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[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

67th Fall 512AV

Serrif was well aware that he would eventually have to have a chat with Rhy. Although he wasn’t sure how to start such a conversation. The two women were very close, bondmates and he knew that a bond like that was special. But so was the bond that he wanted to have with Gianne. But how to approach the subject with her bonded Kelvicwas…beyond him. He didn’t even have a good understanding for what this bond meant. And it wasn’t like he was going to approach Rhy and ask ‘So what is it like being bonded to Gianne?’ Even if he was sure she would answer the question he wasn’t sure if she could find the words to answer the question to her liking.

He saw her struggle sometimes to explain things adequately to her liking. It wasn’t that she didn’t know what she felt; because she did. It was that at times he felt that her brutal honesty sometimes prevented her from sugar coating things with nice words. She was intelligent; he knew that much to be true. But as far as being able to explain herself sometimes he knew she was frustrated. But she was always honest, and he couldn’t fault her for that one bit.

But they were bondmates, and he knew in a way he would need to get Rhy’s approval in the very least. He felt like he would be checking in with her father in a way; only the bond between a Kelvic and her chosen bondmate had to be much different than between a father and daughter…Well best of his knowledge Gianne’s father wasn’t here in the Sanctuary…and Rhy was. He respected Rhy, which was why he felt it responsible to see if he could steal her away for a few moments to talk with her. However the two were inseparable as of late. Again how to draw Rhy away from Gianne without rising suspicion.

The bond between them was something foreign to him. So if he talked to Rhy would Gianne know it? Would she be able to read Rhy’s thoughts and know what they talked about if she pried hard enough? That was another thing he would have to find out. So that he knew how private his conversations with Rhy really were; if at all. He didn’t really have time to research the entire phenomenon; nor did he really need to. Because he was sure that Rhy would likely tell him everything and more.

He thumped his fingers atop his desk while he thought. Unsure still of how to peel her away. To give her something that would draw her to him without arising suspicion from Gianne. The two were connected and he needed to know how; and he was sure that she was dying to talk to him as well. He had seen the way she approached his semi-courtship of Gianne…or he saw it as a courtship in a way. He was interested in her heavily…and who wouldn’t be. In a way it was driven by the fact that an Akalak could offer her more than he ever could; but with the risk of death associated with the end result of giving birth. He only hoped in a way he could beat off those large men long enough for her to grow attached to him instead.

Thump thump thump He continued playing his fingers across his desktop as he thought. It was night so the two were likely settled in for sleep as of now. They were right next door to him. Right behind this stone wall. Little did he know surely by thinking Rhy could likely hear him just fine with her canine ears and sharp hearing. But he didn’t know that right now. No his mind was pondering.

Thump….thump…thump…

[Rhy]

Thump...thump....thump A steady rhythm from next door, Serrifs quarters, could be heard like a dripping pump. Doling out the seconds that makes Rhy very aware of the passage of time. She's stretched out on the floor next to her and Gianne's shared bed, a volume of herbalism in front of her and a candle beside. Gianne is breathing that deep and even way of a person long gone to the domain of dreams. But for all Rhy's trying she can't pass that barrier. She had given up long ago and instead has pulled the book from the bedside table. The book was chosen for its many detailed and carful sketches of common plants she knows. She's trying to teach herself to read, as she has been for an hour or two a night. And having a very difficult time with it. She wraps the throw blanket closer around her bare shoulders, sounding the words out with deliberate emphasis. "Ribwort", she intones carefully, having recognized a sketch of a spiny, flat plant that Elem had introduced her to months ago. She traces a line to the title beside the sketch, which she is sure must be the written name. She tries to separate the word into fragments, trying to find the spots where her vocals change, signalling a new sound for a new symbol. "Ri-b-w-o-r-t" she sounds out, dragging her finger across the carefully written name accordingly. There should be seven sounds. So why is she only getting six? Thump, thump, thump. The book is closed with a wordless exclamation and a frustrated snap that sets her candle to sputtering. The Kelvic flinches at her carelessness and pulls herself to her knees to peek over the bed. But its no matter, her bonded still sleeps soundly. She absently reaches forward and brushes a lock of hair out of the humans eyes. She must be cold. She should get into bed and share the heat that radiates from her fur. Rhys mouth twists as she imagines it. No, she won't be able to stay still that long. Much less sleep. He's stealing her away from you, her mind whispers, and the thought pulses like an angry wound. She lets herself fall to the floor with a muffled thud, turning until she is rolling on the floor like a child. Almost instantly entangling herself in the tight cocoon of her blanket. This is ridiculous, she tells herself dryly. Not referring to her childish behaviour, but rather the twisting mess of her mind. Thump, thump, thump. "Serrif", she sounds out in a hushed whisper. The name brings a strange twinge to her belly. What was it? Jealousy? Guilt? Something else? "S-errrr-if", she purrs carefully, wondering what that would look like in a book. Even and straight, she decides, imagining strong even strokes. And what would hers look like? "Rhy. Rh-i". That one would be small, cramped. Full of the strange squiggly symbols and confusing, trick letters that sound like something else. The thought makes her smile grimly. Thump, thump, thump. In a sudden, jerking movement she kicks off her blanket and rolls to her feet. She's never going to sleep. Not without talking to him. She strides to the open closet and pulls an old, long shirt over her head to hide her nakedness. The blanket is thrown back over her shoulder, and she stops only to give her bondmate one last, pained look before letting herself out with a soft click. At Serrifs door she stops with her hand halfway to the handle. Instead she opts for a soft rap on the door. "Serrif? I know you're awake. Let me in."

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Thinking was doing him no good right now so he decided to instead use his time to write in his books. Maybe jot down some information that he could use for later. He had with him right now his personal medical journal as well as the book that he had been keeping in the laboratory to make medicines from. The one he kept in the laboratory was more of rough hand writing meant for him to perfect later. It detailed all the smaller things that he would do during his trial and error stages. Trying things, mixing things and the like. He used these notes to get an idea of what he was doing as well as what happened.

Although the final notes that he kept in his room were more organized, and let him think though all the things he had learned. He cross referenced things from one project to another and then in his lab book he would make suggestions he could try later. They would look like a mess to almost anyone else. However; to him he knew what was going on in this chaos. He was still perfecting how he organized things. This was his first real official set of lab notes since leaving Mura. He would have to perfect it.

He looked over some of his past projects and stumbled on his one with Elem making poison. Poisons were an important part to medicine. In reality poisons were just misunderstood medicines in a way; and medicines were just poisons that weren’t toxic in small measured amounts. He had come to the conclusion in Mura that nearly everything was a poison to the body when used irresponsibly.

He paused for a moment and rapped his fingers across his stone desk again…that was about the time that he swore he heard movement next door. Was it Gianne? Did he somehow wake her? He hoped not, that girl always needed her sleep. As he listened carefully he swore it sounded like the noise just went away. That was relieving to him; he didn’t want to wake anyone from slumber. Not when they all worked so hard day and sometimes night…Did Kavala ever really sleep?

A soft rap against his door turns his attention immediately from his work. Someone was at his door? Did they need help of some kind? The voice didn’t belong to Gianne…no it belonged to her bondmate. It was Rhy. He could feel his stomach twist some from being nervous. But he knew if he answered the door like that she would be able to sense it. She was after all Kelvic, more in tune with things that normal people were not. So he composed himself, could she be here for a medical problem of some kind? It was possible…yes it was. He took on the façade of a doctor for a few moments and decided that he would use that role to give him confidence.

Standing he walked over to the door and opened it gently. There was only a single candle lit at his desk, and his two books open on it. He had a rather large bed, a few chairs and a side table. Nothing really extravagant as of now he was working on all that. He seemed confident enough, but Rhy would know he was somewhat nervous…but would likely not know why. His posture was a little off, he didn’t seem commanding for someone his size. Not completely Alpha.

“Come in.” He invited her in unsure where she would decide to sit or what she would do really.

“Is there something I can do for you?” He hoped it was something medical, something he could easily fix by taking her to the clinic and giving her something.

But as he stood there looking at Rhy he had a feeling it wasn’t something medical…she was here to discuss much greater things. He couldn’t think of any other reason she would leave her bondmate and seek him out. He understood this…and knew it was about time the two of them talked. So he admitted, “It is about Gianne isn’t it?”

[Rhy]

Rhy nods mutely. Yes, it is about Gianne. Serrif shows her in and Rhy perches on the end of his bed, pulling her legs up into a crossed position and smoothing her blanket across her knees. This is the first time she's been in his room. The plain furnishings and mass amounts of books and papers seem very... Serrif. Everywhere permeates his bitter, herbal scent. Much like Gianne and the smell of earth and scorched cinnamon, or like Elem and his scent of ink and sun warmed skin. Its surprisingly pleasant. It feels safe. She doesn't say anything at first. She doesn't know how to start. Nothing she is thinking is nearly that concise. She looks up at him under her lashes and studies him for one long moment. He's faring no better. What she has come to affectionately know as 'the doctors mask', a mask most people here are able to pull over their features, is planted in every line in his face. But its cracking. Nervousness is peeking through like the edges of a blind fold. His back is too straight, his breathing too even, his face so carefully controlled as to look fake. Does she make him nervous? Thats impossible. He stands head and shoulders above her, and has the cool control of a monk. Maybe he has something to say, although she can't imagine what. Or those papers could be something secret. The thought makes her smile wryly, thwarted just when reading would be useful. But he's waiting for her to say something. An explanation to why she is banging on his door in the middle of the night. He guessed it was about Gianne, but what about her? She blows out her cheeks, boiling it down to a simple, bitting question. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Her mute nod was enough to tell him what this was all about. He felt his heart drop to his stomach as she entered and took a seat at the end of his bed. She looked around and he knew she was studying him. He could tell she felt at ease; why else would she take a seat on his bed and cover herself some. He didn’t know where to start either and there was a long pause between them as she studied him.

His façade was indeed fading…and he knew that Rhy could tell. Her canine senses and primal instinct would tell her everything. He was nervous for what would happen between them…what she would say. It was Gianne…why was his love life so complicated?

‘Do you know what you are doing?’ A simply direct question that had all kinds of connotations behind it.

Did he? He looked back through the two other women he had tried to love. Blythe seemed to love him…but it just couldn’t be. She would outlive him as would any of his children. And he didn’t want to be there dying and have her try and ease his suffering. Yes, that was love but it wasn’t right. And by the time he had figured out she did love him…he had already made up his mind that it just couldn’t happen. No matter what he really wanted.

And Angelique she wasn’t any different. But unlike Blythe their relationship was fast. Some would even say it was too fast. But when he asked her if she would ever leave him she declared she would not. That she would always be there for him no matter what. And then…well and then she left without a trace. He looked for her but never found her. She left him…and so he was alone again. When he left Mura he also left those beautiful Konti women behind. He decided then that he would wait for love.

And he had…and then Gianne had showed up. She was absolutely beautiful and something about her drew him into her. She made him smile and being around her loosened life some around him. He could let down his guard some and just enjoy the company of someone else. It seemed easy around her; he could be honest and fully involved with her. He looked a little depressed right now as his mask fell away and he took a seat in a chair across from her.

He didn’t know what he was doing, it was not straightforward as Rhy would have it be. Things for Kelvics and animals were so very simple; or so he thought. With a sigh he shook his head a little.

“It isn’t as simple as just knowing what to do. It is more complex than that.” He shrugged and stretched some.

“It…I have feelings for her and…well…she has you now. So I don’t know how or if we could make it work…I just don’t know now the two of you are bonded to each other.” It was true that he wasn’t sure how he could fit into the picture of even if Gianne was still interested in him now that she had the unconditional love, affection, and approval from Rhy.

“I don’t know what being bonded even means, what it does or how it impacts both of you.” It was a question cloaked as a statement. But it really was something that puzzled him, which was a concern to him. He wanted to know what this relationship between Rhy and Gianne meant for both of them. So that he would know where he fit into all of it.

“I just don’t want you to feel like I am stealing Gianne away from you.” Mostly because he knew that Rhy could likely be very dangerous if prodded hard enough. And he didn’t want to be the one to do that.

[Rhy]

"Oh," she whispers, truly surprised. "You think I'm a threat." She doesn't mean a physical threat, or any type of competition. He's afraid she takes up too much space. That he can't fit himself into the space she has carved in his lovers life. And he sounds so sad when he says it. The light of the one candle plays across only one half of his face, leaving the rest in shadow. It pools in his cheeks and the hollow of his neck and shoulder. It makes him look hollow. "Being bonded means you... Well, you belong to someone. I belong to Gianne in a way I don't think you could imagine... I'm...I'm her pet and her sister, her mother, daughter, guardian... I wanted to be everything for her. I would have been anything she asked. And then you come along." Something hard passes over her face. "Then I discover I can't be everything. She has to depend on someone else. It feels like - like I'm giving part of her away and I don't even know what it is." She looks down at her hands, twisting the blanket into peaks and valleys. "You are taking her away from me whether you mean to or not. Im not a child anymore. I know she's a beautiful woman. She's wanted for her sexuality and her womb from every blue man that sees her. And from you to -don't deny it. If I was male, if I wanted her like that, if I was strong and calm and everything that you are. I could keep her." "She loves me", she states, rather defensively. Making an effort to look him in the eye again. "She loves me so much. And part of me wants to clock you for stepping in my territory. I'm better for her then you are. I can't leave her. I would never leave her. But humans are so... so fickle. She will love you too, and I'll be pushed to the side. Then you will leave us and break her heart, taking that one piece with you and I'll never get it back."

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

A threat…that word hit him as a little harsh. He wouldn’t have chosen that word himself because it made Rhy seem like she was an obstacle to be overcome. And he didn’t see her that way, she wasn’t a hindrance but rather just another facet. Another thing he needed to think about and another beings emotions he needed to take into account. Some would think it was foolish to take a Kelvics feelings into consideration at all; but he had taken a deep respect for Rhy. She disserved to be informed; she needed to know.

He listened to her carefully, trying to decide what this Kelvic bond was, as well as what her feelings for Serrif and Gianne’s potential relationship was. It was a delicate operation now that Rhy was in the mix. He had to be careful; he needed to be considerate of her as well as Gianne. The last thing he wanted was unneeded stress between Rhy and Gianne all because he and Gianne had a relationship.

Rhy’s explanation of what being bonded meant was fascinating to him. She had a really broad set of roles to play for Gianne. And it hit him that she was now trying to look out for Gianne more than anything she didn’t want to see her hurt. Was he taking Gianne away from Rhy for her sexuality and womb just like the Akalaks wanted to? Was he just as guilty as they were?

The more Rhy talked the more he noticed how hurt she likely felt. That she wanted to be everything Gianne needed but just couldn’t because of her sex. Was Gianne really attracted to him despite the feelings of her bondmate? Rhy was worried though, that he would leave Gianne. That he would get her involved with him and then one day just leave her entirely…and then Rhy would be left picking up the pieces…Serrif knew exactly what that felt like for someone. He himself had experienced it. Which was one reason leaving the White Isle wasn’t quite so painful for him.

“I understand why you are angry with me, and worried for Gianne.” His mind reached for the words to explain the next series of events to her. How could he explain this adequately to her…let her know he didn’t intend on leaving Gianne or Rhy anytime soon. He had made a home here. Invested his sweat, blood and tears into this place with Kavala.

“I know, I know what it is like to lose everything. Even your sense of self. To be in a place so dark you are even unsure of your own name. To come out of that darkness, that primal darkness where even nature herself is twisted around you…takes time.” He sighed and a serious look into Rhy’s eyes as he stated the next few sentences very carefully and very deliberately as he slipped his tunic top off granting her a very full look at the mural of scars across his body. As terrible as they were they told their own story. Serrif leveled with Rhy brutal honesty was needed her for them to both adequately understand each other.

“I lost everything in that place, but when it was over gained freedom to finally do as I wanted. I wanted to love someone, and have them understand me as an individual…to bond with someone. It is more than just sexual wants or needs; it is about more than just a womb or a child. It is about having someone strong enough to lean on. Strong enough to depend on when things once again go dark…and when nature twists once again to swallow us whole.” The next three words would hit hard.

“We have enemies.” The gravity of those words could not have hit any harder as his face was stern and the candlelight seemed to accentuate the hard scars all across his body. He had lived through darkness…and come out a changed level headed man because of it.

“And I will leave Gianne and you only one way, through death. And may the gods that be help any mortal or immortal that try. For I have seen the deepest darkness of humanity, man and beast alike; and overcome it.” It was obvious; he was not an average man. He was hardened, yet gentle all the same. Some would come out of his past broken, terrorized and useless. But Serrif instead decided to build on it, use the experiences to stand resolute in the face of his past pain, terror and nightmares. He was a new man because of these experiences. A better man.

“Death Rhy…only death will take me from you and Gianne when I decide that she is the woman I choose to love.” It was a definite assurance that if things continued he would never leave…but even never had exceptions. And in this case it was death.

“I am attracted to Gianne, I just want to know her like you do. To grow with her as well as you Rhy. She can be ours. “ He let that idea sink in as he figured he would try and lighten the situation some.

“And you don’t give yourself enough credit Rhy.” He laid a gentle hand on her shoulder and smiled. “You could keep her all to yourself.”

[Rhy]

A small spark of understanding blooms behind her eyes. He wants a bond. Thats something she understands. The drive and need to belong to someone, and have them belong to you, is instinctual. She never considered this longing applied to humans as well. Then his face falls into a pattern she's never seen on him before. The doctors mask expression long since obliterated, this one is darker and more powerful. He looks her straight in the eye and she is instinctively looks away. You never look a dog in the eye when he is passionate. It invites challenges and intense release. She would never admit it, but that look scares her. He pulls off his tunic and she is glad for the distraction. She's seen the angry manacle scars on his wrist and neck, but she's never seen him topless and her eyes rake him over unabashed. Scars everywhere. She knew he came from Mura, but she hasn't heard the rest of his past. For its obvious he did not get these wounds there. What he has to say is stern and powerful. Rising to passionate declarations of the darkness of humanity and death. Its obvious he has been though a lot, and had come out a wiser man. It strikes her just how serious he is about this. Its no passing fancy that males sometimes take. He's not capable of that kind of shallowness. And the fact that he is telling her such things speak of something close to respect, or at least trust. And she is grateful for that. A brotherly hand descends on her shoulder and she forces herself to look him in the eye again. Whatever fever that had overtaken him has made way for something more gentle, but it still burns in the back of his eyes. Maybe its always been there and she just hasn't noticed. But what she does notice is that large hand. And she has the overwhelming desire to have him touch her skin directly so she can feel his strange honey-gift. And her mind supplies her with the shocking image. Here she is, alone with him in his room, sitting on his bed, his shirt hanging over his chair and his hands would be on her naked shoulders. And that single image is so ridiculous, so wrong, that she starts to laugh. Her lips twitch, thin out, and an all consuming belly laugh pushes out of her strained and tired chest. She rolls to her side, pulling up her legs, and hides her face in the covers of his bed. She laughs over the absurdity of the situation, the tangled mess of their little triangle, she laughs over her petty jealousy, her frantic need to protect this newly acquired family. She laughs until she cries. And somewhere along the line that laugh turns into a sob. "You idiot", she whimpers through the covers still clutched to her face. "I don't want your life. I want your heart. If you will love her, do it properly." She sits back up again, wiping drying tears away and grinding her eyes with the heels of her hands, embarrassed to lose control like that. "You need to protect her and make her happy. I won't last longer then thirteen years. Fifteen if I'm lucky. I'll be dead long before she hits middling age, (you people really do live such a ridiculously long time) and I need someone to... 'take over' for me. Look after her, you know?" She smiles then, and she looks years older. "I don't really know if you have any idea what you're doing. But you're a good man. We can... I can... let you in. But you'll have to love me too. Or at least tolerate me. Because I will go nowhere. I belonged to her long before you showed up." Her defensiveness starts to creep back into her voice and she makes the conscious effort to keep herself in check. Then she laughs, small and light, shaking her head in a bemused sort of way. "Forgive me for having my overbearing territory and I'll forgive you for stepping in it, eh? I just wanted you to understand whats at stake. I've never had much of anything; family, friendships, or material things. Now that I do, I will do whatever I can to keep it safe. But I guess you know that, too."

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He believed she finally understood what he wanted from Gianne. He could’ve put it simply and said he wanted a bond like she had, but to him it was more than that. Or possibly he didn’t understand a Kelvic bond that well yet. And how could he? He was just a man. But it seemed like they had a different name for the same thing. Both wanted the same thing but each had a different name for it; even if some of the specifics were a little different as well. There were many things about her race that he would never really understand.

And her burst of laughter was one of them. It wasn’t just a simple laugh or smile; no she seemed to erupt in a cascade of laughter…and to him it appeared like it came out of nowhere. He sat down and watched her roll around in his covers some as she laughed heartily. It was good to see her laugh, it was one of the many things he liked about Rhy. Her laughter was always so pure and unabashed. Her emotions so straight on and her questions never faltering from her thinking.

He wished he could be like her.

“I can look after her once you are gone, but let’s look after her together for about fifteen years or so alright?” That answered her question but her next one was along the lines of what he expected.

He didn’t know what he was doing, he only hoped in a way that he was doing it right. Rhy had seemingly given him approval as long as he loved both Gianne and her. And in a way he knew Rhy would indeed be easy to love. She was straight forward and a good time to be around. So far he had no qualms with her at all. None; this was in fact the first crossroad they had come to since he met her. He had helped her and she had helped him. They worked well as a team.

“You are easy to love Rhy, I love the both of you. And this place is my home now and well it is the first place since the camp that I have felt…myself.” There was a certain amount of self discovery in that statement as he reflected back. He wasn’t merely saying things to say them. No; he meant those words as eye opening as they were to him.

“The Sanctuary is my home now.” He smiled and looked to Rhy as he throw his tunic top around his body again. He didn’t want Gianne to come in and thing inappropriate things were going on. Although she did seem to sleep quite well these nights now that she had Rhy by her.

“And I will do what I must to protect it and this family.”

[Rhy]

She returns the smile, relieved that he feels the same level of devotion to this place and its people. It feels that they might just have the same goal in mind. And she does not miss the small moment of epiphany in his eyes as he explains that its only here that he has ever been so free. "I'll take you up on the offer, Honey", she laughs, using an old joke and her long established nickname for him. "You've got fifteen years to prove your worth. We can do this together. And if I don't run you out by then, you keep the right to look out for Gianne and the Sanctuary for the rest of your life", she smiles dryly. Her mouth then disappears behind her splayed hand and she yawns wider then a lion, her four long teeth only adding to the effect. "I didn't mean to interrupt you so late. But I'm glad I did. I'm glad to know you're not... You know." She waves her hands vaguely, jumping ahead before he could ask exactly what she means. "You're a good man. I never doubted that. Its good to know you have my back, since its well within your rights to make me submit", she explains, thinking of dog's rule. He has her outranked in every way that matters, both for dogs and humans. "You outrank me, but I guess this makes us partners, eh? Thats good. We work well together. You're not flighty. Never nervous... But what made you like that? Why do you speak about the dark like you've been there? Thats where you got those scars, didn't you. That darkness." She leans back and watches him. She's not entirely sure he will tell her, and really, she couldn't blame him if he doesn't. But she feels she needs to know this one last piece to the puzzle that is Serrif.