Knocking [Gianne]

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Weariness settled into his figure as he sat there across from Gianne in the cool morning sand. She wanted to know him more…but did she really want to know him? Where could he start as not to scare her off? He didn’t want her pity; he was no beaten dog that needed to be taken in and coddled. No; he had done his best to set himself aside from that past even if he was struggling with it. And it almost seemed the further back in his past he went the worse things got…A simple question was then issued…she wanted to know where he was from.

A question that anyone else could answer with ease he struggled with. Where was he from? It almost confused him as he toiled over what to tell her. The confusion however would not be completely evident…composure was important to him. Something he learned working in the Opal Order; no matter how confusing or hectic things got it was important for a healer to show they were gathered together. That they could make logical and prepared decisions even if they were torn on the inside; even if they were witnessing horrible injuries. It was a somewhat practiced art…one that he hadn’t mastered yet.

There were signs of this struggle as he breathed evenly and managed a small weary smile at the edge of his mouth. ‘Tell her…you will not regret it’ That was what he told himself as she announced how much of a mystery he seemed to be to her.

“Some things are better left that way.” He said…not knowing that thought had escaped his mouth as he looked to her face apologetically.

“It…” He stammered a little as he ran a free hand through his hair to gather his thoughts. ‘Just tell her you have already been a jerk!’ And he agreed.

“This…past I am trying to distance myself from.” He said rolling his left arm so she could see the horrible scarring. There was very pronounced radial scarring around his wrists likely from horrible ill fitting iron shackles. Many of the other scars were easily visible to her as well, but as to what caused them…well only a few knew the truth of that.

“And this past is where I started living.” He rolled over his right arm to expose the gnosis mark from Rak’keli.

He let that silence sit for a few moments as he continued. “I am from Mura, although that was not where I was born nor where I grew up. I don’t know where I was born, and can’t remember growing up. I don’t remember my parents, friends, family…nothing before the camp. Nothing before the suffering. But Mura…” He said as if he was trying quickly to transition away from those thoughts associated with the camp and the horrid nightmares associated with it.

“Mura I remember well. The Konti took me in with open arms, brought me back to health and their sister goddess Rak’keli gave me new found purpose. I was renewed on that Isle among the Konti. Then when the time was right I found myself needing to challenge myself again. I couldn’t remain on Mura forever easily. So I came to Riverfall.” That was likely a little more information than she needed…but he wrapped it all up nicely for her.

“I am Serrif Von Chatlyn of Mura.” He stated with certainty to her. It sounded right to him, even though it was an assumed name and he had no real idea where he came from. But as far as details before Mura…his body told the story better than he ever could. And if Kavala ever walked his memories; he was sure he had given her more than just a few nightmares of her own.

[Gianne Basete]

Her lips pursed into a thin line. With Serrif's first remark, Gianne knew this wasn't to go how she had planned. It would be the complete opposite. She made a dismissive, lighthearted gesture at his silent apology before he continued. As he rolled his arm her eyes caught the scar, winking cruelly from his skin. Her mouth went a little dry at the sight of it. Of course she'd seen some of his other scars when she caught flashes of his chest, but she never connected the dots that the crisscross of scar tissue might be anything but battle wounds. People always had them, some more than others; she was sure the Akalaks were riddled with them, just as Serrif appeared to be. But at the sight of his wrist, which was obviously something far more sinister than a blade cut, it couldn't be mistaken for a battle wound. And he showed his other mark; the gnosis of Rak'keli. Just the sight of it gave her good feelings, and she couldn't imagine how wonderful Serrif felt actually bearing the mark on his body. Without thinking she took his big hand in hers and gave it a tight squeeze, unable to think of anything to say. It was obvious now that Serrif had been through something unimaginably horrible. This wasn't one of those times where she could say, I understand how you feel. If she did, it would have been the biggest lie she'd ever uttered. Her life in Zeltiva had been a good one, though the relationship with her mother was a strained one. Really, she had nothing to complain about. As he continued to speak Gianne felt her lips tremble faintly, and registered the burning behind her eyes that one felt before tears fell. Her grip on his hand tightened into a vice, but relaxed when she realized how tight she was holding his fingers. She couldn't imagine having no memories of a family, friends, any sort of previous life before a torturous existence. And she knew that's what he'd been through. That scar, and the one she only just now noticed around his neck, were clear indications to that. She wasn't completely naive; she knew of slavery and torture. What else could make those marks? And the scars across his chest, they were too uniform to be from battle. She realized that now too. A fat tear tumbled down her cheek at these new realizations but Gianne quickly dashed it away, rubbing her sleeve across her face. She couldn't help but cry, thinking of such a kind man like Serrif being imprisoned and tortured as he most surely had been. But he was here now wasn't he? Alive and growing healthier by the day. His Goddess had marked him, and that was not a common thing. He was special, in many obvious ways. Gianne smiled once she knew he was finished. It was a happy one, but with an underlying sadness. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Serrif Von Chatlyn of Mura." Her throat felt swollen from holding tears back so she swallowed experimentally. "I'm glad you found a place among the Konti. They obviously took very good care of you." She wasn't going to ask any further about his scars, and especially not about the life that had left them. There was no need to. He was here, not there. He had survived and moved on; or at least was in the process. He had a Goddess who loved him. Then, feeling a little bravery bloom she said with conviction, "And I'm glad you found a place here." For once her eyes were unwavering, like they tended to when she looked him in the face for too long. But her mouth was set in a serious line and her brows were drawn together. The only thing that gave away her shyness was the blush making her face uncomfortably hot. It seemed to be an ever present fixture to her face lately since she'd met Serrif. It was obvious that she was attracted to him, and even though the new information about his life; what he'd been through; made her sick, it didn't change the light in which she saw him. She had grown up around the rough and tumble bunch of Zeltiva. Ship builders, carpenters, drinkers, sailors, the lot of them. Serrif though, was as gentle and kindhearted as she assumed a human being could get. More of their kind needed to be like him. Maybe then less would live like he had. Although she had the idea that the life he'd led had made him the way he was today. Why would someone who had been inflicted so much pain want to inflict the same on others? Gianne smiled at him now, almost lovingly, and squeezed his hand again. "You're a good man." She felt she had to tell him that, just in case someone else hadn't. But why wouldn't he have been told that? It was the absolute truth. "We're all lucky to have you here, and I bet the whole island of Mura misses you. Are you ever going to go back?" A tiny bit of her hoped he wouldn't, because that meant he would leave Riverfall.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He appreciated her compassion, the way she held his hand tight in her own; even if she did at times squeeze it hard enough to cut off blood circulation to his fingertips. She didn’t say she understood how he felt; that most of all he liked. She was obviously well aware of her own feelings, even when they swept over her like a wave and toppled her over. She wasn’t afraid of her emotions; no she experienced them fully. Something Serrif hadn’t done in a very long time. His emotions were dangerous and he learned that emotion could lead to regrettable choices, Tizack was a perfect example of this to him.

So Serrif had somewhat numbed himself, he blamed the camp for that as well…and Mura. He didn’t exactly have the most successful romances in Mura. Which was partially why he was a little aversive to Gianne; he didn’t want to have it all go south. He could see the heat build up in her face as horror swept across it, then the ears came. Why…why would anyone cry for him? Why would they care that much for him? He was just a man, and in the grand scheme of things he was rather unimportant. He still didn’t see how others saw him as an integral part of anything.

She like many others stated that he was a good man. That was a matter of opinion in his mind, good was relative. Everyone did things they regretted and he was far from some perfect man that left awe in his footsteps. He knew this, and he was very open about it. “I am a man, nothing more nothing less.”

It was almost as if the indoctrination of the Akalak people had set in on him. Humans especially male humans were generally looked down upon. Mostly because they weren’t seen as masculine enough, perfect enough like the Akalak were. But Serrif knew it was also likely because human men could steal the most important currency in all of Riverfall…wombs. Women were very precious to the Akalak people, but for something so closely guarded there was still much that didn’t make sense to him. But he brushed the anger welling up inside away to focus. Anger wouldn’t get him anywhere.

“Maybe one day I will return to Mura, but that is not in the near future…if at all. I don’t really know right now all I know is I am needed here now.” He nodded and gently wiped one of her tears aside.

“Don’t cry for me Gianne. I am better for what I have seen, for what I have experienced. It made me who I am, what I am. And because of it all I now know the depths of true mercy and forgiveness. Something I never would have understood under other circumstances.” It was true; he didn’t want to cause her distress because of what he had endured. He didn’t want to think about it so it made him uncomfortable when it distressed others.

[Gianne Basete]

"I'm sorry," she said hastily, wiping at her eyes again to make sure no more tears would fall. "I couldn't really help but cry. It's just a sad thing." She tried to ignore the fact that he'd brushed one of the tears away himself. It more or less worked. But a thought had burrowed now into the back of her mind. Maybe he felt a little the same way that she did for him? Mutual attraction? Did he desire to know her better? She didn't go around wiping tears off peoples' faces; even friends. It was the start of a little hope, and that was all she needed. Being shot down was never a good thing, so this was progress. She had hoped he wouldn't pull away emotionally because of the direction the conversation had turned. She decided it was time for a quick change in subject. Gianne didn't want to linger on a topic that would upset Serrif any more than he did. Now that the little flame of hope had ignited, she felt brave enough to ask, "Serrif, would you come into the city with me tomorrow?" Then she added more or less smoothly, "I'm going to be buying some supplies and I could use help carrying things." She offered a crooked smile, raising her eyebrows questioningly. Of course, she could easily stick a pack saddle on Gill and have him carry everything, but she wasn't going to mention that. A little bit of sly coaxing never hurt anyone. Plus having human company would be better than her gelding. He was a horse of few words. Gianne had been trying not to think of the conversation she'd had with Kavala over the summer, but now it was starting to bubble up to the surface. She had told Gianne that the Akalaks were guaranteed to target her at some point. The thought of those massive warriors zoning in on her just for the fact that they wanted her to carry a child terrified her. She wanted a relationship, not to be a birthing tool. It made her feel like the Akalaks thought of her as part of a herd; where they occasionally plucked a heifer out to breed her, wishing her the best of luck on surviving. No matter how much they offered her for the service, she would never accept. Living in the lap of luxury only to most likely die 9 months later held no appeal to her. Gianne would rather live to be 100 years old and die a poor old maid than give her life for money and comfort. Nothing was worth the consequences. Not the sex with an overwhelmingly gorgeous man; nothing. The fear of being courted by Akalaks was one of the factors that gave her the bravery to pursue Serrif further today. At first it was mere attraction. To both his personality and his features. But now, after Kavala's warnings, she felt unsafe. She had warned Gianne of Serrif's shyness, which she had already witnessed, but then told her to initiate, because he wouldn't. So this was her own way of handling it. Offering to go with her into the city. How lame. If only she could just say, "Hey, by the way, I think you're one of the kindest men I've ever met, and you're gorgeous. Wanna' hold hands?" Mentally, she smacked herself square in the face. Hold hands? What kind of offer would that be? Petching idiot. Good thing she wasn't brave enough to be so straightforward.

[Gianne Basete]

"I'm sorry," she said hastily, wiping at her eyes again to make sure no more tears would fall. "I couldn't really help but cry. It's just a sad thing." She tried to ignore the fact that he'd brushed one of the tears away himself. It more or less worked. But a thought had burrowed now into the back of her mind. Maybe he felt a little the same way that she did for him? Mutual attraction? Did he desire to know her better? She didn't go around wiping tears off peoples' faces; even friends. It was the start of a little hope, and that was all she needed. Being shot down was never a good thing, so this was progress. She had hoped he wouldn't pull away emotionally because of the direction the conversation had turned. She decided it was time for a quick change in subject. Gianne didn't want to linger on a topic that would upset Serrif any more than he did. Now that the little flame of hope had ignited, she felt brave enough to ask, "Serrif, would you come into the city with me tomorrow?" Then she added more or less smoothly, "I'm going to be buying some supplies and I could use help carrying things." She offered a crooked smile, raising her eyebrows questioningly. Of course, she could easily stick a pack saddle on Gill and have him carry everything, but she wasn't going to mention that. A little bit of sly coaxing never hurt anyone. Plus having human company would be better than her gelding. He was a horse of few words. Gianne had been trying not to think of the conversation she'd had with Kavala over the summer, but now it was starting to bubble up to the surface. She had told Gianne that the Akalaks were guaranteed to target her at some point. The thought of those massive warriors zoning in on her just for the fact that they wanted her to carry a child terrified her. She wanted a relationship, not to be a birthing tool. It made her feel like the Akalaks thought of her as part of a herd; where they occasionally plucked a heifer out to breed her, wishing her the best of luck on surviving. No matter how much they offered her for the service, she would never accept. Living in the lap of luxury only to most likely die 9 months later held no appeal to her. Gianne would rather live to be 100 years old and die a poor old maid than give her life for money and comfort. Nothing was worth the consequences. Not the sex with an overwhelmingly gorgeous man; nothing. The fear of being courted by Akalaks was one of the factors that gave her the bravery to pursue Serrif further today. At first it was mere attraction. To both his personality and his features. But now, after Kavala's warnings, she felt unsafe. She had warned Gianne of Serrif's shyness, which she had already witnessed, but then told her to initiate, because he wouldn't. So this was her own way of handling it. Offering to go with her into the city. How lame. If only she could just say, "Hey, by the way, I think you're one of the kindest men I've ever met, and you're gorgeous. Wanna' hold hands?" Mentally, she smacked herself square in the face. Hold hands? What kind of offer would that be? Petching idiot. Good thing she wasn't brave enough to be so straightforward.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

OOCI am using the second post to write mine, don’t worry about the double post

Her offer for him to come into the city was different; but he indeed wouldn’t turn up the opportunity. But her crooked smile almost gave her away completely. Did she really need him for carrying supplies? No, she likely needed or wanted him around to make her look like she was taken. Or maybe there were other motives behind it. That was possible, he had seen the way he turned her cheeks red. How the comments Rhy made were almost embarrassing to Gianne. There was something else at play here.

“Are you sure that is what you want me for?” Her expressive face wouldn’t help her out any here. He wanted her to admit something more; and even if she didn’t speak it her face would. That was one thing he loved about her. He could read her face almost like it was a language in itself.

He was indeed pressing her slightly but he knew she would betray herself one way or another. Something would tip him off to her emotion. But his was easily discerned as well he was indeed interested in spending time with her. She was interesting to him; and very very attractive; he didn’t want an Akalak picking her out and making her an offer she could not refuse. He didn’t want her to be another Nakivak; and he knew Kavala would likely be furious if someone gave up their womb to the Akalak men. Especially a non Konti woman. The result was almost always death for the mother; but a life for a life…and we are all dead.

It was sickening to him that one would be thrown into this life. And it didn’t help that he did consider it rape even if it was legal. Just because it was law didn’t make it right. He smiled to Gianne likely causing her to squirm some. “Wouldn’t want one of those Akalak warriors whisking you away now would we?”

[Gianne Basete]

Surprise flared in her eyes, then guilt soon after. That hadn't been what she was expecting him to say, so Gianne was caught off guard. She had expected something simple that would be easy to work with. Like... a plain yes. Maybe Serrif was getting braver too. Well shyke. She took a breath to try and form some excuse or little white lie, but the look on his face disarmed her brain. That smile made her thoughts go fuzzy and her mouth pinched into a thin line. What now? She'd already hesitated too long, so his question had obviously been proven correct. What could she possibly say to save herself further embarrassment? Nothing. The conclusion made her shoulders sag. Gianne looked down at her hands and flexed her fingers a few times, thinking. The skin was clammy so she pulled off her gloves and set them aside, wiping her palms on her pants. An obvious sign of nervousness, but she was well past being obvious now. She looked back up quickly at his comment of the Akalaks. Of course that was what she had been thinking and fearing ever since the conversation with Kavala. Then again, she could put the truth out there and admit her attraction to him. That was also part of her thinking; the base of it all. How would he react to that? Uncertainty swam across her features and once more she wiped her hands on her thighs, trying to think of a way out of this. Finally, she found her voice. "I'm afraid of them. Or at least afraid of what they can do to me. I don't want to give them a reason to make any sort of offers." She didn't have to clearly state what that offer would be. They both knew perfectly well. "You're right, I don't exactly need help, but the Akalaks aren't the only reason I'd like you to go." Her heart beat so erratically that it was painful, and a nervous light shone in her eyes. She felt like a cornered rabbit a wolf's teeth were centimeters from her face. For a split second she wanted to throw herself at him and slap him silly for pushing her into this corner, making her feel there was no other way than to admit what she'd been coddling close to her chest since summer. Her face was flushed unattractively as she finally stammered after a pregnant pause, "I think it's very obvious that I'm attracted to you, wouldn't you say? Everyone else seems to notice it like I'm pointing to the most legible sign in the world shouting 'Look! Look!'. But you have to be completely oblivious to the fact and give me no choice but to outright tell you." After that she could only hold eye contact for a few moments before awkwardly looking down at her hands folded neatly in her lap. "Well, now that that's out there...," she mumbled, but didn't finish the sentence. Might as well start putting up mental walls so that the reaction she assumed he would have wouldn't be quite such a hard blow to her self esteem. She should have tried to think of some lie, no matter how far fetched it would have been.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Surprise? She certainly gave herself away quite easily to him. That was quickly then swept away as she seemed to try and regain herself. Then uncertain, she was hiding something from him. Although what she was hiding was anyone’s guess really. But as she started he knew that this would likely lead somewhere. There was a flash of anger as well; something was bugging her. There was something was going to come forward…but what could possibly cause this range of intense emotion? He hadn’t a single clue. But he wanted to know.

She bore her deep feelings for him; split them wide open for him. It had to be painful, extremely painful especially since he saw the range of emotion that played across her. She wanted to tell him; and had been keeping this close to her for so long now. Had he really been this blind? Had he? Oh poor Gianne…she wanted to really tell him what was going on. He knew how horrible it had to be to break this news outright to him.

He had done the same for another on Mura…Blythe…and she broke his heart; and again…Angelique…and she broke his heart as well. He swore never again. That he just couldn’t let someone waltz right in and claim they loved him. It dawned on him; she was in his position right now. Pouring her soul out to him letting him know exactly what she felt…and here he was looking like a dolt. He had to act quickly, as to not let her mind start going off in horrible directions.

“Gianne…” Her eyes cast down to her hands in her lap. He knew well the horrors that could happen in her mind if he left this here…and he couldn’t do that. A soft hand found its way to the side of her right cheek. He moved her face so here wonderful eyes were looking into his own.

“Now that it is out there let’s give this a try.” There he was staring right into her eyes. Admitting well that he wanted to try a relationship with her. He didn’t know where it would go, but he wanted to try.

“I will accompany you, and let’s not make this about shopping or supplies. Let’s make this about us” It was indeed the offer back to her. He didn't want to make the trip into town about anything except the two of them. He wanted to know about her; and she obviously wanted to know about him. They had to spend time together. Small bits of time where they could see each other for who they were. He wanted this to work; however part of him was still afraid that she would vanish on him just like the others.

[Gianne Basete]

Don't cry. Don't you dare cry, you fool! But despite her mind berating and screaming, throwing an absolute fit in the silence of her head, she nevertheless felt the burning in her eyes. It started the moment he said her name. His voice sounded uncertain, and she thought she knew what was coming. He would let her down gently, not harshly. He was too kind for that, but still, a rejection was a rejection. Gianne blinked back the moisture in her eyes as his warm fingers touched her cheek. Control yourself, woman. He drew her face up and she couldn't help but look into his eyes brilliant green eyes. The expression in them caught her off guard, though. There was determination there, mixed with the uncertainty. And his next words were even more of a surprise. It showed plainly on her face like a light. A breath she didn't know she'd been holding rushed out in a quick gust. It felt like all the fear had suddenly been deflated and was quickly replaced by such a wave of happiness that she wanted to hoot and shout. Her face cracked in a toothy smile, yet she suddenly felt very shy again. He had accepted her feelings and was willing to test new waters. She took his hand from her cheek and held it between both of hers, joy dancing in her eyes. "Alright," Gianne agreed without hesitation. Who cared about getting supplies now? Definitely not her. "Guess my shopping ploy was easy to see through, huh?" She smiled sheepishly down at their hands. Kavala had been right. Taking the initiative had paid off. It had all gone so well and as soon as she could she'd go tell the Konti of her good fortune. How could she get so lucky? Serrif was a wonderful man, and the fact that he was willing to give a relationship a chance amazed her. Maybe she should start giving some homage to Ovek. Feeling a little rush of bravery she glanced back up at him and spoke tentatively, "I'm very happy, Serrif." This would be her first real relationship. A few young men in Zeltiva had chased her over the past few years, but her father had chased them right back. With an axe.

[Gossamer]

. Character: Serrif Experience: + 3 Planning, +3 Longbow, +1 Observation, +5 Socialization Lore: Being Very Self Confident, Being Encouraging, Gianne: From Zeltiva and Thinks Your Mysterious, Lying By Omission, Being Wept Over, Gianne: She’s Attracted To You And Admitted It Character: Gianne Experience: +1 Observation, +3 Shortbow, +5 Socialization, +2 Flirting, +1 Planning Lore: Lore: Serrif has a pretty konti bow, Being Very Self Critical, Being Encouraged To Try Harder, Knowing When To Take A Break, Serrif: From Mura, Has Rak’Keli’s Mark, Weeping Over A Man’s Goodness, Serrif: Being Attracted To Him And Admitting It Additional Note: Gianne I loved you in this thread. You failed so many times yet kept trying. Most players don’t allow their PCs the learning curve but I really admired that you did. I gave full XP whether you made the shot accurately or not. Serrif you hit perfectly every time so far upon my writing this. You might try and challenge your PC more to your skill level in the current sense instead of think back to when you did fail a lot in the past sense. Hey, by the way, I think you're one of the kindest men I've ever met, and you're gorgeous. Wanna' hold hands?" Mentally, she smacked herself square in the face. Hold hands? What kind of offer would that be? Petching idiot. Good thing she wasn't brave enough to be so straightforward. Gianne, you are so charming. I cringed for you at the awkwardness. Serrif you handled Gianne’s awkwardness gracefully and with suave attentiveness. It was nice to read. And both of you… stop dissing my Akalaks! They’ve done nothing to either of you but protect you! Grrrr! You two are so mean with your accusations. *big grin* .