Full of ideas

[Lovely]

May 23 2008
1 a.m.


What were the chances of taking a stroll on a cloudy night, a cool night with nothing especially charming shining at its edges, to find a woman sitting alone at the fountain, unafraid of him at such an hour? His step stuttered a moment as he spun himself around, looking for the creature's other half, be it beast or human, but his keen eyes landing on nothing but her and the cool stones he walked along. Bully for him to be so fortunate, or so cruelly compromised by the thought of sharing the company of a beautiful girl. He had been in search of something to sink his teeth into, but wasn't yet so far starved to miss the opportunity for the morsel of conversation that would sate him far longer... if that was all she had to offer him. He found it strange, and was therefore cautious of how calm she appeared, either fully naive to what danger he posed, or perhaps fully aware and challenging him. He continued up to the fountain and dug out a coin to toss into the flowing water, speaking softly in a voice only those with inhuman ears would hear over the splashing, "..a wish for something that can manage a slightly psycho pretty boy with sharp... something." He kept the last part of his wish even to himself and smiled as the coin tumbled into the darkness of the water. Many things about him were sharp, including the sense that told him she'd heard every word.

The young woman was not his species but was like him in that she was not of the human variety though her form appeared as one. She was tempted to reach out and catch the coin he tossed but held back for now, playing just a little as she sighed softly. Perhaps she could help him with his wish. "Hopefully he's a romanitic sort or can be persueded to be.." She whispered just as quietly as he'd spoken. She'd seen his kind before but didn't usually get to have any true contact with them, this was new and exciting. She'd been drawn here by a call she couldn't quite 'hear'.. was it his call?

He turned as she spoke. It was peculiar to him to hear another voice. It had been quite some time since he'd interacted with others and he wondered if he'd truly forgotten that others had thoughts of their own and voices to share them. "It could happen," he frowned a bit, searching for a time he remembered that would help him answer her honestly, but his past was shrouded in dreams and hunger.

Rohana looked a little skeptical, though teasingly so and she reached to dip her fingers in the cool water of the fountain, he looked a little.. something, she couldn't quite put her finger on. Something about him made her smile.. it was so strange. "Perhaps he needs some convincing?" She was more than interested in trying to convince him, this was unlike any call she'd answered before.

He watched her hand go to the water. She wasn't harmed by its touch and no steam rose. That indicated a few more things she wasn't. "Maybe. I guess I've been around a while, been alone a while... tends to make a guy a little cold," he said quietly, almost apologizing as he watched her fingers.

She nodded, looking a bit thoughtful for a moment as she swirled her fingers in the water again and watched him. "Well it happens.." She understood in some ways but hadn't been around long enough herself to have experienced such things. "..but that doesn't mean he can't warm up a little.." Rohana smile that little playfully sweet smile again, considering how she might warm this cool being.

His head tilted. She was truly curious and not just making small talk to pass the time? He looked around again, seeing no one. For a moment he considered perhaps, for once, he might be the one in danger. That thought churned something he'd not felt in some time... intrigue. His arms folded, threatening to crease the crisp shirt and jacket he wore. "I like a woman with ideas," he admitted, waiting to hear more.

Her smile brightened a little with his reply and she wondered at why it made her feel the way she did.. sort of like something fluttered through her. Wasn't that how she was supposed to make others feel? "I am full of ideas.." She gave the man a quick once over and patted the empty space next to her on the edge of the huge fountain.

[Lovely]

A woman with ideas. He chuckled quietly to himself though no smile curled his lips. The seat beside her offered willingly was almost as nice an invitation as being allowed through her front door... all things in time. Time was one thing he had plenty of. He could wait. Maybe. "Do you always ask strange men to sit next to you in the dark?"

She giggled softly, her lips curved into a charming smile that held back delightful secrets and temptations though they sparkled invitingly through her beautiful blue eyes. "Do you always sit next to women who invite you in the dark?"

"Never miss the chance. Opportunity and me... we're like this," he said, holding up his twined fingers of one hand as he unfolded his arms and left the edge where he'd been standing and waiting for something or someone to spit back his coin. "Maybe the better question is why isn't someone sitting there already? You don't look like someone who just finished hiding a body. Should I be on the lookout for a guy with hammer fists and a bad attitude?" No, she really didn't look like she'd strayed far from the beauty shop before coming here, not a hair out of place and the smile was warm and calm. His own was troubled as he glanced around before coming closer.

"Really?" She said of his first comment, wondering if he really knew Az and was close with her. As he spoke of men with hammer fists and bad attitudes, Ro giggled again, putting her hand up over her mouth to hide it as if a bit shy, though she was hardly considered timid. "Ohh you mean a boyfriend?" Her voice was soft, sweet, yet just a little husky, her eyes caught the moonlight and danced as his shadow shifted when he moved to sit beside her. Her scent was unique and like her mother changed to suit the person taking it, whatever would pull their desire most strongly, what would attract most greatly, what would help them fall.. Her mouth twitched ever so slightly as she leaned to whisper to him. "I don't have a boyfriend."

"I meant a body guard, but thanks for answering my next question," he grinned briefly, taking the seat, tuning out the sound and scent of the fountain to focus on her. His nose twitched as the scent changed suddenly. "You're wearing amber. It's nice... one of my favorites," he noted, finding it unusual that someone bathed in glamour as she appeared would use a simple, earthy scent, and one that distracted his thoughts so well. "Asher," he nodded, giving a name for her to consider as he extended a cool hand.

"Why would I need a body guard? Who would want to hurt me?" She asked the question as if she truly wondered about the answer, as if she did not fear that anyone would want to harm her. She reached for his hand, hers was warm as were her eyes and her smile, which grew more so at the cool hand in hers. "Ahh.. cool hands..." She giggled again as if she knew a secret and her head tilted just slightly as she gazed at his face. "Asher.. I like that.." She finally remembered to give him her name as well after a few moments of just watching him. "Rohana."

"Also very nice and a pleasure, Rohana," he said, his voice milked from the very shadows themselves. as dark and mysterious, quiet and without any discernable accent despite a hint of old-world charm. He seemed fixed on watching her eyes catch the hints of moonlight between thin clouds that dimmed it as they raced by. "Beautiful night for new start, isn't it?"

[Lovely]

Her tongue ran over her lips and she looked as if she carefully held back such excitement at his suggestion about what the night was for, which in fact she did but did he have a clue as to why? Probably not but that was alright, she was still tickled to be sitting there with him. "Oh yes.. yes it is." Perhaps he thought her a starry eyed silly co-ed, maybe he had a hint that she was so much more. It didn't matter, he'd eventually find out one way or another and whatever path or method took him there was sure to be such fun. "..but what is it you want to start?"

"Me?" He seemed shocked that she asked and frowned, looking for that answer. "Anything? Everything? The night's young and I thought you were the one with ideas. Enlighten me."

"I didn't say I was the only one with ideas.. or that I wasn't open to yours." She grinned and held out her hand to him. "Take a walk with me? There is a path that is simply gorgeous in the moonlight." She slowly started to rise, holding her hand out for his, fully intending to stroll off into the dark night, holding his hand.

Now he did grin slightly. "With a strange man, all alone away from everyone? That should frighten you. Didn't your mother ever warn you about beautiful strangers? Mine did. Doesn't mean I listened...," he added, standing up beside her. He was tall and solid, hardly frail despite a cool palor that matched the touch of his hands.

Rohana shook her head slightly and leaned just a little closer to him, whispering as they started to walk. "My mother always says a beautiful stranger is the most wonderful kind. Besides if you never take a chance then you'll never know what might have happened... and you have to be willing to take the first step to have a new start.. you simply can't have one if you don't take a chance on something or someone."

"Sounds like a smart woman and sadly a braver one of a different age. So much goes on around here, I'm surprised she feels that way. Not... that I'm complaining. I mean see? Here we are... walking away from the eyes and ears of anyone that could save me," he chuckled, glancing up to the sky and around them to the gardens they strolled through. "So tell me, since I'm still new here, where does one go for a good time? Generally, I mean."

Ro chuckled softly and leaned to brush a feather light kiss over his cheek. "Now why would you want to be saved from me?" She grinned as she led him farther along the path which was only lit by the moon and stars, lined with enough trees to provide shadow, but allow the light to shine softly and make Rohana's eyes dance. She shrugged at his question about where people went for fun. "Clubs and bars I suppose.. or dark paths with beautiful strangers? Me? I generally have a good time wherever I am."

"Glad to hear you're not plannning on running off, then. It is a nice path, nice garden. Whose garden is this, exactly? I was... supposed to meet someone. I wasn't expecting a brave new girl. I'm not always this strange sounding, I promise. It's just a strange night. A good night, so far," he mused, rambling on in a somewhat embarrassed tone as he listened to the words he uttered.

She stopped for a moment and her head tipped to the side, thinking on the answer before simply shrugging her slender shoulders. "I have no idea. I just love this path.. " She wasn't bothered by not knowing who's property she might be on or if they might be upset by her walking in their garden at night. "I suppose it belongs to the one who owns that house." She turned over her shoulder to point to the fine and large sprawling mansion that was somewhat visible through the trees. "Sometimes there is such lovely music coming from it.. do you dance?" She asked, curiously as she started to hum softly one of the pieces she'd heard. "Who were supposed to meet?.. and why do you call me new, was there and old girl here before?"

"I can usually manage a spin around the room without stepping on too many toes," he said modestly. The grace in his natural walk may have indicated moreso how well he'd been known to waltz in the past as he stepped to unheard rhythms. The similar silence of his footsteps may have told her more. He looked up at the house again, finding it familiar though he'd not been here that he could recall. "There was one once or twice before, but not really now. I was meeting an old friend," he said, looking more closely at the gardens and the mansion. "Do you know the owner?"

[Lovely]

The girl shrugged again, sort of shaking her head as she turned to face Asher, running her warm thumb over his cooler hand, where she had kept it clasped gently. "It's quite possible I do, but I don't know -who- the owner is to say whether or not I really know them." She explained, glancing around them at all the wonderful sights and sounds which tickled her senses. "I do adore this path.. it's just delightful at night.." She tugged slightly at his had as if wanting to keep going though she didn't turn to continue walking. "Asher.. would you dance with me?" Her smile was a little shy as she seemed to peek up at him from beneath a coyly lowered gaze.

"Now? Here? I uh...," he paused, curious and concerned why she chose this spot. Something about her was so very alluring he could scarcely help himself but despite the encouragement from 'opportunity' rustling the leaves around them and feeling drawn to rest his hand at her hip, he remained cautious and alert, listening not for music but for anyone belonging to the mansion ahead. The outbuilding he'd been leaning on in the dark near the fountain seemed to have its own eyes following after them and a strange smile curved in his lip. "Who are you?"

If she was aware of any pressence there, whether it watched them or not, she showed no signs of being bothered or concerned by it. "I told you my name." She replied softly and she began to hum the melody again, looking up at him as she started to dance with such perfect grace, it might surprise him.

He shook his head, feeling his feet move on their own to the quietly murmuring tune. "A name isn't who you are... er.. usually. I meant, who are you that you're out here at the right time when I was ... well I wasn't sure exactly what I was expecting. My friend has a flair for the unpredictable. I just wondered if maybe you'd met."

"Someone who enjoys moonlight strolls and exceptional beauty.." Rohana smiled again, shifting closer to him. "Who are you to be right here when I was wanting someone to share it with?" She countered with an arch of her eyebrow, but then she giggled softly. "Who is your friend? I can't tell you if I know them, if you haven't told me who they are." She was teasing him a little in the way she answered his questions and asked her own. "Maybe you're just lucky.. maybe I'm just what you needed.. or wanted.. even if you didn't realize you did."

His head tilted again and his feet stopped. "I've heard that before," he murmured, searching for a memory. He gently shook out the fog, not digging too deep for whatever caused the excitement-like chill down his back. "A lady who knows how to throw the best parties... and dances.. I've have ever had the pleasure to crash," he joked. He'd always been invited, but somehow felt out of place. "I'm not sure what she might call herself now. Did I mention 'unpredictable'? A flair for the dramatic usually follows that, too. Countess, heiress... I believe she even called herself a Duke once... part of some joke being played on a less-than-bright bulb of man that tried to skunk her in a land deal about a hundred years ago." He rattled off the time like anyone might exaggerate something in the past that most might have forgotten, but the exaggeration this time was that it was likely further in history than that. "Hopefully she still goes by Rajalina, or I might be drawn and quartered for trespassing."

Her face lit up as he described his friend, it was clear that she knew Raja before he'd gotten to her name. "Of course.. oooo.. the best parties.." She started to hum a different tune and spin a bit faster, taking him with her if he'd follow or releasing him to spin off on her own if he didn't. "Such pretty lights, the most beautiful creatures you've ever seen.. mmm and the dancing. Always invited.. but never a guest.. " She giggled at first and sighed out the last. "..but of course who would escort me if I were?"

"Stand back, I'll hold off the line and start handing out numbers. I'm first," he said with a grin as she described what he remembered. "Never a guest, how could that be?"

She knew what he was, the cold hands, the lack of breathing, knowing Raja for so long.. it would only be fair for him to know more about her. She realized that it worried her slightly that he might be put off by what she was, though she was used to be alone. "Most don't even know I'm there. They might feel me but rarely see me as I am."

[Lovely]

He stepped back and looked at her, incredulous of her claim. "You're joking, right? Me, I'm used to being passed up and ignored... usually how I like it, actually, but you? Come on. Although I'm getting ideas now when you say things that way... feel how?"

"I'm not joking." She told him softly, her spinning had stopped and she faced him with her hands slowly drifting to his shoulders, she didn't want to alarm him and he could stop her if he wanted. "Why would anyone pass up or ignore you, when you're so.. mmmm..?" She closed her eyes and seemed to soak him up as if he were a delicious aroma or daydream she saw behind her lids. After a moment she opened her eyes to gaze at his. "What sort of ideas are you getting?" Her eyebrow arched and wiggled a little as she teasingly replied, allowing him to answer his own question if he could.

"I like to blend in, like the deviled eggs on the buffet table," he explained slowly, taking her hands from his shoulders. She appeared young, maybe too young for him to be thinking what he was, but then if she knew Raja... the thought made his head hurt a little. "I'm getting ideas that I should maybe see you home to be sure you get there safely."

"I'm thinking maybe you shouldn't for your own safety.." She murmured, though still smiling a little, she was disappointed that he pulled her hands from his shoulders. "Daddy might be waiting up and.. I've never brought a.. boy home before. I'm not quite sure how he'd take it." She studied him for a moment and then sighed softly. "There are those who find deviled eggs irresistible. Can I see you home? ... to make sure you get there safely?"

He chuckled, taken aback by how she seemed to counter him like his own reflection.. if he still had one. "I'm sure I'll be fine. Though, my friend might wonder why I didn't stop by first. I'm invited, so I'm inviting you. There might not be a party right now, but at least you can say you were a guest at least once. I think I might need to gear up first before being your first boy to meet 'daddy'. Are we back to hammer fists and bad attitudes or is he really a nice man with a weak heart?"

"I'd be delighted to be your guest this evening even if there is no party. It's not really the party that matters, though I do like them.. very much. It's the people.." She shrugged a little and chewed at her lower lip, struggling to find words to describe her father accurately. "It's not Daddy's heart that concerns me.. mother takes very good care of it and he's not mortal so there is no worry of him keeling over..." She laughed now, really laughed, her hand lifting to cover her mouth and her other at her tummy as the giggles spilled out. "I'm sorry.. it's just.. if you knew who he was.. the thought of him .. dropping dead.. oh dear.. it's so.." She got herself under control and composed after a moment, figuring he must think her crazy.

The laughter was contagious enough. He chuckled again, not sure if he should back further away or not. Her words struck just as hard as the giggles. "Not mortal? Meaning... what, exactly? And what about the people at the parties?" He grinned like he was trying to play stupid, but the feeling, the scent, the intuitive sledge hammer knocking the thoughts around his skull more like a croquet mallet all told him that she knew, and that for all he could tell, she wasn't human either. She was warm, though, and her demeanor spoke of any and everything alive and living, so what was she?

"I'm afraid if I tell you.. you'll go away and not like me anymore.." She pouted a little with her confession, almost child like in her manner for a moment. She sighed softly and twisted her fingers together, giving him a tiny smile as if about to tell him a very big secret. "He is.. the opposite of mortal really. He's.. a.. sort of like the prince of death. He's -THE- Grim Reaper's son. Do you know Morte?"

[Lovely]

The shining steel of his eyes leveled on her and the smile faded. "The son of ... Morte got himself a son? When did that happen? Yeah... yeah, I know him... well, we've met anyway," he said in pieces, finding it strange to speak of such things as if they'd been at school together. His arms folded and knotted as he found himself so exposed suddenly. "I'm not going anywhere, so don't worry about that. If... you're the granddaughter of Death? And here I was worried something bad might happen to you in that dress on the way home. Explains the no bodyguard, that's for sure," he muttered.

"You like my dress?" She swayed a little, smiling for a moment and nearly glowing to think that he did, though he didn't seem very pleased and her frown returned. "I've put you in an awkward place, haven't I?" Her voice was soft, almost as if she was lost. "It wasn't my intent.. I.. only wanted to enjoy your company. It's not often I actually get to talk to anyone who isn't family. The lack of body guards is.. simply because I don't need them.. It's not just daddy's side of the family.. it's sort of because of what I am."

"Awkward? Heh, yeah, I guess you could say that," he agreed, unknitting his arms to scratch at his hair that felt like it was crawling on its own. "I suppose I should ask who mom and grandma were before I do anything... well, anything," he sighed, embarrassed again, shyly turning inward more from revealing anything more about his ideas, except one. "I do like the dress and I'm sorry... I'm just not myself tonight, not that you'd know that." He looked up at her again, sideways, looking for understanding. "I've spent a lot of not being me and here I come across someone... you... where I can be... and I'm not sure I know how."

She did understand in a way, they were different but had much in common in certain regard. "You know how.. but as you said, you've spent alot of time not being yourself.. it may take a little time and a little help, if you'd let me, to remember and to feel comfortable just being you." Rohana made her offer softly, feeling more than happy to spend time with him and help him rediscover the self that he was so used to keeping hidden or masked. "You'll see.. Telus a place where you can be yourself.. even if you choose not to be around me." She licked her lips and let out another soft sigh. "Alright.. here goes. My mother is known, by those who really know her as Kiefer.. and my grandmother is Venus." There, it was out in the open and he could decide if he could deal with it or if the mix of her family was simply too much for him.

"Venus... daugher Aprhodite... to some. Kiefer to others and 'mom' to you...," he acknowledged with a new grin, amused by this turn of events. Opportunity's humor at work, no doubt - what was she trying to tell him this time? He looked around again at the rustling leaves that were quieting down now. "To be fair, I should tell you my history, but it's not so simple," he said, distant and pensive for the moment. He turned to face the girl in front of him, his eyes shiningly dark. "Though I'm not sure how much you've already guessed. I suggest we meet with our host... for a drink."

"I have some ideas." Her smile was sweet as she said the words, slightly teasing, but her eyes held an understanding and showed she was open to whatever he wanted to tell her. "You only have to tell me what you want to.." She bit at her lower lip a little bit and held her hands out to him. "Are you Raja's?"

[Lovely]

Asher chuckled and took her hands in his. Both were cool and no pulse shimmered under the smooth, pale and gentle grip. "Not so much like that sounds, but I suppose I am. You know her, then? Then you know as much as I need to say before I bore you with details."

"She made you.. she's your sire. Is that the proper way of saying it?" Her warmer hands curled around his and she stepped closer to him, showing him her pretty smile once again. "I told you, I've been to her parties, just not in the way others are invited. She's very nice.. well I suppose some might think otherwise." Rohana laughed softly and shrugged her slender shoulders. "I admire her taste in the things and creatures she chooses to surround herself with." Her eyes sparkled as she leaned to whisper in his ear. "None so much as the one who discovered me at the fountain."

"She's very selective," he whispered back, enticed by the thicker scent of amber at her neck that faded beneath the warmer essence of living flesh and warm blood that made it pink and soft. "Even about those she lets wander her garden alone." She'd done so on purpose, putting herself in reach, and he made no apologies for nuzzling closer to that scent. "The centuries of your mother's grace and beauty flow in your veins. Powerful..."

"Thank you." She remained close rather than stepping back or even pulling away as some creatures might. "Raja likes the effect I have on her guests and family.. and I enjoy her garden. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement.. besides she knows that there is no real way to keep me away if someone calls. Poof there I am."

"You were called to me," he whispered, understanding a little about who she was once she explained her family. "Then you are the one I was waiting for. Poof, here you are," he sighed, eyes closed a moment as he fought urges of greed and gluttony. It would not do him well to arrive in Raja's home in such a drunken and slovenly state.

"You wanted me.. perhaps even needed me.. and poof.. here I am. Does it upset you that I was called to you?" She asked, not wanting to assume too much about his reactions or feelings, though she could probably read them if she chose to.

"No. I'm far from upset," he said softly, opening his eyes again. Surely she sensed that want and need more than he'd intended. He'd been invited for a dinner, but he was sure Raja hadn't meant for him to dine on the grounds in this manner. He grinned again. "Raja is a wise and powerful woman. She has asked to see me. What she wants comes before ... mmm... well then. Shall we?" What did he need to say to a girl made of desire, love, truth and a certain level of darkness he could appreciate so very well?

"You wish me to walk beside you... " Her head tilted to the side slightly and her expression showed that she was quite touched by that. "Normally.. well others don't wish for my company only my services. I am but a whisper on the wind. I like this very much." Her eyes were blue like her father, but so bright it was like they glowed in the moonlight, her hair was dark like his as well, but her mother gave her the warm complexion and curves and the touch of grace that made her even more beautiful. Of course mother would deny it and say Ro had all her father's beauty and looked nothing like her.

"I'm not like others," he said, chuckling at what he was saying. "Neither are you. We experience things differently because of what we are... don't you think? Some see whispers, some hear roses, some smell smiles and laughter... others, let you whisper on past and don't take the time to hold your hand." He motioned to the path ahead toward the welling of music that was turning their direction on the breeze and clenched the hand still in his other. "Beside me or not, I believe you are with me the remainder of the evening, my dear." Hopefully longer than a whisper on the wind, he thought to himself.

"I like that you're not like others.. even others who are.. of a similar nature as we.. if that makes any sense?" She was happy to walk beside him, feeling his cool hand clasped firmly around hers. It was nice to show herself and be admired, not in awe as some great being but a genuine admiration for who she was.. not what she represented. "I believe I will enjoy this even far more than any in the past."

[Lovely]

"But hopefully not more than those in the future," he quipped, strolling casually and turning a genuine smile to her now. He'd spent a great deal of time being someone other than himself, like her, but the smile showed more of his real appearance. The slight variation in the line of his teeth was hardly noticeable, the length and piercing sharpness of strong canines carefully manicured but still present and curious - the sort of variance a normal passerby would overlook, finding something strange and out of place, but not easily discerned. "Always leave room to enjoy more later."

"Is that because you wish to share my company again in the future or are you merely giving me advice for the long life I have ahead of me?" There was a hint of laughter in her voice, that slight tone which said she was someone who found joy and pleasure in many things. Her eyes focused on his smile for a moment longer than most would and she decided that she liked it very much, she also liked that he was relaxing into his more natural and true self.

"If wishes were fishes, a friend used to say... I wish you a long life," he said, wondering why she'd land on that particular theme if she knew what he was, what he could and might do to her. He was genuine in his wish - the world needed her dearly, not just himself.

"I'd tell you to save your wish for something you truly desire, would be wasteful to wish for something that already is." She turned slightly and leaned to kiss his cheek softly. "Thank you none the less.."

That was unexpected. Then again, he'd never tasted the living blood of a goddess's daughter, either. His confusion spread into his expression briefly. "What I truly desire isn't something to discuss in the open," he sighed, stopping and looking himself over before they came to the doors of the mansion up the path that stood open awaiting visitors. His clothes were sharp and dark, adequate for a meeting between old friends.

"Perhaps we can discuss it in private later.. How long has it been since you last saw her?" She asked curiously as they approached the doors to the lavish mansion, which were left open - probably for him. Rohana closed her eyes briefly to take in a deep breath of the fragrant air of the garden before they were completely out of it. Tiny heels clicked almost silently against the stone of the patio as she and Asher came ever closer to the doors. He would hear the sound of her footsteps where most others would not.

"In my dreams but a moment ago," he nodded. "She is my sire and is always near. I was last in her presence some time ago. Before your father was child, it would seem."

"It must be.. incredible to have such a connection to another in that manner... but to be apart so long, you must be eager to see her again." Her thumb gently stroked over his hand and she regarded him for another moment before speaking again. "Is it impolite to ask how old you are? Age is sometimes so meaningless for beings like us but I am very curious about you.."

"I couldn't ask for a better traveling companion. I do, however prefer... this...," he said about her thumb on his hand, the real but gentle touch of warm flesh. "Over thoughts I sometimes have that aren't my own. Not that I ever mind some of the suggestions I receive," he said taking Rohana's hand up to his kiss. "Age is meaningless once it stops. How old do you think I am?"

[Lovely]

Her eyes lit up with his compliments as they were and the brush of his kiss against her hand, she nearly started twirling again but was held in place with her gaze casting over him. Her head shook a little in reply to his question, she was not particularly good at guessing ages since no one she knew appeared anything near their age in years. "I really couldn't guess.. other than to say you're likely over three hundred if you were with Raja before my father was a child."

"Then I am. Actually... a little more than that..," he frowned a little, thinking back how many years it had truly been. "It doesn't matter unless I'm a werewolf and no one told me. Then I'd need to do the math in dog years," he chuckled. "Rajalina took me into her grace almost five hundred years ago," he confided, hoping the grand sum of his years of experiences wasn't too daunting for her.

She laughed softly at his joking, her head shaking slightly and she wondered if this was part of him that he'd been hiding or if he'd often shared his humor with others. "You must have seen so much in that time and of course be wise and strong to still be here... for which I am delighted since it means I get the joy of your company now." She wasn't the least bit bothered by his age even if it was much greater than her own, as they'd both mentioned age was meaningless to those like them. It had been curiosity and her desire to know more about him that had prompted her to ask.

"I've developed a taste for fine brandy and other ... exquisite liquers... in my time," he agreed about things he'd experienced and withstood over time, not all of them being bottled treats he spoke of. "I've seen... ," he paused, distant again, flashes of memories - his own, Raja's, those of the few he'd called his children - buzzing quickly by his mind's eye. He let out a slight gasp, exasperated, agitated by a few that disturbed him still. "Many things, not all of them pleasant. Those boring details I warned you about. Let's go inside."

She didn't think the details were in the least bit boring but it was obvious that he didn't wish to share them, she didn't push or pry. Her nod was slight and singular as she turned so she was beside him and facing forward again, her steps started toward the doors again. Her hand clasped his a little more tightly and her other crossed over her front to lightly perch on his arm, she wondered about the memories which troubled him, perhaps someday he'd tell her.

Raja was in one of the sitting rooms, sipping a glass of tainted wine and admiring a few new aquisitions, passing the time until Asher joined her. She knew he was near and was patient while he found his way to where she was.