676-01-02 - Chance Meeting of Strangers
Chance Meeting of Strangers | |||||||
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Summary: Aeryn and Slider happen to be drinking in the same tavern. After a bit of time, he may be her tutor. | |||||||
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The tavern is busy, most times around this time the amount of people seem to swell. It is evening, just past when the sun had gone down. It is not a rough bar but popular for the meals and the ale so known for this region. As people tend to drink, eat and be merry at this time there is one man. He sits at a corner table, holding a mug of ale and eating a plate of something, which he slides away and leans back on the chair. He does look around the place, seeing the regulars and enjoying the banter he hears all the time. There is a smile, a pleasant smile, one used to smiling easily perhaps.
Aeryn walks in wearing a white wool dress covered by a white coat with an attached hood and white scarves. She has a longbow tucked over her shoulder, and carries several rabbits which she has hunted and tied together. She passes off the rabbits to a tavern wench, then slips off her hood revealing her long red hair. The Wench offers softly "Thanks 'Red!' before taking them to the back. The woman slips off the longbow, then the coat and places the bow in a corner, slinging the coat over an arm.
For locals Aeryn lives at the castle as the guest of the royal family, she's known locally as Lady Firandall, or Aeryn the Red. She calls out "'Could use a drink, somethin' Cider if yae' have it."
The man in the corner table had been looking around and once the woman entered with a bow and rabbits he became curious. There is a curious look even now that she removes the hood and shows off her red hair. There is a grin, more like a smile, even as she speaks he chuckles to himself.
A slow drink from his mug, he looks to the bartender or the nearby waitress and motions her over. " Give me another and could you tell me who that is, not seen her before." his voice is smooth, nice to listen to, nothing harsh in the way he speaks, more like a man used to speaking to others and knows how to speak to them. As coins exchange he leans back, still looking at the redhead, still very curious about her.
The waitress leans over and whispers "That's Lady Aerin Firandall, she came into the castle round'bouts 10 years ago and has been raised by them since. She comes in here sometimes and gives us things she hunts. She's pretty close to the royals, but she came from common originally."
Aeryn takes a seat and rests her coat on the back of the chair. She reaches up and frizzes her hair to get any loose snow out of it. She relaxes back into the chair as she waits for her drink.
Slider nods to the woman. " Buy her a drink from me, someone who has worked so hard to get where she is, needs not just one drink." a bit more coins and then he leans back and closes his eyes, taking in the scent of the place. Unwashed bodies, the smell of old wood and food. After a moment of that he takes another sip from his mug, still relaxed, still just been there for now. Though on occasion he does look towards the redhead, still curious, more curious now.
Aeryn is surprised when the waitress brings her two drinks instead of one. The waitress points towards slider and she looks confused a moment as she turns her head towards the man. A brow raises and she shrugs her shoulders, lifting a glass up to him, then takes a sip.
At the raised drink towards him, he in turn raises his own and drink a bit more. Savouring the drink as he closes his eyes to do so, he takes in a deep long breath after and licks his lips. Then he takes another and drink the rest of the mug. It is then his other mug shows and he he nods to the serving wench but then his eyes look towards the red head. His one hand on the table starts to drum his fingers slowly on the table and then, just because he can. " Lady Aerin Firandall, would you care for some company and pleasant conversation or you care to join me for pleasant conversation?" his voice loud enough to carry to her, though not rough sounding. Now he keeps on looking at her, though he still drinks from his mug as he does so.
Aeryn picks up the drinks and then her coat, and moves over to the table. She rests her coat on the chair before she sits, crossing her legs at the knee and putting the glasses down. "Yae' seem to know my name..yet I am at a loss for yours ah'm afraid..."
Slider watches as she stands up and walks on over to his table and takes a seat. He would have stood up and waited for her to take the seat before he would sit himself. At her question he smiles, showing that he takes care of himself with good teeth showing. "Well, most do not know of me but may have heard of me. Some call me Master Marcus, some just call me Marcus but over all I am a simple man that is asked to do things and I tend to get things done." taking a sip, he leans back a bit. " A while back I travelled to the Isles as a translator on the Kings and nobles behalf." then he stops and chuckles a bit. " As for your name, I had to ask the young lass there serving drinks. I had not seen you around, though my visits to the castle are rare and far between now." then taking a sip, he stops and tilts his head. " What is a Lady, hunting by herself if I may ask?" since she came in here alone, did not hear other horses or others outside, he has come to that conclusion.
Aeryn quirks both brows "Oh, you translate? Do you know any Ningo? I'm particuarly interested in learning that language. As for being alone I'm about as minor a noble as one can be, I hold no real tactical or political power or value. I do come out to hunt though, because I prefer smaller moving targets to hone mae' skill with a bow."
Marcus drinks a bit more and actually raises a brow at her asking him if he knows any Ningo. There is a smile and a nod as he takes a bit more drink and then tilts his head at hearing she is minor and really has no influence in the noble powers. Then he straightens up and smiles brighter. " Lady, you have a interest in Ningo and to answer your question, yes, I am one of the few that is considered a translator for the Ningo and Two Rivers. I learned the language when I was detained by them before the whole marriage happened." He leaves that as that, she can ask more but he continues to the other subject. "As for been a minor noble, you are still considered higher than a commoner and a merchant, that is something not to take lightly." then he looks to the bow and her telling of her targets, hence the rabbits. " I see, I too and a hunter, though I do not use bows. I hunt up close and personal with blades, it makes it more personal in my point of view."
Aeryn blinks, then pushes her hands down on the table. "Yae' know Ningo? Can ah' hire yae' t'teach me? Th' King has asked mae' to take up the language, and it'll be good to know it with all the new activity in the castle. Ah'll have yae' compensated o'course.".
She settles back a little, eyes bright and demeanour excited. "Ah'm a bit o' a extreme circumstance, blades aren't my taste. Ah' prefer th' hide n' shoot approach ah' suppose."
Marcus looks at the woman, obviously learning Ningo will take a long time. "Lady Aerin. I would have thought that one of your standing would have already a tutor for the language. One been Esther, though she tends to be by the Princess side all the time." he leans back a bit and looks towards her. He drinks a bit more, thinking obviously at what he has been asked to do. "I will not say I am a expert in it Lady Aerin, I am still able to speak without any hesitation no more." he sighs a bit, drinks a bit more. "Well, compensation be much appreciated, as a hunter, I don't make to much coin. As a translator, I may be able to help though I would suggest asking your King first." he pauses a moment and then smiles. " I am a man of many skills, so it be better if you ask first before hiring me. As for the Patriarch Agostino and his people, they respect me, so in either case, I believe they will accept me as your tutor."
As for the bow hunting and blades he nods. " Yes, I can see the use of learning to use the bow better now. I have a big scar across my chest from my last kill, large tiger looking thing in the Ningo lands. Plus I have several others here and there, I live on the edge of life, it is the only way I think I can live my life, always in the edge of death and life."
Aeryn shakes her head "Payment shouldn't be an issue. Ester has many responsibilities so while I do plan on using that resource, I want to leave as much of her time free for her as she's a rather important figure in the castle now. I realize it will take time, are you available for such an engagement? If the fee is reasonable I dont see a problem unless there is trouble I am not aware of?".
Aeryn shakes her head softly "Well, most men I know like to charge in combat in such a fashion. I've been on both sides of that coin and staying out of the front line seems the preferred choice for me."
Marcus shakes his head . " Oh no, no trouble but I like to make sure all who may be involved are contacted. I wish not to step on anyone's toes, specially ones that may put me up to be hurt in any way." then a slight pause as he looks at her, obviously she really wants to learn. " Alright, fine, I will help you to learn, though I have to ask. You ever hunt with anyone else or you hunt alone?"
Though as she mentions been on both sides of the coin he chuckles. " Oh yes, please, do not get hurt, would hate to see one of such fiery beauty be damaged in any way. As for me, I do not charge head on, I pick my time and place, I am the hunter, not one that seeks to make himself a name." then taking a longer drink, he looks towards the serving wench and smiles. " Please, another." then he looks back to Aeryn. " You care to eat, since by the look of things you have not eaten in a bit."
Aeryn shakes her head "Nae' ah'm good. Ah'll eat at th' castle. Ah' prefer tae' see what goes intae' mae' food anyways. Never know when there mi' be somethin' amiss." She takes a moment to sip at her cider. "Ah' hunt alone usually, unless someone wants t'come.
It's about honing mae' skill and not really th' beast. Ah' usually give what I catch tae' th' townspeople.". She tilts her head, pulling at one of the curly tresses of red. "Is it really true they dun' have any redheads in Ningo? Th' domi..th' leader's son seemed taken aback a bit by mae' hair."
Marcus nods to her words about the food and smiles. So no food but drink more to come and Marcus listens to her, pretty intently, like a child listening to a story from a elderly. " You are mighty kind Lady Aerin, hunting and giving your finds to the townsfolk." he thinks a bit and then shakes his head as he does and drinks a bit more. " Well, as far as I have seen and as far as I know, they do not. Though in time I will see, I plan to venture into Ningo lands and get to know the culture and their people more. I mean they are intriguing to me, specially when women are viewed as equals in any way, as long as they prove themselves. All of them have to prove themselves to be noble within their society. It is not a easy task but once you do, you are worthy." taking a bit more drink he leans back and closes his eyes. " So, my intent is to venture out and ask permission of Agostino. A lot of us misunderstand them, perhaps once I learn, I can bring it back to others who wish to understand them." he chuckles as he opens his eyes back up. " This is another land I would have travelled too, another off my list."
Aeryn nods "Oh, yae' need to talk to Agostino? He's staying at th' castle still I beleive. Princess Barbete can be a bit more private and exclusive than Princess Luanda and I, but I can request a meeting for yae' if you wanted to meet him. Might as well get it out of the way hmm? Though I'd want you to stay for a bit to get me started. Sound fair?"
Marcus nods and then blinks looking at her with a smile. " Lady, you really go out of your way to get what you want, you have learned well." as he drinks a bit he looks at her, he has to admit he has not really seen red hair like hers, ever. There is something about her that intrigues him and then he nods slowly. " Let us say, if you did happen to get me a audience with Agostino, which I could do but it would take time. What little I teach you before I head out will not be worth much." he looks to her and then her bow and then back to her. " If allowed I was going to ask permission to bring a few others along, just as protection and or companionship." he stops then, let her think on it for a bit. " Unless you are tasked to do other things, you may be of help if your powers of the bow as you have stated are good. It will be a dangerous journey I am thinking, that is if I am allowed to go. " drinking the rest of his mug he sets it down and licks his lips, tasting the last bit of it. " Think on it and if you say yes and it all works out, I could teach you through the journey." Like he has mentioned before, he tends to live on the edge.
Aeryn shakes her head resolutely. "Mae' place is here right now. Princess Lucanda needs someone by her side right now, so I wont go far. I can't say that you will be allowed to go, that isn't my decision at all. But with the alliance they would want to open trade, and the more people who know of the land the more options expand. But I wouldn't go if you think you'd make trouble for them. I will probably start by asking his son. We just met but we seem to get on well. I think he might fancy me, or my hair..but I don't know. Mae' finger is not on the pulse of such things. But I would like yae' to stay for a while and get mae' started, but if yae' get permission ah' don't expect you to teach me th' whole language from start tae' finish."
Marcus nods, he had figured as much and does not push the subject no further, at least her coming along. "Oh no Lady, I am not going to cause trouble. What I have heard is that their lands are harsh, the environment does not care who you are. Creatures are a plenty and some care for what ever flesh they can sink their teeth into." Then at the mention of trade he nods to that as well. " The Ningo are building a small settlement at the border of both kingdoms, that is where the hub of the trade will happen. I plan to ask to stay within that hub, perhaps build a home. Though that is farther ahead than I expect." he thinks a bit ."They may allow me, since I have earned their respect, though for others I am not to sure." then he looks at her and smiles. " I will say, your hair does stand out and it is unique. It may have been the hair that got him interested in you, but I believe it may be the whole package Lady Aerin, do not sell yourself short. Many a man would think of you a great price. In Ningo society, you could marry into it but you must still become a noble by surviving their wilderness." Sure , she could be a looker but the Ningo do not look at women at their beauty but their skills in the hunt and she shows promise.
Aeryn leans back. "Well..arguments could be made. It would make sense that people they trust to be the first to settle. You could put together a reasonable argument. Those that settle first will be very strong in that community that builds.". She lets out a little huff. "The Princesses are being married off, Ah' couldn't leave his highness alone in the castle. Ah've seen men at their worst. Their absolute worst. I don't know if I could bring mae'self to marry. The thought has really nae' crossed mae' mind. Plus tae' marry you have tae' think about yourself, and be selfish in a way. Ah'm nae' ready tae' be that selfish. Ah' have tae' have a narrow sight, must always remember I am here where I am now thanks to the love, understanding, and charity of others. I have tae' focus on others before I can focus on mae'self."
Marcus looks at her and nods with a grin. " Aye, you be right, arguments can be made and you seem to know a bit of this life style already and willing to learn Ningo. I am sure I will find a place in that trade hub, that is how I am, confident in such things. Though my wonder lust tends to keep me moving from place to place, eventually it be good to have a decent home, not like the one I live in now."
Then as she starts to speak about the men she has known and how they are he nods slowly, he understands, he has seen them in their worst as well. As his mind wonders on what may have happened to her before coming to the castle he stops and decides he best not. As she turns it to not getting married he smiles with a slight chuckle. " Lady Aerin, your hair makes you unique, your beauty a bonus and you are a Lady, even if you do not think so. The title bestowed upon you by the king and in which case he is your guardian. According to tradition here in Two Rivers, the lady is to wed who the guardian thinks is able to protect and support her. Most ladies do not have a choice in such things, they are bargaining chips for alliances and more power." he has seen this in the Golden Lions, the Isles and here. The only place he has not seen it at is Ningo, which makes him wonder more about them.
Aeryn nods softly "Well..ah' started as common stock of unknown origins. Pirate stock. Sae' it's probably be some minor scandal. Ah' think th' threat isn't something looming over mae' head. Ah' have nae' desire for power. Ah' am what ah' am. Ah' don' desire tae' be lik' prettier fancier women. Ah' don't desire a strong husband of muscle and sinew. I am who I am, and this is whom I will be. Like all, I worry about our land, and want to see it secure and stable. I imagine my lack of desire for any kind of political power, the fact I am humble, and come from questionable pirate stock makes me a safe bet that I will be single for a very long time."
Marcus looks at her as she starts to explain her background and he nods, understanding on when she mentioned she seen men at their worst. "I think I am beginning to understand you Lady Aerin, I too am one that he no origin, just happened that Two Rivers has been my home longer than any other place. " then as she mentions husbands and ladies he smiles and nods. " I understand your side of things fully Lady Aerin, trust me in this. Though you think you will be single for a very long time, that may be sooner than you may think." he licks his lips as he intends to explain a bit. " I have seen many a man, noble and such pick from common stock as some would call us and go against all tradition. These men are far and rare between and they do not tend to look down on others as most nobles do. I have travelled far and have seen much and I assure you, most likely you will be wed in time, either by others hand or your own." now leaning back and smiling. " You have so much going for you, many a man will count himself lucky and what your goal is, it may be theirs. You are in the right circle at this moment." there is a small chuckle then. " Never thought I be speaking to a Lady as so, never thought I speak to a Lady who is also good with a bow."