Closed [Inclement Weather] Bragging Rights (Leaf/Niro/Shadow)

[Hess]

7 Fall, 512 Winding down, and down, and down, into the very heart – or some would say the bowels – of Wind Reach, Hess thought how odd life could be. One week you were stuck in a blizzard so high atop a mountain you could breath in the very clouds themselves. The next, you were back safe in the city, buried inside a mountain, heading out for a night of relaxation, recreation and celebration. What were they celebrating? The very same concept – of how life could literally turn upside down and it would seem the end had come, as it had two seasons ago, Spring 1. And yet here they were, most of them anyway. The city rebuilt. The Summer drawn to a close and food being laid in for the Winter ahead. That was reason enough to celebrate, wasn’t it? Life going on, no matter what the gods did, or nature, or other men. Hess was not of a philosophical turn of mind. Put a bow in his hand and he’d do his best to bring down some game and that was usually satisfaction enough for him. But tonight, tonight he felt that really, he did have quite a bit to celebrate – getting off that petching mountain alive, a certain redheaded young lady that might very well be at the Inclement Weather for this same celebration – just being walking and breathing, after falling off a petching eagle. Yeah, all good. The cavernous night spot was already quite crowded with Inarta of a similar mindset as himself. He hardly went ten feet at a time without bumping into someone he knew, but his target was the bar, and he didn’t slow down to say more than a friendly hello. He was looking for an empty seat and ready for a beer, and finally he spotted a section with a few seats that were yet unoccupied. As he drew close enough to put his hand on the back of one, he recognized the guy sitting two spots down. Sliding onto the stool and looking down the bar for Tom, or Tessa, he nodded amiably and said, “Niro, right? I’m Hess, in case you don’t remember.” The Avora hunters pretty much knew each other, by sight if not by being best buddies. Often there were planned hunts that gathered many of them together and they were sent off with partners or sometimes in small groups. They would come together to train the Yasi, or sometimes be paired up to take second seat with a wind eagle and their rider. That’s how Hess ended up getting dumped onto the side of that mountain two weeks back. Waiting patiently for service, Hess commented, “Petching packed in here tonight. I think I’ll order them two at a time.” Lifting his gaze again, Hess saw another bar fly, just on past Niro, but this one seemed a bit quiet and Hess didn’t recognize him at all*. Still, he threw up his scarred right hand and nodded affably all the same, giving him a friendly, “Hey.” *Shadow

[Shadow Nane]

Walking into the party scene, Shadow immediately felt out of place. Here were people yelling and playing while he came around with his soulless expression. It didn't help that he was a foreigner either, just coming for a visit to Wind Reach. He was a stranger and most probably knew this. However, Shadow ignored anyone watching as he made his way through the area. Just what was this Kelvic doing in a place like this? Actually, this was simply the first place Shadow found when he passed through the gates. He'd come here to meet the so called "Eagle children" and he wouldn't be able to do that unless he mingled. Unfortunately, now that he'd actually arrived, Shadow traveled to the bar and took up a seat. That often meant that he'd stay in the corner and be silent. Looking to the bartender, Shadow ordered some tea and was given a fancy alcoholic beverage. Shrugging, he sipped at the cup before putting it down to look around. When he did, he'd notice other people at the bar, one of which was addressing him. "Hello Sir," Shadow said formally. "Who might you be?"

[Niro]

Niro had arrived at the Inclement Weather only a few chimes before Hess spoke to him. This was a day off for the young man, and he wasn't here to relax, dance, or drink, if he was completely honest. No, he was here to hunt. This wasn't a night for Chiets. And gods only knew he had to be desperate, drunk, or high to go for a romp with a Dek. Tonight was to be for something more. He'd order a drink or two, show off just how impressive he was and make his way for a good time with a minimum of one companion. An unexpected greeting was the beginning of the end of his plans. The man noticed him. He knew it. There was no doubt in Niro's mind that, yep. He was going to say hello. He was slightly grateful that Hess had introduced himself, because while he could recognize some of the other hunters, he'd learned only a few of their names. A long recovery from injury during his short hunting career had left him with little knowledge of who was who. This one seemed to know him though. Hess. Hmmm. Nope. Don't know him. "Ah, Hess. Yeah. I know you from around." At least the man knew how to order. "Why settle for two? Three or four can be fun, too." He raised his eyebrows, knowing full well he wasn't talking about drinks. "A few drinks only makes it easier." He nodded to Hess. "What has you here? Looking for some lovin'?" he asked, a wry smile across his lips. Niro glanced over his shoulder to see who Hess was addressing. The petch? Purple hair? Too many of these type. He let out a chuckle after the man spoke. "Sir? That's rich." He glanced over at Hess. "At least he knows his place." Niro shook his head. At least that other outsider he met had made his way into their society. Sighing heavily he turned around in his chair to face the second man. "Same question for you, I suppose. The Inclement Weather is a place for fun and debauchery. Dancing, drinking, and drugs." He motioned to the various curtained off locations in the club, grinning. "Maybe looking to find yourself one of this fiery redheads? There's where you can disappear for a good time." Niro faced forward again, addressing the bartender. "A round for us three. And some Poppers, too. If you boys are interested."

[Leaf]

The party scene was a familiarity to Leaf. It reminded him of home, of his... beloved tormentors. Perhaps their parties weren't as wild as the Inclement Weather, of course, and drug use didn't go around so widely, but it still brought to mind masquerades, auctions, and social gatherings where his masters could flash their airs at the faces of the other families. The familiarity was comforting, but so much more unnerving than he let on. He was not one to enjoy these types of places. The press of people made him feel claustrophobic, which was funny as he currently lived closed in by the walls of a volcano. He couldn't resist the pull of it, though. The scent of the bodies, the fading of his inhibitions, for one night. It was hard to resist letting it go, so he didn't resist. He was leaving one of the alcoves, dishevelled and easily soaring high on what these Inarta referred to as Wingers. He straightened his bryda and strutted to the bar, as proud as a peacock, as some woman fell out of the curtained alcove he had just vacated. Perhaps as high as he (his overreacting pride would say he had stunned her with his prowess), she didn't seem much interested in rejoining the revelry but began making her way to the exit. Leaf might have ended up doing the same, until he saw that man. He made a beeline towards him, ignoring the people that wanted to dance. Bolder than he would want to be under normal circumstances, he approached the cocky Avora he had encountered in the Quiver. As a purple squirrel scurried over the counter, the Kelvic sat down. He ignored the chittering rodent, about to say something to Niro, but the sight of another man caused him to stiffen. He may not know it all the time, or even half the time, or even at all, but that man with the violet hair, he seemed very peculiar and very, very familiar. Looking at him irritated him and made him want to shout and make a scene, so the other would leave his territory. The instinct to defend, it was strong in him, and when joined together with the wonderful feeling of invincibility, he felt like he could rip apart the encroaching challenger and feed him to his young. Yes, he could do that. Niro was forgotten as Leaf leaned against the bar and glared down towards this stranger. The bartender approached as he idly ran his fingers across his chin, but when the man spoke, Leaf had a reply ready. "Fuzzy Squirrel and Funkus," he said. No thanks given, just his coin, when the Inarta returned. The powder was poured into the tall beverage and stirred in, almost with trained ease. While the drugs of Ravok weren't as colourfully named as those of Wind Reach, there were a few similarities between them. Once done, he dropped the spoon he had used aside and took a long draught from his glass. The bitter of the alcohol and the tang of the Funkus ran through his palate and he shook his head, grimacing, before looking around again. A blue and yellow horse trotted through the crowd, not too far away from where he sat, and this time his eyes followed it for a short bit before they suddenly found Niro again. About five chimes after taking that seat next to the other Avora, he finally addressed him. "I remember you," he said. "You were at the range, making a big old show of yourself weren't you? Tch, humans. Always so... so... so petching cocky." Despite the inebriated state the man was in, a sharp pair of gold eyes still fiercely settled upon the other. His friends were forgotten, as he had been already, but that wasn't to say that Leaf wouldn't notice them pretty quickly again.

[Hess]

Hess grinned, leaning forward a bit to look more directly at the one with the violet mane. “Hey, a little politeness never goes amiss,” he smirked, in reply to Niro’s observation. “I kind of like being called sir.” To the one who was looking at the drink in front of him with a fair bit of skepticism, Hess said in slightly louder voice, to be heard over the dance music, “Name’s Hess. And looks like a Fury you got there.” He indicated the drink. “I’d be careful with those if I were you. They have a tendency to sneak up on you.” His eyes lingered on the guy’s outfit for a moment, before he added, “Interesting cloak you have there – and hair. You got a name to go with those?” Further exchanges were interrupted by the far more important arrival of Tom and the ordering of drinks. Hess’ eyebrows rose at the generous gesture by Niro. The boy didn’t seem drunk yet, but Hess wasn’t one to question a free drink, with perks. He said without hesitation, “Well, if you’re buying, let me have something expensive.” He thought a moment. “A Wing Buffet, Tom, make it a double. Might as well throw it all in one glass.” To Niro, he nodded, “Cheers, and I’ll get the next one.” Leaning back and getting comfortable, he finally addressed Niro’s question. “I’m not averse to chasing after a bit of skirt tonight, no. But I’m mainly here just to celebrate – being alive, you know. Beats the crap out of being dead, in my book. Got dumped off an eagle a couple weeks ago, spent a week on a mountain top, in a blizzard, freezing my petching nuts off. And now – here I am – sitting in this place and you’re buying me a drink.” He laughed. “Life is petching weird sometimes. But well worth the effort, right?” Further conversational efforts on the part of Hess were stymied by the arrival of another who came straight to the seat on the far side of Niro. Much more to Hess’ interest was the arrival of the drinks and he took his own with a nod of thanks to Tom, and then a second one to Niro, before he raised the glass to his lips. The newcomer was placing his own order, as Hess set his drink down and eyed the popper that had been placed before him on the counter. He’d reserve use of that for now, simply wanting to enjoy his drink. He watched and listened to the one on the far side of Niro with a detached air, not taking offense at the aspersion cast. Out of the mouths of lesser beings was Hess’ take on the comment. Who knew what the minger was – some mixed blood or maybe a kelvic. He sure seemed to be trying to stare down purple hair for some unstated reason. Drink in hand, Hess swiveled his seat about so that he could look out into the crowd, not looking for anyone in particular, but keeping his eyes peeled for her, just in case.

[Shadow Nane]

Sipping at his fancy beverage, Shadow would listen as someone at the bar began to address him. With his short bowl cut red hair and his little piercing, he looked like a troubled teen who was to young to be drinking. However, despite his apparent age, he seemed to talk like a grown man who'd had experience at the bar. Shadow briefly wondered if he'd been drinking a lot or if he was just a quick learner. However, thoughts such as that were none of his business so it didn't last long. "I've come here to meet an Inarta," Shadow said simply, sipping on his beverage. "I have no interest in drugs or drinking." Perhaps he was contradicting what he just said by sipping at the alcoholic tea. However, he was making sure to drink slowly so he wouldn't end up in a drunken bar fight. Brawling wasn't exactly Shadow's strong suit. Shadow was about to address the man from before, who apparently went by the name of Hess, when he saw a newcomer approaching. He was a large man, a bit muscular with dark brown hair and golden eyes. For some reason, he seemed to be glaring at Shadow like he wanted to kill him. What's more, Shadow somewhat felt the same way. He didn't know why, but he felt dislike towards this stranger, though it was small. Not being the one to usually do something like this, Shadow ignored the feeling. He was sure that, if given the chance, this newcomer wouldn't be that bad. Still, he couldn't help how he felt. Maybe it would help things if the newcomer wasn't glaring. However, it was nothing he couldn't ignore. "I go by Shadow," the kelvic explained, turning back to Hess and the "teen". "By any chance would you two be Inarta?"

[Niro]

The short haired Inarta shook his head, looking at Shadow. "I can't say I like anyone who turns down a free drink." He slid the extra drink over to him. "I prefer to buy for women, anyways." He gave him a quick nod before turning his attention back to Hess. "You sure know how to take advantage of generosity." He gave an almost genuine smile to his fellow hunter. "Though with a tale like that, I'd have gone for a triple." He brought his glass to his lips, taking a small drink. "Life's crazy. A near death will do that to you." He swiveled in his chair to face out to the crowd, lazily examining them for a prospect or five to entertain him this evening. "Sounds like quite a tale? An eagle reject you and you just couldn't let go?" He smirked Hess. "And a little skirt? My friend, what use is it to be alive if you can't down a drink, inhale some gas from one of these," he said, motioning to gas sacs before them, "and score as much tail as humanly possible. Or as whateverly possible." Niro emphasized last point with a dismissing wave, and a glance to their drug free companion. He turned his full attention to Shadow as the man asked that magical question. Niro shot the man an incredulous look, and turned it to Hess. "Is this for real?" He let out a loud laugh before standing and looking at the purple haired outsider. "Let's see. We're both slender with red hair. I know I'm loud and annoying. Not to mention, we're in Wind Reach." He took a few steps over to the Kelvic before stopping. Niro put his hands on his cheeks and tilted his head to the side, batting his eyes at the man. "So I suppose that makes him an Isur, and I'm a Konti." He slapped the man on the back and flashed him a grin. "Yeah, we're Inartas. Inartas are the best out there! No wonder you'd want to meet them." His mood soured quickly as another brought their group to four. Him. The eccentric hunter ground his teeth together for a moment before turning to his least favorite person at the moment. He was drunk. At least they shared a love for that. "By the gods, if it isn't the most ugly woman I've ever seen in my life." Niro turned his face from Leaf in exaggerated recoil. "How did a Dek like you get in here? I'm a generous fellow, but I don't do charity work." He took a wide circle around their new companion. "You're doing it wrong, love. You've got to get the man drunk if you wanna get lucky this evening." Niro grabbed his drink up, grinning brightly at the three others. "To life, huh?" He downed his drink, eyes blazing with excitement. This night was going to be something. "I don't know what's gonna go down, but I don't think I want to remember tonight. Hess, I think you should join me in this event. Shadow. You need to loosen up, and I'm the man for that." The teenager turned his attention to Leaf, raising an eyebrow. "And you. We'll find you a man to hold you tenderly. Gods know you need it." He gave the dark haired hunter a friendly shove before addressing the group. "What do you say?"

[Leaf]

Leaf couldn't be blamed for the thoughts going through his head. With the drugs he had taken, and the alcohol coursing through his system, he felt invincible and brave. In his face, he didn't express what was in his mind. He wore his normally sour expression, stared with his cold eyes, and reacted only barely to the words that left Niro's mouth. With no warning, Leaf laughed with Niro. It seemed as though he was better natured when drunk, but the laughter was a fake imitation. He'd never had the need to laugh before, but to feign humour, he needed it now. "You're so kind, sweetheart, to give me such a warm welcome." He took another drink, the refreshing tang bolstering his pride and intentions. "Here, have some of this." With that, the hand with the cup jerked forward, splashing out the tainted liquid towards the ever so kind Avora. Leaf's lips cracked in a wide leer at his own awesomeness as the cup clunked back down onto the table, very nearly empty. "Look what you made me do, Dek licker." He turned to the bartender when he returned and ordered the same drink, minus the Funkus. He felt like he was flying high enough already after all that he had taken. When the bartender turned away, the Kelvic reached over and seized a cloth presumably used for wiping out used cups and tossed it at Niro. "There. Wouldn't want the women to think you a dirty scoundrel, right? Get yourself cleaned up, dear, and then join us for the party."

[Hess]

Hess listened to the exchange going on between Niro and the newcomer, though admittedly it was a bit one sided. The young Inarta seemed high on life, and drink, and possibly drugs – who knew? Hess raised an eyebrow at some of Niro’s mocking allusions to the newcomer’s gender. Hopefully the guy would take it all in good fun – though Hess himself probably would not have, even as laid back as he was himself. And though Niro had addressed part of his salutation to life, and invitation to celebrate it, to his fellow Inarta, Hess was at that moment taking another sip of his drink. So he wasn’t able to make any immediate reply – not that one had come to mind – before the newcomer made a bit of a splash himself. It had seemed by his response that he might well have been going to overlook the insult in Niro’s words and just go with it. But the flying Fuzzy Squirrel made it quite apparent what he thought of Niro’s seeming gender confusion. His words were just as over the top as the gesture, and Hess raised the other eyebrow to join the first, wondering how Niro would react. Dek licker, hmmm . . . Now those were definitely fighting words. Unbeknownst to Hess, Shadow’s silent commitment to avoiding a brawl seemed likely to be tested here in the next few seconds.

[Shadow Nane]

OOCAny particular reason the thread says closed?

Shadow was a bit annoyed by Niro's response but he certainly didn't show it. Not only was he not from around here, but Shadow also knew little about Inarta. He only knew what Leena, his former owner, had told him and that wasn't a lot. All he had truly absorbed was that they rode birds and were excellent in falconry. It would be nearly impossible to identify an Inarta in a bar with those little details. "I wouldn't say the best out there," Shadow responded. "You are interesting humans, though. I'm interested to learn more about your way of life...especially in connection with the birds." Sipping at his drink again, Shadow would listen silently as Niro addressed the glaring newcomer. He seemed to know him, though he apparently wasn't a friend of his. By the way he was acting, Shadow knew this would only lead to trouble. Shadow was about to say something when the newcomer took the initiative and splashed Niro with his drink. Considering how Niro acted, Shadow approved of the move. Reaching to his side, Shadow would take out his dagger and cut off a piece of his robe, offering it to Niro to use as a napkin. "You probably shouldn't pick fights with strangers," Shadow said to Niro as he put away his knife. "Whoever this man is obviously isn't one to play around with." Sipping his drink, Shadow decided to stay seated despite the fact that there might have been a fight coming on. He was interested in Inarta life and that included how they fought.