Family as taken from the Gangrel All-Thing, 2007
I look around this gathering of gangrel as I swoop in, having taken my other self and looked at this place as a raven, before I became myself again, the fire is built as it should be,. I land and walk in meeting Cougar as I enter, I introduce myself and then look around, there are many here I don’t know, others I do and some that look strangely familiar, as I move away from the entry point I notice a group that includes Samantha, and then I see her….Inali.
Could this be it? After all this time, or was I setting myself up for…. That face, she has been dancing in my head for so long, as my memories began to awaken, she and Samantha. Was also dancing around in my head and she turned out to be such the amazing rediscovery. I can’t believe what has been happening and here I am on the verge of…
I hear my name, said by Samantha and she tells me she is glad I could make it.
Samantha jumps up waves at me for a moment, and after glancing back at the group she was with, runs over to me, pulling me into an awkward hug, in time these may come more naturally to her, but she is still rediscovering who we are to each other, she whispers in my ear at this point, "Charlotte's standing with Aunt Jessica, she's the one with no shoes and she's expecting you". I shiver with this news, and look over at them and her name comes unbidden to my lips “Inali”.
Gently, Charlotte disentangles herself from Jessica. With a glance at her Sister, Jessica, and then at Samantha, she turns a clear summer gaze on me.
She takes a few halting steps forward, clearly uncomfortable walking on two-legs.
With a note of apology in her soft growl, she says in broken English, "Not 'mem-ber. Am sor-ry. But. Must know. Af-ter All-Thing. Ok?"
She holds her hand out to me, in invitation to join the family where they sit.I take her hand in mine, not letting go of Samantha at this and step towards Charlotte, there is a look on my face; almost one of wonderment, my voice is low when I speak. "No need to apologize to me."
I take a seat with the family, though I seem to want to keep track of both Charlotte/Inali and Samantha the most, I do look around the gathering, and I smile when I see Brooke and a smile passes when I see some of the others I know.
Samantha watches Charlotte and me nervously, ready to jump in if things go badly. When it appears that the first step has been taking peaceful, she seems to relax some, about to curl up in her seat again, her gaze darting back and forth, trying to take it all in.
Jessica nods to Samantha and then points to the trees where apparently she would like to talk with Samantha.
"Um..." Sam looks questioningly at Charlotte and me, reassuring herself that for the moment there won't be drama. "O..kay" after a moment’s hesitation she walks behind Jessica to the area indicated, looking more nervous with each step. I can feel her nervousness, not through the ties, but just in how she is holding herself, some may be because of the meeting between Charlotte and me but there is more, something about this talk with Jessica.
I watch after Jessica and Samantha a look comes across my face that tells of my concern and curiosity as well as I am keeping an eye on the happenings, I’m intent on the area that the two ladies went into. I will listen to the conversation, as Samantha’s nervousness at this conversation has put me on guard, and I need to make sure she is safe.
Charlotte nods encouragingly at Samantha and smiles adoringly at Jessica, all the while holding my hand to possibly maintain her balance on two-legs. She does not, however, take her eyes from Jessica and Sam as she leads me to where Ricky remains seated. In fact, her summer gaze is intense as she curls up on the ground, head resting on Ricky's leg, never letting go of me.
At this point Samantha Von Stahl jumps down from a tree she was sharing with another and comes over to greet me, as we shake hands, "Adair, long time, no see. I'd like to chat with you after this gathering is over before we both go our own ways, if you got time?"
Ducking her head in her version of a blush, she holds out her unencumbered hand to Samantha. "Am Char-lotte. Nice. To. Meet. You." Charlotte squeezes my hand gently, as if to say that she has no objection to Samantha von Stahl’s request. Directing her comment to the other woman, however, she says in her trademark growl, "Af-ter fam-ily. Ok?"
"Hello Sam, once all is said and done, can make time to talk, or we can set up a meeting, if we run out of time." I then nod to her, and then look around at the others, and my eyes wander back to the area that Samantha and Jessica went.
Brooke comes over from the Alpha’s Rock where she has been curled up to speak to Charlotte and me, she grasps her hand over Charlotte and my joined arms, and whispers to Charlotte, "He's been searching for you for a long time. If he hadn't known who his sire was, I would have gladly adopted him. You should be very proud of him, and his deeds." before giving my arm a squeeze and moving on.
I put my other hand over Brooke’s when she squeezes my arm, and I look to her a look of peace coming over my eyes,"You know I will answer the call, when needed, you are a friend Brooke, I hope you see me the same." My eyes are sparkling, when I look at Brooke and then back to Charlotte.
Charlotte smiles up at Brooke, leaning her head against the other woman for a moment as Brooke moves on, Charlotte uses her other hand to lay her palm against my cheek. She smiles at me, encouraging. "Soon, A-dair. A-fter All-Thing, pro-mise." Her tone is kind.
Then she sees Exodus come in to the space..., Charlotte springs into motion. Dropping my hand and extricating herself from the rest of the family, she bounds over to the Angel and stops right before him.
She pulls herself up on two legs and gives him a hug; summer eyes and demeanor adoring and sparkling brightly, all for Exodus.In her now familiar growl, she says softly, "He-llo, Ex-dus. I miss-ed you."
"I missed you too dear*Exodus returns her hug* You have made some great improvements I’m very proud of you."
I watch as Charlotte goes to see Exodus, there is a touch of something that crosses my eyes for a moment then is gone, as I shadow my face and keep track of where people are, just taking in the atmosphere of the gathering. I can sense she is delighted to see him, and a strange emotion flares through me for a moment, it appears I may be jealous of how she feels for Exodus.
After greeting Exodus, Charlotte's head whips around quick to where Jessica and Samantha stand. She takes a second to squeeze Exodus’s hand, and drops to all fours. She lopes over to Adair, catching his eyes, and with a piercing gaze says only, "Stay.” Then she lopes over to her Sister and Grand-childe, indicating with her body language that none should follow.
I’m startled by being told to stay there is a struggle going on, and I wish to assist, but instead I keep track of the three ladies, and send an almost calm through the links of blood.
Upon returning to the fire, Jessica looks to Exodus with that look of confusion "is he in your pocket?" Jessica asks obviously referring to someone, Charlotte and Samantha return to the fire just behind Jessica. Charlotte resumes her position at Ricky's side, curling up against him. She indicates that Samantha should sit behind her so that both women can be close to me. Unthinking, one of her hands drifts to lightly touch me. Charlotte appears at once both content and troubled.
Samantha seems to hesitate a moment, then does as Charlotte wishes. Taking a seat, she pulls her legs up against her chest, so she can rest her chin on her knees. She turns to stare into the fire hugging her legs while her fingers toy idly with one of her braids.
Noting how Samantha has pulled into herself, I reach for one of her hands, while making sure I still have contact with Charlotte as well, I am both concerned and curious as to what is wrong. I gently touch her, letting my fingers brush her as I reach for her hand giving her the option on what to do.
Samantha lets me take her hand, and even gives me the smile I’m looking for, even if it is a bit sad. "Told you, I would help you find Charlotte," she comments softly "You're wanted" she turns to glance at the rest of the family. I smile to Samantha, "you did mention helping me to find Charlotte, and you did, and you are wanted as well darlin, never doubt that." I squeeze her hand and keep contact with both her and Charlotte.
Charlotte shifts, somehow managing to be curled up with Ricky and touching both Samantha and myself. Occasionally, Charlotte darts a glance at Exodus as if his presence acts like an unseen anchor for her, and for that I can’t be jealous, I can only be somewhat grateful to him for it, as I don’t understand the situation.
I look around at the others, almost at peace with my place in all this, but there is caution in watching it all. As more and more Gangrel continue to arrive, Charlotte observes each one with a quiet intensity. Every once and awhile, she glances at Exodus. If he is looking her way, she smiles at him, summer gaze sparkling. Through it all, she does not let go of her hold on Adair or Samantha. Somehow, Charlotte manages to be in contact with her Son, Granddaughter, Brother, and Sister.
Looking up at where Ricky and Jessica stand guard over the family, she pitches her voice for her families ears only, "Will speak after. Ricky, Jess-ca should speak first. Eldest. On-ly right."
"You all speak your peace first if you want." Ricky tells us.
Family,
Could this be it? After all this time, or was I setting myself up for…. That face, she has been dancing in my head for so long, as my memories began to awaken, she and Samantha. Was also dancing around in my head and she turned out to be such the amazing rediscovery. I can’t believe what has been happening and here I am on the verge of…
I hear my name, said by Samantha and she tells me she is glad I could make it.
Samantha jumps up waves at me for a moment, and after glancing back at the group she was with, runs over to me, pulling me into an awkward hug, in time these may come more naturally to her, but she is still rediscovering who we are to each other, she whispers in my ear at this point, "Charlotte's standing with Aunt Jessica, she's the one with no shoes and she's expecting you". I shiver with this news, and look over at them and her name comes unbidden to my lips “Inali”.
Gently, Charlotte disentangles herself from Jessica. With a glance at her Sister, Jessica, and then at Samantha, she turns a clear summer gaze on me.
She takes a few halting steps forward, clearly uncomfortable walking on two-legs.
With a note of apology in her soft growl, she says in broken English, "Not 'mem-ber. Am sor-ry. But. Must know. Af-ter All-Thing. Ok?"
She holds her hand out to me, in invitation to join the family where they sit.I take her hand in mine, not letting go of Samantha at this and step towards Charlotte, there is a look on my face; almost one of wonderment, my voice is low when I speak. "No need to apologize to me."
I take a seat with the family, though I seem to want to keep track of both Charlotte/Inali and Samantha the most, I do look around the gathering, and I smile when I see Brooke and a smile passes when I see some of the others I know.
Samantha watches Charlotte and me nervously, ready to jump in if things go badly. When it appears that the first step has been taking peaceful, she seems to relax some, about to curl up in her seat again, her gaze darting back and forth, trying to take it all in.
Jessica nods to Samantha and then points to the trees where apparently she would like to talk with Samantha.
"Um..." Sam looks questioningly at Charlotte and me, reassuring herself that for the moment there won't be drama. "O..kay" after a moment’s hesitation she walks behind Jessica to the area indicated, looking more nervous with each step. I can feel her nervousness, not through the ties, but just in how she is holding herself, some may be because of the meeting between Charlotte and me but there is more, something about this talk with Jessica.
I watch after Jessica and Samantha a look comes across my face that tells of my concern and curiosity as well as I am keeping an eye on the happenings, I’m intent on the area that the two ladies went into. I will listen to the conversation, as Samantha’s nervousness at this conversation has put me on guard, and I need to make sure she is safe.
Charlotte nods encouragingly at Samantha and smiles adoringly at Jessica, all the while holding my hand to possibly maintain her balance on two-legs. She does not, however, take her eyes from Jessica and Sam as she leads me to where Ricky remains seated. In fact, her summer gaze is intense as she curls up on the ground, head resting on Ricky's leg, never letting go of me.
At this point Samantha Von Stahl jumps down from a tree she was sharing with another and comes over to greet me, as we shake hands, "Adair, long time, no see. I'd like to chat with you after this gathering is over before we both go our own ways, if you got time?"
Ducking her head in her version of a blush, she holds out her unencumbered hand to Samantha. "Am Char-lotte. Nice. To. Meet. You." Charlotte squeezes my hand gently, as if to say that she has no objection to Samantha von Stahl’s request. Directing her comment to the other woman, however, she says in her trademark growl, "Af-ter fam-ily. Ok?"
"Hello Sam, once all is said and done, can make time to talk, or we can set up a meeting, if we run out of time." I then nod to her, and then look around at the others, and my eyes wander back to the area that Samantha and Jessica went.
Brooke comes over from the Alpha’s Rock where she has been curled up to speak to Charlotte and me, she grasps her hand over Charlotte and my joined arms, and whispers to Charlotte, "He's been searching for you for a long time. If he hadn't known who his sire was, I would have gladly adopted him. You should be very proud of him, and his deeds." before giving my arm a squeeze and moving on.
I put my other hand over Brooke’s when she squeezes my arm, and I look to her a look of peace coming over my eyes,"You know I will answer the call, when needed, you are a friend Brooke, I hope you see me the same." My eyes are sparkling, when I look at Brooke and then back to Charlotte.
Charlotte smiles up at Brooke, leaning her head against the other woman for a moment as Brooke moves on, Charlotte uses her other hand to lay her palm against my cheek. She smiles at me, encouraging. "Soon, A-dair. A-fter All-Thing, pro-mise." Her tone is kind.
Then she sees Exodus come in to the space..., Charlotte springs into motion. Dropping my hand and extricating herself from the rest of the family, she bounds over to the Angel and stops right before him.
She pulls herself up on two legs and gives him a hug; summer eyes and demeanor adoring and sparkling brightly, all for Exodus.In her now familiar growl, she says softly, "He-llo, Ex-dus. I miss-ed you."
"I missed you too dear*Exodus returns her hug* You have made some great improvements I’m very proud of you."
I watch as Charlotte goes to see Exodus, there is a touch of something that crosses my eyes for a moment then is gone, as I shadow my face and keep track of where people are, just taking in the atmosphere of the gathering. I can sense she is delighted to see him, and a strange emotion flares through me for a moment, it appears I may be jealous of how she feels for Exodus.
After greeting Exodus, Charlotte's head whips around quick to where Jessica and Samantha stand. She takes a second to squeeze Exodus’s hand, and drops to all fours. She lopes over to Adair, catching his eyes, and with a piercing gaze says only, "Stay.” Then she lopes over to her Sister and Grand-childe, indicating with her body language that none should follow.
I’m startled by being told to stay there is a struggle going on, and I wish to assist, but instead I keep track of the three ladies, and send an almost calm through the links of blood.
Upon returning to the fire, Jessica looks to Exodus with that look of confusion "is he in your pocket?" Jessica asks obviously referring to someone, Charlotte and Samantha return to the fire just behind Jessica. Charlotte resumes her position at Ricky's side, curling up against him. She indicates that Samantha should sit behind her so that both women can be close to me. Unthinking, one of her hands drifts to lightly touch me. Charlotte appears at once both content and troubled.
Samantha seems to hesitate a moment, then does as Charlotte wishes. Taking a seat, she pulls her legs up against her chest, so she can rest her chin on her knees. She turns to stare into the fire hugging her legs while her fingers toy idly with one of her braids.
Noting how Samantha has pulled into herself, I reach for one of her hands, while making sure I still have contact with Charlotte as well, I am both concerned and curious as to what is wrong. I gently touch her, letting my fingers brush her as I reach for her hand giving her the option on what to do.
Samantha lets me take her hand, and even gives me the smile I’m looking for, even if it is a bit sad. "Told you, I would help you find Charlotte," she comments softly "You're wanted" she turns to glance at the rest of the family. I smile to Samantha, "you did mention helping me to find Charlotte, and you did, and you are wanted as well darlin, never doubt that." I squeeze her hand and keep contact with both her and Charlotte.
Charlotte shifts, somehow managing to be curled up with Ricky and touching both Samantha and myself. Occasionally, Charlotte darts a glance at Exodus as if his presence acts like an unseen anchor for her, and for that I can’t be jealous, I can only be somewhat grateful to him for it, as I don’t understand the situation.
I look around at the others, almost at peace with my place in all this, but there is caution in watching it all. As more and more Gangrel continue to arrive, Charlotte observes each one with a quiet intensity. Every once and awhile, she glances at Exodus. If he is looking her way, she smiles at him, summer gaze sparkling. Through it all, she does not let go of her hold on Adair or Samantha. Somehow, Charlotte manages to be in contact with her Son, Granddaughter, Brother, and Sister.
Looking up at where Ricky and Jessica stand guard over the family, she pitches her voice for her families ears only, "Will speak after. Ricky, Jess-ca should speak first. Eldest. On-ly right."
"You all speak your peace first if you want." Ricky tells us.
Family,