sticksandbones | I Never Will Play the Wild Rover No More

Who: Luca Aurelius and YOU
What: It's a bar log. For all your drinking needs. Make your own top-levels and have your own bar-related fun here.
When: End of March up to just before the event
Where: The Watchtower Bar
Warnings: Alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol.

It sure has been a month, hasn't it? And it's probably been made all the worse by the fact that Luca has been keeping the bar closed more often than not. Someone's had a lot on his mind, you see. Even when the bar has been open, Luca's presence has been missing, with only the spirit to tend to any, well... spirits you might have needed! There's no stew over the fire, or anything like that. It's great for drinking, but not much else.

But he can only wallow in misery for so long. And by that, we mean deal with the spirit occupying his walls, staring at him somberly every time he refuses to open the doors.

So, finally, toward the end of March, the doors to the bar open. One night at first. Then a second. By the third, it's the longest stretch they've stayed open since everything went to shit! Moreover, a pot of stew always seems to be brewing, a fresh deck of cards has been laid out on the table, and a new, makeshift dartboard has been prepared.

Well. If ever there's been a time to party, it's now. Grab your alcohol from your host, or do your own thing. It's about time the Grove got to relax.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah, rabbit.

[That perks him up, though the rabbits he's thinking off are quite a bit more... rice... based... than what's in the stew]

What do you charge.

[At that, he can't help but let out a bark of laughter. He doesn't sound particularly amused, though.]

Truth be told, I don't expect I'll ever understand the conversion rate here. But it isn't as if I have to pay to restock. [A shrug.]

Take what you wish and pay what you will. A shell or so should suffice, two if you wish for a drink to go with it.

Very well.

[He will dig around in his pouch for some shells- he took to scrounging soon as Vanilla explained their purpose to him, and places two on the counter]

You have my thanks. I have... been lacking in meat since I arrived.

[he loves Vanilla, he really does. And respects his desire to not eat living things. But crumbs he kinda misses some hearty jelly meat]

Well, we certainly can't have that. [One look at the man's frame tells Luca that he needs all the protein he can get.] You ought to try speeking to the Shopkeeper. He's quite adept and procuring food. And the kitchen in the inn is a useful tool.

[Does he sound slightly judgemental? Maybe. At least he hides the roll of his eyes as he turns to his shelves. He thumbs over a few taps, glances toward the bottles of wine, before finally pausing once more.]

Do you have a preference of drink? I have cider, wine, and ale, as well as a number of spirits.

[Luca gets an agreeable 'hmm' at the suggestion. Cacao isn't a huge talker it seems]

... something mild. If I come home deep in my cups Pure Vanilla may lock me out.

Mild. [Is that a hint of relief in his voice? Maybe. He knows it comes with the territory, but the less drunkards he can avoid, the better.

He pulls a mug over and begins to fill it with a lager. Better than a red, and should pair with the rabbit well! When he's satisfied with the foam atop the mug, he passes it back to the man.]

This should do nicely then, so long as you stick with the one and don't down it.

[He nods]

I will take my time. Thank you.

[Normally, Luca might have been content to leave it at that. However, he has seen the man wandering about. It's hard not to be curious about armor and a fuck-off massive sword.

So, you know. Give him a minute before:]

You are a warrior where you are from, yes?

[he's made some headway into the stew, chewing slowly. he doesn't seem to DISlike it, but is eating like it's texture is completely alien to him and he's not sure how he feels about it yet]

Hm? Ah. Yes.

[That's hardly the demeanor of someone who seemed enthused by the idea of eating rabbit. He has half of a mind to ask after the cooking but... does he really care that much? Especially when they're discussing something far more interesting.]

When was the last time you put your sword to use?

A few days past, during the full moon.

[He tilts his head towards Beat]

But in a REAL battle? A week or so before I arrived here. Less than a month ago, I would say? It... is hard to tell the passage of time here.

[Luca's eyes narrow. He'd heard of a squabble, but that was in his "depressed and hiding stage." It looked as if everything had turned out alright, at least.]

So it is not just a fancy prop, then. [He's known a few too many nobles like that.] I might like to see you put it to use at some point. It's been some time since I have been able to put my own skills to the test, you see.

Ah, you are a swordman then?

[Interested!]

I am indeed. I was raised with lessons of bladework and chivalry, in the hopes that I would join the order of knights at the appropriate age.

[He leaves out the fact that he had done just that. Or that he had left soon after. Details, right?]

And what of your history? Beyond the battles I mean. What brought you to the blade?

Edited 2024-04-11 04:28 (UTC)

[His mouth quirks into an almost smile. Wistful.]

There was no one teacher. Where I was baked was always beset by dangers. Beasts, and bitter cold. If one could not take up a weapon to defend themselves they would not last long. My village as a whole did what they could to give me the chance to learn, and in turn I used that chance to defend them once I was strong. Many... did not get the chance. I am sure my bladework would be considered... crude... by the more formally trained of kinder lands.

Edited 2024-04-11 11:35 (UTC)

[Luca's expression, just barely teetering on the edge of curious, sobers significantly. He's quick to shake his head. Reassurance might not come easily to him in most matters, but this is a different story.]

How you wield your blade doesn't matter. What you do with it, and those that you protect, does. [He shakes his head.] For all my lessons, for all the years of fancy bladework, it did not save someone when it mattered most.

[Realizing his slipup, Luca is quick to clear his throat.]

In any case, I know full-well what it means to learn strictly by what's available. After my blade of choice failed me, I switched to one far more like yours.

[Luca might be embarrassed by his slip, but Dark Cacao nods in approval at his words]

Picking up a blade, any weapon, is taking on a responsibility to others.

You are correct. I did not understand it then, but I have learned that lesson now.

[He shakes his head. He's straying toward a dangerous path with this conversation. It needs to veer back to safer territory.]

A spar then. Whenever you are available?

[He can sense that heavy guilt, and finds it familiar. Better to let it lay for now]

Very well. I would enjoy that.

[Luca definitely likes this guy. He doesn't ask questions, or pry, or anything like that. 10/10.]

Then we can call it a plan. I am never far from this place. If you find yourself ready, I can prepare in but a few moments.

I Never Will Play the Wild Rover No More

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