After Bastian had spoken, he realized his words probably weren't going to give Reign much comfort, and quickly tried to think of a way to turn them around. Whether or not he truly believed the guys had stalked her specifically, or not didn't really change anything at this point. He just didn't think either of them would come anywhere near her now, if they thought she had any connection to a werewolf. Being frightening, and able to instill great fear definitely had it's perks.
Smiling softly, Bastian nodded.
"you're probably right...thinking about it more I realize a true professional wouldn't have made such a mess, and would have had a lighter touch in getting access to your home."
That he had experience with burglars who had given up their stealthy ways in lieu of a quick entry, when push had come to shove, was something he was keeping to himself. He wanted her to come live with him because she wanted to be with him, not because she was scared out of her mind.
Deciding there was nothing left to talk about, with respect to the burglary, Bastian was quiet for a few seconds. Leading a social situation really wasn't his forte. The short stillness seemed heavy though. Only able to think of things to talk to Reign about, but knowing that would be rude, he led next with the first thing that popped into his head.
"And what is your livelihood?"
The question was posed to both neighbors, but Bastian looked to Kem first for a response. He wasn't an overt sexist, but somethings just seemed more natural to him no matter how much he saw differently. Other situations would have dictated addressing Aishe first, but in matters of commerce, Bastian would probably always seek out the concerns of a man initially, and then a woman. Unless a man wasn't present, of course.
These Boots Were Made for Walking... (open)
Aishe put her feet up on the chair opposite her, which happened to be occupied at the moment. However, as it was occupied by Kem, she didn't think it'd be an imposition. The little cafe was on the way home from Meridian, and as the weather wasn't terrible, they'd been walking to and from work. In the past few months, the unfortunate incidents of Hallowwen had had the direct impact (pardon the pun) of demolishing their one and only vehicle.
The walk was quite long, but neither Aishe or Kem minded it, an on occasions, like tonight, they would stop for a drink and get in out of the chill. Aishe had her hands wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate (the barista had given her an incredulous look when she'd declined even the teeniest bit of espresso in it), and Kem was occasionally paying attention to a dry cappucino as he intently stared at his laptop.
Aishe had grabbed a magazine when they walked in, but the life and times of the rich, famous, and annoying were boring to her. It wasn't long before she put it down, engaged in some healthy people-watching, which for her included an analysis of the colors their mouths spewed forth, and then finally asked Kem what website he was on.
Bastian
16 years ago
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe nodded along with Reign's assessment, which was backed up swiftly by Bastian's. She had to agree; if the break-in had truly been sloppy she would have assumed it was unprofessional as well. But why would they choose Reign's house on their quiet street? Surely there were easier targets, closer to downtown Nachton.
Perhaps it was because their neighborhood was so quiet, she reasoned. Fewer people around to take note, fewer police officers within running distance. Either way she felt sorry for Reign to have experienced this so soon upon moving to a new place.
Responding to Reign she shrugged. "My guess is as good as yours," she said with a note of apology in her voice. "I don't really know what to look for either, but I can certainly help keep an eye out for anything suspicious."
It was the best offer she could make as far as her neighbor's security was concerned. She did add though, after a moment's thought, "If you need any help straightening up and getting things back in order, I'd be happy to lend a hand there as well."
Bastian's next question was addressed to Kem, so Aishe let him answer for both of them, if he chose. They never really went into detail about her own job; it was best left unsaid that she'd been helping Christian and the entire Meridian Security force. Anonymity worked in their favor there; so far her activities had been limited to one or two covert operations and the rest of her time had been spent in the Towers themselves. She had plenty of time to help out in the Archaeological Department at Meridian, and it served as the perfect cover.
Perhaps it was because their neighborhood was so quiet, she reasoned. Fewer people around to take note, fewer police officers within running distance. Either way she felt sorry for Reign to have experienced this so soon upon moving to a new place.
Responding to Reign she shrugged. "My guess is as good as yours," she said with a note of apology in her voice. "I don't really know what to look for either, but I can certainly help keep an eye out for anything suspicious."
It was the best offer she could make as far as her neighbor's security was concerned. She did add though, after a moment's thought, "If you need any help straightening up and getting things back in order, I'd be happy to lend a hand there as well."
Bastian's next question was addressed to Kem, so Aishe let him answer for both of them, if he chose. They never really went into detail about her own job; it was best left unsaid that she'd been helping Christian and the entire Meridian Security force. Anonymity worked in their favor there; so far her activities had been limited to one or two covert operations and the rest of her time had been spent in the Towers themselves. She had plenty of time to help out in the Archaeological Department at Meridian, and it served as the perfect cover.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Oberserving the others' interactions, Kem was content to sit and listen for the most part, until Bastian addressed him directly.
"We both work at Meridian," he replied. No sense giving the full company name; anyone in Nachton for more than five minutes knew what Meridian was. "I work in the archives and Aishe here is an archaeological consultant. On occasion I travel for the company as well, doing appraisals of artifacts, particularly Egyptian, to help with accession and procurement."
Kem never expected his job to really interest anyone; quite often the mention of the word "archives" invoked images of musty old books and boxes of junk on long-forgotten shelves. Those images led to boredom, glazed eyes, and psychosomatic asthma attacks. So, in short, it was best left at that.
Reign's occupation interested him though. Pool was a game that appealed to Kem's analytical mind. There was no violence involved, which he appreciated, and if you had no one to pit yourself against you could always one-on-one it with the table.
"That's got to be fun," he mentioned to Reign. "Unless it's one of those cases where you've made a job out of something that was supposed to be a hobby? And what about you, Bastian? What do you do?"
Turnabout was fair play... he wondered if Bastian also did the same thing as Reign. It didn't hurt at all to know a bit more about their neighbors, and Kem found the two of them amiable enough thus far.
"We both work at Meridian," he replied. No sense giving the full company name; anyone in Nachton for more than five minutes knew what Meridian was. "I work in the archives and Aishe here is an archaeological consultant. On occasion I travel for the company as well, doing appraisals of artifacts, particularly Egyptian, to help with accession and procurement."
Kem never expected his job to really interest anyone; quite often the mention of the word "archives" invoked images of musty old books and boxes of junk on long-forgotten shelves. Those images led to boredom, glazed eyes, and psychosomatic asthma attacks. So, in short, it was best left at that.
Reign's occupation interested him though. Pool was a game that appealed to Kem's analytical mind. There was no violence involved, which he appreciated, and if you had no one to pit yourself against you could always one-on-one it with the table.
"That's got to be fun," he mentioned to Reign. "Unless it's one of those cases where you've made a job out of something that was supposed to be a hobby? And what about you, Bastian? What do you do?"
Turnabout was fair play... he wondered if Bastian also did the same thing as Reign. It didn't hurt at all to know a bit more about their neighbors, and Kem found the two of them amiable enough thus far.
Reign
16 years ago
“Thanks. I might just take you up on that.”
Reign grinned at the dark haired woman. Actually, things were cleaning up fairly well but many hands and light work and all the rest of it.
Either way she relaxed a bit and let her drink burn her tongue while nudging Bastian slightly with her knee. It was hard to tell subtle inquisition from polite conversation. Of course, she was suspicious as hell right now, so that wasn’t helping. However, for one reason or another she trusted these too. One got a good sense of people when one hustled for a living and so far, the vibe she got her was positive.
Kem and Aishe’s job perked Reign right up. Her first love was the classics after all. And the company name made her raise an eyebrow. She wondered if Kem and Aishe knew Pakpao… and if they knew they were working with a vampire. Still it was a big company, she wasn’t going to say anything.
“Really? I’m jealous. I started with the classics… Greeks and Romans and the lot. I just didn’t have it in me to stick it out. Mind you, I blame my Pop. No fun being the second person in a branch of study.”
There was some truth there, having her father be even semi noted as a Professor of Classical studies and helped veer Reign away from the field. It wasn’t the only reason, but it was one reason.
She was relived that her ‘job’ was well received. At least mostly.
“No, I’m lucky it’s a passion I have a bit of a gift for.”
Ah good. Let Lupo talk for a bit. She was all for that. Maybe he’d relax a bit.
Reign grinned at the dark haired woman. Actually, things were cleaning up fairly well but many hands and light work and all the rest of it.
Either way she relaxed a bit and let her drink burn her tongue while nudging Bastian slightly with her knee. It was hard to tell subtle inquisition from polite conversation. Of course, she was suspicious as hell right now, so that wasn’t helping. However, for one reason or another she trusted these too. One got a good sense of people when one hustled for a living and so far, the vibe she got her was positive.
Kem and Aishe’s job perked Reign right up. Her first love was the classics after all. And the company name made her raise an eyebrow. She wondered if Kem and Aishe knew Pakpao… and if they knew they were working with a vampire. Still it was a big company, she wasn’t going to say anything.
“Really? I’m jealous. I started with the classics… Greeks and Romans and the lot. I just didn’t have it in me to stick it out. Mind you, I blame my Pop. No fun being the second person in a branch of study.”
There was some truth there, having her father be even semi noted as a Professor of Classical studies and helped veer Reign away from the field. It wasn’t the only reason, but it was one reason.
She was relived that her ‘job’ was well received. At least mostly.
“No, I’m lucky it’s a passion I have a bit of a gift for.”
Ah good. Let Lupo talk for a bit. She was all for that. Maybe he’d relax a bit.
Bastian
16 years ago
As the neighbors talked, Bastian heard all they said, but also kept focus on Reign. As she visibly took these people in, apparently finding them trusting, to a point anyway, he allowed himself to do so as well. Not that he would trust his first born with them, not yet by a long shot. He wasn't sure he knew anyone in Nachton that well, but he also didn't think these two were much more than a kindly couple of neighbors. Reign had great instincts when it came to people.
At the mention of Kem's trade, Bastian found he had little interest. Through the more recent years he found a growing appreciation, and interest in history, or his at least, and yet overall he preferred his more corporeal vocation over the one he interpreted as being more cerebral. That aside, because Kem and Aishe were so friendly, Bastian also figured he could grow to like these two, and possibly develop other things to discuss and have in common...possibly.
He found himself grinning, and knew exactly what had happened. In the short time he had been back with Reign, her influence was again working on him, for the positive. More and more he found himself thinking of the niceties of life, and the normalcy of how life could be. Normalcy...that word made him chuckle out loud, but he quickly caught himself and responded to Kem in an attempt to ignore his musings.
"What, oh...yes...I have a small veterinary clinic near the bay side. Its only been open for a few months, but it keeps me busy, and I've already expanded to include an assistant. Its part of a small ranch there, I have a few horses too. If you'd ever like a nice ride, you're welcome to come out. There are a lot of green, grassy hills, and very nice places to enjoy on horseback."
No matter how friendly he was, or accepting of people, it just wasn't like Bastian to open himself up to others. He inwardly relaxed a bit more when Reign recaptured the conversation with the discussion of the Greeks, and Romans.
"You managed to stick it out with this Roman."
He quipped, and grinned her way. Then pool was on the conversation table, and he again backed off happily. He continued to study the nice pair across from them though, trying to figure out what it was about them that had him wondering if they were everything they said they were. He nudged Reign's knee back in affection, dropping his hand to rest casually on her thigh.
At the mention of Kem's trade, Bastian found he had little interest. Through the more recent years he found a growing appreciation, and interest in history, or his at least, and yet overall he preferred his more corporeal vocation over the one he interpreted as being more cerebral. That aside, because Kem and Aishe were so friendly, Bastian also figured he could grow to like these two, and possibly develop other things to discuss and have in common...possibly.
He found himself grinning, and knew exactly what had happened. In the short time he had been back with Reign, her influence was again working on him, for the positive. More and more he found himself thinking of the niceties of life, and the normalcy of how life could be. Normalcy...that word made him chuckle out loud, but he quickly caught himself and responded to Kem in an attempt to ignore his musings.
"What, oh...yes...I have a small veterinary clinic near the bay side. Its only been open for a few months, but it keeps me busy, and I've already expanded to include an assistant. Its part of a small ranch there, I have a few horses too. If you'd ever like a nice ride, you're welcome to come out. There are a lot of green, grassy hills, and very nice places to enjoy on horseback."
No matter how friendly he was, or accepting of people, it just wasn't like Bastian to open himself up to others. He inwardly relaxed a bit more when Reign recaptured the conversation with the discussion of the Greeks, and Romans.
"You managed to stick it out with this Roman."
He quipped, and grinned her way. Then pool was on the conversation table, and he again backed off happily. He continued to study the nice pair across from them though, trying to figure out what it was about them that had him wondering if they were everything they said they were. He nudged Reign's knee back in affection, dropping his hand to rest casually on her thigh.
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe was finding it easy to chat comfortably with Reign and Bastian. They were nice folks, and she really was sorry their experience in Nachton had been so poor thus far. When Reign mentioned taking her up on her offer she gave the woman a friendly smile.
"We both tend to be night owls really... born of necessity. Meridian's a 24/7 kind of place and we both work the graveyard shift." She winked. "Bonus for nights and weekends, you know?"
With a little shrug she said, "So if you want to take me up on it, I'm at my best at night. If that suits, I'll be happy to help!"
And more than capable of putting things back to rights, given the convenience of vampire strength. Not that Aishe was a superwoman by any means, but her still-new status as a young vampire did have -some- perks. Things that would have been difficult to lift two years ago were now easy.
The conversation veered away from the topic of the burglary and into work. Aishe was pleased that Reign seemed more than capable of holding her own intellectually; she respected anyone with a good grounding in classic literature.
"Oddly enough, linguistics is what I studied most of," she said when there was a convenient break in the conversation. "Specifically, Egyptian hieroglyphics. I've been on a few different trips to Egypt and I've had the opportunity to excavate some incredibly interesting sites."
With a little nod of her head she indicated Kem. "He's the expert though. If you've got anything Egyptian, show it to Kem. He's got an incredible knack for it. He spent more time in Egypt than I did, at any rate. We were both born there, but I moved to the US when I was about twelve."
If by knack you mean, was alive when it was invented, then she was telling the truth!
Aishe was getting a kick out of obscuring Kem's history. It was actually quite easy to tell the truth about him without mentioning that he was nearly 1600 years old.
There was even more to perk up about when Bastian mentioned horses. "You have horses?" Aishe loved animals. She didn't dream she'd be able to ride a horse, but she imagined they were generally fond of attention and petting, like any other animal.
"I've never ridden. I don't think I'd be very good for them. I mean, we rode camels out to a site in Egypt once but that must be very different, and I was too nervous about it to learn much. But I can feed carrots and apples like a champ!"
"We both tend to be night owls really... born of necessity. Meridian's a 24/7 kind of place and we both work the graveyard shift." She winked. "Bonus for nights and weekends, you know?"
With a little shrug she said, "So if you want to take me up on it, I'm at my best at night. If that suits, I'll be happy to help!"
And more than capable of putting things back to rights, given the convenience of vampire strength. Not that Aishe was a superwoman by any means, but her still-new status as a young vampire did have -some- perks. Things that would have been difficult to lift two years ago were now easy.
The conversation veered away from the topic of the burglary and into work. Aishe was pleased that Reign seemed more than capable of holding her own intellectually; she respected anyone with a good grounding in classic literature.
"Oddly enough, linguistics is what I studied most of," she said when there was a convenient break in the conversation. "Specifically, Egyptian hieroglyphics. I've been on a few different trips to Egypt and I've had the opportunity to excavate some incredibly interesting sites."
With a little nod of her head she indicated Kem. "He's the expert though. If you've got anything Egyptian, show it to Kem. He's got an incredible knack for it. He spent more time in Egypt than I did, at any rate. We were both born there, but I moved to the US when I was about twelve."
If by knack you mean, was alive when it was invented, then she was telling the truth!
Aishe was getting a kick out of obscuring Kem's history. It was actually quite easy to tell the truth about him without mentioning that he was nearly 1600 years old.
There was even more to perk up about when Bastian mentioned horses. "You have horses?" Aishe loved animals. She didn't dream she'd be able to ride a horse, but she imagined they were generally fond of attention and petting, like any other animal.
"I've never ridden. I don't think I'd be very good for them. I mean, we rode camels out to a site in Egypt once but that must be very different, and I was too nervous about it to learn much. But I can feed carrots and apples like a champ!"
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Aishe's enjoyment was obvious, and one could assume she was simply having fun meeting their neighbors. That much was true, but Kem had to supporess a stupid grin when he realized she was telling half-truths and having fun doing so, when she discussed him. She gave him a great cover. Kem was adept at concealing his origins and nature through centuries of necessity, but never had he viewed it as a game like Aishe seemed to. And she was good at it!
He experienced a little surge of.. was it pride?... as he recognized a skill that would suit Aishe well in the centuries to come. It was the first time he'd really been able to think of her Turning and experience anything but a pang of guilt. Aishe really was taking to her new undeath as a fish to water. It was getting harder and harder to deny that it had been the right thing for her, and there was a little warm glow starting whenever he thought about it and realized she was indeed happy with him. Who knew?
He flushed slightly when she made a fuss over his expertise; by human standards he was young to have such knowledge. Most researchers took years of study, excavation, immersion in Egyptian culture, to gain the knowledge he had. But just as easily, Aishe pointed out that he'd lived in Eqypt and things came together well. Sure, he'd lived there for centuries instead of decades, but it was easy to believe either way.
"Lots of study," he interjected modestly, lest their neighbors think he'd come by his knowledge any other way. "I had very good teachers."
Indeed, time was an excellent teacher.
He was far more comfortable when the focus shifted away from him and onto something safer; Bastian's horses. Kem wasn't a horse expert by any means but for most of his life they'd been the fastest and most efficient means of travel. He could stay on a horse with some reliability so long as it didn't outwardly try to dislodge him, but horse trainer Kem was not. if Bastian and Reign decided to invite them out for a ride, however, he wouldn't have a problem going along. They seemed nice enough.
"Careful," he warned Bastian cheerfully, "or else your horses will begin to resemble beanbag chairs with hooves."
He was referring, of course, to Aishe's love of animals and her tendency to "come prepared" to any occasion that might require treats to be given. Even Zoe had grown spoiled since Aishe had moved in; where Kem had been content to feed her a high quality dry cat food, Aishe made it a point to shop for a tidbit here and a morsel there.
Granted, Zoe still didn't give her the time of day, but she sure seemed to enjoy tuna steak.
He experienced a little surge of.. was it pride?... as he recognized a skill that would suit Aishe well in the centuries to come. It was the first time he'd really been able to think of her Turning and experience anything but a pang of guilt. Aishe really was taking to her new undeath as a fish to water. It was getting harder and harder to deny that it had been the right thing for her, and there was a little warm glow starting whenever he thought about it and realized she was indeed happy with him. Who knew?
He flushed slightly when she made a fuss over his expertise; by human standards he was young to have such knowledge. Most researchers took years of study, excavation, immersion in Egyptian culture, to gain the knowledge he had. But just as easily, Aishe pointed out that he'd lived in Eqypt and things came together well. Sure, he'd lived there for centuries instead of decades, but it was easy to believe either way.
"Lots of study," he interjected modestly, lest their neighbors think he'd come by his knowledge any other way. "I had very good teachers."
Indeed, time was an excellent teacher.
He was far more comfortable when the focus shifted away from him and onto something safer; Bastian's horses. Kem wasn't a horse expert by any means but for most of his life they'd been the fastest and most efficient means of travel. He could stay on a horse with some reliability so long as it didn't outwardly try to dislodge him, but horse trainer Kem was not. if Bastian and Reign decided to invite them out for a ride, however, he wouldn't have a problem going along. They seemed nice enough.
"Careful," he warned Bastian cheerfully, "or else your horses will begin to resemble beanbag chairs with hooves."
He was referring, of course, to Aishe's love of animals and her tendency to "come prepared" to any occasion that might require treats to be given. Even Zoe had grown spoiled since Aishe had moved in; where Kem had been content to feed her a high quality dry cat food, Aishe made it a point to shop for a tidbit here and a morsel there.
Granted, Zoe still didn't give her the time of day, but she sure seemed to enjoy tuna steak.
Reign
16 years ago
“Spartan, given all the trouble you cause me.”
She quipped right back at Bastian.
They were about even in the trouble making and being difficult hard ass departments. She would maintain she was innocent, sweet and mild mannered but she knew better. Even with all that though, Reign had –no- trouble at all imagining one of Bas’ past lives having something to do with the warriors of that city state.
“That works out.” She grinned broadly at Aishe. “I tend towards a bit of a nocturnal lifestyle myself, especially when I’m playing.”
It was just easier to sleep most of the day if you were going to be playing until four in the morning or later. Off tour, she wasn’t exactly a morning person but the hours were a bit more normal.
The way Kem dismissed his knowledge Reign tossed out a guess.
“It does help to grow up with it doesn’t it?”
She’d grown up with the classics and so it had come more easily. If she had lived in Greece or Rome, as Kem had lived in Egypt, it would probably have been even more natural.
As she laughed at Aishe Reign realized she’d needed this a great deal. Just a normal interaction with normal people; for the past few days… week… since the break in she’d been far too tense and suspicious. Chatting with her neighbors, much like she would have done in her old neighborhood reaffirmed that the world was NOT an evil place and most people were basically good.
“Its not that bad. I almost never road before we met but he hasn’t let me kill myself yet.”
That Bas had offered was a positive sign. He never would have said anything if he was still suspicious of them, or wasn’t at least willing to get to know them a little better and Reign relaxed a little more.
“Besides its loads of fun.”
She quipped right back at Bastian.
They were about even in the trouble making and being difficult hard ass departments. She would maintain she was innocent, sweet and mild mannered but she knew better. Even with all that though, Reign had –no- trouble at all imagining one of Bas’ past lives having something to do with the warriors of that city state.
“That works out.” She grinned broadly at Aishe. “I tend towards a bit of a nocturnal lifestyle myself, especially when I’m playing.”
It was just easier to sleep most of the day if you were going to be playing until four in the morning or later. Off tour, she wasn’t exactly a morning person but the hours were a bit more normal.
The way Kem dismissed his knowledge Reign tossed out a guess.
“It does help to grow up with it doesn’t it?”
She’d grown up with the classics and so it had come more easily. If she had lived in Greece or Rome, as Kem had lived in Egypt, it would probably have been even more natural.
As she laughed at Aishe Reign realized she’d needed this a great deal. Just a normal interaction with normal people; for the past few days… week… since the break in she’d been far too tense and suspicious. Chatting with her neighbors, much like she would have done in her old neighborhood reaffirmed that the world was NOT an evil place and most people were basically good.
“Its not that bad. I almost never road before we met but he hasn’t let me kill myself yet.”
That Bas had offered was a positive sign. He never would have said anything if he was still suspicious of them, or wasn’t at least willing to get to know them a little better and Reign relaxed a little more.
“Besides its loads of fun.”
Bastian
16 years ago
Talk of Egypt took Bastian back to his college days, when he and Reign had taken a Mediterranean cruise. One of their favorite stops along the cruise route had been Egypt.
"Reign and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the country, several years back. In fact, after our trip to Greece, I'd say Egypt was probably my second favorite experience, with the countries we took in. Maybe some evening you two would like to come over and see our photos..."
He passed a knowing grin to Reign, as his mind wandered to one steamy night on their stateroom balcony.
"It was a very nice vacation."
His eyes twinkled, but he quickly resumed his mask of collected calm.
'Nightowls', Bastian then considered the matter of riding at night, and knew unless you were a well seasoned rider, that wasn't the best of ideas. At least not unless there was a full moon, and clear sky. Too much of the ground around his place was undeveloped, and the last thing he wanted was anyone injured if a horse was ridden into a bog, stumbled against a fallen tree, or mis-stepped into a fox hole. Then again, if he rode lead, he could eliminate most of the danger, except then too there was the full moon issue. Though really, that just required a bit more planning, to work around.
But then riding didn't seem to be a favorite past time for either Aishe or Kem, so Bastian didn't press. Reign's admission that riding was 'fun' did again give Bastian pause, and he felt that funny jump in his heart. More memories of their past filled his head, when he had helped her learn to ride, and saw how she made every effort, even though she hadn't been at all fond of the activity at first. He chuckled in response.
"I suppose if I can convince Reign riding is fun, I might yet still have a chance with you two."
But he let the idea go. He had a vested interest in getting Reign comfortable with riding; Aishe and Kem's decision wouldn't effect him either way.
The conversation with this other couple went along quite smoothly, and Bastian felt himself smiling more often than not as he listened to them. This was quite pleasant, he thought, he and Reign sharing a cup of coffee, with friends. It wasn't anything they did often enough to take for granted, and it was also something he had only begun to feel pleasure in. All those years without Reign had taught him that solitude, while still enjoyable, wasn't any way to live one's life.
"Reign and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the country, several years back. In fact, after our trip to Greece, I'd say Egypt was probably my second favorite experience, with the countries we took in. Maybe some evening you two would like to come over and see our photos..."
He passed a knowing grin to Reign, as his mind wandered to one steamy night on their stateroom balcony.
"It was a very nice vacation."
His eyes twinkled, but he quickly resumed his mask of collected calm.
'Nightowls', Bastian then considered the matter of riding at night, and knew unless you were a well seasoned rider, that wasn't the best of ideas. At least not unless there was a full moon, and clear sky. Too much of the ground around his place was undeveloped, and the last thing he wanted was anyone injured if a horse was ridden into a bog, stumbled against a fallen tree, or mis-stepped into a fox hole. Then again, if he rode lead, he could eliminate most of the danger, except then too there was the full moon issue. Though really, that just required a bit more planning, to work around.
But then riding didn't seem to be a favorite past time for either Aishe or Kem, so Bastian didn't press. Reign's admission that riding was 'fun' did again give Bastian pause, and he felt that funny jump in his heart. More memories of their past filled his head, when he had helped her learn to ride, and saw how she made every effort, even though she hadn't been at all fond of the activity at first. He chuckled in response.
"I suppose if I can convince Reign riding is fun, I might yet still have a chance with you two."
But he let the idea go. He had a vested interest in getting Reign comfortable with riding; Aishe and Kem's decision wouldn't effect him either way.
The conversation with this other couple went along quite smoothly, and Bastian felt himself smiling more often than not as he listened to them. This was quite pleasant, he thought, he and Reign sharing a cup of coffee, with friends. It wasn't anything they did often enough to take for granted, and it was also something he had only begun to feel pleasure in. All those years without Reign had taught him that solitude, while still enjoyable, wasn't any way to live one's life.
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe's smile widened at Reign's words. She spread her hands out in front of her, palms up, in an inviting gesture. "Name the night then, and I'm there," she said with resolve. She could certainly spend a night in Reign's company, particularly if it would help her neighbor out. She liked her thus far and, she admitted, it was nice to have another human friend. Without centuries behind her, Aishe still found herself thinking in terms of days and hours when she knew other vampires' perspectives focused on years and decades. In that regard she was still much more human than vampire.
The conversation lingered a bit on horses and riding, and Aishe turned her smile upon Bastian as well.
"Oh, you don't need to convince me it's fun," she promised him, "it must be! I'm just a fan of making friends first." She wrinkled her nose just a bit. "And maybe a little nervous."
It really did sound like fun though. Riding camel-back had been fun, but Aishe imagined horses must be better. Their gaits seemed so much smoother when she saw them. Riding a camel had been like sliding on her rear down a rocky slope.
The conversation lingered a bit on horses and riding, and Aishe turned her smile upon Bastian as well.
"Oh, you don't need to convince me it's fun," she promised him, "it must be! I'm just a fan of making friends first." She wrinkled her nose just a bit. "And maybe a little nervous."
It really did sound like fun though. Riding camel-back had been fun, but Aishe imagined horses must be better. Their gaits seemed so much smoother when she saw them. Riding a camel had been like sliding on her rear down a rocky slope.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Kem nodded at Reign in affirmation when she asked if it helped to grow up in Egypt. "It does help," he said, "but there have been times I've wondered exactly how accurate our guesses are. Because that's all we can really do." He shrugged. "Without time-travel, anyway."
Perhaps he was the exception, but that really was the case for most archaeologists and historians. It was all just an educated guess, really. And he had seen some... interesting... theories over the years. Kem knew he was a small cog in a big wheel when it came to the world of Egyptology, but he was content for it to be so. Some of his "ideas" had reached the right people over the years and he had made one or two corrections in the timeline, and with certain items and places. He had made a name for himself with his uncanny accuracy ijn appraising artifacts, thanks to his psychometry, and that was good enough. He was content to let everyone else make their guesses, and on occasion to be amused by some of them.
Bastian's comments elicited a low chuckle from him. Something about the way the man reminisced about the vacation made him think it wasn't the great view of the Pyramids that was so 'very nice,' but something more intimate altogether.
He raised his eyebrows. "Maybe we ought to go to Egypt again too. Apparently we missed something." It was said with a quick grin, flashed at Bastian in an almost conspiratorial manner before addressing the man's invitation.
"That would be good," he said. "We've got some albums you might enjoy. Special archaeological dispensation and all."
Both Kem and Aishe did have pictures from some pretty interesting places no regular tourist was ever allowed. If Bastian and Reign were interested, they would probably enjoy them.
Perhaps he was the exception, but that really was the case for most archaeologists and historians. It was all just an educated guess, really. And he had seen some... interesting... theories over the years. Kem knew he was a small cog in a big wheel when it came to the world of Egyptology, but he was content for it to be so. Some of his "ideas" had reached the right people over the years and he had made one or two corrections in the timeline, and with certain items and places. He had made a name for himself with his uncanny accuracy ijn appraising artifacts, thanks to his psychometry, and that was good enough. He was content to let everyone else make their guesses, and on occasion to be amused by some of them.
Bastian's comments elicited a low chuckle from him. Something about the way the man reminisced about the vacation made him think it wasn't the great view of the Pyramids that was so 'very nice,' but something more intimate altogether.
He raised his eyebrows. "Maybe we ought to go to Egypt again too. Apparently we missed something." It was said with a quick grin, flashed at Bastian in an almost conspiratorial manner before addressing the man's invitation.
"That would be good," he said. "We've got some albums you might enjoy. Special archaeological dispensation and all."
Both Kem and Aishe did have pictures from some pretty interesting places no regular tourist was ever allowed. If Bastian and Reign were interested, they would probably enjoy them.
Reign
16 years ago
Between Bas and Kem Reign wound up blushing. She’d learned to control it, a bit, some times, if she was prepared. But she’d been caught off guard and her fair complexion easily showed the becoming shade of pink. Her voice, however, was quite calm, collected and nearly deadpan.
“You didn’t mention those photos at the time.”
It was almost a challenge as she didn’t recall him snapping any pictures of some things, but then again she wasn’t always… er… alert enough to have noticed.
“Deal!” She cheerfully turned her attention to Aishe’s offer. “The contractor should be done in… what did he say Lupo? Two days? You can help me drag furniture back in place. I’ve got beer, wine, soda and I’m sure some thing to eat to offer in exchange.”
It would be nice to get to know some one else in town. Reign could be far too antisocial. And since the attack she’d become very aware how much of a weakness that could be.
At Kem’s return offer of sharing photos, which piqued Reign’s curiosity a great deal, she laughed. She lay her head on Bastian’s shoulder for a brief moment, having him near was still more than a little comforting. Sitting back up she shook her head.
“We almost sound like my grandparents sharing slide shows. I’m sure we could turn it into something more festive though.”
It would be easier if she knew more people in Nachton. Maybe Pakpao would come, although Reign wasn’t sure how her vampire sponsor would react to the invitation.
“You didn’t mention those photos at the time.”
It was almost a challenge as she didn’t recall him snapping any pictures of some things, but then again she wasn’t always… er… alert enough to have noticed.
“Deal!” She cheerfully turned her attention to Aishe’s offer. “The contractor should be done in… what did he say Lupo? Two days? You can help me drag furniture back in place. I’ve got beer, wine, soda and I’m sure some thing to eat to offer in exchange.”
It would be nice to get to know some one else in town. Reign could be far too antisocial. And since the attack she’d become very aware how much of a weakness that could be.
At Kem’s return offer of sharing photos, which piqued Reign’s curiosity a great deal, she laughed. She lay her head on Bastian’s shoulder for a brief moment, having him near was still more than a little comforting. Sitting back up she shook her head.
“We almost sound like my grandparents sharing slide shows. I’m sure we could turn it into something more festive though.”
It would be easier if she knew more people in Nachton. Maybe Pakpao would come, although Reign wasn’t sure how her vampire sponsor would react to the invitation.
Bastian
16 years ago
The genial atmosphere, and Reign's semi-subtle affections had lulled Bastian into a most cheery mood. His laughter at her minor discomfort over the photos was subdued, but genuine. He didn't have any 'revealing' photos from any of their more intimate times together, mainly because he chose to participate, rather than observe through a camera lens. And while he did have some lovely photos of the lady herself, in some rather revealing moments, he certainly wasn't about to share those with anyone. However, he couldn't resist a bit of teasing, and merely responded to her inquiry with a wink, and slight shrug.
He had helped Reign pick up most of the mess, after the attempted burglary, and didn't know really what someone else could do to help further. But he was delighted to see Reign developing friendships with others in the city, so he stayed away from the conversation. His lover was not at all the loner he was, or could be if allowed, and he wanted nothing if he didn't want Reign to be happy, so building relationships with others locally was something he was glad to see happening.
Kem's knowing eye was strange, but funny at the same time. Bastian had almost always been a lady's man, and only rarely experienced more than casual acquaintences with men. Aside from his college roommate Dylan, Bastian's affections were much more easily given to women. In business he continued along the same vein, remaining aloof from his contacts. Kem though, seemed quite likable, and the idea of getting to know him, as well as his partner Aishe, gave Bastian a sense he suspected was what Reign experienced with her friends, and better insight into why she fostered those friendships.
"I think that would be convivial, an evening in Egypt, relived. Perhaps when the weather gets warmer we could get together for a bar-b-que out at our place, and compare notes. I'm sure you must have a lot of photos of places we never had time to see on our trip too."
Even though she had yet to give him an answer on whether or not she would move in with him, Bastian had begun to think of his home as 'our place' weeks ago. Now he wasn't even aware when he spoke of it as such...it had just become that.
When he felt her head on his shoulder, Bastian wondered if that was a signal that Reign was ready to leave. The question was answered quickly enough when after a very few seconds she was sitting back in her seat.
The matter of an early call tomorrow, with Mister Polster's price racer Midnight Blue was still something he had to consider. The horse's symptoms had yet to be diagnosed, but none seemed urgent, so Bastian felt safe putting off the exam until morning. Unfortunately, the appointment was scheduled earlier than usual, because of Polster's own busy schedule. Plus being on retainer made Bastian concede certain things he wouldn't for just any customer.
Then too, there was the matter of his missing assistant, Diane.
Making a decision to put their departure date in Reign's hands, Bastian gave her knee a soft squeeze, and left his hand to rest there.
He had helped Reign pick up most of the mess, after the attempted burglary, and didn't know really what someone else could do to help further. But he was delighted to see Reign developing friendships with others in the city, so he stayed away from the conversation. His lover was not at all the loner he was, or could be if allowed, and he wanted nothing if he didn't want Reign to be happy, so building relationships with others locally was something he was glad to see happening.
Kem's knowing eye was strange, but funny at the same time. Bastian had almost always been a lady's man, and only rarely experienced more than casual acquaintences with men. Aside from his college roommate Dylan, Bastian's affections were much more easily given to women. In business he continued along the same vein, remaining aloof from his contacts. Kem though, seemed quite likable, and the idea of getting to know him, as well as his partner Aishe, gave Bastian a sense he suspected was what Reign experienced with her friends, and better insight into why she fostered those friendships.
"I think that would be convivial, an evening in Egypt, relived. Perhaps when the weather gets warmer we could get together for a bar-b-que out at our place, and compare notes. I'm sure you must have a lot of photos of places we never had time to see on our trip too."
Even though she had yet to give him an answer on whether or not she would move in with him, Bastian had begun to think of his home as 'our place' weeks ago. Now he wasn't even aware when he spoke of it as such...it had just become that.
When he felt her head on his shoulder, Bastian wondered if that was a signal that Reign was ready to leave. The question was answered quickly enough when after a very few seconds she was sitting back in her seat.
The matter of an early call tomorrow, with Mister Polster's price racer Midnight Blue was still something he had to consider. The horse's symptoms had yet to be diagnosed, but none seemed urgent, so Bastian felt safe putting off the exam until morning. Unfortunately, the appointment was scheduled earlier than usual, because of Polster's own busy schedule. Plus being on retainer made Bastian concede certain things he wouldn't for just any customer.
Then too, there was the matter of his missing assistant, Diane.
Making a decision to put their departure date in Reign's hands, Bastian gave her knee a soft squeeze, and left his hand to rest there.
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe beamed happily at Reign, glad she could at least do a little bit to help her. Quickly diving into Kem's laptop bag she came up with a pen and quickly jotted her cell phone number on the napkin next to her cocoa mug, then handed it off to Reign.
"Call me whenever they're done in there and I'll come help you set it all right," she said.
The idea of the four of them sharing photos like old folks made her giggle along with the other woman. "I know we can," she responded enthusiastically to Reign's suggesting they make it more festive.
Bastian's barbecue idea was appealing as well, and she nodded at him. "I'm not much of a cook but I can smear barbecue sauce on wings!"
Aishe briefly began to wonder if she had any talents outside of digging up someone else's junk and analyzing it, but the topic wasn't particularly worrisome to her. She was who she was and that seemed to be enough for Kem, which certainly made it enough for her.
Glancing outside at the lamplit streets, Aishe realized it was a bit later than she'd thought. Time flies, evidently. But she and Kem were in no hurry, really. It was nice to be sitting here out of the chill... although she might need to refill her cocoa soon.
"Call me whenever they're done in there and I'll come help you set it all right," she said.
The idea of the four of them sharing photos like old folks made her giggle along with the other woman. "I know we can," she responded enthusiastically to Reign's suggesting they make it more festive.
Bastian's barbecue idea was appealing as well, and she nodded at him. "I'm not much of a cook but I can smear barbecue sauce on wings!"
Aishe briefly began to wonder if she had any talents outside of digging up someone else's junk and analyzing it, but the topic wasn't particularly worrisome to her. She was who she was and that seemed to be enough for Kem, which certainly made it enough for her.
Glancing outside at the lamplit streets, Aishe realized it was a bit later than she'd thought. Time flies, evidently. But she and Kem were in no hurry, really. It was nice to be sitting here out of the chill... although she might need to refill her cocoa soon.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Watching Reign blush, Kem sent her an apologetic smile. He hadn't meant to cause her discomfort, and his comment had simply been meant as acknowledgment for Bastian's joke. To himself, he noted Reign's reaction and vowed to be more sensitive.
This mingling with neighbors thing seemed a lot more natural to Aishe, who was apparently enjoying herself quite a lot. Kem found it more difficult to make friends than Aishe did, for he had a tendency to keep himself distant. For Aishe's sake, he really was working on it and putting forth his best effort, but inevitably he did something like this that reminded him why he was probably best left in a dark hole somewhere.
The conversation had migrated from a simple photo-sharing thing to a barbecue, and that was something Kem could dig on a very basic "man grilling meat on open flame" level. Apparently, no matter the age, era, or epoch, guys liked to grill.
He nodded his approval to Bastian and at the man's comment about unvisited attractions, said, "Well, the pictures we've got are probably places you wouldn't have thought to visit. Old tombs, smaller burial sites, pyramids before they were actually pyramids," he sketched a slant-sided plateau with his hands in the air in front of him. "You know, mastabas. A lot of artifacts from before the Great Pyramid became the Great Pyramid. A few good ones of artifacts that date all the way back to the Predynastic period at Nekhen..."
Aware that he was in danger of rambling again he subsided before their neighbors' eyes could begin to glaze over. With a sheepish shrug he added, "Anyhow, yes... we'd be happy to share."
Unable to resist, though, he sent to Aishe, [And what, exactly, is wrong with old people and their slide shows? I thought you were supposed to respect and emulate your elders!]
This mingling with neighbors thing seemed a lot more natural to Aishe, who was apparently enjoying herself quite a lot. Kem found it more difficult to make friends than Aishe did, for he had a tendency to keep himself distant. For Aishe's sake, he really was working on it and putting forth his best effort, but inevitably he did something like this that reminded him why he was probably best left in a dark hole somewhere.
The conversation had migrated from a simple photo-sharing thing to a barbecue, and that was something Kem could dig on a very basic "man grilling meat on open flame" level. Apparently, no matter the age, era, or epoch, guys liked to grill.
He nodded his approval to Bastian and at the man's comment about unvisited attractions, said, "Well, the pictures we've got are probably places you wouldn't have thought to visit. Old tombs, smaller burial sites, pyramids before they were actually pyramids," he sketched a slant-sided plateau with his hands in the air in front of him. "You know, mastabas. A lot of artifacts from before the Great Pyramid became the Great Pyramid. A few good ones of artifacts that date all the way back to the Predynastic period at Nekhen..."
Aware that he was in danger of rambling again he subsided before their neighbors' eyes could begin to glaze over. With a sheepish shrug he added, "Anyhow, yes... we'd be happy to share."
Unable to resist, though, he sent to Aishe, [And what, exactly, is wrong with old people and their slide shows? I thought you were supposed to respect and emulate your elders!]
Reign
16 years ago
"Oh god we're even titling it now."Â?
Reign groaned at Bastian.
"Tune in next year for Ramblings: A Portugal Retrospective."Â?
Despite her words, it did sound like fun. And she was oddly relived Aishe admitted to not being much of a cook. They could burn something together. Its not that Reign couldn't cook, she could... sort of... a bit. But it was just easier and more sensible to trust her to bring the wine, or beer or whatever the appropriate libation was. She'd heard Bastian call it their place and it didn't sound wrong. Hell, she wasn't going to fight it, she just hadn't quite settled on the idea. Part of it was she just didn't know what to do with her little house if she moved in with Bastian but now wasn't a good time for that.
"Wicked. Here, just in case."Â?
Reign quickly tore the napkin in two and scrawled her own number down. Generally, she didn't do that but it seemed quite natural.
She giggled at Kem's ramblings. It sounded a lot like her father, or even herself, when on a tangent about Greece or Rome.
"I'll maybe brush up on the subject before hand, just a little."Â?
She cast a quick questioning look at Bas, if he were ready to go they could. She had no idea what his schedule was like tomorrow. She, however, planed on sleeping in and meeting Hans in the afternoon.
Reign groaned at Bastian.
"Tune in next year for Ramblings: A Portugal Retrospective."Â?
Despite her words, it did sound like fun. And she was oddly relived Aishe admitted to not being much of a cook. They could burn something together. Its not that Reign couldn't cook, she could... sort of... a bit. But it was just easier and more sensible to trust her to bring the wine, or beer or whatever the appropriate libation was. She'd heard Bastian call it their place and it didn't sound wrong. Hell, she wasn't going to fight it, she just hadn't quite settled on the idea. Part of it was she just didn't know what to do with her little house if she moved in with Bastian but now wasn't a good time for that.
"Wicked. Here, just in case."Â?
Reign quickly tore the napkin in two and scrawled her own number down. Generally, she didn't do that but it seemed quite natural.
She giggled at Kem's ramblings. It sounded a lot like her father, or even herself, when on a tangent about Greece or Rome.
"I'll maybe brush up on the subject before hand, just a little."Â?
She cast a quick questioning look at Bas, if he were ready to go they could. She had no idea what his schedule was like tomorrow. She, however, planed on sleeping in and meeting Hans in the afternoon.
Bastian
16 years ago
Mentally Bastian shook his head. Reign didn't care much about cooking, and now Aishe was claiming the same lack of interest. He knew many of the best chefs were men, but hadn't noticed when the women of today had just given over the activity. He always thought women loved to cook, and that Reign was a bit of an anomaly, but now it seemed yet another concept was proving false. Good thing he had found he had a knack for cooking, and had developed his ability some over the past years, otherwise they would be eating out a lot in the months to come.
"There definitely will be a need for a good bar-b-que smearer...perhaps you can teach Reign how in the process."
He almost added that he didn't mind her lack of cooking talents, for she made up for them in other ways, but she had already blushed once tonight, and he didn't want to risk an elbow to the ribs right now. As it was he still tensed up just in case she took exception to his kidding about.
He also cocked an eyebrow her way when she teased him about labeling the evening of vacation slides. Had they been alone, he would have probably grabbed her and nipped her neck in retaliation, but they weren't so he didn't.
"Mastabas? Ah yes, those unfinished pyramids...I saw a photograph of something like that once, but wasn't sure if it was built that way on purpose, or just something abandoned before completion. I envy you having the opportunity to really 'see' those places, where most of us tourists never make it. Someday I'd like to take a year or so and spend a few months in some of my favorite countries...live there...and see these places the way they were meant to be seen."
For a brief moment Bastian's mind had wandered, and he was on a camel outside the city of Giza, watching the sunset behind the pyramids. He roused in time to catch Reign's look, but wasn't sure how to respond. He would be functional on a few hours sleep, so if she wanted to stay longer, he'd be okay. So he decided to leave the decision up to here, and just smiled.
"There definitely will be a need for a good bar-b-que smearer...perhaps you can teach Reign how in the process."
He almost added that he didn't mind her lack of cooking talents, for she made up for them in other ways, but she had already blushed once tonight, and he didn't want to risk an elbow to the ribs right now. As it was he still tensed up just in case she took exception to his kidding about.
He also cocked an eyebrow her way when she teased him about labeling the evening of vacation slides. Had they been alone, he would have probably grabbed her and nipped her neck in retaliation, but they weren't so he didn't.
"Mastabas? Ah yes, those unfinished pyramids...I saw a photograph of something like that once, but wasn't sure if it was built that way on purpose, or just something abandoned before completion. I envy you having the opportunity to really 'see' those places, where most of us tourists never make it. Someday I'd like to take a year or so and spend a few months in some of my favorite countries...live there...and see these places the way they were meant to be seen."
For a brief moment Bastian's mind had wandered, and he was on a camel outside the city of Giza, watching the sunset behind the pyramids. He roused in time to catch Reign's look, but wasn't sure how to respond. He would be functional on a few hours sleep, so if she wanted to stay longer, he'd be okay. So he decided to leave the decision up to here, and just smiled.
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe was liking these two. They seemed to share the same casual air that she and Kem enjoyed, with a slight undercurrent of playful teasing. She tucked the half of a napkin with Reign's number on it into her backpack and drained the last bit of cocoa from her mug.
Shaking her head at Reign she laughed. "You shouldn't need to brush up. Kem will be happy to fill you in, any period, any time, if you so much as hint at interest."
Poor Kem was already turning red, so Aishe leaned against him, letting him know she was only joking.
[I do respect my elders,] she sent back to him, [but if I were to emulate them I never would have ended up in Nachton!]
She gave him a little grin and squeezed his arm. By this time Reign and Bastian had exchanged several significant looks and Aishe didn't want to keep them. She hopped up from her chair and gave a good, long stretch.
"I am very glad we bumped into you both, but I have a feeling Kem and I had better start heading back home. He's got a slide show to prepare."
She figured with all her teasing she was already in for it... she may as well go in all the way.
Shaking her head at Reign she laughed. "You shouldn't need to brush up. Kem will be happy to fill you in, any period, any time, if you so much as hint at interest."
Poor Kem was already turning red, so Aishe leaned against him, letting him know she was only joking.
[I do respect my elders,] she sent back to him, [but if I were to emulate them I never would have ended up in Nachton!]
She gave him a little grin and squeezed his arm. By this time Reign and Bastian had exchanged several significant looks and Aishe didn't want to keep them. She hopped up from her chair and gave a good, long stretch.
"I am very glad we bumped into you both, but I have a feeling Kem and I had better start heading back home. He's got a slide show to prepare."
She figured with all her teasing she was already in for it... she may as well go in all the way.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Kem smiled at Reign, who had graciously not gone completely to sleep as he'd rambled, and in fact still seemed alert and halfway interested. Bastian too for that matter. So perhaps he hadn't completely botched the social skills lesson for the evening.
The matter of cooking wasn't a problem. Kem rarely ate but he actually did like to cook. His kitchen was fairly state-of-the-art, and he had a few cookbooks that might come in handy, particularly as both Reign and Bastian seemed intent on food as part of a get-together.
"I might be able to help out with the cooking thing," he offered. "Aishe's not as bad as she makes out to be. I've eaten her cooking on more than one occasion, and I have remained the healthy, robust individual you see before you today."
All right, he conceded, by no means would he ever appear robust, but she was owed a shot... or two! At least, he reflected, Aishe's company had him far more concerned with taking care of himself than he usually was, and he hadn't slacked on feeding in a while now. So he wasn't looking like he was about to blow away.
Meanwhile, Aishe was doing her best impression of a cat as she stretched one way, then the other. Glancing at his watch, Kem was surprised to ntoe that far more time had passed than he'd been aware of. Not that they actually had anywhere to go but home, but like Aishe he didn't want to keep anyone from heir evening routine.
He stood and offered his hand again to Reign and Bastian. "It was good to meet you both," he added after Aishe had spoken, a little surprised at himself for being sincere and not just polite. He did like their neighbors! "Let us know if there's anything we can do to help you out," he added to Reign.
As they all said their farewells, he rolled his eyes playfully at Aishe's slideshow joke. "I'll get to work on it right after my bridge tournament and Sunday bingo!"
She was already dancing away, heading out the door with a teasing smile on her face as she waved to Bastian and Reign.
Kem shrugged helplessly at the two and gave them his quick little grin again. "Even when I get the last word, I can't win!"
With that he followed her out, not attempting to chase her until they were outdoors in the streets.
"Just wait until I catch you, whippersnapper. I can two-fist it with an ink-dotter like nobody's business!"
((ooc: Kem and Aishe out pending responses from Reign and Bastian!))
The matter of cooking wasn't a problem. Kem rarely ate but he actually did like to cook. His kitchen was fairly state-of-the-art, and he had a few cookbooks that might come in handy, particularly as both Reign and Bastian seemed intent on food as part of a get-together.
"I might be able to help out with the cooking thing," he offered. "Aishe's not as bad as she makes out to be. I've eaten her cooking on more than one occasion, and I have remained the healthy, robust individual you see before you today."
All right, he conceded, by no means would he ever appear robust, but she was owed a shot... or two! At least, he reflected, Aishe's company had him far more concerned with taking care of himself than he usually was, and he hadn't slacked on feeding in a while now. So he wasn't looking like he was about to blow away.
Meanwhile, Aishe was doing her best impression of a cat as she stretched one way, then the other. Glancing at his watch, Kem was surprised to ntoe that far more time had passed than he'd been aware of. Not that they actually had anywhere to go but home, but like Aishe he didn't want to keep anyone from heir evening routine.
He stood and offered his hand again to Reign and Bastian. "It was good to meet you both," he added after Aishe had spoken, a little surprised at himself for being sincere and not just polite. He did like their neighbors! "Let us know if there's anything we can do to help you out," he added to Reign.
As they all said their farewells, he rolled his eyes playfully at Aishe's slideshow joke. "I'll get to work on it right after my bridge tournament and Sunday bingo!"
She was already dancing away, heading out the door with a teasing smile on her face as she waved to Bastian and Reign.
Kem shrugged helplessly at the two and gave them his quick little grin again. "Even when I get the last word, I can't win!"
With that he followed her out, not attempting to chase her until they were outdoors in the streets.
"Just wait until I catch you, whippersnapper. I can two-fist it with an ink-dotter like nobody's business!"
((ooc: Kem and Aishe out pending responses from Reign and Bastian!))
Reign
16 years ago
Reign didn’t so much as blink or turn in Bastian’s direction as he jibbed at her cooking. She’d gotten quite a bit better since they’d first met, at least she could boil eggs now. She just didn’t –use- the skill.
“I will get you for that latter.”
She noted calmly. She had ever intention of jumping him as soon as they left the café. If Kem and Aishe hadn’t been here she would have attacked him immediately, but she didn’t want to scare her new neighbors.
This desire to live in another country for months or even a year was new. She didn’t know what to think about that. It sounded rather tempting actually, so long as they had a pool table in whatever place they wound up.
Reign bit her lower lip to keep from giggling at Kem. He wasn’t a bad looking guy but he didn’t scream ‘robust’. But she also didn’t know the two of them well enough to out and out laugh. She wasn’t sure about humor with these two just yet.
She was sorry to see them both go, but it wouldn’t be right to hold them up all night. That and she still had to attack Bas for the cooking comment. Accepting Kem’s hand and waving to Aishe she did giggle as they left.
“It was nice to meet you both. We’ll be in touch.”
Slouching back in the chair, she smiled at Bas.
“That was a nice change of pace wasn’t it?”
It had been a long day but Reign was still glad to have met the couple. She was ready to go home though.
“I will get you for that latter.”
She noted calmly. She had ever intention of jumping him as soon as they left the café. If Kem and Aishe hadn’t been here she would have attacked him immediately, but she didn’t want to scare her new neighbors.
This desire to live in another country for months or even a year was new. She didn’t know what to think about that. It sounded rather tempting actually, so long as they had a pool table in whatever place they wound up.
Reign bit her lower lip to keep from giggling at Kem. He wasn’t a bad looking guy but he didn’t scream ‘robust’. But she also didn’t know the two of them well enough to out and out laugh. She wasn’t sure about humor with these two just yet.
She was sorry to see them both go, but it wouldn’t be right to hold them up all night. That and she still had to attack Bas for the cooking comment. Accepting Kem’s hand and waving to Aishe she did giggle as they left.
“It was nice to meet you both. We’ll be in touch.”
Slouching back in the chair, she smiled at Bas.
“That was a nice change of pace wasn’t it?”
It had been a long day but Reign was still glad to have met the couple. She was ready to go home though.