The way Pak explained about her recent fling's married state, without bitterness, without the acid that Mara would have expected from her friend otherwise, made it sort of apparent that the marriage had been discussed. That would certainly explain why it was a fling and not to be a relationship.
She nodded; she understood how these things worked. She might not have enjoyed sex much until recently but she had certainly partaken in it many times, for work or someone else's pleasure. It was a powerful motivator, a basic human need. Everyone needed to be needed at some point. Physically, mentally, every way. Mara might not have expected utter loyalty from Amir or Jin but she was coming to realize she had it. What the future would hold for them, though, she could not predict. If Jin were to see someone else and fall for them it would hurt. The same went for Amir, although she had known her Creator much longer, loved him much longer, and had seen him in relationships that obviously didn't involve her.
It was good that Pak had connected with someone on a physical level, but Mara did wish for her to find someone to satisfy her in other ways. "Everyone needs someone," Mara said to Pak. "Even though it took me a long time to understand how to be with someone physically, I at least had Amir for emotional support. He has been with me all of my life."
She smiled at Pak, though, and traced the binding of an older-looking book with her finger. "You do have my father," she said wistfully. "I know it's not that sort of a relationship but you aren't alone. He loves you, and he won't ever leave you. He isn't like that."
Mara knew her father. Of all the people she'd studied throughout her life he was one of the ones she knew the most about, aside from Amir. She had watched him, hidden, go through so many stages. Always she'd wanted to show herself, to be with him as he struggled, but he hadn't come to terms with his past at that point and by the time he had, she felt terribly guilty about the prospect of opening up old wounds.
She turned her soft smile on Pak. "You have me too," she said.
Mara considered Pak a good friend now; they had gotten to know each other quite well in the past year or two. Mara didn't have very many friends, being so reclusive usually, so she valued those she had. If Pak ever needed her help, she would be there.
I Think We're Alone Now...
Nervously Pak looked up and down the stores and practically tip toed into Barney's. Eiryk had a tenancy to hang out here, or stop here, or blow through here, or just materialize. It was actually rather scary but given the former Viking's coffee addiction it was also to be expected.
Unfortunately for Pak she shared the addiction, not on the same level, but enough that they crossed paths here more than any other place.
She'd finally gotten out of a rather nasty meeting, one of the departments was trying to put a new system in place and it wasn't going well. Half that management hated it and the other half wasn't going to let the idea go and they were sticking IT in the middle. She did not approve and she wasn't going to let their petty squabbling make her department look good.
Getting out of the meeting she'd decided that she couldn't deal with anything work related for a few minutes, not her office not her employees, nothing. So she snuck over to Barny's gotten a big cup of mocha and sat down with a nearly audible sigh.
As long as Eiryk didn't show up this was just what the doctor ordered. She was going to find the person who had but the bee in his bonnet and seriously hurt them. She loved Eiryk, he was a wonderful friend, but he could obsess like no one's business. It usually wasn't too bad, and if someone else was the focus of his energy it was even a little funny, but he'd settled on her like a laser beam and it was intense.
Mara
12 years ago
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak shook her head sympathetically. She had been alone most of her life as well. Obviously that wasn't as long as Mara but alone was alone and it messed with people's heads. But they'd been over this before and she didn't really want to dwell on the past tonight.
She did have Kem and that was something, it was huge. While she didn't feel free to exactly cuddle up with him or look to him for physical comfort it was meant more than she could express that he was there. Hell the fact that they had bounded proved that. Thinking of her adopted brother Pak pulled on their bond, like some one pulling on a pig tail on the play ground and then running away laughing. Just a nudge to remind him she was there.
"No, I don't suspect he ever would, but that works both ways. But there are somethings brothers aren't good for you know. Just one or two."
It was said with a bit of humor and a playful roll of her eyes.
Suddenly Pak stifled a quick giggle as she though of Kem as the protective older brother screening her suitors. Between he and Bao, should her creator chose to play the father figure, it might be rather intimidating.
Pak suspected, she never could know for sure, but she suspected that perhaps being her friend might cause Mara a bit of distress. Distress didn't seem like the right word but it was as near as she could come. After all being one step closer to Kem without meeting with him, missing that closure had to be of some concern.
Knowing that it had to cost Mara something and appreciating her friendship all the more for it rather impulsively Pak hugged Mara quickly.
"Thank you."
The fact that this went both ways wasn't even mentioned, much like with Kem with any of her few friends, it was a given. Trying to keep the mood a bit light though, after a moment or two she added,
"But if you want to fool around you might have to by me dinner, and bring a signed permission silp from your guys."
She did have Kem and that was something, it was huge. While she didn't feel free to exactly cuddle up with him or look to him for physical comfort it was meant more than she could express that he was there. Hell the fact that they had bounded proved that. Thinking of her adopted brother Pak pulled on their bond, like some one pulling on a pig tail on the play ground and then running away laughing. Just a nudge to remind him she was there.
"No, I don't suspect he ever would, but that works both ways. But there are somethings brothers aren't good for you know. Just one or two."
It was said with a bit of humor and a playful roll of her eyes.
Suddenly Pak stifled a quick giggle as she though of Kem as the protective older brother screening her suitors. Between he and Bao, should her creator chose to play the father figure, it might be rather intimidating.
Pak suspected, she never could know for sure, but she suspected that perhaps being her friend might cause Mara a bit of distress. Distress didn't seem like the right word but it was as near as she could come. After all being one step closer to Kem without meeting with him, missing that closure had to be of some concern.
Knowing that it had to cost Mara something and appreciating her friendship all the more for it rather impulsively Pak hugged Mara quickly.
"Thank you."
The fact that this went both ways wasn't even mentioned, much like with Kem with any of her few friends, it was a given. Trying to keep the mood a bit light though, after a moment or two she added,
"But if you want to fool around you might have to by me dinner, and bring a signed permission silp from your guys."
Mara
12 years ago
Tonight was not a night for mushy conversation, and Mara was happy enough to let it go at what they'd said already. She couldn't say it any plainer, really, anyway. She returned Pak's hug with a smile.
"Of course," she said.
When Pak mentioned the signed permission slip, however, Mara coughed softly. "What makes you think I won't just bring my guys, too?"
It had taken almost no time to think of the three of them as a unit. And really, it was because of Jin's big heart that that could happen. Had he been hesitant about it, or truly reluctant, Mara knew she wouldn't have ever pushed the issue. It wasn't in her nature. She loved Jin and she would have stayed with him, keeping the easy distance of best friend with Amir.
Now, however, it only seemed natural to consider that if she ever did want to play around with someone else (which she didn't... and likely wouldn't, but why not speculate?) she would very likely want Amir and Jin with her. She couldn't really imagine it happening though. Her guys, as Pak had referred to them, left her wanting nothing.
She found a book she thought might be interesting, a history of the Mongols. Mongolia was one place she and Amir hadn't spent a great deal of time. All those nomads, such small family units traveling together. Mongolia was no safe place for a vampire. Meals were hard to come by and permanent settlements that would provide adequate shelter from the sun were also scarce.
"I think I may get this," she said, thumbing through the pages. She did not bring up the topic of Pak's dating again, and probably wouldn't unless Pak herself brought it up. It obviously wasn't a subject she wanted to discuss at great length tonight.
"Of course," she said.
When Pak mentioned the signed permission slip, however, Mara coughed softly. "What makes you think I won't just bring my guys, too?"
It had taken almost no time to think of the three of them as a unit. And really, it was because of Jin's big heart that that could happen. Had he been hesitant about it, or truly reluctant, Mara knew she wouldn't have ever pushed the issue. It wasn't in her nature. She loved Jin and she would have stayed with him, keeping the easy distance of best friend with Amir.
Now, however, it only seemed natural to consider that if she ever did want to play around with someone else (which she didn't... and likely wouldn't, but why not speculate?) she would very likely want Amir and Jin with her. She couldn't really imagine it happening though. Her guys, as Pak had referred to them, left her wanting nothing.
She found a book she thought might be interesting, a history of the Mongols. Mongolia was one place she and Amir hadn't spent a great deal of time. All those nomads, such small family units traveling together. Mongolia was no safe place for a vampire. Meals were hard to come by and permanent settlements that would provide adequate shelter from the sun were also scarce.
"I think I may get this," she said, thumbing through the pages. She did not bring up the topic of Pak's dating again, and probably wouldn't unless Pak herself brought it up. It obviously wasn't a subject she wanted to discuss at great length tonight.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak rocked back on her heels and thought about Mara's counter proposal. Mind she didn't think about it too seriously, it wasn't an offer or anything like that but once in a while a person might be inclined to have rather salacious thoughts, if not downright dirty ones. And there might be something to the suggestion.
"Hmmmmm... screwing around with granddad.â€
She said with a speculative air.
"Why not. I worked in the classics. Ok bring them if you'd like.â€
It wasn't as if they shared any DNA or familial bond or any children would result, so things were a bit more open when it was a vampiric family member.
Looking down at the book Pak shrugged. Mongolia wasn't some place she'd spent much, if any time. And despite her love of travel and other cultures it just didn't interest her that much. The occasional PBS documentary was quite sufficient for her.
"Then let's get it. I'm not sure I'll find anything tonight.â€
Mostly because she wasn't really looking, she had at least three other books she was reading and half a dozen on her short waitlist.
"Maybe I should plan a trip somewhere. I might just have been cooped up here too long.â€
Her last trip had been to California and had resulted in 'meeting' Bao. It hadn't gone well. But she might just be ready to stretch her legs a bit again, for fun not for business. Actually, she'd probably work business into it, that was just how Pak was.
"Shall we check out another store or keep looking here?"
Honestly Pak could stay here quite happily. Books were one of the few things she enjoyed shopping for.
"Hmmmmm... screwing around with granddad.â€
She said with a speculative air.
"Why not. I worked in the classics. Ok bring them if you'd like.â€
It wasn't as if they shared any DNA or familial bond or any children would result, so things were a bit more open when it was a vampiric family member.
Looking down at the book Pak shrugged. Mongolia wasn't some place she'd spent much, if any time. And despite her love of travel and other cultures it just didn't interest her that much. The occasional PBS documentary was quite sufficient for her.
"Then let's get it. I'm not sure I'll find anything tonight.â€
Mostly because she wasn't really looking, she had at least three other books she was reading and half a dozen on her short waitlist.
"Maybe I should plan a trip somewhere. I might just have been cooped up here too long.â€
Her last trip had been to California and had resulted in 'meeting' Bao. It hadn't gone well. But she might just be ready to stretch her legs a bit again, for fun not for business. Actually, she'd probably work business into it, that was just how Pak was.
"Shall we check out another store or keep looking here?"
Honestly Pak could stay here quite happily. Books were one of the few things she enjoyed shopping for.
Mara
12 years ago
Mara raised her eyebrows pointedly at Pak when she mentioned 'granddad.' Technically, if one wanted to be all odd about it, Mara was sleeping with her 'father.' But she didn't completely understand why some people persisted in referring to vampiric families as if they were similar to human ones. Amir was no more father to her than Bao was. He was Creator. He was friend and mentor, guide, friend, partner, and now lover. She had known several vampires over the years who had turned their own loved ones so as not to be separated by death; there was no stigma attached to it.
So she did not comment on the relationship between them all, particularly since it was a jest. If such an orgy ever happened, well - it would be interesting.
"I will," she said regarding the book. She pulled it from the shelf and held it carefully, thumbing through it. "It looks good to me."
She headed toward the front of the store to pay for her book at the register, attended by an elderly man. She continued to chat with Pak while she paid.
"A trip, where?" she asked. "Anyplace in mind?"
Mara had always loved traveling. It was one of the benefits afforded by immortality - the time to explore their world. Perhaps she had inherited that trait from her father, or maybe Amir had given it to her. They both enjoyed learning about new people and new places.
"Maybe I should plan a trip too," she murmured thoughtfully, Jin and Amir on her mind again. It might be nice to get away, especially with the holiday season upon them.
Speaking of the holidays, she turned back to Pak after thanking the book store cashier. "Let's keep wandering," she said. "Maybe I'll find some gift ideas."
That, and of all the stores her father might show up at this would be the one she'd put money on first. Not that they'd run into him, but it was always a possibility here.
So she did not comment on the relationship between them all, particularly since it was a jest. If such an orgy ever happened, well - it would be interesting.
"I will," she said regarding the book. She pulled it from the shelf and held it carefully, thumbing through it. "It looks good to me."
She headed toward the front of the store to pay for her book at the register, attended by an elderly man. She continued to chat with Pak while she paid.
"A trip, where?" she asked. "Anyplace in mind?"
Mara had always loved traveling. It was one of the benefits afforded by immortality - the time to explore their world. Perhaps she had inherited that trait from her father, or maybe Amir had given it to her. They both enjoyed learning about new people and new places.
"Maybe I should plan a trip too," she murmured thoughtfully, Jin and Amir on her mind again. It might be nice to get away, especially with the holiday season upon them.
Speaking of the holidays, she turned back to Pak after thanking the book store cashier. "Let's keep wandering," she said. "Maybe I'll find some gift ideas."
That, and of all the stores her father might show up at this would be the one she'd put money on first. Not that they'd run into him, but it was always a possibility here.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Well France was on her short list right now, but she didn't need either Henri or Mara thinking she was obsessed or a stalker, so it had been crossed off. Most of Europe she wasn't feeling.
"I don't know. Somewhere new I think. Maybe back home or maybe somewhere in South America. I've never seen Machu Picchu."
Of course how any one was going to get up there in the dark was beyond her. Maybe there were some Evenhet down there, they might have some ideas or suggestions. It shouldn't be ruled out entirely. She'd never been to Hawaii either, or Tahiti and she did love Gauguin it might be nice to see where he did so much of his work. That, and Pak was basically a warm weather person so all of these destinations had that in common.
"The three of you could visit Mount Rushmore?"
She said quizzically. Although Pak really was rather curious where they would go. All three of them were so much older than she was and had had a chance to do a great deal more traveling. Certainly they hadn't been every where, that or the every where had changed quite a bit, but it would be harder to find brand new places.
As they walked companionably out into the shops Pak cringed and wrinkled her nose.
"It is that time of year again isn't it? I was sort of hoping the poinsettias and holly were just a new aesthetic."
Maybe this year she'd get a tree for her place and invite people around for the holiday. Maybe Boxing Day, something lower key. She'd work on the idea.
Picking a direction at random Pak glanced at the displays which did seem to be a bit more aggressive and festive than usual.
"I suppose I ought to think about that as well. I wonder if we can find any good wind up toys."
She enjoyed the things, not to the point of obsession but they were interesting and did make decent stocking stuffers.
"I don't know. Somewhere new I think. Maybe back home or maybe somewhere in South America. I've never seen Machu Picchu."
Of course how any one was going to get up there in the dark was beyond her. Maybe there were some Evenhet down there, they might have some ideas or suggestions. It shouldn't be ruled out entirely. She'd never been to Hawaii either, or Tahiti and she did love Gauguin it might be nice to see where he did so much of his work. That, and Pak was basically a warm weather person so all of these destinations had that in common.
"The three of you could visit Mount Rushmore?"
She said quizzically. Although Pak really was rather curious where they would go. All three of them were so much older than she was and had had a chance to do a great deal more traveling. Certainly they hadn't been every where, that or the every where had changed quite a bit, but it would be harder to find brand new places.
As they walked companionably out into the shops Pak cringed and wrinkled her nose.
"It is that time of year again isn't it? I was sort of hoping the poinsettias and holly were just a new aesthetic."
Maybe this year she'd get a tree for her place and invite people around for the holiday. Maybe Boxing Day, something lower key. She'd work on the idea.
Picking a direction at random Pak glanced at the displays which did seem to be a bit more aggressive and festive than usual.
"I suppose I ought to think about that as well. I wonder if we can find any good wind up toys."
She enjoyed the things, not to the point of obsession but they were interesting and did make decent stocking stuffers.
Mara
12 years ago
"Oh South America would be nice," Mara said. "I haven't spent a lot of time there, really."
As they walked through the Mall she pondered where she'd want to go with Jin and Amir. "Someplace new, I suppose," she said. "Maybe someplace none of us have spent much time. South America also... Australia. Hmm, the Netherlands. I bet we could have a great time in Amsterdam."
Did they make marijuana flavored jelly beans? There was a question. Or would catnip flavored be more appropriate?
When Pak commented on the Christmas decorations Mara chuckled. "Well the plants might be a new style but the lights definitely scream 'Christmas.' Speaking of... do you want another drink?"
Mara strode over to Barney's since they were about to pass it again and, tossing her used cup in the recycling, went in to order herself a peppermint hot chocolate. She pointed it out on the menu to Pak. "I can't help it," she said with a little smile. "It's so yummy."
As they went back out Mara asked her friend, "Why wind up toys?" She wasn't opposed to toy shopping though. She might be able to find something cute for the people she loved.
As they walked through the Mall she pondered where she'd want to go with Jin and Amir. "Someplace new, I suppose," she said. "Maybe someplace none of us have spent much time. South America also... Australia. Hmm, the Netherlands. I bet we could have a great time in Amsterdam."
Did they make marijuana flavored jelly beans? There was a question. Or would catnip flavored be more appropriate?
When Pak commented on the Christmas decorations Mara chuckled. "Well the plants might be a new style but the lights definitely scream 'Christmas.' Speaking of... do you want another drink?"
Mara strode over to Barney's since they were about to pass it again and, tossing her used cup in the recycling, went in to order herself a peppermint hot chocolate. She pointed it out on the menu to Pak. "I can't help it," she said with a little smile. "It's so yummy."
As they went back out Mara asked her friend, "Why wind up toys?" She wasn't opposed to toy shopping though. She might be able to find something cute for the people she loved.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"I haven't been to the Netherlands in ages."
It was cold though. Of course if she went in the summer that would take care of that, and there was no need for her to get up and go right now.
"Maybe I should just talk to a travel agent. See what they think. Can you even see the Grand Canyon at night?"
Maybe during a full moon but that brought problems of its own. Not that Pak suspected that there were wolves running rampant about everywhere. She should probably talk to Kem a bit about that, just get an update rather than let her imagination run away with her.
She grinned a little embarrassed at Mara as she quipped about Christmas.
"Where would you buy a tree any way? And live or fake with Mongkut?"
Typically Pak didn't decorate and while she thought she'd try a bit this year she didn't want to cause any problems for her cat. She was very fond of the brown feline, and reasoned that if she kept it to one cat she wasn't the crazy cat lady.
Her eyes lit up at the peppermint hot chocolate, she'd not seen it before.
"Oh yes please."
Undoubtedly Aishe had already seen and sampled it but she might bring it up to her friend just in case it had been missed.
"With the whipped cream of course."
What was the point of never gaining weight if you didn't exploit it now and then.
"I think, primarily because it plays against type. People expect me to get them electronic or USB powered gadgets. Besides there is a lot of inspiration to be had in those clockwork gears."
It was cold though. Of course if she went in the summer that would take care of that, and there was no need for her to get up and go right now.
"Maybe I should just talk to a travel agent. See what they think. Can you even see the Grand Canyon at night?"
Maybe during a full moon but that brought problems of its own. Not that Pak suspected that there were wolves running rampant about everywhere. She should probably talk to Kem a bit about that, just get an update rather than let her imagination run away with her.
She grinned a little embarrassed at Mara as she quipped about Christmas.
"Where would you buy a tree any way? And live or fake with Mongkut?"
Typically Pak didn't decorate and while she thought she'd try a bit this year she didn't want to cause any problems for her cat. She was very fond of the brown feline, and reasoned that if she kept it to one cat she wasn't the crazy cat lady.
Her eyes lit up at the peppermint hot chocolate, she'd not seen it before.
"Oh yes please."
Undoubtedly Aishe had already seen and sampled it but she might bring it up to her friend just in case it had been missed.
"With the whipped cream of course."
What was the point of never gaining weight if you didn't exploit it now and then.
"I think, primarily because it plays against type. People expect me to get them electronic or USB powered gadgets. Besides there is a lot of inspiration to be had in those clockwork gears."
Mara
12 years ago
"Of course you can see the Grand Canyon at night," Mara said. "I'm sure it doesn't disappear in the dark."
She grinned quickly at Pak to show she was teasing and they continued on. "I think you can get a tree just about anywhere. There are lots of little Christmas tree vendors popping up all over the city."
One on every corner, practically, all of them selling trees large and small. Maybe they should get one for their home. The three of them could decorate it together. Mara decided to ask Jin and Amir about it.
Once they both had their hot chocolate and kept walking, Pak explained her reasoning for the wind-up toys. It made sense to her and Mara found it almost cute.
"So there's a store around here we can find toys in?" She looked around. She wasn't entirely familiar with the layout of the Mall, not having spent much time here.
She grinned quickly at Pak to show she was teasing and they continued on. "I think you can get a tree just about anywhere. There are lots of little Christmas tree vendors popping up all over the city."
One on every corner, practically, all of them selling trees large and small. Maybe they should get one for their home. The three of them could decorate it together. Mara decided to ask Jin and Amir about it.
Once they both had their hot chocolate and kept walking, Pak explained her reasoning for the wind-up toys. It made sense to her and Mara found it almost cute.
"So there's a store around here we can find toys in?" She looked around. She wasn't entirely familiar with the layout of the Mall, not having spent much time here.
Pakpao
12 years ago
She was still hung up on the Christmas tree idea and wondered if maybe Eiryk would mind a little extra project. Maybe she could trade him some computer work for a tree and decorations, after all she didn't own any. Perhaps she could get Kem and Aishe one, although with the cat -and- raccoon that might not be a great idea.
"There might be. I honestly can't remember if I saw it here, on the strip or at the regular mall but it was a place called 'The Last Wound Up'. It was all old watches and wind up toys. Really quite charming."
But she couldn't remember where she'd seen it for the life of her, or even when. They could spend half the night looking for it. It might be easier to find the Grand Canyon in the dark.
Pak picked a direction at random and started walking, figuring they would eventually come to one of those ubiquitous 'you are here' signs at some point. As they wandered she did spot Oasis and even from the outside it looked quite soothing and relaxing. Maybe she could get a few gift certificates, it seemed like something everyone could use and it wouldn't take up space or demand to be displayed. Although it wasn't nearly as much fun as a toy or something you didn't need but rather wanted. It was an idea.
"We might have better luck if you were looking for something specific or for some one specific."
The music switched songs, and while it was very tasteful, mellow and not at all over powering it caught Pak's attention nonetheless. Her lips twisted in a wry smile as she remembered being caught in an elevator with Mara during a power outage when it seemed the -only- thing that worked was the damned elevator music and the constant Christmas carols.
"Maybe I should take the stairs back up. Forty two floors isn't that many is it?"
Mara would know better than she would, she made the climb more often.
"There might be. I honestly can't remember if I saw it here, on the strip or at the regular mall but it was a place called 'The Last Wound Up'. It was all old watches and wind up toys. Really quite charming."
But she couldn't remember where she'd seen it for the life of her, or even when. They could spend half the night looking for it. It might be easier to find the Grand Canyon in the dark.
Pak picked a direction at random and started walking, figuring they would eventually come to one of those ubiquitous 'you are here' signs at some point. As they wandered she did spot Oasis and even from the outside it looked quite soothing and relaxing. Maybe she could get a few gift certificates, it seemed like something everyone could use and it wouldn't take up space or demand to be displayed. Although it wasn't nearly as much fun as a toy or something you didn't need but rather wanted. It was an idea.
"We might have better luck if you were looking for something specific or for some one specific."
The music switched songs, and while it was very tasteful, mellow and not at all over powering it caught Pak's attention nonetheless. Her lips twisted in a wry smile as she remembered being caught in an elevator with Mara during a power outage when it seemed the -only- thing that worked was the damned elevator music and the constant Christmas carols.
"Maybe I should take the stairs back up. Forty two floors isn't that many is it?"
Mara would know better than she would, she made the climb more often.
Mara
12 years ago
"Oh how cute," Mara said when Pak told her there was a whole store dedicated to such toys. "That would be fun to visit some time."
They passed a candle store and Mara tugged at Pak's sleeve very gently. "Let's look in there?"
The smell was quiet strong but Mar was used to that; she didn't particularly enjoy the heavy scents of commercial candles but every now and then she found something that wasn't too horribly overwhelming.
"The stairs aren't so bad," Mara said to Pak, "particularly if you are already inside the building."
She usually climbed the fire escape. That was slightly more challenging. She browsed the candles, picking up some lightly scented beeswax tealights. They smelled faintly floral.
"Hmm. I wonder how long it would take for Amir to complain if I lit these at the Manor," she said with a little chuckle. "Although I shouldn't tease; he's pretty patient with me."
And likely her Creator wouldn't complain; Mara would simply find her candle run through with something deadly some day.
They passed a candle store and Mara tugged at Pak's sleeve very gently. "Let's look in there?"
The smell was quiet strong but Mar was used to that; she didn't particularly enjoy the heavy scents of commercial candles but every now and then she found something that wasn't too horribly overwhelming.
"The stairs aren't so bad," Mara said to Pak, "particularly if you are already inside the building."
She usually climbed the fire escape. That was slightly more challenging. She browsed the candles, picking up some lightly scented beeswax tealights. They smelled faintly floral.
"Hmm. I wonder how long it would take for Amir to complain if I lit these at the Manor," she said with a little chuckle. "Although I shouldn't tease; he's pretty patient with me."
And likely her Creator wouldn't complain; Mara would simply find her candle run through with something deadly some day.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"I think it might raise more than a few eyebrows if i entered my own home via the fire escape."
She joked quietly.
Pak had no objections to looking around the candle store and let Mara steer them in side. Once inside, however, she wrinkled her nose at the overwhelming odd combination of smells, 'baked goods' to floral to spice and back again. It really was remarkable the number of scents you could replicate these days. It was to the point that even though she wasn't overly fond of candles Pak would be interested in some of these.
"Would you be able to perfume the whole of the manor with them?"
Although she'd never been inside it seemed unlikley that Mara would be able to scent the whole of the manor. It was hard to imagin the vampires of Anantya letting themselves be packed in like sardines in a place with paper thin walls.
"Besides I'm sure that you're fairly paitent with him too."
Pak had known Amir before Bao and as much as she did like him it wasn't hard to conclude that a certain amount of patientance was required to live with her 'grandfather. Mara, and obviously Jin, found Amir woth the effort though.
She joked quietly.
Pak had no objections to looking around the candle store and let Mara steer them in side. Once inside, however, she wrinkled her nose at the overwhelming odd combination of smells, 'baked goods' to floral to spice and back again. It really was remarkable the number of scents you could replicate these days. It was to the point that even though she wasn't overly fond of candles Pak would be interested in some of these.
"Would you be able to perfume the whole of the manor with them?"
Although she'd never been inside it seemed unlikley that Mara would be able to scent the whole of the manor. It was hard to imagin the vampires of Anantya letting themselves be packed in like sardines in a place with paper thin walls.
"Besides I'm sure that you're fairly paitent with him too."
Pak had known Amir before Bao and as much as she did like him it wasn't hard to conclude that a certain amount of patientance was required to live with her 'grandfather. Mara, and obviously Jin, found Amir woth the effort though.
Mara
12 years ago
"And since when do you care about anyone raising eyebrows at you?" Mara arched her own brows at Pak. Her friend wasn't the type to really care for the opinions of strangers. She didn't think Pak had undergone a radical personality shift since the last time they'd seen each other.
She held an evergreen candle up and sniffed it, without bringing it too close to her nose. "Hmm. That's nice," she said, offering it to Pak. "Like Christmas."
She paused to consider the idea of lighting up the whole Manor before moving on to the next fragrance. She had, perhaps, five minutes in this store until the scents were just too much for her. Mara didn't particularly mind them though; truth be told she often enjoyed sorting through the complex depths to pinpoint one in particular. It was good practice if nothing else. Maybe more than five minutes, then.
"We could put them throughout the Manor, of course," she said, "but it would take a lot of candles. I was thinking of a nice one for our suite. It isn't large, one candle would do."
Amir's den was cozy for the three of them, a snuggly little retreat. Mara thought they might enjoy a flickering candle flame. Amir preferred it dark and cool inside and the darkness suited his somewhat more light-sensitive companions very well.
She sampled several more candles, considering each one. "I think I like that pine scented one," she said. "So far."
When Pak stated that she was patient with Amir Mara lifted one shoulder. "He isn't so bad," she said, the corner of her mouth quirking up on one side. "I think he comes off a lot worse than he really is. Especially... recently."
Mara didn't expect Pak to know a anything about Amir's trials with his own Creator or the personality changes he himself was experiencing. Not so much a change, as a return to his original self. He was, if not exactly 'softer,' much more open to accepting other peoples' way of thinking. And he wasn't entirely afraid to depend on Jin and Mara, although his pride and stubbornness still ran strong. It seemed those traits were wholly Amir.
Grinning at Pak, Mara added, "I did get him to vacuum the other day. He looked - unhappy - about it, but I couldn't wait for the cleaners to come in. Oh, try this one."
She held her current candle up for Pak. This one was 'Log Cabin' and smelled surprisingly like cedar with a little hint of wood smoke as if from a fireplace. Mara considered it next to the evergreen candle and decided she liked both.
She held an evergreen candle up and sniffed it, without bringing it too close to her nose. "Hmm. That's nice," she said, offering it to Pak. "Like Christmas."
She paused to consider the idea of lighting up the whole Manor before moving on to the next fragrance. She had, perhaps, five minutes in this store until the scents were just too much for her. Mara didn't particularly mind them though; truth be told she often enjoyed sorting through the complex depths to pinpoint one in particular. It was good practice if nothing else. Maybe more than five minutes, then.
"We could put them throughout the Manor, of course," she said, "but it would take a lot of candles. I was thinking of a nice one for our suite. It isn't large, one candle would do."
Amir's den was cozy for the three of them, a snuggly little retreat. Mara thought they might enjoy a flickering candle flame. Amir preferred it dark and cool inside and the darkness suited his somewhat more light-sensitive companions very well.
She sampled several more candles, considering each one. "I think I like that pine scented one," she said. "So far."
When Pak stated that she was patient with Amir Mara lifted one shoulder. "He isn't so bad," she said, the corner of her mouth quirking up on one side. "I think he comes off a lot worse than he really is. Especially... recently."
Mara didn't expect Pak to know a anything about Amir's trials with his own Creator or the personality changes he himself was experiencing. Not so much a change, as a return to his original self. He was, if not exactly 'softer,' much more open to accepting other peoples' way of thinking. And he wasn't entirely afraid to depend on Jin and Mara, although his pride and stubbornness still ran strong. It seemed those traits were wholly Amir.
Grinning at Pak, Mara added, "I did get him to vacuum the other day. He looked - unhappy - about it, but I couldn't wait for the cleaners to come in. Oh, try this one."
She held her current candle up for Pak. This one was 'Log Cabin' and smelled surprisingly like cedar with a little hint of wood smoke as if from a fireplace. Mara considered it next to the evergreen candle and decided she liked both.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Some day Pak was going to see the inside of the Manor, she rather wanted to for curiosity's sake if nothing else. Although she knew it had to be all cliches it was hard not to picture Anantya's strong hold more in line with vampire stereotypes. It would undoubtedly -not- be dark dank and dusty and there would be very few, if any, that spoke with a Transylvanian accent or wore capes. Pak did allow, however, that there might be one or two who did one or both of those things. The capes though, she didn't judge they were comfortable and practical and she was rather sorry they had fallen out of fashion.
"Mood lighting?"
She said with a playful quirk of her eyebrow.
"Dimmer switches are effective too you know."
But she smelled the pine candle and nodded rather pleased, it was clear and fresh rather than artificial and over powering. She didn't, however, feel the need to get one. Pak had developed a preference for the artificial candles, especially the remote controlled LED ones that flickered and could be done in several colors. She found other ways to bring subtle scent in to her rooms when she wanted.
The recently caught her attention but she had a feeling that Mara wouldn't much want to discuss that. Still she couldn't -not- ask but she did try and do so in a round about way.
"So he's gotten to be a softy all of a sudden but still keeps the growl and grumble? Sensible."
Truthfully she did think it was sensible. Pak didn't like people knowing exactly what went on in her head or how she really felt most of the time. It was too easy to take advantage of that knowledge. Only those she truly trusted got to see her more hesitant and fragile sides and even they somethings had to see past the bluster.
"Vacuum? And why couldn't you wait? But really? That is relatively impressive. Did you have to bribe or threaten or a combination there of?"
Pak said before sniffing at the other candle. She wrinkled her nose and considered. The smokiness she didn't really like but the ceder reminded her of her old steamer trunks, they had been cedar lined and she'd taken the one every where when she'd been traveling back in the day.
"I don't know about that one. Maybe something cleaner?"
She ambled off a bit on her own picking up, smelling and setting down at random finally stumbling on one that made her pause. It had a spicy woodsy smell too it. The label proclaimed it to be 'pink pepper', which sounded ridiculous, but it did smell good.
"How about this one?"
"Mood lighting?"
She said with a playful quirk of her eyebrow.
"Dimmer switches are effective too you know."
But she smelled the pine candle and nodded rather pleased, it was clear and fresh rather than artificial and over powering. She didn't, however, feel the need to get one. Pak had developed a preference for the artificial candles, especially the remote controlled LED ones that flickered and could be done in several colors. She found other ways to bring subtle scent in to her rooms when she wanted.
The recently caught her attention but she had a feeling that Mara wouldn't much want to discuss that. Still she couldn't -not- ask but she did try and do so in a round about way.
"So he's gotten to be a softy all of a sudden but still keeps the growl and grumble? Sensible."
Truthfully she did think it was sensible. Pak didn't like people knowing exactly what went on in her head or how she really felt most of the time. It was too easy to take advantage of that knowledge. Only those she truly trusted got to see her more hesitant and fragile sides and even they somethings had to see past the bluster.
"Vacuum? And why couldn't you wait? But really? That is relatively impressive. Did you have to bribe or threaten or a combination there of?"
Pak said before sniffing at the other candle. She wrinkled her nose and considered. The smokiness she didn't really like but the ceder reminded her of her old steamer trunks, they had been cedar lined and she'd taken the one every where when she'd been traveling back in the day.
"I don't know about that one. Maybe something cleaner?"
She ambled off a bit on her own picking up, smelling and setting down at random finally stumbling on one that made her pause. It had a spicy woodsy smell too it. The label proclaimed it to be 'pink pepper', which sounded ridiculous, but it did smell good.
"How about this one?"
Mara
12 years ago
Mara shook her head at Pak; the candles were neither mood lighting nor a downgrade. "These would probably be brighter than we usually have it," she mused, looking at the candle wick. She turned to Pak and lifted a shoulder. Then she indicated her eye with one perfectly manicured fingernail, showing her friend the barely visible line of a contact lens. She figured Pak realized they were there since her eyes were currently a very pretty dark hazel and they normally weren't, but what Pak probably didn't know was that they weren't just to hide her abnormally pale eyes.
"I do not like bright lights," Mara said with a smile. "They hurt my eyes. And Amir and Jin are just fine with the dark, so it is usually quite cozy inside for us."
She certainly wasn't going to reveal, even to her close friend, that the current Elder of the Night shared the same affliction as she. Mara was being careful; Pak probably didn't know who the Anantya Elders were. Or maybe she did. Even so it was a personal detail about Jin that did not need to be mentioned.
When Pak inquired about Amir in a roundabout way Mara felt slightly guilty; there was another story she wasn't about to tell. Lies came easily to her though; she wasn't a Nightswoman for nothing. She didn't feel guilty at all about keeping the truth from Pak. Some things just didn't need to be common knowledge.
"Well," she said, smiling slyly at Pak, "he was without relationship for a very long time. The combined affections of two very snuggly people have certainly had an effect on him."
Let Pak think Amir's 'softening' was the result of frequent physical attention; it wouldn't be that far off the mark. Mara could remember one or two incredibly searing hot kisses before Amir had been freed that were certainly a side of the Huntsman she hadn't witnessed firsthand before.
As to the case of the vacuum cleaner, that definitely did not need to be hidden and Mara laughed softly. "Dodger knocked over a flower pot," she said. "There was soil all over the place. I wasn't about to leave it, so while I cleaned up the mischief-maker Amir was kind enough to clean up the spill."
She had shown Pakpao pictures of her stray kitten whom Jin had named appropriately. The little monster was full grown now but still young enough to get into plenty of messes.
As they went back to discussing candles Mara kept the Log Cabin one with her. She did like the smoky scent of it. She could smell the pink peppercorn from a reasonable distance away, however, and shook her head. "Oh no," she said. "Too spicy."
In the end, she took both the evergreen and log cabin candles as well as a 'rainstorm' scented one. They were all strong, to her nose, but their house was quite large. If she placed them in one of the rooms less frequented they would still be able to catch a whiff of fragrance that shouldn't be overpowering. That was the plan, anyway. Perhaps it would work. Perhaps Dodger would burn their house down.
Maybe she should remember to close the doors.
"I do not like bright lights," Mara said with a smile. "They hurt my eyes. And Amir and Jin are just fine with the dark, so it is usually quite cozy inside for us."
She certainly wasn't going to reveal, even to her close friend, that the current Elder of the Night shared the same affliction as she. Mara was being careful; Pak probably didn't know who the Anantya Elders were. Or maybe she did. Even so it was a personal detail about Jin that did not need to be mentioned.
When Pak inquired about Amir in a roundabout way Mara felt slightly guilty; there was another story she wasn't about to tell. Lies came easily to her though; she wasn't a Nightswoman for nothing. She didn't feel guilty at all about keeping the truth from Pak. Some things just didn't need to be common knowledge.
"Well," she said, smiling slyly at Pak, "he was without relationship for a very long time. The combined affections of two very snuggly people have certainly had an effect on him."
Let Pak think Amir's 'softening' was the result of frequent physical attention; it wouldn't be that far off the mark. Mara could remember one or two incredibly searing hot kisses before Amir had been freed that were certainly a side of the Huntsman she hadn't witnessed firsthand before.
As to the case of the vacuum cleaner, that definitely did not need to be hidden and Mara laughed softly. "Dodger knocked over a flower pot," she said. "There was soil all over the place. I wasn't about to leave it, so while I cleaned up the mischief-maker Amir was kind enough to clean up the spill."
She had shown Pakpao pictures of her stray kitten whom Jin had named appropriately. The little monster was full grown now but still young enough to get into plenty of messes.
As they went back to discussing candles Mara kept the Log Cabin one with her. She did like the smoky scent of it. She could smell the pink peppercorn from a reasonable distance away, however, and shook her head. "Oh no," she said. "Too spicy."
In the end, she took both the evergreen and log cabin candles as well as a 'rainstorm' scented one. They were all strong, to her nose, but their house was quite large. If she placed them in one of the rooms less frequented they would still be able to catch a whiff of fragrance that shouldn't be overpowering. That was the plan, anyway. Perhaps it would work. Perhaps Dodger would burn their house down.
Maybe she should remember to close the doors.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak just nodded. She knew that some vampires didn't tolerate bright light well. She was only glad that she was not among them. It would be very difficult to do her work, which often required hours and hours of monitor time, if she couldn't deal with bright lights.
"Well as long as no one is stubbing their toes or knocking over priceless treasures."
That was said, obviously, in jest. They, as a whole, were inclined to better night vision. It happened she, supposed, as either a combination of over all enhanced senses or just as a matter of becoming equipped to hunt at night. So there was certainly no reason to question Mara further on the subject.
She gave a little chuffing laugh at the idea of Amir dealing with rather physical people. The answer made sense and even inclined her to think that Amir was a bit more of a pussy cat under his tough exterior. One didn't tolerate such displays of affection unless they were welcome. Although, she doubted he'd accept such a demonstration from her or a random person on the street.
Now that was something she could understand and laugh at; her own roommate caused his own share of challenges.
"I was rather hoping he had tracked mud in and you made him clean up after himself, but..." She grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "Did the plant come through alright?"
Pak left the store without making a purchase and started them back into the mall.
"I could use some more origami paper."
She said rather absently while still keeping her eyes peeled for her wind up toy store.
"You know I've never asked you how you met Jin."
If she was going to meet a decent guy it might pay to find out how Mara found one. Obviously it had to be Jin as Pak was certainly not going to be getting involved with her own creator.
"Well as long as no one is stubbing their toes or knocking over priceless treasures."
That was said, obviously, in jest. They, as a whole, were inclined to better night vision. It happened she, supposed, as either a combination of over all enhanced senses or just as a matter of becoming equipped to hunt at night. So there was certainly no reason to question Mara further on the subject.
She gave a little chuffing laugh at the idea of Amir dealing with rather physical people. The answer made sense and even inclined her to think that Amir was a bit more of a pussy cat under his tough exterior. One didn't tolerate such displays of affection unless they were welcome. Although, she doubted he'd accept such a demonstration from her or a random person on the street.
Now that was something she could understand and laugh at; her own roommate caused his own share of challenges.
"I was rather hoping he had tracked mud in and you made him clean up after himself, but..." She grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "Did the plant come through alright?"
Pak left the store without making a purchase and started them back into the mall.
"I could use some more origami paper."
She said rather absently while still keeping her eyes peeled for her wind up toy store.
"You know I've never asked you how you met Jin."
If she was going to meet a decent guy it might pay to find out how Mara found one. Obviously it had to be Jin as Pak was certainly not going to be getting involved with her own creator.
Mara
12 years ago
"You were hoping he'd brought mud in?" Mara tilted her head at Pak. Why would she wish for such a thing? She shook her head though. "No, Amir is quite fastidious actually. He may be able to pull off the rebellious teenager look but of the three of us he tends to be the most compulsive about organization. Everything he owns has a place and he is incredibly stubborn about maintaining order."
She smiled; she and Jin were, fortunately, very neat keepers. But of the three it was definitely Amir who was, dare she say it, anal. She had had a very long time to get used to his habits, though.
"The flower survived, miraculously. It was an orchid, a very lovely one. I repotted it and it seems to be doing just fine. I have moved it to a much more Dodger-safe room though."
As they headed out, Mara tucked her candles into the bag with her book. She followed Pak and looked one way, then the other. "Wasn't there a stationery store around here? Would they have origami paper?"
She lifted her shoulders in a little shrug and continued to walk with Pak. Pak lived here; surely she knew where to find what she wanted. When she asked how Mara had met Jin, though, Mara laughed softly.
"You were there when we met, actually," Mara said. "It was at the Halloween party at Holy Oaks a couple of years back. We'd known each other beforehand but we hadn't spent much time together. That was the first time. And it was surprisingly fun. Amir asked Jin to be my date, in return for his partnering with Jin's daughter."
She smiled; she and Jin were, fortunately, very neat keepers. But of the three it was definitely Amir who was, dare she say it, anal. She had had a very long time to get used to his habits, though.
"The flower survived, miraculously. It was an orchid, a very lovely one. I repotted it and it seems to be doing just fine. I have moved it to a much more Dodger-safe room though."
As they headed out, Mara tucked her candles into the bag with her book. She followed Pak and looked one way, then the other. "Wasn't there a stationery store around here? Would they have origami paper?"
She lifted her shoulders in a little shrug and continued to walk with Pak. Pak lived here; surely she knew where to find what she wanted. When she asked how Mara had met Jin, though, Mara laughed softly.
"You were there when we met, actually," Mara said. "It was at the Halloween party at Holy Oaks a couple of years back. We'd known each other beforehand but we hadn't spent much time together. That was the first time. And it was surprisingly fun. Amir asked Jin to be my date, in return for his partnering with Jin's daughter."
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak just shrugged. It was hard to explain why she would find Amir making a mess amusing. What little bit she knew about him she knew that was against his nature and so seeing him do something like that would be rather amusing. It didn't matter though so she didn't try and elaborate.
"I do like Orchids, I just don't have much of a green thumb, they tend to die on me."
Pak stuck to lucky bamboo and the holographic flower Artemis had given her. It had been a very thoughtful gift and they had parted on good enough terms that she could enjoy it and even smile when it made her think of him. It was one of the things that she had been absolutely adamant that Eiryk not get rid of or hide in one of the back rooms.
"There is and they do, but it isn't quite what I want. There is a specialty store off the strip I'll have to hit up in the next day or two."
It wasn't something that she was worried about, more like a mental note.
She started a bit remembering the even and Jin and Mara there.
"That was your first date?!" She exclaimed. "I didn't realize you'd been together that long. And that is so sweet Amir set you up?"
Pak assumed that going out with Jin's daughter had either been work, strictly a favor, or an emergency back up date thing. Obviously it hadn't been serious as Amir was now hooked up with the girl's father, but that was neither here nor there really.
"Do you suppose Bao might set me up with one of his sons? I might get lucky."
It was very clearly teasing and not at all serious, she even made a bit of a face. Pak knew she had brothers, she would even recognize their names but she also had slowly come to understand they tended to be as reserved and serious as Bao was. At least that is how Bao portrayed them.
"I do like Orchids, I just don't have much of a green thumb, they tend to die on me."
Pak stuck to lucky bamboo and the holographic flower Artemis had given her. It had been a very thoughtful gift and they had parted on good enough terms that she could enjoy it and even smile when it made her think of him. It was one of the things that she had been absolutely adamant that Eiryk not get rid of or hide in one of the back rooms.
"There is and they do, but it isn't quite what I want. There is a specialty store off the strip I'll have to hit up in the next day or two."
It wasn't something that she was worried about, more like a mental note.
She started a bit remembering the even and Jin and Mara there.
"That was your first date?!" She exclaimed. "I didn't realize you'd been together that long. And that is so sweet Amir set you up?"
Pak assumed that going out with Jin's daughter had either been work, strictly a favor, or an emergency back up date thing. Obviously it hadn't been serious as Amir was now hooked up with the girl's father, but that was neither here nor there really.
"Do you suppose Bao might set me up with one of his sons? I might get lucky."
It was very clearly teasing and not at all serious, she even made a bit of a face. Pak knew she had brothers, she would even recognize their names but she also had slowly come to understand they tended to be as reserved and serious as Bao was. At least that is how Bao portrayed them.
Mara
12 years ago
Mara grinned sheepishly at Pakpao. "I'm not sure I have a green thumb either," she said. "It's still alive but I'm not willing to take on anymore plant projects. I'll leave the gardening to Amir or Jin, if they like."
Amir certainly wasn't about to garden. He did, however, have a very nice observatory now which he'd equipped with everything he needed to stargaze. He could be found there on many clear nights, and Mara and Jin joined him often. The recent meteor shower, in fact, had been fun to watch through his telescope.
Pak's surprise at Mara's disclosure was amusing. Mara held her hands out, as if to say 'no.' Laughing softly she corrected her friend. "No, no, not a date, technically. Jin had asked Amir to accompany his daughter and Amir thought I could simply go with Jin as a partner. I don't think he expected us to hit it off." She felt herself blushing. "I didn't even expect us to hit it off. I mean, I wasn't looking for anyone... I had Amir... sort of. But he encouraged us and we did start dating after that."
She shrugged and spread her hands, "and here we are."
Mara knew Pak wasn't serious about being set up with Bao's sons. She had, however, said she would keep an eye out for a suitable romance for Pak. She lifted her eyebrows. "You might get along with one of Amir's others, however."
Between Mara and Bao there was a male vampire. After Bao had come a woman and two more men. Aside from her own father, Amir's vampires were all loyal to their Creator to a fault. They did not work as closely with him as Mara and Bao did, obviously, but they did work with him a lot and Mara knew them all fairly well.
"His second youngest, in particular, is a Dhivehi named Ran. I think the two of you could be friends, at the very least - and Ran is not hard on the eyes at all. He's a technology junkie; in fact that's a lot of what he does now. But he has, well, an interesting sense of humor. And he's almost bubbly. I think he'd be good for you."
She hadn't really considered Ran's potential as a lover before. Mara tended not to think of people in sexual terms since she herself had been so long without an understanding of how that could be. But now that she thought about it, Ran might make a good partner for Pakpao. He was currently single, unless he'd hooked up with someone recently which wouldn't be hard for Ran to do. Women flocked to him, usually.
"He's not in America, obviously. He's currently in Japan, I believe, but he moves around a good deal. I might be able to convince him to come for a visit if you like."
Mara looked at her friend to see how Pak was taking this suggestion. She didn't think Pak would be against just meeting someone. And Ran, well, Ran was never opposed to making new acquaintances. Bao - well. Who knew how Bao would take it if Ran took a liking to his daughter. That could stir up a hornet's nest, couldn't it. Ran and Bao didn't always see eye to eye. They were 'siblings' though, and loyalty to Amir went a long way.
Amir certainly wasn't about to garden. He did, however, have a very nice observatory now which he'd equipped with everything he needed to stargaze. He could be found there on many clear nights, and Mara and Jin joined him often. The recent meteor shower, in fact, had been fun to watch through his telescope.
Pak's surprise at Mara's disclosure was amusing. Mara held her hands out, as if to say 'no.' Laughing softly she corrected her friend. "No, no, not a date, technically. Jin had asked Amir to accompany his daughter and Amir thought I could simply go with Jin as a partner. I don't think he expected us to hit it off." She felt herself blushing. "I didn't even expect us to hit it off. I mean, I wasn't looking for anyone... I had Amir... sort of. But he encouraged us and we did start dating after that."
She shrugged and spread her hands, "and here we are."
Mara knew Pak wasn't serious about being set up with Bao's sons. She had, however, said she would keep an eye out for a suitable romance for Pak. She lifted her eyebrows. "You might get along with one of Amir's others, however."
Between Mara and Bao there was a male vampire. After Bao had come a woman and two more men. Aside from her own father, Amir's vampires were all loyal to their Creator to a fault. They did not work as closely with him as Mara and Bao did, obviously, but they did work with him a lot and Mara knew them all fairly well.
"His second youngest, in particular, is a Dhivehi named Ran. I think the two of you could be friends, at the very least - and Ran is not hard on the eyes at all. He's a technology junkie; in fact that's a lot of what he does now. But he has, well, an interesting sense of humor. And he's almost bubbly. I think he'd be good for you."
She hadn't really considered Ran's potential as a lover before. Mara tended not to think of people in sexual terms since she herself had been so long without an understanding of how that could be. But now that she thought about it, Ran might make a good partner for Pakpao. He was currently single, unless he'd hooked up with someone recently which wouldn't be hard for Ran to do. Women flocked to him, usually.
"He's not in America, obviously. He's currently in Japan, I believe, but he moves around a good deal. I might be able to convince him to come for a visit if you like."
Mara looked at her friend to see how Pak was taking this suggestion. She didn't think Pak would be against just meeting someone. And Ran, well, Ran was never opposed to making new acquaintances. Bao - well. Who knew how Bao would take it if Ran took a liking to his daughter. That could stir up a hornet's nest, couldn't it. Ran and Bao didn't always see eye to eye. They were 'siblings' though, and loyalty to Amir went a long way.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"Well they say these things happen when you're not looking. Not that I'm sure who 'they' are..."
And she hadn't been looking for years and hadn't found anything. Of course, she had been more or less actively looking away and as such that probably wasn't too fair for her to say. So she didn't.
"Good. Every one needs someone that supportive in their life."
She, had Kem. Pak had discovered that life was a little better when you had at least one person you could depend on no matter what. This must be why they had formed the clans in the first place. Eternity was a long time to face alone and out living friends and lovers got quite disheartening.
"Other what?"
Oh... other children. That would be what, her uncle? She really did have to stop thinking in terms of traditional family trees.
Divehi was not a term Pak was familiar with, she'd have to Google it later. The way Mara said it though she assumed it was an ethnicity or a religion. Neither terribly mattered to Pak as long as it didn't require the man to wear live wombats from his ear lobes (which would probably hurt like hell and be -highly- impractical) she just didn't care. After all she found men from Amir to Eiryk to be attractive so she covered the gamete in terms of personality, appearance and culture.
"Bubbly? Amir turned someone bubbly? Or did that happen after the fact?"
Bao had told her a bit about spending time with Amir, learning etc, and she was having a hard, but amusing time, picturing Amir dealing long term with a bubbly personality.
Still, Pak was intrigued and she let that show on her face. At least this time she felt like she was taking a more active part in the match making process. She couldn't quite justify dragging some one to Nachton from Japan though and said so.
"If he wanders in to town at some point I wouldn't be opposed to saying hello, but Tokyo is a long way to come for a cup of coffee even if you can fly in first class."
And she hadn't been looking for years and hadn't found anything. Of course, she had been more or less actively looking away and as such that probably wasn't too fair for her to say. So she didn't.
"Good. Every one needs someone that supportive in their life."
She, had Kem. Pak had discovered that life was a little better when you had at least one person you could depend on no matter what. This must be why they had formed the clans in the first place. Eternity was a long time to face alone and out living friends and lovers got quite disheartening.
"Other what?"
Oh... other children. That would be what, her uncle? She really did have to stop thinking in terms of traditional family trees.
Divehi was not a term Pak was familiar with, she'd have to Google it later. The way Mara said it though she assumed it was an ethnicity or a religion. Neither terribly mattered to Pak as long as it didn't require the man to wear live wombats from his ear lobes (which would probably hurt like hell and be -highly- impractical) she just didn't care. After all she found men from Amir to Eiryk to be attractive so she covered the gamete in terms of personality, appearance and culture.
"Bubbly? Amir turned someone bubbly? Or did that happen after the fact?"
Bao had told her a bit about spending time with Amir, learning etc, and she was having a hard, but amusing time, picturing Amir dealing long term with a bubbly personality.
Still, Pak was intrigued and she let that show on her face. At least this time she felt like she was taking a more active part in the match making process. She couldn't quite justify dragging some one to Nachton from Japan though and said so.
"If he wanders in to town at some point I wouldn't be opposed to saying hello, but Tokyo is a long way to come for a cup of coffee even if you can fly in first class."