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

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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