"Amazing! I've been needing some coin, and I don't really have a lot of skills for the jobs around here. Though, I suppose I could always open up a drawing shop or something. Do people buy drawings? Where would you put one if you bought it? What do you do with it? When you go over to someone's house, do you have to compliment the drawings on their wall?" Caspian rambled, not exactly looking for an answer to her questions. It was nice to have someone to talk to after days of travel.
Mylin giggled softly at Caspian’s ramblings, then stopped herself. This was probably a temporary job, like most things in Mylin’s life, so it was better to not get attached. Still, she was intrigued by the Genasi’s sparkling eyes and attitude.
"Slow down, kid. We're headed to the back of the King, you comin'? Get everything together and then we can find a quest, hopefully." Shadul took another sip of her mead, nodding her head to an empty table in a far corner.
Nodding in affirmation, Mylin crouched down under the bar to retrieve her things. A small knapsack and a cloak she folded over her arm were all she carried as the slipped through the bar’s swinging doors and came to sit at the table, drumming her fingers on its surface nervously.
Caspian patted the many pockets of her dress, which were all filled with various objects. Each pocket was closed with a large button that was barely able to keep the contents from spilling out. "All set! This is all I really have."
"All my stuff is in my home. Are you not from here?" Shadul sat down. "So.. what kind of quests is everyone interested in?"
"I'm definitely not from here," Caspian stated, sitting down and leaning her elbows against the table. "I'm up for anything, really. You know, if you're sure we can handle it."
“Anything, ‘long as it gets us moving,” Mylin said quietly. “And as long as I get something shiny at the end of it.” Her eyes gleamed at the thought of precious metals and gems just waiting for her.
“Should we wait for a couple more folks before going up and picking a task? It wouldn’t hurt.” She set down her mug. “I don’t think we ever got your name, kid.” Shadul pointed at Caspian. “What is it?”
"Caspian. No last name." She said simply, holding out her hand for the half-orc to shake.
Shadul took it. She had a strong grip, and she certainly didn’t take any measures to hide it. “Alright. Caspian.”
Caspian pulled up her legs so she was sitting criss-cross in her seat. "And what's your name? I couldn't find a name on the flyer. You should probably re-do your advertisement. It wasn't very informative."
“What can I say? I’m no writer, and it gets the point across well enough. My name is Shadul Hagu.” She gave her a smile, although the orc tusks made it a tad bit difficult to perceive as something other than a snarl or grimace.
“Uh, and I’m Mylin,” she muttered after their host, her words rushed and shaky. Curses, she sounded nervous! “It’s nice to meet you, Caspian,” Mylin said with a shy smile.
Caspian clasped her hands together excitedly. "It's so nice to meet you both too! I'm so glad that my first job has such nice people like you two!"
She nodded. “Of course, of course. Caspian, you said you aren’t from here. Do you have a place to stay for your time here?”
"Well…I did find a nice little tree on the way here. The branches looked really comfortable…" She trailed off, placing her hands on the table. "But I think a bird already had a nest up there. I don't want to disturb it."
“Tree. Right. Affordable as the Fat King gets, it stills runs expensive on nights like these, and it’s hard to get a room. If you’re looking for a place, I have an extra bed. Well, mat, I suppose, but.. beats sleepin’ in a damn swamp tree.”
“I have an extra bed in my room here,” Mylin offered. “Employee benefits and all. But whatever you want to do is fine! I think a tree is an admirable choice.” Oh gods, she was the worst! Myrin never really had a chance to make friends, and here she was, looking incredibly weird and awkward.
"It would be nice to sleep indoors for once." Caspian muttered mostly to herself. "Sure, a bed sounds nice. But just so you know, swamp moss is very soft. It makes for a great pillow."
“I’m sure it does. The outdoors provide a lot if one pays attention,” Mylin said wistfully. “I would not be averse to bringing some moss into my room, just so you know,” she added quickly, playing with the stray hairs from her bun.
“Soft, but it stinks.” Shadul wrinkled her nose. “You have your pick, I won’t be offended at whatever you choose. Except the tree. Choose the tree, and I might be offended that you think it’s better than one of our homes.”
Caspian reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a small, fresh clump of moss she had collected on the way to the tavern. Now that Shadul had pointed it out, she was starting to notice the smell. She held the moss out to Mylin. "You can have this if you want."
Mylin smiled. “Aw, thank you! I’ve never really gotten a gift from anyone before,” she admitted. She tucked the moss inside a pocket of her knapsack, not caring about the smell. Was this what having friends felt like? Mylin shook her head. She had to be prepared to move on, so she couldn’t afford to start liking these people. She schooled her features back into neutrality.
“Never? That’s sad.” She tilted her head, curious now about Mylin’s story. “Why do you keep making your expression so.. neutral? You’re among friends now.”