Kaleb Krychek (kalebkrychek) wrote in madisonvalley, @ 2017-11-06 19:22:00 |
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Despite the rather stunning turn of events at their last meeting, Kaleb was assuming this one was going to go much better. Of course, it couldn’t go much worse. Kaleb had been turning over the results of the last time in his mind. Part of this involved the fact that he did not wish to hurt anyone with a breach of his power. The breaches were possible despite his iron control when pressed. There was darkness inside of him and anger that could not always be tamed. But living in an apartment wherein that could be a catastrophic problem, Kaleb was looking for possible solutions. Beyond that concern, he was looking towards his own shields. He needed someone to test something as the only one he considered trusting with the matter was Sarissa. While he felt that the shields were stronger now that he knew what had generated a breach, Kaleb still needed an outside approach to the problem. Without that, he knew he could not be sure. At his home, Kaleb knew the tests would be easy to come by and he did not need to ask for the tests. It was the nature of the Psy. This situation required something… different. Therefore he had reached out to Sarissa. Now they just had to hope this discussion did not bring the building down around everyone. *** Sarissa was still trying to figure out what the heck had happened in her last meeting with Kaleb. It had started out so innocuously, and then it had taken a dark turn when she’d discovered how horrific his childhood had been. She’d left with a better understanding of why he was like what he was...and an awareness that he was much more dangerous to her equilibrium than she’d anticipated. The safe thing to do would be to cut and run, as she always had. Her life was complicated enough without adding more to it. But unlike in the past, there was nowhere to run, not in the fine. And Kaleb Krychek wasn’t someone who’d easily let go. Her best course of action, then, was to see this through, and try to keep control over herself. She arrived at his apartment, as she had the other night, and knocked. She wondered if he’d replaced his furniture yet, or if her fixtures were still there. *** There was no logic, as far as Kaleb could ascertain, to why his conversation with Sarissa had devolved so deeply. He knew why his shields had broken down and the anger had flowed, but the reason he had even bothered to talk about his blood bathed past… That was knowledge was beyond him. And he didn’t like not knowing. Somehow he would find the reason for it. And not knowing how it had happened meant that Kaleb had to tread through this conversation with all the finesse he was capable of. Kaleb opened the door to Sarissa. His black eyes flashed as he looked at her. Odd how his heartbeat increased as he considered her. Kaleb shoved that physical reaction aside. It could not be thought of while in this space. “Good evening,” Kaleb said, cordial as always. His hand itched to touch her, but he refrained, hands curling into fists. “How are you tonight?” Once she was inside he carefully closed the door behind her. “Thank you for coming over.” *** He looked a little different. Sarissa couldn’t place it at first, but then she thought of his comments about his shields, and realized that if it was a metaphor, she was seeing the cracks in it. He looked so human in that moment. “You piqued my curiosity,” she said, letting him take her coat. She didn’t have to wear one, not yet - her powers would have kept her warm - but she wore one anyway, for appearances’ sake. “What’s the topic of discussion today?” *** Hanging the coat with care, Kaleb said, “Curioisity killed the cat. One should be careful with satisfying curiosity in such instances.” There was a sense of humor underlying the words as he gestured to the table. It was the same table she had left him with the last time. “Today’s topic of discussion,” Kaleb continued, pulling out a bottle of wine and handing it to her. “For you.” Kaleb used his powers to remove the cork from the bottle and handed her a glass. “I don’t think you will need it, but one can never be too certain.” Leaning against the table, Kaleb added, “I was not sure what you required for dinner. We can discuss that first.” *** “I can sustain myself on a lot of things, if we’re talking about what I require,” Sarissa said archly. She took the glass and held it out to him to pour, wondering if this was part of the wooing he’d alluded to. Wining and dining was usually part of it. He must be getting his information somewhere other than her, since he’d come up with the idea of wooing without her. “But if you’re asking what I want for dinner, I have a hankering for Hungarian. It’s a bit heavy on the senses, though.” She lifted an eyebrow, daring him to take on that challenge. *** After pouring her drink, Kaleb considered the dinner request. “I believe I would be capable of such a meal.” Kaleb didn’t wish to give away too much, but he was hesitant about over-stretching his bounds. He was certain his control would extend to food, but not prolonged touch - not until he was certain about his shields. “It will give me a chance to clarify my shields.” “Which is part of the reason I wanted you to come over,” Kaleb continued. “My shields need testing and I know you are capable of providing the power and support of testing them.” His black eyes flashed. It was a vulnerability he did not like, but he knew that Sarissa would understand that his need for control was highly important to him. “If you are willing.” *** Sarissa acknowledged his acceptance of her challenge with a small, impressed smile, then turned her attention to his request. “What do you have in mind? Firming up the structure of your furniture so you don’t destroy it?” She could easily do that, as long as it was made of wood. Metals would be a problem. *** A brief grin at the mention crossed Kaleb’s features before disappearing behind his Silence demeanor. “Nothing so esoteric,” Kaleb commented, “And probably not something we should do in such a public vicinity. I need to know that my shields will hold externally despite the internal fracture. I need to know if they are strong enough to survive a mental push or attack from someone. And that they are not ‘leaking’ my power. I could easily overwhelm a human without much effort and I certainly do not need anyone else in my mind.” Kaleb then looked around the space that they were in. “And I believe I need to find a new location to live in. This… while serviceable, is too close to humanity. If I .. continue to explore emotions, the destruction of this apartment could easily hurt others and that is not an acceptable pathway.” Those black eyes turned on her, wondering what she would think of his assessment of himself. *** Had she ever seen Kaleb smile before? No, she mustn’t have, because she would’ve remembered something that beautiful. It was probably a good thing Kaleb lived under Silence. The panties of the women in town might not survive otherwise. Sarissa shook her head slightly to clear the effect, then considered his words. “If you want me to attack you to test your shields,” she said slowly, “I can do so as long as you don’t expect a prolonged, intense session.” She wasn't sure if her own control could handle it. “But I agree - let’s get you into a less populated area, especially if I’m going to feed you goulash.” *** “I am not looking for a long session,” Kaleb commented with a shake of his head. “Psy attacks tend to be brief and intense so I am looking for something of the same nature. Quick and as hard as you make it. We aren’t a kind people.” Kaleb looked at Sarissa consideringly. “I think I need to find a different living space for the long term. Regardless, for tonight at least we can consider the importance of not being in a public space.” He gave a slight shake of his head, disappointed in himself that his control had come to this point. But better to find it out now than when he actually let himself get control. And he had several things he wanted to try and he was hoping Sarissa would be able to make sure they worked as he anticipated. “Dinner first?” he inquired. *** Quick and hard she might be able to do - although Sarissa didn’t plan to go all out. She wasn’t sure the town - or her soul - would survive. Besides, it was good to work her way up, in case Kaleb’s shields really couldn’t handle what she had to throw at him. “Dinner first,” she confirmed. “And you can tell me how your shields are doing at the moment.” *** “Very well. Where does one get Hungarian food then? And perhaps we can get it to go,” Kaleb commented. “One would not want to implode from taste overload in a crowded location.” Again there was a brief flash of a smile. For some reason, the amount of care he was taking to prevent hurting humans - something he never would have done at home - was amusing. But he did it as he sensed Sarissa’s wrath would fall if he did allow even the briefest of his powers to hurt an innocent. “If you show me the location, I can take us to the location you select.” It was part of his ability to go to people or places. It was also a test to see if Sarissa would trust him enough to send him a mental image of where they needed to go. *** “I think the Bonnie Belle has some American version of goulash,” Sarissa said. “Unfortunately, there isn’t actually anywhere here that serves Hungarian food.” She could have made it herself quite easily. Just a thought, and she’d have two piping hot bowls of soup in her hands. But that would be such a pointless use of her power. She did agree with his assessment that they should do takeout, though. But she didn’t have to show him the location. “You know where the restaurant is - you took me there last time.” *** “Ah, that location,” Kaleb answered with a nod. “I am aware of that space. I had not realised that they provided such items. I am glad though that I had not missed a restaurant in my map of the town.” He offered her his arm. There was no need for him to touch her to teleport her, but he considered it a polite gesture. And wooing required those gestures. He believed that the book he had found was somewhat old fashioned, but at the same time, he figured some of the gestures would appeal to Sarissa. Such as offering his arm for a simple transport. “Ready then?” *** Sarissa slipped her arm through his. She was warm, even inside, and despite the season she still smelled of sunshine. “Let’s go.” Once at the restaurant, their order was taken quickly. “Have you been experimenting with other tastes and spices?” she asked as they waited for their food. *** “Not this week,” Kaleb answered, attempting to ignore her warmth and the pleasant smell she emitted. Something about it flashed heat through his own veins. It took a few minutes to reign his needs under control. Kaleb knew the stability of his shields needed him to keep control this evening. So he let go of her arm to give himself a moment of breathing space. After their order was in, Kaleb leaned against the counter. It didn’t take long for the order to appear and he paid for the meal. Gathering the bags, he asked, “Willing to allow me to suggestion a location for our meal? I assume you are willing to eat outside.” It was his way to find space alone for the pair of them. Oddly, he preferred having her to himself. It spoke to his obsessive need to possess Sarissa. *** “I am,” Sarissa replied, curious as to what he had in mind. It was perhaps a measure of how much she trusted her safety in Madison and around him that she agreed without first knowing what he had in mind. That would’ve never happened in the Winter Court. “Don’t expect me to attack you before I’ve eaten, though.” *** “We agreed dinner first,” Kaleb pointed out. He held himself to his word. Where she was concerned, his word was binding. He would never hurt her and would protect her to his limits, because he considered her his to keep and protect. Kaleb was not about to mention that to her, it was merely a fact he was keeping to himself until she was willing to accept it. Taking her arm, Kaleb took her to a small open area in the woods. There was nothing around, no people and the woods were quiet, filled only with the sound of nature. With a quick fetch from his powers, Kaleb pulled a blanket and laid it down on the ground. He the collected the bottle of wine and the glass she had used in his apartment. “To dinner,” Kaleb commented, offering her the full glass. *** “To dinner,” Sarissa echoed, lifting her glass to him in a toast. She didn’t go so far as to suggest he drink wine, though. Despite her constant desire to push his buttons, she didn’t want to throw alcohol in the mix if he wasn’t ready for it. Although she made no conscious effort, the ground they sat on brightened in her presence. The browning grass turned green; the drooping leaves straightened and became fresh and plump with moisture; and glowing fireflies danced around their heads, providing a soft glow. *** With ease Kaleb added to the mix, providing a barrier to the wind that nipped at them, allowing her magic to fill the space with summer. The fact that neither of them used much effort to make the changes happen was not lost on Kaleb. He squirreled away the information about her into the space in his mind wherein he stored all such things about her. Dinner was filled with quiet conversation that rode on the surface of their relationship nuanced by their own intelligence. It was the kind of discussion that Kaleb appreciated as they posed questions and problems to one another about humans and what Kaleb was learning. Finishing with dinner, Kaleb sent the remnants away and as Sarissa finished her wine, he inquired, “Are you still willing to assist me?” His shields had functioned well through the spiced meal so he was certain the test would go well. *** “How do you want me to test your shields?” Sarissa asked as she settled back on her hands. The ground molded itself under her to give her a comfortable seat. “Do you want me to see if I can get in your mind? Or do you want me to assault your mind and see if your control holds?” She spoke neutrally, but she was already thinking of how she might do this without sacrificing her own control. She could feel her Mantle making her restless, eager to use its power. She needed to make sure she didn’t hit him so hard she lost herself in the process. *** He considered the question. There were benefits to either option. Both could work on providing what he needed. “I doubt there are few here who would have the ability to finesse their way into my mind. And even less of those would be interested in what lies within there. Actually, I am certain few want to know what resides in my mind.” Again his sense of humor about the situation rose briefly to the surface. “I think a forceful attack is more likely. Though I believe the breaches are occurring at the internal level of my shields. I need to know which shields are breaking for certain so I work most on those. I have two shields I wish to try. The normal set of shields and a secondary kind. The second is my least favorite, but I may need it within certain circumstances.” Going obsidian would not be a choice for himself, but considering what happened between him and Sarissa last time, he may need them in order to not breach during times when sensation and emotion overwhelmed him. “Would that be acceptable? Two times of a brutal attack. It should be enough to allow me to recognize what works best in given times.” *** Sarissa nodded, trying to figure out her strategy. It didn’t sound too hard, actually, what he was asking her to do. Psychic attacks were well within the power of the Ladies. The Winter Lady probably had more brute strength than Sarissa did, in that regard, but what she had was still considerable. And two attacks would give her a chance to test out his shields for herself, and see what she was working with so she could adapt for the next one. “Let me know when you’re ready to begin.” *** Kaleb examined his shields. From everything he could see they looked well prepared to take on a forceful attack from the outside. He couldn’t see a flaw. Satisfied with them, Kaleb nodded his head at Sarissa, relaxing his posture slightly to move with the blow as needed. “Ready,” he commented, actually looking forward to the experience at would give him a good taste of her power. *** And there was a lot of it. Summer was usually associated with plants and animals and beauty - but it was also associated with storms and diseases. Sarissa didn’t move, but her eyes suddenly glowed green, and her hair flashed white, and she hit him with a psychic blast with the force of a typhoon. She didn’t go full strength - not wanting to risk overpowering him in case even his shields weren’t enough to handle the full power of a faerie queen - but while she was blasting him psychically, she slipped in something else: a flu virus. *** The blast rocked Kaleb mentally. It was strong and shot through his basic shields in a heartbeat. The third shield wobbled and held even though it knocked into the fourth shield in its flex. The fourth one flexed as it should and Kaleb was pleased that despite the rockiness it did hold completely. There was some relief in that, though he could feel something else wrapped around the mental blast - something more physical. His body reacted to the flu and he sneezed loudly and gave a shudder. The mental attack had failed but the physical one slid by with the breaking of the first two shields. It was not an attack he was prepared for and couldn’t quickly repel. “Clever,” he commented, working to contain the virus, though albeit unsuccessfully. “I had not expected the additional physical piece.” He sneezed again and felt aches come across his body. “What did you add in?” Despite the warm air of their surroundings, he shivered. *** Sarissa winced when she saw how the virus was affecting him. She hadn’t expected it to be quite that effective. “Sorry, that was unfair,” she said, sitting up. “I gave you the flu, to see how you could handle different types of attacks. But I suppose that’s not something you’d get back home. Come here; I’ll see if I can heal you.” She could give him some relief, at any rate. Back in the summer, she’d accidentally given measles to a child and had to call in Harry to help fix it. But she’d been controlling the flu virus this time, and should have a good chance of healing it before it could spread too far into his system. *** “Illness still is a part of life, but most of the common illnesses here are not common there,” Kaleb agreed. “We have done a lot of work to remove such things, and our scientists continue to improve.” Kaleb sneezed again and shivered slightly. “The most dangerous to us is mental infections which people specialize in. Additionally, Psy are physically more frail than humans or Changelings which makes a difference in why we have pushed to rid ourselves of such diseases that may, well, level the playing field further. Psy like to be in control in all ways.” Another shiver went through him as he moved towards her. The close proximity made fire flow through his veins in a way that had nothing to do with sickness. *** That did explain why the flu had seized hold of him so quickly. Now that he’d mentioned it, Sarissa did remember him saying something about Psy being more physically frail. Now she felt even worse; that’d been a dirty trick she’d pulled. She’d just thought he’d be able to handle it as well as her psychic attacks. “How many layers of shields do you have, anyway?” she asked as she lightly placed her fingers on the side of his face. Warmth suffused his skin as she infused her healing magic into him. “I think I went through at least three.” *** Her touch warmed him a way that he deeply appreciated, in a way that had less to do with the healing she was offering and more to do with the proximity she offered. His arms ached to curl around her and tug her closer. His hands fisted in response to the urge, wanting to make sure he didn’t overwhelm himself. The question she asked was of an intimate nature. But Kaleb oddly felt comfortable answering something he would never consider offering at home. “10 to 12 on a given day. The first two layers were clear surface breaches. They were meant to be breached in a way - a warning to me to pay attention to what is going on. The third,” Kaleb frowned slightly, “should not have given way so easily. But it is an acceptable loss on the scale of what we were attempting.” Kaleb could feel the illness leaving his body. “Thank you, that is much better. It was a skill I did not expect from you. Well done.” He offered the praise as he was excited to learn more about her - everything about her fascinated him. “Are you ready to try for the second round? I have a different make of shield I want to try. I don’t normally use it as it cuts me off from the data flow that I am used to, but I think it is important to know if it works as I think it shall.” *** “Twelve layers?” Sarissa shook her head. “Most people I know have a maximum of two, if they have them at all.” He really was paranoid. She wondered exactly what he was up against at home that warranted such extreme measures. She sat back, satisfied that she had been able to fix him up. “I’ll have to go harder next time,” she murmured, revealing that she hadn’t been going at full strength. “What’s the furthest anyone has gotten to?” *** “I suppose humans would consider it paranoia,” Kaleb considered after a moment. “But within the Psy, testing shields of others is rather natural and we tend to need several shields against intrusive voices. It happens to me less now that people fear me, but it is still a fact of life.” It was what it was. Kaleb did not mind the ruthlessness that he lived with. It kept him sharp and provided challenges that he couldn’t have here. Kaleb allowed himself to use those opportunities against others to remind himself of who he was. Most interesting was her strength. That she had only used part of it and rocked his third shield was enough for him to know that their power levels were well matched. Kaleb was interesting to see what she did with his next attempt. The answer to her question required some thought, “Well, aside from Santano, the furthest was the 5th level. And then he learned that was a mistake. I was 8.” The words were blunt and brutal. Kaleb knew he had been through a crucible of blood and fire - it was what made him strong and capable and able to carry the burden of his dual cardinal status. *** “It sounds like a brutal environment,” Sarissa murmured. Not too different from the Winter Court, in some ways. And if trying to get through someone else’s shields was a general pastime, she could see the need for multiple layers. It told her, too, that she could send much more at him and he’d be able to take it. Which might be a good thing, since her Mantle was howling for more. She lifted her gaze to him. “I’m ready.” She waited for his acknowledgment, then let loose with another blast. This time, she didn’t hold back. But this time, she wasn’t just trying to blast through his shields. This time, she sent a psychic payload along with her attack. Kaleb! A muffled sob. Kaleb, where are you? You said you’d find me Kaleb, why haven’t you come? *** This time Kaleb was more prepared for Sarissa’s onslaught. He slammed down his most brutal shields - cutting himself off to the outside world. Kaleb was able to feel the push of her power, but within his mind there was cool blackness - nothing got in and nothing got out. His black eyes slid to her face as he considered her. He could the power wash over him. And it was considerable, but he was able to withstand. It proved to him that using the shields needed to be a last resort, but there was no power he couldn’t hold back against. How long was debateable, but Kaleb felt he could hold it as long as possible. Over time the barrier would erode, but that should be long enough for him to begin an attack of his own. *** Amazing. He hadn’t even twitched at the one thing that should’ve gotten an emotional reaction from someone so ensconced in Silence. Sarissa had been sure that hitting him up with a Sahara in distress would get some reaction from him, but it seemed like he hadn’t even seen what she sent at him. Were his shields that airtight? It seemed so. Her Mantle howled its approval of a deserving foe. It wanted to go harder. It wanted to slam through him and tear him apart from within. But it couldn’t get through. Finally she eased back on her attack. By now she was glowing, lighting up the night as brightly as if it were midday. The leaves around them had all burst into bloom again, and the fragrance of blossoms surrounded him. “Satisfied?” She was a little breathless from her exertion. *** “One more thing,” Kaleb added, and reached out and slid his hand around her neck and pulled her to him. With ease, he leaned in and kissed her - pouring his desire for her into the kiss. Kaleb was testing to see if his passion broke through the shield from the inside out. Luckily he didn’t notice any change. It meant that he could give in to the need he felt raging for her and not risk others around them. The ground rumbled slightly and he pulled back. The earthquake was not registered by anyone not in the nearby area. “Satisfied,” Kaleb agreed, letting go of her. He noticed the leeching of her power. Kaleb wondered what she would think of what she what had happened. Leaning back and giving her space, he lowered the obsidian shield. It had felt awkward to hold, but he liked what it afforded him. The length of time he used it for would need to be monitored carefully. *** Sarissa settled back, her eyes still glowing green. “Impressive,” she said, letting him wonder if she meant his shield or his kiss. It was an impressive shield, to be sure. With the amount of power she’d poured into the attack, she would’ve reduced even Harry to a gibbering wreck. The kiss had been impressive, too. She felt too restless to keep sitting there, though. Her Mantle had finally gotten a taste of power and freedom, and it wanted more. She’d have to take some time to rein it back in. “If that is all,” she said, getting to her feet, “I’ll get going.” *** Reaching out, Kaleb grabbed her hand. He had a sense he knew what she was facing. His power preferred to be out and not in. Not locked as tight as he kept it - to make sure that he didn’t hurt anyone. “Are you alright?” Kaleb inquired. “It got a taste and it is trying to wrest control, isn’t it?” His black eyes bled to darkness as he watched her get to her feet completely, brushing herself off. If she needed to go, he wouldn’t stop her. Though part of him wondered if what he had done for himself, he could do for her - block out her power from its grip on her. *** Sarissa nodded as she worked on regulating her breathing. This wasn’t an aspect of her powers - or even herself - she liked to talk about, by Kaleb seemed to understand the heart of the matter. “I gave it more rein than I should have,” she admitted. “That was poor judgment on my part.” Or, more likely, the Mantle had been influencing her decision there. Sarissa might want to think that she was the one who’d decided to risk using her powers to help out Kaleb, but she’d be a fool to actually believe it. The Mantle was as part of her as her thoughts and memories. The only difference was, it had its own agenda. *** He watched her carefully, listening to her. Kaleb understood precisely what she was facing. “Would you be willing to let me try something? I don’t know how long it will last with distance, but it may work to give you time to tighten the reins once more.” Kaleb made no comment about her judgement. He had pushed her to the edge and it was in his best interests to make sure she stayed safe. As far as he was concerned, she was his and it was his job to protect her - even if that was from herself and her power. *** Sarissa hesitated, wary. It wasn’t as if she was worried about him - more that she was worried for him. His shields had been able to withstand an assault, but faeries were rarely that straightforward - and the base of their power was even less so. If he had a method of helping her, though, she wasn’t going to turn it down. She was going to need help containing the Mantle. “All right,” she said, stilling. “Go ahead.” *** Kaleb couldn’t quite believe that she had agreed. It seemed a large step in their relationship and Kaleb knew better than to wait off the momentousness of the step. Though he wasn’t sure what he could do would help, it was at least worth the attempt. He knew that the shield would hold for a time, long enough to hopefully allow her to regain her own control. His telepathy reached out, augmented by his telekinesis. He could sense the difference between her mind and … whatever it was. It was not something he recognized and it didn’t feel like anything he could name in his experience. But he felt like he could build the barrier between Sarissa and the item. Those black eyes slid to darkness as he considered the problem. Though he did not have the connection with her he did with Sahara, which would have made it easier to set up the block, Kaleb was able to sense the difference between the two parts. The problem was that the line between her and the entity was sticky, weaving in and out of Sarissa’s consciousness at a level where Kaleb would have to kill her to break them apart. As her death was not an acceptable option, Kaleb considered the problem carefully. “I can make it so the,” Kaleb paused and searched for the best word, “part of your conscience attached to the power is somewhat separated, but it will still leak out. Otherwise, I can encase you and the item behind obsidian shields that I can remove when you feel total control.” *** Separate them? Sarissa grew cold. She was new to being the Summer Lady, but she knew well enough that she couldn’t be separated from the Mantle. She was the Summer Lady now, and the Summer Lady was her. There would be no more separation until her death. “No,” she said quietly. “Thank you for the option, but there cannot be a separation. Not anymore. And if you were to put us behind a shield, you would put us in a cage. I don’t want that.” *** Now it was a puzzle for Kaleb to solve. And he would solve it Again he considered the issue. The entity attached to Sarissa was wild and unlike anything he had experienced - even Changelings felt tamer and more controlled than this part of Sarissa. He could feel it sucking in power and how deeply twined it was with Sarissa. Separation was not going to work, Kaleb agreed with her in that regard. “What about something different. Not a cage but more of a web,” Kaleb commented considering the problem. “Something that would allow it to breathe and interact with the outside world, but would allow it not to run wild without your control.” He considered her carefully. “It is like another entity entirely - something with its own desires and needs - a thing that wants to subvert who you are and what you want.” Kaleb wondered what she would think about that. He wasn’t sure she would be willing to do that, but it would provide her some support. *** He’d captured the essence of the Mantle right there. Something with its own desires and needs indeed. She considered his suggestion: of trapping the Mantle in some kind of webbing. But how could he distinguish what pieces were the Mantle and which pieces were her? Were there even separate pieces anymore? After a moment, she shook her head. Until she understood the Mantle better, she didn’t want to risk doing anything to it that would only activate it quicker. “No,” she said finally. “Thank you for offering. But there’s no telling how my powers will react. I’d rather not risk it, for the safety of everyone in the dome.” *** “You need some protection from it,” Kaleb commented, but made no move to do anything to the entity he could feel circling around Sarissa. “But I know you are strong.” Kaleb reached out and stroked a single curl of her hair. “If there is something I can do, please let me know.” His eyes fled back to a normal black with pinpricks of light scattered about the field. He waited, returning his hand to himself. “We should still discuss my place to live.” *** “I know,” Sarissa said quietly. “I’m just not sure that protection exists.” The Mantle was old, older than even the Mothers. As far as Sarissa knew, no one had been able to protect themselves from the Mantle, even Harry - and Stars knew Harry had tried. She shook her head, not wanting to waste time on a lost cause. “Yes, let’s talk about your new home. What do you have in mind?” *** Again Kaleb wanted to reach out and touch her but he could sense the power within him rocking at the core and knew that it was too soon to push without going obsidian. And doing that at the moment meant he couldn’t help monitor her status. If things did get beyond control, Kaleb would protect her first and damn the consequences. She was his and he would not allow anything to get in the way of that. “Well less neighbors for a start,” Kaleb said, sitting up a bit straighter. “Sah… My place at home is in the midst of nothing with miles of space between me and the next people. Part of it is security - which I do not think is an issue here - but there is a potential, as always, for my powers to wreak havoc. It would be better if that happened far from populated areas.” Looking around, Kaleb added, “This location would be ideal.” *** Sahara. He was going to say Sahara, his lost friend - maybe even his lost love, insofar as Kaleb could love. For the first time, Sarissa felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought. She chose to ignore it. “You’re thinking of building a house here?” She looked around. “I suppose building won’t be an issue. But how are you going to get internet?” Because that was important, in this day and age. *** “It would seem responsible to choose to do such a thing,” Kaleb pointed out. “Unless you have a different suggestion. I am open to ideas.” Kaleb pointed out the obvious part of the conversation. “We both know my attentions towards you. Those cannot be logically explored in an environment where people are living close by. Therefore a different living situation is called for. As for internet, I believe that could be arranged.” *** Sarissa lifted an eyebrow. “You’re awfully sure of yourself. What makes you think there’ll be any kind of exploration?” It was, however, a good idea for him to move away from the populated city centre anyway. Kaleb had very good control in general, but there were triggers - like mentions of his past, and what had happened there - that set off his powers. Best that it didn’t happen in a residence that might not have been built to earthquake code, let alone the effects of a powerful telekinetic. *** Again that rare smile flashed across Kaleb’s face before it disappeared. “There will be. Given time and attention and care and,” his eyes sparked, “as you asked for, wooing, there will be exploration.” His surety was clear and so was the strength of his ego. Kaleb did not accept no as an answer to anything in his life. He’d been frustrated before and that rage would lead to the death of those involved. “So, location for such a home?” *** Oh, he was going to be so disappointed. It might be good for him: he’d actually feel an emotion. Sadly, it would be a disappointment for her too. But Sarissa had resigned herself to all the downsides of being Summer Lady. She might not like them, but she’d accepted them. “There are some residences at the outskirts of town where you wouldn’t have such a great effect on people around you,” she said. “That has the advantage of having everything built already. But if you want something more remote…” She looked around. “I’m sure you’ll be able to build something here.” She might even be able to help, given enough recovery time. But he’d have to take care of any modern technology or convenience himself. *** Kaleb was never going to be disappointed. He had no doubt that he would get Sarissa to join him in bed. This was a foregone conclusion. The knowledge he did not have at this point was how long it would take. But, it would happen. “I would prefer as remote as possible. I’ve never built a house myself - it is not an area of knowledge that I contain,” Kaleb answered. “Providing the technology of it I can manage. Sah… my home was built by local builders though no one person had all knowledge of its specifications. I don’t need to go to such lengths here, but I would enjoy the isolation.” *** “It’s all right to say her name,” Sarissa said gently. “It might help, rather than keep her hidden. She sounds like a remarkable girl. People should know that.” She considered his words. “There are good contractors here,” she said. “Or I could help you raise a building. It’ll be strong, but without any amenities. You wouldn’t be able to put in internal wiring or anything of the sort.” *** “The house was built for her,” Kaleb commented, looking to the distance. “I had little care for what it was. It is merely a space. Which is really all I require in this location - a space where privacy is easy to come by and I don’t need to worry about others and the power that may come with learning and exploring more about my emotions.” “You could raise a building? I had not realised you were capable of such a thing.” Of course, Kaleb had barely scratched the surface of her power. He would prefer to find out what she was capable of which is what made her offer more tempting than a traditional method of getting a house built. *** “I am capable of many things,” Sarissa said with a bittersweet smile. She just didn’t choose to exercise that power in the hopes it would stave off her transformation into the Summer Lady. She knew it was a losing battle, though. One day, hopefully far into the future, she would wake up one day and there would be no Sarissa left, only the Summer Lady. So if it was going to happen, she figured she might as well use her powers for good. Keeping Kaleb and his potentially destructive powers away from innocents was a good use of it. “I can’t do it tonight,” she continued. “I need time to settle back into myself.” The Mantle was already too close to the surface, too eager to take over. “Figure our what you want and I’ll see if I can help.” *** “Explain your power to me,” Kaleb commanded in that imperious tone he employed when trying to request something from someone. “It does not feel like you. Almost like it was bestowed upon you. The sensation it evokes is desperate from you - It is old and wild. You are calm and controlled… refined.” Those black eyes watched her carefully wondering what she would confess. And the rest of him considered whether or not it would be worth the risk to see if he could seduce the information from her. *** “Ask nicely,” Sarissa said mildly. There was an edge to her smile, though, that suggested she wouldn’t budge on this matter. There were only two people on this earth and all its dimensions she took orders from these days, and Kaleb Krychek was not one of them. He seemed to have forgotten that he couldn’t order her around, and he needed to be reminded of that - especially since she had been doing him so many favors, like testing his shields and offering to help with his house. He had to learn this was not the way to thank her...or to woo her. *** That quick grin creased his face briefly and the sparks danced across his eyes. This was why he liked Sarissa so much - she challenged him on all fronts. Never would he get away with such imperious demands with her. Which is why he was willing to flex in his wording, because he saw her as an equal not an inferior. Something he granted only one other. Slamming up the obsidian shields he had woven before, Kaleb moved closer to her. This, of course, would be an even better test of what they may withhold. With a gentle touch, he reached up and slid a strand of her hair behind one ear, lightly grazing the delicate point before sliding the work toughened hand down her arm to her hand. He could feel his power straining behind the shields but the obsidian was a stalwart resister to the attempt of his power to escape. Taking her hand in his, Kaleb turned it palm side up in his and brought his other hand to trace across the long line across her palm. As he gently touch her skin, working on seducing her as he felt touch was intrical to her needs, Kaleb asked quietly, “Tell me about this wildness that rides you. It feels almost like a feral beast that takes and takes, wishing to make you its. Should I fear losing you - the warm, intelligent woman, to its wild desires?” The hand tracing the line on her palm followed a gentle path up her arm, as part his mind considered what might be considered erogenous zones on her skin. He realised that every touch turned him on, breaching levels of mental and physical pleasure he'd never experienced. *** So he was going straight for seduction. And for someone who probably hadn’t ever done it before, he was very good at it. It was just unfortunate for him that he was trying to work on someone who’d dealt with people manipulating her for centuries. She could tell what he was trying to do. Still, his words showed that he was getting close to the truth: too close, for her comfort. “It’s not something you need to concern yourself with,” Sarissa said, pulling away. “After all, it’s not as if you can feel fear.” She lifted an eyebrow at him, daring him to contradict her. He’d asked nicely enough, as she’d requested (and how nicely he did so), but there were still so many other issues they were dealing with - and not all of them his. As much as Sarissa wanted to confide in him, she still didn’t trust that he had the emotional capacity to understand and support her. *** Ah. The question of fear - of emotion. Did he feel such emotion? Kaleb considered it. “If you ask if I fear your power or your abilities then no. I have no need of fear in such an instance.” Though he could have left it there, the need to be honest with her sparked further thoughts to be voiced. “I do feel fear, but it relates to things more personal. Things related to control. My life has made control vital to who I am. I fear what I will become if I never find Sahara. Perhaps others should fear what I would become.” Kaleb stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankle. “Fear is a powerful motivator for the Psy thought they deny, as I would, access to that emotion. But it, along with pain, is wielded with careless ease to control young children and enforce behavior that is approved.” Again he paused and considered. “I fear that I will become my father. That his legacy has tainted me to a point where I shall never be fully myself.” Those black eyes looked at her, wondering her thoughts on his words. *** It all made sense. Given the way he’d been brought up, given the depth of attachment he had to Sahara, those were all the things someone like him would be worried about. But how much of it was metaphor, and how much of it was actual feeling? Sarissa wasn’t sure. Sometimes she found it as hard to read him as he found to read her. “Then don’t fear for me or my power,” she said simply. “I’m sure I can do that enough for the both of us.” Because it was a constant worry at the back of her mind, the one kernel of knowledge that affected everything that she did. *** “You fear your power,” Kaleb repeated. “I am afraid I don’t understand fearing one’s power. My power has always been … a refuge.” It was the best word he could come up with. “But I could see that your power is something different and it could inspire fear.” Kaleb considered her for a moment, unconsciously reaching out and stroking her skin with his power. It was gentle, but it was a connection. A strand of his hair fell down across his forward as he tipped his head to look at her. “And oddly, I fear that you won’t ever allow us to see what could be between us.” *** It was an interesting statement, coming from him, and it spoke to an interest in her that went beyond the experimental. “I’m not sure if there can be anything between us,” she said gently. “Given that we are looking for different things.” Although to be honest, she wasn’t sure what she was looking for anymore. Things had changed dramatically once she’d become the Summer Lady. Now it was her turn to brush the unruly strand of hair away from his face, though she used her fingers instead of magic to do so. Her fingers brushed over his cheek, lightly. After a moment, she allowed herself to share another tidbit of information. “It’s not so much that I fear my power. It’s that I fear what my power will do to me. No one takes it on without being changed by it. You’ve already felt it in me, wanting to take me over.” *** “Are you certain there can be nothing between us?” he inquired. “That we do not want the same thing?” He oddly felt the need to lean into her touch. Sympathetic touch had not been in his life since Sahara was taken. There was a small part in his mind that longed such things - softness and love and caring. Kaleb didn’t even know he wanted those things and his conscious couldn’t even acknowledge those kind of needs. Ever so slightly he leaned against her, minutely asking for more. He reached out again and touched her hand once more. “There is nothing I can do to help? You should not lose who you are.” There was more he wanted to say, but expressing emotions was not something he could do. Nor did he really understand what he was thinking or feeling. *** Surprise by the unspoken request but pleased by it all the same, Sarissa drew closer and let her fingers trail down his jaw to his neck. There was already stubble beginning to darken his jaw; it amused her to think that something so normal could escape his ironclad control. “What do you want in a relationship?” She didn’t address his desire to help. She agreed she shouldn’t lose who she was, but it was unfortunately a forgone conclusion. All she could do was stave it off. *** Unaware that he continued to lean slightly into her touch, Kaleb considered the question. It required an intellectual and logical answer. What did he want? Kaleb trolled his mind back to when he was with Sahara. She had been so young and exuberant and she had formed the relationship. Sahara had been the one that dragged Kaleb along into the relation and had defined who and what they were. “Equality,” Kaleb considered. “Intelligent conversation. Someone who never bends to my will and doesn’t let me get away with anything. Companionship. Sex.” He let out a long breath his fingers tracing along hers as he added, “I don’t know about the emotional piece - but I believe that being in such a close relationship would let me have that freedom I won’t allow myself anywhere else.” *** To be fair, what he’d just listed as things he wanted out of a relationship wasn’t unreasonable. It was, really, what most people wanted, and Sarissa wasn’t exactly an exception to that. Except for one thing. “Anyone who has a relationship with me will have to resign himself to not having sex,” she said simply. “Why are you interested in it, anyway? Isn’t that just a lot of touching and emotional connection?” *** “But it seems as though it is an important connection,” Kaleb commented. He didn’t admit that he had delved into the world of reading romance novels to learn more about wooing. He wasn’t sure what Sarissa would think of that action, but he considered it a wise choice. Women seemed to enjoy them and if he wanted to woo a woman, it behooved him to explore the things that they liked. “And while it may be emotional and messy,” Kaleb added after a moment, “it seems so intriguing that leaving it out of a relationship is missing out on something vital.” Kaleb turned those black eyes to her. “I do not understand your reasons for not wanting to indulge in such aspects of a relationship. Even I, as locked away from emotion as I am, can feel your warmth and sensual nature and your desire.” *** Sarissa exhaled slowly. None of what he’d said was wrong. Unfortunately, none of it mattered. She was silent for a moment as she considered whether to tell him the real reason why she wouldn’t sleep with him. What she’d told him before - that she wouldn’t have sex with anyone she didn’t want to - was still true. The thing was, she was starting to think more and more about what it would be like to be with him, to have that intense power focused on her. But even though she wanted to, she couldn’t. And it was impossible to explain to him why without going into an explanation of the Mantle itself. “Let’s focus on your house,” she said in a clear and shameless change of subject. “Let me know if you desire my help with it.” *** “Very well,” Kaleb said with a few flashes of light in his gaze. He moved back to sit upright, slightly away from Sarissa. She was refusing to part with information. Kaleb wasn’t about to give up, but he was willing to be patient. Fetching a notebook and a pencil, Kaleb sketched out what he was thinking of, gathering her opinions on the ideas and rebuilding and redrawing. *** |