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<br><br>”Do you need any help with those miss?” came the question from the other end of the counter as the blind girl made an attempt at grabbing her things.
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The reply she gave was polite but it was the Irish in her voice that softened it the most. “No, I think I am quite capable of gettin’ them myself. Thank you for yer time.” Mary smiled in the direction of the young teller and continued gather her bags, grabbing them, shouldering them and in general just finding any way she could to hold on to them. The teller would probably not be allowed to leave the store during working hours to make the trip back to her apartment and the Irish girl had no intention of asking him if he was.
<br><br>
Keegan looked up at Mary quietly, always on guard, always watchful and waited for her to finish grabbing the things she had bought. It probably wasn’t wise for her to carry all of her things like that but what more could she do when she wouldn’t ask for help. Keegan just stood buy and waited knowing that it was his job to lead and protect her because that was what she really needed. He wouldn’t move until she was ready because that was how he had been trained and he knew he was her best link to the outside world.
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Mary O’Shae was a proud girl as it were. Most of those who had Irish blood were fiercely proud but perhaps hers was made more so by the circumstances than her heritage. She had been blind her whole life and as such had always been told about what she couldn’t do. That was the worst part. The fact that people thought she was unable to take care of herself because she was handicap. It was why she had made it her goal in life to prove them all wrong. Perhaps she was a little naturally stubborn but if the sighted world was going to try and put her in a box then she had learned long ago that she didn’t need the sighted world to get by so why not rely on it as little as possible?
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Casting a polite smile in the teller’s general direction Mary grabbed the last of her bags and took hold of Keegan’s harness, just where she had left it as always, with her free hand. She didn’t have to give a command. She didn’t have to take the first step. Her dog knew exactly what she wanted and where they were going so he set off at a slow, careful pace, knowing that caution would be needed on the trip home. The Irish girl followed struggling a little with the weight of her groceries and the sheer amount of bags she was carrying but making an effort to hide this from the world with their watching eyes.
<br><br>
They must have looked like a fairly comical pair walking through the streets of Obsidian, a dog leading a girl with her arms loaded down with sacks and bags but you would have been hard pressed to find a pair walking with such poise and confidence. Mary had a face to put on and if she was struggling to carry her load or if she was worried about what others might think she needed help she hid those feelings behind startling blue eyes that stared out cold and unseeing.
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She didn’t have to worry about where she was going or if her foot would strike some rock or whole and send her stumbling. Keegan knew what he was doing and knew the stumbling blocks to avoid but it wasn’t her dog that Mary was worried about. What she was worried about was actually making it back with all of her things. Usually she shopped very light for this reason but frequent trips to the store had made her bold and now she was paying the price. With any luck though she would make it without too much trouble.
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Unfortunately it would seem that the fabled luck of the Irish wasn’t going to be with her today. With her expert sense of hearing Mary caught the almost inaudible ripping sound even out here in the crowded streets. The problem was that even though she knew it was coming there was nothing she could do about it. She didn’t even have time to stop before the bottom of one of her bags fell out spilling fruit and vegetables to the ground. That wasn’t the worst of it however because with the sudden loss of a bag so vital to her center of gravity other bags began to drop as well and pretty soon Mary stood empty handed, all of the products from her long afternoons work spilled out in any number of unseen directions.
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It was all Mary could do and that point to hold her stoic expression. How was she ever going to find all of her things and even then how was she going to transport them back to her apartment? Mary was a proud girl though and even in her distress she kept a face solid as stone. No matter how embarrassing this next part would be she would find a way and do it without letting the people around her see the embarrassment she felt. She may be blind but she still had her pride.
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Slowly and carefully she sank to her knees. Keegan would at least keep any malcontents away but until then Mary resigned herself to the task of finding her things. Barring a miracle she wouldn’t find everything that she had bought but she would find most of it. Getting it home would be the harder part but she would think of something. She always did and what’s more she had no other option. Sometimes being stubborn was more trouble than it was worth.

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Fall 10, Year 10
1:30 p.m.
Mood: Vigilant




Nothing like a patrol on a nice day. At least for Captain Steven Fortune. Nice temperate weather, a slight breeze to ensure comfort, the gentle sounds of a small town market in full swing...and then the not so gentle sound of a police radio emitting static. Shaking his head at the annoyance, Boomer reaches down and turns it off. Granted, there is the chance that he is to be needed for something, but considering the reason for the static is due to a low battery, the officer figures that the thing would go dead before his services through it would be required. Plus, one of the main differences from Obsidian and Chicago is the simple fact that the island community is a lot smaller. If he's needed, he is easily within walking distance. Hell, probably well within earshot.

On the matter of things within earshot, however, something happens that the man's ears do pick up. Namely, the sound of bags ripping. Never a good sound for a consumer to hear. Human inclination leading him to look, Boomer scours about the Circle, looking for the cause of the commotion. Within moments, the man has his answer. A blonde woman on her knees searching for her wayward groceries with a seeing eye dog standing watch. Feet walking towards a nearby store, it registers in the captain's mind that this would be the woman that he had met at his brother's bar a few seasons before. Mary O'Shae if his memory serves him right.

Now inside of the store, Boomer motions towards the unfortunate lady scrambling to find her belongings and points towards the bags. Soon enough, the cop is marching out of the store with half a dozen paper bags under his arm. Now comes the matter of helping out. In his personal experience, Boomer knows that people do not like to be patronized. What may be considered as doing an act of kindness may be seen as something a little more on the negative side from the perspective of the party receiving aid. Plus with the dog there, who knows how it will react to his presence. Best to at least attempt to help. Approaching from the side, Boomer sees an orange on the ground. Picking it up, he lightly rolls it along the ground, tapping Mary's hand and coming to a stop.

“Good afternoon, Miss O'Shae.” Steven begins, not sure if she'll remember his voice. “Captain Fortune here...Steven. We met at Moonstone a while ago. Having a spot of bad luck?”

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<br><br>’No, no, no…’ She thought as she fumbled around on the ground looking for her dropped groceries. ’Stupid bag…I had everything until it tore…’ This wasn’t how her afternoon was supposed to go at all. She just wanted to do some shopping, nothing special. Why did she have to get so much stuff? Now instead of getting back to the solitude of her apartment she was stuck here wandering around on all fours and probably looking completely ridiculous. Now she would probably be out here all night trying to find all her things and even then there would be no guarantee.
<br><br>
Mary sighed and sat back on her haunches not really sure what to do but as she sat there she noticed something. Keegan was tense. Even though she couldn’t see the dog she had spent enough time with Keegan to know when something was up and now, as the dog stiffened at the approach of the strange man she could feel the dog gathering his energy incase he should need it. More than that though she could hear the footsteps and that was telling enough. Someone was there watching her.
<br><br>
That was just great. Now not only did she have to deal with the embarrassment of dropping everything but she also had to become a show for the local yokels. She had enough problems without having to put on a show for everyone. She needed to tell this person off. She needed to…something rolled across the ground and tapped her on the hand. Mary picked it up, rolled it around in her hands and felt the roughness…It was one of her oranges but who would roll her one of her things to her?
<br><br>
Mary calmed herself. That initial fire kindled by her stubborn Irish pride died a little and she looked in the direction of the voice when it came. Steven Fortune was the name that he gave and she realized that yes, she did know it. “Aye…I remember you Mr. Fortune. I guess you could call it that I you wanted to.” Mary tried to give her best smile and it was only through years of practice at keeping a stiff upper lip that she was actually able to accomplish the task.
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Reaching her hand out Mary placed it comfortingly on Keegan’s tense body. “It’s okay boy.” Keegan, seeing that his companion apparently knew this stranger relaxed visibly and set back but continued to watch Steven with a mistrustful gaze. “This is Keegan by the way…my guide dog. Don’t worry he won’t bite…well unless you try to hurt me but I don’t think we have to worry about that.” Steven had given her no reason to mistrust him. In fact, they had a fairly nice conversation the last time they met if memory served.
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As if suddenly realizing the situation Mary struggled quickly to her feet leaving her groceries strewn across the ground. “I…uh…Sorry you had to find me like this. I guess I over extended myself…” Oh well, at least it wasn’t gawking townspeople. Even though it was someone she knew she could deal with this alternative. The blonde took a deep breath and prepared herself for what she was going to do next. Then with an embarrassed smile she spoke again. “I…uh…don’t suppose you’d mind…helpin’ me…get my thin’s”

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Fall 10, Year 10
1:30 p.m.
Mood: Good Samaritan



”Aye...I remember you Mr. Fortune.”

Well, that certainly is a relief for the captain as he continues to survey the situation. He did get a smile from the woman, at least, though he could tell it wasn't one of genuine happiness. Maybe a little relieved, but not the most joyous thing in the world. Given Mary's circumstance, Steven can't really say that he blames her. The dog seems to be tensing up a little bit as well, but the man had figured that would be something to be expected. After all, while seeing-eye dogs are trained to serve their masters, they are also trained to be protective of them as well. To alert them of potential dangers. To do something about the potential danger if necessary. Fortunately for all parties involved, Keegan, the dog in question, seems to relax at Mary's insistence.

“Keegan, huh?” Steven repeats the name, slowly reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of beef jerky from a bag. “This jerky was supposed to be a snack during my patrol, but I don't really have any issues with sharing with you, buddy.”

Slowly and carefully, the cop brings the dried meat towards the dog, gently placing it on the ground in front of his nose and giving him a light pat on the head. Good will offering towards the pooch completed, Boomer listens on as Mary speaks, explaining how she had gotten herself into this situation. The man manages a quiet 'mmhmm' and nods his head as he listens to the woman, noting the awkwardness and frustration in her voice. It was a given that this conversation couldn't be easy for her, but there is a lot of pride there. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you.

”I..uh...don't suppose you'd mind...helpin' me...get my thin's.”

“I'd be more than happy to, Miss O'Shae.”

Offering the girl a light pat on the shoulder in lieu of a smile that would not be seen, Boomer goes about the task of rounding up foodstuffs. Save for a few round items, the mess in question isn't too far strewn about. But given the woman's unique circumstances, it would be a little easier going for her if the good captain were to lend a helping hand. Partially out of a sense of chivalry, partially out of duty, and partially because...well, he's kind of fond of the woman. After all, given the hurdle that life has thrown her way, it would be easy for Mary to be angry at the world. She might be for all Boomer knows. But in the few meetings that he has had with her, the woman has proven to be nothing but kind and polite. Very honorable traits to have, indeed.

Groceries now rounded up and put into some stronger bags, Captain Fortune finds himself at a little bit of an impasse. He could send her on her merry way, but his honor wouldn't allow that. In the same vein, while she had allowed him to help gather her things up, Miss O'Shae's own honor might not allow her to let him help her any further. But alas, at the end of the day, the power of communication can overcome many things, so the man opts to keep that dialogue going.

“So then, Miss O'Shae...Mary, if I may.” Boomer begins, realizing that he may as well attempt to drop the rigid formalities for this occasion. “Other than this little mishap, how has life been treating you? I'd be rather interested in hearing about it. After all, it has been a while since our last meeting.”

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<br><br>Keegan watched this new man that had come over with guarded interest. He was always interested when he heard his name but his training just had a way of overriding any signs he might use to show it. The dog watched as the man fished around in his pockets and brought out the strip of jerky. His nose flared wildly as he caught its scent but he simply continued to watch as the man place the jerky before him and then allowed himself to be petted.
<br><br>
It wasn’t until Mary, knowing that the dog wouldn’t eat anything offered to him without permission, reached over and gently stroked his back that Keegan finally lowered his head and scooped up the treat chewing it several times before finally swallowing and licking his lips. “He’s a good dog but does his job a little too well sometimes. I hope you won’t take it personally.” Mary continued to stroke the dog’s back to which Keegan responded by wagging his tail back and forth across the ground.
<br><br>
Mary smiled a genuine smile as Steven agreed to help and as he touched her shoulder reassuringly. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it Mr. Fortune.” She really did need to be less standoffish around people. Steven had been nothing but nice to her so far, he was the captain of the police after all, and she had no reason to think anything differently of him. To be perfectly honest she was quite relieved that he had decided to stay and help as she had no desire to spend the afternoon wandering around on her hands and knees searching for a lost apple.
<br><br>
Luckily none of her groceries had gotten too far away. Mary would have hated to just sit there idly with nothing to occupy her mind with except for the sounds of the kind police captain gathering her things. She was able to make a contribution herself by finding a few items that hadn’t drifted to far out of reach. This made her feel quite a bit better actually as having something to do helped her not feel completely helpless.
<br><br>
Once the groceries were gathered and she heard Steven again coming towards her she fully expected their encounter to be over. She had to get her groceries home and she was sure Steven had pressing police business somewhere about town. The police captain surprised her however when instead of sending her on her way he lingered and asked if he could call her by her first name. The blonde decided there would be no harm in being a little less formal and nodded.
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“Yes, I don’t really mind if you call me by name…so long as you don’t mind me callin’ you Steven. I mean you did go out of your way to help me after all.” Mary thought she knew what he would ask next. It was only polite of him to ask whether she would want help carrying her things back to her apartment after all. She didn’t want help of course, was prepared to politely refuse but as it turned out she didn’t need to. What Steven did say next surprised her again.
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She wasn’t sure if it was his intention or not but she thought the next few words Steven spoke were very clever ones indeed. Instead of risking the possibility of hurting his pride he simply wanted to catch up with her. Now Mary was faced with the choice of letting him stand there and hold her bags as they talked or cut him off. Neither of these options suited and so she decided to go with what she had originally thought. “I would love to spend some time catching up with you however I would hate for you to have to hold those bags while we just stand here. Perhaps you would like to accompany me to my apartment? I’m sure we will have plenty of time to talk along the way.” She smiled that true smile again. A little company on her walk wouldn’t be so bad after all and besides, she thought that she was beginning to like this man.

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Fall 10, Year 10
1:30 p.m.
Mood: Helpful



”Yes, I don't really mind if you call me by name...so long as you don't mind me callin' you Steven. I mean you did go out of your way to help me after all.”

Well, that is a load off of the captain's mind. Formalities are a thing of the past. None of this 'mister' and 'miss' nonsense. The ease in formalities will with any luck translate into ease with speech. Although it seems to be going rather swimmingly at the moment, no need to complicate things more than they have to be. Besides, knowing his luck, talking like that, he would run the misfortune of running into his sister and having her promptly laugh and call him an uptight ass or something along those lines. Best to avoid any gaffes like that.

”I would love to spend some time catching up with you; however I would hate for you to have to hold those bags while we just stand here. Perhaps you would like to accompany me to my apartment I'm sure we will have plenty of time to talk along the way.”

“Well, Miss...er, Mary, I wouldn't mind at all.” Steven replies with a smile and a quiet chuckle, slightly surprised that the woman is being so willing to receive his aid. “I can certainly fit it into my busy schedule of patrolling and the like.”

Smiling and letting woman and beast lead the way for a bit, Steven looks about the Circle for a moment or two. A decent amount of activity is going on amongst the shops, but nothing too much as to where a vigilant shopkeeper would lose merchandise to a thief. Besides, with his job and face rather well known on the island, the man figures that any would be bandits would be thwarted off by the face time he already put in around this location today. But alas, there will be plenty of time to make another pass through the town's business district later. First comes assisting the citizens of the town.

“Well, I suppose it would be rather uneventful if I bit my tongue.” Steven starts off, giving Mary just enough space to let Keegan successfully do his job. “I suppose I can catch you up with my goings on first, if you'd like. Well, for starters, as you could tell from my greeting, I've gone through a bit of a promotion since our last meeting. Wound up with the job a couple of seasons ago. Not exactly sure where the old one went. Wasn't a random disappearance or anything as she did give her two weeks notice, so nothing grim led to me getting the new job. Will and Jill, my siblings that work at the Moonstone have gone ahead and are making some renovations to the place. Slightly different layout, so you'll have to relearn it when they get finished. But I don't think you'll have too many problems with that as you seem pretty sharp...apologies. I'm getting a little carried away with my words here, aren't I? Why don't you tell me a little about how life has been for you, hmm?”

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<br><br>With the formalities out of the way Mary was able to relax a little. She was by no means a prude but was known to have a somewhat chilly disposition to those she didn’t know well. She tried her best not to come off as put offish to the people she was around but underneath that desire was that stubborn Irish pride, always her enemy, that told her that everyone else was looking down on her, pitying her and making her the victim. Her father had never let he be the victim and she wasn’t going to start now. That was part of the problem. Still, she did have her moments, like now, where she dropped the defenses ever so slightly and allowed herself to swallow the pride.
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“Good…” The blonde said as the tiniest hints of a smile curled her lips at Steven’s near slip up. Apparently the good officer was not as ready to give up the titles as he had originally thought. “…So long as I won’t be takin’ you away from your duties I don’t see any harm in it.” She liked this man. He was smart. He knew to keep his distance and for Mary that was important because she was someone who liked having a little space from people, at least until she really got to know them.
<br><br>
Gathering up what things she could Mary took a moment to call Keegan over to her with a whistle and felt around until she could grab hold of his harness. After that she pushed herself up with the careful practice that only one who has been blind all their life knows. She waited for a moment to insure that Steven was ready, she could hear him standing easily enough, and then nudged Keegan to motion which he obediently did. The dog started out for home trotting a little slower this time in what could only be an attempt to avoid further mishaps.
<br><br>
Mary, much happier with the lightened load, listened to Steven’s news nodding approvingly at different points just so he would know she was listening. She couldn’t very well look at him so it was good to give some form of acknowledgement that showed her interest. She found the parts about the promotion and what happened to the old chief of police of particularly note and filed the knowledge away for future reference. It was kind of odd that she had just up and left after all. Still, none of this affected her quite as much as his comment about her perception and his subsequent apology to which she let out a rather girlish giggle.
<br><br>
“Oh no apologies are necessary Steven. I suppose congratulations are in order for your promotion. I only wish that it had come under less odd circumstances. At least I know that the island is in good hands though.” That slight smile returned again and this time it stuck around. “As for me, my life has been nowhere near as interestin’ but it can be that way when you don’t have as much information to go on than everyone else. I’ll be finishin’ up my third semester at the university this season which has been goin’ well and have been usin’ my free time to work on some original pieces. Nothin’ is ready for performance quite yet but I’m makin’ progress. Perhaps I’ll stop by after the bar after the renovations are complete and be able to put on a little show again. I like it there. It’s comfortable, the crowds are smaller and there’s isn’t quite as much goin’ on all at the same time…I don’t like it when there’s a lot of thin’s goin’ on at the same time.” Here she seemed to stop for a moment in consideration before going on. “The nights are pretty quiet most of the time. Usually it’s just Keegan and I enjoyin’ an evenin’ alone. I read a lot but I think I’m startin’ to wear the books I brought with me a little thin. I don't guess you would know if the local library carried anythin’ in braille would you?”

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Fall 10, Year 10
1:30 p.m.
Mood: Helpful



”Oh no apologies are necessary Steven. I suppose congratulations are in order for your promotion. I only wish that it had come under less odd circumstances. At least I know that the island is in good hands though.”

Chuckling at the comment, Steven can't help but notice that the brief smile that Mary has been using on and off through the conversation has decided to stick around. And it's apparently infectious, as the police captain finds himself sporting a similar smile as a result. Always is nice to hear that one is doing a good job, after all. Focusing back in on the woman's words, Boomer nods and emits the occasional quiet 'mmhmm' to let the lass know that he is listening. Still hammering away at the University...not bad at all. College education was one of the things the eldest Fortune had wanted, but circumstances made that a bit of an impossibility. While he isn't for certain of her exact age, the man is able to come to the conclusion that she would be a bit of a late starter with the advanced education. Much too mature to be an eighteen year old. Not that maturity is a bad thing, mind you.

Continuing to listen on as Mary talks, Steven finds the smile on his face grow a little bigger at the mention of working on new material and the desire to perform it at the Moonstone. Plenty of reasons for that broad smile. For one, Boomer knows for a fact that his brother enjoyed and appreciated Mary's previous performances. The patrons at the bar did too, for that matter. It's a place for Mary to play, refine her material, and at the same time, helps his brother and sister make a living by drawing in business. People helping people, really.

“Actually, Mary...” Steven replies, taking the moment when Mary pauses to respond. “...I do believe that on behalf of my family, I owe you a thank you. Will and Jill absolutely adore your music, and while the crowds are smaller, it's to be expected on an island this size. That being said, from what I understand, you've been drawing in business when you play, so that helps the two of them make a living as well as giving you the chance to perform. Helping each other out....but thank you nonetheless. You have my family's gratitude.”

Happy with saying his piece and being able to thank his friend, it's Boomer's turn to listen again as Mary fills him in on her evening activities when she isn't out jamming it up musically. Rather...plain, so to speak. Part of it would be because of the woman's medical condition, Steven figures, but really, there's got to be something to do. The man finds his evenings rather empty himself when he's not on patrol, so maybe he could offer to pay her a visit every now and again. Might come off as a little forward, but there certainly are worse people to spend time with. Not that it would be bad to shoot the breeze with Miss O'Shae, of course.

”I don't guess you would know if the local library carried anythin' in braille would you?”

“Hmm...” Boomer scratches his chin in thought. “Well, truthfully...I'm not sure. I've only been in a couple of times, myself. But I'll tell you what. After we get you situated with your groceries here, I'd be more than happy to go to the library and take a look with you if you would like.”

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<br><br>Mary nodded as Steven responded. She wasn’t good at accepting compliments, never had been, but she knew how to welcome thanks when the people giving it insisted and that is what she did now. “Yer thanks is appreciated Steven. Honestly, I enjoyed playin’ at the Moonstone. It is very low key, not very stressful. I like that. I wouldn’t know much about bringin’ in business, I just get up and play, but I’m glad to hear they’re doin’ well.”
<br><br>
Actually, playing at the Moonstone had been one of the little pleasures she had found since coming to the island. She didn’t just like the small crowds she thrived in them and unlike most performers she could play a small venue almost exclusively and be happy. It was the bigger concerts with their lights and sounds and general chaos that frightened her but as long as she could keep control over her environment she was finding that the big concerts were doable.
<br><br>
That being said conquering her fear of large crowds was part of the reason she had come here to study and while there was nothing wrong with doing what was familiar and comfortable she was never going to become a musician if she didn’t branch out, mature and grow as a performer. It was why she had signed up for the music festival last spring in the first place. That had gone well enough but she was still waiting for another opportunity to prove to herself that she could do more than play for a handful of bar goers.
<br><br>
As the two human’s talked Keegan trotted along, leading the way home. It wasn’t too far from Pyrite Circle to their apartment at the Bluebird Gateway and the dog had already acclimated himself to his new environment fairly well. The trip would not take long and in fact they were already nearing the apartment complex. The dog paused for a moment at the edge of the street, Mary stopping with him on instinct, and waited to ensure that it was safe to cross. When he saw that it was Keegan lead on to the other side with practiced ease.
<br><br>
Mary was brought out of her thoughts as Steven brought up going to the library. It was a little surprising that he had offered to take time out of, what she was sure was his busy schedule to go take a look around the library for her. She supposed it was good to have a friendly and dedicated officer serving as the community police chief but she couldn’t imagine at all that this would be something he would enjoy doing. “That’s quite alright Steven. I might actually go by myself once I get settled with the groceries. It would be nice to spend some time browsin’, if they have any that is. Besides, I’m sure you could find a much more interestin’ way of spendin’ yer evein’ than by goin’ to the library to find books for a blind girl.”
<br><br>
Mary chuckled at the idea. Steven was being very considerate but there were still some things that she could do for herself and going down to the library was one of them. Still, Steven’s concern was noted and she didn’t want him to think that it was anything that he had done wrong. “I do appreciate the offer though. I have to say that I think the city can rest easy as long as you are serving us. You’ve certainly been very helpful to me today.”

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