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 Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:29 pm
It was a pleasant little eatery, perhaps not the finest in the city, but neither was it the type of tavern that the gypsy often found herself performing in. Instead, it had a cozy, homy feel to it. A welcoming air. And at present, it was not particularly crowded, lending the petite gypsy a fair deal of privacy - though in all fairness, the large, imposing stag at her side may have contributed to her relative seclusion.
She had been puzzled to say the least when Rosalie had asked to meet her for a meal, but she had certainly not been adverse to the idea. Though her connection to the younger Friedrich had caused the initial meeting, the woman had grown on Rajani through merits of her own. Aside from her skill as a smith - and she was very skilled indeed - Rajani liked Rosalie as a human being. This was not a feat so common as to be easily overlooked. Even if it was happening more frequently of late than the gypsy might perhaps care to admit.
Oberon's mental nudge called her attention to the door, where Rosa had entered at last. No, the notion of a nice little lunch was not an unpleasant one, but the gypsy suspected that there was more to this meeting than a social call.
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Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:44 pm
There was definitely a slight tenseness in she shoulders when she walked in. All and all she wasn't sure how she was going to say this to Raj. After all that had happened, all that had been said, she'd felt like she'd messed up. But if there was anyone in the world she'd want to talk it over with, it would be Rajani.
For once she wasn't wearing her usual work clothes, and there wasn't a hint of soot on her skin for once. For being someone who had claimed she wasn't fond of wearing dresses, it was odd to see her in one. Regardless, Aelius followed, and it wasn't long until she took her seat at the table. She folded her hands in her lap, trying to bring back that warm expression, though only a little of it came out.
"Rajani, Oberon. Good to see you both." No, things couldn't at all be well if she was being this rigid. "I hope you'll forgive me, I got caught up in a few things is all."
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Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 1:08 am
A graceful brow raised at the stiff formality. Oh, yes. There was certainly something more than tea on Rosalie's mind. For that matter, what on earth was she wearing? True, Rajani had seen her in dressier attire on one occasion, but she had also heard quite plainly the smith's feelings about suitable clothing.
Oberon nodded, though he, too, was plainly aware of the lady's unusual behavior, he seemed less concerned by it than his mistress. Instead, he turned a cool eye to Aelius, apparently no more impressed by the younger buck than he had been during previous meetings. However, he seemed to be viewing him with more interest than usual, a calculative gleam in his eye.
"I had hoped we had moved past such formality," she said, for indeed, though Rajani did not view many as friends - did not even particularly like the notion of friends - she had hoped that she was growing closer to the smith. She was honest enough with herself, at least, to admit that she did have people who could best be described as friends now, and had hoped to add Rosalie to their number.
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Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 1:19 am
There was certainly more than a nervous smile on her face, and Rajani might have noticed she was rather proudly wearing the twin to the necklace she'd given Last when they had first met. However, there was even more nervousness that began to leak out. "Hah, did we? Because I...." She was trying, she really was, but eventually she just had to take a deep breath and gave up on the facade. Her elbows went on the table head in her hands. "Raj, you've got to forgive me, I've not got the best news." It really wasn't, considering what all had occured. Perhaps Raj knew a part of it, considering First had likely gone to her side during it all. She had to know a little, right? But that's not what she was here to do, no. "I'm not so sure fighting is the best idea for me." This might come as a shock, for surely she'd heard back with glee from the smith before that she'd gladly take up arms against the Wolves. She's keeping her voice quiet, just in case anyone does happen to be listening, and damn them if they are. "What do you think?" Aelius seems the slightest bit skittish as well, though doesn't hesitate in approaching Oberon, ears flicking as his eyes light up in greeting. He may not see eye to eye with him on all things, but he surely respected him! ....plus he really was hoping Raj could talk Rosa back in to it, he really was. This was absolutely deplorable.
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Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 8:38 pm
The gypsy was quiet for a moment, both brows having crept higher up her forehead. Oh, she had a fair idea where Rosalie may have gotten such a notion. She could even guess what might have motivated a certain Grimm brother to take such a stand. She was not, however, the slightest bit pleased with the sight before her.
This was not the woman she had come to know, the one she might even have held a sliver of respect for. No faint-hearted damsel could have taken a shop - particularly a smithy - and made it not only survive, but keep it going strong in their male-dominated world. So who was this woman wearing frilly dresses, smelling of flowery perfume, and despairing over war?
Rather than answer, Rajani leaned back in her chair and casually asked, "Have you become a coward since last we met?"
Heedless of the scene unfolding between the two women, Oberon eyed the younger buck critically, then stood from his cozy position near the fire and slowly circled him.
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 12:03 am
She should have known that wouldn't go over well. Why would she have expected any differently? Here they were, knowing that likely soon the wolves would return, knowing that the time was creeping toward them that they'd fight, and she was backing out. Giving a heavy sigh she shook her head. "I've had an interesting discussion is all. Probably not with who you think, either." She murmured, looking down at the table instead of her. "I can't fight when the stakes are this high, Raj. Hell, I still don't know how to fight. Call me a coward if you will but..." She's trying to even out her breathing, but eventually she just gives up. "I'm scared Raj." It may be the first time she's been okay with admitting this, especially to someone she's not completely close with. Her eyes waver the moment they meet the gypsy's, and there's certainly a fear deep in them. Something's completely unnerved her, which can't bode well if the same comes her way. Aelius, meanwhile, is unsure of what to think of Oberon's circling, and does his best to keep an eye on him. He hopes the elder doesn't have something planned, he's changed, really! He'd rather his chosen fight than be such a mess! Really, there's no need to freak him out like this, Oberon, he promises!
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:15 am
On his second circuit, the large stag started nosing Aelius here and there, apparently displeased with the lack of stronger muscle tone. Something would have to be done about that.
Rajani shook her head. "Being a coward isn't being scared, it's running away and hiding every time something scary comes along," she said. "You think no one else is afraid? I can tell you that everyone with a wit of sense is terrified. You don't know how to fight? Do something about it. You know where to go for lessons. It's precisely because the stakes are so high that you have to fight. If not with your blade, then with your brain or your forge. Fighting doesn't always mean swinging around sharp, pointy sticks. It means not giving up.
"What are you going to do when the Wolves run out of insignificant little villages? When they leave the Wood and come calling on the city? Are you going to huddle behind your closed doors and watch as Last and Unwanted and Aelius all die trying to protect you? Will you cower and cry as they eat you, too?"
The gypsy regarded her with cold eyes.
"You will not be safe in the city. The Wolves won't stop if they defeat the Wardens. They'll keep coming, devouring everything in their path until every last human, Guardian, and familiar is dead. And you are a deliberate fool, Rosalie, if you even for a moment think otherwise."
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 3:05 pm
It doesn't help that Aelius has taken to being far more lazy and relaxed, or that his smith hasn't needed to take him out to run deliveries out of town lately. Realizing he certainly isn't up to par with Oberon's expectations, he feels the slightest bit ashamed. He really has let himself go, hasn't he?
Raj had obviously hit a sore spot, given by the look of absolute pain on her face, and by the way she's trembling. She's about to tear at the seams, and perhaps the first indication the gypsy can see is how she's trying to steady her breathing even more, and how it's just not working. She knows, however, if there's one person she can go to, if there's one person who can convince her again, it's Rajani.
"I know there's no such thing as being safe. There's no such thing as honor or chivalry on the battlefield. There's going to be more dead, and I know damn well if I'm not careful it could be me. I don't want to let that happen, I don't want to let anyone precious to me die. I don't want to let you die, I don't want to let Soi die, I-I don-Don't...." There's a little bit of a stutter, and she can't help but pause, trying so desperately just to collect herself again. It takes just a moment, and then she can't seem to hold it back, trembling as her cheeks are wet again. "I can't lose him Raj. Anyone but him. He's the most important thing in my life, you don't understand! I would gladly die a thousand times over, but god, if anything would happen to Last...I don't think I could live with myself, Raj."
It's clear this isn't the first time it's been brought up, the pain on her face is clearly evident as she cries, trying desperately to gather herself up again. "C'mon, Rosa, you can stop, you've already had your share of tears with this before..." She mumbles to herself, choking the slightest bit as she tries desperately to dry her cheeks, though they seem to wet themselves again and again. "God, Raj, I'm so sorry, I thought I was done with this, I don't want to cry in front of you, believe me...I'm already embarrassed enough I cried in front of Last after that talk with Jacob.." This may very well raise her suspicions there's something more going on that she's not aware of. Perhaps a few questions were in order...
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 5:11 pm
Though he was happy enough in the warm, cozy eatery, Oberon seemed suddenly under the impression that time was of the essence. Of course, it might not hurt that being outside conveniently meant being away from all of the drama - though he enjoyed entertainment, the stag also preferred to let the women hash out their differences in private. So, he started herding the younger male outside.
Oh, but Rajani did know well what it meant to love someone so much you would rather die than see them hurt. Her hand clenched into a fist at the familiar pang in her chest - fresher now than it had been for years.
"Don't pander to me about loss," she said, heedless of the tears that might otherwise have given her pause. "I watched my most precious person grow weaker every day until she could no longer draw breath. So, don't try telling me that staying behind and doing nothing is going to make everything better.
"You can't protect your precious person by keeping hidden away. That's as good as abandoning him. Worse. It puts the burden on Last to keep you safe at not only his expense, but that of Unwanted and First. Poor little Rosalie, can't even defend herself. She has to be protected by the big, strong men."
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 5:26 pm
Aelius was more than happy to trot out with him as soon as he knew where he was being directed. He had no idea of the elder's intentions, and frankly didn't want to, but wasn't about to put up a fuss about it. Privacy might be better.
While the smith might have offered her condolences, she found herself with little time to offer such, listening quietly to Raj. Poor little Rosalie....Oh dear. She didn't even offer barely a second before she slammed her fist on the table, vehement through her tears.
"Don't you call me that." She's almost snarling, and it's certainly not a side many have had the fortune to see. Her face is burning red, and for once she seems to have encompassed what fury the forge itself might hold. "I can protect my goddamned self, I don't need a guardian to spill blood on the snows. I can slaughter hundreds of wolves, and I don't need you or Last to back me up." The chair she's been sitting on has gone clattering behind her, and she punctuates every single one of her next words with a jab of a finger at Raj, though restrains from actually hitting her. "And I don't need no Jacob Grimm telling me I'm not strong enough to fight and live. It'll be Gwyn that'll be trembling in fear when he sees my steel in his throat."
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 6:30 pm
"Can you, now?" she asked mockingly, standing up and leaning across the table, hand braced and a sneer on her lips. "Because it seems to me you've been changing your mind at every turn. How can any of us trust you're not going to go running at the next mean word or hard decision?"
Though part of her was pleased at the return of the lady smith's fire, Rajani was not ready to trust it, yet. Her own wounds had been prodded and she was not quite ready to forgive.
She scoffed and straightened, her chin lifting. "Well, Rosalie? What are you made of?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 5:14 pm
"Because I'm the best damn smith in Sunderland, that's why." She hisses back, trying her best to sneer back. "And I doubt you'd let me go back on my word, much less would Aelius." There's a brief moment where some of the fire finally disappears, and she wipes her tears away, calming down just a little bit. "And I don't want you to let me. There's no way I'd ever abandon my forge, except if it was to go to the battlefield."
"I want to learn how to protect people. You're right, I can't keep on expecting the world to turn out in my favor, I do need to learn how to fight."
"That's why.....I want you to teach me." There's a certain firmness to her insistence, as if it can't be anyone but Rajani. "And Oberon can train Aelius. It's better to do it as pairs, right?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 6:07 pm
The gypsy held the younger woman's eyes for a good long moment, as though weighing her resolve, before finally reclaiming her seat. When the anger had drained from Rosalie, it seemed to ease out of Raj, as well. Though she felt a slight twinge for the tears, she refused to apologize for causing them now. She regretted not a word.
At the firm request, however, she raised a brow. No one had asked for her training before. Or Oberon's, for that matter. Though a quick check...yes. That confirmed it. "I believe Aelius is already enjoying Oberon's tutelage." From her understanding, the stag had the younger male getting his daily exercise - post haste.
"Working as a pair is essential for us," she agreed. "But we need to be able to manage on our own in case we get separated." Admittedly, it was an unlikely event, but it was certainly possible.
The gypsy seemed to be considering something, eying the smith speculatively. "Macaire or Soibhan are better able to prepare you for the battlefield," she said.
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Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 3:29 pm
It didn't help that her chair had fallen backwards, though the smith, now much calmer, finally took the opportunity to pick it up and seat herself again, putting her eyes on Raj again. She didn't need any apologizing, there was no regret to be had. She needed that push, and she's glad she's gotten it, or at least will be later. "He needs it. Sometimes I think he's more of a cat than a guardian." She's partially to blame for it. While she hasn't been deterring him from going out for walks or runs, she hasn't been encouraging it. Perhaps she owes Oberon an apology as well... "I didn't say I wanted to be trained by them, now did I?" She's insisting, the slightest hints of a smile finally back on her face. "There's no one better to keep me on my toes, you know that." She won't take her eyes off Raj for a second, absolutely serious about her words. And that being said, she knows Raj better than she knows Soi, or this Macaire she's heard about. "What say you?"
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Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 9:59 pm
Now there was a sentiment that Rajani could sympathize with. Of a certainty, Oberon was more feline than one would think a Guardian ought to be. Between his stubbornness, vanity, and contrary nature, she was more than half convinced that he had been a grimalkin in a previous life.
"You'll learn your way around the blades you make," she assured. "But you'll not be getting a traditional warrior's training with me." Rajani had neither the experience nor the time to invest in such training. "My expertise is a little...less direct." That was one way to put it.
She pulled a knife - one of Rosalie's make - out of some hidden place and began toying with it absently. "I suppose you might consider me the head of information gathering - intelligence, if you will. some day, I'll face the Wolves, I've no doubt of that, but my main goal is to learn as much about them - and us - as possible.
"Right now, that means digging up old legends for hints of the truth, sniffing around attack sights for clues, and keeping an ear open for signs of their next appearance. But when things really get moving, that'll mean scouting and looking at the bigger picture - trying to figure out their aim." Here, she paused to let everything sink in and gauge Rosalie's reaction.
"Is that something you think you can do? Venture into the wilds on your own and be canny enough not to get caught by the beasts? There'll be no one to save you on a scouting trip gone awry. Though I'd wager there's still plenty of book digging to be done if you're not up to the task."
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