The lawn outside the dorms: Saturday morning

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

There was a large plastic box sitting on the grass, filled with sand. In it, rolling and bouncing and digging with every sign of absolute glee, was a chinchilla named Esther.

Karal was sitting cross-legged, watching in fascination while he drank his coffee. He was feeling rather happy this morning, as he'd checked his email and found a letter from Molly. He might just have it with him. He might, in fact, be picking it up and occasionally rereading it.

Altra was sitting on a nearby bench, looking thoroughly disgusted. Whether at the chinchilla or Karal's dopey smile was anyone's guess.

[ooc: open, of course.]

Comments

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

Lana wandered past on her way into town and looked at Karal and his chinchilla a bit ruefully. "I have to admit to a little jealousy," she said. "I got a hissing cockroach and it terrifies me. And good morning, of course, sorry."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

The chinchilla and Karal both looked up at her. Esther's nose was twitching, Karal's not so much, but he did smile. "Good morning, Lana. Yes, I was quite fortunate, I think. Esther is very nice." There was a disgruntled huff from Altra, which Karal ignored. "I would offer to trade for your cockroach, but I do not think we would be allowed."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"It's okay," Lana said. "I wouldn't ask you to."

She sighed. "I probably wouldn't mind so much except I had a detention my first semester here that involved hissing cockroaches." She shuddered a bit. "I can't bring myself to do more than make sure it's fed and watered."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal grimaced. "That is a very unfortunate coincidence," he told her. "But perhaps it is an unrecognised blessing, a chance to overcome your fear of them?"

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I don't know that I'm that good," she said. "But I'm trying to see it as needing to take care of things well whether you like them or not."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"And if nothing else, at least you will be able to return at the workshop's end." Esther dug her nose into the sand and then tossed her head, sending a shower of sand towards Karal and Lana.

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"Yes," Lana agreed. "I like the workshop, but I can't wait to give it back."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal lowered his voice so Esther wouldn't hear. Not that he thought she could understand, but just in case. "Honestly, as cute as Esther is, I will not be unhappy to return her. Between Aravis' puppy and her rat, and Altra, our room is becoming something of a menagerie."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I can imagine it must be getting a bit crowded," Lana agreed.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"At least Trenor isn't in the room, this time" he said, lost in memory. "Or the cow." Not that he'd seen the cow, but it didn't take much imagination to picture a cow in their room.

[ooc: sorry - I crashed and crashed hard]

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"A cow?" Lana asked in amazement.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"A cow," he repeated, smiling down at Esther as she nibbled he grass. "Apparently Aravis had a pillow turned into a cow to seek revenge on Seely, and it found its way to our room. I think our room may simply attract animals."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I'd be glad to loan you a hissing cockroach for the rest of this summer session," Lana offered innocently.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal laughed and shook his head. "That is very generous of you, Lana, but I think I will pass. Though I could perhaps be convinced to care for it temporarily, should you need a break from the hissing."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"Somehow I didn't think you'd go for it," she said with a laugh.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"It never hurts to try." He glanced down and then up at the sky, before turning to look at her once more. "Have you been well? Apart from the cockroach, of course."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I have," she said. "Things have been going very well, thanks. And with you?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Very well, I think. I am going to Los Angeles next weekend, which will be an experience."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

Lana smiled. "I went to LA once. Last Christmas to visit a friend. I didn't get out much, but it seems like a wonderful place."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I am not sure what we will be doing. There a number of us travelling there, but I am going to see Molly." He touched the letter with two fingers. "She is there until the end of summer."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"She's pretty special to you, isn't she?" Lana said with a soft smile.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal ducked his head, turning quite pink, and held his fingers out for Esther to sniff. "She is, yes."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad you've found someone special," Lana said. "You're such a wonderful person."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

He blushed scarlet and shook his head, pulling his knees up to rest his chin on them.

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

She smiled, glad to not be the one blushing for once. "Sorry, didn't mean to embarrass you."