Melodia

The sunlight beamed through the windows and onto Ruru's cheek, as he lay face down in bed. The sound of the ocean and birds were a welcome - He sat up quickly, and his head rang inside as he did. The ocean? he was confused and looked around the room, not recognizing it and then remembered. He was in Limsa, at the Drowning Wench. And he knew he was heavily hungover. He stood slowly, getting his bearings and stretching some. He glanced at the empty bed and shook his head. The woman had left sometime in the night. 3000 for the full evening? With that kind of charge he half expected her to be there come morning. He had half a mind to let....what was her name again? He pulled the business card from the table and remembered. Grace. He would have to let Grace know. But then....he looked at the sunlight and thought maybe morning had long since come and gone so maybe he wouldn't bring it up. He went to the bed and sat, putting his face into one of his hands and sighing. He had finally gotten some sleep last night for the first time in days. Perhaps it had been the combination of sex and alcohol that had finally put his body at ease, but his mind was still tired and he still felt as though he'd been beaten by a squad of Garlean thugs. What had he done? He looked about the room for anything amiss and realized something was missing. "The linkpearl..." He hissed. What had he done with it? A vague memory came to him of standing on the docks and.....he'd thrown it in. He sighed and shook his head, embarrassed by his own actions. He had begun to hate these moments of sobriety. They made him think and when he thought, he got depressed. How in the hell was he going to explain the Linkpearl to Kage....or Natalie? She'd surely have him doing more than laps this time. He tried to think back to the woman he'd hired. She called herself Liana but she was clearly out of her depth in comparison to the real one. Though, he thought, to be fair, the woman likely had no idea she was being compared and critiqued. It was no matter. He'd gotten what he wanted and Grace was now wealthier because of it. He began to gather his belongings. He needed to get back to Ul'dah. Drunk or not he needed to explain the Linkpearl and he needed to..... He stopped and sighed. He needed to get himself in order. He wasn't sure when things had turned so backward but he wasn't happy with recent events and he wasn't happy with himself. He needed to stop the drinking before something serious happened to himself...or others. He winced at that, thinking of potential problems that could come of that. Yes....he would need to get the drinking under control but he might need some help with that. He glanced at the bed, whispered "Liana.." and turned to leave, ready or not for whatever might come from heading back to Ul'dah.

He sat outside of the Quicksand in Pearl Lane, not far from where he lost his eye, sitting against the wall and drinking back the last of his bottle of wine and ensuring the last drops hit fell out into his mouth before hurling the bottle against the wall across from him. The bottle shattered, spreading glass splinters everywhere and Ruru chuckled, clearly drunk. He slumped his head back against the brick wall, closed his eyes and sighed. His sleep had been nothing short of horrific the past few weeks and he was running on fumes on a daily basis. The alcohol was the only thing providing him any sleep anymore. He sniffled and wiped his eye and though for a moment, wondering how things had seemingly gone so wrong. He'd not seen anyone in some time and the thought, in his drunken state, made him laugh loudly, sounding a bit like a madman, if one were to judge. The only person he'd seen on occasion of late was the lovely Aya, which was why he opted to drink in the alley, for he didn't want her seeing him in this state. Everyone else....who knew where everyone else was? He certainly didn't and at this point it didn't matter. In the span of two days' time he'd been used and if one more person called him adorable in that mocking tone one more time he decided he might lose his mind. The only one who took him seriously was.... Liana. He let out an angry and frustrated growl as he thought of her name. He hadn't seen nor heard from her in some time, nor Suri. And the urge to drink more hit him in waves as he considered this. "Damn it!" He said it loudly, and with bitterness as he cursed himself for getting attached to anyone. He should have known better and scolded himself internally for not having adhered to his lessons learned in life about the lack of permanancy of anything. Not in friendship, not in family, and certainly not in matters of the heart. He began to stand, stumbling a bit as he did so, payning no mind to the folks that passed him by, looking at him with genuine concern in their eyes. Ruru staggered a bit before getting his footing and felt the heavy armor against him, which reminded him of what he was wearing: the Paladin garb he had earned from Captain Jenlys. He looked down at himself and burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all. The idea that this broken, lonely man could be a Sultansworn was ridiculous and he slapped his chest two times, with tears beginning to stream out of his lone eye. "What's wrong with me?!" He yelled to no one in particular. He slumped a bit, a wave of dizziness washing over him. He mumbled, "what's wrong with me?" He suddenly wished he had his bow again. His bow, arrows, the woods, and solitude. Though he felt as if the latter was clearly well in hand. He began to walk haphazardly back to his inn room, determined to sleep, even if for just an hour. And promised himself that when he woke, he would grab his fishing pole and head to Limsa Lominsa....or anywhere....for if he was to be alone, he would do it on his own terms.

Already PM'd. Will definitely take part as a client. *scolds Ruru* "Bad Ruru!!"

Malon!!! *Lalajump* Welcome! Ruru often wanders around hunting and such or can be found in Ul'dah. Just let me know in game and we can set something up.

The tall, red-headed Hyur beauty sat in the Quicksand, in one of the quieter corners and sipped her ale with disgust. Melodia had been making brief trips into the city of Ul'dah in the hopes of possibly running into the Roe woman she had met briefly before, but had been to no avail. So instead, she sat and drank. And cursed what she saw. These frolicking and drunken fools, flirting and wasting their time. She wondered why they even bothered. But what irritated her most were the small ones....the Lalafells. Always coming and going as they pleased, running about as if they ran the world; when in fact she thought they belonged under its heel. Seeing them reminded her too well of that crimson-haired buffoon Nonotano, and when she thought of him her grip on the cup of ale tightened. So here were these stunted folk....running about. Irritating her. She'd seen one stroll in with an eyepatch and chat up the blonde who worked there and Melodia's only thought had been that the lost eye had been a good start. And now she was glaring at the one who often was in here. The dark haired Sultansworn....he often was present and chatty. And it ground her nerves. She thought, "Tonight's the night. I've had it with that one." It had been a while since she'd spilled any blood and if it were going to be anyone, one of the little runts would work well. And the funny thing is, he would have no idea it was coming. She paused and took a sip of her drink and sighed. One dead Lalafell wouldn't bring back Thorin, nor would it help her find the wayward Roe. She was starting to wonder what she needed to do to get herself back on track. She took another drink and looked away from the bearded Lalafell to the table, granting a rare mercy that few, if any, had ever received. No she would not kill him tonight. Maybe in the future.....but not tonight. Tonight she wanted to think. All she needed was a bit of luck to get herself on the right track. A bit of luck and the right contact.

Nonotano was taken aback by the brash ego of this woman. As he looked and saw the stares of the onlookers beginning to dissipate, he stared Ozmama with amixture of curiousity and mild annoyance. She didn't appear to be a threat to him, but he kept his guard up, regardless. He extended his own black gloved hand and shook her hand quickly, releasing it afterward. He leaned close and said in a low voice with a quick side glance to ensure there was some privacy. "Nonotano Sasatani. Though I don't use that name much anymore." He let out a small cough and continued. "I go by Krell nowadays...keeps some of the past buried and that means fewer questions to answer, particularly around this city." He stepped back, studying the woman before him and placing a hand under his chin, clearly thinking. "You said you were a mage. That, you see, interests me, as we have something in common. And maybe you and I have other interests in common." He considered her brash mannerisms and the way she spoke to him as possibly hopeful signs. If his instincts were on, which they typically were, this woman might prove to be exactly the type of person he was looking for. "Tell me, Ozmama....what else interests you, aside from limping men in cloaks?"

Where had the days gone? He wandered the streets of Ul'dah, past the people he didn't even see as his gaze was glossed over and a stupid grin plastered to face. The wine helped, as it always did, but he had tried to cut back some the past couple of days. As the sun shone down and warmed his armor, he couldn't keep his mind from Liana. And the stupid grin grew wider, looking as though he were in love; though he knew better. He was smart enough to know the dynamics of his relationship with the beautiful Miqo'te, and it they weren't based in love. The two had shared time and would likely do so again, and he was happy to do so. He surely wouldn't be able to be with the one he really desired and while it broke his heart, he knew there was no way to alter the course he was on. So he grinned, happy to be desired, even if by someone of Liana's nature. He'd been alone for so long he didn't want the feeling of being with someone to end. He knew the trials were soon and hoped his new relationship wouldn't harm his chances. But he would worry about that later....he was currently thirsty and needed drink. Perhaps the Quicksand would be a good place to stop...but he reconsidered and headed to the less populated Pearl Lane instead. And he did so smiling all the way.

*Head explodes due to excessive cuteness*

He stared a moment.....this woman. Who was this woman who dared to scold him? Had she any idea who he really was or what he'd done, she wouldn't have dared to approach him such a dismissive manner. He scowed a bit, narrowing his eyes at her, but knew he couldn't make a scene here right at the gate of all places. He tossed the hood back, revealing his short red hair and clean-cut face and he smiled at the woman. He was simultaneously annoyed and intrigued by the boldness she had displayed. He leaned forward, looking at her with an expression that was both condescending and curious as he continued to glare at her. with a low voice that was nearly a whisper he said, "The limp is real, damn it. and stop drawing attention. There are enough fools in the city that dress more absurdly than I do...this would have been passable had you not made such a scene." He continued to limp, past the woman and then stopped and turned back, unable to stop talking to the damnable woman. "And what would you know of it anyway? Hmm?" He had dealt with monsters like Melodia in his time, so how much trouble could one Lalafell woman pose?

Just wanted to say thank you to those who posted. I appreciate the opinions and and advice. Just as an update, yesterday I ran into a friend decided on the fly to switch to IC and rp.....and it was fantastic! If I have my time right, we were IC and talking for more than 4 hours, and I feel like it went very well. I didn't stop to overthink everything, and just stayed in Ruru's head as much as possible and responded as Ruru would, and since I wasn't overthinking it, it felt much more natural and emotional. And I feel like I walked away with some new understanding of Ruru, which was awesome. Anyway, thank you all again. And Gus....that emoticon frightens me! *runs* *comes back* Which one? Both! *runs again*

The dust had always irritated him, the way it just clung to everything. If you cleaned it, it would simply reappear given time. And Thanalan had been ripe for dust, always had been, and likely always would be. And Nonotano hated the dust and subsequently, had always hated Thanalan. And yet he had thrived here, as a weed might in a well groomed yard, somehow surviving, and somehow able to thrive, despite the threats it faced. Nonotano had also survived, much like the weed. He should have likely been dead already at least three times over, and yet the Twelve had spared him over and over. He knew that meant something important....and no it didn't mean some riddle-laced tripe about fate and destiny. He knew better and despised those who were suckered into such nonsense. No...he knew it meant he was lucky, and he hoped to carry that luck onward as he had finally decided it was time to stop hiding. He'd been avoind Ul'dah and had even adopted a new name to maintain his anonymity. "Krell". It was a ridiculous farce, the name, but he he'd grown accustomed to it and decided he would keep it. As he neared the steps outside of Ul'dah's Gate of Nald, he sighed and brushed the dust the best could from his robes. The steps were always difficult with his limp. He looked up, smiled, and raised the hood of robe over his head, as to conceal his crimson locks and face somewhat. Some discretion would still be best, given some of the overeager buffoons in the Sultansworn or Flames running about. He began up the steps and into the city for the first time in months. And he hoped he would find a kindrid soul sooner than later, as he had work to do.

Hi...I am still pretty new to rp in an MMO and while I have done a few rp scenes, I do a bulk of it here on the site in the threads. But....lately I feel like I don't really understand my own character. Like no matter how much I know his backstory and where he is kind of going, I don't get him. I feel like there's some kind of disconnect and it makes playing him IC....wooden? Not interesting? I don't know. Because of this coupled with other issues for me (shyness, etc.) I feel like every small rp scene is awkward and probably not very interesting for others. I don't know...there are days when I feel like re-rolling and/or drinking a fantasia potion and moving on, but I like Ruru. But there are times when IC I dislike him. And that feeling sucks. :cry: Any thoughts?

He woke in the middle of night, screaming. He gasped for air as he sat up, clutching the sides of the bed with a white-knuckle grip, and sweat dripped from his forehead. As his breathing got under control he tried to recall the dream, only recalling small details such as the presence of his dead mother and sister and his brother wielding the bloody knife. He didn't even realize he'd been crying, as the tears melded with the sweat the rolled down his face. It wasn't the first time and the dreams had become almost unbearable. His sleep habits had been a mess for some time and he was starting to feel its effects. He sat on the side of the bed and reached across to the nightstand and for the bottle there. Lately wine had been his only calming recourse, and he'd downed more bottles of late than he could recall. He knocked the glass off the table, and cursing, he knelt to pick it up, filling it to the rim and downing it immediately, thankful for the calming drink. He filled a second, emptying the bottle and throwing it to the side of the room. He supposed he was thankful for the cleaning service in the inn, lest he have a pile of emptied bottles to look at. Aye, the stresses were beginning to take a toll on him, and he chuckled, downing the second glass. Between the trials that were forthcoming, his own past issues, and recent conflicts, he was tired. But he daren't let others see this. So, he turned, attempting to sleep again, hoping he would at least look rested in the moring, even if he truly wasn't. He gripped the blankets and covered himself again, covering himself tightly and staring blankly at the wall next to him praying the dremas would go away. Afraid to sleep, he yet drifted off soon afterward.

Thanks. See everyone? It's so easy to avoid these misunderstandings. Still waiting on yours ruru It says the data size is too big. *ZING!* *drum riff* :lol:

He nods at Aya. "I would love to. Thank you so much again. It was a pleasure meeting you and many thanks." He moves and begins a fast walk away, waving as he does so. As he looks back he waves at her and smiles brightly. As he began to run again, he smiled and nodded. It was a good day after all.

He glanced around again, seeing no sign of Kage or Natalie. "It's a pleasure to meet you Aya, truly. I have 50 laps to run....and that was lap 40. So, ten more to go." He looked down, as he knew he needed to get back to it. It would do him no good to get himself into further trouble, and the sentries were looking unhappy with the meeting on the Strip. He also didn't want to get Aya into trouble as she looked dressed for work. He stammered a bit, trying to find the words. "Ah...I, uhm...I should get back to it. Don't want to get more laps added, right?" He laughed nervously and ran his hand behind his head in an embarrassed and nervous manner. "Thank you again for the water. It means a lot to me."

I am new to rp.....but here's my two gil worth. 1) If you are both having fun with rp, then length of time is irrelevant. 2) Gender is irrelevant. Period.

He chuckled even through the heat under the armor and the shortness of breath. She was sweet and had felt for him. It was a kindness he would remember. "Not to worry....I'm in trouble but for something foolish I did. While what I did probably didn't hurt anyone, this..."character building exercise" will help me remember to not do it again." He took a small drink, and looked down. "I'm sorry for how I must look...I am usually in better shape than this. My name is Rurutani...though most call me Ruru."

The accent from the woman's lips fascinated him as it sounded foreign to his native Ul'dah ears, a sign she was in fact real (where, he thought to himself, would he come up with an accent like that?). As he took the water skin and loosened the cap, he slowly titled it back and felt the cold liquid hit his parched throat, and began to take in big gulps, relieved to have the water. he stopped after a minute, suddenly cognizant of how he looked and most likely smelled. He blushed profusely, though it wasn't visible through his already red and puffed cheeks. "I-I'm sorry. I just....it's been a long day." He breathed and took another drink, nodding at the young woman. "My thanks." He glanced at her, smiling and then asked what suddenly came to his mind, "May I ask why? I mean...." He looked around again, sure he was being tested. "...I'm in trouble. Sort of. I just never thought...." he held up the water with a slightly confused expression on his face.

Was she real? Rurutani went through the scenario in his mind...he had been ordered to run laps as corrective action for leaving...then a young blonde woman was holding out something to him, smiling, in the hallway. He stopped, gasping a bit, his head still cocked to side, his eyes discerning the woman before him. He reached out slowly and touched the skin of water and it felt gloriously cool to the touch. He stammered a bit, lowering his voice into a whisper so the sentries wouldn't hear. He took a quick glance around, praying that Ser Natalie was gone for he was sure she'd have his hide for stopping for a break. He then wondered what Kage would think if he saw this. Well if she wasn't real he would look like a crazy person, he supposed. "A-are you real? I mean....this isn't a heat sickness is it?" he said as he grasped for the cold water skin, looking to loosen the top.

As he turned the corner, breathing hard with the armor feeling as though it weighed as much as one....no, two large male Roegadyn strapped to his back, Rurutani was beginning to be convinced he now knew what true pain was, and that included the loss of his eye. The other sentries seemed quite amused by the spectacle, the Lalafell running as hard as he could, and Rurutani prayed the Sultana would not decide to take a stroll through the area, for the shame in that would be unbearable. He told himself to hush as he had brought the issue on himself for leaving. The armor creaked and he wiped his brow with futility as he gradually turned the corner and saw what clearly was a mirage. There stood a young woman in a corset and thigh boots standing there, seemingly watching him, and holding something close to her. He slightly cocked his head to the side a bit, wondering why this spectator was suddenly there. The sentries posted did not seem too thrilled with her presence, but she seemed intent on keeping her eye on him as he ran toward her. As he approached he slowed his pace a bit, unsure what she wanted, not even sure she was real, as he'd had one too many strange dreams and visions lately. For a man with one eye, he seemed to see too many things lately. He continued to slow, unaware that he had nearly come to a fast walking pace as he came within speaking distance of the woman.

His breathing was heavy as he ran, the armor practically digging into him as it weighed him down. The carpeted flooring a brief respite for his feet as he ran what was now his 25th lap around the Chamber of Rule landing. He continued to get odd looks from others as he passed, the sweat pouring down his face and yet the grin he bore seemed permanantly etched into his face. He had made a terrible mistake leaving in the night as he had done. It was something he considered a black mark on his record and he would need to work to rectify the matter. Meeting Ser Natalie was terrifying as he was sure she would have kicked him out of her sight for the pitiful exit he had done. But no! She had thrown the sword at his feet and told him to run 50 laps in his armor. That was a win as far as he was concerned. He would not disappoint her again. And he promised himself he would not make rash decisions based on dreams again either. He wiped the sweat away from his brow as started lap 26, still smiling. For he knew the trials would be coming soon. And he was ready.

Damn it, only if I can bring my spaceship and we can incorporate the Cylons.

The dreams had been too much for him over the past days. The nightmares kept coming and he was still feeling a bit lost. Ruru picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He looked back at the bed in his room, the paladin armor and sword neatly laid there, with the note to Ser Natalie which simply read "I'm sorry", and hung his head low. With a turn, he left the inn, the night air and quiet streets greeting him. He stepped out of the city of Ul'dah, unsure of where he was headed next. He needed some peace and and some answers, neither of which he had gotten in his home city.

Congratulations team! Someday I'll hopefully see this in real time.