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Post by Lucca on Mar 9, 2011 11:13:48 GMT -5
Graeme could see Dania's worried look, and he knew that she was a rather shy Card, at times. Despite her agreeing, he fully expected to be doing most of the talking. But that was all right, as he knew what sorts of questions to ask that would lead them on the right trail without much suspicion that they were anything other than harmlessly curious. And that, he thought, was the key. A number of Midori tended to get a bit...unreasonable when they found out you were a treasure hunter. Either that or they laughed at you. Graeme wanted to avoid either of those cases, but he had a funny feeling Dania could pull off 'innocent and curious' better than he could without even trying.
"Oh, aye, Ah'm sure there are local variations," Graeme said with a nod. "Just don't be too obvious about it, we don't want any attention of the wrong sort, even if, with a legend this old, it's unlikely." A gentle warning wouldn't go amiss. Especially since they'd be in amongst a slightly rougher crowd at the tavern Graeme had in mind. He just hoped that one captain wasn't there, as he might not take too kindly to seeing the Duck again. And Graeme couldn't entirely blame him given that he'd given the man a black eye the last time they'd met.
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Post by Harpsdesire on Mar 9, 2011 13:36:56 GMT -5
Dania nodded-- Graeme made a valid point. Letting on what they were after was just asking for someone to try and beat them to the treasure. "I will be discreet." She confirmed. "Perhaps if I ask some of the older locals, under the story that I'm collecting folklore from various regions?" The idea made her think of Rosemary, a traveling collector of tales she had met in the Capital some time previously. Unlike Rose, Dania lacked a naturally outgoing and likable nature, which was sure to complicate matters somewhat. Well, she would do what she could.
It was safe to assume that if it was evening and one was looking for local Midoris, they would be best served by heading to some sort of drinking establishment. The realm was famous for the dark rum and tropical drinks imbibed in liberal quantities by residents and tourists alike, and the prevailing belief was that there was a party to be found in The Midori Beach every night of the week.
Although she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, Dania found she was rather looking forward to experiencing what she expected to be a rather exotic and colorful scene. This was supposed to be an adventure, after all. "We should head out before it gets late and everyone's had a lot to drink."
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Post by Lucca on Mar 9, 2011 14:04:17 GMT -5
Graeme nodded, impressed. He knew Dania was the type to be swift in picking things up, even if they were things normally outside her realm of knowledge. This was yet another case in which she proved that. "Ah think that will work perfectly," he told her, knowing that she knew enough other legends from her books to be able to back up the story. He himself was going to be trying an even subtler method of information gathering, mainly just to confirm something he'd only guessed at before.
Most wouldn't know what to do with a legend that had such vague terminology, but Graeme had found his fair share of treasures that way, and he'd been to Midori enough times to have some idea of where there might still be unexplored areas that had lain untouched for years. He nodded to Dania, grabbing his hat from the bedside table and settling it on his head. "Aye, that we should. Come on, Dania! Adventure awaits!" He gave a little cackle and hopped off the bed, grabbing his cane in a smooth motion and then making his way out of the room.
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Post by Harpsdesire on Mar 14, 2011 13:05:53 GMT -5
Graeme looked pleased with what she said, and that made Dania strangely happy. "Alright, I'll go with that then." She smiled and made a mental note to grab a pad of paper and pen on the way out to take notes about anything she learned, and for an authentic touch to her story. A little tickle of nerves vied for her attention with the warmth of Graeme's approval, and she did her best to push it away. This was going to be just fine. If she was lucky, it might even be fun! As a child she had very much enjoyed pretending to be someone else, and this was a bit similar, right? Dania tried to tell herself that it was.
"To adventure!" She grinned, following Graeme out of the room. Hopefully this would be an enjoyable evening, or at least an educational one. The sheltered rat expected it to be quite different from anything she had done before.
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Post by Lucca on Mar 15, 2011 8:48:31 GMT -5
Single-minded as he could sometimes be, Graeme didn't think to try and reassure the Rat beyond what he already had. Already his mind was alight with the fire of the hunt, the pull of the journey, which could sometimes be just as exciting as actually getting the treasure. This, of course, wasn't something he even realized himself. It had to be all about the treasure, and the sadness or rage he'd get when sent on wild goose chases seemed to line up with that thought. The way he endlessly sought after legends did not, but Graeme's mind would allow for no such dichotomy.
He was humming under his breath as he led Dania a bit away from the ocean and into a small village, bustling with nightlife as sailors in various stages of drunkenness laughed and hailed each other, and less savory sorts lurked by the docks or against the sides of buildings. Graeme cut a straight line through the street towards a lighted and noisy pub, pushing the door open and holding it for Dania.
It would certainly be a scene unlike any the Rat had seen before. More sailors and a even a few pirates sat at tables, drinking, smoking, and playing cards. Barmaids in revealing outfits rushed around, platters of drinks and food held high. A few Midori and a Villa mix were playing instruments in the corner. Graeme leaned close to Dania and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, even as heads turned to look curiously in their direction.
"Don't worry, lass, Ah'll be right here."
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Post by Harpsdesire on Mar 24, 2011 14:34:33 GMT -5
Graeme's excitement was visible and infectious, and Dania walked along beside him with her head a little higher than usual, her eyes wide open and taking in all that they passed. It was nice to be on an adventure, and even more pleasant to note that this trip together meant that she and the duck were most likely actual friends. He wanted to do things with her-- she was the kind of card that someone wanted to be around!
And she was glad of his company, too. Having a Jack on her side was somewhat comforting as they strolled casually past drunks and other questionable characters. The Duck seemed so wholeheartedly unconcerned that Dania didn't find it terribly hard to stay calm until they reached their destination. Graeme was certainly brave for a businessman!
He was also a gentleman, it seemed, and she murmured her thanks as she preceded him through the door. Inside, the air was smoky and smelled of booze, Midori weed and fried foods. It wasn't exactly a pleasing smell, but it mingled with the faint salty tang of the sea in a surprisingly natural way. The assortment of patrons looked a little unsavory, too.
A few of them looked at her strangely, perhaps because she and Graeme were among the few cards from outside Midori in sight. This was clearly a locals' bar-- not the sort that served overpriced cocktails with little paper umbrellas to the realm's many tourists. The curiosity and slight distrust she saw in the sailors' faces made it clear that this was a place she didn't belong. Dania clung to her note-taking supplies and responded to the Duck's friendly reassurance with an uncertain smile.
"This is going to be very interesting." She whispered back. Well, here she was. It was a strange place to find herself, but Dania would try to make the most of it. Now, who would be a likely candidate to ask about the realm's folklore? Well, conventional wisdom said that bartenders tended to know everyone's business, so that seemed like a reasonable start. Besides, she might feel better with a drink in her paw; at least it would help her blend in.
"Should we, um, start with a drink?" She asked, glancing toward the brightly pink and green otter who was pouring rum into a small glass. He was middle aged with a dreadful comb-over mane and a bit of a belly, but he looked genial enough, rather a contrast to his customers. Dania wasn't exactly a drinker, and she suspected that Graeme would soon figure out what her intentions were if it wasn't already clear.
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Post by Lucca on Mar 28, 2011 13:03:39 GMT -5
Graeme hadn't told Dania that at some point while at this pub, he was going to split from her, to try a slightly different method of getting the men to talk to him. Of course, that would worry her too much, so he'd stay with her for right then, while she got her investigative feet under her, so to speak. The Duck returned all the looks with a raised eyebrow and just the hint of a snarl on his bill. That would at least prove to them that he wasn't intimidated, and was certainly no normal tourist to be taken advantage of.
He turned to peek at Dania, a bit surprised at her request, though not for the reasons one might think. Certainly, he didn't take her for the drinking type, but he could instantly see what her game was. And that was what surprised him. She was already thinking like an investigator. Then again, maybe she'd read a few detective novels? That would fit, and would certainly give her the basics.
"Ah, Lass," he said, loud enough for some of the other patrons to hear though not so loud as to make it seem intentional. "Let me buy ye a drink, Ah insist. It's the least Ah can do after ye've been so helpful tae meself." He hoped Dania got the idea that he was trying to give off the idea they hadn't previously known each other, and not think he had taken sudden leave of his senses. With a twirl of his cane and a gallant gesture, the Duck began to lead the way to the bar and hopped up on an empty stool, looking up at the menu and grimacing inwardly at the prices.
He wasn't a drinker either, and one of the main reasons why was the price. Alcohol got so expensive, especially the good stuff. But at least it wasn't as expensive here as it would be at a tourist trap. "What do ye recommend, lad?" he asked of the bartender. He half glanced to Dania, smiling, and silently asking what she wanted.
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Post by Harpsdesire on Jun 30, 2011 9:33:48 GMT -5
"Um, thank you." Dania said, a little unsure as she returned the Duck's smile with a wavering one of her own. So it was better if it seemed like they didn't know each other? Well, she could work with that. She followed him, having narrowly dodged the spinning cane, and managed, however awkwardly, to clamber onto a bar stool without incident.
The moment seemed as good as any, so she activated her Diamond charm before setting her front paw delicately on the bar and smiling at the bartender. "A sangria would be lovely." She told Graeme. At least it was fruity and not too strong, and in Midori even a dive would probably have a pitcher of the cooling beverage pre-made.
"What's your name?" She asked the bartender, laying on the charm as he handed her the wine-based drink in a class of questionable cleanliness. "I'm Dania." It didn't occur to her not to use her real name, but she was so utterly unknown that even when she realized the potential blunder a few seconds later, she told herself it couldn't possibly matter.
Dania sipped her drink when it was handed to her-- it was only passable-- and adjusted her notepaper in her lap. It was a nervous gesture more than anything, but the liberal application of Diamond charm made her seem coy and charming rather than blatantly anxious.
At least, that was what she hoped.
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Post by Lucca on Jul 14, 2011 8:26:52 GMT -5
Graeme found himself immensely relieved that Dania instantly picked up on his intentions. Sharp as a tack, she was! This was why she made the perfect treasure hunting companion for one such as himself. She chose something without all that much alcohol in it, a fact for which Graeme had to admire in her, and he half wished he could just order a sangria as well and be done with it. Of course, that would hardly match up to the image he was trying to promote.
The bartender looked first at Graeme and then at his companion, seeming to consider them with the interest due to outsiders here. Oh, the Midori were well used to seeing tourists...in the tourist areas of the Beach. This, however, was a bit off the beaten path for such folk usually. "I recommend the coconut rum," he said in a rather heavy Midori accent.
Rum? Of course, he'd almost forgotten where he was. "Then a glass of that for meself and a bit o'a sangria for the lass!" He clapped Dania on the shoulder, a large grin on his beak. The drinks came out quickly, and Grame took a small sip. The burn of the alcohol almost made his eyes water, but he swallowed gamely and took this small sacrifice in the name of finding that gold. He was considerably less happy about the money he had to take out of his pouch and lay on the bar, but that, too, was necessary.
The barman turned to Dania as she spoke, grinning a bit. He was no stranger to Diamond charm, working where he did. So the Dog recognized it, even as he couldn't help being intrigued. He shook his head with a slight laugh, setting the beads in his hair to knocking. "They call me Old Joe, but don't expect any free drinks off me, luv." She was a pretty one though, wasn't she?
"Oh aye, lad, can't ye tell th'lass has a bit more decorum than tha'?" Graeme interjected with a chuckle, taking another sip of the burning stuff. "Why, Ah've only know her a wee amount o'time, but she's been worth her weight in gold." He'd help her out a little, after all, but in general he was curious to see what the Rat could get out of the man.
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