PSL

[speakssoftly]

MAY CONTAIN (DEEPLY) OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL, WE JUST DON'T KNOW!

Comments

[awakenerd]

Uh, no.

[He's looking around the kitchen as he follows Joshua, his hesitation more from curiosity and also bewilderment at the need for gear to capture a bird, but, well. He's the rookie here! Are we hunting Yuuya is that who we're hunting?

Anyway he steps to the closet after Joshua.]

He's been keeping me fed more or less. Or we've both been cooking, really.

[speakssoftly]

[the kitchen is neat but clearly sees use. there are a few dishes drying on the rack, and some fruit in a wooden bowl on the counter.]

Right. I thought that was probable, but since we're in my kitchen anyway it seemed appropriate to check if you wanted something to eat.

[Joshua do you just... live at work. Like, even more than Bracers tend to? Wild.

pulls out a sturdy little cage, checking it isn't damaged or anything, then snagging a blanket to neatly pad it with.

IT COULD BE YUUYA WHO KNOWS]

This should do the trick. If you can get the bird into this you should be home free, and not have to worry about returning while trying to carry a struggling pigeon without hurting it.

[awakenerd]

Thanks... I wouldn't mind trying your cooking later though. Do you just...Live here?

[It might be kind of blunt to ask but it doesn't seem inappropriate. He's going to be working here for the time being, after all, and he should get to know not just the locals, but the people he's working with.]

[speakssoftly]

I do, yes. It's not a standard practice, but it's not frowned upon either, just a bit strange. My predecessor did the same, though, so the kitchen and private room were already here, and this way I needn't pay rent or anything.

[Checks the closet over one last time to make sure everything's in its place, then closes it and gives Rean another impenetrable smile.]

I'll cook for you soon, then. But don't get your hopes too high.

[awakenerd]

Sounds like a pretty good set up. I might work up an appetite chasing this bird though, so we'll see.

[speakssoftly]

Maybe I'll have something ready by the time you get back. Any allergies?

[awakenerd]

Nothing. Though I'm not a big fan of crayfish.

[speakssoftly]

I think crayfish can be easily avoided. Good luck with that bird, Rean.

[awakenerd]

Thanks Joshua.

[And he'll head out.

It is. Two hours later when he comes back looking frazzled but with a caged target.]

[speakssoftly]

[The guild smells quite nice when Rean comes back, like a nice risotto, the scent wafting into the front room through that kitchen door. Joshua's behind the desk, looking up from some paperwork to grace Rean with another impenetrable smile.]

Ah, it looks like you succeeded. Good work. Here's the client's address for you to copy into your notebook.

[slides the assignment posting across the desk, then looks back to his own work.]

[awakenerd]

[Wow it smells amazing in here. He sets the bird on the counter and dutifully copies the address into his notebook.]

Thanks! I'll be back after I get this guy home.

[speakssoftly]

I'll have food finished by the time you're back. Come back before it's cold.

[but he has an air of gently teasing Rean]

[awakenerd]

I'll try.

[At least this Joshua guy seems friendly, if inscrutable. And Rean is quick about delivering the bird and returning.]

[speakssoftly]

Welcome back. Congratulations on completing your first job with our branch of the Bracer Guild. [Joshua goes through the process of paying Rean, then lets himself out from behind the desk and leads him out to the kitchen, where a piping hot plate of nice pasta awaits each of them.]

[awakenerd]

Ha, if all my jobs get this kind of reward, I'll definitely not want to leave.

[speakssoftly]

Think of it as a warm welcome. Toval and the others will start circling like hammerheads if we don't eat soon, and I can't afford to feed every bracer in town on my pay, so don't count on this as a habitual thing.

[awakenerd]

You're a pretty nice guy, huh? You don't have to tell me twice.

[He's going to dig right in.]

[speakssoftly]

You say that, but if Toval pokes his head in here begging for food, I'll tell him that those who don't work don't eat. [settles in to eat his meal as well.]

[awakenerd]

Harsh. Remind me to stay on your good side.

[speakssoftly]

My good side is generally the preferred one, yes.

[awakenerd]

The way you say that isn't ominous at all.

...This is really good, though. I'd love your recipe.

[speakssoftly]

[juuust smiles]

I'll be sure to write it down for you.

[awakenerd]

[God you're as unnerving as Sharon... He actually, laughs a little at the thought.]

[speakssoftly]

Did I miss a joke?

[awakenerd]

Oh no, just... You remind me of someone a little, is all.