(2022-03-24) Bruuk's Brothers - Counting Cuties
| Author: |
inkie |
| Summary: |
Ben and Sil meet a young lady with a curious connection to Cobalt. They are joined by Azizia, Cognitia, Cambrin, and Elrissadel. The taxonomy of cuties, hotties, and sweetie pies is explained. |
| Rating: |
T for Teen |
Bennarin is nursing a pint of dark beer and frowning over a massive clothbound book open on the table before him.
Silvestre lightly steps up the stairs and pauses, watching Ben for a moment quietly.
[Silvestre]: What's that for?
Silvestre slides into a seat.
Bennarin jumps a little. He manages not to spill any beer, but he does cuss under his breath.
[Bennarin]: … hi, Sil.
Bennarin sets the beer down carefully. He checks the book to make sure he did not, in fact, spill any. "It's a … real estate thing?"
[Bennarin]: 'Farechild's Treatise on the History of Land Inheritance.'
[Bennarin]: I do not recommend it for book club.
[Silvestre]: … Real estate? You lookin' for a new … estate?
Bennarin snorts. "Just figurin' out how to manage the one I got. Will get. The pieces of it. You know?"
[Silvestre]: Yeah. Sure. *Sil does not really know.* The pieces of it.
Bennarin closes the book and slides it to one side. "How're you?"
[Silvestre]: I'm alright. Found some pretty neat poisons up in Zangarmarsh. Paralytics.
[Bennarin]: I mean … there's Duskwood, the land around Darkshire and the pass, you know? And the Callis lands, if we get 'em. If not, there's still the Hillsbrad piece I p– wait what?
[Silvestre]: That's a fancy word for stops-people-from-moving.
[Bennarin]: I know what is a paralytic. I ain't a idiot.
[Silvestre]: I never said you was.
[Bennarin]: … I guess I do not have to ask what you're doin' with 'em.
[Bennarin]: Poisons are hard to have polite conversations about, I guess.
[Bennarin]: 'What's that one do?' 'Oh it makes a fellow bleed out his eyeballs.' 'Oh, nice, like the picnic last week?'
Silvestre laughs. "You go to many picnics with Ms. Barlowe?"
[Silvestre]: And I'm not doin' anything bad. Just stuff as is good for the Company. And the Alliance.
Jenzelle wanders up the stairs, looking as though she feels she is not supposed to be there. Seeing the people already present, she casts her eyes downward and moves to sit at a different table.
[Bennarin]: I wasn't sayin' you were doin' anything bad, Sil. Just, like — it's like askin' Ivri how her day went sometimes, and she's like, 'Oh I killed four men at lunchtime and nailed their pri–'
Bennarin trails off at the newcomer's entrance.
Silvestre waves at the new human woman. "Hey there, miss! Care for a drink?"
Bennarin leans back in his chair and surveys Jenzelle with friendly interest.
Jenzelle squeaks, startled at being addressed so suddenly. "A … d-drink? Me? Are you sure?" She turns to make eye contact. The contact is brief, because she quickly lowers her gaze again.
[Bennarin]: I mean … it ain't required. But if you want one, sure. Don't have to be beer. Just bein' sociable, and all.
[Silvestre]: Yeah, open table if you're interested in company. And I do mean just for chattin' and bein' friendly.
Jenzelle tries to examine them without really looking too close. This is new. "Uh … um, then … if you don't mind." She timidly joins them.
Bennarin drapes an arm over the back of his chair, casually comfortable. "I'm Ben, by the way. This's Sil."
Silvestre nods politely, kind of a sitting-bow.
[Silvestre]: You want a beer, or somethin' else? They got this nice cherry drink, you're not into beer.
[Jenzelle]: Jenzelle, is my name. *She speaks cautiously, as though she might say something wrong.* What, um … whatever you both are having?
[Bennarin]: We are havin' beer. Well, I am, and I am just about to order Sil one. You too, then?
Bennarin signals to Edris.
Jenzelle nods.
[Silvestre]: Pleased to meet you, Jenzelle! New in Ironforge?
Jenzelle does not probably know much about beer. She looks like she doesn't. "Y-yes, actually! How did you know?"
Bennarin leans back again as Edris approaches. "One for Sil, and one for Miz Jenzelle here, please, Edris."
Edris nods and heads for the stairs.
[Silvestre]: You got that kinda starry-eyed look. It's a pretty impressive place, yeah?
Jenzelle nods eagerly. "And … dwarves built this place? They would have had to … human kingdoms aren't like this."
[Bennarin]: No, they ain't. Right? I could not believe it, when I first shown up here. That was … damn, not even quite a year ago? It's a hell of a place.
[Silvestre]: Yep, dwarven place. Been here hundreds of years even. *Sil looks at her curiously* You come from Stormwind way, then?
[Jenzelle]: Stormwind …That's south. Right? I have only been there a couple times. Don't usually go that far south.
Bennarin raises an eyebrow.
[Silvestre]: Oh, uh … Hillsbrad then?
Jenzelle 's eyes fall to her lap. She shifts uncomfortably. This always happens. "Um … Norther …"
Azizia bows to everyone here and goes to sit on a chair.
Bennarin glances over at Azizia and nods respectfully. Edris returns with beer for Sil and Jenzelle; she eyes the young woman a little doubtfully as she sets the pint of dwarven stout in front of her.
Bennarin nods understanding to Jenzelle. "We got a lot of folks around here from … up that way."
[Silvestre]: Yeah, rough business, that.
Silvestre waves at Azizia. “Any avalanches this week?”
Azizia makes a little wave at Sil to show that she's listening to what is happening and that she'll answer him later.
Jenzelle meets Ben’s eyes, finally. "Do you? Do you know–" the words die in her throat. "Oh … Never mind."
[Silvestre]: Know what?
Bennarin leans toward Jenzelle, politely attentive. "Know who, miss?"
[Jenzelle]: Oh, um … just … a friend of mine came down this way, and I was hoping … But–but that's alright. I shouldn't ask.
Elrissadel walks slowly up the stairs, looking around.
[Silvestre]: Oh, Rissa! Wow, we're getting a crowd.
[Bennarin]: Miss, you can ask whatever you like, yeah? We ain't bite. This is Miz Azizia, by the way, and — damn, it's Rissa! Hey. This is Miz Jenzelle. She is new around here.
[Silvestre]: We have met a lot of people from up north, if you want to try us with the name.
Silvestre says to Rissa, “Here, just take my seat.”
Elrissadel smiles at Sil. "It's fine, Sil. I am happy to stand."
[Silvestre]: Oh, okay.
Silvestre smiles at Rissa.
Elrissadel pats him gently on the shoulder as he sits again.
Azizia bows before Elrissadel.
Elrissadel nods to Azizia.
Jenzelle stares at the Draenei and the Night Elf. She seems at a loss.
Silvestre says quietly to Rissa, as an aside, "Those seeds growin' nice?"
Elrissadel grins widely down at Sil. “They are!”
Cognitia blinks up the stairs. She might land in someone's lap, who knows.
Bennarin looks from Jenzelle to Azizia. He starts to say something, but is interrupted by a blinking gnome.
[Cognitia]: Hey, Silly!
Cognitia appears basically on the back of his chair. She perches on it.
[Silvestre]: Hey, Nish!
Jenzelle squeaks at the sudden gnome appearance.
[Bennarin]: … and that is Miz Cognitia.
Elrissadel looks down at the magically appearing half-naked gnome and blinks.
Silvestre glances over at Jenzelle. "We got all races in our friends. But also northerners."
[Bennarin]: Nish, Miz Jenzelle. She is very new. To here.
Cognitia wiggles her fingers at Ben. "Hey, cuties," she says to the ones she doesn't know. "Cognitia Fizzthingle. My friends call me 'Nish' and you can totes call me Nish, cutie pie."
[Azizia]: Ah, hello! I remember you.
[Jenzelle]: Oh goodness. Is this … common?
Jenzelle looks around. Was she the only one surprised?
Cognitia blows a little kiss to Azizia. "Me, cutie? Oh my gosh. I've been called a lot of things. Common isn't one of them."
Cognitia winks slyly at Jenzelle.
[Jenzelle]: Oh! Right. I–I'm sorry.
[Bennarin]: She's teasin' you. Nish, don't tease the new miss. Play nice.
[Azizia]: … But people appearing and disappearing seem to be common in Cobalt Company, yes.
Elrissadel snorts quietly as she can at Azizia's comment.
[Silvestre]: Common for the rare and elusive Nish to blink into a room like that? Yeah.
[Bennarin]: Lemme go order another round for everyone, yeah? Now we got some new people. Someone take my chair while I'm up, okay? I do not like to see a lady chairless so I better not when I get back.
Bennarin sets his own beer atop his book to one side and gets to his feet.
[Cognitia]: Oh, no sorries, cutie pie. Don't you worry about it. I just can't resist a good entrance.
Cognitia pats the top of the chair, and crosses her legs a little to better balance. She seems pretty comfortable, honestly.
Silvestre reaches up to give Nish a high five.
Cognitia high fives Sil automatically.
[Elrissadel]: Or exit.
Cognitia tilts her head back to see Rissa. "Oh, hey you! I remember you, too! Cutie with the sweetie pie! Thanks for your help, before, with the fruit. The draenei were big fans."
[Elrissadel]: I'm glad to hear it! everyone deserves good food.
[Jenzelle]: Cobalt–is that … are all of you in … the Company?
Jenzelle suddenly looks very out of place.
[Silvestre]: At the moment, yeah. But we get all sorts, hangin' out here.
[Silvestre]: Cutie with the sweetie pie. *Sil repeats. He looks at Rissa* A friend?
[Cognitia]: Oh my gosh, the sweetest lil, well, okay not little, but you know, little Nelf. Just adorbs.
Jenzelle tilts her head, pondering how one can be little, but not little.
Elrissadel rolls her eyes playfully and gestures at Nish. "She fell into me and my friend in Darnassus a few days ago."
Bennarin returns with a tray of more beer. He sets the tray down and begins distributing drinks at random.
[Cognitia]: I like to make a splash sometimes.
[Elrissadel]: You certainly did
Cambrin waves.
Bennarin glances back. "Oh, hey, Cam. You are just in time for the second round."
Bennarin grins and offers a beer out to Cambrin.
Azizia bows before Cambrin.
Elrissadel waves at Cambrin.
[Azizia]: Fell into?
[Cognitia]: I misjudged my portal from the other world. Kinda missed by a bit. It was totes fine!
Cambrin takes the beer gratefully.
Jenzelle jumps a little as yet another person appears behind her.
[Bennarin]: … Miz Jenzelle, Cam Cooper. Cam, Miz Jenzelle.
[Silvestre]: That'd be Cam, he's from North, too. Not your friend?
Cognitia conjures herself something pink, fizzy, and light on the alcohol. It has a very tiny pink, sparkly umbrella.
Cognitia waves at Cam with her drink hand. "Hey, cutie!"
[Cambrin]: There were a lot of people up north, Sil. We didn't all know each other.
Cognitia giggles at Cambrin.
[Cambrin]: Hi, Nish.
Jenzelle peers at Cambrin. Nope. Back to rigidly staring at the tabletop. As an afterthought, she slowly hides her Scarlet Crusade insignia.
[Bennarin]: And I promise you this chair here is goin' empty until a lady takes it, so one of y'all better.
[Elrissadel]: If it will make you feel better, I will sit. But I truly am used to standing.
[Bennarin]: It will make me feel better, ma'am.
[Bennarin]: Thank you kindly.
Bennarin grins at Rissa and sets a drink in front of her.
Elrissadel looks up at him "You’re welcome, but please no honorifics."
Cognitia grins at Cam as he passes behind where she's perched on Sil's chair, and then as he changes his mind.
[Bennarin]: Did I — oh. Ma'am is a honorific?
Bennarin looks around for clarification.
Cognitia shrugs her shoulders. What are honorifics? Is Cutie an honorific?
Cambrin manages to keep his expression neutral.
[Elrissadel]: I think so? That is what they're called, right?
[Bennarin]: Ma'am is just manners where I am from.
[Elrissadel]: Ah. The translating. I had been taught it was for like elders or those with higher rank? Which I don't have. But you can use it if it's the norm for you
[Jenzelle]: Y-you could say they are Ma'amers … *She flinches at her own joke.*
Cognitia giggles at Jenzelle.
Bennarin snorts a surprised laugh. He grins at Jenzelle.
[Bennarin]: Nice.
Cambrin smirks.
[Cognitia]: Oh my gosh. Yes! I want that to be the new name forever.
Elrissadel gives a quick laugh.
Silvestre chuckles.
Jenzelle blushes and looks slightly less tense.
Azizia tilts her head, frowning. Puns in Common will land with her. One day.
[Cognitia]: Then when people try to say I have no ma'amers, I can say I absolutely do.
Azizia gives Nish the same look she just gave Jenzelle.
Bennarin winks at Nish.
Cognitia giggles at Ben.
Elrissadel looks between Nish, Ben, and Sil, noticing their comfort with one another, and smiles to herself.
[Cognitia]: So, you thinking of getting some work, cutie pie? *She asks Jenzelle, sipping on her drink.*
[Jenzelle]: W-work? Oh, no I … I have a squad, they're … in Stormwind. I'm … exploring, a little?
[Silvestre]: Oh yeah? What kinda squad?
Silvestre smiles at Jenzelle encouragingly.
Bennarin starts to lean reflexively on the back of Jenzelle's chair, decides that might not be Comfortable for the young lady, and steps over to lean on the back of Rissa's instead.
Elrissadel shifts slightly to give him room.
[Cognitia]: Exploring is so fun. You get to experience so many new … things. *She smiles sweetly.*
[Jenzelle]: Like the TRAM! Did … gnomes build that? It was so … so fast. And … kind of loud. A little scary …
[Bennarin]: They did, yeah. Hell of a thing. Lemme tell you, the first time I went on it …
Bennarin shakes his head and whistles through his teeth.
[Bennarin]: That tunnel, though? With the fish? You saw?
Bennarin smiles at Jenzelle.
[Cognitia]: Oh my gosh, cutie, if you knew how many redundancies that thing has. It has a safety factor of like SEVEN. Usual is TWO.
[Silvestre]: Oh yeah, Cap'n Jo is so proud of that. I don't think she built it, just like, gnome pride or somethin'.
Elrissadel nods along. "It is absolutely incredible. I only saw it for the first time myself a few months ago."
Silvestre nods at Rissa. Incredible tram.
Cognitia winks at Rissa. Her eyelashes, on closer inspection, are clearly fake.
Elrissadel doesn't know that fake eyelashes even exist and just thinks she has VERY INTENSE EYES. Which makes sense with her general INTENSEness
Jenzelle addresses Sil’s earlier question. "My … my squad, we … fight things. Up North. You know."
Cognitia makes a 'yikes' face. "Oh yeah, North. Major bummmeerrrr." She vocal fries hard.
[Silvestre]: Oh, like the Dawn, yeah. Cobalt's done a fair amount of work up there. Might be we have run into that friend of yours.
[Jenzelle]: Um … then … R-Ralaea? Have you … I-I mean I heard something about Cobalt and … I was … curious …
[Azizia]: Name does ring a bell.
Elrissadel flicks an ear. The name is familiar.
Silvestre freezes slightly, and sends Ben a Look.
Bennarin does a Face. It is the slightest flicker of a Face, and then his guileless puppy expression is back in place. He blinks at Jenzelle.
Cognitia shrugs. She's definitely met Ralaea, but that's not the name Nish knows for her, so. Who knows.
[Bennarin]: Ralaea? Yeah, we are familiar. You an old friend, or … ?
Bennarin is still leaning on the back of Rissa's chair casually, but there is a new tension in him, and despite his mild expression he is watching Jenzelle intently.
Elrissadel, due to proximity, can feel Ben's energy tense a bit. She looks back a bit curiously.
[Cambrin]: Met her a few times.
[Jenzelle]: She was … in … my squad, before. Last time I saw her, she …
Jenzelle looks close to tears. “I was hoping she was okay, is all.”
Bennarin considers her. He flicks a glance to Sil.
Cognitia 's eyes go back and forth between Ben and Sil, and she puts on an Extra Sweet Smile. The Gnome Knows Nothing She's Just A Lil Cutie Flirt.
Cambrin looks like gears are turning in his head. Slowly. Maybe from the Hellfire dust.
[Cognitia]: Oh my gosh, I'm sure she's fine, cutie.
Silvestre shrugs. "I think she's alright. All things considered."
Azizia leans back in her chair.
[Cognitia]: You two used to … you know? Be mates together or something? I always like knowing where my exes are. For reasons.
Bennarin looks extremely dubious about this idea, but also kind of interested.
Cambrin splutters as he almost spits out his beer at Nish's brazenness.
Jenzelle gasps at Nish. "Oh, n-no! No, nothing like that, I … I have someone …"
Cognitia sips on her drink, and flicks her hair back. "Oh! Well. I mean, you can have more than one someone, but okay."
[Bennarin]: You got a reason to fret she ain't okay?
Bennarin is all polite concern.
Jenzelle considers Ben's question. "I don't … know what all she's told you, so … I can't really say. Not without … her privacy … y-you know.”
Bennarin nods respectfully. "'Preciate that, miss, I do. What squad was it you was in with her? Your commander was …?" Ben tilts his head and waits.
[Jenzelle]: M-Miss Mondragon. Kaela? Has she … spoken of her? I'm sure she has. She idolized her.
Bennarin studies Jenzelle. "Yes'm. She has. Many times. You understand I am just checkin', yeah? On account of also respectin' her privacy."
[Azizia]: Ah! We met a Mondragon!
Jenzelle looks confused. "You … did?"
Bennarin flicks a glance at Azizia.
Azizia turns to Sil, then Ben. "The pet rocks man!"
[Bennarin]: Yeah, it is a — different Mondragon.
Bennarin clears his throat.
Silvestre nods, and says, in a kind of warning tone, "Fella, though. Clearly not a Kaela."
[Bennarin]: Yeah, no, not a — reckon it is a whole … different. Anyway.
Jenzelle looks even more confused, but nods along with what Ben is saying. "Of course. I see. Um…As long as she's okay, I don't need to know anything more."
[Cognitia]: The Pet … Rock Man? Do we have a Pet Rock Man? Oh my gosh, is he cute?
Azizia turns to Nish and whispers. "No, no, he is not a pet rock man. He has pet rocks, and he is a man."
[Silvestre]: I reckon he is kinda cute, in a sort of … anyway …
Bennarin turns back to Jenzelle. "You sure? You want me to —"
Bennarin stops to stare at Sil.
Cognitia nods at Sil. "Yeah, I bet he is." She waggles her brows. "He come by here sometime?"
Elrissadel looks equally confused and intruigued and mouths, "Rock man?"
Silvestre looks to Rissa. "Just a regular man. Azizia gave him some rocks, as a pet."
Elrissadel nods at Silvestre.
Cognitia sips her drink, looking equally game to meet a Rock Man or a man with rocks.
[Bennarin]: Most of the rocks is probably smarter than him, if you take me.
[Bennarin]: I hope they have not outwit him and run off by now.
[Silvestre]: I never said he was smart. *Sil says, a tad defensively*
[Bennarin]: Oh, I know you ain't. I am just … explainin' him to Miz Nish and all.
[Bennarin]: They ain't met him.
Cognitia makes a little pouty face. "Aww, I mean. Those are always cute, the pretty and dumb ones, but you know. Tap the rock, and move on, you know?"
Elrissadel is absolutely certain she has lost the plot of what Nish is talking about.
Silvestre chokes on his beer, just for a second there.
[Azizia]: I blame last names for everyone confusion. If they did not share last name, I would not have mentioned him. Really, worst invention of this world.
[Jenzelle]: Tap … rocks? Is that … a gnome thing?
Cognitia flutters her lashes at Jenzelle. "It can totes be a gnome thing if you want it to be, cutie."
Elrissadel is tallying Nish's 'cuties' to tell Florande when she sees her later.
Bennarin clears his throat. "ANYway. Miz Jenzelle, you ain't touched your drink. How is your squad doin'? Rae's old squad?"
[Jenzelle]: Oh, we're … everything is a bit chaotic right now … We're trying to recruit, I think? But then someone said our leader was a … goodness. A monster?
Jenzelle doesn't look like she really knows. Instead, she picks up her beer and sips at it. Her expression becomes slightly strangled at the taste.
[Bennarin]: Dathrohan, you mean.
Cognitia makes the 'yikes' face again. "Oh, yeah, wow that's … real bummer."
[Bennarin]: He was a dreadlord. In disguise.
Cambrin 's eyes widen.
[Cambrin]: That … huh.
Elrissadel whips around to look at Ben and is no longer counting cuties.
Bennarin glances down at Rissa and nods once, grimly.
[Jenzelle]: A … dread … yes, that was it. A dreadful.
Azizia frowns. Her eyebrows couldn't get any lower between her eyes.
Elrissadel is now much more interested in the conversation happening around Jenzelle.
[Silvestre]: You want that cherry thing, Miss Jenzelle? Some folks like it better.
Cognitia giggles at Sil. "Oh yeah, we do."
[Jenzelle]: Oh no, I … This is fine.
Jenzelle smiles politely and has another sip. Same face.
Silvestre glances up at Nish barely manages to stifle a laugh. The rest of the conversation got too serious for laughs.
Cognitia is never too serious for a laugh. She smiles sweetly, and sips her drink.
[Silvestre]: But yeah, squad went in and saw proof, right Ben? The one Dane leads?
[Bennarin]: Yeah. They went in there, Cole and Dane and Sir Black — it was a Argent Dawn operation — to confront him. Saidan Dathrohan. He turned into a dreadlord right in front of 'em.
Bennarin shakes his head grimly.
[Bennarin]: Light only knows how long that thing was runnin' the show.
[Bennarin]: Cole was real shook up about it.
[Cognitia]: Oh, the Hottie McFacey Lieutenant?
Cognitia makes a gesture at her face trying for a decent :|. She cannot pull it off.
[Bennarin]: … I would not know, ma'am. That ain't how I address him.
Bennarin knows perfectly well who she means but he will refer to Cole as Hottie McFacey over his own dead body.
[Silvestre]: Pretty sure that's him, yeah. On account Ben's the other and I do not think Auralind Mistwalker is Hottie McFacey.
Cognitia nods and sips her drink. "Poor hottie."
Elrissadel is trying to listen seriously but didn't know she's also going to have to count hotties along with sweeties and cuties.
[Cognitia]: But doesn't he have a new super sweetie to make him smiley?
[Silvestre]: Not that she ain't pretty, of course. Just.
Silvestre shakes his head. He is not gonna call Auralind Hottie McFacey. She might kill him.
[Bennarin]: I am wounded to the quick to know I ain't the Hottie Lieutenant, ma'am. And yes, Cole is married.
[Cambrin]: Oh yeah, the wedding. Sorry I missed it. Was hip-deep in demon guts.
[Silvestre]: Wow, that sounds way less fun than a party.
Cambrin nods at Sil.
[Cognitia]: Oh, honey, *Nish purrs at Ben.* You're Hottie Big … Bro. *She winks.*
[Bennarin]: I feel like bein' Hottie and a brother in the same sentence is … weird, ma'am. And what the hell, Cam?
Bennarin eyes Cambrin up and down.
[Bennarin]: You okay?
Cambrin shrugs. "Yeah. Mostly. It's Hellfire, you know?"
Elrissadel can't help herself. “What is the difference between a hottie, a sweetie and a cutie?”
Azizia shrugs at Rissa.
Cognitia points at Sil. "This is a Sweetie Pie." She points at Ben. "That is a Hottie." She points at Cam. "And that's a Cutie."
Elrissadel nods at Nish like that explained anything.
[Cambrin]: How was the party? Sounds like a big shindig.
[Elrissadel]: Yes, I heard good things. I could not make it either.
Azizia turns to Cambrin. "You missed seeing beautiful outfit … s."
Cognitia giggles at Azizia.
Jenzelle looks much more relaxed. These people are Rae's friends. She tries beer again. Nope. Still awful.
Silvestre hears the bell toll. "I reckon I better head out. Good to see you all again. And to meet you, Jenzelle."
Cognitia blows a kiss to Sil.
Silvestre blows Cognitia a kiss.
Cognitia slides down into his chair.
[Jenzelle]: Oh, um, bye! *She waves at Sil.*
[Cambrin]: Night, Sil.
Silvestre waves.
Elrissadel lifts a hand in farewell to Sil.
Cognitia looks at Azizia. "You get a chance to meet my Ger Bear at the wedding, cutie?"
[Cognitia]: Your dress was like, literally so hot.
Bennarin studies Jenzelle sidelong.
[Cognitia]: It was SO cute. Like, oh my god, you think Big Bro looks good now? Oh my gosh.
Cognitia does a chef kiss at Ben.
Azizia flips her hair off her shoulder. "Thank you, Nish. I worked really hard on accessories. And no, I don't think I have met Ger Bear. Is he Druid?"
Cognitia giggles at Azizia.
Azizia isn't laughing.
[Cognitia]: No, he's a mage! But he'd have loved to know how you pulled off that shimmer thing, and the little ankles. So cute. He's human, and super cute.
[Cambrin]: Speaking of clothes, you're pretty spiffed up, Ben.
Bennarin looks down at himself and then blinks up at Cam. "Yeah, hey, thanks. Uh. Mizzy's folks are … around."
Bennarin looks over his shoulder cautiously, like they might be lurking on Bruuk's balcony.
Cambrin nods in understanding.
[Azizia]: Oh! Spirits helped for that. Water spirit for tiny ice crystals floating around me and fire spirit for fire ankle bracelet, simply.
[Cognitia]: Oh, yeah? That's, like …*She flips her hair back.* So. Hot. *She smiles sweetly at Azizia.*
Cambrin whistles softly. "I didn't realize people could use magic for things like that."
[Cognitia]: You want one of those, Ben? Twinkle a little more? I have glitter.
[Cognitia]: Impress the in-laws!
[Bennarin]: I think I am all good on the twinklin' front, ma'am.
Cognitia giggles at Ben..
Elrissadel leans on her elbow, looking towards Azizia. “You called on nature for your … outfit? Fascinating."
Jenzelle nods in agreement with Cambrin. "You are that powerful?" she asks of Azizia.
Cognitia wiggles her shoulders and sips her drink. "Ger Bear does what he does with illusions. I bet he'd be really fascinated how you're using the spirits to do the same thing."
[Elrissadel]: It must take a very delicate touch
Cognitia smiles sweetly at Rissa. "Gotta love a giant woman with a delicate touch."
Bennarin glances at Cam, in case he needs an adult.
Cambrin looks fine for a guy who spent the weekend hip deep in demon guts.
Azizia shakes her head. "Not magic. And no, I am not very powerful as shaman. Not at all." She then turns to Rissa. "I do it only on occasion, because then I have to work for spirits that helped and they are pain in the %!@."
Elrissadel frowns. "You have to pay back nature? Or smaller spirits?
Azizia turns to Nish. "I could show to Ger Bear, but I do not know if he will be able to do it himself."
Cognitia makes a Yikes Face. "Ooo, owing favors is like … yiiiiiikes." She vocal fries the heck out of the word.
Elrissadel winces.
[Cognitia]: He'd just want to know how you're doing it, even if he can't do it too. He enjoys watching … things. *She smiles sweetly.*
Elrissadel is young but not stupid and is fast catching on to all of Nish's double meanings
Azizia nods at Rissa. "Shaman borrow power from spirits of elements, and they will only if they appreciate you or if you bring them something in exchange, like a favor, yes, and those are 'the worst'."
[Cognitia]: Oh! So, just like … goblins, then?
Cognitia sips her drink.
[Elrissadel]: Fascinating. I am Druid. So we both connect to the natural world. but so differently!
Azizia nods. "I have met druids, yes. We have very different methods. Yours seem a little less annoying. Except when you turn into animal. Sometimes druids act weird then."
[Azizia]: I wish elements were like Goblins! At least they take money. Elements here are always at war, so it is always, "Travel to this place and fight my nemesis. I want control over land, and less water there.”
Cognitia shrugs. "That's … honestly how the Trade Princes can be. Like, 'travel there to blow up my rival's schematics so mine can market dominate.'"
[Cognitia]: Money is always the point but, like, what they want from you can vary.
[Azizia]: I don't know goblins like that, then, Nish. Everytime I am in Booty Bay or in Ratchet, I just give gold and they give good goods back.
Bennarin sets his empty pint glass down and picks up the enormous book he'd left at the table's corner. "Okay. I have got to get goin' in a minute here. I promised to bring Estel a snack, and I got to get back home because … tomorrow."
Bennarin does not define 'tomorrow' but it sounds bad.
Cognitia blows Ben a kiss.
[Cognitia]: Good luck, Hottie McSparklyEnoughy.
Azizia bows before Ben.
[Cambrin]: Good night Ben. My best to your missus.
Elrissadel turns and nods to Ben "Have a pleasant evening. Sir?" And then she immediately whispers, "Is that correct?"
[Bennarin]: Thanks, ma'am. *He smiles at Rissa.* You ain't got to ‘sir’ me, though. And thanks, Cam. I will pass it on.
[Elrissadel]: it is the same for me Ben. So either we both do it or neither. we can decide next time
Jenzelle smiles and gives Ben a wave. "Oh, um … Thank you, for looking after Ralaea."
[Bennarin]: I do my best, miss. You want me to tell her you was around?
Cambrin grins at Jenzelle. "Looking after people is a Ben specialty."
Bennarin 's ears redden.
Cognitia waggles her brows. "He's very good looking … after people. That's for sure."
Elrissadel almost spittakes into her beer at Nish's comment
Bennarin gives Nish a look that says Now You Are Just Humoring Me, Pinkie.
Cognitia looks entirely sincere. She flutters her lashes at Ben.
[Jenzelle]: Oh, that's … no. She … she'd feel guilty, I know it.
[Bennarin]: Why? Because a friend was concern for her? It might make her feel better, to be honest. But you know her better'n me, maybe.
[Jenzelle]: She didn't leave us because she wanted to. I wouldn't … want to bring up her past if she's moved on.
Bennarin nods once, politely, to Jenzelle. "As you like, then. If you need anything or want to get in touch, you lemme know? Ben Hazan, Cobalt Company. I'm around."
[Jenzelle]: Thank you. I'll be leaving tomorrow. We're due back North, but … I will keep that in mind.
Bennarin nods again. He sketches a casual salute to the others. "Evenin', then, y'all. Cam, keep the ladies out of trouble."
Cognitia wiggles her fingers at Ben.
[Elrissadel]: Night.
[Cognitia]: You gonna keep me out of trouble, cutie pie? *She wiggles her shoulders at Cam.*
Cognitia pats the chair she's sitting on. "You could sit here with me, and see if it keeps me out of trouble," she suggests to Cam.
Cambrin rolls his eyes.
Azizia snickers at Cambrin's reaction.
Jenzelle glances between Cambrin and Nish. "Is that … possible?" She is catching on.
Cognitia blows a little kiss to Jenzelle. "Well, just because no one has managed it yet doesn't mean I won't find someone who can someday. It'd be a new … experience."
Jenzelle blushes a little and seems at a loss for words.
Elrissadel raises her half empty mug. "To new experiences."
Cognitia cheers Rissa with her drink. It's almost gone.
Azizia silently cheers with the others, downing what's left of her beer.
[Cambrin]: Depends on the trouble, I suppose. Anyone likely to come up the stairs trying to kill you?
Cognitia flips her hair back at Cam. "Oh, cutie pie, anyone coming up the stairs for me is getting flash burned." She snaps her fingers and there's a hot flash of tiny fire at her finger tips. "I'm a burn first, ask why someone was charging at me with a weapon second kind of gal.”
Cambrin shrugs. "I'm good at standing between people and the things that want to hurt them. If that happens, I got you covered."
[Cognitia]: Oh, do you? I do like being … covered. *She says with a flutter of her lashes at Cam.*
Cambrin looks thoughtful. "Unless it's a jealous girlfriend, maybe. Might have to sort that out yourself."
Elrissadel smiles up at Cambrin. "Smart man."
[Cognitia]: Aw, cutie. I'm a great ex. My girls would never. *She moves her umbrella around.*
Jenzelle stares at her beer, looking a little wary of it, then just goes for it, taking as much down in one drink as she can handle. After, she shudders, her face twisting at the flavor.
Elrissadel looks at the young human. “If you don't like it, don't drink it. There are many other options."
[Jenzelle]: Oh, no … I couldn't waste it … it's not … that bad?
Cognitia taps her nose at Rissa. "Oh my gosh, words to live by, cutie! For real, next time, just get something you'd rather put in your mouth."
[Cognitia]: I'd have drunk it for you, if you didn't wanna waste it. I don't mind the taste.
[Elrissadel]: It is a waste of your time. And taste buds. You are allowed things you can enjoy.
[Cambrin]: Life's too short to put up with stuff you don't like, if you don't have to.
[Azizia]: I would have finished your … metal glass, too, if need be.
[Cognitia]: I mean, even if you're not short or your life isn't short, like, for real. Good things in your mouth only, okay?
Cognitia blows a kiss to Jenzelle.
Elrissadel does not spittake. but is learning to watch Nish before taking sips so that helps
[Jenzelle]: You are all very kind. *She tries very hard not to think about what Nish actually means.*
Cognitia flutters her lashes in not at all innocence. "Who wouldn't be, to a cutie like you?"
Azizia stretches her arms. "Okay, I think I will go now. I am still tired of the wedding. And what happened after the wedding."
[Cognitia]: Aww, get your rest, cutie.
Elrissadel smiles at Azizia. "Goodnight."
Cognitia wiggles her fingers at Azizia. "I'll tell Ger Bear to look out for you sometime. Maybe one of these days you can follow me home and … meet him."
Cognitia winks at Azizia.
[Azizia]: I will meet him, if he wishes to meet. *She watches Cambrin leaving, nodding at him.* Anyway, I will go as well. Have a nice drink.
Azizia bows down graciously.
[Cambrin]: I should head out as well. And maybe find a place where I can get the smell of sulfur out of my gear.
[Cambrin]: Good night, folks.
[Elrissadel]: Night, Cambrin.
[Cognitia]: Night, Cutie Cam.
Elrissadel looks to Jenzelle. "So before you go, let’s get you something you like.” She briefly looks at Nish. "To drink."
Jenzelle nods. "I should … get back. On the Tram. If I drink more I might just lose it." She smiles at Rissa. "Thank you for the offer, though." She gets to her feet.
Elrissadel nods at Jenzelle. "Next time, then."
Cognitia swirls what's left of her drink and looks at Jenzelle. "You gonna be okay, cutie? Finding your way to Stormwind?"
[Cognitia]: I can get you there with a portal, if you like.
[Cognitia]: I promise, I don't mess up anymore around here. Only across worlds.
[Jenzelle]: Oh! Truly? That wouldn't be too much?
[Cognitia]: For you, no way!
Cognitia jumps up onto the table, and throws out a portal rune. It bursts into a shower of glitter, opening up a portal to Stormwind.
Cognitia grins at Rissa.
Elrissadel shakes her head at Nish. "Very impressive."
[Cognitia]: Well, I should get back to Ger Bear. You tell your super cutie sweetie pie hi for me.
[Elrissadel]: Oh, I will definitely tell Florande all about you.
Cognitia snaps her fingers and disappears.
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