Caribou Coast

(20:14:38) Devin Starr had heard about the North Star; it wasn't hard if you kept an ear out to the local gossip. While he wasn't homeless, he had a soft spot for helping people out. Donating a stupid amount of money out of the blue would probably look suspicious; but loading up some portable grills and taking them down to the nearby park to have a cookout seemed reasonable! He had parked the truck on the side of the road and already had tables set up; complete with all the condiments, lettuce, sliced tomatoes and buns. A few containers of potato salad and other sides were set out and coolers holding water and different sodas were opened nearby. Sorry though, it seemed this was an alcohol free event; unless someone brought their own! There was a blue tooth speaker nearby playing something off the top 40s list for the week and the grills were already fired up with burgers cooking. Behind the grill was a man wearing a plain grey t-shirt and a pair of slightly torn jeans. Was he really the benefactor? Sure was! It seemed the crowd hadn't quite picked up, but any who happened to be nearby would be called over to join in. <<

(20:18:04) Cassius. Now there were a lot of things that seemed to be commonplace within Caribou Coast-- smoke, however, was not one of them. Being so close to home, it was simply within the magpie's curious nature to go out in search for the source and was quite pleased to learn that it was not some sort of impending doom, but food instead. Shooting off a quick message to a couple of the people that he knew would be able to quickly pass the message along, he merely made his approach with a cigarette between his lips and calculating eyes watching the scene before him. Normally, the corvidae was skeptical of eager help, so he was quick to jump to the questions when he approached the 'charitable' man behind the grill. "Is this your ...picnic?" he'd ask, blue eyes searching. To say nothing else about Cassius, he was certainly an interesting sight: Blue, white, and black hair and mostly black attire certainly made him eye-catching. But wasn't that the point when it came to birds?

(20:21:38) Valerie Ravn was walking back from work when she smelled food. Seems like this cookout was only attracting birds. The sleek, tan woman skipped along, until she came across the cookout! Ah yis. The crow immediately began scooping up food. "Oh, it's free?!"

(20:25:27) Devin Starr eyed the man with the cigarette...smoking near a grill was probably a bad idea right? Not wanting to actually set the park on fire he closed the lid to the grills to let the burgers cook and made his way over to the Corvidae. "I set it up sure; but it's for anyone who stops by." a shrug was offered as he dug around for his pack of smokes and lit one up, dragging slowly on it. "I figured it was a good place to set up." he gestured idly around him, as if to indicate he was well aware of where he was. "Since I'm sure this looks suspicious; I'll go ahead and just say, the name's Devin; I didn't poison anything and I live with some dumb cat above a bookstore." if that didn't make him seem entirely unassuming than he wasn't sure what would. He'd linger for a moment; enjoying the cigarette and waiting for any response the man may have before turning attention to Val. Yeah, totally free. No catch; burgers ain't done yet, but theres drinks and stuff. Help yourself." he gestured to the tables, leaving her to go check out the goods. He'd join her soon enough since the burgers would probably be done by the time he finished his smoke. <<

(20:31:32) Cassius kept his attention on Devin until he received his response, prompting the bird to nod his head thoughtfully as if in contemplation. "Interesting," was all he would say at first, turning to look at the massive amounts of food that he seemed to be ...dishing out all on his own. "Well if I wasn't suspicious before, I am now. Only someone who poisons food says that they're not poisoning it," he'd add with a smile around the curls of cigarette smoke that he breathed from his lips. Only then would Cass's all-seeing eyes flicked to Valerie when she approached, and he couldn't help but laugh when she asked her question AFTER scooping up armfuls of food. "Normally people ask BEFORE they start helping themselves," he'd say simply, somewhat admonishing but also in a way that said that he didn't really care. It wasn't his picnic to orchestrate-- he spent plenty of time doing that, thank you very much. Either way, she amused him. She seemed to share a lot of his own personality traits-- what with the kleptomania and all. Nevertheless, there was just something about the underlying feeling of camaraderie that he couldn't seem to shake-- perhaps the two of them would create a Murder. Still, his eyes flicked back to Devin after a moment, yet he continued to stand by watchfully with his free hand tucked away in his pocket. "Do you do this often? Cooking in the park for no apparent reason, I mean," he'd push while he waited for the people at home to decide whether or not they wanted to take part in this seemingly free feast. Then, because fair was fair, he'd add, "Cassius. I live there," with a jerk of his thumb over his shoulder towards The North Star.

(20:35:10) Valerie Ravn would have eaten the food even if it was poisoned. She had already loaded up her plate with macaroni salad and chips and all the other things on the table. She made her way over to the grill and watched as Devin finished cooking the burgers. She replied to Casssius, "Well, I could always just put the food back if I wasn't allowed..." She smiled. With only the two of them, it would be an attempted murder. She turned back to Devin. "Yeah, what's the occasion?"

(20:41:02) Peter Greenbush had been following the smell of food...and was just trying to get out of the nature woods for a bit. He was hoping it would be a place he could just buy a burger....more than just a place in the mall. He then walked to the park, and smiled as he saw Val was here too! He walked into the park, slowly...looking at the others. Oh...was this a private gathering. He looked to Val, and then the others. The blue haired boy then asked, "umm...am i interrupting?" He took his green earbuds out his ears...a cheap plastic pair.

(20:42:58) Skathi had been on her way home from work and passing by the park when she noticed the cookout happening there. Curious, she ventured nearer and noticed her roommates making their way over as well. She skipped up to the group and put on a smile. "Hey, Pete! Val!" she greeted, offering the two unfamiliar faces a friendly smile as well.

(20:44:08) Devin Starr couldn't help but laugh. "Right right; trust me I ain't clever enough to poison the food." he flicked the ash of his smoke before taking another drag, watching as Val helped herself to food. Hey, that's what it was there for right? He'd leave her to it; turning focus back to Cassius, not at all offended by his cautiousness. "Often? Only when bored and I live in a bookstore so...." he trailed off, shrugging as if the man could figure out that books weren't his thing all on his own. "I figured the people around here would benefit the most from some free food." he glanced back to the North Star, apparently satisfied that the leap of faith he had taken about the place was proving true. "Cassius huh?" he took another look at the man before flicking the cigarette off into the street...he'd probably remember to pick it up later when cleaning up. "No occasion really, just felt like it. I blame my boyfriend, his charity is rubbing off on me." Nolen was always being too nice for his own good; even if he was awkward about it. Hell he had met the man when he was hosting a supernatural meet and greet type thing; trying to bring together the supes of Bramford. Well before it was destroyed anyway. "You got a name?" he directed to Val; eyes flicking up to Peter as he approached. "Nope; nothing private here. The more the merrier or something like that right?" he motioned over to the grill and table; returning to his post behind said grill and lifting the lid before removing the burgers and setting them on a plate on the table. "You want to come make sure they aren't poisoned Cassius?" he called out to the Corvidae, flashing a grin before going about making his own burger up. <<

(20:50:27) Cassius seemed to understand what Devin WASN'T saying-- that living in a bookstore was boring and honestly cooking food in the park for poor people was really his only means of entertainment. Nevertheless, he wasn't as calloused as he pretended to be, so Polaris merely hummed a soft sound and said, "Then pass along thanks to your boyfriend for us, hm?" Still, he maintained his position a short distance away, merely observing. Cassius merely laughed at Valerie's response. "You're right," would be all he could think to say in return. She wasn't exactly wrong. It wasn't long after that Peter and Skathi made their arrival as well, and it didn't take a genius to see that they already knew Valerie. Devin's question seemed to pull another laugh from Cass before he responded with a simple, "Not yet. I might pick my way through your leftovers, though." He seemed to be waiting for something, though it'd be impossible to tell what it was, exactly.

(20:53:54) Valerie Ravn smiled at Devin. "My name's Valerie!" She tilted her head at Cassius...a little confused at his behavior but didn't comment on it. Her face lit up when she saw Peter. She attempted to hug him, though that was difficult given her loaded plate of food. "Pete! I was on my way home, but, food!" She gave a wave to Skathi. "Hey Skathi, funny seeing you here!" Seeing that the meat patties were done cooking, Val got to work at building herself a burger. She turned back to Devin. "Oh, this is Peter and Skathi. They're my roommates." With the introductions out of the way, Val began to dig into her burger.

(21:01:13) Peter Greenbush smiled as Skathi seemed to join. He gave a wave to Cass and Devin. "Hello." He was usualy a stuttering mess with new people. But with Skathi and Val here, he was a bit more calm. He began loading his plate. They didn't have very many true meals in the cabin. "Thank you for doing this." He nodded at the introduction, "Good to meet you." Pete didn't seem to mind the lack of 'boyfriend' introduction..or noticed it more likely. He was hungry as he loaded up with burgers and sides. He didn't seem to get upset stomaches from eating meat like the rest of his deer family. Other than that...he stayed quiet. He wasn't great at making conversation.

(21:03:43) Skathi's eyebrows raised when she heard someone say free food. "Whoa, really?" You didn't have to tell her twice! "Sweet! You guys are awesome!" There were so many generous people on this island. She soon joined Val in preparing a burger for herself, smiling when introductions were made. "Nice to meet you both!" She didn't notice Val's non-boyfriend introduction of Pete. An opportunity, maybe?

(21:05:25) Devin Starr could probably see himself being friends with Cassius if they hung out more. He was a perceptive man, the werewolf could already tell as he caught on to the way he seemed to relax ever so slightly. "He'll love to hear it. Maybe next time I can drag him from those books to help out." ah so that was the truth of it. He was dating a bookworm and needed to just; get out and about because he actually enjoyed the outdoors. Setting a slice of tomato and some lettuce with cheese on the burger he slathered some mayo on the bun before putting it all together. "Mm, Valerie and friends. Enjoy the food...help yourself I brought a lot more than I apparently needed." which brought him around to leftovers. "There's probably going to be plenty." he assured Cass, though left him to linger and wait for whatever it was he was waiting for. "Do you all live nearby here than?" were they roommates at the North Star? That was sort of a halfway house...hostel type thing right? He wasn't sure; but it didn't seem like a permanent residence sort of thing. A good bite of the burger was taken and chewed through before glancing to Peter and Skathi. "The name's Devin; good to meet you." at the thanks he offered a shrug. "No thanks needed." he waved it off, another bite of the burger taken. He hadn't thought about there being vegeterians...but the sides were vegetables! At least that was something right? As for the lack of boyfriend introduction; he didn't even know them so there was no way he would've noticed. But he had introduced his own feline-familiar boyfriend as a dumb cat so...Val could've done worse right?

(21:13:43) Cassius was content to fade by the wayside for most of the conversation. He was an observer, more times than not. Devin's response simply pulled a huff from Cass's lips, "It's sometimes hard to separate the book from the worm. Where is your store, out of curiosity?" After all, he craved knowledge as he craved just about anything else-- he could always do with a few more paper copies for his collection. Not that he'd share that information with just Anyone. For now, he simply observed the interactions with the younger crowd, keen eyes picking apart their interactions and learning from them what he could. Though he was oftentimes a little more standoffish and distrusting of others, perhaps in time he would have the same view of Devin. He tended to reserve his high opinions to those people who lived with him. The lost and destitute desperate for someone to give them a purpose. Devin's reassurance lifted a smile from Cassius's lips as he waved him off with his cigarette-clad hand. "If it's all the same to you. You might be down to crumbs by the time the rest of the flock come to eat," he'd tell him with a grin, knowing full well that hungry bellies and free food went hand in hand-- and stomach aches were soon to follow. e

(21:18:30) Valerie Ravn, at this point, had realized that she had misspoke. "O-oh, wait, did I say roommate? I m-mean, uh, my boyfriend." Problem solved! Except now Val was deeply embarrassed. She went to it down, and motioned for Peter to join her. "Ah, so, Devin, you have a cat and a boyfriend? What are their names?" She commented to Cassius, "Well, you better eat like a bird, then!" That idiom doesn't make sense, by the way. Birds have monstrous appetites.

(21:21:44) Patric. Though the recovered wolf wasn't necessarily a 'Rehab' case, there was no doubt that the standoffish wolf had picked who to trust in this place that was kind of like home to him. He had spent long enough recovering among them that he had determined his comfort zones. Namely, Cassius had proven to be a pretty reliable figure. Some people were a little overly irritating for his taste, but the packless wolf wasn't necessarily used to crowds anyway. So, when there was a message of food coupled with the mouth watering scent of food in the air? Well, Pat wasn't going to pass up the opportunity. His appetite was mountainous on the best of days. With a naturally quiet step from years upon years of hunting and traveling under the radar, Pat simply made his approach with an almost wide berth to study the place before he approached. Picking Cass out of the crowd, Pat just approached from behind to keep the rest of the crowd in sight ahead of him. His voice was gruff, but he seemed more curious than cross. "There's food?" With the human equivalent of curiously peeking past Cass, the wolf studied the food and clearly he was looking for an open opportunity for his chance at grabbing some. He clearly had the social graces of a rock, but Pat didn't seem terribly bothered by whatever creatures had come to gather. He was on his best wolfy behavior and everything.

(21:26:22) Peter Greenbush arched a brow as he was re-introduced. He blushed just a little, But nodded. He looked to Skathi, "do you eat meat?" Was Abbie the only on of the herd that didn't eat meat? He shrugged. Well here there were...deer and wolves sharing a meal, like nature intended. And a crow. Peter took a big bite of his burger. It was wonderful. He then gave a wave to Pat as he joined. More people. He then looked to Val as she started conversations. Best she do the talking. He would just stuff his mouth.

(21:27:26) Skathi took a big bite out of her burger and took a look around the group, staying mostly silent as she listened to the conversation. She couldn't help but giggle at Val's weird analogy. It also occurred to her that maybe these were the werewolf friends the raven had often spoken about, although she decided to wait until later to ask about it. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I eat meat," she confirmed to Pete with a nod of her head. "I mean, who can turn down a burger, right?"

(21:33:14) Devin Starr lingered nearby Cassius long enough to catch the question; a fond smile slipping onto his features. "I can't argue that. The store is near downtown; it's called Nolen's Tall Tails. Nolen would be the boyfriend." and the apparent owner of the store. "We have uh...books you'd have a hard time finding elsewhere. So you should stop by." he offered a tip of the head to the man before finding himself in the middle of the deer heard. With a raven in the mix. He couldn't quite tell, but keen nose had him figuring out everyone here was probably a lot more than they seemed; himself obviously included. Returning to the group just in time to catch Valerie stumble over her words he found an honest smile slipping onto his lips. "Mm, yeah. The boyfriend is Nolen; the cat is Marshall. Don't tell Nolen, but I like Marshall better." he offered in a conspiratorial voice; slipping away to grab a coke from the cooler and cracking open by the tab. "There's more in the truck, but if there isn't any leftover than job well done right?" he shrugged as he downed a good bit of that coke. He wouldn't mind getting to know Cassius better; hopefully he actually did stop by the bookstore sometime. It was about this time that nose picked up another scent...one of a fellow wolf. Patric's appearance next to Cass earned Devin's full attention, the man making his way back to the two with a slight tilt of his head. "You hungry? Help yourself." gesture made to the food for Patric's benefit. The proximity would also give the man a good chance to figure out he wasn't the only werewolf here. Devin was also packless so...packless unite? Maybe someday they'd have an actual conversation about it! The deer heard caught attention again; the irony of this meeting not being lost on him. Since he wasn't being addressed specifically though; he'd simply be present, watching the burgers to see if he needed to put more on the grill.

(21:36:15) Abbie May came upon the gathering on her way to the cabin. The smell of cooking meat ensured she'd pass it by, but the deerling happened to catch a glimpse of several familiar faces. She paused, considering, before veering off in their direction. "Hey, guys! Wowee, a cookout! It's like summer!" This was the vegetarian deer... but it looked like she could eat the sides, and she was just as happy to pick at those!

(21:38:02) Cassius hummed at Devin's response, putting the name to memory with the ease of his species. He was likely never to forget a thing. "Ah, one of Those bookstores, then," he'd say with a laugh, not bothering to give any more clarification behind what he meant-- sexual or otherwise. Not that it mattered. He laughed openly at Valerie's comment. "Like a bird, indeed," he'd say, the crinkles around his eyes looking like laughter-- he would have told her how right she was about her thoughts if he had heard them, of course. As it was, Cass could feel Patric's presence almost before he could see or hear him-- the presence of someone nearby pricking the hairs on the back of his neck in an entirely instinctive way that prompted him to turn and cast a brief glance over his shoulder. When the man came into view, followed by his question, Cassius merely smiled-- perhaps a little conspiratorially, but we wouldn't talk about that. "There is," he'd say, reaching out without hesitation to settle a hand on Patric's upper arm, "help yourself. I've been told that it's poison-free and absolutely free of charge." If the wolf moved on ahead to do so, Cass would let him go and continue his observations. To Abbie, he merely smiled. "Just about, you'd think. It's lacking a few water balloons and some "cold ones"," he'd say with a hum. Was he doing pop culture correctly? Cass never knew.

(21:42:09) Valerie Ravn. So here's the situation: a packless pack, an attempted murder, and a herd of deer are at a barbecue. There's no punchline, that's just the situation. Val was humming a little song to herself. She was just happy there was a ton of food. She gave a wave to Abbie and a nod to Patric, though she did not know him, then got back to her macaroni salad. The plate was almost empty; the scavenger works fast.

(21:47:29) Peter Greenbush smiled greatly at Abbie. And walked over to give her a big hug. "Hey Abbie." He looked at the spread. "umm...there is some sides?" He felt bad that him and Skathi were downing meat in front of her. But...it was sooooo delicious. He continued munching away and looked to the others. He tilted his head as there was mention of a bookstore. "I take it there is books on the supernatural?" He knew Val might still want some research done on her stuff. And he never knew what Skathi was talking about when she spoke of her past. So..books could be good...especially hard to find ones. He then started to eye the others. He had no sense on the supernatural..so had no idea they were wolves. He also wouldn't be surprised if he found out they were. Val had mentioned a few being here.

(21:48:14) Skathi finished off the last of her hamburger and went to go grab a soda from the cooler, popping it open and taking a long drink before she waved to Abbie when the deerling showed up. "Hey, you!" Cassius' remarks about water balloons and alcohol brought a smile on her face. Who said summer was bad, after all? "A bookstore with books on the supernatural? That could be neat!"

(21:48:16) Patric. Though the gesture of the wave on Peter's part didn't go unnoticed, all the wolf did was tip his head ever so slightly like a visible contemplation on whether he should return the favor. He ultimately opted to nod his head a bit in an acknowledging greeting because Devin and Cass were enough of a distraction to pull his focus from there. Devin, of course, was opening the floor to Pat picking up some food. He tipped his head and nodded once-- partially in acceptance of the words and partially for the fact he wasn't the only wolf here. Cass' hand on his arm pulled his attention to the bird. The small snort and crack of a smile would be the reward for his words. "Good." He, of course, didn't have a whole hell of a lot to say, but he patted a hand once against Cass' on his arm before he made a straight path to the food. He, of course, was prepared to pile up to feed that appetite of his. Besides, with a bunch of prey around, it was probably for the best. He returned to Cass and Devin and looked about as pleased as he could with his miniature mountain of food. "Who are you?" He was looking right at Devin while he stuffed his face. He only paused long enough to look toward the rest of the crowd. "Do you know them?" That time, it was to Cass, but Devin was close enough for it to count.

(22:00:25) Devin Starr. Nolen's Tall Tails was indeed one of those bookstores...a magic bookstore. Not a sex store. Although they had sex books too because Nolen was a huge perv who liked to read gay erotica. "Something like that." was all he'd say in return though, letting Cass get distracted with the appearance of Patric and the assurances that the food was not poisoned and indeed, absolutely free. Abbie's question about it being just like summer; coupled with Cassius response earned a laugh. "Next time I'll bring balloons and beer." he assured, though he wasn't sure when that next time would be. Perhaps something more organized and less random; especially if there was going to be alcohol involved. Peters' question caught attention next and he left Patric and Cassius to draw closer to the blue-haired man. "Yeah, plenty of those. You interested in anything specific?" in fact most of the bookstore was tomes and such about the supernatural. Nothing that could be found at your local Barnes and Noble that was for sure. Skathi earned his attention next, finishing off his coke and reaching for another from the cooler about the time she did. "You all are welcome to come by. It's not hard to find." it was probably the largest bookstore in the city and the large loft addon only made it stand out more. He'd linger near the group of friends to catch any responses and other questions before returning to Cass and Pat in time to catch the latters' questions. "I'm Devin and no; I don't know anyone here." he felt like he needed a business card now! "I just got restless of the indoors and figured food would attract people and I was right." he settled his coke down on a nearby table and fished out his pack of smokes again. "You're new to Caribou Coast?" he wanted to ask more of the fellow wolf; but he didn't want to make the man uncomfortable. Another packless though was something interesting! Not that he knew, he just had a feeling with the way he was acting.

(22:01:39) Cassius was content to hang back and continue observing, mostly because this was his Role In Life. Even Patric - though he was a new addition - was viewed as someone that he needed to look out for. It wasn't even necessarily an introspectiveness that stayed his tongue, but more that he just genuinely preferred to take the back seat to everyone else's interactions. He felt more content observing and watching as the world revolved around him. A small smile curled his lips as others took interest in Devin's - read: Nolan's - bookstore, and he used that as an opportunity to keep to himself. Especially when Patric seemed to take over the conversation in his blunt manner, prompting Cass to smile almost fondly. As the only one there without food, he probably seemed the odd one out-- but he would be fine. For now.

(22:01:48) Abbie May: "Oh, ha! No cold ones here, but the food smells great!" It didn't, but she was a polite doe. Pete's hug was readily returned with a big squeeze and a wide smile. "Hey!" She wouldn't dish up just yet; it felt rude to dig in just like that! Instead she sought herself a nice little spot near her friends, resting criss cross applesauce beside Val, who she tapped with her foot. They'd had a rough last encounter, but she was committed to being a friend. Mention of a bookstore had the deerling quieting down; she was all ears!

(22:04:40) Valerie Ravn shook her head. Val wasn't exactly the most subtle supernatural creature out there, but she knew you weren't supposed to just straight up ask about supernatural books in bookstores. You gotta be covert about those things, like using puns and idioms. Of course, she didn't expect that the place was straight up a magic bookstore, so hey. "Uh, there's quite a few topics I'm interested in! Like..." Well, if she said what she was interested in, wouldn't that be suspicious? Hi, my name is Val Ravn and I'm interested in valravns, nothing suspicious here! "Uh...maaagic...?"

(22:08:37) Patric. While he would be curious about Cass' lack of food, the wolf could only assume he had already eaten his share or would be later. Regardless, he seemed content to take up a post near Cass in a moderately protective way. He didn't necessarily find anyone here to be an outward threat, of course, it was more of a natural instinct than anything else. Cass was about as close to a trusted 'Pack' person as anyone could get and it was only because of how Cass had treated him. If anything, he just tried to quietly offer Cass food from his plate which, really, was a big deal. He focused more on Devin in the meantime and nodded at the name. Oh, right, normal introductions involve a return. "Patric. Pat is fine." The question had him humming a mild, confirming sound. "That is a good way to describe it." Pat, of course, hadn't exactly picked this location. It had kind of been picked for him. His body still ached from the wounds. "He found me." He tipped his head to Cass and there was definitely an undertone of gratitude. For now, he let the conversation nearby drift out of his focus but he never really stopped keeping them in his periphery either.

(22:13:42) Peter Greenbush smiled as Abbie seemed tobe making an effort to keep things close with Val. And gave an appreciative nod. Hopefully Val would notice. He didn't realize you weren't suppose to talk about supernatural bookstores..so he just said normall, "We should all go take a look sometimes then." Sure beat just hanging out the in the forest all day. Oh...what about Isi and Basi? Were they still around? Oh crap...did have to make them fake IDs? Well that question can be for Abbie later. This herd seemed to keep growing. He looked among the others, listening as he tried to pick out what hey might do around the city...or just general facts. He still wasn't so good at direct questions. He could go for a beer though..now that 'cold ones' were mentioned a few times. He might stop by the bar later, maybe see if Harp was there.

(22:15:36) Harper Greenbush walks up! She'd just got off work, and she heard way more voices in this side of tone, at this time of night, than she was used to (that weren't just coming from the bar). Not to mention, the heavenly scent of grilling meat. It called to her. She'd head towards the smell of wonderful burger, and as she enters the park, she'd blink as she saw - well, pretty much all of her friends and family hanging out there already. "Hey guys!" She'd say, with a pleasant smile, glancing around - looking for the place where she could get some of the food, not-so-subtlely. "What do we have here...?"

(22:16:44) Skathi beamed happily when she saw Abbie making an effort with Val--progress! She took a seat on the ground near the two before she waved to Harper when the woman arrived. "Hey! Check it out, they did a cookout! Free food!" Was there anything in the world so great?

(22:23:52) Devin Starr caught Abbie's compliment and arched a brow; though smiled friendly enough. "Thanks; help yourself." there were plenty of vegetarian things after all. Val earned that same expression next before the wolf just laughed and nodded. "Magic huh? I'm sure we can find you something if you stop by." hell she could just go look at all the books by herself and not have to worry about anyone getting too interested in whatever she was looking up. For now though he'd let the subject die out, because talking about ancient tomes of rare magical information in a public park was probably not the smartest idea. He was a dumb dog on most days, but he at least knew that much. Returning to Cass and Pat, humming lightly to the introduction of the latter with a nod. "He found you?" that was an interesting story surely. Not that he would press for it if they weren't willing to share. "How new are you?" he wasn't sure if the wolf had been here for the last full moon. Sure he wasn't a pack sort of wolf; but he was older and sort of felt like helping out other wolves when he could. If they wanted it that was. The herd behind him earned only occasional looks; the invitation for them to stop by the store already extended after all. Nolen would be delighted once he found out that his dumb dog boyfriend actually managed to find people to come to the store! Mission complete in his book; he was totally going to get laid tonight! Sadly his adventures in the bedroom would have to wait as more people were coming up to enjoy the free food. "More people you know?" he asked of Val, jerking his thumb to Harper. "You're welcome to the food." in fact, he was already putting on more burgers and closing the grill. And with that done, he'd finally light the cigarette he had fished out earlier; coming to stand next to Cassius. "Not much for socializing are you?" asked of the man as he took a drag.

(22:29:21) Cassius looked from the offered food to Patric's face for a moment, weighing his options, before smiling and taking it with a crooked - albeit grateful - grin. So the wolf already knew him Too Well, that didn't mean anything. "Don't be afraid to call him Pattycakes," he'd add onto Patric's greeting with a cheeky grin-- because really, he enjoyed playing these games. Especially with the people he knew would not actually do him any harm. For the most part, the rest of the conversation was something he observed. These younger people were always ...interesting to watch. They seemed so free and devoid of the suffering that he seemed to know so well-- then again, perhaps they were new to Caribou Coast. They had yet to learn the way of the world within the city. Patric's grateful words caused the bird to tilt his head briefly, but he did not comment. He allowed the wolf his composure-- for the most part. c
Still, he smiled and turned his attention to Devin to say, "I tend to collect lost and broken things," as if to answer the question which followed. Not that Patric was necessarily either, though Cassius was convinced that he most certainly was. As for the story itself, he would let Patric tell it if he wished. It was more his story to tell anyway. He would fall into silence as the conversation continued on about the store and various other things, but looked to Devin again when the man came to stand next to him. His expression took on a contemplative furrow as he hummed. "I enjoy observing," he'd answer easy enough, head tilted just-so as he continued to observe the people moving about. No doubt, the rest of The North Star's inhabitants would begin filing out sometime soon. "Thank you," he'd say, seemingly out of the blue as he gestured to the table and the food and the gathering, "for doing this."

(22:30:23) Abbie May eventually made her way to the food, sheepishly dishing herself up a nice heaping of potato salad with a side of far too much gratitude. "Thank you so much! You're so kind for doing this!" --and the like.

(22:31:58) Valerie Ravn turned to Abbie and smiled. "Hey Abbie! Too bad about the food...but hey, all the sides are meat-free!" She was trying to be a friend but ten million different conversations were going off at once and the poor crow wanted to be part of every single one at once. She nodded at Devin. "More roommates. They're all my roommates..." How did she end up being the spokesperson for the herd? This bookstore would need to be investigated soon...she made a mental note of the name. Val grabbed another plate of food. What? She was hungry.

(22:39:51) Peter Greenbush tilted his head towards Cassius. 'Collec lost and broken things'...interesting comment. He might stare a bit too long there. He then looked around.. this whole group was very, curious. There seemed to be a couple of socials, and a couple like him that just want to watch...see what the others do. Then Harp! He added towards Devin, "yeah, she's my sister." He then looked to Abbie, "she is too.." In a different way. He gave a smile to Harp, "Hey Harp, I was going to try to catch up with you and have a beer but then...food..." He looked to Val. She was a good spokesperson for the herd...so...job has been given.

(22:48:13) Patric's answering nod was brief and he really did contemplate leaving it at that. He just shrugged something mild. "A silver knife needed to be tested a couple dozen times... just to make sure it worked. Gave me a place to recover and heal." His tone of voice was flat but he was also making a joke. He has basically been a puppy pin cushion but with a knife. "Not new, not by a long shot." He had lost track of the exact years so he didn't elaborate but the important part was that he had been wolf for a long, long time. "Around here? Month or so?" He didn't seem all that convince with his own timeline but he kind of operated off knowing the exact timing. Cass accepting the food seemed to please Pat, though the lemon-sour scowl that followed was accompanied by a huff. "I wouldn't do that."
But, really, he didn't growl or snap at Cass about it, so that spoke more about their generalized comfort. As for being a lost and broken thing, his shrug was honestly acceptance. He had been broken and he had no place so lost really wasn't far off. He had little else to add, so he was content to keep eating and make sure Cass ate too.

(22:48:41) Harper Greenbush would give Pete a couple pats on the back to acknowledge his presence, before sliding past everyeon to get herself some food, too! Getting herself a burger with a healthy dose of sides, and would offer a smile up to Devin, shifting up the rim of her cap for a moment, saying, "Hey, I'm Harp. I see you met most'a my friends already." She'd say, before offering her hand out for a shake! If he took it, he'd find that the woman had a strong grip, but she wasn't trying to hurt anyone.

(22:49:30) Skathi just sat there snacking on sides and sipping her soda!

(22:55:05) Devin Starr couldn't help but snort at the name. He wasn't going to use it; of course, not yet anyway. It did draw a smile from him though, leaning against the nearby table as he dragged on that cigarette. Much like his newfound acquaintance; he'd slip into more of an observational stance. The young people were interesting; perhaps unaware of the trials and tribulations of life. He was relatively new to the area himself, though he hadn't seen much of the way of the city outside the fact that it had definite areas of less well off. "Hmm, are there a lot of lost and broken things in the city?" he was always gathering information when he could and this seemed to be a good opportunity to maybe find out a bit more about Caribou Coast. At mention of thanks the man shook his head. "It's no problem; I should do it more often. Perhaps we can plan something bigger." he wouldn't be opposed to setting up a larger event; maybe something of a charity to help the North Star out? He wasn't sure of Cassius' financial status after all. He echoed that same sentiment to Abbie as she thanked him for the food. Really...he didn't figure a little barbecue would warrant such gratitude! "All...roommates?" his expression was puzzled for a moment before shrugging. Well whatever, maybe they lived in some weird mansion... or a cabin in the woods? Peters' introductions had him glancing to Harper. "Nice to meet you, the name's Devin. Help yourself." he gestured with cigarette still in hand to the food. The second round of burgers were probably close to done as was his smoke. Flicking it somewhere close to the first one he managed to make it to the grill before the burgers started to burn and refill the plate. Whoever was joining from the North Star would have plenty to eat still; he had more burgers to cook if needed. Returning to Pat and Cass he'd catch pat's words and nod. "People are dicks; glad you aren't uh...testing silver knives anymore." he could relate to that sort of backstory though, his own wasn't exactly rainbows and sunshine after all. At mention of not being new by a longshot he only nodded. "Well good; we're the same than." at least in that regard, Devin had been a wolf for ... way too many centuries if he was to be honest. "About the same as me than; around here anyway." and he had yet to find a decent place to spend the moon. Maybe this time around won't have the local pack hunting one of their own at least. Skathi quietly snacking in the distance had him offering an apologetic smile to current company before he came up to her. "You want anything else? A drink or something?" he could at least play good at being a host! Nolen would maybe be proud.


(22:58:14) Abbie May: "Oh, there's plenty I can eat here!" Abbie replied to Val, chipper as could be upon returning to her spot in the grass. Pete's introduction was met with a wave of the hand; she was the sister! ...Half-sister? She'd scoot over towards Skathi then, a question on her lips but soon falling silent when their host came to address the doe.

(23:00:14) Cassius hummed. "When are there not an abundance of lost and broken things?" he'd ask, seeming to be trying to give Devin food for thought, his rhetorical question not requiring an answer at all. He'd take what food Patric passed to him for another minute or two before eventually just telling him to ensure that he got enough food and turned to face Devin again. "Of course, though we tend to take advantage of charity," he'd say with a wink, reaching out to shake the older wolf's hand before adding, "I'm going to head back, ensure that the stragglers make their way out here to eat you out of house and home." Then, saying nothing else, he'd make a vague gesture to anyone else who noticed that he was there and made his way back into the warehouse.


(23:01:17) Valerie Ravn and all her friends did in fact live in a cabin in the woods! Though they were still technically squatting on the land, as they didn't own the land or anything. It's probably fine. Cassius's hobby of collecting odds and ends was met with a suddenly flurry of interest from Valerie. She practically jumped up, wanting to know more. "What kind of broken things? Like bottles and cans? I collect bottles and cans all the time! I make a lot of money off of that. Do you sell the things you find or keep them?" A barrage of questions that there was no way for the poor bird to answer. When he left before answering her questions, she seemed somewhat sad, upset even. "Oh...too many questions...?"

(23:05:43) Patric's huff was gruff and probably the closest thing to a growl thus far. "Not willingly." He definitely did not appreciate feeling so terribly fragile while he recovered. He just hummed some agreeing sound-- but it was probably why Devin didn't annoy him. New wolves were... they were just so impulsive and loud and touched by their streaks of young humanity. "It seems... decent." He flicked a look to watching Cass while he finished up and ultimately prepared to head back. "They'll eat plenty." He ultimately opted to follow Cass for the sake of sticking by familarity. But, if nothig else, it would probably be nice to connect further with others who potentially understood better. [exit bc am sleepy]

(23:07:34) Peter Greenbush smiled, and gave Val a side hug. "He probably just had to go...." He looked to Skathi. And for reference, she is extrememly old. Not young at all. So..she shouldn't be considered part of the 'young ones'. He smiled as he moved to get seconds. Apparently the herd was hungry. And all of them but Abbie were eating meat. Such bad deer. He watched Harp shake hands...hoping she was taking it easy on those grips. He watched the two leave, and gave a wave! He was going to try to be friendly and more sociable. He then watched Harp, Abbie, and Skathi takling to the others.

(23:10:55) Harper Greenbush would give Val a small nudge on the back, saying, "Probably not. I wouldn't worry about it." Giving the other woman an encouraging smile, before she'd take a big bite of her burger and let out a groan of appreciation, moving back to stand near her brother and say, "Mmmm. This is just what I needed after a long day. Though maybe you and I could go get a beer after this, yeah? That sounds like it would hit the spot."

(23:11:55) Skathi lifted her gaze to Devin and shook her head with a smile lingering on her lips. "No, that's all right. Thank you! I actually better get going, I've got a few things to get done before bed." She looked over to Abbie who'd scooted near and gave her a quick side hug before she stood up. "It was nice to meet everyone! Thank you for the food. I'll see you guys back at home," she said, the last part directed towards her family.

(23:13:04) Devin Starr didn't offer a response to the rhetorical question, but he did consider the words as something to think about later. "As you should; it would've sucked for all this shit to go to waste." gesturing broadly to the food and the like before returning that handshake. "I'll make sure everyone gets their fill." he promised with a wave to the Corvidae. Interesting guy; he should definitely meet the man again, perhaps in a more private setting. Too bad Cassius' poorly timed exit meant he had missed all of Val's questions; the wolf feeling sort of bad for her. "Catch him another time, I have the feeling this isn't the last time you'll cross paths." maybe they'd all wind up at the bookstore together. It had a way of drawing the supernatural together after all! Patric's exit earned a friendly enough wave, though he couldn't blame the man for leaving with familiarity. The old wolf himself was getting a bit exhausted; he really hadn't expected to have to socialize so much! A final cigarette was lit; dragged upon as he made his way to the herd, electing to speak to Val, though he was addressing them all really. "Don't forget to stop by the store, Marshall loves new people. Also feel free to eat whatever you want. I'll just be cleaning and packing up here and there." he wasn't necessarily leaving, but he wanted to get a jump on the clean up! [I'll hang out for logs, but this is my exit! Its late But thank you all for the RP ]

(23:14:23) Abbie May returned Skathi's hug, and chastised herself for having missed an opportunity! That was alright, though, it wasn't terribly pressing. The doe waved her off, then smiled to herself at Val's excitement. Crows and their collections! When the poor bird took a turn for the dejected, however, she set her plate down and made her way over. "I'd like to hear about the stuff you collect! Oh, we could collect them together! I'm always finding bottles in the woods."

(23:17:13) Valerie Ravn smiled a little. "Y-you do, Abbie?" She stood up, throwing her paper plate in the trash. "So, Pete, Harp. We're off to the bar, hm?" She gave a wave to Devin. "Hey, thanks! We'll make sure to drop by. Take care!" And she turned to leave. [exit!]

(23:25:25) Peter Greenbush gave a shrug, and smiled at Abbie. He walked towards her . "Maybe you and Val can go collecting sometimes." An opportunity for the two of them to talk things over. "or all of us." He gave a shrug, and looked to Abbie. "Or we can somewhere else and hang out." He wasn't sure if a bar was a scene Abbie would enjoy or not. "Are you sure you got enough to eat? We can go somewhere with salads or veg." He then looked to Harp, "glad you were able to get off a little early and join us here."

(23:32:48) Abbie May wasn't sure if her attempt to cheer Val up had worked or not, but the woman had moved on and was evidently leaving with Pete and Harp for drinks! Then Pete came over and fussed, and the young woman waved a dismissive hand. "I ate plenty, promise! And I went grocery shopping earlier, too. It's... mostly vegetables, but we could all stand to eat a little healthier, I think!" As for hanging out, "you guys go ahead! Have some drinks!" She'd hang around a bit to help pick up, then make her way home!