Re: Gate Aside
It was good, anchoring, to see a familiar face. It was even better to be recognized. Darrian’s wide smile was heartening, for the sight of his childhood friend reminded him that this was his home, that these were his people, and that he deserved to have a say in sorting out this whole mess. Getting that say, though, was going to be difficult if the group’s current bickering was any indication.
It was all rather confusing, really. The dwarf girl traded nasty barbs with the greasy-looking elf, who was then nearly clubbed in the face by Lalin. The two embraced then-- if it could really be called an embrace. The one named Dolain simply gathered Lalin into his arms, and considering she had just tried to beat him with a bow, Davin doubted she would reciprocate. Ser Ordhan approached Falina and pulled her aside, and judging by his expression, he was none too pleased by whatever she told him.
Davin glanced to Darrian, who had remained quiet through all of this. He smiled wryly. “Cheaper than a show, isn’t it?” It sounded obtuse, even in his own ears, but humor had never been his strongest point. Especially when he found himself in the company of a group that apparently had nothing better to do than brawl in the streets.
He shoved his hands in his pockets, staring hard at the ground. He was acutely aware of the presence of Darrian beside him, but was at a loss for what to say. What questions are appropriate when one encounters a friend they haven’t seen in years? How are you faring, friend? We’re trying to catch some slavers; would you like to join us? How has life at the Pearl been treating you? Caught any nasty diseases lately?
“Your friend is not well-loved, it seems,” he said at last, his voice quiet. “Why are you here, Darrian, and with someone like him? I would not have expected you to come back here, seeing as how comfortable your life was at… well, elsewhere.”