[Red Diamond Tavern] Getting to Know the Locals [Open]

[Rhaeol]

Rhaeol's eyes shifted to a vibrant yellow. His curiousity was starting to get the better of him. Even though Darren was not in fact trying to wind up Rhuryc, Rhuryc was definitely being wound up. Part of Rhaeol wanted to shift his conversation tactics entirely and try to make Rhuryc lose control of his temper, just to see what would happen. And then his common sense kicked in and, more importantly, his sense of self-preservation. His eyes waned back to the olive green as he found himself once again at a loss for words. Why in fact did he think of Riverfall. The only reason he could possibly think of was that it was the only city he knew of in the Cyphrus region, so perhaps it had something to do with his heritage. But if so, why hadn't he just said Cyphrus. "I...uh, no...I'm not planning to head there. Um...I just heard that the weather's great there and um...you know what, actually, I have know idea why. It just popped into my head, so i said it." Rhaeol grinned sheepishly, Just keep smiling...smilings friendly...it makes people think you might actually know what you're talking about.

[Darren]

Darren eyes looked upon Rhaeol with a confusing confusing yellow-green tinge. He normally didn't show much colors other then blue and red but the fact that he merely asked him about a region due to the weather perplexed him a bit. He found himself silently glaring at Rhaeol for asking such an open ended question that had no meaning to it. He rolled his eyes as it shifted back to his usual black color, realizing that the floor was open to talk to the outsider other things. "Hehe, if that's all you wanted to know Rhaeol allow me to inquire the man a bit before you come up with another enlightening piece. Perhaps we can learn a bit more about him." he said, the undertone in his voice addressing Rhaeol for his earlier words. He made a quick note about Rhaeol and the Riverfall region, it was a weird mix to be honest. He himself was almost completely ignorant about the areas outside of Taldera but he wouldn't admit that to anyone. "Hmm...perhaps we should start with the basic questions. Why have you to decided to visit our...welcoming, abode? Perhaps you would like to share with us what your good in? Have you already set up a job around here? I merely ask since there has been an influx of foreigners that are staying in the area. Not too long ago I found that the Watch had accepted it's first outsider. Just merely curious" he explained in a wary tone. He wanted to show that he was sincere that he wanted to hear what the outsider had to saw, and he wanted for Rhuyrc to acknowledge it. "Perhaps when after answering that you can tell us a bit more about the regions outside of Taldera." he added, he knew that everyone in the tavern wanted to hear a story about the land outside Avanthal as much as he did. The bar quieted down a bit as they awaited Rhuyrc to talk, a sense of suspense in the air at the man's words. At this Darren merely chuckled and waved his hands to avert their gaze at Rhuyrc. "Heh, I know after your done. That one." he said motioning at Rhaeol, "has plenty of more questions to ask of you." Darren sighed as he sat back on his seat looking intently at Rhuyrc. All pretenses of bravado and chest-thumping now gone, he adopted a face of naivety, curiosity and trusting devotion to Rhuyrc's words. He had no reason not to believe him so far, he hasn't turned out to be the boorish vagrant that others painted him, he wanted to see if there was anything wrong the others were talking about.

[Rhuryc]

Hold it down. That's what he would do. The drinking did not help his temper - in fact, more often than not alcohol lead to the most terrible of circumstances for the man, but fortunately this sweeter nectar was far less potent than his usual brand of poison. Thankfully. Rhuryc's foot stopped tapping. He glanced between one Vanthan to the next. The red, boiling anger cooled and faded out of his mind as he scanned the crowd, the infectious joy and curiosity of the people doing wonders to settle his own unease. Still. He could have done without the plethora of questions. Though with his cup now refilled the man took a long, suitable draft from the liquid and leaned in, waiting for moment's time before he took to respond. Either he was a master of suspense or he was grasping for the right words. Vani was too damnable complicated at times. "I am not good for stories." Rhuryc deflected the brunt of the questions. Sharing so much with a group of gossiping strangers was not much to his liking. At least he spoke aloud in Vani. Or as much as he could, anyway. "Avanthal was here. Just happened to cross it. Needed to leave Syliras." He shrugged, unsure if his words encompassed the full meaning of what he wanted. Maybe the Vantha could fill in their own details. "I only know Syliar, everything in Taldera is, ah. Larger. Big. And not so much snow south. During winter, yes, but not like here. Road more treacherous. Bandits don't much like cold in Taldera." He smirked. The animals were more a of threat than men in this part of the world. "Less reason to carry sword, more to wield bow. I think. But I am not interesting. Just blacksmith."

[Rhaeol]

OOCSorry this took so long, I've been really busy the last couple of days On the one hand, Darren's comments towards Rhaeol held the slightest bit of a bite in them, which started anger boiling in Rhaeol's chest. On the other hand, he had to admit they were true. Ultimately, he was far too curious, and that curiousity tended to bring out strange questions and comments that only made sense in his own head. His eyes adopted a strange brownish color and flickered sporadically. As if they couldn't make up their mind between the dark purple of anger, the simple blue of calm and the vibrant yellow of curiousity. Eventually yellow won out as the potential of a story filled the room. All eyes focused on Rhuryc, most turned away after his first statement. Still, Rhaeol found himself analyzing Rhuryc's words as he would a story. All his previous questions were forgotten as he had the chance to learn about something new, as brief as it was. Once Rhuryc had finished, Rhaeol commented, "Well, you got the basics of a story right there. The tones right, you through in enough vague statements to create the proper intrigue. Main character with a humble background always wins you points. Now all you have to do is make up the rest and fill in the details and no one would even know it started with a simple explanation of why you're here!" Rhaeol closed his eyes to hide the new shifting colors. Now satisfaction was vying with embarassment. He had provided an excellent analysis of the short monologue, it just probably wasn't the proper place to do so. He once again resisted the urge to slap himself in the face, and ordered another drink. The barman raised his eyebrow at him--Rhaeol never had more than two drinks when he came in--but he brought it over anyways. Rhaeol took a sip. Hopefully, somewhere down the road, he'd be able to forget about this night.

[Darren]

Darren couldn't hold in a soft laugh both at Rhuyrc's and Rhaeol's expenses as he noted the back and forth they are starting to have. "Heh as Rhaeol said this certainly won't do. You find in Avanthal you'll learn to make very vivid and intricate stories my friend." He poked that man softly on his chest and then his head. "Your mind is strong, anyone can see that. But when asked about your heart. The impression I am getting from you is that you don't trust it. Take a chance foreigner, try something ...different if you will. Give us an exciting tale of Syliras, or how the trek was to Avanthal, perhaps if you are more then a blacksmith and don't realize it. We are after all...ignorant people we couldn't imagine the different trials an outsider like you would have to face." He said in a singsong voice. He laughed silently to himself as he knew that the man just wanted to be alone and the two Vantha were just messing around with him. "Maybe you would like to show us your prowess in whatever it may be. Are you a man of the arts, science, one of military prowess? ...or perhaps one that knows the usuage of magic?" he added the last part a whisper to the man's ear. He stepped back a bit into the center of the tavern before he talked again. "Come on then! Show us what you got! You said it yourself your from Syliras! And no one there is without a skill or purpose. Don't tell me your a boring individual. Give us a performance of sorts. If you know how to fight I can be your opponent. Mind you I'm not that forgiving of simple mistakes but perhaps you know more then me." He said in a challenging tone. He barely raised his voice but he knew most, if not everyone in the bar heard him. Most resumed what they were doing to help keep the relative calm, while the more curious patrons looked on. Darren wasn't trying to shame the man, but rather help him get accepted into the Vantha community. This was usually achieved by a show of competence or skill, he felt. And one I can't wait to see he thought as he gave Rhuyrc a smile that never reached his eyes. They looked cold and challenging directed at Rhuyrc, even though it didn't show he was just having a bit of fun with him.

[Rhuryc]

Rhuryc stared at Darren. There was violence there. His eyes were narrow, his shoulders tensed, every fiber of his being wanted to leap on the man and beat some sense into that thick skull. For the longest moment he said nothing, did nothing, he only eyed the man and his challenge. Then he ignored him. Turning, he took one last draw from his cup and set it back on the counter, the clay mug hitting the wooden counter with a gentle clunk. The man took in a deep, long breath before he tossed a gold miza onto the counter and pushes himself back, boots thudding as he stood. His head turned to regard Rhaeol. "It was a pleasure to meet you." He said in common, his hand extending to grasp another in a parting manner. "Mayhaps we'll find each other back here, under more agreeable company." With that Rhuryc turned about and step a few, pointed steps forward, stopping only once he was beside Darren. His arms remained at his side, his gaze forward. When he spoke again he made sure to slow himself down, switching to the Vani tongue and doing what he could to lighten the accent. "I do not dance for children." His tone was dark, the words almost like acid. 'Be careful who you challenge. Next man may not let you keep your head." Satisfied, Rhuryc made his way from the tavern, his left hand resting dangerously close to the hilt of his blade.

[Rhaeol]

The silence in the tavern quickly faded to bubbling conversation, no doubt about the interesting newcomer. Rhaeol had watched the exchange with intrigue. People were so interesting. This fuzzy warmth in his brain and stomach was interesting too. He downed his drink and fumbled in his pocket for exact change. Eventually his fingers gave up on their own accord and tossed two silver mizas onto the bar. He stood up. "Well...I think that..uh...he'll fit right in here...Nice fella' really." A couple of the patrons looked at him strangely before returning to their conversation. "I take my leave of this place."And he strode, a little shakily out the door into the cool night air.

[Darren]

Darren looked rather bored at the man's reaction, he thought he would rather liked the chance to try and brain the smaller Vantha. He shrugged nonchalantly as Rhuyrc left the tavern a somewhat disappointed grin on his face. Yep, he's going to be a popular one around here he thought as he took in the man's personality, A true outsider persona he's got on him. Deathly tone, threatening grip on the sword and all. "Doesn't feel like it though" Darren muttered in reply to Rhaeol. "Heh I liked him too annoying, talkative Snowsong. Come on let's keep trying" he requested from Rhaeol while the two were leaving. A short discussion while trying to be as discrete as possibly about following Rhuyrc. Coming to a semi-agreement Darren gripped the collar of the taller Vantha. Not familiar with a heavier person for his man cannon throw he shifted uncomfortably while hoisting Rhaeol over his head. Berus was shorter then him and much lighter then whatever this guy. "Ugh, what have they been feeding you in particular?" he asked Rhaeol, 6 foot anything was very odd for a Vantha. His teeth gritting under the weight of the taller man he had to shift his weight to regain control. Using Rhaeol like a weights bar he moved him around until he was in the right position. "Let's go!" he muttered before taking in two running strides. He gathered a neglectful amount of force in his arms but the form and angel were just right. He threw the Snowsong up a foot or two in the air before he was poised to drop on Rhuyrc. I think I have me a new record he thought as he listed the throw in his Snowsong throwing records mentally.

[Rhaeol]

Rhaeol felt giddy. He'd never felt giddy before. Happy, jovial, ecstatic, eccentric, joyful, bizarre, and laughing-till-you-cry, yes. But never giddy. His eyes had adopted a pale teal as he left the tavern. Darren called him both annoying and talkative on the way out, but this state of emotion, it registered in Rhaeol's head as a compliment. Darren kept talking, something about flying through the air. Rhaeol liked the idea of flying. He couldn't quite bring his mind to actually focus on what Darren was saying, so he just nodded encouragingly as they followed Rhuryc down the street. The next thing he knew Rhaeol found himself hoisted into the air. He had know idea how Darren could possibly lift him like this, but that took second place in his mind as he finally comprehended what the other Vantha had been talking about. Sounds sputtered from his mouth, but he couldn't quite form the proper words of protest. And then he was flying. It felt wonderful. But the falling part probably wouldn't... At least Rhuryc would break his fall.

[Rhuryc]

He heard the rustle of rampant movement. It was rare for Rhruyc to be off his guard and now was no exception. Already ruffled, the man remained alert and irritate as he clomped away from the tavern, only stopping from the flurry of an active rustle behind him. He turned. How interesting. Rhuryc watched the man from before sail through the air, the tormentor none other than the very source of of disdain and irritation. His arms went up. With a grunt, the man caught Rhaeol in his descent, the brunt of the bard's weight barely a strain on the blacksmith. That was enough. Eyes of green narrowed, they became dark, his countenance straining under the anger he now felt. Rhuryc set Rhaeol down and patted the man on the shoulder. "You should go fetch the Icewatch." His tone was sour, words like acid as they lift his lips. A hand grasped the hilt of his blade. Rhuryc took a single step toward the aggressor and examined his poise, his eyes working over the form of his soon to be opponent. Darren was built, somewhat, much smaller than himself and lacking any real visible signs of past combats. Even the attitude told him that much. Maybe putting him into his place would be satisfying. "You want to fight?" Rhuryc rumbled. With a few, precise movements he unbelted the sword from his hip and set the weapon aside. His coat came next, discarded from his form and cast away. Beneath was what one would expect of a blacksmith. His torso was built, powerful, his arms muscled and toned from years of constant work. He was thick. Strong. Everything about the man felt as if he was built to fight. Maybe he was related to an Akalak. "Then by all means. By your leave."