View source for Logs:Checking on Rafe

{{Log
|chars=[[Ben]], [[Rafe]] and [[Sebastian]]
|gamedate=2022.11.09
|location=Roseland
|summary=Ben was called to check on a new arrival to the city at Al Raby Community Center early in the morning before his shift at Chicago Hospital.
|log=The community centre is quiet at the moment. Nobody is really around as it is a quiet Wednesday, and as such Rafe is exploring. He didn't see much of the building after arriving last night, rather preoccupied with survival and crippling emotional trauma, but since then he's been given clothes and food, and has slept. Maybe not _well_, but any sleep is good.

He is dressed in slightly mismatched clothing; cheap blue sweatpants, a white t-shirt and a black and red flannel button-down atop, but he's decent at least, sneakered feet squeaking slightly against the floors as he explores the building.

Not much later, a doctor arrives. He's in a complete hospital uniform, with his nametag and all parafernalia attached. He looks to be searching for someone. A second look at him shows what he really area. A Fairest of Them All with a decent powered Spring Court mantle that not flamboyant, but very noticeable. Once he finds Rafe, as if he knew the guy, he approaches him calmly and smiles gently. His smile bears some tint of trustworthiness."Morning, sir. I was told to come by and check on you. My name's Ben. I'm the Doctor of the Freehold." He says with a calm and trained voice as he offers a mercury covered hand to a shake.

Freezing into place as he hears someone entering the building, Rafe regards Ben steadily, his expression somewhere between suspicious and guilty. He shoves his hands into his pockets, trying to adopt an air of 'I wasn't doing anything', somewhat like a schoolboy caught being somewhere he shouldn't.

And yet, there's something very calming about the arrival, something about him that suggests he can be trusted, and so a little of that guilty tension leaves his shoulders after a moment. In a deep, whispery voice he murmurs, "Not a sir. Just Rafe." The hand is studied - silvery reflection and all - but he doesn't reach out to shake.

Ben looks at the man with gentle eyes and nods once, keeping his hand in the air for just a second before letting it go."Ok. Rafe. I was asked to come and take a look at you. Do you mind if I take a test? It'll not hurt you and I don't need to touch you. I just need you to keep still for a second so I can check on your mental wellbeing. How does that sound to you?"

Considering the request for a long moment, the newest escapee eventually nods his consent, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The way shadow and light fall on his face as he's moving gives a briefly avian cast to his features, hawkish and watchful with a hint of being ready to take flight at a moment's notice, then the effect passes.

<spend> Ben spends 1 point of his Willpower pool.
+----------------------------+ Ben rolls 10 Dice +-----------------------------+
  Roll: Manipulation +Empathy +Wyrd +3
  Result: Success (4) -- (10 10 4 1 3 5 1 9 7 7 7 10 7)
+-------------------------------------------------------- success (public) ----+
 
[OOC] Ben says, "Roll Composure + Wyrd for contest."
+----------------------------+ Rafe rolls 4 Dice +-----------------------------+
  Roll: Composure +Wyrd
  Result: Failure -- (1 7 1 4)
+-------------------------------------------------------- failure (public) ----+

[OOC] Rafe says, "He's at clarity five, no conditions."
[OOC] Rafe says, "Oh wait, you need max and current. He's 5/5."

Ben nods once more and looks straight at the other man's avian-like eyes. Soon the chaotic nature of the Wyrd can be seen. Everything gets paused, like in a video game, but just for a second. No sounds, no heartbeats, no life. Even colors become a little bit null. Then it all comes back and the Wyrd is gone. The Doctor grins but doesn't look very pleased by whatever the Contract unfolds to him about the other man. "Alright. There is nothing to worry about, right now, but you may be suffering from a little disconnection from reality. I'd advise you to come look for me in case you need to...have a better grip at the World of Men again so we can try to work it out. In both cases, I need to report to the Freehold the test results. Do you have any question about that?" He asks as if that was a mundane appointment with a family doctor.

There's a faint sound from Rafe, an uneasy blend of amusement and despair. "What even is real?" he asks gravely, very much still at that point in his discovery cycle of 'what the hell'. He pulls his hands from his pockets only to cross his arms over his chest, still staring at the doctor. "Freehold?"

Ben looks around, searching for a place for them to take a seat. Once he does, he gestures for the other Lost to follow him. If followed, Ben takes a seat and grins at the other man. It's like a parent's smile of caring. "Look. We have been through a lot during our time in There. Some of us do things we'd never do here. Never would do in our sane mind. So that's what happens There. They break our minds until we become useful to them. Some of us retain much more sanity upon escaping and returning back to the World of Men. Some of us, like you, retain a little less." He says as gently as possible as he looks straight at the other man's eyes."You'll need help to recover from There at some point in the near future. Whenever you feel like it, though. But as a doctor, and a member of this Freehold, I can't keep your mental wellbeing a secret from the rest of your community, called Freehold. Because you can, if you don't look for help, become a threat for all of us." He then pauses for a second to check on the other man's response."Am I being clear, Rafe?"

It's Wednesday morning and the community centre is quiet. Rafe and Ben are the only two here at present; the doctor has just sat down and invited Rafe to join him, which he does after a moment, sitting on the edge of the chair. 

"Freehold?" the younger man questions again as the word comes up once more, even as he thinks over the rest of what Ben said, nodding slowly once he has processed it all. "In case I freak?" he checks his understanding, his words carrying a subtle but now-identifiable Chicago accent.

Ben nods to that last question. "I'm afraid so, yes. In case you lost the last bits of what makes is humans and causes problems to all of us." He says. This time his voice is a little bit less gentle, but he remains open and calm ."Freehold is the name we give to our community. It's not just a mundane gathering of people, though. It's a group of people bound by Arcadian contracts that grants us protection against Them and protection for each other in case things like you losing yourself to madness." With that last word said, the Doctor tries physical contact and lands a hand on the other man's shoulder. "But we're also a healing group. Like the Anonymous Alcoholics. We support and protect our weaker members. That's why I'm here."

As it turns out Rafe isn't averse to physical contact. He doesn't flinch away from Ben's hand coming to rest on his shoulder, perhaps even leaning into it ever-so slightly. "Freehold. Because you hold free?" He is definitely fixated on that word, though whether it is because he means it is harmful or because it offers security isn't clear. Still, he nods to the description of it being a group that helps with healing, a brief moment of relief flashing across his expression.

"Yes. It's basically that. We're together so we can remain free from Them." He says and now his voice is back to its normal tone, all warmfulness and caring."Do you think you can do it? Sign a contract to be part of our community and swear to protect it and follow its rules?" He asks, keeping his hand on Rafe's shoulder. The citrusy and fresh floral scent of his Mantle permeates the two of them.

The sounds of someone entering the center echo in the cavernous way that relatively empty buildings normally filled with people often do. Doors open and close resoundingly before the light tapping of dress shoes can be heard approaching on the floor. The man responsible for them looks distinctly out of place in his current environment. Wearing a darker shade of midnight blue tuxedo with lapels fashioned out of what looks like black velvet, he looks lost in more ways than one. A black bowtie hangs loose and undone around his neck and at one point it might have given off a rakish air. But now it carries more than a touch of weariness. 

 As Sebastian gazes around the space searchingly, glowing lunargent eyes betray every object of his regard and focus. The scent of blooming night flowers carries in the air and the usual corona of moonsilver light around him is still ever present but to Ben's more familiar gaze it is noticeably dimmed. When he spots the two Lost a surprised but pleased smile comes across his face and he walks towards them cautiously as if afraid he might be interrupting something.

Proving he isn't quite insane just yet, Rafe asks the very reasonable question of Ben, "What are the rules?" Because only a madman would metaphorically sign on the dotted line without knowing that much. His nostrils flare slightly as that citrus scent reaches him, and he inhales slowly. "Oranges?"

The sound of doors and clicky shoes on clicky floors draws his attention away for a moment, in the direction of Sebastian's approach. As he lays eyes on the dimly glimmering Fairest, he takes a deep breath, then pauses, letting it out. His expression is one of confusion.

Ben turns around as he notices the bright presence of another Lost. He grins to Bash before turning back to Rafe."Worry not. This is another member of the Freehold. He's Sebastian. A good person. If you don't trust him, trust me on that." He says in assurance. ‘’Oranges, lemons, something like that. It's hard to say precisely since it's part of an unseen and magical permanent effect. It's called a Mantle. It's associated with a Court. A group of people aligned by a common cause, viewpoint and belief. Mine is called Court of Spring. It represents new beginnings and healing. But also making sure everyone remembers how good and magical it is to be alife. Other people from my Court will have different representations of the Spring Mantle. Like Bash here. But with till you'll see the common themes and figure out what Court a person is aligned to in a second. You don't need to worry about that right now."

The Doctor then sighs and grins to Rafe. "The rules, you ask? About the Freehold? Pretty simple, I think. You don't betray us, you don't get any of us killed and you help however you want. Other than that, you will figure out along the way." He answers lightly and finally takes his hand out of Rafe's shoulder. "Bash. Please, join us. I'm giving Rafe here a few explanations about our Freehold and how he could benefit from being part of it."

Ben's grin appears to put Sebastian's fear of intrusion at bay and he closes the remaining distance with more assurance. The closer he gets any air of exhaustion starts to fade away, posture straightening and smile growing more beaming. As if a switch is flipped, his glowing aura even brightens as well. Tilting his head in gratitude towards Ben's offer, "if it's no trouble." He takes a seat beside the doctor while keeping his gaze on Rafe. There is a clear assessment taking place but his expression is soft and sympathetic enough to remove any harshness from the act. Whatever information he was hoping to gather seemingly concluded, he smiles towards the new Lost, "sounds like a welcome back is in order? I'm Sebastian but most people just call me Bash."

The rules as stated seem simple enough, but there's that big gap of 'figure out along the way' still. Rafe frowns, looking between the two other men, clearly uncertain about agreeing. So he doesn't answer Ben immediately. 

To Sebastian, Rafe states, "You make me want to sing." Despite the words, his tone isn't complimentary, he's not flirting here, more... confused. An impulse or instinct that has clearly caught him unawares.

Ben puts an arm idly around Bash as the Bright One takes a seat by his side."Look. I know it's too much to absorb at once, Rafe. But I...we're here to help you and get yourself back on your feet, alright? You can count on us for anything." He then casts a quick look at Bash."Right, Bash?" Then his eyes quickly return to Rafe."By the way, do you have a place to stay? I have a spare room for you at my house if you want to get out of here and have a proper place to call yours. Until you feel like going for your own place, at least. It's free of charge. You just need to help make some small repairs and prepare your own food."

Nodding in agreement with Ben's sentiments, Sebastian answers with, "absolutely. You are in good hands with the Doc and can help with everything related to our community much more than I can. But if you ever want to work on reintegrating, dealing with regular people again then you can find me at a club not too far from here, Satin and Savagery." He pauses with a head tilt in consideration, "might be a tad overwhelming at first but we can work up to it." 

 The smile of comfort and reassurance he offers to Rafe after speaking is only interrupted for the briefest of moments at the confession coming from the new arrival. A thoughtful hum rumbles from his chest and he asks with gentle interest, "this...impulse to sing, you have felt it before?"

Slowly relaxing a little more, tension easing out of his muscles, Rafe clears his throat and tells Ben, "I don't know how to cook. Or fix things." He's a little more verbose now at least, his earlier short and clipped statements now easing into a more conversational style. "And I think Loreley wanted me to stay here," he adds a moment later. "For now."

Shifting attention back to Sebastian, he nods to the question, but then lifts his hands in a kind of clueless gesture. "I don't know when."

Ben arches a brow and ponders for a second."Well. You can tell me what you're good at and we can make it work. No worries about that. But if you prefer to stay here, it's okay too." He offers and grins to Rafe."I can work with Bash at the club too. That'd do your part in the agreement." He says squeaking Bash just a tiny bit."But the most important thing about the Freehold is that you're free to do as you want if it doesn't mean bringing harm to us all."

A soft gaze remains firmly on Rafe as Sebastian nods once more in agreement to Ben, "it's going to take time and nobody is going to promise it will be easy but it isn't impossible either. There is a whole community here who has gone through the same thing and made their way through." His voice and expression grow more enthusiastic and animated and along with it his glow, "finding an anchor here in the world will help. So, explore all you can and be comfortable with, find what resonates with you." 

 Bash's face takes on an almost embarrassed cast and he reigns himself in, becoming more muted once again, "and it will be frustrating, feeling things that you can't fully explain. We get left with the ghosts of memories and trying to bring them back to life can be painful."

The suggestion from Ben of talking about what he's good at gets a slight frown from Rafe. What /is/ he good at? He mulls this over, before deciding, "Singing. Running. Hunting. Flying." Given how the shadows play over his features, giving the suggestion of avian or lupine angles now and then, he's probably a Beast of some kind with those skills. "Scaring." He adds that one as an afterthought, perhaps not even completely aware he's said it, nodding to Bash as he speaks. He feels the truth of that sentiment already.

"A singer and a hunter. You could be a really good fit for Satin and Savagery. Right, Bash?" Ben says, checking on the other Fairest for confirmation."I mean, whenever you feel like going out and looking for an occupation. It's alright if you prefer to remain here for a couple more weeks, though." He says gently back to the avian Rafe."Well, is there anything else you'd like to discuss regarding the Freehold and your part in it?"

Given his current appearance and demeanor, it is probably not a surprise that Sebastian seizes on the 'singing' portion of Rafe's list rather than the rest. His eyes both literally and metaphorically brighten as they widen, "could be." The response diminishes slightly as something comes across his thoughts at further contemplation of the club. "We are in a bit of...flux at the moment but we can figure something out." 

 In a mixture of genuine interest and an attempt to distract himself from what is perhaps an unpleasant topic, he asks Rafe, "when you think of singing is it something that feels natural, even joyous? Or is there a forced quality to it?"

Nodding slowly to Ben's suggestion of finding a job, Rafe allows, "Can't get far in any world without money." Whether that be cold cash or favors or something else entirely depends on the realm of course. "I want to see all the rules," he then adds, as regards joining the Freehold. Then he tilts his head back towards Bash, brow furrowing in thought. "It feels natural, but not to bring joy." His frown returns. "To.. I don't know what. Something."

"I'll ask a member of the Court of Autumn to come and tell you exactly what are all the rules of our Freehold so you can decide upon joining it or not. How does that sound to you? The Court of Autumn houses those that are more inclined to magic and everything in that topic, including out magical deals, called pledges." Then Ben grins and sighs again. "Well. If that's all, we're good for now." He says and something about him changes. Once in a professional, almost royal bearing, Ben relaxes his shoulders and smiles brightly, becoming more like just the average guy from the neighborhood. "This is my phone number and my address, by the way. In case you need to reach me. I offer medical services free of charge and out of the books." He quickly brings a simple greeting card from one of his pockets and offers it to Rafe.
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