{ OPEN } catchall for the month

[aceso]

WHO: Christine, Ellana, Minka, Julian + OPEN!
WHAT: A catchall for the month.
WHEN: whenever in Wintermarch
WHERE: various locations in Kirkwall

I'm putting starters in comments so I have a header for each character and get comments only sent to them instead of getting double comment notifs.

Also, if you'd like to work out a wildcard option, PM me or send a private plurk to megoom and we can play around with ideas.

Comments

II

[gatheringstorm]

While she's on her way home in the docks area, that question gives Korrin pause. She may typically be one of the tallest people around and therefore easy to when someone needs directions. Still, she raises her eyebrow in faint surprise, because she is a dreaded 'qunari'. Even when people spot her first, they tend to ask someone less intimidating.

"I have a couple, sure. Where do you need to go?"

[insatiably]

Julian smiles, pleased that he's caught her attention. While he has no idea if she's one of the Qunari or one of the not-Qunari, he figures he'll find out through conversation.

"I'm desperate to know of other taverns besides The Hanged Man. That's all anyone seems to speak of! But surely it can't be the only one in the city. If the others are that much smaller, they could do with the patronage."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin smirks and shakes her head. "You know, very few people actually ask me that question. Usually they're all about having a drink where the Champion sat, like that makes the ale taste any better. I'm a bouncer there, sometimes, but there are a couple of other places that come to mind. One is by the docks, called the Sea Dragon. It smells like Dockworker's armpits, though, so I don't know if that'd be your style."

She looks him over and yeah; Hightown, obviously. "...the Randy Dowager Tavern? I think it's not far from the Blooming Rose, if you're into that. I can't tell you what it's like, because I'm not dumb enough to walk into a high-class pub that's probably a watering hole for nobles."

[insatiably]

"Eh," he says, holding up his hand in a so-so gesture. "Not my style, but believe it or not, I am well acquainted with the smell of the unwashed in close quarters. If the drink is good, I may venture there. At least once, anyway." Always once. How can you truly live life if you don't try things at least once?

"I've heard of the Blooming Rose and also what results from being a patron of it." A brothel is all well and good, but he prefers not to be crawling with disease. Sure, most have cures, but not all of them do. "It is tempting, but I must be steadfast if I want to keep my bits from turning green and falling off. But the tavern is worth a look." She's a smart one to not go wandering into such a place. Half of the nobles would start throwing bottles and the other half would faint. Though it'd provide a good show. He'd be in the corner flicking peanuts at the unconscious ones.

[gatheringstorm]

"Just remember I gave fair warning. You dig your own grave, that's on you." Korrin's only bothered with the place once; she gets free drinks at the Hanged Man, so why bother?

"And there isn't an official watering hole at the Gallows, but dammit, there should be. I don't think all of those offices are in use. If someone turns one of them into a bar, they might be my new favorite person."

[insatiably]

"Hmm, and then you could be the bouncer there instead?" he asks with an arched brow. "If only I knew how to run such an establishment, but it's far beyond my knowledge. Though you should suggest it to someone. You never know whose interest you might pique."

[gatheringstorm]

"Pfft, no. If I'm working there, then I have to stay at the Gallows for hours at a time, and...no thanks. It's not a place I want to be tied to any more than possible." Korrin shakes her head, not offering an explanation because...well, it's the Gallows. Everyone knows its reputation.

"I'd rather have the freedom to pop in and leave whenever I want."

[insatiably]

"Ah, as you like," he says, giving a slight nod. He knows things at the Gallows were a mess, but the Inquisition has done a fine job -- in his modest opinion -- of wiping away all vestiges of that old life. Of course, being that he's not a mage, there are some things he'll never understand.

"You could still suggest it to those in charge to see if they might get someone else to run it."

[gatheringstorm]

"I just might, it's long overdue." She flashes a smile, certain many would appreciate it, herself naturally included. "Got a flashy Antivan name to go with that accent? And do you know why we're attracting your countrymen lately? I'd think they'd want to wait until winter is over before heading south."

[insatiably]

"You say flashy, I say 'dignified,'" he says, placing a hand dramatically to his chest, though the picture of refined nobility is shattered once he drops his hand and lets out a laugh.

"Julian Vincenzo Avonal De Abbrixio, since you asked for the flash, but Julian suits me well enough. Lord De Abbrixio if we're doing business, please. I have a reputation to uphold." Though he says it lightly enough, that's because he doubts she's in the leather business. His title is something he actually does use for business, because you can't be lax about these things when it's your status in the world on the line.

"I can't account for why there may be other Antivans here, but I came to secure a business deal between my house and the Inquisition, which I've achieved. Being here and seeing what you're doing, I wanted to tag along for a bit and put my sword to use."

[gatheringstorm]

"Julian's good, I'm not going to remember all that. I'm Korrin Ataash, technically still of the Valo-Kas company though I've been working with the Inquisition for a couple of years now." It's a long story, and she's not going to bore him with the details, at least not out in the cold where there's no wine.

"Putting some much-needed holes in Venatori and Red Templars is always welcome. Will I be seeing you in the Naval Presence project, or will you be putting that sword to use somewhere else?"

[insatiably]

"Then you're the sort to know about all the happening around here, I take it?" he asks, figuring it's the case. He's been here days; she's been here years.

Her question has his eyebrows furrowing in thought. "Now that's something I've not heard of before this moment. What is this Naval Presence project?" There's not exactly an Inquisition pamphlet a new recruit gets. After his business was concluded, he asked to join up so he could use his sword, and was told the Forces division was the one for him. He sadly has heard nothing of any projects.

[gatheringstorm]

"That's true! I've been around since shit blew up at the Conclave." That feels like a lifetime ago and for a moment, it shows. But, back to business. "It's what it sounds like; the Inquisition didn't just establish a base here to get away from the cold, they also came because Kirkwall's a port city. The Inquisition wants us to establish a naval presence, either by gaining allies who already have ships at their disposal, or by building a navy of its own. Then we can better supply our allies and respond to our enemies."

[insatiably]

"Mm, that makes perfect sense." Especially with the Qunari naval threat to the north, but he's not going to mention that in front of someone with horns.

"I lived aboard a vessel for a year, but sadly I am not well educated in how to actually build one; only in making repairs." Even that seems a lot for a noble, but it was how Julian wanted it. He could have been treated like royalty on the ship, but he wanted to see how the ship ran and wanted to contribute to it. "I am not sure I could be of much use. My family's ships can likely not be spared." Or business will suffer.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin shrugs, not especially put out. She barely knows him, after all. "You don't need a fleet of ships or building skills, just a pair of good hands and keen eyes. Some swimming skills wouldn't hurt, either. But if it's not your bread and butter, there are other projects. The Northern Powers one wouldn't say no to someone from Antiva, after all. None of that's even required, beyond just signing up for a division."

[insatiably]

"Ah," he says, pausing to rub at his shaved chin. Northern Powers would be in his wheelhouse, especially considering that it's the merchant princes who hold the power in Antiva, not the royal family. But does he really want to add such a responsibility to his plate when he'll already be periodically going back to Antiva to check on the business? Maybe it's best to wait and see.

"I see how it would be a good fit, but perhaps I should settle in more before I make any decisions regarding projects. However, I thank you for bringing this to my attention; I had no idea."

[gatheringstorm]

She nods, a small grin forming. "There's no rush, but it doesn't hurt to know your options, either. Good luck with whatever you decide. I should be getting home shortly, but I've time for another question or two if there's anything else on your mind."

[insatiably]

"Only one more question?" Julian sucks in a breath through his teeth as if this is the most difficult thing in the world. "No, no, I will never decide. Best to cut them off now before I delay you anymore. Thank you for your help. Perhaps I will see you about the Gallows or The Hanged Man?"

[gatheringstorm]

"The Hanged Man more than the Gallows, but if I'm there, it'll probably be at the general store. Just follow the scent of whatever Antiva dish Colin's making for the day."

[insatiably]

"That I can certainly do! Until next time." And with that, he'll collect his wine bottle and glass, ready to head back indoors. He'll have to try the tavern she suggested just once to see what kind of nobles hang out there.