New in town
Mar. 19th, 2010 06:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shelbyrouAbout 4pm on Friday the 19th, 2010
*ringring!*'.
The answering voice is both impatient and touched with a familiar Virginia accent. "Hello?" Someone didn't check caller ID.
Very familiar, and answered with the same. "Zosia?" As if anyone else would pick up the phone. "It's Shelby. I just got in. I'm at the gate. Sorry about the timing, but I wanted to check in before I got dinner."
"Oh. Shelby. Um...." There's the impression of walking and a grunt. "When did you get that car? I'll buzz you in, come to the main door." The phone clicks off.
The gates slowly begin to open, showing a curving drive that goes around a corner.
Firdaws
Firdaws is a converted former barn with thick stone walls and pale wood floorboards, painted white throughout. The front door in the north wall opens straight onto the main room, a rectangular area roofed by thick wooden beams high overhead. Either side of the door, against the wall, is a pair of dark wood bookshelves formed of several open-fronted cubes. Large windows have been knocked into the south wall, catching the sun during the day and making the place appear light and spacious. A white couch the size of a small bus faces these, with a thick sheepskin rug on the floor in front of it and a low table nearby. A spiral staircase offset towards the eastern side leads to a raised area set against the east wall.
To the west is a kitchen range open to the room with pleasant light oak cupboards, green marble worktops and an island with tall stools, an as-yet-unfurnished area that may be intended for dining, and a second floor above with doors either side of a central hallway. The hallway extends on out into a traditionally-constructed wooden flying walkway that sweeps overhead, through the open central area, to the east side. Here on the ground floor level is an office, a bathroom, and a relaxation area with large television, DVDs and games consoles. Above these is a balconied hallway leading to more doors, that is met by the flying walkway.
Various items of art have been placed around the walls and on the shelves, +view for more details.
Obvious exits:
Front Door Back Door
The perfectly serviceable (if neither flashy nor new) car heads up the driveway and parks before spilling a road-weary Kin out of its doors. Shelby gives Firdaws a curious eyeing but most of her attention goes to the more important business of stretching a day's worth of driving out of her bones. Only then does she retrieve a cute little clutch from the passenger's side and head for the main door.
The door opens as she approaches it--Zosia was waiting. The small blonde looks exhausted but smiles politely as the other girl approaches.
A fine-boned young woman, Zosia stands at about five foot three inches. Her frame is petite but shaped by the gentle curves that come with growing maturity. With pale blonde hair that tumbles to mid-back and large ice blue eyes, Zosia has classically attractive features: finely-shaped nose, well-placed cheekbones, a full-mouth, a strong chin, and pale creamy skin. If her right shoulder is bared, there is a scar of three falcon talons upon it (that will glow, faintly, when the moon is dark). There's something about her energy that demands the eye and attention, from her confident demeanor to some -force- that she seems to barely contain.
She also manages to be one of those infuriating people with a natural sense of style. Her usual clothing choices tend to be long-sleeved cashmere sweaters in a deep jewel shades that cling to the lines of her body, the necks cut in deep vee styles. A pair of carefully cut but tough khaki pants are a nod to the cold of winter, as are the sturdy but very high end hiking boots on her feet. She wears a large diamond engagement ring against a gold wedding band on her left hand.
Shelby promptly holds out a hand before so much as attempting to move within, a smile offered as well. "Zosia. Or excuse me, Mrs. Sulkowski-Steele. It's been a little while. You're looking well."
Taking the hand that is offered, Zosia shakes it with a firm grip as she stares intently at Shelby. After a moment, she releases the hand and relaxes. "Thank you. Please come in." She gestures for the kin to enter then, taking a step back to allow her room. The downstairs is empty but elegantly appointed with a small bassinet tucked near the front windows.
Shelby is very careful not to meet the Garou's eyes for more than a fraction of a second; nor does she rudely peer past Zosia into the house until she's been cleared. "Thank -you-. This is certainly an interesting building, isn't it? Quite charming, though." A glance around and her eyes light on the bassinet: the kin tilts her head that way. "Is that...?"
"Tristan put it together," Zosia says, waving the girl toward the smaller of the couches where drinks sit--likely something citrusy to judge by the color. "I just moved in afterwards." Her voice holds a hint of amusement. She glances toward the bassinet. "Ellie's upstairs, asleep."
The younger girl's eyebrows lift (oh really) but the mouth beneath them is more tolerantly amused than impressed. Still, she says nothing until she's settled on the couch, clutch tucked at her side and hands in her lap. "I hate to impose more than necessary. I'm sure you're busy. But is there anything I should know? Anything...," one hand waves, "important?"
Pouring out a drink for each of them, Zosia sips at her own before handing over the other glass. "Busy? I'm only the Elder of the tribe and Ritemaster of the Sept. What could I possibly be busy with?" Her voice does, in fact, drip with irony. "I suppose there are difficulties. Unless of course you don't consider Black Spiral Dancers to be a problem. Then we'll be fine."
Shelby hesitates on reaching over, but claim her drink she does, only to settle back very slowly as Zosia gets sarcastic. "That's what I meant by important," she tells the upper walls neutrally. "What do you need me to do? Other than keep my head down?"
Lifting a hand up, Zosia rubs between her eyes. "Keeping your head down will be the biggest thing for the time being. We've found Dancer kin in the city, they've attacked the caern and other issues."
Shelby's eyebrows leap again, murmuring an expletive she's too well-bred to utter. "Well. I should say. Unless they have a watch on your house, though," here she pauses questioningly, "I don't expect they know who I am yet. I heard this place was a little... well." Unable to come up with the properly tactful finish, she merely sips at her drink and lets the action speak for her.
"They might," Zosia says quietly. "They've gone after Tristan before. We aren't sure if it is because he's rich and well-known or because they've figured out that he's kinfolk." She gives Shelby another amused look. "The Alpha is a Adren Bone Gnawer." She sips her drink. "A metis."
Shelby blinks twice at the news of Tristan and again for the skinny on the Sept Elder, debates having another sip but merely glances sidelong at Zosia instead. "It certainly is an unusual Sept, isn't it. Adren." Statements, not questions both of them. "Oh! Before I forget - your sisters sent along some things for Ellie, and for you."
"Tip of the iceburg," Zosia murmurs in response. Her overly polite expression eases into something more relaxed at the latter words. "Thank you. We'll be taking her out there fairly soon, once I feel a bit better about her on a plane." There's a long pause before she adds, "And once things here have settled down."
"Bless her heart, Kasia was ready to spit nails that I got to see Ellie first," Shelby says smugly, looking not at all repentant. "If you need someone to watch her for a few hours on the help's day off, just let me know. And I hope things," another flare of fingers suggests all those various and sundry 'things', "settle down soon."
"Kasia's usually ready to spit nails about most things," Zosia says with a laugh, relaxing a bit more as family enters the discussion. "I'm surprised she wasn't madder that you get to see Tristan first." Is she smug? Yes, yes, she is. "As for someone to watch Ellie, I'll keep that in mind. I only get to see her half the month but maybe during big moons they'll want a little break."
"I haven't actually -seen- him yet," the girl shrugs, nevermind that she hasn't seen Ellie either. Details, details. "I don't think she could decide which she hated me more for." As a triumphant aside, "She tried to steal my Kate Spade wedges, the little bitch." But Shelby reigns triumphant!
"Give it time, he's still at business meetings," Zosia says breezily, waving a hand. "He does actually work. He doesn't have to, of course, but he enjoys it. Knowing her? It'll depend on the time of day which infuriates her more. She was always after my Prada dresses."
Shelby chuffs dismissively at the very thought. "I know. She keeps going on and on about that turquoise one of yours." Puh-lease. She would never stoop so low! A bit more of her drink and she looks up, tongue licking a stray droplet. "That reminds me - I should get out of your hair before supper. And your father said you might have a crash pad for me?"
"I'm sure he did," Zosia says dryly. "I've arranged for you to have a place at a long-term stay residence hotel nearby. We've no room here, of course," she adds airily. "With the baby and the help."
Long-term... residence... hotel?? The newly-arrived Kin blinks again but manages to keep her composure and even offer a smile that can easily be identified as grateful. "Of course. I wouldn't want to put you out. I'm sure it will be better than some of the places I've stayed the past few days. I swear, if your father saw some of those rooms he'd take the managers out back and thrash them."
"Doubtful. My father's very good with humans," Zosia says again, a politely amused look on her face. "As I said," because Zosia is neither blind nor stupid, "there is no room here. My own personal house is a place for cubs and other Garou so inappropriate for a kinfolk. The hotel will take care of you until the dorms open."
You say "Oh no. No no," and hastens to wave a negating hand. "No, of course not. I certainly - not around cubs. --I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm sure whatever you can spare," and oh, how much that must grate, "will be adequate. I'm happy you could see me on such short notice. I more than half expected to not see you until after the weekend."
"Nonsense. You're practically family." Practically being delicately emphasized, of course. Zosia looks her over carefully. "You've everything you need for the time being, of course?" she enquires politely. "I've arranged for meals too, since I assumed you would need that?"
The kin's smile goes a bit thin, just around the edges, but she inclines her head to the older woman. Indeed. Practically family. "I'm sure I do. I don't have all of my things now, of course, but they said if I'm missing anything I can just call and have it shipped early." She tucks one foot behind the other ankle. "That's very kind. I suppose, if it's a," her lips peel back fractionally, "long-term place, it will have a kitchen? I ought to be able to do some of my own cooking."
"Certainly. I've heard it's far more homey than a dorm room," Zosia says in a doubtful voice. She stopped school in the tenth grade. "I can arrange for grocery delivery certainly. Just let one of my staff know what you'd prefer."
Shelby inclines her head again: too kind. "I will. But not now - I need to get your things from the trunk. Just wait until you see what Ana picked out...!"
"If it's pink, I can hear Tristan groaning from here," Zosia says with a gleeful little smile.
"It's adorable," Shelby promises with a gleeful wrinkle of her nose. A last sip and she heads out to collect a pair of Nordstrom bags filled with baby clothes and a few boxes labeled 'Zosia'. "Here it is!" She pulls out an outfit better described as 'precious', with itty-bitty bloomers and rows of ruffles and lace. Really, it's amazing Shelby didn't leave a trail of diabetics in her wake.
The smile freezes on Zosia's face. It is a momentary freeze before she murmurs something vaguely polite but if Shelby's watching she'd have seen it. "Goodness, it's still a bit too big. She's so dainty, you see. Born a month early."
"I'm sure it'll fit her soon, if it doesn't now," Shelby proclaims, all unaware of the outfit's certain demise. "Ana just about died when she found it. Isn't it precious?" Thankfully, ruffles-and-lace isn't the only thing in there, and the other numbers aren't quite so painful to behold.
The outfit has seen the last natural light of its existence. Zosia relaxes as the rest of the outfits prove not horrifying and she gives every impression of being pleased.
Ana will be so disappointed not to get pictures. "And this is from your father," Shelby says at last, pulling a flat box out from the bottom of the last bag. "He told me I was only to put it in your hands." Or offer it to the Fostern like she's presenting a sword: same thing.
Zosia takes the box with a distinctively sour expression. She isn't quite handling it like it is a bomb but she comes close. Most people at Sunlit Waters, of course, think Piotyr to be a bit of a tyrant but ultimately fair. Then there's Zosia.
"I should probably go," the girl declares firmly, standing up and abandoning Zosia in the middle of the baby clothes explosion. "I can find my own way to the hotel, if you'll tell me which one it is."
Zosia is staring at the box so doesn't register it at first. When she opens the lid, the necklace inside causes her to frown--it is a lovely piece, all diamonds and sapphires that are rich without being crass. "Hm?" she says after a moment, looking up at the kinfolk. "Oh. Oh." Closing the box and setting it aside, she rises to her feet, naming a rather high end and decidedly nice long-term residence. "It's about fifteen minutes from here."
Shelby, when Zosia doesn't immediately leap to her feet and escort her out, and after a concerned look or three - not at the Theurge, but at the couch - sinks back down to start tidying up Ellie's clothes, folding them neatly within the bags while Zosia opens her present. Shelby doesn't even so much as glance up to get an eyeful until Zosia's standing, and then she leaps back up, hurriedly drawing the handle of her clutch onto one wrist. "I'll find it. Thank you again... what do you prefer I call you?"
"Zosia," the theurge says, visibly distracted now. She gently herds Shelby toward the door. "There are a few other Silver Fangs, both Garou and kinfolk in town. And all the staff here are kinfolk. I'll get you properly introduced once you've settled in."
"Zosia," Shelby echoes with a nod and one of her bright smiles. "Thank you." She's quite amenable to being herded - willing, even - and pauses just outside the door to offer her hand again. "Karina suggested I spend a day or two driving around and getting to know where everything is, so that's what I'll probably do this weekend."
Nodding slowly, Zosia contemplates something before pulling a cell phone out of her pocket. "I need to give you some numbers. My cell, Tristan's, Maritza's. She's the head of our bodyguards and Silver Fang kin."
Cell phone! Shelby brightens immediately and takes a moment to pull an iPhone out of her purse. "Just a second... all right." It doesn't take long to exchange numbers (especially as Shelby doesn't have any to add) before the girl tucks her phone away again. "Thanks again, Zosia. I'll call you on Monday, if we don't hook up before the weekend, all right?"
"Yes, that will be fine. But if something comes up, don't hestite t call, even for a moment." For all her barely sheathed claws earlier, the theurge is completely serious now. "You're my kinfolk. I take care of my kinfolk."
Shelby considers her for a few seconds, from far enough away that it's not so immediately obvious that the Kin is taller than the Elder. "I appreciate that," she says finally. "I wouldn't expect any less from a Sulkowski." She pauses again before dipping one knee in the beginnings of a curtsey. "Good night, Zosia. Thank you for all you've done. It'll only be a few years before I can start repaying the favor." A touch of wryness there - only a few years - but she brushes it away with another quick smile before heading to her car.
Zosia doesn't seem bothered by the height difference--she's rather used to it, after all, and a mere shift would mitigate it. "Drive carefully. And don't screw around after dark. Not right now." Another completely serious moment, no irony or sly Gremlin reference from this one. She watches until the kinfolk drives out.
*ringring!*'.
The answering voice is both impatient and touched with a familiar Virginia accent. "Hello?" Someone didn't check caller ID.
Very familiar, and answered with the same. "Zosia?" As if anyone else would pick up the phone. "It's Shelby. I just got in. I'm at the gate. Sorry about the timing, but I wanted to check in before I got dinner."
"Oh. Shelby. Um...." There's the impression of walking and a grunt. "When did you get that car? I'll buzz you in, come to the main door." The phone clicks off.
The gates slowly begin to open, showing a curving drive that goes around a corner.
Firdaws
Firdaws is a converted former barn with thick stone walls and pale wood floorboards, painted white throughout. The front door in the north wall opens straight onto the main room, a rectangular area roofed by thick wooden beams high overhead. Either side of the door, against the wall, is a pair of dark wood bookshelves formed of several open-fronted cubes. Large windows have been knocked into the south wall, catching the sun during the day and making the place appear light and spacious. A white couch the size of a small bus faces these, with a thick sheepskin rug on the floor in front of it and a low table nearby. A spiral staircase offset towards the eastern side leads to a raised area set against the east wall.
To the west is a kitchen range open to the room with pleasant light oak cupboards, green marble worktops and an island with tall stools, an as-yet-unfurnished area that may be intended for dining, and a second floor above with doors either side of a central hallway. The hallway extends on out into a traditionally-constructed wooden flying walkway that sweeps overhead, through the open central area, to the east side. Here on the ground floor level is an office, a bathroom, and a relaxation area with large television, DVDs and games consoles. Above these is a balconied hallway leading to more doors, that is met by the flying walkway.
Various items of art have been placed around the walls and on the shelves, +view for more details.
Obvious exits:
Front Door Back Door
The perfectly serviceable (if neither flashy nor new) car heads up the driveway and parks before spilling a road-weary Kin out of its doors. Shelby gives Firdaws a curious eyeing but most of her attention goes to the more important business of stretching a day's worth of driving out of her bones. Only then does she retrieve a cute little clutch from the passenger's side and head for the main door.
The door opens as she approaches it--Zosia was waiting. The small blonde looks exhausted but smiles politely as the other girl approaches.
A fine-boned young woman, Zosia stands at about five foot three inches. Her frame is petite but shaped by the gentle curves that come with growing maturity. With pale blonde hair that tumbles to mid-back and large ice blue eyes, Zosia has classically attractive features: finely-shaped nose, well-placed cheekbones, a full-mouth, a strong chin, and pale creamy skin. If her right shoulder is bared, there is a scar of three falcon talons upon it (that will glow, faintly, when the moon is dark). There's something about her energy that demands the eye and attention, from her confident demeanor to some -force- that she seems to barely contain.
She also manages to be one of those infuriating people with a natural sense of style. Her usual clothing choices tend to be long-sleeved cashmere sweaters in a deep jewel shades that cling to the lines of her body, the necks cut in deep vee styles. A pair of carefully cut but tough khaki pants are a nod to the cold of winter, as are the sturdy but very high end hiking boots on her feet. She wears a large diamond engagement ring against a gold wedding band on her left hand.
Shelby promptly holds out a hand before so much as attempting to move within, a smile offered as well. "Zosia. Or excuse me, Mrs. Sulkowski-Steele. It's been a little while. You're looking well."
Taking the hand that is offered, Zosia shakes it with a firm grip as she stares intently at Shelby. After a moment, she releases the hand and relaxes. "Thank you. Please come in." She gestures for the kin to enter then, taking a step back to allow her room. The downstairs is empty but elegantly appointed with a small bassinet tucked near the front windows.
Shelby is very careful not to meet the Garou's eyes for more than a fraction of a second; nor does she rudely peer past Zosia into the house until she's been cleared. "Thank -you-. This is certainly an interesting building, isn't it? Quite charming, though." A glance around and her eyes light on the bassinet: the kin tilts her head that way. "Is that...?"
"Tristan put it together," Zosia says, waving the girl toward the smaller of the couches where drinks sit--likely something citrusy to judge by the color. "I just moved in afterwards." Her voice holds a hint of amusement. She glances toward the bassinet. "Ellie's upstairs, asleep."
The younger girl's eyebrows lift (oh really) but the mouth beneath them is more tolerantly amused than impressed. Still, she says nothing until she's settled on the couch, clutch tucked at her side and hands in her lap. "I hate to impose more than necessary. I'm sure you're busy. But is there anything I should know? Anything...," one hand waves, "important?"
Pouring out a drink for each of them, Zosia sips at her own before handing over the other glass. "Busy? I'm only the Elder of the tribe and Ritemaster of the Sept. What could I possibly be busy with?" Her voice does, in fact, drip with irony. "I suppose there are difficulties. Unless of course you don't consider Black Spiral Dancers to be a problem. Then we'll be fine."
Shelby hesitates on reaching over, but claim her drink she does, only to settle back very slowly as Zosia gets sarcastic. "That's what I meant by important," she tells the upper walls neutrally. "What do you need me to do? Other than keep my head down?"
Lifting a hand up, Zosia rubs between her eyes. "Keeping your head down will be the biggest thing for the time being. We've found Dancer kin in the city, they've attacked the caern and other issues."
Shelby's eyebrows leap again, murmuring an expletive she's too well-bred to utter. "Well. I should say. Unless they have a watch on your house, though," here she pauses questioningly, "I don't expect they know who I am yet. I heard this place was a little... well." Unable to come up with the properly tactful finish, she merely sips at her drink and lets the action speak for her.
"They might," Zosia says quietly. "They've gone after Tristan before. We aren't sure if it is because he's rich and well-known or because they've figured out that he's kinfolk." She gives Shelby another amused look. "The Alpha is a Adren Bone Gnawer." She sips her drink. "A metis."
Shelby blinks twice at the news of Tristan and again for the skinny on the Sept Elder, debates having another sip but merely glances sidelong at Zosia instead. "It certainly is an unusual Sept, isn't it. Adren." Statements, not questions both of them. "Oh! Before I forget - your sisters sent along some things for Ellie, and for you."
"Tip of the iceburg," Zosia murmurs in response. Her overly polite expression eases into something more relaxed at the latter words. "Thank you. We'll be taking her out there fairly soon, once I feel a bit better about her on a plane." There's a long pause before she adds, "And once things here have settled down."
"Bless her heart, Kasia was ready to spit nails that I got to see Ellie first," Shelby says smugly, looking not at all repentant. "If you need someone to watch her for a few hours on the help's day off, just let me know. And I hope things," another flare of fingers suggests all those various and sundry 'things', "settle down soon."
"Kasia's usually ready to spit nails about most things," Zosia says with a laugh, relaxing a bit more as family enters the discussion. "I'm surprised she wasn't madder that you get to see Tristan first." Is she smug? Yes, yes, she is. "As for someone to watch Ellie, I'll keep that in mind. I only get to see her half the month but maybe during big moons they'll want a little break."
"I haven't actually -seen- him yet," the girl shrugs, nevermind that she hasn't seen Ellie either. Details, details. "I don't think she could decide which she hated me more for." As a triumphant aside, "She tried to steal my Kate Spade wedges, the little bitch." But Shelby reigns triumphant!
"Give it time, he's still at business meetings," Zosia says breezily, waving a hand. "He does actually work. He doesn't have to, of course, but he enjoys it. Knowing her? It'll depend on the time of day which infuriates her more. She was always after my Prada dresses."
Shelby chuffs dismissively at the very thought. "I know. She keeps going on and on about that turquoise one of yours." Puh-lease. She would never stoop so low! A bit more of her drink and she looks up, tongue licking a stray droplet. "That reminds me - I should get out of your hair before supper. And your father said you might have a crash pad for me?"
"I'm sure he did," Zosia says dryly. "I've arranged for you to have a place at a long-term stay residence hotel nearby. We've no room here, of course," she adds airily. "With the baby and the help."
Long-term... residence... hotel?? The newly-arrived Kin blinks again but manages to keep her composure and even offer a smile that can easily be identified as grateful. "Of course. I wouldn't want to put you out. I'm sure it will be better than some of the places I've stayed the past few days. I swear, if your father saw some of those rooms he'd take the managers out back and thrash them."
"Doubtful. My father's very good with humans," Zosia says again, a politely amused look on her face. "As I said," because Zosia is neither blind nor stupid, "there is no room here. My own personal house is a place for cubs and other Garou so inappropriate for a kinfolk. The hotel will take care of you until the dorms open."
You say "Oh no. No no," and hastens to wave a negating hand. "No, of course not. I certainly - not around cubs. --I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm sure whatever you can spare," and oh, how much that must grate, "will be adequate. I'm happy you could see me on such short notice. I more than half expected to not see you until after the weekend."
"Nonsense. You're practically family." Practically being delicately emphasized, of course. Zosia looks her over carefully. "You've everything you need for the time being, of course?" she enquires politely. "I've arranged for meals too, since I assumed you would need that?"
The kin's smile goes a bit thin, just around the edges, but she inclines her head to the older woman. Indeed. Practically family. "I'm sure I do. I don't have all of my things now, of course, but they said if I'm missing anything I can just call and have it shipped early." She tucks one foot behind the other ankle. "That's very kind. I suppose, if it's a," her lips peel back fractionally, "long-term place, it will have a kitchen? I ought to be able to do some of my own cooking."
"Certainly. I've heard it's far more homey than a dorm room," Zosia says in a doubtful voice. She stopped school in the tenth grade. "I can arrange for grocery delivery certainly. Just let one of my staff know what you'd prefer."
Shelby inclines her head again: too kind. "I will. But not now - I need to get your things from the trunk. Just wait until you see what Ana picked out...!"
"If it's pink, I can hear Tristan groaning from here," Zosia says with a gleeful little smile.
"It's adorable," Shelby promises with a gleeful wrinkle of her nose. A last sip and she heads out to collect a pair of Nordstrom bags filled with baby clothes and a few boxes labeled 'Zosia'. "Here it is!" She pulls out an outfit better described as 'precious', with itty-bitty bloomers and rows of ruffles and lace. Really, it's amazing Shelby didn't leave a trail of diabetics in her wake.
The smile freezes on Zosia's face. It is a momentary freeze before she murmurs something vaguely polite but if Shelby's watching she'd have seen it. "Goodness, it's still a bit too big. She's so dainty, you see. Born a month early."
"I'm sure it'll fit her soon, if it doesn't now," Shelby proclaims, all unaware of the outfit's certain demise. "Ana just about died when she found it. Isn't it precious?" Thankfully, ruffles-and-lace isn't the only thing in there, and the other numbers aren't quite so painful to behold.
The outfit has seen the last natural light of its existence. Zosia relaxes as the rest of the outfits prove not horrifying and she gives every impression of being pleased.
Ana will be so disappointed not to get pictures. "And this is from your father," Shelby says at last, pulling a flat box out from the bottom of the last bag. "He told me I was only to put it in your hands." Or offer it to the Fostern like she's presenting a sword: same thing.
Zosia takes the box with a distinctively sour expression. She isn't quite handling it like it is a bomb but she comes close. Most people at Sunlit Waters, of course, think Piotyr to be a bit of a tyrant but ultimately fair. Then there's Zosia.
"I should probably go," the girl declares firmly, standing up and abandoning Zosia in the middle of the baby clothes explosion. "I can find my own way to the hotel, if you'll tell me which one it is."
Zosia is staring at the box so doesn't register it at first. When she opens the lid, the necklace inside causes her to frown--it is a lovely piece, all diamonds and sapphires that are rich without being crass. "Hm?" she says after a moment, looking up at the kinfolk. "Oh. Oh." Closing the box and setting it aside, she rises to her feet, naming a rather high end and decidedly nice long-term residence. "It's about fifteen minutes from here."
Shelby, when Zosia doesn't immediately leap to her feet and escort her out, and after a concerned look or three - not at the Theurge, but at the couch - sinks back down to start tidying up Ellie's clothes, folding them neatly within the bags while Zosia opens her present. Shelby doesn't even so much as glance up to get an eyeful until Zosia's standing, and then she leaps back up, hurriedly drawing the handle of her clutch onto one wrist. "I'll find it. Thank you again... what do you prefer I call you?"
"Zosia," the theurge says, visibly distracted now. She gently herds Shelby toward the door. "There are a few other Silver Fangs, both Garou and kinfolk in town. And all the staff here are kinfolk. I'll get you properly introduced once you've settled in."
"Zosia," Shelby echoes with a nod and one of her bright smiles. "Thank you." She's quite amenable to being herded - willing, even - and pauses just outside the door to offer her hand again. "Karina suggested I spend a day or two driving around and getting to know where everything is, so that's what I'll probably do this weekend."
Nodding slowly, Zosia contemplates something before pulling a cell phone out of her pocket. "I need to give you some numbers. My cell, Tristan's, Maritza's. She's the head of our bodyguards and Silver Fang kin."
Cell phone! Shelby brightens immediately and takes a moment to pull an iPhone out of her purse. "Just a second... all right." It doesn't take long to exchange numbers (especially as Shelby doesn't have any to add) before the girl tucks her phone away again. "Thanks again, Zosia. I'll call you on Monday, if we don't hook up before the weekend, all right?"
"Yes, that will be fine. But if something comes up, don't hestite t call, even for a moment." For all her barely sheathed claws earlier, the theurge is completely serious now. "You're my kinfolk. I take care of my kinfolk."
Shelby considers her for a few seconds, from far enough away that it's not so immediately obvious that the Kin is taller than the Elder. "I appreciate that," she says finally. "I wouldn't expect any less from a Sulkowski." She pauses again before dipping one knee in the beginnings of a curtsey. "Good night, Zosia. Thank you for all you've done. It'll only be a few years before I can start repaying the favor." A touch of wryness there - only a few years - but she brushes it away with another quick smile before heading to her car.
Zosia doesn't seem bothered by the height difference--she's rather used to it, after all, and a mere shift would mitigate it. "Drive carefully. And don't screw around after dark. Not right now." Another completely serious moment, no irony or sly Gremlin reference from this one. She watches until the kinfolk drives out.