Difference between revisions of "Log:Visiting Fairy"

2018.04.29

Jack brings Cardinal to visit Fairy at Locklear Animal Sanctuary

Locklear Animal Sanctuary

That big off-road ranger SUV drives up to the sanctuary - Jack's showing up as he promised, quite early in the day. He's not alone this time, a red-head sitting at the passenger seat, with Goblin relegated to the back for now. The car comes to a halt and the ranger hops out, immediately letting Goblin out too - it was fine last time, after all. "The vet set her wing and now we just got to wait," he explains to his cousin. "Named her Fairy."

Loose Bear! Yes, that's a black bear that's loose. But there's a human with him. Or at least Maggie is human looking. The doctor has the door open to the bears enclosure and the bear is outside the door. If there's any signs of danger, there's no bells going off. She's currently got her head butted up against his and talking quietly to him in some other language. But she leans back when there's the sound of the SUV. "We have guests." she smiles. "Be good." she points to him as she rubs his muzzle. With that, he turns and goes back inside.

Cardinal's dressed for the gloomy weather. Which is to say that she's wearing a warm yellow sweatshirt which declares her a 'WILDFLOWER' to bring a little sunshine into the world. Her jeans and sneakers are a little bit less sunshiny. She's an otherwise quiet thing, circling round the SUV once they've unloaded to fall in next to, well, Goblin, really, though she's watching the bear-and-lady with wide, curious eyes. And maybe restraining the urge to rush up and see if she can pet him too. Bad idea, birdie. It's a /bear/.

Jack lifts a hand in a wave to Maggie and starts that-away. "Oh right, I forgot to say - Doctor Locklear has a bear here." He gestures at Goblin to stay close, not that the dog would run off and do something stupid - it's just to make sure he's nearby. "Hi Doc, how's our patient doing? This is my cousin, uh. Red Fry." Hey, she wants to be called Red, she'll be called Red. "Don't know if you met before?" It's not that big of a place, after all.

Maggie gives a smile to Jack and to Cardinal as they approach, "Good afternoon." she states. "And he's pretty friendly. He just had breakfast." she admits. "Maggie is fine, by the way." she adds. Then there's a grin to the dog, "Heya, Goblin." she greets him. Then back to Jack, "Fairy is doing good today. She's up and alert. Which is a good sign. She's been chirping about you." she tells the Ranger. Then there's a smile to Cardinal, "It's nice to meet you, Red. I don't think we've met before." she shakes her head to that. "We can head back and see her if you like?" she asks.

Cardinal's all wide-eyed staring at the bear right up until Maggie assures that he's pretty friendly. Then she is doing as one does to friendly others and giving the bear a big, cheerful wave in greeting. She has the good manners not to run off mid-introductions to see how well 'pretty friendly' and 'had breakfast' translates into 'not gonna gobble you up.' Instead, she turns her bright smile toward Maggie, confirming the lack of familiarity with a shake of her head. She signs something quick and short to the stranger that one might guess is a reciprocation of her pleasantries. But then she's nodding excitedly at the prospect of going to check on Fairy, eager to see the little bird.

The dog gets all excited and sniffs and licks at Maggie's hand, even if he's a bit baffled by the bear smell and its presence. But, since Jack isn't worried, he isn't either, tail wagging like crazy. He even gives one short bark at Maggie in greeting, perhaps understanding her as well as he does Jack.

"Maggie. Call me Jack," he returns, flashing a quick smile. He's more boyish here, and almost excited when they head off to meet the wounded bird. "Oh, so she hasn't forgotten about me, great, let's go see her. I brought some munchies." He pulls out a little plastic container from his pocket, filled with small bits of meat; gray jays are omnivores so their diet is very varied. "Found Fairy at the side of the road. It's a juvenile, born last year - probably was helping its parents feed the newborns of the season." He walks alongside Maggie to the bird enclosures in a nearby building. "Vet said anything more? He or she been around again?"

Maggie gives a smile to Cardinal when she signs and Maggie lifts her hands to sign back in kind, ~I'm a little rusty with my signing, so if I mess up, just let me know.~ she finishes. Then there's a look down to Goblin as he licks her hand and she grins as she scritches the back of his head, "Hey there handsome, we're going to go see your dads little one. Come on." she tells him. Then there's a look to Jack and a smile, "Jack it is then." she nods to that. The walk to the bird enclosures isn't a long one. "No, birds don't rarely forget a lot of things. Ravens for example have great memories." she points out as they pass the sleeping Raven if his enclosure. "The vet is due back this evening. He said he'd give us an update then." she tells him.

Cardinal claps when Maggie signs back at her, utterly giddy that she's got someone to talk with. <<You're wonderful!>> she tells her right off the bat. And then signs with a look toward Jack, <<You could learn a thing or three from her!>> Not that he's liable to understand, no finger-spelling utilized. When they set to moving toward the bird enclosures, her attention flits, oh, everywhere, eagerly taking in all the details, all while listening to Jack explain what he knows of the poor little jay, her smile dimming to a concerned frown seemingly without her own notice. Looking over to Maggie, when she can get her attention, she asks, <<Are all these birds hurt?>>

"Hey," Jack says, watching the two sign at each other. Seemingly understanding that look he gets, he raises his hands in a defensive gesture and a small fond grin. "I'm learning! And apparently I can practice with someone else now. I was hoping to stall on this, cause if I don't understand you I can just ignore you. Plans, foiled." He winks at his cousin, and then peeks at the other birds before they reach the one where Fairy is. Immediately he reaches for the door to open it up, speaking quietly to the bird, with an intensity rarely seen; he focuses on the little whiskey jack only for now. "Hi there, little one. I'm sorry I haven't come by sooner. I hear you're feeling better." He opens the container with meat bits and holds one out on the palm of his hand. The bird chirps and seem happy to see him, hopping closer to take that chunk of meat. "Yes, it's moose."

Maggie laughs at that, ~My half brother is a teacher, so I learned from him. It comes in handy.~ she nods to that. Then she gives a smile to Jack when Cardinal ribs him. When Cardinal gets her attention again, there's a shake of her head and her hands lift again, ~Not all.~ she she signs. ~Mjolnir, our Raven can't be released to the wild due to being raised with humans as a pet and then they abandoned him. Archimedes, the Great Horned Owl lost an eye. Some are just here due to the alternative of being released would mean death.~ she frowns to that. Then she looks to Jack as he says his plans are foiled, "Well, you didn't know." she teases him. Then back to Cardinal, ~He's a good guy from what I've seen.~

Brows arched high, Cardinal signs up at Jack, <<If you don't understand me, I can say whatever I want!>> It hardly looks like a threat, that wide-eyed expression of hers. Looking to Maggie, she adds, <<Like how awesome he is at karaoke.>> That last word needs finger-spelling. Jack might catch it! <<If you ever get a chance to do karaoke with Jack, I highly recommend it!>> As Maggie continues to sign at her, she notes, << I can hear. It's just my voice that's broken. I appreciate the courtesy though! >> But her attention's diverted to the birds in question, Mjolnir getting a cheerful wave that turns a little sad at the note that he was abandoned. Nevermind that he's sleeping. Archimedes gets a one-eyed look, the other squinted shut, as she considers the world from that perspective. But then Jack's talking to Fairy, and that exchange takes, oh, all of her attention. She couldn't be prouder of her cousin as he tends to the bird, as she nods her agreement with Maggie's assessment.

"Don't mind them two chattering with their hands," Jack says, glancing back at his cousin to catch the word karaoke; she's given a glare once his brain has scrambled the letters into order and figured out what she's talking about. "I promise I will never sing to you, you can do the singing. I'm quite awful. What's that? The small ones you were helping feed?" He frowns, scratching the side of his neck. "I'll go put some food out near where I found you - I'll help you out." Fairy chirps in response and seem to settle down at this, her sense of duty strong towards family; it's literally in her genes to tend to the newborns. Jack takes out a small back of some bread and feeds bits to the bird, and strokes the top of her head with a finger, gently. "I know, but you got to wait a bit before you try flying. Just eat, rest and take it easy." He straightens up and closes the door, but lingers nearby watching Fairy eat. "She's in good spirits. Hurting a bit, but I got the feeling it's not that bad."

Maggie giggles at what Cardinal signs to Jack. Ah. Family. She missed hers sometimes. "Oh is he good at karaoke? We'll have to see this sometime." she muses. There's a nod to Cardinal, "I'll remember that. Sometimes it's good to practice signing and we can help Jack with his." she states. Then there's a look to Jack, "Aww, no singing?" she asks with a soft smile. "What if Fairy needs to be sang to?" she hits below the belt. Oh yes. Then she gives a look to the Ranger as he gives the update and she smiles a bit slyly, "It's almost as if you can speak to her, Jack." she winks at him. Oh yes, she knew.

Cardinal stares at Jack once it's clear he's not talking to the people. He's talking to the bird. Like he can understand what the bird is saying. Like maybe he's a little bonkers. Or possibly magical. It's really not difficult to guess that this is New Information for the scrawny redhead, a side of her cousin she hadn't realized before. It's Maggie's teasing that tugs her from that wide-eyed reverie that she can nod at the woman enthusiastically, encouraging Jack to sing to the bitty bird. <<What he lacks in competence, he makes up for in enthusiasm,>> she tells Maggie. <<No half-hearted nonsense for this Fry!>> Or probably any Frys, really. They're sorta all-in sorts. With a little nudge to Jack's elbow, she finger-spells all of the next, slowly. <<Can you understand Fairy? Can I help with her family?>>

Jack gives Maggie a shrug and a lopsided smile. He never outright confirms his talents, but doesn't deny them either. Besides, who would believe he's anything but an 'animal whisperer?' Totally legit these days, they've got their own TV shows even. "I think she's better off if I don't sing to her," he says dryly, then focuses on Cardinal's finger-spelling. "Yeah... you know that curve, about fifteen minutes towards Brunsett? That sharp one? I found her there, I think their nest is right near the road. If you want we can go out and see if we can locate it - Fairy can't exactly explain to me. For her it's 'a tall tree' basically. She'd have to show me and I don't want to move her. BUt I got a feeling we can find it. We could help feed her family, and I'd adore you even more if you took some time going out there now and then." He glances at Maggie. "You ever pass by that way too?"

Maggie gives a bit of a soft smile to Jack while his back is turned, Cardinal can catch it though. "Hey, if the bird wants you to sing, you sing." she grins. Then there's a chuckle to Cardinal's signed words, "I like you, Red." she nods to this. And not because she was another bird! Then she focuses on Jack's talking and there's a nod to him, "I pass by that way a few times, yes. I could stop by and check in. Don't think it would be good to move them here or I'd offer that." she admits quietly.

Except for people who know how weird the world is. Like Cardinal. And Maggie. Each in their own unique ways. Easier for them to believe that there's more to that talent than a bit of intuition and imagination. Red's all Seriousness as Jack explains where he found the bitsy bird and how she can help, nodding her very determined certainty that she can and will help. More finger-spelling, she tells him that she'll, << Bring Gabe, too.>> A little of that intensity shed, transferred over into brilliance, she smiles at Maggie and tells her, << I like you, too.>> Yeah, she caught that smile; if she read anything into it, it would seem she approves.

Goblin's just moving around the enclosure area, sniffing at things, staring at the other birds and wagging his tail hesitantly at them, as if trying to make contact. He doesn't talk Bird though, so he chuffs and hops near the owl to try to get its attention; the owl ignores him. Defeated, Goblin pads back to the humans and buffs at Cardinal's hand to get some attention from her now.

"We all like each other, great." Jack says this as if he finds the situation somewhat incredulous, staring at the two women. "Now don't you go telling everyone I can chat with animals - there's already plenty of rumors. I trust you two to not be gossips. No more than you are, anyway." He winks at Red again. "I'll let you both know when I find it, I'll head by there later today, and we can take turns putting food out when we pass by. Or if we all go together - hell, you'd think I gotten a life lately, all this time spent with people." He tips his hat back and squints at Cardinal. "You've mentioned him twice, and I've yet to meet him. That your boyfriend?" She's given that obnoxious big-brother sort of smile. He reverts to being 16 and she being 12 somtimes.

Maggie gives a smile to Cardinal, "I'm glad of that, I don't really make a lot of new friends." she admits to the woman. Then there's a look to Goblin as he sniffs around and there's a grin, "I'm going to have to refill the dog treats." she murmurs to Jack. Then there's a look to the dogs owner, "Well, no one would really believe us anyways, so your secret is safe with us." she grins. Then there's a snicker at the boyfriend question, "Someone is nosy." she whispers.

Cardinal does not ignore Goblin. Once she feels that nudging at her hand, she dips right on down into a crouch so she can give the pup all the proper attention he deserves, scritching behind both ears at once. This, of course, limits her ability to communicate with the humans, but who cares when there's a dog in need of love? She shrugs her shoulders up high when Jack warns against anyone saying anything. Who's she ever talk to? Look at those big innocent eyes! As he explains the plan, her attention settles back on Goblin, smiling at the beast ever so contentedly. But then there's the question about Gabe, and that smile goes all dopey. Her nod's shallow, but the meaning's clear. Yeah, Gabe's her guy. And she looks terribly smitten. She pulls a hand from the pup to tell Maggie, <<He's allowed,>> affectionately, fond enough of her cousin that he gets to be protective and poke about at her life.

Jack apparently has no social quandaries outing someone's relationship to a stranger. He snorts, and nods down at Red, and then turns back to Fairy for a moment and tells her; "I'll be back in a few days, and I'll feed your little siblings. We all are. You just enjoy the rest now."

Goblin licks Cardinal's face, all twitchy with joy, like dogs get when they can't believe how nice someone is. To Maggie, he chuffs agreeably and makes a small muted bark - he definitely wants treats. It makes Jack watch Maggie thoughtfully - maybe he already suspects she's like him, but he's not going to outright ask her. "Yeah, treats... I'm surprised that dog isn't rolling rather than walking, as much treats he gets everywhere." He mock-glares at the dog - he and Goblin seem to have a sort of bantering talk with each other. "Alright Red, afraid I got to get going, I got some stuff to take care of. You coming, or staying? I could pick you up later."

Maggie gives a smile to that, "He seems like the big brother type. It's good to have sometimes." she tells Cardinal. There's a a look to Jack then, "Most goblins are chunkier anyways. If you name him that way..." she points out. Then there's a smile, "Some are also bony with pointy ears. So there you go." she adds. She saw different ones in Arcadia. Then there's a look to them, "I have to go in and call the vet, but you guys are more than welcome to come by whenever you like." she tells them.

Cardinal doesn't mind the puppy kisses one little bit, eyes closing so that tongue doesn't accidentally swipe an eyeball. When the declaration of departure made, she gives Goblin a softer bit of petting then pushes to her full height. She finger-spells, <<Coming,>> before switching back to more fluid ASL as she looks to Maggie. <<It was really wonderful meeting you! Good to know Jack's making good friends with good people.>> Her smile flashes a little warmer for just a second before eyes go wide and she suggests, <<We'll have to have you over for dinner! You and Jack and me and Gabe and both the pups. I haven't cooked a big dinner in a while. It'll be nice!>> She gives Goblin a longer look as if trying to determine if he might secretly be some faerie beast, but she'd probably have noticed that by now, right? But, all in all, the redhead seems ready to go, a last wave given to Fairy before the set out.

Goblin is just your normal big German Shephard, except black - which is perhaps a bit unusual. And his bond with Jack is definitely more than normal. The dog gives Maggie a farewell too, licking her hand and running around her legs a few times before he joins the ranger. "Yeah, I might have to blame myself on that," he agrees about the name, grinning at the zoologist. He can't figure out what she's signing to Maggie, and maybe just as well - he might protest the idea. It's probably best if its sprung on him, unexpectedly.

"Thanks again, Maggie. And send the bills my way, as I said." He tips his hat at her, very stereotypical - but if he has the hat, why not use it like that? "Let's go then, you two brats. And no Goblin, stop it." He rolls his eyes at the dog and looks almost embarassed about something, eye-shifting at Maggie. "Ignore him." And he strides off, muttering about 'dogs being dogs.'