Baby Management 101 (J'lyara, Liselle, Klue)

[Klue Malinconico]

Kalendryas, Autumn of Era II, Era XI

It didn’t take long for Klue to return to the Trellis Inn, but this time he had company, brought with him from the barracks…and trailing him as well. The young red headed lieutenant was dressed in full battle garb, as required these brightenings, complete with leather trimmed kilt and tunic, breast plate and bracers with plumed helm bouncing off his sword built. Even so, wasn’t easy looking the part of fierce and hardened warrior while cradling a cooing and wriggling bundle in his arms, wrapped in a fuzzy pink blanket with bunnies all over. He’d been convinced though, and by Kagner surprisingly enough, that it was the height of baby fashion. The dwarf trailing him wasn’t much better, dressed in the same uniform, sans plume, and three feet tall…A walking and bearded cube more or less and with a jovial humor, and lugging an apple crate painted with daisies…courtesy of sergeant Darco…the man had a surprising knack for painting the odd flora and fauna, and filled with a bag full of mysterious items…those things no self respecting infant should be caught without…as well as stacks of folded cloths and a metal washtub.

In truth, it was Bimmy himself that had taken up the greater portion of Cateryna’s care till now. Almost from the start, he’d been charmed by the half elven infant and it was the brave recruit that would try to pry her from his arms. Even Klue had been hard pressed to learn how to care for the child himself, for Bimmy’s dedication. He’d not be so eager to see her removed from his care now either.

Meanwhile, before leaving the inn earlier, Klue had arranged a cradle sent up to Liselle’s room, added a good supply of goat’s milk and bottles. It likely had arrived at her door already.

But it was an odd looking procession that paraded through the common room of the inn, both soldiers trying to look like they weren’t carrying those things decorated with bunnies and daisies. And with barely a nod to the kid at the desk, Klue led the way up the stairs and to Liselle’s room, where both men paused and pondered their lack of a free hand, neither Klue nor Bimmy. With the toe of his boot, Klue tapped on the door to get Liselle’s attention.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

A soft ‘thud’ sounded on her door, and brought her out of her thoughts, which to that point centered on the new information that Klue had imparted on her that very brightening. It was a lot to take in all at once, but Liselle wouldn’t have had it any other way. The whole thing felt like a big, comfortable blanket that one could wrap themselves up in. Too much of her life had been worrying about herself, and being an isolationist, and while in the past months there had been much to learn about her father, Klue to a certain extent filled the portion of her life that had been missing. His daughter would just add to that fullness, and make her life that much richer. Liselle had purposely not mentioned to Klue her opinion of the baby’s mother not returning, ever. It was something they would find out in due time anyways, and it didn’t really matter one way or another. No, that wasn’t exactly true. If the girl stayed with them, then Liselle in time would begin to think of her as her own. The again, if the mother did come back in a few months time, Liselle would be hard pressed to give the child up, for her love and affection would already be firmly attached. It was a distressing thing to think about, so for the time being, Liselle chose not to think about it, and instead, concentrate on the happier aspects of life.

Rising quickly and crossing the room, Liselle opened the door and almost, almost laughed at the sight that greeted her. Klue looked stunning, as always, in his armor, and cradled in his arms was a wiggling, squirming, kicking little baby girl. Indeed, it was very hard to believe that he was a hardened warrior, but more than that, the proud look on his face was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes. The door opened wider, stepping gracefully back to let the trio have admittance to the room. The things Klue had requested had been delivered to the room during his absence, and were piled in the corner of her room. After closing the door securely, Liselle nodded softly, smiling to the dwarf, then glided over to Klue and kissed him softly. Then, her cheek fell to Klue’s shoulder and her deep sapphire eyes gazed over the beautiful baby girl…letting her slender hand slip up to her cheek and caressing it softly. Her own lips had formed into a wide smile, noting the little girl’s activity level, and lowering her voice to speak to her softly.

He woke you up, didn’t he? That’s why you are so lively right now, isn’t it? Silly man. Well, we will take care of that soon enough. Let’s get a look at you, beautiful. That is if your father will part with you for a second.

[J'lyara]

One might wonder what must be going through the mind of a baby who had gone through what little Cateryna had gone through in the very short time span of her life. The wrinkled gray eyes she'd seen first when she'd opened her own baby blues were no longer looking down at her when she awakened in the middle of the darkening needing milk or a change of diaper. And even if her mother had explained to her what had happened to the man who believed himself her father, despite the tale tell red curls atop her head, she likely wouldn't have understood entirely why the warmth in her life had suddenly disappeared.

Cateryna had been through a procession of nannies and an assortment of caretakers much greater in number than any child should have to endure within a span so brief. But it was a life the baby had grown used to, such that she would cling to whatever kindness she could receive whenever she could receive it. There were those...most in fact, who seemed to smile at her in such a way as to make her feel like gurgling happily from deep within her small chest. So it was, that when Caterynna awoke to a life without her mother in it, no one would see much protest from her. And any protest she did give was more than likely because she had some other necessity of life that needed to be met.

Because Klue's baby girl found his armor to be uncomfortable, she started a campaign of fidgeting and stretching to seek the comfort she was wanting. But the child instinctively knew that the man holding her would not harm her. She was already beginning to heal from the near traumatic road trip she'd shared with her mother under the tender, albeit clumsy care of Klue and the other soldiers who couldn't seem to stop themselves from being taken by the gorgeous little girl who looked so very much like Klue, though in a feminine...baby sort of way.

It was already beginning to be chilly in Frigid River with the onset of Fall and even though Klue had wrapped Cateryna snuggly in a fuzzy pink blanket, his daughter began to sneeze periodically as he and Bimmy made their way to the Trellis Inn and to Liselle. A soft spray of baby spittle reached Klue's chin every time she did so with a balled fist coming up out of the blanket to rub fiercely at her nose and eyes. Enough that Klue might wonder if she were coming down with a cold.

By the time they reached Liselle's door, the half-elven babe was very sleepy and even more fidgety. Her nose was bothering her and started to turn red from her rubbing. It even had a sheen of moisture right underneath revealing a need to be wiped. Under normal circumstances, Cateryna didn't happen to be one of those babies who would fight sleep. No, when the angel was sleepy she would most often do just that, fall into a deep and peaceful sleep until such time as her curious blue eyes were ready to take in the world about her again.

Klue's armor wasn't helping any with her discomfort but when she heard Liselle's voice and took in the face of the woman in her father's life for the first time, it seemed to serve as a distraction...much like a new rattle toy would. Her sleepy blue eyes looked directly into Liselle's and she blinked, temporarily ceasing her fidgeting and the unhappy whimpering she was just beginning to do in favor of exploring the new face that had entered her life.

Liselle's warmth was greeted with her own spray of baby spittle in the form of Cateryna's tiny sneeze.

[Klue Malinconico]

Klue grinned when Liselle kissed his cheek, Cateryna cradled in his arms when he stepped inside the door. He was, given that he’d had her with him only a short time, uncommonly proud of his daughter…and proud to show her off to the woman he’d come to care for more than he’d thought he was capable of. And glad too, to have someone having missed his company no matter how long he’d been gone. For Bimmy’s part, the dwarf trundled in behind him with arms burdened by the apple crate, and nodded politely when Liselle smiled at him. Hard to tell, under the beard, but likely he was blushing. ”S’rale miss,” he said in a gruff and grumbling voice and spotting the cradle, stacked the crate there as well.

While Liselle got a look at Cateryna, Klue chuckled at Bimmy’s discomfort. ”This is Bimmy, Liselle. Bimmy, Liselle Vampyler.” And Bimmy, knowing his presence wasn’t necessarily required, lingered uncomfortably for a moment longer and fidgeted nearby.

The baby’s wriggling hadn’t surprised Klue, for his armor couldn’t have been comfortable for her. But the sneezing was new, or so he assumed. He’d shrugged his shoulder up once or twice to wipe the moisture from his chin with his tunic. ”Bimmy, was she sneezin’ b’fore?” he asked, as he’d left her with the men while coming to see Liselle. ”Once, m’be…” the dwarf conceded with a tug at his beard. ”Bu’ Kagner was holdin’ her. Ye know th’ way he tends t’ smell.”

”Aye,” Klue agreed, as the big human private was rather famous for his less than satisfactory bathing habits, but unsure that was the problem. And still, with a glance towards the door, he wondered if the dwarf might be leaving them soon. ”I’ll bring her around, Bimmy, no worries.” Bimmy clearly didn’t like it, the growth around his mouth turned downwards, but with a glance at the babe, he excused himself with a nod at Liselle. ”Miss.”

And when he was gone, Klue transferred his daughter into Liselle’s waiting arms, curious to see how Cateryna would take to her. He wanted little more than for that to go well, and for Liselle to take to her as well. ”I’m thinkin’ she doesn’t care for th’ breastplate or bracers. Her name’s Cateryna,” he added and started shedding his armor and weapons to stack in a far corner. "Don't mind Bimmy...He's taken to 'er, an' has turned out t' have a fair hand at motherin'"

And once he'd discarded all but his boots, kilt and tunic, he rejoined Liselle and with a hand on her shoulder, peered down at Cateryna curiously. ”She’s m’be comin’ down with somethin’, do ye think?”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Her first instinct was to wrinkle up her nose, as Cateryna sneezed directly into her face. Wiping the moisture away from her skin, Liselle held out her arms as Klue handed her the wriggling little bundle. There was a fair amount of concern about the sneezing, and Liselle had just been waiting to get the baby into her arms before starting her physical assessment of Cateryna. Her arms gently lifted her to a more upright position, and placed her head up by her shoulder, hands holding the baby close to her body and walking over to the nearby bed, taking a seat. The first few minutes were spent just holding Cateryna close. It had been such a long time since one as young as this had been in her arms, and it was an experience that was missed greatly. Something about holding a baby that made the whole world right and perfect. After reveling in the moment a little longer, Liselle leaned the little girl back away from her and smiled down into a pair of seeming sleepy eyes.

Don’t worry precious. Sleep will soon be here, but I want to make sure you are okay.

With that said, Liselle slipped a slender hand up to Cateryna’s forehead, not feeling the telltale signs of a fever. The hand slipped down over the baby’s cheeks, noting that her face was a tiny bit on the cool side instead. Liselle began to figure out what might have been the problem, but needed a bit more confirmation, so her hands pulled away the blanket gently and checked the temperature of her skin. Arms and legs were both cool to the touch. Her eyes gently lifted, smiling at Klue.

Well, I’m not an expert, mind you, but I think maybe she just got a little too cold on the way over. Frigid River is decidedly cool, so maybe we just need to make sure we wrap her up a little tighter while we are still here. I’ll know for sure by morning. If the sneezing stops after a warm night in her cradle, then it was just the chilly night air. If not, then we can seek the help of a healer if you feel the need.

Wrapping the baby back up again and cuddling her close, Liselle rose from her place on the bed, padding back across the room to where Klue was, albeit, it wasn’t a far walk since he was almost hovering over the pair. Liselle noted the worried look on Klue’s face and smiled at him, leaning up and brushing her lips softly against his.

Don’t worry love. I promise I’ll take very good care of her overnight. You can come see us first thing in the morning if you’d like.

[Klue Malinconico]

It was no exaggeration to say that Klue was hovering near the pair. He was stuck to them in fact, peering over Liselle’s shoulder, watching her every move. He trusted her completely, mind, and had every faith in her…as much faith as the care he had for her as well. But some strange and antiquated instinct had kicked in since Cateryna had been left in his care…So fast he hadn’t seen it coming. The sort that told him, though he didn’t realize it, that he’d move mountains to protect her. Her and Liselle, the both of them. Partly, too, he’d a mind to learn how to care for his daughter. No matter that some details were clearly things that fell within a woman’s realm of understanding… One shouldn’t expect these notions would change over-darkening, after all. But in his mind, it was knowledge he ought to have, just in case.

He marveled at how gentle Liselle was with the babe, how easily she took to her. It couldn’t have pleased him more, for he’d like nothing more than for the three of them to make a family of sorts. Even with the uncertainty regarding the length of Cateryna’s stay. He was starting to come to the conclusion that he’d move mountains there too, to make it more lasting than a few months. The regiment was a possible problem, sure, but he’d figure that out when he could think clearer on it.

His daughter, no doubt, was in more graceful hands than his. He didn’t doubt Liselle’s word…and no doubt, winters in Frigid River were frigid ones indeed. Frozen, for the most part. Autumn here in these mountains was like winters elsewhere and it was a harsh climate. ”Are ye sure, Liselle? M’be it’s somethin’ serious comin’ on…How can ye tell?”

She’d silenced him with a kiss, a pleasure he returned eagerly and at length with hand cupping her chin, and it reassured him somewhat. But a glance at his expression would tell her he was planning on making himself unmovable. ”I’m thinkin’ I’ll stay here, Liselle. I don’t have duty next bright’in’…I’m on leave. An’ what if she were t’ get truly sick? I can go for a healer then,” he reasoned, though it was clear there wasn’t going to be any convincing him otherwise. ”I can help care for her. I need t’ know these things anyway…I can sleep in th’ chair if ye like. Have a cot sent up. We can order pracenda brought up too.”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Her head nodded softly as he voiced his opinion on the darkening’s arrangements. It was useless to argue with him, and honestly, there was really no desire to. It would mark the first darkening that they would spend together, and even though most of it would be spent making sure Cateryna was cared for, it was still time with Klue, and that could never be passed up. When he mentioned a separate cot, her head shook softly, causing the cascade of dark hair to move gently against her shoulders, and a semi-awake baby most likely would take advantage of such a target for tiny little hands.

I won’t hear of it Klue. The bed is big enough for both of us, and even the three of us if need be. The pracenda would be nice, however, if you could arrange it.

Liselle glided gracefully across the floor, attempting to put the wriggling little sweetheart to sleep. Her voice softly sang a ballad that Liselle’s own mother used to sing to her once upon a time. After a few moments, her slender form backed up gently to Klue, leaning back against him and watching Cateryna, marveling at her exquisite beauty, and finding that while not even a birth parent, her own feelings about the small one were probably just as strong as his, including her pride. Liselle too wanted a family someday, and it seemed as though someday was going to come sooner than later. Of course, eventually, there were dreams of babies of her own, but it seemed that Cateryna hadn’t know much love or affection in her short life, two thing of which Liselle had an abundance of and was only too willing to part with it in favor of the baby girl whom had captured her heart so.

I’m fairly sure that Cateryna will be fine by tomorrow, my love, but we will see in the morning. At any rate, I’m almost positive that it’s nothing to worry about. There would be other symptoms if that were the case. Something my mother always told me, which might be helpful for us in the future, is that sometimes, people have a hard time knowing how to dress babies for certain types of weather, since they can’t tell you whether they are hot or cold. The way she said to do it is to dress them only slightly warmer than you would dress yourself for that particular situation. With babies as well, it’s usually good to cover their heads with little caps in cool weather.

There was no pretense that Liselle knew more about babies than he, and her advise was honest and straightforward. All in all, there was only the desire to share her limited knowledge with him so they could grow together to care for Cateryna.

[J'lyara]

The warmth in the room and the warmth coming from both Klue and Liselle together was settling and comforting for Cateryna. The warmer her cheeks and tiny little hands and feet became, the better she began to feel especially since she was no longer wedged against her father's breastplate but instead against the softness that was Liselle. The feeling of tender comfort that the raven-haired beauty exuded which had likely drawn her father in was also working its magic on the baby. Cateryna's sleepy eyes seemed riveted on Liselle's face and fascinated by her dark hair, so different from her mother's. Just as different as the two women's dispositions.

With the chill she'd felt rapidly beginning to wear off so did her occasional sneezing, so that her eyes began to close for brief moments before she'd open them again as if she wanted to make sure they were both still there. For Cateryna it was quite possible to go to sleep and wake again to find that neither of them were there any longer to care for her and keep her from feeling scared and abandoned. She gave one last adorable whimper in half-hearted protest of going to sleep before her beautiful eyes were shut for what would likely be at least a couple of candlemarks if not longer...and of course if she weren't startled awake by some loud noise.

Liselle's motherly instincts would prove quite accurate in that Cateryna had simply been very cold while outside in weather she was unaccustomed to. By the time she woke she would be good as new, without any trace of sniffle or sneeze left to ponder.


~~~~**~~~~

Evanche Toleman lifted his head up from the filthy bar in the Spear & Skull once more and shook it worriedly. "I don't know what to do Omar. I'm not even sure if she's still here in the area. The carriage was gone when I got back and I...but the baby...Ryna, I was going to take her somewhere else far away from that evil woman soon as I could. I just hadn't seen a way ta do it yet. I have to find her. She'll never survive in Mistress Gideon's hands."

The giant bartender almost barked his response but strangely enough he felt sorry for the lad. He was one of the few who entered the seedy dive without a need for drowning his sorrows with an endless parade of ale-filled mugs. "Ya gots ta do what ya gots ta do. Only you's kin know wha' that is."

And he did know. He had to find Cateryna for he'd grown quite attached to the little girl in the time he'd cared for her and he could only imagine what she was currently going through without him there to watch Sarilynn's every move. He'd go back...to the barracks and he'd ask around. Surely, someone had seen them and would know how to direct him to the innocent babe he believed desperately needed to be rescued.

[Klue Malinconico]

Where Klue wouldn’t have been budged on the subject of his lodgings for the darkening, he grinned when Liselle agreed. It saved them a darkening of wills clashing where he could imagine nothing more appealing than spending the same darkening in Liselle’s company. Aside from that, he’d a notion that it was better for Cateryna too, where she’d start to realize that not everyone was going to disappear on her, if they’d any will at all to manage it.

As for the bed, when she mentioned sharing it, he returned a simple, ”Aye, a’right then…If ye think t’will be alright.” He sounded a little hesitant. Truth was, till now and in a determined campaign to win her father’s approval, he’d taken an approach that was meant to be beyond reproach. And so unlike him that he might as well have committed himself to celibacy as a priest of Diana. And enough in contrast to his nature that it wasn’t going to last much longer…especially with Liselle so close and tempting his every impulse.

Times past, one woman avoided only meant he’d find another to fill his needs. But his feelings for Liselle being what they were, and his want to stay true to her, it was a challenge even his innate stubbornness was flagging fast under. Not that he’d have waited forever, mind. Only that out of respect for her relationship with her father, he’d like to make a good run at the man’s approval first. He’d been short with his men of late, frustrated and tending to work them harder than usual…even with him being officially off duty. Still, not forever, with or without that approval…Long as Liselle felt the same. He was no saint after all, though it had been him imposing these saintly boundaries on himself. And sharing a bed with the woman he’d fallen in love with was a notion that no doubt would prove too much for this current endeavor to hold up under. At the least, he’d spend more time staring at the ceiling than sleeping.

He concentrated instead on watching her hold Cateryna, listening to her sing to the babe. He could see the bond developing between the two of them already and didn’t want it any other way. It would prove more than bothersome should Sarilynn return, for knowing now he’d have a fight on his hands to keep her from taking Cateryna back. A fight he’d wage though, for both Liselle and his daughter.

And when she leaned against him, so that he had both of them close and could view the babe that was growing calmer, he pressed a kiss to her temple and brushed his thumb against Cateryna’s soft cheek. And the advice, he committed to memory and wondered if there was a cap in her things. He’d not noticed, for Bimmy and Kagner having provided the bulk of her care till now. ”Aye, yer prob’ly right. An’ Frigid River is a harsh climate. Almost frozen solid in winter and not far away now. She’s not used to it, I’d guess. But ye work magic with her Liselle. I’ve not seen her so content since she’s been here.”

”Now pracenda, I can have that arranged,” he told her with a parting kiss and winked at her before slipping out the door to flag down a maid in the hall. And it wasn’t long before a meal arrived, carted in on a wheeled tray by none other than the young boy downstairs. He nodded politely to the pair before leaving the contents on the small table near the wood stove that had been lit when the cradle was brought up. The climate and terrain being what it was, the food in Frigid River was hearty fare, and simple for the difficulty of getting a regular supply of more exotic goods. There was a thick barley soup with mushrooms and bits of chicken, hunks of fried bread and wedges of cheese, a pot of tea and a flagon of dark and sweet red wine. After Klue dropped a few crowns in his hands for his troubles, the boy excused himself from the room.

Noting that Cateryna was sleeping in Liselle’s arms, Klue grinned as he made sure the cradle was ready for the babe to sleep in. ”Do ye think ye can part with her long enough t’ sit with me for pracenda?”

~~~~**~~~~

Once arrived on barrack’s grounds, Evanche wouldn’t have to go far to locate someone to ask his questions of. There was the odd guard wandering here or there, most eager to escape the chill that had already settled into the village. But not far from where the carriage had been parked, and leaned against a long and low building out of the chilled breeze, was a large fellow in full battle garb. Broad shouldered and a bear of a man, it was well known by his fellows that he was encouraged to enlist after a run in with the law that had resulted in the death of another. By his bare hands, no less. But there was no better soldier than Kagner…and incidentally, no more devoted friend to the red headed Eunesian lieutenant. He was rough looking, with dusty brown tufts of hair sticking out from under his helm.

Kagner had been on patrol for two candlemarks now, so had already made two rounds of the village…Dealt with the usual things that life in a small village presented. Kids up to whatever mischief they could find, the occasional battle of wits between odd citizens…He was taking a break then, with pipe lit and biding his time till the next stroll around the small town.

He spotted Evanche right off though, as citizens tended to be discouraged from strolling unescorted around the regiment compound. So pushing himself off the wall and straightening his sword belt, he waved the young man over. ”S’rale there, citizen. ‘ave ye lost yer way, or are ye lookin’ t’ enlist maybe?”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Her thumb softly caressed Cateryna’s cheek, smiling down and the beautiful sleeping baby girl. Liselle had spent several minutes walking slowly around the room and lulling her to the eventuality of sleep. One never knew with babies though. Sometimes, the sleepier they were, the harder they fought sleep. Cateryna, on the other hand, seemed ready and welcomed sleep this evening. Although normally that might not be the case, the baby seemed ready to rest for a while, and although Liselle would be content to hold her the rest of the evening and into the early hours of the morning, the notion of a few private moments with Klue appealed to her as well. Her path took her quietly over to where the cradle lay ready to claim the slumbering one, bending over and depositing her softly onto the cushioned surface, then slipping the blankets snuggly around her small form and planting a loving kiss on her forehead.

Well, a tough choice to be sure, but I think I can manage to tear myself away for a few moments. She should sleep for a while, I would imagine, and I would be delighted to join you for pracenda, since you went to all the trouble of arranging such a delicious feast.

Her teasing grin became apparent as her body turned and faced him once again, gliding gracefully across the floor to Klue and once again wrapping her arms softly around his shoulders, pulling him to her for what could be considered a very serious kiss. Liselle understood what he was trying to accomplish with keeping their intimacy at an appropriate level until gaining the approval of Epicurus Vampyler, and to be honest, he was loved even more for that than just about anything else. Liselle knew the type of person Klue had been before meeting her, and his restraint was nothing short of miraculous, and while there were times that his closeness was almost too much to bear. To her credit, there was an enormous amount of effort put into not trying to lead him into temptation. While Liselle didn’t advocate quick moving relationships, there was a large part of her that wished for Klue’s immediate return to Medonia so they could seek the approval that they both needed. It was understood between them that he had to see things through to the end there in Frigid River, and he had her full support in that matter.

But really, Liselle didn’t have to like it all that much. Her place right now was in Medonia, and as much as it hurt to be away from Klue, his place was in Frigid River. Visits were nice, but there was something to being able to convey your emotions to the people you cared about on a daily basis, and that was a little hard when those people lived in different cities.

[Klue Malinconico]

Once Liselle had settled Cateryna into her crib and he’d been pacified with a lingering kiss, Klue pulled out a chair at the small table with the same flourish he would’ve used had they been dining in the finest of eateries. ”Here ye are, m’lady. Sad t’ say we’ve no fancy cuisine here in Frigid River, but it will warm ye.” Waiting for her to take a seat, he took the other across from her.

The soup was steaming, along with the kettle and all of it smelled appealing. ”Tea or wine?” he asked, mindful of serving her whatever she liked. For himself, he poured a glass of red wine before taking a bite of the soup. Watching her with his daughter made him dread seeing her go off to Medonia without him when the time came. Though he’d not looked forward to it before then by any stretch of the imagination…And he’d a rather active one after all. The more he came to care for her, the more the distance troubled him. And gave him all the more reason to voice the thoughts that had been running through his mind lately.

”Liselle, I mentioned b’fore that I’d been considerin’ pursuin’ other options, since my responsibility to th’ regiment has been fulfilled. An’ I’ve been wonderin’ if I’m cut out for it, truth told. There’s Cateryna t’ consider as well. I could manage it, I s’pose, work around my duties an’ such…But soldierin’ is regimented, as it should be, and there doesn’t seem t’ be much room individual or creative thinkin’. It’s necessary, when lives d’pend on it…But, I don’t know if I can ever change that part of my nature, no matter how much training I have. And I’m wonderin’ if I could do better for her…for all of us, if I were t’ change things a bit. I’ve got a few crowns saved up. And I’ve other schoolin’ as well that I might put t’ use along with my military training…”

He paused for a swallow of wine, trying to figure out how to express what he was thinking. Setting the glass aside, he just pressed on instead. ”Truth is, I’ve been thinkin’ on it awhile. Ye see, when I was in Midpoint an’ studyin’ military strategy an’ history, it occurred to me what I’d commit m’self to if I kept on. Sure, I’d been in a few battles by then, and killed a few attacking vyssies in the process. It’s necessary an’ ye do it t’ protect th’ innocents, an’ defend th’ empire. But it says…in th’ history of warfare…that t’ completely subdue an enemy, it was sometimes necessary t’ d’stroy not only those fightin’ against ye, but th’ innocents with them. Old folk, women, children…break their spirit, see, s’ they’d no will left t’ fight. An’ there was t’ be no questionin’ yerself about it…I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. No doubt, th’ right trainin’ teaches a soldier that sort of thinkin’, s’ when it’s necessary, he could do as much. I’m just not sure I want my thinkin’ adjusted that way.“ He hadn’t been able to fathom at the time he’d read it, that he could ever adjust his thinking to be able to do such a thing without conscience, if a situation were to call for it. Or if he could, he could live with it after.

”Maybe I’m suited for somethin’ else…I’m wonderin’ then, what would ye say if I didn’t have t’ stay in Lauryl at all, that I’m thinkin’ of r’signin’ my post?”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Her lips curled into a soft smile as he playfully bantered with her about the state of the food in Frigid River. In actuality, it all looked scrumptious. Her belly rumbled a little, reminding her that there hadn’t been time to eat since her arrival in Frigid River. Sitting down gracefully into the seat offered by Klue, her eyes wandered to his face as he took the seat opposite her. Her hand slipped around the wine goblet and handed it to him as he inquired to her choice of beverage.

Red wine please for the moment. Perhaps some tea after we eat.

He broached the subject carefully, as one would when thinking things through while speaking. Liselle couldn’t blame him, as that was how sometimes her thoughts went as well. Her hunger compelled her to serve a little portion of each item to herself while he was speaking, not wanting to interrupt him as this was a very important decision that he needed to make. In essence, he was asking for her input as well, which was extremely reassuring in light of her own insecurities. It was a very strange situation to be in. On one hand, their relationship was so strong that there were moments that felt like they had been together forever. Their moods, words and actions danced seamlessly around each other, almost effortlessly complimenting the other. On the other hand, Liselle’s own insecurities mirrored the baby Cateryna’s. People leaving was something that Liselle couldn’t get used to, even though it had happened so much in her life. There was that fear that Klue would just up and leave her one day, moving on to bigger and better things. It was that fear and that fear alone that wouldn’t let her believe that he might ever want to have a lasting relationship with her, nor would let her get completely attached to him. Of course, falling in love is one thing, and really, one can’t help whom they fall in love with. But there are other things, more intimate in nature, that bound people together. Those were the things, even though wanted, that Liselle couldn’t give Klue just yet. But for now, he wanted an answer to her take on the situation.

Of course Klue, given the circumstances, I don’t think I would mind too terribly if you didn’t stay in Frigid River, although, I am curious as to where you would want to go? Hopefully not too far away, so as our visits could continue. I think at this point, I’d hate to be anywhere too far away from you or Cateryna.

Once again, Liselle’s defenses kicked into gear, not actually believing that he might possibly want to come be with her in Medonia. All that could be hoped for is that he would choose someplace close to there.