Lunch break

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"That is not love, then," I replied thoughtfully. "It is possession, want, eagerness to own. Such a thing is unacceptable in my mind - it will make the woman I love whither... and die, if not physically, psychicly."

I looked at Caine a moment, thinking. "You do seem to have thought on it, though, and quite a bit..." I paused, taking a drink. "Maybe I'm just an old man rambling..."

[Caine nó Cereus]

I nodded in disagreement, "I don't believe that you are just rambling, you are letting me know how you feel. It let's me know more about you." I said.

I took a drink and smiled, "it is good to learn that you have something in common with me and great depth as well."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

I smiled ruefully, "And to you, Caine, and to you. Wise beyond your years, that's what," I said affectionately.

I let my eyes roam the crowd a little, and smiled. "I think we will be good friends, you and I. Do come by the house, now, won't you? Sylvie is always raving about the innovations she could make, if only one had a taste for raw food in the house," I teased.

[Caine nó Cereus]

Siegfried was as generous as he was kind. "I will do so," I told him honestly. "I guess I could at least give your house keeper someone to cater too."

I remembered then the little boy that he had with him. "how is your son doing?" I asked.

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"Yann is doing well, thank you for asking," I replied with grin. "He and Raegan are like two peas in a pod, though I wonder if I'm not going to end up being the father of two, rather than a husband and father," I jested, laughing a little. "She treats him kindly, and cares for him, and he worships her. I couldn't dream better match, really."

[Caine nó Cereus]

"That is good," I said. "Yann was was a cute little child so I can understand why Reagan would be fond of him." I finished the last bite of what was on my plate. I settled into my chair a little and then, curiously asked, "do you two plan on having kids of your own?"

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

I laughed a little. "One step at a time, Caine... I yet have to obtain authorization to wed her from her father. Seems the old man is a bit of a stickler, or something."

[Caine nó Cereus]

I smiled in apology, "sorry, I don't think you will have a problem though. If I had a daughter I would let you marry her."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"It was a legitimate question - no need to apologize," I replied gently. "I was surprised myself, to be honest."

I patted his hand a little, and said, "Thank you for the vote of confidence. I would let you have my daughter as well, if I had one. You are a fine man, Caine."

[Caine nó Cereus]

I smiled, "thank you Siegfried, if I did marry a child of yours I would make sure to take the utmost care of her." I had finished my food so I rested my face on my hand and looked a little in the distance. Not really looking at anything in The Generous Patron.

"I wonder what it would be like to have a girl with whom I cared about that much. I don't know how great of a partner I would be though. I don't know how to do much else other than my work as an adept."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"You would do fine," I replied reassuringly. "You are caring and full of good sense - that's all you need. The rest will come naturally," I said soothingly.

I glanced at him, then at the crowd. "Is there anyone special?" I asked nonchalantly.

[Caine nó Cereus]

I nodded, "no one special. I have not meet anyone that I've felt feelings for other than friendship. Though I am curious, how did you know that Reagan was a good person for you?"

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"It was natural," I replied after I thought on it a moment. "Initially, there was attraction, that's certain. I wanted her. It was indistinct at first - but she forgot a comb at the practice, and I was elated to have an excuse to take it to her. From there, desire flared, and one thing led to another. It was... we were ... " I paused, looking for words, and finally, I said, "I just knew Caine. It would be her, or no other."

[Caine nó Cereus]

I listened intently, for it seemed these would be important words to hear. Some believed that there was a special someone for them. If it was true that there was just one then I would hate to miss that person if they came across. Most, it seemed, didn't think there was only one. Some kept multiple lovers whom they sometimes loved equally and sometimes not. I didn't know which I really believed, but it would probably be in my best interest to keep a alert mind in case there really is only one.

"I haven't felt like that around anyone," I said. Then with a little bit of a thoughtful expression I said, "I guess I haven't found them yet. I hope that if there is a special person for me I am able to recognize her when she does come around."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"She or he," I replied, smiling reassuringly. "You know, to each his own. I am not D'Angeline by blood, Caine, and though I have adopted all that there is in your culture, in our culture as my own, I can't help but wonder if this is part of my heritage."

I shrugged, and sighed. "I guess I'll never know, though. I never met another Skaldi, and the man I mentionned earlier, the soldier, wasn't able to tell me."

I patted him on the back a little, and added, "But you will find love, Caine. No matter in what shape it comes.... and you will recognize it for what it is."

[Caine nó Cereus]

Siegfried was right, it could be a he or she. While there was no proof to where my blood lie, most assumed I was d'Angeline and I had come to do so as well.

"Well," I said, "I have been hit on by boys before." I thought of the man who hit on me at the Wedding I had attended with Jessamine. "but, he was not the right one," I said nodding my head a little as I said so.

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

I shrugged. “I’ve never been attracted to men,” I replied matter-of-factly, “and I guess it must be written all over me, because no-one has ever tried. But that doesn’t presume at all. Love can exist everywhere….”

I smiled, and added, “You’re quite dashing, even to me, Caine. I’m not surprised someone tried. Who was he, if you don’t mind telling?” I asked the last question curiously.

[Caine nó Cereus]

"It was a man at the wedding I attended briefly. I do not remember his name if he told me. But, it was near the end of the evening and his drink was causing him to be quite forward. I tried to explain to him that I was in an assignation with someone else, but he did not seem to want to listen." I thought back to the event briefly. It was flattering in a round about way I suppose, though at the time I was to busy trying to figure out how to turn him toward someone who did not already have a companion. "I was lucky in that my patron showed up and I had a good excuse to leave."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

“Well he certainly sounded like a bore,” I replied with a chuckle. “If you don’t have a patron to save you, next time, don’t hesitate to tell them that the large hulk in the corner that looks like a Viking without his battle axe is really your secret lover, and I will gladly rid you of them,” I added with a hearty chuckle.

“It sounds like your patron did you good, though. Were you well treated?” I purposely did not ask more. It was a well known fact that most adepts don’t kiss and tell.

[Caine nó Cereus]

I smiled at Siegfried's offer and thanked him for it. I would remember that if we were at the same event in the future and I did need his help.

I smiled, remembering Jessamine, "yes I was," I said, "though I am still a bit new, I can at least say that my time as an adept has been well."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"Bah, we are all new at something," I replied with a smile. I realized time was starting to run short, and I would have to return to the practice soon. "So tell me, what are you up to, this afternoon?"

[Caine nó Cereus]

I shrugged lightly, "I do not have definite plans. The Dowayne sent me out to socialize and to help break me through some of my shyness. Do you have plans for the afternoon?" I asked in honest curiosity.

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

“I have patients incoming, and will need to get back to work soon,” I said matter-of-factly. But you’re welcome to tag along, and to perhaps be my assistant for the day. It would definitely put you in a challenging position, seeing as you would need to interact with them when they come in.”

I didn’t really need him to be there, but Joelle had taken a day off. I could take care of it, but if he wanted to test this out, it was more than a good opportunity.

[Caine nó Cereus]

I remembered the vague recollections I have of the doctor who helped nursed me back to life when I was young and sick. I had always wanted to help others to return the favor though I could not return it to him.

"I would be happy to help you," I told Siegfried, "It will be good for me and I can learn about your practice and what it in tells."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"Wonderful," I replied, grinning wide. I finished my mug, and flagging the lass, paid the meals. "We should get going then, because that antsy woman won't forgive us if we make her wait."

[Caine nó Cereus]

I nodded and stood, leaving a little bit of a tip for the waitress, it was the least I could do. "Thank you for lunch," I told Siegfried. He was indeed a kind man.

I stood up, ready to make leave, "Let us not keep any ladies waiting. I can not say from personal experience but I have heard they can be easily angered in that manner."

[Siegfried de Strasbourg(D)]

"Well, she is a rather special character," I replied, smiling wide. "But let me tell you more about her along the way...."

With that, I led us out the door, and onto Night's Doorstep.