Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Dec 31, 2007 22:57:49 GMT -5
Solea, the city of Lumiina...
People jittered here and there throughout the city, finishing up what buisness they have left for the day. The sun was setting slowly, casting a warm orange glow from the west over the world like a cozy blanket. It was quite beautiful really, how the last light of the day caressed the clouds, coloring them in hues of red, orange, and pink...
Tristan blinked out of his reverie as someone bumped into him, and he blushed slightly realizing he'd zoned out in the middle of the street. No one seemed to notice however, much to his relief. Adjusting the shoulder-strap of his violin case, he resumed his walk, looking for a decent Inn to stay at, ducking out of the way for a group of presumably sugar-high kids as he did. Blue eyes surveyed the city and there! An inn!
He smiled slightly, and steered his steps towards it. The door opened without as much as a creak when he went inside. Wow, the place is practically empty, he thought to himself. Closing the door behind him, he approached the inkeeper with an idea in mind. The old man in question peered at Tristan, gruffly asking what his order would be.
The aspiring bard just smiled. "I have a proposition for you, actually.. It's a slow night, yes? How about this. I have some skill as a musician, I'll play my violin and attract some patrons for you. In exchange, I get a free room for the night. Of course, should my plan fail I'll pay for the room." The innkeeper seemed to ponder this, then hmphed, speaking his consent with a gruff voice. "Fair enough."
He smiled. "Thank you, sir." Now to get to work. Tristan went back towards the door and opened it, shoving a door-stopper beneath the door to keep it open. Then he went back to the counter and, without saying anything else, hoisted himself up, crossing his legs. His hat was gracefully discared upside down on a chair just beside his legs, presumably for tips.
Soon enough, passing ears could hear pleasant melodies played on a violin from inside the inn, beckoning for people to come and have a drink. Tristan smiled as he played, thinking that even if he didn't get a free room tonight, people would still be able to hear his passion, his music.
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Post by Richard d'Havelin on Dec 31, 2007 23:20:51 GMT -5
Richard d'Havelin, Valkyrie Knight of the Risen Sun, wielder of Kharma, was dead tired. The young man had been walking all day, through field and road, brush and foothill, on patrol. Patrol. That's what he liked to call it at least. In reality, it was a walk across the countryside trying to keep the peace. But that wasn't difficult in the least: his hero-work today had included rescuing three cats from trees, moving one very stubborn mule from inside a barn, putting out a small fire in a child's playhouse, and catching a group of pie thieves. In return for his duties, he had been awarded two flowers, an apple, a whetstone, and the pie.
"At least the pie was damn tasty," Richard grumbled as he strolled into Lumiina. Kharma, his trusty spear, glistened in the waning sunlight from her position, lazily thrown over Richard's shoulder. Children were laughing and dashing under his spear and playing with the tassel that was secured around the head of the spear. Mothers and daughters, fathers and brothers nodded and smiled and greeted the knight with warmth and happiness. Richard warmed instantly: he loved the feeling of acceptance that being a valued Knight brought. He laughed and walked along, gossiping with the older men and smiling bashfully at the young men and women that openly flirted with him.
As he passed by an Inn, the sounds of soft music caught his ears. With a set of muttered apologies, Richard walked to the inn and leaned against the door frame, his spear resting just inside the door against the wall. He stood, awestruck at the notes that floated across space. He was almost completely enraptured: he noticed the sneaky hand edging itself into the hat the minstrel had placed next to his stool. Like lightning, Richard slid through the crowd and grabbed the hand that was just pulling out of the hat with several gold pieces in between the fingers.
"Such talent deserves the shinnies," Richard hissed lightly, pulling the thief up: it was just a child. He sighed and shook his head.
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Baqi
Level 1
Posts: 49
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Post by Baqi on Jan 1, 2008 8:10:00 GMT -5
Baqi had spent his day visiting his mother and younger brother at the family home, but, feeling bad for imposing himself on them, with this being such an unplanned visit, had opted to stay at an inn in the city tonight, instead of sleeping at his mother's house as he usually would. It was these circumstances that left him wandering down the streets of Lumiina, past people going home from work, or finishing off errands.
His stony grey eyes glanced up at signs, trying to find an inn where he could spend the night before it got dark and people of a much more unpleasant variety replaced the mostly agreeable ones that were out now. The search was getting rather more urgent as the sun was starting to sink below the horizon and he walked a little more quickly down the street, weaving between people, his tail swishing lazily behind him.
Something, however, made him pause for a moment, and his ears twitched atop his head. It was the sound of beautiful violin music drifting out onto the streets from a nearby building. Or, more accurately, upon closer inspection, an inn.
A grin spread across his face and he wriggled past a few people and into the open doorway of the inn. He looked around the room, over the heads of the shorter patrons, and his gaze settled on the musician who was perched on the counter. Baqi couldn't help but let his smile widen as he drifted closer to the violinist; and it was decided: he would stay here for the night.
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Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Jan 1, 2008 8:29:19 GMT -5
Tristan played relentlessly, as always, completely into his performance. A serene smile had formed on his lips as his eyes opened slowly to overview the inn. And he almost went off-note when he saw the amount of people that had gathered. He quickly saved though and hoped his skill would make up for that little slip, not letting the smile falter.
Wow, he thought. Am I really this good? Excitement and pride swelled in his chest, only making his smile wider. He didn't even notice what was going on at his feet, the little thief caught red-handed. Perhaps that was for the best though, because he soon went into another musical reverie. He had this strange ability to play the violin and daydream at the same time, something he'd been reprimanded for more than once at home.
And it was that thought that made him put a little more pressure than necessary on the stroke. A string snapped with a loud twang, and the inn went completely silent. Tristan blinked a few times, looking at his violin, then at the people staring. A slight blush formed on his features. "Um..." he started, not sure what to say. Unwilling to embarrass himself more though, he went on with what thought jumped him next, and chuckles nervously.
"Sorry about that folks, how about you all order something to drink while I fix this little mishap?" That said, he quickly busied himself with replacing the snapped tring. Good thing he kept a few spares. The innkeeper sound found himself busy as well, there being quite a few who would like to hear the rest of Tristan's performance.
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Baqi
Level 1
Posts: 49
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Post by Baqi on Jan 1, 2008 9:00:49 GMT -5
The spell was broken as the musician's string snapped, and the room lapsed into an awkward silence. Baqi blinked slightly, and decided he may as well take the blonde's advice and buy himself a drink while he sorted himself out. After a few moments of 'Excuse me's and just a little shoving, he managed to make his way to the bar, and leaned on the counter. He murmured his drink order to a bar maid, and retrieved his little money pouch from his belt, handing her a few coins.
She handed him the glass, and he sipped at it quietly, leaning on the bar as he watched the violinist restring his instrument. After a few moments, he noticed the hat resting by him, with money sitting in the crown. Baqi sidled a little further down the counter, closer to the man, to drop a couple of gold coins in the hat before putting his money pouch back on his belt. People milled around them, ordering drinks as they waited for more music and he took a few more sips of his drink before speaking.
"...You play very well," Baqi murmured to him, a little more carefully than he normally would. After all, he couldn't be sure that the player would be as welcoming as his music was. "...It's, ah, a pity about your string?" He took a few more edgy sips of his drink, as he waited for a reply.
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Post by Amarante on Jan 1, 2008 9:23:07 GMT -5
Amarante huddled into his cloak, hiding his face in the hood and hurried through the streets as best he could, eager to get a place to stay before it became too dark. He spotted a brightly lit inn filled with the sounds of people drinking and enjoying themselves and entered shyly, looking around with caution.
His eldest brother had warned him to be careful in bars and so he warily made his way through the throng, attempting to gain the atention of someone of importance and failing miserably due to his meek manner and short stature. He ended up somewhere near an Er Tam Beast-man and what appeared to be a human. "Umm...Hello? Can you help me?"
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Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Jan 1, 2008 9:31:54 GMT -5
Successfully attaching the new string, he went about tuning it correctly. Thankfully, he likely wouldn't have to test the string before actually playing on it- after all he had been playing since he was five and could easily tell with but a stroke of his finger if it was tuned correctly.
That's when he heard the clink of coins, and someone speaking to him through the pleasant din. Without really looking, he didn't seem annoyed or like he wanted to ignore anyone, more like he was halfway daydreaming, he replied softly. "Hm? Ah, thank you... I really should stop daydreaming while I play, hehe..." Tristan smiled to himself as the string was properly tuned, and was about to play again when a meek voice reached his ears.
His blue eyes swept over the er tam and met the gaze of the shy boy with a slight smile. "Yes? What seems to be the problem?"
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Baqi
Level 1
Posts: 49
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Post by Baqi on Jan 1, 2008 9:46:12 GMT -5
Baqi, who'd been slightly tense, relaxed and laughed lightly, glad that he actually seemed pleasant. "Don't worry, it sounded very good until the string broke," and he was sure that was mostly the string's fault, anyway, "So the day-dreaming can't be that much of a bad thing..." he trailed off as he heard a quiet voice piping up from nearby, asking about help. He turned, glancing down at the fiery haired elf, and give him a small smile, hearing the musician offer his assistance.
Feeling like he should offer his services too, because he didn't want to seem rude, he spoke as well. "Oh, yes. ...What do you need help with?" He took a moment to have a better look at the elf, and decided he was probably a forest elf. Which meant that he couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here.
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Post by Amarante on Jan 1, 2008 9:50:05 GMT -5
Blushing a little and giving a little start at a loud noise coming from his blind spot, Amarante answered the man, a muscian from the looks of it. "I..I was looking for a room for the night...only I don't really know who I should be asking...and I happen to be having a little trouble asking anyway..." He trailed off well aware he was rambling.
Yet another loud noise, this time a crash, came from his left side and he whirled around to see in a slight panic. Only to find that it was a drunk who had fallen off his chair, much to the amusment of his now laughing friends.
He turned back to the kind men and blushed. I...Uhh..sorry. I don't mean to be so impolite. I'm...not exactly used to this sort of an environment." Especially not one with so many people in it. Seeing as how he couldn't actually see half of them, it was quite disconcerting.
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Post by Richard d'Havelin on Jan 1, 2008 12:33:37 GMT -5
Richard scowled as he threw the child out of the inn. Compassion had, as usual, over run his anger and he had slipped the boy a few coins. The urchin dashed off into the streets, no doubt rushing off to some place where little thieves could be in peace. Richard shook his head and turned back about.
The inn had gotten remarkably crowded since the little human had started playing his instrument. He watched with interest as the patrons respectfully quieted each time the violinist started up. The only thing breaking the spell now was the broken string and the conversation the musician had started up with the young Er Tam and the cloaked figure. Richard watched the crowd from his post by the door. They were waiting. All so waiting for the next piece of music.
"Is he working some sort of enchantment?" Richard murmured, ever curious about the power of people with enchanted items. Deciding to investigate the boy, the Er Tam, and the little shivering cloaking thing, he left his perch by the door, taking Kharma and handing it to the innkeeper, he settled into a chair behind the cloaked figure and propped up, a smile on his face and his ears set to eavesdropping. He bounced two coins into the hat and nodded to the musician.
"Wonderful talent you have there boy."
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Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Jan 1, 2008 12:57:23 GMT -5
Tristan smiled slightly to the timid elf. "Don't worry about that, I'm sure this man here can help you with that." he nodded towards the er tam, hoping he wouldn't mind. He glanced over the crowd, people looking at him expectantly to start performing again. And frankly, to him, that mattered more than helping a stranger at the moment, especially when there was other people around to help.
The musician uncrossed his legs and crosed them again the other way, he didn't really favor the feeling of pins and needles. A few people nearby quieted and paid attention as they noticed he was about to start playing again, and Tris noticed, someone new came to have a seat, even paying tips. He smiled softly at the comment. "Thanks."
And so he started playing again, face serene. It's obvious that he poured his heart into playing as beautiful as he could, eyes closed again. This is how it should be, he thought to himself. I don't need a house full of money, and I certainly don't need some snotty girl my parents chose for me.
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Baqi
Level 1
Posts: 49
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Post by Baqi on Jan 2, 2008 7:18:24 GMT -5
He glanced over at the musician for a moment, and shrugged slightly - he had offered to help, after all. His gaze shifted back to the little elf, and he gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry, my friend, I'll give you a hand."
Baqi turned to look down the length of the bar, trying to spot the innkeeper, and continued to speak as he did so, "Ah, well, the man you're looking for is the innkeeper. He was behind the bar before, and I suppose he still should be. You just have to talk to him, and he'll set you up with a room." And now that he thought about it, he hadn't asked about a room for himself yet either.
He looked back down at the little elf as he failed to lay eyes on the innkeeper, and vaguely noticed a fourth figure joining their little group, "Well. I'm sure he's around, anyway. And did you say that you're not used to this sort of place?" He raised an eyebrow curiously, "...Haven't you been to an inn before?" Baqi was sure that the Forest Elf had to be at least his own age, and doubted that could be true.
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Post by Richard d'Havelin on Jan 2, 2008 15:53:15 GMT -5
Richard found himself getting lost in the music, and in the conversation that the Er Tam and the cloaked figure were having. He frowned lightly and focused on the pair. They were talking about the innkeeper, Conrad: he had saved the innkeeper's daughter a few months back from a pack of rabid wolves. The old man was in plain sight of the two, yet the cloaked figure seemed confused.
"Ahhhh..." Richard murmured, watching the boy as he would an adversary: his weakness was his sight on his left side. The knight felt a pang of pity and stood quietly and came to stand next to the two. He knelt down and gave a small smile to them both.
"Pardon the interruption good sirs, but I heard you speaking of procuring a room. I was hoping to off my assistance. The owner is a friend of mine and owes me a favor. Would you like me to save rooms?" he asked, the kind smile of the knight was in place and he smiled at them both.
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Post by Amarante on Jan 3, 2008 6:43:40 GMT -5
Amarante jumped as a stranger suddenly appeared from his blind spot and blushed. "Well...I have...only, my elder brothers have always been around to deal witha all of it and I mostly stayed in my room. This...this is the first time that I've ever been into an inn on my own..." He gave a shy glance upwards at the men.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! I am Amarante Shi'Hardi. Pleased to meet you!" Amarante gave a small bow to the men and smiled nervously. "And I truly am sorry to be such a bother to you." He turned to older man gratefully. "But I am grateful for your offer. It would be very helpful."
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Baqi
Level 1
Posts: 49
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Post by Baqi on Jan 3, 2008 8:02:14 GMT -5
"Oh," Baqi turned to look at the knight, giving him a kind smile, "...Thank-you. That would be... Wonderful, actually. You know the innkeeper, Sir?" He was pretty please by this turn of events, because it meant he wouldn't have to pick the innkeeper out of the crowd, or help this helpless elf in the business of procuring a room.
"And you're really no bother at all, Amarante." He hoped that it would be okay to consider them on a first name basis after the brief conversation, and that he hadn't inadvertently offended him. "I'm Baqi," he extended a hand to the little elf, and offered him a grin, "...Baqi Riaz." His gaze shifted to the knight, "And you, most helpful Sir?" Baqi gave the knight a charming smile as well.
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Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Jan 3, 2008 9:29:20 GMT -5
Tristan listened to their conversation with half an ear, glad that they could resolve it within themselves. He didn't really have anything against helping people, much in contrast to his family, but he was also something of an indolent. Of course, he didn't consider himself that way. If there were others around to help, then why would he need to interfere?
The musician's smile stayed serenely on his features as his eyes surveyed the crowd to assess it. As the sun neared its last destination for the day, people seemed to make excuses to stay. Which was most likely fueled by drink. He'd seen this before, and sincerely hoped nothing troublesome would happen. Breaking off his performance twice in an evening wasn't something he particularly appreciated.
Blue eyes eventually came upon a table of nearby, early drunks. Likely the ones who made the forest elf so skittish. He frowned mentally in disapproval, considering public intoxication to be something quite indecent indeed. But his thoughts were soon interupted, it was probably a good thing he was looking the direction, because he managed to duck just in time as an empty tankard came flying his way.
The music stopped once again, and one of the drunks bellowed; "Can'tcha play somthn' that don't make me ears bleed eh?" Tristan stared at him, clearly offended. "What?!"
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Post by Richard d'Havelin on Jan 3, 2008 14:51:53 GMT -5
Richard smiled and flashed a brilliant smile.
"My good sirs, what else is a knight for!" He bowed with a flourish. "Richard d'Havelin at your service sirs! If you would follow me Mr. Riaz, Master Shi'Hardi." He grinned and ushered them over to the bar. "Oi! Conrad!" he bellowed over the crowd. The innkeeper turned gruffly and scowled.
"Who be yellin in me bar?!" the innkeeper bellowed back.
"The man that saved your line ya daft old fool!" Richard roared back. Conrad burst into hearty laughter and grasped the knight's hand in joy.
"Richard! The Valkyrie Knight himself! How are ye mah good friend?"
"I need some rooms for the night," Richard replied, motioning too the two travelers next to him. Conrad scrunched up his face and nodded.
"Take the Great Oak suites! None o' these daft buzzards be rentin it!" Conrad laughed and leaned in. "I just be needin a smallish favor," he murmured softer. Richard arched an eyebrow.
"Favor? From me?" the knight asked, instantly on guard. Conrad nodded.
"Aye lad. It's the Skivvn ag'n. Them likkles be gettin into the stuff and bein found corpseified a few days lat'r. I be thinkin that one o' them Skivvn dealers be here." The innkeeper looked grave.
"Skivvn again?" Richard grumbled, shaking his head. "I'll look into it my friend." Conrad smiled and passed him three keys. He handed one to each of the travelers standing next to him. "The Great Oak suite has five beds. I hope you don't mind the company for the evening..." He smiled, obviously distracted.
"Skivvn. Again. That damn narcotic is an blight! Cursed thing..." Richard muttered to himself. He shook his head and looked up as commotion from the bar floor reached his ears.
"Can'tcha play somthn' that don't make me ears bleed eh?" Richard winced and turned to look at the minstrel. "Things could escalate in a tick here..."
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Tristan
Level 3
Haiiii!?
Posts: 194
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Post by Tristan on Jan 3, 2008 15:22:12 GMT -5
Truth to be told, Tristan wasn't quite as calm as you'd guess when insulted. In fact, he was quite proud of his talent, and to be looked down on by a drunk was one thing he didn't tolerate. "The nerve! I'll have you know I've been playing the violin since I was five. You should learn to appreciate good music, you drunken lout!"
The drunks table was silent for a moment, then they all simultaneously roared with laughter. "Go squeak somewhere else, you blond little prissy!" The words accompanied by another round of laughter. Tristan's face turned bright red as he scowled angrily, insulted beyond reason. Well, that's what he thought anyway.
"I don't need to sit here and listen to this." he muttered angrily to himself and put his violin and stroke away, emptying the tips in a special pocket in the instrument's case. That done, he slid down from the counter and case over his shoulder, making his way through the crowd (that is, people moved out of the way), and left the inn; fuming.
Well outside, he kicked at a pebble frustratingly and walked along the considerably people-thinned street. Unaware of a prescence looming in a nearby alleyway...
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Post by Amarante on Jan 3, 2008 18:50:14 GMT -5
Amarante shot a nervous glance at drunks at the table before turning back to the man. "No, no, not at all. Thank you so much for your help!" He accepted the key with a small smile at the innkeeper and turned to the men again. "Please, if there's anyway I can repay you both for your kindness, don't hesitate to ask."
He gave another slight jump as the drunks laughed at the musician as he stormed out and sidled a little closer to the bar and a little farther away from the men. Though he felt sorry for such an obvious depreciation for good music and its maker, he also felt a more than a little wary of the drunks and their rowdiness.
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Post by Richard d'Havelin on Jan 3, 2008 23:49:15 GMT -5
Richard frowned lightly, watching the musician walk out of the inn in a huff. He shook his head.
"Don't worry about repaying anything little one," the knight said with a smile. "The Shi family have healed brothers of the Order several times before. I am just extending a debt. Though it is a delight to help a cute thing such as yourself." He winked down at the elf. "Mr. Riaz...if you wouldn't mind keeping our young friend here company, I think I will go check on the minstrel." Without waiting for an answer, Richard moved towards the door.
He jostled his way through the crowd, pushing past drunkards and clamoring patrons. As he passed through the door, he grabbed Kharma. Looking around, Richard quickly spotted the young musician. Turning, he trotted off down the street after the boy.
"Oi! Music man! Wait a tick!"
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