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expiationmeme2023-02-27 01:04 am
TEST DRIVE MEME #2
Welcome to the TDM for Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with fantasy, science fiction, and sometimes subtle horror elements. We ask that top-level comments are reserved for new characters and players looking to experience a taste of the world and overarching storyline. Characters already in the game, however, are free to use TDM prompts in their own catch-alls and logs. Feel free to submit any TDM / prompt-related questions to the corresponding comment below.
New players / characters looking to app are free to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Preexisting players / characters may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs (with the stated limitations).
You may find the below links helpful in getting to know themes of the world, locations, the people, and so on.
BE OUR GUEST
You may possess any number of questioning thoughts as you traverse the blindingly white room and are dropped into a darkness beneath your feet, but perhaps those same thoughts will be replaced with an awe and curiosity as you come to. Expiation has you now and you have joined the ranks of the Chosen, a seemingly select number of individuals who have arrived with parchment either in-hand or near them, detailing physical and mental statistics in addition to a particular crime to which you have been accused.
How you choose to spend your time here is largely up to you...
IT'S A WINDMILL, NOT A GIANT
As you begin to acquaint yourself with the lay of the land about you, you'll find that not too far from where you've woken there's a rather grandiose tower windmill. Its blades rotate at a casual pace as it faces the ocean and its accompanying shoreline. It appears to be in relatively pristine condition, implying that it is cared for well and often, likely by the locals of the town of Aldrip, which can be easily spied from the elevated level of land upon which the windmill sits.
Outside of the main structure is a collection of wooden crates in various display. Some of these are closed. Some are open. If you observe for long enough, you'll eventually find that a few relatively muscular sorts arrive on the scene to retrieve some of these crates and take them back the distance toward the town that lingers at the base of the mountains. If you choose to inspect the crates, you'll find some of them filled with heavy canvas sacks that contain flour. If you choose to ask the town locals retrieving them about this, they will explain that the windmill companion you have woken near is just one of the many implements that the locals use to provide sustenance to dining tables, festivities, and more.
You have the option to help the locals carry crates back, potentially to curry some favour with them, or simply take some sacks of flour yourself. Crates require more than one person to carry due to the weight, but two able-bodied adults should be able to handle the job quite well. A sack of flour can generally be carried by one, but perhaps you'll find yourself needing some assistance anyway. Maybe ask one of the others who've woken up near you. It certainly seems you're not alone in this new endeavour.
WHERE ONLY THE BRAVE MAY GO
If windmills and manual labour aren't your thing, you may find yourself drawn to the seemingly mysterious cave at the foot of the mountains, not far from the windmill in question.
The locals refer to this cave as Lorentia. Jagged rocks poke out around the entrance and have been sculpted and shaped to resemble what appears to be the massive sharp-toothed mouth of a dragon. It is possible you may be momentarily stopped by one of said locals who will explain that the Lorentia Cave is a passage system that leads through the interior of the mountains, though due to some collapse of the inside, the passageway does not go in far and is currently blocked off for the safety of local citizenry. In other words, proceed with caution.
If you're still feeling brave and care to take a peek inside, by all means. No one's going to stop you.
The interior of Lorentia Cave consists of both narrow passageways and some larger, more cavernous like rooms. There are assorted mining implements scattered along the ground, propped up against the walls, and carts that are filled with various ores, rocks, crystals, and more. The locals of Aldrip use Lorentia Cave for largely mining purposes and many of the things that are retrieved can be used for the smithing forges, the crafting of weaponry, or fashioning into jewellery and other accessories that are sold locally and taken to other towns on the continent.
There are some crudely designed signs that note to take care and depict simple skull drawings, indicating that certain paths may be a little more dangerous to traverse than others. If you are especially lucky (or unlucky, as the case may be), you may even spot some skeletal remains from some less-than-fortunate souls who got caught in a dead-end path and simply never made it out again.
If you listen closely, sometimes you hear the flutter of wings and a distant roar. Maybe it's best not to linger...
NO SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
MAXWELL'S SILVER ROCK-HAMMER
The townsfolk are welcoming to newly-arrived, something that has largely been met with a fair amount of scepticism and wariness from prior arrivals. That said, they continue to be hospitable, eager to share stories and songs about their land, their people, and their traditions.
A jewelcrafter is displaying their work today, putting their various wares out for locals and members of the Chosen to admire, or perhaps to purchase. Part of their demonstration is opening geodes with rock-hammers and showing off the impressive inside of colour and masterful natural works of art gifted to them by the land's bounty. They may choose to speak a little on how they revere the land, the resources they've been given, and how all of this has been bestowed upon them by the very gracious Those Who Were There, a mysterious and seemingly celestial higher power.
For those who are interested, they have the opportunity to offer some assistance to the jewelcrafter by opening some geodes as well. There's plenty of rock-hammers to go around and the most recent retrieval from Lorentia Cave's mining appears to have been very successful. The jewelcrafter is so moved by the offer of help that he's more than happy to let those who aid him keep one opened geode for themselves at no cost.
Congratulations on your new piece of decor!
FORGING BONDS IN THE FIRES OF PASSION
If you were a brave soul who made visit to the Lorentia Cave and came back with some weapon or armour crafting materials (including skeletal remains), you'll find that the smithies of Aldrip are eager to do business and many of them enjoy their craft for the sake of being passionate about what they do.
They'll waste no time in starting the forge and should you have a specific piece in mind you are requesting, as long as they have the materials on hand, they'll even be willing to show you the general process from start to finish on a rough draft of the piece in question. If you're feeling especially keen to help, they may offer to let you work directly on your project, though they will express apprehension and a wary eye for those who fail to have prior experience with such gruelling tasks.
Once your piece is finished, you can either wear it immediately, learn the best way to maintain and keep your equipment, or put it out on public display to show the rest of Aldrip and its residents, new and old alike. If you choose to let the smithies keep your piece, they'll pay you the cost of the materials you've brought them, plus a small percentage markup depending on how much personal effort you put into the craftsmanship personally.
Better yet, you may have just come out of the situation with a permanent bond. The smithies have an appreciation for those who share similar interests and may be willing to provide future discounts to those who purchase their wares.
FEEDING THE MASSES
YOU'RE A REEL CATCH
Aldrip locals always have a need for food and with many Chosen having recently arrived, that need has increased exponentially, for now they have a larger number of mouths to keep fed and stomachs to keep happy. To help inspire this retrieval of food, Aldrip is hosting a fishing competition and anyone who's interested in participating may do so, provided that they follow the guidelines set in place.
All participants must use local fishing equipment and this will be provided by the various merchants in town free of charge, save for those who wish to keep their fishing tackle. All fish caught within the local rivers, ponds, and the nearby ocean are acceptable for submission. Citizens (local or Chosen) are forbidden from using magic or technology as a means to catch their quarry. Anyone found breaking these rules will be disqualified and will be fish'd (that is, they will have raw flopping fish thrown at them).
The winner of the competition is chosen by having caught the largest fish (determined by size and weight) and will be announced at the end of the competition. The applicable winner may keep their fishing tackle free of charge and have their winning fish cooked in the style of their choice by the locals, which can then be shared amongst the people if they so choose (a fantastic way to make friends). The winner will also have a mediocre fish sculpture awarded to them with their name chiselled into the details in honour of their glorious victory.
OOC Notes:
Both TDM participants and characters already in the game may participate in the fishing competition. Please use the designated comment if you wish to partake. On the 13th of March (after applications have closed for the cycle), the winner will be announced and drawn by RNG. We will announce who the winner is on this TDM post (in these notes), the moderator plurk, and the OOC community.
I'M A [X], NOT A FISHER
If you're not a fishing kind of individual yourself, there's still plenty for you to get involved with.
Aldrip has need of people who are capable of preparing meals, especially seafood. It is probable that many participants of the fishing competition will end up fishing up things that are not fish or eligible for submission, but still edible. These include crabs, lobsters, jellyfish, octopuses, clams, and other related sea life. If you have experience with cooking or simply want to help out, the Aldrip locals will welcome you with open arms and may even pay you for your assistance.
If cooking isn't your forte, you'll find that some of the Aldrip citizens enjoy a betting pool from time to time. If you have some coins or something else you don't mind putting up for gamble, you might just come out with the whole pot if you put your currency on the winning fisher. Anyone found to be attempting to rig the betting pool and competition, however, will be returned their bet. We don't take kindly to cheaters here.
At least not openly.
Fishing can be a sometimes dangerous pastime. You may find a fisher who has gotten themselves accidentally hooked on their line or perhaps when they were freeing a fish, the hook got lodged into their thumb. Aldrip welcomes those who have healing abilities to help assist those more unfortunate situations, so fishers can go back to casting out their lines to make the most of the competition. That said, there's nothing in it for potential healers, just the notion that you've done a good deed.
i
Either way, it was rare for Młynar to experience being shorter than someone, since most races in his world aside from the demonic Sarkaz generally stood at under 6 feet. He now realized he disliked the feeling immensely. The knight slowly pressed the Ori man back with a single hand, establishing distance before staring up into his new companion's lavender eyes.]
I didn’t realize running into people was a local custom around here. Not that I begrudge it, but you’ll live a longer life keeping your eyes ahead.
[The knight’s voice was measured and dry as he fell into the same tone of voice he had used with squires in training once upon a time. But this was no squire, and Mlynar really shouldn’t be treating a fellow stranger in a strange land like this.]
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...!!
[A shaky breath does leave him for a moment, and he has to remember: not everyone is out to hurt him. The man wasn't even being particularly rude; he was right after all. But still, he's frozen with fear for a good moment before he manages to calm down a bit after the mental gymnastics his brain is putting him through.]
... Apologies. I did not mean to run into you... But you are correct.
[He slowly bows his head down as an apology, the corner of his lips slowly curving into a weak, but faux smile.]
Are you hurt?
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I’m sure I’ll survive. I doubt I’ll even need to call for a healer.
[Biting sarcasm seemed to slip easily from the horse-man’s mouth, though he didn’t mean any harm in it. With his retort fired, he takes a moment to size up the giant of a man before him. When he isn’t shrinking away, the man actually seems quite elegant in his speech and movements. A noble, no doubt.]
I’ll admit, I hadn’t expected to see someone with your kind of upbringing dragging around sacks like that. Here, pass me one of those. It will make for a faster and more efficient trip.
[Of course, he could never simply say that he wanted to help. It had to be about efficiency of all things. Even so, a single hand was extended towards the man, in a clumsy attempt to show some goodwill.]
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[Oh no. The sarcasm just flies over his head. He's a bit... Dense, and takes things to the point, but at least he's polite. Well, as polite as he can be, with how much this stranger has shocked him. Still, he's well aware that no one here is out to hurt him, and he tries to keep that mantra in kind as he continues his day here. It was the most he could do right now, despite everything.]
Ah? I may be of noble blood, but my parents... Are humble farmers. I was raised on the land, so I am used to this sort of work. Sacks, crates, cows... The sort.
[Despite their rocky encounter at first, he's a bit surprised that he wanted to do some labor. Still, he wouldn't turn down the help, and the other workers certainly wouldn't want mind the help. So with that being said, he simply nods his head, and shifts a bit closer to him. The sack that was on his shoulder, quickly transferring to Młynar's shoulder with ease.
With that, he takes a step back, and makes his way toward another sack of flour that he can throw on his shoulder.. His free hand in his pocket, as he continues his journey, forward.]
Our destination is not far from here. Perhaps... We could work together to bring crates over next.
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Lead the way- and keep that crate idea in mind too. You’ll find me to be surprisingly strong, so we should be able to make efficient work out of this.
[His words aren’t empty either, as proven by the fact that he barely even seemed to notice the sack when Astralin had passed the heavy item off. The knight’s equine features were accompanied by horse-like strength, which he had used to great effect during long marches in the past. This is simply a different kind of march, with different provisions to carry.]
Though I suppose calling you “you” doesn’t feel right in these circumstances. You can call me Młynar- what should I call you?
[Hopefully that would get the strange man to open up. Something about his reserved nature catches the knight's curiosity.]
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... Certainly. I suppose the villagers would not mind the extra help that we can provide.
[He's only ever worked with a few people, given his nervousness and anxiety around people. Still, it's something that he so desperately tries to hide for the time being, even if he's practically radiating anxiety. His neutral expression does well to hide it on his face, but perhaps... This stranger meant well. He didn't seem to want to harm him, and in fact, he's been blunt. So that made him just slightly less nervous than he normally would be.]
Młynar, eh? What a peculiar name. As for mine... You may refer to me as 'Astralin'. Astralin Turnont.
[He has no qualms giving up his name. His body slowly beginning to ease up a bit, as they begin to walk toward the village. The villagers that past them, looking more than grateful for the extra help with hard labor.]
I presume you just arrived here as well?
no subject
Where I’m from, the name Astralin would be just as strange. It’s a matter of origin, I suppose. Though yes, you could say I’m something of a new arrival. I’ve been spending the past few hours trying to convince the locals that I won’t eat them, but most people see the ears and tail and just shrink away.
[A faint sigh escapes Mlynar’s lips. That had been an absolute nightmare. Thankfully, a few fellow exiles had taught him about how the locals seemed to operate on a transactional system, and managed to earn their trust by lugging a few of the sacks around.]
By the way, that tool on your back- am I safe to assume that’s not for farming use? Or perhaps it is- if you insist so, I’ll drop it there and ask no further.
[It certainly wasn’t a conventional weapon, if that was indeed its intended purpose. That fact brought the knight’s mind back to the reason they were all here. They were all exiles for some sort of crime. For all he knew, the scythe-wielding man could be some kind of deranged reaper of innocents. He probably wasn't, given the nervous and awkward behaviour, but it never hurt to be safe.]
no subject
[Every alarm bell would have gone off in Astralin's head, if he was dangerous. Not that it wasn't before -- but he could at least tell that was his anxiety and paranoia. But still, he tries to cheer up the other man with a faint, light smile that slowly crosses his lips. His cloak somewhat hiding his expression, but it is visible enough to see if one is paying attention. A smile for strangers is quite the rarity if they didn't humor him first.]
Ah -- yes, my scythe. It has a multi-purpose use... I use it to cut grass, shrubs, bushes when I am tending to the farmlands back home. On the other hand, we are at war at the moment, so it is not uncommon for it to be used as a weapon. I suppose I have killed many assassins with my trusty tool.
[If they weren't carrying sacks of flour on their shoulders, Astralin would have offered to show him the weapon, and how to use it in person, but alas. Time and place, and he continues to walk toward the village. Luckily, not far from their destination now, having followed some of the workers during their trek from the windmill and to the village.]
And you? Do you have a weapon of sorts?
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Using a single hand, Mlynar unsheathes the sword, which seems to gleam in the sunlight. This was, of course, by design. It’s meant to enhance his light-based Arts, and the blade even shines in the sun without being activated.]
I do have this thing, though I can’t say it’s nearly as benevolent as yours, nor does it have much use in times of peace. Given that any conflicts we knew back home are rather meaningless here, I think you got the better deal.
[The old Kuranta gives Astralin the first genuinely friendly smile with that statement. Much like Astralin, Mlynar is not one for smiles either. Still, the idea of a land where sinners like him could know some measure of peace seemed like more of a blessing than a punishment.]
I’m curious about how a farmer ends up in a situation where they fight off assassins though. And more curious still about how they’d fight. Perhaps once we reach town, a quick bite and light sparring might be in order?
no subject
[They begin to reach the village where the flour needs to be placed, and Astralin doesn't hesitate to put down the sack of flour with ease. Both his shoulders rolling forward to stretch out his muscles so they don't become sore. After all, they still had crates to carry after this, and he can't help but look over at Mlynar once he speaks. His head tilted to the side in thought, as he begins to genuinely open up to the man in front of him.
After all, he's been kind, despite touching him at first. He could look past that, given how similar the two seemed to be in personality...]
As I stated earlier, we are at war. A woman back home has begun to kill off our species to absorb our powers. When she is not actively hunting us, she sends assassins. My... Bloodline is well known in our village as being quite powerful. Thus the assassins.
[For a moment, he looks over his shoulder, before trailing his gaze back in thought.]
A sparring match, hm? I have not sparred with anyone outside of my husband and my wife, but certainly... A match may be in order. But first, as you said before... A meal is in order. I am quite famished since arriving here.
no subject
It was so very human of them. Perhaps this is why he felt the unconscious instinct to protect the weaker beings. It was the responsibility of the strong to attend to those who needed it. Then again, his companion seemed to be a rather surprising exception to that rule, based on the way he spoke.]
Wait- you’ve said quite a few surprising things quite casually there. Absorbing powers? Killing off an entire species? Astralin, you must come from a rather tragic world to say such things unflinchingly.
[Hold on. Did he say husband and wife? Not being monogamous was a rather small deal when put next to all the other shocking things he had mentioned. Still, raising two girls on his own had placed Mlynar quite far from the dating pool, so he couldn’t help but feel a little envious of the situation. Even so, wouldn't raise it... yet.]
Come on. I smelled something that was like a tavern on the way in, with baked bread and ale. I’m not sure if you drink, but we can at least eat while you tell me more about this world of yours. I'm still interested in sparring, but this has my whole attention.
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He wasn't wrong; there were a lot of things wrong at home. But it was just the fact of the matter. He's learned to live with it, but he understands that it may not be the case for everyone. So, when he mentions the tavern, he simply nods his head in agreement. Stomach starting to growl now that hunger was beginning to set in.]
... I do drink, but usually not within a stranger's company. However... I can make the exception for you, as I do not mind you.
[Always the awfully blunt one this one, but he takes a step forward so Mlynar can lead the way.]
I am more than happy to answer any questions as we walk.
no subject
Is that so? I appreciate your magnanimous tolerance, Astralin. Don’t worry, I’m not the kind of drinker that pushes others to inebriation. There were enough colleagues like that back home.
[His voice becomes dry, but it’s clear that he’s not *too* bothered by the comment. Just a twinge of annoyance that passes in seconds. With a quick wave of the hand, Młynar beckons for his new companion to follow him towards the appealing scents of fresh baked bread and lightly spiced meat stews.]
As for my questions, you can start with your species. I had assumed that you were a human, but your comments before tell another story. What exactly are you?
no subject
Still, he continues to follow right behind him, with his hands in his pockets. Eyes staring down at the floor below him, until his words capture his attention. Astralin bringing his hand over toward his ears, and brushing back some of his hair to reveal that his ears were pointy, rather than human. He had made it a habit of hiding his ears ever since this war started, so it was strange that he could freely do this.]
I am what you call an "Ori". I am... Unsure if they exist outside of my world, but what distinguishes us from mystics and humans are our ears, and our height. We derive from mystics -- beings that have animalistic features. There was a mutation some time ago, and now we Ori exist because of it.
... Well, now we are barely existing due to Demetria Xydis' conquest for more power, but we do exist to some degree. ... Apologies, I suppose that was quite dark, but we must try and be humorous in these dark times.
[ASTRALIN? USING SOME VERY DARK HUMOR? At least he's opening up a bit.]
no subject
The knight’s ears twitch as Astralin pulls his hair back, in subconscious recognition of how his new companion is apparently quite special. In his world, the only ones with pointed ears are the mighty Draco, or the demonic Sarkaz. If he’s anything like either one, he must be quite mighty indeed.]
I’m glad you’re here then, Astralin. It seems that you’ve been pulled out of something quite dark indeed. At least here, those same people won’t be here to hurt you anymore. Even if they are, I have some experience dealing with dark things.
[A single hand rests upon the pommel of Młynar’s sheathed sword before the whole thing begins to glow with a warm light- scabbard and all. In combat, it could become bright enough to blind everyone in the surrounding area, but this was just a demonstration. It’s a rather special gesture. Młynar doesn’t make a habit of showing his Arts to other people. Back home, a knight’s arts were considered a symbol that they were willing to put their honour on the line. Even so, he hoped it might bring some form of comfort to his new companion. After a moment, the knight removes his hand, and the light disappears as if it had never been there at all.]
You mentioned animalistic traits, though. You don’t seem too beastly to me.
[Or at least, so much compared to the pegasus-man. But that bit wisely went unsaid.]
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[This is the first time in awhile that he's been so open with someone. But, there was something trust worthy about the man the made him comfortable for once. Even though they started off on the wrong foot, and Astralin could... Be very blunt about the way he feels and thinks, he thinks that Mlynar is trust worthy.
The way that he shows off his skill in a subtle manner only adds to him being trust worthy, and his actions don't go unnoticed. In fact, Astralin manages to crack a soft smile that was much more genuine than any smile he's shown him so far. Almost wanting to bow to the man for being protective, but he doesn't say or do anything for now. Instead, simply chuckles as he thinks fondly of his homeland.]
Ah, Ori do not hold any animalistic traits. The race that we mutated from, the mystics, are the ones with animalistic features. My wife is a mystic; a woman with bunny ears. Our husband is an Ori, such as myself. As you can suspect, both of us have gone into hiding, but my wife is free to roam around as it is unethical and quite illegal to kill mystics.
[This is the most he's ever spoken in some time, and his throat begins to turn a bit dry.]
I have not had any alcohol to drink in quite some time. This will be a good reminder of how things once were in my world.
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It was honestly refreshing to just be treated as a person. He’d spent far too long being revered as a legendary knight, feared as a brutal taskmaster, or hated as someone who had ended too many lives on the battlefield. It had been too long since he had just been Młynar.]
I’m sorry to hear that matters are so dire. It seems that in all worlds, there will always be those willing to do monstrous acts for their own gain. Still, it’s good to see that you’re all safe.
[Though there’s no telling if that was still the case, Młynar realizes. The two of them had been separated from those that they needed to protect, with presumably no way to do anything about it. Either way, there’s little time to think about it. The pair turn at yet another corner, to arrive before a quaint little inn. There’s a chorus of voices all around, telling Młynar that there’s likely quite a few people around- though it’s all ignored as the intense smell of fresh food beckoning them both inside.]
It's been awhile for me too. Back when I wandered the land, my mercenary companion was a heavy drinker who forced his flask on me no few times. However, my current work frowns upon that sort of thing, so it’s been a decade since I’ve partaken.
no subject
[This is the first time he's actually spoken about his bloodline outside from his family, and his wife and husband. However, again, there was something about him that was comforting and he wasn't sure how to put it. Kind of like an uncle, or something like that. A protective one at that, which. In quite honesty, he didn't mind -- it reminded him of his own family back home, and he welcomes it.
He follows behind Mlynar with ease, and he takes a step forward as he glances around the inn. The people around him making him just a bit nervous again, but with Mlynar here, it makes it a bit easier to calm down. That, and the smell of food drawing him in. Stomach growling almost immediately, as a hand rests upon his stomach a bit sheepishly.]
Ah, you do not have to worry about that with me. I assure you, please drink at your own pace. We are in no hurry, and I could use the rest, I suppose.
[One of the nearby servers easily sees the two strangers, and they immediately go to greet the two. Not hesitating to bring them to a table -- albeit a bit crowded -- and seat them with a menu that they could look at.]
Please, sit.
no subject
[Młynar does as asked, sitting down and resting one leg over the other as he makes himself comfortable at the table. Unlike Astralin, he’s a little less bothered by the hustle and bustle. Pouring drinks, trying to seem interested in drunken ramblings from powerful men, and watching subordinates get scolded for partaking in the drink themselves were all part of corporate life in Kazimierz.
Thankfully, it seemed that no such thing was necessary here. He could simply drink in peace. It doesn’t take long for the Kuranta knight to be lightly sipping at a light ale, thanks to the inn’s quick service.]
It seems that you were quite hungry, hm? Satisfy that hunger then, I’ll find some way to start a tab- and I’ll not pester you with more questions. I’ll even answer a few myself if you want me to return the favour.
[He didn’t want to seem like an inquisitor to his new companion, after all. He had no idea that the stranger felt such ease. After all, most others found his height and unnatural strength rather intimidating.]
no subject
You are far too kind, but ah... You may tell me what you want about your world. Whatever you are willing to share, I am here to listen.
[With that said, he reaches for his drink. Not hesitating to bring it to his lips, before taking a small sip of it. Much more hungrier than thirsty, truth be told. If it wasn't apparent by his stomach growling so loudly. Not at all surprised that he's famished; it was a lot to take in after all. A new place, new people... He was honestly pretty homesick, but he manages to mask that for the time being.]
There are some things I am certain that people will not want to speak on about their world, so I am unsure of what questions to ask... So, please. As I stated before, you are more than welcome to tell me what you are comfortable with.
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A small frown flickers across Młynar’s expression as he realizes there’s not much to speak about with his own world. It’s kind of a hellworld, with rampant capitalism, a horrifying disease that turns people to crystal and monsters that strain the imagination. Coming to a peaceful world like this one made him realize just how twisted that his old one was. Down the line, he might be at enough ease to tell Astralin about those things, but for now, he’d talk about something brighter. For that, there was only one thing he could think of.]
Well, you’ve told me of your family, so I’ll tell you of mine. I can’t say I’m blessed with a spouse- much less two like you’ve managed. But I am raising my brother’s two girls. They’re called Maria and Margaret. they certainly enjoy causing me enough stress with all the trouble they cause, but they’ve both grown into knights that do the Nearl name proud.
[Reaching into his jacket, Młynar retrieves a small picture- a Polaroid-style image, depicting all four members of the Nearl family. Maria and Margaret stood side to side, while his younger sister Zofia stood to the side, readying her whip-blade. It was something that a friend had taken while the four had trained together. Once the photograph is passed off, the knight fails to match Astralin’s delicate mannerisms and takes a deep sip from his drink. It’s clear that he’s worried about them.]
Though I don’t tell them that nearly enough. It seems that these days, I spend far more time scolding them for taking on heroic tasks that are liable to get them killed. I’m not even their real father, but it’s hard to let go.
no subject
As he gets himself comforted, he notices the small gestures of Mlynar's expression as he mentions speaking about his world. He has to wonder what's going on in it, for such an expression to occur, but he doesn't say anything on it. Instead, the subject switches to a happier one, and he's more than happy to listen. Family had always been his strong point, so it was just one more thing in common that the two had. Astralin chuckling softly as he describes his silbings, which. Understandable. He was the eldest out of many, many siblings, and hearing him describe them as such makes him chuckle in amusement.
That amusement quickly shifting into a much bigger smile when seeing the picture. They all looked happy; as happy as siblings can be.]
Ah, such is the life of siblings. You worry for them, even if they are grown adults, and can care for themselves... I do understand such pains. I am the eldest of all my siblings, and I find myself worrying about them as soon as they are able to leave my family estate. It is hard not to worry for them, but you are a commendable man, Mlynar.
no subject
I’m just a man, Astralin. Watching over one’s family is just a natural thing. Besides, the amount of blood I’ve shed for my country makes me far from commendable.
[Młynar is infamously terrible at taking compliments. He spends so much time lamenting his own insufficiencies, that it’s almost impossible for him to believe that others would actually think highly of him. Even so, his expression betrays his true feelings as a light shade of pink passes over his cheeks. Being praised for being a good person felt better than any of his accolades related to his might. He tries to hide it as well as possible behind his cup, taking another deep drink before speaking]
But I’m glad to know that you think so. Most tend to keep their distance from me or fear me, so this is… nice.
[The final word has a shocking amount of feeling behind it, as Młynar realizes how much he needed that. Or perhaps it’s just that the drink’s starting to hit at this point. He had lost track of his pace while focusing on this conversation- and now the pleasant buzz was starting to kick in.]</small.]
no subject
I would not worry about that. Many of us have blood on our hands, accidentally or purposely. The reason does not matter.
[He is morally gray in that regard it seems. Still, his wife had been a gladiator, and his husband does... Questionable things as a pirate, so he can't quite have morals at this point. Either way, he can't help but smile as he takes a sip of his drink. Not quite having a buzz, since he was pacing himself, but he's glad that his companion across from him is feeling relaxed around him. After all, he it was him, and he never thought strangers would be comfortable around him.]
I am sure you can hold your liquor, but do eat something.
no subject
An unnecessary concern. It will take more than some ale to bring me down. Still, your words and sentiment are appreciated. Despite my promise to watch over you, it seems you’re the one with my wellbeing and comfort in mind.
[Despite his objection, Młynar still takes a small nibble from the bread. Balancing his pride with his desire to be good to his new companion was difficult. Doubly so when discussing things like this. He was not one to bare his soul as he did, but these were special circumstances.]
Mind you, given my current lack of lodgings, perhaps somewhat warranted. I imagine being inebriated as I set up camp outside of town might be imprudent.
[Having all his assets stored in the Grand Kazimierz Bank meant that he has nothing to pay for room and board at the inn. As a result, he’d been living off the land for the short he’d been here so far.]