[ That is the question, isn't it? Ardbert pauses in eating for a moment as he considers what would happen if they were to find passage back to Hydaelyn. He has no body to return to, even if he seems to (somehow) have one here, so would he simply convert back into aether and return to M'ahina? Or has some higher being granted him a kindness by giving him a physical form, one he'll be allow to keep regardless of where he travels?
There is, of course, no way of knowing. Not when they're not sure who or what is responsible for their appearance here in the first place.
Even with all of this uncertainty, however, M'ahina manages to insert some brightness. How one could ever consider her a Warrior of Darkness, Ardbert couldn't say. When he looks at her, all he sees is light. ]
Aye, you're not wrong about that. [ He smiles briefly. ] I'll be curious to see how the taverns of this star compare to the ones we know.
[ Nudged out of his more anxious thoughts, Ardbert polishes off the rest of his meal and his tea. ]
Not terribly different, I would assume. [ Even in trying to reconcile her image of such a place with the oddities she's seen here, surely a place to drink is a place to drink? ] Or hope, rather. And with you there, mayhap I won't need to worry my mug has been poisoned!
[ Which can be counted among those jokes she wishes weren't quite so true. ]
Still, I suppose we'll see tomorrow.
[ Which she is looking forward to, in more ways than one. The company goes without saying, but it will also be good to quit this place. There is an air of... being lost, perhaps. She's somewhat glad Ardbert won't be lingering here as long as she has. ]
[ That's an alarming thing to announce, and Ardbert looks to M'ahina with widened eyes. ]
Is that something which happens to you often?
[ Despite how close the two of them are, there's still plenty they don't know about each other's lives, about all of their experiences and adventures. Even after joining his soul with hers, it's not as if Ardbert suddenly became privy to all of M'ahina's memories.
And yes, tomorrow. Ardbert's eager to get started on something, even if it's menial work. It's still the first step in their journey here, wherever it may take them, and it will make him feel a bit less like he's drifting. Which, suffice to say, is a feeling he's grown quite tired of by this point. ]
Well... I wouldn't say often, but I've cause to be paranoid, I think. It was during a peace conference, and one of the dissenters... strongly disapproved of my presence. [ To put it one way. ] Oh, and the time sultana was given sleeping draught and I was subsequently framed for murder. That was fun.
[ She gives a wry smile and shrugs. It was rather not fun at all, actually, but it feels ages ago now, and things eventually worked themselves out. Either way, she is unbothered. ... Though she does prefer to see her drinks being poured now. ]
You must have gotten into equal amounts of trouble, yes? It was quite the merry band you had going!
[ "Fun" is one way of putting it, though Ardbert realizes that M'ahina is being facetious. She would rather make light of something than dwell on it, and he understands it's her way of coping with things that are, by all accounts, quite horrible. He appreciates that she's so open with him, even when it comes to memories she might not want to relive.
When she turns the subject back on him, Ardbert hums in contemplation as he lifts a hand to rub at his beard. ]
Yes, plenty of trouble, though nothing quite like what you've described. [ After a pause, he meets her eyes. ] Though I shouldn't expect our journeys to mirror each other exactly, should I?
[ Plenty of the broad strokes were similar, but he suspected the details would differ quite a bit. ]
Well, I suppose not, and yet... [ Hmm. It's difficult to explain her thoughts on the matter, but she will have to try her best. ] I almost wouldn't be surprised if they did? Parallel worlds and so forth, so some strange coincidences may not be all that strange after all.
[ Something to that effect, although she already knows that he is correct. Their journeys weren't exactly the same. But there was something strangely nostalgic in the way Ardbert spoke of Norvrandt, and of the bits and pieces she'd collected of his friends; perhaps not a mirror as such, but in the same spirit all the same. ]
It's enough to be curious about, in any case. Then again, I'm told I can be a bit of a busybody.
[ She's not certain she agrees with that assessment, of course. But so it goes. ]
[ Ardbert nods, accepting her explanation of it with little in the way of protest. He suspects that they will stumble upon these similarities when they're least expecting it, and yet there's a joy in that, isn't it? He doesn't find their mirroring of each other to be anything upsetting or eerie, not now that their link is so well-understood.
The same, yet different. It describes many things about the two of them.
His lip curls up on one side as he draws the edges of the blanket up and then spreads it to wrap it around his shoulders more firmly. ] That may be true, but I can't say I necessarily see that as a bad thing. Your desire to know more about others comes from a good place, from what I've seen.
[ He'd had plenty of time to observe M'ahina and how she handled situations by now. Usually when she pries into someone's affairs, it's because she senses something is amiss and wishes to help. ]
Sometimes! [ She gives a small laugh. ] Sometimes, it's naught but curiosity. Or a habit, you could say?
[ Such information has a way of making itself useful later, but she can't say it's her intent to fish for later jobs--it's just fun meeting people. Figuring out their workings. In this case, there seems fair little to discover in a way, but who can say? They may yet surprise each other.
She sets the remnants of food aside and smooths her blanket out over the ground, electing to lay on top of it instead of smoothing it out, curling into a little ball. ]
A shame it's so late.
[ Though she admits she probably needs the rest. ]
[ Ardbert shrugs, because even then he doesn't see what the problem would be with M'ahina showing what he knows would be genuine curiosity in another person. That desire to learn more, to connect, is natural.
If they wanted, he suspects that they could stay up all night chatting about this and that, or nothing at all. But the rest is something he knows he likely needs, after not truly resting for so, so long. And he also suspects the other people holed up in this temporary housing with them wouldn't be too thrilled if they continued to make noise long after everyone had gone to sleep. ]
Worry not. [ He smiles at her briefly as he scoots himself back up until he's leaning against the wall. After resting his forearms up on his knees, he decides he's more than comfortable enough to fall asleep. After long days spent traveling on the road, Ardbert learned how to sleep just about anywhere. ] Tomorrow's another day.
[ Unless this was all some strange dream, but... no, he does believe he can tell the difference by now. ]
[ Rest comes all too easily for M'ahina. The facility gets quite cold at night owing to little protection from the elements, and she awakens more curled into her blanket than she started -- wrapped around it rather than draped over her, as most people would. But as the sun rises, the spot transforms from cool stone to a patch of warm light, and she awakens well rested and refreshed. More so than she has been in some time, as it seems the headache that's been plaguing her since arrival has finally broken.
A glance at her companion shows him to still be asleep, and rather than waking him, she hops to her feet and starts the fold up the blanket. From sheer force of habit, she finds herself asking if any of their fellow refugees need any assistance and finds herself quite busy in a series of menial tasks, though unlike home, it is not customary to reward such services here. She finds she doesn't care much; it will keep her occupied until either Ardbert wakes up or she grows bored and wants to move on to things of greater import. Though hopefully it's the former. ]
[ Both drifting off to sleep and waking up the next morning are things that Ardbert hasn't done in nigh on a century. The falling asleep part had happened naturally enough, the sheer exhaustion draping over him before he could think too hard on it as his newly corporeal body did all the work.
Waking up, on the other hand, is more of a trial. It's been so, so long since he truly slept that he finds the act of waking to be far more difficult that it should be. He does become aware of the warmth of the sun on his skin (a sensation he missed more than he could have ever realized) and the hustle and bustle of other people moving around and exchanging some hushed words now that it's morning.
However, it's only as he senses M'ahina approaching again, no doubt to check in on him, that he finally finds it in him to crack open his eyes. That groggy feeling, not to mention the sensation of sleep at the edges of his eyes, is both new and nostalgic all at once. He lets out a large, open-mouthed yawn as he sits up and rubs at his eyes. ]
... G'morning. [ Even his words come out thick with sleep. Ah, it's been too long. ] If I'm honest, I feel like I could sleep another sun or two.
[ Of course, that won't be happening. There's work to be done. Through another yawn, Ardbert stretches his arms above his head and lets out a groan as he back cracks in a few places. ]
[ Ah, yes. That feeling of being run down by a chocobo carriage--she knows it quite well. ]
It doesn't let up, I'm afraid. [ She gives a small, sympathetic chuckle and smile a hand to help him to his feet, should he accept it. ] Or, it didn't for me, at least.
[ Though now that it's passed, she is both ready and willing to be productive enough to make up for the time she's lost, and entirely unwilling to slow her momentum. ]
Mayhap we can find you some tea, and leave the heavy lifting to me until it works its magic? ... As it were.
[ She doesn't mind. Their main tasks of the day are becoming acquainted with their lodgings and their new jobs, which she hardly needs Ardbert coherent for if he's truly feeling out of sorts. And if he still feels weary by the time said tasks are done, it would seem preferable for him to get more rest in an actual bed while she scours the town for information. ]
[ While this sense of exhaustion is bone-deep and far more physical than what he's had to put up with in decades, it's not as if he hadn't also been tired as a shade. A different sort of tired, to be sure, but there had been so many days when he'd just wished for it to be over, while also knowing he was cursed to exist (in the broadest sense of the word) forever.
He had been able to rest within M'ahina, for better or worse, though he wouldn't say he's eager to return to that now. He knows it's where he'll end up eventually, but the chance to live alongside her is admittedly intriguing.
After taking her hand and finding his feet, he rubs more sleep out of his eyes. ]
Tea would be good. I'm confident my energy will return to me eventually. [ After a pause and moment of consideration, he gives M'ahina a brief nudge in the side. ] Can't have you taking on all the work yet again.
True. I might get bored, and then where will we be?
[ She grins and leads the way to the refreshment table set out for fellow refugees--might as well make one last use of it before they find their real accommodations. That, and they don't yet have coin to find a real cup.
She then leads the way outside, where the city has considerably more bustle than the night. The roads are filled with magitek vehicles, so noisy and in such a quantity that it's difficult for her to pick them out individually, even with her sensitive hearing. For those on foot there are different paths, equally crowded, and learning to navigate those is a simple matter of following the townsfolk. ]
A bit much, isn't it? That's why I tend to go out at night.
[ The citystates of Eorzea were nothing, compared to this, and truth be told it can start to hurt after a while; she's not used to having to filter everything out. This, combined with many odd looks in their direction. Their attire doesn't match their surroundings, though the looks are much more pointed at her than Ardbert. She suspects it's her features, since he city is filled with Hyur and a single Miqo'te to be found. Her smile remains in place, though a slight droop in her ears and a bit of a flick in her tail belies some minor agitation. She has never been shy of crowds, but this is not the kind of attention she likes. ]
[ Generally speaking, M'ahina being bored is not bound to end well. She isn't the sort of person who can put up with being idle, and that's something Ardbert can relate to, even if his adventuring days feel so far off now. He'd had to be idle for decades, granted no other option, and so having to live in the moment now is going to take some getting used to. He does grab a cup of tea (literally, in a cup made of paper or something like it) and takes it along with him as they wade back into the city.
While Ardbert's senses are nowhere near as sharp as M'ahina's, that doesn't necessarily make the hustle and bustle any less overwhelming. This is a far cry from the other two worlds that he knows, and while he's certain that when it comes down to it, people don't truly change, the set dressings are enough to throw him off.
At first he's so distracted by everything around them that all he can do is focus on following M'ahina, one foot in front of the other as he takes it all in. Eventually, however, he does notice the scrutiny she's under, or the way people will not-so-subtly whisper to each other after passing them by. ]
It seems they don't have Mystels here, then? Or Miqo'te. [ Same difference, truly, and their worlds were connected enough that there were such similarities. Not here, though. Is it even one of the Fourteen? ]
So it would seem. Strange, isn't it? [ Though, as she recalls, it was a bit like that in Ishgard as well--looks of disgust towards the outsider. This is comparatively less hostile, but still.... ] You know, someone actually pulled my tail the other day. Didn't seem to think it real. I ... think I may have overreacted.
[ She's been so out of sorts the memory is bit hazy, but she does recall being in so much pain that most of her patience had evaporated. It was certainly not her best form, but so long as she can make up for it.... Mayhap if they build reputations here, the whispers will become more positive, just as they did in the rest of her adventures.
For a while, she gets a little lost in the flow of the crowd, but after a while she remembers they have a destination, and fiddles with her little tomestone until it pulls up a map. It's a little hard to read compared the maps she used to scribble into her journals, but it will do. ]
Um, where was it he said to meet again...? [ She mumbles the address the herself, and the device begins to direct them to their destination, down to every turn. ] Oh! Well, that's useful. I suppose we'll make better time than I thought.
[ On account of not having to explore the entire city until they learn the landmarks. ]
[ At M'ahina's account, Ardbert's eyes go wide and he's quick to shake his head when she claims she must have overreacted. Granted, he doesn't know what exactly happened after her tail was yanked, but nonetheless... ]
I would hardly say so. That isn't the sort of thing you do without asking. If anyone had done such a thing to Renda-Rae, I think she would have been likely to tear them to shreds.
[ Granted, his erstwhile friend had been a bit of a feisty one, prone to losing her temper to say the least, and M'ahina is somewhat more even when it comes to her moods. She's also usually willing to forgive and forget, though if anyone else makes to invade her personal space without her permission, Ardbert will certainly have something to say about it.
While he has no doubt that M'ahina can handle herself, he's also relieved that he arrived when he did, so that she need not endure all of this alone.
When she gets the map up on her device, Ardbert can't help but nudge in against her side to take a look himself. Their height difference means that it's easy enough for him to see. He must admit, the way the map traces a path out for them is quite impressive. ]
It certainly holds your hand. Useful in this situation, but sometimes there's a joy in wandering and losing oneself in a new place, wouldn't you say?
[ Still, they have to make it to their place of work on time, and so Ardbert isn't about to protest the handiness of the device at the moment. ]
[ It pulls a laugh from her. Yes, she can well imagine--she may not have have had opportunity to call Renda-Rae a friend when she yet lived, from what she has witnessed of her past, she certainly feels like one. Mayhap one day M'ahina and Ardbert can compare notes on their comrades--it would be fun, she thinks. As for the talk of travel... ]
Oh, yes! I always like to scour the area from above and scribble maps into my journal when I can--much more useful to have your own notes, so that you can stray from the beaten path without getting helplessly lost, getting to see the sights which most dare not set foot in.
[ It's like breath in one's lungs, really. This is not terrible either, by virtue of being new, but who is to say how she'll feel about it once the allure finally wears off.
For the time being, however, they've reached their destination. They're taken to their would-be lodgings first and given a brief tour--where to dispose of waste, where to collect mail, and so forth. The abode itself isn't terribly unlike the apartments she's used to, and of similar size, if perhaps a touch smaller. There's a sofa that converts into a double bed, a cooking station, and a lavatory, and she supposes they can't ask for much else. Though privacy could become a concern; she's never seen such a space used for more than one person. As well as the lack of space for another bed. ]
Well, depending on how our schedules overlap, I suppose we could take turns sleeping on the floor...
[ Possibly? They're in no position to protest, so they will have to make due somehow. ]
[ It doesn't surprise him at all to hear that M'ahina is fond of high places. Between her archery and her feline qualities, it all makes good sense to him. That's certainly a trait that she and Renda-Rae share in common, for obvious reasons. Not that he's about to paint all Mystel archers with the same brush, but... ]
I suspect between the two of us we'll find those less traveled paths soon enough.
[ They're both seasoned adventurers with wanderlust in their blood, it's bound to happen even if they're only here for a short time. And who's to say how long it will be, at this point? M'ahina's time on the First had been rather extended when all was said and done. Then again, she'd also had the ability to return to the Source at any time. Not so in this situation.
They reach the place they'll be working and lodging, and Ardbert is content to let M'ahina take the lead. Interaction with others is something he's still adjusting to after so long, though he realizes he'll need to do so quickly if he has a shift coming up. The space they're granted to bunk in isn't much, especially for two people, but it's still a sight better than where they came from this morning. He's not about to complain.
At M'ahina's suggestion, he's quick to nod. ] I imagine we've both done our fair share of that over the years. I don't mind. [ He doesn't think to suggest that they do anything other than an equitable arrangement, well aware that she would accept no chivalry from him. He takes another look around the small space, allowing his feet to carry him to each corner — not that it takes long. ] It's cozy enough. I've certainly had worse.
[ It's true, though it does make her miss the perks of the Adventurer's Guild. Earning free lodging was a decidedly cozy benefit, to say the least. Though it's not as though they'll be outdoors, so there's certain to be a way to make things more cozy. Mayhap with enough pillows....
Like slumber parties when she was a girl. She could certainly work with that. She'll have to make note of the stove, as well--it actually does look more useful than the small, portable one she tends to carry. It would be nice to treat her friend to something decent to make up for his first meal here, once they've earned a little coin.
Which is where they're headed next. The tour is short--metal containers of ale, a wine fridge, the shelf of spirits. A manual detailing the production of various mixed drinks. No kitchen to worry about. And then their guide leaves. She finds it quite odd there's nobody around to help show the ropes during the shift, but she supposes she can jump in if Ardbert gets overwhelmed. Though it is clear enough that they he won't be needing it--the place is deathly silent. Not a single patron to be found. She tilts her head and frowns. ]
I can see now why he was hesitant to grant my choice of employment. Bit difficult to earn to my keep playing to the air.
[ For all of the random requests that Ardbert has fulfilled over the years and the odd jobs he's done to make some gil when there was no obvious monster to hunt or other heroic deed to perform, tending bar is not part of his repertoire. To say nothing of the fact that all of those memories are old and dusty by this point, it does feel like he's being thrown into a trial-by-fire.
That might be for the best. He's always learned and performed best when put on the spot, forced to think on his feet. Besides, it can't be that difficult... can it?
Though M'ahina points out the lack of customers and Ardbert heaves out a sigh as he looks around the tavern. ]
Nor can I serve spirits to... spirits. [ Oh, how many times he'd wished for a drink while he was a shade, but it was not to be. ] Hopefully it will pick up as the day carries on. For now, I may as well try to learn where everything is and how to make some of these drinks.
[ Some of them seem... rather complicated. He settles behind the bar and begins to study the cheat sheet they have. ]
[ She gives a small shrug and pulls out her harp, quietly humming along as pulls out a melody inspired by the First--the song upon the wind, as it were. One of many titles bestowed her upon her return. It's nice to do; she hasn't since she arrived here, and it feels good to let her anxieties escape from her fingertips. But she falls silent again sooner rather than later, heaving an almost petulant sigh. It seems she has reached her limits of not having an audience, and she does not like playing to become a chore. She tucks the instrument back into her bag, and plops down at the bar. ]
I've an idea! [ Never a good sign. ] In lieu of customers, why don't I buy something? Then you'll get to figure out the lay of things, and I can be less bored. An ideal trade, yes?
[ While M'ahina might have become bored of her own playing before long, Ardbert could have listened to her for a good deal longer. He recalls back when he'd been the shadow following her around the First, how she'd at times find quiet moments to pull out her harp and provide something to break the oppressive silence. He'd always enjoyed hearing her songs, and this one is no different.
All the same, he greets her with a smile as she joins him, understanding that it might feel odd to play to a mainly vacant room. ]
Drinking on the job, are we? [ Still, it's not the worst idea. To have a trial run of sorts. He slides a menu across the bar toward her. ] Pick one, then. Something to your liking. I'll do my very best.
[ He grabs for a glass to ready himself, not entirely certain what he's in for. Especially since certain drinks even seem to require different receptacles. What was so wrong with simply serving mead and ale...? ]
[ Easier said than done, considering she hasn't heard of a good deal many of these drinks. Compared to the types of establishments she usually frequents, this seems almost as lavish as an Ishgardian lord's personal stocks. ]
Hmm. [ She is quite tempted to see how the wines compare to Wineport's, but that would erode the pretense of having Ardbert practice. ] This sounds like it could be refreshing? [ She points to a random spot on the page, to a drink denoting citrus and floral. In the meantime, she glances about their surroundings. ]
This seems a bit nostalgic, in a way.
[ Whether that's due to Arbert's old habit of visiting her in the Crystarium, or because she was a little too fond of a good party in her youth, is difficult to say. Mayhap it's a bit of both. ]
[ Ardbert lifts up the page after noting the drink that M'ahina chose, squinting at it for a few moments. He is still unclear on why alcohol concoctions need to be so complicated, why things like floral notes are needed, but if this is to be his job then he'll need to learn the ins and outs of it quite quickly.
If nothing else, it's taught him yet another thing about M'ahina, that this is the sort of drink she would pick when presented with an entire list. Granted, she may not have put too much thought into it and instead chosen the first one that sounded vaguely appealing. ]
Right then. [ Time to find out where all of these different liquors and other ingredients are kept. He begins searching under the bar and on the shelves behind it to gather up all that he needs, glancing over his shoulder at M'ahina when she speaks of nostalgia. ]
How's that? Are you thinking of the Wandering Stairs?
[ There's no doubt plenty of other such taverns that M'ahina has frequented, but that one is naturally the first to come to Ardbert's thoughts. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
There is, of course, no way of knowing. Not when they're not sure who or what is responsible for their appearance here in the first place.
Even with all of this uncertainty, however, M'ahina manages to insert some brightness. How one could ever consider her a Warrior of Darkness, Ardbert couldn't say. When he looks at her, all he sees is light. ]
Aye, you're not wrong about that. [ He smiles briefly. ] I'll be curious to see how the taverns of this star compare to the ones we know.
[ Nudged out of his more anxious thoughts, Ardbert polishes off the rest of his meal and his tea. ]
no subject
[ Which can be counted among those jokes she wishes weren't quite so true. ]
Still, I suppose we'll see tomorrow.
[ Which she is looking forward to, in more ways than one. The company goes without saying, but it will also be good to quit this place. There is an air of... being lost, perhaps. She's somewhat glad Ardbert won't be lingering here as long as she has. ]
no subject
Is that something which happens to you often?
[ Despite how close the two of them are, there's still plenty they don't know about each other's lives, about all of their experiences and adventures. Even after joining his soul with hers, it's not as if Ardbert suddenly became privy to all of M'ahina's memories.
And yes, tomorrow. Ardbert's eager to get started on something, even if it's menial work. It's still the first step in their journey here, wherever it may take them, and it will make him feel a bit less like he's drifting. Which, suffice to say, is a feeling he's grown quite tired of by this point. ]
no subject
[ She gives a wry smile and shrugs. It was rather not fun at all, actually, but it feels ages ago now, and things eventually worked themselves out. Either way, she is unbothered. ... Though she does prefer to see her drinks being poured now. ]
You must have gotten into equal amounts of trouble, yes? It was quite the merry band you had going!
no subject
When she turns the subject back on him, Ardbert hums in contemplation as he lifts a hand to rub at his beard. ]
Yes, plenty of trouble, though nothing quite like what you've described. [ After a pause, he meets her eyes. ] Though I shouldn't expect our journeys to mirror each other exactly, should I?
[ Plenty of the broad strokes were similar, but he suspected the details would differ quite a bit. ]
no subject
[ Something to that effect, although she already knows that he is correct. Their journeys weren't exactly the same. But there was something strangely nostalgic in the way Ardbert spoke of Norvrandt, and of the bits and pieces she'd collected of his friends; perhaps not a mirror as such, but in the same spirit all the same. ]
It's enough to be curious about, in any case. Then again, I'm told I can be a bit of a busybody.
[ She's not certain she agrees with that assessment, of course. But so it goes. ]
no subject
The same, yet different. It describes many things about the two of them.
His lip curls up on one side as he draws the edges of the blanket up and then spreads it to wrap it around his shoulders more firmly. ] That may be true, but I can't say I necessarily see that as a bad thing. Your desire to know more about others comes from a good place, from what I've seen.
[ He'd had plenty of time to observe M'ahina and how she handled situations by now. Usually when she pries into someone's affairs, it's because she senses something is amiss and wishes to help. ]
no subject
[ Such information has a way of making itself useful later, but she can't say it's her intent to fish for later jobs--it's just fun meeting people. Figuring out their workings. In this case, there seems fair little to discover in a way, but who can say? They may yet surprise each other.
She sets the remnants of food aside and smooths her blanket out over the ground, electing to lay on top of it instead of smoothing it out, curling into a little ball. ]
A shame it's so late.
[ Though she admits she probably needs the rest. ]
no subject
If they wanted, he suspects that they could stay up all night chatting about this and that, or nothing at all. But the rest is something he knows he likely needs, after not truly resting for so, so long. And he also suspects the other people holed up in this temporary housing with them wouldn't be too thrilled if they continued to make noise long after everyone had gone to sleep. ]
Worry not. [ He smiles at her briefly as he scoots himself back up until he's leaning against the wall. After resting his forearms up on his knees, he decides he's more than comfortable enough to fall asleep. After long days spent traveling on the road, Ardbert learned how to sleep just about anywhere. ] Tomorrow's another day.
[ Unless this was all some strange dream, but... no, he does believe he can tell the difference by now. ]
no subject
A glance at her companion shows him to still be asleep, and rather than waking him, she hops to her feet and starts the fold up the blanket. From sheer force of habit, she finds herself asking if any of their fellow refugees need any assistance and finds herself quite busy in a series of menial tasks, though unlike home, it is not customary to reward such services here. She finds she doesn't care much; it will keep her occupied until either Ardbert wakes up or she grows bored and wants to move on to things of greater import. Though hopefully it's the former. ]
no subject
Waking up, on the other hand, is more of a trial. It's been so, so long since he truly slept that he finds the act of waking to be far more difficult that it should be. He does become aware of the warmth of the sun on his skin (a sensation he missed more than he could have ever realized) and the hustle and bustle of other people moving around and exchanging some hushed words now that it's morning.
However, it's only as he senses M'ahina approaching again, no doubt to check in on him, that he finally finds it in him to crack open his eyes. That groggy feeling, not to mention the sensation of sleep at the edges of his eyes, is both new and nostalgic all at once. He lets out a large, open-mouthed yawn as he sits up and rubs at his eyes. ]
... G'morning. [ Even his words come out thick with sleep. Ah, it's been too long. ] If I'm honest, I feel like I could sleep another sun or two.
[ Of course, that won't be happening. There's work to be done. Through another yawn, Ardbert stretches his arms above his head and lets out a groan as he back cracks in a few places. ]
no subject
It doesn't let up, I'm afraid. [ She gives a small, sympathetic chuckle and smile a hand to help him to his feet, should he accept it. ] Or, it didn't for me, at least.
[ Though now that it's passed, she is both ready and willing to be productive enough to make up for the time she's lost, and entirely unwilling to slow her momentum. ]
Mayhap we can find you some tea, and leave the heavy lifting to me until it works its magic? ... As it were.
[ She doesn't mind. Their main tasks of the day are becoming acquainted with their lodgings and their new jobs, which she hardly needs Ardbert coherent for if he's truly feeling out of sorts. And if he still feels weary by the time said tasks are done, it would seem preferable for him to get more rest in an actual bed while she scours the town for information. ]
no subject
[ While this sense of exhaustion is bone-deep and far more physical than what he's had to put up with in decades, it's not as if he hadn't also been tired as a shade. A different sort of tired, to be sure, but there had been so many days when he'd just wished for it to be over, while also knowing he was cursed to exist (in the broadest sense of the word) forever.
He had been able to rest within M'ahina, for better or worse, though he wouldn't say he's eager to return to that now. He knows it's where he'll end up eventually, but the chance to live alongside her is admittedly intriguing.
After taking her hand and finding his feet, he rubs more sleep out of his eyes. ]
Tea would be good. I'm confident my energy will return to me eventually. [ After a pause and moment of consideration, he gives M'ahina a brief nudge in the side. ] Can't have you taking on all the work yet again.
no subject
[ She grins and leads the way to the refreshment table set out for fellow refugees--might as well make one last use of it before they find their real accommodations. That, and they don't yet have coin to find a real cup.
She then leads the way outside, where the city has considerably more bustle than the night. The roads are filled with magitek vehicles, so noisy and in such a quantity that it's difficult for her to pick them out individually, even with her sensitive hearing. For those on foot there are different paths, equally crowded, and learning to navigate those is a simple matter of following the townsfolk. ]
A bit much, isn't it? That's why I tend to go out at night.
[ The citystates of Eorzea were nothing, compared to this, and truth be told it can start to hurt after a while; she's not used to having to filter everything out. This, combined with many odd looks in their direction. Their attire doesn't match their surroundings, though the looks are much more pointed at her than Ardbert. She suspects it's her features, since he city is filled with Hyur and a single Miqo'te to be found. Her smile remains in place, though a slight droop in her ears and a bit of a flick in her tail belies some minor agitation. She has never been shy of crowds, but this is not the kind of attention she likes. ]
no subject
[ Generally speaking, M'ahina being bored is not bound to end well. She isn't the sort of person who can put up with being idle, and that's something Ardbert can relate to, even if his adventuring days feel so far off now. He'd had to be idle for decades, granted no other option, and so having to live in the moment now is going to take some getting used to. He does grab a cup of tea (literally, in a cup made of paper or something like it) and takes it along with him as they wade back into the city.
While Ardbert's senses are nowhere near as sharp as M'ahina's, that doesn't necessarily make the hustle and bustle any less overwhelming. This is a far cry from the other two worlds that he knows, and while he's certain that when it comes down to it, people don't truly change, the set dressings are enough to throw him off.
At first he's so distracted by everything around them that all he can do is focus on following M'ahina, one foot in front of the other as he takes it all in. Eventually, however, he does notice the scrutiny she's under, or the way people will not-so-subtly whisper to each other after passing them by. ]
It seems they don't have Mystels here, then? Or Miqo'te. [ Same difference, truly, and their worlds were connected enough that there were such similarities. Not here, though. Is it even one of the Fourteen? ]
no subject
[ She's been so out of sorts the memory is bit hazy, but she does recall being in so much pain that most of her patience had evaporated. It was certainly not her best form, but so long as she can make up for it.... Mayhap if they build reputations here, the whispers will become more positive, just as they did in the rest of her adventures.
For a while, she gets a little lost in the flow of the crowd, but after a while she remembers they have a destination, and fiddles with her little tomestone until it pulls up a map. It's a little hard to read compared the maps she used to scribble into her journals, but it will do. ]
Um, where was it he said to meet again...? [ She mumbles the address the herself, and the device begins to direct them to their destination, down to every turn. ] Oh! Well, that's useful. I suppose we'll make better time than I thought.
[ On account of not having to explore the entire city until they learn the landmarks. ]
no subject
I would hardly say so. That isn't the sort of thing you do without asking. If anyone had done such a thing to Renda-Rae, I think she would have been likely to tear them to shreds.
[ Granted, his erstwhile friend had been a bit of a feisty one, prone to losing her temper to say the least, and M'ahina is somewhat more even when it comes to her moods. She's also usually willing to forgive and forget, though if anyone else makes to invade her personal space without her permission, Ardbert will certainly have something to say about it.
While he has no doubt that M'ahina can handle herself, he's also relieved that he arrived when he did, so that she need not endure all of this alone.
When she gets the map up on her device, Ardbert can't help but nudge in against her side to take a look himself. Their height difference means that it's easy enough for him to see. He must admit, the way the map traces a path out for them is quite impressive. ]
It certainly holds your hand. Useful in this situation, but sometimes there's a joy in wandering and losing oneself in a new place, wouldn't you say?
[ Still, they have to make it to their place of work on time, and so Ardbert isn't about to protest the handiness of the device at the moment. ]
no subject
Oh, yes! I always like to scour the area from above and scribble maps into my journal when I can--much more useful to have your own notes, so that you can stray from the beaten path without getting helplessly lost, getting to see the sights which most dare not set foot in.
[ It's like breath in one's lungs, really. This is not terrible either, by virtue of being new, but who is to say how she'll feel about it once the allure finally wears off.
For the time being, however, they've reached their destination. They're taken to their would-be lodgings first and given a brief tour--where to dispose of waste, where to collect mail, and so forth. The abode itself isn't terribly unlike the apartments she's used to, and of similar size, if perhaps a touch smaller. There's a sofa that converts into a double bed, a cooking station, and a lavatory, and she supposes they can't ask for much else. Though privacy could become a concern; she's never seen such a space used for more than one person. As well as the lack of space for another bed. ]
Well, depending on how our schedules overlap, I suppose we could take turns sleeping on the floor...
[ Possibly? They're in no position to protest, so they will have to make due somehow. ]
no subject
I suspect between the two of us we'll find those less traveled paths soon enough.
[ They're both seasoned adventurers with wanderlust in their blood, it's bound to happen even if they're only here for a short time. And who's to say how long it will be, at this point? M'ahina's time on the First had been rather extended when all was said and done. Then again, she'd also had the ability to return to the Source at any time. Not so in this situation.
They reach the place they'll be working and lodging, and Ardbert is content to let M'ahina take the lead. Interaction with others is something he's still adjusting to after so long, though he realizes he'll need to do so quickly if he has a shift coming up. The space they're granted to bunk in isn't much, especially for two people, but it's still a sight better than where they came from this morning. He's not about to complain.
At M'ahina's suggestion, he's quick to nod. ] I imagine we've both done our fair share of that over the years. I don't mind. [ He doesn't think to suggest that they do anything other than an equitable arrangement, well aware that she would accept no chivalry from him. He takes another look around the small space, allowing his feet to carry him to each corner — not that it takes long. ] It's cozy enough. I've certainly had worse.
no subject
Like slumber parties when she was a girl. She could certainly work with that. She'll have to make note of the stove, as well--it actually does look more useful than the small, portable one she tends to carry. It would be nice to treat her friend to something decent to make up for his first meal here, once they've earned a little coin.
Which is where they're headed next. The tour is short--metal containers of ale, a wine fridge, the shelf of spirits. A manual detailing the production of various mixed drinks. No kitchen to worry about. And then their guide leaves. She finds it quite odd there's nobody around to help show the ropes during the shift, but she supposes she can jump in if Ardbert gets overwhelmed. Though it is clear enough that they he won't be needing it--the place is deathly silent. Not a single patron to be found. She tilts her head and frowns. ]
I can see now why he was hesitant to grant my choice of employment. Bit difficult to earn to my keep playing to the air.
no subject
That might be for the best. He's always learned and performed best when put on the spot, forced to think on his feet. Besides, it can't be that difficult... can it?
Though M'ahina points out the lack of customers and Ardbert heaves out a sigh as he looks around the tavern. ]
Nor can I serve spirits to... spirits. [ Oh, how many times he'd wished for a drink while he was a shade, but it was not to be. ] Hopefully it will pick up as the day carries on. For now, I may as well try to learn where everything is and how to make some of these drinks.
[ Some of them seem... rather complicated. He settles behind the bar and begins to study the cheat sheet they have. ]
no subject
[ She gives a small shrug and pulls out her harp, quietly humming along as pulls out a melody inspired by the First--the song upon the wind, as it were. One of many titles bestowed her upon her return. It's nice to do; she hasn't since she arrived here, and it feels good to let her anxieties escape from her fingertips. But she falls silent again sooner rather than later, heaving an almost petulant sigh. It seems she has reached her limits of not having an audience, and she does not like playing to become a chore. She tucks the instrument back into her bag, and plops down at the bar. ]
I've an idea! [ Never a good sign. ] In lieu of customers, why don't I buy something? Then you'll get to figure out the lay of things, and I can be less bored. An ideal trade, yes?
no subject
All the same, he greets her with a smile as she joins him, understanding that it might feel odd to play to a mainly vacant room. ]
Drinking on the job, are we? [ Still, it's not the worst idea. To have a trial run of sorts. He slides a menu across the bar toward her. ] Pick one, then. Something to your liking. I'll do my very best.
[ He grabs for a glass to ready himself, not entirely certain what he's in for. Especially since certain drinks even seem to require different receptacles. What was so wrong with simply serving mead and ale...? ]
no subject
Hmm. [ She is quite tempted to see how the wines compare to Wineport's, but that would erode the pretense of having Ardbert practice. ] This sounds like it could be refreshing? [ She points to a random spot on the page, to a drink denoting citrus and floral. In the meantime, she glances about their surroundings. ]
This seems a bit nostalgic, in a way.
[ Whether that's due to Arbert's old habit of visiting her in the Crystarium, or because she was a little too fond of a good party in her youth, is difficult to say. Mayhap it's a bit of both. ]
no subject
If nothing else, it's taught him yet another thing about M'ahina, that this is the sort of drink she would pick when presented with an entire list. Granted, she may not have put too much thought into it and instead chosen the first one that sounded vaguely appealing. ]
Right then. [ Time to find out where all of these different liquors and other ingredients are kept. He begins searching under the bar and on the shelves behind it to gather up all that he needs, glancing over his shoulder at M'ahina when she speaks of nostalgia. ]
How's that? Are you thinking of the Wandering Stairs?
[ There's no doubt plenty of other such taverns that M'ahina has frequented, but that one is naturally the first to come to Ardbert's thoughts. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)