Xeph paid more attention to his slab of tuna than to Hammer's comment. Notably, he didn't look at his Beta. If he did, he would probably gag at the sight of that enormous pile of scrambled eggs. Best not to even think about it.
Turning as Jillian hugged him, he smiled at her and stood. "You have news? What news?"
He grinned at the girl's enthusiasm, glad to see her smiling. Turning to the young man behind her, he raised his brows. "I assume you're the news, or part of it."
He held his hand out. "I'm Xeph, and you're not interrupting anything. Breakfast and work are separate today."
Uh...hey...
The sun rose seemingly earlier than usual, and Jesse woke up without his normal preamble. Even once awake, he skipped over his routine stretches, and warm ups, used to get his body moving. He was NOT a morning person, but if pushed he could be ready for any challenge if he had some time to tune into the day. People just couldn't rush him, and expect anything more than a growl.
Like it or not, and thinking on it long and hard, convinced Jesse he wasn't sure he did like it, but he had things to do today that he couldn't put off any longer. First he had to find the girl, and then he had to meet the Kadzait alpha. If things went as he hoped, one might enable the second, or make it more palatable anyway. He would just have to make sure he did everything he could not to screw it up. Sometimes he didn't move so well among people. Sometimes he said the wrong thing, or acted the wrong way, and all hell broke loose. So most of the time he tried to just hang with himself, and avoid those kinds of situations. Sometimes they were unadvoidable.
Once he made his morning kill, Jesse ran toward town on four legs. Moving about was usually much easier that way, as long as he had the cover of the woods. When he could hide no longer he shifted, and dressed in jeans, sandals, and a hoodie, both of which were clean, and came from a pack he toted around. He had a t-shirt to wear under the hoodie, but wanted to wash up first, which he did at a gas station on the outskirts of town. Feeling presentable, Jesse took the rest of the walk on two legs, but still stuck to the woods as much as possible.
Knowing a wide expanse of woods backed up to the Kadzait compound, he made it all the way to the log and stone building he'd seen the girl enter the night before. There was a check point out in front of the property where he knew he should check in at, and would, but first he wanted a better look of things during the daylight hours. It was early, and things were still pretty quiet.
Xeph
15 years ago
Jesse
15 years ago
Hesitantly, and remaining behind her, but off to the side where he was visible, Jesse waited. He wasn't sure what he expected, barging into the Den, unannounced as he had, but was somewhat relieved to have followed in on Jillian's wake. He could see immediately that she was well regarded in the pack, though he didn't see how she could be otherwise, and by association he guessed things might go easier on him. Not that he planned on taking advantage of her graciousness.
At the proffered hand, Jesse moved around closer to Xeph, as Jillian moved closer to the other man, and returned the shake.
"Yes sir, I am the news...er...I'm Jesse Katsaros. My grandfater, Aaron Katsaros, of New York, passed on not long ago, and told me I should come to Nachton, and make this pack my home now."
It was uncommon for Jesse to get that many words put together in one statement, especially when he was in the company of more than one person at a time, and those people weren't female. However, he knew he was going to have to offer some explanation for his appearance, and had practiced the little speech several times since he'd left New York.
He was in luck in that regard as well, as Jillian, in her excitement, broke into the conversation, and Jesse gave her the floor, willingly.
At the proffered hand, Jesse moved around closer to Xeph, as Jillian moved closer to the other man, and returned the shake.
"Yes sir, I am the news...er...I'm Jesse Katsaros. My grandfater, Aaron Katsaros, of New York, passed on not long ago, and told me I should come to Nachton, and make this pack my home now."
It was uncommon for Jesse to get that many words put together in one statement, especially when he was in the company of more than one person at a time, and those people weren't female. However, he knew he was going to have to offer some explanation for his appearance, and had practiced the little speech several times since he'd left New York.
He was in luck in that regard as well, as Jillian, in her excitement, broke into the conversation, and Jesse gave her the floor, willingly.
Iov Hammerthynn
15 years ago
Hammer watched from his seat at the table as the young man introduced himself to the Alpha. Xeph, as always, was perfectly polite and gracious as any host should be. Hammer on the other hand decided to forgo his usual niceties, such as they were, and leaned back into his chair. He knew he should stand and be polite, but his eggs were in jeopardy and honestly, Hammer wanted to see the man react to an uncomfortable situation.
Flicking a lone eye up and down at the young man, he blinked it slowly and nodded.
Flicking a lone eye up and down at the young man, he blinked it slowly and nodded.
Jillian
15 years ago
Once Jillian had hugged Xeph, she felt she should also offer a more personal greeting to Hammer as well, yet she was pretty sure a hug was not something he would relish. So instead she smiled when he looked her way, and moved to pat him tentatively on his back.
"Good morning Hammer. You're looking well."
One day she hoped she might encounter the man alone, when he didn't seem like he had too much to do, and she could actually have a normal conversation with him. Jillian had been interested in Hammer ever since the night she met him at dinner, and just knew he had to have all kinds of stories to tell. If only she could have a few hours with him she just knew she would learn a lot about the Kadzait.
But that surely wasn't anything she could do now.
Before Jillian could properly introduce Jesse, he did so himself. This was one reason, she mused, that she usually talked so quickly, and tried to get as much of her thoughts in at once...because whenever she waited something crazy seemed to happen. And now it was Hammer that appeared to be giving Jesse a pretty intense once over.
Jillian patted Hammer on the shoulder this time, before she moved to stand besides Jesse, offering him as much support as she could. She didn't want Hammer to think she was trying to protect the younger man, but being that she was primarily responsible for dragging him into this wolve's den, she couldn't help herself.
"Please, don't stop eating, your breakfast will get cold." Hoping her sincere offer would give both men an excuse to continue their meal, that Jillian never wanted to interupt to begin with, she did continue allowing them the additional time. She also hoped Hammer would return to the pile of eggs on his plate, and turn his calculating gaze away from her new friend.
"I ran into Jesse yesterday, and being that we were both ultimately going to the same place, offered to bring him in. I didn't see where it was necessary that he go through a lot of red tape, and didn't think you'd think that required anyway, Xeph."
Jillian looked from Jesse, to Xeph, and then to Hammer, even though she tried not to. Yet once again that was sufficient pause in her conversation to allow Jesse time to approach Hammer, and Jillian cringed.
"Good morning Hammer. You're looking well."
One day she hoped she might encounter the man alone, when he didn't seem like he had too much to do, and she could actually have a normal conversation with him. Jillian had been interested in Hammer ever since the night she met him at dinner, and just knew he had to have all kinds of stories to tell. If only she could have a few hours with him she just knew she would learn a lot about the Kadzait.
But that surely wasn't anything she could do now.
Before Jillian could properly introduce Jesse, he did so himself. This was one reason, she mused, that she usually talked so quickly, and tried to get as much of her thoughts in at once...because whenever she waited something crazy seemed to happen. And now it was Hammer that appeared to be giving Jesse a pretty intense once over.
Jillian patted Hammer on the shoulder this time, before she moved to stand besides Jesse, offering him as much support as she could. She didn't want Hammer to think she was trying to protect the younger man, but being that she was primarily responsible for dragging him into this wolve's den, she couldn't help herself.
"Please, don't stop eating, your breakfast will get cold." Hoping her sincere offer would give both men an excuse to continue their meal, that Jillian never wanted to interupt to begin with, she did continue allowing them the additional time. She also hoped Hammer would return to the pile of eggs on his plate, and turn his calculating gaze away from her new friend.
"I ran into Jesse yesterday, and being that we were both ultimately going to the same place, offered to bring him in. I didn't see where it was necessary that he go through a lot of red tape, and didn't think you'd think that required anyway, Xeph."
Jillian looked from Jesse, to Xeph, and then to Hammer, even though she tried not to. Yet once again that was sufficient pause in her conversation to allow Jesse time to approach Hammer, and Jillian cringed.
Jesse
15 years ago
Not one to back down, unless his death was imminent, Jesse caught the look the other man gave him, and moved to offer his hand this time.
Jillian was trying to intercede for some reason, and he had to let her know he was fine. He was highly respectful of both the alpha, and the beta, and without doubt slightly intimidated by the two as well, but he wasn't afraid of either man...yet. They had given him no reason to be. He was part of their pack after all, even if he was unknown. He wouldn't believe either man would waste their vaulable time considering him to be any kind of threat.
"Jesse Katsaros, sir."
And now that the introductions were done, Jesse hoped he and Jillian could go about their business, and eat breakfast. There were only four people in the room at that moment, but that was really two more than he felt comfortable with.
However, he knew realistically there would probably be a few questions that would require addressing, before he would be left to his own devices. Not to mention they still had to discuss his living arrangements.
Turning his eyes back to Xeph, Jesse spoke before Jillian had a chance to this time.
"I was hoping you might have accommodations here for me? I haven't secured employment yet, and would be willing to offer myself up for anything that I might be suited for here, with the pack, but also plan on going out into Nachton and finding a job too. I don't plan on being a freeloader, sirs."
Jillian was trying to intercede for some reason, and he had to let her know he was fine. He was highly respectful of both the alpha, and the beta, and without doubt slightly intimidated by the two as well, but he wasn't afraid of either man...yet. They had given him no reason to be. He was part of their pack after all, even if he was unknown. He wouldn't believe either man would waste their vaulable time considering him to be any kind of threat.
"Jesse Katsaros, sir."
And now that the introductions were done, Jesse hoped he and Jillian could go about their business, and eat breakfast. There were only four people in the room at that moment, but that was really two more than he felt comfortable with.
However, he knew realistically there would probably be a few questions that would require addressing, before he would be left to his own devices. Not to mention they still had to discuss his living arrangements.
Turning his eyes back to Xeph, Jesse spoke before Jillian had a chance to this time.
"I was hoping you might have accommodations here for me? I haven't secured employment yet, and would be willing to offer myself up for anything that I might be suited for here, with the pack, but also plan on going out into Nachton and finding a job too. I don't plan on being a freeloader, sirs."
Iov Hammerthynn
15 years ago
Jillian laid her small hand on Hammer and he was surprised that the urge to shudder did not overtake him. She was trying hard to protect the young man, and for a short moment, Hammer felt embarrassed for his impolite greeting, or lack thereof. Yes, he'd have to stand now.
The young man introduced himself to Hammer and offered up his abilities to the pack. Slowly, Hammer removed his napkin and placed it sadly next to his eggs. Jesse was tall, at least the LT's height, but not near as tall as himself or the Alpha. As Hammer stood to full height, he wiped at his khaki pants, letting his arms flex against the folds of his sleeves which were just above his elbows. Hammer was a formidable sight, and did not need to lend a sneer to his stature, but as he stepped next to the Alpha, Hammer looked down at Jillian and managed to give her a smile.
Well, for the most part.
'No interruption, Jillian.' Hammer sighed slightly. 'They're just eggs.'
Turning to the young man he considered his offer. 'Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Katsaros. There is always room for family here. As for employment, that would be up to your Alpha.'
Katsaros. Hammer considered the name. It was vaguely familiar, and he would inquire further into the history of it within the Pack, but for the moment Hammer would accept the man for what he was - young, a Kadzait, and apparently Jillian's friend. That would have to do.
The young man introduced himself to Hammer and offered up his abilities to the pack. Slowly, Hammer removed his napkin and placed it sadly next to his eggs. Jesse was tall, at least the LT's height, but not near as tall as himself or the Alpha. As Hammer stood to full height, he wiped at his khaki pants, letting his arms flex against the folds of his sleeves which were just above his elbows. Hammer was a formidable sight, and did not need to lend a sneer to his stature, but as he stepped next to the Alpha, Hammer looked down at Jillian and managed to give her a smile.
Well, for the most part.
'No interruption, Jillian.' Hammer sighed slightly. 'They're just eggs.'
Turning to the young man he considered his offer. 'Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Katsaros. There is always room for family here. As for employment, that would be up to your Alpha.'
Katsaros. Hammer considered the name. It was vaguely familiar, and he would inquire further into the history of it within the Pack, but for the moment Hammer would accept the man for what he was - young, a Kadzait, and apparently Jillian's friend. That would have to do.
Xeph
15 years ago
Xeph shook Jesse's hand firmly, his face growing solemn. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said with sincerity. "I am glad, though, that you found your way to us."
Most of them did, sooner or later. Weres were gregarious by nature, and they generally liked to stay in groups, whether with family or friends, or a combination of both.
Jillian seemed to like him, and Xeph was pleased her expedition to discover the stranger in the cemetery had been benign. Jesse already had a friend here too, which would make settling down easier.
"Of course we've got rooms for you. After you've eaten, why don't you see Camille at the front desk? She can let you know what's available and you can choose something to your liking."
Xeph never forced anyone into a room, if he could avoid it. He had specifically asked he architects to vary the floor plans and designs to make a variety of dwellings; some were den-like and cozy, some were open to the sky. Some were a mix of each. there were furnished apartments and unfurnished ones. Everyone had their own needs.
Taking his seat and almost delicately slicing through his raw tuna, he considered it thoughtfully.
"Once you're settled in; I don't know, maybe today or tomorrow, come find me and we'll discuss employment. I'm sure we can find you something here, whether full time, part time, or just temporary."
This part of his job, Xeph liked. Introducing new Pack members to their family, and their Den, was interesting. His people came from all over, with different needs and hobbies and skills. On the outside they may have little in common, but fundementally they shared a very strong bond.
Most of them did, sooner or later. Weres were gregarious by nature, and they generally liked to stay in groups, whether with family or friends, or a combination of both.
Jillian seemed to like him, and Xeph was pleased her expedition to discover the stranger in the cemetery had been benign. Jesse already had a friend here too, which would make settling down easier.
"Of course we've got rooms for you. After you've eaten, why don't you see Camille at the front desk? She can let you know what's available and you can choose something to your liking."
Xeph never forced anyone into a room, if he could avoid it. He had specifically asked he architects to vary the floor plans and designs to make a variety of dwellings; some were den-like and cozy, some were open to the sky. Some were a mix of each. there were furnished apartments and unfurnished ones. Everyone had their own needs.
Taking his seat and almost delicately slicing through his raw tuna, he considered it thoughtfully.
"Once you're settled in; I don't know, maybe today or tomorrow, come find me and we'll discuss employment. I'm sure we can find you something here, whether full time, part time, or just temporary."
This part of his job, Xeph liked. Introducing new Pack members to their family, and their Den, was interesting. His people came from all over, with different needs and hobbies and skills. On the outside they may have little in common, but fundementally they shared a very strong bond.
Jillian
15 years ago
While it was probably proper that Hammer rose, and greet Jesse man to man, Jillian was both pleased and anxious. It was pleasing to see her new friend being welcomed to the pack, much like she had been, yet she retained a similar anxiety in causing any disruption to the routine of the two men. She knew these men ran the pack, and were responsible for an almost infinite number of things that were required to keep the pack running smoothly. Because of that Jillian could only hope that her little foray into being a liaison of sorts continued to go as smoothly as it had. She smiled up at the big man when he too shook Jesse's hand.
Stepping back again, to listen rather than speak, Jillian gave Jesse room to fit into the scene. It was now up to him to take over, and build his presence in the Den with the alpha and beta. Perhaps it was growing up with a mother as an alpha, and being involved in or at least subject to observing many day to day decisions, that gave Jillian the insight into such things. But whatever the case, it was almost second nature for her to now sort of blend into the background, and let the men size Jesse up. She didn't anticipate the meeting lasting too long, again because time for Xeph and Hammer was important, but she didn't think either man would short Jesse the time necessary to get him settled.
Hammer welcomed Jesse, and Xeph gave him short instructions on how to go about getting moved in. Both men spoke to Jesse as another man, and didn't appear at all condescending. Not that Jillian would have expected any less, but her feelings for the two leaders of the Kadzait continued to increase, just as they had in the past several months. As she had many times over, since arriving in Nachton, Jillian gave thanks to her parents for having the foresight to send her here, where she now felt at home.
Stepping back again, to listen rather than speak, Jillian gave Jesse room to fit into the scene. It was now up to him to take over, and build his presence in the Den with the alpha and beta. Perhaps it was growing up with a mother as an alpha, and being involved in or at least subject to observing many day to day decisions, that gave Jillian the insight into such things. But whatever the case, it was almost second nature for her to now sort of blend into the background, and let the men size Jesse up. She didn't anticipate the meeting lasting too long, again because time for Xeph and Hammer was important, but she didn't think either man would short Jesse the time necessary to get him settled.
Hammer welcomed Jesse, and Xeph gave him short instructions on how to go about getting moved in. Both men spoke to Jesse as another man, and didn't appear at all condescending. Not that Jillian would have expected any less, but her feelings for the two leaders of the Kadzait continued to increase, just as they had in the past several months. As she had many times over, since arriving in Nachton, Jillian gave thanks to her parents for having the foresight to send her here, where she now felt at home.
Jesse
15 years ago
It helped a lot that both men he'd just met gave the outward appearance of welcoming acceptance. For the second time Jesse reminded himself that these were his people, and he was among many who would reside in the Den, and be a part of the pack. Neither Xeph nor Hammer had reason to feel the need to prove themselves to Jesse, their positions long ago secured, and respected by all. It would be Jesse's job to prove himself to his pack, and was grateful he was being given that opportunity.
Nodding acknowledgment to Hammer, Jesse turned back to Xeph, and nodded toward him as well. It was kind of the alpha to speak of condolences, and Jesse wished his grandfather could have met these men, who were now telling him how he could move in to the Den.
"Thank you, sir." Though neither man would have reason to know it, by addressing them as 'sir', Jesse was offering them both his highest showing of admiration. Until now the only other man who had garnered such respect had been his grandfather. Jesse had never met, nor seen the alpha local to his home in New York.
"You've both been most hospitable, and accomodating. I will do that."
He would let Jillian direct the day, knowing she was as eager as he was to get him moved in. Besides, Jesse had already learned that when the mighty whirlwind started on her path, she was nearly impossible to distract.
"And now let us get out of your hair, and let you get back to your meals. I really hope they aren't ruined."
Jesse could feel the emptiness in his own stomach begin to make itself known, He looked to Jillian with the hope that she would now show him where the kitchen was.
Nodding acknowledgment to Hammer, Jesse turned back to Xeph, and nodded toward him as well. It was kind of the alpha to speak of condolences, and Jesse wished his grandfather could have met these men, who were now telling him how he could move in to the Den.
"Thank you, sir." Though neither man would have reason to know it, by addressing them as 'sir', Jesse was offering them both his highest showing of admiration. Until now the only other man who had garnered such respect had been his grandfather. Jesse had never met, nor seen the alpha local to his home in New York.
"You've both been most hospitable, and accomodating. I will do that."
He would let Jillian direct the day, knowing she was as eager as he was to get him moved in. Besides, Jesse had already learned that when the mighty whirlwind started on her path, she was nearly impossible to distract.
"And now let us get out of your hair, and let you get back to your meals. I really hope they aren't ruined."
Jesse could feel the emptiness in his own stomach begin to make itself known, He looked to Jillian with the hope that she would now show him where the kitchen was.
Iov Hammerthynn
15 years ago
Hammer shook the young man's hand with a penetrating stare and then nodded a quiet dismissal. There were eggs to be had, after all.
Turning back to his breakfast, Hammer settled back in across from Xeph and picked up his fork with again much enthusiasm. The scent of another pack member entered the room just as he speared his lukewarm eggs. Looking up he saw the look of urgency on the member's face and the note in his hand. He glared at the male as he approached the table, nervousness emitting from his pores when finally the messenger stood beside Hammer.
'Sir?'
With a roll of his eye, he dropped his egg laden fork and took the note from the messenger's hand. A message from Brig for the Alpha and himself to meet him down in the control room. Jillian and the new male were now forgotten as Hammer showed Xeph the paper. Hammer pushed his eggs back and stood.
'I'm apparently done with my eggs.'
The messenger stood for a moment, waiting for a response to which Hammer shook his head. With a look back at Jillian and Mr. Katsaros, Hammer nodded and waited on the Alpha.
(OOC - Hammer out pending any other responses. Continued in It starts with a whisper.)
Turning back to his breakfast, Hammer settled back in across from Xeph and picked up his fork with again much enthusiasm. The scent of another pack member entered the room just as he speared his lukewarm eggs. Looking up he saw the look of urgency on the member's face and the note in his hand. He glared at the male as he approached the table, nervousness emitting from his pores when finally the messenger stood beside Hammer.
'Sir?'
With a roll of his eye, he dropped his egg laden fork and took the note from the messenger's hand. A message from Brig for the Alpha and himself to meet him down in the control room. Jillian and the new male were now forgotten as Hammer showed Xeph the paper. Hammer pushed his eggs back and stood.
'I'm apparently done with my eggs.'
The messenger stood for a moment, waiting for a response to which Hammer shook his head. With a look back at Jillian and Mr. Katsaros, Hammer nodded and waited on the Alpha.
(OOC - Hammer out pending any other responses. Continued in It starts with a whisper.)
Xeph
15 years ago
Xeph nodded to Jesse, and to Jillian. He approved of their introductions; brief and to the point. Noting the messenger trying to be unobtrusive with Hammer, Xeph smiled at Jillian and Jesse.
"Jesse, I'll see you soon. At your convenience. You can find me in my rooms, or in either of my offices."
He didn't need to describe how to find them. Anyone on the grounds could tell Jesse how to get to either, or Camille could point him in the right direction.
Glancing down at the note Hammer showed him and reading it quickly, Xeph's features drew into a frown. "I'm done with your eggs, too."
He looked back at the two young weres. "Please excuse us."
Xeph was out of his chair, long legs already bringing him to the doors of the dining hall, assuming Hammer was right behind. Within a few moments, the Alpha and Beta were out of sight, breakfast sadly left behind.
((ooc: Xeph out))
"Jesse, I'll see you soon. At your convenience. You can find me in my rooms, or in either of my offices."
He didn't need to describe how to find them. Anyone on the grounds could tell Jesse how to get to either, or Camille could point him in the right direction.
Glancing down at the note Hammer showed him and reading it quickly, Xeph's features drew into a frown. "I'm done with your eggs, too."
He looked back at the two young weres. "Please excuse us."
Xeph was out of his chair, long legs already bringing him to the doors of the dining hall, assuming Hammer was right behind. Within a few moments, the Alpha and Beta were out of sight, breakfast sadly left behind.
((ooc: Xeph out))
Jesse
15 years ago
The other man appeared just as the conversation was winding down, almost as if it was planned, Jesse thought. But then everything had gone pretty well up till then, and Hammer looked a bit perturbed in not being able to finish his eggs,so Jesse knew it hadn't.
"Was it something I said?" He quipped, not at all seriously.
"They seem like good, honorable men...people who serve the pack well. I really do wish my grandfather could have met them. Though to be honest, I'm not sure how I would react if I ran into Hammer in a dark alley somewhere." He was grinning as he spoke, and hoped Jillian didn't mistake his teasing as any kind of 'dis' against the man. His observance of how she acted toward the men explained a lot about how she felt, and Jesse had no misconceptions...Jillian regarded both men highly.
"So...how about some food?"
Seeing only one other door, besides the one they entered through, Jesse moved toward it, assuming it must lead to the kitchen.
"After breakfast, before we go shopping, can you direct me to Camille, so I can get my lodgings taken care of? I don't want to impose on you any longer..."
"Was it something I said?" He quipped, not at all seriously.
"They seem like good, honorable men...people who serve the pack well. I really do wish my grandfather could have met them. Though to be honest, I'm not sure how I would react if I ran into Hammer in a dark alley somewhere." He was grinning as he spoke, and hoped Jillian didn't mistake his teasing as any kind of 'dis' against the man. His observance of how she acted toward the men explained a lot about how she felt, and Jesse had no misconceptions...Jillian regarded both men highly.
"So...how about some food?"
Seeing only one other door, besides the one they entered through, Jesse moved toward it, assuming it must lead to the kitchen.
"After breakfast, before we go shopping, can you direct me to Camille, so I can get my lodgings taken care of? I don't want to impose on you any longer..."
Jillian
15 years ago
"That went well, I think." Jillian's words were spoken over those of Jesse's, though she knew he was only kidding. It didn't surprise her in the least to see the two pack leaders get called away in the middle of their breakfasts. Such was the life of those in charge.
Her head bobbed in agreement, and she was happy to hear Jesse's assessment. It was important to her that Jesse liked Xeph and Hammer, and vice versa. She hoped for a happy and cohesive life at the Den, and since it now seemed like Jesse was to be a integral part of that life the outcome of the meeting was even more important to her.
"I used to feel that way about Hammer too. He is a very imposing figure of a man. I'm sure his stature doesn't hurt him in doing his job either, but I don't fear him anymore. He has always been fair with me, and treats me well...I know he's not, but I often think of him as a big, overgrown friendly version of the 'big bad wolf'. Only this wolf has no intentions of eating me, or my grandma. His bark is worse than his bite...but I'm smart enough to know that doesn't extend beyond me or the pack. For an enemy, yes, I'd be terrified of running into him in a dark alley."
Jillian led Jesse into the kitchen where the two of them raided the fridge and pantry. As they agreed, Jillian fried up a big skillet of scrambled eggs, adding shredded cheese, chopped peppers, onion, and potatoes, as well as diced bacon. While she stood over that concoction at the stove, Jesse toasted several pieces of sourdough bread, lathering them liberally with butter once they were golden brown.
They continued to chat about Xeph and Hammer, as well as the Den, and the pack, or those who Jillian knew. Preferring to remain on their own, they stood with their plates of food, leaning againt the counters in the kitchen. The decor there was homey enough to be inviting, rather than cold and clinical.
With breakfast behind them, and their dishes stowed in the dishwasher, the pair went in search of Camille, still talking about anything that came to mind. While Jillian did do most of the conversing, Jesse found it was very easy to respond back to her, and ask her questions about herself. In fact several times he caught himself and wondered just what kind of spell this young woman had cast over him, to make him so verbal all of a sudden.
They located Camille quickly, and after spending about forty minutes discussing which suites were available, what their 'accoutrements' were, and where they were located, he chose a furnished suite on the same side of the building as Jillian's, and only three doors down. This meant if conditions were right, he could conceivably see her on her balcony, from his own.
Camille welcomed the new tenant with a key, and sent the duo on their way to check out Jesse's new home.
Though it was indeed furnished, there wasn't anything of 'Jesse' there, and there was also a matter of snacks, books and magazines, toiletries, and clothing that Jillian was going to purchase for the young man, like it or not. She compiled a detailed list, and then convinced Jesse there was no time like the present for taking care of his needs. Happy to remain in her company, he didn't take a whole lot of convincing.
In no time their day had continued with Jillian driving Jesse to the Nachton Mall, her recyclable bags in hand.
(Jesse and Jillian out)
Her head bobbed in agreement, and she was happy to hear Jesse's assessment. It was important to her that Jesse liked Xeph and Hammer, and vice versa. She hoped for a happy and cohesive life at the Den, and since it now seemed like Jesse was to be a integral part of that life the outcome of the meeting was even more important to her.
"I used to feel that way about Hammer too. He is a very imposing figure of a man. I'm sure his stature doesn't hurt him in doing his job either, but I don't fear him anymore. He has always been fair with me, and treats me well...I know he's not, but I often think of him as a big, overgrown friendly version of the 'big bad wolf'. Only this wolf has no intentions of eating me, or my grandma. His bark is worse than his bite...but I'm smart enough to know that doesn't extend beyond me or the pack. For an enemy, yes, I'd be terrified of running into him in a dark alley."
Jillian led Jesse into the kitchen where the two of them raided the fridge and pantry. As they agreed, Jillian fried up a big skillet of scrambled eggs, adding shredded cheese, chopped peppers, onion, and potatoes, as well as diced bacon. While she stood over that concoction at the stove, Jesse toasted several pieces of sourdough bread, lathering them liberally with butter once they were golden brown.
They continued to chat about Xeph and Hammer, as well as the Den, and the pack, or those who Jillian knew. Preferring to remain on their own, they stood with their plates of food, leaning againt the counters in the kitchen. The decor there was homey enough to be inviting, rather than cold and clinical.
With breakfast behind them, and their dishes stowed in the dishwasher, the pair went in search of Camille, still talking about anything that came to mind. While Jillian did do most of the conversing, Jesse found it was very easy to respond back to her, and ask her questions about herself. In fact several times he caught himself and wondered just what kind of spell this young woman had cast over him, to make him so verbal all of a sudden.
They located Camille quickly, and after spending about forty minutes discussing which suites were available, what their 'accoutrements' were, and where they were located, he chose a furnished suite on the same side of the building as Jillian's, and only three doors down. This meant if conditions were right, he could conceivably see her on her balcony, from his own.
Camille welcomed the new tenant with a key, and sent the duo on their way to check out Jesse's new home.
Though it was indeed furnished, there wasn't anything of 'Jesse' there, and there was also a matter of snacks, books and magazines, toiletries, and clothing that Jillian was going to purchase for the young man, like it or not. She compiled a detailed list, and then convinced Jesse there was no time like the present for taking care of his needs. Happy to remain in her company, he didn't take a whole lot of convincing.
In no time their day had continued with Jillian driving Jesse to the Nachton Mall, her recyclable bags in hand.
(Jesse and Jillian out)