"Maybe you have... whats it called...?" Crowley paused for a moment. "Test anxiety, right? By the way, they tried to pin that one on me. And it wasn't my doing." he muttered in a low whisper. He hated it when he was given credit for things he didn't do. Especially when it wasn't something he would wish on his worst enemy.
"Um, about the whole falling in love thing. I'm sure Aziraphale wouldn't. He's... married to his job. Always has been." Crowley explained. "He helps people. Sort of like a doctor, but he... well, practices on his own." The explanation was awkward at best. He could have chuckled at Duke's lucky guess that Aziraphale would be 'like an angel', mostly because he was one. "He appears broody sometimes because sees a few things that upset him in his line of work. That's really why I have to treat him to lunch once in a while. Actually, there are times we both need to cope."
Crowley stretched and rested his hands behind his head. "He wouldn't mind meeting another reader though. I don't take to that literature stuff. I'd rather live it than read it, that's what I say. Aziraphale calls me reckless for saying that. I just find it more exciting."
Although Crowley had long stopped sipping Vodka, he'd lost count of how many drinks Duke had. He sat upright, and then touched one of the martini glasses that was nearest to him. Ice appeared - it would be enough to dilute it, and having a drink "on the rocks" was all the rage nowadays. Crowley wasn't sure why he did that. Something about the sheer amount his human acquaintance had consumed didn't sit right with him. It would have made him feel worse if someone he'd just talked to one minute was keeled over or worse the next.
"I changed my name, you know." he said, keeping a cheerful mask to hide his concern. "It was ridiculous before. Crawly. I mean, really. Just because I liked to ... well, slither out of bed rather than jump up bright like these too-energetic morning people. I hated it."
"A non-believer, huh? Your kind are getting more common, and I don't blame you." said Crowley. There was a lot wrong with the world, that was for sure. But there were too many things he loved about earth to watch it go up in flames back in 1990. He shrugged when Duke seemed surprised that not all of 'his' kind were bad. "Some of us are worse than others. I think the older ones are just too stubborn to change. They still think that it's the 14th century and that we have to be all fire and brimstone and pitchforks. They haven't moved with the times. We don't even have phone lines down there. At least they harass me less that way."
Duke's last sentence struck close to home. There were times, where he wondered if Free Will had been a mistake and if humanity's nature was defaulted to evil. But along with the wicked deeds, small miracles and acts of good redeemed them. Humanity had both, in balance. That balance had been what he fought for alongside Aziraphale.
"Hey. Take a look at this place. Good drinks, probably good food if we want it. Wonderful music, and..." he glanced at the brunet beside him when he spoke next. "Not bad company either. Earth's all right. It's not perfect, but it's better than my... teammates taking over. Or even worse, if Heaven takes over. Anything one-sided is terrible, so that's why we have a full circle, right?"
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:32 pm
Misuki Marishima
Duke shrugged and took a sip of his drink. "That's probably my case. It's either that I have test anxiety or I'm just a stupid piece of crap." He yawned and drummed lightly on the bar counter. "Those jerks! What did you do them afterwards? I can't stand people like that." Even drunk, Duke could have a rational conversation. He probably wouldn't remember half of it the next morning, but it was worth it to forget all of his troubles for just one night. That was all he needed.
Duke burst out laughing when Crowley mentioned that Aziraphale was married to his job. "Funny. I was only joking. I'll admit, the drinks must be getting to me. However, I just can't stop drinking. I don't want to stop. It feels nice." As Crowley described Aziraphale and his line of work, Duke rubbed his chin. "A doctor of sorts? Well, if you're a demon, is he something supernatural? I mean, he could be a human, but I just assumed. I'm sorry. Just ignore that." He waved his right hand in the air as if warding off something evil. "I can understand why a doctor would be upset though. They see some things that no human or anybody else would want to see for that matter."
Duke stared up at the cafe's ceiling. "I'm sure Allison would drop whatever book she was reading and meet him gladly. In school, everybody teased her for reading. I think it would be a nice change of pace for her. I'm like you, I'd rather live it, but there are times when I do my research." Well, Allison forced him to do his research. It wasn't something that Duke wanted to do. The only books he read were law books helping him to study and become a lawyer.
Duke saw Crowley reach over and touch his glass. He smiled as a thank-you. He didn't want to pass out, and Crowley didn't want him to pass out. "I probably should quit. You're right." He reached forward and downed his last glass, but the stupid bartender put another one before him. The glare in Duke's eyes were so strong that the bartender hurried away from the scene quickly. "Ugh, that guy just wants me to pay for it. I hate him."
Duke let out an amused chuckle. "Crawly? I couldn't imagine anyone calling you that. In fact, I'm sort of glad you did change your name."
He nodded along as Crowley said he was a non-believer. "I just don't. If there is a God, he abandoned me anyway. Hell doesn't seem like somewhere I'd like to go, but Heaven seems too perfect." As Crowley explained about the other demons around, Duke finished his last martini glass. "I know lots of humans who are stubborn. I have to say, I'm glad that you're with the times Crowley. You know how to blend in and have fun. That's why I like being around you." Duke paused after the last sentence. He had just me the guy, and already Duke was saying that he enjoyed Crowley's company. Sure, he was fun-loving and zesty, but was it too soon to be certain?
Crowley's words of motivation and encouragement made Duke brighten up a bit. "Yeah, the drinks are stupendous, and I've heard wonderful comments about the food. I love the music, and well, there are some good-looking women here. That being said, I'm still in the recovering phase from my last relationship. It pains me to think about it." Just mentioning her made Duke crave another drink, yet he held off the urge. It was time to be serious. "I wouldn't want Heaven or Hell taking over Earth. The full cycle is what I want, but sometimes, I feel as if my life is like a living hell." As Duke said these words, his stomach rumbled softly. He turned to Crowley and smiled his signature crooked smile.
"Hey, what do you say we see what the food here tastes like? I'm starved."
For a non-believer, Duke sure asked a lot of questions. Crowley usually didn't get that from atheists. He would cause extra trouble in their presence just to spite them, but well, this person he'd met here tonight seemed to be the scholarly type. Possibly the type who would want to look beyond what they were taught by their parents and - he grimaced at the thought - the Church.
He'd first asked if Aziraphale was supernatural. "Er, I guess you could say he's ethereal? That's what he calls it anyway. He's an angel. One of the only decent ones. We've both been here a very long time and he's made my stay here enjoyable most of the time." He paused, thinking about what he just said. "And don't tell him I said that. He'd start getting all sentimental and then he'd never let me hear the end of it."
Crowley laughed about that, because it was true. And since him and Aziraphale were probably here for an eternity, he really wouldn't hear the end of it.
But then Duke mentioned how he thought the Man Upstairs had forsaken him. Crowley's face fell, and his mood came crashing down from cloud nine like an unwelcome meteor strike. "I have my reasons for... well, sauntering out of Heaven. But as far as I know, He doesn't forsake anyone, not even someone like me. It probably doesn't surprise you to hear that I've faced a lot of battles. Now, usually the angel has to patch me up, but I've always made it out fine!"
He paused again. He wasn't sure what made Duke think he was living a life equivalent to the Fiery Gates themselves. But Crowley couldn't control himself, and he had to know more. "What have you gone through, anyway? If there were any dropped cell phone calls around your place recently, that was my fault. Er." Crowley looked away, embarrassed to admit it. "I've also emptied a few gas tanks on the way to town. I don't usually meet the car owners when I do that."
“I’ll get anything on the menu. My treat.” He offered quickly. It was the only way he could think to make up for his wiles, if he’d accidentally targeted this human who said he liked his company. He didn't have it in him to directly apologize.
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:42 pm
Misuki Marishima
Duke took his feet off of the bar counter and leaned forward on the stool. He turned towards Crowley and folded his hands together, placing them near his chin. This was a thinking pose for Duke. He had read in a book somewhere that humans angle their body towards those who they like and angle their body away from those they don't. Interesting. Unconsciously, Duke seemed to be warming up to Crowley. It was about time he found a friend to talk to as well. Duke needed someone to distract him from his worst enemy, himself.
An angel? Perhaps Duke had a chance at healing himself. "Does Aziraphale only heal physical wounds, or can he heal emotional and mental wounds too? Also, can you define your version of 'decent'? Everyone has their own standards, and I would like to learn yours." It was true. Duke thought that being a decent human meant that you looked out for others, yet you could still be honest and tell them what they needed to improve. Another example would be someone being there for you when you needed it. Those were Duke's standards for a decent human anyway. He wasn't exactly sure if Crowley was interested in hearing them.
"Until the crimson heartbeat of this body fall silent, I Duke Elmersson, pledge to keep silent about Anthony J. Crowley's secrets." Duke spoke with one hand over his heart and a genuine smile on his face. "That is my promise to you, Crowley." A bright smile lit up Duke's face after he had said that. He knew what it was like to be teased, so he didn't want Crowley to be introduced to that kind of pain, whether again or for the first time.
Duke's eyes lost the glint in them when Crowley and him starting conversing about forsaking and being forsaken by God. However, Crowley made a good point. "That's very true. You are a demon, and you did leave his haven, but I guess you could say he forgave you. I honestly have no idea why the stuff in my life is so terrible, but maybe forsaken isn't the right word for it. I don't feel abandoned; I rather feel betrayed." Even so, Duke was still accusing God. "I feel as if God betrayed me, yet deep down in my heart, I know that isn't true. It's what I would like to believe."
Duke chuckled a small chuckle before telling Crowley what was bothering him so. "Oh, nothing as small as a leaking gas tank or a dropped phone call is what's torturing me. My problems are heartbreaking. They make one feel like they want to die just thinking about it." He signaled the bartender for another drink. No matter how hard he was trying to stop, this story needed to be told with a martini, or there would be the chance that Duke would break down.
"I was born twenty-four years ago. My mother named me because she wanted me to have a noble life. My father left me at a very young age. Then, my mother started to become a stranger to me. She would sit in the dark basement, staring at the corner and mumbling over and over to herself. Her sister was the one who truly raised me. I liked my aunt, but she passed away when I was in high school. It was a shock, but I'm over it now. I was bullied throughout my school years for being...different. Everyone else had normal parents, normal lives, whatever. I moved out when I was sixteen and rented my own apartment. I graduated and was accepted into law school." Duke paused and downed his drink. The sadder, raw part in his story was coming up, and he needed to numb his pain. Two more drinks were consumed before Duke continued on.
"Right before I went away to law school, I met a truly amazing girl. We befriended each other and went out drinking when I was on break and whatnot. She would carry me home when we partied hard. Those were the only weekends I skipped my studies. She soon became my girlfriend whom I loved very, very dearly. I missed her so much when I was busy with school. I finally graduated and continued my studies, as you already know. This was the period of my life where I felt unstoppable. I had a girlfriend, I graduated, I held down a stable job as a waiter. I felt like nothing would go wrong." The grip on Duke's glass tightened, and it shattered all over him. "Crap, I didn't expect that." He smiled sheepishly and grabbed a napkin, wiping himself off and carefully picking the glass shards off of him. "I'm fine; don't worry about me."
After Duke was cleaned up for the most part, he turned back to Crowley. "Where was I? Oh, yeah! I dated Lucia for four years, and I was seriously contemplating marriage. The week I was planning on buying the ring, I got a call from the hospital. Apparently, my mom had been having fits, and they expected that she would not live much longer. Even though she had left me, I went and sat by her side for days on end. Sometimes, my girlfriend would come with me, and we would talk to her. After three months of being hospitalized, my mother passed away. I saw her dying moments. In those moments, I held her hand." Tears dotted the corner of Duke's eyes, so he hung his head to keep Crowley from seeing them. Crying wasn't what Duke expected. He downed another martini, and they dried up a bit. "Everything went downhill from there. Lucia hated the fact that I was being so soft. I sat in the corner and stared at the wall, thinking about her, and I guess she was jealous that I wasn't spending any time with her. She dumped me, and I felt as if I had lost everything in my life. I feel as if I'll never be the same."
Crowley's sudden kindness sort of threw Duke off-guard. "Thank you so much. I was let go from the restaurant under false accusations. They thought I stole from the cash register because I was 'shady' or whatever. It helps every little bit." His pale blue eyes scanned the menu that had been next to him the entire time. "Well, now you know what I went through. Tell me, why did you leave Heaven? I'm a little curious. Everyone has their reasons for doing things, and I'm curious. Always have been."
Crowley was surprised at the human's sudden disregard for personal space. Hadn't he just scolded him earlier for knocking him off his bar stool? Either way, it was odd being on the receiving end of it for once. He'd wondered if he'd made Aziraphale this uncomfortable when he snuck behind him and other such things. Crowley made a mental note not to do that so much anymore.
"The angel can help people heal inside, but it takes effort on their part too." he explained. "I know it from experience. Aziraphale pulled me out of a lot of things. It's not like he can wave a magic wand and make everything disappear, mind you. But he's got a way of making people see the light."
He smiled contentedly when he spoke of the angel - his only true ally who was ironically on the opposite "side" to him. Of course, they'd been around each other long enough to disregard things like sides, and focus on what they could do for the mortal world they'd made their home in.
And perhaps that's why Crowley was led here, to a cafe that wasn't his usual haunt, but never the less where he met someone who spoke of God's betrayal and the story of how his world turned upside down. Crowley could do nothing but listen as Duke's story unfolded. He and Aziraphale usually made it a point to avoid getting up close and personal with the humans - and this was why.
Some of the things they told you could even make a demon stunned in silence. But Crowley never once looked away or showed any signs of ignoring the human near him. Like many other times tonight, he just couldn't figure out what to say.
It was no small wonder that Duke thought God had turned His back on him. Crowley knew that many other humans felt similar to him because they too, had faced a horrible misfortune. Even Crowley himself wanted to curse the Man Upstairs and get entirely plastered at times, but there was always something that stopped him. And that feeling was here again.
Even if all the negatives were out there plain as day, they didn't add up. As he'd said before - anything one-sided was terrible. This human's life had been awful, but Crowley wanted to believe there was still a chance for him.
So the demon put up his best smile - a genuine one that was pretty close to cracking when the human's life story was all said and done. "They have fish and chips here, if that's your thing. Or shrimp." he suggested. There were other seafood dishes, burgers, this place was an all-in-one! The thought of that excited Crowley almost too much.
It was enough for him to decide on ordering the Fish and Chips, the first thing on the menu. He couldn't help but order an English staple - he was homesick. Or at the very least - he missed London, which was pretty much his home on earth.
While Duke was mulling over the menu, Crowley chuckled when he asked about his story of leaving the Pearly Gates.
"I can't say it's anything as bad as what you've told me. Actually, it's not even bad or scary." Crowley said simply. "I just thought there was more to life than just following orders. Me and a few others... sneaked out and some of them were tempted by the Big Seven for power. I never really wanted power, or revenge or anything. I just wanted to see what it was like somewhere else. It was like you mentioned earlier - Heaven was too perfect, and at the time, Earth wasn't around. I think if it was, things would have turned out different. I would have fallen here, not Down There. But I ended up here anyway, so it all works out. And I more or less have my freedom. They really don't care what I do - as long as I'm causing some kind of mischief."
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:41 pm
Misuki Marishima
Duke was too drunk too notice Crowley's sudden reaction to the lack of personal space. He had no idea that he was being a hypocrite. However, it was a way for Duke to just let loose. It had been a long time since he had felt this free. Finally, he was able to spread his wings and move about. This was the drunk version of Duke: Free as a bird. He didn't care one bit what anyone thought or said when he drank. Perhaps he had driven Lucia away by acting like this. He could be truly oblivious at times.
Crowley's description of Aziraphale's healing powers made Duke want to run around shouting and screaming. This was his salvation. He didn't care how he had to work to be healed. He just wanted to put his past behind him and move on. However, when he tried to do that on his own, he never could. Duke needed someone to work with him. Aziraphale was most likely the person Duke needed. "I didn't expect that he carried a wand around with him. I don't care how much work I have to do to improve. I'm willing to commit one hundred ten percent." He added a little wink at the end of his statement.
When he saw Crowley's deep look of contemplation and pondering, Duke leaned forward and waved his hands in front of the demon's eyes, attempting to distract him. It was something stupid that only Duke would do when he was drunk. He could be very obnoxious when he let loose.
After Duke had finished his life story about misfortune, he was taken aback when Crowley smiled. Perhaps the demon thought there was hope left in store for him. After all, Duke's life did seem a little one-sided. The smile was enough to reassure Duke that things could be okay. Perhaps meeting Crowley was his salvation.
Duke's stomach then rumbled. Throughout the conversation, Duke had ignored the fact that he had been hungry. He felt as if he hadn't eaten a bit in days. Duke the pored over the menu and decided on a nice pound of steamed shrimp. He looked at Crowley. "You can have some of my shrimp if you want. I am ordering a pound, after all." A weak smile crossed Duke's face. It was time to put frowning behind him.
Duke nodded as he listened to the demon's story. "I understand the feeling. I despise following orders. There's much more to life than that. However, I think it's great that you resisted the Big Seven. I certainly wouldn't have been able to do that. I think I would fall at pride." He chuckled at the thought even though it wasn't necessarily something one would laugh about. "If I would have been born then, I probably would have ventured with you. I enjoy freedom, but being a human doesn't permit you lots of it."
OOC: I'm so sorry I didn't reply to this topic sooner! I had lots of art requests to complete, and I've been questing. I also have to get ready for school because it's starting up again next week. Please forgive me! I really missed this role-play. Also, I'll be traveling out of town this Saturday and Sunday. (August Sixteenth and August Seventeenth) However, I may not be back until next Monday.
Crowley smiled when he heard of the human's commitment to making his life better. It wasn't like some of the others, who expected Aziraphale (or the other angels, good luck with that) to solve their problems with a snap of their fingers. He would make the effort himself, and that was all he wanted to hear.
"I'm warning you. If and when the angel finds you, he's probably going to fret like a mother hen. He's like that." Crowley wanted to add that Aziraphale was like that toward him especially, but he left that part out because he didn't understand why. "Get past that part of him though, and you see what makes him... well, what I consider decent, like I said earlier! He doesn't look down on people. He's one of the few who actually wants to forgive instead of smite people. And, well..." Crowley carried on with the fish and chips, nipping a few bites of the large order of shrimp Duke had graciously placed between the two of them so that they could each have their shares. Duke did invite Crowley to take whatever he wanted, and he could hardly resist.
He dipped one of the fries he had in a small cup of ketchup, letting out a sigh when the subject inevitably turned to his fall from Heaven. "Now, listen. I don't mind people saying they'd leave Up There, because it's boring. But don't be in a hurry to go Downstairs. It hasn't been worth it. I mean, I have my freedom now, but before I came to earth, things were different. I think they'd be even more different if I didn't form the Arrangement with that bookworm angel."
He paused, as if he were thinking again. "I wonder where he's at. I should bug him." Crowley muttered. From his pocket, he pulled out a smartphone, and began texting a rather familiar number.
"Do you solemnly swear you're up to no good, angel? >8D"
~~~
Aziraphale was late. It shouldn't have been possible for an angel to be late, but even a miracle couldn't give back the four hours he spent thumbing through the pages of Shakespeare's works - both well-known and obscure. By the time Crowley's (rather frantic) text messages came through for him to "get his nose out of the books and go out for a change", it was already 7 PM. Although he wasn't truly hungry, he had to keep up appearances. And so, he swung by the only place that was open at the time.
It looked like a busy place, but it seemed like the GPS signal from Crowley's phone had led him into this noisy establishment. Aziraphale sighed. He wondered why his demonic counterpart would choose a place like this, and not a nice, quiet restaurant, like the one they were used to dining in London. He tried to maneuver around the late night crowd quickly. Somehow, it seemed like everyone stayed out of his way or otherwise found themselves stepping around him.
The angel only stopped when he felt a vibration from his phone. He looked down at the text message, and frowned.
"Very mature, Crowley. >I" he texted back.
It didn't take him long to find Crowley after sending that. All he had to do was follow the trail of laughter. There was something strange though. There was another voice joining in Crowley's reverie. Aziraphale stepped closer. And sure enough, there was Crowley, and whoever his company was.
Aziraphale had it in him to embarrass the demon in front of whoever it was. He was probably just working his wiles on the poor unfortunate soul, anyhow.
"Dear, where have you been? You should have picked me up hours ago." Aziraphale stated.
"Ah, I can explain-" Crowley looked back at him, with that "deer in the headlights" look about him. He cursed the angel under his breath for being able to so easily embarrass him.
"I'm sure you can. Everyone here has drank at least one too many, and I'm sure it's your doing." Aziraphale said, a tad sharply.
"I've been right here." Crowley said quickly. "I haven't caused trouble, honest! I've been right here, with this guy. Actually, you should meet him."
Aziraphale pulled Crowley close to him, so only the two of them could hear. "Crowely. I would hate to burst your bubble, but do you even know what you're doing? I'm not sure if you can sense what I can, but his soul-"
"Angel, I know. That's why you have to get involved." Crowley answered hastily.
"Me?"
"Sure! You're still into the whole "guiding lost souls back on the righteous path" thing, aren't you?" Crowley asked.
"This isn't about wrong vs. right, I'm afraid." Aziraphale leaned in and whispered as quiet as he could. "You know as well as I do that it's a matter of life and death."
"That's why you have to help! I've managed to keep him here, angel, but... well, I just met him. I know, we're generally not supposed to meet the humans, but I got to know him, just a little! We can't let him go. Not like that. He's right in front of us. I think I've done all I can for him, and the rest is up to you." Crowley said. There was a sobering hint in his voice, and his facade of a happy-go-lucky bar-hopper was already beginning to break.
"I never said I was going to let him slip away. But it's going to take a considerable amount of energy from both of us. And he has to choose life above all else. You know that." explained Aziraphale. He then raised his voice, so he was able to be heard. "Dear, you said you were going to introduce us now?"
"Oh, yeah." Crowley said sheepishly. He wasn't pleased on how easily the angel could make him embarrassed. "Duke this is Aziraphale. The bookworm I told you about. Aziraphale, Duke. Charmed, I'm sure." he said it as smoothly as he could, which wasn't a lot in his current position.
OOC: No worries, love. I've been busy with work and trying to write my story. Keyword, try. It ain't been so easy these past couple days. But ... I missed this RP too. I hope you like Aziraphale's intro! Ha ha, him coming in made this a bit long. heart
Have you seen "It's a Wonderful Life", btw? This kind of reminds me of that.
There's no time like the present for Allison to come in too. 8D
OOC to all: Anyone else is totally free to jump in, just so you know. Shake things up! Or not! |D
Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:31 pm
Cassie ducked out of the relentless rain and into Ady's Corner Shop. The door felt heavier than usual, but she put that down to a late night and too much TV, along with the fact that she'd once again given up exercise - but that wasn't it, and she realised as soon as she stepped inside.
Instead of being greeted by the usual odor of bread and supermarket cans - a kind of nothing smell tinged with bleach and air conditioning and somewhere, coffee - she smelt something different. There was coffee alright, but it smelled like the real stuff. Roasted beans and all that. Not the instant s**t that came out of Ady's machine in the corner.
She took a second to orient herself, her dark hair a mess, the side with the blue streaks sticking out and frizzy with the rain. Her gold eyes took it all in. This... wasn't Ady's. There was a bar, a big coffee machine like the baristas used at Starbucks or Costa, and a few aimless waitstaff hanging around.
"What the...?"
She had half a mind to turn around and walk right out again. Get in her car and drive straight home, straight into bed with a cup of tea and some sleeping pills. But the thought of driving didn't sit well either. Not when she was seeing things. It didn't seem safe.
So instead she wandered up to the counter and ordered a coffee.
Sherith stumbled into the cafe as though she had already been running just moments before. Her expression had already been showing fear stamped on her pale face, but that fear was soon joined by a look of intense confusion as she abruptly stopped and stood still. Glancing around she opened her mouth as though to speak, but could make no sound come out. Nervously she wrung her hands together, slender arms trembling. Finally her blue eyes rolled backwards and she collapsed to the floor in a dead faint.
The cut of her clothing was at odds with the little cafe. They spoke of a time before such things as 'Starbucks' or 'cars'. Instead they bring to mind a far away time with notions of peasants and nobility and stone walled castles. The rich blue fabric of her dress and the black 'jacket' indicated that she was from a well off background at any rate.
Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 4:31 pm
Claudette gingerly dropped from the cold tree branch she was sitting on, and she hurriedly glided up to the large building with bronze, patina covered letters that read, "The Needy Magus". Pushing the door open, she slid into the tavern and was at the counter before the door shut.
This was not her counter, she quickly realized as she ran her small hand on the smooth granite counter curiously. This was not the cozy pub with the raging fireplace, the nosy, yet friendly bartender, and the singing man with the missing eye. She wrinkled her nose as the nutty scent of fresh coffee beans hit her, and she instantly felt yearning for her usual glass of mead to warm herself with. She lowered the hood of her red jacket nervously as she stared at the odd, smiling, scar-free, clean employees.
Not wanting to go back outside into the cold, she stepped up to the counter, and ordered a coffee with a hot sandwich, as her stomach let out an audible rumble.
StarStruckKitten
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BlueJay Adler
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 8:55 pm
Veiris impatiently pulled the scarf from his neck revealing knot-work tattoos that trailed up the back of his neck and branch out under his ears. He slipped the scarf into his rucksack and pushed open the door of one of his favorite taverns in Sol Tier. Although, his standards for "favorite" just meant Shifter-friendly. He never cared about the quality of the alcohol or the company.
Instead of being greeted by the smell of ale-soaked wood and the drunken-banter of sailors finally back on land, he walked into somewhere that was definitely not Talia's Black Coral Pub. He hesitated for a moment at the entrance, staring at the unfamiliar place. He glanced at the few people sitting around and the clean-cut man behind the counter.
Before moving to the counter, Veiris grabbed his scarf and wrapped it back around his neck, once more covering the tattoos. If this wasn't the Black Coral, there was no way to know the owner's opinion on Shifters. He checked that his gloves and coat sleeves were in place. Once he was certain his tattoos were well hidden, he moved to the counter.
"Spice tea," he said after looking at the menu, skipping all pleasantries and small talk. He dropped a dark coin on the counter then moved to a small table not far away from the counter and close enough to the door in case it became necessary.
Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 9:23 pm
Claudette hunched over the table, keeping her food close to her as she ravenously shoveled it into her mouth. Taste took a backseat, and despite that the food was burning her palette, she didn't flinch. Food was a wonderful thing. She chased the sandwich down with the coffee, then sat back, wiped her face on a napkin, and focused on the other people in the cafe.
Her eyes narrowed as she studied each person in the room suspiciously. One seemed to be a noble, and she instantly felt a burning hatred in her stomach -- or maybe that was the sandwich putting up a fight. The other seemed rather attached to his scarf.
Claudette rose from the table, and gathered her trash. She moved quickly to the trash can over by the man with the scarf, threw her things away, and glided back to her seat, hand on her weapon just in case.
StarStruckKitten
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BlueJay Adler
Distinct Hunter
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 9:42 pm
Veiris dropped his rucksack at his feet. He watched as a woman scarfed down her food before walking past him. His gaze drifted to her weapon and the hand poised to draw it.
He grasped his own sword without thinking and waited for her to pass. He wondered if she had seen his tattoos and if she might be one of the Cleric's hell bent on eliminating his kind.
"Your spice tea, sir," the man behind the counter called, interrupting Veiris's thoughts.
Veiris glanced at the counter, realizing with slight concern that he'd have to walk past the readily armed woman who didn't look at all afraid to use her weapon. He shrugged off the concern, desire for the specialty tea winning out.
As he stood, his scarf caught on the chair and fell loose. He scrambled to put it back in place before continuing on to retrieve his tea and muttered a quick "thank you" to the waiter.
Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 9:52 pm
Tattoos, Claudette thought, as she caught a glimpse of the back of the man's neck. It figures.
Was this a coffee shop of enemies? It was time to act and act now. It would be any moment now before he left, and she didn't want to attempt chasing him outside in the cold darkness. White hot anger surged through her body, and she felt the electric shock of adrenaline bursting through her veins. Heart pounding, and hands sweating, she looked around her at the other patrons. Were they all enemies? She wiped her hands on her red hooded jacket. Inhale. Exhale. Go.
She suddenly and quickly jumped up from her seat, and ran at the man, her feet barely touching the linoleum floor. She leaped above the man, and landing behind him, she went to grab the scarf from around his neck.
StarStruckKitten
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BlueJay Adler
Distinct Hunter
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 10:09 pm
Veiris stumbled backwards as the girl ran at him and spilled his tea over the counter. "Wha?" he stuttered. Usually the Clerics were less forward. Or at least enjoyed announcing themselves. He wasn't sure if it was decency or ego, but he'd never been so blatantly attacked without provocation or proof of guilt. Although, her clothes were weird, looking nothing like the usual Cleric garb. He chalked it up to her spending too much time in the capitol of free-trade.
As she jumped over him, he lunged forward and away, but he wasn't fast enough to stop her grabbing his neck. His scarf slipped off him to show a branching tattoo that disappeared below the collar of his coat.
He spun around to face her. "What in the name of the Ages? What's a Cleric doing here in Sol Tier?," he asked, hoping the lack of jurisdiction might discourage his attacker. He doubted it, but he hoped.
