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Post by Hawke on Oct 3, 2015 10:21:37 GMT
"Aye, a round of drinks. On me, as a gesture of good will," He taps out with a curt nod, and casts a wary glance over the rest of the crowd - particularly the staff wielding human who seemed to be nonchalantly chowing down. As he orders the ales, and manages two in his right, one in his left, and the other resting precarious against his forearm and cradled to his chest. He gives Riona another little head nod from over the crowd, hoping she'll catch the gesture, as he steers the drinks over to the secluded table with the lone mage.
"Mind if we share the space, friend?" he offers cordially, though he's already placing the ale in the available spots and setting himself down at the table, tankard in hand.
"Whats a strong looking fellow like yourself doing languishing alone over here?" The questions comes easy enough to Benjin, who had always had a penchant for idle chatter - especially when talking up a new potential member of their rapidly growing little crew. Seemed he and Riona had a rhythm already set up, one that he could easily see himself settling into soon enough - it was good to get to know the people (and elves) you would have to be accompanying for at least the next week or two. Good to spill some ale with them before it came to blood.
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literalgarbage
Newbie
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 3, 2015 19:33:22 GMT
Tacivi jumps just a bit, not accustomed to having strangers pay so much attention to him, in fact, he takes a moment to look around him to be sure he was actually the one being spoken to. Seeing as he's the only one at the table he concludes that it must be so. It takes him a second to realize he's been asked a question before fumbling with his pack, producing a journal of some sort along with a quill.
With a slightly shaking hand, feeling rather nervous about being put on the spot by such a large man (who wouldn't be?), he writes out 'Welcome friend. He grimaces a little at his own wording, but continues anyways 'I am simply taking a break from my travels' he pauses trying to remember the ways small talk works before settling for 'What can I do for you?' Best to just keep it simple really.
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Post by Hawke on Oct 4, 2015 1:55:51 GMT
Benjin squints for a moment when the reply isn't imminent - then the boy (everyone seemed 'boy' sized to Benjin) took out a little book and a quill. He jots down words, fast as you like, and Benjin groans just a little internally and squints further, leaning across the table to get a better look. He's mouthing his way through the words and is certain he's got the gist of it at least, so he offers a friendly sort of grin.
"I happen to be here on a contract, myself, and looking for others keen to sign up to the venture," He points to the staff slung across the mans back, "I take it thats no regular walking stick, eh?"
He leans back, supping his ale some and wiping the froth from where it sticks across his lip.
"See for this little bandit round up, we were looking to hire someone with certain skills, if you catch me drift," Benjin quickly adds, "we're not with that templar lot, either, so no need to worry about that."
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literalgarbage
Newbie
Posts: 22
Gender: Noncommital grunt and shrug
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 4, 2015 2:20:28 GMT
He squirms a little in his seat watching as the giant man seems to have a little trouble with his note, worrying that his handwriting, which he had worked for so long to make as clear as possible, wasn't as legible as is necessary. He makes a mental note to take time every day to work on it some more, much like when he was younger, not wishing to make conversations more of a hassle than they need to be.
His posture straightens more at the mention of work, it had been a short while since he had anything to do; although, the mention of Templars did calm him from getting a little bit too eager. He takes a moment to observe the fellow before him, he didn't seem like a liar, but most liars don't exactly put it on blast. Of course, he figures if the man did attempt anything he can definitely handle him, so what's the arm in going along for now. Taking his time to be sure his script is as neat as can be, he questions 'Who is we?'
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Post by againststars on Oct 4, 2015 2:30:45 GMT
With a jerk of her head indicating the Orlesian should follow her to the table Benjin's chosen, Riona crosses the tavern again, this time keeping her hands to herself. She seats herself beside Benjin so as not to corner the mage and make him feel trapped, angles her head over the mugs to catch what was going on with the little notebook. Ah --
Feeling a stab of pity, Riona touches her fingertips to the cool glass of the flash in her pocket, thinking it might be better if she just put it back without using it to scare the guy.
"Why, just my partner and I here, and anyone else we can shake up. We were thinking it might be good to have someone who can --" She flicks the fingers of her other hand back and forth, as if dispelling smoke, or magic, "help clear the area, if it comes to that."
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literalgarbage
Newbie
Posts: 22
Gender: Noncommital grunt and shrug
Pronouns: I don't mind/use a mix
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 4, 2015 2:58:31 GMT
Tacivi feels bad for it, honestly he does, but he stares at the newcomer,longer than is socially acceptable he's sure, his eyes going from her face to her hand and back again before glancing at his own hands, his face a little warmer than it was moments ago. He hastily grabs his quill, pausing to calm himself, before scribbling out 'Is there a specific type of magic you seek or will any mage do?' Biting the inside of his cheek self-consciously as he slides his journal to a more accommodating spot on the table.
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Post by Hawke on Oct 5, 2015 2:01:09 GMT
Benjin nods at everything Riona brings up, leaning back a little - it had been a long while since he'd studied his letters, and longer since he'd had to read anything more than notices on a board. And usually he asked a Chantry sister for clarification. The kids looks nervous though - maybe greener than the Orlesian they'd just picked up. Its hard to place where he's from, though he supposes it scarcely matters.
He peers down at the journal once more and manages the sentence again - the mage's writing is neat enough, though maybe because he'd seen Benjin having a rough time of it before. He almost wanted to apologize but decides simply to respond instead.
"We're none too fussy about the mage, to be honest. They seem few and far between at the moment so we'll take who we can get," Once again he shows an easy, non-threatening smile.
"I'm Benjin, by the way, and this here is Riona my trusty sword wielding companion," He points a finger first to himself, and then to her, before gesturing to the mage last.
"And you are?"
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literalgarbage
Newbie
Posts: 22
Gender: Noncommital grunt and shrug
Pronouns: I don't mind/use a mix
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 5, 2015 2:57:51 GMT
He grins at this information, his fear that his brand of magic wouldn't be useful to them calmed for now. Most people don't exactly think about what he does when they think about magic. Going over everything that had been said so far, he figures it'd be a delight to join up with them, they seemed nice enough at least.
He happily jots down "My name is Tacivi (Tah-chee-vee) and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Careful to sound it out for them, grimacing at the memories of some of the things he's been called.
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Post by againststars on Oct 5, 2015 6:26:09 GMT
The longer the mage stares, the closer Riona comes to snapping what, never seen an elf before? -- but it seems more like he was anxious over her comments about magic, so she notes the offense but lets it slide for now. It sounds like he's ready to sign on, but honestly, Riona's having her doubts: he may not be daisy-fresh judging by the scars on his face, but the guy seems a little more skittish than an apostate with a few skirmishes under his belt ought to act, and she's not sure how much faith she can put in having him at her back.
Speaking of people she could probably throw farther than she could trust -- she looks around for the Orlesian shem, frowning, before turning back to the table.
"You've seen a few tough matches, it looks like," she says, taking a draught from her mug. "Want to make up a fun story for it?"
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literalgarbage
Newbie
Posts: 22
Gender: Noncommital grunt and shrug
Pronouns: I don't mind/use a mix
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 5, 2015 7:11:14 GMT
And just like that, his good mood is gone, the smile dropping from his face replaced with a frown. It's obvious she's talking about the scar over his eye, a permanent reminder of his failures. If he could laugh bitterly surely now would have been the time, he settles instead for a forceful nose huff. Is childhood trauma funny? he muses, probably not, of course her wording did imply lying about its origins. He eyes her for moment, she seems like the type that would prefer a good story over what actually happened, but then again he was never a very good liar. He decides a half-truth never hurt anybody before beginning his tale.
"I had a run in with a group of Templars a couple of years ago, found them threatening some young mages, so naturally I had to step in. While I had their attention the kids escaped, which of course put me on their naughty list and let me tell you, no one wants to be on that list." he pauses momentarily to calm himself, not exactly enjoying reliving that particular night, but at least he can give this one a happy ending. "Seeing as I was the only one around and they were in need of a punching bag...well you get my point. I had hoped for a peaceful solution, but Templars being Templars they just jumped on me before I could react, resulting in my scar and loss of sight in my left eye. I wasn't going to just let them bully me obviously, and they definitely weren't expecting someone of my stature to pack quite the punch, so to speak."
He decides to end there, leaving it to her imagination to fill in the holes, preferring to surprise them with his magic once they get started. He smiles shyly as he slides his notebook to the other side of the table, turning back to his food, more as a distraction than anything at this point.
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Post by Rivaini on Oct 5, 2015 8:15:40 GMT
Wandering swampy Ferelden terrain with a gaggle of Marchers. It's a bold new world, Dev. He gave what he hoped was a quiet snort. Not exactly the exalted University of Orlais.
Devereaux glanced between the two, placing his mug down on the bar. He's travelled with worse groups. Maybe. At least these ones didn't tote around lap-nugs. Straightening up, he cleared his throat, probably a little louder than necessary.
"This is a beautiful moment," he gave a cursory glance around the tavern- musty. the smell of lake water still clung to the wood. "But if things are all nicely wrapped up, I'm about ready to set off." the 'before somebody I know walks in' sat in the air. That, and the inkeep had been shooting him daggers since he fell in like with the gaggle that now stood around the bar. Definitely time to leave.
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Post by againststars on Oct 5, 2015 8:59:12 GMT
"No need to get huffy, I'm just looking for fun scar stories," Riona tells Tacivi with a roll of her eyes. Her brows raise as she reads the explanation -- alright, she'd meant for the guy to either prove his battle readiness or bullshit something funny if he didn't feel like telling the truth, but the irritation and defensiveness are fair enough. If he's not lying, then she'll keep her doubts to herself; sounds like he's worth plenty good in a fight. With a grin, she hands the journal back and summarizes to Benjin -- "New friend here scuffled with some Chantry tin cans looking to mess with some babies. I like him."
The Orlesian shem seems to be sobering up some, if he's dry enough to start cracking wise. Maybe she'll pocket some of his share if he stays snippy. "I'm ready if you can walk in a straight line," she says, gesturing for Tacivi to hurry up with his food. "What's your name, anyhow? Unless you're fine with 'Orlesian.'"
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Post by Hawke on Oct 5, 2015 9:29:10 GMT
"I'm fine with Orlesian," Benjin chirps up happily, glad for Riona's summary. She seemed good at picking up the slack without him even needing to say a word, and he was glad for it. He'd started glancing over the explosion of text and balked a little mentally, dutifully trying to slog his way through. Despite her small statue, he could certainly see her being a valuable companion in battle.
"And I'm getting fonder of him by the minute," He props a thumb at the mage. He sups down the last of his ale, glad for it and ready enough to go. He had a room upstairs where he could leave him things, but otherwise he travelled light. They'd need to stock up on food at least before striking out into the woods, but if the bandits had struck town a few times they couldn't be more than a night or two travel away. They'd be there and back again in no time.
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literalgarbage
Newbie
Posts: 22
Gender: Noncommital grunt and shrug
Pronouns: I don't mind/use a mix
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Post by literalgarbage on Oct 5, 2015 9:34:43 GMT
Tacivi nods gratefully, already shoveling food into his mouth, looking expectantly towards the Orlesian, happy that he isn't the only newcomer in the group. Mostly though he's just relieved that they weren't uncomfortable around him or considering his differences as a hindrance. Grateful that maybe, just maybe, he had found some acceptance with these strangers. Nay, these companions. Well, some of them anyways.
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Post by Rivaini on Oct 5, 2015 9:46:54 GMT
Clayton had the stones to send work his way, but hadn't even told them his name? And to think he'd thought they were becoming fast friends...truly the inkeep wounded him.
Devereaux bowed theatrically, an air of sarcasm to the display- grossly out of place in the creaky tavern. "His lordship Devereaux Orfèvre of Val Foret, son of Baron Orfèvre," exalted patron of Lord Werner Jauquin hung heavy on his tongue. He frowned, slightly. "That's the pretentious title. 'Dev' works. Or, 'Orlesian', if we already insist on using pet names." He chanced a wink. "Though I'll be the first to say I'm afraid I haven't prepared any for you three." Beyond the obvious.
Well, there are worse things than waking up in a ditch in the Ferelden wilderness.
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