Jul 02 02:25:53 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Thu Jul 02 02:25:53 105 PA.

Morning comes and Aimee will find herself in Des' big bed, but sans a Des. Only the largish warm spot be occupied not too long ago. But he won't be too hard to find. The homey smell of frying eggs and ham that spread throughout the apartment may well be enough of a trail to follow. The big male is out in the little offset kitchen, plying his skills to the fry pan. As per his usual, clothing himself between the bed and the kitchen didn't come up. He seems in high spirits, lightly tapping a formless beat on the edge of one pan with his spatula whilst casually watching over the cooking breakfast.

She does find him, her hair tousled, a dark halo of curls around her face. She wears nothing but one of his sheets, wrapped around her like a toga, her fingers holding the front together. "Mon chat..." Her voice is sleepy, a soft warm husky purr, that matches the sleepy smile on her lips. "You don't wish to come to bed?"

Desmond lifts his eyes from the food as she speaks, the soft muddle of his gaze for a moment suggesting deep immersion in his thoughts moments before. "I planned on it, but I had hoped to surprise you with a morning meal before you did wake," he replies with a rumble. His eyes find something new to occupy themselves with, considering the lay of the sheet with appreciative and not entirely wholesome attention. "It is nearly done, to relax yourself and I shall bring it for us soon."

"I woke without you. I wanted to be with you..." She moves into the kitchen, a flash of a leg, as she rests a hip against the side. Her eyes trail appreciatively over him, and she allows the sheet to dip a little, baring her back to the dimple at her hips. "What are you cooking?" She tilts her head slightly, a curl falling over her forehead.

"I am sorry, My Aimee. But I did think you might hunger," Desmond rumbles a soft truth to that apology. The food left to its own as he watches her approach. Distracted for sure as he adds, "It was not an easy thing to leave your embrace, of that you can be certain." Then she brings his attention back to the food itself, the big male snapping his eyes back to the twin frying pans, quick to rescue his wares from burning. "Scrambled eggs and ham. To fortify us." Indeed, a healthy amount of both are cooking up, eggs in one pan, ham in the other. It does indeed look to be just a few minutes before both are ready for serving. "I did think, perhaps, our nightly celebration would have built your appetite." His eyes slid to the side towards her at that playful comment.

She returns the look with one of her own, her cheeks flushed, the sheet having revealed the results of the celebration. "Are you still sure of your answer, mon chat?" She asks the questions softly, her eyes giving him a considering look. She reaches out, taking up a little of the eggs with her fingertips, licking them clean slowly, her eyes on the feline. "I have to work this afternoon, and tonght, but I have the day after off..." The question of when she moves in hangs in the air. "I would rather we told mon minet before..."

Desmond looks to the food briefly, seeing that it is near ready. He takes a moment to turn the flame down and set his spatula aside before he turns towards her. The big male wraps her in his arms gently, giving his undivided attention in this moment. "My answer does not change. I wish to be with you. To share a life. To have mornings such as this. I will not turn from you.. will not change my thoughts." He lifts a hand to softly draw his fingertips through her curled hair gently. "I will have to seek Kesslan soon, I have much to tell him, though not just in this. I may have found one who can provide him a means to return to his home."

Aimee wraps her arms around him, releasing the sheet, so that it is held up only by their bodies. "Je t'aime, mon chat." She whispers, against his skin, her eyes softening at the fingertips in her hair. "Is it wrong that I don't wish him to find a way home?" She asks, her face hidden against his body, "I would miss him too much."

"I love you, My Aimee. And don't worry, even if he goes I do not think he would stay," Desmond rumbles lowly to her. A firm, warm squeeze given before he confides, "He feels apart from his people. Even if he were able to go to them. He would only go briefly.. to give what he has found to them and likely return here. I would miss him as well, but even if he were to remain there, I would tell him. Because it is the right thing to let him make such a decision himself."

She nods, snuggling against him, the sheet trapped between them. "I hope he would return. It would be as if a little of us went, because it is three of us, not us two." She pulls a little back then, tilting her head back to look up at him. The corners of her mouth quirk and the dimples deepen. "Mon chat..." She whispers, "Your ham is burning."

Desmond nods his head slightly to her words. "I know how you feel on that. Few have I found that I trust as much as he. Few do I think I would find in the future." He pauses then and glances towards the pan. There is a reluctant moment before he gives her a squeeze and turns to rescue their breakfast. The flame turned off entirely before he works with teh spatula to inspect the damage.. a little char, not too bad. "I will seek him soon. If he speaks of his plans in regard to this, I will alert you. And I will be sure he knows that he has a place here, with us. Even with this bonding."

She nods slowly, her face falling into thoughtful lines. "I think it is not so badly burnt..." There is a faint trace of doubt in her voice, whether about the food or the return of Kesslan. "Mon chat, I have to run today, will you come with me?" She lifts the sheet, returning it to its former position, covering her entirely, except for her back.

Desmond turns his head a little as he takes some time to scrape the pans gently, considering her question. "As in to exercise? Surely I would, if you so desire my company. ONce we have eaten, if you would do it sooner rather than later." He then pulls down a pair of largish plates, laying them on the counter before offloading eggs onto one, ham onto the other. "I hope you do not mind that we simply share. Whatever you don't eat, I shall." His eyes still angled towards her, though he turns his head a bit more to focus on her as he piles the plates.

She shakes her head, settling at the table, one leg drawn up to cuddle, the bare skin showing. "OF course not, it is a nice way to eat..." She watches him fill the plates, her eyes soft and warm. "After food, we dress and run a little. Burn of the energy you left me after last night..." She is teasing him, her mouth curving into a smile.

Desmond brings out the two plates, setting them down. "I thought you might be lacking in energy." he returns to her, head canted slightly. "Would you like orange juice?" Asked as he pauses near the table, looking to her. "I have some.. for guests as I tend to drink water myself." He will go back tot he kitchen for that himself, though his ears remain alert to her response on this. "I look forward to this.. to sharing this place with you. To learning more of your likes and fulfilling them."

"Orange juice would be lovely, mon chat." She reaches out, taking a piece of ham with her fingertips, eating it slowly, her eyes on the feline. "I think we may take some time, mon chat, a few fights whilst we find our place with each other..." She points the ham at him, her mouth curved into a grin, "But all that will pass, and then we shall own rocking chairs and sit on a porch..."

"I think it is inevitable that we will have conflict, My Aimee. You are too fiery for me to expect anything but." Though such words are given with a warmth in Desmond's deep voice. No regret, no deep concern in that. he emerges then with two glasses, one with orange juice, the other his water. Coming to place her glass before her, then settle himself down. He seems comfortable to dig in with his fingers as well, plucking up a slice of ham with the tips of his claws. "What is this you mean, with rocking chairs and porches?" Curious at the concept, biting into the ham after his question. "An old couple, with grey hair, and me, knitting booties for the babies we know." She is eating slowly, using her fingers, licking them between bites. "I think the three of us will be there, and you two talking about your fights, and the battles in the past...with no teeth." She teases, her eyes alight, eating eggs slowly.

Desmond cants his head slightly, considering the image she paints as she finishes off that slice of ham he has steadily. "That is a favorable image," he decides. "It would mean he and I had great success to have seen such an age. Much more so for him. He is, at times, too ready for self sacrifice. Too convinced that his path is to suffer for the betterment of others." The big male thoughtful on that point. Showing some concern as he gazes at Aimee.

"I would rather neither of you die, mon chat." Her voice is soft, a trace of anxiety entering her voice. "You think you will neither be there?" She rests her hand on the table, watching him, her eyes narrowed. "No dying on me, mon chat. Not even a little." Her voice is soft, lowered into a husky purr.

Desmond looks to her with a seriousness, extending his own hand to gently cover her own. "Aimee, I have no plans to die. I know what that would be like for you.. I do not wish to bring you that upset. It is a reason I have turned my eyes towards pursuits other than battle. But.. there will be times I do. And though I am confident in my skills, one can never be certain. I would not lie to you, My Flame. But I look to live a long, long time with you and with Kesslan. I have no desire for oblivion."

She reaches up, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, her eyes resting on him. "Oui, good. I know, noone plans it... but if you do, I may never speak to you again." The corner of her mouth quirking slightly, a teasing light in her eyes, half a joke. "And I, I know how to patch the littler hurts." She pops more egg in her mouth, licking her fingers.

Desmond considers her quietly for a few moments after that, some unspoke thought swirling in his head. Well, not at first, anyway. "I know that. some believe there is a life after death. If there is, I would wait for you, Aimee. No matter how long." A serious in his voice as he gazes at her. "But still, I have no plans to leave what is now. Too much do I have now that I would miss." Reaching out to secure a bit of egg for himself. "But I suspect we would work out our troubles there as well."

She kisses her fingertips lightly, pressing them against his lips with a warm smile and a loving look. "There is, I think, me." She speaks softly, before cleaning the last of the egg from her plate, running her fingertip around to gather the small pieces. "Mon chat, you do good eggs and ham." She grins then, her eyes lighting up.

"Then there I would be," the big male rumbles lowly to her, Desmond's tongue flicking out to lightly brush the tips of her fingers when they press to his lips. With the meal done, he starts to gather the plates up. Accepting her compliment with a humble sort of pleasure. "Thank you, My Flame. Though in part, I have you to thank for this, for you have drawn me to enjoy cooking as more than a simple necessity." Gathering up the empty plates, he takes them into the kitchen to lay them with the soaking fry pans.

She uncurls from the chair, holding her sheet as she follows him, pausing in the kitchen doorway to speak, "Run then I will wash up, promise..." She is laughing as she turns, moving towards the bedroom, to find her clothes. As she lifts her hands to tie her hair up, the curls lifting from her neck, the sheet tumbles down, leaving a flash of bare skin as she vanishes into the bedroom.

"We both shall," Desmond corrects on the matter of dishes. Ever with that sharing thing. He will take a bit of time to finish off his water before a quick survey of the room and he walking back to join her in the bedroom. Of course, he will be quite ready to observe her as he goes to the dresser to draw out some of his own garb. As they will be running, he picks out his light, loose gym clothing. The tshirt and shorts that allow him free movement. "I do not often run, myself. Often I get workout enough honing my skills," he shares with her.

She tugs an old vest over her head, its softened material clinging to her curves. A quick wiggle and she is in a pair of old jogging pants, cut off midcalf, a ragged line. She sits on the floor in the livingroom to pull on trainers, a few curls falling from her hairband, her face clear of make up. "Running, it is good for your heart, mon chat." She rises to her feet, stretching slowly.

Desmond emerges with his shoes already on, nodding his head once as he comes to stand near where she has settled. "This is so, though so too can training of combat skills be." He will offer down a hand when she seems done with her shoes, to pop her up to her feet with an easy pull. "I am ready when you are, My Flame. How far do you usually run?"

"Around the park until my body screams at me, or somebody distracts me." A scientific method indeed. She takes the hand, pulling herself to her feet, moving into a quick embrace with him. "You should stretch..." She comments softly, moving away to stretch out her muscles, bending to easily touch her toes.

Desmond gives Aimee a soft squeeze in that sudden embrace, releasing her lightly before heeding her words. Going through a slow, steady series of stretches. Legs spread, leaning down to place his palms flat against the ground. Letting his muscles tense and roll for a few moments. Palms remaining firmly planted as he slowly slides down into a full splits. His expression mingled with a light concentration as he smoothly achieves it. Eyes half closed, he holds the posture briefly before he shifts his weight forward just a bit, rising himself up on those firm planted hands, his legs relaxing into a more natural forward V, lifted from the ground to place his weight upon his hands.

She goes through similar movements, leaning down until her head nearly touches her knees, her hands sliding down the back of her legs. She rests her forehead against her legs, looking between her legs at him, her face upside down. "Mon chat, ...are you ready?" She is laughing at him, as she straightens, lifting her arms above her head, reaching for the ceiling.

"Nearly so," Desmond replies steadily, slowly bringing his legs underneath himself. The c oncetration lifting as the difficult action is finished. He pops to his feet them, mirroring the same sort of final stretch. Arms lifted, curled back as he arches his back, leaning to one side, then the other slowly before his back relaxes and he rolls his shoulders , letting his arms slip to his sides again. "I am ready," he tells her then.

She watches him stretch, her appreciation for his body showing in her eyes as she leans against the doorframe, one hand on her hip. "Race you to the park, mon chat." She turns then, bolting from the door, vanishing down the stairway of the apartments.

Desmond arches a brow slightly at the challenge. Honestly a silly one, no the ace of things. But he follows along gamely with her, not in the least trying to truly race, but to pace her as they head for the park.

<>

Reaching the gate, with Desmond at her side, easily keeping pace with the smaller woman's running pace, Aimee's cheeks are flushed. Her hair, tied back in the hair band when they left the apartment, has released a few curls that have framed her face, as she turns it, laughing, to Desmond. "I win, mon chat..." She is barely out of breath, but a little.

What does a soldier do in the afternoon? Wandering, what else. Katsumi is walking around a tree, carefully, keeping her sight down. Is she drunk? Did she used something? Perhaps... or maybe she is lost something there. The Japanese woman crouches down to grab something. She studies it carefully before she puts back... and then the whole process continues in a different place, bellow a different tree.

Conversely, Desmond's breathing remains relatively steady and smooth for the most part, with an uptick in pace for the added activity. His head turns towards Aimee as he rumbles, "So you did, My Flame. And what would you claim for a prize?" Going along somewhat with the play, in so much as he ever does. The pace is easily held and maintained, the big male's attention flicking outward after his question.

Aimee tilts her head back, her eyes warm for the feline at her side. "A kiss, I think." She claims it, moving to press against him lightly, her face lifted for the kiss. "How many laps do you want to do, mon chat?" She is laughing up at him, her cheeks still flushed from the run.

If the Japanese stalker is aware at all the newcomers, then she hides it good. There is no sign from the Asian woman that she is aware of the familiar faces and the presence of a friend. She rather continue her strange quest for... for what? Well it seems she is attracted of wood pieces, studying them one-by-one.

Desmond turns back towards her, giving until Aimee her desired kiss as an arm slips about her lower back. The touch lingering as he considers her question. "As many as you might desire, Aimee. I would know what is your norm." Again lifting his attention, this time catching sight of Kat nearby. His eyes catch and, after a moment, a note of concern comes across his features.

She pulls a face, pulling away from him, her nose wrinkling. "A few times, until I get bored, or tired or..." She shrugs, turning from him to begin running. Her gaze slides over Katsumi, resting on the path ahead of her. "Your friend is here." She observes, over her shoulder.

Katsumi still doesn't glance up, perhaps her task is reques to much attention... or she is just avoiding the pair. Either way she wanders into another tree and makes a circle to search for any fallen wood-piece. The Japanese stalker already gathered a half-dozen. Does she heats with wood? Well if that is the case it will last only for a half hour. And honestly.... it is summer time.

"Yes.." The word slow spoken and thoughtful as his attention lingers towards Kat. Desmond falls into the pace she sets. Musing Kat quietly for a moment before he rumbles lowly to Aimee, "She seems troubled. I should speak to her. See that she is well." He shifting his attention towards Aimee then. Considering her reaction to this as he keeps pace with her.

Aimee shrugs, turning her face ahead of her. "Should you?" A careful tone of voice, entirely neutral. The curls tied back bob with each step, and she lengthens her stride, lifting her chin. "If you wish. I can run alone." A little stiff, and her gaze rests on the path in front of her.

Having decided to take a light stroll this day and following the oh so dangerous action of simply letting his feet lead him where ever they may, not only did he wind up doubling the danger by going out his door this morning but by comming to the park of all places. Yes.. a danger indeed! A danger of possibly actually having to socialize a little more in his self imposed, generally strict militaristic lifestyle. And thus it is that Kesslan is to be found shortly wandering along the path, not paying any particular attention to anything really, the feline seemingly lost in thought.

No, she is not aware at all. That could be the only reasonable answer that Katsumi hasn't noticed the pair. She keeps collecting the wood around the next tree, but when she finished her circle she drosps herself down to study her gathered treasures. It is a careful inspection, which invlves the test of durability and cleaning the individual pieces from dirt.

Desmond lays his hand on Aimee's shoulder gently. "I must.. just in case. Despite all, she is my friend," he rumbles lowly to Aimee. "I will catch up with you soon." There is soft apology in his tone as he says this. Giving her shoulder a squeeze before he releases the grip. Turning to jog his way over to Kat. Seeing that she's settled, he will approach openly and pause nearby. THe big male is wearing his light shirt and shorts, most commonly worn for gym activity.

Aimee runs, not turning to acknowledge the feline's words. Her cheeks flush, from the running or from something else. She lengthens her pace, temper giving her wings, until her gaze rests on Kesslan and she turns her feet in his direction. "Mon minet!" She calls to him, moving to offer him a hug, her mouth curving into a smile.

There's a slight turn to Kesslan's head, one that's first announced by twinkle of the four studs imbedded in his right ear. The pantheran pausing in his steps as he turns to regard the entirely welcome personage of Aimee comming to greet him. Both of Kesslan's ears perking up now "Aimee." he says with a touch of fondness in his voice "Is... are.. well you?" clearly his grasp of english hasnt improved much, but it's slowly getting better.

Katsumi glances up as she notices Desmond's closeness and greets him with a brief warm smile before she glances back at her treasures. However when the feline reaches close to her she greets with words. "Good afternoon Neko-san! How are you today?" she says in her deep voice, still concentrating on a wood-piece. "I hope you are well. Anyway I am sorry that I couldn't be in your last action... I hwas occupied with personal things. I hope most of the bloodsuckers are dead now."

"Yes, it seems that things are well for the moment," Desmond replies to Katsumi. "And I am as well. Though I came more to see that you are well." He pauses nearby, casually dipping into a low, comfortable crouch as he speaks with her. "Your personal things.. they are going well?" Recalling some talk of them before, a light concern obvious in his expression.

Aimee offers Kesslan a hug, her eyes dancing, mischief shining in them. "Mon minet, I took your advice. I asked Desmond myself. He said yes..." She smiles up at the feline, pinkcheeked from the exercise. "He is over there, wanted to talk to his friend instead of run with me." A hint of pique, a little sulkiness around her mouth.

Glancing over in the indicated direction of Desmond and Katsumi is all Kesslan needed to figgure out what that little bit of sulkiness was all about. "Aimee, what threat is she now to you?" he asks quite calmly even as he returns the offered hug. "He has agreed to bond with you, and you alone. That friend he remain with other, why bad must consider you this? More she is not. More you are. Allways think he of you above all."

"I am well, thank you." Katsumi answers and searches for her vibro-kinfe to get of the bark of the wood-piece. Well a secret is resolved, she is carving the wood. "Though I am still thinking to make tha journey to Mad Haven. It is hard to collect information from my tribe in here. That's all what happened with me. I am still trying to organize a meeting with Zaphod, the leader of the mercenary team."

Desmond nods his head slightly, making hte connection with the wood after she draws out the knife. Though his concern lingers as she speaks of going to a place called Mad Haven. "Seek you still knowledge of your past?" A thoughtful, rhetorical question. "A dangerous path that would be, but I think I can understand the desire to seek out the past.. had I such a thing I might think often on it." He looks up, glancing back towards where Aimee went. Sighting Kesslan there with her. His attention lingers in that direction for a moment before he returns focus to Katsumi. "If you do decide to make such a trip, speak with me before you go? That I know when to expect your return."

She shrugs, a little petulant, "And he still chooses her company over mine, knowing how I feel?" She comments softly, leaning into Kesslan's hug for a moment, her own arms tightening around him. Aimee's cheeks slowly fade in colour, the pink fading. "We planned to run together, mon minet, not to leave each other to run alone." She pulls away then, shaking her head. "I have to go to work in a little."

"And yet you would choose to leave him alone as well." Kesslan points out stubbornly. "Allways you are as this. Understand I in part how feel you, you and Desmond, both much like Roulin. But Roulin and I not so well get along. Much conflict, yet still around him would I be for you both. Yet say you that love Desmond do, and yet cannot evne for short while be around one who matter not as much to Desmond, but still matter as friend. Selfish is it not to expect one to give up friend simply over that one does not like another? As if such a thing undoo all that was what made friend in first place?"

Katsumi glances up once more, checking the way where Desmond's sight leads. "Oh, Aimee is here. Is she still angry at me?" she asks with a smile. "Perhaps you should organize a party once, to create a safe place to meet and talk. And I guess that the mercenary members would be happy also. We would need something more than professionalism, some trust of each other." she offers her idea. "You should go back to your girlfriend. She will miss you, and we could speak more in our regular training... don't we?" she winks. "Do you think that Aimee would like a carving as a gift? I could make one for her, but I warn you... I am still practicing. I try to remember how the elders did, but it was so long ago."

Aimee folds her arms across her chest, her face setting into stubborn lines. "Non. Roulin and you, you fought but neither of you made the other feel like a whore, using lies to do so." Her voice is flat, anger entering it. "So non, it is not the same, and I don't expect him to give her up, just perhaps, not to leave me for her." She shakes her head, "I have to go to work." Her temper flares red in her cheeks as she steps back.

Desmond nods his head once to Katsumi. "She is," he confirms quietly. The talk of a part is met with a quirked brow, but he does admit. "Such would be a favorable thing if we could gather them. We can speak of it later." Confirming along with that a soft promise for more talk in the future. "I do not know if Aimee would accept a gift from you, but there is no harm in the attempt." He pauses to consider for a moment before he offers, "She enjoys orchids. If, perhaps, you could make the image of one in wood." He touches her shoulder briefly before he rises and rumbles, "Be well, Katsumi. We shall speak more later." Offered before he does indeed turn to return to Aimee.

Aimee folds her arms across her chest, her face setting into stubborn lines. "Non. Roulin and you, you fought but neither of you made the other feel like a whore, using lies to do so." Her voice is flat, anger entering it. "So non, it is not the same, and I don't expect him to give her up, just perhaps, not to leave me for her." She shakes her head, "I have to go to work." Her temper flares red in her cheeks as she steps back, turning to run towards the park entrance, not seeing Desmond returning.

"Whore? No. But kill one or other might we some day Aimee. Understand -you- not extent to which Roulin and Kesslan not get along. Not understand how much insult there is to Kesslan from Roulin, posisble other way too is. Not certain am I, but care not either do I." Kesslan says with a slight narrowing of his eyes. "Make up either or simple accept should you learn. Just as Kesslan accept that Desmond and Aimee friend of Roulin is. It is not place of mine to choose who friend of others is, even if that other is one I would kill without thought for what do and say has if need came. Would Aimee say same of Katsumi?"

Katsumi nods to Desmond before she turns back to her work. "Take care Neko-san!" she says and strokes the naked wood, trying to decide that if it is straight now and to feel the aliveness of the plant... the strong at wet surface. She even sniffs to smell it with great pleasure.

Desmond frowns slightly as he sees Aimee departing. A glance given towards Kesslan. Concerned, but he doesn't linger long enough to greet his friend. Sensing that there is a more immediate concern. But he will linger a moment. Perhaps to try and meet Kesslan's gaze from afar to express his desire to share words. Whether or not it works, he turns a moment later to pursue Aimee.

Aimee turns slightly, to call over her shoulder to Kesslan. "Perhaps I don't. But I wouldn't walk from you to him. I don't stop him being her friend, Kesslan." She turns then, increasing her pace, heading towards the entrance for the park, curls bobbing, vanishing through the gates.

OOC Note: Desmond Idles OOCly from here to where he poses back in

Kesslan snorts "Yet you would." Kesslan says, more to himself than to Aimee as she's likely out of earshot by then, but perhaps she'll still catch it anyway. The feline simply shaking his head, this one aspect of Aimee he has yet to understand in a world he prefers to keep nice and simple and logical. Even here he's certain there is some sort of logic, he simply hasnt figgured it out yet. But in time.. in time.. The glance from Desmond is simply returned with a nod, before the feline turns as the two head off to see what's left.. ah yes.. Katsumi.. well. It wouldn't make Aimee happy but Kesslan hasnt spoken to her in a while and she seemed nice enough, and so the pantheran turns and heads over in her direction "Greeting to Katsumi, are well you?"

Katsumi blinks as she glances up to the new source of greeting words... in English... from Kesslan... strange... "I am well... thank you Kesslan!" she smiles confusedly at the first moment but soon it turns to be a much warmer one. "You speak English now? That is good to hear. I mean it sounds much better that machine-thing. I just like it. Though I could also learn your language... anyway... you was afaster." her hands still rest on the wood.

Kesslan nods to Katsumi some interst shown in what she's doing with the wood, but he does not yet give voice to his questions "Yes, speak some do I. Much have left to learn but in time shall better understand. Better speak." the feline affirms. "Day some perhaps could you if wished you, but find you it will help not unless near world of Pantheran find you. None else have I spoken to understand save one who is spirit touched to understand all languages."

"You mean that strange aiien creature, don't you?" Katsumi asks, keeping her eyes on the feline. "Yes, it seems it's able to understand all of the languages. So strange." she comments before she turns back to continue her carving. "How are you my friend? What happened with you in the last few weeks? I wanted to fight along with you again in the battle with the vampires." she sighs and licks her lips. "But I had some other things to do. It's a shame."

"Much and yet not much happened has." Kesslan says softly, watching as Katsumi starts to carve the wood, a thing he's somewhat familar with but it's the purpose of this carving he's trying to divine as he speaks with her. "The vampires are ended, that is all that matter true. Of other thing that happen, all personal. Wish I find do I for more battle, thing much simpler in war most time."

"I agree with you." Katsumi nods and pauses her work for a moment, perhaps to collect her thoughts. "In war is everything is more simple. You just have to fight for your own survival. It is that simple, you either kill your enemy or they kill you. Strangely, I've enjoyed very much the hunting for the vampires. I know that they killed several citizen, but... it was finally a hunt. I felt alive." she shares her feeling with a faint smile.

Kesslan nods to Katsumi "Truth in part is this. Bad sprit good are to hunt, for better world is without. Though never can you remove all, even few good do for whole." he says, stating his own beliefs on the matter. "Not thing would wish I fight again, but would if need was."

Katsumi studies the feline's eyes with her own smoldering grey ones. "For me they are the food resources, like the normal humans for them. I am much alike those bad spirits myself." she tells in a distant voice. "I couldn't live without them, and that made me wondering. Am I really so different of them? I prey on them as they prey on the humans. I am dependent... and what would happen if suddenly all those monster would gone? What could I eat then? Only those humans and d-bees who have some energy that I need... so slowly I would became the next vampire."

Those white orbs however remain blank and expressonless. His facial features and ears however at least speak a little. A sort of understanding of Katsumi's worries "Truth would be of some of your kind yes. But so too could live you as others do. Need you not kill or force other to do bidding. Ask of those can you of this that would nourish yes? This spirit energy. Freely give could they, need then only would you to find this thing. Worst case, kind of yours would need find new world with new prey. Easy such a thing would be not, but smart ones allways adapt can."

Desmond returns to the park a bit later. He's changed his garb, wrapped in the constant denim that the big male wears ever so often. His mood is dipped a bit, but not too deeply so. Ever steady, the big male tends to be. He has his hands sunk into his pockets. Moving back towards the region in which he left Kesslan and Katsumi before.

"Spirit energy, yes." Katsumi straightens up and smiles faintly. "If you are feeding from those you love... how would you make a difference of the care and love from the desire of hunger?" she asks and starts to put the wood pieces into her pocket, most of it are much longer then the space there, so it seems a bit funny. "Anyway I need to go. I promised Sebastien to be home at early. Take care Kesslan. It was good to see you again. I hope we soon meet once more."

Left to his own devices to ponder the answer to that question, Kesslan can still be found in much the same spot as he was before. Moved slightly away of course, but not too far off from where Desmond had last seen him. Feline curriosity afterall having been his bane this day in part for it has surely led him to many things he needs to consider further...

Desmond comes along just as Katsumi is departing, watching her go for a moment before he focuses on Kesslan. He approaches without further hesitation, his hands drawn from his pockets. "Kesslan." A familiar warmth in that simple greeting. "I am glad you did linger, I have things to speak with you about. Important things." Of course, first things first. He offers the other male an embrace, unmindful as ever about his armored state. Kesslan accepts the offered embrace, but given the nature of Desmond's words, he makes it a brief thing, though not without his usually friendly nuzzing. "Speak then, and listen shall I." he says simply, his ears perking up a little in wonder of what it is that Desmond would consider so important to speak to him of. But then of cousre off the top of his head he could think of quite a few things uppon further reflection. Time will tell soon enough however what those concerns may be.

"Perhaps Aimee already told you.. she finally did take the initiative. We are to be bonded," Desmond rumbles. "In a way, I am glad.. there is no more concern for what you told me and now we may be open about such things. I still have not found just the right ring.. I think regardless I will make a proposal to her when I have it, despite her taking the first steps, as it seems the norm for humans and she would enjoy it." he can't help but have a positive swing in his mood talking about such things, the most recent flicker of turbulence allowed to fall to the wayside for now.

Kesslan nods at that news "Spoke briefly to me did she of this. Glad am I for you both that take this next step. Closer still perhaps both you will be after it is done." he says. "Feel then she will that can move in with Desmond as would then by belifs be appropriate."

"She will," Desmond confirms. He lifts a hand and lays it on the smaller male's shoulder firmly. "And she and I both want you to know that you still hold a place with us. This does not change the bond we all share. Nor the love we both have for you." His head cants slightly. "Even though, as it seems before, we shall still quarrel from time to time." He breathes out lowly and notes, "She is very.. raw where Katsumi is concerned. Perhaps that will not change, though time may yet soften the hurt."

"Noticed this have I. Try to explain did I that should try least to not so mind much. That it is not good to try make Desmond not speak with Katsumi simply because with Aimee is. Said to Aimee of how between Roulin and Kesslan is, yet would not I prevent you both from speak and time send with Roulin. Though the path we walk is at odds and will likely cause death of one or other down road, it is a thing between us two."

Desmond nods his head once. "We shall have to find a balance. I was concerned for Katsumi, but I can see why she was upset. In the future, I believe I shall seek a more.. gentle means of handling such situations. It will pass.. she is upset, but that will not linger." He pauses then and fixes on Kesslan fully. "There is something else.. something that is important to you. I have met a man who wields magic to travel between worlds. I know not his true means and capabilities, but I have asked that he speak with you. I know not if you feel ready to think towards your homeland, your people. But I did want to tell you of the man, that you might seek him and share words on what he could do for you." His voice gone serious as he delivers this information.

Kesslan gives that some thoughtful consideration as Desmond brings word of such a thing. "Then such bears speaking with indeed. But know I that doing this thing, would no simple task be for one such as him. It is not simple thing for any have ever heard of I. Several involved were among the Pantheran, much time, preperation took it. But still.. bears it consideration. Ready am I not though for such a task. Offer have I nothing, yet suppose word send at least should I that this world holds hope."

Desmond nods his head once. "I did not extract a promise from him, save to speak with you. And I told him that I could give no details on what might be for you.. that it was yours to decide in discussion with him. His name is Athelstane." The big male then gives a simple, but detailed enough description of the man that Kesslan could pick him out, most likely. "If you wish, I can offer him the address to your home when next I see him. It is not something I would do without your permission."

"If such is your wish, then by all means could you do this." Kesslan says without hesitation. "It is a thing must you understand that is above all more important. If such way can be found, then duity have I to see that such is brought about when can. Truth more think I of it, that more important is that word is of this place sent than any other thing could do I. FOr if others know, then others could come, could find yet more place and form this find help that need they."

Desmond nods his head once to this. "It is true, I was only making sure. I am not one to give such information to those I don't know well. Still, he seems a positive male.. if a touch odd. He's expressed a desire to form an alliance with me. Not an uncommon thing, as you and I share something of that sort. But odd it is to state such a desire from the start."

Kesslan perks his ears at at that new "Alliance? To what end?" this is something he'd not considered, not to mention finds a little strange since as far as he knows Desmond is but really one individual, and thus speaking of an 'alliance' is abit.. grandiose a word to use.

Desmond shakes his head. "I know not to what end for him. But you and I.. one could see our close association as something like this. For in a moment I would battle by your side, as I am confident you would as well. An odd term, perhaps, but not entirely without merit. I would not use it, personally." He frowns slightly and considers. "In truth, speaking of such things as openly as he has concerns me. He may have goals of some sort.. if such is the case, it is likely I should seek to know them as well as know him better. I have no intent to look to anything like that before such."

"Truth in this too Desmond. Wary one must be of what another offers, mroe so when offer seem too good to true be. For not full true will it be. Such it was with the Atorian, and such it seem allways is." Kesslan says softly, his ears flattening back a little "Still, risk assessed must be, if minor cost then such is better. So long as not make thing worse for Pantheran then only better could it, even if some how death of few more as result caused. Such small sacrifice would be for good of many."

"Let us not move ahead when we know so little yet," Desmond cautions. "Sacrifices can be considered when there is a need, but in the now there is none. Should you meet with him, do come to me, that we may discuss what he has to offer." Though he seems apt to shift the topic now, moving to Kesslan's side to drape an arm across his shoulders. "Though I feel we must speak on something else.. Aimee, again. And the bonding to come. She and I do want you to feel a part of what we share. I wonder.. is there any ritual amongst your people for such a thing? To bond the one.. yourself, to the two, Aimee and I? I feel she would favor something like this and so too would I."

Kesslan gives that more serious question considerable thought, wracking his brain for anything. "Certain there would such a thing be, for while not so common, is not uncommon for group of more than two to togeather be in such a way. But know I not fully of how this proper done would be by my kind. Understand must you that raised fully and proper in ways of my kind I was not. Young I was when taken from them was I. While of the older taken had shown us what knew they, so too did they know not in full our ways. Only more of this partially did I learn when rejoin did I with my kind. Time was not however on side of mine, for war was more important."

"Then perhaps we should make anew in this," Desmond rumbles. "We should speak soon with Aimee on this, I think. Decide on such a thing, for I do wish you to share in this as more than an observer. And I know it would please Aimee. She is worried that if you were to have a way home, you might not return. I know better, but in sharing our bonding.. I think that would put her mind at ease on this."

"To have a way home may there not -be- a way to return, though I would in truth." Kesslan says "Even if trip successful was, know I not what happened has since gone was I. War doubt I has ended, and if has, and lost have we, then face I alone the Atorian. Such a thing, is not a thing could I survive think I."

Desmond frowns slightly, musing these details quietly. "This is true.. I can see now why you did speak of sending a message through. Better still if you have a means of communication.. to speak with one who is of your people." A subtle frown as arisen. "In truth I know little of such things. But I knew this would be important to you.. and if you must go through to the other side in the end, that is what must be. Though I would prefer you remain here in the end. We would miss you deeply if you did not return. And we would both worry."

Kesslan shakes his head "Go through would I have to. Would be only way to sure be that message through got to right ones." the smaller feline points out. "Dangerous for us otherwise would be if to wrong hand went this thing. Careful balance there must be of truth and lie so that Atorian not know of what happen. Think I that world they would burn, all pantheran would kill they if knew truth."

Desmond frowns deeply at that and shakes his head. "That could not be allowed. There is wisdom in your words, even if it is unwanted." He gives Kess' shoulder a firm squeeze. "But.. these things too are premature for worry. We know not his capabilities. Once we know, we can discuss. Sitting down with Aimee as well would be favorable, as she should know what goes on with this. Better first hand than second hand."

Leaning over to give Desmond a reassuring nuzzle, Kesslan replies "Truth. And such intention is. Would not leave I this place withotu explain to other what intent is. Owe this much in least would I to Aimee and Desmond. Others too. Return would I if can, but people must first come. Kesslan is only small part, only last in these thing to consider. Too, if this world know more of would elder, then Kesslan best choice now is for this, for know this place better than other any."

Desmond leans into the nuzzle, a distinct sense of displeasure lingering about him. Though not with Kesslan, the soft sense of it fixed on the situation and the uncertainty. "True it is that your people are important, but remember.. you are important to the few here. Should you need to travel for this, do what must be done.. but safeguard yourself for us. We will be here, waiting for you. However long it might take you to return. Days.. weeks.. years." The big male serious in this.

"Time would you need consider, year, two maybe three wait yes. But how far beyond reasonable is? Die could I on own world, as could I here. But if happen here, likely is would hear you of it, but of on Seriv? Think I not you would hear ever of such thing. "

Desmond shifts from Kesslan's side to face him, both hands lifted to rest on his shoulders. "I need not ask Aimee to know.. we would wait until you return or until evidence comes that you will not return. I have no plans to leave this place.. nor Aimee. But even so, I would leave word for you somehow.. I would see that there is a clue to lead you to where we are."

Kesslan sighs softly looking away a moment "Still, worry first should you of own self and Aimee. If return did I then certain am I could find again. But.." he looks up then regarding Desmond in the eye "Would too I not have you forever wait for return that may come not. Come times there that one must look beyond and with future continue."

Desmond gives Kesslan's shoulders a squeeze as he states. "We will look to ours, Kesslan. Of that have no fear, for I am eager to share life with Aimee. But so too will we not forget. Will we see that you can find your way to us, no matter what path life takes us down." Meeting Kesslan's eyes for that, not a flicker to be found within the big male's steady blue orbs.

Kesslan reaches up then to give Desmmond's neck a firm pat "Then worry of this more shall we if time come for such thing." Kesslan says after a moment's consideration. "Talk first shall I with this one, see what do can of these thing. To place proper must first see if go can."

Desmond nods his head once, leaving it at that. "We shall see soon enough." he seems content with the matter. "Those are the things I had to share with you. So much to consider. In the now, I wonder what you think of bonding with us. For humans, it seems a simple rite. A priest speaks traditional words and the two share their own vows for one another before being declared bonded. Perhaps you two could speak vowed words with us."

"If such was wish of Aimee, Desmond both yes." Kesslan says without giving the matter much thought. "The ritual itself, think I not so important as the act. In all things is not allways how one go about thing, or how well one do. Simply how much one mean what say or do. For this, this is the bond true. Say one thing, yet mean other is not bond proper."

Desmond nods his head once to that. "It is true.. the intent is what I seek. Now I gain her intent means less than her lasting love for me. And so too your care." He releases Kesslan and lightly crosses his arms over his chest, considering. "I think I shall ask her on this. It seems, for we three, the simplest, easiest means. Which would make it the most pure, for it focuses on what is truth between us."

"Truth too in this, but not certain Aimee wish would the three of us in such a thing. There care is more between you both than us three. Not that there care is not too for Kesslan, but think I never shall be quite as much as between both of you. Seperate thing then perhaps should this be first. For you and AImee both."

"Don't discount yet, Kesslan," Desmond cautions. " But yes, I will speak with her. Suggest this and see what she thinks. She may like it.. we were considering this this morning how to include you. She wants you to know that you are not being excluded, as do I. For you are not." He cants his head slightly and wonders, "How have you been, Kesslan? Are you doing well with your abode? Your work?"

"Is as ever is Desmond." Kesslan replies to that as the topic changes shifts. "Simply am, simply survive. Place bigger is, better is yes. Job same stay for now. New I do not do, same work same place. Difference not has there been in these things."

Desmond nods and muses. "There should be more for you, Kesslan," he rumbles. "To simply exist.. that is a life I know and have known before. After having known more than just this, I wonder if there might be something more for you. Something.." He pauses and shakes his head slightly. "Something that gives you joy. Something you look forward to.. that you pursue with a passion."

"Know this concern of yours do I. Mention before have you yes, yet have I thing that I enjoy. Company of Desmond and Aimee, what more need I in life? Friend have I, lover have I. Wealth for self do I not need nor seek." the pantheran points out "Do thing for self time to time yes, but there is no true desire to do such."

Desmond seems to find some consternation in this, by the light expression that shows. "Think you this, but it seems as it was for me.. something you would not miss until you have known what you don't yet hold desire for. But I will concede this point to you for now. But I still believe you should seek something.. perhaps collection of weapons as you seem inclined to. A study of such things.. if you learn to read the language of this place."

"Such plans have I yes, but time all take this." Kesslan says, leaning over once more to nuzzle Desmond with a reassuring rumbling thrown in. "Weapon take money, gear take money, learn read come must after better know speak first. All these thing, time will come in. As say before, thing do I for self do too at time. But such thing have time of their own too. Ignore self do I at time yes, but only when better good is served by it."

Desmond nods his head once, lifting his hands from their cross to gently draw his fingers along the side of Kesslan's muzzle as he gives that reassuring nuzzle. "I suppose I am a bit overprotective of you at times," he rumbles. "In you I see some things that were in me before.. a sense of isolation and simplicity when there is so much to know. And after all I have come to know, I don't wish you to feel such things. You do not, do you?"

Leaning into that touch, the nuzzling is exented further to give Desmond a reassuring hug as well. "None that I have not known before. None that I cannot survive. I do as I see must be done Desmond, allways this way shall I be, part it is of who Kesslan is. And these things I do, this fighting, it is different not from what paths I would taken should I have had choice, only in what the fighting for perhaps. Yet no greater cause can one ask for than to fight for all of one's own kind."

Desmond welcomes Kesslan into a renewed embrace, giving the smaller male a firm squeeze. "It is true.. to seek to save ones own people is a favorable goal. Though survival alone is less than what I hope for you in the end." His head tilts back a little to look at Kesslan as thought of 'the end' leads him to remember.. "Aimee speaks of we three, sitting on on a porch as elders. You and I trading tales of past battles. A strange, but favorable image."

Kesslan rumbles softly at that, a slight flicker of the ears to show that he finds it an ammusing image "It is a thing think I could see, should live long enough we three. Even then, think I that could I not stay idle. Would be driven to find other way, other thing to do to keep reamain.. useful. Even if borg must become, though cherish much do I to be of flesh and blood. To feel natural. But in end, so long that mind remain good, would I wish body to remain useful if manage can."

Desmond cants his head slightly. "She spoke of us being toothless, which would suggest near to the natural end of life. I think then there would be time to rest after a life of usefulness. We all most eventually rest. To live so long, it would be a rest earned. I could not be that.. it would be.. strange to lose the flesh. Too much a loss."

"Too much? No.. not too much. Not a thing one could not in time learn to endure. But it would a trial be I agree. Such ways, they are not natural, but necessary they are at time. Were I to be gravely injured as to require such things, would I choose then, could I afford to, to do such a thing. For know I that of use more could I yet be, and would I that I could live untill use there was no more for war, for help of the whole. Only then could I truely find rest."

"May that time come," Desmond, rumbles, a hand lifted to stroke along the back of Kesslan's head. He cants his head slightly and considers a moment before he releases Kesslan and takes a step back. "Come.. I will practice my massage on you again," he offers. "For my training and for your relaxation. I have no work this day, thus there is time to spend." <>Tags:aimee, desmond, katsumi, kesslan