Lava Juice
Tenebrae - Tuesday, June 17, 2014, 7:02 AM
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A05: Warehouse District *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The freshness of the Tornmawr River cuts along this section of Alexandria. Its broad expanse creates the district's eastern border. Ships and barges dot its surface. Some make deliveries here and up the river, while others dock for repair. These vehicles move slowly over the water, their sails colorful and proud. No few bear a nod to Rada, or three, for luck's sake. Many also bear the colors of different nations and city-states, all of them coming here to bring trade to Alexandria.
Warehouses line the district's streets, dotted with the names of shipping companies and various industries. These, mixed with the occasional sailor's tavern, set the tone for the area. Overall, it's bustling, busy, about what one would expect for a city of this size.
To the south, the great Sea Wall and the Port of Alexandria. Both are considered wonders of the modern world.
Belladona comes out of the adventurer's guild after she was checking to see if there are any adventures waiting. She stretches out a bit and has a bored look on her face.
Mikilos whistles absently to himself as he wanders the District, a crude cart trailing behind him. Pausing at a promising bit of wall, the elf eyes the space for a moment before nodding to himself, and pulling a long handeled brush and bucket from the cart. Dripping the brush into the bucket, Mikilos smears a bit of glue onto the wall, followed by a fair sized poster, followed by yet more glue to hold it all in place. Self-advertizement takes work, you know.
Belladona watches the elf curiously and she moves over to look at what he's putting up, "Hello there." She says with a bright smile.
Mikilos is placeing up a poster for Mithralla Merchandise's new line of Summer Rings. Rings aren't exactly a seasonal thing, but you'd be susprised the sort of things people will visit a shop for. "Ah, good morning. How are you?"
Belladona leans forward to look at what is on the poster, "Ooh new rings." She smiles, "I'm doing well. Do you work at this shop or just putting up the posters?"
Mikilos grins, and chuckles softly. "Well, for most intents and purposes, I -am- the shop. I mean, there's a physical building, but thus far I'm the sole employee. Though do have some friends who lend a hand now and again."
Belladona ohs a little bit and smiles back at the tall elf, "Well it's nice to meet you, I'm Essence Belladona of the Earth Warders. If I have need of any magical items I'll be sure to look you up. Right now I'm saving up for some light metal armor for my lioness Samafa."
Mikilos nods, smiles, blinks, and frowns slightly. "...'Samafa'... know I've heard that word before, but not placing it. Does it mean anything?" Typically he'd question someone having a lioness, but, this -is- Alexandros.
Belladona hmms and shrugs, "Not that I know. It might though." She smiles, "So do you have a lot of posters to put up?"
Mikilos ponders a few moments more and shrugs, letting the issue go. "Not right at the moment. Not a lot of customer traffic around here, though I put up a few just in case. But the rain last night likely ruined quite a few all over town, so I'll be making the rounds again today and tomarrow. What has you out and about, miss Essence?"
Belladona smiles, "Please call me Belladona or Bella." She mms, "Just looking for some fun, I checked out the adventurer's guild, but nothing going on."
Mikilos nods, and ponders. "The Guild typically has something or another going on, but they can get a little picky about who they match up for jobs." The elf blinks. "Ah, excuse me, I forgot my own introduction. Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, though just 'Mikilos' is quite fine."
Belladona nods, "I know and I don't like to accept ones where I can't bring along my lioness. It's nice to meet you Mikilos. I was going to head for a drink do you want to join me?"
Mikilos ponders a few moments and shrugs. "Sure, just a moment while I take care of my things." Turning back to his cart, the elf ponders a few moment, then rapidly murmurs a few words that aren't part of any language in the traditional sense. A few moments later, an angry looking ball of redish light crackles into existance, hovering a few inches above the top of the cart. An instant after, the cart turns itself, and begins to trundle away, rolling along the cobblestones without a visible force to guide it. "There, that should take care of it."
Belladona smiles at Mikilos as she watches him, "Interesting magic you have there." She says and she nods, "Shall we go to the Ox-strength?"
Mikilos nods, and goes to open the door. "Have you had the pleasure of meeting th owner, Myrana? I havn't seen her around recently."
Belladona shakes her head, "No I haven't met her yet." She says as she moves into the tavern, "Thank you." She gives him a bright smile.
Belladona goes Ox-Strength Tavern <OX>.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A05: Ox-Strength Tavern *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The Ox-Strength Ale Tavern is known for being one of the most dangerous dives in the city. Frequented by the worst sailors, mercenaries, thugs and looters, the place is hardly the prettiest nor the tidiest of taverns, though--of late, that has been changing. Locals claim the once foul-tasting food "No longer burns the stomach--as much, anyways." Plates show signs of repair instead of cracks, though the still infamous odor of old beer and stale sweat insists on hanging about the place, and the smell of brine is near-constant.
What used to be bricked-up windows have been somewhat opened. Heavy bars let in a reluctant breeze and prevent the clanging of heads against glass (which seems nearly afraid to exist). Bloodstains adorn both the nearby walls and the bricks themselves from thrown patrons and fists.
The lights are dim, a few oil lamps hung from hooks in the splintered ceiling beams. A smattering of tables, scratched and carved into by many a blade, dot the expanse of the floor. Most of the tables are arranged in a wide circle to give plenty of room in the center of the bar for hasty escapes or the routine bar-brawl or fight. A worn-out steam piped stove sometimes provides warmth to the tavern. Occasionally an aging dog of some mangy breed or another can be seen sleeping near the stove or by the bar itself. Overhead the fireplace is a tribute to Rada, the patron of fishermen and rivermen everywhere.
Towards one side, there is also a bedraggled dart board. Type +view here/darts to begin a game.
Mikilos enters, pausing a moment to let his eyes adjust before heading further in. Scrawny wizard types aren't the sort typically found in the Ox, but when the locals have a firm grasp of how easily you could Fireball them, they tend to be a touch more polite. Doesn't help that this time of day, the only ones around are the staff, and the drunks still sleeping it off.
Belladona smiles brightly as she moves in and she heads to get a table in the back in a corner. She sits down and orders a mug of ale as the server comes over. "What will you be having Mikilos?" She asks.
Mikilos mmmms, pondering a few moments. "If you've got some up, a shot of Lava Juice would be nice. Or else a mug of that brown ale from last fall." Not exactly a normal set, but wizards are seldom normal.
Belladona smiles, "I'll have a shot too." She says as the server nods and comes back to serve shots up to both of them. Belladona smiles and raises her glass before she downs the shot.
Mikilos winces slightly and quirks a brow, shruging before downing his own shot. Chili oil with a dash of vodka. Lava Juice. It burns. It burns oh so good.
Belladona whews, "That's hot." She says with a grin. "Care for another one?"
Mikilos hehs, and shakes his head. "Think I'll stick to ale now. A taste is nice now and again, but too much cause problems. Burns twice as much if you make yourself sick."
Belladona nods as she takes a sip of her ale and the server brings over some of the brown ale from last fall for Mikilos. "If you say. I keep my booze in me.' She says with a smile, "So have you been on many adventures?"
Mikilos laughs again and nods. "Oh quite a few over the years. Not so many as some, I tend to spend my time in research or in the shop, but its added up. I came to Alexandros near the start of the Sendor War, fought in the Resistance, then returned when the war was over and have since made this my home. A bit hard to stay out of the excitement that seems to center on this city."
Belladona smiles as she drinks her ale and she nods, 'Really must be very exciting. Yes so I have heard. I came here after I heard that the Druids of the Groves of Twins Heart was restored." She mmms softly and takes another drink. "This ale is very good. So do you have a wife and kids Mikilos?"
Mikilos shakes his head. "No wife, and no children of which I'm aware. My mother, sister, aunts, and cousins remain in Llyranost. Well, mostly, some of the cousins are of an age to wander, though to the best of my knowlege none have chosen to settle outside the homeland. Youself? Family, I mean, though if you've a wife I'd be curious to hear of it."
Belladona laughs a little bit, "No I'm single and looking. I do have brothers and sisters and a mother and somewhere a father, although I've never met him." She mmms as she has a drink, "If I did I'd tell you about it too." She winks.
Mikilos hehs. "I'm a collector of information. Anything, about anything. It's occasionally susprising when a random tidbit can come in useful. I really should get all of my books organized one of these days... maybe after the current side project is wrapped up."
Belladona smiles, "Like most wizards. Books are good, but I prefer direct experience." She takes another drink and she holds up her mug for a refill, "I'd be happy to tell you anything you want though, just ask."
Mikilos hehs. "Direct experince has it's moments, but reading a book typically doesn't hold a chance of killing you. Have had quite the fill of that, thank you." he ponders a moment. "Not sure i know enough to start asking. What brings you to Alexandros in particular?"
Belladona nods, "True enough, I'd father avoid the killing part. Oh I just said that I came here to see the Grove of Twin Hearts now that it's restored. I met up with the local druid's circle and I'm working with them." She takes a drink and smiles, "Some thing have to be directly experienced though, reading is a pale comparison."
Mikilos mmmms. "Rather depends on the writer. But I can't disagree too much. No matter how detailed the tale, it's never quite the same as actually being there. Where exactly is it you're from?"
Belladona smiles, "The plains, I traveled all over with my mother who is a druidess as well." She takes a drink and mmms softly, "So got any plans for the rest of the day?"
Mikilos shrugs. "Nothing hammered down. I should get some more flyers posted at some point, I'll need to tend the shop and do some work in the lab, and I've some research that needs worked on today. But exactly when or in which order all that happens is pretty open."
Belladona listens, "My day is pretty open too, I was hoping to find something fun to do, although maybe we could do something together."
Mikilos mmms, and shrugs. "The Marketplace usually has something or another going on. And if all else fails, ther's always training in the Arena. Have you had a chance to visit there yet?"
Belladona nods, "I'll be sure to check those out. I have been and trained there, it was fun. Do you go there often? You look to be in really good shape."
Mikilos shakes his head. "Not too often. More than most wizards, I'd expect, but I pride myself on swordsmanship. And the Arena is one of my largest customers, though I tend to do work at cost. Have you encountered the enchanted practice weapons?"
Belladona nods, "Yes the ones that just bruise then cut. Easier to tend to those." She has another drink, "Do you want a refill?" She asks as she leans closer to Mikilos.
Mikilos shakes his head, but smiles. "Thank you, no. I'm still fine on this. I really just drink for the flavor." Fishing around a moment, the wizard take a pendant from his neck, a mithril piece of an aspen leaf inside a pentagon. "My crest. The blades with this mark on the hilt are my work. Quite a few of the other local enchanters have donated their time and efforts as well."
Belladona nods, "Okay." She says as she gets another one and she looks close at the pendant, "That is very nice I'll be sure to look for those, although I don't use blades. I use my claws. They have a non-lethal set I use at the Arena though. Still I will make sure to look for that make." She is served another drink that she sips slowly.
Mikilos mmms. "I misspoke, I do craft a range of weapons, though I do favor blades. Made some of the armors as well, though none are enchanted. At least, not by me. Keep thinking should do one or two as advertisement, but other projects keep comming up instead."
Belladona ahs and nods, "Well maybe the claws I use were made by you." She continues to sip her ale, 'So what else do you like to do for fun?"
Mikilos hehs. "Me? I read. Whatever I can get my hands on, really, but I favor journals and diaries. With permission, of course. But to gain someone elses viewpoint of the world can bring insight as little else can. Even if does tend to be a fractured and bias viewpoint."
Belladona smiles, "Goes to improve your knowledge and help to understand why people do what they do. Learning from animals can do the same thing, they have a very different viewpoint then we do. Me I like to drink and other stuff when I have free time." Her cheek's flush.
Mikilos mmmms, and frowns softly. "I fell out of the habit of drinking when I stopped eating. I still make a point to have something now and again to keep in practice, but usually just a couple times a week."
Belladona ohs, "You don't eat? Why not? I thought elves ate at least, I heard they didn't sleep." She hmms, "Why wouldn't you want to eat? I love to eat."
Mikilos grins. "Most elves both sleep and eat, though the details are as different as between any two races. In the Sendor Resistance, the city was under seige. THe soilders ate well enough, but the common people being held prisoner had almost nothing, including food. Starvation for those of us in the Resistance was fairly common. One of the first things I did once the war was over was craft some magic to assure I'd never face starvation again. It also frees up mealtimes for me to work on other projects instead, as well as cutting back on the amount of sleep I need. Quite a useful bit of magic, all in all."
Belladona ahs a little bit, "I can see why, although now you get to eat for pleasure only which is the best part of eating the taste." She nods, "It does sound like a bit of magic to do that."
Mikilos nods. "Are quite a few ways to get around the need to eat, useing magic. But most are well beyond the means of the average person. But quite affordable compared to a flameing sword, or something like that."
Belladona nods, 'Or a suit of light metal for a lioness." She teases and smiles as she leans back, "You are very enjoyable company Mikilos...and cute to boot."
Mikilos grins. "I do try. Good company, that is. Cuteness just comes naturally." He ponders a few moments. "I've never tried to make armor for a lion. Horses, certainly, and once some plans for a bear, though nothing ever came of it. I'd tend to think metal, even something like mithril, would be heavy as to distract a feline's movments."
Belladona nods, 'That's why I was thinking some of those metal links. Flexible, but protective." She mms, "I try to as well. So do you live at your shop?"
Mikilos shrugs. "Not really. I've still a room at the Academy, though I don't spend much time there any more. I intend to build a home behind the shop, but havn't done so yet."
Belladona nods, "I usually stay out in the forest, I love to look up at the stars at night. In the city there is usually always a room to rent for the night, or I find other accommodations."
Mikilos nods. "The temples typically have rooms for travelers, though there's usually a service to attend. Most aren't bad, but can run a bit longwinded at times."
Belladona smiles, "I am a worshipper of Dana I don't think she has a temple in the city. I'd be unusual if she did."
Mikilos shrugs. "I favor An-... Navos. But that doesn't invalidant the ideals of other gods. Well, not the Gods of Light, at least."
Belladona nods, "Of course, all the gods have their place, although I could do without the evil gods."
Mikilos mmms. "I think the world would be dull without them. And they once had their place as well... is was the rejection of that place which brought about the God War."
Belladona takes a drink, "Yah true enough it would be pretty dull without them although alot more safe." She says a she finishes off the drink and she motions for another, "I like you Mikilos. You are so smart."
Mikilos hehs. "It is something I excell at. More physical tasks, sadly not so much. I'm no warrior, and understand I won't be. Just not within my range of talents."
Belladona smiles as she reaches to caress Mikilos' cheek, "Oh and what kind of other talents do you have?"