Cyrus and Therion Try to Meet Women in a Tavern

Therion leaned against the bar and scanned the tavern. It was a busy night, and there were lots of lovely ladies around. And his handsome wingman Cyrus was sure to draw them like moths to a flame. He had caught the attention of a few even when they entered, so Therion was sure they'd have no problems chatting up others. Really, it was a perfect plan.

"Alright," Therion said. "Let's get this show on the road, Cyrus. Those two ladies over at the end of the bar are definitely eyeing us up. So, we'll go over all casual-like and-hey! Cyrus, what are you doing?!" His scholarly friend had a book on the bar in front of him and was reading it while politely sipping from his mug.

"Oh, this?" Cyrus asked, looking up. "The tavern keeper had this tome under the bar, and he thought I'd be interested in it. Some might call a treatise on the construction of schooners a rather dry work, but I find it quite interesting, having never sailed much myself. Apparently, some merchant left it here. I'm considering purchasing it before we leave and then donating it to the academy. If you like, Therion, you may borrow it when I'm finished."

"This is a tavern, not a bookstore," Therion said, frowning. "And we're here to meet women, not read!"

"Yes, I recall the conversation as to the purpose of our coming here," Cyrus said. "But I can scarcely turn down an opportunity to expand my knowledge and learn new things."

"This ain't really the time for that, friend," Therion said. Seriously, couldn't he give it a rest for one evening? "Put the book away, and let's go."

"Very well." Cyrus closed the book and passed it to the tavern keeper, declaring he'd return for it in a bit. The two men made their way over to the far end of the bar, approaching the two women who had been watching them and casting flirtatious glances.

"Hello there, ladies," Therion said. "The name's Therion. This is my friend, Cyrus. Might the two of us buy you some drinks?"

"Why sure," the first woman said, giggling coyly at them. Success! Therion sat down next to her and called for another round. He motioned for Cyrus to sit down as well. Cyrus did so and flashed both of the women his bright, charming smile. The second woman looked as though she might swoon.

Strange he might have been, but Cyrus definitely had his uses.

"So, tell us a little about yourselves," the first woman said. "We haven't seen you here before, and it's always interesting when intriguing men show up."

"Oh, where to start…" Therion said.

"Well, what do you do?"

"Oh, a bit of this, and a bit of that," Therion replied. "Believe it or not, I've worked as a merchant, a caravan inventory taker, a locksmith, and a prison guard, among other things."

"Really?" the woman said. "That's quite a resume." She turned to Cyrus. "And what about you, handsome?"

"I'm a scholar from Atlasdam, madam," Cyrus said. He pushed back his hair some and favored her with another smile. "And might I add, it is a great honor to meet the both of you."

"Oh, a scholar?" The second woman finally spoke up. "What do you study?"

"A fellow seeker of knowledge?" Cyrus said, looking happy. "It's wonderful to meet a kindred spirit! One topic that's intrigued me recently has been the geography of the Riverland. In a book written some fifty years ago, the scholar Silas made note that…"

Wait. Did Cyrus seriously think this was a lecture hall? Therion tried to interrupt him, but Cyrus went on and on. Eventually, the two women began to look bored and excused themselves. Cyrus gave them the same charming smile and bade them keep at their studies. Therion buried his face in his hands.

"Cyrus," Therion said. "What was that?"

"You mean Silas's theory on the routing of the lower rivers?" Cyrus said. "Well, you see, Therion-"

"No, no," Therion interrupted, looking back up at him. The last thing he wanted to hear was more lecturing. He sighed. "Why don't you go ask for your book back? I'm going to get very, very drunk."

"Very well," Cyrus said. "You ought to be careful about how much drink you consume, however. The balance of the humors in the body can be undone by the excessive imbibing of-"

"Right, right," Therion said, waving for the tavern keeper. Trying to do this Cyrus had been a bad idea after all. Under his breath, Therion muttered, "Next time, I'm going to invite Alfyn instead."