Welcome to Gaia! ::

Albaine: *wanders into the clearing*

I choose you, Ryo!
*Dramatic pose strike*

Ryo: *Arches a brow and just stares at Ishie. Shakes his head before tucking his hands into the pockets of his khaki shorts before walking away. His flips flops making slapping noises as the smack against the soles of his feet. Pulls out a hand to wave at Albaine when he notices the other male*

Albaine: *waves back* Hello. How're you?

Ryo: Hot, you?

Albaine: I'm alright. *thinks* Ran back into the acquaintances who weren't around in a while.

Ryo: Are you referring to the females that you were usually seen speaking with?

Albaine: Yes, those acquaintances.

Ryo: *Would ask about them, but figures it's none of his business* Was it nice to see them again?

Albaine: *nods* Nice to see that they're alright. Though I'd figured they were.

Ryo: They always seemed like women that could take care of themselves *Despite him having had to help Nek out of her own whip at one point* Done any searching for vacant homes yet?

Albaine: They are. Probably better than I can for the most part. *recalling the serious cut to his teleportation skills, and nods to the question* Trying to track down Riri so I can get that book of hers.

Ryo: He can usually be found at the Main Building, he's rarely seen out here anymore

Albaine: Ah, I'll have to go look then.

Ryo: Luckily it's not that hard to miss. *Crosses his arms* Just don't stick around to long once you've got what you need

Albaine: Wasn't really planning on it, I try to avoid human houses I'm not used to.

Ryo: Not just that. All those outfits and other various toys, along with all of Ishie and Riri's weaponry, is kept in the Main Building.

Albaine: Ooh, so if I stick around I'll probably have an unpleasant experience. *frowns*

Ryo: *Nods* More than likely

Albaine: Well, I'll keep my visit short. *glad he's only going there for an errand*

Ryo: And while this warning may seem odd, don't go through any odd doors

Albaine: Odd doors?

Ryo: Doors in places where they seem like they shouldn't be. Trust me, you don't want to know what's on the other side

Albaine: ...okay, I'll avoid doors on the ceilings and floors then. Or just avoid exploring in general.



Albaine: *spots the building and looks at it a bit nervously, wondering whether to knock or just open the door as he walks toward it*

-Slowly slides over to a window and peeks from behind a curtain-

Albaine: *at the door, and decides to try knocking first*

-Scoots from the window and scuttles over to answer the door, but only opens it by a crack- Can I help you?

Albaine: I heard you had a book of vacant houses?

-Raises a brow while tapping fingers along the door- And what if I do?

Albaine: May I see it? I'm planning on moving out and it'd be easier than searching randomly around the island for a vacant one.

-Looks around for a moment before swinging the door open- Fine, but only cause you amuse me. -Scuttles off to a receptionist like area and digs around behind the desk-

Albaine: ...? Alright. *wonders what's so amusing about him, but decides not to question it as he stands in the doorway like a nervous squirrel who sees some nuts on the table, minus the nervous part*

-Slowly rises from behind the desk and stares at him- ...You want me to come over there and be a delivery boy for you?


Albaine: *shakes his head* You don't have to do that. *walks in and shuts the door behind him, resuming his wait inside*

-Slams the book on to the desk and rests against the cover- You going to come over here?

Albaine: *had started walked over when the book was placed on the desk, keeping the annoyance out of his voice* That was my intention. *right at the desk, waiting for Riri to stop resting on the book*

Well then you should have hurried you little tushie up. -Slides off the book and cracks it open- Have fun~

Albaine: *takes the book, and nods* Thank you. *starts looking through it for one that looks interesting* ... *looks over the few houses he had in mind again a couple times, nods as he chooses one* I think I'll pick this one. Thanks again.


owo
You going to break in to the house? -Digs around a box and holds up a key- Or will you be legal and use this?

Albaine: *shakes his head, recalling with amusement the couple times he did forget to take the key before leaving* Nah, I'll use the key. *reaches out to take the key, handing back the book in exchange*

*Albaine takes the key, gives back the book, says goodbye, and leaves the building*



Albaine: *heads back to the house to make a tally of the things he'll be bringing along and to tell Evan*

Evan: *in the living room reading a book as he waits until he's tired enough to go to bed, looks up when he hears the door and smiles when he sees Albaine* Hey Dad!

Albaine: *smiles back* Hello. *holds up the key* I dropped by the main building and got a house. I was just thinking of going to check it out. Want to come along?

Evan: *nods* Yeah. biggrin

Albaine: *nods* Alright then, let's go. *opens the door and waits up for Evan*

Evan: *puts the book down and heads outside* So where is it?

Albaine: *points* It should be over in that direction. A house in the middle of a clearing? Seemed pretty nice. *starts heading that way*

Evan: *walks beside Albaine, thinks* Huh, I'm surprised I didn't run into it. I'm pretty sure I went over that way once. >>

Albaine: *shrugs* Might've just missed it? For all I know the houses materialize out of nowhere once the key's given out.

Evan: That'd be kinda weird. O_o I don't think it works like that.

Albaine: Never know, the humans here are weird themselves.

Evan: Yeah, I guess. Still a bit of a hard concept to wrap my head around though.

Albaine: *shrugs* I'm not really going to worry about it. No reason to.

Evan: So when are you planning on moving in?

Albaine: I was thinking about moving in after you're all grown. Why, did you want to move out of the house too?

Evan: I was just wondering. 3nodding Though it'd be pretty cool to stay in your house for a little while until I'm old enough to move out myself.

Albaine: Wouldn't mind living in a different house as Kendria and Wikvaya?

Evan: *shakes his head* Nah, we mostly hang out outside of the house anyway.

Albaine: Well, I definitely wouldn't mind moving out sooner than expected if the house doesn't have any real major issues. It isn't as if I'd have a lot of stuff to pack.

Evan: Me either. *looks over* Is that it right there? *1 floor little white house with a gray-ish "^" roof angled toward the front, and a small porch*

Albaine: *nods* Yep.

Evan: Cool. ^^ It does look nice. Know what you're going to do with it?

Albaine: ...live in it?

Evan: Well, I mean I think would it would a bit plain without furniture.

Albaine: Oh. True. *frowns at the idea of having to talk to Sara about furniture if there isn't already some inside, peeks in a window some to check but can't really see very well through the blinds and curtains* Well, there are curtains at least. *goes to open the door*

Evan: *inspects the windows* Hey, they're not cracked or anything. That's good. *laughs* Maybe it did materialize out of nowhere.

Albaine: *chuckles some* I don't think we could judge that solely on the windows, I haven't really seen any kids around who go around throwing rocks. *finally gets the key to work, unlocking the door* Stupid key. *walks inside*

Evan: *walks in after Albaine* Hard to unlock the door?

Albaine: *nods* Seems like the locksmith who made the key didn't make it perfectly. Still works though. I'll get used to it, even if I don't actually need it. *flicks a lightswitch on the wall, wondering why the home has electricity but dismissing it as Sara's house had it, figuring that all the houses must somehow be in the same underground system*

Evan: *looks around* Hey, furniture. *smiles* You lucked out. biggrin

Albaine: *smiles, nods* Indeed. Pretty neutral colors too, a white sofa and chair, wooden tables and chairs, a white rug that matches the curtains...good thing the floor's wooden tiles or it'd be too much white.

Evan: *laughs* Well, white's not really something bad, is it?

Albaine: *shrugs* Hospitals are rather white. Least it looks like a home and not a hospital. *heads toward the kitchen, turns on the light and noting blue tiled floor, a gas stove on the left side, a white refridgerator, a sink on the right side, a couple wooden shelves along with a few cabinets, opens the to make sure there's nothing strange in them, and is glad when he doesn't really find anything*

Evan: *walks around, finding a bathroom with a stange tan/white rectangle and square tile pattern, a shelf over the toilet, a towel rank on the other side, a medicine cabinet over the sink, and a bathtub with a showerhead, calls out* The bathroom looks pretty normal.

Albaine: Didn't really expect anything strange. It's just a bathroom. *does a quick inspection of the bedrooms, finding nothing strange, and opens a door he thinks is a closet, to discover instead a basement* Huh, that's new.

Evan: What? *goes to check it out* It's a basement. *wonders what's so strange about a basement.

Albaine: Oh, I know. I just don't recall ever living in a house with one. *descends the stairs* If what I remember about basements is correct, it'll probably flood when it rains a lot.

Evan: *shrugs* I dunno. Maybe. xd *looks over at a supply of canned food stored within the basement* Well, they left us food. ^^

Albaine: Hm, so they did. There was some canned food in the cabinets too. *wonders in passing if he shoud trust it*

Evan: Maybe this was the home of a survivalist who wanted to use it as a hideout if there was ever a war where he lived. ninja

Albaine: I'd hope not. He'd probably have a gun and not be pleased when he finds somebody living here.

Evan: Could check the dates on the cans to see how old it is...oh, but I guess there's always that chance he could be an immortal like you.

Albaine: There's also the chance whatever war he was hoping to escape got him in the end anyways. Or maybe this is just one of the humans trying to either be nice or make me more paranoid than I already am.

Evan: Well, least it's there in case you're horrible at fishing and it's out of season for berries and stuff. 3nodding *starts heading back up the stairs* So we're moving in?

Albaine: *nods* Yeah. *walks up the steps and joins Evan outside, locking the door as he leaves* Not that I think anybody'd find it in the time we leave and come back, but I'd rather not take a chance if I can avoid it.

Evan: I'd be surprised if somebody did. Oo Probably mean that somebody was stalking us. Good at it too. >>

Albaine: *sighs* I'd rather not talk about stalkers if I can help it.

Evan: Oh, right. sweatdrop The house is nice though.

Albaine: It is. Well, it's actually pretty generic but the location's nice, and I like how quiet it is compared to what I'd gotten used to.

Evan: Wasn't there a fireplace in the living room?

Albaine: *thinks* ...was there?

Evan: Yeah, there was. *looks behind him, the house still a bit visible* I mean there's a little chimney so yeah. You hadn't noticed?

Albaine: *shakes his head* No, I hadn't. Huh. Well, I'm not chopping up firewood, I'll just burn branches I find.

Evan: Maybe you'll meet somebody someday and she'll cut up the firewood for you. xd

Albaine: Could happen. Not really looking or anything though.

Evan: I know, I'm just saying that someday you might. 3nodding And maybe she'll cut up firewood for you.

Albaine: Assuming she likes the outdoors, and assuming she has something to cut it with. Honestly if I find an ax in the house I'd probably get rid of it.

Evan: Stick it in a box and hide it in the basement?

Albaine: *shrugs* I don't know. I'd know it was there.

Evan: Maybe instead of an ax there's a chainsaw. xd

Albaine: Now that I could stick in the basement and forget about.

Evan: Wouldn't go cutting down trees?

Albaine: Nope. It'd probably annoy the animals living around the area. Last thing I need is a bunch of squirrels with a vendetta against me for cutting down their home and disturbing the peace.

Evan: Probably a good idea, they'd probably throw acorns at you.

Albaine: And generally be annoying. *arrives at the house, opens the door and heads up the stairs to his room* Bring me your stuff, I'll stick it in a suitcase and carrying.

Evan: *nods* Okay! *goes in his room* The toys too? I don't really play with them anymore.

Albaine: *takes a couple suitcases out of the closet, starting to pack up the books and clothes he has* Yes, even the toys. They were a gift and you might have kids of your own someday.

Evan: *starts bringing his stuff into Albaine's room and placing it on the bed before going back to get the others* True. Or you, could adopt one someday at the very least, if not an actual litter.

Albaine: ...I've been on this island too long. It doesn't strike me as odd to hear any kids I might have referred to as a litter.

Evan: Some parents might think it's odd considering their kids might have kids in the future but you seem pretty fine about it. *looks around* I think that's everything.

Albaine: *shrugs* I know it won't be anytime soon, and I'm already 'old'. And I think I've got everything too. *closes the suitcases and picks them up, heading back downstairs*

Evan: *laughs a little* Well, I can't tell you you aren't old. I don't even know enough immortals to tell you that you're not old compared to them.

Albaine: I know one here who's a lot older than I am, and I knew a few back where I came from who were also. *shrugs* Doesn't bother me, I don't really think too much about it.

Evan: That's probably for the best. *tilts his head* There's one here?

Albaine: Yeah, Tomoe.

Evan: Tomoe?

Albaine: *nods* The one who was watching Chalybs?

Evan: Oh! Her. Right. *yawns*

Albaine: Tired? We're almost there.

Evan: A little. It is kinda late.

Albaine: *nods* It is. You can just go to sleep when we get back, I'll unpack and put things away.

Evan: *nods* Okay.

*They arrive at the house, Evan goes to sleep, Albaine unpacks the stuff, puts it away, and goes off to bed himself*

Albaine: *wanders out*

Kara: *walks out*

Albaine: *tilts his head at Leetah, but waves at "Tomoe" when he notices her* Hello.

Kara: *waves back* Hi.

Albaine: How're you?

Kara: Well enough. And yourself?

Albaine: I'm alright.

Kara: Well, that's good. *looks over at Evan* How's the little . . . er, kid?

Albaine: Teen. And he's good, even if he still isn't quite used to the quiet.

Kara: Good. How're you dealing with it?

Albaine: Me? I'm pretty much already used to it. Unlike Evan I spent most of my life with it being quiet while going to sleep.

Kara: *nods* Makes sense. More accustomed already, less of an acclimatization period.

Albaine: *nods* And it's only been a year. Not that long really.

Kara: Not long at all.

Albaine: *recalls the events of the past year* It just seems longer when there are things you aren't used to.

Kara: True. *sighs* Surprise is the one thing that makes life feel fresher.

Albaine: *nods* And it keeps it from being dull.

Kara: A fine feat, yes.

Albaine: *nods* Plus when people get bored they tend to do stupid things. More often than usual anyways.

Kara: And if that isn't the truth.

Albaine: Boredom and curiosity rarely go well together.

Kara: If ever.

Albaine: I'm willing to bet a good portion of injuries and broken things are the result of boredom and curiosity mixing together.

Kara: All things that could be easily avoided.

Albaine: If only they had chosen to just read a book.

Kara: *suffers awkward pause* . . . Well, I suppose reading just doesn't interest everyone.

Albaine: Oh, I know. It was just an example. There are other things to do.

Kara: Well, yes, anything other than going out on some damn fool dare and getting yourself hurt.

Albaine: And the people they call friends seem to love it when you're doing something really stupid.

Kara: Probably because they're as reckless -slash- drunk as you are.

Albaine: Wouldn't doubt it.

Kara: *dismissive motion* Idiots, the lot of them.

Albaine: *nods* They are.

Kara: *sighs* The world would be well rid of them.

Albaine: At least people seem less inclined to get drunk in Namiah.

Kara: I imagine that would cut down on the stupidity.

Albaine: I would believe so. I don't really know of anything good alcohol has to offer anyway.

Kara: Some treasure that blankness it gives them. I personally detest such methods.

Albaine: *shrugs* I suppose it's just one of those things people like that I'll never understand.

Kara: *snorts* It's one of those things about people I don't want to understand.

Albaine: *nods, though actually wouldn't care if he understood or not*

Evan: It'd be neat if this island had a museum, but I don't know what they'd display. *yawns a bit* Anyways, have a good night. ^^ *waves and starts heading out of the clearing*

Albaine: *notices Evan leavng and decides that he should probably get to bed too* I'm going to head home now. Night. *waves and walks after Evan*

Kara: Good night then. *waves nonchalantly as she walks out*

Albaine: *wanders into the clearing*

Ryo: *Sitting under a tree, a sketch pad on his lap. He drums a pencil on the pad while lost in thought*

Albaine: *spots Ryo and waves* Hello.

Ryo; *Ears perk at the greeting. Blinks as he comes back to reality.* Oh! Good evening *Waves*

Albaine: How're you? *covers his ears at the second yell* Oh, what the hell does he want? *doesn't even bother looking over*

Ryo: I'm alright *Holds up the sketchpad* Trying to figure out how much room would be needed for a carnival *Lowers the pad* Yourself? *Completely ignoring Ishie*

Albaine: I'm good. Finally got that house. *thinks, looking around the clearing* Depends on how many stands her set up, and what kind. Probably wouldn't take up a football field unless there were rides set up.

Ryo: I'm thinking of finding somewhere besides the clearing to set up. The clearing would work, but I don't want to bring chaos to it and disrupt the days of those that just come here to relax

Albaine: *nods* That'd be the best thing to do, especially since not everyone'd want to go.

Ryo: *Nods and sets the pad to the side* Where did you opt to live at?

Albaine: A house in a small clearing. It's a little farther away from the clearing than Sara's house, but I don't really mind.

Ryo: Sounds nice. I take it that Evan is living with you?

Albaine: *nods* Until he grows up. He actually said it was a bit strange trying to sleep in a quiet place, so it's a bit of a good thing that he'll get to get used to it a little earlier than he would have.

Ryo: So he will be prepared when he's on his own?

Albaine: *nods* Right.

Ryo: Will you be ready to let him go when the time comes?

Albaine: *unsure* ...I think so. I'm sure I'll see him around, he isn't going away forever, just leaving the house to go live on his own.

Ryo: *Tucks his tongue in his cheek, unsure if he wants to pass the worries he had, and has, onto Albaine about his own children. The male seemed calm enough, and it wasn't his place to disturb it.* I am sure he will visit

Albaine: *nods* I'm sure he will too.

Ryo: *Smiles turns innocent as he looks up at Albaine from his seat* Any spark in the love department come your way yet?

Albaine: *blinks, the question catching him completely off guard* No, not yet. Why?

Ryo: Just curious ^^

Albaine: Alright. Should I let you know if I do find someone?

Ryo: Wouldn't hurt *Tail flicks, almost in a mischievous manner* I wouldn't have to ask then

Albaine: Alright, I'lll keep you updated. Assuming I don't forget.

Ryo: *Chuckles* Just don't forget on purpose *Looks over to where Shino was and isn't surprised to see that she's gone*

Albaine: Forget on purpose?

Ryo: Some tack that on to the end so that they have an excuse when they forget in the future. You don't seem like the type to do that

Albaine: Ah, I know what you mean. *shakes his head* I won't forget on purpose.



Albaine: *still out in the clearing*

Kara: *walks out*

Albaine: *spots "Tomoe" and waves* Hello.

Kara: *waves back* Hi. How are things?

Albaine: Things are alright. How about you?

Kara: *shrugs, a bit antsy* Fine, I suppose.

Albaine: *guessing it's probably because of the moon, and nods*

Kara: Do you think it might rain tomorrow? *semi-random subject change*

Albaine: *looks at the sky despite not being at all attune to the nature of clouds* It might. I couldn't really tell you.

Kara: I won't be surprised if it doesn't. Does it ever, really?

Albaine: Not as much as where I come from.

Kara: *grins, a bit forced* I've been somewhere a bunch dryer though.

Albaine: Nevada? *joking*

Kara: Nah, it was only dryer about half the time. Nevada is ALL the time.

Albaine: Had a rainy season?

Kara: *nods* Flood season, yes.

Albaine: I don't think I could live in a place like that. Either you're sick of how dry it is or you're sick of the rain.

Kara: *shrugs* I like rain.

Albaine: *nods* I had figured. I don't really mind it either, but if it rains for longer than a week without a break I tend to get a little tired of it.

Kara: Understandable. Variety is always nice.

Albaine: Shame that I can't just teleport around like I used to just for a change of scenery.

Kara: That would be convenient, yes.

Albaine: Well, I suppose I can give that up in exchange for the lack of anyone wanting to kill me. *rethinks* That I'm aware of.

Kara: . . . Can you even die here?

Albaine: ...I don't know, to be honest. I don't particularly care to find out, in case it turns out you can.

Kara: *laughs* Yes, wouldn't that be annoying.

Albaine: Be one heck of a way to die. "Why'd he commit suicide?" "Just to see if he could."

Kara: *snorts* Sounds incredibly egotistical. Or deluded.

Albaine: It does. Sounds like the sort of person I would rather not deal with in any case.

Kara: Those sorts are never any fun to be around.

Albaine: They aren't. The condescending ones tend to get under my skin.

Kara: *smiles a bit nastily* Oh, those can be fun under . . . Mmm, certain circumstances.

Albaine: *raises an eyebrow, intriuged* Have a certain way of dealing with them?

Kara: *smiles turns positively innocent* Namely to be certain they never condescend to me again. Ever.

Albaine: Nice. I never stick around them long enough to see if punching them works long term or not.

Kara: *shrugs* Well, when you can't punch them, you have to do what you can.

Albaine: *thinks, and frown* True, in this setting punching the wrong guy could be a very bad idea.

Kara: . . . Yeah. Right.

Albaine: *shrugs, not a very violent person anyways* Not like I run into those types terribly often, here or where I'm from.

Kara: *is a violent person trying very hard to suppress it* That can only be a good thing, I'm sure.

Albaine: *nods* It is.

Kara: What about the egotistical type?

Albaine: If I've met any they haven't been terribly obvious about it. Either that or very memorable.

Kara: The best kind.

Albaine: *nods* I think I'm going to head home now. Have a good night. *waves*

Kara: *waves back* Good night, then. *walks out*

Albaine: *wanders into the clearing*

Clare: *floats in the clearing*

Albaine: *spots Clare* Oh, hello. *waves*

Clare: *waves back* H-hello. ^^

Albaine: How have you been?

Clare: A-alright. And yourself?

Albaine: I've been alright. Moved out of Sara's house, Evan's nearly fully grown, overall things have been fairly decent.

Clare: Only fairly?

Albaine: Well I don't want to jinx it. *wonders if he had just jinxed himself just now with that comment*

Clare: Oh, I suppose that makes sense then. Are you superstitious, then?

Albaine: A little.

Clare: Well, a little superstition isn't a bad thing.

Albaine: *shakes his head* No, it's not. So long as you don't have a phobia of ladders and black cats.

Clare: *nods* Black cats are j-just like any other cats.

Albaine: And nothing particularly bad happened when one crosses my path. Nothing worse than usual anyway.

Clare: And how bad is the usual?

Albaine: Depends on when you're talking about.

Clare: Well, now?

Albaine: Now? Not bad. Not that I've run into any black cats that I'm aware of.

Clare: And before?

Albaine: Well, I had somebody trying to kill me and would make an attempt roughly every month or so for over 200 years. The month itself wasn't too terrible, usually. *shrugs, not able to really remember the specifics clearly until Blazon came into the picture*

Clare: Wow. Seems like the usual has gotten a lot better.

Albaine: Hence why I'd prefer not to jinx it.

Clare: *nods* Quite understandable.

Albaine: *nods, and isn't quite sure what to talk about now* Enjoying Summer?

Clare: It's a b-bit hot. I prefer autumn.

Albaine: Ah. *wonders if it's coincidence or if most witches prefer Autumn.

Clare: *smiles* It's also where my birthday is.

Albaine: Really? It seems most like the season they're born in best.

Clare: So, what's your favorite season?

Albaine: Spring, though I don't mind Summer.

Clare: I like watching the leaves change.

Albaine: It's not a terrible season. *a little distant*

Clare: *tilts her head slightly* But not great either, is that it?

Albaine: *shakes his head, less to the question and more to the memory* Nothing wrong with the season. Not too cold yet, nor is it overly warm, and the leaves look nice.

Clare: Associations, then?

Albaine: Yes.

Clare: What sort of associations?

Albaine: *doesn't really want to go into full detail* My mother died in the fall.

Clare: Oh, I'm sorry.

Albaine: *nods*

Clare: . . . And what about your father?

Albaine: *winces a bit, not wanting to remember him at all* He... *decides to put it simply* ...was the one who killed her.

Clare: Oh, that's awful.

Albaine: I was six at the time. Then I had to spend six more years living with the b*****d. *clear and utter loathing for this man evident in his tone*

Clare: . . . *tentatively* I'm guessing it wasn't social services that intervened.

Albaine: This was over 300 years ago. I don't believe social services existed back then.

Clare: No, I believe they are a fairly recent invention.

Albaine: *shrugs* Wouldn't have mattered anyway, nobody even knew we were there to my knowledge.

Clare: Unfortunate.

Albaine: Very. *isn't actually sure what social services would do, but figures anything would have been better than what actually did*

Clare: *casts around for a bit* Do you like the rain?

Albaine: *nods* Especially in the Summer.

Clare: Summer rain much different?

Albaine: Summer rains seem more refreshing because it's so warm out.

Clare: Refreshing is better than freezing, in any case.

Albaine: It is. If it raining, not snowing, in the Winter I tend to stay in.

Clare: *nods* Me too.

Albaine: *thinks* At least here it doesn't seem to hail much.

Clare: *nods* Must not get the right atmospheric conditions often.

Albaine: Yeah, the weather here's generally mild, which is good. *is glad because Evan will be moving out into the outdoors*

Clare: A bit boring, but that's all to the good where weather is concerned.

Albaine: *nods* I'd rather have boring weather than hurricanes, tornadoes, and such regularly.

Clare: Yeah, that would get annoying quickly.

Albaine: Very. I'd wonder why I got sent here.

Clare: *considers and discards some flippant hell remark* To deserve the horrible weather?

Albaine: Probably. Honestly that'd make more sense than me coming here. *thinks, shrugs, grateful for the break existence has gave him*

Clare: *carefully* You think you deserve to be punished?

Albaine: *sighs* ...maybe.

Clare: Why?

Albaine: Why? *looks at the ground silently, unsure if he wants to share this at this point* ... *figures it'd probably be better to get it over with* Well... *not sure how to phrase it, decides to go the way he told it once before* If you had a choice between duty and love, which would you choose?


Clare: Duty or love? *doesn't actually believe in absolutes but has a feeling that "It depends" wouldn't go over very well*

Albaine: Yes, duty or love. Get married to someone you hardly know and don't really care for because he's of your blood, or try to find a way to stay with someone you care for.

Clare: Ah. *thinks a moment* I'd rather be happy.

Albaine: Yes, well. she chose duty and didn't think to tell me about it beforehand. I thought I was going to lose her, and I just sort of...snapped, I guess. Or maybe just withdrew into myself. *not really sure of what mentally was going on at that moment*

Clare: Ah, a miscommunication of a rather high order.

Albaine: *nods* So I...killed everyone at the wedding. Well, not her. Still though... *shakes his head* I can't think of any way to excuse it, and all I did was fufill the thing I was dreading.

Clare: *knew something a bit awful was coming, but wasn't expecting that* . . . There are no excuses for some things, only reasons.

Albaine: *frowns, shakes his head a bit* Not excuse. I know there's no excuse for that. I mean forgive.

Clare: *breathes out slowly, as she has rather strong feelings on this subject* So, you think you can't possibly be forgiven, is that it?

Albaine: *still looking at the ground* I...don't know. Why would I be?

Clare: Is it that you don't see how whoever you wronged can forgive you . . . Or is it that you can't forgive yourself?

Albaine: Both, really. *doesn't think he deserves Ellenoir's forgiveness anyway*

Clare: *sighs* I could go the calm, professional route and say that the fact you are -*air quotes* "appropriately horrified" by it is a good sign, but no one ever believes that line anyway. *glares at him*

Albaine: *finally looks up from the ground, and raises an eyebrow at her* They don't?

Clare: No. Their thought processes are a little along the lines of, "But I did this horrible, awful thing! How can anything be good about that?" But see, you realize that it was a horrible, awful thing. Congratulations, a least you're not a sociopath. *faint thread of sarcasm*

Albaine: *looks down at the ground again* So if I had thought I did nothing wrong then I'd be a sociopath?

Clare: Maybe. With the mind, nothing is ever really set.

Albaine: I suppose not. *supposes it's not an issue as he does think what he did was wrong*

Clare: So, it's a good sign.

Albaine: *nods, not really sure what to say*

Clare: *smiles* So, I think we've made excellent progress today, don't you?

Albaine: *blinks at the word progress, not really liking the implication that they are going to be talking more about his mental issues but is too tired to argue at the moment* ...I suppose?

Clare: It's just a word, Albaine. *smiles* It's not like I'm going to ask you to come back next Wednesday or anything.

Albaine: Ah. Alright. *waves* I'm going to go head home now. Have a good night. *walks off home*

Clare: And to you as well. *leaves vertically*

Albaine: *wanders into the clearing*

Jonsi: *Timidly walks out into the clearing, his ears flicking as he takes everything in*

Albaine: *looks around for someone he recognizes, not noticing Jonsi as a relative of somebody he knows straight away*

Jonsi: *Knows that he should talk with someone, or else this will have been a waste. Hesitates before padding over to Albaine* E-evening...

Albaine: *looks at Jonsi* Evening. *frowns a little, thinking he looks somewhat familiar* Don't suppose your father's Ryo, is he?

Jonsi: *Ears perk* You know my Father?

Albaine: *nods* We speak from time to time.

Jonsi: *Cocks his head* Not a friend then?

Albaine: *shrugs, knowing his definition of friend is rather strict* By the standards most people have we probably would be.

Jonsi: *Blinks at the odd wording* What about by your standards?

Albaine: My standards? *shakes his head* I need to know I can trust a person completely before I consider them a friend.

Jonsi: So you don't trust my dad? *Sits and stares up at Albaine, looking more curious that anything*

Albaine: *finds this direct questioning rather awkward* Well, no.

Jonsi: *Looks confused* You do trust him then?

Albaine: ...didn't I say I didn't? *feels a little confused himself*

Jonsi: I asked if you do not trust my dad, and you said no. *Looks confused* ...I've lost myself

Albaine: I was agreeing with the statement. Not contradicting it. *shrugs, hardly the master of grammar*

Jonsi: Why do you not trust him? *Is wondering if Ryo isn't as nice as he seems, having no real memory to rely on*

Albaine: Because I don't trust anyone easily. Not his fault, it's mine.

Jonsi: Oh *Blinks* Why do you not trust easily?

Albaine: *wonders how to phrase it without giving away too much* Sometimes hiding certain things seems like you're hiding a part of yourself from a person. I can't really consider someone a friend if I'm hiding things from them to make me seem like someone I'm not.

Jonsi: *Cocks his head* Why do you hide pieces of yourself? What if by doing so you're denying yourself the friends you could make? Or forging bonds with those who could not accept you?

Albaine: That's why I don't consider somebody my friend until they know everything.

Jonsi: But if you laid it all out there, wouldn't you know if that person will be your friend quicker? Or if you're just wasting your time with them?

Albaine: No, if I shared my life story with people right off the bat unprompted I'd likely scare them off.

Jonsi: You may still scare them off later if it's so bad that you have to hide it... *Ears flop back as he realizes he's probably stepped over the line with his comments* I'm sorry..

Albaine: It's fine. *knows he isn't 100% wrong* But a chance is better than no chance, and if somebody was okay with everything I've done before even getting to know what I'm like most of the time I'm not really sure I'd want to be friends with them.

Jonsi: I suppose there is logic in that *Goes quiet as he thinks this over*

Albaine: *nods* It's how I want to do things. If I wind up wasting my time...well, it isn't as if I haven't wasted my time with other things before.

Jonsi: *Frown deepens* I don't like wasting time, to much of it's been taken from me. Perhaps all courses of action are not the same for everyone...

Albaine: The best course of action varies from person to person. You likely wouldn't have to worry about scaring people off.

Jonsi: *Cocks his head slightly* Why would you say that?

Albaine: *shrugs* I'm hardly the average namir, but you don't seem intimidating.

Jonsi: Often the most dangerous minds can be found beneath a friendly face.

Albaine: *shrugs, finding the remark strange after Jonsi had argued not hiding himself so he doesn't risk wasting time* Not saying you're wrong, but based from solely this conversation I doubt you'd scare namrah off.

Jonsi: That's because I don't want to be scary, it achieves nothing *Is rather surprised with himself, perhaps he only lacked confidence when around those who mattered to him? Or were supposed to matter...*

Albaine: *raises an eyebrow* Devil's advocate?

Jonsi: *Blinks at this* Devil's what?

Albaine: It's when you argue for a point you either don't believe in, or don't practice yourself.

Jonsi: I see *Blinks again* Was I doing this?

Albaine: Perhaps, if you count not wanting to scare others as hiding part of yourself.

Jonsi: *Shakes his head* I just have nothing to hide *Frowns* Right now, I am nothing. *Is referring more in terms to himself being a blank slate than being worthless*

Albaine: *is just being confused by this whole thing* Alright.

Jonsi: Do you have any friends here yet? *Looks over the clearing, then back at Albaine*

Albaine: *thinks, decides to count Shino so he doesn't get in trouble* A couple.

Jonsi: They accept you?

Albaine: *nods* As far as I know they have.

Jonsi: *Bites his tongue as the urge to argue this rises up.* It must be... nice? *Wonders if he had friends before*

Albaine: *feels awkward talking about this, just goes for a plain answer* Yep.

Jonsi: *Wants more information, but doesn't think Albaine will give it to him* Do you think one day my dad will be on that short list?

Albaine: *thinks, not knowing what Ryo'd think about the whole wedding thing* It's possible. I don't have any issues with him.

Jonsi: Do you get lonely?

Albaine: Sometimes. Not so much since adopting Evan.

Jonsi: Evan? *Knows this name sounds familiar* ...Shino's friend?

Albaine: *nods* Yeah.

Jonsi: How odd. You do not strike me as the kid type

Albaine: *raises an eyebrow* What do I strike you as? And yes, I was persuaded to take him in, I didn't take him in on my own.

Jonsi: A man who prefers to keep to himself

Albaine: Ah. *waves* I'm going to head home. Have a good night.

Albaine: *wanders out into the clearing*

Kara: *walks out*

Albaine: *spots Kara and waves* Hello. How're you?

Kara: *waves back* Alright. Yourself?

Albaine: I'm alright. Wondering when things are going to start picking back up again.

Kara: I've heard there's going to be some sort of event soon.

Albaine: An event? *wonders what sort*

Kara: Yeah. Kinda secret.

Albaine: Huh, well that'll make things more lively at least. *a little glad that he's moved out*

Kara: Hopefully not too lively.

Albaine: We can hope. Some aren't too bad. *remembers that he had forgotten to bring something with him*

Kara: And some are awful.

Albaine: Yeah. I actually heard of one Halloween event where everyone in the clearing got green slime all over them.

Kara: Ah, yes, I wasn't here for that.

Albaine: Neither was I. Wasn't that something like 3 years ago?

Kara: *counts* Well, three Halloweens, anyway.

Albaine: And it's only about 4 months until the next Halloween.

Kara: *grimaces* Hopefully there won't be slime this year.

Albaine: 1 Halloween with slime and 2 consecutive Halloweens without seems promising, but I'll cross my figures anyhow. *pondres for a moment*

Kara: Three is not a valid sample size anyhow. *sighs*

Albaine: *nods* At least 10 would be better for that sort of thing.

Kara: *nods* Then again, any other traditions which may spring up will most likely be as . . . Hmm, annoying.

Does Namiah have any traditions at the moment?

Kara: Well, the Namrah do tend to dress up for the holiday, but no, not really.

Albaine: I didn't think so. *wonders if the humans have anything to do with that*

Kara: Yeah. Well, other than there are always strange themed arrivals.

Albaine: Brought in from who knows where, quite often not even the namrah themselves.

Kara: Perhaps they spontaneously generated.

Albaine: *shrugs* Maybe. I wonder if that would have any effect on anything.

Kara: Although, if Namrah do spontaneously generate, it doesn't quite make sense for them to be able to breed.

Albaine: I wouldn't know, I don't really know anything about how that workds.

Kara: *simplifies* If they just pop out of nowhere, they reproduce by popping.

Albaine: Yet if for some odd reason they pop into existence with all the necessary things there's nothing to stop them from sexual reproduction. It's just strange that a species like that would have the option.

Kara: Precisely, yes.

Albaine: And we don't know that they spontaneously pop either. They could be lost spirits from other worlds who got sucked in and don't remember anything.

Kara: *frowns* I think I prefer spontaneity.

Albaine: *shrugs, knowing there's no way to tell* Maybe those who don't recall anything spontaneously generate.

Kara: Hmm.

Albaine: *thinks about this spontaneous existance* I wonder if they name themselves.

Kara: The ones I've met just seemed to know their names.

Albaine: So they just arrived with a name? Well, sounds simpler than just deciding a name.

Kara: It does at that.

Albaine: I wonder what else they start out knowing.

Kara: *dryly* Walking and talking, one assumes.

Albaine: *had already counted those* Obviously. And perhaps flying if they have wings. *shrugs* Those with amnesia might have identity issues, wondering who they are. Are those knowing they have no lost memories free from those issues?

Kara: Unlikely. Everyone wonders where they come from at some point.

Albaine: I don't recall ever wondering that, to be honest.

Kara: *shrugs her shoulders slightly* Well, I have.

Albaine: *attempts wondering where he came from* ... *simply gets a "from my parents" in return* I can't even wonder, I get a clear answer whener I try.

Kara: *grins* Well, yes, there's always the obvious.

Albaine: I suppose I could wonder where my soul came from. *thinks* ... *holds out his hand, Ryatre crawls into it* Where did you come from? *listens as Ryatre explains* ...uh huh.

Kara: *waits, tilts her head slighlty*

Albaine: *decides to share the information Ryatre shared* Spirit Animals are formed from the energy given off by physical beings, and they feed on that energy to prolong their existence. In return they take souls where they belong, a sort of container where they stay until the soul is recycled, carried to the developing body by another set of beings. *shrugs a little* Apparently that's how things work where I'm from.

Kara: *thoughtfully* Huh.

Albaine: *something occurs to him* I suppose this means she's the one who dropped me off here.

Kara: Does that mean you belong here?

Albaine: *finds that concept to be a little unnerving* I suppose so. *looks at Ryatre* She stuck around because it's someplace new.

Kara: *smiles* New is always interesting.

Albaine: *nods* I probably would have done the same if there wasn't any reason to stay where I was from.

Kara: *nods* Reasons are paramount.

*Ryatre crawls away back into Albaine's jacket pocket* And Evan's here, so I wouldn't leave if given the choice.

Kara: *nods, a trifle sadly* Kids change things.

Albaine: *nods* Evan likes it here, and I suspect bringing his friends would eventually result in bringing half the island along. Assuming I could bring others along.

Kara: The way everyone seems to relate, that is embarrassingly likely.

Albaine: Actually I'd probably wind up bringing more than half.

Kara: Unfortunately true.

Albaine: Then the place we wind up won't be quite as well liked by the majority as Namiah is, and I could wind up getting yelled simply for starting the chain.

Kara: How fun. Not.

Albaine: All the more reason to say no.

Kara: As if you needed more.

Albaine: *nods and looks up at the sky* I should probably get to bed. Have a good night. *waves*

Kara: You as well. *waves before leaving*

Albaine: *wanders out in the clearing*

Kara: *waves at Albaine*

Albaine: *notices "Tomoe" and waves back* Hello.

Kara: Hello. How have you been?

Albaine: About the same as usual. You?

Kara: As well as can be expected. Anything interesting happen lately?

Albaine: Unfortunately, no. Though I can't help but think that it won't stay like this for very long.

Kara: Does it ever?

Albaine: I don't know, it's lasted this long. Can't last much longer.

Kara: Nothing ever lasts forever.

Albaine: Well, at least things are warming up.

Kara: That's something, at least.

Albaine: *nods in agreement* I've always liked the warmer months.

Kara: Me too. I won't miss bundling up, that's for sure.

Albaine: Or cold, wet pant legs.

Kara: I never had to worry about those.

Albaine: Really? I usually wind up stepping in a snow drift and getting the ends wet. *looks around for something more interesting to talk about, failing* Read anything interesting lately?

Kara: *shifts uncomfortably* Uh, no, not really.

Albaine: Ah. Well, neither have I. I need to go look for something interesting at Sara's house at some point. *is still completely ignorant about Tomoe's illiteracy*

Kara: Our books have been moving about lately. Everyone has been most upset.

Albaine: *suddenly gets a mental image of books running around on their own, and dismisses just as quickly* Where are they moving off to?

Kara: Boxes, mostly. Our bookshelves seem to be disappearing; no one can find anything.

Albaine: Maybe your house is moving.

Kara: I hope not.

Albaine: Not a fan of changing locations?

Kara: Normally in my translocations packing is unnecessary.

Albaine: *thinks back to his numerous travels* I usually don't have to worry about packing, I never had much to keep track of.

Kara: Precisely.

Albaine: Well, it's usually not much trouble to pack, but I could understand not wanting to if you didn't choose to move in the first place.

Kara: The problem is it takes forever and I can hardly recall what went where and all the boxes look the same.

Albaine: Aren't you supposed to label them?

Kara: *fidgets more* They won't let me do the labeling.

Albaine: They won't? *finds that quite strange*

Kara: Because someone has to relabel it after I do.

Albaine: Is there a law against two labels on one box?

Kara: No . . . *carefully* My writing is rather large, is all. And it's inefficient.

Albaine: *still thinks it's ridiculous* ...it's a box. There could be 2 letters per side and it wouldn't really matter.

Kara: But someone would still have to relabel it.

Albaine: So? There can be two labels on a box. I don't see the problem with it. I mean, what if someone in the house only understood spanish? Shouldn't the boxes be labeled so everyone can understand it?

Kara: There is the efficiency problem again.

Albaine: Do things need to be efficient in this case to work?

Kara: *shrugs* While I am labeling, I am not helping with other things. Someone has to take time away from other things to relabel, and I take longer to label than anyone else.

Albaine: Ah. I understand.

Kara: *nods* It can be quite annoying.

Albaine: I'll bet. I suppose the time would add up. *wonders how slow of a writer Tomoe is that it matters, but honestly doesn't care*

Kara: *nods* Time better spent in other pursuits.

Albaine: Such as complaining about the unscheduled move.

Kara: *quick grin* Among other things.

Albaine: *nods* Though if the move isn't agreed upon you would think that the humans who chose to move ought to be the ones doing the packing, aside from those things that are private.

Kara: *cheerfully* Oh, if she did the packing it would all be in one box and we'd never find anything ever again.

Albaine: How exactly would she pick up this box if it has everything in it?

Kara: Oh, it wouldn't be very large. *makes a measuring motion with her hands of a few feet*

Albaine: ...? Then how would everthing fit?

Kara: Perspective. Or is it relativity? Anyway, it's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Albaine: Is it enchanted or something?

Kara: Something like that.

Albaine: Ah. Alright. I suppose it'd make it easier to carry around, but doesn't seem all that practical if you need to find something quickly.

Kara: That's what I said.

Albaine: Well, what's the point in that? She would lose some of her stuff too.

Kara: Strangely enough, she never seems to have trouble finding her things.

Albaine: Maybe she's just familiar with how it works, and anyone who is would be able to find their things with ease.

Kara: Maybe, but I doubt it.

Albaine: Well, hopefully you aren't moving, simply to avoid the trouble.

Kara: In which case things are moving because she wants to mess with us.

Albaine: And clearly it's working.

Kara: *huffs* Obviously.

Albaine: *ponders, then shrugs* Well, I can't think of a solution aside from moving out of the house. Hopefully she'll bore of it soon.

Kara: Something shiny will cross her path soon enough.

Albaine: Like a bit of glass on the side of the road. *knows she wasn't speaking literally* They don't seem to have good attention spans, thankfully.

-----(meanwhile, nearby)------

Kyasa: *quickly covers her head* Ow... *greatly dislikes hail with its 100% Blizzard accuracy properties which knocks her right out, plus general pain* ...well, there's some ice for you.


Vishok: I appreciate the thought, but it will not likely last long in this heat.

-----(end segment)------------

Kara: Though if they did, they probably wouldn't poke at us so much.

Albaine: That would depend on the human. Some would, some wouldn't.

Kara: True enough.

Albaine: *searches around for a new topic* ...is that hail?

Albaine: ...it kind of looks like that little storm cloud that your human has over her head every now and then.

Kara: That just usually means she's upset. That and it merely rains.

Albaine: Yes, but how many people can make a small cloud? *thinks* ...actually, my uncle could do that. Nevermind.

Kara: *considers* I know Clare has some sort of weather magic . . .

Vishok: *blows a breath of Icy Wind towards the others*

Albaine: So perhaps she aggravated Clare? *wraps his jacket more tightly around himself in response to the icy wind* ...what did I do?

Kara: *grumbles at the cold, wraps her arms around herself* Maybe . . . But I think they don't appreciate staring.

Albaine: Most likely not. *would offer his jacket if the wind was a bit more long lasting* Sorry.

Kara: *glares at him* Don't apologize.

Albaine: What's wrong with apologizing? It's my fault and it's not as though I do so often.

Kara: It is hardly your fault that they did not appreciate attention. . . . Although, you do have something of a point.

Albaine: *nods* I try not to make a habit of it.

Kara: Excellent. Unless you routinely mortally insult others by accident.

Albaine: People who do that should think more before speaking, that half a second to gather your thoughts generally won't be noticed. Thankfully, my insults are mostly intentional.

Kara: *smiles* As it should be.

Albaine: *nods* If it weren't I'd probably avoid people completely, or be a lot younger. *thinks* Or not here at all, who knows.

Kara: *wordless sound of agreement*

Albaine: *looks up at the sky* It's getting pretty late. I'm going to head home now. Have a good night. *waves*

Kara: You as well. *waves*