Griznuq Gaming

D&D Campaigns => Eberron => In Character Discussions => Topic started by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 05:49:23 AM

Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 05:49:23 AM
This occurs after the Whisper Meeting on 12.21.2132, which is accounted for in Weekend Plans post
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 07:46:34 AM
Temmit, although younger by two and a half years, was a few inches taller than Renee. He watched carefully over her shoulders as they weaved around crates in the small corridor. They headed away from the main corridor in which they had come from earlier this evening and within a turn ran into a dead end. Although it looked like the corridor continued, stacks of crates blocked their path.

Without a word, Renee reached in between two crates that had just enough space for her to do so. Temmit heard something metal within the crates slide. Renee put her hand at the side of a crate at the mid-level of a misaligned stack and much to Temmit's amusement, the entire front column of crates turned quietly to the side. The crates, which had looked full, used and heavy, were actually hollow and had a space large enough for a person to walk through.

"A friend of mine told me about this one," Renee whispered to him while pointing at the secret crate door with her thumb.

Temmit noted that as a 'question for later' and they scurried through the opening. The continuing corridor beyond was not lit, so Renee cast a light spell on her hand and they walked on. The corridor was no longer littered with crates and completely barren. The only adornment was the lines in between the granite blocks that the walls of the tunnel were made of.

After a couple of turn of walking straight along the path, that seemed to have no turn or egress of any kind anywhere, Renee stopped.

Renee leaned her back against the right-hand wall, she still looked apprehensive to Temmit, but she now also looked more determined. She lowered the hand with the light spell so as not to blind Temmit while she whispered.

"There is a secret door in the wall behind me that goes to a small room in which we can talk," she said quietly.

Temmit looked questioningly down the way not travelled.

Renee snickered. Her facial features then shifted into the serious demeanor that Temmit recognized as a prelude to interesting information forthcoming.

"That way my friend...leads indirectly to the valley's edge, 50 miles beyond the Outer Rim, and deep into the Outlands."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:28:26 AM
Temmit's eye brow shot up at that revelation. He immediately became lost is a sea of thoughts regarding what security measures there might be that prevented demons from entering through this passage. Was there a cave with a boulder blocking it? A worked wall? More cleverly hidden doors? Why would such a passage have been built, anyway? When, and how? Perhaps this was how that Outlands Patrol that Renee spoke of earlier came and went beyond the rim? Suppose there were more of these tunnels? One to each point on the compass?

"STOP IT!!" Smokey commanded him. Every now and then Temmit's mind ran away with him, asking questions in rapid sequence, swiftly considering outcomes, answers, theories, and conclusions. And just as swiftly disposing of them as well, only to present a new one or two. These mental side trips, left unattended, might consume Temmit for an entire weekend, and Smokey knew that this was not the time for one of those side trips.

"Refocus." Smokey said more calmly. "We're here for a different reason. You can entertain thoughts of Outlands later. Right now, we need to know what's on Renee's mind." He was right, Temmit knew, and perhaps this is what Renee wanted: to reestablish a patrol beyond the Rim and into the Outlands. That would certainly raise concern. "Perhaps. Perhaps not."

"Open the door." Temmit whispered. He watched closely as she did so, looking for the secret mechanism that could now lead to another secure meeting place.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 12:10:41 PM
The walls were made of singular 8' square blocks that ran floor to ceiling. Renee pushed the left-hand edge of the block to the right of the one she had been leaning against. It pushed in effortlessly about a hand in depth, pivoting at its vertical center four feet away, the block wasn't as thick as one would presume.  She then pushed on the block in front of her and it pivoted at its center as well, but this one fully opened, revealing a four foot wide thruway to what appeared to be a small room beyond.

Renee led Temmit into the room, which appeared to be furnished, at least in a limited way, to be a (12' x 10') bedroom. After Temmit walked in Renee pushed the wall back behind him, which closed with a definitive click.

The rooms furnishings were meager, but the fact that they were even there was a note to more questions for Temmit. A cot stood at the opposing corner to the entry, next to it a stool had been converted into a makeshift nightstand. Just in front of where he stood was a small table with three chairs, none of them matching. And in the corner to his right was a writing desk with another stool.

Renee sat down at the table and motioned for Temmit to sit. Her body language still conveying to him that she was nervous and uncertain.

"We can talk just below a whisper in here, the door blocks sound really well," Renee said, looking at her hands on the table.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 01:00:20 PM
Temmit sat down as Renee had indicated. He wondered how this room got its air supply, but saw no obvious vents.

"Why don't you tell me what's bothering you, and how it concerns me, other than my loyal willingness to help?" He asked
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 06:47:37 PM
(OOC: The vent is under the cot. In fact, Lowtown has multiple levels and a complex system of vents that were created when the sewerage system was constructed 1400+ years ago. The result of which is grates all over Lowtown in great frequency, usually they are only small enough for rats to pass through, about 6"Wx3"H to 12"W x 6"H. The pump stations, 8 or so massive buildings in the city above, not only regulate water but also pump air into Lowtown to maintain positive airflow, air that gets pumped downwards and doesn't reflect back or get blocked (won't tell you why). Someday I will have Lowtown all detailed in an underground map, you'll see, I promise. Anyway....)

Renee looked at Temmit for almost a full turn. As she did so, Temmit, feeling challenged by the stare, stared back, blinking to be polite. He could see her uncertainly fade as each tick passed.

"How like my father you are Temmit."

Temmit had met Renee's father a few times and on more than one occasion had the distinct pleasure of talking to the man. Although he was a chestnut farmer close to the Outer Rim, he was far from simple. The level-headed, emotionally-even-keeled man kept up to date with current events and had a keen political mind, always able to share his concerns for the governments direction without adding the irrational rhetoric of opinion. The man was so calm and collected that Temmit found him to be very easy to talk too and.....

'I think that is her point genius,' Smokey reprimanded, bringing him back to focus.

Renee had paused during Temmit's reflection on her father and he immediately knew she was trying to judge his emotion, not that she had the gift of empathy, she was just being a girl.

She continued without making comment on it though, "very direct and to the point (her father), but thoughtful and compassionate for others, even if not for their emotional state."

"Yes," she paused with a slight challenging smile, "you are just like him."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 07:58:37 PM
"I don't understand." Temmit said. Perhaps he had mistaken her concern that he sensed and it is really reflected upon her father? Was she concerned for her father? "Is something wrong with your father?"

"Tell me what's bothering you this evening." He repeated. "Because something is clearly bothering you...on your mind, and I can't fathom why you might say that you need to talk, and then not talk." His eyes shifted a bit then. "Sorry. What's wrong?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 08:11:02 PM
Renee wasn't leader of Whisper for nothing, she drummed up the courage and dug in.

"When Emma takes over 4 months from now she is going to replace you with Harrison as a lieutenant," she announced. Then waited for his reaction.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 08:39:19 PM
Temmit watched Renee closely as she said what she said. As far as it went, he didn't understand the issue as yet.

"And..." he prompted. He wondered what that might have to do with her father?
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 08:42:27 PM
(OOC: I know eh?! Women worry about the STAH - HUPIDEST things!)

Renee blinked, made to say something, blinked again, shut her half-open mouth that had been caught in mid-sentence...and blinked again.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 08:45:15 PM
"Are you ok, Renee?" Temmit asked, getting deeper into his confusion. He wasn't sure if he should hug her; did she need consoling for something? Perhaps she was worried about going to war?

"Honestly, just let me help; if you'll only tell me what's wrong?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 08:47:50 PM
Renee caught herself and asked, "How is it that you read others so well when it isn't about you, but read us terrible when it concerns you? I am worried about your feelings on the matter you big dope!" Renee said with a bit of new animation.

Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 08:51:26 PM
Temmit blinked repeatedly. Then did so again. "My feelings?" He echoed.

"Don't ask me. I'm in the dark here too." Smokey said.

"What have my feelings got to do with your father?"

"HAHA! You *are* and idiot!"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 08:57:20 PM
Renee finally caught onto his apparent confusion and turned a bit frustrated.

"No, no, no," she sighed.

"By all that is...." she sighed again.

"Temmit. Forget my father for a turn, although you apparently could be his long lost son, but for this moment stop thinking upon him," sha said while waving a finger in front of him. Then she actually waited for him to stop thinking about the man. She had a feeling he was thinking about how he could possibly be Renee's brother, so she waited for a bit longer. When his eyes came to focus she began again.

"My concern here, or at least the first one, and fate knows we may have to be here all night at this rate...my concern here is for your feelings on the matter of being replaced in Whisper."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:08:35 PM
"Really?!?" Temmit considered this notion: her only concern had been for how he felt. "That's very..."

"Odd?" Smokey provided helpfully.
"No..." Temmit responded aloud.
"Paranoid.?"
"No..."
"Goofy?"
"Yes, but no..."
"Girlish?"
"Can't say that, certainly."
"Confusing?"
"Certainly."
"Better say something to her next."
"True enough."

Temmit's coal eyes snapped back to Renee's green ones. "I don't know what to say, actually. I'm...um...ok?" He shook his head, and it was clear to Renee that he still didn't fully understand.

How could such a smart and insightful young man be so completely obtuse?

"It is Emma's decision as to who is a lieutenant, after all. She needs to be comfortable with her officers, and if she's not comfortable with me, then she needs to replace me." He shook his head...he was clearly missing something. "Are *you* ok with it?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 09:14:20 PM
Renee was at a loss to what she now considered was his completely selfless behavior.

"You truly are a noble man my friend Temmit," she said, choking a bit of a sob of relief on the words. "That is exactly the reason. She trusts you, but she is far more comfortable with her best friend Harrison."

She smiled and took a hold of his hand on the table.

"She believes Harrison to be as intuitive as you just because he is so good with kids, I think she is mistaken to a point, but it is her call. Harrison is an excellent young man and will stand by her, I know that much."

She looked at him again questioning his resolve, "are you sure you are ok?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:22:31 PM
"I suppose that it explains Emma's look at me when I pledged to be in service of the Clan no matter the outcome of the vote." He Chuckled a bit then.

"But yes, Renee. I'm fine with her decision, although I do remain confused. Is that the whole of the discussions that you needed to talk to me about?"

/sense motive = 12 (lousy roll!)
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 09:26:41 PM
"Well, I am happy that it doesn't make you feel unaccepted. She does trust you after all," she said, then her eyes became hard. She looked away and back at him again, making another decision.

"That isn't all," she whispered, her voice cracking a bit.

Renee got up and headed to the cot, she pulled what looked to be a journal from under the small pillow and brought it to the table. Placing it in front of Temmit, she continued to stand, and even took a step back as if she feared the thing.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:28:31 PM
Temmit peered through the dim light at the book. "What's this?" He asked, reaching for it. He hoped that it was the hunter's journal that Renee had spoken about.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 09:36:27 PM
Renee rubbed her hands together nervously, but kept her green eyes on Temmits.

"It's Captain Athol's journal, I uh...I found it under his bed," she said apprehensively.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:42:18 PM
Temmit looked around the little room again. "Are you telling me that this was his bedroom?" He asked. "Did he come back here every night or two or something?"

He looked back up to her. "Have you read the whole thing?" He asked quietly, his thin fingers caressing the book.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 09:46:30 PM
Renee giggled, then a tear escaped her eyes.

"Um, no...he has quarters in the city above, as a Captain of the city guard for 10 years, he has made decent coin." Her voice was strained with a bit of sorrow.

She made a quick cough and collected herself.

"No Temmit, I have been visiting his quarters frequently during the past year. Only way I could truly trust him you know?" she asked, her eyes pleaded with hiim for understanding.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 09:50:29 PM
HAH! SLUT!
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 09:54:47 PM
Understanding seeded in Temmit's mind. He had wanted to badly to belive that this was the journal of the Outlands Patrol that he hadn't heard Renee utter Captain Athol's name. "Sorry." He mumbled. "I guess I was only half listening."

He took his hand off the journal then. "Renee," he said gently. "If you don't feel comfortable having this conversation with me, you don't need to. I will always follow you; you have my loyalty." He considered her for a long while. "Is there something specific that you want to talk about?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 09:59:57 PM
"Thank you Temmit, and believe me, I tried to think of any way around having to talk to you about my ...well whatever you want to call it," she sighed and turned around, facing the cot.

Without turning she continued, Temmit sensed a great deal of shame. "I need you to read the book my friend. In it, he writes of me and accounts every request I have made of him. Every single account of my using him to maneuver his guards throughout the city," she whispered.

She turned again, her face a bit more resolute. "We need to know why he did this, I need you to read between the lines, find out his motive, because it sure isn't spelled out."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 10:03:36 PM
Awe Yes! It's like, "Penthouse Forums"!
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 10:06:13 PM
Without the pictures... damnit!

Oh wait!


(//../../e107_files/public/1206756332_18_FT8840_renee_.jpg) (//../../e107_files/public/1206756332_18_FT8840_renee.jpg)


That's better.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 10:09:44 PM
Sweet! It's like Penthouse Forums!
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 10:11:42 PM
wtf...? Why'd that post twice...
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 10:12:44 PM
"You have given of yourself for the greater good of Whisper, and of our kind, Renee. You have done more than anyone else, and you are a hero...heroine...to many. Ease your burden, my friend."

He picked up the journal. It was square, about six inches, and an inch thick. There were no distinguishing marks upon the cover. "I will read this, and I will keep it the strict-most secret." He said. "It would help if I might be able to get a little close to him, without him knowing me. If I can understand his personality, it would help. Perhaps we'll work on that in the coming weeks." He peered at the first page. The first of many. "I'll have to take some personal time tomorrow where I can read."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 10:15:22 PM
Quote from: Griznuqwtf...? Why'd that post twice...

Because we're all posting at the same time, I think
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 10:17:49 PM
He could see that she was very much comforted by his words.

"I need the journal back by Restday night, for he will return from the Outer Rim the very next morning. It needs to go back to its hiding place," she said. She then came back to the table and sat down.

After smiling at him for a few moments in appreciation she continued.

"There is more," she took a breath, but Temmit sensed that it was in relief, not further apprehension. He surmised from her body language that  she was beyond the really difficult reason he was there tonight.

"I have product in the black market, and it has been very successful."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 10:23:58 PM
Temmit nodded his understanding as she spoke. "I'll have it read the first time through by tomorrow night. Just give me an excuse to be alone after our interviews. I'll likely want to read it a few times through."

He smiled gently at her. At least, he *thought* it was gentle...he couldn't necessarily be sure. He then regarded her curiously. "What sort of product? And do you need my help with  that (like I know what I'm doing with the black market)?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 10:30:10 PM
Renee blushed, something Temmit had never before seen her do, the affect was quite attractive.

"Damnit I knew you would ask," she cursed but was smiling nevertheless.

"Let's put it this way Temmit, girls who sleep with soldiers to often usually end up in jail with a big belly...my product keeps that from happening," she turned even redder and looked at the table completely embarassed.

"I don't believe I am having this conversation with you," she whispered, almost as if to herself.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 10:40:39 PM
It took Temmit more than a moment to understand. It was an interesting dichotomy that he found in himself: If someone were trying to hide something from him, he could sniff them out like a bloodhound. BUT if someone were trying to tell him something cryptically, he often had a difficult time following.

He did at last catch up to her though. "Renee, I don't want to cause you any discomfort." He said. "You've been through too much as it is...for too long, apparently."

His head cocked unintentionally. "Why did you tell me about your profits?" That, at least, didn't add up as yet.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 10:51:48 PM
Sharp as a bag of wet diapers, that one.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 10:58:31 PM
"Excellent question," Renee offered, seeming to be relieved to talk about the business end of it all.

"I tell you this because of the people who need protection while I am away. You see.." and she laughed despite herself. "My father makes the potions for me at his farm. The lab is hidden in the barn and he brews a few differnt kinds of POTS during the late evening hours."

She sensed Temmit about to speak and she interrupted. "Yes he knows what the best-seller does and NO he doesn't know his daughter uses it."

Temmit closed his mouth again, whether that was the answer to which Renee thought he had a comment or question on was left unknown.

She continued, the words coming easier to her now as she obviously had a lot of ground to cover.

"Kristen is the guild's liason with the black market. The brave girl had a connection in the her family, a cousin named Mitch. She handles the transactions and will need you to be her check point before and after sales that occur once a month," she said and then intercepted Temmit again.

"I will give you all the details later my dear friend," she said putting her hand up to his mouth and sitting herself back down. "Just bare with my for a few more turns."

"The supply chain is handled by my father who has used his hired hands who unknowingly ship the materials to the city in the bottom of nut barrels. Kristen receives the shipments and stores them at Leslie's parents Inn until ready for the sale. So the Inn is watched too by my contacts just as a precaution. Leslie's father knows of the POTS, but Leslie and the rest of her family does not, they think they are just barrels of nuts on their way to someplace else."

(OOC: Want to forcibly interrupt Miss Soprano?)
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 11:20:11 PM
Temmit, having been interrupted twice now - or stayed, actually - allowed Renee to run her gammut as she needed.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 28, 2008, 11:30:24 PM
"You ask me why I bring this to you? In that journal, Kristen is identified by the Captain," Renee said with great concern.

"A year ago I needed a reason, at least a basic one to tell John why I needed him to move his guards about or look another way. I had to tell him I was involved in the black market. It was a much easier thing to tell him then about the "revolution"," she said while quoting the word in the air.

"At the time it wasn't a big deal because I wasn't selling the best-seller yet, not knowing if it worked or not...well with that proven the demand became so strong and I needed a better, more reliable connection in LowTown, Kristen offered that. Had I realized at the time it would blossom into a complex weave of lies and her identity becoming known to the Captain I wouldn't have accepted her help, but that is exactly what happened," she wrung her hands.

"I didn't think he had her specifically identified until I read the description of her in one of the passages, it made me realize that enough is enough and I, we, need to know if we can trust him," she finished and looked at him with guilty eyes.

"That is a lot to absorb at once and I am afraid I didn't explain it very well...do you...do you have any questions?"

To Temmit she looked as if she feared a huge reprimand.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 28, 2008, 11:45:32 PM
"Great deeds are wrought at great risk." He quoted sagely. Temmit had stored a large number of quotes in his mind, but they didn't all make sense until times such as this, when they were applicable.

"I understand, Renee." He said. It was time now for damage control. "To be honest with you, my first belief is that we can't trust him. I say this by virtue of having this particular journal. This sort of information, written down, can never be of help to you or to us. The only use for the information that you've mentioned is to hurt you and us. Still, let's see what we can see."
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 12:04:37 AM
"I tend to agree, but dare to hope that we are wrong," she said.

They both sat for a moment at the table, lost in their own thoughts and not looking at each other.

"When Emma becomes leader it was our plan to initiate fractions within the guild. Ask everyone to make small groups of three. These three members would start to keep their secrets only amongst themselves and also be each others keeper. This way, should a member be captured by the government, only so much could be given to the authorities," she said, and she seemed to be getting a bit weary of the days business.

"Should she implement this plan, it may progress into certain fractions meeting only with others at certain times to further protect the guild as a whole," she said, wiping her eyes a bit, standing up and heading to her cot.

Without much flare, but with a bit of modesty she carefully laid down on the cot on her stomach, all the while talking. "If this happens, not only should you keep an eye and ear out for all the problems this could create, and obviously try to rectify them before they occur by councilling Emma, but you should also take certain people into your fraction."

She put her head down on her crossed arms beneath her and looked at him, awaiting his thoughts. She was tired but didn't look like she was ready to have him leave yet.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 12:10:28 AM
"These are prudent thoughts." He conceded. "The problems could be many, and many-faceted, but we will try, of course." He considered her words for a moment. "Who do you need me to keep an eye on, that I should join their fraction?" He asked.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 12:15:12 AM
She yawned.

"At the moment Leslie and Kristen, but that could change 4 months from now. And since Leslie absolutely adores you that isn't a bad fit if you ask me," as she spoke the smile on her face got stronger and stronger, even though she didn't lift her head.

"She either has a crush on you or sees you as a big brother, I haven't figured it out yet," she teased and then laughed tiredly. The laugh was full of relief though. Temmit sensed she had been wanting to get a good deal of this guilt off of her conscience for some time.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 12:23:47 AM
Temmit tightened up a bit as she spoke. That was the second time tonight that Renee had intimated that Leslie was somehow infatuated with Temmit. He acknowledged the likelihood that Renee at least believed this ludicrous notion, so she wasn't likely teasing him intentionally. Nevertheless it was a painful reminder of his own inadequacy.

"At least she's feeling better." Smokey observed.

"I'll figure it out, I suppose." He said somewhat dejectedly.

He decided to take this opportunity to ask Renee the favor that he'd been thinking on. "I realize that this might be a bad time, and please feel free to say 'no', but I'd like to ask a favor of you." He let the notion hang there, trying to gage her receptiveness.

Sense Motive 15...another lousy roll.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 12:27:35 AM
Renee picked up her head at the unusual request. She seemed to about to tease his character, but instead thought better of it.

"After all that I have burdened you with this evening, you certainly may ask for a favor my friend," she said, carefully choosing her words.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 12:35:57 AM
Temmit steeled himself. It was clear that this would be as hard for him as her concerns had been for her. He breathed deeply more than once, forcing his face to be flat and somber.

"It's getting late in even *my* education." He began. "I need to face a trial, and it's not something that I can do alone...although *you* have...three times already." He looked at her meaningfully.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 12:37:46 AM
"A trial Temmit?" she asked, a bit confused.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 12:41:43 AM
Temmit looked to be on the fence about moving forward. But now that he had started...

"I must extract a vow of secrecy, Renee." He asked quietly at last. "I've never spoken on this to anyone, and I ask that you never do either. Until I'm dead at any rate. Do I have your promise?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 12:44:17 AM
"No one knows of my sin with the Captain but you, your secret will in turn be safe with me," she said not matter-of-factly, but with much emotion that spoke to the loyalty they had grown for one another over the past years.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 12:55:00 AM
Temmit nodded gratefully. "You know how my family was killed in an accident?"

Renee's eyes narrowed as she nodded her understanding.

"There was no accident that day." He said. He looked directly into her eyes as he said as much. "No tree fell. No miraculous survival." The corners of his mouth twitched in a flashed half-smile. "Well, there was a miraculous survival." He corrected himself.

"We were out in the forest, near the rim." He faltered for a moment, and needed to re-center himself. His dream began to invade his waking life, and his hands quivered. He forced his dream back into the darkness. "We were attacked by a Karh'Thul. He, uh...it...killed my father first, then my mother, and then my sister. Then it came for me."

Tears were standing in Temmit's eyes, but he refused to allow them to fall. He blinked at them furiously. "I need to face one of these beasts. Not as a toddler, but as a man. I need your help to do this. Can you help me? Please?"
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 08:58:53 AM
Renee had sat up while Temmit spoke, tears were now freely flowing from her eyes and she started to sob. She tried to answer but emotion had taken hold of her and she couldn't. She looked away for a moment, trying to once again regain her emotionally frayed mind.

Temmit merely stood with clenched fists and a hard stare of determination.

She stopped crying, took a visible intake of breath and looked at him.

"I can and I will," she said with authority.

Temmit seemed to relax only a bit.

"Temmit, stay here tonight? There are knapsacks and blankets back in a crate in the Quiet Room, if I get us them will you stay?"

(OOC: Again, curfew is a hard thing for Residents of the dormitories to check on Endday, the likelihood of you getting into any trouble is almost NIL)
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 09:17:04 AM
I would think that many kids go to their homes on Endday, so curfew wouldn't really be up to the school.

Temmit nodded, subtle but jerky. "Thank you." He said, his voice not quite as smooth as it usually was. He was getting tired, and that put him on edge. He breathed deeply, trying to regain his composure and outward calm, then said more clearly. "Thank you. I don't think that I'd like to see anyone just now anyway."

Given the opening of this can or worms, this will be one of those nights where Temmit dreams...
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 09:32:34 AM
(OOC: The school still tries to keep track of where kids go on Endday night, they just aren't very good at it.)

Renee got up and walked to Temmit. She seemed about to embrace him, but then stopped short.

"Lay on the cot, I will return with the items in but a couple turns," she said, and with that she did hug him.

It was an embrace of caring, compassion, warmth and good heart. She brought her entire being into him. Her face, wet with tears met the crook of his neck, her arms wrapped around under his shoulder-blades and her fingertips clasped his back as if they expected he would bolt at any minute. Even the tops of her legs met his.

Although the softness and alluring smell of her enveloped him, there was nothing sexual about her offer, the embrace resurfaced memories of the women who loved him in his past.

His Mom and Nalla.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 09:39:36 AM
Temmit hugged Renee back, though tentatively. He hadn't had one of those since he was a child. He had to admit that it was rather nice.

He waited for her to leave, then took a seat at the table, wishing for a cup of coffee. He had intended to read the journal, but Renee took the light with her. He sat then, in the dark; even Smokey was quiet. He took this opportunity to meditate and recover his balance.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 09:54:35 AM
As promised, it was only a few turns and Renee had returned. She came through the portal with a large handbag over her shoulder, a small crate in her hands and a lit lantern perched atop it.

Temmit immediately took the crate and lantern and set them on the floor.

"There is a nice knapsack in the crate, along with two more blankets," she said as she put her handbag on the table. From it she withdrew what looked like a polished steel flask and a waterskin.

"Shot of coffeecup?" Renee offered. It was a popular sweet drink amongst young women. (OOC: Drinking age is 18) But along with the alcohol, it also contained real coffee.

"I am not much of a drinker, but I think tonight deserves a sip or two to calm the nerves," she said then took a small sip, holding the flask out to Temmit.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 07:34:04 PM
"Anything that has coffee in it." Temmit answered tiredly. "Thanks." In truth, he just about never drank alcohol, but he drank more than his share of coffee.

After a sip, he asked "Do you mind if I ask you another question?" At her nodded acceptance, he continued on.

"In the Quiet Room earlier, at the end of the meeting, why did you turn your charms on me? I don't understand that, unless you thought that I might not be willing to help. It just seemed like you were trying to...trick me into helping." He seemed to consider saying more, but then stopped and looked at her questioningly.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 08:19:28 PM
"I am very sorry," she said as she pulled a nightshirt out of the large handbag. Temmit noticed that tomorrows' outfit was also poking out. 'A lady's handbag has no depth,' he had heard from somewhere.

"My only, although lame, excuse is that with everything else going on right now my head has been in a spin. In my rush to make everything right I thought that perhaps charming you wouldn't be as hard as being honest."

They stared at each other for a few moments. As they did, he knew she was truly sorry.

"And I was wrong. I should have put more faith in the noble man that you are," she finished and turned back to the cot.

She threw the over-sized night-shirt over her dress and started to disrobe underneath it. Temmit could sense that she was anxious to know if he was accepting her words.

The green dress dropped in a pile at her feet and left her with the ridiculously large nightshirt and a pair of green socks, not her best look.

Catching a smirk from him, albeit with Temmit that was a mere twitch of an eyebrow, she teased him, "If you what was good for you, you would have been less noble," she said swaying her body side to side in a exaggerated motion to be sexual and innocent at the same time. Combined with the outfit she looked ridiculous, and she knew it. Temmit could see she was doing everything she could, honesty and humor, trying to apologize.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 08:42:04 PM
"I understand." He said. He had figured as much already, since the advance was ludicrous to begin with.

Another saying that Mr. Cavanash (for whom Temmit worked as a carpenter) had said often presented itself to him: If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.

"Don't do it again though." He requested, a little of his earlier anger rising. "It made me angry. But we're good. No matter what." He looked at her pointedly.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 08:49:45 PM
The demand disarmed Renee a little, suddenly he sensed that she felt like a younger sibling being disciplined.

"Again, I am sorry," she said turning to the cot and laying down again on her stomach, kicking off her socks as she did so.

She rested her chin in her shoulders, looking at Temmit who had returned to the table where the journal awaited him. The knapsack from the crate hadn't made it past the table either.

"Aren't you going to get some sleep its," and she reached into the handbag on the floor beside her head and withdrew a watch.

"Oh my its half past 12 nighthand," she exclaimed.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Griznuq on March 29, 2008, 08:51:50 PM
Awe crap, you usurped his attention already? I thought it was my turn!
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 08:57:40 PM
"No more apologies." He answered. "We're beyond that, I think." He picked up the lantern and lowered the light level so that she could sleep.

"I'm not up for sleeping just yet. Gotta catch up on my reading." He held the journal up for emphasis.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 09:04:22 PM
"Alrighty then," she returned while quickly putting her head down onto her crossed arms. "Fair enough."

She didn't close her eyes for a time though, and merely watched him in the dim light, as he turned the page from time to time, scanning the beginning of the journal that would reveal all too much about her.

"Thank you Temmit," she whispered and finally closed them.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Johan on March 29, 2008, 09:07:19 PM
"Any time." He answered.
Title: 12.21.2132 - Renee's Concern
Post by: Dray on March 29, 2008, 09:30:36 PM
The end, story will continue in the thread...12.22.2132 - The Awakening.