I really do hope the entire party isn't needed for this fight. :P! May have some bad news.
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Flinger of Sarcasm
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Joseph had seen scraps. He'd even glanced at death. But naught could prepare the man for the scene they had just walked in to. What were those things, even? Skeletons-- Yes. Flaming skeletons. But that didn't make any sense, that didn't just happen. It was beyond him, and like anything a man couldn't explain, it made him afraid.
It felt like an eternity of jarred staring before he was finally brought back to reality by the sudden appearance of what he assumed to be the mute child's caretaker. It would be apparent to anybody who knew him just how off he was, as he watched them depart with a wide, absent stare. This was all overwhelming. Even if he couldn't see the battle, he could hear it. The clash of steel on steel he could handle, but every scream made him look that bit more sapped. He couldn't avert his gaze for long however, and he locked back on to the maddening spectacle. He took an instinctive step back and reached for Piper's bicep-- Missing the first time. Did he have a plan? No. But he knew who he was bringing when it came to running.
"W-We... We can't..." His words were absent, involuntary, and soft as a whisper. He glanced to his cohort, helpless for a moment. He didn't even notice Jason returning. "W-We should--"
Bang! The alchemical explosion from the Gnome's bolt startled him like a tensed housecat. He jolted upright, took a sharp breath through his nose, and staggered backwards. Isabeau had already dashed off into the fray of burning bone and clashing steel. She must have been mad, he thought. He took a gradual step back for every second that passed as he sank from full height subconsciously. He didn't bother holding onto Piper anymore, he knew they'd see eye-to-eye on this. They weren't going anywhere near that fight, not ever.
He swallowed hard and his jaw tensed as he tried to summon some clear thought. Little came. "Wecan'tbeouthere." He shook his head and swallowed hard. "We can't be out here." He repeated with a shaking, forced pace. Part of him wanted to say more, but this was no time for tirades. He took another quick step back, slipping further from the tavern and the fight in front. It was only then he caught sight of Jason. ...He couldn't leave a child to this. With gritted, bared teeth, he gestured the boy over. "W-Will you move..?!" He figured harshness could be forgiven, given the situation.
Somebody beckoned from across the way-- The woman from earlier. A cry for help..? Joseph stared hard at her for a good few seconds. What did she think he was? He wasn't cut out for this! Every excuse ran through his head, and he turned his back on her, trying to lead his friend and if he came, their tagalong child, to one of the vacated houses at the nearest corner of the town square. Somewhere with a view, but not near that fire. He had to watch this.
@Ryciera@Strafe@Icepezz
It felt like an eternity of jarred staring before he was finally brought back to reality by the sudden appearance of what he assumed to be the mute child's caretaker. It would be apparent to anybody who knew him just how off he was, as he watched them depart with a wide, absent stare. This was all overwhelming. Even if he couldn't see the battle, he could hear it. The clash of steel on steel he could handle, but every scream made him look that bit more sapped. He couldn't avert his gaze for long however, and he locked back on to the maddening spectacle. He took an instinctive step back and reached for Piper's bicep-- Missing the first time. Did he have a plan? No. But he knew who he was bringing when it came to running.
"W-We... We can't..." His words were absent, involuntary, and soft as a whisper. He glanced to his cohort, helpless for a moment. He didn't even notice Jason returning. "W-We should--"
Bang! The alchemical explosion from the Gnome's bolt startled him like a tensed housecat. He jolted upright, took a sharp breath through his nose, and staggered backwards. Isabeau had already dashed off into the fray of burning bone and clashing steel. She must have been mad, he thought. He took a gradual step back for every second that passed as he sank from full height subconsciously. He didn't bother holding onto Piper anymore, he knew they'd see eye-to-eye on this. They weren't going anywhere near that fight, not ever.
He swallowed hard and his jaw tensed as he tried to summon some clear thought. Little came. "Wecan'tbeouthere." He shook his head and swallowed hard. "We can't be out here." He repeated with a shaking, forced pace. Part of him wanted to say more, but this was no time for tirades. He took another quick step back, slipping further from the tavern and the fight in front. It was only then he caught sight of Jason. ...He couldn't leave a child to this. With gritted, bared teeth, he gestured the boy over. "W-Will you move..?!" He figured harshness could be forgiven, given the situation.
Somebody beckoned from across the way-- The woman from earlier. A cry for help..? Joseph stared hard at her for a good few seconds. What did she think he was? He wasn't cut out for this! Every excuse ran through his head, and he turned his back on her, trying to lead his friend and if he came, their tagalong child, to one of the vacated houses at the nearest corner of the town square. Somewhere with a view, but not near that fire. He had to watch this.
@Ryciera@Strafe@Icepezz
Apologies for the slow replies, guys. Ryci and I have been busy. We'll do our best to be more active. Since her and I know eachother's characters very well, don't worry about waiting for our replies for minor things like dragging one another along. We don't want to keep you all week :P. Hopefully my post moved our tragically stalled line along a bit. I wrote it in a rush, so excuse any quality gripes.
The initial shock left Joseph as the woman explained herself. A sentence in and Joseph had already made a gut call. He didn't like how she spoke so casually of fighting them. As she took interest in the child, he gladly shifted back, batting at Piper to hopefully move her just the same. More talk of fighting from the woman, and again, he soured. His expression darkened considerably. "You're terrifyin', really." His tone dripped sarcasm. "Quit runnin' your mouth! We're not thugs, enough goading." He brushed her comments off, folding his arms. Frustration grew briefly, he was as hotheaded as ever. He never liked fighting, not like this.
"Have the kid." He concluded. "He's--" And then, screams and cries from the street out beyond the alley. The man bristled and turned about, his feet shifting to sit a little further apart. He was used to the town's frequent commotions by now, but something about this struck him differently. The strange woman asked if it was normal, and he wasn't sure how to answer. ...Could he smell burning? His nose twitched, before he came to his senses and pivoted around yet again. He still wasn't comfortable with the skulk getting near Piper. She was every bit as hardy as him, but such a long-time friendship had left him protective, and he shifted to stand just a little more boldly as the woman tried to address her. He still didn't trust her, but she seemed to have the right idea. He wanted to see what the fuss was about.
"No. Bloodshed." He addressed that first. Hells, this woman was violent. He glanced upwards idly, then down, then back up again. He saw the bellows of black smoke shrouding out the sky. A large fire, to be certain. Now his interest was piqued. With a palpable pause, and a glance down to the mysterious woman, he eventually shot her a curt nod, reluctantly agreeing. "Enough talkin'. If--If I hear one more threat, we're done. We got no time for thugs." He warned. "But... We need to see this. We gotta' go." And just like that, with a glance back to Piper and a jerk of his head, he uneasily lead the move forward. He brushed past Isabeau, but thought to give her a flatly muttered "C'mon." That was tricky for him, she hadn't made the best first impression... But more people never hurt, right? As Joseph and any and all who followed neared the light at the alley's end, the screaming grew louder, smoke grew thicker, and the telltale sound of steel biting against steel filled the air. Fighting. The man's jaw tensed as they stepped into the light.
@Ryciera@Strafe@IcePezz
"Have the kid." He concluded. "He's--" And then, screams and cries from the street out beyond the alley. The man bristled and turned about, his feet shifting to sit a little further apart. He was used to the town's frequent commotions by now, but something about this struck him differently. The strange woman asked if it was normal, and he wasn't sure how to answer. ...Could he smell burning? His nose twitched, before he came to his senses and pivoted around yet again. He still wasn't comfortable with the skulk getting near Piper. She was every bit as hardy as him, but such a long-time friendship had left him protective, and he shifted to stand just a little more boldly as the woman tried to address her. He still didn't trust her, but she seemed to have the right idea. He wanted to see what the fuss was about.
"No. Bloodshed." He addressed that first. Hells, this woman was violent. He glanced upwards idly, then down, then back up again. He saw the bellows of black smoke shrouding out the sky. A large fire, to be certain. Now his interest was piqued. With a palpable pause, and a glance down to the mysterious woman, he eventually shot her a curt nod, reluctantly agreeing. "Enough talkin'. If--If I hear one more threat, we're done. We got no time for thugs." He warned. "But... We need to see this. We gotta' go." And just like that, with a glance back to Piper and a jerk of his head, he uneasily lead the move forward. He brushed past Isabeau, but thought to give her a flatly muttered "C'mon." That was tricky for him, she hadn't made the best first impression... But more people never hurt, right? As Joseph and any and all who followed neared the light at the alley's end, the screaming grew louder, smoke grew thicker, and the telltale sound of steel biting against steel filled the air. Fighting. The man's jaw tensed as they stepped into the light.
@Ryciera@Strafe@IcePezz
"You're worrying too much." Joey finally let out after a good while of people-watching. It was almost disappointing to see no sign of their elusive skulk. There was a certain thrill to being followed, even if it presented a hint of danger. He eventually let out a sigh as his shoulders sank just a bit. "Just a tyro hound, friend'a the kid, maybe." He mused, peering back to look the child over. More trouble than his worth so far, he couldn't help but think. Piper was who he drifted to next, naturally, but his expression softened for his companion. "...Shaken off, I fig--"
Something moved behind her, dropping to the floor. The man's eyes widened as a thump on the cobbles confirmed it. He didn't have much trouble peering right over Piper's head, and he quickly made the guess where the familiarly-dressed figure had come from. Frustration grew as Piper stepped in front of the child that had lead them to this situation in the first place, he knew how she got. Sure, Joey was no monster, but if he had to pick one of the two to use as a human shield... Well, it wouldn't be Piper, that he was certain. If she was shielding the child, he had to step to shield her, and he tried to brush past the two of them, emboldened as the figure lowered her hood-- A woman, he thought. About his age. Young. She didn't look like a complete crazed murderer.
He threw out a hand, fingers splayed, to gesture the woman to stop, but wouldn't let it actually near her arm's reach. "Stop, stop! You're plenty close enough." He shifted on his feet. His hand stayed extended. Piper's final question was damned agreeable. "It'd better be a good answer-- The fuck're you doing, prancing on the roofs?" He gave the darkly-clad woman a furrowed-brow stare, hoping she could keep her distance. He was confident in the bluff of innocence.
@Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe
Something moved behind her, dropping to the floor. The man's eyes widened as a thump on the cobbles confirmed it. He didn't have much trouble peering right over Piper's head, and he quickly made the guess where the familiarly-dressed figure had come from. Frustration grew as Piper stepped in front of the child that had lead them to this situation in the first place, he knew how she got. Sure, Joey was no monster, but if he had to pick one of the two to use as a human shield... Well, it wouldn't be Piper, that he was certain. If she was shielding the child, he had to step to shield her, and he tried to brush past the two of them, emboldened as the figure lowered her hood-- A woman, he thought. About his age. Young. She didn't look like a complete crazed murderer.
He threw out a hand, fingers splayed, to gesture the woman to stop, but wouldn't let it actually near her arm's reach. "Stop, stop! You're plenty close enough." He shifted on his feet. His hand stayed extended. Piper's final question was damned agreeable. "It'd better be a good answer-- The fuck're you doing, prancing on the roofs?" He gave the darkly-clad woman a furrowed-brow stare, hoping she could keep her distance. He was confident in the bluff of innocence.
@Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe
It wasn't a particularly long or eventful walk. Joseph's mind wandered. The little uncertainty from earlier left the usually talkative man quiet. They arrived at the docks in no time, and what a sight it was. Fresh ships, bizarre crowds... And the cargo! Oh, the cargo. What he'd give for an opportunity.
"Grandest there is." It was an idle response to Piper's oddly idle question. His pace slowed noticeably as he caught himself up in perusing for the finest set of cargo with the weariest set of sailors. One there, more over there... And they looked tired. He was spoiled for choice. Which one, which--
And with a hushed string of words and a smack at his arm, he was dragged back to reality. It took him a moment to process Piper's suspicion, and only through her urging did he quell the urge to snap around to face off the apparent skulk. He gave Piper a long look, studying, but she appeared earnest, worryingly so. "...They ain't gonna' try nothin'." He didn't sound as sure as he would have liked to, but all the same his eyes drifted to the crack between the two buildings dead ahead-- An alley. He caught sight of a sign. 'Maria's Medicines and Sundries.' At least that was morbidly reassuring, if this were to end completely terribly. Still, the thought of a fight never occurred to the man and his flighty nature, but confrontation? That was easy. "Figure we oughtta' ask them what they're after." And just like that, he sounded sure of himself again. He even cracked a faint, reassuring grin. What's the worst that could happen? "Follow me. An' keep the kid near, aye?"
His pace quickened to leave Piper just a step behind so he could lead. He slithered past the sailors and commoners alike in the way, and rudely half-pushed by a man lugging a whole woman over his shoulder. He couldn't help but question that. This town was always funny. He didn't let the thought keep him though, and as they reached the alley right alongside the shop, he slipped into its gloom, leaning against the nearest wall. He ushered Piper, and presumably the boy in as they arrived, urging them behind him. He tried to look casual or even relaxed, facing out to the comparatively bright street. So near to the edge was he that anybody who turned the corner too tight risked getting a face-full of... Well. His own face. But that was half of what he wanted. He wanted to see this skulk, figure out what they were about. What had they even done this time?
"Busy street when it's light out. Ain't gonna' be no weapons. Just--..." He spoke softly, addressing Piper's earlier concern, before trailing off. He shifted his head left and right, squinting into the farthest out crowds, just in case the apparent follower had caught on to his trick. He couldn't help but think that maybe this wasn't their lucky day.
(( @Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe ))
(( @Elitestpotato @notdeadyet Didn't know whether to include you folks for such a minor interaction, but I couldn't think of a better way to spur action between our groups without seeming too contrived :P ))
"Grandest there is." It was an idle response to Piper's oddly idle question. His pace slowed noticeably as he caught himself up in perusing for the finest set of cargo with the weariest set of sailors. One there, more over there... And they looked tired. He was spoiled for choice. Which one, which--
And with a hushed string of words and a smack at his arm, he was dragged back to reality. It took him a moment to process Piper's suspicion, and only through her urging did he quell the urge to snap around to face off the apparent skulk. He gave Piper a long look, studying, but she appeared earnest, worryingly so. "...They ain't gonna' try nothin'." He didn't sound as sure as he would have liked to, but all the same his eyes drifted to the crack between the two buildings dead ahead-- An alley. He caught sight of a sign. 'Maria's Medicines and Sundries.' At least that was morbidly reassuring, if this were to end completely terribly. Still, the thought of a fight never occurred to the man and his flighty nature, but confrontation? That was easy. "Figure we oughtta' ask them what they're after." And just like that, he sounded sure of himself again. He even cracked a faint, reassuring grin. What's the worst that could happen? "Follow me. An' keep the kid near, aye?"
His pace quickened to leave Piper just a step behind so he could lead. He slithered past the sailors and commoners alike in the way, and rudely half-pushed by a man lugging a whole woman over his shoulder. He couldn't help but question that. This town was always funny. He didn't let the thought keep him though, and as they reached the alley right alongside the shop, he slipped into its gloom, leaning against the nearest wall. He ushered Piper, and presumably the boy in as they arrived, urging them behind him. He tried to look casual or even relaxed, facing out to the comparatively bright street. So near to the edge was he that anybody who turned the corner too tight risked getting a face-full of... Well. His own face. But that was half of what he wanted. He wanted to see this skulk, figure out what they were about. What had they even done this time?
"Busy street when it's light out. Ain't gonna' be no weapons. Just--..." He spoke softly, addressing Piper's earlier concern, before trailing off. He shifted his head left and right, squinting into the farthest out crowds, just in case the apparent follower had caught on to his trick. He couldn't help but think that maybe this wasn't their lucky day.
(( @Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe ))
(( @Elitestpotato @notdeadyet Didn't know whether to include you folks for such a minor interaction, but I couldn't think of a better way to spur action between our groups without seeming too contrived :P ))
Joseph took to the offering without quite as much enthusiasm. He raised a hand but ultimately let it hang as he made out the bread's finer... Details. Did he really want to touch that? He couldn't let himself sink that low. There was a long, disturbed pause from the man-- Too long, as it turns out, as an all-too-familiar, all-too-grubby hand snatched the bread out of sight. He was used to that by now, but it didn't stop him from scoffing and shaking his head as he straightened back up. "You'll get sick." He warned absently as he folded his arms over his chest. They could do better than spoiled bread from a child, he just knew they could.
He left the thought, begrudgingly, when his name was called, and he quirked a brow at Piper, all muffled words and stuffed cheeks. He'd learned to translate by now. "Foulin' bread, that's all it is. Lad's hardly carrying loaves fresh from the oven." He just had to correct her at first, before he drew his attention down to the bizarre little boy in the spotlight. He couldn't have much, could he? Joseph looked him up and down and twisted at a bead-adorned strand of hair. "Ha! Boy might just have quality tastes. ...Figure he would'a said somethin' by now. Hm. Lad with a broken voice, few things more tragic." He couldn't help but make light of it. Joseph glanced between the two before he settled on Piper and waggled his brows. He caught an odd glance, but thought little of it. Did something else just catch her eye? Hm.
He found himself peering at Jason out of the corner of his eye. It was hard what to make of the silent boy. Was he a thief offering food as an apology, or was he just a little brain addled? How could you even tell with mutes? "A walk? What's--..." He could spot her unease from a mile off if he had to. He'd seen it too often. His lips twitched into a thin line and he peered suddenly over his shoulder. Quite the crowd, some more shiftily dressed than others. Even a woman all in dark leathers, he'd keep an eye on her. It all put him ill at ease, but he assured himself that they hadn't done anything wrong... At least today. "...My ship." He repeated shortly after her. Piper was in his gaze now, and a tinge of disappointment was evident in his expression. He knew what she was suggesting. Children. Had they come so low as to rifle through the pockets of children? He pursed his lips at her and shook his head faintly. He wanted a crate of cargo, not the contents of a boy's pockets. How could a man make his fortune on that?
"...Grand idea." He let out after a pause. "But you get to keep an eye on our tight-lipped friend, y'don't want him running off." He clapped her on the shoulder as he took the front of the group, and with a spin on his heel he peered back at them. He gave that woman, Isabeau, in the distance a pausing glance. He told himself to wait to see if she followed. Piper's schemes were low, but all the worse if somebody caught them in the act. Hells, he couldn't imagine the shame. "...Show him real quick. Then we gotta' do what I told you about earlier." He relented with that, glancing between Piper and the boy. Without further delay, he jerked his head over his shoulder and turned with. Off he went en route to the docks, on the lookout for delightfully unattended cargo.
@Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe
He left the thought, begrudgingly, when his name was called, and he quirked a brow at Piper, all muffled words and stuffed cheeks. He'd learned to translate by now. "Foulin' bread, that's all it is. Lad's hardly carrying loaves fresh from the oven." He just had to correct her at first, before he drew his attention down to the bizarre little boy in the spotlight. He couldn't have much, could he? Joseph looked him up and down and twisted at a bead-adorned strand of hair. "Ha! Boy might just have quality tastes. ...Figure he would'a said somethin' by now. Hm. Lad with a broken voice, few things more tragic." He couldn't help but make light of it. Joseph glanced between the two before he settled on Piper and waggled his brows. He caught an odd glance, but thought little of it. Did something else just catch her eye? Hm.
He found himself peering at Jason out of the corner of his eye. It was hard what to make of the silent boy. Was he a thief offering food as an apology, or was he just a little brain addled? How could you even tell with mutes? "A walk? What's--..." He could spot her unease from a mile off if he had to. He'd seen it too often. His lips twitched into a thin line and he peered suddenly over his shoulder. Quite the crowd, some more shiftily dressed than others. Even a woman all in dark leathers, he'd keep an eye on her. It all put him ill at ease, but he assured himself that they hadn't done anything wrong... At least today. "...My ship." He repeated shortly after her. Piper was in his gaze now, and a tinge of disappointment was evident in his expression. He knew what she was suggesting. Children. Had they come so low as to rifle through the pockets of children? He pursed his lips at her and shook his head faintly. He wanted a crate of cargo, not the contents of a boy's pockets. How could a man make his fortune on that?
"...Grand idea." He let out after a pause. "But you get to keep an eye on our tight-lipped friend, y'don't want him running off." He clapped her on the shoulder as he took the front of the group, and with a spin on his heel he peered back at them. He gave that woman, Isabeau, in the distance a pausing glance. He told himself to wait to see if she followed. Piper's schemes were low, but all the worse if somebody caught them in the act. Hells, he couldn't imagine the shame. "...Show him real quick. Then we gotta' do what I told you about earlier." He relented with that, glancing between Piper and the boy. Without further delay, he jerked his head over his shoulder and turned with. Off he went en route to the docks, on the lookout for delightfully unattended cargo.
@Ryciera @IcePezz @Strafe
Joseph never thought to hold the child too tightly, the amount of slack in his arm as he shifted on his feet was more than apparent. Children weren't a threat, he thought. Though like plenty of the man's underestimations, it was a damning one. Not even a second after his string of mockery and questions, he was jolted at the shoulder as the child jumped. A runner, surely, he barely had time to think. If a child had one talent, it was escaping the clutches of another. His hand snatched downwards to try to catch the slippery boy, but only pawed through the air. "Little--"
And thump, the boy ran straight into him. Ha! A novice and a fussock, he thought at first, before an entirely different assessment came about as he felt arms wrap around his waist. The gall of the lad! To try with him, right here? For a moment, he stood rigid upright, arms raised as if somebody had just poured a bucket of ice water down his shirt. He admittedly didn't have an immediate reaction for a move so brazen, but he'd long got the idea in his head that this boy was a thief, no question. "Hey--Hey! Off off off!" And his arms descended, aiming to pry between himself and the child's arms in a wild attempt to dislodge him. Without thinking, the man might have given more push than necessary, though likely not enough to topple the boy.
Just what sort of game was this lad playing? Should he have pried the child away, his hands, in a routine that looked just a bit too practiced, darted around his waistline, touching at every little trinket, oddity, or pouch that laid along the leather belt there. Coinpurse, check. Sword, check. Everything was bizarrely in place, and he looked upon the boy with an apparent sense of perplexion, though he kept his hands protectively at his waist, apprehensive. He gave Piper a bewildered look-- Definitely not the first one she'd seen from him, though snapped back to the child quickly after. "If this is a game, then neither'a us are playing!" His tone held let off uncertainty, though with a blink and a shake of his head, he cut to the chase. "None'a that. Think you owe the two'a us an explanation. And make it good, guards ain't kind t' thieves."
@Ryciera @Strafe
And thump, the boy ran straight into him. Ha! A novice and a fussock, he thought at first, before an entirely different assessment came about as he felt arms wrap around his waist. The gall of the lad! To try with him, right here? For a moment, he stood rigid upright, arms raised as if somebody had just poured a bucket of ice water down his shirt. He admittedly didn't have an immediate reaction for a move so brazen, but he'd long got the idea in his head that this boy was a thief, no question. "Hey--Hey! Off off off!" And his arms descended, aiming to pry between himself and the child's arms in a wild attempt to dislodge him. Without thinking, the man might have given more push than necessary, though likely not enough to topple the boy.
Just what sort of game was this lad playing? Should he have pried the child away, his hands, in a routine that looked just a bit too practiced, darted around his waistline, touching at every little trinket, oddity, or pouch that laid along the leather belt there. Coinpurse, check. Sword, check. Everything was bizarrely in place, and he looked upon the boy with an apparent sense of perplexion, though he kept his hands protectively at his waist, apprehensive. He gave Piper a bewildered look-- Definitely not the first one she'd seen from him, though snapped back to the child quickly after. "If this is a game, then neither'a us are playing!" His tone held let off uncertainty, though with a blink and a shake of his head, he cut to the chase. "None'a that. Think you owe the two'a us an explanation. And make it good, guards ain't kind t' thieves."
@Ryciera @Strafe
"Prettier one than they'll ever see, I'll gladly wager." Joey confirmed with something of a pose, tilting his chin up. The man's lips twitched up at the corners with the joke, then just as quickly as he turned to her, he flicked back to face the market. Busy, very busy. He half extended a gloved hand, pointing with a middle and forefinger to a pair of city guards-- Only trouble, he thought. "See them, sneaksby? Can't work here, no matter how good ya' think y'are." He knew he'd have to voice caution, that had become something of his job over the years... That and he knew the boats held more profit, and damned be the risk for those riches. "Y'focus too much on what you need, not what you want. Boats'll be stuffed from aft to prow, believe m--"
And like a startled animal, his attention was wrought from his scheming, boots scraping along the cobbles of the street like nails to a chalkboard as he whipped around. His lips parted, but remained tilted upwards at the corners, and he too descended on the poor boy. He reached to grab at his shoulder and, with any luck, pull him back to stand between him and his stocky companion. "Haha! Kid's barely outta' the crib!" Clearly, he didn't see much threat in the child, what good were they, anyway? "Bold try'a luck." He cocked his head at Piper, focusing on her now, though still aimed to keep the boy held. "And did our bold tyro get anything from ya'?" And, for effect, he tried to give the boy's shoulder a light jolt, though no doubt he would be taking this far worse were he the intended target.
(( @Ryciera @Strafe ))
And like a startled animal, his attention was wrought from his scheming, boots scraping along the cobbles of the street like nails to a chalkboard as he whipped around. His lips parted, but remained tilted upwards at the corners, and he too descended on the poor boy. He reached to grab at his shoulder and, with any luck, pull him back to stand between him and his stocky companion. "Haha! Kid's barely outta' the crib!" Clearly, he didn't see much threat in the child, what good were they, anyway? "Bold try'a luck." He cocked his head at Piper, focusing on her now, though still aimed to keep the boy held. "And did our bold tyro get anything from ya'?" And, for effect, he tried to give the boy's shoulder a light jolt, though no doubt he would be taking this far worse were he the intended target.
(( @Ryciera @Strafe ))
Joseph stared at the barely touched froth that peered over the edge of his own mug. Drinking in the morning, a quirk of Piper's that he'd never adjust to. It just felt so wrong. He quickly took up the excuse of paying attention to another sailing joke, but couldn't help but grin lopsidedly at her enthusiasm regardless. The man pivoted sideways in his seat, his left arm braced on the counter of the bar, while the left took up place on his hip. He knew this one, or one like it. He'd heard every sailor joke a thousand times over. "...Brown trousers." He spoke in sync with her, which at least earned more of a smile, which eventually bubbled into a quiet laugh. Old as these jokes were, Piper's demeanor rarely failed to life his spirits.
"Ha. Only once." He lied. "Most folks tell their jokes to amuse their company, not themselves, y'know." He waggled his brows at her and gave her a prod at the shoulder, before he reclined right back. One leg slipped from his stool as he turned out to face the rest of the tavern. He was growing restless, something his companion had no doubt grown used to over the years. Near every night in the Ugly Mug didn't exactly leave him craving more. The morning crowd was equally disappointing, barren save for a few select, miserable individuals. He hoped they weren't like them. No, he knew they were.
As Piper's empty mug went down, he peered over to her hopefully. He hoped she didn't fancy seconds today. He could barely keep down one in the morning, two dragged him down for a day and half a night over. He flicked a look over to his own drink, only half-touched. "...But I've hardly touched mine." His tone oozed sarcasm, and he gave her a jovial look. When she continued, he bared his teeth in a wry smile. His left hand slapped on the counter, and the man was on his feet but a moment after. "And here I thought we'd have another inside day. Ha! New ships in port, you know what that means." He gave her a knowing look, jerked his head over his shoulder towards the door, then turned on his heel. With Piper presumably in tow, the man slipped out of the entrance. He squinted from the rush of daylight, but how glorious it felt. A sign of good fortune, he thought, today might just be that lucky break he'd waited on.
"Ha. Only once." He lied. "Most folks tell their jokes to amuse their company, not themselves, y'know." He waggled his brows at her and gave her a prod at the shoulder, before he reclined right back. One leg slipped from his stool as he turned out to face the rest of the tavern. He was growing restless, something his companion had no doubt grown used to over the years. Near every night in the Ugly Mug didn't exactly leave him craving more. The morning crowd was equally disappointing, barren save for a few select, miserable individuals. He hoped they weren't like them. No, he knew they were.
As Piper's empty mug went down, he peered over to her hopefully. He hoped she didn't fancy seconds today. He could barely keep down one in the morning, two dragged him down for a day and half a night over. He flicked a look over to his own drink, only half-touched. "...But I've hardly touched mine." His tone oozed sarcasm, and he gave her a jovial look. When she continued, he bared his teeth in a wry smile. His left hand slapped on the counter, and the man was on his feet but a moment after. "And here I thought we'd have another inside day. Ha! New ships in port, you know what that means." He gave her a knowing look, jerked his head over his shoulder towards the door, then turned on his heel. With Piper presumably in tow, the man slipped out of the entrance. He squinted from the rush of daylight, but how glorious it felt. A sign of good fortune, he thought, today might just be that lucky break he'd waited on.
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