Jul 10 00:37:03 105 PA
From Chronicles
The current game time is: Fri Jul 10 00:37:03 105 PA.
Early evening, and the park is an oasis of calm. The wind moves the treetops, the last of the sunlight filters through the leaves, leaving dabbled shadows beneath them. A few figures are enjoying the evening light, and amongst them, the diminutive mechanic, wearing old combats and a t-shirt. In her hand, her shoes, and she is walking in a small circle beneath a tree, her head bent to study her feet as she does so. Each step is slow, considered, matching the expression on her face. Her hair is unusually loose, falling in a red curtain around her face.
Moving through the park on some undefined task or pursuit, Desmond comes upon the circling mechanic and her tree. Moving apace, with some solid intent obvious, he still pauses when his eyes take in the odd sight. From afar he considers Cali for a few moments, a mild concern in his expression, before he's prompted by that concern to approach her. Not veiling his approach and speaking as he nears, deep voice lifted as he moves closer. "Cali.. you are well?"
She pauses in her steps, lifting her gaze to the feline. Her face lights up with the sunny smile, warming her eyes. "I'm grand, Desmond. Jus' thinkin'. Sometimes, you got to feel things to think clear in your head, you know?" She glances down at her bare feet, an inevitable flush rising in her cheeks. "They turned over his flat, tidy like, and now his workin' place but that weren't suited to bein' quiet, because they ain't got the time." Her voice is slow, thoughtful, the sunny smile fading. "So who is it..."
Desmond nods his head once to the first, glancing towards the tree she was rounding as he muses quietly. Letting her speak, slowly piecing together her words, making an assumption. "You speak of Kalvin still." Secure in that statement. "I know not who would do such a thing. Is he one to have enemies? For there is the first place to look in seeking out who would do such things. In that, sadly I could give no assistance. I believe I have seen the man in passing once.. and even then only briefly."
Caliopa shakes her head slowly, her forehead knitting, wrinkles appearing between her eyes. "Guess I got to piece it together." She shrugs, putting the topic aside, "Everything alright with you? You and Aimee?" She smiles, a dimmer version of the greeting smile, "Gonna go down to the garage today, I think, get us a list of stuff that's needful." She takes another couple of steps, wiggling her toes in the grass.
"I wish I could aid you with that. But my offer of assistance remains for other matters." A simple reminder before Desmond offers, with a softening of his tone, "Very well. We will be moving her things to my abode soon, I think. It will be a pleasing thing, for I crave to have her nearer more often. I don' wish to be too.. enclosing, but that desire remains. I hope to encourage her to express herself with the apartment. To make it more comfortable to her, and thus more favorable." So too he nods to her talk of the garage. "It must be a pleasing thing to prepare for such. You have something now to make grow and prosper."
"Ain't love grand?" Caliopa's smile does hitch up some watts, the dimples deepening in her cheeks. "Guess she is one of them women who can turn their hand to stuff like makin' a place homely?" She wrinkles her nose, "'m more likely to turn my hand to leavin' oil stains on something clean." His comment about the pleasing thing draws excitement of the plans into her mind and her face almost glows. "I got a list, Atti is gettin' me piece of shelving and worktops 'n' stools and all..."
"She knows more of such things than I," Desmond confirms. "Better it will be to allow her such freedom, though I will surely offer my thoughts to her." The two stand near a tree, the day slowly slipping to evening as the sun sets gradually. "If he has means to get such things, perhaps I shall ask once we have money enough to gain the nightclub. In all honesty, I am not rightly sure how to manage the security matters, but at the very least it should not be too difficult with the experience I have had. Seeking proper individuals seems the hardest part. Finding those who can be trusted to act with the right balance of force and thought."
Quiet footsteps come then from the entrance of the park, and a small Inuit woman makes her way in. Yet she's not alone, and for more than one reason. At her side walks Kelley, and the two of them walk hand in hand with each other. Also with them is the great white bear who is so ever-protective of the small shaman. Tornaq's height manages to make Monique seem all the smaller than what she really is, and the large bear whuffs softly at her. The bear pauses, lifting his nose and scenting the air before stepping quickly to catch up to the small woman and her companion.
At the sideways mention of Aimee, Kelley's face downturns for a moment, but after a glance at his little Inuit woman, his face perks up again, and stays there in a happy countenance. He chuckles as Tornaq "whuffs" again. Walking into the park, hand-in-hand with Monique, he waves to Caliopa - and yes, even to Desmond.
She paces again, her toes wiggling in the grace, her feet bare. "It ain't bad to have someone that ain't the same as you on things." She smiles up at him, the sunny smile undented. "Atti is good at organisin' our lives, doin' stuff like food 'n' all. Guess I ain't the wifely type." Her shoes in her hand, she swings them as she moves. "Guess you ain't neither." She is smiling up at him as she moves, slowly, each pace considered. "Oh, look, there's the doc. Got that bear woman with him." She lifts a hand to greet them.
Desmond nods his head once to Caliopa. "No, not bad at all. Different and the same, we compliment each other well." He pauses at her mention of his lack of 'wifelyness'. Considering it when she mentioned Kelley and 'that bear woman'. Desmond turns and looks towards Kelley and Monique, eyes flicking between the two, thoughtfully. He too lifts a vague hand towards them, though asides to Cali, "I know not of my.. 'widely' nature, but I know that humans think of things as work for males and work for females. I am proficient with cooking, considered by some work for females."
>From the entrance of the park comes Etienne, following at a goodly distance behind Monique and Doctor Kelley. Easily five minutes worth of distance. He glances around, taking in those people he can see, and picks a direction rather at random. The path he'd chosen heads in the general direction of Desmond and Caliopa, but isn't the same one the couple in front of him had taken. Instead, it angles around to the right of the crater filled with water that people call a pond. The time is evening, the sun just beginning to touch on the horizon. And the weather.. seems to be fair enough, with only a few clouds hanging off to the east.
Tornaq reaches out to lightly nudge Monique's shoulder, then gives another soft whuff of air, a rumble rising from within his chest. The small Inuit woman raises an eyebrow slightly, then turns to look to the bear next to her, studying him for a moment before lifting her free hand to scritch a little at his nearest leg. Her attention then turns to the other folk within the park, to see who Kelley is waving to. At the wave offered, she lifts her free hand to offer a wave in return, and her other hand gives Kelley's a bit of a squeeze. As Etienne enters, Tornaq stops to look behind, and he whuffs air before rumbling again, taking a moment to give himself a shake before catching up again to Monique with a couple of quicker steps.
Kelley notices Monique's hesitation, but pulls her toward the duo, as well. After all, he's not entirely certain if she's bet the two before. "Hello, Desmond, Caliopa!" he calls as he gets within earshot. "What's the good news?" He continues to hold onto the much smaller woman's hand as he approaches. He's curious about Desmond and Aimee, and it's always nice to see Caliopa, and he says as much - about Caliopa, not Aimee.
"I ain't able to cook. Seems I burn the water, but I ain't sure how." She wrinkles her nose, turning and stopping her pacing. "I got to ask the doc somethin', been on my mind." She drops her shoes, leaving them where they fall in the grass, sliding her hands into her back pockets. "Seems like everyone settlin' down. Ain't love grand? You 'n' Aimee, Kelley 'n' the bear girl, me 'n' Atti. Ain't weddings supposed to come in threes? Mebbe Kid 'n' Ordo'll settle ..." Kelley and Monique's arrival brightens her smile more and his question gets an answer straight out of her head, no thinking involved, "Des 'n' Aimee gettin' wed! Doc, we got enough folks for that thing? 'Cause I'm worryin' that if we go without that one extra person 'n' fail, we don't get another chance. Like fixin' something without 'nuff bolts..."
"Greetings." The word rumbled by Desmond in response to Kelley's own, given a strictly neutral line. A turn of his head to regard Monique as he rumbles, "Monique." A softer tone contrasting as an ear flicks towards Cali's words. A mild concern rises, his brow furrowed as she goes to talk to Kelley. The big male seems mildly discomfited, but in the end he seems to decide on a silent course. ears flicked forward as he listens to what she has to say.
Etienne looks up from the ground at his feet at the sound the bear makes, and then looks back to the ground. His footsteps take him onward. Around the pond, which gets a look of something akin to disdain. Apparently, he's not impressed with the crater, filled with water and such as it is. He shakes his head, and mutters something to himself, and then walks on around the pond. The path takes him back toward the little group of Caliopa, Desmond, Doctor Kelley, Monique, and the bear.
Monique looks up at Kelley, and she smiles warmly at him, her dark eyes reflecting a sparkle as she does so. After giving his hand another bit of a squeeze, she brings her attention to the pair of folk they've approached. "Good evening," she says softly, giving a bit of a nod to them both. Tornaq gives a rumble, which is his form of a greeting, and then he lightly noses at Monique's shoulder again. The small Inuit woman brings her attention to Desmond, and she smiles at him before giving a small nod. "Congratulations, it seems, are in order," she says softly to him, her dark eyes showing a sparkle to them. Saying congratulations is a bit of a mouthful for her, giving her some hesitation just to be pronounced correctly, but she does manage it.
"Congratulations, Desmond, you're a very fortunate man. Though I wouldn't have seen Aimee as a settling down type of girl. At least, not yet." That deflates him a little, remembering Aimee, the person who had awakened love inside, from such a long time that he had been without. "So are you and Atticus settling down?" he asks. Then, "Monique and I have yet to discuss marriage, or in fact, living together rules," he says as he gives his girl a squeeze. "I'm not sure that Monique even knows what 'wedding' is, though I doubt that it has taken her long to figure it out."
Caliopa's cheeks flush as she realises what she did, and she bends to grab her shoes, dropping to the ground and tugging them onto her feet. "Sorry, I weren't thinkin', I got to go. 'm sorry." Two spots of red on her cheeks illustrate her embarrassment well enough. She rises to her feet, giving all a small smile that is mostly quirks of the corner of her mouth, no dimpling involved. "I'll see you guys later..."
Caliopa's cheeks flush as she realises what she did, and she bends to grab her shoes, dropping to the ground and tugging them onto her feet. "Sorry, I weren't thinkin', I got to go. 'm sorry." Two spots of red on her cheeks illustrate her embarrassment well enough. She rises to her feet, giving all a small smile that is mostly quirks of the corner of her mouth, no dimpling involved. "I'll see you guys later..."
Desmond arches a brow slightly as Cali quits the scene, some of his mild consternation lingering. Trouble that one can be at times. He looks back to Monique and dips his head once. "Thank you, Monique. So too for the talks we have had. They did given aid that was needed," he rumbles. He pauses and looks to Kelley. It takes him a few moments to decide upon a response to the man's words, but ultimately he comes to something. "I am fortunate, yes. It was she who asked me, given the freedom to do so." A simple clarification delivered in his natural steady tone.
Etienne looks up after a moment, takes note of all the people, shakes his head and turns down another side path. One that takes him away from the people, and back toward the entrance to the park. All the while, muttering to himself. Almost as though he's thinking aloud.
The small Inuit woman quirks a grins as she looks up at Kelley, her dark eyes showing a sparkle to them, giving his hand a squeeze at the same time. "Desmond, he explained to me, a little... the wedding is the ceremony," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. She might not be overly familiar with the concept or with what happens in a wedding ceremony, but she understands what purpose it serves. Her attention follows Cali when the other woman leaves, considering it, yet then she looks up at Kelley again. "We will talk of such things, when the time comes for it," she says softly, sounding fairly certain of that. Looking to Desmond and listening as he speaks, she smiles warmly, then gives a small nod. "You are welcome, for the talks... I am glad that I was able to help," she says softly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Desmond, I didn't mean to imply that you had forced it upon her. And I once again, heartily congratulate you!" He looks to Monique, back to Tornaq, then back up to his beau. He spots Etienne moseying around the lake, and waves, though he doubts that the man will see him. "What do you think, Monique?" While he's here, he asks Desmond, "So, how did she propose? On bended knee?" Kelley smiles happily, commenting, "I'm glad that we both found someone, Desmond. Congratulations, once more." He then scans the Park for newcomers, and spots Janus and Tu'ul - and Etienne doing whatever it is that he's doing over by the lake. As the other approach, he greets them in turn, introducing them to Monique as they pass by - assuming that they pass by the giant polar bear.
For those able to see it, those possessing psychic ability, the ghost of a strange looking alien being folds out of nothing to arrive at the spot. Standing in place a few inches off the ground the appararition looks around at everyone present, but says nothing. He simply watches. For those familiar with the odd being, it is the living translator Tu'tul.
Desmond lets his eyes drift between Monique and Kelley quietly as they speak, the light discomfit lingering in the background of his otherwise neutral manner. Though Kelley's words get a simple response. "I did not seek imply any such thing. Only to express what has occurred, that you would better know Aimee. " A pause as he adds, "You were with her for a time.. I would have thought you had come to know her well." Then Tu'ul appears again, Desmond's head shifting towards the mildly familiar image of the strange DBee. "Tu'ul," the big male rumbles in his normal manner of greeting, head given a slight dip.
Entering the fray in his usual array of armor and weaponry is none other than the Pantheran Kesslan. As usual, while he wears his armor he's without his helmet, and thus relatively easy to recognize, if only because of those ghostly white eyes of his. A feature none too common, especially among the handful of felanoids one may find in and around Kingsdale. His pace is relatively casual, though he doesnt seem to be paying much attention to his surroundings today, instead rather lost in thought.
Etienne doesn't seem to be really doing anything in particular, other than wandering along the path, thinking almost loudly enough to be heard, but not quite loudly enough to be caught by anyone not close to him. As the path he follows loops back around to head out of the park, he remains upon it, still muttering to himself even as he leaves the park itself.
The great white polar bear stands near the small Inuit shaman, ever-watchful and protective of her. Yet he senses something, turning and looking in the direction of Tu'ul. The stance of the bear shifts, asserting his protective nature, and for the first time in a long time, the bear gives a bellowing roar of sound, moving so that he stands in between the strange being and his shaman. Tornaq lifts one of his large front paws, his height greater than that if his petite shaman and thus likely making her seem all the smaller for it. To the upset of the great bear, Monique immediately turns her attention to him, slipping the fingers of her hand from out of Kelley's and stepping a little closer to the bear. Lifting her left hand, she brings a soft touch to his front leg left on the ground, and she speaks in a quiet whisper to him in her native tongue of Inuit. She, too, sees the strange being, and is... both unnerved and wary. Uncertain due to unfamiliarity, and her brow furrows a little, her dark eyes reflecting her uncertainty.
Kelley doesn't want to get into another argument about Aimee, so he allows the comments to drop. He turns and says, "Hello, Tu'ul. How does the day find you?" in a cello-like voice. "Kelley reluctantly removes his hand from Monique's, giving it a quick kiss before going after Etienne. "Etienne! Hey, what's up?" He raises his voice a bit to be heard over the din of songbirds and rustling leaves. "Hey, Tornaq, he calls, Tu'ul is all right. I've never seen him do anything aggressive, and besides, she's got two of us defending her, right?" Kelley smiles as he watched his little Inuit take care of the giant bear.
Tu'ul eyes the raging bear calmly, fully aware that the beast poses him no harm whatsoever. Instead he turns to Desmond and Kelley and even to Monique. "Greetings. I apologize if I startled you, but I was exploring the city and happened on you all here." He says looking around. His voice cannot be heard, but instead echoes in your minds with pleasant feelings and intents behind it.
Desmond starts slightly when Tornaq reacts so strongly to Tu'ul's arrival. As Monique tends to him, Des speaks up, addressing the bear with a firm tone, "Peace, Tornaq. Tu'ul brings no harm." Making motion towards the image of the translator. He then looks towards the image and nods his head once. "I see. You have brought me no concern, rest assured." A pause before he asks, with an air of curiosity, "This is how you always travel? It seems a strange thing.. to go to places in this state, rather than physically." His eyes lift to consider the park, which leads him to take note of Kesslan's presence and is quick to lift his voice just enough to carry. "Kesslan." Spoken to alert him to Desmond's presence, the tone of his voice again softening, despite the volume, given a tint of welcome.
Kesslan looks up almost wearily, ears perking slightly at the slightly faint from the distance, yet familar voice that calls out his name. His mood brightening slightly in response as he changes course to intercept the small gathering where Desmond is located. A wary note made of the presence of Monique and Tornaq, still feeling a touch uncertain about the bear dispite everything. But none the less he approaches bit by bit, his pace picked up a little. It will however, be a moment yet before he reaches the others.
The Spirit bear brings that lifted front paw back down to the ground, pawing once at the grass and leaving deep furrows in the grass. A loud rumble rises from him, though he seems to be settling somewhat, even if he doesn't take his attention off of the strange Tu'ul. Monique makes no apologies for the bear's actions, though she does remain right close to the beast, keeping a hand upon his leg. Tornaq does, eventually, turn his attention to Desmond, who gains a more familiar whuff from the great beast, though he keeps his bulk between Tu'ul and his small shaman. Then comes the voice within not just her mind, but that of the great white bear next to her, and that sets her even more ill at ease than did the arrival. It doesn't settle well with Tornaq either, who turns his attention back to the figure of Tu'ul, lifting one of those large front paws again. In favour of the current 'threat', both the bear and the small Inuit woman do cast a glance to Kelley, though neither of them relax from their current state of being.
Kelley tries to think of something comforting to Tornaq, but as he's not familiar with polar bear language, he comes up blank. "Tu'ul, can you speak animal, or is it just for humanoids and intelligent D-Bees?" Kelley asks politely. Then, "And, if you wouldn't min, please vocalize next time. I don't really care to have people flitting about in my mind, you know?" He reaches for Monique's hand again and gently picks it up and places a kiss on it. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," he says, in what he hopes is a comforting voice. Not that he thinks she really needs it, just that he feels the need to protect his little shaman.
Tu'ul shakes his semi transparent head. "Most beasts cannot speak, it is the one language barrier that my race cannot break. However.." He trails off and a stream of Inuit comes forth from the DBee, meaning roughly. "Calm yourself Tornaq, I am a freind to the shamans and the great bear. No harm will come from me." He sends out, and those everyone can 'hear him' likely only two can understand him. Turning to Kelley he shakes his great head. "I cannot. I am not actually here, but in the city library, and this is my only means of communication. Fear not though, for I cannot see your thoughts right now, even if I desired to." He 'says' calmly. And in answering Desmonds question, he says only. "My physical body is frail and can be hurt. if I travel this way, I can only be hurt by Spirits, Supernatural beings and those like myself."
Desmond turns his attention to the immediate area, sensing that calm is not yet about to take hold. He will shift himself slightly, moving a bit between where Tu'ul's image drifts and the great bear. Moving without notable concern as he rumbles lowly, "Peace. He is simply communicating. There is no attack, no danger." His tone kept steady, his eyes dipped towards those of the bear with unwavering confidence in his words. Though even in this, he takes in Tu'ul's words. But for the moment he choses to keep his focus on the great bear.
Kesslan eventually arrives near the others, though due to Tornaq's rather agressive behaviour retains some distance warily. The feline clearly uncertain as to what exactly is going ton to upset the giant bear, unable as he is to see or assumably at this point 'hear' Tu'ul. There is only a meaningful and questioning glance directed towards Desmond, though obviously the pantheran is quite happy to let... what ever it is settle down first.
The best source of comfort possibly available for the great Spirit bear is in the source of the petite shaman standing at his side. The small Inuit woman remains close to the bear, and close enough that she's actually pressed a little against the bear's front leg. Monique speaks quietly, in a hushed tone cast as low as a whisper, and she speaks in her native Inuit language. Tornaq displays signs of listening, his hears swivelling a little and flicking, and again, he lowers his front paw to the earth, though this time, there are no furrows left in the wake of doing so. Turning his head and lowering his nose a little, he whuffs softly at the small shaman at his side, then reaches out to lightly nudge Kelley with his nose, giving a rumble of sound. Still keeping herself in contact with the great bear, Monique's dark-eyed gaze turns to Kelley, and she manages a whisper of a smile. More for his benefit than that she truly feels that everything is all right, though. "Easier to say not to worry than to not worry," she says quietly, letting him keep her hand and giving his a squeeze. The great white bear eases slightly, though that seems to have been more in response to the efforts of the shaman beside him rather than what others have said.
"Ah, thanks, Desmond. I think that we've got it under control now. But thanks, I appreciate your blocking Tu'ul for us." He looks down at the intertwined hands and can't help but smile. He gives Tu'ul's... image...a peculiar look, but shrugs. He's seen peculiar-er things before in his times traveling the Megaverse. For now, is content to pull his shaman closer and stroke the big bear's neck, as if to say, "Don't worry about it, there are *two* of us." He then laughs and plants kiss on top of Monique's head. "Cool trick, babe, I didn't know that you could quiet the beasts, too." He offers her a wide grin.
Tu'ul looks as if he is frowning is he was physically capable of it. "I see I put you on edge like this.. My apologies.. I'll go." He 'says' softly, echoes of sorrow in your minds from his words. With that he fades into nothing and is gone.
Desmond seems content enough that things have relaxed somewhat, taking a slow step back, his stance moving back towards a relaxed neutrality. His eyes shifting slightly to Kelley he rumbles a simple, "Indeed." He looks to Monique then and clarifies, "Tu'ul is of no threat to you, he.." A pause as the translator choses to slip away. His brow furrowing slightly, but in the end he lets the moment pass and return his attention to Monique for a moment. "You might find him of interest. He seems able to speak near any language, even your own, surely." He looks to Kesslan and extends a hand to invite him closer. "Kesslan knows of this. No doubt it was a comfort to hear your language spoken by another, other than the impersonal voice of the translator."
Kesslan quirks his head slightly at Desmond's indication before blinking slightly as he catches Tu'ul's parting words, though looking around a little startled himself at that point having never seen the being in question. And suffice it to say he finds the experience rather unnerving himself. "Tu'ul is here?" he asks hestantly of Desmond and the others gathered. For, he does know of and has even met the odd being to which Desmond refers. Yet He certainly does not see him here now....
It's only when Kelley mentions Desmond that Monique actually turns her attention to him. So intent, she had been, on calming the great bear and on the strangeness delivered in the form of Tu'ul that she'd not really noticed where others had ended up in the minor scuffle. "Thank you, Desmond... for your help," she says softly, a small smile touching her lips. She's still not completely sure about Tu'ul, but, she's better now than when he had first arrived. "His arrival was... unexpected, unfamiliar. As was his way of speaking... it was strange, to Tornaq and me," she offers, as though attempting to explain at least what had set off the chain reaction of events. At least Tornaq hadn't attacked. Tornaq lowers his nose to nudge Kelley's shoulder again, whuffing a breath of air and giving a more neutral sounding rumble. Willingly, she lets herself be drawn closer to Kelley, and a little bit away from Tornaq, and she looks up at him through her lashes. "Mmm... well... it works with Tornaq because he knows me, he trusts me. He and I, we have been together for many many moons. I do not know if it would work either other animals," she says thoughtfully. Quiet for a moment, she considers what she's experienced, then lifts a hand to scruff a bit of Tornaq's fur before looking beyond the great bear to Desmond again. "I will, perhaps, have to find him... if only to explain," she muses, frowning a little. She doesn't like either her actions or Tornaq's to be misunderstood, after all.
Kelley still isn't quite sure about Tu'ul, even though he's met him on several occasions. "Pulling something - even just a language - from a brain is a bit like rape that you can't even try to stop. You are right, however, I'm sure that Monique would be pleased to hear her native tongue again. Not that I want to speak over her, it's just a guess." He pauses, then asks Desmond, "So, when is the big day? Who's invited? This is very exciting, you know. Well, of course you know, that was a stupid statement," Kelley says after rambling on for a bit. "Still, I never would have pegged her for someone willing to settle down at her young age. She was so random with me - I guess you knew what the right buttons were to push." Then, after a brief moment of reflection, he notices that Desmond has fallen quite silent.
"He was here," Desmond affirms to Kesslan. A pause before the inevitable follow up comes about. "You did not see him?" His brow lingering in that furrowed state at that possibility. He nods once to Monique's response and rumbles, "Better to see that a misunderstanding does not turn unfortunate. He is often at the library.. as if he never leaves the place. Perhaps that is so, considering his words. He adds, at Kelley's commentary, "I know not how he does this, but he seems agreeable enough to not touch a mind when it is expressed that such contact is not desired." He then addresses Kelley's question to him, some of that mild discomfit returned as he states, "We have not set a date yet, I have only just offered her the ring of engagement. The promise of what will be between us. More than that we have yet to discuss, but we shall in time." A pause before he adds, "Random.. perhaps in a way, but like flame there is reason to what she does. To those who know her well enough to determine such things. Though even I am still learning."
Kesslan shakes his head "No, I did not see. Heard yes, but there was simply nothing of him to see. Thus why wondered did I if here he was. Spirit walking was he once more? Know I have he done this before but not see have I of him." the feline replies to Desmond. Kesslan moving a little closer now to offer the Kill Cat a greeting warm nuzzling. "Is well? Aimee too? Know not have I had chance speak with you for some time or Aimee. Buisy work.. and seek guidance from spirits. Listen do they even if hear them cannot I."
The small Inuit woman blinks a little as she looks up at Kelley, her brow furrowing slightly, and a small frown touches at the corners of her lips. "He... takes language, from the minds of others?" she asks quite softly, puzzled at how this could possibly be. Strange, it is. Her attention turns again to Desmond, at the questions that have been asked of him, and to the words spoken, and then she gives a small nod. "I would not wish our actions to be misunderstood. We were... disturbed, I suppose, by the unfamiliarity," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. Evening has progressed, but there is still light left to the day, albeit dying light. Tornaq shifts his stance slightly, taking a moment to look around, and then he gives himself a thorough shake. Better, the great white bear lowers his nose to whuff Monique's hair in a familiar manner, and then his gaze turns to the felinoids, doing nothing more than simply watching them.
Kelley looks to Monique, but says nothing. If she wants to have something explained to her, he'll do it back at the condo. "Babe, I'll explain it back home, if that's all right with you, if you need it." Kelley then looks toward the cats, and marvels at the bond that two grown cats could have for one another, especially after only having meant a few months ago. "How do you do it, Desmond?" Comes the unscientific, non-specific query.
"Yes, strange that you did not see him, for I did," Desmond rumbles to Kesslan, thoughtful on the tidbits displayed of Tu'ul's abilities. Bits and pieces that are quietly filed away as he turns towards Kesslan, leaning into the fond nuzzle briefly. "It is well, Kesslan, as is Aimee. I have spoken with her on what arrangements there will be amongst us and I have encouraged her to speak with you on this as it is most important to her. There is no great hurry." he pauses a moment and then asks, "What is it you seek guidance on? And none was had, I assume?" His attention shifts to Monique and Kelley as he rumbles to her first, "It is understandable. He appeared to Kesslan and I suddenly once before. It was a startling thing." Kelley gets a bemused expression from the big male as he wonders, "Do what?"
Kesslan shakes his head to Desmond's quesition, pausing briefly as Kelley asks his question of the other feline. The pantheran's ears perking in curriosity at Kelley's stated wonderment. However once they've settled that question he answers Desmond's own "No. Never do I response get, attuned I am not enough to sprits as others are. Faith do I have that answer in time will come. Way there is not you see for to me have way to get home. Spoken with have I other spirit touched in this city. Chance to find way back there is slim. Guidance I seek of the sprits on how then to help my people when on own way can I not find." Why is it that these things always happen in Kingsdale? Or rather, to Kingsdale? Elsewhere, a universe away and far across the stars shooting is happening. Lots of yelling and screaming. An incident of some kind, of course. And as a stolen hovercar weaves it's way down the narrow corridors of the science facility, more shooting happens.
The driver guns the engines, engaging jet turbines as he rounds the vehicle around a corner -- heading for the main research chamber with flying insect guards not far behind. On board are four souls, two inside and two clinging to the landing struts and popping off warning shots to discourage their pursuers. The driver executes a neat little slide-turn and enters the chamber as the passenger begins to concentrate. This device has been known to them -- it was supposed to be used by them for their exploration afterall, and not their opressors. Either way, a blue circle forms and the speeding hovercar is rocketed through it.
What does this mean at Kingsdale? Well, considering that these sorts of things are drawn to here like a moth on light, it may not be surprising. But the evening calm is shattered with the roar of turbines as said speeding hovercar, defenatly alien in design and yet familliar to one here, rockets overhead out of nowhere -- dropping to a very, very hard landing near the edge of the park. Orders can be heard to be shouted in an alien tongue as they assemble a defensive position around it -- rifles pointed up at the now closing portal in case they are pursued.
Given that the mystic has his helmet off...... it's a fairly easy thing to tell that these are anthromorphic felids. At least, presumably. The driver and the two others are in full body armor, but...
Monique raises an eyebrow slightly as she looks up at him, and then she gives a small nod, accepting that answer. "Yes, later is all right, to explain," she says softly. There's more than one part of how Tu'ul does what he does that she needs explained, but she's not going to ask here and now after having been promised an explanation later. The small Inuit woman lifts a hand to lightly scruff Tornaq's fur, and then she looks past him to the two felinoids, and a smile lights her features. "Yes, it was startling," she affirms, giving a small nod. Then there comes the shattering of the calm with many noises of a sudden from out of nowhere. This particular arrival makes Tu'ul's seem almost pale in comparison, simply because it is even all the more alien and utterly strange. Stepping back a little, the small Inuit woman does little other than stare with wide-eyed disbelief at what's just appeared. How...? The great white bear turns swiftly at the noise as well, though rather than voice any protest to it, he moves easily to place his bulk between whatever's arrived and his small shaman, to at least attempt to shield her from any harm which may be approaching. A glance to Monique is cast by the great white bear, and he nudges her briefly with his nose before bringing his attention back to those who have just arrived.
The tal Atlantean, for his part, tries to push his beau back behind Tornaq, hoping that there won't be a firefight - but you never know. He removes his pistol from its shoulder holster, and gets ready for a fight that he hopes will never happen. However falling out of the sky *is* a little odd. "I just hope those aren't energy rifles, Kelley says to Monique. He looks to Tornaq, wondering what he'll do, and knowing, "We will protect you to our deaths, Monique." For now, Kelley gets on the ground in one knee, hoping to be lost amongst the foliage with his camouflage cloak.
Desmond nods his head once as Kesslan speaks, musing his words with a seriousness. "I see.. then there is but to await such a.." Then comes the sudden opening of the portal and the roar of the hovervehicle that roars out of it. Reacting on instinct, the big male darts back, legs snapping to hop back a handful of feet to a nearby tree, one substantial enough to offer a bit of protection when he slips it between himself and the portal as well as those who were disgorged by it, his hand dipped into his jacket as he draws out the Wilks pulse pistol he keeps in his shoulder holster. Only after cover and preparation have been addressed does he shift his head, peering past the edge of the trunk to take in the scene. Sighting the crashed vehicle.. the passengers that deploy. Taking in their movements with a practiced eye. Given what he sees, he holds action for now, head turned to look past the other edge of the tree, towards the portal that seems to be what the newcomers are most interested with. He keeps the pistol lifted, though the barrel is pointed towards the sky. In the process, he marks the positions the others take, though towards the end he keeps his eyes on the portal until it sees fit to shut fully. On the whole it's just such days as this that gave rise to the practice of Pantheran warriors allways wearing their armor. The same really to go for those of the enforcer caste. Perhaps then it is a good thing that ultimately Kesslan heralds from both lineages, and ultimately explains why he seems to pretty much never go anywhere without. And while he's normally quite quick to spring into action, in a case like this it's a little hard to tell what to do just at first, but for most taking cover is a priority untill such a time as one can sort out what exactly is going on... And yet, the pantheran simply stands there.
Stunned.
Not even the feline's tail moves.
He simply remains there a moment, frozen out in the open, his gaze having followed the trail of the crashing car. But more importantly those in and hanging from it. For while the armor is ailen to him, while the weapons are alien to him in part... he knows what sort of weapons those are, or should be. And deep down, he just knows what that armor, oh so different from what he's used to growing up around still means. For the pantherans are a very adaptive race, and Kesslan had been around since before and after the arrival of the Atorian Empire. Seen the changes as they had begun to happen, the changes more so in the materials used, the slight stylistic changes. And yet those changes allways were minimal. Tradition dictating that they be as close as could be to the old way unless something radical had to be done. But even so, there are allways telltail signs one knew insintcitvely to look for. It's just that he never really belived he'd ever see those queues again in his life. Not this one anyway...
Even as the roar of turbines are heard, and the engine of the hovercar dies away the four individuals who have arrived move. Two are behind the hovercar, rifles braced for accuracy; waiting for the portal to close. The unhelmeted one stands ready, waiting even, and the one in full body armor is crouched off to one side, holding what appears to be a staff in his left hand. They could not be concerned with the observers at this point, seeing the portal as a threat.
Curiously, a dank stink wafts out from it -- highly reminsicent of chemicals. It's turning the air downright acrid. Worse though, is the irritable buzzing sound that follows and something can be seen on the other side -- a pair of hovering, humanoid insects who screech to a halt near the opening as they know they will not make it through in time. So they fire at the hovercraft -- a few shots of errant plasma arcing out towards it and hitting nothing, with the small group returning fire with bright orange particle beams -- except the armored one, who points his staff at the portal and looses a blast of cerulean energy. It is unknown if their insectoid pursuers are hit, as the portal closes and the sheer stink begins to dissipitate. Relaxing, they lift their weapons out of line at anything and begin to turn their attention to the gathering. They begin to talk amongst themselves, until the bunch of them step out from the shadow of their cooling vehicle; weapons ready but not pointed at anyone. "Shrrak-tir Il-najar faraturr rawlirash-pastrrril braqirrf-jah-srovu!" the one in full armor calls. "Gaius noxima jalor guy?" and then switches to very heavily accented American. Or so it seems. "And what of this tongue?" Finally though, one of them catches sight of Kesslan and elbows his comrade hard, and both just sort of stare.
There is little need to push her to safety, with Tornaq having moved into his own position. For the time being, the great white bear remains on all fours, though he does lift one of his front paws and lower his head a little, his attention remaining upon the source of the ruckus. Ready and willing, at least, to have his life be damaged or taken before that of the small shaman whom he protects. Monique gives herself a little shake, both mental and physical, and she looks to Kelley at his words before shaking her head. "Tornaq will not die... and you... you must not," she says quietly, her voice holding a certain intensity to it. Remaining where she is behind the great white bear, she reaches her left hand to the otter-skin pouch which hangs at her waist. Slipping her fingers within, she goes by feel to find what she seeks, and she withdraws the talisman which her fingers have claimed. The thong of the talisman is taken in hand, and she slips it over her wrist, wrapping it securely to keep it in place, scooting it up her sleeve a little bit. With no armor being worn by her, Monique trusts in the talisman to protect her should the great white bear be unable to do so. Though she's wary and suffering a healthy amount of fear of the unknown, at the moment, at least she's thinking. Listening, as well, since she's unable to see through the bulk of Tornaq and unwilling at the moment to stand in the clear. The words spoken in a language she doesn't understand just seem to buzz about like so many flies on a kill in the heat of summer, and then there come words which are in American. The small Inuit's dark eyes widen with surprise, and she steps quietly along the length of the great bear, to take a moment to peek around him at those doing the speaking. Forgetting safety, for the moment, in favour of curiosity. One of these days, it will likely get her in trouble.
"Oh, sweetheart, get back behind Tornaq. Please?" Kelley implores. However, watching the two felinoids who seem to be comrades of Kesslan - or at least, of the same race, he allows his pistol to drop a little bit, though he is far from relaxed. What's with the helmet-less guy? Who were those insects? All good questions, which he poses to Monique, though he's pretty sure that she has even less of an idea as himself. Remaining at the ready, but slightly relaxed, Kelley leans up against Tornaq, being somewhat unkind and hope the bear would take a blow before him. "Please get back!" he implores Monique. "I can't let anything happen to you! Not now, not ever!" But then, he adds finally, "Maybe this will end up being some kind of healthy reunion, huh?"
In response to the acrid stench from the portal, Desmond's nose wrinkles. But he doesn't linger from monitoring the rip, witnessing the strange insectoids that trade a brief fit of fire with the felinoids. He holds his own fire, keeping below the radar. Once he sees the portal close, Desmond turns his head back towards the crashed vehicle. Which brings to his attention that Kesslan lingers in place. Desmond frowns, the total lack of action playing poorly with what he knows of the male. Then he hears the first, guttural words that emerge from the armored, staff wielding visitor. His eyes widen slightly, with a subtle recognition, things falling into place for the big male as he emerges slowly from his cover. He lowers the Wilks slowly towards the ground, still displaying some caution as he emerges, moving back towards Kesslan slowly. Keeping his mannerisms non-threatening as he acknowledges the last. "This tongue we all speak," he rumbles in response as he nears to Kesslan. The big male will shift a hand, laying in upon Kesslan's shoulder, provided he's not moved by the time he gets there. "We mean no harm to you," he adds, glancing towards Kelley and Monique briefly before he returns his attention to the newcomers.
Kesslan continues to simply stand there, staring for a good long while in silence, before finally his gaze is dragged away towards where the portal was, the familar smells wafting to his nose. Which only hightens the incredulity of the moment for the pantheran.
Spirits listened this past week indeed so it seems.
Hestitantly at first, as if this whole thing were but a dream that would flit away the moment he reached out to grasp it Kesslan begins to move towards the group. A wary, special attention directed towards the armored form of Rath'tklan.. for he is markedly different from the others, and yet some how, this being too wears familar markings. That however is a question Kesslan will save for another time. A call out then to the group "Hajir Ja-shirr Horrak-Firr Kesslan Osefice, sirrat Rasharr-Fen Osefice quarri-sak Werrnaj Rasharr. Xatarr-FEK slorr Werrnaj Atorian. Jerr-jirr Werrnaj Jarr-Kath. Satisharr Efratir Hagratari-Sirrus. Navrritiyajra li-saquarrfe-tir Jortavesh Sessirr lija-fir Werrnaj Rasharr, Maxrrilx Rrrtash lijar-firr Werrnaj Rasharr, Xzirr'tath Gratirr lija-fir Werrnaj Jarr-Kath estaff Brashijir Sotus lija-fir Werrnaj Katsa'jor. Satisharr-Joka-hastashrr sorrul-fir Efratir Hagratari-Sirrus. Horrak-Firr-trajarilnorast." he declares loudly in his native tongue. A brief pause before he continues. "Jortavesh suris Brashijir caxir-shaj kakrrtur-ferraksin saff. Xzirr'tah xaxir-hanijirll sorfur, ha-Maxrrilx nimsah-sor hamjal-jal-nix sot, Hahkirr-Feh sotalirmok-jirr. Hash-turr-serafishhrr Srutas-srruat-tarr lajarnish somfaru quarl. Zatiajl drafranash tursarak"
Another pause then from the dark feline, a notable feature of any visible eyes between the recently arrived felines and Kesslan is the fur.. and the eyes. Those unmistakeable pure white eyes that are not a mark of just Kesslan, but indeed of all Pantheran. For save for individual features, the marks uppon the body, the shene of the fur, the broadness of the muzzle, the shape of the ear... the fur itself is allways black as night, and the eyes allways those blank orbs of white.
"This too language they speak. Call they it 'American'. Know I not of what name they this world give, but in this place friends find will you. Help, find will you.
The staff-wielding one looks first at Desmond, and then at Kesslan. With his face hidden, there is only the subtle crimson glow of optics to indicate where he is looking. Then at Monique and Kelley, where he pauses. "There is no harm that is meant to come to you or yours. The quarrel is not with you." He says, in mildly halting American. And then to Desmond he indicates his tanks with an inclination of his head and leaning upon his staff now he turns to address Kesslan properly. There is a long burst of Pantheran from him. A very, very long burst of Pantheran. A good thirty seconds before he stops, certain subtle intonations indicating reverence or at the very least, a formalized introduction. He indicates the unarmored one, who looks a little older than all others present -- with a few tips of white around the fur on his head, who then begins to speak as well -- albiet more briefly, and then all seem to be waiting for responses.
The small Inuit woman lingers up near Tornaq's front leg, mostly remaining behind it but still peeking out from around it. Watching, and apparently letting curiosity keep its hold upon her, at least up until the point of Kelley's second imploring request. She catches at least a part of the glance that Desmond casts in their direction, then slips back to be behind the great white bear again. It's then when she brings her dark-eyed gaze back to Kelley, and she ducks her chin a bit to look to him through the veil of her lashes. "Sorry, asik," she says softly, sounding sincerely apologetic. But she was curious! "They spoke this language, and I was curious," she adds. Yet even though she offers the explanation, she knows it isn't a very good excuse for her actions. Stepping closer to him, she reaches out to to lightly touch his arm nearest to her, giving him a warm smile, her dark eyes showing a shine to them. If he'll allow, she reaches out to take his hand, twining her fingers to his, and then she'll turn to walk with him, out from behind the great white bear, coming to stand next to Tornaq instead.
Kelley takes Monique's hand and gives it a squeeze, but untwines his fingers from here, imploring, "Please stay back here until we know what is going on, okay?" He plants a kiss on her forehead - bending down to do so - and says, "I think that these are the same species as Kesslan, and they seem to speak American. But why they're here, at this moment, is the question. Please wait here, asik. I will call you if and when it is safe." He turns to the big bear, and says, "I know that I don't have to tell you this, but don't let her get hurt, okay? With that, he moves out slowly, crossing the park with his pistol drawn, but the muzzle pointed at the ground. He makes sure that his pick and mace are loose and ready, continues to cross the plaza to find out just what in gods names is going on.
As Kesslan has moved forward, Desmond will not follow along too closely. Allowing the other feline to address w hat are obviously his people. His caution dissipates entirely and he carefully slips his pistol back into the veiled shoulder holster under his jacket. Replacing the caution is a soft sense of wonder, mixed with curiosity. He listens closely to the words Kesslan speaks, even though he cannot hope to understand a bit of it. Curious.. wondering what passes between the five of them in hat moment. The focused curiosity obvious enough to any observer. At the brief acknowledgment of his own words and the returned declaration, he moves closer. Assuming there is no negative reaction, he will approach to stand slightly behind and to the side of Kesslan. When the one who has the seeming of an elder enters into the talk, Desmond will dip his head slightly towards that one. But other than that slight motion, he will simply linger near and observe closely.
Kesslan there is a few moments of.. well if it's simply confusion, shock, reverant awe or.. hell likely a mix of all of it it takes a while for Kesslan to respond this time around. His ears perked high none the less, but he cant help but pause to look around at the others here. As Desmond once more moves up to him he steps back a little so that he's now side by side with Desmond. A pause then as he turns to the larger feline, a gentle hand touching the other feline's arm as he looks up at him quietly, almost questioningly before leaning forward and giving another fond nuzzling to Desmond. his heart set before Desmond even likely has a chance to say a word. Still.. the actions Kesslan take are meaningful in and of themselves, for it's clear to any of his kind that there's a certain attraction beyond mere simple friendship between the two. He turns his attention back then to the others responding in kind again in his own language, before reaching into a pouch on his belt to pull out a device he long thought he was all but done with forever. His ever trusty translator. Though it's not perfect at translating the words, it would at least help the others better understand waht is being said. And so he turns it on, moving forward to offer it up to the elder of the lot with the proper defference one is expected to show any elder. All the more so one such as this. "This help will it make them understand too what say you." he says at last, the words translated from english to pantheran, just as it will translate pantheran to english. "Gift this should you take. Help will it think I others."
The 'Elder' one takes the device from Kesslan as he listens, Rath'tklan and the others with him appropriately silent. The old Pantheran twists it around in his hands for a moment in the manner of an old man trying to figure out a computer before he clicks it on and speaks into it experimentally. "..........Good Fortunes to you all." Peering at it once, he then seems to be satisfied and resumes speaking. "It is this one's most humble apologies to have disturbed your place of social gathering. We will collect our vehicle soon and be on our way. Though our time here may be short, there is much that we would learn from each of you and perhaps in the coming times we will encounter each of you again." He seems to be peering at Desmond alot as he speaks, trying to decide what to make of him as he looks back to Kesslan.
"And yet, you have survived to have done what was asked of you. These....are not Atorian, then?" He gives Doctor Kelley, and Monique a very, very long look -- sniffing the air slightly. "There are many explanations we must yet hear. Please take us somewhere quiet, so that we may talk privately."
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side as she looks up at Kelley, listening attentively to what he says before giving a small nod. "I will wait with Tornaq," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. Even though she's heard what he said, she doesn't entirely obey. She stays near to the great white bear, though she doesn't move to stand behind him, choosing not to hide. Tornaq lifts his nose to lightly nudge Kelley's shoulder before he starts to walk from them, and then he whuffs and gives a rumble as though to acknowledge Kelley's request. Both she and Tornaq watch then as Kelley starts to walk away from them and to investigate. Lifting one of her hands, she ruffles her fingers through some of Tornaq's fur, and the great white bear seems to relax and ease back a little. Lingering with the bear, she speaks quietly to him in her native Inuit tongue, doing so more so that the bear will remain at ease than for any other reason.
Stopping a respectable distance from the apparent Pantherans, Kelley crosses his arms across his chest, securing the weapon back its holster. A fantastic chance to get to learn some hands-on xenology. He watches the goings-on with a scientific eye, gathering as much data as he can. There's an older, and younger Pantheran. There's some kind of mystic, and a driver, all of which he files away for later analysis. Right now, he focuses on the speech patterns with his ear, and looks over the battered.. hovercar? He also focuses on the place where the rift had opened, ready to fire, should it open up again and cough up new insectoids. He waves his asik to remain down, but otherwise simply stands and observes, giving the Patherans a general, "Hello, and good fortune to you."
Desmond does not object to Kesslan's equaling of their stance, nor the touch. Though at it, his attention shifts to the smaller feline entirely for a few moments. And the big male doesn't say anything.. in part as there is little for him to speak upon, though the fond touch is returned as before. Kesslan could easily see the bemusement in his eyes, still not quite sure what goes on, but reaffirming their bond quietly is not something he balks at. Nor does he even consider what significance it might have to the other felines. As the elder speaks through the translator, he looks up to absorb the words spoken. For a moment he seems uncertain if he should speak.. and yet he feels compelled, especially as the elder looks to him. "Yes, much to learn." He pauses, then makes note, "Moving to another place would he favorable, the authorities of this city might be less kind than we here are. This would be unfortunate." The talk of private speaking leads Desmond to look to Kesslan. "Think you it would be best to have the vehicle stowed at the landing strip? Your abode would make for privacy for what need be spoken."
Kesslan glances towards the craft in question "Unless weapons has it then better be would simply park it in spot for such use at appartment. Some notice gather would it but less so think I." his attention then quickly turning back to the other pantherans, the... other being with them given another currious glance but still he does not comment uppon it. The feline switching back to his native language once more, knowing the translator will allow others to understand his words "I have a place uppon this world, not far. Best it would be for us to speak furthere there." he pauses to indicate Desmond "This, is Desmond. He is.. of another clan uppon this world. Many clans have they uppon this world, yet they do not call themselves by such names. Many journals have I written in my time here, explain much it shall for you. Safer too would it be think I to move from this place, lest the Atorian find a way to continue their persuit. Much of a force they would need to take this place, safe for long it would not be but time would on our side be in such a thing."
The fully armored one, who had been silent while Kesslan spoke with the elder fingers his rifle absently. He's speaking in Pantheran as well, but the translator that the Elder is holding is close enough for his words to be carried over too. "I doubt it. The only one who really knew how it works is their lead scientist and we finished with him not so long ago. May or may not have had something to do with our dramatic arrival. And no, it's unarmed." The Elder then nods, and gestures towards the two soldiers and points to the hovercraft. "I will walk with Spirit Warrior Kesslan. I have had enough of air vehicles." There is disdain in his voice that suggests he was perhaps just tolerating the vehicle. He gestures as well. "I would insist that the initial meeting be private. There is something you must be shown. No offenses meant to.....Desmond?" He tries the name upon his lips, having a little bit of difficulty. Kelley then speaks to him, and he turns; pure white eyes peering at the man. "Greetings." He says, very politely. "Perhaps we will have more time to talk, soon?"
Keeping a hand on Tornaq, the small Inuit woman remains next to the great white bear. Her expression is thoughtful as she watches, though she remains honour-bound by her word to remain where she had said that she would. Her dark-eyed gaze wanders over the other felinoids, the ones who had newly arrived, and she takes a puzzling moment to look over the vehicle they came in. She doesn't understand the vehicle, but she has that problem with most technology. Her attention returns to Kelley, then, watching him, though for herself, she remains quiet. Yet after a lingering time of nothing harmful happening, Monique starts to walk towards Kelley, and Tornaq starts to follow her. The great white bear isn't about to her leave him behind and thus let her potentially be in danger.
Believing, at least, that the Pantheran is talking to him, Kelley states, "Yes, I would be very interested in speaking with you." It's brief, and to the point, and hopefully directed to the right person, assuming he was being spoken to at all. He gives a small, rolling shrug. Turning his head slightly, he waves Monique up to his side - undoubtedly accompanies by Tornaq. There doesn't seem to be anything special about the car, and the rift hasn't re-opened. Still, it's good to be careful, which is why he definitely hopes that the big bear comes with her. "Monique! I think that it's safe to come out now." He is unsure as to the customs of the Pantherans, so simply remains standing where he is, hoping that he's not making some kind of taboo out of the situation.
Desmond frowns slightly at the mention of the Atorians and pursuit. His head lifts and turns, looking towards where the portal did appear. His ears perked as he scans the area slowly before returning his attention to those before him. Being introduced, he dips his head low to the lot of them. Considering in the wake of Kesslan's words for a moment before he adds, "Those of my kind are without a name of their own.. but such a matter is long in the telling. Better left to other times and places," he rumbles simply. When the elder speaks to him directly, he nods once as his name is spoken and to the rest of his words, he states, "There is no offense taken." Accepting exclusion without a shift from that firm neutral that is his natural state, despite that obvious air of curiosity. "If you wish to share words at a later time, it would be an honor to do so." He then looks to Kesslan to rumble in a lower tone, "I know not if I will be at Aimee's abode or my own this night. I do not doubt you will wish to speak in time, I will be waiting to hear what you might share when such time comes."
Kesslan there's a slight hesitance then from Kesslan, and a glance to the Elder. Respecful in tone so as not to give accidental insult Kesslan says at last "Is such of grave importance? Desmond is...trustworty of such things." he says softly, intially about to say something else but changing his mind briefly, before changing it again. "He is my partner." that last phrase said with a certain meaningful undertone to it. "If such are your worries however then such is the way it is to be." he adds, not willing to argue the point for he does not know the reason the elder wishes to speak to him and him alone, nor is he the one to truely question such demands. "The walk is not a long one, and much you shall see along the way. Many beings of other worlds, many sighs not to be seen uppon ours. Know, that these are a free, but fierce people of many races of the stars."
The staff carrying one steps up a curious position; a pace behind the Elder and Kesslan in a sort of Guardianship stance as they begin to move away -- although the old Pantheran does speak to Kelley and Desmond first and even goes so far as to meet Monique's gaze with his pute white eyes. "Then we will see what time brings. We have few hours here... this time. But, perhaps we will return. Good Hunting." And to Desmond, he gives an apologetic look -- extending that to kesslan. "I should look forward to hearing your story. However, I must apologize to you and Kesslan as the matter is private." And with that, the small assembly turns to follow them and the sounds of turbines are heard as one of the 'unnamed' Pantherans fires up the vehicle. Curiously, the Elder hits the button on the translator and asks a question of Kesslan in his native tongue.
The small Inuit woman gives a little bit of a nod to Kelley, for she's already on her way towards him. And Tornaq as well, the great white bear standing over her as they walk. At one point along the way, Tornaq pauses to take a look around the rest of the park, just to ensure that everything else is well in the park. The great white bear brings his attention back to his small shaman, then takes a couple of quick steps to catch up to her again, walking at her side. He whuffs softly, then lowers his nose to touch her. The small woman and the bear finish the last of their journey to reach Kelley, and there, Tornaq reaches out to nudge Kelley's shoulder before whuffing a breath of air at him and ensuring that he's well. The bear's attention turns then to the party of felinoids, looking them over but nothing more.
Kelley takes a moment to scritch the top of Tornaq's head, right between the ears. He watches the Pantherans as they leave, happy to find out that yes, indeed, they had been speaking to him. He's unsure as to what to say to anyone at this juncture, so he ends up just standing there and watching the hovercar get fired up. He turns to the now here Monique and cays, well, that was strange, huh?" He keeps a sharp eye out on the place where the rift had opened, but, as it seems to be doing nothing else, quickly bores him. There are only so many ways that a man can look at a blank spot in space, and he says as much to Monique. "Goodbye," he manages to say to the disappearing Pantherans, in a gesture of respect. He looks to Desmond, to see how he's handling the situation, and is rewarded with seeing him be partially claimed by, well, at least one member of the flock. A flock of cats? He asks Monique what the right word would be, then quickly forgets that her American is less than perfect.
Desmond looks to Kesslan as he is spoken for, though the suitably vague term of 'partner' draws a lift of brow from the big male. Not disagreement per se, but a reaction nonetheless. And the elder's decision is met with a simple nod and quiet acceptance. "Good hunting," he rumbles in reply, lingering as he watches the procession depart. It will take him a moment to break from this activity, but soon enough he breaks from watching them and glances towards Kelley and Monique. Though he seems at a loss for what to say, thus he ends up returning his attention to the fore, at least until the procession and the vehicle disappear. Despite that lingering attention, a slight added lash in the normally smooth motions of his tail betray a subtle agitation within.
Though he does go soon enough, Kesslan does not do so without a parting glance towards Desmond. "Return shall I, and speak of what can we. Speak too with them a time you shall have." and then with that he turns once more to lead the small contingent from the park. Mentally he's still in a little bit of a daze but he's at least go himself togeather enough to keep himself functional. Spirits listening to prayers indeed....
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side as she looks up at Kelley, her dark eyes showing a sparkle to them as she watches the interaction between him and the great bear. Lifting her left hand, she ruffs a little of the bears fur, then lowers her hand back to her side. "Strange, yes... never have I seen such a thing as that, before," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. She doesn't understand it, herself. "How did they come here...?" she asks softly, her brow furrowing a little. Asking the question even though she's unlikely to understand the answer. She's quiet for a moment, frowning a little as she considers what many cats would be called, and then she lightly shakes her head, not knowing.
Kelley smiles at his beau's questions. "I have seen a thing like that, many a time, though not here inside the Kingsdale walls. I will explain it to you when we both get home. Right at the moment, I've got another damn meeting down at NewTech. I swear, they're going to boil my brain out through my ears." He pats Tornaq on the back of the neck a few times, then moves to lightly rustle Monique's long tresses. He then looks to Desmond, to see what, if anything, the big cat wants to discuss with them. "I will await you, Kesslan," Desmond replies simply to the words given. Then, after they have gone, does he look to Monique again as she asks after their means of arrival. "I can only assume it is through a rift they did come. A path between worlds. But more than that.. I cannot say for certain. But.. if it was Atorians that were pursuing them, then perhaps they came from Kesslan's place of origin. Those are his people." He lifts his head again, looking after them, even though they have gone from sight. "I only hope that he finds some solace in what words the elder will have. Many are the burdens he carries." Clear is the concern that Desmond holds for Kesslan.
"It seems... very strange. There is nothing beneath it, holding it up," Monique says, her tone thoughtful. Shifting her weight slightly, she leans a little bit against one of Tornaq's front legs, a familiar and comfortable stance for both herself and the bear. "I hope that your meeting is swift and at least helpful," she says softly, looking up at Kelley through the veil of her lashes. "I will likely be either here, or back at the condominium," she adds, giving a small nod. And hopefully she should be able to remember the sequence of numbers to open the door there. Her attention shifts to Desmond, to watch him, and to listen attentively to what he has to say, and then she gives a small nod. "I hope that he finds peace in what the Elder has to say," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. Kelley gives her another ruffle of the hair, then heads off to his meeting, leaving her in Tornaq's capable paws of protection.
Desmond furrows his brow slightly as he muses what is to be. It will be a lengthy bit of silence before he comes back to himself and looks to Monique again. "I am sorry, I did not mean to be silent. I am.. preoccupied with this. The last thing I expected was for his people to come here. And they speak of coming again.. perhaps they have a stable means of return. And departure. What it all means, I cannot hope to grasp, yet I could not but assume that there is some meaning in this." His mind trotting circles about the impenetrable shell about that mystery. The more agitated lash of his tail slowly fades, however, until there is just a trace of it remaining. "Again, I am sorry.. such things are not yours to muse." He glances back towards where the portal did open. "Perhaps we should walk a bit from this area.. just in case what as on the other side figures out how cross over again. Better to not be in this area of the park if such an unlikely thing occurs."
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side, and then she gives a small nod. "It is all right, to be quiet and to think," she says softly, a smile touching at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps they do... it is possible, I suppose, since they came here once," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. She lifts one of her shoulders in a slight shrug, unable to understand it herself. "To walk a space from here would not be an ill thing. It would not be well if what chased those of Kesslan's people here, found a way to come as well," she says softly, frowning slightly at the notion.
Desmond nods and will start to walk at an easy to match pace, moving closer to the area nearest the Park's entrance, angled slightly so as not to be in a straight line between them. Naturally seeking the most universally advantageous place. "Unfortunately there is little to truly consider without more knowledge.. I could sit and ponder for hours, but I would still see no more than I do now. I must simply wait for Kesslan to speak to me of what he is able." A breath breathed out as he looks to Monique, considering her for a few moments before he rumbles, "You are well, yes?" He pauses, then asks, "You and Kelley.. you seem close." A light, carefully spoken observation.
The small Inuit woman walks with him, her hands resting lightly at her sides as she does so. It's a comfortable pace that she takes with him, falling easily into stride with him. She doesn't really seem to mind where it is that he's going to, so long as it's somewhere other than where the rift opened. Tornaq follows, fairly closely, wanting to maintain his protection over her. "I am sure that he will share with you what he is able to tell, what he is able to learn," Monique says softly, her tone thoughtful. She smiles as she looks up at him, and then she gives a nod. "Yes, I am well, thank you. And I hope that you have been well, also?" she asks softly, one of her eyebrows raising slightly. The last words he speaks brings a little bit of a nod from her, her smile returning. "We are close, yes," she affirms.
Desmond nods his head once. "It is well.. as you have heard. The troubles resolved, the promise of closer bonds given and accepted. Though Aimee did ask me first, I still performed the engagement ceremony. I got a ring to suit her and she did delight in it." The lingering traces of his agitation slipping away as he turns his thoughts towards things more pleasant to consider. He looks towards the small human woman and considers more words, taking a breath to form them to taste. "It is good. I do not know if he spoke to you of this before, but there was a time he and I did both have eyes upon Aimee. I know not what he thinks towards her now.. to be honest, the events of that time have made me.. less than inclined to speak with the man in more than simple terms. But I did think it proper to be honest on that with you, considering the closeness."
Monique listens attentively, and she gives a small nod when he speaks of Aimee and his proposal with her, and she smiles at him again. "It is good, that you got her a ring to suit her... I am glad that she liked it. Was it one with a diamond, or did you choose the blue gem that you mentioned she likes?" she asks softly, remembering that from earlier conversations with him. She lightly shakes her head, though, at the mention of Kelley having eyes upon Aimee as well. "He did not speak of such a thing to me, and I did not ask him of such. He knows of that I once had a husband, and I explained to him as I could, what had happened," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. "I do appreciate that you have been honest with me, that you have shared this. I had wondered why you seemed agitated, earlier," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. It was Tornaq who had alerted her to that fact, though she'd not asked after it.
"Small rubies, with a gold band that has the shapes of orchids," Desmond clarifies on the ring. 'She did quite enjoy it and that very thing pleases me." He listens then to her words and muses then for a quiet moment. Again careful with his words. "I cannot explain why I hold still these feelings.. but I have little desire to speak to Kelley. It is, in many ways, an irrational thing. But it lingers and I cannot remove it as of yet." He cants his head slightly as he walks along with her. "I do when I must. And for Aimee I am polite. She did like him, despite that she did turn to me. I honor that with politeness to him, if not friendliness." He considers for another moment of pause before he asks, "I hope this does not displease you."
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side, and then she gives a small nod. "It sounds like a most beautiful ring, and I am thankful that she liked it," she says warmly. "Each person has their own feelings which are their own, unable to be... dictated by another. I could not say why you still hold such feelings, but I respect that they are there. In time, perhaps, they will ease on their own, but only time can show such a thing," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature. "I appreciate that you are polite to him, if not friendly... perhaps friendly will come in time, but I will not press for it, as that is between you and he, and only you and he could affect such a thing. It does not displease me, the way that you feel... and I appreciate that you have shared such with me," she says softly, her tone thoughtful.
Desmond seems reassured by her acceptance of things. "I am glad that you are not upset by this. I do find you a favorable person to know. Your ability to forgive and understand seems great and is a rare thing to find." He considers before he adds, "I will let time tell, but I do not anticipate a change in matters. But I will not let such a thing effect our friendship." Seeming calmed once more, he will continue to walk along with Monique for a time, sharing words and a bit of time before his attention turns elsewhere.Tags:caliopa, desmond, kelley, kesslan, monique, rath'tklan, tu'ul
