Dec 05 09:38:34 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sat Dec 05 09:38:34 105 PA.

The park is darker, as the fogs moves in. Most people are making their way home, but one figure makes its way into the park. Dressed in old workout clothes, Aimee has her curls tied up into a ponytail and she begins to stretch out her muscles, her face thoughtful.

Recently, Des has been a bit overbearing with Aimee. Well, more than a bit. Passionately protective, especially after dark. An odd mix of there and not there, meeting her often to escort her here or there mingling with his often going out in full kit to, as he describes it, patrol the city. No surprise then, when mere moments after Aimee comes into the park, Desmond will enter. His expression drawn into a firm mask, eyes flicking to and fro as he enters, searching out his wayward betrothed.

The wayward betrothed is done with stretching and begins to run in earnest, desperate for some exercise outside of the eagle eye of her bodyguard. The ponytail bobs as she stretches out her legs, lengthening her stride, as she covers the ground. Her lips curve with the pleasure of the run, the adrenaline flowing through her body, as she turns her face into the breeze, ignoring the fog as it dims the world around her.

Desmond catches upon Aimee's form just a few moments after she starts running, as she's moving around the soft bend of the path she chooses. His expression firms slightly and he pursues. Not too hastily, but quick enough that she'll soon hear the low sound of his weapons tapping against his armor as he closes up behind her. He'll close in steadily and, as he's starting to near to her side he will rumble to her, "This place is dangerous.. you should not be here alone." His head turned slightly towards her at the tail end. His tone firm on the subject, ears perked to keep an aural fix on the surroundings.

She hears his approach, the smile fading and look of frustration crossing her features before she schools them as he reaches her. She doesn't stop running, in fact increasing her pace slightly. "Oui, what will happen will happen. I am not stopping my life simply because there is fog." Her words are a little breathless as she runs, the cooling air causing her breath to puff out in a small fog of its own. The ponytail's bobbing becomes irritated.

Desmond frowns faintly. He'll match her pace, even as she picks it up just a bit, emitting a soft huff before his own response. "You would be cross at me for being so careless as that," he replies. "It is not just fog.. you have heard what is happening. And it is not just that.. I told you that there was a deadly battle in the graveyard. This place is acutely dangerous, should the dark forces return." That night, not too long ago, he'd gone out to fight in defense of the city when the call went out.. in defense of her, he told her, just after giving her his C-18 and going out into the night. Returning hours later unscathed.

"I heard." She replies softly, coming to a halt, resting a hand on her waist as she turns to face him. The temper flaring in her eyes is a familiar sign to him, as is the raised colour in her cheeks. "And oui, you risk your life all the time, going out to fight when you need not, when others might. And I am not to run? Non, mon chat, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for this gander." Her chin lifts slightly, defiance.

Desmond comes to a steady pause when she does, turning to face her. His expression remains firm.. standing up against that fire. Warm.. and burning. There is a flicker of bemusement at the expression she ends on, but the brief flicker is pushed beyond a moment later as he replies. "You can run.. but not here." Words that, by his tone, are set in stone. "This place has its own fighting force, I know this, but if something comes that leads them to call upon those who live here to fight.. it suggests the fight is no small battle that can be ignored. I have not fought many times when I could have. I do not confront danger lightly, as you are now. Only when there is a need.. most especially when it involves you. It did then, it does now."

"Non, I see no danger here. Look, it is empty, apart from us." She shrugs, stubbornly turning to run again, her lips tightened. "And non, there is nowhere to run but here, in the air." She ignores the rest of his speech, but the flash of the temper in her eyes suggests it made its mark and her pace is fast, away from the gates.

Desmond breathes out a low sigh as he resumes his pursuit, a tinge of frustration touching his voice as he responds in that firm tone. "I am sure no danger was seen that night as well, until the green crystal came down and formed what it did." He never did actually explain just what he fought that night, giving it no form to imagine. "Perhaps some mourners were there that night. No doubt killed by the creature. Surely others who have been effected by the fog saw no danger.. but it comes, seen or not. Is it so great a sacrifice to run in the Gym for a short while?"

"Oui! It is!" She stops again, turning on him at the suggestion with a raised voice. "And with you tailing me every time I move, oui, I wish for a little peace, some space..." She throws up her hands into the air, a gaelic movement he would have seen before, frustration and temper. "Perhaps I take a risk but, mon chat, I need some space, some time, and I need to run!" She shakes her head, hands on her hips, her green eyes flaring with temper.

Desmond comes up short as she stops again, meeting her next heated response with that same firm expression. Though there is thought behind his own blues. Fixed on her as he considers her words. And his own. They close and be breathes out a low, deep breath. "It is mine to protect you, Aimee. As much as I love you, I can do no less." He steps forward slowly, closing the distance just a bit, though he doesn't reach out to her. "I have heard much on this that I have not spoken to you.. much that makes me fear what might come. What happens now." He pauses for a moment, considering for a flicker before he adds, "It leads me to consider that we may have to leave this place or perish."

"I am not leaving. I am going to have my run." The stubborn set to her jaw is matching the glint in her eyes. "If you do not tell me everything, oui, I shall think of what I know, and what I know does not make me afraid to run, like a chicken little that screams the sky is falling." She impatiently brushes the curls back from her face, forcing them to join the others in the band. "I do not want to be chased here and there, like a stupid child who needs looking after. Non." She folds her arms across her chest, taking a deep breath after the little speech.

Desmond stares at Aimee for a few moments before he starts to talk again. His voice low, as if he does not wish to have some unseen observer hear his words. "There is talk that this is just the beginning. Those connected to things magical have seen that the enemy that fought us that night is more vast than one can imagine. Limitless.. and the military here is anything but limitless. If such is true, the battle that night was just a feint. A testing jab.. toying." He frowns, as if displeased on some internal level by the things he speaks of. "Nor did I tell you that we did not actually beat the beast we fought that night. It was.. turned off by whatever controlled it. Thus I am not sure that what we did was killing it. It was an abomination.. made up of the corpses of the dead, wrapped about a green crystal. I am certain that the dark forces will return. And I am not confident that this city will withstand a full onslaught. We should make plans, Aimee. Plans, should this prove true, to leave this place upon a moment's notice." And in that he is utterly serious.

She listens. Her face pales slowly as he speaks, as his words are listened to. Her folded arms become a hug around her own waist as she listens, her body moving from fury to calm, to fear as he talks. "That, a test? Non, nothing is that big." A thought, crossing her face, is spoken aloud on the instant. "Is it the CS? Do they do this?" Her teeth capture her lower lip, her face revealing, now more than ever, her age and lack of years. "No, Desmond, you are trying to frighten me." The lack of belief in those words reveal that she does not believe them herself, and the white face at the final statement is matched with frightened green eyes. "Perhaps we should leave now, before these things come, non?"

"The beast stank of dark magic.. the Coalition is many things, but they do not touch magic," Desmond replies steadily. He moves closer to her and lifts a hand, ever so careful with armored fingers to touch her hair. A movement that is instinctive to him, despite that he cannot feel it in the now. "We will not leave yet.. we could be wrong.. I hope that it is not as I think it is. But we should be prepared." A pause, then a softer, "I am sorry to have been as I am as of late. But.. there are many threats worse than what has come before. I honestly hope that all I try to do to protect you is for naught, but I do not wish to take a chance. Were this simply as before.. common dangers, I would not be so concerned. But the fog.. it seems to fill some with madness, it is said. And with the danger of another attack.." He lets his words trail off there.

She moves into the touch, glancing around herself at the incoming fog despite herself. "I think, mon chat, you have to trust me with truths, instead of telling me nothing as a child." The words aren't firm, or loud, but her eyes and gaze remains steady on his face. "But oui, we should be ready, just in case." The admission seems to cost something and her shoulders slump. "Mon chat, let's go home." The words are matched with an arm moving to encircle his waist, and her turn towards the gates. "I think, ... a beer and some food. And planning. Non?"

Desmond nods his head once. "I am sorry.. my need to guard you is strong. It is hard to deny it sway." His hand lifts and he moves next to her, slipping an arm over her shoulder slowly. "We will cook and speak as we eat," he agrees as he starts to guide her back towards the streets. His attention lifting outward again as a thought comes to him and he wonders, "Have you armor, Aimee? I know you are not one for battle, but.. sometimes it comes to you despite all else. I think it is time that we be sure you are ready."

She nods slowly, snuggling against his side. "I have some, but it is in the back of a cupboard, mon chat." A hint of humour in the green eyes, and the corner of her mouth quirks. She reaches up, pulling her hair band from her hair with her free hand. "I think steak for you, mon chat, and I need a drink, oui. Mon chat, tell me next time. Tell me everything, so I can decide things for myself." She glances sidelong at him as she walks beside him, arm curled around his waist.

Desmond nods his head slowly. "I will.. I just.. did not wish you to despair.. not yet. I do not wish to leave this place.. we have much we can build here. But if it comes down to we and this place.. I will chose you and I. What I would ask of you is to bring out your armor. And weapons you own. Make sure it is functional and place it where you can get to it quickly. And gather together a bag of possessions that you can take up quickly, should we need to leave this place. Not too heavy, for if worse comes to worse, will will have to move quickly and the wilds is not a proper place to be weighed down." His tone is gentle in speaking of such a grave topic as this.

She sighs heavily, her shoulders slumping again, the smile and humour vanishing. "Yes." The word, unusual from her, perhaps reflects the seriousness of the situation. "I can do this, and perhaps I will fight also, mon chat, you never know." The black humour arises once more. "I do not despair at a fight, remember..." The sidelong glance holds another type of heat, and the smile turns inviting, teasing a little.

Desmond receives her words with a softening of his expression. Letting just a bit of the seriousness go. "I know you will fight, Aimee," he rumbles lowly. "I hope you will not take it wrong if I say that I hope you never have to. Many speak of the glories of war.. few speak of the price. One I would hope you will never pay. Don't think, when I seek to guard you, that I belittle your courage. I know of it deeply."

She turns, walking backwards to face him, her face becoming serious, "Mon chat, we fight in our own way. Perhaps we need to keep people's courage up, and cheer them." She stops in her tracks, tilting her head a little. "Maybe a show of sorts, to lift their hearts?" She gives him a questioning look, lifting one arching eyebrow. Desmond furrows his brow as she shifts a head of him and poses such a thing. Obviously it is something that doesn't sink into his consciousness with ease. "Yes.. morale is important," Desmond allows thoughtfully. Then a thought sparks and he rumbles, "There is a man I have seen.. Cassius. A performer, he says he is. He has tried to do the same before. I do not think I would do well in assisting in such things, but perhaps he would have ideas to share." She nods slowly, her face becoming thoughtful. "I may find him, and see if perhaps we could have ..." She grins then, the mischief lighting up her face, making green eyes glow in a way Desmond would recognise. Trouble. "A talent contest, perhaps a showing, to make people laugh and have a little fun. Held inside, to hide from the fog. Perhaps at Moes?" She laughs then, the idea lighting up her face.

Desmond cants his head slightly as he considers the idea. "It seems a proper sort of thing to do. I am not sure where would be a proper place, but the idea seems sound. Even if it only touches a few, it will give aid. And now is a time when some positive thoughts can help considerably." He nods and offers, "He is not hard to miss if he is performing. He wears a very colorful outfit in such case."

Aimee grins then, the mischief in her face obvious as she turns towards the park gates, stepping quickly. "Where else? There must be a place, inside for safety, but..." She shrugs as she talks, her hands moving to express her feelings. "I will find him, perhaps he will have an idea. Picnics in the park is not so friendly, not with the fog..."

Desmond follows along in Aimee's wake, a soft sense of pleasure showing in his expression as he observes her. "I directed him to not try and perform here as well. I suggested to him the plaza, just outside where the military is patroling. But yes, I think you both could have much to speak of," he agrees. "And if you would need any help from myself, then do not hesitate to ask. Though I am not so sure of what help I could provide."

Aimee nods, the suggestion meeting with approval in her face. "Oui, that is a good idea. I will find him, and then we can do things, to make people laugh. I might not, a little, be a fighter with swords and magic, but oui, I can make people's hearts sing, and he can make them laugh." She nods firmly, her eyebrows drawing together.

Desmond dips his head in response to Aimee's words, showing no disagreement with her assertion. "So it is. Not all battle is that of blade and bullet." He moves up behind Aimee, gently placing his hands on her shoulders, without grip. His mind turns towards another topic then and he mentions, "There is a deli I discovered not too far from our home. I bought some new steaks from them.. to try. And there was a curious female working there. With a goal not unlike Kesslan."

Aimee tilts her head, curiousity showing briefly in her face, with something else. "A goal like Kesslan?" She replies questioningly as she turns into the light touch on her shoulders, her face tilted up to his. "A deli, but that is lovely. I think, me, any food that is not just lumps of meat will be a nice change." There is definite teasing, now, in her face and eyes. "And perhaps Kesslan could come to dinner. It would be nice to see him, to spend time with him."

Desmond nods his head to Aimee's words as she speaks. The two are walking towards the entrance of the p ark, Desmond behind with his hands lightly resting on Aimee's shoulders. It's dark and the fog is here. And though Desmond talks with her casually enough, his ears are perked and flicking back and forth alertly. keeping tabs on the sounds around him. "Yes, she speaks of a place to the north and seeking weapons and knowledge. I did not speak with her in great detail on the subject, but I did express an interest to know more.. and suggested I might introduce her to Kesslan. If the two have similar paths, they might do better together than apart."

A shadow flits across Aimee's features at the words, but she smiles, bright and fierce. "Oui, perhaps." She replies, turning her head away to look around the shadowed park, straining to see beyond the fog. "Me, I dislike this fog. It makes all things look so creepy." A mock shudder, and the change of topic is not too obvious. "I should go to work soon, I have the late shift, and it is not good to be late."

Vargus slides into the part from the market square, stopping a bit by the worn path nexus by the front gates. He turns to the big eagle perched on his shoulder, "Is it me or does the fog seem thicker in the park?" The bird chitters a little, sounding a little imperial in tone, even if it isn't speaking. Vargus chuckles. "Okay, professor, air currents and heat patterns.. I get it, I get it. How's your radar in this stuff, anyway?" The bird makes another little sound. "Good. Keep an eye out, eh?" A standard eagle-sounding cry in the affirmative as the bit bird spreads it's wings with a faint metalic wrasp and leaps from its perch to take flight.

Desmond nods his head once and comes to a pause as they near to the entrance of the park. His fingers squeezing softly on her shoulders before he slowly relaxes them. "I think, perhaps, you shall be fine this night in going," he rumbles lowly, his eyes fixed towards her. "The military is patrolling. And you know what this all means.." His expression a bit tense, as if saying so takes some effort. "I will see you tonight.. and we shall talk at length. Make our plans." The sound of the eagle's cry gets his attention then, ears flicking towards the sound even as his eyes lift.

Aimee offers her face to Desmond, silently demanding a kiss, "Oui, I shall see you tonight, and get my armour, and my gun, and pack a little. Just in case." The words are recited in a singsong voice, teasingly. "We will plan, mon chat, and you will tell me everything, oui?" The sound of the eagle's cry draws her attention and she glances around, with a small frown, before she turns to leave the park.

Vargus watches Aimee depart and tracks her path back to spy Desmond a little ways from the park entrance, where he currently is standing. He moves over to the big cat and inclines his head. "She had an odd way of talking... we I will see you tonight... tell me everything we. That's strange."

Desmond will give Aimee the kiss she demands before she goes, spying Vargus as the source of the sound before. Relaxing somewhat in that, letting himself watch the young woman as she departs. There is little mistaking the allure she holds for the big feline. He blinks and shifts his attention to Vargus after she is gone, absorbing the man's words. "We all have out ways of speaking," he rumbles in reply, inclining his own head in greeting gesture. "It becomes clearer when she is angry."

Vargus turns to where the woman disappeared into the fog and then looks back to Desmond, "I'll keep that in mind. Anything that'll give you pause, I'll have to keep an eye on." he reaches an arm over the opposite shoulder and stretches a bit, causing his back to crack, then rights himself. "Anything new, exciting or strange going on?"

Desmond arches a brow slightly at Vargus' response, musing the man quietly for a few moments before he says, "She is a compelling woman. She and I are to be joined, though now is hardly a proper time for such things. Too many.. distractions." he rumbles, expression firming slightly as he glances back deeper into the park. Towards the unseen graveyard. "Nothing prominent yet. Which is good.. perhaps the dark force that tested us will find us not enough a challenge and turn its sight elsewhere."

A smile takes over Vargus' face and he bows his head to Desmond, "That's fantastic... congratualtions. It's nice to hear that something good has come out of these strange times." He looks up into the fog at an odd swirling about fifty feet up, or so. "Steelwind and I have been keeping tabs on the graveyard of late. Not much activity there at all. Some people visiting the graves, but nothing untoward, that we have seen."

"And I have been watching the city proper," Desmond rumbles. "There have been some incidents.. due to the fog, but nothing overt. It is curious how the fog will effect some.. and not others. I have held concern what might occur if it were to effect me, but I have yet to feel anything different." He examines Vargus as he wonders, "You have felt nothing?"

With his robe pulled closed against the chill and the fog, Joachim is walking slowly, with more than a bit of uncertainty. With his knapsack slung loosely over his shoulder, he come to the gate of the park. Trying to work out where he is, he moves through the gate at a crawl before hearing the voices. With a little hesitation, he starts moving towards them clumsily, stopping when he starts making out some the shadows of shapes.

Vargus takes his time in answering, and seems a little embarrassed, "Ahh, well... there was that vision. And the nightmares. But they started before the fog rolled in, I think." He pauses to consider. "Yeah, just a day or so before it appeared. Although that whole week was pretty hazy, I wasn't getting much sleep at all." Folding his arms across his chest he pauses again. "Actually, I think whatever it was broke when that thing attacked you from the graveyard. It's strange, I've never been affected by anything like that before. I've seen some pretty bizzare things. Stuff that really should not exist.. and my mental endurance has held out. Maybe this thing targeted me directly? Hard to say why.. but..." He trails off as someone approaches from the fog. "Ho there, man... fog's a bit thicker here in the park." said to Joachim as he gets closer.

Desmond nods his head once to Vargus as he speaks. The two are standing near to the entrance of the park on this dark and foggy day. That scary, unnatural fog that's been lingering about as of late, every night. His ears perk mid some of Vargus' last words, flicking in Joachim's direction as he hears the imprecise steps taken by the man moments before Vargus hails him. The big feline turns slightly, facing in the newcomers direction, though showing no outward aggression beyond. For now holding his tongue.

Still unable to make much out through the fog, Joachim responds hesitantly to the voices, "...Park?" Another hesitation follows, before an audible sigh is heard. "Oh, I got all the way over there?" Still unable to really see anybody, he takes a few more halting steps toward the two figures, until he's close enough to at least see the shapes clearly. "Sorry to bother you..."

Right, so perhaps someone has clued Valerie in to the fact that all the cool cats hang out in the park when it's all foggy and scary. Either way, into the park she goes, striding down a pathway, fairly well shielded from the moisture in the air by her big, ugly coat. A thick layer of drops cling to her shoulders and back, and she's on guard as she, well, makes her way further into the park and all that. Yeah.

Vargus shakes his head and raises his voice so it is easier to zero in on in the dark. "No bother at all, it's a public place. Just gotta watch where you're going, eh? Maybe hang out and wait for the fog to clear a little."

Desmond considers Joachim quietly as he speaks and Vargus responds. A tick later rumbling in his 'r' rolling basso profundo, "You are new here, yes? The park is a place to be careful of in the now. Recent dangers were fought not too far from here, in the graveyard. Entry is not barred, but in the now it would behoove you to watch yourself at all times and not let your guard drop." Preaching that he openly practices, given the hardware hanging off his large frame.

As Joachim starts being able to see the two better, he gets a little bit more reserved, looking back and forth between insectoid and feline-ish. He manages an "Oh…" before hesitating a moment, and rallying, "When you say 'dangers,' you mean..?"

Yes, ahem, Valerie totally hears all those voices, and being a curious sort she heads for them instead of going further into the park or anything like that. Voices becoming clearer, and her footsteps becoming more audible and all that. She isn't particularly stealthy.

Vargus nods his chitinous head to Joachim, "Well.. of late, big nasty undead things. But, from what Desmond has said, there's been other odd things assaulting the city, or taking pot-shots from within it. Vampires, monsters in some lake somewhere, thinks in the junkyard.." he looks to Desmond, "Still want to look into that at some point. I know everyone just says 'keep away' but, it intrigues me. And my curiosity is my tragic flaw." he smirks and gives him a wink.

Desmond flicks his ears towards another soft sign of approach, his head turning in Valerie's direction mutely as the two speak. Though as Vargus notes other things, he rumbles, "THe vampires are dead or driven away.. that was merely a prudent mention. In the now, vampires are not an acute danger." He glances at Vargus briefly and shakes his head slightly. "I know not what you speak of about danger in the junkyard, but I have heard rumors it is generally dangerous." But after that, he's looking in Valerie's direction again.

Joachim frowns to himself, and looks slightly uncomfortable at the situation at large. As the noises coming from behind him get loud enough for Joachim to here, he takes a few steps to the side, considering. "Were the vampires the undead y'were talking about, or are there any others?" Directing his question chiefly to Vargus, he continues shifting his gaze back and forth between the two.

"Vampires?" Valerie asks inquisitively before she gets within proper view, looking more like a blurry shadow. Sure, some people might wait until they're actually close not to see the other people's faces before they ask something like that, or maybe even start out with a friendly 'hi' or something, but no. She does step fully into view a moment or two later, however, and walks up to the three as she looks them over. Vampires!

Vargus shakes his head to Joachim, then motions to Desmond. "He was there, and could give you a better explanation of what happened. But, from what I heard there was a big animated construct formed of corpses or something that rose from the graveyard." He motions toward the back of the park. "And attacked. Was beaten down, though."

Desmond acknowledges Valerie once she gets close enough with a slight dip of his head a moment after she comes into clearer view, though the sudden emphasis on vampires gives the big male pause, a subtle frown coming to him. "There were no vampires in the recent attack. It was.. an abomination made of corpses." His eyes flicking to Joachim. "One that could fling forth bone spikes that can damage modern armor. I'm not sure what attacked in other places, but I have heard nothing of vampires. The vampires were making trouble in the dregs a few months ago. I was amongst those that drove them off."

Joachim turns to Desmond at Vargus' prompting, listening intently to what he has to say before sighing. "I just got a bit held up in the…" he hesitates briefly, "Dregs. Didn't mean to be out quite this late, an' then this fog came down before I could get back to the gates." He seems a little bit more upset about this fact than all the talk of vampires and undead corpse-monsters. Ignoring Valerie to this point, he simply waves a hand before sliding into thought.

Valerie briefly crinkles her nose in distaste. Abominations are icky. "Vampires have a way of returning when you least expect it," she offers. "But I suppose it's not a given they're involved." She studies Joachim more carefully as she steps up to the group.

Vargus frows a little as the group sits around talking in the dark and foggy park. He intones a quick, short phrase and a ball of bright red light appears in his hand which it tossed up into the air casually where it hangs suspended, illuminating those in conversation. He looks to Desmond, "Atticus and I got some information out of the Guild on that crystal you found. Need to go over some stuff with him before we let anything out, just in case."

"Which is why I asked Vargus and some others to alert me should anything be noted of more," Desmond agrees, looking to Valerie. "In the now nothing is a given. If any of you see something unusual.. questionable, do not hesitate to tell me. There are those I can give information to, who look to defend this city." He pauses as Vargus tosses up the light, his eyes flicking up towards it briefly before the man's words draw his attention. "Very well. If he would like to meet on such, he need only tell me when. It is good, at least, that the magic guild has done something rather than nothing."

As the ball of light pops into existence, Joachim's mouth makes a hard line. His expression remains somewhat grim as he finally gets a decent look at everybody in the circle. After a further moment's inspection, his gaze drops to the ground as he apparently gets lost in thought.

Valerie allows her eyes to wander from Joachim to the luminous ball, and from that to Desmond where they remain for the time being. She stares mildly at the fearsome kitty. "*What* is unusual in this place?" She sounds sincere enough, too, and clearly awaits an answer.

Vargus scoffs and mumbles under his breath and nods to Desmond. "Well, we had to basically bribe a guild member with a mystery before anyone would even pay us any attention. I think if this entirty of Kingsdale was obliterated, they would just retreat into their Monolith and come out to sift for interesting bits in the ashes." He grins at Valerie. "You have your normal amount of strange, and then you have your extreme allocation of strange. Just takes a bit to get use to the norm so you can see what stands out."

Desmond looks at Valerie at her question. His light, thoughtful frown lingering. "It is true, many strange things seem to happen here," he allows. Vargus' words bring a decidedly displeased edge to Desmond's frown. "Good to know where they stand then, even if it is not with us." As he mulls this over, his eyes move to Joachim. After considering the quiet fellow for a moment he asks him, "You are troubled? If so, speak it. There is no promise of satisfaction, but all things are possible."

Joachim initially seems oblivious that he's being spoken to, several seconds passing before he snaps back, taking another moment to replay in his mind what had been said. "Oh, uh, it's nothing, really," he gives a sincere smile, before continuing, "Just thinking about something that happened earlier, 'sall." The smile lingers on his lips as he says, "So somethin' like this's always going on over here, hu-uh?"

Valerie nods slowly in response to Vargus and Desmond; she apparently accepts that answer, and so she focuses on Vargus instead. "Where is your charming friend?" She watches him carefully. Not that it'd be easy to read his face, posture or anything else.

Vargus's head tilts slightly to the side and he points in a seemingly random direction. "He's up there, just keeping watch. He's got some built-in sensors that makes a silent eye in the sky like him perfect in fog or other visually obscuring situations." He looks to Joachim, "Well... two ley lines streak through the town, and we've got a nexus point about two miles that-a-way." he motions off in one direction. "So, we have a fair number of odd things happening around here."

Desmond nods his head once to Joachim. "As you say, then." His attention shifts back to Valerie, then to Vargus at the talk between them. Catching on to who is being referenced with a slight note of dawning in his eyes. After those quiet moments, he rumbles in a general sense, "Many odd things have happened, yes. Though most tend to be relatively minor. But in the now we are besieged, in a manner of speaking." His eyes flick to Valerie and Joachim in particular as he adds, "Dangerous times could be ahead. You would both do well to be prepared at all times for another attack. That includes being armed and armored to face combat."

Joachim nods slightly, effusing confidence, before saying, "I'm afraid they took my guns at the gates, though I'll do what I can to stay alive." He nods to himself a little bit before saying, "Any chance you could ah, point me in the direction of the gate, actually? I should probably get to setting up camp pretty soon, or I'll be up all night."

Valerie accepts the answer with a silent nod, but she looks vaguely disappointed as well. Desmond's statement draws her attention, and the subject is important enough to draw her out of her forget her disappointment regarding the metallic avian. "You speak of arms and armor such as that you posses, do you not?" She looks Desmond up and down, taking in all of his happy-fun arsenal once more. "I have no such weaponry, nor do I currently have the money to purchase it, or even the knowledge of how to operate such things." If she had a pair of neat kitty ears like Desmond, they'd no doubt be drooping right now; she does sound rather displeased about the whole situation, she does.

Desmond looks to Joachim and nods once. "You might consider purchasing a pistol to carry within the city. And some manner of melee weapon, if you are trained with such things. as to the gates, you need only exit the park and follow the road north." One arm lifting, indicating the proper direction out before sweeping to indicate north. Done with the casual familiarity of one who has been here for a time. He then looks to Valerie and considers the young woman and her answer. "I see. This is a troublesome thing then, but in the now it would be safest if you were to stick to the streets, better patrolled by Kingsdale's military. How did you come to arrive here without some means of defense? You have not been in the city long, yes?"

Joachim just nods, "Thank you. It was nice meeting all of you, maybe I'll be seein' y'all around, when it's not quite so dark and spooky, huh?" With a genuine smile, and a wave to everybody, he begins walking out to try and work his way to the city gates.

"I have largely avoided combat," Valerie claims calmly. "I saw some battles on my way here, but I did what I could to avoid them." She pauses and offers Joachim a nod. Then: Back to the kitty! "You are right. I have been here a little over a week. I initially stayed in the Dregs." She keeps an eye on Joachim as he departs, however.

Desmond dips his head towards Joachim and rumbles, "Take care and be alert." Words of parting given, he looks to Valerie and muses her words quietly for a few moments. "You are lucky then. Both in coming here and in residing within the Dregs without incident. It is unfortunate, however, that you are without arms or armor as well as the means to purchase such things."

Valerie frowns in response, but obviously doesn't give up so easily. "How can I get such weapons?" she asks instead, once more assuming that Desmond is aware of, and is willing to part with, such knowledge.

Vargus cocks his head to the side at Valerie, "You don't carry any weapons on you at all? You a mage? Or a psi? How do you make it out of your apartment and past breakfast?"

"You buy them," Desmond tells Valerie. "There is a company, NTI, which made the armor I wear." His hand lifts to touch his chest. "And there is a business to the south on Main street, not far from the Dregs, called The Gunnery. They sell a multitude of firearms, as does NTI. The stronger the weapon, the more expensive it is."

Valerie sends Vargus a quick glare. "Of course I have weapons. Weapon. My bow broke, but it didn't appear to do much good either." A source of frustration, apparently. "How much does such a weapon cost?" she asks, once more looking at the armory cat. "Just the small one." She indicates Desmond's pistol. She seems to think small means less powerful, it'd seem.

Vargus nods a little, seeing he's touched a sore subject with Valerie. "Can get some really great weapons for not much scratch." He pats the pistol holster at his hip, "This thing was only fifteen kay. NG-45 long pistol. Hits like a rifle, and has a great range. Only eight shots, though. Can find other things for cheaper, if you just want a solid sidearm."

Desmond glances down towards his holstered pistol and pulls it out of the holster smoothly. "This is a Wilks 227 Pulse Pistol. A good, relatively inexpensive weapon," he rumbles. "Small, but with good power and payload. It cost about 18,000 credits. The energy clips a bit extra." He casually flips it around to hold it between his fingers, that Valerie can get a look at the sleek, black weapon. "You said you had a bow? There are explosive and other specialty arrows that can be purchased for such a weapon.. though I don't recall just how much they cost."

Valerie looks from Vargus' holstered weapon to Desmond's pistol. "Eighteen thousand credits?" she asks in a somewhat shocked tone. Some quick mental math no doubt tells her that she'd be cutting meat at the deli for a very long time if she's to afford something like that. Her eyes continue to linger on Desmond's pistol, and her fingers flex with a desire to hold the thing, but she stays good. No attempted gun fondling.

Vargus oooos softly as Desmond wips his out. "Man, but does Wilk's make some damn-fine hardware. I've got a 557 pulse rifle locked up at home. Not quite as powerful as the 457, but... I think it's a better-looking weapon." He smirks a little, then checks the display on his wrist. "Ahhh, damn. Time got away from me. Need to get going." He turns and gives the pair a wave, "Catch up to you cats on the flipside..." he chuckles a little to himself and makes his way out of the park.

"I am faster than you," Desmond tells Valerie as he flips the gun about gain, held by the barrel to offer her the butt. "Keep this in mind." No overt accusation, but a firmly spoken note. Vargus' observation of Wilks hardware is acknowledged with a nod. "As well, I prefer lasers. Utterly silent, unless you want them to be louder," he rumbles. Only casually glancing towards Vargus briefly as he goes before his eyes return to Valerie.

Valerie arches a brow at Desmond when he offers her that reminder. She lets it pass as he also offers that totally bitching little pistol thing. She accepts it carefully, and holds the device... well, it'd be nice to say she could pull off a Dirty Harry or something equally awe inspiring, but she actually looks rather awkward with the weapon in her hands. She turns it this way and that, peering into the barrel before she asks, "You just push here?" and indicates the trigger.

Desmond nods his head once, motioning for her to come closer. The big feline will dip to a knee, his eyes sweeping the area slowly. A nearby crater has a largish rock at the edge of it's rim and he will point towards it. "Stand here, take aim at that stone, but do not yet pull the trigger. Let me see your stance and form." He looks back to her and states, "Shooting starts with basics.. how you stand, how you hold the weapon. But in the heat of combat, textbook stance and posture will only serve so well before it must become natural and fluid."

Valerie places her left foot ahead of the other, and holds out the pistol clumsily in both hands. Her back is straight, and her eyes are locked on the rock. It's more of a slightly modified archer's stance than a proper gunfighter posture, but them's the breaks. "Now I shoot it?" she asks. Impatient little thing, isn't she?

"Not yet.." Desmond takes liberties in adjusting her posture, armored fingers giving firm little nudges here and there as he speaks. "Don't tense up, one must be fluid in battle. Prepared to move and respond to changing situations. Grip the weapon with your dominant hand about the grip.. like this." He guides her other hand as he describes, "Your other hand can be used to steady, cupped beneath the first.. like this. This gun has no recoil, so you need not brace for that. Another benefit of lasers." Are you comfortable in this posture?"

Valerie crinkles her nose a little when Desmond nudges her here and there, but she doesn't complain about that either. She shifts the pistol into her right hand, and breathes calmly for a few moments before she nods. "Yes, I am comfortable. Do I shoot it now?" Always with the shooting! No patience, this one has!

Desmond nods his head once. "You may fire. Aim along the barrel of the gun. Squeeze, do not yank the trigger." And with those two pointers, he will lean back slightly and let her shoot, gazing at her quietly to get a sense for how she will shoot at the stationary target. As he did say, the laser has no kick and makes no sound. Only a single pulse of focused light will fire from the weapon when the trigger is pulled.

Valerie aims reeeaaaally carefully, breathing calmly before she suddenly squeezes the trigger. The ray of light goes over the boulder, however, by several inches. Even though she didn't hit the target, Valerie seems absolutely thrilled, letting out a pleased, silvery laugh. "Can I try again?" she asks in an eager, giddy tone, apparently having found a new favorite toy.

Desmond nods his head once. "Very well, though I will give a warning.. take care attempting to fire a weapon such as this until you have gained formal training. It could be dangerous to those you fight with to fire without skill." His tone one of common sense, rather than anything more patronizing. "Try again. Draw a breath, half release it, then aim and fire."

Valerie aims carefully again. Well, as carefully as she can while being all hopped up on adrenaline. The next shot slams into the ground not far in front of the boulder, but she lets off a third shot a moment later, and this one hits, no doubt doing horrible things to the poor, defenseless rock. She lets out a cheer and stares fondly down at the pistol. "I can see why it's so expensive. It's worth it." She reluctantly offers the pistol to Desmond, palm up.

Desmond watches her fire quietly, giving a slight nod of his head now and then, whilst letting her sate her curiosity after the weapon. Both the dirt and the stone get a nice, meaty hole bored into them by the laser. When she offers it back to him, he takes the weapon, checks it with a glance, then slides it back into the holster with a casual movement. He stands then and rumbles, "They are required in a time when so many threats present themselves and are all but invulnerable to most normal weapons." He pauses, considering Valerie for a moment. "Where are you from? Do weapons such as these exist where you are from?"

Valerie frowns faintly as she thinks it over. "We know about them. I've been told stories before, and we see the big metal me... robots and wagons. I want to bring some with me when I finally return home," she explains earnestly. Something about those happy-fun weapons seems to get her to drop her guard somewhat. "I think they could make an enormous difference." She looks down at the holstered weapon, then looks over at the boulder again. "Such power. And anyone can use it?"

"Anyone can, though unless your people have means to recharge the clips, they will run out of power after several uses," Desmond replies. "This, on the other hand.." He draws out one of his knives, a vibro-knife, which upon being drawn gains a soft shimmer about the blade. "It would take a good, long time for this to run out of power. It cuts through any metal, for the most part. Though stronger alloys might take some time." He indicates the rock. "It woudl carve into the stone like butter."

Valerie peers at the vibrating blade curiously, and slooowly reaches out to gently touch the edge with a finger. What? She's curious. At least she doesn't make a sudden grab for it, so Desmond might notice it in time.

Desmond draws it back as she reaches out towards it, hand lifting slightly to move it out of range. "Don't. It would cut into your finger at the lightest pressure," he states. "Weapons such as these must be handled with care. Especially if you have no armor. One could easily kill themselves if they were careless." A flick of his finger turns the blade off and he slips it back into its sheath. "This.." he touches the mace at his hip. "Is a neuro-mace. Made of materials strong enough to parry a vibro-blade, but it does no more damage than any other mace. Though it has a charge that can stun and impair those hit. Good for disabling an unarmored foe without killing them."

Valerie withdraws her hand. She looks down at the neuro-mace, tilting her head this way and that. "I can see why that would be useful," she admits thoughtfully. "Especially when the beer flows and-- ah. Real beer. Not the kind with the little bubbles," she adds in a suddenly skeptical tone. "I'm not sure about the reason for those bubbles. Is it just to appease the wizards?" Not to say she's lost interest in the weapons, as she's still staring at them.

Desmond furrows his brow slightly at that and shakes his head slightly. "I am not sure what you mean by that.. but I do not drink alcohol often. Beer very rarely. But there are more than those who wield magic here.. many who take to strong drink quite a bit, given how many mercenaries there are about."

"'Cokes' have the bubbles too," Valerie notes unhappily. She reaches out to tap Desmond's armor curiously, however. It's the only thing he hasn't really shown her yet, after all, and she IS a curious woman.

The armor plates are rigid and won't show a scratch from the tap. Des glances down as she does so and rumbles, "You mean the colored sugar water that some partake of. That too I rarely drink. It is.. unhealthy, if pleasant to the taste. Armor as well tends to cost a good deal. This NTI armor cost 45 thousand credits, but it is light and very strong. Less expensive, less sturdy armor can cost less.. as low as around twenty thousand, but it is worth it for the protection."

Valerie taptaps. "That's expensive, but I guess most things are here," she admits with a sigh. "We don't have much plate back home." Taptap. She withdraws her hand again. "I had never seen someone like you before either. Great cats to be sure, but none that could talk or behave as a person."

Desmond nods has Valerie speaks and replies steadily, "You will find many interesting things here. By the sound, this must be a very strange place for you to reside in, but you will find most are like me. Different I am, but in many way s I am also the same as you." He pauses, glancing to the side for a moment, ears perking. His expression, somewhat relaxed before, though never truly departed from that neutral mask, firms as he stares into the fog. "You should go now." The soft tension in his voice softening after that first statement, his attention shifting back to her. "We have lingered overlong.. and you should not be away from those who can protect you from danger. I am sure we shall speak again in time."

Valerie glances into the fog too, but she doesn't appear to see anything. She frowns uncertainly. "You have that 'laser'," she points out, seemingly unafraid. She seems reluctant to leave, too.

Desmond frowns faintly and lifts a hand, lightly laying it on Valerie's shoulder. "I will not linger either. I thought I heard something, but despite that this is hardly a place to stand and talk. As well, I have duties to look to soon. I shall escort you to where you are to go next, if you wish." Despite his casual answers, his ears remain perked, scanning the area in darting flicks.

Valerie looks at the big kitty hand on her shoulder. "No, it isn't necessary." She doesn't depart just yet, however. "Will you show me how to use the laser again some other time?" Despite Desmond being a tad on edge, she remains mostly calm, and focuses on him rather than any potential dangers.

Desmond nods his head once, lifting his hand. "Very well then. He pauses, then adds, I am Desmond and if you wish, I can try and teach you to shoot. There is a practice range outside the city that would be good for such things. I shall seek you again later. Or we shall meet up again as our paths might cross."

Valerie sends him a smile. "I'm Valerie," she states. "I would very much like you to teach me. You can generally find me at Yakov's Deli, as you know." She holds out her hand with a more serious look on her face.

"Yes, I do remember that," Desmond confirms, his armored hand lifted to enfold her own. A large hand for a large being. But careful with the obvious strength within him. "Take care, Valerie. Be vigilant." WIth that he releases her hand and will cast a glance back, surveying the deeper areas of the park intently.

Valerie has a firm shake too, and releases his hand with a nod. "And you." And with that, she heads back out of the park. Possibly to get a nicer coat. You never know. Tags: aimee, desmond, joachim, learning, valerie, vargus[[Category:Vargus]