RP:An Unexpected Kindling and a Friendship Rekindled
Frostmaw Tavern
Slightly chilled, the tavern is still a far warmer location than the outdoors of Frostmaw. If the cold is too much for a visitor, they can take a seat near the tavern's center, a place dominated by a large firepit dug neatly into the earth. A fire is always burning within, fed by large logs and, strangely, scraps of leftovers flung in by passing patrons--to those in the know, this is to feed Aodhan, the fire wyrmling occupant of the pit and keeper of the flames. Aside from the stone and earth of the firepit, the rest of the flooring is of a dark wood, clearly a sturdy material to routinely bears the weight of many Frost Giants, their armor, and their frequent brawls. A similar wood, lighter in color, makes up the raftered ceiling with its steeped roof. Tightly packed stones create the lower half of the walls, the upper planks of wood built close together to keep out the cold. Booths, tables, armchairs, and stools of various sizes can be found throughout the tavern in no particular arrangement. Frost Giant lasses move skillfully among the crowds to serve ale and warm meals, occasionally stopping to regale a newcomer with the stories behind the many trophies hung upon the walls: sabercat fangs, mounted mammoth heads, aged weapons, dented shields, war banners, and a dragon skull hanging central from the ceiling, horns and jaws wrapped in blue chains. A rather bulky and well toned frost giant stands behind the bar. Upon his blinded left eye, a scar travels down and along his jaw. The large bartender, Drargon, simply watches the patrons, awaiting orders... or trouble, considering the massive war-axe resting beside him.
Ezekiel was on his way from a run in with Hildegarde. After an enlightening chat, she'd offered the man room and board as a way to repay her for his gratitude. He'd started the day with a run in with Raphaline, who not only upset him, destroyed his sketchbook containing Josleen's pictures, and set the workshop on fire. He'd truly lost everything by that point. Josleen's love, the roof over his head, the few friends he'd foolishly turned away (Kovl), and now.. his home. Bumping into Hildegarde was perhaps the best thing to happen to him since then. After a short talk, she'd talked the mage into accepting Drargon's room and board, as a way to repay her for his gratitude. So here he was, pressing his way into the tavern with smoldering, burnt clothes. He hadn't eaten and slept for a few days, so all in all, he looked like hell. Ezekiel slowly made his way for the counter.
Kovl flutters into the tavern from his room in the back hallway, and his eyes land on Ezekiel. The pixie has been seeking this one-armed, wayward mage for days to follow up on a decision the illusionist thinks was rash of Ezekiel. It is out of pure luck Ezekiel makes his way in as the pixie is on his way out. Landing on the counter Ezekiel moves toward, the pixie comments, "Well, aren't you a challenge to find?" Kovl's emerald eyes encounter Ezekiel's burnt clothing and heavy expression. "And you didn't sleep." The illusionist frowns.
Ezekiel was just being slid a key by Drargon by the time Kovl's voice rang out. He was still riding that conversational-social high with Hildegarde's meeting, but given time to sit and think in his mind wore the effect away. He was stepping into the tavern as the nervous, socially weak mage that the world knew him for. Still, he'd taken something from that meeting, maybe he'd find the courage to put it to use here, too. "No.. I haven't slept for a while. I can't, anymore." He'd shrug, as if this were another normal thing; in a way it was, for Ezekiel. "Did.. you ever give her that book?"
Kovl shakes his head, mildly surprised at Ezekiel's composure compared to his outburst a couple days back. "No. I told you I'd give you two days to sleep and eat before I gave the book to Satoshi. I don't want you to make a decision you'd regret." Kovl looks up before taking a seat at the edge of the counter. "I have sleeping dust if you need it. Do you need someone to talk to?" While the pixie's words are kind-hearted, an ulterior motive to -know- things which are not his business is ever-present.
Ezekiel sighed, wanting to just bang his head against the counter. But he'd keep calm and he'd keep from taking that key and running. The pixie was right, and he'd eventually tell him this, but for now he needed a moment. "I'm sorry," He paused to hang his head dejectedly, thinking back to what Hilde had said. "Do you have the book, still?" He'd look up, but only long enough to study the man and make sure he hadn't flittered off. "Hey.. also, I wanted to bug you about something."
Kovl nods. "Yes, I have the book. Do you want it?" The pixie runs his fingers over the flap of the satchel containing Ezekiel's book and rests them there. Curious, Kovl asks, "What did you want to bug me about?" Kovl looks to Drargon who gives an acknowledging nod and walks to the other end of the bar. "Would you like to talk about this somewhere else? I've got a room." The pixie turns back to Ezekiel.
Ezekiel slid his hand off the counter and took the key with it. "It's fine, I've got my own, too." Before he said anything else, he'd excuse himself from the counter and make for an empty table near the east wall, the pixie of course was welcome to follow, but Ezekiel didn't have much to give in terms of invitations. As far as he knew, people simply helped themselves to these kind of things. "About the book." He was getting quiet, but he wasn't showing signs of backing off. "You were right.. is all. I- I had a lot of time to think, and.." he shrugged. "Can I have it back, please?" He held the back of his neck and scratched nervously at it.
Kovl follows the mage, keeping with his pace as his own wings allow him to glide through the air. He lands on the table, uncaring about whether this was against proper etiquitte. Bah, he is in Frostmaw anyway! Kovl nods at Ezekiel's admission that he was right earlier. Of course, Kovl was right! The pixie lifts the flap to his satchel, and Ezekiel's tome is placed on the table, growing it its original size instantly after leaving his bag. "There. Take it. Are you staying with us? The guild, I mean?" The pixie looks up questioningly at Ezekiel.
Ezekiel reached out with his hand and let his fingers trace its cover. He could feel the magic inside reaching out, yearning for his magely touch. All he could do was sigh and lose himself in Hildegarde's wise words. The conversation had literally happened less than an hour ago, and shortly before that, Rahaline's destruction. It was one chained, action-packed scene after another in this roller coaster of an adventure. He hadn't replied to the pixie, not until several moments had passed. He'd slide the tome over to his side of the table and grasp it by the leather straps before standing up. "You wanted me to think on it, rest and relax. You wanted to keep me from doing anything I'd regret." As he spoke quietly over his shoulder he'd start to move away from the table and towards the hearth. "I told you I'm quitting, and that's final." That said, he'd move past the two comfy chairs and stand in front of the fire place before swinging the tome so that it landed in the dead middle of its flames. The embers scattered and the coals glowed with life, hungry flames engulfed the paper until it was trapped. "I already made a decision I regret.. I made it back in that cave." That was all he'd say for now as he turned to go flop into the large chair. His stomach was doing flips right now.
Kovl buzzes over Ezekiel, following him toward the fire. The pixie realizes what the mage intends to do as soon as Ezekiel stares into the flames. Kovl's eyes follow the tome's trajectory and keeps them glued to the fiery scene as Ezekiel plops on the chair behind him. He turns to face him. "Will you regret this one?" The pixie stays in flight over Ezekiel, staring at him until he responds. Kovl's face is expressionless as he studies the mage. The bright flames behind the illusionist cast dancing light through his translucent wings, and his form is shadowed as a dark silhouette. The book behind him crackles and pops as it burns.
Ezekiel glanced up and offered the pixie a shrug. "I guess time will tell." He'd slump to the side of the chair so that his only arm was propped up. He'd press his elbow into the rest, and hold his cheek in his palm. The fire was mesmerizing, in a way; the cracks and pops, the old colors that came from the different inks. He would indeed regret this, but for reasons he'd have to stumble upon later. "Hey.. I- I said," he started off stammering, trying to build the courage to continue. It was different when not in the presence of the knight. "I mean, that day, the cliff. Things were different. I'd felt.. you know. I just, things I said, don't take them to heart?" Focus Ezekiel, focus; why beat around the bush? "I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. About.. you, well, not being a. You know." So close, yet so far away. He'd glance up at the pixie before sliding out of his chair. He'd given it a shot, but fell shy of the glory that was direct confrontation. "I should probably try to sleep.." He said this as he started off down the hall. As always, Kovl was more than welcome to follow, Ezekiel just wasn't expecting it.
Kovl completes Ezekiel's sentence, "A friend." The pixie's eyes light up. "Thank you for the apology." While Ezekiel isn't expecting it, Kovl still pursues the mage, asking another question in the hall. "What happened in that cave that has you so worked up?" The pixie is so direct with his question. "A friend can tell a friend these things, right? Especially after some harsh words were said because of these 'things'?" Kovl knows he is being manipulative, but the pixie feels he must know!
Ezekiel listened as the pixie followed, not sure if he wanted to answer that. It took Raphaline setting fire to the last of his life, rolling in the snow, and introduction to perhaps the best person for Ezekiel to have met today, to get him to open up and come to terms with his life as he'd done. He had nothing, absolutely nothing. He had no friends, he no love, and lastly- thanks to that psychotic bard (Raphaline), he had no home. What was she thinking when she took his book of sketches, his last and only memories of Josleen, and set them on fire? It hurt to think about. He needed her face fresh in his memory, it served as meaning. He'd unlocked the door with the key pressed it open. Kovl wanted to press the question, it seemed only fair to tell him. "Nothing. Nothing happened." He opened the door and leaned against the frame; he knew he couldn't leave the answer unfinished. "I did nothing, down there in that cave." With a sigh he'd slip inside and leave the door cracked. "I'll.. I'll be around." And with that, click.
Kovl nods, a bit disappointed at the mage's answer to his question. -I did nothing-? It is clear to the pixie that Ezekiel is not in a state to talk at this moment, but perhaps sometime he will milk the information from him. "Good night, Ezekiel." Kovl's head tilts slightly. Hmm. Josleen obviously hurt the mage. And the pixie remembers the interaction between the bard and the mage in the Winterberry Garden. The whole truth will reach the pixie's ears. Yes.