RP:S1, E11 Unexpected
Summary: Another Larz and Llama adventure.
New Forest
Largakh found himself on his off day, of which he hunts in a territory he finds familiar - the Sage forest. It was a lot easier to sort of let himself relax on the outskirts of the forest since he was so far from the village and this time he had his hunting bow with him, but for a moment he wasn’t paying attention while reading a list in common. This handwriting was very girly seeming and seemed to consists of odds and ends, a list of names with races next to those names and prices next to all these things. He sort of rolls his eyes to himself, “as if I would let them pay me back.” He crinkles up the note and stuffs it in his pocket right before he leapt down from the tree he was sitting in, pulling his arrow back and shooting it in mid jump. Once he lands softly, which is odd for his stature, he takes off almost silently and gathered his kill. That same damn while boar from the other day - that thing must’ve had a death wish. He takes the note back out and checks something off before pulling his arrow free, wiping the blood off in his pants and hoisting the thing over his shoulder.
Lanara wanders through Sage Forest, her boots making silent footfalls, as she steps over fallen logs, and through small brooks. It had been three days since she had buried Lucky, and though her heart still ached from the loss of her pet, along with the loss of her fiancé, the woman physically looks better than she has in weeks. Her long hair flows freely and cascades in slight waves to the middle of her back, there’s a faint smile plastered on her sangria-stained lips, and she’s dressed as would be fit for an adventurer. Tweed leggings, a tank top, a utility belt, and a backpack, grace her form, and her chocolate hues scan her surroundings, in an effort to make certain that she didn’t get turned around. The last thing she needed was to run into Largakh and his insulting Grandfather, again! And so, she finds the small grave she had dug by hand days before, sees that it hasn’t been disturbed, and she heaves a sigh of relief. Often there were animals that sought to dig up the remains of other animals, though this hadn’t been the case. Muttering a soft prayer, in sylvan, over the grave, she plucks a daisy from the ground, presses her lips to the petals, and drops it onto the dirt mound. Mission complete, she turns to head home, and she hears the familiar ‘ping’ of an arrow whizzing through the air, causing her to instinctively duck behind a bush. Those tapered ears had incredible hearing, and the ‘attack’ seemed to take place nearby, so she waits a beat, before slipping through the trees to seek out the source. Chocolate hues widen as she sees the green-skinned half-elf sling a boar over his shoulder, and she rests her hands on her hips, clearly agitated. “Lard!?”
Largakh knows that voice and the mispronunciation of his impossibly short and easy name… It’s -that- woman again. He turned toward her and quirked a brow, “yes?” It might seem sarcastic or cold, but he was a man of few words even with regular common and he was straight to the point with all he does. The weight of the large boar draped over his wide shoulders doesn’t seem to bother him, “look it’s our friend again.” He turned a little so she could see the dried orc blood on it’s tusk and he mumbled, “little ass hole.” Upon pulling out the list again he starts to walk again, moving around her, “I’ve got a lot of things to gather - I am glad you showed up! I can use an extra pair of hands.” He grinned that crooked one of his down at her and once she catches up he would explain, “look… My grandfather was not insinuating you were a prostitute - an elf woman wouldn’t touch me with a ten foot stick. Raising a half orc in Sage wasn’t easy and we’ve been put through some crazy events. I didn’t think he would have done that, but then again you were the one following me and accusing me of being some spy.” Another grin given down to her - he wasn’t offended and he most likely didn’t even care. “I just wanted to apologize to you and maybe one day if you meet my grandfather again I am sure he will too, but most people don’t even get to meet them.” He actually only started coming around Sage again because they need his help - or he thinks they do. He wasn’t walking back into Sage, but rather the Kelay township.
Lanara scowls as he cusses at the deceased boar, though as he tilts his form so that she could see the blood-covered tusk, her moment of anger turns to one of dismay. The boar had been roaming the forest ever since she arrived in Sage, about four years ago, and the fact that this newcomer showed up and slaughtered it causes her face to blanche. The elf swallows and diverts her gaze, though she keeps her thoughts to herself on the matter of hunting. A life taken to preserve the life of another was acceptable; however, the lack of respect that he had showed to the majestic beast was unsettling. He likely would just cook him over a spit, and not know to use the hooves, hair, or tusks, for other means. If you were going to take a life, at least make full use of it, that was Lana’s motto. As he offers an apology on behalf of his grandfather, her expression softens, and she merely nods. “Uh, yeah. It’s fine. I… I understand that he’s wary of outsiders.” There was nothing else she could say at this point, though the fact that he claims an elf maiden wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole causes her to arch a brow. Even with the freakish skin and strange colored eyes, the male was rather easy on the eyes, though she doesn’t respond to his comment. She didn’t want to express the slightest interest in him, or any male, for that matter. Getting your heart broken was the pits, and being that she was newly single, all bets were off when it came to love. Larz continues to talk about gathering supplies and he has the audacity to assume that she’s willing to offer an extra set of hands. There’s a pause, before she sighs. It wasn’t like she had much else to do. Relenting, she avoids looking at the boar, as she meets his yellow gaze. “So, what’s next on the list?” And so she finds herself walking alongside of him, as they near the entrance to Kelay.
Largakh scoffs, “oh don't give me that look. It's not even for me,” if she's nosy enough to ask who then he’d easily tell her, it's not like he's a closed book… It’s just that people don't talk to him so openly very much. He slips out the scrap of paper to hand to her and she can see the woman's handwriting in common - so it's obviously not for his grandparents this time. The list and names with races and what one could assume are ages. Was this some type of hit list? The next on the list was an array of spices, then about three dozen eggs??? Peculiar! Was he feeding an army? “I don't know little woman, you tell me. Larz no smart to read.” He glanced down at her out of the side of his eye as he grins crookedly attempting to joke about their first encounter. He doesn't offend easy or rile easily, but orc temper does show itself on rare occasion. He would follow Lanara’s lead as she was the list holder now. “So, how have you been holding up?” It's an obvious, yet simple question and he's figured he would ask in case no on else is.
Lanara rolls her eyes as he claims the ‘kill’ wasn’t for him, but for another. Right. And she wasn’t a woodland witch. As he hands her the list, she scans it quickly, noting the handwriting to be rather feminine, or someone with flowery penmanship. Eggs. Spices. Boar. Her hues narrow and she lifts her head to catch his crooked grin, to which she responds with a scowl. “Exactly what sort of half-elf are you, Lard? I can’t quite figure you out. You look after your overbearing grandparents, hidden in the rear of Sage Forest. You slaughtered the boar and slung him over your shoulder like it’s no big deal, yet the other day you showed respect for my dead cat, which you never even met. And now… You’re shopping list could feed about twenty, according to my calculations…” She pauses, her full lips pursed in thought, as they continue to walk along the path, nearing the Kelay Tavern. “Are you having a pig roast? Family reunion? Or are you just trying to bulk up for next winter?” There’s a hint of suspicion in her eyes, though the side of her mouth lifts in a half-smile. She was clearly amused by the man.
Largakh takes in a deep breath and let's it out in a drawn out sigh before his smartass rem assrk, “I would figure I'm one half orc and the other half elf? Apparently my father was an orc monk and my mother was a priestess elf.” They walk along and get the oddest looks from passersby, “trying to figure me out? Not much to figure out, really. I was raised in Sage, I'm in my nineties and I work as a city guard where I currently live, Gualon.” She's talking more and more all the while faster, which is amusing to him, “your cat was your loved pet. This boar is fat and a jerk and will feed many for at most a week,” he was grinning that way he does and looking down at her, “no, nah, nope… Though I am pretty scrawny.” He jokes, the clothes are deceiving - she knows this. The general goods store comes into view and he stepped a little closer to lean over her and scan the list, “you get the food items and spices. I'll get the sewing materials,” he set the boar down and headed inside with her. Once they check out and hit the road again, boar on shoulder he mentions, “now we have to head all the way back to Gualon. Your short little legs up for the task? Or must I carry you as well,” it was a joke and he shortly chucked at it.
Lanara can’t help but return the smirk as he claims he’s a ‘scrawny’ half-elf, when she saw his torso just the other day, after he tore his shirt. The male was slender, yes, but he also was well tone, and she was betting he didn’t need to bulk up, she was merely teasing. “That boar was not a jerk! You were the one that had to jump on his back, if I’m not mistaken. Trying to be all brave and win my favor.” Nudging him in the side to show she was jesting, she opens the door to the Inn, as he discards the boar outside the building. Lana isn’t sure just why she’s being so obedient and helpful at this time, as she wasn’t even sure if she liked this strange man, but she gives a shrug and heads to pick up the spices, and three dozen eggs. She takes a peek in each carton to make sure none of the shells are cracked, and gives a nod, before placing it into her basket. They meet up, minutes later and she meets his tuscan gaze. “Gualon? That’s quite a trek from here…” She pauses, mistrust flashing in her eyes, as she nips her lower lip. Adventures were all that kept her mind off of the current disarray in her life right now, and besides, he seemed harmless. His grandfather on the other hand, was more like to shank her, or pay her to stay away, but the grandson, so far, hadn’t tried to bring her harm. “I probably have more stamina than you, Lard. Let’s not get carried away, hm? I can walk. And I’m not –that- little!” A look of horror is on her face, as though he were considering her to be a dwarf! She stands up to her full height of five foot, four inches, and defiantly watches him, as he pays the clerk.
Largakh takes a shortcut he knows between the Sage forest and Gualon while filling their conversation with playful smartass remarks. Once they reach Gualon Lanara may notice the city folk looking up to Larz, some with a simple nod or a smile. He seems to actually be respected here and all Larz does is give a curt nod in return while they went on their way. A simple human woman glances at Larz to go back to ignoring him, but does a double take when she sees him with an elf woman and this seems to confuse her. “Where we are going, you’ll fit right in height wise,” another slight chuckle when no one else would hear him speak normally. Yes, that’s another short joke! They come to the gates of the orphanage and the receptionist trots out, “Larz… Let me help you,” she also looks surprised to see Larz walking around with a woman helping him. “It’s quite alright, Minnie, this is Lana,” he looks down at Lanara, “Llama this is Minnie.” The receptionist smiles and motions for Larz to put the boar down on the nearby tarp. When he’s crouched down a few of the orphan children of varying ages and races come out and tackle Larz to the ground. He makes it easy for them and one asks if he’s here to give another archery lesson, “we’ll see.” He said sitting up, If Lanara paid attention she would notice the kids wore an array of furs or leathers which have been repurposed from his hunts. When he starts playfully rough housing with the kids and being pulled to ‘look at this!’ or ‘watch me do this!’ the receptionist tells Lanara to follow so she can put her bags down.
The Orphanage of Gualon
The elaborate sign swinging from the doorway designates this building as the orphanage, as does the flurry of commotion that greets you when you enter. Half a dozen soot-smudged children push past you and into the sunny streets of Arena Avenue while you are greeted by a receptionist who inquires if you are dropping off or picking up. Paperwork is thrust your direction and unless you manage to get in that you are just visiting, you may find yourself the sudden and proud parent of a bright-eyed, street-wise urchin. The orphanage itself is a rather grand affair taking after the subtle decadence of the rest of the city. The first story is a veritable playground with plenty of activities and diversions for Gualon's younger population. If you manage to fight your way upstairs, past the orphans hanging around and off the wrought iron spiral staircase, you'll find yourself in an illuminated hallway with plenty of rooms to spare. There are two beds in each room, while two larger rooms at one end of the hallway house four. There is a nurse tidying up one of the rooms, arranging flowers from the exotic gardens of Gualon in an expensive vase on the nightstand. She directs your attention to the common room where giggles and peals of laughter can be heard echoing up the hall. The common room functions as both playroom and nursery, and a large skylight lets natural light in during the day and serves as a built-in nightlight during the evening hours. Back downstairs, you notice some of the urchins ducking outside a back door, but a couple of brooding teenagers spare you looks that suggest you might not want to follow. The nurse, both cautious and wary, mentions that the building has been magically warded against any sort of arcane attack. A towheaded six year old pulls at your hand and wants to know if you'll play tag along the river. You can stay and entertain the orphans or follow a group of them spilling out onto the cobblestone streets of Gualon.
Lanara matches his gait, step for step, and she clutches the bag of groceries to her chest, as several passersby watch the odd couple traverse through the lands. She didn’t comment on the double takes that some had given them, and she merely shakes her head in distaste at his crack about her being so tiny. He should meet her sister! Taly was several inches shorter than Lana! As they near the orphanage, the witch slows her pace, hesitant to go any further. Why were they here, of all places? And then it dawns on her as the children run over to greet Larz, tackling him to the ground, and wearing pelts from animals harvested all over Lithrydel. As the woman that seems to run the orphanage greets them, she responds with a small smile, which is quickly wiped from her face at the mispronunciation of her name. Those dark hues house an inner flame, as she glares at Larz, before hugging the bag to her side, as she extends a hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Minnie. Please, excuse Lard; he’s not quite used to my name, just yet. He’s still learning. I’m Lanara, Lana for short.” She winks, to show that it’s all in good fun, as she issues the correction of her name. The two women make acquaintances, and her expression softens as she watches the children fawn over the green-skinned male. He was good with the elderly and the little ones. That wasn’t something you saw every day. As she’s ushered to go and deposit the bag, she lightly taps Larz with the toe of her boot. “LLAMA?! Really?!” The hurried whisper would reach his tapered ears, though she is in fast pursuit of the receptionist, so she’d be unable to hear any sarcastic response he may have uttered.
Largakh was in the courtyard/playground area helping a few kids with some sticks or arrows and makeshift bows, instructing them how to aim, stand and shoot. The shouts and laughter drift in towards the kitchens where Lanara was getting a studying watchful eye set on her while Minnie mentioned, “Larz is such a nice fella.” She took the eggs and started to stash them away, but once all was done she called for the kids to get washed up for supper which was followed with ‘awww. Do we -have- to?’, ‘just a little longer!’ Until they heard they were having roast and they all perked up to rush and get ready. Larz meanders back in to a beaming Minnie, “Larz, how much do I owe you for this trip?” The orc scoffed and started to head out, giving Lanara a nudge toward the door too so Minnie couldn't force a repayments on him while saying, “enjoy the donations.” If Lanara didn’t get the hint he would take her by the hand -which isn’t as calloused as one might think, and gently guide her out of the orphanage with him all the while shouting over his shoulder, “see you next week, Minnie.” The receptionist looked ruffled, but pleased. “Llama, slip of the tongue. But what do you expect. Lard stoopid,” another crooked grin while letting her hand drop once they were alone again, “sorry.” He glances down the road to where his craphole studio apartment is and decides to head the other way, motioning her to follow, “let’s get the elf back into Sage.”
Lanara places the bag of groceries on the counter and makes small talk with Minnie, though she subtlety rolls her eyes as the half-orc is referred to as a ‘nice’ man. She gives the receptionist a sidelong glance, and sighs, “You should meet his grandfather…” The woman gives Lana an incredulous stare, and prepares to mouth a response, though they are saved from further faux niceties when Larz enters the room and the two discuss payment. Plucking an apple from the counter, Lana takes a loud, obnoxious, bite, and chews, her dark hues narrowing on the male. She honestly couldn’t figure out his motives. He was a whole world of confusion, in her eyes! The nudge goes unnoticed, as she’s chomping into the fruit with a vengeance, and only when he takes her free hand, is she pulled from the room. Aiming to pull her hand away, he ends up coiling his fingers around her wrist, though she’s released once they are out of the establishment. “Lard…” She swallows a wicked gleam in her eye. “Sorry. Slip of the tongue. Elf too smart for your bullsh-“Her words trail off as a little girl, presumably a human, approaches the pair, though her eyes are clearly for the beautiful elf. “Uh, what?” Lana looks into the child’s guileless eyes and despite her lack of a maternal instinct, her expression softens. The child does a twirl, and claps excitedly, as she looks the elf up and down. “You’re pretty.” She then lifts her skirt, which resembles that of a tutu, and dips into an exaggerated curtsey, which has the witch cracking a half-smile. “You’re pretty, too, little girl. Uh… “ Tossing the apple core in the direction of Larz, she stands back and does a flawless pirouette, winking as the girl giggles and jumps up and down. “Show me, show me!” Lana shakes her head and ruffles the kid’s hair, smiling. “Maybe tomorrow? I’ll be sure to dress in clothes that are made for dancing. Would you and your friends like to learn ballet?” Before they continue making plans, she looks at Larz. “Would that be aright with you? I’m a dance instructor in Schezerade, and a member of the Bard’s Guild… I could give a few free lessons. I bet the kids would love it.”
Largakh watches Lanara interact with the little girl and notices all the small things like the shift in her body language with a small grin on his face, but when she asks him if it's okay he shrugs, “if that's what you wish. I don't own this place,” the little girl was ecstatic and bursting with joy as she bounced up and down clapping her hands. “Oh, yay!” The two of them were standing close enough together that the girl wrapped her little arms around them in some type of group hug and Larz politely just placed his hand between Lanara’s shoulder blades. Once they are released Larz dropped his arm and was being tugged down to the girls level so she could whisper to him, but that cute whispering kids do when they think they are being quiet even though they aren't, “I like your pretty girlfriend Larlar, she's so nice.” Larz let out one of those slow awkward chuckles, “Selina, that's very sweet, but Lanara is just my friend who happens to be a girl.” The girl giggles and runs off to get ready for dinner, but when Larz stands back up he turns and looks down at Lanara, “that was nice. Are you going to do that for them?” The more he thinks about it, something like this might be good for her and keep her mind off of everything that was going on. He attempts to continue to lead her way from both the orphanage and his crappy studio apartment, back to Sage. “It's getting late, if your tiny legs don’t want to walk back to Sage then I can buy you a room in town.”
Lanara finds that she's smooshed between the child and Larz, and she stiffens at first, then relents, and gives them each a half hug. She didn't want to upset Selina, after all. That little girl pulled at ones heart strings! Upon hearing Larz' approval, she gives a brief nod. "Do what? Be your girlfriend? I'm sorry, Lard, you aren't my type..." A pause, as she lets her little jab sink in. "Yes, I will do this. I think it will break up their day a little bit, and my midget legs could use the exercise." This is said with a twinkle in her eye, as he continues to mock her height. After saying their goodbyes, the two continue on their way, and after enduring another quip about her height, she playfully socks Larz in the arm. "Hush, Green Giant! Or was it LarLar? I don't live in Sage. And I can make my own way... There's no need to waste coin on a room for me." They come to the outskirts of Gualon and she folds her arms over her chest, peering up at him beneath long lashes. "I thought I'd meet another charming family member today... Maybe Grandma? Hmph. I'm a little disappointed... So you live around here?"
Largakh doesn't seem affected by the jab, his grin widens before quipping back, “Yeah? Figures you'd be into someone just for their looks.” Larz has quite a high pain threshold and when she socked him he feigned a pout, “ouch.” Shaking his head with a soft chuckle, “nah, but if you want to meet them again I guess I could warn them next time.” a glance at some conspicuous looking thugs up ahead, “yeah, in those apartments back there.” If she had noticed, the apartments they avoided looked a little run down so obviously he's definitely not one splurging for luxury and not ashamed about the fact. “I think the kids would love that, you were right. Although, that means you'll bump into me more often and we know how you -love- that.” He said sarcastically. It was now that the few ruffians make themselves known, the mean to mug them while making disrespectful suggestions of what they would do to Lanara once they kill the orc off. It all happened so fast and Larz stepped ahead of Lanara and headbutts the nearest, grabbing him by the collar and tossing him into another. The third one stuck him in the side with a pocket knife and Larz elbows him across the face before removing the pocket knife and throwing it at one of them, thus pinning one to a nearby wall through his jacket. Larz’s eyes narrow down at Lanara and there's something else flickering in the yellow of those eyes like fire, but it might be the attacker’s blood decorating his dark green skin that paints his image with malice. His voice lowered into darkness, “run.” He'd hope she just does as he says, this is his town to protect and at this moment she's still within it. As soon as she starts he quickly incapacitated the three crooks and left them for someone on duty to pick them him before catching up with Lanara, “sorry about that.” His voice was still angered and he cleared his throat before continuing, “you okay?”
Lanara doesn’t run, as instructed, nor does she seem to be the least bit ruffled by the trio of ruffians that block their way. She was stubborn, and unpredictable, and she often teetered on the line between danger and safety. Trouble was her little name, much like her sibling, who was notorious for making mischief. She backs out of the way as Largakh takes a dagger to his side, her gaze flinching slightly, though he seems to rapidly recover. The first two that aimed to attack, aim to once more jump the half-orc, and it’s then that Lana pounces on the third assailant as he plucks the dagger from his chest, pushes off the wall, and aims to join in with the others in harming her green friend. “Not today!” As she launches into the air, lands atop his back, and wraps her legs around his waist for balance, she slips a stiletto dagger from her belt, and stabs him in the jugular. It was self-defense, as the trio had attacked the orc and witch, unprovoked. As blood spurts from the thugs throat, with his final breaths, he upends the woman over his head, and body slams her into the dirt. His attempts at any further attack are futile, as the severed vein has a different plan, and he falls in a heap, to the side of Lana’s form. Feeling as though her body were broken, she inhales sharply, and a hand instantly goes to rub at her lower back, making certain nothing was broke, as her hiatus from dancing had broken her heart, only six months before. Thankfully, her spine is intact, though the man had knocked the wind from her, so she lies there for a few moments, as Larz deposits the three crooks on the side of the path, all dead. When he returns, she’s already on her feet, and gives him a blank stare, as though this were an everyday occurance, and they hadn’t just taken out three bad guys. For Lana, this is somewhat true, as men often made unwanted advances to her, and suffered at her hand, should they not get the hint. “I”m fine. Are you alright? I saw that you took a dagger to your side. Um… Let’s go to your apartment. I can heal you there. Or I can get you to a healing center, at the very least.” All joking is aside, as she meets his gaze, seriously concerned.
Largakh needed her to run as they were still within Gualon borders and now this is considered murder, but the entire time he attempts to get Lanara to stop, “Lana, no!” All he aimed to do was incapacitate them, not kill them… Now he’s got a mess on his hands and this is going to be hard to cover up. He glanced around and easily hoists one of the guys over his shoulder while dragging the other two by their arms, “damn, Lana.” A scoff and a grunt as he continues towards the orc encampments, “stay close, don't talk to anyone and keep your eyes only on me.” Once he gets within, he’s recognized and other ocs come to help him, talking to him in orcish. Whatever they are saying sounds harsh and angry in their language, but they seem to be helping him by taking the bodies off their hands and once they are unburdened Larz backs up in front of Lanara like a wall, protecting her because orcs don't take too kindly to elves in their territory. Once the coast was clear he turns and grabs her gently by the arm, making sure she wasn't near his injured side. He looks angered, but only because, “we gotta hide out for a bit and my apartment is the closest.” That felt inappropriate to him, “and remember, you can't heal me because you can't touch my blood.” With a slight wince he slips off his soft leather jacket and drapes it over his arm to hide his wound on his side.While they still had a moment alone he mentioned, “Lana, that was impressive. You've obviously been through some harsh trials, but that was not supposed to lead to murder. As a city guard I need to upscont these bandits and process them into a jail cell so I was trying to…” his breathing got a little heavier and labored, “incapacitate them so another... guard could catch them...” he was not cross with her and as best he can he gives her a slight grin.
Lanara looks confused as several more orcs join the fray, and as Larz converses with them, she finds it’s in a language she can’t speak. Still, Larz looks downright angry, and slightly nervous, and she fears that she may have done something wrong. Her assailant lies dead, while the other two are merely unconscious. She doesn’t look the slightest bit guilty, nor does she feel any shame for turning the tables on the thug, though the slight scolding she gets from Larz puts things into perspective. She walks at his side, rolling her eyes as he tells her that she can’t heal him, and her cheeks flush slightly as he tells her that they have to hang out in his apartment for a while. The elf had no qualms about killing a man in his defense, nor did she mind the risk of healing his wounds, however the thought of spending time alone with a male, in an apartment, send a chill down her spine. She listens to his explanation, and mutters a soft ‘sorry’ beneath her breath, as they near the dilapitated apartment complex. Suddenly, she’s shy, and she clears her throat and glances away. This was -his- place. She meant to only heal him and hit the road, and now they’d have to wait until dark so she could get out of here, without being arrested. As he gives her his signature grin, she narrows her eyes. “No funny business, mister. I may be single. But I’m not interested. I’ve had enough with love and heartbreak.” Lana glances away, not wanting him to see the vulnerability in her eyes, and she takes this opportune moment to change the subject. “I can heal you. I’ll wear gloves. Or I’ll explain to you what to do. But we’ll get you fixed up, I promise… It’s my fault. I’m sorry you were attacked. My arse… It draws attention. I can’t help it.” There isn’t an ounce of vanity in her expression, and if Larz heard the rumors, he’d know that the elf had the shapliest of rear-ends in the realm. He’d also recall that the trio of thugs made sexual comments to her before attacking them, and she had blamed herself for the knife to his side. “Anyway, Lard. Girls think scars are sexy. So… If your gumby-like physique looks like it was mauled by a tiger, you may draw in some fine broads.”
Largakh’s breaths became short, he wasn't worried or nervous to have to chill out with a woman in his place because he knows for certain once she sees his place that she would realize it's not bachelor pad… Matter of fact, it's barely a pad. The walls need a paint job, there's a half bottle of liquor on the tiny kitchen counter next to a half smoked cigar, there's a bookshelf and a pull out sofa bed, which was only a sofa right now. The washroom was tiny as well, but at least separate from everything else and the walls were paper thin. Being able to hear mumbles and instruments being practiced didn't add anything charming to the atmosphere. Maybe he would have a better place if he didn't donate almost all of his pay to the orphanage or if he took Emilia up on her offer to use her old home. He's a simple and minimal man, this is obvious. At least it didn't stink, surprisingly clean, and as he went to hang his jacket on the coat rack he missed and it fell. He let out an amused scoff at Lanara’s concerns, “Llama… I am not like... that.” He moves passed his teeny tiny dining table which only seats two and had a deck of cards sitting on it, finally reaching his sofa he plops down and pulled his shirt up which was sticking to his bloodied skin. This only causes more to flow and he curses while standing up, taking his soaked shirt off to toss it in a hamper on his way to the bathroom so he didn't stain his only couch, trying to find his first aid kit, or hollows version of one. “Girls? Haha, any… females, would rather…. Not,” he was still trying to be a smart ass. She could probably see better, how old scars mixed with the skin condition and it seems his skin is nearly pulled too tight around the bone and muscle. How different he was from both an elf and orc, but the evidence of both races showing in his gene make up. “Your what?” In all honestly be probably hasn't even looked, because he's been conditioned that way. Not only in his upbringing, but - really, no female wants a half orc… and if they did he usually didn't allow it.
Lanara steps into his apartment, and she bites the inside of her cheek, to hide the smile that would surely appear on her full lips, should she allow it to happen. This ‘home’ of his was exactly what she expected it to look like, as he was single, and did volunteer work, yet he was too independent to sponge off of his grandparents. The hidden grin is because her assumptions were all correct. She was getting good at connecting the dots, now. As he babbles about women not finding him desirable, she rolls her eyes, and wrinkles her nose at the half-smoked cigar. The odor that emanated from them when they were lit was downright disgusting to the elf, and she gives the man a ‘look’ that shows her clear disapproval. “Lard. You can attract a mate. Trust me. You have the whole ‘being in the wrong place at the wrong time’ thing going for you. You’re protective. Generous. And I’ll admit, much to my dismay, you are capable of drawing a smirk. I don’t know why you think so little of yourself.” She follows him into the small washroom, nearly colliding with him, as it was so darn small, and she takes the small box of medical supplies from his hands. “Go. Sit down. I’ll take it from here…” She peers inside the box, and upon finding a needle, a roll of bandage, tape, and a random pair of thick socks, she arches a brow and follows Larz into the next room. As he sits upon the chair, she shrugs the backpack from her shoulders and removes a small bottle filled with a clear liquid, a small jar of a smelly paste, and a hair tie. Her long locks are pulled atop her head into a messy bun, and a few unruly strands fall free, framing her pretty face, as she gets to work. Assessing his injuries, she places a sock over each hand, silently hoping that they were clean and not recently worn. The next step is gently pressing the flesh around the wound, and she watches as the blood seeps with each press, the woman mentally counting how long the flow lasts between each gentle push inwards. “You didn’t damage any internal organs. I’ll clean the wound, stitch you up, rub on some salve, and bandage you up.” She doesn’t take no for an answer, and the glare she gives him is something fierce. “If you deny letting me heal you, you will have a matching scar on your other side. So relax. Trust me.” Nothing further is said to him, as she splashes his side with the shimmering liquid, akin to alcohol, though minus the nauseating smell. He may feel a slight burning sensation, but she doesn’t pause, as she unwinds some string from the socks, and threads it through the needle, before slipping it beneath his flesh, in a crisscross pattern. Her movements are fluid, her gaze that of a healer tending to the wounded, and her touch is surprisingly gentle. Once the stitching is complete, she carefully dabs the area with the jar of beeswax, mixed with herbs, and then tapes a bandage into place. As she completes it, she removes the socks from her hands, and deposits them on the floor, before meeting his yellow gaze. “How are you feeling?”
Largakh gave her a look like she was touched in the head when she starts complimenting him, “are you feeling okay? Maybe you should see a doctor after this.” He takes her orders begrudgingly with the sucking of air between his teeth when she poured the alcohol on his wound and she would find that his skin isn't scaley like an orcs, but it was a little thicker than elf skin, so more pressure would have to be applied when she was stitching. When she threatened him he put his hands out like he was surrendering and let her work. Upon completion and her question he answers, “I'm alright” Once she did remove those socks from her hands he grabs her wrists gently and stares at her fingertips, “okay, good. No discoloration.” He released his hold on her wrists and gave her that grin, “thank you, Lana.” Then, there was a knock on the door so he got up laboriously and eventually made his way to the door. He was looking down and not opening the door all the way when he spoke to the person who knocked, but if Lanara used that good hearing elves got she could hear it's a woman in a hushed tone, “come on, let me in already, I don't want anyone seeing me out here.” She could probably clearly see the wound, but obviously didn't care. “Ah, tonight's no good.” The woman was getting impatient, “what? Why?... Nevermind.” With that she was quickly making her way out of these nasty apartments as fast as she could while hoping no one just saw her trying to get into Larz’s place. He closes the door without care as well and plops down at the small table, “wanna play cards?” Starting to shuffle the deck and move on from whatever that was, but also make their time go by faster. Of course, if she asked he would tell her as he's not got much to hide, it's more that woman has much to hide. “Are you hungry?” There was definitely food in his cabinets and ice box, but that was more his grandparents doing, “there's still some sweetbread my pop makes in that bread box there.” He was pointing to a wooden box about the size of a microwave, “I've got milk, water, or juice in there.” He points to the larder, but not even trying to offer her alcohol because that would be a quick way to become a babysitter for the night.
Lanara steps into the wash room to clean her hands, as the idea of having someone’s sweaty gym socks on her hands downright repulsed her, and she takes a quick peek into the looking glass, to tuck any stray hairs into place, before returning to the main living area. The knock at the door causes her to arch a brow, and she wonders if it’s the city guard or another orc, ready to question them on the death of the thug. She pretends to be inspecting her fingernails as she takes a seat and crosses her legs, though her tapered ears twitch as she eavesdrops on his conversation. Was that a woman’s voice?! A knowing smirk replaces her puzzled look, though she feels somewhat out of place as he sends the woman away and asks her to play cards. Never one to beat around the bush, Lana leans forward, somewhat amused. “Was that your girlfriend, Lard? All that talk about how no woman would want you… And you just sent her away? You can call her back, and I’ll pretend not to hear or see a thing. I promise! I didn’t mean to, uh, block you from romance with your girlfriend, you know… And you don’t have to protect me. I can easily slip through the rest of the city unnoticed. I-I feel bad. You were stabbed. I killed a man under your watch. And now you aren’t getting any cuddles because you have another woman in your apartment.” That knowing grin curves down, as she pouts, only to rise to her feet, and head for the door. “I better get going. If your grandpa finds out about this… He’ll be paying me in more than coin to get me to stay away from you and your city.” The deck of cards are eyed, and she knew that she could beat the pants off the half-elf, which wouldn’t be fair either. It just wasn’t Larz’ day. The mention of sweetbread does have her hand lingering on the door knob though, as she glances in the direction he points. The hesitation weighs heavy on her, and if he were to try and convince her to stick around, now would be the time.
Largakh’s expression doesn't change as she rants on her assumptions, “you done?” He grinned again, “well. That woman only comes to me for one specific need, of which was her idea and she goes to great lengths to ignore or avoid me otherwise as it's a secret… Simply because I am an abomination and an undesirable,” his grin never faltered, he's accepted this fate and doesn't care. “I would rather hide out in my crappy apartment with you and eat some sweetbread while you whip my ass in a game of cards.” He continued to shuffle the deck, “I agreed to such an unhealthy outlet simply because at times I am selfish and think of my own needs.” He starts to deal the cards after slipping his jacket back on for modesty’s sake, “get yourself something to drink, something to eat, you earned it, and come school me in a game or two.” If she brought him some snacks as well he wouldn't be mad at it. It could be three or four more games for all he cared, sure she picked on him, but he liked her company. Her offer to help the orphans was enough to mark her as a good person in his book. If she stayed and played cards he would talk about the different kids there and how many he's seen go through there in his ninety years. He'd talk of his grandpa and how the delicious sweetbread is a secret recipe and that she's totally getting an apology when he meets her again.
Lanara feels her cheeks flush as he fills her in on his strange ‘friend with benefits’ situation with the woman that stood behind the door, and she rolls her eyes. “TMI, Lard! I get it, I get it… I’ve never engaged in a relationship like that, myself, but I know some people that do that sort of thing. Not that I want any details, mind you!” She grins, shakes her head, and wanders over to the bread box for a slice of that sweet bread that he had promised. She finds a kitchen knife, makes two slices, places them upon a napkin, and returns it to the designated card table, before she leaves, and returns a moment later with two glasses of water. “Alright. I’m so going to kick your ass. I hope you can handle the loss, Lard. Thankfully, we aren’t betting, otherwise... This apartment, the rest of that sweet bread, hell, even those gross socks I used to stitch you up… They’d all be mine.” She meets his gaze, gives him a wink, and eyes the hand that had been dealt to her, watching her cards under close scrutiny. The fact that he wanted her to stick around for hours, munching on sweets, and playing cards, had greatly risen her spirits. There was still that inkling in the back of her mind warning her to be cautious, but he seemed pretty sweet and harmless. He cared for his elders, he volunteered at an orphanage, and he had risked his life twice to make certain that harm hadn’t come to her, not to mention he had sent off his lady friend to maintain her need to be kept hidden. Though she wouldn’t admit it, she was becoming fond of the half-elf, and their friendship was unfolding beautifully. As the night neared, neighbors would hear laughter, shouts of ‘you cheated’ and ‘I won’, and constant chit-chat, through those paper thin walls. She would teach him a card trick or two, listen to his fond stories about the children at the shelter, and commit grandpa’s recipe to memory. She’d also divulge some of her mischievous escapades with Talyara growing up, and tell Larz how he reminds her of the old witch from back home, Elphaba, who also was cursed with green skin. There’d also be lots of teasing, and referring to each other as Lard and Llama.