Cider in the Rain

Log Info

• Title: Cider in the Rain
• Emitter: Nemori
• Characters: Nemori, Robert, Jay
• Place: A07: Lower Alexandria Market District
• Time: Tuesday, April 05, 2022, 10:10 PM
• Summary: Nemori is wistfully looking into the Prestigious Moon store, while Robert works on some artifice parts, and the rain comes down. Integrity arrives, getting Ciders for all and inviting Nemori to join them. He and Robert question her about her reasons for being in Alexandria, offer aid, and assure her that things will improve. She is cagey with her information, but accepts Robert's offer of lodgings at his Smithy.

-=--=--=--=--=--=<* A07: Lower Alexandria Market District *>-=--=--=--=--=--=-

Just west of the Northern Highbridge and east of the arena, commerce blooms. Noisy and bustling, most anything may be purchased here for a price. Vendors from all cultures sell their wares from exotically colored carts, and the smells of different nations and far-off city-states mix with local ones from Alexandria and its riverbanks.

For all its commerce, visitors are advised to keep hold of their purses. Even the merchants possess a certain, cunning look. Most are positioned at carts or stalls as opposed to a formal storefront, with trade here being mobile, and visiting from all parts of the world.

Though the quality of goods suffers here compared to Upper Alexandria, the options are more diverse. Too, the oversight of the Watch is slightly less, and during times events are held at the Arena, chaos abounds. After dark, the square becomes a hangout for bards and other entrepreneurs whose business is best conducted by night; the shadows at the edges of the square often contain furtive figures engaging in their own brand of business.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Nemori       4'10"    110 Lb     Mul'niessa        Female    A tall and slender, dark skinned elf.          
Robert       6'3"     235 Lb     Human             Male      A middle-aged Cerenzan with a friendly, fatherly vibe.
Jay          5'9"     145 Lb     Eaglefolk         Male      A perky male Blue Jay with a discerning eye.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Nemori is miserable, that much is obvious. She is holding a cloak up over head almost like a blanket, doing her best to shield herself from the light drizzle while staring at the 'closed for the night' sign on the Prestigious Moon as if it had personally insulted her.

The percussion of a light rainfall is the rhythm of a lazy night. The sky is a dark blanket of clouds that turns everything grey and hides the moon and stars. The square that normally hosts a chaotic spree of tents, awnings, and rugs for all manner of transitory businesses is a bare bones patchwork of a few merchants hardy or desperate enough to brave the temperature.

A gnomish pair-- siblings, by the look of them-- hawk their gyroparasols in the ideal environment. A dark-skinned Khazadi woman with elaborate plaiting sells hot cider from cast iron kegs. An ancient giantborn man with bluish skin and white hair sells fabrics. They're scattered about, within shouting distance while also taking advantage of the extra room. It's all just beyond the warm glow spilling out from the Fernwood's tall windows.

Robert is out in the weather, too. The big Cerenzan sits on an upturned milk crate, beneath a tarpaulin awning. His pack sags on the ground by his feet and he has a jeweler's eyepiece wedged against his left-eye. He holds some variety of octagonal brass fitting twice the size of a Myrrish gold crown in one hand. He digs at it with a strange sort of steel awl with the other. He's dressed for the weather with a big coat hanging around his form.

It is not the bluebird of happiness that arrives suddenly, nor the chicken of depression, but the l-eagle egalrin Intergrity C. Truefeather, the 'C' is for conspicuous, and he is. The Bluejay is darting about, staring up at the sky as if seeing rain for the first time.

He is not dressed for the weather, and his feathers are slick and heavy. An oilcloth is wrapped around his briefcase as he darts from awning to awning, eventually coming upon Robert.

"Bob! Bob! Hi. What's that?" He peers at the octagonal brass fitting, then points out at the street. "Hey, it's that elf from before, at... what's that store sell? Hello!"

"Oh hey, Cider, want some cider?"

Nemori looks suspiciously in one of the shop's windows, as if daring the owner to show their face.. but it is dark, and likely shuttered from the inside. So she ducks under a nearby awning instead, lowering the cloak to give it a good shaking out. And then a wringing out. While she does so, she looks about... definitely the gaze of one who isn't taking anything she sees for granted. Not quite the wild animal look, but certainly the look of one looking for corners that something might jump out of. Thus the blue feathered egalrin is easy to spot, and by extension his conversation companion.. it takes a moment for Nemori to remember the two from before.

"One of the aetherite sockets for a pauldron," Robert answers, leaning back and holding up the gadget. He turns it between his fingers as he considers it through the lenses, bringing it close to his mouth and blowing before eyeing it again. "... I was toying with it in the Fernwood and their dinner rush kicked off... I felt like a heel taking up a table."

The Cerenzan turns his head and smiles 'hello' before glancing past the egalrin and to the elf across the way. The awl loops before and behind a trio of fingers so he can lift his hand in a wave. "Cider sounds wonderful," he admits. He's gone back to hunching forward and scraping delicately.

The Khazadi woman is already reaching for a few cups after hearing the bluejay's shouting.

"Okay. Okay!" The bluejay is off to queue up for cider. He passes the stand with the parasols, stops, then points a wing at them. "Hey! That's a great idea! Do they work in the rain?" He doesn't stop for an answer, instead hopping up to the Khazadi and her kegs. "Three please."

He looks back at Robert, then over at the shadow elf sheltering under the awning, before scooping up the mugs, "My friend is thirsty. Allegedy."

His briefcase is transfered to being tucked under a wing as he uses both hands to take the mugs.

Flit back to Bob, set the mugs down out of the rain, flit to the gnomes and purchase a parasol, then he's darting across the street and stops in front of Nemori and holding it out. "Here! This works as an umbrella, allegedly."

Perhaps Nemori had been about to approach the pair. Perhaps she'd been about to carry on her way, her current mission foiled by shopkeeper whims. The choice is stolen from her when Jay presents her with the latest fashion in rain prevention. She stares at it, then at Jay.. her mind going back to the last time she had what she'd thought was a gift. Then the smile is upon her face, releasing the sodden remains of a cloak to reach for the parasol. "You are kind," she offers to Jay, voice thick with a Mul'niessan accent. "Does it always rain like this in this city?"

There's the sound of more blowing and a little last bit of scraping before the peculiar socket is going into a coat pocket along with the awl. Bob un-squints his eye and puts the lens into another pocket. He bends to pull something out of his bag and collects the steaming mug. He inhales the pleasing aroma before taking an exploratory sip.

The parcel from the bag he sits in his lap and he watches Jay interact with the mul'niessa. The older fellow has an easy smile on his face.

"I don't know. Bob! Does it always rain like this here?" Integrity's eyes glitter as he stares across the way at his friend. It's followed by random glances everywhere. He provides a summary of what he's observed. "Every shop has an awning, there's gutters on the roof edges, gargoyles, and the streets are domed with grates at regular intervals, and the city has extensive sewers. It's built like it sees a lot of water."

He hops backwards two steps, "Over here, there's cider and seats. I've only been here two weeks. Three weeks. Bob? How long have I been here? Integrity 'C' Truefeather, in case you forgot. The 'C' is for considerate."

He takes another step toward Robert, and one back towards Nemori. He is the picture of an avian attempting to lead someone, on a much larger scale.

Despite being equipped with the parasol, Nemori looks dubious about heading out into the wet again.. and it's not even raining that hard. Then she considers just turning and walking the other way, but then that smile is there again, and she nods, raising the parasol overhead and following Jay on over towards the aging tinker.

"Muse's grace," Robert greets Nemori as she as Jay draw near. He stands and motions for her to take the milk crate seat, pushing his bag across the cobbles beneath the awning with a foot. "I'm Robert Ilife. Folks call me Rob or Bob, either's fine," he introduces himself with a grin.

"Almost three weeks since we bumped into one another in Goblintown, IC." He answers with a nod, glancing from egalrin to mul. "... and I wasn't here much before that. Not since the reign of the mad queen, anyway. Seems like we'll see a fair bit of this weather now that it's spring, I think."

The idea of more rain doesn't seem to bother the red-skinned human. He gives a little shrug and extends the package he holds to the bluejay. It's flat and square and wrapped in brown paper like a picture frame. "... and I finished this for you today."

The bluejay's wings pop wide in surprise. Water is sprayed on the streets. It's already raining. "The mithril shirt! Thank you! Thanks!" He takes the package, bobbing in place, about to rip it open. Rain spatters on the surface quietly.

"Maybe I should save it for later?" His head jerks around as he checks out the people nearby, "Would they even notice, if I changed clothes? Would they even tell the difference? Do they know Egalrin culture? I've seen some very undressed lizardmen, and Jotuns..."

The blue giant's attention is caught. "Jotuns are just great!"

He squeezes in under the awning, and pulls in his wings, "I'll try it on later."

Nemori's eyes widen a touch as they fix upon the package. She can't help herself. For a moment, the intensity is beyond anything she's revealed before.. then she licks her lips and looks deliberately away, hopefully soon enough for it to have gone unnoticed. "Integrity.. no, I remember. Such a name is hard to forget. And Robert." The return smile is... well... it meets all of the requirements. Somehow it just fails to convey the warmth that Robert's does. "With your advice, I found lodging. It was... " She pauses, deciding on a word. "Adequate."

Laughter is conjured as Nemori offers that descriptor, crows feet spreading out from the corner of Robert's eyes when he smiles. "'We must conform our expectations to our means' is an old traveler's saying, miss..?" He pauses a moment, awaiting an answer but doesn't linger on the probe overlong.

"Very little compares to our beds at home and the warmth of a familiar hearth, though," he shrugs and sips the cider. "Mmm, but Khazadi cider certainly makes a wet day more pleasant."

His eyes narrow subtly at the interest she shows in the shirt. Just for a heartbeat. "I wear an armorer's hat-- among others-- if you're in need, miss. Mithral is surprisingly easy to find in a city this size."

Integrity catches the covetous glance, and he first holds the package tight to his breast then out, offering it for examination. "It's armour. Mithril. Because my leather wasn't good enough. OH! That's what you're looking for? That's what that store sells?" He looks over at the Precious Moon. "It's amazing stuff, it feels so light."

He clacks his beak, unable grin but blessed with enough of curve it seems to have a slight smile, much like a dolphin's. "Bob is a really good armourer. He made my sisters' armours. All of them, and his kids. Very protective."

He finds a seat, tailfeathers splaying, and takes up his mug of cider. Now he's looking at Nemori like a raven examines a shiny stone, "Do you want to talk about what brings you to Alexandria? I came here look for some files and then ran into Bob and stayed."

Nemori's laugh is not altogether kind, though it falls short of a scoff. She shakes her head, and though the package Jay holds grabs at her gaze again, she shakes her head. "I could not afford such a treasure. I am not certain I will be able to afford my lodgings for another week. Such a thing is beyond consideration." As quickly as it came, the mirth, if it could be called that, is gone. "Both of you have been kind. My birth name is Nemori. It will suffice. And I am here.... I suppose by chance. The adventurers I arrived it; they rescued me from.. ah.. bandits. Then they brought me here, as they had business. So now I am here."

GAME: Nemori rolls bluff: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Robert rolls Sense Motive: (16)+1: 17
GAME: Jay rolls sense motive: (6)+8: 14

There is the distinct impression that there's at the very least more to the story, that Nemori may have taken a bit of creative liberty with the information she offered. Could just be cagey.

Bob takes another sip of his cider and then places the warm mug between his thighs. He uses one hand to pull back his coat and the other to take his coinpurse off his belt. It's a small thing and jingles lightly as he fingers open the drawstring. Cinching it closed, he leans forward and holds it out to Nemori.

"It's not much but it'll cover lodgings for week." He grins and clarifies, "'Adequate' lodgings." Once she takes the purse he leans back. "The other option is humbler; you can sleep at my smithy if you buy a bedroll and blanket. The walls are low but the roof is solid. You just might have to put up with some noise if Lady Inspiration takes hold of me and I have a late night." His smile is patient and kind and he doesn't seem to take exception to her omissions or obfuscations.

"Miss Nemori," he adds.

"Also he snores." Integrity adds, clacking his beak at Robert, "Full disclosure!"

There's a moment of piercing gaze after Nemori's explanation, one that he holds just long enough for it to be noted. "Bandits! Allegedly. I'm happy I teleported here. I wouldn't want to travel the wilderness alone."

"Bob's place is warm, and wasp free. There's a lot of wasps in the city, you should watch out for them." He's drinking his cider, dipping his beak into the mug and slurping away. "Your clothes are nice. Were nice. An adventure and you'd be able to afford Bob's work, especially if you're helping. Miss Nemori."

Nemori is quick to take the offered coin. Not quite like a starving child snatching at an offered morsel, but there's definitely a sense of wanting to claim it before it disappears. This is immediately followed by an expression of disgust and anger before that expression, too, is smoothed away, replaced with another smile.

"You are gracious, the both of you. It is no wonder Alexandria is renowned the world over for its kindness and generosity if it was people such as you to call it home, even if it has only been for a short time." And the eyes. Still no warmth in them. "I do not think that arrangement would be suitable," she then says. Perhaps taking Robert's offer along with Jay's warning about snoring as the kind of invitation Robert did not intend. Perhaps she expects Robert's smithy is his home.

"I may not be equipped to earn my way as an 'adventurer', but I am not quite ready to earn my way like /that/ either." She gestures at the clothes that Jay had just pointed out. "Whatever the state of my clothes may suggest."

There's a quiet moment of blinking as Robert considers Nemori before he erupts into laughter. Good, hearty, belly-shaking laughter. He makes a point to reach down and steady the mug so it doesn't fall from between his legs and spill onto the ground. "Oh... oh, my, oh... goodness me. Muse take me..." he's using a thumb to wipe a tear away from his eyes.

"Young lady, I'm a widower with children and grandchildren in this city." He's still chuckling, leaning forward and trying to collect himself. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." He wipes his face and sits back, smiling warmly down at Nemori again. Fatherly.

"I have a home in the theatre district, where I sleep. I also have a smithy in the trades where I work. It's not much of a home-- the low walls just delineate the property-- but the roof is intact and I think the low walls would break the worst of the wind. You also wouldn't be bothered on my property. Like traveling in the wilderness, I suppose?"

"You're a lovely girl but my heart yet belongs to my Yetta. Nor would I think to infringe upon your virtues..."

The bluejay watches, certain things do not escape his notice, though there's the impression that his train of thought has only a few short tracks to a small collection of destinations. "There's clerking at the courts! You probably don't want to work on the docks, or as a waitress in a pub. If you're good as a seamstress, an actual seamstress, there might be some shops you could work at."

Integrity leans closer, "you've been getting some funny looks. I don't think mul'niessa are that liked here." Of course, he could be misconstruing glances in his direction.

His head bobs vigorous, "he has great children!" The birds eyes glitter and he perks up before a sombre mood strikes, "Yetta was lovely. I miss her cooking."

"Ah." Nemori is.. embarrassed. And not pleased to be embarrassed. Her eyes tighten, and her smile slips, just a little bit. It's not so great a lapse as previous.. perhaps not evene enough to be called a lapse. "I apologize," she continues, then. "I am new here and some interactions have been difficult." Because.. well, her nod to Jay's whisper shows she has noticed the same thing. Or at least feels it might be the case. "Then.. I would like to accept your offer, Robert. All of Jay's suggestions," She looks at the aspiring lawyer. "What I was skilled at is not an option for me now. I think it will be difficult to fit in."

"We'll see her again someday. And eat her cooking," Bob promises, scooping up his pack as he stands. He takes Integrity in a big hug and pats the egalrin's back affectionately. "A long time from now. Very, very long for you, IC."

The big Cerenzan steps back and offers a last smile to the bluejay. "Tell me if the armor needs any work. I'm happy to make alterations."

Then, he's turning to the mul'niessa. "We can detour past the smithy so I can show you the space, miss Nemori, but then I need to head to my home for the night." He holds out a hand near her back, not presuming to touch her but hoping to lead. "I'm sure I could use an assistant around the forge. If you don't mind sweeping..."

Robert collects all the young adventurers under his wing.

The bluejay squawks happily as he is lifted up into a hug, and wraps wet wings around the Cerenzan, "Ok! And I hope so. And I will. I'll come by the forge tomorrow and we can make sure it fits right."

"You aren't going to have to stab me, are you?"

Released, he turns towards Nemori. "As long as you weren't an assassin leaving a trail of bodies you should be fine." Integrity says, clearly the first thought in his head. The statement is followed by a worried and wary glance. "Ah... did I mention I'm a defense lawyer? Forge assistant is a great profession, allegedly!"

"I'll um... I'll um..." He bobs in place, "I'll go look for job openings! See you tomorrow!" He gathers up the empty mugs and returns them and then runs off through the rain, keeping briefcase and wrapped package under-wing.

Nemori rises as well, gathering up the parasol, he sodden cloak, and.. after hesitating.. hands Robert back his coin purse. It's a reluctant action, this much is obvious. Yet at the same time it's also obvious that the elven woman is trying not to alienate these two people who have reached out to her. And she needs allies. Of course, the situation has just been changed from 'free' to 'working it off'... but sweeping doesn't sound too hard. Then she stumbles a step as Jay blurts out... ridiculous claims. Yes, definitely ridiculous. She just looks at him, then shakes her head. "I have no reason to stab you," she assures. Yet. "Thank you." she then belatedly adds as he runs off, then she looks at Robert questioningly as she follows him.

Integrity C Truefeather
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/816867495825899542/959479447940124693/2022-04-01_Jay_Arrakoa_Tengu_Lawyer.jpg