Cuddles nods, well he bobbs really, and follows the girl to the back room, having to duck to get under the frame, all the while trying to say "Tao sheng" correctly. There is little success.
When he enters the room he moves to a corner and sits on the floor. He sighs in pleasure as he straightenes his neck and back. Even sitting on the floor he's easily taller than most halflings and gnomes, and many times as wide. He takes another chug from his bucket-mug.
Underwhelmed with her loss, Jocelyn thanks the man for teaching her a new game and ventures into the back room where she hopes to hear more singing and the tales of drinking people.
She keeps an eye on Cuddles and the snooty man that seems to have a bit too much class to be in a pirate bar. Not many folks here that seem to be regulars, it strikes her as odd, but as her next round of drinks arrives for her and those around her, she starts up a new chant "Shots! Shots! Shots! then downs the whiskey in one gulp.
As the alcohol takes stronger hold, her concerns fade.
She wonders over to Cuddles and pulls up a stool. Cuddles is an odd name for an orc, mate.
Cuddles is delighted to meet yet another friend. He doesn't seem drunk either (in spite of the full barrels he downs at a time). This is apparently his natural state.
CUDDLES NOT REAL NAME. NOT REMEMBER REAL NAME. LUCY GIVE NAME CUDDLES.
Now that most everyone is in the room, Enya jumps on the table. "Time for a song! To new friends and fresh faces!"
"The oceans tell tale of a mighty sea beast
His scales and teeth as sharp as a blade.
Its eyes are like fire, it has 3 great big horns!
And its name is the Fliggerwakkersheest!
The Fliggerwakkarsheest is blue and gray!
Just like the sea and the sky after storm!
It swims on hind legs that look like goat feets!
And sings a sweet melody out of its three big horns!
Oh Fliggerwakkersheesht! Even the name brings fright!
Could you imagine a creature thats 400 feet high?!
Oh Fliggerwakkersheesht! Dont eat me tonight!
For I am nothing but a small firefly!!"
She ends the song with a loud laugh and takes a shot of the whiskey placed in front of them. "The more the merrier I always say! In alcohol and in friends!"
Watching quietly at first, nodding to the blind seeming man only to realize that was probably a silly thing to do. Paying for his drinks, he stands to follow the female performer, having overheard much of the conversation. "I would much like to partake in the viewing of your performance, Lady. I do love a good song...and ideally dance. Reminds me of my childhood."
Chumtooth retrieves his harpoon from the floorboard, and follows the rest to the back room. Once there, he looks around at the milling noise and chaos, and smiles his shark-toothed grin.
As Enya starts to sing, he slams his harpoon into the floor again, and pounds his fist on the table, laughing in a deep resonanting bass tone.
"Chumooth will kill the beast of which this one sings! Chumtooth will kill it. Chumtooth will flense it. Chumtooth will EAT IT! Har har HAW!"
He shoves his mug into the path a passing serving wench. "More drink!'
Enya smiles at Chumtooth and slams her hand against his back. "I've heard these beasts taste just like gnome. Which is odd, considering gnomes are so small and the beast is so big! She taps human in the back. There is more where that came from, my good sir! She twirls around and begins to sing again.
"This is the tale of Catman the Furry!
Pirate so fluffy on all of the seas!
On a mystical quest, for a generic idol!
Fluffy fur flowing in the oceans breeze!
Life is a lovely scratching post
and he loved to scratch it up!
Though not the scurviest Pi-cat
He can really tear it up!
It true he was a shoe maker,
When Aaron was his name!
But now he's called Catman
And he liked to fluff his mane!
(spoken)Okay now, time for the good part
This is the tale of Aaron the cobbler!
Heeler of shoes and sewer of soles!
Gotta nice lil' shop, but the roof tends to cave in.
So he got fed up and became a thug!!
He just became a thugggg!
He's so fluffy!"
The sudden influx of movement into the back room jostled Tao back and forth as he tried to balance the soup and ale looking for an open area to sit and eat. The room seemed to be getting cramped as most sit to leave enough room for the lovely performer. He decides to remain just outside attempting to slurp his soup and chug his mug to leave enough room for other patrons to enjoy the songs. Besides it a bit too raucous in the back to enjoy a meal as fluid as he held now.
At the call of "Shots! Shots! Shots!" Bellamy gives a gap tooted grin, slaps a coin down on the bar and grabs a shot glass.
"Good idear girlie!" He shouts at Jocelyn.
At Enya's songs he stomps in time with the rest and cheers when she completes it.
Then he rolls up to the impromptu stage and says; "My turn lassie!"
He pauses a moment, thinking; then he starts a deliberate beat. One. Two. One-two-three-four...
When The Ale Runs Out
I woke up this morning, trying to get up,
I've quite a headache, reach for my cup,
I look in horror, with a disbelieving blink,
I've just discovered, I'm all out of drink!
CHORUS
What do you do when you run out of ale?
Do you cry, sigh, yell, or turn pale?
What do you do when you run out of ale?
You run to the tavern and drink down another!
Just finished fighting, some bragging, too,
And as hot as it is, I'm beginning to stew.
My throat is so dry, I'm dying of thirst,
But my opponent has beaten me and drank it all first!
CHORUS
I'm now hearing stories, poets, and song,
I never realized it would take so long!
Still I stand attentive, my goblet in hand,
But it's just like me, dry as the land!
CHORUS
What do you do when you run out of ale?
Do you cry, sigh, yell, or turn pale?
What do you do when you run out of ale?
You run to the tavern and drink down another!
They're still telling stories, but it's now late at night.
The fire's died low and I'm seeing this sight.
Everyone's sleeping, but I'm burning mad,
Because after searching, there's no ale to be had!
CHORUS
I'm falling fast now, into deep sleep and trance,
And the last thing I remember that catches my glance,
Is my empty old tankard from which flows never a drop,
Will someone please make my aleless dreams stop!
CHORUS
What do you do when you run out of ale?
Do you cry, sigh, yell, or turn pale?
What do you do when you run out of ale?
You run to the tavern and drink down another!
Then he downs his shot and slams it on the bar.
Tao tries to power down the food as quickly as possible when the old energetic man darts past him. In an attempt to dodge the frail looking figure, he jerks his arm upward inadvertently tossing the soggy bread and soup over his shoulder onto the wall behind. An explosion of mushy food stuffs splatters loudly as Tao makes another stupid gawking face at the unbelievably stupid move. His gaze shifts back toward the bristling barkeep.
So sorry. So sorry.
He quickly places the now empty bowl onto the counter and tries to sop up the sludge off the wall, only making it worst covering it with the grime collection on his arm leaving smears of mud on the previously clean wall.
The barkeep blustered throwing a towel at Tao and telling him to clean it up before he is kicked out of the inn without a refund for the room.
Tao quickly snatches up the towel and does quick work of the wall, folds up the towel with the mess in the center and sets it next to the bowl apologizing profusely. Then not wanting to tempt the barkeeper any further, he quickly slips into the back room attempting to get to the opposite corner and catch the second half of the old mans performance.
Aldous claps with the music, his rhythm is impeccable and he obviously knows his way around music and having a good time, though it looks like he might be out of practice for the good time part. Occasionally, he takes a sip from his drink and then goes back to clapping, his eyes looking about for his contact.
Eskus me. Tao whispers as he moves around the seated woman and stepping over the sitting half-orcs legs.
Eskus me. he mumbles again as he moves behind two others arm over shoulder with one another. The two sway and swing their mugs laughing.
Eskus me. he says once more as he slips past some of the other patrons and gets to the corner before spinning around to watch the entertainment, relatively out of the way.
@Tao Sheng -
Seeing the clumsy man trying t get through the room is quite the show itself and he gets the rest of my attention, instead of the singing. Seeing him get close and then about to walk passed I hold my hand up and speak hoping to catch him when he can hear me, "Would you like to join me?" I wave my hand to the spare chair at the table that is also facing the performances.
Tao pauses and looks around making sure she was speaking to him and not someone else. Noticing her staring straight at him, he nods nervously and takes a seat next to her sitting up rigid and slightly uncomfortable at the close proximity to all the others. He is painfully conscious of how filthy he is and tries to lean away when others move too close.
Uh.. Well, thank you.
Looking to Enya with a smile, he nods. "There are few that can match the grace and beauty of my people when it comes to song and dance...and you lady seem to be among them. I thank you for the chance to be reminded of those that I have lost,"with his words, he raises his glass and then with a nod takes a drink. "I am Aldous...,"
Enya smiles at Aldous. "You are too kind!" More blood rushes to her face, the flame burning with more intensity.
Mica looks at Aldous and talks to him in otter talk, climbing up and down Enya's body. She then, very timidly, goes over and sniffs his boot. Mica looks up at him, questioningly, obviously wanting to be picked up. Tiny little squeeks can just be heard over the crowd.
"She wants you to pick her up! Be gentle, but you can if you wish. She is very soft." She smiles.
I smile as the man sits down, looking nervous, "I chose this table as it is away from most of the people, less chance of being bumped into or having attention brought to myself. You looked like you needed rescuing from such a fate." I grab a second mug on the table and fill it with water, then carefully slide the mug to him, "Here you go, it's only water. My name is River, it's nice to meet you traveler. From where do you hail?" I pull my arm back to my side before filling up my mug again, as well as they bowl next to me.
Smiling, he leans down to gently heft the animal, cradling it like one would a baby. He gently stroke the fur with his left hand, having set aside his drink. As he does, the back of his hand become much more visible and tattooed onto it is a circle with three daggers pointing out from the center. "You, too, are beautiful little one," his voice soft as he pets the creature.
He places his own mug aside and takes the offered mug of water given. Nodding his appreciation to River he smiles sheepishly at the kindness of the stranger and takes a sip. Tao Sheng. I... Well, I come from fah to the east. Tho how fah I cannot say. It has been a long time since I thought of my home and longah still since I left. As he fidgets with the cup the table gets nudged softly and some of the water splashes onto his wrist washing away some of the grime. Deep black and blue bruises could be seen encircling his wrist though he makes no move to hide it, nor does he seem ashamed.
I listen intently as the man speak, glad that he decided to sit and talk with me. I nod in understanding as he talks of his home, "I understand, I left home longer than I care to admit. I sometimes wonder what would have become of me, had I stayed. So what brings you here Tao?" As he knocks the mug I quickly pick up the bowl so as not to spill any of the water. That's when I spot the marking, I look shocked. "You're hurt, would you like me to remove a little of your pain?"
Mica makes happy otter noises, nuzzling and licking Aldous' fingers and hand while he strokes her. When he goes near her arms, she holds them out and 'pets' his hand, too.
Enya takes a look at Aldous' hand as she gently smiles. "Oh she really likes you! Mica is very friendly, but normally doesnt take this kind to strangers. You must be a very kind soul."
She then realizes what that tattoo is of. She looka at Aldous and chuckles. "Follower of Calistria, eh?" She grabs his hand softly to look at it better, running her fingers gently over the tattoo, tracing the outline. "Very nicely crafted. I have a few myself." She lets go of his hand and Mica begins to sniff the tattoo, licking it gently.
Tidus finishes his ale, thanking the bartender, and looks around the crowded tavern with wonder.
Huh. Look at all these interesting folks. Mom would've loved to see this. A half-orc named Cuddles? A woman with efreeti blood that has an otter as a pet? If she hadn't been so insistent on my learning, I wonder what I'd be making of this situation instead.
He smiles a bit at the various patrons.
They all seem so lively. Would make for a good crew on a ship, no doubt. Maybe one of them's a captain that I can get in good with...
He scratches at his leg, feeling an itch that isn't there.
Smiling softly, "I might be a kind soul, but sometimes that kindness has a black spot,"his eyes turning down to the little creature which causes him to smile a little more fully. "Aye, I am a follower of The Savored Sting. There are many of her tenants that I have always been fond of...and others that I have grown to need in my life."
Looking down he chuckles as Mica licks his hand again, "Among my people, tattoos are very common. I have many, though I find that in most company it is best to not be so...open...about them. Though, I suspect in Port Peril, it would not be much of an issue with perhaps one exception." He seems to be enjoying the conversation...and the soft and playful otter quite a bit, something few would realize isn't common for him these days.
The door to the tavern opens and in steps a dwarf. At least it looks like a dwarf, though without a beard and missing most of his eyebrows, he could just be a very squat human. At any rate he grumbles slightly at the singing and takes a seat at the bar, knocking his knuckles on the bar top. "Rum or something stronger, if ye got it, lad! And be quick! I've an appointment with a Chelish ship o' the line and a fat paycheck to collect!"
Tidus looks over at the latest bar patron seated next to him. He admires the... person's short stature but hearty attitude.
"Heading out soon, eh? What's your skill? Fisherman, I am. One of the best, too. Though I don't get out to sea much anymore these days..." he says, tapping his knuckle against his leg, the hard knock of wood apparent.
"Name's Tidus. It's a pleasure," Tidus says with a toast of his mug.
The dwarf guffaws slightly. "I don't fish, lad. But I may ha' made yer leg. I'm a carpenter by training and a leech by chance. Got a bunk as Ship's Surgeon on the Elina May outta Cheliax. Leaves a' first light in tha' mornin'! Fat paycheck and easy work, lad. Not like yer fishin'. Jes' gotta keep the lads aboard alive, and no worries!" He raises the clay mug slightly to the fisherman and drains the chewable rum in one draw, smacking his lips as he does.
Hurt?! Tao's eyes bug out for a moment as he looks franticly down his front looking for a stab wound or something similar in his chest and stomach, patting himself and sending up small puffs of dust in concern. Hurt whe... Oh...
He finally notices the exposed bruise on his wrist as a sullen look crosses his face. Then a weak smile follows as he rests his hands back onto his mug, staring at the bruise. No, it is not necessary. The shackle bruises have not hurt fo a long time. As fo what brings me to dis place, I actually haf just arrived. I was lost and dis was the only settlement I had found in three days of wandering.
Bellamy goes over to the bar and obtains another shot, then makes his way unerringly to where Enya and Aldous are sitting. He gives a gap toothed grin.
"Arr lassie! Where be ye? It's yer turn t' sing!"
He turns his eyepatched face to the otter.
"Who's yer friend? Can 'e sing too?"
He leans in to whisper; "No offense, but that be the hairiest halfling I've ever met."
"Heh, any more room on your boat? I could stow away in a water barrel," the half-elf says with a laugh. "I must say, I'm very envious. I hope to get back out there soon."
I look unsure, "If you're sure. Why were you shackled? You don't have to tell me, I'm a stranger after all ... 3 days?! You must be very hungry and wanting a good bath then? Come, your food shall be my treat tonight, my friend." With that I hold my hand up into the air to attract the waitress' attention, "Could we have some food please, anything this gentleman wants."
Jocelyn gives Cuddles a smile as the songs finish and swaggers away to find another drink.
At the bar she hears the dwarf mention the Elina May and sets herself up to overhear, making it a bit too obvious in her tipsiness. Curious to find any information on crews that are hiring or the men she's searching for.
"Another whiskey"she says to the bartender. "Hell, just give me the bottle." She takes it from the barman and slaps down the gold coin she won from the dice game and takes a long pull from the bottle.
She clasps Tidus on the shoulder and points to the dwarf, "Listen to this man...er, dwarf, boy. You look like you're fresh off the trawler. My great grandfather was a fisherman, and you know what that got him? Fish...Ain't nobody ever made their fortune fishing!"
She looks down at his leg."What happened with the leg? Get it caught in the rigging did ya?" Then laughs drunkenly.
"This bar had better have some quality rum." A Chelish woman says as she enters the building and sits down at an unattended location.
"I just got done unhooking Besmara's Bodice, and I ain't got time for no X-ers or fancy jackets, I need to be involved in the sweet trade, and if you see Jack Tar, tell 'em I be looking for a frenzy." She places her hand on the hilt of her rapier as she speaks, making sure others know what it is she's talking about.
The dwarf guffaws at the woman's jest. "I'll havta see if the Chelish needs a good fisherman, lad! Better make sure the fish arena biting ye, though!"
He clears his throat a bit uncomfortable with the conversation. A moment passes in silence as he fidgets a bit in his seat staring into his mug of water with a far away look.
A thickly muscled young man walks into the tavern. As the door shuts behind him, he pauses and squints, his eyes adjusting to the lighting. Then, he makes his way over to the bar and catches the bartender's eye.
"Rum," says Rickard bluntly. Then, more quietly, "Need a little something to clear my head." As the young man drops a pair of silver coins down onto the bar, he squints at his monetary reserves and scowls. "Maybe more than a little something."
After Rickard's drink arrives, he takes a small sip and lets it sit in his hand. He knows it won't be long before the rum vanishes into his gut. Then he would order another, and then maybe one or two more as the hours slip away and closing time approaches. Should probably see about finding myself a job, he thinks glumly. But I suppose there'll be other nights.
I look a little horrified when I hear what Tao mutters but the accent doesn't seem to phase me in the slightest, "That is another reason I have not mingled with your race that much, too much of that goes on. But I'm glad to hear you are out of that life now and enjoying yourself, even if it has been hard." With that a couple of platters of food, as well as a couple of pitchers of drink come over to the little table, along with a couple of plates and cutlery.
I take a piece of raw fish and place it on a small plate, where an otter carefully climbs his way down my arm, sniffs at the meat and looks at me. I nod at him and he picks it up with both hands and begins to nibble at it slowly. I then help myself to a piece of grilled fish, along with some leeks, potatoes and another glass of water. I look up at Tao, "Don't be shy friend, you need this and it's my treat." I lean in to him and whisper so that no-one else can hear, "Think of it as a celebration for being free."
Enya giggles as the old man calls her otter a halfling, then looks over at Aldous. "If you'd like to hold her a bit longer, you can while I sing. She has taken a liking to you." She points at Mica, who is curled up now in Aldous' arms and beginning to fall asleep. She says softer, so that she wont wake Mica:"I wouldn't want to wake her up right now, she barely sleeps as it is." She winks at Aldous and regains her spot on top of the table.
"Alright old man! This ones for you!" She points at the two eyepatched fellow.
where mists are thick and dangers abound.
And in this cavern is a treasure so priceless,
it is though it never wants to be found.
One day I hope to sail those waters,
Some day I hope to search those caves.
And when I do, Oh dear Besmara,
Dont send me to my watery grave!"
"The meat that walks this room would feed this one's village from rain to rain! Some have shanks already on the spit! Har har HAW!"
Chumtooth pounds his fist on the table, in appreciation of his own sense of humor.
My eyes find there way to the Turquoise skin Undine who has just walked in, it is a look of surprise more than anything. After a few seconds I realise I am staring and turn my attention back to Tao and our meal.
Tao tentatively reaches for some meat and a bit of greens, sliding them onto his plate using a fork. Words cannot express his gratitude to River. The meal of soup was simply enough curb the pangs of hunger he felt. meal though, promises to be a true feast that he has never had before. Thank you friend. Know that I will repay you for this some day. He takes a moment an relishes the moment, inhaling the wonderful aroma wafting from the plat. A plate he had only seen on the tables of fat merchants. The moment only lasted a moment though as he began to eat, savoring every bite with wonderment. He eats slowly and with great care as a priest would kneel praying to their respective deity.
I swallow my food making sure that there is nothing in my mouth and I smile at Tao, "No need to repay me, as I said it is your celebration, a personal party if you will. You don't pay someone who gives you a present, it is the same here. Just eat your fill and I will be satisfied." I reach out and take another piece of fish for the otter who has also been distracted by the entrance of the Undine man ... distracted until the fish is placed in front of him.
Smiling, he gently rocks the otter. He had not held a baby in over a decade, but this was just like it. Rocking the small creature in his arms, he watches as Enya sings again, though the short ode for protection does not ring as well as the previous tunes, he still enjoys it, and nod and a smile, while he claps with one hand to his shoulder, trying not to make too much noise. Then he takes up his mug and drains it.
Enya looks across the room to the undine that just walked in. "Hey! You're an interesting color! Did you say something about a story? Lets see how good it is! Come! I'm sure one of these fine patrons will buy is a drink while you tell us your tale!" Her joyful laugh is audible across the bar, melodically floating through the air. She motions her hand towards herself, urging the Undine to come to her.
She jumps down from the table and stands by Aldous. She whipers so only he can hear them:
She smiles sweetly and begins to pet the now sleeping Mica gently on the head and looks into Aldous' eyes.
Cuddles simply sits where he is in the corner, nursing his Barrel-mug of ale. He is a little overwhelmed by he noise and song and shouts, so he stays and enjoys the multiple-colored people as they walk about.
He smiles and gives her a nod, as she pets the otter, he is able to whisper to her, as well.
His vibrant eyes find hers and he can't resist to smile brighter before turning away slightly to see the Undine behind Enya. He listens to the story and smiles. "Oh oh, Ho there! I am Aldous, the man that will buy the rum...and you are?"