Broken Compass and a Broke Man

Subject: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:12 am

Bishop drew in a deep breath and leaned against the metal pole. He was agitated about something, but no one was around to hear him complain. Oh well, it was just his luck. His right hand dove into his pocket in order to retrieve a crumpled mass of metal.

“You just had to break it, Squiggy.”

A black pool gathered to his left and shifted into the form of a foot tall being that had no eyes, ears, or mouth. It was just a mass of black, with two legs, two arms, and a head set upon a neck.

“It was the only compass we had left too.”

The being, known as Squiggy, lowered its head in shame. This caused Bishop to frown. Somehow, complaining to the source of the agitation wasn’t improving his mood. It just made him feel guilty.

“Oh, it’s alright. I’m sure there is someone who can fix it.”

He placed the remnants of the compass back in his pocket and knelt down. Blue eyes shimmered as Squiggy lifted its head. If the being had eyes, their gazes would’ve met. Despite visual confirmation, he felt as if they had.

“Now, where did Scribbs run off to?”

Squiggy looked at him for a moment, before it turned around to face the street in front of them. Its plump black arm rose up, as if pointing to something.

“Why would Scribbs go that way?”

He brought a hand to his goatee and stroked it in thought. A pleasant smell drifted to his nose, causing him to smile.

“The devil’s out hunting muffins.”

Squiggy gave a nod, but didn’t turn around again. Instead, it began walking forward and Bishop took after it.

“I swear, for not have a mouth or nose, the two of you have a talent for finding food.”

The smell became stronger and soon a rather large restaurant came into view. His stomach growled at the mere thought of food being so close, but so far away. Squiggy shifted back into a black pool and disappeared from sight.

“I hate it….when they just disappear.”

Once again, he was alone.

He made his way towards the restaurant but came to a stop. A sign lingered in front of his gaze that read ‘Tool Shop.’

“Dumb luck.”

His attention drifted from the sign to the door. It didn’t seem to be ajar, which meant it was closed.

“Correction, it’s my luck.”

A step was taken towards the wall and he presses his back against it, only to slump to the ground. Thighs pressed flush against his chest as he sat there and waited. He didn’t find any point in going to the restaurant, which would just be teasing his stomach for treats he couldn’t afford.

“I hope Scribbs and Squiggy don’t cause any trouble.”

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*It was the end of her shift for the day. 10 hours of nothing but cook, really took a toll on her. Mentally and physically she was exhausted. Yet, this was something she loved doing and probably would never give it up. Standing at the counter, a line of desserts awaited to be eaten. Muffins, pieces of pie and cake. On the other counter was bread and meat. Regular, popular items in the restaurant. Not many had much money, so they bought sandwiches. She did have some unusual orders for sandwiches. Most of which she didn't want to remember. Sitting the apron down, she fixed a plate of food, wrapping it in aluminum foil. If she would eat it, she did not know. Normally she ate a bite of lunch, a piece of bread or a sandwich and that was all. Nothing else till the next day. Cooking kept her so busy that she did not have time to eat. When she was outside her gaze fell upon a man who was sitting outside all alone.*

"Excuse me sir, is everything okay? Why don't you go in and get yourself something to eat?"

*She sat the fod down and put a denim jacket over her bare arms. It was a light simple jacket, she wasnt too cold and this jacket gave her just enough warmth.*

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Fri Apr 25, 2008 3:38 pm

He heard the door to the restaurant open, but his gaze didn’t drift upwards. Instead, he looked at his old sneakers. He took note of the wear and thought he should buy a new pair, when he came across the money. When he heard someone ask a very simple question, he looked up at the form. A female that looked worn-down from working too hard.

“Oh, uh,”

Even though the question was simple, it was hard to reply. He’d grown accustomed to talking to Squiggy and Scribbs, and of course they didn’t talk back. It was charades twenty-four-seven when them. Now he was faced with someone who was capable of speech.

“I’m alright; I’m just playing the waiting game.”

His right hand rose to point at the sign above his head. But it quickly fell once she mentioned food. It made his stomach growl. Yep, it was his luck.

“I would, but I’m having---“

He watched her place something wrapped in foil upon the ground. Foil, it always meant food was inside it. Again, his stomach growled. He wasn’t sure if this lady was helping the situation or not.

“---a little difficulty when it comes to money.”

It was a tiny lie, but why go out and say, “Well you see…I’m just broke. I’m a beggar.” Oh no, he had to keep at least a little bit of his ego intact.

“Are you cold?”

It was the only thing he could say in hopes of changing subjects.

Two black pools gathered on either side of him, but they didn’t shift forms. They just remained in idle mode, listening to what was being said. Squiggy and Scribbs were of the curious sort.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*She tilted her head looking at you and saw the two pools of black. She smiled a bit and nodded*

"I have a tendency to get a bit cold at night."

*She walked over to you and laid the food in front of you*

"It maybe a bit cold. Sorry about that. I hope you like it. And if you ever need anything just come here and find me. Im usually in the kitchen....well I am always in the kitchen. I wont be here tomorrow though. Its my day off."

*She stretched and looked down to you and smiled softly getting her hair from under her jacket and laying it over her shoulder*

"By the way, tell your friends I said they could actually come out and play if they wish."* she shook her head laughing silently seeing how they remained pools. She walked a bit farther out from the the restaurant and walked towards her home.*

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Fri Apr 25, 2008 4:00 pm

That’s right. It was nighttime, so he could understand why she would be a bit cold. Sometimes he was a bit inconsiderate. Or was it forgetful? His eyes grew wide as she approached and placed the foil wrapped food at his feet.

“Oh, uh,”

One of the black pools glided to him and formed an arm to poke him in the side. It wanted him to spit it out already.

“Thank you. I’m sure that it will—“

His gaze leaves her to look at the foil. It hit him right then and there. He had no idea what it was. He just knew that it was something edible.

“—be tasty. What is it exactly?”

The other pool glided to the foil and shifted into a one foot and an inch tall being. It was Scribbs. Like a curious child, it began to poke and prod at the substance. The action made Bishop chuckle.

“Seems my friend doesn’t want to hide now and is wondering the same thing.”

He waved a hand at Scribbs and it looks at him, before turning to face the female. It just stood there and watched her walk away.

“Scribbs…why are you always the shy one?”

He shook his head and Squiggy shifted into its foot tall form. Shortly after the shift, it took off after her. It knew Bishop was going to ask another question. It zoomed in front of her and came to a stop. As it suspected, Bishop spoke out.

“Would you like to share or…do you really have to go?”

Of course, her schedule was completely unknown to him (other than the day off) and he didn’t know the type of shift she worked. He just wanted to hear someone’s voice.

Besides, his stomach was making a liar out of him. He wasn’t all that hungry.

Admin Number of posts : 1075 Registration date : 2008-02-20

Noah swung a bag over his broad shoulder, and manuevered down the street. Tiny details stuck to him, like the soft breeze, or pleasant smell in the air. He's not so interested in food at the moment though. Right before running off each day, he'd eat at Eclipse, the restaurant which is also his home. Afterwards, he'd go to the gym of Nede, Jimu. In all actuality, Noah just got out of the gym. His hair, still wet from having been in the cool swimming pool, pressed in on his face. With a shake of his head, moisture splattered all about.

Noah was approaching the front of his work-place, Bing Hei. It's name is actually derived from China. 'Bing Hei' means in a sense Tools of Soldiers in Chinese, of course, it's translated. First his keen eyes landed upon a man leaning against the structure of his building, then to Rhian, who walked up to the man. Beings, black in hue, appeared, which made Noah's brows lift upwards in curiousity. What in the world is that?

After Rhian departed, he strolled up to the man, trying to sound as friendly as possible, "May I help you?" Noah used to be socially awkward, and rather unpleasant. He had an air of haughtiness, of which diminished much by now. Nonetheless, Noah has stern facial features, and seemingly depthless orbs. He counted the seconds that passed before the man could give him an adequate reply.

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:58 pm

Squiggy followed Rhian as she departed, while Scribbs stayed by Bishop’s side. Its head tilted back to observe the night sky. He took notice of this action and scratched his head. Something odd always happens when Scribbs looks to the stars. Before he could count to three, he heard another set of footsteps approach him. The thought of sharing food became something of the past when this newcomer came forth. Scribbs allowed its head to return upright as its body turned to face the man as he questioned Bishop.

“If you are the owner of this---“

His hand moves above his head to point at the sign.

“---Shop, then yes. If not….Looks like I’ll be a street dweller until morning comes.”

He let his hand drop back to his lap and Scribbs inched closer to him, away from the stranger. He offered Noah a smile, as if saying that the question didn’t offend him. After all, it was getting pretty late.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*She heard the man talk, when she was out of view, she stopped and turned around looking at him. She smiled watching him and saw Noah talking to the man. Turning, she went back to walking to home. She usually worked in the afternoon til it closed but today was different. She worked a lot longer.*

*As she walked home, she listened to the night bugs come to life. A few minutes later she came upon her cottage, it wasn't to big yet not too small. It was good for her. If you walked in when she wasnt home, you would swear no one lived here. She didn't have many material objects, so the rooms were plain. The kitchen was bare, she didn't buy food, she was never there to eat and when she was there she would just run to the market buy an apple or something. Living alone, did not call for cooked meals. At least that is what she thought. No one to share it with so why should she cook in the first place. She owned the essentials but that was all.*

Admin Number of posts : 1075 Registration date : 2008-02-20

Noah clasped his hands behind his back patiently, idly running the tips of his slender fingers along his knuckles. His astute judgement told him that this personage has some rather urgent, and perhaps private business. If not, why wait whilst it's so late, and why only give information to the owner of the shop? Noah offered a faint smile in return for the sake of civility, feeling a subtle bashfulness. Although he is very civil when he wants to be, Noah has difficulties with conversing with strangers. But that would have to be fixed, since he's owner of the shop and all.

"I am the owner of this shop." Noah strolled by the man smoothly, slipping a hand into his pocket for his keys, bringing them out. Unlocking the door, he trudged in, pausing to glance over his shoulder once, "What is your name?" Throwing the door wide open for the man and creature near him, Noah brushed his hand outwards for the wall, flipping on the lights.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*Walking inside, Rhian flip the switch, the room being illuminated by artificial light from a small table lamp. Stretching, she made her way across the room throwing her jacket onto a couch the sat in front of the far wall. In her room, she laid on her bed relaxing from the long day of work. Breathing slowly she closed her eyes her muscles finally relaxing. She had to admit, leaving like this was horrible. No one here, no one ever stayed. What's wrong with you Rhian! When ever someone got close she would end up pushing them away.*

*Paige, her black kitten, climb up the blanket walking onto her owner's stomach laying her head on Rhian's neck purring softly. Rhian ran her hand down Paige's soft black fur. The feeling of a living creature actually near her, almost amazed her. It made being here a bit more bearable. Wthin five minutes of laying on the bed, she got bored and stood, with Paige in her arms and walked outside, leaving her jacket on the chair.*

*Ever since Rhian got Paige, Paige never ran off. Even when Rhian let her outside, Paige always stayed on her property. Sitting paige down to go chase the grasshoppers and lightning bugs, Rhian sat on her swing , the was underneath a giant oak tree and laid back staring up at the stars. The stars made her realize her problems were minimal compared to others in the world. Everything was better when she was outside.*

It is so beautiful out tonight. Now if someone was here with me Paige trotted up to her and stared at her. It almost seemed Paige could read her thoughts and was now upset by her comment. Rhian picked up Paige holding her close.*

"Besides you Paige. I wouldnt give you up for the world"

Member Number of posts : 443 Age : 39 Registration date : 2008-04-22

Old habits overcame Squiggy, causing it to drift back to the shadows as it followed Rhian to the cottage. There were a couple of times it paused in order to shoo a firefly away. For some reason, those insects were drawn to it, even more so than Scribbs. When the cottage came into view, Squiggy emerged from the shadows and collapsed into a black pool that glided upon the ground. There it waited, for it dared not tread inside another’s home. At least, it wouldn’t do such a thing without permission.

Bishop had to admit that the conversation made him feel a bit awkward. Hopefully, the man wouldn’t call the authorities. Then again, it would be his luck if the man did. When he heard the answer, he stood up straight and ran his hands down his pants. Blue eyes met the stranger’s gaze which was tossed over the shoulder. An odd feeling overcame him, causing the hairs on his neck to stand on end.

“My name is---“

Bishop wasn’t sure if he should give his real name or not, so he paused. Scribbs took a step towards the open door and looked up at the man. Then its head turned to look at Bishop, only to return its attention to Noah. Perhaps, just perhaps, it was getting a feel for the stranger. It gave a nod and started inside the shop.

“—Benji, but you can call me Bishop.”

He went ahead and gave part of his true name to the man who was kind enough to open the door. At least his last name was still unknown.

“And what is your name, Sir?”

Shortly after the question left his lips, he walked inside. The lights flickered as they came to life and Scribbs shifted into a black pool. It circled around Noah, before it went to Bishop’s side.

“And before anything else is done, I want to say thank you….thank you for opening up the shop.”

When Rhian and her kitten came outside, Squiggy glided towards the swing. Its head formed, but the lower half wasn’t revealed just yet. It noticed that Rhian seemed sad. If only it could talk, but that was out of bounds. Instead, it emerged as its foot tall form and it touched a patch of grass. What appeared to be ink dripped from the blades and began to form words.

Are you alright?

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*Startled, Rhian jumped as she saw letters seeming to form from nothing. It took a minute until she could see the black figure within a darker environment. Paige hissed then jumped from her arms running to the porch hiding behind a banister. Rhian stared at Paige*

"Paige get back here!"

*She shook her head and smiled. Paige was one strange kitten. She looked at the words and shrugged*

"Im just a bit....well you know. I mean, I guess at the moment I wish I wasnt alone. A friend."

*She looked to the figure and saw how strange this creature was, but somehow she knew he did not mean harm to her. Or to Paige.*

"You were with that man weren't you? The one I saw at the restaurant....I hope he is okay. Maybe I shouldnt have left him alone to figure out what he was going to do. Noah found him though. He is in good hands."

Oh my god. I am talking to a creature out a guy I just met and I have no idea whome either are. *She shook her head realizing how stupid she was at the moment*

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:25 am

It jumped when the kitten leapt from Rhian’s lap and ran away. It didn’t mean to scare anyone. The words slowly faded away, only to be replaced by another phrase.

I’m sorry. Did not mean to scare kitty.

It bowed its head as it apologized and kicked the ground with its foot. A pool of ink glided across the ground from impact with the earth and began to shift into the shape of a rose.

For you.

Shortly after the new set of words appeared, a real rose with blood-red petals emerged from the drawing. Little did she know, it came from someone’s garden back in town. Hopefully, the owners wouldn’t be too upset.

Yes.

It gave a nod when she mentioned Bishop who was left in town with Scribbs and another man.

He be fine. No worry.

True, it’s English was a bit off, but it was the best it could do.

Your name?

Squiggy sat down and titled its head back to get a better view of her face.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*She picked up the rose and held it to her nose smiling. The soft petals against her lips. She watched as the words kept changing as the creature tlked to her about the man from before, and about the kitten*

"Dont worry about Paige. She is just protective in a way. Well as best as a kitten could be"

*She softly laughed and sat down in the grass near the figure but still far back enough not to scare him. A smile spread across her face seeing that the man was okay. She hoped he would be. He seemed to have been through a lot*

"My name is Rhian Alexander. What is your name? Or are you not allowed to tell me??"

*Even though he didn't speak, she quite enjoyed his company. It was quite refreshing*

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:47 am

It gave a nod when she explained. However, the bravery she commented on reminded it of cowardice. After all, the kitten did run away. None the least, it didn’t let that thought be known. Head tilted to the right when she picked up the rose and placed it against her lips. This was another thing that struck it as abnormal.

People eat petals?

The words quickly vanished and for a moment it hoped she didn’t catch them. It was wrong to ask such a question. Then it gathered her name.

Pretty.

Words lingered in the air a moment longer, as it thought of what to say.

My real name…

Each dot was bigger than the last as it continued to think of a reply. Then the dots blended together in order to finish the statement.

He calls me Squiggy.

It moved its head upright.

You call me Squiggy too.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*She smiled watching you*

"Its a pleasure to meet you Squiggy. Interesting name." *she smiled and held the rose in her hands twirling it between her fingers. The moon was now high in the sky and all was quit. She leaned back on her hands.*

"Where will the man go?" *She was talking about the man she met before. For some reason she wondered where he would go. Maybe it was because she was in his place not too long ago. She really didn't know*

"I hope I am being good company Squiggy"

Admin Number of posts : 1075 Registration date : 2008-02-20

Noah noted each of the man's gestures precisely, for he is quite a studier of psychology, and body language. Hand running down the pants? Is it a sign of nervousness? Noah's gaze tipped firmly off his shoulder, awaiting the man's answer to his question, before he turned to face him. The light above buzzed into life, illuminating the whole room.

"A pleasure to meet you, Bishop." Noah's frame bent to give a bow, a hand sweeping out suavely from his torso. He noticed the pause in between, a sympton of hesitancy. The hesitancy means the man either gave him his fake name, a portion of a name, or simply was reluctant to give his identity. Following that trail, Noah safely deduced that either the man has some private business [which he already guessed earlier] for him to attend to, or his name happens to be notorious and even dangerous to those who knows his true identity, or the guy's just plain paranoid.

"Noah." His head turned, and eyes fixated briefly upon the creature that seems an ally to Bishop. It became a pool around him, and Noah kept his mask on of blank composure. "Hey there." That was how he addressed the black thing. It seems kind of friendly.

"No need for the thanks. It's my shop. Of course I'd open it." Noah, known for being curt, espicially to new acquaintances. "What brings you here?" The question left his parted lips lightly, but it's rather significant. Noah was quick to bring the conversation to the point. Curt.

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 2:56 am

Its head tilted back to look at the moon.

It has a halo.

An arm rose upwards, pointing to the white ring that formed around the moon. For a second, her question went unanswered. There was something about this night that would change everything. Was it meeting these people? Then the words shifted and formed the answer to her question.

We go where D sends us.

Of course, ‘D’ was a codename and only Bishop knew the true name. In fact, that name, was the only secret Bishop kept from Squiggy and Scribbs. The words dissolved and reappeared in another sentence.

You great company. But, you still sad.

Bishop watched as the man bowed and he soon followed suit. It was the right thing to do, after all. When he heard the man’s name, he smiled.

“Noah, that is a fitting name.”

His eyes met Noah’s for a brief second and then lowered to Scribbs. A head formed from the pool, but limbs remained hidden.

“Show your manners.”

Bishop winked at it, causing its full form to emerge. Again it stood at a height of one foot and an inch tall. It bowed its head and soon words appeared upon the floor in black ink.

Pardon my manners. I’m just not used to….people other than Bishop. You are quite—

“Be nice.”

Bishop remarked, before Scribbs could finish its statement. The words, ‘you are quite’ faded away and a new phrase came forth.

My name is Scribbles, but he calls me Scribbs. He’s the odd one.

Its head gave a cant towards Bishop, causing him to frown. He started to regret giving Scribbs lessons in English. He should’ve known something like this was going to happen. Scribbs took a step towards Noah and the words that were upon the floor disappeared.

“I was wondering if you could fix my compass.”

His hand dove into his pocket again and retrieved the broken item. The brass frame was crumpled, the needle was bent, or rather curved in a hook, and the glass was shattered (almost like a spider’s web.)

“It’s very special to me—“

He extended the item towards Noah and Scribbs looked up. It wished it was taller. When his arm was out-stretched the long sleeves of his shirt glided back, revealing a tattoo of a raven to the side of his wrist. It was small, but very detailed. In fact, it looked like its wings flapped as it waited for the compass to leave Bishop’s hand.

“—I hope it isn’t beyond repair.”

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*Rhian just smiled, trying to hide the fact she was. She laid on her back staring up at the moon seeing it's halo.*

"Everything is good....."

*Paige walked back over seeing Rhian was there and everything was okay. She walked up to Squiggy and sniffed at you a bit quite curious. Rhian grabbed Paige laying her on her chest*

"Paige be nice company. Now lay down"

*Immedately Paige laid on her chest curling up into a small black fuzz ball. Rhian looked back at Squiggy and remembered what he said about where they go*

"what about now? You guys are here and theres nothing special here"

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 3:22 am

Squiggy raised its shoulders, and then lowered them in a shrug. It didn’t understand why people lie in order to mask their emotions. The action didn’t seem natural. Its head craned to the left when the kitten approached and sniffed.

I smell bad?

The question lingered until the kitten curled up on Rhian’s chest. When she asked another question, more words formed after its own.

Home where you make it.

It brought its knees close to its chest as it watched her.

See the lining. Always hope.

Deep inside, Squiggy envied the lessons Bishop gave Scribbs. It wanted to communicate efficiently, not in jumbled sentences with syllables tossed here and there.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*Rhian looked at you a bit puzzled by what you meant but nodded*

"Do you mean there will always be a lining of hope??"

*She thought for a moment then shrugged running her hand down Paige's back*

"Home is where you make it yes, but home is also where you feel wanted atleast respected. Have you ever had a home??"

*she yawned a bit*"I don't have much but if you and the others need a place to stay, you are welcome here."

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 3:38 am

It gave a nod.

Always a lining of hope.Cloud.

Again it faced broken sentences. If it had lips, it would’ve frowned. However, the feeling of inadequacy diminished as Rhian spoke. It couldn’t feel annoyed anymore, but sympathize.

World cold. Many not value. But home is heart.

The words drifted in the air and circled above her head, before they faded away. The last word to fade being, ‘heart.’ A new set of words appeared in response to her question.

Away from home. Bishop. Is. Home.

Each word acted like smoke rings and billowed out into the air. The biggest word, of course was Bishop’s name. It had respect for the man. When the offer came around, the words dripped to the ground like spilt ink. It had no right to answer for the others.

We see.

Was written upon the grass, before the blades absorbed the words.

Member Number of posts : 67 Age : 35 Registration date : 2008-03-15

*She looked down at Paige then to you.*

"Always follow your heart. Heart will always be home and it will direct you to a home. I understand what you mean by the world is cold. And your not valued much. I am the same. I have no home before this, and no one cared about me. But when I came here, I felt like I was somewhere I belong. It was a good feeling. I am sad because I have no one to share it with. Then again that is mostly my fault. I dont get close to other people. If I do I end up getting scared and pushing them away. I just figure no one would want me and if they say the do, they are lying." *She shrugged again and sighed realizing how pathetic she was.*

"Bishop.....Bishop....."*she repeated that name a few times*"Is that the name of the man I met before?"

Admin Number of posts : 1075 Registration date : 2008-02-20

A fitting name? Noah was given the name, without really an explanation of why. Why would it be fitting? His hues descended, observing the black blob gain shape to become a being of about a foot. What is that? Noah did the same bow he gave Bishop earlier for the sake of courteousy, then straightened his posture.

Upon reaching the words, Noah blinked. Quite...? He chuckled lightly, glancing to Bishop for his reaction. They seem fairly close, or at the very least, friends. Shifting his attention back to Bishop, Noah's head would cock sideways in contemplation.

His hand extended, palm facing upwards as Bishop retrieved an item. He picked the object off of Bishop's hand, eyes moving by the tatoo on the man's arm as if he didn't notice. Some questions are not meant to be asked.

"And your offer for me to repair it?"

Noah held the object on his palm, turning it over and over meticulously to examine it. The frame itself was crumpled. Did something fall on it, or did it hit something? The needle bent, which is a sign of major injury. Most compasses that suffer from minor damage don't have a twistedly bent needle. The shattering of the glass is typical.

Noah figured he could repair this. The frame, needle, and glass would need to be replaced, though. Brass shouldn't be difficult to obtain, with his chests of supplies. The question now is the payment he would receive, and how much time the man would give him. It shouldn't take long.

Noah glanced upwards, gazing at Bishop for a reply. His dark eyes, honest and steady, took in the man's appearance. He rarely does jobs for people without payment. Or else where would he get the money to get more supplies? Noah shall see what Bishop can offer him.

Subject: Re: Broken Compass and a Broke Man Sat Apr 26, 2008 5:22 am

Squiggy nodded as Rhian let some steam out. Listening to people was one of its finest qualities, that many adored, if not took advantage of. It slowly came to a stand and inched towards her. In the gap between them, strings of words appeared.

It ok to scared. People withdrawn. No understand. Fear. But love no fear. Family.

It placed a small hand, in which fingers weren’t distinguished, on her forearm.

No give up.

Then she repeated Bishop’s name and it gave a nod. Words glided upon her arm.

Yes. Bishop. His name.

Within seconds, the words vanished.

Scribbs sat cross-legged on the floor and looked up at Noah’s hand. There was something about his hands that intrigued it. Despite that, no words appeared to express its thoughts. It knew that Bishop and Noah should be the only ones talking now. When the question about payment came up, Bishop coughed and shoved his hands into his pockets. His gaze lowered upon Scribbs, then shifted to the right.

“Well, you see, I’m a bit broke.”

Scribbs placed its hands on the floor and scooted to the side. It wanted to watch both of them, not just one. When he answered, it brought a hand to its head. Shortly after, a statement appeared in the air.

That was a great way to start things off, Bishop. “I don’t have money, but I would really like it if you fixed it.”

Evidently, Scribbs couldn’t help the urge to make a remark and Bishop sighed. He didn’t know how he was going to get around this one.

“Thank you Scribbs for stating the obvious.”

The words I’m sorry, appeared in front of Bishop. His right hand rose to wave the phrase off.

“I could help you around here, or I could----“

His fingertips searched for something in his pocket and soon a smile formed. It was the locket Annaliesa gave him a couple years back. He slowly removed it from his pocket and wrapped the chain around his fingers, while the locket part dangled below.

“I could give you this. It’s made out of gold.”

…B-b-ishop.

Each dot became wider, along with the letters of his name. Scribbs was stunned and upset.

She gave that to you.

Bishop turned his head. It was right, she did give the locket to him, but right now he needed that compass to be fixed. Sacrifices had to be made.

“Will this be enough?”

Scribbs lowered its head and seeped through the floor.