Hydaelyn Role-Players

((Hey folks!  Originally this thread's intent is to get reacquainted with some RP friends recently rediscovered that I've not had the pleasure of rping with for quite a while, but as I'm always eager to meet and rp with new people, if you'd like to cast your lot, by all means!))


"So let me get this straight, you came to Gridania to convince the Wood Wailers and Gods' Quiver to use you as a target dummy for their training regimen?"  Mother Miounne couldn't help the amusement that curled the edge of her lips as she shot a level gaze to the silvery haired gentleman standing across the counter top to her.


"Well...it sounds daft when you say it that way.  Ahem..."  He cleared his throat and took a breath, suppressing the laugh that came naturally to the absurdity of her claim.  "I am offering myself as a training tool to help their brave and noble members perfect their skills while I ask for nothing in return.  Any experience taking a strike or fending off another is a welcome experience."  He flashed a quick grin while reaching over to grab the two mugs of whatever they had decided to give him when he simply asked for two mugs of the 'local special'.


Miounne couldn't help the stifled laugh that slipped past her lithe fingers covering her lips.  "You realize how hard it is to believe that looking the way you do?"


Jeris Guillford gave a look of disbelief, teasing as it was.  "I don't know what you mean.  Clearly the wood wailers took me up on the offer."  He lifted the mugs to her with a nod and a grin.  "And folks say they can be unkind to outsiders!"


Turning from the bar, he made his way to a nearby vacant table, sitting the mugs down and carefully easing himself into a chair.  He wore a simple wool tunic, his armor carefully stored away in the room he had rented at the Carline Canopy, but from head to toe (wherever it was visible that is) he was covered in off-white linen bandages, all the way up to his jawline with a few strips about his brow and nose.  The faint blue streak of a tattoo peaked out from the side of his cheek, with a faint grey hint of a beard beginning to take shape along his jawline.  He was older than many of the adventurers he'd come across, but aside from the long silvery hair pulled into a ponytail and the hint of white hair filling in the recently shaved sides of his head that matched his 5 o'clock shadow, he held a distinguished youthfulness in his features.


Not that any of that would stop the teasing from some of his peers back in Ul'dah.  Far too many hot heads join the Gladiators with far too much confidence and a severe lack of tenacity to back it up.  In fact, it was that unwavering tenacity that earned him the nick name 'the Iron Blooded.'  His graying hair had been the source of many jokes at his expense, but it quickly became a symbol for just how tough he had been.  After even the most furious assault, it was rare for him to be brought low, as if his very veins were made of iron.


That was Ul'dah however.  He'd gained that toughness by doing exactly what he hoped to do here with the Pugilists guild.  It was an agonizing process but the punishment yielded results.


It certainly needed it's recovery time however, and while he'd gotten the healing process to a science at this point, it was nothing miraculous and painless.  With a grunt, he eased the mug up to his mouth to take a long few gulps, welcoming something to take the edge off the ache that permeated throughout his entire body.  Wincing, he sat the mug down and took a deep breath.  It didn't have the spice of a desert drink, but he could already feel a soothing tingle in the pitt of his stomach that sent a smile of relief across his face.


"Gridania...."  He thought to himself, casting his eyes about the tavern.  "What sort of folk are in Gridania....?" 

((Skips in. Woo!))

When Linette had first arrived in Gridania, she rarely ever left the Carline Canopy. The crowds of the bustling tavern comforted her, helping ease the contrast to her original home of Ul'dah.

Now, she tried to avoid it. She liked to tell herself this was because she now preferred the stillness of the Shroud ('I'm very mature now.' Was always an added afterthought). But the wave of homesickness that filled her as she stepped inside said otherwise.

Eyes scanning the room, she saw a good many of folk. Some in groups, others alone. Some looked her age, others older. She'd hoped to come here and find someone she knew, but another quick search told her this wasn't to be. Linette paused awkwardly in the doorway. Why did I even come here? I really don't want to sit by myself.

Then out of the corner of her eye she saw someone. An older man with silvery hair and covered in bandages sitting alone. Her eyes widened and as she stared, another wave of nostalgia washed over her. Without realizing it, she began moving across the wooden floorboards, stopping only when she was at the man's table. She berated herself. What am I doing? This poor man just wants to be left in peace and I'm interrupting that.

It didn't matter. Words were already leaving her mouth.

"Hi there!" She said, smiling. Not a hint of the self doubt could be heard. "Mind if I join you?"

Gridania ... what sort of folk are in Gridania?

A small gathering suddenly breaks apart in one of the darker corners of the establishment.  What had been a tight cluster of varied people dispersed with light laughter.  There is always something about good-natured laughter congregated in one place which is a most uplifting sound.  It might be that these people had been gathered for a joke.  Either way, upon their departure, the nucleus of the gathering is suddenly discernible.

There are two Miqo'te crouched there nearly back to back though they look as different as the ivory and ebony pieces on any game board.

The first has fine features.  Around his face and neck, several braids sweep, strung through silver-white hair with native beading.  Even the casual and sloping top-knot at his crown is made from a trinity of thick braids.  The reflective light of his eyes catch like brilliant coins in the woodsy, low-light of this corner of the Canopy.  He must be a Keeper of the Moon though his skin has tanned from unavoidable daylight travel and activity.

It had not been a joke that he told the small crowd.  He'd been crafting a tale for entertainment's sake while his traveling companion reattached a loosened steel topper back on to a pole arm.  It's often that he tells stories to pass the time.  Sometimes the tales gather listeners and sometimes they are told just to entertain his only friend.

Now that the small crew begins to disperse, this character across the Canopy rises out of his crouch and approaches the attendant carrying two tankards upon her tray.  Whatever he says is soft-spoken and does not carry in the boisterous hall.  But he leaves with two tankards of brew; one for himself and one for his companion.

It's when he turns back to return to his dark corner that the shaggy, vibrant length of his white tail can be observed.  And his quiver.  He must be an archer.

Now he shares a well-earned drink with his companion.  With a light stretch, he turns somewhat and lets his mismatched gaze sweep out over the crowds.  Two figures stand out to him the way the start of a good story might catch the eye:  An older looking fighter wrapped completely in bandages and a young lady approaching him without reserve.

((Present!))

The second figure was lost in the meditative work of affixing the blade to his polearm.  Some gentle taps to place the pins back in after looking everything over.  The black knight to Muin's white bishop Soji's hair and tail were dark, his skin sun-kissed.  Woad-blue markings adorned his jaw and the bridge of his nose in a form of tattoo particular to the Miqo'te.  The colour of his eyes, however, was lost due to them being downcast and half-closed in gentle concentration.

He inspected his handiwork as Muin set down the tankard next to him.  The drinks of Gridania might have lacked the spice of the southern climes, but the city beloved of Nophica had one thing that set it apart from all others: honey.  In bread and baking, in gruel, in drinks, with tea; the golden sweetness of honey pervaded the culture of the forest city.

Even as Muin returned, nothing seemed to matter outside of his work.  Unless you knew Miqo'te body language.  While his eyes were intent on the final details of his spear, his ears were turned to listen to the various goings on now that the crowd gathered around for Muin's tale had dispersed.

((Also present!))

He had caught sight of the crowd of folks dispersing, leaving the contrasting pair of Miquo'te behind, apparently the source of the attention.  It's always nice to enjoy a good tale here and there, no pun intended.  He brought his mug up with a warm smile and a polite nod as soon as the white haired Miquo'te glanced over, completely missing sight of the young lady who approached his table, her voice reaching out in greeting just as he had tipped his mug up, resulting in a quick draw of air, just as the liquid hit his lips.  His response, came out in a half gurgle, partial choke and cough.  Setting the mug down immediately and pressing his hand against his chest, coughing a few times with a wince, he gestured for her to take a seat.


"HOOOOO"  He wheezed out, taking a deep breath before following it up with a hearty laugh.  "By all means, if Gridanian hospitality includes beautiful women joining me with this little effort, I may have to make this trip a permanent one."  He slid a hand out to push the second mug of ale he had purchased over in her direction with a warm smile.  "Looks like I was saving you a drink Miss.  To what do I owe the pleasure?" 

Linette's attention was diverted to the corner as well. What had once been a mass of patrons was now revealed to be two Miqo'tes.

Two familiar Miqo'tes.

Excitement overtook her. Raising a hand, she waved over to them. "Guys...Hey guys."

She was so enthused about the reunion, that for the briefest of seconds, she forgot she had even approach the older gentleman. That is until, he started to choke to death.

Eyes widening in horror, Linette reached a hand out. I killed him. She thought. He's going to keen over and I'll have to explain it. Death by ale and rude girls. Before she could ask who his next of kin was though, he recovered. A relieved breath escaped her.

She smiled at his greeting, glad that her sun bronzed skin hid the blush that redden her cheeks. Accepting the drink, she sat down and returned the smile.

"Well, to be honest. I had to ask where all those bandages came from. " As she spoke, she pointed. "Did you get into fight?"

Settling into her seat, she broke her gaze for only a second, to see if the Miqo'te had seen her greeting.

That was initially what had captured his interest when both the veteran fighter with the bandages and the young woman first caught his attention.  Not only did the grizzled pugilist look approachable, but Muin had recognized the young woman from some time spent in the Shroud.

A languid, intelligent smile briefly softened his features as he nodded to both and then crouched down to speak to his companion.  Although his voice does not carry through all the tavern japery, it's clear that he feels the need to point out the pair to the other Miqo'te.  Given the pointed direction of Soji's ears, however, it is only a confirmation of a fact.

Soft-spoken Muin is the most reserved but over the course of their young lives, they've influenced one another, so that once-vibrant hues of conventional action have slowly muddied over time into a more rounded palette of behavior in each of them.

"Finished with it?" he asks Soji about those last few tinkers to his weapon...

... They've been hailed and it's only a matter of moments before they will join the other two at the table and with no little pleasure.

His ears had zeroed in on the familiar voice of Linette.  After Muin spoke to his ears only, Soji gave a small nod.  He looked over the work and then stood.  Shifting the spear in his hands to give it a firm shake, he felt the response that ran along the wooden shaft.  He then turned the blade high and to the ceiling, resting the spear on his shoulder to keep the business end out of the way of the crowd.  It was the only thing about bringing a long arm into a building; one had to always be mindful of where it was pointing.

He turned to Muin and gave a second, silent nod that the work was complete.  Now his eyes could be seen by all.  Bright blue, keen and intelligent with the tell-tale slitted pupils of a Seeker.

He was free to converse; especially as it seemed that their circle of acquaintances was about to expand to include the half-drowned pugilist in the bandages.  He started toward the table with Jeris and Linette with the clear intention of joining them, though they might only arrive by the time Jeris was finishing his explanation.  Miqo'te ears would hear it all.

He couldn't help but laugh, raising his mug with a broad smile.  "Well, I certainly hope so.  If this were the result of clumsiness, I fear each day would have me at death's door for the most embarrassing of reasons."  Taking another quick swig of his ale, he let out a breath of relief.  Medicine and drink would do plenty to nurse an injury, but nothing washed pain away like the comfort of good company.


"Gridanian Hospitality of another sort though.  Your wood wailers here are rather skilled.  I'm looking to do a bit of training with them."  he gestured to himself with a bandaged hand and a wry grin.  "I don't know what else they may think, but whatever I lack elsewhere, I try to make up for in determination."


As the two Miquo'te approached the table, he raised his hand in a wave and a welcoming smile.  "And you lot seem to know one another, so I'm afraid your friend here has obligated you both to sharing a drink as well."  Flashing that wry grin once more, he gave a polite tip of his head, addressing all three.  "Jeris Guillford.  Back in the coliseum they call me 'the Iron Blooded.'  A pleasure to make your acquaintances."  Back in Ul'dah he has a smidgen of local fame to help spread his name around, but if he were looking to make a name for himself all over Eorzea, he'd have to do a biiiit of the propaganda himself.

Linette laughed, feeling more at ease. Wrapping one hand around her mug, she listened to his introduction before giving her own.

"I'm Linette. Linette Syng." She paused, as if debating to add more, but then shrugged and smiled again. "I'll let Muin and Soji introduce themselves."

If she was aware of the contradicting nature the last part of her statement might cause, Linette didn't show it. Instead she took a hearty gulp of her drink and forced herself not to cringe at the taste.

"Cheers."  The sentiment, a rugged greeting, carried across from Jeris to Linette.

Seating himself at the table across from them, it would soon become apparent the Muin has two different colored eyes.  Luciane of the Archer's Guild wasn't wrong when she called them bright.  They had a glassy, hollow shine in them.  But one was coppery and one was as pale green as a shallow, sunlit fountain.

The bow on his back was not elaborate, but it did have a few pure-white feathers adorning the crest of its arc.  His dress was simple and cool, despite favoring leather as an element of armoring.

"And a welcome obligation it will be.  I am Muin Llyn."  That name was lacking any matriachal conventions depending on how proficient in Miqo'te culture any onlookers may be.  It was still a name that seemed to be formed of Miqo'te speech though.

Turning mismatched eyes to Linette Syng.  "Still at it, I see."

'At it' is short for:  Adventuring.  Hanging around Gridania.  Being Linette.  It was an invitation to tell him all about what had occurred since the last time they met.

And back to Jeris Guillford with studious curiosity.  "The Iron-Blooded.  The Colosseum.  That's a new tale to me.  Where is it?"

Muin liked tales and such an introduction was worth hearing from the beginning, or at least, worth knowing more about.

The conversation was off and running without needing a word from him, so he sat down in a chair as well and listened in with tankard in hand.

It was still taking some adjustment to people introducing themselves with only a name and maybe a title.  A cultural difference only, though.  Not everyone's ways were the ways of his clan and tribe.  That was the first thing he'd learned as he and Muin had set out from their homeland: the world was very different depending on where you went and who you talked to.  It was as strange as it was exciting at times, learning how to work in another frame of mind.  Learning about another peoples' values and customs.

So for now he listened in as everyone else was more than willing to talk and Muin had done such a wonderful job of segueing into it all.

With Muin's introduction and Linette's slip of the tongue with introductions, process of elimination had done the job for Soji, and Jeris nodded politely to each in kind.  "A blessing of the twelve to find friends so quick in a new town I'd say."  Shifting in his seat with a slight wince, he brought the cup up to take another drink before addressing Muin's inquiry.


"Ahh aye, the Arena in Ul'dah.  No better way for a man to make his fame or test his mettle than a good honest fight for public entertainment."  The laugh that followed his words left it a bit ambiguous if he truly believed what he said, or meant it as a joke of sorts.  Either way the easy-going grin spread across his face never faltered as he continued. "A good number of the lads I've fought decided to make light of the early bits of grey that have taken root..."  he brought a bandaged hand up to tap at his head.  "It's in a young man's blood to be hot-headed and overconfident.  After enough of them ended up face down in the sand of the Colosseum, they went from insulting this new Iron color, to swearing my veins ran with it.  Plenty of fighters our there can best me in speed, I'm not arrogant in that regard, but I've not run across many who are tougher."


He gestured to the three of them.  "How about you lot though?  Did I assume wrong when I took you for Gridanians?  What's your tale?"

Linette nodded at Muin and Soji. "At it indeed. I finally found my way back here. Surprised to see you two here though."

She winked and swept a hand through her hair, refocusing back on Jeris. At his question she shook her head.

"Oh, I'm not from Gridania. I only came here a year or so ago. Conjurer's Guild and all." She looked to Soji and Muin. "What about you two? I don't think I ever asked where you were from."

"We're travelers," he replied.  "Come to Gridania to learn from it's guilds."

So it sounded like they were all foreigners in this place for the most part.  Finding common ground between the four of them hadn't taken long.  Excellent!