KMT Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master chavamana

Dev snorts to himself. He would comment, but this is between her and "him".

Dev snorts, and all of Parker's theories and fears are validated. She turns away from both men, trying to salvage some shred of dignity. The tears that have begun to fall make it difficult. Her changeling heritage means that she's pretty even when she cries.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

He keeps her from turning, either not hearing Devraj, or just not caring about the other man.

He shakes his head slowly, not dismissing any of her fear or vulnerabilities but disagreeing with her words. "She did have you pegged..." his fingers moving against hers, "As a beautiful, confident lady at the beginning of her life, able to pick and choose what she wants, when she wants, and not needing to explain her choices to a single damn person."

He moves her hand in his, kissing the end of a finger which could easily sprout a claw. "She was jealous of what you are, l... Parker. Of your ability to draw people in, to drive us crazy." He smiles, "And, yes, remain a lady the whole time." He chuckles, warm breath tickling her skin, "And you would be a lady if both of your parents were monsters, because you are." A gentle smile, "And because you won't let yourself cross that line that your mother wishes you would." He kisses the pulse of in her wrist, "And we, those of us who care for you, are here for you to rely on when you are feel unsteady."

Sense Motive 1d20+10

He keeps her from turning, either not hearing Devraj, or just not caring about the other man.

He shakes his head slowly, not dismissing any of her fear or vulnerabilities but disagreeing with her words. "She did have you pegged..." his fingers moving against hers, "As a beautiful, confident lady at the beginning of her life, able to pick and choose what she wants, when she wants, and not needing to explain her choices to a single damn person."

He moves her hand in his, kissing the end of a finger which could easily sprout a claw. "She was jealous of what you are, l... Parker. Of your ability to draw people in, to drive us crazy." He smiles, "And, yes, remain a lady the whole time." He chuckles, warm breath tickling her skin, "And you would be a lady if both of your parents were monsters, because you are." A gentle smile, "And because you won't let yourself cross that line that your mother wishes you would." He kisses the pulse of in her wrist, "And we, those of us who care for you, are here for you to rely on when you are feel unsteady."

As Johannes kisses the pulse point, Parker's fingers of the same hand lightly brush his cheek. The tears are slowly evaporating now. Both of you drive me crazy, so... really... turnabout's fair play." She whispers, a bit unsteady. Clearly reacting very positively to his ministrations.

Dev moves to her and wraps his arms around her, holding her tight. "Parker. You are hardly a monster. No more than I am anyway, and definitely less so than those who would convict an innocent without first finding out the facts involved. Just because you do not think you are worth defending does not mean that that is how we feel as well." a smile begins to play around his lips, "I would gladly take on the honorable Mr. Cabal here in order to win the right to your affections, however, I do not think that is what you want now, is it? It seems to me that you like him and you find comfort within his arms."
"You may be the daughter of a monster, but you are not one unless you decide to let your actions make you one. You have not done that, and for that and many other things I..." he glances briefly at Joe and sighs, "and I believe Mr. Cabal as well have fallen in love with you. We do not like to see you cry, pretty as you are when you do it." He bends his head slightly and kisses her lightly on the top of her head (or forehead if she looks up)

Dev moves to her and wraps his arms around her, holding her tight. "Parker. You are hardly a monster. No more than I am anyway, and definitely less so than those who would convict an innocent without first finding out the facts involved. Just because you do not think you are worth defending does not mean that that is how we feel as well." a smile begins to play around his lips, "I would gladly take on the honorable Mr. Cabal here in order to win the right to your affections, however, I do not think that is what you want now, is it? It seems to me that you like him and you find comfort within his arms."

"You may be the daughter of a monster, but you are not one unless you decide to let your actions make you one. You have not done that, and for that and many other things I..." he glances briefly at Joe and sighs, "and I believe Mr. Cabal as well have fallen in love with you. We do not like to see you cry, pretty as you are when you do it." He bends his head slightly and kisses her lightly on the top of her head (or forehead if she looks up)

She does look up. And once again several tears escape from the corner of her eyes. But this time they're not painful tears. Instead a mixture of disbelief and joy. "You... love me?" Her whisper is addressed to both men.

A small smile reappears on Dev's lips. "Do you really think I spend the majority of what I own on all the woman I associate with? Yes, I love you...and I know at the very least that Mr. Cabal" he flicks Joe a partial smile at continuing to use the honorific, "at least very much likes you. You do not have to fear your heritage. You are far stronger that that. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on and would very much like the opportunity to get to know you better." he pauses, "and since I have been self appointed to keep you from any permanent harm befalling you, I guess I'm going to get that chance, now aren't I." his eyes dance as he looks down into her own. Yes he is teasing, but he certainly believes he means every word and he is certainly happy that she no longer appears to be in pain.

A smile, not fully happy, grows on Joe's lips during Devraj's words. Quietly to Parker, "And, yes, I love you."

"Oh." She responds very quietly. Relaxing a little in Dev's embrace, her posture softens as she no longer feels threatened. Safe. Well, not safe. Certainly not that. But it felt... wonderful to be held. She had never really been held like this before. Her gaze finds Johannes, whose lips she just felt on her wrist. Whose lips she wanted to keep feeling. Torn between the two men, she cannot choose. Does not want to.

"and much as I'd like to be able to 'hold you in my arms forever', I think perhaps we should at least be moving in the direction of our objective if we really want to prove innocence or not." he pauses again smiling into (or at least at) Parker's face. "Of course, if you will allow me the imposition." he sweeps her off her feet and into his arms "is this a decent compromise?" he is smiling again, perhaps a bit impishly as he takes the first steps in the direction they had been traveling.

Joe keeps her hand, fingers moving against her palm. "I refuse to promise not to... compete with Devraj." He smiles, "But, unless you want to, you do not need to choose."

And then rolls his eyes at the dhampir's antics.

Dev's eyebrows raise, lips purse slightly, he glances at Parker, gaze travels to Joe, shrugs. "No, I guess not, the choice, which includes the lack of one, is entirely up to you."

Parker smiles, her eyes almost clear for a brief moment, showing the depth of feelings she's somehow managed to develop for both men.

"Perhaps it is best you let me walk, lest we draw even more attention than we normally do." Parker says quietly to Dev after he has taken a few steps. It's not that she doesn't want to be in his arms... because she certainly does, but such behavior in public is far from even remotely proper.

She gets goosebumps from what Joe is doing to her palm.

Blushes. I... I do not... think... the way I feel... ...it is incredibly difficult to describe just what I feel. I... I cannot imagine life without either of you. I... I don't know if that is love. I...I only know I have never felt this way before." she says honestly, whether or not Dev puts her down.

Dev does indeed return Parker to her feet. "I suppose you are right." He takes her other side and her other hand, though he refrains from his initial instinct of keeping the closer hand around her waist, it's obvious the thought crossed his mind. "Perhaps only you know for sure what you are feeling, but hearing you say it makes me happy." He sweeps the area with his eyes, apparently deciding he's allowed himself to be lacking in the security department as they again begin walking towards their destination. A minor worry tugs at him about two hands clasped together making it take just a trifle longer to be able to draw a weapon. He apparently dismisses it as worth the risk. "I suppose two would be more likely to offer protection than one." he muses to himself, glancing again at Joe with a half smile. It sounds like he isn't quite completely convinced as of yet.

Parker walks in between the two men. She looks up at each of their faces, the hand each one is holding is warm, the skin soft, "I usually am... and I suppose its too late to avoid a scandal at this point." She says the thought outloud, as they progress towards their goal. Her face shows that for the moment, she could care less what others think. That she's happy, even content, possibly for the first time, with her lot in life. That being here between the two of them was causing her pulse to race, her heart to beat as loudly as a drum, her mind to go places she did not ordinarily allow it to go.

"Is courting an adventuress a good idea? she finally says to both men. "it might stain your reputations, and give people all sorts of ideas. Loose women will throw themselves at you, men will accuse you of having unsavory thoughts towards their daughters... you'd have to meet my grandfather, eventually." She has a moment of doubt, thinking the last bit might chase both Dev and Johannes away. She lets go of both hands, pins an errant hair back into the loose bun that it escaped from, as she continues to walk. "and who will protect you from me?" she asks softly.

Dev chuckles, and kisses Parker lightly on the temple. "I'm not exactly of the aristocratic mold, I think my reputation will do just fine, thank you. ...and one of the good things about being an adventurer? Mobility. It's not like we're going to be staying here forever..and then who cares what they think?" he pauses and then continues with a quiet self-assuredness, I've spent my life hunting things others thought to be monsters. Sometimes they were, sometimes not so much. I think I've learned a thing or two...and besides," he flashes a grin in his companions direction. "I've got Joe to watch my back, right?" He is obviously teasing his rival, but it's quite possible that there is meant to be a kernel of truth as well. Regardless, he seems to be quite confident of his ability to handle himself.

Parker blushes at the contact Dev's lips against her temple. She looks up through her heavy lashes at him, then at Joe. Blush deepening.

Dev smile broadly at Parker as he notices her blush and feels a wave of something akin to electricity pass through him. His arm makes its way around to her waist, drawing her in at least temporarily, brushing against her. The pressure abates and his attention returns to where they're going, but his hand remains on her as they continue to move forward.

Joe keeps his hand tight with Parker, not at all willing to release his own claim on the beautiful changeling. As the subtle... and then not so subtle touches pass between his companions, he finally drawls, his urbane tone in full swing, "If you both keep that up you'll have Sin glowing bright as a beacon within moments of us getting to auction house."

He smiles at Parker, "Sorry to be a wet blanket... but Ledov's Chirugery Merchants is just around the corner."

Dev's browse raise and his eyes roll towards Johannes with a semi-bemused expression. He shrugs, "Methinks our chaperone insinuates I am being a little too forward." He does not, however, withdraw his hand.

Joe keeps his hand tight with Parker, not at all willing to release his own claim on the beautiful changeling. As the subtle... and then not so subtle touches pass between his companions, he finally drawls, his urbane tone in full swing, "If you both keep that up you'll have Sin glowing bright as a beacon within moments of us getting to auction house."

He smiles at Parker, "Sorry to be a wet blanket... but Ledov's Chirugery Merchants is just around the corner."

Parker nods. She's never shown this much affection in public before. It feels both liberating and decidetly indecent. "You can make it up to me later.' Parker boldly says to Johannes. Smiles at him, her clouded eyes on the alchemist for a long moment.

Dev's browse raise and his eyes roll towards Johannes with a semi-bemused expression. He shrugs, "Methinks our chaperone insinuates I am being a little too forward." He does not, however, withdraw his hand.

Parker smirks, just a little. "You are being rather forward. We do have an innocent life to save, so we should focus on that. For now." a sly smile as she pauses... "I... think we should probably tune it down around Sin... he's... very sheltered. And you, sir, should take my arm, rather than my waist." She insists to Dev, amused, but serious.

The hand Johannes is touching, finds its way to Johannes' arm, as she slips her arm in his.

Parker smirks, just a little. "You are being rather forward. We do have an innocent life to save, so we should focus on that. For now." a sly smile as she pauses... "I... think we should probably tune it down around Sin... he's... very sheltered. And you, sir, should take my arm, rather than my waist." She insists to Dev, amused, but serious.

The hand Johannes is touching, finds its way to Johannes' arm, as she slips her arm in his.

Dev sighs, exaggeratedly, "as you wish, Milady." He breaks out in a wide grin, but does withdraw his hand, which finds its way to hers and grasps it firmly, though not firmly enough to hurt. Then he draws back momentarily, "...wait Sin, sheltered? Oh, you're talking about Encinal." he breaks into laughter, "well I had that totally misread." he shakes his head a little ruefully, "and that's why she doesn't call me the smart one." he continues to chuckle in amusement.

you have your virtues. she briefly puts her head on Devs shoulder, before straightening up and resuming the walk.

Joe smiles back at Parker's bold statement and when her arm links with his finger play, unseen, at her wrist.

you have your virtues. she briefly puts her head on Devs shoulder, before straightening up and resuming the walk.

"So I've been told." he says softly as her head rests briefly next to his. His hand momentarily caressing her hair and neck.

Parker closes her eyes at the contact, both Devs and Johannes being very distracting. is Sin waiting for us, or do we need to fetch him? I somehow completely lost track of what we are doing." She looks at both men, somewhat mock accusingly.

Dev replies with the tiniest hint of amusement in his tone and a smile around his lips, "I believe he is waiting for us. At the auction house and perhaps the wagons, depending."

"Well perhaps we shouldn't keep him waiting too long." Parker says softly, a small smile making its way across her face.

"So, lets get better acquainted, shall we?" Parker asks. "Tell me about you." and if Dev needs prodding, "What's your full name, your favorite food, the color of your eyes? And don't say grey, brecause I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who sees them as such."

Dev's lips quirk somewhat, not quite smiling, "All right. My name is Dejan Anselm Alexis. My favorite food...not sure, maybe black pudding. The color of my eyes? Well, they really are grey, storm grey if you want a bit more of a descriptive. What about you?"

conversation in the time before the mob scene in Lepinstadt

on the way back to the townhouse, as they are getting close to the city, after the ghostlyish children were dealt with...

"Why do you go by the name Devraj?" Parker asks quietly, so that Sin is out or range, though perhaps Johannes is close enough to hear.

Dev's mouth quirks a little, not really smiling, "You could kind of call it a pseudonym, I guess. We were doing some work in some back-water place. Almost charity work actually. We were getting paid, but they didn't really have much of value. At least we got fed. Tiny village had something of a lizard man problem. The village had been paying tribute to be left alone and our group set a trap at the site. Anyway, it had been raining for days and as it so happened, it seemed like half the cliff face decided to let loose just as we were starting to mix it up. Took out all the lizard men, but pretty much our entire group too. Don't really know how I survived. Kind of just grabbed onto a big tree and rode it down I guess. Ended up just about the center of the village, after knocking down all the totem poles that represented the myriad of gods they worshiped. I guess a number of them poked their heads out, just as I was getting to my feet atop the broken pine. They started calling me "Devraj". "King of the Gods", I think. I stayed there for a while, getting all healed up. Later, joined up with another band passing through. Anyway, couple of 'em heard it and thought it was my name...& well, it kind of stuck. Kind of stupid I know, but I'm used to it now."
He pauses, looks at her sidelong, "So. Is Katherine spelled with a "K" or a "C"? ...and are you okay with being called "Kitty"...or "Cat"...or "Kate"...or would you rather I just keep calling you Parker?"

Dev's mouth quirks a little, not really smiling, "You could kind of call it a pseudonym, I guess. We were doing some work in some back-water place. Almost charity work actually. We were getting paid, but they didn't really have much of value. At least we got fed. Tiny village had something of a lizard man problem. The village had been paying tribute to be left alone and our group set a trap at the site. Anyway, it had been raining for days and as it so happened, it seemed like half the cliff face decided to let loose just as we were starting to mix it up. Took out all the lizard men, but pretty much our entire group too. Don't really know how I survived. Kind of just grabbed onto a big tree and rode it down I guess. Ended up just about the center of the village, after knocking down all the totem poles that represented the myriad of gods they worshiped. I guess a number of them poked their heads out, just as I was getting to my feet atop the broken pine. They started calling me "Devraj". "King of the Gods", I think. I stayed there for a while, getting all healed up. Later, joined up with another band passing through. Anyway, couple of 'em heard it and thought it was my name...& well, it kind of stuck. Kind of stupid I know, but I'm used to it now."

Parker looks impressed at his survival. "It's not stupid at all." She insists. "The name... suits you. And unless you instruct otherwise, I will continue to use it." She adds, a small mischievous smile upon her lips.

Dev smiles, "You can call me pretty much whatever you want. It means I get to hear the sound of your voice at least one more time."

He pauses, looks at her sidelong, "So. Is Katherine spelled with a "K" or a "C"? ...and are you okay with being called "Kitty"...or "Cat"...or "Kate"...or would you rather I just keep calling you Parker?"

Parker smiles, the look is a little embarrassed, a little torn, a little, curious and thrilled at his exploration of her name. "I... well, no one has called me... Kitty... in... years." She begins. "I... I don't really like Kate, or Cat..." A pause, " With a K." Words a little nervous, shy yet excited, jumbled together.

Very quietly, "I suppose... you could call me Kitty, if... if you want." A glance at Dev, and then one at Johannes, the look giving both men permission.

Dev gives her a warm smile, "Kitty it is then. I like it. I think. Gimme a minute." He looks up and away, apparently rolling it around on his tongue. Then looks at her again, beaming. "Yup, it's confirmed. I like it." He smiles into her eyes.

waiting for the mob in Lepinstadt
Parker wakes up with a warm hand on her shoulder and Dev with a concerned look on his face kneeling next to her. He speaks softly, "You were dreaming, Kitty. Everything's all right. The skins' are packed away in evidence. All we have to worry about is your every-day, run-of-the-mill, big-town mob to worry about." He smiles down at her warmly and with a quite self-assuredness, then lies down behind her his arm draped protectively over her. "Would you like me to hold you or..." he lets his words trail off, they aren't exactly alone.

waiting for the mob in Lepinstadt

Parker wakes up with a warm hand on her shoulder and Dev with a concerned look on his face kneeling next to her. He speaks softly, "You were dreaming, Kitty. Everything's all right. The skins' are packed away in evidence. All we have to worry about is your every-day, run-of-the-mill, big-town mob to worry about." He smiles down at her warmly and with a quite self-assuredness, then lies down behind her his arm draped protectively over her. "Would you like me to hold you or..." he lets his words trail off, they aren't exactly alone.

Parker holds on to Devs arm, pulls it tighter around her with one hand while the other wipes at her eyes, at the errant tear. Dreams like she's back in the chemical works, seeing the closet full of skins, full of lost lives and terror. She closes her eyes, whimpers.

Dev pulls his bandanna free with one hand, whispers in her ear, "Shh little one, everythings all right. The skinstealers dead and we're here to protect you. It's only a dream." He wipes the moisture from her face with his bandanna. It smells a bit like him, having worn it all day, and squeezes her tight in his protective embrace. "Sweet, perfect, beautiful, caring little Kitty. Nothing will hurt you tonight while we are here. Rest and sleep easy. He moves just enough to again kiss her temple, then sinks back down, keeping her close.

Dev pulls his bandanna free with one hand, whispers in her ear, "Shh little one, everythings all right. The skinstealers dead and we're here to protect you. It's only a dream." He wipes the moisture from her face with his bandanna. It smells a bit like him, having worn it all day, and squeezes her tight in his protective embrace. "Sweet, perfect, beautiful, caring little Kitty. Nothing will hurt you tonight while we are here. Rest and sleep easy. He moves just enough to again kiss her temple, then sinks back down, keeping her close.

She doesn't say anything, exhaustion having stolen her ability to think clearly. She clings to Devs arm, soon asleep in his protective embrace. As long as he holds her, he keeps the nightmare at bay. If he moves away in his sleep, soon she stirs in the grip of the dream again.

He does not move. At least not until it is time for him to go on watch or the mob arrives.

Dev gives her a warm smile, "Kitty it is then. I like it. I think. Gimme a minute." He looks up and away, apparently rolling it around on his tongue. Then looks at her again, beaming. "Yup, it's confirmed. I like it." He smiles into her eyes.

Parker's smile is soft, clearly pleased at his decision to use her old nickname. "If you insist, sir." she teases playfully.

He does not move. At least not until it is time for one of them to go on watch. (or the mon arrives.)

At some point she turns in her sleep, facing him, cuddling against his chest. cold. comes a very sleepy complaint. But she does not move away.

Dev's arm temporarily moves from around Parker, fishes behind him into his pack, draws out his cloak and covers them (mostly her) with it. "Sorry, Kitten, I can get Joe if you really want me to...but honestly, I'd rather not move." He gives her a soft peck on the forehead and caresses her hair before replacing his arm around her.

Dev's arm temporarily moves from around Parker, fishes behind him into his pack, draws out his cloak and covers them (mostly her) with it. "Sorry, Kitten, I can get Joe if you really want me to...but honestly, I'd rather not move." He gives her a soft peck on the forehead and caresses her hair before replacing his arm around her.

She presses tightly against him as he begins to move away to draw out his cloak, seeking warmth that does not emanate from him. Unwilling to break away from his comforting touch, she protests meekly until she is covered with the cloak, some warmth returning to her.

He presses his face into her hair and lightly kisses her neck as he resettles behind and against her.

He presses his face into her hair and lightly kisses her neck as he resettles behind and against her.