Orion d'Ambray (wisequack) wrote in light_of_may, @ 2012-02-27 04:51:00 |
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Entry tags: | 2009-09-01, orion, rina |
Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
Who: Rina and Orion, with Trouble (NPC'd)
Where: St. Francis’ Church
When: late evening, close to 11pm
All things considered, Orion had had an okay day. It still seemed as though he and his brother were no closer to getting their practice established and functioning, but they’d put an add out in every major paper in the area, so people would eventually show up. Wouldn’t they? Odin was sure that they would, so by rights, Orion believed him. It didn’t change the fact that the idea of staying in one place still dug into the angel. Much of his life had involved travelling and learning, and greeting the idea of remaining in Scarlet Oak, Michigan with open arms was a tricky endeavor. He saw the wisdom in remaining with his family for protection, but that didn’t mean that they had to stay in the same place, did it? They could all go on vacation and travel, right? At least he hoped so, though he would be fine with staying put if it wasn’t so final. Being stuck in Celestia had felt like some version of punishment, being without all of the different things that Orion had grown to love about Earth. Like people, provided that they weren’t completely stupid. Staying in one place made him restless and so even despite the fact that his flashbacks could catch him at any time, Orion went out alone. He’d even made sure to bring a sweatshirt with him, just in case he needed it for whatever reason. Still, there wasn’t a shirt invented yet for men that would allow him to have his wings out and still be wearing a top at all, so he went out into the rain shirtless. It was a little on the chilly side with the rain, even if it was still warm outside. From where he had it tied around his waist, Orion was sure his sweatshirt was going to get soaked. Despite all the little bells that went off in his mind about being alone, unarmed and vulnerable out flying as he was, it still appealed to the risk-seeking part of Orion’s persona. And if he ran into trouble, he was close enough to be able to get back to his family in no time, right? He believed that, anyway.
The rain on his skin was enough of a distraction that Orion could forget for a moment that anything in the world had ever gone wrong. There were no awful memories, no pain, and no threat at all from the visions that seemed to plague him at times like these. No, tonight Orion was free from all of that. It was meditative, the rain, and it filled him with a sense of well-being that he nearly only felt when he was around his family or -- Oh. It wasn’t just the rain that was making the angel feel that way. He scanned the ground below him, taking in the roof of a building that looked -- and felt -- like a church. And sure enough, there was a woman sitting up there, in a white dress. Orion assumed it was white, it was a little hard to tell the color seeing as it was nearly all the way damp with rain. He flew closer, feeling that brush of kinship only getting stronger the closer he came to the woman -- no, the angel -- that was sat on the roof. Drifting closer, Orion looked around, making sure that no one would make note of his progress beyond the woman. Thinking that the coast was clear, he dropped down onto the rooftop lightly, docking his metallic wings in favor of not making a bigger spectacle than he had already made. Once he came closer, Orion could see a little ball of fur that must certainly be a small kitten in the woman’s lap. Without bothering with his sweatshirt at first, he walked closer, almost shyly, to the woman. “May I share your rooftop, miss?” He hoped the answer was yes, and really, Orion was yet to meet another angel that had refused his company. Although, there had to be a first time for everything. He only hoped that it was not this time; the idea that other angels were in the area beyond his family was a happy one. It was reason enough for the way that Orion smiled shyly, though it was not exactly his nature to be as friendly as his brother.
Everything was starting to become either very amusing or too complicated for Rina to really comprehend it. It was that, more than anything else, that told her that she was in desperate need of sleep. It was a thing that she had done ever since the times she was no longer allowed to think about according to Darklis and Trouble; staying up through the nights with only a little catnap here or there because her dreams were just too much for her to handle. She believed that it was beginning to trouble Darklis. Her cousin never needed to sleep and one of the things that Rina did with the extra time she was not using to sleep was check in on the vampire to make sure that there was truly nothing wrong with her. So Darklis knew she was not sleeping near as much as she should be. That had led to what Rina believed to be an empty threat involving a tranquilizer gun. A more passive, and reasonable, thing that Darklis had done had been insisting that Rina wear shoes if she insisted on heading out instead of sleeping. Though, she was told, she would be sleeping soon. Trouble seemed to be in agreement. Rina had only shrugged.
Now, instead of wandering the streets at random with the risk of being pulled aside by someone whose very nature called out to her, Rina had taken herself back to the church that was the most familiar building in the town to her. She had landed on that roof when she first came and it had been the place that she had been seated when Darklis had wandered out of the church. The memory was enough to bring a smile to her face and, after glancing around to make sure that the rain was indeed keeping most people inside, she climbed her way up. Trouble had protested from where she was clinging to her shoulder, but Rina had reminded the small cat that she had been the one who insisted on coming even though it was raining. That was something she did not quite understand since she was certain that everyone said cats did not like the rain... ‘I like what I like!’ Trouble informed her, curling up in her lap and shivering a little. Rina took pity on the creature and shielded her from the rain as best she could while she let her mind wander.
Wanderings which were interrupted when she felt a little tingle, then the suddenness of emotions not her own. The angel lifted her head in time to see a man - an angel, she assumed - land on the roof before his wings were tucked away. Normally, Rina did not react well to being surprised, but how could she ever object to another angel making his presence known? Only the other day she and Antigone had been discussing how much they wished that they could see more of them... Rina nodded and, after a moment, returned the smile with a nervous one of her own. Male angels were something that she had not really had a lot of experience with since she left earth the first time. They tended to make her think of her brother or cousin, but she would never actively avoid one. Rina did not even really note that he was without a shirt, something which she would later blame on her lack of sleep. “You may. I believe that the phrase is that it’s a free country and this is a public place.” ‘And he’s an angel!’ Yes, Rina had noticed that. Even if she had not felt it then the wings had rather given it away. “I haven’t seen you around before town before. Are you newly arrived?”
Seeing the woman smile nervously had Orion slowing his approach, not really one for wanting to make people feel uncomfortable. Though, there could be plenty of reasons to explain why the other angel was reacting that way. It was late at night and Orion was a stranger to her, so then the feeling like he was intruding ratcheted up a notch. “I think you’re right, I’ve heard that said before. But, despite it being a free country, it’s just good manners to ask. I’m truly not intruding?” Orion was a gentleman to his core, and he believed that chivalry was only as dead as people remarked when it was not used to the utmost. It had looked like the other angel had been lost in thought, much like Orion had been only moments before. Well, meditative thought, wherein you rigorously attempt to think of nothing. It seldom worked for him, seeing as his mind was full up on facts and bits of information. Like how the rain on his skin warmed upon contact due to his radiating body heat. Ohh. Disentangling his sweatshirt from around his waist, Orion slipped it over his head, thinking that that was perhaps the reason why the woman had looked nervous. The vain side of him didn’t see the point in covering up; the way he looked was a gift, was it not? “Forgive me if I made you uncomfortable.” He gestured at his sweatshirt with a bit of a wry smile, the barest quirking of one corner of his mouth. At this point, Orion would have sat down, but he felt a little unsure of whether or not it would be wanted.
Moving over to a polite distance away, Orion walked to the edge of the roof, leaning out to look at the ground below. Glancing back over, Orion nodded. “My family and I just moved into town about a week prior.” He toed the edge of the roof with his boot, one hand coming up to the back of his head. “What about yourself? Have you stayed here long?” It would be interesting to hear another angel’s perspective on this town, seeing as Orion and his family were still learning the terrain, as it were. It struck Orion that he had misplaced his manners somewhere along the way and he took a seat on the roof, close enough that he could reach out a hand to the woman. “My name is Orion d’Ambray. You don’t know how pleasant it is to meet another angel.” He smiled slightly, the expression looking a little less shy than before. Orion was still pretty reserved when compared with the rest of his family, but he knew that smiling was reassuring. Especially when it was genuine. His eyes went to the little kitten curled in the woman’s lap and he lifted an eyebrow. “And what is your name?” His sisters both had familiars, and he assumed that that’s what this one was, but he could be wrong. He had to admit that he was a little jealous when it came to that. The only rationalization he had to offer up was that as much travelling as he and his twin brother did, it was no wonder they hadn’t been chosen yet. It raised the question of whether or not they ever would be. While the thought of someone sharing his thoughts wasn’t entirely pleasant, it was still something he envied. Imagine how easy it would be to distract someone in order to impart wisdom when you had an animal sidekick! Orion’s gaze found the woman’s face again and his look softened somewhat when he really looked at her. She was beautiful, it was true, but she looked tired, and sad somehow. He of course couldn’t be sure of the reason as to why she was sad, but he recognized that look. It was the same one he saw when he was looking in the mirror, one that wouldn’t go away no matter how happy you could be. “Are you alright?” Orion was a doctor and had a degree in psychology to boot; he knew exhaustion when he saw it.
Rina shook her head. “You are truly not intruding.” There was nothing to be intruded on. Her thoughts were not even strung together all of the way so they scattered easily and by now she had forgotten what it was she had been thinking about. If it had actually been anything. When he said that he was sorry if he had made her uncomfortable, Rina tilted her head a little. Oh, he had put a shirt on. “It’s alright, I wasn’t bothered.” When it came to a vast majority of things it was actually quite difficult to bother Rina. On more than one occasion she had been told that that was unusual. Trouble agreed that it was, apparently. ‘I think that woman stare at shirtless men.’ Why? ‘Why not? It’s attractive. So says all of the ladies on that one news show.’ I don’t think they talk about men without shirts on the news. ‘They all sit at a big desk and talk...’ Rina still did not think that they did. True, she was not that big a fan of the news and only watched it when she thought that it would tell her something she needed to know, but she was still sure on this. Perhaps they would have to get Darklis to settle the matter for them when they returned home.
While it was not a conscious movement, Rina still shrugged a little at the question and glanced away on habit. “Not quite a month. I came when the gates opened again.” All angels knew when that had happened. At least, Rina was sure that they must. How nice that he has a family. No, Rina was not feeling a pang for her own, Darklis was filling that void fine on her own. Or as well as she could since she was only one person and Rina’s family had been a fair bit larger than that the last time that she was here. ‘You should shake his hand.’ Yes, thank you Trouble, I know. Her hesitation was not because she did not trust him, but because... well, Rina was not actually completely sure why she hesitated, but she managed to overcome it and reach out to shake his hand lightly. “I do know how pleasant it is, Orion, for I feel the same way.” A dozen angels could show up outside of her door and Rina would still be completely delighted if she came across just one more the next day. She released his hand and busied hers with stroking Trouble’s damp fur. “This little one is Trouble, and she’s aptly named.” ‘Hey!’ Rina’s smile was more genuine after that. “My name’s Rina Nimitz.” ‘You know... it’s actually really not. Her name’s just Rina.’ That was rude. They were going to need to have another talk about what Trouble was and was not allowed to say to strangers. It was easier for Rina to focus on her familiar than to acknowledge that she was being looked at. Or that a relative stranger, angel or not, had just asked if she was alright. Did she really look that bad? “I haven’t been sleeping well,” Rina shared, tucking a wet piece of hair behind her ear. Orion did not feel as though he had bad intentions, he seemed to be almost concerned even though he did not know her. It was so nice to have an angel be the random stranger she came across this time. “My cousin, she has threatened to force me into sleep if I don’t do it myself soon. She worries.” It truly amused her sometimes, like right now, to realize that she was an angel having her well-being looked after by a vampire. “Are you normally so concerned with the well-being of strangers, Mr. D’Ambray?” There was no malice in what she said, Rina was just curious and it would perhaps give her an idea of what he was an angel of.
Glad that he was not imposing, Orion smiled faintly. “Thank you.” When thought processes were concerned, Orion tended to be slightly frustrated when his were interrupted, so he would have understood if he was being a bother. It was good to know that even while he might not exactly be extremely welcome, at least he was not seen as an intrusion. The comment about the female angel not having been bothered by his lack of clothing on his upper body was met with a slight hit to his ego. No, you don’t need to pull the vain card upon first meeting. Show some restraint. Still, a vague feeling of disappointment washed over Orion, seeing as he tended to get lots of positive reactions from women -- and sometimes men. He loved the attention, he just happened to not be able to handle it quite so well without his figurative and literal wingman. Who was also his twin. Odin made interactions so much smoother, seeing as he was quite open and outgoing. Orion found it easier to take his cues from other people, but seeing as this woman was also an angel, he could try to make an exception. “I’d hate to put you off upon first meeting, so it is a good thing that you weren’t offended.” As if that had ever truly happened. A wry smile took up residence on his lips, going along with the hint of sarcasm perfectly. Orion just felt as though sarcasm was just a part of his normal speaking voice, so hopefully it wasn’t over the top. Lots of people didn’t seem to understand or appreciate the tone. “This is the perfect thinking weather, though, wouldn’t you agree?” At least Orion thought so. Rain was soothing, especially when it was steady and heavy, as it was now. He seemed to recall getting much more work done when he was living in England. Perhaps that could explain his connotation with that particular form of precipitation. That, and Oxford had been one of the better schools he’d attended, if you overlooked the Indian monastery in which he and his twin had studied.
Nodding his head, Orion calculated back to the day when his family had finally decided to come back together as a group this time, rather than going off on their separate ways. That discussion, as he remembered it, had taken quite some time, and they had decided to go back to Detroit first. “Scarlet Oak was our second choice, seeing as Detroit is not the city it used to be.” It was implied that Orion was referring to the time before the gates had closed, but somehow he figured the other angel understood. “Did something in particular bring you here?” Either way, be it planned or happenstance, Orion was glad that his family was not alone in this town. As reserved as he was, he understood the hesitation in others all too well. When the woman shook his hand, he squeezed her hand gently before releasing it, seeing as she seemed somewhat reluctant to make physical contact. Still, the smile he had on his face grew when she admitted that she was pleased at their meeting as well. He glanced down at the little kitten, his brows lifting to hear her name. “For now I’ll say it’s good to meet you, Trouble, though it seems as though that might be speaking too soon?” Orion’s voice was light, joking, carrying on the tone that the angel -- Rina -- had adopted. The smile on her face was pretty, and he nodded, listening closely to the back and forth between angel and familiar. “Oh? Well, whatever your surname, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rina.” Orion watched her mannerisms, his medical and psychological mind at work. “Ah, yes. Sleep is of great importance, even for us. I can empathize, though. Sleep doesn’t come easily for me, some nights.” Most nights, but who was counting? Orion was just a REM cycle away from a war dream, though nightmare was more accurate. When Rina remarked on her cousin threatening to force her into sleep, Orion lifted his brows. He put the pieces together, thinking that perhaps her cousin was the reason she had come to Scarlet Oak. Though, he knew what became of people who made assumptions. “That sounds serious, if your cousin has had to threaten that.” At her question over his conscientious manner, Orion shrugged lightly. “My brother and I are doctors, among other things.” He was equally curious as to which sort of angel Rina was, and he figured he may as well offer his up first. “Beyond that, I’m the Angel of Wisdom, so it’s my responsibility to spread my wisdom to others, though it seems as though your cousin beat me to it.” Grinning just a little bit to show he meant no harm, Orion nodded at Rina. “And you? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”
Rina knew, without even really needing to concentrate on her empathy, that something she had said had affected Orion in a not-so-positive way. Had it been the remark about the shirt? Did he wish that he had distracted her by not wearing it? That would be so odd... and so human... Yes, Rina viewed things such as that as human if only because it was not something she had ever really thought about before she returned to earth when she was in her late teens. So, as with many other things that were likely no more specific to humans than anything else, Rina had likely mislabeled them. Still, she thought the way she thought and hoped it would not be an issue in the future. Sarcasm also went unnoticed unless it was coming from Darklis and since this was not... “Yes, it quite is.” Rina ducked her head slightly, thinking that it would be better weather if she was actually truly thinking of anything thing at all. Now was the time she should be using to think of how to help those who fell under her care. Instead she was doing nothing because she was unable to sleep.
“I have never been to Detroit,” Rina declared. She was not even sure that she had heard of it before she came here. “I just... came. I wanted to be somewhere other than where I was before and this seemed to be nearly as far as I could get while I still spoke the language.” Her accent was thankfully minimal as well. She would not have been able to stand if she sounded like any other German who had come to America. The questions alone would make her flinch. ‘Just because my name is Trouble doesn’t mean that I actually am it. I haven’t gotten in much at all since Rina came here! Except with the cake.’ “She jumped in my birthday cake.” ‘And I tasted absolutely delicious until Darklis put me in the sink!’ Rina could not vouch for that fact since she had refused to taste the cat’s fur. “Just Rina, then, the only surname I ever had was Nimitz and it is likely wrong for me to continue claiming it.” The last Nimitz that she had known about had died decades ago. Rina could have easily slipped then, despite Trouble’s warnings that she should do no such thing, but the word ‘empathize’ caught her. Oh. He only meant in the most basic of ways, he did not mean literally. Good. Rina may have been an empath but it was another matter entirely to be completely comfortable around another one. “Truly, she only means well. She does not sleep herself and I think it makes her think that she is somewhat of an expert on it. Ah, what do I know? She is actually older than me and we should listen to our elders.” Which was just odd since Darklis did not even look as old as Rina. “Oh.” A doctor. Rina felt her should twitch automatically and she had to look away, forcing herself to stillness and a state of calm. Angel doctors were not the same as human ones. Unless they had fallen then they could not do those things. There was nothing wrong with Orion just because he was a doctor. ‘Breathe in... and now out... calm... that’s my girl.’ Trouble even started to purr despite how damp she was, trying to reassure Rina that she was really alright. Outwardly her facial expression had not changed and, but for several twitches, she knew she had not moved. “Wisdom? We can all use a little more of t-that... the town is lucky to h-have you.” No, no she was not going to stammer her way through another conversation. One more deep breath and she focused on Orion’s feelings instead of her own. That was simpler. “I’m a Patron. The mentally unbalanced and wrongly accused are my wards.” A sad, half-smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I have found my share here.”
Nodding just a little bit, Orion lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Not much to see there now; I’d stay put if I were you, if you like it here.” Which made him wonder if this town was a good one or not. “Are you enjoying your stay here, so far?” It was always good to get another person’s opinion on the land, especially another angel’s. Orion would not have bothered overmuch with just anyone’s opinion, nor would he have been as friendly as he was being. Well, friendly for him. Odin was much better at this sort of thing, seeing as he was just naturally good with people -- better so than Orion, unless he was in some sort of leadership position. He missed being in the Army, for lots of reasons, most of which weren’t so good, in hindsight. Being in the war had been an adventure, and a thrill the likes of which Orion had not met with before or since. The damage it did to his psyche was hard to overlook, that was true, but he felt as though the wisdom he gained had been worth it, so long as he didn’t try to remember specific events. Even calling up the faces of the men in his element was not a good thing to do; more often than not, the memory of their faces called up other memories, ones that were best left under the surface. When Trouble began speaking again, Orion smiled, lifting his eyebrows at the mention of cake and trouble-making. He laughed just a little bit, his smile becoming more genuine. “What sort of cake was it? And I bet frosting-covered kitten is the best, really.” There was no harm in saying that -- Rina’s familiar was adorable! It almost made Orion feel another little bit of longing for his own familiar, should he get one. When she remarked on the fact that she could no longer claim her surname, he glanced down at her hands briefly, taking in the glint of gold on the proper ring finger. “Why shouldn’t you claim it, if that’s your name?” Orion didn’t think once that the subject might be a sensitive one, or else he wouldn’t have blundered through the question. “An elder expert on sleep? I haven’t heard of something that can go beyond the need for sleep without assistance.” Unless... No, rumors of a different sort of vampire that didn’t need to sleep were not ones that were comfortable being inside Orion’s head at that moment. Surely Rina meant that her cousin was just an older, more talented sort of angel?
The soft monosyllabic response Orion got from the other angel about his secondary profession brought his gaze back up to her face in time to catch her look away. Had he said something wrong? Tilting his head to the side, Orion searched Rina’s face for a moment before looking away, off into the rain. He hadn’t meant to -- to what, he wasn’t sure. Had her shoulder really started twitching? Now Orion felt bad, and he was not exactly sure why mentioning being a doctor would upset her unless she or a loved one had had a bad experience with one before. He thought of several different things to say, but when Rina didn’t say anything further, he just let the subject drop. When she mentioned wisdom, Orion smiled and looked over, nodding. He tried to keep the concern off his face from her stutter, figuring it wasn’t something that she would necessarily want remarked on. “I’m just glad to be back here, where information is easily gained, but thank you. I’m looking forward to helping out any way I can.” The way Rina spoke the next time sounded as if the little episode she’d had had gone away and Orion hoped that she was alright. Still, he didn’t feel as though he could remark on it. It would be considered rude, wouldn’t it? “Oh? My father’s a Patron.” A small smile found his lips again. “Well, I hope they aren’t running you ragged out here. I admire you, for that. Being a Patron isn’t always easy, or so my father says.” It was true, though, and Orion knew it was sometimes all his father could do to help his charges. “Do you get much time to yourself?”
“Ah, yes. The people seem to be well enough,” Rina replied, before she recalled an unhappy meeting that caused her to frown for a moment. “But there is a demon at the hospital in Ann Arbor and she is rather old.” Rina had not been able to do anything about her and she had actually tried. Moments like that were when she thought it most obvious that she was not a fighter. ’Umm... the delicious kind with flowers on the top made of frosting! Rina said I couldn’t have one, but there were a few so I took one anyhow...’ Then Orion said that Rina should claim the name if it was hers and she bit at her lip before looking down to Trouble. ’It’s not your name, Rina.’ “It was the name of my h-husband quite some time ago.” As for why she should not claim it, well, she thought that to be obvious if one knew how he had died. Which they did not because she did not share. Had Darklis not walked in her dreams then her cousin would not know either. “Ah, well, Darklis doesn’t need to sleep. Her House cannot.” Did she need to say that she was a vampire or was the mention of a House enough for that? Rina felt a little reluctant to share if only because she knew that some people had less than pleasant views of the fanged race. Some of them deserved it, but Darklis did not. Rina would defend her always and not only because she was one of her wards, but because she was family and Rina did not have enough of that left to throw what she did away.
When Orion did not continue to talk about his profession it was easier for Rina to push it away and keep herself calm and centered, as she knew she needed to be in that moment. Nor did she know how to respond about gathering more knowledge being the good thing about being back. Rina was not unintelligent, but knowledge had never been her true pursuit. Something that she imagined would not be best shared with an angel whose virtue related to such things. Tired or not, she did not want to upset anyone even minorly. “What is your father Patron of?” Thinking of other Patrons was enough to cause her small smile to return and Trouble gave a mew of approval before she fluffed herself up and tipped out of Rina’s lap so that she could make her way close to Orion. ’You can pet me if you want, you know.’ Yes, the tiny cat was an attention whore and she did not care who knew it. Besides, it usually managed to make Rina smile. “But we were born to be who we are just as you were; I think that the Guardians have the most choice out of us all.” They could wait and pick a family. Her father and brother had just... chosen... ’Stop it.’ “I get enough time for myself. I just keep finding more people who need me every time I venture outside.” They waited around every corner, or so it seemed. “Anyway, I am sure that you and your family will like it here, Mr. D’Ambray.”
“That’s good. It’d be a shame if this was a town full of the nefarious types, though that would definitely give us something to do.” Orion did not like dealing with people like that, but if his virtue came into question then of course he would do what he had to. He just might not enjoy it as much -- or at all, really. At the mention of a demon, Orion could feel the muscles in his shoulder tightening up, his wings threatening to burst forth. Something about even the mere mention of the evil creatures always had him wanting to go off against one -- even if that was not the best idea, seeing as Orion was not with his family and he was only a hundred years old at that. “There are six angels in my family, myself included. Maybe numbers can overturn the strength of age.” Orion had a fighting spirit and was a born leader, seeing as he was much more confident when he was on the battlefield. He could feel that edge of his spirit getting stronger, and he knew he did not necessarily need to feel those sorts of things right now. It wasn’t as if he was going to leave right this moment to rally up his family and go seek the demon out -- they had barely just got there! The little comment about the icing flowers made Orion smile, though, and it brought his thoughts back to the lighter points of their conversation. Just in time, it seemed, to strike a nerve and hear Rina stutter again. The way she spoke of her husband in the past tense was clear enough as to what that meant. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...to upset you.” At least, she looked upset. “I also didn’t mean to pry.” Orion himself was reserved, and it was a wonder that he’d been as talkative -- for him -- as he had been. Meeting another angel just had to be the best thing to happen today. He was probably just overly excited over that fact. Even so, the way Rina said “House” confirmed that which Orion had struggled not to think about. “Ah. I’d heard about that sort of house before” -- Orion was still not sure how he felt about some vampires, but at least she was not a Gabriel -- “, is it true that they walk in dreams?” That would definitely be an interesting little bit of information, if nothing else.
At the question about his father, Orion smiled a little, his gaze going off in the rain. “He’s the Patron of Musicians.” Which definitely meant that most of his children also came to a love of music -- Orion didn’t play an instrument but he definitely liked to hear his siblings play. “He has a love of classical music, so he’s only recently started coming around to the other genres and styles that there are out there. He spent a lot of time in Europe, so moving to America is still a bit of an adjustment for him, especially considering where the country’s music has gone.” Orion hated rap music. The beats were sometimes catchy, but he couldn’t stand some of the things that were talked about. When Trouble jumped off Rina’s lap and made her way over, Orion couldn’t help but smile -- a true smile, bright and happy -- at her insistence that she was indeed able to be petted. “That is definitely a good thing to know.” He reached out a hand to scratch underneath her chin, moving to pet her back. Even though the little kitten was soaked, it was still nice -- didn’t petting an animal lower one’s blood pressure? -- and Orion couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “I bet it’s hard to be anything but happy around you, Trouble.” Which might have sounded wrong, but Orion hoped that it was okay to say that. Nodding a little at what Rina said, Orion lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. “That’s true. I imagine it would take a lot of time to actually make the decision to choose a family, after all.” And once they chose them, that was the family they guarded with their life. “I think maybe its only the unknown that’s so fascinating to me. What I do is second nature after all, so it's intriguing to meet and see other angels at their work.” The knowledge that there were so many people in this one little town who had need of Rina was not necessarily a happy one, but Orion was glad that they had her around to help them. “I’m sure they’ll be more than fine, now that you’re here to help.” If there was one thing that Orion could tell, it was that Rina was a good soul -- not just because she was an angel, of course. She had a gentle demeanor, and he knew that that was the best thing for her wards. “Now that I know that we aren’t alone here, I can definitely say that the odds are very much in our favor.” Orion offered her a smile, thinking again that it was very fortuitous that he’d come out to go flying tonight.
A town filled with ‘nefarious types’ was Rina’s worst nightmare; likely because she had already been there. Her hometown had turned into it and even if it had not then the ones who were actually considered ‘people’ had been. ’Pay more attention to the other angel and less to your mind.’ Easier said than done since she was hardly able to even get a grasp on her thoughts. Lack of sleep was tossing them around and sifting through them with no sense of rhyme or reason. Rina may not have liked the way it felt, but she was accepting it because it was better than facing up to her dreams. Dreams that would be filled with so many unpleasant things that had and had not happened; like Daisy had not died but Rina knew what her dreams would show. “Maybe. I’d rather not put these ideas to the test... maybe they’ll leave.” Rina had not a violent bone in her body and she would likely never be able to put herself in the position of an angel who was able and willing to go and kill a demon. She wanted them dead, she was just... not the one who should kill them. ’See look, he’s not trying to be upsetting, smile Rina!’ “Yes, she can do that when she wants to. She’s very gifted with getting into dreams.” Yes, Rina chose to call it gifted and not to let it be known that it bothered her. Orion was a new face and angel or not he did not need to know that Rina did not really want her cousin anywhere near her dreams. For Darklis’ sake.
“Ah yes, the music.” Rina made a bit of a face and laughed quietly. She had heard the music on the television when she was flicking through the channels and then Darklis had a lot of it. She still needed to have Darklis explain how all of these things that carried music worked. It amazed her that so many songs could be fit into something so small. Just like it amazed her that all of the energy and happiness that Trouble carried could be contained in her tiny body. The small cat kept on purring as Orion petted her. ’I am good for you! See that Rina? A doctor thinks I’m awesome’ Cats did not actually have to pay attention to what people said if they did not want to; sometimes it was better to just make up what you wanted to hear. Rina’s eye still ticced slightly when Orion said that her wards were better off for having her. Were they? She remembered the look on Caelia’s face when Rina had tried to explain. It was almost the exact opposite from what Jadyn had done with that sudden hug and the tears. Rina thought that she preferred Jadyn... or really Cheila; who had been so calm and matter-of-fact and just simple to deal with. “I do my best. My mother always insisted that was enough since that’s what she did too.” ‘Did’. Rina’s chest tightened as she realized she had just referred to her mother in the past tense like she was not out there somewhere. She is. Still, she was able to keep the smile on her face when Orion said that he thought his family had the odds in their favor now. “Good. We’ll likely even see each other again; it’s not that big a place.” ’And if she ever needed a doctor then she’d rather come to you than any of the people in that hospital. She doesn’t even want to work there anymore!’ Rina decided not to correct Trouble because she was not incorrect.
Orion hoped that this town really did prove to be worth staying in. Sure, the amount of supernatural activity was definitely a draw, especially for his sister Andy, who was curiosity incarnate, but if there were those that would try to force them out, then they had best think again. Now that they were back, Orion did not think his family planned on moving anytime soon. “It’s entirely possible. That would definitely be the wisest choice, if I were a demon living in a town full of angels,” Orion murmured, a little bit of a laugh in his voice as he spoke of his virtue. Well, perhaps “full” was not exactly the correct word, but at least there were six more angels present than there were in weeks past. He wasn’t too humble to admit that he and his brother were definitely the fighting type of angels, and maybe there would enough of them that would give them a fighting chance should the demons try anything. For even though Rina only mentioned one demon, Orion had the feeling it was more than just the one. There were always more. “Either way, it is good to know that we are not alone here.” Had he said that before? He felt the need to reiterate it, because he sincerely felt that way. Here had been somewhat nervous about going out alone and he had met Rina and her adorable little familiar, Trouble. At Rina’s admission to the vampire house’s gifts, Orion’s brow furrowed slightly and he tilted his head to the side in thought. “I imagine that would be a very powerful gift, and a heady ability to contend with. I must admit, I don’t believe that I would much enjoy that ability.” Dreams were private things, and as shy as Orion was with opening up past the most mundane of information about himself and his family, he couldn’t imagine having someone share the things his subconscious brought forth. Nor would he ever actually wish that on anyone else -- no one needed to see people’s bodies explode in front of their eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking happy, clear thoughts for a while until the image passed. “I wouldn’t want anyone inside my dreams,” he said at last, his voice softer than before. “But then, who would?”
“I assume you’ve had the unfortunate luck of hearing some of it.” Orion wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Give me classical music any day over nearly any of the modern music styles.” It was nice to share the sentiment with someone else, even if Rina had only laughed. Orion was still a little behind the learning curve when it came to all the different methods of listening to music. You could listen on the internet or on little square things with clips on them -- Cels called them iPods, he believed, and it just made Orion miss his record player. It was simple, you put a record on and you set the needle up and then you had a more organic listening experience. At least, in Orion’s humble opinion. Or, not so humble, depending on the day, or the mood. Laughing a little at Trouble’s declaration, he nodded his head, continuing to pet her on the back before he scratched behind her ears a little bit. “You are definitely awesome, I can tell even from just this first meeting.” And Rina probably feels happy to have you around. He was a little on the jealous side, but that quickly ebbed away. All things in their time, and he would only feel upset about it if Odin got a familiar where he did not. Until that day came, Orion could only do his best without the help of a familiar. Looking back over at Rina, Orion nodded again. “And that’s all you can really do. I’m sure doing your best is more than sufficient.” The way Rina spoke in the past tense about her mother had Orion’s smile darkening a little bit, but he didn’t comment on it; it likely was a sad subject and he didn’t want to upset Rina at all. His smiled returned full force at the thought of seeing Rina again. “I’d enjoy that, to be honest. It’s been nice to speak to you this evening, Rina.” She had to at least know that much, even if Orion didn’t mean anything else by it. “And you are always welcome to come to me should you ever need my help, medical or otherwise.” Orion had no problem with helping people, and even though he wasn’t sure that Rina would need it seeing as she could heal herself for the most part, he’d had days when his skill to heal hadn’t met up with the amount of damage he’d sustained. No, that was when Odin had been invaluable at keeping them both alive. “Speaking of which, I don’t mean to give you advice you might not want, but I highly suggest getting sleep at some point. It will do you a world of good, if you can manage it.” With one last pet of Trouble’s damp fur, Orion get to his feet. “It was a pleasure to meet you, though. I look forward to seeing you in town.”
’Your mind is drifting again. Rina!’ The blonde snapped to attention at the second mental shout of her name and glanced over at Orion with something almost like a sheepish smile. She was certain that she had been listening to everything that he said, she had been actively trying to!, but her mind had other ideas. It had been like that on and off again for the entire day and the more that it went on the harder it was for her to keep a firm grasp on the task at hand. Even if it was something so simple as listening to another angel. Or perhaps it had been the continuing thought of demons that had caused her to unconsciously force her mind elsewhere. These were not things she wished to dwell on at all. ’I think he’s right.’ Then again, Trouble had been trying to get Rina to sleep for days now, she had even turned to Darklis. “I would mind her in my dreams more were she not my cousin.” For Rina that connection made a world of difference. She had lived her entire life with Elin always in her thoughts. It was different with Darklis and she wished she would not step into her dreams, but if there was someone in the world who must... then she would only be able to accept it coming from someone who shared her blood. Even if she’s technically not living anymore.
Trouble protested the stoppage of her pettings and she swatted at Orion’s hand, though she kept her claws sheathed, and made a pathetic mewing noise as she moved back into Rina’s lap. ’Say good-bye like a good angel.’ “I will sleep,” Rina said instead. “One day.” Her smile was light as she looked up at Orion and nodded. Whether that one day would be today, tomorrow or several days down the road yet was anyone’s guess. Rina knew better than to attempt predicting her sleep schedule. In fact, should she have her way, then she would never have to close her eyes again. She truly envied her cousin’s ability to never have to sleep. Some would call it a curse, but for someone who had spent decades having nightmares it would be a blessing. “I will see you around, Orion. Take care and be well. Don’t go bothering too many demons without your family there to help. I would hate to hear of something having happened to you.” ’You have to pet me again!’ “And that, Trouble would be terribly distraught. You have my apologies that I haven’t been the best conversationalist.” But she was glad to have met him. Other angels always improved the day when one was in a place where they were not the only inhabitants.
Of all the people that Orion could imagine stepping straight into his dreams, Odin was the one that he thought of first, at least in terms of people he would not mind -- he was his twin after all! “Ah yes, I can see how that would be less of an intrusion.” Though, to Orion, it would still be an intrusion. Mostly because of all the people in his family, Odin would be the most able to cope with those things that his brother dreamt about because he had been there. “I guess if I had to pick, I’d rather it be my brother. Family is so much more accepted, I agree. I can’t imagine a stranger wandering in.” He even mentally and visibly shuddered at the thought. He chuckled as Trouble batted at his hand, reaching back down to scratch the top of her tiny head. Standing back up, Orion nodded at Rina, the smile on his face soft. “Good. I’d hate to have to make a house call because you didn’t take yourself home first before crashing.” It was a genuine concern that Orion had, but he felt sure that Rina was wise enough to prevent that. And Trouble would surely make sure her charge got home safely. Surely. “And you and yours. Be safe. Don’t hesitate to contact me, if you need any help. Our family practice is listed in the phone book, now, under d’Ambray.” Smiling a brighter smile, Orion shook his head. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be careful.” Looking down at the little kitten, Orion laughed. “I’ll be sure to do just that, Trouble, don’t worry. And there’s no need to apologize, sometimes its nice to just be.” He gave one more nod before he turned to pull his sweatshirt off, his multi-colored metallic wings unfurling as he stepped off the roof into thin air. He hovered for a moment and waved, a smile on his face. “Have a good night, Rina.” And with that, Orion took off into the night sky, letting a laugh out at his luck. With angels gathered in, there was no way they could take this town.