WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

[abraxasmods]

WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

Welcome to The Free Cities! The portal exits outside the capital city of Cadens. The first impression of the city is its sheer size. It sprawls out across the landscape like a great hulking beast at rest. The wall that encircles it barely contains it, the buildings of Cadens practically bulging against its restraint.

The air here seems thicker somehow, tinged with a scent that’s acrid and smoky. Smog hangs high over the city, belched out by smokestacks that tower over the industrial district. The desert stretches out behind it, dotted with towers and dust clouds that disappear into the horizon. Multiple gates lead inside and each is staffed by soldiers in unfamiliar uniforms that wave a steady stream of people through without appearing to pay much attention. People are coming and going almost all of the time, to and from the outposts and areas of activity around the city proper. It’s difficult to tell just what’s out there beyond the impression of tall metal structures and a great deal of labor. Wagons carrying travelers to Libertas and Aquila roll out from the Travel Post outside the city wall.

Anyone who can sense magic will notice a much lower concentration here. No one will be stopped or questioned at the gate, even if the soldiers seem to take note of the fugitives from Thorne.

The activity and sheer number of citizens can be overwhelming. It’s crowded and loud and feels constantly in motion with everyone talking and yelling over each other. It’s easy to get swept up in the ever-moving throng or find oneself ducking into the mouth of a narrow alley just to breathe.

Anyone who’s willing to make their way to the northern part of the city and Portham Hall will find Prime Minister Marlo Reiner available to receive them.

Comments

[cointosser]

[Jaskier laughs.] Yes, in a sense. Though that isn't why I saved his reputation. I knew he'd net good coin out the other end of it.

[Look, he did it a little to help Geralt, as a Witcher. But he wasn't entirely altruistic.

That was life. Especially in that part of his life, where he was still eating bread off the floor. Which Hector does not need to specifically know about. (He'd admit it. Maybe. To him.)

He reaches over and tucks a bit of Hector's hair behind an ear. Just as an excuse to touch him. It's a sweet thing to say -- and true, to boot.]

You have a point. A rather good one, even. But what of you? Will you also grow a name for yourself with your talents here?

[petcromancer]

[The laughter is infectious, and Hector can't hold back a rumbling chuckle at Jaskier's mercantile considerations. Good for him, making sure he gets paid.

Of course, then Jaskier brushes a hand in his hair and the touch feels electric. Hector suddenly wishes they weren't in a crowded tavern room, so there could be more than these fleeting, flirty touches.]

Me? [Oh, right, questions. He shakes his head.] No, I want to work, but no good comes of being well-known in my profession. If too many people know what I can do, it'll get back to someone power mad who wants to use my forging for their own gain.

[cointosser]

[He sounds so surprised to be asked. Hector's talent is a great skill to him, especially if he had been a general for a time. The power he must really have. Jaskier's not really thought too hard about it, really; bringing life to the dead is power enough to him.]

Shall I sing the praises of your talents then, my dear? Build up a reputation for you? Only if you'd like.

[He wouldn't mind. But, the more he learned of Hector, the less that seemed like what he wanted. Perhaps the quiet really was better for him.

Was he being quite literal?] You're... you're really afraid someone may use you? [Jaskier frowns.] Could you not simply stop them?

[Sorry, Hector. He's not trying to be mean. He just has... very powerful friends. Not that they don't get used as well, but at least they're often paid for it.]

[petcromancer]

[Jaskier is so sincere, and Hector almost hates to disappoint him.]

No. Best not.

[It's no so simple as choosing not to be manipulated. He looks down, letting his hair veil his face.]

I'm better prepared now against the ones who would twist logic in their favor, but there are people out there would literally enslave with magic. Take a sweet nothing whispered to a lover and corrupt it into a binding contract of service. The worst people use magic in ways I can't anticipate, and I can't guard against attacks I can't foresee.

[cointosser]

[He accepts that with a nod. A shame, but Hector is... not like Geralt. He won't do it despite his complaints, unlike the Witcher.

Perhaps this is truly his first glimpse into the extent of Hector's personal tragedies. Jaskier shifts, leaning back with the drink not occupying both of his hands, longing as they are the push back his hair again. He can't imagine it's easy to say this. That he knows anything of it, at least so much to speak on it -- he must have personal experience with it.

And perhaps his fear of that ring ties into it.]

I didn't consider it. The use of magic in subjugation. I -- I mean, so literally. [Is it no surprise he wonders if Hector expects the same from him? Or, at one time. Jaskier has certainly offered more than his share of sweet nothings.] And you cannot truly live in defense at all times.

[He isn't sure what he can offer. He certainly doesn't have the power to protect Hector from such fears.

He sits closer, quiet for a time.] Well. I can certainly be a second opinion on any dodgy verbal contracts you're offered. [He watches Hector, even if his face is mostly still veiled.] I think it says much of you that you've already offered trust in the face of these... fears. I could... I could look into protection spells, perhaps. I did a bit of light reading on the varieties of magic here. Beyond that, I'm afraid I'm not a very useful guardian, as things go. Though I can throw a mean lute when necessary. I've won my share of bar fights.

[And lost a few lutes, but that's neither here nor there. He simply wants to offer what he can. Whatever he can.]

[petcromancer]

No decent person would think to consider it. So much of what is 'good' or 'evil' is a matter of perspective, but stripping a person of their free will... that is wrong.

[He feels a chill thinking about it. Knowing that he won't be fooled in exactly the same way again, but that a wily foe might find another weakness to exploit to similar effect.

There might be safety in isolation, but that too is something Hector has had too much of. Being near Jaskier drives off the biting cold of fear and loneliness. Here he is, offering to be Hector's advocate, to try to learn magic in his defense. There have been a handful of strategic alliances in Hector's past, but never anyone so unquestioningly and unconditionally on Hector's side.

He looks up at the bard, lips parted and eyes shining, smitten.]

You don't... you don't need to. The magic, or the lute-throwing. You need that lute. I should probably take you up on auditing my contracts, actually, but... I'm better suited for the rest than you are. You've already done enough for me.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier is inclined entirely to agree. It seems that, unlike most he meets, the planes they came from are alike in more ways than he'd expected. And certainly forcibly using magic to take away someone's will -- well, if he was the kind to believe, truly believe, in Destiny, wouldn't that be the antithesis against it?]

Well, of course I don't need to. But that's precisely what I'll do. [Besides, if there are people capable of it here, it's just as well he learns some sort of... defense.

Hah! A bard, learning magic. Learning to defend himself. It was rather quaint, wasn't it?

All right, the second point, he won't refute. He does need the lute. And does not have the coin yet to buy a proper, quality one.] You know, you make it sound like they're all favors. They aren't. [He smiles, and without ceremony he leans in and kisses Hector's cheek.] I can think of no greater honor than getting into a bar fight for you. I may lose, of course, but it's the principle of the thing. A man must fight for what he believes in.

[petcromancer]

[Jaskier kisses Hector's cheek, and it isn't sexual, or flirtatious. It's... loving, like the kiss is the full point, not the lead-up to other activities. It's not the first time the bard has done something like that, but Hector can't imagine ever getting used to it. It's not something he should ever take for granted.

He swallows, not even knowing how to convey what he feels in that moment. If Jaskier wanted an army, Hector would build him one. If Jaskier offered a ring, he'd take it. If Jaskier asked for the world, Hector would find a way to seize it for him. But Jaskier's affections aren't conditional upon any of that. He seems to enjoy Hector's presence, and offer up his affection for no other reason than that. It's terrifying. Hector absolutely isn't worthy of that.]

Then I will fight for you as well. Any man with the misfortune or the staggering misjudgment to harm you will regret it. [Regret it to their grave and beyond it.

He takes Jaskier's hand. He's had his fill of drink for now.] Have you found lodgings for the night?

[cointosser]

[Jaskier's eyes light up. Not as if he has an idea for that sort of offering -- he certainly does not -- but it is extremely attractive of him to sound so fierce and dangerous.]

Hector, my dear, you are an absolute gem. I'll keep it in mind, but you needn't worry. I'm far more likely to hurt myself. Er. Not intentionally, I might add.

[After all, Jaskier is the most charming creature in Cadens, and does not suspect he'll be getting into any fistfights on the street. (Except over Hector's reputation, should it come to it.)

It was a quiet date, but a good one. He's come out the other side understanding a bit more of his necromancer company, which is all he could've wished for.

His hand curls gently in Hector's; their calloused hands are rough in different ways, but the hands of men who have worked long years.] I'd saved enough coin from Thorne to afford an inn room for my little company. [He lifts a curious brow, a bit hopeful there's an indication of invitation in the question.] And have you? Are you wishing for a bit additional company?

[Because they're here. Together again. And he's quite eager. This whole escape has been stress and a wreck on his nerves. Even a quiet night with company alongside him would be a balm.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector frowns over the mention of Jaskier hurting himself. Does he need to whip up some sort of bodyguard for his bard? His creatures are more inclined to attack than defense, but he could try.]

I've got a room for the night. Alucard will be with me after that, but he turn into a wolf and sleep on the floor. [So whenever Jaskier wants to pop by, Hector will toss the dhampir out, it's fine.]

If you're not needed with your companions, Constantine would love to see you.

[Yes, just the frog, and not Hector wanting to steal away Jaskier for himself.]

maybe end it here if you're good? lmk!

[cointosser]

[It's only an expression! Sort of. Jaskier, luckily, is very good at getting out of trouble, mostly because he knows the precise moment he should get the fuck out of there instead of standing any sort of ground.

Jaskier pauses with a slight frown.]

I'm sorry, he sleeps on the floor? As a wolf? I -- I mean, I found out about the wolf thing, but why --

[He fumbles with the idea of it for a moment. Is that a vampire thing? A dhampir thing? Do they all do this? Gods, Alucard is utterly fucking bizarre.]

Nevermind. Yes, I would love to see Constantine. I'm sure he's the only one dying for my company. [Neither Geralt nor Ciri would miss him for a night, and. Well. Likewise. Hector's company is just as quiet. He drops a few coins on the table for their drinks, already getting set to pull his lute over his shoulder. (Eager, him? Never.)] Do show me.