An Advanced Victorian Steampunk Roleplay discussion
Boston Central
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The Irish Pub
message 101:
by
Z, The Faithful Servant
(new)
Nov 20, 2013 03:38PM
"Well, I've told you something about me, let's here a story about you?" He looked over his mug at the man, his interest growing as he eyed him over, wondering what kind of life he might lead.
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Reggie ran a hand across his jaw, looking to the side as he thought. It was a fair trade, if he considered it, but what could he divulge without causing possible trouble for Eddie? Looking down at the table, he said, "There's not much of a story to tell. Parents are gone, I live with my grandparents, and I work all the time. No girl, though working all the time might do that to a man."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Bastian frowned. "You seem to be pretty happy for what you've gone through, do you enjoy your work?"
"No need to be sorry. I was pretty young anyways." Reggie gave a shrug and drank down the last dregs from his glass. "Work is all right. Wish the pay is better. Sometimes I wonder what else I can do other than stand at machines all day."
Bastian drained his glass and nodded. "There is plenty to do out there, you just have to wait for the opportunity."
Nodding, Reggie twirled his empty glass in his hands. "Probably. Though, there are some men who've been working in the factory their whole lives."
"There are those who go to University and end up looking for jobs all their lives too." Bastian dabbed his mouth with his handkerchief.
"Hmm. That doesn't go well for them. More money wasted, I suppose. But let's not talk about work related things." Reggie paused, searching for his mind. Setting his glass down, he leaned forward, elbows on the table. "So, Bastian. What kind of things do you do with your free time?"
"Well, I like to search for rare books. I travel to every book sale I hear about and scour the areas for rare, first hand books. It's amazing the treasures you can find, and in the most obscure places." Bastian smile happily, lips closed.
"Really? I guess it's a treasure hunt of sorts, isn't it? Have you traveled far?"
"It is quite a treasure hunt, and I have. I have traveled all over Great Britain in search of books and some places on the European Continent." Bastian said. He leaned back in his chair contentedly.
Taking off his hat, Reggie ran a hand through his messy hair. "Places like France or Germany?" he asked, waving a waitress over to refill his glass.
"Germany yes, also Italy, but I haven't been to France." Bastian smoothed his collar and straightened his cravat.
Tilting his head, Reggie frowned slightly. "Not France? I would think there would be plenty to be found there."
"Well I was about to travel to France when Lilly left, but yes you're right. There are lots of books to be had in France as well." Bastian stated.
At the mention of this Lilly person again, Reggie immediately let any more questions in his mind drop. "So, how did you get here in America?"
"I took an airship, a small cargo one. It was cheap passage, and as I am not a very wealthy man, I took what I could get. I was lucky to have brought all my savings however which allowed me to open my book shop." Bastian sat up and straightened his waistcoat.
He realized that he took his question literally and decided to rephrase. "I see. Well, I actually meant why did you come here to America, but the how is just as interesting."
"Ah." He paused, not waiting to seem like he only talked about one thing. "I came searching for Lilly."
Reggie looked at him with raised eyebrows, smirking slightly. "I guess this Lilly person seems like the real thing."
Bastian smiled. "I certainly hope so." He paused and looked up. "Do you have someone like my Lilly Reggie?"
Shaking his head, he chuckled and took a drink from his glass. "No. Not at all. Wish I met some woman, but I kind of come across as rough on the edges."
"I've heard that Scottish women like a man who's rough around the edges, or the Irish." Bastian chuckled.
Reggie gave a nod and a shrug. "Looks like you can give me some pointers in the right direction."
"Well I'd hardly say I was a ladies man, I just got lucky." He smiled softly and Reggie.
Spreading his arms wide as he leaned back in his chair, Reggie grinned. "Hey, that's half of the job, luck. My luck has all but disappeared though. Happened some years ago."
"Really? When did it happen?" Bastian raised a brow an leaned back in his chair as well, crossing his arms.
"Oh, I would say twelve years ago. Long time without luck, but I deserve it." He tilted his head back as he gulped down the rest of his drink, then he set down his glass with thunk on the table.
"I hope I'm not intruding, but why do you deserve this misfortune?" Bastian asked.
"No, it's not that intrusive." Looking down at his wrist, Reggie stared at the black letters etched into his skin. Mea culpa. His hand clenched into a fist. "I was foolish and stupid. I let my guard slip and dire consequences happened. It's only natural to have such a punishment."
Bastian nodded. "Ah, I understand. And because you feel responsible, you feel like you deserve the punishment."
"Not feel. I know I was the one responsible," Reggie said firmly, his voice hardening slightly as his eyes darkened. Then he smiled and gave a wave of his hand. "So far though, luck hasn't been necessary for making a living."
Bastian nodded, noting the darkening tone. "Ah of course, would you like to me refill your mug?"
"Yes. Can't turn down any chance to drink," Reggie said with a laugh, signs of the hardness almost gone from his face.
Bastian chuckled and got up from the table, taking the two glasses up to the bar.
The moment Bastian's back was turned, Reggie's shoulders slumped forward and he ran both his hands back through his hair. Why did he have to be so depressing? Why can't his thoughts have peace for once? The closer it got to that day, the guilt grew worse. It was like he was poisoning his heart himself, unable to let go of the past. He took a deep breath and shook his head. Hopefully another drink would expel any remaining thoughts.
Bastian returned with two foaming mugs. "Here you are Reggie, drink up. Wouldn't want this to go to waste!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Grinning, Reggie took his mug and held it up to him. "My many thanks, good sir. Cheers."
Bastian raised his glass. "Cheers!"
***END OF SCENE***
Following after her, Reggie shook his head at himself, frowning slightly as he realized this was the first time he actually forgot what this day meant to him. Though he wouldn't call running into thieves as ideal, it made him run into a familiar face. Finding a seat at a table, he waved a waitress over as he asked Ecaterina, "What would you like to drink?"
"Yes," Ecaterina replied. "Please," she added remembering her manners.
((Um, so what drink would she like?))
((LOL. Surprise her. :P))
((Okeydokey!))He nodded slightly at her answer and decided to take the liberty of ordering a couple of boilermakers from the waitress before returning his attention to his companion. "Has the metal you salvaged serve you well?"
"It has," Ecaterina replied. "I have managed to make quite a few trinkets with it. I will need to go back again soon," she told him slyly, hoping he'd keep her secret but understanding if he couldn't. "What is this?" she asked, holding the drink up to her sea foam green eyes to inspect it.
"It's a mixture of beer and a shot of whiskey," Reggie answered, taking his glass and taking a sip appreciatively. Leaning back in his chair so that it balanced on its two legs, he added, "Feel free to come again. I could help you."
Ecaterina glanced at Reggie then, took a sip of the drink and nodded in approval. "It is quite interesting," she said, giving her verdict. "I like it. And thank you. That would be very kind of you," she told him sincerely. "Only if you will not get in trouble," she added.
"Ah, don't mind me. I can get into trouble on my own as you saw earlier today," Reggie laughed, still thinking how odd his encounter was. "I'd be happy to help, since it gives me something to do other than stand at a machine all day."
"You should be more careful," Ecaterina told him with a straight, serious face. "Rascals like that take advantage of pedestrians that are off their guard." She should know: she used to be one.
