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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 29, 2019 7:36:39 GMT -5
Yoseph looks sickened and angry as you tell of the plight of your people. He carefully offers, "Our Lightbringer could likely tend to any damage already wrought by this contamination. You sister could have a healthy baby here in Clifton." You can see the dismissal of his own idea on his face, he knows it is not possible without revealing that your people exist at all. "People fear change Myst. Tradition can often lead to all kinds of strange behavior." He pulls over the only chair in the room, sits down and leans it back so it's up on two legs with the back leaning against the sink where he was just standing, "I have the perfect example. The temple in my home town was very small, and in the center of the aisle was a very low hanging cast iron chandelier." He rubs the front of his head as if he just bashed it into something, "During the service when you were called to the front everyone used to duck under the chandelier. They made it a sort of respectful bow. A fire destroyed the temple, and the whole community came together to build up a new one." He smiles to himself, memories of that time playing across his mind, "This new building was larger, and the chandelier was set high enough that you no longer needed to duck." He sets the chair back on all four legs, "People still did the respectful bow in the middle. It became a tradition, even though it was no longer needed. Your people have been kept safe for a long time by not revealing themselves, it has become tradition." His leans forward with his elbows on his knees to look up into your eyes again, hoping that his explanation was enough to sooth your imploring eyes. He sits back again, once more tilting his chair back against the sink, "Are you going to be in trouble for leaving?"
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Post by Myst on May 3, 2019 9:02:56 GMT -5
Myst gingerly places the beaker, now full of burnt crimson liquid, atop the Bunsen burner and watches as tiny bubbles begin to form as the temperature of the liquid rises. The colour should both lighten and intensify to a brighter red after a long boil, finally reaching the desired colour of a healing potion. Then she would add the final ingredient, lavender. Her mother always told her to add it after boiling, to avoid the release of important minerals from the herb, although she knew of others that add lavender before.
Bringing her thoughts back to Yoseph's conversation, Myst, still watching the bubbles, simply replies, "yes," but her voice and expression seems unconcerned. Genesi are too valuable to execute, maim, or imprison for anything but the most grievous offences. She would bring temporary dishonour to her family and would likely be placed on house arrest, but that is a small price to pay for her people.
Turning to Yoseph finally, Myst's brows furrow and she says, "I didn't realize you were from another town..." trailing off. The statement is clearly more of a question or an invitation to continue telling her about his childhood.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 3, 2019 9:52:46 GMT -5
(That story was a true account from my own life, recounted to me by a Rabbi.)
Yoseph smiles, "Oh yes. Most of the folks that call Clifton home are from other places in the Empire. This town has only been here for about three generations. The Emperor wanted a bastion at the edge of his empire, so he flooded the area with adventurers and mages to create the initial layout of the city. Once the walls were erected, the settlers were brought in. Many come here when they're young to make a name for themselves, or at least a bit of money. Then when it's time to settle down, they go back home. My whole family came down here after a bad winter followed by a long drought wiped out our crops. My grandfather had a fishing boat, so we were better off than some when we came." He smiles wearing a look of pride as he scans the walls around himself. "We bought this place with the money we got for our land back home. Parents died a few years back. Grandpa is too stubborn to pass on. He's still fishing the waters around Clifton, cursing on the Wyverns that haunt the straight. Good fishing there I'm told, if you can avoid the Wyvern of course."
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Post by Myst on May 10, 2019 9:15:38 GMT -5
Myst chuckles softly, "he sounds like a willful man. I'm sure I'd like him." Myst glances around the room, clearly looking for something to do. Finding nothing to occupy herself, she settles for standing in front of Yoseph, who is still kicking back in his chair, which is still perched precariously on its back two legs. Standing straight-backed and regal in front of him, she smiles at him sweetly. Yet, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes belies her intention before she nudges the chair forward slightly with her foot, her eyes still holding Yoseph's, as she frees the chair from its balance on the sink.
As Yoseph begins to fall with a shocked gasp, his eyes wide, she quickly grabs his hand and pulls him forward, steadying him. She laughs and pats him on the back before her face becomes a serious mask and she soberly says, "you really should be more careful." Still, her eyes twinkle and it's obvious she is teasing him.
"I have an idea." Her eyes still sparkle and she leans forward, knees bending until her face is mere inches from his, her breath light and salty like an ocean breeze caressing his face. "We should bribe some sailors."
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 15, 2019 7:03:32 GMT -5
Yoseph's eyes go wide as you knock the chair out of balance. One of his hands darts out to the sink edge to steady himself, but he misses and topples sideways off the chair. You try to catch him, but lack the strength in your legs to manage much. The pair of you collapse onto the floor, Yoseph pivoting as he falls so you land on top of him instead of the other way around. You both lay there stunned, Yoseph trying to get his breath back and you wondering where that went wrong. Yoseph starts to giggle, then to outright laugh. He laughs until what little breath he has managed so far leaves him and he coughs from the exertion. You get to hands and knees, looming over him. There is a moment, with your faces so close that you can feel the warmth of him. A quiet moment where he has regained his breath, and the two of you have locked eyes. The moment stretches, but it is not uncomfortable in the least. You realize how you must look, and feel the need to break the silence so you tell him your idea. As the pair of you get back to your feet, he says, "You're going to have to elaborate on that, just a little." Making a pinching motion with his fingers.
(Guess who rolled a natural 1 on his dex save? I think it worked out better this way.)
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Post by Myst on May 17, 2019 9:25:15 GMT -5
Myst's face becomes contemplative and serious. "Well, if we want to increase business, we will need a steady stream of customers. I've seen the guards recommend the Wayfarer's Rest - we can learn something from that strategy. Who better to recommend us than the sailors? We are close to the docks - perfect for incoming visitors."
A slight grimace at the look on Yoseph's face and Myst adds, "and I know what you are thinking - you are worried about the thieves guild. The Carousing Sailor is busy, but it serves a different kind of clientele... we should target straight-laced folk - they are less rowdy and will interfere less with the thieves guild business. I would have preferred to start my adventure in Clifton here and I suspect many would share my sentiment," Myst's voice is dry and she shakes her head smirking slightly at her first impression of Clifton.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 17, 2019 10:52:04 GMT -5
Yoseph nods, beginning to prepare a few things for the next meal service while he talks, "You are correct, that is a really good idea. Jackson collects a fine bit of coin from Old Borris just for mentioning the Wayfarer's Rest to those that enter Clifton." He seems to think for a minute before he responds again, "I do know a couple ships captains, some labourers and other dock men. I could make the arrangements tonight, if you would be willing to handle the dinner service." He looks over to you, and quickly adds all in a rush, "The food will be prepared. You just have to take the orders, run the food, collect the coin and clean up. Maybe an hour before I return, at the latest."
When you bring up the thieves guild, he shakes his head, "It's not the fact that we would be taking their custom. We wouldn't be. As you have already observed, we serve an entirely different demographic." He sighs, "Anyone that does well is offered the guilds protection. For a nominal fee." He twists the last with a sneer. "Of course if you do not agree, things start to go wrong with your business. A shipment of supplies goes missing. Your storage shed burns down. Your clients start to get robbed at an alarming rate. Greedy vultures will drive away your custom until you agree to pay."
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Post by Myst on May 17, 2019 11:49:22 GMT -5
Myst's body begins to collect droplets of water at the thought of dealing with customers. Her gaze drops and her hands fidget, but she nods her assent, looking defeatedly at her feet. She had always intended Yoseph be the one to negotiate, but had almost forgotten about dinner service. "As long as you sell the potion I'm making while you're gone," she mutters, clearly unhappy with being left behind. "Keep the profit and use it to give our new business partners some advance payment. We will deal with the thieves guild in due course."
As if remembering the potion brewing, Myst checks on it again, tapping the glass beaker with her long blue finger before nodding approvingly. She takes a pinch of dried lavendar out of her herbalism kit and adds it to the boiling liquid. Not long now.
"Let's prepare for dinner service while this finishes," she suggests, looking to Yoseph for direction.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 23, 2019 6:24:50 GMT -5
Yoseph smiles warmly, stepping close and taking your shoulders so you face him, "Do no worry Myst." He begins, his voice calm and steady, "I will be here for the dinner service. You need not serve a customer unless you wish it." He gives your shoulders a gentle squeeze, "I only said that you would have to do the dinner service alone to see how committed you were to this plan of yours." His hands fall away from your shoulders as he steps back, and with their departure the warmth of him touching you fades as well, "The Shadow Hand is no joke, and I had to be sure." His smile changes again, this time to one of confidence, "I will make the rounds after the dinner service tonight." He sets to work preparing for the dinner service. The first hour of which is spent mostly working around the contraption you've built around one sink. A few times he asks where something is, and you point at the requested item worked into your makeshift still. The first time he looks mildly annoyed, but says nothing. The second time he sighs and looks resigned. The third time he just laughs, full acceptance achieved. "The potion will be given to Madam Aceso. The supplies used to make it were hers, so it only seems right to give her the result. If she can turn a profit from it, all the better." The rest of the preparations go a lot smoother once the still has been disassembled. "Perhaps you should join the Mages Guild, I hear they have proper alchemical facilities there. Besides, I think you should see the High District. It is something."
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Post by Myst on May 23, 2019 8:31:58 GMT -5
"You promised that you would always be truthful, Yoseph. Next time, just ask me how serious I am about my plans and I will tell you." Myst's face is a mask of coolness and she pulls away from his grasp on her shoulders deftly, irritated at his manipulation. "And of course I am serious," she adds, her expression softening. "The Well-Groomed Pike is my home in Clifton."
Myst does her best to help with preparations, taking time now and again to stretch and reapply the salve to her legs. Her and Yoseph speak little during preparations, falling into their usual comfortable silence - interrupted only by their occasional exchange regarding where Myst has used his kitchen tools. Each time Myst looks more sheepishly remorseful, which makes Yoseph laugh harder. Myst also spends much of her time considering Yoseph's suggestion to join the Mage Guild, not committing one way or another. I suppose Derenthil would appreciate a wife who could heal more aptly. Or it could be a time-sink when I should really be getting back to Neptas. But perhaps I could learn more about my Genesi abilities, like the warriors in Neptas. She goes back and forth a dozen times in her mind, lost in thought.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 23, 2019 13:12:09 GMT -5
Yospeh holds up his hands, "There was no lie. I apologize if it came across that way." He sounds sincere, he really wasn't trying to deceive you, "If you actually want to run the dinner service alone, I can go make the arrangements right now. You just looked a bit sickened at the thought of it." He shrugs, showing his indifference about that aspect of this conversation, "I suppose what I should have said was, since you would be willing to do something that makes you uncomfortable, then I know you're serious about going up against the Shadow Hand." He shrugs again, unsure if he actually cleared things up or muddied the waters further. The rest of the dinner preparations go by uneventfully, until the chime of the first customer of the service is heard, "You make the call. I can go now, or later. If you like I could even stay to serve a couple people so you can see how I do things out front?" You get the feeling that he wants to get this done earlier, but he is unwilling to ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
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Post by Myst on May 23, 2019 14:00:01 GMT -5
"Go," Myst says simply, already walking towards the door nimbly, her long silvery blue hair, now loose down her back, swaying side to side in time with her stride. A blue hand waves back at Yoseph nonchalantly, silently reaffirming that she is handling it. Despite her quickened pulse, Myst pushes the door open in one swift motion, revealing the aquarium and the dining room beyond.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 24, 2019 12:31:25 GMT -5
Yoseph walks with you into the aquarium room. He reaches out to offer you comfort by touching your shoulder, but then he seems unsure and lets his arm fall without making contact. "You will do fine." He says quietly as he turns aside. Louder he says, "Good evening Mistress Mary. How was business today?" You turn your attention to a very old woman that is just sitting at one of the tables now. She has short white hair that is very curly, a pale green dress that is similar to the other fashionable dresses you've seen around town. Her blue eyes are kind, and set in a very wrinkly face. She waves at Yoseph, the flesh of her bicep jiggling as she does, "Same old, same old." She smiles, a warm grandmotherly smile, "Bring your cloak if you're going out, my knees are telling me that it's going to rain tonight." Yoseph grabs a cloak from a hook near the door, "Mistress Mary's knees are a very reliable predictor of rain to come. Mistress Mary, this is Myst. She will be serving you this evening while I attend to a few things." Mistress Mary looks you over from head to toe with another grandmotherly smile, "Well aren't you lovely my dear. Come closer so I can get a look at you." After a moment she nods, apparently you've passed her inspection.
Yoseph makes his way out of the Pike, and you set to work. Mistress Mary was easy, she knew exactly what she wanted, and helped you through the entire process. You fumble through the next couple customers before you get the hang of it... Mostly. After about a half hour, things are going pretty well. You've gotten into a rhythm, and things are starting to flow nicely. That's when the door chimes, and a familiar gray cloaked fellow enters the room. Standing before you is Gecko, a wolfish smile upon his face.
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Post by Myst on May 24, 2019 15:46:02 GMT -5
Surprisingly, interactions during early service are somewhat pleasant. Myst forces herself to smile and make eye contact through the process and the customers range from kind to curious to indifferent towards her. Mistress Mary receives extra attention partly because Myst needs her help but also because Myst has always been comfortable around older folk. "Oh and sneak me one of the saltiest fish pies. Yoseph always gives me the ones with almost no spice because salt worsens my arthritis. Arthritis has wrecked my knees it doesn't need to wreck my food too," Mistress Mary quips to Myst and the two share a laugh at Yoseph's expense. Myst even squeezes Mistress Mary's wrinkled hand affectionately. That's when she looks up and sees Gecko.
The laugh on Myst's lips instantly vanishes and is replaced by a look of horror. A gasp escaping her lips alerts half of the room to her shock. She quickly arranges an apathetic look on her face (Deception check: rolled a 1 and add 0) but a faint vortex of shimmering mist forms around her, the soft wind of it lifting the tips of her silvery hair. Transformed into a twinkling sea goddess for a moment, her feigned indifference takes on a dangerous look. Myst walks a few steps toward Gecko before she notices the water and dismisses it with a small wave, the water falling to the ground like soft rain, leaving a trail behind her. So much for hiding my abilities, she thinks. Myst places herself between Gecko and the dining room proper, her skin still faintly shimmering with a light coat of dew. "What are you doing here?" she asks, her voice level. Her ocean blue eyes roil with emotion as they meet his, her lips pursing in distaste.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 24, 2019 17:43:55 GMT -5
Your gasp brings instant silence to the room, and everybody turns to see the cause of the commotion. This of course means that all eyes are on you as mist forms a shimmering vortex around your head. Gecko's smile broadens as if you had given him a friendly greeting, "Isn't it obvious?" He asks the room rhetorically. For a moment you're thankful, as it distracted the room from staring at you. Then your dislike for the man swelled back up, and swallowed any thankfulness. He continues in spite of your dangerous glare, "I have needs, and this is best place to fill them." His eyes never left yours for that sentence, but then he adds, "Besides, I've heard that the halibut here is fantastic." At this point the room is still dead silent, most people frozen in place. One man has a fork full of food most of the way to his mouth, where it sits motionless. Gecko has moved off to the side, avoiding you and coming to stand between two tables. He leans down to one of your existing customers plates and takes a deep exaggerated sniff, "Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. That sure does smell good." He takes a seat at the one remaining empty table, "I think I will have what he is having." He looks up at you expectantly. The room is still frozen, half the room staring at Gecko, and the other half staring at you. Everybody seems like they're holding their breath, waiting for the tension to break.
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Post by Myst on May 25, 2019 9:36:11 GMT -5
For a moment Myst just stands there gawking at Gecko as he interrupts the customer and helps himself to a seat. Then she looks around at the dining room, noting the tense faces of the clientele. I have a duty to Yoseph and to our guests and to my home. I will not let him scare away our business.
Myst plasters a smile on her face - a smile that doesn't reach her eyes - and walks over to his table lithely. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you'd come here for our renowned Halibut; I hear the food at your usual place can be a little bland," Myst says too-sweetly, ensuring her voice is loud enough to be overheard by the guests. Then Myst leans down, pretending to take his order, her blue fingers gripping the edge of the table. Her eyes meet his and her breath of salty ocean brushes his face as she quietly says, "I'll close up early and we can discuss whatever business you think you have here. But for now, I'll get you some renowned halbiut" she says this dryly and raises an eyebrow, before adding "and some ale. Let me finish up with these guests and we can be civilized."
Myst releases the table, her fingers tingling from how tightly she had been gripping it, and turns away. The second her back is to Gecko, her jaw relaxes - she must have been clenching it. She attempts to go back to business, reassuring customers by trying to look unconcerned (Deception check: 14) and doing her best to avoid looking in Gecko's direction. She just wishes she hadn't lost control.
A note: Any other guests that enter will be told that the restaurant is having water issues and she will need to leave to get them resolved for tomorrow. Unfortunately, the place must be closed. Myst will redirect new guests to The Wayfarer's Rest and politely ask them to let the owner - she can't remember his name - know that The Well Groomed Pike had recommended their establishment. She plans on building a business relationship with them anyway. Might as well start now.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 28, 2019 20:40:18 GMT -5
Normal, if subdued, noise resumes almost immediately after you slap on your fake smile and approach the table. It’s clear to the room that you’ve got this handled, and Gecko isn’t here for anything overly dramatic at the moment. You can tell that everybody is still paying close attention, but now they’re dividing their attention between their food, their company and The interplay between you and Gecko.
No sooner have the words ‘renowned halibut’ left your lips, then Gecko interrupts you to announce, “That sounds divine, I will take that as my meal good woman.” He places triple the coin needed to pay for the meal upon the table edge close to where you’re gripping the table, “May I also have a pint of your finest ale?” He looks up at you with a charming smile. In spite of your discomfort around Gecko, he is an attractive man. He laughs at your jab at his usual place, “I should think so!” He says excitedly. “If you had joined me when you ordered food at the Carousing Sailor as I had so kindly offered, you would have had the very best food in the Harbour District.” He seems to realize something, then adds more to the room than you, “Apologies, with the exception of seafood. This fine establishment outshines is on that front completely I am sure to find out shortly.”
Still speaking loud enough that the room can hear, he responds, “There is no need to close up early, as that would be counterproductive. As I have made quite clear, I’ve only come for a meal.”
You move from table to table to reassure your customers, but there doesn’t seem to be much of a need as most pretend that nothing amiss is happening at all. You’re pretty sure that they mainly just want to avoid getting mixed up in whatever is happening. For them at least this will make an interesting story to tell their friends and family about later from the safety of their own homes.
Any attempt to dissuade customers (of which there are three more that arrive) is met with Gecko standing up and gesturing to a free table, “Please, let them eat good lady. Here as a sign of good faith.” He will drop enough coin on the indicated table to cover the new comer’s meal. “Their meal is on me, I insist.” Other than those interruptions Gecko is a perfect gentleman. He waits patiently in his seat for his meal.
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Post by Myst on May 29, 2019 9:05:45 GMT -5
Myst sweeps from table to table, ensuring that each customer is well-cared for. Every so often she throws a curious glance in Gecko's direction, especially when he pays for new customers. The clients taken care of, Myst then heads to the kitchen. Alone for a moment, she leans heavily against the countertop and breathes deeply to calm her nerves, whispering a prayer to Deep Sasheas for strength and guidance. Her resolve returned, she carefully arranges Gecko's halibut on the plate, pours his ale, and steels herself, before heading to Gecko's table, placing his dinner before him, and sliding into the seat across from him.
"I have a few moments. Now tell me why you're really here. And why did you have me followed?" Her voice is so quiet that Gecko would need to lean forward to hear it above the din. Myst's eyes search Gecko's, all traces of disdain wiped from her face, replaced by confusion and curiosity. (Insight check: 17+1(guidance)+6= 24). Then, her long blue fingers brush a stray lock of wavy hair behind her ear before she looks down, her face reddening slightly as she realizes how long she's been staring at him. He really is quite handsome - the thought crosses her mind and, irritatingly, she can't seem to dismiss it.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 30, 2019 20:42:23 GMT -5
The customers all seem like they're enjoying themselves for the most part. There are a couple situations where you're unsure as to what you should do, but Mistress Mary gives you a little wave each time. After approaching her, she lets you know what Yoseph normally does in such a situation. Her meal has been finished since about a half hour after she arrived, but she has been staying to nurse a glass of wine and help you out. Each time you sneak a glance over at Gecko, he smiles back at you. He isn't staring exactly, but he is making a point to keep an eye on you. Like, he could be taking a bite of food, but as soon as you look over he pauses to look over at you with a smile. Once he even winked. Another time he announced to the room how good his food is tasting. Aside from being a bit loud when addressing the room, he has been a perfect gentleman this entire time.
After you slide into the chair opposite him, Gecko smiles warmly at you, perhaps a bit too warmly. "I'm so glad you could join me Myst." You don't recall ever giving him your name. "The reason I came here tonight are three fold. First, the Carousing Sailor is quite loud which makes it tough to hold a conversation really. I was so hoping to have a conversation tonight." He gestures back and forth between the two of you before continuing, "And here we are talking, just as I had hoped." He takes another bite of his food, sighs and says, "The second is to try the food, which really is quite good. Was this Yoseph's doing or your own?" He pushes his barely touched ale aside, and adds in a much lower volume for your ear alone, "The ale is not so good, perhaps I could provide you with a better supplier." He shakes his head a little, a small frown takes the smile for a moment. "The last reason is that I wanted to start over with you, Myst." His smile returns, as does a twinkle in his eyes, "I believe we got off on the wrong foot, likely because of where we met. I was asking you to join me behind the body guards to protect you from the ruffians that frequent the place. Which is the same reason I had you followed. Clifton can be rough on a newcomer without protection." He places his hand flat on the table toward you. The gesture comes across like a comforting hand on the shoulder, without actually touching you, "My man told me he had to reveal himself, and help you home. Have you recovered?"
Everything he has said comes across as truthful. Nothing he has said or done leads you to suspect him of being deceptive. You get the feeling there is more to this than he has said, but that could just be your general suspicion of surface dwellers or perhaps a bit of bias toward this man in particular. The ale you tried earlier was pretty awful, maybe his supplier would be better for Yoseph's business. He did know your name, and very few in Clifton know that.
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Post by Myst on May 31, 2019 9:24:11 GMT -5
Myst glances down towards Gecko's hand, which still rests on the table between them, and then looks back up at him, her body stiff. “I'm fine,” she replies dismissively, a frown still painting her face despite his smile. She sits quietly for a moment, completely still except for her pupils which flit back and forth between Gecko's eyes, assessing him. Her eyes are disconcertingly clear and knowing. She can't help but recall the dagger Gecko so casually wielded last time they met and his veiled threats at her rejection. A dangerous man with twinkling eyes and ringlets of curly hair that fall to frame them handsomely. Beautiful and dangerous.
“You have motives.” Myst says, in a voice like calm waters before a storm. Her eyes continue to hold his but she doesn't bother to ask what his motives actually are, figuring it would be futile. If Gecko tries to speak she will hold up a finger indicating that he should wait a moment. He wants something - but so do I, Myst thinks resolutely.
An idle blue hand fingers the piercing atop her pointed ear, and her body finally relaxes slightly, breaking her stillness and some of the tension between them. “I have heard,” Myst begins carefully, considering her words, “that your guild demands tribute from successful businesses. Exempt the Well-Groomed Pike from that tribute and we can start over.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 31, 2019 13:10:18 GMT -5
Gecko lifts his hand off the table, and drums his hand down for emphasis, “Well that is fantastic news Myst. I was worried when I was informed that Madam Aceso was called in to assist you.” He picks up his ale, and raises it to his lips. You see him glance down at it, make a face and set it aside again untouched.
When you accuse him of having motives, he laughs, “Of course I do!” He leans forward and rests on his elbows, bringing his hands together in front of himself on the table, “Don’t we all have motives? Yours seem to be toward protecting this place.” He sits back, tenting his fingers in front of himself. “I’m in acquisitions, you would have to talk to someone in security and protection to make that deal.”
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Post by Myst on Jun 3, 2019 8:09:40 GMT -5
"Give me strength Deep Sasheas" Myst says quietly, in obvious frustration, her long fingertips rubbing her temples as if she has a headache. Then she waves a hand dismissively at his excuse. "You could speak to someone in security and protection for me, Gecko," she says with an air of obviousness.
"Show me that you are willing to help in whatever way you can."
(Persuasion = 15 + 4 (guidance) = 19)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 3, 2019 17:02:41 GMT -5
Gecko shrugs, “You want me to jump through hoops just to talk to you? Sorry, Princess, but I’m not a hound at your beck and call.” He says princess with a twist that makes it come across as sarcastic. “I hope Deep Sasheas can keep you safe in Clifton, because I’m done trying to make nice.” His tone and body language say annoyed, but there doesn’t seem to be any actual threat in his words. He stands, turning back to you, “Good luck Myst, I actually hope this place doesn’t chew you up.” He heads for the door, calling out without looking back as he touches the handle, “You know where to find me when you change your mind.” Gecko exists, holding the door open for Yoseph as he enters. Yoseph’s eyes are wide when he looks at you across the room.
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Post by Myst on Jun 4, 2019 9:36:56 GMT -5
Myst stands and places her fingertips lightly on the table as she watches Gecko leave. Her face is calm and impassive, and she is clearly undisturbed by Gecko's insults. She gives a small, strained smile to Yoseph at his look but she resumes her duties rather than explaining the situation. She has already been neglectful of her customers for too long and they must come first if this business is to thrive.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 4, 2019 9:54:51 GMT -5
You had picked your moment well, and though you took a few minutes to speak with Gecko your customers all seem happy and well tended. One table asked for a dessert once you stood up, and another needed a refill on their wine. Other than those, everything was well in order. Once Gecko has left the building Mistress Mary stands up, struggling to get her arms into her coat. When you approach to give her a hand she says, "Thank-you my dear." Once her coat is situated, she pats your cheek and says, "You handled that very well deary. Have a nice evening." She presses a gold coin into your hand above and beyond what she left on the table for the bill. "I hope I will see you again in the front of house, you fit the theme better than Yoseph, bless him." She chuckles as she walks past you toward the door. The next hour goes by smoothly, Yoseph takes over for your or assists you with the remaining tables and any new tables that arrive. The work is busy, with a lot of multitasking, but it is also rewarding to see the happiness on people's faces. When all is said and done you collected a total of Mistress Mary's gold phoenix, one silver protector and six copper pennies in tips. Yoseph meets up with you at the sink in the kitchen, looking at a small mountain of dishes. "So, how was your shift?" he asks carefully, avoiding Gecko's presence for the time being.
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Post by Myst on Jun 6, 2019 9:20:45 GMT -5
“It went well,” Myst replies casually making her way toward the cupboard that holds the alcohol. She reaches into it, pushing the ale to the side and instead grabbing the bottle of strawberry wine, already opened from dinner. She grabs two of the seahorse wine glasses and pours the wine into them delicately. Then, her hand waves at the water, commanding some of it to freeze into cubes to chill the liquid. She hands one glass to Yoseph and the other she tips back to her lips lightly, savouring the taste for a moment before continuing. “Even that asshole, Gecko, didn't ruin dinner service too much.” The swearword sounds awkward coming from Myst. She glances towards the dishes that still need doing but instead hops up to sit on the counter, the wine glass, now slightly frosted, still in hand. "How did it go at the docks?”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 6, 2019 16:23:32 GMT -5
Yoseph watches you as you open the cabinet that contains the wine rack and two of the ale casks. "That well, eh?" he says as he takes the wine glass from you. He swirls the glass so that the wine contained almost reaches the lip of the wine glass, and the ice makes a tinkling noise. "That's a neat trick." He says lifting the glass, and indicating the ice within. Yoseph takes a long sip of his glass and regrets it instantly. He scoffs as you say asshole, barely managing to keep the wine from spraying out of his mouth. With nowhere left to go, the wine blasts out of his nose. "Aurgh." He manages feebly, "That burns a surprising amount." He wipes his face, and blows his nose. Once he has gotten himself cleaned up, and back under control, he adds, "I was not expecting you to swear like that." He starts in on the dishes before telling you about his adventures down at the docks. "Really well actually. I spoke with the men I went over there to speak with, and about four more in addition to them. Each agreed to promote the Pike. Only two even wanted any sort of payment. One of which was a single free drink, and the other a silver protector if he brings us custom."
The pair of you fill in the details of your evenings as the dishes progress. When the last dish is dried and put away, he pours you another glass of wine. Then he grabs a fresh bottle as he leads you out of the room. Assuming you follow he takes you into the back, and down a hall to a spiral staircase near the corner of the building. The stairway is cramped and circles around quickly. After what must have been twenty or thirty feet of climbing you reach a small round room with the feeling of a converted lighthouse. The floor is covered with a thick round rug that you sink into as you walk across it. The room has a small unlit hearth, with a neatly prepared stack of wood for a fire already set. A pair of overstuffed chairs with a circular table between them. A shelf contains a couple dozen books. None of that catches your attention though, as you look out the wrap around windows which offer a panoramic view of the entire harbour district. A single door leads to a small rooftop patio. Yoseph sets the unopened bottle of wine on the table, and gestures to one of the cushy looking chairs, "I love this place. My grandfather used to read all those books to me when I was a child."
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Post by Myst on Jun 7, 2019 9:56:38 GMT -5
Myst blushes slightly at the mention of reading. Books make her uncomfortable and so she sinks into the chair, avoiding Yoseph's gaze and, of course, avoiding the books. She would rather not tell him about her illiteracy. Instead, she looks out across the Harbor District, which twinkles at this late hour from the randomly dotted firelight flitting through windows in houses, taverns, and shops in the district. The ocean itself reflects and distorts that twinkling in calm waves before becoming a sea of pure blackness.
"It's beautiful," she whispers, her voice full of wonder. She sits for a few moments, admiring the view and sipping her wine before turning back to Yoseph. "Yoseph, I asked Madam Aceso for a job as a healer. I... I don't want you to be surprised if she says yes. She is returning tomorrow.” Myst's face is painted with worry. But, despite that worry, her eyes are glorious. They reflect and distort the twinkling of the lights from the Harbor District in waves, mimicking the sea below. Then she adds, “I'd still stay here at night... if... if I'm still welcome. And I would pay for my lodging, of course,” she finishes awkwardly, unsure what this will mean for their friendship.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 7, 2019 10:48:49 GMT -5
In the middle of sitting down, half bent with the process of it Yoseph takes one look at your discomfort and cocks his head to one side, "What's wrong Myst? You look like you did when you drank ale that first time." When you sink down into the chair, he sits down into his own but still seems a mirror to your discomfort. As you settle into looking out at the Harbour District he settles back as well, allowing himself to sink into the overstuffed chair. Now that you're seated, it kind of feels like your floating. There is so much padding that you can't feel any of the structure of the chair itself. Yoseph smiles as you complement the view, "My grandmother suggested this addition, but we were always too poor, or my grandfather was just too busy to build it. He had the plans sketched out, but it wasn't until after she died that he set aside the time to finish the project. I think not building it while she was still alive to enjoy it is one of his only regrets." Yoseph grows quiet, a bit of sadness around his eyes. The pain of his grandmother's death is long past, you're not seeing fresh grief upon his features. He shakes his head to clear the memories, and stands. At least he tries to, but it takes him three tries to break free of the comfort of the chair. He points at this building and that, explaining what they are and maybe a bit about who owns them or works there. He goes on to talk on the ships he can see, though by this point the darkness is making it tough to see any details about them. After a time, he sinks heavily back into the chair. He collects his glass of wine, gives it a single swirl before tipping it back and draining it's contents.
Once you express that you might be leaving his employ, he grows quiet once more. You watch him carefully, but he just sits there staring off into the night. One deep breath, two, three deep breaths. A smile creeps onto his lips, but his eyes are still sad. He looks to you as he pours himself another glass, the sadness fading from his features as he does so, "That is a better fit for you Myst. I'll be happy for you, if she does offer you the position." He says the words slowly, but you've never heard him be more sincere. He looks back into the night, but you hold your tongue. For some reason you know he's not finished speaking. A minute goes by with him staring silently into the night, two minutes, but yet it's not uncomfortable. This room is cozy, in spite of the books on the shelf, and his company just fits somehow, "You came from the sea like a storm." He begins slowly, picking his words carefully, "Not a destructive force by any means, but one that brings change." He turns to you then, locking eyes and leaning toward you as far as the chair will allow, "Myst, you will always be welcome here. As long as I draw breath, you have my word." He takes another sip from his freshly poured glass, this one more conservative, his eyes still locked to yours, "You bring change, and excitement. I had grown complacent in my life here. Just going through the motions. Then you came through my door, a magical creature from one of my Grandfather's stories." His eyes are twinkling now, reflecting the hundred-fold lights of the harbour. He adds in a quieter, less confident tone, "You're beautiful." He continues quickly at his normal volume, and you watch as redness rises in his cheeks, "You have batted about my emotions like a storm tossed ship. Wonderment at your arrival. Fear when I found you outside. Relief when you were alright. Hope when..." He trails off, and clears his throat, "Hope when you spoke of a future here. Building this business with me." He finally breaks eye contact, "I never know what to feel when you're around, and I have never been happier." He glances at you side eyed, trying to judge your reaction.
You can see how nervous he has become at expressing so much of himself at one time. "We agreed no lies." He whispers, just barely loud enough for you to hear. You feel like that was him convincing himself that he did the right thing, rather than a reminder to you about the promise the two of you share.
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Post by Myst on Jun 10, 2019 11:18:27 GMT -5
Myst flinches at Yoseph's mention of her beauty, as if he had instead called her hideous. My sisters are beautiful, my mother is beautiful - but I have never been beautiful, she thinks to herself. She stares off towards the harbor district, avoiding his eyes once more.
Unbidden, her fathers words ring in her ears: love is the death of duty. Myst can't even recall what made him say those words, but she can't help but admit their truth in this moment. She recalls her escape from Neptas to save her sister's unborn child. She broke the most sacred rule of her people... for love. Loving Yoseph would be another reason to fail in her duty. And so, though Myst's heart flutters at Yoseph's words, she can't bring herself to admit the truth out loud: that she is beginning to love this awkward boy more than she loves the handsome Prince of Neptas that she is promised to marry. She refuses to admit that she wants to lean forward to offer Yoseph a quick kiss - what would be her first kiss and a kiss offered freely, not because someone else had promised her away.
I can't offer him hope when there isn't any. It wouldn't be fair or kind to him.
"It was not my intention to batter your emotions," Myst says instead, regret lacing her words. "I am glad that I am welcome, though I do not want to stay if it causes you pain?" she murmurs, uncertainly.
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