Horsing around (Iris/invite)

[Iris von Drol]

Iris gave Zodiac's suggestion some quick thought and she was in agreement when finished. However that would be something that she would have to discuss with her. Zodiac had a tractor of some sort. She had spotted it in the fall when she took Chopin for a ride by her farm. It was purple and hard to miss. First time she had set eyes on such. typically tractors were red, green or whatever is easy to stand out in a field. Purple worked too but she just had missed ever seeing one until that ride with her Friesian. Iris nodded at Zodiac.

"I do believe that a shovel will not exactly suffice in Leviathan's case." Iris spoke as she eyed the mass of the animal in question. "Indeed not."

The horse stepped forward upon command and Iris was instantly impressed with the discipline the horse demonstrated. Iris' brow shot up above her left eye as her full lips pressed into a thin tight line. Of course she turned to Zodiac briefly to take in the mystic's reaction to something Dimitri had yet to master. Chopin would on a good night perhaps. So her sire was not alone in being open to improvement when it came to horse handling.

Iris nodded once and it was then that the specifications for a jousting saddle would be required as well as the hands of one familiar with working with a forge. Her ferrier would be a rather sweet proper older male named Lugosi. As for the one who could handle his place with a forge. There was no one finer than her master metal crafter on staff. They could easily have Mordechai set up with the highest quality armor and lance. That is if he was serious. She eyed the man from tip of boot to brim of his impressive hat. Her eyes met his and she did believe he was as serious as a heart attack.

"I shall get all of that started first thing when I get back in my office. You need not worry. You will be ready to begin your endeavor within the week." Iris smiled to deliver the intent behind her words.

Iris went briefly back into the stables and adjust the stalls so that the one left open on the far right inside was now double wide. The convenience of the one wood movable wall made it a snap to make happen. She stocked the feed as requested which was already on hand and the water was checked to find it fresh as well. All of this was done routinely. Much of the telepath and business owners time was often spent on site dealing with the equine's care herself. She took pride in the quality of care each animal was given. After all she was the one who answered for it as well as gave her word to the boarders their horses would be given the very best.

When Iris returned Mordechai announced the arrival of a beautiful brunette woman that literally landed in his arms. She stepped forward until she was just a little behind Zodiac. It appears they were now to meet Mordechai’s beloved Kennedy. She folded her velvet gloved hands loosely in front of her and dipped her head once the woman had adjusted to her feet facing them.

“It is a pleasure Ms. Kennedy.” Iris glanced between Mordechai and the woman equally. “I believe we have met before with the business of opening doors during a time when Zodiac was unavailable.”

[Zodiac]

She watched the entire operation from a few steps back from the rest. The beast seemed well behaved and moved to Mordie's commands. "Oh else he is smart enough to know you don't disobey a guy like Mordie," she thought to herself. She followed as the horse went to the stall Iris was preparing and slipped to the side to watch over the rails.

"Hey, that's clever," she admitted as Iris turned the two stalls into one with ease. She doubted the stall would hold him if Levi (she was already making up her own name for him) decided he wanted to go for a stroll. She still wondered how Dimitri would react at the sight of this one. A stare down would be her first guess. So far he had been the largest horse in the area until Levi arrived. But then again, she did not worry. It would be awhile before she would try and ride him anywhere but on her own property. She had to figure out a way to get him under control soon or else what would be the point of having him. Mentally she made a note to see how much to raise the fence line around her place to help dissuade him from jumping out.

"Face it, doll. You and him are just too much alike," she smiled as she followed Iris out of the barn. Taming him would happen as fast as someone taming her. The second Tuesday of the seventh week of the thirteenth month of never.

She stayed quiet as Kenny appeared and let Iris re-introduce herself to the woman. Then Zodiac stepped forward and wrapped the newly arrived girl in a large, fierce hug.

"DD!" she laughed in the girl's thoughts, using her original stage name initials. "It's about time Mordie let you come out and visit people properly again." she beamed. The mystic had met the woman not long after she had been turned and the pair had become friends along the way. After the Sangue began to break apart and drift their different ways, she managed to stay in touch with her on occasion and was surprised when she first heard of Mordie's 'interest' in her. It was obvious the experience so far was doing both of them some good. It occurred to her this gathering was almost 'family' in a way. Iris, her childer. Mordie, her 'brother' and Kenny her brother's woman. She squealed a bit before looking Kenny right in the eyes.

"So. Lady Godiva. You think you can pull it off?"

[Kennedy]

It had been a long day of hunting and the hot shower was exactly what she had craved. The hot water and steam gave her a chance to relax and wash away any anxiousness that she might be feeling through out the day. She was hard on herself when she trained but that was mainly because she was trying to be the best that she could be while trying to match her skill to Mordechai's. It was difficult because he was far more skilled than her and he had a few years on her in training. He was good...really good and she wanted to be just like him at least in the way of skill. Be someone he could be proud of and know that she could hold her own.

The moment her foot stepped out of the shower and planted down on the tile floor, his voice soothed across her mind. It never ceased to amaze her that he would send her little mental messages every time that she was thinking about him. Their bond had grown to something deep and beautiful. He instructed her on what to wear and then he was summoning her. Thank god that she was able to cut her time in half given that she was already undressed. Rushing to the bedroom, she pulled out the clothes of her choosing. Once her undergarments were perfectly in place on her body, she slipped on her jeans that hugged to her body as if they were a second skin and then pulled the purple sweater on. Kennedy knew that she didn't have time to fix or even blow dry her hair, so she quickly pulled it up into a casual yet messy bun. Her New Rocks that Mordechai had gotten her for when they went out on the Judge sat patiently by the door of the apartment. Rushing over, she grabbed them and sat on the couch, pulling on her socks and then boots before her eyes looked at the clock. Thirty seconds left...perfect timing. Standing up, she grabbed her leather jacket just as the summon scooped her up, pulling her through time and space. Landing in his arms, she looked up and smiled. "Hiya!"

As he gently placed her down on the ground, she slipped on her jacket and looked over at the other two women that were in his company. Smiling brightly as her eyes looked at Zodiac. Lifting her right hand, she waved at the other woman as Mordechai proceeded to introduce her to them. "Hiya Zo and it's very nice to meet you Iris." Smiling as Iris greeted her in return and nodded. "I think you're right." A bright chuckle slipped from her as Zodiac stepped forward and wrapped her delicate arms around her. Kennedy happily returned the hug. "Pfft...I am always out an about. We both leave for training. If I am held up at home, it's my doing because I submersed myself in trap and gun parts." Mordechai pulled her attention away from the women to show her the horse standing near by. Tilting her head, she smiled. "Oh wow!! It's beautiful and most girls Christmas wish." She looked up at him. "Will you teach me how to ride?"

Reaching out she began to pet the horse. It's hair was course but soft. It was white with black spots or black with white spots but either way...each spot added to the horse's personality. Her eyes were bright even as she turned her attention back at Zodiac when her question fluttered her way. A smirk slipped upon her lips as she chuckled. "Lady Godiva, huh? Yeah...I think I can pull that off but I would totally need to get a blond wig because I'm not dying my hair."

[Mordechai]

The killer smiled as his kennedy was met and accepted by Zodiac and her childe. Unlike himself, the petite allurist was usually loved by everyone that met her, her effervescence and quick smile drawing them into her. She was light incarnate, countering the death and darkness that followed close upon his wake. All thoughts of jousting were momentarily erased as he watched her face light up at the realization that the colorful cob was hers. "I have left him for you to name." Mordechai quietly watched as her nimble fingers slipped through the stallions mane, and smoothed the hair of its neck. From the one sided conversation Mordechai knew that Madam Zo still conversed with her. A tightening in his loins gave away his thoughts on his kennedy re-enacting the infamous ride of lady Godiva. A small grin picked at the corners of his lips as he turned to face his bundled up sireling. "She is taken. You do realize this Zo?" The chuckle from his beloved was like water to a desert flower, and his twitching lips assumed the shape of a full smile, the tips of his fangs glinting in the lights of the stable. Gently he reached out settling one hand upon her shoulder, as he turned to look down the aisle. "I have one more thing to show to you milady"

Mordechai led her slowly down the aisle, giving her time to take in the sight, and welcoming neighs and snorts of madam Iris' stabled horses. It seemed even the livestock fell in love with the bubbly female. Finally reaching the newly created double stall Mordechai paused until he was sure his attention was on him, then leading her inside he presented her to the second giant in the stables. "This my love, will be my steed. He is known as Leviathan." Stepping up to the massive shire Mordechai again offered the coal black stallion a cube of sugar. Reaching into the feedbox he scooped a handful of molasses coated oats, and offered them to the giant on an opened palm as he stepped in and leaned his cheek against the arched neck of the magnificent beast. The ebb and flow of the blood pumped through miles of arteries and veins by the colossal heart echoed in his ears. The heat radiating from Leviathan into the coolness of the stable wrapped around him as he allowed his pulse to slow to the pace of the equine heart before him. His free hand smoothly and strongly stroked down the aristocratic curve of Leviathan's neck. The killer slowly exhaled as he soaked in the calm patience of his steed before turning back to his kennedy, "Yes, mz Godiva, I will teach you to ride." Stepping back from the shire his eyes locked to hers, "What do you think?"

Mordechai turned to the other women as he let kennedy check out Leviathan, sure that the gentle giant would not harm her. Facing Iris, he bowed his head and tipped his hat, "I am in your debt for responding so well on the short notice you were given. You obviously run a tight ship, and I do not fear leaving them in your care. I shall come to the shop this week, and we may begin the furtherance of out business together, and possible meet with your 'smith." Turning he reached out to the diminutive mystic reaching out to hold her hands in his. Closing his eyes he lightly tapped into his power, and let the heat of his hands gradually increase, infusing Zodiacs hands with heat. Releasing them before he could burn her, he smiled down at her. "And thank you for facilitating this transaction. Your presence here was greatly appreciated." Pausing he watched her for a moment, a small grin overtaking his features. "I overflew the area on my way here tonight... Are you in need of assistance finishing the door you started to open up in the rear of your barn? I have some tools that may work better than the three point hitch, fenders and draw bar of your tractor..." His voice faded away as the grin grew. Then addressing them both as he led kennedy's cob into its stall he finished, "It grows late, I have business to finish elsewhere, but I will be in touch with both of you." The horses away he leaned one shoulder against the wall and watched his beloved kennedy.

[Iris von Drol]

It should be something that the golden tressed telepath should know better than to do in the presence of others.However, Iris couldn’t resist when she watched Mordechai set his full attention on Kennedy. There was that feeling of warmth. It had nothing to with her or Zo for that matter. It was entirely about the man looking at the woman he recently summoned to his arms as he did. It produced an appreciative and genuine heat that came with observing something that good peeking through an otherwise dark world that they all stood in sharing the same eternal fate. It was all about what you chose to make of it. It sparkled in his eyes and it radiated through the woman that looked back at him. Iris smiled slowly and if she could blush at the possibility of being caught doing so she likely would have. Her natural full plain lips pulled together quickly and she got herself composed before anyone took notice.

“I look forward to seeing you often.” Iris’ brilliant blues lit up and went wide as she hoped to make Kennedy to feel welcome.

Iris leaned into Zo a brief moment meeting the mystic’s shoulder with her own. She knew once Mordechai mentioned having business to tend to there was only going to be a brief window of time where they could get the couple indoors. A proper business deal was not the same without the welcome she tried her best to extend to all who brought their needs to her door. It would be completed with hot tea, and delicious confections that she always had on hand from Zodiac’s shop. Edith Aubrey was often on hand to be a part of the social aspect. Lugosi lingering about quietly overseeing things as well. Hagen would enter randomly while on leave of business of his own elsewhere in the city.

The farm was always busy and yet her sire could drop in anytime and take center stage with her fun antics putting it all to ease. Eventually Iris knew she would master such an art with people that Zodiac had as well. For now she watched intently and learned. It certainly was something that came so naturally with an allurist influence. Drawing upon her own would take time and practice.

Kennedy was closer to being Lady Godiva with the gift of such a beauty hand chosen for her. The woman seemed happy and left to find her name for the beast that was now hers to claim. A bond would be made and this was the honor in the business that had Iris taking pride in the services she offered. There was relatively no issues with her stables and care provided. She even had a veterinarian that did all checks on sight and accommodated the late hours without question. Having a contract in place that paid the office handsomely also seemed to be a motivator in not being asked anything beyond what should be expected.

“Would you two please come join us inside even if it only briefly for tea?” Iris smiled again curling her velvet layered arm about her sires own. She took in the couples faces briefly then looked to her sire. “It is worth the informal celebration, yes? I see much ahead for all of us and I look forward to it.”

[Zodiac]

She cackled in her thoughts to Kenny's reply. "I think I could fix you up with one if needed." which was not an exaggeration on her part. Her dealings took her in so many directions the odds that someone who was indebted to her knew someone who could produce a realistic wig perfect for the illusion.

"I know she is taken, silly man," she smiled up at Mordie. "Only because I didn't unleash my feminine wiles upon her." An audible sigh escaped her lips as the flow of heat found her hands and sent a small rush of feeling into her that matched the glow she felt under his praise. Mordechai was not the type to toss out complements just to be saying something, so she knew he was sincere.

Then he brought up her small disaster. It had been a heartfelt gift from one she felt very close to, and within two hours she made the thing unusable. "I did read the manual and all. Followed the check list before I started it, but something distracted me when I shifted and I put the thing into reverse in error." she sighed. She remembered screaming when the purple colored tractor met the back wall of the barn and all hell broke loose as it pushed its way into the wall and became wedged in place as she dove off the thing. "Any assistance, when you have the spare time, would be appreciated. I tried using the mini bus, but the old thing just doesn't have the power to pull something like that loose."

When Iris bumped her, she bumped back in reply as if they were suddenly playing a game. Then she heard the word 'tea'. Without a word, she patted her childe on the shoulder and made her way to her home and let herself in. Ginny directly at her heels, now finished telling both horses who ruled the farms in this area and it was not them. She hung up her cloak, slipped off her boots and made her way to Iris' kitchen in socked feet. Serving tea was something her grandmother had instilled in her at a very young age. It was a time for relaxing, contemplation, welcome, sharing secrets and laughs, a greeting to new beginnings and a conclusion to successful endeavors. Granted, only Kenny could actually consume real tea ("Farking Allurists!") among the four of them, but there was also Edith and Lugosi about their business in her childe's home. She knew Lugosi always enjoyed a nice Earl Grey, even though he would never admit it directly. He would just stare at her when she inquired if he had enjoyed it, but the cup was always empty. Edith favored a strawberry blend, or at least had the last time she had made tea.

A tea kettle was now warming as the gypsy made herself at home in the kitchen, assembling all that was required on the counter. "Now where did you hide it?" her thoughts muttered until she opened the right cabinet. She levitated the few extra inches required to reach the box she had given Iris and bring it down. Inside were multiple, air tight jars that held either blends or raws to make custom blends from along with the silver strainers to suspend the leaves in without leaving the residue in the bottom of the cups.

Another pot of water was set to warm before she raided the fridge. Two packs of a familiar crimson liquid was set to warm. "You want some milk?" she looked over her shoulder, but Ginny was nowhere to be seen. Obviously she was on the trail of Puck again. Zodiac shrugged and devoted her full attentions to preparing the blends for the guests that would enjoy them properly. This was not preparing beverages. It was an art. An art she got to perform far too seldom for her own personal tastes.

[Kennedy]

A name. That was what she was left with to give the beast that was now hers. Letting her fingers move over the horse's coat, feeling the strong muscles as he moved. Turning her head away for just a moment to look back at Mordechai. "He deserves a strong, powerful name. I think Zeus would be good for him. It gives a mighty feel. What do you think? I don't want it to sound dumb." She wanted to give him a treat but didn't have any thing. She knew that horses liked sugar and sometimes they would share a salt lick that was out for cattle when she visited a farm. Digging around in her coat pocket, she ended up with a pack of skittles that she had bought the other day and didn't finish. Frowning as she pulled one out and then looked back at her beloved as she popped it in her mouth. "Erm...can he have one?" He seemed distracted with Zodiac and her inquiry on Kennedy's impersonation of the legendary woman that she decided to sneak an orange skittle to the large beast. One wouldn't kill him....right?

Her attention was brought back to the group as she continued to pet the animal and smirked up at Mordechai. "Hey! She can flirt with me all she likes. It's fun and flattering. You should be proud that your siblings agree with your tastes." As his hand came down on her shoulder, she smirked and her face lit up. "There's more? Now I feel like you're spoiling me. I didn't get you anything as extravigant." She followed after him as he walked down the aisle. Smiling at the other horses in the barn, she almosted wanted to share her skittles with them as well but other than Mordechai...Zeus was her newest love and would get most of her attention unless Mordechai wasn't with her, then he would get all of it. As they reached the back, her eyes rested upon the large black steed. As Mordechai expressed that it was his, she beamed up at him. "We can go riding together? That's so awesome!!" Tilting her head as he offered the sugar cube to the horse, she wondered if she had missed it somewhere but she shared one of her favorite candies with her horse which made their 'union' all the more special. It would be a rare yet unique treat unless she got in trouble for it. As he reached in and pulled out a handful of oats and fed them to his horse. Looking at it and then back at her horse, she smirked as she quickly reached up and kissed him to distract him. "I think he's great....both of them." His hand was full of oats so she stole the bucket and ran back up towards the front to give something to her horse that wasn't colored sugary sweets. Holding onto the bucket tightly as the horse instantly dove in, she erupted in giggles. "Easy...easy...you don't want a stomach ache."

Letting Mordechai continue the business talk as he spoke to the others, she let Zeus eat as she listened. He seemed to know what he was talking about, she just wanted to snuggle up to the animal and take him out after he had a chance to settle in. Letting him take the large spotted horse back to his stall as he mentioned that it was getting late, she frowned and turned toward him. "Can't you postpone? They want to go in and visit over tea. Business can always wait, this is family." She gave him that soft loving puppy dog look that she figured he couldn't resist as she stepped over to Iris. "You can talk more about farm stuff inside. Guns and traps can wait or I can even pick up the slack that you won't get done today."

[Mordechai]

The killer shook his head as kennedy took the purloined oats to Zeus' stall, and turned to get another. The cob was a tad smaller than you would think of a 'Zeus', but it was a powerful horse, bred for centuries to pull wagons for the Romany. A smile caressed his lips as he eyes followed kennedy's voice watching as she caressed and snuggled with the horse. "Aye, Zeus would indeed be a fitting name. Be careful with how much grain you feed him, they are molasses oats... he will be like you after a skittles binge." The killer winked before turning his attention back towards the proprietress and her sire.

Mordechai turned to Iris, listening to her offering, raising an eyebrow at the proffered 'tea'. Of the four of them only his kennedy could drink it, and he was not sure she even did imbibe of the British tradition. Opening his mouth to reiterate the need to see to his other works before the night ended. He froze as kennedy piped in, talking about joint riding ventures, then asking, nay almost begging, to stay and visit over the offered tea. The killer slowly shook his head as he agreed. He would not, could not, deny his kennedy. He let a low growl rumble out as she made a pouty face, and when Zo bustled off towards the house, he knew the battle was indeed lost.

Stepping to the door, he paused a moment, sniffing the air and listening to the night sounds, satisfied he returned to the horse making sure they were watered and had fresh straw, before returning to Iris and his woman. Scooping up kennedy's petite hand in his own massive one, a slight smile graced his features as he extended his other hand gesturing towards the door. "I thank you for such good accommodations on such short order, once again. Shall we go?"

[Iris von Drol]

Iris noticed that Zodiac was already making her way into the farmhouse. She watched her Sire disappear into the glowing framework that she always enjoyed spending her rare leisure time in. It was quiet and the least favorite part of her business could be dealt with easily within. Her hands folded in front of her and she took a moment to observe Mordechai with Kennedy. The two seemed to have separate ideas on how the next hour or so would be spent. She felt a bit guilty for extending the offer of tea if he was needed elsewhere. Just as she was about to apologize and suggest another time would be welcome as well he appeared to be willing to come in. Iris nodded as the couple's hands were joined and his arm motioned towards the door. It was settled. She turned on her heels then walked towards the porch leading the way to where the best cup of tea could be found in the hands of the best brewer.

"I hope that you will both feel comfortable to make use of the kitchen should you ever need to prep anything for an extended ride or outing." The click of her leather button up boots was light as she purposefully made her way from the porch into the front doors. She waited and held it open. "I do believe Zodiac is making what will both warm and replenish us all."

Iris turned from the door and found the white length of fur bouncing towards the open door. She knelt quickly and took a firm hold of Puck, her albino ferret, in just enough time to cut off his latest escape to the great outdoors. A tap of her tongue to the roof of her mouth gave him the signal he was not behaving. A brief squirm of the fidgety animal resulted in her pale petite finger brushing across it's nose.

"Pardon me while I contain this one." Iris excused herself momentarily and retreated to the stairs walking Puck back to the room where he bolted from.

[Zodiac]

Teacups and saucers sat lined up like porcelain soldiers for review. Three of them had the silver strainers hanging into their cups packed with the blends she had just finished. One hand guided the kettle to each and allowed so much water into the three with strainers. A gentle, yet firm, twist of the wrist ending the flow without a drop falling after. Small caps were placed over each to hold the heat in and allow the leaves to steep as the three cups were sat on a round tray. The remaining three sat patiently as the water slowly warmed the packs to a semblance of body temperature. As the water did its work, condiments were sat in place along with napkins. Three small saucers with cookies filled the center of the tray-one for each of the actual tea drinkers.

She heard someone enter the house and peeked around the corner to see Iris heading upstairs. The others would be in soon.

She rethought her set up and got a smaller tray out of the cupboard and sat the cups for Iris' human servants and some of the cookies onto it, then rearranged the larger tray to a proper set up. She then pulled one of the bags from the simmering water and with the same quite grace filled the three remaining cups. Once the tray was arranged to her liking, she put a small note on top of the cup for Kenny-to be sure- then took the tray to the sitting area she was sure Iris would have her guests in. She then returned for the second tray and wandered off to find the two mortals to serve them a well earned repast. "Tea is in your parlor for you and your guests," she sent a quick thought to Iris. "I will join you shortly after I find Edith and Lugosi."