Reunion - Brighter Days

[Ancelas]

"...I haven't sung in a long time," Mirrai said, before quickly continuing, "I think a hunt would be enjoyable. You've got some sway with the king - perhaps he would let us hunt in his woods to provide a token of appreciation for his hospitality. I think it would be a kind gesture."

[uberwulfx]

Jaeger flashed a disappointed smile, but a nod told that he was fine to leave the answer there for now. If he caught Taliesin's look, he didn't show it.

"Indeed," he verbally responded to Tali, "it would be very good of me to show my appreciation for the guidance I was given. So used was I to hunting on open land, and not having the ear of a king, that I forgot that we would need his permission in this area." He rubbed his chin in thought. "Perhaps a great 8 or 10-point buck... bones could be used for staves, blade handles, its antlers, a crown, its hooves, alchemy reagents... or if need be, all of it, to tribute."

Jaeger sighed. "Ah, now I want some venison. Do you have a particular food you like most, Mirrai?"

[§~Samwise~§]

Taliesin looked back and forth between Jaeger and Mirrai as they talked. "I wasn't even thinking about hunting in the near woods. With very little effort we could be deep in the forest far off the main road to hunt for bigger game. Owl bears, maybe Dire Wolves moving seasonally, and of course large bucks as well." He offered while there was still a quick moment for him to interject.

He went silent again, listening closely while keeping them on the best path forward.

[Ancelas]

"A stag would be a kingly gift," Mirrai added, nodding. "I would avoid the wolves, unless they've been a nuisance. Moving into the deeper woods would yield more options, but the trails may be harder to find. A worthy challenge, though."

She lifted a hand to run through her black hair, which had been freshly brushed the previous night and this morning. "Mm... a favored food? I enjoy lamb, with a bit of mint jelly, although that's somewhat of a delicacy. What about the two of you?"

[uberwulfx]

"I have a thing with Dire wolves," Jaeger explained to Mirrai, "which is likely why they were mentioned at all. Long have I wanted to have one as a companion, but such a selfish want is part of why I'm following Kurnoth, as I was advised to... be less selfish. Perhaps one day I will earn a stray pup, but indeed, I won't go hunting for one for the sole purpose of having one to raise, a notch on my belt. If we come across one or many, and if one is a pup needing care, then so be it. Otherwise, I'm content to let sleeping dire wolves lie, as it were."

At the mention of mint jelly, Jaeger's brows lifted. "That sounds like something Konane could make, the mint jelly. I let her use my magical spice pouch-- she is much better at cooking than I am, you see-- and she's used it to create wonderful meals. As for what I enjoy most? Perhaps a thick slab of some meat, beef or pork or venison, and eggs, with a full grainy bread? Something juicy and robust, that would probably be filling enough to last you the entire day, as you tackle whatever the day has for you."

[§~Samwise~§]

Taliesin nodded. "You and me both, Jaeger." He chimed up in regard to having wanted a dire wolf for some time. He was silent while conversation continued momentarily.

"Comfort foods. Potted pie with potatoes, carrots, ground venison, and peas. Hand pies of the same, only enclosed in a hearty hand held crust." He offered up to answer Mirrai once it was his turn to chime in. He did enjoy Mareki foods, but they tended towards hard tac, jerky, and fermented foods that would be shelf stable for long periods.

[Ancelas]

"And now my mouth is watering," Mirrai groaned. "Those all sound good. Maybe we can find a good tavern that offers food like that, as opposed to fish. Port cities always have fish, but for some reason have a hard time keeping more woodland fare in stock."

She tilted her head back and closed her eyes for a moment as they walked. The casual banter, the bustle of the city, the calm weather... it was a welcome reprieve from everything they had been going through lately. It offered a welcome chance to clear her mind and simply be, for once.

[uberwulfx]

"I had a bite of breakfast, but I could certainly bite into more now," Jaeger said with a laugh. "Let's see if there are any places around that might have a good hearty stew. It's been a while since I've had them in a crust," he mused, thinking of Tali's favorite food, "but by golly does that sound good."

He started eyeing the signs not only for clothiers, but also taverns that seemed like they would have at least two and a half stars to them. Any old watering hole might have fish, indeed, but the place had to not be a hole in the wall to be able to get some choice meats, right? "Do you cook at all, Mirrai? I'm sure Konane would love to have your help, if you have recipes from the homeland."

[§~Samwise~§]

Taliesin felt a little hunger himself, though he didn't recall for certain if the style of food he noted was widespread here. It was more the meal of working folk, especially the ones you could carry and eat in one hand. "Well, we shouldn't need to take too long at the Tailor's." He gestured ahead of them.

"His shop is just there. But food ... that'll be down closer to the docks. At least if you're looking to have a larger menu for the workers." He offered without an angle one way or other. There would be food not far from the Tailor's, but it would tend more towards Astorian dishes rather than a wide array.

[Ancelas]

Mirrai winced. "And fish," she pointed out, lowering her head and opening her eyes. "Which would be fine, given how close we are. Hiking up into the upper city near the landward gates just for a meal feels rather unnecessary."

Down the street a ways hung a wooden placard etched with a finely carved image of a spool of thread and a needle - they would soon approach their destinaiton.

[uberwulfx]

Jaeger would be sure to ask his question again, after they were done-- he really was curious about the food Mirrai might be used to, and it would be good to nudge her and Konane together for some bonding. This whole underlying matter of just getting to know the new party member... he wondered if it was good or unfortunate that Taliesin was with them, though he ultimately decided that it was a positive thing. She was clearly more comfortable with him, and it was Jaeger who was trying to endear himself, why not have the boyfriend along to keep giving great comments and move the conversation along?

With that thought, he gave Tali a pointed smile; it would likely seem like it was a smile for the sake of doing so, as was Jaeger's tendency.

Concerning the tailor, Jaeger still hadn't a concrete idea for what he would want, if anything. He wished he were the type to wear a dress, or some flowing robes, or someone close to him to decide to gift. His eyes went distant with thought for a second, trying to think of someone, anyone to--

Then, a smile. Jaeger had an idea, if not measurements, but he would make this work.

[§~Samwise~§]

Taliesin smirked and shook his head at Mirrai's initial response. He recognized the sign and smiled at the idea of getting to see the tailor and let him know the good news. He looked back between Jaeger and Mirrai and gave a nod to Jaeger upon getting the obligatory smile.

"It shouldn't take too long. Some measurements, a choice on style, or detailing a style that isn't available and then done."