[OP-F1] Taverns Are Loud.

[Ishida 0]

Thud.  Ishida's head deliberately dropped and smacked against the smooth counter-top of the bar before him.  The pain that swelled in his forehead was nothing compared to the agony of listening to the people at the table tucked away in the corner behind him so willingly devote themselves to one another.  The teenager, who's hair was as black as a raven's feathers, had been around long enough to know that you didn't just treat life in Aincrad as if it were a video game.  As much as it was a game, it wasn't; they were dealing with life and death in here.  In fact, it was those who thought of it more as a recreation with no consequences that you really needed to watch out for.  To them, your life meant nothing and if something were to happen to you--well, that was just part of the game.

He slowly peeled his forehead off of the polished wood before placing it in the comforting expanse of his closely held hands.  Ishida rubbed his face as if he were psyching himself up to combat the uninformed gaggle of new players prattling on just beyond the back of his stool.  Taking a hold on the mug of root beer just to the side of him, he took one last sip before swiveling around in his stool to completely face the players.  Hopping down, his shoes hit with a soft thud upon the hardwood floor; his subsequent footsteps leading up to the packed table were just as quiet.  In the midst of their conversation, he clunked down his hearty, wood and metal crafted mug onto the face of the table next to Brax.  It was right after that, that Ishida realized he had no idea what he was even doing.

"To answer your question, Poppy; yes, everyone is always this helpful but not always for the right reasons.  You guys," he said, gesturing with his free hand to the few players who were clearly as fresh as a newborn babe, "should really be more wary of who you get into bed with.  I mean, really--this guy?  It's obvious he's got some sort of issues.  He speaks eloquently as a poet yet still has trouble putting a sentence together.  No emotions whatsoever.  He's a less-human version of the Tin Man."  Ishida was speaking of Brax and indicated so by clapping him on his armored pauldron; the very same one that he, himself, had created.

"No offense Brax, you were just a good example.  I know you're solid."  An apology was issued to the man before releasing his shoulder; an uneasy smile curling to the corners of his mouth.  He proceeded to go around the circle, pointing out glaring flaws in each and every one of the people in their rag tag group.  "He's obviously drunk--and rambles.  Drunk guys in bars?  No thanks.  Him, never trust a guy who tries to squeeze into your party without first introducing himself.  That's just rude," he said pointedly at Komrk.  At last, he looked at Macradon, who wore the colors of the Knights of the Blood Oath, a guild to which Ishida also belonged to--mostly.  It was more than likely that he was also a stand up guy but there was just.. one thing.. he couldn't get past.  His name.

"Macaroon.  Gross.  I hate macaroons."

He paused for a moment to let all of that sink in and took a moment to nurse his root beer after his extended lecture.  His fingers plucked at the out of place sleeve of his black, long-sleeved shirt, pulling it back down to his wrist after it had bunched up somewhere along the length of his forearm.  Ishida always felt weird when he wasn't burdened by the weight of his heavy armor; he felt spry, youthful, like a kid again.

"That being said.  My name is Ishida," he introduced himself and proceeded to fold into a formal bow, a gesture that was quite common among the Japanese culture.  When he continued to speak, he addressed everyone.  "I'm not going to throw myself into your party but if you need any equipment, I have a shop located here on the first floor--the Midnight Armory--its a safe zone, so you don't have to worry about anything creepy.  I'm a blacksmith, so.. heavy armor, shields, weapons, you name it, I can make it."

There was nothing wrong with a little business advertisement.

"An~y~way," he dragged out with an exaggerated roll of his eyes.  He set his empty mug on the table.  "The moral of the story--be careful.  Tanks, like the nameless guy over here, are pretty useful.  I'm one myself so if you need any pointers, or one of you others need help with a field boss, you can hit me up.  Otherwise, good luck!  I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around."  At last, before he turned away, he focused his rusty brown eyes on Poppy and gave her a wink.  He started toward the exit, waving at the bartender and pointing to the group he just departed from.  Finally, he raised a casual peace sign and disappeared out the door.

Did.. did he just stick them with his tab?

[Jomei 0]

The man brought the tall glass to his lips, tilting it until the last of the amber liquid poured down his throat, leaving behind only droplets as they ran back down to the bottom of the glass. It had been quite a long time since Jomei had visited this first floor drinkery, bringing back memories of his first few weeks in game... or were they months? He did not remember most of time time, but most of his time had been spent here before he finally gained the courage to venture out and become the man he was today. He looked at the glass, tapping his fingers on the table in front of him. He had been sitting alone, merely having a drink or two to forget about the stresses he had been going through lately with his guild and all. He grabbed the empty glass and stood up from the chair, "One more drink couldn't hurt." he said softly to himself with a smile, walking towards the long mahogany bar. The man moved past the mass amount of players that occupied the bar, being it was rather busy today. It didn't bother him too much with his height, since he could see over most of the players, especially since most of them were sitting.

"Another cider beer please." Jomei said with a grin to the NPC he knew all too well behind the counter. After getting his drink, the ginger haired man began his walk back to his table on the other side of the bar. He noticed, sitting at one of the tables,was someone the man had not seen in a long time, since their war against the darkened souls on Floor Thirteen. "Hey Macradon. Good to see you again." Jomei said with a smile, patting his friend on the back. He looked at the other players at the table, and realized he must have interrupted some sort of conversation. "Ah, sorry to interrupt." rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. The man then gave Macradon one more nod before turning back towards his original table, which was now occupied by other players. "Ah.. damn." he said with a frown. 

[Poplar 0]

"Well, guess all that's left is finding the quest boar-"

Poppy's brow creased in irritation as a tankard was suddenly slammed onto the table, fighting the urge to jump out of her skin at the loud intrusion. What the fu- 

And then a man was talking. He emphasized her nickname, drawing a grimace from her. An eavesdropper. A self-righteous eavesdropper, from the way he was rambling. He had used Brax as an example, but honestly he was the one she had warmed up to immediately due to the lack of conversational fluff , just to-the-point answers that were thorough. As the strange man pointed out each of the table occupants, she found herself smirking, one eyebrow raised in amusement until he reached Mac. Macaroon. She shook her head, half-hiding her eyes with her bangs and lifting a hand to smother a snicker. 

This guy seemed to think Poppy let down her guard around those she spoke to- like she wasn't aware that anyone could claim to help you just to get you alone. She would have corrected him -or at least returned his bow- but he was long-winded, giving her no time to respond... or any of the occupants time to defend themselves. He was already out the door, offering a peace sign as his last impression and leaving her with one simple question- 

"So... do you think we could get him to make me a better jian since he left us with his bill?" She asked, tone flat and leaving the question of whether she was serious. 

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would take the offer and sit down at the table with the others. It was nice being able to talk like this, even thought Brax didn't seems like one that enjoyed the presence of multiple people like this. Poplar, or Poppy, didn't seem to be too cheery about this either. He would sit down and listen to what the others had to say. One of those that joined the conversation after Macradon began to talk about dangers of strangers. Macradon would agree that meeting and embracing strangers was a thing that would not always lead to happiness nor safety, but Macradon wouldn't mind that much. Being the leveled player and somewhat going at the frontline was enough for him to feel safe. "It is true, strangers can be dangerous, and PK'ing isn't something rare either. I've met plenty PK'ers on the 13th floor, at least for all the times I've been there." he said with a more serious face. Macradon would smirk at the last remark the guy said, that if they were to stay with him, he was the one to take us to the 100th floor. Macradon would not deny him of this dream and would keep shut. The monsters of the tallest floor unlocked yet would probably wreak havoc on the group, but at least he was optimistic. 

"People sure are helpful, I haven't met someone heartless enough to let someone down in the midst of battle ...yet" he said, still keeping his stern face. Macradon would lean slightly back, seeing that Poppy had more than enough help here already, no need for Macradon to bud in. Yet another person joined the conversation. "What is happening right now ..." he asked himself in his head, seeing the new person joining in. "People not being helpful for the right reason?" he asked himself, questioning the statement the new person made. "I don't like Macaroons either, what's your point?" he said, looking at the somewhat rude person joining in. "Oh, another fellow Blacksmith!" Macradon said with a slight smile when the man introduced himself, as well as making a bit of advertisement for his own shop. It was fine by Macradon, it's always great having competition. Tanks, these guy were going tank builds it seemed. Macradon wasn't a big tanker himself, he was more of a fighter, having to rely on his armor just for his safety rather than standing there taking damage like others.

Someone else joined just shortly, it was Jomei. A person he had met before, twice or so. First at the Bandit quest and secondly at the war of the 13th floor. He would greet him as well as Jomei would pat him on the back. "Welp" Macradon said and stood up from his chair "Poppy, it looks like you have all the help you need from these guys" he said with a smile. "I'll be going then, but if you need my help, I'm in the center of town in The Blazing Typhoon" he said and went over to Jomei. "You don't have to excuse yourself. Not a big deal" he said and began his greet again. "It's also great to see you again" he said "How's going?" he asked with a smile. Poppy seemed to have enough people to help her with the quest, so no problems there.

[Brax 0]

     If Brax was the kind of person to show shock and awe, he would have done so at Ishida's sudden appearance amidst their gathering.  The mug he slammed down upon the wooden table smelled faintly of root beer, though as he became more and more animated Brax idly wondered if the concoction might have had something a little stronger mixed in.  He took no offense at the 'insult', as he was unable to truly be insulted without his emotions, and besides, the darkly armored tank had a salient point: they were speaking of trust, in a game where that trust could get one killed.  But, as he pondered the rantings Ishida spewed forth, he knew that the odds on both sides were...unsavory.  Either you advanced into the wilds, alone and underpowered, possible fodder for the myriad of creatures that called them home, or you put your life in another's hands, banking that for that particular moment, they would support you.  Six to one, half dozen the other.  And, pragmatically speaking, a 'Tin-Man' was not the most...trustworthy...of individuals one could party with.  Nothing to play off of, to react to, or even...anticipate their actions, be it good or bad.  But, such musings were for another time, a different moment than now, as the conversation, at least to Brax, felt like it was in fact winding down.

     Before being interrupted, Brax had heard Poppy mention that all that would be left was to search out the Quest Board at the center of town, to take part in the familiar quest.  As he had finished his own drink, and as several of the players that had gathered were getting up to leave and join others they had traveled with before, Brax chose to stand himself, getting up from his chair to address Poppy and the others.  Reaching into his inventory, he pulled out a sizable pouch of col to cover the gregarious tank's tab, feeling very little like it would be an imposition.  He had plenty to spend, and little to spend it on.  Speaking clearly and distinctly, he replied first to Poppy's weapon related query; "Indeed, that...rambunctious boy...is a very talented smith.  My armor came from him, and I am...quite pleased by his capabilities."  As he looked into her eyes, Brax did notice a...look of something, something that told him things might not be what they seemed.  "Unless...you were being...sarcastic?  If so, we could find someone that is less...I suppose 'pushy' would be an accurate description...to forge a new blade for yourself.  Though...as for armor, there is another quest on Floor Three that provides a decent set of gear for starting players, so as to avoid such transactions.  But...I digress.  If you wish, before we were...interrupted...you were mentioning a trip to the quest board.  We may leave now, unless you have other business.  And if you...desire an escort...I can accompany you, for...as long as is necessary."  Turning to the others, he added, "If the lady wishes...you may join us as well.  It matters not to me."  Standing above them at the table, Brax waited for the woman to reply, whether for or against the endeavor.

[Jomei 0]

Jomei raised the clear glass of the cider to his lips, the apple scented aroma filling his nostrils, making the drink all that much better. After his drink he brought it back down from his mouth, "I am doing fine.. Just looking to get a bit of relaxation in. How about yourself?" The man looked past his friend to the other two who sat at the table, planning to go o a quest together of some sort. "Friends of yours?" Jomei asked back to Macradon about the two who were sitting. Jomei heard the man at the table address the two about their quest, telling them that if the woman sitting across from him wished, the two of them could join them. Jomei raised a sharp brow at the curious tone of the man. "That's quite chivalrous of you to offer." he said with a light chukle. He took another long sip from his ale, "Well.. I would not mind helping you guys out if you need it.. Macradon and I could tell you plenty about quests and what to expect on higher floors. Though if you'd prefer to quest alone or with a party you are more familiar with, I would not take offense." He placed one hand on the table, "I'm Jomei by the way. Leader of The Velvet Room. Pleasure to meet you both." 

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would smile, talking to Jomei again. "Good to hear you're still fine. I've been relaxing a lot down here in my shop lately, so I've not really done much, just chilling" he said with a smile. Macradon would look over at the table he was just at and back at Jomei. "Not really, I just overheard one of them needing help for a quest and I offered my help, but as the mass of lower leveled people flocked around the damsel in distress, I just didn't want to tag along with that big of a group to do a quest" he said, smirking. As Jomei looked back towards Brax, Macradon did as well, and by hearing the offer, Macradon would hesitate slightly, but still succumb to the offer. He couldn't let people down like he had been before, even though they were plenty to help. "Well, I'll just tag along for now then" he said. He really didn't have anything against big groups, but both Brax and Poppy didn't seem too enjoyable about this situation, though if they wanted, the two gentlemen would probably go with them.

[Poplar 0]

Poppy would have taken offense to 'damsel in distress' normally, but in this world, at level one, she was about as useful as a wet paperbag. So she let it slide, nodding at Jomei, crossing her arms in front of her. Not to show off her toned arms, that's for sure. Pffft. 

"Poplar, or Poppy." The Velvet Room? She didn't ask, but silently wondered if he was apart of some sort of adult escort service. I mean, there had to be racy stuff going on in this world, too. But she banished the thought out of her mind, glancing at Jomei and Mac with a slightly tilted head. 

"For a low level quest, I imagine Brax and I have this. Though... there is another low level here that probably wouldn't mind some assistance, ne?" She motioned to the blackclad male that hadn't introduced himself, other hand propping on the hilt of her jian as she responded to Brax. "I wouldn't mind the help, thanks. I couldn't find it previously, may as well make sure I do now. As for the smith... I'll get some col before I go knocking." 

But the idea of a better jian had Poppy sighing. Definitely gonna be hitting up raids later.

[Brax 0]

     "As you wish, Poppy.  I shall...lead the way.  Perhaps...you will find some loot...while we search."  Brax turned to regard both of the men who had offered their help.  "Jomei, Macradon, farewell to you both.  If the others need assistance," he said, while indicating both of the lower levels still sitting at the table, "I...imagine you will be able to accommodate them."  With that, he strode out of the tavern, and remembering the medieval literature from whence he gathered many of his...social mannerisms, he held open the door to allow the woman to pass.  He had routinely done so at Berringer's, with many of the nursing staff, and they had responded...favorably to the action.  Brax regarded it as nothing more than common courtesy, mind you, but he was...unaware of the thoughts that swirled about her, and the attitude she might have felt towards...such genteel attention.  His capabilities of reading people was, at times, woefully inadequate.  Still, better safe than sorry, and he believed the odds were...in favor of politeness.

[Jomei 0]

"Poplar, pleasure to meet you." Jomei said with a friendly nod. Poplar seemed to turn down Macradon and Jomei's offer to tag along, saying that the two of them alone should be able to take care of it. She did mention that there were other players that could request such help. "Understood. Well, if you ever feel you need help, or looking for a guild to join, feel free to message me. Good luck on your guys' quest." He said with a light wave and a smile to the two as the two got up and left the tavern. Jomei turned his head to Macradon, who was still standing there as well. "Well... that was.. interesting." he rubbed the back of his neck. 

[Macradon 0]

Macradon and Jomei's offer was shot down by Poplar, Macradon was sure that the two of them would be able to do something together. Macradon would place his hands on his hips after waving bye to the two and wished them luck on their quest. "That sure was ... interesting" Macradon said with a rather confused smile. He would look back the the other guys at the table, those who joined after Macradon. It didn't seem like they were in any hurry for a quest. Macradon would sigh. "Well, if that'sit, I think I'll be taking my leave" he said "Unless any of you want some help with something" he continued, looking over at the men at the table. He would look back at Jomei, seeing if he was also offering help for the others who were left. Though Macradon wasn't too fond of it, this last guy who joined seemed rather rude towards everyone, but he did have good intentions ...

[Komrk 0]

Komrk watched as the girl and the man with the eloquence of a block of wood walked out and sat there for a moment. The man who had been eavesdropping had accused him of being rude and yet... hypocrites are everywhere. As they exited the tavern, the man who had been called Macaroon or something by the eavesdropper offered his help and Komrk looked over at Antofer. "Well it would appear that we've been cut out of the original deal. Are you still up for helping out a FNG? And if so, do you think we'll need their help as well?" He turns to the two men standing over the table. "I wouldn't want to waste your time if I don't have to. It looks as if you guys might have more important things to do than help out level ones. Either way, the hypocrite was correct, my name is Komrk by the way." He began tapping his fingers on the table in a staccato rhythm as he began trying to figure out everything that had happened so far.

[Phillia 0]

A very depressed looking girl walks into the tavern with a hood on. She looks at her surroundings, and notices some people. Phillia walks over to sit down near them, and pull her hood down so that only her mouth is visible (And also her hair). She crosses her arms, and leans back while also putting one leg over the other. The strange girl's gear seems terribly worn-out with lots of visible damage (Scratches, burns, and some ripped areas). Phillia goes silent and awaits to hear what the others will say.

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would see that the man, who was known as Komrk, would ask his other friend. "Oh, I wont mind helping low leveled players, I've done it a lot lately, kinda like my duty as the scout on the floor" he said with a smile. As the two went off into the distance towards the quest board, another person entered the tavern. "Whom might that be?" he thought for himself and turned around to make a quick glance. None of whom he knew, but she looked hurt. Macradon would look at those battle scars, they were not normally staying that long on a person, and in all the places why in the safe zone? This was different though, probably cosmetics or anything alike. The girl seemed quite tired and worn out, Macradon could not hesitate to react. "Excuse me for a second" he said and went towards the girl "Hey, you seem to be hurt, what has happened?" he would ask, standing tall close to the girl.

[Jomei 0]

Jomei turned to the man at the other table, who guessed that the two men in front of him probably had better things to do than help low leveled players. Jomei shook his head, "We are all in this together, I always have time to spare to-" Jomei was interrupted by the soft chime of little bells and a small envelope icon appearing in front of his face. "Oh?" Jomei brought up his hand to tap on the letter, opening up a larger screen with a message. After his olive green eyes scanned the page back and forth, a smile came to his lips. He swiped his hand to the side to close the message, looking back up to the palyer. "I actually have other matters to attend to now, but if you ever need help, feel free to seek me out. Jomei of The Velvet Room." He turned to Macradon, "I'll see you around."  The Irishman then made his way through the crowds of people towards the exit of the bar.

-Jomei leaves the thread.

[Phillia 0]

Phillia turned over to Macradon, her hood covering everything except for her mouth. She sat there with arms crossed, and said nothing while turning back in the direction where people were talking. She then uncrossed her arms and checked her inventory, seeing nothing inside there. The girl closes it, and silently sits waiting for some words to come out.

[KazuAnaka 0]

KazuAnaka enters the tavern, "Why hello there everyone, where might a guy like me find some work?" He notices that there are several conversations going on at once, so he goes over to Macradon, "Yo.' He says. He stares at Macradon for a while before noticing the mysterious fellow that Macradon was talking to, and realized his mistake. " Oh gods, I'm sorry! Please forgive me for intruding." He bows to Macradon and the strange fellow who seems depressed.

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would sigh and go from a cheery face to a somewhat depressed face. "Are low leveled people always this silent when confronted or was it just this one in particular" he said and would look back at the other low leveled players so talkative. Was probably only this girl. "Doesn't seem like you need any help at all" he said and turned his back to her and would head back to the table he left just a few minutes ago. "Oh, don't be sorry" he said to the man, kinda interrupting the short conversation he had between him and the girl. "I don't know where you could get a job around here, but if you want you can run some errands for my shop and I can pay you" he said. He would walk to the table and look at the men "If you would ever be in any need of a higher leveled tank or a strong damage dealer, contact me, I'll usually be in my shop when not doing field work" he said and wave good bye before he would begin to walk at the exit. He would stop quickly and go to the bar "I'll pay for their drinks and food if they were to buy anything, Knights of Blood Oath bill, send it to the Blazing Typhoon" he said to the bar owner.

-Macradon's exit-

Edited February 12, 2016 by Macradon

[Komrk 0]

Komrk continues to scan the tavern nervously and his eye catches the cloaked stranger who was approached by Macradon but seemed to ignore him. As Macradon said his farewells, Komrk turned to him, "Thank you for the offer and I'll make sure to let you know if I ever need any help. Stay alive out there." he says with a chuckle and gives a two fingered salute with his right hand as Macradon walks away. He sat there brooding for a second before turning to stranger and motioning for her to come over to the table. "You know, I'm not one to lecture, but he was trying to be friendly, the least you could do is answer him. But that's not any of my business." He leaned back in his chair and sighed. "My name's Komrk, what's yours?" he says with a slight smile trying to be sociable. Being sociable can be taxing and today has been quite a whirlwind of conversation. He rubs his eyes with his index finger and thumb before holding the bridge of his nose between them. It may only be a game but it sure as hell can still make you tired. He runs a shop eh, I'll have to check that out at some point, not that I have any clue where that is.

[Phillia 0]

The hooded girl raises her head up again to face Komrk and puts it back down. "Get lost pal." She recognizes his low level and makes a grin under the hood. 'He cant hurt me, even if he has a group, might as well get better equipment right now. No use of sticking here and getting any information, time to go.' She thought. Phillia stood up and exited the tavern.

-Phillia leaves the thread