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Ash was debating on hanging up moments after she pressed dial. She wasn't so good with people these days after all. Most tended to find her weird at best and just plain nuts at worst. But lately she'd been realising that she lacked human friends, she loved her animal ones of course but she was still human at the end of the day.

When she heard Jiang answer she mentally thought fuck it. It's too late now. She took a deep breath.[color=green]"Er hi Jiang, yes it's Ash."[/color]She paused as a particular bird passed by with a greeting. [color=green]" I'm sorry if this is a bad time? I just wanted to call and well...tell you that I tried to help sort out that mess at the Gala last night but didn't really manage to. What I'm trying to say is...sorry for my part in messing up your Gala especially since it was a fundraiser for my line of work."[/color]

Man she really was crap at apologising. But she comforted herself that Jiang knew her or had known her in the past and no doubt remembered her somewhat lacking social skills. 

Jiang chuckled softly and smiled gently at the sweet awkwardness of her friend, making her wonder why she hadn’t contacted the woman sooner. [COLOR=f26522]”It seems a theme this morning for people to apologize on behalf of the Gala disruption but it wasn’t your fault Ash, you have nothing to apologize for. At least Mr.Price seems to be taking the reins and the trouble off of my hands, caring for the fundraiser which will continue to assist in your line of work. I really should find a way to thank him….”[/color], she stated before a playful and mischievous grin pulled at her lips remembering the way the two had been captured by each other. [COLOR=f26522]”…or perhaps you should thank him and discuss the matters in my stead. I am unfortunate out of sorts this morning due to poor judgment and I cannot think of another who would cherish and protect the aspects of this fundraiser more than you. I’ll let you think about my offer though and while you do, why don’t you tell me about you? How have you been?”[/color]

Ash appreciated Jiangs understanding but found herself blushing, damn her pale skin, when Jiang brought up Oberon. She groaned inwardly remembering how caught up with him she'd been. Of course it'd be noticed but at least Jiang wasn't someone she'd worry about using the knowledge against her. When they'd spent time together before, years ago when Ash was still learning about her powers, Jiang had always been honourable and kind to her. 

She finally said. [color=green]"Well I have already tried to reach him but I think he's been busy with the aftermath."[/color] She grimaced. [color=green]"I certainly intend to thank him...if he wants to talk to me again that is. It's complicated."[/color] She said with a sigh. 

Absently, she stretched on the branch balancing with ease, working out the kinks in her back.[color=green]"Well, where do I start? It's been a while. I live in New York now and work at the Bronx Zoo. I share a house with my brother but honestly?"[/color] 
She paused debating, then came to a decision.

[color=green]"Honestly, I've been mostly alone. It seems to get harder, not easier to blend in with other people. As my abilities have grown so has the connection with nature. Some days I wonder if I'm more of an animal than human."[/color] She lightly dropped down from the branch and settled back against the tree. 

[color=green]"But you're not doing so well this morning, I can tell, we can chat more when you're feeling better if you'd prefer?"[/color] 

[COLOR=f26522]”Hangovers will do that to a person. I’ll survive though so don’t worry about me, I’m more worried about you.”[/color], she replied with a concerned tone and a frown etched onto her features. Jiang felt as if Ash were a person struggling against the current, head just above the water and searching for a line of safety. She hoped that she could help the young woman in overcoming the feelings brewing under the surface, ones she herself struggled with at times. Guiding others was never something she believed to be her calling, one of the reasons she had not stayed around the Sanctum when the offer was presented so long ago. Friendships were always fleeting just like loved ones and Jiang felt herself out of practice but she would do anything to help someone else.

[COLOR=f26522]”I know what loneliness is, more than most would understand and the struggle on how to conform to the conventional. In my vast amount of years, I have found that blending in with the crowd is not worth the time or effort even if that is the realm in which I live. To be beautifully unique is a gift and yes, while some might view that as a negative or fear what they do not understand…the bottom line is, there will always be people out there that are openly accepting and welcoming. What I mean is, do not try to blend in with the norm, embrace who you are and accept that compared to most you will always be different. Try to find those that can appreciate, admire, and love you for who you are regardless of if your actions seem strange. Animal instinct or not, powers or not, you are still you. No one can take that away or change who you are and if they care about who you are as a person, everything else will fall into place.”[/color]

Ash was touched by her words, Jiang truly was a good person, she'd accepted Ash without any qualms back when they'd first met and still did so now.

[color=green]”Thanks Jiang, I think I just needed to hear that from a friend. So how have you been? What have you been up to since we last saw one another?”[/color]

[COLOR=f26522]”Happy to remind you anytime you need to hear it. As for what I’ve been up to, what can I say, a bit of mischief, mayhem, and some marvelously good times. I’ve acquired a few businesses, sold some, invested, adventured, partied, played vigilante and villain. If anything you could say I’m trying to occupy my time since I’ve done most there is so it would seem. Can I ask you something? I know this is kind of going to be a random question but I need someone else’s perspective. Do you believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt? Offering chances even if they don’t seem like the best idea? Or would you cut your losses and play it safe?”[/color]

[color=green]”Well that depends...I used to be someone who gave people the benefit of the doubt, that tried to see the good in everyone. But after what happened to me...in Africa...with those gunmen and then being given the spirit of nature. Well...it's harder now to see the good in others. I think you should go with your instincts. What are they telling you?”[/color]

[COLOR=f26522]”I am not sure I should trust my instincts. They have always led me astray in these matters and right now, I mostly feel lost and confused. I guess I don’t really have to make a full decision yet and could just take it how it comes. I appreciate you taking the time to listen, Ash. I know it is horrible to say but it’s nice to see someone else trying to see the good in others but struggling to do so. It makes me feel like I am not alone even though I wish you didn’t have to experience those feelings or the events that happened to you.”[/color]

Ash smiled wryly at her words, it gave them something in common at least. Still...as much as she tried not to, those bloody memories kept trying to surface.
 
[i]Shouts and screams...pain all over her body...men laughing and more pain...more screams and then silence[/i]

With a wrench she pushed the memories back into their dark corner of her mind. The primal side of her wanted to roar, to hunt and to kill but she pushed that down too. She feared giving in to the beast whenever she thought on the past. The primal side was intent on blood and death during those moments and she honestly feared what she was capable of. Realising she had been quiet for too long she took a deep calming breath.

As the silence stretched on, Jiang knew that she had messed up. It seemed that for all her years, social interactions were still not her forte and especially not hung over since that was now two conversations that had sour points to them. She wanted to apologize, take back what she said or even distract the other woman from her thoughts but she didn’t know what to say. If anything, she might make the problem worse at this point so she patiently waited for Ash to speak. 

[color=green]”I know Jiang, it’s okay. Listen, if you ever need to talk or just need someone to provide you with a distraction just give me a call. I’ll leave you to deal with the hangover and I’ll speak to Oberon.”[/color]

[COLOR=f26522]”I’ll try to keep in better touch and I will remember to reach out when I need someone but don’t forget that works both ways. I might not be the best conversationalist but I do care about you. If you ever need to talk or if you want a place to go where you can fully just be yourself without judgement, I am always here and my door is always open. Oh and Ash, don’t let the things you want get away from you. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon.”[/color]

Ash hung up the phone feeling better after the call. Even better, she now had a reason to contact Oberon again. Not wanting to call again in case he was busy, she settled on sending him an email (she couldn't find his personal one so settled for the one listed under his company) 

[i]Hello again Oberon,

This is Ashlyn from the Gala last night. I hope I'm not overstepping my welcome but I wanted to contact you after things went chaotic. 

I just wanted to thank you for your assistance afterwards and I also pass along the genuine thanks from the hostess of the Gala, Miss Jiang. She was very grateful for your aid and contributions. I hoped perhaps, that we could meet and discuss other possible fundraising endeavors? As I remember you shared my passion for helping nature heal.

My contact details are below and I hope to hear from you soon.

Ashlyn Blackwood

Ps. I'm sorry for running out on you last night. 
PPs. I'm glad you're okay[/i]

She stared at what she had written and debated deleting it. Was it too formal? But would less formal not be appropriate? Irritated at herself for worrying over something so small, she pressed send.