[ Good to know you guys are gay. Congratulations. I tag this with the shortest tag because I don't want to forget about it as i play more ff16. Vash also takes a gander of the tavern, even though he's used to all the green at this point. He thinks it's a nice color, though he's partial to red.
And, as Lowe said, Vash sits next to Wolfwood and looks at the menu with a smile that reaches ear to ear hearing there's a tab. ]
This place definitely looks better in person! [ How could Vash forget? ] Tajine sounds good for me.
[ With that, he puts down the menu and decides he'll just let Wolfwood ask the question of alcohol... Unless there's a menu just for drinks? Then he'll peruse those as he listens. ]
[ alhaitham has been avoiding the topic of the tab, but only because he actually will be paying for all of it, no matter what kaveh says or does. no one but alhaitham needs to know that for now.
so vash isn't a vegetarian either. good. he looks at wolfwood. ]
That depends. Since we'll be having some meat-heavy dishes, I'd recommend pairing them with the red ale made in house. It's the most popular drink in the tavern. There's also a paler, Zaytun Peach-based brew if you'd rather have something lighter and more refreshing, though there are less citrusy options as well. If you're more interested in sampling their beers than finding pairing options, I can ask the server to prepare a flight for you with my recommendations.
[ who needs a drink menu when you have the embodiment of the sigma male grindset sitting right next to you ]
Vash looks over to Alhaitham, eyes twinkling like a dog who heard the world "walk." The drink menu is instantly abandoned as he's taken in by the descriptions and also this very specific point: ]
[ Vash tries not to kill things, but if the thing is dead already then what can he do... He also understands people need to eat to survive, which makes it easier, I guess. Overall, he's fine to eat anything. ]
Oh? My mistake. You sounded very enthused about the idea. [ he's just excited about getting turnt then? sure. ] If it's something that interests you, I'll ask them to prepare one. Tell me now if you have any preferences when it comes to beer.
[ vash earns a little smile this time. beer lovers 🤝 he goes ahead and waves down a server and rattles off a few names. vash will hear that they're getting two flights, with the tab still open for more.
[ If only Vash were not observative and keen, then he could brush off the smile as some kind of illusion. It could have been a trick of the light. Instead, he commits it to memory because smiles are good. Smiles are nice. And he offers his own, friendly and warm, turning to bright and excited.
TWO FLIGHTS!!! Vash is really here, thinking that Alhaitham has to be rich! Because he knows that Kaveh BARELY has any money to this name. ]
All right, so the card game... I'm guessing it's popular? Kaveh seemed into it.
[ if he and vash didn't already know how unfortunately liquid alhaitham is, they'll get to as the night goes on.
in comes the appetizers and the flights. alhaitham has a mug of his usual. ]
Genius Invocation TCG. It was once a simple game of dice and cards made up by two Akademiya students. The concept was brought to a publishing house in Inazuma, and it quickly became a phenomenon all across Teyvat.
[ after spreading a mat onto the table, he opens the casket of tomes and starts shuffling the deck. ]
An acquaintance of ours participates often in international tournaments.
[ Well... It is good to know that Alhaitham is well off, though. Kaveh is taken care of—if he stays. Vash doesn't know what's going on there, but he isn't going to ask when they're here to have a nice dinner!
He strokes his chin before taking one cup from the flights, sipping it with cat-like curiosity. His eyes light up with little twinkle, rounded like a doe's. ]
Woah. [ International echoes in his mind as his attention flicks to the splayed mat. ] It sounds like a sport rather than a game.
[HEHE he looks especially pleased because they are sitting in the area he redesigned!! He is proud of his work even though it was done out of homelessness. It's fine. He will collect the food menus, though, so they're out of the way!!]
We know the menu fairly well by now, but we'll keep one on the table in case you want to order more later. [It is all extremely good food!! He will even behave himself and take some of the Fatteh without building a fancy little monument out of it for funsies. The self-restraint... amazing... ]
[ I... Me reading this like oh no Kaveh is so happy and that's cute, then seeing it "it was done out of homelessness." Since Kaveh is having some Fatteh, Vash will take one, too.
[SOMETIMES... you live in a tavern for a few weeks so you redesign the second floor as thanks for the owner not booting your ass onto the street like a stray cat. It's fine. The happiness is genuine at least; he's always proud of his designs, even when it's associated with hard times in his life. Perhaps especially then.]
Mm, no, not yet. Nahida's been in a lot of meetings with representatives from the other side of the Wall, since she wants to make sure we don't disrupt the tribes and their ways of life by imposing our ideas on them. Things have improved lately, but longstanding tensions between the Akademiya and the Eremites means that they're slow to trust us, so large-scale development will take quite some time.
On the other hand, the small-scale projects we've implemented have gone over quite well. I've been working with local craftsmen to develop easy-to-transport furniture pieces that can be combined and customized, a bit like those pieces we saw in IKEA. [Only MUCH PRETTIER and higher quality, which essentially makes it not IKEA anymore, but that's fine.] We've been experimenting with different materials to make them more lightweight without sacrificing sturdiness.
One of the biggest problems they deal with out there is the sandstorms. We've been researching ways to minimize the damage, but it's a complex issue.
It's a big store that sells furniture and home goods. Very convenient! I'd say the quality is decent, but Kaveh has his opinions. At least it's affordable.
[ Quickly, he wades through his mind over how money worked in the Underground, staring blankly ahead. Mm. Stroking his chin, he decides to make an addendum. ]
[ IKEA is well-known for affordable furniture, quality mid, but as we Millennials would say... We will take it if we can afford it. Real wood? Authentic leather? Grandfathered from our parents atop their throne of pensions and stock.
So, yeah, even Vash thinks IKEA is nice just for the price, but. Let him start. ]
The value of the dollar was a bit strange! As an example, a basic bed from IKEA costed six dollars while a set of clothes costed four dollars. Sometimes, there would be strange food in other areas that had odd effects listed for five dollars. The expensive items in the furniture store though ranged from twenty to ninety dollars.
[ To give Alhaitham a sense of what the economy was like in their fake dead world, though he doesn't mention how a handgun was sold there because I'm sure Vash would think that's normal.
Then, with fingers coming into play, he's going to start explaining their salary. ]
We would get a weekly allowance of somewhere between fifteen to eighteen dollars, then paid five on Friday. You could, potentially, buy three beds a week, which I'd say is cheap? But then there are the bunkbeds that costed twenty, which seems like a scam because you could buy two basic beds for twelve.
Relations are important. I'm glad to hear that you guys are trying to meet them halfway somewhere.
[ Because Vash is a proponent for cohabitation, at least trying to co-exist with others. Life shouldn't be a trial of wills, imposing onto each other... Or, at least, life shouldn't only be about conquest.
With chin on hand, elbow anchored rudely on the table, he listens with intent and wonder. It warms his heart to see someone enjoys their passions, to see a glimmer in their eyes... Especially since he knows that Kaveh has trouble with simply existing, in general. Vash is already smiling, but his eyes crinkle to match, content in these peaceful times. ]
That's super cool! Aside from the material itself, I think finishes help against the elements, but I'm not an expert on this. [ Not a scholar, just a nerd in a different field. ] Soooo what was your first item for this convenient and quality product line?
Mm, well, they've been cordoned off for generations. The wall is there for everyone's safety, but given the impact it and the Sages have had on perceptions of desert-dwellers... [He shakes his head.] Respecting what they've made for themselves is the least we can do.
[Sumeru truly is flourishing under Nahida's care. Kaveh is, at heart, a homebody; he's poured so much of himself into the structures that make Sumeru what it is, and it brings him true joy to see his nation taking a turn for the better. It makes it easier to believe he can do the same for himself (which is probably, at least to some extent, why Nahida's kept him so busy and involved).]
Yes, we've been experimenting with different formulas for sealants. You know, they actually developed a method of treating firewood with plant roots to allow it to burn longer, reducing the amount they'd need to collect and the time they need to spend tending to it--I've been working with some of my juniors at the Akademiya to see if we can't apply that technique to reduce sun damage. [RAMBLES HAPPILY, LIKE A NERD.] As for the pieces themselves, we've had good luck with Mountain Date wood, which is excellent news since it's common and affordable. It probably won't surprise you to learn that our first pieces are some bookshelves--I designed them to be stackable, with mechanisms in the back to keep them stable. That way, there's no need to anchor them to the wall in the event that someone wants to rearrange them.
[Of course it's for books. Listen. They're in Nerd Town, USTeyvat.]
I haven't considered a name yet, though. Do you have any ideas?
[ this will be a chill game for me or else. Vash listens without interrupting, seemingly engrossed even though he is unfamiliar with the materials, let alone the craft. He's more familiar with quantum physics and mechanical engineering, so the only part that translates is the build... But who wouldn't understand? The furniture is made with the convenience of the consumer in mind.
At the end of Kaveh's little passionate vent, Vash gives a whistle. An impressed one. ]
UV rays do affect resin and color... So if you could figure out something that combats that or stalls deterioration, that would be quite the find. [ He will have a sip of the alcohol that comes. ] Love the bookshelf idea! If I ever settle anywhere, I'll definitely come to you to buy some.
[ In spite of how they act and seem, Vash and Wolfwood do like to read. ]
... Uh... I guess it depends on your style? I'm guessing you want to go with something meaningful and refined?
Kaveh opens his mouth, halfway to asking if Vash and Wolfwood are planning to settle anytime soon, but then he remembers Wolfwood's grumbling; he doesn't think Vash would mind, but he changes gears anyway.]
You know, if you want, I could draft up a few designs. Nothing concrete, of course, just some ideas to hold onto, in case you do find somewhere you'd like to stay. [Kaveh Kavehson who designed the Traveler a house for his own birthday, out in full force at this tavern tonight. In truth, he's got some half-finished sketches from back during the game since he'd talked to Livio about an ideal home, but he has definitely forgotten about those because that notebook got tucked away in his box of mementos and has not been touched since his return.
As for the rest, he hums thoughtfully, helping himself to more of the Fatteh.]
Technically, every name is meaningful, [Vash's brother's name is Millions Knives but okay] but in this instance, I think I'd prefer something homey and welcoming over refined. Many desert-dwellers already view the Akademiya as elitist and exclusionary--I don't want to exacerbate those feelings by choosing some overly fancy name.
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no subject
And, as Lowe said, Vash sits next to Wolfwood and looks at the menu with a smile that reaches ear to ear hearing there's a tab. ]
This place definitely looks better in person! [ How could Vash forget? ] Tajine sounds good for me.
[ With that, he puts down the menu and decides he'll just let Wolfwood ask the question of alcohol... Unless there's a menu just for drinks? Then he'll peruse those as he listens. ]
I'd love to learn some card games!
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so vash isn't a vegetarian either. good. he looks at wolfwood. ]
That depends. Since we'll be having some meat-heavy dishes, I'd recommend pairing them with the red ale made in house. It's the most popular drink in the tavern. There's also a paler, Zaytun Peach-based brew if you'd rather have something lighter and more refreshing, though there are less citrusy options as well. If you're more interested in sampling their beers than finding pairing options, I can ask the server to prepare a flight for you with my recommendations.
[ who needs a drink menu when you have the embodiment of the sigma male grindset sitting right next to you ]
no subject
Vash looks over to Alhaitham, eyes twinkling like a dog who heard the world "walk." The drink menu is instantly abandoned as he's taken in by the descriptions and also this very specific point: ]
An alcohol flight?!
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that's a surprise. ]
... Yes, an alcohol flight. Sounds as though you've partaken in many before.
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Nope. Not at all!
[ He says with a big smile. ]
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Oh? My mistake. You sounded very enthused about the idea. [ he's just excited about getting turnt then? sure. ] If it's something that interests you, I'll ask them to prepare one. Tell me now if you have any preferences when it comes to beer.
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[ No Man's Land has a limited menu for the most part... ]
Not picky.
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they can get into card games now!! ]
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TWO FLIGHTS!!! Vash is really here, thinking that Alhaitham has to be rich! Because he knows that Kaveh BARELY has any money to this name. ]
All right, so the card game... I'm guessing it's popular? Kaveh seemed into it.
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in comes the appetizers and the flights. alhaitham has a mug of his usual. ]
Genius Invocation TCG. It was once a simple game of dice and cards made up by two Akademiya students. The concept was brought to a publishing house in Inazuma, and it quickly became a phenomenon all across Teyvat.
[ after spreading a mat onto the table, he opens the casket of tomes and starts shuffling the deck. ]
An acquaintance of ours participates often in international tournaments.
no subject
He strokes his chin before taking one cup from the flights, sipping it with cat-like curiosity. His eyes light up with little twinkle, rounded like a doe's. ]
Woah. [ International echoes in his mind as his attention flicks to the splayed mat. ] It sounds like a sport rather than a game.
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Be nice don't call his soultwin a drunkard]
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if he's your soultwin that's all the more reason to think he's an alcoholic ]
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We know the menu fairly well by now, but we'll keep one on the table in case you want to order more later. [It is all extremely good food!! He will even behave himself and take some of the Fatteh without building a fancy little monument out of it for funsies. The self-restraint... amazing... ]
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Tasty. ]
Sooo about your project in the desert. It's done?
no subject
Mm, no, not yet. Nahida's been in a lot of meetings with representatives from the other side of the Wall, since she wants to make sure we don't disrupt the tribes and their ways of life by imposing our ideas on them. Things have improved lately, but longstanding tensions between the Akademiya and the Eremites means that they're slow to trust us, so large-scale development will take quite some time.
On the other hand, the small-scale projects we've implemented have gone over quite well. I've been working with local craftsmen to develop easy-to-transport furniture pieces that can be combined and customized, a bit like those pieces we saw in IKEA. [Only MUCH PRETTIER and higher quality, which essentially makes it not IKEA anymore, but that's fine.] We've been experimenting with different materials to make them more lightweight without sacrificing sturdiness.
One of the biggest problems they deal with out there is the sandstorms. We've been researching ways to minimize the damage, but it's a complex issue.
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[ Quickly, he wades through his mind over how money worked in the Underground, staring blankly ahead. Mm. Stroking his chin, he decides to make an addendum. ]
... I think.
[ The value of money was confusing. ]
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[ i'm going out on a limb and deciding that kaveh has mentioned a terribly Just Okay furniture store ]
... You don't seem very confident.
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So, yeah, even Vash thinks IKEA is nice just for the price, but. Let him start. ]
The value of the dollar was a bit strange! As an example, a basic bed from IKEA costed six dollars while a set of clothes costed four dollars. Sometimes, there would be strange food in other areas that had odd effects listed for five dollars. The expensive items in the furniture store though ranged from twenty to ninety dollars.
[ To give Alhaitham a sense of what the economy was like in their fake dead world, though he doesn't mention how a handgun was sold there because I'm sure Vash would think that's normal.
Then, with fingers coming into play, he's going to start explaining their salary. ]
We would get a weekly allowance of somewhere between fifteen to eighteen dollars, then paid five on Friday. You could, potentially, buy three beds a week, which I'd say is cheap? But then there are the bunkbeds that costed twenty, which seems like a scam because you could buy two basic beds for twelve.
no subject
[ Because Vash is a proponent for cohabitation, at least trying to co-exist with others. Life shouldn't be a trial of wills, imposing onto each other... Or, at least, life shouldn't only be about conquest.
With chin on hand, elbow anchored rudely on the table, he listens with intent and wonder. It warms his heart to see someone enjoys their passions, to see a glimmer in their eyes... Especially since he knows that Kaveh has trouble with simply existing, in general. Vash is already smiling, but his eyes crinkle to match, content in these peaceful times. ]
That's super cool! Aside from the material itself, I think finishes help against the elements, but I'm not an expert on this. [ Not a scholar, just a nerd in a different field. ] Soooo what was your first item for this convenient and quality product line?
Does your collection have a brand name?
no subject
Mm, well, they've been cordoned off for generations. The wall is there for everyone's safety, but given the impact it and the Sages have had on perceptions of desert-dwellers... [He shakes his head.] Respecting what they've made for themselves is the least we can do.
[Sumeru truly is flourishing under Nahida's care. Kaveh is, at heart, a homebody; he's poured so much of himself into the structures that make Sumeru what it is, and it brings him true joy to see his nation taking a turn for the better. It makes it easier to believe he can do the same for himself (which is probably, at least to some extent, why Nahida's kept him so busy and involved).]
Yes, we've been experimenting with different formulas for sealants. You know, they actually developed a method of treating firewood with plant roots to allow it to burn longer, reducing the amount they'd need to collect and the time they need to spend tending to it--I've been working with some of my juniors at the Akademiya to see if we can't apply that technique to reduce sun damage. [RAMBLES HAPPILY, LIKE A NERD.] As for the pieces themselves, we've had good luck with Mountain Date wood, which is excellent news since it's common and affordable. It probably won't surprise you to learn that our first pieces are some bookshelves--I designed them to be stackable, with mechanisms in the back to keep them stable. That way, there's no need to anchor them to the wall in the event that someone wants to rearrange them.
[Of course it's for books. Listen. They're in Nerd Town, USTeyvat.]
I haven't considered a name yet, though. Do you have any ideas?
no subject
At the end of Kaveh's little passionate vent, Vash gives a whistle. An impressed one. ]
UV rays do affect resin and color... So if you could figure out something that combats that or stalls deterioration, that would be quite the find. [ He will have a sip of the alcohol that comes. ] Love the bookshelf idea! If I ever settle anywhere, I'll definitely come to you to buy some.
[ In spite of how they act and seem, Vash and Wolfwood do like to read. ]
... Uh... I guess it depends on your style? I'm guessing you want to go with something meaningful and refined?
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Kaveh opens his mouth, halfway to asking if Vash and Wolfwood are planning to settle anytime soon, but then he remembers Wolfwood's grumbling; he doesn't think Vash would mind, but he changes gears anyway.]
You know, if you want, I could draft up a few designs. Nothing concrete, of course, just some ideas to hold onto, in case you do find somewhere you'd like to stay. [Kaveh Kavehson who designed the Traveler a house for his own birthday, out in full force at this tavern tonight. In truth, he's got some half-finished sketches from back during the game since he'd talked to Livio about an ideal home, but he has definitely forgotten about those because that notebook got tucked away in his box of mementos and has not been touched since his return.
As for the rest, he hums thoughtfully, helping himself to more of the Fatteh.]
Technically, every name is meaningful, [Vash's brother's name is Millions Knives but okay] but in this instance, I think I'd prefer something homey and welcoming over refined. Many desert-dwellers already view the Akademiya as elitist and exclusionary--I don't want to exacerbate those feelings by choosing some overly fancy name.