OOC: I'm in the process of working out some 'kinks' in my folder. In the meantime, I'll be posting some RP vignettes here.

:cool:

Being careful not to accidentally hurt him with those sharp claws attached to her cat-glove, slips her hand into his own black gloved one. With the gracefulness she normally displays, walks toward the staircase with the Caped Crusader, throwing a bit of slink into those strides.

Tenball, the giant floating jack o'lantern held its place off to one side, candlelight flickering in its single gaping eye and tooth-filled mouth....occasionally saying "Hi" to nearby party-goers when they weren't looking.

As they pass near Aja, says, "Greetings Ms JaJa!" Now Ms Bird knows who the catwoman is, for sure!

"Shy!" Greets her friend warmly. "Nice costume...very sexy!"

"You said it." He said to Aja, giving a nod as they move away. He pauses near a wall, and a hand comes out to grab at him. It is not, it seems, an illusion, but is smacked away to retreat back into the wall.

Strikes a pose. "Do you tenke so' Tusen takk! Metenkes you are a very sexy looking pirate!"

LadyAjaBird salutes Shy with her bottle of scotch and a grin.

Ox smirks as she watched. "Nice costume Shy." Yup, voice growled, totally clad in armor that looked like a second skin, helmet with horns, eyes hidden by a black half face plate, and a metal clad tail that continued to slash from side to side.

Ebon Ilnaren says, "Yes, but she's not wearing a costume....that's her everyday outfit."

LadyAjaBird winks to Ebon. "I don't normally wear da hat." Pints to her head and the captains hat perched there.

Amused by their remarks, does a little cat-clawing-the-air movement at Ox, then toward Ebon. "Meeeeooooow!" That means, 'greetings'. Dimples and pearly whites evident as she smiles wide at the two with Aja. Ja, she is having fun with them. "Both of you are looking quite marvelous in your costumes, too!"

"That's just what I was thinking. Pick a room, Catwoman."

Glances at Batman. "Hva?" She has not even reached the top of the stairs yet.

Being a little bit taller gave him a better view. "Ah, whoa. How did I miss that before?" His eyes are on several different costumes, now that they are up higher, he has a better view. And what a strange sight.

Continues to ascend the staircase to the landing, swaying hips in front of the Dark Knight. Turns to inquire, "How did you miss hva?" Looking down toward the main floor, at the revelers below in their Halloween outfits.

"When did the floating eye monster arrive?" He says quietly, with that distinct rumble.

"Uff da! I do not know." Her gaze falling upon the buoyant jumbo Jack o' lantern. Watching it is a bit unnerving, at least for this Catwoman. "Which room shall we investigate?" She is rather spooked now, but is willing to forge ahead.

He looks left and right, trying to judge the rooms, but decides to point to one of them close up ahead. "That one." Room 106.

Whispers, "Do you see that lady with the umbrella, Viktor?" Just wants to make sure, because she thinks she sees a ghost!

"Yes, I see her." He is not sure he would really like to spend all that much time here.

Cautiously moves to the room he pointed to a couple of moments ago. Opens the door, and peers inside: Sees blood, guts and body parts everywhere, a male who appears to be a mad doctor holding an axe, and a screaming woman lying on a table amidst the gore. When the woman looks her way and cackles" Lightest of blues widen, and she quickly slams the door shut. "Do not go in there!" Hurriedly moves away, to pause near room 113.

He gives a nod, deciding to simply take her word for it. He peeks in with her into the next room, seeing the lights flicker and a woman in a mirror begins to scream.

Moves into the room, toward the mirror. "Metenkes 'tis nought but a trick." She hopes; a very scary trick! Pauses to see if Batman is following her, by glancing over her shoulder at the Dark Knight. Absolutely does not want to be in here alone!

Anywhere the Catwoman goes, the Batman shall follow. He moves into the room, quiet and watchful. "I don't know what?s a trick here anymore."

She is already spooked, so when he makes that statement it has her thinking perhaps she is wrong. Slowly backs up, and continues to step back until she runs right into the Caped Crusader. "I am frightened, na." Softly voicing her fear.

"Don't be frightened. I am here with you." He moves to once more put his arms around her.

Reaches for his hand. "Perhaps we should leave this room, ja?" And finds herself enveloped in his strong embrace, instead.

"Definitely." His arms move, hand sliding down to take hers as he turns back towards the way out.

THE DOOR SLAMS SHUT!

Batman and Catwoman. The mirrored woman eyed them both. "Oh what a fine coat you would make. Answer me this or he will fall." The woman turned to catwoman. "Long or short...I can be grown. Can be bought. Painted or left bare, I can be round or square. What am I?"

Flinches at that door slamming. Pulls her widening gaze off the woman in the mirror, to look at Victor. Now she must solve a riddle!

Batman is supposed to be good at riddles, but this baffles him for the moment.

Continues to ponder what the answer could be. Though nervous and frightened, she will still hazard a guess. And if she is wrong ....Batman will fall. But fall to where" Turns her head to stare at the woman in the mirror. Softly replies, "A candle?"

And sure enough Batman fell. Right into a hole that suddenly tore open from under him. Right into a vat of stuff..you don't wanna know. It didn't feel right! He'd find a door to the exit just as the door for Catwoman opened up to allow her to leave.

Oh noooooooo! Runs out of room 113, rushes down the hallway to the staircase and quickly descends the steps. Heads to the outdoors thinking that is where Victor ended up. Watch out people, Catwoman is in a big hurry! Once outside, runs around the huge building in search of Batman. Too bad they did not work out a signal if they were separated!

Well, that was undoubtedly not one of the nicer things to happen to him tonight. Out of the vat of....whatever it was....he stands and tries to wipe the stuff off outside the door. A sniff, and then he laughs and licks his fingers. It was good, and a familiar taste to boot. Strawberry jam. Messy stuff though. His poor costume. He moves back into the main room, red smears across the black costume now. He finishes licking the red off his hands then turns to ask the crowd. "Anyone seen my Catwoman?"

Rena A Cronin replies, "Outside, I think." Pointing.

LadyAjaBird glances towards the mystery substance covered Batman and tilts her head. Shrugs a bit. "Don't wanna see his dry cleaning bill."

He gives a nod to Rena. "Thanks." Then he turns and marches his way outside to search for Shy.

Sniff, sniff, batman smelled delicious. Though Icer was twitching a bit. That ZAP! hurt.

Unable to find him, re-enters the spooky place by scurrying inside. Runs right by the Caped Crusader, then suddenly stops. Oh! That was HIM! Turns around and hurries back to Victor. "You are safe!" Quite relieved. Pauses before saying, "And smell like strawberries." Sly grin forms. A quick cat-like move, and she is licking his face. "You taste like strawberries, too!"

They almost collide in the doorway, and he pulls back to avoid it. "Hello again Catwoman." No eating Batman, Icer. "I do indeed." He grins, adjusting his lips to let her lick more of his face. "I think I would like to go and get clean. Would you help me?"

"Ja. Let me grab some snacks before we take our leave." Another lick of strawberry jelly off of Batman's face, then she is heading for the food table. Takes up a plate and begins placing all sorts of treats on it: truffles, fudge, cupcakes and two caramel apples! Makes her way back to the Dark Knight. "Na I am ready!"

"Would you like help with those?" He may help himself to some of them if he can hold them! He would walk away with Catwoman on his side either way, a huge smile on his face. He would definitely tell Katt her party was a success later.

"Takk for the asking, Mister Batman, but I kan carry the plate." He can carry her!

That is a grand idea. So he does! Into the night in his arms. He believes their night isn't over. Just the party phase.

Now she is going to have strawberry jam on her costume. However, she does not mind since it can be cleaned. Perhaps the party phase is not over just yet; that remains to be seen after they reach his cabin in the woods.

(adapted from live rp; kudos to The Unknown for creeping me out; huge Thanks to Everyone!) (if you missed this Halloween event, go HERE to read all about it.)

There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins

The night was dark with clouds and cold with wind. He is glad to be holed up inside the little tea shop with a mug in one hand and a slim book in the other. It is one of the few books that is supposed to be about werewolves, and he has had to keep from laughing on several occasions. He sits on the couch, enjoying the moment.

After meandering around the Marketplace for a little while, decides to stop in at the Teas' Tomes. Perhaps it is to warm up for a bit, or perhaps to locate a certain book, or to get a hot beverage. What purpose draws her there really does not matter. The fact is, she arrives.

Moves inside the building, setting off the small brass bell that hangs above the door. The warmth of the store immediately hits her, along with the wonderful aroma's of baked goods; all of it brings a smile to her face. Not wanting to let more of that cold air in or the delicious smells out, quickly shuts the door. Lightest of blue gaze drifts over the interior, and she espies the Garou. "Greetings Viktor," says as she heads his way.

"Good evening, Shy." He quickly offers her a smile, and the space next to him is open, the end of the couch where she sits so often. "Please sit down." He makes eye contact with her, deep brown eyes happy to meet her light blues.

"Takk." Eases down onto that soft, plump end cushion she favours being extra careful not to simply plop down as she sometimes tends to do, just in case his drinking vessel is full enough for the hot liquid to slosh out and burn. That would not do at all. Nei. "Hva are you reading?" Glances at the tome's spine for a title. "You seem amused, Mister Grynyrd."

"This book is titled Secrets of the Wolf People. It is one of the more amusing books I have ever read." He grins and chuckles, enjoying the book more than he would have expected.

"Hvorfor is that, Kj'reste?" Taking on a more relaxed posturing as she sits back, crosses her suede-encased legs at the knees and leans lightly against his strong frame.

"It is very, very wrong." He has to hold up the book in front of his face, not quite covering the smile there.

"In hva way is it incorrect?" Curious as who the author of the book is, too.

"In every way. On every point so far. The book debunks every common myth of werewolves, but creates new ones in their place. Apparently the 'Wolf People,' the author says werewolves don't call themselves anything else, are peace-loving and friendly, misunderstood and quite accepting of outsiders." The cover says it is by Athinario Lenisguis.

"It sounds as if he is scripting about those he knows personally. Does it say where these 'Wolf People' are fra" Where they are located?" Smiling, and now intrigued.

"Oh yes. They dwell in caves, treating wolves as people." He shakes his head. "They are from the mountains exclusively, a range he calls the Alps."

An arching of one eyebrow. "I do not understand hva you mean when you say they dwell in caves, treating wolves as people." There is a little communication gap, because that does not make sense to her.

"It is what is written. Wolves are expected to eat with the same dignity as the Wolf People, who only ever live in caves according to this book."

"Do you mean the werewolves live in caves, or actual wolves live in caves?"

"Both, it would seem."

"I wonder about their reasoning for choosing to live in caves instead of in structures more suited toward humans" It certainly would be varmer to be in a hus. And how does one expect a wolf to eat with dignity' That baffles me. Hva does the author, or the Wolf People, consider a dignified manner?"

"The book says that they 'have the wolves eat slowly, enjoying each piece of food.' He goes on to say how they often eat a sort of bread that the wolves enjoy greatly." Which seems dubious, at best.

"Hva kind of br'd?"

"One he describes as very nutty, and tough, but strangely sweet."

"He does not mention the navn?" The description sounds vaguely familiar.

"The Wolf People name it the sacred waybread."

Emits a soft chortle at what sounds like a pun. Snuggles closer to him as she enjoys the warmth he radiates; naturally she wants the contact. Curls her arm around his, if he will allow it, and lays her head upon his shoulder. "I am chilly."

He chuckles along with her, finding it oh so funny. "Let me put my arm around you." He lays the book down in his lap, then moves that arm about her to hold her close to share his warmth better. "Is that better?"

Readjusts her position, giving a small nod. "Ja, 'tis better. Howe'er, 'twould be e'en moreso if you kissed me!" Head tilted up at a slight angle as her light gaze seeks out his wonderful dark eyes. A dazzling smile for him, as well.

Immediately a different sort of smile appears on his face, pure happiness now that has nothing to do with amusement. He reaches to set the mug on the table before firmly pressing his lips to hers, kissing her in an attempt to bring enough heat to warm her up.

His heated kisses are surely easy to come by, since she has been the recipient of them before tonight. And she likes it. "Mmmmm." This is so very, very nice!

Nice things deserve to be long lasting, and hot kisses follow steamy kisses. It is a delight, a pleasure, and an experience he would repeat every day if possible. His arms slowly tighten about her, letting her know without saying a word he is not going anywhere.

He mayhap taste some butterscotch with those lip-locks; after all, she had one of those candies before arriving. Should Victor ever vocalize that he wants to repeat this experience every day, he will learn that she wholeheartedly agrees with him. And he must know by now how much she adores being in his arms. The truth is, she fights with herself to keep her hands off of the Garou every single time she lays eyes on him!

He would not mind, where ever her hands end up. When he finally pulls gently away, the smile has only grown wider, if such is possible. His arms stay tight about her, not wanting to let her go. "We should do that every day." In his opinion. In fact, more would be better.

Quietly replies in a somewhat husky tone, "I concur with your findings, Mister Grynyrd." Falling into a soft, merry chortling at the way she stated her response. Nevertheless, she is being quite serious. Removes her gloves so she can caress his cheeks with bare fingertips. So close to saying those precious little words.

He leans into her fingertip caresses, smiling as though it is the best thing in the world. "I'm so glad to hear it, my heart. Shall we adjourn to one of our homes?"

"But of course. I sincerely extend an invitation to you, Kj'reste, to spend the next several hours at my hjem." Dimples deepen as her smile widens; pretty pearly whites on full display. "I have a surprise for you there." Should he need a bit of added enticing.

Will he ever need additional enticement' he would think not. "In that case, my heart, I graciously accept. Let us go there forthwith." He feels his heart beating faster in his chest, such an effect does her smile have on him.

Leans in to place a quick kiss upon his lips. Whispers, "Bring along the Secrets of the Wolf People."

"Certainly. We can laugh about it in front of the fire." Which seems like something they had discussed doing at some point, spending time together in front of a fire.

Dons her supple kidskins, all the while smiling away. Those butterflies in her stomach are fluttering wildly, as they always do whenever she is near him. And before exiting the warm quaint shoppe, slips her hand into his.

He too pulls on his gloves, taking a last sip of his tea before standing to face the cold night. A squeeze of her hand stands in for the three little words he thinks but does not yet say.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black And the dark street winds and bends

One week later

They left the Red Dragon Inn, traveling to the Marketplace in order to find something to eat for dinner. It is where they end up having words. It is where she tells him she despises him, and not to follow her. And it is where she runs from him; out of the North gates, beyond the town limits and into the thick woods.

He did say he would not follow her. He did not. He rather hopes that is not the wrong decision.

She continues to run until she begins to tire; which happens much sooner than she likes. It is because she has not completely recuperated from her earlier sojourn into the other realm, not long before the Garou showed up at the Inn of Olde. Quickly slows down to a jog, then to a walk and finally collapses onto the forest floor ....the colourful autumn leaves are of little help in cushioning her fall.

Lying there on the ground she is highly aware of everything: Of her ragged breaths, her rapid pulse rate, her pounding heartbeats. This is part of the toll, the price she pays for being in the other realm. It is her bane, a cross to bear. And there is nothing she can do about it. The cold begins to slowly seep in, working its way beyond her warm arctic furs, and she begins to shiver. Her palms ache; the center of her palms, to be exact, where those nickel-sized scars remain. With every beat of her heart, it feels as if a spike is being hammered into her hands. And she wants to cry out, but does not.

That said, that was not normal behavior from his lady. He decides to track her, but in the way he is pretty sure she cannot hope to see. He finds a quiet place, and crosses into the Umbra before running North on four legs.

The need to look at her hands is great, and so she rallies her strength to peel off one glove. No longer nickel-sized ....nei ....the circular scar is the size of a quarter. A mind-trick played on her, perhaps. Plus it is raw looking, as if newly formed. And it hurts like a ....like two crude words she has heard males use. Dons her glove, even if it does bring about more pain; not the first time she is glad to have a high tolerance level. Laboured breathing continues with the knowledge she is unable to move very far at this rate, and it places her in a state of vulnerability. Something else she tremendously despises!

Tracking her in the Umbra turns out to be surprisingly easy. Much too easy, in fact. It has him worried. When he finds the pale reflection of her the Umbra provides, he circles the image of her, across the Veil from her and watching unhappily. The scars are an even brighter red to him, disturbing in their intensity. He hears a whine and realizes it came from him. Between one moment and the next, he suddenly is there. Tall and strong, the black clothes she has seen so many times, he stands next to her before crouching down. "Let me help you, Shy." He hopes he does not provoke her, uncertain what will play out in the next few moments.

His sudden appearance startles her, and she reaches for one of her daggers. Luckily, she does not draw her weapon. "I told you not to follow me, Mister Grynyrd!"

He watches her hand reach for her dagger, but did not move from her side. "Let me help you."

"Hjelp in hva way?" Rolls onto her side.

"How about I carry you?" It is one of the first things to pop into his mind. He is careful to keep up his appearance of calm to avoid upsetting her.

Absolutely loathes the fact that he is witnessing this susceptibility; one that is not of her own making. It is why she did not want him following her. She abhors appearing weak in any way, shape or form. The reason behind it does not matter. What matters is that she does not want to be like those other women, or compared to them. Her shivering is becoming more noticeable, and she knows it. So her first course of action is to try controlling it. Unfortunately, the attempt fails no matter how much she wills it to be otherwise. A soft "Frell!" is emitted.

He does understand that, but leaving her here to shiver in the middle of the woods hardly seemed like an option to him. "Let me take you home." he reaches down to gently touch her at the wrist. "You're cold, Shy. Please."

Begins to push herself up into a sitting position. It took a lot of effort on her part, but she did it. Now, to get to a full upright position. No tree trunk quite near enough to latch onto, to help with the standing. Only the Garou is close by. Tries to stand of her own volition, ending up on her hands and knees instead. "Dritt!" Exhausted, and shivering worse than moments ago. Little puffs of white can be seen with each breath she exhales; the temperature is dropping quickly as the night wears on.

He takes off one of his gloves, touching his still warm fingers to her cheek. "My lady, my heart, I am going to take you home now. It's cold, and this is all I can take." Is he big-hearted" One might think so, though he knows how tough and cold-minded he can be. A moment later, and his gloves are back on. He starts to put his arm around her, going to bodily lift her and carry her away from the cold of the woods.

Her concentration is on prevention; she does not want to completely collapse to the ground again. Ja, she heard him, but nothing is said. She is simply too tired to speak. Surprised, too, that he still wants to help her after what she said to him in the Marketplace. There is no physical resistance on her part, because she is unable to defy his actions.

He has her in his arms, holding her close to share as much of his warmth as he can. Since they are in the North woods, he heads towards her house, trudging in silence before deciding it may be a good idea to keep her awake. "Don't worry Shy. We do not have to talk about this later if you do not want to talk about it."

A whispered, "Nei?" Oh, but she thinks they do need to talk about it. Otherwise, it will be hanging there silently between them. Something that could fester, and grow worse over time.

"Not if you do not wish to do so." With his long strides, it will not take that long before they are moving into her territory.

"But hva of you, Viktor" Do you not want to speak of it?"

"Of this trek through the woods" It's up to you. Of your words earlier" I think we should."

"All of it Mister Grynyrd. All of it," softly stated.

"Very well, Shy." He shifts her in his arms, pressing her to his body.

(adapted from live rp)

And watch where the chalk-white arrows go To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Walks in through the front door in his new black coat, the weather cold enough he wears a hat on his head and a scarf about his neck, almost obscuring half his face. Both of those are black as well. As he enters, he notes the sole presence this morning, and silently debates between heading her way or heading to the hearth. Her way wins, and he heads over to the booth with quiet footfalls for a man of his size. "Good morning, Shy."

The moment the door opens she turns her lightest of blue gaze toward it. The male entering is easily recognizable. A pretty smile, complete with dimples, meets Victor's salutation; a soft one is returned, "Greetings, Mister Grynyrd. I hope you are not freezing off your arse this morn." Because the weather is certainly going to get a lot colder as the month's go by."

"No, Shy, I'm not. I'm dressed warmly enough for the day." By which he means he has an extra layer on underneath, not that she needs to know. He does smile back at her, unable to help himself from it when he sees those dimples of hers. "That said, I want to get a hot drink. I'll be right back, my lady." He offers her another smile before moving behind the bar and soon pouring himself a cup of hot cider. With that steaming mug in hand, he comes back to the booth, sliding in beside Shy.

"Is e'erything fint with you i dag, Viktor?" Wondering how he is faring since she last spoke with him; it had not been the most pleasant of chats.

"I am well." Considering how their last talk went, he is talking only physically. "And how are you, Shy?" He takes a good long swallow of his cider, feeling the glorious warmth of it spreading inside him.

"Alive and fint, as you kan see." A deep inhale is taken, briefly held, then slowly expelled as she reaches up to push back the furry hood of her Winter outer garment; leans forward a bit as it falls to her shoulders, then sits back against the booth. Again her drinking vessel is taken up, the hot contents sipped a few times before mug meets table top. Turns now, to look fully upon his handsome visage.

He carefully sets his mug down as well, then decides to try and give her a little kiss. In the morning when there are no other people about seems like the best time. Perhaps a not so little kiss, considering how wild he is about her.

They really do need to converse some more, because there is a smidgen of awkwardness to this meeting. It should not feel this way between them, at all. His kiss is received and returned, in kind. Nobody else around, perhaps, but surely there are ways of spying.

He pulls gently away, a smile on his face because of that kiss. "After our drinks, would you like to go somewhere private?" That is either a suggestion they talk, or kiss a lot more.

Nods. "Ja, I believe 'tis prudent that we do so."

"My cabin, your house?" Where would she like to go"

"I would prefer to go to my hus, if you do not mind."

"I do not mind in the slightest, my lady." She should know how much he likes her house, and how nice it is to be able to go there with her.

While they finish their beverages, and to break the silence that has settled like a soft blanket upon them quietly says, "I went to the Duel of Swords last e'ening, Viktor. 'Twas the twentieth anniversary of that venue, and I watched several wonderful matches. Little Maggie won hers, and Aja also won a duel. I found myself laughing quite a lot. 'Twas very entertaining."

"Good. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. What all did you find yourself laughing about?" He begins to wrap an arm about her, passing it behind the small of her back.

"At the antics being bandied about in and out of the rings. 'Twas very crowded, and the din was tremendous. Howe'er, there are always certain individuals that kan be focused upon, or heard above others. You know how 'tis, Mister Grynyrd. I was hoping you would have showed up here last natt. I stopped in to have a drikke before going downstairs to the Arena."

"I would have, but there was damage to the water line to my cabin I had to fix. That was not fun, but it is done now." Not fun at all. Trying to fix a busted pipe in the cold when the water is just above freezing is in no way fun.

Brow furrows, but refrains from commenting on what he just said. Instead, continues speaking about the duels, "Of course, there is always someone in attendance that is just an idjit, and must prove it by opening his or her mouth. One male kept talking about his opponents breasts, and the size of them. His inquiries were stupid. If those were his fighting tactics, he failed miserably."

"I imagine that got old quickly." He may have a talent for understatement. "I take it he lost?"

Finishes off the remainder of her cider. Empty mug set down for the final time. "I do not know. I stopped watching him because I found him annoying. There were several duels going on, plus others were speaking with me." Reaches up to caress the scar above her left eyebrow; several strokes later realizes what she is doing, and drops her hand. "I am ready to leave whene'er you are, Viktor. I kan use the magics to take us there. Bring along your mug if you wish."

"I'm almost done." He continues to sip at his cider, one sip quickly following another for a few moments as he tries to finish off the hot cider before leaving. One last sip and he sets down the mug. "I'm done, and ready to go."

Slips her arm around him before beginning the incantation, using the ancient language taught to her by her long-d'de husband; a language that so very few speak these days, or even understand. The shadows gather 'round and soon they are gone from the Red Dragon Inn; to be released near the stone hearth in her log home. Smiles at the Garou before letting her arm drop from her hold around his waist. Begins to remove her gloves, her furs and her boots. All items put in their appropriate places before removing her weapons belt, and hanging it on a peg next to her arctic furs.

He follows suit, taking off his gloves, coat, hat, and scarf before finally taking off his boots. He considers taking off his socks, but decides to leave them on for now. Once he is divested of his heavy outer wear, he inhales deeply, enjoying the scents of Shy's house as he makes his way towards her couch by the fire.

Perhaps he will detect the aroma of peanut butter cookies, or cinnamon bread. Both had been baked this morning before she began her trek to the Inn of Olde. Softly requests, "If you do not mind, Viktor, please tend to the fire since 'tis burning low. I will fetch us something fra the kitchen."

"I do not mind at all." He turns, moving to stoke and feed the fire here as he would at his own house. Soon enough it is blazing merrily, a source of ample heat in the cold North.

"Takk." The hunds are not in their beds, which means they are out and about running around the property, or in the stable with the horses which would not surprise her at all. The animals have an affinity with each other; a special bond. Another pretty smile for the Garou before she moves into the other room. Upon returning, carries a plate full of those recently baked peanut butter cookies; half are plain and half have been baked with nuts. Some people like their cookies without additional crunchies. "Do you like melk, Viktor" I enjoy dunking my cookies into a glass of kald melk."

"You are welcome, Shy. I'm used to milk with most of the fat taken out of it, but yes, I like milk." The modern world is a little weird in that regard. He gives a nod. He moves back over to the couch, taking a seat at the same spot that he had claimed the other day, leaving Shy's spot open. "Those smell very good, my heart."

The rosemaled plate is set down to the Oak wood coffee table. "I shall be right back!" Heads into the kitchen a second time. Two glasses of milk are procured; mayhap he will be surprised to find out that most of the fat has been removed. Glasses are brought to the living room. One is set down to the right of the plate, and one to the left. Then she plops down onto the soft, plump sofa cushion next to him.

Feeling perhaps just a little bit like a child, he picks up and dunks a cookie without nuts into the milk, then takes a bite out of it. Judging by the way his smile gets wider, he likes it a lot. "It's really good, Shy."

"Tusen takk, Viktor." She has been told several times in the past that she is an excellent baker. Not only by her crew, but from friends and other acquaintances who have tasted pastries she has made throughout her years in RhyDin. It had even been suggested to her that she open her own bakery; that suggestion was made two decades ago, by Breda. And declined. She, too, grabs up her glass of milk and a plain peanut butter cookie. Dips the sweet, then takes a bite of the wet part. "Mmm."

He finishes off his first cookie after a second dunking, smiling happily at the gorgeous woman next to him. This is a nice start to the day. He would agree with Breda. Shy could open a bakery and do very well for herself. He picks out a cookie with nuts, then slides an arm about Shy to get the contact he so very much likes with her.

It takes more than two bites for her to finish off her cookie; twice as many, in fact. Glass is then tipped to her lips, and half of the cold milk is gulped down. Ja, she does have a milk moustache. A licking of her lips as she sets the drinking vessel back down onto the table. Sits back, then takes a lean against the Garou. She, too, desires the contact and his warmth. "I adore your scent, Mister Grynyrd."

"I adore everything about you, my lady." With those words, he leans to press a heated kiss to her lips, the kind that sizzles and sparks, sending waves of pleasure out through his body.

His kiss is definitely a hot one. Which, of course, is given right back to him in the same manner. Once their lips part she quietly proclaims, "I bet you do not adore my temper." Is that a challenge in her light gaze" Ja, it is. A challenge for him to deny her statement.

"Perhaps not when it is focused on me." He admits, though other times are fine.

And so the need for a private talk. "Viktor, I have told you before that I have a lot of distrust." Pauses to give his cheek a caress before continuing. "As much as I enjoyed myself at the duels last e'ening, I also witnessed and heard things I did not like. I just do not understand the reason for all of the flirtatious behaviour. 'Tis unseemly to me." This has always been a bone of contention with her.

He lifts a hand to gently trace along the line of her jaw, listening and nodding to her words before his soft reply. "I do not know what is wrong with many of the people in this land, my lady. I am not going to try and explain it, for I do not know."

"I have something I want you to read, Kj'reste. If you will."

"Certainly." He does not mind reading. Although he may be in trouble if it is in Norsk.

Moves off the couch and over to her roll-top desk. Opens it up and searches for the two pieces of paper she placed in there a few days ago. Returns with them saying, "I copied this information because I thought 'twas ....interesting." Revealing is probably the better word. Extends her notes (written in the Common language of the land) toward him.

He takes the notes from her, turning them about so he can read them. "This is..." He shakes his head at the notes, as though they did something wrong. "This is an example of what you are talking about."

"A perfect example of hva I mean. I am disgusted with the entire situation, particularly this part." Indicates by pointing it out. "I want your opinion, Viktor. Do you tenke I am wrong about feeling that is inappropriate?"

(adpated from live rp)

For the children, they mark, and the children, they know The place where the sidewalk ends.

Three days before Thanksgiving

The evening has already been strange, and she is not very pleased at finding herself transported to a place in town by an unknown force with no apparent reason for it happening. She can only guess as to the reason why, but nothing is for certain; blames it on the overuse of magic in the land. After taking care of something else that came up with the incident, now meanders down the cobblestone road toward the Inn of Olde. Hood of her arctic furs keeping the upper portion of her face in shadow, as she prefers.

Pauses near the old Oak tree, and takes a lean against its massive trunk. A gust of wind has the fallen leaves swirling around the ground, then skittering across the road to end up scattered elsewhere. Fishes out a small wrapped piece of candy from her breeks pocket. Untwists the yellow cellophane ends, then pops the butterscotch sweet into her mouth; wrapper is then shoved back into her pocket. Keen gaze drifts to her left, then to her right and back to her left again as she looks up and down the road.

Now that he has his proper outerwear on, he walks calmly down the road towards the Inn. It is really cold out, but he hardly minds. As he gets close, he looks up towards the old oak tree and flashes a smile above his scarf. "Took me a little longer than I thought. Shall we go inside, Shy?"

"Hvorfor did it take you so long, Mister Grynyrd?" Shadowed gaze rests upon the Garou as he approaches the place where she has taken a lean; one of her favourite places, in fact.

"I decided to change some of my clothes." It would be hard to tell though, since his fresh clothes are as black as the ones he had replaced. He did not think he was that late.

"Because?"

"I thought they smelled."

"Of hva?" The small butterscotch round is slid back and forth over her tongue as she enjoys the taste of the treat.

"Sweat." Was that not the usual answer"

"Fra doing hva?"

"From the day. Little amounts build up during the day."

"Did you shower, Viktor?" Sounding a bit put off for having to wait. "After all, if you were sweaty metenkes 'tis not the wisest decision to put on clean clothes without bathing first."

"I did. A very quick one."

Pushes away from the tree trunk, then decides to head elsewhere. She enjoys the Autumn evenings, and likes to take casual strolls around the area to see the sights at night; one never knows what you will find. The scent of burning leaves hits her nostrils. Many people rake them up, then set fire to them. She never understood that custom at all. However, it is one of the things that makes the Season familiar to her.

Today is not as cold as yesterday, and he walks to catch up to Shy. The idea is to not have a fire everywhere on one's yard, he believes. One controlled fire is better.

Quite a few people are out and about in the Marketplace. Each one she passes receives a quick-study; their scent taken in and placed to memory. The majority are oblivious to what she is doing which is just fine with her. Somewhere in the distance a dog is barking, and children are laughing.

"Nice night for a walk." He remarks casually, watching her and their surroundings.

"Ja, 'tis." Pauses to watch a man juggling five bowling pins, and wonders if he stole those from the bowling place the Garou brought her to for one of their dates. Then remembers they never went to that strange circus last month, even though she has discount coupons for it from the bad tasting tootsie roll candy. And a frown appears.

Perhaps if he was Dupin, he could follow her thoughts. Or a mind-reader. He is neither. "What brings about that frown, Shy?"

Quietly states, "Missed opportunities."

"Hmm. Speaking of which, I wonder what is playing at the Shanachie theater now?"

When the juggler sends a wink and blows a kiss her way, the frown deepens. Tisking, turns away from the man who is now showing off, and begins moving toward one of her favourite stores. "I do not know. I have not checked as of late."

"Neither do I." He gives a little glower at the juggling man before moving towards the store with Shy.

One of her favourite past-times, as he knows, is window shopping. Unsurprisingly she stops in front of a large display, peering at the Thanksgiving holiday decorations within. Ja, they are the same as when they were at this particular store just the other day. However, she still gets a warm and cozy feeling from looking at them.

He looks into the windows, noticing the ones that Shy has bought in one of the displays.

A feeling of melancholy washes over her as she strolls along, looking at other window displays. Another pause, this one in front of a store that sells artwork. She has not been inside this shop for a long while. Naturally, the paintings in the window are completely different than those of a few month's ago.

He does not have the same feeling. In fact, he is enjoying this time with her, as he does all time with her. As he peers into the window of the store that sells art work, he finds a landscape catching his eye. "That one is nice." It is a beautiful place, hilly, with trees displaying their fall colors and a horse running along through a still green meadow.

Places her gloved hand on the window as she leans closer, looking at the picture he indicates. Nods her agreement. "Ja. 'Tis very nice, Viktor." Another painting grabs her attention: An incredible peaceful evening scene of a quaint stone cottage nestled near a river, light streaming from the windows. The abundance of colour, the reflection on the water and the overall serenity of the artwork has her wanting to know who lives in that house.

He has to smile, hearing her agree with him on one. He follows her eyes, checking out the one with the lighted cottage. "That one has a nice feel to it as well."

There are several cottage paintings, all by the same artist. Each painting is different, yet they all have that nice feel to it, as he stated. "There are a series of them, see Viktor?" Sounding very enthusiastic, "All four seasons!"

"I do see." He regards each one in turn.

Then she wonders if they are looking at the same paintings, and slides a glance his way. After a couple of moments begins to merrily chortle.

He lifts an eyebrow, but soon is chuckling along with her.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins

One week after Thanksgiving

Mug of cocoa already made, the female Viking has taken a seat in the curtained booth she favours at the Inn of Olde. Quietly sips of the steaming beverage while contemplating the upcoming Yuletide events that are being scheduled for this years celebration.

Perhaps this would again become routine with him. He marches his way through the front door, moving to the bar first to get himself a hot drink. He pauses in his warming of cider to toss a smile towards Shy in the booth. "Good morning!"

A flyer announcing certain WinterFest activities sits on the table, along with holiday greeting cards she retrieved from her 'cubby'. Lowers the mug to table top just as the Garou enters the infamous establishment. "Greetings, Viktor." Picks up the flyer and looks it over for a second time. "I am tenkning of entering the charity date auction. Have you heard, or read about it yet?"

A moment later, with a steaming mug of cider in hand, he walks back from behind the bar and straight over to Shy and the booth. Setting the mug on the table, he eases down into the seat next to her, offering another smile and giving a look to the flyer. "No, I certainly haven't."

"'Tis where you agree to have yourself auctioned off to the highest bidder for a date of some sorts. The monies received on the bid goes to charity. Probably to the orphans fund, or the women's shelter."

"I think it might be a better option to simply give funds directly to the charity." He does not like the idea of Shy going on a date with anyone else.

"The date kan be as simplistic or as elaborate as the bidder who wins, wants it to be. So it could be a walk around the market square, a drikke here at the Inn, or a night out to see a play." Smiles at him. "If I do participate, you could bid for me."

"I would, but the idea troubles me Shy." He is being honest about it. He would prefer to skip the auction part. "I would be happy to take you out, and also donate directly to the shelter."

"Hva troubles you, Viktor?" Takes up the mug of cocoa and sips from it again.

"I don't like the idea of you and anyone else on a date." Even though he trusts her, and knows she can take care of herself, he does have some jealousy in him about such an idea.

"Jealous, Mister Grynyrd?" Smiles when making the inquiry, because she knows how her own jealous nature often rears its ugly head.

"Yes, I am." Her smile prompts his own, small though it may be.

Begins to merrily chortle. "You have nei idea how happy that makes me." Nodding. "Truly, Viktor, because I have oft wondered about it."

"You need not wonder, Shy. You are my lady, as I am your man. No one else." He takes a sip of his cider, then extends an arm to wrap about her and pull her into contact with him.

Once he wraps his arm around her, leans against him. Ja, she is careful not to spill any of her hot chocolate on him or herself. More sips are taken; several in succession as a matter of fact.

His free hand sets the mug back on the table, then pulls the glove off an inch with his teeth before shaking it off and laying it on the top of the table. With his hand bare, he reaches over to slowly caress down the side of Shy's face.

Smiles at the cheek caress. She, too, sets her drinking vessel onto the table. Removes both gloves, which still hold tiny dots of red, green, blue, silver and gold glitter; the kidskins are put on top of the five opened envelopes. Ever-so-gently places her warm, scarred hand over his for a moment, and a light squeeze is given.

His smile grows wider as he sees and feels her reaction. Then he leans in to press a long, slow, heated kiss to her lips, expressing without words exactly how he feels about her. One easily turns into two, then three. Lips linger together, the quiet of the morning surrounding them lends enough privacy to keep this moment wondrously happy.

Those stomach butterflies wing even more wildly than they did just a few minutes ago. So adores his kisses, as he knows, and each one is returned just as soft and tender as they are received. Ja, it is nice. She is certainly enjoying this time as much as he is. After the last kiss is parted, leans her head upon his shoulder. "I hope you intend on spending Christmas with me, Kj'reste."

"I do. Every moment I can, Shy." It is very much what he wants, not just for this holiday, but for the rest of his life as well. Time to be spent with the woman he loves.

"On the e'ening of Jul, I am having my traditional gathering at my hjem. My crew, former crew members and their families, plus a couple of close friends will be there. Just so you know ....they all spend the natt, and we open gifts in the morn. Usually bright and early since the children tend to wake us up so they kan see hva they have received fra Sinta Klaus." Soft laughter bubbles up and tumbles out of her. "'Tis always a joyous time."

"I will be very happy to be there with you and share the experience." Her laughter only widens his smile. He would very much like to be there for all of it. Actually, he would rather like to be there every night.

"Us adults usually stay up late into the e'ening singing softly, and playing instruments, because it takes a while for the children to fall asleep. They are always so excited and energetic that we need to wear them out. After they take their baths, and are in their natt-clothing, we sitte by the fire and sing lullabies and such while they sip cocoa. Once we put them to bed we re-group, talk and sing more carols, as well as play instruments. When we know for sure the children are fast asleep we place those extra presents beneath the tree, or near it. Gifts such as tricycles, wagons, toboggans. Larger items, you know. And of course we always snack on lefto'ers."

The images from last years celebration play in her minds-eye as she explains how things normally go at her place on Christmas eve and Christmas day. "We usually do not get more than a few hours sleep, ourselves. So be prepared, Mister Grynyrd!" Merrily chortles. "Oh, by the way, the men-folk do the dishes since Breda and I do the cooking. 'Tis the one time I do not mind cooking for a large group of people, other than on Turkey Dag. And there are always a lot of dishes to wash and dry. But then, there are a lot of males around!"

"That sounds wonderful, my lady. Exactly how I would like to spend my Yule." His fingers gently brush across her cheek again, other arm a comfortable hold about her. His smile is beaming, joyous, and he clearly looks forward to spending that time with her. "A perfectly fair arrangement." He says, since they already have that between them. "Just how many people are you expecting, my heart?" It sounds like a very large gathering, and he wonders how many will get to sleep on the floor.

"Also, Viktor, 'tis tradition for the men to take the children sledding or skating while Breda and I prepare the Jul mid-dag meal." Pauses for a moment or two. "I expect between twenty to thirty people altogether."

"That is quite the gathering. I will enjoy sledding or skating, whichever it is to be."

Thoughts return to Christmas Eve again as she explains, "The children always want to slumber in the same room together, which is fint with me and their parents. Unless there is a babe, of course. The youngest to be here this year is almost two years old na. I am unsure if George and Anna want to keep him with them, or let him be with the other children. We shall find out when the times koms."

He did not lend an opinion on that, though he would not be surprised if a two year old needed to stay with his parents. "Do you have it worked out where everyone else will sleep then?"

"For the most part, ja." Nodding. "'Tis usually the same e'ery year. The bedrooms downstairs each have two double beds in them. One of those rooms is where the children sleep. The other is shared by George and his wife Anna, and another married ex-crewman of mine ....Gustav and Libby. Both couples have children." Adds softly, "Breda usually stays in the Loft, while the rest of the men sleep downstairs in the living room, or in the guest cottage."

"Hmm. Do you want me down in the living room then, Shy?" He would vastly prefer to be sleeping with her, but does not know what would be done to Breda if that were to happen.

"I do not know yet. I suppose 'tis your decision if you want to sleep downstairs or in the guest cottage." He knows how large her log home is, and there will be room to maneuver without fear of tripping over someone. Unless one is not watching where they are going. "My sofa turns into a bed, too." However, she doubts he will want to share it with one of her crewman.

He does know. It is simply too bad there is not just one more bedroom. "I did not know that." About the sofa.

"Half of those coming for Jul are children, Viktor. So that bedroom will be packed like sardines!"

"That bedroom is right next to a bathroom, isn't it?" For some reason, all of her floor plan is not quite coming into focus in his mind's eye.

"The bathroom is located between the two bedrooms. It is accessible fra both sides." Clarifies, "There are three doors to the downstairs bathroom, all lockable, of course. One fra each bedroom, and one fra the hallway."

"Good for the little ones, that." And good to know he is not crazy when he visualizes her home. "That means I need to lock all three doors before I use the facilities, and remember to unlock all three when I leave?" That sounds less than great.

"'Tis exactly hva it means. Otherwise, Mister Grynyrd, you more than likely will be greeting children while in there." Laughs heartily, then calms down enough to say, "You could always use my bathroom upstairs, or the one at the guest cottage."

"I think I will prefer that option. I don't believe I have ever checked your guest cottage out, Shy."

"I have ne'er shown it to you, so that does not surprise me."

"Could I have a tour of it soon?"

"I suppose I could show it to you when you hjelp me with a tree, ja?"

"That sounds good." He takes another sip of the cider, and notices it has cooled significantly. A longer gulp before he sets that down again. "Shall we go to a tree farm or stand soon then?"

"I prefer a tree farm since 'tis a nice ride in a sleigh. Howe'er, I do not want to get my tree too early. Perhaps in another week or so."

"A sleigh ride is a nice thing. I look forward to one with you." Perhaps more than one.

"I simply adore sleigh rides!" He can easily hear the enthusiasm in her tone of voice. "I truly do!"

"Do you like to hear the sleigh bells ringing?"

"But of course. 'Tis all a part of the enjoyment of a sleigh ride, and they make my spirits bright!" Softly chortles.

"How soon can we go on a sleigh ride?" This may not be aimed at her, more of a thought spoken aloud.

"Hvordan soon will it sn?" I want sn"!"

"It has to get cold enough, so I would not be surprised to learn it will start snowing at night."

Reaches for her mug of cocoa; it has grown cold. "Uff da." Sets it back down to table top. "I am feeling lazy right na. Too lazy to get a refill." Grins at him. "You are very handsome, you know." Tosses that out there, just because.

"And you look positively Gorgeous." She always does, in emerald green. He sips at some of his cider, then decides he might as well. "Would you like a fresh cup of cocoa, Shy?"

"Takk, Viktor." She likes being called that word, even if she disagrees with him. "Ja, I would very much appreciate a refill."

"May I take your cup?" Slowly and regretfully, his arm comes from around her.

An arching of one eyebrow with his inquiry. "How else are you going to refill it?"

He chuckles softly, then reaches to take her cup. With a mug in each hand now, he stands and moves to the bar to clean and refill them.

As he moves off to the bar, reads the auction flyer for a third time. Once she has finished, folds it in half, and in half again and shoves it into her pocket. Begins to softly hum a holiday tune while she waits for Victor's return.

A couple moments later he returns, a steaming hot mug in each hand. "Here you go, my heart." He passes her the hot chocolate, careful to allow her to take it from him and not burn either of them.

Eases the mug from him. "Takk, Kj'reste." Also being very careful.

"You are welcome." Then he eases his way down beside her, careful to not bump her or spill his drink. A sip from his hot beverage before he asks. "Do you have any plans for this weekend?"

"I do. I plan on decorating my hus for the Jul holidag, and send out some greeting cards." A sip of cocoa before inquiring, "Hva about you?"

"I have some shopping to do. I would be happy to help you decorate, if you would like me there."

"We still need to decorate your cabin, too. N"r do you want to do that, Viktor?"

"As soon as we can. We shall have to go looking for decorations before hand though, for I have little with which to decorate."

"Do you want to shop for them i dag?"

"I would like to start today. I do not expect we shall be able to get everything for my cabin in one day." But then, he is not really the sort that shops that much, or that well.

"Perhaps if you make a list of items you have in mind" I know that always hjelps me. There is paper behind the bar, or in the kitchen."

He is up, to the kitchen, and back with paper and pen in scarcely any time at all. "Garlands." He writes down, then pauses. "I don't know what I want to decorate with."

Slow blink of light blue eyes as she watches him. Several more sips of her beverage before mug is set to table top. Suggests, "Candles?"

"I suppose candles are a good idea. Festive ones though. The sea-smelling candles do not recall the Yule tide to my mind."

"Ja, 'tis true. You shall also need tree decorations, which is separate fra other household Jul novelties. Oh! I know of something, Viktor. A nutcracker! One that looks like a soldier with a white beard and such. Do you know hva I mean?"

"I was thinking of holding off on buying most of my tree decorations until after I get a tree." Then he nods. "I know of nutcrackers. Speaking of nutcrackers, perhaps there would be someone worth seeing in the theater soon."

"You mean the ballet' Hvem are you speaking about?" Since he said 'someone'.

"Excuse me, I meant something." He chuckles at himself, not often making such strange verbal slips.

Eyebrows knit as she watches him. Perhaps it is more of a Freudian slip, that is her thought. Takes up her mug again and sips more of the hot liquid. Her gaze no longer upon the Garou, but on the table. "Hvorfor do you want to wait to purchase tree ornaments" Metenkes 'tis better to have them ahead of time. That way once you have the tree up, it kan be immediately decorated."

"I was thinking I wouldn't want to buy too many, and then not have space to put them all on the tree."

"Na you are just sucking the fun out of this, Viktor." Using a phrase she has heard Breda say to someone right before Thanksgiving. Elbow placed to table top, cups her chin in the palm of her hand and stares at the seat across from them. "If you wait too long to purchase items you will not find hva you want. Instead, you will end up with choices of hva others did not care for, and you probably will not like them either."

"Hmm. I don't mean to do that." Then he writes 'candles,' 'nutcracker,' and 'tree decorations.' "Let's do something fun, Shy." He slips the pen and paper into a pocket in his coat, going to remember to bring that back some other time. "That's true." A long sip of his still hot cider, enjoying the drink and the company, even if the mood had somehow been soured.

Dons her gloves and gathers up her mail. "Please let me out of the booth."

He quickly stands up, a bit confused. "What's wrong, Shy?"

The mood has soured all right, and if she is the cause of it then she is leaving. "I nei longer want to be here."

"Ah. Then let's go." There is no where he wants to be more than he wants to be with her.

(adapated from live rp; tbc)

Three Days Later

Earlier she had been very busy here at the Red Dragon Inn; busy decorating, that is. Now she is simply resting in her favourite booth, drinking cocoa and watching the flickering flame of the candle in the holiday centerpiece she placed on the table an hour ago. Of course her thoughts are on other things, too. Beneath her furs is a silk blouse, the colour of royal blue; satin hair ribbons matching, and anchored by a white pearl nestled in a platinum filigree setting. Suede breeks, fur-trimmed knee-high boots and supple, buttery-soft leather gloves complete her outfit.

He walks in through the door, quick and quiet. Straight to the bar he goes, moving with purpose to the break in the bar and behind it to find something he wants to drink. Once he has a mug full of apple cider, he comes out from behind the bar and walks towards the booth. Today he had not gotten it heated, deciding to forego that in return for speed. He notes some of the decorations, giving Shy a smile as he gets there and slides into the booth next to her. "Good morning, my heart."

Turns her head to look at Victor as the Garou sits down beside her. "Greetings, Mister Grynyrd." Mug is lifted for several more sips of the hot and tasty liquid she likes.

"How are you this day, my lady?" After asking his question he sips at his cider and relaxes into the booth.

"Alive and fint." Her standard reply; it is like a game between them now.

"Good to hear. Would you like to take a trip with me this week?"

"Jul is approaching, Viktor. There is so much to be done before it arrives in a few weeks. I have not completed my shopping or my decorating. I should not go anywhere that will delay finishing up hva needs to be done before Christmas."

He nods, understanding how much she likes the holiday. "Perhaps after the New Year then."

"Did you have a place in mind?"

"Not yet." He admits. "There's a few weeks to think about it though."

"Then hvorfor did you inquire if I wanted to take a trip with you this week?"

"Because I want to be with you."

Brow furrows. "You are with me na." He is making no sense to her at this time.

"Where we can be together and alone, for days." This solitude they had now could not last, and they both knew it.

"Hvorfor were you in such a rush when you arrived here, Victor?" Ja, she notices those things.

"I don't have much time today." He sounds like he would be frowning if he were not happy since he is there with her.

"Nei" Hva are your plans" 'Twas my thought we were going to get your decorations, or a Christmas tree, or both."

"I am. And I don't want to have you get angry, but I'm not going to ask you to come with me today."

"Hvorfor not?"

"I think I would only manage to aggravate you, though I would not mean to do so."

"So you do not want my hjelp in choosing decorations and a tree. Fint. I find that quite telling, Mister Grynyrd. Then I do not want your hjelp, either." Continues to finish off her beverage.

"I would be delighted to have your help. I don't want you mad at me, should I say no to any of your suggestions."

"You sound as if you already plan on disregarding anything I would suggest." Eyebrows knit toward each other. "Go by yourself then, Viktor, since you are so frellin concerned about it."

"I don't plan on disregarding what you say, but I will decide for myself."

"I know. You already said you are not going to ask me to accompany you."

"The last time we did go shopping together, you did say you would not go with me." Just pointing that out. He is actually going along with her wishes.

"You are such an arse." Never let it be said that males do not bring up things that happen in the past.

Up the porch steps Arthour went, opening the Inn door and...Stopped. There were decorations up in the Inn tonight, a brief glance up and then he quickly removes himself from under the mistletoe. Missing the argument thus far between Shy and Victor, he offered both a smile and made his way to the bar, slipping through the gap and behind the bar, the cooler was in his sight.

"I apologize, Shy." He stands up, drinking down his cider. "I will see you later." A nod to Art as he turns towards the door.

"Not only am I not going shopping with you, I am not going on a trip with you after the holidags." He can put that in his pipe and smoke it, as the adage goes. "Apology not accepted, Mister Grynyrd. Have a godt dag na."

Returning Victor's nod, he glances between the two, deciding it best he keeps his peace and retrieved a cider from the cooler, opening it and sipping it.

"You too, Shy." Oh well. He places the mug on a table on his way to the door.

Once he is out of the booth she, too, eases off the bench. Takes her empty mug into the kitchen and puts it in the sink. Directly afterwards, exits via the back door. Several strides later she turns around, back-tracks and re-enters the Inn using the same door.

Meanders over to the booth where she had been sitting just a few moments ago to retrieve the scroll she had placed on the bench-seat between herself and the wall; a scroll that hopefully could have been useful, but now it does not matter. Unfortunately, for her, the plans she had made for this day ended up being for nought. Exits again, this time by the main door.

Her warrior's mask firmly set in place.

(adapted from live rp)

"I mean more than that. I mean this," He pulls out the note she wrote him not that long ago, "and this." The key she gave him on his birthday.

Glances at both items. "And hva do I have to show for it' Being humiliated, and not knowing if I kan trust anything that koms out of your mouth. Here, I shall say it for you ....who is the idiot na" ....Me!"

"You are not an idiot, Shy. You are a passionate woman."

"Is there anything else you want to inquire of me?"

"You haven't given me a straight answer to my first question."

"I am letting you decide!"

"I can't decide your heart for you, Shy, much as I might wish to."

"Then we are at a stand-still."

"Are you willing to try again?"

"How many times will it make?"

"Several, I'm afraid."

"Hva does that say to you, Viktor?"

"Nothing good is ever easy. Why don't you sit back down, Shy?" He asks softly after a moment. "Do you remember what you wrote in this letter?"

Uncrosses her arms, and moves back to the couch. Plops down onto the end cushion. "Is that the one about my surprise Turkey Dag dinner?"

"It certainly is."

"I recall hva I wrote. Hvorfor?"

"In it you called me both Kj'reste, and something else."

"Is this supposed to be some type of guilt trip on me?" She is not ready to say those three little words!

"No, Shy. I want to know now, three weeks later, if you still want to call me Kj'reste."

His question raises her ire; the emotion shows on her facial features and in her body language. "Hvorfor" Do you want to gloat?"

"Gloat' Shy, I want you." Is she trying to be confusing"

"Hvorfor do you need to know that information' Hvorfor is it so damn necessary that you hear that word fra me na" Cease your games with me, Viktor!"

"This isn't a game, Shy. It never has been. I want you to answer my question. Yes, I want to go on with you courting me Victor, or No, I would rather not. Which is it?"

"I have told you, I am going to let you make that decision!" And they are back to square one.

"In that case, your decision is that Yes, you do want to have me court you." How does that sound" It sounds nice, but also ridiculous. As if he can tell her what she thinks.

"For how long?"

"Until you decide otherwise, or we get married. I won't be making either of those decisions for you."

Eyes widen, and her brow furrows. "I do not e'en want to tenke about marriage!"

"Never, or not now?"

"At this point in time."

He nods. "Not a problem. Shall we go build a snowman or two now?"

Not to be deterred says, "I want you to know something, Viktor. I want you to know that if you decide to attend the charity date auction, and not be on time for it, that I am going to bid on someone."

"Shy, if you want to date other people, just say so. I will go if it's with you."

"So, you will not agree to being on time?"

"I can be on time."

"Kan, but will you?"

"I will." Assuming nothing traps him again.

"You know the consequences." High stakes, for sure. But then, did he not say 'nothing good is ever easy'"

"Would you really do that?"

"Hva do you tenke?"

"I think I was wrong."

"Do you na. And?"

"Yes. I certainly do." He sings softly, sadly. "You've lost that lovin' feeling. Whoa, that lovin' feeling."

Shakes her head. "Nei, I have not lost it."

"I understand it is a date with someone besides me. Do you want to hurt me" Will that make you feel better" If I'm five minutes late" Do you know what you said on Friday that hurt me?"

"Oh! So something I said to you on Freydag is the reason you stood me up on Sondag?" Is the truth now finally coming out?

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

12th of Desember Onsdag morning Victor's cabin Victor woke quietly and glances about the room. He shifts in his bed, noting how he does not have on a shirt at all. Turns to look towards the wall, to see if Shy is still there.

Perhaps it was the Garou's shifting that did it' Rolls onto her back and begins to elongate those muscles of hers by stretching arms over head, legs straight out and a small arching of her back; it seems it is always the first thing she does when she awakens, even if her eyes are not yet open. What is she wearing" That Hawaiian-print shirt over her emerald green bikini, of course.

"Good morning, Gorgeous." He says happily, glad to see her in his bed. Then he moves to have his chest above her and leans to press a good morning kiss to her lips.

Once the stretch is completed begins to turn back onto her side, to face Victor. However, she is suddenly, and sleepily, looking at his face hovering above hers. "Godt Morn ..." The rest of the word cut off.

After a moment he breaks the kiss, smiling broadly at the only woman he cares about. His striptease show from last night had ended with most of his clothes on the floor.

"'Tis nice to be greeted in such a manner in the morning, Handsome. 'Twas quite the performance you put on for me last e'ening, and I want you to know that I enjoyed e'ery single moment of it!" Knows if he had been up on that stage at the Charity Date Auction last night, she would have outbid everyone; even if the amount went well over 80,000 silvers (the going bid for Thorn when they left the Great Hall).

"Thank you Shy. I think it might get better with practice." It is not as if that is something he has done before. He presses another kiss to her lips, glad to be able to taste her that way again. This kiss turns into several. Each one is long, hot, and passionate as a roaring fire. He pulls away eventually, smiling. "What would you like to do?"

Return his smile with a dimpled one. "You are most velkommen. And 'tis said that practice makes perfect, you know. I very much want to cuddle for a while longer, Kj'reste. I am feeling extremely comfortable right na. Perhaps later we kan take a ferry to O'erlord Island and build a sn"mann. Does that sound fint with you?" Adores being with him, as well as within his warm abode.

"More than fine, my heart." He lets himself move back down, throwing an arm across her to hold her now.

Recalls a song she heard last year around this time of the Season. Softly sings, "Baby, 'tis kald outside." Does he recognize the tune"

"That's my line." He laughs softly, cuddling up closer to her. He knows the song, though may not be able to sing it.

Eyebrows raise. "Your line" Hva do you mean, Viktor?" Not quite understanding why it is his line to sing. Inhales deeply of his scent as they continue snuggling. She could remain like this all day long, and not care about getting up for any reason.

"It's freezing out there." He almost sings the words that go in the song.

"I know, but hvorfor is 'Baby, 'tis kald out there' ....your line" Hva am I missing?"

"The guy says that more than the lady in the song. Especially at the beginning."

"Oh' I was unaware 'tis a song for a duet since I only heard a female singing that part. Na I feel stupid."

"I've never heard it as any way beside a duet. No, you're not stupid." He leans to press another soft, reassuring kiss to her.

"I just do not like finding out how clueless I am about certain things. It happens to me so often." Mainly because she is from another century. "Viktor?"

"I find I am clueless about things as well. Yes Shy?" He asks, wondering what is on her mind now.

"I want a Jul list fra you." Obviously she has changed her mind about this subject.

"I can get that list for you. Not a problem." He smiles all the wider. "I get to give you gifts then, don't I?"

Grins at him. "Ja, if you still want to do so."

"Oh, I do. I very much do." He nuzzles her shoulder, then goes to press another sizzling kiss to her lips.

"Mmmmm." And the stomach butterflies take wing. Slowly parts their lips to quietly inquire, "Hva did you tenke about the auction last e'ening?"

"It was getting rather out of hand, wasn't it' I'm not sure Harris and Seirichi are the best choices for MCs." His arm looped about her begins to move up and down, fingers trailing across her back through the Hawaiian shirt.

His remark about emcee's has her merrily chortling. "Do you know they host something called a radio show?" She is still a bit uncertain what a radio is; in fact, she thinks it is just another way to say rodeo. People and their accents, naturally.

"I have heard about that. They talk, and people all over the area can tune in and listen to it." He shakes his head. "I doubt I would enjoy it."

Brow furrows for a moment or two. "They talk o'er loudspeakers outside, too' Both of them were very loud last natt, for sure. I do not tenke they needed to shout so much. Of course, perhaps 'twas because they were just excited about the event."

"Not loudspeakers. The radio works off waves that travel through the air and can be picked up by, well, radios. It works over many miles." He chuckles again. "Yes, they were certainly loud."

"Waves in the air" For miles?" Now you just know she is picturing sea waves; possibly heat waves. Then asks, "Or do you mean like this?" Waves her hand. Good luck, Victor.

"Invisible waves. Like the wind, but not touching things so much. Yes, miles. Depending on if they are AM or FM, the signal could go out really far."

"A-em or Ef-em?" She is so lost, as he can clearly tell.

"Acronyms. Amplitude Modulation or Frequency Modulation." Actually, this is not that hard to explain.

Silently repeats those words to herself, placing them to memory. They will surely be written in her journal later, as are most new words learned. It can be a bit much to take in, but she is a quick-study. It helps more if she can see what he is talking about, though.

"Would you like an explanation of AM and FM?"

"Did you not just give them to me?" Fingertips caress over his jaw line.

"I didn't know the words amplitude or frequency the first time I heard them."

"I know hva frequency means." More than likely not the definition to which he is referring. "And I am tenkning amplitude must be similar to longitude or altitude?" She knows nothing about radios.

"It means more like height. Picture waves on the shore. Some are bigger. Those could also be said to have a greater amplitude." Easy example, right"

Easy for her to follow. A small nod as she stares at his lips when he speaks.

"It's the same sort of technology walkie-talkies use."

"Walkie-talkies. Are we not all walkie-talkies?" Then bursts out laughing, because she finds that terminology amusing. "We walk and we talk. We are walkie-talkies! Sounds like something fairies would say." Places a kiss to his chin.

He chuckles quietly for a moment, pleased as punch to have her kiss him again. "I don't know about fairies, but guys in the Army used them." No joke.

"Used them?" It would be of such great help if he had pictures to show her.

"A walkie-talkie is basically the same thing as a cell phone. Earlier tech that didn't need towers though."

Snorts. "Cell phones." He knows she knows what those are!

"Less annoying. No texting nonsense."

It must seem odd to him (and others) that she knows information about various high technology items, yet knows nothing about what came before them. Another snort at the remark about texting. "Hva I do not understand is hvorfor two people kan be sitting or standing right next to each other, and they are both doing this ..." Pretends to text ...."Instead of just talking to each other. Hva is the point?"

"I don't know, Shy. I would think talking would be both faster and more expressive." With that, he leans to press another kiss to her lips. No, he can not get enough. A long time later, he slowly draws away. Only an inch, just far enough away to gaze deeply into her eyes and consider the three little words

Slowly opens her eyes, to look into his darkest of browns. Smiles. "You are very handsome, Kj'reste. Ja, I know I say it a lot. But, you are." Fingertips glide over his cheek, then down his neck. Once again she, too, is close to saying those words, but holds back. Not yet.

"And you are gorgeous, my lady, my heart." He continues to smile, letting the words go between them without a sound. He could stay like this all day. Even all night. Wasn't there an event tonight'

This is one of those times when it seems like they are reading each other's minds. "Viktor, are you going to be able to go to the Stars End Bar and Grill with me this e'ening" There is going to be some man there by the navn of Talkinghead Ned. I am curious as to who he is, since I do not know him."

"I think so. What sort of event is this" I don't know any more about this Ned fellow than you do."

A quick shrug of her shoulders. "I only know he is supposedly going to have guests on his show. I do not know hva kind of a show 'tis, though."

"Hmm. I suppose it can't be any crazier than last night's event. How formal are we dressing?"

"I would not be so hasty in speaking those words, Mister Grynyrd. I learned long ago that just as you tenke something kannot get odder in this land ....it usually does." Dimpled smile for the man she adores when he says the word 'we'. "I am going to wear a pair of suede slacks, and a silk blouse. Only both are much nicer than my e'erydag ones. I also have this fancy brocade bolero jacket to wear o'er my blouse. Do you know hva I mean' 'Tis not an outdoor garment. I shall wear my furs, of course. Because, Baby, 'tis kald outside!"

"I see. Well I'll have to figure out how to dress up appropriately. Would you like to look through my closet to find something appropriate?" He does not worry about surprising her now. Then he nods. "I think I know what you mean."

A slow blink as his words sink in. "Hvorfor do you not show me hva you have, or want to wear" And I shall give you my opinion ....if you wish it."

"That will work. Shall we make plans to come back here afterward?" Sounds like a great idea to him. What does she think"

"Nei. Metenkes we should go to my hjem afterwards. Is that all right with you?"

"That would be very nice indeed." Her house is at least as comfortable as his. He smiles, tempted to kiss her again.

"We need to get our arses out of bed na, have something to eat, then go build a sn"mann." After they choose something for him to wear for this evening's event.

"I suppose we must. What would you like for breakfast' French toast and sausages sound good?" He makes no move to get out of bed or away from her.

"Sounds absolutely delicious to me!" Appears reluctant to leave his side, too.

"Is there anything else you would like" Anything at all?"

There is, but she is holding to her standards. He might be able to guess what she is thinking when that blush on her cheeks suddenly surfaces; a medium-pinkish hue, which immediately darkens as she continues to gaze into his deep brown eyes.

"It's terrible to want something you won't let yourself have."

"I do not tenke 'tis terrible." She has her reason's, and they are good ones!

"Perhaps that was too strong of a word." He knows the reasons she has given him, and does not want to pressure her.

Hand lifts to gently brush back dark locks off his forehead. She knows how he feels about her, and he knows her feelings for him. He has a letter to prove it; she truly does want this relationship to work.

He certainly does. He pulls his arms tight about her to press sweet, long, incredibly passionate kisses to her. What a day.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright

13th of Desember Torsdag; 10:43 am

At least the walk back to her log home from the Marketplace is shorter than if they were at his cabin or at her Pub. It is still quite the hike, but that is all right with her; even better if it is not raining. Hopefully Victor does not mind. She found it fortuitous to have run into him while they were both out and about, doing there own 'thing'.

Unfortunately, she did not find the one gift she is seeking even after checking out two newer stores. It has her contemplating what she is going to do for a holiday present for the woman who is as close to her as a sister. Remains silent during the Northward trek, unless Victor asks her any questions. Every now and again gives his hand a light squeeze, just to show she cares that he is with her.

He does not mind the hike, and could go considerably farther if it were necessary. He gives her hand a squeeze in return, always an easy smile on his face for her. The sky has actually gotten a little lighter, the cloud cover a bit less than it was earlier.

Once they have reached her log home, unlocks the front door and enters; the door is left open for him, naturally. The hunds are out and about, which does not surprise her one iota. Undoes the clasp of her hooded, fur-lined black cloak, then removes it. The outer garment is hung on a peg near the front door. Removes her gloves and tosses them on a nearby entryway table. Fur-trimmed knee-high boots are next to come off. These are brought over to hearthside, and set on the floor beneath the place where her plush arctic furs hang.

He follows her inside, closing and trying to lock the door before he takes off his coat, hanging it on the peg next to her outer garment. His gloves are still in the pockets, so he slips off his boots and sets them beneath his coat before turning with a grin towards Shy. He moves smoothly across her floor in his socks, arms opening up to catch her in a big hug.

She is surprised when she turns around, to find herself caught up in his embrace; it is unexpected, but not unpleasant. His action brings about a soft smile, and she hugs him in return. "I adore being in your arms, my handsome Garou."

"I adore having you in my arms, my heart." He says softly, letting the hug last and then linger, holding tight to her for a long moment before finally loosening up his hold.

Her home still has the aromas of baking within its walls; spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom are easily detectable. Her crew says her place smells like cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, cookies and cakes. Scents from their homeland of Norge, of what the women-folk make on a daily basis. They like it, a lot. And she is glad it brings the Wild comfort. She hopes Victor likes the way her home emits those aroma's, too.

He also might notice there are not many Jul decorations set out yet, other than a couple of knick-knacks and some red, white, and green candles; the red smells like cherries, the white like vanilla, and the green like pine. None of which are overpowering or should give anyone a headache. Nor does she have a tree to trim. A telling sign of her doldrums since this is one of her favourite times of the year.

"The way your house smells is making me hungry, Shy." He smiles when he says it though, delight and happiness clear in the way he says it. He leans to press a kiss to her lips, a different kind of hungry than for food playing out with his action. His arms wrap around her, pulling their bodies closer. Perhaps this will help take away that melancholy she has been feeling.

"E'eryone who enters my hus has made that same statement, Mister Grynyrd." Getting that out before she receives a kiss. If only it were that simple to drive away the touch of sadness with his loving embrace. His attentions do help, to an extent. But whatever has her in its grips, is not letting go so easily. A confused expression appears on her facial features once the kiss is broken. "Sometimes I feel as if my hjerte is breaking, Viktor. Especially when you kiss me like you just did."

"I don't understand, Shy. Why would your heart feel like it's breaking?" He pushes the passion he feels for her to a backburner for now, letting the compassion and concern he has for her come to the fore. He is her man, supportive, solid, dependable.

"I do not know. 'Tis a feeling that hits me, hard, and I must fight it." Teary-eyed at this point. "I feel like crying, because I am unable to find the source or the reason for it. 'Tis just there, and it makes me feel weak inside."

"Shy, I am here. You are safe in your house." Then he gives her another gentle squeeze of a hug. "Safe in my arms."

"I want to go to the loft na. I am much more weary than I thought."

One of his arms drops slowly to his side. "Then let's go." He will walk with her.

"I was rather hoping you would not mind carrying me."

"Of course." He bends and easily lifts her into his arms. A smile grows wider across his face as he moves to take her up to her bedroom. "Hold tight, Shy."

"I will, Viktor." Does as he says, without strangling him. The last thing she wants to do is place a choke hold on him. With arms securely wrapped around him gently leans her head against his, and without any provocation tears begin to trickle down her cheeks. Do not ask her to explain, because she cannot.

"Shhh. It's okay, Shy. I'm here." He says very softly as he carries her over to her bed, gently placing her down before curling up next to her with his arms still around her.

Whispers, "I know you are, and I am very grateful." Swipes at the wetness on her cheeks, then turns on her side placing her back to him for the time being; unable to look at him when she feels as if she is falling apart. "Hva is wrong with me?"

That does not bother him, and in fact finds they are now 'spooning' as some call it. "Nothing is wrong with you, Shy. You're just a little emotional right now."

"Men jeg vet ikke hvorfor, Kj'reste," spoken ever-so-softly.

This time his language comprehension fails. He simply hugs her tighter, a gentle pressure. "You are my heart, Shy."

"Takk, Viktor. You are mine, as well." Switches position, now rolling over to face him. Slips one arm around his waist as she snuggles close. Once more she is thankful he is there with her being strong and supportive through this tribulation. Not only does she need his strength and fortitude, she definitely wants it. "Please stay with me, and be e'er vigil. But do not forget to awaken me later this afternoon, we have more shopping to do." She truly is weary, and soon succumbs to slumber.

"I do not know why this is happening, but I will be here every step of the way to help you." With those words, now that she is facing him, he presses a kiss to her. He will remain there all day. Watching over her.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

14th of Desember Fredag morning Victor's cabin

A lot of time had been spent in the Marketplace last night traipsing from store to store looking for certain holiday presents, and she finally ended up purchasing toys for her two dogs, Tr'st and Sjanse. Shy and Victor had also stopped by the Moonlight & Magic Shop for the Hanukkah Observances. It was during that visit when they learned all about the Jewish celebration, and were gifted with a Dreidel from Wanda. Afterwards, the decision was made to return to the Garou's cabin in the woods.

One of the last things to happen last night was him getting out his list for her. Now he awakes from his slumber, stretching and rolling over in place to make sure her warmth is still beside him. Just the smell of her there brings a smile to his face.

After receiving his list she had given hers to him in exchange, as agreed upon. It had not been easy for her to think of several items to jot down since she usually does not ask for anything special. She is the type of person who enjoys it much more when people surprise her with gifts that they think (or know) she will appreciate. Of course she is still there, asleep and facing the wall; sometime during the night she had rolled over in that direction.

Now that he is awake, he shifts closer, wrapping his arms about her and getting in as much contact as he can between them. He is more modestly covered today. A thin shirt and pajama bottoms on below.

Slowly opens her eyes to half-mast when he moves nearer and wraps her up in his embrace. Smiles, even though he cannot see it. She feels safe with him, and is glad he is near. An immediate, "Godt morning, Viktor," is groggily spoken. Reaches for the covers that have slid down a bit, and pulls them up to her shoulder before leaning back against him.

"Good morning Shy." The words mean 'I love you,' even if that is not how they sounded. He nuzzles softly into her, very happy to have her there with him. "What would you like to do today?" He asks softly, then begins to press kisses to the back of her neck, the tops of her shoulders, anywhere he can reach.

Sleepily states, "Metenkes we should do more Christmas shopping. I am bekomming anxious that I am not going to finish it all before Jul arrives." Speaking the truth of the situation. "Which reminds me, do you truly want to purchase matching holidag sweaters, or were you just jesting with me i g"r when we were in towne?"

"I would like to purchase matching sweaters, Shy, though I can do without if you do not like the idea." One hand slips up to gently push aside the cover and her top, letting him kiss softly down the side of her neck toward her collar bone.

"I do not oppose the idea, Mister Grynyrd. Howe'er, I am wondering hva kind of sweaters you are talking about, and hope you do not mean some horrid, garish ones that I have seen during this time of the Season."

"Do you think we can find holiday themed sweaters that are not horrid and garish?" How does she like having his head there, lips pressing softly to the hollow.

"Hvorfor do they need to be holidag themed?" She is doing her best to ignore his kisses, and has the feeling he is highly aware of it. Why' Mainly because he is getting more amorous as each second passes, which is becoming more difficult for her to resist. There is another fear, though, and decides to voice it, "Kj'reste, do you tenke we shall lose this feeling of attraction for each other a year fra na?"

"I think holiday themed is appropriate simply because of the season, but no, they do not have to be." He pauses to press another kiss to her soft skin. "I do not think I shall ever lose this attraction for you, Shy."

"I truly hope not, Victor." Feels the need to stretch, to elongate her muscles. So without further ado, switches positions and rolls onto her back before taking the long, satisfying extension of arms and legs, arching her back in the process. It always feels wonderful, that stretching. Slowly lowers her arms as she relaxes once more. Her gaze locks onto his, and she smiles. "Much better!"

He pulls just far enough away that she does not smack him upside the head when she stretches. He grins at her, waiting for the stretching to be over. "Glad to hear it. Would you like breakfast soon, or would you care to stay in bed a while longer?" He smiles even wider, offering kisses to her.

"Remain here for a while longer, if you do not mind." She is not so much a morning person as he. "'Tis nice and varm, Handsome," said as she cuddles up against him.

"I was hoping you would say that, Gorgeous." His arms move to hold her tight again, as he leans to try and press the first kiss to her lips of the morning. A first kiss soon turns into many, each with the same message repeated over and over. His hands travel along her form, forced to keep from going too far, despite his wants.

Not only does she greatly appreciate his tact, but his fortitude as well; it places him in high regard with her, and earns him huge points. It is not easy for her, either, but she will not lower her standards. As far as she is concerned, it is character building. No matter the desire. The best comes to those who wait.

He knows it must be difficult for her as well. A long moment more, kisses given freely and hotly, and he gently pulls just the merest amount of space away. A huge grin dominates his face, eyes open again to look at hers. "I'm very glad you are my lady." The message shines in his eyes.

A dimpled smile forms for the Garou. "Hvorfor is that, Kj'reste?" Fingertips gently stroke over his cheek as lightest of blue eyes and darkest of brown eyes lock onto each other.

"Because you make me happy."

"Truly, Viktor, do you not tenke any female that you are attracted to could make you happy?" She is not saying this to receive compliments. In her mind, it is just a simple fact of life.

"No Shy, because I know better. This will last, and that is a big difference indeed."

"Hva makes it different fra the other times?" Naturally she is curious to know the answer.

"I trust you."

Another three little words that mean the world to her. Without trust, there is nothing to be gained. Continues with the caressing during this very important, and thoroughly needed, time together. "You had problems with that in the past, Mister Grynyrd?"

"I have found that there was a difference between wanting to trust someone and truly feeling that it is so. With you, I do not worry. My secrets you shall keep." Stated as fact, not command.

A nod to his words. "Ja, I shall keep them. I am glad that you trust me, Viktor, and that I make you happy. Although we do tend to argue too much, in my opinion." She really hates it when they clash.

"We argue a bit. We have strong opinions, so it is only expected." His fingers come up, trailing softly across her cheeks.

"Kj'reste, I do not like it when we fight. I do not want a difficult relationship. I believe it should be as smooth and uncomplicated as possible." He can see by looking into her eyes that her words are heartfelt.

"That would be nice. How do you suggest we do that?" Hopefully she does not want him to roll over and agree with her every word, any more than he expects that from her.

"I do not know. Hva are your thoughts on it, Mister Grynyrd?" She will not wed anyone with whom she is incompatible. After all, that would be ludicrous. "Hva is most important to you in a serious relationship?"

"I think there are no differences between us that we can not talk out, if we try." His hands continue to stroke her skin, light, delicate touches across her cheeks, and down the curve of her neck. "That which we already have. Honesty, trust, and love."

He said the L word, and it takes a lot of willpower on her part not to outwardly react to it. The time will come, just not right now. Best to switch topics. "I suppose we should get up and get going, my man. E'en if I am disinclined to move, we must. The dag is not about to stand still for us, and there is much to do before the skating party this e'ening."

"Hmm, already? What do you want for breakfast?" He asks, questions to delay the getting out of bed.

"Honestly, I do not feel like washing dishes, or cooking. Perhaps you will agree to eating breakfast at a restaurant?"

He nods. "I will." With that taken care of, he reluctantly pulls away, getting to his feet on the floor before wandering over to his closet to pick out something to wear.

Since she remained overnight at his cabin, all she has to wear are the same clothes she had on yesterday. That does not bother her too much, but she would like to change into something clean. "I should return to my log hjem first. Do you want to meet somewhere in particular, Viktor?"

"Are you sure you do not want to wear some of my clothes?" He does not really like the idea of parting from her. Can she tell" "I think you would look nice in one of my shirts, a button down one maybe? Would you care to come look and decide?" Since he is already over there.

An arching of one eyebrow. "Do you want me to look like a male?"

"Shy, I don't know if you could look like a male if you tried." She probably could, but it would be a waste.

That has her softly chortling. "I certainly do not want to look like a man. Perhaps you have a nice bright coloured sweater that is too small for you?" Ja, she is being facetious knowing how much he likes black.

"I think we can find something that will work for you. Might have to look at the clothes that are a bit tight on me. Hmm. I don't have any too small. Maybe...this one?" It is tight on him. He likes that though. Thinks it displays his muscles. It is a basic dark green.

Vanity, thy name is Victor Grynyrd. Slips out of the warmth of the bed to stand near him. Peers at the sweater he holds looking at it this way and that way, front and back, before finally saying. "Metenkes 'tis fint enough, I suppose." Tight on him, but still large on her.

He hands her the sweater, taking a moment before pulling out the clothes he will wear. Black pants and a green shirt, though that would be hidden beneath the black sweater. "Any objection to this selection?"

"We are just going shopping. Hvorfor would I mind hva you wear?" Softly chortling.

"Good point." He vanishes into his closet, closing the door to change. Not much later, he goes out, ready for the day. A smile as soon as he sees her again. "Ready to go, my heart?"

Modest, is he" Finds that endearing as well as amusing. "I will be in a few minutes, Kj'reste." Shooing him out of his own bedroom.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

After a quick stop at the Inn of Olde they went directly to a livery stable to check on renting a sleigh for that evening. They are in luck, and find out not only can they pick a sleigh of their own choosing, but can request which steed they want to pull it. "Should we have a clydesdale, or a different horse" And do we want a red coloured sleigh or a black one, Viktor?"

"I think a big clydesdale would be a good choice, and a red sleigh. It seems more festive and exciting." He looks to Shy, having given his opinion on the matter. He can not help a smile. Looking at her makes one appear on his countenance.

Nods as she inspects the four crimson-red two-seater sleighs with gold trim that are available. After scrutinizing each with a critical eye, finally chooses one she likes over the other three. It has a plush, black velvet button-tuft upholstered seat, too. "Hva do you tenke about this one, Mister Grynyrd?" When her gaze drifts off the sleigh to fall upon the Garou's handsome visage, a dimpled smile is sent his way.

He inspects it briefly, not noticing any major failings with it. Then a nod and a smile that grows when he catches sight of her dimples. "It looks very comfortable Shy. Do we order it now, come back later?" That is as much to Shy as the other in the stables, the stable boy.

"I shall pay for half of the cost na, that way it will be kept for us. I do not want to chance it that when we return later this e'ening, someone else got their mittens on it."

"I do not want to run that risk either. When we pick it up, I will pay the other half." He moves with Shy towards the horses, realizing Shy has a better eye for horseflesh than he does.

While they must decide upon a steed, the proprietor of the stables enters. She hails him, and points to the pretty red and gold-trimmed horse-drawn vehicle she is standing near. "Mister, I want to rent this sleigh for half of a dag. How much is the fee?" Upon hearing the price inquires, "Does that include the horse?" Once she learns the equine is indeed part of the package, plus a warm blanket or two, nods her head. A fair price as far as she is concerned. "Very well. Hold this one for us, please." Signs the required paperwork, and pays for half of the going rate so nobody else can rent it out from underneath them. "Which horse, Mister Grynyrd?"

He takes a moment to look at several of the horses. Nothing stands out to him as particularly wrong with any of them, nor do any seem particularly spooked. It helps to be using a Gift that makes animals like him, of course. After a moment, he nominates one of the big clydesdales as a possible choice. "What do you think of this one, Shy?"

"That one is fint with me. Hva is his navn?" Looks from the horse, to Victor, then at the proprietor. She knows stables who rent out wagons, sleighs, steeds, et cetera usually give their horses monikers.

The horses name is above the stall. The proprietor speaks out though, sounding proud of his horse."That one there is Winterhalter."

Not always trusting that horses are returned to their appropriate stalls; knows that to be true, from experience. Perhaps this time it is not the case, but it is the reason she inquires. Patiently waits for the clydesdale's name to be revealed, and when she hears it smiles, then begins to softly chortle. "Sounds like wishful tenkning on someone's part. I, for one, do not want the Vinter halted."

The horse and name above the stall match this time. With the paperwork done and the horse picked out, the proprietor moves to brush down the horse. Apparently he wants the horse looking good for his evening out. He pauses to look at Shy and give an odd smile. "Nay, lass. Winterhalter got his name from always be pulling sleighs in the winter, wearing a halter, right?"

Grins at the proprietor. "Well na, I guess I would have called him Sleigh-halter, or Jingles." Light laughter bubbling up and tumbling out of her. "But then I am rather quirky."

"Those would have worked, yes. Actually, Jingles is his son, over there." He points out another horse, more of a colt really. Turns back to Winterhalter, continuing to brush down the clydesdale.

"Oh!" Meanders over to the colt. "Greetings, Jingles! Hva a handsome boy you are!" She truly does love horses. Another question pops into her head. "Hva time do you close up in the e'ening" Or do you close at all?" Some stables are open all night long, but she is unsure of this one.

"We don't close. The boys will be up all night. Some are sleeping now." He nods, as if that makes perfect sense. It does, right"

"Godt. We shall return later around ...." Looks at Victor to fill in the time; after supper surely.

Victor smiles, moving over to the colt to stand with Shy. "Around nine?" He suggests, though that did not have to be a definite time.

"Perhaps a bit earlier than nine, but nei later than that hour."

"By nine at the latest." The stable owner makes note of the time, informing them that Winterhalter and the two-seater red sleigh will be ready upon their return.

"Tusen takk, Mister." Her thanks is to the proprietor, but her gaze lingers on Victor. "Hva do you want to do na, my man?"

"Higgins."

Glances over at the owner with an arching of one eyebrow. "Hva" Oh!" Realizes that he is relaying his surname. "Tusen takk, Mister Higgins."

The man waves. "You are welcome, Miss!"

Victor looks at Shy, and knows exactly what he wants to do. He smiles, moving to give her a gentle hug right there in the stable. "I want to spend my time with you. How about we get ingredients for a nice dinner tonight?"

"And just hva do you want to eat?" Takes a not-so-wild guess, "Steak?"

"That does sound good." He admits.

"Did you have something else in mind?"

"Steaks sounds very good. That said, how about steak fajitas?"

"I do not recall hva those are, Mister Grynyrd."

"A mexican dish. Something like a self-constructed burrito. Along with strips of steak, there are onions, peppers, usually rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla."

"Hmm." He can tell she is debating if that is what she really wants, just by the expression on her face. "I am hungry for a nice, thick juicy steak, cooked to medium. A potato baked in its skin, and perhaps some green beans. Should we go to a restaurant, Viktor" That way we kan both order hva we want, ja?" And they will not have to purchase groceries, or travel to either one of their houses; saving them time from having to make a return trip into town.

"I like that plan. We should. Later." With those words, he leans down to plant a kiss on her lips. It has been too long since he had one.

When he bends his head with the intent of bestowing a lip-lock stops the Garou by placing her gloved hands against his newer black coat, at chest level, and applies a bit of pressure. Whispers, "Not here. Not in front of Mister Higgins."

Stops, then nods. He keeps his arm around her as they take their leave of the stable.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Now that her chortling ebbs, resumes singing, "There's a happy feeling nothing in the world kan buy, when they pass around the kaffe and the pumpkin pie. It will nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives. These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives!"

He happily sings with her. The next bit is a repeat. "Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too. Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you." Look at that big smile on his face, because he is with her.

"Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, let's go, let's look at the show. We're riding in a wonderland of sn". Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, it's grand, just holding your hand. We're riding along with a song of a wintry fairy land!"

"Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we. We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be. Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two. Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you." He shifts around, wanting to give her hugs and kisses now. He has to be careful of the mugs, thermos of cocoa, and the reins as well.

More soft, merry laughter ensues after they finish the song in such sweet harmony. This is so very, very nice; snuggled close together beneath a warm blanket, traveling through the snowy woods on a clear winter's night in a one-horse open sleigh with the man she loves. Truly, it is what she has wanted to do since the first snowfall.

Leans her head on his shoulder while indicating another path they should take. One that veers off to the left from the main one they are currently traveling on. This is the trail that will bring them to the first surprise she has to show him ....a beautiful little chapel in the forest. Hopefully he will slow down, or perhaps stop the sleigh to take a long gander at the Holy place.

He follows her silent directions, slowing the horse to a walk when the chapel comes into view. "That's a very pretty place, Shy." He thinks out loud, enjoying the way she leans into him, the contact with her. The warmth she gives him is more than mere body heat.

"Ja, I find it appealing. It has a very velkomming feel to it. I have known the priest for many years na." The beautiful stone structure is quaint, and as he can see just off to the left of the chapel is another stone structure; one that is arched with a black wrought iron fence in front of the opening so nobody will disturb the lighted nativity scene on display. The stunning handcrafted figures are life-size, including the animals. Nei, they are not real, but they sure do seem like it.

He pulls on the reins to stop right in front. "It is a very nice scene there. Would you like to come back here on another special day?" He smiles at her, joy and hope in his expression.

"The Nativity remains there all year round, Kj'reste. Always lit up during the e'ening hours once the sun begins to set." Slow blink of light blues as she pulls her gaze off the grand figures, to seek out the Garou's wonderful deep brown eyes. "Do you mean on the hjerte dag that is celebrated next month?"

"That, or some other day we want to celebrate." It would be impossible for him to stop smiling at this moment. He means to suggest they could be married here.

"Hva other dag, Mister Grynyrd?"

He tries to be careful with his words. This is a romantic evening, but he is missing something he thinks important. "I mean, this place looks like a nice place for a wedding, doesn't it?"

"It does." Nodding her agreement. "I have oft thought that same thing. But, 'tis not the reason I am showing it to you." The beginnings of a blush is felt on her cheeks.

"It is lovely, Shy." He keeps his gaze locked to hers, eyes doing their best to shine.

"I am glad you like it, Viktor." Smiles prettily. "Na, let us go to my next surprise for you!"

He smiles wider, always do her smiles have that effect on him. Then he snaps the reins, getting Winterhalter moving once more. "Do you think it is time for cocoa now?"

"Not quite yet." Approximately five to ten minutes later once again indicates another trail they should follow, and it eventually leads to a place with one of the most breath-taking views of RhyDin; he will know when to halt the strong steed so they can peer down at the town. It is a wondrous view, almost like an artists picturesque painting, or the inside of a pretty snow globe. "Here, Mister Grynyrd, is where we shall drikke our kokoa!"

"Indeed it is." He stops the horse at the point he thinks has the very best view. He lets the reins down, telling the horse to stay. He turns from the view to Shy and back, enjoying both sights. His hands move after a moment to grab the mugs, holding them up and steady. "It's a beautiful sight, Shy."

"I was hoping you would do the pouring, Viktor."

"Absolutely. If you will take a mug and pass me the thermos, I'll get started."

Does as he suggests. And for some unknown reason suddenly gets a case of the giggles. "Wait! Nei pouring the hot liquid while I am chortling, Kj'reste. I do not know hvorfor I am laughing!"

"Whenever you are ready, my heart." He carefully removes the top of the thermos and pours into his own mug. The entire time he smiles, happy to hear her laugh, happy to be there with her. Then he waits, ready to pour when the giggles have finally left her. He resists telling a joke, instead simply stating how he feels. "I love to hear you laugh, Shy."

It took a few moments, but she is finally able to calm down. "Uff da!" Holds out the empty drinking vessel. "You do' E'en though it appears as if I am losing my mind?"

"I certainly do, and you are not losing your mind." He smiles at her still, then begins to carefully pour the hot cocoa into her mug. Then he caps the thermos, setting it down and out of the way so they can both enjoy their cocoa, the view, and most importantly, each other's company.

"Of course not. One kannot lose something that is already gone." Mirth-filled gaze twinkling as she jests. "Takk, Viktor." Thanking him for doing the honours. Lifts the mug for that first tentative sip of one of her favourite beverages.

"You are welcome, Shy." He intones solemnly, though the tone is immediately broken by the wide smile on his face. He sips at the hot cocoa, enjoying this time so very much.

Another sip or two, followed by a licking of her lips. "Did you like your two surprises?" Hoping ever-so-much that he is not disappointed. Not everyone would consider the two places she showed him to be anything special. However, they are exactly that to her.

He nods, holding the cocoa close to enjoy the smell of it as he talks. "I did very much. This is a wonderful view, my heart, and the church is very pretty." He continues to be smiling at her, almost giddy with happiness now that they have come to this spot. "This reminds me of a Lover's Lane sort of spot, one with a good view and privacy still."

Glad she is not taking another sip of cocoa. Cheeks immediately flush, and are now much rosier than a heartbeat ago. Softly admits, "'Tis as if you read my thoughts, Viktor. Let us not tell anyone about this area, ja" I should very much like it to be our lovers point." Just like they have their own song.

"My lips are sealed on the topic, Shy." He promises with a grin. He likes the idea of their spot nearly as much as he likes their song. Her flush makes her even more beautiful to his eyes, though it may be difficult to say why.

"Jeg elsker deg, Kj'reste." And because of their close proximity in the comfortable two-seater sleigh she does not have to lean far to place a cocoa-flavoured kiss upon the handsome Garou's lips. "Sealed with a kiss!"

Once that sweet, chocolatey, hot kiss is broken, he grins all the wider. "I love you too, my heart." It does not matter how cold out it might be, he is warm and toasty thanks to Shy now.

"Is there anywhere you want to go, Viktor" I am not quite weary enough to return hjem yet. The natt is still young enough, ja" Perhaps one more hour or so?"

"I don't have a destination in mind. How about we just see where the trail takes us?" He continues to sip at the cocoa. Now it reminds him of kisses with Shy, and he grins wide as he can.

"Sounds marvelous to me, Mister Grynyrd." Dimpled smile forms. "Onward, we go then, for more of our lovely Vinter excursion!"

He picks up the reins again, getting Winterhalter and their sleigh to move once more. The trail winds slowly through the trees and snow. When a fork appears, Victor checks with Shy. "Which way do you think, my lady?"

Glances left, then right. "Hmm." Points to the right as she begins singing, "Dashing through the sn? in a one-horse open sleigh, o'er the hills we go laughing all the way. Hahaha! Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright. Hva fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight!"

"Oh jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!" Everyone he knew back home knew that song, or at least the chorus.

Their romantic date continues for a little while longer with more winter-inspired songs, light laughter, flirty banter, cozy cuddles and passionate kisses. The evening is indeed everything she hoped for, and wanted it to be.

It is everything he wanted it to be as well. After the rest of the cocoa is gone, they decide to return the sleigh early. Hand in hand, happy and together, they retire back to her log house for the night.

(adapted from live rp)

"Your best friends?" He hazards, working to learn her words still.

Nods. "Ja." If her tone of voice sounds a bit defensive, perhaps it is because she is feeling that way. There are reasons for it, but keeps them to herself for now.

"I am glad they are, have been, and will be your friends, Shy." He gives her another squeeze of a hug.

"Did you speak to Wendy about loneliness?" Preferring to change the subject, and seeking a better disposition after receiving his quick affection.

He gives a tentative nod. "I have tried, but she has expressed she simply does not feel loneliness."

"Truly na?" Mulls that over for a few moments before replying, "I find that strange since I could have sworn she seemed upset, mayhap e'en had hurt feelings, when I did not have a better or different reaction to her sn"hvit display the other dag. And if she has those emotions, then hvorfor not loneliness?"

He considers the question, and the questions he asked Wendy. "I think it is because spirits are fundamentally different than people. Their motivations are not the same as ours, nor are their emotions. What does 'snohvit' mean?"

"It means snowy. Did you not tenke she appeared hurt though' Or was that just my imagination at work" I did not say anything at the time, because I was stressed out."

"I believe hurt may be too strong a word, with disappointed being a bit more accurate. She put on a display in the hopes of impressing you. I'm sorry you were stressed, Shy. I did not mean to make you worry." Another sip of the cocoa before it gets cool.

A dismissive wave of her hand. "Forget about me. I do not understand hvordan she kan be happy, sad and e'en disappointed, yet not feel lonely. To me, 'tis quite a conundrum."

"I shall never forget you, Shy. For Wendy, her emotions are transitory in the extreme. Her happiness, sadness, all are gone as quickly as they come. It is the joy of flight, of movement, that stays, because she flies."

"I meant forget about how I was feeling that dag. 'Tis o'er and done with na." Eyebrows raise. "I have ne'er thought of wind as flying. Moving, certainly." He has given her something more to ponder.

"She moves through the air. What else would it be, if not flight?"

Now she feels that he is talking down to her, and frowns. Reaches for a peanut butter cookie, and begins to nibble on it. "Do you feel superior to me, Viktor?" That thought has crossed her mind on more than one occasion.

He phrased that as a question deliberately to try and avoid taking a superior tone with her. "I do not, Shy. I consider us equals. Partners. Would you be interested in taking a trip with me soon, my heart?"

"There is a storm komming." Instead of continuing to nibble on the sweet snack, takes a bite out of it. Chews it thoroughly before swallowing.

"Would you mind if I stayed here for the storm, Shy?"

A shake of her head. "Nei, I do not mind. I have already made a list of provisions I need to purchase in order to stock my pantry. Perhaps we kan collect food fra your cabin, and bring it here?" There is something else she wants to tell him. "I am sorry for the other e'ening at the Inn of Olde, Kj'reste. I truly do not want to discuss hva took place. I just want you to know that I felt badly about it."

A bit of a smile for her first words. "That sounds like a good plan to me. Especially the food that might go bad otherwise." A nod to her latter words, acknowleding them only. He will let the subject of the other night drop completely.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Since Mister Higgins has already left his place of business, and is not going to return until later in the evening, she and Victor decide to do some window shopping before they have supper. Time passes quickly when they are together and before they know it, it is time to eat. Choosing to go to one of the steak houses that allows for casual attire, yet has a decent menu. The food is delicious, and both finish their meals nearly at the same time. "Well Viktor, 'tis my tenkning that Mister Higgins should be back at the stables by na." Wipes the corners of her mouth with her napkin before setting the linen on the table. "Should we go find out?"

He has to smile at her, glad to be with her. "I think we should." Dinner had been excellent, though the company had been even better. Another day well spent in his book. Now, to see if the night would go as well. He had an inkling it might. He sets down his silverware, sparing a quick second to dab at his mouth before dropping his own napkin over his quite empty plate. Then he stands, moving to offer Shy an unnecessary but polite hand up. His smile stays wide upon his face throughout. Her presence does that to him.

Gulps down what remains of her beverage. "I am a little nervous about hva he is going to tell us," said as she returns the empty glass to the table. Pushes back her chair, then slips her hand into his. "I so adore your manners, Kj'reste. There are simply too many males in this land that consider themselves gentlemen, yet display none of the signs of being one." Stands up with his assistance. It matters not to her if anyone sees her place a soft kiss to his cheek, which she does the moment she is off the chair, and on her feet.

"Thank you, my heart. I am glad you appreciate them." He shines for a moment with the bright smile after she gives him that cheek kiss. He had left money, including enough extra for a nice tip, so all they had to do now is walk out hand in hand. He gently pulls them to a stop before they leave. Time to put those gloves back on. "Gloves." He whispers.

"Oh ja. Takk for the reminder." Pulls her buttery-soft kidskins from behind her weapons belt, and dons them. Once he is finished putting on his gloves, reaches out to retake his hand. "Jeg elsker deg, Viktor." She truly does. "And you are velkommen, although you do not need to thank me for speaking about your gentlemanly ways."

He gives a nod, his smile only brightening up once more. "I love you too, Shy." While she put on her gloves, he does the same, so that when she reaches out for his hand again glove meets glove. Then he gets the door, opening it up so that she may exit. "After you, my lady."

"Takk, Mister Grynyrd." Drops a little curtsy before moving across the threshold to the cold outdoors, softly chortling and smiling so wide those dimples of hers deepen considerably. "I love being with you!" Naturally, it has to start raining.

"Very welcome, Shy." He gives her hand a squeeze through those gloves. "And I love being with you, too." Then he puts up the umbrella, snapping it open and holding it over the both of them. Darn RhyDinian weather.

The fog is back, too! Grumbles, "I thought this is the Season for sn??" So glad he has that umbrella. The good thing about the rain is that she can be closer to him as they meander down the cobblestone streets on their way to the stables. "I feel sorry for people like Mister Higgins who count on sn" in order to rent out sleighs. I am sure several businesses are not pleased by the lack of the fluffy white stuff." Releases Victor's hand in order to place her hand around his arm instead; easier to get closer that way.

That is better in his opinion as well. They walk through the dark, wet streets, with the Mist fighting to obscure their view. "It isn't cold enough for snow, though this being RhyDin, I would suspect we shall see snow again before the end of Winter." The rain and fog do little to dampen his spirits, since they are quite high because he is with the woman he loves. "Here's hoping for more of the fluffy white stuff to fall soon."

"If I had a drikke in my hand right na, I would raise my glass to you for those words." Softly chortles. "Ja, here is hoping!" As they stroll along, she begins to limp. Nei, she does not say a word about the horrible throbbing in her leg. Why complain" It is not going to change a damn thing. Perhaps there will be a tiny bit of cursing later on as the pain worsens; because, it always gets worse.

He does not like the fact that she has to start limping. His arm stiffens, the better so that she can lean upon him as they walk. The walk seemed much shorter to him when she was not in pain. Now, time seems to slow as he has to suffer seeing her in pain and being unable to do anything about it. "We know a fire mage. How hard can it be to find a snow mage?"

The moment his arm becomes more rigid, she turns her gaze off the street to look at him. "I am fint enough, Kj'reste." Wanting to ease his concerns, yet grateful for them at the same time. Leans into him a bit more. "You are my strength when I am feeling weak." His last comment has her heartily laughing. "Truly na!" Continues to chortle for awhile longer. He definitely helps take her mind off her sore thigh.

He nods to her comments, glad to know she appreciates it, and wants him to be calm at the same time. "I shall be here for you, my heart, always." He looks at the streets, holding onto her and the umbrella. There are very few people around now, not that he blames anyone for wanting to be out of the weather. There is the stable now. "What are we looking for exactly, Shy?"

"I have been pondering if a two-seater or a four-seater would be best. They both have advantages. I am hoping you will hjelp with some suggestions. I definitely want to know prices. Surely a four-seater will cost more." That is a given. "And then there is the colour to consider, although I am not o'erly concerned so much about that as I am about how well 'tis upholstered." Gives his arm a gentle squeeze, and feels those muscles of his even more. Light blues upon his profile now. "You are my Handsome Garou," stated ever-so-softly for his ears only. Her gaze drifts, to look about the area. "You know hva, Viktor?"

He grins at that, very glad no one else can hear now. "You are my Gorgeous Viking." He replies, just as softly. "I am not worried too much about the color, though I very much agree that it matters very much how well it is upholstered." Then another smile, wondering what is on her mind now. "Know what, Shy?"

Gaze returns to him before whispering, "I have the hots for you." Nodding emphatically. "'Tis how Breda put it on the e'ening before Jul, when we were in the kitchen preparing the meal together." Her cheeks pinken with the admission.

He grins broadly, liking the way she said that to him. "And I have the hots for you too, my lady." Very much so. He leans to press a kiss to her lips before they move into the stable.

Almost trips and falls when he kisses her. "Uff da!" Her cheeks are crimson by now, and she feels the heat. Perhaps because of what he said. Or perhaps because he kissed her in front of the stable, where the grooms can see.

He was not about to let her fall. His arm pulls her up and to him. Another broad smile. He likes the look of her face with the red of a blush. "Into the stable we go. Time to see what is for sale."

"Takk, my man." Does Higgins even sell sleighs? That is one of the questions she has for the kind proprietor.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

"The elf-wood is stronger, tougher than oak by a far bit, and still somehow lighter than as well. I would not say it is magic, but it is definitely more than normal." There are no cracks or holes in the wood. "Bugs will not eat from elf-wood, though for the life of me I can't figure out why."

Stoops down to check out the runners, particularly the front where most abrasion occurs. Also checks the wooden sections above the metal runners for rot in the mortise and tenon joints, but sees none. "How long have you had this sleigh?" Reaches out for Victor's arm, needing his help to stand upright once again. A bit of a wince as she changes position.

Victor's hand is there, helping her stand up straight as soon as she starts to reach for him.

Her question prompts a grin on his face. "I've had that sleigh for eight years, Lady, and it looks as good as the day I bought it."

"'Tis in grand shape, ja, although the runners might need to be replaced." Keen is her gaze as she limps around the elegant two-seater. The sleigh bells are noted, and are in good condition, another plus. "I like this dark blue colour." Of course she mentions the colour simply because the majority of males she comes across expect nothing more out of females, than for them to focus on such things. The fact is, she likes everything about the sleigh. The craftsmanship is outstanding, and she believes the elf-wood is everything Higgins claims it to be; as far as she is concerned, he is trustworthy on the issue. Dimples and pearly whites appear as she smiles at the stable owner. "How much?" Time for bartering.

"Well, since it is Winter, and this is my best sleigh, made of elf-wood and with all the nice little touches on it, it is worth at least...." The number he names would allow her to buy two other sleighs, and perhaps more besides.

Perhaps she misjudged the proprietor. Mayhap he is more like that other stable owner than she thought; that Jackson fellow. Frowns, highly disappointed. She could have sworn he was different, especially when they received the unexpected, yet welcomed, free gift of cocoa upon renting a sleigh from him last month. Her expression says it all. No need for words. Meanders over to a red two-seater, and begins scrutinizing it.

"I cannot blame you, Lady. The price of elf-wood is not as sensitive to market change as other things. That one has a hidden compartment under the seat, very useful and it comes with a soft blanket to make the ride as warm as it can be."

Victor mentions a small note. "He's right about the elf-wood. It is exorbitantly expensive."

The price is way too high to even begin bartering him down to something reasonable or feasible, in her opinion. She does not give a donkey's dung about a free blanket. She has enough blankets and quilts of her own to bother with that as an amenity. "Are all of your sleighs for sale?" Tone of voice is kept soft and pleasant, not giving away how upset she is right now.

"Yes Lady, for an agreeable price." It did not do to tick off your customers, and he would like to find something he can do to spark her interest and not her anger. "My sleighs are all ready to be put into the good hands of someone such as yourselves."

Now she thinks Higgins is giving her nothing but lip service. The sleigh currently being inspected looks like the very one they had rented. Why' Because of the small flaw in the painted scrollwork, which had been noticed on that wonderful evening when she showed Victor the chapel. Ja, the imperfection is in the same place. "How old is this one" And the price?"

"That one is some five years old. It is priced..." A price below what he would prefer to sell it at, but reasonable. Just under half the cost of the elf-wood sleigh.

Eyebrows knit as she takes a closer look at the sleigh. A curious glance is given to Victor, who is remaining so very quiet.

"That seems much more reasonable. However I see a flaw in the scrollwork here." He points out the one Shy found, something rather noticeable to the discerning eye.

While the two men are speaking, wanders over to look at the young clydesdale who seems to have grown a lot during the weeks since she and Victor last saw him. One of the grooms is feeding Jingles a small snack; a combination of apples and carrots, cut into chunks. A pretty smile is flashed to both stable hand and horse before she moves on to look at a black two-seater.

A few moments of negotiating and Victor pauses to nod. "One moment, sir. My lady will want to hear this before any agreement can be forged." He and Mister Higgins move to Shy, with Victor once more sliding an arm about her waist for both contact and security. "Mister Higgins says that one could be had for ...." a price a good twenty percent lower than his original number.

Instantly leans against the Garou's strong frame once the contact is made. "The red one?" Eyebrows shoot upward, a bit surprised upon hearing the cost. Her gaze flicks to the proprietor, for confirmation.

"Yes indeed. As your fellow has so shrewdly pointed out, business is not booming right now." He gives a little shrug, as if that does not overly bother him. "What do you say' Care to buy it now and ride it home as soon as the snow falls again?"

His shrugging only serves to annoy her, because it is an act. Eager for the sale Higgins" It seems to her that he most certainly is ready for monies to exchange hands. However, she is not going to rush into it. "I shall tenke about it." Her gaze falls on the dark blue sleigh again. Nei, she does not want the red one, she wants that one. "Which of your four-seaters is the newest' And which is the oldest?"

"Of course." The man nods, then spins to point out two different sleighs. "That is the oldest, nearing two decades in age. It's been repainted twice that I recall, the same color naturally. And that is the newest, featuring some of the latest innovations like the specially curved runners that are supposed to make the sleigh faster." The first is a dark brown, with a very small amount of ornamentation, and the second is a rather fanciful bright blue and purple number. Both are two-seaters.

Politely says, "Mister Higgins, I inquired about your four-seaters." Raising her voice a tad, just in case his hearing is a little impaired.

"Your pardon, Lady. Don't know what came over me." He shakes his head and points out the oldest and youngest of his four-seater sleighs. "That one is the oldest, only a few weeks younger than the oldest two-seater. And that one is the youngest of the four-seaters, only months old." He said newest this time; perhaps he views them as his children" The oldest is a more dignified black number, with long strips of decorative scrollwork in a slightly faded gold color. The newest is not half so fanciful as the two-seater. It is a green, dark enough that it seems to capture Victor's interest.

He is confusing her with the way he speaks about the youngest and oldest, the newest and oldest. Takes the time to silently sort it out in her mind; the black sleigh is the oldest four-seater, but not as old as one of his two-seaters. And the newest four-seater sleigh is a dark green one, only month's old instead of years. "Uff da." Thankfully all of the four-seater sleighs are next to each other, nicely lined up, as are the two-seaters. It makes it much easier, and more convenient, when looking at them in comparison.

"Something wrong, my lady?" Victor asks, apparently having mentally converted youngest to newest.

Mister Higgins turns and offers, "What do you wish to have in a sleigh, Lady' All my sleighs are painted, and should you wish can be painted again and detailed for very little cost."

A slight shake of her head to the man she loves. "Nei, Kj'reste. Just needed to sort out a bit of confusion. I am fint na." Lightest of blues drift to Higgins. She so wants to like this man, but her trust in him is wavering. He is not as vulgar as Mister Jackson, which is good, but trust is hard to gain back with her. A deep inhale is drawn in, held for a moment or four, then slowly released before she replies, "I want a sleigh that is in godt condition, at a fair price." The colours are not what draws her attention, it is the workmanship of the vehicles that she cares about. Sure, she likes the fancy trim of the paint. However, it is not a priority. "I appreciate your offer, Mister Higgins."

Victor smiles, glad as ever to see her eyes focus on him for a moment.

"To be clear, my sleighs are all suitable to be ridden on today. At most there are minor problems, such as the flaw in the scrollwork on the one, but all are in good repair, bug free, and sound. I think my prices are fair, dependent upon the sleigh itself of course."

"Of course you do." Her temper beginning to flare. "I tenke your rental prices are quite fair." Leather-encased hands now placed upon her hips as she takes on a familiar pose; the one her crew knows quite well when they are aboard her longship. They call it her Kaptein's Stance, and some think she is unawares they have a name for it.

Not quite the same as his statement, and he knows it. "Thank you, Lady. I do try."

It is deliberate on her part. If he wants to play hard ball as Mister Hudson puts it, then she is able to do so. She is Norsk, if nothing else is to be considered. A Viking. A Ruthless Predator. And she is damn good at what she does. "You are most velkommen, Mister." Dropping his surname at this point ....to make another point.

Victor has shifted slightly to stand behind her now. His hands are touching her arms lightly, ready to grab hold if she seems wobbly.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

"I dislike the fog, but I certainly do enjoy the sn". It makes e'erything look clean again," softly states as they enter the Teas'n Tomes, setting the brass bell above the door to a-jangling. "Mmm. Smells heavenly in here!"

"It certainly does smell wonderful." They move over to the couch, where he stops. "Why don't you take a seat and I'll get us both drinks?" He wants to look after her.

"Very well, my man. You do realize that I am not an invalid though, ja?" She is beginning to feel like one, and actually hates it. Eases down onto the couch with a small sigh of relief. "There will definitely be some celebrating when my leg is better. A mug of hot sjokolade if you do not mind."

"And much dancing." He nods to that, offering her a big smile. "It won't be much longer, my heart." He moves to the counter, nodding to the granddaughter before requesting two hot chocolates.

"Dancing. Right na that seems like wishful tenkning." Massages her sore thigh, giving it some relief with the gentle kneading. "So Mister Grynyrd, hva do you tenke about those prices" I value your opinion."

"I think the elf-wood is rather more pricey than we need. I would have to check the prices of elf-wood to decide how much that sleigh should cost. I like the one we were considering. I think the price is about right." The granddaughter has the hot chocolates ready, so he thanks her. "Thank you very much." And takes them over to Shy, carefully going to hand her one as he sits beside her.

"Takk, Kj'reste." Eases the mug out of his grasp without spilling the hot liquid on either of them. "He did say the wood koms fra another world. Hvordan are you going to compare prices?" The first tentative sip of cocoa taken after making the inquiry.

"That does not mean he is the only person to have some. There are likely several people who may have such lumber in this town." He takes a sip of the chocolate, and it reminds of him the taste of lip balm. That idea makes him grin and his eyes dance as he looks into her light blues.

"Are you contemplating having a two-seater made if the prices are lower" Of course, we must consider the metal runners, and the cost of upholstery which kan be quite expensive." So many numbers are flitting through her tired brain, which is doing nothing to help her poor throbbing temples. "I liked the dark blue colour, and the silver trim. And the seats were exquisite. Damn it, I want that sleigh. But, I do not want to pay such a high price." Tisking as she glances at the pastry case. "I am also hungry for some cookies."

"What kind of cookies would you like, my heart?" he asks with a smile. He gives a nod to the rest of her words. "I suggest we talk about this in the morning. That way we can think about it overnight."

"I kan wait until we are back at my hus. I have several different kinds of cookies there, as you know." Lightly blows a cooling breath over the piping hot liquid. "Viktor?" Light blues back upon him now, seeking out his wonderful deep browns. By the gods, she so adores him and those dark eyes. "Takk for being you."

In response, he leans slowly towards her to press a deep, powerful kiss to her lips. Exactly the sort of thing that can say 'You are welcome' without a sound being made.

Smiles in the kiss, and when it is parted lovingly whispers, "Your kisses are criminal. They steal my thoughts, make my hjerte pound, and send butterflies a-fluttering in my stomach."

"But not illegal, so you may enjoy them as much as you like." He should tell her how good her kisses are. How they make him smile hours later, how they make his heart beat fast, how she provokes the growl in his throat that means the Rage is rising. "Yours are quite the thieves as well. No sooner have I a thought then I want to kiss you again."

He has her chortling, almost giggling like a school girl. Another small sip of cocoa before she sets the mug on the coffee table. When she leans back, slips her arms around him to enthusiastically proclaim, "Time for robbery!" Closes the small distance between them to press a hot, passionate kiss upon his lips. She wants to hear that growl, too. The old man's granddaughter might blush if she looks their way.

She might. He would hope so, considering how intense, how amazingly sizzling hot that kiss, kisses rather, are. No sooner has the second of the kisses started then the growl begins, a deep throaty sound that rumbles out of him. He has the presence of mind enough to set down his hot chocolate before his arms wrap around her, crushing her to him.

All thoughts fly out of her head; well now, almost all of them. The growl is heard, and it makes her heart beat quicker, harder. She swears he can hear it, as well as feel it through their winter outer garments. Within moments she, too, is emitting a deep, gutteral growl. Is it hot in the shop, or is it just her?

The granddaughter heads to the back, fleeing the scene! The hot chocolate is forgotten, and nothing matters in this world except Shy, and how she feels, how she makes him feel. His growl gets steadily louder under it is a thrum of sound, building off the sound she makes and the exquisite taste of her lips on his.

Though her eyes are closed, and their growls are beginning to resonate throughout the front of the store, she still hears the face-paced retreat of the young woman; footsteps fading the further away she moves until they no longer register. Perhaps the granddaughter is hiding out, making sure not to move in case something goes wrong. Breaks off the last kiss, smiles, then dives in for another. If one of her many wishes were to come true at this moment, it would be that they could communicate telepathically.

Responding to little shifts and changes of each other will have to suffice for now. His hands move, clutching her to him while sliding up and down her back. Each kiss is more powerful, more intense, more full of feeling than the last. It is hard to remember where they are, why they need to be careful. He wants her, loves her, and that is all that matters.

Forget about the cocoa, they can always make some more at her home. Pulls her lips from his and whispers those ancient words that gather the shadows around them, taking them from this place of rest and sublime aromas, to hers. The granddaughter need not worry now, because the Garou and the Viking are gone. No sign of them having been there, except for those two steaming mugs of hot chocolate sitting next to each other on the coffee table.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

"Na, na. If we continue to linger here with hugs and kisses then we shall not make it into towne before it gets dark!" Playfully pushes him away, then hurries as best she can over to where her furs are hanging on a peg near the hearth; all without triggering those horrible stabbing pains in her thigh. Ja, she is snickering.

"I don't recall hearing anything about hugs earlier." He says with a grin, moving to get on his winter clothes because, and here he lets himself sing the words, "Baby, it's cold outside!"

Joins in and sings, "I really can't stay ..." Left furry boot pulled on.

"Baby it's cold outside." He sings again, settling his hat on his head and the scarf about his neck.

Slips her stockinged foot into her right boot. "I've got to go away ..."

"Baby, it's cold outside." He gets his boots on, quickly tying them up

"The evening has been ..." Aviator hat pulled from the peg located next to her arctic furs, donned and secured.

"I've been hoping that you'd drop in.." He picks up his gloves, donning the first.

"So very nice." Softly chotles as she buckles on her weapons belt.

"I'll hold your hand. They're just like ice." He puts on his second glove and reaches for her.

When he reaches out sings, "I oughtta say no, no, no sir ..." Dons her gloves.

It takes him a second to figure out where she jumped to in the song, but then he sings, "You mind if I move in closer?"

"At least I'm gonna say that I tried ..." Unable to stop smiling; her cheeks are beginning to hurt.

"And what?s the sense in hurting my pride?" He asks, smiling along with her.

"I really can't stay ..." Grabs her arctic furs.

"Oh baby, don't hold out." He moves towards the door, ready to open it.

"Oh, but it's cold outside!" Harmonizing with her beloved Garou. Pulls up her furry hood as they stand in the front entryway.

"Oh but it's cold outside!" He sings along with her. Then opens the door. Cold, cold air comes in.

Hurries out the door, onto the porch. "Brrrrrrrr!"

He closes the door after passing through, taking a second to lock it before moving to slip an arm about Shy's waist. Contact and sharing body heat is the best way to stay warm.

Better yet when it is in front of a crackling fire with a hot beverage. Slides her arm around him, too, as they move down the porch steps simultaneously, and head Southward.

He hides a grin behind the scarf over his face. "That was fun."

"Very much so." Her breath coming out in puffs of white. "You truly have a marvelous voice."

"Then you have a voice like an angel, my heart." At first, the novelty of the breath clouds is fun.

"Tusen takk, Kj'reste." She does not think so, but glad that he feels that way. "After we meet with Mister Higgins, I need to stop by a shoppe that sells scarves. I seem to have misplaced both of mine. I kannot figure out where they have gone. 'Tis a mystery to me." Perhaps he can tell she is a tad more concerned about their disappearance than her tone of voice indicates.

That makes him wonder as well. "When did you see them last, Shy?" That might help to know, giving them some clue as to where they might have been lost, or taken.

Ponders. "Hmm. I believe around Jul. So a little o'er a month ago."

He frowns. "There were a lot of visitors then, but I don't think any particularly likely." Namely because she trusts all of them.

"I know none of my guests would have taken them without speaking to me first. Unless 'twas Breda. She mayhap borrowed one, but not both. Especially if it left me without any." The two women have a firm agreement about borrowing each others things.

"Not an adult, certainly. Perhaps a child though?" He sounds doubtful even as he says it though.

"I doubt it, but 'tis possible. I am tenkning their parents would have contacted me by na if they found out their child took it." A small shake of her head. "I shall needs to do some investigating. In the meantime I must buy a new one. My face is kald, for sure."

"I am thinking you are right. It does seem like a strange item for a thief though." Then another smile for his lady. "Here, let me warm up your face for you." He leans closer, wanting another round of kisses.

Extends her cheek to him. "I could use some sjokolade, too. The kind that koms in those hjerte-shaped boxes." Hint. Hint. Chortles at her own remarks. Long streams of white appear in the air in front of her as she laughs, which has her laughing all the more.

"I don't have any of those at the moment." He presses a series of kisses to her cheek. "Plenty of hot kisses though."

"Na my other cheek needs varming. But, if I turn it toward you I will not be able to see where we are walking. That could be problematic if neither of us are watching the roadway!"

A quick glance at the road. Then he walks around her, slipping his other arm around her from the other side before covering the other cheek with kisses.

That definitely works. Dimples deepen as he changes places. "Jeg elsker deg, Viktor Grynyrd. Jeg elsker deg!" His kisses are fabulous. In fact, she turns her face just enough so the next one meets her lips.

His other arm moves to wrap around her and pull them close and tight. With her there in his arms, they come to a stop as he presses sizzling kisses to her lips, one after another. Then, grinning from ear to ear, he answers. "I love you too, Shylah Vulpecula."

(adapted from live rp)

"That might work very well indeed." That idea is a good one, and he is surprised by it. He considers, head moving a little side to side as he thinks about it. "I like it."

"Depending on if all goes well, and the move bekoms more permanent. But, hva if she does not wish it?"

"Then she shall have the option of staying around here, or leaving."

Gathers up her dirty dishes and brings them into the kitchen, setting them on the counter next to his sink. "You are quite attached to her, ja?" At least it seems so from her viewpoint.

He has finished his meal and gets up, taking his own dishes to his sink to begin washing up. "No, my heart. Only you." Offering her another broad smile.

"Perhaps we should wait until a year has gone by, Viktor." Just two more month's.

"Is that what you want to do, Shy?" He asks, pausing in the task of getting the sink ready for washing dishes.

"I just feel 'tis for the best." Having already informed him about her past relationships, especially pertaining to the passage of time. If the truth be known, she actually would prefer to wait until after marriage before they co-habit, but refrains from saying anything. There definitely is an underlying reason for her reluctance.

"Very well, Shy. We shall wait a while longer before living together." He moves over to her, offering his hands to her. "You're worth it."

Reaches out to place her chilled hands into his warm ones. "You should know, Mister Grynyrd, that I have always been lucky on the battlefield, but unfortunate when it koms to love."

"I think you're going to be lucky in both, from here on out." He gives her hands a squeeze, a brilliant smile on his face.

"I hope so." He can see a wariness in her light blues as she gazes into his wonderful dark brown eyes. "The dags of wearing rose-coloured spectacles are long gone, Kj'reste." A moment of uncertainty hits her; briefly pondering if she correctly used that adage.

"We can make it so, my heart. Glasses or no." He pulls her hands in towards him, wanting to bring them together.

(adapted from live rp)

He gives a shake of his head. Picks up his fork, then sets it back down. "It has been a while since I have talked about my mother. I didn't realize it might still hurt to talk about her." The smile has slid off his face, his brown eyes seeking her blues.

Well, frell. Steadily meets his dark gaze, albeit with a sympathetic one. "Then we shall not discuss it any longer." However, she is wondering many things. Questions that perhaps will never be asked, or answered. "Eat na, Kj'reste, before your food gets kald." Her tone of voice soft and tender.

He does not mind her asking. It is nice to be able to share those memories, even if they do hurt. He nods, offers a small smile and goes back to chow down on his food.

Slips the linen napkin out from beneath the silverware, opens it and lays it across her lap. Now that he is eating, picks up her fork and gently stabs some of those scrambled eggs on her plate. There is little-to-no talk happening during the meal, and she is feeling a bit uncomfortable.

He pauses in his eating of the delicious breakfast, offering her another smile. "I don't mind your asking, my heart. I'll answer all of your questions, after I take care of the dishes."

Just nods since her mouth is full of food. However, even when she is finished eating no inquiries about his mother will be forthcoming. Now is not the time.

When she feels the time is right then. He adds a little more pepper to his eggs, continuing to eat in near silence.

There is a slight disconnection; a small, subtle change in demeanor as she finishes her food, gulps down her orange juice, then takes her dirty dishes into the kitchen. Frying pan and spatula are rinsed off before the sink is filled with warm water; a squirt of dish soap added. Clean dish rag is dunked into the soapy water and wrung out before she begins to vigorously clean the stove top.

"It's my turn to do the dishes, Shy." He objects mildly, picking up his plate, silverware, and glass as he gets up from the table. Into the kitchen he goes, moving to the sink to wash up from breakfast.

"'Tis fint, Viktor. I do not mind." After all, it keeps her busy; no idle hands, but distracted thoughts.

"Thank you. I'll take the rest from here." He slips his dirty dishes into the sink to be washed, ready and waiting now.

She needs more time to think about his relationship with his mother. A personal topic; one where she must tread lightly, in her opinion. Reiterates, "I am fint. Perhaps the fire needs stoking?"

"I'll go check." He gives her another look, then moves to the fire to tend to it.

Several minutes later the dishes are washed, rinsed and set out to air dry. Glances down at her pruned fingers. Recalls Breda mentioning something during the holidays about wearing special latex hand coverings while doing the dishes, to prevent such wrinkling. "Hmm." She should probably get some.

The fire is blazing nicely when he comes back into the kitchen. "Want to go outside and make another snowman before the snow gets too heavy to go out?"

Liking that suggestion says, "Ja sure, Viktor." A carrot is fetched from the refrigerator for the snowman's nose.

"Do you have another pair of gloves that someone regifted you?" His lips begin to curl up into a smile, even as he reaches out to take a hand not holding a carrot.

"I have an old pair of brown gloves, and a funny looking red hat that ended up in the Lost and Found box at the White Stag. It has been o'er a year, and nei one has kom to collect the items. Gunnar gave them to me the other dag. We certainly kan use those for the sn"mann. I will get them." Slips her hand out of his before making her way into one of the main floor bedrooms. Returns with a small box. Its contents include: Hat, gloves, a little bag of coal, and the carrot. "Are you ready to go outdoors, my man?"

While she fetches those things from the other room, he quickly puts on the gloves, hat, and coat by the door. He finishes putting the scarf in place just as she asks that question. "I am ready." Once more a smile for her, and he moves to her side. "May I take that box from you?"

"If you want," quietly replies as she hands it over. Now it is her turn to bundle up. Boots, 'Scandinavian' aviator hat, matching gloves, and hooded furs are donned. Since she purchased four new winter scarves, silently debates which one to wear; the lucky winner is the turquoise-and-black one. With the bottom half of her face covered comes a muffled statement, "I am ready na, too!" And so are the hunds as they suddenly appear at the door, their tails a-wagging. Chuckles at the Golden Retriever and the Norwegian Elkhound. "Not going to use your doggy door?" Apparently not.

Shifting the box to one side, he opens the door for the lady and the hounds. Another smile at her, happy to be able to spend today and the days coming with her. "After you, my lady."

The dogs rush outside the moment Victor opens the door. "After them you mean!" Merrily chortles as she exits onto the front porch. "I want the sn"mann closer to the forest i dag. Nearer the tree line."

"Very good." He reaches back to close the door behind them, then reaches out to try and snag her gloved hand in his. "Let us go."

It is lightly snowing, and has been for quite a while by the looks of it. Hand in hand they trudge through the accumulating white stuff. "Here is a godt place." Indicating the spot where she wants the snowman built. Meanwhile, Sjanse and Tr'st are having a lot of fun barreling through the snow as they play their game of chase, happily barking at each other. Soon the dogs disappear behind her log home. She knows where they are going ....to the barn/stable. They are close friends with the two horses, and the black-footed ferret.

"Let's get to it!" He says enthusiastically. He sets the box down carefully off to the side, next to a tree. He picks up a handful of snow, packing it down to begin to make the core of one of the balls of their soon to be snowman.

She, too, begins making a snowball. It will either become the mid-section or the head once she is done rolling it around.

"I'm pretty sure I've made more snowmen with you then I have in several years prior." Just a happy thought as he gets to work, rolling that little ball along the snow on the ground and building up a bigger snowman as it moves. He smiles at her whenever he can, obviously enjoying this time with her.

"Is that a godt thing or a bad one, Viktor?"

"A good thing, I think. It's fun to build snowmen." The ball is coming along nicely, leaving a rather obvious trail behind it in the remains of the snow covering behind him.

Continues to roll her snowball along the ground, crossing the path he made as she circles back toward the area where she wants the snowman placed. "You tenke?" He does not know" Pauses to stand up straight, stretch her back muscles a bit, and peers at Victor. The base is almost done. Glances up at the sky, then toward the frozen lake all covered in white. A few moments later her light blue gaze drifts back to the handsome Garou.

"It is. It most definately is." He grins, watching her stretch and look about. "It's beautiful out here." And the scenery isn't bad either! He rolls the ball to the spot she indicated earlier. "That should be big enough."

"Ja 'tis very pretty, and peaceful." It is definitely quiet. Pushes her snowball over to his, now large enough to be the snowman's middle. "Will you set this one on top of yours?"

"Of course. But I am going to charge you a kiss for it." He is joking, but he would like a kiss! He moves over to her, big smile on his face.

"Charge me for it?" Snorts. "I do not tenke so, Mister Grynyrd." Bends down and begins to lift the 'mid-section' by herself.

"I was kidding, my heart." He bends down to lift the snowball with her, an action he was going to do anyway.

Releases her hold the moment he starts to help. "Oh ja?" Scoops up some snow and tosses it at him. She definitely is not going to stick around after that move! Hurries away, putting some distance between them.

He ducks his head into the snow, letting it splatter on his back. Once the middle ball is set on the lower, he turns and follows her through the snow, crunching it underfoot. "I'm going to catch you."

Chuckles while running toward the side of her log house. A quick stop, then pivots to face him. Pulls down the turquoise-and-black scarf to shout, "Catch me if you kan!"

"Count on it!" He calls back, moving at a sprint through the snow now. Look at the white stuff spray!

Takes off running again, around to the back of her home this time ....laughing all the way!

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Two dining room chairs are brought over to the card table which is positioned near the large windows, affording them a beautiful scenic view of the snowy outdoors. "Have you put together a lot of puzzles?" The question asked while she dumps out the 500+ pieces, spreading them around with her free hand.

"I think saying a lot would be an exaggeration. I have put together a few though. Even some much bigger ones. Two or three thousand piece puzzles." He helps her with her chair before taking his own seat.

"Takk, Kj'reste." Tries to imagine five times the amount she is looking at on the table. "I kannot fathom that many small pieces. How long does it usually take to complete that size of a puzzle?"

"Puzzles that big turn into a sort of mini-holiday event unto themselves. A table is set up and simply stays up until it is done, with people finding the pieces for a few hours and then drifting off to do something else."

"Oh. I do that with this size." Begins to self-consciously laugh, then blushes a dark pinkish hue; considering this puzzle must seem simplistic to him, feels rather stupid right now.

"But how many people do you have working on it' It goes much faster the more people you have working on one."

"Usually just myself. Mister Hudson hjelped me with my first puzzle, and Breda and I pieced one together approximately two years ago." Box and cover are set upright so they can use the picture as a reference. Begins by searching for the corner pieces.

He starts picking out any and all edge pieces he finds, letting his finger turn over the rest and move them about more to keep any from stacking on top of others. "I used to put together puzzles with groups of up to twelve."

"Truly?" Eyebrows raise in surprise. "That must not have taken very long at all to finish."

"It had still taken days. That's a lot of puzzle pieces, especially with all the cooking and eating involved with a gathering of twelve." He grins at her, hands busy with the pieces. A few connections of edge pieces are already made before him.

Having dug through the scattered pieces finally finds all four corners. They are placed in such a way as to 'frame' the picture; one of them even gets attached to his edge piece. Considers that a small triumph. Looks over at him and smiles. "I am enjoying this dag very much, Viktor. E'en if you did tackle me and wrestle me to the ground after I threw sn" at you this morn." Chuckling softly. "Me too, Shy." One hand reaches over to clasp over hers, giving her a gentle squeeze. His eyes meet hers, dark browns showing the fire inside that comes from being with her. He chuckles softly as well. "I thought the kisses I gave you afterward would help." Rather nice kisses, as he recalls.

Likes the way he reaches out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. "Ja, they did." A sweet smile forms. "You melted the fluffy stuff all around us. The memory is already a fond one, and cherished in my hjerte." Lightest of blues clearly reflect the love she has for him.

He gives her another hand-squeeze, then leans forward to offer her a kiss above the puzzle pieces. It seems too hard to resist the temptation.

The look she receives from him causes those stomach butterflies to automatically flutter and take wing. Now he is tempting her, and she will not hold back. Nei, not at all. The proof of that willingness is when she meets him half-way.

After one long, heated kiss, he pulls gently away to grin at her with all the light of love in his eyes. "Do you want to get back to the puzzle?" His voice makes it clear they could take a break from it. A wonderful break full of kisses and hugs.

"I do," her reply sounding calm even though her heart is beating fast, and she can hear her pulse racing loud and clear; definitely feels the opposite of tranquil.

"Very well, my heart." Another smile for her, as he tries to quiet his pounding heart and get back to the task of finding and linking edge pieces.

"Kj'reste, please do not be disappointed. We have all weekend." She knows that he smiles even when he might not feel like it, just as she does at times.

"I am not disappointed. There will be plenty of time, and we may find ourselves melting more snow before the weekend is over." He likes the image, for some reason.

He easily makes her laugh. When her chortling ebbs states, "I am very glad to know you are not feeling let down." All the same, she does wonder if he is going to press her for more intimate moments; more than just hugs and kisses.

She should know better by now. He will keep to the bounds they have established, as much as he, as they, might desire to do more. "Not at all, my lady." Another smile for her, then a last squeeze of her hand before he reaches for the puzzle pieces once more.

Continues to watch him for a short while longer, then returns to the puzzle. Finds a bunch of pieces that have holly and ivy on them, fitting them together to form a portion of Santa's hat.

The links before him stretch longer and longer, and it becomes evident he is working on all four sides at once. Unfortunately, it is still hard to say which is which for some. A corner connects, but just one. "Do you see more edge pieces, Shy?"

"I have not been looking for them. If I see any I will surely give them to you." Just as she says those words, finds a couple. Picks them up and holds them out toward him. "Here you go, Handsome." Two pieces. Big deal.

"Thank you Gorgeous." Two edge pieces he manages to quickly put together with his growing lines of puzzle.

Locates pieces for the toys in Santa's sack, and begins setting them in little groups. That goes for pieces she thinks are part of the reindeer, too. Some pieces that are all white are pushed into a pile. Hopefully this is going to help. Time will tell. Looks at the picture on the box cover again, then at Victor's work. She is holding a piece of a house that just might fit, and tries it. Wrong. Turns it around and tries it again. Success!

"There's a lot of white in this puzzle." Right now it is an observation, but it could become a complaint. Then again, he was the one that chose it. "Ja. A lot of red and blue, too." Unable to refrain from laughing as she turns her gaze toward the windows. "Talk about a lot of white!"

He turns to look outside as well. As he does, his grin gets a bit wider. "That certainly is a lot of white. We shouldn't have to go out in it."

Smiles slyly as she pulls her gaze from the outdoors, to look at the man she loves. "Only to check on the horses, gather wood, and perhaps have some more fun." Possibly a hint she has something in particular on her mind.

(adpated from live rp; tbc)

"Viktor, I was jesting. We are not going to celebrate Jul again, e'en if 'tis a favourite time of the year. Another holidag is approaching this month, though. There are those fra the Emerald Isle that honour Saint Patrick. I have seen them drikke green beer, dance a jig or two, and heard tales of Blarney." "I'm not sure sure about the green beer, but I would be happy to dance a jig or tell a tale with you." He smiles at her, the woman he loves. It is evident in his eyes, on his face, in the way he looks at her. "I am not Irsk, but you kan kyss me anyway." The whimsical Santa puzzle is nearing completion as several more pieces are locked into place. "Speaking of dancing, we should play some of the records we purchased." He nods. then leans to press a relatively quick kiss to her lips. "Any one in particular you would like to hear first, my lady?"

Grins at him. "Do you realize that I meant you could kyss me anyway on the Irsk holidag" Those of that descent enjoy wearing shirts, aprons and big buttons that have Kiss Me I Am Irish! written on them. And nei, I do not have any song in mind." "I knew exactly what you meant, my heart." He smiles wide at her, thumbing through the selection to pick out Chicago. He puts that on, careful with the player and album.

The last of the puzzle is fitted together, and she smiles. "There! Sinta's Special Deliveries is done!" Glances outside again. The snowfall seems heavier than an hour ago. Even though it is night, the snow and moonlight make the outdoors a bit brighter. "Being this far North of towne I am sure we shall see more of the powder, as some call it. The wind appears to have picked up, too. I imagine there shall be much drifting." Her thoughts are on the steeds, as well as her crew and their families. "We may be wading through the stuff in the next couple days." He grins, as though the idea does not bother him. He claps for the puzzle being completed. "Excellent! My lady, would you care to dance, or perhaps now would be a good time to check outside with the horses?"

"Ja we should wait to dance, and see to the steeds. I am hva Breda calls a worry wart o'er them." Cheeks suddenly turn a medium-pinkish hue with the admittance. "I just kannot hjelp it." "No need to be embarrassed about that. I can understand that entirely." He smiles to see her blush, moving to offer her his hand.

"I hope you want to put together another puzzle later." Her gaze slides off the finished work on the table, to the Garou and his outstretched hand. Slips her hand into his. "Hva?" "I just wanted to touch you again." He gives her hand a squeeze, then pulls gently to draw her closer to him. They could share a quick cuddle and kiss before getting ready to go outside, couldn't they' "My gorgeous lady." He drops her hand to close his arms about her body, giving her a soft, sweet kiss that slowly became more and more heated.

Finds herself within his embrace. Light blues tenderly meet his dark browns. "My handsome mann," spoken softly. His kisses affect her the same way every single time, and she adores the Garou so very, very much. Slow to part the lip-lock, but they do need to make sure all is well in the barn-stable. His grin will not go away as they slowly part, then move together to get their winter things. His arm finally slips from around her waist as he reaches for his boots.

The dogs are told to stay in the house as they begin to rise from their beds. Both hunds immediately obey her command, and sit down. She can clearly tell they want to tag along, but wants them to remain inside for the time being.

After bundling up, lights the two kerosene lanterns that are sitting on the small table in the mud room, where the back door is located; one for him to carry, the other for herself.

"Thank you." He says softly when he takes the lantern from her. "Broom?" It is somewhere between suggestion and question, making sure they have tools before heading out.

"You are velkommen." The broom and shovel are also near the back door. "It is going to be very cold outside." More to try and mentally prepare himself then because it needed to be said. He grabs the shovel, wanting the heavier tool.

Bites back the smart-arse remark she was going to make about the weather, and softly chortles instead. "Do you tenke I am going to need the broom' And nei witch jokes, Mister Grynyrd." "Never. I rather hope we shall not need either, but I'd rather have them in hand then not." He grins at her, always glad to hear her laughter. Then moves to open the door, holding door and lantern in each hand, with the shovel in the crook of his arm. "Are you ready, my heart?"

"As ready as I will e'er be, Kj'reste." Pulls up the hand-knitted red-and-ivory scarf to cover the lower half of her face; the brightly coloured scarf is deliberately chosen because, hopefully, it will be easier to see in the blowing snow. With lantern held out in front of her leads the way to the large sturdy structure, to the side door, making sure not to get too far ahead of him.

The interior of the barn-stable is nice and warm; he can probably guess the source behind it and who made it that way. Scarf is lowered after she carefully hangs the lantern on a hook. Indicates another hook to Victor. He stays close behind her, scanning the snow with narrowed eyes. Then he brightens again as they arrive at the structure, and he looks back to Shy. Inside, he sets the lantern on its hook before pulling down his own scarf. A smile for his lady before looking around. She would likely spot anything wrong before he would.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

ULFR "NLEIFRSSON

HIS FATE SEALED

DOOMED TO ROAM THE SHADOWLANDS

No dates are visible on the blue pearl granite slab. But what does it matter"

The small cemetery is gloomy. Dusk is drawing nigh. I feel a sudden chill, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Instincts warn he is hovering directly behind me, and then he moves to stand by my side. I do my best to keep the trembling at bay when I speak. "Det har v"rt en lang tid. Hvorfor har du kommet til meg?" Turning my gaze to the right, I look upon my brother's friend who died twenty-five years ago. Why is he here" What does he want"

"Jeg trenger " gj're det godt igjen. I did you wrong, and I have come to set things right."

"Hva did you do, Ulfr?" Am I sorely frightened" Ja, of course. 'Tis not as if I see and speak to a sp"kelse on a daily basis! It requires all of my courage to keep my feet rooted to the ground, to not run away. I fully admit that I am afraid of ghosts!

"I stole something precious from your coffer. I coveted it, and thought you did not deserve to have such a beautiful piece of jewelry in the first place. I believed you were too young to know the value of such an item. At the time I did not care that you were severly punished, and called an ungrateful little reckless wretch for losing it. I did not feel sorry for you when you cried, pleading with them to believe you were innocent of such an accusation."

At first I did not know what he was referring to ....until he said those hateful words; the name-calling. How quickly the past rose up and rushed toward me, like a giant tidal wave poised to crash down around my ears, and drag me out to sea. I am suddenly drowning in the hurt and sorrow I felt on that horrible day.

He saw my reaction, but it does not deter him from telling me more. "I gave it to Ingrid as a token of my love and affection."

Ingrid. My supposed best friend whom I trusted. The friend who betrayed me by deliberately flirting and using whatever means she could to win "nleifrsson's attention. Ulfr, the young man with whom I was smitten; I had confided that secret to her.

I could not bear to look at him any longer. I did not want to hear another word.

"I have so little time," he explained. "I need your forgiveness. We need your forgiveness. Can you find it in your heart to excuse my spiteful treatment toward you now that you know the truth?"

~~~

I feel a pressure on the edge of my bed, as if someone sat down near my feet. I swear the covers slipped a bit, too.

It is Ingrid! Now she has come to beg my pardon! I just know it!

I am certain if I just open my eyes I shall see her. However, I am paralyzed with fear. What will I find" A tall, pretty blond young woman' Or what I fear the most ....a decayed corpse straight from the grave"

Suddenly the pressure is no longer there. I am thoroughly relieved, yet still afraid to look. With my eyes tightly shut I reach down to pull the bedspread up toward my chin.

My fingers brush across something ice-cold.

I awaken, and bolt straight up. My heart is pounding against my chest.

Uff da! Nothing but a bad dream!

I start to get out of bed to fetch a glass of water. That is when I notice the missing emerald necklace lost to me so very long ago.

There, on top of the covers, at the foot of my bed.

"I may have low expectations for a meeting of so many. Among the Garou, any meeting everyone walks away from is generally considered a success. From a diplomatic standpoint."

"In my opinion you do seem eager to defend the happenings at the meeting, and of certain people. It causes me great consternation. Diplomatic?" A bark of laughter as she continues to stride back and forth, obviously agitated.

"I am not defending anyone at that meeting, Shy. I am certainly not defending Jesse, and I rather hope her little boat sinks taking her with it."

Several minutes pass before her pacing finally ceases, pausing at one of the bookcases that flank the stone fireplace. Stands directly in front of her record collection staring at the various albums. Apparently a decision is made when she chooses the Eagles LP, and slides it out from its spot between Chicago and Elton John's Greatest Hits. Removes the record from the jacket and its sleeve, then proceeds to break it in half. The paper sleeve and cardboard jacket are tossed onto the fire. The broken vinyl disc is brought into the kitchen, and thrown in the garbage bin.

He stands up from the couch, moving towards the kitchen and the Viking woman. "Talk to me, Shy. Please. I would like to know what you are feeling and thinking, now as always."

"Hva was so important that Tara was saying, Viktor" You asked me if I heard hva she said."

"I'm not sure if what Tara was saying is ever important, but she was talking about buying a rifle to kill someone."

"Is that all?" Snorts. "She has much more sophisticated weaponry, and has used it in the past."

"Oh, I did not know that. She seemed to be talking about someone in the Governor's life, which seemed in poor taste, given the meeting."

"Yet you tenke hvae'er Jesse says is fint because she is child-like and touched in the head" Have you forgotten she called me a communist and wants all of my children slaughtered" But you are ....hva" ....surprised" ....that Tara speaks in such a manner?"

"A communist is not necessarily a bad thing. The threat against your children, on the other hand, means something else entirely." He lets the Rage speak about Jesse, a low growl that was nothing at all like the growl heard during happy times.

"I do not know hva a communist is, but it must be derogatory if Jesse is calling people by that navn!"

"Certainly Jesse means it that way." He at times wishes he had a decent beard to stroke, so to give that thinking image. His hands move, then settle back down. "I suggest we talk about not having to deal with Jesse again."

"The time will kom again when I must deal with her."

"Perhaps not with words."

"She ne'er shuts the frell up." Frowning as she speaks.

"I am quite aware of that, Shy."

"And she is protected by Steve and Fio."

"At times."

"There is nought that kan be done about her."

He mulls that over for a moment. "For now."

"I just want her to be quiet during meetings, like she was one e'ening when I saw her at the dueling venue. I do not know if she was under a spell, but 'twas peaceful for as long as it lasted. I do not care about her stupid tugboat, or if she calls herself a vice admiral or an admiral, or the frelling queen of sheba as long as she does not try to collect monies fra me or min crew. I am weary of listening to her prattle on about communists, and the rights of demons and their ilk."

"I quite agree. I don't know how to do that. It seems she is contrary by nature, but if someone were to concur, she would take that as a real agreement, and not be difficult."

Slow blink of light blues. "Nei. If you agree with her then she will use it to her advantage. She will bekom worse, and she could very well attach herself to you if she receives any kind of affirmation. Is that hva you want?"

"No, most certainly not." A bit of extra emphasis on that one. "Perhaps we might pay someone to do that."

Returns to the living room, plopping down on the couch again. Attention now focused on the burning wood. Softly murmurs, "Mayhap." Her thoughts have moved on from the little witch. Continues to stare at the fire, as if she is watching something more than just the dancing flames.

"But only out of the public eye. Wouldn't do to encourage her where we might hear." He moves back to the sofa as well, standing in front of his spot there. He is quiet, then takes a seat next to Shy.

Several minutes pass in utter silence until she finally says, "I have a headache, Viktor. I am going upstairs to take a nap. If you decide to leave please make sure you lock the door on your way out."

"I would, were I to leave. I prefer to stay and nap with you."

Eases off the sofa, and ever-so-quietly makes her way to the staircase that leads to the Loft. A glance over her shoulder, toward the fireplace, before heading up the stairs to her bedroom. Climbing into the comfortable queen-sized bed, lays her head upon the cool, down-filled pillow. Before long, slumber claims her.

He checks the fire, making sure it will stay alive and controlled before heading up the stairs, and laying down next to her on the bed. Sleep may not take him, but he will let his eyes close and rest.

And then the dreams begin.

(adapted from live rp)

"Because I am Alpha. Shy, I do not want the Wild. I don't want to command them."

"Hva are you meaning when you say that you need to show them hvorfor they should respect you?" Very concerned about his statement.

"Shy, I don't know the Wild well. I am worried they will try to provoke me. That would not end well. For them."

His last remark does not sit well with her. "Or for you. You are not invincible, are you?"

"No, not invincible."

"Hvorfor do you tenke they shall want to provoke you?"

"Because they are warriors."

"They know how I feel, Viktor, and they respect me. They abide by my decisions whether they agree with them or not. The Wild will not provoke you unless you do something to trigger aggression toward yourself. They are not hva is called loose cannons. I have one berserkr amongst min crew. Howe'er, he will not attack unless provoked himself, or I give the command for him to do so."

"Perhaps provoke is too strong. You do not think they would challenge me" An outsider?"

"Oh, they suggested that to me when we first began our courtship. There is nei need for any kind of challenge e'er since that dag on the road when we set out on our camping trip, and those males fra the Red Bandana Brigade showed up. Do you remember?"

"Of course I do. That was not exactly the best of days. Or of trips."

"There has been nei mention of challenging you since that time. Hvorfor" Not because of hva you are ....because of hvem you are, Viktor. And your willingness to protect me." The love she has for him shines through her gaze as she explains this to him.

He slowly nods as his smile grows on his face. "Glad to hear it. I do not want to cause trouble. I want to be with you." He leans over to press a kiss to her lips.

Quietly states, "You have caused nei trouble, Kj'reste." Reaches out to give a caress along his jawline. "Just because they sometimes seem wary and suspicious, does not mean they do not like you. 'Tis in our nature to act that way until we truly get to know someone. Does that sound silly to you?"

"No, that does not sound silly to me, my heart." He keeps his head in close for a moment, giving her a beaming smile.

"Hva would happen if 'twas the other way around" If 'twas me meeting those you hold dear?" She has wondered about this on more than one occasion.

"Then I would have already ruthlessly crushed any challenge that arose. Because I care."

"Hva I mean is ....would the Garou challenge me simply because you have shown an interest in me?"

"No, they would not."

"Would they e'er challenge me?"

"We have rules on who can be challenged. No. They would not."

Finds that an interesting piece of information. "Hvem kan be challenged?"

"Someone within two ranks of your status. I, for example, can't be challenged by Cliath."

"So nei one who is not of your kind?" Meaning Garou.

"It is possible. Since the type of challenge goes to the one challenged, Garou often pick physical. It rarely goes well for the challenger."

Has the suspicion they are miscommunicating again, and appears perplexed.

"What do you want to know, that I'm not answering?"

"I want to know if I would e'er be challenged. First you said nei, then you said 'tis possible. So I am a bit confused." Cool fingertips lift to stroke across that long, thin scar above her left eyebrow.

"I'm sorry. You're right. You would not be challenged. You could challenge, however. Understand please that the Garou have a very stratified social ranking system. You are effectively an outsider, and that puts you rather low in the order."

"Low in the order?" Smirks.

"That is how you would be perceived."

"E'en by you, Mister Grynyrd?"

"Most definitely not by me, Shy."

"And you are warning me that 'tis often physical, although I do not know hva other kind of challenge there would be." Lightly chuckles. "You also tenke I would lose, ja?"

"I think you might be an exception. There are two other types of challenges. A staredown, which can lead to a frenzied Garou, and a mental challenge, though it is not often the option exercised."

Stops the scar-caressing habit and lowers her hand to her lap. Light blue gaze drifts to the nicely burning fire as she silently contemplates something he just said. Eventually she looks back at him to inquire, "Hva is the mental challenge about, Viktor?"

"It's up to the challenged. Often a riddle, with a time limit to keep from it going on forever. Sometimes a game like chess."

Another dimpled smile forms because she excels at games of strategy. Years ago she was even dubbed Queen of the Chessboard. "Truly na" How very intriguing. Have you e'er participated in a mental challenge?"

"I have. Would you like to hear that story now?"

"Of course I want to hear it, but only if you are willing to share it with me."

Her dimpled smile and her attention are more than enough to have him happy and beaming. "Very well. Once a long time ago, in Arizona, I was visiting a particular sept. For some strange reason, my presence seemed to irritate a local Ahroun. He challenged me, and I chose a mental challenge. The Master of the Challenge and I decided I would state a riddle, and the Ahroun would have ten minutes to give the correct answer. I chose a simple rhyming riddle, and the Ahroun failed to guess the answer. When he attacked me, humilated, the Master of the Challenge had him on his knees, and kept him there until he apologized to me."

Brow furrows. "I have some questions."

"Yes Shy?"

(adpated from live rp; tbc)

Peers at the map of the United States which has been spread out on the coffee table. Notes the mountain ranges are marked by clusters of inverted little v's, then glances at the blue squiggly lines that represent rivers. Lakes are various shapes and sizes. "Hvorfor are the states different colours?" Such pretty pastel colors, too: yellow, orange, pink, green, blue and purple.

"Moving west to east, we have the west coast and its mountain range, the high desert, the Rockies, the plains, then the Appalacians and the eastern forests. Each state is a different color to separate them from the next." He points to a pair of states not near each other but sharing the same color. "The map makers used those colors to make things easier to understand for those reading the map." He looks from the map to her and back.

"I find it very pleasing to the eyes. Na hvorfor were we looking at this in the first place?" Having been distracted by the colorful appearance of the map.

"We were talking about the geographic features of the country." He puts his fingers on the upsidedown v's that stand for the mountains called the Rockies. "These are the Rockies, going a good long way." He traces his hands through the middle. "The great plains."

"The great plains" triggers the recollection of his earlier remark about traveling to different places, including the plains states. Grabs the pencil off the end table and holds it out to him. "Here, Viktor. Mark all of the states you have visited."

He takes the pencil and makes small little marks on each state he mentioned earlier. "California, Washington, Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania." He considers, then marks part of Canada. "Alberta, a Canadian state."

Only a small portion at the very top edge of the map displays the word Canada. Softly chuckles as she watches him place an 'x' in that little strip of space. "I should search for a map of Canada one of these dags." Looks at the states he marked. "Six. Exactly the same amount of pastel colours. Perhaps 'tis a lucky number?" She is jesting, of course.

"Perhaps." He gives a small nod in agreement. "I will admit to not knowing Canada as well as I should like. I doubt I could name all of its states." A tap to each of the little x marks he placed on the map. "Is there anywhere you have questions about?"

"Hvorfor did you go to those different septs?" That is her main inquiry.

"I went to the different septs usually because I needed to go there. Either because I was ordered to in the early days," His hands tapping Arizona, Kansas, and Oklahoma. "Or because I had a good reason to go there." A tap to the rest.

"You are not going to tell me the reasons?" A slight tilting of her head as she keeps her gaze upon the Garou.

"I went to Canada there to learn a specific Gift from a friend of a friend. A Theurge Gift. I went to Washington to expose a traitor thought to lurk there. I found a fomori acting as a Kinfolk. I went to Pennsylvania to take it over, and I did. California is where I started, and returned to after Arizona, Kansas, and Oklahoma."

"Hva is a fomori?" Then also inquires, "When you say Kinfolk, of whom are you speaking?"

"A fomor is a creature that a Bane has possessed. A being whose essence has been partially devoured by an evil spirit and now controls them, mutating them. Kin are the descendents of Garou who do not become Garou. They are immune to the Delirium."

Silently mulls over that first bit of information he just relayed as she attempts to figure out what he is talking about, without much success. Because of her failing efforts, she is now put into the position of having to ask additional questions. Naturally she does not mind, but the Garou might. "I am a tad confused when you spoke about the fomori and the Bane. Which is the being whose essence has been partly devoured and mutated?"

"Anything. Banes possess humans quite often, but also various sorts of animals. Occasionally they choose something inanimate, for reasons that I have never tried to understand."

Her growing frustration with the communication gap is evident by her tone of voice. "Hva do you mean anything, Viktor" I pointedly asked which being ....the fomor or the Bane ....is the one who gets devoured and mutated."

"The fomor, which is the host body for the Bane."

Now that that is cleared up here comes the next quesiton, "How kan a descendent of a Garou, not be a Garou?"

(adpated from live rp;tbc)

It is well after midnight when she returns home from Breda's cottage in the countryside. The visit with her best friend helped a lot. It is nice getting a third-party's perspective on things, and Breda is always happy to listen to the female Viking's concerns. After a relaxing bath, Shy is more than ready to 'hit the hay', as the saying goes. Her plans are to sleep in late.

According to her little travel alarm clock on the bedside table it is ten o'clock in the morning when she awakens from a well-rested sleep. Time to rise and shine. Eases out of bed and dons a white cover-up over her turquoise bikini, then heads downstairs to prepare a breakfast of Wheaties cereal, and a glass of orange juice. When her light meal is finished, and the dishes are rinsed and left in the sink to be washed later, Shy heads into the living room for some reading time. Burying her nose in a wonderful tale is a hobby she definitely cherishes.

Bright and early he had set out to the North. Now he stands in two shades of green on her doorstep. A towel over his shoulder, sandals on his feet, and one hand behind his back. The other knocks on the door, somewhat redundant with the warning the Wild gave, but he thought it would be polite.

Calls out from her resting place on the comfortable sofa, "Kom in, 'tis open!"

He walks inside her house, closing the door behind him. He tries to keep what he is holding unseen, though it would not go unsmelled. A delightful aroma of flowers comes from what he has behind his back. "Good morning, my heart." He offers her a smile as he heads towards the Viking woman.

She glances toward the hall entryway, smiling as the floral fragrance wafts its way to her nostrils. "Greetings, Victor. I am happy to see you this dag. Are you hiding something fra me?"

He pulls the bouquet out from behind his back. "Flowers for you, my lady." He stops close to her, presenting her with the flowers and an even bigger smile.

Sets her book aside, and stands up. "I so adore receiving blossoms. Tusen takk!" Eases the colourful summer arrangement out of his grasp while leaning close to place a kiss upon his lips. "Hvordan is my favourite florist, Matilda?"

He happily returns the kiss, giving a triumphant smile. "You are welcome, Shy. She is doing well. She asked if you might come by soon." He gives her a quick hug.

"I shall see her i morgen." A returned squeeze before setting out for the kitchen to place the pretty mix of white and lavender lilacs, yellow daisies, pink carnations and blue asters in a crystal vase. The vase takes center stage on her dining room table. "Flowers certainly brighten up a room, do they not?" The question is more rhetorical in nature. "Do you want something to drikke?" Inquires as she meanders back toward the kitchen to clean up the stem cuttings.

"Yes. I would like a glass of orange juice, please." He stays in the living room, taking in the room and looking for any changes.

The decor remains the same unless it is a time for celebrations such as Samhaim, Thanksgiving, or Jul when she sets out additional bric-a-brac. Her home is cozy and inviting, with a Scandinavian touch; rosem"led cupboards as well as other traditional Norwegian decorative painted items can be found throughout each room. When she returns to where the Garou is standing, extends a glass his way. "Here you are, Victor. Kald orange juice."

"Thank you Gorgeous." He takes the glass from her, taking a sip and smiling. "How about we go swimming today?"

"You are velkommen. Perhaps we kan swim later" If you do not mind." Plops back down onto the plump sofa cushions.

"Later will be fine." He takes another sip before sitting down on the sofa right next to her. "How was your weekend?" As he asks, his arm moves around her.

"'Twas fint. I went to see Breda, and we had a very nice visit. I am considering purchasing a cottage in the countryside. I like the area where she is located."

"Where is that, and what is the countryside like there?" He takes another sip of the orange juice, wanting to be close to her and cuddle away some of the morning.

As she pictures it in her minds-eye softy says, "'Tis half a dags ride by horseback fra here. Like most countrysides 'tis very green at this time of the "r with gentle rolling hills, a winding, babbling brook nearby, and beautiful wild flowers dotting the landscape. It looks much like the painting above my fireplace mantel. And only a few others reside in the area."

He gives a nod, picturing it himself. "That does sound like a nice area to live. Well away from most."

Nodding. "Ja. I do not care for the city, except to go shopping."

"I feel very much the same. I would rather be alone with you."

"As I mentioned, there are others around the vicinity." Chuckles.

He considers for a moment, drinking the last of his juice and placing the glass on the table when he is done. "It might be nice to have neighbors. It is a little far to borrow sugar from someone at my cabin."

Brow furrows. "Hvorfor do you need to borrow sukker" Do you not purchase enough of it when you buy groceries?"

"It is an expression. True, it comes from a literal happenstance, but in this case, borrowing sugar means getting help from neighbors."

"Oh. I like neighbors so we kan visit, share tales, and celebrate the many festivities that are held throughout the Seasons. As long as the dwellings are not too close to each other. I like a lot of room fra one hus to another. A lot of land."

"Exactly. It would be nice to have that." He gives her a smile, getting as close as he can to her. "Private enough to be alone. Close enough to be together, if preferred." He nods.

"You seem a bit strange to me i dag, Victor."

"How am I strange today?" He considers this idea himself, centering his thoughts and making sure the Rage is truly controlled.

"Just ....different." A lifting and lowering of her shoulders. "I kannot explain it. You just are not acting like your normal self."

"Hmm. I do not feel abnormal." He gives a little shrug.

Decides to change the subject, even though she still thinks he is behaving oddly. "Hva did you do o'er the weekend?"

"I spent some time looking for a shop, and most of my time spent carving, planing, and sanding."

"Then you finally found a place to your liking?"

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Victor sits on the couch for the moment, smiling at his lady. "It is nice to be here with you again, my heart. It is quiet and peaceful on Fish Island as well, but in a different way."

"In a different way' Do you mean other than 'tis an island, different?" Snuggles close to him. His presence makes her happy, and she is quite comfortable around the Garou after a year and a half.

He very much enjoys snuggling with her, having her close and inhaling deeply of the smell of her. "There is that. The air is much saltier. It is also very isolated, even more so than here. And the temperature is different."

"Do you prefer fisk "ya o'er mitt hus?" She is curious to know what he truly thinks.

He gives a slight shake of his head. "I prefer your house, though the island is very nice."

"'Tis fantastisk to have a place to go p" ferie, or e'en for en helg. I am glad Arcadia is not that far away." After placing a soft kiss to his jaw asks, "Did you enjoy the Masquerade Ball?"

"I did indeed. It was fun to pretend to be someone else for a time. Speaking of which, who should we like to be for Halloween?"

A quick lifting and lowering of her shoulders. "I have yet to think about Samhain." Her mind is still on the elegant dance event. "I am wondering if anyone realized you were the Phantom of the Opera, and I, the Prot"g"e." Softly chortles. "Perhaps our singing gave it away?"

"That could be. I am sure anyone who has ever heard your wonderful singing voice before would have known it was you." Another grin at her, arms moving to hug her tighter.

"Uff da, Kj'reste." A playful swat to his knee. "Mayhap my accent let others know hvem I was more than my singing." Another kiss is placed upon his jawline. "Tell me, Victor, do you have a costume in mind for All Hallow's E'ening?"

"Not at all. I mean, I have not yet given it much thought." He turns to press kisses to her cheeks, slowly drawing closer to her lips.

A dimpled smile forms. "Truly na" 'Twas my tenkning you had something in mind last ....month." Randomly choosing August. "Did I" I do not recall. Did I say what it was?" He presses kisses closer still, feeling his own mouth reflect the smile she now shows.

"I believe you wanted to go as a Jack-in-the-box, and I could wind you up so you will pop out at just the right moment." Smirking, and doing her best to hold back her laughter. "That does sound tempting. I do not know though. Would you then be a lifesize windup doll" both beautiful and graceful?"

"A wind-up doll?" Her eyebrows raise. "Hva?" Begins to laugh. "I am unawares that a wind-up doll is graceful. I know they are painted prettily, but they are very stiff-legged. Much like toy soldiers." "I have seen at least one that was rather graceful when wound. I am sure you would be."

"Hvor have you seen a graceful wind-up doll?" "Once in a movie, actually."

Envisions the interior of the Stars End Bar and Grill with its large screen (called a Tri-D holodisplay) located next to the stage, where she watched her very first film '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'. The movie had both surprised her and intrigued her more than she had been willing to admit on that night, long ago. Of course, those who were there probably noticed her reactions. "Hva movie?" "It was called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is an odd name for a movie, I think." Another press of a kiss to her, this one at the corner of her mouth.

The film's title has her laughing again. "Hva is it about?" "It is about a family and a car, a father who falls in love with a woman whose father makes candy. Then they go on an adventure in this car, which can float on the sea and fly through the air."

A car that can float on the water and fly in the sky' That seems a bit far-fetched to her, even if she does reside in a land of magic and wonder. "I do not care for those ....vehicles." Nei, she likes other conveyances such as wagons or carts, and sleighs. Especially sleighs. But more than anything, ships. "I am a tad confused." "It was a magical car." He gives a little nod to accompany his words. "What are you confused about, my heart?"

"The man that falls in love with another woman' He is married with children, and leaves his family for the female whose Far makes candy' Then he takes the mistress and her candy-making Far on an adventure?" She is not laughing now. "Oh no. Their mother died, so he is not married. And they do not take the candy-making father."

Mulls over what he says about the movie. "Hvorfor is it called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?" She has an idea, but it is probably incorrect. "That is the sound the car makes, according to the family. Did I mention this movie has singing parts throughout?"

Her brow furrows upon hearing the reason behind the film's title, confirming her mistaken idea. "Nei, you did not mention it until na." "It does. Quite a few songs that are rather catchy too." He grins at her.

Light blue gaze flicks to his mouth, then back to his dark brown eyes. "Are you about to burst into song, mitt elskling?" "No I am not. I have a different idea in mind." With that he leans to press another kiss to her, this time right on her lips.

Such a grand kiss, which is returned with an equal amount of passion. After their lips part she softly says, "Jeg elsker deg, Victor." "I love you too, Shy." With those words, his face breaks into the biggest smile yet. "Always."

She, too, smiles wide. "Fore'er and e'er?" "Yes. Forever and ever." Gives him a tight hug, a kiss upon his cheek, and whispers into his ear, "Hva shall we be for Samhain?" Her breath warm, and smelling of butterscotch. (adapted from live rp)

Victor shook off the dusting of old snow from his boots before opening the door and quickly stepping inside. "Good morning!" He calls out cheerfully, putting down his bag and then taking a moment to divest himself of his winter clothes.

Shy is still in bed, sprawled on her stomach and only half-awake. Upon hearing the front door open and the Garou's morning greeting she groans, and covers up her head with her pillow. He is just too damn cheery for her at this time of the day. All she wants to do is to go back to sleep.

He hardly considers it early anymore, though he does tend to wake before the dawn most days. Perhaps what he has brought will improve her mood. "Today I have fresh baked bread. May I interest you in some toast, my heart?" He is loud enough to be heard clear up in the Loft, though not too loud.

Her reply is quite muffled since she is speaking from beneath a pillow, basically into the sheeted mattress. "You kan interest me in shutting the frell up." She is so not a morning person, especially when she is just flat out tired and wants nothing more than several additional winks of slumber.

Thinking he heard her correctly, he drops silent for the moment. He fetches butter and a knife, cutting the bread and spreading it thick with butter. He tries to let the smell of the bread reach her by setting it closer to the Loft than really necessary.

He is greatly mistaken if he thinks that is going to help. She is not some kind of animal to be enticed from her bed by warm, buttered bread. Rascal, on the other hand, is. Suddenly, the black-footed ferret seemingly appears out of nowhere, and streaks toward that food offering to claim it for himself!

"Hey!" He objects to the ferret's presence, then changes his mind. "Just wait, you." He puts an arm between the ferret and his prize, then quickly offers the animal a small piece of the already buttered bread.

Rascal does not like being denied anything, so when that barrier comes between him and his bread ....well, that is not going to be tolerated! Victor must learn how things work around here! The offered piece of food" Ignored. Instead, Rascal begins hissing and screeching at the Garou. Warning Mister Grynyrd! Warning!

Mister Grynyrd is not impressed with the posturing of a creature smaller than one of his arms. He picks up the large portion of bread and steps away from the counter. Let the ferret puzzle out to do now with only the small piece left.

Obviously, size does not matter to the ferret. Rascal continues to hiss, hunch his back, fluff out his tail and hair-coat, then begins screaming as if he is being attacked! Naturally, Shy is going to find out what is causing such distress to one of her family members. The pillow is tossed aside, and she quickly slips out of bed to hurry downstairs. "Hva in Hel is going on around here"!" Concern written all over her facial features as she looks around to see where Rascal is located, finding him at Victor's feet. Angrily inquires, "Did you hurt him"!"

"Of course I did not hurt him." He turns his attention to Shy when she gets close, still vaguely amused with the ferret.

Shy looks like Hel warmed over ....pale complexion, dark circles beneath her reddened eyes ....with a bed-head hairstyle. Rascal's antics are not ceasing, nor are they going to stop until he achieves his goal. She reaches out to snatch the bread from Victor, now knowing that is what the ferret wants since he is making it clear. "By the gods, give him the damn br'd!"

He looks down at the little ferret again. Then back to Shy. "What' No. What is a ferret going to do with a loaf of bread?" He considers and reasserts his Smell of Man Gift that works on animals.

Something just happened. Something, but what? Rascal is displaying all the signs of fear and panic, and with it comes more screaming. This is not good. Slowly she reaches for the folded blanket that is on the arm of the couch. Opens it, and deftly drops it over the poor creature before he can run away. This tactic has calmed him in the past. Besides, nobody should try to pick up an animal displaying such a frantic state, no matter how small.

She begins speaking soothingly to him, "'Tis all right, Rascal, I am here. Hush na, all is fint." Sits down on the floor next to her quilt-covered friend. "The big, bad ulv will not harm you. I am here." Glances up at Victor, and frowns.

He gives a shrug, not knowing what happened himself. Then he takes a few steps away to give her and the ferret some space.

"I am tenkning you should go na, Mister Grynyrd," softly stated. It is probably better if he leaves her home, not just take several steps away. "I do not want him to die fra hjerte failure."

"I shall go outside." He nods, then heads to the door and suits up. A moment later and he is outside.

Continues to speak in hushed tones to Rascal, then decides to softly sing a Norse lullaby that he seems to have enjoyed in the past. It takes a while, but soon the ferret is calm and no longer whimpering. She removes the blanket without further incident, and without getting bit.

"There na, all is well, ja?"

With a quiet dook, the ferret leaves her side for somewhere else. A hiding place, perhaps" When Rascal is ready to make another appearance, he will. She picks up the warm, handmade covering, refolds it, and places it on the nearest chair.

He took a short walk outside, wandering from tree to tree, which is a fair ways right now. He stays withing sight of the front door, planning on going back soon.

What a way to begin a day. "Uff da," she exclaims as she heads for the staircase to the Loft. She hopes she does not look as rotten as she feels. Her hopes are dashed when she peers at herself in the mirror of the upstairs bathroom. "By the gods!" She needs more rest, but decides to bathe instead. The bubble bath she uses is called Tranquility, and has the most aromatic fragrance that smells like a summer garden in full bloom.

He comes back over to the house and knocks on the door.

Since she is in the tub she is not about to answer the door, deciding not to call out for them (should there be more than one) to enter. Frankly, she thinks it is a couple of the Wild since they know to knock. She is not expecting Breda, or Cooper, or any other company. And Victor has a key.

He knocks again, then goes back to walking about and eating the bread.

Closes her eyes, and is glad that whomever was knocking on her door has stopped the noise. Once more it is peaceful in her home. How long will it last"

(adapted from live RP; tbc)

As Shy and Victor make their way through RhyDin Town she wishes it would snow again. Not a blizzard, of course, just some light flakes. Mayhap an accumulative inch of new fluff to make everything look pretty once more.

"The landscape is more beautiful up North at mitt log hjem, as far as I am concerned, or e'en beyond the towne's limits. None of this dirty sn" fra those loud machines some people drive. I dislike them. Although, some are interesting to look at. As long as they are silent."

It is certainly cold enough for snow, so they are just waiting on the wet. The sky above has more than its fair share of clouds right now, but none of this dampens his spirits. He gives Shy's hand a squeeze through their gloves, and smiles over at his gorgeous Viking lady. "Very much so. There is not too much beauty left in the town's landscape." He gives her hand another squeeze.

Glances over at him. "Except for those places that still display the tiny white fairy lights that twinkle in the e'ening. Such as the park with the skating rink, and some businesses." Including her own pub, The White Stag.

He gives a nod. "There are exceptions, though they are somewhat rare."

"'Tis my tenkning more businesses should keep the little lights up for all the kald months, not just for Jul."

"It would look nicer in town with more lights. Especially when it is dark and cold out otherwise." He gives a glance up, wondering if those clouds will grow darker soon.

"Hvorfor do you keep looking up at the sky, Victor" Have you seen something strange as of late?"

"I can not count the times I have seen something up in the sky I think should be given attention in the skies of RhyDin. Dragons, mostly. But no, nothing as of today."

"'Tis not strange to see dragons here."

"I am not sure I want to get that used to dragons, my heart."

"E'en after you have been in this land for two years" You have seen them at the Inn of Olde, as well as in the Glen, ja?"

"I have, many times. Icer and Aurthur, especially. Still, it seems to me that any creatures significantly larger than myself should be given some consideration."

"Oh! Well na, I do give them consideration. As long as they are friendly, I do not mind. There are many other creatures that make me nervous. Not to mention certain places that give me pause."

He gives another nod, knowing full well the feeling certain places can create. "I am always a little surprised so many different races and peoples get along as well as they do in the Inn. I expect more outright hostility and violence."

Softly chortles. "'Tis frowned upon to fight inside the Red Dragon. I shall admit there are dags n"r I kan barely refrain fra physically attacking someone, but if I do there is usually somebody around to admonish me. I get arse-tired of listening to it. And I must say there are a lot of creatures roaming around that should be very grateful that I do not wield the magical ability to kill them on sight." She knows the same can be said about herself and her crew.

"O'er the "r I have learned not to do battle in the infamous establishment." At least not as often. "Howe'er, there was a time n"r that was not so true." A wolfish smile forms.

"I have fought there, in the past couple years even." He gives a shake of his head. "It is too public a place for me to really cut loose though. I prefer isolated battlefields."

"You have done battle at the Red Dragon Inn" With whom?"

"Not a whom, a what. A swarm of some sort of scorpion like monster bug. Thorn was there too, fighting them."

"Hvor was I n"r this was happening?"

"I do not know. This was very early in my time here."

"There have been several attacks on the drikking place. For a while 'twas zombies, and I recall some giant ants." After pondering for several minutes says, "I know that I grew weary of visiting the Inn for a time. Perhaps 'twas during the weeks I decided not to go there. Or perhaps I was voyaging."

"Were you at Sea in the first month or two of two years ago?" For some reason, he had never thought about where she was that day before. Likely because it was not his business at the time.

Nods. "I did set sail, and battled, in another realm." A couple moments go by before she softly states, "I do not recall n"r I first saw you, Kj'reste."

"I am afraid I cannot recall the day exactly. I do know how you looked that day."

Curious to know, yet hesitant to ask. "Oh?"

"You wore your blue cloak, pastel blue blouse and hair ribbons. Your face was guarded then, more than it is now. You looked fierce." He grins, still enjoying the memory.

"Well na, if I was wearing mitt sapphire-blue coloured cloak then the weather must have been varmer. I only don my arctic furs during the kalder month's, or if I am traveling to a kald climate. So perhaps 'twas Springtime in this land?" A heartbeat later inquires, "Do I not look fierce anymore?"

"I think it had been a bit of an early Spring. When you give me a smile, it is hard to describe you as fierce. You are though, and I am careful not to forget it."

His remarks tickle her funny-bone and she begins to merrily chortle. Then, just for the Hel of it, growls and gnashes her teeth at him ....all in jest, of course.

He pulls back, looking worried, then grins back at her. "We are quite a pair, my heart."

"Ja, for sure. The question being ....a pair of hva?"

"A couple. Or a pair of people."

She could add to that, but decides against it. "Mmm."

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Because she likes sleeping in late, Shy did not pull herself out of bed until she absolutely felt the need to get up and take a shower ....approximately twenty minutes ago. Fresh and clean, she carries those subtle scents of lilac and exotic white ginger on her skin and hair; her long red tresses are still a bit damp, and fall in gentle waves around her shoulders, to mid-back. Now attired in brown suede trousers and a deep turquoise silk blouse, she stands at the stove, in stockinged feet, making french toast. Hopefully, the handsome Garou will not be late. Victor had closed his store early and run a couple of errands before going to meet Shy. Hands full of things that are fragrant and perhaps a bit on the expensive side, he is looking forward to the day. He did not like moving the flowers outside in the cold, but there was little he could do about that. Straight North he went to go to her house, trying not to grin. The dining room table is already set for two. She decided to use fancier dishes rather than her everyday dinnerware, as well as the pretty crystal glasses she normally keeps hidden, unless it is a holiday. Carefully tucked beneath the edge of Victor's plate is a red envelope. Two twelve-inch red taper candles rest in the center of the table, all aglow. Ja sure it is still morning, but it is a small matter. Candlelight always give a warm ambience to any room, no matter what time of day or night. Individual bowls of strawberries, blueberries, powdered sugar and brown sugar sit on a rosemaled serving tray, nearby. The only thing left to do is pour the juice, and serve the food. He knocks on the door, then opens it himself and calls into the house, "Good morning, my heart! Happy Valentine's Day!" There are both the rich scent of flowers and the decadent aroma of chocolate about him as he walks inside.

Victor arrives just as she is placing crispy bacon strips on a serving platter, next to the marvelous french toast. She wonders how surprised he will be when he sees the slices of bread are heart-shaped. The same for the little pats of butter. "Happy Valentine's Dag to you, too, mitt elskling!" So many powerful scents, and he grins at his ladylove. "These are for you, Gorgeous." He holds up the flowers, a selection made by Matilda and mostly purple despite the day, and the chocolate. There is a card also in evidence. He has to put them down for a moment to strip out of his winter gear, so for now they are carefully placed on the coffee table.

The food-laden platter is brought into the dining room, then gingerly set on the table. "I hope you do not mind hva I made for our meal. Her smile widens the moment she espies the pretty bouquet. "Hvordan beautiful, Victor!" Purple is her favourite colour, so the mixture of iris and statice with the red roses is truly grand. Needless to say, chocolate is always wonderful! The flowers are plucked up from the coffee table on her way back into the kitchen. "I shall put these in a vase." The fragrant bouquet definitely becomes the table centerpiece, flanked by the red candles. "Are you hungry, Mister Grynyrd?" Inquires as she places chilled glasses of oj spritzers by each of their plates. She thinks it is a delightful beverage for today. Plus, it is non-alcoholic. "I am hungry indeed, Shy. It all smells so good!" He grins all the wider, then moves over to give her a kiss before doing anything else. Food could wait. Kisses are mandatory.

Nods in agreement. "Ja, it certainly does." Since she adores his kisses, as he well knows, returns any he bestows upon her before they sit down to dine on their Love Day meal.

Later, once their excellent repast had been feasted upon, and the dishes were cleaned and stored away, he settles in beside Shy on the sofa. Having taken their cards over there, he now hands her the one he made yesterday, still in its pristine white envelope. Her name is scripted across the top in his handwriting. "I love you, my Valentine." She had so wanted to look at the cards earlier, but agreed to wait until after the dishes were done. "Takk, Victor," softly says as the exchange takes place. "Jeg elsker deg ogs"!" "Thank you as well, Shy." A quiet moment as he waits and watches her open her card.

Excited to view his handiwork, turns the envelope over and quickly begins unsealing it. "The entire time I was window shopping I was wondering hva this will look like, Kj'reste!"

(View pics HERE) (adapted from live rp)

One quick test to see where to go, and off Victor walks. It is colder, again, but that is just something one expects during the winter.

Whatever the temperature might happen to be in RhyDin Town, it is usually a bit colder in the far, far North where Shy's log home is located. A disadvantage (to some) in the Wintertime, but an advantage during the Summertime since it does not get quite as hot as it does in the Southern region of the land. Do not be mistaken, though. It does get hot. However, where it might be 95 degrees in the city, it is probably 10 degrees cooler near her home.

North is where he expected to go, and where he goes now. Once North of the City, he shifts down to run on four legs for a while, enjoying the freedom and speed of his lupus form. All the way through the forest he goes, only shifting back to homid at her door. He knocks once, then enters. "Good morning, Shy." He flashes a smile before getting his winter things hung up on the pegs by the door.

By now her daily tasks have been completed, and she is relaxing on her sofa. Victor's greeting comes just as she is yawning, so hers is delayed. "Greetings, Kj'reste. If you have a t"rst, there is hot water already in the kettle on the stove." The handsome Garou is given a quick assessment from head to feet once he is in full view. "Hvordan har du i dag?"

"Very well, my lady." He goes over to press a kiss to her lips, a better way than saying the words for good morning.

Returns his kiss before inquiring, "Do you find it tedious to travel fra your cabin to min hus nearly e'ery single dag?" She has been wondering about it for a while now.

"It is not a great distance. Just a little jog." He continues to smile at her, then motions towards the kitchen. "I shall be right back." He goes to the kitchen to get himself a cup of tea from the water she mentioned.

"'Tis considerably far, Victor!" She specifically chose the extremely Northern location because it is such a long distance from the town's limits. Further than anyone's residence, and she made sure of it by having claimed much of the surrounding land right after she arrived on RhyDin's shores. The boundaries are quite set, and have been for decades. She intends on keeping it that way. "Especially fra your place!"

"I have gotten used to running it on four legs. It makes the distance fly by." A moment later he has a steaming cup of tea in hand and he heads back over to the couch to take his spot next to her.

Sets aside the magazine she was looking at before he arrived. "Sometimes I kan smell ulv on you more strongly than at other times. I have oft pondered hvorfor. At first 'twas my tenkning that my senses are growing weaker, but I do not tenke 'tis the case. Not yet anyway."

"It is hard for me to tell how much I smell of the wolf. When I change I do not think I retain the smell, but I could be wrong."

A quick lifting and lowering of her shoulders. "I only know that I smelled it n"r you arrived i dag, but not na."

He tries to wrap his head around it and sips his tea as he considers that. "I certainly feel very much of the wolf when I am with you."

"I do believe that is a pun, Mister Grynyrd." And it makes her chortle.

He grins widely, always happy to make her laugh.

There is a brief lull in the conversation until her laughter finally ebbs. "I have heard rumours about the Beltane celebration this "r. 'Tis supposedly beginning on Fredag, den andre av Mai, through S"ndag, den fjerde av Mai. I do not know n"r the Ball shall be held, or if there shall e'en be a grand dance. Have you heard anything, Kj'reste?"

"That is all I have heard as well, my heart. There is still quite a bit of time, so I am sure the details can be found before the month of May."

"I am not o'erly concerned about it. If the Ball happens, it happens. Beltane shall kom nei matter hva, and there will be others celebrating it whether special festivities are planned or not." Her light blue gaze slowly drifts over Victor's countenance.

"I would like us to attend, Shy. Will you go with me, my lady?"

"I would like us to attend, as well. Howe'er, I do not look forward going to another dance by myself, and I fear that shall happen again like it did last month. Therefore, I am not going to make a commitment until I know you will truly be available."

She is not very enthusiastic, as he can tell. For now she just turns her gaze toward the nicely burning fire, and watches the flickering flames.

He gives a nod. "Very well, my lady. Let us put the talk of Beltane on hold for now. I did hear that there is a new show at the theater, and I thought we might like to go to it soon. What do you say, Shy?"

"I hope 'tis not about a perfect wife."

"It is about a pirate."

That piques her interest. "Oh' A renowned one?" A shifting of her eyes then, off from the burning logs and onto the man sitting next to her on the couch.

"The name of the show is just The Pirate, although in French. I do not know if it is about a particular famous pirate or a made up one."

"A Fransk pirate?"

"Perhaps. I got the sense it was originally written in French. It could be a french pirate."

Reaches up to rub her forehead for a moment or two. "Do you know if it shall be performed in the Fransk language?"

"I do not know. I suspect that if it were, a translation would be available."

"Hva makes you tenke that, Victor" And hvordan would it be done" Will there be a person on the stage translating e'erything into the common tongue of this land while the performance is taking place?" Pictures that image in her minds-eye, and thinks that would be very annoying. "'Twould detract fra the tale, as far as I am concerned. Do you speak Fransk?"

"Not enough French to be able to hold a conversation in it, no. I have been to a show where every line was written in Italian and English, so I could follow along. That is, in the program they gave me at the door."

"Ja, 'twould be much better to see it written in the program," quietly agreeing with him.

"That is what I thought as well. It worked. Shall we make plans to see The Pirate on, say, Friday?"

"Very well. I have nought important going on that it kannot wait until another dag." Still thinking about the play, begins to softly chuckle.

He grins, but has to inquire, "What are you laughing about, Gorgeous?"

"Sometimes a play consists of the actors mingling with the audience by making their way off of the stage to where those hvem are watching, sit or stand. I was just tenkning if that were the case in this instance, then will those portraying pirates try to rob us?" More chuckling ensues. "And hva if the play is actually just a ruse to cover up a true theft?"

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

As Shy stands at her kitchen window staring at the outdoor thermometer, she simply shakes her head. The weather in RhyDin is so unpredictable. Snow one day, fog the next, then rain, and back to snow. Trying to predict the temperature is not any better. Cold to warm to freezing, and back to Springtime warm. Last night the temperature dropped to below freezing in her neck of the woods, now it has already warmed up into the thirties.

Once more Victor checks to see if North is the way to go, then off he goes. This time he has a crate under one arm, keeping him in his homid shape all the way. It is merely cold today, not freezing, and it is rather refreshing, in his opinion. It is warm enough the snow had melted, at least mostly, and he gets to the front of her door with little to slow him. He considers the crate in his arm, and decides to bring it inside for now. A knock on the door then he goes inside.

"Good morning, my heart!"

When one lives exceedingly far North of RhyDin Town there is still plenty of snow on the ground. Naturally, there is less of the white stuff heading South, and who knows, mayhap there is little-to-none where Victor's cabin is located" She has not been there in a long time, but memories of past years do include patches of snow here and there in the Southern woods in the month of March.

She is pouring hot water into a mug of (pricey) cocoa mix when Victor arrives, and calls out to the handsome Garou, "Greetings, Kj'reste!"

He sets the crate down inside before he starts stripping out of his winter gear. "I have brought over this crate, and I would like you to not look inside of it, please. I do plan on showing you, today, hopefully, but I would like a drink first." With that out, he heads over to press a kiss to her.

"A crate" I hope there is nei animal inside of it." Surely she would know anyway since her sense of smell is keen. Unless, of course, the scent has been disguised. Returns his kiss with a quick one of her own and states, "I shall not peek through the slats."

"No animal inside," he answers after the kiss. There are the smells of wood and paint, but then that could be the crate itself. He goes to make another mug of cocoa with the hot water for himself.

She could not help but to walk toward the front entryway after leaving the kitchen. Ja, she deliberately went in that direction just to see the size of the crate. Then she is on her way to the living room couch with her steaming hot beverage.

It is a perhaps couple feet on a side, not one of those large crates for animals or anything. Once he has a mug of cocoa in hand, he follows her to the sofa to take a seat down beside her.

"Hvorfor do you want to wait to show me hva is in the box?" The waiting game is not one of her favourite things to play, as he should know by now after the Valentine's Day fiasco. "Is that my surprise fra last month?"

"It is part of the set up." He gives a nod, then sips at his cocoa. "In a little while, I am going to go outside to set it up. Please try not to look."

One eyebrow arches at the phrase he uses. "The set up?" That has negative connotations.

"Setting the stage, I should say."

"Speaking of stage ....we are still going to see The Pirate this e'ening, ja?" Hopefully, those plans have not changed.

"Yes, unless you decide to push it to tomorrow or Sunday."

"Hvorfor would I do that, Victor" Do you not already have the tickets?" Now she is beginning to worry.

"I do, but I got the kind that are not specific to one night."

"Oh. I see." Another question looms on the horizon, but he probably could figure out it was coming. "The temperature is varm enough to take a sleigh ride to the hidden o'erlook i kveld. Hva do you tenke?"

"I am always in favor of a sleigh ride with you, Gorgeous." He smiles at her, taking little sips of his cocoa.

Grins happily over at him. "I do enjoy them very much, min elskling." It is definitely one of her favourite things to do. Moves on to another topic. "Have you gotten any new orders lately?"

"Yes, though they have been small. A rocking chair, one cabinet, and one carved umbrella stand. The last looked rather nice, after I sealed it."

"Hva kind of design did you carve into the wood?"

"Clouds, actually, though I snuck a few wolves down into the bottom part."

"Not e'eryone likes wolves. Me" I simply adore them!" Good thing, too, or else she would be chin-deep in donkey dung. Continues to sip the delicious, but expensive, hot chocolate.

"That is a very good thing, my heart." He grins at her, then takes another sip of his drink.

"I am going to tell you a secret, Mister Grynyrd."

"I am listening, Miss Vulpecula." He leans in closer to her.

Whispers, "As much as so many others in this putrid land want the Sommer to arrive" I want Autumn to kom more quickly!" If anybody heard her say that at the Red Dragon Inn, or anywhere else in town, they would probably form a lynch mob. A wolfish smile is there for him to see, complete with dimples. "'Tis the reason hvorfor I burn the eple-scented candles in my pub. Although I do have Gunnar change them to vanilje, or to pumpkin-spice e'ery na and then."

He grins back at her. He does so very much like seeing her smile, and those dimples! Well...."Everyone has their own favorite parts of the year, my heart. Try not to hold it against them if they prefer Summer. For many of them it meant getting out of school for a while."

"Do you want to know something else?"

"Always, my lady."

"Not only have the regulars of The White Stag informed me that one of the reasons they like my pub o'er most others is because the scents within the walls give them a comfortable feeling, but so have strangers who pass through this land." Lightest of blues seek out his darkest of browns, and lock onto them. "I attribute it to their fond memories of the fall Season, and the special celebrations that take place during that time of "r."

"While I am sure the smells do remind them of the celebrations of Fall, it could be they like your Pub because it is kept cleaner and thus smells fresher than some of the other Pubs in Dockside."

"I prefer to say the location is in the Olde District. After all, 'tis not down by the docks, but on a well-traveled road not far fra the Museum. Your place of business is not too far away, either."

"You are right. It is really in the Old District, and not Dockside proper. Your customers are right as well. Your Pub smells very nice indeed, much better than other Pubs I recall visiting."

"Do you know that I have an establishment located in Dockside?" Unable to remember if she mentioned it before now, or if he has been there himself.

"I do not recall that one. What is the name of it?" Perhaps that will ring a bell for him.

She takes the time to drink more of her delicious cocoa, followed by a licking of her lips before finally answering. Declares, quite proudly, "Anchors Aweigh Inn." It is a play on words, and she thinks it is highly amusing.

He is not quite sure he heard the difference there. "Anchors Away Inn?"

"Ja, that is correct. A lot of seafarer's stay o'ernatt, as do those who arrive here by boat." Sets her near-empty mug on the coffee table, eases off the plump cushions, then meanders over to her desk. Opens one of the drawers and removes an old flyer that is folded in half. Returns to the couch and hands it to him.

The parchment has yellowed somewhat, but it is still legible. Scripted on the vellum: Anchors Aweigh Inn. Clean and comfortable rooms. Guest Facilities include 24 hour reception/Housekeeping/Breakfast & Evening meals. Full-service bar. Reasonable rates. General/Day Manager, Knute Jorgunsson. Night Manager, Olav Seversson. Proprietor, Shylah Vulpecula.

He sets down his own drink to take the offered flyer from her. He reads it, and understanding dawns of the name. "That is a clever name, my lady. This is pretty good." He hands it back then takes a sip of his cocoa again. "And I think it is time for me to go outside and set things up." He leans over to give her a kiss first though.

"Takk, Kj'reste," softly replies while placing the paper on the coffee table. She had forgotten about the crate. "Oh!" Anything else she was going to say is cut off by his kiss.

Once the kiss, kisses rather, are done, he stands up and grins at her. "Please let me surprise you, my heart."

That confuses her. "I do not understand. Hvorfor would I stop you?"

"I mean please do not peek out the window for a few minutes while I am outside."

"Very well. I give you my oath that I shall not look out the window." As the Garou knows, her word is her honour.

That was more than he expected, and absolutely works. "Thank you, my lady. I will be back in a few minutes." He goes to the door and puts his winter things on again, then grabs the crate. One more smile for her and he is out the door.

(adapted from live rp; tbc)

Lunch at the Hellaburger is over and gone, resting rather comfortably in their bellies. "That was good."

Shy is gulping down the last of her iced tea when Victor makes that remark. The tall glass with its partially-melted cubes is lowered to table top. She smiles ever-so-prettily at the Garou before quietly saying, "Ja, 'twas very godt. I do believe 'twas the best cheeseburger I have e'er eaten in this land. Takk for suggesting this place, mitt elskling."

He grins back at her. "You are very welcome, my heart. I was dubious the first time I came in here, but those were unfounded doubts."

"Hvorfor" Did you not believe in their advertising?" Knowing how restaurants like to claim they have the best food in the land.

"I tend to not believe the advertising when it is based on slang. It feels like they need to use a made up word to convey what their product is."

She suddenly raises her hand to cover her mouth, right before yawning; it was one of those long yawns, too. Once that infectious reflex act is over a sheepish smile forms and she explains, "Food sometimes makes me tired." Which seems to be happening a lot lately, much to her dismay.

He nods, reaching up to cover his own yawn. He really does not want to pass yawns back and forth. "Perhaps we should go back to your house and take a nap."

Chuckles. "We must be getting gammel if we want to take a nap directly after eating."

"I think we must be adults if we are the ones that get to choose when to have a nap."

"Of course we are adults, but that does not mean ..." Decides the age comment is not worth repeating. "Ne'ermind."

Her light blue gaze drifts over the other customers; some are still enjoying their meals, while others are finishing up and about to leave. And then she espies a couple in a corner booth who are snuggled up next to each other, quietly chatting away as the female shows fabric swatches to the male beside her. Finding the scene interesting, she continues to regard them for several more minutes.

"Do you think they are doing interior decorating?" What else does one have fabric swatches for"

She did not realize Victor was watching her observe the couple, and turns her gaze upon him. "'Tis possible. Too bad you do not have a business card with you. 'Tis a godt opportunity to hand out one." And before he can ask her why she states, "If they are decorating, or e'en redecorating, they mayhap want to add a new piece of furniture to their hjem. Something specially made for them." The business side of her personality is working overtime.

He nods again, understanding her point. "I shall make a point to have business cards with me tomorrow, and from then on." He dabs at his face with a napkin, making sure he is presentable once again.

"Ja, for sure, you ne'er know n"r you might need one." Pushes back her chair and stands up from the table. "Metenkes 'tis time to see if the theatre has any performances taking place." She certainly could use a brisk walk right about now, or else risk falling asleep after devouring what some people call their meal ....'comfort' food.

That was definitely comfort food. Just ask his comfortable stomach. He stands up along with her, offering an arm before getting the door with his other. "Maybe a stop by the library?"

Loops her arm around his. "Ooooo, the library!" Apparently she likes that idea. "Ja." Immediately nodding her head. "I have not been there for ages!" Her smile is wide as she crosses over the threshold to the outdoors. "Tusen takk, Victor."

"You are welcome, Shy," he answers softly. "I do not visit it often, so I am sure the entire new releases section will be quite a surprise to me."

"New releases section' I do not recall seeing that part of the library." In fact, it sounds more like a section she would find in a book shop or a music store.

"Excuse me, for the library I believe it is new arrivals."

"Oh." It is a small matter. "Do you have a certain tome in mind that you hope to find?" Now she is rhyming. It was not done on purpose, although she does begin to chortle at herself.

"Perhaps a book of poetry or something on the natural world."

"I am unsure of hva you mean by something on the natural world."

"Books about animals or plants, perhaps some geology."

"Geology?" He is surprising her a lot today. "The study of gee's?" She could very well be jesting with him!

"Mostly it is the study of rocks."

Her joke falling flat, she considers making a short trip to see some Gnome friends. They always laugh at her jests. However, she continues to crack-wise by saying, "I am inclined to tenke rocks do not do much. Some children have them for pets. Easy upkeep, easy to train, and they do not sass back n"r told to do something. Of course, if 'tis anything but the commands of stay, sitte, or lay down, there mayhap be problems."

He smiles wider, nodding to her words. "Rocks are not very active. You could say they tend to be sedimentary."

And that has her laughing merrily all of the way to the Shanachie.

(adapted from live rp)

Early in the morning, before the sky cleared itself of the clouds that hung over the land, he walked North with a backpack hung over one shoulder. It would be obvious to the observant he is not dressed in his usual fashion. Oh, the boots and coat are still there, but his pants are not black, nor the colors splashed across his chest for his shirt. He watched the sky, hoping it would not rain.

The day is already warming up; a nice 65 degrees. In her opinion, a perfect temperature to be outside planting her vegetable garden. The large area has already been mapped out for what veggie will be planted in which spot, indicated by little wooden stakes (looking very much like popsicle sticks) painted with pictures of the following on them: tomatoes (though considered a fruit), sweet peppers, carrots, radish, peas, onions, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, green beans, and corn. Several matching seed packets are resting by each of those markers.

When he spots Shy, he grins and calls a hello. "Good morning, my lady! How are you today?" He takes in her surroundings, getting closer to bring the little painted pictures into focus until he understands them.

Pauses in her planting of strawberries to glance up and over at her handsome man. With a dimpled smile she says, "Greetings, Victor. I am as alive and fint as i g"r. Takk for the asking. Og you?" Her light blue gaze travels over his strong form, taking in his attire. "Are you not varm in that coat?"

"Quite warm, and fine, thank you. I am going to take a quick trip to your house to put up my backpack and coat. Is there anything I should bring back?" He smiles at her, then moves to lean and plant a kiss on her lips.

Still on her knees, albeit resting her denim-covered backside against her heels, she shakes her head in reply to his inquiry. "Nei. About an hour ago I prepared a pitcher of lemonade and put it in the kald box. I am tenkning we shall want to quench our parched throats later. Perhaps e'en have a glass of it along with some oatmeal-raisin cookies that I baked last natt." His kiss is lovingly returned. "N"r you kom back fra hanging up your things, you kan choose whiche'er vegetable you want to start planting." Indicates the various stakes and seed packets with a sweeping gesture of one gloved hand.

"I think you are right about what we shall want to do. Among other things, of course." He grins again at the woman he loves. "Where would I look to find the hat you said you had for me?"

Chuckles after hearing his question. "On the entry table near the front door. You kannot miss it." She hopes he will not be too upset when he sees it. After all, the headwear is a bit ratty looking. "I found it at a flea market in the country while I was visiting med Breda. That and a couple of small tomes written by a man called Mark Twain." She actually purchased more than just those three items, but she does not say anything about them at this time. And if he had seen the shocked expression on her face when she first heard the term flea market ....well now, he can guess what she thought it was all about.

He gives a nod, smiling at her and wonders what name flea markets were known by before being called flea markets. "In that case, I shall be back shortly, Gorgeous." He gives her one more look full of love before turning to go to the house and walking away for the moment.

She watches his retreat for a few seconds, then returns to her task. Shortly afterward she begins to softly hum a tune. The song is a familiar one sung by many city and country children alike, and it just happens to be The Farmer in the Dell.

He comes back a short while later, his plaid shirt on full display and that ratty straw hat on his head. He is grinning though, and moved to crouch down next to Shy to start planting. "Nice hat, Shy. Thank you."

The humming abruptly ends when the Garou squats down next to her. "You are velkommen, Kj'reste." A flick of her gaze to the hat, his shirt and his jeans. She thinks he just mayhap resemble a grown-up version of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, and it brings about a broad smile. "I was hoping you would not mind planting the corn." Ja, she knows she said he could choose any vegetable to plant. She just likes to nudge him in the direction she wants him to take.

He gives her a nod after a second. "Not at all. Are you doing extra seeds for each hole?"

Such an innocent question, yet it immediately causes her to laugh heartily! Give her a minute or two to calm down, then she will reply. "Hva ....hvae'er you ..." She is having difficulty speaking without more laughter ensuing.

He picks up a small lump of dirt and gently tosses it at her legs. "You are dirty."

That did not help to ebb her chortling at all! What happens when she needs to speak during a full-on laughing fit' She ends up shouting and stringing her words together in order to get them out! "HVAE'ERYOUWANTMITTELSKLING!" The shouting is unexpected, but perhaps so too is his answer. He pounces towards her, arms going to grab her and hug her tight even as he tries to align them for a kiss or many kisses.

Tears are beginning to form, and her stomach is already getting sore when she is caught off-guard by his sudden attack. His pouncing causes her to lose her balance, and she finds herself on her back with her straw hat flipping up, but not off her head; like a clam shell opening up toward the sun. "Uff da!" She reaches out to grab a small handful of moist soil, and returns the favour by plunking it down onto his arse. "So are you!" Rubs it in.

"Sometimes," he agrees. He gives her a kiss, not at all worried about getting these clothes dirty. After all, he wore them specifically to mess about in the dirt.

Between kisses she gently smacks him on his rear. Perhaps she is adding a bit more of damp dirt, too. "Victor, we are not getting my garden planted." Tries to sound admonishing even though she is snickering.

"Is that what we were doing?" He asks a little breathlessly. That happens often after they share some kisses.

"'Tis hva we are supposed to be doing, Mister Grynyrd." "Does that mean we should get back to it, or should not?" He holds her tightly still, not quite ready to garden.

"But of course we should! And you kan do the corn." Smirks like the smart-arse she is. "To the corn row I go, my lady." After stealing one more kiss, at least. Then he gets down to work, focused for the moment at the task at hand.

She is smiling away like a giddy schoolgirl. Naturally her gaze is tracking his movements as he heads over to the plot of land where the corn stakes are located. "Such a dirty arse." Cracks-wise, and cracks up. Peels of merry chortling ring out.

"Do not tell anyone. I prefer to keep that a secret." He casually wipes away the dirt on the back of his jeans as best he can without looking as he finishes planting the corn.

While he continues to do his part, she does hers. Clearly she enjoys working alongside of him during this outdoor project. Equally nice is that together they manage to complete all of the planting in less time than she thought it would take. "Na 'tis time for a treat, ja?" "Yes, cookies and lemonade, and smooches." He reaches up to wipe a little sweat from his brow.

(View Pics HERE) (adapted from live rp)

Wandering around town checking on her various investments not only makes Shy thirsty, but hungry. Before she has her mid-day meal, however, she decides to pop in at the Teas'n Tomes. There are books to look at, and she is seeking one tome in particular.

"Good morning, Shy." He greets her with a smile, holding a book on Magical Birds open in his lap.

"Greetings, Victor." And even if it does sound amusing quietly adds, "I am not following you." A glance to the open tome. "Hva are you reading?"

"Creatures I am not entirely convinced exist, though there is supposed to be a bird that flies backwards. I am looking for something similar to the one guy I saw, with the beak and those white and black patterned feathers." He reaches over to pick up his tea and take a sip before returning it to the saucer on the table.

"Hummingbirds kan fly backwards." She suspects he already knows this information. "I have a hummingbird that koms around my property. I call him Rubin." Pauses a moment, then asks, "Have I told you that before i dag?"

"Not that I recall. And yes, I know hummingbirds can fly backwards. I am talking about a bird, well, a bird whose wings you can see beat."

Having been momentarily distracted by the wonderful aromas of fresh baked pastries, not to mention the sight of them in the glass display case, turns her light blue gaze back upon Victor. "I do not know of that bird." Then much to her chagrin, her stomach growls. Smiles sheepishly. Of course a light blush appears on her cheeks, too.

"Neither did I." He flips back some pages, then shows her an illustration. "Supposedly it looks like this." The bird is....interesting, as though painted while high on acid.

Peering at the picture she says, "I do not believe I have seen any bird that looks quite like that one."

"It is supposedly from Wonderland." That might explain it. "Will there be enough here, or should we head to lunch elsewhere?"

"Wonderland?" Her brow furrows. "As in the tale of Alice in Wonderland?"

"Exactly. This book claims it, and a couple other places including Oz, are real and seeks to scientifically document the birdlife."

"I met an Alice decades ago hvem claimed to be the one that stepped through a looking glass. I was listening to her lamentations pertaining to her adventures in that strange land. I found her tale to be quite extraordinary."

"I think I shall have to read her adventures. I have seen a movie, but that just is not the same. Lewis Carroll invented words, you know, including vorpal."

An arching of one eyebrow. "Hvem is Lewis Carroll?"

"The guy who wrote Alice and Wonderland."

"His navn sounds familiar to me. Howe'er, I have not read his book." Searches her memory for the reason of the familiarity.

"He wrote poems and did some mathematical research."

When Victor mentions poems, that is when it hits her; a light-bulb moment per se. "Oh! Na I know!" Snaps her gloved fingers, which, of course, sounds nothing like when her fingers are bare. "He wrote Jabberwocky!" Dimples and pearly whites evident as she stands there smiling at the Garou.

"He did indeed. which is the source of the word vorpal." Again, he gives a glance toward the counter. "Food here, or elsewhere?"

"Ja, I know the word vorpal'." As strange as that may seem. Another glance at the display case, then says, "Elsewhere. I do not tenke pastries are meals. They are godt for a dessert, or for a snack."

"Are you sure" We could try a cop diet." Not a real cop diet, mind you.

"A cop diet' I am unsure hva you mean by that, Mister Grynyrd."

"Donuts. Lots of donuts."

Eyebrows knit as she continues to stare at him.

"Donuts are good, and yes, I know cops do not really eat donuts all day." He sets the book down, then finishes off his tea. "I have to return this book."

"Cop?" She has heard the slang phrase cop a feel, but in terms of eating donuts that makes no sense. Perhaps stealing donuts" To cop a donut"

"A cop is a copper, a policeman, or woman, a law enforcement officer." Yes, that was overboard. He stands and moves to replace the book on its shelf.

"A copper is a coin. Hvordan in Hel did it bekom a term to describe a policeman, or woman, or the Watch-guard?" Just another example of why she detests slang.

"I do not know the answer to that one. I do know it has been around a hundred years or more, quite established as slang goes."

"Not fra min hjemland."

"Likely originally from England. Some of their expressions make no sense what so ever. Some of their food too."

Gracefully strides toward the door. "Speaking of food, I am truly hungry," and prior to exiting quietly states, "I shall wait for you outside, mitt elskling."

He finds the exact spot and slides the book home. "Done! I am on the way out now. Almost." He amends as he moves his cup of tea to the counter to let it be taken care of back there. Then he makes his way to the door.

Once outside she glances around, trying to decide which way to go. "I do not know exactly hva I want to eat. Perhaps a burger."

"Whataburger?" He suggests, moving to take her hand in his now that they are out.

Snickers. "You know hva a burger is, Victor."

"I do. I was suggesting the restaurant Whataburger. Or was it Hellaburger" Something like that."

"I do remember a place called Hellaburger, ja." Nodding and smiling at him as she gives his hand a gentle squeeze.

"My mistake," he says, brushing it off. He gives her hand a squeeze in reply. "To Hellaburger, with fries!"

Chortles. "Ja, med fries, and a sjokolade malted melk!" Begins tugging him in the direction she thinks the restaurant is located ....to a block where a lot of the eateries happen to be!

"That sounds excellent. I wonder if I can get some bacon on my burger?" He grins widely, glad to make her laugh. He does not try to correct her path. He could hardly remember the name, let alone the location.

"Bacon og cheese!" They will eventually find the restaurant. If not, then surely another burger joint will be just as good. All that is necessary, truly, is for them to follow the scent. By the time they reach Hellaburger her mouth is watering, and her stomach is complaining twice as loud as it was when at the Teas'n Tomes.

"Maybe some provolone..." He enjoys the scents of the place, grinning as they enter. He did get the door this time.

"Takk," softly says as she crosses over the threshold, then immediately heads to a booth. At least the place is not crowded, but she would wager it was packed an hour ago. Since she knows what she is going to order, there is no need to peruse a menu. Simply waits for the server to show up.

"You are welcome." A moment later a waitress turns up with a smile.

Deducing from the way the congenial smile went to a big, toothy grin it appears the waitress appreciates it when customers know exactly what they want. No hemming and hawing around, just straight down to the business of ordering food and beverages. Off the waitress goes, to place Victor's and Shy's preferences with the cook. While waiting for their food Shy looks at her betrothed for several moments, her gaze drifting over his facial features. "Kj'reste, hvorfor did you tell me i g"r that you felt you needed to run again?" She had pondered about it last night, as well as this morning.

"Running is something I often do early in the morning. It still felt really early at that time, so I felt like it was time to run." He gives a little shrug, since he is not sure that makes sense.

A slight tilting of her head as she watches him. "'Twas not that early." She thinks there just mayhap be more to it than what he is revealing. "Hvorfor did it seem early to you?"

"It was just still quiet, for whatever reason."

"More than likely because of the fog. 'Twas thick, like pea soup, as the saying goes. Seeing such mist down at the docks on a daily basis is not surprising, but n"r it rolls throughout the entire towne 'tis a bit unnerving to many people, and they prefer to remain indoors." She knows because others have told her this information. "Matilda once said that the fog certainly does not hjelp her florist business."

"The fog could have been it as well. You do not expect fog so close to noon. At least, not most places. I am sure Matilda is quite right about the fog." Drinks show up first, which in this case means milkshakes.

The paper-covered straw is plucked up. Oh! look at Shy's sly grin. It is not long before the wrapper is sent flying across the table, thanks to the blow factor. The tactic has become one of her favourite things to employ! He catches it with his pointer and middle fingers. "Scissors beats paper." His own straw is pulled out after slapping it down on the table to poke it through the paper at one end. The paper is then crumbled.

Perplexed by his comment she inquires, "Scissors beats paper?" He gives a nod. "Those are the rules."

"Hva are you talking about?" Slides her straw into the malt, and starts sucking up some of that wonderfully thick, chocolatey drink. "Mmm." "Rock paper scissors, also called roshambo." He sips at his own chocolate drink. "It is good."

One glance at her quizzical expression will let him know she is still baffled. "Roshambo?"

"It is just another name for the same simple game, though no idea how it came about."

"I do not know the game." Sometimes she likes to state the obvious.

"Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock." While he says this, he shows the various hand signs, his right hand always winning and hitting his left.

"Hvordan kan paper beat rock?" She knows water can beat rock, that is for sure.

"There are stories about that, but let us just say that is how the game says it is."

"Hva is the purpose of the game, Kj'reste?"

"Simply a quick game most anyone can play to pass the time. Sometimes people use it to decide things otherwise left to games of chance."

"Hvordan do you play it?" "Count to three. On three, give one of the three hand signs." Just as she is about to play the game with her handsome man, their burgers arrive. No time for Roshambo now! grumbled her stomach.

(adapted from live rp)

Later that morning. . .

The news of Shy's and Victor's impending departure to Fish Island is quickly spread to her crew. Her home, guest house, outbuildings, and animals are well covered. Indeed, her entire territory is safe and secure. Which means she never overly worries when spending time in Arcadia, or elsewhere.

"So, Shy, is there anything else we need to do before we go?"

Since she is currently packing those few belongings she wants to take along replies, "Only this. Hvorfor" Did you just remember something?" When done, the small piece of luggage is zipped shut.

"No, I still think everything I need is already there. And you, of course, are going with me." He grins at her, moving to take her suitcase along.

Gives him a curious look. "Is there something you are not telling me?"

He gives a puzzled shake of his head. "No."

"Very well. Shall we take the train?" By that she means Andu's non-rail one.

"That sounds like a good way to travel to me." And away they go to the RTS. "It is a rather quiet ride," he observes after they have boarded.

"Also a scenic one," says as she watches out the window during their jaunt to Lady Aja Bird's wonderful land. A light lean is taken against the Garou during the trip. Eventually she lays her head on his shoulder, and ends up dozing off. It is a short nap, though. Upon awakening she quickly glances around, orienting herself. She is glad to see they have not yet arrived, and there is still plenty of time left to enjoy the view.

"Have a nice nap, my heart?" He asks quietly, closing up his book The Eye of the Beholder.

She had not realized he brought a book with him. When she sees the title it makes her smile. "I did. Your shoulder is very comfortable." Leans in to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Hvordan do you find the mystery tale so far?"

"I like it. It is a little intense, even though it seems to be moving somewhat slowly." He grins all the wider when he gets a kiss. "I am glad you like my shoulder."

"I like more than just your shoulder, Kj'reste." Uncharacteristically waggles her eyebrows at him.

"Feel free to express that like to any part of me, though perhaps wait until we arrive at the island."

"Uff da!" Having gone from waggling her eyebrows to blushing a medium shade of pink in one second flat, she has nothing else to say right now.

He grins all the wider, liking the blush on her cheeks. "I think we are leaving the clouds behind."

"There are always clouds. Some just seem darker than others to me." Another kiss is lovingly placed upon his cheek. "Jeg elsker deg, Victor." Loops her arm around his and cuddles close. Once more she lays her head upon his shoulder. A deep inhale is taken, to be slowly expelled. She is quite content.

"I love you too, Shy." He leans back into her, wanting the contact between them. He carefully tucks his book back into his pocket and they travel the rest of the way like that.

"Victor, you do need to stop reading. I am perfectly fint just snuggling against you."

"As it happens, I am perfectly fine just being snuggled by you."

Softly chuckles. "Very well."

(adapted from live rp)

Hours have passed on the Rolig Strand yet the time is lost to Shy because of her being in a deep, unknowing meditative state triggered by onerous circumstances. Thankfully, this does not happen very often to her.

The full release from that extensive reverie is slow in the coming, but it does finally arrive. Feeling all askew she glances around the immediate area to quickly orient herself. Her eyes then lift to the darkened sky noting the placement of the two moons. It definitely is late. Quite late. However, she is in no great hurry to retreat from the pier.

Like a thick winter's quilt the weight of recent events lays heavily upon her shoulders as well as on her heart. That horrible aching, cracking feeling is suddenly present within her; a fissure forms where none was before. To say it hurts just a little bit is a gross understatement.

When the gut-wrenching wail is released it is so long and so mournful that she does not even recognize her own voice. She is totally unaware that she made the cry. Thinking somebody else did, and that person must be standing nearby on the shore, her light blue gaze drifts to the white sand in hopes of catching the fool who dares to trespass on her private beach. Of course there is nobody else around. Just her.

A doleful whimper slips from her trembling lips; a reaction to the realization of who actually made that fervent lament. The floodgates open, and another sorrowful howl rises from the depths of her soul. In the far distance the Wild echo the Call, sharing in her pain and grief. She knows they will leave her alone unless the signal is given telling them to approach. But that gesture is not made, and the Wild remain hidden in the dark shadows of the northern forest.

The urge to flee is great. To just sail away and never return to the putrid land. How easy it would be, yet it would serve no purpose in the end. She must work through this tribulation as best as she can. A couple of Breda's platitudes flit through her mind: the silly 'if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger' and 'this, too, shall pass'. Indeed, it is a terrible hardship to endure.

The true difficulty is in the waiting.

By the time she reaches her house she is feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. The sight of the two-story A-frame log home brings some comfort to her. A comfort she desperately craves right now. She wants nothing more than to crawl into bed, pull the covers over her head, and slumber. But as tired as she is, she is unable to fall asleep.

Stress is such a bitch.

Shy is in no big rush to leave Victor's tender embrace. Not even to work on one of her favourite hobbies. Instead, she switches topics to what they are in the mood for when it comes to dinner. "Should we have beef stew i kveld, or chili?" Those are the first two choices she has in mind. Both are hearty dishes, good for the body before going outside on a cold winter night. "Oh, chili. Though we should probably start it soon." "It should not take more than an hour, kj'reste. Do you tenk?" Wondering if she has misjudged the time frame for making such a meal. "True, but the longer we let it sit and stew, the better it shall taste." Shy grins slyly at the handsome Garou. "Hvorfor is that, Victor?" She actually does know the reason behind letting chili sit and simmer ....it brings out the flavour. But, does he know that she knows" He chuckles and gives her a few more kisses, not saying what she clearly knows. "I am glad you are not working this e'ening," quietly remarks after a whole lot of kissing takes place. "'Twill be nice to spend some extra time together." "I certainly do not mind getting away from my shop every now and then, especially when it is to spend time with you, my heart." Another destination pops into her head. "One of these dags we should visit the RhyDin Observatory and Botanical Gardens together. There is so much to see!" She has been there three times, mayhap four, and definitely wants to return. "During the day for the garden?" "It matters not, because 'tis lit up in the e'enings." "As one would hope, but I find sunlight to be better for viewing things outdoors." Indoors, of course, one does not often get the option of sunlight. "Tomorrow?" He just might be pleasantly surprised when he sees the building. She is definitely going to take him there. "If you wish." Nodding. "Howe'er, I also want you to view the observatory at natt. Please keep that in mind, ja?" "Very well. We shall return some other day, er, night." "After i morgen, you mean?" Just making sure. "Exactly." Her smile is soft and pretty as she continues to gaze lovingly at her husband. "We should begin preparing the chili na. While 'tis simmering we kan find an activity to keep us busy before we eat. After which we shall go sleigh riding og ice skating." "Right you are, Shy." He gives her a kiss, making 'now' wait a little bit longer.

(adapted from live RP)

Victor is outside now, swinging his sword at a log he had stood on end.

As Shy hauls a 'dummy' out from the stable-barn and drags it over to where Victor is perfecting his skills on his wooden opponent she states, "I have something better you mayhap want to practice on." The life-size training model is attached to a sturdy stake and could pass for a plump scarecrow if someone were to plop a straw hat on top of its head.

"That was in the barn" I should have asked, I guess." He gives her a smile, then reaches up to wipe sweat off his forehead before moving over to help Shy with the dummy.

"Ja. Actually, kj'reste, I was unsure if I still had two of these in storage. They were wrapped in an old tarp and stuck in a corner behind some boards."

"Looks pretty good. I will repair it after I finish chopping it into bits."

Merrily chortles at his remark. "Shall I get a shovel" You know, to dig a hole?"

"I think I have that covered." She is quite relieved when he says that. "Very well, min elskling." Gladly letting him take over one of her least favourite chores. "Ah, but not with a shovel. You might not want to watch me dig either."

With a furrowing of brow she quietly asks, "Am I always going to have to look away, or close my eyes?" "Well, you do not have to at all. But I will be digging in a different form." Just so she knows.

"Of course, Victor. I knew exactly hva you were meaning the moment you said I mayhap not want to watch."

He considers for a moment, looking at the ground, then scratches an X with his heel in the dirt. "Here I go."

While he marks the ground she quickly takes several steps back thinking it best to place ample distance between them. After all, she knows not which form he is going to take. Admittedly, it makes her a bit nervous, but she keeps her eyes trained on him. Victor shifts form, growing bigger and hairier until he is a giant wolf covered in black fur. He pauses to let Shy look at him. Much larger than her in his Hispo form, he uses his powerful claws on the dirt marked with an X and soon has quite the hole. He cocks his big head to the side and gives a look to Shy, as if to ask if it is a good enough hole yet.

Standing quietly by, immediately feeling smaller, Shy simply continues to observe the Garou. Is she still feeling edgy' Absolutely. When he looks her way light blue eyes widen, and delicately arched red eyebrows raise. Unlike his shift into Hispo, his return to homid form is instantaneous. He gestures to the hole. "I think that is big enough."

Blinkety-blink. Shy is at a loss for words as she takes in what just happened right before her very eyes. When she does find her voice she quietly states, "Uff da. That was fast!" She is not meaning the hole in the ground, either.

"Taking my breed form is that quick." Something he told her at least once before, but really does not come up very often.

There are going to be times when Victor will verbally repeat information to her, but if what he relays has never actually been witnessed" It does not matter if it was said once, twice, or a hundred times. It will still be unexpected and new to her. Like now. "And I can force myself into another form instantly if I want, but that generally means it is time to fight."

It is the instantaneous transformation that boggles her mind. Even the Wild are unable to change shape that quickly. "Which one?" She knows he has five forms, if memory serves correctly. "Either Hispo or Crinos. Both of those are fighting forms. Lupus is more of a running away form." "I see. Well na, I probably should get a shovel to put back the dirt after you stick this in the ground." Indicates the 'dummy' with a tip of her head its way. "That might be a little neater than what I planned on doing." He moves the dummy into position while he talks, pushing it down into the hole and holding it straight upright.

"Oh' Hva were you tenkning of doing?" She has a fairly good idea. "Use Hispo or maybe lupus to dig the dirt back into the hole."

Just as she thought. "I agree. The digging tool shall be much better." Hurries off to fetch it. Returns shortly with the outdoor implement, then sets to work. Not only does she scoop up and toss the dirt back into the hole, she makes sure to pound it down using the back of the shovel. "There na. Ferdig!" He takes the shovel with a smile. "Thank you Shy. Think we should set up two of these?"

Returns his smile with a dimpled one of her own. "Hvorfor" Are you going to destroy this one?" "I thought we could both hit one for a while."

Ponders that suggestion for a moment or two. "I suppose." She does not sound overly enthusiastic about it. "Was that a yes?" He is not sure.

She is still feeling weary today, an indication that she continues to lack the deep kind of rest that her body needs. "I would much rather sitte og watch you, kj'reste." "Very well, then sit and watch. I am going to put the shovel away." He runs off to do just that.

Shy meanders over to the porch steps and takes a seat. She always enjoys observing others practicing their skills, whether it is pertaining to fun and games, or the more serious business of warfare. And she certainly likes watching Victor. No matter what the reason. He comes back and picks up his sword again. He very carefully rotates his hold ninety degrees, so he is striking with the flat of the blade. It is a little awkward, but he seems to be comfortable enough as he works through his forms.

"Do not concern yourself o'er slashing and stabbing it, min husband. 'Tis made for that purpose." "It is still not going to hold up forever against me and my sword." But why not try' He adjusts his grip to use the edge, sweeping, chopping, and stabbing the dummy.

"Not fore'er, nei. Howe'er, it kan take more of a beating than you mayhap anticipate." Odd how that happens. After a few more of his proper forms, he feels like letting loose, and slams the sword into the dummy, to see how it would react. Surprisingly to him, it did not break. Then he switches his grip, the point held low. Small movements of his wrist cause his blade to slash at the dummy. Her smile widens as she watches his technique, impressed with all that he does. Do not mind her when she softly chortles upon seeing his last move. She has the impression he is testing the well-padded training model. Or perhaps her words" She certainly hopes he does not produce his gun and shoot the poor thing to smithereens. That would be a disaster! The thought has her curiously inquiring, "Victor, hva kind of weapon do you use on the dangerous creatures in the Umbra?" No gun now. "Claws," is his one word answer. (adapted from live RP)

Shy returns from a trip to the marketplace carrying a large, white shopping bag. The bag is set on the entryway hall table before she begins the process of removing her kidskin gloves, arctic furs, and those fur-trimmed knee-high boots, stowing each article of clothing in its appropriate place.

"I am back," she calls out.

He came out of the kitchen, wiping off flour from his hands. "Welcome home, Gorgeous."

Grabbing the bag off the table she heads toward the living room, meeting Victor at the end of the short hallway. A dimpled smile appears as she says, "Takk, Handsome." Naturally, she also greets him with a kiss.

He kissed her back, giving her an odd sort of hug with his wrists and not fingers.

Two more kisses before she inquires, "Hva are you making?"

"Bread," he said simply. The bread was sitting under a towel at the moment. "I am going to put cloves of garlic into it."

"Ooo. Garlic br'd! Are we going to have spaghetti or lasagna?" Meanders into the living room and sets the shopping bag on the coffee table. Just wait until he sees what she found!

"I am not sure, really. I thought about making something else." He would eat garlic bread with nearly anything, after all. "What did you buy?"

Reaching into the large bag she pulls out the first of two containers and holds it up for his viewing pleasure. "Storage boxes for min smaller records!" He may need to wear his sunglasses when looking at her recently procurred treasures.

"These appear to have come from the sixties."

"They came fra an out-of-the way shoppe that I came across whilst taking an alley fra one street to the next. 'Twas called This and That."

"That sounds about right," he opined as he wandered back into the kitchen to check the timer.

Both containers are brought over to the bookcase and placed on the shelf next to her 45's. She begins the task of storing the small vinyls into the cases, making sure to keep them in alphabetical order.

"I bought some of those strangely shaped record thingies, as well." She means the small, colourful plastic spindle adapters that fit into the centers of 45 rpm records.

"Hmm. I am not sure I have ever seen one of those played."

"Hva?"

"Right. So now what new music do we have?"

"Hva do you mean by 'right'" That makes nei sense to me." A heartbeat later she adds, "Oh! I did not buy any new musikk."

"Oh, just the cases?"

"Og those little thingies that go in the record's hole." Does that sound as amusing to him as it does to her" Do not mind her snickering.

No, it did not sound that funny to him. Just a raised eyebrow was his response.

The last of the 45's are gently placed into the new (old) 'flower-power' record holders. "This task is done!" she proclaims with satisfaction. Closes the tops of both storage cases and locks them shut before sliding them over to the left side of the shelf.

"Hva na, min elskling?"

"Bake time." He said with a smile, disappearing back into the kitchen again to start just that.

Shy follows the Garou into the kitchen. "I am so glad that you know hvordan to cook and bake, kj'reste. Makes life easier around here." Especially when it comes to BBQing steaks.

"I like eating. Cooking is a required skill, I should think." Some basics, at least.

"I simply adore the aroma of baking br'd." See that coquettish look she is giving him' The one right before she states, "But I adore you more, Victor."

"I know that, my heart." He grinned.

Playfully bats her eyelashes at him. "Want to work on a jigsaw puzzle?"

"For about an hour. Then it is off to work I go."

"Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!" Smirks as she imagines seven dwarfs marching off to their diamond mine. "Perhaps you shall receive a surprise visitor this e'ening." Meaning herself, of course.

"I like those."

"I will be there med bells on."

(View pics HERE) (adapted from live rp)