She says you don't want to get this way (open!)

[seagoing]

Who: Isabela & YOU!!
What: February catch all/Intro log + Quests!!
When: All month long!
Where: Mostly Wyver, but also Olympia
Warning(s): nsfw, violence, is she a warning all her own or



I.) Smuggling Operation: Start!

[It had been a while since she’d been involved in any dirty work like this. On the one hand it’s familiar like putting on a well worn glove with how easily she moves through the gates and towards the Hollow. Stealth always came easily to her anyway, steps quiet and swift like her footwork when she fights, mindful of the various alleys and shadows as to not be seen or noticed with how she moves with purpose. On the other, she knows knows smuggling is a tricky job with a plethora of consequences should she get caught doing it. It’s a job she would only accept a high pay for when she’d done it in the past, and even then it was easier when she had her ship, when clear skies paved a clear path to freedom and heavier pockets. It’s not the first time she wishes she had the beautiful form of the Siren’s Call for her to use, but she figures it’ll have to make do.

Which of course comes to why she’s volunteering to head out to do all of this free of charge and likely without any thanks in the first place. When she’d arrived only a few months ago she’d had help, and the people were nice enough while she’d gotten settled in the city. The tensions boiling caused an unrest she wasn’t comfortable with, but her stomach had settled into knots at seeing their joy of the ships getting struck down. The message she’d received only sealed it, and it’s led her to where she is now in wading through the bog, daggers strapped to her back and wrapped in a cloak, small sack hanging from her waist with a small knife and a similar ratty cloak inside. The goal was to find whoever she could, and bring them back under the guise of poor city beggars that yearned for coin but were otherwise harmless.

She grimaces at what she sees, hoping not everyone aboard had ended up like the various remains of unfortunate souls she passes while looking for survivors. It doesn’t take her long to realize either the stench is going to be the end of her or the fact that everything mostly looks the same before she’s scaling a tree to hopefully come across someone looking for a way out. And indeed she does, carefully leaping from branch to branch to get closer to whomever she’s found.]

Oh good, crazy bastards didn’t manage to get all of you with their little fireworks show. [She leaps down from her vantage point of a mossy tree, looking a muddy mess but overall relieved to see not everyone is the scattered gore and bones she’d passed getting here.] Say, how good are you at following directions? If you do as I say, I can get you out of this bog and into Wyver before nightfall.

II.) Foul Shenanigans

[Of course, she shouldn’t have expected this to be easy. It had been too easy in the first place in getting here, she should have expected some sort of a catch. She feels a little foolish even now as she leads who she’d found out of the hollow and toward civilization, thinking just dealing with the bog would be bad enough. But then she notices they’re being watched and she makes a motion to halt, pauses to look around to see who might be hiding in the wings, lingering behind uprooted trees and overgrown vines. It’s a surprise that she sees no one, only noticing the shadow of a bird fly overhead before motioning for them to move along.

...Of course, it’s when she notices the same shape of the bird’s shadow continually follow where they go that she frowns and takes notice. Was it waiting for them to join the fallen to become a meal to keep it’s belly full? Was it just wildlife out and about in it's territory?]

Say, you haven’t noticed if our little avian admirer is part of a flock hiding around here have you? [Which is when she looks up for the first time to try and see it, to get a better look beyond tracing it’s shadow. It looks at her in turn, and the screech it lets out momentarily makes her ears ring as it dives toward them. Maybe not a helpful friend after all, and she's angry at how she should have known better.] Shit, head for cover!


III.) {Wyver} Beer before Liquor…

[She’d brought her uneasiness about the uncomfortable turn of the citizens down to an uneasy roil of her stomach instead of an allover visible unease, but it didn’t keep her from being a little suspicious of the people surrounding her celebrating the holiday of...the brutal victory they’d earned against Olympia. Before the whole attack on the ships and the new light she’d seen the guards in as she’d smuggled lost people into the city walls she might not have thought much about it, after all for what little she’d encountered in the other city they were far from undeserving.

They both could stand to be knocked down a few pegs, which she’d accidentally muttered aloud under her breath near the earshot of a group of drunken rowdy men. It was just her luck that they’d managed to hear her, and even worse luck that she’d left most of her weapons at home, laid out on her bed as she intended to lay low and simply see what the festival was all about. Of course she had a small knife tucked away in her boot, but the last thing she wanted to do after everything was ending up having to fend off a bunch of sloppy drunks. She stands her ground regardless, split on trying to run and lose them or give them a few knocks on the head to have a hell of a headache to deal with later. Above all else she wants to avoid the outcome of the flames they chant about, being warm enough already, thanks very much.]

Sorry, but you’ll have to do better than that to get your hands on me. That stumbling sloppy drunken manner you have just isn’t my type. [She decides then it’ll probably be better to knock them out and get it over with, and she raises her fists with a smirk as she shifts to a more comfortable stance to fight in.] If these flames of yours make you so strong, then why don't you show me instead of rambling about it!

IV.) {Wyver} Where’s your holiday spirit? (potential nsfw)

[Not that the festival was all bad, dubious as it’s origins were. When she wasn’t out and about being wary of the guards and the fanatical talk on the street of what they’d do to any Olympians they could get their hands on, she was inevitably drawn to her favorite way of dealing with heavy shit; copious amounts of alcohol. Thankfully the bars were celebrating in full force, a benefit to her with their cheaper drinks and better company to be around outside near their stalls. After her earlier stunts she figured blending in with the revelry would be safest, and at least this kind of party was completely up her alley.]

a.) The bartender had more than insisted she try the cocktail of the season, it was tradition to drink it, and she was celebrating with everyone wasn’t she? Booze she could at least trust more than the mouth of any man, and she tries it for herself even with his promises that she’d find herself really enjoying it.

That much he ended up right about, and it’s an almost enjoyable experience of feeling her worries and concerns fade to the back of her mind and the comfortable sultry warmth of desire come to take it’s place. She feels not unlike she had the gala which clues her in that the drink hadn’t been an ordinary one, but that had come with good results then, and with how she still feels in control of herself she can only think it has promise now. Wyver and their pleasures of the flesh, this much she enjoys about the city.

She feels looser walking around, unburdened by obligation and emboldened with the urge to take advantage of her ‘fitting in with the locals’ to enjoy herself. She didn’t like their sudden bloodlust coming to rise, but it wasn’t her war to fight after all. She’d helped more of the refugees from the station settle in too, so didn’t she deserve a night to have a little fun?

She saunters up to whomever is nearest to her with a grin, feeling the burn of the alcohol set her nerves alight with a need, an itch she longs to scratch.]

You know, they never cease to impress me with what lengths they go to for us to let go and enjoy ourselves. [There’s a heated look aimed their way as she looks them up and down shamelessly, an amused yet devious curve to her lips as she stresses 'enjoy ourselves' as she speaks. ] Of course, there's no shame in indulgence, right?

b.) [Amidst all the drinks were various treats, ranging from spicy and savory to sweet and tart. She’d grabbed a few of the small desserts for herself and headed out into the revelry, taking a bite of a fruit laden cake that had caught her eye. The fresh taste of the fruit combined with the sweetness of the cake relaxes her somewhat as she looks amidst the people out celebrating.

She’s less on edge, calmer, softer like she is at home by herself, around the people she admires so much. She thinks of them then, and an urge to be close to someone comes insistently that she can’t ignore it. Like the gala, she thinks what are big celebrations like this for if not to break the mold, daring to take a chance? She’s far too at ease to look for anyone like hunting down prey, instead people watching with a soft smile on her face. Someone interesting catches her eye eventually, and she pushes forward to talk to them with an easy roll of her shoulders.]

So, what’s your favorite part of this whole thing? I personally like that even celebrating the victory of a slain leader they find an excuse to keep the ale flowing and the food neverending. [She chuckles, wanting to be closer to the other somehow, gently brushing her shoulder against theirs as she comes up to their side.] It's kind of smart after all. What better way to celebrate than to keep our bellies fed and all of us...content with each other?

V.) {Olympia} Ghosts of the Past

[She’d gotten daring after breaking her way into Wyver several times by now. Olympia couldn’t possibly be much different, and after the last time and the way Wyver was celebrating she wouldn’t dare be caught walking in the front door like she had last time. It takes longer, but she weaves her way around the guards about to more familiar areas she’d been to the last time she was here. The atmosphere though couldn’t be anymore jarring with how solemn everything is, and she finds herself listening in to the tale of the very same man the people of Wyver were singing and drinking to his beheading. It’s not her business, but the way everyone mills about calls to something inside of her buried deep down that makes her stop and sit for a bit in remembrance of them.

She gets a drink closest to the taste of the Antivan ale her mother had stolen off a man once, swishing the glass about in thought. Was her mother lost like everyone else unfortunate to the storm that had overtaken Thedas? Or was she up on the station, eternally in rest with everyone else she had yet to see around? She didn’t go up to the station unless absolutely necessary, and even then she went nowhere near the stasis units. It wasn’t an answer she even wanted to know, torn between anger and loss at the thought of her just being gone, after everything. It was strong and bitter, burned going down similar to what she remembered.

She blames the jarring atmosphere of the city, the bartender who’d started all of this in the first place by asking if she’d lost someone important to her. It makes her think, and on this she hates thinking. She notices someone near her after a while and turns to them, curious.]

Mind if I ask you a question? [Her expression is soft but somber, serious in a way she hardly lets herself be to others.] What do you do when you miss someone you’d thought you’d rather never see again in the first place?

VI.) Want something different than the above starters? Hit me up via PM or at batterwitch! Individual + Quest starters also below!!

Comments

V

[poolhall_killer]

[A light huff and smile grace a hidden face. A face behind a wall of white hair. He takes a swig of his brandy, turning to address the woman next to him.]

I'd probably have a drink in her honor, and then continue to drink to forget.

[He had a complicated relationship with the woman Lord Zato loved. He grew to respect her, but at the same time, their fights weighed more than their discussions. To this day, he's not sure if he likes or hates her.]

I could go deeper, but I would require the whole bottle.

[seagoing]

I think I'd like to do the same, but I can't even remember the name that was on the bottle. [She holds up her glass in reference.] They gave it a good shot at getting close to it with this though.

[Forgetting sounds far too much like a good idea, but each lantern she'd passed combined with the quiet atmosphere of the bar reminds her of a time long past. The hate she feels for her mother's betrayal, and the longing at wanting her to be free like she once was without the shackles of the Qun making her a slave. It's all a complicated mess, and she appreciates the company even under unfortunate circumstances.]

That's something we could make a reality if you wanted. I thought I'd come over for a break from how things are in Wyver right now, but I hadn't expected things to get so serious. And well, I know I could stand to wash away things better left in the past. [She smiles a little.] Especially with such charming company as always. Last time we saw each other was the gala, right?

[poolhall_killer]

It was. And still don't believe you find me charming.

[Venom will never give himself enough credit when it comes to being cordial and social. He sips his drink, considering the bottle now that he's thinking about Millia.]

The celebrations of this battle are literally night and day. I feel both have their place, but something here makes me feel more at home. To help me cope with my past.

[He turns to his new friend.]

Would you be willing to indulge me and share a bottle?

[seagoing]

You might be keeping it hidden beneath that long curtain of hair that you have, but you're plenty charming. It helps that you say all the right things too.

[She laughs, taking another swallow of the strong liquid in her glass. He might not believe her, but it just makes him even more so to her. Not many men she's met ever bothered to be humble after all.]

It's kind of crazy isn't it? Over there there's enough drinks and food about to fill a river and keep you full for days, but everything here is so...quiet, haunting in a way. [She frowns a little at that. It was definitely something she didn't like, but...] The past has always been just that for me, it's not often I try to even pay it any mind anymore.

I was hoping you'd ask. [That perks her up though, and she gives him a sort of relieved smile.] Got anything in mind, or should we go for whatever packs the most punch?

v

[milesedgelord]

[Miles had to admit to himself that it was more and more often that he had found himself in the bars of Olympia. It wasn't completely that he was avoiding his house but it was partly the reason. He sat at the bar nursing something that came close to being a bourbon when Isabela spoke.]

Certainly.

[The question had taken him off guard. He had spent most of his remembrance day to remember his father. But another man came to mind at Isabela's question. He had similar complex feelings towards his mentor Manfred Von Karma. The man had taken the life of his father and adopted him only to use him as a pawn in a convoluted ploy to have revenge on the man who destroyed his obsession with perfection.

At the same time, the man had raised, fed and clothed him. Offered the sort of opportunities to study law that he would have otherwise not had, and despite everything else ended up unintentionally giving him another family in the form of his sisters. He looked contemplative before answering her.]

That is a paradox, isn't it? Feelings can be complex things. And there really isn't an easy answer.

You can miss someone despite the negative influence they have had on you. It says more of who you are than the person you are missing.

[He let out a deep sigh and finished off his bourbon.

[seagoing]

Hmm.

[She considers him as he speaks, knowing its far from an easy question to answer. Likely it would be one no one had to ever have an answer to at all if she could help it, the familiar look on his face thinking about it all too relatable to her own. ]

Its all sort of frustrating isn't it? To want to feel one way about it but you can't entirely, there's always that little something that redeems them for you.

[It hadn't been an easy life growing up in Rivain with her mother, but it was her childhood to claim and no one elses. The constant traveling, the flow of valuables stolen from both deserving and innocent folks to fall prey to her mother's lies. The same tricks and lies that helped her rise to take control of her own life and accomplish the achievements she had. It wasn't an easy life by far, but it was hers...until the Qunari took her mother away from her, until her mother abandoned her to the lowest bidder.]

I wonder though. Are we the better people to have come far to see it from both ends, or are we still longing for something we've lost? [She swishes the liquid in her glass around as she speaks, taking a sip from it after.] Ugh, I blame this whole thing going on, the lanterns and such. I wouldn't have thought about her otherwise. I'm guessing the same goes for you as well?

[milesedgelord]

Frustration is an apt word for it.

[He paused.]

Then there is always that little thought in the back of the mind that perhaps it was something you've done. That maybe if you were a bit better, or tried harder, things would have been different somehow. That you so desperately want to hate them but you paradoxically want them so much to love you.

[It was that thought that drove him in the early days. That he could somehow prove himself to the man he used to admire so much. That somehow he would be worthy of his notice. In his later years, that wish to emulate his former mentor so perfectly had turned to an anxiety that he somehow was going to be just like the monster who had raised him.]

I think it has always been a bit of both. I am glad for the man I've grown to be despite him, but there will always be that sense of longing...It's foolish.

[This was a topic he had rarely ventured with even his closest friend much less a stranger in a seedy bar. It felt odd to be doing so now. It must have been the alcohol and the overall atmosphere that was putting him in such a mood. He gestured for a refill on his bourbon, which he graciously accepted. There was a sense of comfort in commiseration.]

It is. The whole country seems to be in the mood to mourn.

[seagoing]

[His words hit home in ways she hadn't even thought to consider a stranger possible of doing, and at first she responds by taking a bigger drink from her glass. He doesn't know her history at all, no one save for one other person around in this world being the only one who does, and neither does she know his past either. But he gets to the heart of it with the little thought in the back of your head, the desire that never truly goes away.

The burn of the ale she drinks helps keep things where they belong in the timeline of her life, but it never truly goes away. It helps, to tell someone who doesn't seem like they'd care to pry deeper than allowed.]

Maddening right? It should make sense to be done with them, to move forward without looking back, or giving in to what they wanted for you. How could we truly despise someone we've come to care for, without wanting them to change? And then you try to convince them yourself, or even change who you are while thinking they might be right. after all. I don't know about you but I think in that it was always the right choice to walk away.

[She frowns, but she gives him a look of understanding, of quiet sympathy as he speaks. She'd done everything she could to change her mother's mind, tried to see the brighter side of things with Luis...and while one she's beyond glad to know is dead and gone, the other makes her stomach twist uncomfortably in a way that isn't the ale.]

The mistakes of the past make us who we are today. That's how I've always seen it, after all it's not like either of us could expect them to have treated us so. [A sigh, and she turns to look out towards the door for just a moment as if seeing something hidden.] I sometimes wish she was probably up there myself, with everyone else still in dreamland. It's better that it's highly unlikely she even could be, and it's not like I want to see her anyway but...I do. To want to make up for something I had every right to be angry for, the thought alone is ridiculous.

[When the server comes to refill her company's drink she raises her own glass in offering for more of the strong ale she'd chosen. She's ever rarely in the mood to even vaguely talk of this to anyone she knows, but the drinks absolutely help. And she would need a lot more of them if she's to get through this gloomy mourning period.]

Ironic when further down south it's far less mournful, more celebratory. You could blink and miss the cause from the vibrant atmosphere around the place.

III

[tzaraisen]

[ Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, Percival hasn't been receiving friendly welcomes from Wyver recently at all. He may not be a high ranking Olympian, but it isn't difficult for foreigners to deduce that he is a foreigner, and thus, he's grown quite used to hostile environments.

Like this bar.

Even if he were to stay out of things that aren't his business (he won't, he's nosy and too righteous for his own good), the fact that it's Isabella dealing with this makes it even more of an easy decision to join her defense. ]

I wonder... do you think these so-called flames would match up to mine, Isabella? [ He steps out from the corner he's been hanging out in, practically daring the drunk men to take a step further. Unfortunately, they're stupid and belligerent enough that they probably will. ]

[seagoing]

[At first she's surprised to hear his voice of all people where they are, given his position and the fact that Wyver is certainly not Olympia. But it's a welcome one, and she feels a little emboldened at knowing she wouldn't have to deal with this alone being mostly unarmed. She keeps an eye on the drunks before them both, but laughs when she watches him come from where he'd been lingering. Like a knight in shining armor, or something like the fairy tales of old.]

You know, I wonder that myself. I think you could leave them as nothing but a pile of ashes if you wanted.

[She grins, feeling a cocky urge of confidence take hold as they come closer to them, muttering obscenities and hurling insults to both of them. They hadn't liked hearing from her that Wyver wasn't as great as they bragged to be, and they liked seeing how out of place Percival was even less.

But while she was mostly unarmed she knew he wasn't with his abiities, and she meets their advance with a step forward of her own.]

They seem to doubt you though. Think they've earned a show so they can see for themselves how far they've placed their foot in their mouths?

iii

[unweave]

[ Y'know, the worst part about all of this? It's probably not any different than what is going on in Olympia. Aranea's danced with a few royal guards back during the gala from both sides and they both had this pompous attitude — especially towards women.

Isabela might not be ready for a fight, but with a crack of Aranea's spear impaling the ground between both friend and foe. ]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hate to interrupt, but it seems no one on this damn planet knows how to treat a lady.

[ From absolutely no where, Isabela will find Aranea riiiight next to her, pulling her weapon from the ground without any hesitance. ]

Mind if I cut in?

[ Because pretty ladies shouldn't have to deal with drunk jerks. ]

Re: iii

[seagoing]

[Isabela couldn't care less about their various slurred threats and insults on her person they spit at her, or how she's 'defiling the sacred virtues of the Eternal Flame'. It all just makes her roll her eyes which in turn makes them even angrier, and she shifts to a defensive stance as they make a move toward her. One shouts about offering the non believer to the Flame to show they don't agree with her opinions, and it's only then she feels on edge. Words are one thing being harmless and forgettable, but actions were another that's far more dangerous, almost impossible to ignore.

She settles down into a crouch as the mob decides it would be a good idea to feed her to the flame, reaching for the short knife she'd tucked away in her boot. She longs for her daggers more than ever now, feeling confident that the sight of a blade pointed to their throat would have them running for the hills.

Which of course when she hears the spear come more than actually sees it, and she dodges back with quick reflexes as it lands where she had just been, dividing her from the drunken men. The voice that follows is familiar in a comfortable way, the smooth lilt one she always enjoyed hearing. She turns to look in its direction with a relieved smile while feeling glad she has some backup on her side.]

Oh, but you should have been here to hear their plans for me. [She laughs, as if the situation had changed to something that isn't as tense.] I swear, you have one particularly strong little disagreeing opinion with everyone else and they all just want to burn you alive.

[And she finally takes hold of the knife she'd stashed in her high rise boots, making a note to thank her generous giftee in the future as she rises to stand next to Aranea with it in hand.]

It doesn't help that I'd left all my fun toys at home too, don't think I can accomplish much with this. [And she flips the blade in the air just once before catching it. It was broad and sharp, but no more than a few inches long. It wouldn't be the best to fight with but it's something, and she gives a satisfied grin in the other woman's direction.] So if you want to join in by all means do, but don't think I'll leave you to handle everything.

[unweave]

[ It's honestly frustrating how these rituals were so different from their own. Sure, there was religious figures and prophecies and Gods — but dragons? Eternal flames and petty wars? Aranea wasn't going to let someone be at risk of "playfulness turns to tragedy" — not going to happen. When she spotted Isabela before, she finally made the choice to step in, clutching onto her lance with so much as a small aura of badass with her. Isabela compliments that with the sharp wit and tongue. ]

Look how far we've come since fighting dragons and warring like primitives — [ She lies, trying to detour the prospect of a fight breaking out. It's hard to when you're dealing with drunkards, though. As Isabela joins her, the knife catches her attention and she's pretty much ready to fight by this point. A sigh of acceptance. ] Oh? I wouldn't steal your stage. Something about divine payback when kicking someone's ass who threatened you.

[ But, she tips her lance towards the drunkies. ]

You still looking for BBQ or did you sober up?

IV-B because I'm a horrible person

[smithandwesson]

[Where most people were running about and celebrating the festivities Sanzo had been working. He was a low level shaman at the Alter of Valkkra and was instead assigned to up-keeping the events at the festivities, making sure the event went smoothly.

Well, as smoothly as a festival in Wyver would go at least.

He was just finishing up with a situation involving a cart vendor who was a little too agitated at a neighboring event artist when he heard the voice come up from behind him. And then there was the slight brush of shoulders.

.... Just great. Another flirty citizen among the general masses was it? When was this day going to end?]

I think I personally enjoy the mass consensus that the celebration of a bias historical source is good enough of a reason to throw every sense of civility out the window.

[Ah. Was he not supposed to say that out loud? Ah well.]

Although I doubt everyone is content with each other per say. Broken up more than enough fights, most of them targeting all the recent refugees.

more like the best person

[seagoing]

I hardly doubt it really matters what the reason is for such an occasion. I'm sure a lot of them are out for such reasons, but offer enough food and drink and you'll have everyone out gallivanting in the streets.

[She definitely hadn't needed a reason, even if she was initially wary of the high energy amongst the people after what they'd done to the people who'd just awoken to everything going on. But its a concern faded to the back of her thoughts, replaced by an urge just to be near someone else right now.

He seemed standoffish in his body language, which was but a challenge she paid little mind to in wanting to talk to him. Besides, the grumpy ones always ended up being the most interesting people to get to know. It would likely come down to being careful in her approach, and she definitely had the drive to get closer to him.]

People will always attempt to find good reason for that too. Usually from mishearing something trivial or the like. You have a point though, I know I've gotten involved in one too many myself lately. And no, I didn't start them.

[She offers that even to a stranger because she refused to count the number of times she'd been blamed for being the cause of a drunken street fight, even if most of the time they were right about it. Details, details. She sighs a little at that though, offering him a brief shrug instead of more words about the matter.]

At least with all this mostly everyone's too involved with each other to worry about anything outside the walls for once. Means us people who'd rather not get involved with it get a bit of a reprieve. [She gives him a smile, playfully bumping into his shoulder. She's not normally a very touchy person outside of the bedroom, but it just feels too good to resist doing anything else.] Refugee or not, you look as if you've earned a break yourself. Can I get you something to eat, or maybe even a drink? They set out more than enough for everyone to have their fill after all, and that includes you.

[smithandwesson]

[Every instinct in his body had told him that food or drink from a stranger was probably not the best idea in this sort of setting, especially with what personal experience had lead him to believe during all his months spent in Wyver. But the cheapskate in him was happy to see a free meal for what it was as well. Also, despite the flirtatious behavior, at least this one seemed fairly civil in her approach.

What the hell, he hadn't eaten since the morning, and he was sick and tired of kicking the asses of unruly citizens for the day. A small break should have no repercussions on his current employment.

He sighed but out, casually swatting her away with his hand before looking down. Letting his body relax just a little.]

Might as well. But you're paying if that's the case.

[He was saving every bit of the pay that he got after all. How else was he supposed to start up the endeavors that he had planned?]

wildcardddd

[puffing]

[ who knows why Bigby decided to mingle with Isabela on this particular afternoon. perhaps they had spent the night before together, or maybe he's just conveniently run into her while walking the streets of Wyver before entering the East End of the city. regardless of the reason, the two troublemakers are paired together once more, this time with the assumption that they would, gasp, keep out of trouble. he isn't good at idle chit chat, but he can safely say he likes the company of the woman with him more than dislikes, so he wasn't about to find an excuse to separate. ]

Why are we outside again? Lot of people walking around... I think there's some kind of celebration going on.

[ that much is obvious. they've since crossed through the Old City, where crowds of people hooting and hollering flock the streets and the buildings and pathways far more festive than normal. Bigby doesn't do celebrations, let alone one for a city he has no investment in. he attempts to guide the both of them further away, but it only results in him bringing them closer to where Shanrian's many devoted followers have setup shop and begin to flaunt their unique forms of skill.

Bigby's just going to pull out a cigarette and light it while looking around with a careful eye, seeing how they're already beginning to get a few odd glances. his elbow nudges Isabela on the side. ]

—You didn't get yourself involved in some shit with these people like the first time I ran into you, right.

[seagoing]

It's because there's something going on. It's at least keeping them from trying to shoot more things out of the sky, can you blame me for wanting to see what's gotten everyone's attention instead?

[Honestly Isabela had figured he'd have headed off in the morning after staying over at her place for a late night visit between the sheets, but when she'd woken up to the joyful voices and sounds of celebration he'd stayed with her instead. At least it didn't seem like they'd gotten trigger happy again, and the decorations certainly seemed planned well in advance.

She's quiet talking to him, appreciative of his mutual wariness of the people around them. They'd all left her with a bit of a sour taste in her mouth when the ships initially fell from the sky, seeing how excited they all were with the potential loss of however many lives were aboard the ships. She'd done her fair share of sticking it to them by bringing in any survivors inside the walls, mostly to spite them but also to give the newly awakened a fair chance.

She looks around at all the various stalls and shops; some were showing off their intricate handcrafted wares, others were doing various performances of song and dance. She couldn't possibly understand the point of all of it alone at just a glance, but she turns to him with a surprised look when he nudges her. Of course, then his words actually register and she frowns in what could possibly be the makings of a pout.]

Never will let that go will you? I told you, I was simply passing by when they loudly made their little deal. You know I'm far more careful than that by now, much more resourceful. Flexible even too.

[But the way he looks out at everyone even as she goes for a teasing jab his way doesn't quite sit right with her, and she starts to notice that several people around are actually deigning to look at them instead of the various attractions. She'd never been more relieved to have her daggers with her just in case of any funny business, and she knows with Bigby being...well, himself she was far from in any danger.

An attendant of the area comes up to them then, gaudily dressed and speaking of high praises of the brave and glorious king Shanrian. He gives them both a curious glance over after, before cheerfully asking what they had come prepared with to show for the competition. The whole thing catches Isabela off guard, uncomfortable with the way he keeps eyeing the weapons she'd kept on her.]

[puffing]

Yes. I can and I will blame you. Attention in these parts doesn't usually mean anything good.

[ especially for a bunch of refugees have been tasked to basically live an undercover life. but whatever, he is outside and with Isabela when they could very much be inside and doing something more beneficial with their time. it didn't even have to be sexual! they've proven to make a good pair when it comes to getting out of sticky situations, however, and if she's going to drag herself into crowds of people and no doubt catch someone's eye, he might as well be there to save her ass.

again.

and what do you know? they catch someone's eye. several pairs, in fact, even though he has no idea why. maybe it's because Isabela is just an eye-catching woman, but Bigby isn't happy with this kind of attention in the slightest. she makes a joke about flexibility and he's jabbing her in the side once more, this time with a much more pointed elbow. ]

We're going to see how flexible we both are if you just bent us over to get fucked.

[ his voice is low and he moves his lips as little as possible, but that most likely makes them look all the more suspicious. they may be able to defend themselves, but this is where they live, and fighting a bunch of people at a festival sounds like the worst, yet quickest way to see themselves out. upon the attendant approaching them and putting them on the spot, Bigby lets out a drawn out sigh and a very quiet, yet pronounced fuck. here they go again. ]

We're here for something more... physical. [ ??? he's working on where he is getting at as he speaks, eyes serveying the area as quick as possible. Isabela, he's going to go ahead and reach to where her daggers are to pull one out quite suddenly, even deciding to pinch her ass from behind with his other hand as another reminder of how much he keeps saving it. ] Uh. A dagger throwing contest. With... uh. Isabela here, she's going to throw the daggers at... well...

[ this idea is getting more and more worse as his sentence continues. he stops talking to look at Isabela in hopes that she continues, instead pinching his nose and looking down. ]

Fuck me.

V!!

[vorrutyer]

You're already doing it.

[ Byerly, though, never is really serious. Or, well - sometimes he is, but it takes a hell of a lot more than this. He smiles at her, and taps on the rim of his own glass. ]

Of course, the easiest way to go about things is not getting fond enough of people to miss them in the first place. But it sounds as though that ship has sailed, eh?

[seagoing]

[There's a sight for sore eyes. She smiles back at him in turn, glad to see the other man around again after a while. Mostly she assumes the whole living in a different city is to blame for that, but it feels good to see him all the same. After all, it's hard to stay so serious when he's in a room.]

That's the plan anyway, or I wouldn't have gone with something nearly as strong. [Really she could have gone stronger, but she'd wanted to try and recreate that faint memory of taste that lingers on her tongue.] Nostalgia's to blame for this too really, but it'll hardly matter if I drink enough of it at least.

[Her smile wavers just slightly, giving away everything going on is affecting her much more than she wants it to. She covers by laughing it off instead, chasing the knot in her chest down with strong ale.]

Getting too attached always makes things far too messy at the end of the day. Unfortunately it was all but unavoidable. [She laughs again, short as she takes a bigger swig from her glass.] You could say it's like the ship never made it to port in the first place.

[vorrutyer]

Mm.

[ He smiles rather ironically down at his drink, but doesn't say anything. The people he misses...Yes, there are some strange ones in there. Who would have thought he'd be pining for the terrifying Simon Illyan? Though that's less out of nostalgia, and more out of sheer desperation for someone who would know how to handle...all this. ]

So who are you sailing your ship for tonight, my beauty?

V

[exorion]

[Cayde barks a laugh at the question, both thrown by someone suddenly asking him something like that, and what it makes him consider. The questions he's being doing a real good job of ignoring until now. He misses all the messed up stuff, being at war with every damn thing that comes within 100 miles of Earth. Hell, at this point he'd even take Taniks just for the sake of having a familiar enemy.]

[He swills his glass thoughtfully, letting out a long 'hmmm' as he thinks that question over. Mostly for effect.]

Look for some bad guys to shoot, drink a lot. [He lifts the glass halfway to his mouth and then stops suddenly with a tilt of his head.] Probably do a little comfort eating too.

[seagoing]

That all sounds like a much better time than everything that's going on around here. The lanterns are a sweet touch for sure, but it's all just too gloomy if you ask me.

[And not to mention seeing all the people mourning over the loss of a loved one or the various small graveyards make her think too much in the first place, she'd much rather prefer a more pleasant distraction.

Which she gets looking at him he supposes, giving him a curious look as he laughs amidst the quiet and solumn air of the bar. It's nice to hear instead of pensive silence, and his following answer brings a smile to her face.]

I've at least made a decent start with part of that list. [And she raises her glass to him as if to show it off before taking another sip of it's contents.] I suppose target practice could make for a good diversion along with being good practice. Normally I'd be off at a brothel or something of the sort myself, but given the general atmosphere it's a bit hard to get my heart into the idea.

[Because even in a new world some things say the same.] Funny you mention food though, I haven't eaten much since I headed here from Wyver. They'd had plenty of food there, but it seemed like it was for another type of a good time. [Mostly sex. Maybe she should have just stayed in town after all.] I bet something hearty and filling could drive away most bad memories though. Was anything your favorite to reach for the most?

[exorion]

Aw man.

[Cayde leans back in his seat, all showmanship and positivity in contrast to the rest of the bar as he gestures broadly.]

There used to be this ramen place down in the City. Did the best spicy ramen this side of... Well, anywhere. [chef kiss] Perfection in a soupy noodle bowl.