Whispers in the dark

[Wren Hartwood]

This will have to do for now, but I'm not sure if Gillian is sleeping, so let's just be cautious and keep our voices down and the lights dim. I wouldn't want to wake her the night before the games start. I'm sure she needs her rest. I just wish I had been able to talk to her...I would have liked to work with her.

[Wren Hartwood]

Cal, answer these please so we have a good starting point for discussion.
1. What is more important to you- winning or surviving?



2. Do you believe that the primrose/phoenix accord can finish the games with its mission intact and mutual survival until the end?


3. Which is more important at the cornucopia? Getting supplies, escaping together safely, or thinking the heard?



4. Do you think we should align ourselves with any other alliances and who?



5. Do you trust the original three members?
 


6. What do you think we need to be successful? (Talents, strategies, items, etc)



7. Anyone else you want to join us? Anyone you feel would help our cause?  Anyone you know would hurt our cause? Mention any names and your feelings about them.

Psssst

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods his head, listening carefully to Wren's words.

This is a good start.

"Before we continue, there is something you should know."

Cal takes a deep breath, his smile absent, his eyes focused.

"I am a peacekeeper. Ignore my next sentence."

"I slept with Gwen the other night. Do you have a problem with this?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren was taken aback by Cal's remark. "Um. I mean, that's your business, mate. Doesn't bother me. She did say she hoped to get some." Wren chuckled for a moment before leaning in closer. 

Thank you. I'm not, but does it really matter? You're honest, so I trust you. I'm not certain on Eloise & Sharlot but I'm thinking they're not either. Are you anti-Capitol? Would you dislike us if we were anti-Vester/Capitol/Games? Not 100% on where our goal is going, since Millie's in charge, but it looks like it's headed that way. Answer the questions if you're still in. 

[Cal Mensen]

Cal's expression relaxes, a small smile easing in.

"Thanks Wren. I was afraid either you weren't a fan of her or had an eye on her yourself. I needed to tell someone, I'm not sure if I'm thinking straight anymore when it comes to her."

He grabs a pillow and lays his head on it as he looks up at Wren, appreciating the close conversation.

"I want to live, acclaim plays no part.

The accord is an ideal to work to and can protect those who participate. I worry that if we don't fight if either the capital or outside tributes attack it, our ideals die with us.

We need those supplies at the beginning, ignoring them strengthens enemies and only foraging puts us at long term risk.

I am weary of another alliance, but if there are members who believe in the accord, we shouldn't turn away potential allies.

I trust you, Eloise a little less so, I haven't really met your third member.

We need food to live and fighters to defend the accord. It sounds like we're placing our strategy to the former victor, I'd like to hear what she thinks first."

Cal sighs, his smile fading, stress marking his face.

"I trust Gwen, but I don't know if I trust her allies. She's been kept in the dark, but she's mentioned the Accord as an interesting idea. I think she's interested, but I don't know if that conflicts with her alliance's interests. I'd also consider Val for the accord. She appears to have some sway within her faction, if she's willing to join I'd hear her out."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren smiled. "I hadn't really been too into girls back at home, but there have been a few that have caught my eye here. I'm just too shy to  mention it, and figured it's best to keep romance out of the Games." 

Her interview makes me want to trust her. Val, too. But I'm afraid of people joining our accord, then backstabbing us. You're right-betrayal is not acceptable. Although our terms are "No one dies," we have yet to define "no one" within our group. If someone attacks us, do we attack back? I think our skills are fairly balanced, between attack, strategy, spy, scavenge...at least between us 3. What do you have to bring to the table? And what do you think of "no one." ?

[Cal Mensen]

Cal smirks, rolls over and looks to the ceiling.

"I'd say if an opportunity is there, enjoy it. Its a nice silver lining against these bleak events. Again, that might be Gwen rubbing off on me."

"I have excellent observation skills, decent strategy and combat experience. I'm afraid I'm liability when it comes to scavenging, but I'm considering advancing it if given an opportunity.

As for 'no-one', I'd say non-aggressors. Anyone within the accord and not attacking accord members should be spared. The Games' countermeasures, deployed peacekeepers, and tributes who kill to win should be fought, killed if need be. I sure hope Millie has some aces up her sleeve."

He sits up, facing Wren again.

"Is there anything else on your mind? If not, we have the whole complex to explore. Your call."

[Wren Hartwood]

"Heh. Probably. Wonder if she met up with Cesar after the interviews." Wren winked at Cal.

She said she's hoping to pull some strings, but she hasn't given us too much since she wants to see our group get bigger first. Sharlot hasn't approved you yet, so if Eloise approves, I'll allow you into the alcove. I posted your responses to our 7 questions there for her. Millie sorta comes & goes. I mean, she can't be around all the time like me-I'm addicted to this chatting thing now. But it'd be nice for her to pop up again soon today. I'm also on the roof, trying to get a feel for some people there-Holly, Gwen, and Val are there with Millie.. We'd be considering Val & Holly for the accord. I might get lucky and be able to bring it up. But Eloise has more trust in them than I do, and looks like vice versa. So I'm hoping to at least break the tension a bit there. The more we have to agree to an accord, the better chances we have... And I agree on your definition of "no one." I think Eloise can help with scavenge, btw. And it seems with our 4 main skills, we can be more creative? Like use attack to hunt for food maybe...

[Wren Hartwood]

Also, any idea who's in the loading docks??? I'm getting paranoid

[Cal Mensen]

Cal's face grimaces a little, not a great thought to prompt. Then again, she's not exactly subtle or picky, and anything beyond him is her business. At least that's what he keeps reminding himself...

"Cesar can handle a crowd, but he wouldn't be the one holding the reigns there. At least one of us is living it up."

He slowly rises up onto his feet, and begins to move towards the exit. 

"Odds are, whoever we haven't accounted for. My money's on the bearded wonder, the other brightly colored hair girl, Dante the mastermind, and if based on our luck, probably Holly, Val and Gwen."

"If you need me, I'll be in chilling the rose garden after my interview. Thanks for having me stop by."

Cal's small smile returns, feels good about this meeting.

[Wren Hartwood]

"Alright, have fun. I'd like to join you there, but I'm afraid I'd scare away anyone else you're hoping to talk to. Thanks for, erm, not being afraid to talk to me." Wren felt much better about Cal, now. There were still some questions left unanswered, but maybe there was still time to figure everything out.

Wren considered what Cal had said...

"I'd say if an opportunity is there, enjoy it. Its a nice silver lining against these bleak events."

Wren caught Cal's arm just as he was reaching for the doorknob. He planted a quick kiss on him. "I uh, just didn't want to die without having a first kiss...felt like the best opportunity. Sorry." He looked at the floor. "That stays here. "

[Cal Mensen]

Cal is surprised, not expecting Wren to be so forward. After a few seconds, a smile spreads across his face.

"Good listener. It's a shame that wasn't as good as your second."

Before Wren can react, Cal's hand slips around his head, drawing him in for a deeper kiss. It was slow and lingered, allowing both of them to engage when they'd like. After several seconds,he breaks off the kiss gently.

Looking into his eyes, Cal smiles from ear to ear. 

"Who's afraid of the big bad bird? I'm happy I could help."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren tried to hide his gigantic grin. He was giddy-something he hadn't felt before.



"Get outa here," he said, with a smirk as he shoved Cal out the door.

You'd better be loyal. I don't think I'd take well to heartbreak. It's the ultimate betrayal.

OOC: I couldn't name a thread like this without having something happen

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren had been around on the rooftop for a while, hanging in the alcove, pondering his thoughts. Just when he was feeling comfortable, things seemed to have twisted. He sat in his room, lights dimmed, allowing his thoughts to consume him.

Cal, if you're around, wanna talk? I'm feeling shitty...

[Cal Mensen]

Having found no company in the rose garden but a decent amount of time to clear his head, Cal decides to pay his available contact a visit.

"Hey Wren, you should see the roses at the time of night, they look..."

He stops in motion as he sees Wren sitting alone in a dimmed room.

"...like shit."

Cal sits down next to Wren, not wanting to impose but still alarmed at his condition.

"Hey... what happened? Last I saw you, it looked like the day came early, you were smiling so bright."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren looked up. He hated for anyone to see him like this, but he was beginning to trust Cal.

"Hey. Sorry. I just feel so...betrayed. I think Holly's telling Gwen shit about the accord, Sharlot seems to have given away some password and I'm afraid it's the one to the alcove...when I had been waiting for permission from the whole group to add YOU. Fuck it- 7935. There. I trust you. I don't give a shit about them. I think I can trust Eloise, though. I don't even know about Millie anymore. Now Gwen's asking me about an accord, claiming she figured it out on her own. She's dangerous, man. I know you have history with her now, but..." Wren couldn't finish his sentence.

 "Look. I've done some terrible things. I told Eloise, Sharlot, and Millie about you being a peacekeeper, but stressed your honesty about it and your answers to our questions. I'm so sorry. I thought it might help them trust you, with your honesty and openness. And..." Wren took a deep breath, "I asked Gwen about you guys. I know it's not my business but I just couldn't help myself. She was there and I just...I felt so pissed, you know? Damn. I've never been like this. She's been all over everyone...She might have feelings for you, but wasn't direct with her words. Every time she indicated feelings being there, I just got pissed because...because I think I have feelings for you!" Wren nearly shouted the last bit, but remembered not to wake Gillian. He had never really had feelings like this for anyone-boy or girl, so how would he know what to do?

Wren looked down and tried to hold back tears. "Sorry for unloading that all on you. I just...I thought you could relate, with the betrayal thing. I thought you might be able to comfort me or something. And I hope you don't think I'm a freak. If you'd rather spend tonight in your own room with Gwen, I get it. But I just thought I'd extend an invitation to stay here if you want to keep talking. Or just sit."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal froze up. Taking deep breathes, he looks Wren over, and sighs.

"That's... that's a lot to take on. I don't know... where to start. Just..."

Cal wraps his arms around him, puts his head against the others, rocking him slowly back and forth.

"It's going to be okay. No one deserves to be put through all this. Your heart... was in the right place. I told you about... me, and I knew the risk. Being careful is what has gotten me this far, but I knew that I didn't have a chance if I took no risks. You were my safe ground, where I could lay down my burdens."

He gives some room, moves Wren around to meet face to face.

"I don't know what we have, but it isn't any clearer with Gwen. I feel like we're safe with one another. I promise not to hurt you, and I will do my best to protect you."

He gives him a soft kiss, lets it linger, before withdrawing.

"I know we don't have much time left, but I need time. I'm going to do what I can, see if I can change some minds."

He smiles, wishing so hard that he could make Wren do the same.

"I'm going to go make some stupid choices soon. But I'll stick around a little longer. If nothing remains the same, know that I have your back"

Cal rests his body against Wren's, wishing he could do more for each other.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren straightens up in his seat on the floor.

I know. It's all about risks...I've just never had to take so many all at once. And you-I even forget about what you are! You're just...so human. I never thought they could be so human. Not that any have specifically wronged me in Seven. But it's just...peacekeepers are always considered the enemy. Now everyone's an enemy. Or just the capitol's an enemy, if things go as well as we could hope for." Wren rests his head on Cal's shoulder.

Eloise is practically my new sister here, so I'll protect her. And you...well I'd face anything head on that came between us. Everything with us just sorta...clicked since our first meeting that morning. I felt like I could trust you. I think Millie's trying to guide Gwen to our group. I guess I'll trust Millie." Wren looks up at Cal and kisses him fiercely. "If things turn to shit tomorrow...would you hold my hand? And what are you gonna do...'stupid decisions...?'" Wren wasn't sure what Cal was up to, but he wanted them to just sit and rest through the night together.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal matches his kiss, but has to draw back after a few seconds, listening to his words.

Cal nods his head, pondering these last few hours.

"Thank you."

He takes a deep breath.

"I'm going to lay my cards out on the table to the people who matter. The Accord, Gwen. I won't mention you, the last thing I'd like is to drag down your reputation. Even if they won't take me in, you should be safer with them."

A tear wells up, streaks down one cheek.

"I still believe we can make it out of this alive. I will see you again, please know that you are not far from my thoughts."

Wren stands up and marches through the door, his night only beginning.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren smiles.

"Thank you. Millie and I have opened up to Gwen and Val on the roof. I've added you to the alcove. Password was mentioned in my rant earlier. Feel free to snoop around to what's visible to you. I trust you. Thank you for trusting me. And thanks for...well, being you I guess."

OOC: Heading to bed. Feel free to tie up loose ends with Val & Gwen & Millie & Eloise if they're around. Not sure about Sharlot

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren spends some more time in his room during this long, tense night. Everything could change tomorrow. But for now, at least I have some friends. That's all he could have hoped for.

As soon as Cal enters the room next, Wren closes the door and shoves Cal against it, kissing him hard. Who knew this could be so fun. Was I missing out on this stuff back in Seven? Damn, there's just something about him. Him. I'd never considered love much but I definitely didn't think it would ever be a guy. Or a peacekeeper for that matter. Huh. Who knew. He's good. Has he kissed many girls back in Twelve? Or anyone, for that matter? I almost want details on him & Gwen, but I think it might hurt to know...Let's just focus on tonight. I'd still like to just talk to him more, but damn this is great too.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal marches into the room, not bothering with subtlety. 

"WHAT THE HELL WAS...?"

Wren closes the door, halting Cal's rant. Before he could get out another word, he's pinned to the wall. Normally his first instinct is to defend himself, but this was Wren. As he began to kiss him, he felt a wave of relief crash over him. His lips tighten into a small smile as he eagerly reciprocates' Wren's forwardness. One arm wraps behind his shoulders, pulling him in for a tight embrace. Cal's other holds lower, supporting the young man's frame. They continue for a few minutes, lost in the moment. 

He sighs, taking a deep breath. What was he even doing here? 

"Sorry for yelling, I just needed some time to myself, build up a report with potential allies."

He nods his head towards the couch, leading the two of them to lay down together.

[Wren Hartwood]

"I get it. Sorry for intruding. I just...I wanted some fresh air after our talk and I wanted to apologize to her and let that guy know I'm willing to give him a chance." 

Wren brought his head back but kept his embrace tight. "Plus..." He pushed some of Cal's hair off his forehead and leaned to kiss his neck. "I wanted to see you." He realized this was way out of character for him, but this was all so new and exciting. He didn't want to get too caught up...but he was falling just a little.
"Sorry. I just can't stop. But we can just talk for a bit. Do you have any new info? Or would you rather talk about things like back home?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods, he looks back up to Wren.



"That was good of you to do, we got to keep cool heads if any of us are going to walk away from all this."

Cal wasn't sure what to make of what they have. At first he only wanted to be a friend, something Wren obviously needed. Maybe give him a little confidence. Now... this was becoming something more. Cal adored his sincerity and willingness to open up around him.



"Nothing quite yet, my process isn't a quick one. When I have something worth reporting, I'll let you know."



He leans against the couch, nuzzling Wren's neck with his own.



"Tell me your favorite part of home, Wren."

[Wren Hartwood]

"Exactly. While I might not trust everyone completely, I've gotta give them a chance first."



Wren loosens his hold on Cal and slumps down onto the couch, leaning against him. His warm body stabilized Wren's nerves.

He considered Cal's question. "Hmm. Funny. There isn't a lot I love about my life back home with the bullying and with my dad being so harsh, but with things being so stressful here it's almost like I miss it. I guess what I miss most is the trees. There don't seem to be many here in the Capitol. My typical day includes climbing-for work and for fun. I'm a bit of a sneak..." Wren blushed. "I've...been spying on some people around town from treetops like my whole life. I'm small, so I can get really high up there without cracking any branches. The world looks so different from up high. Everyone seems so small. The air is cool, the squirrels don't mind me. We're good buds most of the time. I just get lost up there. I can read without disturbances, or make something beautiful out of twigs and leaves. My sister Egret and I like to make each other things. She actually pressed this sweet pea and made it into a locket for me." Wren pulled his locket out to show Cal. "It's...not much. But it has a bit of my two favorite things from home-Egret and nature."



"Actually..." Wren started to pull something he had hidden tucked into his boot, but hesitated. No. This is ridiculous. I don't even know how he feels about me. Wait. He let out a sigh. "So, what about you? Anything you miss about Twelve? Certainly not those douchebags that let you end up here..." Wren felt bad mentioning it. "But then, you wouldn't have a shot at something greater." He smiled, awaiting a response.