orientation ♔ with so much deception it's hard not to wander away

[cabot]

♬ Reasons Why - Nickel Creek

WHO || Val'drin, Thoster, open if people want to bang into them, just threadjack wherever.
WHAT || Val'drin meets with his squire
WHERE || Knight's HQ, first floor lounge
WHEN || Monday evening, April 16th
HOW || Actionspam

[ There's a definite change in the dark elf's demeanor since Thoster last saw him, and when he meets with him as arranged in a first floor common room, he's seated on a lounge chair, leaning his mouth against his hand, looking vastly contemplative. He looks up with a distracted air upon the squire's entrance. ]

Didn't get lost, I see.

Comments

[socialgraces]

[She considers arguing as she stands there looking between them, slightly shocked at where this conversation has suddenly gone, but] Why not? [She shrugs and follows.] But I want something very nice. And I don't want to drive.

[bluffcheck]

[Observing the two of them, Thoster arches an eyebrow at Val'drin, but doesn't say anything. In fact, he doesn't speak at all as he follows the Knights until he raises a simple question.]

Drive?

[cabot]

[ Val'drin casts a glance at Thoster, sounding wryly resigned ] ... Well, I suppose that narrows it down.

Come along, then.

[socialgraces]

[She gives a good-humored chuckle at Thoster's ignorance before catching up with Val'drin.] We'll have to find somewhere... safe. But that shouldn't be too much of a problem. [And she pulls sunglasses down over her eyes, all cool-like.]

[bluffcheck]

[Why does he suddenly have a third-wheel vibe? Never one to mind that, though, Thoster just shrugs and follows after the pair of them.]

Safe's a bit dull, in my opinion.

[valdrin]

Yes, well it wouldn't be your very human little neck on the line, now would it? [ It's said with good humor, however, but he digs in his pocket for a set of shades as well, not to be out matched. ]

Not everyone is particularly drow-friendly.

[socialgraces]

Most aren't. [She adds, picking up on the third-wheel vibe as well, and immediately moving to walk next to Thoster.]

Where are you from, Thoster?

[bluffcheck]

Aw, come off it! [He tosses back to Val'drin.] You mean to tell me with all the strange things you're showin' me- that they still think you're too odd?

[But now there's a pretty lady, so he takes her question into consideration.]

From's not a concept I follow, lass. Left any firm home so long ago, I hardly remember it. Only place I call home is on my ship.

[cabot]

You'll find that if there's one universal truth, whether you're from here, there, or a boat in between, it's that people always need someone to hate. [ Despite the deep philosophy he's espousing, he sounds almost chipper about it. ]

[socialgraces]

[She seems to mull over Val'drin's statement before adding:] That's a big part of the Knights' mission: debunking racial stereotypes. Although, that's not to say some stereotypes aren't founded in truth. We just prefer to focus on the worth of the individual, regardless of species.

[She immediately tacks on to the end of that lecture:] Are you a pirate?

[bluffcheck]

Seen plenty of hate in my time- no need to-

[And then Francesca's question hits him and he stops to let out a loud laugh.]

I suppose you could call me that. Suppose many have called me that before. I, myself, consider myself a lover first, a bard second, and a captain third.

You'll notice that 'pirate' didn't quite make the list.

[cabot]

Neither did 'male', but somehow I don't think that diminishes what's between your legs from being part of you. [ just sayin ]

[socialgraces]

[Wow. Really? Francesca eyes Val'drin with mild disgust, her tone dry.] How astute. And tasteful. [At least he's easy to read, and she can work with that.

She turns back to Thoster.] So, we should take you somewhere you can showcase your talents? A pub, or a tavern. Somewhere you can sing.

[bluffcheck]

[But Thoster only laughs.]

I try not to talk about such things with ladies present, but since you've done the job for me- yes, that's quite true as well.

[He brings his smile back to Francesca.]

A real bard can sing anywhere, but I'll never turn down an invitation to a tavern.

[valdrin]

[ somehow he had the feeling thoster would find that funny. even if he knew francesca wouldn't... ]

Probably a bit more respectable than taking him to the subway.

[socialgraces]

[She'll move them along to the front entrance, her heels clicking against the stone. Now she's eager to get her free drink on. She turns to Val'drin, lightly bumping shoulders with him and smiling sweetly.] I'll even let you buy me a drink.

[bluffcheck]

[Just at the very prospect of a drink and a song, Thoster is practically humming with content. For all the strangeness of this place, it doesn't take much to put him back in his element.]

Have I mentioned that I like her?

[valdrin]

[ As Val'drin twirls the keys on his index finger, he glances over at her, and then looks straight ahead again, suddenly wondering how he got himself into this. ]

... Most do. [ TO THE GARAGE ]

[socialgraces]

[Francesca watches Val'drin, gauging his reactions (with a NAT 20 Sense Motive check). She can feel the complicated tension as well, but at least she knows she has most of the control in this situation. She considers looping her arm through his, but she'll be nice. At least while they're still at the castle.

So instead she hangs back a couple steps to walk with Thoster.] I take it you haven't ridden in a car before. If you start to feel sick, make sure to speak up. [She almost had a bad experience with Arthur and motion sickness. She's learned.]

[bluffcheck]

[It doesn't take a genius to sense something is up between these two, but Thoster isn't sure what. And he doesn't seem too concerned to find out.]

Spent most of my life in motion. Haven't met a mode of transport that's shaken me up yet.

[cabot]

[ Val'drin gives a bit of an amused snort at the boast, heading towards this vehicle, which beeps and flashes his lights as he strikes a button. ]

And how fast did those horses of yours travel, exactly?

[socialgraces]

[She'll let Thoster take shotgun, since he's more likely not to get sick up front. She climbs into the back of the spacious ride, crossing her legs casually.]

I hope you don't mind if I smoke. [She asks after the other two get situated, reaching in her purse for a light before rolling down the window.]

[bluffcheck]

[After seeing Francesca open the door and climb inside, Thoster follows with only a few curious glances around at the machine. He's seen them moving around. While he sails his boat, he watches these small modes of transport zoom around on land. It's something intriguing, to be sure, but nothing that he's afraid of.]

Never said I traveled by horse, did I? Now do you plan to boast all day or shall we see just what this thing can do?

[cabot]

Well, if you hand me the option, perhaps I'll choose to boast all day. [ But he starts the engine up nevertheless. ] You might want to buckle up.

[socialgraces]

Oh gods. [She mumbles, rolling her eyes. She lights her cigarette, cracking the window. She's not trying to set a bad impression, Val'drin just brings it out in her. But she makes a conscious decision to try to be nicer.

Just give her a few minutes to gather up her patience.]