"My dear Miss Idris," Tius said, bowing, "my doors are always open to friends. Though, I believe Guardsman Morig may have misread my intention."
Again he noticed that spark of concern between the two, though whether it was over his continued presence or lingering worry from the previous night was anyone's guess. Still, he put on his sunniest smile and struck a jaunty pose, one arm held out to gesture for Talia to proceed. It was a lovely day, all inconveniences aside, and now that she was away from her employer, there was the chance that they could actually enjoy themselves. He raised an eyebrow at her comments to Drayel and filed that away for later use.
"Oh, I don't know, Miss Idris," he said, "the city holds too many delights for the young and fancy free to sample but the one. But memorial Plaza is always pleasant for a picnic, and the cafés? Simply glorious."
He smiled again, eyes alight with mischief.
"And of course it is one of the best places to people watch for those with idle hands and active minds. Not that I'd ever cast aspersions on my fellow citizens, you see, Changers forbid."
Ah, the curfew, he thought, what a marvellous idea that was. Vile revolutionary types met at night, it stood to reason, so arresting everyone out after dark would clearly remove the problem. Except criminal types were seldom so obliging, at least in his experience, plus they knew the Guard patrol routes anyway, so why stop? Besides, if a man looked a decent sort, spoke soft and was willing to pay a few bishani to the poor lads out in the dark, he'd get a nod and a wink and a firm warning and nothing more.
"I wouldn't worry about the curfew, Miss Idris, we can reconvene to the residential district if it gets late. It's strange, but the Guard seldom bothers people there," he said, with a wink. "Must be all those honest faces."
Picking Up the Pieces
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
"I'll catch up with you before curfew." Drayel promised though his eyes turned to Tius and he snorted. "As for you, Mr. Morrington. I'll have to take you up later on our little tea date though when I'm not currently on duty. I don't get off for another hour though afterwards I'll gladly catch up with you two. May not make tea though."
In the back of his head he wondered if this jibe was going to fall through too or if he'd come off like a colossal asshole as usual. Either way, he gave jokes one last shot despite his terrible ability with them. Oh well. He shrugged off the thought and turned away to peer around them. Nothing new, nobody panicked or yelling. He sighed.
"Where are you going, mind me asking? I can meet you after my shift."
In the back of his head he wondered if this jibe was going to fall through too or if he'd come off like a colossal asshole as usual. Either way, he gave jokes one last shot despite his terrible ability with them. Oh well. He shrugged off the thought and turned away to peer around them. Nothing new, nobody panicked or yelling. He sighed.
"Where are you going, mind me asking? I can meet you after my shift."
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
"But then, how could I claim to be pulling you away, Guardsman," Tius said, with a smile. "I wouldn't worry about the time, dear man, tea can last surprisingly long in the right company."
He flashed Talia a small smile, drumming his fingers off his leg thoughtfully. Where could they go that Drayel could easily find them? The Plaza was as good a place as any other, and it was closer to the Residential district if they needed to retire there with the curfew. Yes, that would do nicely, he thought; it was public enough to keep the other two comfortable and discreet enough, in the right establishments, to let them speak candidly. Well, within reason; this was Marn after all, and there would always be someone looking to pass gossip on. Tius knew this little fact intimately; he got most of his information from such people, and he had long since given up trying to control the direction rumours ran.
"Well, there is a delightful little eatery on the plaza that serves these marvellous desserts," he said. "In this weather, the outdoor seating is ideal and the minstrels? I cannot do it justice."
It was one of his favourite spots to dine, in truth, though the curfew had hurt it the same as any other business. Of course, a few bishani here and there had helped ease its passage considerably, but that was far beside the point. No, if he wanted to make any headway here, then he had to get them away from whatever had them jumping at shadows. Memoriam was his turf, true, but it still fit the bill nicely, and if nothing else, they would at least go home after a more than adequate meal. He clapped his hands together as though he would brook no argument and smiled.
"Yes, that decides it," he sai d, "Memoriam it is. So sorry to lose you, Guardsman, even for the briefest time. Miss Idris, shall we go? Regale me with tales of your exploits since the Gala. Its been too long."
Stepping back to let the two friends say farewell, he waited for Talia to follow before leading the way towards the plaza, all the while chatting about the work that those thoughtless rebels were making for him.
He flashed Talia a small smile, drumming his fingers off his leg thoughtfully. Where could they go that Drayel could easily find them? The Plaza was as good a place as any other, and it was closer to the Residential district if they needed to retire there with the curfew. Yes, that would do nicely, he thought; it was public enough to keep the other two comfortable and discreet enough, in the right establishments, to let them speak candidly. Well, within reason; this was Marn after all, and there would always be someone looking to pass gossip on. Tius knew this little fact intimately; he got most of his information from such people, and he had long since given up trying to control the direction rumours ran.
"Well, there is a delightful little eatery on the plaza that serves these marvellous desserts," he said. "In this weather, the outdoor seating is ideal and the minstrels? I cannot do it justice."
It was one of his favourite spots to dine, in truth, though the curfew had hurt it the same as any other business. Of course, a few bishani here and there had helped ease its passage considerably, but that was far beside the point. No, if he wanted to make any headway here, then he had to get them away from whatever had them jumping at shadows. Memoriam was his turf, true, but it still fit the bill nicely, and if nothing else, they would at least go home after a more than adequate meal. He clapped his hands together as though he would brook no argument and smiled.
"Yes, that decides it," he sai d, "Memoriam it is. So sorry to lose you, Guardsman, even for the briefest time. Miss Idris, shall we go? Regale me with tales of your exploits since the Gala. Its been too long."
Stepping back to let the two friends say farewell, he waited for Talia to follow before leading the way towards the plaza, all the while chatting about the work that those thoughtless rebels were making for him.
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Talia didn't like the idea of staying out past curfew and staying out late, while a nice distraction from the previous night, seemed to only be asking for trouble. Of course perhaps when the time came it would work out and at least let her avoid Bepa who would probably wait until her husband finally pulled her back home. Of course there would be hell to pay the next day but at least it would be a new day and hopefully the embarrassment from this one would have worn of by then.
Bidding goodbye to Drayel with a parting glare for his part in her workplace drama she followed Tius, basket in hand. She listened quietly as he talked, the awkwardness she had been feeling slowly melting as she warmed up to him once again. It wasn't too hard to sink back into the comfortable company that they had held while at the gala and soon she was laughing and smiling as she joined in.
They were almost at the plaza when something on the ground caught her eye. Bending over she picked up the piece of paper and smoothed it out, it was a brochure of some sort for the museum. She almost gasped as she read the word Ispoli, referring to a display, among others that were held there. She could have sworn that the boy had mentioned something about giants of some sort that had something to do with the sword. She glared at the piece of paper. Why couldn't all this drama just let her have a break?! But then again - perhaps this was just another sign from Teodinus that she should be looking more into this. Sighing she slipped the brochure in her basket and quickly caught up to Tius.
"Do you think, if we have time, we could perhaps go to the museum after our tea?" She said as they sat down at a pretty table on the patio outside and waited for a server. "I've never gone before and I noticed this on our way here."
Talia pulled out the dusty piece of paper as she spoke and showed it to him. "We can take a look around and lose ourselves in the past and perhaps even make fun some of the portraits that have been so generously donated. I am certain there must be at least one person to rival our feathery friend from the gala." She grinned as she casually looked over the menu trying to decide if she wanted a hot drink or cold one.
Bidding goodbye to Drayel with a parting glare for his part in her workplace drama she followed Tius, basket in hand. She listened quietly as he talked, the awkwardness she had been feeling slowly melting as she warmed up to him once again. It wasn't too hard to sink back into the comfortable company that they had held while at the gala and soon she was laughing and smiling as she joined in.
They were almost at the plaza when something on the ground caught her eye. Bending over she picked up the piece of paper and smoothed it out, it was a brochure of some sort for the museum. She almost gasped as she read the word Ispoli, referring to a display, among others that were held there. She could have sworn that the boy had mentioned something about giants of some sort that had something to do with the sword. She glared at the piece of paper. Why couldn't all this drama just let her have a break?! But then again - perhaps this was just another sign from Teodinus that she should be looking more into this. Sighing she slipped the brochure in her basket and quickly caught up to Tius.
"Do you think, if we have time, we could perhaps go to the museum after our tea?" She said as they sat down at a pretty table on the patio outside and waited for a server. "I've never gone before and I noticed this on our way here."
Talia pulled out the dusty piece of paper as she spoke and showed it to him. "We can take a look around and lose ourselves in the past and perhaps even make fun some of the portraits that have been so generously donated. I am certain there must be at least one person to rival our feathery friend from the gala." She grinned as she casually looked over the menu trying to decide if she wanted a hot drink or cold one.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Whatever worries he might have had about keeping Talia at ease without Drayel soon melted away as they walked. Unwilling to let her fall behind, he played the gentleman, offering her his arm as they went. Falling back into the banter they had shared at the Gala was easier than he imagined, and frankly it was a relief to slip into that persona again. It was such a relief, in fact, that it threw into sharp contrast just how much stress they had all been under since the bombings, and with no culprits arrested thus far, there seemed to be no end in sight. He still managed to make light of the situation though, sharing a number of stories from the office, including a rather tasteful story about how the minister had been found "helping" a senior judge in one of the kitchens. It had been hushed up, of course, but nothing stayed secret for long with such people, and it was impossible to keep a good story down.
Thankfully, the amorphous floating mob that inhabited the streets of Marn were in a moving mood that day and they made good time. Hearing the hawkers, the criers and the general hubbub of people going about their (mostly) lawful business was like sweet music to Tius. Despite the bombings, commerce flowed and people thrived, bringing wealth and prosperity to all corners of the city. It was a truer sign than any other that the people would not break, and since a significant percentage of their money passed through Morrington hands (and a smaller percentage through his own), it also swelled his breast with a feeling of familial pride. Tlia, in turn, was full of her own stories, losses and triumphs, rather different in scope to his own, but no less interesting because of it. In fact, the contrast made them all the more interesting to him, and the perspective offered was a welcome reminder of what so many Descendants and Synevives forgot.
A stone's throw from the Plaza, Talia stopped to pick up a pamphlet that caught her eye and he waited patiently, posture erect and relaxed. Whatever it was, it caused her to go rigid as a rock for a moment, her hand clenching whatever it was tightly. Curious, he kept his features calm and waited for her to return. She said nothing, however, and he let it go for the moment, waving to Sebastian as they approached Markham's Café off the Plaza. It was a pleasant enough eatery, catering to the wealthier, grazing crowd, and did a reasonable pastry, although Tius was certain they bought theirs from elsewhere. Tastefully decorated in a mix of Marnian and Keltarisian styles, it commanded a decent slice of daylight and the staff were always welcoming to regulars. Despite the rush, they were ushered to a table off the thoroughfare in moments, and Tius held out a seat for Talia, only sitting once she was seated.
"That's a wonderful idea," he said, glancing at the pamphlet. "Though it's hardly donating when one is clearing out attic space for the new generation, is it?"
Raising an eyebrow, he skimmed through the details of the pamphlet and a few installations caught his eye. He'd seen them before, of course, but with every new scholar to review the findings, it seemed something new was discovered, and he was all in favour of new information. Passing the pamphlet back to Talia, he tapped the article about the iptholi thoughtfully.
"Apparently," he said, picking up his menu, "they've found Iptholi rune carvings throughout the old fortress. Of course, the state of the area prevents proper investigation, but it's still fascinating. I think I'll have an iced coffee. You?"
Thankfully, the amorphous floating mob that inhabited the streets of Marn were in a moving mood that day and they made good time. Hearing the hawkers, the criers and the general hubbub of people going about their (mostly) lawful business was like sweet music to Tius. Despite the bombings, commerce flowed and people thrived, bringing wealth and prosperity to all corners of the city. It was a truer sign than any other that the people would not break, and since a significant percentage of their money passed through Morrington hands (and a smaller percentage through his own), it also swelled his breast with a feeling of familial pride. Tlia, in turn, was full of her own stories, losses and triumphs, rather different in scope to his own, but no less interesting because of it. In fact, the contrast made them all the more interesting to him, and the perspective offered was a welcome reminder of what so many Descendants and Synevives forgot.
A stone's throw from the Plaza, Talia stopped to pick up a pamphlet that caught her eye and he waited patiently, posture erect and relaxed. Whatever it was, it caused her to go rigid as a rock for a moment, her hand clenching whatever it was tightly. Curious, he kept his features calm and waited for her to return. She said nothing, however, and he let it go for the moment, waving to Sebastian as they approached Markham's Café off the Plaza. It was a pleasant enough eatery, catering to the wealthier, grazing crowd, and did a reasonable pastry, although Tius was certain they bought theirs from elsewhere. Tastefully decorated in a mix of Marnian and Keltarisian styles, it commanded a decent slice of daylight and the staff were always welcoming to regulars. Despite the rush, they were ushered to a table off the thoroughfare in moments, and Tius held out a seat for Talia, only sitting once she was seated.
"That's a wonderful idea," he said, glancing at the pamphlet. "Though it's hardly donating when one is clearing out attic space for the new generation, is it?"
Raising an eyebrow, he skimmed through the details of the pamphlet and a few installations caught his eye. He'd seen them before, of course, but with every new scholar to review the findings, it seemed something new was discovered, and he was all in favour of new information. Passing the pamphlet back to Talia, he tapped the article about the iptholi thoughtfully.
"Apparently," he said, picking up his menu, "they've found Iptholi rune carvings throughout the old fortress. Of course, the state of the area prevents proper investigation, but it's still fascinating. I think I'll have an iced coffee. You?"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Talia's smile froze briefly as her hand reached out to grab the museum pamphlet that Tius was handing back to her as he pointed out the Ipotholi article. Did he know much about them? Did he know that they were why she wanted to go to the museum? He certainly couldn't know about the basilard and it's visit last night, unless of course Drayel had told him about it. She slipped the brochure back into her basket and looked at the menu.
"I...I'll have the same thing. I have no idea what half the things are on this menu so I trust that you know what's good." She smiled and hoped that her moment of anxiety was attributed to her being unused to going out to places like this. Looking around she did start to feel slightly uneasy as she observed some of the other patrons. Her cheeks turned pink as she noticed two young ladies glancing her ways and whispering. She wondered if it was very obvious that she had made her own dress, or perhaps they knew Tius and had their own idea for who he should or shouldn't be going out with.
Sighing she did the best to ignore them and enjoy her outing. Smiling at the waiter she took a sip of the ice coffee and nodded. "This is very nice. So tell me Mr. Morrington, when you aren't saving the city from rebels and taking women to coffee shops and museums how do you spend you time?" She asked teasingly trying to direct the conversation away from her and her hidden drama.
"I...I'll have the same thing. I have no idea what half the things are on this menu so I trust that you know what's good." She smiled and hoped that her moment of anxiety was attributed to her being unused to going out to places like this. Looking around she did start to feel slightly uneasy as she observed some of the other patrons. Her cheeks turned pink as she noticed two young ladies glancing her ways and whispering. She wondered if it was very obvious that she had made her own dress, or perhaps they knew Tius and had their own idea for who he should or shouldn't be going out with.
Sighing she did the best to ignore them and enjoy her outing. Smiling at the waiter she took a sip of the ice coffee and nodded. "This is very nice. So tell me Mr. Morrington, when you aren't saving the city from rebels and taking women to coffee shops and museums how do you spend you time?" She asked teasingly trying to direct the conversation away from her and her hidden drama.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
He noticed her tense at his mention of the Iptholi, but did not react outwardly. Curious that she should react to that of all things, he thought, but he tapped his menu and smiled, chuckling slightly. Around them, the city happened, and he was aware of the tell tale feeling of eyes upon them. This was a popular spot for people watching too, after all, and he'd whiled away many a quiet hour watching society amble by. It wasn't unusual, by any means, but it seemed to be making Talia uncomfortable, even if she was doing her best to hide it. He saw her glance at another table and smiled again, not needing to look closely at the pair.
"Oh most people don't, Miss Idris," he said, pleasantly. "What most pass for worldliness is actually a lot of trial and error, I'm afraid. The iced coffee is rather good, though. But if you were of a mood for something warmer, they do a wonderful blend of chocolate, cinnamon and dark roast. Rather strong, but invigorating, I must say."
He noticed her ongoing discomfort and settled back in his seat, accepting his drink with a smile when it arrived. It was as heavenly as ever, made all the better by the company. A unit of guardsmen marched by on the opposite side of the Plaza, which had to be a publicity stunt, as far as Tius was concerned. Rules of etiquette and unspoken agreement generally prohibiting them from moving through the cleaner quarters of the city and disturbing the well to do. The bombings had shaken public confidence in the Guard, it seemed. Turning his attention back to the conversation at hand, he took another sip of his drink and wondered how to put Talia at ease.
"Relax, you look lovely and you're doing fine," he said, smiling at her. "If you'd like I can introduce you to them."
He inclined his head towards the two that had caught her eye.
"Alys over there manages a diamond import operation from Tian Xia," he said. "Her father Eryk specializes in gemstones, actually, if you were still interested in getting that necklace valued."
He took another sip, smiling to show he was joking.
"To answer your question, I take an interest in history. That display on the Iptholi? Its being mentioned as part of a fascinating treatise on magical influence on early Marn dating back perhaps to the time of the Changers themselves."
"Oh most people don't, Miss Idris," he said, pleasantly. "What most pass for worldliness is actually a lot of trial and error, I'm afraid. The iced coffee is rather good, though. But if you were of a mood for something warmer, they do a wonderful blend of chocolate, cinnamon and dark roast. Rather strong, but invigorating, I must say."
He noticed her ongoing discomfort and settled back in his seat, accepting his drink with a smile when it arrived. It was as heavenly as ever, made all the better by the company. A unit of guardsmen marched by on the opposite side of the Plaza, which had to be a publicity stunt, as far as Tius was concerned. Rules of etiquette and unspoken agreement generally prohibiting them from moving through the cleaner quarters of the city and disturbing the well to do. The bombings had shaken public confidence in the Guard, it seemed. Turning his attention back to the conversation at hand, he took another sip of his drink and wondered how to put Talia at ease.
"Relax, you look lovely and you're doing fine," he said, smiling at her. "If you'd like I can introduce you to them."
He inclined his head towards the two that had caught her eye.
"Alys over there manages a diamond import operation from Tian Xia," he said. "Her father Eryk specializes in gemstones, actually, if you were still interested in getting that necklace valued."
He took another sip, smiling to show he was joking.
"To answer your question, I take an interest in history. That display on the Iptholi? Its being mentioned as part of a fascinating treatise on magical influence on early Marn dating back perhaps to the time of the Changers themselves."
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
"This is just fine." Talia said smiling as she told another sip of her drink. "I spend most of my time in a very hot kitchen so something cool is always pleasant. And I don't know if you've noticed but I prefer things on the sweet side. I am pretty sure I add enough sugar and milk to my coffee that it would probably be a crime to call it coffee still."
She looked at him in shock as he offered her to introduce her to the young gossiping girls. She didn't care if she looked lovely and was doing fine - there was no way she was subjecting herself to them without a proper reason. Thankfully Tius seemed just to be teasing her and she sighed in relief as she relaxed a little - her hand reaching up to subconsciously touch where her necklace lay under her collar. After the gala she had taken the ruby off the ribbon and back on it's long chain which allowed it to be hidden from view.
"History hmm?" Talia was starting to wonder if perhaps it might be a good idea to share what had been going on but it would be hard to explain why she had been singled out by a possessed sword - it had been hard enough to keep that hidden from Drayel and she knew that he would be at least a little bit receptive since his boy had a bit of magic and Shade was a shifter. For all she knew Tius would turn tail and run if he found out that she was a 'mage' of some sort - even though she was still having trouble believing that.
"Well it sounds like you make a perfect partner for a museum visit then!" She finally said with a smile. There was no rush she had decided. Tius seemed to have made up his mind to stick around for now which meant she could find out more about him. If things did take an unpleasant turn then Drayel more then likely would be able to help out. Or she could always imply to Bepa that he had been less then a gentleman and the poor boy would probably be unable to set foot within a block of her for weeks.
She looked at him in shock as he offered her to introduce her to the young gossiping girls. She didn't care if she looked lovely and was doing fine - there was no way she was subjecting herself to them without a proper reason. Thankfully Tius seemed just to be teasing her and she sighed in relief as she relaxed a little - her hand reaching up to subconsciously touch where her necklace lay under her collar. After the gala she had taken the ruby off the ribbon and back on it's long chain which allowed it to be hidden from view.
"History hmm?" Talia was starting to wonder if perhaps it might be a good idea to share what had been going on but it would be hard to explain why she had been singled out by a possessed sword - it had been hard enough to keep that hidden from Drayel and she knew that he would be at least a little bit receptive since his boy had a bit of magic and Shade was a shifter. For all she knew Tius would turn tail and run if he found out that she was a 'mage' of some sort - even though she was still having trouble believing that.
"Well it sounds like you make a perfect partner for a museum visit then!" She finally said with a smile. There was no rush she had decided. Tius seemed to have made up his mind to stick around for now which meant she could find out more about him. If things did take an unpleasant turn then Drayel more then likely would be able to help out. Or she could always imply to Bepa that he had been less then a gentleman and the poor boy would probably be unable to set foot within a block of her for weeks.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
"Well, it's good to know that I'm not completely useless, I suppose," he said, still smiling, "Though I could likely arrange for a guide too. I went to university with a few of the scholars."
He noticed her fidgeting with the collar of her dress, doubtless where said necklace rested, and scratched his chin, thinking. Truth be told, he could likely get access to any of the research projects if he were of a mind. Everything cost money and that money passed through Morrington hands in one form or another, usually through the culture ministry, and with tensions high over the bombings, oversight had become a high priority. More than that, every minority rights group wanted an investigation into marn's history to prove they were as integral as any Synevive. It would never lead anywhere, the judges would see to that, but every new protest crossed his desk and demanded attention. Noblesse oblige did have its benefits.
"I do want to apologise for last night, or rather this morning," he said, looking uncomfortable. "I got the impression that I interrupted something rather personal, and I assure you that was not my intent."
The server stopped by again with a platter of treats and Tius thanked the boy warmly, using the opportunity to glance around at the other patrons. Alys and Erina were still quite interested in them, but they were incorrigible gossips anyway. They were getting interested glances from faces he recognized from the Gala. No one of note, but it was interesting that they'd made an impression. He had heard that the good Lady Sekhara was in a somewhat distressed state at the hospital and made a mental note to visit at some point once things had calmed down. Thankfully there were more injured than killed in the attacks, which, he suspected, was the intention, but enough had died to create openings and shake the nobility. That spoke to him of opportunity, but only if he played his cards right. Smiling apologetically, he took another sip of his coffee, savouring the taste.
"Taking you to the museum is the least I can do after invading your afternoon."
He noticed her fidgeting with the collar of her dress, doubtless where said necklace rested, and scratched his chin, thinking. Truth be told, he could likely get access to any of the research projects if he were of a mind. Everything cost money and that money passed through Morrington hands in one form or another, usually through the culture ministry, and with tensions high over the bombings, oversight had become a high priority. More than that, every minority rights group wanted an investigation into marn's history to prove they were as integral as any Synevive. It would never lead anywhere, the judges would see to that, but every new protest crossed his desk and demanded attention. Noblesse oblige did have its benefits.
"I do want to apologise for last night, or rather this morning," he said, looking uncomfortable. "I got the impression that I interrupted something rather personal, and I assure you that was not my intent."
The server stopped by again with a platter of treats and Tius thanked the boy warmly, using the opportunity to glance around at the other patrons. Alys and Erina were still quite interested in them, but they were incorrigible gossips anyway. They were getting interested glances from faces he recognized from the Gala. No one of note, but it was interesting that they'd made an impression. He had heard that the good Lady Sekhara was in a somewhat distressed state at the hospital and made a mental note to visit at some point once things had calmed down. Thankfully there were more injured than killed in the attacks, which, he suspected, was the intention, but enough had died to create openings and shake the nobility. That spoke to him of opportunity, but only if he played his cards right. Smiling apologetically, he took another sip of his coffee, savouring the taste.
"Taking you to the museum is the least I can do after invading your afternoon."
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Talia practically choked on her drink at the possible implication of what Tius had just said. Even if he hadn't meant to imply anything by it Talia still found herself flushing a little bit as she tried to explain without seeming too frazzled. "Oh no, not at all, you weren't exposing, I mean interrupting anything. It wasn't personal at all. Well not really, I had just had bad fright and Mr. Morig had been the officer assigned to my case last time. It's not as though I don't trust the other guards even though some people probably think I'd have reason not to but it was more just that he knows me and my place of work well enough I suppose I just felt more comfortable calling on him and since I was...his last assignment for the day I offered him some coffee and such as thanks for taking time for me. Not personal at all."
She finally stuttered to a stop, her face burning even more as she could actually hear the snickers from the girls a couple table over. She resisted the urge to bury her face in her hands and instead gulped the rest of her drink down hoping that the cool beverage would cool the rest of her off.
Talia couldn't believe that she had gotten so out of sorts over the one comment. She didn't know if her sudden outburst made her look more guilty or imply that she was hoping that Tius didn't get the wrong idea because she had her eyes on him. She wasn't sure why she got so flustered herself, it wasn't like Drayel would be a bad suitor but she got the impression that marriage was the last thing on his mind.
Oh goodness where is my mind going, I must be going crazy. It's probably the effect of lack of sleep and that stupid sword talking in my head She thought as she picked at the fruity square that she had chosen before all of this embarrassment. Could this day get any worse?
She finally stuttered to a stop, her face burning even more as she could actually hear the snickers from the girls a couple table over. She resisted the urge to bury her face in her hands and instead gulped the rest of her drink down hoping that the cool beverage would cool the rest of her off.
Talia couldn't believe that she had gotten so out of sorts over the one comment. She didn't know if her sudden outburst made her look more guilty or imply that she was hoping that Tius didn't get the wrong idea because she had her eyes on him. She wasn't sure why she got so flustered herself, it wasn't like Drayel would be a bad suitor but she got the impression that marriage was the last thing on his mind.
Oh goodness where is my mind going, I must be going crazy. It's probably the effect of lack of sleep and that stupid sword talking in my head She thought as she picked at the fruity square that she had chosen before all of this embarrassment. Could this day get any worse?
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Whatever response he'd been expecting, her outburst of nervous explanation was not it, and he maintain his neutral smile as she stammered her way through and back to a sullen sort of silence, picking at her food. He heard a snicker from Alys and Erina, and gave them a carefully blank look, long enough to cause concern, then winked, and Alys blanched, turning back to her table. He tried not to be one to go in for that sort of thing, but he did feel that certain...irregularities in her business should be mentioned to the competition; it was only fair after all. Turning his attention back to Talia, he realized that she was still quiet, and coughed politely to get her attention.
"I wasn't implying anything," he said, "just apologizing for intruding. Guardsman Morig does seem trustworthy."
It wasn't a platitude either; Morig may have been as unpleasant in manner as the rest of the Guard, but he did seem the type to take duty seriously. Such Guardsmen were few and far between in Marn proper, and were to be valued as such. He rather applauded Talia for securing the friendship of one, though he doubted that the act had been deliberate; Talia didn't seem the type. There was something that she was keeping inside though, and it was eating her up. He considered her words for a moment, taking another sip of his coffee to cover the pause. Clearing his throat, he drummed his fingers on the tabletop and looked her directly in the eye.
"The last time?" He asked. "You've been in trouble before?"
He did wonder why he hadn't noticed that before. If the file was in the system, surely he would have spotted Talia's name, but then there was always the chance that the Guard's curiously erratic filing system had devoured it, or that Drayel had... neglected... to report it. That was frowned upon, to put it mildly, and he doubted that Drayel would take that risk. Still, if he had... Well, a concerned citizen would have to wonder what other cases he had neglected to report.
"I wasn't implying anything," he said, "just apologizing for intruding. Guardsman Morig does seem trustworthy."
It wasn't a platitude either; Morig may have been as unpleasant in manner as the rest of the Guard, but he did seem the type to take duty seriously. Such Guardsmen were few and far between in Marn proper, and were to be valued as such. He rather applauded Talia for securing the friendship of one, though he doubted that the act had been deliberate; Talia didn't seem the type. There was something that she was keeping inside though, and it was eating her up. He considered her words for a moment, taking another sip of his coffee to cover the pause. Clearing his throat, he drummed his fingers on the tabletop and looked her directly in the eye.
"The last time?" He asked. "You've been in trouble before?"
He did wonder why he hadn't noticed that before. If the file was in the system, surely he would have spotted Talia's name, but then there was always the chance that the Guard's curiously erratic filing system had devoured it, or that Drayel had... neglected... to report it. That was frowned upon, to put it mildly, and he doubted that Drayel would take that risk. Still, if he had... Well, a concerned citizen would have to wonder what other cases he had neglected to report.
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Drayel headed out of the guardhouse with a grimace, stretching his aching shoulder as he glanced about him with a dull frown. He had washed as best he could with what little time he had, switching for a pair of clean clothes and after a long pause slowly putting his sword away. They were going to tea after all, not a battle. It would have been odd to take it with him. Still, as he walked towards the cafe he felt a bit awkward without his armor or at least a weapon. Despite the knife he kept tucked in his boot out of habit, he found himself shifting awkwardly as he reached for the invisible straps.
It seemed too quick that he appeared in front of the Markham's Cafe, his body tense as he eyed the bustling people and listened to the happy chattering. Around him was the richer of society, happily munching on pastry and biscuits as they gossiped about however was on their minds. He made a face as he began to rub at the back of his neck.
Briefly he thought about just turning around and leaving, pretending to forget or make up some wise crack of a thief he had to chase but inevitably got away. As soon as they had come though, he squashed them. These people weren't killers, they were just rich. Besides, Talia may need him and like damned was he going to leave her alone if she didn't want to be. So, with a determined growl he stiffly walked to the nearest worker and cleared his throat.
"I'm lookin' for a Tius Morrington. Him, a lady and I are suppose to meet in here." He said gruffly. "Have they been here?"
It seemed too quick that he appeared in front of the Markham's Cafe, his body tense as he eyed the bustling people and listened to the happy chattering. Around him was the richer of society, happily munching on pastry and biscuits as they gossiped about however was on their minds. He made a face as he began to rub at the back of his neck.
Briefly he thought about just turning around and leaving, pretending to forget or make up some wise crack of a thief he had to chase but inevitably got away. As soon as they had come though, he squashed them. These people weren't killers, they were just rich. Besides, Talia may need him and like damned was he going to leave her alone if she didn't want to be. So, with a determined growl he stiffly walked to the nearest worker and cleared his throat.
"I'm lookin' for a Tius Morrington. Him, a lady and I are suppose to meet in here." He said gruffly. "Have they been here?"
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Talia groaned inwardly - she clearly misunderstood his implications but she didn't really know what he wanted, or expected, from her. For that matter she didn't understand the needs and desires of most men. People in general were confusing. Plants on the other hand were simple. Sunlight, or shade respectively, water, some nice compost and they were happy and thriving.
She bit back a sigh as she finally responded hoping that she wasn't going to make things worse. "Well, it wasn't trouble per-say. There was a break in at my...at the bakery I work at. Since I live there I may have overreacted and rushed to call for help. It turns out it merely was a poor hungry boy looking for food. Poor thing stole uncooked bread dough that he couldn't even eat." She chuckled as she recalled that night. "It all turned out all right in the end, but I was quite terrified for a while and Drayel was very helpful and patient, especially consider the hour."
Talia finished her tea, finally starting to feel revitalized albeit still tired. "So..." She asked with an almost sleepy smile as she leaned forward. "What next? More tea, off to the museum, or perhaps a walk around the university? Since you got me to play hooky from work and you seem to be fairly knowledgeable about our fair city I shall leave it to you to be my tour guide."
She bit back a sigh as she finally responded hoping that she wasn't going to make things worse. "Well, it wasn't trouble per-say. There was a break in at my...at the bakery I work at. Since I live there I may have overreacted and rushed to call for help. It turns out it merely was a poor hungry boy looking for food. Poor thing stole uncooked bread dough that he couldn't even eat." She chuckled as she recalled that night. "It all turned out all right in the end, but I was quite terrified for a while and Drayel was very helpful and patient, especially consider the hour."
Talia finished her tea, finally starting to feel revitalized albeit still tired. "So..." She asked with an almost sleepy smile as she leaned forward. "What next? More tea, off to the museum, or perhaps a walk around the university? Since you got me to play hooky from work and you seem to be fairly knowledgeable about our fair city I shall leave it to you to be my tour guide."
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
He watched with a passive expression as a range of emotions ran across her face, not all of them, he suspected, having had anything to do with his actual question. She was a strange one indeed, he thought, which was practically a professional opinion coming from him. Sipping his coffee, he took a moment to savour the undertones of chocolate and caramel, wondering if Miss Idris found all conversations this difficult or if she was simply putting extra effort in on his behalf. He did noticed, with some small satisfaction, that Alys and Erina were very carefully avoiding looking their way, though it would not stop their tongues from wagging. He smiled as Talia reached the end of her story.
"A true friend in time of need then," he said, "I must remember to thank him for his diligence."
He recalled the looks of put upon aggression and fear in their eyes when they'd answered the door to him. Those were not the reactions of people who simply had to shoo away a small thief, he reflected, taking another sip of his coffee. No, something had genuinely frightened them there and made them feel unsafe. Shen had sensed it too; had smelled it and gone defensive. Had he truly been that close to it? Probably. While Talia's explanation was not the whole truth, he doubted that it was wholly a lie too, which made him all the more curious about how this small boy factored into things.
"It is too nice a day not to tour the grounds," he said, cheerfully, "although it would be impolite not to give Mister Morig a chance to get here first."
There was a commotion near one of the doors, and he glanced around, smiling wider as he recognized the silhouette.
"And here he is now. Such Timing!"
Winking conspiratorially to Talia, he rose from his seat, straightened his jacket and crossed to where Drayel was doing his damnedest to get barred from the establishment. Nodding to the rather put upon looking server, he cleared his throat and fished the appropriate amount of Bishani from his purse, slipping them into the woman's palm.
"Ah, Mister Morig," he said, "so good of you to accept my invitation, please."
He gestured to where Talia was sitting, aware of the subtle and careful lack of looks, and turned back to the server.
"Mister Morig is my guest, Tyene," he said, "may we have a second serving of drinks, please?"
"A true friend in time of need then," he said, "I must remember to thank him for his diligence."
He recalled the looks of put upon aggression and fear in their eyes when they'd answered the door to him. Those were not the reactions of people who simply had to shoo away a small thief, he reflected, taking another sip of his coffee. No, something had genuinely frightened them there and made them feel unsafe. Shen had sensed it too; had smelled it and gone defensive. Had he truly been that close to it? Probably. While Talia's explanation was not the whole truth, he doubted that it was wholly a lie too, which made him all the more curious about how this small boy factored into things.
"It is too nice a day not to tour the grounds," he said, cheerfully, "although it would be impolite not to give Mister Morig a chance to get here first."
There was a commotion near one of the doors, and he glanced around, smiling wider as he recognized the silhouette.
"And here he is now. Such Timing!"
Winking conspiratorially to Talia, he rose from his seat, straightened his jacket and crossed to where Drayel was doing his damnedest to get barred from the establishment. Nodding to the rather put upon looking server, he cleared his throat and fished the appropriate amount of Bishani from his purse, slipping them into the woman's palm.
"Ah, Mister Morig," he said, "so good of you to accept my invitation, please."
He gestured to where Talia was sitting, aware of the subtle and careful lack of looks, and turned back to the server.
"Mister Morig is my guest, Tyene," he said, "may we have a second serving of drinks, please?"
Re: Picking Up the Pieces
Realizing he was making a bad impression, Drayel felt himself stuttering a little as he tried to sound less frightening. Finally he sighed as he rubbed his nose, lips down a bit as he wondered if he could just leave and wait outside. That is until Tius came and saved his stupid ass. He sighed a little as he nodded dully at the waitress and followed after his richer friend.
"...My thanks." He grumbled as he felt his face pinked with embarrassment. He coughed into his fist before straightening himself out and setting himself into a neutral state. He stayed close to the other man's heels as he followed him through the tables. Spotting Talia his shoulders relaxed a little and a twitch of a smile grew across his face. "Greetings again, baker woman."
"Sorry for making you two wait so long." He apologized as he hesitantly took a seat beside Talia, glancing at the richer man before awkwardly scratching at the back of his neck. "Though I didn't mean to upset the waitress. I guess I have to brush up my people skills."
"...My thanks." He grumbled as he felt his face pinked with embarrassment. He coughed into his fist before straightening himself out and setting himself into a neutral state. He stayed close to the other man's heels as he followed him through the tables. Spotting Talia his shoulders relaxed a little and a twitch of a smile grew across his face. "Greetings again, baker woman."
"Sorry for making you two wait so long." He apologized as he hesitantly took a seat beside Talia, glancing at the richer man before awkwardly scratching at the back of his neck. "Though I didn't mean to upset the waitress. I guess I have to brush up my people skills."