May 02 19:06:42 106 PA
From Chronicles
Raleigh's Retreat - Sebastien's Rooms
The 2-bedroom apartment is spacious, if spartan. Every surface, no matter how cheaply made or ancient, has been cleaned and polished within an inch of its life, restored as well as household cleansers and elbow grease can manage. It altogether lacks the human touch, as if the owner plans to evacuate post haste. The living room holds a couch and a small, inexpensive television. In front of the window are a pair of dragon trees; potted leafy things that cast a warm green glow through the living room when the sun shines through. Otherwise a pair of armor trees bearing a set of cobalt plate and riding armor stand near the door, with a weapon rack standing beside them holding a large pistol, sword, and unstrung bow. The kitchen is a small utilitarian affair, some pots and pans stored haphazardly in cabinets and a large supply of canned goods stored in others. Three sets of plates and silverware live in the cupboards, only one seeing regular use. The fridge holds a small supply of foods, leftovers from two meals back only, with few fresh ingredients for more. The first and smaller bedroom is largely bare, with a bamboo mat covering the floor and a set of shelves set into the studs on the walls. A jar of metal fragments sits on one of those shelves, and a set of cleaned animal teeth on another. It's still mostly empty. The larger bedroom is like stepping into another person's home entirely. Perhaps originally intended to be the living room, it offers the most space in the apartment. A queen-sized bed with railed headboard and footboard rests against one wall, with a giant white fur pelt making a soft rug before the heater. A neat little dresser stands behind the bed, large mirror atop it making the room seem doubly-large. Ornate rugs hang to cover the walls, some abstract and others depicting figures and stories. A pair of candles rest on the night stand, and a securely bound chest at the foot of the bed.
Knock knock. Seven in the afternoon. On a Monday. A silence hangs in the air for a while, giving Tirzah a great chance to review the postcard clued to his door, of a man offering a child a box on a train seat. From the box a half-dozen octopus tentacles reach out, half-engulphing the child, while the caption reads, 'That's some cephalopod, son."
Presently the door opens, with a bleary-eyed Sebastien clad in slacks and an untucked white tee and hopefully even things underneath revealed to stare at Tirzah a long, odd moment. His face is blank, blinking. As if he might be dreaming. And then he steps back, a smile warming his broken features. "Good morning," he greets, raising a hand to ruffle his sleep-toussled close-cropped brown hair.
Tirzah sobs, trying to clear her eyes back up as the door opens. Letting her arm down she looks over Sebastien. "Oh crap, I forgot you work nights." She swears, adding frustration to her distraught repertoire. "I'm sorry, I.. I need to talk." She explains, not sure how to express herself.
The young man waves in the smaller redhead, reaching to gently tug at her shoulder and direct her inside, nodding as he says, "I was on call, really. Just dozing. Have a seat, I will ah, I will find some fruit." He gives that shoulder a squeeze, smiling down at the redhead, before padding off barefoot towards the kitchen. He's actually kind of cute half-dressed. Industrious sounds occur! A knife on a block, a microwave, a spoon in a cup, a bowl on the counter.
Tirzah nods, regaining some composure steps in and finds a seat. Her sobs seeming to come and go as she teeters on the brink. Patiently she waits for Sebastien, wondering what he's up to. She manages a weak smile as she remembers other times she's knocked, this is the first time he's answered mostly sane.
The young knight returns with a tray laden with a bowl full of sliced apples and a pair of mugs trailing strings held down by spoons. Each contains three tea bags and an ice cube, steaming despite it all, and sugared to the point where one might wonder if it would, in fact, pour. He places this on a small coffee table, taking up a mug while he frowns at Tirzah and her reddened eyes. Easing himself down beside her, Sebastien's knee just touches the woman as he admits, "All this time I have been trying to think of something ironic, sexual, and mildly inappropriate to say to you. I just ... I am losing my touch." He frowns down into his tea, sulking at the prospect.
Tirzah snickers and sobs at the same time. "You haven't changed a bit Sebastien. I hope you never do, even if you drive everyone crazy. I still find it adorable." She confesses, wiping away more tears she she spoons out the tea bags and ice cube. "You're probably wondering why I'm even here instead of with Sage. its actually about Sage.." She pauses, her sobbing kicking back in full force. "Sage is being married." She manages to get out after a sharp gasp and breaks down in more sobs.
Sebastien flickers a small grin at Tirzah over his tea, sipping gently past the ice cube with the bags still planted firmly in the bottom. He 'Mmms?' softly into his drink as he agrees that Sage really ought to be here, until suddenly, and yet not quite inexplicably, he snorts icy hot tea through his nose. Rocking away from Tirzah and coughing and sputtering as he seeks air, Sebastien chokes, "To a *cough, cough* to a g - *cough* a MAN?"
Tirzah nods sobbing as she takes a long swallow of the scolding tea followed by a large sniffle. "The people she came here with are arranging her marriage." She explains before turning to regard him with her watery red eyes. "We don't know what to do, I feel terrible being so powerless to just solve the problem but I need her to tell me her decision and she isn't sure what she can do, if anything."
Sebastien rolls from the couch, walking hastily away, and returns halfway decent several moments and a hearty blow later. "She can do anything she wants," the young knight utters, looking a little confused. "Why is she submitting to this? Of course there is something she can do! She can say no!" He walks towards Tirzah, dropping to his knees before her to stare up at the woman from between her knees, smiling up at that downward gaze. "I thought this would be a difficult problem. Is it that they are holding her someplace?"
And so forth comes the proof that Tirzah can glare at Sebastien not matter how how upset she is. "Oh really we hadnt thought of that.." She mocks him briefly, rubbing her red eyes once more. "That was my first offer, to take her away and leave their stupid politics. But these are her people Seb. Sure a few manipulative conniving jerks that deserve very cruel things but the rest look up to her and expect her to heal them and be their spiritual guide. She is their shaman. Could you run away from the responsibility so lightly?" She asks him.
The young man nods, head dipping, considering that. "Are they really, if they would force this on her?" he wonders softly, and lets out a soft sigh. One hand raises to rest gently on Tirzah's knee, running his thumb back and forth across that bony bit as he considers the dilemma. "And I suppose being partnered with a woman, she could not be a healer nor a guide. I mean, obviously?" He looks up at Tirzah, a frank look on his face. "I mean, I knew she needed a penis around as a spell component to cure the infirm, but I had never considered that she would need a nice stout cock to use like a rudder and guide her people to a better spiritual land." Sebastien frowns, and admits, "It is a pickle."
The young man nods, head dipping, considering that. "Are they really, if they would force this on her?" he wonders softly, and lets out a soft sigh. One hand raises to rest gently on Tirzah's knee, running his thumb back and forth across that bony bit as he considers the dilemma. "And I suppose being partnered with a woman, she could not be a healer nor a guide. I mean, obviously?" He looks up at Tirzah, a frank look on his face. "I mean, I knew she needed a penis around as a spell component to cure the infirm, but I had never considered that she would need a nice stout cock to use like a rudder and guide her people to a better spiritual land." Sebastien frowns, and admits, "It is a pickle."
Tirzah sighs, getting more frustrated and upset, but sobbing less. "Is that all you think about? Really is your less than impressive appendage driving force in your life? Or are you just incapable of growing up? Here let me spell it out for you in the 5th grade. Sage would be the unquestioned leader of her people if it weren't for one asshole who's weaseled his way into holding influence over decisions. That asshole has a son and wanted that son to be the next Shaman, but the old Shaman went and died on them leaving his legacy to Sage. So now their divided, on one side are Sage's supporters, and on the other are his. Neither wants the clan to fall apart, so that conniving weasel suggested Sage marry his brat kid." Tirzah unleashes on Sebastien.
With the conversation seeming to center around her, it is perhaps burning ears that draw Sage to the door belonging to the young knight. She raises a hand and raps on the door.
The young Sebastien grins up at Tirzah, laughing as she explodes. "Ah, Tirzah, he sighs, grinning happily up at her. "I'd missed you. The young man reaches back for a slice of apple, slipping it into his mouth to chew on the end before he wonders softly, "And you came here to wonder if someone could dissuade the boy from his aspirations? Perhaps even make him disa --." he falls silent at that knock, chewing slowly, and slides the bowl into Tirzah's lap as he directs, "Have some fruit." Weaving across the living room, the young man slides aside to gather a sword from its stand along the wall. A too-large, alien handle is crossed by a heavy-duty pommel, and small nozzles protrude to either side of the blade. He slips aside the door, calling out, "Who is it?" Before slowly swinging it open, standing back to watch for the intruder.
Tirzah stops, derailed as Sebastien apparently worked her up on purpose. She thinks for a moment as he answers the door, helping her self to a slice of apple.
When the man's voice comes and the door swings open, Sage hesitates a moment before responding with "Its Sage." She moves slowly into the doorway, not wanting to intrude any further than she may have to. "Is Tirzah in here?" She asks, glancing around. Her gaze likely falling on Sebastien first due to his proximity to the door.
Behind the door stands Sebastien, sword held low, leaning back and forth to watch her flanks. Well, what's behind her. He'll watch her flanks later. Sebastien gives a little wave for Sage to come in, stepping to the left as he does to peer down the corridor, and cautiously approaches the door after she's through to swing it shut. "I hear either you or this upstart needs die to restore the sanctity of your clan," Sebastien whispers softly. "Should we flip a coin?"
Tirzah blinks hearing Sage ask for her. Jumping up she looks around, considering hiding. But then Sebastien makes his bold reply and she stomps over to the door. "I DID NOT SAY THAT." She says, loudly, her eyes burning intensely with rage and frustration.
The sword in the man's hands is considered, but Sage will let her psychic senses guide her for the moment. Hoping that she isn't making a mistake by entering, she walks further into the apartment. She raises a brow faintly at the man's comment and question, before frowning faintly. Her train of thought is thoroughly derailed at the loud voice of Tirzah. Her gaze settled on the redhead as she approaches, giving the woman a thoughtful look over. Deciding for the moment to look back to the man, she asks a simple question. "An elaboration, perhaps?"
"I'm sorry," Sebastien replies, loosing a little sigh. He looks down, toeing the ground, and adds, "That was childish, and I apologize. We have serious work to do, if..." he looks up, staring at Sage a long moment, "if I am to marry this young man so that we may outvote him, three to one. How could I have been so crass? Please. Have some fruit."
"Arghhh!" Is all Tirzah can manage as she cant bear to look at Sebastien any more. Stomping back to the couch she sits down with an ungraceful thud. But then inspiration hits her and she collects the ice cube she'd extracted from her drink and whips it at Sebastien's dense noggin.
A considering looks is given to the man as he seems to draw the most attention, before Sage gives him an odd look and another frown. The frustrated noise from Tirzah drafts her attention briefly. Her attention turns to the man too quickly to notice the throwing of the ice cube, though. "I'm sure you two would make a cute couple." She says with a neutral tone.
Sebastien peers unhelpfully at Sage, offering a broad grin before his head is pegged by flying water! He reaches back to rub his closely-cropped hair, shaking his head as he admits, "Well, perhaps not. Your love lies beyond me. Perhaps the two of you may enlighten me on the solution to this dilemma that I may help." Turning, the young knight walks back towards his chair, rubbing his head again and peering at his fingers before shrugging and flashing Tirzah a grin. He's having a good ol' time.
Tirzah crosses her arms and pouts, but does look to feel some measure of satisfaction in pelting Sebastien as he stops being a jerkface. "Sorry Sage, I didn't want to burden you with my hurt again. Some part of me remembered a noble knight that rescued me once before used to live here." She explains for her partner.
"Perhaps..." Sage concedes, before she turns to walk over and take a seat beside her partner. Once settled, she places a hand lightly on the redhead's back but doesn't do much with it at this point. "Its okay." She says softly, "I've been considering speaking with someone else too..." She concedes softly, "I just thought I'd see if you were around."
Sebastien raises his hands, shaking his head as he shrugs. "Tirzah, by now you should know this about me. I am terribly simple. I can ride in on Sara and kill things. I can speak well if given some preparation and a want. And ah, I can be a real jackass." He shrugs, and smiles at her. "Believe me, if one of these skills may help you, I will be there for you. If you have some other idea, I will jump in head first and do all that I can. But you ask me to comfort you and solve your riddle when none of my skills come to play, and you misunderstand the tool you wield."
Tirzah raises her brow looking to Sebastien as she leans into Sage. "You can speak well given some preparation and want? So you didn't want to say helpful words? Or you thought i would not be patient enough to let you find them? No i think what you meant to say that despite those things you're inevitably a jackass." She correct him mellowing out as she rest her hand on Sage's knee. "Its ok though, at least you give me someone i can direct my fury at. You just better hope one day I don't lose it and throw fire."
When the other two trade comments, Sage doesn't interrupt as this may be a way that these two communicate with each other often - for all she knows. "No... I think you better hope." She comments softly to her partner, "For, I suspect, you would get locked away if you were too ... fiery." Her lips curl briefly, before pausing to consider her next words. "As for a way out, there may be a tradition or ritual of some sort that may help... even if there may be some consequences to deal with." She leans in to kiss her partner lightly on the cheek. "Hope is not lost yet."
The kiss is unexpected gving the warning that Tirzah does not want to dwell too much on. The way out even more so as Tirzah turns to regard Sage for sincerity. Tears welling up again she hugs Sage firmly, and doesn't really want to let go. "I never really lost hope, I just despaired a bit. kidnapping you on the wedding night after working so hard to establish my life here. It was my last resort." She explains with a teary grin.
Sebastien points at the embracing pair, a grin lighting his face, as he exclaims, "Now *that* I can handle!" He beams at them before getting a slack look on his scarred face and adding, "The ah, the abduction. Kidnapping! Bridenapping. is it that the two of you have considered just being married yourselves? So that, you know, this other solution is off of the table?" Sebastien shrugs, and adds, "Or is it that there is some requirement for office? Something this other man could be shown to be lacking in? Or is it simply hereditary?"
The relationship with the redhead is certainly a complication to the looming future of an arranged marriage, but Sage has ever tried to be the calm in a storm. The storm may come, but it hasn't hit yet. She wraps her arms around the other women and lightly moves her hands against the others back. She gets distracted away from the moment as she glances over towards Sebastien. She gives him a speculative look, before pursing her lips. "It is possible there are loopholes." She comments thoughtfully.
Tirzah turns away to regard Sebastien carefully with his question of their bond and looks back to Sage. "You might as well show him." She suggests to Sage, gesturing to her fiery charm on her wrist to hint her meaning. Looking back to Sebastien she considers how to word her side of the complications.
Sebastien points, stepping towards the two slowly as he considers the reaction this gained. "You sly little ..." he utters softly, staring down with a hint of confusion on his face. "How is it that I can object to your wedding if you are already married? Was everyone invited but me? How does this happen?"
Sage's gaze drifts to the fiery charm, but she gives a thoughtful look. She moves the sleeve of her shirt out of the way to reveal a charm hanging from a bracelet that resembles a ring or circle... yet too small to be a ring worn on her fingers. "Um..." She begins as the man seems to take a meaning into the prompt by her partner.
Tirzah shrugs off Sebastien's protests. "Its more of an engagement I guess by common standards. Sage is my air, without her there is no fire. I gave it to her on valentines after stealing her away to the Silver Fork for a private dinner." Tirzah explains for him. "Given our circumstances I wasn't sure if a full wedding would ever be appropriate, and it never came up, until someone else wanted the prize."
"That's..." Sebastien speaks, staring at the pair. "Just sappy enough that I believe it." He sighs, looking crestfallen. "I suppose this means I should stop hitting on you?" He looks at Tirzah plaintively. "But ah, what loopholes?"
Having never considered the charm to be a sign of marriage, Sage seems to compose herself once the other woman takes the task of explaining the meaning to the man. She isn't quite sure how to react to the man's first couple comments. Instead she shrugs lightly to the man's words, "I am not familiar in all of my people's traditions... but I may have a resource that may yield something given study."
Tirzah smirks looking back at Sage. "You sure you don't want Seb to take your place or kidnap the groom for an expedition to Tolkeen?" She asks jokingly to her partner, the swelling from her crying finally starting to go down. "I for one would pay to see him in bridal lingerie consummating the marriage." She adds to the jest with a cackle.
"Really?" Sebastien asks, eying Tirzah. He turns to the side, turning a curve of his hip so that he stares down the length of him, muttering, "I thought a corset might be a bit much. We would just need..." he reaches down, hands cupping a tight vee over his men parts as he continues, "Just cut a hole in that here, and then..." he glances aside, watching Tirzah for a reaction. Boy never learns.
Sage considers the man briefly until he begins to warm to the idea with gestures, and she looks back to Tirzah. "That would make for an interesting wedding portrait." She comments, with a wisp of humour in her tone. "But, I wouldn't want to be part of that kidnapping... it wouldn't be me." She comments, "And, do be careful what you wish for..." She suggests, offering the other woman a small smile.
Tirzah nods, accepting Sage's call on the kidnapping and smirks relishing the bit of humor. "I've seen him in a scarlet thong, I dont think he can shock me more." She reminds Sage before slowly considering disengaging from the embrace. "But I guess if we are stable for now she should head home and lead Sebastien get to work." She notes shifting a bit. "We could enjoy another shower.." She adds in offering.
Sebastien raises a hand at Tirzah, staring at her as she makes that mention, "Please. If you care for me at all." His eyes snap between the two of them, too quickly for the casual means by which he speaks to be anything but a lie, "Continue this conversation where I do not have to know all the wet, soapy details." He smiles at Tirzah, eyes widening a bit, and looks away before the memory's written on his face.
"I'm sure he may manage something." Sage comments, before settling herself back into a normal sitting position. "And, I don't think the world is about to fall apart." She comments, before rising to her feet. She glances between the two of them as they comment on the shower possibility. "You're imagination may well be better..." She comments to the man, before she begins to make her way towards the exit. "Either way, take care..." She says, on her wa out.
Tirzah shrugs rising to follow Sage. "As you wish Sebastien, have a nice day at work. Thanks again for being a jerkface." She says in parting with a sly grin. following Sage out.
