AA Not A Perfect Ending

AA Not A Perfect Ending
The Valanu and the Priest
By GZ

Serafin was doing the only thing he could do at the moment, sitting in the furthest corner from the others being quiet. If he was lucky they would forget about him and leave him be. Yes at least one of the men was a friend, the other a trusted relative, the others not really as close to him. They had decided that the Bemitim known as Xaotl was going to have his first drink tonight, a really manly event! That they were all going to attend. Well all did not actually include him if he did not speak up. He was careful to make very little motion, as Babylon was less likely to latch on to his presence then. He did not want that.

Babylon managed eye contact, now he would want to talk.

Serafin shifted uncomfortably as the other approached him forming a strategy, Babylon was his friend and would never get him into trouble… that would bring him harm, or at least lasting harm at least. "Do you want to come with us? I know you've never been drinking before; you and Xaotl can loose you virginity together!" Babylon laughed knowing how the last bit sounded.

"I have no need for being impaired, I have a responsibility for myself and what I am capable of." He never had been drinking, and there was a limited fear of becoming disoriented enough to accidentally hurt some one via training or power. Though Babylon's wording got a small tug out of his lips as he nearly smiled, the man had that ability conscious or not.

An attempted smile was plenty of reason to push forward, Babylon just had to take all the things that might worry his friend out of the equation. "I'm more worried about Xaotl then you, and if you did get up to behaving badly" He managed to get the former priest away from his corner, and get an arm around him. They had enough man power, they could force him; unwinding for a few hour would actually probably be really good for the red head. "I'll be there, and we both know I can put you to the floor." He was smiling broadly waiting to see if he'd secured a yes from his reserved companion.

"Most days" Serafin admitted "But most days I would also be in control of my ability enough not to use it if I felt threatened with out thinking." Serafin did not pull from his friend's grip, no need to panic yet; both parties were being responsible and logical, and it had not degraded to some screaming match.

Babylon gave a once over of his back up, Xaotl was a most handy ally for nature and size, then he had Sidny who wouldn't object to the mistreatment of his older brother. He pulled his to be willing partner closer "I'm really not worried Serafin, but you are making me worried. All that pent up stress is unhealthy, so as I am able to pull rank over you" 'You should have known that would bite you in the ass at some point pal!' "I order you to change into something bar worthy and have at least one drink with us!" The other two caught on to what was happening, and both were suddenly very amused waiting to see the reply.

"Do you not have duties to be guarding the Charon?" Serafin avoided answering, attempting to find a way out.

"The knights in training are babysitting tonight, I trust that Caldonius can keep the boys in line and the Charon amused. And if something goes wrong Genn is there to plot with the other kiddes for back up." Samaet and his MEDs where also there and Babylon expected that it would be controlled Chaos for a while. It was also another test; though they didn't have to do that, switching which of them was in charge was a way to cheek leadership skills. Caldonius had been put in charge as an over the shoulders note as he left, he wished he'd gotten to see the look on his face.

The former priest shifted slightly in Babylon's 'Friendly hold' thinking the matter over "Why was I not sent to this Exercise?"

"Because I didn't want you on that exercise, now are you going to listen to orders and go change?" He asked tone a bit more serious. Serafin did not speak loyalty to his friend and to the nights dictated he should agree and go. His nature and training said this was not a safe activity. Babylon could see the strain in the others face, expression softening he could tell his friend was fighting with himself; he wasn't going to make him make this choice. He let go stepping away a bit "I know, I shouldn't be forcing you to make this choice… So let me help you!" He grinned in an all too familiar way "Sidny! Help me get a hold of your brother so we can go strip him!"

Serafin was immediately on guard backing away from the others, his mind switched to survival mode; if he wanted to get out of this alive, he'd have to be quick. This would have worked better if he hadn't backed into Xaotl who was much to quiet for anything of his size. The fight from there was viscous, the former priest giving them one heck of a fight. Sidny assured them that the acting like a rabid wild animal when caught was normal and he wasn't freaking out as badly as he seemed to be. Getting the clothes off was relatively easy, as he was less interested in keeping them then getting away from his trio of attackers. Redressing him took considerably more work, and gave Babylon a slightly better ideal of the level of endurance his friend and fellow knight had. Something to note for later.

"And now we just hold him down until he gives up?" Babylon asked amussed.

"Its how me and Grimgori handled it, seems to be a decent method." Sidny smiled.

"Sort of like… training a MED puppy." Xaotl added, with a sagely nod.

"Let me up, I do not want to be here all night. One drink and then I am leaving."
-----

Yuck watched Babylon with an accusing look, though he was obviously amused. It was not a fancy place, just a friendly hole in the wall on Cruix; where a very well informed and well trusted Kaosto did good business with the Memitim. Other places served them sure, but Yuck was the first and in some opinions the best. Not that he'd ever share where the brew came from, that like many things was a trade secret. He and Babylon were old Pals, not that he ever would say how that was either. Yuck had been around a long, long , time.

We watched as Babylon deftly poured just enough liquid back in his friends glass for it to go unnoticed when he turned back to it. By Yuck's count, the red head was at about three and a half rounds; and showing it openly.

It may have been wrong to trick the other into drinking, actually it was wrong on several level; but the results were too worth while to stop him. The man's frame had relaxed, and then he'd started to smile on and off while chatting; and now he had a real smile fit for his linage on his face, and he was laughing openly. Coherent, but letting his guard drop; it might have to become a monthly thing if this was what happened. "So Serafin are you enjoying this?" He grinned.

"No… I hate this, to many places for people to hide and snipe you from." He was smiling and he in fact laughing, but he was still very much Serafin. "Next time we could sit in the corner?" He asked leaning back precariously in his chair.

"Okay some one write that down so he can't weasel out of doing this again!" Sidny cackled, his shirt mysteriously missing. No one was really sure when that happed.

Serafin went down with a crash, every one getting up to look down at him; he lay silently a moment, before breaking into laughter. "I had no ideal Uncle Serafin had so much laughter in him" Xaotl chuckled, he was drinking as well; but he wasn't getting help like his dear uncle was. The man in question got to his feet, leaning on the table; face flush and obviously still in high spirits. "Are you Okay Uncle?" Xaotl questioned a tad worried.

"No, not that any of you care!" He accused with a snicker. "I think that I need a moment out side to get my mind back together." He straightened himself up and left, going for some fresh air. It wouldn't be until later after things calmed down from the sudden addition of Taras, that any one would wonder where the former priest had gone.
-----

Normally sitting on a bench with some random person after dark would have been impossible, every nerve in his body screaming to beware of what he could not see. But out on the Patio of the hole in the wall bar, the soul other person seemed… in need of something that he wasn't sure of, he actually very bad at gauging woman. In any case he sat next to her, the woman seemed to still be deep in thought. The motion got her attention black eyes meeting red, and seeming hardly startled by the appearance. Neither said a thing, just examining each other.

She spoke up first-

"Too rowdy in there for you?" She asked with her small smile, a bit shy under her tone.

"Very much so" he smiled lightly "I'm hardly used to being in such a place; I really do not fit into such a place." He laughed honestly. She seemed pleasant enough, and he had not often held conversations with Valanir or pretty girls; he'd give it a shot, nothing bad could come of speaking to a woman. "Were you also forced here by friends? Family? Both?" His tone was mellow as it was often when he was not stressed. It was just easier to achieve this half sober.

She chuckled slightly, ear tufts perking a bit as she laced her fingers together. "I allowed myself to be talked into it by my brother. Night out for my birthday instead of a night in as I would have preferred, but he means well. These places are fine, depending on the company one keeps, I suppose. I do not like being in an area where my job makes me feel more obligated to act than being a civilian were."

"Your birthday?" He chuckled a bit "I suppose I should tell you happy birthday then, though I'm still learning the gesture. We don't celebrate such things on Khaev." Normally he would not have said nearly as much, but he had no need to be guarded of that information; it was part of what the desert had claimed from him. "You would feel... are you part of the Coalition? INECPT?" They were the only things that came to mind that you could be a Civilian and an enforcer at the same time. "Or..." What was it that they had "Local law enforcement?" He was sure they had a word, but he had forgotten it. In any case the conversation was enjoyable; even if it would only last until she was retrieved.

"Law Enforcement," she admitted, smiling after having shaken her head to the other suggestions. "I hope being a cop doesn't scare you at all," she had a grin that might remind him a small bit of his family's own a moment, but it faded with her chuckle, as she leaned back against the bench.

"Hardly, I have great respect for law enforcement and their place among us." He had after all served in his own right over time as an enforcer of the law, just on a very different world. And for a moment he relaxed ready to end the conversation... but... why, he could... try to keep it going. "If proper introductions would not alarm or offened you?" He wasn't sure that was how one started a conversation with a single woman on Cruix, but it was how he knew to do it.

She blinked, stilling smiling though; "Well, that's a refreshing change. Too many I have met become uncomfortable learning that. My name is Lyph." She Held her hand out to him to shake in greeting, answering his question of it may offend her.

"It is a distinct honor to have your name miss Lyph" He smiled inclining his head slightly, before taking her hand to kiss it as was often custom to these situations on his home world. "I am Serafin a breeder and Trainer of MED" He seemed so proud of the statement, before his energy level dropped again and he let her retrieve her hand "And I am licensed in both areas fully I assure." The issue had come up before a time or two of whether or not he had papers, and he now in fact carried them.

A brow arched as he kissed her hand. "Serafin? That almost sounds like a word my brother has used to describe a type of angel from his father's homeland."

"I think... it is hard to say, the name was picked by my Mother; wonderful eccentric being that she was. I assume it was some obscure translation she had made at the time." He laughed lightly. "I may have to look into these angles, so if we meet again I might tell you." He was speaking honestly, his tone holding little flirtation to it.

"You know I wasn't going to ask. I like to assume people do the right thing until they grant me suspicion otherwise."

"Normally when I say I Breed MED, the next statement is do I have a license?" He frowned a bit before the level of his voice dropped "Now I admit I am a bit embraced I felt the need, you after all do not seem a critical person. Not as of yet."

Lyph smiled kindly to his laugh, ears shifting slightly as she adjusted her tail, hand turning on the bench to lay her arm against the back, using her hand to hold up her head, eyes remaining locked on him. "I see... and it's fine. I can understand; MEDs are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. What's it like breeding them? I have only had negative exposure; surely there has to be something more appealing than their beautiful coats and exotic dangerous temperaments to own one..."

"They are... very loyal when raised correctly, honest, and sensitive to your mood. I have yet to breed any two with the same personality" He slouched back on the bench obviously passinate about the topic. "I have had my Euinh'ela for many years. I trust him as well as any true friend, I know when asked he will push as much as I; will work as hard as I work. I've ridden him across deserts as a mount, and I've let my nephews and nieces play on his back." He smiled though a bit sad "as long as the pups are not starved or abused they are wonderful companions." He seemed lost to his thoughts a moment "I wish I had thought to bring him, he's a gentle animal; you might have enjoyed him." He'd have liked to have brought him, but the boys had thought it a bad ideal.

She watched him as he went on describing things. "He sounds like a magnificent creature," she smiled, before tilting her head. "I would have liked to have met him; perhaps next time?" She suggested, before changing topic. "So where are you from? I haven't heard of any legal breeders stationed on Cruix..."

"I am from Khaev" he seemed rather pleased to note this "I have only recently begun moving between there and Cruix. I am still debating whether or not to make the move permeate, I find the city is not always... to my taste. But I'm getting used to it I suppose" He smiled over at her "Are you a Cruix native miss Lyph?"

Lyph blinked, before she laughed, standing up wobbling slightly, hinting to her own buzz. "You have only been to the Capital, right? Not much to see thanks to the quake but..." she would leaned over, taking his hands to pull him up "Come, I will show you Cruix's natural beauty. Not the desert lands of Khaev but...." She grinned, a slight mischievous tone to her features.

He rose easily, readily following her before speaking "I can not think ill of something I have not been privileged to see." He was steady, if a bit slow; walking on sand dunes similar to walking around in a half haze from drinking. He kept hold of one of her hands though less she get to far ahead and he be lost. He had his own little grin, the curse of his bloodline showing through on his face for possibly the first time. Lyph was a person he might again seek out when sober, a new friend maybe.

She never released his hand. She knew the quickest route to take, talking as she went; describing a bit of the area and how only 40% of the planet was inhabited. Sure it was growing, but many of it was left to nature. It took a bit to get to the outskirts where the damages of the quake were gone, the thicker forests still nearby and more towards their left, a break of larger fields, which was the direction she was taking him. It was early autumn here, so the leaves were only starting to fade. "Usually this field is full of colorful wild flowers. I used to play here as a child," she explained, smiling to him.

The last truly wooded area that Serafin had been in was on Arcadia, and it really did not compare to this. His normally stoic mask and ridged form, had been replaced by a man of curiosity of an almost childish level; those that knew would have said he looked like his mother right before she got in trouble. "I... I can not imagine that, it is already very lovely here" His expression was again warm as she explained further "You were very lucky to be allowed to spend time in such a place as a child."

She laughed softly, her hand gripping his a bit more. "Perhaps. I certainly was lucky to have a mother so conscious of the world around her at least..." She gazed around a bit, enjoying the view before starting to walk again, cross the field towards the other end of the tree line there. "Perhap you can come back in the spring or summer to see it?" It was an offer.

He kept pace with her easily, mind on many things. Watching his surroundings and simply letting her guide him. "I should like to do both I should think..." He spoke mind still on the details of the passing foliage, of the steady warmth of her hand "... maybe another time that we could meet, out here would be better for you to Meet my partner then in say a hotel... or maybe" was is silly to say such a thing? Maybe, but it would likely not matter by the time he woke up tomorrow and she had faded back into the faceless crowd "You can be there to explain the season to me?"

She blinked to him before smiling. "I'd love to, to both; and yes I would much rather meet your friend in a more open space. I have only heard of Khaev; what's it like?" She did keep her pace slow for them both, slipping back a bit to stay more at his side as they walked, watching him examine the area.

He calmly thought a moment before trying to explain "We have no oceans on Khaev, or true lakes; it is all under the sand and stone, brought up in wells and by geysers. The color of the sand changes in the different regions... white, tan, brown, red, orange, gray, and black; so that if you climb some of the higher outcrops of stone you can look out and see all of it, all the colors. It dose not rain much, but he have electrical storms; the raw energy on a neutral back drop has always been a favorite of mine to watch." He debated going into more, but did not want to bore her yet with the lore; she may has asked to be polite after all.

She listened, though as she did she lifted her free hand, looping it into the arm which she already had the hand grasped, laying her head comfortably against his shoulder. She sighed a bit dreamily. "It sounds amazing. I would like to see it sometime," honesty in her voice.

He had not had a girl do such a thing to him in a long time, but the action was welcome if it kept him in her company a bit longer. Other then the conversations he had with Babylon, the one he was having with Lyph was the most he had spoken to any one since arriving on Cruix. Later he would have to thank the man for forcing him to go out. "Schedules willing, in time if we become good friends it would please me greatly to act as a guide for you. While I encourage travel there I can not encourage people to travel there alone. It is a much wilder place; the rules are not always upheld well." He was serious a moment on the matter before slipping back into the mild enjoyment of simply walking as they were.

She grinned that similar-to-the-Armand grin, lifting her head a moment to flex one arm, giving him a wink. "I'm a tough girl, you'll find I learn quickly." she laughed at her own silliness, arm returning to holding his. They were starting to reach the woods. "I'd recommend climbing a tree but that's ... not a good idea when intoxicated." Laughter again, enjoying herself.

He laughed openly looking up at the trees "You must be a very impressive woman indeed, I'm sure if you went with me to Khaev you would do well." He took a breath and sighed happily he hadn't had this much fun since he had shot Babylon in the back of the head with a paintball gun in Diem's office. "I might have a go... at climbing, but I was a child the last time I tried such a feat for the sake of fun." He admitted, openly sizing up the trees.

She laughed, tugging his arm playfully in an act to try to discourage him. "Now, now. Leave the crazy when you're more likely to remember it. I only know emergency first aid so you can't hurt you--ekk!" She tripped then on a root, clutching his arm tighter in attempt to not fall as she went staggering forward.

He shifted trying to hold her up, only to over balance himself; as they were both headed down he did his very best to make sure she only took the minimum damage. It was an act of grace befitting a drunk man named after an angle, later it could have been debated that he some how staged the fall. Serafin was not nearly that romantic though. He landed breath knocked out of him, and her on top of him; simple enough if you spent you life pulling and pushing people in and out of danger. He lay quietly a long time, before laughing rather deeply about the little event "Are you alright Miss Lyph?"

She lifted herself a bit, dark eyes wide in a bit of surprise. Once he began to laugh she did as well, the action infectious "Please, Miss isn't needed, but I'm fine." She tucked a lock of her misplaced hair back. "Are you all right yourself?"

He took a moment to let the laughing fall away, taking stock of himself "I suspect that these tree roots may have taken a few bites out of me, but it is not painful enough to worry over." He smiled at her. He was not always the best judge of injury, something that his student Zygfryd had often yelled at him about. Too many years being desensitized by fighting and training, in any case this to him did not feel bad. And thus the fun could go on! Or maybe it didn't feel bad because he wanted to have fun... one of those he was sure was right.

"Well good. I'd hate to have to drag you home because you got hurt." She noticed the white in his hair and took a lock gently, observing it "Interesting." She admitted, smiling. "I like the effect it gives your hair; natural?"

It took a moment for Serafin to discover what she was talking about, and once he did he chuckled a moment "Yes that is the natural color of my hair, though I do not believe I've ever had some one compliment the highlight... normally they just assume I'm old." he made no attempt to move her or to get up in general, comfortable for the moment to lay on the forest floor looking at her, the canopy, and the stars.

"Well I certainly would be a hypocrite if I judged someone for being old," she teased. She ran her hand through his hair, admiring how the strands shifted between dark and light in the light they did have, before smiling down at him. "I think it looks lovely, and anyone who thinks you're old because of it are just stiffs." She stuck out her tongue with her little insult, before laughing once more.

Now she was dragging him to laugh with her, if they were not careful they would laugh each other to death. "But... I am old..." He admitted half in truth half in jest. He wasn't even sure that his race could be old, but around some of them on some days he felt ancient. He caught onto the meaning of her first phrase and doubled back to it. "I doubt you would be a hypocrite, you do not look that old; mature maybe, but not old. And in most cases maturity makes a woman more beautiful." The statement had no romantic intent, it was his honest opinion on the matter of any woman of the type. It was just at the moment directed at her.

She blinked, before smiling. "Well for my kind I would perhaps be considered older. But the same goes back to you, you do not look quite old... you certainly don't need a cane to get around," she stated with a bright smile before she folded her hands on his chest, perfectly content to remain close. "Thank you for cushioning my fall, Mr. White Knight, though I am not certain how I could ever repay you." Yes, teasing.

He had to try really hard to not laugh at the knight comment, all things being considered with that word and his current position. He was privately happy when she settled, comfortable to be with him, in this place, sharing a random moment in time; a moment made less random by his intent to keep it when it was time for it to be over. He had a silly notion of what to say, though all the stories of hero's he knew took place in the sand. "I could never ask anything of a lady such as your self, for a knight takes his reward in simply doing kind acts for those in need of them. If you insist then I must inform you I have already been rewarded with your smile." Silly story book nonsense, but it all seemed to fit here. And he would have done the same on any day... with out all the words.

The response made her giggle, a flush that crossed her cheeks. "But a smile can be given daily, or at a mere kind word from you," she retorted. Her ears flicked, seemingly thoughtful for a moment before she adjusted to lean up to him, lightly brushing her lips against his. The brush of lips was unexpected, and even as he was chiding himself not to react; he was leaning up slightly to brush his lips to hers. It was not a real kiss; he did not dare kiss Lyph truly. He liked the woman a good deal, and had a budding respect for her; to kiss her now... was to possibly lose that. She was just showing her gratitude for his actions, he need not put more thought into it then that. She broke the kiss, but lingered close, half-opening her eyes to gaze down at him before smiling. "Would that suffice?" her voice was soft.

Serafin had to carefully consider what he was doing, the safest route to take was to leave it at that and move onwards; if it came up again at some point later again then they could explore it. But he'd already ignored the part of him that normally ruled over his life by sitting next to her in the first place. If she left it would be a lesson to him, and he would know better in the future. Serafin placed a hand to Lyph's cheek "It dose... but I..." This kiss was also gentle, he made no demads with the action; letting he choose to pull away or stay. And not only did she stay, she returned the kiss as gentle as he was giving, adjusting herself better suited for the angle. One hand slipped up to rest over his. Vaguely in the back of his mind was the rather comical thought of how long it had been since he had kissed a woman out of attraction. It might take a moment to pull the records on such actions. Her favorable response encouraged him to allow himself to act back more passionately; careful not to jump to far ahead, but continuing to move that direction as long as she showed approval. He shifted his free arm back to better support himself, throwing caution to the wind one might say; at least for a bit. She ventured a bit further, returning just as passionately as he showed more interest. Though after a bit she dared to try pressing it just a bit further by pressing her tongue forward, head tilting to the side as she would slip her free arm over his shoulder to find hold with his shirt. He allowed her to press forward, some what shyly meeting her tongue with his own. He soon regained his confidence, allowing the kiss to become heated. She was only the second woman he had kissed in such a way in his life, but he couldn't honestly compare the two. This was different and he hoped it was not just because of the alcohol, the two of them coming together with little guessing as if it was the right thing to do. He loved the feeling, hoping that it wouldn't abruptly stop.

It took a few long moments of the kiss before she did slowly break it off, forehead touching his as she used it as a moment to catch her breath. She exhaled the quiver was easily heard in her breath. "... May I be forward with something?" She was asking…

His breathing was heavy, heart beating rapidly; he closed his eyes and welcomed the sensation of her simply resting against him, forehead pressed to his. If it was now done that was fine, she had shared what she was willing with him and he would not ask of her more. Could not dare do so at the moment. His entire body felt warm, and he still desired her touch; but he had to rein himself in before he got ahead of himself. Then she wished to ask something forward of him, and even with out his own thoughts and state; he'd have granted her permission any way. "You may if it is what you want." his words came out a bit unsteady following the rhythms of his breaths.

She was silent a moment "I... would like to share a night with you..."

He was surprised by the request, but not unpleasantly so. For a normal man feeling what he was feeling, being as comfortable as he was with her it would have been an easy yes. But he had to consider a very awkward dilemma for a male of his age, though some how he suspected it would not matter to her. Or was that simply hope? "I would gladly share a night with you Lyph... but I must be honest..." he sought the words needed to sound least crude. "I have not allowed myself to be... fully imminent before." he was unsure that was clear, but with luck she would grasp his meaning.

She smiled kindly, eyes closing a moment as her hands gripped his a bit tighter for a brief moment. "...I would not mind teaching you.. but I would not feel right if you were saving it for someone special to you."

"I... I do not have some one of that nature... I was..." Waiting for a sign? Waiting for Geous'ra to tell me I was allowed? Terrified I was going to make a mistake? None of that seemed right for the moment, not out loud. Not to her, not when he was sure. "I would very much like if you would teach me, if this first time could be with you."
-----

Ring, a phone was going odd; he felt Lyph shift to answer it "Yes?" a angery worried tone on the other line "Why are you up at this hour?" a Pause "I'm at home; relax I'm safe. I just met someone." "---?" "We just walked around and talked before I went home." "Mmng.." She waited "-----?" "None." "Mmm.. --- ---." "Why didn't you call if you were that worried?" These was a long pause before she chuckle softly. "You only just thought about calling the cell, didn't you?" "Not the point!" She loved big brothers.

Serafin stirred lightly, the sound bringing his now sober mind to it's 'where am I' trained check list. Once he remembered it was fine, he didn't bother opening his eyes; he was with Lyph and he felt safe in that. More safe then waking up in the company of Babylon... which he had done on several occasions in the past. He listed to her chat for a bit, stretching lightly; but making no real attempt to move. He had a hangover, was pleasantly tired still, and the only thing he was worried about was if his partner was being taken care of (one of the men would feed him he was sure). He even managed to smile a bit on the notion that they probably had no clue where he was, well or didn't care. He did have one of those cell phone things and it hadn't gone off. In any case, he'd speak to Lyph when she was done.

"Next time try the cell phone, goof-ball." "--- --- ---?" "I don't know, I have a bit of a hangover. Let me call you back later when I'm more awake and aware of the world." "----- ---- -." "Thanks; Love ya." And she hung up, setting her phone back down before noticing he was awake. She smiled softly, "Good morning."

"Good Morning" he gave her a slightly more reserved smile, though the nature of it was easy to see in his eyes. She did not seem to be upset with her choice, bringing peace to him as he was not upset either. "I assume a worried relative?" His tone was relaxed, he had no where to run off to if she was going to allow him to stay.

"Yes, my brother who took me out last night." She adjusted herself, sliding back down to rest her head back onto his shoulder, reclaiming her spot she had slept in., hand resting against his chest as she closed her eyes. Indeed, she did not seem to regret her choice.

"You are very lucky to have a brother that worries for you so" he stated mildly wrapping an arm around her, putting them back to how they had been sleeping. "All my brothers are idiots" he didn't laugh, but it was in his tone. It was an interesting start to a relationship, not like any he could claim before. If this was their only shared moment of passion that was fine he would hopefully get to keep Lyph as a close friend. If it was more... he was sure he would not be able to tell that yet.

She grinned "Oh, my brother is an idiot; just an overprotective one. I've had to break up bar fights he's started before." She nuzzled a bit, tail wrapping around to lay over him. "Do you not have family that worries over you so?"

He was thoughtful a moment before speaking "My father and brothers, I doubt worry over me. I do have a Nephew that dose, but I think he just frets over every one." He wasn't sure how Xaotl had time to worry over all of them. "But I suspect if any one is looking for me it will be one of my friends as they no longer wish to baby sit my beast, though he spends most of his time sleeping now that he is older." She was still easy to talk to, and he closed his eyes simply enjoying the moment. The two lying in the early morning light together.

"Hrm… Well, I'd worry about you." she grinned even more, chuckling again; "I would at least remember to call your cell phone." yes, still making fun of her brother.

"You would call my Cell Phone?" He was trying not to laugh between jokes about brothers and his poor attempt at humor to follow "I don't actually believe any one has called it before, you would be the first." He smiled at her "We should at least exchange numbers.... I would like to continue speaking with you, seeing you, not of course assuming in this way, I just.... I truly enjoy your company." Honest only got you in trouble with enemies, or so he believed openly.

Her feathers flicked a bit, smiling "We could do that… … Are you needing to leave soon?"

"... honestly I have no intent to leave until such a time as I am required to. Be that you needing to leave, an actual emergency call from my friends, or your brother showing up with good intent. Until then I am perfectly content to be here with you." He was glad that she would allow him to keep contact; it meant that he had at least one person not connected to Babylon to be around on Cruix. He loved his friend, but he also liked not having to live on his wits around everyone he knew.

She snuggled more into him. "Good, I am not ready to lose my pillow just yet." She said this fondly, and intended to take advantage of cuddle time apparently. She discussed fair things with him, nothing much that would require thought on anything per says. And he spent the better part of the day simply talking with her, until her brother called back to tell her he was on his way. Both were still slow to move, before finally pulling away to get cleaned up and dressed. Still feeling bold from his adventures, he gave her one last kiss; before finally making to leave, opting to head out through the forest. He had made it out of sight of the house when he felt the other Memitim. His attention was pulled back, wondering who it was and why they were so close to Lyph; perhaps he was feeling defensive? Once he knew who it was however from his minimal spying, he made haste to leave; not ready for the other to identify him.
-----

"Where have you been? I had the boys out looking for you!" Babylon greeted him happily, moving to meet him. "Did you end up getting sick from the drinking? Or just decided to head home?" He tone was mildly worried as he took in the others appearance.

"I left with a woman." He stated in Monotone.

Babylon was silent a moment before the information settled, this was either very good or very bad… the man was very religious and had expressed intent to return to being a priest. If Babylon had ruined his chances of that by getting him drunk, that was not going to be good. But, maybe it had turned him away from the path and he was really happy! That was a possibility; he was going to be optimistic.

"I was with a woman for the first time last night Babylon…" He seemed conflicted? Happy and yet afraid, well that could be good "She was my Neisse, Taras's sister." The two stared blankly at each other for a long moment, Babylon trying to figure out if the other was messing with him. By the time he realized he wasn't he needed to lean on something.

"You're a dead man you know that right? Taras chased me with a lamp at a party for brushing her hair out of her eyes." He was chuckling at the thought, wondering who was going to win this fight. "You were… careful correct?"

"We were drunk and distracted." He stated calmly.

Babylon knew it wasn't funny, but at the same time it was "Well the chances that anything happened are slim, bet you're off the hook. Just try to avoid her so Taras doesn't catch on what happened and this will all blow over."

"…"

"Yes?" Babylon asked almost not wanting to know what the stare meant.

"… I think I was supposed to meet her… I do not want… this to be the last time I am with her…" His tone was some what stubborn.

"Serafin my dear friend" He put an arm around the other "Give that a week and it will go away. It's a new experience, the power will wear off." Probably.

"You will say nothing?" Serafin asked hopefully.

"I swear not to tell anyone, for your sake." Babylon grinned.

"You know that was how I met your mother! Little fling at a party! Both of us half past drunk? Such a lively woman. So then! When do we get to find out if you got Taras's baby sister knocked up with my next Grandchild!" Diem was only feeling slightly spiteful after beign tackled to the ground by one of the tiny knights the evening prior when he tried to make a break for it.

Serafin looked visibly ill at the notion, and both men would have to note that had not seen his as sickened since.
-----

Taras paid him no mind, not even when it became apparent that his sister was indeed pregnant. He was focused on the more likely candidates that had been around her at that time, and not the Celibate former priest.

Before she had learned things had gone smoothly, the two spending days together when they could and hours when they couldn't. He trialed her beat until he got caught, and then did it again form a better distance until he got caught. Then he took to asking to trail after her. He taught her to fire a rifle and she taught him to use handguns… each kept their own preference. He let her meet and then ride Euinh'ela around the field she had suggested, and with the blessing of Zygy had asked if she would like to keep Rewe'ra as her own. He shared everything of him he could with her, and though he was rarely laughing or beaming with a smile; he enjoyed every moment of it.

It was he that spoke to her first this time when the signs appeared that she was with egg, and though she would not at first admit that she was; she did finally tell him, and that it was his. He could see her fighting her own emotions but was unsure of what she was thinking; however he wanted her to know what he was thinking then. He took her in his arms, and with no shame in the manner begged politely that he be allowed to stay around the child; to watch over her and him as long as she was willing to give him to be there. To let him stay even if they were not meant to be truly together as a couple, let him stay for the sake of the child. She had seemed pleasantly surprised and had agreed.

Taras still suspected nothing, even when the priest took to egg sitting for Lyph, the man apparently assumed it was because each trusted the other so much. The Egg sitting and the approaching due date led the pair to spend more and more time together, though the times were often more quiet now. And evening alone watching a film, either on the couch or lounging on a MED; or simply talking, even over things they had talked of before a hundred times. She and he told stories they knew the other loves until each could recite them all, both promising to get out more once the infant was hatched.
-----

Serafin felt completely safe being present for the hatching, though both had agreed ahead of time that he would have to wait to hold there son until Taras was away or they could make an excuse. Original it had been the two of them, Ahmi and Taras. But news had gotten to Cal, and Cal had told his father, and Grimgori had showed up with Kayl, Xaotl had found out and had dragged Genn, Sidny who was in the area was told by his father (plus a keep it zipped of the fathers identity), and then Babylon had been followed by Zygy and an unwilling Ryo. It wasn't really like Lyph was not already suspicious of them so having a little welcome to the world get together was not going to hurt any one.

He was one of the ones in the actual room, as not every one could fit. He, Lyph, Xaotl and the ever stubborn Taras. Grimgori was hanging out by the door, though not actively involved. After all between Xaotl and Grim the pair had delived at least two of every shelled race known. Their was a tension at what they all knew was coming, the egg was not going to hatch naturally, even Lyph knew that with out words. Serafin was monitoring the progress quietly, calmly watching as the egg started rocking. When the event hit its peak, he went about helping the egg to start cracking. He did not however go straight to pulling the infant out, he let the child work himself free after a look to confirm to Lyph that doing this was okay; that letting their son come into the world as much like a Valanu as possible was okay.

His skin was dark like his mothers, the base of his hair a shade of Orcid; the ends dipped in red. Lyph carefully attended to their son, Serafin feeling a pain in his gut about not being able to reach over and interact. It was something he never wanted to repeat again, but would bear with for his mistake in not talking Lyph's brother sooner. The child was named Seraph, already on his way to being a health strong personality; crying when handed off to uncle Taras. Serafin said nothing watching the other borderline panic as the baby cried, Grimgori finally came and assisted his son; getting the child to stop crying. The child was back to Lyph when his eyes finally opened. One nearly black, the other Red.

Taras still was sure it was Babylon, even though the man swore it was not his child.
-----

He approached the man a month later, when he was sure that Lyph would be okay with out him; should things go badly. He had asked the man to get him out in the field beyond Lyph's (and nearly with time spent his) home. He had gotten him out their with promise of proof of who the father was, and had careful explained how he met Lyph and their bonding over time with the first night removed.

"When I found out your sister was pregnant I had thought to immediately tell you, but realized with how defensive you are I would not have been able to be near her any longer. Taras I have found through my time with her that I… love Lyph, and I do not intend to be separated from her. I do not ask you to accept this, or to accept my attempt to propose to her when it comes. I will never ask you to like me, as long as those feeling do not affect Lyph and do not affect my son."

"… He iz you Child, you de vun dat..."

"He is, I am the Father Taras."

Later Babylon asked him how much it hurt, as he tried to check to make sure nothing was broken for the other. All Serafin could remember was angry accent, pain, and trying to say something sensible and failing. Babylon asked if he needed to opt out of training for the day, Serafin shrugged it off as good situational practice.
-----

The field was amazing in the early summer, she and he; and the baby were simply enjoying the day. He felt anxious, but he knew he wanted this. The baby was happily watching the flying things, safe in his carrier; Lyph seemed serene. He was going to do this now or never.

She gave him a funny look when he knelled in front of her "Playing knights again?" she teased with a light expression.

He gave her a slightly stressed smile taking her hand and kissing it as he had the first time they met "My lady Lyph, my actions in your presence  are hardly ever play unless you wish it of me. My inner name is BloodReader and while I know this is not a flight feather, I hope it will do. It seems I do not have the ability to produce the others." He held the feather out to her; it was only four or five inches long; crimson with white banding. He swore in that moment to never tell her how he had gotten it, less she be angry for his stupid very male act. "I know in the past we has spoke of this, and you fear your age; but a single year with you, to me would be worth a life time with any one else. Your choice will not affect us as we are, I will stay no mater your decision; but I wanted the chance to at least as you, if only for the sake of asking."

It was hard to say what would happen now, a lady was allowed to choose her champion and if it was not he… then he would see her again. He just desperately wanted their together to be no, he wasn't going to be foolish and wait for fate to have a chance to take back this gift.