[5:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy wandered around the docks a bit, trying to avoid everyone, but mostly Peregrine. In his quest to avoid people, though, he ended up right next to the person who, perhaps, wanted to be ignored the most.
"Oh, uh, I'm sorry," Darcy backed away from Ekmeros. "It's already so crowded..." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[5:50 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros had stayed firmly sat on the bench, finding anything to do other than interact. Checked his viol for markings (thrice, even though there were never any), very quietly played the strings to check they weren't wearing down, moved his legs into new comfortable positions. Alas, it seemed their current position of right over left had doomed him to that interaction as his knee poked into a complete stranger.
He slowly tilted his head toward Darcy, shifting away slightly to make sure that neither of his horns - long and almost entirely straight, no coiling to hide their length - dug into him. "It's fine," he practically breathed his words out. It was not fine. He checked his viol for markings for a fourth time.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[5:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy straightened his overcoat. This person, at least, seemed less keen on degrading him than Peregrine had. "Alright." He paused for a bit, looking out onto the water. "It really is dark out there..." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[5:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
He was still here? Ekmeros thought, glancing up quickly. "Yes. It is dark." Even as he spoke, with every short, puncturing sentences, he was considering his stance on avoiding social situations - not because Darcy was particularly interesting but because he was going to be around the same people for a little while. It would be easier to get introductions over with now rather than later, when alliances had been forged and connections built. Not that Ekmeros wanted in on either but still... He still didn't say anything more.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[5:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"The letter said to pack for colder weather... but it's pretty temparate here. Do you think they could be taking us north?" Darcy asked, idly. He still kept his gaze on the pitch-black distance. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:00 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"They could be taking us anywhere," Ekmeros said out of habit. Then he glanced at his other side and actually answered Darcy's question. "...though north does seem rather likely."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"True..." Darcy hummed in thought. "Have you been far north before?" He asked. Ekmeros looked like a well-traveled man, or at least, well traveled in comparison to Darcy himself. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:04 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes." Great response. He stood from the bench to his full height and securely put his viol away. If Ekmeros was to Actually Interact With Somebody, he needed no distract. He latched the case to so that the instrument within was even-more-securely on his back, where it pressed tight against him so that if any weight shifted, he'd know.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"I haven't. Though, I haven't ever traveled outside of my home country before now, anyways." Darcy rambled a bit. "I suppose Verend is a bit further north than here." When he noticed Ekmeros rising to his full height of much-taller-than-him, Darcy stepped back, a bit intimidated. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:11 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros finally looked at Darcy for longer than a second, yellow eyes piercing down to him. "Hello," he said. While a late greeting, it was a greeting nonetheless. He glanced away - breaking the count of seconds he'd kept his gaze there - and then held out his hand to shake. "My name is Ekmeros."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy's eyes lit up in understanding, and he broke into a polite smile. He gave Ekmeros's hand a firm shake- notably, his own hand was covered by a black leather glove. "Darcy Sterling. It's a pleasure to meet you." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:14 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros' handshake was gentle but not weak. "Hello, Darcy," he repeated himself with the name he was given. "...what brought you here?"
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Well, curiosity, mostly..." Darcy confessed, laughing a bit as he did. "It intrigues me, this talk of tournaments and churches and whatnot." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:20 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros paused, retracting his hand. His eyes flitted away again as he coughed, an 'ahem' noise. "I meant to this bench. To me."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:22 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Oh-" Darcy cleared his throat awkardly. "I had a bit of, eh, well an unsavory encounter with someone else here, and I wanted to avoid him. If you'd like to be left alone, I can find somewhere else, I'm sure-" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:25 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Already?" Ekmeros couldn't help the surprise slipping out of his mouth. Now he had to decide if Darcy was telling the truth or not - he seemed nice enough... though Ekmeros couldn't rule out that he'd play nice and then try to lie about someone else to the person who had been avoiding talking to everyone. For some reason. Him telling the truth seemed more likely. "No, you're fine. I should talk to people. Best get it over with."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Yes... do you think it's unfortunate that the first person I met here was so... unfriendly?" Darcy asked, his voice a bit strained. He sighed. "... Alright. I think the person I was talking to is bothering someone else now, anyways... but I'd like to stay over here, the views are better." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:30 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Unlucky. There are plenty of people around, I suppose some of them have to be... less than kind." Ekmeros turned slightly so he could gaze over the crowd. A good number of them were shorter than him but he didn't pick out anyone interesting. He'd meant plenty of 'interesting' figures on his journey, it felt like nothing could quite faze him now. "The views are nice everywhere."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"I suppose so... I guess I had better expectations for the other contestants..." Darcy frowned. "I do like these views better... the views of the city, I'm not too fond of, they're so bright.... but I think there's something more comforting about looking out into the night." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:38 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros hummed. Darcy was the first person to talk to him and so he'd not had the misfortune of speaking to an outwardly unsavoury person. "I did mean on this dock... but yes, other views simply don't compare to the night sky." He tilted his head up toward the stars. "So little changes about them."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Yes... if I'm to be poetic, it's as if you could be anywhere, when looking at the night sky." Darcy hummed. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:47 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Many people are poetic when it comes to the night sky," was Ekmeros' response.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"That's true." Darcy nodded, not having much else to say. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:51 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros didn't have much to say either, staring at the sky for a little longer before slowly sitting back down. It felt too awkward to have such height over Darcy in their first conversation.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy remained standing- having never sat down in the first place. "I noticed that you were one of the first people who showed up," He commented idly. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I prefer to be early. Then I get to choose where to sit." Most places he didn't have the luxury to be 'early', because people came and went and there was always someone in his preferred seat. It didn't matter. He tended to take stage and perform his music for a room and tips, and that didn't require being early.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"That makes sense." Darcy nodded. "I got here early, but not on purpose. I had to take a ferry to get here, and the only one that would take me here on time got me here a bit early." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:00 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros hummed. "I didn't get a ferry." However, he didn't elaborate on what exactly he did get. It was no massive important secret but he still didn't feel like offering up that information, not without prompting.
[7:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Are you from Ninjago, then?" Darcy asked. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:02 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"No." Simple answer. "I assume it doesn't take a ferry to get from Ninjago to... a different part of Ninjago." Thank any deity that Darcy had said the city name first.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Well, if you traveled along the coast, it might." Darcy thought out loud. "Though, in most cases, it would probably be quicker to travel by land." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:05 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros nodded to Darcy's thoughts but had no response. He wasn't familiar with the city, or even the next city across from that. It'd taken a good rush to get here on time - which meant to get here early.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Anyhow, I'm not from Ninjago, hence why I had to take the ferry." Darcy said, and left that at that. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:09 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I'm not either," Ekmeros firmly answered, content to leave that there as well.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy wanted to ask more, but decided not to, and continued to look out at the sea. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:11 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
...yeah, Ekmeros was content to still look up at the stars.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
After a while, Darcy spoke again. "Forgive me if I'm prying, but I assume you, also, have some sort of powers? My letter, at least, mentioned mine." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:40 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I do." ...yeah, that was an answer. Even Ekmeros seemed to notice it was a rather pitiful one, because he continued slightly, "I assume everyone here has powers, since this 'Church' called for it."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Yes..." Darcy nodded. "I've never heard of this church before, which is a bit concerning, but I haven't heard of many churches, honestly." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:42 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"It's not one I know of. I've visited a few and none have brought me here to access them."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Mhm..." Darcy hummed in thought. Rather optimistically, he suggested, "Perhaps its in the nature of security? They probably don't want just anyone coming to these sorts of events..." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:45 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I suppose, though it makes... joining their religion difficult." He didn't comment on the nature of leaving. "But if they host tournaments often, that makes sense."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"True... maybe their goal isn't to convert? Some religions are like that." Darcy thought. "This seems like an odd group of people to round up, though, if converting us through the tournament is their goal." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:57 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"We don't know what kind of religion this is. But I meant generally speaking, it'd be difficult to convert anybody else, not just us. I suppose if they had... travellers." Ekmeros debated in his mind whether to continue the thought or not.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Travellers?" Darcy repeated, clearly intrigued in this idea. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:00 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Travellers. People who left to convert others and bring them back," Ekmeros explained. "Perhaps that's their means. I may be wrong. It's not likely to be cheap to travel."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"I believe the term 'missionary' applies to that concept." Darcy said, extremely quickly. Walking dictionary, this kid is. "Though, you'd think if they sent out recruiters more often, more people would've heard of them." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Missionary," Ekmeros repeated, nodding once to himself. "True. Perhaps they're very successful in converting people and bring everyone they speak to with them."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Hm..." Darcy considered this, "Then, they must have a very effective conversion strategy." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:09 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes." Ekmeros was so good at conversation and continuing it.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy didn't have anything else to say on the matter, and thus said nothing at all. What wonderful conversationalists these two are. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:11 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Yep. Super good at this. Ekmeros also stayed silent, adding nothing. Give them both A grades in conversation you know the meme.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy shifted his posture a bit to put his hands in his pockets. Still nothing much to say. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:15 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros shifted his viol's case so it didn't lean against the back of the bench. Still nothing.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Ekmeros's movement caught Darcy's eye. "What kind of instrument is that?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:17 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"It's a viol." Yeah it sure was.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Oh, interesting." Darcy commented. "You don't see many of those nowadays." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:20 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"No. It's old. Most people think it's a violin."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy nodded. "My father once tried to teach me violin, but I wasn't any good at it." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:22 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I was taught." Great use of passive sentence there Ekmeros this clears nothing up.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
".... I would assume so." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:24 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
".............yes." Awesome. Ekmeros paused, trying to brush over the awkward moment. Time to ask a proper question. "Your father tried to teach you?"
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Yes, when I was... about thirteen or fourteen, I think." Darcy mused. "He said that expanding my skills to art forms outside our field would sharpen my mind, and help impress the socialites so that we'd get more funding to our department, but... I just never was very good at it. I couldn't get the fingerings right, and I struggled with keeping rythmn, and the sounds it would make when my hand slipped..." He shuddered. "Anyhow, that was the end of that. My father was dissapointed, of course, which meant I had to work extra hard on my translations, but at least I know what I'm doing with those.' @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:30 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros shifted slightly, though neither away or closer, a vague shuffle that used movement enough to be noticeable. "It takes time," was all he could respond. "And a willing ear." Ekmeros tapped at the bench seat in quiet contemplation. "It is best to stay with what you're familiar with."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy nodded. "It is... and I really needed to focus on my work back then, anyways. Perhaps, my failure as a musician was all for the better." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:34 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Mm. I suppose my viol has become my work." Ekmeros paused before starting to undo the straps of the case and tug the viol-shaped case gently over his shoulder.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"I suppose that's good enough work to have, if you enjoy it." Darcy said. In truth, he knew very little about music or being a musician. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:37 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes. It is." Ekmeros knew he should elaborate but... couldn't find the direction to elaborate in.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy had nothing else to say. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:38 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
...God damn it not this autistic silence again. Ekmeros didn't say anything either as he twisted the case onto his lap and began to... open it.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[5:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy didn't say anything, but turned slighting at the movement, watching Ekmeros. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:05 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
With a clean movement, Ekmeros freed the viol from its case.
The viol was old, the handsome wood worn naturally, but it was well taken care of, polished and clean with only one marking entirely - an old signature driven into one of dips, slightly chipped and uneven, carved by someone with inexperience, and the name was illegible. Ekmeros held it like it would crumble in his hands as he rested it against himself, but the viol looked... formidable, oddly enough. The bow was a similar case, matching the wood and free from markings.
Ekmeros didn't look up at Darcy, focused on the instrument. This was what he was good at.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:08 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy watched intently as Ekmeros handled the instrument with care, not saying anything, though he did wonder what the man was doing. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:12 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Taking a minute or two to retune the viol, though it already seemed to have been tuned rather nicely, Ekmeros continued to practically ignore Darcy. Sorry. "Hm," was all he really 'said' during the quiet process. Then he rested the viol against himself again and brought the bow to string and his eyes scanned the empty air as if considering what to play.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:18 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy was pretty alright with being ignored, honestly. He put his hands in his pockets and thought for a bit, before asking, "Are you going to play?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:21 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes." Ekmeros had assumed that was quite obvious and didn't spare a glance to the other. Soon after he had answered the question, he did in fact play, a slow song that filled the atmosphere, melodic and warm as if it were filling his bones. It was masterfully quiet, just audible outside of their small bubble but he never skipped a note or string. It sure was music.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:23 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy stood perfectly still and remained perfectly silent as Ekmeros played. He was much better at this than Darcy had been. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:27 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
That's what roughly thirty years of practice would do. Ekmeros continued to play the gentle tune that seemed to stretch out but never got repetitive. He kept the music quiet, clearly not wanting to attract anymore attention.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:31 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy still remained respectfully silent through the song, though his impression was visible on his face. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[6:37 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Yeah it sure was music. After a little while, Ekmeros finished the song and began to clean the viol again before delicately setting it back in its case.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[6:38 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy clapped quietly and politely as Ekmeros put away his viol. "You're an amazing musician," he commented, "That was very impressive." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:49 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I would hope so," Ekmeros replied, his voice as quiet as the melody had been. "I have been playing for years." He glanced at Darcy, his expression unreadable, and said nothing more.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:50 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Ah, that makes sense." Darcy nodded. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[9:13 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes." Such a good conversationalist.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[9:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy paused for a while, trying to think up music-related small talk questions. "Do you have a favorite style of music to play?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[10:01 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Hm... I don't have a particular favoured genre but I find slower, thoughtful songs better to play. More control, more proof of skill."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[10:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Ah, that makes sense." Darcy nodded. "I'm of the same opinion, but for a different reason." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[2:32 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros didn't verbally ask but looked over at him, his head tilted.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[2:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Slower music is typically better for studying. It promotes studious thougt, my father says." Darcy provided as a response. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:45 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"I suppose it makes sense," Ekmeros mused, toying with the strap of the viol case.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:48 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"My father is often correct about those sorts of things." Darcy shrugged. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:57 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"Yes, fathers often are." Ekmeros no. "It takes knowledge and confidence in that knowledge to be the head of a family, or even to care for one person." Ekmeros no.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Of course." Darcy nodded in complete agreement. Oh no. "My father is a very wise man- dare I say, the wisest man I know. I've never had reason to doubt him." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:02 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros nodded, with a fierceness he hasn't shown before. "There is rarely reason to doubt your family."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy nodded, and shifted a bit uncomfortably. He didn't say anything, though. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Neither did Ekmeros. He seemed content there and didn't comment on Darcy's shifting.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"My father is a wise man." Darcy repeated, out of nowhere. "He always knows what's right." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:09 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros only hummed in an agreeing, maybe even encouraging tone. He should not.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:11 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy nodded to himslef, content with this terrible reasoning. "I should not bore you with talk of my own worries, though. I apologize." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[8:12 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros held up a hand as if to block the apology. "It's fine. You're young, you have room to wear your worries on your sleeve."
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[8:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy seemed uncomfortable that his apology had been rejected, but nodded. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:00 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros didn't acknowledge Darcy's discomfort and nodded as well. Great chat.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:01 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
"Well, I think I might take my leave, now." Darcy said. "It was nice talking with you." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻
[7:04 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
"It was nice to meet you, Darcy," Ekmeros replied. Then he stood up - ah, almost forgot how short Darcy was, he sort of regretted standing up - and held out his hand for a farewell handshake.
@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)
[7:05 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):
Darcy stepped back as Ekmeros rose, still a bit intimidated by his height. He did shake his hand, though.
[7:40 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:
Ekmeros shook his hand and then returned to the bench he had claimed and didn't further acknowledge Darcy. Rip