Aishe grinned at Fallon. "I'm enjoying the puzzle," she confirmed. "It's obviously not going to hurt me, whatever it is, or Kem wouldn't sit idly by. Sometimes it is easy to forget how many centuries he's got on us. Besides, I know I'm close to figuring it out. It's on the tip of my brain!"
Glad that Fallon didn't seem to hold it against Kem, for not giving her all the answers, Aishe settled in to discuss the finer points of flowers, dresses, and all things 'wedding.'
"What about a deep purple for Ana?" She looked again at the beautiful colors fallon had decided to surround herself with for the wedding day. "Or even a dark blue. I think she'd probably be more comfortable in either of those than bright red. We can always just ask her when she gets here."
Aishe definitely liked the choice of colors. There was enough mix of bright and cheerful with dark and stately to appeal to everyone involved, although really, as long as Cyrus and Fallon were happy, that was what mattered.
As Fallon talked about Joey, Aishe shook her head to allay her friend's concerns. "You're just watching out for Ana," she said. "We both were. She won't blame you for being protective... just so long as you know where to draw the line between there and over-protective. I'm sure we'll see more of him, and we can both give him plenty of chances to be Ana's Mr. Right."
Her smile was brimming with assurance, which sometimes was what Fallon seemed to need the most. Aishe, in this case, was happy to provide. Fallon's judgment was usually sound, and in Aishe's opinion she had no reason to doubt herself, but she knew old habits died hard.
Fallon's apology, as well, made Aishe laugh again. "You know, he is the love of your undead life and the man you're going to be marrying very shortly. I'd worry if he didn't do that to you, quite often. You're supposed to be in love. Enjoy it! And why should you worry about making him happy when you're married? You make him plenty happy now, don't you? Nothing will change after you tie the knot. You're always going to love each other."
It was the result of Aishe's practical and romantic sides mixing together. In her opinion, her practical side was so much more prevalent, but every now and then the romantic in her came out. And why shouldn't it? She had Fallon both had plenty to daydream about.
Commonalities
The directions were given well, and Fallon had no trouble finding the quaint home in a short amount of time.
Parking in front of the home, being that there was a car already parked in front of the garage, Fallon moved towards the front door just a little bit apprehensive. Even though she was with Aishe, and loved, and trusted the woman like the sister she really was beginning to see her as, the whole thing about seeing Kem again made Fallon nervous.
She had only been around Kem once, at the Ger Kogji house warming, and Aishe's boyfriend had been exceedingly friendly to Fallon then. Yet understandable or not, she still felt the slightest bit intimidated.
"Mmmm...the ocean breeze smells almost as good as the smell of pine we get at Ger Kogji...this is a beautiful place Aishe."
The heels of her shoes clicked on the slate walkway, almost sounding obscene in the quiet of the night. Fallon tried to walk more softly, but felt better once she'd reached the door.
"I see Kem has something else in common with Cyrus." Fallon giggled as the door opened, even before Aishe could take hold of the knob. "He does that to me all the time...I used to find it kind of spooky, but I'm used to it now."
Following Aishe into the house, Fallon was startled by the sound of hissing, and looked down to see a beautiful yellowish cat, who apparently wasn't fond of strangers. She stooped down and held her hand out, hoping the cat would accept her offer of friendship, and backed up the physical offering with soft words.
"Hello there...and aren't you the pretty one. Please don't be concerned about me...I'm really very nice...honest."
Fallon looked up to Aishe, and wondered if she would receive a formal introduction. At least the cat hadn't darted away in fear, which was a good sign. The cat also wasn't white, which would have been somewhat offputting.
(permission to see door open on it's own provided by Kem 
)
Aishe
17 years ago
Fallon
17 years ago
Everything Aishe said made sense...it always did...even when she was talking about her voices and strange colored lights. But there was more behind Fallon's apprehensions besides logic.
"I keep telling myself I'll not go here again, but you know...before I married Ted, he was a different person as well. Honestly I can look back now and see SOME small signs, that there was a darker side to him...but..."
Was that what she felt about Joey? Was she sensing some dark side to him that she didn't think Ana was aware of? Yet those were Fallon's insecurities talking, and she wasn't being fair casting them onto her friend's boyfriend.
"I just hope he...well...he's being honest with Ana."
Not that Fallon would ever put Cyrus in a category close to that of Ted, or Joey for that matter...not yet. Fallon was certain Cyrus, and Ted were different types of men...yet she just couldn't manage to squash the tiny bit of lingering fear that things could still change, once the marriage was final.
"There...right there...I just thought of marriage as being final...but it's not! It's the beginning...the start of something new, and exciting...I know this, emotionally, and logically...I know this...so why do I insist on holding onto the slim idea that what Cyrus and I have might change?"
Growling softly, Fallon steeled herself, and then relaxed.
"I'm a hopeless jerk sometimes...yes, I know...I'm also incredibly lucky to have you in my corner...Aishe, my sister...my friend. You help keep me grounded." With one arm around Aishe's shoulders, Fallon pressed her temple against her friend's.
Taking time from her lamenting, Fallon jotted down the purple and blue color choices to discuss with Ana. Turning a few more pages, she came across a delightfully decorated cake. While only four layers, the cake was covered in a pale cream colored fondant, with small white iced pearls, and cascades of iced flowers, in the brilliant jeweled hues of red, blue, green, and orange.
"Chocolate, lemon, or vanilla...or layers of each? Everyone likes chocolate, pretty much, don't they?"
"I keep telling myself I'll not go here again, but you know...before I married Ted, he was a different person as well. Honestly I can look back now and see SOME small signs, that there was a darker side to him...but..."
Was that what she felt about Joey? Was she sensing some dark side to him that she didn't think Ana was aware of? Yet those were Fallon's insecurities talking, and she wasn't being fair casting them onto her friend's boyfriend.
"I just hope he...well...he's being honest with Ana."
Not that Fallon would ever put Cyrus in a category close to that of Ted, or Joey for that matter...not yet. Fallon was certain Cyrus, and Ted were different types of men...yet she just couldn't manage to squash the tiny bit of lingering fear that things could still change, once the marriage was final.
"There...right there...I just thought of marriage as being final...but it's not! It's the beginning...the start of something new, and exciting...I know this, emotionally, and logically...I know this...so why do I insist on holding onto the slim idea that what Cyrus and I have might change?"
Growling softly, Fallon steeled herself, and then relaxed.
"I'm a hopeless jerk sometimes...yes, I know...I'm also incredibly lucky to have you in my corner...Aishe, my sister...my friend. You help keep me grounded." With one arm around Aishe's shoulders, Fallon pressed her temple against her friend's.
Taking time from her lamenting, Fallon jotted down the purple and blue color choices to discuss with Ana. Turning a few more pages, she came across a delightfully decorated cake. While only four layers, the cake was covered in a pale cream colored fondant, with small white iced pearls, and cascades of iced flowers, in the brilliant jeweled hues of red, blue, green, and orange.
"Chocolate, lemon, or vanilla...or layers of each? Everyone likes chocolate, pretty much, don't they?"
Aishe
17 years ago
Aishe could understand Fallon's skepticism, given her previous relationship. It was good to see that although she obviously placed her trust in Cyrus, she didn't assume that everyone had a happy ending. It helped keep her real. She simply smiled, and when Fallon hugged her, she pulled away a bit to drop a kiss on her friend's forehead.
"If I keep you grounded, you keep reminding me life isn't all practical economy and sensibility," she said with a smile. "Someone's got to help us all keep the fairy tale stuff alive. You manage a good mix. You have a beautiful fairy tale of your own, but you're able to see through the rose coloring to worry about Ana. It's just right, Fallon."
She tweaked Fallon gently on her nose and then resumed her page-flipping. She had barely glanced at the cake Fallon showed her, distracted by something else, answering the question posed without a second thought.
"Chocolate is always best. Always always. I suppose there might be a deviant or two who don't like it though, so maybe a little vanilla cake," she added diplomatically. Then she gave Fallon a little guilty grin. "I'm definitely not going to be your objective opinion on cake flavors. If you leave the menu up to me we're going to end up with hot fudge sundae entrees, chocolate milk, chocolate shakes, chocolate soup..." Aishe trailed off and shook her head. "Nope, I'm definitely not your impartial judgment on that one."
She did look at the cake finally though, and was immediately attracted to the shiny little icing pearls. Oooh, shiny...
Aishe did a double-take at herself, and then blinked at Fallon.
"That's it!"
She sprang to her feet and bounded to the back door. "That has to be it!"
She poked her head out and realized in her enthusiasm that she'd done exactly the wrong thing. She heard the scurrying of little feet and the rustle of bushes. "No, stop!"
[You'll never get an answer that way, loudmouth,] came Kem's dry, amused tone in her head.
She turned to find him leaning against the door frame and stared for a moment before she realized what he'd said. The lightbulb went on once more and she turned back to the dark backyard.
[I can hear you!] she sent, trying to picture the right sort of face in her mind, trying very hard not to send to Kem, a feat that had become habit. [Can you hear me? Are you still there? Don't be afraid!]
She waited for what seemed like forever, holding breath that she didn't really need anyhow. She was just about to turn back to kem with frustration and ask him what she'd done wrong when her answer came on four delicate little feet.
Aishe knelt on the porch, just outside the back door, and watched with wonder as it emerged. First a few little white whiskers, then a pointed, delicate little wet black nose. The whiskers and nose hesitated for a moment and then the full face popped up over the porch steps. It was close enough for her keen eyes to pick up each little satiny piece of fur as the cool breeze ruffled through it, plainly as curious as she was.
Peering as close as she dared, she came face to snoot with her very first raccoon. Suddenly she felt it, not so much words, as a general impression of inquisition... [????]
The masked face bobbed in the air, and its mouth came open to reveal pointed little teeth as it smelled her. Aishe stayed very still, moving only when something touched her hand. Turning once again, she realized Kem had anticipated her. A wry smile flashed as he held out one of her "I feel guilty about eating sundaes for every meal so I'll buy these" granola bars, and as he looked on, joined by Fallon at the back door, Aishe carefully crumbled the bar and offered it to the small, furry masked bandit on the stairs.
((ooc: permission to move Fallon and do all the stuff with other characters I just did. :P ))
"If I keep you grounded, you keep reminding me life isn't all practical economy and sensibility," she said with a smile. "Someone's got to help us all keep the fairy tale stuff alive. You manage a good mix. You have a beautiful fairy tale of your own, but you're able to see through the rose coloring to worry about Ana. It's just right, Fallon."
She tweaked Fallon gently on her nose and then resumed her page-flipping. She had barely glanced at the cake Fallon showed her, distracted by something else, answering the question posed without a second thought.
"Chocolate is always best. Always always. I suppose there might be a deviant or two who don't like it though, so maybe a little vanilla cake," she added diplomatically. Then she gave Fallon a little guilty grin. "I'm definitely not going to be your objective opinion on cake flavors. If you leave the menu up to me we're going to end up with hot fudge sundae entrees, chocolate milk, chocolate shakes, chocolate soup..." Aishe trailed off and shook her head. "Nope, I'm definitely not your impartial judgment on that one."
She did look at the cake finally though, and was immediately attracted to the shiny little icing pearls. Oooh, shiny...
Aishe did a double-take at herself, and then blinked at Fallon.
"That's it!"
She sprang to her feet and bounded to the back door. "That has to be it!"
She poked her head out and realized in her enthusiasm that she'd done exactly the wrong thing. She heard the scurrying of little feet and the rustle of bushes. "No, stop!"
[You'll never get an answer that way, loudmouth,] came Kem's dry, amused tone in her head.
She turned to find him leaning against the door frame and stared for a moment before she realized what he'd said. The lightbulb went on once more and she turned back to the dark backyard.
[I can hear you!] she sent, trying to picture the right sort of face in her mind, trying very hard not to send to Kem, a feat that had become habit. [Can you hear me? Are you still there? Don't be afraid!]
She waited for what seemed like forever, holding breath that she didn't really need anyhow. She was just about to turn back to kem with frustration and ask him what she'd done wrong when her answer came on four delicate little feet.
Aishe knelt on the porch, just outside the back door, and watched with wonder as it emerged. First a few little white whiskers, then a pointed, delicate little wet black nose. The whiskers and nose hesitated for a moment and then the full face popped up over the porch steps. It was close enough for her keen eyes to pick up each little satiny piece of fur as the cool breeze ruffled through it, plainly as curious as she was.
Peering as close as she dared, she came face to snoot with her very first raccoon. Suddenly she felt it, not so much words, as a general impression of inquisition... [????]
The masked face bobbed in the air, and its mouth came open to reveal pointed little teeth as it smelled her. Aishe stayed very still, moving only when something touched her hand. Turning once again, she realized Kem had anticipated her. A wry smile flashed as he held out one of her "I feel guilty about eating sundaes for every meal so I'll buy these" granola bars, and as he looked on, joined by Fallon at the back door, Aishe carefully crumbled the bar and offered it to the small, furry masked bandit on the stairs.
((ooc: permission to move Fallon and do all the stuff with other characters I just did. :P ))
Fallon
17 years ago
Yet again Fallon felt herself near to tearing up. In addition to supporting Fallon's feelings, Aishe even credited Fallon with lending Aishe a bit of something special. It was rare that she allowed herself to contemplate why people liked her, but when specific reasons were given, Fallon did so.
Nodding and giggling, actions that seemed to be her lot tonight, Fallon did agree with the chocolate decision, but only for the cake.
"I agr..." Was all she managed, before Aishe was making a declaration, and taking off out the back door.
Fallon immediately followed behind, wondering what in the hell had gotten into Aishe, and how the cake had triggered it. If it had been the cake at all.
Pausing in the kitchen, trying to hear or see something, Fallon was stymied. She only remained there for a few more moments, before she approached Aishe, and peered over her shoulder. Aishe had stooped down to look at something, and once Fallon's eyes had adjusted to the night she could see what it was. A quick glance to Kem, and Fallon grinned huge.
"Awwww...how adorable!" She spoke in a loud whisper, not wanting to scare the raccoon away, or destroy the quiet of the night. She made no move to get past Aishe though, content to watch the little introduction unfold.
"What did you mean 'That has to be it'?" She still hadn't been able to put two and two together though. Raccoons didn't talk, nor did they appear to have any colored lights about them, so her initial assumption that Aishe was following up on the earlier discussion didn't make sense to Fallon. She couldn't come up with any other answers either.
Nodding and giggling, actions that seemed to be her lot tonight, Fallon did agree with the chocolate decision, but only for the cake.
"I agr..." Was all she managed, before Aishe was making a declaration, and taking off out the back door.
Fallon immediately followed behind, wondering what in the hell had gotten into Aishe, and how the cake had triggered it. If it had been the cake at all.
Pausing in the kitchen, trying to hear or see something, Fallon was stymied. She only remained there for a few more moments, before she approached Aishe, and peered over her shoulder. Aishe had stooped down to look at something, and once Fallon's eyes had adjusted to the night she could see what it was. A quick glance to Kem, and Fallon grinned huge.
"Awwww...how adorable!" She spoke in a loud whisper, not wanting to scare the raccoon away, or destroy the quiet of the night. She made no move to get past Aishe though, content to watch the little introduction unfold.
"What did you mean 'That has to be it'?" She still hadn't been able to put two and two together though. Raccoons didn't talk, nor did they appear to have any colored lights about them, so her initial assumption that Aishe was following up on the earlier discussion didn't make sense to Fallon. She couldn't come up with any other answers either.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
Kem watched with no small measure of pride from the doorway as Aishe knelt there on the back porch, offering bits of guilt-free granola to their little visitor. He had figured it out a while back, but then, he had heard of savage savants before and he wasn't certain Aishe even knew of such an ability. As expected though, she'd figured it out on her own. Mostly. His last prompt had probably been unecessary, but he hadn't seen any reason to let her first chance slip away.
Aishe was bound up with feeding the raccoon, who didn't seem too horrified to be confronted by a bunch of people, so he took the liberty of responding to Fallon without disturbing the two.
[She's a savage savant,] he explained as he watched the raccoon's nimble little paws pick up scattered bits of grain. [She can talk to raccoons. Kind of fitting, really. She'd better not start opening my garbage cans for them.]
Which was, he thought with a tolerant, loving little sigh, exactly the kind of thing Aishe might be tempted to do.
Aishe was bound up with feeding the raccoon, who didn't seem too horrified to be confronted by a bunch of people, so he took the liberty of responding to Fallon without disturbing the two.
[She's a savage savant,] he explained as he watched the raccoon's nimble little paws pick up scattered bits of grain. [She can talk to raccoons. Kind of fitting, really. She'd better not start opening my garbage cans for them.]
Which was, he thought with a tolerant, loving little sigh, exactly the kind of thing Aishe might be tempted to do.
Fallon
17 years ago
[She's a savage savant...she can talk to raccoons. Kind of fitting really. She'd better not start opening my garbage cans for them.]
Fallon's attention was refocused on Kem immediately, the minute the words filtered into her brain.
At first she stared at him, her mouth slightly ajar, surprised that he could talk to her that way. Never having had anyone communicate with her sans verbal words, she didn't know quite how to respond, so she merely nodded, and closed her mouth.
Her eyes narrowed for a few seconds, when she wondered if the whole raccoon thing was a big joke, and it had been Kem the whole time, putting the words into Aishe's head. But those thoughts really were fleeting, and just as quickly replaced by those more logical. Aishe had known Kem for eons, and certainly would have seen a sinister side such as that in him a long time ago.
No...in his infinite patience, Kem was trying to include Fallon in the wonder of the moment, by explaining what Aishe was going through, and she nodded, and gave him a smile of thanks for his consideration.
"How does she talk to them?" Fallon asked, softly.
Fallon's attention was refocused on Kem immediately, the minute the words filtered into her brain.
At first she stared at him, her mouth slightly ajar, surprised that he could talk to her that way. Never having had anyone communicate with her sans verbal words, she didn't know quite how to respond, so she merely nodded, and closed her mouth.
Her eyes narrowed for a few seconds, when she wondered if the whole raccoon thing was a big joke, and it had been Kem the whole time, putting the words into Aishe's head. But those thoughts really were fleeting, and just as quickly replaced by those more logical. Aishe had known Kem for eons, and certainly would have seen a sinister side such as that in him a long time ago.
No...in his infinite patience, Kem was trying to include Fallon in the wonder of the moment, by explaining what Aishe was going through, and she nodded, and gave him a smile of thanks for his consideration.
"How does she talk to them?" Fallon asked, softly.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
The expression on Fallon's face clearly showed no one had ever sent to Fallon before; understandable, as she didn't seem to be in the habit of hanging out with a great many Evenhet. His first response was apology, but before the words came out of his mouth, they were replaced by a wicked little grin. Fallon had spent the beginning of the night shocking him... turnabout was fair play, as far as he was concerned.
Not giving an inch, he continued to send. [Just like this,] he said with the tiniest of smirks. [Give it a try.]
He didn't want to detract from Aishe's experience, so it suited him to keep it quiet and simple. They could watch her and converse easily enough. So far it was a whole lot of paw-scrabbling and soft laughter as the brave little raccoon grasped eagerly at the granola. Kem supplied another bar as the first ran out, and the first raccoon was joined by two more sets of not-quite-so-brave paws, which snagged bits and pieces from the very edge of the porch steps.
Not giving an inch, he continued to send. [Just like this,] he said with the tiniest of smirks. [Give it a try.]
He didn't want to detract from Aishe's experience, so it suited him to keep it quiet and simple. They could watch her and converse easily enough. So far it was a whole lot of paw-scrabbling and soft laughter as the brave little raccoon grasped eagerly at the granola. Kem supplied another bar as the first ran out, and the first raccoon was joined by two more sets of not-quite-so-brave paws, which snagged bits and pieces from the very edge of the porch steps.
Aishe
17 years ago
Aishe was distracted for a few minutes, but as Kem handed her the second granola bar and she began to scatter it, she glanced back at Fallon with a big smile.
"It was the cake," she whispered. "The shiny pearls, and then thinking about chocolate and vanilla... brown and white, mixed together, see? Like rings on a tail. It just popped into my head."
Fallon had a strange expression on her face when Aishe turned, and Kem's was one of smug satisfaction. She was briefly curious to know what had transpired between the two, but she could always ask later.
The first raccoon was joined shortly by two more, not quite as bold. They weren't exactly what she'd call conversationalists... mostly they seemed to be interested in her, and not at all frightened of Kem, who they appeared to have seen plenty of. Fallon they didn't recognize at all obviously, but she stayed back a bit and the raccoons' evident enjoyment of the crunchy grnola overpowered any fear they may have had.
All their thoughts were conveyed in bits and snatches to Aishe, and it took some sorting out for her to get the gist of it, but she was thrilled to have discovered this new ability and eager to see where it went.
"It was the cake," she whispered. "The shiny pearls, and then thinking about chocolate and vanilla... brown and white, mixed together, see? Like rings on a tail. It just popped into my head."
Fallon had a strange expression on her face when Aishe turned, and Kem's was one of smug satisfaction. She was briefly curious to know what had transpired between the two, but she could always ask later.
The first raccoon was joined shortly by two more, not quite as bold. They weren't exactly what she'd call conversationalists... mostly they seemed to be interested in her, and not at all frightened of Kem, who they appeared to have seen plenty of. Fallon they didn't recognize at all obviously, but she stayed back a bit and the raccoons' evident enjoyment of the crunchy grnola overpowered any fear they may have had.
All their thoughts were conveyed in bits and snatches to Aishe, and it took some sorting out for her to get the gist of it, but she was thrilled to have discovered this new ability and eager to see where it went.
Fallon
17 years ago
Trying not to be stupid, but feeling it more and more with each passing moment, Fallon didn't look back to Kem right away. Had she, she feared she would have glared at him.
[How silly.] She thought to herself. [Like what? Is he telling me that Aishe can talk to the raccoons through her thoughts?] Though the more she considered the possibility, the less strange or impossible it felt.
[But does she think in 'raccoon', or...] Now that seemed REALLY silly. How could Aishe communicate in raccoon? Where would she have learned such a language?
Shaking her head, Fallon finally worked up the courage to look back at Kem.
"She talks to them with her thoughts?" Unaware if she could respond back to Kem mentally, Fallon asked in her normal soft voice.
Glad she was leaning against the door jamb, Fallon felt a little lightheaded at the strange goings on around her.
At least Aishe's answer made sense - mostly.
[How silly.] She thought to herself. [Like what? Is he telling me that Aishe can talk to the raccoons through her thoughts?] Though the more she considered the possibility, the less strange or impossible it felt.
[But does she think in 'raccoon', or...] Now that seemed REALLY silly. How could Aishe communicate in raccoon? Where would she have learned such a language?
Shaking her head, Fallon finally worked up the courage to look back at Kem.
"She talks to them with her thoughts?" Unaware if she could respond back to Kem mentally, Fallon asked in her normal soft voice.
Glad she was leaning against the door jamb, Fallon felt a little lightheaded at the strange goings on around her.
At least Aishe's answer made sense - mostly.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
Kem figured he probably shouldn't be taking such enjoyment from Fallon's puzzlement, but he reasoned she owed him a few from before. [Tremendously silly,] he agreed. [You've got it though. Near as I can tell she's just thinking at them, like we're doing right now. You'd have to ask her though, about speaking raccoon.]
The idea brought a small smile to his face. He hadn't thought to ask Aishe about speaking raccoon and he didn't want to interrupt whatever might be going on between her and her newfound furry pals. Instead, he got up, brushed a few stray bits of granola bar from his jeans, and quietly refilled their drinks, setting his and Aishe's on the counter and offering Fallon's to her.
By the time he'd done that, Aishe seemed to be saying goodbye to the critters on their porch, apparently having run out of both granola and stimulating conversation. She sat there for a moment after the last fluffy tail disappeared over the porch, and then turned to them with a bright smile.
"That was amazing!"
Fortunately Kem was getting used to predicting Aishe, so when she launched herself from a sitting position into an instant bearhug, he was prepared.
The idea brought a small smile to his face. He hadn't thought to ask Aishe about speaking raccoon and he didn't want to interrupt whatever might be going on between her and her newfound furry pals. Instead, he got up, brushed a few stray bits of granola bar from his jeans, and quietly refilled their drinks, setting his and Aishe's on the counter and offering Fallon's to her.
By the time he'd done that, Aishe seemed to be saying goodbye to the critters on their porch, apparently having run out of both granola and stimulating conversation. She sat there for a moment after the last fluffy tail disappeared over the porch, and then turned to them with a bright smile.
"That was amazing!"
Fortunately Kem was getting used to predicting Aishe, so when she launched herself from a sitting position into an instant bearhug, he was prepared.
Aishe
17 years ago
Her first raccoon conversation wasn't a long one. But it was informative, she supposed. The raccoons were naturally inquisitive, and it seemed they all lived down the hill behind the backyards of the houses on this side of the road, in the trees. As a result they were familiar enough with the residents here to come close and cause some mischief at night. Kem was the only person they saw on a regular basis, understandably, as both they and he were nocturnal.
Scattering the last of her granola crumbs about, she reluctantly bid the little furballs goodnight. She had a good feeling they'd be back though; free food was a pretty strong draw for any animal, she imagined.
Hopping up she gave Kem a hug, resting her cheek against his chest for a moment before letting go and bouncing in place on her toes.
"I didn't know any of us could do that!"
She kept her voice low, not wanting to disturb any neighbors that might still be up. Aishe looked at Fallon with a grin. "Not quite the same as what you can do," she said, "but fun!"
Scattering the last of her granola crumbs about, she reluctantly bid the little furballs goodnight. She had a good feeling they'd be back though; free food was a pretty strong draw for any animal, she imagined.
Hopping up she gave Kem a hug, resting her cheek against his chest for a moment before letting go and bouncing in place on her toes.
"I didn't know any of us could do that!"
She kept her voice low, not wanting to disturb any neighbors that might still be up. Aishe looked at Fallon with a grin. "Not quite the same as what you can do," she said, "but fun!"
Fallon
17 years ago
"Wait...you...?" With everything Fallon had been through over the past many months, to now be faced with something that not only surprised her, but gave her a slightly...icky feeling, was a shock in and of itself. Apparently not only could Kem talk to her through her mind, but he could hear her own thoughts! No matter how well Aishe knew and loved him, Fallon wasn't automatically comfortable knowing she had just lost whatever privacy she might have had around Kem.
Eyes burning holes in his chest, since she was still too mortified to look at him directly, Fallon rapidly tried to remember anything she had thought about since arriving at their home, and prayed it had been nothing untoward. Spared from having to say anything in response, when Aishe ran into Kem's arms, Fallon backed into the kitchen a little. Doubting having a wall between her, and Kem would shut out her thoughts, it still gave her a small sense of protection, false or not.
Too wrapped up in her own insecurities, Fallon missed whatever it was Aishe had said, right before she retreated inside. Trying to recapture some semblance of nonchalance, Fallon focused on calming down, and gulped down the drink Kem had handed her.
Eyes burning holes in his chest, since she was still too mortified to look at him directly, Fallon rapidly tried to remember anything she had thought about since arriving at their home, and prayed it had been nothing untoward. Spared from having to say anything in response, when Aishe ran into Kem's arms, Fallon backed into the kitchen a little. Doubting having a wall between her, and Kem would shut out her thoughts, it still gave her a small sense of protection, false or not.
Too wrapped up in her own insecurities, Fallon missed whatever it was Aishe had said, right before she retreated inside. Trying to recapture some semblance of nonchalance, Fallon focused on calming down, and gulped down the drink Kem had handed her.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
Kem raised his eyebrows at Aishe then nodded to Fallon. Her expression wasn't exactly difficult to read. He'd had enough experiences with his own abilities to recognize the signs when he saw them. He shook his head at Aishe's friend, now truly contrite to have caused her such real upset.
"I can't read minds," he said, potentially proving himself wrong as he took an educated guess at the source of Fallon's disturbance. "I'm not really in your head, and whatever thoughts you're shooting at me right now are completely your own. I'm a sender. It's an Evenhet thing."
Looking over at Aishe again, then back at Fallon, he shrugged. "I'm a vampire cellphone with really good reception."
He couldn't help it if all of his abilities had ended up being more of the mental than the physical. [I'm freaking out your friend with the power of my awesome and impressive brain,] he mock-complained to Aishe. [Save me. I really don't want to chase her off.]
"I can't read minds," he said, potentially proving himself wrong as he took an educated guess at the source of Fallon's disturbance. "I'm not really in your head, and whatever thoughts you're shooting at me right now are completely your own. I'm a sender. It's an Evenhet thing."
Looking over at Aishe again, then back at Fallon, he shrugged. "I'm a vampire cellphone with really good reception."
He couldn't help it if all of his abilities had ended up being more of the mental than the physical. [I'm freaking out your friend with the power of my awesome and impressive brain,] he mock-complained to Aishe. [Save me. I really don't want to chase her off.]
Aishe
17 years ago
At first Aishe was so happy and proud of herself, she didn't realize what was going on between Kem and Fallon. Then, briefly, she wondered if Fallon were afraid of raccoons. That was silly, she thought, and then between the conversation and Kem's sending she caught on. Stifling a laugh she turned on Kem, hands on her hips.
"You know, it's not polite to just talk to people in their heads. You need a password, or something." She offered him a little wink, not truly upset, but trying to cast a humorous light on things. If it was at Kem's expense, well, she was willing to sacrifice a little bit of his pride for the cause, in this case.
She stuck next to Fallon, wrapping her friend's arm in hers and squeezing. "Sending," she reiterated, expanding on what Kem had said. "He can talk to you, and if you're quick and focused, you can talk back. Just once, and it doesn't work if you try to start it yourself."
The girlfriend in her, however, did step forward in Kem's defense. "I'm guessing he didn't want to scare my new pals away... he usually is a bit more polite about it."
"You know, it's not polite to just talk to people in their heads. You need a password, or something." She offered him a little wink, not truly upset, but trying to cast a humorous light on things. If it was at Kem's expense, well, she was willing to sacrifice a little bit of his pride for the cause, in this case.
She stuck next to Fallon, wrapping her friend's arm in hers and squeezing. "Sending," she reiterated, expanding on what Kem had said. "He can talk to you, and if you're quick and focused, you can talk back. Just once, and it doesn't work if you try to start it yourself."
The girlfriend in her, however, did step forward in Kem's defense. "I'm guessing he didn't want to scare my new pals away... he usually is a bit more polite about it."
Fallon
17 years ago
Blinking, Fallon allowed her eyes to see Kem, and slowly she regained her clarity of mind. He said he couldn't read her mind, yet he had managed to address her thoughts perfectly. His demeanor in explaining things seem genuine, and she didn't want to not trust him, but it was a little difficult, under the circumstances.
Hearing his ability was somehow related to his clan helped explain things more than he might have imagined. Because in Anantya there seemed to be an abundance of shape shifters, Fallon understood how certain things might be more readily available to those with similar backgrounds. Kem could put his thoughts into her head, and pick up her thoughts, similarly Aishe could pick up the thoughts of raccoons, and vice versa.
His sincere attempt to help put her at ease again, did just that, and Fallon even giggled at the 'cellphone' analogy.
"I should like to see if Cingular has such a plan...it would be a far sight more convenient than the phone I have, which tends to have less than stellar reception."
Patting Aishe's hand, as it squeezed Fallon's arm, she also appreciated her way of teasing Kem, and providing further details into the way the ability worked.
"I'm sorry. I don't really intend to be such a silly twit, but sometimes things still take me a little while to fully grasp." She smiled in understanding at Kem, and then Aishe, and hugged her friend back.
"And how marvelous for you, to have figured out your puzzle! You can talk to raccoons! But being a...what was it?" Fallon sought Kem again, for the explanation he'd given just moments ago.
"Savage savant...means she can communicate with animals? More than raccoon?"
Could she then communicate with Cyrus, or Fallon, while they were in their cat forms? That posed an interesting idea.
Fallon's body language was a lot more relaxed now, and it was obvious to anyone who looked that she was suffering no ill effects. Though the initial shock was rough, she had at least learned how to recover quickly. Plus the wonderful care both Aishe and Kem were extending to her now made it impossible for her to remain upset.
Still, she moved inside further, and sat down on the closest chair.
Hearing his ability was somehow related to his clan helped explain things more than he might have imagined. Because in Anantya there seemed to be an abundance of shape shifters, Fallon understood how certain things might be more readily available to those with similar backgrounds. Kem could put his thoughts into her head, and pick up her thoughts, similarly Aishe could pick up the thoughts of raccoons, and vice versa.
His sincere attempt to help put her at ease again, did just that, and Fallon even giggled at the 'cellphone' analogy.
"I should like to see if Cingular has such a plan...it would be a far sight more convenient than the phone I have, which tends to have less than stellar reception."
Patting Aishe's hand, as it squeezed Fallon's arm, she also appreciated her way of teasing Kem, and providing further details into the way the ability worked.
"I'm sorry. I don't really intend to be such a silly twit, but sometimes things still take me a little while to fully grasp." She smiled in understanding at Kem, and then Aishe, and hugged her friend back.
"And how marvelous for you, to have figured out your puzzle! You can talk to raccoons! But being a...what was it?" Fallon sought Kem again, for the explanation he'd given just moments ago.
"Savage savant...means she can communicate with animals? More than raccoon?"
Could she then communicate with Cyrus, or Fallon, while they were in their cat forms? That posed an interesting idea.
Fallon's body language was a lot more relaxed now, and it was obvious to anyone who looked that she was suffering no ill effects. Though the initial shock was rough, she had at least learned how to recover quickly. Plus the wonderful care both Aishe and Kem were extending to her now made it impossible for her to remain upset.
Still, she moved inside further, and sat down on the closest chair.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
Kem nodded while Aishe explained further, grateful she could clear things up where he seemed inadequate. He did open his mouth once more, sheepish grin in place, to point out, "Well it isn't exactly like I often get to ask permission. By nature, if we're in a situation I think I should be sending in, then circumstances generally preclude my talking."
He followed the two women back inside, closing the door behind him and checking the porch... for what? Crumbs, so they wouldn't attract critters, like raccoons? He had a feeling they would be frequent visitors now. Their curiosity to know more (and eat more) would bring them back. So very Aishe. It was a voliatile combination... newly-created vampire plus raccoon. Far too many opposable thumbs involved. Something was going to explode sooner or later.
Fallon was asking about Aishe's newfound ability now, and Aishe herself was looking at him expectantly when he turned into the kitchen once more. At least this, he could shed some light on. He shook his head at Fallon.
"Just one type of animal," he said. "but it's more versatile than just communicating. With practice you can do more. Call them to you, borrow their eyes and ears." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Not an ability I share, obviously," he said, "but there are probably one or two floating around the Towers you could ask questions of."
One in particular, of course, but he wasn't about to go mentioning vampires' individual talents in the presence of any Anantya, even Fallon. His and Aishe's were one thing.
He followed the two women back inside, closing the door behind him and checking the porch... for what? Crumbs, so they wouldn't attract critters, like raccoons? He had a feeling they would be frequent visitors now. Their curiosity to know more (and eat more) would bring them back. So very Aishe. It was a voliatile combination... newly-created vampire plus raccoon. Far too many opposable thumbs involved. Something was going to explode sooner or later.
Fallon was asking about Aishe's newfound ability now, and Aishe herself was looking at him expectantly when he turned into the kitchen once more. At least this, he could shed some light on. He shook his head at Fallon.
"Just one type of animal," he said. "but it's more versatile than just communicating. With practice you can do more. Call them to you, borrow their eyes and ears." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Not an ability I share, obviously," he said, "but there are probably one or two floating around the Towers you could ask questions of."
One in particular, of course, but he wasn't about to go mentioning vampires' individual talents in the presence of any Anantya, even Fallon. His and Aishe's were one thing.
Aishe
17 years ago
Aishe was still feeling very bouncy about the whole thing. She loved animals; being able to chat with the raccoons (well, perhaps 'chat' was too loose a description) was exciting. Everything Kem said interested her as well. She leaned back against the kitchen counter, imagining what it might feel like to use another creature's senses.
"It wouldn't hurt them if I do something like that would it?" That concerned her; she never wanted her abilities to cause others any harm, but Kem was quick to allay that fear with a shake of his head.
Asking other savants brought Chris to mind. Aishe knew he wasn't one, but he was a wellspring of information and thus far, she had never felt any hesitation to ask her creator questions about her abilities. She almost wished she could send to him herself, so she could tell him what she'd discovered. All in due course, though. She'd see Chris soon enough, and for now they had their hands full... with raccoons, with wedding planning, with a hundred little details.
She turned back to Fallon, her brow furrowed. "Ana should have been here by now, don't you think? Should we call her?"
"It wouldn't hurt them if I do something like that would it?" That concerned her; she never wanted her abilities to cause others any harm, but Kem was quick to allay that fear with a shake of his head.
Asking other savants brought Chris to mind. Aishe knew he wasn't one, but he was a wellspring of information and thus far, she had never felt any hesitation to ask her creator questions about her abilities. She almost wished she could send to him herself, so she could tell him what she'd discovered. All in due course, though. She'd see Chris soon enough, and for now they had their hands full... with raccoons, with wedding planning, with a hundred little details.
She turned back to Fallon, her brow furrowed. "Ana should have been here by now, don't you think? Should we call her?"
Fallon
17 years ago
Feeling only the tiniest bit of disappointment hearing Aishe wouldn't be able to talk to Fallon as a cat, was diminished to nothing when Fallon saw how happy Aishe was. Aishe seemed to bubble over with delight, much like Fallon felt she did, when confronted with happiness. How could Fallon not be happy as well?
It also occurred to her that Aishe and Kem might want to celebrate this new found ability together, and she quickly tried to think up a reason to leave them alone. Of course Aishe would have questions, and even if Kem didn't have expertise in this field, Fallon imagined they could find some way to rejoice in the new discovery.
Hearing Aishe's question, Fallon instinctively reached for her friend, and rubbed the arm closest to her.
"Hon, there is no way you could hurt a fly...well, unless they got between you and your...well, you know."
In the midst of her sentence about Aishe's 'hunting, and feeding' reference, Fallon remembered what she'd said about Kem. Kem didn't hunt the way Aishe did, or the way Fallon did, and now she was afraid she might have mentioned something they didn't discuss between themselves. Consequently she cut her comment short, and tried to back pedal as best as she could.
Relief probably showed up all over her face at the mention of Ana, if only for a second or two.
"I would have thought so, yes...at the library she gave me the impression she wouldn't be long at all."
Fallon nodded her head at the suggestion to call Ana.
"I'm sure she's okay though...maybe that Joey fellow came back." Which, if true, would have peeved Fallon, even if she would never admit it.
It also occurred to her that Aishe and Kem might want to celebrate this new found ability together, and she quickly tried to think up a reason to leave them alone. Of course Aishe would have questions, and even if Kem didn't have expertise in this field, Fallon imagined they could find some way to rejoice in the new discovery.
Hearing Aishe's question, Fallon instinctively reached for her friend, and rubbed the arm closest to her.
"Hon, there is no way you could hurt a fly...well, unless they got between you and your...well, you know."
In the midst of her sentence about Aishe's 'hunting, and feeding' reference, Fallon remembered what she'd said about Kem. Kem didn't hunt the way Aishe did, or the way Fallon did, and now she was afraid she might have mentioned something they didn't discuss between themselves. Consequently she cut her comment short, and tried to back pedal as best as she could.
Relief probably showed up all over her face at the mention of Ana, if only for a second or two.
"I would have thought so, yes...at the library she gave me the impression she wouldn't be long at all."
Fallon nodded her head at the suggestion to call Ana.
"I'm sure she's okay though...maybe that Joey fellow came back." Which, if true, would have peeved Fallon, even if she would never admit it.
Montana
17 years ago
Ana was walking up the sidewalk to the entrance of what Aishe had described as Kem's house when her cellphone rang. Sliding it from her pocket, she saw Fallon's number appear on her caller id screen. Arching a brow and silently cursing strange roads and horrible traffic, she knocked on the door, sharply twice.
Kem`Raaisu
17 years ago
Kem heard the knocks at the door as Fallon attempted to call Ana, and made the leap of logic all on his own. Opening the door like a normal human being he smiled at Ana.
"Welcome, Ana. Come on in, Aishe and Fallon are in the kitchen. Can I take your coat?" Kem held his hand out expectantly to help Ana out of her coat.
((ooc: I'm assuming the coat thing because damnit, you're afk and I'm going to bed soon...))
"Welcome, Ana. Come on in, Aishe and Fallon are in the kitchen. Can I take your coat?" Kem held his hand out expectantly to help Ana out of her coat.
((ooc: I'm assuming the coat thing because damnit, you're afk and I'm going to bed soon...))