01 - a retired lord commander walks into a bar

[thunderwarden]

01 the market stalls

Freedom tasted sweet, and since the moment he was brought to Flotsam, he got the impression he was going to like it here. Striding through one passage or another, listening to the erratic but somehow melodious sounds of Flotsam, he knew he could find a place here. It was busy, there were parts of it that smelled, but it was free, and it was populated by an eclectic bunch of renegades that reminded him so much of his own it made him homesick.

Which meant ploughing on until he secured his own space to brood in and hopefully acclimate to this place. After months slaving under Imperial lashes working on their machines, being here seemed like something of a miracle, and while he was bone tired, soul tired even, he couldn't very well leave the lot of them to their own devices. That meant he needed to be prepared, he needed to figure out what his role would be in this place, and he needed to meet the locals. So, top of the list? Preparation. The Empire had stripped him of all he'd had on him at the time, and that included his swords. They'd need to be replaced, which meant a trip to the market stalls for gear and armor if he was going to be of any use to these people who'd given him a chance at freedom.

He started at a weapons stall, testing the weight of swords with the skill of a man who'd done so all his life, sighting down the blades, one after another, feeling their weight in his hand. "Fine craftsmanship, mate." He smirked at the vendor, "less, of course, you don't make 'em here, then good eye, I guess. Either way, I'll take it."

He spends a bit more time browsing wares, getting a feel for the place, the sorts of goods that cross the decks of a floating city and the sorts of conversations that are had among the market stalls, finding a blessing by the end of it: a satchel of tobacco and rolling papers. Maybe fate's smiling on him after all.

02 waterlogged row

Taverns the world over, and those from another world he used to call home, shared common threads: people unwound there, they drank some kind of swill, and they talked. Where normally Cid would be taking this as an opportunity to learn ought that was going on around the realm, his knowledge of this world he'd found himself in was still limited to the point that he was just absorbing pieces: geography, politics beyond what little he'd been able to glean from overheard conversations from his captors, and anything else that might be useful.

Or rumors of where he could be useful. By the way he strode into the tavern in question, he knew how to use the swords at his hip, but he wasn't walking in threatening people with them, either. Instead, he makes to prop up the bar, so to speak, lighting a freshly rolled cigarette and ordering whatever's on tap while he keeps an eye out for any interesting individuals who might stride in.

03 wildcard

( ooc: Cid can be found in various places around Flotsam, as he's getting acclimated. I'd be totally down you you setting your own scene, or if you'd me to write a prompt, drop me a line! )

Comments

[straykitty]

Cid might find it odd to see a young lady with a rather proper look about her stride purposefully into the tavern. Wearing a gray overcoat and a frilly white black dress with a white bust. Her hair is neatly tied with a black ribbon, and she wears red tights over black boots. A fair bit more put together than the motley crew of Flotsam, by any rate. As she enters, she scans the room, seemingly quite at ease with the rougher environment. Spotting Cid, she gives him an appraising look, before smiling faintly and taking a seat right across from him. She says nothing at first, watching him to see if he'll object or make the first move before deciding if she'll speak.

[thunderwarden]

It may not be strange if it was any tavern, but this one, that smelled like a few choice things no lady had any business being around, she stood out like a coeurl in a chocobo paddock, or like a certain Dominant of Shiva in a brothel.

She had the action about her of someone either seeking him out or being on a similar mission. Either way, she'd made herself accessible and he was nothing if not a man of...opportunity.

"Well good evening, lass. You fancy a drink with every shady character who darkens this bar or am I a lucky one?"

[straykitty]

Renne giggles daintily. "I've yet to find a character shadier than I, so I find this to be good company. Especially since experienced folk such as yourself who likely have recent intel on the Empire seem to wander in every now and again."

[thunderwarden]

"Right, then. Shady until proven otherwise." Looks could definitely be deceiving and he wasn't about to judge. He takes a long pull from his cigarette, polite enough to exhale away from her. It wasn't great tobacco, or they just grew different stuff in the Twins, but it did the job of helping him feel more like himself than he has in weeks.

"Is this to be an interrogation, then, or are we going to have us a proper chat, first?"

[straykitty]

"I'll leave that up to you," Renne says with a smile. "You don't seem like much of a screamer, so the latter is probably going to be far more entertaining."

[thunderwarden]

"Dark, but I'll allow it." He arches an eyebrow at her. "How's about introductions, lass? Ladies first."

[straykitty]

"Renne Bright. A pleasure."

She gives him a sweet smile as a waitress brings out a sweet looking orange drink without even taking her order and sets it down on the table beside her.

Market stalls

[newmemorywhodis]

Cid isn't the only one paying the weapons stall for a visit - although it's not a Sword that Link's after. No, he's here for a replacement shield, having broken his for the sixth time.

But he does glance over when he hears a fellow patron make a comment about the craftsmanship. Runs an eye over the two blades. Then makes a soft sound of agreement; Link thinks they look pretty nice too. Even if he's not so sure about wielding two of them at the same time - he'd much rather have a shield in his off hand.

And since blades are what Cid is here to look at, he might notice that the pointy-eared young man is carrying one of his own on his back. A longsword, it's hilt shaped like two purple wings, with a beautifully decorated scabbard.

01

[purplexing]

The market definitely has its ups and downs from the perspective of the turtlekin teen. It's a great place to look for things or just browse, the most he's ever been able to freely do so without feeling the need to keep glancing over his shoulder. But it's usually crowded too, and unfortunately many here don't seem to have a concept of personal space.

Well, at least it makes things a little warmer, having other people around. Winter certainly makes dealing with such tight-packed places a little more tolerable. All the same, Donnie's bundled up, a scarf thrown over his head and wound about his neck, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his leather jacket. One of these days he should look into actual boots than the open-toed hybrid he normally wears, but he hasn't found anything that'd accommodate his weirdly shaped feet.

...it also doesn't help that he tends to get distracted by any shiny contraptions that catch his eye amongst the varied selections.

There's something to at least be said for his reflexes as the turtle just manages to pull himself to a halt short of barrelling right into the tall man. "-whoa!"

[thunderwarden]

So, people around here knew this Renne Bright. That was good to know. "Cidolfus Telamon, and the pleasure's mine, lass." He offers her a half smile. "Cid, if you don't mind. No call for ceremony, all that."

He glances between her and the bartender, taking another drag from his cigarette before responding. "Not a stranger to this charming fleet, I take it?"

[thunderwarden]

And Cid does notice the sizeable and unique blade on the lad's back, and also the pointed ears which were, as far as he knew, just as bloody unique. Cid's a tall man, powerfully built, which might lend itself to the use of those two swords, might not. Could be he's bought them both just for sentiment and he only has a mind to use one at a time. He doesn't bloody well know, if he's honest.

"Now that's a sword, lad. I trust you know how to use it?"

[thunderwarden]

There's a kip in the air and no mistake, but that doesn't stop Cid from taking his time with his armaments. If he's going to be any use to the Corsairs, and you damned well better believe he's onboard to settle a score if nothing else, he'll need to be properly kitted.

The older man takes notice of the lad, of course, how could he not, what with nearly being involved in a collision, but he blinks as he takes a closer look at the boy.

"Ease up there, lad. There a fire I ought to know about?"

[purplexing]

Donnie at least looks a little sheepish about it, ducking his head shyly. Well, at least the man doesn't seem upset.

"Ah- no sir, sorry..! It's always kind of overwhelming whenever I'm here," he admits. The sooner he gets through things the sooner he can duck into some place warm and away from the busyness.

[newmemorywhodis]

Not quite unique; the 'elves' that were amoung the locals of this world had pointed ears too. But not quite like Link's ears, which weren't quite the right shape to be the ears of an elf.

Link looks up at Cid. Cocks his head to one side. He is considerably shorter than the man. But Link's used to looking up. He's confident, in his gaze.

And then, without his expressionless face changing one bit, he says: "Nope." But maybe if Cid's perceptive enough, he'll sense the humour in the response anyway.

[straykitty]

"This is home to me," Renne says with a slightly wistful smile. "My family lives here, but I've been studying in the Vault so I haven't been around as much."

[thunderwarden]

He's sure about two things about this boy right off: he's uncertain around crowds, and he wouldn't be out in one of he wasn't looking for something specific. Cid frowns for a moment before putting a steadying hand on the lad's shoulder.

"No harm done. Still got all my bones in place. Now, what is it you're looking for, then? Two sets of eyes ought to find it faster than one, eh?"

[thunderwarden]

"eh?" He turned his head more in Link's direction, eyebrow arched as he regards the last four a moment before a slow smirk spreads across his face and he chuckles, deep and quiet.

"Aye, walked right into that one, didn't I?" He shook his head at his own failure before something occurred to him. "You wouldn't happen to know where a bloke might find some tobacco, would you?"

[thunderwarden]

"Your family's rebels too, then?" He nods his approval. That's better than the alternative. He'd seen enough of that first hand, both at home and here, and he wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially a young lady like this one. "And seeing to your education." Yes, he approves.

[straykitty]

Renne's smile becomes a bit sharp.

"Something like that. I didn't begin as a rebel, I became one when they saved me. My education came from... other elements, initially. I am simply continuing it here."

[purplexing]

The gesture makes the turtlekin instantly tense. He's never been particular big on physical contact, and that's on top of the imposing sort of air the man carries.

"I guess..? I was just looking for weapons- or rather parts for them. But you don't have to if you've got better things to do."

[newmemorywhodis]

At this, Link's head tilts slightly to one side. His eyebrows furrow faintly. He stares back, expression blank and uncomprehending.

It's quite clear that Link has absolutely no</em idea what tobacco even is, let alone how to find it.

[thunderwarden]

"Other elements, is it?" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "You're an Imperial, at least you were, that about right?"

[straykitty]

Renne smiles a bit vaguely. "Not exactly. The Society, as they often refer to themselves, usually support the Imperial Agenda, inasmuch as they believe they can control it. Before that, well, let's just say there are things in this world far worse than Imperials."

[thunderwarden]

The touch doesn't last longer, really just enough to get the lad's attention before he lets his hand fall away.

"I've only recently arrived, lad, and that sounds a lot like getting my bearings. What sorts of parts are you looking for?"

[purplexing]

"Oh!" Well, that makes a lot more sense. "You seem to be doing fine already," Donnie notes. Maybe if he were watching more carefully he'd pick out the telltale signs of a newcomer, but even then some of those who came, even if from other worlds, tended to go along with things pretty easily, and he imagines it's because they're used to roaming, back home.

"Firearms," he answers, head tilting as he consults a mental list. "And maybe a thin blade but I don't know if they make anything the width I'm looking for unless it's like...a kitchen knife."