epidemiology | ♠ it's not luck, it's destiny ♠ OPEN

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♠ it's not luck, it's destiny ♠ OPEN

CHARACTERS: Twisted Fate & YOU
DATE: 10/5
WARNINGS: shenanigans
SUMMARY: A few little adventures to get involved in because Twisted Fate is a man capable of Very Good Decisions (note: that is false, completely false). Will you join in?

♠ 1. nobody likes a sore loser

Well, ain't this hell of a stand off.

[Outside of the saloon, Twisted Fate is crowded by a few of the rougher looking civilians. Not quite unsavory bandits, but certainly not the kind of folks one would invite over for dinner, most likely. They're large, they look downright irritable, probably not quite deciding if they want to strangle or shoot Twisted Fate.

It seems as though after several days of playing cards and swindling and hustling the local populace, they haven't taken too kindly to it. Who knew, really, that gambling and cheating one's day to heavier pockets would upset some folks?

In any case, Twisted Fate doesn't look terribly concerned, but his hands are up in some form of surrender as they approach.]

Now now, ladies and gentlemen -- no reason to get all uppity over a few games. You knew that there'd be a chance to be involved. That's why it's called gambling.

[He may notice you a distance away, his brows raised, as if inviting you to help him out here. Any minute now.]

♠ 2. shuffle the deck

[It's evening at the Desert Flower. There are steps coming down the stairs of the saloon, and Twisted Fate is calmly working on buttoning up his shirt. Trailing down after him shortly is one of the women who work there, and he grins at her. She smiles in return, pecking him on the cheek before she returns to her duties.

He spots you and immediately strides to join you, pulling over a chair.]

Not waitin' on anybody at the moment, are ya? Because I'd be happy to buy you a drink, friend.

♠ 3. WILDCARD, BABY

[Either leave me a prompt, or ask me to write one up for you! Let's work something out!]

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[He's lost in thought after the day he's had and almost misses the crowd outside of the saloon until a familiar voice speaks up and catches his attention. Meallan stops then and peers at the group until he spots Twisted Fate in the centre of the crowd and, more importantly, sees the expression on his face.

Immediately he changes direction and aims for the group, staff loosely gripped in one hand.]

Now now, I'm sure if there's any problem here, we can work it out without any problems. [His words are pleasant enough, but there's an edge there that suggests if it comes down to it, they can work it out in ways other than words and that will be far less pleasant.]

What exactly has he done?

[One of the larger, gruffer citizens turns to peer at Meallan, a deep scowl on his face before he spits at the ground and says:] In nearly all of our games, he's won. He's a damned cheat if I've ever seen one!

[Twisted Fate tsks and clutches his chest, as if deeply affected.] Why, I've never been called that in all my life! Could be I'm just a lucky man.

No amount of luck would explain the hands you had!

[He's fairly certain that the men are telling the truth, or at least aren't entirely wrong that there may have been a few instances of Fate doing something he shouldn't with the cards, but Meallan isn't about to toss him to this crowd that would likely take more than just their money from his friend.

So he raises an eyebrow and gives the citizen a measured look.] And do you have any proof? You can't just accuse people of cheating you because you don't like the luck they have. By that logic, I could as easily assume you lost on purpose so you'd have a reason to attack him.

What sorta reasoning would I even have to do something like that? [Regardless of his words, the local snarls in frustration. Because despite his true instincts, there isn't any proof.]

So technically, no laws are bein' broken. I'm an abidin' citizen, not unlike you all. [Twisted Fate smiles helpfully.]

[The citizen jabs a finger into Fate's chest.] Watch yourself. Especially when you're alone.

Spooky. [Fate passes a look to Meallan, the smile reaching his eyes when the group of them reluctantly disperse; despite their frustration, they clearly have no desire to do something apparent that would earn the sheriff's ire.]

[Meallan resists the urge to shoot Twisted Fate a sharp look with that comment, since it's not exactly helping the situation, but he keeps his gaze level on the citizens until they back off, although not without a parting threat.

Then once they're out of earshot he sighs and rubs at the bridge of his nose, finally fixing the other man with a tired look.]

I'd at least take that warning seriously. They might very well be looking to get some revenge later and I'd very much like for you not to end up smashed over the head with a glass in some back alley.

[There's a hint of a smile there all the same; as concerned as he might be, the incident reminds him a bit of Sera and Varric in ways, and he has to admit he's missed that sort of reckless flirting with danger.]

Now since I'm assuming you were cheating quite a bit... perhaps you can make use of some of that coin and we can buy some drinks?

[In return, Twisted Fate gives Meallan a friendly thump on the arm, chuckling softly.]

That's sweet of you, but if you think that's the first time I've been threatened after someone's many losses, then I got a surprise for you.

[He folds his arms and sighs.]

What, no faith in me? [But Meallan isn't wrong about that.] And here I thought you owed me the drink, but seein' as how you stepped in on my behalf like a sweetheart, I'd be happy to oblige.

All because it's not the first time doesn't mean there's no chance it can't be the last. [He points out with a wry smile.] Or at the very least we need to be careful and not get into too many fights with the people here.

[That last part gets a laugh and Meallan drapes an arm around the other man's shoulders.]

More like I'm fairly certain you'd good at playing cards even without needing to cheat, Fate. But if you like, I'm still willing to buy you a drink. [The humour fades suddenly and a bitter expression crosses his face as the reason he'd come to the saloon catches up to him.] Creators know I need several.

Well, you're probably right about that. Might not be too helpful for our cause or something like that? Suppose I'll have to think of another way to pass the time around here.

[He smiles at Meallan, quietly appreciating his friendliness, and the closeness doesn't bother him. Thus far, he's come to actually enjoying the elf's company.

And he can see how quickly his expression changes when they step into the saloon. Which means something had happened.

He shouldn't get too close. Gods, he's already started to make that mistake with Koltira, has committed to it now with a promise of friendship, a matter he does not take lightly. But doesn't have it in him to turn his back on Meallan right now.]

Let's see how the night goes. I'll buy us a round, and we'll go from there. Sound like a plan?

That sounds like the best way to spend the night to me. [He manages a laugh then, aware that he shouldn't try and put his own problems on Twisted Fate when the man isn't involved in the slightest, but he's not as good at hiding it as he'd like and the laugh is slightly forced.]

I'd be happy to buy you one as well, if you're worried about that. I don't mean to make you pay for everything just because of what happened outside, Fate.

Hardly an issue. I have the money to burn, and you look like a man who needs some company.

[Once inside, he does pull out a chair for Meallan nodding to him before smiling at the closest barkeep, ordering a bottle for the both of them.]

And I'm never adverse to fine company, as you know. [The words are usually sly, but there is a hint of softness to him as he sits down.]

I think you're probably the better company. [He gives Twisted Fate a small, genuine smile, picking up on the bit of gentleness there.] Like I said, for all you say otherwise, you seem to care a great deal about others.

[The bottle arrives with a pair of glasses and Meallan wastes little time in pouring for them both and taking a hefty drink of his own.]

Has that charm of yours ever gotten you into trouble?

Depends on the others in question. I'd say I'd judge anyone who didn't care a little bit about kids caught in the middle of a bandit raid, and I like you well enough.

[He takes his glass, then smiles wryly.]

All the damned time, actually. It's usually on purpose; I have a good idea where most things go. And if I don't, I usually find a way to benefit.

Hmm. [It's a non-committal noise; Meallan doesn't quite believe that answer still, stubbornly believing that there's more to the other man than he might think of himself. He's yet to see anything that suggests otherwise, after all. The last part gets a laugh though, and it does seem like Twisted Fate wouldn't have much difficulty turning almost any situation around. Even the one outside Meallan is fairly certain he could have handled himself.]

And what do you do about the times when you can't benefit? There has to have been some.

[Now that's a curious question. Twisted Fate glances over Meallan before taking a sip of his glass.]

I'd say that's just like any other matter in gambling. You cut your losses and move on to the next thing. Can't just linger on what you don't got, after all.

You win a lot, then you lose some. That's how it goes.

[Meallan doesn't answer at first, just drains the rest of his glass and refills it with a frown. Twisted Fate is right of course, though he hadn't realised that the answer would resonate as much with what was dwelling on his own mind. He doesn't like it, though he's not sure if it's because he doesn't like making Fate deal with the matter or because he doesn't like the answer he gets.

Eventually he gives in and makes another non-committal noise before trying to find a safer topic.] Speaking of gambling, what about that card trick you said you might show me?

[Carefully, Twisted Fate observes the way Meallan responds to his answer. A brow is raised as he considers, then smiles to himself at the next question.

He holds up a finger.]

Now now. My tricks come with a price. And you seem like you have somethin' else on your mind.

[His face flushes, a spread of heat he can feel across his cheeks despite his efforts, and Meallan shakes his head, avoiding meeting the other man's gaze directly.]

It's really not something to worry about, Fate. As you said, I just need to... accept the outcome and move on. Better to forget it all.

You can either tell me what's goin' on, and I can offer a little more thought to it. Or, if you prefer, I can be your distraction.

[He finishes his glass calmly before he refills it.]

Whichever you think you're gonna need more right now.

[Meallan remains still for a moment, then lets out a slow breath and takes another drink. The flush is starting to feel like it might also be the drink itself, though he's not so badly affected that he can't realise how much Twisted Fate is offering without even knowing the situation.]

You're a good friend, Twisted Fate. [He says at last.] But I wasn't trying to downplay anything. It's just a... personal situation. I confessed feelings for someone and he's... not interested in men. That's all. A few more drinks and I'm certain I'll forget all about it.

[That again. He takes in a deep breath, keeping his eyes focused; good friend.]

Quick to make that assessment. [The words are lighthearted in tone.]

Love's a difficult thing. Though you don't want to, you're gonna have to fold one way or another. Shame it didn't work out. His loss.

And we can definitely make that drink thing a reality for ya.

I'd like that very much. [And to back that up, Meallan determinedly drains his glass and refills it again, signalling another to be brought to the table as well.]

And how is that a quick assessment? You've been nothing but a good friend to be so far, and it isn't as though you're trying to get anything from me either. Why wouldn't I think you a good friend, Twisted Fate?

Then we'll just focus on that, and I'll keep you properly distracted from said heart-related woes.

[A sharp smile forms, a little less friendly. He has a deep drink before he says:]

You wanted to see my last trick.

[It doesn't answer Meallan's question at all.]

[The drinks are starting to have a bit of an effect after two in relative short succession, so while Meallan does think that Twisted Fate might be dodging his question a bit, he doesn't think much of it. Besides the offer to show him something takes his attention and he looks at the other man curiously.]

I do. What is it anyway?

[A card is drawn out, flicked from a sleeve. He holds it up and begins to explain:]

The river folk were primarily fortunetellers. I was taught early on 'bout it. My final, most important trick is one where I can see everyone, everything around me immediately. I can choose where to go from there.

It's got limits, but it's why no one can catch me.

[Maybe it's the drink, but Meallan's not certain he follows, and his brow furrows in confusion.]

But can't you see everything around you anyway?

[Then another idea finally occurs to him.] Or... do you mean like fade step? You just pick a direction and... [He makes a whooshing sound and motions forwards with his new hand.]

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♠ it's not luck, it's destiny ♠ OPEN

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