"Ah, Brisshal. The fresh green of the peaceful forest. The friendly faces of the welcoming locals. And the joy summoning sight of new players taking their first steps into this grand, new world. It's almost too much a guy could ask for. Sort of like this tea! Lass, where did you learn to make tea? You most be a brewing expert! It's as if there is a bit of light in each cup!" The flattering words of the felis were directed at the barmaid. He had been giving a bit of a personal ramblings, but sometime along it she had approach the table where he had been seated, carrying the beloved clay teapot with nimble hands. Upon pouring the tincture and drinking it up with an eager love, his sigh would have been enough to let the girl know she had done well by him. Instead, Akino had thrown the sweet words her way, eliciting a blush and a giggle from her fair features. It was enough to make the young man laugh some, and bow his head in thanks. The marked fist fighter had come to his favourite starting town, to watch the newest wave of newbies. Hopefully to do some recruiting, but at the very least to meet some new friends and help anyone who might have need. So here he sat, peacefully watching the goings on about him. Happy faces burst through the tavern door at regular intervals. Most demanded liquid courage, of one form or another, while others called for meats or nourishment of some kind. They were loud and rowdy, as most young ones are upon finding something new to shout over. In the background, some folk where going at it in arm wrestling competitions, which caused Akino to chuckle internally. None of them were giving any real challenge to the reigning champ, whoever they might be. However, the calls for bets being placed and cheering on the opposition was always constant, filling the small building with an abundance of mirth. Finishing off his cup of tea, and pouring another, the felis' tail whipped about as bright eyes scanned over the crowds. There were many faces, but most were grouped up already. Being a solitary fellow of introversion, he wasn't about to throw himself into the middle of a crowd unless it was a group of people he knew already. What he was searching for was the odd one out, the person others seemed to overlook or ignore, or just generally avoid. The misunderstood mind was not a wrong one. It was people of that kind that Akino felt most comfortable amongst, honestly. So he continued to hunt visibly, though his form remained otherwise still. Excepting his ears and tail, which could not settle down as they caught every word and felt every vibrations. It was an augmentation he wouldn't trade for his weight in gold. Or even a giant's weight. Softly, he hummed over his clay cup, which was held before his lips in both hands as his own rather fair features basked in the aromatic steam. @Errant Kalisto
A certain somewhat stood out. This certain someone? A giant woman named Errant, for the person behind him had no will to change his name, and decidedly was wearing terrible armor, carrying a terrible shield and a downright terrible flail. She had all of those things, which made her stick out a bit. This bit she stuck out, well, it probably didn't help that her arms were probably the size of some of these men. That was alright though. She wasn't the only one who stood out. Or at least, not the only one that stood out to her. From his real life, he knew a few things. In a tavern, if they weren't drinking, something was odd about them. That's what his movies had taught him, and he figured the same went here. That's why, when she saw a Red-haired cat drinking tea in a tavern, she moved over towards the cat. She carried this aura of intensity about her, and he had to assume the character of the female shieldmaiden. "Cat, you're drinking tea. What makes you drink such a thing in a tavern?" She wouldn't sit down, though, as her armor was too big and she herself was too big. She also weighed a hefty amount. @Akino Kokoro Ame
"What makes me drink tea? Why-" Akino, amazingly, had somehow overlooked the mighty fine woman. She gleamed, despite being armed with trash. More so, despite the firm set of her jaw, and the serious mask she wore, the felis saw great beauty in her features. It didn't hurt that she was a giant, especially compared to the five foot, seven inch man, with muscle mass to spare for them both. In fact, it was only augmenting the exotic aura of her presence. A grin broke across his features, far different from the peaceful look that was set about him before. Now he looked to be a cat who had found something he deeply desire. And Akino didn't desire many things. This one though. He desired to share a drink and a talk with this one, without a doubt! Hopefully he could pry a bit more from the armoured maiden as well. "Well, for starters? Tea balances the soul, fills you with warmth and energy, and tastes delicious. Honey is a blessing, and ginseng a boon. A warrior who feeds their body with strengthening substances is better off than the one who kills their brain cells getting plastered. Plus, I have more fun watching drunk people than being drunk. Would you like to sit down?" Looking her armoured form over then, he smiled wryly. "No, I'd imagine you wouldn't." Reaching down to the vessel that held his so called 'strengthening tincture', Akino would pour himself more of the brew, and then pour a cup for the towering lass, if she so desired. Standing up suddenly, cup in one hand and pot in the other, he'd motion to the cup on the table with his eyes. Silently, he invited her to try it, before sipping his own. Sighing out audibly, he'd raise his gaze to her again and arch a brow. "So, how about we grab a seat at the bar, Miss Amazon? Maybe you'll have better luck sitting there? And you can tell me more about what I should be drinking in a tavern while we're at it." He was careful to lilt a purr into his voice upon labeling the title, making it clear that the shorter man did not feel intimidating by the woman's height, but embraced it. Heck, he'd embrace her if he had the chance. Sucker for the rough and tumble gals, this cat. @Errant Kalisto
Balancing the soul? Hmm. That was a way to look at tea. Not that way she'd look at it, that was sure. The cat, however, seemed like the sorely cunning type. The type to compliment you constantly... and she didn't mind it. She wouldn't let it sway her in the slightest, but she certainly didn't mind it. As he got up and invited him to the bar, he wouldn't mind sitting at the bar. If it weren't for her armor, she'd have sat with him. She moved to the bar with him, as to sit down and have an alright time. "I'd assume with such a attitude towards an above average sized lady like I, You'd have already ingested this places drinks as though it were nothing. Most men would shy away from me." She stated plainly, having no reason to cut corners. If it were up to her, she'd have everyone drinking tea. It didn't inhibit your words nor did it inhibit your movements. That, simply put, is why she assumed he were drunk. Even with the tea, and his honeyed words. "However, I don't shame you for not. In fact, I will compliment you on it. It's the smarter bout about it. As well, I don't wish to drink the tea. I'm doing quite alright, thank you." @Akino Kokoro Ame
"Some people let their insecurities get the best of them. You're a mighty fine lady, well worth bantering a few words with in a honest to God, grand ol' time. Anyone who can't spot that must be blind. People who limit themselves to stature are missing out on the grandest part of life. Diversity. Sharing a cup of tea, or any drink for that matter, with a stranger is a joy no soul should overlook. Especially if it is with someone who can offer a perspective they themselves do not sport. Though I might be drunk on life, it is more likely that I don't need my spirits to come from a bottle, nor my self-confidence. Neither do you, as you've made clear. Which is rare, though I am glad to hear it. Most people would be quick to judge, not many would give a compliment over my eccentric pinions. So thank you." He'd lift his cup to her then in a brief toast of appreciation, and consume some of the hot drink, before turning in his seat to face her as she settled down. My she did have a strong presence to her, and he was diggin' it. She didn't mince words, that much was sure. It was a fine contrast for his own fluid speech, which seemed riddled with sudden, profound side notes. It was nice to find someone who was somewhat tempered in her judgement, yet clear with her banter. Sipping at his drink, he studied her for the briefest of moments, before smiling of the edge of it and looking forward once more. "So what do you drink, bella? Surely you don't survive on ambrosia, since you're a long way from your place among the other demigods of myth." @Errant Kalisto
"I am no Demigod, though I thank you for such a compliment. I admit, while you rain me with compliments, I think of you like a cunning cat. One I don't know the name of. I, however, drink mainly water. I rarely drink liquor, as it impairs ones ability to fight and see straight; even think. That's something you may not have in the world." She spoke, her plain manner of speaking contrasting his... how could she put this? Unique style of speaking. Most people who would dance with their words like that were cretins and things like such. He, however, just seemed like he did it out of personal interaction. Perhaps he learned it from someone somewhere? He also had the habit of drinking tea to be odd. Something that didn't often happen in games. Especially in games where there was no alcohol laws or anything. You could just drink whatever and whenever. There's a simple matter of not mincing words in games like this, where your actual person couldn't be tracked down and found, but simply could be who you wanted to be. It was profound and lovely, and something he wouldn't give up for much. Of course, whenever he had to sign off, he'd have to figure out why and how to do it in character, but until then, he'd have some complications trying to think.
"Ha! Well, I am a cat, though I would hardly claim the title of cunning. Still, I'll take your compliment with another thank you." He'd give a single laugh, partaking of his cup once again. He'd lower it as the blonde went on, in her deep, yet lulling tone. Blinking somewhat with realization at the fact that he had not introduced himself, he begin to chuckle. 'Then again, neither had she.' Chuckling louder now, he'd shrug his shoulders nonchalantly and offer an answer. "I don't know you're name either, though I've come up with a couple hundred guesses. Still, I'd love to hear the reality of it, so I will offer my own. Name's Akino Ame, though you can keep calling me 'cat' if that suites you. I find it to be perfectly simple of a label. You do so, and I'll call you 'Amazon', sound like a plan? Though your name would be mighty fine too! And you are right on the money there, liquor is just a pain in both the behind and the mind. It's all fun and grand in reality, where you don't have to worry about your wit being sharp as a blade, or your strikes landing each go. Out here though, it is just a hindrance. Still, these days one may find all forms of intoxication more or less a pain. I prefer to be intoxicated on the presence of others, high of the spirit of life. The world is a vast place of marvels, if we only know where to look for them. Heck, I'm lookin' at one right now." As he said the words, he glanced over at her with a deft flicker of his tail, before looking back to his pot of tea. Pouring more, he'd sigh as he felt the pot grow lighter. He'd have to order more tea soon, or he'd likely just roll over. Turning his mind over to what she had said, a thought struck him, and so he voiced a query. The felis could see the wheels turning behind those eyes of her, and he wondered what it was that ran through her mind. "I wonder though, what does someone who drinks water have to do in a tavern like this? Not as if you came here for the drink, so what are you in search of?" @Errant Kalisto
She listened closely to what the cat had spoken. He made a good point, and she was pleased that he agreed with her. That was great, though he did post a good question. "I suppose it's a few reasons. Something to look foward to, someone to keep this peace. It's a tranquil balance, really. It's funny that often the more liquor that goes into their bodies, the more peaceful it gets." He wasn't going to admit that the real life him couldn't hold his liquor, and thereby didn't want to test his luck here. That was to be hidden at all times. Not to mention, if it were up to her, they'd just simply not exist and be replaced with something more useful. Though, even she had to admit that these things held their uses. Simply put, they housed all the idiots in one place. Well, mostly idiots and some smart people, like this cunning cat. "Let's keep our names a secret, for now, Cat." Under all that armor lied a smiling giant woman, it was alright. This cat was a good linguist, though he was more like a guru of sorts than anything. That didn't bother her though. @Akino Kokoro Ame
"Well, they become heavy like bears with belies filled with honey. The heavier they get, the less rowdy. Unless they have some deep-seated worries that they are burying, but even those are eventually burned up with the spirits. I can relate though. I find it highly amusing to watch someone indulge to the point where they lose control, and then watch the inner workings of their mind become the outer workings of their body. Some people jus' can't handle their liquor, eh? Not that such is a bad thing, since all of our bodies were created differently and built to handle what is thrown at us in a unique, individual ways." His level of tea was falling dangerously low, and so he called over the barmaid briefly. Again, he offered a polite request for her to fish out some tea for him. And if she could make it as delectable as the last batch, he'd be sure to sing her praises through the realm as a true hero. The girl would smile at this, and sweep off to do as requested. Fine world, this. NPCs were often so much nicer than the players, it almost was enough to fill Akino with a desire to live among them. Then again, he couldn't shirk his duties and not work to make the world a kinder place. "I give you my name, and you call for your's to be a secret? I can dig it. Alright, Amazon, you've got a deal. Keep your mystery woven tight as that armour of your's, but I'll crack it open eventually. With nothin' but a smile." To punctuate, he turned about in his seat again, throwing smile her way as he did so, and then facing out to the crowds behind them. It was getting rather peaceful in the place. The arm wrestling matches had cut, and now they were all singing songs from the game's lore book. "I'd dare say that the peace you spoke of is starting to kick in. No doubt a new group will show up any moment and kick it into drive once more." @Errant Kalisto
"It's a simple base of human emotions. Not to mention, those with deepseated worries are simply those who need it. I'm not one of those people." She spoke, her armor moving slightly. The hulking mass that was her was simply a mystery to most. She rarely talked, and when she did, it was more like talking to a wall. A wall that consisted of metal and anti-people flails. Well, the flails weren't really anti-flail but it was still a simple matter of people didn't mess with a large woman who had a thing to bash you with. That meant that most people didn't mess with her, you know, at all. This cat, though.This cat was an odd type. Obviously not afraid of her, this could mean a number of things. Maybe this cat was strong, strong enough that he didn't have to fear the massive Errant, but that almost felt wrong. The cat probably could throw her ontop her own head, with the luck he's had in his life. Not that he minded ooc, but in character, he made no notion of the thought. "You must agree that personal thoughts should be kept...personal, yes?" He was trying to place a stalwart tower, and he wasn't quite sure how well he was doing.
"Not at all. Perhaps they do deserve to be mulled over before speaking; albeit certain circumstances will be better to express them at than others. None-the-less, all thoughts deserve to be expressed, if the desire to express is there. I suppose it all matters on what the person wants. If they are not intimidated with others understanding the inner workings of their minds, they should readily share. If anything, it will only be of benefit in one way or another. It is all about courage, in truth. We do not express the deeper, private thoughts out of fear of judgement. If you release your worries of being judged, and judging others, the world opens up to you like a blossom. For example, I do not mask my private thoughts over you. I'll go on and say I find your features, not specifically the physical ones, fair, and your strong personality quite appealing, but I knew you could gauge all of that just by my energy. I find that those who are not concealing their private thoughts have less and less need to express them through word, because you can read it off them like a book. You are pensive, with a mind that is working faster than your mouth. Likely trying to peg what it is that makes me talk the way I do, or act in the manner I have? More over, you are probably considering why it is that I can approach you so fearlessly. That is because your personal thoughts are being worn across your brow, like a news reel even. It isn't that I feel no fear of you, or others, not that I do. What encourages me to approach you and speak my mind is my lack of the pesky social judgement. Of others, of my words. I consider them, yes, but I do not fear judgement of them. Nor will I judge you for your words. I don't know you, you do not know me. We have no need to make assumptions of one another. And look where it has placed us. If others were also lightened of such fear, the world would be so much more interesting. Would you agree with that?" Akino could sense the being behind the avatar was doing their very best to play true to their role, but he was clearly encouraging the person to not worry over it so much. They could be as pensive as they desired of course, but he was trying to make the fact clear that his judgement of whatever came would be none. So no need to worry! Granted, some enjoyed creating personalities and expressing them. Akino, or Logan, on the other hand, enjoyed being true to himself no matter where he went. This was him, honest to God as he could be, and he wanted others to be whoever they wanted to be, comfortably. The idea was to not feel forced by social obligation or worry of judgement, which was what drove so many to create these false personas. Not that he considered this one false; he could see that this personality was as much a part of them as any other. Likely it was the one they always wanted to be, but were too worried of judgement in reality. Cocking his head to the side, the young man would beam brilliantly, eyes glowing with pleasure at sharing the depths of his heart's passion with her. @Errant Kalisto
Hmm. He wasn't wrong, but that's the thing about this cat. He was rarely wrong. That's what slightly unnerved the character he played, though he himself hadn't a care in the world about it. he was enjoying this banter with this fellow. He wasn't sure the man's actual gender, or the mans actual personality if this was the real one, but that was fine. He was, seemingly, the honest sort and that was alright. "I'm enclined to agree, though it makes some things difficult." She looked over the cat, and she couldn't be bothered to be afraid of him. He was right. There was no point in playing a character, though, the problem was that he wanted to play a character. It wasn't about social judgement for him. He had a degree, a job, and was an accepted member of society in real life. He was even playing this job at work, which was the fun part. This was, for all intents and purposes, his job. That was the great thing. He'd never say anything about it. There's no point in doing so when you consider everything. He was just a large lady in a game that no one knew him in. @Akino Kokoro Ame
Ears twitching all of the sudden, he realized the sounds within the bar had suddenly reached a deafening roar. A high contrast to the gentle peace that drifted through the drunken patrons a moment ago. The singing had not stopped, but was now a shouting over the sounds of men shouting at one another. One was a burly man with a beard that hung down to his waist. The other was a smaller woman, with rather impressive armour. Judging by its class, she was not a new player, like Akino himself. Mayhaps the little woman, for she stood only at four feet and eleven inches, came for the same reason the felis had? To enjoy the fresh scents of new players, and the fresh experiences they brought? Or was it that she simply had a taste for the nostalgic, and this place was her first drinking hole? The latter seemed more likely, if one were to take a guess off the flush in her cheeks. Watching the argument, a ring of patrons had gathered round as it became more violent. "What's the matter princess? 'Fraid to take a swing, are ya? I'll give you the first shot! C'mon! Ye ain't worth yer armour! A cute thing like you, you probably shagged t'get it! But you are worth beddin', without a doubt. Hell, I'll trade you all I've saved up if y'show me wha's under tha' there armour! Then ye can go buy yourself a pertty sword to match." His words had the belligerence and ignorance only a sour drunk could muster. The man's bold laughter, and the laughter of the other men (notably just men), was cut short by a gleaming metal fist wailing his mug in. He fell back into his buddies, and suddenly an all out brawl broke out. Some of them men, and a few women, were with the steel-wearer. The others, mainly the beard-y's buddies, went up against them. They collided into one another like a wall, and crashed back like waves. Unfortunately for Akino, he was facing the incident and not the bar, and so his cup of tea was launched out of his hands by one collapsed fellow who landed firmly in the redhead's lap. Lookin' at the broken clay cup, the man would simply sigh and look to the woman by his side. "So. Amazon. Fresh air sound nice? Or are you one of those who would like to get involved in this mess? I'm not likely to get too roped in, myself; the lass looks like she has her honour well defended." As if to emphasize, the miniature knight would be seen suplexing a man twice her weight over a table. Akino pondered over the idea of sending her a message later in praise. She fought mighty well. @Errant Kalisto
"I suppose that I 'ought to fight. Physical activities are my fortay." She got up, and looked at the cat. "Plus, who would fight for the lost honor of that tea?" She walked over and was immediatly met with a man who tried to tackle her. It was, of course, to no avail. That was the problem with trying to tackle his avatar. She was bigger, and a lot heavier than he was in real life. That was just the simple matter of it. He was extremely difficult to take down when he was the seven foot physical monster that was his lovely lass. She'd grab the drunkard who tried to tackle her, lift him up, and throw him across the bar. She couldn't be bothered to check if he was fine. She then found a second guy and lifted him up before throwing him at the other guy. It was a sacred art of martial combat called throwing people at other people. It was rather efficent when it came down to things. He would do it more often if he could do it in real life, but the fact was, he wasn't nearly as large or strong in real life. He could shoot some sick nasty threes though. @Akino Kokoro Ame
"Hey, please, fight for my tea's honour. Maker knows I won't. I'll just sit here, and enjoy another cup." Reaching an arm out to a crouching bartender, the man hesitantly handed the oddly calm felis another cup, before ducking beneath the flying fellow the Amazon had thrown. Sliding out of the flight path, Akino would sit on the bar now, legs folding beneath him. It was more peaceful up there, and he had a good overlook of the fight. It was rather amusing, all these people going at one another. And there went the Amazon, like a mobile tower that parted the seas. Good show, truly. Lifting his teapot up, he poured himself more refreshment, then stood. Walking across the wood as if it were a bridge through the combat, he'd dodge a few flying bottles and tankards, and hop over another man who lay sprawled out over his path. Somehow, he managed to preserve all of his tea, sipping it as he went. By the time he had hopped down to the barmaid, it was an empty cup. Dodging was thirsty work, after all. The woman looked as frightened as the bartender had, clearly they still were not used to the ferocious ways of these alien folk. Placing a hand on her shoulder gently, he guided her to a corner that was no longer occupied, and seated her down out of sight. "You can wait here, Miss. This will probably take a few minutes to settle down." As if to emphasize, a chair broke apart with impact against a wall, causing the girl to shriek. Chuckling softly, he gave her back a light, before taking the fresh teapot from her grasp. Placing the cup she carried, and the cup he carried, down on the table and filling them, he slid one her way. "Tea has a way of making the most wild of situations a moment to sit, and reflect. Don't you agree?" She'd nod wordlessly, eyes wide as she gave it a taste. But, upon it hitting her tongue, the brunette visibly loosened and thanked the bright eyed felis as he hopped back up onto the bar and walked to where he was sitting before. Placing the teapot by his side, he'd watch as the Amazon cleared another man out of her way, and would give a slight cheer. "Show 'em what's what, Miss Amazon!" @Errant Kalisto
