Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #169: Fire Eaters (2/23/98)
Wise Snake is lying in exactly the same position as when she passed out hours ago, on the floor by Nick.
Wise Snake moves.
<Wise Snake> What the... ugh. [fuzzily]
Turrie becomes aware of Snake's return to consciousness.
<Turrie> It's all right, Snake. ~~safety~~
Wise Snake sits up rubbing her head [hair doing the crazy Farris hair thing]
<Turrie> Nick is fine - still out of it, but he will be fine.
Turrie looks as neat as a pin still, despite the fact that there are no nearby bathroom facilities.
<Wise Snake> Ummh.
Wise Snake looks no better or worse than her usual. That is not very good.
Wise Snake looks over at Nick and zlins him.
Turrie moves aside from Nick so that Snake can zlin for herself that he sustained no permanent damage.
Wise Snake removes the blanket that had covered her and adds it to Nick.
Wise Snake, not zlinning Eliza or Mostan nearby, looks at Turrie.
Turrie zlins Snake and is pleased to note that the rest has somewhat recovered her abused systems.
<Wise Snake> How are Eliza and Mostan?
<Turrie> They are both healthy, if that is what you were asking.
Turrie thinks that anything else is really nobody's business.
Wise Snake looks at Turrie oddly, as she zlins the channel's extremely unprofessional attitude.
<Turrie> More importantly - how are you feeling now?
Turrie prepares some hot tea and some of the food that they brought and puts it in front of Snake.
Wise Snake takes the tea and sips it slowly.
Turrie sits in front of Snake. "That was your first transfer out of First Year. How do you feel?"
Wise Snake grunts.
<Wise Snake> I'm healthy, if that's what you're asking.
Turrie looks at Snake seriously.
Turrie carefully considers what she has to say.
<Turrie> Have you considered that if you had not been run down so far both mentally and physically, Nick may not have been so badly burned?
Wise Snake picks up a piece of food, studies it trying to figure out what it is.
<Wise Snake> No.
<Wise Snake> Although I probably could have foregone what I needed if I hadn't been deprived of it last month.
Wise Snake bites into... it... tentatively.
<Turrie> Which is?
<Wise Snake> Which is not open to discussion.
<Wise Snake> I'm sure it's in my file if you care to look into it.
Wise Snake looks at the thing in her hand even more oddly now that she has tasted it.
Wise Snake puts it down.
Wise Snake has another sip of tea.
<Turrie> Snake I am not your enemy.
Wise Snake's pale eyes flick up to Turrie's.
<Wise Snake> Nor I yours.
Turrie smiles as if something were settled. "That is good, then."
Turrie sips her tea.
Wise Snake zlins Turrie.
<Turrie> ~ calm satisfaction ~
Wise Snake shoots Turrie a mystified look and turns back to the food, picking at it to see if she finds something she can positively identify.
Turrie pulls out some slightly squashed fruit and hands it to Snake. "Is this more to your liking?"
Wise Snake looks at it.
<Wise Snake> Yes. Thank you.
<Wise Snake> [takes fruit and nibbles on it]
<Turrie> I hope that the snow lets up soon. It would be best to return the Gens to the Center as soon as possible. [looks over at the doorway to the room where Mostan and Eliza went to sleep] Nick, at any rate, requires the care and treatment that we can't give him here.
Wise Snake has some more tea rather than commenting.
<Turrie> I moved the horses to a more sheltered location - but they need forage as well.
<Turrie> I don't know this area well, do you often get such storms this late in the season?
<Wise Snake> Winter doesn't really end until the end of this next month. There is often heavy snowfall this month.
Wise Snake zlins Nick's condition again, considers bundling him up and packing him out alone.
<Turrie> It is much warmer where I come from.
Wise Snake puts down her tea and gets Nick's arms out from the blankets, to zlin him with a lateral contact.
<Wise Snake> Oh?
Turrie notes with approval Snake's concern for her Donor, and wishes that the damage could have been prevented.
Wise Snake replaces Nick's arms under the blankets, then reaches to push his hair back from his forehead.
Wise Snake studies his face, decides she doesn't like the pasty gray look of it, and pushes the hair back.
<Turrie> I know that you don't want to talk about it, but the damage to his system could have been prevented if you had been in better control of your physical and mental state.
Bat looks down below him.
<Wise Snake> Turrie, the two choices were to hurt him or not hurt him. We had to choose based upon our knowledge of ourselves and our conditions. We chose this.
Bat is disturbed by all the noise that awoke him.
Bat swoops down, taking a bite of the older one.
Bat flaps its wings... tasting the meal....
Turrie whirls around and quickly grabs the Bat's legs.
Bat flaps wildly, missing the meal as it tries to escape.
Wise Snake picks up her tea again and has another sip, watching idly.
Bat scratches as the person holding it.
Bat screeches.
Turrie looks at Bat and wonders what to do with it.
Bat continues to screech and scratch, flapping wildly.
Turrie wonders how long they will be there for and if the Gens will need extra food.
Turrie decides no one will ever be that hungry and lets it go.
Bat swings up and bites her hand.
Wise Snake raises a hand to her ear as the screeching goes on.
Bat suddenly realizes she is free and flies off.
Turrie sighs deeply. "You know, I had heard that the animals around Bender Cove acted strangely at times."
Turrie reaches into the medicine box and puts a dressing on the bite.
<Wise Snake> Hmm... hadn't noticed. [politely] Of course, I was raised here.
Wise Snake has another sip of tea, looks around for her and Nick's medical satchel.
Alea gently strokes Tarsh's cheek before sneaking out.
<Turrie> You did spend some time in Zeor as I remember.
Alea is glad he finally slept.
Alea pulls the door softly closed behind her.
Alea goes into the other room to talk to Sky.
Wise Snake locates the satchel and pulls it to her.
<Wise Snake> Yes.
<Alea> Good morning, Sky. How are you doing?
Sky is sitting out in the hallway, shivering miserably over a makeshift writing surface.
Alea looks rumpled, but will rested.
<Alea> What are you doing out here?
<Sky> [two boxes and a piece of old wood]
<Sky> [there is a pile of blankets nearby as if he'd slept there]
<Sky> Oh... hello, Alea.
Sky stands up hastily, brushing himself off and straightening his spectacles.
<Sky> I trust you slept well?
<Alea> Did you sleep out here?
Alea ~~ incredulous ~~
Turrie gives up trying to make conversation and sits quietly.
Sky rubs his hands together, partially out of nervousness, and partially to attempt to discover circulation in them.
Alea moves forward and takes a hand and begins to rub it.
<Alea> Oh, Sky!
<Alea> Why didn't you say something? You could have come in and slept with us.
Alea rubs his hand vigorously.
<Sky> Well, you were already asleep and I didn't want to disturb you.
<Sky> Besides, I really had thought I could use the other room.
<Turrie> Why did you not stay and finish your channel training, Snake?
<Turrie> You have such potential.
<Alea> Let me guess... B'cal?
<Wise Snake> Hmmmm... yes. Well, I was thrown out of Zeor two months after changeover.
Alea reaches for his other hand and begins to rub it.
Sky appears to be a little overwhelmed by Alea's attentions.
Turrie raises her eyebrows. "For what reason?"
<Alea> Sky, if we're going to be stuck here another day, why don't we try setting up another room with a fireplace....
<Alea> That way we'd have three rooms warmed.
<Sky> Oh, really... I'll be fine. I'm a bit sore, but....
<Sky> Oh! Well that isn't such a bad idea... I am sure there are various suitable ones.
Alea releases Sky's hand.
Alea nods, smiling.
<Wise Snake> Well, I received various different versions of that answer myself.
<Alea> Tarsh just finally went to sleep and I'm leaving him sleeping.
<Alea> But you and I could find one, I'm sure.
<Wise Snake> At the time, I was told it was because I was "unsuitable and untrainable".
<Alea> Unless you want B'cal to help us?
<Wise Snake> Later, I was told it was for my protection... because there was an assassin in Zeor.
<Wise Snake> Three months later.
Turrie tightly controls the burst of anger she feels.
Turrie wonders if it was anyone she knows....
<Turrie> They let you leave believing that you were unsuitable?
<Turrie> That is criminal.
Sky grimaces rather like Snake, but without the Farris lips.
<Sky> No, I think you and I can handle it.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
<Alea> I made Tarsh help me change the bandage on my shoulder because I simply didn't want... well... so I'm glad to hear that.
<Wise Snake> Uh... well... the damage has already been done. I don't feel as strongly about it now as I once did.
<Alea> So, let's go.
<Alea> Which room do you suggest?
Sky creaks down the hall, all stiff from sleeping shivering on the floor.
<Sky> Well, this one here is the smallest of the ones with fireplaces left.
<Sky> It's not that small, but better than some.
<Alea> Ah, which means it would heat faster.
<Sky> There aren't any more beds or anything.
<Alea> Blankets? Cushions from old couches? Anything like that?
<Sky> But probably we can get some blankets and such together for B'cal, and you two could take Nick's bed.
Turrie runs through her mind several possible futures and ways that the damage done could be minimized. She lifts her head.
<Turrie> I think I'll check on the horses, if you will excuse me for a few moments?
Alea turns her head to hide her smile at the thought of B'cal on the floor.
Wise Snake nods.
<Alea> That sounds acceptable.
Alea shoves the door open.
Turrie heads out through the opening in the wall, jumps the crevice, and exits via the original room Mostan found.
Sky pauses as he considers what Snake might think if she came back and found Tecton people in her Donor's bed and her spare Donor on the floor.
Turrie notes that the snow has stopped and the sky is almost clear, and that dawn is near.
<Sky> Er... then again, we may have to put you two out here. Maybe we should wait and ask Snake.
Sky 's hands dither about.
<Alea> Oh, I don't think Snake would mind her cousin sleeping in Nick's bed.
<Alea> Of course, it might help keep the peace with B'cal.
<Alea> I'm sure Tarsh wouldn't mind staying in this room....
Wise Snake samples some items from the medical satchel.
Alea looks around.
<Alea> Besides, if it clears up today we may be gone and this room won't have to be used.
<Sky> Oh... true, true.
Alea 's smile fades as she wonders if they're going to make it back today or not and how the Center is reacting to their absence....
<Alea> The room is rather clean.
<Alea> So, someone has been up here already and mucked it out.
<Sky> Well, whichever you like. You two can just work it out with B'cal who'll sleep where.
<Sky> Oh, yes. We have people from the Historical Society coming to inspect the place this week, so it's being prepared for their visit.
Turrie checks the horses and removes some rope from a pack. She makes a temporary corral between some trees and scratches up the snow to see that the grass beneath, although brown and frozen, is never the less long. After leading the horses into the makeshift "paddock" she unbridles them, hobbles them and heads out to the top of the ruins.
Alea looks around the room.
<Alea> This was once a very nice room.
<Alea> Now that it's cleaned up you can see that.
Sky looks about, but is not much of an architecture buff at heart.
Alea goes inside, testing the floor, remembering the plaster from the ceiling in one room and worried the floor might not be any better
<Sky> Well it has... er... nice... curlicues and such on the ceiling....
Sky sees her careful steps.
<Sky> Needn't worry about the floor. It's stone underneath. The wood is just for show.
<Alea> Ah. That's good to know.
Alea ~~ relief ~~ strolls over to the window and looks out.
Turrie returns to the underground rooms.
Alea sees a white blanket covering the street, unbroken except for a few animal prints....
Alea notes it is still snowing, though not as badly.
<Alea> Can you even get the front door opened?
Wise Snake is sitting with her back against the wall making notations in a small book.
Alea [looking at the drifts against some of the buildings]
<Sky> We use that little side door that swings in. The question would be whether we could get it shut or not. [nervous giggle]
Sky is a little intimidated by Alea's Farrisness and good looks.
<Turrie> It has stopped snowing. We should be able to leave once the day warms up.
<Wise Snake> Ah... good.
<Alea> I'm not looking forward to us having to dig ourselves out of here.
<Turrie> Now that you are past first year, what are you plans?
Alea turns and smiles.
Wise Snake closes the book.
<Alea> Well then, I suppose... has anyone cleaned out the fireplace yet?
<Alea> You know... [points] up inside?
Turrie sits down and stirs the fire, adding a few new pieces of wood.
<Wise Snake> Well, I'd like to reinforce my control over the Bender Cove underclass while establishing some sort of presence in the main city government... and monopolize local trade in certain, unusual goods... and found a Householding.
<Wise Snake> Umm, not necessarily in that order.
Turrie raises an eyebrow. "They are certainly high goals."
<Turrie> ~~confidence in Snake's ability to achieve them~~
Wise Snake shrugs. "You asked." [points out]
<Sky> The fireplace is clean but the chimney hasn't been checked.
Sky's body language and tone suggests he is entirely uninterested in cleaning the chimney himself.
<Alea> If you'll get the wood, I'll be glad to use a broom or whatever to see what's up there.
<Turrie> Have you considered ever extending your goals to take in a wider perspective?
Sky winces.
Alea smiles sweetly
<Wise Snake> B'cal told me that one day I will want to save the world.
<Wise Snake> I guess that will have to come later.
<Alea> I really really appreciate all of your help, Sky.
Turrie nods as if this were a very obtainable goal.
Wise Snake thinks B'cal was just finding another way to Farris-bash.
<Sky> Umm... sure.
<Alea> Thank you.
Alea goes back out and sneaks down the hall to where she saw a funny looking tool she's seen them stick in chimneys before.
<Wise Snake> I don't really have any desire to leave Bender Cove.
Alea grabs it up and goes back to the room.
Alea bends down and crawls into the chimney trying to look up into it.
<Turrie> It is a safe harbor for you. It's understandable that you would be reluctant to leave at this time.
<Alea> Oooh, what a mess.
Alea brushes at her hands, and realizes she is going to get her clothes all dirty.
Wise Snake doesn't mention that she is uncomfortable even this far from it... she prefers the docks to the countryside.
<Turrie> But a bird never really stretches its wings until it leaves its parents nest and braves the strangeness of the world.
Alea backs out and goes down to Nick's room and borrows a pair of his pants and a top.
Turrie smiles. "Occasionally they have to be pushed out...."
Alea sees B'cal sleeping and silently sneers at her before leaving.
Alea goes back into the room and pulls off her cloak and lays it aside.
Wise Snake grimaces at the words "pushed out".
Alea slips off her top and folds it carefully.
Alea wiggles out of her skirt.
Alea keeps the boots on.
<Wise Snake> I have been out of Bender Cove twice.
<Wise Snake> The first time was Zeor.
Alea picks up Nick's pants and looks at them.
<Alea> Oh... dear....
Sky is out in the hallway working and shivering.
<Turrie> Not a good experience.
<Alea> These things are going to come up to my eyebrows.
Sky pauses as he hears long silence from the room where Alea is.
Sky wonders if he should be worried.
<Turrie> And the second time?
Alea unbuttons them.
Alea slips one foot in and begins pulling it up until her toes poke through.
<Wise Snake> Householding V'lar. I accompanied B'cal there for three days.
<Turrie> Did you consider completing your training there?
Alea jerks and gets her heel through.
Alea hops around until she gets her balance.
Alea slides the toe of her other boot into the next trouser leg.
<Wise Snake> They have no facilities for Farrises, and are highly prejudiced against us besides.
<Wise Snake> I should think it is the former that I find most alarming... I nearly died there.
Alea jerks and pulls until her toe peeps through the exit of the pants leg.
Sky wonders if he should be a good host and go ask Alea if she requires anything.
<Turrie> You have never visited any other household?
Sky puts down his paperwork and gets up, wincing at various aches and pains.
<Wise Snake> No.
Alea reaches down and begins hauling up the extra material of the leg.
<Alea> Shendoni huge Gen.
Wise Snake thinks the two were quite enough... reading books is much safer.
Sky is surprised to see the door of the room closed.
Sky opens the door and pokes his head in.
<Sky> Is there anything I can --
<Turrie> You asked me once about theoretical knowledge. Would you still be interested in continuing your education in that direction?
Alea hears Sky's voice and jerks up, whirling.
Sky is aghast at Alea's appearance.
<Sky> What -- ?!
Alea gets caught up in a bunch of fabric and goes down.
<Turrie> It would not be impossible to obtain tutors for you. They could come here and that way it would not interfere with your work or goals.
<Alea> Sheeeeen-doni!
<Wise Snake> I have thought of that.
Alea sprawls on the floor.
<Wise Snake> I suppose it would depend upon whether it could be done without interfering too much with the work I have to do.
Sky hastens to help Alea.
<Sky> Are you all right?
<Alea> I'm fine. really.
<Sky> I'm terribly sorry, I shouldn't have....
Alea looking around frantically for the top.
Alea realizes the pants are still around her knees and starts trying to pull them up over her tummy.
Sky 's mouth works soundlessly as he gets close enough to really see what he is really seeing.
<Sky> I - I - I - that is... oh, dear.
Alea thrusts her hips up and works the pants up over her hips.
<Alea> I... My pink clothes would have gotten dirty....
Sky puts one hand to his cheek and looks quite embarrassed.
Alea easily buttons the pants, even over her tummy.
Alea pushes up, standing, then immediately trips over the excess cloth at her feet.
Alea falls into Sky.
<Wise Snake> My biggest problem right now is that there is too much pavement pounding required to get the work I require to keep entran down to a manageable level.
<Turrie> Would you object if I inquired in that area?
<Wise Snake> With the building operational I might be able to get some of the work to come to me.
Wise Snake looks at Turrie.
<Wise Snake> Have you talked to Tramila as I suggested?
<Turrie> To see who would be available to tutor you, that is.
Sky catches her.
Sky is too small to really do a good job of it and goes down, Alea on top of him.
<Turrie> I regret that Tramila has been too busy with Alea and... other things of late - I have not been able to catch up with her.
<Sky> Oh... oh no!
<Sky> [flop]
Alea's falls, straddling him, her nose buried in his chest.
<Sky> Oh, dear....
<Alea> Mmoorruuuch!
<Turrie> [indicates the ruin they sit in] This is the most free time I have had, myself, lately. [smiles]
Alea shoves against his chest, pushing herself up and rubbing at her nose.
Sky grips Alea's upper arms, trying to help her up off him.
Alea tries to crawl over him to get off him.
Wise Snake meets Turrie's eyes, her own pale.
<Wise Snake> Tramila was my mentor, the two years I was a child at Zeor.
<Wise Snake> I value her opinions.
<Alea> I am so sorry... oops... I mean... sorry about that....
Alea as she knees and elbows him getting off him.
<Sky> Oof... no, that's quite all... ow... ooh... [whimper] right....
Alea rolls away, then hastily reaches down to roll up the pants.
Sky curls up in a ball.
Alea jumps up and grabs the shirt and pulls it on.
Alea rolls up the sleeves and tucks in the shirt, then buttons it up.
Sky sees Alea is clear and jumps up, dusting himself off and trying to straighten his rumpled clothes.
Alea [buttons crooked but buttoned up and decent]
Sky sees Alea wearing clothes 3 times too big for her.
Alea pulls up the pants which are sliding down.
<Alea> I didn't want to get my new clothes dirty so I took them off.
<Alea> As you saw....
Alea blushes.
Sky stammers.
<Sky> I th-th-th-that's all right. I....
<Alea> I didn't think Nick would mind, since I can't fit in Snake's.
<Alea> My hips, you know. Too wide.
Sky thinks of Alea's hips and turns bright pink.
<Alea> And, well....
Alea indicates her chest, then blushes again when she realizes what she is doing.
<Sky> Well, I, wouldn't know anything about....
<Sky> [eyes bulge as Alea points out her breast size]
<Sky> [turns bright red]
Alea clasps her hands together.
<Sky> Well! I must be getting back to work, I am sure... [turning his wedding ring around and around on his finger nervously]
<Alea> You raised your sister... you're married for pity sakes.
<Alea> Surely you know about things like this.
Alea realizes she is making matters worse.
<Alea> Thank you for the loan of clothes.
Alea smiles brightly.
<Sky> Well I... oh, dear, I am making a mess of things aren't I?
<Sky> I'll just... go out here....
Alea figures, pretend it didn't happen and it'll go away.
Sky slinks for the door.
<Alea> Thank you, Sky, for your help... uh and don't forget the firewood.
Alea grabs up the brushes and approaches the fireplace, sure she is as red as some of the colors in the fire the night before.
Sky creeps back out into the hallway and sits down scribbling at his papers with his head down.
Alea kneels down and crawls into the fireplace, figuring she had better hurry and do this before Tarsh wakes up and discovers her gone.
Alea thinks everyone has been so protective over her lately.
Alea doesn't think this will hurt to do.
Alea looks at the brushes and decides the funny shaped one is the nicest looking and will work with that one.
Alea begins to scrub... and sing.
<Alea> Loong agooooooo way back hooooooome....
<Alea> in a place we longed to rooooooooam....
Alea coughs as some black spatters her in the face.
<Alea> Oh, ugh.
Alea wipes at her face....
Alea turns back to the scrubbing....
<Alea> Sime and Geeeeeen....
<Alea> [cough cough]
<B'cal> What in shen is that awful sound?
<B'cal> [lying in bed]
<B'cal> Sounds like polecats mating.
Alea continues to sing as she scrubs the chimney.
Alea keeps her head turned, trying to keep all the black stuff out of her mouth.
Alea crawls out of the fireplace and grabs another brush.
B'cal throws back the covers and gets out of bed.
Alea grabs a long brush and shoves it up in the fireplace.
B'cal looks around for her shoes.
<B'cal> What -- [snarls when she can't find them]
Alea starts chuckling as she remembers a song she heard in that place she went one night....
Alea begins singing the bawdy tune.
Wise Snake has gone back to making notations in the book, occasionally checking something in the medical satchel.
Alea figures no one can hear her.
Alea thinks the door IS closed.
B'cal looks everywhere, finally finds one lying near the door.
Alea moves the brush around, cleaning the chimney, coughing, signing, coughing....
B'cal puts on the one shoe.
B'cal staggers into Snake's office
Eliza stirs in Mostan's arms.
Alea chuckles at a particular line and then continues on singing the tune.
B'cal sees Tarsh asleep on the bed in there and sneers.
Alea gasps as a big puff of black belches out of the fireplace.
<B'cal> Probably exhausted from what's-her-bosom's incessant [mutter mutter]
B'cal stumps through the room, looking for her other shoe, clothes rumpled and askew from being slept in, hair standing up like curly cactus pins.
Alea realizes gasping was not the right thing to do as she has a coughing fit.
Wise Snake sips her tea.
Alea drops her hands to her knees, wracking coughs.
<Alea> Oh.. [cough] dear [cough]
Wise Snake notes it is cold and goes to put more water on the fire.
Alea wipes a hand across her face and realizes she is black all over.
<Wise Snake> [in a pot... to boil]
Alea looks down at Nick's clothes that she is wearing and gapes.
Turrie sits meditatively.
Alea pulls the pants back up, then brushes at the black all over her.
Wise Snake checks on Nick again.
Alea untucks the huge shirt and uses the white part to wipe at her face.
<Alea> Oh, ugh.
Alea looks at the soot.
Alea shoves the end of the shirt back in, then pulls up the pants again.
<Alea> I would have been better trying to fit into Snake's and just leaving them half up... since these are staying half down.
B'cal sneers down at Tarsh's sleeping form one more time as she jerks on her other shoe, then stamps out of the room, slamming the door.
<B'cal> Sloth.... mutter
B'cal sees Sky.
Alea mutters as she picks up the brush and goes back to the chimney.
<B'cal> What are you doing! You waiting for somebody to trip over you!
Alea begins to sing again.
Alea shoves the brush back into the chimney and works it around, trying to figure out how to tell when it's clean enough.
Tarsh mutters.
Mostan stirs.
<B`cal> Where's that little Sime-draining tart now?
Eliza struggles with the blanket and murmurs something.
B`cal stumps down the hallway, randomly opening and slamming doors, fails to open the one Alea is behind.
<Eliza> No no!
Gargoyle blinks at Snake.
Wise Snake looks up from her book and freezes.
<Wise Snake> ~~nager goes still and opaque~~
<Mostan> [half asleep] No, what?
<Gargoyle> Well, hello.
Eliza sits up with a choked back scream.
Tarsh jerks awake at the slamming.
Alea continues to sing.
Wise Snake's pulse rate skyrockets and she darts a glance in Turrie's direction, then back at the apparition.
<Gargoyle> No, she can't see me. Only you.
Gargoyle grins a slow, wide grin.
Gargoyle 's tongue darts suddenly out to lick it's eyeballs and then back in again.
Wise Snake gulps.
Turrie sits still with her eyes shut.
Alea realizes it's not clean when another puff comes out of the chimney.
Wise Snake thinks... "go away!" but no words come out.
Alea jumps back, grinning when it misses her.
Tarsh looks around.
Mostan sits up. "What! What!"
Mostan shakes his head to clear it.
<Wise Snake> What do you want? [whisper]
<Gargoyle> Fire. Destruction. Broken limbs. What do all monsters desire?
Eliza gasps and looks around in the 1/2 light.
Alea moves back over and climbs halfway into the chimney and shoves the brush up into it as far as she can.
<Eliza> ~terror~
Gargoyle looks at its yucky pointy little black claws.
Wise Snake clutches her book and stares at the gargoyle as hard as she can, but it doesn't go away.
Wise Snake's laterals lick out, zlinning... um... a bunch of rocks.
Alea decides it's clean enough and jumps back
<Mostan> Eliza!
Alea brushes at all the soot on her.
Turrie opens her eyes and looks at Snake, then quickly around the room.
Mostan grabs her. "What is it?"
Gargoyle looks up and smiles again, displaying two pointy little black teeth.
<Turrie> Snake - what is the problem?
Alea wonders if Nick's clothes are going to come clean.
Alea wonders if SHE is going to come clean.
<Eliza> It's OK [breathing hard] just a nightmare.
<Eliza> I'm sorry!
Alea goes over to the window and pulls it open, deciding to clean up.
Wise Snake is staring very hard at the wall opposite her. Her laterals are licking about.
<Wise Snake> Wh... what?
Turrie looks at Nick.
<Mostan> Oh. Sorry.
<Turrie> Snake....
<Mostan> Hope it wasn't about me....
<Gargoyle> You left your little nest. Who knows what could be happening there right as we speak?
Turrie goes over to Snake.
<Gargoyle> Mayhem... destruction... fire and soot... injuries....
<Wise Snake> What?!
Alea leans out and scoops up some snow, shivering at the icy wind.
Tarsh smacks his mouth considering the taste.
Eliza shudders. "No, not about you...."
<Wise Snake> What are you talking about??
Wise Snake tries to shove herself up.
Alea rubs her arms and hands, getting the soot off.
Tarsh sits up straight.
Wise Snake sees Turrie and hardly recognizes her.
<Wise Snake> ~~worry~~
Turrie thinks, "to hell with convention" and puts her hands on Snake's shoulders.
<Turrie> Snake - listen to my voice.
Alea wipes her hands on the shirt and then leans back out and gathers some more snow.
Mostan hugs Eliza gently.
<Turrie> Concentrate on the sound of my voice.
<Turrie> You are safe.
Eliza cringes away a bit.
<Turrie> There is nothing here that can harm you. Nothing real.
<Wise Snake> But... [tries to paw Turrie's hands away, without much effect. Tentacles writhing]
Mostan releases her.
Turrie mentally begs forgiveness for the lie.
Wise Snake keeps trying to look at something behind Turrie.
Turrie will not let Snake go. "Listen to me. Breathe - breathe slowly."
Mostan looks around. "Three rooms in this place. That we know of."
Eliza shudders. "I'm sorry Mos, I didn't mean that."
Alea rubs the snow on her face, shivering when the melting water runs down her neck.
<Turrie> Just concentrate on your own breathing. Nothing else is as important.
<Mostan> Don't worry. I'm just concerned about you.
Wise Snake breathes desperately.
<Wise Snake> Fire....
<Turrie> Just breathe in and out, in and out, feel your lungs filling and emptying.
<Wise Snake> A fire... [moans]
<Turrie> Don't talk - you can tell me later.
<Turrie> Here and now, just breathe.
Alea finishes washing most of the soot off... she hopes... and then turns back toward the room.
Tarsh walks to the door, zlinning carefully. He's leery of B'cal being about for some reason he can't define.
<Eliza> I'm all right now.
Wise Snake tries to take deep breaths.
Alea rubs her hands on her bottom to dry them.
<Turrie> That's good - just breathe normally.
Alea then slips Nick's shirt off.
Alea begins shaking it vigorously, getting rid of all the soot she can
Turrie sees that Snake is starting to focus again. "Breath in, and out, in and out...." She breathes evenly, drawing Snake into the pattern of her breathing.
Wise Snake sweats, clinging to Turrie's arms.
<Turrie> Can you talk?
<Wise Snake> It's... awful....
Mist swirls slowly about slowly forming the picture of a room.
<Wise Snake> Ugly... hideous....
<Wise Snake> ~~terror~~
<Turrie> Snake! Stay with me.
Flames dance behind the fireplace grille.
<Mostan> I'm glad. Are you cold?
<Turrie> What is it - what do you see?
Wise Snake clutches harder.
<Wise Snake> Fire....
Alea finishes shaking out the shirt and then slips her arms back into it.
Eliza kicks away the blankets irritably. "No, I'm not cold. Should we - join the others?"
<Turrie> Can you make out any details? Where is the fire? Is it now?
<Wise Snake> Fireplace.
<Turrie> OK keep breathing evenly.
Mist moves revealing bricks and brushes stacked against it....
Tarsh starts zlinning into open doors for Alea.
<Turrie> In and out.
Alea sighs, tucks the shirt in, and pulls the pants back up -- again.
<Wise Snake> There's... a pile. Of... bricks.
Flames dart, weaving, playing.
<Wise Snake> Brushes.
<Wise Snake> Gargoyles.
<Turrie> Brushes? All right.
Alea goes over to the fireplace and works a brush back up into the fireplace to check one last time, then pauses as she hears something....
<Tarsh> Alea?
Alea turns and hurries to the door, afraid it is Sky again....
<Alea> Tarsh?
Alea pulls open the door.
Wise Snake cries out.
Tarsh sees Alea down the hall.
Mist fades.
<Tarsh> Alea!
Turrie digs her fingers into Snake's shoulder.
Flames consume a tower, like a torch against the night.
Tarsh bounds over.
<Alea> Hi, Tarsh.
Alea smiles.
<Turrie> Stay with me Snake!
<Wise Snake> Oh, god NO!!
<Turrie> Keep talking.
<Wise Snake> ~~panic~~
<Turrie> What do you see?
<Turrie> Can you tell where it is?
Alea is in Nick's clothes which are three sizes too big and covered almost completely in soot.
<Wise Snake> It's the Ferry Building. It's my building!
<Mostan> Should we? I don't know.
Flames vanish.
<Mostan> We still have to decide what we are going to do.
<Turrie> Snake - you are here - miles away. I want you to think carefully now. Panic isn't going to help, clear thinking can.
<Turrie> Even if it is now there is nothing you can do.
Wise Snake concentrates on Turrie's fuzzy voice.
<Turrie> I want you to try and think - WHEN is this that you see?
Tarsh hugs Alea, then coughs on the soot he stirs up.
<Turrie> Can you tell....
<Eliza> I know [miserable] but I don't see what else we can do?
<Alea> Sky generously offered us this room if we have to stay here longer.
<Alea> I was cleaning it up.
<Turrie> do you know if the building was ever involved in a fire?
Alea looks around.
Wise Snake goes stiff with denial as the hallucinations fade.
<Alea> I have to sweep it and it'll be done.
<Tarsh> Very nice of him.
<Wise Snake> I... it's six hundred years old. I have no idea.
Tarsh zlins looks around the room.
Turrie sees that Snake is back with her. "Have you ever had visions like that before?"
<Alea> I only just left you asleep. I wasn't expecting you awake so soon.
Wise Snake is gripping Turrie's arms painfully hard.
Wise Snake blinks.
Alea steps back and brushes at his top, which is now streaked with soot.
<Wise Snake> I... these shenned hallucinations you mean?
<Wise Snake> They come and go.
Wise Snake lets go of Turrie's arms suddenly.
<Alea> Sky is getting firewood for the fireplace.
Mostan sighs. "Right now, we have to get back to town. Let's go back to where they are. See if the storm has let up."
<Alea> Or at least, he is suppose to be.
Wise Snake moves her tentacles and massages her wrists.
Eliza picks up the blanket and follows Mostan.
<Wise Snake> It's because Nick isn't awake.
Alea grabs up the broom, goes back into the room and begins to sweep.
<Wise Snake> They go away when I'm with a good Donor.
<Tarsh> I had a dream about some demon throwing rocks, and then I woke up.
Wise Snake 's heart is still pounding.
Turrie thinks that it is more likely that they are masked by a good Donor.
Voice whispers in Snake's ear. "Not always, little channel."
Wise Snake starts violently.
Wise Snake 's pulse races.
Alea eyes widen.
<Alea> Oh, dear.
<Alea> I'm sorry I left you then.
Wise Snake avoids Turrie's eyes.
Wise Snake denies what she just thought she heard.
<Wise Snake> I... I wish you hadn't had to see that.
Mostan picks up the lantern and peers into the hole in the wall.
<Wise Snake> Any of it.
<Voice> "The little boy in changeover...." [whispers, then laughs]
Wise Snake massages her forehead wishing there was some graceful way to get out of this situation.
<Wise Snake> Uchh! Don't remind me.
<Turrie> Snake, I am, first and foremost, a healer. There are many things....
Wise Snake realizes she answered the voice aloud and grimaces.
<Wise Snake> Never... never mind.
<Turrie> I would like to talk with you about these. I need your permission before I would even consider treating you as a patient.
Alea sweeps as much soot as possible into a pile and then scoops it up and dumps it out the window.
<Turrie> Without your permission I can do nothing.
<Wise Snake> B'cal says it's a hereditary mental weakness.
<Turrie> With your permission I may be able to help.
<Tarsh> No, it's all right. it wasn't frightening....
<Turrie> You have no hereditary mental weakness.
<Tarsh> ~~ half-truth ~~
Alea leans the tools against the fireplace, then goes over to Tarsh.
Alea ~~ soothing ~~ ~~ comfort ~~
<Wise Snake> What's that supposed to mean? [snaps] I don't need half-truths.
<Mostan> We just climb down here and creep over....
Wise Snake wishes she hadn't snapped as a ripe headache erupts.
<Turrie> There is nothing wrong with your heritage. [realizes she has said more then she meant to]
Turrie gets the fosebine out and hands it to Snake.
<Turrie> And that [indicates the fosebine] is the total of my help without your permission.
<Wise Snake> Unnhh.... [takes fosebine]
Eliza follows Mostan listlessly.
<Wise Snake> I have no idea what you're talking about. What help?
<Voice> That's all you'll have though if you don't follow your visions.... [in Snake's ear]
Wise Snake twitches and her hand goes automatically to her ear.
Wise Snake shakes her head, tensing up.
<Tarsh> [smiles at Alea's field] "Thanks, darling."
Wise Snake snarls and goes to drink the fosebine.
<Turrie> Help in learning how to harness and control this ability you have to foresee....
<Voice> Or maybe you want your family to die....
Mostan leads down a slick masonry surface. "Careful here...."
<Voice> Your dreams and hopes....
<Voice> [taunting]
Wise Snake spews fosebine at the mention of family death.
<Wise Snake> Bloody shen! I can't take this!
Wise Snake throws the container way and jumps up, pacing restlessly.
Voice chuckles as it fades away.
Mostan stops to listen.
<Wise Snake> What are you talking about... ability? It's all a bunch of gibberish. Distracting... maddening....
<Turrie> Will you let me help?
Alea looks around the room in satisfaction.
<Alea> Just let me get out of these....
Alea motions at her clothes.
Alea goes across the room to where her pink skirt and top are.
Sky ventures back into the office hoping it is safe to do his paperwork now.
<Wise Snake> Help what?
<Wise Snake> [helplessly]
Wise Snake kneels back down by Nick's side.
<Turrie> Help you.
<Turrie> Any way that I can.
Tarsh smiles. "I'd love to, but shouldn't we close the door first?"
<Mostan> Snake is shouting about something....
Alea releases the buttons and shoves off her pants, then jerks them back up.
<Alea> Oh!
<Alea> Uh, yes.
<Wise Snake> I'm fine... I'm fine.
<Wise Snake> Just... give me a minute.
<Alea> Could you please close the door.
<Eliza> Yes, I hear her.
<Alea> And stand by it so no one else comes in here when I'm dressing.
Wise Snake clutches Nick's hand.
Tarsh goes over to close the door. And lock it, if it does that.
Turrie gives up for now - if she doesn't have Snake's permission she is bound to do nothing. 1
Sky is relieved to see the office is clear, and sits down to do his work.
<Alea> Thanks.
<Mostan> Hope it isn't about us.
Eliza follows Mostan into the room where Turrie and Snake are looking after Nick.
Alea shoves the pants off and steps out of them.
Mostan comes in and zlins.
Tarsh admires the view.
Alea carefully turns them inside out to try to keep the soot on them and off the floor.
<Turrie> Good morning Mostan, Eliza. Hope you slept well.
Wise Snake keeps her head down, and makes her nager opaque.
<Alea> I borrowed these from Nick so I wouldn't get my own clothes completely messed up.
<Alea> I'm glad I did now.
<Mostan> Good Morning.
<Eliza> ~~unhappy~~
<Mostan> Well, as well as can be expected.
Alea slips the top off, pulling the sleeves inside out and then folding it and placing it on top of the pants.
<Alea> Did you get enough sleep? [to Tarsh]
<Alea> I really wish you had slept longer.
<Turrie> It has stopped snowing. We can probably leave soon, although I would prefer to have Nick conscious.
Alea goes back over to the window and opens it, peeks out, sees no one, leans out and scoops up some snow.
<Tarsh> Yeah, three hours.
Eliza goes pale.
<Eliza> Is he OK?
<Mostan> He's not awake yet?
Alea leans back in and jerks the window closed, then uses the snow to wipe away the rest of the soot.
Alea ~~ cold ~~
<Turrie> His condition hasn't changed - he will be fine, although we are limited here as to how comfortable we can make him.
Alea scurries back over and pulls on her skirt.
Mostan zlins Snake and looks inquiringly at Turrie.
Wise Snake schools her body to something a little more sustainable, and her expression to something she'd remotely want somebody else to see.
Turrie shakes her head slightly.
Alea pulls the top on and settles it in place.
Tarsh zlins that Alea is cold.... [ smiles ]
Wise Snake follows the exchange.
<Turrie> Would you both like some hot tea? We have water still on the fire, and here is what is left of the food that we brought.
<Mostan> Yes, please.
<Turrie> [very casually] Will you be returning with us?
<Wise Snake> ~~glint of coldness hidden again~~
Eliza starts at Turrie's words and looks quickly at Mostan.
Turrie casually pours two teas.
<Mostan> ~~ guarded ~~ "Yes, back into town. We have to impose on you, sorry. Our horses ran off."
Alea shakes out her hair, finger combing it, then pulls it forward and ties a small piece of cloth around it as she walks over to Tarsh.
<Turrie> We know - that is how we found you. We brought mounts for you.
<Alea> Now all we require is the firewood, and the blankets.
<Turrie> There are medical supplies and warm clothing and blankets, although the food is just about gone.
Wise Snake wishes she were anywhere else but surrounded by a wall of Tecton hypocrisy, defending an unconscious Donor.
<Alea> But for now, I'm hungry.
<Mostan> Ah. Well we owe you thanks, then.
Wise Snake smoothes the hair off Nick's forehead again.
Eliza takes the tea and sits close to the fire, sipping it.
<Tarsh> So am I, come to think of it.
<Alea> Let's find Sky and see if that offer of a meal is still open.
Mostan thanks Turrie for the tea and squats by Eliza.
Turrie looks at Snake, she seems to be normal again - normal for Snake that is.
Alea slips a chilly hand into Tarsh's warmer one and walks with him down the hall.
Wise Snake is crouched over Nick's hand, not looking up, nager held stiffly unreadable.
Tarsh walks with Alea, thinking all is right with the world....
<Tarsh> [except for the people lost in the storm, and the mess Mostan is in, and Veraik, and...]
B'cal comes storming down the hall.
Tarsh stiffens.
Wise Snake keeps the hatred forming in her heart from showing in her nager, keeps her head down to hide her expression.
B'cal sees Tarsh and sneers.
<B'cal> So, you decided to finally get up, did you?
B'cal looks him up and down.
<Tarsh> Obviously.
Tarsh looks her side to side.
<B'cal> Sleeping the day away... how pathetic.
Alea ~~ soothing ~~ with just a tad of unease
Sky hears them out in the hallway and hunches over his desk.
Tarsh tsks. "I thought Donors were supposed to be concerned with Simes getting enough sleep."
<Sky> I don't hear them... I don't hear them.... [softly singing to himself]
<B'cal> With their channels getting enough sleep.
<B'cal> Little non-entities like you love to abuse the rules and make everyone wait hand and foot on you.
<Mostan> Reaches out to put a hand on Eliza's shoulder.
<Mostan> How cold is it out there?
<Tarsh> Oh. so I do. Could you peel me a grape, then?
<B'cal> Instead of being out there looking for Snake... and the others missing, you're off amusing yourself with other obvious thing. [sneers at them both]
B'cal stops.
B'cal sneers at him.
<B'cal> I'd rather you starve. And keep that little tart from singing for awhile so I can get some sleep.
<Tarsh> No one told me they were missing until the party was long gone.
B'cal storms past and to the room she is sleeping in.
<Alea> hurricane B'cal... [mutters under her breath]
Sky breathes thanks and goes back to work.
<Tarsh> She sneers well. I wonder if she's thought of doing it in inter-Territory competition?
Alea chuckles.
<Alea> Shall we see about breakfast?
<Tarsh> I hate being in the same room with her. I don't know how Snake stands it.
<Turrie> Bitterly cold - but the snow has stopped.
<Tarsh> Great idea.
Eliza sips her tea and leans again Mostan.
Eliza looks at Snake.
<Alea> She's a Farris. [grins]
<Eliza> Snake. Are you mad at us?
Wise Snake strokes Nick's hand, keeping her head down.
Mostan looks thoughtful and considers Eliza's clothes.
<Mostan> Are you going to be warm enough out there?
Alea taps on the office door.
<Alea> Sky?
Mostan looks over at Snake.
<Eliza> I'll be fine [considers the fact she rode up here with only a silk shirt on!!! Must have been mad]
Sky flinches, then makes a damn it! gesture.
Sky straightens, puts on his best courteous smile, and goes to the door.
Turrie starts to repack.
<Sky> ~~radiant helpfulness~~ Oh, hello!
<Mostan> Did we leave anything back there I should go get?
Sky sees Tarsh, remembers what he saw of Alea, and promptly turns a brilliant shade of red.
<Alea> Did we interrupt you? [not quite looking him in the eye]
<Sky> ~~radiant embarrassment~~
Alea peeks up to see if he remembers, sees he obviously does, and flushes herself.
<Tarsh> Good morning. We have to thank you for your hospitality again.
<Sky> No! No no.... ~~ lie lie lie~~~
<Eliza> I don't.... No I got everything.
Tarsh eyes Sky.
<Sky> Oh, you're most perfectly welcome.
Sky looks a bit nervous.
<Sky> What can I help you with?
<Eliza> ~~miserable~~ [starts to cry softly]
Mostan puts an arm around Eliza.
Wise Snake mutters something about a bunch of shenned hypocrites under her breath.
Alea wonders how Snake lived around her brother if he is this obvious with his feelings.
<Mostan> Snake? I hadn't ... thanked you for coming out to find us.
<Mostan> [to Turrie] "Or you, either. Thank you."
<Wise Snake> As if you wanted it. [mutters]
B'cal mutters and slams around in the room, wondering where Snake is.
Turrie nods.
B'cal is sick of all of Nick's things filling the space.
Mostan sighs and looks over at Eliza.
<Wise Snake> ~~raw edge hidden underneath the veil of control~~
<Alea> We were wondering if the offer for food still stood, Sky?
<Tarsh> Sorry to impose further, but would you have something for Alea's breakfast?
<Tarsh> I'll replace it, of course.
Eliza cringes.
Wise Snake keeps her eyes carefully down.
Alea realizes that Sky must be upset as well by Tarsh's tone.
<Sky> Oh! Of course... yes, yes,
Sky backs into the room.
<Sky> Come in, come in.
<Sky> We have.... [opens a bin]
<Alea> Uh, you know, Tarsh. If you think we could make it, we could just go....
<Sky> Well, you get to pick between.... [stops when Alea says that]
<Alea> We certainly don't want to impose on Snake's brother.
B'cal storms out intent on finding her her own room.
<Tarsh> Sure, if you'd rather....
<Wise Snake> You should not go back unless you are ready to be Tecton.
<Alea> Do you think you can get us back to the Center?
Wise Snake not looking at them.
Mostan gets up and goes over, stopping a few feet from Snake. "How is Nick doing?"
Eliza had no idea what it "meant to be Tecton" but is quickly learning.
<Tarsh> Yeah, no problem.
B'cal stumbles upon the room down the hall, noting how clean it is.
<Alea> Ah well... then....
Alea turns and smiles at Sky.
<Alea> Thank you so much for putting us up, Sky.
<Wise Snake> I said, [a little more clearly] you should not go back unless you are ready to be Tecton.
<Alea> If Tarsh says we can make it, then we'll just go ahead and go.
Eliza doesn't like it - she looks at Mostan to see what he will say.
<Mostan> [irritated] I wasn't aware the Tecton gave us a choice.
<Wise Snake> ~~controlled~~
<Wise Snake> She's shidoni giving you horses and blankets.
Turrie raises both eyebrows. "There are always choices"
<Wise Snake> You could be in Tarvish Enclave in two and a half days.
Wise Snake 's voice is hard, bitter.
Mostan looks uncomprehending.
<Turrie> [to Snake] They are neither mine to give or to withhold. I was merely specifying what we had brought.
B'cal goes to Nick's room and appropriates the firewood.
<Wise Snake> What are you going to do, go back to the Tecton and break its rules, make its people miserable, and make yourselves miserable?
<Tarsh> Yes, thank you again.
<Wise Snake> I've spent three days of my life on you now, and still you don't know what you are!
Eliza holds her breath.
<Tarsh> [to Alea] Where did we leave our coats?
<Wise Snake> [savage/bitter]
Alea goes into the office and gathers Tarsh's things as well as her own.
<Mostan> [more irritated] Not know what I am? Well that's the Tecton's fault, isn't it?
Alea hands him his things and then slips on her cloak.
Tarsh puts on his cloak.
B'cal comes back to Nick's room, sneering as she sees them, and gathers blankets and a pillow.
Wise Snake looks up at Mostan, eyes shining ferally.
<Wise Snake> Don't blame others for your own weaknesses.
Alea buttons up her cloak and then lifts the scarf up over her head.
Tarsh tries not to acknowledge B'cal if he doesn't have to.
Eliza looks at Mostan and offers her support.
Alea feels around in her pockets and pulls out some gloves and works them on.
Alea looks up awkwardly at Sky.
<Alea> Thank you again, Sky, for putting us up.
Mostan glares at Snake.
<Turrie> It seems to me that there are more options here then are being considered.
Wise Snake 's nager crawls at the sound of Turrie's voice.
<Turrie> Why don't we sit down and discuss them? It would be better for Nick if we didn't rush into moving him in any case.
B'cal returns and gathers sheets and the pillow, and then turns back down the hall looking pleased.
Wise Snake's nager closes off suddenly at Turrie's presumption at making decisions about Nick.
Mostan looks at Snake meaningfully. "Yes. Nick does _need_ more rest. After what he's been through."
Wise Snake 's eyes flash a hint of a hellish fury.
<Wise Snake> And what makes you think I did not intend to give him rest? [very quiet, very controlled voice]
<Eliza> please stop it!!!
<Eliza> [sobs] Just don't yell any more.
Mostan looks over at Eliza.
<Mostan> Of course, Eliza. If you ask it.
<Turrie> Snake. You know their situation. What would you suggest?
Mostan gets up and goes back to her side.
Alea looks at Tarsh when Sky doesn't say anything.
<Alea> Are you ready?
<Wise Snake> I would suggest, that each one decide whether he or she is willing to commit to living under the system which keeps the peace in all the Tecton. And if he or she will not, then he or she should not even pretend it.
Sky is still standing there next to the vegetable bin, holding its top.
<Tarsh> Yes. Thanks again, Sky. And give our thanks to Snake and Nick also.
<Turrie> As you did Snake?
<Sky> Um... okay. Sorry I couldn't, er....
<Alea> Oh, I uh, left Nick's dirty clothes in the other room. Thanks.
Alea turns to the stairs.
Mostan nods as Turrie confirms something he'd suspected.
<Wise Snake> As I did.
Tarsh precedes Alea down the stairs.
Sky covers the veggie bin and hurries down after them to get the door.
<Turrie> So there are other options - as I suggested.
Turrie looks from Mostan to Snake.
Eliza looks from Turrie to Mostan.
<Wise Snake> You're just confusing them, Turrie.
<Wise Snake> There is no half-Tecton.
<Wise Snake> They must go back, or they must make new lives.
<Turrie> How would you describe your lifestyle Snake?
<Wise Snake> I would describe my lifestyle as the pathetic struggle for existence of a thing that was bred to be dependent upon the Tecton but conditioned to be unable to endure it.
<Turrie> Ah self pity - that's constructive.
Turrie gives up hope.
<Wise Snake> ~~utter lack of self pity~~
<Wise Snake> You do not understand.
<Wise Snake> It isn't self-pity, it's the simple facts.
Wise Snake looks at Eliza and Mostan.
<Wise Snake> If you want to be like me, then do that. But you won't enjoy it.
Mostan goes over and looks at the fire. "We require more wood."
Wise Snake watches Turrie leave in a huff to get wood.
<Wise Snake> ~~veiled loathing~~
Alea follows Tarsh down the stairs and to the door.
Sky hurries after them, carrying a shovel in one hand and an ice pick in the other.
Tarsh opens the door to the blinding white day.
<Mostan> You know Snake, all these cryptic references don't help those of us with out the background to decipher them.
Alea moves up by Tarsh and looks out.
Wise Snake looks sharply back at Mostan.
<Wise Snake> What?
Tarsh zlins for bloodthirsty wildfowl.
Alea absently rubs at her shoulder.
Sky looks at the large pile of snow that fell in and sighs.
<Mostan> You keep making all these obscure references I don't have the background to understand.
<Wise Snake> Such as?
<Wise Snake> [a touch suspiciously]
<Alea> Can we get through this mess?
<Tarsh> Well, the coast looks clear....
Tarsh zlins the snow depth.
<Alea> Oh, good....
<Mostan> That enclave thing, whatever that meant.
<Wise Snake> A Distect pocket.
<Mostan> Distect?
<Wise Snake> [sourly] A place where people live and die by that ideal.
<Wise Snake> Surely you aren't ignorant of what the Distect is.
<Mostan> There you go again. *What* ideal?
Wise Snake sighs impatiently.
<Tarsh> Come on. it looks shallower this way.
<Wise Snake> The Distect believes that there should be no channels. That there should be one Gen for each renSime. That they should be married for life.
<Wise Snake> The Distect believes that a Sime has no self-control and must be protected and controlled by the Gen.
<Wise Snake> Therefore, if a Gen is killed, it is his own fault.
Alea moves up closely behind Tarsh, grabbing his sides nervously.
<Mostan> Those are just stories. About the Distect.
<Wise Snake> This is why the Distect is so small... Gens are killed by accident, and they must find more.
Wise Snake gives Mostan a get-real look.
Tarsh breaks trail through the snow.
<Wise Snake> There are people living Distect style lives in Bender Cove itself.
<Wise Snake> Not openly.
<Wise Snake> You ought to know this is possible.
<Mostan> Really? ~~ surprised ~~
<Wise Snake> I know what Tarsh has done... what you people did is little more than a free-wheeling, lack-of-personal-commitment form of the same thing.
<Wise Snake> Promiscuity substituted for permanency.
<Alea> I guess Sky wasn't as pleased with us as he said.
Sky starts shoveling.
<Alea> Of course, I imagine he was pretty put out with two extra people... and B'cal there.
<Mostan> On their own, sure. But a secret conspiracy interlaced into all levels of society, manipulating it for it's own ends?
<Tarsh> You think he was offended?
<Alea> Offended?
<Wise Snake> What does it matter?
Alea thinks about it.
<Alea> No, not offended. I think he was just... unsure what to do with us.
<Alea> Maybe uncomfortable.
<Wise Snake> There are countless criminal elements woven throughout society. There always will be.
<Wise Snake> It's human nature to be false.
Sky slams the door a few times, trying to close it, then opens it and shovels some more.
<Mostan> I don't buy these grand conspiracy theories....
<Mostan> So why are you upbraiding us for not being suicidally honest?
<Tarsh> Is Snake going to be mad at him?
<Wise Snake> If you knew how many people have been hurt by your actions, you would not have to ask that.
<Alea> Oh, no. Sky raised her. She loves him. I don't think she'd ever be mad at him.
<Tarsh> Was he at Zeor with her?
<Alea> No.
<Alea> Snake has lived here all her life.
<Alea> She was only at Zeor for two years.
<Mostan> Perhaps. Who are these people? Besides you three here....
<Alea> She ended up back here.
<Alea> Actually, she's only left Bender Cove twice in her life.
<Alea> The last time was with B'cal to V'lar.
<Wise Snake> Alea, who was supposed to be training Eliza. Lanyi, for recommending that the two of you be paired. Briel, for agreeing to it. Jirelle and Arcadia, who are assigned to you two for next month.
<Wise Snake> Must I go on?
Alea follows Tarsh through the snow, trudging along.
<Alea> I think she went to Zeor to find out who her father was.
<Alea> And she never did find out, though I'm sure there is someone there who knew.
<Tarsh> A real cosmopolitan, then....
<Alea> Yeah....
<Alea> I don't know. A major shake-up was going on with Muryin at that time, things happening....
<Tarsh> I assumed it was some unidentified Farris... someone not known to be one.
<Alea> Uh....
<Alea> They kicked Snake out of Zeor. They told her later it was for her protection.
<Alea> The kid was confused, unsure. I think that's when she totally lost it.
<Mostan> How are Alea, Lanyi and Briel hurt, besides disappointment?
<Alea> I worry about her.
<Alea> She is so street smart and savvy, has taught herself so many things, but in other ways she is so young.
<Mostan> Jirelle and Arcadia aren't hurt yet, and the future is uncertain.
<Wise Snake> This is a serious incident. Their records will be blackened. Pairing you two together was either a disastrous case of multiple incompetence, or a brilliant stroke of life-saving genius.
<Wise Snake> And, I'm afraid, with the way things are developing between you two, it's shaping up to be the former.
<Alea> I am so worried about this transfer. I just....
Alea shakes her head
<Tarsh> She always seems so confident. People assume she is because of that.
<Alea> Well, I suppose in many ways, she is.
<Alea> She has learned a lot.
<Mostan> I don't agree. I don't think anyone else could have gotten a transfer into me.
<Mostan> I'm not sure anyone else can.
<Alea> I mean, as for healing and other things, the on the job training has made her as good if not better than most channels.
<Wise Snake> Neither of you is in a position to know.
<Alea> But in other area, little things you would expect her to know...like things dealing with how to take care of herself... she has no idea.
<Alea> Do you know, she had no idea how to do an internal shunt.
<Wise Snake> You don't have the training, you don't have the experience, shen, neither of you really knew what was going on.
<Alea> I actually had to talk with Nick about it.
Alea shakes her head.
<Wise Snake> Your problem will take a long time to work out. Don't assume that what looks like a quick easy fix is also good for the permanent long run.
Alea 's toes are getting cold.
<Mostan> But you hold us responsible for this knowledge we don't have. Require us to follow rules that no one else does.
Wise Snake looks at Mostan incredulously.
<Wise Snake> That rule wasn't created for you.
<Wise Snake> Look around you, man. Alea and Tarsh go through ridiculous contortions to be able to love one another without breaking rules.
<Wise Snake> And what Veraik goes through unable to have his transfer partners in bed afterward... it's not pleasant, let me tell you.
<Alea> Anyway, so that's Snake's life story, though if you tell her, I'll deny it.
<Alea> And I'm a Farris. She won't zlin my lie.
Alea giggles.
<Mostan> That's not what I've heard. That he forgoes it.
<Tarsh> My lips are sealed.
Tarsh finally breaks through to the street, which is beaten down a bit.
<Wise Snake> And no, I do not expect you to know the rules by magic. I believe it was wrong for you to have been put into a situation you weren't ready for, and I believe that the situation was completely mishandled from day one.. long before you were injured.
Alea breaths a sigh of relief
<Wise Snake> However, I do expect you to stay away from that Sime Center for good if you do not believe its rules should be learned and followed.
Alea moves up beside Tarsh.
<Alea> It looks much better than yesterday.
Alea looks up at the sky, then around them.
<Mostan> The way you stay away?
<Wise Snake> You are not me.
<Wise Snake> Do you want to know the reason why I do not leave the Tecton completely?
<Mostan> And damn glad of it too.
<Wise Snake> Do you want to know what it is? It is not a reason that will be helpful to you, but this does seem to be a subject that has come up more than once.
<Mostan> No. Glad to see you're allowing for the limited knowledge of others, though.
<Wise Snake> If you go back there, and continue to hurt people, you will make it an even more terrible place than it already is.
<Tarsh> Yeah. Can zlin the tentacle in front of your face now. 2
<Wise Snake> Most of the people there are good and kind, and would be more comfortable living within their peaceful framework of rules and regulations.
<Wise Snake> Not having them thrown back in their face by a screaming Eliza, or subverted by a sneaking Mostan.
Alea chuckles.
<Alea> Or see your hand.
Alea holds up one to demonstrate.
Mostan throws up his tentacles. "I haven't conceded that we *are* hurting people, much less continuing to in future."
<Wise Snake> I don't require your 'concession'. [distaste]
Alea moves over next to Tarsh to hold onto him to minimize the risk of falling.
<Wise Snake> Only adult behavior and a little bit of common sense.
<Tarsh> Center should be just ahead.
Alea nods.
<Alea> Do you think we could sneak in the back and just send a um message down that we're back and safe....
<Alea> Then perhaps we could shower and talk to everyone... later.
Alea is hoping to avoid Briel and Veraik.
<Mostan> You're changing your story again. A few minutes ago you were demanding we either be total mindless PenGens for the almighty Tecton, or that we go live on some snowy mountaintop.
<Tarsh> Sounds like a good idea.
Tarsh leads the way toward the gate to the back garden.
Alea allows Tarsh to lead them since he'd zlinned people before she knew they were there.
<Tarsh> .Do you think Gnome will give us away?
Wise Snake sighs in disgust. "Your exaggerations suggest you are not capable of the rationality I ask of you anyway."
Alea chuckles.
<Wise Snake> You are consumed by your emotions.
<Wise Snake> If that is what you want to be, then others will just have to endure it.
<Alea> I hope, since he is now painted red and white, with that large pretty flower in his hands that he'll be in a jovial mood and resist the temptation.
<Mostan> I guess so. Thank you for your wisdom, Oh Omniscient One. ~~ frustrated disgust ~~
Mostan goes back to Eliza's side by the fire.
Wise Snake thinks with enough people like this added, there will be nothing left for her at the Sime Center at all, except the drugs.
Alea slips in the back door with Tarsh.
Alea goes up the back stairs.
<Tarsh> My room or yours?
Alea smiles.
<Alea> Mine.
<Tarsh> Ok.
Wise Snake turns her back on the fire and grips Nick's hand in hers.
Alea takes Tarsh by the hand and hurries to her room.
<Wise Snake> I really don't know why I bothered.
Wise Snake promises herself not to lift a finger with regards to Eliza and Mostan again.
Notes:
1) Turrie's knowledge of the paranormal nature of the hallucinations, and the fact that she is bound to conceal this knowledge, suggests a gypsy or Rathorite background. A lack of a solid Tecton mindset is evinced by her opinion that nothing besides Eliza and Mostan's physical health is another channel's business, and her asking the duo if they were coming back, rather than requiring it. [return]
2) Perhaps it would be more accurate to say one can zlin one's own face from arm's length? [return]
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