Apr 29 18:59:01 106 PA
From Chronicles
This room has a rather solid feel to it. The first sign of which being the first step onto the charcoal shaded tile floor. The type of feel a mid upper class apartment affords, the cultured slates give a nice semi gloss sheen off their dark surface. In contrast to the dark floors the walls are a pleasantly light pastel blue. Serene one might say. Both are pretty sparse in decoration. A sole lush white rug takes up the area immediatly around a queen wallbed. As opposed to pictures, mirrors hang framed on the walls, showing various tints of the red spectrum.
The furniture consists of two half circle couches around a central open fireplace. Simplistic coffee tables and fire. The bronze sconces are everywhere about the room, cradling everything from small candles to the large oil wick at the center of her small dining table. They serve as the sole light for the apartment at night. Scenting the air with a sweet sugary taste, inherent to the oil she burns. The queen wall bed spends most time folded away, making the bachelor suite much more open and inviting. Though when it is down the white and bronze silk sheets merely complement the room.
The Kitchen and bath are impressive, full in design and in commodities. Spices and herbs fill the shelves above the wracks of utensils for preparing them. The fridge is modest, adequate for a single person. Her copper cookware hangs gleaming from the ceiling rack to add to the fiery decor of the suite. Its sheen indicating she is particular about her cookware. Given her history to those who know it and her decor choice, Tirzah appears to be quite taken with the amenities of city life.
Having had some time to think matters over, Sage has come to the conclusion that she'll have to speak with the redhead before she can really resolve an issue. To this end, she uses her key to open the door to the woman's apartment and slip inside. "Tirzah?" She calls softly, hoping the other woman will be around.
Unlike last time when Sage came a calling to Tirzah being resident, sort of. The window is tightly shut this evening to keep the smothering rains at bay. The sconces burn birght and warm, creating a special sanctuary from the cold wet dark exuded outside. Tirzah floats above the bed, reading "Geological structure". "Here." She calls inviting Sage closer, dropping the book and herself, never has she seen a drier read which is apparent as she flexes her eyes to regain some moisture.
Taking in the scene, Sage appreciates the feel of the room but it provides little solace as she has other things on her mind. She looks over to find the other woman floating over the bed and wanders over towards her to settle on the corner of the bed. "I've been thinking on recent events..." She comments softly.
Tirzah becomes concerned with Sage's tone slightly resembling the weather and perks up, her expression immediately attentive. "Is something wrong, or has happened recently?" She asks, eager to help Sage if she can.
With it becoming obvious that she has something on her mind, Sage doesn't try to keep that from creeping into her expression. "Perhaps..." She comments, "One thing that has been on my mind is the way you handled that warlock." Her tone soft, with some uncertainty to it.
Tirzah nods placing her hand over Sage's as she looks into her partners eyes. "I thought that might be the case, but you didn't say anything. I think the wrongness of the circumstances bother you as well. If I didn't do something, they would have killed him. my own conscience didn't like that, though I understand if your having trouble coming to grips to what i chose to do."
"I was in no position to stop you or know what you intended... and after I got down there, it was too late to do anything about it." Sage comments, "And, I don't think I was the only one to be disturbed... yet, it seemed the cause was good." She takes a breath and lets it out, "It isn't easy to say that it was wrong... yet, there may have been a better way." She gives a faint shrug.
Tirzah nods shrugging helplessly. "There probably was, but I couldn't see one then and I didn't have the luxury to explore the possibilities. Given my options i think I made the best choice if not the right one. He cant enslave elementals now, and perhaps the lesson has taught him the true nature of their gift. Which he still has to use to the benefit of others." She explains, her hand closing on Sage's comfortingly. "Life just isn't fair, not to him, us, anyone. How can we hold one another to such ideals in an imperfect world? We can't really, we can do what we think is right or best, and we can hope that's good enough."
Quietly Sage gazes at her partner, trying to recall the situation that had been presented. "Perhaps the toughest thing for some to accept is that we - as your group - had no first hand knowledge of the warlock and his past deeds." She comments, "Despite what he might have done, you may appear more the villain than he." She gives a sad sort of smile, "But, I suppose I shall have to content myself with faith... and hope others do not judge you too harshly."
Tirzah smiles reassuringly at Sage. "If they do that's my worry, I wouldn't want you to burden yourself with it. Zachary may resent a hard truth for a bit but I think deep down he prefers what happened to what we had intended. Rather the shock is that I took it upon myself to do the punishment. I took responsibility and made the choice. It went from the groups interest in survival to my pursuit of justice. The resolve required for that is no easy thing to swallow, to witness someone you felt was reasonable make that decision, he may not trust me with other decisions for a bit. Maxy didn't seem affected at all though, and I'm not sure about Bek yet. But most importantly, what do you think Sage?" She asks, looking open and accepting.
Listening to it all, Sage purses her lips as she realizes the other woman is perceptive in her own right. She nods slowly to the woman's words, before she takes a breath. She gazes at her partner for a moment, before she seems to ready to comment. "I think you have it in you to do terrible things... but, you do seem to work towards good in your own way."
Tirzah nods considering Sage's words carefully. "Maybe I do. Maybe fate will force such actions on me, maybe I will seek them out. Regardless the actions will always be mine so i will take their responsibility and consequences with dignity, I wont hide or run. That's my code that's what i think would be just. We can go from there." She suggests with a warm smile to Sage.
"That's not terribly comforting." Sage comments as the woman speaks about what fate might force, but lets the woman continue without further interruption. She reaches out to touch the other woman on the cheek with her hand, but the contact only seems to draw a sadness to her features. She gaze dropping away for the moment.
Tirzah shakes her head. "No it wasn't meant to be, it was meant to be honest my dear Sage. But I do have something that could be comforting, if maybe you'd like to see if I have it in me to do wonderful things." She offers before rising and extending her hand to her partner.
When Sage looks up, her eyes are overly moist but no tears have trickled out. She tentatively takes her partners hand and gives a small sniffling noise as she moves to rise to her feet. "Okay." She comments softly, trying to keep any other emotional things from bubbling into her tone.
The Merchant's Plaza is always teeming with people and is in many respects one of Kingsdale's centers of activity. Several city blocks in size, it is a sprawling collection of structures both ramshackle and sturdy. One might find a elven mystic (offering psycic counselling services at that) sitting in a lean-to made of logs and brush right next to a chemically treated concrete structure that houses an automobile service station. Sometimes these structures are single-establishment buildings but there are several 'strip mall' style buildings that hold several different stores.
There are always people of all shapes, sizes, races and colors coming and going which makes both pedestrian and vehicle traffic heavy. The only exception to this is the Merchant's Plaza Park where those weary of mercantile pursuits can stop and take a rest.
It is said that anything can be found here, but that is largely a falsification. One can find -almost- anything here, except offensive (Read: MDC) weaponry. For that, one must go to The Gunnery in the south of the city. But anything else can absolutely be found here and not just items either. Of note is that the Merchant's Plaza is heavily patrolled by the KDPD who step in whenever problems occur but many believe the area still rife with criminals and pickpockets and wouldn't be caught dead in a dark alleyway here.
Tirzah takes Sage's hand and pulls her up, their hands knitting. "Chin up, you get the bad, and the good. A priviledge i do not share with any other." She jokes smiling a bit at Sage. Then without dallying she takes up her coat and leads Sage to and through the market square. The rains do not daunt her, rather she walks with a purpose until she comes to the point to rent a hand cart for shopping.
A weak smile is given to her partner as she's content to be lead along. She pauses at the door to don her protective clothing against the rain. She doesn't say much as she waits for what Tirzah wishes to speak to her. She seems composed enough. "Shopping?" She asks softly as her partner takes up a hand cart.
Tirzah just smirks at Sage. "All good things start with shopping." She states wisely as she takes up the cart and makes her way to the Covered vendors of food stuffs, neeiding their merchandise dry for the shopper. It doenst take her long to find the first item she has in mind. She easily plucks the 50 pound bag of rice and pays the vendor after depositing it in the cart. Then throwing the cover over the cart she leads Sage on.
"I suppose..." Sage comments, unsure of what the other woman has in mind. Her telepathic senses beginning to creep into the other woman's mind. Yet, sometimes what she finds in the other woman's mind isn't what she has intended to scry out. She follows along for the time being. She raises a brow at the bag of rice, and seems to mentally cross off a possibility. The current game time is: Fri Apr 29 21:47:31 106 PA.
On Tirzah's mind at the moment is tea leaves, and two recognizably local weeds, odd. Making her way to the next booth holding things she wants she purchases 20 pounds of dried peas and corn and drops them in with the rice. Then she makes her way out of the large shelter to a more privately tented meat vender and purchases a dozen tines of corned beef.
When the other woman seems to have an interest in a large quantity of food, Sage begins to start trying to figure out what the other woman is up to. The thoughts of her partner are not terribly enlightening. "Donations for the refugees?" She asks finally, as she's fairly certain that Tirzah isn't about to cook a massive meal for her benefit.
Tirzah smirks at Sage again shaking her head. "Donations?? I don't believe in charity." She states simply but does lead them north through the gates and to the refugees. The evening late many are huddled in the tents, though she is hopeful as she pulls up the cart.
This is a small camp of Tolkeen Refugee. It has been slowly growing in size. The city isn't sure what they should do with these people, but for now they are allowed to form a small camp along the west side of the Kingsdale city entrance. There are perhaps two dozen large tents setup. Each of them has what is left of a family, or a group of people who bonded together in their flight south away from Tolkeen. A new group seems to sneak its way south and show up here once a week. So far they are being very peaceful, but more and more of them are starting to wonder if anyone can help them. Most of them have been trying to find jobs, but as many of them are farmers the jobs are scarce right now for them.
As she wheels the cart up to the tents the get some notice and Tirzah smiles at the faces that turn to regard them. Pulling back the cover on the cart she definitely catches some attention, but is also questioned, this isnt the normal donation hour not that they'll turn away free food. "If I can get one able volunteer to help me through tonight and tomorrow this food is yours to share." She announces, getting more speculation. But there are a few interested in the trade and some young farmboys approach. "Is it ok if we all help?" The ask brightly and Tirzah nods slightly. "It is, but I only have one flashlight on me so if your friends ban borrow some torches or lights that would be best. My timing isnt the best but its when I have it."She explains and the boys retreat to gather some light sources.
Unsure of what her partner's plan is, Sage hangs back a little feeling awkward that she isn't even sure if she's expected to do anything. She gives a shy little wave to the people that glance to her.
The boys return with some oil lamps and flashlights and Tirzah nods in approval. "Alright we'll need this cart so if you lads could unload the food for the others we'll be on our way." She instructs with a smile before looking back at Sage. "You feeling a bit better?" She asks her partner as the food is unloaded, her expression encouraging.
When the other woman doesn't seem to have an elaborate plan that involves her awkwardly standing about, Sage isn't sure whether to be relieved or not. She offera a weak smile when Tirzah looks to her, "That was nice of you." She comments softly, before glancing around. "Are we going somewhere else now?"
As the boys return from unloading the cart Tirzah nods to all. "Yes, now I seem to have an empty cart, that wont do at all. But if you'll follow me across to the landing strip the sparse shrubbery there will suit my purposes just fine." She notes starting to pull the cart and lead the way when one of the boys steps up. "I'll pull that miss.." "Tirzah and thank you." She replies as she steps aside to let the boy pull the card and head to the landing strip.
The Kingsdale Landing Strip is actually quite a small facility. There is only one runway, though it is easily big enough to accomodate even very large transport planes at 3,000 meters in length. There is a small control tower off to the left at about three stories but by and large the runway is actually the most seldom used part of this large facility. Now and again, civilian planes and helicopters land for fuel or repairs and there are a few hangars that serve this purpose. A few more are available for storage, and still a few more away at the end of the runway hold the single flight of combat aircraft that belongs to the Kingsdale Military. What the Landing Strip is used for most commonly though, is as a vehicle storage facility. Massive hangars are dedicated to this; holding tanks, armored personnel carriers and all sorts of armed craft -- everything which is not permitted in the city. Needless to say, this is an extremely active area with a crush of people and the roar of engines always sounding.
Sage takes a breath as she tries to settle herself and keep things on an even keel. "Are you planning on cooking over an open fire?" She asks when the topic of shubbery is brought up. She doesn't seem to know exactly what Tirzah has planned for once. Yet, it seems her reason for asking the refugees for help extends beyond the simple act of off loading food. She follows along, feeling no less awkward now that they'll move away from the main group of people.
Tirzah shakes her head lightly in reply to Sage as she leads the group to a patch of land that gets less foot traffic to allow some larger plants to make their vie at existence before the next pass of the lawn mower. "Nope, we're foragging. Sorry about the weather boys but as i said, time is fickle. Flicking on her torch she points the beam at a fairly common weed with long stalks capped be a large cluster of white flowers. Sage would probably recognize it as the common floss flower, a decent cold remedy and fortifier.
Even if Sage didn't recognize the plants, nature doesn't have many secrets from her. "Oh..." She comments softly, glad to have protective clothing against the rain as most of the water simply runs down her treated clothing and drips to the ground below. "Do you want me to do anything?" She asks softly, unsure of whether this is simply a show to prove something.
Tirzah smirks at Sage,offering her flashlight to her. "You could help us forage." She offers with a warm smile despite the downpour "I'd like to fill the cart back up boys if you could take your lamps and collect stalks from these plants with white flowers. "Leave the main stalk so more will sprout next month." She instructs patiently as she harvest the plant before them in example. A foraging trip for holistic medicine ingredients wasn't exactly what Sage had expected this little trip to turn into. She takes the flashlight with a faint nod, before she mentions to the other helpers where the plant typically likes to grow before she sets off to locate another patch of these plants.
Continuing in her patch Tirzah comes across another plant that suits and harvests the Lion's ear with equal care. Keeping an eye one the others she makes her way around to work with all of them in the takes and show them the additional plant. Between the five of them its a few hours later into the night when the cart is full of the 'weeds'. Grinning widely as they all come back to finish Tirzah is impressed at the pace. "This is great, we might have these ready for market in the morning." She notes keeping positive. Then looking to the boys she questions. "Think one of the tents back at the camp might be able to lend us a table knife and rolling pin for that task she ask them."
When the goal seems to be finding plants with medicinal properties, Sage seems most adept at discovering various types making the task seem easier to fill up the cart. Yet, it is only a momentary distraction until the process ends. The occasional thoughtful look is directed towards Tirzah. When they gather back at the cart, she glances around at the other soggy participants... keeping quiet herself.
The boys look to each other for a moment and nod. "No one aught to be using the dinner table in the main tent this late Miss Tirzah." He tells her and she smiles in reply. "Perfect, lead on good lads." She encourages, hanging back this time to walk with Sage as her hand searches for her partners.
This is a small camp of Tolkeen Refugee. It has been slowly growing in size. The city isn't sure what they should do with these people, but for now they are allowed to form a small camp along the west side of the Kingsdale city entrance. There are perhaps two dozen large tents setup. Each of them has what is left of a family, or a group of people who bonded together in their flight south away from Tolkeen. A new group seems to sneak its way south and show up here once a week. So far they are being very peaceful, but more and more of them are starting to wonder if anyone can help them. Most of them have been trying to find jobs, but as many of them are farmers the jobs are scarce right now for them.
With her partner hanging back, it doesn't seem to comfort Sage too much. This exercise seems to simply place another thing on her mind. Another variable as Tirzah may say.
Noticing Sage's persisting glumness despite it all Tirzah sighs lightly and sets herself to say something. "When were done here in the morning I want you to tell me whats really bothering you." She says simply before giving Sage her seemingly desired space to recover her positive outlook and catch up with the boys as the take the cart into the tent. Setting up the lamps they soon have a decent workstation as the rest of the camp sleeps mostly soundly. "We need to wash, dice and crush the plants and then we can package them." She tells her volunteers directing them to each take a stage in the outlined process.
When the other woman seems sense that there is something else as well, it is a small relief to Sage. It had been her intention to confess it in time within the confines of the redhead's apartment. That is, until she was dragged onto this strange expedition. At any other time, she would likely have been more than happy to help the refugees. She takes a breath and lets the tension run out of her somewhat as a timeline is finally set for her to bring the second concern into the light. She simply has to wait and offer weak smiles to the helpers as they set to a new task.
The morning twilight nears as all the plants are prepared to Tirzah's satisfaction. The pile of herbal medicine is divided into three and bagged, much smaller than the cart full they had hours earlier, but quite potent. "There we go, a teaspoon of this for a tea, perfect to help the sick and keep others from getting so. One bag you keep for the other refugees with the food. Another I'll buy from you now for 20 credits. And the third you can sell at the market once the sun is up. And since you did all the work this time i know you'll be able to sell two or three more bags tomorrow and so forth." She explains to the boys with a smile.
It doesn't take too long for Sage to distract herself into considering what combinations they could use to get certain effects. In the end, this seems to turn out into a fledgling little economic trade mission. "I may need some workers for a garden I'm setting up myself." She mentions, "But, those details can be worked out later." She suggests, figuring she may as well plant a seed to see if there is any interest in it.
Tirzah smiles warmly at Sage and the farm boys look enthused over being to make some money and buy food just from picking weeds from fields. "I'm sure when you do these three will be near professionals, perfect for the task." She promises with a wink to the three as she hands out the 20 credits and collects her bag of medicine. "Now if you'll excuse us, we better head off and perhaps get some sleep. Thanks for your help boys." She says with a wave ignoring the protests that it is they who should thank her.
Sage nods faintly to her partner's words, "Thank you." She says softly to the people that helped them, giving a small wave as they are heading off. She doesn't seem to pay too much mind to the friendly protests either.
Tirzah walks next to Sage as they start their way back, the sky brightening. And even though she's pulling the cart she frees a hand to clasp Sage's possessively. "So whats the matter?" She asks simply, her tone curious and unassuming.
The possessive motion is noted by Sage, but she doesn't resist it. She's tired, and doesn't feel the energy to dance around the issue or break out the waterworks that she may have been on the verge of earlier. "My people are arranging a marriage for me." She comments softly, giving Tirzah a tentative glance. "And, they want me to train someone to take my place." She adds, albeit the second thing is a lesser concern to her at this time.
The Merchant's Plaza is always teeming with people and is in many respects one of Kingsdale's centers of activity. Several city blocks in size, it is a sprawling collection of structures both ramshackle and sturdy. One might find a elven mystic (offering psycic counselling services at that) sitting in a lean-to made of logs and brush right next to a chemically treated concrete structure that houses an automobile service station. Sometimes these structures are single-establishment buildings but there are several 'strip mall' style buildings that hold several different stores.
There are always people of all shapes, sizes, races and colors coming and going which makes both pedestrian and vehicle traffic heavy. The only exception to this is the Merchant's Plaza Park where those weary of mercantile pursuits can stop and take a rest.
It is said that anything can be found here, but that is largely a falsification. One can find -almost- anything here, except offensive (Read: MDC) weaponry. For that, one must go to The Gunnery in the south of the city. But anything else can absolutely be found here and not just items either. Of note is that the Merchant's Plaza is heavily patrolled by the KDPD who step in whenever problems occur but many believe the area still rife with criminals and pickpockets and wouldn't be caught dead in a dark alleyway here.
Tirzah blinks derailed by the m word. She remains silent in reply though her possessive grasp does tighten a bit. Making their way back to the plaza to return the cart she is suddenly thankful for the rain and how it manages to help her look a little strong. Finally though with the cart gone she feels the trembling settle and masters her resolve. "What do you want to do?" She asks Sage, her tone forced into flat as the only alternative she has to weeping.
The tightening of the grasp prompts Sage to adjust her hand within the other woman's grip in case the sensation should start to become uncomfortable. She glances over to Tirzah with concern in her features, but there is only soft emotion. Its hard to tell with the rain if there's any tears that have managed to come out or if the rain had simply struck her face at some point. "I'm not sure... yet." She comments softly, adding the last word to make it seem a little more hopeful.
Tirzah nods, breathing in sharply as she fights down the sobs to be strong for Sage. "There is a job coming up, I here its near Tolkeen. if you wish we can use it to leave. I cant leave you though, I just cant find that strength. And thinking about the plotting of your people to arrange this, well I'm not proud to admit terrible things tempt me. But I'll fight them, I'll fight the hurt, I'll give you the time to figure out what you want and need. Just please, don't live for anyone else." She pleads before sobbing and leaning her head into Sage's shoulder as they head home.
When her partner's flame seems to gutter rather than flare, Sage feels no relief as this could simply be the calm before the storm. She gives the other woman's hand a little squeeze when it is suggested they could slip away. Her own turmoil seems to abate a little as her candle seems stronger than the roaring flame that her partner usually represents. She isn't sure how to comfort the other woman other than offering her physical closeness. "Thank you." She murmurs softly as the other woman says that she'll have time to decide what she wants. << You will rest in my arms ... and we will comfort each other. >> She whispers into the other woman's mind as sobbing begins.
