Morning Dew (Open)

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

Last night had seemed to go on for so very long. He had tossed and turned in his bed and ended up just getting up early to come to the school for a little peace here in the garden. The fog was a little thicker this morning, making it difficult to see more than twenty feet in front of you. But he didn't seem to even care as he placed his head into his hands and grabbed to his blond hair. He hunched over a bit, elbows on his knees as the memories played over again in his mind as though haunting him. Damn that girl.. she was so strong willed despite all they had been together so far. She had been so angry at him for not going... but how could he face the graves of his parents? Anguish filled his heart as his hands trembled a bit.

Canary was trying to do what she thought was best but she had no idea about the old wounds his heart was still bleeding over. Aurelian gave a shudder as he forced himself to draw a deep breath and focus instead on his beautiful young daughter's face in his mind. She was getting older, becoming a young woman before his own very eyes and yet he still tried to shelter her like a child but he knew soon enough he wouldn't be able to... especially with winter coming. His sister would be returning and truly then all things would come out. Copper never kept secrets... her mouth was big and her attitude was even bigger.

He rose, dusting off the back of his black slacks before he reached to his mint green tie that was placed over the white button down shirt. There were little stripes dark green over the mint green and he moved around the garden slowly, making sure his tie as straightened out before picking up his jacket and dusted it off as well. It was still very early. The mist was making morning dew gather onto many of the beautiful flowers and for a moment he turned, gazing out over the flowers to take in their beauty. Just blooming... like his how daughter so fresh and so young. Another pain shot through his heart. He hadn't had her for long and already he was dreading her growing up and leaving him.

[Ichabod]

"You seem perplexed, my friend. Is everything alright?" A grumbling voice came through the dense fog. "It is not like you to let your mind wonder as such." A tall shadow walked through the fog, like a wrath, knowing exactly where he was going as if he could smell the man and that he was troubled. His black jeans dusty from the forest floor and his boots covered in a thick layer of dirt from the graveyard. Oddly enough, the cleanest thing on the tall man was his white button-up shirt. I was outside of his normal attire but even shifters need to do laundry once in a while.

He had yet to come out from the dense fog, letting Aurelian decide if he indeed wanted his company. "From the look on your face, your heart tears and your brain does not stop." He knew the signs vividly, he had seen those exact signs on himself many years ago for many different problems. He assumed his mind was racing about family issues, thought he had no family of his own as of yet, he knew how it feels to lose the ones he truly cared for.

"Maybe you are scared of something?" He began to prod a little bit to solidify his own assumptions. He didn't exactly know the issues that had happened in Aurelians past but he knew that there was a gravestone that was his parents. The problem may be about them or could be about his adopted child Canary. Innocent little child she was, he could tell by just listening to her talk about him, she loved the man like family should.

Though Ichabod did not know about the mans past, he was willing to bet that he needed to get something off of his chest but only when he was ready.

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

Aurelian's golden eyes quickly shot to the voice speakings out of the fog and he turned to full face the man who was coming out of it. He blinked a bit, recognizing him a little. He remembered from around town that this was the man responsible for grounds keeping. His named slipped his grasp but it figured since his mind had been a million miles away and was still having a little problem coming back to Earth at this moment. And his heart had damn near leapt into his throat when the man had come out of nowhere with Aurelian's mind so not focused. He had to clear his throat and swallow once to get his throat back into place.

"No it's not fear. It's complicated rather family business." he's tone was polite but a little sharp. Aurelian didn't even speak about these things with his own daughter. Talking to a stranger about it certainly wasn't going to happen. He gazed at the older male quietly for a moment and finally the name came back to him. Aurelian was a public figure and it was often his job to know other people about town. "It's strange to see you around here Mr. Vestibule, is there perhaps something I can help you with?" he gave a warm smile as he put the jacket around himself, pushing his arms through and gazed at the man.

It was strange to see the older man around the town since he was the groundskeeper in the outskirts of town, and he had to wonder what brought him there. He certainly hoped that his students hadn't caused any trouble. On occasion some of the students would be back up to old bad habits as many of them didn't come from good places or great timing in their lives.

[Ichabod]

Ichabod could hear the faint catch him the mans voice. "I am sorry for startling you out of your thoughts." He began to walk closer to the man, realizing the man was much shorter than himself. "You look like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders."

He put his gloved hands into his jeans pocket, "I had a fairly late night working the cemetery. It doesn't clean itself, especially during the Autumn seasons." He thought about it and he remembered the girl he met the other day.

"I thought I would go for a run while the sun was cresting the trees." Ichabod didn't get to much of a chance to run around in his Direwolf form, he is an animal at heart so running around and having fun was just a throwback to his beastly traits. He needs to let it out once in a great while.

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

His eyes watched the man, his body a bit rigid but after being slightly spooked it was to be expected. Though he did smile at him and think about the man's words. "The cemetery last night... its funny my daughter was out there just last night as well.." he gave a slight sigh at the very idea. In fact it had been why their nightly conversation had been so very tense. He turned a bit towards him and drew a breath. "I don't suppose you saw her last night? Young woman with long white hair and probably a dress on despite it being so dang cold outside." he gave a bit of a smirk and couldn't help himself with it. His daughter loved pretty clothes, and he had no problem buying them for her since she always took very good care of everything she had.

"She's a good girl if you did happen to see her, I never worry about her being out and about but if you could keep an eye on her while she's out... she doesn't know how to keep her defenses up with some people." he a short breath, thinking of the trouble a beautiful young face like hers could bring to her in the more dangerous areas of Shadow City, he might love this city but he of all people knew it had its dark parts.

[Ichabod]

He slowly nodded his head in recognition of the description, "Yes, Canary was her name. Sweet girl and she cares for you, its obvious of that, but she seemed a bit down in the dumps when we spoke." He remember the downcast face she had while looking over her adoptive grandparents graves. "She is concerned for you, but I'm sure you aware of that."

He gracefully walked passed him and squatted down and ran his fingers through the dew covered grass. "I know very little of what had happened but..." He stopped and got lost in his own thoughts and quickly snapped back to reality, "But, people have some right to know about what is bothering the people that care about. Your little girl, your Canary would be more understanding if you let her in. Even for a little bit."

Ichabod sat down on the wet grass and continued to play with the grass, "I do not have the loving family and friends that you do, but when I did then helped me when I lost those that I loved. I did not matter the cause or the reason of the lose but it was the company we kept that made the memories more..." he stopped again thinking of the right word that would describe what he feels all the time. "...bearable." Yeah, that would be the most accurate word. He laughed and muttered, "500 years and I still feel the pain from time to time."

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

His eyes softened and warmed as they spoke of Canary. She was his greatest joy even if she was not his blood, and their bond was close despite his uptight ways. He knew what the man said was true but to let her in would mean speaking of things that brought nothing but heart ache and misery. He moved to sit back down on the fountain side and watched the older male sit in the wet grass and play with the dew. Ache spread in his chest just thinking about them... thinking about telling his daughter and thinking about reopening the wounds of his past.

"The things she wants to know are terrible memories. She's had a hard life already... all I want is to see her smile and be joyous." he sighed softly and reached a hand up to rub the back of his neck. "But I suppose that life can't always be happy. Your words are wise and I suppose I should discuss it with her.." he gave a long sigh just thinking about it. He had never spoken about these things to anyone, and knowing that made it more difficult for him. His eyes flicked up to the man and he paused for a moment, thinking if he had really heard that correctly but indeed he had. "You're over 500? Interesting. You are the second person I know to have extended life... it must be very difficult."

[Ichabod]

He smiled roughly to the man, "Indeed, it can be very difficult most days but it is people like your dear daughter that I see visiting people she barely knows that makes it worth waking up in the mornings."

He had seen many graves go unattended once the graves have been filled and even fewer have people come to them to pay there respects. "I have seem a lot in my time and I think she will have to find out what happened eventually. It may be easier for her to accept if you were to tell her sooner rather than later."

Ichabods looked into Aurelians eyes, "You must be worried that she will think differently of you, if you were to tell her the truth." He took a wild guess, thinking that that might be major problem on his plate.

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

He looked to the man, gazing right into his eyes like he knew exactly what Aurelian had been thinking and then gave a dumb sort of nod. "Exactly what I am worried about. I have my reasons but for others to hear it... I know it's going to sound so selfish and dumb." he sighed and then looked down at the sidewalk, his eyes darkening a bit as he thought for a bit.

"And it's so much to tell.. so much to explain and what if she doesn't understand and does see me differently? I've already lost a sister because of that... but in my heart.. I just don't know.." he shook his head a bit and swallowed hard. "But not telling her is driving her away... so I am damned if I don't, and I might be damned if i do. There's no avoiding it. She's such a good hearted girl... but she's so naive." he looked back up at the man, speaking with this elder was indeed helping, and he supposed if the man had 500 or more years of knowledge, then Aurelian should listen.

[Ichabod]

He tilted his head to the morning sky and bared his teeth to the morning wind and spoke meaningfully but stern.

"Your child is young and so are you. She loves you like a child should for a parent. It may be tough for a while until she can fully understand and grasp the situation but its better to tell her than to leave her in the dark forever."

Just from the few hours he met with Canary, Ichabod could tell how much Aurelian meant to her. Yes, She will probably be mad or sad for a while, toward her father. It's only natural for someone to be in that type of state when confronted with such drastic information. Whatever that information was. From the way Aurelian spoke, it was very devastating information.

He drew closer to the man, to see his downcast face, his hands in his pockets, "Only time will tell how long it will take for her to fully grasp and accept the information and at that point you will feel worlds better..." He wanted to stress this last part for the young girls sake, "...And she will stop worrying herself over you. She cares for your well-being and if getting this information out in the open will clear all minds, then it has to be done."

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

He drew a slow deep breath, letting the feeling of the air and the man's deep words resonate within him. Could he really do it? Could he talk to canary about the horrors of his past, about the wrong doings, and all of the drama that had torn his soul to shreds? But the bigger question seemed to be... could he not do it and still keep her close to him? He knew the answer as he slowly released the air and nodded a bit as he turned back to Ichabod. The man was impressive with knowledge to say the least.

"Thank you for taking this time to talk to me. It truly has been a learning experience." he couldn't help but glance down to his watch, still early enough. "Are you hungry perhaps? I know most say that cafeteria food is terrible but I personally hired every chef in the school so I can assure you it's quite good. I was just thinking about heading over for some breakfast crepes and a nice cup of hot chocolate. What do you say?" he brightened as he offered to get the man some breakfast, after all the knowledge he had bestowed upon him it was the least Aurelian could offer.

[Ichabod]

Ichabod shook his head and grinned slightly, "It was good to speak with someone, I kind of intimidate a lot of people I speak with maybe." Referring to his massive height and fairly large build. "I hope the next time we meet, it will be under brighter circumstances."

He gave the man a warm smile about the meal, "That would be nice right about now. After all, this running around has gotten me rather hungry."

He gestured with his arms, "Lead the way, my friend." He began following Aurelian.

Ichabod knew that it was going to be tough on Aurelian and Canary. It will be rocky at the beginning but, it will turn out for the better.

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

Aurelian lifted up his jacket and dusted it off as he started to lead his way towards the nice cafeteria in the main building. Since it was early there were a few students but most were enjoy their breakfast, or in small groups of other early risers. As the principal he was hardly ever pestered by the other students. He grabbed two trays and headed to the window near some of the food. "I'll have crepes Benedict, and a side of bacon." he placed in his order and turned to the man beside him. "Feel free to order what ever you imagination can think of for breakfast. The chefs here are very well trained." he assured the man and turned to a small stand of milk products and picked up a bottle of whole milk to set it on his tray.

"I have heard what they serve in other schools. I can't imagine having to start the day or end the day with terrible food. On my worst of days I like to splurge and whip myself up something special like... mac and triple cheese with extra crispy bacon in it." he grinned and placed a banana on his tray as well. He tried to maintain a healthy life style, always wanting to show students that it wasn't that hard but every now and again he would let himself loose and have what ever he craved.

[Ichabod]

Ichabod walked in behind Aurelian and he nearly dropped from the amazing smell of breakfast, it was overpowering his heightened senses but it was something that he loved since the beginning of life. He stuck his nose up in the air took a deep inhale of the delicious air.

Eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, coffee, milk, cereal, even the tangy scent of freshly cut onions. Ichabod could smell it all and it was good. "I think I will have a small steak lightly red in the middle with 2 eggs, 3 slices of bacon and white toast. With a side of coffee." He was taking him up on his offer of a breakfast he could imagine.

He came back to reality and heard Aurelian speak, "I have heard many things other students have been eating for breakfast." He laughed as he thought of just the other day, "I have seen children eating these tiny shingle looking cookies in a foil package." He couldn't remember the name of the blasted treat but they looked frosted with something on top. "With all that frosting and sugar, isn't it bad for human kids so early in the morning?"

He thought back to his own past and realized that he had eaten a variety of different things when he was a child just so he would survive another day. "Steak is a common occurrence at my place."

[Aurelian Kinzoku]

"Toaster pastries called pop tarts.." he sighed softly as he gave a big of a head shake. "It's terrible for them... my daughter likes them for dessert though. She will eat the strawberry ones with a big scoop of ice cream on top." he chuckled as he remembered her making it for herself when she would visit on the weekends. "She liked to let the ice cream melt a little and then would spread it over the pop tart." he nodded his head a little as he remembered, the golden locks bobbing slightly as he did. "Of course afterwards she gets a big of a sugar rush and we head over to the gym in the house and use it together. I try hard to encourage good eating in her. I'm blessed that she's thankful for the healthy stuff and usually does eat healthy."

He looked up as his plate was set out and he put it on his tray before walking over to grab a bowl of blueberries and then brought it over to his tray to place it on there as well. "We had cooks when I was younger. We always had balanced meals and an alternating dessert of sweet and healthy and then sweet and very unhealthy." he chuckled as he remembered. "My youngest sister though would always sneak into the kitchen... she had the biggest sweet tooth and would always, always steal a bag of chocolate chips." he chuckled and looked up again as Ichabod's plate was put out for him as well.