So a man walks into a bar......

[Guest]

The night was still young in the dank and somber streets of London's downtown, and the late night crowd of drunks, bar hoppers, wild youth, prostitutes, and petty criminals were out on the prowl. Such a cloudy night it was, the waning moon only flitted into existence for short moments, before vanishing again behind its dark veil in the sky. The air was cool, calming even, a pleasing contrast to the stifling warmth and humidity of past nights of the summer. Amid the scores of pubs, restaurants, and convenience stores open at this hour, on this particular street, there was a particularly snug looking bar that caught the attention of a particular foreigner that night. Clad in casual garb, sandals, shorts, a white dress shirt, a black jacket, and and a peculiar straw hat, the red brown haired man pulled the door open and stepped inside.

It wasn't all too busy, it was noticeably clean and comfortable looking, the sort of place the enveloped you in a sense of warmth and made you at home. This was just the kind of place Miguel was hoping to find, his trip to Creta. So far it had been all business on Vasco's behalf, a lot discussion with arms companies, a bit of inquiry here and there, no breaks, such a bother. But it was necessary, these sort of things were what Esparia needed to stay afloat, to keep its military and economy healthy....or at least, prevent them from growing any weaker. And he was the best man for the job, having a lot of prior experience in Creta, a hotspot destination of his in his days as an adventurer, privateer, mercenary, you name it. But now, finally, he had a break from all the work and stress and could just go drown himself in a nice glass of Cretan Ale.

Hoisting himself up onto a bar stool, Miguel made himself comfortable, leaning lazily on the counter, propping his head up with a hand. He looked around......no bar keep in sight. He must have been busy in the back with something. Oh well, not too much point in calling her, Miguel may have been a drunk, but he preferred to be a respectful one, nobody likes a loud drunk. Besides, the night was young, and once he got enough Ale in his system, nothing would matter much more anyway....

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Whenever a big move, or shift, happens in ones lifetime, there is always that awkward period of adjustment. Whether its college, moving, starting a new job, or getting a bar of your own in a different country so you can keep an eye and ear on them lest your own country is in potential danger. Ok, so the last one is less common, but it was exactly what Rosaleen was dealing with. Although everything was moved in, she still wasn't used to the space or where everything was. Of course she could do her job at least, but it was just.....awkward. At the very least, she functioned fine which was important. It'd be a bit of a problem if she couldn't!!

There was soft music playing in the background of the slight chatter in Kildaire, the tall, red haired woman grabbing a couple of things from the backroom while there was a lull in customers. She was wearing a forest green button up shirt with a V-neck, the sleeves rather poofy like a shirt you might find at a Renaissance Faire, a brown tight fitted vest coming over top of it. Her pants were a doe-skin brown with a simple belt ensuring it stayed up over the curve of her hips. Tonight she was wearing her usual brown boots, the pentagrams hidden upon the bottom of them. Glancing about, she picked up two bottles of wine, wondering how her father was doing alone back home. Was he alright? He was beginning to get on in years. No, she shouldn't worry. He probably had help, and after all, he had done fine on his own before she came home.

Sighing lightly, she turned and headed back into her bar, green eyes looking up as she realized there was a new person at the bar. A man.... with an interesting sense of style. At least with hats. A warm smile spread across her lips as the heels of her boots thudded softly against the floor, each step sending out another "ping" to the Dragon's Pulse. "Evening sir, and welcome. What can I get for you?" She asked as she had moved to the far side of the bar to place down the bottles she was carrying. Now that her task was done, she walked up and stood before this newcomer, her hands resting upon the bar counter in front of her. As she looked at him, her gaze did indeed rest upon him but it was as if her eyes didn't quite focus on him at all. But she could see him still, though per usual, fine details were lost. He seemed to be a handsome man at least, perhaps older. Interesting.

[Guest]

Miguel found himself humming along to the melodious song that played in the empty bar as he waited for someone to come along. He closed his eyes and let his mind wonder about. So inattentive was he, that he had not noticed the fair woman whom had walked in from the back until she spoke to him.

"Evening sir, and welcome. What can I get for you?" said a fair and sweet voice, a beautiful voice that surely must have belonged to a beautiful woman. Miguel perked up with intrigue, his golden eyes opening to take in the sight of a fair and resplendent beauty with fiery red hair and splendid emerald eyes. A friendly smile revealed itself unto his otherwise weary face. A peaceful setting for a drink and a lovely beauty to serve him for the night? Ah, such was life, for all the troubles he seemed to lose himself to, there were always small diamonds in the rough to appreciate here and there. "Ay, señorita, I'd like a....." he paused for a moment, his amber gaze focusing on her soft green eyes. He had noticed it immediately before, but had dispelled it as a simple bout of exhaustion, but the longer he looked at her, the more he realized that there was something off about her glazed, unfocused stare. She was....was she blind? He refrained from waving his hand in front of her face or anything of that nature, such untactful actions would probably only offend her, he just wanted to enjoy a drink and maybe a pleasant conversation with a nice young woman, what did it matter if she was blind anyway?

Putting the thought aside, he continued from his short pause. "Actually, I don't have anything particular in mind, please, surprise me." His words were soft, a sleepy and subdued variation of the melodious tone inherent to most charming and charismatic Esparian men, a reflection upon his age and outlook on life general. "So.....so slow today, is it always this way? I figured that a woman as lovely as yourself would have quite a few customers, men taken with you, infatuated, yes?". Such words and compliments may have seem quite forward in Cretan language and culture, but for an Esparian, it was simply the epitome of charming and gentlemanly conduct.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Ah... he had been humming. Nice voice on that one she thought. Rosaleen noticed his attention was held, her smile gaining a slightly amused tinge to it. Another ping, another image. Ahh.... so he was smiling, excellent. That usually was a good sign. It lit up his features rather charmingly from what she could distinguish. If only she could feel... No, now that would just be rude. Perking up as he spoke Esparian, an eyebrow raised despite herself, deciding she should explore this option since it wasn't like one had an opportunity to meet many Esparians. Especially not here on the mainland. Back on Carraig it was at least a maybe. Here, hardly ever. As he drifted off, she merely tilted her head and patiently waited for him as she could only imagine what had given him pause. Had he noticed? It took many a moment or two to notice, if they even noticed at all.

No matter, he soon continued. Laughing lightly, her hands slid to her hips as she pondered what to make this Esparian gentleman, biting her lower lip in thought. Turning, she picked up a bottle of white rum, vodka, and a couple of other things, getting quite the distinctive feel from this man. Sweet and sour, orange juice, and some cranberry juice.... She pulled out a tall glass and placed some ice inside, her hands immediately going to work as she listened to him speak. Ah Esparians... They did have such lovely accents. It was like you could feel the earth slide through you to mix with thoughts of fun times. Or at least that was the sense that she got.

"So.....so slow today, is it always this way? I figured that a woman as lovely as yourself would have quite a few customers, men taken with you, infatuated, yes?" Chuckling, she carefully poured out what she knew was the correct amounts for each part of this drink, glancing towards him as she added poured in the orange juice. "Well señior," She began, turning her gaze back towards the drink as she pinged the dragon's pulse once more. "I'm flattered that you believe so, but I think few would want an old bird like me." She chuckled, adding a slice of an orange as a finishing touch. Carefully placing the tall glass in front of him, her green eyes sparkled as they rested upon him, laughter twinkling in their depths. "Nay, in all truth, it doesn't get very busy here. Except on Sundays when we have live music. Then there's quite the show." A faint smile rose to her lips, wondering if any regulars to this place would ask for a show from her. Ah... probably not. This place wasn't like home after all. "See how that suits your fancy." Rosaleen let her hands slide away from the bar counter, wiping themselves upon the apron around her waist. A fire island sunrise. Been a while since she's made one of those. She hoped he did enjoy it otherwise she'd fear she was losing her touch. "So what brings you here señior?"

[Guest]

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[Guest]

Miguel drummed his fingers along to the faint music playing in the bar while he watched the bartender pour his drink. He caught a glimpse of what appeared to be orange juice. Interesting. It wasn't often that he had mixed drinks, usually he drank straighter liquour, things such as gin, beer, and tequila, anything he could pick up cheaply from the store in a bottle. She glanced at him and he stared deeply into her emerald gaze. At this point he was careful to note two things in particular. One, that in his observation, she may have indeed had poor eyesight. The unfocused appearance of her gaze would suggest blindness, but from the way she looked in his direction and the direction of the drink she was making, she had either become very good at looking at what she was doing or whom she was talking to, for the sake of fitting in with those who could see, or her eyesight was simply poor, but sufficed enough to at least tell where things were. Though, if that was the case, would she not wear glasses? Indeed, it was a myserty to the Esparian patron.

The second thing that Miguel realized about this woman's eyes is that they were absolutely captivating. Esparians, or at least Malos, though many assumed all Esparians were Malos, were known for having yellow and golden eyes, much like Miguel's, and were thought to have some of the most beautiful eyes in the world. But in all of Miguel's life, he had never met a woman, Esparian or otherwise, who had eyes as beautiful as this woman's. As beautiful as emerald gems, they were. The sort of treasure many men would hunt for tirelessly. That sort of lust for thinks that glittered and ensnared one's passion and their heart. These feelings, they reminded him of his reckless youth, back when things were simple, and dreams seemed real.

"Well señior, I'm flattered that you believe so, but I think few would want an old bird like me." Ah, such modesty, it was admirable. If anyone was the old washed up has-been here, it was Miguel. He chuckled lightly at the thought of this. Ah, thought Miguel, after glancing at her face once again, she had a scar across her cheek. Where did she receive something like that? Ah, no matter, best not to ask of such things outright. And it hardly was a scar in the definition of the word, as it didn't really seem to mar her appearance so.

Miguel perked up when the filled glass was set upon the counter in front of him with a soft clank. "Nay, in all truth, it doesn't get very busy here. Except on Sundays when we have live music. Then there's quite the show."

"Heh, live music, eh? Sounds like a good time. Live music is always the best in a bar or a local setting, I think. Its common for tons of small time bands to play, well, almost anywhere in Esparia, but especially bars."

"See how that suits your fancy." said she, moving away from the counter. Miguel smiled and turned his attention back to the drink in front of him. He took the tall, cold glass in his hands and studied its contents, which were opaque and warmly coloured, a tropical drink if there ever was one. Satisfied with the way it looked, he took a sip, taking his time to enjoy the the taste. It was quite delicious actually, the taste of alcohol was softened by the juices, but it was ultimately complimented by the mix, rather than just masked, it made it very sweet. Prompted by the fine taste of the drink, Miguel went from a sip to a gulp, draining the glass to nearly a half of its original content, and then set the drink down on the bar with a exhalation of satisfaction.

"Excelente"

"So what brings you here señior?" asked the bartender. She had a lovely voice, both in Esparian and Cretan. It seemed faintly melodious in essence. Perhaps she sang? Ah, that would be fitting, thought Miguel, for a beautiful maiden to the looks, charms, and voice to ensnare one's heart. It was a wonder she was not already wooed. If the night kept up, he might just have to court her. Haha, wouldn't that be something?

"Well" Miguel began, after sipping his drink once more and wiping his mouth with his sleeve, "I'm just here on some business matters for Esparia. I guess I'm sort of an unofficial ambassador. Nothing really exciting though, I just talk to companies and businesses, not the king or anything." He paused for a moment, lost staring at her features once again. She certainly was beautiful, in ways that seemed to move beyond the physical sense of the definition. He laughed softly to himself. Either the alcohol was getting to him already, or he was really being captivated by this fiery haired woman. Gorgeous, radiant, red hair and bewitching green hair, she certainly was something. There was more to her than that, if he just dug a bit deeper, he was certain. "Señorita, do you sing, or play music, perhaps?"

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Now normally when Rosaleen made drinks, that was what she purely focused upon for she had to. Thank god her muscle memory was so strong otherwise she'd totally filch a drink and she'd have many unhappy customers! She couldn't have that now, could she? But she couldn't help but feel his eyes staring at her as she worked her magic, wondering what it was that had him so thoughtful. He had stared at her when she glanced up to him, that much she could tell for sure. Or at least... it seemed like he was looking in her direction. She couldn't tell where his eyes had been looking exactly since it wasn't like her pings could get full details such as where his pupils were aimed. That would be quite amazing if she could.... Oh well, maybe when she had more free time she'd go looking for some books on alkahestry and work on her skills. After all, once she was done with this assignment, what would she find herself doing? Would she get to return to field duty or no? Would she remain an informant forever? Ah... probably best not to dwell upon such things. Especially not with such a handsome man keeping her company with his delicious accent.

"Heh, live music, eh? Sounds like a good time. Live music is always the best in a bar or a local setting, I think. Its common for tons of small time bands to play, well, almost anywhere in Esparia, but especially bars." She couldn't help but smirk and nod at his observation, glancing towards the stage area as she perked her ears up to the background noises. Still idle chatter it would seem. Good. She didn't really want to have to break up any fights or anything right now. Not that that really seemed to be as big a problem in Creta as it could be in Carraig. Ah, some of the spices of home! Hehe... She did admit that she sometimes missed that fire that her people had within them, as tedious as it could be to deal with. Especially when she could get just as hot headed if pushed enough. Though... thankfully nobody had to see that fury in a very long time.

Pinging the Dragon's Pulse once more, she mentally set herself to ping about every few seconds, observing him as he received his drink. She had to know what she thought of it after all! She wasn't honestly quite sure what Esparian's normally drank, though she had heard that Tequila or Rum were favorites. It was never the best thing to listen to rumors however, so she always took it with a grain of salt. He took his sip, and.... proceeded to down much more. A smile alighted her features in relief, pride swelling in her chest at the obvious enjoyment of her work. It was the little things in life, you know? "Excelente." The Esparian's really did have a lovely language, it flowed so easily off the tongue unlike Creig which could be a bit... tricky. It could be as tricky as its people, not that that was really surprising in any way, shape, or form. Her curiosity was still getting the best of her though, awaiting his response patiently as she moved over to take some money from one of her customers that had walked up to the bar. "Thank you sir." Sliding the payment into her cash register, she stepped back over to Miguel just as he began to answer, her head tilting a little which caused her firey hair to fall slightly in front of one of her eyes.

"Well" He seemed to gather his thoughts with another sip of his drink, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. It really was common for people to do that, wasn't it? Ah well. "I'm just here on some business matters for Esparia. I guess I'm sort of an unofficial ambassador. Nothing really exciting though, I just talk to companies and businesses, not the king or anything." She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she seemed to stare at him, her hands coming to rest on her hips as all her weight shifted to one leg. Unofficial ambassador eh? "Thats quite the position sir. Never underestimate such discussions, you'd be surprised how important such simple transactions can be." She spoke softly with a chuckle, her smile twisting a little into a smirk. Such as her own. It was probably best not to mention what her real business in Creta was. That would be.... distasteful. As she sent out another ping, she noticed he was staring at her again, this time getting more of a confirmed sense that he was.

Rosaleen's expression softened as she brushed the hair from her face, wondering just what he looked like in color. After all, the Dragon's Pulse could only show her so much. It wasn't like sonar images came back in color! That would require the cones and rods of her eyes to be functioning.... She definitely had to investigate further into her alkahestry. She did sometimes long to see the vivid colors of a sunset or even the green of the hills back home again... "Señorita, do you sing, or play music, perhaps?" Blinking, she was snapped out of her thoughts as her green eyes stared distantly in his direction. What a sudden question to ask of her. But it made her chuckle once more, her features softening with a single nod as she licked her lips before answering him. "I do indeed. I'm a singer like my mother used to be. Heh, sometimes perform here if pressed enough." Making herself a quick glass of water, she sipped at it before continuing, "What of yourself? Do you also perform?"

There was certainly something captivating about him, besides the pretty face and accent. There was a.... oh what would be a good word... Ah yes, a worldly sense about him. That was the perfect description. He sounded like his life had been quite exciting, for better or for ill. And yet he remained seemingly of a cheerful disposition which was always welcome. No sense moping about. So just what was his story... Considering how he must have been staring, perhaps he was curious as well? Or maybe he was noticing her.. disability as it were. Or had he? In the end it didn't really matter, she was enjoying the company and that was what counted.

[Guest]

"Thats quite the position sir. Never underestimate such discussions, you'd be surprised how important such simple transactions can be."

Miguel chuckled lightly to himself. Ah, such a thoughtful woman. It was refreshing to speak with someone who could take interest in things he had begun to think of as trivial. Sure, in his younger days he always relished the chance to leave Esparia, not matter the reason. But in these recent years, it had always felt as if it were lacking. Either there was nothing adventurous left in his travels, or there was nothing adventurous left in him. Probably both.

Still, there were quirks. He still got to meet people, and by chance, this time it happened to be a very charming and lovely woman. Her mirthful smile, her silvery voice, her alluring mannerisms. She had all the attractive qualities of a woman who knew how to flirt well with none of the effort. Back in his younger days, he would have already been planning how to get in her bed. Ah, he had been such a deviant then, chasing women lustfully, never giving a thought to actually sharing his life with them in any form other than a few exaggerated stories to charm them into submission. Hell, fifteen years ago he might have even tried taking advantage of her blindness, assuming she was actually blind (as it was quite difficult to discern still), and taking a good look at her breasts. Such a bastard he was, but never in his youth had he ever imagined he be satisfied simply just talking with someone. She was quite beautiful still, it wouldn't be so bad if they could have had a romantic night. Ah, but that was thinking too far ahead.

"I do indeed. I'm a singer like my mother used to be. Heh, sometimes perform here if pressed enough." replied the fiery haired woman as she sipped at a glass of water. So, she did sing? So, he had guessed correctly. There was no way someone with a melodic voice could not have a passion for music and song. Miguel smiled to himself and took another sip of his drink, savoring and enjoying the pleasant flavour.

"What of yourself? Do you also perform?"

"Well," replied Miguel laxly, sitting his glass down on the bar's surface with a soft clank. "When I was younger, I used to play the guitar and sing at village festivals or down at the town square. Then I'd dance with all the girls and drink the evening away. Honestly, I had only learned to be a performer because I thought it would make me charming and popular with women." He chuckled softly. "We get some laughable ideas in our heads when we're young"

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Again with his little chuckle. It truly was a lovely sound she had to admit. Perhaps it was an Esparian thing hm? They always oozed music, spices, and... hehe, sexiness perhaps. Or maybe a lust for that thereof, she was no expert! She had only been to the country a couple of times before, and even then that had been under much different circumstances than she currently found herself. Yes, more loud noises and bullets and less... pleasantries. Ah well, the past was the past now. And she was enjoying herself much more in this situation even though she lacked certain senses now. The question was, had he figured that out yet or not? Honestly she couldn't tell. If he had, it certainly didn't seem to bother him at all.

So that led her to wonder, just what had this charming man been through? There were tales in his voice. Oh so many tales... She could only ponder where they must lead. Then again, everyone had their tales hm? She had to smirk a little at some of the memories that rose to the forefront of her mind, inwardly shaking her head as she pulled out a rag to wipe down the bar as she walked to the far end of it. She seemed to stare at her work, but she did glance in his directions with a couple of quicker pings to the Dragon's Pulse after the normal steady beat she kept. He seemed to be observing her but sadly, whatever expression was reflected in his eyes was lost to her as she came back up towards him. She'd properly clean the place later. There was a smile upon his lips though, that she could see. Ah Esparian men.... truly, they hogged all the pretty men on their islands. Was he as tan as others like those she had seen before though? Now THAT would be a strange question to ask eh?

But back to the one she had asked him. "Well," A vibration and clink. He had placed his glass down. It was certainly lighter than before which made her smirk grow. Good. It meant he truly did enjoy it as much as he had said. "When I was younger, I used to play the guitar and sing at village festivals or down at the town square. Then I'd dance with all the girls and drink the evening away. Honestly, I had only learned to be a performer because I thought it would make me charming and popular with women." Laughter spilled forth from her as she shook her head, the rag vanishing beneath the counter as she placed her hands on her hips. "We get some laughable ideas in our heads when we're young." "Oh aye indeed. I couldn't tell ye half the notions I had running through me head as a lass." Or while she had been in the army... Her features softened as she stared distantly (moreso than normal) just past him, the smirk growing into a small smile. Yet there was just the smallest hint of sadness to that smile as her green eyes gazed yonder.

"Ah but then we get old and know better. Maybe. Some things it just doesn't matter how old ye get." Grinning, she returned her gaze to Miguel, any trace of that momentary sadness gone. She was continuing onward, and she would still! Push forth! "Music itself doesn't really care what reasons you learn it for, it just seeks to please and entertain. Maybe even heal. So there's certainly nothing wrong with learning such a trade to "charm" the ladies with hm?" It certainly wasn't like she would mind. She always enjoyed hearing others play.

[Shula Brighton]

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