Flashback Barrels at Baultimes (Mealla)

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Summer 37, 510 AV The day had been long and full of activity. He had lost count of how many weapons he had sharpened. After finishing his work at the shop Tourmal decided to wash his aches away at the Baultimes Barrel. The tent was filled with a light scent of ale and sweat from the regulars. He had been scouting the talent in the tent for a while most of which knew him well enough to keep clear. Though occasionally there would be an unsuspecting lass that would walk through the entrance that the green eyed man would lock onto. Not today though no one new had come the entire time he was there. The green eyed man already had a few drinks at the bar before retreating to an empty table that would give him a better vantage of who was entering the tent tavern without looking so conspicuous. As he sat he listened to the music and some of the louder patrons' most likely exaggerated tales. The man was on his third drink for the night when someone walked in who caught his eye. This one was beautiful and would soon be his prize. She was about five and a half feet tall had beautiful long flowing blonde hair and eyes like sapphires. As beautiful as she was he was more interested in her body. The woman walked in and looked around for a few seconds when her eyes landed on Tourmal. The woman's bright blue eyes lighted up as they connected and her smile erupted in elation. He had never met her before but somehow she had learned of him and if she had, he knew that the two of them were after the same thing. The night would be one to remember. She waved at him standing on her tip toes. She was obviously very excited in what was to ensue. Tourmal responded in a nod and motioned to the seat across from him at his table. The woman's smile changed from one of excitement to one of embarrassment as she blushed and tried to hide it turning her head slightly. The woman began her advance and as she did so Tourmal further inspected the gem. Her shapely body seemingly glided across the tavern, her grace unmatched in the room. It had been some time since Tourmal had seen a beauty such as herself, and she was walking his way. The woman furthered her advance walking closer and he kept his eyes on her. As she approached she passed the chair walking straight for the green eyed drykas. The woman ran a finger across his shoulder as she bent down to say something into his ear. “I was waving at him” she said with a giggle. Huh? The man was in shock. Tourmal turned and looked behind him as she pointed to a man sitting in a chair at the table behind him. The whole time she had been intending to meet with this man. How embarrassing. The man sitting in the chair responded with a pointed finger and a wink. Then laughed just audible enough for the smith to hear, furthering the large mans embarrassment. I reaction to what just happened he hung his head low turning to his drink for comfort. After he finished he ordered another and sat back down at his chair. As he did so the girl giggled again probably at him but he would not look to see if it was or not. The man kept his eyes on the look out for new arrivals to the tent when someone he had met a few weeks ago walked in. What was her name? Something song. It was like Jasper's last name but different. Streamsong? No Starsong? St... Stormsong. That was it. “Stormsong” he said as he waived her over. Again motioning again to the seat across from him. “Didn't think you for a drinker” he said. “Would you like mine? I'm a ways in, already.” as he moved his mug towards her.

[Mealla Stormsong]

OOCSorry for the delay. Have been unwell. Mealla was starting to feel claustrophobic. They had been in Endrykas for over a week now, and the Pavilion still showed no sign of leaving; of going and setting out on their own. Marriage was still very much on the agenda, and Mealla did not how much more she could take. She couldn’t stand keeping still. She had to be constantly moving, travelling; exploring new places. She was not meant to stay in one place for long, and she was beginning to wonder if she was going crazy. This was why she was meant for the Watch and not as a wife – with the Watch, at least, she would always be moving, always be travelling and patrolling. It would be Andraste and her: how a Drykas was meant to be. She’d taken to leaving the Pavilion at night, unable to sit there and do nothing. She needed to be doing something, even if it was going to the same places in Endrykas over and over again . Often, she would stay at the great communal fire, and imagine how different life would be once she became a member of the Watch. She’d have gained power over the storms by this point as well, but she’d be independent and free, and able to go where she liked. Once she’d seen everything there was to see, then, and only then, would she maybe settle down and marry. She’d always thought she’d like a daughter, a son; someone to tell her tales and adventures to as her own mother had not done. She’d tell them of the cities she’d seen, and the strange people and animals, and she’d tell of all her adventures with Zulrav. She had no doubt that they would happen. They had to. She’d prayed enough; hoped and longed, and the gods had to listen eventually. She shoved her hair behind her ears as she weaved her way through the makeshift streets. She’d worn it down, with only a few braids and a couple of ribbons tied in. Though she was a Stormwarden, she was still not of the highest rank. People didn’t care so much if you could only manipulate breezes, and sometimes she failed at even that, though she practised every day, talking to them, coaxing them. People wanted to see entire storms moved and stopped, or entire storms conjured. A little breeze did not do anything, especially when they were not even strong enough to snuff out a candle. It had been years, and she wondered what she had done wrong. Maybe Zulrav had forgotten her, or maybe he had forsaken her, though the mark still lay bright across her shoulders. Soon. She’d prove herself to him soon. She would. It was not the fire she went to tonight, but a tavern instead – The Baultimes Barrel. She’d never been to a tavern before. She was too young, they said, although she was Drykas and old enough to fight. It wasn’t fair. But so long as they didn't find out... It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light, but she looked around nonetheless, intrigued, until a voice said her name. She recognised that voice, and her stomach plummeted. Petch. The guy who had thought he’d been quite the flirt. Mealla turned in the direction, and plastered a polite smile on her face as approached where he sat, though she did not take the offered seat. Once again, she pushed her hair behind her ears, lifting her chin slightly, her back straight, posture dignified. “Tourmal Firemane, wasn’t it?” she said, still smiling politely. “You guessed right. I’m not a drinker, and you’ve been with me less than five minutes and you’re already trying to get me drunk.” She tilted her head, her smile becoming provocative. If she had to talk to be polite, then she was going to have some fun, at least. “D’you still want me? Have you dreamt of me?”

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Summer 37, 510 AV As the woman approached Tourmal noticed her pompous stature. This could explain their last experience and why she was so aloof. Either way he had enjoyed how she brought him to life, even though it was in defense of his beliefs. He figured it was better to have passion about something than to ho hum about life. He only wondered if the night would end as it did last time. “That's right, Mealla.” the man said smiling back, “Oh come on, one drink won't get you drunk.” Did he still want her? Really? Even though he wouldn't turn down a good romping. He wouldn't say he wanted her. “Ho ho ho, Someone thinks highly of herself. Sorry to say I haven't had any time for dreams. If I had it would more likely include her.” He said as he pointed behind him. The guys in Syliras would go crazy for that one. “I'm sure you would have enjoyed being here just a few chimes earlier. You could have seen me make a fool of myself. Though I admit, with women that's not hard.” Even with the drink opening his speech, Tourmal was not in the flirting mood right now, feeling more partial to talking. “So what brings you here? Does the warrior need a refreshment after a long days work?” He raised his hand to get the tenders attention. “Get this lady a drink, on me.” His manners had recently left with his last order of ale. He downed the last of his drink “and get me one too while you are at it.” and pulled out a silver miza and tossed it to the man.

[Mealla Stormsong]

“Oh, you remembered both my names. I must say that I’m impressed. A rare talent in a man. I bow to you. Bravo,” and Mealla dipped her head, mock bowing, and smiled, though the smile still lacked any sincerity. She was purely entertaining herself until she could come up with some excuse to leave. Her parents had always taught her that you had to be polite. Outwardly, at least. Inwardly, she’d do whatever she wanted, and right now she wasn’t in the mood to be sincere. She’d have her fun, and then go the first chance she could. She arched an eyebrow, still not taking a seat, and ignored most of what he said, which was easy, since he seemed drunk. She despised drunkards. It went against all that she’d been taught. How could you protect, how could you be responsible, how could you look out for those around you when you were drunk? You couldn’t. Something could happen, and you wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. You had to stay alert. Aware. And it was something Mealla had vowed to do, especially now that she wanted to join the Watch, and you did not see men of the Watch falling out their saddles drunk. Ever. “And I’ll pass on the drink,” she added, lifting her chin, “if it’s all the same to you. I’d rather keep my wits about me.” She smiled tightly, eyes flashing. “You never know, you might make another pass on that woman, and I want to be alert enough to see her reject you again. I need some amusement in my life.” She had, despite ignoring half of it, still been listening to what he said. Mealla never missed anything. She pushed her hair behind her ears. “I’ve just been exploring, and accidentally stumbled in here. To you. Shall we call it destiny? Or fate? Are the gods trying to throw us together, d’you think? Is it a sign? Me and you. Together. Again. Wonderful.”

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Summer 37, 510 AV The girl's retort got him wondering why he had remembered her name all together. She was awkward polite sometimes others short and distanced and occasionally flirty. This spread wasn't normal. Either she was insane or an Akalak in disguise. Or maybe she didn't like him? Nah! He had yet to meet anyone who didn't like him when he opened up. Whatever It was he wanted to find out why she was that way towards him. “Fair enough I'll drink yers then. Amusement? Huh? Thats funny. I'd guessed you tried n' stay away from that as much as possible.” Slightly slurring his words and resting his head on his hand in an exaggerated manner. “Can you even laugh? Really? Yeh know when I was like that too once. Serious.” The man looked at his drink and decided to push it away for now while he was talking. “Why so serious?” He looked at her trying to imagine her with a sincere smile on her face. Not being able to shook is head trying to clear it. “Yeh know I lost my brother when I was 13.” Must have been the alcohol taking its course. He was unsure if he was right in revealing his secret to her just yet. Oh well too late now. Yep the alcohol it was. “Exploring huh? Could be destiny, fate, whatever. Believe me the gods wouldn't waste their times on me. Hadn't prayed since I's a youngin.” About that time he decided to finish his drink. “Could be wonderful only if ye want. Just loos'n up” He hadn't the money to keep drinking and didn't want to finish her drink hoping somehow he would be able to get her to drink it.

[Mealla Stormsong]

Mealla could not help but pull a face as he spoke, slurring his words to the point where they were all but incomprehensible. She hated drunks. They had a way of making her feel uncomfortable. They were unpredictable, and she hated the unpredictable. She had to know what was happening; had to be in control. And, on top of that, drunks usually had a habit of going down the ‘woe-is-me’ route, which apparently he was deciding to do, and she just didn’t care. They were Drykas. Life was harsh. People died. End of. She thought again about leaving, about excusing herself, but she had only just got here, and she wasn’t going to let one man ruin her experience. He wasn’t worth it, and maybe, just maybe, she could teach him that getting drunk wasn’t always such a wise idea, and have fun doing it. She shrugged her shoulders and finally took a seat, her eyes flicking momentarily to the untouched drink before she looked back at Tourmal, tilted her head, and smiled, lips quirking up, eyes amused. “Oh, I can laugh. I like to laugh, and I’m certainly not serious all the time. The other person just has to be funny. So, Tourmal Firemane, if you want me to laugh, say something funny and make me laugh. Go on.”

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Summer 37, 510 AV “Make you laugh, Ha! Now you're just being difficult” He planned on drinking alone after his failure but since little miss stormclouds showed up he had changed his mind. The stakes were clear it just became serious. The man had only four drinks either way hopefully she believe his ruse. Well at least up until now. Tourmal always had a knack for showing his hand too early. Tourmal took a second to recollect on the situation at hand. “No thank you." he paused "I think I will have another hand at that lass from before, If you don't mind me leaving you here all alone.” With that he stood up not waiting for a response from the smart aleck girl. As the man turned around he locked his eyes on target and sauntered over to the table where the man and the blonde from earlier were sitting. Wow she was beautiful. “Mind if I squeeze in here?” not waiting for a reply from them he did so and knelt down. He then spoke to the woman. As he did so the man protested. But Tourmal payed no mind to him as he was speaking to the woman. Afterward he looked at the man briefly, then turned his attention back to the woman. “So what d'ya say? Hows about you stop playing around with this foal and I show you what riding a real stallion is like?” He said hands raised to the sky chest pushed out loud enough for the whole tavern to hear drawing the attention of its customers. When he re directed his eyes from the ceiling back to the woman right on cue the girl threw her drink in his face. Just afterward the man stood and in turn he grabbed Tourmals shoulder swinging the man around. Just as he turned his face met the crushing blow of a right hook landing squarely on his jaw. Wow he thought. As the larger drykas fell unable to do anything to stop it he looked up just in time to see the woman stop the man from continuing the beating that Tourmal has so easily earned. “This foal just knocked you on your arse!” He exclaimed from behind the blonde. She calmed him down she coaxed him out of the tent grudgingly. After they were gone the man staggered knocking over a chair as he tried to right himself. “Nice punch” he said rubbing his jaw as to make sure it wasn't broken. He touched his lip which had been split open in the ordeal and found blood on his fingers. He had not anticipated him to be so good at boxing, Drykans were known for their wrestling not boxing. Oh well, as he righted himself, he tried to hide he effects that the punch still had on him. He half hoped not to make any more of a spectacle than what already was. He walked back to his seat head hanging lower than it was before as she had previously spurned him. On his return to his seat while everyone in the tavern laughed at his latest fiasco. OOCYou gotta give it to him he just made an utter fool out of himself in front of everyone. And by the way Tourmal doesn't need a little girl to teach him that it isn't smart to be drunk all the time. He can do that just fine on his own.

[Mealla Stormsong]

If there was one thing that could be said about taverns, it was that they certainly weren’t boring. Mealla watched the scene unfold with mild interest, though she remained seated, ready to move if it looked as the fight came to her. It was certainly more interesting than spending the night sat around with her Pavilion sewing and listening to the women talk about possible matches. This, though she did not approve of Drykas fighting one another, was at least somewhat entertaining. She could see where the adrenaline in fighting came from, for it certainly had heart beating quicker, the excitement up, and all the while she had to hold back a laugh at seeing the cocky petch put back in his place. Clearly he wasn’t as handsome or as dashing as he thought. She really would have laughed if she could, but then he might have seen her, and so she bit her lip as he wandered back to where she sat. She pushed her hair behind her ear and smiled sweetly. “Have fun?” And she gave up, and just laughed.

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal, Summer 37, 510 AV As he sat the girl moved her hair as she had done many times before and a great smile formed replacing her normally stern demeanor. “Fun? Ya I guess yeh can say that.” he touched his lip again wincing at the pain.”I see you are having some fun of your own” He smiled. He was glad to have helped her smile, even if it was to his own displeasure. “Now don't tell me that some humility is good fer me. I don't need any of that now.” I guess my normal inhibitions went out the window with that last drink of mine.” That is one thing that is good about a few mugs of ale. It gets you to do things you normally are too scared of.” He looked her straight in the eye half grinning. “So Mealla, what do you do fer fun? You can see what I do” He waved his hands around gesturing to the tent tavern. “What is it you do?” He asked sincerely without a hint of malice or undertone. The man had developed a bit of a headache with that last ordeal and ordered another one to kill the pain, and ordered a water to follow the ale. “Would you like anything with your drink?” The man asked the young woman, pointing at the drink in front of her. They had more than alcohol at the tavern after all.

[Mealla Stormsong]

“I wasn’t going to tell you anything,” Mealla replied, her hand hovering beside her ear to push back her hair, before she realised what she was doing and lowered it. She continued to smile, still amused, though still not terribly approving of his behaviour. She truly did hate drunkards, and he was drunk. At least he had paid for it with a bloodied lip, and likely he would wake up the next morning with a headache. “So you don’t have to worry. Besides, I highly doubt that you’ll remember any advice I give in the morning. I’ll be shocked if you even remember this.” Her eyes drifted to the untouched drink that was supposedly hers, before they flicked away again. She had no intention of drinking, of giving in, of losing her own inhibitions and control. She’d sworn that that was something she would never to do, not if she wanted to succeed. She had to be alert. Always. “And I do plenty of things for fun,” she continued, pushing the drink away from her with one finger, her lips curling in distaste, “but none of them involve drinking, so I’ll pass on that, or fighting, or,” and she gave another wicked grin, “failing at seducing people. I can’t say that’s ever happened to me, although I did enjoy watching it. Does it happen often, Tourmal Firemane? D’you find yourself on your arse, or with a fist in your face, each time you come here? I’m curious. I want to know. It’s interesting. Tell me.”