The Man with the Firefly Eyes

Southern Banks of the Tornmawr, early evening

With summer now in full resplendence, the sun goes down later, and the evening hours are still softly lit. Families and couples walk along the riverbanks, children run and play. And a singular figure can be seen ambling along the bank, dressed in comfortable white linen tunic and dark blue trousers, and well-worn boots. His only concession to the weather is the large broad brimmed hat he wears, with a bold purple feather stuck in the band.

Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon has the look of a man without a care in the world, though his expression is thoughtful, focused, considering. He smiles ever so slightly at something only he sees or hears, as he deftly sidesteps a pair of rambunctious boys as they pelt past like miniature dust-devils. "Those two will need a bath before bed," he remarks to himself.

Another small form runs by Telamon, passing by from behind. A light summer dress in copper, with dark blue trim around the edges, adorns her form, with an oversized hat shading her from the late evening sun.

She jumps and turns in the air, landing on her feet in a wide stance.

"Rah!", Simony exults, holding her hands up to the sky.

"Hello Telamon!", the Goblin greets cheerfully.

The half-sil blinks, before his expression becomes friendly, smiling broadly at the goblin. "Well, Simony, it's good to see you again!" Telamon is cheerful, his eyes glimmering with the starlight that seems to chase him so often.

Beckoning, he looks Simony over. "That's a good choice for you. It'll keep you from getting too hot, but prevent you from catching too much in the way of sunlight." He chuckles. "I think Lana has a similar dress, though hers is in violet. And... longer, obviously."

Simony skips back to Telamon, and spins around a few times to show off her dress. "Yes, it is good to see you as well, Tel. How're you and Cor'lana doing? If I were to guess, you're in a really good mood, and also..." Her eyes narrow a little. "Thinking about something."

She nods then, "I was given some advice after my sunburn, and this is the result. It's light, doesn't cling, and there's lots of room to move around." The Gobbo laughs then. "I imagine that she would feel a bit underdressed wearing mine!"

Telamon ahhs. "Yes, it might be a -bit- short and I don't think she's quite that daring..." His expression becomes oddly abstracted, and then he rolls his eyes. "Also..." He pauses -again-. "Hold on a moment." He closes his eyes, his face set in concentration.

"There. Alright. Sorry. A word of advice: do not get a permanent telepathic bond unless you are -absolutely- comfortable with the person you're bonded to. Lana was talking to me and reminding me to pick up some things on my way home." He looks wry. "I'm not objecting, but it can be a little disconcerting at times."

From down stream came a rather large figure, out for a stroll on the shores of the river, the egalrin whistling tunelessly to the wind. Their strolling takes them down past two figures, where they stop and whistle a bit more loudly. "Real pretty dress, dear! Goes well with that hat of yours. You've got every reason in the world to show off a garment like that!" The egalrin notes, impressed. "Who made that for ya?"

Simony's expression is one of puzzlement at Telamon's distraction, and upon learning the reason, she lets out a long giggle. "Oh? Bread, eggs, milk, butter?" More giggles are had. "Or was she chastising you for imagining her in a really short dress? And I don't doubt it, Tel. I'd be kind of ... shy about letting someone have a constant bond like that... Uhm. Are you able to sleep, at least?"

The Gobbo gives a little start at the suddenly whistling and then the compliment. Her cheeks flush a beet red, and she pulls the hat down over her face. "No on here but the hat. La la la.." Lifting the hat slightly, she peers out at Reithak. "One of the monks at the monastery.", she says shyly. "I traded them a painting for it."

Telamon chuckles. "Pretty much. And it's been very useful on a number of occasions. It's also... comforting. Obviously, we don't 'look over each other's shoulder' continuously, but there've been times we've asked the other for advice or guidance." He grins. "But... yes, we don't have trouble sleeping. Occasionally we share a dream through the bond, but that seems fairly benign."

His eyebrows shoot up at the inquiring egalrin, but he doesn't comment just yet, smiling at Simony's blush. "Told you it was a good choice," he remarks to the goblin.

As the trio stand there, something curious is happening. Little sparks of light starting to gravitate around Telamon -- no, not little sparks. Fireflies.

"Thinking about getting groceries? A bit far from the markets to be getting those, but simple enough to stop by on the way past." The egalrin wonders aloud, before chuckling and patting the hat in front of her. "Oh, I remember now, miss Simony, the one who was painting that beautiful landscape! As nice as that dress is, hope you didn't overpay them with that painting of yours. No need to be shy, it was just a compliment, but I'll tone it back if you don't like those too much."

"Huh, bit early for lightning bugs to be out, isn't it?" The egalrin notes. "Probably good luck, that."

The Gobbo cants her head slightly, setting her hat back to its former perch on her head. "Is... she able to see me? Or like, she can tell you're talking to me, maybe, by what you're thinking? This bond is a curious thing, I think."

She pouts lightly, shrugging at comments about her dress. "I wasn't wearing it to be.. pretty or anything. Just to keep cool and also not burn, hence the big hat. I am not used to ... compliments."

Her eyes widen as Telamon starts to light up under the light of his own little stars. The Gobbo steps forward and clings to the Half-Sil's arm, attempting to get a little closer to the fireflies by standing tiptoe. "Fireflies?"

Telamon hmmms. "Well, I can send her thoughts and images, though it's... complicated. Kind of tricky to explain if you're not bound like we are. But no, she can't 'see' you through my eyes. She can tell I'm doing things and will ask if she picks up on any worry." He makes a face. "When one of us is off on a guild job and the other isn't, it can make for some tense moments."

"In any case, though..." Tel turns to the egalrin. "I don't believe we've been introduced, ma'am. Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon at your service." He makes an abbreviated bow, though he laughs softly as Simony tries to excitedly look at the fireflies. "Oh. Yes, that happens. I'm not even sure why -- but when it's firefly season, I seem to attract them. They never do anything unpleasant, but... I seem to be a magnet for them."

"Hmm? some sort of telepathy? Well, it sounds useful, but that isn't for me." The egalrin considers, before shaking her head. "I wouldn't want to give up on being able to surprise someone I care about, but that's just me."

They stop and doff their hat, bowing deep. "Just call me Reithak, at your service if you need any services." They greet, before turning back to the small gobber. "Hey, fashion and function don't need to be separate goals, Simony. But I get it!" They chuckle. "Is that so? Well, they're good luck, so as long as it isn't causing you any trouble, seems nice. Won't get lost at night, either!"

"Oh, I am sorry... Reithak, this is Telamon. Telamon, this is Reithak. I should have done that at the beginning. But uhm, I was busy hiding in my hat."

Simony nods to Reithak, "A permanent bond. And you know, that is a good reason for wanting to not have such a bond. Though... I think Tel can still do that. He's got a good mind for such things."

"Though, that might be trouble, yes, if you're doing something that's... not exactly dangerous, but not entirely safe, and you're sweatin' a little and she's like... what's going on? And you don't want her to worry.. how do you deal with that, Tel?"

The fireflies draw her eyes again, and from her tiptoe position, she thrusts a hand upward. "They see themselves in your eyes, Telamon. That's why..."

Simony peers at Reithak. "What services do you provide?", she wonders.

"Honesty," is Telamon's simple response. "Lana and I started our relationship with honesty, and we've kept to it. Oh, we have enough control over the bond to not let things leak out... like when I came up with a rather wonderful birthday present for her. But ultimately, any relationship must be founded on trust, or it cannot survive."

He rakes a hand through his hair. "Which is not to say we haven't had our fair share of 'oh shit' moments, especially when the other is in peril. But... I'm not exactly the foolish lad that wandered into Alexandria almost two years ago, and she's not the shut-in who came here looking for a fresh start either."

He smiles at Reithak. "Well met, then! And I must echo Simony's question: what kind of services might you be offering?"

"Well, like I said, nothing wrong with it, just not for me. Sounds swell you've got someone you're comfortable being that open around though. I'd just rather trust that they know what they're doing, and I know what I'm doing, they don't need my thoughts complicating things." The egalrin shrugs, stretching out and chuckling. "Well, I was just offering a greeting, but I do offer a few services, I suppose. I know a bit of healing, I'm a tailor by trade, and I'm big and strong enough for physical labor when necessary. I also like to think I'm decent to talk to, but that's kind of separate."

"Honesty. I am not surprised at that answer." The Goblin smiles broadly. "You may not be 'foolish', but I'll bet you still do the same things... just you know what's going to happen this time around. Experience is what separates the foolish from the courageous, as they say."

Simony giggles then and peers up at Reithak. "So was it your professional opinion or personal opinion when speaking about my dress? I will pass on to the monk that a tailor thinks highly of his creation. I am sure he'll be pleased. Oh, as for the painting, I think it was worth the dress."

Telamon nods approvingly to Reithak. "All worthy endeavours. I find talking to be much more constructive than other ways to resolve conflict. I hope you find good fortune here in Alexandria."

He grins at Simony. "Well, you know what they say. Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions." His eyes glint, as he watches a firefly alight on his fingertip before flying off again. "For a moment, Simony, I thought you had traded with Aryia -- she does tailoring work, and has devoted herself to..." He pauses. "Well, I don't know about monastic pursuits. But she certainly knows how to punch."

The egalrin humms, and crouches down, inspecting Simony with an appraising eye. "Well, that was my opinion, not as a tailor, but as a person. As a tailor? It still looks good on you. Whoever made it took a lot of consideration into making sure it fit you properly, especially if they aren't a gobber themselves. There's a big difference between making clothes for small folk and clothes for young, after all." Reithak chuckles.

"I hope so too! Not that I'm really looking for fortune, but sometimes it finds you anyways. Never know where you'll bump into Slixvah after all."

"Who's Aryia? Someone else who knows a lot about tailoring? Should I make her acquaintance at some point?"

"You're not an adventurer for long if you don't learn from your bad decisions. I've.. seen first hand that you will quickly get dead. Though, I will do everything I can to prevent that, but people still try." The Goblin blinks at the firefly on Tel's fingertip, and she grins brightly. She thrusts her hand up once more.

"I have done some trade with Aryia, she's as mean with a needle as she is with her fists." Simony rubs at a shoulder. "She punches really hard, for the record. And she's really hard to punch. It hurts. She is a good tailor."

The Gobbo looks to Reithak, and nods. "She's really nice.. once you get past the crabby, prickly exterior. She's a Mul'neissa, and a monk, two things that collide to give her a particular... mood. You'll not find a more dependable person. And yeah.. she punches hard. And she is an excellent tailor... I'm really happy with the stuff she's made for me."

"The safest way, I've found, to approach Aryia involves liquor. Spirits. Booze. Bring her a bottle of something good and your chances of getting more than three words in go up considerably." Telamon smiles, then remembers. "Oh! She's mute, but she can communicate magically. Don't worry about needing to know handspeech or merc-talk. She'll get her point across."

Deftly, the half-elf encourages another firefly to alight on Simony's hand this time. "That being said, for all her foibles... she is a true friend, and I'd trust her with my life."

"I take it you're saying she's good with her work, then. Well, color me intrigued!" The egalring hums. "Even if she's rough around the edges, I'm just more curious to get to know them. You ever have a cactus apple before? You'd be surprised how something so prickly can be so sweet, too." They add with another chuckle.

"A mute monk and tailor with a fondness for alcohol, sounds like a real interesting sort. Then again, I just met someone with a telepathic bond with someone, so who knows what else is out there to meet!"

"Liquor?", the Gobbo wonders. "Does she have a preference? Do you have any suggestions? I don't think I should go off of my experience with alcohol. Aryia might think I am trying to poison her or something." She snickers a moment, and then nods. "Ah yes, she does communicate via magic. I learned how to use handsign though, for a variety of reasons."

The firefly settling onto her hand has her complete attention for a time, her expression joyful as it flickers there, causing light and shadows to play across her palm. "I wonder what it means... are they trying to talk to us? Each other?". The Gobbo lets out a sigh as the firefly takes flight, flying up to mingle with the others.

Simony nods to Reithak. "Oh yes, there are many interesting people to meet. Keep looking, you'll bump into them. Hopefully not literally!"

Telamon nods. "Good stuff. You might have to talk to the Vintner again, but that may be overdoing it. But don't bring her a bottle of cheap rotgut. I'd rather offer a glass of medusa whiskey to a khazad." His grin is wry. "Nothing good in life is ever easy, I'm afraid. But at least it'll be interesting, as Simony mentioned."

His eyes drift to the goblin, and he smiles. "I think they talk to each other. But damned if I know what they're saying. They don't live very long, but... what matters is making every moment count."

Well, strictly speaking, alcohol is a poison. But I'm not some teetotaler, just speaking in the honest sense of the word." The egalrin considers. "Just get her something nice I guess, or a few bottles of ale, can't go wrong. It's more about enjoying it, really."

"Oh, I'll do my best not to bump into anyone, difficult as it is when everyone is so short." Reithak jokes, watching of few of the insects. "Lightning bugs, they're interesting ones. Blessed by Ceiwen and Cernan just like us, but the lightning in their blood is a bit more well, obvious. I think they're talking, and watching, and when the seasons pass, they'll share what they learned with the gods, only to come back next year."

"Oh, he was an interesting fellow. I'd not mind visiting him again, when you have some time? Oh, the tailor, I have an appointment. I can't wait."

Simony giggles at Telamon and Reithak's differing views on what the bugs are up to. "Hmmm, I don't know if the have as noble a cause as you suspect, Reithak, but that is fun to think about. But to imagine they are speaking to one another is amazing. Maybe they're saying, 'Hey this guy has some of us trapped in his eyes..'?

The Gobbo giggles a little more. "I'm going to come out here more often, if they are going to be here, it adds a lot to the feeling of the evening."

Telamon nods to Simony. "I think so too. And they're a reminder of the nature of life. Cycles, and persistence. All good things to keep in mind." He pats Simony's shoulder, before nodding to Reithak.

"However, I'm afraid I need to get moving. My lady love awaits, and I've a few things to pick up before I reach home. Miles to go, and so on. Both of you take care, and walk in Ni'essa's light." And with that, the half-elf heads off with a jaunty pace.

Telamon has left.

Telamon goes OOC.

The Gobbo waves to Telamon, "Good evening, Tel. Pass on my regards to Cor'lana!" She giggles as the fireflies begin to retreat, following the starry-eyed Half-Sil.

"Hahah, that man, I tell you." Simony peers up at Reithak. "So how long have you been in Alexandria, Reithack?"

"I don't know, I could be right." The egalrin shrugs. "Who knows but them, and the druids speaking to them? But any druid worth their salt knows the importance of leaving animals to their lives whenever possible."

"Good to meet you Telamon, do take care, make sure you've got everything you need double and triple checked at the markets to ensure you aren't forgetting anything."

With Telamon and insects departing, Reithak nods. "Certainly an interesting sort, for certain. Me? A few weeks now, enough time to realize that I need a lot more time here to figure everything out."

Simony's eyes narrow, and her head cants slightly. "You are trying to figure everything out? Everything everything? Or... something specific?" She gestures up at the sky above. "If it's everything everything... you won't live long enough to collect all that. Something specific, however, you've a much better chance of success at."

"Now, what's with that look?" Reithak asks, peering back down. "Goodness no, I'm not so full of myself to think I can learn everything, even with how long us birds live. I mean that this city is big, there's a lot going on, and it's nothing like any city I've been in. I want to get a feel for how things work and the like, you know?"

The Gobbo shrugs. "That's my curious look... I have to say... just to help you out. It's not going to be easy, and even when you feel you know how things basically work... half of it will be a lie, or flat out wrong."

Another shrug, and the Gobbo removes her hat to fuss with it a little, her wildly cut hair flopping in front of her eyes. "It changes too much and too often."

"Oh, it looked like you were scrutinizing me, that's all. Didn't know you were just curious. But that's okay! If I get something wrong, that just means I don't know this place as well as I thought. And that's fine, just means I need to learn more."

"But, I get what you mean, too." Reithak sighs. "I'd like to stop things from changing too harshly, if I can. It's the least I can do, really, people need stability in their lives."

Simony shrugs once more. "There's far too many people here for that kind of stability. City has to change or else it becomes fetid and stinks." She brushes her hair out of her eyes and plops the hat back onto her head.

"That's just my observation, is all... but I am kind of good at that."

"Oh, I think that's well, that's a bit too defeatist for me." Reithak notes with a shake of her head. "Change for the sake of change isn't a good thing, and if the city goes bad from that? Well, clearly there are more problems that weren't being addressed in the first place."

"Could be foolish, couild be hopeful, but that's just how I feel. Worth a try, is all."

The Gobbo nods, "I don't see it as defeatist though. If someone new comes to the city, the city has been changed. It may be small... but then consider how many people arrive here every day? People come and go, or stay, and incrementally, little by little, the city changes. Life is all about change, whether it likes it or not." She nods again. "It was nice running into you again, Reithak. Have a good evening, see you around some time." With that, the Gobbo begins to skip away.