Politely letting the women order ahead of him, Nic approached the counter after Dani. Having a slightly higher liking for chocolate than a lot of guys, he quickly asked for, and received, a triple sized mocha with a double shot of expresso. He guessed if he was going to drink coffee, he might as well get the full benefit.
Then, as he joined both women, he stood and wondered how free Dani might be with information on her boss. Considering part of Nic's apprehension was due to now knowing how Arin would handle Nic's current problem, he assumed if he knew more about the guy, it might help.
"Dani...how would you describe your boss...would you say he is a fair man? Does he anger easily?" 'Does he weald a whip?' he continued to himself.
"I'm only asking because I will either be meeting with him soon, or will be receiving instructions from him, through Kem, I assume...and was curious about what I might expect."
Nic had no compunction in discussing other people who lived in the towers. Because everyone there was clan, in some way or another, he didn't think those things would be secret.
And his mention of Kem was given the same way. Anyone who was so receptive to helping strangers, and had the abilities Kem had, Nic would guess was a well known presence in the towers.
A Room With A View of the... Mall? (attn: Nic, Dani)
Aishe got into the elevator and pressed the appropriate button. 31 floors was an awfully long elevator ride. She was still feeling unexpectedly happy, and she turned to Dani to mention it.
"I can't believe I'm this excited to be buying pajamas," she confessed. "It seems like forever since anything has felt 'normal,' but here I am hanging out going shopping as if I were a teenager again. Go figure."
When the elevator's smooth ride came to an end 31 stories above the ground, Aishe got out and led Dani and Fatty to the right suite. She opened the door and let them both precede her in. She hadn't been here long, so her things had simply been tossed into the bedroom. In all honesty she wasn't sure how long she'd be staying. Her future was decidedly undecided.
"I'll make it super-quick," she promised. "I'm sure you know the layout far better than I do, so just make yourself at home."
With that she quickly bounced into the bedroom, rummaged around for an outfit that wasn't too horribly wrinkled, and then headed into the bathroom for a trip in and out of the shower.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe was enjoying her coffee-flavored chocolate while she waited for her companions to order. Nic seemed pretty interested in Dani's boss, for whatever reason, and she found his question slightly odd, but didn't comment - partly as it was none of her concern, and partly because she'd just taken a sip of her drink.
"I'm only asking because I will either be meeting with him soon, or will be receiving instructions from him, through Kem, I assume...and was curious about what I might expect."
What she hadn't swallowed was suddenly, forcibly, inhaled. That led to a violent coughing fit and near-loss of her muffin, which she just barely managed to hang onto. She didn't notice Fatty, but she imagined the dog might have been rooting for the muffin to win that one.
"I'm sorry," she gasped, her voice muffled as she tried to cover her mouth with her napkin. "I could have sworn you just said... oh, nevermind! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt."
Inwardly she cheered. Outwardly she regarded her drink as one might a fly in one's soup. Her mind whirled. Kem was here in Nachton, Nic had confirmed that. And, whatever he was doing to himself, he was still around at least. The twin urges to track him down and smack him, or track him down and kiss him warred within her.
Well, so much for plan "cool and confident," she thought to herself. Aishe's face was bright red, she was sure, even under its natural tan. She composed herself with as much dignity as she could muster and feigned indifference, fighting down the desire to shake Nic until he gave her every bit of information he had on Kem.
"I'm only asking because I will either be meeting with him soon, or will be receiving instructions from him, through Kem, I assume...and was curious about what I might expect."
What she hadn't swallowed was suddenly, forcibly, inhaled. That led to a violent coughing fit and near-loss of her muffin, which she just barely managed to hang onto. She didn't notice Fatty, but she imagined the dog might have been rooting for the muffin to win that one.
"I'm sorry," she gasped, her voice muffled as she tried to cover her mouth with her napkin. "I could have sworn you just said... oh, nevermind! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt."
Inwardly she cheered. Outwardly she regarded her drink as one might a fly in one's soup. Her mind whirled. Kem was here in Nachton, Nic had confirmed that. And, whatever he was doing to himself, he was still around at least. The twin urges to track him down and smack him, or track him down and kiss him warred within her.
Well, so much for plan "cool and confident," she thought to herself. Aishe's face was bright red, she was sure, even under its natural tan. She composed herself with as much dignity as she could muster and feigned indifference, fighting down the desire to shake Nic until he gave her every bit of information he had on Kem.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Being the gallant young man he'd been raised to be, Nic immeditately moved closer to Aishe, wondering if he'd need to use the Heimlich manuever that he'd learned so many years ago, but never had the reason to practice before. He patted her back softly, and retreated a bit when he saw she was okay...though he still had to ask.
"You alright...did it go down the wrong pipe?"
And he was now also curious as to what he might have said to set her off like that.
Was it talk of Arin...maybe she had heard that he wasn't a patient or forgiving person, and that's what made her choke...
"What did you think I'd said? Do you know Arin well?"
He eyed her with interest, and a little concern.
"You alright...did it go down the wrong pipe?"
And he was now also curious as to what he might have said to set her off like that.
Was it talk of Arin...maybe she had heard that he wasn't a patient or forgiving person, and that's what made her choke...
"What did you think I'd said? Do you know Arin well?"
He eyed her with interest, and a little concern.
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani blinked in surprise at Nic’s query, taking a calming sip of her coffee while she mused and listened to him explain. She supposed it was not so out of the ordinary to want to know and she couldn’t help but be pleased he had asked in such a respectful way. Some people seemed to think they were above treating Arin as the highly moral and dignified man that he was just because he appeared so young, younger than herself even but Nic seemed to want her honest opinion rather than drawing assumptions and that was pleasant.
“Certainly he’s a fair…”
That was as far as Dani got before Aishe went into a coughing fit. Helpful Fatty immediately waddled over to her, apparently interested in the chocolate chip muffin, while Nic made himself useful patting Aishe’s back.
Poor Aishe certainly seemed agitated and Dani wondered if it was the mention of Arin or the talk of Kem that had set her off. She certainly didn’t seem unhappy with Arin at the ball and Dani remembered that Kem was a friend of hers.
“It’s perfectly okay, goodness, don’t be sorry.”
Seeing that this conversation was quickly becoming complicated with the who knows who circles, she felt it best to wait before firing off more questions, though it was tempting to draw a venn diagram or something just to get them all straightened out..
“Certainly he’s a fair…”
That was as far as Dani got before Aishe went into a coughing fit. Helpful Fatty immediately waddled over to her, apparently interested in the chocolate chip muffin, while Nic made himself useful patting Aishe’s back.
Poor Aishe certainly seemed agitated and Dani wondered if it was the mention of Arin or the talk of Kem that had set her off. She certainly didn’t seem unhappy with Arin at the ball and Dani remembered that Kem was a friend of hers.
“It’s perfectly okay, goodness, don’t be sorry.”
Seeing that this conversation was quickly becoming complicated with the who knows who circles, she felt it best to wait before firing off more questions, though it was tempting to draw a venn diagram or something just to get them all straightened out..
Aishe
18 years ago
More than a little embarrassed, Aishe closed her eyes and took a nice, deep breath. When she opened them again to two concerned faces, she cleared her throat experimentally.
"I'm sorry," she said again, unneccessarily. "I actually have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bjorn recently although no, I don't know him well. He was incredibly kind. And very fair," she added, as that part seemed to be of some concern to Nic.
There, perhaps that would do to help cover up her blunder. More than likely not, but it was the best she could do. She managed a wan smile at the other two and moved aside as more customers approached the counter of the coffeeshop.
"Let's move outside," she suggested. "Fatty is obviously dying to go for a run."
She said it with light humor, but she did glance hopefully down as if the little animal might do the her favor of sprouting wings and drawing the attention away from her.
"I'm sorry," she said again, unneccessarily. "I actually have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bjorn recently although no, I don't know him well. He was incredibly kind. And very fair," she added, as that part seemed to be of some concern to Nic.
There, perhaps that would do to help cover up her blunder. More than likely not, but it was the best she could do. She managed a wan smile at the other two and moved aside as more customers approached the counter of the coffeeshop.
"Let's move outside," she suggested. "Fatty is obviously dying to go for a run."
She said it with light humor, but she did glance hopefully down as if the little animal might do the her favor of sprouting wings and drawing the attention away from her.
Nicholae
18 years ago
So okay...Nic thought she seemed to be keeping something back, but then that was totally her prerogative. They barely knew each other, and she didn't owe him anything. But her reaction didn't seem to follow hearing the name of someone she barely knew.
He also thought it a bit unusual for Aishe to know that Dani's dog needed a run, when Dani hadn't mentioned anything. And while Nic might not be terribly bright in most things, he had figured out something was amiss with Ms. Aishe, real quick.
When she mentioned going outside, he merely smiled and nodded, and kept a pace behind the ladies, as if he were providing some measure of protection for them. He knew that was a complete facade, having seen how respectable the mall was, and no signs of any hooligans, but it just made him feel as if he had some importance there.
As they neared the doors outside, he tossed his now empty cup into a waiting trash barrel, and followed along.
He also thought it a bit unusual for Aishe to know that Dani's dog needed a run, when Dani hadn't mentioned anything. And while Nic might not be terribly bright in most things, he had figured out something was amiss with Ms. Aishe, real quick.
When she mentioned going outside, he merely smiled and nodded, and kept a pace behind the ladies, as if he were providing some measure of protection for them. He knew that was a complete facade, having seen how respectable the mall was, and no signs of any hooligans, but it just made him feel as if he had some importance there.
As they neared the doors outside, he tossed his now empty cup into a waiting trash barrel, and followed along.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe made a beeline for the nearest store she'd seen that would probably have the kind of clothes she wanted. Fortunately, she'd deflected her surprise well enough that perhaps her new friends might think it had been the mention of Arin's name that had surprised her, not Kem's.
She frowned to herself. It wouldn't hurt her to talk to Dani and Nic, would it? She was cautious because she didn't know Nic very well, but he had obviously met Kem recently. That alone aroused her curiosity.
Aishe shook her head slightly to herself. She didn't want to alienate anyone by thrusting her personal problems on them. She shot Nic an apologetic glance over her shoulder; she hadn't meant to offend him.
Entering the store, leaving her empty cup in the trash outside, she noted with satisfaction that they not only had a decent selection of workout clothes, but what appeared to be some comfy PJ's on a rack on the back wall as well.
She wasn't, as she'd noted before, a picky shopper. She didn't take long to find a pair of sweats in deep green with a matching green tanktop. Picking out a medium, she held it up to herself and turned.
"Decent?"
She felt bad for being somewhat distracted now, but she was trying to figure out a way to broach the topic again without really being awkward, or having to divulge her entire story. It sounded like her problem and Nic's had treaded the same road for a while. Still, it wasn't her business to pry, really.
She frowned to herself. It wouldn't hurt her to talk to Dani and Nic, would it? She was cautious because she didn't know Nic very well, but he had obviously met Kem recently. That alone aroused her curiosity.
Aishe shook her head slightly to herself. She didn't want to alienate anyone by thrusting her personal problems on them. She shot Nic an apologetic glance over her shoulder; she hadn't meant to offend him.
Entering the store, leaving her empty cup in the trash outside, she noted with satisfaction that they not only had a decent selection of workout clothes, but what appeared to be some comfy PJ's on a rack on the back wall as well.
She wasn't, as she'd noted before, a picky shopper. She didn't take long to find a pair of sweats in deep green with a matching green tanktop. Picking out a medium, she held it up to herself and turned.
"Decent?"
She felt bad for being somewhat distracted now, but she was trying to figure out a way to broach the topic again without really being awkward, or having to divulge her entire story. It sounded like her problem and Nic's had treaded the same road for a while. Still, it wasn't her business to pry, really.
Nicholae
18 years ago
As they made their way into the first store, Nic could see he'd be watching the ladies here...there wasn't a thing he could see of interest for himself. But he didn't mind at all. He'd much rather have a legitimate reason for checking out Dani and Aishe.
When Aishe held up the first outfit of some soft green looking material, he grinned. It really made the green of her eyes appear that much deeper, though he doubted for sleepwear that would matter much.
"More than decent. Your green eyes really shine in that outfit."
And with her dark hair and skin...she really looked quite incredible.
"You have a good sense of your colors."
Nic chuckled and hoped he didn't sound like a fop.
When Aishe held up the first outfit of some soft green looking material, he grinned. It really made the green of her eyes appear that much deeper, though he doubted for sleepwear that would matter much.
"More than decent. Your green eyes really shine in that outfit."
And with her dark hair and skin...she really looked quite incredible.
"You have a good sense of your colors."
Nic chuckled and hoped he didn't sound like a fop.
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani pulled a little face and looked down at Fatty, mentally shrugging as Aishe effectively ended the conversation and set off for the nearest clothing store. She gave Nic a ‘did we say something’ look before tugging Fatty along. She stopped before entering the store to toss her latte, though she gave a quick look around and opened the cup for Fatty to have a taste first.
Just a little taste.
Boy but she spoiled that dog.
Seeing that her party was occupied with shopping, she stepped up to see the piece in question.
“Yeah, definitely works.”
She turned to Nic, asking in an openly curious tone.
“So you’re friends with Kem too?”
It was, to Dani, an interesting coincidence that they all happened to have Kem in common, though to varying degrees. She didn't know the Egyptian well, more by name than anything else though he was a pal of Arin's. Kem wasn't really known for liking the towers overly much, after all. Still, it was kind of nice when you were new to town to meets some friends of a friend at least and she thought it might be good to ask.
Just a little taste.
Boy but she spoiled that dog.
Seeing that her party was occupied with shopping, she stepped up to see the piece in question.
“Yeah, definitely works.”
She turned to Nic, asking in an openly curious tone.
“So you’re friends with Kem too?”
It was, to Dani, an interesting coincidence that they all happened to have Kem in common, though to varying degrees. She didn't know the Egyptian well, more by name than anything else though he was a pal of Arin's. Kem wasn't really known for liking the towers overly much, after all. Still, it was kind of nice when you were new to town to meets some friends of a friend at least and she thought it might be good to ask.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Dani's question turned Nic from admiring Aishe. He nodded and looked thoughtfully.
"Friend? Maybe some day, but for now he's my godsend...my liaison to Arin, I suppose.
When I arrived at the Towers, Kem was the one who introduced me to MARI, and indoctrinated me to the towers. He heard my story, suggested I move in, and was quite helpful, and supportive."
Nic skipped over the part about Kem telling him he was as good as dead, preferring to think the statement had been a joke. Though Nic knew after seeing Ellis that one time, Kem had spoken from knowledge he had of Ellis. Whether first hand or hearsay...Nic believed it.
As he was talking to Dani, Nic glanced at Aishe, to see if what he was saying about Kem was something she found interesting.
"Friend? Maybe some day, but for now he's my godsend...my liaison to Arin, I suppose.
When I arrived at the Towers, Kem was the one who introduced me to MARI, and indoctrinated me to the towers. He heard my story, suggested I move in, and was quite helpful, and supportive."
Nic skipped over the part about Kem telling him he was as good as dead, preferring to think the statement had been a joke. Though Nic knew after seeing Ellis that one time, Kem had spoken from knowledge he had of Ellis. Whether first hand or hearsay...Nic believed it.
As he was talking to Dani, Nic glanced at Aishe, to see if what he was saying about Kem was something she found interesting.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe put the green sweatsuit over her arm and moved further back into the store to check out the selection of fuzzy PJs as well. Pants and a tanktop or a tee were her usual choice for sleepwear, and these seemed to fit the bill. There were a bunch of different colors and patterns, and it didn't take her long to pick out a pair in purple and another in blue.
While she sorted through them though, she thought of a way to contribute to the discussion without divulging her life's story. When Nic mentioned how he'd met Kem, she had to smile.
"Typical,"Â? she said. "Kem's a good guy."Â? She looked up at them both. "I met him last year in Egypt, actually. I was there on a dig and he was visiting. We kept bumping into each other, and we ended up talking a lot, since we had so much in common."Â? She waved her hand up at her face, acknowledging her features. Even if one didn't know enough to pick out the fact that she was Egyptian by descent, it was obvious at least that her people were from somewhere around the middle east. The same could be said for Kem, although his features were different from hers, more classically Egyptian, and it was easy to overlook those at first with his odd hair and eyes.
"I haven't seen him in a while,"Â? Aishe admitted. "A few weeks now. I was getting worried."Â?
She just didn't want to go too much into detail here in the middle of the store, really, so she left it at that. As she approached the counter to pay for her clothes, however, she couldn't resist turning to Nic once more. Nic had only just met Kem, so he had no basis for comparison, but she had to ask.
"How was he?"Â?
Signing her charge slip, she grabbed the bag with her new clothes in it and peered into it to make sure nothing had been forgotten.
"Well that was really all the important stuff for me. Where did you need to stop, Dani?"Â?
While she sorted through them though, she thought of a way to contribute to the discussion without divulging her life's story. When Nic mentioned how he'd met Kem, she had to smile.
"Typical,"Â? she said. "Kem's a good guy."Â? She looked up at them both. "I met him last year in Egypt, actually. I was there on a dig and he was visiting. We kept bumping into each other, and we ended up talking a lot, since we had so much in common."Â? She waved her hand up at her face, acknowledging her features. Even if one didn't know enough to pick out the fact that she was Egyptian by descent, it was obvious at least that her people were from somewhere around the middle east. The same could be said for Kem, although his features were different from hers, more classically Egyptian, and it was easy to overlook those at first with his odd hair and eyes.
"I haven't seen him in a while,"Â? Aishe admitted. "A few weeks now. I was getting worried."Â?
She just didn't want to go too much into detail here in the middle of the store, really, so she left it at that. As she approached the counter to pay for her clothes, however, she couldn't resist turning to Nic once more. Nic had only just met Kem, so he had no basis for comparison, but she had to ask.
"How was he?"Â?
Signing her charge slip, she grabbed the bag with her new clothes in it and peered into it to make sure nothing had been forgotten.
"Well that was really all the important stuff for me. Where did you need to stop, Dani?"Â?
Nicholae
18 years ago
Nic was still puzzled. So Aishe knew Kem..and was concerned about him...her reaction to hearing his name still seemed a bit strong, as was her pretending otherwise.
But again Nic let his interest go. It was obvious Kem meant a great deal to Aishe, or she wouldn't have pursued the subject. Nic had no reason to wonder or care why.
"He seemed fine, though possibly a bit out of shape? I get that he doesn't like heights, but he seemed to have difficulty with the stairs...mor than with the height. And elevators..."
Nic chuckled.
"Well you must know how he feels about them. But over all...he seemed fine...really."
Without thinking, as it was a natural action for him to take, Nic gave Aishe's shoulder a soft squeeze of comfort, and reassurace.
"Really."
He resumed his place behind the ladies as they discussed where they wanted to go next.
But again Nic let his interest go. It was obvious Kem meant a great deal to Aishe, or she wouldn't have pursued the subject. Nic had no reason to wonder or care why.
"He seemed fine, though possibly a bit out of shape? I get that he doesn't like heights, but he seemed to have difficulty with the stairs...mor than with the height. And elevators..."
Nic chuckled.
"Well you must know how he feels about them. But over all...he seemed fine...really."
Without thinking, as it was a natural action for him to take, Nic gave Aishe's shoulder a soft squeeze of comfort, and reassurace.
"Really."
He resumed his place behind the ladies as they discussed where they wanted to go next.
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani grinned as Nic gave his accounting, thinking that was awful good of Kem to do. They really were lucky to have such a nice guy in Evenhet. It seemed that he had been getting around as of late and Dani wondered if Kem was still in town.
She wondered if Aishe’s concern was that for a colleague or something more and she found she was privately rooting for the latter. Kem’s got a girlfriend! How cute! There was, however, no reason to suspect that long nights spent in Egypt overlooking the Nile would lead to anything romantic.
Okay her imagination was clearly getting the better of her.
Somewhat surprised that Aishe was done to soon, considering how long she herself usually ended up taking with such expeditions, she led the way out of the store, listening to the conversation going back and forth.
“Oh yeah, hates the heights, that one. This isn’t his favorite place in the world from what I know.”
Pointing ahead of her to the stationary store, she turned back to her company.
“Mind if we swing by here quick?”
She wondered if Aishe’s concern was that for a colleague or something more and she found she was privately rooting for the latter. Kem’s got a girlfriend! How cute! There was, however, no reason to suspect that long nights spent in Egypt overlooking the Nile would lead to anything romantic.
Okay her imagination was clearly getting the better of her.
Somewhat surprised that Aishe was done to soon, considering how long she herself usually ended up taking with such expeditions, she led the way out of the store, listening to the conversation going back and forth.
“Oh yeah, hates the heights, that one. This isn’t his favorite place in the world from what I know.”
Pointing ahead of her to the stationary store, she turned back to her company.
“Mind if we swing by here quick?”
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe smiled at Nic, grateful for the reassurance, although inside it did little good. She knew Kem, had taken a long time to get to know him. He wouldn't have given anything away to a stranger, let alone someone with problems of his own as Nic seemed to be experiencing. No, Kem would have offered to help out because it was the right thing to do, and more importantly, the polite thing to do.
Of course, Dani would know about that too. Aishe finally chuckled, giving in to both testaments to Kem's fear of heights. Giving a little wink at them both, she said, "Remind me to tell you both about one of our more unfortunate visits to the pyramids at Giza sometime."Â?
Aishe saw that the store in question seemed to carry all kinds of stationery. "Ooh, not a bit,"Â? she exclaimed. "I told my folks I'd write. I suspect it'd do me good to come through on that. Hey, post cards!"Â?
Aishe was perfectly happy to browse through the post cards while Dani made her selections. They counted as writing, didn't they? Or something close to it? Her mind wandered a bit as she found some beautiful post cards with pictures of the towers on them. Picking a few out for family and friends, she paid for them and decided to see if Fatty was amenable to being petted some more. She was a sucker for animals.
"You must know how he feels about them. But over all...he seemed fine...really."
Aishe smiled at Nic, grateful for the reassurance, although inside it did little good. She knew Kem, had taken a long time to get to know him. He wouldn't have given anything away to a stranger, let alone someone with problems of his own as Nic seemed to be experiencing. No, Kem would have offered to help out because it was the right thing to do, and more importantly, the polite thing to do.
"Oh yeah, hates the heights, that one. This isn't his favorite place in the world from what I know."Â?
Of course, Dani would know about that too. Aishe finally chuckled, giving in to both testaments to Kem's fear of heights. Giving a little wink at them both, she said, "Remind me to tell you both about one of our more unfortunate visits to the pyramids at Giza sometime."Â?
"Mind if we swing by here quick?"Â?
Aishe saw that the store in question seemed to carry all kinds of stationery. "Ooh, not a bit,"Â? she exclaimed. "I told my folks I'd write. I suspect it'd do me good to come through on that. Hey, post cards!"Â?
Aishe was perfectly happy to browse through the post cards while Dani made her selections. They counted as writing, didn't they? Or something close to it? Her mind wandered a bit as she found some beautiful post cards with pictures of the towers on them. Picking a few out for family and friends, she paid for them and decided to see if Fatty was amenable to being petted some more. She was a sucker for animals.
Nicholae
18 years ago
If nothing else, Nic seemed like he'd accomplished something tonight. At least now Aishe could relax some about her friend...though he was beginning to wonder if she and Kem were just friends.
However, friends or not, Nic now also knew Aishe was human. If she still had parents to correspond with, chances were next to none that they too were vampires.
Standing in the large doorway, he leaned against the jamb, arms folded across his chest, and watched as the ladies looked through the goods. The view was fine from where he stood, and was quite content to just look. He wasn't about to get into anything serious with women from the towers, especially human women. Or, well, until he'd found out whether or not they were anyone's familiars. That was a route he'd learned to stay clear of.
While he stood there, he began scanning the store, and finally something besides the ladies caught his eye. He walked over to a very interesting display of flowers, that appeared to be made in the origami method, but done so well, they appeared carved wood, rather than folded paper. As he examined each one, he noticed there were several of various flowers, but only one of two specific types. One looked to be a blue lotus, or water lily, with it's fine deep lavender petal points aiming upward. The second unique flower was a daisy, though not unique as a flower, this one was an interesting shade of pale green, and something about it made him think of Dani...possibly it's simplicity.
Gingerly picking up each flower, he carried them to the register, as discreetly as he could, and paid for them. Once he held them in a bag, he returned to the doorway, and resumed his earlier stance.
However, friends or not, Nic now also knew Aishe was human. If she still had parents to correspond with, chances were next to none that they too were vampires.
Standing in the large doorway, he leaned against the jamb, arms folded across his chest, and watched as the ladies looked through the goods. The view was fine from where he stood, and was quite content to just look. He wasn't about to get into anything serious with women from the towers, especially human women. Or, well, until he'd found out whether or not they were anyone's familiars. That was a route he'd learned to stay clear of.
While he stood there, he began scanning the store, and finally something besides the ladies caught his eye. He walked over to a very interesting display of flowers, that appeared to be made in the origami method, but done so well, they appeared carved wood, rather than folded paper. As he examined each one, he noticed there were several of various flowers, but only one of two specific types. One looked to be a blue lotus, or water lily, with it's fine deep lavender petal points aiming upward. The second unique flower was a daisy, though not unique as a flower, this one was an interesting shade of pale green, and something about it made him think of Dani...possibly it's simplicity.
Gingerly picking up each flower, he carried them to the register, as discreetly as he could, and paid for them. Once he held them in a bag, he returned to the doorway, and resumed his earlier stance.
Pakpao
18 years ago
Pak was currently snarling at anything and everything; it was one of those days where a black cloud had descended. She was libel to shoot first and ask questions later. She was used to it, not comfortable with it but used to it. With any luck, it would only last a day maybe two.
She'd destroyed the last of her paper and right now, the folding was the only thing keeping her from going completely mad. She'd practically thrown a few new packages of paper at the clerk but half smiled in apology. She knew it wasn't anyone's fault she was pissed.
Although she'd intended to leave the store and lock herself back up in her rooms, she saw the flowers this guy had purchased. Unable to keep her opinions to herself...
"Over priced you know."Â?
She'd destroyed the last of her paper and right now, the folding was the only thing keeping her from going completely mad. She'd practically thrown a few new packages of paper at the clerk but half smiled in apology. She knew it wasn't anyone's fault she was pissed.
Although she'd intended to leave the store and lock herself back up in her rooms, she saw the flowers this guy had purchased. Unable to keep her opinions to herself...
"Over priced you know."Â?
Nicholae
18 years ago
And Nic's odds just got better. The more women he came in contact with, the more he'd get to know...the more he got to know, the better his chances. Though he had nothing against monogamy, or commitment, he'd never found 'her'. So, until he did, he considered himself a completely free agent with the ladies.
"Oh? Well, they are gifts, and as such I'm not overly concerned. But, how is it you know this? They seem to be made very well, and are quite lovely."
And in truth, their cost was minimal in his mind.
"Oh? Well, they are gifts, and as such I'm not overly concerned. But, how is it you know this? They seem to be made very well, and are quite lovely."
And in truth, their cost was minimal in his mind.
Pakpao
18 years ago
“First date?”
It was half snap half joke. She’d literally had to bite her tongue to get herself to shut up. She was still a little sore about various people from other clans interrupting. And what a mood killer –that- had been. Oh great, one more thing to upset her. There was much mental grumbling and a serious effort to pull herself back.
Hoping to hide the mental and emotional gymnastics she studied the flowers more closely. Nope she was standing by her original opinion.
“I’ve folded for years, I guess it's just too easy to spot the flaws.”
She shrugged, it didn’t matter beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.
It was half snap half joke. She’d literally had to bite her tongue to get herself to shut up. She was still a little sore about various people from other clans interrupting. And what a mood killer –that- had been. Oh great, one more thing to upset her. There was much mental grumbling and a serious effort to pull herself back.
Hoping to hide the mental and emotional gymnastics she studied the flowers more closely. Nope she was standing by her original opinion.
“I’ve folded for years, I guess it's just too easy to spot the flaws.”
She shrugged, it didn’t matter beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe couldn't tell from around the racks of stationery, but it looked like Nic had engaged someone in conversation. She was instantly curious, mainly since meeting people was her primary reason for being here. Wondering if they'd mind her barging in, she peered around a display.
There was too much stuff in the way to see either of the two clearly, so with a shrug to herself she simply approached them with a smile, her bags on one arm and her purse over the other shoulder.
There was too much stuff in the way to see either of the two clearly, so with a shrug to herself she simply approached them with a smile, her bags on one arm and her purse over the other shoulder.
Nicholae
18 years ago
It seemed to Nic that this woman was more than a little critical, not to mention rude.
"While I appreciate your candor, I'd appreciate it even more if you'd cease your advice. I purchased these for the ladies I'm with, and would rather they not hear someone calling them 'inferior'."
Of course she was entitled to her opinion; however, he'd not solicited it, and he doubted many would take kindly to being told they'd pretty much just wasted their money on something.
He hoped Aishe hadn't heard the exchange, but couldn't do anything about it either way, at this point. In the hopes of stifling any further comments from the new comer, Nic handed Aishe the blue lotus as she approached.
"A lovely flower for a lovely lady."
And he removed the small oragami flower, and presented it.
"While I appreciate your candor, I'd appreciate it even more if you'd cease your advice. I purchased these for the ladies I'm with, and would rather they not hear someone calling them 'inferior'."
Of course she was entitled to her opinion; however, he'd not solicited it, and he doubted many would take kindly to being told they'd pretty much just wasted their money on something.
He hoped Aishe hadn't heard the exchange, but couldn't do anything about it either way, at this point. In the hopes of stifling any further comments from the new comer, Nic handed Aishe the blue lotus as she approached.
"A lovely flower for a lovely lady."
And he removed the small oragami flower, and presented it.