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Nokumane · **08-18-2015, 01:08 AM**

A gust of hot air twisted its way intothe Drunken Dune as the door swung wide open. A lone figure stood in the doorway a moment before entering, letting the door shut behind her. The Duskwight Elezen scanned the room as her eyes adjusted to the dim interior, noting a scuffle breaking out on one side of the tavern and a man seemingly unconscious on the ground. Yes, this certainly seemed to be the place.
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She picked her way past tables as shemade her way to the bar. By her standards she was dressed casually, clad in leather armor and with a sword at her side. She garnered glances from those she walked past, but no more than normal. Hopefully here no one would feel need to accuse her of theft. Or if they did, knocking them out cold wouldnâ€™t jeopardize her standing.
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The bartender was preparing a drink fora Lalafel at the bar, all the while casting glances at a table near the back corner. The Elezen followed his gaze only to find another Duskwight with a Miqo'te, the latter kneeling next to him with her back to the bar. She glanced around the tavern once more, but aside from these two the other tables seemed filled with groups celebrating a day of rest from the grueling work keeping Ulâ€™dah alive. These two seemed to be the best company for getting at least a few tankards down before being dragged into a brawl.
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She made her order and took her ale,then made her way to the table. She stood by an empty chair and swallowed a smirk before clearing her throat.
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â€œPardon my intrusion, but would you haveroom for one more? Unless Iâ€™m interrupting somethingâ€¦â€ Her words trailed off almost teasingly, a small smile on her face.

Oilbasedoleander · **08-18-2015, 02:29 AM**

This poor man. His poor clothes. By the twelve did she have to be so incompetent? She was comparable to a large buffalo in a glass stall. Anything that could go wrong, would, by her own hands, which continued to pat him dry frantically, hoping he wasn't about rage at her clumsy nature.

His larger hand had a hold of hers to cease the clean up process. And the realization crashed down upon her small dome. He was staring at her patchwork neck because they were eye to eye while he was seated. He even mumbled something pertaining to the gnarled flesh and her cheeks started to burn with embarrassment. Right... the scarf was a cover up, not a drying towel. To hide the flawed skin. Not just because she became easily chilled.

The question was an easy one to answer. No, her ability to speak was lost. She turned her head away after denying with a shake, avoiding eye contact with the Elezen. She felt exposed and slightly vulnerable so her free hand lifted to cover her throat protectively, while he maintained a grip on the other.Â

And there was yet another communication issue. He assumed she was literate because she had spelled her own name into the palm of his large hand. That was about the only word she could write out properly. She understood sounds. What with the Seeker alphabet and pronunciation. But forget correct grammar. Her spelling was sub par.

She took up the now moist scarf and grimaced. But how could she mentally complain when Ampere had been drenched in the alcohol? Loosely wrapping the material back around to once again conceal her flaws.Â

From across the room, a large towel of questionable sanitation landed atop her crown and she immediately pulled the thing off and narrowed her eyes at the barkeep. Pointing to her, and then the mess, meaning clean it up, woman. It was her fault after all, so she began wiping as the elf pulled a parchment and quill from his satchel of requirement.

With the table acceptably damp now, she took a deep breath and slid her seat in closer to the parchment laid before them and to his side. Shakily taking up the quill in her left hand and she shot him a nervous look. Not even certain she clutched it right.

Her wide eyes lifted to the sound of another voice, following the perk of her ears. A little melodious, matching the lanky female Elezen. Another? For a race that didn't find her socially engaging, they were coming out of the wood work to ask questions and possibly favors.

A couple blinks more before she turned her gaze to Ampere, and slowly lifted her shoulders in an 'I don't know, don't really mind, whatever you want' suggestion.

Ampere · **08-18-2015, 09:34 PM**

Ampere pulled his hat slightly lower over his face as he observed the other Duskwight's approach. Despite their similar physical characteristics, the presence of other Elezens actually made the lancer somewhat uncomfortable. Especially when he was meeting them for the first time.

After all, while their Wildwood counterparts were a more common presence in cities, there was still a small chance this Duskwight woman was a native of Ishgard. Ampere himself had been born and raised in that wintry kingdom, but the less he thought about his homeland, the better his mood tended to be. A fellow Ishgardian recognizing him and asking about his heritage was one of the least desirable conversations he could possibly think of.

When it was no longer a question that the newcomer was walking up to their table directly, the lancer had to ponder what had drawn her over. Perhaps it was the sight of someone from her own race, or maybe it was the fact that they seemed to be the only table not breaking out into drunken fist fights every ten seconds.Â

Whatever the reason, the woman seemed pleasant enough as she asked for a spot in one of the empty chairs, and Elle appeared to defer the decision onto him with the shrug of her shoulders. Ampere glanced at the woman again, allowing the brim of his hat to lift over his eyes ever-so-slightly.

People usually only entered the tavern for two reasons. To hire others for somewhat more underhanded dealings, or to get severely inebriated and fight equally inebriated opponents. And though the female Duskwight certainly seemed dressed for combat, she didn't strike the lancer as the aggressive sort, which was fortunate because the sword that hung at her side did not look like it was only for show.

So either she had come to strike a deal, in which case Ampere could use the opportunity to make up the gil he had lost from the missed Peiste hunts, or she was seeking shelter from the rest of the havoc currently being wreaked inside the tavern.

And if it was the latter reason, the hat-wearing Elezen simply couldn't find it in his conscience to turn her away.

"Well, if you're looking to sit at one of the few non-violent tables, you've probably found the right place." Ampere eventually responded to the woman in an attempt to sound welcoming, while taking a backwards glance at the unconscious body that still adorned the floor. "...With minor exceptions, of course. And you should still keep an eye out for a projectile beer mug or two."

Waiting for their new companion to get seated and possibly even introduce herself, Ampere glanced back at the Miqo'te across from him, who seemed to be clutching his quill pen with a lack of certainty.

"Also, you weren't interrupting anything in particular. She and I were simply working out a..." The lancer paused as he took a sip from his mug. "...communication issue."

Nokumane · **08-19-2015, 01:41 AM**

â€œIn a place like this, I think minor exceptions are a blessing,â€ She said as she sat, stretching a moment before settling and taking a large gulp of ale. â€œForgive my forwardness, but Iâ€™ve found the average drunks pick fights with those drinking alone. My name is Lazulle.â€
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She took her next swig to take in the finer details of her new drinking companions. The Miqoâ€™te was quiet, and if how she held that quill said anything she was nervous. Perhaps about this â€œcommunication issueâ€ and hopefully not her presence. She managed to wear a scarf even in the heat of Ulâ€™dah, though as one who casually wore armor she couldnâ€™t say much on sensibility.
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The Duskwight had verbalized a greeting, and had been inviting to boot. He seemed keen on hiding as much of his face under the hat as he could, having some reason or another to keep a low profile. Or as much as one could with a large hat like thatâ€¦
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Neither seemed the type to hold their own in a place like this. It must be a small miracle they hadnâ€™t been targeted by someone much larger. Then again, with the man on the ground, perhaps there is more to them than more to them than meets the eye. Perhaps they could be of assistance, but she couldnâ€™t be sure just yet.
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â€œAh, nothing like a drink after a week of travel.â€ Turning as she thought she heard something faint, Lazulle gently moved her head to the side as a mug flew by and hit the wall. Rowdier than The Quicksand by far, but she somehow felt more comfortable where the good men of Ulâ€™dah couldnâ€™t look down on her.
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â€œWhat brought you two to a tavern such as this?â€ She asked, curiosity getting the better of her after the Miqoâ€™te had finished with the quill. â€œAnd what are your names, if I may be so bold.â€

Oilbasedoleander · **08-19-2015, 03:23 AM**

This was going to be rough. Already two questions and no ability to answer properly, unsure if she'd accept the Miqo'te's touch to trace her name into her palm like the male did. She debated just sitting back and sketching silently while the two elves with their intact vocal chords started a dialogue. Her being the third wheel wasn't an unusual feeling.Â

She pulled the scarf up more and flinched at the sound of a mug hitting the wall again while the aroma of ale wafted in to her sinuses and the corners of her hidden mouth drooped. Bleh. Her ears flattened against her head in dismay. The drunken denizens slurring profanities at one another one moment and then hugging it out the next was comical, if not for the off chance of being hit by beverage projectiles.

Figuring Ampere would introduce her anyway, she nodded politely to the newcomer, eyes downcast and started drawing a large feline creature. A Couerl to be exact. Artistic abilities displayed for the first time to any acquaintance. It was soothing in an awkward situation. And she deemed this fairly awkward.

In fact, what was keeping her here? Besides the curiosity of the male Elezen's past and the meaning of his trinket, he would have an easier time retelling his woes to someone who could hear AND pitch in advice, such as the beautiful warrior taking a seat between them. Lazulle she called herself. How oddly fitting...

Her presence was unnecessary in this situation. Or perhaps, she was curating an excuse to run. Either way, she stopped her free-sketch and slowly stood. Attempting to take her leave.

Ampere · **08-19-2015, 08:30 PM**

Ampere nodded as he listened to Lazulle's introductions, then tilted his head slightly as he considered her question.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Ampere, and this is..." The Elezen stopped short of saying the Miqo'te's name, as he caught sight of what she was doing with the quill and pen he had given her.

It was a rather accurate drawing of a Coeurl, and Ampere silently pondered whether Elle was trying to convey a message through pictures or if these were simply fanciful doodles. Did the animal perhaps have something to do with the scars on her neck?

Whatever the reason, she seemed to have decided that the current environment was not to her liking, and was preparing to make a hasty exit. The lancer glanced at the bag of gil that still sat untouched at the center of the table, then looked back at the bartender, who was narrowing a glare in his direction while shaking his head threateningly.

Before Elle could fully depart from the table, Ampere moved to his feet and clutched the Miqo'te's wrist for the second time that day.

"Wait." He said quickly, while retrieving the small pouch from the table's surface. "Whatever your misgivings, you still did something very important for me. If you won't accept this gil, I'll have to devise another way of paying you back."

Thinking for a moment, Ampere recalled the Coeurl drawing she had made earlier.

"If you have some trouble with writing, I can coach you. I think both of us can afford to learn more about the other." He suggested before giving a small shrug. "Besides, I don't think we're really free to leave until the unconscious man wakes up, and we're able to safely determine that he hasn't suffered any permanent brain damage." Â

Hoping he had done enough to convince her, the lancer then turned to the female Duskwight at their table, straightening his back as he nodded towards the Miqo'te.

"...And this is my friend, Elle. We're here because we're being detained under...somewhat unfortunate circumstances. And being encouraged to drink all the while." Ampere explained as he shot the one-eyed bartender another look. "However, we're both rather shy, so if there's anything you want to ask us about, you may have to be a bit direct."

Nokumane · **08-19-2015, 11:58 PM**

Watching the woman slowly rise from thetable as if to leave stirred sympathy in Lazulle, but she stayed sitting. She watched the exchange between the two, and nodded when Ampere told her she would need to be direct. There was much to learn from these two, and she wasnâ€™t afraid to get as much as she could.
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She finished off her drink then hailed atavern girl for another. The Duskwight woman hesitated for a split second, then looked into the eyes of the Miquoâ€™te. If mode of communication is an issue, I have been told the Immortal Flames use a system of hand signals on the field. Ido not know them myself, but we could likely strike a deal with one of their members to teach you and yours.â€ She masked a pause by taking a long draught, then continued. â€œI do not mean to force myself into your affairs, simply to offer whatever services I can.â€
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She tried to sound nonchalant, but inreality she was very eager to assist. To help others was what she strived for, and a small part of her wanted to prove herself to these strangers. She looked down at what the Miquoâ€™te, Elle, had written. Or drawn, it turned out. A rather lifelike depiction of a Coeurl rested on the table that moved the adventurer in a way she couldnâ€™t describe. She felt a pang in her heart at the idea this woman had no way to share her stories.
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â€œIf you both are stuck here until theman awakes, I suppose there is not much that can be done about it. While we wait, Ampere, perhaps you could entertain your lovely companions with a story of some sort,â€ She suggested playfully, offering a warm smile to Elle that she hoped felt inclusive. â€œA tale of your time in Ul'dah, for example. Of course, I shall offer my own if you like, but I feel it would be inappropriate to delve into my own tales first.â€
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She leaned forward, head resting in onehand and a glitter in her eye as the other tavern-goes began singing a drunken rendition of an Ulâ€™dahn folk song.

Oilbasedoleander · **08-20-2015, 01:19 PM**

With her thin wrist shackled again by the male Duskwight, he halted any progress of b-lining it to the exit. Now would have been the perfect time too, no need to dodge flying fists and tackles because the patrons were singing an unfamiliar tune.Â

He was... offering to coach her? Denying his gil before, he was still in her debt for doing what was possibly to simplest of favors. It did not seem fair. Was he planning to take time out of his busy schedule to meet and teach for absolutely nothing? No doubt it would turn cumbersome and then, bothersome. She was not the sharpest arrow in the quiver and was conscientious of becoming a burden to him.

But it was awfully tempting. To be able to inscribe her words properly? To actually read a book instead of staring at it in bewilderment?Â
She was not used to being in the presence of someone more than a couple ticks. So to sit and somehow enjoy drinks and conversation was a foreign routine. Her wounds consistently segregated her from obtaining connections. And yet, they proceeded to sway their shy companion into staying put.

And her reaction to the way the Elezen proclaimed 'friend' in her introduction was moving her free hand to adjust the scarf up higher and hide the blemished cheeks and bashful nature. It was first in a long time that she'd hear such a statement. Even if it was just a general statement, it was exceptionally kind.

What's more, the female chimed in pleasantly, offering up her services to help the Miqo'te through bribing a Flame into teaching her hand signals. Her gold eyes widened at the thought and flickered to Lazulle. Studying her for a moment in wonder. It was actually an idea she had pondered over for some time. Perhaps... she could start with the common alphabet? Supposedly, seeker tribes reflected these letters. But she forgot how many of them there were in Aorzea. Â Â

She shook her head, though. Bribery wasn't a means to getting what she needed and refused to do it. It was the easy path, but most easy paths held heavy consequences. But her interest was peeked.Â

And so, a little embarrassed by her flighty nature, she tucked her tail and ears and lowered her petite form back into her seat and shifted to get comfortable. Ampere was right, her eyes downcast staring at the man on the floor, the barkeep wouldn't let them leave anyway. So there she was, yet again, in front of the parchment, ready to listen to Ampere tell a story the female Duskwight coaxed from him.

Ampere · **08-20-2015, 09:00 PM**

"I'm not much of a storyteller, though I always enjoyed reading them in books." Ampere said in response to Lazulle's suggestion as he and the Miqo'te sat back down. "In fact, I'm sure during lessons we can use novels to help your literacy, Elle, and then we can both benefit. It has been...a long time since I've read something for the sake of enjoyment."

Maybe it was the alcohol that had found its way into his blood, or the melodic lull of the singing tavern dwellers, or the flickering flame of the dim lantern at the center of their table, but the lancer suddenly felt a nostalgic image emerge to his mind.

"What is this?" A tall, raven-haired woman asked in an even, but edged voice.

"Give it back." A small boy hissed back, trying his best to look defiant through red-rimmed eyes.

"This is how you'd spend your time, rather than training? Fairy tales. Frivolous stories." She grimaced as she flung a leather-bound book into the flames of a nearby fireplace. "You hide away in these little fantasies because you are weak. You've always been weak."

"That wasn't mine! I borrowed it from the library, it can't be replaced!" The child shouted in rage and horror as tears ran hot against his face.

"Good." The woman murmured as her cold eyes reflected the rising embers of the fire. "They likely won't lend you anymore after this, then."

Ampere's left eye twitched as he tried to shake away the scene from his mind. Tilting his head back and pressing his mug to his lips, the Duskwight then took several healthy gulps. He silently hoped that the alcohol could help subdue his thoughts, but it seemed to have the rather undesirable side-effect of making him far more talkative.

"A story...I have one." The Elezen spoke gradually as his large hat dipped further down over his face. "...There was once a thaumaturge who was trying to further hone his craft in the city of Ul'dah. He wasn't particularly good at magic or casting spells, but he seemed to be against utilizing other methods of combat."Â

The lancer paused to take another swig of his drink, no longer aware of how much it was loosening his lips.

"He met a group of orphans who helped him despite his own ineptitude. Why the children took pity on an adult stranger, he would never understand. And even though he was greater in years, they were far smarter and taught him much about how to survive in the cruel streets of the city." Ampere's eyes seemed to fade in color as he continued his tale.

"The thaumaturge promised to repay the children, to help them find a real home and make honest livings. But soon he had to leave to take part in a great battle between two warring armies, to protect the future home the orphans had not yet found." The male Duskwight recalled as he watched a waitress give both Lazulle and himself fresh mugs to drink from.

"He did eventually manage to return. But by then, most of the children had already died. Only one remained, but she did not recognize the thaumaturge at all." Ampere stopped his story to take a long sip from his newly obtained beverage.Â

As he gulped the brew down, the lancer made a surprising movement and actually took off his hat, turning it over in his hands as his eyes roamed over its surface.

"...Of course she didn't, how could she? After all, she was a grown woman by then...while he had not aged a single day." His last few words were barely above a whisper, and the pale Elezen's eyes were downcast as he placed the hat back above his head. It appeared his story was complete.

"That was...just a tale I heard, once. My apologies if it went on a bit long." Ampere said quickly as he took another drink from his mug before setting it on the table with a hollow thud. "Anyone else feel like sharing?"

Nokumane · **08-21-2015, 04:13 PM**

Lazulle listened attentively, nodding along with Ampere's words and watching his face as he told his story, sipping her own drink periodically. At the tale's completion, she _______. "It was not too long at all," she reassured him. "An interesting twist at the end, to be sure. I would be interested to hear what the thaumaturge did after that... but I suppose it is my turn."

"I fear my adventures of late would make the most basic of stories, not nearly as interesting as an ageless thaumaturge." She smiled at the Duskwight man. "However, in my youthful days I read much on the lore of Eorzea, Ul'dahn lore especially. Perhaps not a common tavern story, but I hope you both can look past that." She cleared her throat, eyes glazing slightly as she looked past them both to a time long gone.

"Generations upon generations ago, the Sultan of Ul'dah lead this city-state in a time of wealth an prosperity. The Great Beast of the South sought the wealth the Sultanate, and his minions captured the Sultan's only daughter as ransom.

"The Sultan despaired, as the Beast was known to have slaughtered even the greatest of heroes. Despite this, two of his Sultansworn offered to retrieve the Sultan's daughter. Having no other hope, he agreed.

"The two paladins carved through hundreds of vile creatures to reach the Great Beast, never faltering in their goal. They entered the Caves of No Return boldly, confident in themselves and theirÂ mission.Deeper and deeper they went, until they came upon the lair of the Beast." She was deep in her story now, seeming to forget she sat in a ramshackle tavern with two strangers.

"A mane matted in blood surrounded a beastly grin and glowing eyes. He stood yalms upon yalms over the two paladins, his hulking muscles twitching with need for bloodshed. The beast raised one clawed hand and spoke unto the two intruders, 'Fools of Ul'dah, I must thank you. I have hungered for the blood of heroes for many a moon, and your stupidity shall feed me well.' He laughed a terrible laugh, one that shook the cave with its might..."

She broke to take a long drink, a strange look in her eye. Once the mug was drained, she set it down and returned to the tale. "With righteous blades the two Sultansworn fought an arduous battle, knowing that their deaths would mean the death of Ul'dah. The first blinded the beast with two motions, the other plunged his sword deep into the chest of the beast. With a cry that could crack the heavens, the beast was slain.

"The two found the princess unharmed, and returned her to Ul'dah. Such was the end of The Great Beast of the South," she concluded, staring into the distance another moment before coming back to the present with a small jolt.

"That was one of my favorite stories, if it was not obvious already. Elle, feel no obligation to share, but if you wished, pictures sometimes tell the best stories. Else, Ampere and I can fill the time this man sleeps with one thing or another." She said, shamelessly volunteering Ampere to talk more.

((I went a little overboard, whoops. Sorry this is late, had to move today and things have been hectic))

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RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes