She gives Zania a wry smile and then glanced back at Toni. and said Its alright Dear. No judgement. then to Toni and Zania she remarked. A prediction? not exactly. Theres much in the old knowledge that those in this world are not aware of. A book? no. Lets just say Its something that has already been spoken of.
she glanced around and then said If youd like to talk further of this let us go back to my shop. best away from watchful eyes.
Cayden shoots Nishka a quizzical but good-natured look. He’d had his fair share of dealings with old kooks, but something about this felt different.
Does she…does she know? If she does, well, I like the sound of the Protector.
He shoots a geniuniely worries glance at the man who he now only knows as Army and “the Killer” before turning back to Nishka, ”I’ve got to say I’m a bit confused, but I’m flattered by the compliment of the Protector.”
Cayden nods a little skeptically at Nishka, ”I, at least, would like to learn more.”
'Well, it's good to see she's not shy with anyone.' Chuckling as Zania walks straight up to the old woman and 'confronts here. Sariel jokes with the big guy, gesturing at Zania. "Yeah she's a bit of a whirlwind. If were not quick we'll find ourselves in her wake." Smiling at himself as he used a 'boat' metaphor his ears perk up as she begins to speak.
'Warrior? Killer? he looks from the old lady towards the two men she gestured at with her cane. 'I wonder what she thinks the differ....Hunter? How the blazes did she know that?' Sariel quickly looked from 'Army' towards the old woman, Making the sign of the cross, he heard her say something about the others as he whispered
"Dominus magicae implicari." While Toni asked what the old woman meant by "gathering" 'Blast I hope no one recognizes magic.' Having casting a detect magic spell from habit, Sariel tried to cover it by making it sound like a prayer [b"in nomine patris filii spiritus sancti amen."[/b] He crossed himself again for good measure.
'Ms Mvashti' Hearing Zania chuckle, then the pregnant pause Sariel looks at Zania as the woman called the 'Mentalist' tries to play off the prophecy. 'If she knows I'm a hunter then I've endangered May!' Trying to stay calm Sariel looks from the old woman to Toni as she declarers 'no judgement' and begins to share about 'old knowledge.' Almost forgetting that the second part of the prophecy involved the group of people who he had noticed, Sariel moves closer to Toni and asks, "Who are the people she gestured at?"
He then glances towards Cayden, nodding, "I'm willing to talk." He then looked past the others pondering the shortest route from the woman's shop to May's bungalow.
Keeping her voice low, Toni answers Sariel. "Oh, just the kids of the richest man in town. Ameiko owns The Inn at the Tides; Sato is supposed to be connected, if you know what I mean. And their father owns about half the land around here."
Turning to Nishka, "I'd really like to know what you're talking about, but..." Toni gestures vaguely toward the bikers. "Not sure nows a good time"
Jon shrugs at the name The Killer. I've been called worse, believe it or not. And the gathering? Isn't that like from Highlander? As long as we don't have to cut each other's heads off with swords... he says with a chuckle as he looks at the others in the group.
I would like to hear her out...if there is something hinky going on, I want to know as much as I can...
Sariel utters a prayer that changes his vision to take in the aura's of magic, and see's absolutely none anywhere.
The old Native woman nods and says very well. to my shop then
and she turns and heads towards her her older Volvo station wagon she says over her shoulder you may ride with me or bring your vehicle
I can fit a few in my Jeep...I'll be last out...just in case...
Standing with Toni, wondering why the woman just ignored Toni's objection, and agreeing that perhaps someone needed to deal with the current situation, Zania wondered if the woman knew more about that than they did as well... perhaps it would be okay?
To Toni she says
Huh. Did you need some help getting your friends out of here? I'd be happy to help. I want to hear what she has to say too, but I'm guessing we can be a little late to her meeting if it means getting people out of harm's way.
Glancing at Zania, "Thanks for the offer, I should check in on them, but I don't know if they'll leave yet. What about you? Weren't you helping on a stall?"
Turning back to the others "I'll grab my bike and head for the shop in a few"
Looking from his new acquaintances, 'I"d like to help Toni,' He then looks at the old woman, 'But I need to know the threat level this Nishka Poses." He looks at the others, "I'll ride with Her," attempting to convey that he would also keep an eye on her.
"Sure, why not. My morning hasn't quite worked out as planned anyway."
Freddie leaves his car and climbs into the front seat of the Volvo. "I call shotgun!"
Zania responds to Toni
Yeah, I was, but I got them out already.
... Thing is, I didn't bring my car. Enough room on your bike if I catch a ride with you after?
'Shotgun?' Rolling his eyes at Freddie, Sariel adds as he heads towards the Volvo. "Your big enough you probably don't need a shotgun, but you will need the leg room."
Looking over his shoulder, 'At least the ladies will be together, what did she call them the 'sneak' and the 'Mentalist?' Looking back at the ex-athlete "So your a 'Fighter'?"
”My truck’s right near here. I’ll grab it and be over. Anyone’s welcome to tag along.”
Cayden (and anyone else who might come with him) heads to his rented vacation house and grabs his truck, a forest green Jeep Gladiator. It’s a sturdy rig, one that’s served him well over the years. He puts in the location of the shop on his phone’s mapping program and heads over.
Something feels unusual about those folks. Maybe…maybe they’re different too.
Toni grins at Zania."Not sure that'd work, a dirt bike's not really made for two. No passenger pegs for one thing, so your feet'd be dangling."
Okay, well let's go find your friends, and if it isn't workable, I'll get an uber or walk back. I'm sure someone will let me know what Nishka says.
While Zania and Toni decided not to go to The shop, and began to head to the booths so they could find Toni's friends.
Pat and Freddie got into the Volvo with Nishka, and Jon and Cayden headed to their vehicles, a Wrangler and a Gladiator, both adept at off roading, and followed her to her shop.
By the time they arrived, Toni had reached the booth Sherry was there making sandwiches and flirting with some Bikers who flew the Ghost Rider colors. She smiled and waved at Toni.
Ven was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Katherine...Kathy, the oldest daughter who shouldve been helping, but ever since she got involved with Benny Harker, eh was scarcely seen now a days. If Ven ever found out about them, thered be hell to pay.
Toni waves back and moves to lean against the booth
"Hey, Sherry. Who're your friends?" She flashes a very brief smile at the bikers.
"What time are you closing up?"
Walking beside Freddie so the big guy could easily answer his question. Sariel looked at the Volvo, then the other vehicles nearby. Other than the large amount of Harleys he didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
'How much to ask? I was hoping I'd be the only one to accept a ride, so I could be direct." Crawling in the passenger side, Sariel stops in the middle oof the back seat and puts on the seat belt, but kept it very loose so he could lean forward.
Not waiting for the old woman to begin. "Ms Mvashti, let me start by saying I am a firm believer in a higher power and as such agree there is 'Old Knowledge' that most in this world are not aware of." He looks towards Freddie, not sure how much to say, deciding it was worth the risk., "Frankly, most folks are better off not knowing. So let me ask a different sort of question. Have you told anyone else about this? The title, or titles you used could cause trouble if they found thier way into the wrong hands." Hoping neither Freddie nor the old lady would take it the wrong way. "There are people I need to protect."
Jon eventually makes his way to the shop, checking to make sure he wasn't followed, his SERE training taking over.
Better safe than dead... he thinks as he grabs his messenger bag, the one that others refer to as his man purse. He chuckles at the thought of his former buddies making fun of it, putting My Little Pony patches on it. Then them realizing that it was a handy way to keep stuff on you without carrying a ruck.
Well, we weren't followed, as far as I can tell... he says confidently as he enters the shop.
I'm interested to hear why you called me the Killer. I don't take offense, because it is true, I have killed before. Not bragging, but not ashamed of the fact either. Just don't like advertising it though...
As Toni talked to her friend, Zania reached into her bag and grabbed her taser, checking it to make sure it was charged and functional, just in case they ended up needing it.
"Protect? Who are you going to protect? No, I am not a fighter. I mean, sure... I've gotten into a scrape or two in my time, but I really prefer to avoid a fight. I am, however, interested in this 'old knowledge' you talk about. What is it?"
Cayden shoots a glance at Sariel. 'Old Knowledge' sounded a lot like the voices of the wild.
"I'm interested too. There's some, ah, secrets out there that most wouldn't accept as possible."
Cayden shoots a glance at Sariel. 'Old Knowledge' sounded a lot like the voices of the wild.
"I'm interested too. There's some, ah, secrets out there that most wouldn't accept as possible."
Crawling in the passenger side, Sariel stops in the middle oof the back seat and puts on the seat belt, but kept it very loose so he could lean forward.
Sherry laughed at Toni's jest and said well some of them ARE cute you know, and besides their money is good. I close the booth about an hour after dark. and reopen tomorrow morning at 9. You want to volunteer to help tomorrow? Dad would love the help.
Zania looking around see's noone really paying attention to them. Though Sato and Ameiko and their entourage was walking down westside road towards the Bodega Bay Headland
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On the drive Madam Mvashti smiled at Saurial and patted his arm as she put the car into gear and drove towards her shop. I know. Tell Mac I said Hi. Then to Freddie she grinned and said [B]You are too humble Freight Train. Most of us saw that Game against the Raiders. Did you put three of them down in that fight on the sideline before being ejected from the game. I swear that made the game far more interesting.
not too long later at her shop
she pulled up a chair after pouring some tea for the group. The Table was long, in the backroom of her shop and had 10 chairs around it, a curious thing to have in a shop of this nature.
She sat and took a drink, the steam rising around her face, and she put it down, looking at Freddie. and looked him in the eye. Among my people, there are still those who talk with the spirits of the land. The Land knows when danger approaches. The Spirits can tell when their protectors come near. You 6 are among those Guardian Souls
Then as Jon spoke she nodded I understand. Words can entrap a soul to a certain path. I meant no offense. Just my reading this morning told me to seek out 6 Guardians. A Warrior...one who would fight for what was right, a servant of Ke'-lok. A Killer...one who has the eyes that have seen dead home, a servant of Grandfather O-let'-te, Then one who has seeking eyes like a hunter, a servant of Wek'-wek. Then one who was joined with nature as The People are, who was a servant of Kok'-kol, then someone of light heart and dancing eyes who carried herself with quiet a servant of Koo-loo'-loo, and finally one who could convince others of good speech and confidence, and gifted mind. An Angel ...one of the Star People, a servant of Os-so-so'-li. So I did. and here you are, hopefully the others will arrive soon.
It's fine, ma'am. I made peace with my former life a while ago during my stay in the hospital. Gave me time to reflect. Jon says with a small smile. I would like to think I wouldn't have to use my old skills...but if it serves a greater purpose, I'm fine with that...even if it is a bit odd sounding. I know there are forces that work behind the scenes...that would explain how I survived my failed jump...'chute didn't deploy. Someone or something was like "Nope...not today..." when I survived.
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"And here's me thinking you went for brains rather than muscles," Toni grins at Sherry. "Not sure about tomorrow, something's come up"
She leans over the counter a bit, so she can lower her voice, then gets more serious. "There's something in the air that feels wrong. Too many different bike gangs. I think you need to get somewhere safe. I know it'd mean closing early, but it feels like trouble."
'Tell Mac I said hello?' Looking dumfounded, Sariel swallows, "Yes Ma'am." Sitting back in the seat, his brain begins to race a million miles an hour. 'She knows Mac. I wonder if she knows Martha. Blast of course she would, they live in the same bloody town. Why wouldn't Martha tell me, Does she know Mac from when he was with the BPRD, she's certainly old enough, Or does she know him after he joined the Templers, Blast that mean she might not know about Martha, Maybe Mac recomended Martha move here so this woman could watch her.' His brain stopped for a second, he looked into the rearview mirror watching the old woman smile, his eye grew wide. 'Maybe Mac had me come here so she could keep an eye on me!'
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Pausing outside the shop, Sariel looked around, as he followed her back towards the meeting room, he asked her, "Which way is the facilities?" Following her gesture he heads back to the restroom. First opening the door to the bathroom and looking inside. Making sure no one was watching he looked around for a back door, then returned to the meeting room.
Stepping into the room he moved to the corner so he could watch the door. Nervously reaching for a cigarette, he paused and left the pack in his pocket. 'Four a day is enough, I don't need to smoke because I'm nervous. All things in moderation.' Repeating the axiom in his mind helped him calm down as he sat back into the chair to listen to the old woman.
Sariel was not surprised when the woman explained about the Land and it's Spirits, he was surprised that they would consider him, an ancient-born one of them. shifting in the chair, 'So the reading was just this morning,' He looked around the table listening to which spirits were identified with which person. As she spoke each persons title again, he looked at them. 'I wonder if anyone else has a tainted bloodline like mine.' Chuckling as she declarer him the servant of Wek'-wek, 'I wonder if that's because Wek'-wek created man, or because he's a predator, one who kills to eat.'
Looking around the table he nods, 'Yes, hopefully the ladies are safe.' As Jon speaks, Seamus raises an eyebrow, and ask, "Do you mind if I ask what your 'former life' was?"
Cayden’s eyes widen. She knew, she had to know. But how? He’d been careful, far more than was necessary. These People, could they be the source of the whispers? ”Joined with nature, huh? Guess that’s me. Who are The People? How am I like them, and how did you know what I can do?”
She looked soberly at Cayden. The People are the Miwuk. I don't know what you can do. You just seem to be at peace with the world. You have an aura around you that says the spirit world is strong in you...What do you do? she smiled.
Zania was glad no one was watching them, but kept watch just in case while Toni talked to her friends.
Cayden nods, replying in Miwuk,
Cayden sighs, looking at the people around him. Strangers, really, yet this woman thought their destinies were entwined.
Might as well let the cat out of the bag. Here goes nothing.
He drains what's left of his tea and sets the cup on the table a few feet away from him. Closing his eyes for a moment he takes a deep breath, feeling the wind as it blows outside and the crashing of nearby waves. Faint traces of the whispers followed him, and he opens his eyes and reaches his hand out. Unseen forces wrapped themselves around the cup and lifted it into the air, completely under his control.
"I hear the voices of the wild. I do what they tell me, and with that knowledge I can accomplish things beyond mortal ken. Seeing through the eyes of animals, turning plants against those who would harm me,"He is quiet as he lowers the cup back onto the table before continuing, "and they promise so much more if I can listen."
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Maybe I should have driven my own car.
”Whatever you say, lady. I am pretty certain I am not one of your Guardians, but you seem nice enough. Did you mention some tea?”
A tea would be great right about now... Jon says as he finds a chair and sits down with a groan.
Had to sit...knee bothers me from time to time. I'm retired US Army...was a Sergeant in the Rangers...75th regiment. Did three trips over to the sandbox. Got "retired" a couple years ago after my 'chute failed to deploy properly during a training exercise with the SEALs at Coronado a couple years ago. My backup barely opened...luckily I fell into a tree and broke most of my fall...all because some rear echelon POG
failed to pack the chute right...wrecked my knee and I hit the ground so hard my retina detached... he says as he lifts up his left pant leg and shows a myriad of scars. Luckily there's a eye cutter at the VA managed to save my sight...almost as good as I was...just no guarantees it won't pop again if I jump again...so I took my early retirement and started over here in Bodega bay...teaching survival classes on the weekends. But that's turning a frown upside down...what's your guys' story? I recognize the big guy here...thought he looked familiar...a guy I know in the 316th named his Abrams Frieght Train Freddie...
Reaching for one of the saucers, Sariel, slides it towards himself as Cayden begins asking questions. Sipping the tea as Ms. Mvashti answers about the local aboriginals. 'Really another language?' When Cayden begins speaking in what sounds like one of the Indigenous languages he looks towards Ms. Mvashti, trying to read her response. Raising an eyebrow as the forester begins sharing about his psychic abilities, Seamus takes another sip of his tea. 'So psychic abilities. I'll give him credit, even with keeping something private he shared a whole lot more than I would. That type of information is earned.'
When Cayden finishes sharing some of his skills, Sariel looks to Freddie, who is still denying any possibilities. Setting the tea cup down, he gives Freddie his best incredulous stare. Shifting his gaze as Jon talks about his military past. 'A Ranger and now a survivalist instructor. I hope he's not one of the uber-conservative fascist types. But he survived a fall like that, and he doesn't quite look right around the face and ears. Curious.
As Jon asked about the others story, again pointing out Freddie's reputation, Sariel smiled, nodding towards Freddie. "Well, guardian or not, if I recognize the accent your from the south side too, right Freddie?" Smiling, "Grew up a white sox fan and wanted to play for the bears all your life right?"
Shrugging "Me too. Always looked too sickly, the nuns at the orphanage wouldn't hardly let me play outside." He paused for a moment sipping his tea and gathering his thoughts. 'Need to speak true, but what to share?'
Setting the tea down he continued. "Grew up on the south side of Chicago in St. Patrick's orphanage, that's where the name came from. Well actually the hospital who shares it's name where I was born, but you get the idea. After college I became a priest." He nods towards Ms. Mvashti who had mentioned Mack. "There was a situation back east, where I offended a major underworld figure. So I took a sabbatical and came out west until things cooled off. I'm staying with a friend of my mentors, that's who I commented about protecting."
He pauses, thinking of how much Cayden had shared. "My area of experience is dealing with the paranormal, that may be why I was 'viewed' as 'the hunter'" He looks around the table, his eyes resting on the little old lady. 'Or it might be that I'm part of a secret organization that hunts monsters and the undead. But if she knows Mack she probably suspects that all ready.' He shrugs lightly, hoping she understands his caution.
"Yah, I know St. Pat's. Not the orphanage, but the attached church. I am a Southsider, though that was a long time ago. Sort of a sell-out, though, playing for St.Louis. At least it wasn't the Packers, though. Family would'a disowned me!"
"So, paranormal, eh? See any ghosts?"
Raising an eyebrow at Freight Train's straight forward question, Seamus smiles, showing teeth that may be a little too sharp in the wrong light. "Does it really matter? Your the one certain he don't belong here." Then shrugs, "I wouldn't want to disturb your sleep for naught."
Oh come on...I could use a few new ghost stories to tell the newbies I get...scares the beekeebies out of them...hilarious. Jon says as he stretches out his leg.Besides...I have other reasons to not sleep at night...give me a distraction...
'Really? a ghost story?' Breaking his gaze from Freddie, Sariel looks towards their host and sighs. Then turning to Jon, "Once we figure who's in this little endeavor and who isn't, maybe we'll get into more particulars." Shrugging. "Then I'll share my worst or my first experience with the occult, your choice."
He settles his eyes on Jon as they turn a cold dark grey almost black, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette. "If your willing to do the same with the reasons You don't sleep at night." turning from Jon back to Ms. Mvashti. 'I do not need a cigarette. "all things in moderation, but controlled by none."' Reminding himself of what Mack used to tell him, Sariel released the pack of 'Lucky Strikes' and sipped his tea instead.
Jon sighs and takes another swig of coffee.
I've seen a lot of death in my time...way too much. Seen kids blown apart by IED's, airstrikes and grenades. It tears you apart when there's someone who has their legs blown off crying for their mom, knowing full well that they're likely going to die from shock trauma, even though the medic stopped most of the bleeding and called in a casevac....kid had just turned 20. It's stuff like that that haunts me the most...not the ones I've killed...it's the ones I couldn't save...
Shery looked at Toni and said Youre serious arent you? You know if I close shop early Dad wont let me hear the end of it. .... She pauses looking at her friends face and nods Ok. Ok. Ill close it up. Ill be out of here in 10. Lord help me if youre wrong Toni....
a few minutes Later the booth closed down for the night, Sherry headed towards her Jetta parked where all the cars were.
Zania looks over at Toni, wondering if she has other people to get out.
--If not, she helps Sherry pack up and (if possible) gets a ride back to town with her as well.
--If there are still people to evacuate, then she sticks with Toni and watches for trouble.
"If I'm wrong, I'm gonna be out of a job, so yeah I'm serious"
Toni helps close the booth, then walks Sherry to her car.
"OK, Zania, I'm done. Let's go see what Ms Nishka's talking about."
She pauses a moment, looking at Zania.
"Bike's not really made for two, but it's not far to the shop..."
Zania shrugs
Okay, let's try.
She gets on, wrapping her arms around Toni, ducking her head into her shoulder/hair, and raising her legs so they won't get caught in anything, hoping that she isn't making it impossible for Toni to drive.
Sherry says I can drop Zania off if she cant ride on the bike
It doesnt take any time for them to arrive at The Seagull Boutique.
They thank Sherry and then enter to see the others all drinking tead sitting around a big table in the back room after being let in by Nishka.
"Hey guys. What'd we miss?"
'So a killer who mourns the loss of his friends more than the death he has caused. That's either a very good thing or very bad. Time will tell. But I'm not sure if it's enough to reciprocate.' Sipping his tea, he considers if Jon's confession warranted a reply.
Realizing Nishka had gotten up and was returning with the two ladies from the festival, Sariel set his tea cup down and stood nodding. "Ladies, good to see your all in one piece." As the ladies take their seats he sits back down. Smiling at Toni's question he gestures towards Freddie. "Freddie here was explaining to us why he figures he's not a 'guardian'."
Zania takes a seat and says
Catch me up... what is a guardian?