(Untitled)

[tavar_of_alera]

Last time Tavi was in the Bar, he'd intended to write to his family. Instead he ended up Bartending.

This time, he's bound and determined to actually get those letters written, because it actually is relaxing and keeps it from taking up time at work

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

X, Security badge pinned to her belt over her left hip, pauses by his table, head tilting very slightly.

Blame the catapult designs. (Or the trebuchet.)

"You are working?"

He could just like the look of them. Though she would be dubious about that sort of answer.

[tavar_of_alera]

When catapult or trebuchet designs are involved, there is no blame. Only awesome.

He looks up, however, and carefully keeps that flash of recognition. Of course, some people smell the exact similarity, some read auras or something--but he tries anyway.

"Yes and no."

He's given that answer before.

"It might be work one day, but I'm just playing with ideas. I know someone who'd be interested."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am allowed to ask?"

She stays where she is for a few seconds, studying this man that she has met before. Then, movements quick and economical, she takes a seat.

"Who it is."

Beat.

"Or they are from your home?"

[tavar_of_alera]

"Sure."

He shrugs, fluidly.

"For definitions of home. I was asked by a Count on the eastern border for advice on his defenses. Seems to think I might have unconventional solutions. We've been keeping in touch."

Because said Count is his uncle, and said definition is where I was born.

[cutting_edgex23]

"Why does he think that?"

Beat.

"About unconventional solutions. And you."

This is something X likes to know.

(She has cause to consult people on unconventional solutions, on occasion. And she has also been used as that kind of consultant in the past.

It pays to keep her hand in!)

[tavar_of_alera]

"I think I'm developing a reputation."

His smile is wry.

After a moment, he decides to explain very slightly.

"I won a battle a few months back, and brought on some new recruits. All... unconventionally."

[cutting_edgex23]

"That is not very descriptive," X offers, after a long few moments of silence.

And hard on the heels of that --

"Many people from your world come here?"

[tavar_of_alera]

"It's the best summary. The story would take... quite a long time."

And involves more information than he'd like to give.

Another fluid shrug.

"Not more than a handful--I think one of my officers and I are the two most frequent patrons."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Max," X says.

It is not quite a question.

"I remember."

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi nods amicably enough.

"My Tribune Auxiliarus," he agreed.

Beat.

"Alerans are all almost painfully alike, apparently," he adds wryly. There may be an understated question there, however.

She recognizes him, doesn't she?

[cutting_edgex23]

"I do not think so," X says.

Carefully.

"You and Max are very distinct."

So is everybody else X has ever met. It's funny how useful an enhanced sense of smell is for that kind of thing.

Go figure.

(Which is to say, unless he has gone to great lengths to mask his scent differently every time they have met -- yes. She recognizes him.)

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi knows enough about people to read between the lines there.

His scent has changed a little--a lot more smoke and blood and steel and leather have just sunk into his uniforms, even when clean (certainly at levels that humans can't smell), but at the basic level, he's still just Tavi.

So he flashes a quick grin at her.

"That much I'll grant you."

Beat.

"My nose isn't half as crooked."

[cutting_edgex23]

"You do not flirt as persistently, either."

X is very good at being matter-of-fact.

But, perhaps more importantly --

"And I have not seen you in combat."

[tavar_of_alera]

"True. But I can hold a steady relationship."

For a moment affection flashes through his eyes. Never, ever get him started on Kitai.

Still, he laughs shortly, amusement in his expression.

"No, I suppose not. You've seen Max fight?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"I do not think it is necessary," X offers, after a moment. "A steady relationship."

She pronounces that one exactly like Tavi did. Sometimes that is easier with new terminology.

Then --

"Yes. In Alanna's world."

Beat.

"He threw me to the beach. It was very effective."

And, you know. Something any other non-furycrafter might not have survived.

Still.

[tavar_of_alera]

"Not necessary. But not everything's about necessity. Usually, maybe."

Another look flashes through his eyes, briefly, and somewhat indefinable.

"It can, however, make life more enjoyable."

This is where Max would tease him about the sex until Tavi irritatedly insisted it wasn't all about the sex.

Tavi merely blinks, running quickly back through his memory. He'd stored that conversation carefully, because it was about Max fighting in another world. Max, Jack, X. Resiliance, strength, flexibility; something about a kraken.

And now he has a name.

"I heard about the battle--that it happened, though not with many details."