Amir watched Bao silently for a few minutes from the dimmed corner he'd been in when his middle child arrived. He immediately engrossed himself in his work, graceful hands flying over the key of his laptop, occasionally breaking away to cross-reference something from a book. Dedicated to work, that was Bao.
He was aware that Bao had somehow managed to contact Pakpao without his intervention, which pleased him. He hadn't been thrilled to have to help out in that regard. Whatever Bao had finally done had apparently worked, and Amir wasn't going to question his methods. He wondered, though, if Bao was making much progress other than talking to her though. Amir had met with her on several occasions, and having established their mutual feeding habits on their first meeting, they had both been able to talk relatively freely about things. Amir hated to confront Bao with it, but he was uncertain that Pakpao could be persuaded to rejoin her original Clan.
Finally, he moved away from the corner, sliding quietly up to the table Bao worked at and seating himself in one of the chairs across from Bao. He waited for a few moments for Bao to look up, and offered him his usual soft, misleading smile.
Confessions of a Dead Beat Dad
It had been several weeks since that first meeting in The House of Pain. Pakpao was opening up to him, a little bit. Just tiny bits at a time, she was still hesitant and still cautious but she was still meeting him. She trusted him enough to let him teach her something about fighting, an interesting combination of Jeet Kun Do, Aikido, and Vo Bihn Dihn. She wasn't terribly good just yet, but she wasn't bad. If nothing else, she was open to learning.
Beyond the martial arts he was working with her on, they were learning each other's limits. She was learning what buttons she could push and how hard and respecting that. For his part, Bao, after one evening where she'd simply walked out on him, was learning how far to take things with her. He hadn't really expected it but he was growing to like his long lost daughter. To his surprise, they were actually developing some kind of relationship. To the point that he didn't mind that he couldn't be as aggressive or harsh in his teaching has he had been with his other offspring.
He had chosen well, there was no two ways about that. It was a shame he'd not kept hold of her, she'd have been quite the addition to their little family. Bao was loathed to admit it but he did not think she would leave Evenhet. He was rather in denial about that. Still, no matter his feelings, confused as they might be, about his only daughter Bao did owe it to his father to give him some sort of update.
Amir always had access to his schedule, so Bao didn't bother to set up anything formal. He simply made sure he was more available than usual that week. He'd taken to working for several hours every night in the Manor's library, it wouldn't take Amir much to find him when he was ready.
Amir
14 years ago
Bao
14 years ago
Going over his familiar's notes on a case was engrossing. The woman was good, there was no two way around that. She had a gift and a passion for the law and was insanely efficient too. Bao knew, however, he would not turn her.
He paused and looked up from his laptop and was not at all surprised to see Amir there. It was a gift his creator had. Bao was able to move silently and stealthy and few people could surprise him. Amir, however, had it down to an art. Both he and Mara had a knack for it. But as he'd been half expecting Amir it wasn't too much of a shock.
Boa carefully marked his place in the book and saved his notes using this time to organize his thoughts. He was still expecting some fall out from this situation. After all, he had made a mess of this, he never should have let it happen.
"Good evening cha."Â?
He paused and looked up from his laptop and was not at all surprised to see Amir there. It was a gift his creator had. Bao was able to move silently and stealthy and few people could surprise him. Amir, however, had it down to an art. Both he and Mara had a knack for it. But as he'd been half expecting Amir it wasn't too much of a shock.
Boa carefully marked his place in the book and saved his notes using this time to organize his thoughts. He was still expecting some fall out from this situation. After all, he had made a mess of this, he never should have let it happen.
"Good evening cha."Â?
Amir
14 years ago
Amir felt his smile twist into the little mocking ironic expression that was routine for him whenever they fell into this game of "father, son" irony that amused them both so much.
"Good evening, little boy," Amir said with a far more boyish grin than Bao could ever manage. "Some homework tonight, hmm?"
Bao acknowledged him with a nod of his head, and Amir dismissed the legal business on the laptop. That was Bao's forte. Even when he'd been pursuing more academics himself, Amir had leaned toward math and sciences rather than literature or law.
"I think you have some news for me," he said casually, crossing his arms on the tabletop and resting his chin on them, looking up at Bao with a hopeful expression. "Or at least, some information?"
Bao had hinted in his way that he wanted to see Amir, which was why they were both here. Amir normally cut right to the chase and he saw no reason to deviate now.
"Good evening, little boy," Amir said with a far more boyish grin than Bao could ever manage. "Some homework tonight, hmm?"
Bao acknowledged him with a nod of his head, and Amir dismissed the legal business on the laptop. That was Bao's forte. Even when he'd been pursuing more academics himself, Amir had leaned toward math and sciences rather than literature or law.
"I think you have some news for me," he said casually, crossing his arms on the tabletop and resting his chin on them, looking up at Bao with a hopeful expression. "Or at least, some information?"
Bao had hinted in his way that he wanted to see Amir, which was why they were both here. Amir normally cut right to the chase and he saw no reason to deviate now.
Bao
14 years ago
"There is always work to be done."Â?
It wasn't that he didn't play, he did. Of course, given his fondness for his work some times it was hard to tell the difference between work and play.
Ordinary Amir's directness was something Bao appreciated, but perhaps today he wouldn't mind if Amir had stalled a little bit. Bao's instinct to spin things to a favorable light warred with his need to be honest and forthright with his maker. And of course, the slightly hopeful look on Amir's face did not help matters at all. Bao did not want to disappoint again.
"More of a status report I think. I am still meeting with Pakpao, she is an... interesting challenge."Â?
a note of almost fondness crept into his voice with out Bao being aware of it. That really was the best way for him to describe his only daughter. Brilliant and stubborn fearful of something but totally fearless in other ways. It was hard not to see her more as a person and less as a chess piece or investment in the future.
It wasn't that he didn't play, he did. Of course, given his fondness for his work some times it was hard to tell the difference between work and play.
Ordinary Amir's directness was something Bao appreciated, but perhaps today he wouldn't mind if Amir had stalled a little bit. Bao's instinct to spin things to a favorable light warred with his need to be honest and forthright with his maker. And of course, the slightly hopeful look on Amir's face did not help matters at all. Bao did not want to disappoint again.
"More of a status report I think. I am still meeting with Pakpao, she is an... interesting challenge."Â?
a note of almost fondness crept into his voice with out Bao being aware of it. That really was the best way for him to describe his only daughter. Brilliant and stubborn fearful of something but totally fearless in other ways. It was hard not to see her more as a person and less as a chess piece or investment in the future.
Amir
14 years ago
Amir laughed softly in agreement with Bao. Even when they weren't working, they were working. Amir couldn't count the number of times he had appeared to be attentive to something mundane when his mind was actually making plans and calculations.
Rocking his chin on his arms, he tilted his head at Bao. "Of course she is," he said. "What, exactly, is the nature of these meetings?"
He kept his expression professionally curious but inside he wondered at the note of warmth that had found its way into Bao's voice. It was good that he and his lost child were getting to know each other, perhaps to like each other. If they could really form an attachment, then Bao would have a much better chance of convincing Pakpao to return home to Anantya, which was far preferable to having her live as a defector.
Rocking his chin on his arms, he tilted his head at Bao. "Of course she is," he said. "What, exactly, is the nature of these meetings?"
He kept his expression professionally curious but inside he wondered at the note of warmth that had found its way into Bao's voice. It was good that he and his lost child were getting to know each other, perhaps to like each other. If they could really form an attachment, then Bao would have a much better chance of convincing Pakpao to return home to Anantya, which was far preferable to having her live as a defector.
Bao
14 years ago
Bao smiled wryly, there was no 'of course' about any of this. In fact, he was certain the only reason she was still willing to meet with him was her family. She wanted information. Oh she hadn't said so in so many words yet, but she was working up to it, you could tell. For his part, Bao was reluctant to provide that information because he didn't know if she'd refuse to meet with him again or not.
"So far, I have been attempting to teach her to fight. I've known very few of our kind with less education along those lines."Â?
That sounded much better than telling Amir that so far they were just getting to know each other. Bao had on one or two occasions attempted to bring up the clans and her 'family'. Pakpao seemed to conveniently turn a deaf ear when he did that.
"I doubt she will ever be a warrior, but there has been some progress."Â?
"So far, I have been attempting to teach her to fight. I've known very few of our kind with less education along those lines."Â?
That sounded much better than telling Amir that so far they were just getting to know each other. Bao had on one or two occasions attempted to bring up the clans and her 'family'. Pakpao seemed to conveniently turn a deaf ear when he did that.
"I doubt she will ever be a warrior, but there has been some progress."Â?
Amir
14 years ago
Amir considered Bao's words, matching them with his expression, coming up with a little bit of leftover information. He was good at reading people; maybe not so accomplished as Mara but decent. Better with the vampires he had created, and accomplished when it was someone he spent a great deal of time with like Bao. There was some information being left out, he suspected, but he wasn't about to tread on this. It was Bao's job to do, and Amir would be a hypocrite if he expected to be critical.
He himself was still poring over the topic of his newly-discovered Kiamhaat. He wanted him back where he should be. Like Bao wanted Pakpao. Xephier's research, however, had thus far proven that the pale-haired vampire was very much affiliated with his Clan. Amir felt conflicted. On the one hand, he felt very strongly that Anantya was the only true vampire Clan. On the other, he had been known to tolerate the Evenhet when their ties were so close to their Anantya kin. There were many of them; the split from Anantya had severed many families from each other but they were still related nonetheless.
Tacharan, Amir had no use for. They were renegades, orphans, not notable really. But this wasn't Tacharan. This was Evenhet, and they were... well, if not acceptable, then barely tolerable.
Bao must be experiencing similar feelings. Particularly if he and his creation were starting to get along. Should he do the same? Take a page out of Bao's book, take his own advice, and confront Kiamhaat with his identity? Amir didn't know... and with the current situation with the wolves he hadn't really had time for alternate entertainment.
Turning his attention fully back to Bao, he shook his head and said, "No need to turn her into one. From the looks of it her talents lie elsewhere. It's good of you to teach her now though; better late than never."
He himself was still poring over the topic of his newly-discovered Kiamhaat. He wanted him back where he should be. Like Bao wanted Pakpao. Xephier's research, however, had thus far proven that the pale-haired vampire was very much affiliated with his Clan. Amir felt conflicted. On the one hand, he felt very strongly that Anantya was the only true vampire Clan. On the other, he had been known to tolerate the Evenhet when their ties were so close to their Anantya kin. There were many of them; the split from Anantya had severed many families from each other but they were still related nonetheless.
Tacharan, Amir had no use for. They were renegades, orphans, not notable really. But this wasn't Tacharan. This was Evenhet, and they were... well, if not acceptable, then barely tolerable.
Bao must be experiencing similar feelings. Particularly if he and his creation were starting to get along. Should he do the same? Take a page out of Bao's book, take his own advice, and confront Kiamhaat with his identity? Amir didn't know... and with the current situation with the wolves he hadn't really had time for alternate entertainment.
Turning his attention fully back to Bao, he shook his head and said, "No need to turn her into one. From the looks of it her talents lie elsewhere. It's good of you to teach her now though; better late than never."
Bao
14 years ago
She might have been a warrior, she might have been anything they needed if he hadn't lost her. Still, Pakpao had turned out well on her own. It hadn't been easy, but she hadn't needed him and didn't need him now. Although she wasn't trying to push him away, Pakpao had made that perfectly clear.
Bao almost smiled. That is to say, he considered it for a moment or two.
"Given our previous... encounters, I could hardly do anything less."Â?
Each time they'd meet Pakpao had fought him, not well but with determination and Bao found he didn't like the idea of some other vampire taking advantage of her. He wasn't sorry he had, this was what they did, this was how they expanded their reach. But all of his children could hold their own, she should be no different. Except, a very small very quiet voice said, she was.
He was not offering a full report to Amir and he knew it. But part of Bao was hoping that if he simply didn't bring up the idea of brining her into Anantya he wouldn't have to admit those talks were dying before they could even start.
Bao almost smiled. That is to say, he considered it for a moment or two.
"Given our previous... encounters, I could hardly do anything less."Â?
Each time they'd meet Pakpao had fought him, not well but with determination and Bao found he didn't like the idea of some other vampire taking advantage of her. He wasn't sorry he had, this was what they did, this was how they expanded their reach. But all of his children could hold their own, she should be no different. Except, a very small very quiet voice said, she was.
He was not offering a full report to Amir and he knew it. But part of Bao was hoping that if he simply didn't bring up the idea of brining her into Anantya he wouldn't have to admit those talks were dying before they could even start.
Amir
14 years ago
"Oh, you could do less," Amir said as his lips twisted up ironically, "but you aren't. So," he waved his hand slightly in a 'leave it be' sort of manner.
"Do you have any other information about her? Who her friends are, where she lives? You know, the relevant stuff."
Amir hadn't come here for nothing but polite banter. He wanted to know exactly what was going on with Bao and Pakpao. He didn't presume to have control over Bao's little projects, but he had on occasion asked Bao to have one or two of his children help them, and Bao had been happy to provide. Pak had very particular skills that would be useful to them in the future, and although Amir didn't see her as a tool to be used, he wasn't going to discount her skills and resources.
"Do you have any other information about her? Who her friends are, where she lives? You know, the relevant stuff."
Amir hadn't come here for nothing but polite banter. He wanted to know exactly what was going on with Bao and Pakpao. He didn't presume to have control over Bao's little projects, but he had on occasion asked Bao to have one or two of his children help them, and Bao had been happy to provide. Pak had very particular skills that would be useful to them in the future, and although Amir didn't see her as a tool to be used, he wasn't going to discount her skills and resources.
Bao
14 years ago
No, he couldn't do less. But Bao didn't feel comfortable expressing that to Amir. He wasn't certain his creator would understand the sentiment. For that matter, Bao didn't understand it. While he was fond of his three sons, it wasn't the same. Bao didn't feel a need to protect them, they were all strong and competent. Very much assets to the clan, and the clan had made use of their skills. Bao was proud of them.
He was proud of Pakpao too, but it was harder to tell why. She'd done nothing to be proud of, nothing but over come a massive fear and face him down.
"She lives in the Towers and does not maintain any residence away from her clan. If you want to find her alone your best bet is when she hunts and that she prefers to do among the prostitutes."Â?
An unfamiliar emotion washed over him. It took several seconds but Bao finally placed it as guilt. He'd driven her to that life. As his daughter, she should have had better, but she'd found the strength to sell her body in order to live.
He did his best to squash and hide those feelings.
"She also seems to be rather well connected within the clan, although she is rather guarded about that. Of course, with her talents I truly would expect nothing else. She could be quite a threat if she were turned against them."Â?
That was something Bao had not considered, which was unlike him. But with her technical expertise and knowledge of Meridian's systems Pakpao could probably cripple the company or the Evenhet.
He was proud of Pakpao too, but it was harder to tell why. She'd done nothing to be proud of, nothing but over come a massive fear and face him down.
"She lives in the Towers and does not maintain any residence away from her clan. If you want to find her alone your best bet is when she hunts and that she prefers to do among the prostitutes."Â?
An unfamiliar emotion washed over him. It took several seconds but Bao finally placed it as guilt. He'd driven her to that life. As his daughter, she should have had better, but she'd found the strength to sell her body in order to live.
He did his best to squash and hide those feelings.
"She also seems to be rather well connected within the clan, although she is rather guarded about that. Of course, with her talents I truly would expect nothing else. She could be quite a threat if she were turned against them."Â?
That was something Bao had not considered, which was unlike him. But with her technical expertise and knowledge of Meridian's systems Pakpao could probably cripple the company or the Evenhet.
Amir
14 years ago
Amir listened with interest as Bao told him basically everything he himself had managed to learn from his few meet-ups with Pak. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, Bao obviously had an interest in Pak, belatedly acted-upon as it may have been. He also had a lot more to make up for, certainly more than Amir had in his role of "new friend." So perhaps it was a little more difficult for Bao. On the other hand, Amir worried that Bao's tender feelings in this regard might render him unable to do what might become necessary. Amir hadn't strongly considered the possibility of ending Pak's life; after all, her bloodlines were pretty damn good if he did say so himself. Her choice of Clan affiliation was regrettable but not entirely as bad as it could be.
His chin still propped on his hands, he made a show of inspecting his fingernails. "She seems very fond of her family. The current one, at least. Maybe that's the way to go with her. Remind her that he family in Anantya want to know her better too."
If it ever came down to it, it would be good to be able to call her loyalty into question. One never knew when one might need an upper hand somewhere.
His chin still propped on his hands, he made a show of inspecting his fingernails. "She seems very fond of her family. The current one, at least. Maybe that's the way to go with her. Remind her that he family in Anantya want to know her better too."
If it ever came down to it, it would be good to be able to call her loyalty into question. One never knew when one might need an upper hand somewhere.
Bao
14 years ago
Bao knew his creator well enough to know this wasn't what he'd hoped to hear. Amir didn't seem disappointed, yet.
"Yes, I believe that there are a few she feels particularly strongly for."Â?
They could give her a family here, but it would be at the cost of her family in Evenhet. Bao had already ripped Pakpao away from one family he didn't want to do it again. But he had to, there really wasn't any choice in the matter. She was his, this was her rightful family. The Evenhet had had her long enough.
"She will be hard to sway, but I will try that tactic. Mara might be able to help with that, I'm certain the more contacts she had here the better she would feel about a change of plans."Â?
"Yes, I believe that there are a few she feels particularly strongly for."Â?
They could give her a family here, but it would be at the cost of her family in Evenhet. Bao had already ripped Pakpao away from one family he didn't want to do it again. But he had to, there really wasn't any choice in the matter. She was his, this was her rightful family. The Evenhet had had her long enough.
"She will be hard to sway, but I will try that tactic. Mara might be able to help with that, I'm certain the more contacts she had here the better she would feel about a change of plans."Â?
Amir
14 years ago
Amir raised one eyebrow at Bao's suggestion. "Mara? Yes, that's not a bad idea if you can get her to do it. I'll talk to her, if you want."
Bao was right there... the more people in Anantya Pak knew, the more tightly she would feel connected to them. He shrugged his shoulders at Bao. "No hurry," he pointed out. "Why pull her away if it turns out she might be more useful right where she is?"
What Amir wanted was for Pak to realize on her own where she wanted to be. And for that realization to be with them. If it didn't happen, well... he considered more. He'd never had to kill one of his own children before. Oh, he was very aware that that choice might be forthcoming in his near future, but it wasn't here yet.
Could he ask Bao to do it if he hadn't ever done so himself? Amir had killed vampires before. Plenty of them. Many of them had been orphans or rogues. Some few had been Evenhet, yes, and a handful had even belonged to Anantya. Whatever duty called for, he did.
"Give her time," he finally said, his voice a mix of casual and bored. "She'll figure out her place. It won't happen overnight."
Bao was right there... the more people in Anantya Pak knew, the more tightly she would feel connected to them. He shrugged his shoulders at Bao. "No hurry," he pointed out. "Why pull her away if it turns out she might be more useful right where she is?"
What Amir wanted was for Pak to realize on her own where she wanted to be. And for that realization to be with them. If it didn't happen, well... he considered more. He'd never had to kill one of his own children before. Oh, he was very aware that that choice might be forthcoming in his near future, but it wasn't here yet.
Could he ask Bao to do it if he hadn't ever done so himself? Amir had killed vampires before. Plenty of them. Many of them had been orphans or rogues. Some few had been Evenhet, yes, and a handful had even belonged to Anantya. Whatever duty called for, he did.
"Give her time," he finally said, his voice a mix of casual and bored. "She'll figure out her place. It won't happen overnight."
Bao
14 years ago
Bao frowned sightly. Mara had been the reason he was able to make contact with Pakpao. Perhaps, thought, Amir didn't realize she'd still been helping him with this situation.
"If you happen to see her first cha, I would appreciate it."Â?
Of course Amir's request would mean more to Mara than his. Not that his older sister would refuse to help him out. But they were both devoted to Amir before the other. Which was part of the reason they had both simply charged into the preserve that full moon. Bao wondered if he had that much loyalty from his children.
Bao hated the thought of Pakpao turning traitor, even to advance the clan. Why was that? Bao opted to to peruse that train of thought. There were enough things about the Siamese vampire he didn't understand. At least Amir wasn't pushing too hard for answers or resolution.
"At least time is something we have on our side. You are right in that."Â?
"If you happen to see her first cha, I would appreciate it."Â?
Of course Amir's request would mean more to Mara than his. Not that his older sister would refuse to help him out. But they were both devoted to Amir before the other. Which was part of the reason they had both simply charged into the preserve that full moon. Bao wondered if he had that much loyalty from his children.
Bao hated the thought of Pakpao turning traitor, even to advance the clan. Why was that? Bao opted to to peruse that train of thought. There were enough things about the Siamese vampire he didn't understand. At least Amir wasn't pushing too hard for answers or resolution.
"At least time is something we have on our side. You are right in that."Â?
Amir
14 years ago
Amir nodded at Bao. "I'll talk to her soon," he said, noting Bao's frown. Well... no doubt Bao wasn't entirely happy at the prospect of bringing Mara into it, no matter whose idea it was. Amir understood the position Bao was in, having a similar problem himself, and preferred to keep it as quiet as possible, too. Not that Mara would say a word to anyone, but still - the fewer ears, the better.
He finally raised his head from where it rested upon his crossed arms. "Yes. For now," he said. Who knew what tomorrow would bring? "Do this the way you see fit."
The words were nearly ground out; Amir was fighting a losing battle with hypocrisy and he knew it even if Bao didn't.
He finally raised his head from where it rested upon his crossed arms. "Yes. For now," he said. Who knew what tomorrow would bring? "Do this the way you see fit."
The words were nearly ground out; Amir was fighting a losing battle with hypocrisy and he knew it even if Bao didn't.
Bao
14 years ago
Bao nodded. He knew Amir would keep his word. Pakpao had apparently responded well to Mara before, perhaps she would continue to do so. Bao felt good about that, he would like to give her another friend. Pakpao gave every indication of being a less than social person.
He raised an eyebrow at Amir's tone. Something was bothering his creator, but Bao didn't know what. Every indication was that it had something to do with his daughter though. He was working as best he could to correct the situation. Perhaps it wasn't enough.
"Cha is there something I can assist you with?"Â?
The question was rather bold for Bao. Ordinarily he would never presume to to ask this of Amir and even though he had asked, it wasn't like Bao to simply ask 'what's wrong' he had given Amir an immediate out. But he was genuinely concerned.
He raised an eyebrow at Amir's tone. Something was bothering his creator, but Bao didn't know what. Every indication was that it had something to do with his daughter though. He was working as best he could to correct the situation. Perhaps it wasn't enough.
"Cha is there something I can assist you with?"Â?
The question was rather bold for Bao. Ordinarily he would never presume to to ask this of Amir and even though he had asked, it wasn't like Bao to simply ask 'what's wrong' he had given Amir an immediate out. But he was genuinely concerned.
Amir
14 years ago
Amir quickly shook his head at Bao. "You have your hands full," he said. "This little project might take you some time."
Would definitely take him some time, was more accurate. Besides, Amir's only problem right now was Amir. He stood, giving Bao a quick grin. "I don't envy you. She doesn't seem like the type to warm up too quickly."
It was a massive understatement and he knew it. All the same, Bao did have his work cut out for him in regards to Pakpao. "I'll let you know what Mara says."
With that he took himself off before Bao could make any more uncomfortable observations.
((ooc: Amir out))
Would definitely take him some time, was more accurate. Besides, Amir's only problem right now was Amir. He stood, giving Bao a quick grin. "I don't envy you. She doesn't seem like the type to warm up too quickly."
It was a massive understatement and he knew it. All the same, Bao did have his work cut out for him in regards to Pakpao. "I'll let you know what Mara says."
With that he took himself off before Bao could make any more uncomfortable observations.
((ooc: Amir out))
Bao
14 years ago
"You can only imagine."Â?
Bao said allowing a bit of his discouragement to creep into his voice. He had one card left to play with her and he was reluctant to do so. He didn't want to bribe her. Maybe Mara's influence would keep him from having to buy her affection.
Affection? Now why had he thought that? Bao had never wanted affection from his children. Loyalty, commitment, dedication; those were things he wanted from his off spring. It was better not to analyze that thought any further Bao quickly concluded.
"Thank you, I shall look forward to her help."Â?
Bao frowned as Amir left. He had enough problems of his own, but was suddenly more worried for Amir than himself. Something big must be eating at him.
Sighing Bao shoved those thoughts aside and went back to work.
((OOC... Bao out))
Bao said allowing a bit of his discouragement to creep into his voice. He had one card left to play with her and he was reluctant to do so. He didn't want to bribe her. Maybe Mara's influence would keep him from having to buy her affection.
Affection? Now why had he thought that? Bao had never wanted affection from his children. Loyalty, commitment, dedication; those were things he wanted from his off spring. It was better not to analyze that thought any further Bao quickly concluded.
"Thank you, I shall look forward to her help."Â?
Bao frowned as Amir left. He had enough problems of his own, but was suddenly more worried for Amir than himself. Something big must be eating at him.
Sighing Bao shoved those thoughts aside and went back to work.
((OOC... Bao out))