Homoventures Chapter 3, Part 3

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Summary

Xan and Justen speak with Pavo and his companions Kalman Vak'andres & César about the troubles that have befallen their land. Later, they meet Ardent, a young man sent by his parents out of the city in order to keep him safe after he made plans to kill Marel Kizer.

Session

Session date:

Diablotin date:

• Justen and Xan enter into the manor house...
• Justen looks around, curious but still wary.

[Pavo] Would you like someplace to set your things?

• Pavo smiles at the two of you broadly
• Justen glances to Xan
• Pavo is wearing quite casual clothing, casual pants and a silk shirt...
• Pavo looks you both up and down intently.
• Justen wears armor and carries a bag with supplies as well as a flail. Definitely better-quality gear than you would expect a slave to have...
• Pavo is very good at keeping his smile in place, but can't quite hide just how intrigued he is by the two of you.
• Xandhil considers brifly

[Pavo] (Do they look worn out?) [Xandhil] That's very kind, my lord - but perhaps if you have somewhere we might rest, we can leave them there?

• Justen doesn't seem worn out, no.

[Xandhil] (used, certain;yu, but not worn out. Well maintained) [Pavo] Yes, of course... [Justen] Would it be really rude to say I'd be more comfortable keeping my weapons, at least for the moment? [Pavo] I'm not sure which rooms are empty or not. [Pavo] Well, maybe a teeny bit.. but I can't really blame you. Times are troubled.

• Justen asks a question that no one in Andusk would ever bother to ask ;)
• Xandhil remembers they don't have sorcerers hers, score :V

[Pavo] So long as you don't plan to use them on me, I can assure you no harm will come to you in Ar'seni manor :) [Justen] Thank you. [Xandhil] We certainly don't! [Xandhil] and yes, thank you

• Pavo leads you to the nicer quarters, and starts checking rooms to see if they're empty.

[Pavo] [q] Oh no, right, the blonde...

• Pavo finds an empty one.

[Pavo] Here... [Pavo] Do you require... separate accomodations?

• Xandhil pauses

[Xandhil] No, together wil be fine, thank you

• Justen nods

[Pavo] Perfect :)

• Xandhil wishes he had his fathers' telepathy :p

[Pavo] Do you need a few moments? I could have someone bring you to the salon when you're ready to be sociable? :) [Justen] That would be good. Thank you again. [Xandhil] thank you [Pavo] See you soon :)

• Pavo will head back to the salon and have one of the servants loiter outside their door.
• Justen sets down his bag and, reluctantly, takes off armor.
• Xandhil checks the room for spy/gloryholes ;p
• Xandhil speaks quietly in Aveyronnais

[Xandhil] I'm not sure what exactly is going on here... [Justen] yeah... [Xandhil] they seemed to be talking about the resistance, but Ar'seni is the name of the High Priestess [Xandhil] but he mostly just seems curious... and letcherous [Xandhil] I'm sure you figured that part out [Justen] I did notice, yes.

• Xandhil teases, smacking your butt while you ar busy stripping off your armour

[Justen] I guess we can talk to them... if we need to get away, we can.

• Justen grins

[Justen] Do I look presentable?

• Justen asks once he's in regular clothes.

[Xandhil] mmhmmm [Xandhil] probably you look modest for this place [Justen] heh

• Xandhil takes off his armour as well
• Justen unbuttons one more button on his shirt, then ;)

[Xandhil] mm [Xandhil] nice ^-^ [Xandhil] what about me? [Justen] you always look good :) [Justen] except when you're being poisoned by insects... less good then.

• Justen teases, and gives you a kiss
• Xandhil sticks his tongue out, but allows himself to be kissed

[Xandhil] ready? [Justen] I guess so. I'll probably let you do most of the talking, I'm not quite sure how to handle this guy. [Xandhil] well [Xandhil] that's fair [Justen] I mean... I think I know how he'd like to be handled :p [Xandhil] neither am I [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] ...would you want to fuck him? [Justen] ... if it was safe? I don't trust anybody here yet. [Justen] well. if it was safe, or seemed like it would be useful, I should say. [Xandhil] I don't know if anyone here can be trusted @_@ [Xandhil] well... we'll see [Justen] I just meant trusted not to kill us for the moment @_@ [Xandhil] that's fair

• Justen gives your hand a quick squeeze

[Xandhil] he doesn't seem dangerous but... maybe he's just good at hiding it. :/

• Justen nods
• Xandhil squeezes back

[Xandhil] come here though

• Xandhil gives you another big kiss
• Justen does as he's told

[Xandhil] okay now I'm ready :) [Justen] okay :)

• Justen will open the door for you
• Xandhil will see if the door is unlocked

[Xandhil] if anything goes wrong, come back here, and then where we first came in, okay?

• Pavo certainly wouldn't offend a guest like that :V

[Justen] Got it. [DiablotinNarrator] The servant waiting at a polite distance will escort you to the salon.

• Xandhil oggles the house

[Xandhil] this is a really nice place your lord has.. [DiablotinNarrator] (why.. it seems to be shaped like a giant cock @_@ ;)

• Xandhil tries to converse/milk for info

[Xandhil] a very...interesting design @_@ [DiablotinNarrator] [Servant] Yes, sir.

• DiablotinNarrator is a handsome young man... as one might expect, I suppose.

[DiablotinNarrator] (er, the servant is. not me ;) [Xandhil] Have you been with Lord Ar'seni long? [Xandhil] (I gotcha ;) [DiablotinNarrator] [Servant] About three years, sir. [Xandhil] does he have many guests? [Xandhil] ('guests' :3) [Xandhil] he didn't seem overly surprised by our arrival [DiablotinNarrator] [Servant] He occasionally receives visitors, yes sir. [Xandhil] . o O (that's probably about how I would answer too :p)

• Xandhil nods
• DiablotinNarrator is well-trained ;)

[Xandhil] thank you [DiablotinNarrator] He brings you to the salon and opens the door for you politely.

• Xandhil smiles

[Pavo] Ahhh, here they are :) [Pavo] Come in, come in. [Xandhil] thank you, my lord

• Pavo gestures dismissively, though not intentionally rudely, to the servant.

[Pavo] Introductions! [Pavo] Again, I'm Pavo Ar'seni, and this is my home... this here... [DiablotinNarrator] In the salon is your host, along with (you presume) the two other men who were out on the patio with him earlier - another SK gentleman, and a human, tall and well-built, middle-aged or so.

• Pavo gestures to the Shadar-kai... "my dear old friend Kalman vak'Andres" and then to the human, "and his friend César Nazarius."

[Xandhil] A pleasure to meet you both [Xandhil] My name is Xan [Pavo] It seems these two gentlemen have found their way here through those dreadfully bleak trees in the middle of the night :) [Xandhil] and my companion is Justen

• Kalman looks a bit .. grumpy/put-out by something, but he nods politely.

[Pavo] Ah, such short names :)

• Pavo smiles
• Xandhil nods at Pavo's asessment

[Pavo] Have a seat, I'll get you something to drink. [Xandhil] that's very generous, my lord

• Cesar seems more friendly, and smiles at you both.
• Xandhil smiles back, a bit nervously

[Cesar] So, you got off-track?

• Pavo will go over to make something at the bar.

[Xandhil] In a sense... [Cesar] Oh? Where were you headed? Hopefully we can get you pointed in the right direction before you leave. [Xandhil] We didn't have a particular destination in mind

• Xandhil admits

[Cesar] Just getting away from the city, hm? I can't say I blame you...

• Xandhil nods

[Pavo] Ah, the best way to travel, no? No destination, no schedule... no place to be :)

• Pavo returns with some alcoholic drinks for the two of you.

[Xandhil] it isn't without its problems

• Justen takes his drink with thanks.
• Xandhil takes the drink

[Pavo] Never an uncommon plan for young men like yourself :) [Xandhil] thank you [Xandhil] You sound like you're speaking from experience, my lord

• Pavo takes a seat not too far away from you two and contents himself with admiring Justen.
• Justen settles down on a love-seat.
• Xandhil sits with

[Cesar] Had you been travelling long? [Xandhil] It certainy felt that way, sir [Cesar] Oh... you don't have to call me 'sir' :) [Xandhil] Mr. Nazarious? Then?

• Kalman just glowers and sips his drink.

[Cesar] Cesar is fine.

• Xandhil nods, and is generally trying to seem appropriately nervous ;)

[Pavo] Yes, first names... Pavo, Cesar, and... oh no, you can call him MISTER GRUMPY. [Pavo] Stop scowling, we have guests!

• Kalman sighs.
• Xandhil eyes Kalman warily

[Kalman] I do apologize. [Pavo] Sit, sit. [Pavo] *gestures at a chair* [Xandhil] No, my lord, we should apologize, for interrupting your, um, retreat.

• Xandhil tries to find a potentially appropriate term

[Cesar] Oh, don't worry about that. [Kalman] Nothing important to interrupt. [Pavo] No, nothing that can’t wait :) [Xandhil] (sm?) [Kalman] (sure)

• Pavo is pretty clearly responding to what he thinks is sarcasm :P

[Xandhil] !roll 1d20+10

• Pavo rolls for Xandhil: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 16 ].

[Justen] !roll 1d20+10

• Pavo rolls for Justen: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].

[Pavo] So what did you two do in the city? [Xandhil] ahh, well :/ [Xandhil] I was a scribe [Xandhil] Am [Xandhil] i study things for people who don't have the time [Pavo] Ah, how exciting -_-

• Xandhil shrugs

[Pavo] And you? :)

• Pavo says to Justen

[Justen] ...his bodyguard. [Pavo] Oh... [Pavo] How unusual.

• Justen says after a second's hesitation

[Pavo] I suppose the city is quite dangerous. [Xandhil] . o O (not *mine*... ah well :p)

• Xandhil shrugs

[Pavo] I suppose even scribes can live dangerous lives now. [Pavo] I imagine you must have been quite popular :) [Kalman] o_O [Xandhil] ...We mostly tried to keep to ourselves [Pavo] I imagine that was hard. [Kalman] And a scribe can afford a bodyguard. Very interesting. [Pavo] Why, with such exotic features... [Pavo] I can imagine all sorts of people would be clamouring for your ... research assistance.

• Xandhil shrugs

[Xandhil] That's why I have justen to take care of me [Kalman] Are you employed at the elven embassy, by chance?

• Xandhil says, sounding a little bitter

[Pavo] If not descended from...! :D

• Pavo laughs at his silly joke.

[Xandhil] Not that I'm aware of... [Xandhil] I try not to question my clients too closely [Pavo] And who was Justen’s bodyguard? :) [Justen] Oh, uh... I can take care of myself. [Pavo] Ah, so you don’t mind the attention.

• Pavo looks intently, even a little hungrily at Justen’s eyes.

[Justen] No.

• Justen smiles brazenly.

[Pavo] Ahaha.

• Pavo looks at Kalman and mouths “I like him :D”
• Cesar chuckles.

[Pavo] I never found it to be a terrible burden either, I must admit.

• Xandhil blushes *for* Justen ;p

[Kalman] You are *employed* as a bodyguard? Not... purchased? [Justen] Oh, no... not purchased.

• Justen says hastily, and glances at Xan, hoping that was the right answer.

[Xandhil] We take care of each other, in our own ways [Xandhil] but that's our own choice [Pavo] Oh, like brothers?

• Cesar makes an 'awww' face.

[Pavo] Are you brothers?

• Xandhil blushes again
• Pavo looks back and forth between the two.

[Xandhil] No, my lord [Pavo] Ah, well it’d be no matter anyway. :) [Xandhil] ...

• Xandhil just nods at that
• Justen does blush a bit at that.

[Pavo] .oO( So ... modest? ) [Kalman] I imagine if you were here on business, you wouldn't tell us.

• Kalman says mildly.

[Pavo] What sort of business would a scribe be doing out here, Kalman?

• Pavo looks at him as if he’s a fool.

[Kalman] The kind of 'scribe' who investigates things... [Pavo] And they would be investigating what, the garden? the village?

• Xandhil blinks

[Xandhil] I swear, my lord, we didn't even know this place was out here.

• Xandhil says, with absolute complete honesty

[Kalman] Mmhmm. [Pavo] .oO( So adorable. )

• Kalman sips his drink.
• Pavo looks to Kalman to see if he thinks Xandhil is lying, though.

[Pavo] The real question is where you think you’ll head next?

• Kalman still seems wary, but not like he's going to storm off or insist you kick them out or something.

[Xandhil] I don't know [Xandhil] I really don't know ...what else there is?

• Xandhil says hesitantly

[Cesar] Not much, out here. [Pavo] True, the landscape’s not what it used to be. [Pavo] Boring at best, really. [Xandhil] has it changed? [Pavo] Hmm... has it?

• Pavo looks to Kalman

[Cesar] Well.. I don't know if you know, but you're pretty close to the edge out here.

• Xandhil contemplates that, and looks at Justen, a little defeated
• Kalman just shrugs.

[Xandhil] so there *is* an edge :(

• Justen echoes your disappointed face.

[Pavo] I never liked the forest much, but at least I don’t remember it being so dreadfully dull... [Xandhil] it did seem very...repetitive

• Cesar nods

[Xandhil] I heard....rumors, maybe [Xandhil] but I don't really know what it means [Xandhil] do you? [Pavo] I try not to think about it all, really... [Kalman] It used to take longer to get here, too.

• Xandhil asks hopefully

[Cesar] :/ [Xandhil] (is that a pointed statement, Kalman] ;) [Kalman] (maybe ;) [Xandhil] (hee) [Cesar] I hate to be the one to break this to you, if you were hoping... there's really nowhere to go further. [Pavo] It’s true :( [Xandhil] I would come across things, occasionally, in my research... I don't know what I hoped, exactly [Pavo] I mean, there’s the village, but it’s quite pedestrian. [Xandhil] that there might be something else, something to explore, or somewhere worth going...

• Xandhil nods

[Pavo] It’s actually a bit of a blessing we’re not as far out as we used to be, or it would be even harder to get ahold of some of the things I need... [Pavo] Oh, and more frequent visits :)

• Pavo smiles at Kalman and Cesar :)
• Kalman manages a bit of a smile at that.

[Pavo] Ah there’s one :) [Xandhil] but.... do you mean the world is *shrinking?* [Pavo] I bet that didn’t hurt much at all.

• Pavo smiles genuinely at Kalman.
• Xandhil quiets, as if embarassed by his outburst during your little friend moment

[Kalman] It's not so much that it's shrinking as that parts of it don't seem to be there anymore. [Pavo] They weren’t necessary, I imagine. [Kalman] Some scholars have studied it... well, I'm not expert in these matters. [Pavo] I’m sure they were, by definition, boring places. [Cesar] Since things sort of went crazy in the city, things have changed out here too. [Pavo] Well except for Cozovode, that sounded interesting. [Cesar] Maybe you're too young to remember that. [Xandhil] I've heard a little, but I don't remember it

• Cesar nods.

[Xandhil] But was it really better before? [Cesar] In some ways...

• Cesar says with a shrug.

[Pavo] Wine was certainly cheaper. [Cesar] There weren't the food shortages there are now.

• Cesar agrees with Pavo

[Pavo] Yes, and food.

• Xandhil listens

[Cesar] And people could leave... I guess. at least, I heard of some who did. [Xandhil] do you know where they went? [Xandhil] or... what's happened to them now? [Xandhil] I just wanted there to be something better :/ [Cesar] I don't know. Cozovode, was what they said, or in that direction. but I don't know for sure what happened to them.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I don't know what to do now :/

• Xandhil looks up at Justen

[Pavo] Oh, things are not all so dire. [Justen] We'll figure something out. [Pavo] I know this is going to sound horribly philosophical, but who’s to say what it was then? It was what she let it be, and what she let us remember it be. At least now it’s real.

• Justen says, taking your hand (and the chance to switch drinks ;)

[Xandhil] (hee) [Xandhil] ( [3 ) [Xandhil] I suppose so. [Pavo] And ... better is what you make of it. Sometimes better is work. [Kalman] There's a certain ironic freedom to it. [Pavo] You find a nice place, you settle down for a bit, you make some friends, and enjoy yourself :) [Kalman] You try to make things better, to the extent that you can... [Xandhil] but how? [Pavo] He means that in wider sense than I do.

• Pavo translates gloomy

[Cesar] well.. you two obviously already know about helping your friends. [Cesar] . o O (they're sooo cuuute)

• Xandhil nods, squeezing Justen's hand again
• Pavo smiles again
• Cesar gives Kalman's hand a little pat too, which is enough to get him to smile again.

[Pavo] Not that that is enough for Mr. Gloomy here. [Kalman] I'm not gloomy.

• Kalman protests.

[Pavo] You would not believe how cheaply we sell food from the village to the city [Pavo] It’s a crime. [Pavo] And if you ask me I think he lies about even charging half the time. [Kalman] well, what are you going to use the money for? [Pavo] This house doesn’t maintain and staff itself! [Xandhil] you produce food here? :o [Pavo] No, not here... [Kalman] The gardens aren't just decorative, but that's mostly just for here.

• Pavo says to Kalman... “I’ll remind you I’ve had to pawn most of the east gallery for your projects.”

[Kalman] There's still some farmland left to the south and east of here. [Kalman] who knows why... something interesting happened there once, maybe. [Pavo] Well we did send quite a few people through to the village... maybe it’s all the “real” people

• Pavo takes a sip of his drink, realizing that was probably not something he should have said.
• Xandhil nods, trying to follow and figure things out
• Kalman sighs
• Pavo puts his smile back in place :)
• Xandhil eyes Justen uneasily

[Justen] uh... 'real people'?

• Justen inquires

[Pavo] Well, like us... rather than people we just hear about. [Justen] oh.

• Justen still doesn't really understand, but is willing to let that one go.
• Xandhil looks thoughtful

[Xandhil] Well [Xandhil] Thank you for your... indirect offer

• Xandhil says to Pavo

[Pavo] Hmm? [Xandhil] I suppose we need to think about what comes next for us [Pavo] Oh, yes, I suppose I did at that :) [Pavo] Take your time... have you ever seen a dawn? I rarely wake up in time, but they’re quite marvellous. [Xandhil] hmm

• Xandhil contemplates

[Xandhil] I suppose we'll see if we can stay up that late @_@ [Pavo] I suppose we could approach the dawn from the other side :) 03* Pavo is now known as PavoWork

• Justen chuckles.

[Justen] That's a... generous offer too.

• PavoWork tosses Kalman and absolutely elated look
• Kalman mild eyerolls, but seems used to this ;)
• Justen glances to Xan
• Xandhil hesitates but shrugs, then smiles nervously

[Justen] I mean, maybe we ought to get our rest though...

• Justen offers you an out, so you have a choice.

[Xandhil] I'd rather stay with you [Xandhil] :3 [Justen] well, and I'd rather stay with you :) [Justen] maybe we can ... can consider that, for another time?

• Xandhil nods
• Justen suggests, trying to balance things without offending anyone or getting in over his head too fast.

[Cesar] It's late... maybe we all ought to get to bed - assuming we're not planning to stay up until dawn.

• Cesar adds with a smile.

[Xandhil] Maybe that would be the best, for now [Kalman] Probably for the best.

• Xandhil conceeds
• Kalman agrees

[DiablotinNarrator] After a few more yearning looks and 'helpful' suggestions from Pavo, you can get shown back to your room. [Xandhil] well [Xandhil] that was intense @_@ [Justen] Yeah... [Justen] sorry if I screwed things up :/ [Xandhil] no, I think it worked out fine

• Xandhil says honestly

[Justen] okay [Xandhil] I think

• Justen settles down on the bed

[Xandhil] I don't think pavo really cares, or Cesar [Xandhil] Kalman seems supisious [Xandhil] but I think we're okay, for now

• Justen nods

[Justen] That was my feeling too - but I think he was more annoyed at being disrupted, maybe. it just put him off.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] i wonder what they were doing? [Justen] not sure [Justen] I mean... maybe he was just expecting a quiet evening with friends and then in came some strangers. [Justen] I don't think he's jealous, at least? I wondered that at first, but I don't think that's it.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] maybe that's it [Xandhil] well they can still have their evening maybe, depending on what they were after :p

• Justen nods.

[Justen] are they a couple? a triad? I wasn't quite sure how to read it. [Xandhil] I'm not sure either [Xandhil] i was more worried about other things [Xandhil] but I think it is safe to say they're not all monogamous ;p [Justen] yeah. [Xandhil] the files Implied that Cesar was...involved... with Sendhel, but that was years ago

• Justen nods

[Justen] he's the weirdest... I mean, I don't know ... the other him ... well or anything, but ... he looks so much like him. The others obviously don't, not that I ever knew them anyway. [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] I don't know the real one well, at least [Xandhil] but I've met him @_@ [Xandhil] well I guess it isn't a matter of 'real' [Justen] yeah.. what did they mean, about 'real'? [Xandhil] I think... maybe the dream supplied like... [Xandhil] hmm [Xandhil] like you know in a play, sometimes you have extra characters who are there in the background?

• Justen nods

[Xandhil] just to fill space, and make a scene look more busy? [Justen] the ones who don't have any lines, they're just there [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] maybe like that? [Justen] maybe [Xandhil] they weren't differentiated or interesting enough to attract the Queen's attention [Xandhil] I'm a little afraid of going to the city [Xandhil] but well [Xandhil] We need to

• Justen nods

[Xandhil] but how long do you think we could...should stay here? [Xandhil] it seems relatively safe, at least [Justen] well... maybe a few days? maybe we can talk to them more, find out more stuff. [Xandhil] okay [Xandhil] talk? ^-^ [Justen] welll... I don't *have* to fuck them ;)

• Justen teases

[Justen] I can play hard to get for a few days, if you think it's best. [Xandhil] whatever you want

• Xandhil says honestly

[Justen] I'd want you with me, though, if anything does happen. [Justen] ... in case.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] i can manage that [Xandhil] somehow ^-^

• Justen smiles

[Xandhil] well, we'll see how things go [Justen] okay. [Justen] do you think one of us should keep watch? [Xandhil] We'll see how good they are at seduction ^-^

• Justen laughs

[Xandhil] at least they know I'm less easy ;p [Xandhil] But I don't know [Xandhil] I don't want us both to be too tired to be useful :/

• Justen nods

[Justen] we'll just try to sleep lightly, then [Justen] if anything weird happens, I'll be up pretty fast anyway, I bet. [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] I should have bought some scrolls with alarm :p

• Xandhil goes to check if any of our stuff has ben messed with, speaking of

[DiablotinNarrator] It all seems to be as you left it.

• Justen settles in to rest, then

[Justen] at least the bed's comfortable... [Xandhil] I'm sure it is ^-^ [Justen] heh

• Xandhil will snuggle up and flop over you

[Xandhil] mm [Xandhil] it is exciting though, isn't it? [Justen] it is... [Justen] scary, but exciting. [Justen] I feel like this place is ... okay, or at least not dangerous. but I don't know if I should trust that feeling or not. [Xandhil] I'm sure it will get worse in the city [Xandhil] but I thik you're right [Xandhil] or at least the danger here is more manageable and... less unfamiliar, maybe? [Justen] yeah [Justen] guys wanting to bone me, fairly familiar ;) [Xandhil] hee [Xandhil] it's a hard life ]:D

• Xandhil says, reaching down to give you a squeeze

[Xandhil] but we can handle it [Xandhil] ]:D ]:D [Justen] mmm [Justen] you can handle it anytime [Xandhil] you know it [Xandhil] mmmm

• Xandhil rubs his ass against you

[Xandhil] hmm?

• Justen wraps you up in his arms tightly

[Justen] as much as I'd like to...maybe we should just sleep :/ [Justen] not get too distracted?

• Xandhil looks at you for a minute, then nods, and gives you a relatively chaste kiss
• Justen kisses back

[Justen] sorry :/ [Xandhil] Now I'm just going to be distracted thinking about sex ;p

• Justen chuckles

[Justen] quick hand-job? ^-^

• Justen offers

[Xandhil] okay :)

• Justen is happy to oblige
• Xandhil is quick to get of, all this excitement and all ^-^
• Justen needs it himself, after watching how much you enjoyed it ^-^
• Xandhil is also happy to reciprocate :D

[Xandhil] mmmm [Xandhil] now sleep? [Justen] better?

• Justen nods
• Xandhil says, licking his fingers
• Justen snuggles you up
• Xandhil be's snuggled
• Justen drifts off to sleep fairly quickly
• Xandhil flops op top of you and sleeps quickly as well, trusting your instincts if something goes awry

[DiablotinNarrator] In the middle of the night... both can make Listen checks [Justen] !roll 1d20+5

• PavoWork rolls for Justen: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 6 ].

[Justen] (hah) [Xandhil] !roll 1d20+9

• PavoWork rolls for Xandhil: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 15 ].
• Justen is totally out, so much for 'I'll just sleep lightly' ;)

[DiablotinNarrator] Xan, you hear a faint noise that wakes you sometime in the early hours of the morning.

• Xandhil sits up and looks around

[DiablotinNarrator] It's coming from the wall beside the bed - or, more likely, from the room beside yours.

• Xandhil puts an ear to the wall

[Xandhil] (or cups his hands and puts his ear to that ;) [Xandhil] . o O (Shagging?) [DiablotinNarrator] it sounds like someone making noises in their sleep... faint cries/whines/half-words [Xandhil] .... [Xandhil] :|

• Xandhil carefully wakes up Justen

[DiablotinNarrator] You don't think shagging - you only hear one person, and it doesn't sound like sexytimes to you. more like whoever it is is having a nightmare, or is upset. [Justen] hm?

• Justen stirs

[Xandhil] I'm going to go check something out next door [Justen] okay.. should I come too? [Xandhil] I'll call you if I need you [Xandhil] just don't fall asleep [Justen] okay

• Justen sits up in bed so he's less likely to just nod off again
• Xandhil will slip over to the next door and knock then

[DiablotinNarrator] The sounds quiet abruptly when you knock.

• Xandhil calls out quietly

[Xandhil] Are you okay? 03* Kalman is now known as Voice [Voice] Who is it?

• Voice sounds male, not someone you've already met tonight you don't think.

[Xandhil] Um, my name is Xan... [Xandhil] I just came here tonight. [Voice] just a minute... 03* Voice is now known as Man [Xandhil] . o O (Everyone here is male... Actaully I'm okay with that :V)

• Man rustles around for a minute and then opens the door. He is young, maybe around your age or so, with dark curly hair and pale skin - human.

[Man] Is something wrong?

• Man asks warily.
• Xandhil shakes his head

[Xandhil] I'm just next door... [Man] oh.. [Xandhil] (Does he look like he is/was upset) [Xandhil] *is* something wrong?

• Man looks sleep-tousled and a bit defensive/wary... but maybe also like he was upset, and is trying to hide it.
• Xandhil sounds concerned

[Man] I... was just having a bad dream. sorry if I woke you up. [Xandhil] It's okay

• Xandhil says reassuringly

[Xandhil] I just wanted to make sure you were alright [Xandhil] I still don't really know too much about this place ].] [Man] yeah... me neither, really, just stories. [Man] I haven't been here long.

• Xandhil glances around the hallway

[Xandhil] ...did you just want to go back to sleep? [Man] uh... I probably won't, for a while anyway. [Xandhil] ...did you want to talk? [Man] so you don't have to worry about me keeping you awake, if you were going back to bed. [Xandhil] I mean, even just about this place [Xandhil] I don't mean to pry @_@

• Xandhil lies

[Man] ... okay.

• Man says a bit grudgingly, but he steps aside to let you come into his room.
• Xandhil smiles an 'i'm harmless!' smile

[Xandhil] we didn't even know this place was out here - did you? [Man] yeah... well, I had heard about it some. [Xandhil] oh? [Man] from my father. he sort of knows the guy who owns it... friend of a friend, you could say. [Xandhil] ...Pavo? [Man] yeah [Xandhil] who's your father?

• Xandhil curiouses/dreads

[Man] oh... his name's Dom. he used to be a gladiator, like Cesar - long time ago, but that's how they know each other.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] what's your name? [Man] Ardent. 03* Man is now known as Ardent [Xandhil] how did you end up out here, then? [Ardent] I kind of had to get out of town for a while, so... Dad talked to Cesar, and here I am.

• Xandhil nods

[Ardent] what about you? [Xandhil] me and my ...friend wanted to get away for a while, and see what there might be out of the city [Xandhil] and this is where we ended up [Ardent] by accident? [Xandhil] basically [Ardent] lucky... [Xandhil] it seems that way @_@ [Ardent] I mean, you could have ended up worse places, I guess.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] Do you know pavo at all? [Xandhil] I guess you must know Cesar some [Xandhil] We met them when the guards let us in with Kalman [Ardent] Pavo I really just met yesterday. Cesar, I've known since I was a kid though. [Ardent] and he lives with Kalman, so I sort of knew him before this too, although not really well or anything.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I'm just not really sure what to make of the place [Ardent] well... [Xandhil] Pavo sort of implied we should just stay here for a little while, but... [Ardent] it's supposed to be a safe spot, aside from how you might get fucked ;)

• Ardent says, cracking a bit of a smile.
• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] there are definitely worse fates ^-^ [Xandhil] Though I think he was more taken with Justen [Ardent] Pavo?

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I couldn't tell about the others [Xandhil] Kalman just seemed, well, gloomy

• Xandhil steals Pavo's term

[Ardent] he and Kalman both tend to go for the more muscular types, I think. I mean, a lot of shadar-kai like that - strength, power, all that. and controlling it. I mean... they're not like most shadar-kai, though.

• Ardent adds hastily

[Xandhil] no? [Ardent] no... [Xandhil] how do you mean? [Xandhil] I mean [Ardent] well, most d- most of them wouldn't even have humans as friends, or try to help us. [Xandhil] Kalman seemed concerned that Justen was my slave [Xandhil] that was strange.. [Ardent] yeah. he really has a thing about slaves. like as in, he really hates it. [Xandhil] huh [Ardent] not even just 'has slaves but treats them good' - he doesn't have any. well, the thing with Cesar is sort of complicated.. but he's not his slave. [Xandhil] what is he? [Xandhil] A lover? [Ardent] I think Kalman bought him, in order to help him. I guess he probably freed him after. [Ardent] yeah, that too.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] freed him after he bought him, you mean? [Ardent] but I don't think that's why he bought him.. I think that was later. I don't really know, though. [Ardent] that's what I heard. [Xandhil] huh [Xandhil] its not really the sort of thing you hear everyday, that's for sure [Ardent] yeah [Ardent] if he wasn't so rich and everything, he couldn't get away with it. [Xandhil] yeah... [Ardent] but people just think it's... I don't know, like a quirky habit. [Xandhil] like he's eccentric? [Ardent] yeah [Xandhil] no wonder he's gloomy :p [Ardent] buying gladiators, setting them free, keeping them around his house... [Xandhil] . o O (this would be a hard place to have a conscience) [Xandhil] does he do that a lot? [Ardent] well... at least twice that I heard of.

• Ardent shrugs

[Xandhil] ... but not your dad, though, right? [Ardent] no, not him.

• Xandhil asks, just to clarify/prompt ;p
• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] did he fight his way out?

• Ardent shakes his head

[Ardent] it's kind of a long story... you wanna sit down? [Xandhil] oh, um, sure, thanks

• Xandhil will sit somewhere
• Ardent sits on his bed

[Ardent] (but there's probably a chair if you prefer ;) [Xandhil] (yeah, that'll do :) [Ardent] well.. he used to be owned by the Kesset family.

• Ardent says as if you probably know who they are already.
• Xandhil conveniently does :V\
• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] right [Ardent] when Pheria Kesset got married, she took him along with her.

• Xandhil listens

[Ardent] but her husband, uh, wasn't a fan.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] made her get rid of him? [Ardent] yeah, one of Pheria's kids looked too much like him... which was kind of the last straw. [Ardent] he was gonna sell the baby too. [Xandhil] ...not you? [Ardent] but Pheria made a big fuss about it, so he didn't in the end. [Ardent] no.. not me. a girl.

• Xandhil assumed but likes ot be clear ;p
• Xandhil nods

[Ardent] but he made her get rid of Dad. and ... my mother used to be owned by the Kizers, but she got free because ... well, it's a whole other long story, but basically her owner liked her enough that he gave her a bunch of money in his will. [Xandhil] (Ardent doesn't particularly look like any of Ysa's kids, does he?) [Xandhil] ... did she buy your dad? [Ardent] (well, not remarkably so, no. he has dark curly hair like Jess and Theo do, and like Ysa herself in fact.) [Ardent] yeah. they were going to sell him to some shitty mine or something, so she went and made a deal behind their backs to buy him from there. [Xandhil] (That's acceptable ;p) [Xandhil] ...I'm guessing they already knew each other? [Ardent] before that? yeah, from working together... you know, for parties and stuff.

• Xandhil nods

[Ardent] Marel was super pissed. He already hated Mom. [Ardent] they've had to hide out a lot since then. [Ardent] and I thought... maybe I could help fix things. [Xandhil] is that how you ended up here?

• Ardent nods

[Xandhil] ... [Xandhil] "fix"?

• Xandhil queries

[Ardent] Get rid of Marel.

• Ardent clarifies.
• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] how did that work out? [Ardent] I never got a chance to try... I had it planned out, but then Dad found out and ... now I'm here. [Xandhil] ahh, heh [Xandhil] sorry :/ [Ardent] if I get a chance, I'm going back.

• Ardent confesses
• Xandhil nods

[Ardent] what about you.. are you going to stay here? [Xandhil] I don't know yet [Xandhil] This isn't really what I was looking for, I don't think [Xandhil] maybe for a few days, just to get a mental break [Xandhil] and then go back, and think about what I can do in the city

• Ardent nods

[Xandhil] maybe think first, then go

• Xandhil smiles

[Ardent] well... let me know if you're going, and maybe I'll go with you. if you wanted. [Xandhil] definitely [Xandhil] safety in numbers and all [Ardent] yeah [Xandhil] I bet your dad must have taught you to fight? [Ardent] yeah.

• Ardent is indeed a big, muscular guy.

[Xandhil] Justen's pretty good. I'm fast, and I have some other tricks, but year - numbers [Ardent] who's Justen? [Ardent] your friend?

• Xandhil nods
• Ardent nods

[Xandhil] we take care of each other [Ardent] that's good... it must be nice. [Xandhil] yeha [Xandhil] well - you have your family, at least? [Ardent] yeah... not that I can do anything for them way out here :/ [Ardent] and I have a girlfriend too. or had. I don't know :/ [Xandhil] oh? [Ardent] well now that I'm gone, who knows.

• Ardent is grumpy/glum about that, it seems

[Xandhil] : / [Xandhil] well you haven't beenm gone that long, have you? [Ardent] no... [Ardent] but she probably doesn't even know where I am, or anything. she might think I'm dead. [Xandhil] well.... then just thinkof how happy she'll be to see you ^_^ [Ardent] yeah... I hope. [Ardent] I should probably let you get back to sleep... I've been blathering long enough. [Xandhil] that's okay [Xandhil] You've made me feel better about this place, anyway [Xandhil] so, thanks [Ardent] well... good, I guess. [Ardent] see you tomorrow, maybe. [Xandhil] yeah - goodnight [Xandhil] I hope you're feeling a little better too [Ardent] yeah, a bit.

• Xandhil will get up to go back to his room

[Ardent] better now that I might have someone to go back with.

• Ardent says with a slight smile
• Xandhil smiles in return

[Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] goodnight! [Ardent] good night.

• Justen has dozed off sitting up when you get back to your room, having not heard any screaming or anything dire from you.
• Xandhil snuggles up
• Xandhil wakes him back up with kisses

[Justen] mm...everything okay? [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] I think the guy next door is Dom and yssvelt's kid [Justen] ..oh. [Xandhil] definitely dom's

• Justen nods

[Xandhil] his dad sent him here because he wanted to kill Marel, because he's still after his family [Xandhil] because he is mad Yssvelt bought his dad [Justen] huh. [Justen] guy can hold a grudge, huh? [Xandhil] but he said that these are good people, basically [Xandhil] i guess so [Justen] if he is Ysstvelt's son, he's kind of like my brother. kind of. [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] only totally not at all :p [Xandhil] he doesn't look like any of your brothers [Justen] yeah, I know. it's still ... weird. [Xandhil] that's fair [Justen] okay. that's good, I guess. [Xandhil] he wants to go back to the city [Xandhil] I said if we go he can come with us [Justen] sure. [Xandhil] it would be good to have a local guide :p [Justen] at least he probably knows the way.. yeah. [Xandhil] and probaby the right connections [Xandhil] more of them

• Justen nods
• Justen is getting drowsy again
• Justen gets curled up around you

[Xandhil] sleep, yes [Justen] ... love you...

• Xandhil kisses and snuggles

[Xandhil] I love you too