[AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp]

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:06 pm

Rue had made it back, or at least to the doorway, before she paused and waited. She had peeked around the door frame, glancing at the items in her bag laid about. Her Ipod had been turned on but the sound was turned down. Neither seemed to know how to turn it off, if she was to guess.

Her notebooks and sketch pad were laid about as well. A few odds and ends were with that, fine tipped pens, her 3DS, and her knee brace. She didn't get far in ways of thinking about retrieving them. Manuel had picked her out from the door frame and started speaking.

She tensed, unsure of what to do or say in return. Rue wasn't even sure if she could adequately explain these things. They were made to do what she understood. She knew nothing more than that. Still, the way they seemed so fascinated would have almost been amusing to her if it had been any other time.

Eventually she stepped forward when Manuel had gestured for her to do so. She didn't feel comfortably, not like this, and she silently reprimanded herself for not keeping a closer eye on her bag. She reached for her Ipod, holding the top button on top down before the screen fell dark. She didn't glance at the battery life. It probably didn't have much in it anyways.

"It just plays music," she explained, tapping the thing between her thumb and forefinger. It was a nervous habit to keep her hands busy in this manner. "Probably figured that out already."

That was, if they considered dubstep and trance 'music'. She could only assume how long they let the thing play, full blast as she left it, before Hilary or Manuel had figured out the touch screen and turned the Ipod down.

She shuffled awkwardly, a little at a loss for words. How did one go about explaining items like this?

----[x]----

It didn't take long for that annoyance to return to her expression. Honestly, it seemed the sight of him triggered it. The motions no doubt wore on her a little more. Il Lupo didn't bother putting a stop to this however. Where was the fun in that?

She fell into step but refused to stay beside him. He had half a mind just to stop and start again if she kept this up. That however, he figured he could save for a later time. No need to be too mean to the poor girl.

A short snort left him when she finally did speak up. He feigned a look of hurt, shaking his head. Really, if she lightened up a little she'd have no problem.

"My dear, you wound me so," he noted though there was a slight lightness in his tone. "Perhaps I will merely grow on you in time. That tends to be the case with most."

True enough, he'd been a bit of an annoyance to a few. Il Lupo always took a bit of joy in the fact that he could get under others skin so easily.

It fell silent far too soon. He had held out some hope to get a rise out of her again. Instead, she said nothing, only shot a dirty look in return when he glanced back. If that was where she was comfortable, he could do nothing about it.

Instead, he stopped at one of the many kitchens and allowed her to root around again. They would have business to attend to at some point today, no doubt.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:33 pm

Rather timidly Rue had finally approached them all but shuffling her feet in the process. Manuel merely waited patiently, placing the pad of paper he’d had in his hand back with the other things. Her eyes seemed to be glued to her things, no doubt feeling that her privacy had been invaded.

Hilary and Manuel were just as quiet, waiting for her to say something. At one point Hilary met Manuel’s gaze to which Manuel only offered a shrug. If Rue said nothing there was little they could do to force her to. Perhaps she didn’t know what to say.

Hilary blinked as she reached for the device he held. The panel on it that had lit up and displayed odd information and images on it darkened after a moment. It was only after that did Rue speak up.

”Is that so?” Hilary murmured. He swept his hand at the other things she owned. ”And of some of these?”

There was a moment or two of silence as Rue shuffled her feet. She looked very hesitant to actually answer, even as her eyes darted about the room. Still, they waited her out. They could not hand these over to the Grand Master with little information and she was the only one who would be able to give them that clarification.

Manuel reached out, taking her hand in his, trying to grab her attention in some tangible way. Her eyes drifted to him and Manuel couldn’t mistake the worry in her gaze.

“We won’t bite, little rabbit, we only seek answers,” he assured.

----[x]----

It seemed that Il Lupo planned on keeping an eye on her. Every so often she could see him glancing at her, the gesture minute enough that she might not have noticed if not for the way his hood moved when he did so. Rekka said nothing about this though. She’d rather not snit at him any more than she had to, it did little for her own mood especially so with the situation she was in.

She resisted shooting another look at him for his arrogance. Instead she’d kept her gaze straight ahead, chin held high. Rekka couldn’t stand being picked on for her situation, one she had little choice in. If Il Lupo was trying to make her break she refused to do it, at least not in places he could see.

Eventually the kitchen had come into sight, or at least one of them. The layout of this one wasn’t the same as before. Rekka frowned at that. Just how many did one place need? She didn’t voice this thought, however.

Finding something to eat wasn’t much of a hassle. She had very little appetite at the moment. She wasn’t even sure if she could finish the large chunk of bread she’d torn for herself. Even if she’d slept it hadn’t been restful and on top of being stressed she was tired to boot. It wreaked havoc on her appetite as it was.

Turning back to Il Lupo she could practically feel his curiosity. He probably expected something more than just some bread. Rekka didn’t say anything of it, despite the curious look on his face, merely waited for him to do something. It wasn’t like Rekka seemed to have any sort of agency of her own here, not with Il Lupo there to hound her every step.

“What?” she finally muttered between bites, a frown tugging at her lips. Was it really that big of a deal what she chose to ate or not?

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:42 pm

Rue bit her bottom lip, at a loss for what to saw. She'd sat the Ipod down, the headphones following with it. Without as much power in it now, there wasn't much she could do with it. She had an idea of where it might end up anyways.

For their part, they waited patiently. She found herself a little thankful for that much. The situation could have been worse and far less tolerant of her skittish disposition.

A long moment passed before her attention was drawn back to Manuel. His hand felt warm compared to her own and for a moment, she'd tensed at the feeling. She spared a brief glance toward Hilary who'd made no motion before she relented with a small nod.

Eventually, she took to explaining each item to the best of her ability and then some. The 3DS and the development of games and what had captures people's attention to them in her time was a little bit difficult she hoped to have managed to get clear. Everything else was of little importance aside from her sketch book, many charcoal drawings still inside.

She ran a hand through her short hair before it fell to her side again. "What...do you plan on doing with them?" she finally asked. She rubbed her arm briefly. "If you...plan on keeping them, could I at least have my knee brace? I'd rather avoid my knee giving out on me."

That was something that she did need and she hoped keeping it wouldn't be prevented. She'd already explained how it had supported her knee better so it wouldn't be in so much pain. If that didn't get things across than she didn't know what would.

----[x]----

Her mood didn't seem to improve though that was no surprise to Il Lupo. In time, perhaps she would simply grow used to how things worked day to day. Until then, he supposed he would have to deal with her as she was.

She'd grown quiet, her head held high. This girl was not so meek and that surprised him. Most in her situation would have been down and less determined. At least, those he'd come across were. She was certainly a different one.

He waited in the kitchen as she picked through a thing or two. She didn't eat much. Il Lupo would have been surprised if she had an appetite at all. He tipped his head, watching her curiously.

It didn't take long for her to notice and snap at him. A short chuckle left him but he shrugged in response.

"Not my place to tell you what to do," he answered lightly. "Though, if it is someone else watching you, I would be wary. Some will force feed you if they must. We can not have our lovely lady starving herself, can we?"

The look he received in return could have withered grass. He smirked all the same, taking some amount of enjoyment out of it. He was surprised, honestly, that she hadn't lashed out more at this point. Il Lupo had expected it would come sooner rather than later.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:23 am

Eventually Rue complied but not before remaining silent for much longer. Even Manuel’s attempts to silently assure her did nothing and he’d let his hand fall back to his side. If she didn’t speak then they had no choice but to keep trying to figure the devices out on their own and risk breaking them with their ignorance. He and Hilary would rather avoid that if they could help it.

When she finally did speak they remained silent, merely taking them in. Only on two occasions did Hilary ask for a demonstration with them, fascination written on his face when she complied. Manuel had chuckled at this, shaking his head as she toyed through her paper, or rather the notebooks she’d called them.

”That is not up to us,” Hilary answered, gesturing to Rue as he did, ”that will be something you must ask Grand Master Torres when we are to meet with him.”

”If it is that dire of a need he might relent,” Manuel offered when the worried look flitted over Rue’s features, “he is a reasonable man.”

With that said he placed her notebook back down on the table with the others. She had many of them though she hadn’t explained why. The answer to that wasn’t nearly as pressing as those of her more fascinating devices.

Manuel folded his hands over his lap as he turned to her more fully. “We might receive word soon of when that meeting is to be arranged.”

----[x]----

She waited for Il Lupo’s answer though it wasn’t a long stretch of time. He offered a brief shrug and when he did speak up it was light. It didn’t take much to realize that he must have thought the whole thing was a big joke. She shook her head, jaw clenched for a brief moment.

“Try to violate me that way, see what happens,” she threatened, “there’s more than one way to make sure you all never get any information you seek from me.”

For her there wasn’t much for her here, if anything. Rue didn’t seem to have landed in the same area, if she’d even been stuck here anyways. There was no family, no job, no friends… any dreams she might have pursued didn’t seem like the things these people would indulge her in either.

Whether or not they believed her, well… if she was pushed that far then they’d see for sure the conviction in her words.

With that she passed him, ready to merely wander the many hallways. Rekka didn’t bother to indulge in her own thoughts at the moment. No, there would be time enough for that later, when she was on her own. Il Lupo there, ready to pick at any little thing he could, wasn’t something she was about to let happen with such concerning things.

Already he was instep with her though she didn’t bother to spare him a second glance. If she was lucky Il Lupo might be called away for something later though Rekka didn’t put much hope into that.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:17 am

Rue should have found this all uncomfortable or odd as she tried to explain these things. Hilary's fascination at points was a tad amusing. The items were normal for her but foreign to them. It spurred her on into a little more comfort despite the circumstances.

Eventually, things settled down. She laid a brightly colored notebook on the table, no longer needing it. Aside from a few minor writings and doodles, there wasn't anything of dire importance inside.

She paused, listening as Hilary answered her question. Rue wasn't sure if she expected that as an answer or not but it worried her all the same. She wasn't used to dealing with this kind of humidity and her knee was going to complain quite a bit.

Before she could say anything in return, Manuel had spoken in attempts to reassure whatever worry was there. She did hope this 'Torres' was as reasonable as he claimed.

"A-alright," she responded quietly. If she still had the chance to keep that one thing, she wouldn't complain.

Manuel continued, informing her that they might meet soon. She hoped that was the case. All of this was making her anxious as it was. She had little idea of what would happen afterward to, where she would end up. It was all rather nerve wracking.

She ran a thumb over her palm, hoping for the best out of all of this. It was difficult to imagine, already having an idea of what she'd been pulled into.

----[x]----

Il Lupo frowned when next she spoke. The threat had not gone unnoticed. If she was threatening to take her own life over these things, he would have to report it later. That would only mean others would have to keep a closer eye on her when he was not around.

"That is quite the threat, my dear," he answered her though gained none in response. "I'll take care to remember it."

With that said and done, she'd walked right passed him. Il Lupo lingered behind for but a moment before he followed closely. She didn't speak, her head held high as it had been before.

Il Lupo resisted scoffing at that. There was no need to put her in a worse mood by a simple motion. Instead, he was content in silence for the time being. Simply watching her was rather amusing, how seriously she took all of this.

He was sure during the day he would be called away for some mission. That would leave another Templar to look after her instead. He briefly wondered who they might get for that job.

"My, my," he joked lightly as they continued down the halls. "It will certainly be quite the day."

Il Lupo didn't receive a reply to those words nor did he expect to get one. She seemed content ignoring him now and no doubt, the days to follow.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:55 am

It seemed that Hilary’s reactions were enough to ease Rue—strange, all things considering. Perhaps it was merely seeing the man act as such that was comforting to her. Manuel wouldn’t ask and it didn’t seem that Hilary noticed or minded.

Even still she’d grown silent, awkward even after the fact. Manuel did little to draw her into conversation again, merely watching as Hilary still took to fussing with her odd items. Perhaps he merely wanted a chance to toy with them before the Grand Master had his way with these things. Chances were they would be used to further advance the Templar cause in some way.

Time passed in this manner until someone had knocked on the front door. Manuel paid it little attention, instead turning to Rue. Hilary was already on his feet, going to see whom it might be at the door.

“No need for such worries, little rabbit,” Manuel assured her, “the Grand Master might make things more in your favor with these given to him.”

If that was the case then maybe she might be happier. Helping the Templar cause was always a good thing and they rewarded such persons handsomely. Struggling against the assassins as it were any little thing was helpful these days.

He could hear Hilary and someone else speaking in the other room though he couldn’t make out the words. If it was important than he would be told later. If not then Manuel would not pry into Hilary’s business. There was no need to if there was nothing to suspect. Hilary was a loyal Templar, after all.

----[x]----

Il Lupo had teased her about the threat though it had more seriousness to it than his other prodding and picking had. At the very least he was aware when she wasn’t joking then. Rekka might be watched more closely but at the very least it might make them think twice about anything more extreme. That was about all she could manage at the moment.

All the same he dogged her every step just like the day before without pause. Only once or twice did he say anything, perhaps only to break the silence. Rekka didn’t let it bother her. For the most part he wasn’t being nearly as obnoxious as earlier.

Eventually she’d stumbled upon a room with an old piano in it. It had been a long time since she’d seen one, the last time had been when she’d gone to church with her grandmother all those years ago. It was here that she’d halted at the doorjamb, studying the instrument. It looked to be kept in good condition but would she be able to play it?

Despite any misgivings on the matter she started toward it, seating at the bench and eyeing the keys. It had been a while since she’d last played and though there was sheet music already situated before her it wouldn’t do her much good. She’d have to kind of noodle about for a nice sounding tune or try to play something from memory. Rekka had never been able to grasp reading music and anything she played was always by ear.

Cautiously, half expecting Il Lupo to have something to say Rekka had started. The most she could do were simple snatches of songs, whatever she could recall of the tune at the time. It were only at these times did she say anything, muttering under her breath when she had to pause and think of another melody or messed it up altogether to start over again. If Il Lupo thought anything of the process he’d remained rather silent on the matter.

”Here you’ve been, I’ve been looking everywhere for you two. If it’s not trouble I’m afraid I’m going to have to borrow Il Lupo for a short while.”

Rekka blinked, halting mid-melody to blink up at the pair at the doorway. One had an air of authority about him though he wasn’t anyone that Rekka recognized. The same went for the shorter man at his side who glanced between she and Il Lupo.

She shook her head minutely before going back to doing what she’d been doing before. “Be my guest.”

”It will only be for a short time, a brief mission to be had really, Il Lupo, but important all the same,” the man was saying, his attention turning to Il Lupo rather than to Rekka mid-sentence. “We will have this one watch over her until your return later this evening.”

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 3:13 am

Hilary had still taken to toying with her belongs. She didn't say anything to stop him at his point. It was a little funny actually, a grown man so fascinated over what were essentially toys in her time.

A knock on the door broke her thoughts momentarily. Hilary exited the room. Rue didn't pay it much mind or who could have knocked at the door. She tried to simply remain patient about this meeting, if there was one to be had.

Rue lifted her head when Manuel spoke again. He attempted to reassure her again though she was still left a little uncertain. The game had never really touched on their motives or methods.

"Really?" she answered carefully. "You promise me that?"

Rue didn't want that to be a lie. If something was assured in the end of all of this, she'd feel a little better. It was merely what and where she'd end up.

She mulled over that, wondering where Rekka was now. If she wasn't here, Rue figured that was for the best. She prayed that she had not been pulled into this era. It was difficult to tell where she might have ended up.

Rue tried not to get too many hopes up but the reassurance was a little more settling. Naturally, she'd mostly been an optimist. She reasonsed things could turn out alright, even if she was stuck on the other side of the specturm, so to speak.

For all she knew, these Templars, these people, weren't all that bad. They certainly hadn't been out to hurt her, she found, only gone through her bag. Rue tried to let that settle her nerves while she waited on Manuel to speak again.

----[x]----

Despite her attempts to prod her, she didn't speak up again. Il Lupo shook his head at that though said nothing more. If she simply withdrew into herself there wasn't much of a point.

At some point, he'd simply taken to looking around. Most everything here he was used to. He rather liked being out and about instead, wandering the city, on the prowl. He had to wonder if he'd get that chance or be sent away on a mission later.

When she halted, his attention drew back to her. She was looking at an old piano, carefully studying the thing. Il Lupo raised a brow though said nothing of it. He watched her, a little curiosity gnawing away at him.

She seemed to hesistate before she finally sat at the bench. Il Lupo hummed, watching as she worked her hands onto the keys carefully and began to play a melody he did not know. Just like the strange woman to bring strange melodies with her.

Il Lupo would no inturupt the song. Instead, he simply stood by quietly, observing. Rekka brought all kinds of surprises with her, it seemed. Unfortunately, his observing was cut short when someone else approached. He glanced up, studying the short male and listened to what he had to say.

"Ah, a shame," he teased lightly. "And here we were getting along so well."

Of course, Rekka would have none of that. He snorted in response before waving a dismissive hand. Really, he was a little eager to get out and about.

"Careful," he prodded toward the other man. "This one bites."

With that light jest, he turned to leave the room. At least something would be done today. The other male might put Rekka a little more at ease, for all Il Lupo knew.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:37 am

Manuel raised an eyebrow at Rue’s cautiousness. Why would he lie? It would do him little good and only make her mistrust him later. There was nothing to gain in the long term for doing that. He waved a dismissive hand at her.

“We help our own, what would I gain by fibbing about such things?”

It was a simple answer and if she had a rebuttal to it then Manuel wouldn’t argue. She would see in time, one away or another. Rue was too valuable to let slip away and it would be easier on all parties if she cooperated. Manuel was quite sure she would be happier if she did so.

He sat back then, eyes straying to the items again. In a way he longed to mess with them a bit longer but he would restrain himself. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if he accidentally broke something before the Grand Master could observe it. These things would be treated with care until then and probably even after that.

A moment later he almost forced his gaze back to Rue. She was still silent and he wondered what conclusions and thoughts she was coming to. There was no need to interrogate her about them, however. If she wished to share that was another thing entirely but until then Manuel could only guess.

Nonetheless he said “you act as if we might wrong you in some way.”

----[x]----

It was a strange change of pace when she’d found that piano. It was well taken care of but did anyone actively use it? Rekka had to wonder. As she toyed with it, snippets of any sorts of songs she could recall and replicate as best that she could filling the quiet. Il Lupo had stood back, silent, in that time. She would have figured he’d annoy her further.

However much time passed Rekka couldn’t say. It felt much longer than it probably was though she didn’t mind it too much at the moment. At least she had something to do, something familiar before her. That was before another voice had rang out, causing her to halt mid-melody.

Il Lupo was quick to joke about the rather rocky situation between them. Rekka only shook her head, turning back to the piano keys. She’d taken to just fiddling with notes, stringing along any that sounded good now. At the moment she was half listening to the conversation.

”I’m sure he will do just fine, surely she is not so much trouble that a few hours away from you will do much,” the man said. Rekka didn’t bother to wonder what his name might be, chances were someone would tell her if she needed to know anyways.

From the corner of her eye she could see he and Il Lupo leaving. For a long moment there was only the piano to fill the silence before she halted again. Heaving a sigh she placed her hands in her lap and glanced at the new guy. He seemed a little less confident than Il Lupo though he was notably holding his shoulders back and, as she watched, had to force his chin back up.

Rekka scoffed quietly at this, turning back to the piano. “Spit it out. Who are you?” she said, a rather reluctant tone in her voice.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:47 pm

Rue wasn't sure what to say when he spoke up again. She tapped her thumb against her palm, staring down at her hands. What could she say to that, really?

The game, when it had been as such, always followed the assassins. The idles of the Templars was more or less clouded in quite a bit of mystery. Their motives and methods were only lightly touched upon, many of which just targets and 'villains'.

She was quiet, at a loss for words. She could have argued but something told her it would be simple to rebuttal any argument.

"I don't know," she answered quietly, a shake of her head following.

It fell silent for a while after that. She would spare a brief glance around here and there but for the most part nothing took her interest. Maybe at another time, she would have studied things a little closer.

She tensed briefly when he spoke again, ducking her head slightly. It was true enough though she felt she had a right. Assassins and Templars aside, she knew neither of these men nor this era well.

"I'm terrified," she reasoned with a small shrug. "Waking up alone, in some era I know nothing about. I don't know what to think."

She had on idea who to trust really. Pushing everything aside, she could only assume what might be the outcome of all of this.

----[x]----

Gian looked between the pair quietly. This assignment had only been given to him by chance. Guarding this girl, Rekka, seemed that it would be an easy task. Il Lupo's words didn't bother him so much. Il Lupo had a way with trying to get under other people's skin.

He waited quietly then, watching the young woman toy with the piano keys. She'd said nothing in return or defense against Il Lupo's words. Instead, she simply shrugged and ignored him, a sour look on her face.

Eventually, she had turned to him. When she spoke, her tone was a harsh one. He cleared his throat awkwardly, raising a brow. Perhaps there was some truth to Il Lupo's words or perhaps she was simply in a bad mood.

"My name is Gian," he introduced, sparing a nod. "It is good to meet you."

She didn't look too impressed by the introductions. He tried to spare a friendly smile, trying to ease her. He wasn't here to be a threat or bother her. It was a simple assignment, that was all.

"No need to look so sour," he started lightly. "I am not as...abrasive as Il Lupo can be."

He hoped that would leave her a little happier. Gian could only guess, given he didn't know this woman well. She turned back to the piano after and Gian spoke briefly with the other before the man departed as well. Gian's attention turned back to her, watching as she toyed with the piano.

"How long have been playing?" he inquired, if only to get some amount of conversation between them.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 3:03 pm

She’d gotten quiet, fiddling with her hands. Manuel could figure it was a nervous habit or maybe she just wanted or needed something to do with them at the time. When she spoke up he offered a shrug. If she didn’t know then there was no time to push her to see otherwise. Manuel didn’t wish to waste that time and have it backfire.

Whoever had come at the door was keeping Hilary. Then again perhaps one of them had gotten chatty, it wasn’t like Manuel could guess who’d come. So, all that they could do was wait patiently for Hilary to come back.

Rue was speaking again and Manuel lifted his head, meeting her gaze. Or he would have if she’d been looking his way. Instead she was staring at her hands in her lap. She kept saying things in which Manuel had little to do to make her see otherwise. Even if he could there was little mind to, at this point it was up to Rue to decide what to do—be difficult or cooperate.

“Not much that I can do for that,” he said simply, “there are plenty of people for you to meet, it is not my business if you remain isolated as such by choice, however.”

And that’s really what it seemed like. The entire time Rue was shying away from just about everything as they’d gone on that walk. Even things that had caught her attention weren’t anything that she’d strayed towards. If that was the way she was to be acting here on out then of course she’d be lonely—a self-fulfilling prophecy that. Saying that might end up causing her to grow moody, however.

----[x]----

The guy was still there, just standing off to the side. Why they’d picked this guy to watch her Rekka would never know. He didn’t seem all that capable and, if she had a mind to, Rekka figured she’d be able to take him. Still, that didn’t seem wise. In wandering the halls she’d passed several other people, if she did start a fuss like that she’d probably be shot down pretty quick.

When she spoke up, all but demanding his name, the guy jumped, looking as if he lost his nerve momentarily. Still he recovered well enough and gave up his name. Gian noticeably didn’t ask for her name in return, probably was already told what it was.

She’d only just started stringing something together, deciding it didn’t sound all that great, before Gian was speaking. There was nothing to say in return to it. In time she would see, especially so if he would be the one to consistently replace Il Lupo in these times. With these people she couldn’t just trust everything they said.

Nothing was said for a moment or so, maybe longer. Rekka had never been great at telling time anyways. It was Giant who spoke up again, sounding a little uncertain of himself. It was definitely a far cry from Il Lupo’s behavior and attitude. She’d paused, fingers hovering over the keys, sparing only a brief glance at Gian from the corner of her eyes.

“Dunno,” she muttered. That much was true at least. Rekka wasn’t sure when she’d started to learn, using those old keyboard pianos and the church’s while she learned. Rekka still wasn’t sure if she had a good grasp of it, she’d been told she often hit wrong notes when replicating songs on the piano.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 6:16 pm

Rue tilted her head, looking out the window briefly. It was still rather bright out though, she wondered if evening would draw onto them soon. She was finding judging the time was difficult, so used to the use of clocks.

For all intents and purposes, it was fascinating to see this time. An age of piracy long since passed from modern times. They were mostly legends and stories though living ti, she was a little apprehensive.

She tipped her head when she spoke though said nothing in return. It hadn't been what she meant, far from it. Rue decided it might be best to remain silent. There was no point i starting an argument over a misunderstanding of words.

Rue shifted a little, hands laid in her lap. She took a brief moment to observe him, take in what he looked like. She couldn't place much of a mark on what he did or who he was. Perhaps it was the difference in the time.

"What is it you do?" she inquired instead, changing the subject. "Where are you from?"

She couldn't place his accent though if she had to guess, it seemed like he might have been from Spain, maybe even the surrounding area here. If anything, she couldn't be accused of not trying. He and Hilary were the only two she knew here. It seemed best to at least try to get to know them a little more.

----[x]----

Gian shifted his weight carefully, watching her as she strung together notes. When she didn't care for whatever song she was composing, she stopped and would start on something else. Gian never said anything to stop her or urge her to move on. He felt it wasn't his place.

He tilted his head, briefly wondering what kind of song she was trying to string together. It wasn't like anything he'd heard before though, it wasn't rare that some would compose something new.

When he asked about how long she had been playing, she paused momentarily. She took her time before she gave a simple answer. Gian hummed in response, unsure of how to go on.

"It must take time to compose," he brought up instead. "You've quite a bit of talent."

Gian wasn't sure if he was hitting the right points in conversation or not. Really, the woman was a little strange to him and put off. If she didn't want to speak, he would fall silent again. The most he figured he could do now was at least try to break though her shell. Surely Il Lupo had been giving her a hard time too.

"You should not take too much of what Il Lupo says and does into stock," he decided to advise. "He attempts to get under everyone's skin."

Gian shuffled his weight, only approaching a little closer when he felt she didn't mind it. There was no point in violating her space, after all, and if she told him to keep a distance, he would.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed Mar 05, 2014 9:20 pm

Manuel raised an eyebrow at Rue’s reaction to his words. She’d ducked her head and hunched her shoulders a little, as if awaiting some sort of retaliation for whatever she thought. For a moment he could only stare, marveling out how much of a scolded puppy she looked like in that moment before he shook the thought away.

He merely sat back, waiting for something whether that be Hilary’s return or Rue speaking again it didn’t matter which. Manuel did not rush things, not like he had in childhood. No, he’d learned much since those times having lived many lives in such short a time since then.

It was Rue and not Hilary’s return that broke the silence. He tipped his head, reaching up to finger the brim of his hat. “I am but a simple coffee farmer,” he answered, “where I am from matters little now. My farm is on the outskirts of Havana nowadays, however.”

Before he could get the chance to ask Rue where she might be from footsteps were heard and he could spot Hilary returning to the room from the corner of his eye. No one followed him, whoever had come must have merely passed something along. This was common, considering Hilary’s position in Havana.

”We have a bit of luck, we are able to meet the Grand Master tomorrow afternoon. News of Rue and her devices has delayed his trip to Kingston, it seems,” Hilary informed.

“Ah, some good news then,” Manuel noted with a tip of his head, “we’ve little wait time.”

----[x]----

Again there were only the piano notes to fill the silence for a bit of time. Rekka didn’t question it. In a way that quiet between conversations were becoming something of a haven to her, at least when Il Lupo was around. Those were the times she could at least pretend he wasn’t nearby, at least until he started running his mouth again.

Gian broke it again however, much like last time. A frown twisted into place at that comment. Composing? No, she wasn’t that smart. Half the time she couldn’t recall any melodies she did noodle together later in order to fine-tune it.

“I’m not a composer,” she stated. Rekka could feel Gian’s gaze on her, maybe a curious look on his face though she didn’t bother to look to confirm this thought. Instead she explained, “I only play by ear.”

It seemed to be a pattern now, with Gian falling silent at that. It was briefer than before though, that was for sure. Now it was Rekka’s turn to say nothing for a length of time.

There were a lot of things she could have said to that. The situation she was in wasn’t exactly stress free and it made things all the more frustrating and left her exhausted and high strung. Even if she’d try not to let Il Lupo bother her there was little chance that it’d be a successful endeavor. On top of that she was essentially some prisoner here, with the way she was so closely watched like this. Anything around her was essentially just some gilded cage.

Instead she chose to say, “the mangy mutt needs to learn that people are not toys.”

Rekka paused then as she slammed down harder on the keys than she’d intended. For a moment she blinked down at them as if astonished by this. The frustration had been barely concealed in her voice and poorly at that but she’d have liked to think she’d done better than to take it out on the instrument.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu Mar 06, 2014 1:37 am

Rue waited quietly for him to answer her questions. He took his time though she felt no need to rush him. She was merely curious about what he had to say, who he was. If she needed to trust these people, it was for the best.

When he did answer, she tipped her head slightly. She didn't know a lot about coffee or the plant. All she was aware of is that it needed a warm climate to survive. No doubt, this place was idle.

"I see," she answered, "That sound interesting. I like plants. I used to take care of a lot of them back home."

They required a bit of patience to take care of but she found a little solace in the activity. It was an odd hobby, one that she didn't know many shared.

If anything more was to be said, it was held off for a time. Footsteps drew her attention as Hilary entered the room again. No one had followed but she didn't ask why. For all she knew, this was a normal occurance.

He announced the news and she wasn't sure if she felt relief or nervousness at that. Rue tried to quash it for now however in favor for other things.

"I thought the Templars were disbanded years ago," she brought up, glancing between the two. "A Grand Master is the head, right?" She paused, watching the questioning expression. Rue shifted in her seat then, shrugging slightly, "I read a lot of books, studied an odd thing or two. History was always a little bit of a playground for me." she elaborate.

In her era and world, it wasn't a big secret. The Templars were disbanded during the year thirteen fourteen. She recalled reading a lot of about that in the library. Here, they still existed, just gone into hiding from the public eye.

There was no reason to go into that, however. Rue knew enough about history and hinting it helped. Showing that she understood who they were was enough. Their ideals and beliefs, however, she could hear about later.

----[x]----

Rekka took her time with the keys. Gian hovered nearby, simply watching her. He'd never learned the art though that didn't mean he couldn't admire others who had. Rekka was quiet, perhaps taking a little bit of solace in it.

She paused again after he had brought up composing. A frown still settled on her lips. Gian had to wonder if she really felt that miserable here. It wasn't as if they were going out of their way to cause problems. The majority weren't, just a few, the biggest being Il Lupo for the time.

When she answered him, he tipped his head to one side curiously. Reaching up he rubbed his chin before glancing back at the piano.

"Then you have heard some very strange melodies," he answered lightly in response.

It was true, he had never heard anything like it and probably never would again. Rekka really was an odd one though he didn't mention that out loud. No need to offend her, especially given her mood.

There was a long moment of silence between them after he had spoken of Il Lupo. He could see the corners of her mouth tightened as if annoyed. Gian's brow rose, watching the annoyance cross her expression.

When she spoke, her words were sharp. What surprised him was her slamming her fingers on the keys. He flinched, stepping away if only a little bit as if expecting her to lash out at him. When she did not, his gaze fell onto her again. She seemed startled herself and he cleared his throat at that.

"I agree with you," he answered, sparing a nod. He tried to regain his posture, standing up straighter. "He is certainly not an easy person to get along with, actively goes out of his way to cause problems for others. If I could change the arrangements for you, I would. I, unfortunately, do not have the ranking to do so."

Gian watched her for a long moment, hoping that she would calm a little. She seemed like she carried herself well but frustrations did come out once in a while. She was only human after all, probably felt overwhelmed enough.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu Mar 06, 2014 5:27 pm

Rue listened patiently and though she didn’t seem as if she liked the idea that he’d brushed past where he came from she didn’t pursue that question further. At least Manuel wouldn’t have to keep brushing that question away. There was no point in dwelling on his home when the Caribbean was now just that. There was little reason for his leaving the West Indies at this rate, not when his information gathering skills were put to use here so often.

Eventually she gave her own answer, mentioning a love of gardening. While it wasn’t often he found too many who enjoyed it it wasn’t too surprising. Many people liked all sorts of things, after all. Whether or not they made a living of it was another situation entirely.

“I would not know about interesting but it is mostly peaceful,” Manuel mentioned.

Other than the odd scuffle on his plantation from thieves and pirates mostly the danger came from his work as a Templar. Even the former was rare. Most pirates and thieves targeted the sugar plantations.

Hilary’s return put a halt to that topic for the moment. If she wanted to pursue it Rue would have to bring it up again later though Manuel wasn’t sure why she would want to. Any stories he would be willing to share were rather mundane. There was no need to go about bragging about his past accomplishments, after all.

Rue didn’t seem to latch onto the idea of the meeting with Grand Master Torres but rather about the Templars in a whole. Manuel and Hilary spared a passing glance about this. It seemed even Hilary expected her to be more focused on the meeting ahead of them.

”If there is one thing the assassins do correct it is that working unnoticed by the public eye tends to net more results,” Hilary explained simply, ”too often large groups become protested against and that can be distracting when striving for long term goals.”

”That’s certainly one way to explain things,” Manuel said.

----[x]----

She didn’t have to glance Gian’s way to know he was watching her. His gaze felt like it burned a hole in her, much like Il Lupo’s had before. What was so fascinating about her that it warranted this? Rekka had to remind herself that she wasn’t exactly normal, not now. The way she moved or acted might have indicated the life she lived in modernized times but was it that obvious even when she was dressed to fit the time now?

Shaking the thought away she kept at her practice. Music was something she could do, could focus on or at least she hoped she could keep doing as such. There wasn’t much to do but play by ear what she could remember and more times than not she had to stop what she started. Wrong notes, forgotten snatches of the melody—these and many more problems arose with the method.

Gian eventually spoke up on the tunes she played. It was no wonder he thought they were strange; they certainly wouldn’t fit the music of this time. Still, it was all she really knew and that was almost comforting even if she botched up the songs more times than not.

“To you maybe.” The response was curt and left little room for expanding the topic. Rekka was half-afraid to keep that topic going. If she let something slip about what time she was really from what would they do for the information she had? The thought was frightening, especially so when she had little way of knowing how desperate they would be to get it. Desperation could lead to extreme measures…

Yet again she had to force the thoughts away, shaking her head. Whether Gian figured it was because she’d started and stopped another botched attempt at a song or not Rekka didn’t know or care. He could think what he wanted to.

At the mention of Il Lupo, however, her frustration spilled forth onto the piano. The notes seemed to ring out in the air for several seconds with how loudly they sounded. It was only when Gian would speak his mind on the matter that the auditory illusion would disperse for Rekka.

“It’s not your problem,” she snapped.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Fri Mar 07, 2014 8:55 pm

The conversation had quieted for a moment. Rue didn't much mind that fact. She had always been a person of solitude though she did like company once in a while. It was simply the matter of who.

She glanced at Hilary when he explained things. It was a quite, simply sounding thing though she knew he had a point in the matter. She spared a small nod in response to his words.

"I see. Seems a sound enough point," she replied carefully. She paused, briefly pondering what she might have to do or say later on. "And...what should I expect from this meeting?"

If it was for information or explaining all of this again, she could only assume. Rue figured it was best that she was at least asking questions. She might not get answers to them but it was better than simply remaining silent.

Rue shifted in her seat a little, briefly running her hand over her knee. It ached but not overwhelmingly so. If she'd been on her feet now, it would have been feeling worse.

She did hope she could at least keep the knee brace out of all of her items. That much was a little more essential than they might have been aware.

----[x]----

If she was uncomfortable with him watching her, she didn't say it. Gian didn't want to be a bother to this woman. She had enough riding on her shoulders as it was. Stress and worries were probably gnawing away at her.

She seemed to focus on the piano, ignoring her outburst just moments again. Gian cleared his throat at that, shifting his weight briefly.

He turned his gaze elsewhere for a short for minutes, or made an attempt to, if only to leave her feel a little better. For all he knew his constant staring was becoming a problem.

It wasn't a few moments later did she snap at him. Gian raised a hand, as if to placate her for a short moment. He hadn't meant harm in his concern.

"I apologize," he answered after a brief moment.

She fell silent after that though Gian could not tell what might be on her mind. A shake of his head followed, striding a little closer to her then. If anything, he was aware that she wasn't going to lash out at him physically.

"Tell me about yourself," he pressed, his tone a little lighter now. If it helped to get to another subject, he would attempt many. Whether or not she would reply to him however remained to be seen.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Fri Mar 07, 2014 10:28 pm

Rue had nodded, conceding to Hilary’s point. At the very least she listened. All too often nowadays people asked but did not want to hear the answers. It was tedious to deal with that. Glancing at Hilary Manuel could guess that he thought the same.

It would be Manuel that answered Rue when she asked a new question—a shift again in the topic. Why she did that he couldn’t say. Was the former just an attempt to ignore the situation better? She still certainly looked unnerved by everything.

“Questions, perhaps demonstrations of those devices again,” Manuel stated. Until they actually met with the grand master it wasn’t like he could say for sure what else might transpire. He was certain Rue was nervous over nothing, however.

”You’re fretting over nothing,” Hilary scoffed, “I assure you this is not a problem for you.”

These words didn’t seem to reassure her, however. Until they went to meet Grand Master Torres Manuel had a feeling that wouldn’t change. It would just be waiting until tomorrow now. Surely there were things they could do in that time to take her mind off of it.

“Perhaps a game of checkers or nine man morris might take your mind off of things,” Manuel offered.

----[x]----

She couldn’t say why Gian kept trying to reassure her or make conversation. At least with Il Lupo why he did what he did was easy to figure out, he was a nuisance and it wasn’t hard to realize that. Gian, however, seemed almost meek compared to the other man.

The piano notes filled the silence as they had for a long while now. Eventually she stopped, however, reaching up to rub the side of her hand against her forehead. There was a throbbing beginning at her temples, besides there were only so many tunes she could cycle through before she got tired of the incompleteness of each one. It wasn’t like she could tug out her iPod and play as she listened though. They would just confiscate her device, she was sure of it, and besides, it had a finite battery life now.

Rekka lifted her head when Gian strode closer to her seat. He seemed more confident now though why that was she couldn’t say. What, had he thought she’d beat him up or something? Frustrated she may be she wasn’t going to take it out on him like that.

She offered a shrug at his question. What was there to say? Video games and television didn’t exist and any bands she liked wouldn’t be around for centuries. It left her with limited things to talk about, that was for sure.

“Like what?” she shot back.

It wasn’t like anyone here was actively interested in her as a person. She was strange and they just wanted answers from her, that was that.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat Mar 08, 2014 1:04 am

Her question was asked quick enough and like she had assumed, it seemed that it would merely be more questions and demonstrations. What came after that, she could only assume.

Hilary's words didn't do much to reassure her. It was more or less the not knowing part that worried her though she didn't mention it. In time, things would clear up. She would just have to be patient, calm herself down and not act so fidgety.

She would have never imagined that would be so difficult. Thrown into something like this however, she was finding all she ended up being was fidgety.

Rue blinked, her gaze turning to Manuel again. "Whats nine man morris?" she asked.

She had never known much in the ways of board games. Then again, the era she came from, there wasn't too much of a need. She had played chess and checkers at some point but was never any good at either.

----[x]----

She continued playing her songs though he knew none of them. Gian didn't interrupt her anymore than he needed to. He simply waited and listened.

Eventually, the notes stopped. Gian's gaze drifted back to her, catching as she rubbed her temples. He raised a brow but didn't say anything. Her mood wasn't improving and he wished that he could do something more for her. Instead, it seemed he only soured it further.

He motioned toward her when she responded. It wasn't as if it seemed like a difficult question. Gian remained patient, shifting his weight from side to side.

"Anything!" he crowed lightly. "Your hobbies, what kind of books you like, if you like walks or if there are ways to help you relax. Anything at all."

Gian wasn't sure if he was making a dent or not. Rekka was indeed strange and for all he knew, he could be pushing all the wrong buttons. It was hard for him to tell. That same sour look remained on her expression. He paused at that, shaking his head.

"Perhaps you would like to hear about me instead?" he suggested, letting his hand fall back to his side. "I am afraid there is not much. I am a rather mundane one compared to most others here."

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat Mar 08, 2014 1:33 am

Rue’s attention turned to him at the mention of the board games. Confusion was there on her face, in the way her eyebrows knitted together and the look in her eyes. For a moment she seemed to be trying to think of something though what Manuel wasn’t sure.

“So there is no nine man morris anymore? A shame,” Manuel murmured, shaking his head. He turned to Hilary then to say “would you mind if I stay about awhile? I am sure you have things to attend to.”

Hilary shook his head, a dismissive wave of his hand following this. ”Not at all! I have a few rounds about Havana to make. Rhona’s making things difficult.”

The fondness of which he said that name did not escape Manuel’s notice though he otherwise ignored it. Whatever feelings he had for that woman didn’t matter unless it came to a time in which he compromised their cause. Hilary had been steadfast in their way and so there was no reason to speak up about this. Whatever frustrations their situation brought wasn’t Manuel’s business.

“I will make sure to keep the little rabbit company then,” Manuel said, smiling briefly at Rue as he said this. From the corner of his eye he spotted Hilary nodding.

”You can find the nine man morris board in the closet there,” Hilary mentioned, motioning to a little door nearby. With that he’d said his farewell, promising to be back before evening and then he was gone, the tails of his coat disappearing ‘round the doorjamb.

Manuel wasted little time in fishing out that board game. It wasn’t a hard find, Hilary seemed to keep things all organized. Even still Rue sat nearby, quietly, and he could feel her eyes on his back. Carefully putting her things away until tomorrow, back in her bag, Manuel would go about placing the board between them and splitting up the black and white chips accordingly.

----[x]----

He was still standing there, hadn’t moved from that spot in some time. That was a little weird considering even Il Lupo had gone to find something to lean against after awhile. Was he that worried she was going to try something if he spared any distance. He didn’t look the type but she hadn’t had any good interactions with anyone else in the last two days, this left her assumptions rather bleak on anything dealing with these people.

For a moment he didn’t seem to know how to answer, shuffling his weight to each foot. That didn’t last long before he was rambling, ticking off random things she could talk about. Rekka furrowed her brow, glancing away and back again as if unsure if he was being serious or not.

She’d just had time to open her mouth to say something before Gian spoke up yet again, offering to tell more about himself. This stopped Rekka cold for a moment, peering at him curiously. What was with this guy? She was just a glorified prisoner, useful for information she may have for them and yet he was going to all this trouble.

“Fuckin’ calm down there, Mundie,” Rekka said finally, holding out a hand, palm facing the floor, as if to help quash whatever he was doing, “you’re like a hyperactive puppy.”

If that came out meanly Rekka didn’t mean it. Her mood was still soured and it was hard to tell if she’d offended somebody in such times. The nickname or the comparison might have been too much though she hadn’t spared much time in watching Gian’s reaction before she’d pushed herself away from the piano.

At this rate she wasn’t sure what she wanted. It didn’t seem like she’d get much time alone, especially after that threat on her own life if things got too overwhelming earlier. That thought was distressing, leaving her little time to sort herself out. She pressed the base of her thumb against her forehead, attempting to quell the throbbing there.

“Why are you the one watching over me?” she asked. It seemed an odd choice to her.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat Mar 08, 2014 4:09 pm

Rue shifted in her spoke, more curious now than she was confused. She'd never heard of nine man morris but was well aware that these things might still exist in her era. Names simply changed, she found, and it might have been called something new in her time.

He muttered something, shaking his head before he directed his attention to Hilary. There was a short exchange between the two. Rue was rather lost about the situation and didn't ask. Whatever Hilary had to attend to, it seemed important.

She found herself content to simply sit and listen, something that she normally did. Rue didn't often start conversations unless it was needed or if she particularly liked someone.

She spared a small smile in return to Manuel's. Hilary had dismissed himself a few moments after, giving a brief farewell to the both of them. Only when he had gone did Rue turn her attention toward Manuel again. She was quiet, watching him as he tended to her items and brought out and then brought out an odd board.

"I should warn you, I'm terrible at games like this," she brought up, watching as he separated the pieces carefully. If it was anything like the board games she'd played in the past, she had little doubt it would be difficult for her to actually win. "Someone managed to beat me in chess in about five minutes...that was embarrassing..."

That hadn't been one of her better moments. She hadn't picked up much on chess since then, far more interested in video games after a while. At least with them, she felt she was making some kind of progress and victory, even when she wasn't so good.

----[x]----

Perhaps he had been speaking too quickly for her. He had a habit of doing that when he was nervous. If he couldn't get one topic started with someone, he'd ramble onto the next hardly giving another person the ability to actually answer him.

He blinked when she spoke up again. A sheepish grin tugged at his lips and he cleared his throat. That was a habit he needed to nip in the bud soon.

"I apologize," he replied, placing his hands behind his back. "Sometimes I get carried away."

He'd never been described as a puppy but he'd heard quite a few other things. Mostly, it had simply been that he was childish and the like. He had mostly brushed these things off instead of being bothered by them.

Gian's attention was on her more squarely on her now. At least she was asking question, as short as the one was. Gian tipped his head slightly before shook it, sparing a small smile.

"I volunteered," he replied after a moment. "I'd seen you the other day and you did not seem pleased. I held out hopes that a friendly face might lift your spirits a little."

He was being sincere about it all. Really, they weren't all bad. If she believed that, she was mistaken. Il Lupo and a few others might but if she got to know some here, they were only doing what they could for the best of this world.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat Mar 08, 2014 6:04 pm

Rue had gone quiet as he pulled out the nine men’s morris board and set it up. It was a simple thing, the pieces being placed individually by the players turn by turn. It was merely divvying up the proper colors into piles. She seemed to study the board, he noticed, while he did these things.

She was quick to mention she was bad at games and Manuel chuckled in answer. She seemed like a bright girl, if a bit skittish. He was sure Rue would pick up the game in time. A game like this often took awhile to actually get the hang of, Manuel noticed.

“Maybe a bit of beginner’s luck might run along for you,” he assured, smiling at her.

One he’d divvied up the pieces he gestured to her. Blacks and whites were in their proper piles but now it was just a matter of deciding who went first. Before that would be decided he explained the basics of the game, how a mill was needed to take a player’s piece off the board and that a mill was three pieces in one row. She seemed to understand well enough.

“Now all that needs to be settled is who goes first,” Manuel pointed out, “it would only be polite of me to let you decide.”

With that he would wait for her answer. Perhaps she’d feel more comfortable if she was to make the first move or perhaps she would not. Rue was fidgeting in her seat a little though Manuel wasn’t sure what for. Perhaps she was merely trying to seat herself better by the board.

----[x]----

He’d grinned sheepishly when he was told to calm down, rubbing at the back of his neck. Gian didn’t seem to mind the comment though, quickly waving it off. At the very least it was a nice change from Il Lupo’s attitude. Rekka was all too aware that he’d be back sooner or later today and she’d be stuck with him again.

Rekka waved off Gian’s apology. It wasn’t one that was needed he’d just been talking so fast and skipping topics and Rekka had been unable to get a word in edgewise. She wondered if he was always like this or not. Maybe it was just the situation or Rekka that had him on edge.

He seemed a little more attentive now that she’d stood, or maybe it was the fact that she’d actually asked something. It was hard to tell and in a way it didn’t matter which it was. Still, now that she was standing Rekka didn’t really know where to go or what to do with herself.

Her brow furrowed at Gian’s answer. He’d volunteered? His reasoning was such a farcry from what she’d expected and Rekka was at a loss for words. If he was bothered by the way she peered at him curiously he didn’t show it. Instead he seemed to wait her out smiling as he did so.

Eventually she managed to say “that’s… noble, I guess.” Rekka offered a shrug then, as if silently apologizing for the lack of anything to say.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Mar 09, 2014 12:12 am

The smile on his face wasn't hard to miss, as small as it was. That wide brim straw hat helped hide quite a bit of his face as well. She found it suited him, if she really took the time to study him. Feeling as if she was staring, she glanced back at the board.

She watched him separate the pieces, setting both black and white aside. Rue had to wonder what she was meant to do with these pieces. Regardless, that thought was shoved aside for the moment.

"I suppose we'll see," she answered, sparing a small smile in return. Luck had never been something that liked to be on her side. Still, she'd give it a try, if only to learn something new. She glanced up at him again briefly, shifting in her seat. "Would you...tell me a little more about yourself?"

Rue was making some attempts to get to know him. Hilary, she wasn't so sure of, the mans mind seeming to be on more important things. Perhaps in time, she'd learn more about him and others as well, given the circumstances.

The rules seemed simple enough, sounding akin to chess in a way. In fact, it sounded a bit simpler than chess in a whole. While she thought that, she could only assume and wouldn't know until they started playing.

Rue shifted slightly when he motioned for her to decide on who made the first move. It seemed a strange thing to be worried about she tried to push passed it. She offered a short shrug in return.

"I'll start," she finally decided then, taking the small white piece in hand. She rolled it in between her fingers for a brief moment before placing it on the board. With that started, she wondered where the game would turn, having not played it in the past.

----[x]----

For the most part, she simply brushed off his words and apology. In a way, she merely seemed curious of what he had to way or what he did. Gian found himself a little baffled by that. Doe the most part, he didn't quite stick out among the others.

His explanation had been simple enough but for a short time, she simply looked like she didn't know what to say. Gian didn't begrudge her this. Perhaps she was expecting worse of them. A pang ran through him at that but he left it unmentioned.

She didn't say much in return. Still, he offered a small smile in return. Rekka was a special case and it was best that she was treated well.

"We are not all bad here," he carried on. "I assure you, there are many who merely want to make you comfortable and welcome."

Gian shifted his weight again, glancing back at the piano. It seemed she was finished with it for the time being. He pondered on what else to do for the time being.

"Perhaps you would like to wander about the city?" he finally suggested. "I doubt you have been able to see a lot of it. I can escort you, if you would like that."

It was an offer, at least. That would get her out and about for the day, give her something to do. As long as he was escorting her, she would be fine. He could handle himself out there if something came up.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Mar 09, 2014 1:50 am

As he’d separated the pieces Rue had asked more about himself or rather for him to tell more about himself. He cocked his head to one side offering a shrug in return. There was not much to tell that he wished to. Anything of interest was all in his past and he was not a bragging man.

“I quite assure you there is little to tell,” Manuel said, “in time you might find out more, however.”

At the very least that might help to keep her around. She seemed keen on him in particular though he could not say why. If it kept her content then he would not question it.

Soon enough they were staring the game, Rue starting them off. Manuel watched her, studying the way she looked as she thought. She seemed hesitant, perhaps wary of making a bad move. Manuel would not rush her, there was little need to. When she did make her move he was quick to retaliate, setting a piece in the inner right corner.

“Strategizing in nine men’s morris is not difficult, once you know what to do,” Manuel assured her.

Gesturing to her he would wait for her to take her time yet again. Compared to him she was taking a bit of time before placing pieces down. This didn’t bother him in the slightest, merely let her think it out.

----[x]----

Gian seemed to be doing his best to keep things lighthearted. In a way it was a welcome change though not fully appreciated. Her mood still wasn’t the best and she hadn’t been expecting anything of this sort today. It left it hard to get into the good mood he was trying for.

Rekka merely hummed in answer when he assured her not everyone was like Baltasar or Il Lupo. While that was a nice thought she’d have to see more of that for herself to believe it. Gian probably would try to make her see that in time, however. Rekka wouldn’t put the idea in his head if she could help it though, the last thing she needed was a meet and greet.

For a long moment it seemed like neither knew what to say or just had nothing to add. Rekka didn’t mind this so much as she did the fact that she had nothing to do unless she turned back to the piano. Eventually Gian offered to take her about Rome, drawing her attention to him more fully for perhaps the first time since he’d arrived.

“Would you?” she asked, as if afraid it was some joke.

That was before her hand fell to her bag, recalling La Volpe’s thieves out and about in Brotherhood. If it was such a time that they were here… It’d be safer to leave it here, she didn’t need any of the things that had been dragged through time with her out and about for anyone to steal. Besides, Il Lupo wasn’t supposed to be back until evening, at the best estimation.

“I’ll need to leave this behind,” Rekka muttered.

It was a simple thing to backtrack to her room then. She’d leave it off to the side, out of sight for the most part. Rekka didn’t know who might end up coming through, even if the door was closed. With that she’d follow after Gian, half-afraid that if she lead the way someone might stop them.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Mar 09, 2014 3:31 pm

Rue briefly glanced up when he tilted his head, the charm on his hat swaying this way and that with the movement. She tipped her head, leaning back. With a little patience, it seemed she might learn a thing or two about him and these people.

Rue could only assume where she might end up after all of this. Thinking about that made her a little anxious again but she said nothing of it. Why worry about something she had little power over for the time being?

She hummed quietly in response to his words. Him saying little only spurred her curiosity on. He seemed a quiet man, a change of pace from the norm she was used to.

"That does little to quash my curiosity," she answered, for the first time her tone holding a bit of lightness in it. "But I suppose that's better than constant worry."

She watched him place his own piece, quietly listening when he spoke. These kinds of games, she'd never taken a hand in but he seemed confident that this was a simple one to get the handle over, given time. She placed her next piece, beside her last as she had been shown. Creating a mill was how they captures pieces, as odd as it seemed.

"I'll take your word for it," she replied, sparing a small smile. "If it's ont chess, I think I can handle it."

----[x]----

The afternoon passed uneventfully. Il Lupo's task fulfilled, he returned hoping to find Rekka. She was in a foul mood when he had left and he had to wonder if that had improved at all or not. He doubted that was the case.

At some point, he had been informed that Gian had taken her about the city. He hummed in thought. It wouldn't take him long to return to her room. Pushing his way in, he spared a brief glance around.

A small smirk tugged at his lips. The bag she had guarded so dearly days before was left on her bed. Il Lupo wasted little time poking about her items.

They were odd little things, the small stuffed animal particularly odd. He shook his head, setting notebooks and devices aside. These things were all foreign to him, proof of just how strange Rekkla was.

Carefully placing these items back into her bag, he took hold of it and left the room. His allies would love to see these things. It wouldn't take him long to drop them off to the others, allowing them to study the devices. He had little doubt that her items would not be returned.

Il Lupo took to wandering afterward, waiting on Rekka's return. She would be furious and that thought left him smirking a little. It would be a little amusing to see though that threat still lingered in the back of his head. He would take care to make sure she didn't harm herself in some rebellious attempt to withhold any information she still had.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Mar 09, 2014 4:19 pm

It was quiet between them for a moment though Manuel didn’t mind. She seemed to have a fair few thoughts to shift through as it were and he’d rather not drag her away from them if he didn’t have to. Besides, Manuel was sure Rue would speak when she wished to.

Indeed she did, drawing a chuckle from him. He dipped his head in a brief nod as he said “perhaps.”

Whether or not there was anything of interest in him that she would focus on would be seen in the coming days. It would be best that way instead of trying to force everything out into one conversation. Good starts never came about that way Manuel had found. It was easier this way albeit longer.

She’d mentioned chess yet again and he shook his head, the trinket on his had swaying with the motion. He wasn’t much of a chess player, much rather preferred nine men’s morris to it. In that way she would be safe from having to play unless someone else challenged her. Come to think of it, Manuel wasn’t sure if Hilary played chess or not.

He waved off her words, waiting for her to make a move. Whether she understood the point of the game would be seen though she’d taken to the rules well enough. Yet again it seemed Rue might take her time choosing her next move. No need for rushing, however, few things got done well that way.

“You will find there is plenty else to do aside from chess,” he teased a little.

----[x]----

It hadn’t been an eventful walk but it was interesting nonetheless. Rekka took it all in as best she could, the people, the buildings, the way everyone interacted with each other. Now that she blended in no one was darting away from her or acting as if she were diseased. Occasionally Gian had pointed out areas of interest or asked more about herself. Most times he ended up rambling when she hesitated answer though.

Eventually though she’d mentioned heading back if only due to her bag being left behind. Il Lupo would be back soon and she’d rather not have him root through her bag. She’d seen him eyeing it once or twice the past few days when he was close enough that his hood’s shadow didn’t obscure which way he was looking.

If Gian had noticed the rushed pace she had he didn’t mention it out loud. Once inside Rekka made a beeline for her borrowed room ignoring anyone else that might be in the hallways. The place was always crawling with people, she found, coming and going as they did. Very few actively stayed.

Inside that room nothing had been moved though something was missing. Confused for only a second panic bloomed in her chest, her heart beating fast. Her mouth felt cottony as she checked other places in the room for her bag, turning up nothing. It was a mess by the time she was done, not bothering to put anything back in her frantic search half-hoping all the while that she’d merely hid it elsewhere.

Without a word to Gian she’d taken off down the hallways. He’d be nearby, he’d wanna gloat about it. If nothing else Rekka was sure of that much.

True to form it only took a few hallways to find him, ignoring Gian’s questions the entire time. A few curious looks were spared from a few other Templars they’d passed though otherwise Rekka was unhindered in her search. Infuriatingly Il Lupo greeted her with a smirk and Rekka’s face burned in turn.

“You son of a bitch!” Without further warning she’d reached up and slapped him hard, her palm stinging afterwards. “What gives you the right?! Those were the only things I had to my name!”

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:38 pm

He shook his head again, drawing her attention, before he had chuckled. The swaying trinket barely made a sound though, it caught her attention briefly. She spared a small smile in return.

She rolled one of the pieces between her fingers. It was a common habit to keep her hands busy, sometimes a nervous one and others just because she couldn't stand having them still. Often times people thought she was overly anxious because of it.

He had quickly made his next move and Rue followed a slowly after, creating a mill. It was only briefly that she asked if she'd done it right before she would capture a piece.

"I'm sure there are," she answered afterward. "I kind of regret not reading up more about this era but I suppose I never thought I'd need that kind of knowledge other than reading about pirates."

Beyond that, there hadn't been many other reasons. Her time made the age of piracy seem like an endless adventure. Now that she was here, she had to wonder about it, already feeling ill prepared.

It was a thought she shook away, listening to what she could outside. Somewhere out there, someone was playing a violin. She paused to listen to the sound.

"I don't suppose you know how to play a violin?" she asked briefly, turning her attention back to the game. When she received his reply, she spared a small smile. "Well that's a shame, I've always wanted to learn."

----[x]----

The walk hadn't been too much of a long one. Despite her mood, Gian found she was willing to take everything in. She didn't stray far from his side and at least listened when he spoke. The silence that sometimes filled the air was often filled with his rambles.

At one point he became aware that Rekka was anxious to get back. Gian hadn't asked why, simply led them back the way they had come. She was quick to make a beeline for her room. Gian lingered outside it when she arrived, glancing around the place frantically.

A mess was made shortly after, Rekka tearing through the room provided. It wasn't long after did Gian notice her bag was missing. Before he could attempt to reason with her, she'd darted out of the room, looking furious. He followed after, calling out but she refused to listen.

It wasn't until she found Il Lupo did she stop, releasing the built up frustrations.

Il Lupo hadn't expected Rekka back so soon but when he spotted how furious she was, he smirked a little. He had not expected the slap that followed or the foul words.

He rubbed his jaw, snorting in amusement. "My, I am finding I like you more every day, my dear." he shot back simply. The one beside her, Gian, cringed and kept his distance. "If you had simply cooperated in the first place, I would not have to resort to taking your little objects away."

The comment had not helped in any form, Rekka's expression contorting into that of fury. Il Lupo was no phased by this however. He had seen worse and this scrawny girls tantrum did little to bother him.

"I assure you, hit me all you like, it will not fix what has already done," he added, letting his hand fall back to his side.

That much was the truth. He had doubts that these things would be returned to her. It was simply a matter of time for her to adjust and accept it, that was if she did not try to harm herself in any way. They couldn't have that and she would no doubt be watched at all times at this rate.

"You could make this so much easier on yourself," Il Lupo carried on, ignoring the glances shot his way by Gian. "If you simply did as we asked."

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