Move Along {Brennan}

[Amaltheia Monarch]

She beamed. "Aren't they?" she sang, with an 'I know' sort of giggle to her voice. She was as vain as any other female, at least - that was a consistency about her that would never go away. She shook her long blonde hair and sighed a little, stretching her arms.

"So, what shall we do? We can't stay couped up in the house all evening, not unless you'd prefer to. I'm full, but I could use some activities, or else I don't think I'm going to be very congenial. I can't just sit and do nothing, I'm too awake." She tilted her head a little, wondering if Brennan was even willing to venture outside at the moment.

[Brennan Shardae]

Really, a vain female was nothing new to him, and he was willing to bet that most women were like that.  He hadn't met any that really stood out in his mind as being an exception to the rule.  Besides, she had reason to be vain, even if modesty could be quite the virtue.  She was beautiful, as a human and in her demi form, and any male would be stupid to claim otherwise.

"No, I don't mind going out.  I don't exactly have a shirt, though.  Mine is covered in blood and too torn for me to wear, so I think it would draw too much unwanted attention.  If you have a solution for that, I don't really care where we go," he told her honestly, making a real effort not to hold anything back.  He was truly putting out the effort to put emotion into his expressions, though it was impossible to think that it would be an instantaneous transformation.  Even so, it seemed that his blatant honesty showed through in a genuine expression.  The first step seemed to be cutting down on what he filtered between his mind and mouth.

Speaking of being open and honest about his thoughts, there was something that had worried him slightly in the back of his mind, which resurfaced right then.  Food and sleep out of the way, and the clothing situation out in the open, he could focus elsewhere.  Like on the fact that he now possessed falcon magic, and didn't know what the hell he was supposed to do with it.  Not good.  "This...magic.  It's not going to suddenly blow up in my face, is it?"

It hadn't caused any trouble just yet, but that didn't mean it wouldn't.

[Amaltheia Monarch]

"Brennan, I can get you a shirt," she said with a laugh. "If you want, you can take a shower and I can run down to the store and grab you one... unless you want to wear one of mine. I don't feel that a tiny white t-shirt with a Playboy bunny on it would be appropriate, unless there are some things about you I'm unaware of..." she trailed off with a laugh.

At his inquiry of the magic, though, her laugh quickly faded. "Brennan, something you need to know... we're potent. Very potent. Well, I'm not positive about you, but I know who and what I was before, and I feel exactly the same now - if you're an extension of that, than you've got the potential to be very well-versed in the magic we weave." She paused, not sure how to continue. "But... it can be dangerous. Which is why I don't want you working yourself up if you can help it. Not until I can get you a crash course in education on this... promise me?"

She seemed serious, now, so it was better if he promised.

[Brennan Shardae]

Even with all of the 'open-ness' he was trying out, he was somewhat shocked at her description of a 'tiny white t-shirt with a Playboy bunny on it' as she was applying it to him, enough that he actually laughed out loud.  That alone was even MORE startling, but it was really such a ludicrous image that he could hardly help himself.  For once, instead of a quiet, controlled chuckle, he'd actually just let himself laugh.  Why?  Because it was what she wanted, and he was finding that one thing was certain: he'd been raised to do as he was told, and he was good at it.  Perhaps it would be more helpful than he expected.

All signs of humor, however unexpected they'd been, vanished once more with her description of that magic.  He'd known it was going to be trouble, but he hadn't realized it was why she was so against him freaking out.  That made sense, and theoretically made him want to disappear right back into the avian reserve.  "I promise," he told her, and he meant it.  He was going to be walking a fine line if he was supposed to temper himself, and let go, at the same time.  It sounded to him like the reserve was good if it was a bad emotion, and not if it wasn't. 

Double standards, hah.

Whatever.  He'd have to figure it out, and he would.  Eventually.  He hoped. 

"I think I'll pass on the Playboy shirt.  I had money in my pockets," he offered up, suddenly rather interested in whether or not it was still there, and it was.  His wallet was surprisingly untouched, and he still had both bills and credit cards.  He offered her a fifty, more than she'd need, and gave her a rather hopeful look.  "Pants, as well?"

With his luck, he'd get a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, which wasn't his usual, but he wasn't going to complain.

[Amaltheia Monarch]

"Yes," she affirmed. "Tell me your size?" And with that, she walked down the back hall, her wings turning almost to misty, glittering streaks behind her before disappearing from view completely. When she emerged, she had on a light jacket and shoes, and a purse slung over her shoulder. Hey, you had to play the part of a human properly.

"Do you require anything else?" she asked, tilting her head like a bird does. "Food, particular drinks...?" She wasn't just going to go out and come back for one thing. "I shop fast, and I bet you'll shower slow, especially when you see how big it is and how many products I've got - don't worry, they won't leave you feeling too feminine," she teased.

[Brennan Shardae]

It took him all of about thirty seconds to fill her in on his size requirements and move on to consider anything else he might need.  He really didn't know what she had available in her kitchen, though he was fairly sure he could make it work, whatever it was.  He wasn't a strict vegetarian like some avians happened to be, but he still preferred fruits, vegetables and grains to meat.  He'd been a raven, however, and they aren't opposed to meats in the least.  That was just his own personal preference, and in the Avian Royal Court, he'd been quite capable of keeping to his preferences.  Things were going to change, that much was certain.

"I don't require anything specific, but I wouldn't mind some fruit if you don't mind the extra stop," he told her, shrugging a little.  For the most part, he didn't mind leaving her to her own devices where a shopping trip was concerned.  As long as he had at least one set of clothing that wasn't all bloodied up, he could take care of the rest on his own at some point.

He believed her when she said that she shopped fast, though it was still hard to believe that ANY woman could manage that, in all honesty.  He was willing to bet that it was all relative, and her mention of his shower being slow only helped him in that theory.  He'd bet against that one, since 'products' had never been enough to distract him into taking forever in the bathroom before.  A hot shower would feel good just to scrub out the grime that he felt almost certain had escaped his shower the night before, but that was all in his head.  He just had some getting used to this situation to do.

"I suppose we'll see how feminine I feel by the time you get back.  Just don't let me change my mind about that shirt of yours," he returned dryly, but he still smiled. 

[Amaltheia Monarch]

It didn't take Theia too long. She hadn't lied, she was a fast shopper in the respect that she didn't dally. There was an outdoor sort of mall only two lights down from her home, and she went in quickly to grab her items. She walked into the guest room, finding that Brennan was out of the shower, but hadn't left the bathroom yet - no doubt soaking up the steamy warmth and aromatherapy of it all - and set the bags down on his bed. He'd pick out what he wanted to wear, but ultimately, Theia had chosen his wardrobe. Dark colours suited him - simple dress shirts and relaxed jeans.

"Brennan," she called, leaning against the wall by the door, the grocery bag still in her hand. "Your clothing is on your bed. I'm going to put your food in the fridge and pantry," she said. She heard a muffled response and then went about her way. Brennan would find her in the sitting room, a green apple in her hand as she flipped through a magazine she'd picked up. She was in undeniably higher spirits since all this had transpired, considering. It was as though the other Theia had never existed.

[Brennan Shardae]

It was true, he HAD been soaking up the steam, warmth, and time to himself.  Normally, he was quick and efficient, but he'd made it a point to actually relax this time.  He needed it, or he might just lose his mind in the end of all this.  He still had so much to deal with.

Avalon.  What was he going to do with that?  Honestly, he didn't have the slightest clue.  That would just be one giant mess, in all honesty.

Theia shocked him out of his thoughts enough to make him flinch, though he responded fairly normally.  Time to get moving, and figure out what he was going to do with himself.  The longer he took, the more difficult everything would be.

Getting dressed was first, though.  He left the bathroom in a towel, not entirely surprised that she wasn't in the room, but he couldn't have said he'd be surprised if she was.  She obviously didn't have the same beliefs as Avians about personal space and privacy, which was why he appreciated her being elsewhere right then.  Obviously, she'd thought enough to take that into consideration, since she could have just as easily been sitting in the bedroom to read that magazine.

Jeans, pretty much as he'd expected he'd get, fortunately weren't something he was strongly against, though he usually wore something slightly classier.  She'd gotten him dress shirts as well, which made for a much more pleasant balance.  He could definitely deal with this, and did so.  He padded into the sitting room barefoot after a few moments, and actually smiled for her.

Yes, he felt better.  She wasn't the only one in slightly higher spirits, though their situations were so different.  Still, he was trying to see it her way, and that was a step in the right direction.  "Thank you."

[Amaltheia Monarch]

"No problem," she said lightly, and it seemed like there wasn't anything to worry about. She set her magazine down and reached to the small stand next to her, tossing a peach at him. "Catch," she said, almost as the fruit flew dangerously close to him. It was hard to determine whether she did it maliciously or not, but her tone was always so innocent, and that little grin on her lips so serene, that it was easier to think she was behaving playfully.

"Do I need to take you back into the city? You can fly now, but I don't know how well the Guard would react to a soot-coloured Falcon in their airspace. Speaking of which, what sort of Falcon are you?" she asked curiously, standing up and approaching him before he could take off. "I'm a Merlin, I know. I'm exceptionally tiny," she added, a snort. She walked 'round him in a circle, tilting her head as a bird only can, before pausing. "Usually I can tell, but you're not going to read right to me for a while. I guess I'll see eventually - unless you plan never to take your other form again. I can't say I would be pleased, but at least rove freely here in your demi form when you have the energy. You can't imagine how splendid your wings look." She paused suddenly, realizing she was babbling, and frowned.

"Anyways," she said abruptly, waving her hand. She took the peach from him and took a bite of it, giving it back while he stood no-doubt open mouthed at the sudden gesture, and walked passed him back to her chair. "Do you need me to call you a cab? Is there someone you trust to come get you?" She stopped and smiled coyly. "Should I escort you in myself?"

Theia wasn't to full power, and probably never would be like she had been long ago, but it didn't mean she didn't once regard herself as unstoppable again. It was more or less her natural attitude about the state of affairs. Falcons were simply superior to other Avian races. Period. The Guard might have the last laugh, but she was confident she'd bruise more than their egos before that occurred.

[Brennan Shardae]

It wasn't exactly the most graceful of movements on his part, but he caught the flying peach that she'd thrown, and most certainly wasn't going to comment on her decision to throw it to him.  If she'd intentionally given him no warning, then he was pleased to have disappointed her in not dropping it, and if it hadn't been something of a prank, then there was no harm done.  It simply wasn't something he felt a need to worry about.  He had more pressing concerns.

Like, her offer, and the question.

Would he be the same as she was?  He hadn't yet tried it out, so he couldn't tell for sure, but it would make sense if he was.  It'd be the ONLY thing that made sense in the whole situation, but at least there'd be that.  He stood still while she circled him and declared that she really couldn't tell what kind he was and that she'd be displeased if he never took his full bird form again.  Once more, he was torn between being proud at her compliment to his wings, and not liking that there was such a difference.  Double-edged sword.  He'd do as she asked and be sure to wander in his demi-form around her house, though.  She HAD asked, and he couldn't deny that he preferred it.  It felt more relaxed.

"If everyone doesn't think I'm dead, it'll be a miracle, so I'm not going to call anyone to pick me up," he explained, hesitating at the idea of having her escort him.  That was a tricky one.  He wasn't sure if mixing Amaltheia and the Royal Flight would be a good idea, but he didn't know what would happen if he went alone and did something unintentional.  She was the only one who could help him deal with his new situation, and going in blind seemed like a bad idea.

As long as she wasn't going to level the building, it would probably be better if she went with him.  "If you don't mind coming with me, that may be best." 

Having her along would also increase his chances of surviving in case it got nasty, which he hoped it wouldn't.  Brennan was honorable, but he didn't want to die again.  Once was enough for one week, thank you.

[Amaltheia Monarch]

"Well, than we can go now, if you want. Or, we can wait until morning. It's up to you. Do you think you should call her, or would you rather just... show up?" she asked, canting her head from her position in the chair again. She felt like every time she spoke to Brennan, his formal nature made him seem like he was on a chopping block. Theia spoke with ease, be it harshly or kindly, and everything he said seemed so precise and held-back. She'd stopped trying to press his buttons because it ceased to be amusing, but she wondered what else she could do.

She let the thoughts slide by as quickly as they'd come. "Either way, we'll be flying. I refuse to deny the sky my form any longer than I have to," she said firmly. And there was the Falcon attitude she'd been retaining all these years. She didn't smile when she said it, because she was absolutely, positively, one-hundred and ten percent serious. To deny the blue skies the lovely vision of her small, light Merlin form was a crime against nature, and she was ready to remedy it as soon as possible.

There wouldn't be much of a point without Brennan, though, considering that was the whole reason she'd be leaving the house.

[Brennan Shardae]

Did he really want to call her and warn her?  That might be best, just so everyone didn't freak out when they showed up, though calling her would also put her on guard about why he HAD to call and warn her, and why he didn't just come home.  Either way, it wouldn't look good.

Great.

It was unfortunate that she wasn't thrilled with his formal nature, since he usually liked it.  He HAD promised to try not to be so bad, and he actually wasn't feeling so much like freaking out over much of anything.  He didn't give her a funny look when she refused to 'deny the sky her form', which meant he either hadn't paid much attention to it, or hadn't really thought much about what she'd just said, and there was also the fact that he hadn't done more than STARE at her when she stole the fruit back, took a bite, and returned it to him.  He'd turned his now violet eyes on it, seemed to manage a mental shrug, and then bit into it himself.

If that wasn't loosening up on his part, what was?

"I'd rather fly.  I miss it, and I have a new set of wings to try out," he answered, far more honestly than usual.  It wasn't something that was extremely obvious, but it was there.  Now, to see what happened next.

It wasn't like anyone had to wait any longer, though neither of them were likely to realize what was wrong.  Standing there eating that peach, he felt almost like he'd zoned out, though he heard Theia say something.  "Alia for a girl, Aeson for a boy. What do you think?"

What?

Did he hear her right?

Um.

"What did you say?" he asked, actually blinking at her for a second.  He must have spaced out and not been paying attention, because that didn't make sense.  Why would she have said that?  No, it made no sense.

[Amaltheia Monarch]

"What?" she repeated, looking up at him. Her expression clearly said that she hadn't even been listening after his initial response, having gone back to her magazine. "I said, do you want to leave now or tomorrow? It's dark out, so it'll be easier to get by unseen, but I don't know if I want you flying around when you still don't know what you're doing. You might end up flying into a building," she laughed.

Amaltheia still hadn't thought about the gravity of this situation, and if she had, she hadn't been thinking about what she needed to be. Brennan's sudden outburst went right by her, and she just figured he was still confused about what was going on.

Oddly enough, when Theia had still been Aleya, she had definitely considered the names of her mother and brother for a child, but that was a distant past that would never have happened thus. She'd have probably flipped out of he'd even uttered what he'd just heard.

[Brennan Shardae]

Fortunately for Theia, Brennan frowned, but didn't ask again.  He knew what he'd heard, but he didn't get it, so he just let it go.  She'd asked a different question in its place, and that was something he understood, something that applied to his current situation. 

"I know how to fly," he reminded her, not at all understanding her concern.  Sure, flying in the dark wasn't easy, but it wasn't as though he didn't know how.  "Why would I fly into a building?"

As long as she wasn't planning on jumping off of any, he figured he was safe.  He'd only ever flown into one building, and it had been intentional on his part at the time.  He wasn't going to bring that factor up, however, since the woman before him was so completely different from the one he'd met that day.  The fact that he now understood what she'd been feeling, having lost his own wings as well, helped achieve his silence on the subject.  He hadn't wanted to die when his time came, though.  Would she have changed her mind by the time she reached the ground?

He was focused on her for the answer to his question, since he HAD asked it, but as his thoughts wandered to the one time he HAD flown into a building, it was as though his entire mind wandered completely away.  He didn't seem to think it at all strange that he didn't even feel like he was in her sitting room, but flying towards that building once more, watching her fall.  For a few horrible seconds, all he saw was her falling, and he didn't dive for her.  He merely watched, wondering what could be so bad that it could cause a woman to dive from a building.  He thought he saw her reach the ground, but without any warning, she was falling again, and he didn't wait and watch this time.  He dove, feeling much like he'd done this before, though he didn't know when, and shifted in mid-air to catch her and attempt to slow their fall.  He didn't crash through a window, however, and instead impacted the building's wall, hard.  This time, they both fell, his back and wings burning from the impact like a fire that slowly began to spread throughout the rest of his body.  They fell, and he was powerless to stop them.

Perhaps his only saving grace here was that they impacted the ground, and he jerked back into Theia's home with a sharp gasp and a few frantic looks around.  The burning was fading, though his confusion only managed to increase.  What.  The Hell. 

He blinked down at the peach that he'd nearly finished, almost as though he thought it might be responsible, and tossed it in the trash. 

[Amaltheia Monarch]

She studied his features with a blank expression, one that she'd managed to re-summon after thousands of years of not even bothering. By Theia's traditional teachings, she had an amazing poker face, and she was utilizing it now more than ever since she'd gotten her control back. She felt like herself again, and that meant that everything else would align by the minute.

"Brennan?" she asked, as he threw the peach violently at the trashcan. It went in, which was good, because if it hadn't, she'd have been making him clean it up. Peaches were sticky, as she'd found while pressing her lips together while she sat in her chair. She needed to get a drink to wash the juice away, but she hadn't felt like moving until that moment.

There was a mild... disturbance around him. She couldn't find any other way to put it. She frowned now, which meant that she was actually bothered by it. "We'd better go now, then." The feeling was familiar, and yet she was still out of touch with her memories and her magics, so while they were there, they hadn't yet started hitting the surface of her thoughts. She was impatient on this matter, but it wasn't something she could rightly control. Her human mind had muddled her thoughts together, and now her Falcon mind was sorting them dutifully, but slowly.

"We should go now, before it gets any later," she said. She walked to the kitchen to get some water, and then went to the door. "You know the way, so I'll just follow you."

She couldn't help that little feeling tugging at her about just driving there, but she pushed it back as her own apprehension to the entire situation. She didn't like the idea of popping up - one Falcon against what would very well be the entire Avian Guard... she'd be gearing up with every beat of her wings. Hopefully she'd be prepared by the time they got there.