|
Post by Sage Zivaen on May 8, 2010 0:08:50 GMT -7
It was getting dark, the deep red sun drifting lower into the horizon line. The Human of Cincy were going to their homes, trying to keep themselves sheltered, while the nightlife came out.
One young woman walked silently, her mind on something that she couldn't even place. Her pace was medium, a normal pace for her when she wasn't think. She was walking down the street to a small shop, silver letters hanging proudly.
" Silver Spices"
It was time to open shop, and see what the wolf dragged in. Sage moved silently inside, the door coming open when she inserted the key. The shop had everything from leyline paraphernalia to homeopathic remedies, and even a few earth charms. The were sighed, breathing in the scent of redwood and citrus. It was pleasant, dark, and warm. Just how she liked it. The small fountain burbled in the background, and she placed a Takata CD into her player, playing softly in the shop speakers.
The small neon open sign flickered to life. It was time for business.
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on May 8, 2010 1:19:22 GMT -7
There was a section of Cincinnati referred to as the Hollows. It was where supernaturals worked and lived. From fae to witches to demons. Of all breeds. Mick, the clan's healer used specific herbs for some of his tonics, and there was one place in the Hollows where I could find some special gifts for him. Rare herbs & spices that were otherwise hard to come by.
I ran to Cincinnati as a wolf, carrying a small bundle of clothing in my mouth as well as a pair of sandals. In a secluded spot near a park, I shifted and dressed quickly. A simple tan tank top, and a flowing, white cotton skirt that hit just below my knees. Slipping my feet into my sandals, I headed for the Hollows district. I thought it both a negative and a positive scenario for the supernaturals to be relegated certain parts of town. While it could provide some protection for them, it also seemed too much like segregation for my tastes.
The feeling of magick hit me as I crossed into what was known as the Hollows. I stilled, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. It felt very much like the Luna. Smiling to myself, I continued down the sidewalk to Silver Spices. Surely they had some rare and interesting herbs that both Nyta and Mick would find useful.
Going through the door of Silver Spices I was overcome with the scents of exotic spice and more mundane herbs. As well as the telltale scent of a fellow werewolf. She was not Loup Garou, but a werewolf, and I sensed another ability within her as well. Something magickal. Something....calming and serene. It rang a bell, other clans, other weres, often refer ed to this as an Omega quality. I smiled as the woman turned to see who it was visiting her shop. No doubt she caught my scent, the scent of another wolf. "Good Morning."
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on May 8, 2010 1:27:09 GMT -7
Sages head turned, the tinkling bell barely heard. But then, she had put it there because she could hear it. The woman breathed in, sifting through the herb scents to find the one of the newcomer. She could small it clearly through the warm citrusy smell, and it was not a scent she was a familiar with.
Her head turned and she looked at the newcomer, imprinting the scent into her memory. She didn't want to lose that smell, the smell of wolf and wild.
" Hello. How may I help you?" She asked in her soft voice. It was just as musical as always, a tune played in minor at all times. She smiled, amber eyes following any movement in the shop. She wasn't sure she was even thinking clearly, lost in a memory from so long ago.
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on May 8, 2010 1:40:58 GMT -7
I smiled graciously and tilted my head in a slight bow of greeting. "You have a lovely shop, so much more than I'd excepted to find." My blue eyes wandered across the shelves and counters. There was much magick here. "Charms as well! Tell me, which ones are for what? I came to buy some gifts for a few of my cl...family members. Something exotic. I have 2 healers that delight in rare herbs. However, they might also find some of these charms quite useful." I moved toward a long shelf of charms. They felt very connected to the earth, the aquamarine crystal amulet around my neck thrummed as I reached out, my hand not quite touching the charms as I ran it across their area, feeling the aura of latent magick.
The soothing sounds of a small fountain bubbling added to the atmosphere, as did the soft music that played. Behind me, there were tonics, potions, salves, and other remedies, all of them natural. I laughed gently. "You will have a good sale today. These will be greatly appreciated." I gestured toward her homeopathic section. "I think I'll take one of each, a few charms as well. And of course, a packet or so of herbs. What charms would you recommend for fellow werewolves?" I smiled to her, giving her a wink. "I am Syren. Syren Loup Garou. Lupa to my clan. Forgive my frankness, but you are Omega, are you not?"
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on May 8, 2010 1:51:35 GMT -7
Sage's head snapped up, eyes narrowed as memories poured in. Take a breath. She's only wondering. There is no danger this time. Sage nodded slowly.
" Yes, I'm an Omega." She said even softer than she had spoken before. She breathed out, and looked up.
" Some of the best charms are for disguising scent and taking away pain during the change for those who have it. And I have some herbs you might be interested in " She moved around the counter, her graceful body gliding to a rack. Her kimono like robe-shirt fluttered gently, deep red like a wave of blood. Sage pulled a box off the shelf, a delicate box with careful inlay.
" This probably my favorite. Its a mixture for a tea that makes us stronger during the highest moon." She dint open the box, but set it back down, moving back across the shop. She could feel a resonance, and figured her jocastas were out of place. Trust Renny. She knows whats she's doing, even with how scatterbrained she is. The were wolf moved back to the counter where she usually sat and stood there, waiting for the other werewolf to make her choices known.
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on May 8, 2010 2:25:55 GMT -7
"Forgive me if I offended you. I am old enough to know the abilities of other weres, though my species differs from yours. The Loup Garou are gypsies as well as werewolves. We often use magick akin to both parts of ourselves. Omegas are highly valued in any pack. You should be proud." I smiled to her, following as she moved to the counter.
The box she selected was quite ornate. "Sounds wonderful. There are some within our clan that feel pain during their first few shifts. The Loup Garou, after their initiation, are all able to shift at will with little discomfort. After a time, it becomes a smooth transition. But the charms may coming handy as well. I'll take a few of each. As for the tea, Mick would be grateful for such a blend. Full moons are a height of ritual for us. The entire pack shifts to hunt and revel in Mother Moon's brilliance."
I would have to bring Mick here with me one day. He would certainly enjoy all the shop had to offer. Pulling a small leather pouch tucked into the waistband of my skirt, I tugged the strings and opened it. "How much for a couple ounces of the tea, a few charms, and a generous selection of your other remedies? If there is anything else you think I might enjoy, please show me." My smile stayed in place. The amulet around my neck shimmered softly, humming against my skin. "I would also like to invite you to visit the Luna sometime. I must bring a few of my pack here at some point. They would adore this place. You really do have a beautiful shop."
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on May 8, 2010 8:41:33 GMT -7
Sage nodded, her mind working out the prices. hmm. The tea is usually about ten dollars an ounce. I'll have to talk to Renny about a distiller to get more out of the herbs. She'll be able to do that with her Jocastas. And the charms are seven for the pain amulets and five for the scent. Those are easy to make. So lets round this. We'll say about.... oh I don't know, sixty. The thoughts quickly bounced around her skull, and she pulled a piece of paper out from under the counter. Her hand quickly scratched out the words on paper, and she went to getting the items.
" Please hold on one moment. I have to get a few things from the back room." She smiled and quickly moved to the door behind the counter, going to the room where she kept most of the real things. She didn't put half of them on display because she didn't want peoples fingers all over everything. People came in just looking for souvenirs, and she let them think they were getting something.
She slipped into the dark room and flicked on an over head light. The cool white blue light bathed the shelves, and she took in a slight breath. I wonder how much longer I can hold onto myself. I don't want to hurt the people around me. Maybe seeing this Luna place isn't such a good idea. I don't want to go there and drive someone insane. I don't want a repeat of what happened when I was part of Aaron's pack. That was bad news, for everyone. She took a breath in, pulling in the calming scents.
She moved quickly, pulling what she needed. A few packets of the tea, and several of each amulet. She had a feeling she was going to be seeing more of these people, lots more.
It was only another moment before she was done, turning off the light to shroud the room in darkness once more. Sage walked back to the counter, setting everything in a box she had taken out. It was neat and organized, easy to find.
" Here you go. This will be sixty dollars." She smiled, and felt something in the back of her mind. It was a tickle, a feeling she had had since Syren had walked in. It was the necklace, full of some kind of magic that the werewolf wasn't sure about.
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jun 25, 2010 22:08:37 GMT -7
I gave a slight nod. "Of course." As Sage went to the back room for supplies, I browsed a bit more, letting the soft trickles of the water in the fountain sooth me. It sounded so much like the streams that surrounded the Luna in places. There was a brilliant quartz crystal on one of the shelves. It was larger than my palm, and perfectly unblemished. The point of the crystal was smooth and well formed. The bottom, where it had been broken from it's rather large cluster in some cave in another area was worn, the fragmented piece was a wonder to behold. I carefully lifted it along with the deep blue cloth that rested below it.
As I held the crystal, my own, hanging from it's enchanted silver chain began to glow a bit brighter, it's thrumming against my chest more insistent. I went back to the counter with the large crystal , placing it and it's cloth near the register. Sage returned a moment later, with a bundle of the items I'd selected. I smiled warmly to her. "Thank you!" I moved the crystal a bit closer to her. "We need to add this in as well." I picked up my small pouch and pulled out a couple one hundred dollar bills. "It's such a beautiful stone."
I met Sage's eyes for a moment, and felt the magick of the Loup Garou, the energies of the Munin reaching out to her. It was obvious in her eyes that she not only felt it, but knew that my necklace was the channel through which it was currently radiating. I slid my hand beneath it's stone and held it forward as I gazed down at it. "Aquamarine." I looked up to smile at her before returning my gaze to my amulet. "Each Loup Garou receives an amulet during their initiation. A stone that resonates with their personal energy. It is a form of protection, another link to the pact and the Munin, the spirits of out ancestors. I aids the change. It marks you as one of the Loup Garou, at the very least, a friend of ally of the pack. It's the Munin that speaks to us now. What you feel. Their magick knows what you are."
I let go of my amulet, letting the stone rest against my skin and reached to touch Sage's hand. "You are a rare one, with a special gift. Do not let others take advantage of you. Be strong and sure in your natural ability. Your talent is a great one, a gift and a blessing. Be proud, and know that you wield the gift, it does not wield you." I dropped my eyes for a moment, and lifted my hand from covering hers. "Again, I apologize if I have overstepped my bounds. But I sensed some uncomfort on your part, something past. I meant no intrusion." It wasn't the small touch that I apologized for, weres needed touch more than any other creature I knew of. I apologized for once more speaking about something so deep and personal with a virtual stranger, even if we were kin by ways of the wolf.
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on Jun 28, 2010 10:46:45 GMT -7
Though Syren spoke of personal matters, Sage took no offense. She wasn't sure how to take things really. She knew about stones that resonated, just like the beautiful crystal that was not added to the counter. The woman listened to Syren speak, not only hearing the words but the feelings as well. She knew what she was, and wasn't worried about anyone taking advantage of her. She was worried about losing herself in what she was, about not coming back.
" It's fine. There are few who understand the ways in which these things work. Few have true appreciation like that which you show. It makes me happy that there are some left who haven't completely fallen into the newer ways and forgoten who we are supposed to be. " Sage gave a small sigh, wondering how to continue. She could say something she would tell few, or say nothing at all. She you may tell. She is not one to be feared. She cannot beharmed. The rich bronzey voice rippled in Sages mind, making her laugh.
" Ah wolf-sister, you bring me joy." She said aloud, softly to herslef. Then she looked back at Syren. " It's not that I am afraid of others, it is that I am afraid of myself. For long ago when I was a new wolf, I didn't know what I was. I couldn't control it. The magick of an Omega mixed with my affinity for earth was something I couldn't handle, and it drove those around me inane, broken. " She took a breath in, the memory alive within her. She could smell it, hear it, and shook herself from it.
" I was too dangerous, so I escewed anykind of pack bond. And that is how I live. Alone save for the earth and the moon."
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jun 30, 2010 22:59:53 GMT -7
I smiled to Sage, dipping my head to her. "It is very true. many have adopted other ways. Those that kill half of what we are, by terrorizing humans. The Loup Garou do not kill unless we have to. We revere nature. The moon. Our animal brothers & sisters. The old ways, the old world. Were magick is alive and a part of all." I smiled serenely. "The Munin has lead me here today, I am sure of it. My wolf is sure of it." For a moment, my eyes flashed the brilliant, otherworldly blue that my wolf normally displayed. It was the other part of me, peeking through.
I felt then, the other part of her, her wolf. It was her wolf, responding to mine. I felt her fur rub against the inside of my skin, my crystal amulet radiating, my eyes unchanged. I laughed then, "I too, feel that joy. Your wolf speaks softly to mine. You shall always be a friend to my pack, and us to you." I tilted my head down again, bowing slightly.
My brow wrinkled in concern as she spoke. "Do not fear yourself. Fear of one's self can become dangerous. There are those, kindred in the way of the lycan, that hunt humans. They live only as the wolf. Likewise, there are those that despise what they are. It is fear, of one side or the other, within the self." I reached over, taking her hand and holding it with both of mine. "You are never alone. You are one and two. The human, the wolf. The magick bonds you together. You are Omega, a great gift." I raised one hand to her cheek, cradling it gently, as a mother would a child, as a Lupa would with a pup. The Munin spoke through me, the ethereal wind that a their presence always brought wafted through the shop. Wind chimes tinkled softly as the breeze circled us. "Sister, you are Moon & Earth, ruled by none. You are Omega. You are wild and free. Yet you must not forget of your wolfen kin. You are blessed, and with blessings come great trials. You walk with spirit, are one with nature. You are Were. You are Sacred. Embrace who you are, and set yourself free, be truly at peace."
Eyes soft, lids heavy, I closed my eyes as the Munin pulled back to the ether. The luster of the wolf's eyes in mine receded, my amulet only resonating a quiet hum. I gave her a gentle smile, removing my hand from her cheek. "You must visit the Luna soon. We shall run free together under Mother Moon. You do not have to be alone Sage, nor do you have to be pack. We shall simply enjoy the gifts that we have been given." To be touched by the Munin, to have the spirits of my ancestors cover us, was a wonderful feeling. Even the Munin welcomed her. Part of me wished to heal her pain. Maybe it time, I could help it to lessen.
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on Jul 2, 2010 11:34:05 GMT -7
Sage could feel the magic radiating off the other wolf, fell there was more to her wolf sister rising to speak than just a few words. Her wolf knew she was safe with these people, her Kin. It has been long since I claimed any as kin. Dare I do it now? I think maybe after so many years that it is time to accept myself. She felt the womans hand, soft against her skin, and listened to the ancient voice speak. It was a comfort, even though she didn't know from where thses spirits had come. It puzzled her slightly.
Sage could feel the magic in her sweel as the magicks of Syrens necklace fell to a quiet hum. It wanted to reach out but instead of hiding it like she normally would have she spread it slowly through her. She could hold that energy easily as she could hold leyline energy, and hold nearly twice as much.
" Then to the Luna I shall have to go one of these days. I just have a hard time find time to go. Sometimes things get hectic in this little shop. People popping up that are unwelcome." She smiled and moved away, bronzey hair covering her face and deep amber eyes for a moment. She looked at the crystal that Syren had added to the counter. She hadn't known it to resonate to any other energy that had come into the shop save for Renny, and the girl didn't want it.
" Please, take the crystal as a gift. It seems to have become attuned to the Luna energy anyhow." She told the other woman smiling.
|
|
|
Post by Syren Loup Garou on Jul 20, 2010 0:54:19 GMT -7
((Sorry it's taken me so long, been having a hard time working out how to continue this thread, as it seems like we're coming to a close unless someone else wanders in. LoL))
I smiled gently to Sage. "We are well met." Inclining my head, I nodded slightly. "You will be welcome, and I hope that the time finds you soon. Should you...", I gestured around me, "have need of assistance with unwanted visitors, let me know. We would be honored to be of service. After all, you have provided me with quite the variety of useful items, and I feel that I have also made a new friend in you. We do not always believe in monetary payment alone. So please, do not be afraid to ask for our aid. We offer it freely to all those we call kin."
I collected my purchases, surprised when she gave me the crystal. My eyebrows rose. "Are you sure? Thank you! This is a beautiful gift." I left a pile of folded bills, as well as a few coins on the counter. There was a generous tip in there as well, a custom of the Loup Garou. We gave thanks in every way we could, and we returned the favors that were given to us. "Thank you, Sage. For everything. Please come and see us soon." I smiled to her once more.
|
|
|
Post by Sage Zivaen on Jul 21, 2010 12:52:57 GMT -7
Sage nodded to the woman, happy for a brief moment. She had a place to go, a place to accept herself. Would that really be all that bad, to acept who she really was instead of shunting the power away from herself. A place where she could go and be wolf.
" I am sure we will be seeing much of each other in the future. " She said, having a good feeling inside. She liked Syren, more so than many of the wolves and people she had met in many years. She looked at the woman, memorizing every line of her face so that she would know her anywhere.
" I promise, soon." And soon won't come soon enough She told herself.
|
|