Bustling footsteps, the lively sound of drinks being poured and overflowing as men waved them to and fro. Exaggerated stories, desperate lies, and the bitter truth swirled together in that cacophony of noise that enveloped the entire interior. The Roe standing behind the counter laughed as three burly men attempted to argue about who could bed the tavern waitress first.
“No, no, boy, women love a man who is strong!” The claimant rolled up the frayed cloth of his shirt, flexing muscles that seemed to bulge on command.
“Don’t listen to this drunken fool. A woman likes a man who is smart. Remember that, boy.”
Muscles. Smarts. Neither word fit Talan as he looked between the bulky Highlander, who seemed to pounding away ales by the second as if they were water. Was he forever doomed in that regard?
His gaze trailed over towards the Elezen, young, slender. Yet the man sipped his whiskey with as much careless regard as the highlander did, the two drunken men growing increasingly loud in their disagreement of the finer qualities and attributes the fairer sex might find attractive.
Talan frowned. Would he have no grand st ories to tell? Was he doomed to that life of simple pleasantries forever? Was he truly so blind that he didn’t know how to even approach the very subject that they were discussing?
A hand clasped his shoulder, a familiar set of sapphire eyes took hold. “Stop listening to the drunken fools and ramblings. You didn’t take upon the training to woo women, come.” Talan was led astray, much to the dismay and protest of his temporary drinking buddies. Dragged over towards the bar, he settled across from his self-ordained mentor and watched as the heavy-set Roe lumbered down their way to fetch two flagons and tp them off with ale once more. Talan let the froth settle as his mentor happily indulged.
"So, why listen to them?”
That voicewas always the critic, always the chastising guiding hand that Talan seemed to just obedietnyl follow because-- well, who really knew?
“I.. I jus’ wanna be like ‘em, y’know? You... them... they’ve all seen th’ world, been through all sorts o’ things. I jus’ wish I was like ‘em and could do somethin’ like that. I feel.. .well, lost a bit, y’know? When I was growin’ up, all th’ other boys already well... y’know. Fights, lovers, some even traveled. All sorts o’ stuff. Me? Ah’m... ah’m us’ still ‘ere. Mindin’ m’business like ma and pa asked. COntinuin’ ta... follow what they said.”
A quietness overtook him before that steady hand clasped his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze.
”Talan. There’s so much more to life beyond women. Beyond fighting. Beyond loving and hating. The world out there? Eorzea? It holds so much more than these simple... things.”
Another affectionate squeeze.
“Trust me, you’re going to realize how fortunately quiet your life here was. When you travel out there? There will be so much for you to see. So much for you to do. I almost fear for you.”
A deep gulp taken and before Talan could respond the man had stood up. “Ah, but off I go. Tomorrow, our practice at the same time as usual, alright?” There was only the faint, silent nodding as the man began to step away. He paused as he turned slightly.
“Don’t lose heart, Talan, you’re plenty fine as you are.”
That flash of a smile and he was gone.
Talan’s hands cupped around the edges of the flagon. The froth had died down to reveal the liquid inside.
Don’t lose heart.
He lacked the courage to say he had already.
You’re plenty fine as you are.
He lacked the knowledge to know he wasn’t.
A brilliant laugh, a clattering of toasts, and the night blended away to the raucous and cheerful orchestra of noise that was the tavern.
