✓ Memoir 3 // Action in the Tavern

[hawkethat]

[The music is lively and the taps are open and flowing freely at Teeter's. It's a fantastic place to unwind after a long day of running errands. Hawke's got a table to himself where he can watch the dancing and keep his puppy pack contained and out from underfoot, away from the other patrons.

If he sees a familiar face, he'll wave and extend an invitation to join him.

If he sees an unfamiliar face, he'll pretty much do exactly the same thing, because that's how he rolls.]

Having a good time?

Comments

[bleeding_heart]

[Merrill gladly avails herself of the empty chair, sitting down gently so as not to disturb the Drilbur.]

I named her Cuddleclaws. Isn't she sweet?

[hawkethat]

She certainly seems to be. I take it she lives up to her name?

[That is one adorably snuggly mole, after all.]

[bleeding_heart]

It's just like having a baby.

[Merrill smiles, cooing softly at her Pokemon and tickling at its nose.]

[hawkethat]

A self-sufficient baby, maybe.

[Hawke's never had a baby himself, but he was plenty old enough by the time his younger siblings were born to remember helping to take care of them.]

How many have you bonded with, now?

[bleeding_heart]

She's number thirteen.

[hawkethat]

[So many...he's pretty sure five is his limit until he meets a Snubbull]

She certainly seems much nicer than Lockjaw. How's he been doing, by the way? Your ankles seem to be intact today, at least.

[bleeding_heart]

He's calmed down a little ever since he evolved. Or at least, he's stopped chewing on me quite so much.

[Merrill smiles a little sheepishly.]

I've also started wearing leather boots when I'm out with him, so that might have helped too.

[hawkethat]

Hopefully he calms down even more when he evolves again, or you might actually be in some trouble.

[Teasing! Mostly. Lockjaw does have a pretty big mouth...and it's only going to get bigger.]

...I don't think I've ever seen you in boots. [In fact, he has to resist the urge to peek at her feet right now to check.]

[bleeding_heart]

I hope not. Can I call you for help if I get caught in his jaws?

[Merrill smiles a little, joking a bit herself. But also sort of serious.]

Oh... well, they look like every other pair of boots you've seen, I'm sure.

[hawkethat]

I don't know how much help I would be if that happened, but of course you can call me.

[He's pretty sure she's sort of joking, but he's being serious (for once), since...that's a pretty serious scenario, and he can sadly almost picture it happening.]

It's not the boots that's intriguing, it's the idea of you wearing them.

[bleeding_heart]

I look the same as always too. Just with boots.

[hawkethat]

...You're missing the point, a bit.

[Not that that's really much of a surprise. This is Merrill, after all.]

Nevermind. I'm sure you're right.

[bleeding_heart]

You can see them if you like. I don't mind.

[hawkethat]

[Ugggh, Merrill, you're so precious...]

One day soon, then. Maybe the next time we go out to explore. And speaking of, I've heard there are some ruins in the swamp. Have you been out there, yet?

[bleeding_heart]

[She didn't know Hawke was into that kind of stuff, but hey, that's cool. :V]

Yes, once. I met Mahariel there. There's a lot of interesting writing I can't read on the walls.

[hawkethat]

[What kind of stuff? Boots, or ruins?]

Interesting writing, huh? Did you happen to notice any interesting treasure?

[Because LBR that's what ruins are for. His collection of moth-eaten scarves and torn trousers is not as impressive as it could be!]

[bleeding_heart]

[Boots. But hey, you know, whatever you're into!]

No, nothing like that... if there was anything, it's already gone.

[hawkethat]

[He's been friends with her long enough you would think he'd have given up trying to have normal and/or flirty conversations with her by now...sob.]

Oh, well. I'd still like to see it.

[bleeding_heart]

[It'll get through eventually!]

We can go together next time if you like.

[hawkethat]

[...One day! Maybe Isabela will help.]

I would. And I expect you wouldn't be upset at another look at the writing you found there, would you?

[bleeding_heart]

It couldn't hurt.

[hawkethat]

Alright, let's plan on doing that together, then. Would this weekend work for you, or would some other time be better?

[bleeding_heart]

I don't have any plans. I almost never do, really.

[hawkethat]

This weekend it is, then. I'm looking forward to it.