Busy, Busy, Busy (open)

Lily had taken to strolling the grounds every evening; she often walked during the day but lately she'd found she was enjoying the feel and smell of early fall in Nachton. She wasn't the only one; plenty of people were out here enjoying the cooling air. One of those, she saw, was Nikhila, who sat comfortably in one of the gazebos on the Tikerak with her laptop close at hand.

The night, while cooler than it had been a month ago, was still fairly warm. Lily was dressed in light gauzy fabrics, her favorite, and they blew gently in the breeze as she made her way to Nikhila and regarded her with a soft smile. Her brief observations told her that while she looked sedentary and content, Nikhila longed to be out and moving. There was just a slight edge to her that spoke, not of discontent, exactly, but of restlessness. Lily understood the feeling, although she'd only experienced it the one time and, perhaps, Nikhila might get to do this more than that.

She came up to the gazebo and leaned lightly against the arm of the seat. "Tough to handle sometimes when your paws are itching but your feet won't listen," she observed shrewdly, her gentle smile never fading and her bright green eyes on her almost-daughter-in-law.

She didn't want to push send. The thought of dealing with that thing on her own made her nervous. Even if she was safe here, locked up it made her anxious. Frowning she thought perhaps she'd run this by legal, perhaps Lily as well. After all, it was through the foundation she'd gotten the job with that lab.

In English the saying was "Speak of the devil and you see his tail."Â? In French it was "Speak of the wolf and you see his tail"Â?. The French was more appropriate right now. Nikhila hadn't heard Lily approach at all, but Lily's manner was always calm. So, even though she'd surprised Nikhila, she didn't jump or start. She just looked up from her work and smiled warmly.

"I only barley remember not being able to run."Â?

After all Nikhila had spent more than half her life as a wolf.

Truthfully, the first night, even though she'd been expecting it, remaining human had scared Nikhila. It wasn't natural and it had taken a second or two for her to remember what was happening. It made her pregnancy much more real, and gave her a whole new reason to be scared, but a different more positive reason to be scared.

She sighed a bit wistfully and with an ironic smile.

"And it is positively unfair I can still feel the moon but not answer her call."Â?

All pregnant females in the Pack must feel the same. They should start a support group. But Nikhila didn't know any other Amaroq in Nachton who were currently expecting. At least Lily could sympathize.

"Was it the same for you?"Â?

Lily gave a soft laugh at Nikhila's wistful expression. "Wait a month or two," she advised with subtle irony. "You'll be happy not to have to go through that particular Change, when everything else is already shifting around enough."

Even though it had been decades, she clearly remembered the sensations of having things pushed around and displaced. It was uncomfortable enough without throwing into it the pain and disorientation of the madness.

"Otherwise, it wasn't much different for me," Lily said with a little sadness. "I was already very cut off from the Pack, so I didn't miss the camaraderie really. Iov was with me, and Liam was too."

Those two had been her companions, it seemed, most of her life. Liam had become infinitely more gentle with her when she'd been pregnant, if not kinder, so that had made those nine months some of the happiest she'd had. It hadn't helped the lack of emotional support; Liam never returned to the same caring husband he'd been when they'd first married and Iov couldn't express himself the way she knew now that he'd wanted to.

"You'll have Aidan to help you through it," she said with a smile. "At least he can remain with you for part of it."

And he had, she knew. The Pack leader's absence had been obvious on the third night of the madness. It was rare for Aidan to use that particular ability of his and therefore, remarkable when he did not. Normally he embraced his Change and ran with his brothers and sisters.

"Just keep your mind on the end result," Lily advised. "When it comes down to it, it's so worth missing out... you'll be grateful for it."

Nikhila managed to both wince and smile at the same time.

"I hadn't considered that far ahead. You may be right."Â?

Wrinkling her nose another thought occurred to her.

"He wasn't a small child either was he?"Â?

How could he be? Aidan was not a small man and Hammer wasn't exactly slight. Perhaps she should have considered this before hand. But Lily was right. The idea of being extremely pregnant with a huge belly then having her body twist itself into an entirely new shape was not appealing. And what if she should go into labor while shifted? No this was for the best, even if she was going a little stir crazy in the mean time.

She frowned at Lily's next words. Even though she could be rather reserve Nikhila had been here in Nachton long enough to find a place with in the Pack. She had Aidan, Lily and even Hammer and of course her staff and students. So while occasionally she had to be drawn into a group, at least she wasn't cut off. That couldn't have been easy for Lily to be so alone. Nikhila, on the other hand, would probably feel the need to be on the edges of camaraderie through out. She'd spent too much time wandering alone to let a little thing like a baby stop her now.

It had been generous of Aidan to stay with her that third night. Nikhila hadn't asked, suggested it, or even dropped a hint. To tell the truth, she'd all but forgotten he was able to resist the urge to change one day out of three, she couldn't remember the last time he'd done so. She had, however, probably been giving of a slightly restless vibe that he'd picked up on. Regardless, she was grateful for his understanding and support.

"I hadn't expected him to do that. But I'm glad he did, it did make it a bit easier."Â?

The idea they were going to have a baby made her glow. Actually, she'd learned from her books that there were other reasons she glowed but the joy it brought didn't hurt. Truthfully she might give up the ability to change permanently for this child, and the others that were bound to follow.

"It will be won't it? I just hope she turns out half as well as her father."Â?

Everyone was certain it was a boy. Even Nikhila had taken to referring to the baby half the time as 'he' and half as 'she'. But, just out of sheer stubbornness, until she saw the ultra sound she wasn't giving up the idea of a baby girl. Of course, she was starting to think Aidan might kidnap an obstetrician and an ultrasound machine rather than let her off the grounds, but that was another story. The first time this child got lippy and told her she was being over protective, she was brining up the idea of noon day doctors appointments and a full security detail so a doctor could get up close and personal with her.

"He wasn't small, no, but don't you worry," Lily reassured Nikhila. "You'll do just fine."

Lily regarded Nikhila with a tender expression for a few moments. "He'd rather spend all three nights with you, I think," she said. "Now that the two of you are back together, I don't think he's going to want to let you wander again."

The details of the situation between Aidan and Nikhila had never been spelled out for her. Lily remembered when Aidan had left Canberra years ago, taking care of Pack business. She also remembered the feeling that it wasn't her place to force Nikhila to stay. The impact it had had on Aidan's return, however, had been obvious and deep. Lily had suspected it would be a long time before Aidan got over that, if he ever did, and was happy to see the issue resolve itself, however long it had taken.

She laughed again at Nikhila's repeated insistence on referring to the unborn baby as both 'he' and 'she.' She hoped, for the two of them, that there would be both sons and daughters in their future, but the odds weighed heavily in favor of a son.

"Whoever is in there has two wonderful parents," Lily corrected Nikhila. "I can't see how your child will be anything less than loved to its full capacity."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Not to mention, I fully intend to spoil my one and only grandchild."

She didn't think she had to add that the same went for Iov, but she would let him say that on his own, in his time. He had so much on his mind right now that Lily hadn't wanted to push him to take more of a role than he was comfortable with. She had faith that their situation would resolve itself in time. For now, there seemed to be very little she could do except be supportive.

She hopped so, doing well all of a sudden took on a whole new dimension as she suddenly had images of a twelve pound baby. She laughed to herself and dismissed it. There was time to worry later, for now she was going to enjoy.

"There is no sense in us both having itchy paws. Besides the Pack needs him, and I'm not far away."Â?

That was true. She had no fear of other pack members, not even at the height of the full moon, but she did respect the madness. While she did go outside, she'd made certain not to be anything remotely resembling prey and not place herself in a situation where she might be mistaken for such.

Her smile turned slightly sad. Truthfully she'd never meant to hurt Aidan. Not him or anyone else, but she had. Still, he'd forgiven her and she'd promised not to ever disappear like that again. She couldn't promise not to wander again, any more then he could promise not to go where he was needed, but they would discuss it, plan it and ideally go together.

"I haven't stayed in one place since I was a teenager."Â?

Nikhila confided in Lily. And with her additional confinement moving, traveling, had been on her mind a lot. Fortunately, so had the baby and that tiny little life was helping keep her in one place. Funny how something so small could provide so much of an anchor.

"But the next time I wander it will be with him,"Â? She laughed and rested her hand momentarily on her still mostly flat stomach "Both of them. I don't want to travel alone again."Â?

That was true. For as challenging and rewarding as it could be, it could also be a very hollow experience days and night with no friends no family, no one to share things with. Especially before she'd learned the language of a place it was hard and lonely. At the time, she'd needed that. Needed to prove she could be on her own and survive and be successful. Now Nikhila wanted her family with her.

Truer words were never spoken, Nikhila knew that with out being told and beyond a shadow of a doubt. This child would be extremely well loved, nurtured, supported and encouraged. If he/she turned out to be the next Alpha they would have a strong solid start.

Nikhila cheerfully rolled her eyes at Lily.

"Then we shall have to see about making sure he doesn't remain the only. We wouldn't want her to get a big head."Â?

She did notice that Lily hadn't included Hammer in that statement. Nikhila knew something was going on, but she didn't know what. There were just times when certain names or references seemed to be a bit off, tense. She didn't pry though. She didn't pry now, she only cocked her head curiously at Lily. If she wanted to say something, Nikhila would listen, but she'd not ask, not directly.

Viviene took advantage of the lingering summer evening temperatures and twisted a sarong into a proper dress, letting the tail trail behind her. It was a taupe colored, gauzy material, bunched up in all the appropriate places with a light strand of gold weaved throughout. She twisted it around her neck, hiding the scar from her father's gifting bite and let it drape in the back, exposing her tattoo and part of the silver scar from Vigo since her hair was tied up in a loose bun on her head. It was comfortable - long story short.

Walking in her favorite flat, white tennis shoes, Viv wandered over onto the Tikerak where she had seen some gazebos spread out in hopes of running into someone, preferably Brig in the darkness of the forest, but that probably wasn't a good idea. Still, she was pleased hearing the soft voices of females floating in the soft, warm wind. Their scents were not familiar to her, nor were their voices, but as she drew closer, Viv could see that it was in fact Hammer's mate Lily Xephier with another female. Circling wide so not to look like she was sneaking up on them, Viv slowed her gait and gave a friendly wave.

'Mrs. Xephier, hello.' Walking up to the two women, she heard the tail end of the other female talking about traveling and someone getting a big head. Nodding to her, Viv gathered up a bit of the material trailing behind her, 'I'm sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting.'

Looking back at Mrs Xephier, she winced self consciously, 'I'm Vivienne...Vivienne Sena? I don't know if Ham...the Beta told you about me, ma'am?'

Lily smiled and nodded at Nikhila with approval. Aidan had told her that Nikhila wouldn't leave again and, seeing her face now, Lily believed that. It was possible that the lost, wandering girl she'd been so long ago was finally learning what it was to be a woman grown, happy, and settled... or at least settling.

The tilted head showed her Nikhila hadn't overlooked the omission of Iov's name. "He'd want to tell you that himself," she said reassuringly. "It's not my place. Those things, he feels them, and it takes him a little time to get used to them. Longer still to let them be spoken."

It wasn't fair for her to say for Iov what he really wanted to say himself. Every parent or grandparent should get to say those words themselves, to feel how happy they made them.

"There's so much going on right now," Lily added with an apologetic smile. "I fear we've thrown everyone for a loop."

Her face grew shadowed for a moment but she snapped out of it quickly enough and turned to face the new female who joined them.

"Vivienne," Lily said with an unreserved smile. "Of course Iov has told me all about you. As has Aidan."

In various tones of voice, as a matter of fact. Lily had kept her peace thus far. Anything that had been said about Vivienne had had nothing to do directly with Lily; she was inclined to immediately agree with Aidan on the rather touchy matter of Vivienne's Pack status.

"It's Lily, please." She'd stopped using Liam's surname. It just hadn't made sense since his death; Lily had thrown herself even further into her family's affairs and was once more using Stafford as her surname. "Welcome to Nachton, Vivienne. Of course you're not interrupting. This is Nikhila Gounder, the Dean of the Academy and Aidan's mate. Have you met yet?"

Lily wasn't sure if the two younger wolves had crossed paths yet but regardless, manners dictated that introductions be made so she did so pleasantly. She didn't mind having others join them, and judging by Nikhila's expression, the mother-to-be also welcomed the company.

That was understandable, and Nikhila certainly didn't push, only nodded. She knew how Hammer had felt about Aidan before he knew they were related. Even if the Beta never said anything at all about their child, Nikhila would understand.

"Actions speak louder than words."Â?

She said with a seemingly careless shrug.

Nikhila didn't feel she'd been thrown for a loop, she felt more like she was swimming in the deep end, after dark, with the lights out. She could tread water and feel the edge of the pool but she couldn't make out its shape or find the stairs to get out. She was more concerned that Aidan might feel the same. Some days she did wish she could read people as well as he could.

But there would be no shape to the pool, not tonight, not with the new arrival. Well, it would come when people were ready.

Nikhila thought she saw a shadow cross Lily's face, but she wasn't sure if it had to do with a memory or the other woman. Who ever Vivienne was she must have some influence or standing for both Aidan and Hammer to have spoken of her to Lily. Taking her cue from Lily though Nikhila decided this was somewhat informal and didn't stand up, although she did offer her hand.

"No, we haven't, the start of the semester always turns me into a recluse for a few weeks. Hardly an excuse though. A pleasure."Â?

She smiled warmly. After all Vivienne seemed polite and friendly enough. It was, or seemed to her, perhaps not odd, but different that Lily would introduce her as Aidan's mate. But it was true enough, so Nikhila didn't question it.

Viv stepped up to Nikhila and shook her offered hand. So this was the Alpha's mate, Viv thought.

'Nice to meet you finally.'

Nodding to both women, Viv climbed the steps into the gazebo and smiled. 'It's interesting putting faces to names. I've read about Kadzait leadership but never had the chance to formally meet anyone in Canberra, but then,' Viv shrugged and tipped her head to the side with a sheepish smile, 'the Hammerthynns don't exactly throw family picnics, do they.'

Turning back to Nikhila, Viv gestured to her tummy, 'Congratulations are in order, I believe, Nikhila. I know the Elder Hammerthynn was pleased to hear about the baby from his son.'

Viv left out how she would know that, especially from Vigo, but she knew Lily already probably knew more about her than even Brig did. Hammer had informed Vigo of the baby as soon as he heard about it, as awkward as it might have been.

'And congratulations to you as well, Lily.' Viv pointed to her engagement ring on her finger. 'Happy news travels fast.'

Lily smiled and let Viv and Nikhila exchange pleasantries before addressing the younger wolf again. Her eyes blazed fiercely for a moment before she realized that Viv seemed honest and genuine in her congratulations. What she and Hammer had done years ago had created a ripple effect that they were still experiencing today, but Vivienne didn't seem to be trying to pour salt onto a wound.

"Thank you," she said, smiling down at the ring on her finger. "I imagine this news traveled even faster than most, but that's probably for the best."

She felt no shame over the matter, not on her behalf and not on Iov's. She had told Iov's family about her circumstances all those years ago. It was Lily's opinion that rather than censure Iov for his actions, he should be praised. Lily had held Liam together and Iov had held her together. Without them, the Pack would have been in far more dire straits, and the end result had been a strong and capable new Alpha to succeed the Xephiers' dynasty.

"When can we expect a visit from Vigo himself?"

Lily didn't add any honorific to Vigo's name. She respected him, without a doubt, and showed him respect but no obedience. She was a Pack beta, the wife one one Alpha and the mother of another. Now that she didn't feel the oppression from Liam's forceful personality, she was learning to step into that position and rank.

Nikhila wasn't quite used to people saying anything, of course it was more or less public knowledge at this point.

"Yes. Thank you. I know we're very excited."Â?

Piecing together a few verbal clues Nikhila concluded Vivienne was relatively close to the Hammerthynns. Which seemed odd because as she understood it there were no females in the family. Perhaps a wife or cousin then?

She didn't dwell on it. Perhaps that was due to the fact that Vigo knew about the child, but Hammer must have said something to his father. Nikhila had never met Vigo. But what little she knew convinced her perhaps that was best.

Nikhila watched Lily carefully, she felt protective towards Aidan's mother and didn't wish her hurt. As far as Nikhila was concerned Lily had been forced into an impossible situation all those years ago and had done the best she could. Besides, if Lily hadn't done what she had, Nikhila wouldn't have Aidan, and without Aidan she probably would have been killed by that pack of Vyusher and wouldn't be sitting here carrying their child. So, for Nikhila it had been the start of a very long but rather positive chain of events.

Her eyebrows rose slightly. She hadn't known that Hammer's father was planning on coming to Nachton. Well, that was... interesting.

Viv felt the inevitable tension that came with the situation Hammer had put himself in years ago and the results of it. If Lily knew everything Hammer did, she probably wasn't all that thrilled for Vivienne to be in Nachton, much less as Vigo's mouth piece, and she assumed Nikhila would know about her, but with her expression over Lily's statement, she may not have. Tucking a piece of loose hair behind her ear, Vivienne considered Vigo's inevitable arrival.

'Welp, I'd have to say that Elder Hammerthynn will make his appearance at least by the birth of his grandson,' she looked quickly back at Nikhila, 'but hey, you never know right? Maybe a little grand daughter? It's my understanding Hammerthynns have poor eyesight before their gifting ritual, but the Alpha sees fine, right? Maybe things are changing. I'm sure the Alpha's father would be extremely pleased with a female Hammerthynn.' Viv knew Vigo would be, despite what people might think of her father, if his affection toward Viv was any clue.

Looking down, she added, 'I do think the results of my reviews on the Piper might have an affect on when the Elder comes. I have yet to really speak to the Beta or the Commander in an official capacity.' Viv felt the blush of arousal hit her cheeks as she mentioned Brig's title. Crap, she thought.

'The Commander isn't too thrilled with that idea, though.' Hopefully her sarcastic tone helped imply her blush was more in annoyance than desire. 'But, you know, we'll see.'

Lily nodded agreeably as Viv spoke, unwilling, or really, unable, to give an opinion about how Hammer's father might view the birth of his grandchild. She had never known Vigo well enough to really understand him, and the only people she knew who knew him well enough had had very strong opinions of their own, which Lily wasn't foolish enough to believe the complete and total truth.

The conversation moved quickly into business, and Lily had the feeling Vivienne wasn't out to chat business. Her keen senses didn't miss the younger were's blush, nor was she oblivious to the scent of the woman's arousal. It was probably unnoticeable to those not in wolf form, but Lily's particular abilities granted her heightened senses in either shape. She doubted that Viv would be hot and bothered by Iov, and therefore it was a very simple jump to conclude that it was Brig who held her fascination.

How ironic.

Lily waved her hand lightly at Vivienne. "We'll see, indeed," she replied softly. "Surely you're not out here on business?" With a soft inclination of her head, she indicated Viv's comfortable attire.

"How are you enjoying your stay at the Den?"

Her eyes crinkled with knowing, but there was no acid in her voice; Lily wasn't capable of it. The inquiry was honest and well-meant, even if she was aware of the subtlety behind it.

Ah, that's who Vivienne was. She should have put it together faster. Nikhila refused to believe the baby was making her forgetful or absent minded, she chose to believe this momentary laps was due to her own hectic schedule. Interesting.

"Great grandchild."Â?

Nikhila corrected almost absently. She wasn't going to slight Hammer. He was this child's grandfather.

"Really that soon?"Â?

As she listened to Vivienne Nikhila relaxed at looked at the other woman more intuitively. She was starting to trust what she saw around people a bit more over the years. The few times she'd not looked at what surrounded people had had interesting consequences.

Fear, pain, not over whelming but they were there. She couldn't tell if they were recent or somewhere in her past. The other was more interesting, love. Nikhila couldn't tell who or what Vivienne felt so strongly about, but it was there.

Nikhila would have stayed in a more work related vein but Lily changed the subject. She cast Lily a furtive glance and discreetly eyed her laptop. Some of them had come out here to work. Deciding she'd talk to Lily about the lawyer later Nikhila flushed slightly and put her own work away.

"Not that there is anything about getting some work done away from your desk."Â?

She half smiled.

"The city has quite a lot to offer as well."Â?

Viv snapped her fingers at Nikhila's correction. 'You're right, Elder Hammerthynn's great grandchild.'

She never referred to Vigo by name, and most definitely never as 'father', in front of anyone. Just that one time with Hammer to piss him off. Even he didn't understand the nature of her relationship with Vigo, but it wasn't like Hammer to care anyway.

Viv shrugged, rolling her shoulders as she stood under the gazebo. 'Not business, no. Just...looking around. I haven't really been anywhere on the property except the Alpha's office at the Tikerak and where the Pipers usually roam, although accommodations have been spectacular. Not really here for pleasure, though - but I did go by a salsa club downtown, Tinta Roja. The Pipers are a fun bunch of boys, that's for sure. They've made this visit less complicated than the Commander seems to want to make it.'

She could not help the sarcastic tone when referring to Brig. He did make day to day operations more difficult than necessary.

'He's grumpy, I've noticed,' Viv finished.

"Grumpy, hmm?" Lily felt her lips twist a little wryly. "I suspect a good deal of that is of his own making."

Lily tried to be level-headed and kind to everyone, but she had a hard time sympathizing with Brig, whose criticism of Iov's actions and refusal to back down were the cause of the rift between the two.

"I suggest you just ignore the grumpiness. Don't let him get to you."

Lily had several more choice terms she would have applied to Brig right then, but she held them back since they'd serve no purpose. Brig's quarrel wasn't with her and although his attitude toward Iov did hurt her, she didn't want to make things worse for Iov by jumping in with fangs and claws flashing.

"As for exploring the Den, maybe we can help you there," she said. "There's plenty to see." She raised a brow at Nikhila, tacitly suggesting her son's mate leave off her ideas of working for the moment, too. She needed to relax and enjoy herself, not constantly worry about being cooped up or throwing herself into her work.

Nikhila refrained from commenting on Brigg's grumpiness, although it was not a word she would typically have associated with him. To that end, she agreed with Lily, but it would hardly be constructive to say so.

"I would like to visit this salsa club. It does sound like fun."Â?

There might be a difference on opinion about that, but it would be preferable to the opera. It would all be in how it was presented, in a few months. If nothing else she'd have time to get him to warm up to the idea.

"I shut it off."Â?

Nikhila said with a mix of humor and defensiveness while closing the laptop.

"The Den, she school if you want, and not that any of us are dressed for it there are some excellent trails the Pipers don't frequent in the Long Run, absolutely. All work and no play and all that."Â?

She said somewhat ironically, having just been subtly chided for the same thing. Maybe she should start a winter garden, that might keep her busy.

Vivienne grinned at Lily's reply. 'Yeah, but he's pretty fun to annoy. It's hard to resist.'

Viv liked Lily, although it was hard to picture Hammer with her. Her soft, gentle nature would seem out of place next to him, but Vigo's secret affectionate behavior would surprise everyone who knew him. Viv wondered what it must have been like, waiting all those years. It was one question she knew she'd never get to ask, but it was still interesting to imagine.

'Tinta Roja is pretty fun, we should have a ladies night with margaritas. You know, put the lime in the coconut...all that jazz.' Viv was half serious when she suggested it, but leadership would probably frown on the Alpha's mother and mate getting drunk with Vigo's Vyusher R'asa wench. Still, she wagered it would be fun.

'What is it that you do at Stafford, Nikhila?' Viv asked, pointing at her now dismissed laptop.

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a giggle at Viv's response. "You and Aidan have a good deal in common, then," she said. While Aidan seemed to have settled happily enough into the idea of having a father again, it hadn't changed his propensity for needling Iov whenever possible. Their relationship had, perhaps, been a little bit strained for a few days, but only a few days. They were settling back into their usual roles once again.

Lily tilted her head with interest at the idea of a night at a salsa club. "I've never had a margarita," she said mildly, wondering if it would be as much fun without Iov there. She couldn't see him dancing the salsa. At all. Ever.

"We'll plan for it," she said, with a hint of mischief in her green eyes. "Once Nikhila is free to come along, of course. That way she can have one too. I'm sure Aidan will be happy to have some father-son bonding time."

She wasn't about to point out that Aidan had basically restricted Nikhila to the Den grounds. Instead she reminded Nikhila of the upcoming joy, and the fact that there would soon be a time when she could, indeed, look forward to going out with "the ladies." Maybe that would take her mind off of her restriction, if she had something to plan for.

Every once in a while Nikhila wondered if Aidan would be happier with some one more like him, less quiet less serious. And something about what Lily said sparked a possessive jealous feeling. Nikhila smacked it down, blaming it on hormones. Instead, she focused on the humor in the other woman's words and smiled.

"Everyone does need a hobby."Â?

No one escaped a certain amount of teasing and needling from her mate, and truthfully, she enjoyed his playfulness. And he was one of the few people she could freely needle back.

Nikhila wasn't a tea totaller, but she wasn't much of a drinker either and honestly couldn't remember if she'd ever had a margarita.

She laughed though, both at the suggestion and at Lily's response to it. Oddly enough, it did sound fun. Perhaps part of that was her being a little stir crazy, but not all. The idea did have appeal.

"Then we have a lot of time to plan. Even without the margaritas I'm sure in a few weeks I'd make quite the sight on the dance floor."Â?

Nikhila appreciated Lily not pointing out her restrictions. It had let her response be relaxed and humorous rather than sullen. She also could only imagine that in a few months she wouldn't mind a night out as well.

She was doing her best not to be too quiet, but it was so easy to fall back into her roll as observer. She didn't know Vivienne very well yet after all. Not bothering with false modesty though she answered simply.

"I'm the dean. I just try and keep everything running smoothly. It might not be too much different from what you do."Â?

Profiling the Pipers was simply a way to keep them running smoothly after all. A different skill set to be sure, but there were similarities.

Viv just smiled at Nikhila's comparison of their jobs. 'I would love to go back to school, most of what I do was self taught and I'm such a slow reader,' Viv chuckled.

Vivienne was fairly certain that the Alpha knew that psychological evaluations was only part of why she was there, or what she did. But then it wasn't as if Hammer had any idea just what she did, exactly. All well, everyone had the little secrets.

'But yeah, for men who are older than they appear, they don't seem to want to leave that college boy mentality. Interesting though, Marthinus Steyn being a Piper, but I suppose that is part of Nachton's charm - their vampires. Tell me,' Viv said getting almost a little giggly asking, 'are the vampires as beautiful as everyone seems to think they are. I mean, it's like you can't find an ugly one in the bunch.'

She hoped bringing up the situation wouldn't upset the ladies, what with their recent encounter with them in the past several weeks, but you couldn't talk about Nachton without talking about its apparent masters.

"I'm not sure I'd call them charming," Lily disagreed mildly, her recent experiences fresh in her mind. She considered Viv's question, lightly meant as it was, and finally lifted her shoulders. "I don't know how many I've met," she said frankly.

She thought about it though, remembering the silver-armored vampire they'd run into in the preserve. Lily hadn't thought to look at his face; not much. And she'd spent the better part of the fight unconscious anyhow. She remembered opening her eyes and seeing him standing there, facing Aidan, both of them bathed in moonlight. Naturally, Aidan had been the more beautiful of the two, his amber coat shining in the light, his eyes furious in their anger.

But she had to admit, grudgingly, that Viv was right. The vampire, too, had moved with a particular fluidity and grace. Maybe if circumstances had been vastly different she would have enjoyed watching him.

"Beauty can conceal endless ugliness," she murmured. Vivienne hadn't meant to darken the mod though, so lily smiled once more. "I fear you're right though. There must be a fat, out of shape vampire somewhere."

"You're welcome to sit in on a class if you give me some advance notice, and of course with the professors' approval."Â?

Nikhila was proud of the school and her staff, and there were few people she could show it off too. However, she wouldn't obligate any of her staff to allow a stranger to sit in.

She raised an eyebrow at Viv's near giggle, but then Viv hadn't been there. Getting a first hand look at vampires, beautiful had not been the first word to spring to mind. Especially not after Aidan had gotten through with the one; Nikhila wrinkled her nose in distaste remembering his missing eye. The lawyer, however, she'd met under more civilized circumstances and had to admit he was attractive. Even the woman had been striking.

"I think I might be just as happy not knowing the answer to that question."Â?

She refused to think about that night in any detail right now. Bad enough she dreamed about it, thinking about it while awake wasn't something Nikhila tried to do. She forced a smile and countered Lily.

"Oh I don't know. Immortality and a bowflex should fix just about any figure flaws they might have. And I understand the financing on them is quite good when stretched over a few hundred years."Â?

'Cool, thank you,' Viv replied to Nikhila's offer. It would give her something to do, instead of chasing after sweaty, muscled men. Viv paused for a second - trying to decide if that was a bad thing after all.

Her eyes flicked back to the ladies as they gave their opinion on the vampires. Probably was too soon, all things considered, especially for the Alpha's mate. The vampires were an interesting lot.

'They are extremely wealthy, aren't they? I was at Duibne Industries' lobby the other afternoon,' Viv whistled, 'it must be coming out of their ears after being able to cultivate investments over hundreds of years, millenniums if you believe the rumors. I don't think I've met any, but then I haven't been out in Nachton proper at night much.'

A grin tugged at the corners of her lips. Yeah, she had been busy at night. Speaking of which...

'In any case, ladies. I'll be on my way. Thank you for letting me intrude on your conversation. It is nice being able to meet the others in the pack.' Nodding respectfully, Viv took a step back, turning to leave. Snapping her fingers, she turned back and suggested something.

'You know we could always have our own lime and coconut here at the Den. I make a mean virgin pina' colada, Nikhila. It'll be fun. Us girls. No icky boys. Have a glorious evening, ladies!' Viv finished with a friendly wave.

((OOC - Viv out pending responses!))

Continued in A morning walk

Lily enjoyed the fact that Nikhila and Viv seemed to get on well. Vivienne had had a rough reception in Nachton, but since Nikhila didn't really know who she was she was inclined to be her usual friendly and welcoming self. It was good for them both, the older woman decided. No one could survive on work alone, and even the men in their respective lives needed some space from time to time.

From Viv's words, Lily felt a little alarm. Not shock, just caution. She conveyed it to the younger were. "See that you bring friends if you do decide to play in the city after dark," she said. Werewolves tended to hang out in groups as it was, so Viv would likely be safe, but Lily couldn't help herself. The urge to protect was strong.

She agreed that under different circumstances, a vampire might make an interesting object of study... if one could get around the thousands of years of inherited memories that screamed "evil bloodthirsty killer" at the mere sound of the word.

At Viv's parting words, Lily thought she sensed a little bit of the same feeling of arousal from her as she had earlier. So... perhaps there was something, somehow... the irony didn't escape her a bit. All the same she brightened at Viv's suggestion and nodded as she glanced down at Nikhila once more. "That sounds like a wonderful plan," she said. She wished Viv a good night as the other woman turned to leave.

Nikhila very much hoped Vivienne would take her up on the offer, but she wouldn't press.

She wondered why Vivienne would have been at Duibne, but with Marthinus, it made some sense. Not that she had any room to talk having worked with Meridian, not with Drew there on a regular basis. Everyone had their jobs.

She refrained from saying anything about the vampires, although she did nod in agreement with Lily's caution.

"It wasn't an intrusion, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again."Â?

Nikhila smiled at the other woman. She was a bit surprised at Vivienne's offer and responded without thinking, and genuinely meaning it.

"I'd like that. Have a good night."Â?

Waiting for Vivienne to get out of earshot, Nikhila reflected on the conversation. She had the feeling she'd missed something and it felt significant. Perhaps she'd ask Aidan to enlighten her, for now she turned to Lily with a questioning gaze.

"She seemed nice."Â?

"She is nice," Lily agreed. No one was ever naturally evil, she believed. Everyone was fundamentally good. What they did and said caused perceptions to shift, and sadly Vivienne was surrounded by actions and events that caused peoples' view of her to change. That and, on a completely biological level, she simply didn't belong with the Kadzait. But if the Alpha agreed to let her stay, then Lily accepted that and would treat Vivienne as she treated anyone else. She knew, however, that if Aidan ever changed his mind on the issue then all of Vigo's considerable influence wouldn't make a difference. A good deal of the reason Vivienne was able to stay here was because Aidan allowed it. Sometimes, there was just no changing the fact that ninety-five percent of the time, a wolf pack was a dictatorship.

That said, it was to Aidan's credit, Lily thought, that he did his best not to seem like a dictator. Liam had been just the opposite. Every tiny bit of minutia had been under his claw every second of every day. To some, that was comforting. To others, it was oppressive.

Shaking her head to herself as she watched Viv disappear, Lily smiled at Nikhila once more.

"Did you plan to work all evening?"

She didn't think Lily was being difficult or deliberately avoiding her question. After all, she hadn't actually -asked- a question. She'd ask Aidan later, it probably didn't apply to her but she couldn't shake the feeling something else was going on.

Nikhila smiled at Lily and admitted sheepishly.

"For a while yet. At least until Aidan gets home. It is the beginning of a new school year, takes a while to get everything under control that and..."Â?

Nikhila hesitated a bit. This wasn't something she could handle on her own and she knew it. She opened up her laptop again and waited it for it to wake up. Damned lawyers, she never could get their verbiage right.

"Hoang has taken objection to my not coming to work any more."Â?

Lily tilted her head at Nikhila as she spoke like a true workaholic. Well, at least it gave her something to focus on besides the idea that she was somehow being held captive in her own home.

The mention of Hoang's name, however, would have had her perking up her ears if she'd been in wolf form. This was a business matter between Nikhila and Stafford, and since the Park and Preserve incident Lily was even more cautious where any vampire was concerned... but this one in particular.

"What's been going on?" she said, her voice lowering instinctively. There was no one nearby, but wolf ears were sensitive and there were very few people who should know about this at all.

Quickly calling up her email, Nikhila turned the laptop so Lily could see it.

"He's been... difficult. He confiscated all the research and materials I left there, which goes against the contract I signed. Some of the material belonged to Meridian. I've already alerted their archives. I can only assume they got their property back."Â?

She'd not heard back from Kem and could only assume he'd been successful. But that also meant he probably had been unable to retrieve her work, which Nikhila had expected. Fortunately, she'd never left much at the lab. They needed her and her full notes to recreate what she'd done.

Apparently, Hoang's scientists had told him the same thing as the vampire was trying a new tactic.

"He's starting procedures to sue me for breech of contract as well. I apparently have one week to return to the lab, with my work or go to court."Â?

It was defiantly a catch twenty-two, either way left her very exposed and she could hardly go into court with the Pipers or any other security. And she certainly wasn't going to the lab.

Lily frowned as she glanced through Nikhila's emails. "He's quite persistent," she murmured.

"Don't worry about it," she finally said. "I'll have Stafford's law team on it first thing in the morning. If he wants to play on the legal ball field, I hope he brought enough resources for a few extra innings."

She worried about having put Nikhila in this position to begin with, but at least Aidan had already done the best thing for his mate, which was to keep her safe at the Den. Hoang's lawyers wouldn't be able to pry Nikhila away from this place, not if Lily had any say in it. Stafford's lawyers were very, very good.

"Rather."Â?

Nikhila agreed.

Her email conversation with Kem was in there as well, neatly filed under a folder marked "Meridian"Â? if Lily wanted to see that.

Nikhila found it odd that after the events in the preserve that Hoang would be the most persistent of the vampires. Or perhaps her viewpoint was skewed because she was restricted to the grounds. But if there had been any other, attacks Nikhila felt certain she'd know about it. Aidan wouldn't take it laying down and any further injuries or death would upset him a great deal.

Lily's words reassured her a great deal. Nikhila sighed and visibly relaxed. That was just what she hoped Lily would say. With a bit of dark humor she quipped,

"Immortality and wealth. I'm sure he can put up something of a fight."Â?

But clearly, Nikhila believed that once in the hands of Stafford's lawyers she'd not be forced away from the Den.

"Something of," Lily agreed with good humor, "but we can keep him tied up for a good long time, if not shut him down altogether. He's not taking you out of here."

Lily was certain of that and didn't hesitate to reassure Nikhila on that score.

She glanced briefly at the emails between Meridian's head of archives and her son's mate. Kem Raaisu. The name was familiar. She didn't know where she'd heard it, but it seemed important. She tapped it gently with a fingernail.

"Who is this? It looks like he was trying to help. Is he a friend?"

Her tone of voice made it plain that she didn't mean 'friend' as in, 'someone you hang out with' but rather, 'someone who knows about us and can be trusted.'

She dropped her voice even further. "Isn't Meridian one of theirs? Why would he be helpful?"

Nikhila shook her head in the negative. She'd not trusted Kem with what she was, what they were. If he knew it was through different sources.

"We met... just after I started at the lab. Meridian had access to some documents I needed. You remember the historical data I showed you? It was theirs."Â?

Even if Meridian was one of theirs they had the resources Nikhila had needed. She felt a bit guilty about collaborating with the enemy and flushed a bit, but nodded the affirmative.

Why would Kem help her? That was something Nikhila had wondered before, but had no answer for. Her best guess was that Kem didn't know about either vampires or werewolves, but after having spoken to Drew a bit that didn't seem to be likely. It did, however, make her worry about the young man a bit more than usual. Still, she trusted their Alpha not to do anything terribly rash or risk any one unnecessarily.

"Honestly, I don't know. But he's never been anything but polite, helpful and friendly."Â?

Nikhila was actually fond of Kem. If they weren't on opposite sides of the playing field she would consider him a friend. Her tone managed to convey that.

Lily's brow furrowed as Nikhila answered her question as best she could. So who was this man, then? The younger woman seemed to think he belonged to the silu, but in what capacity? And it didn't answer the question of why he was willing to help, unless he was totally unaware of their identities.

"That's... unusual," she mused. Nikhila seemed to trust this man. Sort of. At least in this regard. Perhaps not in others.

"I wonder if we've managed to set them against each other."

From the look of the email, Hoang was going to be double-teamed by both Stafford and Meridian. Lily couldn't say that was a bad thing, necessarily. The more he had going on, the less time he'd have to complicate their lives. She hadn't even considered the possibility of playing vampires against each other.

"Drew Benally, have you met?, has been working in their archives for several months. He might be able to tell you more than I can."Â?

It was all Nikhila could offer. Aidan knew Drew was there and Drew had hinted he was there in a semi official capacity. Nikhila was proud of the young man, but did worry about him. The assignment could very quickly go wrong.

"Most likely. At least legally, Meridian has more than a few lawyers of their own and Kem was quite determined to get their documents back."Â?

But she could see where Lily was going with the idea. If they could play the vampires against each other, it might help the Pack. And if she understood correctly the clans didn't always play nice with each other.

She frowned.

"I wish I could be more help."Â?

And less of a liability. Stupid hormones, Nikhila forced her scattered emotions back under control. But the rest of her thought, though unspoken, was very clear, she'd do whatever the Pack needed to help mitigate this threat.

"I know Drew," Lily said. "I'll ask him. And Aidan, of course. I think it's time we told him about this."

She watched Nikhila for a reaction to see how she felt about that. But the woman's next words had Lily moving around to the side of the bench Nikhila sat on, her hand resting gently on the younger were's shoulder.

"Some of us help not by going out and hitting things, but by using the tools at hand," she said gently.

She knew this was what worried Nikhila often. Lily wished she could demonstrate to her how she did help; just not in a flamboyant and obvious way. "We help differently," she said, including herself in the statement. "We have no need to bite things when we have perfectly good brains in our heads."

She reached over and carefully closed the top of Nikhila's computer. "In the meantime, walk with me?"

It would do them both good.

Nikhila nodded. She'd been trying to handle this on her own, but at least she'd finally recognized it was beyond her. That this problem was too big and she'd have to accept help from other people. Oddly enough, she was OK with this. There was no shame in needing help and no reason for her to feel she had failed. In fact, she was somewhat relived to have this problem given to actual experts.

Wait, her laptop was closed. How was she supposed to work with it closed?

Nikhila looked up at Lily and smiled weakly. She might be Aidan's mother, but she understood Nikhila far too well.

"Is it so wrong to want to do both?"Â?

The sun had set now, but there was enough light for them to enjoy a walk and nothing she was going to do tonight couldn't wait till tomorrow. Stashing the laptop and some files in its case she flagged down a professor who just happened to be crossing the lawn and asked that they place the laptop in the in box just outside her office. It would be safe enough there.

That done she stood and followed Lily. Nikhila didn't bother to try and defend or justify herself. Truthfully she had gotten much better over the years. She no longer felt a burden to the Pack. She didn't feel that she was holding Aidan back. Lily probably already understood that.

Lily waited for Nikhila to hand off her laptop and then walked side by side with her around the Den toward the Long Run.

"Not wrong," she said, "but we each have our forte. I can hold my own when it comes down to it, but I know I'm better off working behind the scenes. Iov and Aidan will both just worry otherwise, and they need someone to help coordinate. The Pack needs someone to coordinate as well."

She gently reminded Nikhila that the Pack was everything. When push came to shove, if the Alpha was gone, another Alpha would take his or her place. The Pack remained.

"I suppose there's no harm in trying though, as long as you don't spread yourself too thin."

As they headed out into the forest, Lily laughed softly. "I think you're going to have your hands too full to worry about it at all in a few months."

((ooc: Lily and Nikhila out))