Foundling is confronted by Lady

Characters in this scene: Foundling, Lady

Setting Location: Sanctuary

Foundling — 03/15/2021

Foundling walks around Sanctuary. Pacing about, he decides its best to come clean now, rather than give that leverage. He goes to Lady’s Office, and knocks lightly on the door. With a phone in hand, a DM, and a confession.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/15/2021

After the Foundling waits for nearly 15 minutes, Lady calls out from behind her door. The door doesn't seem to muffle the sound of her voice at all, "Come in."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Apologies for disturbing you. I do have a few things that have happened recently I wish to confess, and explain. I feel like it would be better to just confess now, than during the 8th day evaluation.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Very well. You may sit or you can keep on standing." Lady said. She looks tired, "I warn you, my temper is a little short right now. Due to a faerie problems, we almost lost our deal with the clan of Brownies that is currently providing our food in Sanctuary. It is a noticeable upgrade from my homunculi cooks and I am very glad to be able to keep them." "What is the nature of your confession?"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Something about then Gray\_2 debacle, and a deal I refused afterwards.”

Stirge — 03/16/2021

"Pardon, let me explain. I didn't ask you the topic of your confession - I asked you about the nature of your confession. What made you think to tell me now? What do you hope to achieve from this conversation? Do you aim to be not just truthful to me - but transparent?" Lady pauses, "Speak as plainly and without subterfuge as possible, please. Again, I am tired and you will find I am fairly lenient with mistakes made by young people."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Remember how that Gray\_2 fellow posted a few days ago? Well, one day, while trekking through jobs, I found a portal to a predation Realm. Something about an opportunity to ‘hunt those who deserved to be hunted’....pretty quickly, I learned that meant hunting that Grey\_2 kid. I probably acted way more rude and abrasive to him than I should have, and I probably think the kid might hate me now. Which, probably rational, considering how I asked. A mix of bad karma, his status as being Forsworn, and my unusual emotions probably made them feel nightmarish in the entire event. I looked into OMO, that day, and turns out that both Echo and Fascination, wanted the kid. They essentially made a deal over who got the kid, over Roshambo. Echo’s envoy won. So, I gave the kid to his envoy, and I barely have a clue what happened to him. While I thought that would be the end of the story, but no. Turns out, watcher in the window isn’t a title just for show. So, they DM’ed, effectively trying to blackmail me for the entire affair. I talked for a bit, but it was clear they wanted information on Sanctuary. Tried to dissuade them, but they seem to unreasonable on the whole thing. Here. (Foundling outstretches his phone, to show the DM). I think I should probably block them.”

The Lady of House LiT — 03/16/2021

"No, again. I did not ask you the topic of the conversation. I asked you about the nature of your confession. Do not make me repeat myself a third time."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

Foundling looks embarrassed, but recovers. “I want to confess because I feel like it would be better to let you know about recent incidents, rather than let them be revealed at the 8th day evaluation, or by those who might try to frame me poorly. I ultimately maintain a modicum of initiative, that wouldn’t exist if I took the alternative. Usually easier to recover trust when an ugly truth is told forthright, than when that same ugly truth is wielded as a weapon by a rival or enemy. Additionally, if I took the alternative of simply not telling you, it would be a betrayal of trust to you, and I consider you a friend.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady sits back and considers. "Very well. What kind of tea do you like?"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”I tend to like most tea I try, with some exceptions.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady gets up from behind her desk slowly, her body creaks a little as she stands up. She moves to a smaller table just to the side of her desk, which has a large thermos, a teapot, and several cups. She turns her back to Foundling, opening a drawer containing several small cylinders. She hums, taking her time as she chooses one, unscrews the cylinder and puts it into the tea pot. She upends the thermos after. "Jasmine tea, from the from the Hunan province. The land of my father's." Lady says, her back still turned to Foundling.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Jasmine tea. Within around the top twenty or so most liked teas, by my estimates. I hope there’s not too much sugar in it. I like to be conscious about what I eat and drink. I dislike the hyperactivity and crash periods that an excess of sugar can bring.” Foundling mumbles, as he sits in his chair. Tense, but less so.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

The Lady turns to Foundling as he speaks, her face takes on the most amusing and baffled expression when Foundling mentions having sugar in tea. She has a smile that she tries to stifle, fails, then successfully masters herself. "You give me a reminder I am grateful for that not everyone knows what a tea ceremony looks like or even is."

The Lady gathers the tea pot and sets it on her desk, directly in the middle between her seat and Foundling. She carries over two small cups on saucers and sets them down by the teapot. All her actions are slow and deliberate.

Lady returns to her seat, "Here, while the tea steeps. Please re-read this." She pulls out a dark, cherrywood plank that has a piece of paper pasted to it. Advice to a Foundling Practitioner? Recently awakened, around two to three days ago. Currently very little in knowledge beyond my previous Family’s version of Essentials, stuff I learned from OMO, and stuff I could intuit from bits and pieces throughout my life. My previous family cut most ties with me, which I assume has been reinforced by my choice to choose to call my last name Foundling when awakening, rather than the last name I was given at birth. Due to these mishaps, I sadly have little of note to give, trade, or offer, at least in comparison to many others and Others of OMO. Nonetheless, I ask for council, and assistance, from OMO. Because frankly, other and/or Other viable options for a 18 year old without a family, along with having barely anything to his name, are very few. I hope I’m not too much of a burden to OMO. The others and Others here seem relatively friendly.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

Foundling chuckles as well. “Ah. That does somewhat explain the situation. I do somewhat know the concept. Apologies.” Foundling says. Foundling then reads the paper. “Wait. This is my first thread I posted on OMO, right?”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Correct."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”I feel like there’s some message or meaning you’re trying to teach me. Might you help me figure it out?”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady nods, "There is, but before then, I think the tea is ready."

Lady opens the top of the pot, takes a look at the color of the tea - she hums again, contemplative. Then she closes the lid and pours it into the two cups in front of her. She takes one saucer and slides it in front of Foundling, before taking the other herself.

The Lady sips the tea slowly, closing her eyes as if to focus on and savor the taste.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

Foundling does the same. For a short moment, he smiles, and then a neutral expression. He savors the tea. “Well made brew. Not too strong, not too hot, not too cold, not too blunt, not too sweet. A mild, subtle flavor, under low heat. Around the top five or so brews I’ve drunk.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

The Lady nods, but does not seem pleased nor disappointed with the statement.

She continues to drink her tea, until she finishes. She waits for Foundling to do the same.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

Foundling eventually finishes his tea. He seems to anticipate that something may happen. A small moment of silence follows.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Thank you for indulging this little, cultural ritual. It is important for a host and a guest to meet in this way when discussing news of import and it is rude in some circles to ignore this protocol." "It really serves a very practical purpose, of bookending a conversation, but also allowing for time and clarity to come despite a long day of work."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”I understand, Ms.Lim.” Foundling says. No hesitation in his voice. Just a statement of clear cut fact. If looked at by the sight, Foundling looks eerily clear and focused.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"In response to your post, I offered you safety here at Sanctuary for 8 days. You already knew something about the way here - which tells me you either knew at least a little about Sanctuary before you came, or you researched this place after the offer. Either way shows a certain amount of competency and calculation." Her last sentence is a statement of fact.

"In your own words, what is the purpose of Sanctuary and after you answer that, tell me why you believe I took you in after," Lady indicates the cherrywood plaque on the table, "reading this post." "This is not a test, by the way."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”The purpose from my own, admittedly flawed perspective, is a place for people to be able to have safety. 8 days can be enough to think things through and get a stable footing, for many. The long-term residents have a safe home base, for them to advance in the world. It's clear by the amount of trouble and reason you have for Sanctuary’s sake, and the low rent costs, it’s clear you’re probably not after power, at least not primarily. It's more likely your goal is to help guide said others and Others in Sanctuary. Therefore, you probably took me in, as an extension of that reason. A relatively new practitioner, who at that moment no defined long-term home. Who could, with time and guidance, theoretically become a better individual.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"An astute observation, as is to be expected of you." Lady praises Foundling.

"How much of your nature do you believe I knew of when I took you in?"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Possibly what could be garnered from the tarot reading, my post, and other sources of information. Enough to know of some level of competence, and some level of instability?” Foundling says, strumming his chin, inquisitively.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Yes. I would like more tea.” Foundling has a pleasant, but not too wide smile.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady refills Foundling's tea and takes her time to savor and sip her own.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

Foundling savors the tea, taking great pain to avoid being rude while doing so.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady finishes her tea slowly before setting down the cup. "Please try to imagine yourself in my shoes. Think about how I might have saw you and what your needs were and how I could help meet them."

Lady pauses, giving Foundling a moment to create a picture with her words.

"Now, in your approximation of being in my place, what would the difference to me be between Samuel Foundling and this young teen who posts as 'Gray\_2?'"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Very little, if what I have learned about you is accurate. Merely the mistakes made, being the difference.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"I'm glad - you understand. Then, if you were put in my situation - where one young person has effectively sealed the fate of another. What might you do in my place?"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Try to prevent future cases, if reasonably possible. Damage control.” Foundling states this calmly. He knows that somethings going to come up at this stage of the conversation.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Oh, really? What makes you think that would be my response?"

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”A possible one, out of many. I don’t know your exact response, because I frankly do not think myself good at reading complex emotions on the fly, at least in my opinion. A mere guess, I suppose, with little evidence beyond base instincts.” Foundling shrugs and says.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Your instincts are especially keen, as I have noted before and will continue to do so. They are impressive."

She looks at Foundling and the look is not one of Sight, but of a woman far older than her appearance would suggest, weary but also containing some hidden sort of expertise, like a jeweler cycling through different lenses as they determine the worth and value of a gem.

"As I said in your intake, you have much potential and are akin to a force of nature. You've barely awakened for over a week and you are already dealing with powerful Others and Practitioners - not coming ahead in your deals or even winning, that would be too much to expect from anyone newly Awakened, but coming out alive if scathed...which is saying something."

"It is my estimate at your current trajectory, you will not live past the next three months. This is not Augury, not a prophecy so much as experience." The Lady pauses, letting Foundling take in this information.

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”Understood. I do note that there was always the risk to me and mine....I thank you for saying I have potential though. I also do admit to my single mindedness, and my risk taking. I apologize for making you worry....I do not lie saying that this is among the worst possible things to happen to my knowledge, in my perspective...”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

Lady looks remarkably sad. It is not a transient look. She allows you to see it. "And - perhaps due your Awakening ritual - you don't even seem to care about your own life for your own self."

Foundling — 03/16/2021

”I can admit to that flaw. I don’t care as deeply about my life or self in and of itself, as most would.”

The Lady of House Lim — 03/16/2021

"Given that, why should I offer protections to you?"

Foundling — 03/17/2021

Three seconds pass, as Foundling thinks it over ”Honestly? I don’t know. I’ve already failed you, and caused you so much trouble.” Foundling says, with deep shame in his eyes.

”For my failures, I have few excuses for.” Foundling says, his eyes slightly watery, but not yet shedding tears. He looks away, as he does so. Looking deeply, deeply solemn.

”Think of it as you may.” Foundling says, suppressing tears with all his might.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/17/2021

Lady pauses and takes this all in, “As I mentioned at the start, I am tired and so I will speak very directly.” “If you can, you can suppress the waterworks. I know I am only talking to a version of the Foundling - from my perception, Foundling Zero Point Two.” “I speak all of the following only from my understanding: your Awakening Ritual cut off all your emotions and care for yourself while preserving and emphasizing the emotions of those you deem friends. It now seems your morality is almost like the programming of a robot.” “Since that Awakening, you already have made some you call ‘friends’ - you are generous in your understanding of those you like and do not see their darkness easily, if at all. We are *lucky* that Foundling who has found a small handful of friends has already committed such pain in this world - just a week after awakening. “

Lady stands up, slowly. She maintains eye contact, continuing: “Understand something, Young Samuel Foundling - you have not failed me, but you *are failing yourself.* As I said, by my estimation, you will die in under three months. And that will truly be a waste. But perhaps worse, if you were to gain friends who are more amoral or even who we would call evil in this world - within those three months, Foundling Zero Point Three or Four or Five might cause great havoc and destruction in this world.” “So I present to you three options. Option One. You finish your week-and-a-day stay in Sanctuary, confined to hotel grounds with no communication allowed between Sanctuary and the outside world. At the end of this time, I will give you $10,000 and leave you in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York - your choice, with a bus ticket in the direction of anywhere in the United States you would like to go.”

Lady moves to the side of Foundling, and lightly places her arm on Foundling's shoulder. She looks sad, and continues once more, "Option Two. If, however, you want to stay and become a Ward of Sanctuary with all the privileges that entails - I will require you to swear a solemn oath, a much deeper commitment than I typically ever ask of the young:" "You will swear that you will vet all your future ‘friends’ by their code of ethics. They must be bound to tell the truth, whether by Oath of Solomon or bound by Practice, and they must honestly tell you, vetted by all your cleverness and resourcefulness - that they care about your well being and health, that they desire you to live a long and joy-filled life, and that they bear no or little ill will toward you at the time of them stating the first two statements." "I ask you to swear this oath not for my sake or the sake of Sanctuary, but for your sake and sake of the world. This is no small oath and you may have your full, promised week-and-a-day stay, confined to hotel grounds with no communication allowed between Sanctuary and the outside world."

Lady pauses, then turns her back on the Foundling, before giving her final option: "Finally, Option Three. I will deposit you, right now to San Francisco, Chicago, or New York with $10,000 with a bus ticket in the direction of anywhere in the United States you would like to go." She stays, her back turned. Foundling hears the vaguest sounds of a woman starting to sob. "This is not up for negotiation. Let me know your answer within the next ten minutes. If you plan to take Option One or Three or consider Option Two.”

Foundling — 03/18/2021

Foundling... stops... he stops crying, and his expression becomes neutral. He sits down, and thinks this through. The gears start to turn. A minute passes. The gears keep turning. Another minute passes. The gears in his brain keep turning, faster and faster. A third minute passes. The gears keep turning…..till they stop. The gears click.

Foundling comes to a decision. He considers it, then shakes his head to himself, to quiet murmuring. He stands up. Then. He speaks. “I’ll take option #2.” Foundling’s eyes don’t waver nor water, when he says this. Just pale green, lightly shining from catching the light.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

At the sound of Foundling's voice, Lady found herself wondering if she has misheard the boy, or just imagined it. The tears flowed freely from her face, unabated from their start three minutes ago. She knew Practitioners did not awaken any younger than they did in olden times but as she got older they all seemed so much more...fragile, despite whatever ways they had either built themselves up or dismantled themselves down.

Samuel Foundling was no such exception. Powerful, already she had described him as a force of nature to his face during his intake into Sanctuary. This was meant to impress him with her keen eye so much as impress upon him the seriousness and stakes of his Awakening. He hadn't learned. Between his entry to Sanctuary and when he walked into her office door tonight, she knew he was already getting embroiled into a number of situations that - not only were vile to her personal moral code - created deep implications for his and perhaps through him, the world's future. Being responsible for a Foresworn's death was even considered by many Just karmically, but having that be one of his first actions in this world? Damning.

She was afraid he would turn out like so many lost children before him, forced by the nature of this world, by the nature of their own hurt, trauma, and ambition, into being a monster. He was well on his way.

But in walking to her office, for the briefest moment, she saw a faint light, a hope.

Through patience, throughout the conversation she teased that light out of the shadows of an uncertain future and stoked its flame of potentiality. She saw one, narrow path of hope among all the dark possibilities for the Foundling. It was not something she could force upon him, he had to choose. And so she gave him that choice.

*And he had made it!* or, almost, there was still time and if he was ready, Lady didn't want to give him any room to doubt. Lady turned around. "Samuel Foundling," Lady met the young man's eyes. "I ask you to swear not to the words or the law of the following oath, but to the spirit of it: You will swear that you will vet all your future ‘friends’ by their code of ethics. They must be bound to tell the truth, whether by Oath of Solomon or bound by Practice, and they must honestly tell you, vetted by all your cleverness and resourcefulness - that they care about your well being and health, that they desire you to live a long and joy-filled life, and that they bear no or little ill will toward you at the time of them stating the first two statements."

Foundling — 03/19/2021

Foundling smiles, then opens his mouth. “I agree to swear by that Oath, Lady of House Lim. By the spirit of the agreement rather than word or law.” Foundling says, with a wide smile on his face. If lady lim looks at his eyes, a bit of the black in the center of the green seems to dissipate, even if only a minuscule amount.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"If you'll humor me, beloved Foundling - please, repeat the words. They have meaning to the Spirits even if this recent agreement is the same. I can share them again with you, if you wish."

Foundling — 03/19/2021

”No need.“ Foundling says. “I swear that I will vet all my future ‘friends’ by their code of ethics. They must be bound to tell the truth, whether by Oath of Solomon or bound by Practice, and they must honestly tell me, vetted by all my cleverness and resourcefulness - that they care about my well being and health, that they desire me to live a long and joy-filled life, and that they bear no or little ill will toward me at the time of them stating the first two statements."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

The tears that were flowing from Lady's eyes just increase. They fall like morning dew onto the ground. The Lady is unabashed at her display of emotion. "Then, young Samuel Foundling. May I be the first to gladly say:" "I care about your well being and health, so much that my heart hurts at hearing your words in sympathetic joy for your possibilities." "I desire you live a long and joy-filled life, filled with abundant peace, well-being, and success." "I do not bear any ill will towards you at all right now, nor did I when you opened the door to my office this night or the first night we met."

"Should you be alright with it, I wish to give you a hug right now."

Foundling — 03/19/2021

Foundling smiles, and a single tear slips. No matter. He outstretches his arms and he speaks “Thank you. Lady Lim. I indeed would like a hug.”

Stirge — 03/19/2021

Lady Lim moved a step closer to Foundling, tentative at first and then embraced the young man in one simple action of care. She continued weeping, but they were now tears of joy. "I am so proud of you, Samuel Foundling. I hope that this choice you've made today is one that you will be proud of in the future, as well."

Foundling — 03/19/2021

Foundling smiles, embracing the smile, and patting her on the back. "Thank you, Ms.Lim. I'm sorry for what I've put you through. I hope so, as well."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

As always, Foundling found some way to confound her, at the pats on her back - she remembered another young man who had passed away not long ago who had once typed out *pat pat pat* to her on OMO. Was this some sign from the beyond that she was given a second chance to rectify that lost opportunity? She didn't dare think it, but her heart hoped nonetheless. "You are so welcome, Samuel Foundling." In an act of tenderness that was much too forward for how she normally presented herself, she kissed his forehead, "You are welcome."

Foundling — 03/19/2021

Foundling gives a radiant, child-like smile, and pleasant conversation continued from there.