Open Fallacy at Dockside (Open)

[Quint Caravel]

To this day, Quint had no idea who started the argument or why. He had no idea who was right and who was wrong. He did not even know if he somehow instigated it or perhaps could have quelled it. The simple fact of the matter was that he was just not paying attention.

He was just plain distracted by the strange odd concoction that had been placed in front of him. Orange in color and smelling vaguely of the wilderness, or at least what he imagined grass to smell like, it was truly the most frighteningly odious concoction he had ever had the displeasure of attempting to imbibe. And he had dated that poisoner from Kalea.

He should have been more specific, as this was not the carrot juice that the uptight squire had been drinking. This was something that tasted far nastier or at least far more unique to a man from a family filled with scurvy. This was something that the wench had assured him was called orange juice.

Still, he had paid for the drink and by Xyna, Mr. Quint Caravel was not a man to go around parting with Mizas willy-nilly and for no good reason. If he did not at least take a few sips of the strange orange drink that he had bought then it was as bad as if he had bartered for it. And Quint was not a man who believed in barter.

A drink had been bought. The drink must be sampled, no matter how revolting. It was as plain and simple as that. He did not believe in much, neither in the gods above or in the people below, but he believed in this: all transactions must be concluded, no matter what.
In some ways he was a bit of a rogue, but dig deep enough and you will find his principles. This was one of them.

And so Quint had his head bent down and he was trying not to gag while holding the orange beverage to his lips when the fight broke out. Two sailors at the table next to his had been arguing, then a female sailor joined in, then a little Kelvic man that apparently was sometimes a beaver, and then they were all off and running.

Discretion being the better part of valor, Quint decided that this was a good time to leave. He had many talents but he had never been much of a fighter and did not feel like starting now. Except he had been distracted by the shouts and yelling, and had to grab at his drink when the sailor next to him sploshed some of his vodka into Quint's glass.

"Blast it, you've screwed up my drink," Quint muttered.

The sailor laughed. "Not my problem. You've been whining all night that you bought it so you have to drink it. So drink it now or I'll drive it into your face."

Quint snarled a curse at the man, a red-haired sailor named Jackson Collins of Lhavit. "Drive it into my face? Screw you, Collins."

"To the Void with you, Caravel."

Quint shook his head. "I'm not drinking this orange.. vodka mess. I don't even know what you'd call it." He picked up the glass. "Here, you want it, you can have it. Screw it, I'll drive it into your face instead."

After that it was just chaos. Fists flying, arms and legs everywhere. All the men and women at both tables screaming and yelling. Quint got the crap beat out of him, and he was so humiliated by the bruising he took that he left Syliras that very evening. It wasn't that he himself was injured-- mostly it was just his pride-- it was more that he had not gotten in a single punch of his own. Syliras, a place that admired Knights and Squires and physical strength--- it was just not the place for a man who preferred to hide in shadows and backstab from places other than the front.

Wasting no time, Quint bolted for the door, grabbed his stuff from where he was keeping it, and then headed towards the gates. He would not be seen in Syliras again, or at least not for many seasons to come.

[Bolivar]

The armored man looked to have a hissy fit when the squire told him off. If he didn't want to in a tavern with a bunch of drunks he shouldn't have came of all days.

"Gods, whatever happened to people having fun in a tavern?"

The man didn't even bother to tell his name. Just as well. He also left his drink for Bolivar to claim. The company of a drink was just good to Bolivar. Just because he was a squire didn't mean he wasn't allowed to have fun. Not the people in the tavern were suppose to know that either.

"Adara is it? What make are you? I've never seen such dark eyes before."

Trying to salvage what was left of this evening Bolivar merely waved away the ill will Marx left them as his eyes went to his meal. Offering Adara a portion Bolivar's eyes searched for the other squire amidst the crowd before looking back at the other person in the table.

Another shout broke through as a pitched argument came to a high point. Almost unbelievingly Bolivar looked back to see a pair arguing about their drinks. At which the squire could feel his eyes rolling to the back of his head. Unbelievable. The pair took it a step further as they started to beat the crap out of each other. With every nearby standing back and watching warily at the scene.

Looking for a familiar face amongst the crowd Bolivar looked to the fellow squire who seemed just as lost as he was. Mortimer and Ramses took the initiative as they were joined by a few more strong hands to throw the offending pair out of the tavern. One of them obviously winning the fight while the other was heavily bruised all across his body.

Wondering all the while what the point of it was Bolivar looked back at Adara somewhat wonderingly. The squire still did not what Adara was and he was still intent on learning. To learn what he can, within reason and outside of it if she fancied him.

"Hmph. What do you think? Should we get out of here?"

The squire wasn't feeling too hungry anymore and another few needs were starting to arise. The most prominent was the need to be entertained. The need for some more social interaction followed by the need to answer the call of nature.

"Want to follow that odd fellow in armor around? Perhaps watch that sailor pair duke it out?"

Bolivar's eyes went to the exit where the sounds of Quint getting the shyke beaten out of him as still heard. Though the storm outside didn't really appeal to the squire it might be very well worth leaving.

"Or if you want we can get into a little tussle of our own. I'm a pretty good wrestler if my memory serves."

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- She came in here to avoid the rain and the storm out there. Instead there was a storm all of it's own in the tavern. She shifted her gaze to the bartender and the few wrenches who were still in the midst of it. Most of the seemed unfazed. The wrenches occasionally slapping a drunken man off of their rump and the bartender occasionally shoving a rambling man away from his bar. How could they stand to work like this everyday? Adara would have ran a sword through all of them. Not that she knew how to use one; but she figured running a few men through with a sharp weapon wouldn't be that hard to figure out. The squire who had tried to warn them seemed put out that his warning wasn't taken more serious. Just because she was a girl did that mean she was supposed to run with fright at the slightest hint of danger or a tussle. Adara was more likely to jump right in the middle then run away as the squire was now doing. Perhaps he did not think of it as running, but that was how she was seeing it. Sounds of fighting grew as a sailor fought with another man. Over a silly drink at that! Intoxicated men seemed to be more wanting for a fight then a women when it was her time of the month. The smell of booze, vomit, and sweat was growing rather overwhelming. As was the shouts, glass breaking, and roars of blind rage. Adara couldn't help but laugh though as the man Quint simply ran out of the tavern like a beaten dog with his tail between his legs. Well don't get in a fight little man if you can't handle it. And then there was her new male companion. The one who called himself Boliver and seemed intent on staying by her side. "Chaktawe" She said simply, answering his first question. "From my mother." She should have played out the little game longer, but honestly she was so distracted by everything that was exploding around them that she paid little mind to what he wanted. Yet he kept asking her questions. Did she want to get involved in the fight or perhaps just leave? Her eyes shifted towards Boliver and narrowed in suspicion. Did he expect to get something from her this evening? If so all he would manage from her would be some sorely bruised balls and perhaps some black eyes to go with that. Or maybe he just wanted some fun. A change from his normal routine of life, which was all that Adara wanted. "What makes you think I can fight? I might get in the middle and break every bone that I have." Adara questioned teasingly with a tilt of her head and a rise of her eyebrows. Waving off the food he offered her she simply smiled. "Well, everyone else does seem to be having such a jolly time fighting. I would hate to feel left out. If you manage to break any bones I'll make sure you get patched up." What was she getting into? A little excitement for once that's what. ----

[Bolivar]

Morosely picking at the tavern's famous potatoes Bolivar could not seem to focus on his meal even as the commotion ceased. The piping hot portions and the generous amounts of salts and spices did little to relieve the squire in hiding as his suspicions were getting the better of him. Even if it was a small commotion and settled the chance of a knight coming along tore at him. Even if the chance of him not being recognized was there it wouldn't really do well for his image among his peers. Sure it was allowed to have a few drinks but a damned fight broke out on near him.

What the petch were those damned fools fighting over?

A fussy issue like that was worth fighting? Worth a possible night in the tank?
Pathetic really, if one stopped to think about it. Where was squire Ramses before the fight broke out? Then again the skirmish escalated too quickly for anyone to stop it really. Still it would make the pair of squires look bad having the issue settled with little on their part to prevent it. Sure Ramses helped direct the fight outwards but where was he now? Sensitive sailors apparently ruining the early mood of the tavern this evening, who would have guessed? Watching the old tavern keeper return Bolivar raised an eyebrow not seeing Ramses return from the tussle yet.

Where could he have gone?

Further thought and Bolivar had guessed it was to chase after the fellow who incited the fight in the first place. Leaving the doused man returning to Bolivar's jurisdiction. His judgement still sound having only a mild drink of the free ale quickly gave up the issue. The man simply reacted to having some bleeding sod overreact and throw his drink at the man. Bolivar might have done the same if he had been in his position. No doubt Ramses was being the hero here looking out for the one who started the fight. Hoping nothing more then the instigator's capture and abandonment in the tank Bolivar finished his first free ale before moving on to the drink Marx left behind.

"Petching coward. Don't start a fight and run away mere seconds after. Childish is what it is."

Gritting his teeth irately Bolivar raised a knowing eyebrow at Adara before giving a smug look at the other mixed blood. Chaktawe was it? He hadn't heard of it before. It sounded as exotic as he thought she was. Unsure if she was acting coy or being sarcastic Bolivar hinged on sounding more agreeable then direct answering back to Adara. Just because a few louts tried to ruin the evening didn't mean he had to follow their crude example. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, even letting out a long 'hhmmmm' to convey he was thinking quickly came up with what to say soon after.

"I dunno you looked so strong when I first sat down darling. I am a very good judge of character. Don't listen to what anyone else tells you. Bolivar knows a good one when he sees one."

'A good one' meaning a multitude of things. More so focused on Adara's physique more then anything but he left it to the half-Chaktawe take it however she wanted, it didn't really matter to him. He just knew that a strong body usually meant constant exercise. Constant exercise meaning Adara didn't mind getting too physical with whatever she was she did. Now it was just a question how she got around to looking so strong. Most likely through fighting. Was he on track here? The teasing tone was leaving Bolivar restless with anticipation not knowing how this evening will end.

More excitement more then lust really but Bolivar still had to play this game with Adara. They were both merely creatures of circumstance meeting like this though how they knew each other after all this was over was purely based on the decisions both Bolivar and Adara made and the squire was fine making a few bad, possibly good choices. The first being to avoid fighting in the tavern.

"Eh? No thanks. I get no enjoyment out of that anymore. Sylirans are rather flimsy. Not the strongest people I've grappled with."

Flexing slightly to prove his point, Bolivar closed his eyes in self appreciation before moving to get up from the table. Waving down the old tavern master from before Bolivar quickly paid for his portion of the meal. Recalling where his fellow squire might be Bolivar picked up the extra miza difference for all his effort.

"The squire that paid before? Yea I know him. He left though didn't he? I should have just split the order from the beginning eh?"

"That's him. Leave it hot for him for when he returns. No doubt he has earned it by now."

"You heading out?"

"I am. Good fortune to you for the ale. Perhaps I can get another one for the road?"

A quick nod ending the conversation Bolivar turned back to Adara and the table they sat. It was sad to see that this story possible end but it would be best if he started going. Once again fearing the repercussions of getting chastised by a roaming knight, the threat 'ever relevant. Though this story the strange Chaktawe didn't have to end right there. Perhaps something more could come out of this little meeting.

“I'm heading out honey. Care to join me? I do so get lonely sometimes. Maybe you could show me your room?”

There. He said it. Bared his teeth and went in for the kill. Perhaps Adara had found him charming and the notion irresistible. Sure it was the ale talking for him but he doubt he would have said it in another, possibly apprehensible way. Never let an overly direct or honest man drink to much lest they say something entirely amusing.

“How about it? A little one on one session. You show me your moves and I show you mine. How's that sound? You show me what you got and I'll return the favor twofold.”

[Adara Meadows]

b

Adara Meadows ---- Nothing was going according to how she had originally planned it. To simply come in here. Get a drink, hide from the rain; and then run home. Well truly her original plan had been to simply buy some fish from the harbor for her dinner. Far she had strayed from her original plan. Yet, it wasn't all bad. She had found some entertainment for the evening. Far better then sitting in her small apartment and stinking it with the smell of seafood. Why rush back to her normal routine. Step out, take a little risk and see where it took her. She would learn something, good or bad, either way. It would be unforgettable no matter how the evening went. A small smile formed as he cursed at the young lad who had run off from the fight. Her eyes shifted over to the door where he had fled. "Cannot help but agree with that. I am sure the shame will haunt him." She muttered, more to herself then to Boliver. Adara could remember times, a younger her had ran from things she did not want to face. "I dunno you looked so strong when I first sat down darling. I am a very good judge of character. Don't listen to what anyone else tells you. Bolivar knows a good one when he sees one." Her dark eyes flashed like iron as they shifted back to her new squire companion. Narrowing her lids a little the fingers to her right hand drummed against the table base. What did he mean by a good one when he saw it. Head tilted to the side Adara searched his expression through looking for the answer to his real meaning. Was he truly recommending her on having a fighters body. Or was he thinking of some other physical exerts? Glancing at the ale her fingers clenched in a fist hardening. Was why he sat next to the pretty lass? With some ale in them both was he hoping for some physical exercise? Her lips were parted to make some sharp and rather rude comment, countering his own. She had taken what he said her way, and she didn't like it. Before she could so much as utter a squeak he was denying a fight and off to pay for his food. Letting out a heavy breath Adara glared at his back coldly. What was it with men only looking at females one way. When he came back she was going to dump the rest of her drink on his head and then!- And then what Adara? Go back to the hole where she lived? Wake up in the morning, off to work and back to regular life. She always grumbled that she did nothing. Knew no one. Did nothing of any worth. Well, here was someone she could know. Here was a chance for a little difference, a little spice to her life. And here she was about to throw ale on his face. Sure, he was not her ideal pick for something of a change; but what was wrong with that. Before she could fully decide what she was going to do Boliver was back and stating his ideas of how then evening would go. Jaw locked she gave him a look that could kill. Who did he think she was? A women, alone in a tavern. What else? Didn't her father always say only desperate women went to taverns alone? Did you forget that Adara dear? Sure, she was not desperate for the attention of a man. Perhaps what she was searching for was a change. Here it was offer open and stark in center. Her expression softened a little as her mouth held open, waiting for a reply to come out. He was certainly better then most of the other loots roaming about. Pulling the last of her drink close Adara downed it in one gulp before giving the man a coy smile. "Well, what's the harm in a little trading of skills?" She could already feel the blood rushing through her veins. THis was not what she did. WHo cares? Life is only lived once. He offered, why not take it? Hopefully after this night she would never have to actually deal with him again. But for now, he was her excitement. ----

[Bolivar]

"Where's the harm in it indeed."

Feeling all too suave hearing Adara's answer Bolivar moved with a confident stride leading the fellow mixed blood out the tavern. Stepping out the scene outside looked worser then it was when Bolivar first arrived in the tavern. It might have even been wiser to stay inside the Broken Casket but the thought of staying at a dockside tavern overnight appealed little to Bolivar. Above them, to the left and right of them, every which way they looked a torrent of heavy water threatened them to soak them to the bone within mere tics. Exasperating slightly at the sight Bolivar looked to Adara for suggestions before trying to solve the issue himself.

"Promise me you won't be alarmed? I think I can get both of us home nice and dry."

Consciously rubbing his hand with his thumb Bolivar brought his up etching something in the air. A creative thought given life with his specific set of skills Bolivar mind raced at the possibility of indeed making his way through the rain without suffering a single drop on his soldier's uniform. Bolivar himself was also a story in the tavern just waiting to be told. A conspiring look on his face Bolivar removed his gloves still trying to work out the quirks he might run into with his solution to his problem.

“Might wanna come close. I don't think I can make it too big.”

Without another word Bolivar gazed out listlessly for a few tics longer then was comfortable before stepping out into the rain without a word. A few moments of success earned the squire a short lived triumph until he drew back as a spray of water exploded near the squire's face. Drawing back sputtering all the while Bolivar found himself half drenched. Which was decent considering what the alternative was. It was close but too much water on the layer made it deteriorate under the extra weight. Musing slightly to himself seeing the half failure as it was Bolivar came up with a different design for his talents to take form. Looking back at Adara expectant of various different reactions Bolivar decided to act as if she didn't understand what just happened. Speaking to Adara as if she needed everything explained because there was a possibility he might have indeed needed to do that.

“Watch closely. I do not want you freaking out halfway through.”

Bringing his hands in front of him Bolivar held something light and incandescent. He had picked up some leftovers from his initial use but with his hands in full display it was much easier to discern from where where that bright gooey form came. Drawing in the res closer to his bosom it steadily grew in size as Bolivar's breathes grew slower and slower until he found his center amidst the constant storm. Letting out a long bated breathe Bolivar drew up a half circle of cover above him before placing his hands out side to side two small orbs of translucent res appeared from his palms. Slowly rising the extra orbs of res up near the small coupled with a few constant hand gestures on Bolivar's part the orbs of res encircled and then rotated all around the first instance of Bolivar's reimancy.

His breathing slowing in interval once more Bolivar found himself putting out a little more res on his part to intensify the density of wind reimancy his res provided. Beckoning Adara closer to experience the curious sight Bolivar once again stepped out into the rain with his makeshift res umbrella of sorts. His left hand still gesturing and directing the two orbs around the main source of his reimancy attracted the excess of water burdening the shield of wind Bolivar created. It was not a very reliable facade as drops still permeated through the glob of transmuted concentrated wind above them. The core of his glob already transformed the only thing keeping the wind in was the two layers of res that encapsulated the mage squire's chosen element. An interesting contraption for sure but required a good degree of concentration of the user's part. Directing two different elements in two very distinct different ways was something the squire had yet to completely master. Though his intentions in doing so was very compelling.

He wanted to look cool in front of his new companion. Not the most amazing reason but nevertheless it was what compelled Bolivar to try out such a difficult theory. Having already spent his meager pool of on hand res with the first try Bolivar was already feeling slight unheeded twitches throughout his body as if testing it's mettle. That tasty meal of potatoes he just had? The spasms threatened to make it a distant memory as a metallic taste invaded his tongue. Though this sensation Bolivar was mildly familiar with. There would be no more res for his body to bring out tonight he would have to make do with what he's got. If he could just keep his concentration then maybe he wouldn't need any more res.

Oh who am I fooling? You always need more res when doing reimancy.

Still Bolivar would give it a shot. It was his story to give to Adara and he would fufill his end of the bargain. Whether Adara would give him a story was still to be seen but the squire held some amount of faith for the evening. Looking forward he could see where he had come from. The squire dormitory in the Bittern District. They would have to avoid taking that route if they can help it. Letting others he met off duty know he was a squire sometimes cut into the festivities and right now Bolivar wanted to keep the mood at an all time high.

“Say. Shall we see you home Adara?”

Giving the half Chaktake a lukewarm expression Bolivar's mouth gaped slightly forming a sly grin. Unspoken promiscuity on Bolivar's part accompanied with an awkward laugh at the scene. Hopefully this was enough to pique her attention since she has yet to show off what she can do. Finding himself wanting the experience more and more Bolivar offered his hand to Adara.

“Care for a pleasant stroll through the city? Leave the rain to me, though you'll have to stay close. We have little cover to work with.”

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- Setting her now empty drink down on the counter Adara gathered herself up and headed after Boliver. The pounding of the rain sounded in her ears as they came closer to the door. It was still raining outside! Why the heck was he looking at her like that? "Afraid of a little water?" She asked with a wicked grin and a tilt of her head. "Promise me you won't be alarmed? I think I can get both of us home nice and dry." Alarmed at what? Him getting splashed in the face. Now that was amusing. He answered her without saying a word. Her large black eyes grew large in amazement. Was he dealing with magic? Some in the castle city did not like seeing such things. Adara on the other hand was very open. This was rather exciting. The hairs on her neck stood up as she twisted her fingers in delight. She was getting a show. Dinner and a show. “Watch closely. I do not want you freaking out halfway through.” "Oh, don't worry I will." Adara muttered softly, her eyes glued to the way his hands moved. It was like being a little kid and having the circus come into town. A small gasp escaped her maw as the light came into her view, held in his hands. Her fingers were entranced with the pretty object. She could not help but step back as the orb grew in size and Boliver shaped it above him. Her dark eyes flashed with the colors of the orb. She dared not breath or even blink, afraid she might miss something. At his beckoning of her ADara took a small step closer, not at all sure it was safe. Her arms drew in close to her body as she kept her eyes up. As cautious as a fox the young women slowly made her way to Boliver's side, standing with her shoulder besides him and her neck craned up. "Stunning." She muttered under her breath. So captivated she was that her mind did not register his words until a good while later. "Oh....yes please, thank you. How long can you keep that up?" She asked, starting to walk alongside him and heading the way back to the main castle and towards the rooms. She grasped his hand, letting her warm palms rest on his. "We could perhaps head towards the indoor parts so you do not have to keep that up." ----

[Bolivar]

Bolivar kept silent at the question, unsure himself how long this makeshift overhead can last himself. The question of where she was staying was answered as they traveled south closer to the castle. It was as he asked but Adara had still yet shared where they were ultimately headed. Numerous times a few tears in his reimancy cloud leaked rainwater on the squire. Focusing most of his efforts on the area his newest companion occupied the squire paid little attention to his state more so focused on looking impressive whist the spell was still stable.

For the most part it seemed to work. The warm hand upon his palm more then enough evidence of his plan working. The squire could not quite ignore or otherwise keep silent upon hearing what she said next. Tossing the two encircling balls of djed Bolivar let what happened naturally with his spell castings. The djed he was working with quickly deteriorated without anything to direct it's form. The two smaller attractors fell to the floor, producing a enlarged drop of rainwater where it had landed. The thin layer of wind above them found a hole from it's container of res to escape out of. A very distinct sound of whooshing air flapping against his res in the wind but Bolivar was much too busy to lead the pair once more into cover.

Bolivar's hand now interlocking with Adara's had himself an amorous look of sorts on his face before finally letting go. Taking a moment to compose himself Bolivar looked back at Adara sheepishly before looking away. Now taking notice of the sputtering sound his failed reimancy was making Bolivar turned back, shrugged slightly and clasped his hands together.

"I normally can keep it up for a really long time. You learn a few things as a half Isur."

Weaving a hand slick back his wet hair Bolivar drew in a deep breathe of air through his teeth before exhaling loudly.

"You are just tall enough from your human side and have more than enough stamina from the Isurian side."

Not quite specifying what he was talking about Bolivar offered his hand once more to Adara. This time motioning them to take their chances with whatever overhead cover they can find.

"Though you should not distract me with that while I am invoking my personal magic. At least not when I am not expecting it. If you want we shall head inside, perhaps find a room to be alone in."