The Fortress of Solitude (IC)

[JonRG]

Tim grins. He was from Gotham City. This wouldn't be the first time he'd stolen from aspiring thieves, and it probably wouldn't be the last. Bah. Kon. Sweet, sexy Kon. Didn't understand the pleasure he derived from his work. But before the others can act, Rakta heads towards their quarry without a word. Odd fellow. Bit of a temper. This could get ugly. Tim idly sweeps off his coat and vest. Though they looked stunning on him, scarlet and stealth made poor bedfellows. Fortunately, the robbers were focused on the interloper in their midst, which made his job a fair bit easier. He winds his way around the encampment, seeking shelter from prying eyes wherever it can be found. Tim bounces from cart to tent and back again. Only move when people were preoccupied. Always on their periphery. Eventually, Tim finds a hiding spot close to the discreet conversation and cocks an ear...

Yet he doesn't need to. One of the thieflings (heh) is practically shouting. Either their leader was an extremely good actor or, more likely, Rakta had accused the wrong man.

[horus42]

"Rakta, wait!" The Elf tried to call to his companion, but it seems as though he was too late. Abiin sighs, hanging his head and covering his face with one hand. If only the fool had waited for him to mention which group it was who had intended to rob them, rather than simply going to the nearest group. Surely the actual thieves would escape while the Cleric made a scene, but Abiin knew that placating the offended party was now more important. Otherwise, it could escalate into violence.

He walks over to the group and starts to pull Rakta aside, frowning heavily and looking to the Tiefling who spoke. "Please sir, pardon his foolishness. There has simply been a misunderstanding. We'll be on our way, and won't bother you again."

[ChaosArchon]

Rakta sighs, things were just not going his way today but when were they ever.

[josienoms]

The Tiefling looks from Abiin, to Rakta, and back again.

"I see. Well then."

He stands up and looks Rakta square in the face.

"I'm going to assume this was a case of mistaken identity. No hard feelings?"

He smiles and offers his hand.

[ChaosArchon]

Rakta nods and smiles, taking the man's hand,"Yes my mistake entirely, I meant no offense by it. I just wanted to prevent a hazardous situation from occurring."

[horus42]

"See? No harm done. What's your name, friend?" Abiin smiles warmly and offers his hand next.

[josienoms]

"I'm Azarath, and these are my brothers, Metrion and Zinthos."

The other two Tieflings give brief waves.

"What brings you folks through our camp?"

[JonRG]

Tim casually flips his jacket back on and slips back into the group. "Just passing through. Gonna see if we can make a fortune when we find the Lazarus Pits." They were some mythic place he'd read about once, and it made for as good a lie as any.

Spoiler

Show

C'moooooooooon dice roll.

(1d20+6)[16]

[josienoms]

Azarath's jaw drops.

"The Lazarus Pits? I wish you luck then. No one who ventures for the Lazarus Pits ever returns."

[Obscurejones]

"Well to be fair that's hardly the myth. Rather, anyone who enters the pits returns. That's rather the point of them."
Kon nods earnestly, doing his best to play the oblivious noble.

[josienoms]

"That's not what I meant. Anyone who goes looking for them is never heard from again. I don't know how the legend got started, but I would guess that's all it is. A legend."

[horus42]

Abiin goes along with Tim's story, remembering Jor-El's request for discretion.

"The legend had to come from somewhere. I find that a lot of legends have at least a grain of truth. The Pits must exist."

[josienoms]

"If you want to die, we won't stop you. I hope you find fortune in your travels."

Azarath goes back to his card game with his brothers, leaving you alone to further explore the camp, or press on.

[JonRG]

Tim inclines his head politely. "Don't worry. We will." He gestures to the others and walks onward.

[ChaosArchon]

Rakta bows slightly and smiles,"I wish you fortune as well in whatever your goals in life are. May the Light watch over you."

[Obscurejones]

"Shall we be on our way then? Cultural misunderstandings well and truly sorted?"

[josienoms]

The Tiefling camp fades into the distance as you keep walking. Hours go by without incident, though night starts falling soon. The sun fades into the plains to the west, the red disk sinking out of sight as the stars come out. The first day of the journey comes to an end. It might be prudent to make camp, though it's not impossible to keep going a while longer.

[Obscurejones]

Laying out his own bedroll quickly Kon begins gathering stray bits of wood for the fire. He makes no distinction between wet or dry wood, seemingly grabbing anything vaguely wood like.
"I'm afraid we may be a bedroll short M'gann. If you'd like to use mine I've no objection to sleeping on the ground. A nice change of pace from a feather bed, I'd imagine."

[JonRG]

Tim breezes into the woods after Kon. He speaks once they're well and truly alone. "Very noble of you to offer the girl somewhere to sleep, but it won't do for you to be sore with such an epic quest before us." Tim takes one of Kon's hands in his. "So what's say you and I share?" He smiles softly, cheeks slightly flushed.

[Obscurejones]

Kon quirks an eyebrow just slightly and reaches past Tim for another clump of foliage.
"I can cast with a sore back. Can you fight if my sharing your bed leaves you sore?"

[JonRG]

"Oh, and just how sore am I going to be tomorrow?" Tim purrs, rolling his neck. "You shouldn't worry about me though. I'm tough."

[Obscurejones]

Kon laughs and starts back towards the camp.
"Tough, magical hands, lithe. Is there a trait our daring actor thief won't claim?"

[JonRG]

Tim laughs and follows. "Well, I can't reveal everything right away. Spoils the fun. You'll just have to wait and find out."

[Obscurejones]

Nodding, the sorcerer roughly piles the leaves, green branches, and general debris in the center of the camp. Lifts a hand to gesture Tim back. Without any warning dual beams of dark red zip from his eyes, dashing back and forth between colliding with the tinder and erupting into flame. He turns to the thief with the light still fading from his gaze.
"And you're sure you can handle me?"

[JonRG]

Tim's breath catches in his throat, then he swallows and nods a bit. "If you'll let me."

[Obscurejones]

As the glow fades the pleasant warmth of the fire fills the scene.
"Well alright then. After you, master thief."

[JonRG]

Tim closes his eyes with a small smile as he lays out his bedroll close to the fire. Stripping off his coat, vest, and shirt, Tim slides under the blanket. Looks up seductively at Kon while patting the space next to him.

Spoiler: And then...

Show

They played gin rummy all night long.

[josienoms]

M'gann looks like she's about to say something, but is quickly cast to the wayside. She takes the spare bedroll and goes to the end of the camp farthest from Kon-El and Tim. She sits down, crossing her arms and looking sullen, with her back to the rest of the camp.

[Obscurejones]

At a point between games of Gin Rummy Kon travels to check on their guest.
"Have we your good nature offended in some way?"

[josienoms]

She seems taken aback at being approached.

"I, no. I mean. It's nothing."

She frowns and looks at the ground.

"I shouldn't have expected anything. You haven't even seen what I really look like yet."