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Post by Ancelas on Jun 17, 2022 9:27:55 GMT -5
(Reaction! Insight: 14). "I could be mistaken," Tobias said, sounding earnest and apologetic (Deception: 26), "so let's step outside and talk about it. Don't worry - we can even stand in front of the window if it makes you feel better."
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jun 17, 2022 10:22:38 GMT -5
(REACTION)Pheuse was getting ready for a full charm offensive when the young man clearly went into distress responding to ... someone else? "It's beneath your shirt, not on your hand." He said plainly and shifted, but couldn't really get a good eye on Tobias from atop Chev.
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Post by vandalaria on Jun 17, 2022 10:38:42 GMT -5
It was a joy to watch Bob work. Porter regretted that they couldn't appreciate it more, but they were still concerned about the person Pheuse had confronted. They casually glanced around the room, letting their eyes pass across the table to see what was going on and...and froze there, trying to understand was going on. Tobias behind the newcomer, Pheuse still chatting from his seat, and the newcomer looking uncomfortable. (Insight 19 to try to figure out what's happening from body language)
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Post by redcoat on Jun 17, 2022 11:14:55 GMT -5
The gentleman looked confused, and more than a bit uncomfortable as he tried to step away from both Pheuse and Tobias, towards the door.
"I... think I'm going to go." He said, glancing between the man with a dagger and the overly friendly man riding a deer made of skeletons after all.
Slowly, to try and not trigger either man into following him.
Bob looked up from the drinks he was making, frowning as the new customers scared off another one. "What's all this about, then?"
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Post by Ancelas on Jun 17, 2022 12:17:50 GMT -5
Tobias pressed the the blade of the dagger more firmly against the gentleman's back as he moved with the other man, arranging himself so it looked like he hand a hand on the man's back in a friendly way. He smiled at Bob.
"It's a long way from the shores of Silver Lake. Just surprised to find another Reacher out this far." Hopefully that was enough to create an opening for them to back away (Deception: 13). Tobias drew his dagger hand away and down, keeping the blade concealed against his leg (Sleight of Hand: 7). As he did, he shot Pheuse a warning look that he hoped conveyed how much he wanted the little arcanist to pull attention away from them.
"Now, about that conversation..."
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jun 17, 2022 12:35:55 GMT -5
Pheuse frowned as Bob called out. Everything was crashing in pretty quickly and he had to think quick.
Leaning on his ability to fly covertly he stood up on Chev's shoulders and looked to steady himself by gripping the base of one of the antlers. He looked over to Bob. "My apologies ... he looked like a cutie that I hit it off with on the train. Sadly, not who I thought he was. Seems he isn't used to cute Gnomes being forward." ((Persuasion 12))
He shrugged. "Or perhaps it was my transport friend Chev here." He patted the skull of Chev. "People sometimes seem to be on edge around him even though he is gentle. I meant no ill will and will depart once more with once my friend Porter has returned with our drinks!" He had spoken up to be heard over the din and even waved to Porter.
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Post by resonance on Jun 18, 2022 9:18:31 GMT -5
Chev raised his head off the table, lifting Pheuse up a bit higher so he was easier to see. Neuks waved at Bob with a smile and then leaned over to Pheuse, lowering her voice, "he is pretty cute!" And then she grinned at the man.
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Post by redcoat on Jun 18, 2022 9:31:35 GMT -5
Bob let out a 'harumph'- it seemed unclear if he was buying it, or just giving preference to two in the hand versus the one that had just flown out of the bush. He put the iced drinks on the counter with the pizzelles, carefully arranged on a small plate.
The young man was escorted outside- not yet able to escape the armed Tobias. He glanced around quickly for an exit, as if sizing up his chance of escaping versus Tobias's chances of catching him if he bolted.
"What do you want?"
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Post by vandalaria on Jun 18, 2022 14:09:31 GMT -5
Porter took the two chai from the counter. They considered saying something to smooth over the situation further, but thought better of it -- it wasn't the most satisfactory of outcomes, but there was no point perpetuating it. Some things you just put behind you. Mentally chiding themself for being away while their help might have been useful, they turned back to the table and walked a bit more stiffly, a bit more formally than they'd left. As if reminding themself they still have a job to do.
"Your drinks Mistress Neuks, Master Pheuse." Setting them in place from the right, they stand to the side of the table. "I trust this meeting was an informative one," they prompt, "but shall I see to things outside, as well, or do you think they would prefer privacy?"
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Post by Ancelas on Jun 18, 2022 19:17:07 GMT -5
"Relax," Tobias said evenly, raising his hand behind the gentleman to guide him away from the front door, walking slowly in front of the cafe, both still visible to those still inside. "Neither one of us wants to make a scene. That would only end... poorly. So answer me honestly.
"Who are you? Who sent you? As far as faces go, 'Ket' was a good one, an unassuming one. I'm not sure why you chose this one, when you knew I was here. What are you trying to accomplish?"
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jun 18, 2022 19:41:53 GMT -5
Pheuse smiled as the situation with Bob seemed to right itself. He made a quick glance out to see that Tobias and the unassuming young man were both still there. He kept concentration up to track the ring. If this went worse and the young man bolted he would need to give chase.
A larger smile fell across Pheuse's face as the drinks were brought over. He held out his hand as if about to use magic, but then remembered the limitation of the ability he was using. "Thank you, Porter." he said climbing down and getting his chai.
"So, Neuks, this is something I found out about in a former life. I don't remember where this was combination originated, but it is so lovely." He took a sip of his chai and spoke in a lower voice to Porter. "If I race out of here after ... that young man ... get them to the Cannith steading and I will meet back up with you there."
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Post by resonance on Jun 19, 2022 6:21:51 GMT -5
Neuks thanked Porter when they handed her the drink, and she nodded as Pheuse gave his explanation.
Her face lit up when she sipped it, "oh this is delicious!" She sipped on it happily, turning to watch Tobias and the man outside. "I wasn't expecting Tobias to go after him like that." She wondered if there was more going on between Tobias and the man than just Brynna... (Insight 21 (nat 20))
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Post by redcoat on Jun 19, 2022 7:24:56 GMT -5
The man looked frustrated. "I don't know who you are, I am not this 'Ket' person you think I am. This is my face, as much as that one is yours."
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Post by vandalaria on Jun 19, 2022 9:13:29 GMT -5
"Of course, Master Pheuse," Porter said with a quick bow before taking a seat themself. After they sat, they raised their hand to their chin in a study of thoughtfulness (History 10). "My apologies, but I don't remember the origins of this drink, either. It's similar to spiced milk in seasoning, so I would have presumed Thrane, but perhaps like tal it's also from the Talenta Plains." They drop their hand into an almost apologetic shrugging motion, not being able to offer more than the guess. "I could look into it, if you would enjoy it." Notably Porter doesn't suggest asking Bob.
"As for that," emphasizing the word to make it clear he was responding to Neuks's concern, "I would agree. Tobias seemed rather tense around him, as well, and given what we've just been through, sufficed to say I would not have expected it."
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Post by Ancelas on Jun 19, 2022 18:39:34 GMT -5
((Insight: 6 XD)) "Liar," Tobias said, though a doubt had crept into the back of his mind - doubt he forced aside.
I don't know, maybe this was a mistake...
"It's not perfect, but it's close. And we knew you were coming - I doubt you anticipated that. I was ready for you, and if you don't tell me the truth..." His eyes darkened, literal shadows appearing under them as the skin changed color. "I won't let them know where I am. I won't go back to them. I'll kill anyone who tries to make me."
((Intimidation: Natural 20, total 25))
A stirring.
Tobias, calm down - he's waking up!
I will protect us, Ellie. Whatever it takes.
At the risk of going back?
Tobias stared at the man, trying to get a read on him, focusing his attention away from his own mind.
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