Post by Therdde on Jul 6, 2009 22:41:56 GMT -5
Characters:
Kein - Male Cougar
Kasim - Male Cougar
- Sloping Gradient -
Nayeli expressed a desire to give birth to their new litter in the cave. And, knowing where Jinx and Ohanzee's remaining children have been staying, it has given him the extra push he needed to seek them out. He knows they're ready. At least, the one he knows is, and he has plans for Peyote. But that still leaves two adolescent males that Kein needs to see on their way before his mate births their new cubs. His approach to the area is slow. He is not looking forward to this particular task, as he has no idea how it might go, but he is very determined to get it done.
The news of more cubs on their way has had Kasim very happy recently, a lot happier than he's been over the last few days. Maybe it's just because all the cubs are all grown, or maybe it's because he can feel his age starting to catch up with him, but the male cougar has been feeling a little off lately. While he's still his usual happy self around others, it's when he's by himself that he's just not feeling right. Right now, Kasim is up in a tree by himself right by the den simply thinking, something that's been becoming more and more frequent as of late.
It is quiet here. Rather more quiet than Kein had been expecting, anyway. Perhaps Jinx and the boys are off somewhere, but one scent is plenty strong here. Kasim's. He has not seen the other male since the day Kasim offered to do some patrols, what seems like a lifetime ago. Kein is calmer, now, than he was that day, and not quite so tired, but he remains every plenty reserved as he slows down a little further and begins looking for Kasim. His last encounters with Jinx and Kaya were both good... But the Chieftain is prepared for that to change at any time. For all of them to decide, once more, that they have absolutely no respect for his authority. He won't be caught off guard if it happens again, not like he was the first time.
At least all the drama around Amaranth seems to have calmed down for now, at least. All he wants is just for everyone to get along so they can all love each other like the big family that they are. Life can never be simple, can it? Kasim is broken out of his thinking when his ears perk up at the sound of noise and, a moment later, he spots Kein. Memories of their last talk come to mind but he tries not to think about that. That was then, right? "Hey Kein," the older male calls from his tree, a small smile on his face.
Kein looks up at the voice. Upon spotting Kasim, he stops walking. Well. "Good afternoon, Kasim. Can you come down here, please? I need to speak to you." Kein's voice is calm. Not unpleasant. He's getting better. It doesn't even take effort, anymore, to remember the pleasantries. It's still a mask, but it's a good one.
Kasim's smile widens a bit upon seeing Kein's relaxed manner. Well, maybe he's calmed down from the last time they spoke. "Sure, I'll be right down," he says, standing up on his branch before slowly starting to climb down, not being able to go as fast as he probably could have done before. When he reaches the ground, Kasim just smiles and asks, "What's on your mind Kein? Not every day I get to see you." Sadly.
Kein does not smile often, but he does not appear /upset/. And, as Kasim joins him on the ground, Kein sits before speaking. He is not here to fight, but his voice, when he speaks, if very authoritative. "I'm sure you know better than I do how much Scuddle and his brothers have grown." Authoritative or not, he does ease into the conversation, giving Kasim time to adjust to what he has to know is coming.
Ahh, so the time has come at last. The smile shrinks a bit from the older cougar's muzzle as he nods slowly, knowing what Kein is talking about. Sure, once the cubs reach a certain age it's expected of them to go out on their own. Man, is it that time already? Giving a small sigh, Kasim eases himself back into a sitting position as well, before nodding again and saying, "Yes, everyone has indeed grown. Seems like it was only yesterday that they were cubs."
Perhaps, were it not for the coming birth of his second litter, he would not have felt such a push to get this done. Things are as they are, though. Kein gives a little nod of his head. "If you think it better that I be the one to tell them it is time for them to set out on their own, I will." Kein is not cruel, not truly, and he ould not force Kasim to do the unpleasant parts of his job. "If, however, you think they would take the news better coming from you... Then I will give you a week to tell them, with one exception." Is a week too long? Possibly. He won't feel comfortable having cougars he does not know well around his children, not for a long while, and they may be born at any time... But he's /not/ cruel.
Even though he always knew this day would come, Kasim had always dreaded the day he'd have to tell the now-teens that they would have to leave Amaranth to start their own lives. Are they even ready to face the world all by themselves? Well, Scuddle may have Kaya with him, but there are still the others to worry about. "No, no, I can tell them myself," Kasim says, sounding as though it's a choice he doesn't want to have to make but knows he has to do it. "What's the exception then?"
"Peyote." Kein has not managed to speak to the boy yet, but he still has time. "I have a task for him. Something only he can do. He will be allowed to stay, at least for a while." Until his youngest (for now) daughter returns from her quest. And after that? Kein isn't sure. It depends a lot on how Peyote responds to the 'task' Kein has for him. If he shows himself capable of obeying an order that goes against what the boy really wants to do... Well, Kein has time to think about it, anyway.
Kasim tilts his head a bit in confusion when Kein mentions some sort of task that he has for Peyote. Why would Kein single out Peyote for some sort of task he has in mind? "What are you going to make him do?" the cougar asks curiously. Even though he doesn't want to seem nosey and get in Kein's business, Kasim can't help but be curious as to why Kein would pick Peyote for some special task.
"I am not going to /make/ him do anything." Is Kein getting a little too picky about the wording that those around him use? Perhaps. Something about the way Kasim worded it, though, irritated the Chieftain. He's getting better, sure... But it is a long process, and Kein still feels the need to exert his authority whenever he feels it is being questioned. "If he decides he does not want to do what I want him to do, then I will simply send him on his way, as with his brothers. Beyond that, the task that I have for him is between me and him, unless he decides to share it." Mysterious much? The way he looks at Kasim, as though daring Kasim to dare question him again, no matter how innocuous the questioning is, certainly does not give much hope to the idea that Kein will share more, right now.
"I didn't mean it to sound that way, I'm sorry," he says in reply, feeling a little crest fallen. When did Kein ever become so serious and quick to snap like this? Sure being the Chief must be hard work, but Kein was never /cold/ to him before. Maybe a bit distant, but never cold. Now... who knows? "I was only wondering what I should tell his brothers when I have to explain why Peyote might get to stay a bit longer, but I can see you won't tell me so I won't bother asking." Kasim isn't saying this to be a wise-ass, trying to sound as truthful as he can.
No, Kein will not tell Kasim what he intends to ask of Peyote. The reasons are numerous, but added to them is the fact that he simply should not have to. Had Kasim asked differently, perhaps Kein's answer may have been different. Still, even though he has no intention of telling Kasim what he wants of Peyote, that does not mean he'll just leave Kasim now without another statement. "Tell them that Peyote will have to find his own way, elsewhere, just as they will. I am doing Peyote no favors, believe me." Kein knows that, perhaps as well as anyone could. Could Kein have ever stayed away to just watch as Nayeli struggled through some task? It will be difficult, and if Peyote fails, by whatever obscure definition of failure Kein uses... Then his departure from Amaranth will be delayed by mere weeks. Perhaps by mere days.
Could this have something to do with the way he's been feeling lately maybe? The fact that Kasim still considers Kein his son but still feels like all he gets is a cold shoulder? Probably not all of it but it could be a factor. Either way, it still stings in his heart. "Ok, I'll tell them all," he says, trying not to let the sting reach his voice. "When I tell them, do they have to leave right then or do I have your permission to give them a few days to prepare themselves?" He'd feel terrible if he just threw them out into the real world so suddenly like that.
Kein is not the most open communicative animal in this forest, certainly. But Kasim is not the only one hurting, here. It's harder to tell in Kein, because he does not /act/ hurt when he's hurt, but Kein is full of regrets. Still, he knows what he must do. "If you tell them today, they can have a few days. If you put it off... Well, when Nayeli feels it is time to move to the cave, if they are not yet gone, I will be forced to be the one to tell them." Kein takes a deep breath, then says, "Kaya already knows. She has been given permission to leave at the same time." Very unlike before, when Kein made it clear that if Kaya left without permission, she would not be allowed back.
Kasim nods to show that he understands what he is told before saying, "I'll make sure that the den is ready for her whenever she may need it." Looks like he and Jinx will have to find a new place to stay for a while. Not like that's a big deal or anything, especially if it's to make room for new life coming into the world. He goes silent for a moment, not making eye contact for a bit. Finally, he says, "I'm really happy for you Kein... and I couldn't be more proud of you if I tried." Even if he gets a cold reception, Kasim will always still love Kein.
Kein responds to this with a thin smile. "Thank you, Kasim." Kein really has always done his best. If nothing else is true about him, that is. It means much to him to occasionally have that recognized. Probably nothing could make him happier than Paoro's approval... But having his late mother's mate express pride in the Chieftain, something that has rarely, if ever occurred... Well, it /does/ mean something to Kein.
Kasim has always been proud of Kein for many reasons like finding his own path, finding someone to spend his life with, and become a great father to soon-to-be two litters of cubs. Even if he doesn't usually say it out loud, the older cougar has always been proud of Kein and always will be. They're family after all. A small smile crosses Kasim's muzzle, feeling himself brighten up a bit when he sees Kein smile as well. Finally. "Look Kein, I know that we've... had our ups and downs lately, but I would really like it if we could just start fresh and put all this drama behind us."
As much as Kein hates it... Some things simply cannot go back to the way they were. Not if he wants to keep his family safe /and/ keep his sanity. He takes a step back at Kasim's final statement, looking the older male over for a moment before he says, "You know..." Kein sighs and looks away. "Y'know that I would love it if you could always have a home here, Kasim. I would love it if there never had to be harsh words between us again." But that's not the way things work. There is a reason why male cougars do not live in close proximity to one another. Looking to Kasim again, Kein continues. "What you are asking... I can't allow my authority to be questioned, Kasim. Not by anyone, ever." That is something Kasim has done more than once.
And just as quickly as his mood was brightened up, the next second it comes crashing back down to, if possible, even lower than it was before. Not only did Kein just tell him that there was pretty much no way they could go back to being friendly, it almost sounds like... "Kein, are you... are you kicking me out too?" Maybe he just heard it wrong or took something the wrong way, but it certainly /sounded/ like that was what Kein was trying to imply. That, and as if he's every questioned Kein's authority on something. He certainly can't remember a single time he's done it, but he keeps his muzzle shut about that for now, staring right at Kein, his ears drooped a bit.
Kein shakes his head slowly. "I would not do that to you, Kasim." Not unless he had genuine reason. Kasim may not be related to the Matron's line by blood... But Kein will always give Kasim every courtesy that he would give to, say, Yuma, no matter how much stress it may cause him, at times. "But I cannot look at you and honestly say our interactions in the past will not have an effect on the future. It just... That's not the way it works, Kasim." Kein would /love/ to go back to being the child who was excited about the posibility of having a new family member. It's just not possible. "I will always value your advice. And I can accept that some things I've done have not made you happy... But making you happy can't be my sole priority." Were that it could, life would be much easier.
Kasim breathes a huge mental sigh of relief when Kein says he isn't being kicked out. If he was, it might have been too much for him to take. Still, it isn't all good news since Kein seems convinced that things can't be ok between them again, and aparently because Kein feels that his authority has been questioned multiple times. Well certainly not to Kasim's memory. "Kein... I've never purposfully tried to question your authority on anything. If it's come out like that, then I really am sorry, but I would never question you." Maybe give advise, which is something he's always done, but never question.
Kein, on the other hand, remembers Kasim questioning him, doubting him... All the way back to when Chesmu was first told to stand down. When he was first meant to take over. Something he might have done then, had not Kasim told him to be quiet. In front of everyone who was there, who would have to be able to respect him as Chieftain. Slowly, Kein nods his head. There is nothing more to say, thn, is there? With the faintest twitch of a smile, Kein says, "I ought to get back to Nayeli... And let you get to thinking about how to approach the boys."
Back then, it was more a matter that Kasim didn't feel it was a good thing to remove Chesmu as the Chieftan. He had no doubt that Kein would make a great Chieftan, but it was the concept of removing Chesmu is what Kasim was questioning, not Kein's ability. No matter what happened though, it's in the past and you can't change what happened. However, Kasim has always believed that anyone can help change the future, which is why he wont give up in trying to repair his and Kein's relationship. He nods at Kein's intent to leave, deciding it best to not push it further for now. However, he does say, "Even if you think we can't repair what we lost Kein, I hope that won't stop you from coming to say hi and maybe spending some time with me." It would mean a lot to him. "But, yes, go back to Nayeli. I'm sure she wants to be with you right now."
Kein gives another nod to Kaism. Will he come to visit? With so many demands on his time... He really rather prefers to spent his small amounts of free time with his mate and children. Perhaps, though... "You are welcome to join us as well, Kasim. Farewell, for now." With that, Kein turns to head away.
Kein - Male Cougar
Kasim - Male Cougar
- Sloping Gradient -
Nayeli expressed a desire to give birth to their new litter in the cave. And, knowing where Jinx and Ohanzee's remaining children have been staying, it has given him the extra push he needed to seek them out. He knows they're ready. At least, the one he knows is, and he has plans for Peyote. But that still leaves two adolescent males that Kein needs to see on their way before his mate births their new cubs. His approach to the area is slow. He is not looking forward to this particular task, as he has no idea how it might go, but he is very determined to get it done.
The news of more cubs on their way has had Kasim very happy recently, a lot happier than he's been over the last few days. Maybe it's just because all the cubs are all grown, or maybe it's because he can feel his age starting to catch up with him, but the male cougar has been feeling a little off lately. While he's still his usual happy self around others, it's when he's by himself that he's just not feeling right. Right now, Kasim is up in a tree by himself right by the den simply thinking, something that's been becoming more and more frequent as of late.
It is quiet here. Rather more quiet than Kein had been expecting, anyway. Perhaps Jinx and the boys are off somewhere, but one scent is plenty strong here. Kasim's. He has not seen the other male since the day Kasim offered to do some patrols, what seems like a lifetime ago. Kein is calmer, now, than he was that day, and not quite so tired, but he remains every plenty reserved as he slows down a little further and begins looking for Kasim. His last encounters with Jinx and Kaya were both good... But the Chieftain is prepared for that to change at any time. For all of them to decide, once more, that they have absolutely no respect for his authority. He won't be caught off guard if it happens again, not like he was the first time.
At least all the drama around Amaranth seems to have calmed down for now, at least. All he wants is just for everyone to get along so they can all love each other like the big family that they are. Life can never be simple, can it? Kasim is broken out of his thinking when his ears perk up at the sound of noise and, a moment later, he spots Kein. Memories of their last talk come to mind but he tries not to think about that. That was then, right? "Hey Kein," the older male calls from his tree, a small smile on his face.
Kein looks up at the voice. Upon spotting Kasim, he stops walking. Well. "Good afternoon, Kasim. Can you come down here, please? I need to speak to you." Kein's voice is calm. Not unpleasant. He's getting better. It doesn't even take effort, anymore, to remember the pleasantries. It's still a mask, but it's a good one.
Kasim's smile widens a bit upon seeing Kein's relaxed manner. Well, maybe he's calmed down from the last time they spoke. "Sure, I'll be right down," he says, standing up on his branch before slowly starting to climb down, not being able to go as fast as he probably could have done before. When he reaches the ground, Kasim just smiles and asks, "What's on your mind Kein? Not every day I get to see you." Sadly.
Kein does not smile often, but he does not appear /upset/. And, as Kasim joins him on the ground, Kein sits before speaking. He is not here to fight, but his voice, when he speaks, if very authoritative. "I'm sure you know better than I do how much Scuddle and his brothers have grown." Authoritative or not, he does ease into the conversation, giving Kasim time to adjust to what he has to know is coming.
Ahh, so the time has come at last. The smile shrinks a bit from the older cougar's muzzle as he nods slowly, knowing what Kein is talking about. Sure, once the cubs reach a certain age it's expected of them to go out on their own. Man, is it that time already? Giving a small sigh, Kasim eases himself back into a sitting position as well, before nodding again and saying, "Yes, everyone has indeed grown. Seems like it was only yesterday that they were cubs."
Perhaps, were it not for the coming birth of his second litter, he would not have felt such a push to get this done. Things are as they are, though. Kein gives a little nod of his head. "If you think it better that I be the one to tell them it is time for them to set out on their own, I will." Kein is not cruel, not truly, and he ould not force Kasim to do the unpleasant parts of his job. "If, however, you think they would take the news better coming from you... Then I will give you a week to tell them, with one exception." Is a week too long? Possibly. He won't feel comfortable having cougars he does not know well around his children, not for a long while, and they may be born at any time... But he's /not/ cruel.
Even though he always knew this day would come, Kasim had always dreaded the day he'd have to tell the now-teens that they would have to leave Amaranth to start their own lives. Are they even ready to face the world all by themselves? Well, Scuddle may have Kaya with him, but there are still the others to worry about. "No, no, I can tell them myself," Kasim says, sounding as though it's a choice he doesn't want to have to make but knows he has to do it. "What's the exception then?"
"Peyote." Kein has not managed to speak to the boy yet, but he still has time. "I have a task for him. Something only he can do. He will be allowed to stay, at least for a while." Until his youngest (for now) daughter returns from her quest. And after that? Kein isn't sure. It depends a lot on how Peyote responds to the 'task' Kein has for him. If he shows himself capable of obeying an order that goes against what the boy really wants to do... Well, Kein has time to think about it, anyway.
Kasim tilts his head a bit in confusion when Kein mentions some sort of task that he has for Peyote. Why would Kein single out Peyote for some sort of task he has in mind? "What are you going to make him do?" the cougar asks curiously. Even though he doesn't want to seem nosey and get in Kein's business, Kasim can't help but be curious as to why Kein would pick Peyote for some special task.
"I am not going to /make/ him do anything." Is Kein getting a little too picky about the wording that those around him use? Perhaps. Something about the way Kasim worded it, though, irritated the Chieftain. He's getting better, sure... But it is a long process, and Kein still feels the need to exert his authority whenever he feels it is being questioned. "If he decides he does not want to do what I want him to do, then I will simply send him on his way, as with his brothers. Beyond that, the task that I have for him is between me and him, unless he decides to share it." Mysterious much? The way he looks at Kasim, as though daring Kasim to dare question him again, no matter how innocuous the questioning is, certainly does not give much hope to the idea that Kein will share more, right now.
"I didn't mean it to sound that way, I'm sorry," he says in reply, feeling a little crest fallen. When did Kein ever become so serious and quick to snap like this? Sure being the Chief must be hard work, but Kein was never /cold/ to him before. Maybe a bit distant, but never cold. Now... who knows? "I was only wondering what I should tell his brothers when I have to explain why Peyote might get to stay a bit longer, but I can see you won't tell me so I won't bother asking." Kasim isn't saying this to be a wise-ass, trying to sound as truthful as he can.
No, Kein will not tell Kasim what he intends to ask of Peyote. The reasons are numerous, but added to them is the fact that he simply should not have to. Had Kasim asked differently, perhaps Kein's answer may have been different. Still, even though he has no intention of telling Kasim what he wants of Peyote, that does not mean he'll just leave Kasim now without another statement. "Tell them that Peyote will have to find his own way, elsewhere, just as they will. I am doing Peyote no favors, believe me." Kein knows that, perhaps as well as anyone could. Could Kein have ever stayed away to just watch as Nayeli struggled through some task? It will be difficult, and if Peyote fails, by whatever obscure definition of failure Kein uses... Then his departure from Amaranth will be delayed by mere weeks. Perhaps by mere days.
Could this have something to do with the way he's been feeling lately maybe? The fact that Kasim still considers Kein his son but still feels like all he gets is a cold shoulder? Probably not all of it but it could be a factor. Either way, it still stings in his heart. "Ok, I'll tell them all," he says, trying not to let the sting reach his voice. "When I tell them, do they have to leave right then or do I have your permission to give them a few days to prepare themselves?" He'd feel terrible if he just threw them out into the real world so suddenly like that.
Kein is not the most open communicative animal in this forest, certainly. But Kasim is not the only one hurting, here. It's harder to tell in Kein, because he does not /act/ hurt when he's hurt, but Kein is full of regrets. Still, he knows what he must do. "If you tell them today, they can have a few days. If you put it off... Well, when Nayeli feels it is time to move to the cave, if they are not yet gone, I will be forced to be the one to tell them." Kein takes a deep breath, then says, "Kaya already knows. She has been given permission to leave at the same time." Very unlike before, when Kein made it clear that if Kaya left without permission, she would not be allowed back.
Kasim nods to show that he understands what he is told before saying, "I'll make sure that the den is ready for her whenever she may need it." Looks like he and Jinx will have to find a new place to stay for a while. Not like that's a big deal or anything, especially if it's to make room for new life coming into the world. He goes silent for a moment, not making eye contact for a bit. Finally, he says, "I'm really happy for you Kein... and I couldn't be more proud of you if I tried." Even if he gets a cold reception, Kasim will always still love Kein.
Kein responds to this with a thin smile. "Thank you, Kasim." Kein really has always done his best. If nothing else is true about him, that is. It means much to him to occasionally have that recognized. Probably nothing could make him happier than Paoro's approval... But having his late mother's mate express pride in the Chieftain, something that has rarely, if ever occurred... Well, it /does/ mean something to Kein.
Kasim has always been proud of Kein for many reasons like finding his own path, finding someone to spend his life with, and become a great father to soon-to-be two litters of cubs. Even if he doesn't usually say it out loud, the older cougar has always been proud of Kein and always will be. They're family after all. A small smile crosses Kasim's muzzle, feeling himself brighten up a bit when he sees Kein smile as well. Finally. "Look Kein, I know that we've... had our ups and downs lately, but I would really like it if we could just start fresh and put all this drama behind us."
As much as Kein hates it... Some things simply cannot go back to the way they were. Not if he wants to keep his family safe /and/ keep his sanity. He takes a step back at Kasim's final statement, looking the older male over for a moment before he says, "You know..." Kein sighs and looks away. "Y'know that I would love it if you could always have a home here, Kasim. I would love it if there never had to be harsh words between us again." But that's not the way things work. There is a reason why male cougars do not live in close proximity to one another. Looking to Kasim again, Kein continues. "What you are asking... I can't allow my authority to be questioned, Kasim. Not by anyone, ever." That is something Kasim has done more than once.
And just as quickly as his mood was brightened up, the next second it comes crashing back down to, if possible, even lower than it was before. Not only did Kein just tell him that there was pretty much no way they could go back to being friendly, it almost sounds like... "Kein, are you... are you kicking me out too?" Maybe he just heard it wrong or took something the wrong way, but it certainly /sounded/ like that was what Kein was trying to imply. That, and as if he's every questioned Kein's authority on something. He certainly can't remember a single time he's done it, but he keeps his muzzle shut about that for now, staring right at Kein, his ears drooped a bit.
Kein shakes his head slowly. "I would not do that to you, Kasim." Not unless he had genuine reason. Kasim may not be related to the Matron's line by blood... But Kein will always give Kasim every courtesy that he would give to, say, Yuma, no matter how much stress it may cause him, at times. "But I cannot look at you and honestly say our interactions in the past will not have an effect on the future. It just... That's not the way it works, Kasim." Kein would /love/ to go back to being the child who was excited about the posibility of having a new family member. It's just not possible. "I will always value your advice. And I can accept that some things I've done have not made you happy... But making you happy can't be my sole priority." Were that it could, life would be much easier.
Kasim breathes a huge mental sigh of relief when Kein says he isn't being kicked out. If he was, it might have been too much for him to take. Still, it isn't all good news since Kein seems convinced that things can't be ok between them again, and aparently because Kein feels that his authority has been questioned multiple times. Well certainly not to Kasim's memory. "Kein... I've never purposfully tried to question your authority on anything. If it's come out like that, then I really am sorry, but I would never question you." Maybe give advise, which is something he's always done, but never question.
Kein, on the other hand, remembers Kasim questioning him, doubting him... All the way back to when Chesmu was first told to stand down. When he was first meant to take over. Something he might have done then, had not Kasim told him to be quiet. In front of everyone who was there, who would have to be able to respect him as Chieftain. Slowly, Kein nods his head. There is nothing more to say, thn, is there? With the faintest twitch of a smile, Kein says, "I ought to get back to Nayeli... And let you get to thinking about how to approach the boys."
Back then, it was more a matter that Kasim didn't feel it was a good thing to remove Chesmu as the Chieftan. He had no doubt that Kein would make a great Chieftan, but it was the concept of removing Chesmu is what Kasim was questioning, not Kein's ability. No matter what happened though, it's in the past and you can't change what happened. However, Kasim has always believed that anyone can help change the future, which is why he wont give up in trying to repair his and Kein's relationship. He nods at Kein's intent to leave, deciding it best to not push it further for now. However, he does say, "Even if you think we can't repair what we lost Kein, I hope that won't stop you from coming to say hi and maybe spending some time with me." It would mean a lot to him. "But, yes, go back to Nayeli. I'm sure she wants to be with you right now."
Kein gives another nod to Kaism. Will he come to visit? With so many demands on his time... He really rather prefers to spent his small amounts of free time with his mate and children. Perhaps, though... "You are welcome to join us as well, Kasim. Farewell, for now." With that, Kein turns to head away.