RRPG: Chapter 10 Outcome

CHAPTER 10 OUTCOME Outcome: 3. Georg’s Constitution skill check, trivial: 4 (barely passed, mediocre) Renate’s touch, even through a piece of wet cloth, would be enough to make Georg blush – if not for his already red cheeks. The girl’s hands are delicate and tender, wiping all sweat from his face. Renate puts the cloth back in the bucket and hesitates. Should she ask him to wipe and cool his back too, or would he be outraged and angry at her? She knows she, too would be more than flustered, but it’s not like she hasn’t seen a lot while helping the Shieldmaiden taking care of the wounded. Georg, though, is not just anyone. -Renate- his voice is still shaking, but seemingly stronger than before. She can’t know it, but he has steeled his resolve. She is so tender and caring towards him, unfazed by his harshness and irrationality. There is no use thinking about his fever dream now. He needs to tell her something, and he needs to do it now, as he feels weaker and weaker despite all she’s done for him. -Yes, Georg? Are you feeling any better?- she asks him with concern written on her face. She’s not unfazed by his behaviour; rather, it seems as if her tenderness only grew because of it. -No… I mean, yes… Renate!- he shakes his head. -What is important is that… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry- he clenches his teeth. The girl blushes and wants to say something, but Georg continues. -Back then, I hurt you, because your care felt wrong to me, because… I should protect you. Because – he puts as much willpower as he can in his words – I want to protect you, Renate. For a moment, there is nothing but tense silence between them. Geor looks hopefully at the girl’s face just to see her cheeks getting bright red. Did he say too much? -Thank… Thank you, Georg- Renate’s voice is just a whisper. She is not sure whether Georg’s words are fever ramblings or truth. She is not sure what she should do now. And, above all, she is not sure how to call the feeling she feels now; something strange and indescribable, like butterflies in her stomach. She is not sure why she wishes he could stand up and walk through the town with her once more. Renate remembers what she should do when caring for ill or wounded boys, though. Just to care for him properly, she kneels closer by his bed and stretches out her hand, noting that it is shaking faintly. She is not sure why. It’s the basics of care, to make the infirm feel better. There is no other reason for which she’d do it. Georg’s heart starts beating faster when Renate takes his hand. -Please, rest now, Georg- she smiles at him, though her voice is uncharacteristically high-pitched. -And… Thank you. Please get better soon so I can… So I can… what? Renate doesn’t finish. Count on him? Feel safe with him? Why did she even try to say anything? Her face slowly becomes as hot and red as Georg’s. The boy seemingly wants to tell he something more and now, for some reason, she would really want to know it… She no longer has any doubts that he’s friendly towards her, and the very thought that a young, kind-hearted boy wants to protect her is as preposterous as lovely… Renate lets out a short squeal and jumps to her feet, letting go of Georg’s hand, as someone rushes to the door and suddenly opens it. -Hello, you two. Is everyone allright?- asks Rudy. He walks into the room, carrying a spear strapped to his back, a straw hat in one hand and a soft headkerchief in a pastel blue colour. -I bought those for you so you wouldn’t get a heat stroke in this infernal heat- he smiles at them. -Oh my. You two are both already overheated, huh? -Y… Yes- Georg nods, his voice barely a whisper. -Did I interrupt you?- Rudy asks. -I can walk out if you wish so… -No, no!- the boy gestures fervently and shakes his head. Renate is speechless from embarrassment. The knight sighs and decides to do something to lighten the mood, now that he probably destroyed a beautiful moment for those two. -Okay, Georg. Once more, now you have this to wear- Rudy walks up to him and roughly pushes a straw hat onto his head. -And Renate- he faces the girl with a smile- I think you can use this- he gently hands her a headkerchief. -Thank you, sir!- the girl straightens and bows deeply. -I’ll cherish it! Now, it’s Rudy whose face is bright red. -Please don’t mind it. It’s a small thing after all- he mutters. He wants to add that it costed only a thaler, but reconsiders. It was one of the better headkerchiefs on the stall and he does not want Renate to feel any more embarrassed. -Would you mind to try putting it on? -Of course, sir!- Renate smiles at him brightly. She walks up to the small mirror in her room, puts a headkerchief on her head and smiles to the mirror. Quite nice! And the cloth is soft and breezy… Perfect for a hot weather! Cute, thinks Rudy. -I’m back- Trusty walks into the room with a full plate of cold soup in one hand and a bowl of fresh fruit in another. -Oh, Rudy. Hello. Watch your young ones, would you? That Georg kid almost got a heat stroke! -I know. He’ll be allright. I got him a straw hat though- Rudy nods. -And same with poor little Renate. -Renate too?- asks Trusty. -Of course!- Rudy frowns. -She was bright red when I came in. I think, Renate, you should go to bed too. I know you’re a good girl and you took care of Georg as well as you could, but you should definitely have a rest. Maybe you want me to bring you a book to read? Renate feels overwhelmed. She wants to protest, but Trusty is faster. -Oh, of course your little princess is on the verge of fainting too. I’ll bring her some cold food. And the book is a good idea! Methinks both of your youngsters need a good rest. -That’s it, then- Rudy smiles. -I’ll bring you dinner later. For now, I’ll tell you what I learned today from the town mayor. -And I think I can tell you which quests are going to be posted today- Trusty winks. -I’d rather have you take them beforehand than let the ne'er-do-wells that come here lately try their luck at it. Renate and Georg look at each other. An afternoon of rest after a hectic morning seems not so bad! [RENATE’S RESOLVE: +5] Renate obtained a blue headkerchief! Georg obtained a straw hat! Rudy lost 1 thaler. RENATE’S RESOLVE: 27 . RENATE’S LEVEL: 3 RENATE’S EXP: 0 (5 needed to advance) RUDY’S LEVEL: 2 RUDY’S EXP: 1 (3 needed to advance) GEORG’S LEVEL: 2 GEORG’S EXP: 2 (2 needed to advance) GEORG’S STATUS: WELL RESTED (temporary) RENATE’S STATUS: WELL RESTED (temporary)