Topic: Sanctuary, the German and Renna.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-03-26 02:24 EST
Brian was not in the best of moods and this definitely was not one of his best days. The search for Charlotte had ended as she was found in the Inn and looked to have been sent through the wringer. To top that off, the first person Brian ran into in the Inn was Renna. Of course that resulted in yet another altercation and Renna learning just how hard a tankard to the head truly was and just how bad it hurt. Then Charlotte's revelations concerning Tetronus and his attack on her and the possibility that the German had possibly begun something new and Charna might be involved. Brian had quite a bit to think about as he escorted Charlotte to the Villa. As they left the Inn together and headed to the Villa, Brian made a mental note to send word to Jewell as soon as possible, as this might involved people she was more familiar with.


Opening the door to the Villa, Brian moved aside the doorway and invited Charlotte inside. Closing the door he smiled, as he saw Jean-Luc pad on over from the kitchen area. "He wont bother you, but he will keep an eye on you if you like." Brian said as he patted the large cat on the head gently. "But first he needs to see my sister." as Brian tucked a note inside a small pouch attached to the large cats collar. The Moor Cat emitted a low growl, as he moved out the front door and into the night and eventually to Jewell's home. Brian closed the door and waved his hand over a small rune etched into the wall just next to the door jam. The run glowed a faint blue, and he nodded to himself and turned to Charlotte. "It's a proximity ward, to prevent anyone from surprising us. It'll be fine. You can pick any of the spare rooms you like, they are all furnished and should have fresh linens and also I recently stocked the kitchen. So please make yourself at home." He moved from the foyer and into living room and took a knee to the heart and tended the fire. "Also I have an office you can use if you like or a small reading room that is also furnished with a desk and stationary and the such. Truth be told I don't use it much, I had bought it for Ka.. Well it was a while ago. Anyways, my house if yer house and all that stuff. Feel free to explore." Brian looked to his arm once more and noticed the dried blood and the cuts along his hand and forearm courtesy of the tankard shot to Renna's head. Flexing his hand a moment as he rose to his feet, his eyes moved to Charlotte and he faintly smiled. "Looks like we both had a bang up week, eh?"


"I know you're gonna need to go back to your place to get your belongings, I'll go with you if you like. I also have a key for you as well, and I have horses in the stable and of course Jean. I'm gonna go and clean up and get a better look at my hand. Just a.. Do whatever ya want, the guest restroom is free as well and I should have some bandages and other stuff in there as well. " Brian headed down the hall into the weapons room and through there to the office. He paced a few moments and took in what Charlotte had relayed about Varick.

"I think Varick did something bad again..."
"I can try to find out more."

He hated the fact she might put herself in harms way, but it may have to be done. Brian would wait until he had heard from Jewell on the subject. With the wedding and everything else going on, who knows what was next. He didn't have much information on the German, save what he dug up and what his contacts told him. He was definitely hiding something, especially the way he handled Emma. Brian was determined to be prepared none the less. Brian hoped that Charna hadn't gotten mixed up with Varick. If that were the case it wouldn't end well by any means. Brian's thoughts moved to Charlotte and her situation as well, which by all means would require his attention also. He pondered what scared her so badly and why she wouldn't fully confide in him. There was also Tetronus and his actions and then Renna. He set the latter two aside and decided Charlotte, the German and Charna took priority. Forcing another smile, he heade dbackto the living room to speak with Charlotte and with any luck Jean-Luc would be back soon enough.

Charlotte Ravenlock

Date: 2006-03-26 19:10 EST
Luckily, being a summoner, Charlotte didn't need to return home. She just summoned what she needed and it showed up thrown in a heap on the lawn. This had irritated her, having given strict directions for the items to be brought directly to her. She'd chosen one of the smaller rooms, put her things away and sat on her bed. She lay there for many hours, not being able to sleep. Brian had just opened his home to her...she didn't even know what to say.

Another hour passed, it had to be nearly three in the morning. She turned over. Another ten minutes. Would she ever be able to sleep? The door creaked open and Charlotte's eyes widened in the darkness. Hadn't Brian placed a proximity ward on the door of the house? Surely no one could have gotten in. More blinking, straining her eyes to see the intruder. Jean-Luc jumped up onto the bed, purring. Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief, letting her body relax once more. The cat crawled up onto her chest, curled up and fell asleep. His tail twitched every now and then, his purring had become a drone of white noise....slowly her eyelids began to droop......

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-03-27 03:14 EST
After he cleaning his arm and stitching up two nice sized lacerations on his forearm, Brian made his way back into the hall and towards the living room area. He was still fiddling with the bandage for his arm when he heard Jean-Luc puring away from one of the rooms. Quietly peeked into the door and noted the large Moor Cat purring away happily as he was curled upon the bed with Charlotte.


Brian watched them quietly for a few moments and smiled faintly. He still couldn't believe he had opened the Villa to her. Truth be told no one else save Emeralda had been there for an extended time, and he enjoyed the solitude. But this felt good too. He couldn't place it, and truth be told he didn't want to think on it too much. She was special to him and it was nice to have her here. He decided everything else could wait till the Morn, and moved inside the room and covered them both with a blanket, then crept out quietly.


Moving back into the hallway, Brian headed for the kitchen and decided on some kind of a snack. After a bit of digging he found an apple and then made his way back into the living room, and then settled into a rocking chair close to the hearth. Gently he rocked back ad forth, as he took a bite of the apple. His thoughts once more going back to the events over the last few days. It seems business has once more picked up as other offers of service came from various persons about a range of topics. Brian decided a quick sub-contract to some other local service providers would be needed. His attentions were focused on Charlotte's situation and Varick until it was all settled. Rocking back and forth gently, he felt his eyes grow heavy. Setting the apple down on the end table, he yawned and stretched a bit as he settled further into the chair and soon fell asleep.

Charlotte Ravenlock

Date: 2006-03-30 12:07 EST
Leah must have known Charlotte couldn't have made it to the Villa by herself, for after Charlotte passed out on the back of her horse, Leah instinctively headed towards Brian's home. The horse carried her at a steady walk until at last they arrived at the Villa. Charlotte stayed unconcious for a while longer until she slipped from the saddle and was rudely awoken. With a groan she managed to get inside.

"Brian," she called out into the darkened house. No answer. She called again. Nothing. Charlotte shivered, winced and headed to her room where she closed and locked the door behind her. Now leaning against it, she slid to the floor and burst into tears. Why was she crying....she didn't know. Stressed out, perhaps.

There was movement outside the door; she froze. She held her breath for nearly ten seconds before Jean meowed loudly. With a loud sigh of relief, she scootched away from the door and opened it. Jean bounded in. She poked her head out the door, looking for Brian and the reclosed it. "Well, at least I've got you for company."
The Moor Cat looked somewhat indignantly at Charlotte like he had been offended that Charlotte was looking for Brian instead. The feeling must not have lasted too long, because he leapt onto the bed and resumed purring loudly. "Good idea," Charlotte said sleepily, climbing onto the bed herself.

Whether it was the consistent drone of Jean's purring or her immediate exhaustion, Charlotte slowly began to drift. However, she struggled to stay awake. She wanted to go apologize to Brian when he got home. She had to stay awake! The pain in her head steadily worsened throughout the night and her heart beat erratically. She could hear Jean mewing concernedly.....water dripping somewhere....things were getting quieter, like she was going deaf.............................her head quit hurting. Sleep had finally overcome her.

"Charlotte, do it now." The voice belonged to a man and as Charlotte turned, the face of Damien swam into view. He was hooded and cloaked, towering over her as she knelt before her sketch.
"Shut up, you idiot. Can't you see I'm still working? I'm not even sure I can do this!" Charlotte blinked several times, staring up at Damien through her half moon shaped spectacles.
He knelt down to eye level with her and about an inch from her face. "Now."
Charlotte gulped audibly and resumed her work, wishing desperately to consult her black book. But Brian had it. She placed a few more items on the sketch in the dirt: wolf hair, dragon's teeth, and blood given willingly. Of course, neither Damien nor his followers were willing to shed blood for their cause, so they volunteered Charlotte. Her forearm burned from the cut, but she knew better then to complain. She kept her thoughts on happier things...like Brian.
She thought she'd try one more time...she knew this summons was too great for her. "Damien," she said standing up. "Its too dangerous. I'd need another mage to do this properly!" She frowned, feeling a trickle of blood creep its way towards her wrist. She hadn't been prepared for what happened next.
"I DON'T GIVE A DAMN IF ITS TOO MUCH!" Damien roared and grabbed her by the throat. He tightened his grip. He stood there, holding her a few inches off the ground by her throat, sneering at her.
"Please!" She gasped. He released her roughly and she toppled to the ground. The six hooded figures backed away, their signal for Charlotte to begin. She sobbed silently as she stood back up, raising her ahands over the drawing in the dirt.
A breeze greeted her face...it was more than welcomed, but the breeze soon began to pick up. The wind was whirling around them, their robes flapping inthe wind. Her mouth opened and words poured out, but the roar of the wind prevented anyone from hearing her. The ground began to shake, tears still pouring down Charlotte's face. She had to hold it....she had to maintain the connection. There was a terrible ringing in her ears and then they plugged, liek the air pressure around them had changed. THe ground burst open, kicking up dust and rocks all around them.
A little longer, she thought. Charlotte's arms began to tremble, she squeezed her eyes shut, now gasping for breath. Then....she could feel it. The beast had arisen. Though she dare not open her eyes to confirm that, she knew it was there. Damien's voice sounded far away, miles in fact. Her eyes began to roll...it was too much. A man screamed. She struggled to keep her grip, tasting something bitter in her mouth. Blood. But something cold nudged her cheek. The blood flowed steadily from her left nostril, her entire body jerking helplessly now. Again, the unknown object nudged her. She shrieked in agony.

Charlotte's screams were carried into the waking world where Jean was pawing at her, meowing furiously and nudging her cheek with his wet nose. She lay there; panting, pooled in sweat, bedsheets in knots around her. A hand flew up to her mouth lest she scream again. Instead, she wept bitterly--was it not enough that she endure such trials by day that she relive them in her dreams at night?

Jean nudged her again and finally she turned her attention towards him. Drawing the cat close, she petted him and clung desperately to him..more as a protection for herself. SHe wouldn't sleep again tonight and from the looks of it, daylight was fast approaching.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-01 02:35 EST
(*Takes place Prior to the fight with Renna*)

Brian left the Inn in yet another foul mood. His sister had been attacked by an assassin sent by Renna, Brian's attitude go the best of him once more, and ended up in quite the brawl with a giant. To top it off the Inn was the battlefield and damage ran rampant and he could easily expect a few complaints in the days to come. Jewell was injured and to boot was forced to kill a person, and that made Brian very upset. To say he was seeing red would have been the exact truth.

"Look at youself.. You are weakened and broken. I can assist you. Your sister won't be hurt because of your weakness. I can and will make you strong.. All you need to do is."

"Shut up!!" Brian yelled out as he began to look around the area, his body dipping into low crouch as he surveyed the area. He knew deep down where the voice had come from, but for some reason he feared someone was near. Rising once more, Brian grabbed his side and cried out in pain. His ribs once more reminded him of how much of a beating the giant had put on him. Everyone made it out safe enough, Jewell and Brian caught the brunt of it. More in mind than in body in Jewell's case. Brian knew she was going through a real bad time with this, and while her body would heal, he truly wondered how she would fare mentally. Brian had told Charlotte he was fine, but in reality he hurt like hell and really messed himself up this time. Sometimes it was hard for Brian to remember how different he was now that he was back home in Rhy'din and no longer in Vana'diel. After leaving Charlotte in the Hall, Brian had decided to head home.

"You can't beat her. You can try all you want, but without me you can't do it. Your sister will die and in the end you will be to blame. They all blame you, and they always have. It's a shame Katharine isn't around to die because of you, that is to say if she already hasn't!"

"No!" Brian awoke with a scream and sprang up in surprise. His breathing heavy, his heart raced as he looked around the area he was in. He was all alone in a small clearing he recognized. His eyes took a moment to adjust as he stayed completely still, the only sound he could hear was of his breathing and his heart beating rapidly. Once his eyes adjusted Brian recalled where he was, and with that taken care of he slowly rose to his feet. A few grunts escaped his lips as his ribs once more reminded him he needed to be looked at, but as par for course Brian shelved that idea and walked around slowly. The sound of the small brook nearby helped Brian confirm where he was, and as he neared the water the single wooden sign and a small rusted sword stabbed into the ground confirmed it. "Alana's Brook" he said quietly as he slowly knelt and dipped his hand into the cool waters and washed his face. The sun began to break through the trees overhead and gave Brian a sense of how late in the morn it was. With no real idea how he ended up where he was Brian rose to his feet and headed home. Luckily Brian was close to home and soon had arrived at the Villa once more.


Once he had arrived, Brian stripped down and bathed. Once he cleaned up he then dressed his minor wounds, Emeralda had arrived and helped stitch his shoulder, side and then wrapped his ribs. Emeralda had then left and Brian went into the office, locked the doors and feel into a deep sleep.

Brian awoke late in the evening and exited the office. Quietly he made his way through the weapons room and into the hallway, as he rounded the hall he heard a scream from Charlotte's room. Quietly Brian moved against the wall and peeked inside. He saw Charlotte crying, and Jean-Luc next to her. Brian moved a moment, wanting to go into the room and comfort her, but instead he held back and watched a moment. It killed him to see her that way. Brian knew she was having a rough time as of late. Both with Renna and this Damien person, and who knows what else. Brian truly became fond of Charlotte and cared for her a great deal. He wanted to be able to do more for her in those regards. His fists clenched in anger as he watched.

You know what needs to be done.

With a silent nod to himself, Brian silently moved into the kitchen and removed a brick from the wall of his stove, reaching inside he pulled a small pouch and set the brick back. Quietly using an incantation Brian then opened the pouch and pulled out a small weathered glove. A single red ruby embedded on the back of the hand dimly glowed as Brian looked closely at the artifact. Brian decided then it was time to end the game. It was time to go after Renna and make sure she was given more than she ever gave out. He had the edge he needed now and was dead set on using it. With no regard to anything else, Brian slipped on the glove and made his way out of the back of the Villa. Once more Darkin's Gauntlet came to light.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-02 01:36 EST
After talking with Charlotte, Brian hurried from the Inn to answer his summons. It bothered him to be summoned in this manner, especially since he truly wanted to spend more time getting to know Charlotte a great deal better. She was a very special person to him and he thought the world of her. But this was a summons that could not be refused by any means as it was sent by his heart sister Edea back in Vana'diel. As he hurried down the road towards his office, he pondered what would make Edea send a summons such as this. Especially since Brian was scheduled to leave for Bastok in two days time to begin with. Passing a flower shoppe Brian paused a moment dipped inside the front door. He knew he had to hurry, but this was something he couldn't pass up. After a quick chat with the clerk, Brian bowed and exited the store once more and hurried to the office.


Upon entering the office, Brian nodded to his office manager Sofi. The young lady looked a bit bewildered as she just motioned towards the conference room and shook her head. Then he heard it, the cry of a joyful Tarutaru. "Raven-sama!!" cried Jeskola, as the small creature bounded from the conference room and into Brian's arms bowling him over in the process. "Jes!! What the hell?! " yelled Brian as he collapsed onto the floor in a heap with the small Taru in his arms. The little mage smiled and lifted the hood from his head and hopped off Brian chest and laughed. "It's been a while, brother. I missed you." Slowly Brian stood and looked to the little mage and smiled. "You still look like a teddy bear Jes." The little mage replied with a laugh, as he whipped out his mini sized Scythe "Yeah but I'll still take your knees, brother." The both laughed a moment, as Brian ushered the mage into his conference room and closed the doors. They each moved inside the room and took seats an the conference table and Brian broke the ice. "Okay, I know this isn't just a social visit as I was supposed to see you all in a few days. What's going on?" The Taru mage took a somber look and fiddled with his fingers and after a few moments he replied. "Raven-sama it's Gorgonite, we can't find her."


Jeskola explained what was going on and how other guild members were being summoned as well among the realms. Some from far off as Azaroth had answered the call. Gorgonite was Brian's partner for a great deal of time and in truth was a lot more than that. They had parted ways before he left Vana'diel to return to Rhy'din and it was not a clean break by any means. That being said Brian had not spoken to her in months, so he had no real idea of what was going on. Jeskola had also mentioned making an assault upon the realm known simple as "Sky" and that Brian's
presence was required. The Gorgonite situation was something that occured in the middle of everything, but to the guild was just as important. Brian had explained to Jeskola the events that occured in the last few weeks as well. After they talked a bit, Brian assured Jeskola he would leave for Vana'diel after his dinner with Charlotte and would make contact with Edea. With that confirmation that little mage smiled decided to head back to Vana'diel after he did a bit of running around. He discovered some sweet shoppes that he had to investigate further, but the real reason was Jeskola was a slave to sweets. Brian left the office with Jeskola and they parted ways in town. Brian then headed back to the Villa, he had a dinner to prepare.


As soon as Brian arrived he made his way into the kitchen, slapped his official "Patron's Delight" apron on and washed up. With that out of the way he started preparing dinner. Luckily Emeralda had a few ideas and left then written down for Brian. Now Brian did in fact cook, but he really didn't know how to approach it this time around. After a bit of thought he decided basic might be best, and went with grilled beef steaks, a chef styled salad and baked potatoes. Not the most romantic of dinners, but then this was something Brian did not do that often to begin with, especially in his home. A knock on the door was heard and Brian answered, it was the flower shoppe vendor from ealier in the day, and in her arms were arrangements of various flowers and roses, in particular crystalized blue and white roses and even yellow roses from his own home region. After tipping the vendor Brian took the arrangements and set two of them up along the dinner table and took the last arrangement and set it upon Charlotte's night stand. Moving into his room, Brian then laid out his gear for the coming trip. His aketon pressed neatly as he laid it along side his war bow. His favourite daggers, and his artifact gear as well. It felt strange going back, but it was a request he could not refuse. With any luck this would not take too long as Brian didn't want to be away for an extended time.


Once that was taken care of, Brian went back into the kitchen. After preparing the salad and seasoning the steaks and potatoes, Brian headed out to the grill to fire things up. This was a nice change of pace, and Brian hoped it was something he would be able to do more often after he returned from Vana'diel.

Charlotte Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-05 20:38 EST
When Char arrived at the Villa, she hurried to her room, clutching three blue bags. One could assume she'd gone shopping. Now safe within her room, Jean was on her bed of course, she tossed the bags beside him and patted him on the head. "Hiya, Jean-Luc!" The flowers on her beside table caught her attention; she gasped. Charlotte delicately fingered the petals and breathed in the wonderful smell. "How thoughtful," she murmure to herself. Jean meowed loudly. She grinned, tapping him lightly on the nose. He nipped at her fingers playfully.

After a small amount of attention had been lavished on the cat, she dumped out the contents of the bag onto the bed. Clothing, shoes, reciepts and a couple accessories were laid out to be inspected. After careful consideration and asking Jean for his opinion, she chose to wear a white halter sundress, 50's style with matching white sandals. She primped and prettied herself--wanting to look drop dead gorgeous for her man. Just before she left her room, Charlotte opened a small black velvet box, extracting a gold necklace, a single teardrop diamond hanging at its center. She smiled at herself in the mirror, telling herself that this had to be a mighty special man to care this much about how she looked.

"Brian?" she called out, searching the house. She went to the first logical place: The Kitchen. The flowers were drawn to her attention, she was touched. No one had ever gone to the trouble of getting flowers for her before. SHe looked around; he wasn't in the kitchen. "Brian..." she called out in a sing-song voice. Soon, the smell of the food on the grill wafted into the house....she cleverly followed her nose out onto the patio.

"Hey, Gorgeous." She smiled warmly, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his middle. She kissed his shoulder. "Something smells good."

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-07 05:59 EST
Brian had finished the first round of steaks and set them on a platter and moved them inside. He heard Charlotte in her room and smiled to himself, as he set then on the counter and then moved back outside an slapped Jean-Luc and Sorreah's steaks on the grill. Humming softly to himself, he heard her approach and set down the tongs along side the grill and leaned back against her embrace as he closed his eyes at the sound of her voice.

"Hey, Gorgeous." "Something smells good."

His hand pressed upon hers softly, as he smiled once more. "Hello M'love." he said as he literally vanished leaving only the apron in slung in her hand and an instant later appeared behind her. His arms wrapping about her, as he kissed along the back of her neck softly and smiled as he spoke. "You look incredible today, gods I missed you." As he hugged her once more and moved around her taking the apron back. "I learned a new trick, didja like it?" A warm smile upon his face as he watched her.

Charlotte Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-09 13:10 EST
Well, stunned...astonished....either one, the look on Charlotte's face registered shock. One second she had him in her arms, the next he was gone. And then re reappeared.

She brushed the hair out of her eyes and put a finger to her cheek. Brown eyes blinked seductively. She smiled.

"Yes, very nice trick. Where'd you learn it?" She was grinning at him, then her gaze drifted to the steaks. "Err, dear..." she pointed to the smoke now rising from the meat.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-04-17 05:13 EST
Yes, very nice trick. Where'd you learn it?" She was grinning at him, then her gaze drifted to the steaks. "Err, dear..." she pointed to the smoke now rising from the meat.

"Huh the meat? Waaugh!" as he laughed and moved quickly to the grill and saved the steaks. "Well, luckily these are Jean's and Sorreah's. I hope you like yours, truth be told I should have asked before I cooked, but inspiration struck me. Also, I have never done this before. So please forgive me if I act a bit off. A warm smile to her, as he set the cat's steaks into their bowls on the porch and beckoned her inside. "Shall we eat?"