Up Waking (Jygust 30, MT)

[Quinlan Corodin]

Quinlan wasn't sure how long he dozed before his eyes opened. Once they did, he stared at the wall of his bedroom for a few flickers. The why of getting out of bed hadn't come to him. His head rolled to the other side. Too-white sunlight shone through a window. It looked like midday, or maybe a burn after.

Sitting up on the side of the bed, he looked down at his feet. Someone's feet, anyway. He felt disembodied, like he was looking over his own shoulder. He ran both hands through his hair. It felt greasy. There was crust in his scalp too, a combination of oil and dead skin.

There was a mirror in the room. Who is that in it when Quinlan stands up? His stomach is getting pudgy, whoever he is. And why not? The thought almost felt like someone else speaking in his head. Not in control of that either, are you? Quinlan stretched his arms over his head. He could smell himself. He stepped toward the pile of his clothing at the foot of the bed.

ARE YOU?! A splinter drove into his toe as he walked.

"Aah!" he gasped, and jerked his foot up. The movement put him off balance, and he fell clumsily on his side. Embarrassed at himself, he bit hard on his lower lip in frustration.

Managing to pull on some clothes, he went to the dining area to see about some food. A man sat at the table, picking over a plate of soggy-looking greens. Quinlan expected it was his great uncle, but he couldn't recognize the face

"Was wondering when you'd get up," the man lowly uttered. "Suppose you're hungry?"

Quinlan opened his mouth to answer, but his throat was coated in phlegm.

"Well speak up," the diner called, suddenly angry. "Out with it! You'll never get anything done this way."

"Plean," Quinlan spoke, but the word was garbled. "I neff... I neff wanch..." All his words were garbled.

"Wab ith siss? Wab im... Grr, wah kin spech!" His eyes grew wide, and he clutched his chin. "Wab won?! Hy can droo abernin wigh!"

He began to panic. The other man yelled angrily.

And then Quinlan woke up. His pillow and sheets were damp with sweat. He couldn't tell if it was from the nightmare, or the heat wave that the Summer City suffered under. Muggy or not, at least the air didn't seem so wrong. His head rolled to the other side. Sunlight angled in through the window; it was morningtide.

Quinlan eased himself down to the floor next to the bed. He took deep breaths, pushing himself up and down in time. His shoulders smarted with the exertion so soon after waking up, but it still felt good.

What's this nightmare business? he though. You hardly ever have dreams that you remember, don't start wasting them on bad ones. He stood and shook out his arms. The memory was already fading, and he could simply shake his head at himself. Let's not do that again, Quinlan.

Lines from neat folds were still visible in his linen shirt as he put it on and tucked it into the waist of dark brown leggings. Not the most comfortable in the heat, but he had yet to take the time to buy anything more fitting for the weather. Maybe time for a new wardrobe in general, he thought, tightening his belt.

A thought for each step had Quinlan Corodin on the 30th morning of Jygust. Shaking off the last umbral residue of a bad dream, he tamed his short hair with a comb, and was off to see who else might've risen.

[Gutter Rat]

Of all of the residents, Margot, his grandmother's sister, was the only other early riser, a cloud of fumes swirling about her in the kitchen that would send even the most overstuffed eater into a renewed frenzy of hunger, the scents of spices, baked goods, and meats an invisible and intangibal hand which dragged Quilan into the room by the forelock with relentless insistance. Margot seemed to sense his presense immediately, turning to him with a smile as she flipped several patties of lightly browned flesh almost by feel alone before doling up a plate of breakfast from the platters of finished goods.

"Was wondering when you'd get up," a man's voice muttered from behind Quinlan as Umfer, Margot's brother, shuffled into the room, his own visage surrounded by the scent of freshly burnt tobacco combined with stale body odor. "Suppose you're hungry?" he asked, taking a seat at the table and inviting Quinlan to take a seat.

[Quinlan Corodin]

There were few things like the aroma of a busy kitchen, much less waking up to such an aroma. Quinlan smiled softly before even stepping through to the kitchen. He was learning that Margot's prowess as a cook should not be underestimated.

"Mmm." Quinlan rubbed his hands together, and accepted a plate with exaggerated - though not by much - anticipation.

He hesitated there in the kitchen. The family resemblance between his late grandmother and Margot was clear, and sadness hung briefly at his heart. Even after expecting it for so long, he still felt deeply the loss.

"Thank you, Margot."

His plate clunked more loudly than it should as he nearly dropped it on the table. He stared down at the food, momentarily struck by Umfer's greeting. Tiny hairs on his arms stood on end as images from the nightmare recurred to him. Am I still having it? His eyes moved in their sockets as he looked around the room. If I have the clarity to wonder that, then I must not be... right?

Quinlan stiffly sat down, stroking his forehead with one hand. Deciding that he was, in fact, awake, he gave a nervous laugh.

"Oh, of course. Who, eh, who wouldn't be hungry with fare such as this?" He delicately placed a napkin over his lap before cutting a bite of the browned meat.

"Thank you again for allowing me use of the bedroom," he added, a bit anxious to start some breakfast conversation. "I slept quite well." Not entirely true, but bad dreams could hardly be blamed on the bed. "Aren't you having anything this morningtide?" he asked, nodding at his great uncle's empy setting.

"What is the latest today, Umfer?"

[Maeve]

Umfer shrugged and slowly digested his food, chewing almost like a cow, from left to right and back again. "Nothing much. The council will meet soon, the new one that is. Can't imagine how they will much impact our life. The harbour is expecting the package to arrive alongside some interesting products. Now that will draw some attention from various quarters. It is rumoured that there is some espresso from World's Mouth, recently captured some way or other. Very sought after."

Margot made a tsk-ing sound "Business. You are discussing business at my breakfast table. Lay off will you, you old fool?" It was said lovingly, the man thus addressed only giving a little grunt.

[Quinlan Corodin]

"Oh, don't blame him. I am the one who asked." Quinlan smiled lightly at his great aunt. "What else would we talk about? Certainly not the weather." He wiped a hand across his forehead to accentuate the point.

"New council," Quinlan echoed between bites. "Hm." Illuminating discourse it was not, but he had been in the city a matter of days. He was just learning her politics - if it could be called such - and wasn't sure yet what to hope for.

"At times like these, I suppose we have to tend our own garden, so to speak." He paused for thought, a piece of bread held in his fingertips. "About what time today to they expect the cargo? I hope some arrangements have been made, because... well, what exactly do you mean by 'attention?.'" He looked up at Umfer, imagined visions of burning manor houses beginning to dance in his head.

[Haikan]

"Well, I merely mean to say that the times are changing, and with all these exotic imports, we're bound to have a monumental reaction, whether good or bad."

"Speaking of reactions, what do you plan to do with yourself today in this old town? You get yourself into any trouble yet?" Umfer laughed heartily and he slowly descended from laughing to coughing.

"You know you really shouldn't smoke." Margot cut in again, to remind Umfer of his folly. Umfer then cleared his throat, and rolled his eyes at Margot's nagging.

When he recovered, though his face was red, he nonchalantly continued while running his fingers through his greasy hair. "There's a whole mess of things you could occupy your time with in this place..."

[Quinlan Corodin]

It was hard to tell whether Umfer was dropping a hint. But even if he wasn't, there was something that Quinlan felt compelled to say.

"I am here to help, uncle, you know that," he said in equally nonchalant fashion. "I know these are not easy times." The funeral of his grandmother - their sister - was a somber time for all. But it was a passing trial, unlike some of the problems they had described to Quinlan after the ceremony. He wondered if this morning's pleasantries were not a concerted effort to maintain normalcy.

"You and Margot have been nothing but accomodating since the moment I arrived. And I stayed here so that I might do what I can." He took another mouthful of Margot's breakfast fare, and a moment passed for the thought to sink in.

"I thought I might head out later today. I could probably use some more... seasonal clothes," he said, shifting to a lighter topic. "I would love to pick out a horse too, I think." He smiled to himself. The decision had actually been made much earlier, riding back at his parent's home before even coming to Roque. It was some of the first real enjoyment he had in weeks.

[Haikan]

"Nonsense, just make sure you pull your weight-"

"Umfer!" Margot snapped. "You stay as long as you need dear, and make yourself comfortable. Your uncle can help you find a horse if you need one, probably some nice clothes too." She smiled brightly at him and nodded at Umfer. "Isn't that right."

Quinlan's uncle moaned. "That sounds nice and boring as hell, thanks. Come on, Quin, isn't there something interesting you want to do in the city?" He smiled and tapped his shoulder playfully.

"Umfer you behave yourself! He clearly needs some cooler clothes, and a horse never hurt nobody! You could use some new clothes yourself, you know." She seemed to be getting a bit worked up, but Umfer just grunted in response.

[Quinlan Corodin]

"Heh, I think I can manage." Quinlan shook his head. "He doesn't have to escort me. Though I would appreciate a recommendation if you know some good places."

Despite Umfer's bluster, Quinlan still didn't like the sound of a "monumental" reaction. The imports due that day likely represented a significant investment for his family. He knew little yet about Roque d'Ancourt, but from the sound of things he wouldn't have to look far for trouble of one kind or another.

"So," he began, finishing off his plate. "About when was that shipment due at the harbor?" If nothing else, he would do well to get a feel for the way things worked in the city. Anothere eye on business couldn't hurt while he was at it.

[Haikan]

Umfer leaned his chair back, almost to the point of falling backwards. "Well... As you may recall from my mentioning earlier... Many shipments haven't been coming in." He sighed, and he cracked his neck with a thunderous crunch. "Don't think it's missed schedule times either, it's not. The ships come in, but products, and people alike are missing when they do. The monumental reaction would probably be that the vessel was undisturbed."

"Umfer, Quinlan isn't going to want to do detective work right now. Let him do what he wants. He said he wanted to go shopping! You should do that, go shopping, it'll be fun!" Margot was clearly uncomfortable, but Umfer gave her a deadly look, and she began to clean the used dishes quite hurriedly, muttering as she did so.

[Quinlan Corodin]

"Aunt Margot, relax," Quinlan urged, then met eyes with Umfer. "This is why I am here. I can get around to those other things any time."

He leaned back in his chair, having eaten all the breakfast he would and handing his plate to Margot. He swirled the liquid in his cup, mulling over the situation.

"Do you think the same thing might happen to this latest shipment?" Quinlan sighed through his nose. "I think... this must mean one of two things. Either the items and people never get onto the ships, and the manifests are being falsified, or the cargo is somehow being unloaded before it reaches the last stop."

"It wouldn't be very difficult for another ship to come alongside and take cargo," he continued, thinking out loud. "But someone would have raised an alarm over pirates by now. So, crooked crewmen? Captains, even?"

Quinlan swallowed the last of his beverage, and put the cup down on the table with a decisive clunk.

"One thing's for sure, I'll definitely be waiting at the docks for today's shipment."

[Haikan]

"Well, it's funny you should say that. I think it is pirates. I'm pretty sure that there are throats being cut. At least there are people and goods being kidnapped." Umfer returned his chair to the ground and he looked Quinlan right in the eye. "Tell me you don't think it's strange that people aside, food is the only thing being stolen. Never cloth, spice, woodwork or anything else." Margot nodded in agreement, and with that she left the room.

"I'll let you two talk this out." She said meekly, and she vanished into the other room.

[Quinlan Corodin]

It was painfully obvious how uncomfortable the topic made Margot, and a relief for her to go about some other business. Quinlan wanted to say something to her before she left, to reassure her somehow. But there was nothing to offer her, other than his assurances that he would do his best to help. And the two had that since Quinlan first agreed to stay.

"Only foodstuffs? That is puzzling. So, hungry pirates," he half joked. "That is awfully... specific." Food didn't seem like a hot commodity for resale. "Why steal it?" he finished his thought. "Feeding starving masses? Or perhaps..." Quinlan pursed his lips, tapping a finger against them.

"Who else has been affected? Any... commonalities? Dominicus is in the details, and all that."

[Haikan]

"Well, there have also been folk disappearing from the docks. I don't really have the standing to get involved, since I'm actively involved in the community here- you understand. Not to mention that this old fart can't afford to take the risks he used to." With that he patted his bulging stomach and his face grew sullen. "I would like to give them nasty pirates a piece of my mind, but I'm going to have ask you to get involved in my stead. Sweet Margot would never forgive me if she knew..." Umfer looked over his shoulder to make sure that she was not eavesdropping, and then he leaned in close to his nephew.

"Would you be brave enough to investigate these disappearances yourself? If you make any friends you could bring them along, I wouldn't be too suspicious of the common man in this particular situation, and chances are there are plenty of folk near the docks that might lend you a hand."

[Quinlan Corodin]

"Well, the people too, of course. Don't know if I would count them as a commodity." Umfer was wound up about pirates, but Quinlan wasn't totally convinced. Quite unusual pirates they would be.

"Yes, of course I would," Quinlan answered, nearly cutting Umfer off. "That's what I have been saying since I came. I will figure this out."

Quinlan didn't know who exactly Umfer meant by "the common man," but he did not bother asking. As far as he was concerned, it was too early to rule out anyone. The only facts they knew made little sense. Roque was a far cry from the beautiful, noble city he used to hear about. He expected that the situation was more dire beneath the surface. Once he began asking questions, that would undoubtedly attract someone's attention.

"Tell me when this shipment is due today, and I will be there waiting. In the meantime, it's business as usual for you and Aunt Margot. There's no need to advertise who I am, or what I am doing. One can't be too cautious."

[Haikan]

"Well, since the shipments have been intercepted so reliably, the next shipment is actually due to arrive during the first burn of the GraveTide. I won't be coming with you, but I suggest you make some friends down at the docks. I'm a personal acquaintance of a certain Captain Navirez." Umfer got up and cracked his back and motioned for Quinlan to stay put. He walked into the other room and came back with a rolled up piece of paper. He handed it to Quinlan and he quietly instructed him.

"Here is a permission to the WaterWorks, signed by the captain himself. Go see him today at the tradetide, and ask him what you can do to help. He'll guide you in the right direction, that is if you are really interested. Just do me one favor, Quinlan." Umfer spoke in his deepest, faintest voice and he continued: "Just don't tell Margot about any of this, her old heart couldn't bear to hear it."

[Quinlan Corodin]

"You don't have to worry about that," Quinlan assured Umfer as he accepted the paper. "As far as Margot or anyone else knows, I'm doing a bit of shopping, perhaps taking in the sights."

Quinlan opened the note and skimmed over it before rolling it up again.

"And there's no need to wonder about my willingness or interest," he affirmed. He stood, and scooted the chair up to the table.

No good in staying in World's Mouth to rot, besides, he thought. He had become more hale and strapping in the time he spent sweating out his frustrations following his disgraceful return from Terra Nova. But, there was more than one way to rot. It was easy to stay under the guise of coming to the aid of family. But as much as his distant relatives may have need of a redeemer, Quinlan needed to show sign of being the man he hoped to be.

"Have a fair day today," he wished his uncle. "Barring the totally unexpected, I will share what I find at tomorrow's breakfast table." With a respectful nod, Quinlan departed to get ready for a day and night on the town.

[Haikan]

Locked for skilling.


Skill points added for Quinlan Corodin:

*Conversation+*
*Logical Analysis - Basic+*

New skill!

Knowledge(Roque) - Basic