The World of Layonara

NWN Discussions and Suggestions => Quests Ideas and Discussion => Topic started by: Rowana on October 14, 2013, 05:59:13 pm

Title: Rose's Forum CDQ
Post by: Rowana on October 14, 2013, 05:59:13 pm


Hello Everyone,

We are conducting an experiment on CDQs run via forum inter-action. The (mostly willing) victim of our experiment is Rose (Alatriel). This is part two of a CDQ started some months ago that due to various reasons on both our sides has been time bubbled FOREVER. So we're going to resolve that during this experiment. I'm doing this in an open forum for several reasons, not the least of which being the experiment itself but also so that a forum doesn't have to be created so everyone involved can participate. I could do this but, the exposure of the experiment might be worth it so hey.

Anyway, so I have some rules that need to go on record for this experiment (just like any experiment needs parameters). The first set of rules goes for the general population.

If you ARE on the quest, these are your rules:

What's next?
I will be posting up a quick recap for the players to have starting place sometime today. If you need to please get with Alatriel over today and prepare yourselves for the next days. If you have more indepth questions about what previously happened please get with me!

Thanks!
~row

Title: Ha-ha. Tricked you (October
Post by: Rowana on October 14, 2013, 02:43:36 pm

Ha-ha. Tricked you (October right?) recap is in your inboxes.
~row

Title: Quest dates start and end
Post by: Rowana on October 18, 2013, 01:01:45 am

Quest dates start and end have been bumped up beginning now 18th Oct to 1st Nov due to GM roadblock. From here, posts should be assumed IC RP unless marked //...

~row

Title: P { margin-bottom:
Post by: Rowana on October 19, 2013, 01:31:00 am



Several days pass within the halls of the temple, Rose kept secluded within. While she is tended to a small degree, expectations of her slowly begin to manifest. At first she is required to tend her room to a specific level of order an cleanliness. A couple of days later she is required to come out for an evaluation of her abilities.

This session is exhaustive, causing her to do so many things over and over, testing her capacity for divinations as well as her other skills until she is practically a hollow husk. Despite the rigger, they are kind to her and when it is over she is taken back to the room. A luxurious meal is brought to her that includes several bottles of wine. Her attendants (Bree, Mai and Ember) arrive at some point in the late evening and see to her comfort, but also to manage her intake, making sure she appropriately replenishes herself even if she doesn't feel particularly hungry.

The next day begins another round of testing. This day focuses completely on divinations, though nothing of it is especially hard for Rose until she becomes weary. Still they push her. She barely remembers returning to her room and being tended.

The following day she's left to her own devices within the room, though expected to keep up after herself, keep the room clean and the like.

Title: Rose's eyes open as the
Post by: Alatriel on October 19, 2013, 07:51:31 am

Rose's eyes open as the sunlight streaks in through her window and she groans softly as her headache blooms with the first moments of awareness.  She rolls over and presses her face into the mattress and takes a few breaths.  Last night was foggy.  Not uncommon in the house of the Mistress, but this was different.  Still, through the fog, instructions, spoken in a voice similar to her own, whisper to her through her mind, and yet muffled as her own lips speak them into the bedding.

"Get up Rose.  It's time to get up."

A few moments pass before she pushes herself up and steadies herself as she gains her orientation against the daylight.  It doesn't take long before she pulls herself to the window and closes the curtains, sighing in relief as the dimmer light relieves some of the stabbing pain behind her eyes.  She pours a bowl of water and begins to wash, which seems to bring her more into awareness and little by little as she makes the bed and eats a small amount of breakfast, the pain begins to subside.  After dressing in a simple shift, she sits by the window and opens the curtains again, resting her head against the wall as she stares outside to watch the people pass in the streets.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on October 20, 2013, 02:10:28 am



She finds her room faces out into the inner courtyard instead though sees plenty of people passing to and fro, some lingering about doing what Xeenites do in these places. She knows the courtyard somewhat, from fleeting memories of the various times she has been installed here. It is a lesser courtyard with only a small amount of cultivation and some grown cooking things. At least she thinks those are spices...

Very little of note happens though she finds herself smiled or otherwise acknowledged by a few of the passers by.

Later in the day more food is brought though a fair amount of it requires some preparation on her part, clearly not a tray served to a Lady but it is warm, filling and tasty. More wine comes as well, giving her a fair few bottles in the room at her disposal. A note is included with her instructions for the day, the same small chores she has been expected off and on since her arrival.

Title: Rose reads the note and then
Post by: Alatriel on October 20, 2013, 11:50:10 am

Rose reads the note and then looks back at the room.

"Make the bed.  Make sure everything is in order. 

                   "I know Mistress. 

"Then stop sitting and do it.

                   "Yes, Mistress."

She gets up and sets about her chores in her room, rewarding herself with a few sips of wine after each task is complete until the room is once again presentable.  Appetite still lacking, she eats a few bites from the tray before sitting down again with her back to the wall, waiting with her thoughts distant.

Title: After some time passes Rose
Post by: Alatriel on October 20, 2013, 01:10:17 pm

After some time passes Rose reemerges from her thoughts and looks down at her empty wine glass, and then the door.  She pulls herself up off the floor and runs her fingers through her long hair to remove a few tangles before venturing out into the larger temple to see what the afternoon holds.

Title: About this time, Bree comes
Post by: Dorganath on October 23, 2013, 11:16:17 am

About this time, Bree comes down the hall toward Rose's room. She stops Rose in the hallway and makes her usual inquiries, doing so in a way that causes Rose to focus on Bree's questions and the answers she requires. She directs Rose back to her room, continuing her questions and requests designed to keep Rose's attention and to keep her thoughts close.  While she finds most of Rose's room in order and at least satisfactory, Bree expresses disappointment at the barely-eaten meal.  The next flurry of activity ends in Rose's meal being replaced by another fresh one with Bree staying and eating a snack of her own.

Title: Rose fights to keep herself
Post by: Alatriel on October 23, 2013, 12:05:08 pm

Rose fights to keep herself focused on Bree's questions, but she starts to get a bit restless, moving from the window, to the bed, to the door, and back again.  When the food arrives, she takes a few more bites to appease Bree.  "Will they come for me again tonight, Priestess?"

Title: "They may..." says Bree
Post by: Dorganath on October 23, 2013, 10:51:21 pm

"They may..." says Bree before pausing a bit. "Which 'they' do you mean, Dear?"

Title: Rose pauses to contemplate
Post by: Alatriel on October 24, 2013, 12:44:26 am

Rose pauses to contemplate the question a moment and looks back at Bree somewhat perplexed.  "They.  They wanted me to look for things, to show them what I could do.  You can see them, too, right?"  She scratches at her arm.  "I was so sure."

Title: "Oh, them," Bree says with a
Post by: Dorganath on October 24, 2013, 09:07:32 am

"Oh, them," Bree says with a nod. "Yes, they might, Dear. You need to be ready if they do. It's very important.  It's why you need to eat....more than you are.  But not too much, of course!"

Title: "I will try," Rose says
Post by: Alatriel on October 24, 2013, 12:44:07 pm

"I will try," Rose says reluctantly.  She picks at a few more bites until Bree seems more satisfied with her intake.  "Do you know if I've pleased them so far?"

Title: "They expect more from you,
Post by: Dorganath on October 24, 2013, 09:16:48 pm

"They expect more from you, Dear," Bree says. "and they will ask a little more each day.  It is up to you if you will meet the challenge. I am to see to your basic needs and... maybe try to keep your mind where it needs to be."  Despite the weight of her words, she smiles at Rose a little.

Title: "But there are so many people
Post by: Alatriel on October 24, 2013, 10:27:18 pm

"But there are so many people and places, times... everything.  They're all happening now.  It's no different which here or which there or then or now.  It's all the same.  They overlap and fold over like gauze."  She looks at Bree a moment, then at the floor.  "I need to see them all."

Title: "No, Rose, you don't need to
Post by: Dorganath on October 25, 2013, 10:20:56 am

"No, Rose, you don't need to see them all," says Bree, putting herself directly in Rose's field of vision. "You need your mind here. You need to see only me...only this room...only where your body is at." Bree pauses in her declaration and eases her tone some. "I think maybe you need more to do in a day...more to keep you focused on the now and on yourself so your mind doesn't stray."

Title: "I do see you, priestess." 
Post by: Alatriel on October 25, 2013, 11:49:16 am

"I do see you, priestess."  Rose nods slowly and then looks away.  She rubs her arm gently.  "But when I can't feel here it is just the same as everywhere else.  If it is only me in this little room..." she trails off a moment.  "I will do as you ask if you have more for me to do."

Title: "What do you need to feel
Post by: Dorganath on October 25, 2013, 12:34:01 pm

"What do you need to feel here?" Bree asks.

Title: "I know my place, Priestess,
Post by: Alatriel on October 25, 2013, 12:58:00 pm

"I know my place, Priestess, I do, and I know it's not my place to ask for things, but..." Rose hesitates, "it's easier to stay in one place when I can feel something physically.  Pain is real.  Pain is now.  Touch is here, wherever 'here' is."  She pauses again.  "Mistress Sophia showed me that much."

Title: Bree smiles and caresses
Post by: Dorganath on October 25, 2013, 02:22:36 pm

Bree smiles and caresses Rose's cheek briefly with her hand. "I'm proud of you, Dear," she says. "You're learning to ask.  Very well..." Bree stands and walks to the door. "Tomorrow.  Be rested and prepared. I'll see you for breakfast."

Title: Rose  smiles and leans into
Post by: Alatriel on October 25, 2013, 03:06:10 pm

Rose  smiles and leans into the caress for as long as it lasts, seeming to savor each second.  "I'll be sure to eat something, priestess.  Thank you."

Title: Bree nods and exits the room,
Post by: Dorganath on October 25, 2013, 03:32:02 pm

Bree nods and exits the room, closing the door behind her.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08i The
Post by: Rowana on October 29, 2013, 02:43:25 am



The ensuing couple of days, Bree (with some assistance from Mai and Ember, but largely Bree herself) focuses Rose through a set of rigorous exercises. She has weighted bags and stones brought up as well as a few other tools. While Bree is mindful of Rose's actual strength limits, she pushes the girl hard. By midway through the first day, there's a significant amount of 'feeling' in her whole form, not the least of which is pain from exertion.

After day two, Rose can't lift her fork to her lips without feeling the intricate way all of the muscles in her fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, upper arm, shoulder, across her back, neck and down along her spine all work together to make the seemingly simple gesture work. There is a lingering cloud of physical exhaustion that hangs over her whole self. When she is still there is little more effect on her, apart from the constant desire to stretch. Movement however, brings a burning sensation that courses through each muscle that is required to function. When doing her chores, she is largely kept warm by the sensation alone.

While day three of the continued rigor might seem almost nightmarish, instead she is greeted by the girls in the morning and tended just a little, encouraged to eat well then once again brought before the "testers."

 

//feel free to fill in some blanks here as well as including anything that might be important for stage setting on this new segment.

Title: When the girls explain that
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 10:36:53 am

When the girls explain that she is to meet her testers again, Rose lets out a sudden soft sob of mixed fear and relief.  "I don't know if I can do what they want me to do now.  I hurt... everywhere."  She trembles as she tries to eat her breakfast.  "What will become of me if I fail?"

Title: Bree smiles gently and puts
Post by: Dorganath on October 29, 2013, 11:09:28 am

Bree smiles gently and puts her hand on Rose's shoulder. "You will likely be sent back to your house if you fail, Dear," she says, her voice somewhat unclear as to how Bree may feel about this. "But if you pass, they will be pleased and the Temple will...liberate you from your house and encourage your specific talents."

Title: Rose takes a few deep breaths
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 12:11:17 pm

Rose takes a few deep breaths with her head bowed as she tries to help the anxiety attack pass.  "I can't go back there.  They'll know I killed him.  There was a future, but it shattered.  I never meant to hurt him.  I thought he was the one who killed Master Cedric and I looked, and I looked harder, and it... I think I killed him.  It was an accident.  Mistress knows.  He wanted me.  He saw a future that I didn't see and when I did see it it was gone.  It's gone."  She stops and holds her breath for several seconds with her eyes closed and wraps her arms around herself before slowly letting her breath out in a way that Mai taught her, but it only seems to help a little.  "I never meant for it to happen.  Please don't send me back there."

Title: Bree shifts her hand to
Post by: Dorganath on October 29, 2013, 12:23:48 pm

Bree shifts her hand to Rose's face and cradles her jaw. "It's not up to me, Dear," she says. "In truth, it rests with you."

Title: Rose searches Bree's face for
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 12:31:33 pm

Rose searches Bree's face for a moment and it's clear that her thoughts are locked in the present.  "I need to be able to wander in order to do what they ask of me, priestess.  I need something to take the pain away and set me free so that I can do what they ask.  Please, help me?"

Title: "Not today, Dear," Bree
Post by: Dorganath on October 29, 2013, 12:52:29 pm

"Not today, Dear," Bree replies, smiling back just a little and shaking her head by a small amount. "It won't help you today."

Title: "I don't understand," Rose
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 01:19:04 pm

"I don't understand," Rose squeaks.  "What are they testing me on today?"

Title: Bree pulls her hand away from
Post by: Dorganath on October 29, 2013, 01:32:32 pm

Bree pulls her hand away from Roses face, letting her fingers trail a bit until they leave her face completely. Standing from her seat, she walks around behind Rose, rests her hands on Rose's shoulders and bends down to speak in her ear. "You need to be here today, Dear," she says quietly. "That's all I can say."  Bree straightens and starts to withdraw from Rose.

Title: Rose's breath catches as Bree
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 01:47:37 pm

Rose's breath catches as Bree pulls away, seeming to follow Bree's touch as a cat who longs for attention, then her shoulders slump slightly.  "As you wish, Priestess.  I'll do my best."

Title: "I know you will, Dear," Bree
Post by: Dorganath on October 29, 2013, 01:49:58 pm

"I know you will, Dear," Bree purrs as she moves away.

Title: Rose sets in to eat as much
Post by: Alatriel on October 29, 2013, 02:08:35 pm

Rose sets in to eat as much breakfast as she can stomach and then goes about dressing herself, moving slowly with obviously sore muscles.  When she raises her arms to brush her hair, she winces and a small cry of pain escapes her lips, but she pushes herself on anyway in order to complete the task of weaving her hair into a long neat braid that hangs down her back.  Once the task is done, she slumps down on the edge of her bed and lets her arms hang limp at her sides.  "I'm ready," she says dully, "I'm definitely here."

Title: //The deadline for this will
Post by: Rowana on October 31, 2013, 03:44:00 pm

//The deadline for this will be extended until Sunday Nov 3rd at midnight CST due to incompatabilities with two GMs availablity needed for this story line.

~row

**edited to add - Deadline extention due to necessary information not being available for several days through no fault of Alatriel's. All information finally obtained and quest can finally move forward. Deadline extention pushed out to Friday, Nov 8th, 2013 at 11:59 CST.

~row

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 01:03:33 am



Rose is guided down the halls back to the room she's now vaguely familiar with. In her present state the room seems quite different to her. Some things seem drastically different. She only sees one person in the room, where before she though many gathered around her when she tested. The room is brighter to her eyes and yet some how far more dull to her every other sense.

The room is set up not for magic working as before. Instead the same woman she remembers from these last few days sits at a table, working on something Rose can't quite see at first, but is something to do with paper and inking, for those are obvious. Rose's eyes take in the table, fine worked marble covered in only a few items, the most obvious being a bowl of grapes and bottle of wine. These seem to be more of a display piece than something meant for actual consumption. The center piece is surrounded by silver trays, but only a few bites of fine cheeses and meats decorate each, almost in divine offering around the center.

The room is scented lightly of the same smell Rose remembers far more strongly, perhaps just a trace oder of the unique incense. Despite her anchoring state of agony, the scent easily draws back the memories of magic coursing through her as she answered test after test under the commands of the Mistress.

Plush furniture dapple the room, which is neither too big nor too small, and to Rose's practiced eye it appears this way due to style and set up more than any actual size. The room contrasts prettily in the light, but nothing that would depict more than true devotion to the Mistress. Once again her eyes are drawn to the woman at hand.

She continues to scrawl upon paper, her straw colored hair bound back into a neat lover's knot, pinned in place with an exotic hair stick, likely hailing from the islands far to the south. Her dress is modest, even understated compared to the room. Her grey-green eyes flick from word to word with a shrewed quickness Rose had not yet noticed. Suddenly Rose realizes she cannot even remember the woman's name, if it was indeed ever given. Some how she thinks it wasn't.

The older woman doesn't even look up as Rose is ushered in quietly, and simply continues to work for several moments in silence.

Title: Rose stops where she is left,
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:11:31 am

Rose stops where she is left, a short distance away, and watches in silent curiosity as to what the woman is doing.  She does not announce herself, and waits out of the woman's way until she is acknowledged.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 01:14:54 am



Finally the woman addresses Rose, gesturing toward her glass. “Only half way please.”

Title: Rose jumps slightly when the
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:16:51 am

Rose jumps slightly when the woman finally addresses her, being taken slightly offguard from her observations.  She doesn't protest, however, and moves forward to do as asked, reaching for the bottle of wine and filling the glass halfway.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 01:21:19 am



The woman makes a few other requests of Rose before finally looking to the girl. She looks Rose over from head to foot with that same shrewed eye. Her expression seems almost disproving but only around the edges.

“Not much to you, even after a few days here,” the woman observes quietly. “Do they not require you to take care of yourself properly where you come from?”

Title: "Yes ma'am," Rose starts,
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:26:36 am

"Yes ma'am," Rose starts, then her brow furrows in some confusion, "I mean, no ma'am.  I mean..."  She hesitates a beat, "I haven't been where I come from in some time, ma'am."

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 01:29:02 am



“That's what they tell me,” she says arching her brow in such a way that seems to draw out her disapproving expression. “Something about running away, not facing the consequences of your actions?”

Title: Rose swallows hard and averts
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:38:46 am

Rose swallows hard and averts her eyes to the floor.  "It was an accident."  She wrings her hands in front of her and her voice lowers to a whisper laced with an obvious fear.  "Please don't lock me away again."

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 01:40:54 am



“Are you an escapee, Rose?” the woman asks quietly, her tone somehow non-accusatory. “Did they sentence you?”

Title: She shakes her head, "No,
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:48:00 am

She shakes her head, "No, ma'am, they let me go."  She shrugs her shoulders up high, then rotates the right shoulder a couple times back and forth as she winces slightly at the discomfort it causes.  "I don't..." she pauses, the same confusion returning, "I don't remember all of the pieces where each piece of time fit together.  They don't fit in a line.  But I can't go back after what I did to Master Dominick.  It wasn't supposed to be like that.  I didn't meant to kill him."

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 02:46:00 am



“That's very poor control for a girl like you, Rose,” she seems to tut with a shake of her head. She eases back in the chair than takes up her glass with an easy gesture. “That will have to be one of the things we see improvement on or we will have to send you home.” She swirls the wine easily then inhales the scent almost absently.

Title: Rose nods slowly.  "Yes,
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 05:40:29 am

Rose nods slowly.  "Yes, ma'am," she says just above a whisper.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 10:10:00 am



A soft, 'hmph' comes away from her as she eyes Rose again. Her eyes narrow somewhat for a moment then she returns to writing.

“I've arranged a contract for your training and services, Rose,” she says with a frown, “Your gift makes you somewhat more valuable to me than a typical slave. Sadly, I had to negotiate as such and you've likely cost this temple a small fortune. I expect you to be impeccable, nearly perfect. I expect you will train every single day, do exactly as you are told, mold yourself into the image I have for you. There will be little rest, there will be little anything but what I instruct you.” She pauses slightly and looks up to the girl, “Is that absolutely, and,” she narrows her eyes, her tone becoming subtly dangerous, “Completely clear?”

Title: Rose nods quickly, but keeps
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 12:30:42 pm

Rose nods quickly, but keeps her eyes lowered.  "Yes, Mistress, completely clear."

Title: "Good," she says quietly,
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 12:42:31 pm

"Good," she says quietly, letting her menace drop away. "Today you spend the day learning what you need to know to serve me properly. This is the only warning you get, girl. Each day is a test and the moment I find you lacking, I send you back. If you truly fear their retribution, I suggest you remember that with every pour in the glass, every proper response and every effort you make to master your gift." She pauses briefly to let all of that sink in.

"Start here in the study. Anything you do not know how to properly clean... Do. Not. Guess. Ask. Each item is of vital importance and could mean your life in a ritual. Your curiosity is welcome, your errors are not. You will take your lunchon with me, you will eat what you are fed and you will take your evening meal in your room just before bed. I will send someone to make sure it is properly consumed. Magic takes a toll on your body, child. If you do not care for it, you will lose your life to it's power. It will not be glorious, it will be a wretched investment and I will be quite put out, enough I might see that you are punished beyond death." Her steely gaze briefly grazes Rose before she sets the first page out of the way and begins on the second.

"Your benefactor will be here in the evening," she says with a slight smirk, "I suggest you thank her properly for... rescuing you once again..."

Title: Rose looks around the room at
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 01:00:36 pm

Rose looks around the room at the various objects in the room and then to the woman.  "Mistress, if there is a certain way to clean or care for these things... I don't know any of it.  I was never given care of magical tools before."  She licks her lips and runs her teeth over her bottom lip.  "I don't even know what they do.  I can feel power from different things, their importance, but I don't know what to do with all of them."

Title: Rose's new Mistress pauses
Post by: Rowana on November 06, 2013, 10:21:16 pm

Rose's new Mistress pauses mid-stroke and looks up at her. For a few moments she eyes the girl with an unreadable but hard gaze.

"Start in the bedroom then, just stay out of the beauru and drawers. They're warded, you'll know if you weren't supposed to touch them." She grins a bit wickedly for a moment. "When you have finished there, tidy the storage space and then attend to me here until I'm ready to instruct you on the rest."

Title: "Yes, Mistress," Rose
Post by: Alatriel on November 06, 2013, 11:03:00 pm

"Yes, Mistress," Rose answers.  She bows her head briefly and heads off to the bedroom. 

She doesn't work exceptionally quickly, but even though her hands are shaking with nerves, she goes through each task, starting by changing the sheets and making the bed and then moving through the rest of the room, and picking up clothes or other things off of the floor and bringing them down to be washed.  She runs a cloth over all of the furniture, stopping a few times to brush her hair away from her face and to rub a sore muscle here and there.  As she wipes down the bureau, she pauses a moment to feel the thrum of the magic warding them.  She closes her eyes and takes in a slow breath before shaking her head.  "No.  Not there," she tells herself quietly.  Letting out a sigh, she continues wiping down the room until it is as clean as she can make it, then stops to look around at what she's done, leaning slightly against the wall for a moment, her nerves having calmed through the tasks.  "It's for the best, Rose," she tells herself softly.  She nods to herself and pushes a strand of hair back out of her face before returning to her new Mistress's side.

As she walks closer to the woman, she seems to suddenly remember that she forgot something and quickly turns back and almost runs to the storage space, holding her stomach tightly.  "Stop it Rose.  Don't forget!  You must be perfect."  She nods and swallows, catching her breath, her hands shaking again before throwing herself into tidying up the storage space and arranging all of the belongings therein.  Finally, she makes her way back to her Mistress, glancing over her shoulder a couple of time as if trying to remember if she's forgotten something once more.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08in;
Post by: Rowana on November 07, 2013, 02:03:20 am



Perhaps to her benefit, perhaps not, Rose seems ignored by the mistress for some time. Several pages now sit drying on the table she was working at, each written in a neat hand but difficult to read from Rose's distance. It isn't until the lunchon meal is brought that she bothers to address Rose.

“Sit over there on the other side,” she instructs evenly, “Consume your meal completely, but in silence. I have to finish this. When -you- are finished, collect everything empty from our meal and from my breakfast and take it out to be tended. Remember this instruction for every mid-day meal unless I instruct you otherwise.” With that, she goes right back to ignoring Rose and continuing her work.

Title: Rose sits where she is told
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 02:09:36 am

Rose sits where she is told and eats her meal slowly and in silence.  She lets herself enjoy the rest as she watches the Mistress work.  When she does finally finish, she stacks up all of the empty dishes as quietly as she can and glances at the pages left to dry as well as the ones in progress.  She almost asks about it once, but stops herself short and closes her mouth quickly before the sound escapes.  Pressing her lips tightly together, she finishes clearing the remaining dishes and takes them out to be cleaned.  Afterward, she returns and stands off at a distance, watching once again in silence.

Title: Again she is ignored and for
Post by: Rowana on November 07, 2013, 02:28:00 am

Again she is ignored and for some significant time. Eventually, however, the woman straightens and actually stands out of her chair. After a moment of flexing out her thin, somewhat bony fingers, she immediately turns to Rose and begins to instruct her. She stands out of the way and with her arms folded except when she points to indicate something more directly than usual. While the woman is not overtly patient, she speaks in an even tone and pauses frequently such that Rose has an opportunity to speak or just absorb the information given to her.

She seems unsurprised at Rose's lack of knowledge except when it comes to the name and uses for certain item that seem plain and common to her. She mutters under her breath a couple of times, something sounding derogatory though Rose is hard pressed to hear the actual words. Regardless, she continues to instruct Rose through each item, it's use and the way it needs to be maintained. They do not finish before evening meal. When the mistress's is brought, she dismisses Rose to her room, bidding her consume her meal and to remember to thank her benefactor graciously if she decides to come by for a visit.

When Rose returns to her (near by) room, she finds it much as it was, food sitting on the table covered. There is no wine accompaniment this time but tea and water are there.

Title: Rose slumps down in the
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 02:36:54 am

Rose slumps down in the chair, exhausted by the day's events.  She does her best to eat, but finds herself dozing off at times only to jolt herself awake again to try to finish her meal.

Title: During one such doze, the
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 09:20:11 am

During one such doze, the door to Rose's room opens abruptly, and Bree enters the room, stepping deliberately and with a temple slave coming in a few steps behind her. "Good evening, Dear," Bree says as she enters. "I trust you had an eventful day." Before Rose can answer with anything resembling complete words, Bree continues.

"I'm sure you're plenty tired, but your day isn't quite over yet, I'm afraid," she says, speaking with some kindness but devoid of anything resembling an apology. "and it will be like this for a while. Before and after your time with the Mistress, I will have tasks for you as well. I am going to push you, but it is for for the best. Do you understand so far?"

Title: Rose sighs, her arms dropping
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 10:30:17 am

Rose sighs, her arms dropping down by her sides in resignation.  "Yes, Priestess."

Title: "Good..." says Bree, drawing
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 10:54:54 am

"Good..." says Bree, drawing the sound out a little as she moves slowly around the room. "There will be a slave here evening and morning. They will see that you are awake and breakfasted by the time I arrive in the morning and that you eat your dinner by the time I arrive in the evening. They will make sure you have what you need, but you are to do for yourself by your own effort. I will not be as exacting as the Mistress, but your efforts need to please me."

Bree pauses behind Rose, places her hands lightly on Rose's shoulders and leans down to whisper into Rose's ear. "And if I'm pleased, I may reward you."  She straightens again and continues her slow pacing. "We will start in the morning. I have only one task for you tonight. When you have eaten all your dinner, you will wash up and set out your clothing for tomorrow."

Title: Rose nods with a small smile
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 11:19:37 am

Rose nods with a small smile at the promise of possible rewards.  She finishes off the last of her food and then clears away her own table.  As she is pulling out something to wear for the following day, she looks over her shoulder toward Bree for a moment.  "Today was different.  It was... solid, I suppose, though still a blur.  Just a different sort of blur."

Title: Wordlessly and without
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 11:38:50 am

Wordlessly and without prompting, the attending slave takes Rose's dishes away to the hallway and returns immediately in case there is any need.

"Solid is good, Dear," Bree says, letting a small smile form on her lips. "and I will make sure it stays that way."  She walks toward the door and pauses to look back. "Be in bed in ten minutes.  You will rise before the sun."

Bree casts her eyes to both Rose and the slave, the latter of whom nods obediently, to be sure her words are understood before exiting the room.

Title: Rose smiles gratefully. 
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 12:26:35 pm

Rose smiles gratefully.  "Yes, Priestess.  Thank you."

After Bree leaves, she finishes washing and her eyes are drawn to the water in the bowl for a few moments as it stills.  Looking at her own reflection, she grips the side of the bowl and stares just a moment too long before shutting her eyes tightly.  "Not now, Rose.  Not a good time.  You'll learn what you want in time.  For now, play their game."

She lets out a long breath. "Yes, Mistress."

Slowly, she pulls herself away from the basin and climbs into bed.

Title: The next morning, if it can
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 02:38:32 pm

The next morning, if it can be called that given the darkness outside in the pre-dawn hours, there is a sharp knock at Rose's door. It opens a moment later, regardless of response, and the slave assigned to morning duty enters with a lantern to illuminate her way and dragging a cart behind her. Once she sets out breakfast for Rose, she moves to the bedside and wakes Rose, per her duty, and advises her of breakfast. Once Rose is up and moving, she stays back and out of the way.

Breakfast turns out to be rather hearty and somewhat rich, leaving Rose feeling quite full and sated.  It is not long after Rose finishes that Bree appears in her room, looking well groomed despite the still-early hour and the appearance that she has no desire to be awake this early.  Bree begins establishing her own morning routine for Rose.  While she is less strict and demanding than the Mistress, Bree's words and descriptions carry an expectation with them as well. The tasks Bree sets for Rose keep her busy throughout the rest of their realtively brief time before Rose is to report to the Mistress for the day.

In the evening, it is much the same, with Bree arriving after dinner, putting Rose through her paces before Rose is to be in bed, only to start the cycle over again the next day.

As the days pass, the tasks Bree puts before Rose are meant to push her, in both physical and mental ways, as a means of conditioning as well as tests (and furthering) of Rose's endurance. Many days, Rose will wake up sore or at least stiff. The morning routine is as much about working out some of what lingers from the day before as it is about following a routine.  The evening routine pushes Rose just a little more, often finding the limits of her energy and endurance. Throughout it all, Bree still expects Rose to take care of the essentials on her own; she must feed, dress and tend herself no matter how tired the day might make her.

// Pausing here for further comment/input/events
 

Title: After a few days of the
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 04:59:55 pm

After a few days of the routine, there are a couple days that Rose is far less than thrilled to be woken up once again before she gets used to the routine.  Even still, there are flares here and there of thoughts of rebellion, and some days she has more difficulty pulling herself away from clear reflective surfaces.  As she becomes more accustomed to eating more, she gradually stops looking so full that she feels sick, and eventually is able to finish her meals without issue, even finally putting on a couple needed pounds.

Title: The middle of Rose's days are
Post by: Rowana on November 07, 2013, 05:25:46 pm

The middle of Rose's days are filled with learning, either learning her Mistress's wishes or learning what her Mistress will impart to Rose. There is a mixture of behaviours that Rose identifies, though her Mistress seems fairly even tempered on the whole. Dallying, lingering over items needlessly, otherwise appearing to 'waste time' draws chastisement, while questions are generally answered and successes are commented upon favorably if subtly.

Her Mistress, still nameless and seeming intended to remain so, never lifts a hand to strike Rose. She rarely lifts her voice in anger, but rather turns cold and quiet when Rose has crossed some line (particularly dallying and sometimes when Rose is not truly dallying). Wasting time seems to be one o the worst offences Rose can possibly commit and often is accompanied with reminders of what will happen to her if she is imperfect. Rose quickly learns to either be on her toes with the woman or idling near by silently when she is not actively in service.

Sometimes her Mistress quizes her on the items she cleans and learns about. Rose's correct answers are remarked on with subtle favor while her failures are openly judged lacking. Each failure produces more work with the item, cleaning it, properly constructing or taking it apart, learning it's properties while she works, learning it's limits and her own. When she finishes to her Mistress's satisfaction they move on to the next item, always until the Mistress's evening meal is brought and Rose is dismissed for the day.

Title: It doesn't take long before
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 05:59:34 pm

It doesn't take long before Rose seems to relish the part of the day she spends with her new Mistress.  Each morning, once she is accustomed to being woken up before the dawn, she moves through her morning routine with Bree quickly in order to get to the time with the Mistress.  After a few times being caught wasting time, usually looking for something in a mirror or a glass of wine once poured, or hovering over something a little too long over something with a more powerful thrum of magic, she starts to try harder to please her Mistress.  Each time a new item is explained, she asks questions about each bit to truly understand it as she works through her tasks, drinking up the new information in the absence of wine.  Each time she is offered praise for her correct actions and responses, she smiles a little more throughout her day, and the initial rebellion that was bubbling just under the surface seems to ebb just a bit more.

Title: During Bree's times, Rose's
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 06:05:46 pm

During Bree's times, Rose's adherence to the routine and her successes are met with supportive and positive words, maybe even a light touch now and then and the occasional indulgence, while her failures and lapses draw a different sort of encouragement that borders on being reproachful and is always unyielding.  Though Bree expects her tasks to be carried out fully, she seems to care more for their completion than the rate at which Rose completes them.  Despite any harshness to her words and the fact that she never lets Rose slack on any assigned task, Bree remains patient with Rose throughout.

Less than a week after the routine begins, it changes. While Rose's strength and endurance, both mental and physical, continue to be conditioned, the days of being worked to absolute exhaustion seem to be waning (or Rose begins to become accustomed to them). Even so, the expected routine and its stresses on self-maintenance continue but in a way that subtly shifts the responsibility toward Rose. Bree continues to state her expectations but keeps the details on how to accomplish them to Rose's discretion.  This meshes well with Rose's new-found energy and enthusiasm for her days with the Mistress, and Bree builds upon and encourages this.  The tasks set before Rose shift accordingly.

Occasionally, Bree structures time for Rose to not be physically busy, even allowing Rose to choose to a degree how she would spend some of their allotted time...within limits, of course.

Encouragements and subtle rewards become more common. Admonishments, when needed, are still geared toward encouragement and are appropriate to the "offense".

As this continues, Bree gives fewer instructions, eventually reducing them to generalized comments about what she wants of Rose and sometimes nothing more than, "See you in the morning, Dear."

Title: After one particular night
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 06:27:00 pm

After one particular night when Bree leaves her to her own devices Rose sits on one side of her room and stares across towards her wash basin.  Her foot begins to tap.  She looks down to her cup of tea still sitting in front of her, then looks away quickly only to catch her reflection in the window.  She stands quickly and moves to the other side of the room, but her eyes are drawn to a flickering flame of a candle.  Her lower lip trembles and she bites down on it, taking a deep breath.  Her foot continues to tap as she struggles against the promise of the touch of power that is easily within her grasp.  In one last desperate move, she runs across to the candle and snuffs it out before hurrying to her bed and burying herself under the covers. 

 

Title: *During one evening as Rose
Post by: Lance Stargazer on November 07, 2013, 08:55:41 pm

*During one evening as Rose comes back to her room, she finds a sealed letter beside her evening meal, the letter is sealed with wax , no crest just a capital C on the wax seal, the letter is left beside the meal for her to notice, but safe of the contents of the meal itself*

Title: Rose's brow furrows when she
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 09:04:09 pm

Rose's brow furrows when she notices the letter and she looks around a moment questioningly before opening it and reading the contents.

Title: Rose's eyes scan the letter
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 09:23:30 pm

Rose's eyes scan the letter and then she drops it, standing up quickly and backing up so fast away from the table that she knocks over the chair, backing away several steps and then running out the door into the hallway, looking for any other slaves nearby.

"The letter... where did it come from?  He's dead.  He died.  I saw it!  I saw him die!"

Title: Those few people in the hall
Post by: Rowana on November 07, 2013, 09:31:22 pm

Those few people in the hall move away from her and do not respond. Some of them eye her sideways and scurry off to complete tasks elsewhere. No one seems to have an answer for her for the moment.

Title: Rose takes off town the hall
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 09:37:46 pm

Rose takes off town the hall looking for Bree.

Title: Rose's mad dash nearly ends
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 09:49:38 pm

Rose's mad dash nearly ends in disaster as she rounds a corner and nearly plows right over Bree.

"Bless the Mistress, child!" Bree exclaims. "Who set the Pits after you?"

Title: "The letter!" Rose gasps. 
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 09:56:52 pm

"The letter!" Rose gasps.  "There's a letter in my room.  It's from him, but he died.  It's his hand, but I saw it, Priestess, I saw him die.  I haven't wandered, I promise, but it came here anyway.  The dead don't write letters!"  She looks fairly terrified.  "He's watching me, my progress with the Mistress."  She clings to Bree.  "How!?"

Title: Bree's posture and voice take
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 10:06:05 pm

Bree's posture and voice take on an authoritative, if still somewhat quiet and pitched solely for Rose.

"Get ahold of yourself," Bree hisses, taking Rose by shoulders and putting some distance between them.  Her voice gentles but does not lose it's authoritative edge. "Return to your room and calm yourself.  Remember what I've taught you. Use the stones. I will be there shortly."

Title: Rose takes in a sharp breath
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 10:17:49 pm

Rose takes in a sharp breath and looks at Bree's eyes for a long moment, then nods, still shaking.  "Yes..."  she nods again.  "Yes..."  She turns back towards her room and makes her way back there a bit slower.  When she arrives at her door she stands outside of the threshold for a moment before entering, then cautiously moves into the room, looking around into the corners before sitting on her bed and looking at the table and the letter.

Title: A few minutes pass, likely
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 10:43:00 pm

A few minutes pass, likely seeming like more, before Bree's footsteps appear outside of Rose's door.  Without knocking or pause, Bree enters, dismisses the slave and closes the door behind her. "Now tell me, Dear," Bree says inquisitively. "What has your corset in a twist?"

Title: Rose points at the letter on
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 10:50:36 pm

Rose points at the letter on the table.  "It's from Master Cedric.  I saw him die.  He was stabbed.  He was ill.  I stood by his bed next to Master Dominic and Mistress Lila when he died."  Her voice is shakey and uncertain.

 

//PM incoming

 

Title: Bree takes up the letter in
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 11:08:23 pm

Bree takes up the letter in one hand and paces slowly around the room as she reads it...twice for clarity...before setting it back down on the table and turning her attention to Rose.

"This means nothing, Dear," Bree says. "You're with the Temple now."

Title: "But if I am, and if he's not
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 11:27:03 pm

"But if I am, and if he's not dead... why is he writing me?"  Rose shakes her head, obviously confused.  " I don't understand it."

Title: "He is trying to get to you,"
Post by: Dorganath on November 07, 2013, 11:37:20 pm

"He is trying to get to you," Bree says. "Now that the Temple has taken such an interest in you, he understand what he had to lose." She takes up the note again and shakes her head. "I know a few people who would be interested in this..."

Title: Rose nods.  "I don't want
Post by: Alatriel on November 07, 2013, 11:50:28 pm

Rose nods.  "I don't want it."

Title: "Of course you don't, Dear,"
Post by: Dorganath on November 08, 2013, 12:02:28 am

"Of course you don't, Dear," Bree says, refolding the note but keeping it in her hand, her voice kind. "Now, sit and eat your dinner and leave this to fall from your mind.  If you cannot...I will give you something else to think about."

Title: Rose still seems shaken as
Post by: Alatriel on November 08, 2013, 12:15:51 am

Rose still seems shaken as she eats her dinner.  She is quiet and pensive, and gladly accepts any distraction that Bree offers to take her mind off of the letter.

Title: Bree sends Rose to bed in a
Post by: Dorganath on November 08, 2013, 08:47:07 am

Bree sends Rose to bed in a state of near exhaustion, and the next morning Bree returns to a more strict regimen of tasks and expectations for Rose. This continues until Rose shows control over herself again.

Title: Though the letter set her
Post by: Alatriel on November 08, 2013, 09:08:04 am

Though the letter set her back a bit in her routine, it isn't too long before she settles back into how things were before.

Title: Though she does so more
Post by: Dorganath on November 08, 2013, 10:11:13 am

Though she does so more cautiously and gradually this time, Bree eventually dials back her demands on Rose, giving her more responsibility for herself as the weeks march foreward.

As Bree grows more comfortable and confident in Rose's state and ability, her visits become less regular and less frequent again over the course of many more weeks.

Title: Over the weeks Rose settles
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 12:19:15 am

Over the weeks Rose settles into the routine, working herself in the morning, working for the Mistress through the bulk of the day and then again at night doing both her exercises and her cleaning. She gradually puts on a little more weight and a lot more stamina.

After a couple of months time here, Rose's Mistress begins to actively train Rose's gift. First there was an addition to her routine. The hands-on based study she had been receiving now came into play as Rose was given items to study, one at a time over the weeks. Each item served a magical purpose, a focus, an mild anchor, even an item to center her constantly shifting gift. Under the strict monitoring of her Mistress, Rose studied each for a portion of her afternoon.

Second, Rose was given an assignment for her evening time. Sometimes it was reading (always a challenging amount of text to cover each night) sometimes it was a centering exercise for her to practice every night for an hour or more.

Third, and perhaps most special, Rose gets the allowance to watch some of the other group magic works. Though she is expected to observe and learn, the experience is often exhilarating. Most of what she witnesses are group efforts of enchantment, sometimes focused on a single item, sometimes focused on a more distant location. Occasionally she is allowed to watch illusion works, set ups for a particularly well connected exhibition or fete.

There are no more letters, no more distractions from the outside world. In fact, Rose sees little Kartherian at all, apart from the temple's inner grounds. Once or twice she accompanies her Mistress out to learn of some magical practice first hand. Sometimes she is called upon to serve others in menial work when the temple's staff appear to be short handed.

During one of training Rose's training sessions, several months in, Rose senses something strange in the nebulous 'out there' of her senses. It pulls at her in a somewhat familiar way, hinting at her waking dreams and the stretches of her reality.

Title: Rose pauses in what she is
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 12:24:49 am

Rose pauses in what she is doing and tilts her head, focusing her senses on the strange, yet so familiar sensation.

Title: The draw of power, nearly
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 12:27:46 am

The draw of power, nearly beckons her to come and See something. It takes her only a moment to feel a strong thread of power associated with the sensation. Intoxicating. Inviting. Long absent.

Title: She intakes a long breath,
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 12:35:13 am

She intakes a long breath, then exhales slowly, closing her eyes as she places a hand on the table to steady herself.  "Mistress... I can feel it calling me.  There's something I'm supposed to see."  She lets out another slow breath.  "Oh, I've missed this..." she whispers.

Title: “-What- are you talking
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 12:40:11 am

“-What- are you talking about?” the Mistress snaps, sounding irritated at the interruption.

Title: Rose seems unconcerned about
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 12:43:56 am

Rose seems unconcerned about her Mistress's irritation, her attention focused on something else as she moves towards a scrying glass and touches its edge and looks into the reflective surface.  "It's calling me.  I'm supposed to See this."

Title: The Mistress frowns at Rose
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 12:56:00 am

The Mistress frowns at Rose but her eyes narrow and she only watches for a few moments.

As Rose draws nearer and nearer the edge of the long absent power grows sharper, almost beginning to sting her in some way. With the low burn of pain the room she's in begins to drift somewhere Between in Rose's senses. Between here, or there... probably now but maybe later... Like the many days in times gone by, it becomes utterly unimportant when, or why she is. Only that her whole self seems both fluid and floating as the little surge becomes greater and other times flash before her eyes.

A fog clears out of the path of her Sight, something she didn't really realize was there. A goblet sits on an alabaster table, filled with a fluid so dark and thick it almost seems black. For a moment there is nothing but this, in a space that has no sound. There is a Forever in length before something changes, little ripples in the fluid as of something heavy moved near by. One stomp...

.

.

.

Another set of ripples....

.

.

.

Another...

.

Then the glass shatters and Rose throws her hands up in front of her face to deflect the incoming shrapnel and fluid. She feels the sharp burning of the glass cutting her, burning her as if coated in acid. The fluid speckles her skin, steaming on the table, scented of something... awful... perhaps wasting away but not quite dead.

And then... Blackness.

When Rose comes to once again, she's in her room though it takes her several minutes to realize where exactly she is.

Title: Rose stares at the ceiling in
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 01:02:25 am

Rose stares at the ceiling in confusion for some time before she finally sits up with a start, looking herself over for injury, and looking for her Mistress.

Title: P { margin-bottom: 0.08i Her
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 01:09:12 am



Her room is empty but for herself. It is dark and quiet, the grey haze of night with the light of the moons filtering in from her shuttered window. Vaguely she makes out the familiar shapes of everything she knows, being where it should be, and a covered tray sitting on the table.

Title: Rose gets out of bed and
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 01:11:36 am

Rose gets out of bed and semi-cautiously moves to the table, uncovering the tray.

Title: Cold simple food things line
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 01:14:11 am

Cold simple food things line the plate beneath, awaiting her. Near by a mug of what smells of 'wet' lingers as well.

Title: Rose takes a few bites of the
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 01:18:00 am

Rose takes a few bites of the food and lifts the mug to sniff its contents before tasting it.  She looks out the window and up at the sky, then into the courtyard and returns to finish off the rest of the food given without even bothering to light a candle.

 

After she finishes her meal and drinks the water given, she opens her door and peeks out and then heads down the corridor towards where she thinks her Mistress might likely be.

 

Title: The temple is hardly quiet,
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 01:39:44 am

The temple is hardly quiet, but the noise is fairly reduced from the daily goings ons. The hall is mostly empty apart from a few people here and there. Rose finds her Mistress' door easily enough, though finds it latched from the inside.

Title: Rather than disturb her, Rose
Post by: Alatriel on November 09, 2013, 01:42:39 am

Rather than disturb her, Rose slides down and sits down against the wall next to the door to wait.  She draws up her knees for a place to rest her head, settling in for as long as necessary.

Title: Rose waits all the rest of
Post by: Rowana on November 09, 2013, 02:05:52 am

Rose waits all the rest of the night and part of the morning before she is invited in the room. Her apologies for 'wasted time' are waved off and the matter set aside for a short time. The Mistress grills her for information about what happened, then what she saw, interrogating Rose until Rose feels somewhat numb from repeating herself. Eventually she is released from the mild inquisition and returns to her duties, though not before being given time to properly deal with her personal needs.

The day resumes as normal and Rose's only 'punishment' seems to be the grilling from earlier. Toward the end of the day, she is cautioned from behaving a she did (the day before, as it turns out) and a short lecture on self control ensues before her dismissal for the day.

One of the focuses of Rose's lessons shifts from this forward, teaching her to control herself in the lure of magic. Nearly a full two years from the beginning of her lessons, Rose is granted a little more time to herself but with certain added responsibilities. A year after this and she becomes the official personal slave of her Mistress, which involves a relocation to the chambers of her Mistress, though in her own (very small) space.

 

//few more details will be shared in wrap up with the player from here. Due to appropriate loyalty and behaviours the slave Rose is taken on officially at the temple to continue her training as a Seeress amongst New Reality (a faction within the Xeenite temple).