The Half-Moon Inn and Fest Hall Part 4

[Aylstra Illianniis]

OOC: Soo..... LN? That's about as close to a soldier's mentality as it gets, I think.


IC: The bard looks Onix up and down at his revelation, then slowly shakes his head. "Four decades? And you don't even take it off to sleep?! My friend, we have GOT to get you out of that thing and into something more presentable- no WONDER you've never experienced a woman's embrace!! How are they ever even going to know what you LOOK like under there, if they never SEE you! Gods, man- even a KNIGHT takes off the armor once in a while!!" He seems incredulous, his expression one of shocked disbelief.

"Besides, don't you think it might get a bit- er, RANK being stuck inside that tin can all the time? You've at least heard of BATHS, right?" He stifles a snicker, then turns to glance at the entrance of the strange-looking elf. "Speaking of rank- I smell trouble..."

[Luexena Deana]

Luexena set the lute down, frowning slightly up at the half-aquatic elf. [i:36gf4opb]I am surprised to see you here, Kalannar.[/i:36gf4opb] She replied politely, slightly cooly, her thin silvery brows knitting. [i:36gf4opb]But welcome regardless. Though you might want to remove your arm now, you know I am not much into public displays of affection, especially non-consented ones.[/i:36gf4opb]

[i:36gf4opb]Perhaps you'd like to join us at the table.[/i:36gf4opb] Her expression was unreadable for now, a bit more guarded. [i:36gf4opb]You've met Delrum and Caine.[/i:36gf4opb] The drow pointed to the elf with cards at the other table. [i:36gf4opb]And this is Zarae, a fellow follower of the Dark Maiden.[/i:36gf4opb] The priestess nodded to the roguess by the counter. [i:36gf4opb]Treat her with respect, sir.[/i:36gf4opb]

Luexena glanced to the Kal's face for a moment, then shifted her gaze to Delrum, inclining her head slightly toward him, indicating she was not in danger, at least not yet.

[veraka]

Onix listens to the bard and sighs, understanding Lothir's shock, but again, his job prohibited him from having relationships. The clone knew what Lothir was talking about.

"Lothir, it's just that, my job prevents me from having even the most basic of relationships with anyone beyond a basic friendship. Remember, clone super-soldier here, so kinda hard for me to find a good lady friend who's not in any danger of being killed due to my actions, besides, do you honestly know that it's near impossible for me to even attract a female, I'm just not the type, among other problems."

"In any case my friend, I trust my armor around my skin rather than off of it, and to make things a little less intimidating for you, whenever I go for a swim, whether voluntarily or not, the water filtrates through the armor and washes my skin off; plus you're forgetting Lothir, high-tech armor equals nanobots to do that as well, so I'm pretty sure the 'rank' part of your last statement is unremarkable, and unwarranted. Besides this [b:38rlmn3n]tin-can[/b:38rlmn3n] has saved my ass from more than one Leecher's bite and quite a few well placed shots from enemy fire before, so before I take it off and then die outright, I think 'll stick with it."

Noticing the odd half-drow and Lothir's comment, Onix looks to the bard, and says; "Oh and you were saying that ladies are scared because they don't see what's underneath my armor;" the clone stopped, ran a finger across his shoulder; the OMNI armor began to unseal itself as the nanite-fused armor unlatched from each other and allowed Onix to literally 'pull' off his entire arm's worth of armor, showing a super well-muscled arm beneath the nano-armor, though, the clone's skin was near ghost white.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He listens to Onix talk of not having relationships, and cocks one brow in a questioning look. "Not possible? My friend, if there is one thing I've learned, it's that NOTHING is impossible. I find it hard to believe that you can't attract a lady- Hells, man, you're not some hideous monster, or blathering idiot. You're selling yourself short, my friend."

He pauses for a moment, as if considering something, and adds, "What about those women in your marines? I seem to recall a rather attractive dark elven woman who came down with that gunship of yours. Surely there are more like her? She didn't strike me as the type to cringe at danger or be incapable of taking care of herself in battle."

At the comment about trusting his armor, he nods, and shrugs. "To each his own, I suppose, but we're hardly in any danger here. Don't you ever relax? You know- just sit back and enjoy yourself a bit? Even for a few hours? After all, in case you've forgotten, you're not currently on your ship, and I don't see any wars around, do you? Personally, I've never had much use for armor myself. It tends to weigh one down and restrict movement too much. I don't know about yours, of course, but here we use what is at hand, and most of that is FAR too bulky and noisy. Not to mention damned hard to dance in- in case you've forgotten how I fight. That armor of yours would likely be useless for me in a fight, because I'd never be able to use my battledance!"

Then he stares at the portion of the clone's arm that is revealed, and gives him a half-amused look. "I never said they would be scared. Just that they might miss your- shall we say, BETTER- attributes if they never get a chance to peek at the 'real' you under there. Sorden's bolts, man, they might even think you are half-golem, running around in that thing all the time- THAT would be enough to turn away any female!"

"He does have a point, you know," Vala says, and gives Onix a warm smile. "I'm sure there are plenty of women who would appreciate you, if you gave it half a chance. Who knows, the love of your life might even be right here in this room, and how would you ever know unless you let them see that you're an ordinary man beneath the cold exterior?"

"Oh, gods above- this is becoming sickeningly sappy. I'm going upstairs to reverie..." Palax says, rolling his eyes. "All this talk of relationships and looking for a woman is making me ill." He gets up, and strides off towardthe stairs to the private rooms.

"Would you mind taking Zak and May up with you, Palax?" Vala asks, smiling hopefully at him. "They need changing, and I don't want to do that down here where people are eating."

"What am I now- a nursemaid?" He says, scowling, then sighs and nods. "Oh, very well. Though I really think HE should do it..." He mutters, and grabs the basket to carry the little ones up with him.

[Calabask]

[i:2pzy9xyk]Come now love. Nothin' wron' with public displays of affection. You nee' ta lighten u' a bi'. [/i:2pzy9xyk]The elf replied as he gave her shoulder one more carress before he grabbed a seat and brought it beside hers. He'd then plop down on it, kicking back and throwing his feet up on the table, nearly knocking the pitcher of ale over, which of course drew a curse from the dwarf.

[i:2pzy9xyk]Watch yer clumsy feet there Cabin boy! Tha' b' ale ya almos' spilled! [/i:2pzy9xyk]Shouted the dwarf as he drew the pitcher closer to him and took a deep swig. [i:2pzy9xyk]Ale b' wea' stuff anyway! Rum be wha' ya shoul' be drinkin'![/i:2pzy9xyk] Replied Kalannar which of course drew the dwarfs ire. [i:2pzy9xyk]Rum be a drin' for poofter's and sissyboys who 'aven't had a womans caress in years.[/i:2pzy9xyk] Delrum grinned at his jab, though Kalannar would fire right back. [i:2pzy9xyk]Surely ya mus' be mistaken. Otherwis' ya'd be drinkin' i' by the gallon since ya haven' been touched i' two decades![/i:2pzy9xyk]

[veraka]

Onix looks to Lothir as he lets his armor seal itself back up; "Lothir, I've never been selling myself, just because I've probably never tried to," the clone replies as he takes another swig of his strong elven wine.

When the bard mentions Myria, Onix turns to the bard and gives him the 'Are-you-fucking-kidding me' look.

"Lothir, did it ever occur to you Lieutenant Myria is an officer; I'm an NCO. Those two facts don't mix well. Where, no you're right, she wouldn't cringe in the line of fire, and is quite capable of taking care of herself in combat, but that's all of dark elven marines females on the [i:37lz4zmr]Nighthammer[/i:37lz4zmr]. Besides, they like to toy with their mates as much as the drow of this world, but not in the evil sadistic manner that you've described to me. While I'm more than game for a little fun now and then, the marines are the marines, one's never gonna change that fact. Also, me with a dark elf, well, let's just say that I'd have some considering to do, not because of their mentality, mind you, more because of their of their high maintenance, and I don't say that lightly."

"Lothir, has it ever occurred to you, that with [b:37lz4zmr]this[/b:37lz4zmr] armor, you wouldn't need to worry about your dancing, all you'd have to do is just do what you do best, the armor would increase you're already considerable talents," he paused for a second; "I never did explain what this armor really is capable of did I?"

"Did I ever think as to that I might look like a half-golem to females; the thought has crossed my mind, but I never really gave it much attention. I've been mistaken for a robot in this thing and even sometimes an android to."

Turning to Vala, Onix bows lightly; "thank you for your kind words, Lady Vala, but I've said before, I've been trained to be cold, cruel and narrow-minded. Also my genetics helps my mind to get into that mindset; remember I was created as a last ditch effort for . . . well, my confederation to keep the Leecher's back or at least stave them off until the Marines developed a decent method of killing them. I've been trained to have a iron-hard heart, a stone-cold mind ,and a near black soul when necessary, which as I told Lothir, has been for the past 4 decades of my life, so it comes naturally to me. I'm more than happy to show any female who I am beneath this armor, but I've never really been given the chance; oh and as to if the love. . . " he stopped, pondering the word, as if he had never heard it before, which, in all irony, he didn't.
Then he continued "the woman of my dreams is in here, in this very establishment, I find that idea very intriguing. Because of two simple facts; one she would have to truly know who I am, and I find that thought a bit disturbing, and second, from what I've seen of most females on this planet, they are genuinely strong hearted and kind, but for the most part just. . . well, aren't capable as I'd like them to be, not that you're not Lady Vala, just here on Toril. . . Oh I don't know!" he says, flinging his arms up in the air.

When Palax goes on his little tangent, Onix gives him a slight salute; "until the mourning Sir Palax."

When the knight is gone, Onix looks to Vala and asks "isn't he proud to be an uncle or whatever you'd say his relationship is to the younglings?"

[Aylstra Illianniis]

Lothir almost chokes on his wine, and gives him a sour look, letting out a resigned sigh. "Not exactly, no. Truth be told, he is still ticked because I 'deserted' as he puts it before any of us even knew she would be having any. I missed everything- from beginning, through birth, up to just recently. He ended up playing midwife in the rain, with no town or house for miles- and almost a month early, at that- and he blames me for that. then again, he's never accepted the fact that she chose me to begin with."

He shrugs, as if to say "what can you do," and glances back over at the other table. "Sheesh. It's elves like him that will give us ALL a bad name," he says, meaning the boisterous newcomer. Then he turns serious again. "So what's wrong with those Marine ladies? I've never seen why people make such a fuss over folks courting within the ranks. At least you'd have something in common- goals, mind-set, history.... Seems like the perfect match, to me. Or is there something negative between you?" He inquires, as if suddenly realizing that there might be a personal reason for his lack of interest in Myria.

"You know, abbil, I suppose you might not have noticed it yet, what with always heading off to fight whatever comes your way, but dancing IS what I do best! It's part of my fighting style- and it works. You've seen it yourself. Yes, my techniques have their drawbacks- namely the fact that it's nearly useless in tight quarters, which I naturally try VERY hard to stay out of, and the fact that I get rather fatigued afterward- but I would not trade it for the most powerful armor in existance. That combat style is a part of who I am. Without it, I'm just another ordinary warrior of my people. It's that very thing that has kept me alive this long." He pauses, as if suddenly remembering something, and cracks a grin. "The LAST time I got into a fight in a confined space and could not use it, I was killed by my own sister! Yes, i DID say killed. It's a long story..."

[veraka]

Onix cocked an eyebrow to Lothir, and then shook his head; "hmm, so what you're telling me is that Palax is pissed off because he had to take over being the surrogate father for a while, I'm not at all impressed with his fussing at all."

Turning to Vala, Onix says "Forgive me for presumptuously passing judgment upon your brother, Vala; but anyone who lets habitual mannerisms and traditions get in the way of merely even helping raise a child or two of a family member, then that's pretty pathetic. I mean, truth be told, I'm happy that a few of my squad found lovely ladies on our last mission; should they be gone for whatever reason, I would gladly take on the caring for their younglings; to me that is something of a duty and should be taken without bitching or any other form of complaining or hesitance."

The clone was almost like a walking irony; he was happy that his squad found a girl in their lives, yet he hadn't; such an oddity.

"Lothir I have noticed your dancing, just never bothered to comment on it. Perhaps the armor explanation can wait," Onix said with a humorous tone.

Upon Lothir's question, Onix first explains "it's not that we are fussy over it, it's because we don't want our officers abusing their rank; think of it, it'd be like what you described in drow society, only it would be militarized now. That's why the armed force I'm in discourage relationships among ranks; however, they don't stop them; I've seen many an officer become engaged to a marine or hell, even a clone, but that' the trouble, with us, clones, we're always on the front-line and fighting, we get no leave or downtime, aside from a mission debriefing, and rest when we can. Other than that, there's simply no room in our schedule to spend with a wife, much as any of us would like to, myself included."

However, when the bard mentioned Myria, Onix's visage hardened and became an unreadable soldier's face.
"I can't bare to face her again, not after what happened, and what I promised her, and failing miserably," Onix looks out a window as memories came flooding back to him. for the first time in the clone's life, he had a sad face.

[Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar]

the plate is brung out to the drowess as she hears the newest person enter and walk over to the group she had been sitting with. she quickly walks back over to see the elf take a spot. Zarae quietly grabbed another chair and sat down listening to the two argue.
the aroma floated around them, a smokey smell of the fish with the sauce.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

The bard looks deep in thought for a moment, then nods to Onix. "Yes, I'd say that's it in a nut-shell. Well, more like the fact that I was around AT ALL, and then vanished, with a rather permanent reminder left behind. He's not one to forgive easily. Well, at all, really. I blame the dragon-blood. Stubborn, self-righteous, and arrogant. In the worst way. Thank the Maiden Vala got the better half...." He grins.

"You've no need to apologize, good sir," she replies to the clone. "I've had to put up with this ever since we left Almin. He's a bit steamed about SEVERAL issues, actually, none of which anything could be done about." She makes an annoyed face, and chuckles. "If he wasn't immune to it, I'd roast his rear a bit, just to make a point!"

"I wish HE'D stop trying to roast MINE," mutters the drow with a sour expression. "I'm getting tired of having my hair singed every time we get into a fight. And as to his complaining," he shrugs, "I know he acts like an ass, but the big lug CAN be a decent sort, once you get to know him. Fairly talented on the strings, and no one I'd rather have beside me in a fight- so long as he can remember WHO the enemy is."

"I was talking about that rediculous notion of abusing power, by the way. Perhaps it might happen in the ranks of drow Houses- not that I'd expect anything less from women who aspire to be Matrons, but that's another issue, I think- but I've never seen a military among surface folk where that actually happened. I'm not saying it couldn't, but.... I don't know enough about how yours is run, to say one way or the other. Just that it's a foolish notion. Abuse of power has nothing to do with whether one is in a relationship with one's subordinates- believe me, I've seen PLENTY of males get into those with one another at home! Even had a few of my fellow students at the Academy try to start one with me."

He shudders, with an almost disgusted look, and then chuckles. "Oops, that's not a topic for polite company. Ignore that. Apperently, some of them thought that my fascination with nedierras meant that I was, er, shall we say- amenable to certain pursuits. Like HELLS."

He studies Onix closely at his last comment, but says nothing, not wanting to intrude on the subject.

[veraka]

Onix recovers from his barrage of sorrowful memories, doing what he knows he only can do and bottling them up, even if it eats at his soul for a while. He took a deep breath in and relieved it slowly, cooling his heart-rate and bringing his anger and hurt under tight control.

Looking up at Vala, Onix nods accepting her reply, and even giving a weak grin; "Palax with his ass on fire; quite the picture."

"Well Lothir, if you're gonna speak up for the knight, then I'll leave you and him to your dealings and settle for another round of this delicious wine," Onix said as he finished off the bottle that he had been working on.

At Lothir's odd and very random spout of detail, the clone raises an eyebrow, more for an expression of 'WTF' than anything else; "I don't even want to know," Onix said, raising his hand to emphasize his point.

"As for the power abuse, it's happened in my forces before, mostly between those bent on vengeance of some sort; by the time we realize what's going on, most of the time another soldier is either too psychologically gone or just dead. Either way, it happens, even in a militaristic force like mine. As to your original question of what's wrong with the Marine lasses, nothing really, it's just . . . . Ahhh hell , I don't know. I suppose it's just the simple fact that if some odd female marine actually took an interest in me, there would always be that one underlying worry in my head of will she be ok; that's the thing, Lothir, and Vala, I've lost too many friends because of my actions to really trust myself to be with woman. It's because of my actions that those friends are gone and whenever I seem to find companionship, death follows in its wake, that's why."

[Aylstra Illianniis]

"Really? Hmm, I thought I was the only one that was death's play-toy." He shrugs, as if to say "who knew?" rolling his eyes. "I know hwat you mean, my friend. i've lost friends too. but you can't let it stop you from living your life. Hells, we could walk outside this inn and get run over by some fool on a horse riding too fast. We live for NOW, not for what might or might not happen. Or for the past. Believe me, there is nothing that can be done about past mistakes, and I've made peace with that- mostly." He seems not so certain of that, but stops before he goes any deeper into the subject.

After a moment, he gives Onix a wry grin, and picks up his own glass. "I'll drink to that, my friend. You're right, by the way- it's NOT something I like to think about. I had enough of THAT sort of thing from Mistress Shiallin, and it was NOt fun. But anyway, I suppose I should give the man some credit, his heart is usually in the right place, even if his head isn't. Ah, I guess I just feel a bit guilty for brnging him into a strange world where his god has no influence. But i figure that's his issue to work out, and I'll support whatever he decides." He sighs, wondering why the knight never seems to appreciate the hopps he jumps through for him for Vala's sake.

[Luexena Deana]

[i:2mtu5v6r]That smells good, Zarae.[/i:2mtu5v6r] Luexena uttered softly, casting a sidelong glance at Kalannar, appearing slightly less at ease than before. Her hands moved to smooth the folds of her dress over her thighs before she rested her palms upon the table. [i:2mtu5v6r]Perhaps I should order the same for myself.[/i:2mtu5v6r]

The priestess waved the waitress over, then looked to the half-sea elf. [i:2mtu5v6r]So what brought you here? We're quite far from Deepingdale and Cormyr. I doubt it was an accident that we met here, Kalannar.[/i:2mtu5v6r] As the wait approached, Luexena repeated the order, pausing, glancing to the ex-pirate. [i:2mtu5v6r]Would you like to share a meal with us?[/i:2mtu5v6r]

[Calabask]

[i:2u6bor6b]Perhap's it be fate. As ya say, it be quit' far from Cormyr. Perhaps our gods b' bringin us closer together. We could form a grand 'oly union o' sorts! [/i:2u6bor6b] Kalannar grinned at Luexana as he said that, and the words "There be only three holes ya be interested in." could be heard under the dwarfs breath as he took another swig, not wishing to speak up now that Luexana had invited the half drow to eat with them. Giving a nod to Zarae, Kalannar would pull a flask from a pouch, taking off the cap, he'd take a deep swig which would infuriate the dwarf once again. [i:2u6bor6b]Ya mean ta tell me tha' ya 'ad drin' an' still stol' my own!?[/i:2u6bor6b] Kalannar would just give him a teasing grin as he took another sip from his flask before replying. [i:2u6bor6b]We bot' know drin' taste's better when ya take i' from someone else.[/i:2u6bor6b] The dwarf groaned, knowing well he'd lose that debate, and just muttered, falling silent.

[veraka]

"Far from my bard friend, far from indeed; I just seem to be the harbinger of death incarnate," Onix replies, though his tone seems to be enjoying the title; though his face saddens slightly as he adds; "even for those I was close to."

"Lothir I've made peace with them, but the thing is, as a clone, I was programmed with the best of the best, so everything about my body is at it's optimum efficiency. That includes my memory; while most Marines have a good memory, for words and locations, I've been given a photographic memory, which allows me to thoroughly and accurately remember pictures that my eyes have seen through my memories, and while I've made piece with those past actions of mine, my memory has a full recollection of everything I saw and heard. So you could say that what is an advantage to me in battle is also a down-fall for me in the non-combat life." The clone's expression is one of sternness and yet sorrow still ebbs from his crimson eyes. It was true, the clone had a full recollection of all of his past.

Yet when Lothir raised his glass, Onix's mood shifted again, as if he was a walking time-bomb.
"Well then, if that be the case, allow me," he said merrily as he waved down a barmaid, albeit a slightly more attractive one than usual.