the back given he took up a great berth of room. Without saying so aloud, he was fascinated by the children. "Say, you colored with dirt or paint, or oil? Did they put ya in tar?" At this he pulled back a smile, showing his straight, bright white teeth. "No. I was born this way." (d)

Wilhemia

One little girl reached out and poked him.. which of course seemed to bring no end of giggles from the rest. " You sure? " of course the girl's mother reached out and chided her softly. The children had no issue with Onyx, the adults were simply uncertain. Mean caught up her skirts and climbed up onto the bench of the wagon and waited for Hawk to get himself comfortable. The slap of the reigns was given and they were off. " I've started on a couple of the burm like houses..for now we can all fit in the cottage, it shouldn't take us long to get the rest finished. "She chimed up over her shoulder to the few that had come along with them. <d

Onyx

"Yes, small one. I came to life the way you came to life, as God wanted." Feeling a little more at ease he reached out a finger, gently brushing some dirt away from the little ones face "See, it settles on my hand, white like you I am not made of dirt." children also understood his English better where concepts were lost to some adults. He leaned back, finding he had a visitor to his knee. "Yes.." "Where's yer hair?" He blinked "It is all shaved away" "Does yer head get cold?" He found the trip to be worthwhile, nor had Hawk ever heard him laugh! Other questions came his way one after the other after the other. "Why are you so big,you're bigger than my da and brother and they are the biggest, so i thought." He seeemed to consider this "In my tribe, many were tall, like your trees. Some were smaller, but not so small as your father. Other tribes, the men are small like your father." Oooooooooooh said the boy (d)

Mena

Mena just listened to the dozens of questions and only smiled a little as she guided the poor old nag along hte road and the wagon rattled and complained as they moved. She had honestly hoped for more.. perhaps in time? She could hold out against hope on that. But all in all seven children and five adults? It was at least worth while to get them out of that place. The simple eyes glanced over to Hawk then back to the others before looking forward again. The low wall of stone was slowly being dismantled and a pile rested not too far from the cottage. Edward who had been sitting outside, just as Mean had often done when waiting on Odis to return. He bounced up to his feet and waved as they came in through the gate into the yard near the house. " Momma! " he called out as Mean smiled and waved at him. " You do what I asked.. not let that stew burn? "She asked as the boy nodded and the flop of dirty blond hair bounced. <d

Hawk and Onyx

Hawk drove the cart as he sometimes did the Keelan's wagons and vardo. He hummed traveling songs the whole of the way, even one of the fellows sang along with him some song of drinking that wouldn't offend the female ears too badly."Oh, one more cup before the night be through one more! Too-ra-loo..too-ra-loo- oh too-ra-loo, one more cup afore the night is through. One more time round with Molly will do, one more time round with Molly!" As they came on the cottage he called out to the boy "Look here! Master of the house. Seems a fittin' start. Hope ye haven't been getting in to trouble." He winked at Edward, by no means encouraging fits of pyromania! Onyx disembarked, assisting the weaker, only to find two children willing to hang on him before scampering down to the ground. "You must be clean before eating, so you will not get sick. We will wash. Come." One of them scrambled up his back. Hawk said "regular father aye?" "In village, all would care for the young. The women, all together, the men, all together. I like children, better than you." How they all laughed at that! He smacked Hawk in the back, nearly making him fall over (d)

Mena

Mean scampered down and helped the others. The men folk moved off with the littles, all but one, or well two. " Edward go and fetch the bowls and get them ready by the hearth. "She spoke to him, Then looked at Emma. " Come.. lets get him into a bed. "She gave a nod for the women to follow her inside. They would go about getting the bowls of stew ladled out as well as glasses of fresh milk and buttered bread. It wasn't fancy fare.. but it was honest and true to Mean's form? Very good eating as well, not to mention the cake she had made as well. She had set aside her shawl for an apron around the narrow waist. <d

Hawk and Onyx

It as finer than the piss thin gruels and three day old hard rocks of bread they were used to eating. There'd be a chance for fresh milk, eggs, vegetables,and meat if they were lucky enough. The children wouldn't be rails and the women might curve. The men might be broad chested. It wouldn't be overnight, but it was better than what they ever had before. Onyx followed behind as the children washed the grime of life away to reveal fresh faces like the milk in their glasses. As supper was served, Hawk happily amongst them being spoiled by at least a pair. When asked to pass the milk, he did, and to much fawning! (heaven!) Onyx rolled his eyes. By custom he still had not taken to eating in the presence of people of pale skin nor being invited to their tables. It was a house too where men were absent, often they would sup first. "Here ye are," one of the women offered, "why don't you sit down there..there's room for ya in the chair." It wasn't an enthusiastic emphasis, but it was a good start. He grinned, and acepted (d)

Wilhemia

Mena made sure the littles had enough as she moved about and set the fresh bread and churned butter. The spoons and the like all seen to as she took a few moments to check on the ill little one, then made her way back around to the table and the faces there. It took a moment to just watch them.. her eyes seemed to feast before her belly did. She took a seat and listened to one of the women mother Hen Hawk and he of course delighted in it. She laughed along with the others. Her own bowl was light enough, then again she had gotten passed the issue of hovering and starving. Edward of course was tell tales with the other children. They like their elders seemed far more intent on eating. Mean spent a good portion of that time moving around making sure they all had enough to eat. That included Onyx as well. <d


Hawk

They listened, spoke.Laughed and sat silent. A sense of community was born in the little cottage that Onyx wasn't sure if he was apart of it but it felt good to belong, if only for a little. Hawk told the ladies "Now, mind yourself, ye were the one in a hard place." Oh but they must thank him, they said! Never one to refute a pretty face's offering he basked in their light. (d)



Wilhemia

The ladies were happy to shine a bit of light on him.. thanking him and Onyx, though they are somewhat shyer about that. Mena chuckled and looked at the littles as some were already starting to nod off. " Edward.. why don't you and the rest go on up to bed.. I'll save some pie for you all..but a good rest will do you wonders. "She promised as she set her bowl to the side, the little boy moved to hug her as she kissed the crown of his head.. and of course swapping of hugs and kisses and such was passed around to all the adults.. Hawk and Onyx both included on the sleepy affection. <d