And now, we re-edit this post for it to fit within the timeline.
Talathel headed into town, searching for a place to drink and find some good conversation. He wanted to avoid the Bait and Tackle, mostly because he assumed that Tobi would not like to see him. He decided to find some other place. He worked his way down some back alleys, around a few corners, and found a pub named Millways. It looked a little bit shady, but the elf simply shrugged.
"Its not as if I'll see the universe end or anything like that," he said as he pushed his way through the door.
Millways was dimly lit, seemingly the only light coming from the candles on the tables. There was a decent number of people in the bar, but it was nowhere near full. A half-orc bouncer grunted at Talathel.
"No weapons," the half-orc said, pointing at the kama. Talatheel shrugged, took out the kama and handed it to the beast. It doesn't hit anything anyways. Talathel, never one to hold his tongue, looked up at the half-orc. "Two words! I have never heard of a half-orc saying two words without stuttering before! It was almost a complete sentence! Have you considered a career in public speaking? You could inspire a lot of half-orcs." Luckily for Talathel, the half-orc actually took this as a compliment and handed the kama back in some sort of gesture of gratitude.
Talathel took up a seat at the bar. No one at the bar greeted him, nor did they notice his silver kama. He felt loved.
"What are you having?" the bartender asked. Talathel looked up and was pleasantly surprised. He had suspected that the bartender in a dark, shady place such as Millways would be a human (or worse, a half-elf) male who poured a sloppy ale and didn't know his bourbon from his rum.
Instead, it was a gorgeous, fair-skinned, blonde, female elf. She had deep green eyes, a bright smile, and what could only be described as a great body. Talathel bravely stared at her.
"What are you having?" she asked again. Talathel could have sworn she sounded like an angel.
"Well, that depends..." he said, trying to collect himself. "What are you having?"
"The rum he is delicious, as are a few other things behind the bar." She said, coyly. Before Talathel could say anything, there was a mug of rum in front of him. "You seem like a good elf. First one's on me."
Talathel was officially in love. "My name is Lailsan Therranya." Talathel figured that the name thing was important when falling love, so he gave his. "Talathel Braegen. I'm sure you get this a lot, but I'm an adventurer." Lailsan smiled, and seemed intrigued.
Over the course of the evening, Talathel recounted his meeting of Darvin "He's a good kid, talks a big game, likes pirates." the trip to Baldur's Gate ("I was incredibly braved and helped guide the ship into the port.") and even the trip into the sewers ("and then, with Darvin lying helplessly on the ground, I plunged my kama into her stomach") He recounted the previous battle, indicating that is why his clothes appeared tattered. "That poor girl, Nym" Lailsan said sympathetically. "Worry not, I'm sure that Darvin is taking good care of her."Talathel may have embellished the actual actions, but Lailsan seemed to buy it. Just as important, she was intrigued by the stories and kept the rum flowing. She would occasionally have to tend to other other customers, but would always come back with more rum, not only for Talathel but also for herself.
Lailsan was a native of Baldur's Gate, and she traded some stories with Talathel. She wanted to travel but could afford to do so. She had had some relationships, but not many. She mostly just worked at Millways and wrote poetry. Talathel was officially smitten. Apparently so was Lailsan, as she continued to talk to Talathel long after the other customers at Millways had gone back into the night. Even the half-orc had grunted his goodnight. After a few more rounds of rum, Lailsan suggested they go home.
"I haven't paid for any of my drinks." Talathel casually mentioned.
"I accept more than gold," Lailsan said, grabbing his hand.
She lived in a small apartment a few blocks away from Millways. it was dark inside, but they managed to find their way to each other. Though he had spent many years at the monastery and not felt the touch of a woman during that time, he was not without experience and found his rhythm. Lailsan grunted and moaned her approval. They carried on through the evening until they simply could not go any more and fell asleep on, by some sort of luck, her bed.
The next morning, Talathel awoke and took a moment to find his bearings. He happily reconstructed the night in his mind, and glanced over at Lailsan, still asleep. He kissed her forehead to waken her.
"Thank you," she managed to say, still very tired. Talathel gave a slight laugh. "I don't usually do that, but I figured with the New Year, why not?"
Talathel nodded, he understood. "Can I go with you?" she asked, and Talathel was taken back. An awkward silence filled the air. "Wherever you go next, I mean."
"I...maybe?" Talathel did not even know where "next" was, let alone if there was room for one more. Lailsan looked at him confused and hurt.
"Look, Lailsan, I don't know where we're going yet..."
"Isn't that the point of being an adventurer?"
"Well, yes, I suppose. But, I mean, I have to decide where that is. I might stick with Darvin for awhile. I wish I could just say yes, but there's much to consider before making a decision."
Lailsan pouted a bit, but she understood. "Figure out where you're going and find me. I'll be at Millways."
Talathel smiled. "I will. I like that place. The rum was good, and the service was top notch.." The two elves playfully wrestled.
"You liked last night?" Lailsan asked, already knowing the answer.
"I'd go to the end of the universe to experience it again."
It has come to my attention that the party has not happened yet. Luckily, Talathel went to Millways, and those familiar with the Restaurant at the End of the Universe know that time means little!
ReplyDelete