New Edition - Mat & Ren's Haven

(( Waaaay post dated... oh well ))

Following Roux's message, the Gangrel would enter their home, craddling a small child in his arms, who was wrapped in his gray sweater.

She heard the door open from up in the office where she was building a set of bookcases.

"Up here."

He continued to gently hold the bundle in his arms, his bulk causing the stairs and floors to creak. He didn't say much - it wasn't his style - but he stood in the doorway. Perhaps he had been visited by a stork (with him, it was very possible), as he peeled back the sweater swathed child, revealing her face. His own was a mix of many things, and he spoke simply:

"Ah put'er Mothah tah rest."

Ren's first thought was a eeding gone bad...they happened on occasion.

"Oh, Mat..." She stood, moving toward him and the little girl. (French) "Do we need to clean things up?"

He shook his head.

"No. It was a Shark attack - Ethan and I happened upon it. Her Mother would not have survived."

She looked down at the little girl. The little girl who had lost her mother...

(French) "Did she see anything?"

"She saw her Mother die. Gently." that seemed important. A good death.

She was peering at the little girl. (french) "I wonder if she has more family in the area."

"She has not mentioned anything. We could give her that though. I do not want to create another like me. But the pack needs to grow."

Could they do it? Could they take in a child?

She started thinking about the official issues that might arise.

"We can at least put a roof over her head for tonight and tomorrow." She reached out to gently touch the child's cheek.

He nodded. "At least someone would appreciate your cooking." he continued to hold her, less Ren wanted her.

Normally, she'd point out that he seemed to like her cooking., but her attention was on the child.

"Hi." She said, finally getting up the courage to talk to her. "Can I get you something to eat or drink?" Food...it was comfort.

Her head came up and she looked between the Brujah and Gangrel.

"Do you have milk?"

He smirked, amused.

"Com'on den." as he would wander downstairs.

The little girl looked up at Mat ... and started to cry. Big tears rolled down her cheeks, but it wasn't the normal wailing of a child.

"Mommy lets me have cookies sometimes." She buried her head against the Gangrel's shoulder. "Do you have ... cookies ... ?" she asked, between her tears.

He looked to Ren, for, well, help.

This was so out of his realm of knowledge, it wasn't funny.

"We have cookies, and milk. I can make chocolate or strawberry milk if you like. Or hot cocoa with mashmallows." You'd think she'd been planning for a kid. Though the truth was, she simply loved junk food.

The child, still clinging to Mat, looked hopefully up at Ren.

"Can I have chocolate milk?" she asked, her bottom lip trembling.

Toutatis, give him strength. Patience. He bounced the little girl gently, trying to soothe her in the only way he understand how - the rocking motion of the sea. He headed downstairs, so Ren could fix her whatever she wanted. The Kitchen was, after all, the woman's domain.

"Sure can." Ren scampered down the stairs ahead of the girl-carrying Mat. She pulled out a little plate and added some Mother's Cookies to it - animal parade, iced oatmeal, chocolate chip. She set that down on the table and prepared two glasss of milk - one chocolate and one strawberry.

"You want anything, Mat?"

Speed was her department, he was more of a bear, really. He shook his head at the question, trying to put the little girl down in a chair.

"What beh ya name, petite?"

She refused to let go. Her arms around his neck, the child wouldn't let go of the big Gangrel.

"Madison."