“And it is a pleasure to meet the both of you as well.” Morrigan said in response to Zyshio’s polite greeting. The white-haired man seemed rather formal, more polite than Morrigan was used to dealing with, but still smarter than most rubes that Morrigan was used to dealing with. Morrigan listened, nodding along intently as both men shared their stories. Stories could tell a lot about a person, especially the kind of information they coveted. For instance, Zyshio’s own story, Morrigan could tell that the man coveted knowledge of the arcane. Flynn’s tale, on the other hand, told Morrigan that he was a man of earthly pleasures and experiences.

Both had experiences that Morrigan found interesting.

“Handsome?” Morrigan’s lips split into a grin as they finally recognized Flynn’s rather blatant attempts at flirting. They’d been too focused on trying to sell product at first that they hadn’t noticed anything. Morrigan could admit he was handsome, and seemed rather fun company, but even as they responded with a wink of their own, it was obvious that Morrigan’s heart wasn’t quite in the gesture. “You flatter me.” Morrigan said, even though they were fully aware that they were looking quite dashing today.

Vanity was another quality that Morrigan Moonweaver possessed in spades.

“How about I tell you both a story about a time in Zeinav in which I discovered an ancient and powerful city full of mysterious artifacts?” Morrigan asked before pausing. “One day, I was walking through the White Sand Seas when I discovered something under the ground. Curious, I decided to cause an earthquake that parted the very lands, and revealed ancient civilizations with treasures untold, including a scroll that contained the secret to world peace?”

Well, the scroll really contained a biscuit recipe that Morrigan had pawned off as ancient magic, but really, who was here to contradict them?

"Though I'd love to hear more about your exploits in piracy and the arcane."

"My my, absolutely fascinating. So you too are a child of magic then? Impressive. I was once myself very enthralled by it and an active practitioner, but instead of chasing it I chose to change my story. I married a beautiful woman, had a wonderful child, and then settled in a modestly paying career you see. Now that my child has grown somewhat and my wife has been tasked to travel for her job, I too am looking to spread my wings again." Zyshio unleashed a longing sigh. He wanted to go back to exploring this world for the sake of discovering and growing his own magical power. He was but a soft breeze now and he desired to be far more than that.

Another drink was put in front of him and he drank from it. The alcohol was finally beginning to get to him so he would lay back on the drinks for now wanting to simply maintain this feeling of deep relaxation, even if it was a lie. "Do tell me, what is it like to have the freedom to travel the world with no hesitation? Since the freedom is coming upon me, I am hoping I find it.. fulfilling."

Flynn's smirk became more of a soft smile seeing the others heart wasn't quite in it. He didn't want to push but saw the other had a similar personality. So he kept that in mind to keep it light and friendly with the lad. Perhaps the other already had someone in mind and who was he to get in the way? At least it would be fun to playfully flirt with another. "Sounds like quite the epic tale luv I would enjoy hearing more of such exploits" he remarked to the other "And I always have more stories" he chuckled some.

His gaze the turned to the white haired man "Sounds like quite a full life mate. Traveling is great but it means ya can't stay and just settle. People count on ya to lead em and people need a home even if it floats around. Ya see a lot of bad things but if ya do your best you can help those who need it and some even join the family. Definitely not an overly relaxing life most of the time" He chuckled with a small shrug

“Of course, I am but a humble wizard, looking to sell my wares this far down south.” They tilted their head as Zyshio described that he had chosen to give up his life as a powerful mage for… a family of all things. That kind of sentiment, Morrigan didn’t understand. Why would someone give up power for such a… simple life? He seemed happy enough, Morrigan guessed. But why settle down if he was filled with such wanderlust? “Have you thought of taking to the road again?” Morrigan asked, dragging their finger along the bar.

“I’d be happy to tell you more later… if you share something first, dear.” Morrigan responded with a wink to Flynn. “Can’t give with no take. Let’s hear a little bit about that life on the sea, yeah? I’m sure you’ve encountered more than your fair share of adventure on the high seas.”

They paused as they listened to Flynn’s assessment of what it was like to be a vagabond. Morrigan themselves had been on the road for some time, and never liked to stay in one place for long- their own experiences couldn’t be more different from Flynn’s.

“I personally find it to be the opposite. I’ve never cared much for the idea of planting roots.” They waved a dismissive hand in the air. “No home to return to means no expectations. You are allowed to roam wherever strikes your fancy, and the only one you have to rely on is yourself.” They picked up their drink and took a long sip, savoring the burn on the back of their tongue. Yes, it was much better for Morrigan stayed on the road. They never much liked home all that much anyways.

"When I cast magic you see.. there is something about the feeling." Zyshio stared down into his mug. Even just thinking about it sent shivers through him. He wanted to cast magic again. He wanted the inexplicable feeling of being connected to the very source that he could only feel when his body was filled with magic. He didn't know how to out this secret love affair of his into words. In truth, he had chosen a family because he was afraid what kind of person magic would have him become. He desired power deep down on the inside. He had been given everything else he wanted in his life, but he felt this strange desire for something he couldn't even figure out on his own. He wanted freedom. Freedom from the very tethers of existence and magic was the way to that. He longed to cut the chain keeping him controllable. The problem was, after that, he didn't know what he would look like. What would freedom do to him? This internal struggle was there within his eyes but, it seemed to simply drift away as he took another swig of his drink.

"But I digress. My son will be all grown up soon, pretty sure my wife keeps me around only for his sake, and that leaves me in a bind you see." With that, he let out a long, though playful sigh.

He listened to the two with a curious look. Magic wasn’t much his forte as he never chose to learn such things in his time so far. He focused more on sailing and close combat. He did his best to understand and comprehend but it was a bit difficult with no reference point to relate to on such matters so with that he let them be for the moment

When morrigan spoke to him however he grinned “why of course I have~ run into some lovely sea folk, met some sirens, beat a kraken once” he chuckled “pick a story darling~ I can share more than just stories as well if you’re interested” he winked with a chuckle as he finished his drink and ordered another. Of course he always had to flirt. His weight shifted to his other leg and hip as he looked to the two “quite the trio we make though I’d say”

“Well that’s why my home is the Luna bell. She can take me anywhere and my crew is all the family I need. Not much else needed besides some company and drinks when on land” he shrugged as he thought about it all. His gaze then turned to zyshio “sorry to hear that mate though I’m sure you’ve raised a good lad. Say if ya need a ride to the capital or something for your research lemme know. I don’t mind dropping people off if 5hey need, well as long as they aren’t an arse or something”

It was obvious just from listening that Zyshio was not your average, run of the mill mage- Morrigan recognized the undercurrent of desperation in his voice as he spoke, the tone of a man who wanted to covet such power for himself. The difference between them was that Zyshio was actually able to grasp such power in his hands.

One thing they didn’t understand, though, was why Zyshio wouldn’t simply leave if he was so unfulfilled with his life. Morrigan swung their legs in the air, idly kicking the solid wood of the bar as they spoke. “Why not simply leave in that case? If your son is coming of age, then perhaps it is time for all of you to spread your wings before they are clipped entirely.” That was what Morrigan did when they were unsatisfied. They’d cast aside their own family when they realized they weren’t happy with that life.

“Ooh, let’s hear the story about the sirens.” They said with a coy grin on their lips. “Tell me about your run-in with the enchanting temptresses of the high seas.” This time, they didn’t miss Flynn’s flirting. “And we’ll see where the evening goes.” He wasn’t too terribly bad looking himself, and possessed a kind of rugged charm that Morrigan found alluring. Perhaps any other day they would have engaged, but their heart wasn’t as in it tonight for some reason. They couldn’t quite place their finger on why.

“Well I can certainly say you look as beautiful of them darling~ anyways we were sailing from moonglade and…” he drifted into telling the story and did a few more if requested happy to get to know the others. Once quite late he winked and bid farewell to the two before leaving the tavern