Riff
While he was relieved to know where the 'home base' vampires were likely located, he hesitated to enter the cave to greet them in person. He looked up at Isaac and motioned at the mat.
"I think we should let them meet us. We have everything here to make the people we rescued comfortable. Perhaps we should do that and wait for nightfall, when our hosts might feel more comfortable?"
Besides, there were not many of "them" even compared to the rescuees. It was hard to tell exactly how many people were in the current camp, but it was not an insignificant number. It might be a dangerous play to make, but Riff felt confident in it. If the vampires were combative types, they could certainly have attacked while they picked their way up the cliff. The lack of silver-loaded weapons was also conspicuous. He didn't even smell any silver on the grounds.
Riff grabbed some blood packets from a generator-powered cooler and started passing them around. There was not much to do but wait.
Camping Is Always An Option
-
Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Isaac Fishblatt
"Good idea," Isaac said. "You're right. That would certainly be less likely to give the mistaken impression that we're a threat."
There was some work to do in the meantime - distribute blood rations and blankets, make the shipwreck survivors comfortable - but then there was just quiet. There was little talking between the rescued Vampires, but that seemed more due to exhaustion from their ordeal (and probably many sleepless days and nights leading up to it) than any concern about their rescuers' intentions. Before long they were all resting quietly or asleep.
Night fell slowly.
There was a lull. Then some soft movements outside. Isaac smelled Vampires. They were approaching from several directions; there must be more than one entrance to the cave system. Of course. Having only one point of egress would turn the place into a giant trap. The Vampires approached cautiously, though. They were being quiet, but without the stealth of the notorious Death Dealers or of trained assassins - just normal quiet. Civilian quiet. That was good.
The door of the makeshift mess hall opened, and three Vampires stepped inside, while the rest waited outside. One of the Vampires carried a gun, but it wasn't loaded with silver - the way the newcomer was holding it, it Isaac wasn't sure if it was loaded at all.
"Lycans," the Vampire said. Not a question.
Isaac nodded. "Yes. From the local Pack. I'm Isaac. This is Riff. We mean you no harm. Our Pack does not partake in the war between our species. Quite the opposite. We became aware of your predicament, and wanted to help."
"We're grateful," the Vampire with the possibly-unloaded gun said cautiously. "But... why? Why help us, even if you don't consider us enemies?"
"Good idea," Isaac said. "You're right. That would certainly be less likely to give the mistaken impression that we're a threat."
There was some work to do in the meantime - distribute blood rations and blankets, make the shipwreck survivors comfortable - but then there was just quiet. There was little talking between the rescued Vampires, but that seemed more due to exhaustion from their ordeal (and probably many sleepless days and nights leading up to it) than any concern about their rescuers' intentions. Before long they were all resting quietly or asleep.
Night fell slowly.
There was a lull. Then some soft movements outside. Isaac smelled Vampires. They were approaching from several directions; there must be more than one entrance to the cave system. Of course. Having only one point of egress would turn the place into a giant trap. The Vampires approached cautiously, though. They were being quiet, but without the stealth of the notorious Death Dealers or of trained assassins - just normal quiet. Civilian quiet. That was good.
The door of the makeshift mess hall opened, and three Vampires stepped inside, while the rest waited outside. One of the Vampires carried a gun, but it wasn't loaded with silver - the way the newcomer was holding it, it Isaac wasn't sure if it was loaded at all.
"Lycans," the Vampire said. Not a question.
Isaac nodded. "Yes. From the local Pack. I'm Isaac. This is Riff. We mean you no harm. Our Pack does not partake in the war between our species. Quite the opposite. We became aware of your predicament, and wanted to help."
"We're grateful," the Vampire with the possibly-unloaded gun said cautiously. "But... why? Why help us, even if you don't consider us enemies?"
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Riff
"Because it's the right thing to do."
Riff gave the simple answer, knowing it wouldn't suffice, but it was still the best answer at heart of their actions.
"I worked in the Underground for awhile, but even before then I was part of a community made up of Lycans, Vampies, Hybrids and Fae of all kinds. We lived, worked and played alongside each other and it was a good life. I think...I think I never liked the fighting. I resented being pushed into it by becoming a Lycan. It makes my life worth living when I can live it in harmony with others."
He gestured at the rest of the people who had come from their community.
"It is what we all want. To live life in harmony and peace. Sometimes we have to defend that peace from others who want to destroy it and we do that well. We protect. We defend. It seems to me that we may have something in common there - you also do not seek conflict. Is working with us something you would be open to considering?"
"Because it's the right thing to do."
Riff gave the simple answer, knowing it wouldn't suffice, but it was still the best answer at heart of their actions.
"I worked in the Underground for awhile, but even before then I was part of a community made up of Lycans, Vampies, Hybrids and Fae of all kinds. We lived, worked and played alongside each other and it was a good life. I think...I think I never liked the fighting. I resented being pushed into it by becoming a Lycan. It makes my life worth living when I can live it in harmony with others."
He gestured at the rest of the people who had come from their community.
"It is what we all want. To live life in harmony and peace. Sometimes we have to defend that peace from others who want to destroy it and we do that well. We protect. We defend. It seems to me that we may have something in common there - you also do not seek conflict. Is working with us something you would be open to considering?"
-
Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Isaac Fishblatt and the Vampires
The three Vampires conversed softly for a moment in a language Isaac didn't speak - he thought it might be Turkish. Although he couldn't understand the words they were saying, he could surmise from the tone that they were discussing what they had just heard, potentially favorably. There was no indication of disagreement or aggression in any of their tones. Confirming this, the Vampire with the gun lowered it and returned it to the holster at his waist.
"Yes," that one who seemed to be their spokesperson said. "We are open to working with you. Please forgive our distrust. We have had bad experiences in the past."
Isaac nodded. "So have we all. Please, don't mention it. I'm glad to hear you're open to cooperation."
"We are..." A brief pause while he located the English word in his exhausted brain. "We are not warriors. We were working on a project. You know... meteorology? Is that how you say it?"
Isaac nodded again. "Yes, we know meteorology."
"Very good. We were in a remote camp. Some of us brought our families. We thought it would be safe. But the humans found us. We fled. We took the two ships - we didn't know much about how to pilot it or navigate, but it was the only means of escape we had, so we did our best. Our vessel got here first, and then the other... well, you saw."
"You did well. We're glad you made it here," Isaac said sincerely.
"So you truly want us to stay?" the Vampire asked, his tone cautious and guarded. "Knowing we are not an army? We just study the weather?"
He could not, of course, know he was talking to a musician and a librarian.
The three Vampires conversed softly for a moment in a language Isaac didn't speak - he thought it might be Turkish. Although he couldn't understand the words they were saying, he could surmise from the tone that they were discussing what they had just heard, potentially favorably. There was no indication of disagreement or aggression in any of their tones. Confirming this, the Vampire with the gun lowered it and returned it to the holster at his waist.
"Yes," that one who seemed to be their spokesperson said. "We are open to working with you. Please forgive our distrust. We have had bad experiences in the past."
Isaac nodded. "So have we all. Please, don't mention it. I'm glad to hear you're open to cooperation."
"We are..." A brief pause while he located the English word in his exhausted brain. "We are not warriors. We were working on a project. You know... meteorology? Is that how you say it?"
Isaac nodded again. "Yes, we know meteorology."
"Very good. We were in a remote camp. Some of us brought our families. We thought it would be safe. But the humans found us. We fled. We took the two ships - we didn't know much about how to pilot it or navigate, but it was the only means of escape we had, so we did our best. Our vessel got here first, and then the other... well, you saw."
"You did well. We're glad you made it here," Isaac said sincerely.
"So you truly want us to stay?" the Vampire asked, his tone cautious and guarded. "Knowing we are not an army? We just study the weather?"
He could not, of course, know he was talking to a musician and a librarian.
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Riff
He breathed a sigh of relief when the vampires said they were willing to work together instead of keeping to themselves. The smile on his face was perhaps larger than most people were used to seeing, but it was offered so naturally that hopefully they'd see how genuine the feeling was.
"Oh this is great! I'm the lighthouse keeper - it's at the highest point in town, so it'd be a great spot to set up some equipment! I...don't really know the science-y stuff. I'm a musician. I play guitar. And while I have fought for freedom - and still fight - I don't think any of us would say we're an army either. It's just not our way."
He paused, appearing thoughtful. "Honestly, if you had been an army, we would have made the same offer...but I have a feeling that this conversation would not have been the outcome in that case."
He breathed a sigh of relief when the vampires said they were willing to work together instead of keeping to themselves. The smile on his face was perhaps larger than most people were used to seeing, but it was offered so naturally that hopefully they'd see how genuine the feeling was.
"Oh this is great! I'm the lighthouse keeper - it's at the highest point in town, so it'd be a great spot to set up some equipment! I...don't really know the science-y stuff. I'm a musician. I play guitar. And while I have fought for freedom - and still fight - I don't think any of us would say we're an army either. It's just not our way."
He paused, appearing thoughtful. "Honestly, if you had been an army, we would have made the same offer...but I have a feeling that this conversation would not have been the outcome in that case."
-
Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Isaac Fishblatt
The Vampires seemed pleased - both with Riff's statement that he was a musician rather than something more threatening, and with the offer of high ground at the lighthouse for their meteorological equipment.
"And you...?" Directed toward Isaac.
"A librarian."
More smiles. No Lycan warlords here.
Isaac was relieved they were establishing a rapport, but there were more logistics to consider. "This site seems relatively safe," Isaac said. "Between the camp and your tunnels, you should be pretty well situated for the immediate future. I promise we'll come back for you, but we need to get some things ready for you first. You'll need a place to stay - we have rooms for you at the motel our Pack operates. That's why we have the motel, so we can house visitors and people who need to relocate in a hurry. But it's not sun-proofed yet, and it will need to be before we move you. We also need to make sure we have time to get everyone to shore between sunset and dawn, so none of you are caught out on the water when the sun rises. We need to establish a food source; the artificial blood supplies you have with you won't last forever, so we need to locate a new source. And we need some kind of cover story. The people of Fog Island are openminded. They've carefully ignored the presence of Lycans and Fae for many human generations. But they're not used to Vampires yet. There's only one Vampire in town, currently, and he's still fairly new. It would probably be a good idea to let them become accustomed to your presence and give them time to decide not to worry about you either, rather than having some big dramatic arrival scene."
The Vampires nodded their acceptance of all of these suggestions.
The Vampires seemed pleased - both with Riff's statement that he was a musician rather than something more threatening, and with the offer of high ground at the lighthouse for their meteorological equipment.
"And you...?" Directed toward Isaac.
"A librarian."
More smiles. No Lycan warlords here.
Isaac was relieved they were establishing a rapport, but there were more logistics to consider. "This site seems relatively safe," Isaac said. "Between the camp and your tunnels, you should be pretty well situated for the immediate future. I promise we'll come back for you, but we need to get some things ready for you first. You'll need a place to stay - we have rooms for you at the motel our Pack operates. That's why we have the motel, so we can house visitors and people who need to relocate in a hurry. But it's not sun-proofed yet, and it will need to be before we move you. We also need to make sure we have time to get everyone to shore between sunset and dawn, so none of you are caught out on the water when the sun rises. We need to establish a food source; the artificial blood supplies you have with you won't last forever, so we need to locate a new source. And we need some kind of cover story. The people of Fog Island are openminded. They've carefully ignored the presence of Lycans and Fae for many human generations. But they're not used to Vampires yet. There's only one Vampire in town, currently, and he's still fairly new. It would probably be a good idea to let them become accustomed to your presence and give them time to decide not to worry about you either, rather than having some big dramatic arrival scene."
The Vampires nodded their acceptance of all of these suggestions.
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Riff
Isaac was right, of course. They really weren't prepared to welcome a whole group of vampires - and neither was Fog Island. Riff was certain the town would accept the news reasonably well, but they also seemed to appreciate the quiet way of life.
So how could they introduce the Vampires to the town slowly?
"Maybe we could have a science fair of sorts? You are visiting researchers, right? Maybe we could have some sort of weather-related thing where there could be indoor classes and then do some night sky stuff? It would give people a chance to see you for what you do and who you are, which might make it easier for them to accept what you are - because by then, you'll be friends!"
He chuckled at his over-exuberance and rubbed the back of his head. "At least, having a bunch of people come to stay at the hotel would make sense for an event. Just an idea, but I wanted you to know that we are willing to come up with ideas and solutions. We're not just saying stuff - we mean to help. Isaac is right in that we need to start off with setting up a safe space for you and a steady food supply. Let us start with that. We can keep in contact using your radio signal - you know where I am!"
Isaac was right, of course. They really weren't prepared to welcome a whole group of vampires - and neither was Fog Island. Riff was certain the town would accept the news reasonably well, but they also seemed to appreciate the quiet way of life.
So how could they introduce the Vampires to the town slowly?
"Maybe we could have a science fair of sorts? You are visiting researchers, right? Maybe we could have some sort of weather-related thing where there could be indoor classes and then do some night sky stuff? It would give people a chance to see you for what you do and who you are, which might make it easier for them to accept what you are - because by then, you'll be friends!"
He chuckled at his over-exuberance and rubbed the back of his head. "At least, having a bunch of people come to stay at the hotel would make sense for an event. Just an idea, but I wanted you to know that we are willing to come up with ideas and solutions. We're not just saying stuff - we mean to help. Isaac is right in that we need to start off with setting up a safe space for you and a steady food supply. Let us start with that. We can keep in contact using your radio signal - you know where I am!"
-
Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Isaac Fishblatt
"That's a good idea," Isaac replied when Riff brought up the idea of the science fair. There were certainly others locally who were science-minded, including within their own Pack. As well as their own doctor, Shazia was studying medicine - and apparently the new young man, Hamza, had been too - and Asif had been hired by the Geology department at the university, where Samira, apparently following in her uncle's footsteps, was also studying.
It was a good idea for engaging the community, and the Vampires appeared cooperative and interested... if still a little off-balance from their abrupt change in circumstances. In the meantime, though, there were more immediate practicalities that needed to be considered.
The loss of the ship was a problem for transporting the Vampires. Ferrying them all the way back to Hollywell a few at a time would push up against sunrise. Was there another option? Hm...
"Two of our companions who are minding our boats - Ellen and Nick Greenway - live on another island with a ferry," Isaac mused. "I wonder if the Greenways would be able to enlist the help of the ferry operator? We wouldn't be able to get in too close with a ferry boat, but shuttling people back and forth to a vessel standing nearby in deeper water would be a lot easier than all the way back to the harbor. We'll see what we can do, and hopefully we'll be back for you all tomorrow night. As Riff said, we'll keep in touch via radio."
The Vampires acknowledged their gratitude - particularly for the latter. The Lycans took their leave, and headed back to begin their preparations. There was a lot to do.
"That's a good idea," Isaac replied when Riff brought up the idea of the science fair. There were certainly others locally who were science-minded, including within their own Pack. As well as their own doctor, Shazia was studying medicine - and apparently the new young man, Hamza, had been too - and Asif had been hired by the Geology department at the university, where Samira, apparently following in her uncle's footsteps, was also studying.
It was a good idea for engaging the community, and the Vampires appeared cooperative and interested... if still a little off-balance from their abrupt change in circumstances. In the meantime, though, there were more immediate practicalities that needed to be considered.
The loss of the ship was a problem for transporting the Vampires. Ferrying them all the way back to Hollywell a few at a time would push up against sunrise. Was there another option? Hm...
"Two of our companions who are minding our boats - Ellen and Nick Greenway - live on another island with a ferry," Isaac mused. "I wonder if the Greenways would be able to enlist the help of the ferry operator? We wouldn't be able to get in too close with a ferry boat, but shuttling people back and forth to a vessel standing nearby in deeper water would be a lot easier than all the way back to the harbor. We'll see what we can do, and hopefully we'll be back for you all tomorrow night. As Riff said, we'll keep in touch via radio."
The Vampires acknowledged their gratitude - particularly for the latter. The Lycans took their leave, and headed back to begin their preparations. There was a lot to do.
-
Monkey Kitty
- Posts: 914
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 7:31 pm
Re: Camping Is Always An Option
Riff
As the two of them walked back to the boats, threading their way through the jagged rocks, Riff couldn’t help but expound on what was making him so happy.
“You know, I think these vampires are the kind of people Father Marek would be happy to know. I’m sure he’s been lonely these past years. Our former community in Hungary had many vampires - many former Death Dealers and socialites -but I think he would take comfort in knowing there are more vampires like him in existence. Peaceful ones.”
He grew thoughtful for a bit, the skittering of pebbles underfoot barely detectable over the sound of waves hitting the shore as they approached their docking point.
“I wonder if we could convince the butcher shop to get more blood from the abattoir as a placeholder until we can get an artificial source up and running. Like, say we’re going to be making a lot of black pudding or something?”
Ellen and Nick came into view and Riff waved at them. The pair received the low-down on what had been agreed upon between Isaac and the vampires.
“And we’re going to host a science fair!” Riff added, a bit proud of the idea. Despite the fact that he had never once been to a science fair, he knew they existed and surely something good would come of a bunch of science-y people getting together.
“I guess we should come up with posters or something. Get the school to host? Maybe they already have the kids doing one and they could just…expand it a little. I…actually have no idea how these things work.” He deflated slightly, then surged forward “But I’m sure other people do and will be excited to host some real meteorologists!”
___________________________________________________________________________
Isaac Fishblatt
Riff’s enthusiasm was infectious; the Greenways both smiled, along with Isaac.
“I think this is a great idea,” Isaac said. “The library would be happy to be a co-sponsor. This is the sort of thing our patrons would enjoy. You should also talk to Asif - I think this is right up his alley. You know how he loves telling us all about rocks.”
That statement was fond, not critical - learning was something Isaac greatly valued too. It was one of the first things that had attracted him and Gilda to each other, in fact - that shared intellectual passion.
“In the meantime, though, you’re right - the butcher is a good source of blood, until we can get the artificial blood supplies flowing. If we’re willing to pay for something they normally just throw away, I can’t imagine they’ll ask too many questions.”
Ellen and Nick agreed to talk to their neighbors on Longhome Island about borrowing the ferry boat. That would probably also involve borrowing a crew, who Isaac assumed might have questions…
“Probably not,” Ellen said bluntly. “We’re used to weirdness. Even more so than the average Fog Islander. These people escaped a magic ocean zombie plague. Rescuing some vampires from a rock isn’t going to move the needle.”
When they got back, Isaac recruited a few Pack members to help him sunproof a few motel rooms.
“I wonder if the sunlight inoculation that Marek received would be replicable…?” he wondered aloud. He would speak to Keisha about that. Their Pack doctor was surely the best positioned to have an informed opinion on the subject.
“Riff, can you let Marek know what’s going on? He may want to help.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Riff
He was certainly glad that they’d met the Greenways the way they did. Not that he would have wished any of the harm that came to them to happen, not at all. But more that they were able to establish good, supportive relations right away. Riff felt like it had cemented their friendship in a way simply discovering their island existed wouldn’t have. It was wonderful that they were kind people who wanted to help their new community.
These new vampires seemed like they wanted to be in community too. He hadn’t sensed any malicious undertones from any of the group members he could see and they had all seemed so…relieved. He got that. He knew what it was like to be on the move without a home. Uprooted every time you just got settled in. Fearful to try to set down those roots again.
“Sure thing! I’ll pop on over to the church and pick him up.”
Riff hopped into his old truck, windows down, Pepper curled up on the floor on the passenger side. He whistled a tune as he drove, giving people he passed a little wave whether he knew them or not. The church wasn’t far from the motel, well, nothing on Fog Island was particularly ‘far’, he reasoned. He left the windows down as he pulled into a space near the front door and told Pepper to stay before going inside.
“Father Marek? Are you still here somewhere? I got some news that I think you’re going to find pretty great!”
If Riff’s words weren’t enough to convey the idea of ‘pretty great’, the exuberance of his tone and size of his grin surely would.
____________________________________________________________________________
Father Marek
“I’m here!” the priest called back, emerging from the sacristy with a pair of candlesticks in his hands. “It’s wonderful to see you so upbeat, Riff.” Though, not exactly unusual. This particular Lycan had an unusual gift for spreading sunshine wherever he went. “What’s this great news?”
Riff told him. And Marek had to take a moment to catch his breath. He set the candlesticks down carefully, then sat down on a pew to collect his thoughts.
“I’m excited,” Father Marek said. “Of course I’m excited. Of course I’m so grateful to the many Lycans who have taken me in and helped me, but it has been so long since I’ve been among Vampires. It will be nice not to be the only one for a change.”
But that wasn’t all he felt. Why wasn’t that all? What was wrong with him?
“...But I’m nervous,” the priest admitted. “As I said, it’s been so long. And I’ve become so unaccustomed to this. It’s silly, I know - but I’m a little scared to meet them. What if I make a mess of things?”
He forced a smile. It was a slightly anxious one.
“I apologize. This all must seem so foolish to you. Thank you for bringing this great news.”
As the two of them walked back to the boats, threading their way through the jagged rocks, Riff couldn’t help but expound on what was making him so happy.
“You know, I think these vampires are the kind of people Father Marek would be happy to know. I’m sure he’s been lonely these past years. Our former community in Hungary had many vampires - many former Death Dealers and socialites -but I think he would take comfort in knowing there are more vampires like him in existence. Peaceful ones.”
He grew thoughtful for a bit, the skittering of pebbles underfoot barely detectable over the sound of waves hitting the shore as they approached their docking point.
“I wonder if we could convince the butcher shop to get more blood from the abattoir as a placeholder until we can get an artificial source up and running. Like, say we’re going to be making a lot of black pudding or something?”
Ellen and Nick came into view and Riff waved at them. The pair received the low-down on what had been agreed upon between Isaac and the vampires.
“And we’re going to host a science fair!” Riff added, a bit proud of the idea. Despite the fact that he had never once been to a science fair, he knew they existed and surely something good would come of a bunch of science-y people getting together.
“I guess we should come up with posters or something. Get the school to host? Maybe they already have the kids doing one and they could just…expand it a little. I…actually have no idea how these things work.” He deflated slightly, then surged forward “But I’m sure other people do and will be excited to host some real meteorologists!”
___________________________________________________________________________
Isaac Fishblatt
Riff’s enthusiasm was infectious; the Greenways both smiled, along with Isaac.
“I think this is a great idea,” Isaac said. “The library would be happy to be a co-sponsor. This is the sort of thing our patrons would enjoy. You should also talk to Asif - I think this is right up his alley. You know how he loves telling us all about rocks.”
That statement was fond, not critical - learning was something Isaac greatly valued too. It was one of the first things that had attracted him and Gilda to each other, in fact - that shared intellectual passion.
“In the meantime, though, you’re right - the butcher is a good source of blood, until we can get the artificial blood supplies flowing. If we’re willing to pay for something they normally just throw away, I can’t imagine they’ll ask too many questions.”
Ellen and Nick agreed to talk to their neighbors on Longhome Island about borrowing the ferry boat. That would probably also involve borrowing a crew, who Isaac assumed might have questions…
“Probably not,” Ellen said bluntly. “We’re used to weirdness. Even more so than the average Fog Islander. These people escaped a magic ocean zombie plague. Rescuing some vampires from a rock isn’t going to move the needle.”
When they got back, Isaac recruited a few Pack members to help him sunproof a few motel rooms.
“I wonder if the sunlight inoculation that Marek received would be replicable…?” he wondered aloud. He would speak to Keisha about that. Their Pack doctor was surely the best positioned to have an informed opinion on the subject.
“Riff, can you let Marek know what’s going on? He may want to help.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Riff
He was certainly glad that they’d met the Greenways the way they did. Not that he would have wished any of the harm that came to them to happen, not at all. But more that they were able to establish good, supportive relations right away. Riff felt like it had cemented their friendship in a way simply discovering their island existed wouldn’t have. It was wonderful that they were kind people who wanted to help their new community.
These new vampires seemed like they wanted to be in community too. He hadn’t sensed any malicious undertones from any of the group members he could see and they had all seemed so…relieved. He got that. He knew what it was like to be on the move without a home. Uprooted every time you just got settled in. Fearful to try to set down those roots again.
“Sure thing! I’ll pop on over to the church and pick him up.”
Riff hopped into his old truck, windows down, Pepper curled up on the floor on the passenger side. He whistled a tune as he drove, giving people he passed a little wave whether he knew them or not. The church wasn’t far from the motel, well, nothing on Fog Island was particularly ‘far’, he reasoned. He left the windows down as he pulled into a space near the front door and told Pepper to stay before going inside.
“Father Marek? Are you still here somewhere? I got some news that I think you’re going to find pretty great!”
If Riff’s words weren’t enough to convey the idea of ‘pretty great’, the exuberance of his tone and size of his grin surely would.
____________________________________________________________________________
Father Marek
“I’m here!” the priest called back, emerging from the sacristy with a pair of candlesticks in his hands. “It’s wonderful to see you so upbeat, Riff.” Though, not exactly unusual. This particular Lycan had an unusual gift for spreading sunshine wherever he went. “What’s this great news?”
Riff told him. And Marek had to take a moment to catch his breath. He set the candlesticks down carefully, then sat down on a pew to collect his thoughts.
“I’m excited,” Father Marek said. “Of course I’m excited. Of course I’m so grateful to the many Lycans who have taken me in and helped me, but it has been so long since I’ve been among Vampires. It will be nice not to be the only one for a change.”
But that wasn’t all he felt. Why wasn’t that all? What was wrong with him?
“...But I’m nervous,” the priest admitted. “As I said, it’s been so long. And I’ve become so unaccustomed to this. It’s silly, I know - but I’m a little scared to meet them. What if I make a mess of things?”
He forced a smile. It was a slightly anxious one.
“I apologize. This all must seem so foolish to you. Thank you for bringing this great news.”