[for losthunter]

[poetwarrior]

It has been nearly six hours.

Faris can feel it. The weakness is unmistakable. He's never experienced it before, but all K'da know what it means. He's been separated from his host for too long, long enough that he needs to join or he will die, and fade away into nothing.

He still isn't sure where this Nexus place is, but there are no Shontine that he's seen. No species he recognizes as one able to serve as hosts. There have only been two compatible races that the K'da know of, and he's seen neither. Robots, aliens, all manner of creatures, but nothing he recognizes.

This cannot be the end.

Movement, from the corner of his eye. The sight of painted skin, full of life and possibility. A human, perhaps. Faris has never met one before. But if this one has willingly inked his skin, perhaps it is possible... perhaps he would allow it. At least long enough to buy him some time.

The K'da gathers his remaining strength, ready to leap as soon as the human is in range. It may be the last thing he ever does, so he intends to make it count.

Comments

[poetwarrior]

Strange and unappetizing as the meal may seem to a human, the K'da seems to greatly enjoy it. He eats the mixture like a dog might, not using his forepaws at all. "My thanks for the meal. It's somewhat close to what I am used to."

[losthunter]

"It is good to know that I have the right ingredients so you can enjoy the meal." Hunter meanwhile is using the meat to make a hamburger patty. He fries it up in the oil. Then as it is frying, chops some of the pepper and banana.

Those are added to the frying pan, after he removes the meat. Once those are nicely crisp, he puts everything into a bun with some mustard.

And then joins Faris at the table.

[poetwarrior]

"If I am to stay, I do wish to find a way to contribute," Faris says as they eat. "I do not want to take advantage of your generosity."

[losthunter]

"I am sure we can arrange something." Hunter reassures Faris.

[poetwarrior]

"I am gratified to hear it. No poet-warrior of the K'da should take and never give in return. It is not our way."

[losthunter]

"What are some of your skills or abilities?"

[poetwarrior]

"I am trained for combat and diplomacy. I also have a talent for composing verses."

[losthunter]

"I have a friend who would enjoy hearing any of your verses."

[poetwarrior]

"Oh? Is this friend of yours a historian?" Faris asks.

[losthunter]

"In a fashion. And he just appreciates stories."

[poetwarrior]

"Who does not?" Faris says reasonably. "Stories are how we learn."

[losthunter]

"Very true." Hunter smiles softly. "And it is good to hear that you enjoy sharing the stories of your world."

[poetwarrior]

"Do you not?" Faris asks as he finishes his meal.

[losthunter]

"I share the stories in a different way. Instead of verse, I use my art." Hunter gestures to his art studio.

[poetwarrior]

"I did notice your work. It has been some time since any of my people have had the time or space to create visual works." When he says 'my people' he includes the Shontine, not just the K'da.

[losthunter]

"And I imagine it is easier to use verse, since it takes no space to do so."

[poetwarrior]

"Yes, memory only. And it helps keep the mind sharp. Skills must be practiced or they may be lost, and the mind is no different."

[losthunter]

"It sounds very interesting."

[poetwarrior]

"Perhaps while I am here, you may show me how to create visual works," Faris says, pulling the corners of his mouth up in something approximating a human smile.

[losthunter]

"Sure. I am sure that is more than possible... considering I do work on my art frequently."

[poetwarrior]

"What do you do with your works once they are complete?" Faris asks. Done with his food, he wanders over to take a closer look at Hunter's current work-in-progress.

[losthunter]

"I have a couple of art galleries that display the art pieces. And I am working with a couple of friends on creating a Nexus museum."

[poetwarrior]

"You donate them? Or do you make a profit from them?"

[losthunter]

"I sell them. Then use the profit to place in a savings account. I am working towards another project. One to help out the helpless."

[poetwarrior]

He must admit to slight disappointment in earning money from art, but there are far worse ways to earn a living than sharing creative works with others. "An honorable choice."