It's so bright in this city (open)

In the five nights she'd been in Nachton, Dana, had gotten completely lost in her new home, entangled in a particularly thorny bush in the gardens of the estate, and spent thirty-odd hours unpacking the boxes that had arrived her second day. At one point completely removing everything from the bookshelves, re-doing over four hours of work. Now, it was time to hunt.

Not know what the city offered she asked the driver to take her somplace she could find a willing or not so willing meal. Nervous and more than a little afraid she climbed from the car and squinted into the bright lights of down town Nachton, a place called The Strip.

"My goodness, but it's bright in this city."

"Yes, miss."

Sighing she pulled a pair of sunglasses from her purse and slipped the light blue tinted lenses over her eyes. She was able to relax and looked the place over. She had no idea where to start.

"Well, no time like the present."

"Indeed miss."

She lifted an eyebrow at the driver and had to chuckle, then the delima of finding him when she was finished presented itself.

"How do I find you later?"

He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and handed her a tiny silver cell phone. "Open this and hold down the number two until it beeps, that will call me. Tell me where you are and I'll be there promptly."

She took the phone and slipped it into her purse, then smoothed the non-existent wrinkles from her bright yellow dress. "Thank you."

With that she walked away, looking for somewhere to find a meal.

Lily fully intended to enjoy a nice walk that night, having spent the better part of the past week or so at the Den on Pack business and meetings for Stafford. She'd already made a stop at a little bookstore nearby, but passing the little bistro she was inspired to stop and have tea.

With a steaming mug in hand, she made her way out to the tables in front of the shop. They were all full, but a couple of them had only one person sitting there. She didn't really want to sit inside, so instead she picked a table near the street and walked up to the sole occupant, a young woman.

In her softly accented tones she asked, "Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? If not - might I? It's quite busy tonight."

Simon twirled his car keys by its silver ring in rapid succession. Once. Twice. Three times in a circle and then he'd catch them in the palm of his hand. It was an off night, meaning no one was chasing him, pointing a gun at him, running his car into a marina, and sadly Ellis was not climbing all over him while wearing nothing but red nail polish. His course was set, his gait swift, and his disposition was friendly, so why not partake in a blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee.

The bakery was warmly lit and filled with the aroma of baked bread and strong coffee. His eyes glazed over as he poured the cream into his coffee, listening to the hustle and bustle of the city around him, letting the pings from his perception vibrate off his senses. With coffee in hand, Simon caught the door as it gently closed in front of him, giving it a push back into the warm evening night.

Simon walked slowly back to the street as he blew softly across the top of his hot coffee. The outside tables were nearly filled, occupants enjoying the seasonably warm summer evening. His eyes were drawn to a brunette standing at a table with a sole occupant, a young woman. Simon automatically walked over and gently pulled at the chair. With a small smile he nodded at the women, politely offering the brunette the chair.

'Ladies. Good evening.'

Dana had watched the averaged height woman with lovely brown hair walk into the bakery, then dismissed her from her mind, until that same woman was asking to join her. Hoping her face didn't betray the sudden beating of her heart, and glad for the protection of her sunglasses Dana turned what she thought was a pleasant smile up to the woman.

"Please do."

She managed not to jump when a rather nice looking man pulled the woman's chair out for her.

"Good evening, sir."

See she could interact with complete strangers with something close to aplomb and not let shyness fuse her lips closed, though it was a struggle and her throat was constricted because of it.

Lily was pleased enough to be accepted into the woman's company, and even more pleasantly surprised to turn and see a man holding her chair for her.

"Thank you," it was said with an acknowledging smile at each of them, and Lily took the offered chair by sinking gracefully into it, the folds of her light purple skirt drifting about her ankles as she did.

Glancing back and forth between the other man and woman she determined she wasn't breaking up a meeting of some sort, particularly when the young woman greeted the man with no specific name. Nonetheless, she wanted to make certain, so she asked, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. It was just too lovely a night to spend inside."

Indeed it was. Perhaps later on, a run would be enjoyable. She had been spending a great deal of time on her own, as was her habit. On a night this fine though she imagined many Kadzait would be about the Long Run and she found company suited her mood well.

"My name is Lily, by the way." Present company included, she thought. She was not opposed to making new acquaintances.

'Not at all. I was just passing by.'

Simon figured good manners were few and far between these days, probably what prompted the brunette's, Lily she said her name was, question.

'Just out for my evening jolt of caffeine.'

He sat Lily and introduced himself politely. 'My name is Simon. Nice to meet you Lily and...?' Simon looked curiously at the young lady.

Frozen for a moment, Dana had to look out onto the busy street before she could answer. "Dana, pleased to meet you both." Her voice was quiet, and she was certain her accent made it all the more difficult to understand her words, but she wasn't about to repeat herself. How mortifying.

They were both looking at her, maybe more was expected of her. Oh right... "It's a lovely evening, warmer than I am used to."

How inane, and she guessed normal, her interactions with complete strangers was limited to service personnel, this was a whole new game. Granted Dana was raised in courtly manners, but they had no place in this world and she was left foundering a bit.

Lily smiled at Simon. What a small world. And he was quite handsome in real life, if that term wasn't wildly inappropriate. Naturally, she'd done her research on Tacharan, reaching into public files as well as more recent information gleaned from Iov, Aidan, and even Marthinus. This was certainly not the man she would have expected to pull out a chair for her.

However, to mention so would push the bounds of all propriety and Lily, introverted as she was, kept her thoughts to herself and merely smiled at Dana. "Yes, I imagine it is, if you're newly-arrived to Nachton."

It was impossible to misplace the woman's Irish accent. About as impossible, she figured, as it was to mistake her own. Muddled by years in Australia though it may be, Lily's Scottish lilt was still very much apparent.

Simon looked at Dana and took in her appearance - the shy demeanor and almost frightened responses. She was a delicate waif of a girl and he wondered if maybe the Nachton night life would be too dangerous for her. Any city, after dark, is dangerous he decided - Nachton was just a little bit worse than some others.

Turning to Lily he caught her eye as she smiled at him and barely noticed the flash of recognition on her face. She was a lovely looking woman, not as young as Dana but still built beautifully with soft auburn curls and a warm Scottish brogue. Lily turned away and spoke to Dana again, but Simon continued to stare at her. Then it hit him like a sledge hammer in between the eyes.

He nodded with a wry grin. 'You're Lily Stafford.'

The Kadzait Alpha's mother, in the flesh, as it were. Marthinus had spoken about her, and with great warmth which surprised Simon, and her prominent stature in the city's social hierarchy was impressive. He should have recognized her right off, but then auburn locks and luscious green eyes had a way of distracting him.

Returning Lily's smile, Dana tried not to let the racing of her heart get the better of her. "I've a week here so far and I fear I'll never get used to the heat."


She opened her mouth to say something about looking forward to autumn, but the man...Simon, spoke Lily's name as though it was some great revelation.

Confused, Dana turned her attention to her coffee, stirring the contents though they didn't need it. Placing the spoon on the saucer, she picked up the large mug and sipped from it.

Lily laughed softly at Simon's expression. He seemed surprised, oddly enough.

"I hope so," she answered in her soft, hesitant tone. "Otherwise I've been spelling my name wrong." The joke was delivered in a gentle voice, lacking sarcasm, for Lily didn't share that trait in common with her son.

She turned her smile on Dana. "Simon and I have a mutual friend," she told the young woman by way of explanation before returning to Dana's topic. "Rest assured though, you'll get used to the warmth here. And if not, well, there's plenty of winter to be had too."

Simon watched Lily with curious eyes and his grin spread into a genuine smile. It was odd for him, all this smiling. He never thought being back with Ellis would have this affect on him. Nodding slightly more to himself, he turned his attention back to young Dana who seemed to be alternating between embarrassed blushing and downright nervousness. Making small talk seemed difficult for her.

'The seasons here are beautiful, not all that different from Europe.' Her Irish accent was indication enough that she was European, apparently new in the states. 'What brings you to Nachton, Dana? School?'

Again Simon cast a glance down, but opted not to sit beside her at the table. The ladies hadn't extended an invitation, so maybe he'd make pleasantries and leave, but till then he'd try and get a feeling for the female werewolf next to him.

Briefly Dana wondered if she could just run away, but propriety and her own sense of dignity would not allow that. Instead she took a final sip and returned her shaded eyes up to Simon.

"No, I've finished school. I came for a change of scenery. My...mother recommended Nachton, as we have...family here."

She hoped her pauses reflected her nerves and did not speak of the lies she'd just told. She glanced at the other empty chair at her little table and with a small flutter of her heart,

"Would you care to join us Mr...Simon?"

Well that was nicely awkward. She did her best to stifle the sigh in her chest.

Simon listened to the soft beat of heart as she answered his question. The rapid rhythm vibrated within him via his perception and with what he hoped was a disarming smile, nodded and pulled a chair out for himself.

Family in town. That could mean a number of things, with Nachton being the center of two immortal species, it was often the first thing that crossed his mind. It would have been rude to ask and inappropriate to assume, so he left it at that.

Setting his coffee down in front of him, he pulled a leg onto of the other and casually leaned back in the chair.

'I can only stay for a moment, but thank you.' Leaning an elbow onto the arm of the chair, he rested his fingers against his temple. 'So Mrs. Stafford, I hope your family is well.'

Ellis must have been wearing off on him. He was never suited for ill placed sarcasm.

Dana watched Simon sit, she couldn't seem to help it, now that she let her eyes fall on him, they just stuck. "You're welcome."

Her body reminded her that she'd not eaten since before leaving Ireland. She could go nearly a month if she needed to, but there had rarely been a need, and so she was spoiled to regular meals.

The thinly veiled sarcasm in his question confused her again. Behind the small protection of the sunglasses she studied him, her eyes uncontrollably going to the thick pulse at his throat. She wanted to listen to that pulse, smell the blood running beneath his skin, but that required closing her eyes. She still wasn't very good at extending her senses as it was a newly acquired skill. For some reason closing her eyes struck her as a rather bad idea while sitting with the lovely woman and handsome man that had intruded on her people watching.

Lily sipped her tea, now that it was cool enough to do so, and smiled at Dana. "It's good that you have family to come visit. I do, too. My son Aidan lives here."

Simon had accepted a chair and looked rather at ease. Lily was relieved rather than surprise to hear the drip of sarcasm from his tone. That had been a bit more of what she'd expected, and yet she was hardly about to return his innocently phrased question with any of the same. She had no doubt Aidan or Iov would have responded differently but, well, she was neither of the two.

"My family are all quite well Simon, thank you for asking. I hope yours fare the same. Aidan has shown me a great deal of Nachton since my arrival, and I find the night life not at all as disruptive as he said it could be."

Her own smile was quite genuine; perhaps her words could have two meanings and Simon could interpret them as he chose. Lily returned her gaze to Dana and reassured her as best she could.

"My son had told me that it can be quite lively at night but it only makes one more appreciative of the many tranquil little spots that are to be found."

Lily had directed her last comment to Dana, so she was forced to turn her head and drag her eyes from Simon's neck. She could only hope that the man had not noticed her stare's direction nor the implications of it.

Her heart sped up as fear jolted through her system. It would be her own personal hell to reveal things she should not with in a week of leaving the safety of her home.

"I shall keep, "her voice quavered only slightly, horrifying her, but she had to finish the sentence. "an eye out for those islands of tranquility."

Simon blinked slowly at Lily's response. He wasn't sure why he felt like antagonizing the woman, but she seemed to want to take the higher road; a woman of class, what a relief.

Looking over at Dana, Simon noticed the young lady staring at him; specifically, his throat. He tilted his head slightly as he considered what her body language might mean. The thump-thump of her heart raced with agitation and her voice was small and nervous. Again, he didn’t want to make any assumptions, but the wide eye stare at his throat was something he had seen before and been familiar with in the past. Maybe they had interrupted her at an inopportune time.

‘Is everything alright, Dana?’ She could answer it with honesty or more subterfuge as far as he was concerned, but if she needed something, he wasn’t about to be her first choice. ‘Are you sure we haven’t interrupted something?’

Deep solid breaths, one...two...three..., there she felt more grounded and carefully removed her sunglasses, her eyes protested to the lights. They weren't as bright under the store's protective awning so she was not forced to squint.

Her lips curled up in a small smile. He was a nice man, and she knew she brought out the protector in nice men. It irritated her more than she cared to admit, and his question should not have angered her in the slightest, but it did.

"No I'm quite well thank you."

She blinked several times, before leaning back in her chair. Her protesting eyes forced her to abandon her small show of wills and regain the protection of the shades. "I am simply having a snack before heading out to explore the city. There was really nothing to interrupt."

She smiled again, hoping to soften the unexpected tenacity of her response. She really needed to work on that. They really meant no harm these nice men.

Lily had begun to feel faintly amused by the minute little details happening around them. She was aware of Simon's nature, and her oversensitive nose, ears, and eyes picked up on... what, perhaps? Relief? She didn't know why. It had something to do with her response to him, though. Perhaps he was glad her family were fine. Or, just maybe, he felt guilty for being sarcastic? Whatever the reason she allowed herself her few moments of amusement.

Dana, on the other hand, was another thing altogether. Lily was doing her best not to make an issue of the girl's nervousness, but she was feeling a little guilty for having caused her such distress. All the same though, she wondered about the girl's staring at Simon and then her sudden about-face as she removed her sunglasses and seemed to fortify herself.

Shrugging inwardly Lily did what came naturally to her - she continued on politely as if nothing in the world were wrong and as if she hadn't noticed the tiny details.

"What sights have you the most interested?" She was genuinely curious. There was much to see and do in Nachton and everyone seemed to view the city differently.

Dana turned to Lily, welcoming the distraction. She actually had no idea what there was to see in this city, she'd not set out with an agenda, other than a meal. She chuckled softly.

"I don't know what there is to see. I should have invested in one of those guide books."

Smiling still she took a sip from her cooling coffee. "Is there anywhere you would recommend?"

Simon picked up his coffee cup and took a long pull of the hot beverage, enjoying the bitterness. Dana didn't seem at all pleased with him, if her glare was any indication.

"No I'm quite well thank you." Dana gave him a curt smile.

Simon raised his eyebrows in response. Lily and Dana engaged in normal chit chat as Simon opened his perception and concentrated on the young woman. Her heart rate fluttered intensely, but her face tried to mask her high agitation. More and more he suspected that there was more underneath the pale skin and soft brown hair. Definitely not a Tacharan, he wondered if she might have been a member of one of the other two clans. Lily did not react to Dana like a pack member, at least not how he thought she'd react, and if she were part of the other pack, would Lily react violently or even bother speaking to her?

Questions, questions, questions. He was full of them lately. The city kept expanding more and more around them, bringing in droves of newcomers. Simon extended his perception out to Lily and her heartbeat was soothing in its steady rhythm. The sounds around him melted away till there was nothing but their two heartbeats - once strong, the other nervous.

Simon checked his watch quickly and finished his cup. With a polite nod, he stood slowly and pushed back away from the table. 'Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for me to leave. Dana, it was nice to meet you. Enjoy Nachton for what is it.' Then he turned to Lily Stafford and gave her a polite bow.

'Mrs. Stafford. It was a pleasure. I'm sure we'll meet again soon.'

Picking up his trash, he pushed his chair back and moved toward the street, tossing his empty cup into a receptacle with a flick of his hand and disappeared into the nighttime crowd.

(Simon out!)

Lily gave Simon a polite nod and a smile as he excused himself. An interesting man, she thought privately. Both friendly and ironic at once, she wasn't exactly sure how to take him. She didn't forsee having very much to do with him in the future, but it had been good to meet him. She enjoyed Marthinus' company and it pleased her to meet anyone the new Kadzait thought highly of. She would certainly mention her meeting Simon the next time she and Marthinus ran into each other.

Turning back to Dana, she sipped at her half-finished cup of tea once more, and asked, "What are your hobbies, if I may ask? There are a variety of sights to suit almost every pastime. If I knew what you really liked to do, perhaps I could help steer you toward a good spot to begin your explorations."

Dana gave a small wave to Simon and took the time to watch him leave, feeling slightly disappointed and relieved all at once. With a smile she turned back to the singular company of Lily, her comfort level rising a great deal. Well mannered women, even strangers were easier to deal with.

"I enjoy art, history and beautiful things." A wistful smile moved her lips. "Mostly I like quiet and a little less light." She waved a hand indicating the bright noisy strip.

Lily nodded, as much to herself as to Dana. Perhaps, between the desire for less light and the strange stares at Simon, the girl was at least knowledgeable. it mattered little to Lily, really, unless someone decided to try to make a meal of her. Dana didn't seem inclined to try, if that was her predisposition. Nothing of her manner had really indicated a desire to have Lily accompany her to someplace secluded. Although Lily was no expert, she imagined that would be a requirement.

Either way, rather than dwelling on what Dana was, Lily focused on what she wasn't - which, right now, was "sure of where she was heading" apparently. Perhaps Lily could help provide some direction.

"You're in luck," she said with a smile. "I know Nachton has a lot to offer in both areas. There's a historical society downtown that has opened some of the very first houses ever built here, and one can walk through and see the antique furniture and read about the history of Nachton's founding families. There are also several museums, one of them an art museum. Just down the road from where we are now is Vesper Gardens, where you can also find some lovely sculptures placed among the plants."

Riffling through her purse, Lily found her pen and drew a very quick map on a napkin. "If you like to walk, Vesper is close by enough. I would take a cab, though, to go anywhere else."

Dana was surely too small and frail to be walking alone on the streets at night. At the very least, however, she could be of a little more assistance.

"Either way, knowledge is power, yes? So then, if you walk, here are the areas you may want to avoid."

Briefly she expanded her sketch of Nachton to include a rough diagram of the entire city, circling several areas Dana would be wise to avoid. She had come by this knowledge the very same way, as shown to her by Aidan when she had begun exploring, herself.

Dana listened intentivly to Lily's detailing of the city. A garden...open at night...how perfect. She'd head there. It seemed easy enough from where they were and her sense of direction while not spot on would at least keep her from getting completely lost.

"The gardens sound lovely. I've a love for flowers."

Her brows drew together as Lily outlined where the dangerous parts of the city were. Being of sound mind, Dana would be sure to avoid those. She could take care of herself and carried two small knives, one clipped to a strap around her thigh and the other tucked into her purse. She'd had the thigh knife or one like it since 1490 when a man had tried to take advantage of her small size and she'd had to break his neck, not a scenario she'd like to repeat.

In her opinion it was just better to avoid known danger areas and remain in a safe place as much as possible.

"I'll be sure to avoid those areas. You've been incredibly helpful Lily."

She smiled brightly at the woman. "I'm quite glad mine was the only table with free seats."

Lily finished her tea before it could grow cold and nodded to Dana. As an afterthought, she jotted her phone number down on the bottom of the napkin. She didn't have a cell phone or an email address, but she had a phone and an answering machine in her rooms at the Den.

"I'm very glad too," she said, "and sorry to be leaving so soon, but I do need to get on home. If you want company another night, though, please feel free to call me. I'll be happy to go along."

It was a courtesy, really, and very unusual for Lily, who often kept to herself more than anything. But Aidan had been encouraging her to meet new people and she supposed he was right; she couldn't simply hide at the Den forever. Besides, if by chance Dana took her up on the offer, she wouldn't mind. The girl had been very nice, once she'd seemed to recover from her nerves.

She stood, smoothed her skirt, and held her hand out to Dana. "It's been lovely meeting you," she said. "I do hope you enjoy being here in Nachton."

Goodbyes finished, Lily gave the younger woman one last smile and passed back through the cafe, returning her mug on her way and heading back to the Den with her books.

((ooc: Lily out pending response!))

"I'd like that. Thank you."

She'd actually made a friend. It was a novelty to Dana, her "friends" had always been chosen for her by Lady Erin. She felt joy bubble in her chest as she stood with Lily. She grasped the other woman's hand and held it for a moment.

"It was a wonderful pleasure to have meet you, Lily." Dana let go of her hand with a smile. "Enjoy your evening."

She watched the woman walk away before taking her mug into the cafe, and heading off to the described gardens. Her confidence was high, and she was now looking forward to hunting alone. Nachton was turning out to be an interesting town.


((ooc: Dana out. Thanks for the fun! ))