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Atalo
Atalo's shop is tidier than before, due to him applying some elbow grease and getting things sorted. And so it now finds him resting in a chair and reading a slightly battered looking book as Cerberus sits next to him, getting pats and scritches as desired. There aren't many customers right now, and clearly he feels he can get away with some light reading on the job.
Tommy Shanks
In a simple white tee and jean skirt, she meanders through the door. Tommy was as bubbly as ever, bouncing step to step, a grin on her face. As she looks over the area with her magic, she turned to face Atalo in a tradtional manner, "Good Evening, Atalo, Cerberus. I hope you're both having a good evening."
Atalo
"Ah, good evening Bones." He looks up with a smile, marking his page before shutting the book and setting it down. Raising from his chair he heads over, Cerberus following suit and sniffing at Bones' hand in his own greeting. "Well enough, I believe. I was taking the chance to mull some thoughts. And yourself?"
Tommy Shanks
"PRetty good! Papi's birthday is coming up, and so I thought I'd two birds, one stone it and come to the shop!" she spun to give it all a once over, before facing Cerberus and crouching to smooch his snoot, "Hey buddy. You doing okay?" The magic letting her words be heard well.
Then standing and looking to Atalo, "Looking for anything that you might have that screams Iberian Peninsula or Historic Texas."
Atalo
"Ah, birthdays. Remember them because otherwise, like me, you lose track." A slight chuckle before Atalo started to rummage in a few boxes. "Possibly, hm.. I'm not sure of Iberian items, but Texas.. would cowboy hats be good, or something a little more unusual? Riding gear?"
Tommy Shanks
"Hrm..." she thought about it, "Its hard to lose track sometimes. Especially when the end may come sooner than I'd like. However, He's always been like blue collar, cowboy fan, even though he's a white collar accountant type through and through. The ideas of cowboys and horses were one of the reasons he came to the United States, however, nothing that he'd actually wear these days for riding, as he can't... but if it's like a historical presentation piece? that'd be fabulous..." her eyes flickered quickly, as she quite literally was looking through every aisle while talking to Atalo.
Atalo
"I have, hm." Atalo offers her a slightly chipped cup reading 'life is better with a horse'. "Or perhaps.. wait.." More hunting and a sound of victory as he finds a painting of a horse. It's not a famous painting and it's unlikely to get much critical notice, but it's still a painting. "Do you see anything else you like? There are many hidden items here of better quality than you might think."
Tommy Shanks
"That painting looks nice," she said softly, "What about... oh wait, is that a rifle from circa the Revolution? Or is that ... is that one of the first widely published versions of the Gettysberg address?"
The items were likely aisles away, but things are always strange.
Atalo
Atalo gives Bones a thoughtful look. "Are you able to see, or sense, particularly unique items? And if the answer is yes, are you currently employed? Not that I can offer a great deal of money." He heads over to collect the items, checking. "The gun no longer works, but I think is still good for display, and this.." He studies the text, holding it out. "I'm unsure." He admits. "A lot of the items here are found in attics or basements and donated in boxes."
Tommy Shanks
"My friend," she grins, a deep blush on her face, "Probably one of the top 10 Archaeologists in the world... maybe top five..." the blush continued, "I know a lot about a lot of history. In the past, I've even worked to help preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery."
They took the rifle and studied it with the scholar's eye and ran a hand over it, "Oh, the battles you've seen..."
Then they did the same with the book. They truly were an expert in their field.
Atalo
Atalo is watching quietly now, his head tilting as he nods slowly. "There is no reason to feel embarrassment about your ability." He offers after a moment. "Talent deserves respect." A hand gestures at the gun. "A little battered like me, but it's gained stories along the way." A small smile. "I would believe, at least."
Tommy Shanks
"You're undercharging the book," she said after a moment. Dr. Shanks then went on to explain the publishing date and other elements that cause it to be worth more.
"I'll take all four items, and then we can chit chat, how's that sound?"
Atalo
Atalo blinked once. "Part time, a few hours a week? If money isn't what you need, perhaps there are other ways I can pay for your help?" He smiled, dipping his head. "And by all means, I am happy to speak to a friend."
Tommy Shanks
"You're a friend. I could stop by whenever you need and I'm free. Maybe even when I'm not free, if I learn a little more..." a laugh and a grin.
Atalo
"Hm." Atalo hums, thinking that over. "I would.. be grateful. I'm aware me and Titania have had friction in the past, though that's settled between us now." A quiet smile. "You can be in more than one place at a time?" Another blink.
Tommy Shanks
"Some can. I can't yet. But it's possible..."
Atalo
Atalo glances down at Cerberus, then back to Bones. "We must seem small to you, with all you're capable of."
Tommy Shanks
"No, not at all! I'm sorry if I offended," she scritches Cerberus' chin and looks up to Atalo, "You've lived longer than I can imagine, and have had more experiences than I could believe. You can do things and never have to worry about hte world breaking around you, because someone happened to see it happen. Sure, there's the secrecy side of things, but ... it's .. easier to take of one confused person than have some hellspawn show up because you lightning blasted the wrong bad guy infront of the wrong crowd."
Atalo
"You didn't." Atalo assures her as Cerberus nudges her hand. More please. "And, mm. Balances then, perhaps. I don't believe I understand the deeper reasons, but I can see the outcome you're describing." He nods to her. "I am still learning." A small smile. "I might always be."
Tommy Shanks
"We're always learning. As they say, stop learning, start dying," and then realizing where they were, "Like, the bad kind."
Atalo
A slight grin. "Agreed. It becomes harder for us as we age, our minds being more static, more fixed. It is possible to overcome, but rarely easy. We become set in thinking in ways familiar to us and adaptation becomes harder."
Tommy Shanks
"And so we mix what we can, bringing more and more new stuff, that uses the old knowledge, but builds on it, right?"
Atalo
"Yes." Atalo nods. "I'm a soldier, I always will be. But I'm also a protector, a hunter, learning how to be that in the modern world." A quiet chuckle. "And gaining more friends then I ever expected to."
Tommy Shanks
"So, have you looked into like... Cyber warfare, drone warfare, the modern k9 tactics?"
Atalo
"K9 tactics I plan to study. We plan to study, that is. The others? I struggle to type Bones, I'm not sure if I could adapt enough to those things."
Tommy Shanks
"I am no hacker or the like myself, just in case," she scratched her jawline, "Oh! Have you ever played paintball? It uses a lot of tactics that modern soldiers use, but with non-lethal means for practice."
Atalo
"No." His head cants. "But I'm curious, and would like to try." He smiles. "Can you play at night?"
Tommy Shanks
"We could probably book an event... or laser tag, very similar concept... usually indoor though. And if they say no, we just buy the gear and go and rent out a place in the woods, or whatever."
Atalo
"I know a few others who might potentially be interested, are you happy for me to ask them?"
Tommy Shanks
"Of course!" she bounced in her step, "It's... it was just an idea that occured to me! In fact... there is a lost, Ella? Do you know her? She's been wanting to get a party together. Maybe that's something she canhost."
Atalo
"It is a very good idea." Atalo's smile widens. "And I am interested, and happy for this Ella to host if she wishes."
Tommy Shanks
"Party inside for those who just wish to schmooze or whatever else. Paintball game somewhere outside.... and whatever other outdoor activities... I'll have to send her some messages or something."
Atalo
"I think Guy would be very interested. But if Ella is hosting, I should wait before asking others to see what she tells you, mm?"
Tommy Shanks
"Sure. I'll message her now." They didn't move but messages were sent!
Atalo
"Impressive." The kindred quietly states. "What might Titania feel? Though I'd understand if she'd prefer to not join a mock battle."
Tommy Shanks
"Well, she doesn't use guns to my knowledge," she said in reply, "I don't know... definitely going to be people that can't or won't play, but as always consent is key. Let those who desire to play, play."
Atalo
"Neither do I." Atalo admits. "But perhaps it's time I started to learn."
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