Dawson: Obligations

[Dawson]

I return Ari's cool gaze, somewhat surprised at her reaction to my tease.

"Please arrange it, then Arienne."  I turn from her, and stalk from the room into the fresher.  Maybe a shower will make me feel better about all of this.  Certainly cant make things any worse...

[GM Craig]

You emerge from the 'fresher and dress. Arienne is gone, probably to arrange the meeting with Cali.

It is perhaps an hour before there is a knock on the door. Opening it, you see Arienne's apprentice, the young girl who was trying to take care ou while Arienne was gone.

She bows, but keeps her hands at her sides.

"Dawson, my Uncle has asked me to come speak with you. He would like the pleasure of your company for some refreshment."

[Dawson]

I return the bow, and hold it long enough for a drop of water from my freshly washed hair "SPLAT" against the floor.
" I am always available at your uncles convenience, and always welcome the pleasure of his company"

[GM Craig]

There is a twinkle in her eye as she smiles.

"Please, come with me."

Once again, despite the vast number of people who work and live here, the corridors are empty.

When you get to the door, the young girl opens the door ushers you inside, alone. She closes the door leaving you there to wait for Cali's pleasure.

You can see Cali perched atop his usual cusions. Kali is by his side. They are speaking to each other, though you can't hear even a whisper of their conversation.

At length, Cali looks over to the door.

"Dawson, my dear. What have you brought me?"

[Dawson]

I bow low to Cali, my arms spread wide.  After a generous pause, I raise up and smile.  "Only my company, Cali, and a heartfelt desire for your company as well"  I turn to Khaliss and bow as well "And yours as well, Khaliss.. it is always a pleasure to see you"

[GM Craig]

Cali raises an eyebrow, clearly visible on his corpulant face even at this distance.

"Then come, and we shall enjoy each other's company."

Once you are seated, Cali waves to a spread of fruits and drinks. "Please, share some refreshment with me." Cali selects a small berry of some kind and pops it into his mouth.

"Are you well, Dawson?" He looks at you pointedly, and you understand there is more to the question than a simple pleasantry.

[Dawson]

I incline my head slightly, " I am as well as can be expected under circumstances, Cali."  I smile, and pick up the carafe on the table "Shall I?"  indicating my willingness to pour out for all at the table.  "I am fit, well fed, and well rested. What more could a girl ask for?"  I shrug my shoulders fractionally "I miss my friends.. there are many I have left behind.. an entire life, to be precise.  But I move forward, and face each day as a day filled with new potential."

[GM Craig]

Khaliss shows a slight upturn of the corner of one side of his mouth and holds out a cup.

The skin between Cali's eyebrows crinkles as his brows knit together.

"Arienne has expressed concern to me about your well being. She tells me you are haunted by ghosts from your past, and she worries the tasks I have been placing before you are not helping you be free of them."

[Dawson]

I pour the fruity beverage into Calis mug.  As I do, I draw a slow and steady breath.
"Arienne does not lie, Cali.  My sleep is... sparse.. and torturous.  My choices in my past life have left me haunted by many many souls.  But my devotion to you, Cali.. to your family.. to Arienne.. keeps me here, and lays my skills, such that they are, at your disposal. 

[GM Craig]

Cali purses his lips and nods, apparently satisfied on some point.

"Duty to my family also includes honest appraisal of your own skills and abilities. If some task I give you is beyond you, saying so is just as important as completing tasks that are within your power, yes?"

[Dawson]

I nod "I understand, Cali.  But sometimes, I think I am my own worst judge of my abilities.  There are tasks I thought I would be able to complete.. that I was not able to.  There are tasks that perhaps I think are beyond my skill, which I may accomplish.   There is nothing I would not attempt in my duty to you and your family.  The success of any attempt would bring pride and honour to your family.  And that pride and honour is not something I would sacrifice lightly."

[GM Craig]

Cali's eyes narrow, and he smiles and nods. You get the impression that this is some sort of test.

"Then self-awareness seems to be something you are missing perhaps? Knowledge of your capabilities and weaknesses."

[Dawson]

I smile wryly
"As always Cali, you get to the heart of the matter"

[GM Craig]

He laughs, rolls of fat giggling as he lifts his head back and roars.

"Indeed," he says when he's recovered.

"So, my dear, what do you propose to correct this apparent deficiency?"

[Dawson]

"I wish I knew, Cali.. I wish I knew"  My brows furrow in thought.. "A test.. a trial.. if there were such a thing, perhaps."