The Issue of Interest

Rhuin

((Intro))

"I'd agree... Um, Berryn might be wondering where I am, actually. I... didn't expect this many people to be here!" She stands, awkwardly adjusting her satchel. "I mostly hoped..." She pauses. "Never mind, actually. Tormod, it was nice to meet you! I hope we'll see each other around during the day sometime! And Rhuin... will you be able to, um, walk home okay on your own?"

"I will. In fact, let me walk you home Dimxe. I'd be honored." He stands, his eyes never leaving Tormod.

Dimxe nods. "Sure. See you later, Tormod!" She disappears beyond the shadows at the edge of the campfire. Rhuin gives a mock bow to the sorcerer, then disappears after Dimxe.

Rhuin

Outside of the light of the fire, the wood elf stumbles a moment, shoving his boots back on and not bothering to lace them up, instead tucking them into the tongue. He stands and gallantly offers his elbow for Dimxe to take. The seemingly sweet, lighthearted gesture is very much at odds with his stony countenance. His lips were pushed into a tight white line, his hair completely askew, and for the first time, sans his silly hat.

Dimxe

Dimxe considers the arm and eventually takes it, more on the basis of supporting him if need be than the chivalry of the thing. "So... he was... something."

Rhuin

It turns out he needs it, as he stumbles more than once. "I don't like him. I don't like him at all. Not only does he radiate disdain and disregard for those around him, he's.... there's something else." Rhuin's words are quite noticeably slurred now. Which may have something to do with the empty metal flask on his belt. The lid clanks against it.

Dimxe

She supports him as he walks. Surprisingly, her little frame has some sturdiness to it. "I felt it too. I don't know that he's as... straightforward as some people around here."

Rhuin

"He's an absolute viper." Rhuin spits. "And he's far too interested in you."

Dimxe

"I don't know why." She seems puzzled more than frustrated.

Rhuin

"I don't either, and that's almost more troubling. He seemed cordial enough at first. Snooty, stick up his ass type but polite. And when someone, I think Garret, mentioned you were a wild mage, he was suddenly different. Where do you live wildflower?"

Dimxe

"Oh, up this way." She gestures. "Although you might want to stop outside the house. Berryn, uh, isn't great about visitors... especially this late. I'm only up because I was having—" her voice catches here — "trouble sleeping."

Rhuin

Rhuin nods. "Don't go anywhere near that man. Don't be alone with him. Don't tell him where you live. And- and try to  stay by Berryn as much as possible."

Dimxe

"I will. Stranger danger, and all," Dimxe says in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Rhuin

Rhuin tries to quirk a grin, but it falters quickly. He seems to consider something for a long moment, before finally speaking. "Dimxe. May I ask... about why you came to Landfall?"

Dimxe

Dimxe's hold on his elbow tightens fractionally. "I came to learn about my magic and hopefully find a way to gain some more control. And Berryn wanted to move on, too..." She pauses. "In her line of work, she tends to make enemies."

Rhuin

Rhuin looks down at the far shorter human, and sighs. "Have I ever told you the story of how I got my scars?"

Dimxe

"About... the dragon? And your friends? Yeah, a while ago... why?" There's a note of interest in her voice.

Rhuin

Rhiun bites his lip, slowing down for a moment, and takes a deep breath before continuing both walking and speaking. "I lied."

Dimxe

"I guessed," she says straightforwardly. "I wasn't going to say as much in front of everyone, but if you'd be comfortable telling me the truth now, I'd be happy to hear it. If not, that's okay."

Rhuin

Rhuin flinches. "That bad huh? Well..." he looks down at her with a genuine smile. "I shouldn't have underestimated you."

Sighing, he continues, "I was burned very badly when I was young. And not elven young. Young like..." he though for a moment. "Not physically matured at all. I was playing too close to my mothers cauldron. We were fencing of course. I fell awkwardly - " He pulls his arm away from the wild mage, this time pretend stumbling, putting his scarred right hand out next to his face, as if he'd fallen sideways against something, or was pressing his face against a wall. "-against a cauldron that had been over a raging fire for hours." He grins somewhat ruefully. "It's how I earned my adult name. Along with certain other coincidences. But mostly that."

Dimxe

Dimxe frowns. "And you're not terrified of fire? Rhuin, that's incredibly brave of you. Not to mention... being willing to share that with me. I really... it means a lot to me."

Rhuin

"Never. In fact I've always been fascinated by it. Like... it's a part of my nature. Sounds absolutely silly, but..." He shrugs.

Rhuin spots a stump nearby. He motions for Dimxe to follow him/lead the way. Once they reach it, he sits down heavily on it and reaches for his waterskin. He drinks, then offers some to Dimxe.

Dimxe

She lifts it to her mouth, inhales (to make certain it was water), and drinks. "Thanks. I think I needed that."

Rhuin

"I've never been one to press people for things they didn't want to share. I figure if they have some kind of sordid past, they're trying to leave it behind. I know we haven't spoken... too terribly much. So this is a loaded question..."

Dimxe

She waits for him to clarify, taking another swig of water before passing his waterskin back.

Rhuin

Rhuin looks up at her, through still wet red curls. "Do you trust me?"

Dimxe

Dimxe's face is unreadable as she meets his gaze. She gives it due consideration. "We haven't spoken as much as I'd like. And I've only just now learned the truth behind a lie you told me very early on. I'd trust you to back me up in a fight, definitely, but I don't know that I trust you enough to tell you... everything." Her voice breaks imperceptibly on that last word. "Not yet. Not now. I can't... yet. And not now. I wouldn't want to dump things on you when you're already having a bad night."

Rhuin

"I understand not wanting to tell me. Thank you, for your honesty." He takes back the waterskin. "My night isn't bad because of you, or even me. It's bad because I'm afraid for you. He's powerful, dangerous, has money and connections to nobility. Think hard about...about the possibility that you made enemies in the old world."

Dimxe

"I think... this might be worse." She looks at her feet. The color drains from her face. "What, Rhuin, do you believe people should fall back on at their worst? What is the one thing that can save someone, in your eyes?"

Rhuin

The ranger looks concerned. As Dimxe speaks, her then considers the question for a very long time. "Saving. Such a strange concept... I think if someone has done a truly deep wrong, they must own up. Accept the responsibility of their choice, address the wronged party, and work with them to try to make amends. So I suppose my answer is a genuine, willing contrition and desire to set things right."

Dimxe

Dimxe grins at her feet. "Not quite the answer I meant for, but... I mean when a person has lost everything important. What do they fall back on? Skill, or money, or... drinking, or monster hunting, or something else?" She motions with her hands, clearly meaning "and so forth".

Rhuin

"Hmn. Suppose it depends on the person. I know a lot of our compatriots have lost important things, family, friends, homes. Some didn't have much to begin with. But I've always fallen back on my family. My mothers and my father and my two sisters and my brother. My friends, my cohort."

Dimxe

"Me too." She says nothing more.

Rhuin

"But your only family here is Berryn."

Dimxe

"I know."

Rhuin

Rhuin grimaces a moment. "Then... I suppose there was a conflict in your family?"

Dimxe

She stands. "I should probably keep walking, at least. Not that I don't want to chat, but I've been gone long enough Berri might notice. She worries." Dimxe offers Rhuin a hand.

Rhuin

Rhuin takes it, standing at least on his own willpower, and following along. He leaves to Dimxe to decide when to release his hand. As they walk, Rhuin's mood shifts to something more pensive. "For what it's worth, I trust you. Utterly. You've proven yourself to be a kind, understanding, sweet young woman. We have similar values in what we want to do in Landfall, how we want to operate. To maintain a balance, if I'm not wrong?"

Dimxe

She releases it once he's standing. "I want everyone to be friends," she says, smiling and shrugging. "It's my nature. I know it's unreasonable, but it would be nice," she adds plaintively.

Rhuin

"Very unreasonable." He chuckles. "But hopefully we can all come to some degree of understanding, and live in peace." After a moment, he takes a few strides, getting in front of the wild mage before kneeling down in front of her, eye to eye. "Dimxe."

Dimxe

She half-grins. "I am not that short. Yes?"

Rhuin

"Short enough." He returns her grin in full before growing somber again. "I hope one day to earn your total trust. I hope to one day learn all about you. I want to show you that I can be relied on, for anything, with anything."

Dimxe

She grins back now. "I'd like that! I am always happy to make another friend. It's a wonderful thing, and I'm already blessed with so many!"

Rhuin

Rhuin smiles. Then seems to realize something. His eyes dart to his hand and back. He stands, flustered. "hem. Yes. Friendship. A remarkable thing." He returns to Dimxe's side, and offers his arm again. He seems a little more steady this time. Or is trying very, very hard to remain so.

Dimxe

"Rhuin..." Her voice is gentler now. "I don't know whether or not I'll ever feel the way about you that you do about me. I've seen it happen to other people, but I have never once in my life met anyone, man, or woman, or neither, or both, that makes me... feel like they do in the ballads, or anyone who I want to look at the way Jerico and Rielle look at each other. I don't... feel bad about it, either." She's pausing frequently, trying to pick her words carefully. "I'm happy the way I am, to be clear, although sometimes I wonder about how it would feel. But... I just felt like maybe you'd be happier knowing." She shrugs helplessly.

Rhuin

"I know." He grins ruefully. "I wouldn't ever make serious overtures that weren't wanted. I don't want you to change, and I won't be able to change your mind. I'm just..." He laughs a little. "Ridiculous. I feel everything very intensely. But these feelings will go away. They have before. And that's certainly not why I'm warding you from....the sorcerer."

Dimxe

"I think feeling things strongly is a gift. You get so much more out of life that way!" She nods as he continues. "I appreciate it, either way. You and Garret both. And... I'm going to let Berryn know about him first thing. I might even wake her up over it, actually." There's honest consideration in her voice.

Rhuin

"Good. She cares about you a lot and I'll rest easier knowing you're together." After another few moments of walking, he speaks. "I uhm. About..." he waves his hand a bit. "It's more about us. While we don't tend to touch people outside of our family without express verbal permission, it's just always been, it's uhm - " He swallows. "- far stronger for me. Touching. Anyone. In any sort of way not - not just - "

Dimxe

She tilts her head as they walk. "Rhuin, I'm sorry, but I don't think I get your full meaning."

Rhuin

"Touching people is weird!" He bursts out. "It's like, feeling the heat of their skin? And it's all tingly and I just - just aaaaaaggh!" Rhuin shakes his hands. "And it was weird that I didn't even think about it when you helped me up. I just.... I really am ridiculous huh?"

Dimxe

She takes it in seriously, then grins. "And we wouldn't have you any other way! So is it easier for you if people ask permission before they touch you, too?"

Rhuin

"I think so. I can kind of brace myself for it? Not that it's necessarily a bad thing it just feel so... intimate." He blushes a little. "Which is why it was so strange when Judith kissed me."

Dimxe

She bites back a grin. "Can it be funny yet?"

Rhuin

"Oh of course it's funny! Of all the people, right?"

Dimxe

She immediately busts a gut. "Your FACE!" She's halfway to tears. "IT — yOu — oh my GODS!"

Rhuin

"Whaaaaaaaat?!" Rhuin's face puckered.

Dimxe

She can't even speak.

Rhuin

"Wait. Wait! YOU saw thAT?" He squawks. "Ah Daetha my life is a COMEDY of ERRORs!"

Dimxe

"I mean, no, no, hAah!" She's having a fit of giggles. "No, I didn't see it happen. I just remember when Judith talked about it. I have never seen anyone make that face before. I don't even know what you were feeling."

Rhuin

Rhuin was turning as red as the flames he was named for. "SO unexpected! SO strange! And while I was already in shock after our hands had touched and imagining our we - " His eyes grow wide and he veritably bites his tounge in half.

Dimxe

Dimxe gasps for air and pitches halfway over, belly laughing.

Rhuin

"Shuddup. Shuduuuuuuuuuuuuup!" Rhuin whines. "Why is the world so cruel to me?!"

Dimxe

Dimxe snorts. She's trying so hard to get her shit together. "I — I do not know. But that, that had to be the worst night of your life."

Rhuin

"Well no, I think the worst night was - well. It wasn't too long ago." Like a candle being blown out, the mirth on his face went out. "I'd just rather not think about it."

Dimxe

Dimxe takes a couple deep breaths to calm herself down. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory. I was joking."

Rhuin

"No it's alright. Really! You didn't know. Nothing to apologize for." He shakes his head, trying to get rid of the thought. It seems he succeeds, and smiles. "It wasn't a terrible kiss. She didn't kiss me on the lips, thank all the Ancestors. But I never thought she'd even be capable of such an act."

Dimxe

"Everybody's full of surprises?"

Rhuin

He shrugs, making a comical face of shock. "I guess? Now just imagine was feats of affection someone like Garret is capable of." He blushes and clears his throat. "That - I didn't. Wooooooooow that came out wrong." He pauses. "I honestly thought I would be alone on this continent. It took me ages to learn common fluently, and it's my first time being away from my family. On the boat ride here, I was just... wracked with loneliness. But it seems the Old Family have directed me to such wonderful people. And some not so wonderful but... strangely likeable."

Dimxe

"I know you've made great friends here. I'm glad to have made be your f..." She grins and shakes her head. "I'm glad to have made friends with you. Gosh am I tired," she says with feeling.

Rhuin

"Hopefully, we're not too far away?"

Dimxe

"It's actually right over there." She points. "Uh, on the topic of not waking Berryn, maybe I should... call it quits here? I mean, she has ears like a bat."

Rhuin

Rhuin hums, looks around into the darkness. "Are you sure? I can walk you up."

Dimxe

"Yup! I'm sure. She will punch you."

Rhuin

"I think I can live with that.... but if you insist. I will wait and watch until you're inside though!"

Dimxe

"I think I can live with that." She grins, satisfied. "Would you be good for a hug? I've always been a big hug person. And I'd feel bad leaving on a 'my cousin will punch you' note."

Rhuin

"I would love a hug. Are you sure you can reach? I'm sure we can find another stump, maybe a rock..."

Dimxe

Dimxe huffs and instead wraps her arms around her friend's waist. "I am tall for my family." She gives Rhuin a good friendly hug and steps away when appropriate. "Thank you for walking me back. I really do appreciate it."

Rhuin

Rhuin reaches down, and with a little effort, picks her up under her arms so they're equal in height, and embraces her in the warmest, most comforting manner he can muster. "I'll keep you safe wildflower." He murmurs.

Dimxe

Dimxe laughs. "I'll do the same for you, friend."

Rhuin

Setting her down, he smiles and ruffles her hair. "Goodnight wildmage."

Dimxe

"See you, Rhuin!" She waves and starts sneaking as quietly as possible into the house.

There is immediate noise from within the house. Lights go on. Eldrinn voices are muffled, but audible.

Rhuin

Rhuin remains near, true to his word, and watching her every step.

Oh but he has to ruin it.

"I CAN SLEEP IN A TREE NEARBY IF YOU WANT!! I HAVE A HAMMOCK BACK AT CAMP!"

Dimxe

A minute later, there's a scuffle, and Dimxe sticks her head out the door. She stage whispers. "I EXTREMELY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT!" She's yanked back into the house by the back of her shirt.

Rhuin

"OK! GOODNIGHT ELDRINNS!"

With that, Rhuin turned and began the trek back to his cave. Until halfway through he remembered his gear at the campfire.