02. A Strict Display of Luck and Wit

[knitwit]

[ Off in the corner of town, near the edge that lead towards the towering gate, resided a small pub. The stout owner and his lanky wife were kind enough to serve drinks and food to newcomers the first crowd of the evening. Luckily, Rose was among the first dozen to arrive during dinner hours. A nice warm meal was welcomed and the fact it was discounted? Excellent. Each spare currency went towards equipment and potions.

But, maybe she would be lucky? After overhearing a few NPCs speaking about gambling, Rose invited herself into the conversation. It lead to a deal: a nice game of cards. Rose had no clue how to go about it. What were the rules? The stipulations? The risks? Ah, but, that was the art itself, correct?

Bluffing.

So here Rose was, sitting with her deck in hand looking over at the other players around the mahogany table. Her fingertips pressed into the torn stock cards, eyeing her pieces as if trying to complete a puzzle.

Bystanders, passerbys, or fellow players, Rose would love some conversation to toss away the jitters and nervousness she obviously does not show. ]

I'll raise once more and we can see where that will take us, hm?

Comments

[revealed]

[ he's actually to gather information as per usual, because it's what he's used to doing, and gathering information keeps him busy and not thinking about... other things. yeah. but when he passes by Rose's particular table, he actually does a double-take, before wandering over. ]

Gambling...?

[knitwit]

[ Rose was a bit more emotional in that moment, her palm slamming downward in an aggravated way. ]

You're lucky you had that seven.

[ She slumped back in her chair, revoking her cards back into her grasp. She was unaware of anyone else's presence besides the obvious ones who spoke out. She was getting a bit on a losing streak... ]

[revealed]

[ ... man, that was some explosion of emotion, there. it almost makes him feel sorry for her. taking a quick look at the cards on the table, he realizes that it isn't any kind of card game that he's familiar with. but if the cards are like that, then...

he walks up with a friendly smile. ]

Bad luck, huh.

[knitwit]

I guess you could say that.

[ Rose pauses, looking over her cards. ]

Fate shifts oh-so quickly, so I don't doubt my winstreak from last night turned into an utter flop tonight was merely some kind of leash to keep my ego in check.

[revealed]

Well, I wouldn't go that far... [ kind of a sheepish chuckle. ] Are you playing with the same people you were playing with yesterday?

[knitwit]

A few. They come and go. I'm the newcomer to this place, if you want to call it that.

[ She flips her cards to look over them. ]

Still getting use to everything.

[revealed]

[ ah, she's starting another round. he gives the table a look of consideration. ] If you're going to be playing for a while, mind some company?

I'm not too bad at this sort of thing. [ both an offer for company and... for help. ]

[knitwit]

Not at all. As interesting and unique as the locals are, you can tell they are quite rehearsed with their conversations.

[ She offers a seat nearby, the table rounded and offering ample amounts of leg room. ]

If you have no other arrangements, sure. Feel free to relax. There isn't much else to do at this time of night.

[revealed]

[ aaand sitting gratefully! ] I guess. I actually came to talk to some of these locals.

So they really don't say anything interesting?

[knitwit]

Really now? A curious mind is a terrible thing to waste. Why not try conversing with some non-drunkards when they return?

[ A beat. ]

Depends on whom you speak with.

[revealed]

Well, it sounds like you have experience. Who do you think I should speak to?

[knitwit]

[ Rose lets a soft laugh escape. ]

Experience? A bit, I suppose you could say.

I suggest the innkeepers and barmaids. I've found them to have a plethora of information regarding quests and more times than none, will actually trigger quests as well.

[revealed]

[ mrrrrrrrrr. ] That's certainly a good way to get involved... and to get items and money.

[ but he needs information, dammit. especially on how to leave this place. brooding over this for a moment, his eyes return to the table, absently watching the way the cards are dealt. judging from the movements of the other people, they certainly seem to be NPCs. a gentle nudge of their minds confirms this, and their intentions seem fairly simple to tell, too. he kind of wonders if they just sit around and play cards all day. it seems absurd, but with how repetitive NPCs can get, it's most likely the truth. ]