The Knight Stalker [Markus]

[Ash'eny]

Ash'eny, always observant as he was (you didn't grow up a thief and not learn to watch your back, your front, your sides, and your allies, especially those you called brothers), noticed Markus seemed hesitant or reluctant. A wrinkle on the forehead or a sigh oddly placed, it told Ash'eny that Markus was uncomfortable with something, he wasn't sure what, but he definitely was, even though he tried to hide it. Ash'eny hadn't a clue what it was, but he assumed it was this place. Markus was young, probably still pure, and if the Knights demanded celibacy then Ash'eny would guess that Markus never even considered coming to a place like this, or drink, or speak to women. Ash'eny was very different it seemed. "Does something bother you? Would you be more comfortable somewhere else? I don't mind, I did not come here with the intent of making you hate me." That wasn't entirely true. Ash'eny wanted to see an aspiring Knight hate himself because of what he did, and if that required Ash'eny also be hated, so be it. It wouldn't be the first, nor the last. "To a brighter future, may it be bright indeed." Ash'eny was surprised to see Markus drink the wine so heavily. That was something you saw in a tavern rather than an almost high classed place like this. He grinned, followed suit and took a deep drinking of his wine. And strong it was. Ash'eny was told once that it was in the best interest of everyone that worked here that the wine be strong. A well intoxicated man was one more inclined to tip, a strong drink was expensive, but typically worth it. Ash'eny chuckled lightly at Markus's questions on wine. Ash'eny was not nearly an expert, but he certainly learned a good deal on his last visit. "I believe you sip on it, rather than drink it like a beer. The taste is strong and the drink itself more so. Doesn't feel quite as manly though, does it?" Ash'eny picked up the bottle, he had a feeling Markus was being turned off by the Golden Dragon, and he was diligent in trying to keep on the Squire's good side so he could throttle him, change him, perhaps mold him to his will. Ash'eny stood up, bottle still in hand, and polished off what was left in his glass. "Here..." A woman approached Ash'eny, obviously picking up on Ash'eny about to declare the duo of Rogue and Squire to depart. She wrapped her hands behind Ash'eny's neck and brought her lips up to his ear, whispering something, probably fairly promiscuous (her clothing, what little there was, only fit the part perfectly). Ash'eny chuckled as a blush infected his lips, but he had company, a guest, he had much to do. "Maybe, maybe another time missus. I've a friend to watch over for a while." Reluctant as she was, she let go. The Harlot drug her finger down Ash'eny's cheek, to his neck, and turned to walk away. Ash'eny sighed. "Would the Stallion be more comforting? I'm afraid I might be tempted by staying here much longer." Ash'eny, personally, couldn't care less if he was 'tempted' or not. He was interested in Markus at the moment though. Ash'eny awaited for Markus's response, and allowed Markus to lead the way if he agreed to leave. Ash'eny, regardless, was still holding onto the wine. It might not have settled well with the squire, but the rogue certainly enjoyed it.

[Markus Andres]

"It's nothing, just some mission I have been given. Nothing to worry about at all." Markus said with a confident smile. "And no, I like it here, its a good place. Much finer than the Stallion." Markus listened to Tolby's advice. On drinking wine. That it was to be done in sips. Not his usual way of drinking ale. Tolby was correct when Markus felt less manly about taking sips of wine. But if that was the correct way of drinking wine, at such a fine establishment. Markus sipped some of the wine. Wrinkled his nose at the taste again. But it taste better. Or rather. Less bad. That time. Perhaps his tongue was still in shock from earlier. "The taste is quite strong. But what kind of knight would I be if I couldn't handle a little alcohol." Markus said and gave Tolby a wink. A wink that was interupted by the missus, as Tolby called her, who offered herself to Tolby. Markus grinned, but was quite surprised when Tolby turned her down. Using him as the excuse. Markus turned his head to look as the woman walked away. Barely listening to what Tolby said. "If I ever doubted your willpower..." Markus let that remark hang in the air for a moment. "Such a temptress would have had me right away." Markus said looking back to Tolby. "But if you feel tempted, you should feel free to give in. Don't let me hold you back. I assure you, I can take care of myself." Markus said with a grin. Before taking another sip from the glass. Determined to at least see the bottom of that first glass. "But if want to leave, then sure. You're the host after all."

[Ash'eny]

Ash'eny wouldn't have it. He could tell that this place wasn't to the standards of his new friend, and Ash'eny was almost shocked to actually consider Markus as a friend. Sure, they were comrades, allies in profession (yet ironically nemesis as well), even though Markus didn't know it yet, and probably never would. But still, they only met and Ash'eny's intentions were to underhandedly take advantage of a knight, all for the sake of pleasure, but he wasn't planning that now. He actually genuinely wanted to learn from this person, about who he was and what he enjoyed doing. Ash'eny smirked as he looked at Markus again. He did look so much like Tolby. It was strange and comforting. "Wine is not to your taste and the women here do not catch your eye, there is no reason for me to hold you here. Come, to the Stallion!" Ash'eny stood up from his seat so quickly that the bottle of wine tipped and rocked, its heavily alcoholic substance sloshing around inside, fighting to fall and free itself across the table. Ash'eny nimble hands, from a lifetime of picking pockets, locks, and stealing trinkets, reached out and snatched up the bottle and brought it to himself. He had acquired several angry stares from patrons and workers here. Perhaps they were offended by his outburst, or maybe his open announcement of choosing the Stallion over this place. His grip tightened on the bottle, as if someone was planning to take it from him. But it was his. He paid for it. Ash'eny stepped out of the Golden Dragon, Markus wasn't far behind him, most likely. Judging by how awkward the kid looked, Ash'eny wouldn't be surprised if he had ran out without Ash'eny looking. His boots tapped lightly as he lifted his bottle of wine to his lips and drank from it. Markus wasn't fond of it, but Ash'eny did love a good strong drink. Flavor was only a bonus. Ash'eny turned around yet kept moving, backwards now, as if he had eyes in the back of his head (unlikely) or he knew the streets like the back of his hand (a bit more reasonable). His body rocked ever so slightly with the delusional sight brought along by the alcohol he was now keeping to himself. Not drunk, not yet, but he was buzzed. He grinned. "Tell me my new companion. Is there a girl in your life that has taken monopoly of your heart? A damsel that has silently taken claim of your love with nothing more than a wink of her eye or a bat of her eyelash? I had a love once... twice even. The first wasn't a lover. She was my child." It was probably strange to hear such a shift in the rogue's mood, from joyful to an almost somber, soft pain. He drank, and in his drinking he had a habit of doing things he would never have done should he have been sober. It was fun, but he talked too much, became too affectionate. He found a lover that way, one that looked at, through, and past his crimes that haunted him, and he was certain that she understood and loved him despite it, yet she vanished soon after he was exposed and vulnerable. That hurt, but not as badly as his daughter. He lifted his wine bottle to his lips and drank again. A smile returning to his face when he lowered them, then he stumbled, nearly falling backwards as he tripped on his feet and somehow managed to both save himself and his bottle of wine. "Hah! Did you see that? Graceful isn't I? I tell you what. If I had been a Syliras-born like yourself, I could have been a petching good sword guy. No shyke. The gods blessed me with fast and strong fingers and toes." Ash'eny lifted his hand and waved it out in front of him as if to shoe Markus the magical miniature appendages there, yet the pinkie was missing. Sunberthan events. "I think we're about there. I might have missed a turn though."

[Secret]

THREAD AWARDS Ash'eny   Skills Skill Gain Notes Deception 3 Observation 2 Acting 2 Storytelling 2 Drinking 2 Interrogation 2 Stealth 1 Acrobatics 1 Persuasion 1   Lores There's no Knight like a Tipsy Knight My Name is Tolby! Lies Often Reveal Self Truths   Notes Very nicely done, I quite enjoyed reading the Man Date. Markus Andres   Skills Skill Gain Notes Observation 2 Drinking 2 Interrogation 2 Rhetoric 1 Detection 1   Lores Civilians Are Also Decoys! Hops Are Tastier Than Grapes Knightly Duty: Not Judging an Upstanding Citizen   Notes I really enjoyed this thread. Keep up the good work.