Exploring London with Sherral

[runningred]

Jay opens the door out into a very expensive hotel suite. "Let me just grab my own gear." He gestures towards the balcony and the view across the city.

Comments

[fluffiest_archadian]

"I'd be happy to find out," Sherral says, giving Jay a quick smile.

[runningred]

Jay grins and nods towards the outer edge of the city. He stops an open top bus coming up one of the streets ahead of them. "Think you can swing out and land on the top deck?" He asks, careful not to push Sherral into a swing that's dangerous.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral glances at it, thinking for a second. "I should be able to manage that."

[runningred]

Jay grins and drops neatly down onto the bus, flicking his line loose and waiting for Sherral, a hand out to greet him.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral takes his hand as he lands, adjusting his footing for a second until he's comfortable before giving Jay a smile.

"I'd heard about land vehicles on Earth, but this is the first time I've been on one. The only travel on land in my world is on foot or by chocobo."

[runningred]

The open-top bus full of tourists turns to look at them as Jay gesture Sherral to a seat. "Shall we enjoy the tour then?"

The tour-guide blinks at them both, not breaking stride in her commentary, except to hold a hand out to collect their fares. Jay chuckles and pulls out his wallet.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral gives a brief hint of a laugh before stifling it (he shouldn't chuckle at the poor woman's expense, after all), and settles into a seat, trying not to be too openly wonderstruck in his glancing around.

[runningred]

Jay settles next to him, arm around Sherral's should as the tour guide expounds on the history of the city and places of interest.

Jay leans on, whispering his own little addendums about good places to eat and buildings worth climbing but otherwise let Sherral enjoy it, learning a few new things himself.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral pays close attention to both the tour guide and Jay's addendums, eyes scanning the city as they pass through it. There are no walls, he notes, no palings to keep out monsters, no moogling stations to quickly dispatch guards and soldiers from one area to another - and while he knew that Earth was a relatively monster-free world, it's still odd to see what that actually means.

[runningred]

Even the police don't carry firearms. Hell, Jay's carrying more weapons than the police they pass are. The centre of the city as they pass through is rowdy and busy but peaceful, even on a Friday night.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral settles against Jay, just a little, drinking it all in.

[runningred]

Jay lets Sherral enjoy the rest of the tour before they step off, (sensibility this time as the tour guide gives Jay a harsh look as he starts reeling out jump line.)

The city street is busy but brings them out near Camden Lock night markets, full with fringe fashion, antiques, exotic wears and a sprawling food-court. "What to check it out?"

[fluffiest_archadian]

"By all means," Sherral says, giving Jay a small smile.

[runningred]

Jay leads him into the market, exploring the stalls and finding interesting things but there's an edge to Jay's stance. The low ceiling in places and labyrinthine alleyways cause Jay to be watchful and alert, even if he covers it with smiles and banter as he finds a leather jacket that would suit Sherral perfectly.

The accents in the crowd might sound more familiar to Sherral - his near Glaswegian standing out less than Jay's American accent.

[fluffiest_archadian]

The accents here sound very much like they come from the Archadian Empire - if across a broader stretch of it than Sherral's ever likely to hear in his world. That's a nice familiarity, even if it does leave Sherral pondering similarities between worlds.

He notices how alert Jay is, keeps an eye on it, and keeps an eye on wherever the nearest exits are just in case Jay needs the open air.

[runningred]

Jay smiles and enjoys the shopping trip, trying to ignore his own tension at being in a space that puts him on guard. He's quick to offer to buy things for Sherral, easy and comfortable with money and carelessly generous.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral lets Jay buy him a few things, but is quick to stop him from buying too much. He has no idea how much disposable income Jay has, and it would be improper to let himself be lavished with gifts beyond his ability to return the favour.

(Even if he knows that it would probably never occur to Jay that the favour should be returned.)

He makes sure not to dawdle too long in the market, too, and he's not hesitant about taking the lead and finding an exit for them eventually, out into the open air where he thinks that Jay will be more comfortable.

"I do believe you said something about a party," he says wryly once they're out.

[runningred]

Jay has more than enough income and would never think to ask anything in return. he likes to spoil his friends.

Jay grins, his body language shifting to something more relaxed outdoors. He nods towards the street. "We might have to jump a couple more buses if you're up for it?"

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral chuckles. "I think I can just about manage that, aye."

[runningred]

Jay picks a good building for it and climbs up to a height they can drop easily onto passing buses. He waits from the right one and gestures for Sherral to follow, landing on the smooth metal roof with ease.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral is quick to follow, landing a moment after him and taking a split second to find his footing on the moving surface.

[runningred]

Jay can't help but laugh. He loves this sort of thing, far too much. There's a thrill in walking the edge. They swap buses a couple of times, ending up in what appears to be progressively poorer area. Someone born to somewhere other than Gotham might find it intimidating as as the area gets less and less safe seeming.

Between two massive high-rise project buildings, comes the sound of music, the wild joy of kettle drums and laugher. Jay grins and nods that direction.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral's not too concerned. He knows how to take care of himself, and Rabanastre has more than its fair share of rough areas.

He smiles a touch as he hears the music, and gets ready to use his jump line.

[runningred]

Jay jumps again, landing on his feet and flicking the line free as he does.

A couple of large dark-skinned men jump down from high spots on the building and land very near them. Close enough to aim to unsettle them.

Jay chuckles, and doesn't flinch. "Hey guys, I heard there was a party going on. Mind if we crash?"

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral is adept enough at not showing his reactions that he doesn't appear surprised at all, although Jay might notice a few moments in which he becomes ever so slightly more stoic.

It passes as soon as it becomes obvious that Jay is acquainted with these people, and he offers the men a small smile.