Graihl grinned and shook his head. He leaned back in his chair, one leg resting on the other. He'd removed his plain sword from his sash and had it laid up on the table between them.
Nah, it'd be rude of me to carry on with those old stories. I've been something like retired I guess. Been trapping up in the frozen north for a few seasons, beautiful country.
I'm much more eager to hear more about you Serenity. I ah.... hope you don't think I'm being a pig's ass but I have sneaking suspicion that you're going to make this place a little more interesting.
Mind you - this town is a rough bunch. You let me know if you have any problems alright?
Grayell started to laugh, but bit it back suddenly. Geez that was arrogant. He shoved his ale in his face and swallowed half of it. Shaking his head he leaned forward, arms on his sword.
Yeah, never mind that. You said you were staying here - on your way through?
She started laughing thinking of the earlier episode with that witch king thing, "Oh I don't know about that, Grayell, if the creature that was in here earlier wasn't the most interesting thing this town had to offer then I doubt I'll raise a commotion."
Calming herself down a bit she indulged Grayell with an idea she had earlier in the day,
"However I would like to start my own shop, clothing wares. It had been something of a little girl's dream I used to have, perhaps I should make it a reality. I would need the money first of course, I have little."
There were times before that she be a little offended of the gesture, having gone to an excellent magic academy, but Grayell was simply being a gentleman and she was flattered by the gesture.
"Thank you, Grayell, I can handle myself I assure you but I won't forget the offer anytime soon."
"I am staying but would like to move on when I can, you make the North sound wonderful, I may just make that my destination when the time comes."
Serenity took a drink, her expression turning a little more serious. She looked off into space for a moment before turning back to Grayell, "What made you come down here, if you don't mind me prying? Is it just retirement?"
Grayell studied his ale. The answer he sought wasn't in those murky depths but it was preferable to looking upon her and betraying the concern that question raised. He didn't have a full answer as yet. He finished it off and placed the mug carefully down, quite the contrast to the usual slamming it down and yelling for another.
That... well that's not an easy question Serenity. The north - well it is wonderful. But she's a cold bitch of a mistress and there's nary a soul in sight. If you intend to travel there I would urge you to take a guide along. It's hard to find anything to eat - and everything you may come across is intent on eating you.
But me... well I don't do well with people. Not people these days. Call me an old fart but kids these days - a head full of dreams and an ass full of wind and off they go, looking for an adventure. Invariably they end up on the pointy end of someone's sword. Too much pluck and not enough wit. The times have changed. Alchemy and this new science thing....
Graihl sighed silently but his shoulders signaled the breath.
Well let's just say it gets lonely on the road. I 'aint one for conversation and I don't dress all proper. I spend too many nights chasing memories with grog and sleeping in. But I know one damn thing. I know what it is to be your own man, to stand on your own two feet and defy the damned world. Flarb it, people don't know what it means to live no more. What it takes. It ain't a purse full of coin and a howdidoo sir.
Grayell had managed to rant as his words gained momentum, a frustrated look on his face. He slumped in his seat. Now he signaled for another drink. He placed a hand on hers, though it was evident he wasn't flirting. In fact, it was an entirely unconscious decision.
Look, I apologize. Told you I'm an ass. I don't fit in and I don't want to.
BUT... I appreciate the company. Not every day a wreck like me has the ear of a pretty lady like yourself.
She listened intently to what Grayell had to say, and felt slightly guilty about it after he was finished. Her original impressions of the man had shattered, and she could see a different man before her.
While he was speaking she put a hand over her chest, clasping the locket that was tucked underneath her blouse. She knew all to well about young people heading out into adventure thinking they own the world.
She pulled herself back from thinking of the past, before she got to emotional over it. There was no need to remember old wounds.
Looking back up at Grayell, she smiled slightly and spoke, "I should be the one to apologize Grayell. I thought you were just some drunk trying to hit on me earlier. Maybe you are, but you're a better man than most I've met while on my journey. You give yourself to little credit."
She raised her glass, "Toast to you?"
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Grayell raises the mug just now arrived and smiles, looking a tad surprised but definitely complimented.
To me then. And I would toast to substance before beauty.
He winked as he drank from the flagon and placed it back down once more.
You know, I'd have to say I am somewhat pleasantly surprised myself. You seem... well worldly. I'm sorry but society has it in their heads that hair do's and fine robes matter. Me, I am more than happy to gaze at a fire for hours on end.
Something occurred to him and he leaned forward suddenly, a tad red in the cheeks.
Oh hey, I didn't mean you know that er... well that your clothes and hair and such isn't well...
Shit. You're the prettiest thing I have seen in a long while Serenity and I mean that with all due respect. And yes I am a drunk and would be a damn fool not to hit on you.
Um.
Grayell snatched up the mead, chugged it and dropped it on the table, spinning in his seat.
Yeah so, moving on; where'd that bloody bartender get to??
"To you!" she said before taking another long drink, nearly finishing the glass' contents.
She pursed her lips a little, the drink having turned a tad sour on her and then grinned at Grayell,
"Well I was raised in high society, but I've traveled on my own for a while without a platoon of servants at my heels. You learn quickly that you're no one to everyone, unless you have the coin to back it up. Which I don't." she finished showing a frowning face jokingly, before smiling again.
When Grayell began to tip over his own tongue, Serenity couldn't help but laugh at his situation. This was a usual thing with her and men chatting her up in pubs, but it was funnier this time around after having just finished being impressed with Grayell. Seeing him get flustered so easily was fun to watch.
"Oh don't get so flustered over me, Grayell. You must do worse to insult me and more to raise my hand."
She whistled and waved her hand over to the bartender, "Can we be refilled please, or are you going to make a lady and her friend get up?"
The bartender seemed a bit irritated at being called out like that, but he couldn't really say no to Serenity's +4 appearance. He wasn't sure why he had to think of numbers at a time like this. He filled a new glass, mug and brought them over to the table, gently placing the glass in front of Serenity and semi slamming the mug in front of Grayell.
.... you're a looker Serenity and in case you haven't noticed - you have more than a few eyes on you.
Starting that sentence still made him a tad apprehensive, but now Grayell grinned confidently. He could take any one of them, or at least he thought as much. Her jovial attitude helped with the being flustered at least - for some reason she was quite easy to be around. Hopefully that would continue.
Friend eh? You might want to watch who you associate with missy, people might start talking.
Grayell laughed at the obvious joke and slid his sword from the table. He shifted a tad closer in his chair and leaned upon the table, closer to her.
But I tell you what. It ain't much but I have a small store in the merchant's alley there. The place is run down and not fit for someone as pretty as yourself - but if you need somewhere to hawk your wares, you're more than welcome to share my counter.
Business isn't exactly booming and as for me - well I can think of worst ways to spend my day then chatting with you.
I'm assuming you've taken care of your lodgings, right?
Serenity took a drink and then gestured to herself while looking sarcastically surprised, "Oh you flatter me Grayell, and I don't pay much mind to gossip. If any is to be had about me I'm usually miles away by the time it spreads."
A slight fuzziness was beginning to crawl over her head, she swore her drinking was better than this. There might be something a tad stronger in the glass she wasn't aware of.
The idea of sharing a store intrigued her though, and while she did bring a few fabrics with her there were doubts of her being able to sell her wares in front of her shanty home.
"I'll sincerely consider your offer Grayell, I'm grateful. And yes I've recently moved in but I pack lightly, wasn't much trouble getting settled...although the house itself could do some work. A lot of cleaning is to be had before rats consider sharing the space."
Her face was beginning to feel a little warm, Serenity hoped it was just a sign drunkenness and not an illness. Flicking her hand a little she blew a small breeze at herself, although she had overdone it and the wind pushed her hair up for a moment.
"Oh! Excuse me..." she began to brush her hair with her hands.
Grayell chuckled and finished off his cup again. He had something of a permanent smile now and had relaxed quite a bit.
Well that's one way to get your hair done. But if you're feeling a tad effected by the swill here, you may want to eat something and get some water down. I might just do that very thing myself.
I suppose you're right about your store though and my home is just as rough I'm sure. That's the best part of the outdoors - you don't have to worry about cleaning up all the time.
Now, if you'd like to accompany me Serenity I do believe a fresh air and a bite to eat might do us both good. There's a bloke around the corner who has frikisee..... well I don't know what it is, but it smells dandy.
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
"I'm new here and I'm in a bit of a quagmire. I'm a merchant and I'm behind on an order. Do either of you know where I could gather or buy some jingeberries?"
Orp tries his best to look non-threatening and even pulls off a smile. Used to the often emotionless big business negotiations he was once a part in, this was a change of pace.
Simeon staggered into the dilapidated township. He was dehydrated and weary from his long trek. He needed water. This town must have water... His head was swelling or spinning--he couldn't even tell any more. He had dropped his empty water skin sometime ago. Now heading down the main street of the disheveled town, he looked around for somewhere--something... Then is eyes happened upon the Tavern and Inn. He stumbled toward the door and managed to walk himself to the bar. His voice was barely louder than a whisper and his throat was cracked and dry, "W--hu. Water."
If I were after Jingleberries I would likely check the foothills around these parts and be in close proximity to water. If you find them away from water they won't taste very edible.
This time of year though, they're still flowering. Give it a fortnight and the berries should be ripening. You'll have to beat the birds to them.
Jingleberries were quite common in cooking and deserts but having spent enough time on the land, Grayell had harvested his fair share and not once had to pay for them.
"Yes, well, my control is usually a little better than that," she smiled while still fixing her hair and hoped it didn't look like that one time where her fuzzed up hair set a new trend in town.
Serenity almost wanted to laugh when Grayell said "dandy," on account it didn't seem like something a tough looking man would say.
The idea of getting something to eat while out in the open didn't sound bad though, her only concern was where the evening would end. She was fond of Grayell already but not enough to humor a house visit this late. Trying not to think to much of it she concluded that he would be a gentleman and not come on to strongly.
"I would...," she was about to agree to his idea when the appearance of the cyclops interrupted her. Serenity had only met a few humanoids in Highever, more on her travels but rarely talked to one unless she was spoken to first.
Studying the cultures of various races was part of her weekly lectures back home, but weren't very focused on. Not only that, she was a little weak on the subject.
Serenity looked up at the cyclops and worked up a smile, trying to remember if looking directly at their eye was considered rude or not.
"I'm sorry ser, I've just moved into town and don't know the area well myself."
Grayell had answered the question almost immediately though, and was easily impressed by his knowledge of the land. She smiled back at the Cyclops and hoped that was helpful enough.
Last Edit: Aug 8, 2011 13:52:50 GMT -5 by Serenity
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
"Ah of course. JingLeberries. Thank you for the information, sir, and that's fine madam. My name's Boon by the way. Orp Boon. Either of you can stop by my shop if you need any items for your house or a few knickknacks for an adventure. It's just down by the residential area. Look for the tents."
Ugh! The nerve of that girl. Not looking at his eye. For the love of all that is pure and holy, why would you not look a cyclops in the eye! Do you think they are a lesser people or something?!
Orp stiffles a scoff in his throat and turns to leave.
"I'll be going then. Thanks for the information."
He turns back to Grayell and tries to whisper in his ear.
"I've heard this inn has a few rooms set aside with nice beds and sound-proof walls if you know what I mean."
Orp winks.
Last Edit: Aug 8, 2011 15:52:51 GMT -5 by Orp Boon