Open I. We. Help.

[Lo'campo]

Giving a loud yawn as he awaken from his short term hibernation, Lo'campo gave a quick look around the room remembering where he was and how he got there. "Petch." he mumbled under his breath realizing that he too was caught in the blizzard and had seek refuge inside the temple like the rest that lay scattered across the floor. He felt warmer as he rubbed his hands together before getting up off the hard floor into a Akalak sized stretch. The room had seemed to become more crowded since he had arrived. He was impressed though with how much the people cherished their lives. He thought at least a few of them would try to steal his things even after he threatened to skin them alive and use their corpse as a coat to make his way home through the storm. Maybe Sunberth was changing after all. A quick scan of the room to gather his surrounds proved that much had not changed since he had vanished into the corner for his nap other than the few others that had found their way to this place as well. The question still stood though. Was it safe to go out? Making his way over other bodies, he opened the wooden door having to use some of his strength to close it back when the forceful wind caught it and tried to whisk it away into the cold weather. It looked as if he wasn't leaving anytime soon. He hoped that no one had planned to attack the Quarter in his absence, he dare not be the reason of their deaths, nor did he want to loose his job over a petching storm. The opening of the door had reminded his body why he ventured to this place to start with, his hands now begging to be warmed by the small fires that lit the room. "Hey get away from here!" One man let out as Lo'campo tried to squeeze into the little corner that was closest. "I just want to warm myself up, the fire is loosing it's flame any-" "I say move!" Another outburst followed, the man lifting his shirt a bit revealing a small knife compared to his lakan. A grin crept across Lo'campo's face that turned into a menacing laugh. Without warning, the Akalak gave a hard kick to the man's head pushing it down into the dwindling flame scorching the man's face before vanishing into smoke and ash. Reaching out with his hand he took hold of the short untidy hair, dragging the screaming male towards the door, opening it, walking out into the blizzard to kick a few more kicks before quickly retreating back inside, barricading the door with his great-sword. "If anyone so much as touches this sword, you will join him outside. Agreed?" the silent stares was enough for the blue giant to see that they understood. Plopping down uninvited to the nest flame, he unsheathed his far-reaching hair from his hood, looking at the man and woman who where enjoying a conversation beforehand. A closer look revealed bread and some form of meat the two were well enjoying together. This made him grin. They were either really skilled in combat, or just plain stupid to attempt to eat food in the faces of all the starving people in the very building that they sat. It would take only one desperate person to notice and all hell would break loose. There was banging at the door and the familiar wail of the male that refused to share his flame. Lo'campo gave a quick glare across the room threatening anyone to get up and opening the door. The banging persisted for a time before it was drowned out by the howling of the wind. Turning back to the couple who continued to eat their food and drink he couldn't help but say something. Leaning over to where they could hear him he spoke low as possible. "I hope you know how to fight, people wouldn't hesitate to slit your throat for just a crumb as droplet of that you got there.This is Sunberth after all." That being said he went back to warming himself up, rolling up his sleeves so his arms could feel the heat of the flame as well.

[Berend]

He munched his bread thoughtfully as he looked around at all the mewling folk, huddled here and there in their own tight little groups. A lot of them he recognized as residents of the Sunset Quarter as it were, for the storm had driven out those wise enough to heed it’s coming, or in his case, them with mothers whom fiercely insisted on it. Berend ground his teeth at that, still none to happy about it since even though it had been at least a bell or two since, he still felt the heat of embarrassment at having been practically dragged up here. What would Grael think after all when he showed up at the residence, and found him gone, tail tucked because of a bit of cold. Tearing off another piece with his teeth, he brooded on that as he looked into the fire and listened to his companion speak. It was a poor hope to imagine that she missed that little bit with him and his ma, the way she came up to him so quick, so he could’t help but wonder what she thought of him. Though of a man brought to heel so quick, in front of so many. If she did think him coward, she didn’t let on, and he played along, pretending to make a mental note of the men she pointed out before looking at her instead of the fire. “That doesn’t sound to right, clothes as fine as that a man might be having somethin’ tucked away, and if not, them clothes could catch a fair profit in the right hands, what do ya say?” He forced a toothy grin, and watched the shadows play across her features. Made them seem dark at times, capable of what he spoke of, but perhaps that was him just reading too much into the way it appeared. She had other things to say, musing perhaps along the same lines as he was so he really wasn’t too surprised when she asked about his family. So she was a at least a little curious about earlier, but how she felt, she did well to disguise he supposed. “Just my ma” He decided to answer rather simply, more keen on continuing the earlier discussion about what to do about the flashy fellow. Berend raised his waterskin to his lips, and took a strong pull of it, turning as he did to look at the rumblings of a commotion. Wasn’t in his nature to pry in such a situation as this, but him in his current mood left him hardly worried about paying attention to something he shouldn’t. His eyes widened when the rested on the massive man keen on a brawl from the looks of it, and he placed a hand on his hip where his dagger was tucked safe enough. It was of little assurance against one so huge, but something was better than nothing, right? “On second thought, perhaps sitting here by the fire will be just fine for tonight” He mumbled towards his companion, the fight having been taken out of him at the sight of the man. Any thing they started was bound to be intruded by him, and that was something he’d rather not have happen. More than a bit frustrated at that, he released a sigh at that, turning to look at the fire once more for lack of better options. Unfortunately though, the man had other plans, and soon enough there was a stirring beside him that stopped him in the middle of chewing. He dared not continue to do so till something happened, and so sat there frozen, staring into the fire until something broke the stillness of the moment. “Not really time for that sort of thing, it only having started ya know? Wait a day or two more, if this keeps up, it’ll get down to that, for sure” Berend spoke, softly in turn with a mouth partially full, spiting forth a few crumbs every so often. Noticing belatedly he swallowed, and wiped half heartedly at his tunic before forcing himself to look over at the giant of a man. He tried not to think to hard about how easy it would be for this man to do them what he had earlier suggested.

[Julia Tristal]

oocI'm so sorry for my posts being so short, I have trouble writing long stuff.

"Meh, you need a close eye to see that those 'fine' tailored clothes are fake." She noted and ate piece of her bread. "Give it a bell or two and you'll find him either locking himself inside one of the rooms or dead and have grumbling and annoyed killers around him."

He seemed rather distant about family though, she won't push it but her curiosity just went up a little higher. "Right, maybe we can play a gam-" She was cut off when she saw a large blue man kick down one of the more... "troublesome" patrons of the temple, she sighed, and tonight was going so well too.

"Right, a big blue brute coming in and thinking he's the king of the temple. Just my luck... Shame, I like the color blue too..." She mused and looked off to the side of the temple. Not much to do, so she ended up just chewing on her bread even though it was already mush in her mouth.

When this Akalak fellow made his presence known to them, she just rolled her eyes. "Oh, pleasure to make your acquiescence." She said with a fake smile. "Thank you for the advice, but I guess having a big blue akalak next to us would probably deter anyone for attempting to take what was ours."

She wouldn't be fast enough to pull out her crossbow if needed, but she would be quite happy with a dagger she hid on her belt. A quick stab in the neck would do quite well. Big and strong usually meant either dumb or slow.

"Anyway, time to kick back and relax for the night. It's getting pretty late, should we head to bed?" She said to her friend, ignoring the large blue man that was right over their heads and could probably squish their heads if given the opportunity. "Anyway, nice to meet you, Mister akalak. Come sit if you want, we're not making the same mistake the other guy made." She said with a small smile.

Try to be nice, Julia. I'm fine for some trouble but our friend might not be so keen. Keep your mouth shut for his sake. She thought to herself, she would most likely get killed one day in a fight if this keeps up, but heck, she's gonna live her life to the fullest. And riding an Akalak's back sounded quite fun... She was very tempted now. Stop it brain! No need to annoy the big guy with the big sword which was in a position to quickly silence Berend.

[Lo'campo]

He could see and hear the sarcasm from the female who gave him a smile that basically said Oh it's you. Brushing it off, he looked the the male who was as still as the night. The two looked quite young compared to the other humans he encountered in this place. If he had to guess he would say that they were still children. A smile came upon his face at the girl's words. "Same, my name is Loxudeianis, but you can call me Lo'campo, and yes I am big and blue, but I am one person. I would only be able to take down so few people before the others got around me and to you. What's his problem?" he asked tilting his head in the direction of the blonde haired lad who looked as if he were not trying to piss himself.He needed not ask the question for he had already knew the answer. That was the same look that the children at the Quarter gave him when he had first arrived. The boy was scarred if not nervous. The only reason he asked was to come of as gentle and friendly. No need to start trouble where none was needed. "I'm sorry that you had to see that, it's just he was being a pain, so I had to remove him as peacefully as possible. "Sleep?" he echoed the girl's words. He looked them both over. If they were skilled indeed, they knew how to hide it. "Very well then, I have taken a nap already, I shall keep watch while you rest. What about you?" he asked the boy. Removing his lakan from his robes, he poked the fire to keep it alive. "You have a name?" he asked the boy now etching lines onto the ground with his blade. He usually wasn't one for conversation, but there wasn't anything else to do. He knew that he should have headed back home when the snow had gotten heavier and the wind picked up instead of roaming the streets. He was sure that Jilene would have his head for not being there now out of all times. Now wasn't the time for worrying though, he may as well enjoy the vacation however long it may be for the blizzard to pass.

[Berend]

“Figures” Berend offered softly in reply after taking another pull, handing over his waterskin once he’d taken a swig of it, but he wasn’t looking at her now so if she didn’t take it, he’d just go on holding it out absentmindedly. He really was slipping, first by mistaking that fellow’s clothes for real in a place like this, and second, for not noticing this giant strolling about. Could have been out of here too, but now here the man was, sitting beside them as if it was the most normal thing. Grinding his teeth, he let Julia do the talking while he excessively chewed his bread, his heart racing. His left hand was still in his lap, still resting against the reassuring cold of his dagger even though a layer of coarse wool separated him from it. As frightened as he was though, he nearly coughed up the bread he was working on when the man posed his question to Julia, and instead he settled on fussing with his clothes while finishing the last little piece he’d bitten off. This man was unfortunately taking any interest in them, and for what reason, he could scarcely fathom. It wasn’t like they had much over here, no more than most. His eyes settled over Julia’s gear, and the reason clicked with him. It had to be because he saw he so well armed Berend noted, his jaw tightening as while he looked from her to him. He hadn’t yet rejected his earlier notion that this woman was the bait for a trap that might have just been sprung. If that was the case, it was a little too late for him to do anything about it now, so he clasped his hands before him, hoping Julia would notice the gesture for what it was. “Sounds like a great proposition to me” He replied meeting her eyes, and forcing a tentative smile while searching for any cues that he might try to interpret. It was his hope now that she wasn’t in on this for to think otherwise was to give up now, so he agreed with the suggestion though he had no intentions of sleeping anywhere near this stranger. “..eh, but didn’t really bring anything proper to sleep on” Perhaps there was still a way to get himself out of this temple, and away from this big, blue giant. His smile temporarily became a bit less tight, till he remembered the man’s words concerning the great sword on the door which said to him, there is no getting out. “Come to think of it though, I’ve got my pack and its not like I had anything special at home” He chewed his lip in contemplation, not really all that happy with how chatty he got when nervous, but he had to respond, didn’t he, especially when the man addressed him. “Name’s Rend” He forced a trembling hand forward.

[Julia Tristal]

Julia gave a confident smile. "Pssh! Don't mind Berend, he's just a nervous wreck. He's always scared of something." She gave a small wink towards Berend somewhat like a jest. "Anyway, I think I'm about ready to hit the hay... Or in this case... Umm... Either one of your legs, or the cold, hard floor, and of course, you gentlemen shouldn't let a lady sleep on the ground, right?" He gave a small playful smile towards the two.

"Luckily for you, I ain't no lady!" She yelled and kicked back onto the cold ground. She landed with a small thud. "Ow." Was all she muttered and rested her arms behind her head. "Right... Let's talk each other to sleep or try to silently rest and ignore each other."

She yawned a tad. "Bah! The latter would be boring. I'll start! Ummm... I got a question for you, big blue guy! I've seen you a few times in the Sunset Quarter. Where do you actually stay? And do you like turn red when you're mad or something? That would be cool!"

Her initial discontent with the Akalak was quickly replaced with curiosity and wonder, she knew little about the Akalak people, though she did know that they are blue, and big, and usually talk to themselves. Did they come in a variety of colors? That would be cool! She could get a gang of Akalak into a rainbow formation and walk through the town, and she could ride on top of them and proclaim herself queen of the Akalak rainbow!

She was day-dreaming again. She had that look on her face that showed that she was busy with in her own mind, and was not listening to what the two were talking about.

[Berend]

Berend put down his hand, and turned stiffly to look at her. "Doesn't hurt to be cautious, better even to be when pent up like this" It came out mumbled with him not making any special effort to speak up. "You get that yea?" Now to the blue man, his eyes watching him more often than not to see if there was any change in the man's features. There was little use in checking elsewhere for threats after all, with this one so near at hand. Wonder how quick she is with that crossbow? He looked back at the device, and then at her, raising an eyebrow. "A pack works just as well, better even" Picking up his own, he brought it to his lap, still chewing his lip. "Something tells me though he might not mind lending you his, offering first watch after all.." Berend was hesitant to gesture towards the fellow, but jerked his head in the man's direction anyways. It be worse for him here if he let himself be pushed around, so might as well assert that he had a voice. It was hard to keep eyes on them both though, so he scooted back to put them both in view, putting his back behind him to support him as he leaned back onto his elbows. His eyes focused on the fire between them, keeping them both on the edge of his vision in case of sudden movements. He might not be able to do much in this compromising position, but at least he'd be aware of something afoot and be able to try something, anything. Besides, they expected him to sleep, and this was the best posture for him to pretend to. It would keep him as comfortable and secure as he could feel in this place without having to worry about a knife at his back. He didn't close his eyes yet though, the woman was still talking. Not at him right now, but he sensed something coming his way soon enough. For the moment though, he kept watching between them, stifling the occasional yawn.