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bandofmerrytravelers‌:

“I don’t mind at all! I always over order anyway.” She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “So please feel free to take some.”

She sat next to him, adjusting her skirt. She kept her hands folded in her lap as she looked about. “Oh, this is my first time actually… I live a lot farther inland. Closer to the mountains. I mean it’s also beautiful there, but this is…. different.” She looked over at him.

“Oh, yeah.” He nodded. “Haven’t seen too many mountains inland. Started sailing when I was real young.” Duren shrugged and took a swig of ale from his tankard. “I get sea legs pretty bad. More used to being on a ship than walkin’ like a normal person,” he said, and chuckled.

It didn’t take very long before his own meal came out, as well as one of Rhesri’s dishes. Hers would come out a few dishes at a time, as they made them.

Duren began to pick apart the cooked fish and potatoes. “How long did ye say you’d be around here?”

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TWO GHOSTS

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duelrite‌:

              He listens with tempered interest,   waiting for perhaps a catch or methodology to the game aside from just … literally throwing dice on the table.   Perhaps a game better played with bored sailors.   But the man is kind and easy to look at so he bites back any response too scathing.   ‘   Seems like there’s not much to be good at.   It’s a game of chance,   ‘   Ulrich hums.   That said,   odds and chance never seem to favor him,   either. 

        If nothing else,   he appreciates the care put into carving each dice.   They get through a handful of rounds and as he expects,   it’s just chance.   Duren ends up winning the first few and Ulrich the last ones,   until he grows tired of watching the dice spill onto the table and come up the same little symbols. 

          ‘   …   Look,   not that this isn’t,   thrilling,   but I’m afraid I’ve never been one for games like this.   I prefer fighting and,   well,   maybe anything else.   ‘   Eyes turn back to the other tiefling as his tail flicks behind him.   ‘   Any other bright ideas,   big guy?   ‘

Duren’s brows rose, and he glanced around the tavern. It was getting later, and most of the sailors had begun to slowly disperse. Living on a ship meant bright and early mornings. He subscribed to the same schedule, obviously, but wasn’t keen on losing this potential opportunity.

The tiefling pursed his lips in thought and looked back at Ulrich. He shrugged and said, “Well, could do a couple things. This blasted town doesn’t have much for nightlife, but -” He began collecting his dice.

“Wouldn’t be opposed to taking a couple drinks back to the ship. Could show you around. If yer interested, could probably end the night in bed.” His voice lacked any sort of sheepishness. Duren wasn’t one for subterfuge. He didn’t slyly seduce folks - he was more direct than that. If they were down, and so was he, then hell yeah.

His brow creased slightly. If Ulrich did go back to the ship, there might be a couple questions about...certain things on it. They weren’t a fishing boat. There were no nets, or anything like that. There were more cannons than any other feature, and it was obvious that the crew was pirates. 

...He’d cross that bridge if they came to it.

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TWO GHOSTS

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duelrite‌:

    He had a way of perching his chin on the palm of his hand,   delicate in way as he watched Duren pull his sack off the floor.   Whatever he expected,   it wasn’t a small bag of dice.   Ulrich blinked at the item for a long moment and,   honestly,   racked his brain to figure out what the fuck the other man was talking about.   Had anyone back home ever just played or bet with dice?   Traveling merchants?   Maybe he’d seen it in other taverns along the way but never paid close enough attention to pick up what they were doing. 

      Coming up blank,   he tried to play off his confusion with a small laugh.   ‘   I suppose I’m more new than I thought,   I’m not sure what game this is supposed to be?   ‘   A tilt of his head,   before he took another drink.   ‘   Unless you want to play for money instead and not tell me,   wouldn’t blame you.   ‘

“Not a problem,” Duren said, and laid out the dice in front of Ulrich. They were basic six-sided dice carved from what looked to be some type of wood. However, rather than the normal pips - they were engraved with symbols. On one side there was a crown, an anchor, a diamond, spade, club, and heart. He seemed pretty proud of the set as he showed Ulrich the dice. It was, after all, a nicer set. Nothing overly exquisite but for a sailor he’d done well.

“It’s called Crown and Anchor - real creative, I know. So, ya basically...you call a symbol and it’s a one to one pay-out..but we’re not usin’ coin, so it’ll be like...points.” He scooped up the dice. There were six total, but he handed three of them to ulrich. “Since we’re not doin’ pay-outs we can do versus. Ya just bet which one is gonna pop up the most and whoever has the most of that symbol wins the round.”

“I’ll show you.” Duren then said he wagered it would be hearts, rolled the dice, and ......

There were no hearts. He assessed each dice face and laughed. “I should’ve told you I’m bloody awful at this.”

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bandofmerrytravelers‌:

She followed along, taking in everything. This was her first time by the coast. Her home was landlocked after all. Just some grasslands and mountains…

She looked up at the sign then at the building. She couldn’t help but try to stifle a giggle. “It’s a cute little place,” she stated as she followed him inside. She certainly stood out in the crowd. She wished she chose simpler clothing despite having an early morning meeting. “Ah yes I do!”

She approached the bar, ordering an ale for herself as well as practically a buffet of dishes.

Duren was excited about her choice of food. She had ordered a few different things..he wondered if she was alright with him sharing. “Do ya mind if I take a couple bites of those?” he asked, after she had ordered.

He opted to sit at the bar as well. Most of the tables were full of the early afternoon’s fishermen and sailors. It was probably the nicest place to be regardless.

The Tiefling leaned against the bar and looked out of the netted windows. It boasted a pleasant view of the bay. He also slowly nursed the cool ale they’d been served, and waited for the food. “I love the coast. Love the ocean.” He glanced at Rhesri. “You haven’t seen too much of it, huh?”

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TWO GHOSTS

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duelrite‌:

         Brows quirked and he studied the other man a moment,   before simply shooting back,   ‘  Somethin’ like that   is an odd job,   never heard of it before.   ‘   But he didn’t press.   The stranger came on a boat,   he didn’t need a life story.   Just like how he wouldn’t be getting Ulrich’s life story either.   ‘   I guess I’m technically an armature adventurer,   more like a professional fuck off.   ‘

            Another drink,   he was getting tired of this conversation line.   He wasn’t here to talk about himself in any capacity,   aside maybe formal introductions,  something that occurs to him a few minutes in.   ‘   –  I’m Ulrich,   by the way,   ‘  the thought tacked on,   accompanied with another sidelong glance to his companion.

Not keen on going down the slippery slope he sensed they were approaching, Duren decided to change the topic once more. In fact, he sat up a bit straighter. This was someone he could actually enjoy being around. There was no bloody reason to act like a standoffish ass.

“I’m Duren, it’s nice t’ meet ya,” he said, and offered a hand for Ulrich to shake. The same cheesy grin twisted his features, and he waved for another mug of ale. Without missing a beat, the Tiefling grabbed his worn bag off of the floor and plopped it on the countertop. It was probably as old as the pirate himself. He shifted around in it, muttering “hold on” and finally pulled out a small bag. 

He pushed his backpack onto the floor and proceeded to drop the smaller pouch on the counter between them. “You like dice?” He pulled the small set he had out. “I don’t care for bettin’ - I like my coin a bit too much - but it’s fun.” Perhaps it’d be a good way to break the ice with this stranger. Sometimes, playing idle games allowed conversation to flow easier.

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bandofmerrytravelers‌:

She smiled, “that sounds perfect.” She moved back a step to follow him. “So how long have you been living here?” Her voice had a quizzical tone to it as she watched him.

It was always nice to gather information from a variety of people. “It’s a cute area from what I’ve seen.” She took a look around, clearly enjoying the scenery.

“Oh, been here only a couple days,” he admitted. His crew was actually about to set sail the next morning, but he opted not to mention that. They were vagrants and travelers of the sea. A pirate’s life was not one of permanence or commitment. “Just know where t’ get the good food and drink.” Duren’s priorities were obviously well sorted.

He lead Rhesri down the old cobbled road for a few minutes. They ventured further away from the actual ships, and closer to the “civilized” part of town. Just on the border between the docks and the city itself was a smaller restaurant. It was tucked into a slew of other businesses - mostly traders - but boasted a quaint sign. On the sign was the image of a skewered, half-burned fish. “S’called the Skewered Trout,” he said, and gestured to the image as it swayed in the breeze. He seemed proud of himself for remembering it. 

“D’you like ale?” he asked, as they stepped through the threshold.

It smelled strongly of cooked fish inside. Most of the patrons were hardened, grubby men. Fishermen, sailors, if one named it, they were there.  The menu itself provided numerous different options for food. Fresh crab, lobster, and gods knew how many types of fish were available. Duren lead Rhesri up to the bar and ordered himself a mug of ale and fish & chips.

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TWO GHOSTS

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duelrite‌:

            Another kind of seaman,   if Ulrich had to guess,   crouched over the stool and unabashed in the way eyes scraped over his appearance.   Maybe he was partial to his own race because it didn’t bother him as much,   tail flicking behind him as a second drink was set on the counter.   ‘   Funny,   I try to uphold the same policy.   ‘ 

                  In the time it took to appreciate how truly shitty the ale was once again he considered how to respond.   It didn’t take long;   he had  routine for these sorts of questions.   ‘   Yeah.   Never been here before and I thought it might be nice to see a port town.   Turns out it’s pretty shitty,   ‘   he went on after a moment,   ‘   But I doubt anyone is really from this town,   and neither are you.   What,   fisherman?   Run on a merchant ship?   

“Never been ‘ere before, either,” Duren added. When Ulrich asked about his profession, the Tiefling’s tail twitched as he considered his response. Some people reacted well to it. Others thought it was a good idea to call the guards...as if they’d do anything. Duren suspected those sorts of responses mostly stemmed from appearance + profession = definitely a wanted criminal.

He smiled and said, “Somethin’ like that.” It was a sweet smile, but one that was almost a plea not to pry too deep. Wanting to deflect the questions from himself, he then asked; “Do ya adventure often? Have you been around a ways?” He grinned wider as he added - “Mostly I’ve just seen a lot of water.”

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TWO GHOSTS

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duelrite‌:

             This place wasn’t exactly his scene,   he found out after wandering around for awhile.   During the day it bustled with ships bringing imported goods and men calling from their booths.   No arena to fight in,   no quests to catch his eye.   A town of coming and going and Ulrich figured by the next day he would be on his way out.   But it was late now and his death wish was relatively low at the moment. 

   The tavern,   too,   was pathetically boring.   Mostly drunk sailors leering at a pretty stranger and he met their eyes with bared teeth.   But for once he wasn’t the only tiefling in the building.   He slid up to the bar and asked for whatever shit they had on tap,   determined to be at least get drunk enough to drown out rowdy laughter by the time he went to sleep.   That,   too,   turned out to be shit.   Ulrich sighed and ran a hand through his hair and leaned back on the bar stool,   eyes again drawn to the bright teal of the man a few seats down from him.

          ‘   …   You look less miserable and loud than the rest of the shitheads in here,   ‘   he hummed,   catching the strangers gaze.   ‘   Wanna drink with me?   ‘

After some time of longingly looking at the door, Duren had turned back in towards the bar. He ordered some more food, and opted to forget his qualms. 

That didn’t last as long as intended. By the time he was finishing up his stew, a notably blue face and bright orange eyes popped into his view. His brows raised in surprise. A few moments of silence passed between them as he fought the utter bewilderment he experienced. “Ah- er, yeah. Yeah, I’d have a drink wit anybody if they weren’t these arses,” he answered, and gestured to the tavern at large.

Duren pushed the empty bowl away from himself and shifted his stool closer to the other Tiefling. Another few moment of silence passed as he shamelessly perused the other’s appearance. He enjoyed the company of other Tiefs. Never met many, but it was refreshing to be around someone similar, at least.

“I’d doubt yer from around this town. Travelling through?” Duren asked, and gestured for the barmaiden to bring a few more tankards.

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TWO GHOSTS

@duelrite

It was a quiet night, relatively, for the small seaside tavern. The city itself was not particularly large. Duren hadn’t bothered to get its name from anyone. For the most part, the crew just needed some time on land. Time to unload garbage, buy supplies, do basic maintenance...and meet people. It did get rather crowded on a ship once you knew every face. The worst of it was when no one else was worth a lay. At least, by Duren’s standards.

Quite a few people were in the tavern. Most of the folk were fellow pirates, some from his own ship and others from foreign ships. No one seemed terribly good company. Most were middle-aged men with tar-stained hands and no teeth. Duren was easy, but never that easy.

He nursed the tankard in his hand and watched the barmaiden for a while. He was bored. No one to talk to. The ale wasn’t even that nice. The only gem in the tavern was the bard, who was hard at work on his lute - crafting a pleasant tune to drown out the miseries of the seamen. Too many of them simply complained to each other about a lifestyle they chose to lead. Land was the best place to vent frustration, as you’d sail off in the next few days and never see it again. Duren himself didn’t have too much to get bitchy about. Rather, he lost himself in a tankard and good food and forgot about his worries. They’d continue on the next morning, but at least he could enjoy the night before.

Too bad the tavern was so small. Too bad the town was so small. 

He frowned over the golden liquid in his mug and scowled at a particularly strange assortment of sailors. He was one of 3 people actually sitting at the bar and he’d punch a dragon if it meant there was someone to talk to.

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A New Encounter

bandofmerrytravelers‌:

She tilted her head as she watched his expression change, but she decided to ignore it. After all, nobles weren’t usually well liked.

“Really! Are you sure? I can pay you. There’s no reason to do this as a favor. After all, I’m the one who owes you.” She giggled as she watched him strap the greatsword to his back.

“Well I’m kind of hungry now. How about I treat you to lunch instead?”

“Oh.” Duren hadn’t thought of food. It was already nearing noon by then and he hadn’t eaten a thing since early that morning. He considered the offer, and his stomach rumbled rather loudly. He cleared his throat, and simply said; “Yes. I know a pretty good place. Do ya like seafood?”

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A New Encounter

She smiled at him, releasing his hand. Her own hand was calloused with a few scars on her fingers. Her nails were well maintained, but she kept them short. A signet with a family crest sat on her ring finger.

“Ah, yeah.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I just arrived this morning actually. I’m just getting familiar with everything.” Upon closer inspection, it was clear that these clothes were tailored to fit her perfectly. “Oh thank you. They’re some of my favorites.” She blushed lightly as she pat her skirt.

“Nice to meet you, Duren!”

There were a couple of things happening that took him off-guard. First of all, she was not sneering at him for his tail or his horns. Secondly, she had a large signet ring on. He knew what that meant. It usually meant trouble. 

Rhesri seemed different, though. A few emotions flew across his features. At first he looked surprised, then concerned, and finally pure curiosity settled on his face. He patted his chest and said, “Well, I’d be happy to show ya around. I usually charge for escortin’ people - it’s my job, y’know - but I’ll do it as a favor.” He glanced behind himself at the barrel he’d been sitting on. “Hold on,” he murmured before running back to grab his sword.

It was a large, almost cumbersome blade. A greatsword, which he pulled the straps for over his back.

Duren returned to Rhesri with a bright grin. “Where’d ya like to go?”

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A New Encounter

Gold eyes focused on the stranger in front of her. True, she hadn’t noticed the crewhands before, but now she did. She sighed softly and bowed politely to the tiefling. “Oh no, no. It’s quite alright. I should’ve been paying more attention to my surroundings.”

She had all the orcish features but they appeared to be softer and less prominent from her elven heritage. Although, her tusks were still rather large for a half orc. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Her voice was quiet and kind, lacking any harshness that he might have expected.

She cleared her throat and held out her hand. “I am Rhesri Yinbella.”

“Ah.” Duren glanced at the woman’s hand and opted to shake it. A firm shake, but nothing overpowering. He knew how to be respectful. One thing that he could not get over was how tall she was. He honestly...thought it was awesome. He was not a short person, but she beat him by a couple inches. The fact, too, that this stranger was a she and in nice clothes...

Not too bad looking, either. Maybe they could be pals.

The noble-looking clothes, though..

“I haven’t seen ya around before,” he observed; his eyes shamelessly looking her up and down. “Definitely not around the docks. Y’look fit for a wedding.” All things considered, her attire was not that formal. He was simply not used to it. Duren looked down at his own clothes and frowned slightly. “Oh, my name’s Duren, by the way. It’s good to meet you, I suppose.”

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A New Encounter

@aetheriumshard

The noble lady was visiting a coastal town to meet with the lord from there. She was a tall, muscular woman with tusks and soft green skin. Although, her ears were much closer to an elf’s.

Her long, black hair was pulled back in a loose braid. She wore a simple chemise paired with a skirt and layered petticoats. A beautifully embroidered jacket adorned her torso. She wore leather boots with small heels. The heels left little clicks as she walked down the street.

She was currently wandering about, though. She wanted to learn the actual set up of the town. She was currently at the docks, looking around and enjoying the breeze.

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Duren sat on a barrel, tail swishing over the dock behind him. He was watching the water below; reflection rippling with the gentle waves. Most of the folks around him were men and hardened women - all wearing tunics and pants. Some chose to scarcely wear anything. 

With that in mind, he was caught by surprise when his gaze caught the finely dressed woman. He shifted off of the barrel and stretched, sighing as the breeze cooled him down. The sun was brutal on those docks. Salt, fish, and tar were the strongest scents - with sweat a steady undertone. 

His brows knitted together while his eyes followed her. In such finery, he was almost nervous for her. Duren began striding towards the half-orc, pace growing quicker as a couple of idiot crewhands walked by, crate of fresh fish in tow. They had the cargo balanced between them and were bickering over which way to go. Neither of them could see a damned thing around the crate, and Duren knew it was a recipe for disaster.

“Hey!” he called out to her. Once close enough, he put himself between her and the crewhands. “Sorry if I startled ya. Didn’t want these bastards t’ cover you in seafood.”