Vesmera Avanaki's page

RAVENGRO TOWN SQUARE: KARRIK, THERON, WALTER & ROSE

Walter looked... utterly dumbstruck. He watched the redwing leave with a look of total incredulity on his face. That wasn't what he had been expecting. When did birds talk? Was he going even more crazy?

...

Karrik's sudden arrival is just what [Walter] needed. [Karrik] glowered and drew Theron's attention, and Walter capitalized on the distraction by leaning closer to Vesmera and whispering "I'll tell you later if you want to meet me? At the bridge," he said, giving her a sincere look. He would tell the others if it became relevant-- it seemed like, of late, he was gathering a cache of relevant topics to reveal when the time came.

At Karrik's arrival, the dog gets up and wanders over to see what's going on. Vesmera ruffles its fur absently as it sits down next to her.

She whispers her own response to Walter's request.

All right. At four. Shop will be closed then.

A worried glance over Walter's shoulder makes it clear that, judging by Theron's expression, she thinks the inquisitor has heard the entire exchange.

See you soon, Walter, she says at more normal volume, before heading back to the shop after her sisters.

The dog follows her for several yards, and she has to shoo it back to the gazebo; her voice carries across the intervening distance. Go on, old timer, I'll bring you some food later... Finally, she makes it back to the shop, with one last wave to Walter as she heads inside.

The mopy-looking dog trails back to Walter, and sits at his feet. It looks up at the young man with hope.

Walter, do you want to go with Theron & Karrik to The Unfurling Scroll or head into the Forge, or do something else entirely?

Nearby, the dog wakes up as if startled, looks around, and then puts its head back down. Vesmera walks over to give the dog a pat; Walter can see that her younger sister and her friends have given up their skipping game and are filing back toward the store owned by Vesmera's parents.

Vesmera smiles as she bends down to scratch the dog under the chin. There there, back to sleep. It stretches and closes its eyes. Vesmera stands back up.

What was that about? she asks Walter. You say you saw something? Did it have something to do with the redwing?

Walter seemed to lose track of what he was doing completely, staring away from the group and over Vesmera's shoulder for several seconds before moving again. He glanced to Vesmera and let his voice trail out "One second..." before briskly walking away, his gaze locked forward. He passed by everything on the way like he was focused entirely on some unknown object until he reached the posting pole and began to search it over, ducking and leaning and pacing around it as if struck by some strange inspiration.

Vesmera watches Walter head over to the posting pole with a quizzical look on her face. Walter? she calls out to him across the square. What are you looking for?

Vesmera Avanaki wrote:

Miss Rose? Are you unwell? If you need to sit down, you can come to our shop. It's just over there. She gestures to the other side of the square.

"Thank you for the offer, but I am fine." Rose breathes a sigh of relief inwardly, not having to dwell to deep upon her appearance.

Vesmera smiles. I'm glad. And thank you for saying my earrings are pretty.

"Ahh, I see, I wouldn't have thought such a song would be so old." He replied before making some calculations in his head. Did that mean the song had been around ever since Harrowstone had burnt down? That thought was more than a little disturbing.

Vesmera wrote:

Are you all visiting Miss Lorrimor?

Theron nods as he answers, "We are. You see, we were friends of her father, Professor Lorrimor, so we're keeping her company for a while until thing settle down." He didn't mention the funeral itself since he assumed that it would be common knowledge in such a small town.

That's good, Vesmera says. It can't be easy for her, losing her dad like that. She chews her lip, probably coming face to face with the concept of mortality for the first time in her life.

She glances back at the skipping children, this time with a troubled look on her face.

Vesmera Avanaki wrote:

Vesmera turns around as she hears Walter's voice. Her hoop earrings glint in what little sunshine penetrates the cloud cover.

Walter! she says brightly, with a smile on her face, before she turns back to watch the children at play. 'Interesting' is one word for it. It's a little creepy if you ask me.

He smiles sheepishly and comments "I think I've been called that same kind of interesting," proud of himself that he was able to keep his stammer straight for one joke.

Vesmera laughs. You certainly are interesting, Walter, but not like that.

"Is that... normal? It sounds like they've got it um, memorized fairly well," he asked.

Vesmera leans in close to Walter, whispering while the girls continue to play their game. It's just a rhyme. We've been singing it here for ages--I sang it myself when I was their age. Vesmera's hair smells like...flowers? It was only when I was older that I realised what the words meant. She shivers, and wraps her arms around herself.

Walter glanced back to his friends. His well-armed foreign friends. His well-armed foreign friends kept waiting. He wasn't sure if they wanted to be introduced or if they wanted to move on, and he jumped a bit at the feeling he was missing something. He held up a hand and gestured before saying "Um, this is Vesmera," hoping that his introduction would straddle the line between polite and the social norm of the peasantry.

Vesmera turns around to greet the newcomers.

Rose had kept her hood up and pulled tight, hiding her face out of habit. She naturlly pulled it closer as Walter introduced the young girl, keeping her face away as she spoke, extending her gloved hand. "My name is Rose. A pleasure Vesmera."

Vesmera seems intrigued by Rose's body language, but does not press the issue as she shakes the taller woman's hand.

Pleased to meet you, Miss Rose. She sketches a brief curtsy--it's clear she is just being polite rather than making any definitive comment about her or Rose's station.

The glint of light caused Rose to turn towards the girl. "Your earrings, they are very pretty." Realizing she was showing her face to her, Rose quickly averts her gaze away. She had begun to feel welcome at Kendra's, so many other strange people, she had lowered her defense for just a moment.

Vesmera's Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

It's clear to Rose that Vesmera has seen her pale skin, but the young girl seems only to be concerned with Rose's welfare as she turns away again.

Miss Rose? Are you unwell? If you need to sit down, you can come to our shop. It's just over there. She gestures to the other side of the square.

Presuming that resolves itself...

"...Ah, Greetings, I'm Theron, it is good to meet you Vesmera." He said, recalling that he had seen Walter talking with her before. "I have to say that whoever created that rhyme has poor taste." He added with a bit of a laugh to keep himself from sounding too serious in an attempt to make conversation. At the same time though, he found himself still listening to the playing girls.

Vesmera smiles as she shakes Theron's hand too. I know, she says. Unfortunately I doubt whoever made it up still lives here--unless it was Jorfa. She grins at the idea of a dwarf making up a rhyme, even as she glances over her shoulder to make sure the skipping girls are still within sight.

Vesmera turns back to Walter and puts a hand on his elbow for a moment--just a casual contact, but...was it really necessary?

It's lovely to meet your friends, Walter. She turns back to Theron and Rose. Are you all visiting Miss Lorrimor?

Carrion Crown GM wrote:

The words carry to you across the square--and they are quite disturbing.

[Walter] veered close to Vesmera when they moved up to pass, stopping for a moment to talk. "That's, um, an interesting song," he spoke under his breath, trying not to interrupt the girls' game.

Vesmera turns around as she hears Walter's voice. Her hoop earrings glint in what little sunshine penetrates the cloud cover.

Walter! she says brightly, with a smile on her face, before she turns back to watch the children at play. 'Interesting' is one word for it. It's a little creepy if you ask me.

He didn't really know when it happened, or what had made him do it, but he found himself with his chest pressed against her shoulders, arms around her from behind. He was amazed that he wasn't trembling or standing idly by. He hugged her, felt her hair against his cheek and the cold presence of her hoop earring on his chin. "Don't say that kind of stuff about yourself," he said, quietly, trying to be firm but likely wavering. "I'm sorry, I, um, think stupid stuff sometimes. Don't cry."

"You're not weird," he added. "Believe me, I'm weird, you just haven't seen it yet."

...

He realized he'd held her for longer than might have been appropriate and backed off with another "Sorry," hoping he hadn't said the exact wrong thing a second time in a row.

Vesmera's hands move to cover Walter's as he hugs her, clutching at him as if trying to keep herself afloat on his embrace. As he talks, her grip softens, and she offers no resistance as he finally backs away.

She turns around, pushing the tears from her face with the palms of her hands. She offers a weak smile. I don't know whether you're weird or not, she says. I haven't known you long enough. But I know I like you. You're not like the other boys who are only interested in cleavage--and I don't have much of that to go around, she says in a rather frank and fearless self-appraisal. I like listening to you talk--about old things, about places I haven't been, people I don't know.

She turns her head, looking down the length of the bridge, her eyes becoming unfocused. I'm sorry about before, it's just...I want the chance to get to know you better. She turns her head back to look Walter in the eyes. And I don't want you to leave. So if you're here for another few weeks, then I hope we can be friends, at least.

But more than anything else, I'd like to start this whole conversation over again, and show you around properly...like I was supposed to. She holds out her diminutive hand. Deal?

Here's a picture of the bridge. (link)

Walter took in the bridge, listening to the water meander by underneath and the creaks and clomps their footsteps made as they walked across. The shade the bridge provided made the wind that ran through it colder than out in the sunlight, and Walter found himself, in the absence of conversation, looking up into the rafters at the mess of birds nests and spider webs.

Perception check for Walter: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Walter could swear there's a redwing up in the rafters, but it flits from strut to strut so quickly he's not entirely sure.

Vesmera wrote:

So what brings you here from Lepidstadt? she asks. You seem to have a lot of friends from out of town. Are you visiting Miss Lorrimor?

It was obvious to Walter what had happened. Someone had noticed her talking to him, and then maybe saw her with his coat. They thought that they could find out something...and they were trying to have Vesmera do the talking for them.

...

He told her what she asked. "Oh, um, yeah. We're, er, not really friends though. Well, some of us are. Kendra-- er, Miss Lorrimor is the daughter of the Professor, um, Lorrimor. Petros. He lived on the other side of town," he explained, and gave a gesture. "Well, his funeral was... wow, yesterday, I think. It feels like it's been a long time. Er... sorry. We're all his friends. He, uh, helped me out a lot when I needed it, so, I thought it was only right to come say goodbye. We're all kind of staying together in Kendra's house until things get settled. The Professor's will asked us to stay for a month, so... I'm here for another twenty-nine days." He glanced at her and gave her a shy smile.

Vesmera visibly relaxes at this news. She smiles a little smile as she watches the water going past below.

After a second, he lost his smile, contemplated for a split second-- he had to ask her, but couldn't, and so he made himself ask-- like raising a foot over the edge and then dropping forward. "I don't want to be rude, but... did someone ask you to ask that question?"

Vesmera's smile abruptly shifts into a look of almost abject panic.

He raised his hands amicably, palms open. "Sorry. If they did, um... that's fine. Don't worry about it. You don't even have to tell me if you don't want. You just seem like... you didn't want to ask me that."

By this stage, Vesmera's face has gone bright red, and Walter is keenly aware that he's made a miscalculation somewhere.

Vesmera stammers her way through an explanation. No! Nobody a...a...asked me! I j... she swallows convulsively ...just wanted to know because I... She trails off, and Walter has to strain to hear her next words. ...because I like you, and I don't want you to leave.

She turns away and rests her head against the support struts and closes her eyes. I'm sorry, she says. Now you'll just go away, like everyone else, because I'm so stupid, and weird, and because I talk too much, or not enough, or because I'm not clever enough, or because I'm too young, or because there's something else wrong with me. She thumps her head into the struts in frustration as a tear escapes her eyelid to snake its way down her cheek.

I'll just shut up now, she says. I'm sorry.

Town Square, 11:08am
The thud of approaching footsteps startles Walter out of his contemplation of the trees. Vesmera almost skids to a halt in front of him; it's clear she has been running for more than a few dozen yards. Good, she says, struggling to breathe. You're still here.

Vesmera leans forward and puts her hands on her knees, her chest heaving as she gulps deep breaths of air. Her face is flushed.

I just...had to run...all the way...from Councillor Hearthmount's... She coughs as she tries to regulate her breathing, then gives up any attempt at retaining her dignity and sits down on the cobbles before flopping onto her back and closing her eyes, still breathing hard.

I was worried...<inhale>...that you might leave...

It takes a minute or so, but Vesmera regains her equilibrium and pushes herself up to a sitting position.

First things first, she says. I need to return your coat.

###

Vesmera leads Walter north past The Unfurling Scroll to the covered bridge over Ravengro Creek. Walter has his coat back, and Vesmera is more suitably attired for the weather than she was last night. Vesmera stops, gazing upriver through the support struts.

Thank you for lending me that coat last night, she says. I certainly needed it.

They spend a few moments staring at the moving water, not saying anything. The weather is clear, if a little brisk. Eventually, Vesmera speaks up again.

So what brings you here from Lepidstadt? she asks. You seem to have a lot of friends from out of town. Are you visiting Miss Lorrimor?

Vesmera Avanaki wrote:

I wonder what it's doing out here this late? Vesmera says. A redwing would normally be asleep at this hour.

The bird continues to observe Walter and Vesmera for a while, and then flies off.

Walter had no idea, but he wished he had. There were a lot of books he'd never read, and, well, it would've been keen of him to know what kind of bird it was and why it was there. At least it would've made him look smart. Instead, he knew all about the selection process and famous individuals who had been chosen as the martyr of the Eternal Kiss celebration and it's oracular taboo, especially as related to the Church of Pharasma and the Age of Lost Omens. Walter summoned up all of his literary knowledge and said "Redwing? Well... it is red." Walter's face flushed and he felt stupid for saying something like that.

Vesmera's bright laughter floods Walter's mind. So it is, she says, turning to face him. Far from his fear of sounding stupid, it seems Walter's comment has kindled something in Vesmera. Walter can see the mirth in her eyes, each of the torches held by the townsfolk reflected as tiny pinpoints of light as she holds his gaze just a little longer than would normally be comfortable, before smiling and turning to stare at her boots. For just a moment, it had looked like she held the entire starry sky in her eyes.

"Do... you know a lot about birds?" he asked. "And, um, if you're cold, you can take my jacket. I should be fine," he said, removing it and offering it to her. It was a big, frayed and long-sleeved thick thing, almost military, evoking imagery of a winter campaign. Marvo Bresrin had given it to him-- a memento of his uncle who had survived the civil war at Furcina. Walter considered whether or not Vesmera would steal it or ruin it, but he felt like impressing a girl for once.

Vesmera stands up as Walter holds the jacket out, turning around to slide her arms in while Walter lifts the jacket over her shoulders. Yes, she says in response to Walter's question. I guess I do know a lot about birds--I've loved watching them ever since I was a little girl.

With the jacket properly on her shoulders, but still facing away from Walter, Vesmera holds her arms out and looks at the sleeves. Thank you, she says. This looks old. It must be precious to you. She turns around to face Walter again, but misjudges her position and almost knocks him over. Walter has to reach a hand out to catch her and they find themselves only inches apart.

Walter can feel the warmth of her breath on his chest as they find themselves in an accidental embrace. The seconds draw out as the world seems to go silent. Vesmera is just opening her mouth to say something when Dragomir's voice shatters the stillness of the night.

Best head back people - a warm bed and a few hours sleep will do us more good than standin' round 'ere and watchin'... thats a lession I learned a long time ago. 'Sides these folk have to get up for chores in a bit and we ain't helpin' them get any sleep by bein' out here with them.

Vesmera gives Walter a nervous, apologetic smile and steps back a pace, drawing Walter's too-big coat around her.

He noticed Dragomir's conversation, his 'round-up' and wondered if he should follow. Walter waited to see what Vesmera would do, feeling as if he should stay with her. Dragomir wasn't his boss.

I should really be getting home, Vesmera says.

"If you're gonna leave I can walk you home," he said, thinking of the blood and that it might be dangerous to be out alone.

Vesmera smiles, even as she shivers in the cold. I'd like that, she says. I'd like that a lot. They make their way slowly back to the square.

###

Walter, feel free to narrate events on the walk back. : )

Walter sat a bit away from the townsfolk on a cold piece of ground, trying to listen in on the fringe conversations. No doubt, everyone else would be doing a fair bit of investigating themselves. Walter tried to keep a look out, but ended up half-dozing there on the ground, watching everyone else instead.

As Walter watches the milling crowd, a small figure detaches from the group and comes to stand before him. It is Vesmera Avanaki. She looks cold.

Hello Walter, she says, and sits down next to him.

They pass a few moments in silence before Vesmera speaks again.

This is weird, isn't it? I guess you might not know, because you're new here, but lots of people our age come down here at night to...you know...

Even in the dimness of the flickering torchlight, Walter can see her face going red.

Anyway, do you know what's going on? I should probably get back soon; my parents weren't awake when I came down here, so they might be annoyed to find...

Vesmera stops talking for long enough that Walter begins to wonder if she's fallen asleep. Turning to look, he sees her staring at the statue. When Walter follows her gaze, he sees a small brown songbird with red flanks and brown splotches on a white chest and belly.

I wonder what it's doing out here this late? Vesmera says. A redwing would normally be asleep at this hour.

The bird continues to observe Walter and Vesmera for a while, and then flies off.

Walter can't help but try to catch a glance of the girls whenever he thinks no-one is looking, leading to a letter that's a bit rambling and unfocused-- much like Walter's own tone of voice.

...

Walter tried to make friendly with his interactions with Luthko and Marta, more comfortable speaking to someone far older-- he'd been told by his foster mother he had an old soul-- not quite looking for information, just being pleasant. If the chance arises, Walter will speak to one of the girls-- probably shortly, and a bit awkwardly.

Makin' nice with the folks - Diplomacy 1d20+7
Walter is paying for that nat 20 on the DC 10 history check right now. He is paying in spades.

To me, this is the perfect opportunity to take 10: not under pressure, not seeking an earth-shattering result...if you're okay with it, I am more than happy to take your roll as a 17 and play through accordingly. Were we in a tabletop game I would have stopped you rolling the dice and offered you the take 10 option; I don't see why this should be any different. : )

Walter makes quite an impression on the Avanaki family, his wide-eyed innocence contrasting with his sharp mind. When Walter expresses his desire to find some armour, one of the Avanaki girls leaps up from her idle contemplation of a ceramic bowl on the counter and volunteers to show him to the smithy.

They get halfway across the square, passing by the gazebo in the middle, before she speaks.

I'm Vesmera. She says it almost apologetically, looking at the gazebo rather than at Walter. She is small--a good two inches shorter than Walter--and slight, with large hoop earrings peeking out from behind her shoulder-length ash-brown hair. My family owns the store, she says brightly, before adding with a mutter but you already know that.

Walter hears her murmuring stupid! under her breath.

Anyway, I thought maybe you could...spend some time with me? I mean, not as in, you know, just stand around and say nothing...I mean, we could... She sighs heavily. The frustration in her manner and tone of voice is readily apparent.

Could I show you around a bit? she finally asks. When you're free, I mean. I'm sure you're busy and all, knowing folks back in Lepidstadt. She withdraws momentarily--thinking that perhaps she said too much.

Finally, they arrive at the smithy. But I did like listening to you talk to ma and da, she says, so maybe we can talk again if you have the time? She smiles and waits for Walter's response.