Scion: Seeds of Glory IC

[Armphid]

Evan turned his head as the door started to open, "Crystal! Good morning, how'd you-" The door shut, jerked closed by the huntress and leaving him staring at the back of the stout iron hatch, "...sleep?"

He blinked as he heard her voice coming through the door and looked down at his boxers. Damn it to hell! Though he did like her calling it a tent pole, that was very flattering. Though she probably wasn't referring to size. However, more than anything, he felt chagrin. Could he do anything, ANYTHING, that didn't upset or confuse the poor woman? "I'm sorry! It's just morning, and, I wasn't, you know, doing anything...I'm sorry. Just hold on a minute."

Cursing himself, Evan jerked his clothes on, as he did so he tried to imagine the least arousing things he could think of. Doing his taxes, slaughtering pigs on the farm, ripping out stumps, and rendering. Blech.

"All right, I'm good. You can come in."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: I listened to the sounds beyond the door. I figured he would take the direct approach and well there was nothing wrong with curious listening, but I was surprised and all I heard were the sounds of cloth moving around. Is he rubbing it threw the cloth?

'All right, I'm good. You can come in.'

"Your sure the tent is down?"

'Yes it is down.'

the conversation continued with the door between them until I finally was convinced he was dressed.

I slowly opened the door.

"Is every mourning like this?"

 

[Armphid]

Evan sighed and looked down at his feet, feeling rather embarrassed as Crystal re-entered. He just kept fucking it up when it came to her. Even just by sleeping and waking up he freaked her out. And she very clearly was not interested in anything he had going on; the mere thought of it or hint of it seemed to send her into a blushing, embarrassed retreat.

He rejected all of the things he'd normally say; flirty, funny, teasing comments designed to amuse and entice. Instead he just shrugged, "Not every morning but often." It also depended on his company and the night before and how they woke up in the morning but mentioning any of that would be counter productive. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I wasn't even thinking about, you know, that."

He'd never felt quite so emasculated. Good trip so far then.

"Anyway. I wasn't sure what you had in mind for the day, but I did a little poking around last night before bed and thought you should know what I found." He described the strange engine room he'd found with the bronze mechanisms and constructs running the whole mad thing. Then he shrugged, "I don't think it's anything to worry about but I'm betting this ship is going a lot faster than it normally could and we'll probably reach our destination sooner than we think."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "Well that is good. I feel much better on land then at sea. But it does raise the question who here do you think knows about the engine room and if they know about that do they know about our kin."

I looked out the door. "Sorry about... well you know. Its just your city way of life isn't what I am used to. I am more of hunter gather or maybe even a farmer then a city girl."

 

[Armphid]

"What do you mean "my city way of life?"" Evan looked genuinely confused, "Do you mean waking up with morning wood? That happens on the farm too, you know. I grew up on one."

He shook his head, "You don't need to apologize. Frankly, it's just surprising. I mean, most farm and country girls I know of are a little more...inured to that kind of thing. I mean, I'm sure you've seen animals rutting and breeding before. It's...I don't want to say that it isn't a big deal, but I guess that I'm surprised by how much it seems to bother you and freak you out."

Evan sighed, "I'm sorry that I do that to you. I'm going to try and ratchet it back, stop flirting, and all that. I want you to be comfortable around me, and I really regret that you haven't been."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "No, I do have to apologize, I am not uncomfortable with you, or animals mating or any of that stuff. I am uncomfortable at being expected to be in... or rather to have in."

"Look sex is fine, I get it but here in the city... well this is a boat but had the boat been in the city I am less comfortable with the social nature of sex. I mean I do try, I did that three way with the dwarves. Well wait more of a 9 way what ever you call it. Gang bang maybe, but the fact is I only did it so as to not be rude to our hosts."

 

[Armphid]

Evan blinked, "An gangbang with you and...and the dwarves? Hot damn." He shook his head, "Lucky stiffs, no wonder they were so generous to us while we were there."

Then he held up his hands, "Look, I think you might have read me wrong. I don't "expect" anything from you, that way. I'm not going to insist on it, demand it, pressure you for it, whatever. To my mind, there's no expectation of anything between you and me other than I've got your back."

The tall young man ran a hand through his red-gold hair and shrugged, "When I flirt with you or admire you, it's not because I expect you to respond. It's because I like to flirt and you're worth flirting with. But that's it. You don't owe me anything and I don't think that you do. So, please, don't feel like me, or anyone, expects you to just hop into bed." Or the deck of the ship. Or the room's desk. Or...he had the wrong kind of brain for this conversation.

"Am I making any sense?" He laughed ruefully, "I had a point when I started but it feels like I might have lost it."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "Well that is all fine and good between us, and I do have your back. But that isn't what city life is like right? City life is affairs at random and sex every where. I mean just look at the internet for example, it is full of that stuff. It is very literally every where in the city right. Honestly I am surprised I avoided having to sleep with any one other then the dwarves."

"Its not just in the internet either, I have read lots ... I mean I've seen lots of books on the city life and they are all filled with small gestures of romance followed by wild sex."

 

[Armphid]

Evan needed a minute to digest what Crystal had just said. Did she really base her knowledge of life other than being alone in the wilderness on books and the Internet? And what books was she reading? It sounded like trashy romance novels. "Okay, well, wow. I'm not really sure where to start there."

He paused and looked up at the ceiling of their cabin, his arms crossed. Then he nodded and looked back at her, gesturing with one open hand, "First off, the Internet isn't like any real place. Its a world and place all on its own that often has nothing to do with real life, relationships, and living. It's an anonymous consequence-free environment and real life is not; country or city." He shook his head, "There are only a handful of people who act in real life like they do on the Internet and those are the insane and often criminal."

"The thing with books or anything else that you might read or see on city life is that people want to sell them; and if you're going to sell something, you want to use sex to do it." Evan laughed and shrugged, "I don't know what you think about me but I don't have sex with every girl I meet. Not even most girls I meet; I only have sex with a very small percentage of the people I meet and talk to and flirt with." His work didn't count; again, that wasn't the normal city experience. "And it's never expected just because I flirt or but a girl a drink or a meal or anything, really."

Evan stood up off of his bunk, "You know, it's not all that different from living in the country; it's just a different environment. You get up, go out, make your living, look for food, seek companionship if you want it, try to avoid predators; it's all the same stuff just in a different approach and cast."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "You mean it would of been perfectly fine not to have sex with the dwarves?"

It took a few seconds to sink in but after it did my face went red. "So... um... so... not every one is like on the internet so I guess your not having ex on the internet. Gods I hope I am not on that thing now."

 

[Armphid]

Hoo boy.

The thing was, of course, that there were videos of him as "Marcus" having sex on the Internet. Most of them were at pay sites, naturally, but they were out there and he was sure there were some videos with him in them that were on file sharing sites too. "Well...I don't go on the Internet to have sex, no. I've done a few thing where there might be pictures or even a video or two of me...but the point is that that's the Internet, you know? It's not real life."

God, this was complicated.

"But look, as far as the dwarves go, no you didn't have to do that. But it doesn't matter. I mean, as long as you enjoyed it and had fun, and weren't forced, then don't feel bad or embarrassed about it." Evan shrugged, "I don't think sex should be casual but I also think people attach way too much stress and stigma to it." His mother was a love goddess, after a fashion. "So don't worry about what happened. Besides, I don't think the dwarves are the type to do that to you, put you on the Internet, I mean. We kind of saved their whole Icelandic civilization and they know it."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "Well it would be nice of the wharves not to put me on it. I do have to admit I didn't dislike the experience but... It wasn't normal something I would do, you know?"

"So there is video of you on the internet? But you don't go onto it to have sex, but your on it." I paused what else was there on the internet. "Are you getting hit in the nuts then?"

 

[Armphid]

Evan laughed at that; he just couldn't help it. It was so cute and so sweet, and just so naive! God, he just wanted to hug Crystal to pieces right now. Although once he had his arms around her, he'd likely want to do other things as well. Not important, nor a constructive avenue of thought right now. "No, I'm sorry I wasn't clearer."

Boy, how to address this? Without just...well. He should just tell her straight up and she'd deal with it however she dealt with it. "Okay, let me try again. Yes, I do not go to the Internet for sex. However, if you looked, you would find videos of me on the Internet having sex."

He sighed, "You remember when I mentioned to Freya that while I was here, I wasn't working and the farm wasn't getting any money, right?" How would she think of him after this? There was no going back and it would change things; he was sure of it. "I grew up on a farm but I don't live there now. A few years go, my Dad got sick. It was cancer and it was...it was bad. He survived but the cost of his treatments and the medicine and all...it drained the family dry. We were going to lose the farm, our house, everything." He'd felt so powerless then. "I went to LA to try and make some money, break into movies, but it didn't work out; I didn't know anyone who could get me in, you know? But then I got an offer to do, ah, a specific kind of movie."

Evan looked down at his feet, a bit ashamed, and then back up at Crystal. "I started working in pornographic films so I could save the farm. And I did, but that's why you'll see those videos of me online. I didn't go there for sex, but a lot of my movies are put online for distribution, or bought by sites, or just posted by fans, so..." He shrugged, "But! The thing is that my experience isn't normal city life, so don't think that it's all crazy sex all over the city at the drop of a hat."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: It is funny, he says not to be embarrassed but then just now he struck me as well, embarrassed. I suppose this avenue of thought isn't very constructive. Well I best stay clear of this topic for more then my own red cheeks.

"All right then. I think I prefer you getting hit in the nuts. Seems... I don't know, more comedic."

There was a slight pause on my part. "Well should we check out this engine room?"

 

[Armphid]

Evan blinked. That was her reaction? That was it? He almost felt cheated. "Well, I'd rather not get hit in the nuts, no matter how funny you think it is." He wanted to say more but instead just shook his head. He'd bet she'd think differently if she actually saw one of his movies. But fine.

"Sure, let's go." He walked past her out the door, holding it for her and shutting it carefully behind them. No reason not to be a gentleman. Even if he was totally confused by her right now. And a little miffed for reasons he couldn't explain. "It's pretty much near where the engine room should be on a ship like this, but once you get in there, it's like nothing I've ever seen."

He led her on through the halls of the vessel until they came to the simple door marked "Engine Room." Evan gestured to it, "Ladies first. I've also seen it already, so please. It really is quite a sight."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: I have to admit there was a certain charm to his classical manners. Not really what I expected from one who has sex for a living. There I go again, don't think about it.

"Well, I trust there is nothing immediately dangerous about this vessel."

I opened the door slowly, as if I were doing a dramatic reveal. The engine room was a surprising tangle of machines. Something akin to behind a computer as all the parts plug into a power strip. Except here it was as if a neat freak had done it. Everything had a very clear place and function, but behind the computer no matter how neat the cord are, I am still not sure which goes to which.

"Think the dwarves made it?"

 

[Armphid]

"I hadn't thought about that, actually," Evan mused. "They could have made something like this, I'm sure, but it's hard to tell if they did. Although I don't see any runes on these machines. Although..."

He tapped a finger against his chin, "I bet whoever did make this left a mark somewhere to prove it. Most artists and craftsmen sign their work, you know?"

The tall young man shrugged, "We can look and try to find it, but I wouldn't get too close to any of those gears or that fire."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "Yes your probably right. It may not be easy to harm us but I bet a machine like this could do it."

I made a brief look over parts looking for some sort of clue as to who made it. It wasn't really important I suppose, but curiosity is all ways there.

"Perhaps we can find some one who knows where this came from. I am also curious as to why this is here. Perhaps it is the reason the captain has no trouble taking us to an island in the middle of no where."

 

[HookerBoots]

(GM: Evan rolls PER + Occult = 4+1+6+7=1+1 Epic = 2 Successes
Crystal rolls PER + Investigation = 2+5+6+9=1+2 Epic = 3 Successes)

Inspecting the machinery, there isn't a lot that seems unusual about them, outside of their very existence on this ship. Crystal is able to spot, on each machine is a small, stylized sigil that looks, upon closer inspection, like the Greek letter tau. The machines seem unfazed by the inspection, even when you move parts of them out of the way for a better look. They just keep working, moving around you as they can.

It would make more sense for these to be the work of Hephaestus, but he wouldn't sign his name with that symbol. Its possible that the maker of these things is a Scion of his. You also notice that one of the machines has been recently cleaned. A small door on one side of its base is partially opened, and there is a rag lying on the floor where someone dropped it, possibly in a hurry.

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: "Hey Evan."

I waited for him to join me and then pointed out the small letter. "Looks like the letter T. So, we either have a dwarf who's mark is T or more then likely a Greek. Because this doesn't look dwarven to me. I know it was only a few weeks with the dwarves but I think I get there style and this doesn't look to be it. Now that I've taken a better look."

I eyed over to the more polished piece of machinery. "Well would you look at that?" I walked over to the rag on the floor. I picked it up and took the scent in, I'll remember it for later.

"And that door is open." I cautiously approached it and opened the door only so far as to be certain nothing would spit out flames, or catch me in gears, or otherwise harm me. From there I opened it fully and looked inside.

 

[Armphid]

"Someone was here," Evan murmured as Crystal investigated the dropped rag and the open door of the machine. Someone who knew what this stuff was, at least, if not the builder. And someone who'd been in here probably just before he and Crystal had entered the engine room.

Evan looked around again at the complicated machinery. High end stuff, to be sure, and not the kind of thing meant to be left unattended with strangers around. Whoever had been working on it was probably still trying to keep an eye on them, just to make sure the machines weren't damaged.

He stepped back from where the rag had been and the open door a bit, holding up his hands, "If you can hear me, hello. My name's Evan and this is Crystal. We're passengers on the ship and just wanted to see the engine room. We're no danger to you and we certainly don't want to harm this incredible piece of technology."

 

[cats]

OOC: I really don't want to post until I know if we are alone and what is in the machine. Hope you understand armphid.

 

[HookerBoots]

Inside the machine looks basically the way you would expect. Gears, cogs, springs, the whole shebang, whirring away happily. Everything seems to be made of brass or copper, which makes sense on a ship. The only things out of the ordinary that you can tell are that the machines are here at all, and that they don't seem to be fueled by anything in particular.

(GM: Evan rolled Charisma + Presence = 7+9+6+1+6+10+9=5 + 1Epic = 6 Successes)

As Evan calls out, there's a small sound from the wall nearest the open machine. A secret door opens- one that wasn't visible at all until the wall parted - and a slender, shy girl steps out. She looks at both of you, her green eyes wide. She is average height, wearing a jumpsuit very similar to the ones that auto mechanics wear, but with a few changes: Her arms are left bare to the shoulders, and the legs of the jumpsuit stop at her knees, revealing legs clad in thermal pants decorated with small hammers. She's passably pretty, with mousy brown hair that is held back in two tails. "Please," she says softly, "don't mess around with these too much. It takes forever to fix them."

One hand brushes away a lose strand of hair, and leaves a streak of grease on her cheek. "I'm Tryp . . . er, Tryphena, but everyone calls me Tryp. Easier to remember." She looks to where Crystal, and smiles a little. "Did you really think the dwarves might have made it? I would love to see some of their work, they've got quite a reputation. But Nessie's my own invention - one day, she'll revolutionize sea travel." She turns her gaze to the metal limbs fondly, then mutters, "If I can make it work without my being here, of course."

 

[Armphid]

Evan was glad he didn't start when the wall opened up but it was a total shock. He'd seen not even a faint line to indicate its presence; whoever was behind this was very good at what they did.

Whoever turned out, to his delight, to be a somewhat pretty young woman with a slender build, a strange outfit, and a shy, sweet demeanor that made her incredibly cute. She was hardly a looker like Crystal, but Evan found her adorable nonetheless and knew well that one didn't need abundant curves to be sexy. "Tryp, it's nice to meet you." He gestured to the various machines, "Believe me, I won't touch anything here that you don't want me to."

He smiled and looked around the room, "I would love to hear more about this, actually. I like to think I'm a pretty sharp guy but after coming in here yesterday...this is still beyond me. I can't even tell what you're using for a power source."

 

[cats]

Crystal

IC: I guess I wouldn't need to try and track down this girl from the scent on the towel. Evan was already chatting up the girl about the power source and such. Machines weren't my thing beyond a good rifle.

I casually picked up the towel. I wonder if she made that secret compartment too, it really is something. If it were sealed again I doubt I could find where it is even now that I know that it is their.

"Tryphena, did I get that right? I believe this is yours." I handed her the towel. "Coming from the north I have dwarves on the brain as of late, but yes to me this looks like it could be their work. They seem big on fire and metal, although less so on gears."