BF Session 12

[01:20]	<[Gtz]Mary>	[so yeah. FOR THE REAL GAMES.]
[01:20]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[FO REALZ DAWG]
[01:20]	<[Dune]Sarian>	[PFF, YOU AND YUR REAL GAEMZ]
[01:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Okay, so. After feeding Hans, I guess Mary goes to bitch out Ludwig about taking away her honeybunny. More or less?]
[01:22]	<[Atai]Momo>	[why does that sound adorable?]
[01:23]	<[Gtz]Mary>	[talkan about lots of things. you'll find out]
[01:23]	<[Nom]Sadlexis>	[because it is]
[01:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Okay. Ludwig is in his room, studying.]
[01:25]	<[Nom]Sadlexis>	[How very...studious]
[01:26]	<[Gtz]Mary>	[such a good little boy~]
[01:26]	* [Gtz]Mary	approaches Ludwig's room, and knocks thrice on the door.
[01:26]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Enter.
[01:28]	* [Gtz]Mary	enters, finding her way around the room.
[01:28]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Good afternoon, Master. Have I come at a bad time?
[01:30]	* [GM]Ludwig	is seated at a wooden writing desk with a large book in front of him and several pieces of paper spread around the top of it. He finishes scribbling down some notation from the former onto one of the latter before turning around.
[01:30]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mary! Not at all, not at all!
[01:30]	* [GM]Ludwig	is all smiles as he crosses the room to lead her into a chair.
[01:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Please, have a seat.
[01:31]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, thank you. Reading, are you?
[01:31]	* [Gtz]Mary	settles in
[01:32]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mm. Must always keep the mind active.
[01:32]	* [GM]Ludwig	sits down across from her.
[01:33]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You... wanted to speak with me earlier. Is that why you've come, now?
[01:33]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mmhmm. We got a lot of things to talk about.
[01:33]	* [Nom]Alexis	peeks into the room, commando style
[01:34]	* [GM]Ludwig	waits patiently, yet anxiously.
[01:37]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ludwig... Have you noticed any... hmm... changes, lately?
[01:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Changes...?
[01:38]	* [Nom]Alexis	wildly signals from the entrance to try to get Ludwig's attention
[01:39]	* [GM]Ludwig	frowns and blinks, turning away momentarily in thought (so he misses the wavings).
[01:39]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Well... like what?
[01:40]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Within yourself, mostly, but also how you may perceive things... I'm not really sure how to touch on this...
[01:40]	* [Gtz]Mary	looks inquisitive
[01:40]	* [Nom]Alexis	starts mimicing bird calls
[01:41]	* [Gtz]Mary	perks up
[01:41]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm? a whip-pour will?
[01:41]	* [GM]Ludwig	looks around at the window, but doesn't see any birds. Weird. Well, back to Mary.
[01:42]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Well, anyway.
[01:43]	* [Nom]Alexis	wishes she can hurt the master with the power of her mind
[01:43]	* [GM]Ludwig	senses a sudden wave of ill-intent from... the door? Hey, is that Alexis?
[01:44]	* [Nom]Alexis	puts down the encyclopedia that she was aiming at the master's direction, and tries to look innocent
[01:44]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Um. Hrm.
[01:44]	* [GM]Ludwig	ping-pongs from one maid to the other.
[01:44]	<[Gtz]Mary>	It's something everyone your age goes through, I guess, especially when you're... Master? Master Ludwig?
[01:45]	* [Nom]Alexis	puts a finger to her lips
[01:45]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Uh... yeah.
[01:45]	* [GM]Ludwig	has one of those moments where a light bulb would appear over his head if he were living in a cartoon.
[01:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mary, this doesn't seem to be easy for you to say. Why don't I give you a couple of minutes alone to gather your thoughts?
[01:46]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Oh, fine, I guess I'll just blurt it out.
[01:46]	* [Nom]Alexis	throws the encyclopedia anyway
[01:46]	* [Gtz]Mary	clears her throat loudly.
[01:47]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Master, I've come here to talk to you about...
[01:47]	* [GM]Ludwig	hops back from Mary and throws both hands desperately in the air. The large book freezes midway through its arc.
[01:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Hold that thought, sorry! Be right back!
[01:47]	* [Gtz]Mary	doesn't actually stop, but it- she stopped
[01:47]	* [GM]Ludwig	dashes around Mary's chair and through the door, slamming it shut behind him.
[01:47]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...
[01:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What the HELL do you want?!
[01:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Can't it WAIT!?
[01:48]	* [Gtz]Mary	crosses her legs and pitches an ear. Oh, perhaps I'm found out~
[01:49]	* [Nom]Alexis	tries to look like a kicked puppy
[01:49]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"I'm trying to help, master."
[01:50]	* [GM]Ludwig	crosses his arms, not buying it for a second.
[01:50]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Just get on with it.
[01:50]	* [Nom]Alexis	gives Ludwig a superior look
[01:50]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Master, you just don't understand a maiden's heart."
[01:51]	* [Gtz]Mary	thinks to herself: Come to think of it, Cerise probably needs the same talk. I'll do it tonight, then.
[01:51]	* [GM]Ludwig	starts to roll his eyes and leave... before he realizes she might not actually be talking about herself.
[01:51]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...what do you mean?
[01:52]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks a bit upset that her good intentions are being ignored
[01:54]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Master, when a girl asks you about "change", it can only mean 3 things."
[01:56]	* [Nom]Alexis	stops to think for a moment
[01:56]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"What's the date, master?"
[01:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	The fourteenth... why?
[01:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What's that have to do with a maiden's heart?
[01:59]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Ok, four things. But you're still pretty thick, master"
[02:02]	* [Nom]Alexis	sighs
[02:02]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Never mind. It looks like this will need Alexis' expert touch."
[02:02]	* [Gtz]Mary	waits with the patience of a shaolin monk.
[02:02]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"I'll help you out this time, master."
[02:03]	* [GM]Ludwig	sees where this is likely to go, and moves to block the door to his room.
[02:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Not until you tell me at least what it is you're helping me with.
[02:05]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Everything, master, everything. Really, you should just trust me for once."
[02:05]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks over Ludwig's shoulder and shouts
[02:05]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Ah, Mary!"
[02:06]	* [Gtz]Mary	calls back more silently:
[02:06]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, Alexis. What could you possibly be discussing that isn't fit for my ears, hmm?
[02:07]	* [Gtz]Mary	pushes her lips together.
[02:07]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"I was just bringing some references for the master, Mary. And tea. Did you want tea?"
[02:07]	<[Gtz]Mary>	[oh wait, is that door still closed? bah, whatever]
[02:08]	* [GM]Ludwig	stands silently fuming for a few seconds.
[02:08]	* [Nom]Alexis	is, of course, carrying a tea tray. A maid is always carrying a tea tray, unless otherwise specified.
[02:09]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You had damn well better make this count.
[02:09]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, I'll just let myself in then."
[02:09]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, certainly! Master, are you finished? Come sit, we're not close to being finished yet.
[02:09]	* [GM]Ludwig	spends the last of his visible displeasure throwing the door open.
[02:09]	* [Nom]Alexis	announces her entry to no one in particular, and gives Ludwig a confident smile
[02:10]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes, sorry about that.
[02:10]	* [GM]Ludwig	picks the encyclopedia out of the air on his way back to his seat.
[02:11]	* [Nom]Alexis	set up tea, and helps herself to a couch as well
[02:12]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mm, thank you.
[02:12]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Hmm, is this one of those serious talks?"
[02:12]	* [GM]Ludwig	takes a cup and does his best to forget that Alexis is present.
[02:12]	* [Gtz]Mary	sips the tea. mmmm. good tea. It's the really tea-tea.
[02:13]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Sorry for the interruption, Mary. As you were saying...?
[02:13]	* [Gtz]Mary	pinches her lips again.
[02:13]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Alex-iiis! I thought you said you were gonna help me out on this?
[02:13]	<[GM]Ludwig>	g...wha?
[02:13]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"What? I'm helping, aren't I?"
[02:13]	* [Nom]Alexis	gives Ludwig a wink
[02:14]	* [GM]Ludwig	gives Alexis a gape-mouthed stare.
[02:14]	* [Gtz]Mary	sighs, and sits her tiny teacup into a tiny saucer and sets it on a tiny coffee table with a tiny coaster and tiny little trays
[02:14]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Well, I guess I'll just cut straight to the point.
[02:14]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Again.
[02:15]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Master, we're here to talk to you about...
[02:15]	* [Gtz]Mary	[dramatic pause that isn't actually a pause but is nonetheless dramatic]
[02:15]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...sex.
[02:15]	* [Nom]Alexis	facepalms
[02:15]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Uh... huh.
[02:16]	* [GM]Ludwig	blinks and repeats that last part just in case anybody missed it.
[02:16]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...huh.
[02:16]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"What Mary means to say is that you're approaching the age where your body is growing in new and unexpected ways and you definitely need to learn the ways of the world and--"
[02:17]	* [Nom]Alexis	facepalms again
[02:17]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Subtle, Mary, subtle."
[02:18]	* [Gtz]Mary	folds her hands in her lap and looks indignant.
[02:19]	<[Gtz]Mary>	It's true, the master's a growing boy, and we should go over these things just in case, but our master has a deeper understanding that transcends ordinary children, so I think it's in our best intentions to be frank and open about these things.
[02:20]	* [Gtz]Mary	can't believe what she's saying anymore
[02:20]	* [Nom]Alexis	shrugs in Ludwig's direction
[02:20]	* [GM]Ludwig	can't either. Did somebody spike his coffee this morning...?
[02:20]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, there you have it, master."
[02:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...let me get this straight.
[02:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You're here... both of you...
[02:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...to talk to me about the birds and the bees??
[02:23]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oh, you know that one, do you master? Then what about, er, the sharks and the echidnas?"
[02:23]	* [GM]Ludwig	takes his turn to facepalm.
[02:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Okay, never mind. Why?
[02:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Why now? Why you two?
[02:24]	<[Gtz]Mary>	We both decided it's a good idea to start now, especially since you started using your magic for... not-good purposes.
[02:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Since I what!?
[02:25]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, I think sharks and echidnas are some of the more interesting fauna of the old world that do not get enough representation in--ah, if Mary says so, then it must be true."
[02:25]	* [Nom]Alexis	nods sagely
[02:26]	* [Gtz]Mary	isn't doing a very good job
[02:26]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...Hmmm. Perhaps you are a little young for this talk. . o O ( Cerise's age is probably about right... )
[02:27]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"No, don't back down now, Mary! You have to take a stand!"
[02:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No, don't! Or rather, I won't let you!
[02:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What the... this..
[02:27]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Huh?"
[02:27]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Won't let her what?"
[02:28]	* [GM]Ludwig	flaps his mouth for a few seconds, but no words manage to escape fully formed.
[02:28]	<[GM]Ludwig>	WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???
[02:28]	* [GM]Ludwig	explodes suddenly.
[02:29]	* [Gtz]Mary	flinches.
[02:29]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Damn it, ONE of you had better start talking!
[02:29]	* [GM]Ludwig	seems more flustered than angry.
[02:29]	* [Nom]Alexis	sips her tea
[02:30]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Now Master Ludwig, remember your manners. Is that how you talk to two young ladies that are trying to help you?
[02:30]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I don't know anymore!
[02:30]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, when a man and a woman loves each other very much..."
[02:30]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes, coitus, thank you, Alexis. I am familiar with the mechanic.
[02:31]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks disappointed
[02:31]	* [Gtz]Mary	sighs, and bows her head.
[02:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Stop beating around the bush, both of you. This decision didn't come out of the clear blue sky.
[02:32]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What. Is. Going. On?
[02:32]	* [Nom]Alexis	waves a finger
[02:33]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Really master, you're always rushing things. That's why you never have any luck with the girls."
[02:33]	<[Gtz]Mary>	I'm sorry, Master. I should have approached you with the subject alone. I thought it'd be a good idea to have a second opinion, but...
[02:34]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No... no.
[02:34]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...no. I'm sorry.
[02:34]	* [Nom]Alexis	jumps in
[02:34]	* [GM]Ludwig	deflates slowly back into his seat.
[02:35]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I shouldn't have blown up like that.
[02:35]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"No no, this was my idea. I thought it'd be easier to breach the topic from the flank, so to speak."
[02:35]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...huh?
[02:36]	* [GM]Ludwig	waves one hand in the air dismissively.
[02:36]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Never mind, never mind.
[02:36]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Just say what you came here to say. I'm listening.
[02:36]	* [GM]Ludwig	straightens up and waits.
[02:39]	* [Nom]Alexis	puts on a serious voice. What actually comes out is something like documentary narration
[02:41]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Master, Mary has been noticing the attention you devote to her. Yes, being the sharp girl that she is, she has seen through your various mischief."
[02:42]	* [GM]Ludwig	reddens a little, but says nothing.
[02:42]	* [Gtz]Mary	finally finds her turn to facepalm.
[02:42]	* [Nom]Alexis	nods as if she needed to agree with what she has been saying
[02:45]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"But she did not want to break your young heart. Not understanding the world the ways of the world, you will certainly have been shattered to learn the truth!"
[02:45]	* [GM]Ludwig	looks to Mary and interrupts Alexis quite deliberately.
[02:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Truth?
[02:46]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"The Truth!"
[02:46]	* [Nom]Alexis	shakes her fist passionately, even as she is ignored
[02:47]	<[Gtz]Mary>	The Truth? About what?
[02:48]	* [GM]Ludwig	looks back at Alexis.
[02:49]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oh, what pandemonium the world of men and women is! We weren't sure if you were read for it! No, we feared that you were ready for it!"
[02:52]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"So decided to ease you gently into it, master, by trying to explain to you this brave new world you are now about to enter."
[02:53]	* [Gtz]Mary	sullens a little bit, her thoughts drifting among Alexis's words.
[02:54]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"But alas, the master was impatient! He wanted to know! Like a short and fashion-impaired Icarus, not knowing the heat of the sun!"
[02:55]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Alexis... could you leave us alone for a little bit? I think I know what I wanted to say, now.
[02:55]	* [Nom]Alexis	doesn't really hear anyone else anymore
[02:55]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"The truth is, master...Mary's heart actually belongs to...!"
[02:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	ALEXIS!!
[02:56]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"HANS!"
[02:56]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...What?
[02:56]	* [GM]Ludwig	jumps to his feet and points at the door.
[02:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	OUT!
[02:56]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"...What?"
[02:57]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Did I stutter?
[02:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Thank you for coming. Now, leave us alone.
[02:59]	* [Nom]Alexis	puts both her hands in air in resignation
[03:00]	* [Gtz]Mary	feels even worse, now that she got Alexis into trouble.
[03:00]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Ah, ok, ok. I'm done here anyway."
[03:01]	* [Nom]Alexis	stands up and straightens out her skirts without a fuss
[03:01]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, off I go then."
[03:02]	* [Nom]Alexis	pats Mary on the shoulder as she leaves
[03:02]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"I hope you know what to do with your show now."
[03:02]	* [Nom]Alexis	stage right
[03:04]	* [Gtz]Mary	sighs, and is silent for a very long moment. An irresistible dry giggle makes its way through her body soon after.
[03:05]	<[Gtz]Mary>	hahaha.... I'm sorry, Master. That was a little... silly.
[03:05]	* [GM]Ludwig	watches Alexis leave, then sits back down and leans forward towards Mary, bracing himself.
[03:06]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I want you to sa...
[03:06]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...I want to hear it from you, Mary.
[03:07]	* [Gtz]Mary	straightens up.
[03:10]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Yes, master?
[03:11]	* [GM]Ludwig	shakes his head slowly.
[03:11]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No, I'm sorry, I can't let you off that easily. You're going to have to say it yourself.
[03:12]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Say what?
[03:12]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Say what you came to say.
[03:12]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Speak your piece.
[03:12]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm listening.
[03:16]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Oh! Ah, yes. Of course. Again, I'm sorry about that embarrassing little scene, but I want to talk to you about a great deal of things. We need to talk about Teilya, Cerise, Sam, Alexis, the new guest... But most of all, I'm here to talk about you. How do you feel, master? I don't mean your temperament or anything of the physical sort, but how have you truly been feeling lately?
[03:18]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Um...
[03:18]	* [GM]Ludwig	has never been good with this kind of trick question... probably not least because he always thinks of them as trick questions.
[03:19]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...fine?
[03:23]	* [GM]Ludwig	fidgets through the resultantly uncomfortable silence.
[03:25]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mmm, really? Just fine? That's good, I suppose.
[03:25]	* [Gtz]Mary	takes the tiny cup and takes a tiny sip
[03:26]	* [GM]Ludwig	had almost completely forgotten about the tea. The still-warm leaf juice soothes his nerves somewhat.
[03:26]	<[Gtz]Mary>	But when I put myself in your shoes, I can't help but be anything other than fine... If there's anything you want to talk about, master, that's what I'm here for.
[03:27]	<[Gtz]Mary>	I know you don't keep me around for my tea, anyway.
[03:27]	* [Gtz]Mary	sips, as if making a point.
[03:29]	* [GM]Ludwig	almost interrupts to ask what she meant by that, but keeps his mouth shut in the end.
[03:31]	* [Gtz]Mary	bows her head, as if she's staring into her empty cup.
[03:35]	<[Gtz]Mary>	I haven't been there for you as of late, master. I'm sorry. I've forgotten my place.
[03:37]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What? No!
[03:38]	* [GM]Ludwig	doesn't even consciously think about it, he just reaches across and grips Mary's knee through her skirt, keeping his eyes on hers.
[03:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	That's nonsense. I've never thought that way about you.
[03:39]	* [Gtz]Mary	flinches a great deal, her own hand meeting Ludwig's.
[03:40]	* [Gtz]Mary	eases.
[03:40]	<[Gtz]Mary>	You may not, but it's how I feel. I owe you a life-debt, master. And I should work as hard as I can to repay it, even if I can never.
[03:41]	* [GM]Ludwig	realizes what he's done only after she flinches, but cannot move the offending hand away before she's trapped it there. Did it get hot in here all of a sudden?
[03:43]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Anyway, master... Come sit here.
[03:44]	* [Gtz]Mary	pats some of the empty sofa next to her.
[03:44]	* [GM]Ludwig	obliges.
[03:46]	* [Gtz]Mary	lays an arm around Ludwig's shoulders, smiling and giving them a little rub.
[03:46]	* [GM]Ludwig	definitely notices an increase in the room temperature.
[03:47]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...that's better. So, how is everything? Is there anything you'd like to share, or perhaps even something you'd wish I would share with you?
[03:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Well... erm...
[03:49]	<[Gtz]Mary>	It doesn't have to be anything bad or serious, we're just going talk a little bit about whatever we need to.
[03:49]	* [GM]Ludwig	has several things that spring immediately to mind, none of which seem terribly appropriate.
[03:49]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Of course, if you're not comfortable right now, I'll always listen to what you have to say at any time.
[03:50]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Well, all right, then... how are *you*?
[03:50]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hm, I figured you'd say me. Alright then, what do you want to know?
[03:51]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Well, just... how are you? What have you been up to?
[03:54]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, I'm doing alright, all things considered... Cerise, Teilya and them still worry me sometimes. I wish we didn't have to bestow such adult duties on people your age... Frankly, I don't see how you cope with it like you do.
[03:56]	* [GM]Ludwig	turns somber.
[03:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I wish so, too. But, we haven't been left with the luxury of choice.
[03:58]	* [Gtz]Mary	sighs inaudibly, moving from shoulders to petting Ludwig's hair with close care not to be abrasive.
[04:00]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I wouldn't be able to cope with it at all, if it weren't for all of you.
[04:01]	* [Gtz]Mary	smiles, and hums a short laugh obligingly
[04:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No, I'm serious.
[04:01]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mmhm, that's what I find so wonderful about this place.
[04:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I don't show you half the appreciation that I should, just for your being here.
[04:07]	<[Gtz]Mary>	I don't doubt you a bit, Master. Before coming here, I used to have a heart frozen in ice, hardened from the pains of our degrading little world. I wouldn't have talked to any of you, as much as I may have wanted to. I was too afraid. But shortly after I arrived, I underwent a spiritual renewal... I started to open up. Made some friends. I even got baptized by our preacher.
[04:13]	<[Gtz]Mary>	But now I can feel the stings of harsh reality more acutely than ever before... Perhaps it's the ones I've yet to know that shake me the most.
[04:15]	* [GM]Ludwig	moves his arm to wrap it around Mary's shoulder, but finds it just a little awkwardly high from this angle, and there's nowhere else to put it that might not be inappropriate...
[04:18]	* [GM]Ludwig	leaves his arm hanging there for a second before steeling himself and throwing caution to the wind. Reaching behind Mary, he puts his arm around her waist, hand on her far hip. Situated like this, he leans his head onto her shoulder.
[04:21]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mhmhmhm... You're such a warm boy. Alexis tells me that she helped raise you, is this true? If so, I have a lot to thank her for. She certainly does a better job than me.
[04:22]	* [GM]Ludwig	finds it impossible to remain tense like this.
[04:23]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yeah... she's been with the family a long, long time.
[04:24]	* [Gtz]Mary	runs her fingers through his hair once more, with all the tenderness of a mother.
[04:25]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mmm... Alexis has a pretty good heart in the end, doesn't she?
[04:25]	* [GM]Ludwig	manages an exasperated sigh.
[04:26]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I suppose so... she's got some work to do on expressing it, though.
[04:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Do you really get along well with her?
[04:27]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmhmhm... Well, that's just how she copes, I guess. I bet she really worries about you a lot. We all do, really.
[04:28]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Oh, I think we get along alright. We used to be at odds all the time, but I think we might have reached some sort of an understanding.
[04:29]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm glad to hear that.
[04:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What do you think of Sam?
[04:32]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Oh, Sam's such a sweetheart. She's a little sheepish, but she'll fit right in. She's already made friends of Teilya, Cerise and I. I'm really happy with how that all turned out. It's too bad about her memory, though. But... I suppose it's a renewal of her own.
[04:33]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Sam...
[04:33]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Oh, yes.
[04:34]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Cerise told me that you ordered her to change rooms, and that I'm to room with Sam. May I ask why that is?
[04:37]	* [GM]Ludwig	hesitates, wondering if he'll actually be able to say this with her so close. He could always move, but...
[04:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I want you to help her get... acclimated to this place, her new home, and position.
[04:39]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I know it's inconvenient for Cerise, and possibly for yourself, as well, as close as you are.
[04:40]	<[GM]Ludwig>	But, I think Sam might feel more comfortable opening up one-on-one, as opposed to feeling like a third wheel.
[04:41]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, of course. That's no problem. Though I'm gonna miss Cerise, as you said.
[04:41]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Not that I'm saying that's how you'd treat her, of course, but that may be how she views it.
[04:42]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes... Cerise didn't seem to take my orders very well.
[04:42]	* [Gtz]Mary	smiles deeply.
[04:44]	<[Gtz]Mary>	She loves me. And I love her, too. But I think she'll be fine, she should probably room with Teilya for the time being.
[04:45]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Hmmm. That's a good idea.
[04:46]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Cerise and Teilya... Really, those two always need someone to love. It's how they cope as well, I suppose, but it transcends that. It strikes closer.
[04:49]	<[Gtz]Mary>	From what I've observed, Teilya is quite taken with Sam as well. I think - nothing for certain, but I think - she feels that Sam can be a source of retribution for her past sins. Did you hear her after they came back with Sam yesterday? She was so... distraught. But now, she's doing pretty good, and I think Sam has helped do that for her.
[04:53]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Hmm.
[04:56]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm?
[04:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Hmm? Oh.
[04:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I dunno.
[04:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Just... thinking.
[04:57]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hahaha... Is there anything in particular you want me to do with her? Honestly, someone else might be better suited for the job. I'm usually just a liability.
[04:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Just do what you do best: talk, listen, and understand.
[04:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Make her feel welcome. Or rather, make her feel at home here.
[04:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Trust me, there's no-one I can think of who is better suited for this task.
[05:00]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm... Sometimes, I start to think I don't speak my words quite the way I want them to to sound. That I don't listen quite as well as I should. That I don't understand all that I perceive. But... I'll do my best for you, Master. You can count on me.
[05:01]	* [Gtz]Mary	gives his shoulder a soft squeeze.
[05:02]	* [GM]Ludwig	squeezes back.
[05:02]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I know I can.
[05:09]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm... How long do you want this to last, anyway?
[05:09]	* [GM]Ludwig	shifts his head around to look up at her.
[05:09]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What do you mean, exactly?
[05:12]	<[Gtz]Mary>	I mean, do you want this to be a permanent change, or can I trade with Teilya after a while? I bet she'd like to spend some time with Sam herself, and I'll start to miss hearing Cerise's little snores every morning.
[05:13]	* [GM]Ludwig	chuckles.
[05:13]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I hadn't really thought that far ahead, but it's not a bad idea.
[05:14]	<[GM]Ludwig>	How long would you say is "a while"?
[05:15]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm. Maybe we should talk to them about it. Maybe let Sam pick out who she wants to room with? Though I suppose you're quite set on putting her in with me. Hmm...
[05:17]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...I'd say once she's comfortable with us, and she finds her place in the group and learns her maid duties and all that. Could take a few weeks, could take a couple of days. To do what you want, we can only measure by how Sam feels.
[05:20]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mmm...
[05:25]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You really do smell nice...
[05:25]	* [GM]Ludwig	can not believe he just said that out loud.
[05:26]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Ah, it's Cerise's shampoo. I used some of it last night, smells like cherries, doesn't it?
[05:26]	* [Gtz]Mary	whoosh
[05:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Ohh, y-yeah...
[05:28]	<[GM]Ludwig>	It really... suits you.
[05:28]	* [GM]Ludwig	would slap himself right now, if he could. What are you doing!?
[05:29]	* [Gtz]Mary	doesn't look quite as peppy as before.
[05:30]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Mmm. I suppose.
[05:32]	* [GM]Ludwig	tries to ride out the awkward pause in the conversation.
[05:34]	* [Gtz]Mary	just rocks the boat. don't rock the boat, baby~
[05:38]	* [Gtz]Mary	stops for a moment.
[05:39]	<[Gtz]Mary>	...Wait a second. You're not dodging the conversation, are you? You're supposed to tell me what you think about Sam, not how my hair smells. But thanks anyway~
[05:40]	* [GM]Ludwig	blinks. He is?
[05:40]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh. Sorry.
[05:40]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Sam... well...
[05:41]	<[GM]Ludwig>	She...
[05:41]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...was a lucky find.
[05:42]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Indeed. Very fortunate for her, and as I've said before, some of us. Oh, that reminds me...
[05:42]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Have you spoke to that man Cerise found earlier?
[05:43]	* [GM]Ludwig	inhales through his teeth.
[05:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	The survivor... no, not yet. Honestly, I'd almost forgotten about him.
[05:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Have you?
[05:43]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Yes.
[05:44]	<[GM]Ludwig>	How did he... seem?
[05:44]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Hmm...
[05:44]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...that's an awkward way to put it, but...
[05:49]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Well, he's certainly not a well-mannered man. But that's forgivable. His true fault lies in his broken spirit... So much time in the wild and the recent events all must have come to quite a shock for him. I've heard that his friends, I suppose his comrades, died very recently before his arrival here. It's pitiable.
[05:49]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I see...
[05:50]	<[Gtz]Mary>	Reminds me of myself when everything went wrong, really. Now you're all alone amongst strangers that don't like you, and you don't really know what to do but survive. It's lonely.
[04:51] * [GM]Ludwig tightens his grip slightly and inches closer to Mary, hearing about her hard life before coming to the Fortress.
[04:52] <[GM]Ludwig> I'll have to go and talk to him soon, then.
 [pause~]