Jun 24 19:46:11 105 PA
From Chronicles
The current game time is: Wed Jun 24 19:46:11 105 PA.
This evening Desmond is here doing something decidedly more peaceful than the last time Moni came upon him. The big male is actually sitting in the lowest branches of a tree near the crater lake, facing the man made body of water. Though the foliage shades him from most light, he has no problem seeing as he scratches at a pad of drawing paper, smoothly sketching with the occasional pause to glance up at the lake, the spot he's chosen giving him a clear view of the water. With his back against the trunk, one leg dangles, the other with a foot braces on the branch, using his knee to brace the drawing pad.
Evening's darkness creeps through the city, and even here, in the park. Yet there is still some light, and even if it were full dark, the small Inuit shaman would likely still venture here to the park. She has seen nothing to indicate that it is an unsafe place to be, and so... she'll still come here. Stepping quietly into the park, her great white bear accompanies her, though he pauses for a moment just within to take the time to look across and around the park. Whuffing softly, he reaches out to nose at the back of her shoulder before he shakes himself off, and the pair continue further into the park. Monique has had the opportunity to give quite a few things quite a bit of thought, though that's not really helped her in reaching any sort of conclusion. Tornaq has noticed Desmond, and he offers a rumble of greeting, which draws his small shaman's attention. "Mmm? Oh, good evening, Desmond," she offers, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. This offered only once the pair have come closer, so that it will be heard without it needing to be shouted.
Desmond lifts his head slightly as he hears first the rumble, then the familiar voice nearby. His head turning towards Monique and her constant companion. "Greetings Monique. Tornaq." He pauses and considers the paper he's been sketching on for a moment before choosing to abandon his perch. His braced foot slid over before he slips down, sinking into a low crouch as he lands to bleed off the momentum comfortably. "I trust the evening finds you both well. Though I see no sign that it is otherwise."
The small Inuit woman quirks a smile as she watches him abandon his perch in the tree, and she lifts a hand to brush aside a stray lock of her hair, tucking it behind one of her ears where she knows it won't stay for long at all. "The evening is good, so far... and we are both thankful that it is not raining, again," Monique says softly, her dark eyes showing a shine in them. "We are both well, thank you. And how are you, this evening?" she asks, her tone reflecting curiosity within it.
"I am rather good, actually," Desmond admits. "I feel that a grand event will come to be soon, one which I could not have dared hope for weeks before. And I believe I have found that which I will require for it." There is a positive edge that enters his deep voice as he speaks of this grand thing. He pauses a moment and considers before he asks, tone lowered. "Know you of a woman named Aimee?"
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side as she watches him, her brow furrowing slightly as she considers the words he's spoken, though after a moment, she gives a small nod of understanding. Sometimes, it takes a moment for the words to make sense to her. "What sort of grand event?" she asks softly, her tone holding a reflection of her curiosity within it. The small woman considers the last question, exchanging a thoughtful look with the great white bear at her side, and then she lightly shakes her head. "I do not know one with that name," she says softly, wondering how that fits in. Desmond considers and lifts his head to glance about for a moment before he moves a bit closer to her and settles himself down to sit on the ground with legs crossed and drawing pad on his lap. "Perhaps we could speak of this and you could lend me your thoughts. There is one other I have spoken to, but I think I could trust you with this. For the time being I would like what is shared not said to any other. Not because what I would discuss is dangerous or any such thing, but because I wish Aimee to not know until the time has come for what I will do. That you know her not would help to ensure this for now."
The small woman raises an eyebrow slightly, and then she gives a small nod before stepping closer and settling herself upon the ground, in cross-legged fashion. "What you speak, I will tell no other -- on that, you have my word," she says softly, her voice solemn in nature. A glance is cast to the drawing pad, though merely to puzzle out what it is and not to try to see the pictures, and then her attention lifts once more, her dark-eyed gaze coming to rest on Desmond's face. Her hands rest lightly in her lap, and near to her, Tornaq settles to his rump on the ground, as though to listen as well and offer his own thoughts, presuming he might have useful ones on the subject matter. Monique and Desmond sit near to the man-made lake, talking quietly, with Tornaq ever-present.
Athelstane appears, meandering along the park's paths and seemingly headed nowhere in particular. He moves at a lazy pace, taking time and enjoying the scenery with a clear interest not only in surveying the natural beauty of the park but enjoying people watching as well. His expression and mannerism betray an amusement more than anything else. Currently he doesn't appear to have noticed Monique or Desmond in particular.
With the pad closed, the contents remain a secret for now. And Desmond forgets the small object as he considers briefly to gather his thoughts. "She and I are very close. We have been for a time, though at one point it seemed she might slip away from me. But such is like distant memory to me now, even though it has not been more than a few months since. We have progressed slowly because that was her wish and for her I would do anything." As he defines the present for Monique, his deep voice seems to warm, his oft neutral expression softens. He does not smile(he never seems to make such an expression, oddly enough), but one might think this is near to as close as he gets at times. "I have desired recently that she dwell with me. I have found a pleasant place to live and there is ample room. But she would not and would not tell me why. Recently I have discovered the why, I believe. I believe that she wishes to perform the human ritual of bonding. Marriage. I am preparing to begin this now, though to me such things are unneeded. But as I said, I would do anything for her and what is important to her is important to me." A pause then, the moment defined. Considering how to proceed after this sharing.
The great white bear listens for a moment, yet perhaps chooses that simply watching over the speaking pair would be a better course of action for one such as himself. And so he sets himself to watch, his gaze turning about the area to keep an eye on those who come and go from the park. He's comfortable, but very watchful. The small Inuit woman listens intently, not sure that she understands everything that he says, but his expression helps her towards understanding the full meaning to it. She raises an eyebrow slightly when he pauses, giving him a quizzical look as though suspecting there is more to be said. "Different people have different beliefs, I have learned," Monique says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature.
Athelstane 's meandering brings him closer to to the pair by the lake. And to the bear. He notices the large creature, and soon after the other two. After a brief moment of consideration he begins walking, in the same almost lazily slow pace, towards them. Stopping a small distance away he doffs his hat and bows slightly towards both Monique and Desmond, a look of recognition in his eyes for the former and calculating/measuring greeting to the latter. "Good Day M'Lady. I hope I find you well? I see you have no end to the interesting companions you choose to keep." This said with a smile, amusement showing in his features.
"This is true," Desmond offers. "She holds a belief that is called Catholic." This brings a moment of pause for the big male and he muses aloud, "Perhaps I should ask her more of this belief she holds.. to better understand it." He will pause then, the nearing of Athelstane drawing his attention then. Whatever he might have said after seems paused as the man approaches to speak. "Greetings," he will rumble back in response to that measured greeting. The big feline's softer expression firms, though what it lingers in is a mask of firm neutrality. He inspects the man as he speaks to Monique, allowing the woman to respond as she will without his interference.
Tornaq, predictably, notices Athelstane as well, and offers up a rumble of greeting towards that one, whom he recognizes but has no name to go along with the person. The small Inuit shaman's attention shifts towards the other man as he comes near, and she offers to him a small smile. "Good evening to you," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature. "I am well, thank you... and yourself?" she inquires, studying him for a moment. Her attention returns to Desmond, so as to give the indication that she's not overlooked anything that he had to say, and she gives a small nod. "Gaining a greater understanding of the beliefs another holds to is often a wise choice to make. It can lead to having a greater understanding of the other person, just as sharing your beliefs with them will help them to understand you better as well. If that makes sense," she says softly, blushing a little and ducking her chin to look to him through the veil of her lashes.
Athelstane 's brows raise, and he nods to Monique's words. "Quite so." he says simply. "And besides. Sharing ideas means finding the differences between us all in finer detail. Examining and refining one's own ideas in the fire of the scrutiny of others. On the whole, a good process." he says, once again smiling and unabashed it appears. Desmond holds a thoughtful expression, using his quiet time to consider and absorb Moni's response. "There is little she does not know about me. I have much of what has been for me to her before. Though in favor of her desires I have been slower in my own questions. But considering what lies ahead, the time for slowness may be done." Thoughtful words as he dips into considering 'what lies ahead'. He seems to have no direct response to what is shared by the human man, though he is listening, ears perked forward.
Monique raises an eyebrow slightly as she looks to Athelstane, whose name she still doesn't know, and then she gives a small nod. "True, it does allow that. There are many differences between the people here, I have come to understand," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature. She's shared some of her own beliefs with others, to no ill effect. Desmond and herself sit near to the man-made lake, both sitting cross-legged on the ground, and Tornaq is resting on his rump nearby, to keep watch over them. Athelstane stands nearby, having joined into the conversation as well. Her attention turns back to Desmond, and then she gives a small nod of agreement. "It is good, that she knows so much of you. Now it is for you to learn more of her, and of her beliefs. Asking questions is the best way of learning rather than waiting for the information to be offered," Monique says softly, her tone thoughtful. Not that she's really one to talk, considering her limited experience with relationships.
"That would depend on who is listening, and who is talking." A pleasant male voice calls out from seemingly nowhere. Those who turn to look are greeted by the tiny asian Juicer, a sword across his back, and clad all in black, but they are simply loose fitting clothes. He smiles, offetting the feirce gaze of his eyes a bit, and approaches. "Neko-San. Athelstane." He says offering each a bow in turn. Then turning to Monique and her companion he offers another bow, but remains silent.
Athelstane tugs gently on one ear as he stands, leaning on his cane with one hand, listening to the conversation. Taking a deep breath he lets it out slowly, looking down towards his feet for a long moment. He looks away from Desmond and Monique with a slightly less than comfortable seeming expression, shifting his weight and not commenting for now.
When Hayate speaks he turns his gaze towards the other man, smiling slightly as he doffs his hat and bows. "Good Day Sir. Most pleasant to see you again." All apparent... discomfort vanishing instantly.
"To tell the truth, I think I had grown complacent again," Desmond replies to Monique thoughtfully. Though he doesn't seem about to define this in a deeper sense. At the sound of Hayate's voice, Des turns to look towards him. "Hayate," he rumbles in his normal manner of greeting, head given a dip to nod. "I have not seen you for a time. as to who, I speak of Aimee and I." And though he greets the small juicer in a friendly manner and answers his question, a vague sense of unease becomes obvious. Not directed at anyone in particular, but obvious to an alert observer in his body language. He is quiet for a moment, musing a quiet thought. Then, "The differences and similarities are what are most compelling about her," he admits to Monique. "Things I had only a glimmer of at first. A curious thing how one so different in many ways can have a similar feel."
The small Inuit shaman blinks a little at the unexpected arrival, and then she turns to look the direction of the new voice, and a small smile touches at the corners of her lips. "That can make a difference," Monique comments, her tone thoughtful in nature. She studies the new arrival for a lingering moment, and Tornaq gives a rumble as well, shifting his weight a little so that he's closer to his small shaman. Monique inclines her head slightly towards Hayate, her chin ducking slightly. "The bear is Tornaq, and my name is Monique," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. Her gaze lifts to Athelstane for a moment, then returns to Desmond, to listen more attentively to his words, and to study him in a quiet manner. His unease is noted, both by herself and by the great white bear, and it is enough so as to cause the bear to rise to his feet so that he stands in a more obviously protective manner. "These things you speak of, they become connections... and sometimes, it is those who are most different who are drawn closest together," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature.
Hayate nods to Desmond. "I see. Well ican offer no advise, as you are far more experienced in the ways of women, and people in general than I am. I was simply offering aid on gathering information." He says gently. He turns to Monique, and bows once more. "Hayate, good to meet you both." He says gently, nodding to Athel with a smirk.
Athelstane seems to have a moment of confusion looking back and forth between Desmond and Monique, his expression distasteful. Taking a breath and making a great sigh, he silently simply begins to walk away much as he approached, continuing his lazy meander down the park's path. He is rather soon out of normal conversational range. He does not look back, beginning to twirl his cane absently as he observes other features of the park.
Hayate turns and follows Athel, apparently needing to speak to him.
Desmond shifts his eyes towards Tornaq as the bear rises, a slight frown coming to him. He will seek to meet the beast's eyes and give a slight shake of his head. No, no need of that. To Hayate he replies, "Seeking information will not be a matter of more than sitting to speak. I will do it soon with her, for we have much to speak of." His attention rests on Monique, though before he can speak, he glances towards the two men as they depart quite suddenly. The sense of unease fades and is replaced with an open air of bemusement. It lingers lightly as he looks to Monique again. "Strange are some folk at times."
The small woman tilts her head slightly to one side at the same time as what Tornaq offers a rumble towards learning Hayate's name, and then she gives a small nod, acknowledging it for it to be remembered. As both Hayate and Athelstane leave, she studies them for a moment, a slight frown touching her lips. There are times she wonders if people leave because of Tornaq being present, though she doesn't voice the question. The great bear gives himself a shake, then meets Desmond's gaze for a moment before settling himself to his rump once more. "I would have to agree... some folk are strange sometimes," she says softly, her voice holding a wistful tone to it, her eyes reflecting the same emotion. A glance is cast towards the departed pair, yet then her attention returns to Desmond, and she gives a small smile. "It is good, that you can sit and talk with her like that," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. "Everyone needs someone that they can trust to tell anything," she adds, her dark eyes gaining a shine within them.
"I trust her with much," Desmond agrees. He pauses, considering. Now that we are alone again.. I have been considering the ring. The first one is a token to seal the shared desire for union. And the second is the one that seals the ritual. The books I have read say most have diamonds as the jewel on them. But.. it seems a better idea to me to make something more.. personal. I know some of her preferences. In things like colors she favors and flowers. Perhaps something like that would be better than what is thought tradition.. I am not sure."
Monique smiles softly at Desmond, and then she gives a small nod. "It is good, to have such trust in someone," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. "Such a trust, it can take time to build, but it is good," she adds, a smile tugging a little further at her lips. She listens, then, as he speaks of rings, and she tilts her head slightly to one side. "Something personal is a good thing, for such things. Perhaps a gem of a different colour? Maybe one to suit the colour that she prefers? I have seen rings, in shop windows... ones which have different gems and different shapes to them. Even ones which look as though the metal has been carved like flowers," she comments, idly fingering one of the rings that she wears, to feel the engraving in the ivory of it. "Sometimes, it is not a bad thing to change one thing," she muses, her tone thoughtful.
Desmond nods his head once, thoughtful on this. "It is true.. She favors the colors red and gold and she favors orchids," Desmond confides. "I did once send her notes. I had stationary made for it, which was red/gold with a border of orchids. She liked that." He muses thoughtfully. "And once I give to her the ring of engagement, we can speak more openly of the second ring. I can ask her what she might enjoy. I was thinking that this first ring could be a golden one with the image of orchids, with a cluster of small rubies. It may be expensive, but such things do not bother me."
The small Inuit woman tilts her head slightly to one side, and then she gives a small nod. "I do not think one small change would be enough to break what you call tradition," she says softly, not having the greatest understanding of the word at this point in time. Another word for her to remember, to try to have it clarified later. "It may be that, once the first ring is given, that she would be able to go with you, for choosing the second ring, the one to seal the ritual with," Monique suggests, her tone thoughtful. She's not familiar with such things herself, being from different traditions.
Desmond nods his head sightly. "I think this will be a favorable thing. I have only to seek this ring out now." He takes in and releases a breath. "One thing I still do not understand is why she would not speak to me of this.. it makes little sense. I had to learn from a friend whom she had spoken to of it. That is one reason I wait in the now and take my time. I don't wish Aimee to guess that he has spoken of what she would not wish told to me."
Monique studies him for a moment as he speaks, listening and doing her best to understand, even though she is of different customs than what he speaks of. "I do not know... perhaps she had thought that you knew, somehow. It is hard to guess at why she would not have told you. Although, once you give her the first ring, you can ask her why she did not tell you, first? It would likely not be best to inquire first," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature. "It is always hard to guess why someone might have done things one way instead of another, without asking them," she adds, a smile touching her lips.
"I have already asked before.. and she has not told me," Desmond admits. "It was a frustrating thing." He considers a moment, then decides, "I think I shall not ask afterward. In truth, it matters little and I would not wish to break the moment with such a note as that." A slight nod of his head as he gazes at Monique. "I suppose you are as mystified as I about such things. Do your people have such rites you practice when you seek a mate?"
"That sounds to be the wise choice, to not ask after all. It would not do to upset her," Monique says softly, her tone thoughtful. She brushes the pad of her thumb over the flat edge of one of the rings that she wears, then simply lets her hands fall still within her lap. At the last question he asks, she blushes softly, and Tornaq rumbles with a chuckling sort of sound before he reaches out to nudge her shoulder with his nose. She lifts a hand to touch the fur of his cheek, gently pushing his nose aside in a mock-scolding manner, and then she gives a small shake of her head. "Sometimes, but... it is not always the case. Among my people, these things are often arranged by one's parents, and sometimes even before a child has grown," she says softly, her tone thoughtful as she remembers. There are other things, but... finding the english words to explain is not so easy for her sometimes.
Desmond dips his eye to that ring and takes in her reactions. Easy enough it is to assume what might be for Monique. Musing lightly as he considers what she has said. "Arranging such unions before two have even met? That seems an unfavorable practice. They could not know if they were to be joined with one who is compatible." And he does find himself curious.. too curious to leave the possibility alone. "Have you known such a thing?" a gently asked question, the big male's expression sober in asking for something so personal.
The small Inuit shaman's gaze falls to the ring which she had been idly toying with there on her finger, her gaze following his glance, and then she looks up to him, through the veil of her lashes. "Arranging such things is common with my people, whether the two have met or not. There are times it works out well, and there are times it does not," she admits, her tone thoughtful in nature. The last question surprises her a little, for the insight held behind it, and Monique's dark eyes widen slightly as she looks to him, her surprise showing in her eyes as well. Her cheeks warm with colour and a blush, and though she moves her hands slightly within her lap, the ring thus becoming mostly covered, she does give a small nod. "I have. It was arranged when I was small," she begins, pausing there as that's not really the word she means -- meaning young, but not being familiar with the word, "He was killed in a hunt, I do not know the word for what happened... but... he was hurt badly, by... aiviq, is what it is known as, to my people. I do not know the word for it, in this tongue," she explains, a bit of frustration in her voice simply for her lack of words. "Aiviq... it is a large animal, which lives on the ice, and in the water. It has long... tuugaaq... teeth?" she tries, her brow furrowing, her lips pursing with her puzzlement and frustration. "It went in here," she offers, pointing to her own lower stomach, then pointing again just below her ribcage on the other side, "and coming out here, tearing everything out between." In the wake of her efforts at explaining, she lowers her hands to her lap and looks to him, to try to see if he was able to understand what she had explained.
Desmond lifts a hand and shakes his head slightly. "Please.. you need not speak in such detail." Not that he seems disquieted by the detail. Indeed, he says next, "Remembering such things.. I know how it can hurt. It is enough to say he was killed," the big male rumbles, a sense of empathy in his tone, understanding in his expressive eyes. "That you still wear the ring.. I suspect that this one worked more than not. If it is so, then in a way you are fortunate to have had that, despite the loss."
Monique tilts her head slightly to one side, and then she offers him a small smile. "It was in the time before Tornaq came to me," she says softly, her voice giving the indication of that being significant. "He was killed a moon before Tornaq came. And it had only been two moons since the ceremony was done," she says softly, her tone thoughtful in nature. She fingers the ring a little, then gives him a small smile again. "The ring, now, will not come off. There was a time it would have, but no longer," she says softly. Tornaq is quiet through his shaman's explanation, and only once she has finished does he reach out to touch her shoulder with his nose. Near to the man-made lake is where both she and Desmond are seated, both of them speaking quietly and sitting cross-legged near the shore, with Tornaq sitting near to them as well.
"That is so?" Desmond perhaps asking that in regard to all of what was shared. He glances down towards the ring, even if she still has it covered. "I will not ask on it again. Just know I share with you experience with the sting of loss. And so too I know that one can find anew. I found Aimee here, after my loss. And more than that has been given to me, without a need to look. I could not think that such a thing would be unique to me." His deep voice rumbling softly to Monique, the big male leaning towards her slightly as he offers these words to her. This sense of understanding and hope.
The small woman gives a small nod, as though to affirm all that she had shared. As he glances down to her hands, she moves her hands so that he can see the ring -- it is a pretty ring, made of (ironically enough) the ivory of a walrus tusk and has a floral type of pattern engraved on the flat surface of it. "You are free to ask what you wish," she says softly, a small smile touching at the corners of her lips. "Life brings many chances with it, and a person has no way of knowing when they might find one," she says softly, her tone thoughtful and her dark eyes showing a wistful reflection within them. "I have hope, for what the future holds," she says softly, a warm smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, for understanding... and for sharing with me," she adds, giving a small nod to him, her dark eyes showing a warm shine wihin them.
"There are many things I may do, but such freedom comes with the responsibility to know when to refrain," Desmond states. "There is, for now, no more that need be known. And I thank you for what you have offered. So too you may ask. There may be some things I may refrain from saying for a time, but very few those would be, I think." He returning a softer look than his normal firm neutral, yet again.. no smile. Strange. "So too, I would offer my ear if you ever have need of one who can listen. Listening is something I do quite well, even if there is no advice I can offer."
Monique's brow furrows slightly as she puzzles over his initial words, and then she gives a small nod, understanding. "Thank you, for offering as you have. It means much to me, that you would offer yourself to listen. And know that if you have need of someone to listen, even if there is no advice I might offer, I will listen if you have need of it," she says softly, a warm smile turning the corners of her lips. She's noticed that he doesn't smile, but... well, it isn't her place to ask why, whether she's curious or not. "You are a good friend," she says softly, giving a small nod to him. Tornaq rumbles his agreement, from where he sits, giving an equal nod as though to reaffirm that statement. Desmond seems pleased and nods once as he starts to stand smoothly. "I accept this, Monique. Though in the now, I should away. I must rest before time comes for work." He notes, I have taken lodgings at Raleigh's Retreat. If you have need of me, you can seek me there. Or, if you cannot find me, then Kesslan who lives there as well. He and I are very close and he can deliver any message you might have. You can trust in him to do so." His sketchpad held casually in hand as he lingers.
The small woman smiles warmly at him, and then she gives a little nod. "Rest is always something good to have before one has to work," she says softly, her dark eyes showing a hint of amusement to them. "I have a place there -- I will be sure to look for you there, if I have need, and I thank you for offering this to me. It means much, that you have," she says warmly. "Kesslan, I have met... I will seek him if unable to find you, there," Monique affirms. "If you have need of me, you are welcome to seek me there also. I am not always there, but... if I am, I will answer," she says softly, a smile touching her lips.
Desmond nods his head once. "Your offer is accepted and I will seek you out if I have need. Enjoy your evening Monique." A pause as he looks to the great bear, his head dipped in respect. "Farewell to you as well." And with that the big male will turn to stride along on his way. Though he does not rush, his long strides are purposeful and carry him away without great delay.
Tornaq lowers his head slightly, then lifts it, giving a nod and a rumble from within his chest as he does so, to offer up his own sort of farewell for Desmond. Monique glances to the bear and gives a smile, then returns her attention back to Desmond. "Thank you. Enjoy your evening, Desmond, and may peace guard you," she says softly, her tone thoughtful. She watches him then start to leave, and then she looks up at the great bear, taking a moment to stand and move closer to the bear so that she can lean against one of his front legs in a familiar manner.Tags:athelstane, desmond, hayate, monique
