Rayvinn arrived at the Arena later than normal, having decided early in the evening she wasn?t going out. After a text conversation with Apple, she changed her mind.

?Damn, everybody left already.?

The elf went to the bar where one of the serving boys was finishing up his shift and plopped down onto a barstool.

?Hey kid, see the Anvil tonight??

?Yes?m, he was here. Didn?t fight, though. Miss Rachael paid me to get him up to a room at the Inn.?

?To get him up there? Was he alright??

?Yes?m. He fell asleep on the table not long after he got here.?

?What room did you rent for him??

?Seventeen.?

?Thank you...ehh...I don?t know your name. I apologize.?

?It is Phillip, ma?am.?

?Thank you, Phillip.?

Some coin was placed upon the bar for the information and the young man?s time before Rayvinn slid from the barstool and made her way up the stairs to the Inn. Likely Hank and Jack would be angry, since she was still a hunted woman; she stayed in her old room that night nursing a bottle of tequila and a wounded heart until the sky began to change to gray as the very first rays of sunlight permeated the darkness. She left her room and walked down the steps to the floor below her own, gaze casting about as she looked at the room numbers until she finally arrived at room seventeen. Knuckles were rapped lightly against the door.

?Hey Krugey, your favorite elf has arrived to rudely awaken you bright and early, I need to hitch a ride to Adenna and haven?t seen Seiri or Nayun to get transport there.?

Raye forced the cheerful disposition, knowing Kruger was dealing with so much right now that he didn?t need to empathize with the drama going on in her personal life. She heard a soft groan, that really wasn?t all that soft to the ears of an elf, and a thumping noise and decided to let herself in. Luckily for the door, it wasn?t locked which caused the paranoid elf to frown as she pushed it open.

?It isn?t safe to keep your door unlocked in this hellhole, Krugey.?

Raye chastised him as she walked across the room but stopped when she saw him lying beneath the desk with his legs drawn to his chest. Crouching down in front of him, Raye stretched out her arm slowly so that her hand rested upon his forearm. Her voice took on a soothing quality, much as a mother would sound as she tried to calm her crying child.

?Hey sweetie, what?s wrong? Why are you down here on the floor??

Her gaze roamed over his face, took in the dark circles beneath his eyes and the cold sweat on his brow. Her attention shifted so that she was glancing him over and then the immediate area, to see if he had maybe fallen down. This was when she noticed how hard he was trembling. He still hadn?t spoken to her but he had looked at her when she spoke so she knew he was alright in that way at least.

?Oh sh*t, Krugs. You started your week of sobriety already didn?t you?? The elf raised her hand to smooth a damp curl back from his forehead.

?Don?t worry, we will get you through this. You aren?t gonna do it alone.

Confusion. Utter confusion. Andrea didn't understand this at all. Her hand pressed gently against that laptop of hers so that she could lower the screen and close the item all together. The redheads other hand had been currently busy pressing a thumb to that menu button so that the backlight of her cell would turn on once more. It allowing her to read the message.

Keeping my promise even if u don?t care. Bye.

What was that about? Even the second - no - third time looking at it caused her to come to the same conclusion. She had no conclusion. What did she mean by don't care? And by promise.. That's when it hit her. The promise she had Raye make with her some time ago. .. I want you to tell me goodbye the next time you have to go.. Apples heart sunk then. Raye was leaving.. again. But what meaning did the if u don't care have? Why would she not care about such a thing? Andrea brought up a hand to scratch against her scalp as she tried her hardest to think things through. She rose, then turned, only to fall right back into that sitting position; this time instead of a chair, she'd now be upon her bed.

Should she text her back? Of course! There wasn't any reason not to. But what should she say? Raye hadn't been exactly stable the past few days. The moment they shared after their run in at Teas 'n Tomes had been a clear sign that something had been troubling the elf.. Even if it had been started by a mention of her dead friend -- no, there seemed to be more than only that. Andrea hunched over then and brought her phone up so she could read it more clearly. Phone was then flipped open and she took a two handed hold of it after turning the cell to its side. Thumb pressed to that left arrow button. With one tap, the text before that slid onto the screen. She did it again, and again. Reading over the conversation they had. Everything, at least to her, seemed perfectly fine. But there had to be something here -- it was their last conversation before she received Rayes newest text.

Forward, going back to the latest text.. then back, to read the others over once more. Andreas eyes began to squint even more. It forced her to bring the phone closer for a better look.

".. told her I was out with the guys.." She mumbled to herself. Then continued on with another press of that right arrow key. ".. Someone sleeping next to me.." Then another press -- followed by another. Getting those few quick texts down to the one Raye had sent her about needing to go. It had come rather abruptly. That was when Apple finally blinked those green eyes and leaned back. Her back pressed against the bed in a sudden thump so that she could look to the ceiling. "... I f*cked up."

That cellphone was closed and the address book was flipped through. Number brought up then pressed against. She raised the phone to her ear and waited for those rings to follow. ".. Hey, Seth.. is your girl there?" Eyes kept themselves staring straight up at the ceiling. ".. Nah, I just need to ask her a question.. You know, a girl question." Andrea pressed a hand to her forehead. Pressure was then added so she could begin massaging against it. ".. Hey, um.. It's late, I know.. but this'll be quick.. If someone texted you saying that they were out with some guys.. and then later on said you couldn't make much noise because someone was sleeping next to you.. what would you think was happening?"

Andrea closed her eyes and listened to the other end. ".. Yeah, it's about last night.. and no.. I didn't mention the car or anything.." Eyes then opened as she let out a sigh. ".. Yeah, that's what I thought." Apple brought the rubbing hand away from her forehead and pressed it to the bed instead. With a push, she'd force herself to sit up once more at the edge of the bed. "Yeah.. Thanks. No." She then shook her head and sighed. "I should go. Yeah.." A pause came after her words -- and then the sound of silence over the phone as she pressed that button to hang up.

How should she fell right now? In all honesty - she felt tired. Half of her wanted to say that Raye shouldn't simply assume that she might have done something wrong -- that she shouldn't be upset with her. The other end explained the opposite; that she was the one who had created this simply because she didn't explain herself. It was hard to relay emotions through words on a screen. She didn't know Raye might of been upset with how she responded to the texts the night before. Everything, at least to Andrea, seemed perfectly fine at the time.

Apple took in a breath, held it for a few seconds, then finally let it loose. Her cell brought up and held above her face. She slid it open, the tiny image on the screen turning long-ways and that message screen popped up. Her thumb pressed to the conversation she had held with Raye, and the final text the elf had given her. Another thumb press, then another against reply

I dont know what to say. I dont know what youre thinking. Whatever it is it isnt right. Just know i meant what i said that night about us. When you come back ill be here waiting.

Her thumb worked against that screen to add an attachment: a photo. One she had taken the night before with her phone. By the looks of it, it must have been taken in the backseat of a car. It showed Andrea - herself, in the same clothing she had texted Raye a picture of the night before. Bright smile on her face for the picture. At her right had been a sleeping man. On the opposite side, there was another. The other man, who looked to be sleeping as well, had been leaning away from Andrea so that he could rest against another woman's shoulder. A woman who was waving at the camera with her tongue out.

Sent

It felt strange having to prove herself. That she wasn't trusted. She took in a deep breath and sighed before closing her phone and laying it down beside her. Red strands of hair falling across her back and sweeping against the bed when her form turned about so she could rest on her side. Right now all she could do was wait. Either for a text back, or not.. Hand reached out to grab hold of her pillow. Drawing it in close. Her body turning once. Now resting against her stomach. Andrea removed her glasses and pressed her face right into that pillow.

Did she expect a response the day she sent the text? No. It was that reason that when she awoke the next morning and saw there was no reply -- all she could do was shake her head while lowering the phone back down to the bedside table. Knuckle pressed to tired eyelid while lips pulled back to let loose a yawn. With what happened yesterday still fresh on her mind, and the fact that there had been no response, Andrea still felt rather tired. A drained sort of feeling. As if all she wanted to do was lay back down and do nothing. Phone was slid open and checked again. No - no change. The redhead closed it with a sigh and set it down once more.

"C'mon.. you got stuff to do." She murmured to herself. Palms pressed to pale cheeks and soft slaps were then given. Wake up, she told herself. Andrea pressed bare feet against hard floor and rose to stand. That oversized Char Aznable Custom t-shirt rose up while the woman brought up both arms to stretch. Belly button, along with those boxers, exposed to the empty room about her. Arms dropped like dead weight at her side before feet shuffled her forward. Step by step - leading her to the bathroom. First order of business.. a shower.

...

That time under the constant stream of hot water was quite calming. Though at times of peace the mind always did wander to other subjects. Raye was thought of, the night before as well. Everything that had happened in that short time span. Was she in the wrong for what she did? Or was it simply just some misunderstanding that blew up in her face. What made things even worse was that it was so close to the elf's birthday.. a day Andrea had found out about in that same text conversation. At times like these.. she really wished she could still speak with her mother. But that wish only brought up other feelings that Andrea would rather not think about. Her mind switched to more of an auto-drive then. Thinking more on the normal tasks of her morning. Looking into the bathroom mirror while she stood there in a robe; busying herself with having brush in one hand while other kept hold of that hairdryer.

Andrea could only focus on that for so long. Soon enough she'd be out of that bathroom and sitting before her laptop. Still wrapped within that white fluffy robe. There was no need to get dressed in such haste.. for now, she'd just try and relax herself while checking over a few things. E-mail. Her blog for comments. A few message boards. Checking her bank statement. It ended as it usually did. Those glasses covered eyes looking to the flickering screen while it streamed a television show she hadn't quite caught up with. Lips parted and let loose a sight sigh while Andrea began to shift in that chair. Moving from left, then to right, so that she could finally feel comfortable. Her cheek pressing softly against a curled fist. "... Should stop watching this.. When are they ever going to leave that farm.." Mumbling to herself like a crazy person.

Buzz, buzz. Andreas attention turned away from the scene that was playing upon that laptop screen; something with an old guy saying ``This is my farm.`` for about the millionth time. She drew her cheek away from its propped position against her fist and looked to the vibrating cellphone. All she did was stare, then turned back to the laptops monitor. She should answer it. What if it might be disappointing news? Andrea continued to stare at the screen before finally exhaling a small huff. She then leaned over and reached out with index and middle finger. They pressed to the phone and slid it close enough, allowing her thumb to push up underneath it. With the phone pinched between fingers and thumb, she'd bring it close and slide it open. Andrea tilted her head back only slightly while eyes lowered to peer out from bifocal lenses.

I have no idea what to think...my head is f?d up. I don?t know wtf is right. Who is the guy laying on you?

Andrea just stared at the phone while the sound of squabbling post apocalyptic zombie survivors played out in front of her. "My roommate Jay" She began. Those thumbs of hers pressing against the different letters of that tiny keyboard that had slid out from the cellphone. "The guy on the other side is my other roommate Seth and his gf. I told u about them theyd pick me up after my shifts" Andrea began to lean back against that chair. Her form slouching slightly to allow elbows to press against the chairs armrests. "Im sorry. I should of explained it better. But i didnt think youd think i was doing something wrong.." The thought of trust came to Andrea then. Andrea didn't know the full story behind what Raye was thinking, as of now she was only assuming to know - though it seemed she might be right.

Then something came to mind just then. The thought of truth, along with trust. Andrea kept her eyes on the message screen before her. Lower lip was then bitten. Her fingers checked against the phone. Finally, she'd once more thumb at those letters. "When you get back we need to talk." Wasn't it strange how the convenience of short-hand left you when things were serious? It was like that for Andrea right now. The redhead looked to her message. Looked long enough for the background light of the cellphone to go dim. Another minute then passed before she pressed a button to flash it back on. Delete it. Just delete it. That nagging feeling in her mind was telling her. Instead of listening to it, she went with the other voice. The one telling her that it'd be for the best. The one that finally prompted her to press that button.

Sent

Cellphone was placed lightly against the table by a shaken hand. Andrea looked to it, and then to her opposite. They couldn't help but shake. As did the rest of her body. Her legs rose and drew closer to her chest. Arms curling to wrap around them. Andrea buried the lower half of her face against bent knees before she mumbled to herself. A mumble that held a worried tone. "... It was fun while it lasted.. wasn't it?"

"You're just lucky I showed up tonight." The woman named Seirichi said. "You better remind her of that deal. I'm expecting something expensive."

Apple narrowed her eyes at the holder of PathFinder in small annoyance. Though she was grateful, she couldn't quite stand the woman's attitude. This crossed look shifted from her features though; changing to a small smile instead. ".. Thanks, I'll be sure to tell her." Andrea finished her words, which caused the woman before her to perk a brow. Then, with a hmph, Seirichi turned and began to walk away. "One of you escort her to the Slipkey!" Andrea winced at the sound of that roar of an order left Seirichis lips. It was then that Andrea began to look around her surroundings. She had never been here before.. Though the thought of visiting during the swimsuit competition had crossed her mind.. but in the end - she couldn't take much time out of her life during that week to attempt the trip. Still -- it was rather impressive. The gray cobblestone streets, the gothic inspired architecture. The wispy clouds of purple smoke that floated about overhead. Andrea had no idea what to make of this place!

If only she hadn't been here for other reasons.. perhaps she could express more interest. But now, the main thing on her mind had been getting to the Slipkey.

"Hello!" Andreas attention was drawn just then. A moment before, the redhead was trying to figure out why she couldn't see the sky up above.. but then she realized, it looked like they had been underground. Green eyes looked to focus on the shorter looking woman before her. "My name is Tori. I'll be your escort for the evening." The purple-robe wearing girl gave a bright smile -- and even tapped against the nametag that had been pinned to her chest. "Welcome to Adenna! You're currently in the Liltu District, the starting and ending point of all transportation to and from Adenna!" Her enthusiasm was enjoyable. It even caused Andrea to curl her lips into a small smile. Not only that, but a hint of a chuckle left them. "I'm in your care then."

"Now before we enter the city.." That cheery voice seemed to have left the girl then. Instead - a serious one of sorts had taken its place. One that told Andrea that she needed to pay attention to what was about to be said. Red strands of curly hair shifted from her shoulders and fell along her front when she gave a nod of her head. "There's three basic things you must know." Tori brought up her index finger. "Do not look any woman in the eye." Middle finger then rose to meet with the index. "Do not respond to their words." Finally the third uncurled. "If anything does happen.. hopefully, nothing will, but the small chance that it does. Simply say you yield and bow your head. They'll take it as a sign of weakness and leave you be." Her cheerful voice then returned with her next set of words. "I tried telling this to a few Rhy'Din women during their stay for the swimsuit competition. Let's just say, they did the exact opposite.. I believe their families are still requesting for the bodies to be sent back home for proper burial." Tori then leaned forward. Cupping the side of her mouth with her right hand as she whispered. "Between you and me.. I wouldn't want them back. Not after what happened to them."

Andrea didn't exactly know what to think. A mixture between anxiousness and fear. She shifted lightly within her stance and gave a look over her shoulder. It seemed the other woman caught onto the uneasiness and spoke out once more. "Like I said." Fist pressed to her lips in a soft cough. This caught Andreas attention and forced her to turn about. "You have nothing to worry about. As long as you follow the guidelines, everything will be fine." Andrea listened as the smaller girl finished her words. Bottom lip was then bitten, but she'd finally nod her head once more in understanding. ".. Right, I'll be sure to follow them." This alone made her escort smile brightly. "Good! Then I'll say it again. Welcome to Adenna!"

Welcome to Adenna indeed.. Now she only needed to make sure she could say goodbye to Adenna while still in one piece. "Follow me!" Tori spoke again and Andrea listened. The redhead followed along, though she couldn't help but grasp a bit tighter to her coat. "Ohh.. The chill. Yes, it's still the rainy season, you see. You can't tell by the way the islands block most of it overhead." The witch rose a finger to point up above. Andrea looked and made another mental note.. So, islands - huh? "And if you look over there." The quiet red head followed her escorts words, along with that pointed finger, to place green eyes in the direction of a rapid downpour that was spilling through what looked to be a hole dug through the ceiling.

"You might want to watch my legs now.." Andrea perked up her head. Instincts told her to look around, but the corner of her eye had caught the reason. A small pack of women had been looking their way. The thought of what happened to others crossed her mind - so she instantly set her sights onto her escorts legs then and there. "Hello!" She couldn't see it, but Tori had risen a hand and waved to the small group. "Who's the girl?" One of them had said. "She's from Rhy'Din! The Siovanui Seirichi brought her here!" -- "Ahh.. So Seirichi has another f*ck buddy?" the sound of laughter came from Tori then. "Maybe! But don't start any rumors! You three stay out of trouble!" It was said in a scolding voice. Which caused a bark of laughter from the women, and even a response from one of them. "And what if we don't?" -- "Then I'll come back and bring the pain!" Then came silence. Andrea blinked, wondering if her escort had gotten them in trouble.. but then, that barking laughter returned. "Get the f*ck out of here!" The way the woman had said it; jokingly. Andrea had held her breath during that small moment, and was relieved to finally let it loose in a small sigh.

The rest of the walk seemed to go rather easily. As long as Andrea kept her head down and her mouth shut, things never got out of hand. The only time she had been allowed to really sight-see was when they took that small ride across the waterways. Fear had left Andrea all together during her fifteen minute ride on the boat. Green eyes looking all about. At the way the rain drops caused that purple barrier above the boat to ripple with every light impact. The way some women even waved at her as they passed by.. then again, they might have been waving at the small witch who stood beside her. Then finally the vision of.. "There. That's the Slipkey." .. the Slipkey. Tori pointed it out with a bright smile on her face. When Andrea saw it -- she couldn't help but marvel. But then came the realization.. Raye was there. She'd be having to face her soon. ".. it's beautiful." Andrea said, somewhat half-heartedly.

Her time with Tori was over. Both of them giving their goodbyes and Andrea giving her thanks. This left the red head alone within the busy lobby of the Slipkey. "Room 512.." Spoken in a soft murmur. Andrea looked to the side and spotted the front desk. She might as well start there.

Apple tried her best to situate herself before the door could be answered. Right hand rising up to brush along strands of curly red hair. Pushing back those locks so that they slipped away from her right shoulder and would now rest against her back. Why she was worrying about her appearance right now could be anyones guess. Maybe she just wanted to at least look fine. But when the door opened, she'd only fall silent as well.

That awkward gaze continued for many seconds before she blinked and looked off to the side. As if attempting to look into the room. "May I come in?" She'd start. One leg shifting weight to the other, then back again. Andrea couldn't think of much else to say.. No, that wasn't true. She could think up a few words. But it was her nerves that kept them back.

Raye stood there for another ten seconds or so, staring and nibbling at her lower lip before she blinked several times and shook her head lightly to remove the cobwebs. ?Oh...uhh yeah. Damn. Sorry...please come in. The flustered elf stepped aside and gave an expansive motion with her arm to welcome her, turning to follow her once the door was shut and locks engaged once more.

?Do you want a drink or something to eat? I can order room service or we can go downstairs to the dining hall or out somewhere. When I was here last time I went to Isaias Dragon House & Oyster Bar and it was really great. Or there are some really great pancake houses and seafood restaurants. Uhm...? Rayvinn had been chattering rapidly for fear of saying something else, something that would make her much more vulnerable. She didn?t want to put herself out there until she knew what was going through Apple?s head, as childish as it was. She had already let down her guard so much in her last text; going against her every instinct by trying to work things out with Andrea instead of just staying away.

Out of conversation ideas, the elf puffed out her cheeks slightly as she moved passed Apple and towards the kitchen.
"Hm..?" Turning slightly to look over her shoulder. Spying over at Raye. ".. No thanks, I'm not really hungry." Of course she wasn't hungry. Her stomach was turning in such a way that wouldn't even allow a bit of food entrance. Andrea looked about the room while placing hands behind her back. Looking left, then right, then finally stepping over to a window to peer out from it. ".. This place is pretty scary. You should of heard the rules my escort gave me."

Raye heard Andrea from the kitchen and called out to her as she reached into the refrigerator for a bottle of local beer. ?Adenna has a charm all it?s own, you just have to look for it sometimes.? The cap was twisted from the bottle and a long drink was taken, the last robust mouthful savored. One more drink for the road, and the elf was heading back out of the kitchen to stand at a prop against the counter, watching Apple look out the window.

?I find the direct approach of the Adennians to be refreshing. Never have to wonder what is going on in the mind of an Adennian woman...? Raye trailed off as she realized how her words might be misconstrued. She wanted to facepalm and yell ?f*ckkkkkk? at the top of her lungs. Instead, that bottle did it?s job and masked the scowl upon her face as she took yet another drink.

".. I'm just happy I didn't get jumped." She tried to laugh. It came, yes, but it wasn't what she could ever call her normal laugh. That nervous brush of her hair over an ear came next while she turned. Her back now to the window. ".. So, maybe we should talk about what happened.." There. She said it. There was no reason to keep this going. The back and forth while trying to ignore the real topic at hand. Why she was here.. ".. What'd you think happened?" Andrea had a feeling. But she wanted to know Rayes own thoughts about it. Bottom lip found itself lightly bit between teeth as she began to step closer to the elf.

Why did Andrea have to bite her lip like that as she walked towards her? Her attention shifted to the shiny lip rings and then to the lip they encircled. For a moment, the elf went completely stupid and couldn?t form a single reply. She snapped out of that silliness as quickly as she had fallen prey to it and lifted her gaze to meet the redhead?s darker green one.

?Yeah, I am glad of that too. These are probably some of the fiercest warriors I have ever seen and it would be a shame to have to test my skill against theirs when I just want to reside here peacefully. Someone would die and that would ruin a perfectly lovely vacation.?

Raye tried her best to make that threat of murder seem more cheerful and less like what it was but she failed miserably. Maybe she would seem romantic and caring instead of psychotic and blood thirsty, since it would be for someone she cared for? Regardless of how it was received, the elf wouldn?t take back the sentiment behind the words.

She motioned to one of the couches, for Apple to sit and get comfortable and then moved to the second of the pair. Forcing herself to appear relaxed, despite the butterflies dive bombing in her belly, she settled back against one of the overstuffed cushions and crossed long legs at the knee, the hem of her army green capris rising up her calf. A light nod was given to Apple finally, agreement that she would calmly discuss this.

?I thought you were...in bed with one of the guys you said you were out with. And I thought you were just nonchalantly throwing it in my face.? It really sounded far crazier spoken out loud than it had in her head. That was nearly always the case, however. Regardless of how crazy it sounded, her gaze didn?t waver from Andrea?s own; pale greens heating up with betrayal remembered, even if it hadn?t been true.

Rayvinn said nothing further, allowing Apple the opportunity to respond. She didn?t expect this to be pleasant.

Taken from live play with permission from the player of Apple.