It's so crowded in here

Daithi: Rihn! *swoops in when the group is about halfway home.*

Rihn: */grins/ and puts out his good arm*

Tam: *lopsided grin, nudges Terris* Told you.

Terris: *chuckles* Yes, you did. 

Rao: Whoooaaa! There really is a talking bird!!

Elias: o,o *so...if that's true... the the metal man and ghost cat... brain broke*

Daithi: *very carefully lands against Rihn's chest, snuggling close* I've missed you so.

Rihn: *soft whistle, tucking the hawk to his chest as best he can - he’s missed Daithi too! . . . looks up at Rao with a /huge/ grin*

Rao: *skips closer to Rihn.* Oh wow. So pretty!

Daithi: *peeks at the boy.* Why thank you, Friend. You have lovely eyes if I may say so. 

Rao: *GRINS*

Tam: *grinning* This is Daithi. Daithi, this is Rao, and this is Elias. Elias is the one who found and saved Rihn, and has been helping us nurse him back to health. *glances at Elias, grin hitching a bit wider* He and Rao are coming home with us to join the family.

Daithi: I cannot express how grateful I am to you, Friend Elias.  Rihn is special to all of us. *and especially to him in certain ways*

Elias: ...*nod* He’s a good young man... *Ffffffff, how the hells...*

Daithi: He certainly is.

*they’ll continue on, Elias silent the rest of the way... Rao chattering nearly endlessly at Daithi.  They’ll finally be approaching home, and Daithi will pull away from Rihn so he can swoop in and let everyone know.  The family will all come out to welcome Rihn... and the new additions.*

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn, Riana (baby), Elias Klements (Gear’s human persona); J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica (spirit), Jimn (earth); HALF-BLOODS: Nyri (air), Jendayi (air), Rao (water/spirit); INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIAN and OTHERS: Optimus (TFA), Sirrah (Tej Abri)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin)

OTHERS: Taren Hordel (trader, Vashti’s friend), Kadar Ander (noble), Gren (slaver’s amin), Suki (slaver’s j’har)))

Elias: *steps into his cabin, a...rather intense look on his face...and no game or fish in hand either. His gaze sweeps over the three.* We need to talk. *tone says he's not giving them a choice.*

Tam: *worried frown* What’s wrong? *something’s obviously happened…he’s /making/ himself not speculate what*

Rihn: *also worried*

Elias: Nothing is wrong unless you make it so. We're going to have one more staying here, and I'll not allow him to be harmed. *looks from one to the next* I know you to be decent people, but I've seen decent people do stupid things before. I'm trusting that won't be an issue with you three. *he doesn't think it will be, not after all he's seen with how close the brothers are with Terris, and recalling Tam's words about their family having a few j'har, but he wants to be sure.*

Terris: I can promise you that no one has anything to fear from us, Elias. We defend ourselves, but we do not otherwise hold any prejudice against others of any race or ability. *risky to say, but he's got a feeling this is what Elias wants to hear from tgem.*

Tam: *knowing grin* Half-blood? *grin turns lopsided* Boy or girl? No, you said "he", right? *one would think he was talking about a newborn baby - and like once before, he's figuring if it /is/ a problem (he doesn't think it will be), he and Terris can defend themselves...so he's making the same point, just more directly*

Elias: *looks from Terris, to Tam, to Rihn...and finally his shoulders relax. That is exactly what he was hoping to hear.  He doesn’t answer Tam, simply turns over his shoulder to speak.  He’d not left the doorway, and hadn’t let the door close either.* Rao.  Come on in, boy.  You’re safe here.

Rao: *a scraggly, dirty, slip of a boy shifts hesitantly up beside Elias.  He looks maybe Mitham’s age, so he’s likely about six, seven at the oldest.  He’s clearly starved, in need of a bath, and a haircut... and he’s got one bright blue eye (left) and one bright purple eye (right)*

Elias: Go sit at the table. *will move to get the boy some food if someone else doesn’t do so first.*

Tam: *at the sight, all humor drops from him and he starts for what amounts to the kitchenette area* Terris, start a bath while I get him food? *stops...looks at Terris with a small, wry grin* On second thought, you do food, I'll do bath. My nose isn't as sensitive as yours.

Terris: *chuckles, shifting to stand* Not sure I’d trust your cooking, brother. *will shift to get some food*

Tam: *at the sight, all humor drops from him and he starts for what amounts to the kitchenette area* Terris, start a bath while I get him food? *stops...looks at Terris with a small, wry grin* On second thought, you do food, I'll do bath. My nose isn't as sensitive as yours.

Elias: *pauses... well... he’s glad he was right about these people...*

Rao: *shaking, uncertain, eyes wide as he looks around in wonder even as he heads for the table as told.*

Elias: Rao, this is Terris, Tam, and Rihn.  Rihn can’t speak, but know that he’ll not hurt you.

Rao: I-I... *looks around at everyone* W-why?

Rihn: *gives a shy wave*

Tam: *has picked up a bucket and started for the door to get water for a bath, pauses to look over his shoulder, his face solemn* Because the world is messed up and /wrong/ about a lot of things, especially j'har and half-bloods. You're not a monster or anyone's pet tool. You're a /person/. At the moment, one in desperate need of some decent food and good scrubbing.

Rao: ...*a few soft gasps as he fights to not cry... and fails.  He’ll break down sobbing softly.*

Terris: *comes over with a bit of food, resting a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder* Tam’s right.  You’re a person, and that’s all the reason we need to show you kindness.  Here.  Try to eat slowly.  No one will take it, and you don’t want to eat too quickly and make yourself sick.

Rao: *soft hiccups as he tries to stop crying so he can eat*

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn, Riana (baby), Elias Klements (Gear’s human persona); J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica (spirit), Jimn (earth); HALF-BLOODS: Nyri (air), Jendayi (air), Rao (water/spirit); INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin)

OTHERS: Taren Hordel (trader, Vashti’s friend), Kadar Ander (noble), Gren (slaver’s amin), Suki (slaver’s j’har)))

*It'll be late when Rihn wakes...needing to use the privy.  Elias is sitting in his rocking chair.  He's pulled it over beside the bed.  Tam's still curled up in the corner.  When Rihn shifts, Elias does too, looking at him.*

Rihn: *shifts . . . and /blushes/, looking anxious . . . a-and won't meet the man's eyes after the first glance*

Elias: ........You need help to the privy?

Rihn: *blushes deeper, hunching . . . a-and n-nods...*

Elias: *nods and will get up. He'll get his arms under Rihn and will gently pick him up and carry him outside to the privy.  He'll gently set Rihn on his feet and will help him get his pants loose.  He doesn't make a big deal of it at all, just does what Rihn needs to be able to go.*

Rihn: *isn't...actually bodyshy, when it come down to it, it's just weird to ask a stranger to help you go...and weirder to try to figure how to do that when you can't communicate that need to start with . . . .it's a HUGE relief that the man makes no fuss about it at all, isn't upset at him or taunting him or anything*

Elias: *will try to give him some privacy* Give a knock if you need help or when you're done.

Rihn: *nods, does what he needs as best he can, then gives a light knock*

Elias: *opens the door and with a glance will assess if Rihn needs help or is done.  He'll help Rihn dress again, and will carefully scoop the boy back up and head inside.  The noise will likely wake Tam as he moves back to the bed to set Rihn down.*

Rihn: *clings lightly to the man, tucked to him as he's carried*

Tam: *startles awake, looking around, clearly trying to place himself in that first instant . . . then remembers as he spots them* Everything all right?

Elias: Everything's fine.  *gets Rihn tucked back into bed* He needed the privy.  *he pauses, frown deepening a little* Rihn, you need to take deeper breaths.  I know it hurts, but you have to.  Just do it slowly.

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn, Riana; J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica, Jimn; HALF-BLOODS: Nyri, Jendayi; INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin)

OTHERS: Taren Hordel (trader, Vashti’s friend), Kadar Ander (noble), Gren (slaver’s amin), Suki (slaver’s j’har)))

Squeak: *Taaaaaaaam! Omg, Tam, you're home! I can't believe you're home! Why did you leave me?! Never leave me! The squeaky fox wiggles in close trying to get to where she can lick and softly nip at his face to show her love. She'll slip away again only to return with a pair of his underclothes she'd managed to snatch. Here. You can have these back. She kept them safe for you.*

Tam: *will wind up sitting with the girls in his lap and Rihn crouched at his shoulder, and then he has excited fox in his face and he loves on her too . . . a-and then the jester is actually blushing softly even as he /laughs/* Okay, who let Squeak into my clothes again?

Squeak: *will reluctantly let him take his underwear if he reaches for them.* 

Nyri: They probably got snatched while Wes and Terris each grabbed a clean set for you. *smirks* Man, honey, I wouldn't have thought it possible to make you blush. *she'll come crouch by his other shoulder and will lean in to steal a kiss.*

Tam: *ah YES he’ll take those back now…unless they’ve been chewed at all, then he’ll let her keep them – smirks at Nyri* It’s not much, but I do have /a/ shred of decency. *leans to kiss her back…a-and hisses a bit as he straightens – yeah, it’s time for new meds, or some attention from Raizen or Jerrica*

*They're mildly chewed, but there's only one small hole, so they're salvageable. Besides, they were clean so not much of his smell on them to make her want to chew.*

Nyri: Ha! Now you're being funny. *she straightens* Spirit or traditional? *for dealing with his wounds*

Tam: *salvageable, yes, but…they’re getting washed at /least/ twice before he wears them again – snickers at Nyri* When am I /not/ being funny? *the grin turns to a mild grimace* Traditional for now, knock me out at bedtime for Spirit. *looks over at either Raizen or Jerrica, whoever he can see easiest (or glances between the two of them if he can see both)* Though I guess I should /ask/ first, either way. It’s only polite.

Jerrica: *smiles* Tam, you’re /family/.  I’ll always say yes.

Raizen: *nods* Always, Tam. 

Terris: *will step over to Tam* Here, let me see to you for now then.  *will kneel behind Tam and start to gently unwrap the bandages Wes put on him.*

Tam: I won't leave without telling you. I owe you that much at least. *shifts to look at her* But . . . I have to say, this doesn't sit right with me. /Why/ are you here all alone? Where is the child's father? What happened to him?

Woman: *gaze falls, wet rag clutched in both hands as though it's a life line.  She can't stop the tears that fill her eyes and start to trail down her cheeks* Haren died five months ago in an accident at work. *her voice is very soft, it's the only way she'd manage to get the words out without her voice breaking.*

Tam: .................I'm sorry. And you have no one, no family? Your own or his?

Woman: *shakes her head.  And gasps, a shaking hand coming up to wipe at her tears as she fights valiantly to not break down sobbing.* N-no one close o-or willing to take me in.

Tam: ..............I’m sorry. *will...will pull her into a hug*

Woman: *can't...can't fight anymore, not when he does that.  She leans into his hug and just... weeps.  It'll take her a long few minutes to pull herself together again.  She'll finally shift back, sniffling and wiping her face dry.* Thank you, Tam, for your kindness. 

Tam: *just holds her . . . gives her a small grin and nods* Turnabout's fair play?

Woman: *that earns him a smile* So they say. Are you hungry?  I've a bit of stew in the pot, it just needs to be warmed.

Tam: *grins* Famished. Stay put. I'll get it.

Woman: *opens her mouth to protest....but then doesn't* Thank you. *the stew should be plenty for both of them for at least two meals each, so there's that at least, eh?*

Tam: *saw that, gives her a wry grin* Hey, I'm the slave, remember? Slaves serve? Let me serve. You just sit there and be pregnant for now. *yes, he's kind of teasing her, but also making a point*

Woman: *very small smile, but she just nods and lets him.  If he watches her he'll see a look of pain settle over her, a hand rubbing at her belly...*

Tam: */is/ keeping an eye on her...she's ready to go any time now...* So, ah...you said I don't have to know anything, just /be/ here. So you've...you've done this before? Because I sure haven't. I mean...obviously /I/ never have, I kind of /can't/, but I mean...I've never been present for...stopping now. *because he realizes he's rambling...badly...*

Woman: *that brings a smile back to her, and earns him a soft huff of a laugh* I was a nursemaid once.  I know what needs to be done.  If you're willing to follow direction, I'll walk you through things... *hopefully...*

Tam: I...can follow direction, yeah. No promises on how /well/... *he'll do his best, but...really...this is SO NOT a man's job...also, from everything he's heard, it's pretty gross and potentially traumatizing*

Woman: ...Thank you.  I'm sorry to ask this of you, I know it's not generally something a man would see to.

Tam: *uncertain grin* Let's just say...it gives me renewed respect for women every time I think about it.

Woman: *little smile* You'll do fine.  *please, he has to...* *she gasps, rubbing lightly at her belly... she really is close...*

Tam: .............you're in early labor already, aren't you? *shitshitshit...*

Woman: *nodnodnod*

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn; J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica, Jimn; HALF-BLOODS: Nyri, Jendayi; INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin)

OTHERS: Taren Hordel (trader, Vashti’s friend), Kadar Ander (noble), Gren (slaver’s amin), Suki (slaver’s j’har)))

Scraps: *just walking in as Quin was moving to leave to find her.* Where you off to? *friendly grin*

Quin: *grins back* To find you first, then food and rest, per the lady’s orders.

Scraps: *chuckles and accepts the plate and will slip an arm around his shoulders to head him back into the dining room.* You're a good man, Harlequin.

Quin: *easily goes with her, blushing faintly and shaking his head* I just know how I’d like to be treated.

Scraps: Everyone wants to be treated with thoughtfulness and kindness, but not everyone extends it to others, they just expect it. Good people are the ones who treat others as they wish to be treated.

Quin: *low chuckle, shaking his head again* I’m in no position to expect any good thing from anyone. Never have been. Even before the other day.

Scraps: Harlequin, you can't argue your way out of this compliment. *she gives a light laugh, just teasing him*

Quin: Matter of opinion then, I guess. *gives her a grin*

Scraps: *chuckles* Apparently. 

Tyli: I dunno, I think you may be outnumbered on this one, honey. *overheard from the next table.* You are most certainly a good man.

Quin: *just blushes softly with a sheepish grin and a shrug*

Tyli: *winks at him* A handsome man too.

Quin: *wry grin* Thank you for thinking so, Miss Tyli. *really, what else does he say to that…except something his flirtatious brother would, maybe*

Tyli: Surely you hear as much often.

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn; J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica, Jimn; HALF-BLOODS: Nyri, Jendayi; INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin);

OTHERS: Taren Horbel (trader, does business with Vashti), Kadar Ander (noble, part of home is inn, may know secret about Vashti)))

Nyri: It's so good to see you.

Talim: We were so worried you'd be...be hurt.

Quin: I...I was too. But Lady Vashti's been kind. She's much like Lady Lyria and Lady Lunnaei. Her household is much the same too. It's why I felt safe bringing a stranger here. *pulls from the girls enough to stand, an arm still around each as he looks at Scraps* This is Scraps. She's my companion and acting as my guard for the work that Lady Vashti has for me. Scraps, this is Jendayi, and Khepri - Naijah's daughter - Talim, and Nyri.

Scraps: Pleasure's mine.  

Wes: *little frown* What kind of work would have you in need of a bodyguard?

Quin: ............has dinner been served? Or could Scraps and I beg some food before we get into that?

Patch: We've not, lad. Come, both of you. *waving to Scraps*

*Tam and Rihn are getting the horses unhitched and settled into the barn, the wagon parked out of the way*

*They'll all settle, and soon Terris and a few others are helping to pass out dinner for everyone.*

Terris: *will slip over to Quin at one point, to give him a hug and light nuzzle* I'm glad to see you, brother.

*Quin has made sure to introduce Scraps to everyone else in the meantime...assuring her that she's /not/ expected to remember everyone's names...*

Quin: */hugs/ back* And I you, brother. /Very/ much.

*Scraps appreciates that!  And she’s very impressed with the friendly warmth she’s greeted with.  Quin’s family really is great.  They’ll eat and talk a bit, and finally...*

Terris: So what is this work that you’ve returned for?

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn; J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica, Jimn; HALF-BLOODS: Nyri, Jendayi; INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin), Kelsier (j’har), Vin (j’har), Nasha (j’har), Scraps (aka Ameya, fennec fox amin)))

Quin: */shudders/, dropping his face into both hands* I-I'm sorry...

Warrik: *rubbing his arm.* Nothing to apologize for. You've no doubt had a rough night and woke up somewhere unfamiliar.

Bixby: *slips up to him and snuggles close with a soft, reassuring prrt followed by loud purring, as though her purrs can ease his fears away.*

Quin: *n-nods, absently wrapping an arm around the child...then stiffening as he realizes* Bixby! I'm so sorry! Are you all right? I didn't mean to- Did I hurt you?

Bixby: *PURRPURR* Prrew. Mew. Prrrm. *little shake of her head and slips her arms around him.*

Quin: Good. I'm sorry, Bixby. *HUGS her, then gently pulls away to untangle himself and stand* Ah...good morning, Warrik.

Bixby: *will sit back to let him.*

Warrik: *will help, pulling the torn sheet away and offering Quin a hand up.* *small wry grin* Morning.

Quin: */frowns/…and looks worried…at the sight of the damaged bedsheet*

Warrik: *gives his shoulder a squeeze* Don't worry about it. We'll get you a new one, it'll be fine. C'mon. Let's freshen up a little and get some breakfast, then we'll see about getting you some changes of clothes, a new sheet, and a few other things. And then a bath, I think. 

Quin: What about the fact that I damaged this? *folding up the sheet*

Warrik: If it can be mended it will be, and if not it'll be cut up for scraps. We make dyes here, so if nothing else I'll use them to test the colors. It's not a big deal. Promise.

((Character List:

The Family: AMIN: Terris; HUMANS: Ziomi, Wes, Mitham, Naijah, Khepri, Patch, Harlequin, Tam, Rihn; J’HAR: Zera, Talim, Jerrica, Jimn; HALF-BLOODS: Nyri, Jendayi; INRIOMAI: Ilmari (white wolf), Raizen (white dragon), Daithi (hawk); CYBERTRONIANS: Optimus (TFA)

The Animals: Rory (horse), Toby (horse), Squeaks (fox), Crackers (goat), various unnamed chickens

Other People: DESTROM: Lyria (the lady), Darien (son half-blood), Soren (lady’s lover, j’har), Dycus (bear amin); LA’KAR: Kalan (lord), Lunnaei (lady), Darden (human), Mairi (Darden’s wife), Aren (j’har), Klatu (lion amin), unnamed others; ALVIERDA: Vashti (lady, half-blood), Warrik (j’har), Tyli (cheetah amin), Rashek (mountain lion amin), Skif (j’har, Warrik’s son), Zasha (panda amin), Bixby (cat amin)))

*A j'har boy will approach Warrik.  He's maybe Talim's age, and the heartbreak on his face is clear.  He goes right to Warrik and falls into the man's arms*

Warrik: *HUGS the boy, voice soft, though Quin will hear* I know, son.  I'm sorry. *a few tears slip down his own cheeks*

Quin: ................... *backs away as far as he can get, from them, from everyone, just...presses to a far wall, arms folded and head bowed - he's so spent from everything and then the LONG ride, he's exhausted and sore and numb...and grieving, for them and himself...just wants to disappear*

Vashti: *steps up to him, voice soft* Come with me, Harlequin.

Quin: *can't quite keep from shying from her, legs going a bit weak at her words - they're also SCREAMING in pain from the ride, so he's walking carefully at best . . . b-but he just n-nods and moves to follow*

Vashti: *leads him to a room on the ground floor.  There are a number of empty beds in here and she'll motion for him to go sit on one.  There's also an elderly amin* Rashek...

Rashek: *turns* Vashti.  Oh, hello. *noticing Quin*

Vashti: This is Harlequin.  He has had a long hard day of riding, something he is not used to doing.  A little something to ease his pain to help him sleep, please.

Rashek: Certainly.  Just sit there a moment, lad, while I get something together.

Quin: ........*looks up at her briefly at that - /ease/ his pain?...figured she was going to get his flogging over with...drops his gaze again, sitting quietly*

Rashek: *turns back to Quin with some tea and a little something for him to chew for a few minutes.*  This will ease your pain and help the muscles relax.  

Quin: Thank you, sir. *will accept what's given to him*

Rashek: *pats his shoulder* There's a good lad. *he turns to Vashti* I heard that Rai died today...?

Vashti: *nods* A tragic accident. 

Quin: It's...why I'm here, sir.

Rashek: *gives Vashti a frown...and pats Quin's arm* An accident.  I believe that it was just an accident.  I'm sorry you're so far from home.

Quin: *shrugs* It's the law. Forty lashes and a year in slavery, either to the owner of the slave that was killed or whoever bought me from the market if she didn't want me.

Rashek: *doesn’t say it, but glances at Vashti again...she had the option of letting him go without consequence too...* At least you will be home soon.

Vashti: Half a year...

((Character List:
Terris
Ziomi
Wes
Mitham
Naijah
Khepri
Zera
Talim
Jerrica
Jimn
Nyri
Jendayi
Ilmari
Raizen
Daithi
Patch
Quin
Tam
Rihn
Optimus
Horses: Rory and Toby
Fox – Squeak
Goat – Crackers
 
Family Acquaintances - Lyria, Darien, Soren, and Dycus
Lunnaei, Kalan, Darden, Aren, Mairi, Klatu, and a few unnamed others...
Vashti, Warrik, Tyli, Rashek))

Aren: *Eventually someone /does/ spot OP. He was taking one of their horses over where he noted the other horses where kept and just kind of pauses at the sight of the strange and bright colored...metal person.* *blink* Hello...

OP: *had been focused elsewhere or he'd have shifted out of sight as Aren approached - flinches and turns...offers an almost sheepish grin and wave* Greetings. I'm sorry - with all the commotion and new people getting settled, I didn't want to disturb or scare anyone. My name is Optimus Prime.

Aren: *blinks again* ....Please forgive me, as I know this is incredibly rude, but...what /are/ you?

OP: *low chuckle* I don't think it's rude at all, not in this case, seeing as I'm unique to this world. I'm an Autobot, from a world called Cybertron. And...yes, I am alive. My form of life just doesn't work the same as organic life like yours. *not rude or anything, just matter-of-fact answering the question before it's asked, getting it out of the way - glances out at the rest of the company* Will you and yours be staying long? I saw another amin come back with Terris carrying a human. *"is everything all right?"*

Aren: I uh... *sorry, give him a moment, he's still not entirely sure he's not seeing things.* Few days.  One of our company was badly hurt.  He's been taken care of, and needs a few days to regain his strength.

OP: *frown of concern, glancing at the den* I'm sorry to hear about your friend. He's going to be all right, then? We have several healers here.

Aren: *nodnodnod* Yeah, he'll be fine, just needs rest... *he studies OP a long moment more, as though trying to decide if he's actually seeing what he's seeing...and he finally gives the bot a little smile* Why don't you come say hi?  No one should have to hide in their own home.

OP: Oh, I was just waiting for things to calm down. I know I'm unusual at best and frightening at worst. I didn't want to upset anyone.

Aren: *smiles and shrugs.* They'll be fine. You shouldn't have to hide back here for our sakes, though the thought is certainly appreciated.

OP: Thank you. *small grin* You'll introduce me then, Aren?

Aren: Of course. Let me get Rose, here, settled in really quick.

OP: Yes, of course.

Aren: *will get the horse settled and will turn to OP.* Shall we?

OP: *nods and will shift into view, standing by - towering over - Aren's side*

Kalan: ?!

Aren: *before anyone can say anything.* Hey guys, meet Optimus Prime. He lives here too, and it's just not right for him to have to hide for our sakes.

Kalan: I should say not. Well met, sir. *whoa...*

OP: Greetings, and thank you. The honor is mine. I know that my appearance is strange and alarming to people of this world, and I didn't want to scare anyone, so I thought I'd wait until you were all settled in.

Jendayi: Uncle Optimus is really wonderful.

Mitham: *will go stand by OP, supportive.*

Kalan: Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated, friend. Now that we know, though, please, come join us.

Terris: *approving smile as he watches everyone accept OP, even if a few still look rather awestruck.*

((Character List:
Terris
Ziomi
Wes
Mitham
Naijah
Khepri
Zera
Talim
Jerrica
Jimn
Nyri
Jendayi
Ilmari
Raizen
Daithi
Patch
Quin
Tam
Rihn
Optimus
Horses: Rory and Toby
Fox – Squeak
Goat – Crackers
 
Family Acquaintances - Lyria, Darien, Soren, and Dycus
Lunnaei, Kalan, Darden, Aren, Mairi, Klatu, and a few unnamed others...))