--- Jeff/Neydisa Lude 3: Once More, Into the Wilderness --- Session Start: Sat Nov 23 18:23:16 2002 OK. I'm picking up the morning after, so you guys can decide what to do, but once you decide I'll likely fast forward. >> Morning comes too soon to the resting pair. Neydisa is stirred from her slumber, and Jeff from his meditation, by a dusty shaft of light shining through the crack between the doors of the barn. * Neydisa rolls once on the hay pile she is resting on to shake off the light reluctantly, but soon she opens her eyes to greet it. * Jeff glances over across the barn as she moves. "Good morning, Neydisa." * Neydisa soon rubs an arm over them, trying to shake off the sleep and stretch a bit. "Morning to you too, Jeff... nothing else happened since Shane came by, did it?" * Gayo sets mode: +o Jeff * Jeff shakes his head. "Nothing that seemed out of the ordinary, no." «ooc: http://warpg.rpgcafe.net/files/small_town.mid Wee. Midi. » * Neydisa sighs, again trying to get some of the rather persistant sticky hay off her clothes. "Sorry to have to have you keep watch. It must be a little boring watching me sleep all that time." >> Outside, people can be heard opening windows, drawing from the well, and walking the dirt paths of the town. The town is curiously quiet compared to those on the mainland, however, devoid of the clatter of wagons and horses. It's no trouble. I haven't been sleeping anyway. * Neydisa keeps at her task awhile more, shaking some final remnants from her worn jacket. "It amazing how quiet it is here, not at all like the big city. It's a shame I can't stay here a little longer..." >> Neydisa's coat smells noticably of mildew and manure from her night in the barn. «ooc: Not really strongly. Just, "hey, I slept in a barn". » « hehe ^^ » * Jeff stands up, slipping his hands into the opposite sleeves for a moment before brushing his hood back away from his head. "Leaving?" * Neydisa sniffs once at it, before standing up. "Well, I guess I do need to stop sleeping in barns though." She looks at Jeff a minute, thoughts coming back to her mind. "That depends. What are you going to do now? You already must know I have to seek that mentor the spirit mentioned." * Jeff smiles. "Should have realized that was were you were going." I'm really not sure, though. There's thing I want to do, but... You do so much for me Jeff, I'd be embarassed to ask you to come with me just like that... you must have something important to do here, some old place to visit? * Jeff shakes his head again. "The altar's the only place here that has any real memories to me." «ooc: Hee. Memories. » <> «ooc: No, just thinking to myself. » * Neydisa shakes her head, touching the spot where she made a rather ragged patch from giving her hair to Shane and frowning a little. "I just thought... just what was that thing you wanted to do? Maybe I could help you before I go chasing the spirtual ways just yet." * Scott (~MKroush23@host-209-214-193-124.mem.bellsouth.net) has joined #Warpg * Jeff chuckles, stretching a little. "No need to waste your time on my behalf. All I really want to do is maybe say goodbye to my parents and brother... and possibly to find out what happened to Metramand.. and Hikaru's master." Hikaru has the only lead I know of there, though... * Neydisa looks thoughtful. "I'm going to need to speak with him soon enough about why we're so connected. I have no idea how long this might take me to do, though. I can only hope I'm making the right decisions..." You just have to do what you think's right. That's all any of us can do, huh? * Neydisa walks over and tries to open the barn door some and look outside, nodding as she does so. >> The bright light comes as a surprise. It must already be past nine. The streets are alive with people, but the area is still not that busy compared to a city. Everyone in sight is Baskar. A few people glance toward the barn as the door opens. Mmm, you should have told me I slept so late... Sorry. I didn't see any reason to wake you up... didn't realize you were counting on an early start today. * Neydisa stands by the door, waiting for Jeff to follow. "It's okay... I'm really looking forward to what we can do in the coming time. Why don't we find Susan and thank her for the hospitality before we go?" * Jeff grins. "We, huh?" «ooc: BRB 5-10 » * Neydisa smiles for a second. "I admit, the walk would be a bit lonely without you there... but don't let my wants pressure you into anything. I'm your friend, not some Guardian telling you what to do." :) * Jeff falls into step with Neydisa. "Sure, why not? There's not too much I can do right this moment anyway, and I wouldn't mind some company either... if you're sure." Of course I'm sure. You don't need to ask to follow me anywhere. I always feel I should be the one asking you... * Neydisa nods. "But, enough about that. Let's head outside." Right. * Neydisa steps out of the barn into the light, looking around for Susan's home in the village... « hopefully Gayo returns ^^ » <> «ooc: back » « huzzah :) » >> There's no way to tell which of the houses belongs to whom. No houses have addresses or nameplates. «ooc: You would just have dropped her off earlier, so you probably didn't walk her home. » «ooc: Shadow likely took her home, actually. » « I'd figure... » * Neydisa looks momentary baffled by this fact she must have missed before. "This sure is different." She attempts to find a person to ask about where the Baskar girl or her attendant Shadow might be dwelling at this time of day. >> There are at least a dozen people in the general vicinity, though most watch warily as the pair approaches. One teenaged boy, more friendly than the others, walks over. "You folks look like you're lookin' for something." * Jeff follows Neydisa along quietly * Neydisa notices the boy, leaning forward a bit to bow in greeting. "Yes... I'm looking for a little girl named Susan. Or a tall man that goes by Shadow. Could you help me? I needed to thank them for their hospitality." >> The boy's grin drops right off his face. He cocks an eyebrow and taps his foot, staring at Neydisa. "Susan, eh? What would you be needin' her for?" * Neydisa straightens. "Well, I can't just leave town without dropping by her home to say goodbye. She was the one who got us lodging for the night." Boy: Enh. She's in the big place over that way. *he points to a large building that seems to have been haphazardly constructed from numerous shanties.* Normally, I'd advise you to stay away from Raving Susan and her club, but I reckon folks like you wouldn't listen anyways, eh? * Jeff smiles. "Probably not." * Neydisa follows the gesture, then looks back to the teen. "I'd say it's a bit too late for that... but thank you for your help all the same." >> The boy taps his palm. "Pleased enough to thank a fellow proper?" * Neydisa looks surprised for a fleeting moment, then realization sets in. Maybe this place wasn't so different after all. She sighs a bit, and offers the lad 100 gella. >> The boy accepts the coins with an ear-to-ear grin, carefully cupping them in both hands. "You're good people. You need anything else, you ask for Victor, eh?" * Neydisa returns the grin, though not nearly as wide. "I'll be sure to keep that name in mind." * Neydisa says her goodbyes to the informer and heads for the rough shanty home he pointed out... * Jeff <> «ooc: Bah. You're not very nice to helpful people! » <> * Jeff follows along « erk. hey, don't punch the random info guy. he's got to make a living too :( » >> The house is large, but appears somewhat unsound. Many load-bearing planks and rapid patch-jobs have been performed on it, and the roof is slathered unevenly with tar. «ooc: This isn't unusual of the houses here, of course. About half are like that. This one's just bigger. » * Neydisa studies the building, being a little cautious at the layout, looking for a place to knock or at least an obvious front door. ^^ >> The front door appears solid, but is painted brick red, a strange contrast with the unpainted house. Hmm... yes, this looks like Susan's place. * Jeff nods. "It could be." * Neydisa gives it a knock or two. >> After a few moments, a short, stout woman in opens the door. Her hair is short, dry, and tied into a bun, and she is wearing an outfit made of leather and stitched with strange symbols. She peers suspiciously at the pair. "You wouldn't be the two shamans, would you?" * Windstar (~mikemccar@cs24243228-92.austin.rr.com) has joined #Warpg * Windstar (~mikemccar@cs24243228-92.austin.rr.com) has left #Warpg «ooc: A strange visitation. » * Neydisa manages a small courteous smile. "Um, yes that would be us." « indeed.. ^^ » >> The woman steps back into the darkness cast by the doorframe, staring out with cautious brown eyes. "What is it you want here?" * Neydisa looks towards Jeff a moment, then back at the woman. "We were going to be heading out of town soon, and just wanted to thank Susan for all her help, especially with a place to stay. We are really in her debt." Woman: ...very well then, you may enter. Please be courteous to the lady, and do not disturb any of the ritual implements you see with in. I am Dry Rose, the mystic of this town. >> The woman steps back to allow them access. The interior of the house is extremely dark; the windows have all been shuttered, and most boarded. What light there is comes from dozens of strange-smelling candles, lined against the walls. * Jeff slips his hands into his opposite sleeves, looking around but being careful not to touch anything * Neydisa bows to Dry Rose. "I am Neydisa... I'll do my best not to be a bother." She carefully enters the place, taking in the scene. >> The house is stuffy, strange-smelling, and stained with ash. Nonetheless, there is a certain solemnity to it that lends it a reverent air. A few figures shuffle through adjoining halls, cloaked by the darkness. >> Dry rose speaks, her voice soft. "May I ask why you have come to Baskar, foreign shamans?" We came looking for answers... and I wanted to see my master's altar one last time. * Neydisa tries her best to pick out the solemn feeling in the air, becoming a bit more at ease as she nods. >> Her voice rises in curiosity. "You are a servant of Zephyr? That's a rare thing indeed." She stops in front of a side door, much like any other, and turns the black iron knob, opening the door noiselessly and entering. « afk one sec. ^^ » * Jeff smiles. "Yes you're right about that.. unfortunately. It's a shame we're so few..." « back » >> The door leads to a narrow antechamber, with another door mere feet away. The woman waits until both Neydisa and Jeff have entered, then closes the first door before heading to the second and rapping lightly on it. >> From behind the door, Susan calls, "Send them in, Dry Rose." >> Dry Rose sidles back along the wall, making room for Neydisa and Jeff to pass her. "You're expected," she says bluntly. "I will remain outside." * Neydisa bows slightly again to Dry Rose, and enters the room beyond... >> The final chamber is dark as night. It takes time for the pair's eyes to adjust enough to proceed further in. Here only a single candle keeps the black at bay, and the smell of incense mingles with the smell of cooked meat. At a low table in the centre of the room, three forms eat quietly. Two appear to be adults, though the darkness obscures them. The third, by its size, must be Susan. * Neydisa blinks several times, adjusting to the nearly lightless room. "Susan? I hope this isn't a bad time to disturb you..." >> Susan's voice is chipper and bright, but slightly off-tone, as before. "Come in! No, we were just sitting down to breakfast. I had a feeling you'd be back." She stands up, bowing shallowly to one of the other figures at the table. "Excuse me, mother, this will only take a moment." >> The two darkened adults cease their repast, seeming to watch the exchange. * Neydisa proceeds a bit farther into the room once she's comfortable, though maintaining a very respectful distance with her mother and the other person. * Jeff follows Neydisa in, standing next to her >> Susan approaches, looking up at Jeff. With the candle at her back, she is nothing but a silhouette. "I'm glad I got a chance to see you again under these circumstances." «ooc: Bwer? » I'm also glad to see you are alright. I feel we owe you so much, I couldn't leave without thanking you... * Jeff nods. "You helped us more than I can say. Thank you." Susan: I'm a helpful person, aren't I? Hee. Oh! There's news! The baleful old one is thrashing in a cage made of his children's bones. *pause* But that's not the news. There will soon be a gathering. Only one of you can attend, however. It's a very private affair. * Neydisa is about to continue but swallows her words, seeing already the beginnings of another vision in the speech of the girl. Gathering... I don't suppose this is among people, is it? * DooM_GazE (~doomgaze@h68-145-145-227.cg.shawcable.net) has joined #Warpg « well well ^^ » « er important people I meant. sorry. ^^ » >> Susan rocks idly from one foot to the other. "People and some others. I'm not really sure. I don't know everything I *really* know, you understand. It's very frustrating. They say you only use 10% of your brain. I wonder if that's true?" She walks over to the table and grabs something, nibbling on it. "Mm. It's good you came around this way. I didn't recognize you at all first, but you're all tied up." * Neydisa puts her hands behind her a bit, watching the girl with a very curious expression. "I wish I wasn't so tied up, to be honest. I would have liked to stay more with you and listen." Susan: Oh, I don't have all that much to say. Anyhow, we're all busy preparing for the big finish. I've got a lot of visitors expected! They never stay long, though. Rush, rush, rush. But don't worry! I'll be fine. Bring me a present when you come back, though. You will be back, won't you? * Neydisa nods her blue-haired head. "It's a very long journey I'm about to go on... Lucadia will bring my feet back here one day safely, if all goes well." «ooc: Rasis, still alive? » « hmm.. ^^ » Susan: If all goes well...well, we're all just trying to survive, I guess. *breaks into a fit of manic giggles* Ehe...hee. Um. *snaps her fingers at Jeff and points down* Kneel down! You're too tall. «ooc: Pause until Rasis is undead. » «ooc: ...sigh. » * Neydisa attempts to hold in a giggle at the commanding gesture she gives Jeff, with only modest success « sorry i had to ;) » <> « eek :( » «ooc: That happens a lot where you go to school. » « Yeah. Bastards. » <> * Jeff nods, and kneels. >> Susan wraps her arms around Jeff's neck and pecks him on the lips. "Be careful! OKay, go out now. We have to have girl talk." * Jeff smiles. "Thank you, and all right. Be well, Susan." * Jeff stands up, and moves to leave. >> After Jeff closes the door, Susan turns to face Neydisa, hands clasped in front of her. She seems to be appraising the older woman. * Neydisa smiles at the gesture, though it stirs a little bit of emotion in her, hard to tell in the dark though that she might be vaguely blushing. As Susan focuses on her she comes more to full attention. >> Susan's voice drops to a more serious tone. "Are you in love?" * Neydisa meets Susan's appraising stare. "I... well..." «ooc: Again. » * Neydisa looks over at Jeff briefly, then back at the girl. "I... just have people I want to be strong for." «ooc: Jeff left. » « sheesh ;_; » « remind me to kill that guy playing with the alarm. » «ooc: Er. No. » <> «ooc: He's here OOCly, but he left the room ICly. » « oh. well scratch that then.. ^^ » « *adds "not finding him there anymore" ;) » >> Susan looks down, rubbing a finger over her upper lip. "So you haven't fallen in love with anyone?" * Neydisa looks down a bit. "I don't think I have... but maybe I am... I don't really know..." Susan: Well, you probably shouldn't. That's all. *she pats Neydisa's hand* Okay! Good luck! * Neydisa is still grasping for some meaning to her words, before she realizes she's been dismissed. She looks up, touching the hand once with her other. >> After a moment's touch, Susan pulls back and returns to the table. "I'm sorry," she says softly to the people seated there. "I know this is our time." I guess I'll have to decide if that feeling is right or not on my own... let the Guardians keep you and your family safe in this troubling time. Until I return. * Neydisa bows to them, and backs her way slowly out of the room. >> Jeff is waiting for her back in the hall. After the near-darkness of the dining room, the candlelit hall seems almost bright. * Jeff looks over to Neydisa as she emerges >> Dry Rose watches from a distance. * Neydisa looks a little lost in a circle of her thoughts as she tries to get used to the change in lighting yet again. Er... I'm sorry, Jeff. I didn't mean to keep you waiting out here... * Jeff shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. She had something to tell you, it's quite all right." >> The mystic approaches. "I must ask that you depart if you have finished your business, and tell none of what you saw and heard here." * Neydisa nods. "I understand your concerns, and will honor them. I don't want to interrupt your morning rituals anymore than I already have." >> She nods respectfully, showing them to the door. * Neydisa makes her way out of the dwelling, with a few final words. "And, please take good care of Susan." * Gayo (~foon@stjh1-2850.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Ping timeout) « eep :( » * Jeff bows his head politely as he leaves, pausing only to break the Gayo voodoo doll in half * Gayo (~foon@stjh1-2850.nb.aliant.net) has joined #Warpg * Neydisa sets mode: +o Gayo «ooc: * Neydisa makes her way out of the dwelling, with a few final words. "And, please take good care of Susan." » «ooc: Last I saw. » * Jeff bows his head politely as he leaves. « *snicker* you didn't miss anything. ^^ » Dry Rose: And may we pray she takes good care of us. Be careful. >> She closes and latches the door, not waiting for a reply. «ooc: OK, unless you have any more business, you can hit the road and I'll end there. » * Neydisa exhales, left standing outside and now nervous for a totally different reason than before. Well, unless there's another visit to make, Jeff... * Jeff shakes his head. * Neydisa looks out into the distance. "I hope you don't mind walking through the sand for a few days." * Jeff chuckles. "As much as we've been through, I'm sure a little walking won't break us." * Neydisa adjusts her jacket. "There should be a good spot to hit the coastline near the reservation. After that, I will see where the Guardians take us next. But at least I can talk to someone." ^^ * Neydisa walks down the path that leads to Susan's place, heading for the outskirts of town to get a feel for direction they should take towards the northern shores. >> Ancient relics circle the world in a trail of jetsmoke, and eldritch portals connect each place to all others, but here on the dry earth amidst the tall savannah grass, the road stretches ahead forever, and the horizon is as distant and intangible as heaven. >> The wind that had stirred earlier agitates once again. A stiff breeze whips the shamans' hair and clothes back as they walk into it, toward the horizon. --SESSION END-- Session Close: Sun Nov 24 03:35:53 2002