[ Steve doesn't really know much of anything about becoming a master bard. Having a somewhat bombastic, flirtatious way of interacting with people does seem to be part of it, though. Jaskier breezes past the whole "beautiful" thing like those sorts of statements come out of his mouth every day — and they probably do.
Still, Jaskier seems to be confident in his abilities, and from what Steve's heard, that isn't at all unfounded. ] You seem to be well on your way. [ He gives a little tilt of the drink in his hand in acknowledgement before leaning back in his seat. ]
Bards aren't really a thing anymore, where I'm from. I mean, there are musicians, and some of them become world-famous, so I do have an idea of what that looks like.
[ Does Jaskier have a loyal following of groupies, too? Steve wouldn't be surprised. Little does he know, he'll find out at the art walk. ]
But bards are more about telling stories with their music, right?
Oh, of course. I'm hardly the type to sit back on my laurels.
[He's been working, really, since the moment they landed in the Free Cities, in Cadens herself. And that's why the bard and his -- well, his family, are they not? -- have done so well for themselves now, upgrading their living quarters, settling upon a very nice pile of coin to the point that Jaskier now throws it a bit at whoever needs it.
The purse of Jaskier's lips shows he's not exactly thrilled to hear it. Again.] So I've heard from many I've met here. But I assure you, we are a very important breed.
[They are more than mere musicians, after all, but he easily suspects Steve here, with his short name and brawny muscles, will not catch on to the subtleties.]
Yes, in some ways. Personally I do enjoy ballads recounting my adventures, or the lives or adventures of others. I got my start recounting hunts by my Witcher friend -- I'm sure you've met Geralt. Often I can also recount news in song form; it used to be one of the few ways the peasants out far from the capitals would hear about the world's going-ons. And, of course, I dabble plenty in poetry, as well. Love poetry, specifically. You know, if you're ever in need of flattering a special someone.
[ Steve has no doubt that bards had their place at one point, and it's something that Jaskier is quick to explain. To defend, even? It sounds like Steve's hardly the first person to question what he does, although he isn't doing so from a place of judgment. He's legitimately curious, and in a world like Abraxas that is so limited in its technology, it makes sense that a bard like Jaskier would flourish. ]
We've met. [ He confirms with a nod that he's aware of Geralt, though he has no idea what it means to be a "Witcher" either. And unlike bards, he's not sure there's any modern-day equivalent. A question to file away for later, maybe, but they're focused on Jaskier for now. ] See, when you have things like newspapers or the internet, news travels fast. But here in Abraxas, it sounds like you've got plenty of work to do.
[ Either way, it's clear that Jaskier is well-traveled, that he's seen and experienced a great deal, and that he's friends with someone who "hunts." Interesting.
The love poetry remark throws him off for a moment, even though he really should have been expecting it. One eyebrow lifts before he scoffs, shutting both eyes and shaking his head. ] That's not exactly at the top of my priority list, but I'll keep it in mind.
[ Maybe they could leave it that, but there's still a few more sandwiches to polish off, and Steve hasn't been able to shake one thing from his mind about what Jaskier said, despite his efforts. He picks up another sandwich, taking a sizable bite and swallowing it down before he speaks again. ] You mentioned there was war, where you come from? [ It's as gentle of a nudge as he can manage. They don't really know each other, but he can't ignore it either. ]
[Jaskier's nose wrinkles, as it often does when someone mentions a word he's never encountered and never bothers to explain what it is. Honestly, do these people not know how to interact with others from a different sphere? It's common courtesy.
Context tells him that whatever those things are -- he can define "paper" at least -- that they must be easily accessible; at least more so than the Continent has ever made happenings. Not that there's an easy way to do so beyond men on horses bearing letters.
Jaskier only laughs at his reaction. Ah. That kind of man. A shame, given his physique.] A man can have many priorities. And I am of the belief that one can always spare time for love, in all of its forms.
[He gives Steve a look that is more offering than not.
And then he props his boots up on a chair he pulls over, ready to settle in further for conversation as he plucks up a sandwich. For now, he has well-earned a bit of rest and conversation, and he can admit he is excessively curious of what sort of man could be so close a friend of Sam's.]
Ah. [He levels his brows. That's much less thrilling a topic than love-making. Still, he is willing to speak of it.] Yes. In the last few years, one of the empires of the Continent has been steadily increasing its power. And now they are slowly sweeping across the land, subjugating those they meet, no matter what race or what people. All in the name, I believe, of unity -- unity under a single ruler. Nothing that hasn't been said before by the powerful, of course. It's a tale as old as time. Opening their arms to the needy, and the poor, and the downtrodden... as long as it suits. Then eliminating those who do not.
[ Jaskier's words are awfully forward, though it's not the first time that Steve's been given this sort of attention. He never really knows what to do with it, but it's a little less awkward when he considers that Jaskier probably says this to just about anyone who catches his eye. ]
Guess I'm not that much a multitasker.
[ It's the final comment he makes on the subject as they move on to darker conversation. Steve notes the way that Jaskier settles in, taking a load off as he props his feet up, and he does his best to mirror that body language as he leans back in his chair. He finishes up his sandwich as Jaskier explains the state of things back on his home world. Tale as old as time is right. All it takes is one glance at Earth's history books to find any number of similar stories. ]
Funny how the people conquering all seem to agree that everything would be easier if everyone just fell into place under them. [ Steve gives an emphatic shake of his head, then lets out a sigh. ]
I fought in a war myself, back home. Against a country and a leader that had a very similar way of looking at the world. [ He sends Jaskier a sympathetic glance. ] I'm sorry you came from one war right into another.
[ True, there isn't outright war in Abraxas as of yet. But as they already discussed, it's likely only a matter of time. ]
Isn't it awfully convenient? If only everyone subscribed to the same belief. If only they all respected and worshipped the White Flame. If only, if only.
[Jaskier's movements become a hint less soft, his arms crossing over his chest as his sandwich lay forgotten for the moment. He still is not sure, entirely, what the empire of Nilfgaard will get out of this. Why they bothered offering anything to the elves.
He doesn't know. Perhaps he never will. And the war, he imagines, will rage on, without the four of them there to suffer it. It would be foolish to think any of them could influence it. A war is so much more than a few people.
Jaskier lifts his eyes to watch Steve as he speaks, judging the tone of his voice. Jaskier believes him, simply from how he speaks. But Sam has mentioned it as well. That war, among other things, is shared between worlds.
Depressing a thought.] As I am for you. But I suppose you and Sam are much more suited to do something about it. [His smile is wry in return.] All I did much of was hide in the shadows, and aid those I could.
[ The White Flame? Steve tilts his head to one side at that, scrunching up his face in thought, but there's really only one thing he needs to take from that. "Worship." So often war comes about because people have different thoughts on what to believe, whether in relation to religion or governance.
When Sam's name comes up again, Steve wonders how much he's shared with Jaskier. It's Sam's story to tell just as much as Steve's, so the prospect doesn't make him that uncomfortable.
That last statement snags his attention, both eyebrows lifting. ] More a spy than a soldier? [ Steve asks the question in a lowered voice, figuring that Jaskier doesn't want this sort of attention drawn to him. He's a bard, after all — or that's how he presents himself.
Yet he'd still tried to do something, when war broke out. Plenty of others would have just washed their hands of it. Sometimes you have no choice. ]
A spy? [He takes in a long, slow breath, then releases it. After a moment, the bard shakes his head.] No. I wasn't a spy. I understand what you mean by such a term, but I --
[It was not that he didn't have connections. His mysterious benefactor. But he was not a spy. He was a middleman, if he was anything.
He...
It doesn't matter now, does it? No one but Yennefer will ever know the Sandpiper.] If you could call me anything, I was a smuggler. Of people. People who were trying to escape the war. Persecution. Death. I saw a grove of druids get slaughtered like they were nothing, and I could not... I could not ignore what I'd seen.
[ Ultimately, the term used doesn't matter that much. The point is that Jaskier, even if he'd never been a soldier or interested in that kind of life, had seen the suffering of war and had wanted to help. He'd wanted to do his part, and he had. For Steve, that counts for plenty.
Food and drink now forgotten, Steve gives a shake of his head. ] A lot of people would have looked the other way. [ It's the easier choice, to just shove down all of that guilt at other's suffering and insist it isn't your problem, that someone else will handle it. ] No matter what you want to call yourself, you did a good thing.
[ Here's hoping that Jaskier won't have to reprise that role here in Abraxas. Steve knows that there's always that possibility, but even if this world isn't his home, that doesn't mean that he wants civilians here to go through hell. Jaskier seems to feel the same. ]
[Jaskier's smile is tinged at the edges. He tips his head as he considers the words.
It's a very generous thing, he thinks, to say so out loud. And in some strange way, it's nearly embarrassing to be praised for it. He did not want to be. If he could have anything, he would've wanted it to never be necessary. And now he can only hope that someone has filled the void he left behind... though they will never be able to find the Sandpiper now.]
I don't mention it for praise. But I'm sure you know that already. [Strangely enough, he can sense some kindred spirit in Steve... even if they would be in very different positions in the same fight.] You know, I've heard very similar from Sam. I can see why you may have gravitated towards one another.
[It's a good thing, he thinks, to be reminded of Sam. There are few people Jaskier has met as genuinely good as that man.
Jaskier places a small pile of coins on the table, plucking his hat back up. It's been an engaging conversation, and he's made his warning well about Goro. And... talked to the man Sam considers a friend. It's simply good to know there are more Summoned they can depend on, should the worst arise.] Well. While I hope nothing happens, I hope I can be of use to you should tensions grow tighter around here. Until then, I must get back to work. [His smile is warm again now, genuine, as he offers a hand to shake.] Come see me if you ever have time. Easy enough to find me at any tavern, if you have a good ear.
[ For all that Jaskier is someone who wants to be noticed for his musical talent, Steve had picked up on the fact that he didn't require acknowledgement or glory for his contributions to the war effort. They were different things, and he could feel different ways about them.
It doesn't surprise him, either, to hear that Sam had made similar comments. Steve bows his head, half-hiding a smile. ] We've got a lot of common ground, and some similar experiences. We tend to be on the same page with this kind of thing.
[ Sam has laid so much of the groundwork here in Abraxas, and Steve is just trying to catch up and learn as much as he can — both about the world, but also about Sam's friends and contacts.
As Jaskier readies himself to leave, Steve adds a few coins as well. Even if Jaskier's already covered the full cost, Steve doesn't mind leaving a little extra for the servers. He stands and grips Jaskier's hand, giving it a firm shake. ] I'd like that. I'll definitely make sure to come by one night. And I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to chat.
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
no subject
Still, Jaskier seems to be confident in his abilities, and from what Steve's heard, that isn't at all unfounded. ] You seem to be well on your way. [ He gives a little tilt of the drink in his hand in acknowledgement before leaning back in his seat. ]
Bards aren't really a thing anymore, where I'm from. I mean, there are musicians, and some of them become world-famous, so I do have an idea of what that looks like.
[ Does Jaskier have a loyal following of groupies, too? Steve wouldn't be surprised.
Little does he know, he'll find out at the art walk.]But bards are more about telling stories with their music, right?
no subject
[He's been working, really, since the moment they landed in the Free Cities, in Cadens herself. And that's why the bard and his -- well, his family, are they not? -- have done so well for themselves now, upgrading their living quarters, settling upon a very nice pile of coin to the point that Jaskier now throws it a bit at whoever needs it.
The purse of Jaskier's lips shows he's not exactly thrilled to hear it. Again.] So I've heard from many I've met here. But I assure you, we are a very important breed.
[They are more than mere musicians, after all, but he easily suspects Steve here, with his short name and brawny muscles, will not catch on to the subtleties.]
Yes, in some ways. Personally I do enjoy ballads recounting my adventures, or the lives or adventures of others. I got my start recounting hunts by my Witcher friend -- I'm sure you've met Geralt. Often I can also recount news in song form; it used to be one of the few ways the peasants out far from the capitals would hear about the world's going-ons. And, of course, I dabble plenty in poetry, as well. Love poetry, specifically. You know, if you're ever in need of flattering a special someone.
no subject
We've met. [ He confirms with a nod that he's aware of Geralt, though he has no idea what it means to be a "Witcher" either. And unlike bards, he's not sure there's any modern-day equivalent. A question to file away for later, maybe, but they're focused on Jaskier for now. ] See, when you have things like newspapers or the internet, news travels fast. But here in Abraxas, it sounds like you've got plenty of work to do.
[ Either way, it's clear that Jaskier is well-traveled, that he's seen and experienced a great deal, and that he's friends with someone who "hunts." Interesting.
The love poetry remark throws him off for a moment, even though he really should have been expecting it. One eyebrow lifts before he scoffs, shutting both eyes and shaking his head. ] That's not exactly at the top of my priority list, but I'll keep it in mind.
[ Maybe they could leave it that, but there's still a few more sandwiches to polish off, and Steve hasn't been able to shake one thing from his mind about what Jaskier said, despite his efforts. He picks up another sandwich, taking a sizable bite and swallowing it down before he speaks again. ] You mentioned there was war, where you come from? [ It's as gentle of a nudge as he can manage. They don't really know each other, but he can't ignore it either. ]
no subject
Context tells him that whatever those things are -- he can define "paper" at least -- that they must be easily accessible; at least more so than the Continent has ever made happenings. Not that there's an easy way to do so beyond men on horses bearing letters.
Jaskier only laughs at his reaction. Ah. That kind of man. A shame, given his physique.] A man can have many priorities. And I am of the belief that one can always spare time for love, in all of its forms.
[He gives Steve a look that is more offering than not.
And then he props his boots up on a chair he pulls over, ready to settle in further for conversation as he plucks up a sandwich. For now, he has well-earned a bit of rest and conversation, and he can admit he is excessively curious of what sort of man could be so close a friend of Sam's.]
Ah. [He levels his brows. That's much less thrilling a topic than love-making. Still, he is willing to speak of it.] Yes. In the last few years, one of the empires of the Continent has been steadily increasing its power. And now they are slowly sweeping across the land, subjugating those they meet, no matter what race or what people. All in the name, I believe, of unity -- unity under a single ruler. Nothing that hasn't been said before by the powerful, of course. It's a tale as old as time. Opening their arms to the needy, and the poor, and the downtrodden... as long as it suits. Then eliminating those who do not.
no subject
Guess I'm not that much a multitasker.
[ It's the final comment he makes on the subject as they move on to darker conversation. Steve notes the way that Jaskier settles in, taking a load off as he props his feet up, and he does his best to mirror that body language as he leans back in his chair. He finishes up his sandwich as Jaskier explains the state of things back on his home world. Tale as old as time is right. All it takes is one glance at Earth's history books to find any number of similar stories. ]
Funny how the people conquering all seem to agree that everything would be easier if everyone just fell into place under them. [ Steve gives an emphatic shake of his head, then lets out a sigh. ]
I fought in a war myself, back home. Against a country and a leader that had a very similar way of looking at the world. [ He sends Jaskier a sympathetic glance. ] I'm sorry you came from one war right into another.
[ True, there isn't outright war in Abraxas as of yet. But as they already discussed, it's likely only a matter of time. ]
no subject
[Jaskier's movements become a hint less soft, his arms crossing over his chest as his sandwich lay forgotten for the moment. He still is not sure, entirely, what the empire of Nilfgaard will get out of this. Why they bothered offering anything to the elves.
He doesn't know. Perhaps he never will. And the war, he imagines, will rage on, without the four of them there to suffer it. It would be foolish to think any of them could influence it. A war is so much more than a few people.
Jaskier lifts his eyes to watch Steve as he speaks, judging the tone of his voice. Jaskier believes him, simply from how he speaks. But Sam has mentioned it as well. That war, among other things, is shared between worlds.
Depressing a thought.] As I am for you. But I suppose you and Sam are much more suited to do something about it. [His smile is wry in return.] All I did much of was hide in the shadows, and aid those I could.
no subject
When Sam's name comes up again, Steve wonders how much he's shared with Jaskier. It's Sam's story to tell just as much as Steve's, so the prospect doesn't make him that uncomfortable.
That last statement snags his attention, both eyebrows lifting. ] More a spy than a soldier? [ Steve asks the question in a lowered voice, figuring that Jaskier doesn't want this sort of attention drawn to him. He's a bard, after all — or that's how he presents himself.
Yet he'd still tried to do something, when war broke out. Plenty of others would have just washed their hands of it. Sometimes you have no choice. ]
no subject
[It was not that he didn't have connections. His mysterious benefactor. But he was not a spy. He was a middleman, if he was anything.
He...
It doesn't matter now, does it? No one but Yennefer will ever know the Sandpiper.] If you could call me anything, I was a smuggler. Of people. People who were trying to escape the war. Persecution. Death. I saw a grove of druids get slaughtered like they were nothing, and I could not... I could not ignore what I'd seen.
no subject
Food and drink now forgotten, Steve gives a shake of his head. ] A lot of people would have looked the other way. [ It's the easier choice, to just shove down all of that guilt at other's suffering and insist it isn't your problem, that someone else will handle it. ] No matter what you want to call yourself, you did a good thing.
[ Here's hoping that Jaskier won't have to reprise that role here in Abraxas. Steve knows that there's always that possibility, but even if this world isn't his home, that doesn't mean that he wants civilians here to go through hell. Jaskier seems to feel the same. ]
no subject
It's a very generous thing, he thinks, to say so out loud. And in some strange way, it's nearly embarrassing to be praised for it. He did not want to be. If he could have anything, he would've wanted it to never be necessary. And now he can only hope that someone has filled the void he left behind... though they will never be able to find the Sandpiper now.]
I don't mention it for praise. But I'm sure you know that already. [Strangely enough, he can sense some kindred spirit in Steve... even if they would be in very different positions in the same fight.] You know, I've heard very similar from Sam. I can see why you may have gravitated towards one another.
[It's a good thing, he thinks, to be reminded of Sam. There are few people Jaskier has met as genuinely good as that man.
Jaskier places a small pile of coins on the table, plucking his hat back up. It's been an engaging conversation, and he's made his warning well about Goro. And... talked to the man Sam considers a friend. It's simply good to know there are more Summoned they can depend on, should the worst arise.] Well. While I hope nothing happens, I hope I can be of use to you should tensions grow tighter around here. Until then, I must get back to work. [His smile is warm again now, genuine, as he offers a hand to shake.] Come see me if you ever have time. Easy enough to find me at any tavern, if you have a good ear.
no subject
It doesn't surprise him, either, to hear that Sam had made similar comments. Steve bows his head, half-hiding a smile. ] We've got a lot of common ground, and some similar experiences. We tend to be on the same page with this kind of thing.
[ Sam has laid so much of the groundwork here in Abraxas, and Steve is just trying to catch up and learn as much as he can — both about the world, but also about Sam's friends and contacts.
As Jaskier readies himself to leave, Steve adds a few coins as well. Even if Jaskier's already covered the full cost, Steve doesn't mind leaving a little extra for the servers. He stands and grips Jaskier's hand, giving it a firm shake. ] I'd like that. I'll definitely make sure to come by one night. And I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to chat.