The Encounter of Augustin

[The date is November 15, 4289.It is now late morning. The sky is brilliant blue and cloudless, the sunlight is bright, and a brisk wind blows from the northwest.]

[Village of Waes: This lovely little village stands in the shadow of Image Castle. Most of the local peasants reside here, working the fields and carrying out their daily lives under the protection of their lady of the castle. As you look down the main street of Waes, a cobblestones path turns towards what appears to be a marketplace with many storefronts crowded together along the narrow street. To the north, you can visit the local tavern, and the stables. If you turn south, you can shop at the baker or perhaps visit the Waes Boarding House. Finally, if you continue down main street, you will reach the fields where enough food is produced to feed the villagers as well as the inhabitants of the castle. The air is crisp and cool, the fall obviously upon the region. Leaves are falling, their colours turning to bright shades of golds and reds. It's clear, cool, and windy.][Contents: Arin, Weslyn, Jehan, Lance, Krystal]

Cedric wanders down the path from the castle.
Cedric has arrived.

Krystal sits near the fountain, watching the commings and goings of the village, on such a fine afternoon.

Lance stops. He goes perfectly still, turning around to facce Weslyn. He doesn't look scared, only hurt. "You're all the same.." His eyes seem a bit wet, "Why do you think I learned to play the lute?" He looks at Jehan, and sighs, turning and walking off, not hurredly, slowly and somberly.

Antha strolls along quietly under the blanket of night. She pretends to not hear an argument in progression and takes a seat on the fountain quietly next to Krystal.

Jehan turns to Wes. "What the heck just happened? Who was he? What did he mean, you're all the same? Are you all right?" THe questions are rapid fire, his eyes scanning Wes to make sure he's all right.

Antha whispers, "What's the story here?" to Krystal.

Weslyn mutters to Jehan, "I had thought that this.. person could be spoken to. All he was interested in, however, was getting me to bed him for money... or listen to him, that I might tip him for that matter. I took offense at his comments and left, so he threw me into a wall." He offers a light shrug.

Krystal shrugs at Antha and whispers.

Krystal whispers: "Not really sure."

Cedric's steps seem to float the robed figure from the road leading to the castle, to the outskirts of the village center itself. His arms rest folded lazily across his chest, as he watches those gathered.

Lance goes off and sulks a bit near the fountain, on the opposite side of Antha and Krystal. He seems to be admiring the cobblestones, shoulders shaking a tad.

Antha lowers the hood of her cloak, stealing a glance at Lance, Weslyn and Jehan discreetly out of the corner of her eye before saying in a low voice to Krystal: "Find a room, yet?"

Krystal says, "No, it seems I am without for now. Had thought to ask someone in the castle if they knew of a place."

Antha looks slightly concerned, though she tries to mask even that much. "What about Reaver's? Have you checked to see if there any rooms available? Usually a tavern has room's upstairs."

Arin starts in a lazy fashion towards the tavern, still twirling his stick in his hand. Remaining unconcerned with the argument going on.

Krystal nods, "All occupied."

Antha mutters a short curse. "So what's the game plan?"

Briatta emerges from the wrought-iron gates of the Public Gardens.
Briatta has arrived.

Weslyn whispers quietly to Jehan, evidentally discussing something with him.

Cedric watches Arin as he looks about. Otherwise, the figure remains still.

Krystal is sitting at the fountain near Antha talking with her.

Jehan walks slowly over towards Lance, cocking his head to the side. "Hey... can I talk to you a moment?"

Arin's eyes finally lock on Cedric, and after a moment's hesitation, he finally turns around and starts to head back towards the fields. At a slightly enhanced pace.

Antha whispers, "I hadn't been aware on my last visit...but does there seem to be more man-man action than woman-man." to Krystal.

The robed figure stands still a moment longer, before seeming to fade quietly into the shadows outside the center of the village, without a sound.

Cedric is trodding down the dirt path to the fields.
Cedric has left.

You sense: Krystal shrugs. "Don't pay attention to that sort of thing, but a few of my travel companions seemed to be that way."

Briatta appears from within the Boarding House, the young woman tugging discontentedly at her leather vest, pushing her too-thick braid over one shoulder. The youth's features are a touch pale, expression seemingly troubled as she sends a once-over the crowded square.

Krystal senses: Antha winks. "Bloody shame. More competition for me."

Arin is trodding down the dirt path to the fields.
Arin has left.

You sense: Krystal grins a little. "I personally have no interest in a relationship anyways. They are too much trouble. Friendship is different, of course." she smiles.

Antha shrugs, her voice carrying a little louder as she says to Krystal: "Who said anything about a 'relationship'? Not everything needs to come with strings attached."

Krystal grins at her friend. "Exactly."

Antha smirks like a wolf. "Seen anything...tasty yet?"

Krystal says, "Nope"

Antha hmms. "I have. I met him last time I was here...in the summer. He's a knight."

Krystal says, "Oh? Do tell."

Lance huffs a bit as he's approached. Mid-sentence, he sights, still looking at the cobblestones. "Sorry, I'm not taking any business right now." He kicks the fountain gently.

Antha looks down at the cobblestone, attempting to hide a smile that gives everything about how she feels about her "Sir Knight". "He's a devilish flirt...handsome...I haven't found out about his "sword" yet," She winks. "But I will."

Krystal covers her mouth, trying not to laugh.

Jehan says, "Just hold it a second. Calm down, I don't want to do anything but talk. Sit down," he indicates the grass under the shade of a tree. "I'm Jehan, and you are.....?"

Weslyn settles against a wall while Jehan speaks with Lance, extracting a small sketchbook and getting to work.

Antha turns a mock angry face towards Krystal. "What?!"

Krystal says, "Just blurt that out." she giggles a little. "Well, tell me more about him, and not the sword part."

Lance looks up to Jehan. Oh, it's him, the one with the itchy sword-hand. Back to the cobblestones. He sits on the lip of the fountain-stones, "Lance."

Antha pretends to pout like a 5 year old. "But that parts the most fun!" She casts you a knowing smirk. "Not much else...last time I saw him, he kinda blew me off."

Peter has arrived.
Weslyn drops Peter.

Jehan says, "Could you please explain to me what's going on here? I'm a bit confused." He smiles softly. "Not that it's an unusual occurance."

Briatta glances toward the young men, a 'brow raised as she takes a step closer. Three potentially eligible males? Or three potential bar fights. Free drinks. Never know. And so she continues her approach, if she manages to keep her movements sublte enough.

Peter takes off from Wes' shoulder, beating blue-grey metal wings and gliding gently over towards the fountain... circling Briatta once and looking at her curiously before landing lightly on the edge and hopping into the water.

Krystal says, "They can be like that, uppity, etc. That girl I told you of, Jamie, her father was like that when he was alive."

Antha nods appreciatively. "If they're even /slightly/ good looking, they can be a bundle of boors."

Briatta's eyes widen at the sudden lift-off of a creature that has no right to movement. Though, as the light catches the jeweled wings, she trades suspicion for awe, lips parting as she watches the thing hop into the water. It's then that she looks to its owner, pausing in her step.. and then discarding any effort at being subtle. "A spell?" She asks, looking between Weslyn and the submerged bird. As far as the woman seems concerned, the others are vapor.

Lance huffs a bit, cocking his head towards Weslyn. He doesn't have to see him to know where his feet are. He's rather perceptive for a prostitute. "Short version, he comes in to the Utopia, we get to talking. I find out he's got someone waiting for him back at his home. Jerhon or something. So I'm thinking this guy has a man at home, but he's here, in a brothel. Sounds like something's wrong. I mean unless he's the first person to come to me in a brothel only looking to talk, or he's like any other person that comes in there when they've got someone at home waiting for them. They've got a problem in their relationship. So I try to get him to talk about it, and next thing I know he blows up at me, and tells me to go to Southport." He hisses, aloud. It'd seem un-natural, if it weren't so well practiced. "I thought I could find some nice people, leaving that place."

Lysander has just stepped out of the Reaver's Latitude.
Lysander has arrived.

Weslyn blinks, looking up from his sketch. He blushes and shakes his head, "No... mm.. not really." He chuckles softly and shrugs, "He's what he is.. magic in some way, certainly." The youth seems quite relieved to have something else to talk about. The falcon pokes it's head out of the water, muttering, "Dusty is what I am..." Peter winks at Briatta, and then drops back into the water, attempting to get less dusty.

Lysander enters the boarding house.
Lysander has left.

Gapes. Just.. gapes. For once, the usually sardonic -- oftentimes blatantly rude -- youth is lost for a response. As the bird speaks, she sends another pace-like glance between jeweled creature and Weslyn. "Where did you.. find him?" She questions, already taking a step closer the fountain -- moving to crouch near the edge. Waiting for the bird to emerge, no doubt.

Weslyn walks up behind Briatta, glancing over her towards Peter. He shrugs, "I built him, I suppose... a childhood friend that was imagined, and then simply.. grew?" He grins wryly, "I don't think I could do it again, certainly."

Peter is evidentally finished...the bird popping back out of the water to perch on the edge near his admirer, spreading his wings more than is technically necessary to dry them.

Lance hmphs at a whisper from the man next to him. "I could have told you that. And yes I play the lute. Not that he appreciated it at all. I'm just something that needs to go back to the gutter and scrape for a couple coppers, in his mind." He grumbles a bit. He's obviously not including everything Wes said to him, or intended.

[Lance: Holding a height of what seems to be around six feet, perhaps a bit under, stands what would easily be said as a delightfully gorgeous man. Sparkling Emerald green eyes set into a fair face add a warm glow to his form. His shoulder-length red hair looks soft to the touch, worn down to fall about his shoulders lazily, letting off a soft shine when graced by light. The man's skin appears pure and soft, making his slender build all the more attactive. A long-sleeve shirt hugs his torso tightly, red velvet gleaming slightly. The shirt laces up from mid-chest to his neck, leaving a bit of space to teasingly show off his chest. The velvet dominates the underside of his slender arms, while on the upperside, a see-thru lace replaces the leather, while a set of laces, strung though shining d-rings, criss-cross down his arms over the see-thru material, tieing at his wrists. The ends of each lace are secured to matching silver hand-flowers, which hug his nimble hands galantly. A pair of tight-fitting black leather pants hug his waist, following the curve of them down along his legs, over a pair of black leather buckled boots. The belt secured around his waist seems more for the sake of decoration than holding his pants up. His shapely, slender hips, on the other hand, look to be doing a fantastic job of that.]

"It speaks.. and it moves. By its own will?" Briatta continues to stare at the bird, if she does send a fleeting glance over her shoulder. A slim hand is extended, not quite touching, toward one of Peter's wings.

Antha glances at Lance, having overheard, but pretended not to hear about him being a prostitute. Her eyes show her tension over talking about Timothy.

Peter nods to Briatta, not moving out of the way, spreading blue-grey mithril feathers, gold talons shifting lightly on the stone. His human nods as well, "Entirely... much as it would occasionally be convenient to have control over him." The bird does his best to chuckle.

"I..." Briatta seems rather lost for words. Looking back to Weslyn, studying now, she continues to half-hide her disbelief. "Animation. It..." She pauses, redirecting her gaze to the bird in front of her. "You are... metal. Made of metal. How do.. you move? Speak?" Doing her best to play this little game.

Jehan whispers to Lance.

Lance looks up at Jehan in response to the next whisper. He glares at him. "I don't need hand outs, -sir-." The next bit of whispering makes him catch his tongue though. He sighs and nods, and simply shakes his head, whispering back.

Peter nods, "Metal, yes.. slightly modified." The bird tilts his head for a moment.. then mms softly, "I don't know. I just do." Weslyn nods softly, "He's always been able to.. I work on his construction regularly, too.. redoing parts, adjusting the metal as needed.

Damon comes out of the boarding house.
Damon has arrived.
Damon absently continues for the castle.
Damon heads back to the Castle.
Damon has left.

Maggie wanders down the path from the castle.
Maggie has arrived.
Maggie hurries through the village, heading for the gardens.
Maggie swings open the gates and enters the gardens.
Maggie has left.

You enter this jolly little tavern looking for rest and refreshment, and perhaps a little company.
[The Reaver's Latitude Tavern: The Reaver's Latitude Tavern is where the locals come to drink, game, talk, and generally relax. The atmosphere in the main room is crowded, smoke-filled and noisy. In the southeast corner, to the right of the main door as you enter, is a large stone fireplace; on the other side of the door, a window admits light to the room. The furniture is coarse, yet comfortable; mostly plain wood, but a few of the chairs have upholstered seats. Hardly any of it has escaped the years unscathed, though; nearly every table, chair and barstool carries nicks, dents and stains, whether from bar fights or simply clumsy customers. The wooden floorboards are regularly swept clean. At the far end of the room is a long bar, and on the wall over it a large, hand painted sign. Behind the bar you can see a door leading to the tavern kitchen. A staircase along the west wall leads up to guest quarters where weary travellers can rest and relax. Contents: Augustin, Maitika]

Jonathan Bing says, "Greetings lass! Welcome to the Reaver's Latitude. Can I be getting you something then? Just take a look at our menu..."

Maitika says, "Is boy from Village called Hikati, not know the country. Name is Maitika, I work for Arin." he then motions to the basket at his side. "In here Kalika, but if not like Toanasu, you not like Kalika."

Krystal strides in from the main street.
Krystal has arrived.

Jonathan Bing says, "Greetings lass! Welcome to the Reaver's Latitude. Can I be getting you something then? Just take a look at our menu..."

You take a seat at the bar.

Krystal joins you at at the bar.

At the bar, Antha says "So how long have you been here?"

Maitika realizes he should get back to work. A glance to Augustin, "Sorry I got to go, nice meet."

Augustin nods to Maitika. "Likewise."

Augustin just looked at me.

At the bar, Krystal says "Only about a day or so, not very long, really."

Maitika gets up from a seat at the bar.
Maitika finishes his water and heads for the door.
Maitika has just stepped back out onto the street.
Maitika has left.
Antha says, "Explore much?"

Augustin is standing against the bar, a mug of ale in hand.

Krystal says, "No, other then trying to find a place to live, I've been pretty stableized."

Antha hmms and nods. "It's actually quite lovely countryside. And there's quite a few stores in the market place. The Castle Gardens are exquisite."

Augustin's gaze seems to be alternating between the stairs and the front door, mostly. Whenever he takes a sip of his ale, he wrinkles his nose a little.

[Augustin: This man stands with a posture that clearly says 'forget you saw me', even as his build and stature say 'remember me'. Sandy blonde hair, cropped short and neat crowns his head, with stray locks reaching in a vain attempt to cover his blue eyes. A proud, cleft chin juts defiantly beneath a mouth that is almost petulant looking, when relaxed, the lower lip noticeably fuller than the upper, giving the appearance of a pout. A tall man, he stands over six feet in height, and has a lean build that belies his strength. His voice, when he deigns to speak, is a harsh, gravelly sounding baritone.

He wears a royal blue tunic of matted silk, cinched tight at the waist, with loose, almost flowing sleeves that similarly cinch at the cuffs, with traces of black and silver etching in a four-band knotwork. Black, heavy cotton breeches adorn his legs, fitted comfortably, and tucked into a pair of cavaliers boots with brass buckles. At his left hip, hangs his magnificent broadsword, and at his right, a very plain dagger.]

Antha gives Augustin a non-discreet glance, clearly agreeing with what she sees. A soft smile plays on her lips.

It takes a few moments for Augustin to notice he's being looked at, and when he does, he blushes a little, and looks quickly the other way. What? A shy knight?

Krystal looks where her friend looks and offers a polite nod, but that's it.

Antha winks at Augustin, just to see his reaction. She flips her head of black hair back to Krystal and offers her a mischievious smirk.

Of course, the knight blushes a darker red, and tries to hide it behind his mug. With very little success.

Krystal senses: Antha says, "I could just eat him with a spoon." Clearly, she's forgotten about Timothy for the moment.

Antha drops a few coins on the bartop and asks for an ale.

Krystal grins at Antha and then decides to see what it is she wants to drink. "Wine I think." and places the money on the bar.

Bing quietly sings along with the minstrel's tune.

Antha gives Krystal a mock-insulted look. "Are you trying to imply you're better than me with that wine to my ale?" Speaking of which, Bing slides Antha her mug after taking Krystal's order.

Timothy comes down the stairs from the guest chambers.
Timothy has arrived.

Timothy decends the stairs, his stride taking him toward the exit.

Antha turns her head to the stairs. Her eyes widen and she stares openly as he arrives.

Elisa comes down the stairs from the guest chambers.
Elisa has arrived.
Elisa has just stepped back out onto the street.
Elisa has left.

Krystal says, "No, I just don't like the taste of it."

Antha doesn't appear to have heard her new friend. Still entranced. She shakes her head as if to clear it. "Beg your pardon, Krystal?"

Augustin lifts a hand to wave to Timothy, still standing by the bar. Antha's gaze distracted, his blush fades.

The minstrel launches into a rendition of Bring Me a Star.

"I said I just didn't like the taste of ale is all." Krystal smiles a little.

Timothy nods to Gus as he heads out into the night.
Timothy has just stepped back out onto the street.
Timothy has left.

Antha nods, though not hearing the comment again as she glares at the door that Timothy exited. She mutters an Oomurian curse loudly.

Augustin sips his ale, wrinkles his nose, and leans a bit more heavily against the bar, scanning the room again.

Antha noticeably slumps in her stool, somewhat resembling a prisoner of war (or emotion).

Augustin studies Antha's change of posture for a few moments, then looks back at the bar's entrance. Iiiinnnnnteresting....

Without hesitation, Antha chugs half her mug of ale. She sets the mug down, wipes an arm across her lips. She glances over at Augustin and gestures with her head to an empty stool next to herself.

Augustin pushes off the bar and moves to accept the invitation, flushing again, very slightly as he does.

Augustin joins you at at the bar.

Krystal sighs and just sips her wine. "Good evening Sir." to Augustin, at least trying to be polite.

Antha gives Augustin a longer-than-necessary look-over. She smiles, but says nothing. Krystal's already done the pleasantries for her.

Augustin nods a little as he settles on his stool. "Lord Augustin Salvatore," he says, by way of introduction. "Knight of the Dragon."

Krystal says, "Krystal Davenport." she offers for herself, letting her friend introduce herself. "A pleasure to meet you."

Antha bites her lower lip. It is a flirtacious, though hard to explain why. She glances at Krystal, smiles softly, says nothing.

The troubador strums a chord, pauses to listen for a moment, and then begins to play The Bonny Swans.

Grabbing his rag, Bing wanders from table to table, collecting empty glasses and wiping the tables clean.

Augustin bows as much as being seated allows. "The pleasure is mine, m'lady Davenport."

Antha takes a swig of her ale, her eyes still on Augustin. She then glances at Krystal. "You haven't touched your ale."

Krystal shrugs. "I drink it slow. Keeps me from getting too tipsy that way."

"That's the whole fun of it", Antha playfully scolds. "Besides, I'm curious to know what you're like tipsy."

Krystal says, "I talk too much."

Antha flips her hair over her shoulder. "So what? I've got a blazing mouth sober." She gives you a playful shove. "Live a little! Throw caution to the wind!" she exclaims in a purposefully overdramatic tone.

Augustin just smiles a little, and sips his ale. He tries not to pay too much attention to Antha's staring.

Krystal shrugs. "Maybe some time, when other's aren't around to see it." Antha gestures to Augustin. "You're concerned about her lack of alcohol consumption, aren't you?"

Augustin grins a little. "I can't say that I am, actually. She's drinking faster than I am."

Antha mock-scolds Augustin. "Indeed. Shame on you! Shame!"

Augustin hangs his head in mock-shame.

Krystal takes a bit bigger of a sip of her wine, but not too much bigger.

Antha grins at both Augustin and Krystal, then comments: "Someone needs a spanking. Krys, care to do the honors?" she teases.

Beet red knights are rare things.

Krystal smirks a little. "Then it would be like his mother punishing him." she grins. "Come here sonny." in an older sounding voice.

Antha smirks like a wolf descending on it's prey, relishing the extreme blush. However her face reveals no malice, just enjoyment. She casts a questioning glance at Krystal.

Augustin stays firmly planted on his stool, apparently gambling that his greater size and weight will keep him fairly safe. "I don't need to be spanked, thank you very much."

Antha rubs her palms together, again biting her lower lip, her eyes alight with mischief. "You're positive?"

Augustin says, "Quite positive, yes."

Antha pretends to pout. "Spoil my fun."

Augustin snerks just a little. "There are other ways to have fun, you know."

Antha leans closer to Augustin, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a coy fashion. "Oh?" She raises an inquisitive brow.

Krystal says, "Do enlighten us. I am curious as to what you think is fun."

Augustin shrugs a little. "Riding. Chess. Backgammon. Archery. Jousting."

Antha lets her shoulders slump and lets out a heavy sigh. She turns her glance to Krystal. "Figures, eh? Another...what's that word you have for them in D'Image?"

Augustin says, "Knight?"

Antha whispers, "Man on man?" to Krystal.

Krystal nods.

Antha grins uncomfortably. "Uh..no." She looks to Krystal for help.

Krystal leans in to whisper.

The troubador leans down to check the tuning of his instrument for a moment. Satisfied, he starts to play The Hiring Fair.

Augustin rests his elbow on the bar, and leans slightly closer to Antha. "Well, what kind of fun are you thinking of, then?"

Krystal whispers: "Male companions?"

Antha smirks, but it's still a little uncomfortable. "Well...you were on the right track with 'Riding'."

Krystal senses: Antha nods. "What do you think? Male companion?"

Augustin smiles a little. "Well, have you got a mount? A good ride can be very relaxing."

Krystal whispers: Well, maybe, maybe not. Time will tell."

Antha giggles, a bit of her tension easing. She pauses and crinkles her brows, having gotten a yucky mental picture in her mind. She rolls her shoulders. She smiles suggestively, wondering if he really doesn't understand her implications.

Augustin's returning blush says that he does.

Antha whispers, "Why don't you find out? He's giving you more sexual heat than me." to Krystal.

Antha giggles again, smiling openly. "You are just a tall drink of water, aren't you, Augustin?"

Looking around the room, Bing asks "All right mates! Which of ye is going to be catching me up all the latest dirt?"

Augustin blinks a couple of times, and sips his ale, once more trying to hide that blush of his. "Uh.. I'm not sure I understand what you mean, m'lady."

You sense: Krystal shrugs. "I don't know, he's too young for me anyways."

Antha whispers, "No such thing." to Krystal.

Krystal whispers: "I'm 41, he's what, 20 years old. Way too young.

Antha winks. "Doesn't matter." She takes a swig of ale, feeling that she likes his naivete, as well as not. She changes the subject, probably to the liking of Augustin. "Knight, huh?"

Antha whispers, "I repeat. No such thing." to Krystal.

Javik strides in from the main street.
Javik has arrived.

Jonathan Bing says, "Greetings mate! Welcome to the Reaver's Latitude. Can I be getting you something then? Just take a look at our menu..."

Augustin nods. "Yes. Order of the Dragon." He even straightens up when he says it. Very proud of that, he is. It shows.

Antha hmms. "So I guess you know which one is the pointy end?" she jokes.

Javik grins as he hears Augustin's voice and looks over to see him keeping the two busy.

[Javik: Javik appears to be about 17 or so years of age, though his dark violet, almond shaped eyes betray him as older. His hair is fine like most elves, blond and long enough to be below his collar and leaving the points of his ears sticking out slightly. The face is smooth and his skin is tanned, though lighter than humans. He appears thin at first, but it is only because he is mainly muscle and bone built on a slim frame. Around his neck is a short thin leather strip that holds a dark wooden oval inset with a small shiny green stone.

Currently he wears a dark brown tunic, with an open neck and sleeves that come down just above his elbows. A lighter tan belt wraps around his slender waist and holds a small knife and sword, plus another pouch. His pants are dark brown and made from some type of soft, well-worn leather and have a forest green stripe running down the outside seam of each leg and are tucked into his boots which are dark, almost black and come up to the top of his calf.]

Krystal hears Bing's greeting, turns, and nods politely to the boy. "Good evening."

Antha glances to the door as well and offers a polite, warm smile.

Javik smiles back at the two ladies and finds himself a seat at a table, ordering a mead.

Augustin nods. "I do, indeed. The pointy end is the one that needs to be unsheathed."
And he deadpans it, too.

Antha blinks, unsure how to take that. She casts her gaze to Krystal.

Javik orders mead and Bing nods to him cheerfully. "Mead? Right! That'll be 2 coins please."

Bing turns away to take care of his order, saying "Coming right up, friend!"

Krystal decides to break off topic, "Do either of you gentleman know where I can get a room? The boarding house is filled, and I need to turn in, soon." she leans in to whisper something to Antha.

You sense: Krystal shrugs. "Not sure what to say about that one."

Javik sips his mead and lets Augustin answer this.

Antha whispers, "Agreed." to Krystal.

Augustin points at the stairway. "Master Bing lets out rooms upstairs."

Krystal says, "For the night, I plan to stay here awhile."

Augustin nods. "He rents them by the night. He's respectable."

Antha furrows her brows. A knight calling Jonathan Bing 'Master Bing'. She shrugs it off.

Augustin turns back to Antha, and grins, a little more confident now that he's scored at least one point. "What sort of blade do you favour?"

Antha grins appreciatively at Augustin, clearly approving of the confidence. "The dangerous kind. Take that any way you want."

"I think I am going to go take a walk first. I'll see you later Antha." and finishes her wine, before heading out the door.

Krystal gets up from a seat at the bar.

Antha waves to Krystal. "What about the room?" Augustin chuckles a little. "They're all dangerous, if wielded properly."

Krystal says, "I'll take care of it later."

Krystal has just stepped back out onto the street.
Krystal has left.

Grinning, the troubador begins to play and sing the song The Lover's Return.

Antha hmms, her eyes pensive a moment. She turns back to Augustin. "Understatement." She glances at the door. "You think she felt left out?" Her voice reveals true concern and remorse.

Javik finishes his glass and sets it down before getting up. Looking towards the other two he bows his head, "Sir Augustin, M'lady. I must be getting back to the Chantry. I wish you a good evening."

Antha nods politely to Javik.

Javik raises his glass, draining it dry.

Bing comes by and collects the empty glass.

Augustin shakes his head a little. "No. I think she felt tired. Too much wine, maybe. It does that to some people, you know."

Javik has just stepped back out onto the street.
Javik has left.

Antha cocks a head at you. "She barely touched it." She sighs. "I think I hurt her feelings."

Augustin nods back to Javik and grins. "Good eve."

Augustin says, "Well, we don't know which way she walked, so it would be difficult for you to catch up to her to apologize. You can do it first thing, when you next see her."

Augustin says, "If you feel it's truly warranted, that is."

Antha shrugs heavily. "She's probably long gone by now anyway." She looks at your eyes. "You might have noticed, my social skills are somewhat lacking."

Augustin shakes his head again. "I hadn't noticed any such thing, actually. Now, if you mean that you aren't speaking as if for High Court... then I agree. But you've been quite gracious and entertaining to me."

Antha offers you a genuine and appreciate. "That's nice of you to say." She adds in a playful tone: "Sir Knight"

Augustin shrugs a little. "Just 'Gus' will do, really."

Antha grins and appears more relaxed, taking a final swig of her ale. Abruptly, she asks: "So what's your story?"

The rafters creak ominously.

Augustin leans back a little on his stool, sets his ale down, and begins. "Once upon a time, a boy-child was born, and named by his parents Augustin Benoit Salvatore. He was the second-born son of the Baron of Maple Ridge, located in Southcoast in the lands of D'Image. Much of his time growing up was spent learning the ways and codes of the noble-born, until he turned seven, and came to Castle D'Image to enter into training as a page, eventually to become a knight. While in that training, he set the record for the most punishment details ever awarded to any single page. His father, Baron Phelipe Salvatore, pulled some strings, and had his second-born son squired to himself, personally, thereby insuring that Augustin would be 'properly trained in the arts of war'...."

The troubador strums a chord, pauses to listen for a moment, and then begins to play Green Hills of Home.

Antha listens carefully, then comments. "Huh. No one's ever given me a serious response before." She grins whimsically.

Augustin chuckles a little, and takes a sip of ale. "I have a tendency of taking people seriously. Would you like me to continue?"

Antha nods eagerly.

Augustin nods, and thinks for a moment. "Ah, yes. Properly trained in the arts of war. He was educated most thoroughly in the use of the sword, the bow, equestrianism, military tactics, both great and small, diplomacy, the running of a noble household... linguistics... history - focusing on the military history of the lands - and mathematics. His father was a harsh man, much of the time, but in all truth, a fair man. He had a reputation for temper that was justified, but he never once raised his hand in anger to his second-born son. Sadly, the same can not be said about his servants, but that is his tale, and not mine. Augustin went on to be knighted, joining the Order of the Dragon, and soon after, was set to travelling abroad, seeking possible business ventures for his family. He returned to join the battle at Lochlain, then went abroad again, and returned some months ago, mostly to remain near the castle, save for one adventure in Umbria, which was his first quest. Since his return from Umbria, he has lived rather quietly, and unassumingly, within the castle."

Antha notes Augustin refers to himself in the third person, but says nothing in reference. "Is there more?" she asks.

Augustin shakes his head slowly. "No. At this time, there isn't. He still lives quite quietly."

Antha examines you thoughtfully. "How can there not be more?"

Augustin looks around. "I'm still living rather quietly, and am not assuming anything."

Antha prompts: "Why?"

Augustin shrugs a little. "I've not been prompted sufficiently to do otherwise? I'm not given to wild carousing, really."

Antha hmms. "A shame." She cocks her head to the left. "Perhaps you'd like to go horseback riding with me sometime, then."

Augustin says, "Certainly. I take Virtue out every day, rain or shine."

Augustin goes home.
Augustin has left.