Oct 08 03:20:20 106 PA - A Confrontation
From Chronicles
Logfile from Rifts.
Kingsdale - Plaza Park
The Kingsdale Plaza Park stretches out to the west approximately sixteen-hundred feet until it meets with a residential area. The ground is covered with sporadic grass and wild flowers. Deep craters from some long-ago weapons fire cover this area of the park making the ground uneven and in some places difficult to walk. Nonetheless, this area has seen extensive use by the people of Kingsdale. Bike trails criss-cross the area and one of the craters has been filled with water where duck and other water birds come. These waterfoul seem to have quite a good living too, with people almost always present to feed them
Here and there are stands of conifer trees that people often sit beneath to read and otherwise forget the trials and tribulations of city life. The exception to this is during the night though, and nobody comes to the park after dark unless they are either foolhardy in the extreme or looking for trouble.
The wind blows through the area unhampered and on good days it carries with it the laughter of children feeding ducks and the sweet scent of pine and wild flowers.
Benches and places to sit are also scattered through the park area, and to the south is a Pavillion of five statues -- all previous dictators and people of note to Kingsdale's past.
It is midmorning, moving towards noon, to make sure that the cool October air has warmed some to be more comfortable. Sage stands in a small clearing that's off the main beaten path figuring to keep the little encounter from being readily seen by any park go-ers. She didn't want the others arriving before her and causing more fuss than she had in mind.
As requested Tirzah set out shortly after Sage, to let her arrive first. And now she arrives at a quick gait in her immaculate warlock gown. She smiles contently, the bare collar of her neck showing she wears no armor. Her gesture of good will as she cannot really come unarmed. She gives a slight nod to Sage as she comes to stand beside her partner and wait.
Alistair is dressed casually as always when he arrives, a curious expression upon his face, wondering what is about to go down. He makes his way to the clearing after a bit of wandering and smiles, "Hello Miss Sage and miss Tirzah" he says, brows hiking up a little.
As her partner approaches, Sage gives a faint nod in return but keeps her features neutral for the time being. When Alistair replies, she greets him simply with a "Hey Alistair." She says softly, before turning her attention back to the direction she had been watching to see Amire and the two men that had accompanied the father to the garden that fateful day. They approach until a respectful distance is reached before stopping. "Sage" Amire says, to Sage nod of acknowledgement, "Amire..." She comments, briefly glancing two the other two men before she returns her attention the assembled group in general. "I figured we have some... stuff to resolve."
Maintaining her polite smile Tirzah looks over Amire and his men carefully. Actually the first chance she's had to get a good look at the so called competition. Her expression shows some curiosity as she watches for any glances returned in her direction. Apparently wondering if they know more about her than she them.
" ... a resolution that shall have to start with setting lies straight" says Alistair, frowning faintly now that he sees who else is visiting; he isn't exactly being impolite, but ... impertinent, perhaps.
Amire begins to respond to Sage before he frowns and glances towards the man that speaks, "And what lies would those be?" His words a mild reply, but the tone not entirely a pleased one. The other men with Amire, step a little forward for morale support before one starts to look towards Tirzah. One gets a puzzled look, "Who's she and what's she doing here?" This draws the other's attention, "I saw her... she came late... didn't seem to bright, though." He doesn't seem to have the decency to keep his voice down or elaborate on what he means.
Sage raises a brow at the remark, before giving a faint frown. "Perhaps we should try to avoid a repeat..." She comments with a tone of distaste.
"The lies of murder - in particular by persons who were quite well placed to know that it was not so" Alistair replies, brows hiking up just a touch - the statement is made matter-of-fact, in the you should be a good boy and fess up fashion. He glances to Tirzah and then back to Amire, "And now you should apologize for being rude."
Tirzah raises her brow as she glances at Alistair's accusatory beginning, looking to question its wisdom. She then looks to Sage for her stance on the statement. She appears to be deferring to Sage for her own conduct quite strictly. Then with Amire's comment she looks at him again and her smile becomes a grin as her eyes burn brightly. But she does nothing else in her defence. Rather she winks at him.
"It was her gun that killed my father." Amire replies blandly, stating a simple fact. Before the attention can be shifted to the one that tackled Cali, the man steps forward. "Yeah! And, she was going to kill Amire here too if she wasn't stopped." He doesn't sound like the brightest of people, but he (Dunn) simply seems to move in front of Amire in a protective stance between Alistair and Amire. Amire places his hand on the shoulder of the man that steps forward, before looking to the other (Frank). Frank makes a little face, "Sorry..." He says in a none too believable tone, "...but, she was confessing!" He adds in his defense.
Sage gives a soft sigh, "Can we dial back the testosterone a little, please?" Shrugging slightly as kinks get worked out Tirzah starts to casually pace back behind Sage to Alistair's side before turning to make her way back to Sage's She hmms a soft soothing tune as she does so, patiently waiting for the real issue to come up. She looks to Sage again when she makes it back to her starting point. Her expression questioning as if asking permission to assist in the unkinking in an innocent manner.
"But not her intent; will vengeance and causing that same pain to someone else work for you? I do not think it can bring anyone back" Alistair looks to Dunn then, and then to Frank, frowning faintly. "Because Cali is very sensitive, and she didn't intend for such a thing to happen" a looks to Sage then and, "Alright Miss Sage, Sorry."
Frank and Dunn don't seem to have an answer for Alistair, but there is still some tension. "Perhaps not..." Amire replies for them.
With the edgy calm seem be settling into place, Sage inclines her head to Alistair. "Thank you." She comments, eyeing the two other men before she decides to focus her attention on Amire and begins to step towards the man. "I am sorry for your loss, Amire." She says softly, "I wish anything that it could be undone." She pauses briefly, "I've brought these two because they each feel wronged in a way... and I was hoping we could work things out." Amire seems to mutter about not being the only one wronged. Brushing aside a response to that, Sage moves a little closer. "And, it seems we have that matter to ... talk about."
Tirzah smiles confidently as things settle a bit. Though her gaze follows Sage very closely as she moves closer to Amire. Looking slightly wary of this she holds her tongue and ground still. Watching and waiting.
Alistair likewise remains at ease for now, just watching things. He's not here so much for himself as he is for Cali in this situation in any case, and that should be reasonably obvious.
"Why didn't you want it? Its what we've always wanted." Amire says, before Sage shakes her head a little sadly. "No... wanted, but not any more..." She replies softly. Amire steps forward towards Sage, "Why?" Sage looks a little uncomfortable with having this audience for it, "Because..." She begins as she looks back towards Tirzah. Frank and Dunn seem to realize the significance of the glance and make sarcastic noises and comments.
Tirzah smirks at the two men and the sarcastic comments shaking her head slightly. She still keeps quiet though as she smiles at Sage with an approving nod as their eyes meet. Expressing true confidence patience and faith.
Alistair remains as previously, except for a momentary glare at the thugs - they are being rude after all, and Ali does teach; he knows how to glare.
It takes a moment for the realization to settle on Amire as he looks over to the woman. He doesn't seem to know what to make of the other woman as his gaze runs over Tirzah. Sage smiles in return to Tirzah, but her attention is quickly turned back to Amire as he grabs fistfuls of her clothing. "This is your fault!" Amire shouts, as pent up sorrow and frustration get released in anger. Frank and Dunn step up to try baring the way as Sage and Amire begin to tussle. The momentary surprising leaving Sage at a disadvantage and her feet begin to stumble as she tries to keep on her feet.
Tirzah's expression sours as Amire takes hold of Sage and her blood runs hot, her eyes burning brightly. By all history she should be channeling forth excessive power to come to Sage's aid. But she does not. Rather she steps towards Alistair to place her hand against his chest and forestall him from acting in her stead. "I can end this with a thought, so we'll let it play out as long has Sage has a voice to do so with." She whispers quietly to the man. "If that changes though, hold your breath."
Alistair exhales, frowning faintly at this. He seems like he is about to say something when Tirzah touches him, and he adds after her speech, "Not only is this all manners of impolite, but if you consider yourselves - and Mr Amire, gentlemen, you will stop him from causing himself further dishonor. Should it be the case that you do not, you will be then be dealt with as thugs and assault charges will be pressed. No lies will be needed to prove you in the wrong."
The shuffling of feet continues as Amire and Sage stuggle for control of the tussle of strength. A male grunt is heard before the heavy impact of bodies hitting the ground. Judging by the 'oof', it sounds like Sage that landed on the bottom.
Frank glances over his shoulder before looking back to the ground. "I dunno... looks like a lover's spat to me. How about we give them some privacy instead?" He suggests, stepping forward once but only once with her partner.
Tirzah shakes her head once at Alistair at his threat as she continues to hold her hand against his chest. Though her attention is quite riveted on the tussle from there on. Her eyes burn brightly with fascination wondering how this will turn out.
Alistair narrows his eyes a little, "Lame" he says, looking unimpressed - then he takes a deep breath and appears to space out for a moment - perhaps deferring to Tirzah as to when to act. It is in this case more her business than his.
Judging by sound and what can be glanced between the pair of thugs, the grappling pair seem to roll around on the ground. Suggesting the strength may be relatively evenly matched. A ripping noise comes before an indignant sqwak comes from Sage, likely suggesting her garment was the one to rip.
Frank and Dunn seem to be confident enough that they just get confident grins of their own as they make obtuse obstructions to the action. They begin to debate on what they'll do after the boss is through with the girl.
Tirzah's eyes raise briefly from the ongoing struggle to lock on the thugs. "Regardless of who wins this little wrestle Neither of you will touch her, ever." She states quite clearly to them her eyes burning and her hair starting to smolder. Then her attention shifts back to the match, her ears straining to hear the words that have yet to come.
Alistair continues to stare ahead for a few seconds still, then he seems to sigh, looking over the fight, the thugs, and Tirzah. He taps her lightly on the shoulder. "Miss Tirzah, this is indecent. Would you mind?" he inquires politely and cutely, too.
The rolling around seems to come to a stop as it seems one side has claimed the top. It may be Amire based on the glimpse of the coloured clothing beyond the two men. "All you had to do was say yes, and this would never have happened!" Amire grits out through slightly elevated breathing, then his words are punctuated by a loud slapping sound. Sage's cry following it.
The pair just snort at Tirzah's ultimatum and try to show off their muscle.
Tirzah turns back briefly to scowl at Alistair. "You think I dont know that? At her command, that was the oath and I will keep it. Even if it means spelling you." She tells him quite plainly. Of course Sage's cry has her head turned back around and her body walking towards the group before she even realizes it. "Enough, you won the test of strength against a woman of peace integrity and wisdom. Let her up. If you insist, you can try beating me down next."
"That is ... " Alistair exhales and mmmhs softly, looking back to the fight - the thugs are ignored for the moment, perhaps not interesting him.
The struggles goes on as Tirzah tries to concede the defeat. Sage's struggle seems to futile on the bottom as Amire remains in the dominant position. He doesn't seem to be satisfied and takes one more swipe at Sage. Only this time, his anger gets the better of him and Sage shifts her position enough that the blow falls squarely on a protruded rock. Holding nothing back, the next sound is his sudden cry of pain.
Before the cry from Amire, Frank and Dunn begin to try using their hands to keep Tirzah back. But, they seem dumbfounded by the unexpected shift in the little battle and turn to see what's going on.
Amire has all but forgotten about the fight with the unexpected pain. He's still sort of on top of Sage, but that's more positioning than anything else. Sage, looking disheveled and a little bruised looks back towards where her partner waits and extends a hand towards her, "Tirzah..."
Tirzah steps forward to take the hand and help Sage to her feet, ignoring the momentarily distracted thugs. She grins at Amire in his agony caused by his arrogance before looking back to Alistair. She winks once before making to lead Sage away from the men.
Alistair blinks his eyes as he watches this, tilting his head a little at Amire seems to ... do something to himself? His brows hike up, and he looks to Tirzah for a moment. He smiles at her, and watches her go to Sage. Turning his head back to keep an eye on the thugs now, he remains silent.
Dunn seems to think there may be some unfinished business left and begins to move in front of Tirzah once he gains his wits. "Now where do you think you're going?" He asks, while his partner goes to check on Amire. "Are you okay, boss?" He asks, helping Amire to his feet. Amire cradles his hand protectively, seeming in a little shock.
Sage will take the offer hand gladly as she rises to her feet and lets Tirzah usher her away while she tries to hold her ripped garment in place.
Tirzah smirks at the thug shaking her head slightly. "I'm just getting Sage out of the way. I never really expected you to let us go. So I have been eagerly waiting for you to try to hold me. Looks like its my turn." She explains to the thug calmly before looking to Alistair. "Alistair, please take Sage for a moment. I need to negotiate Caliopa's release."
Tirzah smirks at the thug shaking her head slightly. "I'm just getting Sage out of the way. I never really expected you to let us go. So I have been eagerly waiting for you to try to hold me. Looks like its my turn." She explains to the thug calmly before looking to Alistair. "Alistair, please take Sage for a moment. I need to negotiate the truce."
" ... Are you serious?" Alistair inquires, having been two moments from jumping Dunn - if one could tell by his lean anyway. How anti-climactic. Alistair clears his throat and bites his lower lip, still managing to look polite as he starts on his way to Sage.
Dunn seems to be mollified for the moment as he doesn't really know what the other woman intends. Frank remains beside Amire, seeming concerned for the man's well-being.
Sage glances to Tirzah with a faintly raised brow, "What are you..." She begins, before the other woman seems to provide the answer. She glances over to Alistair, "I'm sorry for this, it isn't the way I wanted things to go." She says to the man, walking slowly to meet him half way.
Attention shifts to Tirzah...
Tirzah smirks and starts walking back to Amire, channeling her link as she does. Outwards it isn't apparent this time as her body becomes very hot to the touch. She makes a point to keep a safe distance at first, not wanting to give it away. "So what's it going to take to appease you Amire?" She asks calmly, her eyes darting back and forth between the three as she waits for the reply.
Alistair makes it to Sage, and helps prop her up if needed. "Should I take you home Miss Sage?" he inquires, looking at Tirzah and then back to Sage. "I think you should be more careful next time."
Sage considers the question for a moment before shaking her head slightly, "Not yet." She comments, before looking towards Tirzah. Her attention shifts briefly back to Alistair. "Maybe... but this may be for the best."
Frank steps forward once at the challenge, but stops as Amire tells him to stay. His gaze shifts to Tirzah to consider the other woman. The fury of a moment ago seems to have ebbed away. "I'm not sure..." He replies simply.
Tirzah nods slowly, showing no aggression and relaxing slightly as the one thug is pulled back to let them talk. "I believe things were on a track for progress before this whole marriage thing. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Sage was going to instruct you as the next medicine man, you would be next in line as the spiritual guide for your people. That wasnt enough for your Dad though. His chance for the position was past, he wanted you in place now, not eventually. So the marriage was proposed. And since then things have been slowly spiraling to this point. But there's no point. You inherit your father's position. You can still learn from Sage and take over that place as well when the time is right. Is forcing her to be with you and miserable really what you want? Did you like it when you were younger and your father put you in place regardless of your feelings?"
Alistair tilts his head a little, saying nothing for a moment; he looks polite as ever, though someone closeto him might observe some tension - most likely an overwhelming urge to say something now.
The desire to defend his father rises in Amire's expression and posture, but he's working up the steam required as the redhead continues to speak. He's even drawing in breath for his turn. He pauses as thought swirl, then it climaxes... he lets his breath out in a gush. "I don't want her anymore." He says quietly, sounding as if he's speaking more to himself than responding to Tirzah. He seems to need the support of Frank for a moment to remain standing.
Tirzah was bracing herself to take the blow that never came before a soft smile breaks at Amire's confession. "Then let her go and we can move forward. We'll pretend this whole fiasco never happened, as much as possible go from there." She proposes, her tone still quite calm.
Alistair has little other to do save for watching and being quiet at the moment.
Sage's hand slips around to nudge Alistair lightly on his back, "You may want to bury your own hatchet." She says softly, unsure of whether its the best time but there may be a change of heart later.
With the confessions, thugs seem a little put off as if they'd be spoiling for a fight to relieve the tension. Yet, their boss's reaction makes them uncertain of the support they would receive. "What do you think?" Amire asks his fellows, "Heavy drinking instead?" He doesn't seem to reply directly to Tirzah, but he seems to be thinking on it at least.
Tirzah shakes her head slightly raising her hand with one pointing finger to the air to indicate that's not quite enough. "Before that, to prove your sincerity I'm going to insist you apologize to Sage, for finding your sensibility so so late. And to Alistair, for letting sloppiness get him and Caliopa involved in the first place."
Alistair looks to Sage for a moment, though he doesn't reply either. His ears perk a little when Cali is mentioned, his brows quirking up also.
A slightly odd look is given to Tirzah by Amire at both requests, before he glances to Sage. "I wish things worked out differently... but things have changed too much." A slow nod is give by Sage to the words, "We walk different paths." She says simply. Then Amire's gaze shifts to Alistair, but pauses for a moment. "The loss of a father is a hard thing... there may have been things said that shouldn't have been." Then his gaze shifts back to Tirzah, "That will have to do." He says simply, before adding "Let's go..." to Frank and Dunn.
Tirzah nods sligthly, seeing no reason not to accept that her self. It certainly went better than the screams of agony she went in expecting. Turning away she lets her fires die down as she walks to rejoin Sage and Alistair. "Now, lets go home." She suggests, Leaning over to take over the support of Sage. "You are of course invited Alistair, if you like."
"It is a hard thing; and so even if it is no consolation, Cali and I mourn your loss" Alistair replies, nodding his head slowly. "Fare well" he adds and watches them go; he looks to Tirzah and Sage then, nodding, "Okay."
Letting her partner fulfill the role of protector, Sage lets herself lean lightly on the other woman for support. "Okay." She replies softly, before letting her lips curl slightly. "So, you can be diplomatic..." She says with a little tease now that the tension of the situation is draining away. She glances towards Alistair. "Does that mean you're coming?" she asks softly.
Tirzah smirks at Sage and gives a slight nod to the observation. "Fire burns, fire soothes, and fire illuminates." She says in reply, looking quite pleased with herself. "You though, are going to have to spend some more time learning how to defend yourself." She chides with an impish grin.
"I ... hm?" Alistair blinks, looking at Sage, then he smiles, "Oh, I'm going home!" he announces, nodding his head.
