Thread: Dominant Paladin, Innocent Bard (PsionicCuttlefish & SweetandSour)

Tyler found Gwen already in the tavern before him, drinking some stimulants and actually not looking all that great...though, Tyler wasn't unfamiliar with 'not morning people' and figured simply that Gwen might lean that way, but nothing to really be concerned about. And dense though he may have been about 'coming on' advances, he was fairly perceptive with most other things. He actually did also notice how she seemed to brighten up with a smile at him when he approached to talk about her. He'd...actually never seen anyone smile like that at just his presence. It was strange, and made him feel an unfamiliar but pleasant bit of a tingle in his heart. And even with that gash across one of her eyes, her smile was still quite nice to see on its own. Without consciously realizing it, he blinked and awkwardly smiled a little more back with a bashful slight downward-sideways tilt of his head. I...I do? I dunno, I just...feel better about things today, I guess? Better than I've felt in...a long time, in fact. And, r-right. Yeah, that's...a way to look at it, I suppose. And good point about not travelling with too much money...I've always been in convoys until now, never had to think about that before... Tyler replied at Gwen's observation of him and her ideas on the money. He double-checked through his backpack that he had everything with him, including the money, before he slung it back on and nodded at Gwen standing up and telling him to lead the way--before slightly blushing again with a quick turn to the door. Gwen standing up to full height had her towering over him again...her stature was amazing her body was so strongly muscled, yet not to a real chunky excess and maintained subtle but noticeable feminine proportions, and her...chest...was still insane with its prominence, and--with only her tunic and not her heavy armor to contain it--jiggled noticeably at the sudden motion of standing up. The young elf led the amazonian orcess out of the tavern as she mentioned her immediate future plans. Disturbances a day's walk out, hopefully wolves, could be a witch. Huh. Tyler acknowledged rather simply. That...didn't sound too bad at all. And furthermore... Well...when we do find the culprit, whatever it is...I think I might... He started to say, but got cold feet at the last moment. Uhm...n-nevermind. He finished with a reddening in his pointed ears. He still wasn't entirely sure yet what Gwen would think of the skills he did have...though he was fairly more confident about it today than he was yesterday, but still didn't want to go into it just yet. After a short walk, Tyler had led Gwen to the town's orphanage. It fortunately wasn't a very populated building, and did get a small dispensation from the governing Orvioville estate, but mostly survived on charity in fact, it was because the orphanage wasn't too filled up that the dispensation wasn't larger. Tyler actually didn't know too much about it, but he had walked past it once a few years ago and inquired to his father about it, but was told it was fine. Last night, Tyler noticed that the orphanage building had a few more patches in the walls than he remembered. He fished the small pouch of coins from his backpack and passed it to Gwen, then followed behind her to let her take care of it. The younger children of several different races were a little intimidated by the huge orcess at first, but became hyperactive bundles of excitement over big strong green lady after she demonstrated her friendliness. The orphanage's owner, of course, profusely thanked Gwen for the donation above the little kid's heads, saying she would be able to fix the place up a bit and make it more attractive for potential adoptive adults, and keep things comfortably supplied for months on top of that. Tyler just stood back and watched for the most part though a few kids tried clinging to his legs a few times as well, to his chuckling and playful 'distress', which only got them more engaged, as he was content to see Gwen receiving the appreciation. Once they had managed to disentangle themselves from the exuberant little tykes, Tyler exited with Gwen, and then with one more check of supplies and a stop at a general store for the last-minute things they needed, the paladin and her new squire were off on the beginning of their shared journey. They set off down the road, leaving the town behind. The weather was pleasantly mild, and after getting some distance from the town and going down a few road forks, the duo had set into a steady marching rhythm. Tyler was having to keep a slightly quicker pace than normal for himself to keep up, but mostly only because Gwen's legs were much longer than his, and neither did he complain about it or draw attention to it--he didn't want Gwen slowing down on his account. After a bit of walking in casual silence, he finally worked up the courage to speak up again. So, um... He began slightly hesitantly. While I'm...not really handy with any weapons myself, like you were saying, I could take care of other things like helping you with your armor, and cooking, and the like...I...actually do also have some other things I'm skilled in...or at least, I think I'm passably okay at... He said as, without stopping in walking, he then half-worked his backpack off to only one shoulder to rummage in it slightly, before he pulled a flat cloth-wrapped object from it. He unwrapped it to reveal...an old-looking, but well-maintained miniature arm-held harp. I...can play some melodies on this. I can also...sing a fair bit...could maybe pass some time while we walk, if you want? He asked sheepishly. Th-though if you don't care for an instrument like this, o-or singing, I can put it away and stay quiet... He hastily added, still half-convinced it wasn't something he could be proud of. Last edited Jul 9, 2018