View source for A Run in with Old 'Friends'

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==Log Info==

*Title: A Run in with Old 'Friends'

*Characters: [[Jacob]], [[Leirune|Rune]]

*Place: A05: Ox-Strength Tavern

*Summary: Jacob invites Rune out for a meal, only to run into a group of mercenaries who seem to recognize the Half-Sil, and are intent upon causing trouble. 
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What a day. 

The events of yesterday eve were stressful, to say the least. It involved shadow demons, a strange wargolem, and someone dear to him going missing into a storybook via some kind of vile magic. Thankfully, all's well that ends better as everyone trapped was set free from the confines of their respective stories. 

...And now Jacob needs a drink. 

He was there, in the Ox-Strength Tavern. It's somewhat ironic considering this is where the meanest, toughest, dangerous people in the city happen to go since it's frequented by sailors, mercenaries, thugs, and other ill-types, but Jacob never seemed to mind the company he kept where he went. 

But, he was not intending on being alone. 

A hand-written note would find itself delivered to Rune - a letter that, as a messenger, she would find directed towards herself in a bit of irony - that invited her to join him at the Tavern should she have any wish to. 

In small letters, it mentions that he'll pay for her drink and food. 

Jacob waits at one of the tables, tall mug in his hand with Gods-know-what inside, as he looks upon a tome on the table.

<br \>

After filling her belly the previous evening, Rune had crashed early. For the first time in ages, she hadn't fought sleep, and had not woken up from nightmares. The effects of the strange magic that had befallen her likely taking their toll. So, she had been somewhat surprised to awaken to a latter and an invitation. Especially one to this particular tavern.

As the half-sil walks in, her hood still up over her pointed ears, there is a call from a table that is very much not Jacob's. A bulky looking Half-Oruch waves a burly hand towards her, calling out in the gruff tones of Yrch-Speak. Rune grins, then replies in kind in the same gruff tongue, pitching her voice lower in the process. There is a hearty laugh in return as the group around the Half-Oruch joins in.

Apparently, they all know each other. 

However, Rune isn't here to speak with old 'friends', and instead she casts her eyes around, eventually finding Jacob and heading in his direction. "You know, you could have just waited until I got up and asked? I'm not usually going to turn down someone offering me drinks and food." She folds her arms across her chest and smirks. 

<br \>

The Yrch-Speak from Rune was something that Jacob was unfamiliar with. It's rougher tones making Rune's voice a tad bit stranger to his ears, so he doesn't recognize the sound of her immediately. Rather, his full attention is on one of the books dedicated to Serriel: The Maiden Light's Voyage. He seemed captivated by the novel. The laughter doesn't draw his eyes, it was common for these folk to do a rowdy row every now and again. 

And then, Rune makes herself clear. 

Jacob's eyes lift from his book and drink to take in the Half-Sil standing before him in her leathers and cloaks. His smile grows radiant as he rises to greet her. "Rune." He chuckles. "I know, I always make life harder for myself. I feel like it would be more polite than blatantly asking you out for food." He smiles. 

"How are you feeling?"

<br \>

"Everyone has to eat." Rune replies, as if this were the most simple thing in the world. Even so, she doesn't push the matter and pulls out a chair, settling herself down into it. "I don't turn down offers like that unless I suspect someone is up to no good, or I want to make a good first impression." She explains, "Sometimes, when you're traveling, you don't know when your next meal will be, so you learn to appreciate them when you have them."

Leaning forward a little, the Half-sil smiles softly, "I'm alright. In fact, I should probably thank whomever cursed that book. First good night's sleep I've had in a while." She lifts one shoulder slightly, a half-shrug showing that she doesn't quite understand magical effects and how that all would work. "It's... a little strange though." Hesitation enters her voice. "I remembered the story. It was one that my mother told me, but... I still couldn't stop it from happening." 

Her lips press together slightly, "I hope that little boy I encountered was just part of the spell. If he was real, then we left him behind." Her brows furrow slightly, obviously not comfortable with that outcome. "It's probably just magic though, right? In the story, it's a brother and sister lost in the woods. I guess... I took the role of the sister in the story." 

In the background, there is another bout of laughter from those at the mercenary table, followed by the sound tankards hitting the wooden surface. It is early in the day, but they are clearly 'enjoying' themselves with drink.

<br \>

Rune speaks and Jacob listens, gesturing to the chair at the table for her to take. Only when she lowers herself into her seat does Jacob retake his own, his hand closing his book and setting it aside, all while lifting his hand to summon a waiter to help with their meal portion of this meeting. "I take it you're not trying to make a good impression this time around?" The corner of Jacob's lips rise upwards as he brings his mug to his lips to taste the alcohol before setting it back down on the table. 

"True." Jacob remarks about never knowing when your next meal is going to be. "But thankfully, we have today." He takes off his gloves, showing those peeks of tattoos at his wrists. "I remember that...You looked as if you were holding someone, protecting them from some creature. But...if the boy was real, he would have returned with you and the others. More than likely, he's a character in his story. Most of them end happily - or at least send enough a lesson for the characters to move forward." He clears his throat. "Sometimes, the story corrects itself." He frowns. "But we'll hope the boy is alright." 

He tilts his head. "Did it involve a witch and gingerbread cookies? You had crumbs in your hair and made me promise to keep you from gingerbread." Jacob chuckles. "I'm glad you slept. Many who suffer trauma find themselves difficult to sleep." 

He turns his head to the loud laughter. "Seems they're getting on well." He smirks, turning to glance back at Rune. "Should we drink that hard?" 

He looks down. "You scared me, you know that? I'm glad you're okay."

<br \>

A soft laugh comes up from Rune. "You've seen me after sloshing through sewers and covered in dire wolf guts. I think the time for good impressions has passed. That ship has sailed." Her hand motions as if a boat were sailing off the edge of the world, represented by the table, and then off into the abyss below. "Besides, there's the old saying... those who can't deal with someone at their worst, aren't worthy of them at their best." Rune inclines her head.

She takes a moment to order something simple, something with meat, fruit, cheese, and bread, along with a light cider. Then her attention turns back to him, taking in his appraisal of how she was found after her 'adventure' within the storybook. "It was a hag, in the woods. Her house was made out of food. The walls were gingerbread." Rune explains. "I couldn't help eating some. It was like... a compulsion. I don't know that I've ever felt that hungry in my life." She had also eaten quite a lot in the aftermath, suggesting that the feeling had carried through even after she returned.

The laughter draws her attention, looking over her shoulder towards the other table. "Don't pay them too much heed. They just had a good score from a job, and are celebrating." Rune explains, "Tane's group works hard, plays hard. I imagine they'll be shit-faced most of today and regret it tomorrow. Then do it all over again a few days from now when the next bit of pay comes in."

And then, Jacob is looking away and Rune hesitates. "Sorry." She answers in a quieter tone. "I guess... I was thinking that if I found something that looked off in the books, I could identify which one it was. I guess I sort of did... just not in the way I intended." She leans forward a little, resting some weight on her elbows and crossing her arms in front of her. "I'm sorry for scaring you. And I'm glad I had friends enough to pull my ass out of the fire."

<br \>

A laugh rings out of the Cleric then, amused and heartened by Rune's recollection of what she's endured in his presence. "True, true. Though if it's any comfort, you were pretty badass in handling the wolf. I didn't think we could fell a beast so quickly until you sunk your teeth into it." Figuratively, of course. She's a wizard with those blades and he would /hate/ to have those things pointed his direction. 

When the waiter comes around, Jacob orders some meat, cheese, and a refill for his wine. Some vegetables are also ordered: best possible meal with a bit of everything attached! 

"A hag?" Jacob frowns. "Scary creatures. Your hunger could've been part of the story, like....a need that needed satisfied before the next part could happen. But we were surprised to have seen you eat so much. You out-ate me." Jacob smirks, a chuckle leaving his lips. 

He turns to look over his shoulders at the row from Tane's group. "I see. Friends of yours then? Or just occasional work partners?" 

She leans forward and so does he, providing ample opportunity to have their private words reserved for humble ears. "Don't be." Jacob remarks. "You didn't know." Well, she did, but- "You were doing what you thought would help. You can't be blamed for that. And help us you did...without your help in vanishing, I'm worried we would've never found the shadow demon culprit or freed you all from your prison." He smiles warmly then. "I'll always be there to help pull you out of the fire, long as I have strength to do so." 

He's looking into her eyes a little too long, perhaps, when he clears his throat. 

"There's wisdom in that: especially if people can't handle you at your worst. Just means you can shine all the day at your best without them to dim your light."

<br \>

"More luck than anything else. Both times, the wolves were more than a little distracted with our traveling companions. It's easy to sneak up on something when it doesn't know you're coming." Rune walks her fingers across the table, then chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I'm not nearly as capable as a front-line fighter, but give me the time to find a weak point, and I can put someone into some major hurt."

Overhearing this, a boysterous voice from the other table calls out, "Damn riiiight sshe can! Heeey, little one! Remmmmember da time that you tripped Grildack and he fell into that fish-monger's stall?" The voice is partially slurred. Tane grins, showing an obvious underbite with multiple teeth sticking up in odd directions. "Smelllled like feesssh for a week!"

Rune looks over and gives an indulgant roll of her eyes, "Yes, and I'll trip you into the latrines if you keep interrupting, snaggle-tooth." The table starts to laugh.

As Jacob leans forward, Rune offers in a quieter tone, "I did some work for their crew back when I was younger. Not a bad bunch, but... very much a 'all for ourselves' mentality." Rune had already shown that, despite having the skills of a rogue, she didn't tend to fit the usuall associations for a thief or mercenary. 

She meets his gaze when it lingers for that little bit of extra time, but at the last moment, her eyes flick upwards. Whatever she might have said is cut off by a shadow that looms behind Jacob.

"Who dis then?" Tane asks, putting his big, half-oruch face right next to Jacob's. The mercenary sniffs. "You givn' up runnin' with us to pal around with dis human." The man's breath is absolutely horrible. Like something died between his teeth. "At least ya ain't scrawny like most of da humans 'round dis part, but I dun see what's so special." He snorts. 

<br \>

"We did have a lot of help. I only wish I could do more to provide that kind of distraction. Afraid I'm still learning how to use Serriel's gifts effectively." Jacob shrugs. "Maybe not. You're smaller, so I my guess is you rely more on agility and clever tactics than standing there and getting hit." Jacob chuckles a little bit before they are interrupted by Tane's boys. 

"Smelled like fish, huh?" Jacob smirks at Rune, but doesn't chase it as she scolds and threatens the other table. 

"I see...so what I'm hearing is, I /shouldn't/ punch one of them if they become problematic." Jacob's brow raises, since he'd rather not give Rune a bad impression of him. She was different than that kind of band,critter as a result of her death, Harkashan's influence, or her own wisdom. 

They meet eyes. He looks about to say something when there's a looking shadow over him, horrid breath filling his nose with a negative scent as Jacob's face turns to regard the big oruch. "Not scrawny, no. But you'd be surprised how even the skinny ones are capable of great strength." He meets Tane's gaze, never shying.

<br \>

"I'm afraid I don't have any advice, there. Magic has always been something that eluded me, despite the fact that it's supposed to run in Sil bloodlines." Rune replies, "But I'm sure you'll figure it out. It probably just takes practice, just like anything else."

At the suggestion of punching them, the woman chuckles and gives a shake of her head, "In a place like this? I wouldn't recommend it unless we want a repeat of our earlier bar brawl. They like a good scrap from time to time." It's offered as a warning, though it's obvious that Rune wouldn't be too offended.

Tane, on the other hand, well, he's too busy trying to look intimidating. It's not quite successful, given how drunk he is. When Jacob meets his gaze, though, the half-oruch just grins even more toothily, if such a thing were possible. "Dis one got spunk." He looks to Rune, then tries to throw a drunken arm over Jacob's shoulder. It wouldn't be hard to throw him off. "I like 'em. Can we keep 'im?" 

"Leave him alone, Tane. He's not a mercenary." Rune replies, her brows raised. 

"Aww. You're no fun anymore little Rune." Tane complains. "Where's da little scamp that usedta snoop cards for me? This one could pick some noble's pocket clean faster than you could say 'boo'." The half-oruch still looms over the both of them. "Then one day, she up and disappears. Leaves us all high and dry. You watch out now. She'll do the same to you." Just at that moment, a tankard goes flying past Tane's head. 

Rune is glaring, obviously the one who had tossed it.

"You missed, little one. Gettin' rusty are we?" Tane scoffs. 

"Fuck off, Tane." There is some real annoyance there, though it's obvious that Rune is trying not to let the mercenary get a rise out of her. 

<br \>

"Nothing is difficult, everything is a challenge." 

Practice makes perfect and Jacob seems fully believing of that note. "Then let's hope, as a student of a War Goddess, that I get a bit better at war." He winks playfully at her before his full attention is on the matter at hand. 

Note to self: These guys like a good brawl. Don't punch unless you're a glutton for punishment. Which, sometimes Jacob can feel like. He gives into his temperamental urges at times. 

And he's got spunk for days! He keeps his full attention on Tane until there's a tankard flying past his face. "Careful my friend, she won't miss again." Jacob tells Tane as he keeps that eye contact, though he rises to his feet, his hand moving to rest on Rune's shoulder, as if to provide calm or comfort. 

"She's not the same Rune as you remember. She's become someone with love and care."

<br \>

In the end, the drunken mercenary ends up standing on the opposite end of the table from Rune and Jacob. He sways slightly, looking between the two of them. "Ain't you two precious." He snorts, then rubs a hand across his nose. 

The hand to her shoulder gets a flick of blue eyes in Jacob's direction. Then, they are back on Tane. The next instant, there is a dagger thudding against the table between two of the half-oruch's fingers. "Enough, Tane. Go back to your friends and leave us alone before you start something you can't finish."

The far taller and more bulky mercenary sways as he stands up to his full height, glaring down at the far smaller form of Rune. "Don't test your luck, little-one." He grunts a foul breath in their direction. "Just cuz you were my little pet way back when, doesn't mean I won't take you to heel." 

Looking to Jacob, he gives another of those snorts. "You heed my words, human. Don't trust this one. Right stab you in the back the moment you ain't lookin'. Don't say I didn't warn ya." With that, he lumbers back off over to his table, muttering under his breath to the others.

"Sorry about that." Rune offers in a quieter tone of voice. "I appreciate the kind words but... Tane's sort only really listen to two things. Money, and violence." It's just about then that their food and drink arrives, with the waiter looking a bit irritated at the dagger sticking out of the table. Rune, on the other hand, looks a bit off-put by the interaction. 

<br \>

Jacob's hand is removed from Rune's shoulder as he eyes this opponent. He's ready for a fight, but Rune acts quickly, drawing her dagger and stabbing it into the table between the big oruch's fingers. Jacob seems to whistle a little bit at the action. 

"She was never your pet." Jacob frowns at Tane, ready for a fight regardless, and warned that Rune will eventually betray him, Jacob keeps his eyes narrowed as his fists clench. 

Thankfully, he leaves before blows can be exchanged. 

Jacob looks at Rune, shaking his head. "No apologies necessary." He smiles kindly. He notices she's put off, so? He reaches for her hand and with a bit of a laugh, he calls to the performers. "Maestro! Your best song please!" and the musicians play. "Dance with me?" A spot of fun may help turn her frown upside down!

<pre>GAME: Rune rolls perform/dance: (19)+2: 21
GAME: Jacob rolls Athletics: (9)+3: 12</pre>

A lingering bit of tension remains in Rune, even as Tane returns to his band of mercenaries. Whatever the history she had with them, it's clear thta they don't really intend to fight her, but there is certanily some bad blood there. 

The Half-sil picks up a piece of cheese and is just taking a nibble of it when Jacob calls out for music. She is left putting the food down as soon as her hand is taken, abandoning it it in favor of the prospect of the offered dance.

At first, there is a hesitation, as if she were uncertain about the whole prospect. But, then, she chooses to live. If she was given a second chance, Rune will grab onto it with both hands. "Alright, let's see if you can keep up." 

And, with that, she proceeds to dance. The style of it has an Sil flare to it, but she moves with an easy, athletic grace. One that may just be hard to match. At the very least, it's enough to have her relax again. Eventually, they'll get to that meal, but for the moment, this moment, the rest of the world can wait. 

<br \>

Hand successfully taken! 

Jacob looks at her with a smile on his face, the hesitation taken as he looks her in the eyes, taking in her hesitation and her life. Sge abandons her food and takes his hand with both of hers and with a laugh, he pulls her into a dance. He's not /really/ keeping up with her, but this isn't for a performance. This is for fun. 

The world pauses. Ge twirls her, she twirls him, they dip and jump spin. He smiles and laughs, happy to live in this moment for as long as she likes.

[[Category:Logs]]