Open log for Wintermarch

[unshadowing]

Well. Nevarra sucked. He's not entirely surprised with how things turned out, but it's still frustrating. At least they're back in Kirkwall now.

A. Not exactly a scholar

Oh yes, this is a rare sight. Carver Hawke, in the library. Reading. Well, attempting to anyway. The rather tall man is almost dwarfed by the stack of books around him; clearly he's been here for awhile, judging by the stacks and the empty plate next to him. His brow's creased in a perpetual frown as he pages through the book in front of him. Occasionally, he'll jot down something in a little piece of parchment next to him. But often he'll just cross it out later. Whatever he's trying to discern, it's not going well.

After awhile, he shoves the book away from him, blowing out a frustrated breath. Calloused hands run over his face, scrubbing at it. "I'm not cut out for this," he mutters.

B. Gotta keep in shape

Now this is much more his style. Despite the cold weather, Carver's still outside, practicing his sword form. He whet his blade plenty on the undead that swarmed them in the Grand Necropolis, but that doesn't mean he gets to slack off. And really, it's more something to just keep his mind occupied and feel somewhat productive. For now, he's practicing on one of the dummies set up... somewhere. Someone probably propped up a few somewhere, right? Right.

Of course, a real partner that can react and swing back would be ideal. But Carver's never been much of one to ask for a sparring partner; too used to doing it on his own and all. Still, he won't say no if someone offers. If he knows you, he'll wave in greeting. If not, he'll either likely ignore you or just nod. Or if you're REALLY lucky and he likes you, you might just get a smile.

Or just don't let him know you're there and ogle him from a distance. He's getting warm from the movements, so he's ditched the coat. Now he's just rocking a threadbare shirt and pants, so.

C. Griffons are better than people

Because fuck people, honestly. Griffons don't care about politics or image or whatever. They just want food and head scratches. And after the Grand Necropolis debacle, Carver's happy to spend time up there with the beasts, giving them bits of food and learning about them. They're used to him enough now that they're not quite as rambunctious and screechy when he comes up, though that might have more to do with the fact that he always comes with food.

Carver's also wisened up; most of the shiny things on him are hidden or just entirely absent. Still, it doesn't stop one from trying to pick at a button on his shirt. Carver gently whaps its beak. "Don't you try it. Beth will give me that look and chide me, and I can't sew for shit." A protesting squawk. "Look, I'll bring you something big and shiny to play with next time. Knowing our luck, you'd swallow this thing and choke on it."

He gets perturbed look.

"I'm right and you know it."

D. Wildcard

You know the drill

Comments

A

[altusimperius]

Benedict isn't exactly a scholar either, but he all but lives in the library anyway. He's sauntering by with his bored Templar guard watching from afar, and passes right as Carver shoves the book away.
"You're cut out for making a mess," he remarks wryly, glancing over the Warden's workspace.

[unshadowing]

Oh look, a smart ass. Just what he needs right now. "And you're cut out for sounding like a smarmy brat when you think you're being clever." Sorry dude, he's not in the mood.

[altusimperius]

"Aggressive," Bene comments with feigned offense, resting his fingertips to his heart as though wounded. "What's got your knickers in a twist, Ser Biceps?"

[unshadowing]

Why him. What did he do to deserve this.

"Research going nowhere, compounded by a stranger asking inane questions." Definitely going to be walking out of this with a headache and a foul mood.

[altusimperius]

"On the contrary," Bene says with a smirk, gesturing to the table, "your research is going everywhere." He thinks he's funny.

[unshadowing]

Too bad Carver doesn't feel the same. He's really about to throw a book at his head. "Do you have a purpose to this, or do you just enjoy being a shit? Get lost. I doubt your little guard dog over there would appreciate it if you were sent out a window." He snorts. "Then again, with your mouth, maybe he'd thank me."

[altusimperius]

Rather than dignify Carver with a response, Bene just smiles again, infusing it with a sweetness that he certainly doesn't feel as he wiggles his fingers in a farewell wave. He's just a cat walking on a fence above the chained-up dog, even if he's the one under tighter lockdown.
No need to have to remember that every second of every day.