(no subject)

[slayer_fray]

Mel got a note with her lunch.

She read it. She read it again.

Then she wrote a reply:

Dent,
Come talk to me. Purple/blue hair. Big red axe.
Mel Fray

The hair, the axe, the Security badge and cheese-fondue-for-one can now be found at her usual central table, where the Slayer is kicking back and wondering if Steph would know who he is.

Comments

[slayer_fray]

"Hey, Tej."

Mel gives him a quick grin, loaded as it is with cheese. "How's it going?"

[ostro_goth]

This is the second person, after Atton Rand, who would call him 'Tej'. Secretly, Teja is amused by that.-

"Fine, if cold," he answers. "But forge-work is would warm me well, as will sparring."

[slayer_fray]

"Nothing like standing in front of a fire for warm," Mel agrees.

"I'm a fan of getting sweaty."

[ostro_goth]

"Indeed," Teja says, "so am I! I withstood last winter, I will withstand the next, even though it may come early."

Pause.

"I would ask you a question, if I may?"

[slayer_fray]

"Go ahead," Mel says, reserving all right to tell him if it's a stupid question.

[ostro_goth]

"Do you know when security will be looking for new men -- and women -- to join?" Teja asks.

[slayer_fray]

"When we fig we need it," Mel answers.

Which really means - whenever the mun has the time and ability to run interviews.

"You after a job?"

[ostro_goth]

"I feed myself by forge-work," Teja says, "but I would join Security when you hire next, and would have me, so I may contribute to this place, and do what I my best for it."

Pause.

"Among the fighters of my people, all were free men that fought freely for their own cause, and followed their leaders, freely; they were free to discuss and criticise, and a comes or dux that tried to enforce duty against the will of the men of his comitatus would lose their following. I have been both -- follower, and leader. I know when to question, and when the discussion must stop. I know when to speak up, and when to keep silent. But to become part of the conversation, one must first join it, and meet the demands that are made upon one that would have his say in the assembly."

[slayer_fray]

...




"OK, but you know this isn't an interview, right?" Mel says, after all that.

[ostro_goth]

"Yes, I do," Teja says. "I merely tell you why I would enter into formal talks -- an interview? -- of joining, when you next look for men."

Pause.

"And women, of course, even though I am a man."

Pause.

"I would not join to be fed, but to join, so there is no hurry, and I need no other work until then."

[slayer_fray]

"Spled," Mel says, when she's sure it's her turn.

"Not sure what you're expecting - it's bouncing, not law work, but I'll mind you when it comes."

[ostro_goth]

"In a tavern, the bouncers are the law," Teja says. "And I would wish to help."

Pause.

"I have been here for almost a year now, and have learned much from this place; I would contribute as best I may. I do not think I shall leave soon."

[slayer_fray]

Mel nods again.

"As I said, I'll mind you."

[ostro_goth]

"Good," Teja says. "And I shall keep looking at the notice board for when that time comes around, and there may be an official notice there, and not merely mine that offers forge-work, or the devil seeking men that would sire her spawn."

The last is said with a little smile; Teja has met the devil, and he is somewhat amused by her plan.