Open I. We. Help.

[Berend]

Timestamp: 19th of Winter, 514 A.V. “Shyke Serena! This is shyke! Why are we out here?” Berend shouted over the roar of the wind, barely following the woman along, as it was hard to make out her outline in the swirling snow. Had he not been holding on to a bit of her cloak he might have lost her entirely by now, but as it was, they were trudging along through the deepening snow drift Serena, of course, didn’t answer because she really didn’t have to. He knew that she was out here for his benefit, and that wherever they went it was for the better. It just felt more normal to complain than follow like a cowed dog. Wasn’t like he asked to be dragged from his home in this storm. Even wrapped as he was in a thick wool cloak, his teeth still chattered, and he felt numb all over. He couldn’t even feel himself move any more, not really, and so it was awkward to continue to move forward but not really register the motions. “Almost there” She said, finally speaking, and Berend allowed himself to feel some relief. Getting inside at last and out of this bitter cold would be a pleasure at this point, and one he was keen on enjoying as soon as possible. The ache in his limbs from the cold was starting to get more pronounced, making him quit moving all together more and more, so the prospect of coming to a rest gave him renewed vigor to trudge on. Ahead, the massive silhouette of a building loomed, and he faltered in his tracks. It was the temple, and Serena was pushing her way inside brazenly as can be. Of course she’d be taking him here, of all places during this. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, and followed her in. Once he got a decent way in, and free of that dreadful wind, he allowed himself to take a seat on the floor by some of the other guests of the place, and dusted of a spot for the woman before rubbing his hands together to get the blood flowing again. “I won’t be staying, still work to do” “Oh its alright for you to be out there, but not me?” “I’ve got a decent place to stay, and a job to keep” Serena was quick to snap back, her eyes narrowing. “I’ll come check on you when I can. I better find you here when I do” She left before he could reply; back out the doors into that blistering cold, leaving him alone with all these strangers who definitely heard the chastisement he received. More than a little bit embarrassed, he curled up against the wall and pulled his knees forward, focusing on getting warm for the moment. Then, once he was as warm as he was going to get, he would consider what to do with his time here.

[Julia Tristal]

The temple, cold, dark, and almost useless in Julia's opinion. With the cold setting in though, it was better than nothing. Thieves and criminals MIGHT find some sort of comfort in a temple, but not for this girl. It was just a waste of space, tear the place down or use it for homes, better than a temple at least.

Though she can't complain now, if the building was torn down or used as a squatting area than it would be a lot more dangerous and she would probably be out in the cold trying to get back into the Sunset District.

There were fires all around, bright orange flames roaring about while some were huddling together for warmth, though a lot were mostly trying to avoid one another in fear or suspicion of other unfortunate souls trapped by the storm.

Julia looked at the doors of the temple, someone new had just come in. Right, she was bored, time to have some fun and maybe. She got up from her seat and pulled down her hood, letting her slightly blond-brown hair loose.

"Hello there, welcome to the Temple of the unknown. My name's Julia, nice to meet you. I'm sorta like the unofficial welcoming committee here." She reached for this new comers hand and shook it quite firmly. The soft glowing fire reflected off her face, showing her oddly innocent looking features, though if anyone knows her they would probably warn the man.

[Berend]

Lost in thought, he didn't see the woman's approach until she was right up on the area he was sitting. Awkwardly, he hastily untangled himself from his position and stood up to return the unexpected gesture. "Names Berend. Is this it for the place?" He asked sweeping his hand across to address the entrance chamber they were within. "Tend to stay clear of this place, y'know?" His eyes trailed around the room, him being not comfortable enough to make prolonged eye contact with this stranger, but all he saw was more faces, more building. Nothing too interesting, just strangers and worked stone of the likes that was a rare sight around Sunbirth so he looked back towards the woman, focusing on her nose instead of eyes. The thought occurred to him that maybe he could make this a profitable venture, but since it wasn't clear how long he'd be stuck down here, he disregarded that notion for now. No, for the moment, he'd make nice until making nice didn't serve him well anymore. "Been here long?" Berend asked after having a few moments to mull over a proper question, his eyes flickering up briefly to make contact with hers. He quickly began to regret his earlier awkwardness, but such as it were, he'd just have to grind his teeth for the moment. For the moment, he contented himself to try keeping his face expressionless, and above all, refrain from shivering.

[Julia Tristal]

"Names Berend. Is this it for the place?"

"Nice to meet you, Berend. There are some doors that aren't open, people are usually staying near the warm, crisp, roaring fire instead of the lone rooms in a church, superstitious non-sense and all that." She crossed her arms and frowned. "I'm really bored, this place is pretty boring on face-value."

She leaned in closer to look at Berend's face. "Poke!" She gently poked his cheek and laughed. "Sorry, it's just that this is what happens when I'm bored out of my mind." She smiled and sat down by the fire. "Anyway, I've been here for a few bells now, meaning I've been bored since I got here. Literally too cold to do anything and there's almost no one willing to go exploring a bit. Everyone's so dull when it's cold."

She pushed back her long hair and rubbed her hands together, and warming them on the fire. She kept farther away from the fire than other people, because of her long hair, it was more likely to catch fire than people with short hair. "Boreeeeeed!"

[Berend]

His eyebrows arched a bit at the thought of other rooms yet to be explored within the massive structure, and he mused about maybe getting himself lost for a bit within it's confines. Too many people in this section after all that made him crave a bit of solitude. Not that it looked likely at the moment, especially since he'd really heard little about the condition of these other rooms. Then again, he didn't much care about those, he just wan't to eat, and thaw out a bit, maybe even try to find someone with a decent ale in stock. The later he recognized as a rather foolish hope, but what really was the harm in entertaining such possibilities. "Probably why it ain't so popular. Also no real reason before this to come here. No one likes being confined under all this stone n' wood" At that he looked about briefly again, more pointedly this time up at the time worn ceiling, and sighed. Wasn't natural for him to be spending time here, let alone the night, but here he was, planning on doing just that. The woman leaned forward to poke his cheek. Reflexively he moved a pace backwards, his eyes, and focus now once more on her. Berend tried keeping his features calm, but the gesture stirred up some unease that reflected in a slight crinkling of his brow. He wasn't sure exactly what to make of her in the first place, and now he felt a bit more off put by the whole situation. "Does seem to be lacking in entertainment, like a barrel or two of something good to drink" Berend idly observed, if only to keep up the casual conversation, and to deal with his unease. His thoughts raced but failed to come up with any concrete ideas that stuck. Despite his reservations though, he did move closer when she sat down because it brought him closer to the fire, but out of convenience, he remained standing. He still had his suspicions after all. "Got to be something though, you got friends or family in here?"

[Julia Tristal]

"Actually, I think people don't like being close to each other, one would probably shank you in the suspicion of having something valuable." She corrected him and rubbed her hands together to warm them.

She looked around and agreed with her acquittance. "I don't drink, but it would really lighten the mood if there were bottles of wine like the ritual wine down in the cellar, but not one person here is brave enough to venture down and bring it up." She said, faking a mistake. "Oops, shouldn't have said that."

Honestly though, she had heard that there was a crate of wine down there, she hasn't check because of the glaring cold, and the lack of any portable fire, still she was willing to check it out if someone was willing to go down there. "I don't know if it's there for real, but I think it might be worth checking out maybe."

She got out and stretched her arms and legs. "Do you mind joining me in this little adventure for some wine?"

[Berend]

It wasn't so bad here, kind of calming really being inside of these vast halls. Maybe it was just being free of those biting winds that inspired such bitter thoughts, or perhaps it was cause talking was distracting him from his concerns. Whichever, it felt kinda nice to not be so tense all the time, though he was quick to remind himself not to get too relaxed. No doubt their were a few pickpockets and others that would be happy if he made it easy for them. "Like to see 'em try in a place like 'ere, with all these people sitting about. Watch 'em get torn a part afterwards too" Berend spoke in response, trying to keep his voice low but still managing to no doubt be overheard by those around them. He wasn't really too worried about that, for who cared really, but he also didn't want to attract to much attention to his person than need be. They didn't matter though, not really for it was the woman he needed to be focused on, for she was the closest, and thusly the biggest threat right now till he knew just whom he was talking with. So he didn't pay them much mind for now. Moving a step closer to the fire, he brushed the hair out of his face while he listened to her, scratching his chin while he considered her offer. "Eh, not much for wine.." He muttered, considering just how bad he wanted a drink. If he was to spend the night with this lot tonight, then pretty bad, for he never much liked sharing the company of strangers. Wouldn't do though on wine. "I know a tavern not far from here. Be something awful of a trip out there, but if I'm leaving the fire either way, figure we could hazard it. Get a meal too you know?" Berend added on that last part after a moments pause as he registered his growling belly, and just how hungry he felt after today's events. "Wadda ya say? Risk the snows?"

[Julia Tristal]

Julia thought about it for a moment. "Hmm... Fine, I'd rather brave the cold than be bored out of my mind." She got up and put up her cloak and tightened her warm clothes around her body, making sure her body heat doesn't escape so easily.

"So, Berend. What's your story? Were you born in Sunberth?" She asked with a curious look in her eyes. She waited for him to answer and then walked towards the doors. She opened the door slightly and saw that the winds were still raging and the snow was still blistering cold out. It would be crazy to go out there alone, luckily Julia wasn't alone.

She looked over to Berend. "Are you coming or what? Come on, we don't have all day." She said and tapped her foot, looking a bit impatient, though it was just a playful ruse to help Berend move his bum.

[Berend]

"Petch it" He cursed under his breath upon her agreement, having just started to feel a bit warm, and dreading the cold all the more because of it. Sure, it was a lot better than heading into off into some dark room with her, but then again, she could have friends waiting out there as well. His own words committed him though, and he couldn't stay without looking suspicious himself so, shrugging off the worst of his concerns, he turned to face her squarely with a strained smile. "Born and raised. Known her all my life in fact, yourself?" Berend asked back, his own eyes widening slightly to adjust to the lack of glare from the fire. When she started moving, he waited for a couple of paces, and then started to follow. He watched her as he walked, thinking, and her stopping to turn about at the door caught him by such surprise that he paused in stride for a moment. "You know the way to the Pig's Foot?" At her admonishment, he moved again, coming to stand just to the side of her as he looked into the cold crispness beyond. He stopped thinking of hidden thugs long enough to consider which way they needed to go to reach the tavern quickly. Was it even open in this? The thought came unbidden, and had him chewing his lip anxiously as he speculated just that. I suppose we'll find out.. about the tavern, and her Berend decided, moving forward through the doors to lead the way, or keep pace with her depending on what she did.

[Julia Tristal]

"I have no idea where that is." She said honestly and covered her face up more, she would need it because of the freezing cold. She looked at the large wooden door and weighted her the pros and cons of going outside. The cold and snow would be biting her everywhere, or stay here in the warm halls of the temple and be bored to death. Safe to say that there was no competition. She pushed open the door and grabbed Berend's hand. "Come on, let's go."

She rushed out to the snow and felt the cold start biting already. She yelled over the cold and snow. "Let's hurry up, lead the way, Berend!"