We're Gonna Rock This Town (Dego please)

[Bladewyn]

OOC: Continued from here.

Bladewyn laughed. "Not at all! I often think that the gods have their own ways of sending us on our way, whether they be chance happenings or life-changing events. And who knows? Perhaps the journey will turn out to be more than sightseeing.

"It is a fair price to pay, but it's a good investment. Some of our more frequent customers tell me that their adventurer's packs have lasted them for eras. They only need refill the items like lantern oil and food. Very useful if you plan to be doing this kind of thing often."

At the mention of her previous hometown, Bladewyn's eyes lit up. "I lived in Abestat for three eras when I was younger. I loved it there. So much adventure, and so many kind people. Unfortunately I haven't gotten a chance to make a return visit yet.

"Jaedaxia is a bit hard to get used to, yes." It had taken Bladewyn months to learn enough Charismean to decipher the shop signs and menus, but she was nearly fluent in the language now. "But there is so much history and culture here, so much to discover about things you'll never see anywhere else in the empire."

She smiled as Dego's stomach growled. Hers was about to enter that noisy stage, seeing as she hadn't eaten since midday and it was getting late now. "That sounds lovely," she replied. Wandering the town being her primary hobby, Bladewyn was almost as good a person as any to ask for a tour. She gathered up her bag and led Dego through the door, locking it behind her with the key from her pocket.

"So... What would you like to see? Monuments, shops, houses, gardens, the art center... Take your pick. And more importantly, what would you like to eat?" Bladewyn herself was a fairly non-picky eater, so she was happy to let Dego choose.

[Dego Mernoff]

Giving her a nod as they slipped out the door of the shop the half esh fiddled with the straps of the pack while she locked up the shop, attempting to get it into a comfortable position. “Well I am sure It will come to use many times over the coming brightenings. As I said I am a bit of a wanderer with no real place to call home, though I do keep an old house inside the walls of Nexus. There is very little to draw me back to it however.” He paused as his fingers pulled back the free strands of raven hair into a tight pony tail once more and retied the piece of white silk about the mass of hair, trying to keep it out of his eyes though a few strands still fell about his eyes as they walked. “Normally I am a fan of sleeping under the worlds tent, staring up at the stars from a tree branch or open plain, here however there seems to be an excessive amount of snow and figured it might be best to gather a few supplies for a proper adventure."

As they walked down the street and the suns’ rays began to fade from the darkening sky the night air swirled about them. Dego walked lightly, his natural stealth training constantly being practiced through even steps, his tracks light in the fluffy white snow collecting at their feet. “I agree, Abestat is a wonderful city, I would like to someday return and look for an old mentor of mine there. I haven’t heard from him in a couple era and sometimes wonder if everything is alright… What about you Bladewyn, what keeps you in this city? Family, a lover, or is it your love for the walls and streets?” He gave a playful kick at a small mound that was compiling in the street, sending flurries up into the air all around them.

“Something hot, and local!” He paused laughing a bit, and then continued in his alluring tone. “I must admit I rather enjoy partaking in the local flavors of food and drink, I am not very picky so lets go somewhere nice or perhaps to your favorite restraunt so I can thank you properly for all the help. Mr. Lefevre gave me a small place in his shop and a little something to do on the side. As for what we should see, why not move where the wind takes us, let the gods guide our path.” He smiled and gave her s gentle push, laughing lightly at the comment obviously amused about their similar views.

[Bladewyn]

Bladewyn, too, wanted to return to Abestat, but it was not to visit friends. She hoped to see if an old nemesis of hers was still causing trouble there, and if so, if she could finally lay him to rest with the skills she'd picked up over the eras. But thinking about the mad doctor was making Bladewyn gloomy and heavy-hearted, so she turned her attentions to happier thoughts.

"To be honest, it's the city itself," she told him, looking around them at the whirling snow crashing into the dark stone buildings. "Just when I think I've learned everything about la belle Jaedaxia, she throws something else my way. I can't say that I've ever been bored or at a loss for something to do here."

As they walked east, they skirted the Cloison arrondissement. It was named for one of Jaedaxia's most famous landmarks: the Wall of Weeping, Le Cloison de Pleurant. Bladewyn had visited the place more often than most, and had been both frightened and rewarded for her efforts. She slowed her pace slowly to regard the monument, which held many memories for her.

"That's the Wall of Weeping," she said softly. "Have you ever been?"

Regardless of his response, she would reply and continue walking... she didn't want to spend too much time here, but it was one of those facets of Jaedaxian history that could not and would not be forgotten.

[Dego Mernoff]

“La belle? What does that mean?” The esh turned to her, his glistening blue eyes watching the woman as they walked, taking in her words before passing onward through the intersections and on down the streets. As they came up on a massive stone wall, dilapidated from eras of lack of upkeep, she presented him with a question. The vines grew in and out of its cracks and rubble lay about its edges. The elf slowed with Bladewyn as they passed he was drawn to it a bit, something about its mysterious demeanor that tugged at his tired mind.

“The wall of weeping… no never, I’ve never heard of it either...” His pace slowed a bit more, turning toward the landmark and drawing to a near stop as he watched the massive structure from their distance. “Why is it called that?” He took a step closer, transfixed by the mass of ancient stone and vine. Closing his eyes he gave a brief shake of his head before turning to look at Bladewyn who seemed somewhat unnerved by the walls presence. Quickly he jogged to keep up and presented her with another question. “Is there something ill about the place?”

[Bladewyn]

Bladewyn laughed. "I'm sorry, I hadn't realized I'd slipped into Charismean. It means 'beautiful,' 'the beautiful Jaedaxia.'" She spoke of the city fondly, like an old friend.

She almost wished that she hadn't brought up the Wall at all. It was painful to think about the love that had been found and loss beneath those stones. Bladewyn distracted herself from it by speaking about the Wall's history. That she could do.

"The city was divided in two by worshipers of Borthanas, the dragon-god, who sought to secede from the rest of the city. They built the Wall to separate themselves from the rest of Jaedaxia. When the Imperial legions came to drive them out, the Wall stayed as a testament to the battle. Some people say that the spirits of the departed haunt the Wall." Although she gave her story a cryptic ending, Bladewyn knew better than that.

Dego could explore the Wall later by himself if he wanted to, but Bladewyn wanted to stay away. They were making their way toward the restaurants in the eastern part of the city, and the aroma of good, hot food reached their noses. Bladewyn was eager to be inside one of these establishments for the warmth, food, and distance from the Wall.

As they neared La Petite Couronne, The Little Crown Inn and Tavern, Bladewyn clasped her hands together and laughed with a shiver. "I'm sorry about the cold," she said offhandedly. "You should visit Jaedaxia again in the summer. It's really wonderful then."

[Dego Mernoff]

“Dragon god… cultic worshipers, and haunting spirits, Hmmm, sounds rather fascinating. Does Jaedaxia have a library; I think I would very much like to read up on the maters when I have more time. You see, my father had this old broach of silver that was shaped into a Dragon encircled biting it’s own tail, and it has always been a fascination of mine since. That’s why I chose the dragon as a design for my rapier that I showed you earlier.” The young man continued to walk along side her, stealing glances at every chance in the dim light of the darkening. Her features lied, telling him about some unspoken pain she had on the subject matter, thus pushing Dego to drop the matter at his last question, and give her a reasonable escape from the conversation.

Laughing with her at the remark, he gave a soft shrug of indifference. “It’s actually quite alright, I enjoy the winter months, they remind me of home. I grew up in the forests outside of Nexus and it would often snow like this all winter long.” He dipped down and scooped up a handful of the frozen crystals, looking into it with a deep fascination. “My mother loved the snow, her skin was just as pure as the powder and she would often take me out into the forest and hide in it, just to make me try and find her.” He smiled a soft grin with a distant look and tossed his hand into the air adding to the downfall upon them.

In a practiced motion, before the last flake could come near their heads the half esh had removed his heavy leather riding coat from beneath his bow, quiver, and recently purchased pack, giving it a good shake to clear the excess snow. The talwaska scales on the right shoulder area glimmered and reflected a hazy blue light back into the night as Dego paused for a step to fall behind Bladewyn and wrapped the surprisingly light fitting coat over her shoulders for warmth. “That should keep you warm, and don’t think of raising a fuss over it, it was my idea that drug you out into this.” His thin pink lips were pursed into a smile as he gave a stern nod and looked ahead at the oncoming restaurant district of the town square. Pointing to La Petite Couronne he gave a laugh with jest as they neared. “That looks like a delightfully gaudy establishment. Are all the inn’s in… la belle Jaedaxia… like that.” It was almost humorous to hear the man try and mimic her words. While his tone was soft and alluring it did not roll the pronunciations quite like a native would, the words were far to long practiced in the native accent of a brutish foreign land.

[Bladewyn]

"Yes, we do. It's called La Librarie au Candace de la Rose... something like that. I'm sure that there is plenty of reading material, especially about dragons, given the city's history."

Bladewyn had seen snow before, of course, in Abestat and in her wanderings around in the empire in the eras before. But it had never seemed so mystical, so perfect and pure until she saw it upon the spiraling towers of Jaedaxia, in the Ice Gardens of the royal palace, upon her own home--the first she had ever owned. Though the cold was uncomfortable, she enjoyed the snow probably more than many other Jaedaxians did.

Unused to such shows of chivalry, Bladewyn nearly gave the coat back to Dego with a polite protest. But his kind words and the feel of the unique coat made her bite her tongue and instead thank him with a smile.

As they approached La Petite Couronne, Bladewyn grinned at his comment. "Some, if not most, yes. Jaedaxians take pride in extravagance and showiness." In fact, as they entered the restaurant and went through the archway to the left towards the dining room, they would see even more golden giltwork, dark wood, and lush carpeting. It was almost overwhelming, and the smell of rich food only added to the experience.

They were seated at a table by the window, and Bladewyn draped both Dego's coat and her own cloak and jacket over the chair behind her. With the fireplace roaring, there was no need for all of those warm layers. Her blouse and vest were plenty to keep her cheeks rosy. She ordered the Signature Chicken and a glass of white wine, and after Dego had ordered and been served a drink, she clinked their glasses in a toast.

"So... What brings you to Jaedaxia? Is it tomorrow's adventure, wanting to see the city, combat training?"

[Dego Mernoff]

Stepping into the restaurant Dego admired the fine craftsmanship of the woodwork, its gentle flowing lines creating simplistic designs that accented the overall glamour of the buildings interior. It brought a nod of approval from the craftsman that lived inside the half esh, the idea being filed away in some recess of his mind to be altered, improved and reused at a later date. Carefully following the woman, he let Bladewyn choose there seat, giving her an approving nod before scanning the room and taking in the atmosphere, then again taking in the exits out of habit.

The half breed paused, waiting for his lovely companion to take her seat at the table before gracefully slipping into the plush comfort of the chair himself. Following suit, the man took the menu and began reading through it, assuming he would need to choose a drink before his meal, he started there. When the waiter at last arrived ready to take their orders, Dego politely waited his turn, then replied, meeting the man’s gaze, his tone rolling and full. “I’ll have the Vistigious Master Brew Ale please, to accompany the Filet Mignon Supreme.”

The staff did not waste time in the preparations of the drinks and upon their return, met Bladewyn’s toast, followed by a long hearty draw and gulp of the fresh beer. Dego was a connoisseur of sorts when it came to alcohol. It didn’t matter what city or town he was in, the half elf tried the varieties of drink liberally testing each one for supreme flavor. This particular draft was remarkably smooth but left one wanting in flavor and heartiness. Had they been in the western states it would be called a light brew for its frothy texture, however the light spice and mellow taste did leave the pallet satisfied.

Gently setting the mug down the young man addressed his counterparts questioning with ease of heart now that one of his main desires had been satisfied. “To be completely honest, I simply wandered here.” He let out a half hearted laugh to accentuate the point before continuing. “After my parents died I because a soul without cause, first heading into Nexus, then to Abestat, to a town called High peak, which has the most delightful brandy I have ever tasted, North to Nexus again, back south to Acumin, west to Zinn and then here to Jaedaxia.” He paused to take another long draw from the brew, wetting his throat after the speech, and then continuing. “There is no real reason to it, I simply have nowhere to be. As such I take odds and ends jobs, wander, adventure, and try not to get myself killed in the process. I’ve been close a few times now, but it seems no such luck for the darker gods, as here I am enjoying this delightful corner of your town.”

As their salads arrived, the esh was quick to place his napkin across his trousers and begin eating the food. It may have been poor planning to invite the woman out to his first meal but the elf was famished having not eaten a proper meal in nearly three cycles. “What about you lady Bladewyn, do you adventure much, or is that blade on your hips just for looks?” He smiled, putting a bit more of the fresh salad into his mouth thoroughly enjoying the meal thus far.

[Bladewyn]

Dego's explanation might have seemed odd to someone else, but Bladewyn understood. She had spent more than half her life wandering, and she knew what appeal it had to the brave adventurer with a mind for sightseeing and trying something new.

After his tale, Bladewyn followed Dego in beginning on their appetizers. She, too, was hungry, though it was clear that her companion was much more eager for the meal than she. "I'm not what you'd call a master adventurer, but I do my fair share," she replied with a smile. "I was raised by a troupe of musicians who traveled all about the empire, mostly around Prime Province. I spent some time in Abestat and Taralon, and after moving to Jaedaxia I had a chance to visit Trysvale. I still call Jaedaxia my home, but I'm not opposed to spending a few cycles abroad to see the empire. It's an odd lifestyle, but I've gotten used to it."

When he mentioned her weapon, Bladewyn glanced down at it as she took a bite of her salad. "It's for more than show," she laughed. "I'm no expert, but I'd say that I'm more skilled than the average girl. I've been training in the city, and I hope to become as talented with the dagger as I can be."

[Dego Mernoff]

The fresh greens were delicious; it was so hard to find decent vegetables in the winter, and over his travels to arrive at the city he had been surviving on mostly jerky, stale biscuits and pine needles. Needless to say the man planned on enjoying a full, hot, and fresh meal. “Traveling musicians? I take it you play then; sounds like you’re a woman of many talents.” He brought another bite of the fresh greens to his lips. The leafy vegetables crunching lightly as he bit into them, their slight bitterness offset with the sweetness of tomato chunk and vinegar dressing. Then there were the herbs, sprinkled over the bowl and baked into the croutons helping mellow the flavors and bring the entirety together. All in all it was a delightful sampling to start the meal.

“Well in that case I will have to keep a close eye on you while we are out adventuring. I have a rather nice one myself but no formal training with it. Mostly I use it as a secondary with my rapier, something to compensate for the parries I use.” He paused letting her retort, enjoying another bite of the salad and washing it down with the fine brew. “So I have seen the wall and if our appetizer is any indication I have a fine dinner to enjoy. What else does this city have to offer in the way of entertainment?”

“I will say though, if you decide to head west at some point, my home city of Nexus can be quite nice in the summer. The sea rolls in and keeps the weather mild, and the forests are quite beautiful. There is also a lot history around the city, and the small towns that dot the countryside, plenty of trouble to get into with vortex to the south and the finest weapons in all the empire created in Evile.”

[Bladewyn]

She tilted her head from side to side modestly. "A little bit. I like to dabble." She wasn't sure how much of her time she wanted to invest in playing the pan flute, but her instrumental skills had proven useful in beginning her arcanic studies in Song.

She wasn't that professionally trained in Dagger either; sure, she had heard terms like 'parry' and 'backstep' thrown around by her teacher, but mostly she taught herself through instinct and experience. "I've heard of that technique. Amerith makes sets of rapiers and daggers, with the latter intended for use as a main gauche." While she didn't think she had to know how to use all of the things that the shop sold, it was at least good to know about them.

As their main courses were delivered to the table, Bladewyn pondered some of the best places for entertainment in the city. "If you're interested in art, you're in luck. There's a theater, a music hall, and an art gallery. You could peruse the shops, though they're probably closed by now. And there's always Jaedah's Mirror in Le Jardin du Gelee if you're game."

Bladewyn took a bite of her exquisitely prepared chicken, paused for a moment to savor the rich flavors, and replied, "Perhaps in the summer, I'll see you there." She met his eyes with a smile. She had come to know Jaedaxia quite well, and it would be wonderful to travel when she had time again. The weather sounded irresistible, and the mere mention of deep-rooted history gave her goosebumps of excitement.

[Dego Mernoff]

His own steak was delightful, the fresh blend of herbs over the slow roasted cut, with its flavorful wrap of bacon melted in his mouth. The juices mixing with the artificial spice added to the bloody steak and seared to just the right heat was all the man could ask for in a delightful dinner. It matched with his drink perfectly, the brew accenting the deep flavors of the beef as it washed the palate clean. “Quite delightful.”

He sat in silence for a moment, keeping a kind eye on the woman as he continued the meal. Their conversations growing more casual as they progressed, and eventually moving to the local venues that could be visited. “I imagine you are quite right about the shops being closed, and while the arts sound very fun, I am curious as to how a mirror can be a major attraction?” He paused their conversation to allow her time to respond, slicing another bite and savoring its warmth. His ears twitched slightly as she spoke the woman’s sweet tones alluring to his mind.

“Well, perhaps, but as much as I would love to return to my home, I have far too many things to do yet. When I return I hope to help the city in great ways, she has fallen from her previous luster. Though, if we have the luxury of staying in contact, I keep a home there that you are welcome to use. There isn’t anything to steal so I’m not too worried, just a bed really but it is a roof and has a bath, and is located within the walls. Easier to keep track of one’s purse that way.”

[Bladewyn]

Most people reacted similarly when she mentioned the Mirror. It didn't really sound like something all that exciting, but Bladewyn knew from not one but two experiences that it really was something much more than a looking-glass. "It's not a... normal mirror. It's kind of hard to explain, but you should go see it for yourself. I think you'd find it interesting. Will you be coming back to Jaedaxia after the trip to the Isle, or straight home to Nexus?"

She accepted his invitation with a silent clink of her wine glass against his. Bladewyn didn't know yet how she felt about spending so much time alone with this man, as kind and welcoming as he was. Joseph and Rowan were still fresh in her mind. Well... she would just have to see. Come springtime, she might be able to make a solid decision about whether or not to follow through with the invitation. For now, she said, "It sounds like you miss the place greatly while you're away. Have you found a place to spend the darkening?" While she wasn't comfortable enough to invite him to sleep in her own house, Bladewyn would certainly help Dego find a welcoming inn nearby. In fact, she'd heard that the lodging reputation of La Petite Couronne was quite good.

[Dego Mernoff]

The elf couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her last remark, was the woman THAT blonde. He had just told her that he wouldn’t be returning home any time soon that he still had much to do. I really didn’t want to call her out and damage her pride, especially after the help she had given through out the day, but for the sake of the gods, she was just asking the same questions over and over. He calmed his mind and relaxed, pondering the best way to approach the situation. Perhaps her mind was simply occupied with OTHER things. He let out a soft laugh beneath his breath at the thought, trying to hide the smirk behind his mug as he took another draw of the brew to wash away a bit of the food he had been eating.

“No, not home, I will most likely stay in Jaedaxia until the season change, it was a long ride up from Zinn and I am looking forward to helping out at Epee’s.” He paused as if to contemplate telling her that he would not be sleeping anywhere tonight, that his body did not require it. No that was a discussion to be had at a later time. “After that I think I will head to Demios to visit an old friend of mine, I have heard she has taken up residence there. From there I might head south to the capital, I have never seen it… or perhaps southwest to Port Alexandria. No telling really, just wherever the winds lead me.” He smiled again satisfied with the response and giving another brief chuckle about not only his joke but his thoughts and observations.

“I will most definitely look into that mirror tough, if it is so hard to explain it must be interesting. Oh, and once again thank you for the help with finding the job earlier…” Taking in one of the final bites of his meal his blue eyes scanned the other occupants and then rested again on Bladewyn. Dego was curious to see what this city might hold in comparison to Zinn.

[Bladewyn]

She sensed the exasperation that Dego was trying to hide behind his mug and blushed. Bladewyn had once been a creature of absolute solitude, hardly ever speaking to a soul except when absolutely necessary... and even then, she would try to find ways around making conversation. She had never been much of a social person, preferring time alone to what might end up being a high-pressure and revealing conversation. She had gotten herself out of that habit recently, forcing herself to go out and make friends... and she liked it more than she'd expected. But moments like these just reminded her of how awkward those very first conversations were, when she couldn't keep track of what had already been asked and answered, what insignificant nothings had already been enchanged. She vowed to be more careful in the future, lest her faults show themselves completely and bring all her efforts tumbling to the ground.

"You're welcome. I'm glad I could help," she replied. As a self-reliant worker herself, and with a child to look after too, Bladewyn completely understood the importance of a steady income, especially when there were costly adventures to be had.

As both of them finished their meals and drank the last from their mug and goblet, Bladewyn asked, "What now?" There was still so much more of Jaedaxia to see, but she didn't know if Dego was tired of her company, sightseeing, or both. They would need a good night's sleep before embarking on the journey to Trident Isle the next brightening. But if Dego was game, the city lay with arms wide open.