Introduction
History
Aires is world that is untouched by earth’s modern man.Technologies thought to be basic necessities on earth are nonexistent which means no cell phones, no cars, and no firearms. Just people, politics, civil war, religion, and the cyclopean.
For centuries, Harbingers have described the cyclopean as lost souls—people with problems that weren’t properly resolved after death, people who were filled with hate and consequentially turned into monsters. Others say that they exist only by the will of their king Oblivion and that they were never human to begin with.
Despite the differing opinions, there has always discourse between the humans and the cyclopean. It was a balanced battle, head to head, toe to toe until a powerful evil began to encompass the land and overrode all that was good. Oblivion, the king of the Cyclopean, took the entirety of Aires as his prize and began to murder all who opposed him.
The Goddess, not powerful enough to defeat Oblivion alone, created twelve stones and infused their powers into a group of mortals who possessed the will power to manipulate their powers. The people of Aires called them the month warriors—saviors who would vanquish all chaos—demi gods.
They purified the land within a matter of months, but in the midst of the final battle Oblivion vanished, leaving the job unfinished. Soon the warriors were consumed by their gems, trapped inside, and reduced to glimmers on a cave floor.
Kick off Plot
The fate of both Aires and Earth lies in the hands of a group of young people who the prophets identified as matches for the sacred birthstones.
Our story begins with 12 young people who are oblivious to their powers and by some odd coincidence end up in New York’s Central park. Unaware of their destinies and the phenomena lurking deep within their gems, they accidentally embark on a life changing journey of tragedy, friendship, magic, and self-awareness.
The Cyclopean race is back, and the creatures are beginning to leak into earth. Can these children discover the full potential of their destinies before it’s too late?
Aires is world that is untouched by earth’s modern man.Technologies thought to be basic necessities on earth are nonexistent which means no cell phones, no cars, and no firearms. Just people, politics, civil war, religion, and the cyclopean.
For centuries, Harbingers have described the cyclopean as lost souls—people with problems that weren’t properly resolved after death, people who were filled with hate and consequentially turned into monsters. Others say that they exist only by the will of their king Oblivion and that they were never human to begin with.
Despite the differing opinions, there has always discourse between the humans and the cyclopean. It was a balanced battle, head to head, toe to toe until a powerful evil began to encompass the land and overrode all that was good. Oblivion, the king of the Cyclopean, took the entirety of Aires as his prize and began to murder all who opposed him.
The Goddess, not powerful enough to defeat Oblivion alone, created twelve stones and infused their powers into a group of mortals who possessed the will power to manipulate their powers. The people of Aires called them the month warriors—saviors who would vanquish all chaos—demi gods.
They purified the land within a matter of months, but in the midst of the final battle Oblivion vanished, leaving the job unfinished. Soon the warriors were consumed by their gems, trapped inside, and reduced to glimmers on a cave floor.
Kick off Plot
The fate of both Aires and Earth lies in the hands of a group of young people who the prophets identified as matches for the sacred birthstones.
Our story begins with 12 young people who are oblivious to their powers and by some odd coincidence end up in New York’s Central park. Unaware of their destinies and the phenomena lurking deep within their gems, they accidentally embark on a life changing journey of tragedy, friendship, magic, and self-awareness.
The Cyclopean race is back, and the creatures are beginning to leak into earth. Can these children discover the full potential of their destinies before it’s too late?
Stones and Powers
Jan: Garnet: The force of life. Healing. In extreme scenarios revival.
Gwenneth Yuan--China Demon
Feb: Amethyst: Electrical storms. “Technopath”
Tallyho Abell--Birthstone_Spirits
Mar: Aquamarine: Wind power, Wind storms.
Dorian Roberts-- Usernamesareadrag
Apr: Diamond: Manipulation of fresh water ponds, lakes, rain.
Kyle Keaton-- FyreT1ger
May: Emerald: Animals, nature.
Skylar Grayson-- Zomgitsmarisa
Jun: Pearl/Moonstone: Manipulation of Oceans, Seas, Saltwater.
Harper Calloway-- Cirrus_SD
Jul: Ruby: Fire, Heat.
Aria Delaine--dreammuffin
Aug: Peridot: Light Illusions: Conjuring very few, dopplegangers of a specific form. These illusions hold quality over quantity, therefore they have close to the same strength of the original figure. August can also use their illusions for mirage like effects. (Opposite of October)
Jason Carter--Rikura
Sept: Sapphire: Telekinesis: Access to the mind. Ability to create mental forums. Travel into the subconscious of others in order to gain information.
Falke der Herrscher-- Listentothetimpani
Oct: Opal: Dark Shadow Illusions: Conjuring massive amounts of dopplegangers of a specific form. Quantity over quality, the illusions are significantly weaker than the original figure but can over power with numbers. October can use their powers to conceal.
Xabier Sanchez-- Goong125
Nov: Topaz/Citrine: Connections to the Spirit world. Manipulation of the energy force. Communication with the dead.
Autumn Jones-- Linnea
Dec:Turquoise: Ice, snow.
Lux Adair-- Lita-Bug
About Aires: Culture, Geography, and Government
***All of the following images were drawn by TitusLunter on deviantart.com. Check him out!
Although it is an alternate world, Aires is, in many ways, similar to earth in geography and social categorization. There are eight continent-countries on the planet and each of their properties can be compared to those of various regions on Earth.
The Rose Kingdom is a land that sits on the far west side of the map. It is a land of grassy, hilly terrain that outstretches from sea to sea and most of its people can be best compared to earth’s western European population. While men are considered “superior”, women still have rights and are able to take on unconventional roles without much question. As for the government, it is a strict monarchy with a massive military. The economy is considered to be extremely strong.
There are five important cities in the RK. But the most important city is the capital city, Ve Marie, which was named after one of the greatest queens in history, Queen Marie the Merciful. Ve Marie is home to the Laude palace and the famous World Court House where cases around the globe are tried in honor of the five tenants of good citizenship. One of the RK's most notable monuments is the stone which is rumored to be the exact spot where the Goddess found the twelve birthstones that were later infused into the Month Warriors. The stone also serves as the coronation spot for the RK's up and coming monarchs.
Constance is a land that sits south of the Rose Kingdom and is closer to the center on the map. It is usually very rainy there and filled with various small bodies of water, swamps, and grass marshes. Its people are from many countries, so many of the people of Constance are of multiple heritages and cultures from all corners of the planet. While men are seen as the bread winners, there is a special appreciation for the woman because of the Goddess and Constance’s reputation as one of the most religious continent-countries. As for the government, Constance is a democracy with ambassadors and elected officials. The economy is moderately strong.
Constance's capital is called Tiara, a city that is home to the continent's political officials, and the best place to find the world's best undertakers. (Funerals are a very big business in Constance because the people who live there pay special attention to the afterlife.) Constance is also the home of the Vinn Compound, an infamous international prison that houses the worst offenders from the RK's World Court. Its most notable monument is the Light Shrine, a grand placebo where the month warriors were rumored to have had their first encounter with the Goddess' messenger angels, Bachs and Siberia.
Solace is a land in the southwest corner of the world. It is the most agrarian of all of the countries with its flat lands, high grass, and long mountain ranges. Because of its rural and sparse settlements, it is easier for men and women to be considered equal. Many of the people there can be best compared to earth’s European and Native American populations. Like Constance, Solace is extremely religious and the leading government officials are often leaders of the church. Because of their position as the leading food export country, their economy is moderately strong.
Farmers from around the continent flock to Malboro, the capital city, in hopes of selling their goods at the biggest flea market in the world. Malboro is also home to the Grand Harbinger. The Grand Harbinger is Aires' version of the Pope. He is also the leader of the Monastery of the Sun, a religious school that produces most of Aires' clergy and eventually, the next Grand Harbinger. But be aware that Solace isn't the most holy of soils. Down south, the "Savage" Conservation can be found. It is a place where native Solians are separated from the rest of society for "their own benefit" and fed the words of the Goddess by missionaries. Ironically, Solace's dearest monument, Mother's Mound sits nearby. Monks say that the sealed tomb houses each of the month warrior's sacred weapons.
Hales is a land situated near the center of the map and is brimming with snowy mountains and expansive tundras. Like solace, Hales is pretty rural. However, it is a monarchy and despite its size, it has one of the most resilient militaries on the planet. Men and women are treated equally in rural areas. But in the capital city, there is a distinct separation between the genders. The people there can be best compared to earth’s Eastern European and Inuit populations. Despite their advances in warfare technology, and rich oil supply, Hale's economy is moderately wealthy but not as wealthy as it could be. Most people are poor because any taxes go towards the monarchy and expanding the military.
Despite it's distressed appearance and disgustingly classist social scene, Koratev, Hales' capital, is the technological capital of the world. Underneath its icy expanse rests hundreds of thousands of gallons of "black gold". Most scientific research is done in Hales because of its wide expanse of tundra and free space. Rumor has it that scientists have made advances in developing weapons likened to "arrows shot by a flick of a finger", or guns. This, and many other developments, are what makes Hales a militaristic leader and a great ally for weaker countries during war time.
The Trading Islands are a collection of connected man-made ports on small growths of land in the Grande ocean. It sits at the very center of the map making it the perfect trading spot. It is best known for fishing, shipping, and pirates. Men and women are equal, but the land has a very “every man for himself” mentality. A laissez faire economy runs awry because of a lack of government management, and constant disputes between the merchants of the Rose Kingdom, Hales, Eastern Isle, and Ira. Because there is no government, the four other countries take it upon themselves to implement their laws on their territory, which causes conflict for each of them back home. Many counties fight to claim this area because of its ability to link the west to Nomansland, one of the most sought after locations. Like Constance, the population is extremely international. Money may run through this land, but it runs right into the pockets of the other governments leaving the economy weak.
The islands' capital, Trade City, is the black market of Aires because of the continent's severe lack of law enforcement. St. Marcus is the most orderly city on the landmass, and even so, it's usually known for its bars and nightlife.
Nomansland is a tropical landmass in the northeast. It is richest in resources, making it a prize to the more militaristic, developed countries. The people there can best be compared to Earth’s African, South American, and Southeast Asian populations. The people stick close to tradition, therefore, men are expected to be dominant. There is no huge government, but people divide themselves into tribes. There is also no metal currency, so instead bartering is utilized. The base of civil nations is an international campsite where missionaries from the Rose Kingdom, Ira, and Eastern Isle solicit natives about religion conversion and trading opportunities.
The four, "civilized tribes" according to the west, are the Anasi, Mondego, Nubai, and Korobi tribes. There are many more unconnected people roaming in the forest. There is even a tribe rumored to have freckled tan skin, bright eyes, and red hair. The Anasi and Mondego tribes are known to be "the friends of the west" because of their proximity to and cooperation with the base of civil nations. Little is known about the Nubai and Korobi other than the fact that they are rivals and that foolish missionaries are often caught in the crossfire of their war. Natives speak of a secret beach where the messengers Bachs and Siberia frequently appear to advise local sages. Despite the pleas from the base of civil nations, the natives refuse to take outsiders. Any outsiders who dare to venture out to the beach end up dead or missing.
Eastern Isle is a long continent on the Far East end of the map that is filled with high mountains and tropical jungles. The people there can best be compared to Earth’s far east Asian and East Indian populations. Men are dominant. The land has a figurehead emperor, but in reality the government is run by the military, which is also considered to be strong. Because of how far away it is from the other militaristic nations, it puts a lot of effort into trading with Nomansland and Ira. Its economy is nearly as strong as that of the Rose Kingdom.
Bin City was named after the first emperor of Eastern Isle, esteemed commander Woo Bin, a former warrior. Since his reign, the military has been a driving force in the rise of the nation. Far south of Bin City, there is a temple where a very old landlady lives. Residents say that she sees visions from the era of the first month warriors, and if one is brave enough to hike into the mountains to visit her, she can tell them who they were in that life. Because the announcement of the new month warriors have not been claimed, she is especially useful to people who believe that they are a Month Warrior and want clarification.
Ira it’s a flat land laden with beaches and deserts. The people there can be best compared to earth’s Middle Eastern and north African populations. Men are considered dominant. It is run by a monarchy, and while it’s army is not as ruthless as Hales’, numerous as the Rose Kingdom’s, or as regulatory as Eastern Isle's it still excels because of the country's advancements mathematics and science. They also have rich resources that are sold and traded in order to leave the economy strong. Pabul City, the capital, is home to the world bank where the wealthiest people of Aires ship their riches (if they avoid the pirates around the Trading Islands) trusting that their assets will be kept safe. Southwest of Pabul is the Warrior's Temple, a place where all four of the inactive seasonal stones are kept and rumored to be the training ground of the month warriors before their final battle with Oblivion. The Grand Harbinger preaches that the stones will only become active if faced with the true warriors.
Nearby is a dark, ominous canyon called the great escape. No one knows what is down below, and anyone who dares to venture in is never seen again. Some believe that it is where the cyclopean come from.
Jan: Garnet: The force of life. Healing. In extreme scenarios revival.
Gwenneth Yuan--China Demon
Feb: Amethyst: Electrical storms. “Technopath”
Tallyho Abell--Birthstone_Spirits
Mar: Aquamarine: Wind power, Wind storms.
Dorian Roberts-- Usernamesareadrag
Apr: Diamond: Manipulation of fresh water ponds, lakes, rain.
Kyle Keaton-- FyreT1ger
May: Emerald: Animals, nature.
Skylar Grayson-- Zomgitsmarisa
Jun: Pearl/Moonstone: Manipulation of Oceans, Seas, Saltwater.
Harper Calloway-- Cirrus_SD
Jul: Ruby: Fire, Heat.
Aria Delaine--dreammuffin
Aug: Peridot: Light Illusions: Conjuring very few, dopplegangers of a specific form. These illusions hold quality over quantity, therefore they have close to the same strength of the original figure. August can also use their illusions for mirage like effects. (Opposite of October)
Jason Carter--Rikura
Sept: Sapphire: Telekinesis: Access to the mind. Ability to create mental forums. Travel into the subconscious of others in order to gain information.
Falke der Herrscher-- Listentothetimpani
Oct: Opal: Dark Shadow Illusions: Conjuring massive amounts of dopplegangers of a specific form. Quantity over quality, the illusions are significantly weaker than the original figure but can over power with numbers. October can use their powers to conceal.
Xabier Sanchez-- Goong125
Nov: Topaz/Citrine: Connections to the Spirit world. Manipulation of the energy force. Communication with the dead.
Autumn Jones-- Linnea
Dec:Turquoise: Ice, snow.
Lux Adair-- Lita-Bug
About Aires: Culture, Geography, and Government
***All of the following images were drawn by TitusLunter on deviantart.com. Check him out!
Although it is an alternate world, Aires is, in many ways, similar to earth in geography and social categorization. There are eight continent-countries on the planet and each of their properties can be compared to those of various regions on Earth.
The Rose Kingdom is a land that sits on the far west side of the map. It is a land of grassy, hilly terrain that outstretches from sea to sea and most of its people can be best compared to earth’s western European population. While men are considered “superior”, women still have rights and are able to take on unconventional roles without much question. As for the government, it is a strict monarchy with a massive military. The economy is considered to be extremely strong.
There are five important cities in the RK. But the most important city is the capital city, Ve Marie, which was named after one of the greatest queens in history, Queen Marie the Merciful. Ve Marie is home to the Laude palace and the famous World Court House where cases around the globe are tried in honor of the five tenants of good citizenship. One of the RK's most notable monuments is the stone which is rumored to be the exact spot where the Goddess found the twelve birthstones that were later infused into the Month Warriors. The stone also serves as the coronation spot for the RK's up and coming monarchs.
Constance is a land that sits south of the Rose Kingdom and is closer to the center on the map. It is usually very rainy there and filled with various small bodies of water, swamps, and grass marshes. Its people are from many countries, so many of the people of Constance are of multiple heritages and cultures from all corners of the planet. While men are seen as the bread winners, there is a special appreciation for the woman because of the Goddess and Constance’s reputation as one of the most religious continent-countries. As for the government, Constance is a democracy with ambassadors and elected officials. The economy is moderately strong.
Constance's capital is called Tiara, a city that is home to the continent's political officials, and the best place to find the world's best undertakers. (Funerals are a very big business in Constance because the people who live there pay special attention to the afterlife.) Constance is also the home of the Vinn Compound, an infamous international prison that houses the worst offenders from the RK's World Court. Its most notable monument is the Light Shrine, a grand placebo where the month warriors were rumored to have had their first encounter with the Goddess' messenger angels, Bachs and Siberia.
Solace is a land in the southwest corner of the world. It is the most agrarian of all of the countries with its flat lands, high grass, and long mountain ranges. Because of its rural and sparse settlements, it is easier for men and women to be considered equal. Many of the people there can be best compared to earth’s European and Native American populations. Like Constance, Solace is extremely religious and the leading government officials are often leaders of the church. Because of their position as the leading food export country, their economy is moderately strong.
Farmers from around the continent flock to Malboro, the capital city, in hopes of selling their goods at the biggest flea market in the world. Malboro is also home to the Grand Harbinger. The Grand Harbinger is Aires' version of the Pope. He is also the leader of the Monastery of the Sun, a religious school that produces most of Aires' clergy and eventually, the next Grand Harbinger. But be aware that Solace isn't the most holy of soils. Down south, the "Savage" Conservation can be found. It is a place where native Solians are separated from the rest of society for "their own benefit" and fed the words of the Goddess by missionaries. Ironically, Solace's dearest monument, Mother's Mound sits nearby. Monks say that the sealed tomb houses each of the month warrior's sacred weapons.
Hales is a land situated near the center of the map and is brimming with snowy mountains and expansive tundras. Like solace, Hales is pretty rural. However, it is a monarchy and despite its size, it has one of the most resilient militaries on the planet. Men and women are treated equally in rural areas. But in the capital city, there is a distinct separation between the genders. The people there can be best compared to earth’s Eastern European and Inuit populations. Despite their advances in warfare technology, and rich oil supply, Hale's economy is moderately wealthy but not as wealthy as it could be. Most people are poor because any taxes go towards the monarchy and expanding the military.
Despite it's distressed appearance and disgustingly classist social scene, Koratev, Hales' capital, is the technological capital of the world. Underneath its icy expanse rests hundreds of thousands of gallons of "black gold". Most scientific research is done in Hales because of its wide expanse of tundra and free space. Rumor has it that scientists have made advances in developing weapons likened to "arrows shot by a flick of a finger", or guns. This, and many other developments, are what makes Hales a militaristic leader and a great ally for weaker countries during war time.
The Trading Islands are a collection of connected man-made ports on small growths of land in the Grande ocean. It sits at the very center of the map making it the perfect trading spot. It is best known for fishing, shipping, and pirates. Men and women are equal, but the land has a very “every man for himself” mentality. A laissez faire economy runs awry because of a lack of government management, and constant disputes between the merchants of the Rose Kingdom, Hales, Eastern Isle, and Ira. Because there is no government, the four other countries take it upon themselves to implement their laws on their territory, which causes conflict for each of them back home. Many counties fight to claim this area because of its ability to link the west to Nomansland, one of the most sought after locations. Like Constance, the population is extremely international. Money may run through this land, but it runs right into the pockets of the other governments leaving the economy weak.
The islands' capital, Trade City, is the black market of Aires because of the continent's severe lack of law enforcement. St. Marcus is the most orderly city on the landmass, and even so, it's usually known for its bars and nightlife.
Nomansland is a tropical landmass in the northeast. It is richest in resources, making it a prize to the more militaristic, developed countries. The people there can best be compared to Earth’s African, South American, and Southeast Asian populations. The people stick close to tradition, therefore, men are expected to be dominant. There is no huge government, but people divide themselves into tribes. There is also no metal currency, so instead bartering is utilized. The base of civil nations is an international campsite where missionaries from the Rose Kingdom, Ira, and Eastern Isle solicit natives about religion conversion and trading opportunities.
The four, "civilized tribes" according to the west, are the Anasi, Mondego, Nubai, and Korobi tribes. There are many more unconnected people roaming in the forest. There is even a tribe rumored to have freckled tan skin, bright eyes, and red hair. The Anasi and Mondego tribes are known to be "the friends of the west" because of their proximity to and cooperation with the base of civil nations. Little is known about the Nubai and Korobi other than the fact that they are rivals and that foolish missionaries are often caught in the crossfire of their war. Natives speak of a secret beach where the messengers Bachs and Siberia frequently appear to advise local sages. Despite the pleas from the base of civil nations, the natives refuse to take outsiders. Any outsiders who dare to venture out to the beach end up dead or missing.
Eastern Isle is a long continent on the Far East end of the map that is filled with high mountains and tropical jungles. The people there can best be compared to Earth’s far east Asian and East Indian populations. Men are dominant. The land has a figurehead emperor, but in reality the government is run by the military, which is also considered to be strong. Because of how far away it is from the other militaristic nations, it puts a lot of effort into trading with Nomansland and Ira. Its economy is nearly as strong as that of the Rose Kingdom.
Bin City was named after the first emperor of Eastern Isle, esteemed commander Woo Bin, a former warrior. Since his reign, the military has been a driving force in the rise of the nation. Far south of Bin City, there is a temple where a very old landlady lives. Residents say that she sees visions from the era of the first month warriors, and if one is brave enough to hike into the mountains to visit her, she can tell them who they were in that life. Because the announcement of the new month warriors have not been claimed, she is especially useful to people who believe that they are a Month Warrior and want clarification.
Ira it’s a flat land laden with beaches and deserts. The people there can be best compared to earth’s Middle Eastern and north African populations. Men are considered dominant. It is run by a monarchy, and while it’s army is not as ruthless as Hales’, numerous as the Rose Kingdom’s, or as regulatory as Eastern Isle's it still excels because of the country's advancements mathematics and science. They also have rich resources that are sold and traded in order to leave the economy strong. Pabul City, the capital, is home to the world bank where the wealthiest people of Aires ship their riches (if they avoid the pirates around the Trading Islands) trusting that their assets will be kept safe. Southwest of Pabul is the Warrior's Temple, a place where all four of the inactive seasonal stones are kept and rumored to be the training ground of the month warriors before their final battle with Oblivion. The Grand Harbinger preaches that the stones will only become active if faced with the true warriors.
Nearby is a dark, ominous canyon called the great escape. No one knows what is down below, and anyone who dares to venture in is never seen again. Some believe that it is where the cyclopean come from.
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 14 authors
“Well, I guess that just leaves us.” Skylar said out loud as Tallyho slipped out the door, not speaking to anyone in particular.
She wondered if they should wait for her, after all she was the native here and would know what to do if they ran in to anyone along the way who pointed them out for being outsiders. She let out a soft grunt- figures that as soon as she felt comfortable in New York she was whisked away to another place where she stuck out even more.
After a few minutes of everyone sitting in silence Skylar decided that she was too hungry to wait any longer, her stomach growling in protest.
“I’m going to head over right now, if anyone wants to join me. I don’t know about y’all but I’m starving.” She said, waiting to see if the others would join her before she made her way down to the tavern.
She wondered if they should wait for her, after all she was the native here and would know what to do if they ran in to anyone along the way who pointed them out for being outsiders. She let out a soft grunt- figures that as soon as she felt comfortable in New York she was whisked away to another place where she stuck out even more.
After a few minutes of everyone sitting in silence Skylar decided that she was too hungry to wait any longer, her stomach growling in protest.
“I’m going to head over right now, if anyone wants to join me. I don’t know about y’all but I’m starving.” She said, waiting to see if the others would join her before she made her way down to the tavern.
Harper rolled his eyes at Skylar's comment. "You know, I'm right here," he stated, stretching his arms behind his head, "And people think I'm the rude one."
Bored with where the conversation was going now (clothes, really?) he pulled out his phone, just to double-check whether there was reception here or not. No bars...he called Sadie just to make sure and was met with an obnoxious beeping. Well, that did make sense...since he doubted there were any satellites or phone towers here. They probably still relied on snail mail.
"Well, it was worth a shot," he mumbled. He still had some battery life left and turned the phone off to conserve it, shoving it back into his pocket.
Around here the announcement for dinner arrangements was made. As if in response, Harper's stomach growled loudly, and he stood up. "Finally!" he exclaimed, "I'm starving."
He was already down the ladder by the time Tallyho announced the others to leave without her, and he was out the door and walking briskly towards the tavern when Skylar spoke up. A tavern... he thought brightly as he pulled open the heavy wooden door and peered around for the ginger, That means Harper will be drunk as a fish tonight!
His eyes followed after a barmaid and his grin tugged wider. And possibly laid.
Bored with where the conversation was going now (clothes, really?) he pulled out his phone, just to double-check whether there was reception here or not. No bars...he called Sadie just to make sure and was met with an obnoxious beeping. Well, that did make sense...since he doubted there were any satellites or phone towers here. They probably still relied on snail mail.
"Well, it was worth a shot," he mumbled. He still had some battery life left and turned the phone off to conserve it, shoving it back into his pocket.
Around here the announcement for dinner arrangements was made. As if in response, Harper's stomach growled loudly, and he stood up. "Finally!" he exclaimed, "I'm starving."
He was already down the ladder by the time Tallyho announced the others to leave without her, and he was out the door and walking briskly towards the tavern when Skylar spoke up. A tavern... he thought brightly as he pulled open the heavy wooden door and peered around for the ginger, That means Harper will be drunk as a fish tonight!
His eyes followed after a barmaid and his grin tugged wider. And possibly laid.
Actually, it was a bit uncomfortable. Autumn was going to say something, but Kyle walked in and spoke first. A tavern, huh? They had just arrived and already had to go somewhere. Well, at least there would be food. Probably somewhere to sit, too. As long as she had these things, Autumn was happy.
With a sigh of effort, she sat up bed. “Alright, I’ll join you.” She said, adjusting her flats so that they didn’t pinch her feet. “I’m pretty hungry.” Before she could even stand, Harper was out the door. How she was supposed to work in a team with him was beyond her. She trudged down the stairs, not wanting to think about the trip back up. Following Skylar, she arrived at the tavern.
With a sigh of effort, she sat up bed. “Alright, I’ll join you.” She said, adjusting her flats so that they didn’t pinch her feet. “I’m pretty hungry.” Before she could even stand, Harper was out the door. How she was supposed to work in a team with him was beyond her. She trudged down the stairs, not wanting to think about the trip back up. Following Skylar, she arrived at the tavern.
The wash room was tucked at the end of the hall of the second floor. It was a small room, with a simple tub and a little side table where a basket of homemade soaps and sheabutter scrapings were kept for the use of customers. A full length mirror was propped in the corner.
Tallyho made about four trips to the well before the tub water was at a decent level; then again, the tub was quite small. It was a lavish wash bowl for a rich woman’s dog and Tallyho had to draw her knees to her chest in order to fit and be at least moderately comfortable.
After getting over the lack of space, and the stale, lukewarm water, Tallyho was able to take a decent wash. She spent minutes on her hair, doing as much as she could with what she had, by lathering her locks with a light rose soap, and conditioning with shea butter she melted by rubbing shavings between her palms until they melted. To be honest, she felt pretty clean, cleaner than she had felt in a long time.
Her dirt tan made way for her natural milky glow. Her hair, though wet, seemed to be a shade lighter; honey blonde curls spiraled down and stuck to her back like fine silk webs. Her lips outgrew their crude, chapped salmons and fitted themselves into a soft, refined pink.
When she finished, she dried herself with one of the crude towels the house keepers place into wash rooms every fifteen minutes. She observed herself in the mirror, pleased with her softer features.
“Too bad I’m gonna get roughed up again,” she offered a slight chuckle when she thought about what a fun night she would have at the tavern—how fat she would get—how many drinks she would have. But her laughter died when she thought about the month warrior business.
She redressed.
The tavern was a lively place. The men were rough, bearded fellows, and the women, most being barmaids, ran on the scale of being a bit homely to rather attractive. Folk music plucked about the room, sheepskin drums were tapped, the lutenists yodeled and howled as they plucked the strings of their wooden lutes and sung oral legends to which their audiences sang along. A few burly men danced about with lazy barmaids. Surly guys held drinking games on the other side of the room. A pack of old men laughed loudly at dirty jokes at a table nearby Haru’s. This was truly a working class man’s paradise.
Seeing the warriors flood in, Haru waved his hand, inviting the first to arrive—Harper—to the largest table in the room, and he continued to do the same to the others as they stumbled in.
“Well welcome to your first dining experience here on Aires,” he said as he gestured to the seats. “I suppose I should begin by giving you an idea about the country you are in and the most common foods that are around here.”
The redhead reached down into his pocket and withdrew a small map. He flattened it out on the table and set his finger on a large continent in the south west corner of the drawing. Within that form, he gestured towards a tiny mark labelled “Tabbard”.
“We are in Solace right now, a very rural, agricultural country where the wheat fields are high, and the beer is fresh. Here you will find lots of corn dishes—fried corn, smoked corn, corn pudding. Wheat is pretty big here too, so there are lots of plain cakes and what not. But meat is a little sparse, so people here mainly each chicken, but sometimes trappers can snag bears and stags. There are lots of peaches in this country, and I mean a lot. I mean, every dessert on this menu probably has peaches in it. But if there aren’t peaches, there is probably Banya in your cake—a fruit that is only native to this region. It’s pretty good raw, but people like to put it in pastries, liquors, even medicine if their crazy enough.”
Tallyho entered the tavern. The familiar smells washed over her and the corners of her mouth twitched into a slight smile. She could feel the light breezes against her pores—and oh—it felt great to be fresh and clean. It was as if she never knew the little vagabond she once was. She felt great, she looked great—at least she thought she did—and now she was getting free food and alcohol. Oh, this Month Warrior thing might be a little amazing.
She made her way to Haru’s table and took a seat—in too good of a mood to pay attention to who she was sitting next to. Just as she settled down, a middle-aged bar maid made her way over to the table.
“Would you all like the house beer?” Her voice was a little raspy. Haru leaned forward, asserting his position as the speaker of the table, knowing that most of them had no idea what they were doing.
He held his finger up as if to tell their waitress to wait a second, then looked back at the group.
“You people are all about seventeen, right?” he didn’t wait for an answer, “they’ll each take one. No seconds though. I’m not sure how they will react to such a strong one.”
As the maid walked away, Haru looked back at the group.
“If I find out that you’re under seventeen and your drinking this shit, I’m going to kick your asses,” he made his threat short, sweet, and to the point. He wanted to give them a good time, but he didn’t want them dying of alcohol poisoning so early in the game.
Tallyho made about four trips to the well before the tub water was at a decent level; then again, the tub was quite small. It was a lavish wash bowl for a rich woman’s dog and Tallyho had to draw her knees to her chest in order to fit and be at least moderately comfortable.
After getting over the lack of space, and the stale, lukewarm water, Tallyho was able to take a decent wash. She spent minutes on her hair, doing as much as she could with what she had, by lathering her locks with a light rose soap, and conditioning with shea butter she melted by rubbing shavings between her palms until they melted. To be honest, she felt pretty clean, cleaner than she had felt in a long time.
Her dirt tan made way for her natural milky glow. Her hair, though wet, seemed to be a shade lighter; honey blonde curls spiraled down and stuck to her back like fine silk webs. Her lips outgrew their crude, chapped salmons and fitted themselves into a soft, refined pink.
When she finished, she dried herself with one of the crude towels the house keepers place into wash rooms every fifteen minutes. She observed herself in the mirror, pleased with her softer features.
“Too bad I’m gonna get roughed up again,” she offered a slight chuckle when she thought about what a fun night she would have at the tavern—how fat she would get—how many drinks she would have. But her laughter died when she thought about the month warrior business.
She redressed.
The tavern was a lively place. The men were rough, bearded fellows, and the women, most being barmaids, ran on the scale of being a bit homely to rather attractive. Folk music plucked about the room, sheepskin drums were tapped, the lutenists yodeled and howled as they plucked the strings of their wooden lutes and sung oral legends to which their audiences sang along. A few burly men danced about with lazy barmaids. Surly guys held drinking games on the other side of the room. A pack of old men laughed loudly at dirty jokes at a table nearby Haru’s. This was truly a working class man’s paradise.
Seeing the warriors flood in, Haru waved his hand, inviting the first to arrive—Harper—to the largest table in the room, and he continued to do the same to the others as they stumbled in.
“Well welcome to your first dining experience here on Aires,” he said as he gestured to the seats. “I suppose I should begin by giving you an idea about the country you are in and the most common foods that are around here.”
The redhead reached down into his pocket and withdrew a small map. He flattened it out on the table and set his finger on a large continent in the south west corner of the drawing. Within that form, he gestured towards a tiny mark labelled “Tabbard”.
“We are in Solace right now, a very rural, agricultural country where the wheat fields are high, and the beer is fresh. Here you will find lots of corn dishes—fried corn, smoked corn, corn pudding. Wheat is pretty big here too, so there are lots of plain cakes and what not. But meat is a little sparse, so people here mainly each chicken, but sometimes trappers can snag bears and stags. There are lots of peaches in this country, and I mean a lot. I mean, every dessert on this menu probably has peaches in it. But if there aren’t peaches, there is probably Banya in your cake—a fruit that is only native to this region. It’s pretty good raw, but people like to put it in pastries, liquors, even medicine if their crazy enough.”
Tallyho entered the tavern. The familiar smells washed over her and the corners of her mouth twitched into a slight smile. She could feel the light breezes against her pores—and oh—it felt great to be fresh and clean. It was as if she never knew the little vagabond she once was. She felt great, she looked great—at least she thought she did—and now she was getting free food and alcohol. Oh, this Month Warrior thing might be a little amazing.
She made her way to Haru’s table and took a seat—in too good of a mood to pay attention to who she was sitting next to. Just as she settled down, a middle-aged bar maid made her way over to the table.
“Would you all like the house beer?” Her voice was a little raspy. Haru leaned forward, asserting his position as the speaker of the table, knowing that most of them had no idea what they were doing.
He held his finger up as if to tell their waitress to wait a second, then looked back at the group.
“You people are all about seventeen, right?” he didn’t wait for an answer, “they’ll each take one. No seconds though. I’m not sure how they will react to such a strong one.”
As the maid walked away, Haru looked back at the group.
“If I find out that you’re under seventeen and your drinking this shit, I’m going to kick your asses,” he made his threat short, sweet, and to the point. He wanted to give them a good time, but he didn’t want them dying of alcohol poisoning so early in the game.
Lux shuffled into the tavern with the others, nearly scrunching up her face at the initial sight of the bearded men. It was so loud in here too! Barely enough for her to properly hear herself think. Shaking her head, Lux traveled over to the table where Haru sat, taking a seat and listening to his threat after he had ordered them all beer. Leaning back in her seat, the brunette hummed for a bit, allowing her nutmeg eyes to glance about the crowded area.
Sitting up straighter, Lux allowed herself to take better notes of Haru's appearance. So many questions swam in her head, but she knew he was the authority here. The threat and the position he sat in was enough to prove that, and Lux knew that it was best to follow those who assert themselves as the authoritative figure of any group. Clearing her throat, she allowed her gaze to flicker over the teammates she was with, as if waiting for someone or something to start a conversation.
The idea of drinking beer here wasn't too great either.
Sitting up straighter, Lux allowed herself to take better notes of Haru's appearance. So many questions swam in her head, but she knew he was the authority here. The threat and the position he sat in was enough to prove that, and Lux knew that it was best to follow those who assert themselves as the authoritative figure of any group. Clearing her throat, she allowed her gaze to flicker over the teammates she was with, as if waiting for someone or something to start a conversation.
The idea of drinking beer here wasn't too great either.
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As people began to head out to the tavern, Gwen felt her enthusiasm dwindling rapidly. Tavern, huh? Didn't sound like her kind of place. But damn, she was so hungry. In the end it was the drive to fill her cramping belly that forced her to follow the others out of the inn and out to the tavern. Gwen brought her bag of belongings with her, simply because she didn't trust the security at the inn. This was supposed to be some medieval age thing, right? People got desperate. They did even back on modern day Earth. There was no way she was letting some backwards tramp steal her shit.
The noise of the tavern struck Gwen like a blow over the head, causing her to reel slightly. No, this was not her sort of place at all. People yelling, flurries of noise, a barrage on all of her senses; these sorts of settings drove her crazy. All the stimulation made it hard to think. She could smell food, though, and the drive to secure her survival overpowered her social discomfort. She tried not to care about the noise and commotion around her. Really though, she hated drunk people.
She sat down among the others, folding her legs tightly and crossing her arms across her (lack of) chest. Haru was explaining about the country they were in and the foods they should expect. By this point, should it really surprise Gwen that all the foods on Aires also existed on Earth? For that matter, everyone in the tavern seemed to be speaking English, as far as Gwen could tell.
She wished they could just hurry up and get their food. She didn't give a fuck about whether they were in peach country or bear country. The smell of the food was killing her already. Maybe when they actually got their food, she could take it with her back to the inn. She really had no desire to stay at the tavern. Besides, the more she stayed with the group, the more she was going to just be a part of a herd. Regaining some of her individuality in solitude would be a nice change.
Gwen kept her eyes forward, fingers tapping along the empty spot on her upper arm where her dagger used to be. She resolutely ignored the beer when it was set in front of her. Giving them alcohol in a strange new environment before they had had any chance to acclimatize to anything seemed like some sort of twisted ploy. In Gwen's eyes, getting drunk right now seemed to be... unwise. Maybe that was a coping mechanism for the others. Every man for himself. Not like she gave a shit. She was out of here as soon as she got her food.
The noise of the tavern struck Gwen like a blow over the head, causing her to reel slightly. No, this was not her sort of place at all. People yelling, flurries of noise, a barrage on all of her senses; these sorts of settings drove her crazy. All the stimulation made it hard to think. She could smell food, though, and the drive to secure her survival overpowered her social discomfort. She tried not to care about the noise and commotion around her. Really though, she hated drunk people.
She sat down among the others, folding her legs tightly and crossing her arms across her (lack of) chest. Haru was explaining about the country they were in and the foods they should expect. By this point, should it really surprise Gwen that all the foods on Aires also existed on Earth? For that matter, everyone in the tavern seemed to be speaking English, as far as Gwen could tell.
She wished they could just hurry up and get their food. She didn't give a fuck about whether they were in peach country or bear country. The smell of the food was killing her already. Maybe when they actually got their food, she could take it with her back to the inn. She really had no desire to stay at the tavern. Besides, the more she stayed with the group, the more she was going to just be a part of a herd. Regaining some of her individuality in solitude would be a nice change.
Gwen kept her eyes forward, fingers tapping along the empty spot on her upper arm where her dagger used to be. She resolutely ignored the beer when it was set in front of her. Giving them alcohol in a strange new environment before they had had any chance to acclimatize to anything seemed like some sort of twisted ploy. In Gwen's eyes, getting drunk right now seemed to be... unwise. Maybe that was a coping mechanism for the others. Every man for himself. Not like she gave a shit. She was out of here as soon as she got her food.
“Says the boy who bolted at the first sign of trouble back in Central Park. And for the record,” Skylar said sweetly in response to Harper’s earlier remark as she slid into one of the chairs at the table. “You did deserve it.”
She felt the grumbling in her stomach growing louder as Haru described all the food, the smells alone making her mouth water.
Free food and free beer? And it was completely legal? Skylar was beginning to think that this alone made up for the pure chaos that the tavern offered. Maybe if she got drunk enough she’d be able to ignore the noise and stench of the place.
An awkward sort of silence had fallen over the group, the tension making Skylar slightly uncomfortable.
“Alright, I know this is lame but we might as well get to know each other if we’re going to be spending so much time together,” She said suddenly, running a hand through her hair. “Anyway, um. I’m Skylar. I’m originally from Florida but I’m studying communications at New York University…” She trailed off, hoping that someone else would hopefully join in and she wouldn’t feel like a huge dumbass.
She felt the grumbling in her stomach growing louder as Haru described all the food, the smells alone making her mouth water.
Free food and free beer? And it was completely legal? Skylar was beginning to think that this alone made up for the pure chaos that the tavern offered. Maybe if she got drunk enough she’d be able to ignore the noise and stench of the place.
An awkward sort of silence had fallen over the group, the tension making Skylar slightly uncomfortable.
“Alright, I know this is lame but we might as well get to know each other if we’re going to be spending so much time together,” She said suddenly, running a hand through her hair. “Anyway, um. I’m Skylar. I’m originally from Florida but I’m studying communications at New York University…” She trailed off, hoping that someone else would hopefully join in and she wouldn’t feel like a huge dumbass.
Allowing her gaze to flicker over to Skylar, the brunette gave off what seemed to be a soft smile. "I'm Lux. I was born in Cincinnati, but my family moved to Buffalo. I'm still in high school and I'm looking at going to college in New York City." She commented, sympathizing with the girl for trying to make a valiant effort on breaking the ice that seemed to have covered the warrior's table.
However, the idea of the food and the smell that lingered in the air was making Lux start to chew a little on the inside of her lip. She heard what was her own stomach growl before letting out a sigh. It was hard to tell how hungry she was until she fully realized it! And it was also the description of all the types of food here on Aires that made her hungrier just thinking about the similarities. Perhaps this place wasn't so bad once you got past the fact that it did not rely on technology like her world did.
However, the idea of the food and the smell that lingered in the air was making Lux start to chew a little on the inside of her lip. She heard what was her own stomach growl before letting out a sigh. It was hard to tell how hungry she was until she fully realized it! And it was also the description of all the types of food here on Aires that made her hungrier just thinking about the similarities. Perhaps this place wasn't so bad once you got past the fact that it did not rely on technology like her world did.
Taking a seat, Autumn shifted uncomfortably. Even though this was a tavern, she had hoped it would be a little less… rough. The dirty jokes from the nearby table didn’t make her feel any more comfortable, and the place reeked of booze. At least she knew where she was now. Though, she didn't really know what to do with this new information.
A beer did sound nice. Though she was more fond of wine, anything would do at this point. The whole day had been crazy, and a drink was more than welcome.
Autumn smiled as Skylar introduced herself. “Hey, I’m Autumn. I’m from California. My mom was on a business trip and brought me along. I was sort of hoping I would just stay in New York, though.” She chuckled. "But, I guess that's what we all had planned."
A beer did sound nice. Though she was more fond of wine, anything would do at this point. The whole day had been crazy, and a drink was more than welcome.
Autumn smiled as Skylar introduced herself. “Hey, I’m Autumn. I’m from California. My mom was on a business trip and brought me along. I was sort of hoping I would just stay in New York, though.” She chuckled. "But, I guess that's what we all had planned."
Harper scoffed at Haru's words. "Please," he said, leaning back in his seat, hands behind his head. He had to fight the urge to put his feet on the table and compromised by propping one foot up against his other knee in the stereotypical '4' position men liked to sit in. "I haven't been 17 in 5 years." Besides, how strong could beer be? It wasn't like hard liquor.
He shrugged at Skylar's comment, "Hey, if I had run faster sooner, some other pearl-wearing sucker would be here instead of me. So, really, you guys are stuck with me because I wasn't more of an asshole."
He snorted at the introduction, and added at the end of Skylar's, "Yeah, she's trying to become a professional liar. Believe me, you don't need to go to school for that."
As more and more people introduced theirselves (mainly herselves) Harper realized that he was correct: most of these people still lived with their parents. Or were just starting college. Either way, all were younger than him.
"Sheesh," he said, "I can't believe the world is supposed to get saved by a bunch of teenagers."
He shrugged at Skylar's comment, "Hey, if I had run faster sooner, some other pearl-wearing sucker would be here instead of me. So, really, you guys are stuck with me because I wasn't more of an asshole."
He snorted at the introduction, and added at the end of Skylar's, "Yeah, she's trying to become a professional liar. Believe me, you don't need to go to school for that."
As more and more people introduced theirselves (mainly herselves) Harper realized that he was correct: most of these people still lived with their parents. Or were just starting college. Either way, all were younger than him.
"Sheesh," he said, "I can't believe the world is supposed to get saved by a bunch of teenagers."
Jason had been unusually quiet for himself, but these people wouldn't know that since he just met them. The place they were staying was way different than anything he'd ever seen, but, hey, this was a different world after all. It reminded him of a book series he read once. Wheel of Time or something like that? Eh, doesn't matter.
At the mention of food, Jason realized how hungry he actually was, and was eager enough to follow the others to the tavern. The smell of the food, and the descriptions Haru gave had his mouth watering... but for him, the beer was a definite no go. Being one of those people who quickly adapts and feels comfortable around new people, Jason didn't even notice the awkward atmosphere around the table until on of the girls, Skylar, she said, introduced herself, and he noticed the others uncomfortable expressions or postures. Two other girls, Lux and Autumn, followed up.
But, of course, that annoying guy... I think it's Harper or something? just had to make more stupid comments. He shook his head and sighed, a little annoyed. "Hey, lighten up, dude. Your attitude sucks. We're all stuck here whether you like it or not, so just deal with it. Like the adult you so proudly claim to be."
He turned towards the others and gave a small smile. "Jason Carter. Grew up in Music City, AKA, Nashville, Tennessee. Do to some... circumstances, I've been live'n on my own for the past two years. Came to New York to check out a scholarship opportunity, and luckily I'm able to stay with a family friend." He remembered the reason he'd gone out anyways and ended up at the park, turning a little red, "I, uh, kind'a got lost and ended up at Central Park, so, yeah, but kind'a glad I ended up there. This is all pretty interesting."
At the mention of food, Jason realized how hungry he actually was, and was eager enough to follow the others to the tavern. The smell of the food, and the descriptions Haru gave had his mouth watering... but for him, the beer was a definite no go. Being one of those people who quickly adapts and feels comfortable around new people, Jason didn't even notice the awkward atmosphere around the table until on of the girls, Skylar, she said, introduced herself, and he noticed the others uncomfortable expressions or postures. Two other girls, Lux and Autumn, followed up.
But, of course, that annoying guy... I think it's Harper or something? just had to make more stupid comments. He shook his head and sighed, a little annoyed. "Hey, lighten up, dude. Your attitude sucks. We're all stuck here whether you like it or not, so just deal with it. Like the adult you so proudly claim to be."
He turned towards the others and gave a small smile. "Jason Carter. Grew up in Music City, AKA, Nashville, Tennessee. Do to some... circumstances, I've been live'n on my own for the past two years. Came to New York to check out a scholarship opportunity, and luckily I'm able to stay with a family friend." He remembered the reason he'd gone out anyways and ended up at the park, turning a little red, "I, uh, kind'a got lost and ended up at Central Park, so, yeah, but kind'a glad I ended up there. This is all pretty interesting."
Autumn rolled her eyes at Harper’s remark. Was he trying to be a jerk? She made a mental note not to be bothered by anything he said. If anything, he was probably just trying to get a rise out of everyone. How long would he last like this? If he continued to be so rude, she couldn’t imagine him staying around very long.
Still, teenagers probably weren’t what Autumn would choose if she had a world to save. “I’m sure we’ll do fine.” She smiled hopefully, though she wasn’t quite sure if she believed her statement. She couldn’t even move when the cyclopean first attacked at the park. If that trend continued, she just knew she wouldn’t be alive for very long. If that was the case, she had to face her fears. Fast. The thought of having to fight those monstrosities left an unsettling pit in her stomach.
Still, teenagers probably weren’t what Autumn would choose if she had a world to save. “I’m sure we’ll do fine.” She smiled hopefully, though she wasn’t quite sure if she believed her statement. She couldn’t even move when the cyclopean first attacked at the park. If that trend continued, she just knew she wouldn’t be alive for very long. If that was the case, she had to face her fears. Fast. The thought of having to fight those monstrosities left an unsettling pit in her stomach.
Harper raised his eyebrows at the southern kid's comment. "I am dealing with it," he said, and then grinned, "Right now I'm dealing with it by complaining. And in a few minutes I'll be dealing with it by eating, getting smashed, and hopefully getting laid, like the adult I am.
He leaned back some more, balancing on the two back legs of his chair and musing at the ceiling. "You know, they did some sort of study where if you complain and whine and bitch about all the bad stuff, it leaves your system and you end up more clear-headed on the inside."
He wasn't sure if this was true or not, but it sounded legitimate to him. "It's like burping," he explained further with a wave of his hand, "If you don't let it out, the gas inverts and you end up with the shits."
The southern kid introduced himself as Jason, and when he mentioned he was from Tennessee, Harper snapped his fingers and pointed in his direction with an excited "Called it!"
Harper grew more excited by the end of his intro, since he himself was involved in it. "Yeah, this guy asked me for directions," he said, "And, you know, I told him exactly where to go, but I guess he doesn't know his right from his left. You know, actually, it's hard to get lost in New York City, at least in the Manhattan part, because everything goes by numbers. Like, 32nd comes before 33rd and after 31st. It's great."
He snorted at Autumn's hopeful comment. "Yeah, I'm sure we'll do fine too, once we get our food and drinks," he said sarcastically, sitting forward with a heavy 'thud' from the chair, "But seriously, where's the food? Do we just order or do they bring it to us, or what?" He raised an eyebrow at Haru's direction.
He leaned back some more, balancing on the two back legs of his chair and musing at the ceiling. "You know, they did some sort of study where if you complain and whine and bitch about all the bad stuff, it leaves your system and you end up more clear-headed on the inside."
He wasn't sure if this was true or not, but it sounded legitimate to him. "It's like burping," he explained further with a wave of his hand, "If you don't let it out, the gas inverts and you end up with the shits."
The southern kid introduced himself as Jason, and when he mentioned he was from Tennessee, Harper snapped his fingers and pointed in his direction with an excited "Called it!"
Harper grew more excited by the end of his intro, since he himself was involved in it. "Yeah, this guy asked me for directions," he said, "And, you know, I told him exactly where to go, but I guess he doesn't know his right from his left. You know, actually, it's hard to get lost in New York City, at least in the Manhattan part, because everything goes by numbers. Like, 32nd comes before 33rd and after 31st. It's great."
He snorted at Autumn's hopeful comment. "Yeah, I'm sure we'll do fine too, once we get our food and drinks," he said sarcastically, sitting forward with a heavy 'thud' from the chair, "But seriously, where's the food? Do we just order or do they bring it to us, or what?" He raised an eyebrow at Haru's direction.
Kyle was a little anxious about going to the tavern himself, but he didn't think he was the only one. Because Haru was going there for food, he hoped it was more like an old world pub than a bar, but what did Kyle know about old world pubs anyway? All he heard were stories.
The short blond had to take a step back at the entrance to the tavern and rubbed his head. All this noise reminded him of the shouting and arguing in that core place. He groaned at the memory, but eventually found his way to everyone else. There wasn't anywhere else for him to go except back to the inn, which would probably be too quiet and even lonely. He didn't really know any of these people, but he was more comfortable in a group than on his own in a strange place. Besides, he needed to get to know them -though he would be happier without Harper along- to do this save the world stuff and Haru did warn them they wouldn't have a lot of time. So he had to make the best of the time they would have.
When the redhead pulled out the map and started telling them about the area, Kyle leaned in to get a better look. It didn't do much good though, since it was upside down to him, so he just sat back again. He started at the threat though. The blond boy's seventeenth birthday was still months away, but Haru already ordered the drink. What could he do about it? He could probably order water later. Yes, that's what he would do.
While waiting for the drinks, several people started introducing themselves. The first one, a brown-haired girl called Skylar, caught his attention. She was studying in college and he was impressed. He didn't even know she was old enough to go to college. As for him, he didn't expect to get into college at all because his grades were bad and he had other issues. The idiot, Harper, of course had to belittle her about her major and Kyle wanted to punch him. He hated that jerk. Another guy, Jason, from Tennessee said something to Harper in a much nicer way then Kyle would have, and the shorter blond chuckled at that.
The amusement was short-lived when the same idiot went on to insult Jason too. Darn! He didn't need any alcohol in him to start a fight, but Kyle was trying to avoid it with Haru there. He still balled his hands in fists though. "Do you have a degree in being an asshole or do you just not know your ass from your mouth? Cuz all that comes out of it is crap."
The short blond had to take a step back at the entrance to the tavern and rubbed his head. All this noise reminded him of the shouting and arguing in that core place. He groaned at the memory, but eventually found his way to everyone else. There wasn't anywhere else for him to go except back to the inn, which would probably be too quiet and even lonely. He didn't really know any of these people, but he was more comfortable in a group than on his own in a strange place. Besides, he needed to get to know them -though he would be happier without Harper along- to do this save the world stuff and Haru did warn them they wouldn't have a lot of time. So he had to make the best of the time they would have.
When the redhead pulled out the map and started telling them about the area, Kyle leaned in to get a better look. It didn't do much good though, since it was upside down to him, so he just sat back again. He started at the threat though. The blond boy's seventeenth birthday was still months away, but Haru already ordered the drink. What could he do about it? He could probably order water later. Yes, that's what he would do.
While waiting for the drinks, several people started introducing themselves. The first one, a brown-haired girl called Skylar, caught his attention. She was studying in college and he was impressed. He didn't even know she was old enough to go to college. As for him, he didn't expect to get into college at all because his grades were bad and he had other issues. The idiot, Harper, of course had to belittle her about her major and Kyle wanted to punch him. He hated that jerk. Another guy, Jason, from Tennessee said something to Harper in a much nicer way then Kyle would have, and the shorter blond chuckled at that.
The amusement was short-lived when the same idiot went on to insult Jason too. Darn! He didn't need any alcohol in him to start a fight, but Kyle was trying to avoid it with Haru there. He still balled his hands in fists though. "Do you have a degree in being an asshole or do you just not know your ass from your mouth? Cuz all that comes out of it is crap."
"Says the one who's acting like teenager. Just because you're older doesn't mean you're any better than us, buddy," Skylar spat back, brows furrowed in frustration. He was the one acting like a brat, whining and complaining ever since they had arrived. "And I am not a liar, thank you very much."
Skylar didn't consider herself to be a sensitive person, years of being teased by her brothers and their friends had given her a tough skin to most things. She'd grown up in a home where it was frowned upon to show your emotions so she'd become used to bottling things up inside. So that's what she did, choosing the brush off Harper's comments instead of letting them get to her. Besides, he was just looking for attention and they weren't doing any good by giving it to him.
She did appreciate Kyle's comment to him though though, a smirk pulling at her lips as he retorted back to the older male.
Skylar didn't consider herself to be a sensitive person, years of being teased by her brothers and their friends had given her a tough skin to most things. She'd grown up in a home where it was frowned upon to show your emotions so she'd become used to bottling things up inside. So that's what she did, choosing the brush off Harper's comments instead of letting them get to her. Besides, he was just looking for attention and they weren't doing any good by giving it to him.
She did appreciate Kyle's comment to him though though, a smirk pulling at her lips as he retorted back to the older male.
When she was told she would be part of a team, Autumn expected a few rough spots. What she didn’t expect, however, was for everyone to start arguing the first night. And it was all thanks to Harper. Complaining was one thing, but insulting was another. Autumn honestly didn’t care about whatever built up tension he had. He needed to release it another way. And change his language a little. It seemed like every word that came out of his mouth was like sewage. It reminded her of a waste pipe, oozing green waste in an unsightly manner. This could probably be fixed if he stopped cursing, though Autumn doubted that it would happen any time soon.
“Let’s all just calm down, alright?” She said with a discontented sigh. “I bet that after some food and rest we’ll all be happier.”
“Let’s all just calm down, alright?” She said with a discontented sigh. “I bet that after some food and rest we’ll all be happier.”
Harper held up his hands as Skylar snapped at him, "Hey, I'm not saying I'm better than you. I didn't even want to save the world, remember?" He leaned forward on the table and held out a finger, "There's only one thing I'm competitive in, and that's swimming."
He snorted at Skylar's liar comment, though. "That's funny. I don't have a great memory, but if I recall correctly, you said you wanted to work in PR for companies, specifically to cover up for them when they screw up, amirite? That's pretty much the closest you can get to professional lying, besides lawyers."
And then the blonde guy spoke...Harper's eyes widened and he laughed loudly. Guffawed, more like...he even clapped his hands. "Dude, I have a god-damned P-H-D in assholery," Harper finally answered, still giggling, "And I didn't need to go to college for it, let me tell you."
Before he could, Autumn interrupted, apparently wanting to diffuse the energy. Still, she had a point. "I bet you're right," he said, still grinning from the blonde's comment. "I don't know what you're talking about with the calm stuff, though. I'm calm as a cucumber. It's these guys who don't know how to take a joke."
He snorted at Skylar's liar comment, though. "That's funny. I don't have a great memory, but if I recall correctly, you said you wanted to work in PR for companies, specifically to cover up for them when they screw up, amirite? That's pretty much the closest you can get to professional lying, besides lawyers."
And then the blonde guy spoke...Harper's eyes widened and he laughed loudly. Guffawed, more like...he even clapped his hands. "Dude, I have a god-damned P-H-D in assholery," Harper finally answered, still giggling, "And I didn't need to go to college for it, let me tell you."
Before he could, Autumn interrupted, apparently wanting to diffuse the energy. Still, she had a point. "I bet you're right," he said, still grinning from the blonde's comment. "I don't know what you're talking about with the calm stuff, though. I'm calm as a cucumber. It's these guys who don't know how to take a joke."
As soon as a dark haired young man stabbed the armored beast, everything changed. The world seemed to disintegrate into a white void, before that too was ducked in until there was darkness. Utter and complete darkness. Aria couldn't tell which way was up or down, or whether she was sitting or standing. Then an ethereal voice, which dripped with wisdom, narrated a story. It was one she hardly believed. They were supposed to go to this weird place called Aires. The weird girl with the blonde hair seemed to know what that place was. Then, she began to think, trying to make a decision. An argument erupted around her, the source of which was Harper, but she just ignored everything. Finally, she stepped into the yellow light and was whisked away.
Everything after that happened in a blur. Her and the others suddenly landed in a field. They were introduced to a fire headed person named Haru, who was the owner of the mysterious voice in the void. He somehow already knew their names, and listed their month and power. Fire? Aria looked down at her hands for a moment. Was she really capable of something like that? They were all taken to an attic, and she gingerly chose a bed as close to the back as she could. Next thing she knew, everyone was heading to the tavern. "Might as well... she thought.
Aria headed to the tavern and was met with a wall of noise as she stepped in. It was full of bustling people, all very lively in their chatter. She was used to this; it reminded her of New York. Aria didn't realize just how hungry she was until someone came over to their table to ask what they wanted. After ordering, she turned to examine the others. So they were a team, huh? One by one, people started to introduce themselves. It was started by the girl named Skylar. In no time, harsh words were being sent back and forth again. Great team they were. Aria let out a laugh at Kyle's comment. He had been pretty silent throughout the ordeal. It was amusing how quickly Harper could instigate arguments, he certainly had a gift for it.
“Let’s all just calm down, alright? I bet that after some food and rest we’ll all be happier.” Aria was glad Autumn was trying to calm them down. To change the subject, Aria decided to introduce herself too. "I'm Aria, and I've lived in New York my whole life. Oh, and I'm currently studying law at Columbia." She smiled meekly.
Everything after that happened in a blur. Her and the others suddenly landed in a field. They were introduced to a fire headed person named Haru, who was the owner of the mysterious voice in the void. He somehow already knew their names, and listed their month and power. Fire? Aria looked down at her hands for a moment. Was she really capable of something like that? They were all taken to an attic, and she gingerly chose a bed as close to the back as she could. Next thing she knew, everyone was heading to the tavern. "Might as well... she thought.
Aria headed to the tavern and was met with a wall of noise as she stepped in. It was full of bustling people, all very lively in their chatter. She was used to this; it reminded her of New York. Aria didn't realize just how hungry she was until someone came over to their table to ask what they wanted. After ordering, she turned to examine the others. So they were a team, huh? One by one, people started to introduce themselves. It was started by the girl named Skylar. In no time, harsh words were being sent back and forth again. Great team they were. Aria let out a laugh at Kyle's comment. He had been pretty silent throughout the ordeal. It was amusing how quickly Harper could instigate arguments, he certainly had a gift for it.
“Let’s all just calm down, alright? I bet that after some food and rest we’ll all be happier.” Aria was glad Autumn was trying to calm them down. To change the subject, Aria decided to introduce herself too. "I'm Aria, and I've lived in New York my whole life. Oh, and I'm currently studying law at Columbia." She smiled meekly.
Jason, turning red, was about to say something in response to explain why he kept getting lost in New York, but then the blond boy commented. It kind of took him off guard, so there was a split second where he completely froze, and could almost hear an audible switch in his mind and an unwanted visualization. Now he was really just trying to hold in his laugh. Harper's response to the blond almost pushed him over the edge, so he covered his face with his hand and pressed his other arm into his stomach, trying to get his composure back. Even after one of the girls spoke about calming down and getting food and rest, he was still struggling to hold it in, but recovered... sort of, and let out a breath.
"Rest. Yeah. Rest would be good."
Jason, feeling way more carefree, still not fully recovered, smiled when he heard another girl introduce herself as Aria, "Hey. Kind'a like Arya from those Eragon books, huh? Definitely an awesome name. Mine's kind'a boring, but," he shrugged, "eh, who cares?" There were suddenly lots of questions he wanted to ask people on his hype, but they were too muddled in his mind to get one out verbally, so he shook his head, leaning back into the chair.
Suddenly remembering something Haru mentioned, asked, "Did Haru say one of you had a talent for reading tarot cards? How does that work?" He'd always been curious about that, but never enough to look into it for himself.
"Rest. Yeah. Rest would be good."
Jason, feeling way more carefree, still not fully recovered, smiled when he heard another girl introduce herself as Aria, "Hey. Kind'a like Arya from those Eragon books, huh? Definitely an awesome name. Mine's kind'a boring, but," he shrugged, "eh, who cares?" There were suddenly lots of questions he wanted to ask people on his hype, but they were too muddled in his mind to get one out verbally, so he shook his head, leaning back into the chair.
Suddenly remembering something Haru mentioned, asked, "Did Haru say one of you had a talent for reading tarot cards? How does that work?" He'd always been curious about that, but never enough to look into it for himself.
Autumn paused for a moment. "Yeah... How did you know that, anyways?" Autumn asked the man.
"Well, they're obviously meant to explain the past the present and the future." Autumn explained gleefully. "The cards are supposed to be a guide, telling you what you can expect in the future and how to get there. Or avoid something bad. It's not certain that it'll come to pass, because people will do things that change the future. Kinda like those movies. Now, there's the major arcana and the minor arcana. Well, I could actually go on about this for hours. That would probably be boring." She paused, thinking of how to condense the information.
She pulled out the cards, shuffling through them as it dawned on her that Jason (or anybody else for that matter) probably didn't want to hear anything more than a few sentences. Placing a few cards on the table, she explained the basics behind each one. "This," She pointed to a card featuring a sun. "Is a major arcana card. It's one of the big guys, super powerful. They're broad, but should never be overlooked."
The next card featured a person holding two swords, a blindfold covering their eyes. "This here is minor arcana. It has more specific meanings. This one is the Two of Swords. There's four minor arcana sets. Kind of like in modern day playing cards. In fact, Tarot is where they came from! There's Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands. Anything with one of those in it is minor arcana."
"Pentacles is all about wealth. Cups is about emotions. Wands have to do with the mind. Spirituality and creativity. They're also about work or school. Swords correspond with action. Destruction, sometimes." Her sentences grew shorter as she imagined the groups patience must have been. "They also have elements to go along with them. Pentacles is earth, Cups are water, Wands are fire, and Swords are air."
"Once you get the cards down then you work with placement. For a simple reading you can just lay out three cards, past present and future. There's always more complex ones, though." She shuffled the cards back in, hoping that no one was too bored. "I can do a reading if you want."
"Well, they're obviously meant to explain the past the present and the future." Autumn explained gleefully. "The cards are supposed to be a guide, telling you what you can expect in the future and how to get there. Or avoid something bad. It's not certain that it'll come to pass, because people will do things that change the future. Kinda like those movies. Now, there's the major arcana and the minor arcana. Well, I could actually go on about this for hours. That would probably be boring." She paused, thinking of how to condense the information.
She pulled out the cards, shuffling through them as it dawned on her that Jason (or anybody else for that matter) probably didn't want to hear anything more than a few sentences. Placing a few cards on the table, she explained the basics behind each one. "This," She pointed to a card featuring a sun. "Is a major arcana card. It's one of the big guys, super powerful. They're broad, but should never be overlooked."
The next card featured a person holding two swords, a blindfold covering their eyes. "This here is minor arcana. It has more specific meanings. This one is the Two of Swords. There's four minor arcana sets. Kind of like in modern day playing cards. In fact, Tarot is where they came from! There's Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands. Anything with one of those in it is minor arcana."
"Pentacles is all about wealth. Cups is about emotions. Wands have to do with the mind. Spirituality and creativity. They're also about work or school. Swords correspond with action. Destruction, sometimes." Her sentences grew shorter as she imagined the groups patience must have been. "They also have elements to go along with them. Pentacles is earth, Cups are water, Wands are fire, and Swords are air."
"Once you get the cards down then you work with placement. For a simple reading you can just lay out three cards, past present and future. There's always more complex ones, though." She shuffled the cards back in, hoping that no one was too bored. "I can do a reading if you want."
“Not really, but nice try,” Skylar said simply, a shrug rolling off her shoulders. “Besides, if I recall correctly- which I do because I have a pretty good memory- you said that you dropped out of college after one semester,” She paused, a smirk tugging at her lips. “So, Mr. Twenty-Two Year Old, what are you doing with yourself? Because while I’m sure that you’re pretty damn proud of that PhD you’ve got in “assholery,” I don’t think there’s much you can do with it except for bother us all.”
Skylar silently thanked Jason as he changed the subject, feeling sympathetic towards the Southern boy. It’d taken her ages to find her way around New York City, compared to the wide open spaces in Florida it was like a completely different world.
She turned to face Autumn as she began explaining how tarot worked, the blonde sliding the cards out across the table. “That’s incredible!”
Skylar silently thanked Jason as he changed the subject, feeling sympathetic towards the Southern boy. It’d taken her ages to find her way around New York City, compared to the wide open spaces in Florida it was like a completely different world.
She turned to face Autumn as she began explaining how tarot worked, the blonde sliding the cards out across the table. “That’s incredible!”
As Jason listened to Autumn give a brief explanation of the tarot cards, it only made him more curious about them. He crossed his arms on the table as he nodded, agreeing with Skylar, saying, "Wow, that's really cool." He leaned forward a little, interest piqued, looking at each card's details as she layed them out, and watching as she took the cards back up and shuffled them.
"Are the readings actually accurate?" A small grin snaked its way onto his face as he sat back, putting his hands behind his head, "Because if they are, that'd be freak'n amazing!" The tarot cards in and of themselves sounded pretty interesting, after all, he knew a girl from high school who was pretty into this kind of stuff, though he hadn't understood why and she hadn't taken the liberty of explaining it. But if Autumn's readings were accurate then...
"A reading would be cool. Besides, we might discover someth'n about ourselves or each other, right?" He really hoped he didn't say something stupid right there, but, eh, doesn't matter.
"Are the readings actually accurate?" A small grin snaked its way onto his face as he sat back, putting his hands behind his head, "Because if they are, that'd be freak'n amazing!" The tarot cards in and of themselves sounded pretty interesting, after all, he knew a girl from high school who was pretty into this kind of stuff, though he hadn't understood why and she hadn't taken the liberty of explaining it. But if Autumn's readings were accurate then...
"A reading would be cool. Besides, we might discover someth'n about ourselves or each other, right?" He really hoped he didn't say something stupid right there, but, eh, doesn't matter.
Tallyho sat there and stared at the others with a glazed look. After the small argument broke out, she saw no use in introducing herself again. As they jabbered on about what she assumed to be earth things (a conversation she certainly couldn’t partake in) she spent her time catching the attention of a barmaid. She finally got hold of one before ordering a creamed corn soup.
Honestly she didn’t understand their ways of ordering food. They complained about how hungry they were, but they did nothing to call a barmaid over. She wondered if the barmaids on earth stood over their customers—breathed down their necks until they finished every morsel.
As she waited for her food, she began her beer with a somewhat graceful sip. But in a matter of minutes the mug was turned upside down, the drink flashing down her throat. She seemed un-phased to be honest—completely coherent of her surroundings and thoroughly unamused.
“I’m going to go… Do something… Aires-like,” she announced quietly not really intending to make her departure obvious, but willing to announce it as an alibi if asked where the hell she went. Obviously this company wasn’t for her, she couldn’t comprehend what they were talking about—what the in the world is a PHD? A disease?
As she walked away she cupped her hands around her mouth and hollered over at the barmaid she gave her order to.
“Oi’ye! Bring my soup over to that table, yeah?” She called as she pointed towards the table where the drinking game was being held.
That slight change of dialect was her tavern voice, and for the most part, it worked out just fine.
Haru spent his time ignoring their antics and arguments. But when they did finally elevate into decent conversation, he decided to chime in.
“Oh, on Aires, the barmaids don’t necessarily wait on customers in the way that you would imagine. You must alert them. In these parts it’s considered rude to assume yourself on others and interrupt their meals. I haven’t been on earth in so long; I nearly forgot your customs. Go on, call one over.”
He went back to his beer.
Honestly she didn’t understand their ways of ordering food. They complained about how hungry they were, but they did nothing to call a barmaid over. She wondered if the barmaids on earth stood over their customers—breathed down their necks until they finished every morsel.
As she waited for her food, she began her beer with a somewhat graceful sip. But in a matter of minutes the mug was turned upside down, the drink flashing down her throat. She seemed un-phased to be honest—completely coherent of her surroundings and thoroughly unamused.
“I’m going to go… Do something… Aires-like,” she announced quietly not really intending to make her departure obvious, but willing to announce it as an alibi if asked where the hell she went. Obviously this company wasn’t for her, she couldn’t comprehend what they were talking about—what the in the world is a PHD? A disease?
As she walked away she cupped her hands around her mouth and hollered over at the barmaid she gave her order to.
“Oi’ye! Bring my soup over to that table, yeah?” She called as she pointed towards the table where the drinking game was being held.
That slight change of dialect was her tavern voice, and for the most part, it worked out just fine.
Haru spent his time ignoring their antics and arguments. But when they did finally elevate into decent conversation, he decided to chime in.
“Oh, on Aires, the barmaids don’t necessarily wait on customers in the way that you would imagine. You must alert them. In these parts it’s considered rude to assume yourself on others and interrupt their meals. I haven’t been on earth in so long; I nearly forgot your customs. Go on, call one over.”
He went back to his beer.
"You'd be surprised," Harper replied to Skylar's quip. She hadn't exactly called him stupid, so he had no reason to be offended. Besides, the beer finally arrived.
He downed the entire thing (a bit strong, but it reminded him of whiskey in taste...really creamy) in one go and watched Autumn display the tarot cards, not entirely disinterested. The cards, at the very least, had interesting designs on them. He wondered if one could play poker with them. Or gin. Speaking of gin...
As if on cue, Haru explained how to order food. Almost immediately, Harper leaned back again, scanning. When he saw a pretty barmaid he called her over with a wave, flashing his best smile. "Hey, I'm new here," he said when she came over, "What do you recommend?"
Her words were accented, and he wasn't entirely sure what she said, but he continued grinning and nodded his head. "Great, I'll have that then. Oh, and can I get another one of these?" he pointed to his empty tankard. "Thanks."
The barmaid left and he sat forward again in time to hear talks of doing a reading. While he wasn't a particularly future-thinking man, he supposed a reading could be interesting. After all, if he got something like 'dies in seven days' he'd know to go all out in the carpe diem department.
"Do one for me!" Harper exclaimed, still smiling. He leaned forward, elbows on the wood. His ears felt warm, but other than that the alcohol wasn't taking much effect yet.
He downed the entire thing (a bit strong, but it reminded him of whiskey in taste...really creamy) in one go and watched Autumn display the tarot cards, not entirely disinterested. The cards, at the very least, had interesting designs on them. He wondered if one could play poker with them. Or gin. Speaking of gin...
As if on cue, Haru explained how to order food. Almost immediately, Harper leaned back again, scanning. When he saw a pretty barmaid he called her over with a wave, flashing his best smile. "Hey, I'm new here," he said when she came over, "What do you recommend?"
Her words were accented, and he wasn't entirely sure what she said, but he continued grinning and nodded his head. "Great, I'll have that then. Oh, and can I get another one of these?" he pointed to his empty tankard. "Thanks."
The barmaid left and he sat forward again in time to hear talks of doing a reading. While he wasn't a particularly future-thinking man, he supposed a reading could be interesting. After all, if he got something like 'dies in seven days' he'd know to go all out in the carpe diem department.
"Do one for me!" Harper exclaimed, still smiling. He leaned forward, elbows on the wood. His ears felt warm, but other than that the alcohol wasn't taking much effect yet.
Haru rolled his eyes as Harper deliberately ordered another beer despite his advice. He didn’t care if he got something else but that house beer, that just wasn’t for him. Or any of the earthlings for that matter. But he wasn't going to take it away.
“That for me, man?” He hummed as he sat back in his chair and chewed on an unlit cigar. Honestly all of them were kind of idiots. Skylar didn’t have to call them stupid directly to see that. But he wasn't going to say anything, at least until it was time to get to business. If anything, his off hands approach was a good way of seeing what was wrong with them all.
Tallyho slid her way through a crowd of burly men who hovered over a table of gold and liquor.
Two men were seated face to face. One was very rough-looking—thick red beard, a wart under his right eye, broad, thick freckled shoulders, and a body just as large and strong. But his face seemed troubled. He looked ill, and he hissed as the man before him gulped down his last shot.
The other was a little lankier, but he was breaded for sure, and perhaps even a little older than the man he faced. One of his eyes were blue from blindness while the other was slightly crooked. As he finished his last shot, she wiped his beard, and spooned all of the gold from the redhead’s side, to his own. The crowd erupted into cheers and grunts.
“What are you playing? I want to play,” Tallyho said bluntly. She never considered herself a dainty person, but compared to the gruff voices of the barmen, and their hard stares when she announced her desire to play, she certainly fit the part. She tried to reestablish her poker face.
“You?” The redhead man burst into a gravelly chuckle, “You ain’t nothing but a little daisy!”
Another man chimed in, “yeah, you here with yer papa? Yer man?”
“He certainly ain’t doin’ a good job of keepin’ her in place, whoever he is,” the black bearded man huffed.
They erupted with laughter.
Tallyho’s face flushed scarlet with anger. She hated these bar types—loved the bars—but hated the sounds and smells of drunk men when she had to deal with them first hand.
As they laughed she balled up her fist and slammed it against the table. The glasses shook and the room grew quiet—but in an amused way. Some even began to chime into the silence with a patronizing, “oooooooooh”.
“I ain’t got no Pa and I aint got no man—so let me play,” she said. Her voice was firm.
The redhead man closed his eyes, raised his brows and held up his palms, “alrighty! Go on, play. But don’t expect noneofus’ to be kind to ye and get yer caretaker after yer wasted.”
As he moved away from the seat, Tallyho sat down, and struggled to scoot her seat up to the table. A few men whispered crass jokes. But the blonde focused on the black bearded man, whose face was relaxed.
“He used to be the drunkard,” he whispered loudly, “that is before he built up such a tolerance.”
Tallyho waved him off. The barmaid came around and cleared the table, replacing them with fresh rounds of shots for each competitor.
Tallyho eyed the gold on his side of the table. She was ready.
Haru took note of the situation. He was disturbed by two things, one that Tallyho was currently the most likely to get into a bar fight, and two, that the others probably didn't even notice, or care, that their comrade left the group.
He was also a little depressed by the group's tendency to fight, Harper's role as an attention whore, and some of their overly optimistic attitudes. It wasn't like Aires was a game....
He chuckled.
“That for me, man?” He hummed as he sat back in his chair and chewed on an unlit cigar. Honestly all of them were kind of idiots. Skylar didn’t have to call them stupid directly to see that. But he wasn't going to say anything, at least until it was time to get to business. If anything, his off hands approach was a good way of seeing what was wrong with them all.
Tallyho slid her way through a crowd of burly men who hovered over a table of gold and liquor.
Two men were seated face to face. One was very rough-looking—thick red beard, a wart under his right eye, broad, thick freckled shoulders, and a body just as large and strong. But his face seemed troubled. He looked ill, and he hissed as the man before him gulped down his last shot.
The other was a little lankier, but he was breaded for sure, and perhaps even a little older than the man he faced. One of his eyes were blue from blindness while the other was slightly crooked. As he finished his last shot, she wiped his beard, and spooned all of the gold from the redhead’s side, to his own. The crowd erupted into cheers and grunts.
“What are you playing? I want to play,” Tallyho said bluntly. She never considered herself a dainty person, but compared to the gruff voices of the barmen, and their hard stares when she announced her desire to play, she certainly fit the part. She tried to reestablish her poker face.
“You?” The redhead man burst into a gravelly chuckle, “You ain’t nothing but a little daisy!”
Another man chimed in, “yeah, you here with yer papa? Yer man?”
“He certainly ain’t doin’ a good job of keepin’ her in place, whoever he is,” the black bearded man huffed.
They erupted with laughter.
Tallyho’s face flushed scarlet with anger. She hated these bar types—loved the bars—but hated the sounds and smells of drunk men when she had to deal with them first hand.
As they laughed she balled up her fist and slammed it against the table. The glasses shook and the room grew quiet—but in an amused way. Some even began to chime into the silence with a patronizing, “oooooooooh”.
“I ain’t got no Pa and I aint got no man—so let me play,” she said. Her voice was firm.
The redhead man closed his eyes, raised his brows and held up his palms, “alrighty! Go on, play. But don’t expect noneofus’ to be kind to ye and get yer caretaker after yer wasted.”
As he moved away from the seat, Tallyho sat down, and struggled to scoot her seat up to the table. A few men whispered crass jokes. But the blonde focused on the black bearded man, whose face was relaxed.
“He used to be the drunkard,” he whispered loudly, “that is before he built up such a tolerance.”
Tallyho waved him off. The barmaid came around and cleared the table, replacing them with fresh rounds of shots for each competitor.
Tallyho eyed the gold on his side of the table. She was ready.
Haru took note of the situation. He was disturbed by two things, one that Tallyho was currently the most likely to get into a bar fight, and two, that the others probably didn't even notice, or care, that their comrade left the group.
He was also a little depressed by the group's tendency to fight, Harper's role as an attention whore, and some of their overly optimistic attitudes. It wasn't like Aires was a game....
He chuckled.
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View All » Add Character » 45 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Gavin "Ghost" Vaughn
A white knight. Literally.
Yagi of the Sun
If you find that you cannot move away from something special, you have probably died.
Bryce Edwards
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."
Liv Davidsen
Winter can be unforgiving, December the most.
King Rembrandt the Wholesome
King now. King forever.
Trent Cress
It is nothing shy of a pleasure to die for my country.
Kit Withers
"If you need me for anything, reconsider."
Ymir Tula
"From the luke-warm hands of the Gods."
Ondine Azur
Never underestimate the consequences of a single ripple.
Ryou Zerinn
"So this is what I have to work with… Well, then…"
Trending
Ymir Tula
"From the luke-warm hands of the Gods."
Aria Delaine
"Fire isn't destruction, it's life."
Princess Morgan the Graceful
A good princess is a servant not only to her country, but to her entire world.
Huan Kin Delun
" Benjamin Hemming "
Dorian Roberts
"No. No, I do not want to go on an adventure."
Kyle Keaton
"I got your back, dude."
Yagi of the Sun
If you find that you cannot move away from something special, you have probably died.
Bryce Edwards
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."
Harbinger XII
By the blood of our first saviors, I dub thee worthy.
Most Followed
Lux Adair
"Listen, I'm the one running this show and not you. So step back."
Huan Kin Delun
" Benjamin Hemming "
Princess Morgan the Graceful
A good princess is a servant not only to her country, but to her entire world.
Alatáriël Oronrá
" Lillian "
Harper Calloway Fields
I heard this great joke from my sister. Ready? What did one ocean say to the other ocean? ..... Give up? Nothing. They just...WAVED! AHAHAHAHA*snorts*HAHAHAHA!
Karma Chu
Don't be a wimp, wimpy.
Gavin "Ghost" Vaughn
A white knight. Literally.
King Rembrandt the Wholesome
King now. King forever.
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A Place for Planning
by usernamesareadrag on Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:28 pm
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A Place for Planning
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Birthstone Spirits: The Great Escape
1 ... 6, 7, 8by birthstone_spirits on Tue Dec 17, 2013 2:29 pm
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Birthstone Spirits: The Great Escape
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Birthstone Spirits Art thread
1, 2by birthstone_spirits on Tue Dec 17, 2013 3:05 pm
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Birthstone Spirits Art thread
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