RP:Friendly Checkup

Synopsis: Two days after the psychic incident, Trent wanders down to Gualon to see how Meri is doing.

Characters: Trent, Meri

Location: Gualon

Date: March 16th, 2014

Gualon Road

Meri is making her way out of the castle that she currently resides in. No! She does not have the entire thing to herself. Several other residents of Gualon live within in, renting out rooms. It is like, the medieval version of an apartment complex, essentially. The woman’s hair is wet, her manner of dress is a lazy one. Lazy enough that she didn’t even bother to lace up her boots, she just shoved her pant legs within them. So lazy that she’s not even armed. Apparently she was quite at ease within the city walls of Gualon.

Trent had his hood drawn up and over his head and he set foot into Gualon, one hand tucked comfortably into the confines of his jacket pocket, the other clutching the strap of the satchel that hung off his shoulder. Head lowered, his mind occupied, he hadn't much interest in the typical goings on of the locals. If it weren't for a typical glance skyward to gauge the time of day, he might have missed the woman that were making her way from the castle. "Meri?" he asks once finding her form in his view.

Meri cracks something of a grin at Trent’s question, unable to resist the temptation to toy with the man. “Meri? I think you have the wrong girl. There is no Meri here.” She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. The woman gestures southward with a wave of her hand, “I was just about to hit up the stables, check in on the horse. Feel like joining me?”

Trent almost fell for it. He's not the quickest when it comes to such attempts at fun! A double take is given, hood falling to shoulder as he narrowed his eyes to be sure he wasn't mistaken. Once realization settled in, he smiled, a nod offered in turn. "Sure. Lead the way."

Meri lofts a brow at Trent’s reaction, looking rather surprised by it. She thought it was a pretty blatant lie, blatant enough that she gives herself a once over just to make sure she was not the fool of some sort of trickery...the brunt of some illusion or something. The woman leads the way south, prattling on as they walk toward the stables. “Come on, Trent, you have been hanging out with me for how long? Did you really almost fall for that?” She pouts. “Don’t know what I look like? Why...I think you’ve hurt my feelings.”

Meri exits south.

Gualon Way

Trent offers an apology as they wandered along the road. "I'm just.. a little tired, is all. I'm not seeing things so clearly." He takes another glance over the blonde. " I could not forget what you look like, Meri." A chuckle escapes his lips as he adds, "You look much better, by the way. How do you feel now? I am sorry I was not around when you came to. I had work to complete. I told the inn to look after you."

Meri gives Trent a once over now, brow lofting when he comments on how tired he is. “Well if you are so tired, what are you doing wandering all the way down here? Quite the walk from Cenril.” The woman veers to the west suddenly, leading the way into the stables. “And yes, I am feeling much better. I was right as rain in the morning. Just needed some sleep. Thank you again, for taking me to the Inn.”

Meri exits west.

Smithy Stables

Trent followed along at a casual pace, his shoulders lifted to accompany his response. "I wanted to make sure that you were well. What happened at the docks instilled a bit of fear. I was not sure what to do..." Smile weak, his eyes fastened to the woman. "You are welcome. I wish that never had happened, however. I am very glad you are well."

Meri cuts straight across the stables to one of the roomy pens along the western wall. Inside a gray mare stands, feeding on grain out of a large bucket. Fingers work to unlatch the door to said stall, opening it up. “I’ve no regrets for what happened.” At least she didn’t think that she did. “I mean, I did see something...maybe some of your past...maybe some of ‘it’s past...Hard to say which.” Her gaze cuts down to that armored hand. “Either way, I’m fine. It wasn’t that bad.” Meri lingers the opening to her horse’s pen. “Anyway, this is Kadence.”

Trent would not let the woman out of his sight. Perhaps it was the mention of the potential vision she had been witnessed to. "past?.." He asked, obviously interested. It was after he spoke that he pondered if visiting such information was even wise at the moment. He did need to know, but at the same time wanted not to bother the woman with a hundred and one questions. It was when she offered up the name of the horse that he finally shifted his gaze. The man did not move forward toward the beast, for even as it was a means of transportation, it did seem intimidating. A nervous smile, "Hello Kadence." he greeted. "Quite beautiful..." he then offers soon after to Meri.

Meri slips into the stall, sliding closer toward Kadence, close enough to reach up and place a hand on the creature’s neck. A brow is furrowed, “Maybe not the past...I guess...Maybe I am making too many assumptions. But I saw numerous images. I told you what they were...” Trent is regarded with a curious look from Meri. Kadence on the other hand? She seems a bit less trusting of Trent. The horse shifts about within her stall to display her discomfort with the male, intelligent black eyes full of skepticism and mistrust.

Trent takes a step backward, the metallic gauntlet that was grasping the satchel strap was now quickly hidden behind his back. It would be safe if he kept his distance, lest the animal startled and injured he or Meri. "I know, but I simply do not understand. This only leads to new questions. Some more puzzling than the last." A nod is issued as he watched Horse and Trainer.

Meri frowns lightly at Kadence’s behavior. The effort to hide that gauntleted hand behind Trent’s back only seemed to put make the horse even more uncomfortable, perhaps sensing the wicked nature of said gauntlet. Hooves stomp against the straw covered floor of the stable and a heavy breath is released, akin to a snort. Meri tries to comfort the creature by soothingly rubbing the side of it’s neck. “Maybe...you and horses are not a good mix...” She comments, gaze focused on Kadence more than Trent. “And what sort of questions does it leave you with?” She knew well that she could not answer them but she was curious regardless.

Trent frowns. One more step backward is taken, his eyes fixated on the animal that obviously had trust issues. A ddep inhale of air is taken through nostrils as he thinks about how to answer the woman, a hard swallow before he begins. "Well. First, why were you able to see this? What does it mean? Is it the gauntlet that holds the key, or now is it perhaps the amulet? You saw things I could not fathom, things that currently have no meaning. Why is it that you were gifted these memories, not I?"

Meri makes her way toward the stall’s entrance, leaving Kadence within. The horse was already on the skittish side to begin with, giving Meri trouble when it came to new places and sudden movements. Her mistrust of Trent is a given. The woman leans against the side of the stall’s entrance, leaving the gate open for the time being. Her gaze fixes itself on Trent, shrugging hopelessly. “I don’t know why I saw it and not you...Nor do I know if it was the amulet or the gauntlet. It touched my hand just as I touched the amulet...so I am not sure. And the gauntlet does not normally let me touch it....I guess we’d have to try and repeat it to figure out which....Which I am willing to do.”

Trent's eyes widen, a look of shock sewn into his features. 'Are you mad?! I will NOT repeat that incident. Not until i can further study the effect. You may be well now, but who knows what took place in such a connection. You did not look well, Meri. you could barely walk." The cursed appendage finally makes its appearance as Trent looks down to study it. "I could not live with myself if something happened. I think it best that we seek outside help in this matter. A powerful archmage of some sort. I want to know that this would be safe." He finally looked upon the woman. "For both our sake."

Meri rolls her eyes at Trent’s words to her, a good indication that if she ever catches that amulet glowing again she’ll probably grab for it just like she did the last time. The sight of that gauntleted hand out in the open causes Kadence to neigh pathetically, displeased. Before the horse decides to charge out of the pen and at Trent, Meri moves to close and secure the gate to the pen shut, hopefully providing a suitable barrier between her beloved horse and Trent. The tattooed woman takes a few steps closer to Trent, standing within arm’s reach and studying the armored hand as well. “Perhaps we should find some help, though I am not sure where to begin. I’ve not encountered too many mages. Perhaps Svilfon? Or the Mages' Guild in Xalious?”

Trent offers, perhaps in slight jest, "I do not think I am much liked, here." A chuckle. With Meri's advance, Trent stands almost guarded, cautious and intent on keeping his gauntlet away from her. "I do not know this name. The Guild I have heard of, but as for knowledge it is very little." He seems thoughtful, contemplating the idea. "Anything is betetr than nothing at all."

Meri couldn’t exactly fault Trent for being so guarded given the history Meri and that hand have had. Meri holds her ground, making no move to step closer or away. “No, I think you...or it...is making her kind of nervous. Can you blame her?” The woman settles her gaze on Trent’s armored hand. “Perhaps that is an adventure for another day? Heading out to Xalious to see if we cannot find a name of a good mage? Not tonight, you seem exhausted enough already. You could stay in the castle a night, you know, rather than making the trek back to Cenril tonight. Plenty of rooms there.”

Trent ponders the idea as he once more puts the gauntlet away, tucking it into his coat. "Perhaps that would be best then. We can set out and find help as soon as we can." To the offer of a night in a castle he seemed hesitant. "Really? I am not sure. Would the owner mind? I am not sure I would be so comfortable..."

Meri shrugs lightly at Trent’s concern over if the owner of the castle would or would not mind. “No, he wouldn’t. Not for a night. But if you would not be comfortable there, then you do not have to. It was just an offer.” Meri’s gaze tears itself away from Trent, moving off in the general direction of Xalious. “We can set off for Xalious whenever you’re ready. All you have to do is say when.” Cue a wink and a smirk.

Trent smiles briefly contemplating the events that may fall upon the pair in the future. He was closer each day at finding the information he needed, but would it all be worth it in the end? "Thank you, Meri. It is very much appreciated. I suppose I may need to rest well before we set out." is all he would offer for the moment; naked digits reaching up to grasp at the amulet as he fell into deep thought.

Meri could hear Kadence shuffling about in her stall. She was relaxing a little bit still far from at ease with Trent’s presence. As such, the woman shoves her hands into the pockets of her pants and steps forward toward Trent again, playfully shouldering him to usher him out of the stables before stepping past. “Well let’s at least quit standing around the stalls. Get some fresh air. You can tell me what’s eating at you now...Because I can tell something is on your mind...”

Trent takes one last glance at Kadence before lifting his hood and turning to follow Meri out of the stall. "Good idea." he replied to the earliest statement. As they were parting he offered then, "It's nothing, really. Just so much has happened in such a short time. It leaves one very confused and lost. I sometimes wish it would simply go away."

Meri squints at Trent when he reaches up to pull that hood back over his features. She waits until they are out of the stables before reaching up to attempt to knock the hook back down. If successful, she’ll just grin and lightly chide. “Don’t go hiding your face while we’re still talking.” The woman pauses, long enough to take on a more serious tone. “I can’t imagine how lost and confused you might be feeling. It’s definitely one big mess. But you’ve people who care enough to help you figure it all out. And we will figure it out.”

Meri exits east.

Gualon Way

Trent gives Meri a humorous, yet playful, dirty look at the hood is felled from atop his head. He snorts slightly, blonde strands swaying with the following nod. "Fine." he says. As he takes a moment to observe the surrounding area he comments on the woman's later words. "I am very thankful for that. I mean it most honestly. I do hope something is figured out. So as long as matters do not become worse."

Meri meets Trent’s playfully dirty look with a challenging one of her own, brow lofted. “Fine is damn right. You’re not going to do anything about my antics anyway. I know you won’t.” The woman points toward Trent’s armored hand, despite it being pocketed. “It might, but -you- won’t.” The woman nods firmly, quite confident she was correct in this matter. “Anyway, how much worse could things get?”

Trent looked almost insulted by the accusation, although his answer was surely showing the same humour as her own. "And what would I do, exactly? Smack you with a glove and challenge you to a duel? My mother said never to pick on the weak minded." His upper lip raised to show a few pearly whites, obviously confident and smug about his quick retort. Again he shrugged, addressing the later question, "Someone could die, may be a possibility."

Meri tried to take Trent’s insult in stride. He sounded like he was joking, at least she hoped it was a joke. Still, the jab struck a sensitive chord with Meri. I mean come on, there was a reason that the woman was trying so hard to hide that southern sounding drawl of hers, doing her best to speak with proper grammar...unlike that day when she met Trent. These changes are not readily made without reason! It’s clear he knocked her down a peg or two with that rather personal insult. “Ah, no. I guess you are right, on both points.” The woman frowns thoughtfully, trying to act nonchalant about the entire thing.

Trent felt bad. No doubt about it. He was not always so quick, but the way she spoke, no hint of jest, told him that he did something wrong. Featuring an expression of regret, he places his hand on Meri's shoulder, "I'm sorry, Meri. I did not mean anything by that. I was merely poking in jest. I would never say anything to intentionally offend you." He tried to offer a reassuring smile. "I am sure we shall be fine. It's one potential outcome out of very many."

Meri slides a single arm about Trent’s torso without really even thinking of the consequences of this gesture, of the backlash Trent’s armored hand could inflict on her. She does this to offer Trent a brief half-hug, her way of stating she accepted said apology to the joke she took to heart. “No, I mean, I know you were playing...I guess, it’s just like...I feel like sometimes people think? Or thought? I was joke. Dumb....weak minded...Both because I’m not made of gold and because of how I used to talk. You know...ain’t..I reckon...slurring my words together...the slang.” She shrugs, shifting the subject away from this somber confession and back to Trent’s woes. “-We- better be fine though. Nothing bad better happen to you during this...or else....I’d rather not take on this endeavor.” Again a frown weighs at Meri’s lips. Not that Trent put this bug into Meri’s mind, the woman was quite concerned by it.

Trent felt awkward. He wasn't exactly sure what to do and better yet, feared what if anything may happen should his rogue hand decide to act. Like some sort of awkward teen he allowed his arm to encircle her shoulder, hand applying a few comforting pats as he listened to her concerns. "I am sure it will be. While things are fairly peculiar... and have perhaps been somewhat dangerous, I am certain we will overcome the obstacle put in our way. If things become too hectic, or lives are at stake... I will pull back. It would not be worth it for either of us." A stern nod follows. Then to her earliest reveals, he would add, "And you know Meri, you should just... be yourself. To hell with what others think. If they think less of you for how you speak, or how much gold you possess, then they are surely not worth your time. You are polite and kind, and you have gone out of your way to help someone you barely know. I think that says more about your character than anything else. Those who fail to see this can burn in the eternal blackened flames of Hell." A smile is presented; Strong and confident.

Meri chuckles sympathetically at Trent’s semi-awkward reaction to the scenario placed in, quick giving the male his space. “Well thanks for the vote of confidence and the assurance. It’s easier said than done, I suppose.” The woman shoves her hands back into the pockets of her pants, letting her gaze drift away from Trent, settling north along the main road of Gualon, back in the direction. “I guess it’s getting rather late and we can’t stand around all night talking about all of this...somber...stuff.”

Trent follows suit, both hands now resting in the pockets of his jacket. Looking first to the sky, he offers. "Ah, yes, you may be right. Somber would not be a good way to end the evening I'm sure." He finally turns his attention, gaze finding the blonde woman once more. "If you would like, I could walk you to your home."

Meri starts northward by taking a single step that direction before waiting for Trent to follow. “Sure, wouldn’t mind the company on the walk home.” Meri flashes Trent an easy-going smile and a wink, keeping an appropriate distance between them both lest they have a little mishap again. “Especially if you’re already going to be heading in the same direction, would seem silly not to.”

Trent mimics the smile; Not so much the wink. "Ah, ha. I suppose you do have a point. Very well then." Booted footsteps proceed to follow Meri's keeping pace along side the woman on their short venture. Meri lifts her tattooed shoulders in a lazy shrug in response to Trent’s initial comment. It would indeed be a short walk back to Methany Manor and evidently a silent one to boot. Meri didn’t offer up much in the way of conversation for a change, though she seemed content enough.?

Meri exits north.

Gualon Road

Trent had been smiling the entire journey up the way, quiet, taking everything in. As they near their destination, he would finally offer up, "It was really nice to see you this evening Meri. I am glad you are alright. I was a tad worried, but you are a very resilient woman, apparently." A chuckle offered, his gaze looking upon the castle to the east to marvel in awe.

Meri flashes Trent a wry smile at his comment, blue eyes looking a little mischievous as she points out. “Well I keep trying to point out the other night that I am more resilient than you think but you insist on worrying anyway.” she says, drawing to a stop right outside the doors leading into the manor. “Anyway, it was good to see you too.” And evidently not getting harmed in some fashion tonight? Wut?

Trent smirks at the woman, right hand falling out of pocket to wave her off. "Yeah yeah, I know. I just can not help myself. Of all things of value in this world, our friendship is the highest in my eye." A hand fell upon her shoulder, the cool touch of metal revealing which it just so happened to be. It was calm, and docile, a first in many days. "I can not say it enough, but thank you for everything." Taking a step backward, he looked to the sky, preparing him for his journey back toward Cenril.

Meri looked rather surprised to feel the sensation of -metal- on her shoulder. ‘It’ is regarded with a semi-skeptical look but the concern is pushed to the back of her mind for the time being. Offering Trent another easy-going smile as she turns and heads into the castle, leaving him with, “Good night, travel safe since you’re hellbent on Cenril, and get some damn rest.”

Meri exits east.