On the topic if the attachment to Verim's an act or not she wonders.
"A good question. It's not like i'm deliberately looking for a guardian, but the guy reminds me a bit of a "house friend" of my adoptive mother. A bit of a silly showoff, but good by heart, not saying he's an idiot....well maybe a bit on his actions."
While Tallina and Mia were cooking, Luci had gotten some of her stuff sorted out in one of the spare bedrooms Horgus had mentioned. As she came back down, her nose quickly led her to the kitchen.
She'd left her armour and other combat gear upstairs, leaving her in a sleeveless grey top (that had seen better days after their journey through the caves) and a pair of leather pants clearly originally intended for some fun after the festival while her hair had been undone to flow loosely down her back.
"Do I smell pasta?" she asked as she came in.
"It is, looks good too doesn't it?", as she points at the ravioli.
"It should be done soon."
Wendaug paces back and forth in front of the windows looking out over the ruins of Kenebras as Verim talks to her, occasionally stopping to stare out at the destruction of the surrounding area. This faith you talk about so freely is a difficult thing to accept. My forefathers faith was repaid with an inquisition when we were born differently. Your faith is repaid with treason as your fellow crusaders begin to worship the very demons seeking to consume you.
Turning to face Verim, Wendaug continues on, looking him in the eyes. I promised you one night and a drink, I'll keep my word, but no more. Go help your friends ready their meal. I will go see if Gwerm has anything more appropriate for dinner than armor I've been sleeping in for a week.
Wendaug disappears upstairs for over an hour, returning to dinning room just as the food is being laid out. Wendaug Laugh at me, and our next dance won't be as friendly as the last one.
Laris will also change into something a little less burdensome.
"Wendaug, you look amazing." Laris gushes, sincerely. "It seems that over the last day or so we've all been preoccupied with surviving, let us have a little time to remember we are people and that the demons cannot reduce us to savages so easily."
Laris pours herself a glass of wine, and savors the scent for a moment.
Maxwell sits in one of the chairs strewn about the manor near the front door, with a rather deep cup on the table beside him as he loses himself in thought once more. He couldn't help but wonder why the manor was still in tact. It made no sense. He even knew that certain demons prided themselves on the destruction of valuables, and yet, this place still stood.
It wasn't a matter of luck either, he thought to himself.
Reverting to common at Luci's sudden entrance the half-elf talks a little about the food. She can take some pride in her work, Tallina's smile is big before answering Luci's question.
"Well of course it's pasta, homemade too, stuffed with veggies and cheese, covered in tomato sauce and about to be baked. The simple things can be very good things. Hopefully you all like it."
Verim noted that her words were not wrong; elated all the same that she would speak so frank to him. When she announced her intention to change into something different, Verim thought the same thing. His father always said presentation was the key to success but he'd never listened to that outside of basic function. As such when he scoured Horgus' attire it was bits and pieces of multiple outfits, mainly those that fit. He however kept adamant about a long sleeved shirt and jacket; the gloves from his armor. He didn't want to frighten anyone, it was a time of relaxation and he had to grit his teeth through it.
Verim raced down stairs once he had finished, speaking with Horgus on placement of his attire and picking out his various drinks, Honey mead, Whiskey, Wine and other assortments. When Dinner arrived Verim proudly stood with a Stein (For him), A Pint (For Wendaug), two wine glasses in one arm; Three Bottles (One of each from before) upon a silken towel in his other. A wide smile upon his face he thought himself prepared.
He was not ready for what he saw...
Wendaug had come into sight and it struck a chord deep within Verim's soul. His smile slowly formed into the look of sheer awe as the selection of dress and hat complimented her shade of scaling and alluring eyes. it took much courage for Wendaug to dress so, risking humiliation to imitate something you were not accustomed to. And he couldn't tell if it was for him, she would do this much for a promise? The words came from his lips subconsciously " Beautiful... " was all he could manage.
There seemed to be forever long pause in between those words and his admiration of the current Wendaug, when he decided to snap out of his stupor and rush over to her, pulling out a chair for Wendaug. ' I-I got stunned by that, O-Okay am I doing this right? I hope I didnt completely forget, it's been so long since I did this Formal stuff.. I was barely a man back THEN! Calm down, Calm down. Act natural. He was clearly flustered, a grown man desperately trying to hold back a blush, as he prepared the mead first pouring equal amounts into the pint and stein. Then sitting himself next to her, silent for the first time in a long while.
Peeking through the doorway she sees Verim dressed up for Ms. Wendaug. He looked so dashing in his suit, best not to kill the mood. She grabs a passing Lann into the kitchen.
"Watch the food, make sure it doesn't burn, that shouldn't be too hard since nothing is in the oven. Mia can you finish the tarts like I told you how to earlier? I'll be right back. Luci, come with me I need some help."
Tallina heads off to the servants quarters pulling off her belt and armor and leaving them in the hallway, she'll get them on her way back.
"Sure, no problem."
Mia finishes the last tarts while inquiring Lucianna now.
"Say Lucianna, where are you from, i mean your home city or lands?"
"Yeah, sure Talli." she said just before Mia asked her where she was from. "Oh; Kenabres, born-and-raised. Parents are from Cheliax, though. Tell you more when I get back but don't be surprised if you find their story a little hard to believe - sounds like something straight out of the theatre if you tell it right."
With that, she followed after Tallina, curious to see what the druid needed help with.
Laris smiles at Verim's reaction, and watches Wendaug carefully to gauge hers.
"Who would have thought..."
Getting to the servants quarters Tallina quickly moves about trying to find some attire that would suit her tall size.
"It'll be a little tight in the waist, but this should do. Luci, think you can help me change into this dress quickly? It's been a while since I've worn anything fancier than my current attire, even if it is such a simple dress."
After a bit of time (Luci probably has her own thoughts here on this) Tallina also moves to grab a butlers outfit that should fit Lann and another uniform that should fit Mia.
"Wendaug and Verim just look so adorable right now, I should probably look a little bit nicer than normal for their date right? It wouldn't make sense for us to ruin their dinner party by looking drab right?"
Verim is fidgety for a moment. He had done about as much as he remembered his father and the other members of the Evanescent Brigade advised him. Sure he wasnt NEW to wooing a woman, but he wasnt exactly a lady-killer either. His flirting was more a friendly mechanism to drop people's guard around him. A way establishing himself as comfortable to be around. You needed that when it came to he battlefield, for one could always lose their life and he'd rather people know him as the one that smiled. Sometimes it worked more than expected and then this situation would come about.
Verim cleared his throat, grabbed the Stein and raised it to the air the wondrous aroma of the mead mixing with the food around the table. He had to take the initiative, " To good food, Alluring company, Future friends and perhaps more! Though the demons might ravage the land, we owe it to those who cannot enjoy this to celebrate. Everyday should be lived to its fullest, for when know not if there will be another! Now lets stop with all this sympathetic stuff; Eat Drink and BE MERRY! HAARHAAR! " Placing his stein so that it can be gently tapped against everyone's container, hovering lastly near Wendaug for her to engage. He gives a playful wink.
Speaking to Laris from the side of his mouth " If I remember correctly you didnt enjoy drinking well how about now!? Where is Tobongo.. I thought I'd have a drinking contest with the little sprout. And Maxwell, nows the time to let loose! Come and try and shut me up with your constitution! Even the Dirge needs a muse to be crafted, from time to time! "
Wendaug frowns as Verim's choice of words to describe her, before momentarily blushing and turning her attention towards the food being placed in front of her. After carefully inspecting the strange fare she tries a small bite, chewing in silence.
Don't tease me, among the mongrelmen the word beautiful is used only as a form of mockery. None of us are pretty; it is the curse passed down upon us by our forefathers ignorance of the abyss.
Tallina, Mia, this fare is fit for a chieftain. We rarely have access to food from the overland and I have never heard of many of these things before.
Anevia also seems to relax, though she is still quiet and seems somewhat anxious as she eats her meal. Thank you for cooking tonight, Iomedea knows it has been too long since I had a decent meal. I just hope Irabeth made it to safety. Knowing her, she would have been right in the thick of the fighting. It's that whole, "First into battle, last out." code of hers. It's going to get her killed one of these days.
Hump, the food is at least edible, though I would not go much further than that. I suppose It will take some time to find decent help, Horgus proclaims as he works on his third plate of food. Be a good man Verim and pour the wine for us all. If you're going to wear the butler's clothes, you might as well play the part.
Luci should've expected this was what Tallina was after when she left the armour and belt outside. Seems even druids liked to pamper themselves from time to time.
"Yeah, I'd be happy to help." She said. Very happy. Her subsequent performance was smoother than Verim's. If one didn't know what to look for, it would just seem like a friend helping another with a dress. If one did know what to look for, it would be a very different story. A glint in Luci's eye, touches lingering a moment or two longer than necessary... a dance of slow, tactile seduction.
Of course; she left plenty of openings and kept a close eye out for any indication that she was making Tallina uncomfortable - going too fast was a surefire way to trash a potential seduction, after all. And she wasn't sure Tallina swung that way just yet - more used to identifying such leanings in taverns or the like where people were doing the same thing.
As she finished, she stepped back to take a good look at the results. "Well you certainly don't look drab," Luci said appreciatively, "shame nothing in here would work as well for me - everything in here would either need a hole cut in it for my tail or with my tail under a skirt; skirt too long and it's uncomfortable, short enough to be comfortable and... well, this thing can have a mind of its own sometimes. Shame we're so far from my place - got a great dress that I look absolutely killer in. Still, a little of Laris' magic to clean up and I should be presentable like this - I was going to hit the taverns after the festival in this, after all."
"Come on; Verim's probably eager to get started on the booze."
Looking down the length of the uniform, Tallina looks happy. Grabbing Luci by the hand she moves towards the stairs.
"Thank you Luci, now you head down and start drinking and enjoying dinner, I am going to finish the meal. And I'm sure you would look very nice in a dress, but at the moment we have just a few hours to relax."
Racing down to the kitchen she shoves the butler's suit into Lann's arms and seeing the tart almost finished taps Mia on the shoulder.
"You two go get changed. Mia, try this on, and Lann you should look rather dapper I think is the word in a suit. While that is more suited to a butler, the sizing on it is more generic so it doesn't have to be custom tailored. If we get a chance we'll get you an actual suit that should fit properly."
The change of clothes fitted Tallina well, was Mia's first thought.
Of course, that could be due to seeing everyone in a combat attire until now.
"It looks good on you, but excuse me i'll have to check on the tarts."
A bit later as Tallina taps her on the shoulder, Mia looks back with a look of surprise.
"Well..i didn't expect Horgus to have clothes in my size, but it looks okay enough."
Verim seemed to have unlocked his chains of inexperience and lost his nervous streak once he noticed the slight blush. A wide smile crept across his face, he hadn't screwed up yet and he knew something about Wendaug was just.. Well he didn't know the word. Maybe it was just a feeling.
On Horgus' cue he figured he might as well. He was wearing the man's clothes, might as well play the part. The more who got drunk, the better! With an unpracticed grace, Verim stood up firmly and with a merry disposition set to refill everyone's drink. A standard 'Is that all Sir' or 'Tell me when to stop Madam' issued from his mouth.
When he reach Anevia, he gave the woman an affectionate pat and a reassuring nod " She sounds like should would fit right in with my family. Don't be worried, I'm sure she can take care of herself and have been doing this for a while.. or have trustworthy friends who can catch her once she falls on her ass.. Like I Do! HAar HArr! *cough, clears throat * I mean, Er.. Surely Madam you should have faith in her.. " Moving To Laris he simply nods and whispers " I might need a favor from a talented woman such as yourself soon, Eh? " Until he finally graces Wendaug once again. He refills her drink, " Is the drink to your liking? Or would you perhaps like something..heartier? " A clear sultry tone to that wording, he leans in close to her ear and whispers s well " Then what word should I use to describe the goddess who blesses me with her presence this night? In her culture ofcourse. " leaning away as if he said nothing.
Verim stood surveying the scene and happily serving everyone, not doing a bad job at all. Once a few tens of minutes had passed, he lifted his voice to everyone. " Well now, everyone had some food and drink in them, but this isnt quite Tavern cheer enough! We need music and DANCING! I wonder where I might find someone with a great voice? It's a shame really. But IF we find such a person... " Verim place his hand out to Wendaug " Would you care to dance? Don't worry i can lead you along if you don't know the moves. "
Maxwell doesn't waste any time, and actually makes it a point to, from the outfits, take a small bit of fur from it, which he binds to his plate in a small amount of time. He ignores the swirling conversations for the moment, trying to grasp everything that's going on. He steers clear of the spirits, however, as he knows all too well that this is just a moment of peace before something even more terrible commences. Maxwell is visibly not pleased with the fact that everyone's taking a moment to forget that their world is destroyed, however, and keeps to himself leaned up against one of the edges of the room.
Looking over to Mia once she mentions a lack of properly sized clothing he muses. "I was hoping for plate, really, but something that valuable and defensive was likely stolen with the ransacking..." he claims as he looks into a cheap locket with his wife in it with a dour face.
It might be the halfling genes that, despite not having visited inns for parties, Mia felt like singing. She didn't know much, save for a few songs she heard from traveling bards.
So out of the blue she stats a short song.
So...., go take a look, and hold your nearest,
for this happy song, that would be your dearest.
For now no more woes, no pro~~blems right now,
take for your dearest a bow.
Between daily troubles, one needs some sweet time,
or all hard work is not worth a dime.
Hard work may be a necessity,
quality time with your loved one, blissful serenity.
So...., go take a look, and hold your nearest,
for this happy song, that would be your dearest.
For now no more woes, no pro~~blems right now,
take for your dearest a bow.
So friends, have some fun, it is mandatory,
to have time off without any worry.
Cheer up, do not feel blue,
toast to your blessings, happiness true...
It finishes with this
"I suppose it would be too much to ask for there to be a Lyre or Lute or something similar here?" Laris asks Horgus,
Regardless, she will sing for a dance or two, she'll stay away from her usual songs so as not to set Verim ill at ease, and stick to the sort of things you'd hear in a better Tavern.
With an exemplary display of music from both Laris and Mia, Verim felt the tension rise and thought it would be the time to take the initiative. With a wink and a smile from the surely hesitating Wendaug, Verim would take her gently by the hand and pull her in close. Using a freelance variation of the Waltz and various other dances he would randomly remember from others watching. Trying to time his steps with Wendaug enough to make HER the main attraction. Eventually ending with a splendid dip, Verim holding her inches from the ground while his other hand held her thigh in a gentlemanly way. He was sweating a little as it was the most effort he'd put into such a thing, he wasnt even sure how well he did.
After the song Mia sat down, letting Laris do the rest as she watched Verim's spin with Wendaug.
He's not doing too bad i guess. Now let's see what Wendaug's reaction to all this is.
Though normally graceful, Wendaug seems to grow increasingly frustrated as she attempts to keep in step with Verim. During the second dance she stumbles, tripping over the hem of her dress and land in Verim's arms. A few seconds of silence fall upon the room before a horrified expression crosses Wendaug's face and she begins to struggle to get free.
Are you happy now boy? You've managed to make a fool of me in front of all your friends.
Horgus laughs at Wendaug's lack of grace on the dance floor as she lands in Verim's arms. Looks like you've got her right where you want her lad. Finish the dance off with a kiss like a real man[/b]
Glaring at Horgus, Anevia elbows him in the side in response to his crude remark. You're fine dear, you are a far better dancer than I am at the moment.
Verim gave a soft smile and shook his head. " Well, as one who's always seen as the fool? Yes, Yes I am, For I have a wonderful woman in my arms right now. You tried so well to keep up and most importantly for my sake. When we first 'danced' you fell backward, but as it is now, as long as I'm here I'll be there to catch you every time. I'm incredibly happy.. " A blush clearly across his face the coloring almost masking the scar that goes horizontally across the bride of his nose.
He embraces Wendaug, picks her up and twirls around so that her footing is regained. Verim places her down slowly and doesn't make her struggle too long in his arms. Giving Wendaug enough room and space to act however she pleased. His embrace ending, only holding her right hand and waist. " I was honored to dance with you this night Wendaug, I hope you enjoyed my company. Perhaps we will dance once again in the future. " He moves her fingers up to kiss them gently.
Afterwards he miles wide and looks over to Horgus " I-I don't think that's going to happen, I think I screwed up too much. I couldn't hope of getting a fine reward such as a kiss as I thought. Heheh " Verim however stayed close only breaking contact when she wanted to.
With the salad and appetizer all done, Tallina moves quietly into the room bringing with her a large piping hot dish of her vegetable ravioli. If squeeing would be appropriate she would be doing so at the sight of Verim and Wendaug.
"Mr. Gwerm, how about some dinner. It appears you like my cooking when it's not something we scavenge. Anything for you Anevia?
"I can't imagine otherwise, it's great."
Her thrush is eating a few of the fruity bits.
Maxwell makes it a point to leave when Verim has Wendaug in his arms and in a blush, figuring that it wasn't his kind of place. Something about it just seemed wrong to him. Not so much their love, rather, taking this moment to enjoy so much when the world around them is literally crumbling from a demonic horde. He felt somewhat bad for himself that he couldn't take a moment to enjoy, and at the same time, didn't really feel that they should, what with being in the devil's centerfold.
Ever in the pursuit of his own guard, he makes it a point to stay rather alert for the duration of their stay, and notably stays a good distance away from everyone, looking outside occasionally to see if anything's looking for them as well. Finally, in one of his moment, he stops, looking out a window near Mia, and mumbles to himself. "We'll need to get going soon..." with somewhat of a light frown on his face.
As Verim kisses Wendaug's fingers, a flicker of fear crosses her face. Pulling back, she pauses to take a deep breath. You've had your dance, it's time for that drink you promised me. I trust you've something a bit stronger that the pressed grapes served with supper.
Verim is somewhat confused and saddened by Wendaug's sudden fear of him but hides it behind a smile; the perfect veil. Verim didn't want to push the issue. He gives a hardy laugh and moves back to the table, where he had an assortment of drinks, pointing to each one, " Well besides the wine, We have Honey Mead, Ale, Dwarven Stout, Firewater, Elven Wine, Whiskey... take your pick, as I'm pretty sure we wont have a selection like THIS again in a long time! However if you've never had such alcohol before, lets start from the bottom with mead. I'll even drink with you, for every one you drink I'll drink one.. OR TWO if you prefer! " Patting Wendaug gently upon the shoulder.
He looked to Mia, Tallina and Lann, " Well, Well, I never would have thought the Heart of the Jungle look so great in such tame clothing. And your food is DELICIOUS, I'm used to rations. This tastes like heaven! And Mia you bring a warm sensation to my heart, helping Tallina out, looking so cute in your clothes. Your voice was a soothing as a tiny siren truth be told. If you keep this up I'm sure you'd make a fine wife when you get older. Lann my man! You are the picture of dandy, don't let your appearance belittle your proportions in fine attire I say! HAarHaar! " He complimented them so and of course many other ways with his demeanor,
Eventually Verim graced the presence of Laris and Luci " Laris I could say your inspiring tones were a muse upon themselves. I got a little carried away there, thinking it was a popular tavern and made Wendaug have a slip, not that I didnt enjoy the accident a bit! Luci, why don't you come over her and help Wendaug and I drink the night away! You as well Laris, Lann, Horgus, Anevia! Because tomorrow we could all die, so let's live for TODAY! "
He finally looked back at Wendaug, " Now as I say this, it still doesn't change the fact your the shining light of the evening Wendaug, Don't be afraid. "
"Far be it from me to act as your keeper, but there is danger near, stay alert."
Laris finishes her glass of wine and heads out to see where Maxwell went.
looking so cute in your clothes.
Meh...i'm born looking cute, for good and bad. Which is to say it'll take alot of years for this face to look older than it currently is.
Verim lifts up his shield from under the table just as Laris begins to stand to solidify his statement, " I'm always alert! Even during the initial.. Er.. attack. If anything came to fight us now I would be able to fight them off well enough! I'm not going to some cultists from stop me from having a good drink. "
"I'll stick to this merlot for now. Best if I not have too much anyway; things can get a bit... off if I have too much."
As Luci said that, she remembered one incident in particular.
"Okay; the garters hanging from the lamps make sense, but how did we do that to my dress? That doesn't seem physically possible."
"I swear, that just made my head hurt even worse."
Using the stick part of the serving spoon Tallina hits the shield. Her eyes show that she's not laughing, taking a strict motherly tone that came naturally to her she snips at Verim.
"No weapons at the table unless you want to be eating with them or off of them. The amount of blood and whatnot on that shield would make it rather unsanitary."
She waits before he puts it away to continue serving. After he puts it away she smiles a bit as she returns to the kitchen.
"Don't drink too much, we have a night, if that, of rest. Then we have to be up early tomorrow to get Anevia home. Also save some room for dessert!"
Verim visibly tenses up as the aura of Tallina changes to that of an overbearing mother. He chuckles nervously placing the shield back under the table and well away from the food a bit of sweat beading his brow.
" Alright, Alright; I'll put it away. I mean, you do have a good point, this things needs to be cleaned. But Talli, last I checked my Mother Had horns and creamy skin.. and was several miles from here.. Not right in this ROOM! " he still chuckles nervously, though there is clearly no joke in his wording.
" I always drink responsibly though. I generally pass out so I don't know what my limit is! I'll take your advice however, I simply want Wendaug to enjoy overworld drink. We'll call it a night when its through.. But by all means pass the food! " Verim eats earnestly, trying to use the utensils given but eventually simply devouring food as if he were a man 4 times his size.
Verim would chaser his intake with drink from time to time and eventually when sated.. somewhat he spoke of the matter of Anevia. " *BURP* Wow, thats amazing, Err uuhh.. On Anevia, Ive been thinking. If you remember correctly.. there are cultists causing issues all throughout Kenebres, and we just so happen to know where the main shelters are.. thanks to Luci's Letter. One is particularly close to here. Remember the Library? Being ransacked by those fiends.. I want to try and stop that. So I was thinking, we Stop over there quickly, leaving Anevia with Horgus in this safe place for a few hours, squash those cultists, and then pick her up and head on to her house afterward. "
I'll stick to this merlot for now. Best if I not have too much anyway; things can get a bit... off if I have too much.
Mia was probably sitting near Tallina and Luciana and obviously (the only one?) not drinking any alcohol. At Luciana's remark her head turned sideways.
"Oh.....how so? I've seen drunk people on occasion, so if you're not prancing around in your birthday-suit or throwing a major tantrum or start giggling like a schoolgirl near her crush, what possibly would you be?", with a rather lock-on questioning look.
Sitting down at the table, Wedaug grabs the whisky and pours a full glass, You'll match me drink-for-drink boy? Bottoms up. I may not have much experience with overworld drinks, but I reckon some of the stuff we mongrelmen brew is just as potent as anything you've ever had.
Wendaug gestures to everyone else, Care to join us. I'll wager 10 gold this boy passes out before I do. How about you Mia, you've got start somewhere and we may not live long enough for you to get another chance.
Verim starts pouring himself a swath of Whiskey as well to match Wendaug, perhaps a little more just to be sure. A sly grin covers his face " Hrmm Gold is nice but I don't really get anything from that. So WHEN I win, what do I get from you? This man has had his fair amount of drinks, even when he was young. As for Mia.. Well a little wine or Ale wouldnt hurt. " Verim gestures to Wendaug ht the challenge was one taking sip to get started.
"...wow, you encouraging under-aged drinking, i'd have thought better of you Verim, didn't you Tallina?"
Sentiment
While starting off as a serious drinker, after several hours Wendaug begins to loosen up, laughing and making jokes with all who remain downstairs. Sometime after midnight she tries to get Verim to join her in singing bawdry drinking songs, finally passing out halfway through a rousing rendition of The Hedgehog Song.
Verim smiles and shrugs at Mia's berating tone " Well It happened to me. If you were interested I was fine with it, though I wouldn't let you have more than a sip. But I guess your right.. I should be more strict... AFTER THE DRINKING! "
Verim then joins in the drinking contest, being quite prepared for the long haul. Wendaug was opening up to him and relaxing, experiencing a much different merriment than she probably could below ground. And when she hi the point of inebriation, he encouraged her, singing and joking to their hearts content. And when she finally passed out he held her and chuckled at her current state. Verim himself couldn't say he didnt have his own share of booze and it was effecting him heavily as well. At this point he had to do the gentlemanly thing and make sure she made it to her room. So, tipsily, Verim began to pick up Wendaug in a cradled posture and low-lidded peered at whoever was left. " Out.. like a baby...I.. Think.. it's time, she get to bed... *hick* Don't.. Worry.. I won't... do anything.. I've done this... with many of... the women *hick* of the Brigade... On my word ... " He starts moving towards stairs at that.
The night passes uneventfully, save for the strained sounds of drunken song and a few crashes in the dark as Wendaug is carried to bed, or at least the nearest couch. As dawn approaches, Tallina finds an unconscious Horgus passed out in a chair, a bottle of fine wine still grasped in his hand.