Greenbeards

The Fernwood - Tariday - Midday

The warm atmosphere of the Fernwood could likely be attributed to the Yule season. With the heavy snows and cold, most patrons find their holiday celebration inside, and this inn is no different. The customers might a bit too loud at times, but it's all in laughter and fun. Most nights here having an aura of 'the people'.

It's busy, but a few tables lay free. It's mostly those farthest from the bar, but a few people lay sprinkled still. One of them an elven woman in a vibrant red coat.

Patch had selected the darkest spot, but even then, the lighting isn't dim, it's just muted. She's taking her time with whatever drink is in the mug, casually sipping on the steaming brew. Another hand idly flips the pages of a book that's sprawled on the table before her.

As the door at the entrance swings open, a hooded figure enters and dusts some snow off his travelling cloak. Lucius takes in the scene with a tentative smile as he peels back the hood of his cloak and rubs his hands together for warmth. As he squeezes between a couple of the rowdier outlying tables, making his way toward the bar, an unlucky misstep causes a brief but frantic stumble. His hand thumps onto a nearby table as he steadies himself, panting slightly. "Excuse me," he starts, glancing at the elf seated quietly in front of him. "Didn't mean to do that, ma'am." His expression is apologetic but inquisitive as he also glimpses the book lying on the table.

From a glance, Patch's book is likely magic theory. The jostling and near fall of Lucius stirring her out of her thoughts. An amused huff is set loss, her mug aside. "I'll assure you, no inconvenience here."

"If you're needing a break, take a seat. It's lively these days, but it's a bit more settled than either the TarRaCe, or Ox." The elven woman notes. The right side of her face filled with a reddish mark that is like a splotch of paint upon her skin. It's hard not to notice as she keeps eyes fixed on Lucius now that he's drawn attention. "Ma'am isn't appreciated though. I'm not my mother, so I'd rather just be called Patch." the inquisitive look not ceasing.

"I appreciate it, Patch," Lucius grins as he lowers himself into the seat across from her and takes another moment to catch his breath. "I go by Luke," he adds. "Haven't heard of those other places you mentioned, but I've got to check them out sometime. It's my first time in Alexandria, you see, I've just arrived." He reaches within his cloak for a water flask and takes a small sip. "Are you a magic user, by any chance?" he asks, raising his eyes and finally meeting the elf's steady gaze. The fingers on his other hand, resting on the table, begin quietly tapping a drumlike rhythm.

Patch raises a hand, waffling it back and fort with a shrug. "I have magics, but there is a great debate on where it comes from." she muses, a broad smile flashed. "See, that there? Your tapping?" pointing to the idle drumming with a wink. "That's kind of what I do. Music."

"As for the being new? You looked a little lost, but I don't really have a place to say anything." Patch muses, taking up her drink. "How about you order something, my treat?"

"You're too kind, Patch," Luke smiles, her offer catching him slightly off guard. "I'll have what you got, I suppose." He quickly excuses himself to place the order before returning with a steaming mug in his hands. "This is really good," he remarks in mild astonishment as he tastes the drink. "What is it exactly? Oh, and you were saying something about your music. I didn't mean to interrupt, sorry." He takes another sip from the mug and licks his lips.

"Mulled wine with spices. It's good warm or cold, but since the ice is out? Warm more so." Patch explains, raising her mug once Lucius returns. Her free hand is raised, and a a few fingers wiggle at him oddly. "I was just stating that my magic is tied to music and art. So while I'm studying this." motioning to her book. "It's of little help to how I do things, but the knowing? Always worth it."

"Don't let me prattle on about such things. Tell me, what of yourself? What drew you to Alexandria?" Patch asks. "I've come to like asking that questions, the answers are always fun." a grin again growing.

Luke nods. "I've come to Alexandria to seek employment with the Adventurers' Guild," he explains, setting down his mug for the moment. "My family hails from Bryn Myridorn, and I could have stayed near them my entire life, but I guess a part of me wanted something more." A slight tinge of nervousness colors his smile. "Once the songs and legends of adventurers from this famed city reached my ears, it felt as if my fate had already been decided for me. Alas, I don't have a single magical bone in my body." He casts his gaze downwards and bites his lip before raising his eyes again. "Though I'm not as talented as yourself, perhaps I can still be of some use around these parts." His expression shifts, steely determination replacing any hint of previous apprehension. "Better to fail than to never try at all. Then again, it's easy to say that now," he chuckles with a self-deprecating shake of his head.

Patch listens, closing her book as Luke speaks and tells his tale. "You really are new here." she concludes from that with a laugh. "Oh, you're a bit silly too. As talented?" a brow raised with a bemused expression flashed. "I'm not as talented as you think, but its kind you'd say so."

"I'm still somewhat new here myself. I only joined the Guild for the last year, and before that I spent most my time at the bardic college." Patch offers in exchange, sipping her drink as she's given the man her attention. "Don't sell yourself short, all those famous in the city had to start somewhere, yeah?" a toothy smile making its way to her face. "You sound like the martial sort, and I'd be lying if I said the guild didn't need good swords. Things around here have been wild as of late."

As he listens to Patch, Luke frowns in thought. "You inferred correctly. If it comes down to it, my skills with sword and lance are all I can rely on. But is there unrest in the city? On the way here I picked up some alarming details, but I disregarded all those rumors as exaggerated untruths. If there is any truth to the supposed conflict between the Guild and the city residents, I would love to know more." At the last sentence, he leans slightly closer to Patch and lowers his voice to just above audible.

"Alexandria is always in some flux." Patch states, pausing. "I didn't catch your name if you gave it." she has to think back, but she's drawing a blank, even offering an apologetic glance and shrug.

"I know a lot of the whispers. Werewolves prowl, magic acting weird. It's funny you ask. I tend to keep my ear out for things." Patch says, taking up her mulled wine. "I'm sure you'll be in the thick of it anytime now." musing as she seems to be enjoying the conversation. She's ignored her book and the crowd. "This place has a little of everything, but it also has the variety of skilled to handle it. My advice? Make friends, and work hard. It'll feel less strange with time."

Luke flushes and scratches the back of his head awkwardly. "My name is Lucius, but I go by Luke," he replies. "Sorry if I forgot to introduce myself earlier." His tentative smile returns. "It does feel strange," he admits. "But I'm grateful for your advice, and your company." Luke raises his mug. "Next round's on me," he offers, his posture relaxing slightly as the warmth of the atmosphere and drink disperses through his body.

The door is pushed open, and in comes lumbering Dirk's burly figure. "Hoo! Beards o' me fathers, it's colder'n a witch's teat!" he booms cheerfully as he pushes the door to. He takes a moment to stomp the snow off his boots, while pulling down his heavy woolen scarf to reveal a warm smile. He reaches up to doff his tricorne, tucking it under his arm as he lumbers for the bar. He arrives just in time to hear Luke ordering a round for the house. "Aww, bless yer kindness, laddie!" he says, hopping up to plant his hefty rump in one of the dwarf-height barstools. He sets his tricorne atop the bar and leans forward to offer his hand. "Dirk Stormgrip, at yer service! Great tae meet ye!"

Slipping in right behind the burly figure is a rusty red and white feathered figure decked in a multitude of hues, primarily of those of Yule, and wearing a silly looking hat with penguins and fish embroided on it. Though, she's keeping her head down, slinking into the place proper before ending up near the trio. She clears her throat, "A-Ahem. Heya." Smooth. Pretending to have been part of the conversation the entire time, sadling up next to Patch.

"Nah, don't apologize. Strangers in strange places often don't warrant a name." Patch says, his manners seeming to spark her humor. "I'll take a round, sure." she says at the prospects of a second drink.

"Since we now know each other's names, not as much as strangers as before." Patch says, shifting up in her seat, and casting a glance towards the bar. "Company is always welcome, and I hope you like it here. Maybe we'll work together sometimes!" she says, a pause coming as a familiar voice is heard from the doorway. "Dirk!"

It seems the dwarf and elf know one another, Patch even coming up out of her seat, but her attempt to depart is cut off as the rust-colored Egalrin coming up after Dirk, and as she closes on the table. A hug and grin offered. "Slix!" surprised to see it so busy, and retaking her seat.

"What are you two doing today?" she asks, turning to motion towards Lucius. "This is Luke. He's come to Alexandria to join the guild." she says, seriously. While there is a bit of musing, it's warm. "So, I was just encouraging him a bit." a wider grin. "Honest."

"Speaking of company indeed," Luke grins at the arrivals. "Well met, Dirk and Slix. I take it you are all adventurers as well?" His eyes dance between them as he takes another sip of the spiced mulled wine.

Dirk brightens up when he hears Patch call his name. "Lassie!" he booms, hopping to his feet. He sweeps the Llyranesi up in his arms, returning her hug with a warm squeeze. Dwarves give the -best- hugs, ask anyone. Taking a step back, he offers Slix a warm smile as well. "An' Slix as well, nice tae see ye again, my friend!" He turns his attention back to Luke as he resumes his seat, nodding his head. "Aye, s' right," he says. "I'm a woodsman. Been out on plenty o' jobs fer the Guild. It's good work, so long as ye dinnae mind the occasional screamin' pants-shittin' terror! Hah!"

He picks up the mug that gets set down next to him, hefting it high. "Here's fer yer health, friends!" he booms before tossing the mug back. His Adam's apple bobs up and down as his throat works like a mighty pump, emptying the contents in four hearty swallows. He bangs the mug back down on the bar and releases a rafter-shaking belch. "BRAAAAAALPH! Aye, good brew, this!" He wipes his mouth off on the back of a hairy fist, grinning over at Luke. "Thinkin' of joinin' up, are ye laddie? Well, well come an' well met says I! The more the merrier!"

The outrageously dressed egalrin- identified as Slix- accepts that offered hug after waiting her turn with a ribbon clad wing wrapping around Patch in turn. "Heya Patty," she hums before folding her wings back and settling into a seat. She snaps a finger gun towards the dwarvish man, supplemented with a wink. "Howdy Dirk."

Her brows shoot up at the mention of newblood. "Is that so?" she asks of Patch. "Well, news of late is bit less important than this-" A gesture to Luke, and her sky-blue gaze rests on him with an easy smile in them. "Ya could say that I'm an adventurer. Scholar. Healer. Help out where I can, stick my beak in where I can't." She jabs a thumb to her chest. "Slixvah Unmesi, I'm tha besti. Pleasure ta meet ya acquaintance Mista Luke."

Dirk's sudden belch makes her flinch, but she shakes it off and softly applauds.

"Yeah, these are some good friends of mine, Luke." Patch muses from her seat, glancing back to Slixvah with a wink. "Ms. Unmesi here is a winner when it comes to thinking outside the box." she notes, squeezing the Egalrin's shoulder with a hand before sipping her mulled wine. "Dirk is a great tracker, and has faced a demon or two in his time." she says, talking of the two fondly.

"And, news? I finally got with Stjepan." Patch admits, something in her tone changing. A more serious consideration as she speaks. "Let's talk about that all that later? Unless that's not what you mean." her words to Slixvah.

Luke nods again, blinking rapidly as he processes the new information. "It seems you have lots of experience with danger. You must be used to it by now," he remarks lightly to the dwarven ranger. "And healing is your specialty?" he turns to Slix. "Your talents complement each other perfectly. No wonder you all get along so well," he observes warmly. The mention of another new name momentarily attracts Luke's attention, but he chooses not to press the matter. "As someone who hasn't had any experience with adventuring quests, is there anything else I should know before officially joining the Guild?"

Dirk pushes his mug across the bar to get it refilled, rumbling a deep chuckle. He digs into his hip satchel for his pipe and tobacco pouch, and works on filling the bowl with rich cherry tobacco. He tamps the bowl with a fingertip, pausing only for a single breath as Patch mentions her news. His smile never falters as he resumes tamping, before tucking the bit in the side of his mouth. "Well, that's happy news, innit?" he says, fishing in his pocket for a match. "I'm glad fer ye, lassie. Stjepan's a good lad."

He strikes his match off the edge of the bar, cupping his other hand around the bowl of his pipe as he lifts the flame. Whiskers twitch and flames jump as he puffs a hearty glow alight. He looks back to Luke as he snaps the match out, puffing a billow of sweet pipe smoke into the air. "Well," he says, tossing the spent match into a nearby ashtray. "Ye'll want tae know yer skills an' strengths, obviously. Are ye a finger-wiggler, or a fighter sort? Or are ye one o' the holy sorts? The Guild takes all kinds. Never know what sort o' job might come our way, right?" He takes his pipe from his mouth as his fresh beer arrives, picking it up to tip back a swallow. He takes this one a little slower. "Suppose somebody ought tae warn ye though... there's some folk what dinnae care much fer us adventurin' sorts. So best tae be ready fer that."

Slix's face feathers floof a bit at the compliment, but she smooths them down with the back of a hand. "Thank ya, hon. I appreciate that." A glance at the mention of Stejpan, but she shakes her head and wave a hand off. "Yeh, later, shug. I was talkin' 'bout somethin' else. Not too serious. But if you spy a big green bird boy, shoot me a holler."

Her attention turns to Luke, a bit of a playful look in her eyes as she shrugs. "I heal. I weal. I feel and I heel. Take that as what you whee-ill," she snorts. A gesture towards Dirk. "Yeah. That. Some folks don' 'care 'bout us. My advice? Personally? Ya neva know what gonna or who ya gonna go wit'. Take stock of what you have and who ya wit', and know that all jobs have otha ways ta get 'em done than 'kill monsters'."

Patch is perplexed at Slixvah's words, turning to the woman with a slow nod. "A green bird boy." taking note of it and turning back towards Luke. "She's a bit of my inspiration, and you can see why. So wise." she says half in tease, but letting it ring with some truth.

"I don't know, while some don't care for it, a bit of music and not causing trouble tends to get you places. At the least for me." Patch flashing a cheeky grin towards Dirk. "But, the Dolan having a double thing. It really doesn't help we have real efforts to sully our names." she relents with a sigh. "Always some mischief afoot." her last words for Luke, glancing back to him with a shrug.

"I'm more a fighter sort," Luke replies to Dirk. "Not that I'd draw any weapons without good cause. But Alexandria's a big city, isn't it? Not everyone will agree on everything. And I thank you for your warnings," he adds to the entire group. "Best stay on the right side of public opinion, in any case, I won't let my guard down." He taps the table thoughtfully as an irresistible grin spreads across his face. "However, I can't deny how much I'm looking forward to my first job. It's as if the dream I've dreamt for years is almost within my grasp. I'd only be a burden in my present state, it would be an honor to complete a quest with all of you somewhere down the road."

The door to the Fernwood opens again, letting in a breath of cold air and another figure who pauses in the doorway, light-colored eyes blinking as they adjust to the lighting conditions. He is dressed down, a blue and silver open-front robe over a plain woolen shirt and trousers, the lot beneath a pair of cloaks, one iridescent and difficult to look at, the one over top a simple, sturdy woolen traveller's affair.

He brushes ginger-blonde hair out of his eyes, his eyes searching the place until someone shouts, "Oy, shut that!" With a sheepish smile, he does so, stepping fully inside, almost hesitantly.

Slix laughs at that. "Two way street, that. You're inspiration too, hon." She leans in against the table, quirking a brow at 'Dolan having a double thing'. Lots of stuff getting put to the side for later. Slix shakes her head.

The egalrin turns to Luke, bobbing her head along (and making the penguin hat flop about in the process). Luke's smile proves infectious, and Slix's eyes are squinting in a grin. "Well ain't you just tha cutest lil' peach," she coos. "Who knows, mayhaps get some experience under ya belt, and you'll be going in right wit' us! But, 'til then, if ya get messed up, Soldier's Defense is a hospital down past tha' gardens south of here. I work there decently often ta patch up people. Keep that fervor, it'll get ya places."

The yelling about shutting the door gets her to glance over, blink a few times, then sit up straighter with a little finger waggling wave towards the newcomer.

"It gets strange, but I am sure you'll be 'questing' in no time." Patch chimes, laughing as Slixvah's words easily bring out a flush of cheeks, grinning as she regards Luke for a time, but casting Slixvah a glance with a side-eye.

As Seldan enters, it takes a moment for Patch to notice, the talk and fun and drink a bit consuming until she hears the call to shut the door. A small smile, and a wiggle of fingers find their way in that direction. Yes, the other human noticed.

"I think you'll do fine, Luke. This kind of work takes all sorts." Patch offers, finishing the warmed spiced wine she has.

Dirk draws a steady pull from his pipe, the bowl glowing warmly in his hand. He settles himself back in his seat, puffing a couple artful smoke rings with a chuckle. "Ahh, not tae fret, laddie," he says in a kindly tone to Luke. "I remember my first quest wi' the Guild. Bloody miserable time that was. Dinnae help that it was pissin' down rain in sheets thick as lead. Turned the whole road tae a miserable, boot-suckin' bog, it did. That's -never- any fun tae fight in!"

He startles a bit at the gust of icy wind, and he squints through a billow of pipe smoke to the door. When he sees who's arrived, he breaks into a broad smile once more. "Oy, Seldan! Come in, laddie, it's much more pleasant here than it is over there, nay? Come have ye a drink!" He hooks his thumb over towards Luke. "We're just gettin' yon greenbeard up an' ready fer his first queest wi' the Adventurer's Guild!"

"Soldier's Defense," Luke repeats, with a thankful nod in Slix's direction. He also returns Patch's grin before turning to Dirk. "We can't always choose the conditions of the fight. I imagine it was a valuable experience," he remarks. "And I'm glad you lived to tell the tale." Then, his attention, like the others, is drawn towards the latest arrival. He sips from his mug again and waves in greeting.

The waves, the shyer greetings, and then Dirk's ebullient invitation are not lost on the man by the door, who does indeed makes his way over to the shared table. He does not yet find a chair, instead looking from face to face with a small smile. "Her light upon your path," he greets the table in general, his tones bearing the lilt of the Kingdom of the Lion, somewhat muted. "I was unaware that young khazad dyed their beards green." A sparkle of mischief in his eyes. "I would be most pleased to join you. My brother is on a job for the Guild, and I may as well pass the time while I await his return."

Slixvah shoots a finger gun to Luke. "No prob. Like Patty says, takes all sorts. Even if the sort ya get is the same cards, still makes a flush," she grins. "My first job was prett' rough too, but it came out well. Assisted wit' a shipment ta Blar through a teleporty circle. It goofed and threw us off target. Made it out okay."

Now that Seldan was closer, she hums warmly in greeting, "And Her light upon yours!" There's a quite laugh at the joke, but she tilts her head sharply to the side. "Oh? Ya gots a brother? Didn't kno' tha'. I know what that's like, times like, a bunch."

"I have heard of many green things, but a beard? Sounds mossy." Patch states with a grin, standing from her seat and patting Slixvah's shoulder again, being careful of wing. "I'm going to get a second round." flashing a smirk to Slixvah. "Want something?" she offers.

Seldan is motioned to the table after, offering him the same courtesy she had of Slix. "Want a drink, Master Padaryn?" Patch asks, fingers gesturing to an empty seat. "You're more than welcome to join us."

Dirk rumbles a deep chortle, picking up his mug and tipping back a swallow. "Just a turn o' phrase, as it might be," he says as he thunks the mug back down. "Though I did spend a couple weeks deep in a nasty marsh trackin' a nasty beastie, once. I thought fer -sure- me beard would turn green from all the muck an' filth! Ergh! Give me good, solid earth 'stead o' that mushy mire under me boots -any- day!"

"Well met, Seldan. I'm Luke." One eyebrow lifts in surprise as he places the familiar accent. "Your company would be most welcome at our table. Slix and Dirk have been regaling us with tales of their previous quests. As a new adventurer, I've found their stories equally enlightening as they are entertaining. You seem very experienced as well," Luke concludes with a friendly grin, glancing again at Seldan's iridescent garb.

"I have done a few jobs for the Guild, that is so, and yet do I not consider myself an expert, for there is always more to be known," Seldan moves towards the spare seat at the table with his head inclined in appreciation. "Whatever pleases you, Patch. I enjoy most ales and some wines."

"Well met indeed," he adds to Luke. "I can offer you no more sage advice than this, that the greatest weapon you will ever wield is located between your ears. As to my brother -"

"I speak of my blood brother. I have not seen my own flesh and blood in some years."

Slix snorts at Patch's antics. "Sure, hon, gimmie whatever you're getting; you've got good taste."

The egalrin shoots a raised brow at Seldan at his humbleness, but she leaves it be with a shake of her head. "Seldan's right 'bout that. Brain's ya biggest tool." She shifts to Seldan. "Ooh. That's good. I hope his job goes well and that two have a nice time together," she grins.

A glance is stolen to the front door, Slixvah watching the patrons come and go. A couple of kids with their parents. A lone, squat gobber. A tall, drab green egalrin. "... speaking of..." Slix mutters to herself, quietly sliding down in her chair. "... send my drink to a room, Patty, I'll tell ya in a bit what it is..."

She vanishes under the table. Wings and all. And out walks a bright eyed Lucht with bushy blond hair, clad in a serving apron with a broad grin. "I gotta split, catch ya'll on the flip! Nice ta meet you Luke!" she chirps happily before blending off into the crowd.

"Seldan is likely the most experienced of us here. His words while humble, carry great wisdoms." Patch says in a subdued tone, looking between those who voiced their desire for a drink. She's already has her empty mug in hand as the tally comes in. Three drinks. One an ale! "Right!" she calls and begins to head towards the bar, pausing to whirl about as Slixvah had made an order, then moved to leave. "I guess that means, later." she chimes to herself, now only seeking two drinks now, and one to follow up with after hours.

"She's always like that." Patch says to Dirk once she draws near, giving the dwarf a hug from behind as she leans to place the order. Those words meant only for the bar, and Dirk overhearing just by proximity. "An ale, and mulled wine." she says, patting the Khazad's shoulder after the hug breaks. "You like sitting by yourself?" teasing Dirk with a grin.

Dirk nods his head sagely to Seldan. "True talk, laddie, true talk," he says. He looks over to Luke with a grin, tapping his temple. "Use the head atop yer shoulders, an' save the one in yer britches fer playtime. That's the way tae stay alive in the field, right?" He leans back against Patch as she hugs him, and he chuckles softly. "Well I'd rather sit wi' you all," he says. He tucks his pipe in the side of his mouth, sending up idle little puffs as he hops to his feet. He picks up his dwarf-height stool in one hand and his beer mug with the other, and trundles over to where everyone else is sitting. Of course, this puts the table at shoulder height for him, but the burly old snowbeard isn't bothered. He's used to getting along in a city built for tallfolk.

"Even so," Seldan agrees, his eyebrows lifting at the immediate agreement - almost as if he is surprised? He says nothing of it, though, merely raising a hand to Slixvah as she - rather hastily- departs. He looks after her, and then the dull green egalrin, but whatever he is thinking, he keeps it to himself. "It is well to reserve one's arms and spells for when other means will not serve, and oft have a found that outsmarting the enemy has made their slaying much easier. My first adventure was much like this. A ruse drew the coven of hags we were to split up apart, far enough to break their power."

Upon hearing Seldan's advice, Luke nods slowly. "Thank you. I'll do my best to remember that," he replies. He all but jumps out of his chair when Slix emerges from under the table, but manages to wave farewell as the egalrin departs. He also listens attentively as Patch and Dirk voice their agreement, but saves an awkward grin for Dirk's comment. "Is that so." he murmurs in bewilderment, half to himself. "I was taught that there exists a best course of action suited for every situation," he replies to Seldan. "Finding and executing the right plan maximizes one's chances for success. I guess I'll discover if I've got what it takes upon encountering such a situation. Nevertheless, your tales have inspired and given me more confidence, and I appreciate it very much."

Patch is not one of those tall folk either, but with her and Dirk at the table, it does seem like they're a bit small compared to the humans. An ale is set before Seldan as patch idly sips down her own drink, finding a seat next to the dwarf. "It's business." Patch mentions of Slixvah to Padaryn."She mentioned needing to talk of work." an eye tracing after the second figure that Seldan had, sighing. "I also have answers about the maps." she notes. "If you're still interested."

As the talk of adventures and Luke drones on, she watches, sipping, and nodding at the exchange. "It is best to use the brain, and not the brawns. You'll find pace soon enough."

Dirk nods his head firmly at Luke. "Aye, that -is- so," he says. "The Britches Head can get ye intae all -kind- o' trouble. Some of it might seem like fun at the time. Other times ye wind up runnin' fer ye life in a most embarassin' state of undress." His cheeks pink up under his snowy white beard, and his beard bristles as he clears his throat with a harrumph. He watches Slix go with a chuckle, nodding his head. "Aye, she's quite the clever facechanger, that one. Me, I make due wi' natural camoflauge. Why, in the winter, All I have tae do is hunker down in the snow, an' poof! I'm all but invisible!" He preens his majestic beard with a grin.

Bright, easy laughter escapes Seldan at Dirk's posturing, but something Patch said is what catches his interest. "I am at your service, but perhaps we should seek a quieter space to speak of such matters. "Have you a room here?"

"I do." Patch says, it being a half-truth, but the words still directed to Seldan. There is a room for her to go to. It's private. It counts.

A smile is flashed between the other two as she leans to speak to Dirk, patting his shoulder again. "Excuse me, Dirk. I need to take care of some business, and then I'll be back down." standing and ushering Seldan to follow her with a hand. "I'll show you."

As she passes Lucius, a grin broadens, winking to the man. "Sorry, sometimes you have to take chances to talk when you can. It was nice meeting you, Luke. I hope we work together soon." she says, bidding her farewell to the others. The busy night meaning even she comes and goes.

"And I bet hearing you talk so well of her would make those feathers ruffle, Dirk. Slixvah can always use the compliments." Patch teases, heading up the stairs.

--END