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It's a rather quiet day in Central park, surprisingly enough. Not many people out and about. A few yes, but not as busy as normal. A young…person is kneeling next to an older tree. A hand placed on the bark and they seem to be in almost meditation with the tree. The hood is down, revealing the locks of longish black hair. A gnarled wooden staff is placed on the ground next to them. The young person is defintally good looking, in an andrgynous sort of way.
*
Seeing as Central Park has been a hotbed of activity of late, it's nice to see it calm and back to 'usual'…in as much as it could be called that ever. Nevertheless, Kurt has chosen to spend a little time there just in case another Hellmouth decides to open up or more crazy creatures decide to try and make their way there. It is, at least, becoming a pleasant Spring and he's enjoying the trees and gardens that are beginning to bloom.
There is also something to be said about just going for a stroll and pretending that he's not a dark blue, demonic-type creature with a tail just jauntily walking along the paths. There may be stares, but he meets them with a pleasant smile which either gets one in return or causes them to move on. Golden eyes glance about and finally land on the figure beneath the large, older tree. Hopping off of the path, he moves over to stand just a little behind the figure and looks up at the tree. "It is beautiful," is offered in a strong German accented voice. "It is a good thing that they have these here in this city. I think everyone needs to be able to see trees."
*
"It has seen suffering…." The voie is soft, and has a sweet tone to it. A comforting voice as the smaller person looks up at the tree and then bows their head, showing respect for the plant. Before standing up and their hood being pulled up. They look at Nightcrawler, and they seem….unsurprised. "Hello." Even their voice masks whether they are man or woman. Yellow-green eyes look back at Kurt, studying him, sizing him up. "I am the one called Druid."
*
Nightcrawler also considers the other's comment and looks to the tree again, "Has it? Is it better now? Or do you mean the suffering of those here?" Because that wouldn't surprise him. A big tree like that would be a great place to sleep if one had no home. "Hallo," is offered in return and he seems unperturbed as he's looked over. Most seem to do that. "That is an interesting name. I am Kurt. You don't see too many people by the trees like that." It's why he came over. "Most will climb them or sit or sleep under them."
*
"I was simply speaking with it. It has seen much suffering here in this park." Druid nods solenmly. "I'll have to help keep the other plants here safe, as well as the animals." They sigh softly, and then look back to Kurt. "It is the name that I have been called by for two years. So it is the name I will use."
*
Dark eyebrows lift at the statement before he offers, "There are not so many trees und animals here. It is a big city…not so old, but many of the animals are pets or do not belong to anyone." Like the stray dogs and cats or pigeons, mice, rats, and squirrels. Kurt shrugs, "It is not such a strong place for plants und animals, I am afraid."
*
"I see that…. But I should be around other humans too…it's been too long…" They mumble softly. Then they look to Kurt. "Where do I meet others, others that are…accepting."
*
"Acecpting?" Kurt's eyebrows lift again but he grins, "There are many, many people here, but accepting? Ah, that is the challenge, mein Freund, is it not? Some may accept some, and some may accept others. But I think it is not easy to find someone who is accepting of -all-. But we are there. Out und about." Like he is today. "There are some who have come together. Some live in Mutant Town. Others live in Hell's Kitchen."
*
Druid shrugs. Then listens. "Accepts of those unlike most humans…" Then a head tilt. "Mutants? Mutations are something often found within animals, yes, it's the first sign of evolution." Druid seems to have totally missed the meaning behind it. "A town of mutations? Odd.."
*
"That is the word they are using for the likes of us, ja," Kurt explains with a shrug. "I do not like it as it does not sound like a good thing…but many of us are good people." He tilts his head some at Druid, "It is a town of people who may look different, like me. I do not live there, but many do. It is not an easy town to be in und I think many people are scared there."
*
"Mutations are simply part of life, it is humanity adapting to the world, all humans have mutations, of some level, some more so than others, much like the other animals." They shrug, and gentl press their hand back on the tree, smirking a touch, before looking back to Kurt. "The tree says guten tag." Druid looks to him. "I assume it means something to you?" A shrug and a nod back to the tree before stepping back, the strange person picks up their staff and a leather satchel, looking at Kurt. "Can you show me to this Mutant Town? Or to someone there?"
*
"But they see someone different like me," Kurt gestures to himself, "Und it is hard for many of them to see that I am like them too." But he shrugs, not letting it bother him externally. "It is good to know that you, who I just met, thinks as I do." There's hope. The greeting from the tree has him showing sharp, white teeth in a bright grin. He even gives a little bow towards the tree, "Guten Tag, Herr Baum! Wie geht es Ihnen haute?" Not that he expects the tree to answer.
The question from Druid has him giving a nod, "Ja, I can show you where it is. It is a few blocks Downtown of here, past Hell's Kitchen."
*
Druid blinks at Kurt. "What?" They seem lost as to what was just said, a look to the tree and a shrug. They sigh and place their hand on the tree. Then repeats back to Kurt. "Mir geht es gut, danke, wie geht es dir Herr Kurt" Then looks to Kurt. "I have no idea what that means…" They mumble. "And thank you, I appriecate it."
*
"Mir geht es gut, danke. Es ist schoen, mit dir zu sprechen, Herr…oder Frau Baum," is answered back before he grins at Druid. "They were speaking to me in German. I did not know they would know that language, but it is good hear that the trees are also accepting." Kurt does seem rather pleased that they know who he is and that they were willing to talk to him. "We were saying…was ist…pleasantries?"
*
"Es ist angenehm, mit einem anderen sprechen zu k?nnen, und nein, die Wilden beurteilen nicht zum gr??ten Teil. Ein paar Baum ist hier oder da." Repeats the small person, translating for the tree. "And they say Herr is the proper term, whatever that is." A shrug from Druid. "Trees know more than most give them credit, they are wise things." They nods to the Tree and smiles to Kurt. "He says to wish you will, and hopes your day is nice, and that you are welcome amoung his branches or beneath his leaves whenever."
*
Nightcrawler gives another bow to the tree, "Danke schoen," and then to Druid, "I will take this tree up on that. Especially now that the weather is turning nice again." He enjoys perching up in a tree and people-watching or bringing a book to read. "The tree is very kind." Not that he doubted that. A wave is given to the old tree before he gestures for Druid to follow him. "When you are more comfortable with the city, it is closer to take the Subway."
*
"Subway?" Druid blinks at Nightcrawler, clearly unfamilar with the term. It is rather nice out, does it get better?" Druid asks Nightcrawler, as they continue to speak, there is a hint of a british accent in their voice."
*
Nightcrawler ahs, "Underground train? They have built tunnels under the city and put trains there because it is a very large, crowded city here. That way, people can go places und get there without all the street traffic." It's not so odd to have someone unfamiliar with the term; he didn't know about them until he went into London for the first time. "It will get warmer as we move closer to summer…und then it will get cool with the Autumn und Winter. Do you not have the Seasons where you are from?"
*
"Not where I was no…I was alone…on an island. For a very long time." Druid frowns and seems to be trying to remeber beyond that. "But why was I there? How did I get there?" They shake thier head. "I do not remeber, I am sorry, but I was on a very warm island." A light shrug from the young person. "An underground train….like moving through the earth, similar to a worm." A nod. "It makes sense, but is this place really that full of people?"
*
Nightcrawler thinks a moment as he tries to choose a better analogy, "Maybe like the ants? But it is a fast train…" not the best analogy, but he's not sure they have that sort of thing in nature. When Druid mentions that they were on a warm island, he grins, "Ah, yes! I see. It will be warm here soon, I think." He looks around and nods. "Und yes, there are many, many people. They are in all of these buildings here und people come to visit. New York is a very famous city."
*
"I remeber…Archimedes mentioned it, he always talked about owning a penthouse here, after we managed to find enough treasure." Another nod from Druid. "But that dream of his is dashed. The land has accepted him again, him and his party." Druid sighs softly, following along the staff being used to walk, probably earning some stares as well, but they do not seem to notice as the young being seems almost oblivous to it all. "A fast train, I see, maybe sometime I will ride…this sub-way. A warmer is nice, yes, but colder is too."
*
Surely someone walking with a cloak and a staff next to a dark blue demon will pull some stares, but it also -is- New York City. It's a strange, strange place. "You should. It can get very crowded though. Und the cold is not so bad if you have a warm place to go to. It is hard when it is all cold und you cannot get warm. You cannot build fires here…they do not like it."
*
"They do not like it? Whyever not?" Druid tilts their head to Nightcrawler, a curoius look to their yellowed eyes, which seem so full of life. As they continue to walk, someone bumps into them. Druid glares at the normal human, and growls, a deep, annoyed noise. Sounding more animalistic. And the human looks at Druid wide eyes and rushes off. Druid chuffs in annoyance and focuses back at Kurt.
*
Nightcrawler holds out a three-fingered hand as the other glares and growls, "Careful, mein Freund. It was a mistake…as I said, this place has many people and they do not always look where they are going. If you want them to be accepting," a word Druid used themself, "Then you must be kind. Do not try to frighten them."
*
Druid looks to Kurt, and narrows their eyes. Thinking on his words, a slow nod. "Alright." Is the only response. Druid then sniffs at the air, they blink. "Strange smells." A nod as they look to Kurt. "Where is this Mutant City again?"
*
Nightcrawler nods as Druid agrees to his statement about being kind. The mention of the 'strange smells' gets a grin, "Ja, that is the city for you." The next question has him pointing downtown, "It is a neighborhood perhaps fifteen blocks downtown? Maybe not so much…I do not usually walk it, but it can be done."
*
"Do you travel in the sub-way?" They ask, a head tilt. "Normally, I mean…" The yellowed eyes gaze at Kurt, as if reading more to him, than a soft giggle. "You are an intresting one, most defintally."
*
"Danke, und no…I do not travel in the subway. It is crowded und looking as I do…well…I am afraid it would frighten too many." And enclosed in that little space with a bunch of frightened folks? No thank you. "I have my own ways of traveling, but it is good to walk about. It is a good way to learn the city."
*
"How do you travel?" Druid asks, tilting their head. Clearly intrigued. "Do you have like… a moving machine." Pointing to the cars. "Or a mount?" They seem intrested on what this is. Then nods. "I understand, I shouldn't go there either."
*
Nightcrawler just gives a wide grin, "It is one of the things that makes me different," is offered in answer. "I do not have an automobile nor a…do you mean like a horse? I do not think many in the city have horses. The Police do, und some who drive the carriages in the park…" but not a lot of private owners. Or if they do, they don't keep them in Manhattan.
*
"Could you perhaps, show me?" Druid looks to Nightcrawler. "I could demonstrate my skills, as well, if you wish?" The small, odd person offers. Adn a nod. "A horse could be a mount, yes, that is one." Druid looks out at the road. "It is a shame, horses are nice."
*
Nightcrawler seems to consider the question but he then shakes his head, "Nein. It would not be kind to the people who are about for me to frighten them here. They are like…ah…the squirrels. Or deer. Who frighten very easily. So it is good to be calm und careful around them." His grin widens, "I already know that you can speak with the trees!"
*
"Any plant, or animal." They nod. And they seem to understand. "Yes, we shouldn't do obvoius things, they will be afraid, but perhaps another time them?" Druid asks, still curoius it seems.
*
"That must be very interesting. You are never lonely!" He does seem to try and find the positives in everything! Kurt continues to escort Druid as they go into Times Square towards Hell's Kitchen…and then towards Mutant Town. "I hope you will still find many to talk to even here."
*
"One would think I would not be alone, yes, but yet, I often am." Druid shrugs lightly. "Not that I mind." Druid totally minds, that's why their here, but nonetheless, they pretend they are unaffected. "I hope that as well, I already can speak with you."
*
Nightcrawler tilts his head a little, the smile fading, "Ja…even when there are many around, it is not so hard to be alone." Or lonely. He knows that all too well. The smile returns, however, and he offers, "Of course you can speak with me! If you decide to stay in Mutant Town, I will even come by und see how you are doing!"
*
"Do I build my own home in Mutant Town?" Druid asks, a head tilt, the smile fading earns a sympathetic look. And a gently pat on the arm. "You don't have to be alone, you have friends, don't you?"
*
Nightcrawler ahs, "Nein…you would need to pay for a home…a room in a hotel or rent a room from someone or from a building. It is…very expensive to be here. But perhaps there are some trees where you could stay until you find one?" He doesn't know if the other has money. "Or…they may have a shelter where those who cannot pay for a home can stay." He can't offer his to another, not without Fury's permission. The pat on the arm gets a glance and a bit of a smile, "Ja, I have friends. I know I am not -alone-."
*
"Good, being alone is bad, humans, even the special ones, are social creatures, similar to wolves, who are pack animals." Druid nods at this, an oddball they are. And then a thought, as they listen, they reach into their satchel and hold up a golden coin. "Is this money?" It looks…rare. "This was a gift, from Archimedes, one of many he gave me."
*
"Ja, of course! Und some of us like people more than others." Kurt beams at Druid before the coin is pulled out. He blinks a couple of times and then holds out a hand as if asking if he can see it closer. "This may be, but it is very old. You would be good to find someone who knew what it was worth to give you the right amount for it. Do you have many of these?"
*
"Just that one, and a pendant we found. Archimedes handled the money for me, since I was just a kid, or so he said, but he made sure I had clothes and food, he was a good bad guy." Druid nods. And lets Nightcrawler see the coin.
*
Nightcrawler does look a little closer before he hands it back, "It may be worth a lot of money here, I do not know. I would not give it away to just anyone. I can ask und see if there is someone who might be fair in giving you money for that if you would like, but for now, you should keep it safe."
*
"I might not give it away….I might keep it, to remeber them all." Druid nods, and then looks to Nightcrawler. "I can find a tree, who might let me sleep with them." A nod from the small person, perhaps a mutant, perhaps not.
*
"I would offer my place, but it is not really mine und I do not want to upset him. But if there is a tree nearby, you are welcome to stay in it, I am certain! Or the roof…" although it may not be as comfortable as a tree for this nature-minded one.
Eventually they get to the border of Mutant Town and Kurt gestures to it, "This is Mutant Town. It is more of a neighborhood than a town, but…you may find others here who will be kind. But you should also be careful. People here can be very angry und the police sometimes come und cause trouble." He glances at the other for a moment before offering, "If you need me, I am in Hell's Kitchen." He gives the address of a Tenement house a few blocks back uptown. "Und I will come tomorrow to try and find you to see how you are doing."
*
Druid nods to Kurt. "Thank you Kurt, if you need me, just tell a plant, the message will reach me." A friendly enough smile from the pale person, before they begin to wander off, into the area.
*