Plan B (L 2.3)

Location: The Roost
Time: Evening



Litch,

After a rough time at Raftland, you come back to The Roost with a wounded and angry Shrike along with an annoyed Kestrel. You pass by Canary's big ship moored nearby and come into the dock. Mynah comes out to greet you while Shrike stalks inside and Kestrel takes care of the jet skis.

Of course he's dead. Nothing is ever easy. I glance over at the Refuge. The sight of it comforting somehow, just as the vessel's name implies. I hope Syd's supply run was successful, but it's also comforting to have allies close at hand.

I sigh deeply, hobbling toward the doors with Mynah by my side. My knee has started to swell and I can't put much weight on it without grimacing in pain. "Do you think there's merit to the rumors?" I murmur, my voice low and rasping. I pause, midway to the Roost's entrance. I had intended to walk in under my own power, but the pain is too much and my gait too slow. "Could you help me inside, darling?" I ask her.

I grunt when she mentions the food. "I'd eat raw fish at this point, but I'm glad to have the grub from that fancy place." We slowly, but steadily shuffle our way to the entrance. On our way, I tell her about the trade brokered with Lucky, the new ship that the Sippians have, our failed attempt to abduct Hedges for leverage, and Ladoga's death. "I didn't really want to kill her. There was no honor in it. But I have no regrets either. Didn't want a loose end. Now it seems I have several." I confide.

"It was foolishness to think I could do what the Litch of even five years ago could do, physically. But...well, some things are hard to let go of, even when the evidence is there."

"I'm glad somebody does." I nuzzle my cheek on her forehead, careful to not put any more of my weight into her to topple us both over in an undignified heap. Not that there'd be anyone to witness. I forgot that my kids had planned to go out tonight. This place always feels like a yotzed crypt when it's near empty. "Kids take Helix with them?" I try not to let any concern sneak its way into the question. I want the girl to feel free to come and go, but I know she's yet a skeptic and a prize valued by many.

"Thanks, love." I say with gratitude to Mynah, shrugging out of my damp jacket and tossing my hat on the nightstand. My hair think with sweat and seawater, hangs like drapes around my face. I pull it back and tie it with a loose piece of fabric torn from my shirt. Having it out of the way allows me a small measure of comfort.

As Kestrel heats up water, I continue removing the rest of my wet garments and footwear, until I'm sitting on the bedside in only my underclothes. I swing my legs gingerly from the floor onto the bed as I lay back against a pillow and the headboard, tossing another pillow under my knee to keep it elevated. I try to wince, but quietly meditate as I hear the water begin to boil, the hissing and bubbling creating a rhythm I match to my breathing.

I can hear one of my partners moving about near the bedside and I reach an arm out for them.

Mynah holds you close until Kestrel returns. Working together, your partners clean off the muck of the Rafter waters and dry your body. Mynah offers you comfort while Kestrel watches over you from afar, as is her way.

What do you walk about with Mynah until Syd finishes his work with Aloe?

We don't talk much at first as we lie together. Our time is spent giving each other, physical, intimate comforts. It's the first time we've lain together as lovers since Kiwi was shot. My partners grieve in different ways. Kestrel is very physical, both in an intimate way and with a desire to put throw herself into a task as a way to deal with life's sorrow. Mynah processes everything internally first, though she also prefers to keep busy. After she has had time to herself, Mynah then commits herself to caring for others - myself, her children, Kestrel, and the other Talons. I know the patterns of my beloveds and I do my best to allow them to work things out in the ways that best suits them.

When we have finished our quiet lovemaking, I lay with her in my arms. We joke and giggle like honeymooners, but with a somber reserve. It's as though we both recognize that the pain is still present, but we are able to find a small pocket of joy in it's midst. "Have you met the girl, yet love?" I eventually shift topics. "The one who was your boy's friend at the Belly?"

I trace her jaw with the back of my finger, down her throat and collar bone and over one her breasts, circling it and cupping it gently as I lean down to kiss her fully on the mouth. I lay with her for a bit longer, caressing and kissing. Just being together for a few precious moments. Eventually, I look over to Kestrel by the fire. "Is there time for you to come join us? Or do we need to be responsible adults again?"

I smirk at her and raise myself up on one elbow to give her an incredulous look. "Why don't you come over here and find out, love? I have more than one weapon in my arsenal." To emphasize my point, I give Mynah's zok cheek a playful slap, chuckling hoarsely as I do so. "Let us both take care of you, Kes. You deserve it."

End Scene