Exploring the Hase-Suna Complex (Manzanita judging) [Concluded]

[DerHauptman]

Zurd stops...and meets Payne's eye contact in an almost desperate manner following her head movements and trying to look into her eyes for any signs of a reciprocal feeling.

Do I have a problem with you? <blushing and obviously nervous>

He thinks to himself - problem, yep the problem is that I have feelings for you, feelings I thought I wouldn't feel for a long time hence and yet here they are in all the complicated glory that is my life.

After what seems an impossible delay, he takes in a deep breath - he is emboldened by his new powers and the changes with which he must now deal and he is inspired for a moment to let the whole thing fly out of his mouth. How he feels - exactly!

Well, Payne, the problem is that when I look into those eyes of yours I can't help but have feelings for you. Feelings I didn't think I'd feel again. The eyes are the mirror of the soul they say and when I look into yours...I want to come inside and share the space if you'd let me.

I can make you happy for once in your life - that is if you want to be...? What is happiness - hell, who knows, the feel of a few coins in ones purse as he rolls into town, revenge extorted on ones enemies, and even happiness between two people who share a few fleeting moments of passion in this world of ours. That passion need not be physical, at first, but the shared passion of two people who enjoy each others time and appreciate one another's ideas. That's where I get to my problem Payne....

I think you know how I really feel about you Payne so don't play with my heart...or at least I thought you did till you sided with Kol, of all people, down in that complex. I felt betrayed Payne - you broke my heart. I thought you we were on the verge of closeness and then I screwed it up with silly practicality and orcish pragmatism.

I think, or at least hope you know, I would have never made you do anything you didn't want to do. I could never do that to you. Sure, I know what I said but I was just being dramatic I guess trying to make a point - I don't even remember what it was.


Anyway, there it is for the record - my problem.

Perhaps you feel nothing for me, perhaps nothing more than you feel for any other member of this crew, perhaps you loath me - now is the time to say it.


And for the sake of any possible future friendship on any level - please don't hide behind your tough girl image with me - I know you are a survivor, it is one of your most endearing qualities. We share the survival background, when you speak to me as if I know nothing about it I find it insulting.

Just this once...let someone inside there with you...you may find it surprisingly pleasant. I am no master here to subjugate you - I want only to walk with you and discover what is in this world.

 

[TwistedMindInc]

Payne stopped walking, dead in her tracks and just stared at Zurd. Dumbfounded. What do you say to that? Normally she would have scoffed and ignored the fact some poor shmuck just spilled their heart and soul to her. But. This was a different situation, a bit more delicate. Because. Well.. because Payne didn't know. Brows furrowed and her mouth opened, but no words came out. Then her mouth closed again and she grunted. Did she have feelings for Zurd? Who knows. The woman had never felt love .. never in her life. How was she supposed to understand emotions like that? Did she hate him? Certainly not. But did that make it true feelings of a deeper nature? Or .. were they just friendly feelings. Eyes trailed from him to the group that had distanced themselves a bit with the group; watching them from behind. She didn't hate Kol. Did that mean she had feelings for him? Hell.. at this point she didn't hate any one in the group. Of course, she had her favorites... but who didn't. Her head was buzzing with questions and thoughts and.. feelings? ``Damn you Zurd. Didn't I tell you not to pull this lovely dovey crap with me? Gah.`` Gloved hand came to her forehead and she rubbed her brow a moment.. and then sighed heavily. ``Truth be told? I've no idea what it's like to have feelings for someone. Do I have feelings for you? Yes. Is it love? I cannot say because I don't know what love is. I don't want to cut your heart out and watch you take your final breath.. if that counts.`` She paused.. as if trying to collect her thoughts. ``I can't do this. I can't have something more with you.. like you wish. You all most died back there. I cannot be worried of others. I come first .. first and foremost. That's how it's always been.. and that's how it should be. Less casualities. Less to have to worry about. Less heartache. Not to mention, it means less for you to have to worry about as well. Don't need your death on my hands because you tried to be brave and save my arse. Nuh. I.. we should be friends Zurd.`` Gaze casted downwards.. and then she stepped forward. One hand coming to his cheek .. and lips pressed hard and awkwardly to his own before patting his cheek and turning to start up her walk again. The best thief was a uninvolved one.

 

[Lot]

Lokin looks back at Zurd and Payne speaking, not quite able to make out the words. He looks to Kol, Filalia, and Kongu.

"Not quite the conversations I'd expect after leaving a dungeon and returning to Orussus, but this adventuring business hasn't been anything like I expected so far?"

 

[DerHauptman]

Zurd reaches for Payne's hand as she turns to walk away...

I understand why you feel that way Payne, I really do. I don't like it but I will respect your wishes for now. However, understand this is not something that is easy to just turn off for me.

Also, understand that while I may have had a brutal upbringing with the orcs, I do understand people and their emotions. I think you are trying to hard to shelve your feelings for me.

Last point, I didn't figure you for one to take the easy way out of anything...your reasons sound a awful lot like someone who wants to just coast through life never making any deep connections for fear you may get hurt. Just never figured you for that type.

I am a gambler - one never knows what good can come if they never take the actions necessary to make good things happen.

Unfortunately for us, along the way to good things there are many hurtful and negative things.

I for one am willing to take those chances - that's primarily why I am spilling my heart out to you right now.

Then Zurd turns to head for the rest of the group and strides away from Payne - his heart aching for something he can not have.

Life is hard sometimes, he thinks. Best to just let ones dream go every once in a while.

 

[orsal]

OOC: It sounds like nobody wants to discuss the question of how or whom to recruit -- but do I understand correctly, that at least you're all agreed you're going to the Red Dragon Inn? If nobody sets me straight on that, I'll post your entrance there tomorrow. You may continue a little RP in this thread out of sequence, if you want to play out further discussions on the road.

 

[DerHauptman]

Approaching Kongu...

Madam, concerning the recruitment, I think we should recruit a person with the healing powers of nature as a priority since it seems to be a consensus that preachy types are somewhat off putting to certain members - myself included.

However, considering that may be impossible I say a priest would do OK if he or she is not overly aggressive in seeking souls for his patron. Someone, from a martial god would be ideal as he or she could lend another sword or weapon to our combat ability as well.

This is my counsel.

 

[hero4hire]

Kol squinted at Payne and Zurd as Kongu went on about Priests not being that bad. He was only nodding politely and wasn't really listening. What in the Nine Hells could this be about now? He thought he might know and had his suspicions confirmed as he saw Zurd stop and look into Payne's eyes while talking. They were way to far off for him to hear. But he knew what was being said. Purple embers burned as he watched and then turned quickly as if not to stare. She show's him some kindness and he follows her around like he's a stray dog. What was this he was feeling? Jealousy? He considered Payne a friend, and an equal. Unfortunately for Kol, when he felt something, it was with an all encompassing intensity. Although he was unfamiliar with the emotion of Jealousy. He was feeling just that...In spades. His emotions teeter-tattered as he saw Zurd walk away from Payne and address Kongu. This was not a man who had just won the heart of a maiden. Happy despite himself. Kol purpousely altered the pace of his stride as to eventually get closer to Payne.

 

[orsal]

You have arrived at the Red Dragon Inn. Please post in the Tavern thread, announcing your presence.

 

[TwistedMindInc]

Payne had no idea what the hell was going on. When Zurd touched her hand, her heart fluttered for a moment then returned to normal. She had set him straight. Not entirely because she had wanted to, but because it had to be done. Was she selfish? Probably. Though you learn from experience, and from all her past experiences love .. or the feeling nearest to it she had felt.. had betrayed her. Her own parents sold her into slavery. How do you do that to your child? Lost completely in her own tattered thoughts things blurred slowly into reality again when she noticed Kol walking beside her instead of Zurd. A faint smile was issued and she continued on their travels in silence. Good ole Red Dragon Inn.

 

[orsal]

When the group, augmented by its new gourmet cleric, is ready to hit the road again, you all meet at the tavern. In the meantime, you have all rested and been healed (full HP everyone!), and had a chance to stock up on supplies. (Please make any needed purchases now. Except for Zurd, who is down 4 days of rations (and up by a bit of raw lizardflesh), everyone else has had all their rations eaten.)

Please post in this thread to check in and confirm plans. Are you going to walk straight to the keep (about 1 full day)? Or camp in the woods and do survival checks as last time? Or stop at the roadside in near the temple of Phyrah?

Question, I'm not sure if you're still with us -- if we don't hear from you I'll assume Filalia has decided to leave the adventure.