Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #1: Call of the Wild (5/15/98)
Riyyh flings open the shutters, anticipating taking a big breath of lovely mountain springtime air.
Riyyh frowns as he zlins something going on in the courtyard under the window.
Risha signals politely at the Sectuib's door
Risha is a young female Donor, still nervous about actually talking to people of importance.
Riyyh thinks about having to go down there and straighten it out, then breathes a sigh of relief when somebody signals.
Riyyh: Come in!
Riyyh leaves the window open and goes back to his desk.
Risha opens the door and slides in, trying to adjust her nager as she goes
Riyyh zlins Risha trying to moderate her field and nods approvingly, adding an encouraging smile.
Riyyh: Hello, Risha. What can I do for you this morning?
Risha: I'm sorry to bother you Sectuib, but Wolfa asked me to ask you if you had finished with the reports
Riyyh's smile takes on a twinge of pain as he realizes this was no friendly seeking of counseling or Sectuibly advice, but instead a gentle little nag sent in place of the major one he'd get if Wolfa had to come herself.
Riyyh: Oh... of course.
Riyyh refreshes his smile to something less like a wince.
Riyyh looks about on his desk, then picks up the ones he'd finished (a small stack) and hands them to Risha.
Riyyh: Thank you for coming for them. You've saved me a trip.
Risha hesitates
Risha: Ummm, yes, thank you Sectuib. [takes the forms]
Riyyh senses her hesitation.
Riyyh: Is anything wrong? [kindly]
Risha: Wrong? No, thank you Sectuib, nothing is wrong exactly....
Risha: I was just wondering if I could spend more time working in the infirmary this month
Riyyh looks around his desk some more, locates the schedule book, and slips it out from under the undone work.
Riyyh: That is a very responsible request to make. [approvingly]
Risha is anxious to work around Simes in need as much as possible as she wants to reach 1st before her brother, Ralph.
Riyyh: You can help a lot of people doing infirmary duties.
Riyyh has no idea what Risha's real reason is.
Risha smiles happily at the praise.
Riyyh: How about working with Tikitra? She could use help. It wouldn't be that many hours, but you have quite a few responsibilities already.
Risha: That would be great! Thank you Sectuib! ~ enthusiastic ~
Riyyh pencils the change into the book, smiles, and closes it.
Riyyh: I'm sure she will be very glad for the assistance.
Riyyh thinks Tikitra has been begging him for a gullible victim for weeks now.
Riyyh: [er, "teachable assistant"]
Risha: I'll get these reports to Wolfa right away then! Thank you so much again!
Risha skips to the door and closes it gently behind her
Zenik hoes the weeds out of the tomatoes, glad that the sun is out and that the rain has stopped.
Zenik hums tunelessly under his breath, then suddenly breaks out in loud song.
Zenik is a bass with more volume than tune.
Riyyh smiles gently and sits back down again.
Wolfa takes the reports off Risha, looks through them and sighs.
Wolfa: I guess I'm going to have to go see that man anyway! Why does he always leave some little something undone?
Wolfa suspects it's so she will have something to grumble about
Wolfa is a Channel, a 2nd, about 25, clerical type with pretty eyes hidden behind thick glasses and a crush on Riyyh.
Zenik is a renSime, in his 30's, brawny and brown from working in the fields.
Zenik: it's a beautiful day! [sings loudly] It's spring! Spring! And love is in the air!
Wolfa gets up, takes her glasses off, thinks about it, puts them back on again, and heads towards Riyyh's office
Riyyh is writing away at his desk. [his memoirs... not the paperwork]
Wolfa pauses outside, takes her glasses off after all and puts them in her pocket
Wolfa signals at the door and tries to look seductive without it being obvious in her showfield
Zuvoj trundles the wheelbarrow down the row toward Zenik.
Zuvoj is a younger male Gen, perhaps 25 years of age.
Riyyh zlins, then does a double take.
Riyyh: Er... come in?
Wolfa opens the door
Zuvoj: Love is in the air, eh? Wait'll I tell Chiea you said so.
Wolfa: Really Riyyh, you would think by now that you would remember to sign the forms before sending them back
Wolfa smiles and sits on the edge of the desk
Zenik: Ah, but it's about Chiea I sing my friend!
Zenik: Why would you think otherwise?
Riyyh blinks up at her innocently, not realizing he looks ten kinds of cute when he does that.
Zenik: With a woman like Chiea no man can ask for more
Riyyh: Oh, dear. Did I forget something?
Wolfa's heart flutters.
Riyyh looks to see if Wolfa actually brought any forms with her.
Wolfa: You know, I think you do it on purpose.
Wolfa puts the forms in front of him.
Riyyh takes the forms from her, a tentacle accidentally touching her hand.
Zuvoj: Oho!
Zuvoj: Well then, you, my friend, are wealthy indeed.
Zuvoj bends over and begins picking up Zenik's pulled weeds and putting them in the barrow.
Wolfa shivers.
Wolfa thinks he is the most beautiful man she has ever seen.
Zenik: And what about you? Is love in the air this spring for you?
Riyyh industriously signs the papers, having already read their contents thoroughly. [it was reading their contents thoroughly that led him to forget signing in the first place]
Zuvoj: When isn't it, Zenik? Love is in all winds and breezes for me... spring, summer, fall, and... need I say it?... winter.
Wolfa tries to think of some reason that she has to stay longer.
Zuvoj has a reputation for, er, experimentation.
Wolfa: Riyyh....
Riyyh looks up at Wolfa.
Wolfa blushes furiously.
Wolfa: This is dreadfully forward of me I know....
Riyyh: Yes? [once again looking innocent and darling... while still looking like the administrator of a Householding, a very difficult combination]
Wolfa: But the dance next End Week, are you going?
Riyyh zlins Wolfa and wonders why she is all... um....
Wolfa: I mean, I know you are going, but are you going with anyone?
Wolfa: I mean, anyone in particular?
Riyyh blinks at her several times.
Riyyh: No, actually, I'm not.
Riyyh: Aside from Ruby, of course.
Zuvoj straightens and moves the wheelbarrow farther down the row.
Zuvoj: You know, Zenik: I have been thinking.
Zenik: don't strain yourself
Zenik continues hoeing
Wolfa sighs
Zuvoj: Tshhhh.... you should talk! You're the one who is bouncing about and feeling his oats for the first time since last spring.
Wolfa: Oh. I see. Well, I guess I'll see you there anyway.
Wolfa: ~ despondent ~
Zuvoj inhales deeply of the fresh air.
Riyyh zlins Wolfa in some concern.
Riyyh: My dear, what ever is the matter?
Riyyh hopes the woman doesn't have a crush on him.
Riyyh has never been able handle breaking people's hearts.
Riyyh would rather sort of string them along and hope things work out on their own.
Riyyh smiles hopefully and encouragingly at her.
Wolfa: Matter? Why would anything be the matter? ~ irritation to cover the hurt ~
Riyyh winces at the change in her nager.
Wolfa: Just because some people can't remember to sign forms.
Wolfa: Making more work for other people.
Riyyh: Of course.
Wolfa: who are really too busy for this sort of thing!
Riyyh: I will try to do better.
Riyyh thinks it always ends up like this... Wolfa comes in acting all friendly, then boom! The nagging begins.
Riyyh wonders why it fools him every time.
Riyyh offers an appeasing grin.
Wolfa sniffs disdainfully.
Wolfa: and while I'm here there is another matter.
Riyyh's shoulders droop.
Riyyh: Oh?
Riyyh: Tell me, what is it?
Zenik: Well, you going to tell me what you have been thinking of or not?
Zenik: Maybe it's a secret.
Zuvoj is staring longingly at the horizon. (such as it is; some hills)
Zuvoj: I want to go out and seek my fortune.
Zuvoj: You know, like they do in the fairy tales.
Wolfa: In case you didn't remember, it's the anniversary of your changeover in just 3 weeks.
Wolfa: Everyone is wondering just how you would like to celebrate it this year.
Wolfa: The school children have started making decorations already.
Riyyh: Oh.
Riyyh: Perhaps a party of some sort...?
Zenik: What craziness is that? Leave Naros? Leave all this!
Riyyh isn't sure what the right answers to these questions are, and looks at and zlins Wolfa carefully to make sure.
Zenik: [indicates the beautiful countryside]
Zuvoj: The world is a big place, Zenik. There are cities... oceans....
Zuvoj has gotten all dreamy-eyed.
Zuvoj is getting left behind as Zenik works his way farther down the row.
Riyyh: Would you like to arrange something?
Riyyh: [hopefully]
Wolfa: I was thinking of a picnic actually.
Wolfa: ~ brightens up ~
Wolfa: the weather is so lovely and should be even better in 3 weeks!
Riyyh is relieved.
Wolfa: I thought we could all go down to the meadow by the creek and have a great big picnic.
Riyyh: Great, then, let me know what you have planned.
Wolfa: With games and music.
Riyyh nods approvingly.
Riyyh is glad her mind is off of... whatever.
Wolfa: Oh, ok. I guess you are too busy hey.
Wolfa: I'll just arrange something then.
Riyyh smiles encouragingly.
Riyyh: I'm sure you will do a wonderful job.
Riyyh slips his memoirs carefully into a drawer leaving only legitimate work on top of the desk.
Wolfa: Of course, Sectuib.
Wolfa thinks that she always does a wonderful job. Maybe if she stopped, he would come to understand just how desperately he depends on her and then... sigh.
Riyyh zlins her again.
Riyyh: Are you sure there isn't...?
Wolfa: No, that's all Sectuib.
Riyyh: I want you to know that you can talk to me about... anything.
Riyyh stands, and moves over to Wolfa with eerie Sime grace.
Wolfa: Thank you for signing them. Sorry to have taken so much of your valuable time.
Riyyh: ~~ sincerity.... fading to confusion as she leaves ~~
Riyyh: Well.
Riyyh decides that was a good ending to the paperwork session and decides to do some real work for a while.
Riyyh slips out the office door.
Zenik looks back to see where Zuvoj is.
Zenik: Hoi! Catch up!
Zuvoj: Huh? Oh!
Zuvoj snatches at the handles of the wheelbarrow and trundles toward Zenick, bumping over the hot lumpy earth and stepping on Zenik's wilted piles of weeds.
Zuvoj: I mean... think about it.
Zuvoj: There has to be more than this.
Zenik: I am thinking about it.
Zuvoj: This... this.... [gestures at the dirt, the weeds, etc.]
Zenik shudders.
Zenik: where were you thinking of going then?
Zuvoj starts stooping and picking up and tossing, again.
Zuvoj: I was sort of thinking East.
Zuvoj: Maybe even Gen Territory.
Zuvoj: Just to see what it's like, there.
Zuvoj: And then, maybe I'll cross the ocean.
Zuvoj: Did you know, they used to fly up to the Moon?
Zenik: And cows lay eggs.
Zuvoj: Really! Sectuib said so. They flew to the Moon in Ancient times.
Zenik: Use your wits man, what are you going to do in Gen Territory? You would have to wear retainers all the time.
Zenik: Then was then and now is now.
Zenik: [old proverb]
Zuvoj is not sure he believes it himself, but is using the excuse that the Sectuib said it first as a reason to repeat the titillating "fact" to as many other people as possible.
Zuvoj: Well... maybe not Gen Territory then.
Zuvoj: But maybe... maybe South!
Zuvoj: Or, maybe a border town. Yeah.
Zuvoj: Action... adventure... the new frontier.
Zuvoj curses as a briar from last year jams under his finger nail.
Zuvoj: Not this... grubbing in dirt.
Zenik: Yeah and a early death by attrition maybe.
Zuvoj straightens, scowling, and picks at the briar, finally tugging it out.
Zenik: Just think it through carefully, that's all I'm saying.
Zuvoj: Better that than to be pecked to death by boredom!
Zuvoj: You and your thinking.
Zenik straightens up and looks at him.
Zuvoj: If you had a little more get up and go you'd have married Chiea three years ago.
Zenik: I went roving once. I can tell you there isn't that much in it.
Zenik: My get up and go got up and went.
Zuvoj: You? [disbelieving] Naw.
Zenik: Well, didn't get far, but saw enough to know that this is the place for me
Zuvoj: Where did you go?
Zuvoj: The gates, I'll bet.
Zuvoj: Got as far as the gates and chickened out.
Zenik: You spend a few days walking in the rain with no shelter and no gen close by, makes you realises how good you had it
Zenik throws Zuvoj a dirty look.
Zuvoj: I'm not convinced you'd know a fine adventure if it clocked you in the noggin.
Zuvoj is actually impressed by Zenik's story.
Zenik doesn't think that telling him that he was only gone 10 days would help right now.
Zenik: Yep, was a long time ago.
Zuvoj: Did you tell Chiea that story?
Zuvoj is not sure Zenik's gal would take kindly to the idea that her man might be the type to take off suddenly on an adventure.
Zenik: You know, I don't think I ever did?
Zenik imagines lying in bed with Chiea telling her about his travels. Embroidering on them, too.
Zuvoj: Probably why she's still with you.
Zuvoj: She hasn't the least bit of imagination. Would probably throw you out on your ear if you started telling her tales.
Zenik glares at the younger man.
Zenik: You know, insulting a man's woman is a good way to get a thick ear.
Zenik: just stop talking and work!
Zuvoj gapes at Zenik.
Zuvoj: I din' mean it that way.
Zuvoj thinks he must have hit awfully close to the mark.
Zuvoj bends over and starts picking up weeds again.
Zenik realizes it's time to expect Chiea to bring out lunch. Like all Gens she is overly fussy about the amount he eats.
Chiea can be seen and zlinned about a half mile away, puffing and panting through the fields.
Zenik wishes that Zuvoj wasn't there. He had a marvelous transfer just 3 days ago and is thinking of Chiea more hungrily than the food she will be carrying.
Chiea has a large basket under her arm.
Zuvoj zlins Chiea, then zlins Zenik, and raises a sardonic eyebrow.
Zuvoj: Sure you don't want me to leave Naros just about now?
Zenik zlins Chiea and his face breaks into a large grin.
Zenik zlins Zuvoj's amusement and scowls at him.
Zenik: Any time you are ready to go then!
Zenik relents.
Zenik: But do stay and have lunch first!
Zenik: ~ amusement ~
Chiea is a round, fat Gen woman of about 28 years, still wearing a white apron from work (she works in the householding's communal kitchens).
Zuvoj chuckles and mocks punching Zenik's shoulder.
Zenik drops his hoe and augments towards Chiea, reveling in the power and strength he feels from the transfer, the season, Chiea's closeness....
Chiea looks up and sees Zenik flying towards her, smiles.
Zenik sweeps her up and swings her around [basket flying over yonder]
Zenik: You are a sight for sore eyes! [kisses her nose]
Chiea: Wooo!!!
Chiea shrieks and clutches Zenik's neck.
Zenik: [whispers] Don't be too nice to Zuvoj and maybe he will go away and leave us alone together.
Chiea: Oh, you bad, bad boy. Such ideas! ~~ affection ~~
Chiea: Put me down! Wherever did that basket get off to?
Zenik: Oh I got lots of other ideas too! Want to hear them? [leers]
Zenik: it's right over... ummmm...
Zenik: There,
Zenik: And there.
Zenik: Oh, and there.
Chiea: Oh! Oh! Put me down!
Zenik: Sorry about that.
Chiea wriggles alluringly.
Zenik puts her down reluctantly and heads over to pick up the spilt lunches.
Chiea pats herself off and straightens her apron, still blushing and panting.
Chiea: Well! What a greeting!
Zenik examines the packages as he picks them up.
Zenik: Ploughmans pie, is this carrot cake?! You know I adore carrot cake!
Chiea: It was the last piece. I hid it away for you.
Zenik kisses her again for flavor.
Chiea: ~~ love ~~
Zenik: You are wonderful, have I told you that recently?
Chiea: Not since at least... this morning.
Chiea squeezes his hand.
Chiea: Where is your daydreaming partner?
Zenik: How remiss of me. [starts to spread cloth on the ground]
Zenik: Daydreaming is right. Wait until you hear his latest cockeyed idea.
Zenik: Zuvoj! You coming to eat or what!
Zuvoj: Way the hay over there???
Zuvoj grumbles and drops his work, heads over in that direction.
Zenik: Sit here Chiea my love.
Zenik: What you think that Chiea should walk to you maybe?
Chiea sinks down, relieved to be off her sore feet.
Zenik: Come on Zuvoj, have some pie and tell Chiea your latest scheme.
Zenik: He wants to travel, no less.
Chiea: The kitchen is afire this morning, that's for sure. Ronalda's cousin from the city wrote to say he's going to visit, and there's that wedding tomorrow... [handing out the food]
Chiea: ...What?
Chiea looks at Zuvoj oddly.
Zenik: a fire in the kitchen?
Chiea: Why on earth would you want to do something like that?
Zenik stops wondering if he heard her right
Zenik: Tell her Zuvoj, cat got your tongue?
Zuvoj looks at Zenik with a "see?" look.
Zenik: He wants to seek fame and fortune
Zuvoj: It's for the adventure of it, [explains to Chiea]
Zuvoj: You see... I think I was made for something... bigger, bolder, than this place.
Zenik: Going to join the army maybe? Get your fool head shot off by some Gen?
Zuvoj looks surprised, as if he hadn't considered the Army before.
Zuvoj: Well, that's an idea.
Chiea shoots Zenik a look.
Chiea: [it's sort of a don't give him any ideas! look]
Zenik scoffs at Zuvoj then scoffs the rest of his pie.
Zuvoj: Just imagine... the roar of the guns... the shaking of the earth... the cry of bugles....
Zuvoj: [day dreamy expression]
Zenik: You need discipline to be in the army, friend.
Zuvoj: The smoke billowing up against the sky... the trampled earth... the scream of horses....
Zuvoj: ...What?
Zuvoj looks at Zenik.
Zenik: You have about as much discipline as a junct in one of them there Gen hospitals.
Zuvoj: What do you know about being in the Army?
Zenik: What do I know about being in the Army?
Chiea shakes her head, thinking boys will be boys, no matter the age.
Zenik knows nothing of being in the army but isn't going to admit that if he can get out of it.
Chiea smiles into her piece of pie, letting them "duke it out".
Zenik: I've seen action.
Zenik nods wisely.
Zuvoj: You have? [almost, but not quite, 100% disbelieving]
Zenik: Hold on - back up.
Zenik: A wedding?
Zenik: Did you say a wedding?
Zenik: Who is getting married?
Chiea: Why, DebbieJo's daughter Randy is getting married to Jennah, Kee and Rab.
Chiea: I mean, finally. They've been living together for months.
Zuvoj is amazed that Zenik could get behind on a piece of gossip with all the time he spends around Chiea.
Zenik looks uncomfortable seeing as how he and Chiea have been living together longer than that.
Zuvoj: So, when are you two going to get married? [curiously]
Zenik splutters, spraying crumbs of carrot cake everywhere.
Zenik coughs madly, probably more than the carrot cake crumbs warrant.
Chiea's hands flutter about the napkins and leftovers, helplessly.
Chiea: Oh, dear....
Zuvoj looks innocent.
Zuvoj: I mean, you two seem awfully close and all. [helpfully]
Zenik grabs a flask of water and takes a huge gulp
Zenik wishes it was porstan.
Chiea puts one hand on her beating heart and presses the back of the other to her forehead.
Zenik realizes it isn't water but vinegar for the salad - but too late.
Zenik sprays the mouthful of vinegar out in a stream.
Zenik: Water!
Zuvoj gapes as Zenik makes the mistake, thinking his question really has the older man in a fluster.
Chiea: Oh... oh.... [snatches at the water jug and passes it over]
Chiea casts a reproachful look at Zuvoj.
Zuvoj looks like, 'what'd I do? What I do???'
Zenik grabs the water and takes a gulp.
Zenik breathes heavy as his colour returns to normal.
Zenik wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
Zuvoj: It's just, er, I mean I'm sure Sectuib would agree to the ceremony. [lamely]
Zenik glares at Zuvoj then turns to Chiea.
Zenik: Well? When are we going to get married?
Chiea: Oh, I say. [still isn't sure what to think]
Chiea: What???!
Chiea: Are you... are you proposing to me??
Chiea: ~~ wonder ~~
Zenik: As much as I hate to admit that Zuvoj is right about anything he is... well ... right!
Zenik: I guess I am!
Zenik is surprised about it too.
Chiea blushes, and looks down.
Chiea: Well then, I accept. [softly]
Zuvoj beams.
Zuvoj had known all along they'd get married someday. The two were like, made for each other.
Zenik: Well, that's settled then.
Zenik: ~ embarrassed and pleased ~
Zenik: Oh shen [grabs her and kisses her]
Chiea: ~~ delighted confused giddiness ~~
Zenik makes "go away now" gestures at Zuvoj.
Zuvoj gets up and goes back to work, looking over his shoulder several times as he does.
Ruby rushes out of the millinery and practially runs back up the hill towards the main building.
Ruby gets nervous when she is away from Riyyh too long.
Riyyh finishes up in the infirmary, feeling much better for the work, and thinks about doing some more paperwork, then walks out to the courtyard instead.
Riyyh is famous for his erratic walking pattern and inconsistent habits.
Ruby just about runs past him without noticing.
Ruby: Oh Riyyh! I was just coming back.
Riyyh smiles at Ruby.
Riyyh: Hello. A beautiful day, isn't it?
Ruby: I finished making a new hat for the wedding tomorrow, see?
Ruby: Oh is it? I haven't had time to look! I just love weddings don't you?
Ruby smiles up at him.
Riyyh manages to look handsome and anxious at the same time.
Riyyh: Er, weddings? Yes, yes, everybody loves weddings.
Riyyh looks at the hat.
Ruby: And you always look so wonderful and official. I do wish you would let me tell mum to make you a new outfit though.
Riyyh: Ruby, your mother has the best of intentions, but her style and mine just don't agree!
Ruby: I mean, you need to wear something different to these things occasionally you know! You can't keep wearing the same thing all the time!
Ruby: Don't be such a silly, you know she would make whatever you requested! And your shoes!
Riyyh: What's wrong with what I wear? I'm Sectuib, I'm supposed to look... dignified.
Ruby doesn't elaborate on what she thinks of his shoes
Riyyh looks down at his shoes despite himself.
Riyyh: [sandals with socks underneath]
Riyyh: What's wrong with my shoes?
Ruby: Now, everything is arranged for the feast after
Riyyh: They're comfortable.
Ruby: Comfortable doesn't win hearts.
Ruby is confusing at the best of times.
Riyyh: I'm supposed to meet the woman of my dreams while officiating at somebody else's wedding? [confused]
Ruby: It's really about time they married. I heard tell she may have a young'en coming.
Riyyh: May, nothing. Has had, for three weeks now.
Ruby: But of course that is just a rumor and you know I put no truck in rumors.
Riyyh: Of course not.
Ruby: Really? What else have you heard!
Ruby: ~ hungrily ~
Riyyh looks indignant.
Riyyh: You know I never pass on gossip.
Ruby: Of course not. You can tell me about it at dinner tonight
Riyyh: I happen to know that because I zlinned it when she came in for some counseling with her parents.
Ruby: How is our schedule for this afternoon?
Riyyh: Because of that childhood abuse thing... oh. That? I'll have to check my book.
Ruby: ~ enviously wishes she could zlin so she would know things first ~
Ruby: What childhood abuse!
Ruby is all ears.
Riyyh acts flustered, which is really an act since he is as bad a gossip-monger as everybody else at Naros.
Ruby: Oh but I must sit down! My feet are killing me!
Riyyh: Oh dear... that is confidential information.
Ruby: But you know I'm your Companion and you can tell me anything.
Riyyh: Maybe you could help me with this other problem I am having.
Ruby: Of course.
Ruby puts on her professional demeanor.
Riyyh: Wolfa has been at it again. It's maddening.
Ruby takes it off again.
Ruby: Oh, that.
Ruby: The woman is a pest, just ignore her.
Ruby: As if anyone in your position could possible be in love with anyone like her.
Riyyh: I'm starting to worry she may have a crush on me.
Riyyh's voice, though soft, can be heard all around the courtyard meaning if anybody didn't know about Wolfa's problem before, they will soon.
Ruby: Of course she has a crush on you you old silly!
Riyyh looks mildly scandalized.
Ruby: Anyone can tell that!
Ruby: Why, everyone knows!
Ruby is exaggerating of course, there are a few kids in the lower school who have no idea at all.
Riyyh: Oh, dear.
Riyyh manages to look simultaneously bewildered and adorable, something he has years and years of practice at. [both are false]
Ruby doesn't notice, she is too busy checking out the dress on a renSime of a style that she hasn't seen before
Riyyh: Well, I do hope she gets over it soon. I would hate to have to ask her about it directly, but it seems so unfair to leave her hanging.
Ruby: Don't let her fazzle you. Just ignore her until she forgets.
Riyyh: [actually, it seems perfectly natural to leave her hanging, but he has more sense than to say that]
Ruby: Or... we could always introduce her to Mytag!
Ruby: Oh no - he went off with Ison, didn't he?
Riyyh frowns.
Ruby: Typical of my thoughtless cousin, never around when you need him.
Riyyh: Yes... in fact Ison seems to be leaving with one after another of our good Tecton trained Donors.
Riyyh: Pretty soon we won't have any Tecton folks left and we'll have to pony up more trainee-applicants... that would be a bore.
Ruby: When are they coming back?
Ruby misses not having extra admiring men around.
Riyyh: I thought Mytag was due back immediately, but he wrote a letter saying something about being "unavoidably detained".
Ruby tisk tisks.
Riyyh's private theory is that Mytag was simply overcome by finding himself surrounded with dozens of beautiful women he had never slept with before.
Ruby tightens her lips disapprovingly.
Riyyh squirms, managing to look boyishly cute despite his age.
Riyyh: Let's not dwell on unpleasantness shall we? Look at this beautiful day.
Riyyh smiles at Ruby, trying to turn her mind (and nager) toward lighter matters.
Ruby looks at him adoringly, not because she feels adoration for him except in the fact that his boyish good looks go so well with her dark beauty.
Ruby knows they make a most attractive couple and that rumours about them abound, and finds that most satisfying.
Ruby thinks of the dowdy and efficient Wolfa and smirks.
Ruby: [sighs] I guess we should do some work this afternoon.
Riyyh: I just came out of the infirmary, actually.
Riyyh: [tactfully not mentioning he couldn't find her beforehand]
Ruby: Oh, good. Then we don't have to go back then?
Ruby hates the infirmary - it's icky.
Riyyh: I heard a r... somebody mentioned that Zenik and Cheia are finally getting married.
Ruby: Who?
Riyyh in fact heard it only about 10 minutes after Zenik and Cheia did
Ruby can't remember anyone important by those names
Riyyh looks at Ruby in disbelief, then shakes his head ruefully.
Riyyh: Never mind.
Riyyh likes Ruby just the way she is.
Ruby: Oh dear!
Ruby: ~ distress ~
Riyyh: Come... shush, don't worry. [takes her hands in his]
Riyyh: What is the matter?
Ruby: I've been trying on hats all morning - my hair must look a mess!
Ruby in fact made good use of the mirrors in the millinery to make sure it didn't.
Ruby looks at Riyyh from under long lashes.
Riyyh is glad it isn't anything truly alarming, but does his best to look like the Concerned, Fatherly, and everlastingly Very Dashing and Handsome Sectuib.
Ruby waits for him to tell her that her hair is beautiful, perfect, magnificent.
Riyyh: You look beautiful, as always. ~~ incredibly sincere ~~
Ruby sighs happily.
Ruby: You are an old silly aren't you? [but when you are right you are right]
Riyyh has worked for years on the ~~ incredibly sincere ~~ voice, expression and nager, so he knows they're very good.
Ruby falls for it willingly every time.
Riyyh: Yes. I am an old silly. [also vain, though he is flattered by her attention]
Riyyh's tentacles run softly over her knuckles as his fingers hold hers.
Ruby: You know, if you have nothing to do this afternoon....
Riyyh: Hmmmm?
Ruby: We could always go and visit mother and see about a new outfit for tomorrow!
Riyyh's face undergoes a series of subtle transformations suggesting various reactions not entirely innocent of unpleasantness.
Riyyh finally smiles.
Riyyh: That would be nice.
Ruby sees the expressions pass over his face but doesn't care cause she knows she is going to get her way anyway.
Illodious comes running up to the seated pair, huffing and puffing like a boiling kettle.
Illodious: Sectuib! Sectuib!
Riyyh turns, not letting go of Ruby's hands.
Riyyh: Yes?
Riyyh: What is the matter, Illodious?
Illodious: [puff puff]
Illodious: [pant pant]
Illodious: Someone [puff puff] has come [pant pant]
Illodious: Looking [puff puff]
Illodious: For [pant pant]
Illodious: You.
Riyyh: Oh.... [glances at Ruby, then stands.] All right. Where are they?
Riyyh looks in the direction of the gates.
Illodious nods, at his glance and points, too puffed to say more.
Illodious: [puff puff]
Ruby: Oh but! Oh shendonie!
Riyyh: Come with me. We'll go to your mother's afterward. [grips her hands breifly, then releases them]
Riyyh: Okay?
Riyyh endeavors to appear appealingly clever and attractive.
Ruby pouts then puts on her professional Companion's face.
Ruby: Yes, Sectuib.
Riyyh turns to follow Illodious.
Mark waits anxiously at the gate.
Riyyh reaches the gate and sees Mark waiting.
Mark has ridden up from town in a rush to get help.
Mark: Hajene, I'm sorry to bother you. But we are all in a lather and didn't know which way to turn!
Mark looks in a lather too.
Mark: ~ in a lather ~
Mark is a Gen in a lather.
Riyyh's nostrils twitch as the lather makes itself evident in other than visual fashion.
Riyyh: I... see.
Riyyh: How can we help you?
Mark: There has been an accident. The soap factory exploded
Mark: [that explains the lather]
Riyyh's eyes widen slightly.
Riyyh: An explosion at a soap factory? Is that even poss... [realizes they wouldn't like a reaction of disbelief]... I mean, of course, we'll do anything we can to help.
Riyyh puts on his best expression of sincere fatherly assistance, rather like a politician attempting to get re-elected.
Mark: Burns, eye injuries mainly I think.
Riyyh: How many people have been injured?
Mark: All of them!
Mark nods.
Mark: Oh - at least 10, 12.
Mark: No - I'm OK. 11.
Mark: But the soap is ruined!
Riyyh: It is...? Well, that's... [thinks the guy is semi-hysterical]
Riyyh: Simi, can you take this fellow over to the library and let him sit down somewhere quiet?
Riyyh: [to a gate guard]
Ruby stands there absent mindedly giving support.
Riyyh says to Ruby, "I think we'd better bring back up, sounds like several people were injured."
Simi: Of course, Sectuib.
Ruby sighs.
Ruby: Surely you can send people to do that?
Ruby: It doesn't sound that serious!
Riyyh blinks.
Ruby nudges him.
Riyyh: Well... that is true, I might not have to go personally, but....
Ruby: You are Sectuib, after all.
Riyyh: Ah... well, yes, I am. [twitch of vanity]
Ruby: And we are going to mother's, aren't we?
Riyyh: Yes, yes, of course. [pats Ruby's hand]
Riyyh: Let me just go alert some of the others.
Ruby: Of course! Sectuib....
Riyyh goes to find Tictoc, a likely candidate to organize a medical team.
Tictoc finishes up in the collectorium and washes her arms and hands carefully.
Ruby stays close, slightly sulky but knowing that she looks good wearing a pout.
Riyyh enters the collectorium, where he would pretend he didn't remember she was under normal circumstances, but where he remembers with perfect clarity she is assigned when it is not expedient to play "cute dummy".
Riyyh: Hello, Tictoc. [smiles genuinely]
Tictoc: Sectuib [drying hands], Ruby. What can I do for you?
Riyyh: Could I possibly prevail upon you to go to town on a bit of business for me?
Tictoc dries carefully around the sheaths then rubs an aloe gel over her arms and tentacles.
Riyyh: It's nothing really, but a little bit of work, quite up your alley actually.
Tictoc: Of course Sectuib, what's the matter?
Riyyh thinks he is going to have to work on his "smooth and easy" approach tactics if Tictoc was able to sense something was amiss.
Tictoc thinks that the Sectuib must think that her work is nothing really then.
Riyyh: Ah... well, it seems there was a bit of an accident down in the town, and some people have gotten soap in their eyes, would you be willing to put together a few people and go check it out?
Tictoc: Soap in their eyes?
Tictoc looks at him as if she can't believe what she heard.
Tictoc zlins him to see if this is some sort of practical joke
Riyyh shrugs apologetically [he looks pretty good when he does that too]
Riyyh: A fellow came by from the town. He's in the library if you'd like to talk to him first.
Tictoc looks around and calls out to fellow worker.
Tictoc: Can you see if Fretan and Supos are available please? Tell them to meet me in the library.
Tictoc: OK Sectuib, where is this soap person?
Tictoc: Oh yes - the library.
Riyyh nods encouragingly, hoping Tictoc will accept the responsiblity gracefully and leave him to face Ruby's mother while he still has the nerve.
Tictoc waits for Riyyh to lead the way and when he doesn't....
Tictoc: I'll just go talk to him then. I'll report when we return.
Riyyh nods regally.
Riyyh: Of course. Thank you for handling this, Tictoc.
Riyyh then turns to the more immediately pressing matter of dealing with Ruby's mum.
Ruby: You ready yet?
Ruby taps her foot
Riyyh: Yes, of course. Now that the other little matter has been taken care of, I am.
Ruby smiles at him adoringly.
Ruby: You are so efficient!
Riyyh perks up at the praise.
Ruby: Now, let's go before anything else crops up.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh moves with Ruby out of the Collectorium.
Emerald finishes the hem on the dress for Ruby to wear to the wedding.
Emerald bites off the cotton and holds up the ruby red skintight outfit.
Emerald: Oh, she will look like a doll in this!
Ruby walks as fast as she can in the shoes she is wearing.
Emerald: And she is much prettier than that what's her name - well, the one that is getting married.
Riyyh floats with her with a Sime's unconscious [well, in his case, carefully calculated] grace.
Emerald: My daughter may be a Gen but at least she hasn't allowed herself to become fat just because of that!
Emerald: Randy!!!!
Emerald: That's the name
Emerald: Suits her from what I hear.
Ruby: Riyyh, Riyyh you know I can't keep up with you when you do that!
Riyyh: I'm sorry, of course not.
Ruby is upset cause she knows she doesn't look her best when she scuttles along.
Riyyh slows his pace to match one of Ruby's more dignified gaits.
Riyyh is pleased with anything that gives him a few more minutes to prepare for "the meeting".
Emerald thinks that Ruby in this dress might just turn the balance and she might have a Sectuib as a son after all.
Ruby is glad that her mother lives close, so handy when she wants her washing done.
Riyyh follows Ruby up the walk to her mother's cottage.
Ruby opens the door and walks in.
Ruby: Mummy!? We are here!
Riyyh stands in the entryway, rubbing his hands and tentacles in what he would be horrified if he realized was an unconscious nervous gesture.
Ruby takes off her coat and puts her new hat on the hall stand.
Emerald: Darling! [looks at Riyyh as she says this to Ruby]
Riyyh immediately stops fidgeting and affects a posture of perfect ease.
Riyyh smiles at Ruby's mother.
Riyyh: Hello, Emerald.
Emerald kisses the air a foot from her daughter's cheek.
Ruby likewise kisses the air somewhere near her mother.
Ruby: Mummy, Riyyh has agreed to talk to you about the new outfit you made him.
Riyyh has often wondered how this family managed to procreate.
Ruby is unaware that she has let slip that it's already made.
Riyyh knows a start of alarm as he hears the fatal bit of information slip loose.
Riyyh gulps.
Emerald: Oh, wonderful!
Emerald: I'll go get it.
Riyyh wonders with some unease if he'll be able to handle this gracefully.
Emerald dashes into the sunroom and returns with a splended black outfit with ruby red sequins.
Emerald holds it up proudly.
Emerald: It took me ages to sew on all the sequins.
Riyyh is aghast.
Riyyh: ~~ delight ~~
Ruby: oh mummy! it's wonderful!
Riyyh knows a deep and violent personal trauma upon imagining himself wearing the outfit publicly.
Ruby: Oh Riyyh you have to try it on now! I have to see you in it!
Riyyh: ~~ admiration ~~
Ruby: It's just perfect!
Emerald hands him the outfit.
Riyyh immediately sets about devising a terrible calamity that might befall the outfit, perhaps falling into the hearth.
Riyyh holds it gingerly.
Riyyh: ~~ very pleased ~~
Emerald: Use Ruby's room.
Riyyh smiles at them both.
Riyyh: If you feel I should... now?
Emerald: Oh yes!
Riyyh creeps into Ruby's room and closes the door.
Emerald: [softly to her daughter] I have your dress finished too... but I think that Riyyh should wait to see you in it tomorrow
Emerald: Want to see it?
Ruby: Oh yes mummy! I'm so excited!
Ruby: Want to see my hat?
Ruby: I'll get it.
Ruby runs back and grabs the hat.
Riyyh puts on the outfit, which is hot from sitting in the sunroom.
Riyyh starts feeling claustrophobic and overheated.
Riyyh notices the outfit is incredibly close fitting and wonders how on earth she managed to get some of these measurements.
Emerald holds up the slinky red outfit for her daughter's approval.
Ruby: Oh!
Ruby can't say anything else.
Ruby's eyes shine.
Ruby: Oh mummy.
Riyyh studies himself in the mirrors (all 20 or 30 in Ruby's room... never occurs to him that it's a lot or anything)
Ruby: Quick! Hide it before he comes down!
Emerald: If that doesn't make him acknowledge publicly that you are his, nothing will!
Ruby blushes.
Riyyh turns around and studies himself from all angles, treading carefully to avoid tripping over some of Ruby's 300 pairs of shoes, some of which don't fit in the closet.
Riyyh decides the outfit is completely obscene and he would never be able to perform a marriage in public wearing this and feel even remotely dignified.
Riyyh thinks, however, it would make an exciting outfit for some other, more private, activities.
Emerald: You know it matches the outfit I made for Riyyh.
Emerald: You will look made for each other!
Riyyh removes the outfit and folds it carefully.
Riyyh dons his real clothes.
Riyyh pauses to preen in the mirrors, trying to decide if the gray makes him look distinguished.
Ruby puts the hat away and sits carefully on the sofa, arranging herself so that when Riyyh enters the room she will look magnificent.
Riyyh finally leaves the room, carrying the outfit folded neatly.
Riyyh goes back down the stairs.
Emerald's face falls as Riyyh comes down without the sparkles on.
Riyyh blinks in amazement at the bright red, extremely flamboyant dress Ruby is wearing.
Emerald: But where is it?
Emerald: But why aren't you wearing it!
Emerald: We wanted to see it!
Emerald: Didn't it fit?
Riyyh: Oh, it fit. [sincerely]
Riyyh thinks it fit things he wasn't even aware clothing could be made to fit.
Riyyh projects ~~pleased relaxed pleasant~~
Riyyh: I would be proud to wear this, when the time comes.
Ruby: Oh Riyyh darling - do you want to surprise me with it tomorrow?
Ruby beams lovingly at him.
Riyyh is not thinking that the wedding is that time. But....
Riyyh thinks he'll have to surprise her with it first thing in the morning if he wants to get that out of the way before the wedding.