Something about Actions and Words [Cristina Varisat]

[Clemens Kos]

The 43th of Winter, Dusk. Every so often, those dried rations and stale water just did not hit the spot. Not to say Kos was a man who was picky with his food, or complaining about the taste of whatever he happened to be carrying with him, though. There were simply moments he felt like having a little bit more that was in his budget. Just a tad, really. And in moments like these, he exchanged the lonely room of Traveler's row he was renting, for a lonely table next to a corner in a somewhat crowded tavern. The people itself were somewhat confused when the man walked in a while back, with his oddly half-shaved head, and his leather mask that covered the majority of his face. But soon enough they realized he wasn't all that interesting just sitting there on his own, and promply imagined him out. Kos didn't mind one bit, however. The less people he got looking at him for being different the better. Seating down, he leaned the halberd he carried with him against the walls, pulling it out of the leather straps on his back. Doing so, he was able to sit down a bit more comfortable. Unbuttoning his black coat, he'd push it over the back of the chair, letting it hang there, with the base of it connected with the ground. He didn't mind if it got dirty, as the piece of clothing was through worst before. It wasn't long for the serving barmaid to come around, and Kos made his order. A simple mug of ale was all he asked for, together with a piece of bread. It might not seem like much, but something more flavorable might just be what he needed. A few moments later, the bug and a simple white plate with the slice of bread on top of it were presented to him, and with a single nod he sent the serving woman elsewhere. The last he needed was some nosy question needing to be answered. The man didn't really look up much, only occasionally peering around if he heard a voice too loud, or a laugh too strong coming around. His fingers trailed up to his mask, and slowly afterwords pulled the mask he wore around his face down, letting it rest around his neck. His somewhat mauled apperance didn't bother him too much, even after he looked at himself in the ale's reflection. His nose seemingly broken a couple of times only added to the quite unappealing face of the young man. A few frowns could be heard in the tavern, but Kos didn't know if they were given to him, or a bad joke another patron spoke out. Honestly, he didn't even mind it that much. Not long after the man brought the mug to his lips, tipping it slightly to make a sip from the somewhat fruity alcohol beverage, a pocket in his coat began to wiggle and move on it's own. Kos, musing a smile at the display, reached down to it with his free hand, and moments after presented his fist on top of the table. Uncoiling the fingers one by one, he revealed an odd black fur, which quickly enough waggled it's tinny tail. What he was holdling in his hands was actually a rodent. A rat, that once released quietly walked up to the plate with the bread and began to sniffle it. Realizing it's eadible, the quite strong jaw of the small animal began to nibble on one edge, and Kos leaned in forward, placing both elbows on the table, creating some sort of circle with his hands, to shield the rat from anything that might come from. If not else, he gave Nibbles the little bit safety he could in such a crowded space. Then again, from the looks of it Kos had a worse time adapting than his furry friend was. The rat didnd't seem to give much attention to what's happening around, and was happily eating away. Observing that, Kos finally brought his head up to look around the tavern once more.

[Cristina Varisat]

As Kos brings his head up to scan the Tavern, he'd catch sight of a woman. Probably not far from his age, maybe a year or two either way. Cristina was speaking with a couple of people at the bar, including the owner. She wore a simple white top, brown pants and brown knee high boots. Around her shoulders was a green coat and her auburn hair was pulled over one shoulder. Like Kos she got a few second looks, but not for the same reasons. She laughed with a smile that seemed to takeover her whole face and her eyes sparked with inquisitive glances and a warm glow. The strange man sat in the corner had caught her attention briefly. She'd seen him only the once before but she'd left shortly after. He seemed to be a worn individual. His clothing certainly was. But while he looked strange, he certainly wasn't the strangest thing she'd seen. She'd seen the residents from Alvadas early in the season and they had produced some strange things that had really opened the girl's eyes to what was out. But it hadn't been an unpleasant experience. "So, are you gonna play for us tonight Cristina?" the man behind the man asked with a friendly smile. "I've got a drink with your name on it if you do." Cristina grimaced. "That's practically torture," she looked down a moment, behind her eyes snuck back up along with her smile. "But I suppose I can. Do I get to pick what I play?" He nodded. "Like you could stop me anyway." He shrugged back at her. "Give me a moment." It became clear that she had a medium sized case strapped across her back. She placed it carefully on the bar and undid the leather straps binding it closed. The instrument she pulled from the case was elegant and unassuming. She ran her fingers down the strings of the violin before trailing them down over some markings on the wooden body of the instrument. Sadness flickered across her eyes a moment before she picked up the bow and pressed the violin into her shoulder. She scanned her eyes across the bar, briefly meeting as many people as she could. She rested the bow on the strings briefly. A trained eye could tell her posture was slightly tense but most in the bar were simply not paying that much attention until she drew the bow across the first of several strings. The high pitched notes filled the room quickly. Cristina closed her eyes as she played the first few bars of the piece, it was probably one of her favourites. This was the piece she knew best as it was one of the ones she'd been shown first after the basic learning pieces. She soon opened her eyes again, moving amongst the patrons as she played. The song was quiet and it was one she could play and easily hide the mistakes she always made. The music was soft and spoke of hope. Hope of seeing a better day. Hope of seeing old friends and almost forgotten faces. It was clear by the intensity in the eyes and the soft smile on her face that this was music from her soul itself, despite her inexperience playing. Although she could play it all day long she wound the song down after she'd down a circuit of the room. There were a few claps and cheers as she placed the violin back in its case. She sighed, she was still missing notes every now and again. Not that others would know, but she did. A mug of ale was placed on the bar next to her. But not by the owner, a guy she hadn't seen before. It took her back a bit, but she graciously accepted the drink. But the way he was facing her, leaning over like he was, already made her visibly uncomfortable.

[Clemens Kos]

Kos didn't really pay too much attention to the happenings around the tavern itself, him being in his own little word, playing with the rat he brought with him. His gloved finger brushed against the stomach of the rodent which quickly retaliated by bringing both front paws up and bitting down on his finger. The bite itself wasn't really strong to be felt through the material he wore, and musing slightly he'd pinch a bit of the bread that was infront of him, and presenting it to the animal with him. It seemed like that was much better than the icky glove food it tried to eat, and quite quickly calmed down with the bitting, lazily beginning to flop on it's side, tail waggling aimlessly in the air. The masked man observed the animal with a hint of curiosity. It has been with him for a little while now, and he didn't feel as alone at times than he did back in the caravans. A reason would be because Nibbles here didn't really talk much, or ask personal questions that the people loved to do. It was simply there to be petted, fed, and played with. Much like as he was a child, without of a care in the world. The animal brought that side out from him, and he felt genuinenly happy. Yet the didn't show such. His lips pressed in a thin line without much emotions, and the only thing reflecting his emotions was his one revealed green eye. The same eye that quickly looked up as he heard something out of the ordinary happening. It seemed like the bard arrived, or if she was here before, decided to make her presence known. The 'weapon' of choise was a violin it seemed. Not that the man knew much about music and instruments, nor how they actually work. Those cost money, and were usually always off limit for him. He never had the strong desire to become a musician, but the music that was produced seemed oddly...alluring. It wasn't loud, like the people around him. It wasn't noisy and wanted to make itself known to the public. No, it was a slow, silent, and yet oddly powerful tune. The man was no expert, but the type of music that was played felt comforting. He didn't know it spoke about hope, as he never heard the song before, but Kos felt like he could see himself in it. Odd, even for his standards. In silence, he listened to the song being played, every so often glancing over to the source of it. A young woman that caught glances by every second male patron present. He couldn't blame them, as she was quite a pretty face. But for Kos, at that moment, the prettiest of them all was the song she played. Sadly, it wasn't long until it came to an end. The tavern being filled up with cheers and claps, yet Kos felt somewhat sad. Much like he was awoken from a dream into the loud reality. Kos reached down for his mug once more, needing to wetten his lips. Mid-swing, he decided to take another look at the bard that was kind enough to play for the tavern, and spotting an interesting scene. Without much of a surprise, she was being advanced on by someone and the other, be it drinks or compliments. Not being the best eavesdropper he couldn't really catch any words due to the loud tavern. Yet he could read the body language of both present. The man, seemingly radiating from self-esteem, poshly leaning closer that it could be considered approriate. And the woman, not really liking that one bit. Being so distant from people, he couldn't easily discern a lie or a truth, but the natural gestures were clear enough. The bard didn't actually fancy this particular man at all, and he wondered if anyone else noticed. Looking around, he spotted most of the patrons went back to talking and drinking, so he did tip his head to the side. He wasn't going to stand up and rush out at the first sign of discomfort, however. She was probably used on the attention, anyways. Unless a weapon would be drawn, or hostility ensured he'd keep away from the problems of others. He had enough of his own to take care off.

[Cristina Varisat]

"Hey there, Beautiful," the man leant in towards her a little further. Cristina grabbed the mug and looked to the barkeep who shrugged at her. She turned her eyes back to the man, her face reddening a little. "Why so quiet all of a sudden?" Cristina honestly wasn't sure how to answer this question. He was close enough that she could smell the amount of alcohol he'd consumed on his breath. It was repulsive. The man himself wasn't a bad looking guy, she'd guess he was a few years older then her but he was quite a bit larger, both in height and around the middle. She caught him glance over at a table again and realised. This guy and his friends were probably in some kind of game. "I appreciate the drink," she finally managed, taking a brief sip and watching his reaction. Nothing seemed to happen so she felt safe, sort of. She put the mug back down and turned back to her instrument. With no small amount of reverence, she placed the violin back in to its case. Shutting in securely. "Have you gone all shy around such a handsome man as myself?" He grinned inching closer towards her. Cristina hadn't missed it but was choosing to ignore it mostly. She grabbed the drink, deciding that if she didn't interact much, he'd probably get bored. It usually worked. She stared intently at the contents, taking another sip she gave a forlorn smile. "Tell you what honey, let's get a private room and you can play for me and my friends here." Cristina pushed the drink away at this. A shudder ran down her spine. "Thanks, but I'm not interested. I'm just here to work." She instantly regretted saying that sentence. She turned away as much as she could as he whispered in her ear. "I can show you other kinds of work," his warm, tainted breath on her skin turned her stomach. "Please step away, I'm not interested in your offer." It was at this point, she looked up for anyone that might help. The trouble was, everyone was doing their own thing and not paying attention to her. Her frantic scan couldn't catch eye contact with anyone nearby. "Now, at least let me give you a taster," he was dangerously close to her now, he grabbed her wrist tightly. "My boys and I can show you a few things. Just don't struggle and things'll be easy on you ok?" She caught movement out of the corner of her eye, another two guys. The man's face had twisted into something evil and the look in his eyes caught her off guard. She tried to produce some res just in case but she couldn't focus enough through the panic. She'd never turned it on another human in anger before and she certainly didn't want to here. She tried to pull back but he just shook his head with a dark look. "Please, don't do this," Cristina begged. If only she had brought her longsword, she was stupid to go out without a weapon.

[Clemens Kos]

The little good mood Kos had gained by listening to the music was quickly sourned by the scene that began to unfold infront his very eyes. This was the reason he disliked humans and interaction as a whole. People thought they could get anything they wished, no matter what kind of harm they could produce. It was actually saddening, but there was nothing one could do to change the world. Unlucky for the girl at the bar, no knight was on patrol that moment in the room, so unless one would walk through the door this very instant, it looked grim. It reminded him on his own little moment in the woods that many years ago. He himself was a target of this carnal lust without an actual care in the world what it might do to the person involved. His stomach turning at the thought, frowing. If only there was someone that could stand up to him that day. Things wouldn't be so much complicated. But as it stood, there was no one. Here, however, he had a choise. Kos never really cared for what happened around, but it made him think. If there was someone who could interupt his own troubles, would they? Pessimistic as he was, there was a little sentance he remembered being told. To be the change he wanted to see in the world. A deep breath followed. Kos reached down to pick up Nibbles, safly placing him in the coat's pocket once more. Pinching some bread from the plate, he'd put the crumbs into the pocket as well, simply to keep the little rodent occupied. He didn't want him to run off anywhere without supervision. Once the little step was done, the man's right finger was lifted up, pulling his mask back over his face. Knowing what kind of effect a shrouded face had on the people around, he decided to finally use it for something good. Slowly, he stood up, pushing the chair he was sitting on back with his legs, his hands holding the edge of the table for support. His odd hair on the left side flailed around by the sudden movements, and his second eye being revealed from under the black mess he called hair. Reaching behind him, to the wall, he wrapped his fingers around the weapon he brought with him. The sharpened axe head, combined with a spear, resting on a thick wooden shaft. The halberd surely was an unconventional weapon, but Kos himself kept it as it had a certain charm for him. Besides, not like Kos was any less unconventional than the weapon, so it matched his personality. Having distance is important. Not this time, however. This time he needed to close the distance. And he began his walk towards the center of the group. Towards a mass of people. His leather boots hitting against the wood, as he put on an act. His back wasn't hunched down, but straightened up to reveal his actual size. Kos was a tall man, with a metalic rembrace wrapped around his left arm, linked with his studded leather vest he wore. Using the halberd as a walking stick, he let the butt of it connect with the ground every time he had the chance, simply to make himself known. The distance needed wasn't all that long, either. As Kos finally got close enough, he saw the man getting more and more comfortable, looking and holding her by the wrist. The worst part of it, he wasn't alone. It seemed like two more wanted to join in for the party. Not if Kos was to have something to say against it. "Filth." He spoke out, his words nearly oozing from hate. "I'd suggest distancing yourself. Or do you wish to deal with this outside? Don't make me call the knights." His voice was slightly muffed due to the leather he wore, but it was clear enough to be heard. Kos knew that if a knight saw that, the trio would have the luxury of being locked in the tank. He hoped his little intimidation would work.

[Cristina Varisat]

The man looked round at this. His grip loosening around Cristina's arm. She pulled away from him, backing up a few steps as to be out of arms reach. He eyed this new comer up. Kos was probably about the same height as this guy, if not a little taller. He considered his options. Unlike Kos, this man had no real weapons to speak of. Not in the same calibre as the Halberd at least. But Kos had made himself known to the whole bar. There was a lot more attention focused on them now than there was before. He snorted and looked back to Cristina. "See you soon, love," he spoke with a glare. Him and his gang quickly left the bar and Cristina's shoulders slumped in relief. She felt like she'd been bathing in pig sties for weeks and no amount of scrubbing would get her clean for a few days at least. She shuddered a moment and then looked up to the man who had effectively saved her. His green eyes looked back at her own blue-green orbs. His eyes gave off a tired feel, possibly a man who had been down on his luck for far too long. His choice of hairstyle was odd to say the least, completely shaved on one side and very long on the other. She wasn't immediately sure what to make of him for a few moments. Had she traded one trouble maker for another? Gathering herself after a few moments, she bowed her head. "You have my thanks and my apologies," she spoke softly, returning to where she was standing before things had gotten more serious. "I should be able to defend myself really." She double checked her instrument, ensuring everything was correct before looking back at Kos. She felt her curiosity peak at the mask. What was it he so desperately wished to hide? It was not cold in here. In fact, his appearance was rather intimidating. She had no right to complain about that just now though. "I'm afraid I have little to thank you with, my money would not cover this debt I feel," she looked down, unable to really match his stare. "Perhaps I can reimburse you at a later date?" She turned back to the bar, briefly considering the drink from her would be attacker and then deciding against it. She couldn't deny feeling naive and helpless. But she simply could not focus enough to defend herself. If she was ever to be a Knight, that would certainly have to change.

[Clemens Kos]

Kos stayed silent after his little act was done, leaning agaisnt the halberd and observing the happenings. He couldn't help himself but grin underneath his mask, the grimace he done neatly hidden under the layer of leather he chose to hide himself behind. For the first time in a while, he actually felt like he has gotten impact on the world. He felt he has his own share of power to his person, and due to that fact he managed to make a difference. His imposing visage, his sharpened weapon, and the knights outside might of played a more vital role in the whole fiasco, but he didn't mind. He felt like he grew a couple of inches simply standing there, towering over the otherwise tall man with an oozing ego. Even though Kos was outnumbered, he managed to step up. It seemed like his training finally began to pay off, if only by bits and pieces. The victorious masked man watched the little testosterone filled possé retreat outside the tavern, and with that vanished on the somewhat crowded evening roads outside. Thinking about that, the masked man wondered just how quickly one can be at fault for a change. If he was to remain seated and merely watched, who knew what kind of results would come out of this evening. Kos tried his best not to groan at that, however. That kind of thinking was too deep to give any actual reasons. Bringing his inner monolouge to an end, he turned his attention to the woman that currently looked like she had seen better days. Somewhat shocked, she began to talk about how she was grateful, and how she had no money to repay his deed. That in itself was a silly notion. He didn't stand up because he wanted to be paid for. Then again being paid to look at someone a little bit glaringly seems like a great occupation. And no wonder he could master such a thing in mere moments. But no, he stood up because he didn't want to see a thing repeat once more. A thing that he himself experienced. He needed no money for such a decision. Because in the end, he did it for himself, and to prove to himself things can change. She merely happened to be on the right place at the right time. And he was about to comment in such a way. There were no heroic poses, and no self-confident speeches about freedom and the such. His voice barely changed from the tone he used to talk to the men. "I don't need your money." Before slowly going to turn around. He really didn't know what else to say, or do, and he didn't really care. But even then, he went against himself and spoke out, turning his head to the side to look over his shoulder. "But you can play again." A simple sentance like that. No ill intents, and no overly horrible requests one could hear otherwhere. With that, his leather boots made it's way back to the corner, where his table was located. The half-empty mug of ale now no longer as cold as it should be, because it was left on the open. A little tail was waggling outside of his coat's pocket, as well, and it seemed little Nibbles finished with the crumbs, and was now looking for more in the material the coat was made of. Getting to his chair, he placed his rear against it and leaned his weapon back in place, reaching down to pick up his little rodent, and place it back on the open, next to the plate with the bread on it. the man's fingers wrapped around the mug he was given, and he made another sip. The taste was obviously worse, but Kos didn't mind that much. His one revealed green eye once again scaned the room, trying to see the little ex-maiden-in-distress and what her reaction would be.

[Cristina Varisat]

Cristina was stunned by his request. Her eyes wide in shock and her mouth agape for a moment before she recovered herself. She hadn't realised she'd been holding in her breath at all until that moment. She'd been expecting to swap one problem for another but this man had saved her out of the good of his own heart. Whilst in Syliras, with the Knights around, that was to be expected. But this man was clearly not a Knight, he had not code to honour, or at least, not that she knew of. After a few moments, Cristina recovered and smiled brightly. She forgot herself for a few moments. Despite her anger at not being able to defend herself in that moment, she was able to put it aside. Kos didn't give her chance to answer and she became aware that it wasn't just those two in the room. She cast a glance around the room at all the faces that still watched her. With Kos' retreat back to his corner, many continued with their business. Her face reddened slightly and she turned to her violin once again. She let a long sigh, feeling her frustrations ebb a little, she once more pulled the instrument from its case. It was then that it occurred to her, she should take up being a bard until she achieved her goals. She could do what she loved still then and there would be less pressure to train as quickly. She pressed Skysong in to her shoulder once more. Her nimble fingers retrieved the bow from its place in the case and she thought for a moment. The mood had soured in the room since the whole episode. She could feel it like a sour odour on the wind. She drew the bow over the strings producing the first note, long and drawn out, it was different from her first song. The note filled the room and many patrons looked up once more. The barkeep smiled as he heard the song and recognised it instantly. She caught him saying he liked this one and Cristina smiled. This song was easy to play but it always brought smiles. From the deep long note, it went in to shorter more lively notes. The tempo was a lot faster than the previous but it had a mischievous joy to the song. It was only moments before the song started fully, she stamped her feet twice as her playing became faster. There were a few notes out of place here and there but nothing that couldn't be hidden. Once more she began to move around the room. The stamping was continued by the bar keep and was quickly joined in by other patrons to create a beat as she played. She played a few beats at each table as she passed, the song building up to a crescendo. But before she could play the full note it swooped down low once more. Like a bird soaring on the breeze, the song danced playfully, some parts slower but only to provide a contrast to the faster parts. As she moved past Kos, she made contact with his one revealed eye and gave him a smile of thanks. The song slower in this part as she allowed her violin to speak for her and tell him how grateful she truly was. The songs continued for quite a while until the bar began to empty slowly. Satisfied, at least somewhat, with her performance, she returned Skysong to its case and moved over to join Kos. "I hope you enjoyed that," her tone friendly. "I never got chance to ask your name before?"

[Clemens Kos]

Kos found himself in the safety of his corner once again. Only this time, he noticed some glances turned towards him. Wrinkling his nose at the unwanted attention, specially because he was now exposed once again. The leather mask was pulled down, revealing his beat face and broken nose, which acompanied his quite unattractive apperance. His right hand's fingers wrapped around the mug, and his left arm was placed in a half circle around the plate, sheltering his little pet from the crowd as well. It wasn't long till he finished the liquid he ordered, and with that he set the container down on the edge of the table, with his head turning up to see the little bard once again preparing herself to start playing. He wasn't the only one, though. Glances quite quickly left him as he was quite uninteresting, and the patrons were seemingly eager to hear what she had in store next. Kos didn't want to get his hopes too high up, but he did like the previous song. He should probably listen to this one, too, specially because he was the one requesting it. So in his somewhat bent sitting posture, he waited for the first note to escape the strings. What followed after, was something Kos did not expect. It wasn't a tune that was slow and impactful, but rather something cheerful and happy. It wasn't long before the woman began to spin around with the instrument in hands, obviously enjoying herself in the music. First the barkeep, and then the rest of the tavern joined in, stomping their feet in the ground to create a rhytm, like the one she was dictating with her movements. Kos didn't, however. His one revealed eye followed the woman, but his body didn't move. Thing was, he never liked those too happy songs, or songs that were too upbeat, because it always reminded him on the people who talk too much. Creating something beautiful with little meant so much more to Kos, than having an abundance of anything. Even tunes. But that didn't mean he hated the song that was played. He simply felt no urge joining in, and merely offered a nod as the woman got close enough to him to flash him a smile. If not else, she was grateful for the help. But she already said that before, so he had nothing else to answer. He waited, patiently for the song to to be over, and the stomping ceasing to be. The whole ordeal was too loud, and even Nibbles was somewhat scared. After the song, it seemed that the woman decided to walk towards his table. There was one more chair facing him on the other end of the small, square wooden table he sat at, and after he saw that, he pulled his hand back slightly, so he only covered half of the table as a make-shift pen for his little friend. Now being without a mask, with this person so close, he couldn't help but feel slightly naked, but a shrug was all he mustered. He didn't mind it that much. Discomfort was the least bad thing he experienced. "it was...quite a happy song. And you enjoyed yourself playing." Were the words he offered to the woman once her question was done. He wasn't going to lie, specially because he just met this person and he found no reason to try and get on her good side. "I enjoyed the last one more." not really masking his words, he pointed towards the free chair for her to sit down. "People call me Kos. Hi."

[Cristina Varisat]

Cristina slid into the seat across from Kos. Her eyes moved across the features of his battered face. Rather than appalled or shocked, or even sympathetic. Cristina was curious about how he had come about all the scars and the broken nose. Based on his manner, his appearance and his weapon, she'd guess he was some kind of Guard or Mercenary. His weapon was far too expensive to be that of just some mere thug. His seemingly harsh words didn't seem to bother her. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry," she said with a soft look. "I prefer the first one as well, it holds a lot of meaning for me. But I find the second one enjoyable as well. Perhaps next time I see you I can play something softer for you?" Kos seemed to hold back a lot of secrets. She felt he was challenging her to find out what they were. But equally she felt she should respect the privacy of a man who had just saved her a lot of trouble. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Kos. I am still in your debt whether you wish or not. But I am Cristina." She didn't want to pry but she simply could not help herself. She wanted to know more about this man. Why did he protect her? Was there a reason? Would she regret it later? "Can I ask, Kos?" she started slowly. "I've not seen you before here, I was wondering what brings you to Syliras?"