Apr 26 13:01:54 106 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Tue Apr 26 13:01:54 106 PA.

This afternoon might not be warm, but it's clear and the sun is high, so the park is busy. Solos, couples and groups are scattered about the broad expanse of pockmarked land strolling, eating, talking and generally enjoying the time. Vixen is there as well, casually observing some boys playing a stripped down version of baseball with a variety of their own rules tossed into the mix. They occupy a clear spot of flat ground near a path, shouting and running about. Vixen herself has settled on one of the benches along the side of the path, though she's sitting on the back of it, with her feet on the seat. A higher vantage point that lets her camera get a clear view of the action. She has her coat wrapped about her, but not sealed closed, staving off a bit of the brisk air.

'Not raining' is more than enough positive weather to draw Leonard outside. Whether inspired by Alistair, or merely reminded by their prior conversation, he's neither walking nor wearing his standard attire. Shorts and tank, with a partially zippered, matching windbreaker are all that seperate him from the slight chill as he enters the park at a jog.

Vixen wears a casually thoughtful expression as she films the kids, they unaware t hat their play is being captured. Though it seems her attention slowly grows less and less focused on the yelling boys. She lowers the camera, the cord that links it behind her ear slipping from her shoulder. She looks at it, her eyes darting erratically for a moment before she blinks, then starts to disconnect it. Going about the task with a slow care.

Leonard moves promptly onto the path and begins a circuit of it, dodging casual strollers, dog walkers, and the occassional running child. His pace slows as he moves, both due to the obstacles and his own deceleration as he nears the end of his run. When he comes around the back stretch, Vixen is spotted. Perhaps since the camera is not up and running, he even turns his attention to smile and wave as he passes. He returns to look ahead to his path, only to find it suddenly obscured by one of those yelling boys chasing after a ball. A sharp veer, ill-placed rock, and a moment of stumbling later, he suddenly finds himself tumbling onto the grass.

Vixen catches the wave out of the corner of her eye, looking towards the motion in time to catch most of it. She grins and lifts her hand to wave at him in return. Then comes disaster and she has to fight against an out loud laugh as she pockets the camera and the cords, hopping down off the bench to move towards where Leo took his tumble. "Look who decided to drop in." she murmurs as she nears, though standing near is forgone for her stepping astride him and casually dropping down to lightly sit on his lap, hands bracing her forward lean as she looks down at him. "You alright, babe?"

Leonard doesn't seem any worse for where, and as he looks up at his new lap occupant, he grins. "I could say the same to you, and I certainly like your dropping more than mine. I'm perfectly fine." He sits up, propping himself on his arms, in no immediate hurry to dislodge her. "Out enjoying the show?"

Vixen leans back slowly as he sits up, then lifts her arms to casually rest them on his shoulders. "Just watching the kids a bit. It's interesting.. but I'm about ready for a break." She leans down a little to brush her lips lightly against his forehead. "For any little hurts," she says lightly. "Guess maybe you're on that training kick now too? How was the moving yesterday? Kinda forgot to ask when I came by.. but you didn't seem too bothered by that."

Leonard is seated just off the pedestrian path that loops about the park, either finished with or planning for some exercise, judging by his current apparel. Given a few greenish stains on his knees and the elbows of his jacket, the former is more likely. While his running career might be at a momentary end, this is alleviated by the fact that Vixen sits casually in his lap, facing him as the two converse with a fair amount of grinning and/or smiling.

Flare comes walking along the path, she might stand out a bit, then again she might not, given the number of redheads that seem to be in the city. The crimson-haired elf just seems to be out for a walk, her matching crimson outfit clinging to her body as she moves.

Despite his current position, or perhaps because of it, Leonard is aware of those passing them by on the footpath. One stabilizing hand is occassionally lifted to wave to those that regard the pair. Giggling children, peering elderly, mildly envious peers and even tall, crimson-clad elves are included amongst the wavees. Flare gets a wave and that draws her attention. She pauses to look at the two and cocks her head to the side, "Hello, do I know you?" she asks as she looks towards the one doing the waving.

Vixen seems largely unaware of the attention that she gets. The talk will be peppered as well with casual displays of affection, she keeping it might for the moment, despite Leo's compromising position. "I guess maybe you wanna get up now," she says suddenly, giving him a casual grin. "Or maybe not, but we should," she says before she vacates the man's lap, just as Flare comes to ask her question of him. Them? She reaches down, offering a hand for a help up. Small she is, but unusually strong, easily able to get Leo to his feet with her own braced. She looks towards Flare during that, considering the elf quietly.

"Not especially," Leonard grins to Vixen, "but you're right." He is also, as Vixen has noted in the past, a lightweight, and easily rises under their cooperative might. After a brief brush as his slightly soiled knees, his attention rises (and rises) to Flare with a pleasant smile. "Afternoon. Not sure that you do, and I'd think that I'd recall if we had met. How are you this fine day?"

Flare looks at the two of them as they are standing now, her eyes taking them in and she smiles, "I am doing well enough I think, just taking a walk, before trying to look for work again."

"Thing about this place is you meet a lot of people," Vixen puts in, letting Leo go once he's up. "I forget plenty of faces if I don't see them often enough." She grins casually and adds, "Vixen. You might have heard of me, might not. Depends if you use the radio a lot. I have a private broadcast. Most people tend to know me by voice rather than face at first."

Leonard nods with the ladies' words before offering his own introduction to Flare, placing a hand on Vixen's shoulder. "I'm Leonard, the adoring fan of both face and voice. Work might be plentiful here, or hard to come by, depending on what you do."

Flare nods a bit, "I am Flare." she says and shrugs a bit, "I am new to town, not sure if I have heard the broadcast or not." she adds, "I have been sequestered a bit, working on some things and it was time to get out and about again. Depending on what I do, or what is available?"

"I don't have the capital to hire," Vixen notes as she slips a finger into one of her coat pockets to draw out a simple, cheap business card. It'll have 'Vixen's View' across the top with a radio frequency and PO Box underneath that. "But I could always use more listeners if you wanna." She offers up the card casually. Letting Leo handle the employment talk.

"A combination of the two, really." Leonard notes after Vix offers her card and pitch. "There always seems to be call for the mercenary sort, even moreso now, unfortunately. If you're inclined to the paranormal or arcane, Vargus is establishing an investigative service of sorts, although it would be more an investment than steady work at this point." His shoulders roll slightly. "General labor and the like might be scarce, I'd think, with all the incoming refugess."

Flare nods and shrugs, "Well, can do a bit of mercenary stuff, can handle a hovercycle or motorcycle, good with a sword, cook a little, navigation and wilderness stuff, little mechanics too." she raises a brow after a moment, "Paranormal, like psychics?"

"Merc works is going to be big for a while," Vixen opines. "With the Coalition all over Tolkeen. Already been a swing up in the number of mercs around here. Passing through or looking for jobs." She shakes her head slightly. "Makes for a rougher town than normal." She glances out at the kids nearby, still playing their version of baseball. "But some things never change. Or they take a while to anyway."

Leonard chuckles as he follows Vixen's glance. "It's pleasant to see them out playing. So long as none try to follow us home." A nod to Flare follows. "I'd expect such things to be involved with VOS, on one or both sides of the coin. I'm far from an expert on mental abilities, but they could be of much use if you possess them, or a likely source of trouble if you've a knack for deciphering others who would use them to cause trouble." His smile dims as he displays a shared opinion with Vixen. "The Coalition is adept at causing problems, and therefor steady work for problem-solvers."

Flare shivers a bit visably at the mention of the Coalition and nods, "Probably best just to call me a merc, I do like to burn things up." she says and shakes her head a bit. she seems to be thinking a little.

Vixen comes to study Flare again as the two speak. Drawing a few threads together, her expression becomes a bit guarded and she shifts, stepping a little closer to Leonard and a touch away from Flare. "Are you one of those.. fire makers? That can, like, set themselves on fire and all that?" Her lips pursed, eyes fixed intently on the elf.

Leonard shifts his arm from her near shoulder to far as Vixen moves closer. A brow arches slightly in curiosity of the elven woman, but he has nothing immediate to add to the question already posed. As he noted, psychic abilities are not exactly his forte'. Flare nods, "Yes, I am a Burster." she says softly, "And no worries I have it under control most of the time." she says and smiles a bit.

"Most of the time.." Vixen frowns a little, even if it is a jest. "I'll just say this straight, chick, since I figure that's the polite route. I had a real bad experience with one like you before. Didn't have no control half the time. I try and not let it get to me, but staring death in the eye sockets ain't something you just get over. So don't take it personal how I act.. I don't really trust most that got mind powers, but.. Bursters, if that's what most call 'em.. I got even less usually."

Leonard's lifted brow now turns to Vixen, and her shoulder is given a slight squeeze. There is question in his eyes, but it doesn't make it to his lips. Instead, he gives Flare a nod. "I take it that you've also experienced the 'great' Prosek's fondness for all things unique." Her previous shiver did not go unnoticed, afterall, and his sarcasm implies his own opinion on the matter with some clarity.

Flare looks at Vixen and backs up a bit, her head shakes a little and her shoulders sink slightly, a resigned look crosses her face with a small sigh, "Don't worry about it, I get that reaction everywhere and eventually I have to move on." she shakes her head and glances at Leonard a bit of pain in her eyes, "I was born in the Chi-town Burbs."

Vixen frowns faintly. "Don't take it wrong.. don't mean I won't ever trust you. But.. it ain't really easy to get over that sort of thing. Takes time," she murmurs. She glances towards Leo, missing his questioning look of moments before she looks to Flare again. "You won't have to leave here. Lots of people around with mental powers. Just as long as you do got control like you said. This place ain't nothing like the fucking Coalition. Paradise by comparison cause here at least you can do what you want.. so long as you don't' go around blowing up the city."

"That is an understatement." Leonard actually brightens slightly, a slight smile returning. "A far cry from dirty streets and hunting packs under the looming shadow. Since you know them as well as I, if not moreso, and would like to use your gifts constructively..." He begins his own pitch to Flare. "There is a pending venture to assist Tolkeen in its struggle, if on a small scale. It is paying quite handsomely, as well, if you are interested."

Flare shakes her head, "I will be asked to leave eventually." she sighs, as if the words from Vixen a few moments before started her on a slightly downward spiral. She raises her eyes, a bit of a lost expression on her face. "Tolkeen, why not?" she says softly, "Prolong the inevitable."

Vixen quirks a brow. "I doubt it.. probably a few of your sort around here already. Can't say I travel in those circles, though. For obvious reasons." She shakes her head, looking towards Leo, considering him a moment before he considers Flare again. "Which inevitable? From what I hear, the Coalition ain't exactly steamrolling Tolkeen.Might be a pipedream to think so, but maybe those fucks will finally get the bloody nose that'll humble 'em."

Leonard nods once more, and firmly. "The people here are not as biased, Flare, and rather understanding, even if it might take time to prove yourself." The shoulder under his hand receives another soft squeeze. "There is much opportunity here, more than I ever expected. Nothing's inevitable unless you let it be."

Flare looks at Vixen, no, not Tolkeen, being asked to leave, over a dozen places now, always the same, half the time wasn't even my fault." she shakes her head, obviously she has some mental issues. She almost does seem to be glowing a little and looks to be stressed a bit. She shrugs, "I will do what I can to help, sorry, have had to be on my own for a long time, long time."

Vixen keeps an eye on Flare, her emotions mixed. But ultimately she says, Can't speak for that.. this place is what I know best. You'll be fine here." She then looks to Leo and leans into him. "I was gunna com find you and say. I'm gunna make my first trip today. To one of the nearby farms. Should be quick.. should be back by nightfall, but just in case I wanted you to know where I was."

"I don't have a card, but you can leave word on how you can be contacted there," Leonard motions to the card Flare was given, "or at the Golden Carafe. Any assistance is welcome." Vixen now consumes his full attention as his head turns to her and nods, "If you're not home by curfew, young lady, I'll come looking for you. Maybe I can get more things moved in the interim, also, since I'm cheap labor." Obvious jest and mirth aside, his concern is still present.

Flare nods and waves obviously taking it as a dismissal and she puts the card into a pocket and turns to start walking off, steaming a little, and not necessarily unliterally.

Vixen smirks faintly at Leo, then glances towards Flare. She's quiet for a moment before she says to Leo. "I should get going now.. I want to make good time so I can get hack before dark." She leans in a bit closer and kisses his cheek. "Maybe you can show her around." Head tilting towards Flare. "Talk more about the whole Tollkeen thing or something." She grins a little at him, then draws away lightly, looking towards Flare. "Besides, someone has to look after him a bit. Make sure he doesn't' get into trouble again." The words given without a hint of negativity.

Leonard grins broadly at Vixen in return. "Do your stuff, and be safe... babe. I'll save my trouble for when you get back." His brow quirks slightly at her suggestion, but he simply chuckles. "A walk can't hurt, since my run was cut a little short." Now a glance is also directed to Flare. "Assuming you'd care for a tour, of course."

Flare shakes her head a bit, "Thank you for the offer, I just need to go." she says and dips her head and then continues on her way, needing time to simmer and cool.

Vixen purses her lips slightly as Flare moves off. She waits a few moments before looking back to Leo. "I wonder if they're all hot like that," she murmurs lowly. "That guy.. he just really lost it once before. Hot headed gets a whole new meaning when you can flare up like that with a thought. If you do take her with you, best to keep an eye. Until you know what her boundaries are." There is concern in Vixen's expression as she regards Leo.

You paged Tiamat with 'Vixen purses her lips slightly as Flare moves off. She waits a few moments before looking back to Leo. "I wonder if they're all hot like that," she murmurs lowly. "That guy.. he just really lost it once before. Hot headed gets a whole new meaning when you can flare up like that with a thought. If you do take her with you, best to keep an eye. Until you know what her boundaries are." There is concern in Vixen's expression as she regards Leo.'

Leonard nods, grin softening. "I will be all manner of careful, Vix. Staying as far out of the line of fire as possible is always the plan. You need not worry about me standing too close." The grin flares back up for a moment. "I should also see if there are any grizzled, bearded, rifle-toting mercs who might be interested, as well. Not only are they easier to hide behind, but I wouldn't want you to think that my recruiting is... biased."

"I'm trusting you, Leo." Vixen murmurs. "Besides, kid of hard to get it up when you're being shot at." Her tone lightly teasing. She finds his hand again with her own and gives his a soft squeeze. "Ain't nothing wrong with hiding behind the big guys either. I do it all the time." She winks then and draws back, fingers slowly pulling from his as she turns to go.

"I know," Leonard's words are much softer, now, and without the prior wry coloring, "and I plan to prove you right for it, too." As she releases him, he can't help but return the tease, "I'm sure all those big guys love it when you do, too."