It was probably no surprise that of all the kinds of people in the world, Tal struggled the most with those that were charming, urbane, handsome, and witty. And fucking tall. All things the courier wasn't, and usually didn't waste time thinking about until his nose was rubbed in that lack by those to whom it all seemed to come naturally.
Even if they didn't mean to do so. Just existing was enough.
And sure, this guy came with horns and sharp teeth and a flippy spade tail, but Tal had, for better or worse, been hanging out with one too many Ancients of the new school: the ones who saved their bloodlust for private parties and dinners out with a few close friends and generally avoided even the rumor of eating people in public. His survival instincts had been dulled by association with the likes of Fox and Maea and even Edmund - half-feral though his guildmaster could sometimes be.
So instead of being wisely afraid or particularly wary, Tal just wrestled with trying not to jump straight to offended pride as the guy - Asta? - introduced himself with all the suave smoothness of flash-frozen lake on a windless day. The courier managed to get his gauntlets off and checked on the little star charm that hung from a chain on his wrist with a faint grimace that turned to a wince at the subtle reminder that he had yet to introduce himself. "Asta, huh? Well... nice t'meet you, I think?" He reached up to rub the back of his neck uncertainly as he took a few hesitant steps towards the Ancient. They were doing this, right? Having a conversation? "I'm Tal... Talyson Seawright. Courier, an' captain o'th'Peregrine." A draconic rumble from behind him drew a roll of the good captain's eyes. "I was gettin' t'you! Hold your smoke!" He cleared his throat apologetically as he gestured back to the dragon, who had begun to amble towards Astaroth with her broad head up in inquisitive curiosity. "An' this is Boreal. Despite what she wants y't'think, she's already eaten today," he added with a silent warning for the dragon to behave.
Even if they didn't mean to do so. Just existing was enough.
And sure, this guy came with horns and sharp teeth and a flippy spade tail, but Tal had, for better or worse, been hanging out with one too many Ancients of the new school: the ones who saved their bloodlust for private parties and dinners out with a few close friends and generally avoided even the rumor of eating people in public. His survival instincts had been dulled by association with the likes of Fox and Maea and even Edmund - half-feral though his guildmaster could sometimes be.
So instead of being wisely afraid or particularly wary, Tal just wrestled with trying not to jump straight to offended pride as the guy - Asta? - introduced himself with all the suave smoothness of flash-frozen lake on a windless day. The courier managed to get his gauntlets off and checked on the little star charm that hung from a chain on his wrist with a faint grimace that turned to a wince at the subtle reminder that he had yet to introduce himself. "Asta, huh? Well... nice t'meet you, I think?" He reached up to rub the back of his neck uncertainly as he took a few hesitant steps towards the Ancient. They were doing this, right? Having a conversation? "I'm Tal... Talyson Seawright. Courier, an' captain o'th'Peregrine." A draconic rumble from behind him drew a roll of the good captain's eyes. "I was gettin' t'you! Hold your smoke!" He cleared his throat apologetically as he gestured back to the dragon, who had begun to amble towards Astaroth with her broad head up in inquisitive curiosity. "An' this is Boreal. Despite what she wants y't'think, she's already eaten today," he added with a silent warning for the dragon to behave.
