Picking Up the Pieces

[Vicentius]

Downtown and Business District, City of Marn.
Late Night/Early Morning

Tius preferred to walk at night. Yes, the chances of being accosted by some thug or guardsman or both were higher, but, on the upside, you didn't have to wade through a crowd of people who'd long ago mastered the art of taking up as much space as possible whilst doing nothing at all. It also meant, for a few short hours anyway, that nobody was running to him looking to be pulled out of whatever hole they'd dug for themselves. Ever since that fiasco at the Gala that seemed to be more and more prevalent. Everyone was worried for the future, everyone was on edge, so they took risks, made mistakes, and they expected hand-outs. It could drive a man to drink, it really could. Well... a lesser man, at any rate. An inquisitive bark from beside him drew his attention and he smiled genuinely, looking down.

"Enjoying the walk?"

Shen's happy, panting face looked up at him, barking happily, then he snuffled around and pulled at the leash, eager to continue. Tius held him firmly; with everyone on edge he didn't want to give someone an excuse to haul his dog off over something stupid. He really should have ridden to Shim and gone hunting, gone walking, hell just gotten out of the city. But there was the very real chance, what with the new curfews and restrictions, that he might not have been allowed back in. Not that that was a bad thing, given that he rather liked the outside world, but it was damned inconvenient. But then; that was Marn all over. Rubbing his gloved hands together, he let Shen have some more leash and stepped longer to keep up.

It wasn't cold out exactly, but there was enough bite in the air for him to notice. No matter how often he did this, it always seemed like an age had passed since the last time. He was spending too much time in the office these days, he knew, but the complaints and the issues kept flooding in and someone had to deal with them. His stomach growled slightly and he shook his head, concentrating on his steps. Marn's streets were as dangerous to walk on as they were to walk through at times; a hodge podge of stone types to lull you and trip you up. But that nagging hunger wouldn't leave him. Hell, he supposed, why not? He'd been working hard this weather, he'd earned it. He looked at Shen.

"Want to get something to eat?"

A happy bark was his answer and he nodded, glancing around. The wonderful thing about cities was that they never truly slept, and there were any number of eateries and coffee houses open at all hours to cater to the night folk. It wouldn't be too hard to find and empty seat and some cold meat for the dog. After all, he'd yet to meet a businessman who hated money. Maybe he'd even live dangerously and buy one of those disgusting sausages from the mouthy Teutonian woman in the square, he thought with a chuckle. No, he couldn't do that to Shen, he loved him too much. Taking the next turning, he had his mind on directions when Shen stopped short, sniffing the air at a street corner. Tius stopped too, crouching to scratch behind Shen's ears.

"Another dog, eh?"

No, but it must have been something interesting if Shen's insistence was any indicator. He prowled back and forth, sniffing the street and the air, his ears twitching to track a sound that only he could hear. Tius was worried; he'd never seen him this wound up. For an instant, Shen planted his paws, raised his hackles and growled at the empty street viciously, and then, just as quickly, it was gone. Watching the puzzled dog sniff the air, Tius narrowed his eyes, looking around him. This was suspicious behavior at best,and while it could have been Shen being contrary, it never paid to discount dogs. But the street was empty save for them and the night crowd trudging along. What could have set him off? Shaking his head, he made a note to watch for reports from this area at work. He just wanted to be sure. He glanced at the sign on the building. Not that he thought there were nefarious bakeries in operation here or anything, he thought, fun though that might have been.

Hold on a second.

He glanced back at the sign, memory protesting. He knew that name. Didn't Talia work there? Lived there too, if her file was to be believed. Ignoring the dog's attempts to pull away, he looked up at the building and wondered. In all of the furor since the Gala he hadn't found the time to call over and see if she was okay. He hoped she was. There were lights on in the building, so someone must have been home. What harm could there be in knocking? He mulled this for a moment and gave up, crossing to the door. Yes, it was late, but he had the dog to vouch for him, so he'd be fine. Scratching Shen behind the ears again, he gave the door three firm, loud knocks and waited.

[Drayel]

Drayel blinked in surprise when his hand got squeezed, his eyebrow quirking up in obvious amusement as he return his gaze to her. He let out a loose chuckle before squeezing it back though perhaps a bit too tight. He was never really good at this sort of things. Though he gave her a low playful growl to show his teasing.

"You've become quite troublesome indeed." He scolded gruffly. "Soon I'll have to lock you away just for the safety of the city! Blasted bakers never quite know when to quit, do they? Pah!"

With that he straightened and let out a low groan, releasing her hand as he stretched above his head with a wince.

"As for leaving, no. I'm not moving an inch until you at least have somebody to look after you, even if its Shade." Drayel snorted at her though his nose wrinkled at the thought. "Though, I'd rather be here than the dog. As for work, I have a favor or two I can call on. Not a worry, Tal."

A loud knocking on the door however made him jump out of his skin however, his eyes whirling around to stare in the direction of the front door. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Talia with a small frown before he stood up and started to head for the door, lips curling up in a suspicious snarl. True it was rude to answer somebody elses door but what if it was that boy again? He'd rather a stupid rumor than trying to wrangle Talia away from an angry 'non demon'.

When he got to the front door he huffed softly, glancing back at the doorway of the kitchen before taking hold of the handle. Opening the door, he glared down at what appeared to be a well dressed man and his dog. Frowning Drayel gave him a quick scan for anything dangerous yet came up with nothing. His lip twitched in annoyance as he glowered at the smaller man, either he had something hidden or he was stupid. He'd bet his sword on the first one.

"Can I help you, sir?" He growled out as he crossed his arms. He resisted looking back for Talia. Would she know this man?

[Vicentius]

Shen barked and Tius straightened further, hearing the sounds of movement behind the door. Clearly someone was up, he thought, wrinkling his brow. But the steps were heavy and hesitant; more like boots than the flat, practical shoes he'd seen Talia wearing. Had he misjudged? Adopting a pleasant smile, he stamped a little to keep the cold out and waited. There were sounds of hesitation, then the door opened, and a wall of a man stepped in front of him.

The man's manner and dress said Guardsman, though the quality, his tan and the scarring said patrolman rather than higher up. Tius didn't know many guardsmen well, but he knew most of them by reputation and by the reports that crossed his desk. He knew this man; he was sure of it. He had the Guard's habit of looking down his nose at people too, which was impressive, if a little juvenile. He managed to make the two inches of height difference seem like an abyss, crossing his arms defensively. Tius met his gaze levelly, having been glared at by worse. Traces of the slums and Shim in his accent, Tius thought, awkward, barked syllables and an edge to him that said he was used to opposition. Morig? It would fit; the man was blunt as a broken hatchet, constantly at odds with his more...ethically flexible...comrades and a history of rage and alcohol abuse. Talia did have interesting friends. All of this raced through his mind in a second.

"I came to call upon Miss Idris, guardsman," he said, calmly, "if she is still receiving visitors."

Whatever about the threat he was trying to project, the man was clearly on edge. He'd been expecting someone else, if Tius had to guess, and even as he scowled at him, his eyes darted over and past him, looking for threats while his hand itched to reach for his blade. What was that all about? Something to do with what Shen had heard. He resisted the urge to smile, thinking about it. Whatever it was, it wasn't above board, else he would have heard more noise from the street. The Marn Guard was quite thorough in its response to disturbances, so it was unlikely he'd have been alone and opening the door like a suspicious parent.

"Unless you're here in an official capacity," he said, his tone conveying the doubt he felt about that. "May I come in? It's cold out."

There was a movement behind the man, and Tius glanced over, his smile spreading as he laid eyes on Talia. She too had a slightly hunted look about her, as though expecting someone else. Very interesting. Shen, with two new faces to occupy his attention, barked happily and snuffled around near the guardsman. Tius took a firmer grip on the leash and nodded to Talia.

"Talia," he said, bowing slightly, "good to lay eyes. Have I come at a bad time?"

[Talia Idris]

Talia pouted playfully - it wasn't like she went out looking for trouble. It just seemed to find her....so easily too. No matter if she was alone or with other people it always seemed to find her. Perhaps it was like the boy and sword said, she was a mage of some sort and for that reason she was cursed to be troubled until she died. Her looked changed to serious as she thought.

Her thoughts were broken by a knock on the door. For a moment she was afraid that it had come back but that thought was quickly cast out. After all it wouldn't have knocked and especially on the front door. With that option out she didn't know who could be knocking at this hour - most people looking to by bread or sell something came at more reasonable hours.

Talia waited patiently at the table for a few moments, she was happy to let Drayel answer the door. If it was trouble she trusted that he would deal with it and if it was just some silly person out and about Dray was a guard so if there were any questions about her having a man there they could just cite some mumbo jumbo about a disturbance or something.

It didn't take long for her patience to wear out. Standing up she added another log to the fire before heading to the front. If it was something dangerous she was certain she would have heard something by now. Reaching the door she looked around Drayel and froze. It certainly wasn't anyone she expected to see, especially at this hour.

"Mr. Morrington, this is a surprise." She said, trying not to let her surprise show as she unconsciously checked her hair. "It's not really a bad time." She said slowly, trying to be careful how she worded everything. "Mr. Morig was helping me check out a disturbance in the area. It's handy having a guard as a friend, especially if you get paranoid." She finished sheepishly.

"Please come in, you must be chilled to the bone. We have some coffee on and you are welcome to a cup. Although your dog will have to stay outside if you don't mind. No animals where food is made or sold, you understand." Talia turned around as she spoke, heading towards the kitchen to add more coffee to the pot, straightening her dress as she went.

[Drayel]

Drayel saw the man look past him and followed his eyes to see Talia standing not far behind him, looking startled and equally flustered as she spoke almost formally to the man. Drayel felt his nose twitch though his attention was quickly taken by the dog sniffing at his feet. He let out a low grumble but crouched down to pat the dog, his eyes softening a little as a quirked smile slid onto his face. Hearing Talia invite the man inside however made Drayel blink as he peered back to watch Talia's retreat.

"Well, I guess you're out of luck pup." He informed the dog gravely before giving him a final pat. Standing up again he looked at the owner and let out a low huff before turning and walking into the bakery and out of his way. He waited until the man appeared again before crossing his arms and frowning at him though curiously this time. "So, you're Mr. Morrington eh? Heard about you from the people around town. Made quite a reputation."

"At any rate, I'm Drayel Morig." He grunted as he offered the man a hand. He doubted it'd be taken but he should at least have some respect for the man. He seemed like an alright sort but still, higher up were higher ups. "Good to meet you though it seems an odd place to meet a man."

[Vicentius]

"I am," he said, shaking Drayel's hand firmly, "I only wish that it was the same at making a difference. You've been making waves yourself, Guardsman. Brave of you, in the current climate."

Shen whined a little at Talia's words, brushing against Drayel's hand in that devious manner he had to ingratiate himself further. Sometimes he thought he'd trained Shen too well for his own good. Tius smiled and straightened, inclining his head to Talia and whistled to Shen, giving the leash a short tug. Truth be told, he wasn't too keen on leaving Shen outside, but Talia had a point. Some things were important.

"Of course," he said, waiting for Shen to, reluctantly, disentangle himself from Drayel, "I'll tie him up around the back. And yes, thank you, I would love some coffee."

Smiling briefly, he whistled to Shen again and brought him around the side of the building and tied him as securely as he could manage, scratching him behind the ears. Again there was that hint of tension in Shen's manner, and Tius followed his gaze briefly, but the alley was empty. He recalled the looks Morig and Talia had shot him when he arrived, wondering again what had them worried. Then he shook his head and straightened, heading back for the door; he would find out in time. Entering quickly, he rubbed his gloved hands together and closed the door gently.

"Sorry about that," he said, "to answer you, Mister Morig, it is a little odd, but these are odd times. I'm hardly the first person to want to check up on his friends. Shall we?"

He indicated the direction Talia had departed and waited for Drayel to lead the way.

[Drayel]

"Well, at least a young woman like herself has enough friends to keep her safe." Drayel stated as he lead the way to the kitchen. He kept his ears tuned on the man out of habit, listening for any quickened step or signs of attack. He inwardly scolded his bad behaviour to the man but couldn't help the watchful frown he gave Talia as she bustled about the kitchen. He then quietly took a seat at the table and glanced towards the backdoor. Perhaps he should leave...? No, not until Talia gave him a sign that she wanted him gone.

"Quite the dog you have." Drayel said offhandedly, trying to appear normal despite the unsettled feeling at his back. He wanted to hunt down that thing but at the same time, he couldn't leave Talia alone. So instead, he forced himself into the unfamiliar territory and tried to be friendly with Tius. "My son likes dogs though the closest he has for one is a shifter."

[Talia Idris]

Talia danced around the kitchen, the steps familiar, as she added more wood to the fire and topped up the coffee pot. She tiptoed to get a better view as she looked into the pantry. Sighing she twirled around and ran up the stairs taking them two at a time. She had forgotten that she had taken her mug of tea upstairs during her break that day and had left it there. She was using Bepa's mug right now. Next day off she would have to go pick up more mugs in the event of company. Maybe it would be a good idea to get a small place of her own. But those thoughts would have to bed dealt with later.

She started to head towards the stairs when she realize that she was still wearing her gala dress. It was crumpled and a bit dirty from sitting on the ground and riding the horse back but it would be something that Tius would recognize and questions them about and that would just be awkward if not embarrassing.

Talia wiggled out of the dress and threw a simple dark green dress on, fastening the belt before grabbing the mug and racing down the stairs. She managed to reach the bottom just as both men entered the kitchen. "Sorry." She tried to keep from panting. "We don't have many mugs so I had to do find the spare." She smiled as she walked over to the sink and rinsed the mug before filling it with the dark liquid, leaving a bit of room in case he decided to add some of the cream that was at the table. "Please take a seat." She leaned against a counter and tried to suppress a yawn. Normally she would have been asleep for 4 hour at the very least. And she would be due to wake up in the next 4 or so, but she was thinking that sleep was a bad idea. She wanted to avoid the nightmares she knew were waiting the moment she shut her eyes, at least for tonight.

[Vicentius]

"Would that we were all as fortunate in our friends as Talia," Tius said, watching the tension in Drayel's posture, "one would want for nothing."

It was fascinating to watch them both move through the rooms. This was Talia's home and her place of business, but she seemed suddenly insecure in it, nervous and quick in her movements. His mind went back to Shen and his bout of aggression. What had he missed here? Like the dog he complimented, Drayel was tensed and pulled at the leash, eager to chase the prey. But what prey would so unnerve a baker and enrage him, yet do no damage? Tius followed into the kitchen, smiling benignly at the unspoken warnings.

"That mutt? Don't let him fool you," Tius said, glancing around the room, "he's sweet, but he's in it for himself. Good hunting dog though. Raised him from a pup."

The interior was quite homely, he thought, and welcoming, reminiscent of Talia herself. Still, he could not help but notice some slight reservation in the furnishings and decorations. Things were all just so. Tasteful, but with something held back. It was very different from his own spartan dwelling, not in a bad way but still...different. He returned his attention to Drayel's comments.

"How is your son, Guardsman? It can't be easy raising a child at the best of times, let alone times like these."

He nodded briefly to Talia as she rushed back into the room, noting the change in attire, but letting it go for now. Whatever was going on, she clearly wasn't talking about it just yet. He accepted the drink gratefully and remained standing, indicating for Talia to sit.

"I cannot sit while the lady of the house looks dead on her feet," he said, respectfully,"but thank you for the offer."

[Drayel]

Drayel blinked when he saw Talia in a new dress yet said nothing, his lip twitching as he frowned up at her. That wasn't the dress she was wearing earlier, was it? Why did she change? Though, this man was important so crinkled clothes hardly fit his visit. Drayel snorted into his cup as he debated on how to answer Tius.

"He's a troublemaker." Drayel finally admitted though not without a slight roll of his eyes. He glanced up at the richer man and gave him a quirked smile, a proud glint taking his eye as he chuckled. "I swear, you could turn your back for a moment and he'll have pranked somebody for sure. Can't keep him in the school either, he keeps escaping the school teacher."

Swigging back the last of his coffee, Drayel got to his feet with a grunt and headed for the sink with his cup. Giving it a quick rinse, he placed it in the sink before looking back at Talia with a calculated stare. Clearing his throat he pointed at the backdoor. "I'm going to cut you some firewood, alright? At least then your man friend can have a seat as well and I think you're running low."

Truth was he wanted to investigate a little and maybe work off some of this twitch.

[Talia Idris]

Talia shook her head and smiled at the conversation about Jackal. She was too tired to put in her two bishani and either way, Drayel had heard all before. She opened her mouth to insist that as her guest Vincentius should take a seat but Drayel saved her the trouble with his offer, her feet did hurt from standing all day and well into the night too. Looking towards the dwindling woodbox she nodded and unlocked the door for him. "You don't have to, but I really do appreciate it Dra...Mr. Morig. It will make work tomorrow a lot easier. You should find everything you need to the right."


Talia filled up her mug before sitting down, both her hands circling it tightly to warm them up as she blew on the steam rising up from the hot liquid. She peered over the edge of the cup and smiled at Vincentius. "It really is a pleasant surprise to see you again. The gala was only a couple days ago but in some ways it seems longer. If you weren't sitting across the table from me I would have almost thought it a dream, or perhaps a nightmare of sorts." She laughed a little before taking a sip of her coffee, her nose wrinkling when she realized she forgot to add more sugar.

Setting the cup down she reached to the middle of the table and tried to subtly add her normal three scoops of sugar, stirring it before licking the spoon. She blushed as she realized that she was probably doing something considered rude by her guest. She wasn't quite sure how to act around him, she wasn't even sure what exactly he was doing here or what he expected to get out of a relationship of any sort with her. It wasn't like he couldn't afford bread or anything. Perhaps he was here right now because he was hungry...after all places seemed to be shutting down a little earlier in apprehension of some sort of curfew.

"Ummm...could I get you something to eat? I have some bread left over from today, and butter and jam. We could even toast the bread if you like." She smiled, liking the idea of something to eat herself. It was much to late, or too early for that matter, for supper or breakfast but a nice snack could possibly be delightful and provide her with something to do until the awkwardness (at least on her part) left the room.

[Vicentius]

Tius sipped his coffee and watched the exchange with idle interest, noting the slips. Yes, he was sure that 'firewood' was sorely needed indeed. Morig was tensed still and itching to get out and hunt. But hunt what, exactly? What had he missed? He kept his face calm and full of polite concern though; it wouldn't do to look too interested. No, not at all. He took the time to take a closer look at Talia. She looked well, despite everything, but still very shaken. In some ways, he could sympathize, but this went beyond nerves to his mind.

"Not all of it, I hope," he said, crossing to the table, "you were quite good company. The only light in an otherwise dull evening."

He noticed her wince of distaste and busied himself with his seat while she surreptitiously added more sugar to her mug. Certain that she was settled, he returned his attention to her and smiled to show he was harmless. He could see the questions in her gaze and wondered how best to answer them. In some ways, he was less than certain himself, but that wasn't an answer one could give. He sipped his coffee again, savouring the taste.

"I suppose I came here to assure myself that you were real," he said, taking another sip, "and to apologize; I wasn't entirely forthcoming with you when last we met."

He stopped and listened to her nervousness, smiling still to put her at ease. It was oddly endearing to watch, he thought, though he still had to be careful and not take liberties. She was a woman of resource, he felt, and there was more to her, but she was unlikely to confide in him. So why then was he here? Perhaps her words about the gala rang all too true; it was too easy to believe it a fantasy. But he was still dealing with the fallout, and after all of that, speaking to someone who was there was... a relief.

"That sounds lovely," he said, "I was saying to Shen, outside, that I could go for a snack. We were going to stroll to the night market; sample their wares and that, but with an offer like that, how can I refuse?"

It did sound lovely; homely even. He spent so much time working or meeting people, it was easier to forget the simple pleasures. He remembered when bread had seemed like such a luxury. In some ways it still did.

[Talia Idris]

Talia's cheeked turned pink at Tius' words, hiding the confusion that followed at his next words. What would he not been forthcoming about? His behaviour had always lead her to believe that he was practically a perfect gentleman although it was true that some 'gentlemen' only appeared to be such until they had enticed you into their grasp....but surely that wasn't the kind of fellow Tius was. Even if he had knocked at her door at this late hour. No it had to be something small and insignificant that probably didn't even matter but being the man he was it was most likely bothering him more then it should.. She stifled another yawn and smiled, pushing the thoughts from her mind.

"If you like," she said standing up and going to the cupboards, "I can give you the heel to give to Shen. I really am sorry he can't come in, I know it's still chilly out at nights but I kind of like my job and don't want to risk losing it." She chuckled a bit as she continued to ramble on as she cut the bread and retrieved everything. "He could go upstairs to my chambers to keep warm I suppose but I fear that could lead to a potentially inappropriate situation. Not that I think that something would happen. That is...well...single girl living, or well at least sleeping, alone and all that, I have to keep the rumours to a minimum after all." She stared at the cupboard in front of her, her head tilted as she wondered where on earth she was going with that train or thought.

Shrugging to herself Talia turned around and started bringing everything to the table before sitting down and buttering a piece of bread for herself. She had even found honey much to her enjoyment, something about buttered bread and honey just seemed so perfect. If only her coffee was tea instead then it would have been a perfect combination. But at this hour one wasn't too picky.

[Vicentius]

"Perish the thought," Tius said, sipping his coffee. "Of course, one would think that in a modern city, a single woman could live as she pleased without drawing comment."

He was aware that his words had caused some confusion, but it was a little late to address that. Odd, he would have assumed that Drayel had told her. Or perhaps he did and she was wondering if he'd kept something else from her? There was a moment of amusement as he compared that notion to her comments about lifestyle. Was he a cad out to snare her virtue for nefarious ends? The wealthy scoundrel...not an image he would have applied to himself, but an amusing one all the same. Talia returned to the table with food and he raised an eyebrow.

"Forgive me for saying so," he said, slowly, "but you seem very...distracted."

He took another sip of his coffee, gratefully accepting a plate and some buttered bread from Talia. He both did and didn't want to press further. He was curious, as always, and she was clearly exhausted. It would be short work to get her to open up to him, with the right questions, and she might not even remember that he had asked. But still...something held him back. He glanced at his steaming beverage and pondered.

"Or perhaps coffee simply disagrees with you," he said, picking up a piece of bread, "it can happen."

[Talia Idris]

"I suppose so although sadly that's now how it is and according to Bepa if I ever want to land a decent man I have to be above reproach, although considering some of the the men she has nudged my way I do have to wonder what she thinks a decent man is." She rolled her eyes. "Bepa is my landlady and the co-owner of this place....although you probably guessed that from the name of the shop." She explained and that realized it was probably redundant.

"I suppose you are right on both accounts.I do prefer tea, I'm not really one fore the bitter taste of coffee, hence the sugar." Sh said with a guilty grin. "The coffee is more to keep me awake more then anything else. I didn't really feel safe going to sleep. That's why Drayel is here. Well still here I should say." She left the conversation at that as she continued to nibble on her bread and occasion sips of her coffee.

For the most part Talia was very practical about her sleep schedule. Even when she attended the gala she forced her self to nap the afternoon of to accommodate for the late night she was and did end up having. There was no one important enough, girl or boy, who kept her up late so Talia was unaware that suck lack of sleep was causing her walls were practically crumble. She wasn't even fully aware that just a few choice questions and she would more then likely start blabbering away about every single detail of her life. She debated heading to bed but decided against it. Eventually she would have to get up anyways and get the bread ready for the day and once Bepa and Vadim arrived they would probably send her to bed - she would sleep then.