Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #104: Cherry Pie (1/19/99)
Lucia enters the food line, which is peaceful and quiet.
Vissera humms as she removes a cherry pie from the oven.
Lucia studies the fruit salads, telling herself they are very healthy.
Lucia: Uh-huh... yeah.
Vissera sets the pie to cool, and goes to check whether the tea urns require refilling.
Lucia: Oh, Hi Vissera!
Lucia waves at her.
Vissera: Hello... Lucia, isn't it?
Lucia: Yes. [smiles]
Lucia: Oh, these cottage cheese salads look very good.
Lucia looks around.
Lucia: It sure is empty. I thought everybody'd be down here staking out the place just in case.
Vissera: Staking it out? Whatever for?
Vissera is a bit ~~ alarmed ~~ at the implications.
Lucia: You must be new here! [laughs]
Vissera: Well, yes.
Lucia: It's Sectuib's transfer day.
Vissera: So I understood.
Lucia: He always comes down here for a cup of tea before, you know,
Lucia: Picking.
Vissera baked the cherry pie for that reason.
Vissera: Picking?
Vissera associates picking with vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
Lucia blushes.
Lucia being Narosian, is not embarrassed by the subject matter, but by Vissera's ignorance.
Lucia: Well, I mean, he is a healthy male, after all....
Vissera: Umm, yes, of course.
Vissera is now blushing as well.
Lucia inspects the fruit salads with renewed studiousness.
Lucia: And with the new Donor being Farris trained....
Vissera: You mean he has a... contest of sorts planned?
Lucia: What?
Lucia looks up, confused.
Lucia: What contest?
Vissera: Oh, excuse me, I must have misunderstood.
Lucia: What did you think I meant? ~curious~
Vissera: I though you were trying to say that he usually comes here to pick out... female company.
Lucia: Oh! He does.
Lucia: I mean, that's not what he comes here for, he comes here for the tea.
Vissera is now totally confused.
Lucia: But that doesn't stop opportunistic ladies from, you know, running into him here.
Lucia: On purpose.
Lucia is actually one of those ladies herself.
Lucia: And I mean, if he didn't like it, I suppose he'd get tea at home or something.
Lucia can't actually imagine Riyyh not liking "it", but in the interests of fairness....
Vissera: I hadn't realized what it meant, having an unmarried Sectuib. I mean, that all the unattached women would be throwing themselves at him.
Vissera wonders with a touch of guilt if Riyyh thought she was throwing herself at him, and if that was what prompted his strange behavior.
Lucia: Well, I mean he must like it, or he wouldn't have so many kids! I mean, really.
Lucia brushes back her light brown hair.
Vissera: But I thought he wasn't married?
Lucia: He isn't.
Lucia: Not for lack of anybody trying, either!
Lucia: Some people, [nods significantly] just aren't the marrying type.
Vissera: It seems like most of the people here are married. I suppose that would limit his choices.
Vissera is a bit ~~ sympathetic ~~ for such limitations.
Lucia starts to laugh merrily.
Vissera blinks, trying to figure out what she said that was so amusing.
Lucia: I don't think Sectuib worries very much about those things.
Vissera: About being married?
Lucia: About other people being married. Or if he does, he certainly hasn't let it get in the way of anything!
Lucia of course has no idea Vissera is still in the dark about certain matters central to Naros' identity and, er, genetic makeup.
Vissera: He sleeps with married women?
Vissera: ~~ shock ~~
Lucia's laughter dies out as she stares at Vissera in confusion.
Lucia: You mean you didn't know?
Vissera: Know what?
Lucia would have thought Vissera was joking, except for her tone of voice and expression.
Vissera: Apparently there's something I don't know.
Lucia looks in both directions, for witnesses (there are none, alas; any points racked up have to be scored privately).
Lucia: Well, Sectuib, you see, he pretty much sleeps with whoever he likes.
Lucia: Or usually, whoever takes a fancy to him.
Lucia: He'll never say no, no matter who asks.
Vissera: He does? He won't?
Lucia: Married or unmarried, female or... right.
Lucia: That's how we got into this fix in the first place.
Vissera: Fix?
Lucia: You know, being related.
Vissera: Related?
Lucia: And fixed [adds] at least in his case.
Lucia gives Vissera a long, slow look.
Lucia: You're pulling my leg, aren't you.
Lucia: How could you have possibly been interviewed, and accepted, and lived here a month, all without hearing any of this?
Vissera: Not intentionally, I assure you.
Lucia wonders if Vissera is either stone deaf, or has memory like a swiss cheese.
Lucia thinks she can safely eliminate the first, based upon empirical evidence.
Lucia supposes a massive amount of denial might account for it, although lord knows no more of that needed to be brought into Naros' genetic pool.
Vissera: Sectuib Riyyh didn't say anything about a fix when he interviewed me, we mostly talked about what sorts of foods are enjoyed by the membership and so on.
Vissera: And I suppose everybody else must have assumed that he'd told me.
Lucia is baffled.
Lucia: You must not get out much.
Lucia thinks Naros sure is changing.
Vissera: Well, no, I don't.
Lucia remembers when, about 6 months ago, a person couldn't change the color of their underwear without everybody knowing within a couple of days.
Vissera: I'm just not terribly good at making new acquaintances.
Vissera: You see....
Vissera looks around to check for eavesdroppers, a totally amateur effort by Narosian standards.
Vissera: I've never been able to keep people's names straight.
Lucia: Wow.
Lucia thinks that's quite a handicap.
Vissera blushes in embarrassment.
Lucia: Faces too, or just names?
Vissera: Both, I'm afraid.
Lucia: ~sympathy~
Vissera: So it's rather hard to start a conversation with somebody, when you don't know if you've met before.
Lucia: Couldn't you talk about the weather, or something?
Lucia is going to have to tell all her friends about this.
Lucia glances surreptitiously at the door to see if Riyyh has come in yet.
Vissera: I do a lot of that, but meteorological data isn't necessarily the key to understanding a community.
Vissera: Thank goodness Sectuib Riyyh dresses so formally; I can recognize him from the white lining on his cape.
Lucia is frankly amazed.
Lucia: You don't recognize anybody?
Vissera: Well, not until I've met them a few times, and gotten to know them.
Vissera: Which is rather difficult, under the circumstances.
Lucia: Oh. ~~comprehension~~
Lucia has just realized that means Vissera has never had a chance to "get to know" Riyyh.
Lucia nods.
Lucia hopes that doesn't mean she'll provide competition.
Lucia thinks maybe not, given the shock Vissera displayed regarding sex with married women.
Lucia: Er...
Lucia: So um, does that mean you didn't know we're all related, either?
Vissera: When I was interviewing, I was told that Naros required more genetic diversity.
Lucia: Urgently requires, I'd say.
Vissera: I suppose that if you have the same families intermarrying for generations, it would be hard to find someone who wasn't at least a distant cousin.
Lucia: Shenned hard. [with feeling]
Lucia: I mean, everybody I was interested in turned out to be my half brother at the very least.
Vissera: Half brother?
Lucia: Two of them were 3/4. [admits]
Vissera: Three quarters? But that means....
Lucia: And then there was Shanoa. He turned out to be a no-go because his grandpa was Riyyh's brother. Riyyh had a lot of brothers and sisters, you know.
Lucia: I mean, half-brothers and sisters.
Lucia sighs wistfully.
Vissera tries to resurrect her (never terribly complete) knowledge of genetics.
Vissera: Half brothers and sisters? You mean, his father, um, ...?
Lucia: Well, yes! He was Sectuib you know, and a First. A lot of ladies were interested in carrying his child.
Lucia: Riyyh was born of his actual wife, but that doesn't mean there weren't others.
Vissera: So, um, having a lot of children with other women is expected from Sectuibs?
Lucia picks up a fruit salad and a fork and starts to munch reflectively.
Lucia: Oh yes. I mean, it's traditional, in the Householdings.
Lucia: I think maybe it was more common a few hundred years ago, but....
Vissera: Oh!
Lucia: I think Riyyh did overdo it a bit, but there's no use in belaboring the obvious is there?
Vissera is ~~ relieved ~~ as certain puzzling things start to make sense.
Lucia: After all, it's not as if the poor fellow has any willpower whatsoever.
Vissera: And nobody gets upset about it?
Lucia: Oh, there was a bit of a ruckus when everybody found out, but that was ages [weeks] ago.
Vissera wonders at hearing one of Riyyh's members speak of him so disrespectfully.
Lucia: That's why all the new members.
Vissera: Oh, I see!
Lucia grins.
Vissera hadn't realized that she'd been brought in as an alternative, unmarried potential partner for Riyyh, but she is not completely averse to the idea.
Lucia: So maybe that's why you can't tell us apart... we all look alike!
Vissera: And here I thought I was just getting slow in my old age.
Lucia: Although the names, well....
Riyyh slips into the Dining Hall, looking shiny and well dressed some 3 hours after a very nice transfer off Rapol.
Vissera: I do learn them, eventually.
Vissera looks up and sees Riyyh.
Vissera: Why, here's Sectuib now.
Lucia nearly chokes.
Lucia: Shen, and here I am stuffing my face!
Vissera caught a glimpse of white lining on the cape.
Lucia hastily puts the fruit salad aside.
Vissera: Sectuib, you're looking well.
Vissera: Have you come for some tea and a snack?
Riyyh smiles at Lucia and Vissera.
Riyyh: Hello, Lucia, Vissera. Thank you.
Lucia wipes her mouth.
Riyyh: That sounds delightful. Thank you, Vissera.
Vissera: I just baked a cherry pie.
Vissera: Would you like to try a piece?
Lucia: Hello! [belatedly]
Riyyh: Of course. [smiles]
Lucia thinks she can spirit Riyyh out while Vissera is off fetching the pie.
Lucia: ~embarrassed but eager~
Vissera: I have a much greater selection of teas in the kitchen, as well.
Vissera: Perhaps you'd like to see them and make a selection?
Riyyh slides around the end of the counter to join Vissera.
Riyyh: Sure.
Riyyh, aside from having a white-lined cape, looks exactly like everybody else at Naros only more so.
Lucia pouts.
Lucia thinks she's been had, with all that pretend shock over the sex outside of marriage and all - that Vissera was probably pulling her leg the whole time.
Lucia then laughs at herself for being suckered in, and leaves the Dining Hall.
Vissera leads the way to the kitchen.
Riyyh follows.
Vissera's nose twitches at the succulent smell coming from the cooling cherry pie.
Riyyh is feeling pretty good right at the moment. Mellow, no nerves to speak of, high field, and somewhat hungry.
Vissera waves Riyyh to a seat, and hurries over to put the kettle on.
Riyyh sits graciously.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Vissera sets out two cups, then lines up an assortment of tea blends.
Vissera: What looks good to you today, Sectuib?
Riyyh watches her appreciatively, but carefully makes no moves towards her.
Riyyh: I haven't tasted the Special Export blend in some time... how about that?
Riyyh is content to sit in the kitchen where it is so peaceful, for a little while.
Riyyh has in fact tested the Special Export extensively, but "in some time" for him, when it comes to tea, means about 2 weeks.
Vissera: Special Export it is.
Vissera measures the tea into the glasses, then starts to cut the pie.
Vissera: It's good to see a Sime with some appetite.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: You can thank Rapol for that. He is a godsend.
Vissera: He did well by you?
Vissera sets a generous wedge of pie in front of Riyyh.
Riyyh: Oh, yes. I can't describe it. He is so gentle, and kind, and attentive, and yet his nager is so powerful.
Riyyh accepts a fork and begins to eat, in a neat and mannerly fashion.
Vissera sits down with her own, even more generous pie serving.
Vissera: I'm glad to hear that.
Riyyh darts a grateful smile at her.
Vissera: He is new like me, isn't he?
Riyyh: Yes, he is. Even newer.
Vissera takes a careful bite of pie, blowing on it to cool it before putting it in her mouth.
Vissera: Is he settling in well?
Riyyh's voice and expression change slightly, becoming more compassionate.
Riyyh: It is so hard for him.
Riyyh: I do think he enjoys it here, though, and I hope that Naros will be good for him.
Vissera is ~~ sympathetic ~~
Vissera resolves to try to say a few kind words to Rapol, if she ever meets him (and knows who he is).
Riyyh is pleased by Vissera's sympathy.
Vissera: How is your pie? Do be careful; there's always the chance that a pit escaped.
Riyyh smiles, flattered by her concern.
Riyyh: It's excellent. Your reputation as a chef is certainly well earned.
Vissera: Thank you.
Vissera's face turns rosy with ~~ pleasure ~~
Riyyh studies her, enjoying his sharpened visual sense and the enhancement her face undergoes when smiling and rosy.
Vissera: I do like seeing people enjoy my food.
Riyyh himself is practically glowing after the good transfer, and all dolled up for hunting.
Riyyh: [this basically means how he always looks except more jewelry and fancier embroidery]
Vissera: You do look fine this afternoon.
Vissera: ~~ appreciation ~~
Riyyh: Why thank you. ~~touched~~
Riyyh: And so do you. So... alive.
Vissera blushes.
Vissera thinks Riyyh is one of the handsomest, most gentlemanly gentlemen of a certain age she's ever met.
Vissera being at a certain age herself is able to appreciate his finer qualities.
Vissera: I've noticed that high-field Gens always seem more alive to Simes.
Riyyh zlins the softening of her nager and his body language and expression change subtly, unconsciously, in response.
Riyyh chuckles.
Riyyh: It is your smile that made it seem so to me, and not your nager.
Riyyh: Your smile, and when you blushed, you did it so prettily.
Vissera demonstrates said smile.
Vissera demonstrates the blush, too.
Riyyh demonstrates one of his most seductive smiles, simply by smiling in pure appreciation of her own demonstration.
Vissera finds herself reaching out to touch the closest tentacle.
Riyyh allows the tentacle to curl gently around her finger, then opens his hand, welcoming hers.
Vissera shyly places her hand in Riyyh's.
Vissera: I've always liked how they feel.
Vissera: Tentacles, I mean.
Riyyh meets her eyes, his own showing something between kind encouragement and definitely-turned-on.
Vissera: But for some reason, most men who show interest in a cook happen to be Gen.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: Your art speaks to them every day.
Riyyh: I could envy them.
Vissera: While Simes are only interested two weeks in the month?
Riyyh: At Naros, it can be different. [softly]
Riyyh: We do not hold entirely to the modern ways, here.
Vissera hadn't thought the lack of Sime appetite during need was a modern phenomenon, but hey, Riyyh's the channel.
Vissera: You don't?
Riyyh zlins her doubt.
Riyyh: Surely you've met them, the ones who are married as Sime and Gen as well as man and wife?
Riyyh: If you are interested, and if there is one with whom you are compatible....
Vissera: I've never thought about it -- it's so strictly forbidden, outside of a few Householdings.
Riyyh smiles again.
Vissera: Do you really think I could?
Riyyh: Given the right Sime, I don't see why not.
Riyyh: The match is extremely important, and it often doesn't work out that the one you love is a match nagerically as well, but it can happen.
Riyyh: If it did, think of the balance - your recipes and then your nager, in a repeating cycle of the giving of life.
Riyyh squeezes her hand gently, inspired.
Vissera smiles dreamily.
Vissera: I was disappointed after Unity, when they told me I didn't have a strong enough nager to qualify for Donor training.
Riyyh nods sympathetically.
Vissera: I told myself it was just a childish dream, and went back to cooking.
Vissera: Do you really think I have the skill to give transfer?
Riyyh: To give transfer to a renSime does not require skill. [gently]
Vissera: It doesn't?
Riyyh: It requires a gentle heart, and a little training, and a perfect match.
Riyyh: Over time, you would develop skill, yes, just as the Sime would develop skill in serving you.
Vissera: Serving me?
Riyyh looks into her eyes, his own gray eyes alight with passion.
Riyyh: Yes. To serve is not only the duty of the Gen, but the gift two give to each other.
Vissera: ~~ dreamy ~~
Vissera: It sounds wonderful.
Riyyh: Perhaps, if you like, I could introduce you to our matchmakers, Mostan and Teviska.
Vissera: Matchmakers?
Vissera: Sort of like a dating service?
Riyyh: They have a knack for choosing those who are meant for each other nagerically. [explains]
Riyyh: If you are interested in a Sime, they can tell you if you may be compatible or not.
Vissera: Are all the Simes in Naros looking for partners?
Riyyh: Not all, but many.
Riyyh: Many are channels, and beyond your reach. [admits] And others are already attached. But a few, yes, are available.
Riyyh: And very curious about the newcomers. [smiles]
Vissera: You said that some training is required?
Vissera: ~~ eager to get started ~~
Riyyh is pleased by her enthusiasm.
Riyyh: Yes, you would work with a channel for a while.
Riyyh: I could arrange for it, if you like.
Riyyh is eager to help her become more integrated into Narosian life.
Riyyh feels as if all the newcomers are his children, as much as his more tenured members.
Vissera shoots a glace at Riyyh through her eyelashes, which are long and dark, one of her best features.
Vissera: You don't do the training yourself?
Vissera squeezes his hand just a bit.
Riyyh is bewitched by her nearness, and the aforementioned glance.
Riyyh's breath comes a little harder.
Riyyh: I... have been known to do a little training.
Riyyh's tentacles curl about her wrist.
Vissera: Would you consider....?
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh's voice is a whisper.
Vissera smiles tenderly.
Riyyh starts feeling the urge to take her in his arms threaten to overwhelm the control he has attempted to hold on himself.
Riyyh's hand trembles.
Riyyh: I find you very... attractive. [confesses]
Riyyh: I hope that does not offend you.
Vissera: Not at all.
Vissera finds herself moving closer to Riyyh.
Riyyh: Right now, I feel an, an almost overpowering urge to take you in my arms and kiss you. Yet I would not wish to do anything that might be against your will.
Riyyh's other hand strays over to Vissera's free one.
Vissera sighs rapturously.
Vissera: I've wanted to hold you for a long time. I just wasn't sure it was proper.
Riyyh: So far as I am concerned, [gently] you may.
Vissera tentatively tries to disentangle her hands from Riyyh's tentacles, to take advantage of this permission.
Riyyh releases her, his touch lingering subtly.
Vissera lets her hands slip up his arms, lightly stroking the tentacle sheathes on their way to his shoulders.
Riyyh sighs softly with pleasure, as every pore of his body tingles.
Vissera leans over to kiss Riyyh.
Vissera is, of course, not nearly as expert at kissing as Riyyh, or even most Narosians.
Riyyh responds, very expertly.
Riyyh takes her in his arms.
Vissera sighs.
Vissera: ~~ happiness ~~