And in the sea that's painted black | OTA

[novokribirsk]

WHO: Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, and yOU
WHAT: Two new rifters arrive, shenanigans ensue.
WHEN: Nowish
WHERE: Gallows, Kirkwall
NOTES: N/A

Comments

[rezni]

I like cheats.

[ To a point. ]

Do you know from experience, or from association?

[bouchonne]

[ That makes Byerly laugh, and turn a little more fully towards the tall fellow. Before, By had just been doing a stranger a good turn; now, he's actually rather interested in the stranger himself. ]

I keep my ears open to rumors. Purely because I adore idle and catty gossip, mind, but every once in a while a fellow can profit by his hobbies.

[rezni]

And aren't we all in dire need of profit?

[ Maybe not dire. Maybe some part of that is habit, the lingering weight of Ravka's finances bearing down on him a universe away. ]

Considering your attention to rumors and gossip, do you know of a tailor capable of producing an order without stabbing me overmuch with needles or making a mess of the final product?

[bouchonne]

[ By takes a step back in mock-offense. ]

Ser! How dare you ask me that based on my love of gossip, rather than asking me that on the basis of my sartorial splendor! [ Then, not dropping the act so much as letting it sag a bit: ] I certainly do. How do your tastes run? Modest or attention-grabbing?

[rezni]

Please, take no offense. It's only a matter of presuming you'd prefer to keep your own stylings unique among society.

[ But to the question— ]

Though I promise I don't intend to outshine you. My tastes tend towards modest, military even. Do you know someone capable of it?

[bouchonne]

But of course.

[ He sets down the thing he was faintly considering buying, and tucks his hands into his pockets, and says - ]

What is it you do for a living, then? A soldier, mayhaps?

[rezni]

Not presently. I have, in fact, found myself more or less at loose ends.

[ Disorienting, to go from ruling a war ravaged nation to footling around places named The Gallows and Kirkwall. ]

But as a guest of Riftwatch, I intend to start making myself useful sooner rather than later. Once I'm adequately outfitted, of course.

[bouchonne]

A guest of Riftwatch.

[ That sparks renewed interest. ]

Are you a Rifter, then?

[rezni]

[ One hand flexes at his side. Compared to all the scarring and other unwelcome additions he's acquired, the shard feels almost—

Not benign. But easily dealt with. Even if it comes with this moniker and near-exile from his home. ]

Yes, I am. Do you ask out of curiosity, or because you're a part of the organization as well?

[bouchonne]

The two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

[ His manner is slightly teasing. Good-humored. ]

But yes, I'm one of those poor unfortunates who's hitched myself to that unruly machine. Byerly Rutyer.