9823/A New Thinking Spot

A New Thinking Spot
Date of Scene:	29 October 2019
Location:	Horse Stables - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	Shannon goes looking for a seasonal thinking spot for winter, and finds Kurt. They have a long discussion about anger and forgiveness. Mason joins, and reveals his plans for a true masterpiece!
Cast of Characters:	Nightingale, Nightcrawler, Mason Steele

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Nightingale has posed:
     With the winter season fast approaching, the lake would not suit well for a thinking spot much longer. Not unless one wanted to risk frostbite, anyways. So it is that the resident winged healer is off in search of somewhere else that would suit for sorting things out on occasion--with an apple in hand for Brightwind, naturally. She slips into the stables in a plain pair of light blue jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and her old white sneakers, as if she were going to work. But she doesn't, not this time. Instead, she heads for Brightwind's stall, laughing softly as he seems to sniff out the apple as she approaches. "You've gotten spoiled rotten... Dani's going to either laugh, be annoyed, or both."

Nightcrawler has posed:
Kurt is on the ceiling of the stables while some of those students assigned to, or volunteering for, stable work go about their daily chores. He's not much for riding, but circus life taught him how to muck out and other jobs associated with pen animals - and so he is able to not have to do it himself, and otherwise observe.

Spotting Shannon as she enters, the Bavarian grins at her bringing the apple for Brightwind, waving his tail, "Guten tag, little dove." beaming a smile.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon glances up and grins from ear to ear, ruffling her wings in lieu of a wave. It was always a pleasure to see Kurt; few she had met had such a zest for life as that. It was refreshing, especially in the line of work most here seemed to be in. "guten Morgen! What brings you out here at this hour?" She has her back momentarily turned to Brightwind's stall, and is reminded a bit forcefully of the apple she carries, with a strong nudge right between her wings. "Ack!"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Work of course, not all of us are still kids going about our day to day lollygagging or going to class." Kurt snickers and watches The Shoving from his place up above, while he monitors.

"Just coming down to feed the horses then, ja?" Kurt's head goes to one side, "Or were you looking for a little peace und quiet?"

Nightingale has posed:
     "Oi, I'll give you lollygagging!" She shakes her fist playfully in Kurt's general direction, laughing. "I swear you're still a kid at heart sometimes, though. Not such a bad way to be." The little 'reminder' from Shannon's equine acquaintance is well-heeded, with her turning about for a moment to offer the apple on the flat of her hand. It does not last very long; one wonders if there is a black hole somewhere in the belly of the beast.

     "Ja, just feeding the horses for now. I'm still on light duty after that last healing a couple days ago." Her tone and expression darken briefly. "Plus I'll be losing my favorite thinking spot by the lake to Old Man Winter soon enough. But no, the company is welcome."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Well, you should learn to build a fire und a reflection screen for behind you." Kurt winks and drops to the floor with a flourish before he stands up and dusts himself off. "There are many places to go for thinking too, don't tie yourself to one place. That starts the rut too." oh so filled with advice he is.

Kurt returns to his customary crouch, looking from horse to horse while giving the Pegasus space for... well obvious reasons. "So, something on your mind then? Or just trying to marshal your thoughts for other concerns?"

Nightingale has posed:
     "Trying not to see red. I can't remember a time I've ever been so angry in all my life." Shannon nods briefly, acknowledging the advice, and privately resolving to act on it as soon as reasonably possible. She runs her fingers through her hair, the lines between her brows deepening and her voice dropping almost to a growl.

     "The woman Triage and I healed a few days ago... Winifred Burkle... she was nabbed by the Friends of Humanity and... lit on fire. /Twice/. Just for being pro-mutant. Worse, it's not the first time I've had to heal her. The first was when she was attacked by Sentinels, just for saving four mutant children. Mr. McCoy called me in solo for that one, out to Metropolis."

     The young mutant sighs deeply, crossing her arms, her wings ruffling with agitation. "Someone who dares to reach out beyond the line between mutants and normal humans... and all /that/ happens to her for it. It makes my blood boil."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Sadly, hate runs deeper than love sometimes und fear even deeper." He approaches to rest a hand on her shoulder, Kurt's expression patient, "We must forgive them though. They are upset und scared, they believe things that only enhance their fears - if we show them anger or hate it only becomes circular. They are misguided and need to be shown love and forgiveness, Shannon."

Kurt beams at her and gives her shoulder a squeeze if he hasn't been shrugged off, "Ours is the harder job, but far more essential, ja?" drawing his hand back finally and dropping back down to all fours, trying to make eye contact with the young woman.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon is shaking with rage as Kurt rests his hand on her shoulder, but she does not shrug him off. "It's very difficult to love and forgive, when you see what was done to her, both times. It's the closest I've come to actually wanting to /kill/. How can they be such Idioten?! How can they put someone who has such a big heart, so much courage, through such hell?" Sighing softly, she ducks her head, only to meet that glowing golden gaze. "How can one love and forgive that?"

For a few moments, she is silent, trying to gain control of her anger. The war is evident in her expression, the scowl not fading quite so easily as it might have in times past. "She asked for protection, and I couldn't do any more than tell her I'd put the question to those above me. I think Triage sent a message on up to Scott and Kitty, but I'm wondering if this is one that should be addressed to the Professor as well."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"If it is with Scott and Jean, Charles will be addressed as well." Kurt continues to look her in the eye now, tail flicking, "Shannon, forgiveness is paramount - they're just people, people who are scared. We do not have to like them to forgive them und at first it may hurt and may take time due to the anger they may cause - but ultimately in order to make peace there must be forgiveness shown und hopefully someday reciprocated, ja?"

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon sighs and ducks her head, closing her eyes for a few moments. She forces herself to take several deep breaths and nods. "I don't know how to forgive them. But... you're right. It has to be done. Still... where do you draw the line, between forgiveness and becoming a doormat?" How is it the young woman always managed to ask the loaded questions?

Nightcrawler has posed:
"That's simple, Shannon - there is no 'line' for that. Even if you must fight, you can still forgive." Kurt hunkers there, brow knitting as his tail wraps around one of his ankles. "Even the worst killer deserves to be allowed their chance at redemption. Even if they must be placed in a cell, they must be given their chance to repent."

The Fuzzy Blue Elf's brow becomes ridged while he watches her, lips pursing while a hand is run through his hair, "Shannon, my dear, you cannot live in hate and believe others are without redemption without risking falling into the mentality of the Brotherhood - who could be considered just as bad as the Friends."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon nods slowly, some of the rage draining from her. She slides down to the ground, her back against the door to Brightwind's stall, arms draped over her knees. "A lot of us are second chances here. Maybe even a few third chances somewhere. Cannonball told me a bit of his story, and Bean's told me some of his. But they're here now."

Leaning back, she rests her head against the door behind her, looking towards the rafters. "If one of them came here looking for healing, I'd be pissed but... I'd still do it. Hell, even if the Trickster were to look for help... so god help me, I might have a few questions and a few words for him, but I couldn't say no to healing him, either. But even forgiveness doesn't stop the anger at things like this happening, like what happened to miss Burkle."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"No, anger cannot be stopped sometimes, but it can be soothed with time, patience, focus." Kurt smiles at her, "It's not wrong to be angry, but it is dangerous to hold onto it and not find a way back to peace."

He lets that marinate for now, watching and eyeing Brightwind while mentally checking he has distance to not get bitten or worse.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Normally, I'd hit the gym, or the danger room. But Triage hasn't cleared me for full duty yet. When he does, though, it's very tempting to go for a bit of training and burn some of this anger off. If you wanted to join in, it'd definitely be welcome."

     Shannon smiles a little bit, glancing down at her hands. "Suppose I could head to the music room in a little bit, too, or bug Cannonball over at Evolution. Sometimes he lets me in off-hours to practice a bit on stage, when there aren't too many people to listen. Helps him get the sound systems set up for the day, so it all works out."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"A healthy way of doing it, Shannon, indeed. But also look for new ways as well, so that things you enjoy do not get associated with anger or pain - that too is key, otherwise I would have grown to hate acrobatics long ago, ja?"

Kurt stands, attempts to get closer and avoids a bite from Brightwind by ducking down low to the floor. "Anytime you need, come to see me or the others as well. We do no good to ourselves by hiding und closing ourselves up with anger, ja? For that can only breed more, or sadness."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon nods, and smiles some, offering a hug to the fuzzy blue elf.. "I will. It's been tempting to ask about those acrobatics simulations, but I didn't want to be a bother to you. That was a lot of fun, and excellent practice." A sheepish half-grin quirks one corner of her mouth upwards, and she cants her head. "A couple things I'm a little curious about, both completely unrelated. But if necessary, they can hold a little while...."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Well I can always give you permission to my safer simulations, Shannon - und feel free to ask me if you want und if I can I will help you set some of your own up." Accepting the hug, while keeping out of bite range, Kurt chuckles.

"So what has your curiosity now, before I am set to be like a cat batting at it to find out what is in the the bag, ja?" one gold eye slipping in a wink.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Actually, one was wondering at perhaps setting up a simulation that might perhaps benefit not just me, but any flyer here. An aerial agility course, of sorts. With some of the things I've seen you pull off, that sounds like it'd be right in your wheelhouse, between you and Cannonball." She smiles a bit wider, inclining her head. "Danke. That permission is greatly appreciated. I'd have no idea how to actually get it running, though. I've no clue how to operate any of the controls. Is that something that could or even should be learned at some point?"

     Peering with a bit more seriousness at Kurt, the young woman bites her lower lip. "The other is maybe something that you're uniquely suited to answer. You mentioned cherayafim once, and that I might be one. It brought up some unique concerns. One, how would I even find out for sure that's what I am? Two, what would I need to know about them that might present a danger to others if I'm healing them? I remember the crystals were causing you a great deal of pain that one time. You said that was cherayafim blood. Is that something I need to be cautious about just with you, or with others as well?"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Anyone with Neyaphem blood would be harmed - but I'm afraid I know little. They're winged, likely inspired the concept of angels, I believe many heal, and like you and Warren they have wings. But beyond that? I don't know. They like to stab first, talk later when they see my kind." Kurt gives a little frown at the though, sitting down and shifting so as not to pinch his tail in the act.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Sounds like a prime example of forgiveness and acceptance being needed." Shannon smiles at Kurt as the two sit near the door of Brightwind's stall, very slowly extending one wing behind him to... tickle him. That's right, tickle the blue elf, with the tip of her wing. Mirth twinkles in the depths of her pale azure eyes, silvery laughter bubbling up from within her. "Sounds like a pretty fair bit that's what I am. But if you ever find out more, I'd love to hear."

     The winged girl's eyes light right up, and she snaps her fingers. "Oh! I remember what the other thing was. What roles did you intend for Bean and I to study from Cyrano, and what section of the play? I know that a performance at the end of the semester was mentioned, and the sooner we can get a jump on that, the better."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Aye, if they could forgive - but with who leads the Neyaphem... well." He lets that rest now. "I'll have work sheets set out for people in their positions and roles. So as soon as you get that you'll know, ja? Too many roles to remember all right now"

As he's tickled Kurt jumps forward, rolling in a tumble to come back to his feet, blinking rapidly, "Thought it was the blasted horse there." Brightwind and Kurt share a long narrow eye at one another...

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason didn't really know any one was out here when he left to come to the area. The horse fields are a great place to just get away from everything. Also, there's limestone in one corner of the field, and nobody sees him when he eats it out here. He wears a red sweater, hands in his pockets as he pulls himself through the slats on the fence, not aware that on the inside of the barn Kurt and Shannon sit.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon bursts out laughing, spreading her wings in a playfully threatening way, rising to a crouch as if ready to spring at Kurt--even knowing full well he could evade her with ease. It was the playful spirit of things that counted, and one that the young woman had plainly been missing out on of late. When the burdens of pain and misery fall away, her whole expression just brightens right up, and it's as if the clock's turned back to a more innocent time. "Haha, how to get a fuzzy blue elf to move in one easy step! Just you wait, herr Wagner, I'll catch you yet!"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Hey now, that horse is dangerous. I've had my tail bitten so many times when not paying attention." Kurt smirks and then looks to the approach of Mason, head tilting and raising his hand towards the young man in greeting.

"Guten tag meine Herr. How does the day find you, out here in the horse muck eh?" The fuzzy blue councilor inquires, eyeing Shannon warily.

Mason Steele has posed:
    The laughing from the barn causes Mason's head to turn, spotting Shannon and Kurt. He gives another look at the corner of the field that he was heading for, and then changes course, hands still in his pockets as he makes his way to the barn. "I just love getting covered in horse manure," he says with a wry smile. "Cleaning the stalls in here or something?" He clearly seems to walk with more of an intention toward Shannon than Kurt. "Didn't know you were a horse person," he comments to Kurt, having no idea of the previous conversation that's been taking place.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon bursts out laughing as she hears Mason, shaking her head. "You are so full of sh..." A sidelong glance at Kurt gets her to modify her language, post-haste. "..so full of manure there, Mason. I don't remember ever seeing you out here mucking stalls." She stands and brushes a few bits of hay off of her jeans and her hands, chortling. "I was just bringing an apple to Brightwind, and scouting out possible thinking spots when winter weather keeps me from going out to the lake." Smiling slightly, she ruffles her wings, wrapping them around herself like a bit of a cocoon. "Haven't seen much of you lately... been on tour or filming again?"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Unfortunately I'm not, many animals dislike me... scent and appearance. I'm faster than them anyway." The stables are clean at the present, the students assigned or volunteering having come through already on a recent. He quiets some as they talk, head tilting to the side while he studies the young man, recalling something spoken of before and considering topics of conversation.

Mason Steele has posed:
    "Nah, I've been around, just been trying to get more stuff written, thinkin' and stuff." Mason grins, letting his body wobble a little as he slows his approach reaching the barn. "I can't say I've ever even ridden a horse, actually," he admits. "Just...never really thought about it. But they are huge, so that's kinda scary."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon chuckles a little bit. "I guess they might seem scary to some, but they're really not. Just got to treat them with respect." A wistful sigh escapes her, and she glances about the barn, hooking her thumbs into her pockets. "I haven't ridden at all for a couple years, not since the summer my gifts manifested. Used to really love it, too. Now, I think I'd just spook a horse with these." She gestures briefly to her wings. "Enough about that, though... what kind of stuff have you been writing?"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Mason..." Kurt starts, a little wary, "You were Andi's friend - ja?" hands folding behind his back, brow furrowed as he inquires now, watching the young man's reaction.

Mason Steele has posed:
    "Yeah," Mason admits slowly. "I'm the /other/ child celebrity." His fame has never been quite as high a level as Andrea's, and he makes a glance toward Shannon. "We used to go out," he tells Kurt, then shifts to Shannon's question. "Been wanting to do a symphony, actually. Something to really change it up a bit. It takes a lot longer when you are writing musical parts for a whole orchestra, though."

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon tilts her head and smiles, whistling low. "That's more than I've been able to do so far. Maybe one day I could be half as good as either of you. About all I've managed are much more lighthearted pieces, never mind a whole symphony. What inspired the idea?" She glances briefly between Kurt and Mason, watching the interaction between the two gentlemen for a moment.

Nightcrawler has posed:
"I understand that... when she shifted - that there has been trouble between you two?" Kurt continues to watch, waiting to see how the young man answers. He's still, so still that the light around him starts to fade as shadows creep out and lengthen about his form.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason looks like something is crawling under his skin. "Yeah, somethin' like that," he answers, trying to get out from under the line of reasoning. He looks back at Shannon, much more eager to follow that conversation line. "Just, you hear the great symphonies out there, and I think, "Man, it'd be awesome to do that. Something that would really last, you know?" He shrugs, "So I thought I'd do it, see how it goes."

Nightcrawler has posed:
"Right. I need to schedule some time for you to speak with me, or possibly some of the other councilors, alright Mason? It's important." Offering a broad smile, lips closed to keep the pointy teeth hidden, but he's still friendly in nature now, his body language shifting.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon smiles and nods. "I know what you mean. Wanting to make a difference, in whatever way you can. You've got a real gift for music. I've heard you play. You're good. Don't ever lose that." She steps back a little bit, letting Kurt take point on this one, but maintains her smile, folding her wings around herself like a cocoon.