On the Outside

[Huitzil]

Paul graciously takes the stool and begins to warm up on his instrument. Then, horrifically, he realizes that he doesn't know any bard-ish tales from this world. <Oh well, guess I'll just play it by ear. Again.>

"I'd like to start with a song I heard many years ago, played by a bard named Hendrix. It shows a feeling I've had often, of late."

Paul cradles the lute as if it was an infant and then lets his fingers do the walking, picking out the first notes of Purple Haze in their higher, acoustic plink.

[Dracos]

Dracos glances about the room, focusing on absorbing the atmosphere and trying to blend in without letting his mouth get the better of him.

Dracos

[Brian]

As you sit down, the cook (or a servant) comes in and starts setting down bowls before you, and once he's done with you, moving to the next table back.

They look like they're made out of bread, and they're filled with a pretty hefty looking stew.  The people immediately behind you are cutting the tops of their bread-bowls up and using the strips as makeshift spoons, but they also seem to be enjoying Paul's music, as well.

Paul: Once the song is done, the cook approaches you and offers you a mug of some weak beer.

[Huitzil]

Paul refuses the beer with a "thanks, but no thanks" gesture.

[Dracos]

Dracos waits a second to make sure there isn't any religious prayers these folks observe and, if not, digs in, mimicing the eating style.

Dracos

[Brian]

Paul: Since you're not drinking, some of the soldiers towards the back of the hall call out songs they'd like you to play ... none of which you're familiar with.

Phil: Not bad.  A bit bland, honestly, but the bread is freshly made.  The meat appears to be mutton.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods towards the tray.  "You should eat, m'Lady."

[Brian]

Bjorn: Nodding, she takes one of the bowls, and produces a knife from her belt, cutting strips in the bread and using them as a spoon for the thick stew.  Not bad, but it could be better.

She finishes most of what she was offered before sipping at her cup, and setting it back on the tray.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn watches patiently as she eats.  When she's finished, he offers, "If you don't mind me saying, m'Lady, you seem troubled."

[Brian]

She rubs at her temples, and nods.  "It's different here, than back at the temple," she says quietly.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods, sympathetically, but does not say anything, in the hopes of eliciting an explanation.

[Brian]

She looks at you sidelong, as though expecting something.  "There may not be another chance," she says.

[Huitzil]

Paul puts his hand to his ear as if trying to discern one of thesoldiers' requests, then nods and starts playing something nobody requested, the only song that came to mind: Knockin' on Heaven's Door, by Bob Dylan. Then, thinking it will lack without lyrics, he begins to sing to accompany them; in a low, serious voice, as bestas he can manage.

"Mama take this badge from me
I can't use it anymore
It's getting dark, too dark to see
I feel I'm knockin' on Heaven's door..."

[Bjorn]

Fuck.  She isn't...? Fuck.  Fuck fuck damn fuck shit fuck damn.

It's probably pretty safe to say that Bjorn isn't really prepared to deal with this situation -- except that it actually is unsafe to say, as he's all too aware.  Freezing for a second, he sits down on the edge of the bed beside the Lady, close but not too close, and (a bit awkwardly) reaches out to rest a comforting hand on her wrist.

[Brian]

Code Select Expand

<Huitzil> roll 3d6
[13:29] <Chibi-Suu> Them bones was tossed for Huitzil ... : 3d6 {16}
Paul: Your performance is okay, at least, you think so.  The audience doesn't seem quite so appreciative, however.  They keep calling out songs you don't know to play, instead.

Phil joins in with them, loudly suggesting, "The Boxer," though after he voices his request, everyone else quiets down to mere murmurs.

Bjorn: She takes your hand in hers, and sighs.  "You're nervous?" she asks.  "I understand ... at least, I think I can.  It's all so strange and new ... and we should have remained at the temple, not been called out to Stormwall Keep.  Do ... do you ever miss it?" she asks, turning to look at you curiously.  "Your citizenship?"