RP:Reunited with A Drunk and A Drow

From HollowWiki

Training Fields

An area has been cleared for the Chartsend Guard and the Desert Legion to practice their skills. Warriors attack mannequins with knives, swords and staffs, while others test different bows on an archery range. One section is roped off, a small arena surrounded by wooden benches, where friendly duels can take place. A wooden enclosure houses an area where the soldiers can hone their bodies with weights.


Tyler occupies a training dummy among the others finding to keep fit in the small providence of Chartsend. The slender male seeming to be in a world of his own as he provides rapid physical strikes to the wooden equipment. Some might consider him a fool - for underneath the freezing night sky the human wears only a pair of crude pants that have been chopped about just below the knee, clipped to the belt loop is the amulet he had crafted to allow communication between Skylei and himself while he had set off


Skylei is on her way out of the university and taking the short walk home around the periphery of the training fields. Long days spent pouring over books leaves the half-elf weary, her back is slumped, her hair hangs over her face littered with tangles from frustrated hands clawing at its ebon lengths and for once she carries no books. In all, it had been a terrible day; she's made little progress, argued with one of her fellow academics about something that she had later turned out to be wrong about (it had been humiliating) and to top it all off, Sky was making little progress with her own research. In truth, the scholar feels almost bored; she longs for a new topic, a new challenge and to be entertained again. Skylei sighs and pushes her hair backwards off her face, looking out across the training field at the men. It's getting chillier and the number of men braving the cold to train is significantly fewer than usual. Still, eyes rest on one of the figures longer than it rests on the others; though even this man receives little more than a cursory glance. Topless and without shoes, the fool training against the dummy must be frozen solid. He reminded her of Tyler; daft and foolhardy. Her heart sighs at his memory and had reaches up to the amulet around her neck. She considers breaking into the illusionist's thoughts and pestering him for his affections. She thinks better of it. Sky is all set to carry on walking until moonlight bounces off the amulet clipped to the belt-loop. Distracting her for long enough to still her steps, Sky gives the man a proper stare, assessing his physique, the way his hair falls and all other things visible from the distance she stands. She doesn't quite believe it. It's him. Dumbfounded by his return, Sky simply stands and gawks like an infatuated teenager, whilst her hand tightens around her own amulet.


Tyler brings a strong right hook to the helm of the dummy, followed by a left jab and then another swift right. Becoming fatigued from the regime he allows his arms to fall by his side and would press his sweat soaked forehead against the crown of the dummy and take deep inhales as he tries to catch his breath. While keeping his head planted in a rest his hand falls and slim fingers find the treasure that hangs by his pants the index and thumb rubbing at the precious steel. Exhaling deeply the human pulls away from the dummy and grabs a dirty rag by his feet to wipe his face before he goes to wailing on the dummy once again. This goes on for roughly another ten minutes before the human seems to succumb to his exhaustion and slowly begins to gather his things. He engages in a bit of farewell small talk with a fellow human that had occupied the dummy closest to him while a Minotaur cuts in an points toward the onlooker: "Better watch out scrawny, the shoutin' ones back." A brow is raised as confusion sets across his complexion before Tyler turns to set his caramel hues upon Skylei standing off in the distance. A grin forms as he chuckles at the comment of the minotaur and begins moving away from them wishing his final farewells as he moves across the field toward Skylei. When he is close enough the human takes a moment to pull his satchel from his shoulder and set it back on the ground before locking eyes with the wood elf with a grin and speaking a simple greeting; "Hello."


Skylei hasn't moved from where she stands. The only sign that she is still alive and breathing is the hair that reaches up and runs through her hair every so often, brushing it back from the crown of her head so that it falls away from her eyes. Even as she hears the Minotaur's comment (he has no volume control) and Tyler begins to walk towards her, Sky stays dumbstruck and silent. Her eyes assess the human as he draws ever closer. She feels strange, as though something has changed between the two of them in the weeks that have passed when they have been separate. Is Skylei nervous? Probably; her heart is thumping and she almost feels nauseous. That nausea reaches a high as Tyler speaks, 'Hello'. Sky swallows the lump that has risen in her throat and offers a similar greeting back, "Hello, you." As is always the case, the men on the field have paused to watch the two's interaction. After all, they had received quite a show when the two had last met on the training field; they were likely looking for ammunition to shower Tyler's way. They weren't likely to get any. Sky is just staring at Tyler's face.


Tyler would allow the staring contest to prolong after Skylei's returned greeting and breaks it only after emitting a swift exhale through his nostrils in a show of humor in admiration of the lovingly awkward encounter. "How're you?" He questions in the same tone as before, his game to find which of the duo would break first and move in for physical contact. To keep himself ahead he finds himself fiddling with the amulet hanging by his side while pushing his hair (which is a bit overdue for a cutting) back. The entire time his caramel eyes bounce between each of Skylei's own stormy hues and the toothy grin doesn't leave his face, even with the sweat that covers his body becoming chilled from the winter night he somehow manages to prevent a single shiver as he stares the wood elf down.


Skylei and Tyler are not different at all. Just as Tyler's hands find his hair and amulet, Sky's find her own jewellery and make constant retreat to the ebon mess upon her head. As soon as Tyler breaks the stare, Sky's eyes make their way down to her boots and only return to Tyler's face when he speaks. Her words are as measured precise as his, not betraying the fact that her heart continues to thumb rapidly in her chest. How did he fill her with such nervousness just by standing in front of her, offering the simple greeting that she would offer someone in the street or someone who brought her the mail? "I'm fine, thank you. How was your trip?" Eight words - how adventurous. Skylei's left hand twitches involuntarily before burrowing back into her hair. She longs to reach out and take his hand into her own. But she will not relent, stubborn creature that she is, until he does. Perhaps it is out of competitive nature, perhaps it is out of nerves. Who can tell?


Tyler runs his tongue across his teeth as his smile widens and he chuckles while nodding and offering a reply; "Good enough." The stand off would last only a few more moments before the man is the first to cave as he reaches out with his left hand and places it upon her arm. Nodding his head toward the Eel he offers a simple proposal. "What do you say we move to somewhere a little warmer? I'd rather not die before we continue our suspenseful conversation." He smirks and sniffles before bending over to pick up his satchel once more, under the assumption that Skylei would have no argument of retreating to somewhere a bit more comfortable.


Skylei :: As soon as Tyler places a hand upon her arm, Sky is quick to respond by grabbing hold of his other hand. Her grip is tight, as though she fears that he may not be entirely real or that he might disappear again at any moment. She lets go again, only for a brief moment to allow him to pick his satchel from the ground, before she wraps her hand around his again with a squeeze. The offer of moving inside is accepted with a swift nod of her head. Not that she would admit it, but Skylei is frozen and cannot even begin to imagine how Tyler is standing the cold. She moves herself in a little closer to him, as she is so prone to do, desperate to steal what little heat the man has to warm her chilled flesh. If he had naught other to do then the two would begin walking. Then men on the field would be disappointed. Sky and Tyler would provide them with no entertainment today.


The Slippery Eel

If you want to meet local people this is the place to be. Everyone from the lowest field hand to the e Tenebris themselves frequent the inn. Smoked eels hang from the ceiling, their preparation a closely guarded local secret, something to do with the dark, warm places they are cured. You are most likely to find friendly wenches serving drinks, keen to earn the extra gold. There's a jovial air to the inn apart from the darkest corner where a group of men, who look like smugglers, talk quietly, heads together. Two off-duty guardsmen occasionally glance at them from their seats at the bar. A door lies at the back of the inn. This leads to a large square with buildings running off it and a sandy track winding South. A battered board gives some messages posted about the local area.


Tyler and Skylei make their way through the usual night crowd of the Slippery Eel and up the stairs to Tyler's rented room with little issue. The human allows Skylei to enter first, good manners and what not, before moving in himself and shutting the door behind him. Tossing his satchel to the floor he begins gathering some things to clean himself up with including a towel, water and some of this awesome smell good stuff that he got from a hobbit in Xalious. After shuffling about for a few minutes and getting changed into some proper clothes the human would finally be presentable enough to move back downstairs with the rest of the patrons. Upon exiting the room with Skylei, rather than wearing only a pair of scruffy pants he has managed to pull on some black silk robe bottoms, a plain black shirt and most importantly a pair of boots. Tyler holds Skylei's hand in his own, his fingers laced with hers as he advances down the flight of stairs and into the main dining area. Hard pressed to find a vacant table at this hour the human spots a familiar face; Vakko. Perhaps it was that his lack of sleep or maybe his memory had started to go but Tyler failed to remember Skylei's strong hate towards the drow race until he had already approached his acquaintance and offered greeting. "Vakko! Long time no see guy! Mind if we join you?" Turning to face Skylei, it suddenly dawns on him of her hatred and upon seeing the fire in her eyes he offers a very pleading glance as if asking for her to trust his judgement, if only just this once. If Vakko were to offer seating to the duo, Tyler would make sure to take his place by Vakko's side and have Skylei on the opposing.


Skylei follows Tyler back into the central area of the Eel, her hand well and truly linked with his. She almost appears happy and contented until Tyler makes contact with the drow. He has to near drag her across the bar to make her even come close to the dark elf. Then he speaks to Vakko, greeting him with more joy than he had greeted her earlier. Take notes, Tyler, this is not how to impress your girlfriend. Instantly upon his suggestion that the three should sit together, her visage shifts, eyes darken and the half-elf spins in closer to Tyler's body so that her back is facing the drow. This allows her to hiss under her breath to the human without fear of being overheard, "Are you bloody serious? You actually…?" She trails off. She's seen the look in his eyes and perhaps has decided that for once it might be best to trust him. She expects he is wrong. But she's happy to watch him fail if it means that she will be able to alter his behaviour to something more suitable. So she acts as though she is trying to be tolerant. A false smile is plastered on her face and she turns away from Tyler's body to face Vakko. "Hello there. My name's Skylei." This is the moment one would expect a handshake to occur. Sky doesn't offer her hand. She physically cannot. To touch one of those creatures, unless in the grapple of battle would make her physically sick to her stomach. Just… urgh.


Vakko had claimed one of the few empty table in the establishment, the eel always seemed to be so busy. It was his heritage like always that had kept the multitudes from pressing onto his table. He kept the hood of his coat down giving no attempt to hide what he was, and let the fears of many of the surface races do the rest of the work. He did not mind, he preferred solitude most of the time anyway. She stares into a glass of dark liquor almost as if lost in thought, but the familiar voice snaps him from any deep contemplation the drow was lost in, or deep boredom. Slowly his two tone eyes fall to Tyler, his left deep crimson and the right colorless save for the dark pupil in its center. Dark lips pull back into a slight smile as he sees the young man. "Well met Tyler, it has been some time, last time I do believe you kicked me in the head." He offers a salute with his glass before looking to the lady elf, no, half elf that Tyler had drug across the room. He gave a knowing smile before sighing and settling into his seat a little more. He knew that look well, the hate and fear but mostly hate for his kind. But honestly he preferred to spend time where he was hated than with his own people, oddly enough it made life less stressful. He motioned to the empty seats, pretending not to notice that Sky had turned her back to him, and pretending that his ears honed to pick up the slightest sound in the deep tunnels did not pick up her every word. Though it was nicer than the words Anann gave at the tip of a drawn arrow. When Sky introduced herself, the drow inclined his head slightly in a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, I am called Vakko." He takes a moment to fully look her over before giving a slight smile. "I think we may have met before, in Frostmaw, with Raphaline, But it is hard to remember, Raphaline has so many friends and the only thing in common with most of them is a mutual distaste for me." He raises his glass again before chuckling. "and please join me, if it does not bother the lady to much."


Tyler would offer another look to Skylei after Vakko's initial greeting - it was partially in thanks for remaining by his side and partially in warning to not back out now. Taking the offered seat only after pulling out the one to his right for Skylei, Tyler then raises his hand to the barmaid to signal her over before moving to lock fingers with Skylei once more. It is now that he allows a moment to process Vakko's words and offers a laugh at the mention of kicking the drow, his recollection of the day before his elimination in the tournament bringing back some bittersweet memories. "Ah, yeah - we should do it again sometime." As the barmaid approaches Tyler would take a moment to order a simple glass of water and turns to face Skylei; "Do you want anything?" He awaits her reply and would follow up accordingly before turning to face Vakko once more and offering a large smile. "Proper introductions all around - Vakko, as she said, this is Skylei, the one whom I love. -Unconditionally-." He adds with emphasis before extending a hand toward Vakko and addressing his half elf companion. "Sky, Vakko - He and I trained up a bit a month or so ago." Tyler recalls that Vakko has no knowledge of why the human was so dodgy and he has yet to admit his involvement in the tournament as the blue ninja. He does however remember the odd bond the duo shared out on the training field - both of them ridiculed by the others on the field. One for his skin, the other for his demeanor.


Skylei couldn't recall if they she and Vakko had met before. Maybe they had, maybe they hadn't. She recalls a particular incident where the flame-haired bard who was known to both Vakko and herself, had made conversation with a drow. Perhaps it had been Vakko. Sky wouldn't have been able to tell; all drow looked the same to her. Even Skylei is embarrassed by this though, and so she simply mutters a brief and inconclusive response to Vakko's questioning whether they had met before along with another awkwardly forced smile. As Tyler pulls a seat up next to his own, Sky ensures that it is as close as the two seats can be before taking a seat. Her hand reaches out and wraps around Tyler's again. "Vodka…" Sky pauses before murmuring a little quieter, "Two vodkas… please." She needed the alcohol to numb her system to whatever this was that she was about to endure. She stays silent as Tyler attempts to make conversation between the three, though blushes without intention as Tyler so openly declares their love. She didn't trust herself to say anything more until she had a drink in her hand.


Vakko could not help but give a slight chuckle as Tayler offers to spar again. "That would be entertaining, we shall see what my punches can bring out next time as well." Her offers a slight wink with his colorless eye before he looked to Sky, her order of the harder drink caused him to chuckle a little more, maybe one of these days an elf could endure his presence without the need for weapons or liquor, but that was not today it would seem. "You do not have to do that miss Skylei, I will be off soon enough, I have pressing matters I must attend to." He empties his glass and makes no move to refill it. Tyler's prefession of love caused Vakko to chuckle softly, he own people as a whole do not ever seem to understand that word for what it really meant, "Unconditional love.. it must be nice." This was muttered but the other would be sure to hear it. But at least Sky had yet to pull a weapon or simply leave, it was a shame to drow had to depart soon or maybe he could enjoy their company a little longer, even though it was forced. Looking to Tyler he grins slightly. "You seem to have been doing rather well for yourself in recent weeks, at least you level of dress has improved to the point where a beautiful woman would be willing to be seen with you."


Tyler is a bit surprised by the offered compliment to Skylei and himself both from the drow - though far more so for his loved one. Just before he is able to respond the barmaid shows up with their drinks and he is quick to pay her and send her on her way with a nod before sipping at the glass of water. "Yeah, I'll admit it's a bit warmer when you don't have holes in your ass." Another grin is given to Vakko before his complexion turns to a blend of concern and disappointment "Off so soon? It's a shame... I'm back in town for the time being so I'm sure I'll be seeing you around. I'd like to catch up on the field." His stare lingers for a moment as his expression provides one of pure cheer "Fill you in on all those secrets I promised." He refuses to face Skylei, in part for fear of her likely puking on herself from Vakko calling her beautiful the other part... well, it was the same reason.


Skylei would never be able to tolerate the presence of a drow. Unless that drow was stuck full of arrows and bleeding on the floor. Or if she was asked to for the sake of her beloved. Vakko is fortunate that it is the latter option that has forced the two of the together. As he addresses her by name, Sky simply tightens her grip on Tyler's hand and shrugs at Vakko. She doesn't know what she can say to that. By openly acknowledging her dislike of him, Sky feels as though Vakko is shaming her. It just made her hate him more. Poor Vakko. Then he calls her beautiful. Skylei nearly vomits. She almost physically gags. Fortunately drinks arrive and, with no subtly or grace the half-elf grabs one and throws the contents down her throat. Thus she can pretend, for Tyler's sake more than Vakko's that the gagging is thanks to the burn of the vodka. With the glass still in hand, Sky forces her face into a grimace… smile. She lets out a high-pitched squeaking awkward noise in response and simply clings tighter to Tyler's hand. Her nails are digging in now. If Vakko hadn't been leaving, Sky herself would have had to leave. She couldn't cope.


Vakko watches Sky's reaction with amusement, another that so hated him, that list seemed to grow day by day. All her attempts at covering were for not as the drow keenly picked up on the all, he has seen them enough times to be able to stop them, even when cleverly masked. But he to understood them fully, how could one drow hope the break the cycle of hate his people had spent centuries building. Slowly he stood and pulled the cowl of his hood low covering most of his face in shadow. He looks to Tyler and smiles, "Maybe next time we can use sharp things?" it was said slightly in jest, a kind of jab at his own peoples love for killing. He then looks to Sky and offers up an understanding smile but no other words, that seemed to be a little much for her right now. He gave a slight bow before heading out. The press of the crowd parted before the departing drow like a wave upon the prow of a ship, at least there was one good thing about always being feared, one got through crowds quickly.


Tyler watches Vakko take his leave with a smile upon his face. The human had grown fond of the dark elf, and was rather pleased that he had managed to see him again after so long. Skylei is then given his full attention and there isn't a look of disappointment in his eyes - Tyler didn't care to dwindle on the subject of the drow any longer, the two had met and that was that. Instead he takes another sip of his water before nodding to the vodka. "You're going to have one hell of a hang over if you keep going like that." His thumb rubs at the back of her palm as their hands remained laced together with the human unwilling to break the embrace. "Anything interesting happen on your end while I was gone? Find another - better looking man to spend the cold nights with?" he teased.


Skylei doesn't care if she ends up with a hangover. The second glass is grabbed and exchanged for an empty one and the vodka downed. This time the burning sensation causes a few tears to fall from her eyes, and Skylei gags again. The vodka is cleansing though. It allows her to forget about the foul taste that has lingered on her tongue since she knew that they must be company with a drow. His depature allows her to breathe properly again and, placing the now empty glass alongside its twin, Sky reaches out and smacks Tyler on the arm. It's neither violent nor playful, "Don't. Don't you ever put me through that again." She shudders and nestles into the arm that she had smacked, making sure not to breathe onto his face with her vodka breath. "Of course I didn't. I worked. I saw Eliason and Ezekiel and both of them could talk about nothing other than Josleen." Skylei scowls and curls her head in closer to the crook of Tyler's arms defensively. "What about you? Off gallivanting with any better looking girls than me." Skylei is not teasing. There is a bitterness and almost anger directed with her remark. He did not deserve it, but Sky's rational mind has long fled.


Tyler shrugs at her demands of keeping Vakko away from her. Considering the drow was likely his closest friend apart from the wood elf, he would make no promises. Instead he resists the urge to twist his face into his own form of displeasure at the mention of Josleen and the two men. He manages to keep his expression pretty emotionless until she asks of any other ladies. Her tone doesn't seem playful as his had and in her favor her chalks it up to the vast amount of vodka she'd just consumed in a matter of minutes. "First off, I don't know what the hell "Gallivanting" means, but I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say no. Secondly, my reasoning for that is that I've yet to see anyone who pleases the eyes more than you." The flirty remark is made as a statement and not with a hidden meaning - his tone a bit more stern as he continues to deplete the contents of his glass.


Skylei and Tyler could do with getting some mutual acquaintances that they could both stomach. Currently that list stands at a nice round zero, and the two are likely to get lonely with only each other's company. She can't help but grin as he explains his lack of understanding, offering a joking response, "Wandering around looking for pleasure, you git. Y'know. Chasing women." As she explains herself, Sky realises how stupid her accusation was. This is Tyler. Tyler who wasn't able to even properly speak to most people they met, who was eternally shy and nervy. How could she accuse him of chasing women? He wouldn't know how. Then the illogical, irrational jealous part of her brain takes over again; that wouldn't stop women from chasing him. Sky scowls at her thoughts, instead clinging tighter to her man as though he might slip from her grasp at any moment. She doesn't address his statement of her beauty. It makes her nearly as uncomfortable as when Vakko had spoken of it earlier, and this time she didn't have her old friend vodka to turn to.


Tyler's face twists into a look of disgust as he pictures himself with another woman, the thought causing him to feel a bit ill as he finishes off his water and places the empty glass to the table top. Choosing to ignore the statement and move on with their conversation the man finds trouble finding the words to express the feeling in his stomach. So much had happened and his head was still spinning while he tried to grasp the reality of recent events. After a moments pass a sigh is exhaled as he tilts his head to face Skylei and a forced smile spreads as he locks eyes once more. "How's the room mate situation? Is Jos.. jas... Joslien? Josline?" He surrenders in the pronunciation of the females name. "Your friend doing well enough? Around a bit more since the whole creepy bit in the woods?"


Skylei keeps a tight hold of Tyler as he changes the subject. He might be done with discussing it, but it would likely not fade from the half-elf's mind for quite some time. Still, she is content to let the subject, if not her hold of his arm, drop for the time being. The topic turns to Josleen and Sky attempts to shrug, "I don't know if she's planning on staying in Chartsend for that much longer. People around here aren't that nice y'know?" In truth, they were still fairly polite to Skylei, but her loyalty to Josleen ran deep and as soon as she heard each acquaintance, friend or colleague mutter a word against the bard they were instantly scratched off her social list. "I would love to move to Cenril, but I need my job." Sky nestles her head into the man, kicking her feet up onto the chair that she sits on whilst letting out a deep sigh, "It's not important anyway." Sky knows Tyler's feelings about the bard and she would rather not linger on the subject longer than they had to, if only to avoid another argument.


Tyler allows his thought to turn to the city of Chartsend and he offers a nod to himself at the mention of leaving the sea side. "I don't blame her, I don't know if I'll be sticking around too much longer either." At the mention of Cenril he presents a shrug and statement, "The city is a bit too crowded for me. I've thought about moving back to Kelay, but to be honest I still think I'd like to lay my head in the Sage, despite the current occupation." He subtly refers to the drow that inhabit the woodland. "I've yet to find work, and I doubt it will be coming anytime soon. I'm over stealing purses and I'm damn tired of fighting all the time. This town has presented little more than trouble since I've arrived, and I feel I must reiterate..." Eyes narrow as his nose scrunches up and a crooked smile appears. "I. Hate. Fish." Releasing the tense facial expression he can't help but chuckle a bit at the situation. "I haven't seen nor heard from the fox in quite some time, so I'm assuming that job opening has fallen through. During my trip we made way through Kelay and to be honest, I missed it a bit, though I'll admit I'm sick of living in taverns. I'm honestly thinking about just buying myself an axe and hammer and making my own home out in the woods or maybe move in with the hobbits near Xalious." Reaching over he provides a squeeze to Skylei's rested leg and grants her a wink, "No worries though, I'll make sure I'm in your presence just until you're sick of me."


Skylei has been through this before, more than she cares to remember. She too would love to make Sage her home and needs no words to explain to Tyler why that will not be possible. Still her lips fall into a pout as the half-elf realises what the human is suggesting. Should he choose to leave and Josleen choose to do the same, she would be left alone in a city that she was growing increasingly less fond of. And that did not appeal at all. Though there were parts of the story she did like; namely the fact that Tyler seems to be done with thievery and that the fox and his diabolical plot seem to have been forgotten. She approves of that. Shifting her body, so that her head rests on the illusionist's lap and she is looking up at him, and her body is rested on her own chair, Sky's face asks the human, should he look down to her, not to leave her. She doesn't say anything yet. Her face does all the talking for her. She believes could never be sick of him, not if they spent every hour of every day together.


Tyler indeed allows his eyes to follow her movement and they rest upon her complexion with his neck craned downward. Rapidly shifting to examine her features his expression keeps a smirk present as he catches on to her plea. "You could come with me y'know." He suggests, though he is very doubtful that the half elf would bite the offer. "You say you need your job, -buuut- for some reason I doubt that. I haven't worked a day in my life since I've come to Hollow and I've been making out just fine, even since I gave up stealing." His right hand moves to lay on her cheek while his thumb brushes at her hair line. "Life tends to only be as stressful as you make it, the choices you make will influence that. You don't have to do anything you don't want too. In fact, you shouldn't." He motions to her hands and then her bow. "I know you can aim, so taking out a few dark skins shouldn't be too much, and if you know how to work a saw I'm sure you'd come in handy in constructing a place." His teeth become visible in a wide smile as he has a minor flashback of the night the two met. "Besides, you're forgetting what I am." The humans visage would rapidly flash between skins similar to Skylei - Raphaline, Josleen, Eliason and multiple patrons that frequent the tavern. "I don't think you'd have much problem living in the home land with me, love." It was fine that Skylei wasn't in much of a speaking mood, Tyler was doing plenty enough for both of them.


Skylei laughs as the faces of the people she knows flash before her with perfect resemblance. Once his visage returns to his own, Sky reaches a hand up so that she can stroke the human's cheek. It's meant to be sweet and romantic, but actually it's more awkward than anything and the halfling's hand quickly retreats back to where the other one rests on her stomach. She takes several deep breaths before she can speak, though her eyes stay on his face. It's much easier for her, given she doesn't have to strain her neck to spy him, "I know darling. But… we're different. I need security and stability." She doesn't say it, but the implication is obvious here. Tyler, much as she loves him, cannot provide her with that at the current time and so she must provide it for herself. The words she speaks next ring with sincerity and honesty, "I love you, Tyler. I won't be without you. If that's the only choice you give me… I'll leave. But…" She doesn't continue. But again, she doesn't need to. Words unsaid ring loud.


Tyler keeps his eyes locked with Skylei except for a split second when they close to admire the half elfs less than graceful brush to his cheek. As she speaks the caring gaze would remain though his cheeks would pull back into a daring and unamused look as she speaks of security and stability. The human, anything but. During her final sentence his head begins to shake before she can even finish and a slender digit raises to press against her lips to aid in her silencing. "You should never do, something you don't want to do." He repeats, the human set upon opening Sky's mind. "You do what your heart tells you too, Sky. Not what your mind does. That's your problem my love, you don't feel. You think. You shouldn't let logic rule so supreme." He casts her a caring smile as he returns to brushing her face gently. "I love you, too. If you won't follow me, then it isn't the end of the world. We will travel and we will be together as we have been since that faithful night... That gory, bloodied, sweaty, angry, crazy night." He chuckles while shifting to lean back a bit in the chair. "Life. It's only as stressful as you make it."


Skylei raises her brows at Tyler so sweepingly dismisses her inability to feel anything. She feels, and quite rightly so, that he is teaching utter rubbish. She has emotions. In the period of their conversation alone Sky has expressed irrational jealousy, unconditional love and unwavering loyalty. None of these emotions made sense if you choose to view things only through the lens of logic. Sky doesn't argue this fact however, and simply remains smug and sound in the fact that, as always, she is correct. "My heart tells me that I need to earn money so that we can eat when you fall down on your luck again." She's only partially joking, "I'd really rather you didn't die. I quite like you" If Tyler's memory served as well as hers did, he might remember some similar words from the first few nights that the two had met. Likely he wouldn't; it has been some time since the formation of their relationship and they have been through more trials that Skylei cares to remember, "Besides, I'm not doing too badly for myself. I have a home, money, friends and… well," Sky blushes, "I have you. So I'll keep going as I'm going, thank you."


Tyler initially feels the urge to present an argument with Skylei, to proclaim his survival up until the point they met, to strike her down from her mighty money horse - but alas, for the sake of the moment and his affection for the half elf he remains vigilant. The human only offering a smile sided with a soft chuckle before nodding to her. He is hard pressed to make the same statement of funds, a home and friends although he has managed to find an ally or two in recent weeks he wasn't sure he'd consider any others apart from the drow Sky had resisted puking on mere moments ago a friend. This was in fact the basis for his want to flee from Chartsend and back to a land such as the Sage or Kelay. Frequented yet secluded at the same time, full of colorful characters and the perfect blend of heroes and villains with above all else a strong lack of fish. The human allows his gaze to part from the resting elf and stares to the stairs leading to his room, and then to the barkeeper so busy handing out drinks to patrons. He was tired of the same routine, of the tedious tasks of the everyday man. Contemplating for a moment he makes a silent agreement with himself that his decision was final, he didn't wish to stay in Chartsend. Eyes fall back to his beloved and begins to run his fingertips through the roots of her hair on the side. "Then you shall stay, and I shall go." His voice isn't of a defensive tone, but rather a relaxed one. "I'll be sure to fill you in on everything once I've found out what exactly it is I'm doing. But, if you change your mind (doubtful), I'd be happy to have you tag along and have a taste of the hard life." His final bit a joke. Offering three slow blinks Tyler would raise his left hand and kisses the fingertips of his index and middle finger before moving them to press against Skylei's lips. "I love you, Skylei."


Skylei waits until Tyler is finished. She would take hold of the hand that pressed against her lips and use it to pull herself into an upright seated position. From there, she would stand, the vodka hitting her for the first time. Skylei wasn't sure if it impaired her judgement or made her see straight for the first time. Instead of walking away, or sitting down in her own seat, Sky would place herself on the lap of the human, wrapping an arm around his neck to steady herself. Thoughts run rampant in her mind. She cannot stop him from going, that much is clear, and she refuses to be alone. The solution should be obvious and yet logic tells her… no. No more logic; stop thinking, Skylei. Resting her head against his, she allows it to dip twice. Was she nodding? Under her breath she mutters a couple of words, "Let's do it." She would wait for her to pay attention before catching his eye and saying the same words again with more conviction this time, "Let's do it. I'm ready. Give me until the end of the week to sort out my things. And then we'll go. Together." Sky waits for him to either agree or disagree with her choice.


Tyler wraps his arms around Skylei not only as a crutch, but also in a loving embrace as she takes a seat in his lap. The man showing little emotion as she agrees to go with him, to depart Chartsend and face whatever challenges await in the unknown with him. His silky caramel hues dive deep into her stormy greys as he scans for a sign of sincerity within her words and yet another smirk would spread across his visage, his voice presented in a loving calm. "Alright. Assuming that isn't the vodka speaking, which I'm sure I'll know by morning if it was, then I'll take this week to gather up a plan and a destination." He carries little excitement as he refuses to get his hopes up over a drunken woman's claim, the human recently given up the poison due to broken promises and multiple accounts of being an ass. Though he doesn't have a hint of pessimism in his voice either, he remains neutral and is willing to wait until the dawn to find if Sky's words hold true. Regardless of her true decision, he was set to begin looking over locations three primes in his mind - Xalious, Kelay or his most desired, Sage Forest. Nuzzling his face against Skylei's he places a kiss upon her cheek before giving her side a gentle squeeze. "I think we might need to find you a bed, else you might have a nasty headache come morning."


Skylei isn't quite drunk, but she's certainly reached a level of inebriation where the human has every right to doubt whether her intentions are honest and true. Tyler might not be certain whether Sky is sincere in her choice, but even in her inebriated state, Sky has made her mind up. When Tyler leaves, Sky will be by his side. She's absolutely certain of that fact. When morning comes, they will likely be able to to argue out Tyler's choices of location for their new home (hint: it's not going to be Sage.). "It's happening, Tyler." Sky gives the human a little grin and taps him lightly on the nose, "You realise what this means, right? You're going to have to live with me all of the time. No peace and quiet. No running off and doing your own thing. Just you," Sky pauses and moves her hand down to the humans chest, "And me." At this point it would have been rational for her to move her hand to her own chest. Instead, she simply places her palm flat on the illusionist's chest. "You think you can manage that, sweetheart?" She ignores his words about going to bed. She's not tired. Vodka and the adrenaline of this choice has led to her feeling full of energy and as though she can do anything.


Tyler follows Skylei's movements with intent and provides a laugh as she concludes, the thought of the two of them being together all the time offering a bit of fear in the human though it is pushed to the side and replaced with content. "Yeah, I think I can manage love." Biting on his lip subconsciously while he becomes lost in thought for a moment he would then offer a sigh followed by another laugh. "It's not me I'm worried about after all." He adds, confirming his knowledge of Skylei's constant metal worry of his state be it physically, mentally or emotionally. The man seeming to finally catch onto her earlier jealousy. "If you aren't going to bed, then can we at least move to the room?" He motions to the growing crowd around them that began to claw at his anxiety, fearing with each passing moment one of the patrons might actually approach the duo and speak to them.


Skylei doesn't move her hand from his chest, though she does nod in agreement with his request to move out of the bar. She has no desire to stay amongst the patrons of Chartsend any longer. Not just tonight, but permanently. The more she thinks about, the less she wants to stay in the sea-bound town. "Okay. We can go upstairs." Sky would pull herself off of the humans lap, though her arm stays around his neck. She may not be drunk but she doesn't want to try standing without him as a crutch. That, and the half-elf is feeling rather clingy and the alcohol has only exacerbated her feelings further.


Tyler would rise just behind Skylei and keep his right arm wrapped around her for support. The human's eyes locking to the crude floorboard of the Eel as he began to lead the way back to the room, unwilling to find eye contact with the strangers. This decision causing him to bump shoulders with a few and his inability to excuse himself earns a few foul remarks though they are simply brushed off his shoulder as he advances to the stairs and eventually to the room. Opening the door for Skylei he would allow her to move inside and release her grip around his neck, his hand moving to hers as he steps in and closes the door behind them. He guides her to the bed and would set her down before dropping into the lone chair by the desk.


Skylei had spent the journey up to the room muttering obscenities about anyone who dared criticise the human as he guided the half-elf to the stairs. Once they are safely in the room, and Sky is happily settled on the bed, the ranger realises that the human is not planning on joining her. It might have been the alcohol befuddling her mind, but Sky could have sworn that he had never been this keen to distance himself from her; where there had been one bed, they had always shared it, save for the first few nights they had known each other. She offers him a pointed look before dropping her eyes to the space on the bed beside her. Then she kicks off her shoes, and curls up into a ball with her back to him.


Tyler exhales swiftly once more at Skylei's inability to voice her desire though the hint is well taken. Reaching down he pulls his robe bottoms up so that he can begin unlacing his boots before pulling them off and setting them at the edge of the nightstand. Taking a minute to rub at his still sore feet from his recent trip he manages to pick himself up and plop down on the bed by Skylei's side and wrapping an arm around her waist while he gets a face full of her hair.