[ As M'ahina explains her side of their current predicament, Ardbert settles back on his heels and crosses his arms, hanging on every word. Conversations with her have always felt easy in their own way, even when the subject matter itself was anything but. Speaking to her is effortless, and they both know why that's the case now.
Which isn't to say that he accepts all of her words with a smile. The revelation that she's been stripped of Hydaelyn's blessing to the point that she can't even cast a single spell is worrisome, to say the least, and his brow knits. What force would be powerful enough to sever a bond as strong as that? The same force that has inexplicably given him a body, mayhap.
It's also possible that M'ahina's current state has everything to do with where they are, along with their distance from the Source. The First was, all things considered, one of the closer shards. But who could say for this place?
As she returns the same question back to him, Ardbert straightens for a moment and then shrugs. ] I'm still at a loss as to how this is even possible, to be honest. [ He uncrosses his arms and lifts both hands to look them over once more, squeezing them into fists before letting them fall back to his side. ] We may speculate all day long, however, and not find ourselves any closer to the answers. We'll have to find someone here who can clue us in, I suspect.
[ If there's one thing both of them are good at doing, it's finding friends in foreign places and ingratiating themselves. They don't need any sort of blessing to manage that, do they? ]
[ Right. The confusion is quite understandable, to put things mildly, but ultimately, Arbert is correct--idle conjecture avails them naught. It's never been much her strong suit anyway, so the suggestion to be a bit more proactive is quite welcome. ]
Nothing to stop the force of two Warriors of Light, eh?
[ She taps her chest confidently. It feels natural, in even the face of such uncertainty, and she suspects she knows why. It's easy the recall all the support Arbert gave her in the source, either by helping talk her through things, or at times speaking of completely unrelated matters so she did not have to suffer being consumed by her own thoughts. And now, here they are, and they can but handle things the way they always have. ]
Ah, right! There's a place I'm staying--it's temporary, and far from luxurious, but... [ She shrugs. It will do for now, and she knows they've both had to make due before, so no need to apologize on that front. ] I can you lead you there as we talk. There's someone who.... Well. It would seem anyone knows as much we do, but there is someone helping find jobs and so forth, so we can fit in a bit better.
[ She motions with her hand, and keeps her steps small as she walks. She no longer looks quite as worn down at she did, but for all that Ardbert's untimely and confusing appearance has brightened her day, it does not alleviate how physically awful she still feels. ]
[ Ardbert opens his mouth for a moment to protest that designation (he would not call himself a Warrior of Light or a Warrior of Darkness at this point), but M'ahina carries on before he can get a word in, and he has to wonder if that's by design. She likely has grown tired of his self-deprecation, and in many ways, so has he.
Word of a place to stay and someone who might have work for them is all a sight better than what he had to work with before, and that's enough to put some spring in Ardbert's step, though he takes care to not outpace M'ahina. ]
Well, I'm not picky. So long as it's a roof over our heads — and even then...
[ He frowns, catching for a moment the way a wave of exhaustion passes over M'ahina's expression. She won't want to be coddled, nor does she need to be, which leads him back to distracting her. ]
What manner of work? Granted, I'm sure you could pick up just about anything that was offered.
Mm, some manner of day labor I've yet to decide on. [ She taps her chin in thought. ] It seems this shard hasn't so much as of heard of adventurers. There are no guilds, no leves, no marks... passersby look at you as if you're unwell when you try to see if there's aught you can help them with. It has been... confusing.
[ To say the least of things. She has little question of her own skills and their worth, but she's never encountered such a challenge in figuring out how to actually use them, on top of being ... weak, at the moment. She hates thinking that, yet--... She immediately shakes her head. That can be pushed back down where it belongs. ]
I think I'd do poorly as a receptionist or what have you... [ She'd get bored, and with boredom comes laziness or even mildly destructive habits. Best to avoid that for everyone involved. ] I wonder if I could get away with being a tavern bard? I might be able to glean some information that way...
[ She's considering it. Her old mentor would not be terribly proud of her, but desperate times, and so forth. ]
[ No adventurers? Not even any marks? It's almost impossible for Ardbert to fathom, and he has to assume that this world is a far cry from either of their homes to not have those elements that are so commonplace for them. Mayhap it's nowhere near as dangerous for someone living their daily life here, and so adventurers are not a necessity.
That's going to be an adjustment for both of them. In truth, Ardbert has never considered what he might have done with himself if he hadn't fallen in with his band of friends to travel the realm and help wherever they could. Might he have stayed home, to focus on farming with his father? That had always seemed such an uninteresting life to him, hence why he'd left in the first place.
Nowadays, he does wonder if he might have been better off staying put, but that ship sailed long ago.
Lost in thought, he finally glances over when M'ahina mentions serving as a more traditional sort of bard. ] A minstrel? You're friendly enough that I suspect you could get the patrons to tell you just about anything. I could find another job there, or would we better off dividing and conquering?
[ Not knowing much more than the basics of their situation here thus far, it's difficult to know where to start. Earning coin is truly only a means to an end. ]
Oh! [ The thought is enough of a distraction enough that M'ahina claps her hands together, seemingly forgetting the headache that's plagued her since her her arrival. ] That sounds like fun! Mayhap tending the bar? I should think having you there would serve to loosen some lips as well.
[ Though maybe that's her personal bias speaking. The air has has always been easy with Ardbert, be it speaking or listening. It's easy to sense a friend in someone so honest, so straightforward, so... willing to help people. His friends thought as highly of him, as she recalls, so surely it will be the same here. And there is definitely no ulterior motive that she may or may not enjoy the occasional drink and of course would in no way use that to her advantage. Certainly not.
She clears her throat. ]
If you wanted, that is. If there's aught you feel better suited for, you needn't worry about me.
[ It's a bit of a daunting choice, she admits, to simply choose one thing, let alone commit to it for an indeterminate amount of time. It would hardly be fair to force the matter. ]
[ M'ahina might have been right if Ardbert was from a different point in his life, a time when he was used to wandering into random taverns and starting up conversations. It's been so long since he's spoken to anyone other than her, though, and of course with her it had been easy. Trying to have an actual conversation with anyone else frankly seems daunting, but he'll need to ease himself into it somehow.
This might be less easing in and more forcing himself to sort it out sooner rather than later, but that's fine too.
M'ahina seems to reconsider after a moment, mayhap because he didn't immediately reply in the affirmative. He glances over and shakes his head. ]
For now, I just wonder if it's best that we stay near each other. None of this is meant to be permanent, but I realize we're in no position to rely on the good will of others either.
[ No one knows them. They know no one. M'ahina has no clout here. This isn't about giving into their circumstances, but they'll need to make ends meet somehow until they can sort out how to get her home. ]
Of course. [ Her smile softens, becoming somewhat wry at the edges. ] Such was my intent, though I confess I'm relieved to hear you say that. Your support is ever welcome.
[ It should go without mention that her own is there in equal measure, but she still gives his arm a playful shove with her fist for affirmation.
The gesture feels foreign, in truth. Mayhap even bittersweet. It is something she would have done with any friend, but they were never like that; she always had to be careful. Reel it back in. How freeing it is to not consider anymore.
As for reliance on others... ]
If it were a tavern, then might we negotiate board as part of our wages?
[ That would at least allow them to be self-sufficient, and provide familiar environs as well. Something like setting on the road again, rather than being... trapped. ]
[ That shove sends Ardbert stumbling just slightly, and while he might have given some overreactive response to it if he was in a different state of mind, at the moment he's still reeling from the realization that he can be shoved at all. Being able to make physical contact with someone else, let alone M'ahina, is something he's still not used to after going so many years without.
So, while the list of things that are wrong about being in this place is long, Ardbert can't hate it completely. Not when it allows for him to get nudged in the side by M'ahina and actually feel it.
It's more than that, as well. All of his senses are back, rather than being completely dulled by his ghostly state.
In time, he returns to M'ahina's side on stone path. Not the sort of stone he's used to, though. It's oddly smooth in a way he's never seen until now. ]
We might, yes. Assuming that the taverns here are like the ones we're used to, that is. [ It seems nearly impossible to take much of anything for granted here. ] That would solve two problems at once. I assume you'll be doing the negotiating, then?
[ Who could resist her, between her cute face and the ears? ]
[ Mahina's steps shift as she spins on her heel, walking backwards to beam back at Ardbert until he manages to catch up with her again. ]
Certainly! Leave it to me.
[ Her voice brims confidence. Though now that she thinks of it, she can't remember the last time negotiations were in her court; she tends to leave such matters to those more predisposed to it, like Alphinaud. In fact, she'd venture to assume such matters would have already been taken care of, were he here, because he would take care of them right away rather than when it suited him, unlike her. Still! While it's easy enough to put off important matters for herself, she would not do that to a friend. They'll have to get to it the second they arrive.
Her foot catches on the ledge between the walkway and the road. It is wide, illuminated by street lamps, not unlike the routes designed for Garlean warmachina on the Source. She lifts a hand to signal Arbert to stop walking, letting it hang midair almost protectively. Moments later, some manner of magitech vehicle barrels past at alarming speed, and she continues to listen. She lets her arm lower slowly, giving a bright nod once she's satisfied, before finally stepping down and crossing the way. She suspects she need not explain--take care not to get waylaid by carriages or errant machines seems intuitive enough.
Across the way, there's a heavy metal door leading into a run-down brick structure. She pulls it open and motions inside. ]
Well... Here we are.
[ The interior is bleak. The air is drafty from most of the windows being broken, the floor is a cold and dusty stone, the lights are dim and flicker, there are rust stains all along the floors and walls. There are no rooms nor beds, and most people have their blankets out in rows along the floor. There is at least a fire going from a metal drum, but it seems mostly occupied. ]
[ It's true that M'ahina must be used to having an entourage of sorts that would often smooth over situations or arrange accommodations for her, to say nothing of the fact that her clout had long ago made it possible for her to get what she wanted anywhere she set foot. That doesn't mean that she'll be incapable of falling back on her general gregarious nature to be convincing now that she's far from her usual stomping grounds.
She'd managed well enough on the First, after all. Granted, she'd had G'raha secretly looking out for her in that case, but it's at least prepared her for this to some degree. Ardbert isn't worried.
This world is very little like the First thus far, though. The wide roads and the strange vehicles that speed by whilst barely checking to see if there was anyone in their way was just one example. Though as Ardbert's led into the building where M'ahina has chosen to take shelter, he finds something more familiar, though not in a good way. This is where the destitute gather, and he can't help but think of Gatetown. No doubt M'ahina had felt the same when she first found this place.
He stands near the entrance for a few moments, scanning the room before he turns back to M'ahina. Cozy is a generous way of putting it, but he's in no position to complain. ]
It's the sort of place where you can come and go without too many questions being asked, I would wager. That's something, at least.
[ How he still has it in him to find silver linings, he couldn't say. But having M'ahina at his side makes it a tad easier. ]
Lead the way.
[ He can't imagine they'll have much in the way of privacy, but mayhap she's been able to cobble something together. ]
[ She nods; it has been a blessing none of the native residents are questioning this particular group. None seem to be from Eorzea or Norvrandt, but like she and Ardbert, most of them of are fighting a bit of an adjustment period.
She makes her way down the rows of blankets to the spot where she's been sleeping. It's against a wall in an out of the way corner, in a spot most of the others seem to have avoided because it's next to one of the broken windows and a bit more exposed to the elements. It certainly isn't private, but it's about as isolated as one can get in an open space. ]
It's a bit like camping, in a way. [ The sleeping in the dirt portion of it, at least. And she does have a view out to the unfamiliar stars. ]
I'll find you a blanket. ... And maybe some food? [ Surely he would need to eat in his present state? ] Oh! And I'll go talk to the man helping people get sorted to temporary jobs. You could come, if you'd like. Or you can stay and get your bearings, whichever is easier.
[ It's a lot all at once, and just a tad overeager. She's just trying to keep herself moving forward. ]
[ As M'ahina leads them through, Ardbert can't help but send glances toward all of the people gathered here. Many of them look as displaced and unsure as he feels, and if nothing else, they seem to have a whole host of other people in a similar position to them. Which is not a good thing, he realizes, but it does mean that there's at least one place where they can let their guard down slightly.
They reach their destination, which isn't even a room — simply an isolated corner. Ardbert's camped enough on the road that he's no stranger to such "accommodations," and there's possibly even something the slightest bit nostalgic about it. ]
A blanket and food is a good start, aye. [ Oh, yes, he'll need to eat, won't he? Ardbert hasn't given it much thought thus far, but the very suggestion has his stomach churning and twisting, suddenly too aware of how empty it is, and he heaves out a breath. It's intense enough that he even feels a mite nauseous. ]
You go ahead. I'll wait here, if that's all right.
[ He sinks down to the floor and leans his back up against the wall, shooting M'ahina a brief smile so as to not worry her too much. He's fine, truly; he simply needs a moment. ]
[ M'ahina nods with a smile of her own, content to give Ardbert his space. His presence is enough; she would not want to force herself to his side at every second. Part of her might enjoy the thought, but so too is she aware that people at times need to be able to breathe.
Her errands take much longer than she's suggested. As is often the the case, she finds herself distracted and side-tracked. Asking people how they're doing, helping hand out what small supplies there are, the little things she's gotten into the habit of doing to earn people's trust. Ah, the job negotiations, as well... The man helping them establish identities in this place is about somewhere. He seems somewhat dubious of her plan for herself and warns her she is not like to see many earnings for a while, but she shrugs the advice off; she's used to it.
That accomplished, she finally remembers the task she was actually on, and appears with a pillow tucked into arm, blanket around her shoulders, and a tray with food and drink in her other hand. She sets the items down, and tosses the blanket over her friend with a beam. She still isn't feeling well, but it seems she's recharged much energy by meddling her way through the warehouse. ]
Oh! You'll be wanting this... [ she fishes through her pockets and hands him a small device. ] Evidently, the people use these tomestones for communication. Our identities and wages should be stored on it as well. I confess I'm not certain how the latter is supposed to work, but I'm sure it will make more sense once we've seen it in action.
[ So she would assume. She takes the moment to settle into her own blanket and grab her food--an unknown dish and a cup of hot tea. The dish, while passable enough, has a decidedly strange aftertaste she does not think she's prepared to question, but the tea is perfectly average. ]
[ While Ardbert is not quite comfortable or trusting enough to doze off while M'ahina is gone, he does stay put. If he had more energy, he would have been wandering around himself and getting the lay of the land, mayhap even meeting a few people. It's always a good idea to know the names and faces of the people who you'll be spending time with, for better or worse.
But this entire situation has exhausted him. The shock of being in a physical body was one thing, but he also isn't used to the way one functions anymore. Feeling tired, feeling hungry, it's all bound to take some getting used to.
So he remains where he is, observing the few interactions he can from his spot — those walking past or engaging in brief conversations with each other. Everyday talk, if more desperate than mundane because of the situation they're all in. Ardbert has become very good at observing people, and he almost forgets for a moment that he's visible.
M'ahina's return serves as a reminder, and Ardbert perks up as soon as she appears, some brightness returning to his gaze. He laughs as the blanket falls on him, but then reaches out for the pillow to set it behind his lower back before taking the tray of food. The dish isn't something he recognizes, but he has no reason to be picky.
Though before he can take a testing bite, M'ahina hands over the device, the tomestone-yet-not. He blinks down at it, poking at the screen for a few seconds before he sets it aside. Later. ] I imagine we'll get used to it... much like with everything else in this place. Thank you.
[ And now, the big moment. He places the tray in his lap and steels himself, drawing in a breath and letting it out again as he gathers some of the food onto his spoon. This shouldn't be such an occasion, and yet he expects M'ahina will understand. He catches her gaze. ]
How is it? [ It might help to know what to expect. ]
[ She tilts her head slightly. She had not anticipated Arbert being hesitant to eat, in truth, but then, there is a certain sense to it. It's one of those little things so easily taken for granted. ]
Hmm... It's... different? Not to put you off your appetite, but I would suggest following your bites with a drink.
[ Normal, at first taste, with a strange texture and stranger aftertaste. Not so much to make it inedible, of course, but it's far from a grand feast. ]
Or mayhap it would taste better with a helping hand?
[ She holds out a spoonful of her own food to him with a playful smile. The glint in her eyes suggests she does not expect him to partake, though it's not as if she could protest if he did. ]
[ It's hard to imagine that anything could actually put Ardbert off his appetite at this point, though there is a sense of melancholy that he isn't eating some familiar and well-loved meal, but something from another world that may not be to his taste.
He's hardly in a position to be picky, though when he realizes M'ahina's trying to feed him herself, he laughs and waves her off. Surely she hadn't been serious...
Lifting his own spoon, he takes a sniff of the porridge-like substance, then pushes past his misgivings and eats it all in one bite. At first there isn't much to say about it, but then the aftertaste hits the back of his throat and he grabs for the tea to wash it down.
The tea is a bit more familiar, and all in all, he can't complain. ]
Well. That wasn't so bad. I've had worse, that's for certain. [ And the fact that he'll be eating with someone else helps as well. ] How did it go? Did you find whoever you were looking for?
[ As they talk he continues to eat, and soon enough he's getting down bites with nary a second thought. ]
[ She chuckles quietly too herself as she eats a bit more. It would seem Ardbert knows her a bit too well to truly catch him off-guard, but even just a laugh is well worth it. ]
I did! [ Somehow, amid all her other running around. ] We've temporary identities and work. I believe an apartment is being worked out as well? It's... [ He reaches for her tomestone and fiddles with it a bit, and ... frowns. She's never actually been very good with this sort of thing, growing up in a place that tended to frown upon it. Most of her dalliances with technology have been either sheer luck or with the assistance of more competent help. ] ... Well, he pulled up a map on this, somehow, but... I'll figure it out later.
[ Or ask the man in question to show her again later. Whichever. ]
He did seem to have some reservations that I can sustain myself preforming, but... Surely it can't be that bad? Or no worse than beginning to adventure with nary a gil upon your person because you were bored.
[ Temporary identities, work, and lodgings in the future? That's quite a lot to get settled in not much time at all, and Ardbert would be impressed if he didn't already know that M'ahina is the sort of person who gets things done. Even then, he's still a bit impressed.
Pulling up a map on the tomestone certainly sounds useful, and Ardbert decides to do some preliminary poking at his own device after he's finished eating. He also isn't that good with technology, but now seems to be the time to learn.
Somehow, he does believe things will work themselves out. They're here together, and so they'll also be able to support each other, even if funds get tight. ]
Scraping our earnings together, I imagine we'll get by. And if we have to get creative, then so be it.
[ Because yes, both of them started out with next to nothing and found their way. Ardbert quirks a smile before focusing in on his food again.
And, through a bite: ] Once we've got that settled, we'll have to do some investigation into how to get you home, of course.
[ Whether he comes back to Eorzea with her, or to Norvrandt, or they figure out some way to piece their souls back together. The latter feels a bit morbid now that he's flesh and blood again, but they do not yet know by what design. And perhaps more importantly, that is not her desicion to make, and one far too important to force or take from him. ... Though she certainly means to insist she won't leave him here.
Of course, it needn't be right this moment, or even soon, so there is no point in lingering on the thought. ]
And we'll be in a decent enough spot to do so. There's a reason the adventurer's guilds set up shop in the local taverns!
[ Well, that and the sellswords and former hedge knights they were trying to coax into meaningful work were a bit fond of their cups, but that's neither here nor there. ]
[ 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. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Which isn't to say that he accepts all of her words with a smile. The revelation that she's been stripped of Hydaelyn's blessing to the point that she can't even cast a single spell is worrisome, to say the least, and his brow knits. What force would be powerful enough to sever a bond as strong as that? The same force that has inexplicably given him a body, mayhap.
It's also possible that M'ahina's current state has everything to do with where they are, along with their distance from the Source. The First was, all things considered, one of the closer shards. But who could say for this place?
As she returns the same question back to him, Ardbert straightens for a moment and then shrugs. ] I'm still at a loss as to how this is even possible, to be honest. [ He uncrosses his arms and lifts both hands to look them over once more, squeezing them into fists before letting them fall back to his side. ] We may speculate all day long, however, and not find ourselves any closer to the answers. We'll have to find someone here who can clue us in, I suspect.
[ If there's one thing both of them are good at doing, it's finding friends in foreign places and ingratiating themselves. They don't need any sort of blessing to manage that, do they? ]
no subject
Nothing to stop the force of two Warriors of Light, eh?
[ She taps her chest confidently. It feels natural, in even the face of such uncertainty, and she suspects she knows why. It's easy the recall all the support Arbert gave her in the source, either by helping talk her through things, or at times speaking of completely unrelated matters so she did not have to suffer being consumed by her own thoughts. And now, here they are, and they can but handle things the way they always have. ]
Ah, right! There's a place I'm staying--it's temporary, and far from luxurious, but... [ She shrugs. It will do for now, and she knows they've both had to make due before, so no need to apologize on that front. ] I can you lead you there as we talk. There's someone who.... Well. It would seem anyone knows as much we do, but there is someone helping find jobs and so forth, so we can fit in a bit better.
[ She motions with her hand, and keeps her steps small as she walks. She no longer looks quite as worn down at she did, but for all that Ardbert's untimely and confusing appearance has brightened her day, it does not alleviate how physically awful she still feels. ]
no subject
Word of a place to stay and someone who might have work for them is all a sight better than what he had to work with before, and that's enough to put some spring in Ardbert's step, though he takes care to not outpace M'ahina. ]
Well, I'm not picky. So long as it's a roof over our heads — and even then...
[ He frowns, catching for a moment the way a wave of exhaustion passes over M'ahina's expression. She won't want to be coddled, nor does she need to be, which leads him back to distracting her. ]
What manner of work? Granted, I'm sure you could pick up just about anything that was offered.
no subject
[ To say the least of things. She has little question of her own skills and their worth, but she's never encountered such a challenge in figuring out how to actually use them, on top of being ... weak, at the moment. She hates thinking that, yet--... She immediately shakes her head. That can be pushed back down where it belongs. ]
I think I'd do poorly as a receptionist or what have you... [ She'd get bored, and with boredom comes laziness or even mildly destructive habits. Best to avoid that for everyone involved. ] I wonder if I could get away with being a tavern bard? I might be able to glean some information that way...
[ She's considering it. Her old mentor would not be terribly proud of her, but desperate times, and so forth. ]
no subject
That's going to be an adjustment for both of them. In truth, Ardbert has never considered what he might have done with himself if he hadn't fallen in with his band of friends to travel the realm and help wherever they could. Might he have stayed home, to focus on farming with his father? That had always seemed such an uninteresting life to him, hence why he'd left in the first place.
Nowadays, he does wonder if he might have been better off staying put, but that ship sailed long ago.
Lost in thought, he finally glances over when M'ahina mentions serving as a more traditional sort of bard. ] A minstrel? You're friendly enough that I suspect you could get the patrons to tell you just about anything. I could find another job there, or would we better off dividing and conquering?
[ Not knowing much more than the basics of their situation here thus far, it's difficult to know where to start. Earning coin is truly only a means to an end. ]
no subject
[ Though maybe that's her personal bias speaking. The air has has always been easy with Ardbert, be it speaking or listening. It's easy to sense a friend in someone so honest, so straightforward, so... willing to help people. His friends thought as highly of him, as she recalls, so surely it will be the same here. And there is definitely no ulterior motive that she may or may not enjoy the occasional drink and of course would in no way use that to her advantage. Certainly not.
She clears her throat. ]
If you wanted, that is. If there's aught you feel better suited for, you needn't worry about me.
[ It's a bit of a daunting choice, she admits, to simply choose one thing, let alone commit to it for an indeterminate amount of time. It would hardly be fair to force the matter. ]
no subject
This might be less easing in and more forcing himself to sort it out sooner rather than later, but that's fine too.
M'ahina seems to reconsider after a moment, mayhap because he didn't immediately reply in the affirmative. He glances over and shakes his head. ]
For now, I just wonder if it's best that we stay near each other. None of this is meant to be permanent, but I realize we're in no position to rely on the good will of others either.
[ No one knows them. They know no one. M'ahina has no clout here. This isn't about giving into their circumstances, but they'll need to make ends meet somehow until they can sort out how to get her home. ]
no subject
[ It should go without mention that her own is there in equal measure, but she still gives his arm a playful shove with her fist for affirmation.
The gesture feels foreign, in truth. Mayhap even bittersweet. It is something she would have done with any friend, but they were never like that; she always had to be careful. Reel it back in. How freeing it is to not consider anymore.
As for reliance on others... ]
If it were a tavern, then might we negotiate board as part of our wages?
[ That would at least allow them to be self-sufficient, and provide familiar environs as well. Something like setting on the road again, rather than being... trapped. ]
no subject
So, while the list of things that are wrong about being in this place is long, Ardbert can't hate it completely. Not when it allows for him to get nudged in the side by M'ahina and actually feel it.
It's more than that, as well. All of his senses are back, rather than being completely dulled by his ghostly state.
In time, he returns to M'ahina's side on stone path. Not the sort of stone he's used to, though. It's oddly smooth in a way he's never seen until now. ]
We might, yes. Assuming that the taverns here are like the ones we're used to, that is. [ It seems nearly impossible to take much of anything for granted here. ] That would solve two problems at once. I assume you'll be doing the negotiating, then?
[ Who could resist her, between her cute face and the ears? ]
no subject
Certainly! Leave it to me.
[ Her voice brims confidence. Though now that she thinks of it, she can't remember the last time negotiations were in her court; she tends to leave such matters to those more predisposed to it, like Alphinaud. In fact, she'd venture to assume such matters would have already been taken care of, were he here, because he would take care of them right away rather than when it suited him, unlike her. Still! While it's easy enough to put off important matters for herself, she would not do that to a friend. They'll have to get to it the second they arrive.
Her foot catches on the ledge between the walkway and the road. It is wide, illuminated by street lamps, not unlike the routes designed for Garlean warmachina on the Source. She lifts a hand to signal Arbert to stop walking, letting it hang midair almost protectively. Moments later, some manner of magitech vehicle barrels past at alarming speed, and she continues to listen. She lets her arm lower slowly, giving a bright nod once she's satisfied, before finally stepping down and crossing the way. She suspects she need not explain--take care not to get waylaid by carriages or errant machines seems intuitive enough.
Across the way, there's a heavy metal door leading into a run-down brick structure. She pulls it open and motions inside. ]
Well... Here we are.
[ The interior is bleak. The air is drafty from most of the windows being broken, the floor is a cold and dusty stone, the lights are dim and flicker, there are rust stains all along the floors and walls. There are no rooms nor beds, and most people have their blankets out in rows along the floor. There is at least a fire going from a metal drum, but it seems mostly occupied. ]
It's ... cozy?
[ It is not. But she's tried to make due. ]
no subject
She'd managed well enough on the First, after all. Granted, she'd had G'raha secretly looking out for her in that case, but it's at least prepared her for this to some degree. Ardbert isn't worried.
This world is very little like the First thus far, though. The wide roads and the strange vehicles that speed by whilst barely checking to see if there was anyone in their way was just one example. Though as Ardbert's led into the building where M'ahina has chosen to take shelter, he finds something more familiar, though not in a good way. This is where the destitute gather, and he can't help but think of Gatetown. No doubt M'ahina had felt the same when she first found this place.
He stands near the entrance for a few moments, scanning the room before he turns back to M'ahina. Cozy is a generous way of putting it, but he's in no position to complain. ]
It's the sort of place where you can come and go without too many questions being asked, I would wager. That's something, at least.
[ How he still has it in him to find silver linings, he couldn't say. But having M'ahina at his side makes it a tad easier. ]
Lead the way.
[ He can't imagine they'll have much in the way of privacy, but mayhap she's been able to cobble something together. ]
no subject
She makes her way down the rows of blankets to the spot where she's been sleeping. It's against a wall in an out of the way corner, in a spot most of the others seem to have avoided because it's next to one of the broken windows and a bit more exposed to the elements. It certainly isn't private, but it's about as isolated as one can get in an open space. ]
It's a bit like camping, in a way. [ The sleeping in the dirt portion of it, at least. And she does have a view out to the unfamiliar stars. ]
I'll find you a blanket. ... And maybe some food? [ Surely he would need to eat in his present state? ] Oh! And I'll go talk to the man helping people get sorted to temporary jobs. You could come, if you'd like. Or you can stay and get your bearings, whichever is easier.
[ It's a lot all at once, and just a tad overeager. She's just trying to keep herself moving forward. ]
no subject
They reach their destination, which isn't even a room — simply an isolated corner. Ardbert's camped enough on the road that he's no stranger to such "accommodations," and there's possibly even something the slightest bit nostalgic about it. ]
A blanket and food is a good start, aye. [ Oh, yes, he'll need to eat, won't he? Ardbert hasn't given it much thought thus far, but the very suggestion has his stomach churning and twisting, suddenly too aware of how empty it is, and he heaves out a breath. It's intense enough that he even feels a mite nauseous. ]
You go ahead. I'll wait here, if that's all right.
[ He sinks down to the floor and leans his back up against the wall, shooting M'ahina a brief smile so as to not worry her too much. He's fine, truly; he simply needs a moment. ]
no subject
Her errands take much longer than she's suggested. As is often the the case, she finds herself distracted and side-tracked. Asking people how they're doing, helping hand out what small supplies there are, the little things she's gotten into the habit of doing to earn people's trust. Ah, the job negotiations, as well... The man helping them establish identities in this place is about somewhere. He seems somewhat dubious of her plan for herself and warns her she is not like to see many earnings for a while, but she shrugs the advice off; she's used to it.
That accomplished, she finally remembers the task she was actually on, and appears with a pillow tucked into arm, blanket around her shoulders, and a tray with food and drink in her other hand. She sets the items down, and tosses the blanket over her friend with a beam. She still isn't feeling well, but it seems she's recharged much energy by meddling her way through the warehouse. ]
Oh! You'll be wanting this... [ she fishes through her pockets and hands him a small device. ] Evidently, the people use these tomestones for communication. Our identities and wages should be stored on it as well. I confess I'm not certain how the latter is supposed to work, but I'm sure it will make more sense once we've seen it in action.
[ So she would assume. She takes the moment to settle into her own blanket and grab her food--an unknown dish and a cup of hot tea. The dish, while passable enough, has a decidedly strange aftertaste she does not think she's prepared to question, but the tea is perfectly average. ]
no subject
But this entire situation has exhausted him. The shock of being in a physical body was one thing, but he also isn't used to the way one functions anymore. Feeling tired, feeling hungry, it's all bound to take some getting used to.
So he remains where he is, observing the few interactions he can from his spot — those walking past or engaging in brief conversations with each other. Everyday talk, if more desperate than mundane because of the situation they're all in. Ardbert has become very good at observing people, and he almost forgets for a moment that he's visible.
M'ahina's return serves as a reminder, and Ardbert perks up as soon as she appears, some brightness returning to his gaze. He laughs as the blanket falls on him, but then reaches out for the pillow to set it behind his lower back before taking the tray of food. The dish isn't something he recognizes, but he has no reason to be picky.
Though before he can take a testing bite, M'ahina hands over the device, the tomestone-yet-not. He blinks down at it, poking at the screen for a few seconds before he sets it aside. Later. ] I imagine we'll get used to it... much like with everything else in this place. Thank you.
[ And now, the big moment. He places the tray in his lap and steels himself, drawing in a breath and letting it out again as he gathers some of the food onto his spoon. This shouldn't be such an occasion, and yet he expects M'ahina will understand. He catches her gaze. ]
How is it? [ It might help to know what to expect. ]
no subject
Hmm... It's... different? Not to put you off your appetite, but I would suggest following your bites with a drink.
[ Normal, at first taste, with a strange texture and stranger aftertaste. Not so much to make it inedible, of course, but it's far from a grand feast. ]
Or mayhap it would taste better with a helping hand?
[ She holds out a spoonful of her own food to him with a playful smile. The glint in her eyes suggests she does not expect him to partake, though it's not as if she could protest if he did. ]
no subject
He's hardly in a position to be picky, though when he realizes M'ahina's trying to feed him herself, he laughs and waves her off. Surely she hadn't been serious...
Lifting his own spoon, he takes a sniff of the porridge-like substance, then pushes past his misgivings and eats it all in one bite. At first there isn't much to say about it, but then the aftertaste hits the back of his throat and he grabs for the tea to wash it down.
The tea is a bit more familiar, and all in all, he can't complain. ]
Well. That wasn't so bad. I've had worse, that's for certain. [ And the fact that he'll be eating with someone else helps as well. ] How did it go? Did you find whoever you were looking for?
[ As they talk he continues to eat, and soon enough he's getting down bites with nary a second thought. ]
no subject
I did! [ Somehow, amid all her other running around. ] We've temporary identities and work. I believe an apartment is being worked out as well? It's... [ He reaches for her tomestone and fiddles with it a bit, and ... frowns. She's never actually been very good with this sort of thing, growing up in a place that tended to frown upon it. Most of her dalliances with technology have been either sheer luck or with the assistance of more competent help. ] ... Well, he pulled up a map on this, somehow, but... I'll figure it out later.
[ Or ask the man in question to show her again later. Whichever. ]
He did seem to have some reservations that I can sustain myself preforming, but... Surely it can't be that bad? Or no worse than beginning to adventure with nary a gil upon your person because you were bored.
[ Which she's certainly never done... ]
no subject
Pulling up a map on the tomestone certainly sounds useful, and Ardbert decides to do some preliminary poking at his own device after he's finished eating. He also isn't that good with technology, but now seems to be the time to learn.
Somehow, he does believe things will work themselves out. They're here together, and so they'll also be able to support each other, even if funds get tight. ]
Scraping our earnings together, I imagine we'll get by. And if we have to get creative, then so be it.
[ Because yes, both of them started out with next to nothing and found their way. Ardbert quirks a smile before focusing in on his food again.
And, through a bite: ] Once we've got that settled, we'll have to do some investigation into how to get you home, of course.
no subject
[ Whether he comes back to Eorzea with her, or to Norvrandt, or they figure out some way to piece their souls back together. The latter feels a bit morbid now that he's flesh and blood again, but they do not yet know by what design. And perhaps more importantly, that is not her desicion to make, and one far too important to force or take from him. ... Though she certainly means to insist she won't leave him here.
Of course, it needn't be right this moment, or even soon, so there is no point in lingering on the thought. ]
And we'll be in a decent enough spot to do so. There's a reason the adventurer's guilds set up shop in the local taverns!
[ Well, that and the sellswords and former hedge knights they were trying to coax into meaningful work were a bit fond of their cups, but that's neither here nor there. ]
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)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)