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[Silco had no idea how the pig managed to wander passed the staff - clearly he needed new hires - to poke at his door and snuffle. It was so noisy and bothersome that he actually moved from his desk to open the door and... there was an albino pig. With a note. He stared for a long suspicious moment before reaching down the take the note, examining the penmanship first (so few appreciated the ink and pen).

He moved away from the pig to return to his desk, unfolding and reading the missive. Richard, hmm? He stared at the letter for a long quiet moment after finishing reading it, mind drifting to all that he had to do today, all the tasks to complete, all the business he filled his life with to avoid going to an empty house. This wouldn't be a problem in Zaun; there was always something that required his attention. Here? Not so much.

He looked across his desk at the various notes on businesses he was considering. Then he used a finger to drag half the parchment down to view the pig. He sighed and finally folded the missive neatly, rising from his chair and grabbing his coat.

He approached the albino pig and looked down at the beast. This wasn't the strangest companion.] The Duke states is his letter that you always know how to find him. Can you guide me to him? As a long time resident, it feels prudent to assist in finding him proper accommodation. [Not... escapism at all.]

[The pig stares right back at Silco, looking a little nervous under the suspicious eyes. But once the letter is accepted and the man moves back inside his office it seems like a wave of relief washes over the animal. It follows Silco inside, carefully sniffing the floor and poking around while looking around the room. But at least he seems to be mindful enough not to make a mess or break anything!

However, Silco stands back up, walked around the table and approached the pig it jumped a little as if it had just been caught red handed from doing something. The small dark eyes look up, blinking once or twice, but overall appearing very attentive. Huh. As if it actually understands every word said to him.]

Meep. [The pig lets out a soft noise before sneezing quietly. After that it turns around and walks out of the door, fully expecting Silco to follow.

And.. let's just say that he's definitely taking Silco for an adventure. It seems like the pig just knows how to find every small crook and narrow alley, moving swiftly through the shadows and managing always to avoid any curious eyes. No wonder it had been able to slip past any staff members and find the way to Silco's office.

After a taking them through different short-cuts the pig leads them to the outskirts of Aldrip. There, on an empty field right next to the city borders, there is a very familiar figure dressed in black leather carrying a bow and arrow. He's set up a small target practice for himself, having painted marks on a big oak tree not too far from himself.]

[It didn't take Silco long to realize that the pig already had a better grasp of navigating the city than most of the Chosen, and he hadn't seen Richard with a pig before now. This had to be a new addition, which made the beast an even greater curiosity in light of the written missive. He followed, using narrow alleys that he usually did to make his way around the city for both the shortest distance possible and to avoid observation as much as possible.

He could tell they were leaving the hustle and bustle of Aldrip soon, and he expected that they would be heading to the outskirts. Richard seemed to have a particular fondness for the forest he had observed, and it wasn't a wonder if the younger man would simply claim a plot of land and build a house way out amid the trees. It wasn't Silco's style, but he wouldn't step on anyone's choices for living. After all, Jinx had a tree house out here somewhere and was probably living out here to avoid him as much as she humanly could when not causing trouble at the docks with her little gang.

Spotting Richard, he tucked his hands into his jacket as he was forced to leave the city behind once more and walk in nature. Oh how he missed the city of iron and glass, his nation of Zaun.]

I assume this one is a new addition for you? [He nodded his chin towards the albino pig.] And I see you never miss an opportunity to practice with your weapons. Is this where you might live?

[Once Richard's figure swims to their view the pig picks up its pace, trotting gleefully towards the man it seems to view as its' master of sorts.

Richard, meanwhile, begins to draw his bow. His feet are slightly spread and planted firmly on the ground, back straight and head held up high. It's seemingly perfect form when he raises the bow and draws the tight string along with the arrow. He takes a deep breath and focuses his eyes at the painted target in front of him. A beat, and he's just about to release the arrow and---]

Meep! [The pig call out as it runs up to Richard, making the duke to stop and lower his bow. There's almost something fond reflected in his eyes as he looks down at the loyal animal -- but it disappears immediately once he notices that it hadn't arrived alone.] Oi, Whitey. [He mutters at the pig, a hint of scold in his tone.

Then he looks up from the beast to greet Silco.]

Mind stays sharp in well trained body, Silco. It would not do good for me for neglect my training and allow my skills go soft even during these days of peace. [Also. He's bit of a sword himbo, ok??] I see that Whitey successfully delivered my letter.

[Bows were not too common in the Undercity, not with the clutter of buildings. He knew of other places that frequently made use of them, of course, but that was all in books and discussions while sharing a drink with traders. From his amateur assessment, it seemed to him that Richard knew how to handle the weapon effectively, even if an arrow never flew upon his approach.

He also had never seen that expression on Richard's face before, he noted. It seemed the pig and the duke were rather fond of each other, and he expected that could be a weakness exploited by those wanting to take advantage of the situation. It was one reason he had never dared have a pet; it would end up a victim of early Shimmer experimentation anyway.]

You expect that we won't be at peace for long then. [Good. There was always room for battles in this place, though how those on the level of 'normal' would do against some of those they had here remained to be seen. A cunning mind might even the score.]

Is that the animal's name? Very creative. It seemed you are in the market for a place of your own, and I happen to know more than a few opportunities. If you're interested, of course.

I do not expect anything. Not war or peace.

[Whitey truly was an anomaly to Richard's life. His older brothers had looked at the thing with confused amusement, not quite sure why would Richard keep such thing around. After all, boars were wild and timid creatures, nearly impossible to tame. And yet here Whitey is, walking up to lean on Richard's legs like a pampered lapdog. When it had first arrived Richard hadn't been all that surprised if he was honest. The animal had always known how to find him, appearing before him and guiding him to the safety when he needed it the most. Really. Seeing that their lives were entangled together it only made sense that Whitey would find his way to this world as well.]

Whitey can't stay at the inn. [While the staff didn't seem to mind the boar that much it still was hardly an appropriate location for such animal.

Though the offer does make him smile a bit.] Yet another act of your neverending generosity. Unfortunately I have not been able to gather funds for an entire house just let, which does limit my options.

Edited 2024-06-19 10:01 (UTC)

This place doesn't allow peace for long; there always seems to be some event or another to stir people up.

[Silco continued to approach slowly to where Richard had set up, but his steps stuttered uncharacteristically at the statement of his generosity. He liked to think of himself as fair, in a sense of the word when it came to Zaun where if he received something, he would give in return. Zaun was a nation of promises, favours and handshake deals, and there was much credit put to someone honouring their word.

So it called into question why he went out of his way to show Richard places or simply showed up. There was a strangeness to their conversations, an intrigue that nudged the deep unsettled sensation inside of him. Perhaps it was that they were both monsters? Why did he handled Richard like he handled his daughter? Was that all there was? A similarity to the deep unsettled nature of a person afflicted with voice or...? Thinking of Jinx's current rejection stung just a touch, but he pushed it away. He was not filling that void with this man.

He made a point to look between Richard and the pig again as if trying to examine a problem that required solving.] The apartments are quaint enough I'm told. There are other accommodations as well such as bunking with a friend, sleeping in the woods - not particularly recommended - and stealing your way into abandoned places. I see many chosen have roommate situations, but you seem to enjoy your privacy.

Like the tower had been.

[Richard had been told the tales of the time The Chosen defeated and slayed a monstrous creature from the depths of ocean. The trials that they faced at the Tower could not hold a candle to previous adventures. But yet, Richard was rather interested in seeing what else this world had to offer. Just what kind of punishments and tribulations were waiting for this group of sinners. He'd welcome them all.

Whitey lets outs a soft grunt when Silco begin to list all the possible solutions, as if to give out his on input on the matter. In return, Richard kneels down on the ground and places his weapon down so that he can scratch the pig behind its ears.

Last time they had met at the opening of Last Drop the man had made a vague promise to help him out if he needed something. It had been partially the reason why he had send the letter to him in the first place. While he did not want to rely on Silco more than he had already, Richard did feel like it was only proper for him to inform the other about the change in his living arrangements. They had spoken of a covenant, hadn't they? It wasn't still set in motion but Richard could see the potential bond growing between them. Only time would reveal what kind shape it will take.]

Aye. Sharing living quarters with someone is out of question. Whitey can be handful. [There is another "meep" coming from the pig in protest. Because yeah.. Avoiding sharing rooms with someone is more for his own sake than for Whitey's. He did not only value privacy but rather saw it essential for his survival. The last thing he wants is to risk his own demons being discovered and his secret being let out.]

I do not intend to become a hermit and run off to woods either. But a house from somewhere around here would be ideal, I suppose. Quiet, calm and open path to both city and forest.

Edited (oop) 2024-06-19 21:56 (UTC)

[Silco suddenly found the tree with the target painted on it to be the most interesting part of the forest for a few seconds after processing the reference to the Tower. That place had been set up to be fine, but it had ended up being disastrous for him in particular. He was still dealing with the repercussions, and it didn't appear as if the storm was going to be ending any time soon.] It does seem that the Tower was a complication.

[His mismatched gaze to the pig now known to him as 'Whitey', and he dealt with animals with sentience. It was obvious this creature knew some language, maybe all of it. No wonder Richard was willing to dedicate so much time and effort to finding a place to accommodate the pair of them. Animals of all shapes and sizes lived with their humanoid bond, so this wasn't unusual to see.

Discussion of the house was far safer than the Tower. He'd prefer to put it behind him.]

That knocks the option off then. [He would not pursue it further.] And what amenities would you require in your abode? One bedroom, two bedroom, multiple bathrooms?

[He didn't think location would be a problem, but it would more be what interior would work best. He didn't know what kind of homes Dukes lived in where Richard was from.]

[The Tower had truly been underwhelming experience for Richard himself that he didn't even think of looking for any signs of distress or alike in Silco. And he hadn't exactly heard anyone talk much about the events that happened there, almost as if it had been one, big collective dream.

But then there is the question of the house, which honestly suited him better, too. Richard casts his gaze down at Whitey as he mulls over his thoughts. The apartment, houses and other living quarters were very different from those from his own world... Just like everything else. It had taken him a week to learn properly how to walk through an automatic doors or figure out how to use light switch. It did bring him some anxiety to think that he would soon be all alone with these random gadgets and unnatural furniture.]

..I do not require much. Two bedrooms with separate areas for dining, kitchen and washing is enough.

[It was for the best no one was talking about it, and they could just move on from the trouble that it had caused. This was yet another sign that they were in some kind of purgatory, and they all likely deserved everything coming to them from the Council. After all, no one actually seemed to be obeying whatever rudimentary rules there were in this place.

Richard and Saralegui were the epitome of fish-out-of-water, but they did both seem to be handling it well enough. He hadn't seen any cries for assistance on the network. Of course, he couldn't guarantee either of them hadn't just buried the tablet.]

That isn't a complicated home then. That will be easy enough to have built for you. Do you want a shower and a bathtub or just one of those? [He was, after all, making mental notes.] And does your companion have specific needs inside or out of a property?

[Richard was a firm believer of doing things on his own and hated the idea of being dependent on someone else. Never in his life had he been given anything for free, having always to work himself double the amount anyone else. When he was still a mere child he had endlessly trained his small body so that he would be able to catch up with his brothers, filling his days with exercise, lessons in sword, archery and military tactics. All so that he could one day prove himself worthy of standing next to his father in battlefield. And once the age of boyhood had passed? Well, after that he had craved the power to himself through victories in war, and playing the social game of the court just right.

So, asking for help out in public like that went against the foundation of his own belief. That power was something you carved out for yourself, rather than wait for it to happen or to be given. Which is also why his opinion of the young king had faltered when he had seen him in the network. While the humility had been inspiring to some degree but the contract that the king had spoken of made Richard lose his belief in him. But then again, Saralegui wasn't like him. He was young and beautiful, shining that light which only of those with divine blessing could.]

You may think of me as one of the royals who sleep in their high castles, surrounded by gold and luxury. But the truth is that I do not require much. ['A hunter's cabin in middle of woods. Keeping you two safe from the rain.' A distant memory echoes in his mind. Mocking him with the moments of peace and tranquility that had been unknowingly to him been built on blood and betrayal.

Whitey seems to catch on the direction that Richard's thoughts were threatening to slip, and makes a small grunt to snap him out of it.]

I'm not one for luxuries. Just the standard will do. As for Whitey, he knows how to look after himself. All I want need is to provide him a warm place to sleep during the cold weather and rain.

[Silco was similar in that he preferred his independence and making his own way and creating his own opportunities. He had set himself up well and early in Aldrip, of course, and he had no reason to look back on how he had managed to get this far either. He kept his dealings tight because it was necessary, unlike in Zaun where he could buy certain people off to have them cover him as he acquired more and more. It was, of course, a survival tactic even if it put a target on his back at the same time.

He had relied on someone before and that betrayal still stung. Of course, the recent one was still fresh enough that he hadn't bothered to deal with it; a treacherous weak part of him had always known the answer to the question of who Jinx would choose in a contest and it was reiterated yet again. He still loved and would care for her, yet her silence towards him felt different. He didn't have Zaun to fall back on until she had forgiven him for one thing or another.

Maybe that was why he was out here in the first place. Richard seemed to have a relatively positive opinion of him, and their dealings had been such an oddity that it stole his attention when he was distracted from conquering Aldrip.]

I've met a few who call themselves royalty, and you do not behave as they do. [Well, a little. There was still the idea that Silco was some kind of unworthy mutt with dirty blood; he'd endured that since the day he was born. Richard had tamed the rhetoric down.] I imagine you'll need a place with peace and quiet to keep your witch from bothering you too much. Absolute quiet or blasting music are what my daughter tends to require.

[He looked at the pig again, and then he simply shrugged his shoulders. None of these requests were abnormal or even odd.] You can request a house built for you through the natives of Aldrip. [He listed off a name and the location to find this person.] More people will likely be coming soon, so I would advise putting in your request within the next week.

[The hand scratching Whitey's head stills as Silco makes the mention of the witch. His breathing stills for a moment and he can feel a cold wave washing over him, making his bones shiver. It still so disorienting to hear anyone address his curse so directly, without any fear or prejudice. He swallows air, keeping his eyes locked on the white fur of the pig and just hoping that Silco's bold words won't summon her. The day had been going so well so far...]

I met your daughter. [Richard says, drawing his hand away from Whitey. He grabs his bow again and stands back up. Meeting Jinx... had been interesting, let's say. The girl really did not resemble her father in anyway. Not in appearance or behavior. But then again. Richard himself had been different from rest of his family, dark sheep among the white lambs. And none of that had affected the deep bond that he shared with his father. Which he could only assume to be the same with this parent-child couple.]

How do you know when new people are going being summoned.

[He could watch the way that Richard reacted to casual mention of the witch, and he didn't find it unusual given how the younger man seemed to fear her presence. Jinx was the same, but he found the voices would be quieter when they were confronted openly and without fear. It was one of the few methods that calmed Jinx when she had first come to his care, and he wondered if Richard had ever had anyone ever simply accept this as what it was.

He raised his eyebrow at the mention of Richard having met Jinx. There was likely only one of two ways such an introduction could have gone, and depending on where it was, he could eliminate one instantly.] Did you? How badly did she interrogate you or insult you?

[Silco accepted Jinx as she was and defended much of her behavior. He understood that she was not for everyone's taste, and she could be... difficult to have a conversation with. Yet, a part of him was curious how Richard had experienced his only child.]

It seems to run on a cycle every two months thus far. New people will show up in seemingly random places. I washed up out of the ocean, and yet others appeared in the forest.

am i able to take time off?

With notification of dates or times, yes.

i'm interested in going on that expedition to the desert. i guess i don't know how long its expected to be.

Agreed. Provide me a debrief upon your return. It will be useful for exploration beyond our borders. Do you have enough equipment?

[Needs to have him come back mostly in one piece after all.]

[Awesome.]

i can do that.

i'll have to see what the others have. if i need anything i'll let you know.

Good. A map with paths taken would be worthwhile if you have time. I'll supply you. The others of the expedition can supply themselves.

i'll try to make one if no one else does.

that's what i expected. i might want to pick up extra ammo but i don't know if they'll have things i can use for camping or whatever.

[He doesn't really mind roughing it, though.]

The forge will be able to provide ammunition should you require it.

[Richard raises a matching eye brow at Silco and his lips curl up in amused grin. It is quite interesting that he didn't mince his words about her. Normally he'd hear fathers try to appeal to their children's more positive traits, to their wits and bravery if the child was a boy, and to their beauty and grace if it was girl.]

Neither, actually. [Jinx hadn't exactly been the most polite encounter, and she had certainly tried to get under his skin but she hadn't really posed as a threat to Richard. More than she had came across as a brat who lacked manners.] She merely seemed to be quite worried for you.

[So, there was a pattern to this world's workings? He supposes it only makes sense. Just like clear weather after a stormy night.]

Does that mean that people will be let out as well?

[He knew what Jinx was like on first encounters, and he had no reason to think anyone would appreciate her mannerisms as much as he did. She was perfect as she was in his eyes, though yes she did drive him mental at times. The fact that she wasn't on speaking terms with him currently did dull his enthusiasm for discussing an encounter, since he actually couldn't guarantee when she would decide to speak again.]

Did she? That isn't unusual normally. [He looked back at the target painted and shifted his shoulders, shaking his head a little.] Currently she is in a mood of not speaking to me, so I doubt you have to concern yourself with any possessive behavior for awhile.

[He cleared his throat as he moved to the far more impartial topic of conversation.]

No. There does not appear to be a rhythm or specific time frame to people leaving. They come every two months, but they leave on a whim at times.

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