text | un: medraut (pre-fire)

[eternalmagic]

Good morning. I've recently arrived in Riverview - my name is Mordred.

Suggestions are both welcome and encouraged as I learn my way around this lovely city. So is advice. [Although that could be such a bad idea. It's fine. He's accepted his choices.] In the meantime, I'll be fulfilling a position with Gramarye Magic Research.

Those of you that use magic yourselves, I sincerely hope our paths will cross while I'm here.

[And boy does he ever mean it.]

Comments

[inlaid]

Advice like don't go past the perimeter wall calling, "Here, monster, monster, monster, monster?"

[She's so helpful.]

If you want recommendations for restaurants, delivery, and bars, I can probably give you a few depending on your preferences. A couple of them are even close to Gramarye.

[eternalmagic]

Good thing you said something.

I do, thank you. What about your favorites?

[inlaid]

I would have never forgiven myself if you'd walked out there like monster bait. ;)

And yes, some of these are my favorites. The Black Hollow by Gramarye's pretty good for a bar if you like more of a classic style. Hardwood interior, dart boards and great beer on tap. Not bad for mixed drinks too if that's your style. Unless you're more for some place upscale?

[eternalmagic]

I would have deserved anything that happened to me.

Wonderful. I prefer what turns out to be worth it, so I've got a bit of exploring to do.

[Not that something called 'The Black Hollow' doesn't have the potential to be right up his alley.]

What sort of upscale?

[inlaid]

Casual-chic dresscode, dim lighting with modern interiors, loud music and tight dance floors. Bar/club might be a better description. Runs heavier to cocktails and trendy finger foods than beers and bowls of peanuts.

Novikov is pretty decent for not having turned into a meat-market yet. Hawksmoore isn't bad either. Quieter and better drinks, but also pricier for it. What do you usually go for?

[eternalmagic]

Sounds like I have a lot of options. I'm partial to low light and private corners myself, but there's plenty to be said for variety. A good drink is really the most important part.

[inlaid]

Can't go wrong with any of those then, though I find the Black Hollow's the best when you just want to drop in somewhere.

As for restaurants I've got a list I could send to your inbox.

[So he doesn't think she's a lush.]

Seen anything interesting since you arrived??

[eternalmagic]

At your leisure, but know that I'll be very grateful.

[He gives the following question some thought.]

Everything. Everything is interesting. Especially beyond the wall -- what I can see of it.

[inlaid]

How grateful? ;)

[Sorry, not sorry. She's got eyes and is appreciative of people with confidence.]

It's part of my job to go beyond the wall, I'm out there often enough. If you ever need a guide all you have to do is drop me a line. It's always easy to take others who have the ability to hold their own out there.

[eternalmagic]

Depends on how good your suggestions are.

As a matter of fact, I noticed plenty of interesting flora out there that we weren't collecting at the time. Thought I might wander back out for a second look.

[inlaid]

Fair enough. I'll put my best rec at the top of my list. Try it sometime and get back to me, okay?

That's easy enough. My next foray is more of an exploratory thing. If you don't mind riding in a sidecar we can take my bike down some of the rougher roads. They're overgrown but definitely still alright to traverse.

[eternalmagic]

With bells on.

A sidecar? [If you could see his face right now] Not to say that isn't an intriguing concept, but let's see if we can't think of something more fun.

[inlaid]

Says the man who hasn't actually ridden on my bike before.

[Excuse you, it is a gorgeous piece of machinery.]

But fine, I can get a car from the depot if you prefer. Might be better anyway if you want to take half the jungle back with you.

[eternalmagic]

All right, fair enough.

How about this -- you bring your bike, but I'll handle my own transportation. No need to weigh you down.

[inlaid]

Actual transportation or are you talking about a spell of some sort?

[eternalmagic]

More often than not.

[inlaid]

[She doesn't like it. He has power, yes, but she knows the jungle beyond the wall better than him, at least for the moment. He could handle himself, perhaps, but she doesn't know and that means until she learns otherwise she'll feel a sense of responsibility for him. Lips pursing together and texts back.]

I can't stop you from heading out there on your own however you like, but if you come with me then we travel together.

[eternalmagic]

We will. I promise.

No need to worry so much, Bryn -- I may be a newcomer, but I'm no amateur.

private;

[inlaid]

[Bryn switches the conversation to a private feed.]

Can't help worrying, not going to try. It's my job to be careful with this sort of thing.

But for what it's worth it's just for the first time, and it's the same deal I'd make with anyone who's a new arrival. Even if I believe you when you say you're not an amateur. Has nothing to do with your skill or power and everything to do with taking someone into dangerous territory that's unfamiliar to them.

[eternalmagic]

[He's surprised that she changes the channel over, but gathers that it only emphasizes the weight behind her sentiment. He's almost touched.]

I wouldn't be so bold in this dangerous territory if I didn't know I'll have you watching my back.

[This is a complete lie. But it's a lie meant entirely to make her feel better, so it's like... the good kind.]

[inlaid]

[It's also because she's being a mother hen and there's no reason to give anyone cause to think she doubts he can't handle himself by continuing to air this publicly.]

Mhmm. I'm sure that's exactly it.

[Grinning at her screen, she adds:]

Give me a date or dates and I'll make arrangements. In the meantime if there are other recommendations you're looking for, you know how to reach me.

[eternalmagic]

[He does give it some thought. With any luck, he's going to have some new students to deal with, and it might not be prudent to disappear for significant periods while they're still in the early stages. Then again, he can always make arrangements. And 'instructor' isn't his only job.]

Classes begin Thursday, and are once a week after that. Give me a day after that to buffer emergencies, and beyond that my time is for this.

[inlaid]

I'm flexible for the most part. Take your time settling in and just get back to me when you're ready. Wouldn't want to rush you out of town before you have a chance to check out one of those restaurants or bars.

[eternalmagic]

Excellent point. And how far in advance do I need to book you, exactly, if I want you to join me?

[inlaid]

24 hours notice just to give me time to prep and find a pet-sitter. And reserve a vehicle.