[Open:Jack Benjamin] One slip, and down the hole we fall

[true_n_the_dark]

It's been two weeks. Jack knows because Jack's been counting. On the pillars of his bed, not too far from the ballroom, he started making a notch every night. Some were crooked, he has to admit. Anything involving a knife, that happens where you're solidly drunk, is bound to be a problem

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[first_ranger]

Benjen isn't a frequent visitor to the bar, but he does occasionally wish a flagon of ale and a cup. There was more drinking at the Wall, but it was more to warm the blood than a path away from sobriety

[true_n_the_dark]

Misery loves company and Jack isn't lacking in the former - only the latter. He spotted the other man, mostly because of his out-of-period choice of garments, but also because let's be fair, Benjen is nothing to sneeze at.

He'll raise his glass at him, and say, "You're getting freebees. Lucky you."

A snort, for whoever is at the bar.

We never said he was a good customer.

[first_ranger]

Benjen glances up, somewhat surprised to be addressed. He doesn't recognize the man at all, though he might recognize the attitude of one dissatisfied with his lot. There were plenty of volunteers at the Wall much the same. "It is my understanding that all drinks cost no coin here. The Mansion has no system beyond trade, and even that is rare," he replies.

[true_n_the_dark]

"It's very strange," Jack agrees. He looks at his glass, considers downing it, thinks better of it, and sighs.

"If you could make that point to the guy behind the bar, that would be great."

One drink an hour.

Fffff.

[first_ranger]

Benjen glances between Jack and the barkeep. "I do not think it my place, to tell the man how to run his tavern," he replies. "What exactly is your predicament?"

[true_n_the_dark]

"Shortness of drink," Jack says slowly. "I'd love to get a few more past my belt, you know. Dull the edges a little."

A shrug, a glance.

So very lovely, if a bit obsolete in his taste.

"Nevermind that. So, were you at a renaissance faire when you were dragged here?"

[first_ranger]

"A renaissance faire?" Benjen echoes, mulling over those words. "I think perhaps my strangeness, at least to your eyes and ear, is from my world being very different than your own. In my time here, I have learned that my lands would seem older than more modern ones." A wry expression. "I awoke here, like many others. I had been on a patrol beyond the Wall I protected."

[true_n_the_dark]

He really sounds like he's out of a book - that is so strange.

".... Right. You wouldn't be Renaissance anyway, that's later. What wall? Is that a border?"

He used to have that job. Didn't go so well.

[first_ranger]

"One of many in the Westeros. The Wall borders the North part of the kingdom, protecting my brother's lands and his estate - Winterfell," Benjen answers. "I am Benjen Stark," he finally introduces himself.

[true_n_the_dark]

"Jack," he replies, and there's a long pause, as if he was deciding whether to give his name or not. Now that he's seen his sister, he decides against it.

"Nice to meet you," he tells the other guy. "Sorry for the..." he makes an awkward gesture at nothing, "... I'm still getting used to things."

[first_ranger]

Benjen grunts and nods. "It takes time, and requires no apology for it," he replies.

And he'll leave the man be, going back to nursing his own drink. Unless Jack seeks further conversation.

Since this is old, I thought we might fade and play them more current? Since they've now met?

[true_n_the_dark]

I'm good with fading due to its age, and absolutely in favor of current. Jack will probably get a post soon :-)