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A Song For Your Thoughts
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 9:32 pm
by Rickter
A Song For Your Thoughts Ash 3rd, 120th Year, A.o.S.
Morning time had arrived. Though no sunlight filtered through his window, it wasn't hard to smell the crisp morning air. For one such as Rickter there were always little details such as this, probably due to the fact he was half a man and half... well, animal certainly felt like the easiest classification.
Although a reflect back to what took place last night, and he felt more akin to a monster than anything. Had his temper not taken over his mind, then perhaps he wouldn't have broken that woman's ukulele. That bard... Telion. He hadn't forgotten her name just yet, a good sign that he wasn't irrevocably damaged in the head at least.
Still, if he wanted to meet with her before the first light, then he needed to get out of bed and clean up first. As he turned over the wolf couldn't help but groan and wince, while brief yet sharp pains jabbed throughout both of his sides during the effort. As sluggish as he felt he managed to stir to a sitting position, his feet on the floor while he caught his breath at the edge of the bed.
I need to make sure this doesn't happen again... He reprimanded himself as he finally pushed to a hurting stand, his eyes cast down at his hairy body to assess the damage. Bruises covered nearly seventy percent of his entire torso, the bulk of them situated along his left and right rib cage more than anything.
There were several more across his abdomen as well, but those were shallower in comparison to the actual bruises he had. The wolf sighed aggravatedly at his situation, as this would already be more than just slight discomfort. A quick trip to his washroom allowed him to inspect the other pained area as well, which he certainly didn't look happy to see once he stood in front of the mirror.
Bruising from his left cheek all the way up to his left temple, hell there was even a nick over the cheek itself from where he'd been hit so hard. Though the right side of his face certainly looked better off, that didn't mean it still had a couple of red spots there also. He was actually lucky no swelling took place around his left eye.
After taking a bit of time to prepare a wash bucket and a cloth he could use to dampen, the wolf carefully tended to the purple welts found on his face. Lightly brushing over them with the wet cloth as he growled lowly, due to each stroke inflicting further irritability with each attempt. Before too long he was satisfied enough to consider himself decent, if that was even a considerable state of being at the moment, and went back into his room to put on a set of clothing.
His cottony vest that he often wore, along with a pair of olive green trousers, and the worn leather shoes he had on last night; all of which he threw on in a relatively cautious manner. Already he hated the fact he had to be careful, as taking it slow wasn't something he was very good at. Still, he needed to head out to the High Hopes Tavern. From what he could see outside, sunlight was just beginning to filter past the Astralar peaks, signifying that he was due to be somewhere... as promised.
Within several minutes the wolf left out his front door and locked the house, before making a steady stroll onto the street in the direction towards the Plaza.
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
Re: A Song For Your Thoughts
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:51 pm
by Rickter
A Song For Your Thoughts Ash 3rd, 120th Year, A.o.S.
The bard walked out first still with a somewhat sleepy look in her eyes, but warmly receptive to his appearance when she noticed him. The brunette behind her, however, still didn't look entirely thrilled to see him. A bit surprised that he actually came, but certainly not as welcoming as her companion. Which was fine, since Rickter only needed to give them a nod of acknowledgment really.
He didn't have much to project or even say, as he always deferred to plainness and simplicity. Oftentimes people liked to try and read too much into someone, which more often than not made him feel uncomfortable when such a case occurred. "Morning..." Telion greeted him as they both reached his table, the bard herself standing behind a chair, while Hannah stood behind her with arms crossed over. "Have you been here long?"
The wolf's eyes watched her but avoided eye contact, his expression still firm as he leaned into his chair a bit. "Only a while." He muttered to her almost with curiosity in his tone, his eyes still fixed on Telion with the occasional glance to her friend. Hannah looked to scoff inwardly, while the bard herself raised her eyebrows in response.
"Wait, so you actually came here to wait?"
"How noble, and yet, disturbing at the same time." Hannah promptly teased, to which Telion cleared her throat afterward. Likely a sign between the two of them, to which Rickter showed no vivid interest.
"Depends on how you look at it I suppose..." The wolf admitted with his eyes cast downward, his brows actually a bit elevated now as he contemplated her meaning. He could understand where Hannah was coming from, but ultimately it was far from Rickter's personal interest. Stalking others had never really been his thing, otherwise, he would've likely made a bit of a career out of it somehow. Spies.
Those are what usually came to mind, although there were just those types of people, to which the wolf could barely even stand. "Have the two of you ate already? I'd thought to do the same earlier, but figured it best we all eat before we leave."
"And where exactly do you plan to take us?" Hannah tested in a heavy tone of voice, Telion quickly turning to attempt a discreet scowl at her.
"Into the Woods." The simple response merited questionable, almost awkward even, stares from both ladies as Rickter simply sat there. He was half-tempted to leave it at that and let them wonder, ironically amused by the fact they didn't know if he were serious or not. "It's a woodworking shop within the Plaza."
"Cute." Hannah remarked in a rhetorical manner.
"They'll have instruments there?" Telion checked curiously with a hint of suspicion, to which Rickter nodded softly to answer the question.
"They will have them, yes, which brings me to one simple clause." The wolf remarked as he focused solely on Telion, likely making her companion Hannah a little nervous when he did so. Already the bard tilted her head curiously, as the idea of a clause was sudden and new to everyone. "I promised to replace your ukulele, however, I would only ask that you allow me to hold onto the one I broke in return."
"How dare-" Hannah hissed bitterly, although she was cut off by Telion's raise of a hand.
"You want my broken ukulele?" She checked in turn a little puzzled, to which the wolf nodded in agreement, which warranted further inquiry. "May I ask why?"
"Personal reason." He quickly answered in turn, still keeping his expression firm and stoic. "That's all I will tell you."
"And if she declines?" Hannah interjected still coldly, ready to pounce on him like the lioness she was. Rickter admired that about her in actuality, as it demonstrated how protective she was over her friend. Telion seemed inclined to speak next, however, that bold question did create an awkward pause between the three of them. Rickter even needed to think on it harder, leaning back into his chair a bit more as he collectively reasoned the bargain he was hoping to strike.
"If you decline then simply put, I'll replace the ukulele and leave you be. You can expect never to hear from me again," at that response Telion looked rather offended, and Hannah all the more miffed at the addendum to his demand, "however," he held their rebuttals with a gesture of a single finger, "if you give the broken one to me then rest assured; I'll help you out in whatever ways suit you most. A favor for a favor no? Kalzasi's obviously new territory for you, so it stands to reason you could use a local like me." He was essentially giving them his services for free, not necessarily the best way to make up for what happened, but for what he had planned replacing the ukulele was only the start.
"Are we seriously considering this Telion?" Hannah checked as she loosened her composure, likely more concerned for her friend, and the fact she didn't seem all the less inclined to refuse after hearing him out.
"He does have a point," the bard admitted to her friend, "we're new here and likely to have our own troubles. With him, though, he can likely help us get better acquainted with the city. It's something to think about at least." She admitted with a bit of reluctance in her tone.
"Think about it over breakfast then?" The wolf suggested with a raise of his shoulders, clearly ready to eat now that everyone was gathered. Hannah sighed and bit her lower lip in thought, looking to Telion as she did so, before finally moving to scoot a chair out for herself to sit in.
"We'll consider it." She came to lowly mutter as she looked away, garnering a soft chuckle from Telion as she took a seat next to her.
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
Re: A Song For Your Thoughts
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 5:35 pm
by Rickter
A Song For Your Thoughts Ash 3rd, 120th Year, A.o.S.
As promised she proceeded to give Rickter the pieces, looking a little sad in the eyes while she handed them over with a faint smile. There was something meaningful about this instrument to the woman, that much was certain to him, which was why he wanted her to bestow it to him to begin with. What he had planned for it and for the bard, he didn't reveal, for he would rather wait until he could surprise her later on.
For now though with the pair gathered and ready, the wolf led them out of the tavern and back within the sprawling streets of Kalzasi. Activity buzzed and rustled throughout the Plaza as they walked into the scene, with people tarrying about with their normal routines, town criers calling out to inform the citizens of the latest events and whatnot. "So Rickter," Telion started as they walked along the street together, "what do you do here in Kalzasi?"
"Freelance mostly." He answered after about a moment of thought. "Mercenary work, laboring, whatever comes my way usually."
"Huh, aren't there guilds here for that sort of stuff?" The bard pointed out in turn, to which Hannah eyed him curiously when she did so.
"There are," He admitted, "but I don't associate with any of them."
"Huh, given your little display last night I can see why."
"Hannah!"
"It's alright." Rickter assured the bard without even looking to either one of them, clearly accepting of his role in last night's little excursion, which clearly meant he'd have to clarify a bit. "Sometimes caged fightin' ends with bad blood, last night somebody merely wanted to get back for their loss is all."
"So the hound likes to fight does he?" The brunette inquired in a speculatory tone of voice.
"Not really." He admitted. "It's one thing I can handle, and if it pays well then why not." And on that note he merely shrugged, a general nod directed towards a building they were approaching soon. "That there is the woodworker's shop, we'll find something that can replace the ukulele there." He reiterated as they came upon a large two-story building with wooden paneling that was well oiled, with a green structured roof and a hanging iron sign modeled after a tree; with the words "Into The Woods" edged out intrinsically over the detailing of the piece.
"Wow, the shops here are all really unique in some way." Telion remarked as they came to halt, with the pair of ladies basking in the sight of the shop itself.
"We call it the Plaza of Jeweled Arches, even though there's not really any to be found around here." The wolf informed the two thoughtfully as he kept an eye towards the air above them. "The shops themselves are what we refer to in that regard, what with so many colorful roofs and designs made to allow them to stand out better."
"Interesting." Hannah noted with a look to her companion, comparatively impressed with what she'd learned from the wolf.
"Well, show us more! I'd love to see the rest of Kalzasi!" Telion cheered almost eagerly, with a warm and vibrant smile cast to Rickter.
The wolf looked to her and, briefly, felt the firmness in his lips loosen, only to tighten in slight discomfort after a low chuckle pained his sides. "That'll come later," he remarked with his sights set back on the shop, "for now let's look to see, the sooner we find you a new instrument the better." He reasoned with a gesture for them to proceed onward, remembering the general rule of thumb that ladies ought to be the first allowed in public venues.
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
Re: A Song For Your Thoughts
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:28 pm
by Rickter
A Song For Your Thoughts Ash 3rd, 120th Year, A.o.S.
Looking further down the aisles, of course, there was even a section dedicated to musical instruments as well. Perfect. Upon noticing them Rickter pointed down to them, glancing down at Telion and Hannah afterward when he did so.
"There," he remarked with a general look to the pair, "go ahead and have a look. I need to meet with the owner of the store here." He remarked without even looking towards the counter, where a man with rich dark hair waited to greet the trio.
"Okay," Telion agreed as Hannah more or less followed her lead, "do you have any suggestions... or?..." Rickter noticed the brief manifestation of uncertainty, now that it had fallen on them to pick out her replacement.
"Find the one that you like best, then just bring it up to the counter when you're ready. I'll make the payment for it in turn." On that note Telion nodded in understanding, the two slowly walking off as Rickter watched for a moment. When they were finally halfway down the aisle, the wolf turned to approach the shop owner next, his voice kept low as he walked up to the man with a sullen face. "Greetings."
"Good day sir," the dark-haired man returned with a smile found within the layers of his beard, "My name's Oliver, what can I do for you today?"
"Well," Rickter started as he brought the tattered remains of the ukulele up, placing them between him and Oliver on the counter for the man to see, "I was wondering if you could repair this. Don't care how long you need, just need to know if it can be done."
Oliver looked at the smashed pieces in complete awe, undoubtedly curious as to how the hell the poor thing became so broken."Wow... that's going to be quite the project." The woodworker admitted as he looked at each of the few pieces individually. "I'm sure I can restore it, it'll just take me some time, between commissions from the guilds and whatnot."
"How much? And what cost?" Rickter quickly drove it to the point, as he knew his time would be limited, especially if the bard was already choosing her replacement already.
"Hmm. Give me about twenty days, and she'll be back together beautifully."
On that Rickter nodded and pulled out his coin pouch, "Also please keep this between you and me hm? This is a favor I'm doing for the girl, one she doesn't need to know about until it's time."
As if on queue Oliver looked past Rickter towards the pair within the instruments section, who seemed to be heavily debating something together, while they both tried out different instruments together during their discussion. When he looked back to Rickter, Oliver then smiled as he quickly collected the fragments on the counter.
"Not to worry, secret's safe with me." He assured Rickter as he moved to walk out past the counter, and retreat further within another part of the workshop. While he was gone Telion and Hannah approached, the blonde bard now holding another ukulele in her hands as they did.
"All ready then?" The wolf inquired when they reached the counter, to which Telion nodded in confirmation before speaking.
"Yeah, this'll do. Um, about your proposal earlier though." Rickter's eyes slightly widened in curiosity then, as he wondered what the verdict would come to for the pair of ladies before him. "You said you freelace right? So what if we partnered up for a bit? Obviously, you know Kalzasi better than we do, and honestly, Hannah and I need to be able to take on work while we're here." What she had requested of him suddenly daunted Rickter, as he'd agreed to be their guide around Kalzasi before, but this whole 'partnership' thing was suddenly out of the blue.
"I... suppose it couldn't hurt. You won't be doing any caged fighting though." He remarked as a plain fact, although the statement made the bard chuckle.
"No! I don't think I plan to anytime soon." Hannah sighed and kept her arms crossed, clearly not entirely on board with the idea. "But maybe together we can do a few jobs? Just until Hannah and I are more familiar with Kalzasi!" Oliver came back from within the shop soon after she'd said that, garnering a nod of agreement from Rickter when he saw the man returning.
"Alright, fine. Consider me your bodyguard then I guess, whatever jobs you want to go on, I'll go with you when the time comes." That answer made Telion grin a bit then, with the pair approaching the counter to meet with Oliver.
"Hello sir!"
"Hello miss," the shop owner greeted in turn with a friendly face, "I take it you'll be buying this?"
"That'd be me actually," Rickter weighed in plainly as he opened the pouch he'd been holding onto earlier, "how much?"
"Well, as per the arrangement we'd made," Oliver hinted which led the women to look between them curiously, "this here will add it to a total of seventy-five gold aven."
"Oof," Hannah remarked as she and Telion looked down at the ukulele, a little sure that the instrument wasn't that expensive, "not exactly pocket change now is it Wolf?" Rickter on the other hand didn't wait, already pulling out the banknotes needed to match the price, Telion looked a little thoughtful about the matter but said nothing in turn.
"Thank you sir." Oliver remarked with a brief bow as he accepted the change, placing the banknotes into a safe place somewhere beneath the counter.
"I'll... pay you back with some of the money we earn on jobs?" Telion murmured insecurely with a nervous grin, to which the wolf briefly shut his eyes with a slow shake of his head.
"That there was to repay you, for last night and the ukulele itself." The blonde looked down at her new instrument then, a little unsure of how she should react to the statement.
"Thank you." She finally remarked as they were heading out the door, the pair of ladies waving Oliver farewell as they all left the premises. "I suppose all that's left is to start finding work then." She remarked as Hannah walked alongside her, clearly pleased as punch that Rickter could afford such a transaction back within the shop.
"Don't rush it though, I get the impression big guy here needs a bit of rest first." Telion looked to be reminded of the fact Rickter had been assaulted, and quickly looked to the wolf with a sense of concern.
"Oh yeah, how are you feeling by the way?" Her tone was actually caring if not endearing, something Rickter didn't expect so suddenly from someone like her.
"I'm fine." He practically lied as he'd been ignoring the brief pains in his sides, though they only often manifested if he moved the wrong angle, or breathed in too deeply when he inhaled air. "Why don't you two head back to the tavern? I've a couple of things to do yet, and you can find me there later if you want..."
"Sounds good," Telion quickly agreed as they slowed to a halt within the street, "guess we'll see you later then?"
"Aye." The wolf mildly answered back in turn, admittedly a little surprised with how quickly the bard jumped to that conclusion. Did she really want to see him again later? Her brunette friend Hannah hardly seemed inclined to do so, nevertheless, Rickter's plan would remain simple as the terms he agreed to. Show the pair of ladies around Kalzasi whenever they wanted, and serve as their bodyguard should the two of them go on any jobs. It was honestly a bit of a ploy to buy him time, however much he can, to see if they'd linger in Kalzasi long enough for him to return Telion's actual instrument.
Thus he watched as the pair strolled off on their on, with Telion casting a brief farewell wave back at him as they left. The wolf found it odd just then, as the corners of his lips almost loosened into a smile when she did.
"I remember looking at her... and for whatever reason I just wanted to smile..."
Re: A Song For Your Thoughts
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:55 pm
by Mirage
Ricky
Lores
Skill
Body Building: Dealing With Lingering Pain From Injuries
Body Building: Improving Resistance To Unarmed Attacks
Etiquette: Keeping Your Promises
Etiquette: Providing Reparations For A Mistake You've Made
Negotiation: Offering A Feasibly Sound Idea As A Proposition
Deception: Hiding Your True Intentions From Others
General
Kalzasi: Into The Woods Workshop
Loot:
Loot: -75 GP (25 for commissioning the repairs, 50 for buying another ukulele)
Injuries: N/A
Points 5
Comments: Paying back those debts, or maybe taking on more than before? In any case steps in the right direction!