Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Two Roads Diverged Scenario
Episode #94: Overreaction (9/27/98)
Delivery wanders in with a huge flat parcel. "Delivery for Sectuib Riyyh."
Wolfa: I'll take that.
Riyyh is in his office answering some correspondence Wolfa had given him.
Delivery: Sign here please.
Wolfa signs where shown and takes the parcel.
Wolfa: I wonder what it is....
Wolfa carries it down to Riyyh's office.
Mytag is asleep on a cot in the office.
Wolfa signals at the door.
Riyyh: Come....
Wolfa opens the door and walks in, maneuvering the parcel. [it's approximately 5 foot high and almost as wide]
Riyyh looks up, and is surprised by the parcel.
Riyyh: What is that?
Wolfa: It's a parcel.
Wolfa: For you, just delivered.
Wolfa: I think it's a painting.
Riyyh: Oh....
Riyyh hadn't been expecting one.
Riyyh: Thank you, Wolfa.
Riyyh smiles at her.
Wolfa puts it down on the floor up against the desk and waits for Riyyh to unwrap it.
Wolfa: Certainly is big enough.
Riyyh gets up and circles around it uncertainly.
Riyyh sees it's from the framing shop in the town.
Riyyh goes to the picture and unwraps it carefully.
Riyyh is standing behind it and doesn't see the image on the front as the paper falls away.
Wolfa gasps.
Wolfa: That's, that's, that's... beautiful!
Riyyh lifts the picture from its wrappings and turns it around so he can see it.
Riyyh: ~~shock and a stabbing pain~~
Riyyh: This is Ruby!
Riyyh puts the painting down and staggers to his chair where he sits down.
Riyyh: Oh, Ruby!
Riyyh: ~sorrow~
Riyyh: If only I hadn't told you.
Wolfa: Oh dear....
Riyyh puts his head in his hands.
Mytag: Wha?? What?
Mytag sits up and rubs his head.
Mytag: What's wrong?
Riyyh at this point sincerely wishes he had just gone ahead and married Ruby, fathered children on her that were 87.5% his blood, and dealt with his shame privately.
Wolfa: I'll just leave you alone....
Wolfa makes a quick retreat.
Riyyh: No... wait....
Wolfa stops at the door, wanting to run.
Riyyh zlins her earnest desire to flee and realizes he can't make her stay just to comfort him.
Riyyh: I'm... I'm sorry, Wolfa. Go on.
Wolfa: I'll be in my office. If you want anything. You know....
Wolfa hesitates, then turns and retreats.
Riyyh slumps over his desk again.
Riyyh: ~~pain~~
Mytag sees the picture.
Mytag: Oooohhh.... I see.
Mytag: Riyyh, Ruby had that done weeks ago.
Riyyh: Mytag, Mytag, what have I done?
Mytag: It's just bad timing that it turns up now.
Riyyh: I should have married her.
Riyyh: I should have done it five years ago.
Riyyh: ~agonized~
Mytag examines the nager painting, which shows Ruby sitting naked, arrayed only in her nager.
Mytag almost chokes.
Riyyh: I never should have told her the truth, especially not now.
Mytag: Riyyh! You just don't learn, do you?
Riyyh: But I can't endure this!
Riyyh: It just gets worse and worse, it never stops!
Mytag takes down a picture of some cows in a field and hangs the one of Ruby up instead, where it can be easily seen from anywhere in the room.
Mytag: You'll cope.
Riyyh has his head on his desk and his arms curled up against his belly.
Tictoc signals at the door of Riyyh's office.
Riyyh seems to be consumed by misery.
Tictoc opens it and walks in when she zlins the ambient inside.
Tictoc: What on earth has happened? Who died? Oh.... [sees the picture] Oh, isn't that just like her nager, too?
Tictoc: What a wonderful picture... oh shen.
Tictoc: Riyyh, do you want me to prescribe you something?
Tictoc already has a handful of tranquilizers in her pocket, just in case.
Riyyh: I just wish everything was back the way it was.
Riyyh: [dully]
Mytag finds the card that was inside the parcel and discreetly pockets it.
Tictoc: Well, that's not going to happen.
Tictoc: Things are feeling much better already.
Tictoc means that not so many people want to murder the Sectuib today as there were yesterday.
Wise Snake has almost finished gathering everything and everybody she requires to leave Naros, when she hears the rumors about Nick leaving her for the 54th time and finally snaps.
Wise Snake's anger flares for 1/1000th of a second, knocking out 5 people in her general vicinity, before her showfield reduces it to ~~~fury~~~.
Wise Snake leaves the building she was in and stalks toward Administration in a blind homicidal state, sending people scurrying every which way.
Belop skids into Wolfa's office.
Belop: Look out! Snake Farris is on her way here and boy is she P.O.'d!!
Belop beats it out of there before said channel actually arrives.
Tictoc does a cool professional zlin of Riyyh and decides that, barring accidents or murder, he will probably live through this.
Wolfa: Oh!
Wolfa jumps up and runs to Riyyh's office.
Wolfa opens the door without signalling.
Wise Snake's nager sets a selyn-insulated curtain on fire as she enters the Admin building, requiring three people to put it out.
Wolfa: Riyyh, I think that Hajene Farris might have heard about you offering Nick a position here. She is on her way over to discuss it, I think.
Riyyh lifts his head up.
Riyyh: What?
Riyyh: ~misery warring with the idea that this news may be somewhat urgent~
Mytag: Oh great.
Hero plunges in the door after Wolfa.
Hero: Wow!! Guess who's... oh my.... [pant, pant]
Mytag: Hero, shut up and control your field. [and your mouth]
Hero: ~controlled... now.~
Hero: Hajene Farris is come to.... Ooooohhh, she's really mad!
Hero: I have to go!
Hero: No, I have to see this!
Wolfa: Hero, come here by me and try to be still.
Wolfa doesn't want to have to go and miss the show.
Hero goes over to Wolfa.
Riyyh is now beginning to appear somewhat alarmed.
Tictoc: Do you want me to stop her, Riyyh?
Wise Snake storms up the stairs.
Wise Snake sees no other people because they are all running in the other direction.
Riyyh: Y... n... yes, maybe you should.... ~~flustered~~
Tictoc nods and heads out the door.
Riyyh isn't used to avoiding people who really want to talk to him, but recently he has learned that some people want to "talk" in an extremely physical fashion.
Tictoc meats Snake in the hall way.
Tictoc: Hajene Farris... I wanted to talk to you....
Wise Snake: ~~~screaming rage~~~
Wise Snake: Out of my way, Tictoc.
Wise Snake tries to barge past her.
Tictoc gulps and stays hypo.
Tictoc stops her physically.
Tictoc: If you don't mind, just a moment.
Tictoc: The Sectuib has just had a nasty shock and isn't able to see you right now.
Wise Snake: Let go of me! [snarls]
Wise Snake: I don't give a rat's ass what he is or isn't able to do right now!!
Mytag, despite his hurt, stays close.
Wise Snake: He isn't going to be able to unzip his own fly by the time I get done with him!
Tictoc: I think you should stop and consider this a moment.
Tictoc: ~ pleading ~
Tictoc: You have only heard rumours and innuendo. Don't you think you should get both sides of the story first?
Wise Snake: That two-faced, slinking, shendi-flamed father-of-bastards tried to steal my Companion!!
Wise Snake: And I heard it from Nick himself first!
Tictoc: Well, yes, maybe....
Wise Snake tries to wrench free of Tictoc.
Wise Snake: Now let me go.
Tictoc: But maybe he thought he was just giving the man options?
Wise Snake: Options!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wise Snake: What option do I have, tell me that! Nick is my life!!
Tictoc decides that she has done what she can, under the circumstances, and lets Snake go.
Tictoc: There are always options Hajene. You should know that.
Wise Snake stalks towards Riyyh's office as soon as she is able to get free.
Tictoc follows behind.
Wise Snake looks half insane.
Wise Snake actually looks completely insane, which is half again more than she usually looks.
Tictoc: You know, Nick isn't your only option. I know that you think he is, but he isn't.
Wise Snake: What are you talking about!!
Mytag stays in close ~ support ~ of Riyyh.
Wise Snake bursts into Riyyh's office.
Wise Snake: You!!
Tictoc: Well there is....
Wise Snake leaps at Riyyh, arms outstretched toward his throat.
Tictoc decides the rest of the conversation can wait.
Riyyh leaps up in a panic.
Mytag jumps up and jumps in front of Riyyh.
Mytag: Snake!
Mytag: Get a grip!
Mytag: ERRRRKKKK not on me!!!!!
Wise Snake gets a firm grip on Mytag and shoves him aside.
Riyyh knocks over his chair in his haste to run and hide behind Wolfa and Hero.
Mytag falls over the lounge and sends a lamp flying.
Wise Snake: Come back here, you coward!!
Wise Snake: ~~rage~~
Hero shrieks in excitement, although whether it's fear or delight is a bit difficult to tell, even for her.
Wolfa tries to stay between Snake and Riyyh while still keeping out of tentacle range.
Mytag pulls himself to his feet and launches himself at Snake's legs.
Wise Snake tries to dart around Wolfa, augmenting with the speed and grace of a predator.
Tictoc stands by in case anyone is going to need medical attention.
Mytag misses Snake's augmenting legs and lands on his chin.
Mytag: Oofffff.
Riyyh takes a chance and dodges around Wolfa's other side, augmenting to skitter over behind Tictoc instead.
Tictoc: Errrr.
Riyyh: ~~terror~~
Riyyh: Don't let her touch me! [pleading]
Tictoc looks from Riyyh to Snake and wonders just how strongly the ties of blood bind.
Wise Snake: I'm going to kill you! [vows]
Tictoc: Snake, we have to talk about this!
Wolfa: Oh dear!
Wise Snake finally manages to get clear of Wolfa.
Mytag spits out blood.
Tictoc: Let's sit down like reasonable people.
Wise Snake appears every inch the insane rogue Farris in the middle of a berserker frenzy.
Wise Snake advances on Tictoc, eyes on Riyyh.
Eliza is going to return the book "Gentle Hearts and Gentle Hands" to the Sectuib before they leave.
Wise Snake: You can't hide behind her forever, you little shit.
Eliza enters the main administration building and heads towards Riyyh's office. She is a bit embarrassed about meeting him again, after the other day.
Tictoc: Snake, please!
Eliza hears some yelling and what sounds like breaking furniture [a sound she became familiar with during her time at Bender Cove] and wonders what's going on.
Mytag holds his bruised and possibly broken chin and spits out more blood.
Wise Snake draws the knife she carries concealed on her person.
Wise Snake: Tictoc, get out of the way.
Tictoc: ~ fear ~
Eliza gets to the door and looks at the carnage in horror.
Eliza: SNAKE!!!! ~~~~~ SHOCK ~~~~
Tictoc reels under the nageric blow.
Wolfa faints.
Mytag checks to see that he hasn't bitten his tongue off.
Wise Snake crashes to the floor, blasted into, or perhaps beyond, unconsciousness by Eliza's nageric shock.
Eliza throws herself at Snake and the knife.
Eliza wrenches the knife from Snake's unconscious hand.
Eliza sits over Snake, sobbing.
Eliza: Oh Snake! Snake!
Hero is still staring in astonishment.
Mytag: Oh then, ith sthe ded?
Tictoc pushes Eliza out of the way.
Tictoc: No, she isn't dead.
Riyyh, who was mostly protected by Tictoc's nager, is pressed quivering against the wall experiencing his own shock.
Tictoc: Riyyh, are you all right?
Eliza: I didn't mean, I didn't know, I didn't.... ~ sob ~
Tictoc: It's all right, she is alive and you probably saved the Sectuib's life.
Hero is torn between going to Wolfa and rushing immediately out the door with the story.
Tictoc hopes that Snake stays alive. She thinks that she hopes that.
Hero finally goes to Wolfa and kneels beside her.
Hero: ~~supportive~~
Hero: Wolfa?
Tictoc looks for someone half-OK to send for assistance.
Tictoc takes Snake into position and zlins the damage.
Tictoc: Shen, I don't see how Farrises survive.
Mytag wobbles over to Riyyh.
Mytag: ~ support pain ~
Eliza sobs hysterically.
Wolfa opens one eye, then shuts it again.
Riyyh is wearing the teary, overly-dilated expression of a rabbit that has been chased for several miles then cornered.
Wolfa opens the other eye, keeps it open being very careful not to zlin anything at all.
Hero: It's OK, Wolfa... it's over.
Hero: ~~support~~
Hero: It's safe to wake up now... I think.
Hero checks the others to make sure she isn't lying.
Wolfa's glasses are broken and over her mouth.
Wolfa: Did I... did I miss anything?
Hero carefully picks Wolfa's glasses (or the pieces thereof) off her face.
Hero: Well... you probably missed the last half of when Eliza slammed Snake and you and Tictoc and Riyyh.
Wolfa can't see anything properly, but is scared to zlin.
Wolfa: Is that what that was?
Hero points at Snake's comatose form.
Wolfa: Is she - dead?
Hero: I don't know. [whispers]
Tictoc sits up. "No, but she isn't exactly healthy either"
Riyyh starts shivering.
Tictoc: Hero - no, you are too low field. Go find out who the has the highest field at the moment.
Tictoc: I'll want her supported constantly by a team of Donors.
Hero: Yes, Hajene Tictoc.
Hero: But Wolfa....
Hero glances at her own channel.
Tictoc: Wolfa?
Wolfa: OK, go, but hurry back please!
Hero gets up and runs out the door.
Wolfa isn't going to be zlinning for awhile anyway.
Hero: [of course everybody is going to know everything within a half hour, now]
Tictoc: Eliza, move out of the way please.
Eliza: I'll stay with her! Oh please, I'm high field.
Eliza doesn't realise that they know that!
Tictoc: I think that you have done enough at the moment. You are too distraught to concentrate.
Riyyh: Mytag....
Riyyh reaches a trembling hand for Mytag's arm.
Riyyh: She was going to murder me.
Riyyh: Not like those others... she was really going to do it.
Riyyh: ~shock~
Mytag: Yeth, pothibly.
Mytag: ~ ouch ~
Riyyh's hand cringes away from Mytag.
Wolfa stands up shakily and wobbles over to Mytag.
Wolfa: Let me look at your jaw....
Wolfa looks at it, doesn't zlin it.
Wolfa: Ohhhh that must hurt!
Mytag gives Wolfa a dirty look.
Mytag: Well if thoo aren't going to fith it, leaf it alone.
Tictoc gets up and goes over to Mytag and runs her laterals over his chin, which is already turning blue.
Tictoc: It's not broken, it can wait.
Tictoc: Can you bring the cot over here and then get me some extra blankets?
Tictoc: Wolfa, if you are up to it, better go tell the rest of her party what happened.
Eliza: No! Oh, can't that wait? I mean, should we get her settled first? ~ panic ~
Mytag picks up the light cot and puts it down next to Snake's body.
Tictoc: Hmmm, might be better to wait at that.
Tictoc picks up Snake and puts her on the cot and covers her with the blanket.
Riyyh sinks down against the wall until he's sitting with his knees tucked up against him and his hands curled against his chest.
Wise Snake is totally, and utterly, unconscious.
Hero bounces back into the room.
Hero: I told Marcha, and Temi, and Lolandra.
Eliza stays close to Snake and continues sobbing.
Tictoc: Well?
Hero: So they'll be coming just as soon as they can.
Tictoc looks at Eliza. "Shut off that sobbing or I'll have you locked up for careless behaviour causing harm to a channel!"
Tictoc's gratitude only goes so far.
Eliza sobs harder.
Hero looks with worry at Tictoc, then at Eliza.
Hero: Tictoc? Maybe I should...?
Hero thinks Tictoc is just scaring the shen out of the other Donor.
Mytag puts his arm around Riyyh and pats him on the shoulder.
Tictoc is as scared as shen that she might do it again.
Riyyh lets out an almost-sob of relief at Mytag's touch, and clutches him helplessly.
Hero edges around Tictoc.
Hero: Eliza?
Mytag: Der der Rithh, Eferyfing is going to be fine.
Eliza: I didn't mean it! I just... I didn't mean to hurt her! Ohhhhhhh I want to dieeeeee....
Riyyh hides his face in Mytag's shoulder.
Mytag winces as the top of Riyyh's head brushes his jaw.
Hero may be 12 years old, but she does know projecting "want to die" at a channel near death is not good.
Hero tries to insinuate herself between Eliza's field and Snake's.
Eliza: Nick is going to killlll me!!!!!
Hero: Eliza... hey Eliza, come on.
Hero tries to hug Eliza.
Tictoc: Oh get her out of here.
Eliza pushes Hero away.
Hero: Come on, let's get up and go walking, yeah, let's go somewhere where, um, Nick won't find yooowww.
Hero catches her balance.
Wolfa approaches the loaded Gen cautiously.
Wolfa: I'll take her, somewhere....
Hero: I'll go with you. [protectively]
Hero doesn't want Wolfa to end up like Snake.
Wolfa tries to think of somewhere suitably insulated and considers the benefits of having a crypt.
Hero: How about the beanfields? I hear they're nice and, um, well they sure are far away....
Hero: Maybe they're ready for picking, yeah, that would be good to know.
Hero: ~worried for Wolfa~
Tictoc: Eliza, go with them please. You aren't any help here.
Eliza: But but but I want to stay with her!
Eliza: Please! I'll be good!
Eliza: ~ good ~
Tictoc hesitates. She has got the highest field in the room until the relief team comes.
Tictoc: If... you can keep yourself under control. One spike from you and I'm throwing you out physically. Understand?
Eliza nods. ~ control ~
Hero: Are you still doing OK? [whispers to Wolfa]
Wolfa: Yes, but let's get out of here [whispers back]
Hero: OK.
Hero makes ~~supportive~~ nager and heads for the door.
Wolfa: I'll be in my office if anyone needs me.
Wolfa wonders if that's far enough away.
Mytag realises that not only does his jaw feel like it's split in two, but that the pain is crawling up into his head, and down into his spine as well.
Mytag really wants a hot bath, a dozen pain killers, and a warm bed.
Riyyh: Mytag... I want to go home.
Mytag: I fink that maybe you thoud take Tictoc'th advisth and take that twanwilisther Rithh.
Mytag helps his Sectuib to his feet.
Mytag finks, err thinks that with his Sectuib nicely tranquilized nothing else could happen and he could get some rest too.
Riyyh clings to Mytag.
Eliza, tears drying on her face, clings to Snake's hand, wishing the channel strength.
Tictoc keeps a close eye - umm - lateral on the Gen.
Riyyh: Tictoc....
Riyyh: ... thank you, for... [lamely]
Riyyh thinks, for trying to stop Snake, for taking the brunt of the slam, then for taking care of Snake... and for asking Snake to help Naros in the first place.
Riyyh uses Mytag's support, nageric and physical, as he makes his way shakily toward the door.
Tictoc: Get some rest Riyyh, I'll be up to check on you later.
Tictoc wishes she had time to collapse herself.
Mytag ~ supports ~ Riyyh out past the Snake in the bed.
Riyyh: I have to go home.
Mytag: I know, Rithh.
Riyyh is not in any condition to be super aware of Mytag's injuries right at the moment.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Mytag.
Mytag: Daths all right Rithh.
Tictoc resists the temptation of tossing the Farris channel out of the cot and climbing in herself. Snake is probably past feeling it anyway.
Riyyh ignores the spectacle they are making of themselves as they go down the street.
Mytag: Thoo know, maybe iths for the besth anyway.
Mytag: At lethed people will have somfing elth to talk about for awhile.
Mytag wonders how many will side with the fallen Snake.
Riyyh: Shen, Mytag, if you could have zlinned her nager when she pulled that knife....
Riyyh shudders.
Riyyh was already shivering, so it's sort of a large shiver between the other shivers.
Mytag is glad that he couldn't zlin - period.
Mytag: I did warn you, about the lot of them.
Riyyh: Yes, yes, you did.
Riyyh grips Mytag harder.
Riyyh: I'm sorry I didn't listen... I'm sorry, Mytag.
Riyyh adds that to the list of his screw-ups.
Riyyh: I wish I had. Your advice is always so sensible, Mytag.
Mytag wonders what damage Linn will do next.
Riyyh pauses.
Riyyh: I think... I think Nick underestimated how much his channel likes him.
Mytag: No. You know, that was a really foolish thing you did. If you had spoken to me before you asked him....
Riyyh: I didn't know it was going to happen!
Mytag thinks that Riyyh would probably have done it anyway.
Mytag: Am I really that bad?
Riyyh: He was so down in the dumps. And I really thought it would be better for Hajene Farris if she went back to Zeor or the Tecton.
Riyyh: Oh, Mytag.
Riyyh clings to him.
Riyyh: I'm so sorry.
Riyyh: I thought... I thought you resented being required to serve me.
Mytag: ~ ouch ~ Careful, please.
Riyyh: I'm sorry.
Riyyh loosens his grip a tad.
Riyyh: I didn't want to force you to support me when you heart wasn't in it, Mytag, that would be just cruel.
Riyyh: And I need somebody for the long term, not somebody who has only stepped in because of the emergency... you know that, Mytag.
Mytag: Riyyh, have you any idea how busy Tictoc and I have been?
Mytag: I'm sorry if you thought my heart wasn't in it.
Mytag: I was sort of busy sorting out your family tree.
Riyyh: Well, I thought I sensed a... a struggle in you, Mytag.
Riyyh climbs up the front steps of his house.
Mytag: Probably. I had just found out that you were my father after all. I mean, it takes a while to adjust to these sorts of things.
Riyyh would have locked the door, except it has no lock.
Riyyh lets go of Mytag [he may need to circulate some blood or something] and gropes his way to the couch, where he slumps heavily.
Mytag: I'll get some tea. [and an icepack for his jaw]
Riyyh: Yes... yes, do that, Mytag, thank you.
Mytag goes and puts the kettle on to boil and gets some ice.
Mytag returns to the living room with the ice pack on his chin.
Mytag: Have you considered the subject of the succession yet? You were going to start looking at likely candidates from other houses.
Riyyh pulls off the afghan that's draped over the back of the couch, and wraps himself in it. [unclear whether it's shock or Mytag's ice pack making him feel cold]
Riyyh: I've selected seven possibilities and written them letters to determine their level of interest and ask for appointments to speak with them.
Riyyh: The letters were sent a few days ago but I have not yet received all the responses, due to the distances involved.
Riyyh thinks that was a lonely task indeed.
Mytag: Oh.
Mytag holds the ice to his chin.
Mytag: I still think that maybe a personal visit.
Riyyh shudders.
Riyyh: I want to run and hide, to go anywhere.
Riyyh: And yet....
Riyyh feels the moment he leaves Naros is the moment he's lost it forever.
Mytag: If you had, Snake could have sorted it all out without trying to kill you.
Mytag shakes his head and goes to finish making the tea.
Mytag slips a tranquilizer he snagged into Riyyh's.
Mytag stirs it until it dissolves then carries them out and hands Riyyh's to him.
Mytag: I put some honey in it, you looked like you could do with some.
Riyyh looks up at Mytag, undone by the small kindness .
Riyyh: Thank you, Mytag.
Riyyh accepts the tea.
Mytag sips his tea cautiously around his sore jaw.
Riyyh sips his own tea, unable to taste the tranquilizer underneath the honey.
Mytag: How's that? Not too sweet?
Riyyh: It's perfect, Mytag.
Riyyh: You really are good to me, I don't know why I'm not more appreciative of you, more often.
Riyyh sounds mellower already.
Mytag starts to relax along in sympathy.
Mytag: Awww, tain't nuthen.
Mytag: It will be harvest soon, everyone will be busy, then we have the festival....
Mytag: I'm sure it will all be over by then.
Mytag puts his empty cup down.
Mytag: So, what shall we have for dinner? ~ hungry Gen ~ Shall we eat here [as they have been, in private] or do you feel up to going to the dining room?
Riyyh's eyes widen. [it's not exactly panic, due to the tranquilizer... more like cowardliness]
Riyyh: Here would be nice. [small voice]
Riyyh has some more tea.
Mytag thought as much, but it's nice to give options.
Mytag: I'll order soon, then.
Mytag: I believe that Morgie's son is going through changeover. I meant to tell you before, but I forgot.
Mytag: You know his sister had a bad time of it...
Riyyh looks sad that he has become so out of touch with what happens in the Householding.
Riyyh: I hope he is OK.
Mytag: Don't suppose you want to go down there...?
Mytag: No, I guess not.
Mytag: Probably better anyway.
Riyyh looks depressed and sort of unfocused, but is no longer panicking or anything.
Riyyh: If you think so, Mytag.
Mytag sees another long empty evening stretched out in front of them.
Mytag would like company - any company.
Riyyh: I really didn't mean for anything to happen to Hajene Farris, [begins]
Riyyh zlins Mytag and trails off.
Mytag: She sure is fixated on that Donor.
Riyyh: I hope he realizes that now.
Mytag: I hope that you realise that it's not prudent to try and poach other people's Donors?
Riyyh: He was talking about leaving her anyway.
Riyyh: I just told him he was welcome here if he did.
Mytag is still hurt.
Riyyh: He told me she didn't care for him.
Riyyh zlins Mytag's hurt.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Mytag.
Riyyh: I really didn't understand... I felt the conflict in you, and then with so little time spent together....
Riyyh: And you often seemed so angry with me,
Mytag: It doesn't matter, Riyyh, I know I'm not up to Ruby's standards.
Riyyh: No! No, Mytag, you musn't think that.
Riyyh: [stereotypical Riyyh earnest, wheedling attempt to suck up, slightly hampered by tranquilizer]
Mytag: Why not? It's true, I know that.
Mytag: I'm way too far past first year to really have qualified at all, really.
Riyyh: But Mytag.
Riyyh is confused by Mytag's simultaneously feeling hurt by Riyyh's looking at other Donors, and then the self-deprecation.
Mytag: What?
Riyyh puts down the empty tea cup and feels for Mytag's hands.
Riyyh: Do you want to be my Companion?
Mytag hesitates one hurtful moment.
Mytag: Riyyh, let me get over the fact that you are my father, have always known that you were my father, and never acknowledged me, first before asking that.
Riyyh's hands tremble.
Mytag: I mean, it's a bit of a shock to start with, then it's a bit of a shock after that.
Mytag: That you knew all along.
Mytag takes a deep breath and settles down a bit.
Mytag: Before I knew that, well, being your Companion was like an impossible dream. I never even considered it really. I mean, Ruby was your Companion.
Mytag: I never really thought of Ruby not being your Companion. At most I thought I might get to give you transfer while she was, you know, pregnant or something.
Riyyh's expression has varied subtly from forlorn hope to heartbreak.
Riyyh: I never meant to hurt anybody.
Mytag: Yes Riyyh, I know, you keep saying that. It doesn't change what has happened, though.
Mytag: Then when you transferred her out - I didn't know what to do. I didn't like want to win the position by default as it was.
Mytag: I feel a bit like I've stolen something that belongs to Ruby my cousin. Only she isn't even really my cousin is she? She is my sister.
Riyyh: Mytag, I....
Riyyh: I'm sorry.
Riyyh: I would give anything to get her back, but it just can't happen.
Riyyh: She had already turned me down as Companion, even before I sent her away.
Mytag: She didn't really, you know, she just wanted you to admit your love and marry her.
Mytag: If she had known from childhood that you were her father - well that wouldn't have been an issue.
Riyyh: She told me she didn't want to be my Companion at all!
Riyyh: That all she had ever wanted was to be my wife.
Riyyh: But that would be impossible. You saw her genetics in the infirmary, I am sure.
Mytag: Riyyh, she didn't mean it that way.
Mytag saw a lot of genetics in the infirmary, some worse than Ruby's.
Riyyh: She threw something at me!
Mytag: It's amazing we don't have two headed children being born.
Riyyh: I still have the scar.
Riyyh rubs his shoulder in memory.
Mytag blinks, for a moment thinking that Riyyh is talking about a scar from having a second head removed.
Mytag: Oh, from her throwing something, I see.
Mytag: At least it wasn't a knife.
Riyyh shivers and grabs for Mytag's hand again.
Riyyh: That woman is completely insane.
Riyyh: I mean, have you ever seen anything like... well, I suppose you've been to Bender Cove.
Mytag: Ruby? Oh, Snake.
Mytag: She has a cousin who is worse.
Riyyh: If you could have zlinned... her mind was completely gone. It was all hunter-instinct.
Mytag: A gen. A Farris Gen - totally insane. Probably from inbreeding.
Mytag realizes what he just said.
Mytag: Yeah, like mad dogs.
Riyyh sighs.
Mytag: She can't hurt you now, she can't hurt anyone for awhile anyway.
Riyyh: If she recovers, she certainly can't be allowed any more contact with the members of the House.
Mytag: I'm just glad that that blast was directed at her, not at you.
Riyyh winces.
Mytag: Well, I guess that most of the work is done now anyway.
Riyyh: I think it was directed pretty much everywhere, but Tictoc took the brunt of it rather than I. She was in front of me.
Riyyh thinks if that had been directed particularly at Snake, they wouldn't be having any worries about Snake's future.
Mytag: She handled it well then.
Riyyh: Handled what well?
Riyyh: ~confused~
Mytag: Tictoc, handled it well. Wolfa was way back and she lost it.
Riyyh: Ah, yes. ~relieved~ [he'd thought Mytag was talking about Eliza!]
Riyyh: Yes, I am deeply indebted to Tictoc for the good she has done in the last few weeks and particularly today.
Mytag gets all thoughtful.
Mytag: She's a good channel.
Riyyh: But Mytag, you must, you must promise me that you will set someone else to doing this other work and spend more time at my side.
Riyyh clings to Mytag's hands and searches his eyes.
Riyyh: I respect that you require time to think about these new developments before you commit to anything lifelong, but please, don't leave me alone.
Mytag: We have finished the charts now Riyyh, I won't leave you.
Riyyh: And I... I didn't get a chance to thank you for this earlier, but... thank you for trying to stop Hajene Farris.
Mytag: ~ surprise ~
Riyyh: I know that must have been terrifying for you.
Mytag: But what else could I have done?
Mytag: I mean, you are my Sectuib, and my channel and my father.
Riyyh: Well, you could have jumped out of the way like you did with Nubby and the others.
Mytag: To be honest, I don't think I thought about it.
Riyyh smiles at Mytag in genuine relief at his words.
Mytag: Well, they weren't trying to kill you, after all.
Mytag: ~ embarrassed ~
Riyyh lets go of one hand to reach up and touch Mytag's injured jaw lightly.
Mytag: ~ ouch ~
Mytag: ~ bruised ~
Riyyh projects a healing field, encouraging Mytag's body to repair itself.
Riyyh uses his field to block some of the pain.
Mytag: Thank you Riyyh.
Mytag: [about bloody time, Riyyh!]
Riyyh sighs at what he zlins in Mytag.
Riyyh: I'm sorry.
Riyyh: I just... I couldn't think.
Riyyh: I'm better now.
Mytag: No problem. You were stressed, Tictoc was busy, I could wait.
Mytag waggles his jaw experimentally.
Riyyh looks exhausted, disheveled, and slightly glazed over... definitely not 100% up to snuff.
Riyyh: You said something about food?
Riyyh: [zlinning Mytag's hunger]
Mytag: Yes, shall I order now?
Riyyh: Yes, I think that would be nice.
Riyyh thinks that would be infinitely nicer than going out in public, which he fears after this he will never have the nerve to do again.
Riyyh is just glad, politically speaking, that it was one of Snake's own people who injured her, not one of his.
Mytag: You be OK here by yourself for 10 minutes?
Riyyh: I... I think so, yes, Mytag.
Riyyh nods, although he is far from certain.
Mytag: Unless you want to come with me?
Riyyh: No!
Riyyh: No, no I think I should stay here.
Mytag: Or maybe I can grab someone to go for me.
Mytag: Would that be better?
Riyyh lets go of Mytag's hands.
Riyyh: You go on.
Mytag nods.
Mytag: Very well, I'll not be long.
Mytag takes off to jog down to the kitchen and arrange for some dinner to be brought up to the house.
Riyyh huddles on the couch for a short time after before deciding to go upstairs to lay down.
Tictoc sees Mytag running away from Riyyh's house and augments up the stairs and inside.
Tictoc: What's wrong! What's the matter!
Riyyh is halfway off the couch when Tictoc bursts in.
Riyyh flattens himself to the couch, clutching his heart.
Riyyh: Tictoc!!
Tictoc stands in the middle of the room, eye wild, heart pounding.
Riyyh probably would have had a heart attack if the tranquilizer hadn't been helping him stay (er, relatively speaking) mellow.
Tictoc: Oh shen, Riyyh, I thought you were dead or something the way Mytag took off out of here.
Tictoc collapses exhausted into a chair.
Riyyh thinks he'll remained pressed into the couch for just a little bit longer.
Riyyh: Oh... it's just you. [weakly]
Tictoc: Yes, it's just me. I told you I'd look in on you.
Tictoc: How are you feeling?
Tictoc is feeling much too exhausted to get up and zlin him properly.
Riyyh loosens his grip on his chest.
Riyyh: I'm... I'm really... unsure about things right now.
Riyyh relaxes cautiously.
Tictoc notices that Riyyh is much more tranquil, and wishes that she was.
Tictoc: So where was Mytag taking off in such a hurry for?
Tictoc: Shen, that man can move when he wants to.
Riyyh: I think he was trying to go get some food without being stopped and asked questions.
Tictoc: That I can understand. I would have been here 20 minutes earlier if I hadn't been stopped every 3 or 4 feet.
Riyyh: What have they been asking? What have you been telling them?
Tictoc: As little as possible, of course.
Riyyh dreads what people will think of Snake, who had been set up as the "good guy" versus his own muddy image, getting struck down while in an argument with him... regardless of who did the deed.
Tictoc is probably the least gossipy person in Naros due to her trusted position as head healer.
Tictoc: Hero has done most of the work already of course.
Riyyh: I can't stay hidden this time, can I? [sadly]
Tictoc: Well, for tonight.
Riyyh: As dangerous, or as daunting, as it might be, there is no Hajene Farris to handle them this time. I have to do it alone.
Tictoc: I've come to give you something to make you sleep. Take it after dinner.
Tictoc: I want you to get some good sleep and be ready to take up again tomorrow.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: You're right, of course, Tictoc.
Riyyh: I will do as you say.
Tictoc: I've put the people you were supposed to see this afternoon off until tomorrow.
Tictoc starts to feel more relaxed.
Tictoc slides down in the chair and yawns.
Riyyh: Thank you, I do hope they weren't too annoyed.
Tictoc: ~ yawn ~ No, they were too interested in the reason.
Riyyh uses his nager to gently nudge Tictoc more awake.
Riyyh: Have you been getting enough sleep?
Tictoc: Oh shen Riyyh, leave me be.
Riyyh recoils.
Tictoc: Sleep? I remember sleep, vaguely.
Riyyh: I'm sorry.
Tictoc: I think I slept about 3, was it 4? days ago.
Riyyh: ~depressed~
Tictoc yawns again.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Tictoc.
Riyyh: I shouldn't have....
Tictoc: I'd better go before I fall asleep here on your lounge.
Tictoc puts her hand in her pocket and pulls out a bottle of pills.
Riyyh: Thank you for coming and checking on me.
Tictoc: Take one after dinner. You can either give me the rest back later or keep them here.
Riyyh: I will. Thank you.
Tictoc pulls herself up and heads towards the door.
Tictoc: I'll probably not see you until tomorrow afternoon, after my transfer.
Riyyh: All right.
Tictoc: Night, Riyyh.
Riyyh thinks if Tictoc hasn't slept in four days, nobody is going to see Tictoc until about a day after her transfer.
Tictoc stumbles out in search of a bed.
Mytag sees Tictoc leaving the house as he returns and rushes back into the house.
Mytag: What's wrong! What's the matter!
Riyyh stares at Mytag, wide-eyed.
Riyyh: N-nothing?
Mytag: I just saw Tictoc leaving.
Mytag: Is Snake....
Riyyh: She just came to leave these.
Riyyh holds out the sleeping pills.
Riyyh: She said she wanted me to take one after we eat.
Mytag: ~ relief ~
Riyyh wonders, not for the first time, why Mytag refers to her as Snake rather than Hajene Farris.
Riyyh is surprised by the level of relief.
Riyyh: She didn't mention Hajene Farris.
Riyyh: She....
Riyyh stops, not wanting to tell Mytag Tictoc rejected his nageric touch.
Riyyh: I hope you didn't encounter any trouble on the way?
Riyyh: ~concern~
Mytag: I didn't stop long enough to talk to anyone.
Riyyh nods.
Mytag: [after all, the cook, the cook's assistant, the kid doing the gardening outside the kitchen garden and the man hosing don't really count as anyone]
Riyyh: Would you like to sit?
Riyyh moves over to offer Mytag room on the couch.
Mytag: Well, I might wash up before dinner. It will be about 20 minutes.
Riyyh looks alarmed, despite the tranquilizer.
Riyyh: [at least it's not panic!]
Riyyh: Oh...? Well....
Mytag: Just here in the bathroom, Riyyh, it's not like I'm deserting you or anything.
Riyyh tries to think of some way he can talk Mytag into letting him come in with him.
Mytag thinks that Riyyh was better when he was in need.
Riyyh nods uncertainly.
Riyyh: All right, Mytag.
Riyyh: I'll just... wait right here.
Mytag: I'll leave the door open, you can come in if you feel that you need to.
Mytag: All right?
Riyyh: ~relief~
Riyyh: All right, Mytag. [much more convincingly]
Mytag heads off to the bathroom.
Riyyh thinks that as long as nobody comes in trying to beat the shen out of him, he'll be OK... probably.
Riyyh chafes nervously for a while, then picks up a copy of "On the Sacred Charge of Householdings" to try to read a little.
Zenik signals at the door.
Riyyh jumps.
Zenik turns his hat around and around in his hands.
Zenik twiddles with the brim with his tentacles.
Riyyh stares at the door with considerable trepidation.
Zenik: Hello inside!
Riyyh clutches the book to his chest.
Riyyh: Mytag? [squeaks voicelessly]
Zenik pokes his head inside.
Zenik: Sectuib?
Riyyh: Y-yes, Zenik?
Riyyh tries to present a calm and kind showfield.
Zenik: I'm sorry to turn up, out of turn as it was....
Riyyh's fingers and tentacles quiver as they clutch the book.
Zenik: I've got a problem I'd like to discuss with you.
Riyyh: No, that's... that's quite all right, I was just....
Riyyh breaks out in a sweat.
Riyyh: Well... please, have a seat.
Zenik: No, it's all right, I came right from work, I'm not in a fit state.
Zenik is obviously in an upset state.
Riyyh has bright vivid images of Wise Snake pulling the knife, replayed over and over again.
Riyyh: Well, if that is your preference, of course....
Riyyh: How may I help you?
Zenik: It's Cheia, my wife. We just found out she is pregnant.
Zenik: ~ worry ~
Zenik: Well, as she is your daughter and all....
Zenik: ~ embarrassed ~
Zenik was relieved to find out that he himself wasn't a child of Riyyh's, but one who slipped past while the Sectuib was otherwise occupied.
Riyyh: Well, that is good news... congratulations.
Riyyh feels that that much, at least, ought to be safe.
Zenik: Thank you, but it's just that, I mean, well....
Riyyh: Yes, Zenik?
Riyyh: [kindly]
Zenik: I trust Cheia of course, I love her very much.
Riyyh: Of course.
Zenik: I wanted to hear from you that it is my child. I mean, at least that it isn't your child?
Riyyh: I have been sterile for five years, Zenik. [gently] I thought that was made clear.
Riyyh: I am sorry you have been allowed to worry for no reason.
Riyyh: The child could not possibly be mine.
Zenik: Well, I know that, but, if you weren't sterile, could it still not be yours?
Riyyh's expression passes momentarily into panic... just a fleeting moment, really.
Riyyh: W-well, that is,
Zenik waits for the answer, his heart pounding.
Riyyh hesitates, unable to lie yet realizing telling the truth is not going to work out that great.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Zenik.
Zenik: I.... see.
Riyyh is ready to run away if necessary.
Zenik: ~ despair ~
Riyyh: Not since you were married though. [adds hastily]
Riyyh: [probably because they were only married less than 2 months ago]
Zenik: I didn't know, I didn't realise.
Zenik: Well Sectuib, thank you for being frank with me.
Riyyh: I'm sorry. [repeats, helplessly]
Zenik: I'll be joining Zuvij on his travels. I'm sure you will look after Cheia for me.
Riyyh stares at Zenik in disbelief.
Zenik: ~ bitter ~
Riyyh can't believe, that in a society as riddled with cheating and adultery as Naros, that Zenik would throw away a good friend like Cheia over something like this... throw away a wife.
Riyyh: ~~disappointment~~
Riyyh: I'm sorry to hear that, Zenik.
Riyyh: Cheia will be heartbroken.
Zenik: You don't understand Riyyh, I'll find us a home away from here. I'll be back before the baby is born.
Riyyh: Ah.... [understands]
Riyyh: I see.
Riyyh still looks disappointed.
Zenik: Somewhere where people don't have to sneak around and lie.
Riyyh wonders whose lies Zenik is talking about.
Riyyh: I'm sorry you feel that way, Zenik, but as you know it is your decision, yours and Cheia's.
Zenik: Yes, well, I'll be going.
Zenik: I'll see you again before I leave, maybe.
Riyyh is definitely not looking forward to that.
Riyyh: All right... thank you, Zenik. I'm sorry.
Zenik nods briskly and walks out.
Riyyh: ~depressed~
Mytag comes out of the shower rubbing his hair dry.
Mytag: Who was that?
Riyyh: Zenik.
Riyyh: He wants to leave Naros because Cheia slept with me - without getting pregnant - before they were married.
Mytag: Oh.
Mytag continues rubbing his head and goes back into the bathroom.
Riyyh wonders what Cheia thought of that plan.
Mytag returns a moment later without the towel around his head.
Mytag: Dinner hasn't arrived yet?
Riyyh sits back down glumly.
Riyyh: What? Oh... no, it hasn't.
Mytag: ~ hungry ~
Riyyh looks at this book in his hands, then irresolutely sets it aside.
Kret carefully carries the tray up to the Sectuib's house, a little in awe of being allowed to do this great duty.
Kret carefully signals at the door.
Riyyh looks nervously at the door.
Riyyh: Maybe that's the food now.
Riyyh hopes so, anyway.
Riyyh hopes it's being carried by somebody who isn't hostile.
Kret is a kid still, although he is at an age where many of his friends have either changed over or Established.
Mytag goes to the door and opens it.
Mytag recognises the kid from the herb patch down near the kitchen.
Mytag: Oh, thanks Kret. Can you put it on the table for me please?
Kret: Geee, you mean, come in?
Kret: Wow.
Riyyh reluctantly lets go of some of his paranoia.
Riyyh: Hello, Kret.
Kret walks in and puts the tray on the table as indicated, leaving a track of dirty footprints and squashed herb leaves.
Kret blushes and stammers.
Kret: H-he-hello, Sectuib Riyyh. I hope you are well.
Riyyh smiles at the boy kindly, trying to put him at ease.
Riyyh: I am doing much better, thank you.
Kret lights up at Riyyh's smile, looking terribly cute and good looking.
Kret: I'd better get back then. Cheia won't be too pleased if I dawdle.
Riyyh: You go ahead, then. Thank you.
Kret skips all the way back to the kitchens.
Riyyh: I don't know what I'm going to do, Mytag. [sighs]
Riyyh has to admit he's looking forward to taking that sleeping pill of Tictoc's.
Mytag takes the plates off the tray and sets the table.
Mytag: Here you go Riyyh, come and get it while it's lukewarm.
Riyyh gets up off the couch and goes over to the table.
Mytag: Kret must have been so scared of dropping it he probably crawled.
Riyyh: A cute kid.
Mytag: Yes, looks very like his father [dryly]
Riyyh winces.
Riyyh: Yes.
Riyyh: I hope he gets a chance to grow up in the same Naros I grew up in.
Mytag hoes into his food like a hungry Gen.
Mytag: Don't know how Zenik can stand leaving Cheia, the woman's a marvelous cook.
Riyyh does his best to keep himself together as he picks at his food.
Riyyh: He says he's... taking her away from Naros after he finds a place elsewhere.
Mytag stops in mid chew.
Mytag: Taking Cheia away!? But she is the best cook we have!
Riyyh: ~~depressed~~
Riyyh: I know, Mytag, but what can we do?
Riyyh: If she feels that she must go....
Mytag: Awwww, shen.
Riyyh's shoulders droop further at Mytag's dismay.
Mytag sighs and goes back to eating, but with somewhat less enthusiasm.