a change would do you good [karson]

[CYRUS LENNOX REID]

One of his favorite activities when he came back from a job was to just... walk around. See the sights. People-watch. It was a strange activity to some, but Cyrus always enjoyed the chance to clear his head and decompress. Now that it was Spring, Manuka was becoming more and more beautiful each time he returned. To him, Spring was a the season of rebirth and everything coming back to life after a long winter. Even though he didn't like the cold of winter, he definitely enjoyed places where one could actually witness a change in season. And while Spring was his favorite season by far, it was already starting to bleed into Summer, which meant the heat was on its way.

The hybrid's walk ended up taking him all the way to the amusement park, and while normally, this wouldn't be the type of place where he'd spend an afternoon, Cyrus found himself paying the admission and heading inside. Even though to some people, the door price would be cheap, it was really just like pocket change to him. Also, inside there was plenty of room to walk around and plenty of sights to see. Randomly, Cyrus wandered over to one of the sideshow games where you have to shoot little pellets at the targets to win a prize. His aim certainly wasn't as good as his brother's, but it wasn't terrible, and he ended up winning a little bag of marbles that would serve absolutely no purpose to him.

Next to him, there was a couple with a young son standing between them and the little boy was trying to hit the targets just as Cyrus had. However, he couldn't have been more than seven, and his aim wasn't good enough yet to earn him a prize. Cyrus approached the parents carefully, knowing that people in the modern world were very protective of their children, especially where strangers were concerned. ”He can have my marbles – I don't need them.” Cyrus said to the boy's father, then handed over the velvet bag, and was surprised when the man gave him permission to give them to the boy directly. Cyrus crouched down and handed the little bag of marbles to the boy whose entire face lit up with excitement, and Cyrus felt his emotions surge to happiness. Really, he loved children, and not a single day passed where he didn't think about the child he should have had with Mae. Cyrus had never even gotten the opportunity to know if it was a son or daughter that he was expecting – they didn't have the technology back then. Parents just had to be patient until the birth. But the birth of his child never came. The child died with its mother.

The parents thanked Cyrus for his random act of kindness, but really to him, it was nothing. Anything to bring someone a little happiness. Then, Cyrus continued his walk. He wasn't walking long before he saw a familiar figure in the distance. Karson, a kind little faerie who came from a powerful family that was well-known locally, especially among other supernatural beings. Cyrus grabbed a pretty daffodil that was growing wild along the sidewalk, just part of the standard landscaping to make a better atmosphere and add a pop of color to the surrounding area.

The yellow flower stayed in his hand as he jogged to meet up with Karson, and stopped just ahead of her, giving her a brilliant smile when he turned to face her and their eyes met. ”Hello, stranger,” Cyrus said in his charming way. He slid the daffodil into her hair gently, because it was a beautiful flower for a lovely young woman, and why not? ”This is a pleasant surprise. How have you been?”

OUTFIT:

[/color] Here![/blockquote][/justify]

[KARSON TATHRA ASTOR]

The Astor's one of the more powerful families in this town, probably the strongest Fae on in the town. At least that was what they wanted to think and it was probably , cold calculating and dark. It was what they liked being seen as and nothing should destroy that image. Yet at the moment on the Astor's would be doing that, Karson Astor the sibling to Jayne Astor the head of the family and twin to Daphne Astor. While her sibling would probably be doing something to strengthening their families name or doing something dark and devious. Karson would be doing the exact opposite she would be enjoy her time at an amusement park and just enjoying life. She knew what her family wanted from her what Jayne wanted but that just wasn't Karson at the moment. She knew she had the darkness inside of her , but why did she have to be dark why couldn't people just accept her as she was. Karson would want to make her family proud at the same time she didn't want to lose apart of herself either. It was a ugly struggle that didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Which was annoyance in itself . Karson knew it was their though lingering she left it every day, but instead of embracing it like her other siblings.

Pushing it aside and wearing a smile was something that she would do instead , or in this case take a trip to the amusement park and watch the smile and joy on other people's face. Hearing their laughter Karson would allow a soft sigh to escape her lips tasting their emotions on the tip of her tongue. It was like a drug but she knew better then to feed where she could get caught, so that would need to happen later in the shadows where no one else could see. Eyes flicking around she would take in all the noises the smell of the food around them. While people were enjoying this place Karson didn't fully understand the joy people were getting from it. The rides were loud and the lines for food were long. So why was she here again, Karson didn't fully know herself but she just wanted to have a day to enjoy something different new. The sounds of kids laughing in the distance cause her eyes to try and track the sound. It was a family and they seemed to be enjoying petting zoo the park provided. Their wasn't anything grand in their , goats a donkey pigs. Just small things that little children could find joy in since they were to small for the rides still.

Shaking her head she would let out a soft sigh, her family was never close like that but it was something Karson grew to accept over the years. With what her mother and herself did to Daphne she doubted they ever would. It didn't stop her mind from wonder though what if things had been done differently and she never did they to their sister. It was a useless thought of course but didn't stop her from wondering none the less. Her thoughts would cause to walk around the outskirts of the park just taking it all in. Feeding on the emotions that she could from a distance , making sure she wasn't pulling on to much to get caught. Just enough to give her a healthy glow and more spring in her step. After walking for a ways she would stop for a moment and watch a ride take off into the sky. Her eyes would track how high it got in the air before plummeting back down to the ground. With a shake of her head Karson would continue walking again still not finding something that was going to draw her full attention.

She would about to turn down a corner then a familiar voice would cause pause. A soft smile would reach her face as she felt a flow slip into her hair. Turning to face the voice would cause the smile to grow larger. It was Cyrus she hadn't seen him in awhile and she always did enjoy someone that would make her smile. Touching the flower a blush would appear on her cheek faintly. " Cyrus it is always a pleasure to see you. Thank you for the gift it is truly beautiful." Happy to keep it in her hair she gently gave him a hug before pulling away. " I am well , I just found myself with nothing to do so I felt like going out and exploring was the best option. How about you my friend , what brings you out today. " Karson was doing better the hurt was still there about her father but she knew it was time to move on and push those thoughts aside.

[CYRUS LENNOX REID]

It had been quite a while since he'd seen Karson. Cyrus spent so much of his time out of town on business that whenever he got back to Manuka, he liked to dedicate a week or so of his time between jobs to catching up with people that he knew and cared about. His nights were usually busy with plans of some kind – dinner with his brother, on a date with some woman that he'd met at someplace random in town, drinks with friends. Cyrus really did enjoy spending time with people, especially people who were intelligent enough to be good conversation companions. The hybrid did not, however, give his heart away. He was good to women, loved spoiling them and making them feel like they were the only woman in the world, at least while they were in his presence, but he knew that he had no desire to fall in love. After the first time and the only time, a bitterness seeped into his bones and with the loss of Mae, he knew that he'd be forever unattainable to a woman for a long-term relationship. Which was why it always helped that he was going out of town for business and other jobs: it made women know that he was only a temporary excitement, and they didn't usually get attached.

Manuka was a great city, and he could certainly understand why his brother liked to call it home. Not only did Dorian have a good job that made him happy, but they had a nice house that they shared when Cyrus was actually in town, and the city itself was full of unexpected pleasures. Granted, part of the appeal was that it was a sort of supernatural mecca, and many 'other' types of beings were making their way to the city in droves. The cause, as of yet, was still unknown, but Cyrus was glad that he wasn't alone in the city. When he wasn't working or under some undercover alibi, he was happy to feel like he had a place. Like he was at home. He'd had breakfast with Deidre the other day, and she was one of his oldest, longest-running friendships. Really, she was as much like family to him as Dorian was, just in a different way. If there was something that he couldn't tell his brother, he knew that the little Russian mafia princess would be more than willing to hear out his hardships and offer her brand of normally useful advice. Deidre was a rare treasure, but she wasn't his only friend in Manuka, since he was a pretty friendly guy to the right kind of person.

He hadn't made it far from the little game where he'd given a little boy the marbles that he'd won when he saw one of these 'friends,' and made his way over to the gorgeous, dark-haired fae. Never one to pass up a charming gesture, Cyrus had snagged a flower and placed it in the woman's long hair when he caught up to her and she looked extremely pleased to see him. Even blushed a little. ”You look beautiful as ever, Miss Astor.” Cyrus said, using his near perfect manners. He knew his fae friend's familial affiliation, but it wasn't as much of a concern to him as it would be to, say, his brother. Cyrus had friends on both sides of the fence, and considered himself neutral, although when the war happened, he would more than likely side with Dorian. If for no other reason than he knew his brother would be a whole lot safer with him at his side than alone. They always fought at each others' side, even if they didn't agree completely with the cause. They were brothers, and they loved one another.

”I'm doing quite well, actually. Just got back into town a few days ago – business, as usual. It looked like beautiful weather, and I'm not fond of staying indoors, so I thought a little adventure might do me good.” The hybrid knew lots of adventure, but he didn't speak to the exact nature of his business with those who weren't extremely close to him, so he figured a more vague response would be fitting for this situation. It seemed that her reasons coincided with his quite well, and he smiled.

The last time he had spoken with Karson, he knew that she was having some family difficulties of her own, and the news of Malcolm Astor's passing had been heard like a gunshot through Manuka – he didn't have to be in the town to know what had happened, either. Cyrus was extremely well connected. ”I was very sorry to hear of your loss. How are you holding up, dear?” Cyrus put a friendly arm around her shoulders and walked with her, hoping to catch up and see how she was. Even though he could hold his own end of a conversation really well, he also liked to listen, and considered himself a good listener – someone who was always there for his friends. And while he and Karson might not have been extremely close, he did still care for her and wanting to know that she was doing well. Losing any family member was never easy, and with any luck, he'd be able to brighten her day a little.

[/justify]

[KARSON TATHRA ASTOR]

The compliment Cyrus gave her would cause a slight blush to form on her cheeks again. no matter how many times people told her of her beauty. It didn't seem to stop the blush from shortly following afterwards. Karson just didn't see it , while everyone saw a stunning woman. Karson found herself average and nothing special, Chandler often told her that she was very beautiful and it would cause the same reaction she was giving Cyrus. Always feeling annoyed afterwards that she couldn't seem to keep her embarrassment of such a thing under wraps. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy the compliment no , not at all they made her feel great it was more of the case of not being able to see it. She hoped sooner or later that she would be able to take them and show thanks and not blush , that was the idea but it was probably a long way coming. Which probably would be an annoyance to some, this was just how she was though , kind and caring with the heart on heart selves in a sense. Why she wasn't like her siblings always bothered Karson but she just grew to accept it over time. Being different wasn't a bad thing , it made her feel out of place sometimes but it wasn't fully bad. Eyes flicking to Cyrus her blush still apparent. " Oh Cyrus , you know that I look just as pretty as everyone else. Thank you for the compliment though you look rather dashing yourself today if I say so myself.

Cyrus was known to her family but he wasn't seen much as a problem as long as he didn't cause a problem to her family activities nothing would happen to him. Not that Karson ever thought he would , but it was always nice to know where her family stood on such matters. Cyrus was a good friend though , even if they hadn't seen each other in quite some time. She figured he was probably busy doing something of importance. Unlike herself who tended to just lazy around enjoy the sights do whatever her heart fancied. Boring sometimes yes , but not always it allowed her to explore the town. See the animals at the zoo whenever she wanted everything her heart desired she could do. So what wasn't there to like. Looking around she noticed families in passing all of them happy and full of joy. Naive to the others that walked with them probably wishing harm on them or worse things. This wasn't the time to dwell on those thoughts she was now with a friend who she had not seen in some time so she would enjoy his company and ponder the rest of those thoughts later.

" Yes you always were the busy sort , I am glad you made it home safely. I agree about the weather it is a beautiful day , the sun is shining and warm everything is perfect. Oh adventures are always fun it seems like we both had the same thought in mind with coming here." Adventures were always fun , even more so if you managed to find good company to share them with. Cyrus was a very kind man she was happy to share a friendship with him. The flower rested against her ear as her hair slightly blew in the on coming wind , allowing her to catch the flowers scent and let out a happy sigh with the smell of it.

Hearing the words about her father loss caused a stab of pain to hit her heart for a few moments . Leaning into his embrace slightly , resting her head against his shoulder as they walked. Even though it happened some time ago , it still made her sad when approached with the subject. He was a mean man but she still couldn't stomach the thought of him actually gone and it would still feel that way for awhile. " I am okay as I can be it feels very foreign to me , I mean I know he wasn't liked by man not even most of the family. He was still my dad though and it hurts that he is gone. " Her words would be full of pain with her last words , tears slightly feeling her eyes. At the moment this is were she wished that she was like Jayne able to wear a blank face and just go though the motions and not worry or allow motions to consume you.. " Enough about these sad things , let's talk about something happier. You pick."

[CYRUS LENNOX REID]

Coming back to Manuka was always an exciting time, because he got to catch up with all the people he actually missed or thought away while he was away. Cyrus knew within a certain level of certainty that he'd never settle, that he'd never be able to just stay in one place and be content with the lack of adventure in his life, but there was something to be said about catching up with those you've been away from for however long. Unlike most people's careers, his jobs always varied and usually saw him in a completely different part of the world the next time. First, he'd end up stationed in some snowy, mountainous region, and then he'd end up relaxing on a beach with a fruity cocktail in his hand during the next one. Whoever said 'variety is the spice of life' certainly had it right – Cyrus couldn't live his life without a little bit of spice or variety, but a good, solid 'cool-down' period was always something to be treasured. Since he'd been back, he had met with his brother (naturally) and had a meeting with Deidre to talk about business and, most importantly, his next job. Of course, there were more reasons to enjoy speaking with his little mafia princess – they were old friends, and truly cared for one another almost like siblings. After all, it had been a very young Drey that had given him and Dorian their new identities in a sense.

Karson was another one of those friends that he was happy to see again, because he knew that she was... well, conflicted. Usually, it was more his brother's place to give advice and help people out, but Cyrus was decent with it as well. More than that, he just enjoyed Karson's company, and he was usually able to make her smile, which was something that seemed like she didn't get to do very often. The faerie had her head all a flutter over this or that, and because of her familial connections, there was no small amount of concern and worry in her current existence. So, Cyrus thought that if he could distract her for an afternoon, it'd be a small kindness that was more than a little overdue. ”Why thank you. So few people use words such as those anymore, but I do appreciate the compliment.” He had been called 'dashing' in the past, but that was the way past, and gave him another reason to appreciate Karson. She wasn't that old by his standards, but it seemed that the Astors had been raised in a highly intelligent environment that made them more pleasant conversationalists than most younger beings he came across.

Because he was generally very in-tune with his environment - a good thief always looked for ways out and knew everyone else around them – he noticed his fae companion watching the other families that walked past, and realized that it might be hitting her rather hard to see all the happiness. And not just because the fae were so sensitive to emotions, and used it as a food source. With the news he'd heard about her father passing, he figured that she'd be rather sensitive to a lot of things, and made a mental note to offer his condolences a little later, after the opening pleasantries were exchanged. ”My career doesn't allow me to stay still for very long, but I suppose that's part of its charm. I've always been the adventurous sort,” Cyrus said, then moved to talk about the weather, another pleasantry. ”It's not as nice here as in more tropical locations... I might be fortunate enough to head to the Caribbean in a few weeks. But I'm happy that there is some sunshine here to keep you company on your adventure days.”

Finally, they kept walking and Cyrus found an opening to talk about her father. As a gentleman, he didn't want to intrude, but merely offer condolences, as any good friend would do. The hybrid placed his arm around the faerie, knowing that her touch would still affect him, though not as much as most, and didn't mind her displacing some of that sorrow she was feeling, if necessary. He was strong enough to handle it, and his usual optimistic mood could be nothing short of impenetrable at times. Karson, however, seemed to be dealing with the tragedy in a pragmatic way, which he could respect. Loss was something that he'd never dealt with very gracefully, especially death, and his mind drifted to Mae for a minute, likely causing a deep sadness to fill his eyes before she wanted to move on to happier topics, and he grinned. ”I second that idea. Tell me about some of the adventures you've had while I've been away, and lead on.” Cyrus linked his arm with Karson's, and waited for her to take them wherever she wanted to go.

[/justify]

[KARSON TATHRA ASTOR]

Karson always enjoyed the company of Cyrus he brought a smile to her face even in the darkest of moments. Like Chandler both of them had a kindness which Karson enjoyed and cared for. Although of what what would happen when the balance tips and she would need to go darker to be with her family. Would they still welcome her with just warmth joy, Karson knew that lines would need to be drawn and while she was caring compassionate and everything at the moment. If sides needed to be taken , as much as it would hurt to be parted from them. Her family would always come first , she hoped Chandler would understand. He had a powerful family of his own , so if anyone would understood that hopefully it would be him. While Cyrus was sweet as well and good company , the thought of him not talking to her hurt as well. Maybe she was just looking into this too much . What if things didn't change that was a foolish thought so. She was pulling away from her family and that was something that couldn't happen. Family was strength , emotions were weaknesses in a sense so she didn't want that and would need to work on that. Now was not the time to let that bother her though good company should be enjoyed and that was what she planned to do.

“ Well your more then welcome , my family would accept anything less from me. Your also a dear friend so I wanted to give you a good compliment.” Hopefully that didn't sound as awkward as it did in her head. Sometimes the things she said would cause her to pause and truly wonder if she actually said them out loud. More often then not she was okay but sometimes things escaping her lips would cause people to take pause. Yes she was from a higher educated family which meant she was taught by and in very educated and proper english. So it wouldn't be odd that when things escaped her lips it would have some people take pause. Since it seemed like these days people truly didn't care about the English language and would butcher it whenever they felt like it.

A nod would follow her expression after hearing about how his job kept him rather active , it was true she couldn't picture Cyrus staying in one place. It just didn't feet him , he always seemed to be needing to be on the move. It made her what exactly he did , he probably had told her once already but with everything that had happened. It must had slipped her mind , or he truly never spoke of it at all and only in the context that it kept him active and moving. “ This is true , wel I also can't picture you staying in one place for too long. You seem to always like to be doing something, so I suppose having a job that allows you to do so is the best ?” A playful emotion of sticking out her tongue hearing that he might be going to the Caribbean. The thought of the going to a beautiful island was very pleasing as well as almost tempting to do. Her family had the money so why not , maybe she would bring that up with Jayne later. ” Yes having the sunshine is a good thing and well I hope you enjoy your trip if you truly are able to go. I heard it was beautiful there, so you would need to take pictures so I could see them.”

Her arms would stay around his as she pushed away the thoughts and passing of her father. Sometimes it would just creep up on her like a cold chill that she just couldn't push away. Now though they were able to talk about happier things. Well I have gone to the zoo a lot lately , I am thinking about possible helping out there. Since I don't think they would be too pleased if I slipped into the tiger enclosure just to pet the kitties or snuggle them. So just going to the zoo and well just walking around the town. What about yourself? What great new adventures have stumbled upon your doorstep.”

[CYRUS LENNOX REID]

Cyrus considered himself to be a pretty good judge of people, even though he wasn't really fond of 'judging' people. For him, his ability to read auras was only so useful, because an aura only told you so much about a person. There were complexities, idiosyncrasies, and other layers that couldn't be seen or experienced until you actually took the time to get to know somebody, and he was confident enough in his gut instincts to stay away from individuals that wouldn't bring any value to his day-to-day existence. Though his brother likely wouldn't approve of him carrying on a friendly relationship with one of the Astors, especially one in the top branch of the tree, Cyrus liked Karson, and enjoyed her company. The faerie was bright, wise beyond her years, but there was something that always seemed melancholy that dripped just beneath those surface layers of her lovely glamour. And Cyrus, even though he tried to give people their privacy as best as he could, was curious enough to wonder what made her so conflicted. He could tell that she was struggling with being on the light or the dark side with her family, and even though he understood and respected that familial bond more than most people did or could, he knew that, if asked, he would encourage Karson to follow her heart, as corny as that sounded. ”You are always so concerned with your family and their views of you – you're a lovely woman all on your own. I'd say that doesn't have everything to do with them, but that's just an outsider's speculation.” Perhaps it was a bold statement, but he considered their friendship to be strong enough that he could openly voice his opinion.

Karson needed more adventures in her life, and the way she asked about his job and what he did when he wasn't in Manuka was definitely a tell-tale sign. Cyrus couldn't exactly bring people with him, and they certainly weren't close enough for him to offer, but it wouldn't hurt to give her a little bit of advice. ”Staying in one place gets tedious and boring – why continue to perpetuate a life that goes nowhere?” Cyrus said, passion in his eyes when he spoke because travel was just one of those things that continued to drive him and made his long existence and many years of living something to be cherished instead of feeling like a life sentence in some sort of jail. Cyrus had met other supernaturals who were just as old as he was that didn't take the same maneuvers to go see the world and experience things just because they could – usually, older supernaturals racked up more than enough income (several lifetimes' worth) to have freedom that other, mortal species just couldn't get, but if they didn't take the opportunity to explore, eternity could be boring. ”Do you ever consider leaving Manuka? I know your family is here, but they could surely get along well enough without you, and I leave Dorian to his own devices all the time. I swear, sometimes he's better for it, even.” It was good to sneak a bit of humor into a serious inquiry, because maybe a change would do Karson some good – put a little more joy into her existence so she could grab life by the throat in a way that her family didn't expect.

She wanted pictures? He could do that, next time. ”If I'm not crammed into an office building, and I actually get to see the sights, I'll bring back some photographs for you.” His cover was that he worked for the CIA, and Karson knew that about him, but it was just a cover. Of course there was no way he'd ever allow himself to be 'crammed' anywhere, especially not an office building. No, most of the time he liked to do his work lounging on a beach if he was somewhere warm, or in another luxurious location if he wasn't fortunate enough to be placed somewhere tropical. Who said you couldn't mix business with pleasure? Cyrus was good enough at what he did that he could act as his own agent, and within reason, do whatever he wanted within the parameters of his mission.

Cyrus allowed Karson to lead the way as she told him about her 'adventures,' and a warm smile passed across his face. ”You'll have to allow me to accompany you to the zoo sometime – it's been a while since I've spent a day there.” Two months ago, he had been on a legitimate safari in Africa, where he had been up close and personal with lions and other natural wildlife, but if the zoo would be a good outlet for Karson, and more time for him to be in her company, he was more than happy to tag along. ”I wish more adventures other than work did cross my path – perhaps that's why I'm back here, hoping to find some form of company to catch my ever-changing interests. Lucky for me, I found you.” They continued to walk, arm-in-arm, and then he poised a question that would give Karson an opportunity to choose their destination. ”So, let's do one of your favorite things, since we're both already here. What charms you about the amusement park, Miss Astor?”

[/justify]

[KARSON TATHRA ASTOR]

Cyrus was like Chandler in a way always know what to say when it needed to be said. They both had gentle souls and a kindness that Karson admired and deeply cared for. So she wasn't cold and distant with her emotions like her family, why was that always such a bad thing. So hearing Cyrus telling her that her having these emotions and being this was allowed a smile to grow on her face. Being told that she was lovely even though she always put people's well being before her own. It was what she did, her mother use to be the same until she got older and then of course with the loss of her husband things changed all together. She was still going though the motions day to day but it was like a walking living ghost, and that hurt Karson. Knowing that her family was in such pain but she couldn't help them with it. Jayne was doing the best he could, but she didn't want to see him worn down either, it was an ugly cycle but she would try to make it though. They all would come out of it at the end, it was just a matter of what they would look like in the after math. A frown would grace her features for a moment as she responded to his statement though. " I know I do, it's because I don't think they would care for themselves if I didn't. I mean they would try but with everything going on I don't want to see more of my family hurt if I can help it. We all have been though enough. Thank you though for the compliment you always could make me smile. "

Leaving for a bit now there was a thought, one that she hadn't thought about until now though. Traveling her family had the money of course so she would be able to explore and see the world. She seemed to be more a hindrance at the moment instead of help, so maybe a vacation is what she needed. She couldn't imagine having the freedom like Cyrus had to have work take you all over the world. The sights he had seen the people he had meet it was probably all breathe taking. So of course it would make sense that he was board with sitting around. Who wouldn't be if they just finished traveling to some beautiful foreign destination. " Because sometimes that is always people know. They are afraid of a change that could alter their life and learn that what they had be living was truly not what they wanted at all, instead it was just a lie they kept living because they didn't know how to accept what was right in front of them " Words soft at the end of that, closing her eyes knowing that she told more personal information then generally speaking at that point. So she would take a breathe and gather her bearing before speaking again. " Sorry that wasn't suppose to come out all like that. I didn't mean to explode for a moment. But traveling does sound nice I will have to check with my brother and see if he can allow me to be gone for a couple weeks at least. It would be nice to travel the world and see what is out there."

A smirk would form at that she would understand if she couldn't get the photo's. He did have a job to do after all but she would pleased if she could at least get a few of them. " Alright if you can't it's fine, I don't want you to have to try and fit time in to do it. I know you probably will be very busy with work."

She would nod and giggle softly the zoo always brought Karson joy no matter what mood she was in. Seeing the animals and just enjoying them, although she had to be careful of the metal around her. That didn't mean she couldn't enjoy it. " I will for sure then, I usually try to go every couple of weeks I just love looking at the animals they are so beautiful." Her eyes would glance around, seeing all the metal the frame work made her feel sick in the bottom of her stomach from the thought of possible touching it. " I like seeing people happy, the joys on their faces as they ride the rides. It has been to long since I have seen joy. Sadly though I can't experience to much of it or I will get ill, so maybe we can take a stroll in the near by park? " Hopefully he would understand her fear of being around so much metal and wouldn't mind the stroll.

[CYRUS LENNOX REID]

The hybrid could tell that his words came as a comfort to the lovely faerie, which meant that he was doing something right. So frequently, even though he knew that he had a good bit of wisdom to share, Cyrus held himself back because he didn't like to step on the toes of others or offend people. Truly, he just wanted people to have the freedom to live out their own lives however they saw fit, because he had seen more than enough slavery and humans in bondage throughout his years of existence. If it wasn't for one difference, it was for another, and persecution continued to reign, but this time in such a fashion that the supernatural community was considering an uprising against the humans and the light siders, like his own brother, who would seek to protect them from everything that lurked in the shadows, both good and evil. Soon, there would be lines drawn in the sand, and Cyrus knew that he would probably have to fight at his brother's side in yet another war, again. Of course, he could choose to make his own decisions and continue to stay truly neutral – he had friends and clients on both sides of the war, people he did good business with and trusted both – but he knew that ultimately, he had made the decision to watch out for Dorian and see to his brother's preservation, because when it came to battle, his brother could get very noble and a little reckless. This was something that Cyrus had agreed to many, many years ago. But he had many years behind him, and many in front of him, but Karson was very young, and should make decisions that were right for her at an early age, instead of going along with whatever people told her was best – the hybrid knew the young woman to seemingly have a good head on her shoulders, if a bit conflicted, and wanted to encourage decisions that felt right. ”You are a diamond in the rough, Miss Astor,” Cyrus said, smiling fondly when she spoke of protecting her family, even though they demanded so much of her.

”I can relate, as I have spent many, many years looking after my brother Dorian, through thick and thin, and even when I did not agree with some of his choices. He is my only family, and I must stand by his side. But...” He hesitated to say this next part, wondering what reaction it might cause in someone so headstrong and so devoted to her family, even when the entire Astor clan was tumultuous at best, and before her father's passing. ”I can also say with absolute certainty that Dorian would do the same for me. He would put me above any crusade he was fighting, if I were to ever ask. Could you say the same about your family? I do not mean to pry, and you don't have to answer, but it should be reciprocated, if each party would give up so much for the other.” With that, Cyrus decided that he would do his best to shelve the rest of his advice, even though he could spend hours counseling and advising someone who truly seemed to be lost as Karson appeared to be. A little guidance, from someone who wasn't all tangled up in the middle of whatever situation she'd found herself in, might be priceless, but he supposed that it shouldn't come from him. Since he was an outsider, advice he gave might also be misconstrued as insults toward her family, and he wouldn't want to offend the people she held most dear.

Cyrus started to talk about travel, and encouraged her to perhaps consider leaving Manuka, just for a change of scenery, not as a permanent solution to a problem. The brunette fae should see the world, and he knew that she had plenty of money to do it. There was so much out there, outside of Manuka, and some of the wonders she could experience might be really good for a changing mind set. But there was a word she said that made him cringe, although he did his best to hold it back. 'Allow.' Karson spoke of her brother 'allowing' her to do such a thing, and Cyrus couldn't help the words that came out of his mouth. ”You are a strong, powerful woman with the world at her feet. No man, blood relative or otherwise, should ever attempt to control you. Even if he thinks he has the best of intentions, you should 'allow' yourself to do whatever you please. And if that's travel, so be it.” Cyrus loved women, and respected them, and even though there was no romantic entanglement between him and Karson, he still wanted to be able to nourish some independence and a backbone within a creature who could have so much, if she was only brave enough to take it.

After the heavily weighted aspects of conversation passed, Cyrus looped Karson's arm into his and led her through the park, asking what she enjoyed about it, and her answer brought a smile to his face. ”A beautiful thing, to be pleased by the joy of others when one cannot indulge on her own. The park sounds lovely,” Cyrus said, then led them through a small path that went out of the amusement park and into a little clearing with water, rowboats on it, a few benches, and lots of lovely green grass and other plants blooming in a display of vibrant color. ”It is more peaceful here, and I do enjoy the chance to be by the water. Something serene about it, makes the mind calm, no matter what thoughts are brewing.” He hoped that Karson would find peace, would be able to calm down from whatever was twisting her in knots. She deserved a break, that was for sure.

[/justify]