Pirates ahoy...

[Bauldar]

Bauldar’s lips turned upwards at the small one’s antics- he was funny. Is he that angry because he is tiny? He could imagine it being frustrating.
He turned to look at Spike, (the leader? Adult? More mature one?) feeling more relaxed now that it felt more like a conversation rather than an airing of suspicions.

“Fascinating- there are people here with horns too? I have never heard of this Dragonhearth. I’m from the Land of Iron- we are an isolated people living on an island far off of these shores.”

He tried to sound as friendly as possible when he asked of Spike, “Where are you from?”

Looking at the small angry one, he also asked with a polite tone, “And I don’t think I ever got your name?”

[Sage Sudeki]

Spike would turn to look at Drake and shake his head with a serious look. He was trying to convey a message he doubted Drake would even get.

"I was born on the opposite cost of this continent as we are now, before the war broke out. However, now the land I come from is know as Lightning Country, a land covered by a nearly perpetual storm. It's a little north east of here."

He explained rather like he had said it a million times. He probably seemed more mature because he was the oldest out of this group, and had seen more than most.

"So you aren't even from this continent, that is rather rare. I've never heard of the Land of Iron. Tell you what, I'll buy us all a round of drinks and food and I'd like to hear more about it. Sound good?"

[Drake]

Between Spike suggesting Drake back off and the the big guy seemingly ignoring Drake's challenge (probably out of fear) he would back off. For now.

"Names Drake Sudeki."

[Bauldar]

Bauldar looked pleased at the suggestion and heartily agreed- he could do with the company, and learning more about this land that was to be his home couldn’t be a bad thing.

Also, having someone to talk to seemed to help this... yawning pit of nothingness that wanted to swallow him if he wasn’t careful.

“I would like that very much.” While his voice was still quiet, it was noticeably livelier than it had been just a few minutes ago. He seemed genuinely pleased.

Bauldar looked the two over, wondering why they both had the same last name- they didn’t look similar after all... might be something to ask about later.

“Nice to meet you Drake.” He said simply. If he didn’t think he might bite, Bauldar might have been tempted to pat him on the head- the novelty of such small people hadn’t worn off yet and despite his aggression, Drake reminded Bauldar of a puffed up bird- missing a wing but still trying to convince the world they remained fierce.

They seemed to be very interesting people and so far, he liked them.

[Sage Sudeki]

Spike would lead the way to a near by fish market with food stands to treat them to some outdoor dining. Even in the cold weather there were large amber crystals in the market that produced heat for outside dining. It actually seemed to effect area's as if it wasn't even winter. Spike would order a fillet for the table and some wine. All of which would be brought to them shortly.

He would sit down at a table and wave a hand for the others to join him.

"So, left your homeland to come here... Is the war still raging where you are from?"

[Drake]

Drake grunted in response to the large man and would follow Spike. When Spike had finished ordering and taken his seat Drake too would join him at the table. For now choosing to remain silent and drink some wine before he said something offensive... again.

[Bauldar]

Bauldar stared in fascination at the strange crystals as he followed behind Spike and Drake, his eyes wide in curiosity.

When they finally sat down, Spike seemed to know what he was doing food wise so Bauldar let him order.

When Spike asked his question he felt his interest peak.

“Not since before I was born...There’s been peace all my life.”
His thoughts seemed to drift off for a second and his eyes grew unfocused. It was something he had to physically shake off before the moment was broken and his gaze cleared. “Ah... anyways, I know that the war started on the mainland- is that how you know about it? I know you said you were unfamiliar with my home.”

He tried to keep his tone open so as to express his willingness to answer any questions they might have.

In the meantime Bauldar bounced back a question of his own:
“Is it really that uncommon to not be native to this continent?”

[Drake]

Drake would actually interject before Spike this time.

"I've only met one. And I was was raised in a brothel, which as you know, people like to talk... well, among other things... anyways, in all the years I was there no one was ever a foreigner nor spoke of any."

[Bauldar]

Fascinated by the new information Bauldar responded, “Really? That’s...Well, I knew no one from my home would be here, but I didn’t realize... I must be quite strange to you both, aren’t I?”

[Sage Sudeki]

"I wouldn't say there are none of your people here, but foreigners over the last twenty years isn't really something we have seen often on this continent. The southern, eastern and western borders are just water with ten miles of clear sky until the massive qi storm swings in and destroys our ships. The northern border is in a state of war and lawlessness as far as we can tell. So, for the last eleven years we have been cut off from foreign lands."

Spike explained as he nursed a drink.

[Drake]

"Strange is one way to put it..."

Drake would mumble into his cup.

[Bauldar]

Bauldar took a small swig of his own drink, contemplatively looking away from the others. “Huh. Well that would explain some things...” There seemed to be more to his thought but he trailed off without finishing it.

He looked briefly and meaningfully between the two before saying without much preamble, “If foreigners are so uncommon I can see why I might have drawn your attention- but where do you both hail from? I’m sorry if I’m overstepping, but neither of you appear to be natives to this area.” He gestured to the practically uninhabited and decrepit port town.

[Sage Sudeki]

"We hail from the land of Lightning. A perpetual storm cloud hovers over the land with flashes of lighting and thunder being commonplace. It rains often, but the temperature is pretty fair. It has around a month of clear skies, and the main city is fairly active with some of the few paved roads and working Qi Engine propelled vehicles. We have many tall buildings using old world architecture."

A light would begin to blink over his wrist and looking at it he would press the blinking light and a display would pop up before he closed it.

"I'm afraid I have to go. Drake make sure our friend here gets settled in. He is your responsibility."

Spike would then start walking away waving without looking behind him.

[Drake]

Drake kinda just stayed in his own little world as he sipped his drink during Spike's explanation... which is why he was completely caught off guard when Spike left handing Drake the responsibility of the big guy.

"Wait, what?! Wh-"

But Spike was gone.

"Well... fuck."

[Bauldar]

Bauldar blinked owlishly at the place where Spike had been. He turned to Drake and asked quietly in an uncertain voice, “So... Now what?”

His hands fluttered anxiously around his mug, his face pinched into a pensive frown.

He had only known this man for a few minutes, but Bauldar didn’t think he was the type of guy to let him just wander off on his lonesome now that he was “
Drake’s “responsibility”. Now what did that even mean? Could he not move on from this town alone?

...Did he even want to?