Derrick cocks his head. "A knocking without. I'll get it."
Mark pages: Oh, you'd likely notice a blade of grass in the doorframe and a bowl of milk left out as well, being the witch sort.
Long distance to Mark: Glissa beams.
Mark nods. "Okay."
Derrick gets the door. "Um. Hello, ma'am... Can I help you?"
Glissa appears framed in the doorway, leaning on a walking stick and holding a basket under one arm. She smiles brightly. "Evening, neighbor. I know it's a bit late for dropping by...but I have a bit of a question, and the brownies would be cold tomorrow, you know."
Derrick smiles, despite himself. "Brownies. What's the question?"
Mark nods politely. "Hello. Which way are you a neighbor from?"
Glissa attempts to push her glasses up her nose without dropping basket or stick, almost but not quite leading to disaster. "This wouldn't happen to be the house of my husband's friends--" she emphasizes the word ever so slightly, then blinks rapidly and cuts herself off. "Oh, my! I forgot to introduce myself. Glissa Nicholson, wife to Michael Powers. I bought the land up the way to keep it out of the hands of those filthy developers, and Mike's finished the cottage, and we're moved in, and--well, here I am."
Mark smiles. "Well, nice to meet you. I'm Mark Harris."
Derrick offers to take the basket, and grins. "Yeah, we're Mike's friends. I'm Derrick Herr. Please to meet you. Um. Was that the main question, and would you like to come in so you won't drop everything?"
Glissa extends a hand--Derrick's relieving her of the basket in the nick of time to prevent a spill. She shakes Mark's hand enthusiastically, if not particularly strongly. "Oh, I don't wish to intrude. But no, that wasn't the main question. I understand that some of Michael's---friends--" she smiles again--"have a bit of a big do at the beginning of February. I seem to remember he was always rather tired. Well, to be frank, he never could even make it home the night after, and who could blame him? I was thinking to invite them over for a good hearty meal beforehand, and leave the back door open if anyone needs to come in at odd hours and crash when they're all through. It's a long way back to the city."
Glissa's words do indeed seem to tumble over themselves in a somewhat bewildering current, rather like a five-year-old, or perhaps an Italian on vivarin.
Long distance to Michael Powers: Glissa is bewildering the cliaths. Come join? :)
From afar, Michael Powers grins. Sure.
Derrick steps away from the door to let her enter, and blinks a bit. "To-do. Y'mean the one on the 22nd, ma'am? I'm sure some of the city-folks would like that..."
In the front rooms, Michael Powers steps in from the porch, closing the front door behind him.
Glissa shakes her head quickly. "No, no, not that, that happens every month, yes? I believe it's something to do with his own little group of friends. A yearly thing, you know. Well...if you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm sure they'll understand. Could you just pass the word around?"
In the front rooms, Michael Powers pokes his head in the front door and glances around quietly.
Derrick looks slightly besieged, and then a light of comprehension lights. "OH! That one. Yeah. I'll spread the word around if i see the right folks, sure. But really, want some tea or something? It's cold out there..."
Mark nods. "Certainly."
In the front rooms, Michael Powers goes through the aperture at the northern end of the front hallway to enter the back room of the house.
Michael Powers has arrived.
Michael Powers hears Glissa's voice and comes this way from the front of the house.
Glissa leans her staff against the wall and gestures vigorously towards the new arrival. "Darling, what is that big get-together you have on Brigid? Do these cublings know about it, or am I getting you in big trouble again. Michael!" She does a double take, apparently focussing on his arrival consciously for the first time.
Long distance to Michael Powers: Glissa is holding a basket you know is Glissa's, which smells of her famous Choco Brownies of Death. ;)
Derrick suppresses a smile, and then looks back to the living room. "Hey! Mike!"
You paged Michael Powers with 'Or, rather, Derrick is holding it.'.
Michael Powers chuckles. "Spreading news, Angel? Everyone's got their own kind of get-together, but I wouldn't want to interfere with these guys' tribes and whatever they do."
Derrick blinks vaguely some more. "Well, hey, spreadin' the word isn't gonna hurt anyone, right?"
Michael Powers sniffs and (with an obvious effort of will) steps away from the basket Derrick's holding. "I see you're making friends already, Angel....Careful, Derrick. Those things are addictive. VERY addictive."
Michael Powers slips an arm around Glissa and nuzzles her devotedly.
Michael Powers teases, "Almost as addictive as my Angel, here."
Glissa blinks. "No, dear, I meant _your_ tribe. I was taking the liberty of inviting your people over for a good meal before that--that thing you do in two weeks. Don't think I haven't noticed." she winks with a certain patient and teasing air. "I was going to surprise you. Feed all of you up, and then leave the door open for you, so you little 'uns can crash on our floor instead of having to run all the way back to their homes in the city."
Glissa kisses Michael's ear affectionately, looking almost disgustingly domestic.
Derrick grins. "I'm not of his bunch, but I know a few who are." He peers at the basket, and grins, broadly. "Aha. We could have a brownie making contest..."
Michael Powers chuckles and hugs Glissa close. "Sneak! You've been taking scamp lessons from Sepdet, haven't you?"
Glissa looks stern. "Now, I'm sure Michael's friends have many talents I couldn't begin to understand, but I daresay I can best you in _this_ one--oof!" She gives a slight squeak. "Yes--what did you say your name was, young man? I think I'd like a spot of tea, at least, before taking my leave of your kind hospitality."
Glissa nudges Michael gently. "And perhaps you can tell me...um..." she whispers something in Michael's ear.
You whisper "Are these children some of your...cubs? I remember you saying there was a house about here where your people came. I've been careful not to say too much...but they seemed to be able to figure out what I wasn't saying, so I'd guess they are? Is it all right to speak frankly?" to Michael Powers.
Derrick shrugs. "Only way to find out, ma'am, is to try 'em. And I just made a new batch yesterday." He grins. "I'm Derrick, ma'am. Originally from Connecticut. C'mon, sit down, I'll get you some tea."
Michael Powers chuckles and nuzzles Glissa's ear, whispering softly to her.
Michael Powers whispers "That's right, Beloved. And you'll find I'm much more welcome among the cubs here than I am among the ...adults..."
Mark has disconnected.
Glissa moves towards a nearby and unoccupied seat, smiling too at Mark. At Michael's whisper, she relaxes noticeably, and gives his arm a faint squeeze. "Ah. Well, that makes it ever so much easier. I can't believe you have to go through this every day, love."
Derrick bustles around, getting some tea and some brownies. And some Coke for himself. "Mike - tea, coffee, none of the above?"
Michael Powers smiles. "That's part of what makes being a no-moon so much fun, love. I do
Michael Powers says "Sounds good, Derrick."
Michael Powers continues to Glissa, "As long as you know the rules, it's so much easier to bend them until they scream."
Michael Powers winks.
Derrick says calmly, "I can't make you none of the above. I can make you, say, _water_, though."
Michael Powers laughs. "I can deal with tea, too."
Glissa sets herself carefully in a chair. "Yes, love, but remember I don't _know_ all the rules--particularly those I know I'm not supposed to know, you know?" She winks back.
Derrick grins. "Gotcha. Tea tis. And it's not Lipton, either." He looks slightly warily at Glissa and continues bustling.
Glissa looks back up at Derrick with a light chuckle. "Okay, dear, I know what you are, and Michael just told me it's safe to say so. I _thought_ this was the house he'd said to come to if I had an emergency when he was away...but it's so hard to be sure. You people should all wear little badges, or something."
Michael Powers grins and hugs Glissa. "Well, you know the rule for the most safety...unless you know them, it's safest to never admit you know what they are. Derrick and Mark are the only ones here I'd be sure of admitting it to. Some of the other cubs, maybe, the 'adults'? Not generally."
Derrick nods at Mike's words. "They're a tad, um, hyper. About a lot of things. The "bending the rules" stuff is the only way to deal, most times." He blinks slowly at Glissa, taking her in. "I can't wear a badge, it'd clash with my fur." He thinks, and says, "I bet we could tell Dante."
Glissa nods at Michael, a bit more seriously. "Yeeees, and the others are liable to put a bullet in my head for having half a clue about my own husband. It _is_ a pity you weren't...I don't know, mixed with llamas, perhaps, instead of wolves. They're just as intelligent, but not nearly so...temperamental. I could deal so much more easily with being spat upon."
Michael Powers chuckles and slowly blinks his eyes. "Hmmm...what do you think, love? Would I make a good llama?"
Derrick looks more serious, himself. "I take it you're not actual Kinfolk, then? Just... sympathetic?"
Michael Powers grins at Derrick. "She's Kinfolk, Derrick. She's my wife."
Michael Powers says "Just not Blood-Kin."
Derrick nods. "I just wanted to make sure I shouldn't, y'know, freak her out. I mean, I'd rather avoid it if I don't have to, after all."
Derrick considers Mike. "He'd make a very bad llama, I expect. Llamas are humorless types. Spit a lot."
Glissa grins at Derrick. "Oooh, I've never known a llama to spit but had a twinkle in his eye. And no, I'm afraid--Gaia knows why--I don't seem to have the constitution to see your pretty face in the in-between shapes. It's rather embarrassing."
Michael Powers nods. "After last year, I don't think much would do that...but True Form would likely...still."
Michael Powers hugs Glissa gently, with a soft sigh.
Michael Powers grins at Derrick. "Lucky I don't have my bag-o-marshmallows with me, bud. I'd show you humor..."
Derrick smiles, thoughtfully, and hands various cups around. "I hadn't really seen it as embarrasing, but then, I'm not you. I just see it as a pain in the. um, neck."
Michael Powers glances around and murmurs softly, "Let's not talk about pains in the neck, eh? *Some* people have no sense of humor about that."
Michael Powers winks.
Glissa nods and leans back against Michael, giving comfort as much as taking it. "Poor Michael. I don't know which of us was more terrified, me being hunted by your Dancer-monster-things, or Michael getting that call from me when he was far away. I'd be dead, and so too his cub, if he hadn't told me more than your elders think I should know. And I've seen to your affairs a few times in ways you couldn't. Garou are a good lot, but you don't get much money fighting the world. I bought the land beside yours--as much as I could--to keep it safe."
Michael Powers sniffs the tea, his eyes closed, as if trying to determine the variety and origin by smell alone.
Derrick has evidenly decided this conversation is just useless to try and understand. "Yeah. I just found out who I am like 4 months ago, but I heard about folks buying up the good land - for which I thank you, by the way. I've... met some Dancers. Wish I hadn't. Wish you hadn't. Then again, if I hadn't, someone else would have, so..."
Michael Powers nods. "Sounds familiar."
Derrick cocks an eyebrow, questioning.
Michael Powers says "Dancers aren't what I'm most familiar with, though. Banes are more my speed."
Derrick says "I don't think any of 'em are my *speed*... But I haven't met any Banes. Yet."
Michael Powers grins and winks. "Of course they're not your speed. Most of them are too slow."
Glissa starts looking like the fish out of water. "I think I'll stick to...giving cats baths, and call that my special battle against the forces of corruption and dirt. The scars aren't nearly as glorious, I'm sure."
Michael Powers laughs and nuzzles Glissa. "From what I've seen, bathing cats is a battle that puts the most serious fight with any Dancer to shame. Those cats are fast and swing a mean claw."
Derrick blinks, and sticks some cookies and some brownies on a plate, and places it on the table. "Hey, ma'am... How old's Julie?"
Glissa shakes her head. "A year, and..." she starts counting fingers. "Five months. Time flies!"
Derrick smiles. "Doesn't it, though. How's she taking the move?"
You paged Derrick with 'The brownies are only barely solidified. Make saving throw against mess. ;)'.
Michael Powers grins. "Let's just say that it's going to be a while before we can dispose of the boxes..."
Derrick takes a brownie, and looks at it. "This," he pronounces, "Is not a brownie. It's chocolate soup."
Glissa beams. "Oh, all sorts of new things to touch and get into and climb over and under. And she seems to think the deer browsing on the willows are 'Groobs'. I suppose it's best not to explain it too carefully to her, so it won't be a problem when she's older, but still." She laughs at Derrick's pronouncement. "Sorry. I'm still learning my new oven. It has much yet to teach me."
Michael Powers chuckles, smiling lovingly and (with great effort) avoiding the brownies.
Derrick beams at her. "Oh, _I'm_ not protestin', ma'am! You win the contest, hands downn! These're the best kind!"
Derrick returns to mundania. "Yeah, well, kids of less than 3 are kind of ignored, by most people, as a new kind of furniture. Once she gets more'n like one word, life'll be fine. And I gotta say, woods are MUCH more fun to explore than boring ol' cities. Woods have _chipmunks_."
Michael Powers chuckles and mmmmms.
Glissa covers her mouth with one hand, snagging a cookie with the other and using it to scoop brownie-goop. "Oh, is _that_ what you're all out here for? Feeding chipmunks? And here I thought you had some holy crusade to protect the world's last wild places..."
Michael Powers sips tea and licks his lips, murmuring something that sounds like, "/Feeding/?"
Derrick says innocently, "Well, that too. But the chipmunks, they're high on the list."
Glissa takes a while to engage her tea in some sort of communion, then finally focusses back on the other two. She eyes Michael over her cup. "Was that a hint, dear?" she teases gently.
Michael Powers chuckles and nuzzles Glissa's ear gently. "It might be...."
Derrick grins into his Coke.
Michael Powers pages to Glissa and Derrick: Actually, it's a hint that I need to go to bed because I have to get up very soon to go to work. :(
Michael Powers smiles and sets his cup down, stands, and kisses Glissa gently. "I should get home and make sure things are together..."
Glissa finishes her tea with less concentration than the first half and sets the cup down, smiling at Derrick. "Well, I hate to babble and run...but then you weren't expecting to have to entertain visitors, were you, at this time of night? And I'm sure you have e important things to be doing. " She winks, then gets to her feet. "It was lovely to meet you, Daniel."
Derrick gets to his feet, politely. "It was very nice to meet you, ma'am... And visitors are always welcome." He blinks at his new name. "Well, that's my tiger's name, actually. Mine's Derrick."
Glissa blinks and purses her lips apologetically. "Oh, my, I'm so sorry. Derrick. You must forgive a scatterbrained professor--she's only human." She smiles a sincere good evening, then heads out with Michael leaning upon his arm.