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May 4, 2016

Lanchier, Lauchie, Garissa

The twins decide that they need a break from the jungle and their landlady.

Bromeliad

Lanchier flopped back against the mattress, silky sheets smooth and cool beneath his bare back. He didn't climb completely up on the bed yet, having not yet kicked off his fancy boots or even bothered beyond tossing his shirt over the top edge of the divider. Wiggling down into the softness he waved his arms up and down as if making a purple silk snow angel before sighing and sitting back up. It'd been a few hours of pretending to enjoy arena fights he just wasn't interested in, and it was nice to be back inside instead of the rock and sun.

raumlet

Once they'd shut the door behind him, Lauchie had done the opposite of Lanchier - he'd kicked off his boots and wriggled out of the tight pants Cheery had picked for that day. The thin leather had been chafing the soft bark where his thigh met his groin all day, made all the worse by the heat of the Wastes, and he couldn't help but sigh with relief when the leather let him go. Flopping onto the bed, he stretched out over the sheets Cheery had just vacated, his skinny arms reached for the far side. "Ooooh, thorns, I'd forgotten what quiet was like. I feel like someone's stepped all over my feet," he groaned into the silk.

Bromeliad

"It was only once, and I apologized. Also it's your fault for standing so close when I was trying to walk," Lanchier replied, looking back to scrunch up his nose and stick out his tongue before wiggling off his own boots. Leaving his pants on for now he scooted to one side before flopping back out again, reaching out with an idle hand to fiddle with one of the leaves on the back of Lauchie's head. "I'd say we have quite awhile before it gets dark enough to hide the rich ones that have something to hide. What do you say to hiding out until then ourselves?"

raumlet

"It was three times, at least, and you're really good at placing your heels to make it hurt the worst," Lauchie muttered. After a moment, though, he lifted his head and scooted closer to rest his chin on Cheery's thigh, leaning into his hand. It was so much cooler in here without the hot sun beating down on them and all the warm bodies of the spectators crowding the stands. "I like that idea. Should I put the kettle on?"

Bromeliad

Lanchier ruffled up those leaves, only to carefully push them back into perfect place one by one as he replied. "Not if your feet hurt that bad. I'll do it. You're practically wilting." The courtesan stretched and settled back down despite his offer, finally after a long moment sliding off the bed. He stopped to get his boots, might as well put them back where they belong.

raumlet

"Okay! Thank you," Lauchie said chirpily; already, he was beginning to perk up now that he wasn't so hot. Still dusty, though; he could feel the grit in the leaves of his arms. His own boots (and pants and underwear) were lying in a pile by the door where he'd shucked them, though he'd made a rough attempt at folding the pants before dropping them, like that would do any good.

Bromeliad

In putting up his boots, Lanchier made a detour to grab his brother's clothes as well. He already knew they'd end up in a pile. Not bothering to scold him this time he put the boots next to his own and properly folded the pants in half to drape over the divider next to his shirt. It was only another moment before his own went up next to them, the now-fully declothed sylvari finally getting the kettle ready. "What are you going to want? Minty? Fruity? That weird one I can't figure out?" It had been an awkward gift, some sort of fancy tea that... smelled exactly like the lonely sylvari that had given it to them. It wasn't her leaves, the taste was definitely much different. Thankfully. It wasn't half bad in Lanchier's opinion.

raumlet

"Um - the weird one." As he spoke, Lauchie rolled over to lie on his back and wormed his way out of his shirt; sitting up for a moment, he threw the shirt over the divider, noting the tiny puff of sand as it slapped onto the wooden supports, and then flopped back down onto the sheets. Right now, he was glad he didn't have body heat - the sheets were still cool and slick under his back. "Do we have any honey left?"

Bromeliad

"Do we?" Moving some things around, Lanchier found the little jar and poked in it with the stick. "...A little bit. Enough. Remind me to get some later." Moving it and the specified tea to one side for when the water was hot enough he meandered back to the bed and sat at the foot of it, slowwwwly leaning backwards until his ponytail was mashed into the silk near Lauchie's chest. He closed his eyes. "Mm, I'll get back up when it whistles."

raumlet

"Okay," Lauchie said, awkwardly craning his arm to pet Lanchier's leaves - he missed on the first pass and bumped his fingers into his brother's brow before readjusting his arm and trying again. For a few minutes, he was content to lie there quietly, letting his eyes drift lazily shut as he played with the edges of Lanchier's leaves. "D'you think there's enough water for a bath?" He finally asked, eyes still closed. "I'm all dusty."

Bromeliad

"I am too. We've only got one more day before there's more, right? I suppose if we use it all now that's only a couple trips down the cliff." Wouldn't be the first time. And while it didn't sound fun at all right now, the trip wasn't the absolute worst. Lanchier sighed, realizing they'd have to swap sheets now thanks to the dust. Wouldn't want them being gritty.

raumlet

Lauchie huffed out a sigh as he ran over their options. The wisest choice was to sponge himself off at the sink, which wasn't as satisfying as a bath, or to run all the way down to jump in the river, which wasn't what he wanted - the river was cold, and the water in the tanks was wonderfully warm. "We could take one together and... um. I'm sure some of our clothes can be brushed off, not washed. Uuuugh!" Annoyed, he slapped the sheets with his free hand. "I know she could run the pumps more often! She's sooo cheap."

Bromeliad

Opening his eyes, Lanchier tilted his head back into the sheets enough to watch his brother from upside down. "You be the one to being it up to her this time and watch what happens ," he teased, reaching out to playfully prod him in the side. "A bath it is. How about you go get it ready and wait for me in there while I finish the tea?" Lanchier was absolutely ready to waste all the water (like always). Having to run down to the river was a problem that wouldn't show up until tomorrow.

raumlet

"Uuuugh," Lauchie repeated, twitching away from his brother's hand, but he rolled over and crawled off the bed without any further complaint, disappearing into the bathroom. There was only one knob set into the wall above their tub. Lauchie twisted it until water began to pour into the tub and then, almost as an afterthought, he tipped the last of the crystals in the jar by the tub into the water; immediately, frothy bubbles sprung up, and he swooped a hand through them with a grin before stepping into the bath and settling in.

Bromeliad

Waiting for the kettle Lanchier stayed put. He almost dozed off by the time it started whistling. The bed was just so soft and his eyelids were just so heavy- finally with a grumble to himself the courtesan pushed himself back to his feet again, padding over to gather cups and spoons and kettle and tea and honey all on a laquered tray that he carried with him into the bathroom. Perching his butt on the edge of the tub he carefully started packing leaves into one of the little perforated metal balls he'd brought, playfully sprinkling two or three into the water over Lauchie.

raumlet

By the time Cheery stepped into the bathroom, the tub was full - half with the warm water from the tanks, half with the puffy bubbles that were hiding most of Lauchie from sight. He laughed and scooped the leaves off the foam and carried them under the water. "Hurry up," he said, but it wasn't clear if he meant about the tea or Lanchier joining him in the lukewarm water.

Bromeliad

"I might accidentally spill it," Lanchier warned with exaggerated primness, finishing up the cup with a swirl of honey, the dipper held high above the cup to drip. He presented it to his brother, just barely above the pile of bubbles. If he hadn't chosen to do other things, Lanchier would have certainly had a place as a fancy waiter. Nothing on that tray had fallen yet despite its precarious position across his knees. He started his own cup with the same amount of gusto.

raumlet

"We've had worse on us," Lauchie said cheerfully, accepting the cup with his fingers still dripping. If he dropped it, so what? The cup wouldn't break in just the short drop to his chest. Carefully, he sipped it - not too hot. "This is good tea. I hope she comes back."

Bromeliad

The response to that first comment was a snort as Lanchier stood up to set the tray on the counter near the sink, returning with teacup in hand to slip into the bubbly water next to Lauchie. There wasn't a lot of space, but there was definitely enough. It wasn't as if the two weren't used to being that close. Keeping the cup steady with all ten fingertips he bumped his forehead against the other's cheek. "I agree. Hopefully before we run out."

raumlet

Lauchie rearranged his legs to tangle them with Lanchier's, settling easily against his side like he'd always done - he tucked an arm into his side and held his teacup with one hand. The tub was just about the most luxurious thing in the little apartment, minus the trappings they'd added over their time here, since it was designed with fun in mind. Two skinny Sylvari fit well enough. "Thank you," he added belatedly, sipping at his tea again.

Bromeliad

"You're welcome. Don't let me fall asleep," Lanchier replied, resting his head against Lauchie's soft shoulder. He let himself relax, slipping deeper into the water until even his ponytail was nearly hidden by all the bubbles, the tea held just high enough. The sylvari sighed, absolutely content.

raumlet

Rearranging himself with a jostle that sloshed bubbles over the rim of the tub, Lauchie got an arm around Lanchier, then bent to kiss the top of his leafy head. "Don't fall asleep," he said warmly. "I'd miss you if you drowned." The light coming through the little window at the top of the wall was bright and syrupy, a cheerful sight where it bounced off the glittering tiles of the floor; Lauchie rested his cheek on Lanchier's head and shut his eyes to bask in the comfort of Cheery's calm.

Bromeliad

"Mm, I'd miss me too," he murmured in reply, opening his eyes just a slit to take another sip of tea before letting his head slip back down against Lauchie's chest. He was quiet for awhile, just enjoying the moment, then, finally, he spoke again. "So what are you thinking about?"

raumlet

"Ummmm," Lauchie said, dropping his head back against the rough wall. Idly, he squeezed Cheery's shoulders under the piled foam. The water was already cooling - now he wished they did have body heat, although he supposed the water would feel cooler if they did. "Not a lot. I'm getting hungry... Do you think we have time to walk down to the tavern before anyone wants us?"

Bromeliad

That felt good. Lanchier practically purred under the touches. He finished his tea, letting his arm drape outside the bath, the cup dangling from his fingers. The cool water wasn't so bad, he wouldn't have even minded the chilliness of the river after all that sitting around outside. "If we get out now and don't spend too long picking out a new outfit- you're not putting that shirt back on- but there won't be time for a nap."

raumlet

Lauchie sighed dramatically. If they didn't get food before a patron showed up, he'd be cranky because of that; but if he didn't get a nap before a patron showed up, he might get tired and cranky because of that - rather than make a decision right away, he stroked his fingers over the leaves of Lanchier's arm and sipped his tea. "Okay. I think I got a sunburn anyway..." Glancing at the peaks of his shoulders, he inspected the leaves there, but they looked fine. "What about that long-sleeved tunic with the beading?"

Bromeliad

"The little glass beads? It'd be a good excuse to pair it with some loose pants. Maybe those soft ones that like to cling. The ones you can just barely see through? And sandals. No more boots for today." Careful not to drop the cup, Lanchier mused idly almost to himself, his voice curling sleepily from the diminishing pile of bubbles. He would happily nap, except for the fact he'd have to listen to his brother's whining if they didn't go get food first.

raumlet

"Mmmm, yeah," Lauchie said with a little giggle. Tossing back the rest of his tea, he wedged it onto the narrow ledge between the tub and the wall. If it broke, well, they had others. Cheery would be mad, but he'd get over it. "Then we can come home and lounge! We'll look good on the pillows in that. The colors will go well, too." Of course they would; the entire apartment and their wardrobe was coordinated to make sure they looked their best at all times.

Bromeliad

"If we have time! You were a little too cute at the arena today, they might start running." With a wave of water Lanchier suddenly half-erupted out of the tub to drag Lauchie back under, rolling on top of him to playfully press his nose against each side of his silvery face in an affectionate sort of nuzzle. He let go pretty quick, clamboring out with his cup still somehow in hand.

raumlet

Lauchie shrieked, half with surprise, half with delight - his flailing arms caught the cup and knocked it into the tub, sending up a little shower of droplets that barely made a difference with the amount of water they'd just sopped over the rim already. "Fiend," he cried, sloppily kissing Lanchier on the cheek before he had a chance to pull away. "Here, wait," he added and dug around under the bubbles until he found his cup - he held it up to Cheery. "I'll clean up in here and be out in a bit."

Bromeliad

Taking one of the two hanging towels and just throwing it over his arm for now Lanchier took the cup and the tray and swooped out the bathroom, leaving a trail of wet footprints behind him. After stacking it all up neatly in the small amount of space alotted to the 'kitchen' he quickly dried off some of that water with his towel and, wrapping it around his waist, went to go pick out the chosen outfit of the night. Beaded tunic, loose pants- underwear that was dark enough to be seen through the pants but still matching the beads- sandals. The courtesan held it up high for appraisal, considering his options.

raumlet

Once Lanchier had left, Lauchie took a moment to stretch out and enjoy the water by himself again; then he sprung up, toed the little metal disc out of the drain, and snatched his towel off the rack before stepping out of the tub. Quickly, he toweled himself off to acceptable dryness, then knelt and did his best to mop up the puddles from their splashing - unfortunately, the towel wasn't up to such a task. He left it hung over the side of the tub, dripping gently, and hurried out of the bathroom to throw himself on the bed with a grunt, naked and still faintly damp. "Hey! Let me see what you picked!"

Bromeliad

Tossing the second copy gently over his arm Lanchier paraded his choice out to his brother. He shook the tunic so the beads sparkled. "Comfortable enough?" He grinned around the side of it, before eyeing the sheets to make sure they weren't too wet. Couldn't be leaving wet spots that would last now, that would be... unfortunate. Luckily Lauchie had dried off enough, though the impulse to whip his towel over to him was definitely there.

raumlet

Lauchie propped himself up on his elbows and cast an eye over the outfit. Hopping off the bed, he took the clothes off Lanchier's arm and pulled them on quickly, then stepped back and did a slow turn for his brother's benefit; the beads caught the light as he moved, the slit up the side drawing attention to the faint hint of his underwear through the filmy pants. "How's it look?"

Bromeliad

Slipping on his own shirt so he had a free hand Lanchier looked Lauchie up and down, appraising the fabric and way it fell. He stepped forward and adjusted just a bit, mostly satisfied. "It will do, I guess." The smile and tone showed he approved even if his words didn't.

raumlet

"Okay," Lauchie said, grinning from ear to ear. He'd long ago learned that Lanchier didn't always say what he meant - and he could recognize the satisfied gleam in his brother's eye when he tugged the hem of the tunic straight. That meant he looked good. Cheerfully, he flung his arms around Lanchier's shoulders and kissed his cheek, then dropped himself back on the bed so his twin could finish dressing. "We should hurry. I'm hungry."

Bromeliad

He already had his own underwear and half a pantleg on before he answered, slipping as quick and easy into the clothes as he later would out. "And I'm sleepy. We can't have everything we want." Lanchier briefly checked the beads on his tunic for any missing, making a big show of it to annoy his brother. "Add hard candies to the shopping list, having at least those around would be helpful. There, all good. Let's go." The courtesan held out his elbow for Lauchie to drape on.

raumlet

"Not if they only have strawberry again. Don't you laugh at me!" With a little shudder and a grimace, Lauchie bounced back up off the bed and hooked his arm through his twin's. He shoved his feet into one of the pairs of slippers Lanchier had laid out and let himself be steered out the door, into the hot late afternoon sunlight that had them both squinting. "I'm not cute if I'm all swollen. Wait - did you grab the coin purse?"

Bromeliad

"Of course I did," Lanchier replied, having swooped it from it's little wardrobe hook mid way to the door. He jangled it at his brother- of course it was one of the ones with colored strings that matched their current underwear. There were a couple tucked away with just enough small coin for a meal specifically for occasions like this. Just another one of his vain quirks. As for the first comment, well he just lied. "I prefer mango candy anyway." Bumping affectionately into Lauchie's shoulder he lead the way to the tavern, sun drying his tied-back leaves where they were still damp.

raumlet

"Good." Now that he wasn't hot, dusty, and annoyed by a noisy crowd, the heat was comforting and familiar instead of oppressive; he was willing to let Cheery's lie slide. Lauchie leaned heavily on his brother and let him lead. This time of day, when the sun was at its hottest, the walkways of the District were deserted. There was hot, and then there was hot, this heat that could easily bake you to a husk if you weren't careful. "We should have brought a parasol." A bit of a moot point now - they were closer to the tavern than to their own apartment.

Bromeliad

"I don't think a parasol would help." Briefly Lanchier considered peeling his brother off and walking a bit more separate- if would have if Lauchie was actually generating any body heat of his own. "We're almost there, don't make me carry you." They really were, the tavern was well within view now. The heat was soaking from the path into his shoes, and he couldn't help but speed up the pace just a bit.

Lillica

In the distance, the pair spotted a familiar figure. Garissa. They'd recognize her anywhere in the settlement, aside from being one of the few norn women not clad in pact armor, she was likely the single person bold or stubborn enough to wear furs under the high sun. Garissa never shed her traditional norn garments not during the day not at night, even in the most sweaty of humid days the fur remained as cuffs on short sleeves. She'd been asked about it plenty of times, and the answer was always the same. According to her, a hunter uses everything on the animal. Furs and leather made fine clothes, and to shed them for something more comfortable would not only tarnish a trophy, but disrespect the beast's great spirit. She had yet to hunt a Saurian, so until embarking on a new great hunt, Garissa would wear her trophies, her tributes, her furs. She was draped in the thick coat of a brown bear overtop a stitched, stiff leather dress when the "twins" saw her. And for some reason... Her stance appeared very stern. If they approached further, her face would confirm a matching attitude.

raumlet

"Oh noooo," Lauchie whispered, pressing his mouth to Lanchier's neck and squeezing his arm as soon as he saw their sweaty landlady. That stance was immediately recognizable, and he wracked his brain for what they could have done - it helped to have an apology ready as soon as they were in shouting range. Had they paid their rent? Yes, he remembered Lanchier counting out the coins. They'd been peppy at the arena earlier, hopefully peppy enough. They'd even managed to restrain themselves from begging for more water for a while... For them. Before, he'd let Lanchier hustle him along, but now he dragged his feet, scuffing the leather of his sandals against the stone. "Cheery, what'd we do?"

Bromeliad

Welp, there was Garissa. Lanchier recognized that pose, too. She couldn't have figure out they wasted water again this quickly, could she? "Maybe one of those corpses came back to life and crawled up somewhere," he murmured back. "Best just get it over with." With an exaggerated flourish he dipped Lauchie in a silly kiss, hopefully surprising him enough to drag him along a little quicker. "Garissa!" His voice took on a false cheer as he called out loudly to their landlady, striding towards her. "It's a little early to see you here. Or is it late?"

Lillica

"Late," Garissa answered curtly, "I called in someone to look at the pipes today, fix whatever's behind all this water usage. He said it was because of a leak, or two, by the time the guy left it was up to three. Getting service all the way out here from specialists isn't cheap, and I was counting on you two to be here, help lower the bill. Mind telling me why you weren't here, why nobody told me?" Her face was red. Red from anger, sure, red from the tattoo down the woman's forehead, nose, mouth and chin as well. But mostly her face was baked red from having stood outside the entire time, patiently waiting for an answer out of her establishment's two prized sylvari. Garissa was sunburned, yet even after they arrived, she hadn't moved an inch.

raumlet

Lauchie shot a wide-eyed look at Lanchier, trying to look as innocent and confused as possible - which wasn't particularly difficult, actually, since the fact that a repairman had been out to look at the pipes was news to him. While Garissa had been out here in the hot sun, they'd been lounging around in their cool little apartment... Being too valuable to lose didn't mean she didn't have ways to make their lives uncomfortable when they messed up. "We... We didn't know?" It was more of a question than an excuse, directed at his brother, who he was trying not to hide behind.

Bromeliad

"We were at your arena, making sure people knew to come from there to here," Lanchier's voice had picked up a business-y tone, detaching away from that false joviality. "If we'd been sent, hrm, some sort of note, prior message- maybe knock on the door...?" He smiled again, running his fingers through the back of Lauchie's loose leaves in an attempt to comfort him, at least a little. So there were leaks, hah.

Lillica

Garissa shook her head at them both. "I didn't know where you were. Yes, leave a note. Yes, knock on the door. Figure something out. Water rationing for the settlement is back on to make up for the repair costs. Oh, and one more thing - I had a meter installed. Gotta keep track of usage now don't we?" She smirked at them both. The real reason she'd called a serviceman was out in the open now. The repairs were just a side job after arrival.

raumlet

"You told us to be at the arena, so we were right where you told us to be," Lauchie said, not quite banishing the whine from his tone. Damnit, she already knew they used the most water out of all of her 'employees.' They were also the top earners. Didn't that come with some perks? Did she get onto her common whores like this, or did they warrant special attention from her for being special?

Bromeliad

It was difficult for Lanchier to keep from rolling his eyes. "I hope the rationing isn't too harsh, some people might decide it's not worth the heat with no water and leave." His tone, while pleasant again, curled at the mention of some people. It was pretty clear exactly which people the courtesan was talking about. "How long has it been since we've taken a vacation, Lauchie? Quite awhile hasn't it?" He kissed the other's forehead, fingers still playing with the tips of his leaves. Trying not to sound too agitated himself.

Lillica

Garissa laughed, ignoring the intended meaning of some people. "Anyone who tries to find somewhere nicer, safer, or this indulgent in the jungle will end up living with frogs, unable to communicate and almost certainly drafted to face the beasts of the area." She didn't need to play games with these two, whether they were top earners or not didn't matter. She had a monopoly on the business in these parts, which meant the filthy pact dogs would come crawling back whether it was a princess or a bar hag they'd be bedding. "Starting up a settlement amidst all this crap isn't easy, and anyone who wants a part of what it could be in the long run gets to suck it up now or leave," finally Garissa addressed Lanchier's minor threat, "So you two can be a pair of big fucking fish in this place, or you can go back to the cities of central Tyria and get swallowed up. Believe me, whatever charm you've got has nothing on the true professionals in Divinity's Reach and Lion's Arch. I've even seen Ebonhawke ass with more intrigue than you. That clear?"

raumlet

Frowning, Lauchie leaned into Lanchier's caresses. They'd been other places before they came here and done just fine by themselves; sure, it was nice to be the most sought-after escorts around, and sure, that'd been Cheery's reason for dragging them out into the jungle, but what had also been nice was reliable running water, heat, and a distinct lack of rickety rope bridges to cross. "It has been a while," he said poutily, dropping his head on Cheery's shoulder and sliding in closer to wrap his arms around his twin's waist. He kept his eyes fixed on Garissa. It'd be a pain if she kicked them out, but who would take up their place as tournament trophies? Linda down the hall? "We've paid for this month - maybe we should go somewhere, make a little just for us?"

Bromeliad

"At a certain point, long run is not worth the short run. I'm certainly willing to give up some comforts, but you're getting absolutely ridiculous. Sooner or later all you'll have left are frogs. Or at least the dried up corpses of them, what with how ridiculous you are about the water." He stopped looking at Garissa's angry overheated face altogether, addressing Lauchie with a soft near-whisper carefully calculated to be loud enough for the norn to hear. "Lion's Arch must have new fashions by now, a week or two back in civilization wouldn't be amiss."

Lillica

Garissa brushed a few sweaty strands of hair from her brow and crossed her arms once more. Those two, leave? It was... Not going to hurt her in the end. "Pact soldiers would hump frogs if that's all I had left. Go on your trip, I don't mind, but don't forget the rent next month won't be any lower for you. Best keep at work while back in the city or it'll hurt you down the line," she turned back to the tavern and started walking in, waving a hand over her shoulder, "Don't say I didn't warn you." It was a win either way, once she thought about it. If they went and came back, it would spread word of an exotic establishment with equally intriguing professionals ready to serve deep in the jungle. The mystery of it all would surely attract those nobles with money and taste enough to fancy adventure. On the off chance her twins didn't return... Well, she had a month's rent in advance and two people less to take up food, water, or anything else important. Not to mention, it would add a sense of urgency to the place, that the day's goods were indeed special and may not be available tomorrow. It would surely spike revenue for any of the more exotic favorites among the troops and travelers.

raumlet

"They wouldn't pay as much as they do for us, you stingy old hag. See if anyone wants to be in your little tournaments without a prize," Lauchie grumbled into Lanchier's neck, his arms tight and defensive around his twin's waist. Brambles, he knew they were a draw for this place - they had soldiers they'd never seen coming in asking for them, after all, and they could pick and choose as they liked. And she wanted to hound them about the water they used! "We already pay her extra every month. Let's do it." Perking up suddenly, he straightened up and pressed a quick kiss to Cheery's lips. "I haven't felt a sea breeze in ages."

Bromeliad

"Shhh shhh, she'll hear you," Lanchier laughed. He was still miffed about Garissa's attitude, but hey, he hadn't been lying about how long it had been since a vacation. They'd show her, AND have a fun time while they were at it. "Are you still going to want to go inside? I know you're hungry but..." His mind had already wandered towards packing and what outfits they should even bring. Warmer things certainly, but those would have to air out and if they were going to leave it shoudl be soon...

raumlet

"I am really hungry," Lauchie whined, still latched onto his brother like a limpet. As much as he would love to be in Lion's Arch already, he knew that if he went any longer without eating, he'd get cranky - and that was never fun to deal with. Besides, it'd be a waste of their outfits if the only one who saw them was Garissa, who didn't care so long as they brought in money. "Can we pop in, grab something, and go back home to eat?"

Bromeliad

"Well, we don't have to worry about it getting cold. And we're already this far." Lanchier sighed dramatically and leaned over to plant a kiss on Lauchie's forehead, gently prying him off just enough to get walking again. Packing could wait, after all. Careful not to trip over his twin he lead him along into the tavern.

Lillica

Garissa was inside and comfortably lounging in one of the stick tripod chairs. "What, you aren't leaving yet?" She laughed then took a swig of ale. It was likely the twins would leave soon, but she could have a bit of fun at their expense first.

raumlet

As much as he knew he should just ignore her, Lauchie couldn't help but shoot a glare her way. Food. They were just here to grab food, and then they'd be gone and they'd be free of her for a while - he could keep his mouth shut for that long, couldn't he? Maybe. Garissa was nice to have around when things went south, what with her willingness to unleash her belt on misbehaving patrons, but she got under his bark like he couldn't believe.

Bromeliad

Lanchier playfully tweaked one of the ends of Lauchie's eartips as a sort of silent warning, flashing a huge dazzling grin at Garissa all bright teeth and as fake as the compliments he gave half their patrons. "Just getting some food. Unless you're planning to starve us as well as dehydrate...? What's the special today, I hope it's a good one." Was she drunk? He hoped not.

Lillica

She wasn't drunk.... Yet. But her face had taken on a new color red thanks to the ale, one that mingled with her anger, sunburn, and face tattoo to turn the norn's head into something resembling an exotic fruit. As for the food, Garissa didn't much feel like standing. "Go look in the back," she grumbled into her cup, "There's stew in a pot. Should be fine still."

raumlet

"Ugh." Lauchie wrinkled his nose. This far out in the jungle, they were lucky to receive supplies at all, but he knew what stew entailed - whatever scraps they had that were still edible, chopped up and thrown in a pot with some broth and maybe a pinch of salt to add flavor. Hardly what he was in the mood for. "I guess the shipments haven't been coming through," he murmured to his brother, quiet enough that Garissa would have to strain to hear if she were interested.

Bromeliad

Lanchier's nose wrinkled as well despite his false smile. Even he couldn't completely hide his distaste. 'Stew' was probably his least favorite food, with all the mystery scraps it entailed. "There's got to at least be bread and butter back there," he replied, a little louder than Lauchie had been. Pulling him close for a quick hug he pushed away and sauntered towards the back, chin lifted high as he passed Garissa. Hopefully it was edible bread.

Lillica

Unfortunately for the twins, Garissa had a reply to that. "There's bread and butter. It's in the stew." Watching their facade crumble was half her fun when they got high and mighty towards her, so today's coincidence of "Everything But the Kitchen Sponge" stew made a perfect weapon. She pushed further with, "And don't worry boys, it's plenty edible! I added my secret ingredient, for the texture."

raumlet

Lauchie didn't bother to look at her again as they passed; instead, he slipped his hand into his twin's and gave it a squeeze. "Won't it be nice, to be able to choose what we want to eat again? I've missed that a lot!" This time, he didn't care if she overheard, and he made no attempt to keep his voice quiet. If he was going to have to eat that slop, fine, but he wasn't going to be happy about it.

Bromeliad

"It'll be fresh, too," Lanchier replied, his tone normal over a seething pit of distaste Lauchie would definitely be able to feel. But Garissa wouldn't, thank everything. Why would you put bread in stew? That was... the dumbest idea he had ever heard, and he'd had some pretty stupid things requested of him in the past. It seemed tonight his dinner would just be. Tea. Because he was not going to eat that stew. Pushing open the door to the back room he cast a glance around for the far too familiar pot, and a bowl for his brother.

Lillica

Garissa let them go ahead, turning back to her drink while they lamented over the realities of dinner. She'd considered keeping the bread, sure, but everything was approaching expiration and moldy bread wasn't much bread at all. Stew was a solution, the solution other than pie. If bread could have been made into a pie she would have, she had tried in the past, but to no avail. So it was stew, the twins were sad, and Garissa would have to finish it off later which made even her own stomach a touch queasy. The norn downed the rest of her ale and while wiping her mouth muttered, "So be it."

raumlet

The pot was sitting on the warming burner of the stove, innocuous-looking despite its horrid contents. Lauchie stood with his arms crossed and his nose wrinked, but he took the bowl that his brother handed him, peeping in - actually, it looked okay. Almost edible, even; but then, he was very hungry.Cautiously, he tasted it, and winced. Bland, as always; spices were difficult to get out here, even those that grew naturally in the jungle, so Garissa was tighter with them than she was with the water. "Ick," he grumbled, but he took another bite. If he didn't eat, he'd be cranky the entire time they were packing, and Lanchier would be annoyed with him the whole time. He ate as quickly as he could.

Bromeliad

Finding a clean spot on the counter, Lanchier used it as a chair. He didn't get a bowl, instead just picked at the beads of his tunic, making sure none of the stew had gotten on it. "Don't bother describing it, I can guess." He was still fuming inside, it had taken a lot to not 'accidentally' tip the stew over. It it weren't for fear of getting it on his clothes he just might have. "We'll have to pack light, I'm thinking... 3 bags, maybe."

raumlet

Lauchie couldn't miss his brother's irritation - the whole reason he was eating this slop was to spare him the extra irritation, of course he could feel it - and he cuddled up to Lanchier's legs. "For both of us? We can bring pants that go with lots of things and stuff the rest full of tops." His voice was a bit muffled around the spoon, but a full mouth wasn't too much of an impediment for him. His brow creased. "Shoes, though..."

Bromeliad

"Whichever pair we wear out of here is guarenteed to get ruined. I don't want to bring too many bags because I don't want to risk everything to the frogs and trees." Lanchier ran his fingers along the top edge of Lauchie's ears before dropping his hands to his twin's shoulders to massage them with his palms and thumbs as he mused out loud on what they should bring. "Besides, if we do well, we'll probably have at least one more bag to drag back than we started with."

raumlet

"We have those boots with the the split in the leather - we can wear those." Yielding to his distaste, Lauchie set his half-eaten bowl aside and leaned into his brother's hands instead. What a waste of time this had been! They may as well have had their tea and napped. "Do you think the bar in the cove is still there, after what happened? I liked that place." His voice was wistful, his emotions swirled through with nostalgia; from what he'd heard about the rebuild, the city looked more like a theme park than the most important port on Tyria.

Bromeliad

Lanchier continued his massaging, voice a little distracted as he still sorted clothes in his head. He enjoyed picking and packing and it was a good way to not think about how annoyed he was with Garissa right now. "I don't have the slightest idea, it's going to be like going to an entirely new town altogether. I'll probably get lost. I do know if that one's not there, there will be a new one just as nice. Can't have boats without bars."

raumlet

"Getting lost sounds nice," Lauchie sighed. At least, getting lost in a place where they weren't likely to wander into a large, angry reptile or a corrupted Sylvari and be murdered sounded nice - getting lost was too dangerous around here. They'd been mugged in Lion's Arch, but he'd take a mugger over a Mordrem any day. Lanchier's hand teasing out the knots in his shoulders felt amazing, but he pulled away after a minute, elbowing the bowl so that the spoon clattered against the pottery. "That's all I can stomach. Let's go?"

Bromeliad

"I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. Getting lost means too much walking." Once Lauchie was out of the way he pushed off the counter, brushing his hands down his tunic and pants to put them back in perfect place. "Let's head back, make sure you wash your mouth out before kissing me." He wrinkled his nose, playfully bumping against his twin's side whlie he let his eyes linger across the area. Cleaned out, Garissa really had dumped everything in that pot. There was another moment of fuming anger before he squashed it down.

raumlet

"Aw, it wasn't that bad." Teasingly, Lauchie blew Lanchier a kiss before sliding his arm back through his twin's and pulling him towards the door. With any luck, there wouldn't be anyone waiting for them; a patron now would slow them down. "Anyway, she should be happy we're leaving for a bit," he said as they exited the kitchen and entered Garissa's range of hearing again. "With the way she talks, you'd think we use more water than everyone else combined here. That meter of hers shouldn't move at all while we're gone."

Bromeliad

"I wouldn't know, and I don't want to," Lanchier laughed as he was pulled out the door. He huffed at the comment about water. Okay so it was probably true, but that didn't make her comments any less annoying. "I for one plan on taking three baths a day. Until I puff up like an aloe plant." He wouldn't really. Probably. Maybe. There was a glance towards Garissa as they entered the main room again, Lanchier carefully watching her.

Lillica

By the time they entered the room again Garissa had taken to napping right where she was, cup loose in her hand, drool dribbling from her mouth. The side effects of heat and ale were clear in how she'd hiccup every five or so breaths, once or twice startling herself awake because of it. The twins were free to go. Garissa had warned them already, and if she had anything else worth saying she wouldn't have taken to an afternoon drink.

raumlet

"Ugh, that's disgusting," Lauchie whispered, his nose wrinkling at the unsightly display. For someone who made a business out of drawing in attractive people who wanted to sell themselves for money, Garissa sure wasn't much of a catch herself - even if she didn't need to be, he couldn't understand how she had so little pride in her looks. It wasn't like the basis wasn't there; with a little work, she could at least pass muster. "Let's go. I am sooooo ready to be out of the jungle."

Bromeliad

Lanchier elbowed his twin with a giggly 'shhh', dropping a little of his smooth facade as he wrinkled his nose at Garissa too. At least she was asleep so he didn't have to listen to any bs about frogs again. Maybe they weren't so bad, what did she know. "I'm ready to be out too, at least for awhile. This place will be amazing some day once it's cleaned up and out. Trust me. And we'll be the stars."

raumlet

"Some day, it's always some day," Lauchie lamented, arm and arm with his twin. It wasn't directed at Lanchier - Cheery couldn't have stopped the attack on LA. Cheery had only been doing his best to make them known these past few years; but oh, wasn't he impatient by now! Even with their fine clothes, they hadn't really made it big, not outside of a very small circle. "I don't want to think about some day. Let's just have fun." Forgetting the stew, he went to give Lanchier a kiss on the cheek.

Bromeliad

"Fine, fine. Today we'll pack and go have some fun." Lanchier let Lauchie give him the kiss, relenting since it was just on the cheek after all. He saved the exaggerated pull away for after, tugging his brother into a fancy twirl. Lauchie had time to learn patience, it would probably be a few years before this place was anything, desolate as it was.

raumlet

Lauchie shrieked happily as his brother spun him around, and, dizzy and off-balance, he flung his arms around Lanchier once he was close enough to do so. The weight him almost dragged Lanchier off his feet. "That I like the sound of!" This time, he nuzzled his twins neck, sparing him a kiss, and gave him a quick squeeze before he let go and twined their fingers together. "Come on! I want to be packed and gone as soon as possible."

Bromeliad

Lanchier stumbled as it was his turn to be dragged, laughing the whole time. "For someone who's feet hurt oh-so-much you're pretty quick to run now," he teased, squeezing Lauchie's hand tight as they headed back to the calm of their little apartment. It would be a flurry of packing soon, but that was not a bad thing at all.

#lanchier #lauchie #garissa