[Oh, he imagines, perhaps at home, Goro's people did find him quite charming. So unfortunate that he underestimates the power of playing to one's audience. Unfortunate further that, despite that, he still maintains an audience at all.
Steve's worry is Jaskier's same. He has ideas of how to pull people away from listening to Goro -- and he does hope it helps, regardless of that being very far from his main reason to do so -- but only time will tell.
This is a very different game than his smuggling, where he worked in the dark, under an alias, out of the limelight.]
Ah. [He crosses his legs the other direction, laying his hands on his knee.] I can't claim to know specifics. I only go by what he has related at his rallies, from what I hear on in the back rooms of taverns. Perhaps he truly came here with his own distrust of magic, and has found both an easy target and a righteous cause to add his flame to. It could be that simple. Or he, perhaps, knows something the rest of his Summoned do not, of what may happen to this world if it is destroyed. He could be ensuring that he does not return to his own sphere against his will. Despite being quite sure he's far from strong enough to do so, I believe it's important enough everyone coming in is quite aware of such an outcome, should he keep pushing for power. I have, unfortunately, born witness to what happens when an adversary is underestimated by most. The war I escaped coming here could so easily repeat itself in this new sphere.
[ At that snort, Steve smiles, blink-and-you'll-miss-it. While it may be difficult for him to imagine anyone being charmed by the likes of Goro based on the little that Steve's heard of him, he knows better than to make assumptions. There might be some locals who are taken in by what he has to say if he plays his cards right.
Jaskier doesn't seem to know all of Goro's motivations beyond the rhetoric that he shares, and it leaves Steve with no other option but to try and speak to the man himself. There are too many variables unaccounted for still.
When Jaskier explains why he'd felt it important to explain this to someone new, Steve is quick to nod. He's forgotten the food and drink for the moment, too caught up in thought. The moment war is mentioned, a shadow seems to pass across his face. ]
I get what you're saying. We shouldn't assume he's not a threat just because we can see through him. [ Others might not. ] It sounds like you and Sam and Julie have been keeping an eye on him and tracking his actions. If you need any help with that, I'd be happy to contribute.
[ It may not be an enjoyable task, but it still has to be done. Steve lets out a sigh, his shoulders sinking in time. ]
And I might just see if I can have a chat with him. We may as well hear these things from the horse's mouth.
[Jaskier gives a nod. Not that he knows much of this Steve at all himself -- beyond that his name is terribly boring -- he trusts Sam's choice in friends absolutely, having known him as long as he has. And for everything Sam has done for them.]
Ah, well. Much more them than I. [Well. Julie because she appears to know many people's business (which is a skill Jaskier truly believes is worthy of envy more than anything else), and Sam because he can seemingly do something about it... or try. Though he has yet to see Sam in combat, he knows he is quite capable a man. And his chaos is a powerful kind.
He gives Steve a smile. A few more eyes is never a terrible thing, but it is one more liability. Still. He'd rather have friends. Being the Sandpiper alone was... a lot.] I'll be happy to stay in touch! We seem to be swimming in the same circles. I don't believe it will be hard to do so.
[Which means checking up on Sam. Going to his halls and barbecues. He's very good at throwing them, after all.] Please, let me know how it goes. You're a bit more... well, built to deal with him, should something happen. Not, I think, he would be so foolish to try.
[ Steve can't quite tell if Jaskier is selling himself short or if he has mainly left the issue of Goro in Sam's court. When it comes to entrusting such a delicate issue to someone else, Sam is the best option. Steve continues to be find comfort in seeing just how many friendships Sam has forged here. ]
It seems like most of the Summoned in this city have a pretty tight-knit circle. [ Steve returns Jaskier's smile and nods. ] It's a good thing. [ They need to look out for each other in this place where their best interests are not always kept in mind by the locals and people in authority. ] And any friend of Sam's is a friend of mine.
[ As for the possibility that the tension with Goro might escalate to the point that it comes to blows, Steve knows there's always a chance it might go that way. ] Let's hope it doesn't get to that point, but if it does, I'll be ready to take action. [ While he doesn't know exactly what kind of strength the Shokan have, Steve's confident that he'll be able to go toe-to-toe with Goro.
With all that unpleasant discussion out of the way, Steve leans forward to grab for his pint and takes a long sip from it. Perhaps worryingly long. After he sets the glass back down he wipes his mouth with a napkin. ]
So. Master Bard, you said. Is that something that started back home?
[A good thing. It's a bit sweet, isn't it, to hear it said so simply.] I believe so as well.
[Of course, he already considers them friends, so that's no news to him. If Sam isn't praising Jaskier to his other companions, then Jaskier has surely done something wrong.
Which he knows he hasn't. So.
With the unpleasant topic of Goro out of the way, and Jaskier having given the information he meant to impart in this meeting in the first place, they have time to move onto better topics. After all, Jaskier is quite curious of this friend of Sam's. He seems to makes some rather... fascinating, loud friends. It suits him.]
Well, of course. One doesn't become a master bard in a year, my beautiful man. I've been a bard since I was quite young, right after my graduation from the academy. I am the most famous bard of the Continent. I doubt there was a man, child, or devil alive whom didn't know my name. I intend for that to be the case for this sphere as well, as long as it takes.
[ 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
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[Oh, he imagines, perhaps at home, Goro's people did find him quite charming. So unfortunate that he underestimates the power of playing to one's audience. Unfortunate further that, despite that, he still maintains an audience at all.
Steve's worry is Jaskier's same. He has ideas of how to pull people away from listening to Goro -- and he does hope it helps, regardless of that being very far from his main reason to do so -- but only time will tell.
This is a very different game than his smuggling, where he worked in the dark, under an alias, out of the limelight.]
Ah. [He crosses his legs the other direction, laying his hands on his knee.] I can't claim to know specifics. I only go by what he has related at his rallies, from what I hear on in the back rooms of taverns. Perhaps he truly came here with his own distrust of magic, and has found both an easy target and a righteous cause to add his flame to. It could be that simple. Or he, perhaps, knows something the rest of his Summoned do not, of what may happen to this world if it is destroyed. He could be ensuring that he does not return to his own sphere against his will. Despite being quite sure he's far from strong enough to do so, I believe it's important enough everyone coming in is quite aware of such an outcome, should he keep pushing for power. I have, unfortunately, born witness to what happens when an adversary is underestimated by most. The war I escaped coming here could so easily repeat itself in this new sphere.
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Jaskier doesn't seem to know all of Goro's motivations beyond the rhetoric that he shares, and it leaves Steve with no other option but to try and speak to the man himself. There are too many variables unaccounted for still.
When Jaskier explains why he'd felt it important to explain this to someone new, Steve is quick to nod. He's forgotten the food and drink for the moment, too caught up in thought. The moment war is mentioned, a shadow seems to pass across his face. ]
I get what you're saying. We shouldn't assume he's not a threat just because we can see through him. [ Others might not. ] It sounds like you and Sam and Julie have been keeping an eye on him and tracking his actions. If you need any help with that, I'd be happy to contribute.
[ It may not be an enjoyable task, but it still has to be done. Steve lets out a sigh, his shoulders sinking in time. ]
And I might just see if I can have a chat with him. We may as well hear these things from the horse's mouth.
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Ah, well. Much more them than I. [Well. Julie because she appears to know many people's business (which is a skill Jaskier truly believes is worthy of envy more than anything else), and Sam because he can seemingly do something about it... or try. Though he has yet to see Sam in combat, he knows he is quite capable a man. And his chaos is a powerful kind.
He gives Steve a smile. A few more eyes is never a terrible thing, but it is one more liability. Still. He'd rather have friends. Being the Sandpiper alone was... a lot.] I'll be happy to stay in touch! We seem to be swimming in the same circles. I don't believe it will be hard to do so.
[Which means checking up on Sam. Going to his halls and barbecues. He's very good at throwing them, after all.] Please, let me know how it goes. You're a bit more... well, built to deal with him, should something happen. Not, I think, he would be so foolish to try.
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It seems like most of the Summoned in this city have a pretty tight-knit circle. [ Steve returns Jaskier's smile and nods. ] It's a good thing. [ They need to look out for each other in this place where their best interests are not always kept in mind by the locals and people in authority. ] And any friend of Sam's is a friend of mine.
[ As for the possibility that the tension with Goro might escalate to the point that it comes to blows, Steve knows there's always a chance it might go that way. ] Let's hope it doesn't get to that point, but if it does, I'll be ready to take action. [ While he doesn't know exactly what kind of strength the Shokan have, Steve's confident that he'll be able to go toe-to-toe with Goro.
With all that unpleasant discussion out of the way, Steve leans forward to grab for his pint and takes a long sip from it. Perhaps worryingly long. After he sets the glass back down he wipes his mouth with a napkin. ]
So. Master Bard, you said. Is that something that started back home?
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[Of course, he already considers them friends, so that's no news to him. If Sam isn't praising Jaskier to his other companions, then Jaskier has surely done something wrong.
Which he knows he hasn't. So.
With the unpleasant topic of Goro out of the way, and Jaskier having given the information he meant to impart in this meeting in the first place, they have time to move onto better topics. After all, Jaskier is quite curious of this friend of Sam's. He seems to makes some rather... fascinating, loud friends. It suits him.]
Well, of course. One doesn't become a master bard in a year, my beautiful man. I've been a bard since I was quite young, right after my graduation from the academy. I am the most famous bard of the Continent. I doubt there was a man, child, or devil alive whom didn't know my name. I intend for that to be the case for this sphere as well, as long as it takes.
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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?
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[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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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[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.
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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. ]
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[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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.