☄ text / action

[unresolving]

Considering much of the network's recent activity, I fear my inquiry is not particularly scandalous, nor is it especially thought-provoking, but please bear with me for just a moment.

I'm looking for someone skilled in enchantment, particularly in the field of weaponry. I may have some work for you, if you're willing to try something for me. A paying job, of course, should it happen to work out.

If that sounds like something that might interest you, then let me know and we can sort out the details.

—

[Whether he's able to find what he needs or not, the rest of his evening will be spent at a tavern—the one at The Hearth Fire, to be precise. While he does have certain expectations about who he might run into here, his main goal is simply conversation, so he'll turn to anyone that doesn't look to be busy and say:]

Excuse me. If you have a moment, would you mind humoring me with a story?

[If it's conversation he wants, then surely this, too, could've been solved over the network, but... Well, maybe he's old-fashioned, but these sorts of things are better done in person. Not plastering his face all over the network considering his general line of work, however, is also a plus. While occasionally necessary (like today), he'd like to keep it to a minimum.

Alternatively, feel free to wildcard and run into him anywhere. Although, wherever he is, you might be wondering why there's a chinchilla rolling around his feet. On second thought, haven't you seen it somewhere before...?]

Comments

« text » un: matriarch »

[menphina]

Enchantment... how do you mean? You mean like imbuing a weapon with some sort of elemental affinity?

[ It's not her level of expertise, she just knows enough to heal. ]

And what sort of weapon are we talking about, here?

•||• Action

[healingraen]

[Ah, well, this was unexpected.

Toh'ni has yet to get the hang of using her network device to actually browse the network, so she'd missed Thancred's post earlier. Pretty hard to miss the man himself occupying the seat beside her when she settles down at the bar, however.

She wasn't exactly expecting to run into any familiar faces from home, even only ones that were familiar by mutual acquaintance.

For a moment she look surprised, then perplexed, but then that eases into a smile and she turns to face him somewhat in her seat.]

Certainly. It's a busy night, I suspect I have a bit of time before the bartender makes their way down this far. What sort of story is it that you're hoping for?

[She's no Warrior of Light but she has her fair share of tales on offer all the same.]

[unresolving]

Yes, something like that. [Considering his situation, he's pretty open to trying new things. Or maybe it's more like he doesn't really have a choice? Well, either way.] In my case, it's less the weapon itself and more the ammunition. How familiar are you with the gunblade?

[A bit of a long shot, he imagines, but hey. She seemed to know him pretty well, so who knows?]

« video now because she just wants to give him a Look »

[menphina]

[ She'd deadpan at the screen, but. Hey.

She can turn on the screen to do it. Have a wave. ]

Easier this way, and aye, I'm intimately familiar.

If you're looking to infuse your ammunition, I could give it a try. I'd only tried it a few times with my brother. He can't really do it himself. Surprised you can't, though.

[unresolving]

[Ah, a lovely Au Ra lass, or at least some world's very close equivalent of that. In that case...]

From you, I'd be willing to hear of anything, but to simplify matters, let's hear a tale from home. Perhaps something pleasant or exciting that happened before you arrived here?

[First and foremost, he's curious about these other apparent Warriors of Light, but it's far from the only thing he cares about. He sought knowledge, but he also sought acquaintances. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, you know?

(Or maybe three birds. She is pretty cute.)

He's in no rush, either way, so anything works.]

[healingraen]

[Anything, was it? Oh, this one is likely a charmer. It would fit with what she'd heard of him, from before. Yet even if his possible reputation didn't precede him-- assuming she was right about who he was --he was pleasing to the eye and spoke with an ease that bespoke of a certain level of confidence and comfort in addressing people who caught his interest.

Maybe it was just her imagination, but she didn't think so.

Honestly, she has many a question of her own, starting with wanting to verify his identity. The last she'd heard the inner circle of the Scions had fallen to some mysterious illness. She'd only just set out for Mor Dhona to offer what aid she could when she suddenly found herself here.

In any event, there'd likely be a dozen more that sprang up from that answer alone, but for now she'll focus on his request.

A tale from home... and something from before her arrival? For a moment she brings a finger thoughtfully to her chin. Well then, how to answer?]

Something from home... I think I have just the tale. Mind you, it's more my companion's than my own.

[Her thoughtful expression gives way for another smile then, crossing one leg over the other comfortably, and in his direction, too. A subtle little display of her receptiveness to the attention, even if it only proved to be a bit of harmless flirting.] But first... are you familiar with Doma's legend of the four lords?

[unresolving]

[Ah, yes. He probably should have expected that. The fact that she knows that much makes things easier, at least, though he could do without all the judging. In fairness, however, she's probably not the only one to be so skeptical about it.

There's no reason not to, so he'll respond with video as well.]

Yes, well, while I would say that I am a man of many talents, I fear that this is not one of them. It's a complicated story, but I would be happy to share with you at a later time. [And not in public. On the network.] Regardless, I would be grateful for the attempt, if it's no trouble.

[menphina]

[ That just earns him a smile and nod with a flick of her ears. ]

It isn't. May as well try it out and if it doesn't, it's not like there aren't others who could. Where are you right now?

Action

[ambitionburns]

[It is, perhaps, not the safest idea in the world, to pass time at an establishment clearly noted to be run and frequented by Eorzeans... but since when did Nero care about things like safety? He'd already joked that he ought to just hop on the network and announce to the entire city 'hello I am a Garlean, please form an orderly queue to punch me', but being here was probably the next closest thing. Being here would, in theory, get all that messy business dealt with and moved past. And it might answer a question or two that he has, to boot.

He'd been a bit too absorbed in his drink and his thoughts, it seems, given that Thancred's question catches him by surprise. He stiffens, he turns his head... and he's suddenly glad that the dark glasses he's wearing help conceal just how wide his eyes have gone.]

I might have a tale or two...

[The surprise is only upon his face for a moment. He is quick to school it back into something cold and hard. The last time he saw that man in person, things were very different. And he knows well enough that even Ascians can end up here. Apparently.]

text.

[anti_altruisms]

What manner of weaponry are you looking to work with?

[unresolving]

[That's about what he figures, too. Even if she can't do it, there is surely someone who could, and even if it's not quite the same, that's okay, too. He's completely okay with having to improvise, just... as long a he has something.]

I'm in the Caihong district at the moment. [He's been having a look around and figuring out his options. Although...] Although I'm afraid this may not be the ideal place to test the fruit of your labor. Might you have any suggestions on that front?

[Well, he could always do it later, he supposes, but the sooner, the better.]

[unresolving]

A gunblade, or more specifically, the ammunition for it. Know you anything of it?

[anti_altruisms]

Unfortunately, no.

Enchanted or magic weaponry is something of a specialty of mine, however.

If nothing else, I'd be willing to take a look at what you have and see if there's anything I can do.

[menphina]

[ Random dice roll result is 93/100 so this is a success Though she at least looks thoughtful on whether she could... helping her brother was one thing but how well can she work that in a land that doesn't have aether about... ]

How about my clinic? [ She's rarely in her own apartment, so. ] I can meet you there. It's warded well enough for us not to have any accidents. It's [ In this location ], should be an easy find!

[unresolving]

[Thancred is a good— Well, a decent man, and yet this is how he is remembered... Not that he can say very much. There's something familiar about this man, but he has also spent a lot of time in Garlean territory, to the point that it might as well be a second (or third) home. He can't even pretend that he's an otherworlder, as he, too, has certain very recognizable features that he'd had no reason to hide before now.

Well, anyway, it's not like a single Garlean was bad news, really. ...unless it was Zenos, of course. That would definitely be a problem. But this is fine, he can roll with this.]

Then let's hear it. If you've no preferences, how about a tale of accomplishment?

[unresolving]

That would be very much appreciated. While it's not as though my weapon is completely useless, it also cannot be used most effectively otherwise.

[At the very least, he figures, if the effects of aether cannot be replicated, they might still be able to come up with something new and just as good.]

Shall we meet somewhere?

[ambitionburns]

[He still wants his story, does he? Very well. Nero's familiar with games of this sort. He draws out the silence, taking a swig of his drink, then shifts in his seat to better face the man.]

Oh? How can I possibly pick one tale of accomplishment when I've so many feathers in my proverbial cap?

[He cannot keep himself from grinning, though there's an edge to it. The clenched teeth make it seem like more of a grimace.]

Which marvel of ancient Allag that I helped find and restore would you care to hear of? I'm personally most proud of the Ultima Weapon... whatever might have happened to it in the end, aah, the work I poured into restoring it...

[A bit of genuine wistfulness can't help but creep into his tone, even as he's plainly trying to be a provocative arsehole about the whole thing. He arches an eyebrow. Does this ring any bells? Shall he go on?]

[unresolving]

[It wouldn't quite be right to say that Thancred had given him the benefit of the doubt (after all, he had asked what he did for a reason), but this...

He holds back a sigh, but his tone betrays it, full of exasperation.]

Technically speaking, yes, I suppose that is quite the accomplishment, world-destroying implications aside, but I can't say I expected you to be quite so forthcoming about it, all things considered. [Nevermind. He sighs anyway. It's been a long, long time since then, at least for Thancred, but he knows for sure that this isn't Gaius. And so, in that case...] Nero, was it? I would say that I'm flattered you remember me, but I'd really rather you didn't.

[It feels like he's been reminded of nothing but his worst moments since arriving here. He already knew this, of course, but fate can truly be cruel.]

[ambitionburns]

[Flippant an answer as it was, it seemed to cut right to the heart of the matter. Nero tries very hard not to laugh, and part of that effort is by taking another sip of his drink.]

What harm is there in being forthcoming, when it's something you plainly already knew? [The whole matter may have been years ago, but surely everyone involved found it to be memorable? He nods in confirmation of his name.]

You've the right of it. Now, do tell me that I'm speaking with Thancred Waters, he of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, and not someone else. I've had my fill of Ascians in this place.

[Right to the heart of things, again. His expression darkens, in contrast to the levity he's attempted to pad out the whole matter with.]

[unresolving]

[Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. He shakes his head and shrugs.]

I am very much myself, thank you, and I have every intention at the moment of keeping it that way. [Is there a reason why he wouldn't be? Gods. He doesn't even want to think about it. Being possessed once was more than enough to last a lifetime. But this is the first he's heard of Ascians in this place, and now Thancred is exhausted for entirely new reasons.] I'd heard that there were others here, but it seems that everyone conveniently failed to mention that Ascians were among them.

[He doesn't doubt Nero's words, though. He had as much reason as anyone else to be troubled by the presence of Ascians. There were surely reasons why it had not come up with anyone else, too, he thinks, but... hmm. Regardless, this changes things quite a bit.]

Dare I ask who it was that you had the undoubted pleasure of running into?

Text. un: completionist

[sassian]

Yes, being neither scandalous or thought-provoking, your inquiry risks being quite boring.

... And yet, I find myself with far too much free time. Of what manner of weapon do you speak?

[Emet-Selch double-checked to be sure he left no pictures attached to his user name. It was entirely possible, even probable, that this was no one he was acquainted with, and yet someone needing another party to enchant a weapon for them was certainly familiar...]

[badluckblues]

depends on what you mean by 'enchantment.' care to elaborate?

[ Qrow's been around here to have learned that what some folks around here consider magic, is just plain ol' technology on Remnant.

And even if not, dude's still down to talk weapons. ]

action

[expression]

[ V'seji doesn't drink as much as he used to, but the tavern is always the place filled with bustle. All it takes is a couple of drinks to loosen some lips. Today, he's merely enjoying himself instead of snooping around for answers to the many questions he still has. Any company is welcome.

Ears perk up as he's approached, finding it a pleasant surprise... Though he does squint at Thancred. He recognizes the marks on his neck, then the rest&mash;all with a smile. ]

A story... Is it by chance past your bedtime? [ A joke. ] I'm not even sure what kind of tale you seek.

[ He has many stories! Some true, some fabricated, some from their mother crystal, and some from Prismatica, so he only wonders what Thancred could possibly want. ]

[ambitionburns]

Good.

[He means it, well and truly and sincerely. But as much of a relief as it is to have that confirmed, he's still going to have to explain himself. Thankfully, if there's one thing Nero loves, it's imparting information. And also the sound of his own voice.]

One Ascian. Singular. At least that I'm aware of.... perhaps 'everyone' has yet to meet him? I've previously assumed that his kind kept a low profile.

[He stifles a humourless laugh. The one he'd encountered didn't strike him as particularly subtle.]

Does the name 'Emet-Selch' mean anything to you?

wildcard! bc rhus cant fuckin read shit on the network and is an idiot

[verstoned]

[Is that... Thancred? Hells, it feels like it's been so long.

Of course, he's well aware that Thancred does not know him, but that wont bother him in the least. He just wants conversation, to see how his old friend has been getting on, perhaps learn of new developments-- and then he stops when he sees the little furry thing at the man's feet.

At first he thought it was a nutkin (that nutkin?), but... that's a different sort of rodent. Though before he can inspect it further, Rhus catches a ball of sky blue fluff heading for the animal and he blocks his chocobo's advance with a foot. This would not have worked if the chocobo had been fully-sized, but fortunately, while it retains its adult proportions, it's merely the size of a chick. Much easier to deal with.]

Ah-ah, no, Sunflower. [Then he looks back up at the Hyur.] Apologies, he's a combat chocobo, and has been chafing without something to expend his excess energy on.