The First Day [Open]

[Nanapariri]

Luralel nearly jumped out of her skin when the Sea Wolf addressed her but it seemed her blundering into a contract already had saved her from his attention. Instead he did pounce on the other Elzen at the counter. She sighed feeling other roving eyes, not being used to the city tavern bustle, and meekly tried to get the barkeeper's attention. She was chagrinned that the other counter occupants seemed to be also.

 

Luralel then at that point decided that if they hadn't noticed the other far more forward people she probably wouldn't get served herself. Abashedly she slid off the stool and looked up wondering just what she should do. She needed that drink more than ever now especially since a lot of people, in particuliar a Hyur woman and the young Hyur man, seemed to be examining all of the other patrons.

 

"Oh Lura what have you gotten yourself into?" she muttered in a soft voice while wondering if leaving her home in search of adventure and greater knowledge was really the best choice. Perhaps adventure was like a wild animal that savagely turned on the unprepared hunter that tracked and cornered it.

[Koninbeor]

The trio of sailors were far more interested in their own tall tale than they were with anything else going on around them. They got so caught up in debating with one another in their unique way that none of them noticed the doors open to introduce a walking mountain. The solid figure was massive even by Roegadyn standards. Like Two-Patch, he appeared to be one of the Sea Wolves. A baggy sailor's shirt adorned his heavily muscled torso, long rips crisscrossing the once white fabric that was now mostly stained pink and red from what could possibly be blood. Brownish breeches covered massive legs just past the knees, also ripped in several places and heavily stained, while the bottoms appeared to have been torn off. The hulking form wore no shoes. The Roegadyn was rather young and by appearances could not have set out on his own too long ago. His dark hair was completely disheveled, and the Sea Wolf wore a beard. What could be seen of his skin was clearly marked with heavy bruises and welts that were very recent. The most noticable characteristic of the Wench's latest entry was not his size, however, but the confidence he carried himself with. His gaze swept over the room with a fierce intensity, though there was no malice in those eyes. Before he could step in any further, the youngest of the three sailors dared a quick glance to survey his surroundings. The Hyur's mouth dropped open and he tried to dart up to his feet, instead falling backward in his chair with a loud crash. He was in such a hurry to get up that he fell over himself a few times before actually reaching his feet, and then he simply sprinted for the door, holding on dearly to his magician's hat to keep from losing it. The other two watched their friend in astonishment. Poor vocabulary or no, that was a bit surprising. Once their eyes fell upon the giant, they also made haste for the door. While he was clearly not twenty feet tall and capable of holding three men in each hand at once, they wanted no part of anything that scared their companion that badly. The young Sea Wolf rolled his shoulders ever so slightly in what could have possibly been a shrug as the trio fled the scene.

[Smiling River]

All the noise killed Yecely's buzz from the wine and she couldn't bare to even think about working in this environment.

 

"Listen, I should go. It's gotten a bit too rowdy here for my tastes," Yecely said calmly as she made out a note. "Here is the address to where I'm staying. Come for a visit, we can talk." She looked around at the patrons, especially men who can potentially make passes at her on her way out. A route with least interruptions was set in her mind and now all she had to do was collect her things. But before going she looked in Myra's eyes to try to decipher what her new acquaintance was thinking. Yecely didn't want to admit to herself that she was looking for an excuse to stay.

[Kylin]

Myra frowned as she took Yecelyâs written down address. Her female âherding techniqueâ was about to go up in smoke, leaving her wide open to the roegadyn salesman and other idiotic men. At that moment, another burly roegadyn entered the tavern. His intimidating presence caused three of the men to scatter out of the building.

 

Returning her gaze to Yecely, Myra quickly removed her frown and turned her expression to one of concern and disappointment. âLeaving so soon? Is it really because of how rowdy itâs become? Listen dear, you canât run away every time a large group of men show up. You have to stand your ground. Otherwise they win. Besides, as a journalist you really should learn to stick around the crowded areas. It could be the only way to get your story.â

 

Myra scanned the tavern once more, her eyes settling on the elezen duskwight at the bar. âLook,â she stated as she pointed to the elezen. âWe just need to invite another woman to join us. None of these rowdy brutes will likely bother approaching us if weâre in a larger group. Will that make you feel better?â

[Koninbeor]

There were no familiar faces left after the three sailors abruptly departed. Not that they would have been any welcome company anyway. The behemoth made his way over to the bar, taking care not to crowd anyone. He headed for the largest gap of open seats as close to the right side of the bar as he could manage and eased himself onto a stool. The bartender didn't seem to mind his fierce gaze at all, likely having seen the like dozens of times this week. The Roedagyn glanced over to a random patron when asked what he wanted, inclining his head slightly when he spotted a bowl of soup, and returned his gaze back to the bartender. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin pouch, only to find it as ripped as his clothing. An attempt was made to jingle any coins left within, but there was no sound. A slight grin crept into the edges of his mouth, massive head shaking slowly at the realization. When the bartender began to approach with his food, the mountainous Sea Wolf shook his head and gave a wave of his hand, then indicated the empty pouch.

[Nanapariri]

Luralel watched the Roedagyn enter and nervously wondered why the Hyur men scattered wondering perhaps if he had a reputation. She didn't move as he walked past and tried not to stare considering he had to be the largest man she had ever seen. Exhaling she began to turn away as he took his order though her sharp ears could tell the barkeeper's action was something amiss. Turning back around she could see from the barkeeper's reaction that he was ready to take the soup back and she looked once again at this man who obiviously needed to consume a large amount to have energy to expend. Luralel sighed and turned around walking to the corner, taking an indescriminate handful of coins from her purse, and she quickly and wordlessly set them on the counter and turned to make a quick retreat hoping she could be a long ways out the door before the large man could protest.

[Varov]

"Orchestraterin'! Why, by the Twelve and then some! I could use people with that kind'a talent, kiddo. You workin' for anybody right now? I happen to be in need of a lawyer an' a lieutenant of sorts, ya see? Someone ta' help manage things." The Sea Wolf smiled at the young woman. His eyes diverted to the different happenings about the room, noticing the hyur women sitting nervously at a table behind him a ways. "Tell ya what... Why doesn't we get up, an give those two ladies back there company?"

[Eva]

"Right now? Erm... just odd jobs mostly. It's been slow. I'd be interested in knowin' what sort of work you had in mind though, fer sure."

 

Her gaze followed his at the table across the room where she spotted the scholarly woman that her business associate had winked at earlier. She bit back a groan, realizing this was not the type of woman she much wanted to associate with, just by the look of her - scholarly - which to her meant condescending and snobbish. But the Sea Wolf had already set his mind on that table, and from observing him in the past she figured he wouldn't likely take no for an answer anyway.

 

"Alrighty, Mr. Whiskeyjack!" she put on some faux enthusiasm. "I'm Ora, by the way. Ora Nirramor." She grinned, extending her hand.

[Smiling River]

Yecely grinned as she absorbed Myra's words. A journalist knew when words were being used to sway a person one way or the other. "Otherwise they win," Yecely repeated in her head, "wow."

 

"I'm after a particular story and I doubt I will get any leads here. It's turning into an... interesting day though." She smirked and followed Myra's pointer to the Elezen woman at the bar. It seemed like she was about to leave.

"You want her to join us? Alright... let me go and ask her." Before Myra could reply, Yecely was off her chair, wine glass in hand, walking briskly towards the Elezen.

 

Yecely tapped her on her arm. "Hey there, I'm Yecely and over there is Myra. Don't worry we aren't trying to sell anything. Would you sit and chat with us, you seem interesting... at least Myra there thinks so." Yecely grinned and gave Myra a quick wink. Myra probably didn't hear what Yecely said, but Yecely found it amusing nonetheless. The wine has worked it's way into her head.

[Varov]

He shook the Elezen girl's hand, giving a surprisingly light handshake as if he had held back, but only enough so that it didn't hurt her. "Rijac Faren, more commonly known as Whiskeyjack. Obviously, I'm inna business of sales, but I also run Two-Patch Exports, Limited - devoted ta bringin' rare products outta' town and to folks all over tha place. Ul'Dah, Gridania, etcetera." He puts his heavy palm on the Elezen's upper back, quite literally covering her upper back, and walks her over towards Myra's table.

 

"Looky here! More seats!" He sits down and looks at the scholarly Hyur. "Pleased'a meet ya, missy. Names Two-Patch Whiskeyjack. Yers?" He smiles, glancing back down at Ora, "Oh! An Orry, I'm lookin' fer someone t'help with security operations, trade relations, an legal consulting. Already found me a lawyer, now I needs a brainiac, an' with luck, ye'll take my security position."

[Nanapariri]

Luralel blinked a couple of times at the Hyur girl standing before her. It would be good to know some of the inhabitants of Lima Losa if she was to live and work in the city.

 

"Hello..." she said smiling. "I think that would be nice. I'm Luralel Archsadine."

[Smiling River]

"My name is Yecely, and that's my new friend Myra. Let me introduce you," she sipped her wine and made her way to the table where Myra sat. "See that wasn't difficult," Yecely told Myra and smiled. "Myra this is Luralel, Luralel this is Myra."

 

While the two exchanged pleasantries Yecely took the chance to finish her wine. "Hey Myra tell her your theory. You know something about women in a larger group?"

[Kylin]

Myra sighed as the roegadyn and obnoxious elezen approached her table while Yecely was inviting the new woman to the table. The âherding techniqueâ was accomplished too late. She cursed to herself in her thoughts, took a rather large sip of wine, and then put on a fake smile.

 

âHello Two-Patch,â Myra said with little eagerness. âA pleasure to meet you. And you as wellâ¦Orry was it? My name is Myra. And while Iâm flattered that you see me as a brainiac before even having met me, Iâm afraid I must decline your offer. Iâll be starting teaching soon and I prefer my focus to be one hundred percent on my students.â

 

At that moment, Yecely had returned to the table with the other elezen woman. The wine was clearly starting to have its effect on Yecely as she didnât even seem to notice the roegadyn or obnoxious elezen at the table before introducing the new woman and saying something else. âHey Myra tell her your theory. You know something about women in a larger group?â

 

The hyur wanted to just place her face into the palm of her hand then, but refrained and continued with her forced smile. âWell thatâs a theory that wonât be tested todayâ¦And itâs a pleasure to meet you Luralel.â

[Varov]

The Sea Wolf chortles in Myra's face. "Who says you were the kind'a brainiac what I needed, eh? Yer a teacher, aye? I've no use fer teachin' anyone anythin' really... I need a trade representative." He thumbs over at Yecely. "Overheard bits an' pieces of conversation... what about feminism an' all that. She seems a more effective communicator." He leans in towards Myra and whispers, "Oh, and lassy... lot'a that dribble don't work on the smart men. If'n yer plan is to keep men away, wear plain clothes and carry a weapon. Men, 'specially Hyur men, are largely a bunch'a sissies - challenge their physical authority an' ye got em by the fruit, amIright?" He gave her a wink and backed up, looking towards the other two Elezen at the table.

 

"So, what's yer names? I'm Two-Patch Whiskeyjack!" He boasts.

[Eva]

Taking on a less 'sing-songy' voice, she spoke a bit more deeply than she had up until this point. "And I'm Ora Nirramor, or 'Orry' to my friends," she gave a now-demure smile. Despite the neutral expression on her face, she had seemed somewhat annoyed - perhaps the elezen man who's employing me that had winked at her.

 

She gave a half-nod to the other two as they returned to the table and re-introduced herself before looking back up at the Sea Wolf. She wanted to speak business, now that she had the man's ear, but she was suddenly concerned about the other two - They might be potential business contracts...

 

She knew her outburst earlier had annoyed the scholarly-looking woman. She was doing a good job concealing the annoyance now, however. Deciding to maintain the demure appearance, Ora kept her hands over her lap and stood at the table with ladylike grace. Occasionally when Whiskeyjack wasn't looking, she gave the back of his head a quizzical look, as though to signal the others, "I'm not with him." But when he acknowledged her, she simply smiled politely. Her transformation was more or less complete now.

 

Gesturing slowly to some of the empty glasses on the table, she spoke elegantly again, "May I refill your glasses? And would you like anything, Mr. Whiskeyjack?"

[Varov]

He looked up at Ora, then fished around his pockets. He handed the girl enough gil to buy a round for the table. "Whiskey, please." He turned around to face her, his back to the others, then spoke quietly. "You say you got skills, eh? Give me a perimeter sweep of the bar, let me know who looks fishy, who looks like potential business, etcetera. Get yerself somethin' ta drink an' eat on me." He turned back to Myra and the others.

 

"Now... where were we!" And smiled.

[Renaise]

The door of the Drowning Wench burst open with some force and Isha "Doc" Daifu stood in the doorway with a suprised expression on his face. He looked quizzically at the doorframe. "Hmm..." he said to noone in particular. "Perhaps that was a bit too much force to make a subtle entrance." Doc was speaking to himself outloud and was completely oblivious to the stares that the patrons were now giving him.

 

"Perhaps... no... yes, try again..." Doc nodded, again to noone and left closing the door behind him. A moment later the door slowly opened. Doc grinned triumphantly, "There... better." and he entered the establishment and looked around. "Hmmm, an inn, or tavern of some kind, this place certainly is interesting, I wish I had visited sooner. Then again I don't know if I would have liked it before, but now... people..." He smiled, "Yes people, wonderful fascinating people. This is a good place to be."

 

One of the staff, who obviously was very brave, inquisitive or just hadnt been paying attention, approached him. "Welcome sir, can I get you anything?" Doc looked the woman up and down and smiled in the way a person would smile after just completing a difficult puzzle. "No... oh wait! Yes... some ummm..." he looked around at what other people were having, most of it being alchohol based he dismissed the thought, "Well ill have some water. Could you bring it to my table please, ill be sitting..." He pointed to a place at random which happened to be quite near where whiskyjack and the others were now chatting. "There... seems good, yes, noisy, not much room, perfect. Over there please." The woman smiled and left while Doc pulled up a chair at the small table that was free. He then decided to sit and listen for a while, there was no better way to get the lay of the land than to listen to idle chatter and gossip.

[Smiling River]

Yecely gazed up at Two-Patch Whiskeyjack, "Yecely. I won't be refilling this glass," she raised her large empty glass which used to have wine in it. "It's the middle of the day." She looked at Myra who seemed to be uncomfortable with Whiskeyjack hanging around next to her. "Pardon me," she said to Luralel as she left her side. She came closer to Whiskeyjack and tapped him on the arm, beckoning him to lean in. Once he did, she whispered "see that table over there," she pointed to a table near the wall with her eyes where she sat before joining Myra. It still had some of her things on it, newspapers mostly. "Can I have word with you?"

[Aveline]

Having finally procured a glass of wine and a small sandwich from the bar, Oryn glanced back at the small group WhiskeyJack had amassed around him. The man is like a celestial orb ... pulling in smaller planets, Oryn thought to himself. Well, the man had given him a large sum for books and had more or less hired his services as a legal adviser.. he may as well find out what this was all about.

 

Gathering up his books and deftly balancing the sandwich on top, Oryn picked up the wine with the other hand and moved over to the table where Two-Patch was holding court, trying to pick up on the others' names. He winced visibly as yet another burly man burst through the door, but relaxed slightly when he saw the newcomer was not evidently part of Two-Patch's entourage.

 

 

[OOC Disclaimer: Sorry,Oryn might be a little quieter/wallflowerish this next day or so than usual--I am writing final papers for the term and putting together my boyfriend's 30th birthday party for Friday, so I am a busy little hummingbird the rest of the week. ]

 

[Varov]

He nodded and looked back towards the table, affording "doc" a quick glance, then he looked back to Yecely. "Well everyone, if'n ye'll excuse me..." He followed the woman over to the table and glanced at all of the journalistic detritus littering the space. "What'll it be, missy?"

[Eva]

Ora grabbed a few of the empty glasses, bowing politely as she backed away from the table headed back to the bar. Some of the other patrons had departed and the bartender no longer appeared as flustered as he had several minutes earlier. Setting the glasses down upon the bar, she cleared her throat, tapping some of the gil Whiskeyjack had given her against the bar. The sound immediately caught the bartender's attention and he shook his head slightly, but proceeded to where Ora was leaning against the bar anyway.

 

"Thanks for bringin' these back." He forced a smile, "What'll ya have."

 

"Well, I'm not sure. My companions over there seem to be drinking wine, but may be nearly finished. Two glasses all the same. I'm sure they'll find a home one way or another, even if they don't drink them. The big fella said he would like whiskey. And for myself a glass of sherry, whatever's good."

 

The bartender, who had already begun pouring wine into a pair of goblets arched an eyebrow at her as he grabbed a bottle of whiskey from one of the top shelves - probably already knowing what Two-Patch regularly drank. "I thought you usually drank the same grog as everyone else in this place."

 

Her fists tightened at her sides, but she kept a cool composure, "I'm trying something new today."

 

"Here you are then, two glasses of wine, some whiskey for the big fella, and..." he glanced at her appraisingly, "...one glass of sherry for the lady."

 

Grinning, she took the tray off the bar, leaving the entirety of the gil that Whiskeyjack had given her on the bar. She had thought about pocketing the extra and stiffing the bartender for not serving her earlier, but now she was getting into character and felt she had to play the part fully. A small sum of gil now for a larger sum later! She nodded to herself as she elegantly walked back to the table, holding the tray as a professional waitress would.

 

Setting them down, she smiled softly at everyone at the table.

[Nanapariri]

"I'm Luralel Archsadine," Lura said at last " ... and I suppose wine is fine."

 

She listened as the others exchanged a flurry of ideas and information. She didn't know anything about herding techniques, accept when it came to animals, and she was begining to see why her new employer met her there in the first place. The Drowning Wench seemed to be full of people looking for something from others. What better place for a merchant or observer of senient character than this place full of colorful people.

 

"There seem to be a lot of business people here," said by way of observation after Yecly leaned over to talk to Whiskey Jack.

[Kylin]

A bit of relief came to Myra when the roegadyn left the table. She was curious about what Yecely wanted to say in private to him though. The hyur watched Ora closely as she went across the tavern to get more drinks. The girlâs demeanor had changed rather suddenly. She had gone from being obnoxious to lady-like in the matter of moments. While Myra wasnât sure what exactly spurred the transformation, she knew it happened for a reason. Perhaps the elezen was planning to con someone at the table. Or perhaps it was the pressure of the group setting that got to her. Either way, Myra planned to keep a close eye on her just in case she was planning on trying anything.

 

Luralelâs presence, along with Orynâs, was momentarily forgotten as the hyur continued studying Ora. By the time she remembered that she wasnât alone at the table, Ora had already returned with the drinks. Myraâs usually analytical gaze didnât even pick up the bizarre arrival of the strange hyur man who exited and reentered.

 

Smiling and accepting her new drink, Myra decided to keep up her friendly act. Even though she distrusted everyone presently in the tavern outside of Yecely, it would do her no good to show as much.

 

âSo what brings you all here in the middle of the day if you donât mind my asking?â

[Smiling River]

Yecely's quill was faster than some folk's swordplay. It dashed upon a blank page which quickly became filled with notes. She made eye contact for a moment before bringing her eyes down to the page. "You seem to grab a lot of attention around here. I know your name, but who exactly are you? Please, indulge me." A grin crossed her face as she looked somewhat seductively to the man standing before her. This glance passed by just as quickly as the first.

[Nanapariri]

"I was here to finalize a contract with an employer," Luralel said simply and briefly before lifting the glass of wine to her lips. She was glad that it was good tasting and not a poor quality as she expected.