exsilium | ‡3rd Treasure‡ Accidental Video

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‡3rd Treasure‡ Accidental Video

[The feed clicks on to reveal Koltira and Chloe in some dark, nondescript alleyway. Chloe's muttering about how she doesn't have a choice, struggling weakly, her eyes unfocused. Koltira speaks to her in soothing tones--or about as soothing as his tone gets, at any rate--telling her to calm down, to see reason, et cetera. He has one arm looped around her waist, and the other holds both of her wrists still; the grip is clearly firm but gentle, meant to pacify, not to harm.

After a moment, Koltira notices that Chloe's dropped tablet is on and recording. He addresses it, his tone markedly more agitated than just a moment ago.]

Chloe is out of her mind. I know not why, but she had her own gun to her mouth.

[There's a short delay before Chloe speaks up, her voice unsteady and tired. It's a pale attempt at lying, but it goes without saying that she's embarrassed once she realizes the feed's running, so she makes it regardless.]

Seriously, mate, I'm fine. Ease up.

((ooc: Takes place after/during this log!)

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[He sighs in relief, and smiles the warmest, most genuine smile he's mustered throughout the whole exchange.]

Sweetheart, when do I ever leave the bed a mess? ~~usually it's just the women I leave in it heyyyooooooo~~

Edited 2012-10-19 07:17 (UTC)

You and Nate both, thank you very much.

I know how tidy you are.

[He laughs uncomfortably as he looks around the room beyond the video frame. He HAD left a bit of a mess, bowling with empty beer bottles and a lime, pillows strewn about, and his clothes from before his shower. He realizes he isn't even dressed yet, and gets out of his chair to start getting dressed, leaving frame to find his pants.]

Haha, well, you know, ... Cleanliness is next to ... Uh. Godliness.

[He peeks into frame as he puts his foot through the pant leg.]

And I have heard the Almighty's name exclaimed many a time on my behalf, so... I'd imagine that's pretty goddamn close, heh heheh!

[He finishes putting his pants on and finds a clean shirt, then slips it over his shoulders, leaving it unbuttoned.]

Anyway, Chloe, I'll make you some breakfast if you want to head over. You could probably use a hearty meal after the night you've had. So... I'll see you when I see you! Stay safe, sugar!

[He ends the video call and leaves the tablet sitting on the table as he quickly tidies up the room. When he's satisfied, Sully enters the kitchen, buttoning part of his shirt, at least enough to keep it out of his way. He opens the fridge and finds some eggs and bacon, takes them out and starts cracking the shells. Victor activates the heated surface of the stovetop and takes a pan out from the cupboard. He pours a little oil in the pan before laying out several strips of bacon on it.]

Hmmm what's missi-AH!

[Sullivan runs to his room quickly and grabs a cigar, lighting it on his way back to the kitchen, he returns to the food and slides the bacon around in the oil. He takes a long drag from the cigar and turns his attention to the eggs. He whips them in a bowl until they're a buttery yellow and pours them into another pan. On the heated surface he quickly scrambles them as they turn a tempting golden color. After a few more minutes of tending to the food, his stomach grumbles forcefully, almost audible over the crackle of the sizzling bacon.]

Hmm... I hope she's not too offended if I start without her...

[There's no knock of arrival when she slips in. A few hushed, barely audible murmurs and her escort leaves off-- more her pushing them away than courtesy. She looks tired. And that's a bloody understatement.

But the smell helps her breathe right, and the sight of Victor up and cheery means the stress before the fall was worth it, even if she can't muster up the urge to smile.]

So offended right now.

[Sully recoils in surprise at her voice, his cigar tumbles from his mouth. He rushes to try and catch it before it falls into the food, burning his palm with the lit end as he does so.]

AHH GODDAMMIT, AHa..shit!

[He puts the cigar out in the ash tray on the counter.]

Never take up smoking, sweetheart. These things, they kill, you know?

[He grabs some plates from the cupboard, and some glasses.]

You're actually just in time, so no reason to be offended! I haven't even had a bite myself, but don't think I wasn't tempted!

[As if to punctuate that statement, his stomach growls loudly. He pours Chloe a tall glass of orange juice from the fridge and slides it to her.]

It's not caffeinated, but it'll do your head some good right now. So drink up!

[He serves her plate, giving her a generous mound of scrambled eggs, and then he picks the best strips for her from the pile of bacon. Not too crispy, not too soggy, just right. He puts the food in front of her and quickly serve himself before taking a seat at the dining table.

He has so much he wants to say to her in this moment, questions mostly... but he knows she's probably been through the ringer over the past few hours.... he can at least wait until she's cleared her plate. He pecks at his own, but even though his stomach is raging with hunger, he can't seem to life the fork to his mouth. He stops trying for a moment and calmly observes Chloe.]

[She fishes up a box of bandages and some ointment from the first aid kit before bothering to sit down, wordlessly sliding them across the table towards him as he makes a similar exchange with food and juice. He's likely managed worse burns with less fuss, but she'd rather see it tended to considering they're not currently out in the wilderness.

Lovely as his effort is, it's hard to find the will to eat. She sips at the juice, picks off the tail end of a piece of bacon and lets it melt on her tongue. Tries not to consider what was there instead a few short hours ago.]

Go on, Victor, I can hear your stomach from here.

Manners can wait.

[He makes a weak attempt at a smile and leans forward in his chair. He stabs at a clump of egg with his fork and almost brings it to his mouth, his stomach rumbling in anticipation. But instead he drops the fork and slumps back on his chair, unable to contain himself any longer. He stares at his plate, apparently putting much effort into forming words.]

Just answer me one thing for now, Chloe. One question.

[He looks up from his plate, directly at her. Finally noticing how tired she looks, he hadn't seen her this worse for wear since he arrived in Tibet, which is starting to feel like forever ago.]

Are you going to be okay?

[The bacon's set down, hand pressed just over the center of her forehead as she eases out a patient little sigh. It's not unexpected that he's so worried, that he has to ask, but to tell the truth, at this point, Chloe has no idea how to answer.]

Well I have you, don't I?

[Deflect deflect deflect.]

[He stares at her blankly for a second.]

Y-yes...? Of course you do.

[It seems as though that would have to be enough for now. He can't bring himself to pry any harder, though it only leaves him with more questions. Are you happy with that, with me? Does that even help? ... Is that enough? To... keep you... here? He wills his mind to stop making it worse, and tries to appear satisfied. He smiles at her, as warmly as he can muster, finally making himself take a mouthful of eggs to convince her.]

I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, sweetheart.

[Victor studies her face. Ever a specimen of beauty, even in her current state. He'd love to comfort her, to hold her... never let go. God what was happening to him? He never used to be this way, this attached. Was it Chloe? Was it Exsilium? He tries to ignore his thoughts again as he shovels more food to his face.]

Edited 2012-10-23 20:08 (UTC)

Good.

[The whole thing's a bloody mess. How can she possibly explain everything that's rushing through her head, when she can't even make sense of it herself?]

Nicely done with the food, by the way.

Edited 2012-11-12 22:48 (UTC)

[He starts to speak but forgets his mouth is full, he covers his mouth with is hand as he swallows the food. A smile forms on his face.]

Hey, thanks, sweetheart! I uh... figured you could use a good meal or something after ... well, after everything. But don't get too used to it, okay? If I did this all the time it wouldn't be special.

[Still looking at her, he stabs at his plate with his fork. *clink* He looks down and sees that he's already scarfed it all down. Whoa, hah when did that happen... He wipes his mouth with a napkin and leans back in his chair, watching Chloe peck at her food.]

I'm not gonna lie to you, Chloe. At some point I'd really love to know what happened, anything... everything you might be willing to tell me. I want to help you get past this... I feel shitty knowing that you've been feelin' low, and I didn't even have a goddamn clue. ...What can we do, right now, to start turning this around, huh? If you could do anything, anything at all right now, what would you do, what would you want?

[Victor leans forward, elbows on the table, awaiting her response. His mind is racing, thinking of his own answer to the question.]

Me? I'd shave my face just to be able to fly my bird right about now.... Sweet broad in the passenger's seat, cooler full of booze on the cabin floor... the sun setting in front of us. Not much better than that...

[His eyes glaze over a little as he pictures the entire scene, vividly in his mind.]

And I was so looking forward to a decent breakfast in bed.

[it's a joke, mostly. Honestly she could do with a lazy morning for a change. Might be nice. Business has, since the start of her stay, been her main distraction for everything that's piled up onto her shoulders, but a nice, relaxing day? Couldnt hurt. Not with Victor around, anyway.

His question locks her up for a minute, though. She has to mull it over, consider his response.]

You always were a bloody romantic. [It's said lightly. The hint of a grin on her lips.] I don't know...freedom would be nice. A warm beach, decent view of the Parisian skyline at sunset. Maybe a decent job that's not stuck back in a Shakespearean play.

[Seeing her smile, even joking a little... it really means a lot to Victor right now. Chloe breaking the solemn mood eases him enough that he can feel his chest relax, releasing tension he hadn't even noticed how tight his muscles felt.]

I'll drink to that, Chloe.

[He searches for a bottle for a second, forgetting that it's relatively early... and instead raises his orange juice in a mock toast before taking a hearty swig.]

You know, I'm also pretty good on the water. I don't think I've had the pleasure of taking you for a ride on my little yacht before. ~~(It's little, but really the motion of the ocean is what counts.... never mind)~~ I bet that Parisian skyline would look pretty goddamn beautiful while floating along the Seine.

[His mind flashes back a couple decades, recalling a dinner date he had with a snooty blonde. A client.... with benefits. A bistro on the edge of the river... the Eiffel Tower alight as the sun hit the hay. It was the perfect recipe for setting any dame all astir. But that night was one of only a handful before that fling turned ugly.

It's pretty common for men to refer to their past lovers as 'crazy', 'psychotic', or worse... but this woman may truly have had a few screws loose. A pang of sadness hit Sully in the chest as he recalls his last outing with the distinguished young woman. He swirls the pulpy aftermath of his orange juice at the bottom of his glass absentmindedly before snapping his attention back to Chloe.]

At least it was beautiful last time I had the opportunity to share it with someone. ...I ever tell you about the one that got away? .... Or... got away from herself really... went off the deep end. Katherine Marlowe.... what a piece of work.

[It was clear his mind was distracted.... was he talking to Chloe or just talking aloud?]

No, I don't think you ever did. [And believe her, she's heard a lot of Sullivan's Travels. The extended version. With commentary.

So the thought of getting something new, something obviously so close to his heart is...well, it's something she can't pass up, now can she? Chloe drums her fingers against the table, shakes her head once to give Victor the go-ahead.]

And here I heard women never got away from you unless you were the one cutting the line.

[He laughs at that]

Well, technically I DID cut that line... I have Nate to thank for helping me open my eyes there. I was much younger when I met her... right around the big four-oh. A job had just gone pear shaped and I was stranded in the middle east, desperate for funds to fuel my plane and get back home. I bumped into Kate on the street, though she definitely stood out, clearly not a local. She came from money, she had power, she wore it well. Sexy English accent, blonde, slim, curvy, ...intimidating, ... she was stunning.

[He looked up at Chloe and gave her a smile and a wink.]

But even on her best day, she couldn't hold a candle to you on your worst, sweetheart.

Anyway, turns out she was the head of this secret British... cult... thing. Black suits, guns, weird ... magic... shit, tinted windows, the whole shebang. They were obsessed with Sir Francis Drake for some reason... and I actually met Nate while trying to acquire the very ring he now wears around his neck. We were both attempting to steal it from a museum in Cartagena at the same time. Weird how that stuff works out... I took a bit of a shine to Nate that day, he reminded me of myself when I started taking jobs. But Kate... well.. he was in her way. Nate was stubborn even back then, and that rubbed Katherine the wrong way. She wanted Nate out of the picture... permanently. I mean he was just a KID!

[He looks at her, as if making sure she understands his feelings about the whole thing, before clearing his throat and continuing.]

Well... I started having second thoughts about her right then and there. She was showing her true colors. She was a monster... spiteful, and venomous. I helped Nate escape, and made my way onto her shitlist, I'm sure. Nate got his ring, she got this .. astrolabe thing. But she needed that ring to use it for... whatever. I never saw her again. I'd be willing to bet she'd have it out for Nate and I if we ever crossed paths too. It wasn't a completely terrible experience though. She was a minx in the sack and if it wasn't for her I'd never have met Nate. Obviously he's been a huge part of my life ever since. If I could do it all again, knowing then what I know now.... I wouldn't change a thing.

[He sat in silence for a few moments, staring at a scratch in the table, reflecting on his words. Finally he turned to Chloe.]

Sorry, sweetheart. I suppose that one wasn't as interesting as my other stories. Have I told you about how I got my first plane? Or my yacht?

[Oh god. Suddenly it all makes sense, doesn't it. All right, most of it, anyway. Back when she'd first told him of the Order how he'd gone into a panic asking about Kate. And the description....the woman in Syria. Next to Talbot. It fit.

And Victor--- oh. Of course he did. She'd be shocked if he hadn't tapped it.]

Yeah, you have. Too many times.

So rewind a bit, tell me more about this Katherine woman. How long were you two going at it, exactly?

[Sully feels a little color rush to his cheeks.]

Well uh... I think the longest was a particularly rough session that spanned several hours and involved piano wire. If I had to guess I'd say almost 14 hou-OH... ... you mean... Heh, from the day we met to the day Nate and I met, it was about a year and a half.

[He tugs at his collar, in slight discomfort, and swallows audibly.]

I don't much remember her measurements, but well...

[Sully reached for a pair of generously sized oranges and palmed them, as if comparing them to memory.]

About... yay big? Maybe smaller... hmm

[Suddenly he sensed that this wasn't the kind of information she was looking for. He wasn't talking to Nate, after all.]

Uh, what else did you want to know, sweetheart?

....oh god. [One hand is set over her eyes. The last thing she wants to consider is Katherine Marlowe's-- oh god]

No, I just-- I wanted to know if you knew more about what she was after. The treasure of Iram of the Pillars?

[Sully stared at her blankly, trying to recall whatever he could about her end game.]

"EeerAHHM of.... the Pillars"? Some sort of ... lost city? Never heard Nate talk about that one. ...Or Marlowe for that matter. I don't remember much of what she talked about... I know she was interested in Sir Francis Drake, probably as much as if not more than Nate, actually. Hmm... she talked about a... John... D.? I assumed she meant John D. Rockefeller though. Thought maybe she was into skyscrapers or something... ~~You know, phallic structures... like my-~~ She asked me once if I'd ever heard of a smokeless fire. Or legends involving it... I could only think of a Phoenix but apparently that was way off base.

[At this point he just kept spouting out what little information he COULD remember, maintaining eye contact with Chloe, gauging her to tell if he was telling her anything useful.]

...she also had a thing for spiders... Not a kinky thing... just a ... thing.... Wait... why are you so curious? Where'd this "pillars" talk come from?

Call it intuition. [Which is really just her stalling while she considers what to say. Or really what she should say.]

It was the end game, Victor. That ring? Nate's obsession? It all led to a treasure in the Rub' al Khali.

[Sully's brow raises, and his jaw drops.]

Well... I'll be go to hell.... So she came after Nate after all that time? Treasure in the middle of that big ass desert?

[He feels his stomach slowly sinking. There are so many ways any run in with Kate could go down... he's afraid to ask what actually happens. It's doubtful he'd have been able to distract her or charm her considering the way their "partnership" ended. He shudders, remembering the ice in her glare.]

Well, I guess as long as the gang's all here, we've got nothing to worry about then... I mean, it's not like SHE'S here, right?

Nah, we're set, love. [And there's another bite stolen as of to emphasize the fact that it's all casual for the time being. Because Talbot isn't on edge, he's holding the truce well enough, and Marlowe certainly isn't here. Either way, while things could be considerably worse, for the moment they're as good as they get.

Or so it would seem to her altered knowledge.]

Don't you worry your pretty little head about it.

[He relaxes a little more, happy to see she's sounding more and more like herself again. A half smirk appears just under his mustache.]

To be honest, I've been more worried about you than running into ex-flames.

[He lets that statment linger for a moment before he gets up with his plate and starts to gather the dirty dishes in he sink.]

Anything I can get you while I'm up, sweetheart?

I'll keep, Victor. Believe me, I will.

[She watches him get up, slides her plate away and takes a long sip of juice.]

You've done enough for me already.

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‡3rd Treasure‡ Accidental Video

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I'm still laughing about this jfc

Re: I'm still laughing about this jfc

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Forgive me... getting back into the swing... :/

This feeling, I know it all too well.

Re: This feeling, I know it all too well.

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