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* Violet is in the main room. She's curled up on one of the couches, asleep, with a blanket half-drawn up over her. Her eyes have dark circles under them as if she slept poorly the night before. * Dawn pauses on the street to check all the shadows and nooks and crannies where someone might be hiding, before he turns to the door. He glances almost carelessly at his telltales, then frowns and looks again more closely. He clenches his teeth, draws his dagger, and opens the door quickly, ready to defend, if need be. * Violet sleeps on, dead to the world. Metaphorically, anyway. * Dawn blinks in the dim light, and focuses finally on Violet, sleeping on the couch. With a frown, Dawn runs - nearly silent - up the stairs. He opens the door to the spare room, startling Calis, who's sitting on his bed intently studying. <Calis> ::eyes wide:: What? <Dawn> You're okay. ::switching from relieved to intent:: Did you open the back door? * Calis kicks at the pile of clothes at the foot of his bed. "Nosir, you said not to. But, um..." He carefully marks his place in the book before shifting positions. "Miss Violet might've. She was acting kind of funny when I got back." <Dawn> ::raises his eyebrows:: Funny, how? <Calis> ::shrugs:: She was kind of humming and... and happy, I guess. I thought maybe she went for a walk or something. When Dria and I were in that place you set up for us, she was sometimes happier after she'd gone out for a walk. <Dawn> Mm. All right. Stay up here and finish your reading. ::he looks at the pile of clothes with slightly narrowed eyes:: And by Tymora's ti-eeth, would it kill you to put your laundry in the damned hamper? <Calis> ::looking vaguely guilty:: No sir. I mean, yessir, I'll do it. ::he opens up his book again before Dawn even closes the door, the promise already forgotten:: * Dawn goes back downstairs, and stands beside the couch looking at Violet for a long moment, before pulling the blanket off her and folding it neatly. * Violet stirs in her sleep, drawing herself together and shivering a little. She murmurs a faint complaint. * Dawn bends over to gently brush her hair out of her face. "Violet, dear, wake up." * Violet wakes with a start as he touches her. "Don't--!" She sits up suddenly, shading her eyes against the light of the room, panting with fear and looking around wildly. She sags in relief at seeing Dawn. "Dawn. You're back. I'm sorry, I-- I didn't realize who it was." <Dawn> ::mildly:: I understand. ::he sits on the section of couch she's no longer occupying:: Calis tells me you were in quite an agreeable mood this afternoon. <Violet> ::she ventures a smile:: I was happy. ::the smile slides from her face:: But then I wasn't feeling well, and I lay down. ::she looks around:: I... I must've fallen asleep. I'm sorry. <Dawn> You don't have to apologize to me for feeling happy, or for falling asleep. ::his eyebrows go up slightly:: I *did* ask you not to open the door while you were alone here, however. <Violet> ::bites her lip and ducks her head:: I'm... I'm sorry. ::she lifts a hand to massage her forehead:: A... a friend came. From the Island. Looking for you, actually. She said she was... concerned, when I disappeared, and was going to report to you. ::defensively:: I just talked to her a little. She wanted to make sure I was okay. <Violet> And-- and I locked the door again. Didn't I? ::she glances towards the door:: <Dawn> ::watching her massage her forehead:: Aye, you did. Who was it? <Violet> ::shrinking back a little:: You won't be mad at her, will you? For coming to see me? It was nice of her to worry.... <Dawn> No, I'm not mad. I just want to know who it was. ::he gives her a faint smile:: I thought you'd said you didn't know any Guild except Rosin. <Violet> ::hunching her shoulders a little:: Did I? I meant... Rosin is my contact. I know a few other people... whores, mostly. <Dawn> ::softly:: Who, Violet? <Violet> W-well... ::rubbing her head:: Sandy and Scarlet, they w-work the corner near where I work.... <Dawn> But only one of them came today. Who was it? ::he slips his hand under her chin and turns her face to the light, noting her wince and the size of her pupils calmly:: Your dealer? <Violet> No! ::flinching away from him, scooting down the couch and hugging herself:: Just... a friend. I call her Blossom. She was concerned about me. ::her tone is slightly accusatory:: Why are you asking me all these questions? I didn't go out, I locked the door again. <Dawn> Because someone wants my head, Violet. Someone wants me dead, and he's recruiting guildmembers to help him. ::he half-smiles:: For all I know, you're one of them. ::more seriously:: You understand, I'm not trying to keep you a prisoner, here, but you came to me for *safety*, and... this is the best I can do. But if you're going to stay safe, then you really can't open the door when you're here by yourself. * Violet flinches and looks at the floor. <Dawn> ::leans closer to her:: I'm not in the habit of giving out my address to whores, Violet. Who is she, and how did she find you here? Really. <Violet> Blossoms's not a whore. ::holding her head with her hands, as if she could keep it from splitting open:: She could be, she's really pretty, but she's not. She's just a... a friend. I don't know what she does, really. But she already knew who you were and where your shop was, honest! It's what made me think of finding you, when Rosin disappeared. <Dawn> So she talked to you about me *before* you found me. Go on. <Violet> Well, I said... ::swallows:: I didn't know you were in this city. I didn't... but I talk about you sometimes, about what you did... and she mentioned it, once. <Dawn> Did she? What did she say? <Violet> Just... ::she starts to shake her head, and winces a little:: If my Dawn was the same Dawn that ran the Guild. I didn't know... ::laughing, a touch hysterically:: I was working for you all along, and I didn't know.... <Dawn> ::smiles a little:: I prefer it that way, usually. It's much safer for me - and for the people who look to me for safety. This fuck who wants my spot - I don't give a rat's ass about him. But if anything were to happen to Bienca, or to Calis, or to you - simply because he wants a hostage... ::his face darkens, though he speaks quietly:: I'd level the city, if that's what it took to get to him. <Violet> ::bites her lip:: You... ::whispers:: ...I thought you just didn't want to see me again. <Dawn> ::frowns:: No. I thought you'd be... better off, without me reminding you... ::he makes a face:: And then we left Suzail, only a couple of years later. We weren't given much choice in that. <Violet> ::hunches into herself:: It... it would've been nice... just to know you were there. <Violet> ::dark spots appear on her skirt as tears drip off her cheeks:: <Dawn> ::sighs, and scrubs at his face, then puts a hand on her shoulder:: I know. If I could go back... I was young, and I was stupid, and I didn't *know* how fucking stupid I was. I got these kids off the game, because it made me feel good, but then I had no fucking idea what to do with them, so I dropped them and ran. I didn't learn better until I'd moved here. I'm sorry, Wren. I am. <Violet> ::sniffles and wipes her face:: Althea... Althea was good to me. She taught me. ::smiling a little:: Like you're teaching Calis? W-well, maybe not quite the same. But... I was so lonely when she died.... <Dawn> ::nods:: I'm sorry to hear about that. If I'd known you were here, I'd have come to see you. <Violet> Would you have? Really? ::she looks up at him; her faintly bitter smile is heartbreaking:: <Dawn> ::nods:: Really. I keep track of most of them, now. Even the ones who don't even know the Guild exists. <Violet> ::chews her lip, contemplating the floor again:: H-have you found out anything about the girls who disappeared? <Dawn> Not yet, but I'm looking. I've got several people trolling. * Violet nods slowly, twisting her hands into her skirts. * Dawn watches her, waiting. * Violet looks up again after a few moments, sees him watching her, and jerks her eyes back down to the floor with a gasp. <Dawn> ::after another several very long moments, very quietly:: Well? <Violet> ::very quietly:: I... I tried. I... thought I didn't need it. But... then I thought... just a little.... <Dawn> ::nods, sympathetically:: That's how they get you. What is it? <Violet> ::shrugs a shoulder:: Just a... a little white leaf. It dissolves... on the tongue. ::she closes her eyes, and for a fraction of a breath, her face is calm and blissful, remembering:: <Dawn> ::nods:: What do they want in payment? <Violet> This... w-was payment. ::lowering her head:: <Dawn> Ah. ::barely a sigh:: Well, I'm still alive. What did you give them? <Violet> ::flinches again slightly, just a freezing of the muscles:: They only asked... that I tell *you* what I overheard... what was going on, on the Island. ::looking up, eyes wide:: It was the truth, really it was! A-and... that I should try to... make you take me with you. * Violet lowers her eyes again, color staining her cheeks. <Dawn> ::cocks his head slightly:: Interesting. Why would they want me to know about- ::frowns:: So I won't look at what the other hand is doing, obviously. And they wanted you planted so they could try to push you into doing other things for them, once you were here, hm? <Violet> ::draws in a breath, and bites her lip:: <Dawn> ::smiles, sadly:: Go on. <Violet> I... I was just supposed to listen. And s-see... see what men you met with here. Whether there was a man n-named Mace... <Dawn> ::laughs softly:: They didn't trust their man to- ::shakes his head:: Mace is *dead*. They even *know* that. They listen to too many rumors. ::he sighs, and leans back against the couch cushions:: And? <Violet> A-and... ::hands trembling as she clasps them together in her lap:: W-what makes you think there's another "and"? <Dawn> I didn't, until you almost answered. And what, dear? <Violet> ::buries her face in her hands:: I... I c-can't... please, I can't.... I... I'll just... go away, all right? I'll go, and you'll never have to worry about me again.... p-please, just... let me go... <Dawn> ::shakes his head:: You know I can't do that. ::he puts his arms around her and pulls her into a comforting embrace:: Did they expect you to knife me while I slept? Poison my ale barrel while I was out? Are they really that *stupid*? * Violet freezes again as Dawn says "poison." "N-no... please... please, you'll hate me... please don't hate me, Dawn!" She clings to him, burying her head in his shoulder. <Dawn> ::nods slowly, petting her hair:: I don't hate you. <Violet> ::trembling in his arms:: Just... hold me. Please don't ask me anymore. <Dawn> ::sighs and nods:: All right. ::he sits silently, holding her. His eyes, fixed on the far wall, are as icy and dangerous as a late-winter lake:: * Violet sighs and relaxes against his shoulder, her tremors stilling little by little. <Violet> ::whispers:: I can't hurt you, Dawn... I could never hurt you.... <Dawn> ::pets her hair again, a wry smile flickering like a ghost over his expression:: You might be surprised what you could do, if that drug got its hooks in you deep enough. <Violet> But it just... it's not like that, Dawn, really. I wouldn't take something dangerous like that. It just... makes me feel... special. For a little while, anyway. <Dawn> Yes? ::he sighs:: Why'd you open the door today? <Violet> ::automatically:: Blossom. She just... wanted to see for herself that I was all right. <Dawn> Mm. ::doesn't sound convinced. After a moment, he lowers his head until his mouth is right next to her ear, and whispers:: There's a war on, dear. Like it or not, you're going to have to pick a side. <Violet> ::trembling:: I... I don't know... I... I want to trust you, Dawn, really I do... I trusted you once... but... I'm so afraid! And Rosin... ::she bites her lip:: <Dawn> They're holding Rosin against your good behavior? <Violet> ::shakes her head:: No, no, it's not like that... it's only... ::agonizes:: He might be able to get her back for me, he said, if he had... well, a position to bargain from. <Dawn> But he knows who to bargain *with*... I don't suppose you know anything about him? <Violet> ::shakes her head:: I only met him the once, when I was... well... ::she bites her lip:: <Dawn> You *met* him? ::breathless:: Did you see his face? <Violet> I... sort of... ::small voice:: I... I was using... <Dawn> Would you recognize him if you saw him again? Or a good sketch? <Violet> ::chews on her lip doubtfully:: I... maybe in person. Although I couldn't swear to it. But... if I saw him... he'd see *me*. ::shudders again:: He'd know... he'd know I couldn't do it. <Dawn> ::laughs softly:: I'm sure he'll know in a few days anyway, when I don't turn up dead. <Violet> ::swallows hard, her voice a whisper:: That's... that's not what he wanted. I couldn't do that. I could never do that. <Dawn> ::draws a breath:: I have to ask, now. I have to know what I'm guarding against. <Violet> ::covers her face with her hands and mumbles something:: <Dawn> Please, Violet. I have to know. <Violet> ::swallows hard:: Bie... Bie, and Calis... <Dawn> ::sighs sharply, a gasp in reverse:: Dead, or taken? <Violet> ::closes her eyes:: D-dead. Quiet... painless. She said it was painless and quick... <Dawn> ::harshly:: Does that fucking *matter*? ::he draws a deep breath, closes his eyes, and holds out his hand:: Give it to me. <Violet> ::flinches at his question, and hesitates a breath longer:: <Dawn> ::waits:: <Violet> I... I'm sorry, Dawn... ::tears filling her eyes again as she reaches into a hidden pocket under a tasset of her bodice, withdrawing the little vial:: * Violet stares at the vial a moment more, her hand trembling. She raises the hand to her lips, her thumb moving towards the cork, and hesitates again. * Violet closes her eyes and turns her head away, dripping tears, thrusting it hurriedly into his hand. <Dawn> ::closes his hand around the vial with a shudder:: Thank you. ::he looks at her finally, then sighs:: First Jewel, then Bienca and the boy... It's like he's working his way through... through... ::a kind of sick horror ripples over his face:: Oh, gods. * Violet ignores him, crying quietly into her hands. <Dawn> ::he shoves one hand violently through his hair:: Fuck, if that's it, then it won't be long before... ::he draws a deep, calming (sort of) breath, and puts his hand under Violet's chin, forcing her to look at him:: I am not going to ask what your intentions were, before. I don't want to know. Next time, I want to know about this sort of thing *immediately*. ::he kisses her forehead:: Thank you. <Violet> ::her eyes red with tears, face wet-- in a word, she looks horrible:: You're... you're not putting me out? <Dawn> ::he stands:: Not if you'll choose a side and swear to stick to it. <Violet> I... ::miserably:: How can you trust me? I... I can't even trust myself. <Dawn> ::seriously:: I don't. You're going to have to earn it. <Violet> ::swallows:: Then... h-here... ::fumbles under her bodice again, withdrawing a small, flat box of polished wood, and handing it to him:: W-will you tell them? * Dawn takes the box without comment, turning it over in his hands as he considers. Between one turn and the next, the box disappears, palmed and hidden. "Not Calis. He's not ready for that kind of scare, and he likes you. Bienca... deserves the truth. I'll tell her what they asked of you - and that you refused it." <Violet> ::lowers her head:: Th-thank you. ::swallows:: I... I should go lie down somewhere. I still have a headache. <Dawn> ::nods:: You can have the couch back. If I'm right, some very dear friends are in danger, and I need to warn them. ::he heads for the door, mumbling something about a larger house, moving quickly - but not forgetting to set his telltales again as he leaves:: |
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