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Aug 24, 2007 6:45:33 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 24, 2007 6:45:33 GMT -8
Kade nodded to himself, a bit too proud of what he'd just purchased. A nice little place, down a thin street. It was darker, and most people didn't go down those sideways streets. But, Kade knew from experience that the best shops were the ones down the dark, twisting street. And he was right. After buying his own place, he'd immediately gotten to know those around him. They didn't get much business, but when they did the customer usually bought enough for them to go on. They all sold different things, but all of his neighbors sold things of quality, and often laughed quietly at those who stopped to buy fake reproductions instead of spending the same money for the real thing, be it weapon, or jewelry, or armor, or anything, really. Didn't these people know that a coppersmith could imitate any design? That didn't mean his works were near as good, though. After various introductions, Kade had unpacked his store into the small shack he'd purchased. Thankfully it was just dusty, instead of having any real mess to clean up. And he didn't figure most would mind the dust. Actually, it was somewhat good. It gave the appearance that everything, including his business, had been there for a while. So people would think that, and feel safer about buying from him. It usually worked. He took great care in placing the jewelry he'd made carefully, so that every piece caught the light, and gleamed in contrast to the dust. He also made sure to have it clear which pieces were more valuable than others. He sorted by type, and then by value. Maybe he was too careful. He knew that most people didn't even walk into these stores. But those who did would appreciate his work, that he was sure of. Walking outside, he checked around for about fifteen minutes until he found some one who had the tools he needed to make more jewelry. He bought them, at no small cost, and set that room up in the back of his shop, away from where people could see when in the shop. He would close his shop every sunset, and work on jewelry. Then, every sunrise he would open his shop again. In a place like this, he could still eat while his shop was open. Sleeping might be a problem, but he would manage somehow. A soft smile on Kade's lips, he said "I think perhaps this will work, after all..." And then, he began to wait for a customer.
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L'Arauna
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Aug 24, 2007 13:26:43 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Aug 24, 2007 13:26:43 GMT -8
The bustle of the bazaar was overpowering for L'Arauna. Clutching Zweihander close to her breast, she continued through the main road, finally ducking into a dark side street. Sighing, she slumped along the wall of a shop and closed her eyes, finally free of the bustle. After hearing a quiet whimper from Zweihander, she realized she was clutching him too tightly, and was probably hurting him. "I'm so sorry, Zweihander..." she whispered, getting back onto her feet and beginning to travel down the side street, walking deeper and deeper into the darkness. As she walked, she sang quietly.
"Praise for the high tide... Praise for the seaside... Praise for the sun at high noon... Praise for the lightning... Praise for the singing... Praise the father sun, And sister moon..."
As she finished singing, she remembered how she changed the song so much since she had written it. At first, it was just "Praise for the father sun and sister moon," but, as she traveled on, she added more. Sighing, she continued on until something shiny caught her eye. Turning slightly, she noticed it was the stone from a necklace. Tentatively looking one way, then the other, she stepped in to examine the necklace. Supporting Zweihander with one hand, she slipped the other from the wolf pup to touch the beautiful pendant. A gleaming opal carved in the shape of a wolf's head, with two small gold topaz flanking it. Smiling softly, she looked up. "Excuse me..." she said to the only other person in the store. "Tell me, do you know how much this is?" she asked, her eyes hopeful that the crystals in her pouch would be enough.
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Aug 25, 2007 6:25:27 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 25, 2007 6:25:27 GMT -8
Kade turned upon hearing a voice. A pretty girl holding a wolf. Yeah, he needed more sleep. Deciding to go with this dream upon the small chance that it might actually be real, he nodded. "I know how much every one of these are. I made 'em." Seeing that his customer was... Intent upon buying the thing, he asked softly "How much do you think is a fair price? I really don't care right now. You can have that one." Now, why exactly he did that is perhaps disputable. He ran a business, and he was not accustomed to being so nice to anyone. Ah well, if she was a dream, then she would leave, and if not she had only been given one thing. He definitely, beyond any doubt, needed more sleep. Walking to stand in front of her, Kade presumably towered over the girl and her wolf pup. To think that he'd been the short one in his homeland... Whatever. Anybody who could get him to be nice was either pretty or magical. This girl was, he guessed, both. He could've been wrong, of course, but that didn't mean that he had to know that. "If... If you liked that piece, there's another... Wolf-fashioned piece. It's a bracelet. Made from white gold. An entire wolf, side-profiled running. There are jade stones for the eyes." He spoke in an odd fashion, being tired. It was obvious he was tired. But he hadn't allowed himself much sleep. Tonight, at least, he was going to sleep. He had to, before he gave everything away to the next poor girl and her exotic pet that walked into his shop. Sighing softly, Kade sat down on a window sill, and did his best not to fall asleep. "I'm sorry... I would show you more things, but... I can't concentrate. I've not slept for days, and I just moved in here today." Why did he tell her that? Wasn't the point to look like he'd been here for a while? Right now, talking to this girl was only getting him deeper and deeper into trouble. Not the it showed on his face. No, infact he looked fairly emotionless right now. Slipping back off of the window sill, he smiled a bit. "I hope that you don't mind me asking, but what is your name?" 'Yes, change subjects before you give away your store.' He thought to himself. Gently drumming his fingers on one of the tables, Kade made sure that there wasn't any noise from his actions. Just something to do. Breathing in deeply, because in this place the air was actually safe to breathe, Kade waited, his hand open and holding the bracelet he'd mentioned.
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L'Arauna
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Aug 25, 2007 8:09:09 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Aug 25, 2007 8:09:09 GMT -8
L'Arauna looked up at the man. He was a tad intimidating, for how tall he was compared to she and Zweihander. In her arms, the pup whined and squirmed a bit, obviously as intimidated as his mother. Hearing that she could have the piece for free, L'Arauna's sapphire eyes shone with happiness. "Thank you so much!" she said, gently picking the necklace up with her free hand. After examining the beautiful carving, she gently crouched down to put Zweihander at her feet, then put the necklace on. With another grateful glance at the man, she tucked Zweihander under one arm and reached into the sleeve of her robe. She withdrew a small leather pouch and opened it, dumping the contents on the table. Numerous crystals of all colors. Some were carved to resemble the shapes of animals, others were just waiting to be carved, waiting to take shape. "If this is enough for the necklace and the bracelet, I will pay for them both. I don't feel right taking something so beautiful off of you for free..." she said, gently shifting Zweihander in her arms so he was cradled like a baby.
Then the man decided to ask her name. "My...name?" she asked, looking up at him. "I am L'Arauna. L'Arauna Moonflower Centauri. I've come from a faraway land to find a certain flower. My brother is terribly ill, and this flower is the only known remedy..." And there she was, spilling her secrets all over the floor. Well, that's what happened when she was around...handsome...males like him. "And...may I ask your name, sir?"
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Aug 25, 2007 9:29:02 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 25, 2007 9:29:02 GMT -8
Kade shrugged a bit, picking up the crystals and placing them carefully back into the pouch. He then handed her the pouch back. "When I said it was for free, I meant it." He said, in a kind but firm tone. "And my name is Kade Whitherwind. Feel free to call me Kade." He blinked a bit, noticing that he felt less tired. Maybe this wasn't a dream anyways... Ah well, no sense in trying to sleep, then. "If you've been looking for medicine for your... Brother, a flower, then I'd... Suggest the store across from mine. I know the owner, and he's pretty good with getting different herbs and flowers. Plants, y'know. He might have it, or at least know somebody who does." Acting so kind was just annoying to him. He didn't mind being so nice, just minded that he was now, but not usually. Whatever, there was no harm in being kind to this girl. Actually, he didn't know how old she was but considering he was taller than her he considered her like a child somehow. Anyways, why not be helpful. "I'm glad you appreciate my work, not everyone does." It was true, sadly. Some didn't like his efforts, because they found the work too detailed. Too much myth, and not enough shine. But in truth, his jewelry was beautiful. If you didn't mind not having blinding diamonds all over everything. Softly smiling, he just looked at her, stepping back a bit and looking at the pouch in her hand. "Keep that. You won't want to run out of funding until you find your flower and get back to your brother, right?" He looked down, and said "I could've sworn I'd forgotten something. You have the necklace, and the bracelet. You're missing... Of course." He walked into the back room, and closed the door. Then returned in a minute with a nice, beautifully crafted dagger. The wolf theme again, amazingly intricate and detailed. And the blade was sharp. He handed it to her. "There. Now you have funding, and a good weapon. It's one of the few I've made, don't lose it." He shrugged. Very nice, he was being. Trying to make an excuse, he murmured "First customer gets free stuff," but it was obviously just an excuse.
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L'Arauna
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Aug 25, 2007 11:42:12 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Aug 25, 2007 11:42:12 GMT -8
L'Arauna nodded, shifting Zweihander in her arms again and slipping the pouch back into her voluminous sleeves. The wolf pup wiggled a bit so he was laying his head and front paws over her left shoulder. She used her left arm to keep the little pup close to her. "Well, it certainly is a pleasure to meet you, Kade..." she said. "And, again, I thank you for everything..." As he handed her dagger, she examined the hilt, leather-bound, with a beautiful pommel stone with a howing wolf carved into it. She lightly ran her thumb over the edge, wincing slightly at how sharp it was. She pulled her thumb back and saw that it was indeed bleeding. Oh well... "Tell me, Kade..." she said, examining the beautiful designs on the blade. "Have you crafted a sheath for this blade? I don't think I will be able to carry it without a sheath..."
"Oh, and thank you so much for everything. I appreciate it..." She looked up at him with a glimmer of gratefulness shining in her eyes. Zweihander squirmed around to face Kade, blinking his blue eyes. He whined softly and turned back around. "Well, I think I should check out the place you told me about, then..." she said quietly. She didn't want to leave, but her parents were depending on her to get the Essence of Lumen for Illynar...
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Aug 25, 2007 12:22:47 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 25, 2007 12:22:47 GMT -8
Kade walked into the back room, returning with the sheathe. Nice, but not quite as nice as the blade. Pleasantly understated, showing just how nice the dagger itself was. He handed it to her, along with some cloth. "Your finger's bleeding. Just be glad you don't bleed blue." He shrugged. "People tend to notice, I guess." He smiled a bit, and looked at the sun. Or rather, the lack of sun. "Could... Could I go with you?" He quickly sighed, looking down. "Nevermind, that was stupid of me to ask you." He walked back over, leaning against the back wall of his shop. Just a small sigh, not on purpose and barely audible. He'd been sighing a lot recently, for some reason. "I... I'm gonna close the shop now. Feel free to stay as long as you want, but when you leave you can't get back in until tomorrow. I'll be here as long as I don't die or something, so feel free to stop by." "Oh, and... That's a great child. See to it that he grows to be strong." He grimaced a bit, hoisting himself up off of the floor he'd bee n standing on and climbing into the roof. Climbing up the rafters, he slipped into the part of the rafters where he'd set up a bed out of wooden planks and a blanket. He climbed down again, and handed L'Arauna one more thing, a book. "Maps." he said softly, pressing them into her hand. "For you to find your way." He'd given her all of these things. No real reason, but he was feeling kindly towards the girl and her... Son? Or relative? Or pet?
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L'Arauna
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Aug 25, 2007 15:57:19 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Aug 25, 2007 15:57:19 GMT -8
L'Arauna blushed slightly when Kade asked if he could accompany her. She placed the sheath on the dagger, than tucked the dagger into her large sleeves. "If you...wish to come with me, Kade, then it's fine. I do not mind..." When he said it was stupid, she shook her head. "No! It's not stupid at all! I would like it if you could accompany me..." she said, smiling softly. She had already put the bracelet that he had given to her on her wrist, and was waking toward the door. "And thank you so much. Though it may seem strange, Zweihander is my son, but he's adopted... You see, he was abandoned in the woods, and I felt that I had to...I had to take him under my wing and take care of him... Forgive me, I'm rambling now, aren't I?" she asked, staring down at her feet. Zweihander whimpered quietly and shifted his position slightly, so his head was laying on one paw, and the other was laying across his muzzle. She watched as he climbed up into the roof of his shop and came back down with a book of maps. "I--" she didn't know what to say as he gave her the book. "Thank you so much..." she said, smiling gently, a slight blush on her cheeks.
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Aug 29, 2007 3:23:35 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 29, 2007 3:23:35 GMT -8
Kade gently whispered "Of course. Anytime." He just walked over to the door of the shop, and walked right outside, just looking into the night sky. Gently stretching out his left hand, he managed to trace the various, unknown constellations with his forefinger. He said nothing, but it was apparent that he'd learned some mythology about the stars. Why else would he know these constellations no one else did? Ah well, gift and a curse. Sighing a bit, Kade walked back into his shop. "Zweihander is your son." He smiled slightly. "You are not rambling." He walked closer to her, not so close as to be imposing, but close enough to see Zweihander easier. "If he is your son, then you need not say how you adopted him. He is your son, and no other can claim to be his mother. Unless of course you say that more for your sake. Still, I do not see the reason to. If you speak so that you are known as his mother, then accept that." He shrugged softly. "You... Can read maps, correct?" He blinked a bit, trying his best not to say something. He could easily have still been talking about her son, he was thinking about that. How does one adopt a wolf pup? Maybe she was a sorceress who could change herself into anything.
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L'Arauna
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Aug 30, 2007 17:51:59 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Aug 30, 2007 17:51:59 GMT -8
"If you would like to hold him, you may..." L'Arauna said, smiling gently as she cradled Zweihander in her arms, so he was laying belly-up in her arms. She laughed quietly as Zweihander raised one paw to touch her chin. "
"And what use would I be if I couldn't read maps?" she said good-naturedy, the gentle smile broadening to a wide grin. "Well, I can read the constellations, but they aren't like what everyone else knows..." She stepped out and, cradling Zweihander in one arm, began tracing out one with her finger. "The Greater Wolf, the Lesser Wolf, the Feline, the Hare, the..." she paused. "I'm boring you now, aren't I?" she asked, rubbing the back of her neck nervously, "Sincerest apologies, Kade..." She tucked her arm up under Zweihander again, holding the wolf pup close to her breast. "Well, shall we go see this herb merchant you mentioned?" she asked, taking one step forward, ready to leave.
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Aug 31, 2007 4:03:56 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Aug 31, 2007 4:03:56 GMT -8
Kade nodded, not sure if he was supposed to be insulted by her desire to leave or not. Unfortunately, it would be that after all f this discourse he finally noticed that L'Arauna was, above all else, beautiful. Not that it would affect his actions. Just his thoughts. "Yes. I... It's right over there, the shop I mean. See the young man playing... Some card game, with the older one? There." He wasn't sure exactly whether or not he was supposed to follow. "And... The constellations you mentioned do not bore me. It is kind of you to consider me, but there is no need." He felt sick. Any day where he would be this nice, he had to be sick. Well, maybe he was just giving her things because she was the first customer. Maybe he was talking kindly because she was a beauty. That wasn't why, but he could tell himself that if he wanted to. "Please... Come back soon. Unless," now he felt like an idiot, "I was to come with you. I didn't understand what you wanted."
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L'Arauna
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Sept 3, 2007 14:46:37 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Sept 3, 2007 14:46:37 GMT -8
"If you wish to accompany me, you may..." L'Arauna said, smiling. "I mean, I'm rather new to this town, and I may need guidance in getting out so I may return to my homeland..." Suddenly, the memory of Illynar biting into her sister's flank flashed into her mind, followed by the thought of her sister dying in her arms, and then her parents telling her to come to Alyssus to find the Essence of Lumen. When they flooded her mind, she felt as if a sword had just been shoved into her forehead. Groaning, she placed one hand to her forehead, holding Zweihander close to her breast. The tiny pup sensed her pain and whimpered quietly, leaning up to place his ice cold nose on her cheek.
"Agh! Ugh...Zweihander..." L'Arauna whispered, her arm tucking up under the wolf pup again. She began whispering to him in a strange, arcane-sounding language, and Zweihander seemed to understand, replying in the same language.
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Sept 4, 2007 4:00:07 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Sept 4, 2007 4:00:07 GMT -8
Kade was about to speak when L'Arauna groaned, in apparent pain. He wasn't sure quite what to do, which turned out to be alright because she recovered. She was talking to her son, in the same language he spoke to her in. Kade himself only knew three languages. The currently universal language that all travelers spoke, Desert Speech, and something of Thrairond's tongue, though most nowadays had never been to that country. He still thought of Zweihander as L'Arauna's child, not adopted child. For a few reasons. He didn't like to think of anyone as being able to distance themself from a child by saying that he or she was adopted. And, in all honesty, L'Arauna was attractive enough... Nevermind that line of thought. He knew that Lycans could have children too, some who stayed in wolf form. Kade felt rather like he was intruding upon this moment, so took a few steps back. He softly murmured "I'll go with you when you're ready." He walked into his back room, coming out with a weapon. Two, actually. Primarily, a rather interesting sword. Interesting, because it was a desert design, but not a short sword. A long, desert sword. "I would've given you this," he muttered again, still not wanting to interrupt, "Except that it's a gift from a friend." The second weapon was a sling and several stones. Kade was rather... Biased against bows. Realistically, an arrow did not cause as much damage. But it was usually longer range. And you really couldn't use a bow at close range. Not so, with slings. They made great hand-to-hand weapons. Arming himself, he placed the sword down a sheath that went vertically from his left shoulder down. The sling was tied to a loop in his belt. He must've been a soldier or something, to have this little ritual about exactly where weapons went.
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L'Arauna
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Sept 9, 2007 12:32:53 GMT -8
Post by L'Arauna on Sept 9, 2007 12:32:53 GMT -8
L'Arauna nodded in Kade's direction, cradling Zweihander in her arms as if she were holding a human baby, and walked toward the shop. As soon as the two men saw her approaching, they began chattering about how they got another customer, and how she looked attractive and all that. As soon as L'Arauna stepped in, both she and Zweihander were nearly overwhelmed by all of the herbal scents.
"What can I help ye with, pretty miss?"
The voice of the older man startled L'Arauna as she whirled around to face the two men. "Ah...yes..." she started, obviously uneasy around these two. "Tell me, have you heard of a flower called the Essence of Lumen? I--"
The younger man cut her off, hovering over her like a mother would hover over a reckless child. "Essence of Lumen? 'Course we know o' that, pretty miss! Right over 'ere!" The man stepped over to a jar containing the dried heads of many beautiful white flowers. "How much d'ye need, pretty miss?"
"If you would, please stop calling me 'pretty miss', and...I'm not sure how much I need... My younger brother is sick, and he--"
"Younger brother, eh?" This time, the older man spoke, walking over to L'Arauna's other side. "How old is he, eh?"
"Let's see..." L'Arauna took a second to figure it in her head, then spoke. "Seventeen."
"Well, he'll probably need about seven ounces fer a lad his age!" The older man said, chuckling. "That'll be two hundred and seventy gold!"
"What?!" L'Arauna asked, looking down at her sleeve. "Surely that must be a bit of a steep price, no?"
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Sept 10, 2007 2:44:05 GMT -8
Post by ragarde on Sept 10, 2007 2:44:05 GMT -8
Kade blinked back a few surprised looks during the conversation. Then he became angry, at the mention of the price. Towering over the older man, he said "I'd have thought you were above taking advantage of a young woman in need, don't you know anything about being a gentleman?" His demanding tone and impressive height made him quite imposing. "Now, perhaps you could consider a better price. Or I could expose your shop for the hircine thievery it is." He stepped back, but still he looked fairly angry. Now, if this didn't work, he might pay it. Or steal it. Either way, he was going to get those flowers for L'Arauna, because she needed them for her brother. He'd really become a do-gooder. This was bad for business. But it should've been enough for them to have a very tall, very angry person with all-black eyes give them a lecture. He had never had to deal with this type of insolence back in the mercenary camps. Everyone knew how to treat, and be treated. Still, there everything was a game, or a play. The concept of morals really never entered anyone's head there. They said that after being there, your soul went to hell, but you'd gotten your money's worth. Kade turned to the younger man, another angered stare on his face. "And please stop calling her 'Pretty miss.' I doubt she appreciates it, and she is my wife, and accustomed to kinder sirs then gawkers such as yourself." He gave L'Arauna a look to keep the charade, at least until this 'Business Transaction' was through. And chances were that neither of the two other men would pick up on the hint. Kade had, at some point, been an actor. His carriers had never been for too long, mostly due to some of his personal mistakes, but all in all he'd learned the actor's trade and nature well. He only hoped L'Arauna knew enough not to act surprised or confused. Kade tried not to grin. But he just barely succeeded, it felt so good to act again. He was considering what to do to make his role more believable... Nothing really. Maybe some better posturing, but other than that...
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