[ 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. ]
[ M'ahina begins to scan the page over once more, taking mental notes here and there of what sounds interesting. Truthfully, the mixed drinks appeal the most simply because they are an oddity compared to what she's used to, and some of the flavors sound intriguing. She wonders how many she get get away with sampling tonight. ]
Hmm? [ She looks up again, already distracted as she considers the possibilities. ] Not quite. There is the company, of course, but... I actually tended to frequent such establishments in my youth, before I became and adventurer. A bit of song and so forth, though it was purely for mine own enjoyment, not for coin.
[ She's never been a minstrel as such. But still... ]
[ There has never been much of a chance for Ardbert to speak with M'ahina about the time of her life before she'd set out as an adventurer, and so he's a bit surprised to hear it mentioned now. There is something nice about reminiscing, even if melancholy is bound to come along with it. That sense of knowing it's a time you can never return to, quite literally in his case...
But he isn't about to bring down the mood. He's found a mortar and pestle which he believes he's supposed to use to crush some petals, the floral notes being quite literal in this case. He turns back to face M'ahina and gets to it, finding a strange satisfaction in the task. ]
[ She tilts her head, watching in curiosity as Arbert mashes the petals. She supposes that would bring out some of the flavor, and now she's even more curious what his finished result will be. ]
Hmm... I'm not certain I actually put that much thought into it, in truth. [ She gives a small laugh. ]
The thing is, Gridanians can be quite ... stuffy. Obsessed with protecting our forests and so forth. And so with archery, I was expected to make myself useful. When my former mentor appeared, I was simply the only one of my guild who appreciated something of a more artistic nature, rather than simply learning to fight better, so I thought, "why not?", and that was that. That it ended up suiting me so well was simply an added bonus.
[ In other words, never really a plan of hers at all, in spite of the fame bards held within her country. ]
[ Thancred has only heard bits and pieces about Gridania, primarily through M'ahina, as it's not a part of Eorzea he'd seen fit to visit when he was there. He'd been fueled with so much anger and grief at the time that the idea of sightseeing had never even occurred to him. Not when he'd wanted to burn it all to the ground to save what he'd lost. It's difficult to think back on that time now, especially given how he'd viewed and treated M'ahina back then. ]
Adding art into your combat... [ He tilts his head to one side, then the other, cracking his neck. ] I never would have thought of such a thing either. Yet your songs, they truly do serve to inspire your fellows in the midst of a battle.
[ It's quite impressive, all told.
Ardbert begins to measure out all of the liquid ingredients now, before dumping them all into a single mug. Whether this concoction will end up tasting any good, he has no idea. It's good of M'ahina to offer to test it for him, considering his utter lack of experience. ]
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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
Hmm? [ She looks up again, already distracted as she considers the possibilities. ] Not quite. There is the company, of course, but... I actually tended to frequent such establishments in my youth, before I became and adventurer. A bit of song and so forth, though it was purely for mine own enjoyment, not for coin.
[ She's never been a minstrel as such. But still... ]
no subject
But he isn't about to bring down the mood. He's found a mortar and pestle which he believes he's supposed to use to crush some petals, the floral notes being quite literal in this case. He turns back to face M'ahina and gets to it, finding a strange satisfaction in the task. ]
Is that why you chose the path of the bard?
no subject
Hmm... I'm not certain I actually put that much thought into it, in truth. [ She gives a small laugh. ]
The thing is, Gridanians can be quite ... stuffy. Obsessed with protecting our forests and so forth. And so with archery, I was expected to make myself useful. When my former mentor appeared, I was simply the only one of my guild who appreciated something of a more artistic nature, rather than simply learning to fight better, so I thought, "why not?", and that was that. That it ended up suiting me so well was simply an added bonus.
[ In other words, never really a plan of hers at all, in spite of the fame bards held within her country. ]
no subject
Adding art into your combat... [ He tilts his head to one side, then the other, cracking his neck. ] I never would have thought of such a thing either. Yet your songs, they truly do serve to inspire your fellows in the midst of a battle.
[ It's quite impressive, all told.
Ardbert begins to measure out all of the liquid ingredients now, before dumping them all into a single mug. Whether this concoction will end up tasting any good, he has no idea. It's good of M'ahina to offer to test it for him, considering his utter lack of experience. ]