(ANYONE CAN JOIN THIS THREAD AND IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO DO SO.)
Grayell escorted Margrett to the tavern on his arm, remaining quiet. The others followed and as they arrived, Daniel Jack, the bartender smiled with wide eyes and met them at the door.
"Come in, come in Commander; it's all good and ready then..."
Grayell smiled cordially.
Thank you Daniel. Much appreciated.
With Margrett not entirely thrilled to be on his arm and most everyone looking filthy after a day's work, they had to look quite the odd lot. It mattered little as Grayell walked them all upstairs and into a private room.
The fireplace and candles lent the room a quite comfortable feeling, as did the simple flowers and other touches. A pair of bards waited patiently in the corner and the abundance of food smelled ravishingly good. It was not a king's banquet but it was certainly befitting the occasion.
Grayell patted her arm and smiled at the room but didn't look at her. He wasn't entirely sure how this would be received.[/i]
I... wanted to say congratulations. And thank you.
Gray... She shook her head, smiling uncomfortably.
This is too much. Like, a lot too much. She looked at him curiously.
What's gotten into you? This can't all be just an apology.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"I think," Alec says, resisting the urge to grab something and start eating, "it is. Mostly. Maybe. Though I'm really not sure what he's apologizing about. Also," he says, licking his lips, "can we eat yet? I'm starved."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Grayell bit his lip for a second and then shined an unsure smile. He looked over her shoulder and then back. He let out a huge sigh and then looked her directly in the eyes.
Look. Just roll with it ok? I suck at this sort of thing. Don't... try to understand. Just try to have fun.
Grayell turned to the guests and with a louder voice and a typically authoritative tone spoke up.
Alright everyone listen up. Food and grog are on me. You want something, anything - then ask. I want everyone to have a damn good time. You're all off duty, let your hair down, kick your feet up and enjoy yourselves.
Meanwhile...
Grayell shot Marg a sneaky grin and grabbed her hand.
..... I will have the guest of honor right back.
He tugged her arm gently, chuckling and shot out the same door they'd come in.
Venom walked in the tavern amazed with the amount of food on the table. It seemed like a special occasion, but for what? He stood waiting to see what happened next.
Tallia beamed at Margrett as she disappeared with Grayell, happy she was getting some recognition. She considered running off with them, but thought it best to leave them be. She instead made herself inside the tavern for some serious food. She was hungry.
Grayell dragged her into the hallway and stopped by the next door down. He then turned, released her hand and leaned against the door. The serious look was back.
Look. I'm not going to order you to have a good time so shut up and accept a gift alright? You've been busting ass, you deserve it. We all do.
He narrowed his eyes for a moment and then rocked himself off the door. His face softened as he looked at her.
I'm not going to repeat what's been said. I think I laid it all out pretty matter of factly. That wasn't entirely easy. But I wanted you to help me with something. It's not a big ask.
He paused there, looked down the hall.
I have a lot of crap memories. Bad ones. Nasty stories. I want you and everyone in that room to help me make some new ones. Good stories, good memories.
His hand rested on the door knob.
Now I'm off the clock and I promised to not complicate the communication between you and I. That's a little hard for me.... shit.
You remind me of someone. A long time ago. Someone that meant a great deal to me. Now I'm not trying to make you into something I lost, nothing so messed up as that Magrett.... but it warms my heart to see you smile.
His pained expression turned into a smile.
Besides. You don't give a shit all the time. You can afford to live it up. And whilst this is entirely your call...
He opened the door. Across the small bedroom was a tailor's mannequin.
On a stand beside where a pair of shorts and a bottle of oil. He sighed at himself and shrugged with a useless smile.
This is sweet, Gray. She looked at the dress and her smile faltered.
But this is too much. I know you're harmless and I know you mean well, but this is... She frowned, shaking her head, gesturing vaguely in the air.
Just too much. She turned to Gray, her smile returned a little.
You've given me more than anyone's ever given me in one day, and I can't thank you enough for that. But...but I'm flustered and irritated and a little tired. Go have fun. She leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss.
I'm going home. Thank you, Grayell.
She gave him a weak smile, turned, and walked away.
Venom sat down and began to eat. Looks like Grayell was busy attending.... to his needs or something, disappearing with Marg. He raised his glass at the bartender, hoping he'd get some booze to celebrate.
Venom nodded to Grayell as he kept eating. There were new faces of people he hadn't seen in the town yet. He noticed his captain, Tallia, some guy with grey eyes and a weird hair cut and Grayell, the man in charge. After swallowing some food down but still munching, Venom asks Grayell something.
Sir... I haven't really had the pleasure of getting to know you yet... if you don't mind me asking... can you tell us a little about yourself?
Tallia spotted fellow officer Venom amongst the ranks in the tavern, and pulled up a seat to join him. He seemed to be busy talking to another man she was unfamiliar with, and was a little interested in joining in the conversation.