Jun 21 22:41:33 105 PA

From Chronicles

Desmond will be quiet along the way to Raleigh's, opening the door and entering, paused to allow Kesslan entry before closing and locking the door himself. "Make yourself at home. In a way, I think this place shared between us. You, myself and Aimee." He, himself, will start to head back towards the master bedroom, already starting to loosen up the plated armor he wears, wanting to remove it from himself first and foremost.

Desmond will be quiet along the way to Raleigh's, opening the door and entering, paused to allow Kesslan entry before closing and locking the door himself. "Make yourself at home. In a way, I think this place shared between us. You, myself and Aimee." He, himself, will start to head back towards the master bedroom, already starting to loosen up the plated armor he wears, wanting to remove it from himself first and foremost. (re)

Kesslan is still... annoyed. A thing easily sensed by any who would regard him, for while it's a subtle thing, there remains a still almost palpable feel about him. Still, this anger, such as it is, is not directed at Desmond. And so he simply nods to the Kill Cat, before he turns to remove his own armor and weapons. Leaving them by the door for the time being. A process that takes him easily as long as it takes Desmond to get out of his no doubt.

Desmond can indeed tell, though first things are first for them both. But not just the matter of comfort. After a time he will return from the other room, clad in the shorts and light shirt he usually wears within his armor. Moving back into the main room, likely just before or just after Kesslan himself is finished he will go to Kesslan first. Once the other feline is free of his entanglements, Desmond will wordlessly hug him. A simple, firm embrace. warm, welcoming. He hopes, calming to some degree. Lingering for at least a few moments in it, provided Kesslan is agreeable to such a thing. He doesn't expect he won't be.

And indeed, Desmond's faith in this is not misplaced. Oh sure the pantheran is a touch resistant in part. Annoyed, but not at Desmond, yet it is still an annoyance that can not so easily be swept asside, save for a brief moment. An annoyance that returns after the hug, but with less of an edge to it, leaving the feline still slightly agitated, but at least much closer to his usual temperment. The hug slowly returned after a moment. "There are certain things I may not tell you Desmond, for I have said I would not." He says then sidestepping even the mention of the ealier issue at hand, at least for the moment as he focuses on things he considers far more important. "Time it is think I that for a womans ring should you seek. Think I you would know what with this to do."

Desmond is pleased enough with the edge faded, though bemusement rises when Kesslan tells him of this secret he has promised to speak not of. The vague clue not seeming to help that. "Kesslan, you should know I would not ask you to reveal that which you do not wish to." Of course, there is a light curiosity at that. a subtle frown as he considers the clue. "I know little of jewelry," he comments ultimately. Then, "What would you have? Any food? Drink?" Of course, the words don't leave his mind, but he seems set to give it a slower, longer consideration after an initial mulling leaves such things vague. How long until the perfect storm of realization hits is anyone's guess.

Kesslan shakes his head slightly "Hungry nor thirsty am I at this moment." he says softly, taking a moment then for the first time to actually take a look about Desmond's new appartment. He'd never before been here, nor had he seen how the large feline lived. A thing that draws at least some obvious curriosity from the pantheran. But he still doesnt leave the announced topic alone. "Ask then, of any human what means it in their way for a male to present a ring to a female. For there is a bonding ceremony of thiers that is attached to such an act, though I know it not in full. Similar things we Pantheran have among our kind, though each is expressed much different. Have we simple order to these things, but allways the display is.. different. As different as those who so bond to each other." he explains, or at least as far as he dares to at this time. "Caution do I however, that while now good time is for this, thing too must you consder if ready are you. For one such as I, it would be as if give oath of the life blood. To the one I speak of, think Imuch would be seen similar, save in view of one who is not of my kind, nor yours."

Desmond will not, making a motion towards the couch as he offers, "Relax then, for I believe it would be of worth to you to do so." The big male turning to go to his little offset kitchen. The place is quite simple and spartan. Lacking a true touch of life to it. A personality that makes it more than simple a place to live. His brow furrows as he starts water for a serving of coffee, having grown to quite like the bitter, oddly invigorating beverage. "Bonding?" Desmond looking up from the gathering of a mug, though at his height looking past the hanging cupboards would be more than a casual thing. "You speak of marriage.. the human ritual." His mind perhaps a bit too distracted to draw immediate conclusions as it rolls from one tidbit to the other languidly. Of course, the only one he would even consider such a thing with is Aimee, the big male rumbling, "She has shown no interest in such things.. indeed, she would not even come here to dwell with me, though she seems determined to not tell me why it is." A little bit of his own annoyance, not yet joining the clue with the obvious notion that perhaps he's wrong. But they start to slide slowly together as he starts the coffee maker to dripping water through ground coffee and filter.

"Openly no. She has not." Kesslan says in agreement. Moving then to take a seat, and leaving his words at that. For he's certain that he knows Aimee well enough to understand that little bit of meaning. "Too there are reason that Aimee not yet wish live with Desmond. Why Aimee see not fit to speak of such thing open is not thing understand I." the pantheran's ears flattening back ever so slightly in thought. "Is strange thing. Truth much have I not explained of my own ways to others, but often, asked not have they. For never have I intentional hidden this thing from others."

"Yes, I simply do not understand why she feels the need for such secrets.. such distance at times," Desmond agrees. No, that first nudge wasn't ignored. Drawn in, processed automatically in the back of his mind as the forefront worries over the stubbornness of a certain human woman. Grinding at that steady issue until, as is often the case, he simply stops trying to figure it out. A deep sigh breathed as he looks at the coffee machine, watching the brown liquid drop down as it filters through. Aimee hasn't said openly. No.. she hasn't. Not openly. The big male goes still, his mind rolling back a bit onto that thought. And all the things Kesslan has said since he started down this path. Pulling it all together, along with his last meeting with Aimee. The way she responded to his statement when it comes to his general lack of need for the ritual commitment between them. Of course, Kess might note the distinct silence that comes from the kitchen, save for the gurgle of the coffee maker. "She wants the ritual?" His brow furrowed as he considers the possibility that this is the source of their issues.

"It is not a thing for Kesslan to say to Desmond." The pantheran says quite simply then. Unwilling to elaborate further uppon the point it seems, or at least that particular point so directly. Afterall Aimee had made him promise not to tell Desmond...

But she never told him he couldnt at least drop a few glaringly obvious hints either. "Only say I that good time for such a thing might this be. However, if such a thing were you to consider. So too then must you think much about what Desmond would wish. Truely wish. For such a bonding to meanginful be. Must in part belive in too. Else, all is meaningless. For Pantheran, is much as if blood oath. A thing not easily given, much harder break. Indeed, for some such as Kesslan, would be as if to life blood oath break. Such a thing, that would cost life to do. Truth in that not so much this is would happen, but treated as such should be."

Desmond moves out of the kitchen enough to look to Kesslan, his brow furrowed deeply. "I would not hesitate to offer her such, had she only spoken to me of this," he states firmly. "There is nothing to consider, for she is my future. Be it with or without the human rites of mating. Why would she not speak of such things if this is her desire?" A little of that annoyance lingering, though its little more than an edging of his deep tone. So simple it is in the end? It would be for him, that much is a certainty. "I know it would be important to her.. such things as this." A pause as he fixes on Kesslan with a slight frown. "So too, if she told you this in confidence, she would not be pleased that you have spoken to me on it. Even with such abstraction. We have been down that road before."

"Truth." Kesslan says, yet he seems to show not a shred of guilt in that fact. "She tells you not for it is not a thing it seems, that done is. So too claim that it is traditional for the male to offer such a thing to the female. On Seriv, much is truth but in reverse. For it is usually the female who chooses, yet it is not unknown for male to offer such first. Either accepted is. But such tradition is not that of Human." he leans back in his seat a little before explaning his choice of action to Desmond "She would wait for Desmond to come to conclusion that Desmond not on own would reach, for such thing is not way of Desmond. Anger at Kesslan? Yes. But this thing, it is not for Kesslan, and it is not Kesslan of whom Desmond first think. It is not of Kesslan Aimee first think. Think you both first of each other. Long known this have I. Long this have accepted. True as said word to you long past now, do I what I do, for the good of the whole. Not the self. This is but a small thing, a small sacrifice in end of what Kesslan would give for better of whole. And better for both of you this would be."

Desmond breathes out a deep sigh and shakes his head. "I thank you, my friend, but you place me in a difficult position. For I would not wish to tell Aimee that you have told even so little as you have." He pauses and considers for a few moments before he states, "I will simply have to wait. Such that when I do offer her this, it will not seem so soon after she has told you, for I must assume she has told you recently. I do not wish to veil a truth from her, but nether do I wish to upset her further or have her be upset at you." The gurgles of the coffee maker subside and he turns to address it. Pouring the contents into the mug and rinsing out the pot before he replaces it and emerges to approach the couch with the mug in hand.

"What matters it if mad at Kesslan she becomes? End of all thing justify means of. Hid such a thing from her would I not, though she show much that she not trust either you or I with yet. Perhaps such a thing could this change. Truth, that one not should into this rush. Much there to consider for Desmond is too. Time for this too must you take. Consider what Desmond would wish of usch a union. Child both you cannot have of own, yet as have say to Aimee, could if such was wish to adopt clan child, or what name Human use for such in this place. Too could be that neitehr such a thing would wish, but consider musty ou that this may she some day wish." The pantheran is wholy unapologetic about the situation he's put Desmond into. Oh it's not that he brushes it off -quite- that easily, it's just that he's going about life as he allways has... One step at a time and damn the concequenes to himself.

"It matters because I would not have another rift form between two people who I care for," Desmond states firmly. "Though I could not stop you from being truthful with her on this, I would caution against it." And then he thinks toward Kesslan's rather lengthy delving into issues that certain;y weren't on his mind before. "There is no thought toward time taken for myself. I know I could not father young with her, but I have never even thought of such things. It is.. not important to me and surely if she has such thoughts toward a union, she understands what could not be between us." His brow furrows. "The time taken is not out of reluctance, for if I had discovered this on my own I would have gone to her at once to offer just what she desires, for so too do I desire it, even if the form it takes matters not at all to me." He goes silent then, musing the revelation. Taking a slow draught of his coffee. The two felines sit on his couch in the living room, Des lightly clad in shorts and a light tshirt, looking quite piled upon with thoughts.

Kesslan is meanwhile clothed in what ammounts to a slightly armored military jumpsuit, part of his usually complete outfit that is presently neatly folted/rested near the door to Desmond's appartment. His usual weapons and armor to be found there. "But if Aimee clan child wish have then as cannot have own with Desmond? Responsibility would you this take too for Aimee? Care could you for one such as this?" The pantheran says, in english to boot. Gone is the use of the translator. "Much must you consider before offer such. Much think I there may attach to this yet that understand Desmond nor Kesslan. For it is a human thing not of ours. And if such rift cause over such a small thing, better is then between Aimee and Kesslan, than between Aimee and Desmond."

As the two felines discuss and bicker a bit, thier perepheral vision might catch notice of an image.. a being fading into view not ten feet from them. The semi transparent being resolves into a semblance of the living translator Tu'ul. If he is not seen, then the sudden appearance will be noted by the half mental, half audible voice that says simply. "Hello."

"You don't truly understand, Kesslan. In my heart, she is my mate. This ritual is but a formality to my eye, for I need no such bindings to know what is truth, what is lasting. If she wishes such a things as a child to raise, we would explore it and I would do what I must. It is only.." Desmond pauses when the image of Tu'ul appears just to the side of his field of view. He tenses, snapping his head towards the image. Indeed, it seems he might be about to do.. something before he takes in the shape of the sudden apparition of Tu'ul. Though he remains a bit tense, Des retains his seat. "Tu'ul? What is this?"

THe pantheran seated near Desmond has a similar reaction. Afterall this is not the sort of thing most people experience on an every day basis, and so too is Kesslan's first thought that this.. thing appearing is a threat at first. Something dangerous to be attacked and defended against some how... And of course then it speaks in a rather friendly tone, which throws him off, yet leaves Kesslan standing somewhat defensively still, uncertain of what to make of the whole thing. For now, simply holding his peace on the matter however cautiously.

Tu'ul inclines his great head in greeting, and you can see the door beyond him through it. "A simple projection is all, I am sending my mind out to speak with you, that is all." He says nodding again to Kesslan. "You speak American.. I am glad to hear this. Congratulations." He says before turning back to Desmond. "I wished to speak to you of your mental defences and if you had had time to test the technique."

Desmond is still a bit disconcerted, but it is a natural thing, with so sudden a surprise. He looks to Kesslan and rumbles, "Remember this one? He spoke your language perfectly." Perhaps suspecting, as he had before, that the time might have smudged memory of the strange being. He looks back to Tu'ul and notes, "To be honest, I have not placed deep thought into it yet. I would have to seek out a proper image and I have not yet sat down to do so, let alone have studied it in the detail necessary to let it fill my thoughts, as you suggested.

Kesslan feels torn over what to make of this whole thing. Admittedly Tu'ul seemed a friendly enough sort, even quite helpful. And such a display of personal power in one form or another is... impressive. At least to one born to a technology base that was roughly on par with Earth's 1940's, then suddenly dumped into a universe far more high tech than the one he finds himself in now. Leaving the poor feline still somewhat culture shocked, and no doubt some peoples standards 'barbaric'. And so it is that Kesslan remains a little nervous, a little on edge. Yet he too accepts that such things can be, for he'd heard of similar things among his own people. And he at least finds new respect for this strange being. Still, as before he remains quiet, not wishing to intrdue uppon what he sees as something of extreme importance in this case.

Tu'ul nods once, and starts to pace in the room, his full sized image actually walking around the room. Though.. those perseptive enough might notice he's not actually touching the floor, but hovering a few inches above it. "I see. If you like I can help you find such an image.. It must be one so convoluted that the detail is endless, or perhaps one that you can never get enough of.. always seeking further meaning in it. It simply must engage your mind." The phantom being says in Tu'ul's voice. The ghostly black eyes flick from Desmond to Kesslan, then continues to pace.

Desmond frowns slightly and takes a sip of his coffee as he considers this. "Complex? Then not an image that is of something real, but more like the art that is called abstract? Of shapes and colors that do not form shapes that are real? Such art I have found interesting, if a bit perplexing at times." His eyes following the image, a casual curiosity at the way it seems to both pace and float. He seems quite accepting of those things that are inexplicable to him, this being the most recent among that number.

Tu'ul nods, looking at Desmond directly. "Abstract can work, as long as it occupies your mind completely.. You cannot even allow yourself to think of the foe at hand, but focus entirely on keeping them out and on that image." He says gently, taking a seat in midair, a rather disconcerting sight for some.

Desmond does consider the sight for a moment, but the oddness of it just leads him to let concern for it slip by, such that more tangible matters can be addressed. "That would seem a troublesome thing to do, in the midst of combat. Ignoring physical foes to face a mental attacker leaves me defenseless in another way. Though perhaps with practice I could fix on the image in a way whilst not drawing myself entirely from a battle. Or.." A pause, considering other possibilities.

Tu'ul shrugs visibly. "Combat is confusing in and of itself. But if you can busy your mind to the point where other beings cannot make sense of it, you have a leg up in things. The method is up to you, but I suggest something you are familiar with." He slightly ethereal voice says to Desmond.

Desmond muses this quietly for a moment before he rumbles, "Perhaps I could fix on the flow of combat itself. The dance of it. In a way it is as much mental as physical, for the focus of the mind, guiding the body is at the core of it. The instinct of how to move, when to strike and when to defend. In that, I would not have to turn my mind away from battle. I would merely immerse myself in it all the more." He slowly sips his coffee as he considers this possibility.

Tu'ul offers you a shrug, and he dismounts from his unseen midair chair, to 'stand' once more on the air an inch or so off the ground. "The method is up to you, i simply give you the technique. My time is ended here.. I cannot maintain the projection any longer.. Untill we meet again.." He says and turns, seemingly walking away and fading from sight.

Desmond furrows his brow slightly, watching the spot where Tu'ul faded away for a moment before he looks to Kesslan. "So often do strange things occur, it gets to the point where I don't feel so surprised at them as I once did," he muses to the smaller feline. "Still, he has given much to consider. Perhaps something for you to consider as well."

There's a slight blink from Kesslan as the form of Tu'ul disspears, and then just a mostly initially blank gaze given to Desmond. "Think I this beyond me is Desmond. Much there is to I, yet so too is there very little. No special connection have I to spirits. There is only Kesslan and what Kesslan do in life."

Desmond nods his head a little and considers for a moment before stating, "When one cannot understand and it is not a danger, better to simply let what is, be what it is," he recites, as one might an old saying. Though now that the talk of Aimee and her desires has derailed, he takes the opportunity to switch up the topic. "Tell me, Kesslan.. what is it that has upset you this day? I find it hard to believe that it is only Roulin's words on the two humans. Are you and he truly reconciled?"

"So had I thought, but truth seems contrary." Kesslan says amicably enough, stating it without dismay, nor malice. Stating it only as simple fact. "Allways shall I cary a distrust of their kind Desmond. Remind me much do they of the Atorian, and ever so will they. Of Roulin's intention I have twice now given cause been to doubt him. Of Aimee, know I better. So too is the choice of word. AImee does not order Kesslan around as if Kesslan were mere slave, does not order around as if felt superior was to Kesslan. Does never seek order Kesslan. Aimee from what Kesslan see, only speak for self. Only state what agree with, what does not." the pantheran goes on to explain "Follow order of Atticus I, for know more of these creatures than do I. Yet too while respect him for this knowledge I, too see that is plain no true leader is he. Not of war, perhaps of other things. Of Roulin, I know not what think. Capable seems he, yet not better. And he would order me as if he were superior to Kesslan without there reason to be. This is as Atorian, save Atorian truth much more advance were. Atorian, we would have joined gladly and fully were they honest with Pantherans. Honored the deal we would have had they only done same. Instead they simply take, and order. Instead they bring other to take and order too. Much in way Roulin speak remind Kesslan of this. Too much."

Desmond considers Kesslan's words quietly as he gives them, taking several sips from his cup along the way. Letting his mind roll back towards the words that were given. "I do not think I would agree with you on the tone of his words, but so too do I not have the same perspective as you do. Similar we are, but because of how different our lives were, such things we would see with a different tint. Even so, I think you reacted too strongly. While I do not know Roulin as well as you or Aimee, there are some things I know of him. He is very.." A pause as Desmond considers just how to phrase the man's outlook. "..idealistic. Less given to simple pragmatism as you and I are. I doubt he would truly seek to order you about, though when one is moved to speak by emotion, it can make words more firm than they're meant."

Kesslan snorts at that. "Time, nor pacience have I for such things either Desmond." he says to that quite firmly. "Such thing, seen I have other killed because. Lucky much we were in that what today happen, so easy was. Never so easy have seen such a thing I. Not even shot fire, yet were the creatures not sleeping so soundly, were it another enemy. Many would have died this day. And order of such will I not take by one who holds no bond with me. Never again shall I allow self to be used by other if help can. Atticus follow in part because agreement in short this was, you follow for know I Desmond better is than Kesslan. Accept this, this is. So too trust I your intent. But seem it that allways trouble there is, allways concern there is with Roulin. Think I not this end well."

"I can understand your feelings, but consider, Kesslan. What could Roulin do to use or control you?" Desmond states steadily. "Even were he to speak an order to you, you could disregard it without issue. You could have simply ignored him.. to speak as you did was perhaps a bit much." He pauses, considering as he glances down at the dregs in his cup. Then up again. "I cannot say how it will be between you, but I would hope that you two do not end up at odds. Recall that Roulin's past mistake was one of ignorance, not of malice. To bring that up was not exactly fair."

"To bring it up, is warning that he begins to tread once more on... how does the human saying go? Thin ice? Fair then is it not to mention this when again he begin to this path take? Know I, nor understand I not full the ways of Humans. Nor think I that ever will I this fully understand. Know I however that never shall I fully trust all human. Nor see I cause to do so. Word then such as Roulin use, taken is as mean as say. Speak he of one who wishes fight for what belive. Kesslan does not only fight for what belive, Kesslan has and does kill for what belive. So too would I die for such thing, but never speak I of these thing lightly. Never speak of such thing unless ready then to fight for these thing."

Desmond nods his head. "Fair it is to warn, but warnings are best with a neutral tone when one is not faced with an enemy. And though you might not truly trust him, I would hope you'd agree he isn't our enemy. To speak of the thin ice would have been preferable, than to bring up what had been moved beyond." He pauses and then shakes his head. "But I will not lecture you further on this. I would advise, however, that you consider seeking a better understanding with Roulin. The lack of understanding between you is what, I think, now causes such friction in the wake of prior events. If he understood you better and you he, it could help."

Kesslan snorts "To what end? Trust I no longer he in anything. Safer is it not to do so when allready cause has been given to doubt. Understand I hard is for you to know what mean I, know what seen I. But much of bad has been done by their kind. Different clan are the Atorian yes, but so too are they much as this 'Coalition States' clan hear I tell of. Worse the latter is slightly from what know I. Yet of human clans they are. Of human they are. And seen I what do they when trust is given. A world in chains, the children from their clan, family and home taken. Shown only to kill and follow order as slave. Given bad equipment for fear that rise up agains the master they do, and thrown away against superior enemy without care. Thrown against own kind. Against own clan, own family. And so done is this untill many million of your count are dead, and many more slave are."

Desmond shakes his head slightly. "I can understand this, but I know Roulin well enough to know that those things you speak of are things he would not do. As I said, he is idealistic." The big male pauses, frowning just slightly as he considers the prospect of what Kesslan speaks. "It is, I suppose, a thing that cannot be helped in the now. I understand your concerns with the humans of this world, but so too I don't believe you can prosper with such thoughts toward them all. Not that you need trust them all, but such deep distrust as you have is.. excessive. Do not think I speak ill against you, I understand why you feel the way you do. And I know it will be the work of much time if any change will come. But I think you should give thought towards change in this."

The pantheran's ears flatten slightly and he lets out a sigh "Is not as if not chance give them Desmond. Many have help, many have good been to Kesslan. Caliopa example of this is. Help much Kesslan have, and for little. Truth misunderstandings at first were. Of Kel-ee and this Zaaa-pod give Kesslan work. Other help Kesslan too find other work. But other too do not. Other would harm, other would kill. Say you of Roulin know, but of I Roulin know not. Know only little thing, but know not enough trust to. And see I yet anything say that trust should, see only more and more that say trust should not."

Desmond nods his head acceptingly, but.. "How much time have you spent with Roulin alone, seeking to know him better? I know it is likely not something you would wish to do in the now, but it remains a truth that you dismiss before knowing him." He lifts a hand to settle it firmly on Kesslan's shoulder. "I am sorry to belabor this with you. I would not do it if I did not think you were turning from that which you need not. I do think Roulin could be a good friend for you in time. Of course, I have been wrong before, I will admit." A bit of a rueful lean to that, considering his most glaring past mistake for a moment. "Of course, I do not tell you what will be. The choice of what path you will take on this is yours, but I have shared my thoughts with you to consider."

"Truth that not much have, yet have no reason had to do such." Kesslan points out "And seem it that few time attempt made, allways thing would come to between us get. Work, other thing. Suspicion of him I have yet ever manage loose. Most with by now idea would have if trust could I or not. This not so is for Roulin. More so after this day. And order I -will not take- from one such as he. And order was that he tried give. Order do I not others save when need is dire. Suggest allways perhaps of better way, of them then to agree or not. But never order to those who is not place of mine to order."

Desmond nods his head once, slipping his arm over Kesslan's shoulders to lean against him a bit. "It was firm spoken," Desmond admits. "But such is the nature of conviction. In any case, I will leave it to you as to who to proceed. I would ask to know what decision you make, that I know what to say to Roulin should he ever speak to me on matters pertaining to you. Even so, remember that you are beholden to none here save those you allow. Order you someone might, but you can simply ignore them."

"Such is not my way Desmond. Of my people... yes. But I am in part not of my people. From me this too was stolen. Understand must you this, better than I they are. Anger as quickly most do not, kinder, most are. But such is not as I was allowed to raised be. For I was of those who of slave were made Desmond, of my own sire I almost killed for them. Of ignorance this was, of lie. It is shame I shall forever live with, it is price forever must I pay. So too is it in part why I do as I do to aid those of my kind." Kesslan says at that, growing a touch stiff at the touch, as if in torn between wanting to turn away, and turn into that touch all at once.

"This I understand, Kesslan," Desmond rumbles. "But so too do I know that life is change. I have changed much and so too can you see change in time. If change is what you want. Perhaps that you should think on as well. What aspects of yourself you might wish to change.. you might wish to make 'better' in your view. You should know that I would aid you in this if you have need. In whatever way you might need, for something such as this would be a worthy thing indeed."

"Truth, change there is, and been for I." Kesslan says softly "But change it does not my fate entire. There is no change of the self needed further, only mission must I attempt to complete. If this can do, even only in part small. Some rest perhaps in life after may I find. Think I however that this shall not be such for one as I."

Desmond rumbles lowly and shakes his head. "Fate is not something I think to. I think to the now, to what is and what you have gained and yet will gain," he states simply. "Nor do I think to what is after this life. Nor do I think you should. You should think to the now. To what is and what lies ahead for you, I and Aimee. And what others we find to welcome so close as we look upon one another. So too, I think you should consider something to do which calms you. Such as I have with art. Something contrary to what you were raised and trained to be."

"Perhaps right you are in finding something else, yet. I cannot even begin to think of self being other than what is Desmond. I cannot see myself paint, cannot see self draw. I was not born for such things." Kesslan says softly "Too am I too different from those of the castes that follow or do these things. I do not think as they do."

Desmond cants his head slightly and muses. "So too I thought as well. Perhaps art will not be what you can do, but there are many things.. dancing, which is much like the movements of combat. Singing or an instrument. Growing of plans.. or exploring cooking deeper with Aimee." He leans into Kesslan to give him a light nuzzle, lingering near as he states, "What it is matters not, but I believe you can be contrary to what you were taught. It would only take you searching for that thing that calls to you."

"That is the thing Desmond, never have I known a thing that calls to me other than war. It is not simply of tradition that I remain in the caste that I am. It is known to change, it is no dishonor. One to self must be truthful." Kesslan replies, returning the nuzzling firmly "But when I think of what mroe to learn, allways thoughts turn to what could aid in fight."

Desmond breathes out a deep breath, showing some concern as he rumbles, "This is disheartening to me, Kesslan. I would like you to know something else. I have come to realize that, while battle is alluring and a necessity at times, there is so much more to know and he experienced. Perhaps you might try your hand at some of those things. Thought and action are two separate things. I was not sure of art until I tried it.. focused upon it and let myself know it."

"And so such thing do call to you Desmond. But it is not for all. It is not that I do not do other things, much did I read in my youth, much I would read now save that of your language I cannot yet read." the pantheran says softly, leaning back into his seat once more and streatching out slightly "Even then, allways were they tales of adventure, of war. History of battles past. These were what held my attention most."

Desmond nods his head once, head canted as he considers this. "Then I find myself at a loss. I only feel that you would be benefited by a step away from the martial path.. something to balance it. To express yourself creatively. I will continue to think on this. In the meantime, I will cease badgering you on this." A casual note of jest his tone. "I'm sorry for that, but I am ever concerned for you, Kesslan. At times as much as I am concerned for Aimee."

"Your concern is.. good yes. But I lament not my choices in life. There is little I would change knowing what I did at the times I took the actions I did. Certain things there are different I would know, if knew I then what know I now. Yet one can only ever act upon what know at time." Kesslan says reaching a hand up to pat Desmond on the shoulder "On the matter of Roulin such a thing perhaps is. But know I him not well enough to say."

"Knowing him is the key. As is he knowing you," Desmond replies. "I will be telling him the same the next time we meet. And I know that the past cannot be changed. But we do have the future. And as much as I plan to share mine with Aimee, so too do I hope that we will share much in this future, you and I. And in that I would do what I can to make your life better and more enjoyable. Perhaps to improve your outlook on that future."

"There is little think I you could do in this Desmond. Never could I truely return to home, never could thing ever be way they should been have. Allways too shall I think of those left behind. Free I am as any of my kind could now hope be, but my world and all people on it are not." Kesslan lets out a soft sigh at that "Lost too am I in a way of finding some meaningful way of help. Weapon could I perhpas bring them, technology too. But see I not way to bring enough to change much." "Little in the now, but I am patient," Desmond states in no uncertain terms. "And you are too, I know. Much time there is before you might have to face your people. Much can change in that time. In you and in what you might bring to them." He rises then from the couch to take his mug into the kitchen. But he continues to speak as he goes. "In a way we are all lost, finding out way and our place. Your people might be distant from you in many ways, but you need not be lost any longer." "In place, am not lost not." Kesslan says, standing to follow Desmond to the kitchen, pausing to lean against the doorway. "But lost from my people ever I shall be. For even if way home find I, fit in would I not, nor could I see I would stay. Not so long as other worlds with other people call to me. And to my world you could go, but not stay. For simply being there dangerous to Aimee and Desmond would it be."

Desmond turns after rinsing the mug with some soap, drying and placing it away. "I would like you to return, if you did go to your people Kesslan. I accept that you may never be a part of them again, but even so there is a place for you here. There always will be with me. With Aimee. Others, perhaps." He approaches and pauses before the smaller male. "To be honest, my desire to know your people has softened. More and more I am more focused on what can be made here. What can be begun and crafted with those who are favorable. I am not sure what this is yet, but my mind often turns towards the possibilities."

"Wrong this is not. My people are not yours Desmond." Kesslan says softly "Their ways, not yours. Alike though our kinds may be, different are they still. And as this world to you were born, such this world yours is. Know I not where life in end shall lead me, but such is the way of those who follow the path of the lost. Yet so too is it the lost who allways find first the things new to our kind. At first new land was it, now new world is it."

"And new ways," Desmond suggests. He pauses and considers Kesslan. "What would you do now, Kesslan? To he honest, I am unsure. I had expected more to happen this day, but I am not disappointed that there was no struggle with the vampires." He extends a hand to take Kesslan's in his own. "Perhaps some manner of relaxation. If you still feel tense after what has come before."

"Truth too, new ways of things are there to find or see." the pantheran replies, falling silent at the question posed to him. It's not really something he'd considered untill asked. The hand offered is taken and given a firm squeeze ment to comfort. "I do not know, no plan had I. Tense feel I ever, allways ready must be for thing unexpected. But so too truth one must relax at time or suffer for it. But have I not idea of what do."

"Perhaps I could aid you in this," Desmond rumbles. "Another thing I have read of.. have explored books upon the subject. Massage. It is said to ease the body and, in a manner, the mind as well, though I know not if such is true. I have considered trying this with Aimee, but I think that it would be easier to try with you first. Being stronger in frame than she." He returns the squeeze of hand. "Would you like to try this?"

There's a slight perk of the feline's ears at this but he seems agreeable enough "Could I suppose not hurt to this thing try. What mean this word though? Heard before it have I but never understood what is." ah yes.. Desmond has indeed dug up Kesslans' curriosity, but that's not usually too hard to do admittedly...

Desmond moves past Kesslan, keeping the grip of hand to lead him. "It is working tension from the muscles via careful touches of hand. A careful application of strength that must not be too firm, nor too soft. It seems a proper hobby for one such as myself, to learn better how to better control power that can be dangerous to others." He glances back towards Kesslan as he leads him toward the bedroom. "I cannot guarantee that this will go well, I have not truly attempted this on another."

There's a sense of amusement in Kesslan's body language then, along with the wiggle of his ears that seems to be a good sign of when he's joking or finding something funny "Certain am I that make up for anything bad going could you." he replies with what one might just barely dare call a mirthful tone.

"Surely I would try," Desmond states. As they enter the room, Des releases his hand and directs, "Undress and lie upon your belly." Motioning towards the bed. A pause, considering the innuendo in such a thing, meeting Kesslan's gaze, perhaps, as he adds, "THough not for the usual reason." Jesting words with a straight delivery. He himself remains clothed for the moment, waiting for Kesslan to do as he as said.

Kesslan wiggles his ears at that too, but still does as directed. Though it takes him a few moments to fully divest himself of his clothing. This time around however he takes the time to neatly fold everything as best he can given that there's still all his stuff in his pockets and what not. That finished he then climbs up onto the bed and lays out as instructed, with his arms crossing beneath his chin.

Desmond joins him once he has settled, moving on his knees to Kesslan's side. "It is said in the books that as you touch another, you can feel where there is tightness in the muscles." He pauses and considers before asking, "Is there a place where you feel tense? In the shoulders, neck or back?" Though even as he asks this, his hands shift to pass his fingers over the middle of his back slowly. Light at first before he presses down carefully with his fingertips. Testing the muscle there searchingly. His brow furrowing slightly as he tries to tell something from that touch.

That is again something Kesslan generally never considers. "Feel not tense no." he replies softly to that question. Though indeed some parts of his body, especially along his back the muscle seems less...pliable than others. Particulairly around the shoulders and lower back. So too the arms and legs. To him however this seems abit of a odd thing, but he does not protest against the various touches. His tail flicking lazily at the tip.

"Allow me some time to explore this," Desmond requests and is then silent as he looks to learn through doing. He even closes his eyes as he strokes his fingers through Kesslan's fur, firmly pressing into the muscle. A bit too firmly at first. Then too softy. Slowly finding his balance with the resistance of Kesslan's muscle. He is patient in this, spending five.. ten minutes in this exploration. After this time, he rumbles, "I think I feel a difference. It is subtle.. easy to miss. Here, along your lower back I feel a tightness.. a resistance that is not natural."

There's no real sound of protest when Desmond presses to hard, though there is a notable shift in Kesslan's body. The pantheran letting Desmond poke and prod as he likes, trying ot figgure out what exactly it is the Kill Cat is looking for. It's only after Desmond speaks of his findings that he starts to get a tiny idea of it. "Certain are you that such is not normal?"

"No.. most of your muscle is responsive a certain way to pressure. Here.. here it is tighter. Tensed. It isn't right. And in places like this, the books say a proper application of pressure can ease the tension." Desmond probes the spot lightly before applying more pressure with his fingertips. Rolling them against the tense spot carefully at first. "I am going to slowly add pressure.. tell me if you feel a change.. a positive or negative one." Focusing on this, ever so slowly working his fingertips against the tense area with more and more pressure. Hoping to find some reference for what is proper.

Streatching out ever more as he feels those fingers dig in, there's eventually a faint pop from Kesslan's back at one point, and indeed, the muscle slowly begins to relax the longer Desmond keeps at it. Though there are a few points the feline asks Desmond softly to not press quite so hard. Beyond this however, there are no words of true complaint.

Desmond is attentive to those moments when Kesslan requests a lighter touch. Too much.. good.. too much.. good. He waffles between the two, his brows drawn down deeply as he fixes on application of what he's read. The pop gives him concern, but so long as Kesslan doesn't show any upset at it, he continues on. Slowly he learns a proper cut off point for his strength and no long after he rumbles, "I can feel the muscles softening. Becoming more like the others. Is the feel of it good to you? Can you tell a difference?"

Kesslan sleeply murfs, a few more joints poping as time goes on, none of it drawing the slightest protest from the feline. Though a few more points are considerably more resiliant to attempts to relax the area than others. However, given enough time it all evens out in the end, leaving Kesslan half asleep in the process.

Desmond cants his head slightly as Kesslan seems to grow restful. He ceases trying to speak, applying what little he's learned. More careful as he works up to his shoulders and spends some time there as well. He's gotten the answer he desires and will carefully work his fingertips into Kesslan's upper back and shoulders until he is contented with the universal consistency of the muscles.

The attention to the back and shoulders nets a few more pops here and there. Kesslan streatching out a little more and giving his head a shake as he's ever more lulled towards wanting to fall asleep for a reason he cant fully understand. His tail still retaining that lazy and happy flick and curl of the tip. "Better understand now think I. Good thing this is." he says softly, almost too softly to be heard.

"So too do I," Desmond responds, seeming pleased with this. The learning of this very intuitive once he has gotten a handle for the right level of pressure. As he feels the tension fade away to be barely tangible anymore, his massaging touch pauses and his fingers stroke in a more affectionate manner along Kesslan's back. "Rest.. relax. I will see that things are turned off and then join you. We can rest together, for I sense you could do with some added sleep." Spoken lowly before he starts to move off the bed. "Make yourself comfortable, I will not be long."

Kesslan lifts his head at that "As you wish." only now starting to return to being fully awake after that long moment of lucidity. Though he does not move terribly much, simply laying there for the time being waiting for Desmond to return. Yet he cant help but feel oddly.. refreshed in part by the whole experience.

Desmond turns off lights, checks a few things and sees that the door is secure before he returns. A scant few minutes pass before he returns. Without a word he pulls his shirt off and drops the shorts. A small hamper laid aside for discarded clothing. The items dropped inside before he approaches the bed. He pauses at the edge and examines Kesslan. Unsure if he can see a change. "How do you feel?" He moves onto the bed, laying himself out beside Kesslan slowly.

Kesslan rolls over as Desmond joins him on the bed to lay against the larger feline, draping one arm over him in the process "Better. Relax more yes is. too feel I more awake now than before start you. Think I for this is because sleepy this thing make Kesslan. But good feel. More.. relax than can recall in long time."

Desmond seems pleased at this. "This is good. I wager this was a good thing to practice. And more shall I practice it with you and with Aimee." He lifts a hand to lightly pass his fingers along Kesslan's chest idly. "If you felt such tension to be normal.. I can hardly believe how it has been for you with that tension always there. Would that I could see into your mind.. to share in the stresses you have known. It makes me wonder if what I have known might pale in comparison."

"Perhaps could it. But different for you such things would gone have. To have been as you are among pantheran at those times, not same at all would be. If Atorian you been with had, stay you would not have as normal. Many, most of those who as strong were in body or spirit, hire were they by those from the stars for other purposes. Treated well, unlike the rest." Kesslan says softly, traling his claws down along Desmond's side "And if not with them go you, would be you with the elders that fight."

Desmond muses that quietly, his eyes lingering on Kesslan as he considers this. "Perhaps it is so. Even so, my life has been, on reflection, none too hard, save for certain points. Certain events. Not ideal, but tolerable. Knowing others puts much in perspective when one looks at the path of two lives and how they compare." His head leans forward, giving a casual nuzzle. "It makes me wish to give you ease. To give balance against the bad. Even though I know that it would take many, many small acts to have hope to truly balance."

Kesslan nuzzles back in turn, giving Desmond a playful nip to the shoulder as well. "Think I full balance never will there be. It simple life is that one may not allways live as easily as another, in end sacrifice must be made for good of whole, of many. And of these times, many of my kind suffer, more so certainly others than have I."

"Many, but not all," Des rumbles firmly. He slips his arm around Kesslan drawing him close. "And I am not one to be daunted by a challenge. So too I wish to face that challenge because it is the proper thing." He lets his claws slightly draw along Kesslan's back as he relaxes himself. "Rest with me, Kesslan. Tired you might not be, but simple times such as this may not always be. Let us enjoy this one together. Just in case."

Kesslan shivers slightly against Desmond, arching into the larger feline at the feel of those claws "Deny this I would not. It is not that in life's pleasures I do not too take time when can to enjoy. Else think I would not stay sane yes?" he querries, resting a paw uppon Desmond's chest a moment before he starts dragging his claws down the other male's front. Slipping ever lower bit by bit before drawing back up running the back of his claws through the fur and then repeats the process.

"True this is.. and glad I am you are not as such." Desmond's eyes half lidded as he lets words simply drift away. Slowly stroking fingers and claws alternately along Kesslan's back. Gazing at him quietly. More touches will come, light and affectionate. Providing a presence, lingering and welcoming. Accepting without condition, solid and real. More may come later, but in the now it is a quiet, relaxing time shared. Simple and pure in its way.

Kesslan licks gently over Desmond's nose and muzzle, snuggling in closer now with a gentle purr. Simply sharing in the close proximity to the other here with him. His eyes closing as he nuzzles up under Desmond's chin. His paws not remaining idle however as he drags his claws slowly along Desmond's body in turn, alternating between the claws and smoothing out the other feline's fur. After a few moments his arm shfits to pull himself closer to Desmond to hold him in a warm embrace. "And glad am I of your presence. Provide do you a balance to things that think I need at these moments."

"So too am I glad that we came to know one another. It is a new feeling to provide such as this to another," Desmond replies as he returns the embrace, learning well just how much strength to give for a close, yet comfortable grip. "It pleases me to please you, to know that your burden is lessened by my actions."Tags:desmond, kesslan