[ The Alchemighty (do not let the title fool you, they are but a ragtag group of adventurers) arrives to a coastal city after a lengthy and hard-fought excursion in the woods in search of any remaining vestiges of a long-dead-but-not-quite-dead and very evil wizard. No sooner than when they first step within the confines of the city and so much as draw in their first breaths of salty air carried in from the sea are they greeted by the bustle and buzz of a crowd clamoring about a circus troupe coming through, however.
It is Dae, an elven wizard, and Oriphi, a tiefling druid that manage to convince their traveling companions that a night spent at the circus would be a night well-spent. While both share a curiosity in seeing the performers, for Ori it's more about spending time free of the worries that they are made to bear throughout their journey together. She can prepare as many meals or cast as many healing spells as she can to mend their physical wounds, but there's only so much that she can do, she thinks, for tired and weary hearts and souls.
And so they find themselves at the Midnight Circus. It doesn't take very long at all for the group to start splintering off. Cibark, a half-orc paladin, makes the group's oft-inebriated half-elf monk Mellon his personal responsibility for the evening, along with Aerie, a half-elf ranger. Sian, a mysterious masked figure, in turn, makes it their mission to be as much of a bother to Colin, the half-elf bard, for the evening. They are accompanied by Dae, who is convinced that Colin should be made to see all of the performances.
And Ori... finds herself alone, though by her own design. As much as she adores her companions, she's managed to quietly slip away from the latter group in favor of taking in the sights by herself. She's doing exactly this when a fortune-telling booth catches her eye, and she finds herself drawn towards it. She has always wanted to get her fortune read, and perhaps this would be as good a time as any other, right...?
It is with a quiet excitement that Ori approaches the man at the booth and says, shyly, ]
Hello...! I was wondering if I could get my fortune read...
[Gideon sees all sorts come through— some looking for legitimate guidance, others leaning into the spirit of things and asking him questions just for the fun of it, but the variety of people that he and his fellow performers meet as they move from town to town is undeniably one of the best parts of this whole gig. People, he'd long decided, were fascinating— sometimes surprising, sometimes disappointing, but you could always tell a great deal about someone by the questions they asked.
He grins broadly as Ori approaches his booth, standing to offer a broad gesture with one hand in welcome before indicating the seat across from his own. He's dressed the part this evening, with an ornate cloak drawn about his shoulders and his eyes heavily lined, and he tips his head with interest as he takes a pair of the runes he'd left on the table and rolls them between his fingers.]
But of course— that's what I'm here for. Is there anything in particular you'd like to know about? Wealth, perhaps— oh, love life, that's a popular one, though I don't think that's what troubles you.
[ Dutifully and politely, she moves to take the indicated seat when it's offered. She has a vague idea that getting your fortune read could be a vulnerable time, but she's only just sat down and she already feels called out.
Because as someone of Gideon's nature might expect, Ori's flusters easily at the mention of a love life, specifically hers. As far as she knows, she has none to speak of, but that certainly has not stopped her from daydreaming or pining at times. She suddenly finds herself so, so thankful that she's wandered in here by herself, far from anyone else in the Alchemighty and a certain bardic fellow in particular. ]
Hah, oh, I—
[ She wrings her hands in her lap and casts her gaze aside, fixating on what seems like the most interesting spot on the ground. ]
No, definitely not about love life! I guess I haven't thought about what I'd like to know about, um... how about... friendship? Is that an option?
[Her reaction is more or less what he'd expected— she'd seemed the sort to blush easily, and he lets out a warm and easy laugh as he settles into his own seat across from her.]
Anything is an option, sweetheart. Friendship, then— I can certainly do that.
[He fixes his gaze on her with interest, even as hers remains averted, and lays his runes on the table in full.]
Any questions in particular, darling, or shall I just see what I can see?
[ She sees the runes spread upon the table between them and it bids her to at least look back in Gideon's general direction. Ori is entirely unaccustomed to being called such sweet terms of endearment, much less from someone she's only just met, but she doesn't indicate any sort of protest on her part. She simply continues to avoid meeting his eyes, for now.
At his question, though, an undeniably fond expression eases onto her eyes and lips, easily melting away her flustered look even as she shakes her head. ]
Nothing in particular, sir. I suppose I'd very much like to know if my friends will find their way to happiness, but...
[She's hesitant to look at him directly, he notes, and that says a great deal about her, as does the request she makes. He's long gotten used to reading body language and other mannerisms to try and sort out what people want to hear, what makes a good show, though he's beginning to think that over-the-top showmanship might not be quite right for this one.]
Technically, those would be their fortunes.
[He smiles broadly before offering her a shrug. If that's what she wants, it's simple enough.]
But by all means— your wish is my command. You know, most people ask about their own happiness.
[ A look of surprise flashes across her face when he points out that technicality, and for a moment she wonders if she's going about all of this incorrectly. She spares a quick glance up at him, lips parted as though to begin correcting herself, but she's met with a broad smile and a shrug, and the readied apology dies on her lips.
Instead, she gives him another small, tentative smile. ]
Is that so? Their happiness would be mine, too, so I don't mind.
[ Spoken like a true self-destructive, altruistic queen but pop off! ]
Oh, my name is Oriphi, but everyone calls me Ori. Wait, is that something that you need to tell my fortune?
Not necessarily, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate knowing it.
[He offers her a wink before settling in at last, running his fingers over the runes as he spreads them across the table between them before scooping them up between both hands once more, folding them together.]
Your friends' happiness, then— that can be arranged. Close your eyes a moment, sweetheart, and picture them for me— I'll let you know when to open.
[ Ah, Ori should know better by now that some people really are just that charming, and know it, and use it to their advantage. The vibe she's getting from Gideon reminds her a bit of how she and Colin had first met, and she offers him a courteous, if a bit amused smile in return for his remark and the wink he gives her before she nods and dutifully closes her eyes as instructed. ]
All right. Here goes...
[ Picturing her friends is easy enough, given that she's here with them, at least, and the smile on her face broadens as she imagines them and their happiness, however vague that looks in her mind at the moment. ]
[His smile pulls to one side as she complies, giving a soft hmm of approval before closing his own eyes in turn, pressing his hands together once more before he blindly casts the runes on the table, arranging seven of them in a cross pattern before sweeping the others aside.
The runes themselves are little more than cold pieces of stone, in the great scheme of things— useful tools, when employed correctly, but when it comes to reading fortunes, it's easier to simply allow himself to pick up on the emotions of whoever it is that has seated themselves across from him, to gently tease at what it is they want to hear. Some want to be thrilled with the promise of dramatic change or great danger, others wish to be assured of future success or happiness.
Oriphi seems to be leaning more towards that latter, but curiously enough, not for herself. It's not often people ask him about others.]
Alright— let's have a look together, shall we, Ori?
[ She nods with an affirmative hum. Although she's closed her eyes, she can't help but open them just a little bit to peek when she hears him arranging the runes in front of her. She closes them shut again when he prompts her, and she responds, ]
Okay. I'm in your hands...
[ With a deep breath, she returns to picturing her friends. The smile on her face melts into something undeniably warm and affectionate and most of all— peaceful. And that, truly, is the best thing she can hope for, for her friends. So many of them have been made to live turbulent lives, some even born into them, and usually find themselves at the mercy of powers beyond their control despite all of their best efforts. Peace is what she hopes for them, above all. Even if it's just for a little while. She wants them to be able to rest without any worries, so that they can someday live their lives the way that they truly want to. ]
[He gives a low, warm chuckle along with a flourish of his hand before extending one long finger to point to the rune at the very top of the cross.]
You can open your eyes now, sweetheart— though don’t think I didn’t see that peeking.
[He thinks she’s the sort who can take a bit of gentle teasing, though his read on her thus far reminds him to keep it gentle— some people can take more than others, or prefer a more provocative style of humor. Somehow, he doesn’t think that’s her.]
This first rune, here— it signifies a bright future for someone close to you, someone in a position of authority. A ring leader, perhaps? Every group has one personality that towers above the others; they’re the sorts that breed success.
[ He would be correct in his assessment; she is not, by far, a stranger to gentle teasing, but much more beyond that threshold she has trouble discerning whether someone is still teasing, or genuinely hurting her feelings.
She opens her eyes with a sheepish little grin and a giggle, caught by his notice as she is, but soon enough that expression gives way to curiosity as she peers down at the runes in front of her. ]
Hmm... Oh, I see!
[ She clasps her hands together in delight. ]
Probably Dae! He has a really bright personality and he never lets anything get him down. Oh, but, Cibark has that sort of towering personality, too... Though maybe that's because he's the tallest one.
I do find that height and confidence go hand-in-hand, along with other things.
[His smirk hitches higher on one side. He can't help himself.]
Bear in mind, some of these may well refer to more than one person— it's difficult to be entirely accurate without your friends themselves present, but there are good things ahead for whoever is at the forefront of your little group.
[Or maybe it's inaccurate because it's all bluster, rather than using his power in a genuine fashion. Who's to say.
He taps the next rune down with a long, dexterous finger.]
Here— this one speaks of uncertainty. One with a soft heart who may be struggling to put their own needs first.
[ Alas, Ori wouldn't know a thing about height nor about confidence, firmly having neither of those things herself. But Gideon's smirk says everything she needs to know about the nature of his comment, which is that he's very much teasing and joking - to which she can't help herself, either, and she laughs softly. She has always been so easily swept away with those with much more charisma and charm (and height, apparently) than she, and this encounter appears to be no different.
And as such, bluster or no, Ori buys it into it easily. She's just Like This. After all, her own wisdom draws on her affinity and knowledge of nature - which, shockingly, doesn't really help all that much with interpersonal relationships especially amongst people with such... colorful personalities and stories.
At what he says following, though, her eyes widen and after a few slow blinks, her lips draw into a thin line as her head cants to one side. ]
Ah...
[ That sounds like me, she thinks, although it's left unsaid. There is an argument for her to make that there's no struggle on her head when she simply chooses not to put her own needs first, but... Still, she has the impression that Gideon just knows this. Her gaze falls squarely onto the said rune. ]
Is that so...? What, um - what's in store for such a person?
[It would appear he hit the nail right on the head, going by her reaction— he'd picked that vibe up from her almost immediately upon her approaching his booth, and his smile softens a bit as he blunts his own edges to match the topic at hand, leaning forward against the table.]
That depends on the person. 'Fate' tells us what might be, but is not absolute, I'm afraid— what a simple, boring world it would be if it was.
[He steeples his fingers before folding them together, making a cradle for him to rest his chin on as he looks her over, studying her face with intent, purpose, the runes left in their current spread between his elbows.]
We always have a choice. Now, now, does this sound like you, sweetheart? Don't answer that— I already know.
[It's his job.]
The spirit of generosity and kindness are difficult to miss. You're a giver, aren't you?
[ The way he studies her with great measure, able to peek into the very core of her being and personality within such a short timeframe makes her feel as though she might as well be sitting there with all of her secrets bared to this stranger. Heat rises to her cheeks, painting her face in a reddish purple tone as she thinks about how some people are simply that insightful, in a way that Ori could never hope to be.
She is indeed about to answer, lips parted to say something along the lines of I guess it does, but he silences her with his confidence so expertly, and her gaze finally meets his. For a moment, she simply stares at him as he goes on to point out her generosity and kindness - the very same that spurred her to set foot in this booth in the first place. ]
I, um... I am, aren't I...?
[ Her teeth clamp down on her lower lip as she finds herself, for whatever reason, unable to look away from that confident, knowing gaze of his, the knowing smile on his face. When she finally speaks again, she simply blurts out: ]
Would you like to have a drink with me?
[ and she looks surprised at herself. Spirits, why does she always act like this around charming, charismatic people? ]
[Well, well— color him surprised, as well. The offer itself is hardly an unusual one; he's been asked for drinks at least as many times as he's asked others, which was quite frequently, and it wasn't even out of place for a client to ask him after a reading— or in this case, he supposes, during. Rather, it's something of a surprise coming from her, careful as she seems.
He only takes a brief moment before answering. After all, there isn't a whole lot to consider.]
A drink? And mix business with pleasure?
[Despite the teasing lilt to his voice, he goes on to add:]
That happens to be a favorite pastime of mine. That pleased with your reading, are you?
[Maybe he shouldn't prod at her too much, but it's almost impossible to resist. He is who he is.]
[ The unquestionably more bashful of the two tieflings at this table seems to sink into her seat a little, finding herself well within the territory of being mortified. She doesn't really know what's gotten into her, to have asked someone she's met just a few minutes ago to spend time with her. It really is so presumptuous, to think that someone like him would have the time of day or night for somebody like her and she should take it back and apologize and then leave this booth and never come back to this circus or possibly even this entire city ever again - except that a circus travels and she'll have to live the rest of her life making sure to never be in the same place as this troupe again— ]
I'm sorry, I just—
[ Whatever she's thinking of saying dies in her mouth sooner than the words can make it out. He's not... saying no? Pull yourself together, Oriphi. ]
Oh, I, um... I just thought that you seem like a really interesting person, and that I'd like to get to know you...
[He laughs as he realizes she might have misheard him, or perhaps been so set on receiving a no that his yes didn't quite process. Going by his first impression of her nature, this drink may truly end up being just a drink, but he supposes there's no way to be sure unless they go ahead and find out for themselves.
There's always something to be said for the quiet ones.]
Your intuition is right, sweetheart. I am pretty interesting. Keep listening to that gut of yours, you have good instincts.
[At least tonight.]
I'm nearly done here— it would be no trouble at all to pack things up and accompany you, if you're still interested now that I've actually said yes.
[ She can still hardly believe he didn’t say no, and for a moment it’s all she can do to simply stare at him, like the words haven’t quite hit her just yet. ]
…Oh.
[ He really did say yes, didn’t he? Now what? ]
Are… Are you sure? I mean, you must be a busy person even outside of this, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do— so I’d understand if you couldn’t, really!
[She really hadn't expected him to say yes, had she? Amused, he leans back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest as he looks her over, the runes before him momentarily forgotten.]
I'd have gone to get a drink anyway; better to do it in good company, in my opinion.
[He has to admit, she has him curious, and curious company is often the best kind.]
Why, having second thoughts, darling? I don't bite.
[ Well, if he was going to go anyway, maybe it wouldn’t be too huge of an inconvenience or bother for her to tag along… ]
But— no, I’m not having second thoughts! It’s more… I thought you might have second thoughts? I probably would have ended up at a tavern with my friends too, so…
No better place to be when the night comes to a close, if you ask me.
[In which case, they might as well go together. She certainly has his interest— she's a curious one, isn't she? Cautious and bold all at once, which is a rare combination, he's found.]
Believe me— 'second thoughts' aren't really my style. There's no point to 'em, I figure.
[ It’s okay to just call her confused, Gideon, really. She knows she is.
Nervously, she reaches up and tucks her hair behind her ear, huffing out another uneasy chuckle. She only wishes she could be as confident and un-worried as Gideon seems to be. ]
Great, so… I-I’ll see you later in the evening, then? I guess when things here have finished up? We’ll be at the Successful Frog Inn—
[ She clears her throat. ]
One of my friends really likes frogs, so we picked that place because of the name, haha… But I can meet you anywhere!
[ Oh gods, help, she’s so bad at this. How do her charismatic friends manage this?! ]
[Now, now, that word is a little too dismissive for him.
The name of the inn gets a chuckle, but he shakes his head as she tries to defer to him.]
That sounds perfect, sweetheart. I'll be there. Given that I'm passing through town myself, it'd be nice to see what the place has to offer. I walked by it earlier— pretty sure I know exactly where it is.
[Plus, depending on how things go, it's probably more convenient for them to be at her inn than his—]
Looking forward to it. Cross my heart.
[He goes so far as to make the accompanying motion by dragging an index finger over his heart, beneath his open vest. He'll be there!]
[ Sweetheart never fails to make her blush, even when she knows it's just a meaningless little pet name coming from someone she doesn't know at all... Ah, she must seem so silly to him. ]
I'm looking forward to it, too...
[ And she manages to resist the urge to try and walk everything back, this time. No but it's okay if you decide not to come after all, or anything. Or else this conversation might go on in circles - and she knows she's close to using up her fortune-telling time.
And on that note, she rises from her seat, glancing back over her shoulder to eye the exit, in hopes that maybe it'll conceal the warmth on her cheeks. ]
A-Anyway, I don't want to hold you up longer than I have, I know there's tons of people waiting to get their fortunes told! I, um. I'll see you later...!
takes destiny into my own hands as I return from the dead
[He echoes her with a grin, followed by a wink— with how on edge she seems to be, he should probably cut her a little slack, be gentle, but it's hard for him to deny who he is. Flirtation comes as naturally to him as breathing, sometimes. He leans back in his seat as she leaves, putting both hands behind his head to rest against before tipping his chin upwards to acknowledge the next customer in line just outside. Drinks are going to be decidedly interesting.
He's good to his word, of course; once he's done with business for the night, he makes his way to the inn she'd named. The crowd there is respectable, with it still being early enough for people to filter in off the street, but not so crowded that they won't be able to chat comfortably— a plus, certainly. He scans the room for some sign of her as he heads towards the bar; fortunately, neither one of them is easy to miss. People like them tend to stand out wherever they go, for better or for worse.]
[ Indeed, Oriphi is easy to find between tall, purple horns and beflowered hair, though she’s a bit on the shorter side. When Gideon does arrive to the Successful Frog Inn, he would find her sitting at a small table in a corner just past the bar, watching a bard perform on his lute at the other side of the tavern entirely.
If she looks a little bit longing about it, no she doesn’t.
But Gideon is just as easy to spot, and though she seems entranced for a moment she does see him approaching in her periphery. She scrambles up to her feet to greet him, her chair dragging across the floor as she pushes up and splays her hands on the tabletop. ]
Y—You came!
[ Not at all a slight to him but absolutely speaking to her insecurity, she’d begun to think he wouldn’t come after all. ]
[She had indeed been easy to spot, and that little display of hers would have been sure to get his attention if she hadn’t had it already. He smiles broadly, raising a hand in greeting as he approaches the table she’s claimed for herself, raising an amused brow as he does so.]
Told you I would. I’m a lot of things, sweetheart, including good to my word. Not a good practice to make promises you don’t intend to keep.
[He may be dishonest in some other areas of his life, but that’s all in the name of showmanship. He tips his chin upwards, directing his gaze towards the bard playing.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
🎪🔮
It is Dae, an elven wizard, and Oriphi, a tiefling druid that manage to convince their traveling companions that a night spent at the circus would be a night well-spent. While both share a curiosity in seeing the performers, for Ori it's more about spending time free of the worries that they are made to bear throughout their journey together. She can prepare as many meals or cast as many healing spells as she can to mend their physical wounds, but there's only so much that she can do, she thinks, for tired and weary hearts and souls.
And so they find themselves at the Midnight Circus. It doesn't take very long at all for the group to start splintering off. Cibark, a half-orc paladin, makes the group's oft-inebriated half-elf monk Mellon his personal responsibility for the evening, along with Aerie, a half-elf ranger. Sian, a mysterious masked figure, in turn, makes it their mission to be as much of a bother to Colin, the half-elf bard, for the evening. They are accompanied by Dae, who is convinced that Colin should be made to see all of the performances.
And Ori... finds herself alone, though by her own design. As much as she adores her companions, she's managed to quietly slip away from the latter group in favor of taking in the sights by herself. She's doing exactly this when a fortune-telling booth catches her eye, and she finds herself drawn towards it. She has always wanted to get her fortune read, and perhaps this would be as good a time as any other, right...?
It is with a quiet excitement that Ori approaches the man at the booth and says, shyly, ]
Hello...! I was wondering if I could get my fortune read...
👀🔥
He grins broadly as Ori approaches his booth, standing to offer a broad gesture with one hand in welcome before indicating the seat across from his own. He's dressed the part this evening, with an ornate cloak drawn about his shoulders and his eyes heavily lined, and he tips his head with interest as he takes a pair of the runes he'd left on the table and rolls them between his fingers.]
But of course— that's what I'm here for. Is there anything in particular you'd like to know about? Wealth, perhaps— oh, love life, that's a popular one, though I don't think that's what troubles you.
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Because as someone of Gideon's nature might expect, Ori's flusters easily at the mention of a love life, specifically hers. As far as she knows, she has none to speak of, but that certainly has not stopped her from daydreaming or pining at times. She suddenly finds herself so, so thankful that she's wandered in here by herself, far from anyone else in the Alchemighty and a certain bardic fellow in particular. ]
Hah, oh, I—
[ She wrings her hands in her lap and casts her gaze aside, fixating on what seems like the most interesting spot on the ground. ]
No, definitely not about love life! I guess I haven't thought about what I'd like to know about, um... how about... friendship? Is that an option?
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Anything is an option, sweetheart. Friendship, then— I can certainly do that.
[He fixes his gaze on her with interest, even as hers remains averted, and lays his runes on the table in full.]
Any questions in particular, darling, or shall I just see what I can see?
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At his question, though, an undeniably fond expression eases onto her eyes and lips, easily melting away her flustered look even as she shakes her head. ]
Nothing in particular, sir. I suppose I'd very much like to know if my friends will find their way to happiness, but...
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Technically, those would be their fortunes.
[He smiles broadly before offering her a shrug. If that's what she wants, it's simple enough.]
But by all means— your wish is my command. You know, most people ask about their own happiness.
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Instead, she gives him another small, tentative smile. ]
Is that so? Their happiness would be mine, too, so I don't mind.
[ Spoken like a true self-destructive, altruistic queen but pop off! ]
Oh, my name is Oriphi, but everyone calls me Ori. Wait, is that something that you need to tell my fortune?
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Not necessarily, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate knowing it.
[He offers her a wink before settling in at last, running his fingers over the runes as he spreads them across the table between them before scooping them up between both hands once more, folding them together.]
Your friends' happiness, then— that can be arranged. Close your eyes a moment, sweetheart, and picture them for me— I'll let you know when to open.
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All right. Here goes...
[ Picturing her friends is easy enough, given that she's here with them, at least, and the smile on her face broadens as she imagines them and their happiness, however vague that looks in her mind at the moment. ]
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The runes themselves are little more than cold pieces of stone, in the great scheme of things— useful tools, when employed correctly, but when it comes to reading fortunes, it's easier to simply allow himself to pick up on the emotions of whoever it is that has seated themselves across from him, to gently tease at what it is they want to hear. Some want to be thrilled with the promise of dramatic change or great danger, others wish to be assured of future success or happiness.
Oriphi seems to be leaning more towards that latter, but curiously enough, not for herself. It's not often people ask him about others.]
Alright— let's have a look together, shall we, Ori?
no subject
Okay. I'm in your hands...
[ With a deep breath, she returns to picturing her friends. The smile on her face melts into something undeniably warm and affectionate and most of all— peaceful. And that, truly, is the best thing she can hope for, for her friends. So many of them have been made to live turbulent lives, some even born into them, and usually find themselves at the mercy of powers beyond their control despite all of their best efforts. Peace is what she hopes for them, above all. Even if it's just for a little while. She wants them to be able to rest without any worries, so that they can someday live their lives the way that they truly want to. ]
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[He gives a low, warm chuckle along with a flourish of his hand before extending one long finger to point to the rune at the very top of the cross.]
You can open your eyes now, sweetheart— though don’t think I didn’t see that peeking.
[He thinks she’s the sort who can take a bit of gentle teasing, though his read on her thus far reminds him to keep it gentle— some people can take more than others, or prefer a more provocative style of humor. Somehow, he doesn’t think that’s her.]
This first rune, here— it signifies a bright future for someone close to you, someone in a position of authority. A ring leader, perhaps? Every group has one personality that towers above the others; they’re the sorts that breed success.
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She opens her eyes with a sheepish little grin and a giggle, caught by his notice as she is, but soon enough that expression gives way to curiosity as she peers down at the runes in front of her. ]
Hmm... Oh, I see!
[ She clasps her hands together in delight. ]
Probably Dae! He has a really bright personality and he never lets anything get him down. Oh, but, Cibark has that sort of towering personality, too... Though maybe that's because he's the tallest one.
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[His smirk hitches higher on one side. He can't help himself.]
Bear in mind, some of these may well refer to more than one person— it's difficult to be entirely accurate without your friends themselves present, but there are good things ahead for whoever is at the forefront of your little group.
[Or maybe it's inaccurate because it's all bluster, rather than using his power in a genuine fashion. Who's to say.
He taps the next rune down with a long, dexterous finger.]
Here— this one speaks of uncertainty. One with a soft heart who may be struggling to put their own needs first.
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And as such, bluster or no, Ori buys it into it easily. She's just Like This. After all, her own wisdom draws on her affinity and knowledge of nature - which, shockingly, doesn't really help all that much with interpersonal relationships especially amongst people with such... colorful personalities and stories.
At what he says following, though, her eyes widen and after a few slow blinks, her lips draw into a thin line as her head cants to one side. ]
Ah...
[ That sounds like me, she thinks, although it's left unsaid. There is an argument for her to make that there's no struggle on her head when she simply chooses not to put her own needs first, but... Still, she has the impression that Gideon just knows this. Her gaze falls squarely onto the said rune. ]
Is that so...? What, um - what's in store for such a person?
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That depends on the person. 'Fate' tells us what might be, but is not absolute, I'm afraid— what a simple, boring world it would be if it was.
[He steeples his fingers before folding them together, making a cradle for him to rest his chin on as he looks her over, studying her face with intent, purpose, the runes left in their current spread between his elbows.]
We always have a choice. Now, now, does this sound like you, sweetheart? Don't answer that— I already know.
[It's his job.]
The spirit of generosity and kindness are difficult to miss. You're a giver, aren't you?
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She is indeed about to answer, lips parted to say something along the lines of I guess it does, but he silences her with his confidence so expertly, and her gaze finally meets his. For a moment, she simply stares at him as he goes on to point out her generosity and kindness - the very same that spurred her to set foot in this booth in the first place. ]
I, um... I am, aren't I...?
[ Her teeth clamp down on her lower lip as she finds herself, for whatever reason, unable to look away from that confident, knowing gaze of his, the knowing smile on his face. When she finally speaks again, she simply blurts out: ]
Would you like to have a drink with me?
[ and she looks surprised at herself. Spirits, why does she always act like this around charming, charismatic people? ]
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He only takes a brief moment before answering. After all, there isn't a whole lot to consider.]
A drink? And mix business with pleasure?
[Despite the teasing lilt to his voice, he goes on to add:]
That happens to be a favorite pastime of mine. That pleased with your reading, are you?
[Maybe he shouldn't prod at her too much, but it's almost impossible to resist. He is who he is.]
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I'm sorry, I just—
[ Whatever she's thinking of saying dies in her mouth sooner than the words can make it out. He's not... saying no? Pull yourself together, Oriphi. ]
Oh, I, um... I just thought that you seem like a really interesting person, and that I'd like to get to know you...
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There's always something to be said for the quiet ones.]
Your intuition is right, sweetheart. I am pretty interesting. Keep listening to that gut of yours, you have good instincts.
[At least tonight.]
I'm nearly done here— it would be no trouble at all to pack things up and accompany you, if you're still interested now that I've actually said yes.
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…Oh.
[ He really did say yes, didn’t he? Now what? ]
Are… Are you sure? I mean, you must be a busy person even outside of this, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do— so I’d understand if you couldn’t, really!
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I'd have gone to get a drink anyway; better to do it in good company, in my opinion.
[He has to admit, she has him curious, and curious company is often the best kind.]
Why, having second thoughts, darling? I don't bite.
[Well, usually.]
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[ Well, if he was going to go anyway, maybe it wouldn’t be too huge of an inconvenience or bother for her to tag along… ]
But— no, I’m not having second thoughts! It’s more… I thought you might have second thoughts? I probably would have ended up at a tavern with my friends too, so…
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[In which case, they might as well go together. She certainly has his interest— she's a curious one, isn't she? Cautious and bold all at once, which is a rare combination, he's found.]
Believe me— 'second thoughts' aren't really my style. There's no point to 'em, I figure.
frantically goes to a tavern name generator
Nervously, she reaches up and tucks her hair behind her ear, huffing out another uneasy chuckle. She only wishes she could be as confident and un-worried as Gideon seems to be. ]
Great, so… I-I’ll see you later in the evening, then? I guess when things here have finished up? We’ll be at the Successful Frog Inn—
[ She clears her throat. ]
One of my friends really likes frogs, so we picked that place because of the name, haha… But I can meet you anywhere!
[ Oh gods, help, she’s so bad at this. How do her charismatic friends manage this?! ]
you have done well my friend
The name of the inn gets a chuckle, but he shakes his head as she tries to defer to him.]
That sounds perfect, sweetheart. I'll be there. Given that I'm passing through town myself, it'd be nice to see what the place has to offer. I walked by it earlier— pretty sure I know exactly where it is.
[Plus, depending on how things go, it's probably more convenient for them to be at her inn than his—]
Looking forward to it. Cross my heart.
[He goes so far as to make the accompanying motion by dragging an index finger over his heart, beneath his open vest. He'll be there!]
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I'm looking forward to it, too...
[ And she manages to resist the urge to try and walk everything back, this time. No but it's okay if you decide not to come after all, or anything. Or else this conversation might go on in circles - and she knows she's close to using up her fortune-telling time.
And on that note, she rises from her seat, glancing back over her shoulder to eye the exit, in hopes that maybe it'll conceal the warmth on her cheeks. ]
A-Anyway, I don't want to hold you up longer than I have, I know there's tons of people waiting to get their fortunes told! I, um. I'll see you later...!
takes destiny into my own hands as I return from the dead
[He echoes her with a grin, followed by a wink— with how on edge she seems to be, he should probably cut her a little slack, be gentle, but it's hard for him to deny who he is. Flirtation comes as naturally to him as breathing, sometimes. He leans back in his seat as she leaves, putting both hands behind his head to rest against before tipping his chin upwards to acknowledge the next customer in line just outside. Drinks are going to be decidedly interesting.
He's good to his word, of course; once he's done with business for the night, he makes his way to the inn she'd named. The crowd there is respectable, with it still being early enough for people to filter in off the street, but not so crowded that they won't be able to chat comfortably— a plus, certainly. He scans the room for some sign of her as he heads towards the bar; fortunately, neither one of them is easy to miss. People like them tend to stand out wherever they go, for better or for worse.]
opens arms!!
If she looks a little bit longing about it, no she doesn’t.
But Gideon is just as easy to spot, and though she seems entranced for a moment she does see him approaching in her periphery. She scrambles up to her feet to greet him, her chair dragging across the floor as she pushes up and splays her hands on the tabletop. ]
Y—You came!
[ Not at all a slight to him but absolutely speaking to her insecurity, she’d begun to think he wouldn’t come after all. ]
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Told you I would. I’m a lot of things, sweetheart, including good to my word. Not a good practice to make promises you don’t intend to keep.
[He may be dishonest in some other areas of his life, but that’s all in the name of showmanship. He tips his chin upwards, directing his gaze towards the bard playing.]
Friend of yours?
[He did, in fact, see that look.]