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

Tyler wasn't sure what he had been expecting, but the first thing the orcess said to him being a compliment wasn't it. There was little thought in the moment, a simple compliment on his clothing choice was just nice to hear, something he wasn't used to, so his body reacted for him. He just blinked, got a slight bashful pink tint to his cheeks, and made a tiny smile while looking down. Oh, uh...thank you... He slowly tilted his head up as the orcess spoke about not liking lavish fabrics something Tyler sort of agreed with to look at her--and blinked again, was her leather bodice...a little looser than it had been a minute ago? Tyler caught himself staring after a few moments and quickly looked elsewhere, hoping the orcess hadn't noticed. He then realized that she was looking at him with an appraising gaze, which made Tyler's body tense up a bit. This was something he was used to being judged. But then she quietly chuckled and told him to relax, pushing her beer mug across the table. Tyler blinked again. Oh. Um. Okay? He muttered, and quickly sat down at the empty chair across from her. He still didn't really feel relaxed--he was instinctively adopting the disposition of just trying to be unnoticed through quiet obedience without even consciously realizing it, like he often had to be with his father. Also with his courtly upbringing, he had been taught to accept token gestures without question, so he didn't ask why she was sharing her beer with him he just picked up the pint-mug and examined it for a moment as she explained her name. He glanced up at her, registering her words also with practiced ease even if his attention hadn't been fully on her right then, and nodded. Ah, yeah, that'd be...quite a mouthful. Gwen it is, okay. He also caught what she said about monsters...but, that didn't make any sense, wasn't fighting monsters exactly what he was going to be expected to do? Surely he had misheard, but again he defaulted to the trained habit of going along, playing it smooth, paying more careful attention to her onward to figure out what he misheard without needing to ask. He also lifted the pint-mug in both hands to take a sip from it, as it seemed he was expected to. It wasn't his first beer, far from his first alcohol, but it was a little stronger than he was used to. Though he couldn't keep the slightest wince off one eye from the unexpectedly strong burn, he actually...liked it, kind of. It was different. Mmg. Ahhh. Strong stuff. He quietly grunted, sighed, and said as he lowered the mug and politely nudged it back towards Gwen slightly in case she wanted the rest back. Then things started getting particularly odd. Gwen's demeanor noticeably shifted to a more...reassuring posture and softer tone, as she continued speaking. Tyler's posture remained stiff and slightly defensive, seemingly unconsciously as well, as he was meeting Gwen's eyes at least and listening to her every word. Y-yeah. It's...kind of a lot, but...at the same time, been expecting it for a long while... He admitted. Tyler was actually more surprised at Gwen admitting fear. That ran rather counter to expectations. He did notice how she slipped into a solemn mood for a moment, which did pique his curiosity a little, but he wasn't going to pry--they had only just met. However, she did invite him to talk about himself. Oh! Um. Right. Well... There was something on the forefront of his mind, but he began with Gwen's last question. I have travelled before, but...only ever as part of a diplomatic entourage with my father. Tyler paused for a moment as he stared distantly at one of the mugs on the table. Wasn't bad, got to see some interesting places, part of my father ensuring I have adequate education in statecraft. Those have actually been some of my better times, at least when I was able to slip away from him and... Tyler then trailed off, with a bite of his lip and a glance away. But nevermind that. All those times were official and fancy, plenty of a retinue catering to every need...I don't actually have any real experience with more independent travel. He muttered as his head aimlessly looked around. It was very clear that Tyler had something strongly on his mind from the start, something he wanted to say, but he was hesitating on it. Anyway, to 'finish' my education, to ensure I can ' defend my own honor and earn my own glory '... Tyler was trying to keep a straight face, but his tone of voice sure sounded like a quote. Here I am now with you, and... Tyler trailed off again. 'So...yeah. Your new squire. I hardly know anything about it, but I'll...I'll do the best I can.