A little study of foreign things

Often, a highly scarred dwarf can be seen conversing with a strange looking human (Ikiryo Tanaimutsu) in the Royal Oak tavern. Anyone who comes closer can see that they are teaching each other something and making lots of notes. The scarred dwarf seems very interested and intellectual, surprisingly so for a dwarf. He does not drink either, except for water and Apple juice.

Ikiryo will often be seen cradling a cup of hot tea and leaning close in deep discussion of culture and philosophy. He shares tales of his homeland and of the wonders to be found there and in between. Often they talk of language, and as Ikiryo begins to perfect his dwarven he shares knowledge of his own native tongue.

Vlatore comes by and if allowed also joins in the converstion. More as a listener and to learn the language as well. He also seems to only drink water or tea.

*takes place at the taven in the dwarf Halls, not the Royal Oak*

Having been spending time in excess lately at the halls, Lairena goes back to taking care of some paperwork. She enters the tavern and goes to a separate table, setting the two stacks of books she'd been carrying on the table in front of her. She wears her usual dark red dress with its hood up covering her horns. Her bright orange hair spills unceremoniously from within the voluminous hood as she yawns. Glancing over toward the three, she smiles and greets them. "So I'm not the only one who uses the tavern for book work. I won't disturb you, I just needed bigger table space from my usual choice." She begins spreading out the books and papers on the table, her sorting system seemingly only known to her as the stacks become what looks to be a messy pile. She take a sheet from the pile and dipping her pen in her vial of ink, she begins to make edits to the page.

Talvak greets Valtore and seems to enjoy the dwarf's presence.

Ikiryo would extend all possible courtesy to Valtore, visibly pleased at the shared interest in his homeland. Eventually he would insist upon sharing his own imported selection of tea with the dwarves and anybody else that should join them. Ikiryo is very patient with any who would know more of his native language and appears quite adept at teaching the basics. At times when discussing the east Ikiryo is evasive and glosses of details that touch on sensitive subjects, but overall he is quite willing to share what he knows. Sometimes his own personal opinions come in, and it is clear that although he still reveres his homeland, Ikiryo has changed much since his time in the Dalelands. At the arrival of the hooded woman Ikiryo would bow his head politely in greeting and indicate with a silent gesture that she may join them at the table.

Lairena would acknowledge the offer but except for when she takes a break from her writing, does she join them, a damp cloth in her hands to wipe the excess ink off her fingertips. She does not contribute much when she joins them, but listens carefully, committing the knowledge to memory until she decides to write something for her personal collection.

The dwarf is sitting very straight on a stool, getting him up to the level of the table. His burned out hair would probably give him a funny look was it not for the multiple scars covering his face. He can be silent for very long intervals and then, become highly talkative. At first, he keeps it simple and methodical, but as days become weeks, he starts showing a certain passion about learning. To any onlooker, it is obvious that he admires greatly the other dwarf often sharing their table. He seems nervous, though. His hand touches his waraxe whenever the tavern door opens.
His learning capacity seems fairly good and he often tries to establish comparisons between various cultures.
Then the hooded lady walks in with all of her books, he becomes distracted for a while, constantly trying to figure out what they are about. He does not seem to care at all about the two odd protuberances under her hood, but indeed to be curious about anything new he might learn.
When offered tea, his first reaction is one of disgust. Although he apologizes a lot about it and decides to try it anyway, more as a gesture of friendship and respect than out of genuine interest. Once tried, though, he rapidly starts asking questions about tea, its origins, its making, and the ceremonies involved...
He will also definitely ask one or two questions to the lady when she joins them. He does not seem to be overly concerned about her goals but really interested in what she knows and researches. Marthammor Duin encourages all sorts of discoveries and explorations, after all, Blessed be His Name!

Regarding the new face, Lairena's expression can only be described as that of mischievous amusement. Her curiosity is piqued by his straight posture and his seemingly nervous behavior. Even when she is not working, she regards his 'lessons' with a small amount of curiosity, particularly when Ikiryo speaks. Much of Faerun's lore is familiar to her and easy to understand, but tales of Kara-tur interest her and she regards his tales with particular interest and makes mental notes to request another shipment of books from Kozakura and Shou-Lung in the future.

Only once does she make note of the dwarf's glance at her books and his supposed curiosity, but whether she feels inclined to speak about them or not is left unsaid as she does not speak about their contents, at least for the time being. Every now and then, perhaps when Valtore is speaking or when there is a lull in the conversation, she'll pass Ikiryo a sheet of paper, ask him a question, then with an answer from him, return quietly to her writing.

When questioned, her answers are vague and guarded as she is unsure about just how much of her knowledge is safe to share. She her words are slow and precisely pronounced, her way of speaking proper and calm. "I know this and that. But like you I am learning. Most of my knowledge is of fiends and Devils. It is best to know the dangers that might have effect on one's life." She pauses a moment, considering the book on the table behind her. "As for my research, it regards various things. If it reaches me, I look it over and learn about it. Otherwise, most of my work involves recording current events within the Dales, among a few other private matters."

A little confused at L's statements, he still seems very interested in all sorts of lore. His study of Kozakuran is very methodical even though he does not seem to have any natural gift for the language.

He asks a lot of questions and seems to understand quite well, yet he confuses the information easily.

Then: "Oh, recording events is a very important act, madam! I would love to that too, except that I do not have enough time."

He now wears proudly the Ironhouse armor and the scars on his face are starting to slowly heal and fade away.

He keeps going to the Oak and studying, even though he spends much less time there than he did before.

L. would merely shrug at the comment. "Well, my work has greatly become dependent on the experiences of others lately. If you keep notes or stop to talk sometimes, I can do the writing part for you. Since I've much time now for paper work." She then wanders back to the table she'd been working at as she continues her writing and organizing. Papers shuffle and her face becomes focused as she frowns at this note or looks surreptitiously at that note. Though focused, she seems to welcome distractions and will put down her work at times to talk should anyone approach her.