Bao quietly made note to get Claire some chocolate for Christmas to go along with whatever else he finally settled on, since she seemed to enjoy it. He did hope it wasn't restricted to hot chocolate though. As she hugged him Bao considered that it was a good thing one of them was demonstrative or they'd never know the other was interested. He lightly hugged her back and for a second thought of all the things one could do with chocolate, other than eat it or some of the more interesting ways it could be eaten.
Fortunately she said something before his thoughts could get too carried away.
"They pay you?" He said with disbelief. "I believe I shall have to talk to Morrigan."
The sales girl was not at -all- what he had expected and left Bao in stunned silence. The place had looked so traditional and respectable from the outside. He couldn't help but stare at her for a moment and think that her suit would look a great deal better in a more reserved color.
Wrinkling his nose at the charm and chunky bead bracelets, they simply didn't suit his taste. He hoped they wouldn't suit Mara either, but even when you'd known someone for centuries you still could make errors in judgment when it came to style and taste.
"Nothing loose, or that dangles. A cuff or a bangle. Silver. Perhaps something vintage or vintage inspired the 1920s or 1940s."
As he recalled the late teens or early twenties there had been quite the revival of interest in all things Egyptian. It might be possible to find something with an art deco flair yet Egyptian inspired. That seemed right to him.
Tis what season? (Attn:Bao)
Claire smiled at the reflection in the mirror. Today she was looking more like herself, although Jacqueline had taught her the appeal of modern clothing for many occasions. The long empire waisted regency dress was a gauzy red chiffon over an inner more opaque satin layer. The trim was a beautiful gold brocade along the bust line and around the little caplet sleeves. Her blond hair was smoothed straight, curling inward to frame her face. She had a red velvet santa hat to top off the festive affair. Her white wool long overcoat and brown fur muff were laid out on a nearby chair.
She had her list. Claire looked to make sure she had everyone on it that she needed a present for, other than Bao. He was coming with her so she would have to acquire his present at a later date.
There were a couple of large canvas bags and a little fold out luggage trolley that she had ready to take with them as well. It would save them having to carry home a load of plastic bags and the canvas totes would keep unfortunate accidents from happening. They were both strong enough to carry anything that they might find but unwieldy items were still awkward whether you had the strength of an immortal or not.
There was a quiet knock her on her door and Claire hurried to answer it. She hoped that Bao had his list ready but ,from his puzzled tone when she had asked, he did not seem overly certain why she wanted him to accompany her on a shopping trip. His work seemed to have him particularly busy and a touch more stressed than usual. Claire wasn't entirely sure that he was aware that the holiday season was upon them. Thankfully he seemed willing to get out of his office and humor her shopping request.
((OOC: The beginning of this thread takes place in Claire's apartment at the Manor. Hopefully everything looks okay. Bao's puzzlement per his writer's thoughts on the shopping subject. ))
Bao
11 years ago
Claire
11 years ago
Claire laughed and tried her best to look mysterious at Bao, which was very difficult when he was being so charming. "Indeed. You should get a Holiday bonus at the very least.â€
They spoke to the saleswoman who turned out to be the owner of the small store and the creator of the jewelry inside it. The young lady must be talented to be able to afford such prime real estate on the main strip in Nachton. And since she was the owner, she could look as festive as she pleased.
She bit her lip to keep from smiling at Bao's reaction to the mention of charm bracelets, thinking his expression was not nearly so wooden as people believed. You just had to watch closely. He was very handsome; she had no trouble at all with watching closely.
The woman listened to his request for something with no dangling bits and blinked. Claire helpfully supplied a reason. "Our friend works in a hospital. The children's ward, babies like to grab dangling things. It is likely that she won't wear it at work but we want to give her something that would not cause her problems if she did.†She smiled sweetly at the woman and then turned to nod at Bao, hoping the ready lie suited their needs.
"Ah, I see.†The saleswoman smiled brightly. "That is very thoughtful of you and it makes sense.†She hurried over to one of the cases and then ran around behind it. "Let me see...†She looked through the jewelry and then pulled something out. " I will be right back.†The brightly clad woman took the bracelet and shut the case before disappearing into the back.
Claire turned and raised her eyebrows at Bao. "Well it sounds like she might have something.†She brushed a hand affectionately along his cheek, smiling into his dark eyes. They were alone in the store for the moment and it was very tempting to lean in for another kiss.
However, they were here on a mission and the saleswoman wouldn't leave them alone for long. She turned and looked around at the other jewelry. It was all very beautiful and much of it was unique. Claire could tell that the woman arranged each case with the inspiration that struck her at the time she created the collection. It would be very helpful for those who wanted a complete look or a husband who needed something else to get his wife who already had a necklace from the store.
"Oh that is lovely.†Claire stopped at one of the cases and looked down at the jewelry inside. It was not especially expensive compared to many other things in the store but she loved the colours. Inside there was enamel and silver jewelry in a variety of hues. Most were small leaves or petals, each delicate piece attached to the next in a dainty collar length necklace or bracelet. There were single leaf earrings and some with leaves falling in dangles that would swing nicely. She loved the vivid blue leaves the best but there was also bright autumn oranges and reds, some delicate pink petals, spring green leaves and a deep burgundy wine set as well. The case looked as though someone forgot to rake up the leaves. In fact the bottom of the display had a liner that looked like grass and the pieces were laid out on miniature hay bales. There was even a tiny rake in the corner.
She looked up when the saleswoman came hurrying back in. "I think I've found some things you might like.†She set out three on the table. One was a delicate swirl of wire and decoration that looped in and around itself many times, scattered among the swirls were deep lapis stones. The next was a solid looking bangle that was completely silver with flowers and loops etched along its surface. Claire had seen many that looked much like it during the 1920's but the looping fluid vine design was modern. The third bracelet was also a thick cuff but this one was flat and wide instead of rounded. It had lines of tiny designs worked in rows along its surface. Toward the center were three thin rows of stones. The outer ones looked to be a red jasper and then after, more silver design work to separate them, there was a center row of lapis. The saleswoman looked down at the piece and touched the little marks. "I could of used turquoise I suppose. People seem to want that more with silver here but I wanted this piece to look Egyptian and not Native American." Claire took a closer look at the little designs etched into the silver and noticed that they were hieroglyphs.
"Using gold would have made the distinction.†She murmured absently as she looked at the lines across the bracelet. They were familiar but she did not read hieroglyphs. Claire turned to Bao and raised her eyebrows in silent question. It would probably be wise to know whether they were getting Mara something that had ancient graffiti written on it. She might not read the language but there was no doubt their intended owner would be able to.
They spoke to the saleswoman who turned out to be the owner of the small store and the creator of the jewelry inside it. The young lady must be talented to be able to afford such prime real estate on the main strip in Nachton. And since she was the owner, she could look as festive as she pleased.
She bit her lip to keep from smiling at Bao's reaction to the mention of charm bracelets, thinking his expression was not nearly so wooden as people believed. You just had to watch closely. He was very handsome; she had no trouble at all with watching closely.
The woman listened to his request for something with no dangling bits and blinked. Claire helpfully supplied a reason. "Our friend works in a hospital. The children's ward, babies like to grab dangling things. It is likely that she won't wear it at work but we want to give her something that would not cause her problems if she did.†She smiled sweetly at the woman and then turned to nod at Bao, hoping the ready lie suited their needs.
"Ah, I see.†The saleswoman smiled brightly. "That is very thoughtful of you and it makes sense.†She hurried over to one of the cases and then ran around behind it. "Let me see...†She looked through the jewelry and then pulled something out. " I will be right back.†The brightly clad woman took the bracelet and shut the case before disappearing into the back.
Claire turned and raised her eyebrows at Bao. "Well it sounds like she might have something.†She brushed a hand affectionately along his cheek, smiling into his dark eyes. They were alone in the store for the moment and it was very tempting to lean in for another kiss.
However, they were here on a mission and the saleswoman wouldn't leave them alone for long. She turned and looked around at the other jewelry. It was all very beautiful and much of it was unique. Claire could tell that the woman arranged each case with the inspiration that struck her at the time she created the collection. It would be very helpful for those who wanted a complete look or a husband who needed something else to get his wife who already had a necklace from the store.
"Oh that is lovely.†Claire stopped at one of the cases and looked down at the jewelry inside. It was not especially expensive compared to many other things in the store but she loved the colours. Inside there was enamel and silver jewelry in a variety of hues. Most were small leaves or petals, each delicate piece attached to the next in a dainty collar length necklace or bracelet. There were single leaf earrings and some with leaves falling in dangles that would swing nicely. She loved the vivid blue leaves the best but there was also bright autumn oranges and reds, some delicate pink petals, spring green leaves and a deep burgundy wine set as well. The case looked as though someone forgot to rake up the leaves. In fact the bottom of the display had a liner that looked like grass and the pieces were laid out on miniature hay bales. There was even a tiny rake in the corner.
She looked up when the saleswoman came hurrying back in. "I think I've found some things you might like.†She set out three on the table. One was a delicate swirl of wire and decoration that looped in and around itself many times, scattered among the swirls were deep lapis stones. The next was a solid looking bangle that was completely silver with flowers and loops etched along its surface. Claire had seen many that looked much like it during the 1920's but the looping fluid vine design was modern. The third bracelet was also a thick cuff but this one was flat and wide instead of rounded. It had lines of tiny designs worked in rows along its surface. Toward the center were three thin rows of stones. The outer ones looked to be a red jasper and then after, more silver design work to separate them, there was a center row of lapis. The saleswoman looked down at the piece and touched the little marks. "I could of used turquoise I suppose. People seem to want that more with silver here but I wanted this piece to look Egyptian and not Native American." Claire took a closer look at the little designs etched into the silver and noticed that they were hieroglyphs.
"Using gold would have made the distinction.†She murmured absently as she looked at the lines across the bracelet. They were familiar but she did not read hieroglyphs. Claire turned to Bao and raised her eyebrows in silent question. It would probably be wise to know whether they were getting Mara something that had ancient graffiti written on it. She might not read the language but there was no doubt their intended owner would be able to.
Bao
11 years ago
"And how would I know when to expect such a bonus."
Bao answered solemnly. He had, after all, had no idea what time of year it was. Beyond which there was no way of knowing what holiday's Morrigan. They hadn't had an intimate evening discussing cultural preferences over a hot cup of tea.
The quick thinking answer from Claire was something he took in stride. Besides, it was close enough to the truth to be easy to remember.
"I hope she does, judging by the selection here I doubt we will do little better else where."
Almost unconsciously Bao followed Claire as she looked at the other cases. His own eye drifted to larger more sculptural pieces. Things that would be highly impractical to wear on daily basis but certainly made a statement. Some of the pieces he wouldn't have wanted worn at all, if they had been his he would have just displayed them. Although, they would look lovely on Claire.
While not an artist Bao didn't have much trouble modernizing what was arguable Vermeer's most famous work in his head. He mentally rearranged her hair and altered her dress and rather than displaying an earing he picked a necklace made of heavy links. The image made him rather happy.
He was distracted enough that it took Bao a moment to notice that Claire had become rather interested in some enamel pieces. Quietly he leaned over her shoulder to study them. The colors were quite well done and they were all delicately executed. It seemed that they might make a lovely present, but he wasn't sure which would be best. He quite liked the necklace and was fond of the wine colors or the atumn colors.
"Have you picked one out?"
He teased gently. Bao was not a spy, Claire's order was, he suspected that being subtle would only backfire.
When the owner returned he examined the three bracelets quite closely. He was not fond of the first one, they wire, while pretty it was too delicate. The second and third though were very nice.
"No, you were quite wise to opt for the laps. It sets it apart and is certainly less... common."
Bao had plained on saying cliché but decided against the word, just in case it should offer offense. After all there might be similar pieces with turquoise in the back.
He nodded faintly at Claire's comment. But if it had been a gold bracelet they wouldn't be looking at it. He skimmed the hieroglyphics quickly. He was a bit out of practice and would want more time to actually read them but was satisfied that they weren't just a jumble, they did make some sense.
"I think the second one is my favorite. What do you think?"
Without asking or waiting to be invited Bao picked it up to look at it a bit closer. The hieroglyphics were lovely though. He wouldn't take both but wasn't quite certain the middle one was the right choice.
Bao answered solemnly. He had, after all, had no idea what time of year it was. Beyond which there was no way of knowing what holiday's Morrigan. They hadn't had an intimate evening discussing cultural preferences over a hot cup of tea.
The quick thinking answer from Claire was something he took in stride. Besides, it was close enough to the truth to be easy to remember.
"I hope she does, judging by the selection here I doubt we will do little better else where."
Almost unconsciously Bao followed Claire as she looked at the other cases. His own eye drifted to larger more sculptural pieces. Things that would be highly impractical to wear on daily basis but certainly made a statement. Some of the pieces he wouldn't have wanted worn at all, if they had been his he would have just displayed them. Although, they would look lovely on Claire.
While not an artist Bao didn't have much trouble modernizing what was arguable Vermeer's most famous work in his head. He mentally rearranged her hair and altered her dress and rather than displaying an earing he picked a necklace made of heavy links. The image made him rather happy.
He was distracted enough that it took Bao a moment to notice that Claire had become rather interested in some enamel pieces. Quietly he leaned over her shoulder to study them. The colors were quite well done and they were all delicately executed. It seemed that they might make a lovely present, but he wasn't sure which would be best. He quite liked the necklace and was fond of the wine colors or the atumn colors.
"Have you picked one out?"
He teased gently. Bao was not a spy, Claire's order was, he suspected that being subtle would only backfire.
When the owner returned he examined the three bracelets quite closely. He was not fond of the first one, they wire, while pretty it was too delicate. The second and third though were very nice.
"No, you were quite wise to opt for the laps. It sets it apart and is certainly less... common."
Bao had plained on saying cliché but decided against the word, just in case it should offer offense. After all there might be similar pieces with turquoise in the back.
He nodded faintly at Claire's comment. But if it had been a gold bracelet they wouldn't be looking at it. He skimmed the hieroglyphics quickly. He was a bit out of practice and would want more time to actually read them but was satisfied that they weren't just a jumble, they did make some sense.
"I think the second one is my favorite. What do you think?"
Without asking or waiting to be invited Bao picked it up to look at it a bit closer. The hieroglyphics were lovely though. He wouldn't take both but wasn't quite certain the middle one was the right choice.
Claire
11 years ago
Claire smiled at Bao and shook her head. She didn't want him to think she was dropping very unsubtle hints on what he should get her. "I like them though, very bright and cheerful without being too gaudy.†So many things that were bright seemed to be large and eye catching. These little leaves were colourful but dainty. You could wear them without feeling as though your jewelry could be seen from miles away.
She cast a glance at Bao from time to time while he looked over the three bracelets. Claire suspected that he would take picking out Christmas presents very seriously. So far that seemed to be the case. He wanted the right thing for the right person. Nothing half thought out would do, at least not for the people he cared about. Perhaps he gave his minor employees cheese baskets or fruit cakes but he was not here picking something out for a file clerk. He was picking something out for someone he had known for a thousand years.
He looked closely at the lettering and did not seem dismayed by what he saw. However he picked up the middle bracelet and appeared more interested in it.
Nodding, she agreed with his choice, quite pleased that he also thought that one was best. The last cuff with the Egyptian motif seemed the obvious pick and no doubt Mara would like it but the second one seemed more right.
"I agree with you on this one. It will fit nicely.†Snugly "It is solid silver without other decorations so she could wear it with her favorite necklace or something else if it suited her.†Claire smiled. "I like the new design that favors something old.†Her attire probably gave away her love of all things vintage. The flowing vines were modern but the etching was blackened and antiqued to look older and the shape very much spoke of a lovely period in history.
"I can see her dressed to impress in it. It works well with a pair of jeans or an evening gown. Very nice.†Claire smiled up at the woman.
The blond smiled back and then looked at her. "Perhaps you would like to try something on?†She shook her head and said that they were here to Christmas shop for other people.
She cast a glance at Bao from time to time while he looked over the three bracelets. Claire suspected that he would take picking out Christmas presents very seriously. So far that seemed to be the case. He wanted the right thing for the right person. Nothing half thought out would do, at least not for the people he cared about. Perhaps he gave his minor employees cheese baskets or fruit cakes but he was not here picking something out for a file clerk. He was picking something out for someone he had known for a thousand years.
He looked closely at the lettering and did not seem dismayed by what he saw. However he picked up the middle bracelet and appeared more interested in it.
Nodding, she agreed with his choice, quite pleased that he also thought that one was best. The last cuff with the Egyptian motif seemed the obvious pick and no doubt Mara would like it but the second one seemed more right.
"I agree with you on this one. It will fit nicely.†Snugly "It is solid silver without other decorations so she could wear it with her favorite necklace or something else if it suited her.†Claire smiled. "I like the new design that favors something old.†Her attire probably gave away her love of all things vintage. The flowing vines were modern but the etching was blackened and antiqued to look older and the shape very much spoke of a lovely period in history.
"I can see her dressed to impress in it. It works well with a pair of jeans or an evening gown. Very nice.†Claire smiled up at the woman.
The blond smiled back and then looked at her. "Perhaps you would like to try something on?†She shook her head and said that they were here to Christmas shop for other people.
Bao
11 years ago
Bao nodded at her feelings and made a note that anything that he bought for Claire should be delicate if not discreet. Of course, it would have been any way. That just seemed to suit her as opposed to some of these other pieces, which were lovely, but loud or aggressive. Still they were lovely, perhaps he would get one and save it for another occasion.
It was oddly satisfactory to have Claire agree with him. He wasn't purchasing it for her, but if she approved of his taste in this matter it boded well for selecting something for her. It did, however, cross his mind briefly that perhaps jewelry would be a rather presumptuous gift at this stage in the relationship. After a moments thought though he decided that he would rather be presumptuous than allow someone to think that he was not interested in Claire.
"It is quite nice and it should stand the test of time. I'd imagine she can wear it not matter her age."
Bao said in all seriousness, after all he didn't mean it humorously. Claire, however, would understand the irony.
As much as Bao would like to insist that Claire try something one, if he were to purchase something it would spoil the surprise. Instead he simply made sure to get a card along with the receipt so that he could return and look a bit more closely. Given the car the woman took with the store and her merchandise Bao had hopes that she would remember Claire and have an idea what would look good on her.
Taking Claire's arm he took them back out to the street. The temperature was continuing to drop and Bao quietly put his coat around her shoulders.
"Perhaps you would accompany me on New Year's Eve, if you don't have plans already."
Although Bao didn't do much to celebrate Christmas one of his clients within the clan always threw a intimate, very formal and very festive New Year's celebration.
"It is out of town, but we wouldn't have to be gone more than the day."
Her mention of an evening gown had prompted a very sudden and very real desire to see Claire dressed exquisitely. He might even be persuaded to dance a bit if she would come.
It was oddly satisfactory to have Claire agree with him. He wasn't purchasing it for her, but if she approved of his taste in this matter it boded well for selecting something for her. It did, however, cross his mind briefly that perhaps jewelry would be a rather presumptuous gift at this stage in the relationship. After a moments thought though he decided that he would rather be presumptuous than allow someone to think that he was not interested in Claire.
"It is quite nice and it should stand the test of time. I'd imagine she can wear it not matter her age."
Bao said in all seriousness, after all he didn't mean it humorously. Claire, however, would understand the irony.
As much as Bao would like to insist that Claire try something one, if he were to purchase something it would spoil the surprise. Instead he simply made sure to get a card along with the receipt so that he could return and look a bit more closely. Given the car the woman took with the store and her merchandise Bao had hopes that she would remember Claire and have an idea what would look good on her.
Taking Claire's arm he took them back out to the street. The temperature was continuing to drop and Bao quietly put his coat around her shoulders.
"Perhaps you would accompany me on New Year's Eve, if you don't have plans already."
Although Bao didn't do much to celebrate Christmas one of his clients within the clan always threw a intimate, very formal and very festive New Year's celebration.
"It is out of town, but we wouldn't have to be gone more than the day."
Her mention of an evening gown had prompted a very sudden and very real desire to see Claire dressed exquisitely. He might even be persuaded to dance a bit if she would come.
Claire
11 years ago
Yet another gift was gotten and Claire considered what might be next on their list. She believed there was a gallery a few stores down. Perhaps the gallery could tell them where they could find something less tasteful to complete their Christmas joke. At least they were giving good artwork to begin with. Some artists had a sense of humor but others, not so much. It was the same with doctors; however, Claire thought in defense of her profession, that they were thinkers and not always the most creative or socially adept of people.
As they wandered back out into the street again, Bao mentioned a New Year's Eve party and asked if she would be willing to accompany him. "I would be thrilled to go with you, Bao.†She couldn't think of a better way to start 2013.
The rest of the night was spent finding more presents, talking, laughing, and occasionally people watching. It was wonderful and Claire couldn't have been happier with her choice of Christmas shopping companion. She hoped Bao was pleased that he had agreed to join her as well.
Now she just needed to decide what she was going to wear to his party. It might take her the rest of the month to make that decision.
((OOC: Both Out ))
As they wandered back out into the street again, Bao mentioned a New Year's Eve party and asked if she would be willing to accompany him. "I would be thrilled to go with you, Bao.†She couldn't think of a better way to start 2013.
The rest of the night was spent finding more presents, talking, laughing, and occasionally people watching. It was wonderful and Claire couldn't have been happier with her choice of Christmas shopping companion. She hoped Bao was pleased that he had agreed to join her as well.
Now she just needed to decide what she was going to wear to his party. It might take her the rest of the month to make that decision.
((OOC: Both Out ))