Feb 21 17:36:04 106 PA
From Chronicles
Located to the east of the Library is an open garden that extends from the floor, up five stories to the skylight ceiling. The garden is forty feet across with a large, polished marble staircase circling the garden extending up to each floor. The staircase has dark, highly polished mahogany railings on both sides of the ten foot wide staircase. In the center of the garden is a fountain about ten feet across. The fountain depicts ten individuals of varying race and sex who supposedly founded the Kingsdale Library. A book placed on a pedestal is located in the center of the ten statues and spews forth water that flows past the statues feet and into the fountain pool. Marble benches circle the fountain and seem more decorative than functional. Marble paths circle the fountain and garden joining to many pleasant areas to think and enjoy the tranquility of the garden. Flowers seem in constant bloom and the hedges of the garden are said to be the healthiest and most beautiful in Kingsdale. The most striking thing about the central garden is that it is a hanging garden. Plants, flowers, and ferns line the walls extending from floor to ceiling on tiers. During the day sunlight enters the central garden filling the area with light that almost has a magical effect especially at noon when the sun is at its highest.
There aren't too many places to spend a quiet afternoon together - but this garden suits. It helps that the elements aren't taking hold here either. And so this is where the cute young couple have come for a stroll and a snack; Caliopa and Alistair are sat on a bench exuding cuteness and talking about things quietly.
The darkness of the skies doesn't encourage them to be elsewhere for sure. Caliopa is out of her work clothes, the day of peace being taken for possibly one of the first times in years. She sits, crosslegged, facing Alistair, talking softly. The choice of garden may be her choice, the hope of bumping into Sage in her mind.
On one of the upper levels, the light auburn haired woman known as Sage toils with a display that needs a little trimming. The flowers having faded away and needing trimming. She begins to hum softly to herself as she finishes off the dead-heading process and begins to re-arrange the plants to compensate for the temporarily reduced appearance.
"... maybe I could help you out a bit too" says Alistair, possibly talking about the garage. He notices Sage then and points her out to Caliopa. "There's Miss Sage" he smiles as his gaze returns to Cali. "We have enough for her too don't we?" he asks, peeking into the bag'o'goodies.
Caliopa's face lights up, a warm smile curving her lips. "Reckon so. Sage!" The call is loud enough to disturb several of the patrons, but Caliopa is oblivious, her sunny smile at full beam. "Bought you lunch!" She waves, just in case the other woman missed the yell, about as subtle as a bull in a china shop.
The raised voice does get Sage's attention as she pauses in her fussing over the plants to look over her shoulder. The voice sounds familiar, but it isn't until her gaze finds her flatmate that Sage smiles. A brow raising at the mentioning of bringing her lunch. "I'll be down in a moment, Cali!" She calls back, making one final fussing motion over the plants before she begins to work herself along the cleverly hidden sections to allow caretakers to move about the upper levels. Soon enough, she's onto the stairs and wandering down to the main levels as she wipes her hands off on a cloth.
Alistair waves at Sage also, smiling and then turning his attention back to Cali when she's hollering at Sage; it's his opportunity to be sneaky and he reaches out to tickle her side quickly. Now that noise has been made it shouldn't be a problem ... hopefuly!
A new noise, a shriek followed by a thud as Caliopa tumbles off the bench, her balance completely broken. "Al!" She doesn't get up at first, giggling helplessly, her hands over her mouth, cheeks pink. "That ain't funny!" The protest might be stronger, if it were not made in a voice shaking with giggles. She tilts her head back, to look for Sage.
Being used to the occasional playful children shrieking as they play in the garden, it doesn't seem to disturb Sage much. One moment, she's not to been seen. The next she's descending the last flight of stairs to the main floor. The look she directs towards the couple is all too knowing as some mischief curls her lips and sparkles faintly in her eyes. "Perhaps we should tickle him together..." She suggests to her flatmate with a raised brow as she begins to approach.
Oops! Alistair laughs and leans in to help Caliopa back up, "It isn't?" he asks, looking amused all the same; until Sage makes her suggestion and there's all sorts of blushing, along with a look of sheer cute terror. Run now or later? He maintains enough presence of mind to help Cali up though.
Caliopa takes the hand, using it to pull herself up as Sage approaches, the mischief in the girl's face being fair warning to Alistair, the smile turning into a broad grin. "Reckon so." She comments over her shoulder, before keeping his hand, and launching herself at his side, her fingers seeking his ribs.
Her approach towards the couple doesn't suggest Sage is in any hurry to try cutting off the man's escape route. As if she had only been teasing with her suggestion, but she grins when her flatmate agrees to the suggestion and launches the first strike. Once the man is occured with her flatmate, she seems to arrive all too soon to take advantage of whatever opening might present itself as she reaches in to lend a tickling aid to tip the scales in the favour of the women.
Alistair blinks his eyes at Cali, "Huh?" she's agreeing with that suggestion? But then it's too late, "WAH!" he tumbles back onto the bench and laughs, trying to fend off Cali's hands. This seems like it might be a losing battle though, two versus one is not such an easy proposition. It's going to be a fight!
Caliopa is giggling, her fingers seeking his ribs, kneeling on the bench next to him to get better leverage. She glances across at her flatmate, a moment in time before her attack is renewed. "I got him!" The enthusiasm for the attack is obvious.
A giggle comes from Sage as she notices her flatmates enthusiasm for the attack. She positions herself on the other side of Alistair from Cali, and crouches down to slip her tickling fingers within the gaps opened up when the man tries to fight back. "Do you suppose he'll surrender?" She asks, teasingly.
"Never!" Alistair gasps and laughs, squirming and trying to swat hands away from his ribs - he's on a one of the benches, a bag withsnakcs in nearby, and Cliopa and Sage and crouching by the bench trying to - and succeeding - in tickling him. There's limbs - mostly hands and arms - flying everywhere, it's getting to be a real fight! As real as such fights get anyway.
"Reckon so..." Caliopa's mischievous eyes brighten, the giggling becoming louder. She lowers her voice, tickling as she leans in closer, aiming to sit on him, to trap his arms and legs. "Give in, else I ain't kissin' you!" She threatens, breathless with laughter. "I'll kiss..." She looks around quickly, seeking a person to threaten him with, "Sage instead!" The threat is given in laughing tones.
With Cali in position to take the brunt of the tickle battle, Sage simply seeks to make it more difficult for the man to fight back. A teasing tickle when one the man's arms raises here, an attempt to restrain one arm as it leaves the ribs exposed there. She chuckles as the woman begins to try convincing Alistair to give in, with only a brief pause at the threat about kissing her. "Yes, better give in." She says cheerfully to the man.
Tirzah finds herself drawn to the library by the sounds of laughter and denial. Looking curious she approaches slowly and quietly, without her normal book to read. Perhaps she was drawn before she got to pick one out. Smirking slightly she sees a situation of good fun as she closes in to recognize Caliopa and Sage besieging Alistair. "Are you in need of some assistance girls?" She asks in her mischievous tone.
Alistair keeps laughing more and breathing less, his face getting redder and redder as he tries to fight them off. Cali's threat seems to get to him though - "Aaaah, no fair!" he laments between breaths, squirming a little more, "I give up!" he says a few breaths later too. Presumably they haven't stopped yet, and it's really hard to not try to swat their hands away!
Caliopa is giggling, the warmth for the pair with her obvious, her affection showing clearly in her expressive face. Tirzah's arrival and words are met with a cooling of that, and as Alistair gives up, she steps back, lifting her hands. "Don't need no help." She replies, moving to pick up the bag of food and settling next to the stricken man. She opens the bag, pulling out of it a meat and potato pasty before she offers the bag to Sage. "We won." The small smile is offered to Sage, a shared triumph.
A giggle comes from Sage as the man protests the fairness of the double team, before a broad grin comes to the surrender. She pats the man's flushed cheek playfully, "You look cute in red." She teases him lightly, before she looks back to the new arrival. "Nah... a triple team would have been unfair." She muses, before looking over to her flatmate. She looks as if she has the urge to hug someone to celebrate the victory, but the mood seems mildly diminished. "Yes... it was 'glorious'." She comments with a giggle as she looks into the bag of treats and pulls out one of the other pastries before offering gently to the defeated man.
Tirzah snickers, hiding her disappointment in not getting to participate. "So what did you win?" She asks with avid curiosity as she sheds her jackets and glances about for a good place to sit. "Will he wear a collar from now on?" She adds, a small hint of humour in her tone.
"What are our words today?"
Words that precede the arrival of a pair of individuals. The first fitting the low, light voice that speaks the question. An elf, slight and slender, though just how much so veiled by his blue robes and the armor underneath, visible in that it covers his hands. He has a slender sword riding one him, a sling holding a finely crafted bow at one side to match the close secured quiver that rides high against his back.
Behind him comes a being many ways his opposite. Tall and broad in shape, the powerful canid male wears heavy combat armor and the long hilt of a sword great in size protrudes, with no other visible weapons. His hands are occupied with a half dozen books that he carries as he follows behind the elf, his brow furrowed as he starts to slowly recite words. Rough, guttural attempts at Dragonese that fall far from the mark. Even so, the elf nods his head, seeming lost for a moment in his guidance of the canine as he "Better, you're getting better." He turns his head to smile at the canine who seems relaxed by the praise, his head bobbing agreeably. Are they familiar to the casual observer? If they were at the gates, oh yes.
Alistair breathes hard for a little while, having been driven breathless - if he's going to blush, it's not exactly easy to tell with his face as it is. Eventually Alistair sits up, looking around for a bottle of juice they brought to have some, offering a sheepish smile to the winners. The new arrivals distract him - first the mention of some sort of collar, then the Elf.
Caliopa glances up at Sage, and offers both a can of drink and a hug, with a warm, if small, smile. "It was good, reckon he ain't gonna take us on." The words trail off as the elf arrives, and Caliopa gives him a look with wide eyes. "That him, Al?" She whispers, but not as softly as she would like. The being behind him gets a look of wider amazement, and Caliopa stares obviously, unhidden, unsubtly.
Settling her stuff for when its time to partake of the unexpected meal, Sage accepts the hug with a warm friendly smile. "He might be the kind to bring back-up, though." She says with a light tone, before her attention is drawn away by the other new arrivals. Her gaze shifting to the pair walking in. She gives a questioning look to both Tirzah and Alistair if either of them may have an answer to the question posed by her flatmate. She seems to have set aside the collar comment for the time being.
Tirzah turns to look behind her as the attention is stripped from her like she was refuse.. That and the sound of someone trying to learn the language the council used back home. But finding the pair she just smiles warmly, apparently understanding how they would be more of a draw than her. "Hello friends." She offers warmly.
The canid, more aware of his surroundings than the elf is, fixes on the people that are present in the garden quickly. HIs ears perk and his eyes sweep them in an assessing pass. His expression cautious, doubly so when attention seems to turn their way. He shifts the books in his hands, balancing them on the palm of his left, which frees his right. The elf turns his attention forward, just coming to notice the others that are here. Even as a low rumble rises in the canid's throat, the elf lifts a hand. "Rajja, please." Gently said, almost routine in how the larger male quiets. It doesn't end his careful vigilance, however. The elf smiles to those before him and says, "Greetings. Do not worry yourselves, we are only here to partake of the books of this wonderful library. We shall not disturb you," he promises. He then notices Alistair more specifically and nods his head to the man before he starts to move to a place off to the side. Rajja moves to follow at once, his head turned and tilted, keeping an eye on the others.
Alistair nods his head to Caliopa, "Yes" he says, "THat is him" and then he waves a hand at the elf, "Hello Mr. Tamiril. How do you do?" he asks, and motions to each of the women in turn. "This is Caliopa, Miss Sage, and Miss Tirzah" he makes a quick introduction, trying to catch his breath still. "Pardon me, there was ... struggle."
Caliopa gives the elf a warm smile, no hint of caution on her face. "Afternoon, Mr..." She hesitates, "Tamiril." She speaks his name carefully. "He means we was ticklin' him." She explains, the blush rising in her cheeks. "You're welcome to join us. It ain't a private party." She moves over, giving space on the bench for another.
Sage purses her lips as she considers how the man and her partner react to the arrive of the pair. The Elf, in particular, it seems. "Hey..." She offers simply, becoming reflective for a moment. She doesn't blush at the mention of tickle, but seems to give a small smile as if it were something to be proud about before it fades once more. "I suppose if he's here to help us, that might explain why my meditations on how to stop him from bringing the undead here was fruitless..." She comments softly, before she falls quiet to turn her attention to food for the moment. She'll watch and listen as she's not familiar with these two for the time being.
Tirzah turns her head to smile at Sage. "Its so refreshing to hear a logical point in the presence of our visitors." She compliments to her partner before turning back to the elf and canid. "I'm afraid the interruption is done, but as Caliopa says we don't mind. In fact I would very much enjoy the opportunity to learn more about you and your group, if I wouldn't be interrupting you that is." She asks, her tone welcoming.
Tamiril does pause as Alistair addresses introductions to him, turning with his hands lightly clasped before him. Rajja shifts himself to stand just behind and to the side of the elf, his vigilant stare flicking between the four gathered. Tamiril listens to the words spoken, appearing lightly amused by the fullness of it. Though before he might speak, Rajja rumbles behind him, "They all smell."
Tamiril turns his head slightly at that, then is quick to state, "He means you smell of magic.. or psychic potential," His light voice given to a conciliatory timbre. He then considers the four for a moment be fore he steps towards the gathering slowly. "I don't suppose that a brief talk would be too much a bother. I have no doubt you are all full of questions. Indeed, many seem to be. I would be remiss if I did not look to soothe your concerns." All spoken with in a guileless manner. He will not join directly, however, picking an empty bench close by to settle at. Rajja follows him directly, ears and eyes attempting to keep track of every other body nearby him.
Only after Tameril has settled, a touch removing the bow from it's sling that it can be laid beside him, does Rajja settle. He drops down to a crouch, then settles into a cross legged sit at Tameril's knee, the books laid down. Tamiril smiles and extends a hand to stroke the canid's head. "Begin your reading, please, Rajja."
"He did come here for peace and quiet" says Alistair quietly to the others, shrugging his shoulders a touch. What Sage speaks of seems news to him though, that drawing his attention for a few moments. And then Tirzah - so that's how it is! He looks at Caliopa then and reaches for her hand, for a moment, smiling to her.
Caliopa settles herself, resting her pasty in her lap, giving the elf a long look of consideration, as if he were a broken engine, her analytical mind ticking away, obvious on her face. "Psychic. Yes." She confirms softly, on her own behalf. She lets Alistair take her hand, giving him a quick glance and a smile. "Folks at the council told me I ain't to see you." She comments softly to the elf.
At the attention she draws to the comment about not getting any visions about how to stop the Elf, Sage gives a shrug. "There were only those visions the week leading up to his arrival... and those were a future possibility at best." She comments, looking over towards the Elf with a considering look. "It would be nice to know how to stop what's been happening for good... but I suppose that may not be clear yet." She doesn't use any accusatory tones in her voice, more reflective. Then she goes back to take a bite from her pastry before looking over to Cali with a faintly raised brow at the comment about the council comment.
Tirzah nods to emphasize her thanks as she regards the elf. "I guess I smell pretty strong then with my link and my aide. They never told me I'd be a fair sized beacon to some, oh well. As Alistair said I am Tirzah, Warlock and guide. Though not much for being soothed outside of a favored presence I could use some answers towards your connection to the source of the undead parties raiding us." She states, showing avid interest. Not appearing to bother with Alistair's call for restraint.
"Yes.. they were very reluctant at first to let us roam free," Tamiril replies, nodding once to Caliopa. "But they have been otherwise convinced now. We are no threat to this place, as some seem to believe. I would ask that you excuse Rajja's manner. He is very protective of me and in this time, there are many possible threats." He continues to fondly pat the large canid, who seems content with the situation. He reads one of his books, having it settled into his lap, his brow furrowed with the focus of deciphering text.
He then nods once to Sage. "It is not yet clear, but dear Belinda has the shard that was given to us and with luck she will see something of importance. And with faith I shall be granted a clear view of what is to come." His hand lifts as he says as much, touching to the front of his robes in an instinctive motion.
He then considers Tirzah for a moment and says, "You may ask what you wish, but your use of the word 'connection' concerns me. If you are one who thinks that we may be part of this dire business, I would assure you that this is not the case." His tone remains light despite the subject matter.
Alistair just listens for now - what he wanted to know has been revealed so far anyway. He glances at Cali now and then, reaching for a pastry with his free hand. After that tickle-fest, he's got the munchies. It was a bit of a work-out after all.
Caliopa falls silent, watching the elf thoughtfully, her eyes narrowed. Her face is serious and she is considering something, her mind moving slowly, rechecking the assessments she makes. Then she finally speaks, slowly, thoughtfully. "If she don't see somethin', I can see the past of thin's I touch." A brief sidelong glance at Alistair, a faint flush in her cheeks. "Jus'... I don't reckon you are evil, or showin' the comin' of the end. But folks, they've been seein' dreams for months, 'n' some of them are real bad." Her cheeks lose the colour, paling at the memory of them. "All folks dead, 'n' the like."
A faint nod is given by Sage as the Elf replies to her, before pusing her lips. She glances first to Tirzah then to Cali. "I may be able to sense other things... but such things are fickle." She mentions before quieting down once more. She seems content to enjoy the food and drink for the time being.
Tirzah shakes her head with a slight smirk. "Oh I don't mean to imply you are in league with the source, not at all. A completely different sort of connection. A history is my guess. That is to say that the source has encountered you before and has been watching you. It perceived that you are coming here and set up the warm welcome you have experienced." She explains patiently, her gaze following the elf carefully to see if there is any indication she is right.
Tamiril nods his head once as Caliopa speaks. "Yes, I have heard of them. Many speak of such things and from what I have heard, they are similar to visions I have once seen. "These visions.. they are what lies before us, if this is not ended. Though.. perhaps not exactly that." He pauses, uncertain for a moment. Though after a breath he shakes his head and moves on.
To Tirzah and states, "We have encountered the minions of this force before, yes. I and all of those who travel with me now have seen many perils in coming here and it seems we shall continue to do so." He looks to Raja and smiles, continuing to glide his hand along the top of his head. "Thus you must forgive my trusted shadow. He has saved me more than once from dangers at the expense of his own well being." Rajja's ears perk at those words, but he doesn't look up from his reading, sticking to the task.. 'doggedly'. Tamiril looks up then and continues, "My mentor was one who fell in this journey. He was once meant to face the trials to come, but that has passed to me. When the time is right, the way shall be opened. This much I have been told and believe."
Alistair glances to Caliopa, blushing faintly as well, then he looks back to the Elf. "It is odd that through all this time you do not know what it is" he comments, absent-mindedly. "Do you think they ... or it, will come here soon?" he inquires, his head tilting a little. There's a squeeze on Cali's hand.
Caliopa falls silent, sitting back, her face troubled as the elf speaks. She returns the squeeze on her hand, before freeing it, beginning to pick the pasty apart, eating it absently. Her forehead has wrinkled, her brown eyes holding worrisome thoughts.
Having little to add to the conversation at this time, Sage simply listens to the words spoken and looking to the expressions on the faces of those around her. She soon makes short work of the pastry and sips from the drink lightly to wash down the last little bit. She purses her lips as she considers things.
Tirzah blinks, apparently not expecting the impression she got. "An interesting perspective of belief. So you're just going to wait here until fate decides the time? Its always been something of debate for us warlocks. Prophecy that is. Whether to act on it or let it play out. Though one thing is always clear, the opponent acts on it. While you wait the source of the undead plots and plans, prepares every contingency. And when he is completely ready he will come to lay ruin just like 'fate' said he would. Yes, I don't take to much liking to the waiting idea." She notes, her tone taking an independent turn as she shows some disappointment.
Tamiril smiles at Tirzah, gently amused and shakes his head in response to her words. "You do not understand.. it is not the fates that I look to. It is my Lord who guides me. You saw his hand at the gates. Only by his grace could I have hoped to summon that fragment of his power to end the bloodshed. I am, for so long as he deems me worthy, his hand in this affair." He looks to Alistair then and notes, "The source of this is more than a single person. So much more, unfortunately." he then speaks more generally as he adds, "We must have faith, for there are powers at work here greater than anyone of us. The time is not yet right to act, but it will be soon and when the time comes, I and my companions will have need of those who would brave dangers. This I have spoken to Alistiar of already," he adds, nodding towards the man once.
Alistair makes a face, frowning faintly, "Yes, but there is always a cause or something they rally about" he replies, and then he shrugs his shoulders a bit. He glances at Cali, seeing that she's worried also.
Caliopa glances at Tirzah, her forehead knotting into a frown before she turns away once more. "Ain't a lack of brave folks here." She comments softly, resting her elbows on her knees, as she regards the man with a serious expression. "Folks fight when there is need to." A sturdy defense of the people here.
Caliopa glances at Tirzah, her forehead knotting into a frown before she turns away once more. "Ain't a lack of brave folks here." She comments softly, resting her elbows on her knees, as she regards the man with a serious expression. "Folks fight when there is need to." A sturdy defense of the people here.
Alistair makes a face, frowning faintly, "Yes, but there is always a cause or something they rally about" he replies, and then he shrugs his shoulders a bit. He glances at Cali, seeing that she's worried also.
"Peace, Tirzah." Sage says softly, "Has not acting swiftly got you in as much trouble as it has resolved?" She asks, figuring the woman may well take her meaning without too much prompting. "It would seem the... whole of these events are much bigger than us. A concerted effort would seem to be necessary rather than headlong singular efforts."
Tirzah frowns, apparently not reassured by the mention of a deity playing puppet master. "Is that what you're telling the families of those we lose to this threat? Are they understanding of that? The forces at work here may be beyond comprehension, but they are not beyond influence. I'm no pawn to a higher power, I have faith in my own. Though I do find it curious now that the source of this does consider you a threat." She retorts, her view clearly firmed by the elf's position. Though when Sage reminds her of that she does soften, slightly. "Right Sage, I'm keen not to pick a fight when I don't know what resources my opponent has. But I know his methods and weapons so why not prepare? There is so much we could do to fight this, what has anyone done?"
Tamiril nods his head once to Sage. "It is larger, yes. But there is always a role to play, even for the smallest of us all," he responds with a warm smile. "Were it not so, the gods would have no need of we mortals. Even now this city ails with the conflict of its own people. Each day the actions of those who live here help and hinder our cause. It is for those who would step forth against the darkness to do what they can to deny our foe success."
He frowns faintly then, looking towards Tirzah with some displeasure. "None are puppets to the gods, for all have their will to follow if they so wish it. I follow the path laid before be because I believe. Not just in he who guides me, but in my own knowledge that this is my path. Perhaps it is not yours, I do not demand you walk it. Just as, when the time comes to act, I will demand no other but myself walk where I am to go. There will be those who will follow and those who will not. It is ever their choice." He shakes his head slightly. "I do not think you truly understand this threat. None of us yet grasps it in full. The enemy is canny and though it's acts can seem forthright and clear, they can yet be a screen to some greater purpose not yet perceived."
Alistair looks to Caliopa once more; he smiles at her and leans in a touch - perhaps some silent signal. He looks back to Tirzah then with a small frown; "Did you not notice that others have been doing what they can to help?" he asks, "There is only so much anyone can do. You lay down rethoric, but what have you done to be proactive? The lamp idea was great, but that is just a small piece of the puzzle, too. What would you have us do, build barricades?"
"Ain't sure we even know who it is, what it is." Caliopa's words are soft, quietly spoken, her troubled face serious. She finally reaches out to touch Alistair, seeking something, comfort perhaps. "Can't fight somethin' if we don't know what it is. I mean, if you know it is a vampire, you got weapons for it. Same for anythin'." She frowns once more, biting her lower lip, her mind slowly processing her thoughts.
When it seems that Tirzah is beginning to draw negative attention towards herself. Sage rises to her feet from where she'd been sitting to walk around behind Tirzah. She wraps her arms about the other woman's waist. "You have acted before without knowing everything before." She brushes her cheek against the other woman's. "I'm sure that you know how to deal with the minions, but that does not give much indication of what form the greater dangers will take." She looks to the Elf then, "Forgive her words, she is ... like a flame. Sometimes in her desire to help, she can singe others without intending to..."
Tirzah gives the elf a glare full of criticism. "Is that supposed to be your excuse? 'It is not my god that compels me to sit on my hands, I do so of my own free will.'" She mocks lightly. Turning to Alistair she shakes her head. "I do what I can, I make silver crosses for any who provide the silver. I cremate the dead, both at no charge. And just recently I had the lamp post idea and I'm looking into implementing that. But am I your leader all of a sudden? The smartest person in the city? I really don't think so. Everywhere I look a see a city that has already lost, and well that's pretty sad considering its resources." She gives an apologetic look to Sage. "Sorry to get like this hun, its just so frustrating.. Forgive me?"
Tamiril considers Tirzah quietly. "Your actions are positive, this much is true. But do not speak to me as if I am some mindless puppet," he states, his tone firming along with his expression. "I did not come here to me mocked for my faith nor derided. I do not know what you seek to accomplish by this insult, but I doubt it is what you have reaped." As if responding to the elf's cooling of t one, Rajja looks up from his book and growls throatily at Tirzah, his large frame tensing despite the lingering of the elf's hand on his head. His attention shifts to Sage and he sates, "Forgiveness is a virtue. I already forgive her, but I will not allow myself to be spoken to in so rude a manner for much longer. I did not come here to be assaulted. Physically or verbally."
"You are not, but you speak as if you wish you were" Alistair points out, taking a breath. He looks at the Elf also, and then back at Tirzah. "You forget what we spoke of Miss Tirzah? You have to relax a little. These are serious things and belittling the accomplishments or actions of others is not going to get anyone anywhere." He pulls Cali a little closer when she moves in, slipping an arm about her waist.
Caliopa gives Tirzah a look of irritation, a frown before she turns back to the elf. "This city ain't given up, nor lost. She ain't been here long enough to see it fight back." Her voice is soft, the echoes of fights before showing in her eyes as they darken in memory. "Folks pull together, when they got somethin' to fight towards 'n' against. But first, they got to know what it is. Right now, it feels like the fog. Ain't able to hit it." Her voice stays soft, contemplating what is to come. "Mr..." She hesitates over his name, "Tamiril. I ain't keen to be like I saw in them dreams, 'n' I saw you, 'n' all. Ain't always bright, I know that. But I can make any piece of machine work, 'n' fit thin's together that ain't always meant to be. You got a place for me to fit in your plans, you let me know." Alistair's arm around her waist is accepted, her hand moving to rest on the top of his.
When it seems that she's too late to prevent Tirzah from uttering more inflammatory comments, Sage considers the words that are spoken about her. "You are a strong and proud woman..." She murmurs to the woman in her arms, "And, yet, what you say seems to suggest its obvious that whatever is behind the undead may be vulnerable to the same things. And, I have a suspicion that is not the case." She pauses briefly, "And, it would seem that you are setting yourself up to be left out of the loop." She considers the redhead, "As for forgiveness from me... I think I shall have to see your next move before I decide."
Tirzah sighs, appearing to lose interest in the argument. "Well I'm sorry if my attempt to encourage action insulted you. I was expecting someone else I guess.." She offers before turning to Alistair. "It hard to relax when you seem to be the only one making an effort. And maybe I cant clearly see what others are doing to help. But none of you are pointing them out to me. I can't appreciate what I can't see. Is it a crime though to notice the absence? And maybe I haven't seen the city pull together, but I bet the source has, which is why it uses the fog against it." She nots before turning back to Sage, looking a little guilty at her persistence. "I don't know what the source is vulnerable to. But if its legions cant hurt us what threat could it present? But how am I setting myself up?" She asks, her expression worried.
"Perhaps you mistake one who is waiting for the proper time for one who is not planning to act," Tamiril responds to Tirzah. "I don't know about you, but the last few months of my life has been spent traveling across this continent, constantly on the move and constantly at threat. It is welcome to have a brief moment to rest before danger must be faced once more."
He looks to the side, motioning towards the outside. "You do not see the authorities of this city working to keep control of it? You do not see those who give w hat comfort they can to those around them?" He looks back towards Tirzah. "You assume because what attacks have come have not done harm, that this is all it has to bring to bear? I believe my friend Johnny would call this sort of thing.. 'diversionary tactics'?" He looks to Rajja, the big canine nodding once towards him in confirmation.
Tamiril nods and looks towards Tirzah. "What we see is not always truth. And there are times we must put faith into something other than ourselves. Be it faith in another or faith in a god or faith in an ideal. I do not say you must believe in what I do, but to dismiss my faith simply because it does not conform to what you think it should be does not make it wrong or faulty. Action is being taken. Even now my friends recoup themselves for soon we shall have to act again. And when we do we shall be fresh and focused, rather than weary and worn from the time before."
He then looks towards Sage and adds, "I have excluded no one yet, as I do not yet know the next step. When I do, I will present it." He flicks his eyes across those gathered. "I would request that, as you four seem to know this place better than I, that you do as I requested of Alistair. Seek out and entice those who might stand against danger to know that a chance will soon come. When I know the path I am to take, I will need help and will speak on what knowledge is gifted me." He looks to Tirzah. "I invite you to join us, if you wish to."
"Then you are blind; did you not see those of us doing what we could?" Alistair drops the question in a monotone, annoyance creeping into his voice; it's one thing for him to protest, it's another for him to cool. "I would ask that you stop being so presumptuous. It's alright to ask, but it isn't alright to act like you're the only one doing anything. We all do what we know how to do."
Caliopa is mastering her temper with effort, ignoring Tirzah entirely, her focus on the elf. Her expression serious, "When the robots came, we made a group. Folks from it are still around. I'll talk to them, ..." She is thoughtful, her forehead wrinkled. "Called VCF. Kinda a joke, but some of us died in that fight." Again, her voice is soft and she watches Tamiril closely, waiting for responses to her softly put offers. Her hand rubs the back of Alistair's hand, the movement intended to soothe and calm.
With all the words and opinions being offered around her, Sage isn't quite sure that could elaborate much on the thoughts. She drops her eyes from Tirzah. She takes a breath, "I think it has been made clear by the others." She comments, before stepping back from her partner.
Tirzah shakes her head, watching Sage step away. "I'll just go be blind then since some of you wont help me see." Walking off in a huff and still shaking her head as her hand goes up to clear her eyes.
Tameril nods his head once to Caliopa. "I am sorry to hear that such as occurred in the past, yet such an end may come of this conflict as well. Indeed, already many have paid such a price," he says, giving the statement the gravity it deserves. "Encourage those who would to step forward. But only those who are ready to face this potential."
He then looks towards Tirzah and frowns faintly. "You believe the words spoken to you now have not been pointers to things to see? You deny that the authorities of this city, in their part, act to stay the entropic touch of the enemy? You deny that there are not those who breath life into this city by simple actions to bolster the will of those around them? Not all actions are bold and sweeping. Even the smallest amongst us has a part to play. Even the weakest effects the whole through their path in life. It is deeper than defeating a foe, more complex than a goal and an action to bring one to that goal. Perhaps you do not look deep enough. You seem to glance at the surface and, should you not see what you desire, look no further. Seek deeper, not all answers lie before you at a glance. If you would touch upon such a subject again, feel free to come and speak with me again. I come here at times to find some peace."
Alistair takes a breath and sighs, turning his head to look at Caliopa. He smiles at her, and then he turns his head to look at Tirzah decides to leave - what else can he say? He looks to Tamirin then, nodding a touch. Cali gets another squeeze from him, though Sage's action gives him a little bit of pause.
Caliopa's gaze flickers to Tirzah for a moment before returning to the elf, giving him a nod, her smile entirely missing. "Them that would will. Reckon if we don't face it, it'd find us anyhow. Ain't like to pass us by 'cause we're frightened." Her hand tightens on Alistair's before she rises from her seat, moving towards Sage, her eyes concerned. "You alright?" She asks softly.
Disconnected from the scene around her, Sage realizes she's failed to provide the needed balance. She lowers herself to ground to sit, her gaze shifting to her wrist. Her fingers touching something underneath her shirt. She rouses herself somewhat when she hears her flatmate speak over to her. "Hm?" She asks softly.
Tamiril breathes out softly as the young woman goes. "She is.. challenging," he says softly before looking to the rest of those gathered here. He offers Caliopa an understanding look. "Fear touches us all. It is not easy to overcome." He then turns his attention to Sage. He gently lays his hand against Rajja's shoulder, used as a brace to rise. The canid looks up then from his book, curious, but not minding the touch that barely moves him. "Is something the matter?" Cali's sentiment echoed as he approaches. He will come before Sage and slowly lower himself to kneel, siting on his feet before her. "You are troubled, that much is clear. Has it to do with the woman who just left?"
Alistair stands up as well when Cali does, and he follows her. Right now he doesn't offer much more than observing, his chin dipping a little - this one is a little beyond him, between friends really.
Caliopa crouches, her forehead wrinkling in concern. She hesitates, before reaching out to offer a hug to Sage, her attention completely focused. "Sage, you said she gets that way." An unlikely defender for Tirzah, this. But the brown eyes hold more worry for Sage herself, the girl's expressive face reflecting it so.
Sniffling a little, Sage grabs onto Cali as the hug is offered. "I thought I could balance her out..." She says softly, "...but, she's more out of balance now." She sniffles again, with a little sadness in her features, before she realizes that she's attracted the attention of the two men. She looks a little embarrassed, forcing her to take a breath and try to compose herself. "She does..." She agrees finally with Cali, before looking to the Elf. She gives a little nod, before sighing softly. "I feel a little helpless too... I'm not much of a fighter." She mentions.
Tamiril smiles at Sage and shakes his head slightly. "Did you not hear me? All have their part to play. From the greatest, to the smallest. I am not a powerful fighter either. That is more a thing for Rajja than I." The canid perks on hearing his name, looking towards the elf, but not speaking. "Yet there is a part for me to play. One I have played for my companions, giving them heart to carry on when they might fall or falter." A pause as he thinks for a moment. "That young lady does seem very willful. What is it you said? Like a flame? An apt analogy, I think."
Caliopa hugs Sage tightly, her face worried, her friend's upset showing. "You're a real good healer though, 'n' where there is a fight, there is them that are in need of healin'." She offers the words as reassurance, even as she releases the hug, rising to give Sage a little space. She hesitates, biting her lip, her expression worried. But the elf's words give her a thought and she speaks softly. "Reckon he has some things that'd make you see it, Sage. Gonna let you two talk." She backs away slowly, giving Alistair a quick glance over her shoulder, letting him choose whether to stay or leave.
Alistair smiles, leaning a little. "Maybe she needs you too; she did get ganged up on" he points out, and looks to Cali for a moment as well. He bites his lower lip and glances at the elf, then back to the girls. "Don't be upset Miss Sage, you already did a bunch of things, and like Cali said, I didn't know, but I guess you're a healer" he adds, and takes Cali's hand into his - he'll be heading off with her if she's leaving. "Mr. Tamiril is right - there is something for everyone to do. I might be able to fight, but I can't do things with machines like Cali does. And if no one does that, what shall we do? So don't worry" he smiles.
Sage takes as much comfort from her flatmate as she possibly can, but she let her flatmate go when the hug is released. "I heard..." She comments simply to the Elf, before looking between the three, "I just wanted one great insight from my sensitive nature..." She reveals her small petty little frustration. Here she's just one voice among many when she used to be one of the few voices. "But, I suppose I could be content to fill the role of healer." She takes another breath before offering the Elf a small smile. "Yes, a flame..." She says, as if reminding herself before she looks over to Alistair. She gives the man a quizzical look as if wondering what little things she's managed already.
"You spoke well, Sage," Tamiril responds. "Perhaps she simply does not want to hear.. I am not sure, I do not know her mind." He extends a hand to touch one of hers with his fingertips. "You should have faith in you. As she has in herself. Faith in oneself is not a bad thing, though one cannot always look within, at times they must look without." He smiles and then rises himself. "I think, perhaps, you might do better with some time without the words of others to add to what has already been said." He looks towards Cali and Ali. "I thank you both for your efforts. Now and yet to come. We are, for now, at rest. But that will not always be so, though part of me wishes this could be ended without further bloodshed." A small, sad little smile is shown before he motions to Rajja. "Come, Rajja. Your lessons await." Dutifully the big canid gathers the books together and rises, taking up Tamiril's bow as well, moving to follow the elf as he walks deeper into the garden.
