Me and You and Awkward Silence

Danny's grin didn't falter as Siora's words landed. The subtle edge in her tone, the way she met his gaze without flinching, told him all he needed to know. She wasn’t just another wide-eyed newcomer wandering into Kirkwall’s underbelly hoping to make a name for herself. She was sharper than that, and more importantly, she was listening—really listening, couple that with her ability to tame a crowd and all he could think was that this girl was dangerous, in the best way possible. And that intrigued him more than anything else.

When she offered him “first rights” on anything she overheard, Danny’s smirk deepened. Smart. She understood how things worked in this city. Nothing came for free, especially not trust, and he liked that she wasn’t handing it over with a pretty bow.

Leaning back in his chair, he let her words settle, nodding slightly. Good. Keep your ears open, and you’ll find Kirkwall has a lot more to offer than it lets on. But be careful who you share those little tidbits with. Some folks don’t take kindly to loose lips. He tapped his finger against the side of his mug, his eyes narrowing with a mix of amusement and caution. Including him, he thought to himself, he considered revealing who he was in Kirkwall beyond someone willing to help her, but he hesitated, did she really need to know just yet that he was the head enforcer to the Coterie.

For a moment, the noise of the tavern seemed to dull, leaving just the two of them in their quiet corner. Danny could see she was watching him just as closely as he was watching her, trying to figure out his game. And that was fine. She’d find out soon enough that there was always more going on with him than what met the eye.

Finishing off his drink, Danny set the mug down with a thud and pushed it aside, his eyes never leaving her. Alright, then. I’ll take you up on that offer. You hear anything interesting, you bring it to me first. And who knows, maybe I’ll keep buyin’ you drinks. Maybe I’ll even return the favor someday. His grin returned, though it was tempered by that ever-present edge, like he was daring her to try and figure him out.

@Siora Craynore

Siora watched Danny with a calm, measured gaze, like a still pool of water, one that gave away nothing more than what she wanted him to see. He was sharp, sharper than most, and that both intrigued her and gave her a reason to tread carefully. But she’d been around the type before. She knew better, or so she thought. Kirkwall, for all its grit and grandeur, was still just a bigger castle, with more twisted hallways and darker secrets and deeper dungeons. And she knew how to move through those.

Kirkwall’s just another castle, she replied with a wry smile. Might be bigger, might look different, but it runs on the same rules. Keep your mouth shut, your ears open, and know which hands to shake and which to keep at a distance. She let her gaze linger, the barest hint of a challenge flickering in her eyes, wondering if he’d flinch or press her further. Trust me, I know what I’m about.

She paused, adjusting her lute and offering Danny a quick, sidelong smile that was more genuine than anything she’d shown since they met. And, well... I figure my little tidbits are spoken for my ‘rescuing knight,’ seeing as he went out of his way for me. Her voice softened just a fraction, allowing that note of teasing sincerity to hang between them. But just as quickly as it appeared, she tucked it away, returning to her usual guarded ease. Danny could have her secrets, but only the ones she wanted him to have, when Siora felt safe enough.

With one last look, Siora inclined her head, her expression slipping back into its usual poise. Well then, Danny. I’ll be seeing you. The words were soft, but the look she gave him said more. A small piece of herself was allowed to surface, just for a moment, just for him.

Then, she turned her attention back to the lute, fingers gliding over the strings as she launched into another tune. Her voice hummed the melody, a few patrons offered a half-hearted response, one carrying on the tune by whistling.

You refilling your glass, or is that you for the night?

@Danny

Danny let out a low chuckle, the kind that rumbled deep in his chest, eyes gleaming like a wolf’s catching sight of a challenge worth its trouble. He leaned forward, elbows on the scarred tabletop, fingers interlocked like he was mulling over her words. The tavern noise hummed around them, but for a moment, all that seemed to exist was this quiet corner, the dance of her voice and his watchful silence.

You’re a quick one, ain’t ya? he drawled, a touch of admiration lacing his words. Castle or not, this place’ll teach you new rules faster than you can blink if you don’t keep your wits about ya. He tilted his head, grin slipping sideways. But something tells me you’ll manage just fine. After all, not everyone comes in here bold enough to play a crowd full of cutthroats on their first night.

His gaze shifted to her fingers, deftly working the strings, coaxing the tune to life. She had skill, that much was certain. And while she played, he pondered what it might mean to have someone like her nearby. Resourceful, sharp, with a knack for making the rough edges of Kirkwall just a little more bearable.

At her parting words, the grin on Danny’s face widened. He raised the mug, just the dregs of ale left swirling at the bottom.

If I’m keepin’ company like this, might just have to fill up again, he said, pushing back from the table. He stood, letting the noise of the Hanged Man wash over them once more. Don’t go anywhere too far, love. Might be more stories to tell before the night’s through.

@Siora Craynore