maskormenace | video;

[From the background of the video, it looks like Bela is at work at the moment. She looks well for what she has been through, but she isn't exactly smiling.]

Thanks to the Russian government, I have lost out on two weeks worth of trading. I'll have to write January off completely and focus all of my energy into this month in order to break even. Being stuck in a bunker overnight at the swear in didn't help either and I had to have some recuperation time after I was rescued from being imprisoned.

[Which included lots of showering, eating, sleeping and the consumption of alcohol.]

Cheers for that by the way. I didn't get to thank anyone.

Anyway, the point of this is that I'm announcing a sale at Herodotus Antiques. Everything in store will be marked down between 20 to 50 percent of the price, and I'll even throw in an extra 10 percent off if you buy two items. The store is based in down town Maurtia Falls for those of you who have never been before.

[Bela now chooses to showcase her most charming smile. Anything to draw the customers in.]

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Do let me know.

[And click! The feed goes off.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I have heard of kidnappings. Were you one of the victims?

[She seems so blasé about it. Tauriel wonders if it's a coping mechanism.]

I was, yes. There were about fifty other people kidnapped also.

[It is a coping mechanism. Bela found it easier to process difficult situations in that way.]

Edited 2016-02-08 22:34 (UTC)

What were they seeking to do with so many?

To use us as a bargaining chip with the government here. In order for our safe return, the ones who took us wanted something for it.

Does the local government care for its people? What did they give for your safe return?

It does. And we were actually rescued by those who weren't kidnapped, with the assistance of the local military.

I'm glad you're okay. Now, at least.

[ He hadn't gotten the chance to tell Bela that, so focused was Rick on having Carl back. ]

Thanks. I'm just glad that I made it out in one piece.

[ A beat. ]

How are you?

Me, too. I think it suits you better -- to be in one piece.

[ He says it with a trace of a smile. ]

I've been good. Carl's back home so I've been pretty focused on takin' care of him.

Good. He's tough, but still needs looking after.

[ Needs a parent to keep an eye out. ]

Before I forget, when would you be free? All this kidnapping and war bullshit has put me in a mood for a drink.

[ He smiles after her comment about Carl and nods, saying nothing more. Not until the question about the drink. ]

I'm free anytime after nine, usually. Can be free tonight if you need me to be.

If you can be free tonight, that would be great. I could use the company.

[ Bela flashes him a warm smile in return. ]

Yeah. I can be. It'll be my treat.

Okay. Shall we meet around 9.30?

Yeah. Sounds great. I'll be there. You need anything?

[ It just seems nice to offer -- especially after all she's been through. ]

No, I think I'm alright. Thank you though.

[ It was nice of Rick to offer but she was dealing with it herself. As best she could. ]

I know. I know you're alright. But still don't stop you from needin' something.

[ He says it with a light smile. ]

You can contact me any time throughout the day if you change your mind.

I'll drop you a line if I do.

Regardless of that, I will see you later.

Yeah. See you then. Take care of yourself, Bela.

[ He knows she does, but there's something more born of a care for her well being from his statement. ]

God, it's been a horrible few weeks for you, hasn't it? Maybe we should plan a little weekend getaway someplace nice.

That sounds like a delightful idea. How about the week after Valentines or even at the end of the month?

I can clear my schedule no problem. We can go to New York, get a nice bit of shopping in on top of our weekend of pampering.

Yes, I love New York. I could certainly add a few things to my wardrobe before being pampered.

Maybe we could even go for a night out on the town.

That sounds heavenly. They do have some of the best bars and nightclubs.

How many free drinks could the combined beauty of you and I rack up together?

Ten, maybe fifteen? It all depends on how much you want to drink, sweetie.

But as for where we go, I think it would have to be up-scale. Lots of pretty people with money to be found there.

As if we would lower our standards to something less than the best of places.

Mhm, how true.

I am happy to make all of the arrangements by the way.

Only if you wouldn't find it troublesome. You are the one who suffered the most.

[ There's something akin to.....sympathy in her tone. As though Raina actually cares. It's a foreign emotion -- this true friendship she has with Bela. ]

If anything, planning would be a welcome distraction for myself. I know its been rubbish for my lately but I want to try and move on from it.

[Her voice softens considerably in response to Raina's words and how she said them. Bela mightn't admit it but it was nice to know that someone else did care.]

I have faith in your adaptability. And at least with you planning, we know we'll hit all the places you want to go.

I'd like your input too. We can't just make the trip all about me. [ A beat. ] Despite how amazing that sounds.

I see no reason why we couldn't! This trip is for you, after all. And I know the things you enjoy are things I enjoy as well. We have been friends long enough for that to be a given.

Yes, we have been friends for a long time. [She smiles warmly.] But you're right, we will have a good time and enjoy it to the fullest.

I can't wait!

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