It was finally one of the rare days she had off from both work and her duties for the X-Men. Cait was free to do whatever she wanted, go wherever and just have fun. Of course, she had gotten bored within the first two hours, having already completed all the little tasks she needed to. She'd even gotten some instrument practice in and even that had failed to kill enough time. Since when had she become such a boring person that she couldn't entertain herself for one day, was she really that dependent on the others around her to have a good time?

Rather than mope, she decided it was time for a little bit of shopping, some fresh air and something greasy and unhealthy. That would drag her out of the slump she was in today. Gathering up her variously misplaced items and changing into something a bit less comfortable but a lot more confidence boosting, she headed out, ready for a nice peaceful day.

Her wanderings led her down to a pretty nice area, lots of small, independent shops and cafes, a good view. This had been a good idea. It was just what she needed right now. Spending some time browsing shops, getting a few odds and ends that she fancied and finding just the cutest top, her mood was already lifting. Now for some food, maybe a nice coffee and this day was going to be salvaged. Spying a lovely looking little cafe, with some seating outside, she ordered some a relatively healthy sounding sandwich along with the most sickly sweet coffee combination they offered and took them outside to enjoy in the sun.

As she ate, she let her eyes idly sweep the area, her training kicking in and trying to search the area for threats. Christ even on a day off, she couldn't get away from Becca's training. Shaking away the thoughts and mood, her eyes came to rest on one of those pagan stores that were littered about most cities. Cait always loved checking them out, seeing what strange and interesting things they sold. It was usually a fair bet they'd have some books are items relating to Gaelic tales, something she was always on the look out for. Growing up her dad had told her some of the old stories, but she always felt like she was missing a part of her history and had set out to collect as many books and stories she could.

Quickly finishing up her meal and popping her head in to thank the pleasant woman who had served her, she crossed the road towards the shops. It looked very nice from the outside, she could only imagine what the inside was like. Reaching out a hand, she started to push the door open.

Sometimes it seemed to Ambrosia that she was always working now days.  New York was an expensive city to live in and she'd insisted on doing it all herself.  She loved her little shop,  The Silver Chalice, and she knew the owner Jessie paid her as much as she could, but it was still tough making ends meet on a retail wage.  As much as she was loathe to admit it, maybe it was finally time to look into other sources of income.  Or maybe it was time she finally looked into getting herself registered for school so she could finally start pursuing her real dream of becoming a social worker specializing in helping mutants.

At least it was her Friday and it wasn't too long before the other girl got there and she'd be free for a couple of days.  It was quiet inside at the moment and she wanted around dusting the shelves and straightening the displays.  Inside was brightly lit with the faint smell of incense in the air.  There was a wide variety of different books on magic, divination and traditional myths and legends in the back.  Throughout the main portion of the store there were tables and displays showing off everything from trinkets to magical statues to incense and other tools and decorations any modern Pagan might want.  Tarot decks and rune sets were displayed behind glass at the front counter.  Beside the door there was a small table with a bunch of pamphlets, some promoting mutant resources such as mutant friendly rentals, food banks, homeless shelters, ect as well as posters for a few local shows.

Hearing the soft jingle of the door opening, she dropped what she was doing and approached.  Either the other girl had finally arrived or she had a customer. She jingled herself, as she walked, wearing a long belly dancer skirt with small metal disks meant to make music every time she moved.  It was just too much fun to have soft chimes follow her, whether she was working at the shop or out at a club dancing.  Fortunately, Jessie was a doll and tended to indulge her eccentricities.  She was good with the customers, after all, and people had a tendency to like her.

As the door opened, Ambrosia was there to greet whoever was on the other side and help in any way she could.  

As the door opened she could hear the jingle of the door's bell, along with some lighter sounds a little bit further in. It was rather charming, especially when mixed with lovely smelling incense coming from the shop. Stepping in and spotting a woman already there to greet her, she smiled warmly and started with "Good afternoon miss, how are you?" It never hurt to start politely, she'd always thought as much. That and her parents had been very sure to drill good manners into her from a young age. Something about her was ringing a bell in Cait's head but surely she would remember someone so uniquely dressed. The dress the woman was sporting was beautiful, so feminine and graceful. God she sometimes wished she felt comfortable enough to wear those kinds of clothes.

"I noticed your shop here while having some food and I just had to check it out. It's always a pleasure to browse stores like this." She spoke with complete sincerity. While she might be a sceptic, seeing other peoples beliefs and how genuine they were about them was always a pleasure and when it came to paganism, it was certainly one of the more peaceful beliefs. "I was also wondering if you had any books on Scottish Gaelic stories. I'm always on the look out for more to add to the collection."

Taking a little look around the room while she could, she saw some of the usual things these kinds of stores sold, along with some more unique items, books and crystals of all kinds. What was surprising was the collection of fliers and pamphlets about mutant rights and various organisations which helped people less fortunate than she was. Getting a good look at the woman who had greeted her, she suddenly realised why the bell had gone off in her head. Becca had shown them images of her as a person of interest. She was well known in the city for promoting human-mutant relations. The boss had always said they'd need to gauge if she was genuine, if they got the free time to do so.

Well, now she had the perfect excuse to spend some timing having a conversation with a pleasant young woman. She might even get some bonus points with the big boss lady. "I'm so sorry, I didn't give my name." Letter her smile go into full on grin mode, she added "I'm Catriona, Cait for short."

"Never better," Amberosia responded with a sunny smile of her own.  First impressions only came once and her parents had taught her to alway strive to make a good one.  Long before the realization that she was a mutant, her gay mothers worked hard as gay rights activists and part of changing minds and transforming negative assumptions into postive ones was the all important first impression.  Smiles and good cheer, they did more than many gave them credit for.

"You're more than welcome to browse through everything here.  We have a few books on gaelic stories, they're actually quite popular among some people.  Books are near the back and if you have any questions please feel free to ask."  She gestured towards the books, chiming with every subtle movement.

As the other woman wandered around the shop, Ambrosia went back to her dusting and straightening stray objects on shelves.  She had really come to love the little shop and would be sad when she left the place.  There was only so much she could do to help her fellow mutants from her current place in life, both in terms of the skill she presently had and the finances to assist in other ways.  Mutants everywhere were struggling and morals drilled into her from childhood told her that if she was in any position to help, she simply had to do it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Cait," Ambrosia responded, coming out of her thoughts.  "I'm Ambrosia."  She extnded her hand to the other woman.

Fantastic, she was hoping to get some more books and hearing that they were popular was great news. She loved people taking an interest in different cultures. It being her own just made it more exciting to share it. She'd have to make a note to go through them before she left and maybe check out the herbal tea collection while she was at it. Theirs was running low and any creature comforts at the base were well appreciated. 

Taking the offered hand and replying "Nice to meet you, Ambrosia." Now that the woman was closer she could see the cat like eyes the woman sported. She was clearly a mutant then but that hadn't really been in doubt, if she was remembering right. "I might have a question actually, I've been looking for a decent herbal tea for just before bed. I tend to work weird hours and getting to sleep as the suns rising is a wee bit difficult." Starting somewhere less, political, she wanted to at least build a rapport before asking the difficult questions.

"I just don't want to have to rely on medicine to do it, makes me all groggy the next day." And sick, she thought, remembering her last attempt with the stuff. Thank god they didn't have a gig that evening, she hadn't even been able to practice for more than ten minutes without feeling ill. Anything that put her music in jeopardy had to go.

"Is there anything you could suggest?" Couldn't hurt to try. Much.

"We have a number of teas to help with sleep," Ambrosia answered.  She led the other woman to another part of the store that contained different types of teas and herbs, each with a small tag underneath explaining what they were used for.  "Chamomile and valerian are definitely thel most popular, my personal favourite being chamomile.  Lavender and lemon balm are also fairly commonly used to assist with sleep."  

Ambrosia could well understand the difficulties when it came to side effects of conventional medicine.  Whenever possible, she avoided it.  The great Earth Mother provided so much for her children, it was a shame so few people understood that or utilized those gifts.  She wasn't one of those crazies who swore of western medicine entirely, but if there was a reasonable choice between natural and unnatural, why wouldn't she choose natural?

"I work weird hours sometimes too.  It can wreak havok on your system, can't it?"  She laughed lightly.  Sometimes to took midnight flights through the city too, but that was more of a personal quark.

Who was she to argue with the person who had expertise in the matter, and she remembered liking chamomile the last time she'd tried it. "Camomile sounds greats," she began smiling, happy for the advice. "And I'll remember the suggestion about balms if the tea doesn't do the trick." If it helped with her sleep she would make sure to come back here and give to nice woman a big hug, if she was fine with it of course.

It was a wonder anyone in the city worked anything resembling normal hours. Cait could probably count on one hand the number of people she knew who didn't have to work strange hours and they were all involved in schools in one way or another.

"Oh absolutely, especially when it's more often than not. Can't remember the last time I got a full nights sleep." She would never complain about her work, or her other nightly activities, but it was draining.

Spotting some instruments her interest was instantly peeked. "Do you get many musicians through here," she said pointing towards them. Her professional curiosity would not let her get away with finding out the answer. Some things were too important.

"I can't count the number of times chamomile has saved my butt!  Seriously."  Sometimes there was a balancing act to be maintained with caffeine in the morning and chamomile late at night in order to help maximize sleep and minimize morning zombieness.  She was naturally adpated to be a creature of the night, with enhanced nightvision as well as superb hearing and smell.  Not quite so much in human form, perhaps, but enough that her circadian cycles were much happier with her when she was allowed to sleep during the hottest and brightest parts of the day.  Oh well.  Maybe one day she'd be able to determine her own hours, but that certainly wasn't today.

"I think not sleeping properly is almost a precurser to living in this crazy city.  Who has time for a full night's sleep now days?"  She certainly didn't nor almost anyone else she knew.  Too many hobbies and interests, maybe.  Well, that combined with too many responsibilities.

Following her line of sight towards the instruments, she smiled.  Music held the keys to the soul.  "More than a few.  I'm a muscision and and a dancer myself.  How about you?  Play anything?"  She was always on the lookout for possible new jam partners.

It was like Ambrosia was reading her thoughts, not that it had been much of stretch from the context. The city just never seemed to stop or take a break. It just kept rushing around, not letting anything stand in the way of its hectic way of life. She could also well agree about too much to do, it was not easy supporting herself and keeping up her work as an X-Man.

Her ears perked up at hearing the woman say she played. Danced too? That was so cool and she could only imagine the sight and sound of someone dancing in the dress she was wearing. That was something she'd love to see. "It's my job, actually. I play in band in bars and such." It still felt weird saying it out loud, that she was, technically, a professional musician. "As for what I play, my main instruments are the guitar and fiddle. I have dabbled with others but those are the ones that just, made sense." The guitar had seemed a logical choice after she had been learning the violin, and she'd quickly taken to it.

"What about yourself, what do you play?" There was always something amazing about talking to other people about what and how they play music. Music was so important to her, had been such a large part of her life since she was young, being able to share that with others was a rare pleasure. The fact that is was such an easily shared human experience just added to her love of it.

"You play in a band?  That's wonderful!  What kind of music?  Do you perform often?"  She couldn't remember ever seeing Cait perform, but sometimes stage personas looked a lot different than day to day life and sometimes shows were crazy places and memories weren't always crystal clear.  Then again, it didn't sound like she was a DJ and Ambrosia frequented electronic shows much more often than traditional instrument shows.

Hopefully she didn't mind the barrage of questions.  She'd been told she could come across a little strong on occasion, especially when discussing her passions and music definitely qualified as a passion.  Next to to helping people and especially helping fellow mutants, music was her main passion.  No other single thing spoke to the soul in quite the same way.

"Seems like we've got a couple things in common.  Guitar and violin are my main instruments of choice as well.  I've recently taken up the flute but I'm not very good at that yet."  Time and practice were all that was needed and in a few months she might well be able to bring out her newest acquisition and feel comfortable playing it in front of a crowd.

Cait grinned at Amrosia's enthusiasm, it was just so infectious. "We generally play rock and pop music when we're in bars and such, stuff that puts people in a good mood. Although we have been hired a couple of times for what I really love playing. Some Irish bars and such look for some old world music so I get to play the Scottish folk music." That was her real love. She even had a winged companion to play it with now.

"Most nights actually, I rarely have the day off like today. We do well enough that I we can support ourselves so we must be doing something right." Much the her parent chagrin she had made it work, through sheer willpower and overwhelming optimism.

"That's so cool, it's really weird the coincidences you come across." She had been running into them more and more nowadays. "Do you get to play them in public at all?" Cait would so love to see that, she could only imagine the kind of music she'd play.

Now that she thought about, it was probably time that she picked up another instrument, or finally bit the bullet and actually learned how to sing. It would never hurt to have more flexibility in her repertoire. 

It was so much fun talking to someone as passionate as herself when it came to music and performance.  "That's pretty cool.  I mostly play folk tunes.  I'm not in a band but I love to jam.  Dance and music go beautifully together and I get out to festivals as often as I can, both to perform and to enjoy the performances of others."  Yet another thing that didn't happen nearly often enough, especially recently.

"Wouldn't it be amazing if it were possible to actually make a living off of performing?"  Now that was the ultimate in pipe dreams.  It would probably never happen, but that wasn't going to ever stop her from performing.  Making people smile was a delight.

"It is kind of a weird coincidence.  Hey, what do you say we exchange contact info and maybe play some music together at some point?"

"You get to play festivals, that awesome!" She hadn't really managed to get into the local festival scene herself, thanks to both her jobs. Some things she had to sacrifice to be able to live her double life. "And you dance? That must be so much fun." Her own dancing skills were, lacking, to say the least. Most of what she did do was that weird dancing violinists did while they played.

Her grin just widened at Ambrosia's question. It wasn't just possible, but Cait was living proof that it worked. Pondering if she had any useful numbers for the woman, she might have just known a few that would be interest, it couldn't hurt to ask.

"Of course I'd love to play some music with you at some point, I'll never say no to more chances to play with enthusiastic people." Pulling out a small notepad that she always carried with her, she quickly wrote down her number and email address. "These are usually the best bets for getting a hold of me."

"As far as playing music for a living, if you wanted, I could give you a couple of numbers of people I know who are looking for players. I can't promise anything but it couldn't hurt."

"Well, I've never actually been paid to play a festival," Ambrosia replied, feeling a little sheepish.  "Its kind of a volunteer things.  There are always lots of performers so we do renegade shows, away from the main stages.  Singing, dancing and playing, the atmosphere is amazing!  You should totally find a local festival some time and go.  Nothing compares."  She'd been going to festivals since before it was legal for her to drink.  

"That would be amazing!"  Her enthusiasm regarding making money with music was evident in her voice.  She took the paper offered with Cait's number and passed her one of her shop cards.  She'd gotten the cards printed herself.  On the front they had the shop name, her name and her number.  On the back was written 'If you're a mutant in need, please call.  There are people who can help.'

"I would love it if you could hook me up.  I've never been in a proper band before, but I'm pretty good."  It wasn't ego if it was true, right? 

Something about the sound of renegade shows was hilarious to her. Like they were running onto a stage wearing face masks, playing a set and sprinting off as security came charging on. The thoughts nearly made her laugh,but she settled for an amused grin.

Taking the offered card and glancing over the information on it, she was very interested with the words printed on the back. "Oh my god, now I know why I got the feeling I knew who you were. You're the local civil rights advocate, especially for mutants." She been literally handed the perfect way to bring it up, she might as well take it. "That's incredible, I've always loved the work you do for people who need help. I can't believe how much of an eejit I've been."

"In that case I'll definitely need to play with you at some point, I'd love to get to see your skills first hand and I do have some recording equipment from my hobby work, if you want to get some music down as a portfolio." Over the years she'd record a fair few pieces, some of them even found their way into the bands official list of works.