Perhaps it seemed silly for Ren to worry about someone she'd only just recently met. Especially when one took into consideration that Bjorn's very existence was one that was built upon the hunting and slaying of other supernatural beings for the sake of that delicate balance demanded by the universe. She was entirely aware of what it meant to be a dark hunter, that they were often considered to be the protectors of those mortal lives so often made into victims by the other races all too often drawn to their fragility for one reason or another. The Shepherds overlooking The Sheep, or so her father had described them as. No, unlike other weres who either feared or loathed the race whose sole purpose was to hunt them like the wild beasts folk lore depicted their entire kind as, her family had regarded them with a wary sense of respect. They hadn't raised their only daughter to feel any sense of malice or rage for the dark hunters, but rather, they had ensured that Ren understood the likely dangers and understood that they were worth being aware of should there ever come a time in the were woman's life that she would meet one. Oh, how unware of their daughter's future they had been! Then again, even she had hardly expected to find herself where she was now, sharing a home with three of them. It was nothing short of mysteriously splendid that Fate and Fortune would have her life's path cross with Bjorn, Raven, and Mayuza. While she still was uncertain as to why it was that she'd happened upon them only a few days ago in the southern district, the were woman hardly contemplated the "what", "why", or "how. Although it all was sure to be made clear in time, none of it mattered to Ren in this moment.
Despite what Bjorn was or the natural risks that surely came with the life Fate had so chosen for him, it did not change the simple fact that concern had been clinging to the petite woman during those past few hours where he'd been nowhere to be found. Dark hunter or not, he was still her friend. She still cared for him. So, how could it be expected of her not to worry about him? This was a city, one where all walks of life roamed. Danger did not care what or who anyone was. Whether it was only the henchman belonging to a notorious drug ring looking for an easy score or an alpha caught off-guard and seeing only the option to fight for the sake of their own life, there was always a threat to be mindful of. Although she did not know the depths of Bjorn's skills or experiences, the were woman did know that it was only a matter of time before he stumbled upon someone that might be bigger, faster, and stronger than himself. She's heard tales of entire packs descending on a small groups of hunters, driven by countless generations of hunger for vengeance and sheer bestial drive and determination to prove their strengths against a familiar nemesis. It was written in the nature of her own kind that running in packs meant safety and survival, but in turn, it also meant a potential for strength in numbers that could overpower even the fiercest of supernatural beings when caught unsuspecting. There were very few things that enough of her own kind couldn't conquer. She's heard stories of entire human villages ravaged with nothing left alive, heard of rumors ruthless packs have laid waste to entire covens and monarchies.
And, if Sacrosanct was anything like that city Darren and Evangeline had described to her, it was all the more reasonable that she would be concerned about the welfare of her companions, no matter how well they would likely be able to defend themselves. So, naturally, there would be relief when she'd received that text, immediately followed by excitement at the prospect of a new friend. She'd set to work preparing the meal which had been requested of her, eagerly announcing what she knew to Raven and May, both women seeming more than keen at the idea of more food. If Ren hadn't had an excuse to cook and bake to her heart's content before when she'd been living alone, she certainly did now that there were others to feed! And, just like that, time seemed to speed up at last instead of dragging on almost endlessly. With efficiency and elation as her motivation, the petite woman made quick work of those meal preparations, humming to herself all the while. She'd been so efficient in fact, that when the meal had finished cooking, Bo still hadn't arrived. The were woman had settled herself into her favorite chair, and there she'd waited, both eagerly and anxiously, though entirely aware and curious as observed the twins shifting into a corner of the living room where the light didn't quite reach them. Their uncertainty was almost tangible to Ren, and as the moments ticked on by and still no car had pulled into their driveway, she begins to wonder if perhaps she should ask Raven and May if they would like for her to simply bring their plates up to the bedroom the three women shared.
However, before the were woman has a chance to extend that offer to the reserved huntresses, headlights finally shine through the linen curtains. And, this time, it was Bo! She rushes to meet them at the door, beating the hunter to that brass handle, opening it to see the two men standing there. Naturally, she had greeted Bo first, the were woman hardly choosing to acknowledge the blood that splattered his clothes for the moment. When she turns to look upon the younger man who accompanied him, surprise and delight glitters within her gaze like sunlight dancing upon ocean water. She took Tipson into a hug, greeting him as though she'd known him for years, and much to her delight, he returns that friendly gesture and greeting, his masculine voice something she hadn't even realized she'd missed until now. At first, the petite woman is too caught up in the rediscovery of her friend whom she'd spent a handful of nights visiting in the wester district and in his own home, she nearly misses the sudden change in Bo's demeanor as she ushers everyone towards the kitchen for a midnight meal. Keen ears catch a mumbled apology, and this is what has Ren turning her ocean-blue eyes away from Tipson and looking to the hunter whose broad shoulders are now hunches. Her gaze sets upon him, a mingle of curiosity and concern at this unexpected change in him...'Did I say something?'... Suddenly, he is dismissing himself, practically sprinting towards the stairs and, without hesitation, disappears. She can hear his footsteps making their way up, followed by the abrupt sound of the door closing and locking behind him.
Only moments later, she turns to see may nearly collapsing into a weakened heap into her twin's arms. Before Ren can ask, Raven informs the remaining two that she was going to take her sister upstairs to rest."Feel better, May", she says gently, ocean-blue gaze empathic and bright with concern. Goodness, this wasn't what she'd expected for tonight in the least. The twins disappear upstairs, so Ren turns and smiles at Tipson, dismissing the whirlwind of questions and concerns that flutter through her thoughts fleetingly. She would check on everyone later... especially Bo, who concerned her the most, the were woman's sensitive ears having heard the sound of him throwing up only moments ago before starting the shower in his bathroom. He follows her into the kitchen as she begins setting the table, making sure to leave May's plate on the counter for later, his words bringing a bright smile to her lips as she glances back towards him from over her shoulder."I think she'll be alright. She was probably just a little overwhelmed. Raven and May are a little... er, shy when it comes to new faces", the were woman explains. At least, that was what she hoped had happened. Was may coming down with a cold or flu? Did they even have a first-aide kit in house fully stocked with necessary medications to treat her if she was? This was something that the petite woman decided she would need to investigate later tonight after everyone's eaten and the dishes had been cleaned. If they didn't have the proper medications or supplies, then she would go and get them first thing tomorrow morning.
Gesturing at one of the chairs after setting a plate and fork down in front of it, Tipson slides into the chair and settles himself. Ren cheerily places her own plate and fork in the seat next to his, leaving a space for Bo on the opposite side of the table from her and the other chair sitting opposite Tipson for Raven. These were the typical places everyone say, anyway. So far, tonight was turning out to be far from the usual. As she moves to retrieve that pots, one with the noodles and the other containing the sauce since she wasn't sure how everyone preferred their spaghetti, the petite woman giggles at Tipson's question."It's okay! I don't expect you to recognize me like this anyway", she begins brightly, beaming a smile at the young man as she settle in her own chair."But, to answer your question, you weren't drunk. We met in the northern district of the city maybe less than a week ago. We had dinner together", she adds, thinking nothing of the likely confused expression on his face. She waits for him to serve himself first before piling her own plate with noodles and waiting patiently for him to finish with the sauce pan. Once he's finished, she tops her own noodles, adding extra since she always enjoyed the leftover sauce and meat once all the noodles were gone. Ocean-blue eyes study the bruising around his neck for a moment before lifting a forkful of spaghetti to her lips, curious and concerned for the young man."May I ask what happened tonight? It looks like you two might have found some trouble", she asks politely, her voice soft and smooth.
She didn't expect intimate details, but she couldn't see the harm in asking. After all, there was no being certain right now if what happened tonight might be something that could bring them trouble in the future.
~. Ren Nomura .~