Timm's Chambers

[The Smith]

Timm's face fell immediately, and he wrapped his arms around her. "I am sorry for what you have to suffer for your people. You do not have a choice."

[brigida]

Tristeza's eyes were blank and blurry as she shut them, barricading her mind against the baleful thoughts that loomed perpetually on the horizon of her consciousness. She said nothing, but returned the embrace.

[The Smith]

Timm held her close, and lowered his head so his nose was buried in her hair. He said nothing and just held her. His eyes began to water, but he remained quiet.

[brigida]

"Are you going to go to Piers, then? Or stay?" she asked hesitantly, her voice shaking to a barely noticable degree for the first time.

[The Smith]

He sighs, "I will stay. I will put off my return to the Landing for a while longer." He holds her tight and his eyes close.

[brigida]

She pulled away slowly, "As long as you learn to control yourself," she said more assertively than she felt, "You should return to the guard...I don't trust those Bravos worth a fig, let alone worth my life. I'd like to have you on again."

[The Smith]

Timm nodded, "I will protect you. And I will go back to being your man." He paused and looked at her again, "But being drunk off your ass allows you to make foolish mistakes." Stepping forward he lifts her into his strong arms and kisses her lifting her from the ground.

[brigida]

Tristeza did not try to overpower him physically. It would have been a wasted effort; she pulled away from him at the lips, and growled at him; "This is not foolishness, Timm, It is folly. Put me down." there was anger in her voice, though she could not help blushing for embarrassment as she admonished him as child would a grown-man. It made her feel weaker than she had already.

[The Smith]

Suddenly with her in his arms he could not understand, "I love you Tristeza. I know you hate the man. I know you feel something for me?" He lowered her, but held onto her hands.

[brigida]

"Delinal? Yes. I hate Delinal," she agreed, shaken, and somewhat unconvincingly "But...It is very difficult to explain, Timm. I cannot--well, to begin with, I have no idea whether or not my having other consorts would offend him to the point of reniging on our contract. Furthermore. Well; there are other reasons. It is very difficult to explain."

[The Smith]

Timm looked at her, "He does not care at all. He has no feelings for you, you are just an object. A pawn. An Accessory." He paused and looked at her, "Do you not feel for me?"

[brigida]

"Timm! On the Seven, won't you simply accept that this situation is more compliated than I am able to explain? Let the matter drop." she snapped anxiously.

[The Smith]

Timm looked away and let go of her hand, "I am sorry."

[brigida]

It wounded her to see a good man, with wholly good intentions hurt, especially on her own behalf; "It is not a matter worthy of apology," she muttered, looking away, "I am sorry I spoke harshly. I did not need to say that in such a manner."

[The Smith]

"I am ready to serve." He replied, and bowed awkwardly.