middaeg | [ CLOSED ] breaking the ice

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[ CLOSED ] breaking the ice

Who: Anyone who works at Inkchanted, plus their Bonded if they want to tag along! (and anyone who works at The Sly Seadog, too!)
When: early Septeril
Where: at The Sly Seadog in the Harbor District
What: Inkchanted recently got some new employees! This is a mingle for all employees and anyone who they have invited to hang out.
Warnings: please post any necessary warnings in the subject lines!

It's uncertain whose idea it was first. The Sly Seadog is a convenient gathering location, lunch spot and after-work watering hole for many businesses around them in the Harbor, and the Monsters and Witches who work at Inkchanted are no different. The suggestion was floated around after some new employees joined their ranks, someone (Caster, probably?) insisting on a welcoming celebration of some sort for them, everyone else jumping on board either enthusiastically or out of politeness (the latter in Waver's case, though it's not like he hates the idea).

The invitations are informal: all employees strongly encouraged to come, and feel free to bring along your Bonded or significant other if you like! The only thing formal about this is the fact reservations were made at all. Then again, at an establishment like the Seadog, it's not so much reservations as a takeover of the back few tables-- with the owner's understanding, of course.

There are plenty of drinks and food-- with an emphasis on the drinks. The barmaids are generous, and depending on who's ordering, so is their cleavage. Though the place generally stocks cheaper fare more in line with the expectations of the rough-handed sailors who frequent it, tonight there's wine and some finer (maybe middling-shelf, honestly) liquor, on certain people's behest.

Sometimes, a shanties break out among the other patrons, surging through the tavern in a drunken, off-key sway. A fiddler comes around here on occasion, playing for spare coin, and when he does there's always somebody who leaps up, starts pushing aside empty tables and trying to get people to dance.

But the main goal of the evening is to greet the new employees, make sure everyone has a chance to get to know one another... and of course, to get drunk off their asses. Because that's the best way to make new friends!

(( please feel free to make your own top levels, mingle, and start shenanigans! ))

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It matters not whose idea it was eventually. Even it if wasn't his Iskandar definitely have enthusiastically contributed to it. That he misses the great feasts of his own country's fashion is could not possibly news to anyone with a pair of ears that had the misfortune to hear him rant about the lack of proper festivities any time King of Conquerors drinks just a bit too much. It does not happen too often, he's a surprisingly busy man but happen it does.

So now, with a proper party being organized Iskandar is finally not lacking in wine, and certainly not in good spirits, the only thing that remains undecided is a good discussion subject. He's generous and won't try to monopolize the discussion this time. Quite the contrary, he'll encourage everyone to share stories from their lives.

"Every tale is worth listening to, be it small or grand!"

Oh, that's a good one. Caster takes a swig of his ale before cutting right in.

"I'll make you set up the example then. You've traveled half of the world—" Conquered it also, but while it's tempting to introduce Iskandar as a king to everyone, Cú also feels it could be too intimidating to do at the start. Though after more beer and wine flows, than who knows... "And that makes me wonder... Wonder what's the weirdest food you've ever eaten"

Cú was never one who traveled much past Ireland. Though he's still one of the few who set foot on the shores of Scotland. Living on Island never felt limiting to him, but it never stopped him from hungering of the tales from those well-traveled.

He actually thought about something more in line with the actual topics for feasts he knew like love or what does it entail for one to live virtuously...but food is as good as subject as any. He can talk about food.

"Hm... the weirdest you ask? There are no doubt weird dishes here..." Iskandar scratches his beard. He could give a few examples of Aefenglonian cuisine that still evade his understanding. How people can consider pickled eggs edible? "but if you asking about my travels." See? He didn't say conquest. He's being polite. "That it must be something out of India. There were many dishes that perplexed both me and my troops."

Ooops... so much for not speaking about conquest...

"Even whole customs, can you believe there were people there that swore to never ate meat? I wouldn't have believed such people exist if I hadn't met them myself."

Clearly, Iskandar has not heard about the sect of Pythagoras. Even if he heard about him as a great philosopher. Anyone expecting a straight answer from King of Conquerors is bound to be disappointed... or even a short one.

"But when it comes to foods specifically, then there was one fruit I actually quite liked even if it was the weirdest thing I ever encountered."

The original name never stuck with him. Sanskrit was fiendishly difficult language and he usually left dealing with this nightmare to his wife but the Grail left him with enough knowledge of modern terminology that he was able to recognize the fruit he liked in India when he encountered it again in Japan.

"I believe it in later times it was called a banana. It was cultivated by the locals and said to be a tree of sages, hence the fruit was said to inspire wisdom in those who ate it."

India. That's a country he didn't even know existed in his lifetime, but the whole deal with being dead (and Grails, and Heroes) gives you plenty of opportunities to learn. So while Cú's knowledge of India is limited, he could name a few other Servants hailing from there.

And he definitely knows what a banana is, given how replenishing its stock was always almost a holiday in Chaldea.

He probably knows more than enough, because the whole build-up to have this specific fruit as the grand finale makes him finally puff out a chuckle (that he so valiantly held at bay).

"Tree of sages? That's a new one." He can't believe he heard that right. "I'd accept many names for it, but that one is unexpected, truly. Oh I bet it inspired much wisdom, and meditation— and who knows what else" So maybe he got few too many beers already. While he still shoots a glance around, especially to make sure Archer is not vigilant (or if he is, to give him a challenging look) and starts gesturing the act of unfolding and, well, eating the invisible banana. Very much in the know of how crass it looks.

After some of the initial ice is broken, more mead, wine, ale, and beer flows. With food on the side, of course. But the atmosphere turns a little more relaxed, at least for some. Or just less sober.

The room smelling of food, of beer, of wet wool garments thanks to short rain outside, and the smoke of the wood. The table grew with the clutter of food and drinks, and the tavern slowly and surely grew full of people and their voices.

Caster doesn't have a good track with personal space sober, less so when tipsy. Worse, he turns affectionate. His Bonded is on the biggest danger of him draping himself over them, but it's not limited to just them. Either to check on them with questions like, "Having fun?", "Want to take a breath outside?"

Or with the encouragement of various actions. "Sing me a song of your lands" is suggested when everyone in the tavern grows rowdier, and the shyness can easier be swept away. Or perhaps its time to dance on the table.

How is it even possible that Iskandar HAS NEVER made that actually quite obvious connection himself? Probably the context of the memory he was recalling, a particular mindset he gets into when telling stories from his past...or any other among a myriad of reasons.

With the help of Cú's creative... and let's be honest, rather explicit demonstration, it finally clicks and Iskandar first blinks, stares speechless for long while then practically doubles down with laughter.

Give him a moment...or save him before he chokes on his wine. This is hilarious...

Archer could ignore it in less mixed company, but not here. Thus Cú suddenly gets whacked as his Bonded clears his throat pointely. To be honest he's fondly exasperated. Ancient guys and their customs.

"Mind your manners. There are ladies here."

He has something to share from his own travels, though. Not for the weak of heart, and certainly not the most outlandish food he's seen.

"One of most unusual drinks I've seen was snake wine. It has been considered a potent medicine able to reinvirogate even the oldest. The recipe asks for a venomous snake and either rice wine or grain alcohol, which then has to be steeped for many months."

Edited (I can spell) 2020-09-17 23:17 (UTC)

There are ladies, there is beer and— he can be a gentleman, but that doesn't matter he always is. The whack at the back of his head only earns him a laughter. Too late Archer, he got his point across. And taught something new to Iskandar.

Hearing about the wine he has to shake his head.

"That sounds like something only for those not fearing death. What if the snake's venom seeped into the wine itself?"

"It's for those who love taking risk. Though there are reports of such snakes biting humans after supposedly being in the bottle for months."

Archer shrugs. He's seen many of the folk remedies of eastern origin, as well as exotic food. There is plain weird and there's the disturbing variety.

"I recall a fad about the wasp crackers. It's exactly what it sounds like - dried wasps mixed with cracker dough."

[ Yona's never been down to the Harbor before, and certainly never stepped foot inside a place called the 'Sly Seadog'. It sounded like somewhere Jae-Ha would visit, and Hak would definitely drag her away from, so there's a little thrill of excitement as she steps inside and glances around to see if she spots any familiar faces.

She knows how involved Caster is with the happenings of Inkchanted. She's seen evidence of his art, his magic, on several of the Mirrorbound already. And although she hasn't yet taken any of the markings for herself, she's been considering it. But when her Bonded had learned of her skill at art, a steady hand, a creative eye as she'd crafted the runes she's learning in her exploration of Enchantment, he'd proposed having her assist in some of the more artistic endeavors for his little side-venture. She wasn't sure how much help she'd actually be, but she was willing to try.

Besides. It sounded fun. And she was trying to indulge in a little more of that on the side, before she got caught up too deeply in fixing what all was wrong in this world.

At least the Inkchanted crew seems to be a lively and eye-catching bunch and she finds a seat among them, settling in and looking a little out of place there - a demure redhead with wide violet eyes, trying to drink in everything happening at once. She'll nurse a drink or two but honestly spends most of her early visit here listening and observing everything she can. She's not averse to being pulled into discussions or debates, however, cheerfully taking part in them should anyone approach her.

And perhaps most of all, she keeps a curious eye on her two Bonded, watching them interact with these friends of theirs. Learning more about them than she's gotten a chance to before, having not yet seen them in such a setting. She's sure it'll be an enlightening evening all around. ]

Yona has spent most of the evening watching her Bonded interact with wide-eyed fascination, seeing new and different sides to them that she hasn't gotten to see before.

Cu seems to be no exception to that, and when he appears and drapes himself over her shoulder, she glances up at him with a fond laugh.

"I am having fun, yes. And you seem to be, too. Enjoying yourself?"

She hadn't yet gotten to meet many of Caster and Archer's companions at Inkchanted, so tonight was proving to be fascinating for many reasons. The large and boisterous man was someone she'd been watching with a hint of awe for a good portion of the evening, even though she'd remained mostly quiet up until now.

But his urging for stories has her chuckling as she tips her head to the side and considers him. "You're not wrong, but you sound as if you've been to a great many lands and have a great many stories to tell yourself. What is the most interesting place you've ever visited? And why did you find it so interesting?"

Carousing in pubs is nothing close to Soren's preferred scene. For one, he doesn't know how to laugh or "cut loose", though he's made subtle improvements in this arena during the whole year he's been stuck on Geardagas. Two, it's too boisterous for his tastes, and drunk people are among the most trying and obnoxious of them all. He never was one for losing his senses to booze, but even if it's because he was never inclined to enjoy himself, it's also because he always favored his mind to be as sharp as possible.

Things have changed. Caster warmed him up with spiced ale back at the beginning of this turbulent year, for example, and it hadn't been a bad outing. Festivals always teemed with drinks aplenty, and he and Waver had a few drinks in this very pub not too long ago. He's not a mercenary anymore, and the major reason he always strove to be ready for anything is not here right now. The whole point of convening here at the Sly Seadog is to foster a relaxed atmosphere where the newcomers of Inkchanted can be welcomed and their relationships bolstered. Alcohol has its drawbacks, but it can perform wonders at being a social lubricant for an antisocial Dragon. And so, he participates like everyone else, but in his own way.

For the most part, though, he is not the life of the party, preferring to listen and observe in his own comfy corner at the table or by the wall or to wherever the celebration has irrupted at any given moment. He tends to stick closer to the people he knows best: those he is Bonded to naturally earn that privilege, but he's more visibly relaxed in Waver's presence, too.

Whenever it becomes too uproarious, he looks particularly disgruntled or out of place, and if anyone tries to rope him into dancing or singing, he will protest, no matter how drunk he is! However, as empty glasses amass, Soren evolves into a slightly different creature. The tension wrought in his posture slips; he strikes up conversation a little easier; his emotions rise to the surface with less restraint and he might even be more tolerant to others bursting his wide personal space bubble, depending on who the heck you are and what you are doing. Just take care not to piss him off; he may be small, but he's still a Dragon, and one forceful shove from him to you could make him go bowling for tables! He might even be more amenable to a little bit of fun if he's invited! Challenge him to a contest of wits or strength or even... darts or drinks? He will surely lose in one of those categories.

And as he allows his emotions to stir him more readily, it's entirely possible to catch him looking wistful or mired in his thoughts, and troubled for it. Snap him out of it? Distract him with a joke or a poke? Or maybe it's best to leave him be...

Waver, who had also stuck his leg out under the table to kick (more like tap the toe of his shoe against) Caster for his stupid banana joke, has adopted a steady more and more exasperated expression. Which has finally warped into blatant disgust.

Look. Never mind the sundry gross things that go into various alchemical concoctions. Isn't this supposed to be a dinner party??

"Can we please stop talking about dead snakes and wasps in your food while we're trying to eat? And drink, for that matter!"

"I concur! We were supposed to be listing unusual food not just plain gross!"

Right, maybe wasp crackers are not exactly gross. He remembers grilled cicadas as a quite tasty snack. Wasps seem a bit on the small side but he won't be that against it.

Snake wine on the other hand... That's just plain disgusting. Iskandar is not a huge fan of anything that has something even partially to do with snakes. And he definitely prefers his wine without nasty surprises that can leap out of the bottle and bite him, thank you very much.

"Snake wine, what a stupid idea."

Congratulations, Archer, you have grossed out King of Conquerors.

This might be the first time that Iskandar has met her but not first that he has heard of her. Cú has mentioned her at least once and Iskandar has a good memory, at least when it comes to people. Quite understandably, he was curious. She turned out to be a quiet young lady. At least, that is his first impression. It may prove to be incorrect later on. It's not difficult to be quiet in such a rowdy company.

"You are quite correct, young lady. I have indeed visited many countries, some of them previously unknown to my people."

That he has made the known world significantly bigger by his conquest is one of his achievements that he's especially proud of.

"But you have given me a hard task! Should I choose blue and gold walls of Babylonia over vast planes of Bactria, warm sands of Egypt, icy peaks of the Himalayas or dancing goddesses of Indian palaces, I would be doing the other places great injustice. For they all were splendid and interesting."

He laughs. That's both an answer and a non-answer. In all honesty, he'd have a hard time choosing. He may have his favourites but that doesn't make other places less interesting.

"The why is actually the easy one. I love meeting other people, seeing places they live in, learning about their customs. It's forever fascinating to me."

Too much alcohol, too much rowdy atmosphere— it's given something happens.

"Now, now— I asked about weirdest foods, and these certainly fits that bill" Apparently everyone are taking their Bonded side here, not that it's surprising in the slightest. Caster is no different, though he attempts diplomacy at the same time. There's a hint of protective surge that all of his Bonded can probably read clear as the day.

"If you wanted to see gross, that's really nothing compared to the Red Branch knights party. Now they were a rowdy bunch, outings like this, repeat on the daily— I thnk the only time it stopped was when my wife went to kick their asses."

It's unlikely to shuffle through the memories, making mention of them even rarer. But drinks loosens the tongue, and Iskandar asked for tales, before he specified food.

Cú's reaction to that is— pure exhilaration. Okay, drunk exhilaration, but there is no denying that getting a verbal confirmation of her enjoyment puts him in good mood.

"It's going really well— I'm glad everyone agreed for this." Feels like... family... almost.

If he was more sober he could ruminate how this whole shop, tattoos and magic forged an unexpected connection. But eh, he's tipsy so he just rubs his cheek against Yona's.

"Lemme know if you need a breath of fresh air, it's getting late and it's better if we don't split."

[Iskandar slams both fists on the table making all the glasses wobble dangerously. He's fast to forget trivial unpleasantries when there's a prospect of a good story.]

Ha! That's a story I'd like to hear! Tell us!

[His wife was no different. Both his actual and adopted mothers were formidable women. So was Sisigambis, Queen Mother of Persia. When she advised him on matters of Persian court and politics he almost always listened. The almost part usually causing him problems, not the always.]

Darts challenge is a good one. And add to that— whoever gets less points takes a sip of a drink. Miss the board entirely and you're downing all of your drink before next attempt. Apparently some usual patrons joined into it, but they're now nursing their drinks in the corner; their darts lodged firmly outside of the board.

It's down to the showdown before him and Soren at this point.

"So— how did you get to know Waver? I don't think I've heard that story." He asks after taking a sip and taking position for another round. This time he has to win more points.

"Why the long face, hm? Drinks not to your liking?"

As this is partially his party it is easy for Iskandar to slip into old habits. Like keeping an eye if everyone is having fun. An here's one not exactly looking relaxed. Not even close to having fun. He has to react, you see. What kind of host it would make of him if he didn't?

[ Though it would be easy to run into Soren at Inkchanted these days, an opportunity to properly meet him never arose. Not only does he exude a rather unapproachable air, but more often than not, he was engaged with a task and another person, so even if Yona had the desire to introduce herself to him, interrupting the Dragon might be inappropriate. Even at the Coven he would likely be too busy hanging out with his other blue-haired Bonded... or in class.

Now is different. Soren's attention falls to her when she arrives, and once he has a chance where she's not talking to someone else or otherwise wrapped up in something, he steps up beside her and introduces himself. ]

You must be Yona. Caster spoke a little bit of you. I'm Soren. [ He dips his head a bit in politeness. ] It's good to be able to meet you.

[ For a Dragon, he's awfully small... The plain gray horns jutting straight back at an angle on his head lend him the illusion of having extra height, but without their help he's just an inch or two taller than the crimson-haired Witch. His delicate yet striking features lend a youthful complexion to him along with the quality of his calm voice, so it may just be natural to assume he's about her age and has a long way to grow. ]

Soren is astonishingly good at darts. One of his hidden talents, apparently. While his advantage lies in accuracy, his weakness is that he's a bit of a lightweight. On a sobriety scale of one to completely smashed, the Dragon currently contends with about a level six. He'd already been sipping down drinks before the game commenced.

"It was well over a year ago, even before my first scales had grown in," he begins, arms crossed and darts between his fingers in preparation for his turn. "Some pompous young aristocrats were harassing me for being a Mirrorbound. They cursed me with a spell that forced me to walk and talk backwards, so I was rendered not only a fool, but unable to get immediate help. I could write, however, and Waver lent me his notebook, and then his voice. He helped me get a ride back to the Coven where I could be assisted."

He watches Cú intently as he unravels the short skein about the day he first met Waver, but takes a brief moment to send his glance over to where he expects to see the runty Turnskin. It's difficult to picture him without those expressive ears and the furry tail curling out of his rump, but that was how he first saw him. His hair had been a little shorter back then, too.

"That might as well be ancient history." In a smaller voice, he adds, serious but with a glimmer of hidden amusement, "To this day, I still have his notes. I wonder if he'll ever ask for them back..."

[ Bananas, snakes, and wasps sure were something to walk back into. Had Caster not already been scolded, she may have done so because they did have some younger ones present. Still, there was something relaxing about their boisterous behavior.

Alex was just about to refill everyone's drinks but lifts the pitcher back up when Iskander's fist meets the table. Once the trembling stops, she continues. She may not have much to contribute to the conversations, not having tried all that much since coming to Aefenglom, but the merrow was content with listening to the fascinating stories being shared. Red Branch Knights? Now that sounded like an interesting stor--- ]

You're married?

[ That may have come out louder than she intended. ]

Sorry, um..go on.

[ There was a story going to be told. ]

Edited 2020-09-23 05:44 (UTC)

Her eyes grow a little wide as he goes on to describe such vastly different landscapes, listening in fascination and awe. With what he says, she can't blame him for being unable to choose between them.

"Your lands sound so vast, and so varied. I've never even imagined getting to visit so many places. I suppose that must have sounded a foolish question to you, but you've been to far more distant corners of a world than I've ever heard of. Did you have favorites among them?"

And had he truly met dancing goddesses?

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[ CLOSED ] breaking the ice

It's not a proper symposion without a good drink and a good subject!

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🍌 I am so sorry

OTA

never be sorry

sorry not sorry

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time to meet new friends!

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OTA 4 sowen

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poke a dwagon

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