[video]

[zevranarainai]

[ The video starts with Zevran tapping on the camera with a fingertip, as though uncertain it's really doing what it's supposed to be doing. Or perhaps there's a pattern there with some hidden meaning, who can say?

And then there's his face in focus, complete with tattoo down one side and those signature pointy ears of his. His accent is thick and warm. ]

What a marvelous device this is; I can only imagine what sort of naughty things you all must get up to with it, behind closed doors.

[ Leave it to Zevran to encounter smartphone technology and immediately and independently think of dick pics. Or worse. Considering the video function. ]

My name is Zevran Arainai. I am pleased to make all of your acquaintances, one way... or another.

[ Complete with a suggestive waggling of the eyebrows, that last bit. ]

Comments

[Video]

[child_of_bhaal]

You're very cheerful, for having just been abducted, sir.

[It's not a complaint. She's just pleasantly surprised.]

Not that it's a bad thing, of course. Just unusual.

[zevranarainai]

Ah, but what use is there in being any other way?

[child_of_bhaal]

Well, I have a friend at home who completely functions on being loudly depressed, so I suppose there's some use in it.

[Sorry Xan]

Though I think your way is better.

[zevranarainai]

That is no way to live! One must seize the good wherever one finds it, the world will take care of the rest.

[ It's both optimistic and deeply pessimistic at the same time! ]

[child_of_bhaal]

I can assure you, I didn't adopt his world view. Frankly, being such a downer seemed exhausting.

[Oops! She covers her mouth, because that was inner monologue!! That isn't supposed to come out! When she takes it away, she's blushing in embarrassment, and lets out a nervous little laugh.]

Sorry. I swear I don't go around bad mouthing my friends. Usually.

So um, it's nice to meet you Mr. Arainai. My name's Syeira. I hope I haven't put you off too badly.

[zevranarainai]

Not at all! Well met, Syeira, blush and all.

[child_of_bhaal]

Oh! Uh. Yes.

[Thanks for making it worse! She presses the back of a hand against her cheek, and she just feel it warming all the more.]

That's just a thing that happens. All the time.

[It's a problem. Blame the red hair. She certainly does.]

Anyway! So do you need any help with anything? Being new and all.

[zevranarainai]

Well at least it is fetching, yes? I am sure you have heard this many times from others before I.

[ Zev behave. ]

Ah... no? I think I have gotten my bearings already. Unless you have a suggestion for where to find a fine brandy.

[child_of_bhaal]

What? Me?

[Is he trying to see how deep a shade of crimson she can get? She awkwardly brushes back her hair (is that a pointed ear?), which falls right back where it was.]

No, no. I've been often told I'm underwhelming.

[Which is true, but in the very specific context of her height and the fact she's not shooting golden flames from her eyes or whatnot. She's very much underselling herself, but in a way that speaks of shyness and social awkwardness.

Girl can't flirt, even if it's just for fun.]

I've um, heard there's some taverns around, I just haven't been. Alcohol requires coin, and all that.

[zevranarainai]

You are... penniless?

[ That seems to him to be the insinuation, after all. Surely if one has money they'll spend it on booze! And leather! ]

How long have you been here?

[child_of_bhaal]

A couple of months, and honestly, I didn't expect to get stuck here this long.

[Why commit to a job when you intend to leave?]

I'm usually much better at escaping kidnappers than this.

[zevranarainai]

Aren't we all?

[ It's a damn cultural pass-time in Antiva. Kidnapping and murder alike. ]

Tell you what -- you pick a tavern, and I will buy you a drink! I was left with some currency, and I see no better way to spend it.

[child_of_bhaal]

[He'd be right at home in Athkatla.]

Very generous of you, but that's not necessary. I can tell you the ones I've seen. You don't have to buy me anything.

[zevranarainai]

Ohh? How disappointing.

[child_of_bhaal]

[It's pretty likely she has missed what he was trying to do there. Wooosh!]

That... you don't need to bribe me, with what little coin you have, into being being friendly?

[zevranarainai]

Drinking with company is always preferable to drinking alone, my friend. Do the latter too often and you may develop a problem.

[child_of_bhaal]

[Oh. Well that's a little different.]

That's a very good point. And I'd be a terrible friend if I let you develop a problem when you only just got here.

[There you go, Sye. Live a little.]

Do you know the way to Fayren?

[zevranarainai]

I am finding my way there now! With, ah-- whoops--

[ The sound of a car zipping past with its driver laying on the horn is pretty clear in the background. ]

Mixed results!

[child_of_bhaal]

[She covers her mouth to stifle the giggle that tries to come out. He's got a way that makes nearly getting run over by a metal behemoth seem light hearted.]

Maybe I should come to you. I could guide you, until you get used to how the traffic works.

[zevranarainai]

If you like? Although this is quite fun -- gets the heart pumping!

[child_of_bhaal]

[She'll just

head to the archway.]

Dodge metal battering rams often, do you?