Idle Minds [End]

[Tigeress]

It had been a long time since Artemis had gone... anywhere, on her own. Sekhmet had left, rather abruptly, and the kids were at home passing the time. Yana was already asleep, as per usual, the fragile girl. The doe had no idea Why she wanted to adventure out, only that it had been far too long since she'd had any peace and quiet. Or since she'd spoken to anyone she wasn't related to somehow. Somehow, being the one to pick up all the pieces wasn't that bad until she realized how much of her life she'd spent doing just that.

She loved her sister dearly, and she knew the woman needed a dependable person who would always be there. God, ever since Rai died she'd felt doubly obligated to let the woman know she always had been, and always would be there for her. Raising a second set of children had been no problem at all. She wondered idly, if Sekhmet had been to see Tristian since he'd grown and left. Did she even know he was into boys? It probably wouldn't bother her, but it was strange how she knew more about those kids than their own mother did.

Tristian had even called her mom once. She visibly halted, half-frightened, half-amused by the thought. Small bit of laughter bubbled out as she shook her head, sitting on a bench and looking up to the treeline, silver hair swaying rhythmically in a soft breeze as she tried to calm her thought. But then all she heard was piano, the one that pink cat used to play. "La... la la.. la. La la... la la la la..." She sang the melody, her mind cleared of any reminiscing thoughts but the sound of the song and the cool night breeze.

[Lucca]

Graeme McDuck was feeling restless. It had been far too long since he'd been on any proper treasure-seeking adventures, and he felt he really needed a change of pace. He could only sit through so many boring but important business meetings before he was ready for something entirely different. The paper had been very short of anything useful lately, and he'd already counted his entire vault of gold three times this week. In short, he was going a little stir-crazy. So leaving his mansion in the care of Mrs. White, his capable maid, he'd come to the Capital in search of...something.

He walked down the main street, twirling his cane a bit, absently humming to himself. The tune shifted slightly without him realizing, and soon he was humming a tune he'd...never heard. He stopped, a curious look crossing his face, and he still heard the melody, softly...turning and walking in that direction, he was a bit surprised to come across a winged bipedal Deer, sitting down on a bench and looking...very peaceful.

He hesitated, debating approaching her. He did not, after all, want to interrupt if she was having a moment. Then again, it may be just the sort of distraction he needed. He had very fond memories of his adventures in the Range, after all. Smiling, he approached her with a confident step, looking down through his spectacles at her. He cleared his throat politely. "Pardon me, Ma'am...but that is a lovely tune you're humming, and I wondered if I might trouble you for what it is?"

[Tigeress]

It was strange, while lost in the tune of the song she'd always heard Tristian playing before, she could have sworn she'd heard a voice echoing hers, but a tone deeper. It didn't stir her immediately, but when the duck cleared his throat from in front of her, her sapphire blue eyes opened to settle on him warmly. She didn't mind the distraction, she would have just sat there looping the tune to herself and that would have eventually gotten tiring.

"Good evening sir; not at all, I'd love to tell you the name of it," frowning, she did her best to gracefully avoid blushing in embarrassment, "but I don't know it either. To my knowledge, my nephew made the piece up himself and I'm not sure if he named it." She looked down at her hands doubtfully, not sure if she'd be able to pull it off yet. The feline had been teaching her before she left, and since then she'd been trying to make time to become more adept at the skill.

"I'm trying to learn it, keeping the memory of the tune fresh I suppose." She smiled then and swept her hand outwards, gesturing for the other to take a seat if he so desired. "Are you a musician yourself?" He had that cultured, sophisticated look that Tristian had grown into gradually. Though obviously more elegant than the somewhat messily artistic feline.

[Lucca]

"Ah, I see," Graeme replied, with just a touch of disappointment. "Well, he's quite talented, in that case, though I'm sure you already know that." He smiled, the expression seeming natural on his beak, even though it wasn't something he did as often as he perhaps should. He did have the quite the stubborn streak, and a 'fixation' on money, as some would call it, as well as the famous McDuck temper, which was a sight to behold if he got riled up. But he knew exactly who he was, and he was confident in that.

"Me? Ah, no, sadly not," the Duck replied with a chuckle, his rather thick Highlands accent coming through. "I'm just a businessman." Though perhaps 'just' was not quite the word for it, considering he was the most famous businessman in the Highlands, independently wealthy, and the self-proclaimed richest Duck in the Realm. With a polite half bow, he took the proffered seat, and held out a hand to shake. "Graeme McDuck." He wondered if she'd have heard of him. If she'd never really been the Highlands or much involved in business, perhaps not. And although it stroked his ego when Cards recognized him, there was something refreshing when they didn't. Especially on a night like this, where what he desired more than anything was a distraction, an adventure, hopefully with a bit of profit, but either way...

[Tigeress]

[]

She smiled widely, enjoying the compliment with a sense of pride. Tristian may have been Sekhmet's babe, but she had raised the boy and she knew it. She didn't fault her sister, she understood that her ambitions and the... dangerous situation of the time made it impossible for her to truly raise him. But there were also days she really wished the boy had come from her own body, those colors would never belong to her though. It didn't matter, she'd shared his most amazing years with him, and truthfully she missed him greatly. It had made her long for her own children, so she'd been keeping herself busy... with silly daydreams of following that crazy doe into the courts.

Realizing she'd zoned out a bit, she blinked rapidly and smiled her apology. "Yes he is, I'm sorry, I was lost to nostalgia for a moment. He's recently moved out and I suppose I'm still not used to it. Quite a story behind the boy." She didn't mean to be so vague, but really, she didn't know how appropriate of a story it was for a stranger. "Did you say a businessman? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the name, I suppose I have a lot of researching to do yet. It's a pleasure to meet you, though, Graeme McDuck." She laughed lightly, a little embarrassed to not have known him. Really her knowledge of important figures was very limited, and she realized it would give her an edge to expand her interests, and connections for that matter.

This little daydream seemed to be getting more serious. "My name is Artemis, though my sisters name holds more reputation than my own." Some good, some bad. That girl always did have a thing with getting into the most difficult situations. Time had changed little for the doe in that respect. She stretched long legs and settled more comfortably into her seat, the motion smooth and elegant. Sek had once told her she had the natural aura for the courts, but it had been a mocking compliment then.

"What brings you out here at this time? I assume businessmen lead very busy lives." Her eyes shone with interest, the corner of her mouth still perked in a half-smile. Most people wouldn't envy such a busy life, but then most people didn't spend most of theirs confined by repetitive responsibility. A part of her yearned for her own adventures.

[Lucca]

Oddly enough, the silence didn't bother Graeme...he just looked at the stars for a moment, lost in his own thoughts. He shifted, leaning his cane against the edge of the bench, planning to stay a while. Sitting here, with this odd, melancholy woman, was helping him to feel a little less restless. He turned, shaking his head at her, that easy smile coming back to his beak. "No, no, it's quite all right, Lass," he assured her, orange eyes gleaming. He tilted his head in a curious way at the mention of the story, but if she didn't offer it, he wouldn't prod. After all, other people's affairs were always their own to keep...unless they involved money in some way, since he'd found that secrets in that regard sometimes bred trouble. Or maybe he just was too in love with gold for his own good.

So she didn't know him, then? That was all right, and his honest smile didn't fade. "Well, I'm only famous in certain circles." He saw no reason to water down the truth; many people did know of him, after all. And for good reason! "If you do get involved in the world of business, be careful! It's a den of wolves, a river of sharks, and a pit of snakes. You'll get swallowed up if you're only half dedicated." He curled a fist in front of him, shaking it at all those predators of the business world. "You have to be willing to work. You have to give it your all! Unless you're one of those who are just born with money." He frowned, thinking about a business rival of his who inherited the majority of his fortune and never let Graeme breathe wrong without letting it be known how much superior he was...bah! "I've worked my whole life to get where I am, and I have every right to be proud of it! I--"

The Duck blinked, suddenly, face raised in the air, half off the bench and right in the middle of his impassioned speech...wondering why he was letting himself get so carried away. "Ach, I'm sorry about that," he said with a small chuckle, sitting back down and letting his hand fall to his lap. "The pleasure is mine, Artemis." He gave her a curious look. "And now it's my turn to admit my ignorance. I'm afraid I haven't heard of you before." As for her sister, he couldn't be sure. He'd met plenty of Deer before, and a few with wings, but who knew if her sister even shared those qualities?

"Hmm, an interesting question...I am very busy, though normally only during business hours." He turned, looking back out at the night sky. "But even the busiest man alive needs a break sometimes. A chance to get out and do something different. That's why I'm out here. Looking for such a chance."

((it's fine! I usually have no problem picking up old threads, so we can definitely continue. ^^))

[Tigeress]

The doe was thankful for someone so patient and polite, most wouldn't have taken to her somewhat reserved nature very well. Sekhmet said she seemed too closed off sometimes. Smiling her thankfulness, she began to tilt her head in intrigue as Graeme passionately described the world he lived and worked in. When he had finished, her hand rested on her chest, eyes a bit wide in surprise from his excitement. It was a little catchy, that passionate zest he seemed to possess, very admirable though.

"Mr. McDuck, that sounds really very impressive. I'm afraid I've always longed to have something to similarly find pride in. You work hard, but you seem happy, is this so?" Not that hard work was the worst thing in the world, but the line of work she heard of the most seemed to be riddled with death, betrayal, and heartbreak. Maybe she should get into business instead? But she had no head for it, it was all beyond her.

When he came back to the introductions she laughed lightly. "No, my name holds no weight. But my sister is Sekhmet, previous King to the late majesty Shinrai, and currently seeking to reclaim a position alongside the new Queen." She didn't get into the girl's history with the other most notable Queen; Serafino. She'd been young and inexperienced and had gotten into a lot of trouble. Best to reflect on her better days.

Listening to his explanation, it was shocking what opposite worlds they lived in. She offered her thoughts to the man, "How funny to hear you say that, when I can see these sights all day and night and not feel very content. I would like to escape to a destiny of my own, to have something to say for my life's experiences.", unable to hide a slightly downtrodden note to her voice. It was disappointing that she'd wasted so much time. "I have a late start, but I have ambitions of my own." She smiled then, the look very peaceful.

[Lucca]

Graeme actually found himself blushing slightly, just out of a sort of...surprise that the woman didn't seem put off by his speech. A lot of people looked down on his way of life. They either resented him for his money, or for his attitude in not letting it go easily. They said he should give to charity, or devote himself to bettering people. What did that mean? One person can never better another! That's someone everyone had to do for themselves, or their circumstances would never really changed. Money easily gained is money easily lost. Only if someone truly worked for something, could the understand its true value.

And Graeme could but scoff at everyone who failed to understand that. With how much flak he got, it was no surprise he took such an attitude. But Artemis...there was such open sincerity in her words it was almost...shameful, like he was seeing her inner being. Something private expressed for all the world to see. Not many of the Cards he dealt with could afford that sort of open attitude, and he sadly knew it probably led to her having a hard life.

"Yes, that is so," he replied. He was, in some measure...happy. He could always have more money, of course, or more contacts, or more artifacts 'donated' to a museum in his name...but when he thought of his life, and what he'd accomplished...he was content.

"Ah," Graeme replied, still not recognizing the name. Well, he did recognize the name of the previous Queen, though he knew so little of politics. This was by choice, of course. "I don't keep track of the Courts," he admitted, shrugging lightly.

At her sad words, which only confirmed his suspicion that her life hadn't been a very easy or happy road, he turned to regard her earnestly. "Artemis, it's never too late to make something of yourself. Don't let anyone ever tell you different." Suits only knew he'd had enough doubters in his own life to make a lesser man give up completely. Even his own family had been skeptical when he'd insisted he was going to be rich someday, and famous, and go to bed with a full belly every night...those had been very difficult days for him, in his troubled youth. And look where he was now! How far he'd come!

[Tigeress]

It was interesting and a little refreshing to meet someone who had ambitions that didn't involve the courts, and Graeme seemed exceptionally successful at it too. She really respected that, and so smiled at the male warmly in appreciation. "I don't blame you." She teased with a small laugh, frowning a touch when she realized her mixed feelings about the whole thing.

"It's not always the most lucrative or interesting, and it seems to come with a shortened lifespan expectancy." The doe had tried for comedy, but her voice was a little too serious to pull it off. Graeme would have been right about her openness, it had come from a hard life. But it also meant she was usually a very good judge of character, so she knew who to be herself around. Somehow the duck just didn't seem exploitive or harmful.

Her eyes were hopeful and soft as she regarded the other, his kindness was surprising. She hated to judge a book by its cover, but didn't they say 'absolute power corrupts absolutely'? Followed by 'Great men are almost always bad men'. Graeme seemed immune to fitting in this mold, or he was a fantastic actor. The first seemed much more likely. "That means a lot from such an esteemed man as yourself. What gave you the courage to just... go for your dreams? If you don't mind me asking." She smiled lightly then, knowing full well she could be too nosy sometimes.

[Lucca]

Graeme could be quite willing to exploit others when he wanted something out of them...but he wasn't unfair or cruel about it. He believed in fair trade: help someone out, and they're more willing to help you out. A little bit of money invested in someone's endeavor now led to more business opportunities later. There were many who saw him as unfair, or greedy with the way he tended to accumulate money far more easily than he would ever give it away, not believing in charity...and it was this that had earned him the unpleasant nickname "Scrooge". But when it came to normal interactions that didn't really involve money...he tended to be a nice enough person to know. As long as you didn't cross him; there were legends in the Highlands about the famous McDuck temper.

"I imagine," he said grimly, having heard some of the horror stories about the Courts. One didn't live in the Highlands without hearing some rumors, after all, especially about the Court of Hearts and their bloody history.

He smiled at her, bowing his head slightly to acknowledge the compliment. He wasn't really a humble man, after all...he had worked for everything he had, climbing his way from the most humble and impoverished of beginnings to the greatness and the fortune he now owned. But a smirk graced his bill at her question. What indeed?...

"Well, some would say it's the Morganberry in me," Graeme began, stretching his wings out a bit to show the orange tips...easy to ignore or glance over, and many had mistaken him for a pure Highlander before. "Always needing to prove and better myself. Others would say it's the Highlander, being born with a disposition for greatness. As for me, I say it was a strength of personality. I always knew I wanted to make my fortune, to work my way up from nothing to someone respected, someone whose name is known. Fortitude, that's what it takes to follow your dreams. If you want something badly enough, the follow through comes naturally."