[open] got up, and kept on going

[altusimperius]

WHO: Benedict and you
WHAT: misc hanging around the Gallows while the squad is in the mystery jungle
WHEN: during the jungle plot mostly, will add stuff after if necessary
WHERE: the Gallows
NOTES: n/a

I. Droppin' Eaves

There's a pall hanging over the Gallows as another week drags on with most of Riftwatch far away and unreachable. It's a stressful time for many, and Benedict in particular, with no sending crystal of his own, is starved for information.

He tries to be subtle about listening in whenever he sees someone on a crystal, whether he's raking in the garden or eating in the mess hall or just walking around, but Benedict is not especially known for his prowess in subterfuge and it's pretty easy to catch him.

Sure, he could just ask, but that would mean drawing attention and perhaps questions to himself.

II. Arty Party

In the warmer evenings, when gardening and maintenance work is done, Bene can be found sitting on the steps of the plaza leading up from the gate, holding a small board and a pad of paper. Sleeves rolled up and hair pulled back in a little tail, he looks as common as he ever has, his charcoal-smeared hand trying to follow the architectural lines of the island's towers.
If someone looks his way, he'll meet their eyes with a guarded expression, not outright hostile but not especially friendly either.

III. Wildcard

figger it oat

Comments

1

[maidit]

Having the bulk of one's employer suddenly disappear (some under the duress of kidnapping) is entierly unprecedented, but then Ashey had been warned that was the way Riftwatch is. Even if she isn't particularly familiar with any of the company beyond their laundry, it's still distressing. Ashey finds herself pacing and eaves dropping on the crystal conversations often, though a new source of distress is presenting itself.

"One would think," she says to herself as she tuckes the crystal back into her apron pocket, Tevinter accent on full display in her flustered state, "That being in so dire and uncomfortable a situation as trapped in a jungle, one would find something other than sex to discuss."

[altusimperius]

In the middle of watering a row of herbs, Benedict looks up with a start-- he hasn't heard that kind of accent in a long time, and it's coming from the help, of all people.
Not that... he isn't also the help these days.

He smirks a little, straightening. "I take it as a sign they're doing all right."

[maidit]

She very nearly jumps out of her skin at the sound of a voice. Ashey turns sharply at the sound of the accent, blinking at the young man.

"Ah," she says, then switches to her (horrible) Orelisian-Antivan accent, "Hello. Ah, yes. As well as could be expected given the circumstances, I think. Perhaps too all right."

[altusimperius]

Her sudden change startles him as well, and Benedict blinks once or twice before speaking again.

"...what are you doing?"

Putting on that stupid voice.

[maidit]

"What do you mean?" More Orlesian this time and Maker, he looks familiar. She hasn't really seen any of her countrymen in a few years, so perhaps it's just the trick of the light.

[altusimperius]

He smiles a little, unsure of whether or not this is mean to be a prank.

"The voice," he clarifies, "are you making fun of Orlesians?" Which is fine, but it's a weird time to do it.

[maidit]

She returns the smile that's carefully self deprecating.

"I wouldn't dream of being so bold!" Not in front of someone, anyway. That was the sort of thing she saved for her internal enjoyment, "I fear I have a most unusual speech impediment. I do hope it does not cause offense?"

[altusimperius]

"...oh."

Benedict is not always exceedingly polite, and can be quite blunt when he's not thinking about it, but he has enough manners from his life as an aristocrat that he knows not to poke at someone about their funny voice (unless they've said something rude to him first, anyway).

"...no, of course not." His mouth quirks to one side, almost a smile, but too uncertain. "It just--"

No, better not.

"Never mind."

[maidit]

Ashey is likewise aristocratic in her good manners and she waits til he's stuttered to a stop til she smiles again (politely this time) and takes a few steps closer.

"I do not believe we have met," she says, dipping a slight curtsy. "I am Miss Ashey Pelt. And you?"

[altusimperius]

This girl's vibes are all over the place, and Bene doesn't know how to react to it--

but then, he's a gardener with the poise of a princeling, and his vibes are probably all over the place too.

"Benedict," he replies, inclining his head. Might as well leave off the last name, if he's hoping to make a decent impression.