Author: Noodles, Posted: Tue Jul 4, 2017 8:45 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Jillian actually seemed to have relaxed again- perhaps not entirely, but she was no longer irritated, and though her opinion on Sane had changed, drastically, she had a feeling there was a reason behind the way he was. There was always a reason. There was certainly a reason for why she became who she was then, and why she didn't like to dwell on the past for too long.

"Perhaps," She said in response to Sane's muttering, "Since you're offering!- I rarely turn down a free drink! What are taverns for but to drink and socialize? I accept your apology as well and offer my own. We all have our reasons for being the way we are. I know my own upbringing lead me into the beliefs I hold today, and into the oaths, I made many years ago." She said seriously, before finishing off what was left of the mug on the bar counter, before waving the bartender back over and nodding to Sane.

"That is good, though. It is good to have trusted companions. A name most befitting of such a lovely thing. I'm sure she is as clever as she is beautiful as well!, as I doubt you make your choice in companions lightly." Jillian nods at Sweetness again in response to her hello, "I apologize to you as well. If you are truly close, I imagine I have insulted you as well. I hope you will forgive me. I am not only stubborn but sworn to my ways." She looked back to Sane, "I disagree with your way of thinking, and ideas, as you so obviously do my own, but I do not condemn you, nor Sweetness, for them. But!- I digress, let us find something different to speak about. Is there anything else you wish to talk about?- Sweetness included. Any questions she may have will be answered as well if she has them."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Tue Jul 4, 2017 4:23 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

So Sane sat stiffly and didn't move. He wasn't sure he could let go of all the things she had said to him and yet she seemed to have forgotten their whole verbal conflict already. It was annoying and made him feel on edge. If only he could just dip inside and see what she was thinking he knew he would feel so much more at home. He probably spent most of his life in people's heads so it was no wonder he felt out of touch when he wasn't. But for now he would not allow himself that luxury. Nothing had changed. He till had nothing else to do except continue to try and find out her secrets as best he could.

He now knew where he stood with her better than before. She wouldn't willingly tell him things because of honour so he would have to make her slip up somehow. People made such mistakes when they were tired, relaxed or angry. She seeemed none of these things right now so he would have to choose one to try and stear her towards. Tired would take more time than he was willing to give He couldn't be asked to keep her awake for that long. Relaxed would be a challange after recent events and angry was too volitile. But a new idea struck him. Alcohol often loosened the tongue.

"I think the fact you called me and my beliefs selfish, dark and fiendish fairly earns me the right to accuse you of ignorance and denail, my dear woman." He couldn't help but mutter before looking her in the eye, "But enough of this arguing. I apolygise for my harsh words. I did not mean the worst of them. I think perhaps we both spoke in anger. Might I buy you another drink?" Then he gestured to the pixie, who was well aware of his new plan of action through telepathy, "This here is Sweetness,"  He introduced, "She is indeed lovely. She is my most close and trusted partner in life. She cannot speak in any normal language that has words - hers is like the languages that animals share - but I can translate if she wishes to speak to you."

He failed to tell her on purpose that her particular language was one of the most obscur and difficult he had ever encountered and that it was one even he didn't know. But that was because he still didn't plan to tell her of their usual methods of communication. It was fine, he thought, Jillian wouldn't know any better.

Sweetnes herself leaned more realxedly against Sane and tried to look less annoyed at the halfling they were trying again to befriend. She wasn't best pleased at the way the other has spoken to her beloved Sane but she was willing to put that aside for the sake of building nessessary relations. And it did help that the woman had complimented her. She liked compliments from anybody, though they were best coming from Sane. She chattered quietly for show and then communicated to him mentally. Tell her I say 'hello' then.

"In fact, she says 'hello' now." He did as asked.

Author: Noodles, Posted: Sun Jul 2, 2017 11:24 AM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"Oh, I am very stubborn, my code of honor is deeply ingrained. It will follow me everywhere I go until the day I draw my last breath. I am not, however, narrow-minded, or ignorant, I make it a point to learn all I can about the world, those in it, and their beliefs. There are those who are smarter than I, and I'm certain there are those who are wiser than I. I don't claim to be better than anyone, there is always someone better. I don't believe myself to be higher than anyone, and perhaps my actions may cause undue suffering in some circumstances, I am not so foolish to believe that I am perfect. I do know what I have seen with my own two eyes. I do far more good than I do harm, traveling from place to place to offer assistance where I can. You believe that the look on a mother's face when her child is returned is that of suffering?- or perhaps when bandits are brought to justice." She countered. By this point, Sane's words were beginning to irritate her, it was one thing to share your beliefs, but it was quite another to claim that Jillian was ignorant and 'living in denial'

"You sound so very confident about what you think you know about me, but in truth, you know very, very little. The ignorance you claim is mine, is your own. I've been to many places and seen many things, some of which I wish I had not. So don't you ever dare to call me ignorant, boy.

The little woman took a deep breath, "There is no reason for you to go, I am small, but I am not so little a person that I cannot exchange differing opinions. I am not the only one here that is stubborn, my young friend." Sweetness caught Jillian's eye, and the halfling regarded her with a warm smile and a wink, "And who is this?- A lovely a lady if I've ever seen one." Jillian complimented, her good mood seemingly returning. She did not want to spend her time arguing, there would be no winner, and it would only leave her in a sour mood.

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Sun Jul 2, 2017 10:36 AM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Again, such a response had been the last thing Sane had expected. It was annoying. He raised his eyebrows mockingly. She was acting so high and mighty all of a sudden. He no longer cared what she thought and found her attitude equally unpalatable so niceties were no longer necessary. He had already failed to stay in her good graces and while he suspected things might have been different if he had stopped himself earlier in his speech, he knew there was no point in beating himself up over it. She was the one at fault here, not him. All that was that he find out what he could about her without telepathy, yet even this seemed less important when all he wanted to do was show her that he was right. He had told her the truth as he knew it and he wanted to defend it. Yet he wasn't sure how.

"It saddens me that you would respond so negatively to the truth when you would probably have lapped a lie from my hand," He sighed, "But then that is where honesty and honour gets you, Jillian. I would very much like to help you see things my way but you claim that any explanations will not work. That seems very stubborn and narrow minded but there is nothing I can do without your cooperation. All that ritualistic regulation must be too far ingrained," In truth, a little mental manipulation would go a long way but Sane was trying to avoid that sort of thing for now. At least while he figured out what it was he wanted to do, "Would you like me to lie to you so you can hear what you want to or shall I continue to be direct? Do you even want to continue speaking to the likes of myself? I can go. You've got your drink out of me and your empty, idle chatter. I can leave you to wallow in ignorance. You can continue to believe that all the problems, disagreements and suffering in the world can be solved with endless duels and pointless contests, hitting people with lutes chopping them up with swords. Because that sort of thing is so much better than a bit of careful blackmail. " The last sentence had been dripping with sarcasm. He laughed openly again, this time at her. "Yes, I am responsible with all the tools I use, whatever it is that you want to think. Your kind always think you are better than everyone else but you're not. You cause suffering like everyone else every day and there is nothing you can do about it so you hide from the fact and live in denial. Some of the things you have said make sense but all of the things I have said make sense and yet you act like it was so unreasonable."

Sane downed the rest of his water, preparing to leave. Sweetness climbed down the back of his head and made her way around to sit on his shoulder supportively. Are we leaving? She asked curiously. It was more in his character to stay and fight harder. He usually loved a challange so she didn't really understand.

Perhaps, it depends what she does next. He replied, I'm not sure if I'll be able to find out much from her now. She must be convinced I am evil from the way she talks, like I am diseased demon. I hate to say it, but I think this one mighe be a lost cause. But we shall see, depending on what she does now.

Oh honey, don't take her seriously! She doesn't know a thing. You're ten time better than her. Diseased demon indeed! Sweetness huffed and glared at the Halfling, who would now be able to see her clearly on her perch. The pixie was sitting and hugging Sane's neck lightly. She then stuck her tongue out at Jillian so she could get a glimpse of the tiny person's razor sharp teeth.

Author: Noodles, Posted: Sat Jul 1, 2017 8:54 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"I'm not sure of what you're trying to convince me of, it's as if you think my explaining yourself and your views that somehow I'll change my mind, or find the behavior you're describing as excusable. I don't give a shite if it is the law that resorts to such behavior, or rather I do! Even more so, if the people set in place to provide law and order are so low as to resort to blackmail, truly it is a corrupt group that has no business being in any sort of position of power." She spits out, her disgust clearly set in her expression, "Such actions are inexcusable! The views you are expressing to me tell me a multitude of things, they are dark, selfish ones that put a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps in 'moderation' it can be a valuable tool to defend against the same. Fighting fire with fire is excusable, but the way you speak of it there is no moderation, not an ounce of regulation, only total lack of care for other people, and selfish desires above all else."

The halfling woman narrowed her eyes, "Honor is one of the few things that separates us from savage beasts and tyrants. I place my faith in other people, and for those that do the same I'd sooner give up my own life than to forsake their trust. Dying as an honorable defender of those who can do little to protect themselves is far better than living as someone so selfish, dark, or fiendish that would take advantage of their weakness." She didn't seem angry with Sane, disgusted and disappointed were emotions that came to mind, but not anger. Jillian was a woman very set in her ways, and very passionate about her beliefs, and what Sane was spouting was the polar opposite of many of those beliefs.

"So no, I do not approve, and I find your amusement with what just came out of your mouth disturbing."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Sat Jul 1, 2017 8:29 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Sane was thoroughly disapointed, little at himself and a little at her, but he felt no other grand emotions right then. This was quite unfortunate but he needed to keep a level head and work out a clever come back. He allowed himself to frown and tilt his hea as he thought intensivly. It wasn't such an unusual thing to do at being spoken to like he just had been.

Sweetness, just so you know, I'm open to any ideas here. He mentally proded the pixie so they might brainstorm together.

Now would be a good time to refute any suspicians she might be forming. She advised seriously. She knew when it was time to step up and help. After all, she lived to help Sane dearest,You have to act as a normal person would if someone thought they were a high class spy and sabotour; like it is preposturous. Plus, just plant a few things which will cast your story in a less serious light; make her feel like she is overreacting with logical arguements. He acknowleged her and forged on before the pause would seem strange.

"My dear woman," He encouraged his mouth into a large grin of amusement, "Why so serious all of a sudden? Surely your not imagening me in some dark ally way beating up people who refuse to pay up for my dark services!" He let out a laugh, "Oh my! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you so!" He reached forth to pat her on the arm, "Just think Jillian, even in an respectable metalworkers you sometimes get disputes over pay and hours. I'm sure even in the high courts they resort to blackmail somtimes!" Then he leaned back in a show of relaxation. He had nothing to hid here, sort of thing.

He was pulling out all the stops now to bring her back to being at ease. It might not work immediatly but it was the first of many steps. This was surely going so well that she couldn't remain suspicious for long. Aren't I doing well, my dear! He practically shouted up into Sweetness's mind, Like a pro, don't you think?!

Yes, love, yes! But don't stop to talk to me! Keep the flow! You can do more.

"Think what you will about a bit of blackmail." He continued casually, "It's not for everyone, to be sure, and understandably so. But if it is used responsibly and in moderation it is an invaluable tool for getting things done. Nine times out of ten, no one gets hurt. Can the same be said for dueling with swords?" He paused. If he said much more then it might seem he had something to prove so he decided to make just one more point. "I guess honour was the wrong word to use. I apolygise again."  People always responded will to repentance, even if it was for small, silly things, "I have no need for honour. I only have need for survival in a dog-eat-dog world. I cannot help others if I am too busy allowing myself to be walked over." It was about this time that he realised he wanted to continue explaining himself. Sweetness remained quiet, allowing him to decide what to do. In the end, he continued more tentativly, "For example, how can you give money to the poor if the rich keep it all for themselves? You use your own advantages to steal from the rich. Then you can buy the medicine for the sick child rather than sitting, fretting and holding her hand as would be the moral solution. You cannot help the world with principals and pity, only with actions. So what good is it to worry all the time about things you cannot change or to waste your time with petty rituals of honour? You can cry for stepping on an ant and try to peal it off the cobbles to bring it back to life, or you can try to think of ways not to do it again and continue on your way to some greater cause. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. There has never been a person who hasn't suffered. So I don't shy away from the fact that we all cause it every day, whether we mean to or not. I say that one should focus on the doing the best you can with what you have. I will do well for myself and help others only when is reasonable, honour be damned!"

Sane finally finished  and slumped a little. Perhaps his sincerity would shine through. Perhaps he would seem like he had something to hide. But it felt good to tell it mostly how it was. He saw suffering of every kind in the minds of people every day. He used to expirience it along with them. However, he had long ago been taught to distance himself from it and instead accept it as a fact of life. He didn't care for the suffering of others any more. If he didn't cause it, they would find something else to hurt about. It made him more irritated now than anything else. Some people would think he was evil for his actions but in the grand scheme of things they didn't make a blind bit of difference. They were all deluded. He deserved to be happy as much as anyone else and he would feel no remorse for striving for that happiness when they wouldn't because of stupid honour. They were just jealous.

Yes, just jealous, Sane. Sweetness soothed, But don't blame them; they don't understand like we do. Take a deep breath and focus now. We need to see what she will do. We're still in with a good chance. He responded by doing as she asked and straightening. "Sorry, got a bit carried away there. You just got an insight into my own moral standing on pretty much all of life." He chuckled, "Do you approve?"

Author: Noodles, Posted: Sat Jul 1, 2017 7:08 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Jillian's grin fell away until it was only the slightest of smiles as Sane shared his story. Their interactions had begun to piece together in her head, and an idea of what his profession was had properly formed in her head. He asked so many questions, so very curious about Jillian and her past, and he was more perceptive than most. His story filled in a great many gaps, and while it may not have revealed exact information about the boy, it was more than enough for the halfling to have a little more than an inkling about him, and that he was surely more than she had suspected. So young, and yet able to do such a thing to a man. Mildly unnerving, but interesting.

"Personal issues. On the beliefs that I was raised by, your actions did nothing to defend your honor, only cover your own hide. If perhaps, you had called him out, exposed the truth, or even challenged him to a proper duel, that would be defending your honor." She said, smile completely gone at this point, "Underhanded actions have no business in being used against offenses on one's honor. In war, perhaps, they are necessary to defend a kingdom against another's tricks." She shook her head, clearly, the very idea disgusted her, "But I don't think less of you, only differently. At the very least you did not let yourself be taken advantage of."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Sat Jul 1, 2017 6:30 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Sane laughed. Her story brought vivid imagery to his mind and he imagined a a scenario both ridiculous and admirable. He even clapped a little and grinned with sincerity. She was a character indeed. But even more pleasing to her was the other things she said. The telepath was surprised with the shear amount of meaning loaded into Jillian's answering words. She obviosuly thought of herself as a soldier and she impled that their secrets were comparable to that of an assassin. That certianly piqued his interest. He supposed it was possible that she said those things just to make herself feel grand. But that was what he now had to find out. He had his work cut out for him now and it wasn't going to be easy. In fact, he had no idea where he was supposed to start.

But in the meantime, he needed to keep everything running smoothly along and that meant telling a story of his own. He needed to keep everything even and fair. For every couple of snippets or larger reveal she told him, he had to pretend to give her his own. In truth, anything he would tell her now was going to be a carefully considered half-truth or downright fabrication, though he supposed it would be a greater show of skill if he managed to get through their interactions without needing to lie.

"I'm afriad I don't have any tales to tell as humourous as yours. I don't think I have ever done anything as brave and foolish as attacking an armed theif with a musical instrument. The only things I could tell you which I think are funny are the times when I have shown scum their place but others are seldom amused. There was the incident with the rich gentleman who wanted me to work for him for free because he thought he had some viable blackmail material over me. So I nailed his arms to the table with daggers through the cuffs of his expensive shirt and explained to him that I had tripple the scandelous intelligence on his own family. Every single one of his relations was into something or other that they shouldn't be; necromancy, affairs, tax avoidance, you name it; someone he knew did it. He was a double-faced thief himself, swindling every penny he could from the commoners with his high status and position in the trade markets. So he went away having promised to do several favours for me and my assossiates and I got to keep the shirt with the dagger holes in as a momento." Sane grinned at the pleasant memory, having figured a way of making this story into another information trap, "Are you the sort to take issue with such violent and underhand methods of defending my honour and reputaion?"

He raised his eyebrows. If Jillian did have a problem then that would be a severe setback. But at the same time, he thought she seemed world-wary enough not to be shocked by this. Plus, the fact that the person he had threatened had been just as bad as himself would make it all seem better to her. This was a good bet, he told himself, and it should be interesting enough even for someone as used to excitement and drama as a lone warrior like herself.

Author: Noodles, Posted: Sat Jul 1, 2017 12:07 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"I am not a spy or an assassin, your secrets are your own- I won't be the one to spoil them." She says with a nod, to Jillian trust was an important thing. If someone asked her to keep something to herself, she would do so, so long as it didn't put anyone's life in danger. Though Sane didn't seem to understand exactly what she meant, she wasn't going to correct him, however. He seemed to be back in high spirits, and that is what mattered most of all to the little woman.

"Of course, you remain honest and open with your comrades and friends, but being honest and open doesn't mean you have to divulge all of your secrets to them. There are some things best kept to yourself. Not everyone has secrets, but most do. Some are meaningless, little things that people fret pointlessly over, but still, some others are dark and best kept from others. The only people with more secrets than soldiers are royalty, spies, and assassins, respectively." Jillian pointed at Sane with the slightest narrowing of her eyes, it wasn't as if she was accusing him of anything, she was just trying to make a point with hand gestures.

"Of course I have plenty of tales, on and off the battlefield. Some are more exciting than others, though the battle stories are all exciting in their own right, one way or another. Since you asked, though, I imagine you'd like to hear one. People rarely ask without expecting a story in return." She chuckled, "One that comes to mind wasn't on the battlefield, but it's a good story. Several years ago I was traveling with a group of soldiers I was hired to work with, hunting down groups of bandits as soldiers often do. We had had a long day of marching, without having seen a single bandit that entire day. So, we made camp. It was a long-needed rest, one of the few moments of true relaxation a soldier gets. Before too long we had a roaring fire going and before too long the lot of us had songs going, the entire camp! Soldiers, officers, and mercenaries alike! Those of us who had instruments, and could play, accompanied the terrible racket we called music. We ate, and then we dozed off here and there around the fire. It would have been an exceedingly excellent time, had I not been woken early by the racket of someone going through our things. A thief, of all the people you want to see when you wake up, was taking advantage of our well-deserved rest. I wasn't having any of it, I charged her with the only thing I had on hand, my lute- which is a god awful weapon, mind you. They were armed with only a short sword, fortunately. My yelling startled them for a moment, but a halfling with a lute isn't the most terrifying sight, no matter how experienced the warrior she may be. She drew her sword and we fought, lute to sword. I was fortunate that they weren't the most skilled, and that all the noise we were making had woken up a large majority of the camp. We fought for less than a minute before armed soldiers came to my aid. I probably would have won the fight, but…" Jillian waved her hand at Sane and let out a 'Pssh' sound, "I walked away from the fight, but my poor lute was destroyed beyond repair! That thief though!- got walloped right and proper!" She laughed loudly, her grin growing extra wide for a moment, clearly, it was a story she found rather hilarious.
"I would never lie to an ally or friend, but that doesn't mean I divulge my own secrets. Everyone has secrets, Sane… well, perhaps not everyone, but most." She says, suddenly very serious, "As for tales of the battlefield, hmn, I would suppose I have a few. Some are more exciting than others. Ev

ery battle is exciting in one way or another. 

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 5:00 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Sane certainly couldn't complain. Jillian seemed pleased with his strengths. She clearly respected that he was skilled and talanted. She was polite and open with him, making their interactions much more relaxed and pleasant than they otherwise could have been. She also easily admitted that she didn't know much about him. He took this to mean that she was intrigued, despite her claims not to mind. He liked to remain mysterious like that and so was satified that he was doing a good job of withholding and dripping just the right amounts of information to her. He supposed that after her comment he would now have to throw her a bone but that wasn't so bad. He was sure that he could come up with something.

However, she did make some astute observations such as that of his pride that could be taken one of two ways. The first would mean that she knew too much and he needed to work on hiding his emotions better. The second was that she was intellegent, meaning that his accomplishments of remaining both mysterious and likable were even more impressive. Sane went with the second option and mentally patted himself on the back.

He had now made it his personal project to probe her without telepathy whilst similtaniously remaining a friendly seeming individual. He didn't want her to feel like she was being interrogated or analysed. Because this was now a proper challange with a purpose and a way of judging his performance, he was now beginning to enjoy himself properly, revelling in every victory.

"I take pride in everything I do, " He said simply, "Especially my work. As you may have guessed, I do dabble in magics of a sort but I won't say too much more because I find things a lot easier if I keep a low profile. Also, a lot of the people I work with prefer that we all stay bellow the radar. So I stay quiet for their sake as well as my own. I trust I can reply on your confidentiality?" He paused to let that sink in. She might even feel a greater trust and affinity towards him if she thought he had confided something exclusively special in her, "I suppose your work is a little more straightforwards. You have to remain honest and open with your comraids, especially in battle and combat, because else people die." Little did she know, but this was a suble ploy to see if she would admit to having any secrets of her own. If he could get anything hidden out of such a jovial, level-headed woman, he knew he must be doing well. Still, to keep the conversation flowing and the mask the trap from detection, he finished off with a casual question, "Do you have any interesting tales of the battlefield?" You never know, he supposed even such a simple querry might unearth some gem or snippet about her personality.

You were right, Sweetness! This is turning out to be great fun! Aren't I doing well? He communed with the pixie.

Yes, love, She responded with a smile, You're doing brilliantly. It is useful practice too so keep it up!

Author: Noodles, Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 5:58 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Jillian nodded at Sane, "Respectable, there is a need for those who focus on strength of mind, so that those who focus on physical strength may be better guided in battle. Physical strength may be a sign of a great warrior, but intelligence and willpower are what makes a good leader, among other things." There was some praise in her voice as if she were proud of Sane. She was glad to see that he was open about his own strengths.

She spared a moment away from their conversation to turn back to the noise of the crowd. She chuckled softly and shook her head, her smile plain across her face.

The little woman raised her eyebrows at Sane and let out a loud laugh as if what he had said was one of the funniest jokes she had ever heard, "Do I like what I see, he asks!- It isn't any more entertaining I just have a habit of committing people to memory, I never forget a face, nor a name." She said with a shrug, "What am I thinking?- A good bit about you. You interest me,  curious boy. A great deal of questions about me, but without giving me the foggiest idea about yourself. Partial truths, too, I imagine, not that I mind. Everyone has their secrets, and who am I to pry?"

"I can, at the very least, tell that you're confident, perhaps a little prideful, but what else is youth."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 4:23 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"Yes, it would," He replied, "You have a good attitude with your flexabiltiy. I agree that one needs to have at least some knowedge of all the core skills. But at the same time I suppose some people have a tendancy towards one or the other; the physical or the mental. Some would rather create with their hands and others with their minds. The same goes for fighting." He pause to contemplate, "I personally prefer a battle of wit to one of strength, unless you mean strength of the mind." However he said no more, not wishing to give away his personal talents at this time. Fine if she deduced that he was a mage but the fact that he was a telepath would remain a secret.

Across the room, both parties in the competition were beginning to struggle visibly struggle. The one who had closed gis eyes seemed to be winning with the coin being further away from his side of the table. Then, suddenly the open-eyed one seemed to give up and the penny shot towards him and hit him hard in the stomach. It must have hurt because he doubled over slightly and lifted his hands to clutch where the coin had bounced away. Someone in the crowd lunged forwards to pick up the item and many people errupted into either applause or laments as bets were lost and one, money switching hands left and right.

He briefly turned his attention back to Jillian to see her looking at him more than the game. Was she analysing him? He didn;t like the thought of that at all. "Like what you see?" He said slightly more snidely than he had intended. He realised he was being unnessesarily defensive and made sure to smile lightly as if it had been an innocent and playful joke. He made sure his next words were much more sincere and kind sounding, "Is my face really that much more entertaining than the game? I'm flattered." He grinned before becoming suddenly more serious, "Tell me please, what are you thinking?"

Author: Noodles, Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 12:00 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

She studied Sane's face while he watched whatever was going on behind her, a game perhaps, she turned about for a moment just long enough to figure out what was going on. She realized what was going on just about as quickly as Sane did, it was a game she had seen before, and in most cases, it usually interested her- it was interesting watching the mental battle between two people, in a most literal sense.

However, more interesting than the game was the look that had begun to fill Sane's face, it was a smug look- one that was more akin to the young men that she was used to interacting with. Sane had a little more in common with men his age than he would likely admit, but even she was guilty of such a look- if only for a few moments here and there. 

"I find them interesting, and useful. I've met a few powerful practitioners of magic, and all of them were interesting people." She raised an eyebrow at Sane, "A few, a warrior who does not adapt is as good as dead, especially one that travels alone most days. I tend to focus on physical combat, I resort to magic only in the face of a real enemy, or those who deign it necessary to use magic on me. I'd much rather test my physical mettle against someone else without the use of magic. If those two fellows over there decided to get physical in their competition it would be something entirely different, would it not?"

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:47 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

So far as Sane could tell without reading her mind, Jillian was an intellegent and friendly individual. He certainly appreciated her praise and respect for him. He wondered what else he should ask her. This would be a good opportunity for him to practice finding out about people without the use of telepathy. She had clearly left it up to him what they should do or discuss next which gave him a lot of choice on the matter.

Suddenly, his attention was drawn to the other side of the room. Quite a lot of people were crowding around a table where to humans sat opposite each other with their palms flat on the table. Directly in the middle of them was a coin. As the people around them began to cheer and holler enouragement at them, ne noticed them both begin to stare intently at the coin. The one on the left then closed his eyes. The coin began to vibrate back and forth between them, sliding a little across the table at a time. Sane realised they were having a contest of telekinisis ability. Whoever could push the coin off the opposite side of the table wins. He smirked. He would win that sort of thing hands down if he were to lower himself to it. But he did take the opportunity to bring up the subject to the halfling.

"So what do you think of Psionics, telepathy and magic in general?" He probed while gesturing to the spectacle over yonder, "Can you perform any spells or do you focus solely on the sword?"

Author: Noodles, Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:39 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Jillian found Sane a rather odd boy, but not in a bad way- in fact, it was refreshing in a way to make conversation with someone so young that wasn't foolish or felt that they had something to prove to those around them, especially when it had something to do with a woman. She wasn't a fan of those who felt that they had to show off. If one wanted others to be impressed by what you were capable of, it was better to show such where it was needed.

"Ah, glad to hear it! Wouldn't want to bore you any, wouldn't make for very good company if that was the case!" The halfling said with a chuckle, "You'll get respect from me as long as you deserve it, and thus far I'd say you deserve more than what I give to most men your age. As for what I enjoy doing in Taverns, well, I'm not one for brawling- broken up a fair share of them, but I don't fight needlessly." Jillian stares at her drink for a moment before continuing, "Ah, but I rarely look past a challenge. I have all that junk drilled into my head, and I can be a little stubborn sometimes. Games are good, competitions even more so."

"As for just talking, anything really. Sometimes swapping stories is nice, other times it's nice to hear about others' lives or plans. Sometimes I find myself talking about nothing, but those conversations rarely go anywhere."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:49 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

It was good to know that she meant him no offense but the misunderstanding between them was most unsettling. It was not often that he mistook the meaning other people because he could derive exactly what they meant from their mind. However, he continued to smile and nod at the halfling politely. He agreed with what she said; not everyone could be great and daring. Some people had to stay at home and learn the basic trades. However, he saw no reason at all that anyone should feel the need to marry at such young ages. It was usually tradition and obligation that encouaged them to do it. Sane had to respect such things as intergril to human life, even if he didn't agree with them, and so he didn't get worked up or angry about it. He accepted it as one of the many terrible facets of reality that he saw often in the minds of the miserable and the damned.

On a lighter note, Jillian continued to counter the things he said as being part of a misunderstanding. He refrained from pulling any ugly faces, however, and continued to listen. It was a good job he did, because he soon realised that she was complimenting him, not in the obvious way that Sweetness did, but still saying things that made him puff with pride. Of course he was mature, of course he was better than most males (and females) his age, and of course he was a free human being able to do anything he pleased. No law, regulation or person could stop him from getting what he wanted.

"Yes, you are doing an adequate job for now." He said smugly but with a hint of joking in his voice, "I can assure you that you are more entertaining than anything else I can think of to be doing now - which admittedly isn't much - but nonetheless, there are much more boring people than yourself. I am also polite. I was raised to have good manners and I always try to treat people well, as long as give me the respect I am due." He took another sip of water, sitting up straight and feeling much rejuvenated from all the good words of the two females present, "So what do you generally talk about when drinking in taverns? Or are you the sort that enjoys getting involved with the brawls, games and competitions."

Author: Noodles, Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:09 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"I would never be able to mistake you as a child, and I never said you were too young to be in a tavern, just that you were too young to be wasting your time in here. You're an adult though, you can make whatever decisions for yourself you'd like. No one has the right to challenge that much, at least." She said with a shrug, "And you're absolutely right, there are plenty of young lads and lasses that are already in a rush to start a family, it irks me to no end, but perhaps a life of adventure isn't for everyone. Some people are better at nothing more than settling down. Not that I have any right to judge." 

In fact, the idea that young humans were often pushed to marry and start families at just the cusp of adulthood saddened her- not much, but it was there. Of course, she was not free from youthful love, and the mistakes that were often made because of it.

"Hah!- I never said I was old!- just older than you. I still have plenty of years to me!- I haven't slowed down any since I was your age." She nodded at Sane, "And I can see that you are most certainly more mature that most young men, at least in terms of humans and halflings." The little woman let out a loud snort, "I'm your entertainment, am I?- Some folks might take that the wrong way, but I understand whatcha mean, and I have no issues with it- To be rather honest I was awfully bored myself, you came right in the nick of time! Probably would have keeled over right on the spot, too!" She snickered, "I hope I'm doing a good job, but you're still here, so I must be, or else you're just awfully polite."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:23 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Sane had to disagree. It was all to often that Sane found himself with 'down time' and he was pretty fed up on it. What's more, he would hardly classify a place like this as 'nice', at all. It was a tasteless, unrefined and poisonous place to be, where people intentionally hindered their capacity for intellegent and coherant thought so that they could act like lunatics for a night without regret. If people were really so keen to make fools of themselves and act purely on impulse, they should take responsibility and not hide behind the excuse that they were drunk. After all, had they not chosen to become inebriated of their own volition?

But still, the telepath said nothing of these thoughts, instead listening in silence to her cheerful chattering. When she decided to accuse him of being first of being too young to be in a drinking establishment and second of being the sort to suck up to older women, he raised his brows incredulously. Did he look like a child or like he was that desperate for attention? He would have been thoroughly offended if she hadn't been so obviously teasing. Instead, he only felt mildly irritated. Above him, Sweetness snickered before falling deathly silent. Sorry, honey, She said telepathically, We both know you're very handsome and its usually other people who compliment you. I'm sure you could have any woman or man you wished, though obviously you don't need any of them because you have me and I am the best. So pay no mind to her joke. She meant nothing by it, I can assure you.

Sane grinned. Sweetness always knew exactly what to say to make him feel better. All that flattery made him feel much more his usual self. In light if this, he was able to reply to the halfling without snarking or jibing or meddling with her head to 'make her pay'. Instead he replied like a normal person would, casually continuing the conversation. Infact he spoke with some of his ususal charm and confidence again. It was as though he were just waking up or returning from the grey land of the dead as the light returned to his eyes.

"Really!? I look that young to you?" He questioned, "I know of boys my age in the country villages and farming towns who are recently married and trying for their first child! What harm am I doing by being in a tavern compared to that? Unless you are wildly off the mark and have mistake me for a thirteen year old, I am probably the age I look physically, though I can assure you I am quite mentally advanced in comparison due to reasons of my own. Not that that matters." He waves his hand dismissivly and turned to wink at her playfully, "You do yourself a disservice, Jillian. You hardly seem that old to me. Quite the contrary, you seem full of youthful life." Aware that he might be going a bit overboard he laughed and moved on, "I am here because I have finished all my tasks for this time. I am quite good at my job if I may say so myself and now I have nothing better to do and nowhere else to be except at home. So yes, you could say I am idle and in need of amusement. That's where you come in. You are to be my entertainment by talking to me."

Author: Noodles, Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 8:44 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

Jillian nodded in agreement. Admittedly the sword at her side had helped her out of more than a few situations she doubted her bare hands would have helped her out of, and she was rather fond of having it at her side, "That I do, Sane, and I am, quite pleased. I wanted adventure and excitement since I was a wee li'l girl, and eventually, I got it, and I experience it sometimes too often, but that just makes you appreciate the slow, lazy days like today. It's always important to be thankful of downtime because sometimes there are times when you aren't sure how long it'll be until you get to sit in a nice place like this!" She said thoughtfully, with a waggle of a finger at Sane, "And that's good, always important to defend yourself. Being able to rely on others to defend you is all well and good, but it doesn't do you any good if those people aren't around!" 

"I know what you're thinking…" She started with a short pause, "How do you get any more 'wee' than this, huh?" She snorted, "Very, very carefully."
Her brow furrowed for a moment, but then relaxed just as quickly, "You always come into taverns to compliment older women, or are you especially in need of amusement today?" She said with a hum, "You look a little young to hang around places like this all day, too many things to be doing- unless I'm completely wrong and you're older than you look."

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:59 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

That did sound like a pretty nice weapon, even if it wasn't anything of ledgend. His own daggers, conceled at his right hip by his large cloak, were the sort you could in buy in any town or city. Still, they worked, somthing he was sure those that had died by them would agree with if they could speak from the grave. However, he decided that it was probably best not to talk so morbidly and instead took a sip of his water while he listened to her talking and making terrible jokes. Not that he minded, her mood was starting to rub off on him and he found himself feeling the slightest bit less miserable.

"My name is Sane," He repeated blandly to her quip, "And it sounds like you do well enough for yourself with its help. You should be pleased. Most people dream of doing that sort of thing but never quite manage it." He also voted to omit any mention of her height, even if it was to compliment her having overcome its disadvantages. He knew he was probably coming across as a little too serious at the moment but he was having trouble thinking of jokes or small talk to make. He supposed it was his turn to share something about himself, "I carry daggers for self defence." And assassination, murder, blackmail, the list goes on. He thought. Sweetness responded by hiccupping on the top of his head. She found his thoughts funny and grinned impishly.

Author: Noodles, Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:31 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"Which is it then?- Sane, or Nobody Special?" She said, smile turning into a very slight smirk at her own god awful joke. Her gaze lowered to look at the sword that hung sheathed by her side, like a wolf in a muzzle, "Ah, my sword. It is indeed quite mighty. Dragon-slayer, holy symbol of long lost gods, enchanted with the mightiest of magic!" She said in a softened tone, eyes wide as if she were telling a story before her expression relaxes and she lets out another laugh, "Things that this sword is not!- Reliable though, I'll give it that much." She said with a waggle of her brow, "It doesn't even have an interesting backstory. Just something I purchased years back and have kept serviceable. Done its job well enough!- I'm still alive."

She turned to grab the drink off the counter and took a few large gulps from it, "Ahh, but about me, huh?- I'm just a traveler!- I wander from place to place, looking for things to do. I suppose you could refer to me as a blade for hire, but I've worked for free plenty, so that'd be inaccurate! This'd actually be my first time in this particular city." She explained, all her words seemed truthful enough, she didn't really seem like the person who would have anything to hide, in fact, she rather seemed like a person who expressed whatever they felt when they felt it. 

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:37 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

"It's a pleasure to make your aquaintence Jillian," He said, his jaw clenching and knotting slightly as he resisted the urge to read her thoughts about him, "My name is Sane. I'm nobody special." He lied expertly. Of course he was special. He was a telepath and he could control and bend people to his will. He was often regarded the best assassin, thief, spy and sabotour in the whole of Canelux and Parvpora put together. That is, by the few people that were allowed to know about him. Most people had never even heard of him. "Please, tell me about yourself. I'm sure you look quite interesting with that mighty sword of yours." He thought it best not to mention her scars lest it was a sensitive topic for her.

I really hope I'm doing this rigtht, Sweetness, because I'm not enjoying myself yet. He thought to the pixie. At this point the barkeeper arrived with the woman's drink and Sane dropped another couple of coins at the counter, barely bothering to look at the barkeeper as he did so.

Give it a chance! She scolded, Just talk to her and don't worry about anything else. It shouldn't be long until you are enjoying it like every other normal person does. She teased. Then again, don't enjoy yourself too much or else I might get jealous.

He looked at the jolly halfling. She did seem the 'fun' type, oozing confidence and charisma. Then again, maybe not quite as much as himself on his better days when he was putting in the effort. Right now was obviously not such a time. He felt dead inside. Maybe she would have some ideas for a lively activity they could partake in together. Something that didn't involve getting stupidly drunk or playing darts. These normal tavern activities weren't usually his cup of tea.

Author: Noodles, Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 3:37 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

The halfling didn't even hesitate with her response, "You sure can." It was only after that she responded did she actually look at the source of the voice. A young human, looked like he was barely an adult at that. Still!- company was company, and a free drink was a free drink. Perhaps she had the slightest drinking problem if she'd accept a free drink from anyone that would offer one, or perhaps she was just in an extra good mood. She waved the bartender down and pointed the young man beside her, "A cider please, it's on him!"

Jillian let out a good-natured laugh as she turned to look at Sane, a great big smile that went from cheek to cheek filled her face, "Thanks for the drink!- name's Jillian, but you can call me Jill if you'd prefer. Either-or!" She leaned in a bit towards him, "The real question is, who might you be?" This woman was rather sociable, to say the least, she seemingly exuded confidence. Of course of all the places to be sociable, a tavern was one of the better places. 

She crossed one leg over the other as she waited for his answer as if whatever he was about to say was a secret she was just dying to hear.

Author: Delusory Demon, Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:18 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

And here he was in a tavern again, looking for somthing or someone to amuse him. He almost couldn't believe it. He really needed to change something about his lifestyle if he was becoming so bored that he could be driven to such a place so often. He paused in the doorway as the stench of alcohol hit him before making his way to the bar. He actually decided to pay for his beverage for once as he dropped a coin onto the counter and ordered a glass of water. He then sat down reluctantly next to a tiny halfling woman who looked just as in need of amusement as himself, though he ignored her for now. Instead he opened up his mind and began scanning the minds of everyone around him in an effort to find something that interested him. The halfling next to him was called Jillian…

But that was as far as he got because Sweetness, his little wingless pixie, made herself known from her place on top of his head. She was there because she had previously insisted on curling into his hair and gripping on tight to the strands while they moved about. He had tried to tell her she would almost certainly fall as soon as she tried to fall asleep but it was no use; that was the way she had wanted to travel today and Sane in the end had only sighed as he gave in to her nagging. Now she used telepathy to communicate, as it was the only way she and Sane ever did speak. The young human noted that she sounded more than a little tired and reached up to offer to lift her down to where she could nap safely.

Sane, don't scan the people. Talk to them and you will find it much more entertaining. She counciled him, In fact, I dare you to get through a whole conversation with that halfling without peeking in her head once. - And no, I am not coming down! Your hair is nice and soft. Get your hand away!

Sane blinked and lowered his hand. He had nothing better to do and he liked a good dare any day to chase away the boredom. The funny thing was, though, that usually such challanges were about using more psionics, not less. Fine, whatever you say. He responded and turned to the halfling.

"Hello there! Could I buy you a drink?"

Author: Noodles, Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:26 PM, Post Subject: A Casual Encounter [P]

It felt good to rest her feet, and her rump, and really the entirety of her body. Walking all the time everywhere kept her fit, but oh how terribly sore she could end up on especially long days. That day hadn't been too terrible, mostly just exploring the town she had come into. Little legs meant more effort to put into traveling the same distance your average human had to put in. It beat traveling in the wilderness though!- excitement and exploration often came at the cost of even more effort, irritation, and loss of comfort- and despite how much the little woman loved to travel, she still loved the comfort and warmth of a tavern that nature often was often loath to provide to the odd traveler. 

 She supposed she shouldn't complain too much!- there she was in a tavern in fairly good company. There wasn't anyone to particularly loud, at least no louder than most people in a tavern at the end of a long day could be!  The Halfling herself had only just settled in, going slower on the drink than she did once she really got settled in. Despite her size, she could easily down more than just a few drinks, one of her many talents she liked to say!

Jillian sort of smiled to herself at that thought, there she was talking to herself in a tavern full of people! What she needed was someone to talk to, or better yet someone to drink with! Yes, that was an excellent idea! Who though?- A lot of the people in there were already preoccupied, or too drunk to be good for anything more than slight entertainment. 
It felt good to rest her feet, and her rump, and really the entirety of her body. Walking all the time everywhere kept her fit, but oh how terribly sore she could end up on especially long days. That day hadn't been too terrible, mostly just exploring the town she had come into. Little legs meant more effort to put into traveling the same distance your average human had to put in. It beat traveling in the wilderness though!- excitement and exploration often came at the cost of even more effort, irritation, and loss of comfort- and despite how much the little woman loved to travel, she still loved the comfort and warmth of a tavern that nature often was often loath to provide to the odd traveler.