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Post by moralhazard on Apr 21, 2019 19:57:54 GMT
Kara nodded. She thought of her own training, of working in the training yards at the guards all day long or patrolling for hours then spending her nights in the practice courts once more, learning her glaive. “Late afternoon, then?” Kara suggested. Just before the sun set would give her enough time to work in the day or night.
Kara wasn’t sure she had any idea what Dhaunmyr meant. Again. What was she supposed to be opposed to? Bars? “As you like,” she responded after a few moments, conscious of a too-long and awkward silence that seemed to stretch out like a particularly lonely stretch of road.
Kara didn’t mind the feeling of the sun on her bare skin; it was pleasant, in a way, the warmth of it sinking into her shoulders and sides and stomach. She brushed her braid onto her back, still uncomfortably aware of its new shortness.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 21, 2019 20:11:08 GMT
“Late afternoon? I suppose if it works for you, my dear.” Dhaunmyr nodded, thinking through his usual days. He could shift enough things around, ish. “I shall have you brought a letter if I can’t make it. I have to drop things sometimes. It’s unfortunate, but you have to take risks in business. Or something.”
“Oh! Wonderful. You know, I see and talk to so many people in Waterdeep, but I haven’t really managed to... make an impression on anyone yet. I was a hit down in the smaller villages, perhaps I wasn’t ready to leave that area. But, then again, I wouldn’t have met you! And I’m sure you’re at least as grateful for that as I. Even if it is for vastly different reasons.”
“So, I could give you a delightful update on all the... nevermind what I’ve been doing, basically... what have you been up to since I saw you last?” He said, looking down at her with a smile.
Dhaunmyr had been doing the usual. Nothing new or fancy to report of any real interest. Well, he had made a few larger, more expensive sales, and he had a new agreement with one of his sources, and he’d finally managed to talk to someone who was actually talented at making jewellery and they were going to meet up to exchange notes and details and he’d be able to sell the line he first wanted to make when he came to the realisation that he could just... ask people to do stuff... and then get results. He wasn’t sure what cut they’d want yet, but that was all incredibly boring and unimportant.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 21, 2019 21:17:39 GMT
Kara nodded again. Scheduling time for training in the late afternoon wouldn’t hurt her. If Dhaunmyr came, she would train him. If Dhaunmyr didn’t, she would train herself. It was well enough; the routine would help her to find her balance in the city.
Kara looked up at Dhaunmyr, contemplating his question deeply. What had she been up to? She had worked as a guard for a corrupt lord, lost a tavern fight, slept in the woods for five days and rescued three bears, looked for a cat, fought a gladiator...
Kara shrugged.
After a moment, Kara decided that, after everything today, she should try to respond aloud. Dhaunmyr was the sort of person who seemed to like talking, and perhaps he wanted her to...?
“Looking for work,” Kara answered. She paused. “You?”
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Post by enchilada on Apr 21, 2019 22:26:21 GMT
“I already told you, nevermind. It’s all boring business stuff, even if you were interested, it’s incredibly dull. Do you want to hear about my late night math? Probably not.” He laughed, gently brushing the back of his hand against hers as he brought it down from a gesture. It could be taken as accidental, or not. It wasn’t anything substantial enough to matter. “You’re interesting no matter what, a... bear, an orc type thing, and you’re managing to find time for work? Perhaps you could come with me when I move on, guard the caravan type job. I pay competitive rates, especially for friends.”
It wasn’t a finally or eventually, but they did get to where Dhaunmyr had been living for a while. He stopped outside the door, stared at it for a few seconds, then turned his back and shook his head. “Kara I need you to look first. Don’t say it, I know I’m behaving like a child. Or rather. Don’t think it and keep it to yourself in a way I still feel like you’re letting me know I’m childish. I can read eyes.”
He stepped out of the way of the door. “You’re looking for a blonde half elf woman who’s wearing all green and gold, and she’ll be with a brunette dwarf woman in pink. If you can’t see a half elf, look for an elf, I don’t blame your human eyes for making that kind of mistake. Well, a little. But it doesn’t matter right now.”
If she poked her head around the door, Kara would indeed see the pair, brightly dressed as described. The blonde woman was tall, with an almost exaggerated hourglass figure, she had multiple golden studs shining in her face, and her arms were heavily stacked with golden bangles. For knowing Dhaunmyr, she was oddly enough only wearing one ring. She was definitely pretty, but she was also wearing a lot of makeup that obscured her natural beauty. Her companion was far more practically dressed, although still very brightly in pink. She had long brown hair that was braided into her beard, and she seemed to be extremely engrossed in whatever the green lady was saying.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 21, 2019 22:43:37 GMT
Kara nodded a little in response to Dhaunmyr’s suggestion, intended not so much as yes as an agreement that it was interesting. Honestly, if she were going to guard another merchant caravan – well – at least she knew Dhaunmyr. She didn’t think she would mind it as much as she had with the Freewolves. She didn’t think Dhaunmyr was the type to drag protesting girls off into the woods, or get annoyed if Kara wanted to stop and return a doll to a little girl. Kara looked at Dhaunmyr, blinked, and then nodded, accepting this strange request with the same equanimity with which she had his other quirks and foibles. She stepped forward, opened the door, and peered inside. Kara wasn’t what anyone would have called subtle, but at least she was short, and unknown to his friends. She spotted them immediately, the very tall blonde with the sort of figure Kara had never and never would have, and that she had been endlessly envious of for about six months in her teens. The dwarf was equally obvious; Kara liked dwarves, she’d grown up and served with them, and she was as fluent in Dwarvish as she was in Common.
Were these his friends? Kara wasn't exactly sure why he was so afraid of them, or what, exactly, Kara needed to be there for. She was already feeling a little anxious about it; did he want her to explain... that he'd been chased down the street? That she'd beat up the men chasing him? That the bandages on his hands were due to training, not Dhaunmyr trying to beat up the men chasing him? None of that seemed like something Kara wanted to say, but she had already promised, so - she would try. Kara closed the door, turned to Dhaunmyr, and nodded again. Yes, they were there.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 21, 2019 23:10:15 GMT
“Okay, so, whew, okay. Basically Faerveren is going to notice my hands the second I step through there, and uh. Maybe we can leave out the thing about the guys in the alley? Mostly I think it would spook them because I’m supposed to be the best at that kind of thing out of the three of us, it’s not true, but whatever. Just like, I suppose to truly squeeze past any filters or perceptive ears, we simply ignore it outright! And, it would be true to suggest you... lightly... encouraged me to train, and such shall become more regular from here on, that seems plenty fair enough.” He seemed to slip back into his big, long train of thought that babbled for weeks on end for a simple concept’s explanation. Again, another thing they’d likely pick up on. He’d been trying to speak plainly, without need for additional attention, but his friends seemed to pull his longest metaphors out.
Dhaunmyr fixed his hair as best he could, and opened the door, for once not waiting for a companion to cross before he did, simply for ease.
As predicted, Faerveren turned as soon as she caught him in the corner of her eye. She got to him before he got to her, and she took a step back to eye him up and down. It didn’t seem to click for a brief moment of peace, before she grabbed Dhaunmyr’s hands and began demanding, rather loudly, but not unpleasantly, in fact, her voice was probably pretty if she wasn’t shrieking melodically, exactly what had happened with them. Brennip hadn’t moved. Instead she just held her head in her hands. Faerveren caused too much drama.
“Fae, it’s nothing serious at all, trust me, look. I have an entire witness.” Dhaunmyr wrestled a hand free to kindly gesture towards Kara. “This is Miss Bellringer, Kara, this is Miss Songsteel.” His calm definitely caught the latter off guard, usually he’d cry about scraping up an elbow, but yet...
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 21, 2019 23:18:18 GMT
Kara was very, very happy to have Dhaunmyr tell her what he wanted her to say. That was much simpler. She nodded in easy agreement. Again.
Kara followed Dhaunmyr inside. She felt – strangely out of place in the inn. Last time, she’d at least had a tunic on; Kara wasn’t so fussy about such things, but it was a little odd to only be wearing her breast band and leggings in a comfortable-but-fancy inn. One hand held her glaive rather tightly, the butt of it resting against the ground much like a walking stick.
Kara winced, slightly, when Faerveren started shrieking. Her natural inclination was to shrink back, away from the noise, but it seemed like doing so would be to abandon Dhaunmyr, and Kara had said she would help, so she couldn’t back out of her commitment now. No matter how much she wanted to.
Kara swallowed a little, trying to follow what was going on. For once Dhaunmyr was relatively to the point; he gestured to her what felt like straight away, and made a brief introduction. Kara let out a long exhale, eyes surprisingly wide in her small, tanned, slightly scarred face. “Hello,” Kara said, quietly and politely.
Was she supposed to mention the training now? Kara wasn’t sure and it was all rather overwhelming. Should she wait and let Dhaunmyr explain? That would be best, Kara decided. It was definitely better if Dhaunmyr explained and she just nodded or maybe made some encouraging noises.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 21, 2019 23:47:43 GMT
“So, let me just. Kara here had caught me on her way to do some weapons training-“ “That doesn’t sound very safe! Dhaunmyr you have to be careful! You’re stil-“ “Anyway, she got me going with her. And just. I started punching some stuff down there. It’s good exercise.” Dhaunmyr winced. Internally, only, of course, but he felt that was kind of weak. He didn’t need to exercise, particularly. If anything he needed to do the opposite, and Faerveren knew that.
She stared at him and didn’t seem to quite buy the whole story. She recognised he probably didn’t want to trail on and on because she was squeezing his hand like it was nobody’s business and, Faerveren had quite the stare. It softened when she turned to Kara. “Darling, is this an accurate representation of today’s events? It’s more of a health worry than anything else! He won’t look after himself.”
Dhaunmyr rolled his eyes. He was sick of her acting like the eldest sister with him, where she got just about everything her way, and told everyone everything they didn’t need confirmation of but probably picked up at some stage. That said, she hadn’t gone on in any detail. “Brenn, could you... get her off my hand please? I need it. I’m left handed...”
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 21, 2019 23:52:48 GMT
Technically, everything Dhaunmyr had said was true. Kara had actually been on her way to do some weapons training. She wasn’t sure how he knew that. Maybe he didn’t? Either way, Kara was thoroughly relieved; she didn’t like to lie, and she had no skill with it. He didn’t just start punching stuff down there, and – it wasn’t really very good exercise, in Kara’s opinion, but that wasn’t something she needed to say herself. She hoped.
Faerveren was staring very intently at Dhaunmyr, and gripping his hand in a way that looked – painful.
Kara’s eyes were still wide and nervous, even if Faerveren’s stare at her wasn’t quite so intense. She nodded, her first reaction. She wasn’t sure what Faerveren had been starting to say about Dhaunmyr – was something wrong with him? He seemed fine to Kara; he was certainly strong.
Kara took another deep breath, in and out, swallowing hard. “Yes, he – did very well,” Kara added, doing her best to be helpful. She glanced at Dhaunmyr, then back at Faerveren, then to the dwarf, then back to Dhaunmyr. “I was just - training him.”
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Post by enchilada on Apr 22, 2019 0:09:17 GMT
It didn’t take much. A river of syllables or a drop, Faerveren would have been satisfied either way. She didn’t care, too much, what Dhaunmyr was doing, as much as who few words, and a good look, and Faerveren had her mind made up instantly. Kara Bellringer was a good enough person to look after Dhaunmyr if he couldn’t get home properly, and it had happened. He got spooked, then he fainted. If he maybe did more for himself he wouldn’t be like that, or maybe he’d be able to do things in bursts longer than an hourglass half done already. It was hard being a single mother to one dark elf when you weren’t single and he was double your age. But he certainly wasn’t in maturity.
“Alright, if you really prefer hanging out and getting all sweaty with your new best friend than breakfast with us! That’s fine!” She laughed. She again turned back to Kara. “Thank you.”
Faerveren finally let go, and Dhaunmyr smiled, shaking off his hand. Just as he started to walk past her, she pulled him into a sudden hug, one he couldn’t really get out of, but he did return it with enthusiasm. “Sorry for sneaking off for a week straight. But I’ve promised Kara a fine tutorial of my own! And you may not know of its description until many months have passed, for a reason I intend to keep between the two of us and nobody else! For the simple fact that I don’t trust you and your gossiping jawline as far as I can throw you. And, no offence...”
As he finally got free and walked past her, Faerveren ruined his hair with one hand through it. He shook his head once more and simply waved to Brennip, then started his way upstairs, poking his head down to see if Kara would follow. He assumed she would. But just in case.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 22, 2019 0:34:26 GMT
Kara relaxed a little when Faerveren accepted the explanation. Kara’s eyes widened a little when the taller woman thanked her. She liked being thanked for reasons she didn’t understand even less than she liked being thanked for reasons she did understand, but Kara wasn’t willing – at all – to ask for clarification. Instead, she just managed an awkward sort of nod, her grip on her glaive tightening a little more.
Faerveren and Dhaunmyr hugged, and Dhaunmyr walked off.
Kara stood there for a moment, looking at Faerveren and Brennip. She looked – nervous, unaccountably nervous, then blurted out – “Nice to meet you,” and all but fled after Dhaunmyr.
A tutorial of her own? Was that what Dhaunmyr had promised her? Now that the nerve-wracking talking-to-new-people part was over, Kara started to wonder just what she’d gotten herself in to. Dhaunmyr hadn’t given her any reason not to trust him. She could leave, Kara told herself, at any time. If she was uncomfortable, if he – if she wanted to leave, she could. It wasn’t like Dhaunmyr could stop her; Kara was pretty certain about that. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, but she would, rather than – rather than be uncomfortable.
All the same, Kara’s hand tightened a little on the shaft of her glaive as she followed Dhaunmyr up the stairs. She tried to let the thoughts go; what would come would come, and worrying wasn’t the same as preparation.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 22, 2019 1:11:06 GMT
Dhaunmyr rooted through his pockets, finally finding his key. He opened up the door to his room. “Sorry if there’s any mess. I just don’t have time.” Dhaunmyr said, sheepishly. It wasn’t quite true, but it was near enough the truth.
That said, it wasn’t terrible. His bed was made immaculately, but it had several piles of clothes chucked onto it thoughtlessly. Except that was his outfit planning this morning, so it wasn’t, and he’d defend it to death. The bed itself looked extremely comfy, and Dhaunmyr certainly took advantage of that, even if he didn’t strictly speaking need to. It was big, wooden frame, lots of pillows — lots. Too many, maybe. He undid the buckle on the belt strapped around him and tossed the bag onto the bed as he sauntered further into the room. There were a few bags on the floor, granted, but they were right next to the bed, and not of any interest to him at that time, but other than that, nothing but a nice rug, and a white sheet he’d stretched out across the floor.
The room wasn’t cramped by any means, but he had previously moved some things around, for example, the desk was right by the bed now, clearly facing it so he could do his numbers without so much as rolling over. The books were still there, open, and he made a point to close them. He could at least pretend to be actually wealthy a little longer, instead of pretend rich. Another thing that was drastically out of place was the oversized canvas on the white sheet, propped against the wall. He had clearly been working on it for a long time, and it was probably a struggle to get it up the stairs. Even so, he approached it with a kind of familiar ease.
The canvas had a very large sketch on it, maybe a little scaled up from life, of a woman. She had long, fluidly flowing hair, and a sword. Not much else was clear, but he had started the painting process, light washes and such. In the top corner, something he had dragged the chair over to reach, he’d started to fill in the block colours, bright and beautiful, unnatural, almost pulled out the feywilds. The face had recieved attention, too. The skin was soft, onyx, and again, somehow vibrant in an otherworldly way.
“This here is what I spend my spare time on, it’s okay, it’s taken ages, nowhere near where I want it to be, but. Oh she’s beautiful isn’t she?” He seemed breathless, as airy and ethereal as the woman in the painting.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 22, 2019 1:34:42 GMT
Something about Dhaunmyr’s room reached into Kara’s chest and bit down. Standing in the doorway and looking around it was hard for her to know why, at least for a few moments. She just looked – the bed, stuffed with pillows, the desk, pulled comfortably next to it with books spread out over it, the bags and the canvas, it felt –
The space felt like Dhaunmyr. It felt like Dhaunmyr’s. Maybe it wasn’t much – maybe he didn’t see it that way – but it sent a wave of homesickness and longing through Kara, for a time when she’d had – things, had had a space that had felt like home, that was more than just a bed and a roof. The feeling passed as quickly as it had come, and Kara breathed calmly through it, expression smoothing out again into stillness. Acceptance, she told herself – not dwelling. There was no help in dwelling, only harm.
Kara stepped over the threshold, carefully propping her glaive against the wall, and slowly crossed the room, looking at Dhaunmyr’s canvas. She didn’t know what to make of the woman; it was hard to make her out. She looked – otherworldly, like how Kara would imagine a goddess. Dhaunmyr asked if she was beautiful, and Kara glanced at him, then back at the canvas.
“Yes,” Kara agreed, quietly. “Very beautiful.”
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Post by enchilada on Apr 22, 2019 1:52:04 GMT
“Eilistraee. It’s her. She brought me here, she guided me my whole life. I know she did. I wish I could just paint her forever, but. Unfortunately I have to do things, like socialise and work.” He shrugged, rolling his eyes. “Plus, I think if I was a god who pried people free from the demon queen? I’d be pretty annoyed if people sat and painted me all day, especially if I was mostly concerned with the ways of song, and dance, and beauty, oh and hunting but. I don’t eat meat. I still do archery, I suppose that sort of counts. But I didn’t show you this to rant about Eilistraee and how amazing she is. I wanted to do what I was gonna do anyway with you, and that is draw, paint, whatever. I’m not great at it by any means but I find it the perfect way to relax. And since you quite put me on edge earlier, you can relax a little with me.”
He went for the bag he threw on the bed, and retrieved from it a box. Varnished wood, covered in ink and paint. He flipped it open, and retrieved some loose papers. “Do you want to... draw some fruit? It’s all I really have it for anyway. That said, the barmaid is going to come up here with cheese at some point and in honesty I’m famished, don’t know about you.” He wasn’t necessarily talking to Kara at this stage, as he pulled a bowl off of the actual bedside table. “Every day I end up with more fruit. Would it kill them to not make me feel so bad? I have a feeling it’s not the actual protocol, though. Fae can be weird, and she booked the rooms.” He shrugged and gently placed it on the end of his bed. Then he threw open the window.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 22, 2019 1:57:34 GMT
Draw… some… fruit?
Kara looked down at the box laying open, at the papers, the brushes and ink, then back at Dhaunmyr. Kara looked down at her hands, the backs first, slowly turning them over to examine the palms, as if trying to figure out whether they were capable of such a thing. She looked back up at Dhaunmyr, feeling a sudden surge of panic and wondering if this was how she’d made him feel earlier, when she’d asked him to try to do some punches.
Kara looked at the fruit again. For once, her stomach wasn’t growling with hunger, but the fruit still looked lovely and delicious. Cheese – cheese sounded good as well. Kara loved cheese. Could she eat the fruit instead of drawing it? She knew, at least, that she could eat it.
Dhaunmyr was puttering around the room, arranging the fruit, flinging open the windows, chattering to himself.
“I don’t know how to draw,” Kara blurted the words out. To her absolute shock, she felt – heat, growing in her cheeks. Was she – blushing? Kara touched her cheeks with callused fingers. Yes – she was warm. She couldn’t think of the last time she’d blushed, she couldn’t – she was trembling a little, looking at Dhaunmyr, back at the fruit, back at the papers, then down at her hands away, squeezing them into fists. She shook her head a little, rejecting the idea.
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