[Victor] A Houseful of Guests

[sinanju]

Who: Victor Kruger
When: July 1, shortly after In the Rain
Where: The Rowland House
Invited: Everyone in the house, folks arriving from In the Rain
Status: Complete

Comments

[ginnyvos]

Behind them, a soft knock, too soft to be heard over Alexeis sudden outburst, sounded. After a moment, a second knock sounded, harder this time.

Aleila had followed the group of people without actually joining them. She hadn't seen this many people at once since... Since the disease robbed the streets and houses of their inhabitants. Of course she would be wary of them, it was only natural, she told herself. Had nothing to do with her. After all, Damien had helped her enough that she didn't fear them anymore... Not as much anyway.
She looked how they disappeared into a house, catching a brief glance of what seemed suspiciously much like a dry, warm and relatively safe environment...
"This is madness," she said out loud, "I've learned better than this! I need the shelter and the food they might be able to provide, and in the least, I need to check if anyone here has seen or heard of Damien or Lan!"
She nodded, as if agreeing with herself, and resolutely walked to the house, raised her hand and... Stopped. She surveyed herself. She was soaked to the skin, clothes muddy and blond hair falling down past her face in dripping strings. She sighed. Way to make a good first impression; Drip water on their dry floor. They'll hate me... And what if they find out about my... Thing?
She took a deep breath, Damiens steady voice telling her not to be scared, that they where only humans after all, and to see things in the face. Taking another deep breath, she knocked on the same moment that she felt a bolt of fear and anger coming from the house.
Scared, she took a step back, ready to run.
In a few seconds, she pulled herself back together. There was no way those emotions could be directed at her, she told herself, nothing to fear. Pulling together her last bit of bravery, she knocked again, harder this time.

[Victor]

[sinanju]

"Nobody's threatening anybody here," Victor snapped.

Akkarin's simple gesture, followed by the fluttering of everyone's suddenly-dry clothes was quite a surprise. A shock, even. And Alexei didn't take it well.

"You're all guests here," Victor said. "And that comes with certain rights--and responsibilities. As your host, I'll defend you from threats, including other guests. You, meanwhile, have an obligation to refrain from threatening other guests, or your hosts."

Victor faced Akkarin. "You--don't cast spells on anyone else without their explicit permission. However good your intentions, you must see now that it can be taken badly."

Victor turned to Alexei. "And you--you've friends here. We're not about to let anyone threaten you with impunity. Akkarin didn't hurt anyone even if he startled you. So relax."

Looking at all them again, Victor hoped he was on the right track. He'd read enough about ancient cultures--real and fictional--to know that guest status was often taken very seriously. These two especially seemed likely to recognize--and respect, Victor hoped--that claim on them.

"Now, as soon as Michelle gets back down here or Ami or Adam make an appearance, we'll share some bread and salt. But until then, just take it as given. You're guests, so act like it. Do you understand?"

Without waiting for an answer, Victor moved past them all to open the door. He gave the bedraggled blonde woman his best welcoming smile. "Good morning, miss. Would you like to come inside?"

[Aleila]

[ginnyvos]

Aleila's head snapped up as the door was opened.
"G- good morning," she answered, lowering her head again. "If... If that's ok?"
It was strange to talk to an actual person again. She didn't even know him... Suddenly the realisation stuck her that no less than a year ago, this would've terrefied her. She probably wouldn't even have dared to go to the house, let be speak. Damien... She had so much to be thankful for with him.
She dared a peak at the boy in the doorway, he didn't seem that much older than her.

(OOC: I take it that Victor looks about 18, if I'm wrong please tell me :) )

[Victor]

[sinanju]

(OOC: Yes, Victor is 18 on the outside, 86 on the inside....)

"Certainly it's okay. I wouldn't have invited you in otherwise," Victor said. She seemed rather skittish, but if she'd heard the raised voices on the other side of the door that wasn't too surprising.

"Please," Victor said, moving aside to clear the doorway. "Come in. We've got towels so you can dry off. I'm pretty sure we can even find you some dry clothes. I'm Victor, by the way."

Re: [Victor]

[ginnyvos]

She didn't sense any danger from him, he just seemed eager to help her. From the room however, the anger, altough seemingly diminished by some, was still clearly there, as was the fear. It seemed... Strange, however, not like how she was used to feeling it from other people.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Thank you... My name is Aleila. It's... It's been some time since I've met any other people," she said, still cautious.
Hasitating a little, she went into the house, if anything glad to be out of the rain.

[Victor]

[sinanju]

"Well, all the more reason to come in," Victor said. "I remember wandering alone--I think all of us do, and not fondly. Much better to have people around."

Victor closed the door, then handed Aleila a towel. "Aleila, this is Akkarin, Alexei, Marie Brown--everyone, this is Aleila."