PM to join [Kova's Well] A Copper for Your Thoughts (Orion)

[Sybel]

He seemed amused by his own mood swings. ”I’m all over the place, aren’t I?” The laughter fit more aptly with his person. When he was at ease, Michaels didn’t have that self-mocking expression Sybel was coming to know. “I think the listener really decides the quality. We’re our own worst critics, aren’t we?” He had the truth of it. But why couldn't he apply the same logic to himself? It was a symptom of humanity. Everyone could give advice, but no one seemed to take their own. I wasn’t joking about it being bad that you’re leaving. Not entirely, at least. There haven’t been too many women who have spurned my advances so.. thoroughly. I was actually quite impressed.” She laughed freely, shaking her head in amusement. “I wouldn’t take it personally, good doctor. I enjoy a merry chase beforehand; one you did not give. What can I say? I’m a woman of subtlety.” She stretched cat-like, still lounging against the well’s frame. He considered the advice, but didn’t seem interested. It was easier to dismiss it, and Sybel wasn’t about to over pursue a sensitive topic. If he’d rather let it lie, then she’d do the same. Maybe they really were the same in a way. Sybel certainly wouldn’t produce all her secrets on the spot to just a little prodding. Indulging in bad memories made her feel self-pitying and that was an emotion she gave wide berth. Maybe it was the same for him. ”It sounds like you’re giving seriousness a go, here, huh?” His stab went unfelt on her end. Sybel sidestepped the comment. “I credit myself with dynamism.” She countered before he even had a moment to apologize. He fumbled with his response. ”I mean…ah..there I go again, right? I’m no good at apologies. I hide behind flirting and bad jokes. So I guess I don’t do the seriousness too well, either.” Well that made two of a kind. ”We’ve all got our stories, right?” His mood brightened, a huge smile touching his lips. ”I won’t stop you from calling me ‘handsome doctor’, but I’m Orion. Doctor by day, deviant by afternoon, and night. A pleasure to meet you.” His silly bow reminded her distinctly of her own. The similarities kept coming, it seemed. “Nice to meet you Orion.” She said, curtsying. ”I suppose that means I should come up with a nickname for you, too, hmmm? I feel like you don’t like the traditional names though. Beauti..No..Gorgeo…nah, not that either. I’m stumped.” “I’m disappointed in your lack of creativity, Orion.” She prodded. Still wearing her amused expression proudly, she too introduced herself. “It’s Sybel of the Tents of Alijah. Just Sybel though, if you please.”

[Orion Michaels]

Orion "I assure you, I'm not normally this scatterbrained," he paused, shaking his head. "No, no. That was a complete lie. But it usually doesn't switch between cheery and down so much. That's more of a womanly thing, am I right?" He brought his hand up to his mouth in mock surprise at his own words, Orion's eyes wide open, as to say 'Oh no he didn't!'. He couldn't hold the expression for long before he burst out laughing. The doctor seemed to have a few loose nails at times. Does it come with the profession? Oh well, she's still here, isn't she? Must not matter. "Oh man. I was straight forward, wasn't I? That Drykas fellow was at least polite about it. Live and learn, live and learn. Subtlety has it's place for sure, but sometimes it's fun to just let go of things, too," he said, his grin retreating to a smirk. Sure, the sometimes was more like all the time for Orion, but she needn't know that. The conversation paused just a moment longer than normal as she stretched, Orion taking the opportunity to really look her over, exaggerating the gaze purposefully. "I'm insatiable," he stated simply." It was for the most part true, even if it wasn't all about his libido. "Sybel, hmm? I suppose that'll do. And worry you not, I'm quite disappointed with myself, too. I can't say that 'Handsome Doctor' is dripping of creativity, either," he quipped. "Another similarity, hmm?" She was an interesting one, Orion had to admit. It truly was a shame she would be going, but he'd just end up losing himself in the fifty thousand people who make up Syliras anyways. There was something about being different though which would draw the doctor to travelers such as the bronze skinned woman he was conversing with. Syliras was, in a word, boring. A lot of the people were, too. "So how much longer will Syliras be graced by your presence? Time enough for me to make amends?" he asked, the slightest hint of hope in his voice.

[Sybel]

"I assure you, I'm not normally this scatterbrained," but before he even finished that sentence, he paused. "No, no. That was a complete lie. But it usually doesn't switch between cheery and down so much. That's more of a womanly thing, am I right?" Orion feigned shock. She rolled her eyes at the skies above. He couldn’t take a single step without tripping over his own sexism. It was in good fun however offensive it might have been. She’d already figured his MO, so in the least it was unsurprising. Amused by himself he roared with laughter. “You’re a mess.” She remarked with good humor. At least he was relaxing. "Oh man. I was straight forward, wasn't I?” There was remote disappoinment. “That Drykas fellow was at least polite about it. Live and learn, live and learn. Subtlety has it's place for sure, but sometimes it's fun to just let go of things, too.” Sybel had this mounting suspicion that he approached women that way with more frequency then “sometimes.” But if it was his style, there shouldn’t be shame in it. Unless it was just his way of avoiding the truth. "I'm insatiable." It had been for effect, sure but he really was always taking it across the line. “That’s nice,” Sybel said taking a bored tone. She threw in a yawn for good measure. That would wrench him. It would be a fun experiment to see what rattled his cage. "Sybel, hmm? I suppose that'll do. And worry you not, I'm quite disappointed with myself, too. I can't say that 'Handsome Doctor' is dripping of creativity, either," he jabbed. Clutching her chest, she doubled over. “Got me again!” She exclaimed. “Arrow, right through the heart.” Her chortling rang out through the silence, a happy melody bouncing from wall to wall. "Another similarity, hmm?" He implied. “So it seems.” She shot back, on the heels of his sentence. The quickness of response was intentional. Their playful dynamic was becoming a sport, which was keeping her well-occupied. Though it seemed like he had something to prove. "So how much longer will Syliras be graced by your presence? Time enough for me to make amends?" That was said with more sincerity than she’d have expected, but it wasn’t unwelcome. “Well, dear doctor, if you intend on making good on your promise. You know, the drinks? It would be wonderful… Unless you had something else in mind.” She left him the thread to see where he’d take it.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion "I am a mess, but you can't say it's not entertaining, right? You're still here after all. After our previous encounter, I can't say you're one to humor someone that annoys you, hmm? If you are humoring, though, the handsome doctor appreciates it." She seemed to be able to dish it out just as well as she could take it. Orion found the trait simply wonderful, though he'd keep that tidbit to himself. She treated every exchange with a hint of give and take, like it was a business deal or something. It brought an interesting new level to things, and Orion couldn't help it, it intrigued him immensely. When she said 'That's nice', with such utter boredom, Orion's face lit up with a huge grin. With a few long strides he closed the short distance between them, moving his face but a few inches from hers, putting his hands on each side of her, resting on the cold stone of the well "You're absolutely toying with me," he whispered, the grin never leaving his face. "And it's driving me insane. If it wouldn't ruin our wonderful dynamic, I'd be likely to do something horrible right now." After a brief pause, he continued, admitting the truth. "Well, actually, it would likely end with me in The Tank, and I don't think I could bare that." He gave her a little of her personal space back, but not all of it. "Drinks are probably safer for us. Well, for you," he said, predictably. "I've got other things I'd be willing to do, but..." he trailed off, his eyes sparkling brightly. It was almost more fun this way with the back and forth, the teasing, refusal to give an inch or give an admission. Almost. "You name the time, Sybel. I'll get you drunk and you'll succumb to my greatness," he laughed, shooting a playful wink. "Or maybe it'll happen the other way around." His voice took on a ridiculously saucy tone as he spoke. "I'm fine with either."

[Sybel]

"I am a mess, but you can't say it's not entertaining, right? You're still here after all. After our previous encounter, I can't say you're one to humor someone that annoys you, hmm?” His sentence was laden with implications. Well he didn’t necessarily annoy her… Just midly bristled her, if he sought a more accurate statement. “If you are humoring, though, the handsome doctor appreciates it.” The doctor’s ability to banter with her was heartening. At least someone could have a proper battle of wit. “I do what I can.” She commented. When she yawned, it drew him in like an insect to an open flame. In moments he was inches from her face, hands on her hips. Idly she wondered what he’d do if she threatened bodily harm, but it wasn’t something she’d act on. It wasn’t really wise to issue threats you didn’t intend to see through. Instead she remained impish, smirking back at him. "You're absolutely toying with me," he accused, overcome with lust. His lips parted, and warm breath tickled her face. "And it's driving me insane. If it wouldn't ruin our wonderful dynamic, I'd be likely to do something horrible right now." His blue eyes sparkled. Yet she remained seemingly unmoved. It was a very stirring gesture, she’d admit but she wouldn’t give in. "Well, actually, it would likely end with me in The Tank, and I don't think I could bare that." She continued to grin. “Not likely.” The law and Sybel really didn’t interact well. Especially not in Syliras. Nonetheless he gave her a foot or so of privacy. "Drinks are probably safer for us. Well, for you," Orion amended. Was she really such a delicate flower? No, not really. If so he’d most likely be treating her with a little more finesse. Her innocence was long lost, and that would always be written in her face. "I've got other things I'd be willing to do, but..." There he went with the innuendo. He was truly impossible to keep in a serious conversation. "You name the time, Sybel. I'll get you drunk and you'll succumb to my greatness." He certainly thought she would. Honestly, she didn’t really know what to do with him. "Or maybe it'll happen the other way around. He added suggestively, winking. "I'm fine with either." Sybel just smiled, thoughtful. Their relationship could go in several directions at that point, all of which would be transient. The lack of meaning was almost sad. But she had intended to lose herself, so that’s what she’d do. “Drinks it is.” She winked back at him. Straightening, she held an arm out for the doctor to link with. “Now walk with me, unless you’re dodging your other girlfriends.” Playful, she shot a conspiratorial look around the well.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion "Is that so? You do what you can?" He chuckled, tilting his head quizzically to the side. "..Okay. So what is it you can do? I've seen you with a couple drinks, and you can certainly clean up well." The doctor crossed his arms, smiling in challenge. "That really only lends itself to a couple of professions." He left that open ended to see how she would take it. In truth, the physician didn't mind, as long as it was a pretty girl. He was an equal opportunity lover, but he didn't do a money for services sort of exchange. He was slightly surprised when she stood and offered her arm. Right now? This woman was clearly a kindred spirit. He linked with her, and nodded at her worry. "It's a fair concern. I guess I should have let you know I'm in some very open relationships. So if this is going to work out between us, you'll have to be down with that." He grinned down at the dark haired woman before quickly adding to his statement. "But don't you worry. You'll be my number one gal. And before you say anything, yes, I do say that to all the women." "We've really only got a couple options in this city, and I'm going to have to suggest we make it the Stallion again. The other place is stuffy and fully of knights. Not exactly my style. Unless that's where you want to go. I'd be happy to join there long enough to purchase you a drink. After which, I'll of course make my way to the Stallion." He nudged the woman playfully as they walked. Orion was having a blast, but at the back of his mind there was this gnawing. This woman would be leaving soon. That was good, right? "So tell, Miss Sybel. Where are you leaving lovely, scenic Syliras to head to? You see, I need to keep my options open for this stalking hobby of mine. Purely business, I'm sure you understand." For all his time spent in Syliras, he'd not had the chance to speak with too many travelers. He was genuinely interested in the talk of those making their way around, though surely he couldn't admit something so simple to Sybel. That would ruin their game of half truths and banter, and that wouldn't be any good. "Sunberth is the only other city I've spent any amount of time in. That place is a rush, especially when the sun goes down."

[Sybel]

Orion presented a challenge and oh how Sybel loved challenges. It would have been a torrid affair, but those relationships bore no fruit in the end. Both parties were incredibly guarded, sure to give nothing away. The only real positive was the equality between the two. They seemed to have a give and take that was unique. That struck a sad note inside that she callously ignored. Too much sentimentality and she’d go soft. "Is that so? You do what you can?" He prodded, head cocked. "..Okay. So what is it you can do? I've seen you with a couple drinks, and you can certainly clean up well." Placing a slender hand to her cheek, she faked a swoon. “Oh Orion, stop. You’re make me blush." But that sentence was punctuated with her lilting laughter, the melody echoing into the distant sunset. "That really only lends itself to a couple of professions," he said in mock remonstration. Really? Sybel shook her head in mild incredulity. “Really now? I’m a tad clothed for that line of work. I’m actually professional adventurer.” She mentioned, tone conversational. “Amusingly, the two sort of equate to the same thing. You know, risking your life for frivolous rewards.” She shook her head. “Well… That was a stretch. The thought is what counts.” As he looped his arm with hers, it was a comfortable fit. "It's a fair concern. I guess I should have let you know I'm in some very open relationships. So if this is going to work out between us, you'll have to be down with that." Oh so now he would warn her? “Oh what a shock. You’re such a cad.” She teased, pinching his forearm lightly. He continued, oblivious to her chastisement. "But don't you worry. You'll be my number one gal. And before you say anything, yes, I do say that to all the women." Breathless, she simply rolled her eyes. “I appreciate your honesty.” She remarked dryly. "We've really only got a couple options in this city, and I'm going to have to suggest we make it the Stallion again. The other place is stuffy and fully of knights. Not exactly my style. Unless that's where you want to go. I'd be happy to join there long enough to purchase you a drink. After which, I'll of course make my way to the Stallion." “Your opinion of the Knights here seems to resemble my own. How fortunate.” His nudging received a nudge in kind. He had an interesting fragrance. Something warm and subtle, almost like caramel but not quite. It was quite alluring. No wonder he’d had so many women. That was the only real deterrent for Sybel – whether he realized it or not, Sybel was of the opinion that what laid down below for Orion held more unknown quantities than the jungles of Falyndar. It was borderline frightening. "So tell, Miss Sybel. Where are you leaving lovely, scenic Syliras to head to? You see, I need to keep my options open for this stalking hobby of mine. Purely business, I'm sure you understand." As they strode arm in arm, she looked toward the sky for her answer. “Hmm. Well I’m not sure.” The thought sort of jumped at her. “Mura, maybe. It is an appealing place to stay. You know, white sandy beaches, teal water, gorgeous scaled women.” Perhaps she could entice him into joining her. It certainly would be nice to have company. "Sunberth is the only other city I've spent any amount of time in. That place is a rush, especially when the sun goes down." No kidding. “Funny, but I’ve never been to Sunberth. Once we get to the Stallion you should tell me about it.” It was hard not to like Orion now that she had gotten an opportunity to understand him. Perhaps he was her male equivalent. That was a scary thought.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion "Oh Sybel, I don't know that there's anything I could say to make you blush. My ridiculous advances are met blow for blow, and if I got all gross and mushy, I bet you'd turn tail and run." Or at least put him in his place. She'd already shown the ability to do that, after all. "And you wound me. I was merely suggesting you might be a wandering barmaid or something. Do you think me that awful?" His grin suggested she wouldn't be wrong if she did. An adventurer? Those were real? "That's actually amazing," he said, visibly impressed. "And yet, you said you've no exciting stories...I wonder, how many of this frivelous rewards have you stumbled upon?" His eyes sparkled with both humor and challenge. Her laugh was delightful, leaving the doctor glad to see she was enjoying herself. "That's what you'll get from me, Sybel. One hundred percent true, completely exaggerated honesty." "Yeah, the knights are something else," he said, regaining his balance from her retaliation. "Imagine how horrible I'd be if I didn't have them watching over my shoulder though," he deadpanned. "You should be more thankful of your saviors." Arm in arm they walked, Orion leading her towards the place they first met. The Rearing Stallion was a place with much history for Orion. His first massive failure, his almost successes, and his complete victories had all occurred there. Not only that, but a bit of a bad reputation had found itself associated with his name. That said, the tavern was more than happy to have him there. The countless copper mizas he'd spent in attempting to woo the ladies were more than welcome in their coffers. "Mura, huh?" An unsure destination, running from a distant past towards an unknown place. A brief unsettled look crossed his face as he contemplated not only her words, but Sybel herself. The woman held more courage in one of her retorts than Orion felt he had in his entire existence. He almost wished he could go with her. He let a small smirk return to his lips at the thought of scantily clad blond women. "It sounds like somewhere the gods might reside," he noted before letting out a hearty laugh. "Sunberth has nothing on it, from your short description. I'd be glad to tell you all about it." The Rearing Stallion would soon come into their view, the occasional sound of a burst of laughter from Orion echoing down the street as they approached. "After you, my lady," he said, holding the door open and once again giving a ridiculously over the top bow. Bent at his waist, the doctor gave a flourish with his hand before his arm would lie across his waist. He looked up at her, rolling his eyes at his performance. "So you don't have to," he said of his action, that ever familiar smirk present on his lips. "Let's see how many people surround you today, shall we?"

[Sybel]

”Oh Sybel, I don’t know that there’s anything I could say to make you blush.” That wasn’t entirely true, but he wasn’t privy to that. Her hidden depths were underneath layers and layers of accumulated sarcasm. It would take a bonafide archeologist to unearth them. ”My ridiculous advances are met blow for blow, and if I got all gross and mushy, I bet you’d turn tail and run.” She gave him a speculative look. “I would call you a good judge of character then.” Still, she subconsciously leaned in as they walked, the grin splitting her cheeks. ”And you wound me. I was merely suggesting you might be a wandering barmaid or something. Do you think me that awful?” Oh sure. “Deplorable,” she said simply. “An absolute wretch.” When she’d revealed the true purpose for being there, he actually seemed impressed. ”That’s actually amazing,” he replied reverently. ”And yet, you said you’ve no exciting stories…I wonder, how many of these frivolous rewards have you stumbled upon?” Not many, though the stories bit should probably be amended. Her deprecation was sort of misleading at times. “More stories than rewards, that’s certain.” She sighed ruefully. “Life has a way of disregarding your grand schemes, especially when you’ve a weakness for gambling.” ”That’s what you’ll get from me, Sybel. One hundred percent true, completely exaggerated honesty.” To that she only responded with the usual guffaw. His sense of humor was growing on her. The hyperbole was right up her alley. ”Yeah, the knights are something else,” Oh what a vague understatement. ”Imagine how horrible I’d be if I didn’t have them watching over my shoulder though,” he said dryly. ”You should be thankful of your saviors.” Oh he was rich. He had some funny notions about her capability, she reflected irritably. “Orion, I’ve traveled over the length of breadth of three different regions. I’ve seen a glassbeak first hand and lived to tell the tale. I even kept my nose.” She tapped the tip with her index finger. “You underestimate me.” ”Mura, huh?” He tasted the word before replying. ”It sounds like somewhere the gods might reside.” Then the expected laugh, and a brief moment of contemplative silence. ”Sunberth has nothing on it, from your short description. I’d be glad to tell you all about it.” The Stallion materialized before them, the welcome sight of its weather beaten sign straight ahead. Their combined movements were altogether easy, given their similar heights and builds. It had been a relatively relaxing walk. The sounds of debauchery leaked out as Orion held open the door. ”After you, my lady.” He regarded her with a florid bow, gesturing extravagantly toward the ambient interior. She looked down at him, shaking her head. ”So you don’t have to,” he remarked as he rolled his eyes. “Always considerate.” She noted as he filed in behind. ”Let’s see how many people surround you today, shall we?” He was so artless at times. Just a part of the charm, she supposed. As they entered, the murmuring slowed for a minute as they patrons eyed them. Orion was certainly known there. She knew how it must look – the doctor and his exotic flavor of the night. There was no helping it, and Sybel had no care for poor appearances. She’d appeared poorly countless times past. After a time you just got used to it. She assumed a seat at the bar and gestured for him to take the open place next to her.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion "If I'm a good judge of character, though, I must ask, what does that make you? You're the one spending a to this point innocent evening with this wretched deplorable, yet handsome and irresistable man. Tch-tch-tch. A judge of character, you are not." He leaned in to whisper to her, looking around as though he was sharing a secret. "Not that I've got any complaints. I find it much easier this way." "Isn't that why it's better to not make any plans at all, Sybel?" His question was genuine. Orion couldn't possibly have felt more understanding of her words. It was true, life would mess up anything you had planned. If things had gone as Orion thought they would, he wouldn't be known as a man of cheap drinks and occasionally cheaper women. "I mean, let life take you where it will, because it's going to do it anyways. Certainly makes for a fun ride. Unless it sits you down in Syliras, of course. Then entertaining conversations with doctors will have to do." He gave her a tug with his interlinked arm, looking down at the slender woman. "No, that's not too bad at all." She'd seen a glassbeak? Orion had only heard of them, and nothing concrete, so he'd just have to take her word at anything she said of it. "Sybel, I've come face to face with three angry women at once. Yikes, that was a bad day. And I've still got all my parts." He chuckled at his own inappropriate comment, thinking back on the day all of his 'only ones' had met each other. Not his best work, by far. "So we've all got our epics to spin." The Stallion met them with the usual scene. An occasional smirk as Orion walked in with a woman. Was it the flavor of the chime, the bell, or the day, they would wonder. For once, however, the good doctor's intentions weren't entirely impure. Or at least, they were covered with more gentlemanly desires. For the moment.. Orion joined Sybel at the bar, pulling out a small stack of gold mizas to set before them. "Her's are on me tonight," he told the barkeep, before turning his attention back to her. "See, not so bad, is it? Though I'm sure you've had more than one man offer you a drink, am I right? Sure, you have to deal with sleazy folk like me trying to do unspeakable things, but you don't have to fork out a copper for drinks. Sounds like a fair trade to me. I'm still recovering from you buying me a drink, after all." He motioned for the barkeep to serve him a mug of ale, his eyes falling on Sybel's for a moment. "To a second first impression, hmm?" He raised his mug, grinning. To seeing where this goes.