Selene's New Moon

Well, Shoot!

  Working with Kenji went much smoother than working with Dwyer.  For one, things were easier for me,  I was getting pretty good at this stuff- and two, there was no puking after.  We could both feel that we had been working hard and were mentally drained, but not as bad as it was yesterday. 

 *Very good.  You have much more control today.  We will stop here.  There is still much daylight left though.  It may be a good idea to start some weapon training as well.*  I nod my head at Bram in understanding.  I still had mixed feelings about guns,  but Bram was right. 

  *Yessss...  Distance weapons.  Bow and those loud things humans like to use these days... Those will work for you I think.*

  "I will ask one of the guys to help me,"  I assure him. 

  * I will leave you to it then,*  he replies as he preens some feathers.  

  "Oh, don't leave yet.  I almost forgot.  I have something for you," I say.  He tilts his head at me with curiosity.  I had left the bracelet for him on the kitchen counter last night, so it only takes a moment  to run in and back out again.  I hesitate as I approach Bram.  These are just some silly plastic beads, would he really like it? Felix did spend money on it though, and for me,-  I won't waste that. 

  "It's just a silly thing really, but it sparkles..,"  I open my hand to show him the bracelet. He spreads his wings out  and hops one foot to the other excitedly. 

  * You got me a gift?!*  He pulls his wings back in and juts his head closer to my hand.  His beady eyes blink.  * They shine! I always have to search for my shinnies....  No human  has ever given me any before.*

  "So, um, you like it?"

  * Oh yes.  And they are on string!  Very convenient for carrying.*  I place the bracelet on the rail beside him so that he could easily grab it.

 *I must take them to my safe place now. *

  He is now talking to himself more than to me.  I can't help but smile.  "Well, I'm going to go get some food.  I will see you tomorrow?"

  *Hmm?  Oh, yes.  Yes.* He now has the string of beads in his beak the way he wants.  He gives me a quick nod, and then off he goes. 

  Kenji had gone into the house ahead of me.  When I walk into the kitchen, I see that he has a sandwich already made for me. 

  "What did Bram say?" he asks as he hands me my lunch.

  "Thank you.  He wants me to learn to shoot."

  He nods in reply then swallows a bite.  "We were planning to do that.  Aiden was hoping to start today."

  "What about me?" Aiden asks as he walks into the kitchen, pulling a bottle of water out of the fridge. 

  "You're going to teach her to shoot," Kenji answers and then shoves the last third of his sandwich in his mouth. 

  Aiden smiles at me and leans on the counter.  "You bet I am Doll.  Finish up your lunch and then we will get going."

  Owen is walking in as Aiden is speaking. "Actually Aiden, I think Miss Selene may have some information to give us?"  He places a couple of books on the table and looks at me expectantly.  He must have been in his library again.

  "It's more like guesses really...," I reply nervously. 

  Aiden crosses his arms, "Can it wait a little?  I would like to get her at least started today, and while we have daylight."

  Owen adjusts his glasses and studies us both.  I can tell he is still frustrated from this morning.  He finally sighs, "Ok. Do it.  But I want some answers tonight," he says sternly.