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* Vallel is sitting, his back to the door, staring into the fire. A tankard sits by his feet. Normally, neat and tidy, Vallel's hair is in complete disarray, tangled and greasy, and his shirt looks like he's slept in it for several days. * Meghan walks into the school a few book in her hands. She walks into the room where Vallel is and looks up "Vallel?" <Vallel> Hmmm? ::he takes a swig from his tankard and sets it back on the floor. He does not look around:: * Meghan places her books on the desk and walks over to where he is sitting. The concern grows as she sees the front of him. She sits next to him <Meghan> Vallel? * Vallel reaches up and scratches at his beard, which, at least, he has trimmed. He looks sort of roguish with a goatee and mustache. <Vallel> Yes? ::he still doesn't look at her:: * Meghan reaches out and places her fingers on his chin lightly turning his face to look at her <Meghan> Vallel what's wrong * Vallel moves away from her, almost flinching at her touch. * Meghan grabs his arm lightly turning him <Meghan> Val talk to me <Vallel> Don't. Touch. Me. ::hisses at her:: * Meghan moves to sit on the floor in front of him <Meghan> Vallel please. Don't turn away from me <Vallel> ::sighs:: Look, just don't touch me, okay? I... can't... it's not a good idea. <Meghan> ::nods:: Just tell me what's wrong * Vallel tugs at his collar, scratching at his neck. Meghan can see a nice, livid set of nail marks running down the side of his throat. <Vallel> I... I can't talk about this. I... you should go. <Meghan> I won't. ::pauses holding out her wrist to him the blue rose visible:: You think this just means you helping me when I need it and not the other way around <Meghan> Tell me what happened <Vallel> You can't help this... you can't help me. No one can. ::takes another swig from his tankard, peers into the bottom of it, frowns, and pulls out a small tin flask:: * Meghan grabs the flask from him <Meghan> Stop acting like a child Vallel. Feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you anywhere * Vallel turns wildly, raising his hand. Very deliberately, he lowers his hand. <Vallel> Give that back. You have no idea what you're doing. <Meghan> No ::she gazes hard at him:: Then tell me <Vallel> I don't want to hurt you. Give it back. Now. ::his voice grows deeper and fierce:: * Meghan stands keeping the flask firmly in her hand <Meghan> I won;t let you do this to yourself Vallel. It appears you already have more than you should. * Meghan walks over to the window and opens it holding the flask out and dumping the contents on the ground <Vallel> Bitch! ::he spits on the floor and stalks towards the door:: * Meghan drops the flask and follows him <Meghan> Vallel * Vallel whirls suddenly, planting both hands in Meghan's chest and pushing her to the ground. "And get OUT of my head!" * Meghan falls back hitting the ground hard her breath being knocked from her * Vallel heads back to his dorm and rescues another flask from his trunk. <Meghan> ::softly:: I won't :::takes a few deep breaths:: I won't leave you Vallel * Meghan sits on the floor a few moments then pushes herself up and goes after him * Vallel takes a long swallow of spirits, then lays down on his head, tucking his arms under his head and staring up at the ceiling. * Meghan pushes the door to his room open and walks in <Meghan> I'm not going to let you alone until you talk to me <Vallel> ::sits up and looks at her, his eyes bitter and angry:: I thought you had just a tiny bit of intelligence. * Meghan's faces softens and she goes to sit on the bed next to him * Vallel gets up suddenly, moving away from her. <Vallel> Stop that! I can't... damn it, Meghan, do you *want* me to hurt you? <Meghan> ::softly:: If that's what you need to do. I'd rather you do it to me than someone else <Meghan> I'd rather you just tell me why you are acting this way * Vallel paces around, swearing under his breath. * Meghan watches him not saying anything * Vallel stops, stares at her for a long moment, then looks at his hands, clenches them into fists and grinds his teeth. * Meghan matches his gaze <Vallel> Look, I don't want to hurt anyone else, okay? ::runs his hands through his hair, wincing as he touches a particularly livid bruise on his forehead:: <Meghan> Why don't you tell me why you are so angry then <Vallel> Fine. You want to know. I'll tell you. ::pulls a dagger from his boot, the tip stained with dried blood:: I strangled a girl last night, stabbed another in the throat, then spent the day drinking and fucking a couple of very expensive whores. Are you happy now? Makes you all safe and snuggly, right? * Meghan struggles to remain composed <Meghan> Why Vallel <Vallel> Why, what? Why did I kill her? Because I wanted to... ::he moves towards her suddenly, his eyes hungry:: <Meghan> ::moves back a bit on the bed:: Bu...But I don't...I don;t understand Vallel. It's...It's not you <Vallel> Actually ::softer:: I thought of a way you *can* help me... ::smiles, almost a good imitation of his normal charming self:: * Meghan moves to the opposite side of the bed from him <Vallel> No... ::pats the bed encouragingly:: Don't go... ::he watches her:: * Meghan climbs off the bed <Meghan> Vallel stop this <Vallel> No, I don't think so... ::gets up and grabs her wrist:: You're the one who wanted to talk... we're talking aren't we? ::leans his head down and kisses her, his mouth soft, but urgent, his breath thick with wine:: * Meghan places her hands against his chest and pushes hard pushing him away and in the same movement falls back on the floor <Vallel> ::kneels by her:: I'm sorry. Did you hurt yourself? Here, let me help you up. * Meghan pushes him away <Meghan> ::soft and cold:: Don't touch me * Meghan stands and walks quickly from his room not looking back * Vallel watches her go, a brief look of regret and genuine pain flashing across his face, then he settles himself back onto his bed with his flask. <Vallel> Damn. Damn. ::he clenches his fists, driving his nails into the palms of his hands:: * Vallel stands up, blood trickling down his wrist. <Vallel> Damn her. ::wipes his hands on his breeches, then sighs and walks after her:: * Meghan walks to the sofa in front of the fire and falls down into it crying hard <Vallel> Meghan? Meghan, honey, I'm sorry... I'm... so sorry. ::kneels down in front of her:: I'm... * Meghan is curled up on the sofa her back to the fire and her face buried in the cushions * Meghan turns looking at him <Meghan> ::softly:: How could you....after everything I have been through....I don;t understand what's wrong with you Vallel <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: I... don't know. I don't know. I. Can't. Remember! <Meghan> You what ::looks confused:: <Vallel> I keep doing things. I keep seeing things. I can't remember where I've been. There are two things that help. Drink and women. Please ::extends on hand to her:: Please help me forget. * Meghan pushes his hand away <Meghan> Why don't you try and figure out what's causing this. Obviously something's going on <Vallel> I can't... I can't.... ::his face twists under some impossible agony:: I... please, I don't want to hurt you, but I'm afraid. I killed her, Meghan, I really did... and I can't remember. * Meghan reaches out and touches his cheek softly <Vallel> Please... if you love me, then love me... it's the only thing that drives it away and I can't bear it... ::kisses the palm of her hand:: <Meghan> Val we'll figure this out. Someone must be in your head. Maybe if we go to Zoya * Meghan shivers at the feel of his lips on her hand <Meghan> ::softly:: Vallel please * Vallel pulls her gently into his arms, breathing softly in her ear, kissing her neck just below the jawline. * Meghan pushes gently on him <Meghan> Vallel we can't do this <Vallel> No... no please don't push me away... I need... please, Meghan... you love me, I know you do... <Meghan> ::softly:: I do love you Vallel but this is not about love....you know that <Vallel> Just hold me, then? Let me touch you, you're so perfectly beautiful and I... ::kisses her neck again:: * Meghan wraps her arms around him holding him tightly to her <Meghan> ::softly:: Vallel let's go to Michelle's. I'm sure she can help us understand what's going on here <Vallel> Not just yet ::breathes deeply, kisses her hair:: I want you all to myself for a moment... <Meghan> ::softly:; Vallel I'm not going to sleep with you. I know that's what you think you need. But I know we can fix this problem another way <Vallel> I know... I know... ::kisses her mouth softly:: I know as soon as we leave here, that's it for us. Just a little... to remember you by? * Meghan pulls away from him <Meghan> No Vallel <Zoya> ::The door opens suddenly. Zoya stands on the threshold of the room, Glossaria just behind her.:: * Vallel ducks his head, pulling her back. He kisses her again. * Meghan kisses him back at the same time lightly pushing against him * Glossaria steps back, putting a hand to her mouth before she can help herself, then glancing at Zoya, her face firming. <Glossaria> Vallel. * Zoya steps into the room and to the side a bit so Glossaria can pass her. * Meghan pulls away roughly from Val hearing Zoya and Gloss enter * Glossaria steps into the room, but doesn't approach the pair. * Vallel jerks in surprise and turns, very slowly, almost not noticing that Meghan has backed away from him. <Glossaria> ::quietly:: Meghan, I think you should leave now. * Meghan blinks looking up at Gloss <Meghan> No I want to make sure he is going to be ok * Vallel stands up slowly, his eyes round and wide, his mouth open. * Meghan slowly stands <Glossaria> Meghan... leave. Please. ::more softly:: I don't want either of you hurt. <Vallel> You... you can't be here ::gasps:: <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: I don't understand * Zoya takes several long strides and puts a hand on Meghan's shoulder. "We'll stay," she says quietly, "but not interfere." She pulls Meghan back against the wall with her, her grip inexorable. * Meghan nods moving to stay with Zoya <Glossaria> ::calmly, turning her attention from Meghan and fixing it on Vallel, holding his eyes:: I am here, Vallel. * Zoya quietly whispers to Meghan what she knows of the compulsions being laid. <Vallel> That's not possible... it's just not... ::reaches out, either to touch her or to ward her off, even he isn't certain. Bloody crescents mark his palms where he's been digging his nails into his hands:: <Glossaria> ::taking his hand, turning the ravaged palm over and kissing it gently, but holding his wrist securely:: Whatever you've been feeling, love... it's not real. It's Charoli... she's been planting... suggestions. Nasty ideas, from a very nasty mind. * Vallel flinches at her touch, as if she'd burned him. <Vallel> You can't be here... I... I killed you... you're not here... ::backs away, tripping over the hassock and falling to the floor:: * Meghan's face floods with pain as she hears what is going on <Glossaria> ::a look of pain flickers in her eyes, but she follows him, taking hold of his other wrist as well and easing him to the ground, kneeling beside him:: I'm alive, Vallel, you didn't hurt me. You can't hurt me, you love me... remember? Fight her, Vallel... this is Charoli's doing. * Zoya is whispering quietly under her breath, preparing a spell, just in case... <Vallel> No... no no no... I did... ::looks at his hands:: I did... I... you were dead, I... <Glossaria> Shh... you imagined it. THIS is real. Feel my hands, Vallel... can you feel them? ::voice breaking for a moment:: Oh, my poor love... what has she done to you? * Vallel stares at her, wavering between hope and terror. <Vallel> I laid my head on your chest and heard your heart not beating. I did that. I did... * Glossaria smiles at him, her lip trembling with barely-restrained tears, and gathers him in against her chest, holding his head to her heart. * Vallel clutches her to him, weeping openly. <Vallel> I didn't? I really didn't? * Meghan looks away a few tears slipping down her cheek <Glossaria> Shh... no, you didn't. ::stroking his hair, tears trickling down her face:: And anything else you... you might have done...::her voice wavers again for a brief second before she regains control of it:: It wasn't you. Charoli was controlling you. She controlled both of us. * Zoya sighs with relief, and lets the energy she's gathered slip away... * Meghan glances at Gloss and Vallel one last time and quietly slips from the room * Vallel holds her at arm's length, gazing at her... a look of complete guilt crosses his face and he runs a hand through his hair nervously. <Glossaria> Shh... ::putting a finger to his lips:: Not now. We'll have a lot to talk about...::glancing at Zoya:: A LOT. I'm not... guiltless, either. ::face darkening:: When I lay hands on that... trollop... <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: But not now. ::smiling a little, though tears:: I think, first, a bath... <Vallel> Um... ::blushes and looks away:: <Vallel> I thought you were dead.... and um... well... you know... ::fiddles with his collar nervously:: <Glossaria> ::raising eyebrows:: Is that an earring? <Vallel> ::scratches his beard:: Yeah. I'm not sure when I did that... <Glossaria> ::mildly:: I thought you were making the rounds of the whorehouses. I threw myself at a lot of people who deserved a lot better than me. ::making a face:: None of them took me up on it, though. ::small voice:: Am I really that undesirable? * Zoya smirks, but keeps her mouth shut. <Vallel> ::flinches guiltily:: I think you're beautiful. Why you care what I think... ::looks away:: * Vallel looks around suddenly... <Glossaria> ::wrapping her arms around him again and kissing him soundly:: I care because I love you. <Glossaria> ::frowning:: What? <Vallel> Meghan... she's gone... ::looks somewhat distressed:: <Vallel> ::winces, suddenly remembering what he did to Meghan:: <Glossaria> She'll be back, Vallel, I'm sure. She's like a sister to you. <Zoya> ::softly:: I told her about the compulsion, Vallel. I'm sure she'll understand. <Vallel> No... no she won't. Unless she's... she loves me, she told me so. ::looks concerned and terrified:: <Glossaria> ::breath catching:: Did you... do you... love her, too? <Glossaria> ::catching one of his hands and holding it:: Please... don't worry about... how I feel about it, just tell me the truth. <Vallel> She's a good friend... but I almost... ::strikes himself savagely in the forehead:: I tried... <Zoya> ::firmly:: Vallel. Stop that. Do not do yourself more harm. It will make it easier for Charoli to regain her hold on you. <Glossaria> Don't-- ::trying to catch his other hand before he hits himself, and gasping when she sees his forehead:: <Vallel> After everything that she's been through... I... ::gags, his self-disgust evident:: <Zoya> ::eyes Val:: What *did* you do, Vallel? Tell us the awful worst now, so we know what we're dealing with. <Glossaria> Shh... ::calmly:: I... I threw myself at Xarroch. I knew, intellectually, that you wouldn't like it, but I made excuses, I... I just didn't *care*. <Glossaria> Go ahead... it wasn't *you* love, it was what *she* wanted. ::Gloss loads the word with venom:: Just remember that. <Vallel> ::his eyes look very empty:: I'm not sure. I can't always remember where I was. I think I... I think I killed a girl, forced her and stabbed her in the throat. ::blinks:: And I tried to force Meghan. I'm sure that happened.... and I spent the last few days, that I can remember, with some... ::coughs:: with some whores. <Glossaria> ::frustration in her voice:: Was I the *only* one in the city who didn't get any sex this week??? <Zoya> ::considers:: If I may suggest... Tyl'gainia will be relieved to know both of you are free of Charoli's compulsions. And she may be able to help you sort out your memories, Vallel, and figure out which are real and which are only... nightmares. Go see her. Take a bath. And then the two of you should have a long... talk. I will take care of Meghan, or she will take care of herself. <Zoya> In any case, Vallel, I am *quite* certain she will forgive you for what were not, after all, your own actions. <Vallel> ::looks down at himself in disgust:: I think, bath first... ug... where have I been? * Zoya nods with satisfaction, and then goes in search of Meghan. <Glossaria> We'll find out. But I think we should burn these...::plucking at his clothes:: <Vallel> Um... I'm a bit of a mess, Gloss... I don't know that you really... ::blushes:: <Glossaria> Vallel, I... ::pausing, and then continuing anxiously:: I don't mean to distress you, especially not now, but I have to know. Now that... now that you've had sex with others... ::small voice:: is our relationship really just about sex? <Vallel> No... no... ::looks at her:: I can't imagine why you still care about that... I... I don't deserve it. <Glossaria> I... ::looking down at the floor, picking at her dress:: I tried to have sex with a number of our... our friends. I thought, maybe if I had more experience, and I still loved you, then... I would prove you wrong, and you might... take me back. But... then all that mattered was to have sex... and no one would have me, and... <Glossaria> I was about to ask Mistress Zoya if she would... hire some people for me... because at least then they would do what I wanted without asking me why I wanted it... <Glossaria> Oh, Vallel, I was so... I'm so sorry... <Vallel> ::looks at her carefully:: I... I... I love you. I... wanted to die... I kept drinking and ::flushes:: well, you know, because it was the only way I could forget what I'd done to you... <Glossaria> ::looking confused:: What you'd done? When you left the Tower, you mean? <Vallel> I thought you were dead! I had killed you! I... I choked you to death. I can still see it. ::covers his face with his hands:: <Vallel> Part of me was glad you were dead. Part of me remembered it fondly. I... ::gags:: <Glossaria> ::whispering:: Danger and passion... ::shaking her head and carefully taking his hands from his face:: Vallel... I'm right here. It's alright. ::face angry:: Or it *will* be alright. Mistress Zoya has been working on a way to track Charoli, and when we find her... <Vallel> I hope so... I really hope so. <Glossaria> ::firmly:: We will. Just... please, you have to be strong, I can't stand to see you like this. And she's... I think she's... molested a great many more people, from what Mistress Zoya said. <Vallel> Um... ::coughs:: You sounded really frustrated a while ago... I hope you won't mind... I don't think... I don't think I can... ::winces:: <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: I can wait. It's... I was having... fantasies. All the time, about, well, everyone. ::looking a tad wistful:: Mostly about Xarroch at first. I think I was *very* lucky I went to Xarroch first.... ::shakes her head:: But... I think most of that was the compulsion. <Glossaria> I'll be alright. <Vallel> You're really okay with this? ::pulls off his shirt, revealing a few sets of fingernail marks and lots of bruises and bite marks:: I really... I thought you were dead... ::frowns:: <Glossaria> ::gasping at the damage, keeping her hand back from touching him lest she hurt him more:: I'm really okay with it. Vallel, I... I don't care as much what you do with your body. I mean, I *do*, but... it's where you give your heart. That's why I got so worried... with Meghan. But we can talk more about that later. <Glossaria> ::firmly:: Right now, Master Vallel, you need a *bath.* <Vallel> Right. ::slings his dirty shirt over his shoulder and leads the way up to the bathroom.:: |
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