One Heckuva Morning {Karmine, Cal, et al}

[cal]

"I liked my 'throw myself at her' plan," pointed out Cal, smirking. He finally broke all the ice off his hand, wiggling the fingers and grinning at Karmine. "I can sleep in streets, isn't something that bothers me. 'sides, I have some money an' whatnot. An' the court liked me, gotta remember that. Politics my friend."

He winked, then slapped his hand on the bar. "I think I need another drink."

He looked at Rae, arching his brows expectantly, then back at Karmine. "I am a lousy teacher. An' the Academy's fishy stuff, you should know that by now . Something's goin' on in there, an' I don't want to be attached to it when it goes down. Bein' high rankin' Faerie's enough."

He eyed the empty bar top wearily, as if he expected it to attack him. A few mumbled words, and a layer of ice began to appear on it.

[Karmine de Arcadia]

"Of course I know there is something fishy at the Academy!" Karmine said. "Why do you think I am there? Just cause I am bored?"

Silence for a moment.

"OK, well maybe that is half the reason." He said sheepishly. "But still, something big is going down there, the humans are up to something and you don't need to be a precog to see it coming. But the fact remains there are children there, even my adopted Goddaughter, or so I've been appointed, so someone has to be there to look after them if things go south."

He turned to look at Cal, and saw something odd.

"Ya know, forgive me for sounding like my sister. But Calcus Nightwind, I do believe you are one of the most selfish people I've ever met. I said before I won't attack you for doing what you think is right, hell how could I? But I think there is someone beyond those doors who needs you much more then anyone in here does right now."

He sipped from his flask again.

"Money and liquor and possessions are temporary, you understand that better then most. The people are what is important, but sometimes I think you see them as just as expendable as a bottle of liquor. So you gotta decide now, before you try to have the best of both worlds again."

"Calcus Nightwind. What is important to you, your freedom or...?"

He let the sentence drift off. Cal wasn't stupid, he'd figure out what he meant.

[cal]

"Ah, you see," Cal raised a finger, waving it like a conductor's baton. "Everything is temporary, my friend. Passing breezes simply ruffling the solidity of the universe. People, possessions, verily, even drink do not last."

He sighed, rubbing his eyes for a few moments. It was several seconds before any other words leaked from his lips. "Freedom is one thing. It's authenticity that bothers me most. Can I truly be myself, I ask?"

Cal chuckled, looking over at Karmine, eyebrows raised. "I would say that it will take some time. Let her understand things first. Indeed."

He nodded, then pushed off from the bar, standing on his feet. No wobble, completely steady. Cal saluted Karmine.

"I never claimed to owe anyone responsibility, I'm afraid. I have done my service, an' have done my disservice. I now choose mostly to exist. Call it selfish," he shrugged, "but it's Cal."

He patted Karmine on the shoulder, looking at his friend.

"I would wager there is always someone who needs someone. You. I. Both. Neither. Who knows?" the Fae chuckled, shaking his head. Two steps toward the door, pause. "Hard to be selfish with a shaky self."

[Karmine de Arcadia]

"Those who need help most." Karmine said, though not bothering to raise his voice. "Seldom realize it until it's too late to do anything about it. Weather that help be a person, a thing or what have you. Even for us immortals time isn't infinite, make sure you don't waste too much of it. Cause there never seems to be enough of it when you really need it."

This whole conversation left a bad taste in his mouth. Much to his dismay it was a taste even his drink couldn't remove.

"The Great Wheel ever turns, and the cycle continues forever. Past, present, future all are the same."

He caught a death glare from Rae, saying that she didn't want ANOTHER depressed Fairy in her bar spouting nonsense so he got up quickly.

"Well, I think that's about all fer me. Ah'll see ya then." And without waiting for a word to the contrary he shot out of an open window.

Psh, why use doors when you can fly?