City of Marn, Downtown & Business District.
January, 122PW.
Morning had begun to creep away when Manuel entered Main Street, a small knapsack hung over his shoulder. The Business District was as busy as ever, its traders shouting out their prices at the top of their voices, energized in their movements as they tried to entice buyers to their stands. Buyers for their own part hovered like vultures as they observed the stands with pretended aloofness, before swooping in when something caught their eyes. The noise was incredible as buyers and sellers haggled over prices, each trying to shift the argument in their own favor. A few guards hovered at the outskirts of the crowd to keep the peace, shooting glares at anyone they deemed overly suspicious.
On a normal day Manuel would have been among the crowd, shaking dead rabbits or pheasants at passing citizens and assuring them that they were lacking some variety in their meals. Recently though the game he hunted had grown scarce, putting himself and his sisters out of a job for the time being. After spending several days doing nothing at home Manuel had decided to take action, he had milked his venom and stored it in some tiny vials, determined to make some money once more. A single vial of the venom lay in his knapsack wrapped in cloth, and Manuel was determined to find a buyer.
He stopped walking in front of a local inn, "The Broken Bishan". The owner of the inn was a man called Pera and was a friend of his parents, Pera was also rumored to have a few less than lawful contacts. Manuel barely interacted with the man, but he hoped that Pera would be able to help him find some buyers. He pushed open the door of the inn and took a seat close to the bar, looking around while he waited for Pera to come around.
Snake Charmer
Re: Snake Charmer
Suddenly, everything became quiet, as if a shadow of silence had befallen the entire inn.
All eyes turned to a small, roughly splintered door in the corner as it swung open, giving way to short but incredibly beautiful woman, with golden hair flowing down past her shoulders as she swayed into the room and to an elevated surface in the corner. A stool had already been placed, waiting for her arrival and she set a small jar at her feet.
She drew a wooden lute, seemingly out of nowhere and began to tune it in utter silence, the entire room waited in extreme anticipation for the start of the show.
With a cough and a crossing of her legs, she gave way to her first song, a melody of impeccable taste, the notes themselves leaping from the strings of the beautifully carved instrument and dancing around the room, bringing joy and an occasional tear to the eyes of those who were present to witness this spectacular show. This continued, every few notes a new patron stood and approached, leaning down and placing a few coins in the jar, which by the fifth song is half full, the beauty of this music seemed to inspire the best in people it would seem; her voice acting as if some sort of spell had drifted over the audience and all their troubles had been left behind at the first word of these awe inspiring songs.
After a few more songs, she excused herself with the same soft voice as she took a short break and walked down to the bar, seating herself, a barmaid brought her a drink, made to the perfection of Alaya's taste, she took it thankfully and began sipping from a cup and ignoring the various glances fired her way by the fascinated crowd.
Finally, Pera emerged from a room in the back...
All eyes turned to a small, roughly splintered door in the corner as it swung open, giving way to short but incredibly beautiful woman, with golden hair flowing down past her shoulders as she swayed into the room and to an elevated surface in the corner. A stool had already been placed, waiting for her arrival and she set a small jar at her feet.
She drew a wooden lute, seemingly out of nowhere and began to tune it in utter silence, the entire room waited in extreme anticipation for the start of the show.
With a cough and a crossing of her legs, she gave way to her first song, a melody of impeccable taste, the notes themselves leaping from the strings of the beautifully carved instrument and dancing around the room, bringing joy and an occasional tear to the eyes of those who were present to witness this spectacular show. This continued, every few notes a new patron stood and approached, leaning down and placing a few coins in the jar, which by the fifth song is half full, the beauty of this music seemed to inspire the best in people it would seem; her voice acting as if some sort of spell had drifted over the audience and all their troubles had been left behind at the first word of these awe inspiring songs.
After a few more songs, she excused herself with the same soft voice as she took a short break and walked down to the bar, seating herself, a barmaid brought her a drink, made to the perfection of Alaya's taste, she took it thankfully and began sipping from a cup and ignoring the various glances fired her way by the fascinated crowd.
Finally, Pera emerged from a room in the back...
Last edited by Alaya on Thu May 26, 2016 8:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
Manuel was too deep in his thoughts to notice the odd silence or the woman's entrance, his mind was busy thinking of a plausible excuse to eventually give his father. When she started singing however, he was slowly pulled from his haze. He didn't recognise the woman, but from the way that the citizens reacted to her it was clear that she came here often, from the way they emptied their pockets it was clear that she was well liked. The thought of dropping some Bishan crossed his mind but was quickly dropped, he was here to make money not spend it. Still he had to admit that there was something oddly entrancing about her voice, and he was content to shoot her a glance every few moments. Eventually she stopped singing and took a seat by the bar, which was apparently some silent signal for the universe to finally produce Pera.
Pera was simple, rather average-looking man, but from the way people talked to him it was clear that he drew respect. As he emerged from an inner room and scanned the bar, his eyes seemed to take note of each and every patron currently there. Sure enough he soon noticed Manuel and with a smile beckoned him to his side. He grabbed the lad and gripped his hands firmly.
"Manuel! How are ya? Come to pay yer uncle Pera a visit aye?" Manuel shook him and flashed a tight smile right back at him, Pera's grip was as hard as ever and it was difficult not to wince.
"Actually uncle Pera I have something you may be interested in, something that can solve problems with vermin."
At his words Pera gave a slight nod and pulled Manuel towards the back of the inn. Manuel reached into his bag and pulled out the vial, any prying eyes would see a colorless liquid contained inside, but it was unlikely that anyone would even think to spy on them. Pera for his part seemed rather unimpressed at the vial, giving Manuel a look that seemed to question what he was looking at.
"It's venom uncle Pera, from a snake. I caught it and milked it's fangs a few days ago. The venom in this thing can take down a deer uncle, I saw it with my own eyes!"
Pera was skeptical and seemed to scan Manuel for any sign that he was lying, but Manuel gave him a blank honest stare. He technically wasn't lying, he had milked it from himself and he was sure it could take down bigger things than a deer, so it wasn't hard to keep a straight face. Eventually Pera took the vial from him.
"Look I can't promise you a miracle kid, but I'll see what I can do. If I find buyers and they like it, I'll let you know and hand over some Bishan alright?"
Manuel nodded and got a pat on his shoulder. While he was outwardly calm on the inside he was ecstatic, Pera had agreed to help him!
He made his way back toward the entrance and was about to leave when he saw the woman still seated at the bar, something about her still intrigued him, so he took a seat next to her. He didn't speak immediately for fear of sounding like an idiot, but studied her out of the corner of his eyes. She dressed all proper but her outfit held minor signs of wear, she had the look of someone that had to work hard for money in his opinion, and that intrigued him even more. His mind calm he turned to face her, putting some friendliness into his voice.
"Miss, may I just say that your performance was amazing! Hi, my name is Manuel and I consider it a pleasure to have been here to hear it, do you perform here often?
He waited for a reply, an excited smile on his face.
Pera was simple, rather average-looking man, but from the way people talked to him it was clear that he drew respect. As he emerged from an inner room and scanned the bar, his eyes seemed to take note of each and every patron currently there. Sure enough he soon noticed Manuel and with a smile beckoned him to his side. He grabbed the lad and gripped his hands firmly.
"Manuel! How are ya? Come to pay yer uncle Pera a visit aye?" Manuel shook him and flashed a tight smile right back at him, Pera's grip was as hard as ever and it was difficult not to wince.
"Actually uncle Pera I have something you may be interested in, something that can solve problems with vermin."
At his words Pera gave a slight nod and pulled Manuel towards the back of the inn. Manuel reached into his bag and pulled out the vial, any prying eyes would see a colorless liquid contained inside, but it was unlikely that anyone would even think to spy on them. Pera for his part seemed rather unimpressed at the vial, giving Manuel a look that seemed to question what he was looking at.
"It's venom uncle Pera, from a snake. I caught it and milked it's fangs a few days ago. The venom in this thing can take down a deer uncle, I saw it with my own eyes!"
Pera was skeptical and seemed to scan Manuel for any sign that he was lying, but Manuel gave him a blank honest stare. He technically wasn't lying, he had milked it from himself and he was sure it could take down bigger things than a deer, so it wasn't hard to keep a straight face. Eventually Pera took the vial from him.
"Look I can't promise you a miracle kid, but I'll see what I can do. If I find buyers and they like it, I'll let you know and hand over some Bishan alright?"
Manuel nodded and got a pat on his shoulder. While he was outwardly calm on the inside he was ecstatic, Pera had agreed to help him!
He made his way back toward the entrance and was about to leave when he saw the woman still seated at the bar, something about her still intrigued him, so he took a seat next to her. He didn't speak immediately for fear of sounding like an idiot, but studied her out of the corner of his eyes. She dressed all proper but her outfit held minor signs of wear, she had the look of someone that had to work hard for money in his opinion, and that intrigued him even more. His mind calm he turned to face her, putting some friendliness into his voice.
"Miss, may I just say that your performance was amazing! Hi, my name is Manuel and I consider it a pleasure to have been here to hear it, do you perform here often?
He waited for a reply, an excited smile on his face.
Last edited by Manuel on Thu May 26, 2016 9:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Snake Charmer
This was not the first time Alaya had experienced some stranger approaching her, a mouth full of compliments, and a mind full of, far more, unsavory things.
But she felt somehow, this was different, he didn't seem to have any sort of ulterior motive for striking up a conversation but for a genuine interest.
She observed him for a while, looking slightly awkwardly as she did, attempting to perceive exactly why he was here, as if, reading his mind.
She quickly deduced that he was here for some personal gain, but she was not sure what exactly it was, then her mind drifted, to whether she had seen him before, perhaps here, she frequented often and he seemed acquainted with the owner, but she could not recall him.
After finally snapping back in to the present moment, with a flustered and rapid blinking of her eyes she responded, casually and in the same, soft, soothing tone that she is known for.
"Well thank you, it's so nice to get recognition for my work,
I work here on occasion, but mainly I frequent this place as a customer. My names Alaya by the way, nice to meet you."
With an extension of her hand she stares expectantly at him, awaiting a response.
But she felt somehow, this was different, he didn't seem to have any sort of ulterior motive for striking up a conversation but for a genuine interest.
She observed him for a while, looking slightly awkwardly as she did, attempting to perceive exactly why he was here, as if, reading his mind.
She quickly deduced that he was here for some personal gain, but she was not sure what exactly it was, then her mind drifted, to whether she had seen him before, perhaps here, she frequented often and he seemed acquainted with the owner, but she could not recall him.
After finally snapping back in to the present moment, with a flustered and rapid blinking of her eyes she responded, casually and in the same, soft, soothing tone that she is known for.
"Well thank you, it's so nice to get recognition for my work,
I work here on occasion, but mainly I frequent this place as a customer. My names Alaya by the way, nice to meet you."
With an extension of her hand she stares expectantly at him, awaiting a response.
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
"A-la-ya." Manuel shook her hand as he slowly pronounced the name, while the name itself seemed rather common the way she said it made it seem so unique. He couldn't let that on however, the girl seemed innocent enough but there was still oddly attractive about her, he could feel himself wanting to hear her talk more even though she had not said anything of interest. Yes, for him to take such interest in a human was odd but he decided to play along, the easiest way to learn about her was to talk after all.
He soon realized he was taking too long to respond, that and he had not let go of her hand yet. He stopped shaking her and smiled, hoping to gloss over the rather awkward moment. "It's a nice name. I'm sure that people often approach you after you perform, I would imagine that someone in your position would get tired of all the attention."
A bar maid dropped a drink in front of him, he hadn't ordered anything so he suspected that this was his uncle's doing, and so after a tentative sniff took a sip. It turned out to be a mild mix of rum, rather pleasant but not overbearing. After a few more sips he lifted his glance to meet Alaya's.
"You have considerable skill to be able to capture an audience like that when you sing. If you don't mind me asking, how do you do it? How do you manage to draw and hook a crowd like that?"
He sipped the drink once more as he waited, a longer sip this time. It really was a rather good mix.
He soon realized he was taking too long to respond, that and he had not let go of her hand yet. He stopped shaking her and smiled, hoping to gloss over the rather awkward moment. "It's a nice name. I'm sure that people often approach you after you perform, I would imagine that someone in your position would get tired of all the attention."
A bar maid dropped a drink in front of him, he hadn't ordered anything so he suspected that this was his uncle's doing, and so after a tentative sniff took a sip. It turned out to be a mild mix of rum, rather pleasant but not overbearing. After a few more sips he lifted his glance to meet Alaya's.
"You have considerable skill to be able to capture an audience like that when you sing. If you don't mind me asking, how do you do it? How do you manage to draw and hook a crowd like that?"
He sipped the drink once more as he waited, a longer sip this time. It really was a rather good mix.
Re: Snake Charmer
Alaya looked around cautiously, as if the mention of this brought back some kind of memory, triggering a fear that had sprouted deep inside her mind.
But then she remembered, she knew what to say, the nervous look disappeared from her face as quickly as it had formed, and she let out a rehearse speech of her so called "gifts".
"Ah, yes.
I guess you could say I was born with it, my gift."
She stares at him, never alleviating him from her gaze and still, she took her cup and brought it to her lips, taking a lengthened drink she made her attempt at changing the topic, somewhat noticeably.
"Well enough about me, what do you do exactly?"
Her glare continued to pierce him, only to be broken when the barmaid re-appeared to fill her cup with a new drink, yet again, on the house.
But then she remembered, she knew what to say, the nervous look disappeared from her face as quickly as it had formed, and she let out a rehearse speech of her so called "gifts".
"Ah, yes.
I guess you could say I was born with it, my gift."
She stares at him, never alleviating him from her gaze and still, she took her cup and brought it to her lips, taking a lengthened drink she made her attempt at changing the topic, somewhat noticeably.
"Well enough about me, what do you do exactly?"
Her glare continued to pierce him, only to be broken when the barmaid re-appeared to fill her cup with a new drink, yet again, on the house.
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
The way she glared at him was amusing to say the least, so much emotion in such a small package. It didn't really affect him though, living with three sisters rather dulled the whole novelty of being glared at, especially when their glares were far more probing. So Manuel was rather comfortable staring right back at her through his glasses, though his attention wasn't really there at all. Alaya had hesitated in her answer, minor as it was it meant she was probably not telling the truth to him, not that he expected her to, he was a perfect stranger after all. Still the way she acted felt like she was hiding something deliciously taboo, which made her endearing all over again.
He came down from his haze just in time to see her get her glass re-filled, that seemed to be happening a lot. From the way this girl was being waited on she must have been drawing in customers for the inn, well that or screwing Pera. Manuel tilted his cup and glanced at his drink as he spoke softly.
"Born with it? Why that makes it sound so unassuming, not at all as extraordinary as it seems to me." He laughed before continuing. "I am but a simple hunter, nowhere as interesting as you are." The drink was becoming rather boring but he still sipped at it lightly, glancing at her to see her reaction.
He came down from his haze just in time to see her get her glass re-filled, that seemed to be happening a lot. From the way this girl was being waited on she must have been drawing in customers for the inn, well that or screwing Pera. Manuel tilted his cup and glanced at his drink as he spoke softly.
"Born with it? Why that makes it sound so unassuming, not at all as extraordinary as it seems to me." He laughed before continuing. "I am but a simple hunter, nowhere as interesting as you are." The drink was becoming rather boring but he still sipped at it lightly, glancing at her to see her reaction.
Re: Snake Charmer
She looked him up and down, a simple hunter eh, what's a simple hunter doing in an inn at this time, shouldn't he be, hunting??
Either way, he was asking questions and she was getting noticeably uncomfortable. She was used to questioning, or at least, she should have been, but somehow, this was different, he, was different.
Something about him felt, off, as if he was different from everyone else, but then again, it could have just been the drink.
Whatever it was, she wanted an excuse to leave, but she knew it would be suspicious. She decided to continue with conversation for now, albeit, somewhat awkwardly.
"Yeah, well I don't know what else to say, It's just a natural talent is all. But just a simple hunter, shouldn't you be, hunting?"
She pauses and waits for a response.
But then quickly adds
"You know, not that it's any of my business but, I'm just curious is all."
Either way, he was asking questions and she was getting noticeably uncomfortable. She was used to questioning, or at least, she should have been, but somehow, this was different, he, was different.
Something about him felt, off, as if he was different from everyone else, but then again, it could have just been the drink.
Whatever it was, she wanted an excuse to leave, but she knew it would be suspicious. She decided to continue with conversation for now, albeit, somewhat awkwardly.
"Yeah, well I don't know what else to say, It's just a natural talent is all. But just a simple hunter, shouldn't you be, hunting?"
She pauses and waits for a response.
But then quickly adds
"You know, not that it's any of my business but, I'm just curious is all."
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
All things considered, it was nice that she was still answering him, even if every answer seemed like an attempt to divert his attention. He doubted that he would have the patience to entertain questions, if he was ever put in her position. He resembled his father in that aspect, both of them so capable of great anger. For all her bravado though, it was clear that she wasn't comfortable with where the conversation was going, so Manuel followed her lead and changed the topic, for now anyway.
"Shouldn't you be, hunting?"
Her questions were getting rather straight forward, he could see her confusion though. A hunter who wasn't out hunting, who wasn't out putting their life on the line, who was instead here talking to her. He laughed at how flimsy his story must have appeared.
"Hunting, yes I should be shouldn't I? You see miss on any other day I would be, but traps have turned up continually dry, not even a tiny bird caught." He sighed. "It would appear that my prey has fled. Well that or they aren't enough of them left. Either way for the next few days, weeks perhaps, I'm not going to hunt."
He let that hang ominously in the air for some seconds, before waving his hand as if to dispel the notion and her statement.
"You know, not that it's any of my business but,
I'm just curious is all."
He shrugged at the statement and smiled to show no insult was taken. "That's perfectly fine Alaya, I was the one that started this whole questioning adventure, it would be a shame if I wasn't able to keep with with it." He glanced at her. "We can stop if you wish, I noticed that you were not entirely comfortable earlier. If you wish to continue however, I would like to know more about you Miss Alaya, I feel like we could be friends." Perhaps he was laying it on a little thick, but the sincerity was there. Besides, he had grown to like the tiny singer.
"Shouldn't you be, hunting?"
Her questions were getting rather straight forward, he could see her confusion though. A hunter who wasn't out hunting, who wasn't out putting their life on the line, who was instead here talking to her. He laughed at how flimsy his story must have appeared.
"Hunting, yes I should be shouldn't I? You see miss on any other day I would be, but traps have turned up continually dry, not even a tiny bird caught." He sighed. "It would appear that my prey has fled. Well that or they aren't enough of them left. Either way for the next few days, weeks perhaps, I'm not going to hunt."
He let that hang ominously in the air for some seconds, before waving his hand as if to dispel the notion and her statement.
"You know, not that it's any of my business but,
I'm just curious is all."
He shrugged at the statement and smiled to show no insult was taken. "That's perfectly fine Alaya, I was the one that started this whole questioning adventure, it would be a shame if I wasn't able to keep with with it." He glanced at her. "We can stop if you wish, I noticed that you were not entirely comfortable earlier. If you wish to continue however, I would like to know more about you Miss Alaya, I feel like we could be friends." Perhaps he was laying it on a little thick, but the sincerity was there. Besides, he had grown to like the tiny singer.
Re: Snake Charmer
She considered it for a while, sat there, pondering, she may be a secretive person but, after all, this one intrigued her, for some reason she wanted to continue.
She sat there thinking, and thinking, still and un-moving before letting out an answer with the slip of her tongue, maybe it wasn't the right one but, she was certainly hooked on this conversation, even if she wasn't showing it.
"Of course, I didn't mean to seem uncomfortable so, my apologies; Manuel?"
She didn't give him time to respond before jumping in with her own questions.
"But I believe it's my turn to ask a question."
She sat there wandering for a moment, staring off into the distance before turning straight to him and speaking.
"So your a hunter, who isn't hunting, because business is running dry so to speak.
So why are you in an inn, at this time, I saw you talking to Pera earlier, what was that about...
...Something, secret?"
She glared at him, awaiting his response, anticipating everything he could say.
She sat there thinking, and thinking, still and un-moving before letting out an answer with the slip of her tongue, maybe it wasn't the right one but, she was certainly hooked on this conversation, even if she wasn't showing it.
"Of course, I didn't mean to seem uncomfortable so, my apologies; Manuel?"
She didn't give him time to respond before jumping in with her own questions.
"But I believe it's my turn to ask a question."
She sat there wandering for a moment, staring off into the distance before turning straight to him and speaking.
"So your a hunter, who isn't hunting, because business is running dry so to speak.
So why are you in an inn, at this time, I saw you talking to Pera earlier, what was that about...
...Something, secret?"
She glared at him, awaiting his response, anticipating everything he could say.
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
He had watched her closely while she made up her mind, and once or twice when her eyebrows crinkled he had grown scared. Scared that she would leave the conversation that he was enjoying, scared that he would have to find other ways of amusing himself. She had proven to be a good choice though, leaping back into the conversation with a vigor that equally amused and amazed him. It wasn't a bad thing, that energy she had, just something he might have to watch out for.
Manuel was outwardly amused with how quick she was to mention Pera, on the inside though he was somewhat shocked. He thought he had been rather sneaky in talking to Pera, but it turned out he hadn't even fooled this little girl. Still though he kept his amused facade up, laughing as he answered.
"Ah, Pera is a family friend you see. I brought something from home for him, something to help ease some problems he had." He chanced a wink at her. "Nothing terribly secret there, just a little private chat between friends, not unlike what we're having right now"
A drunk patron dropped a glass not far from them, staggering into some nearby tables in a failed attempt to steady herself. Manuel glanced at her while he awaited Alaya's response, mild amusement mixed with distaste visible. It was funny how people seemed to lose themselves when they drank, revealing the base nature they usually kept tucked away. The woman yelled happily and wind-milled her hands as some friends tried to carry her away, singing some broken tune as she danced away from them. He laughed and nudged Alaya slightly. "Why Miss Alaya, I think you have some upcoming competition."
Manuel was outwardly amused with how quick she was to mention Pera, on the inside though he was somewhat shocked. He thought he had been rather sneaky in talking to Pera, but it turned out he hadn't even fooled this little girl. Still though he kept his amused facade up, laughing as he answered.
"Ah, Pera is a family friend you see. I brought something from home for him, something to help ease some problems he had." He chanced a wink at her. "Nothing terribly secret there, just a little private chat between friends, not unlike what we're having right now"
A drunk patron dropped a glass not far from them, staggering into some nearby tables in a failed attempt to steady herself. Manuel glanced at her while he awaited Alaya's response, mild amusement mixed with distaste visible. It was funny how people seemed to lose themselves when they drank, revealing the base nature they usually kept tucked away. The woman yelled happily and wind-milled her hands as some friends tried to carry her away, singing some broken tune as she danced away from them. He laughed and nudged Alaya slightly. "Why Miss Alaya, I think you have some upcoming competition."
Re: Snake Charmer
Alaya chuckled, at first almost to herself before remembering the context of the situation and turning back to Manuel, her smile turned almost into a flirtatious laugh, almost.
"Haha, yes I think so, I shall have to watch out for that one, some real talent she has."
"But I am afraid that I must break from this conversation, as interesting as it is, I have a set to finish. If you would excuse me, I should only be maybe, fifteen minutes, just a few more songs."
She spoke softly as she left her seat.
She smiled at him, the glint in her eye gave way to the hinting that this was the first conversation she had enjoyed for some time.
"Enjoy the show." She almost whispered as she left for the stage.
She always did this, it had almost become a habit of hers, always leaving them, the ominous they, wanting more.
But him, he was different, no, not like any other man, not a puppet hanging on the edge of her every word, or at least she liked to think.
But no, this man, he was, well she wasn't sure, but she knew that he was different, either way, she had work to do any money to make, her personal life could wait.
She continued to the stage, resuming her previous, cross-legged positioning and reaching for her lute before almost instantly jumping into a tune, another inspiring melody, with notes almost as beautiful as the one that gave life to the tales, woven by her fingertips and lips alike, in perfect unison, acting as one with precision and joy.
The time seemed to simultaneously fly by, and take an eternity, her songs ended too quickly most thought, but at the same time, every line left the audience in contemplation of the very perfection laid before them to the extent that, that moment, each moment, was a wave of amazement and a myriad complexity of emotions showering each and every listener.
But after she continued, she informed the audience, regretfully, that the show, was over.
After collecting her jar she headed back to the bar, a drink awaiting her arrival, the barmaids smile behind crooked teeth lingering slightly too long for her taste, no matter, she headed for her previous seat once again, by the mystery man, Manuel.
"Haha, yes I think so, I shall have to watch out for that one, some real talent she has."
"But I am afraid that I must break from this conversation, as interesting as it is, I have a set to finish. If you would excuse me, I should only be maybe, fifteen minutes, just a few more songs."
She spoke softly as she left her seat.
She smiled at him, the glint in her eye gave way to the hinting that this was the first conversation she had enjoyed for some time.
"Enjoy the show." She almost whispered as she left for the stage.
She always did this, it had almost become a habit of hers, always leaving them, the ominous they, wanting more.
But him, he was different, no, not like any other man, not a puppet hanging on the edge of her every word, or at least she liked to think.
But no, this man, he was, well she wasn't sure, but she knew that he was different, either way, she had work to do any money to make, her personal life could wait.
She continued to the stage, resuming her previous, cross-legged positioning and reaching for her lute before almost instantly jumping into a tune, another inspiring melody, with notes almost as beautiful as the one that gave life to the tales, woven by her fingertips and lips alike, in perfect unison, acting as one with precision and joy.
The time seemed to simultaneously fly by, and take an eternity, her songs ended too quickly most thought, but at the same time, every line left the audience in contemplation of the very perfection laid before them to the extent that, that moment, each moment, was a wave of amazement and a myriad complexity of emotions showering each and every listener.
But after she continued, she informed the audience, regretfully, that the show, was over.
After collecting her jar she headed back to the bar, a drink awaiting her arrival, the barmaids smile behind crooked teeth lingering slightly too long for her taste, no matter, she headed for her previous seat once again, by the mystery man, Manuel.
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Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
"Enjoy the show."
Her voice lingered pleasantly as she walked away, drawing on some slumbering feelings in Manuel. He was interested in Alaya, there was no denying that, but something in him still pushed away the mental fog that had come with her words. Mamba instincts refused to be pulled into the spell she wove, giving Manuel a measure of control that others may not have had. He traced a finger around the rim of his glass as she took the stage, forehead crinkled slightly as he considered his thoughts. When Alaya started singing whatever she was doing became much stronger, her voice seemingly multiplying its effects. Manuel was drawn into the song and all sense of time was lost, when he came out of his fog Alaya was coming back towards him with her jar.
He blinked slowly as she approached to shake off the lingering effects, for a few moment he had ceased to be Manuel and had become part of the audience, swept up in the songs that had enveloped that. It was a strange experience, one that had left him unsure of what has happened in the haze. He regained his bearings as she reached the seat, choosing not to mention what had happened to him, he suspected she knew of it anyway. So Manuel just nodded at her and clapped softly, a small smile playing at the corner of him mouth.
"Well Miss Alaya you certainly didn't go easy on your competition, I think you made our drunken singer rush out weeping." His tiny smile twitched in apparent humor locked eyes with her. "I hope you didn't strain yourself however, for it is my turn to ask you a question." His fingers drummed on the table as he let her settle down before he continued. "So Alaya, do you have family in Marn?"
Her voice lingered pleasantly as she walked away, drawing on some slumbering feelings in Manuel. He was interested in Alaya, there was no denying that, but something in him still pushed away the mental fog that had come with her words. Mamba instincts refused to be pulled into the spell she wove, giving Manuel a measure of control that others may not have had. He traced a finger around the rim of his glass as she took the stage, forehead crinkled slightly as he considered his thoughts. When Alaya started singing whatever she was doing became much stronger, her voice seemingly multiplying its effects. Manuel was drawn into the song and all sense of time was lost, when he came out of his fog Alaya was coming back towards him with her jar.
He blinked slowly as she approached to shake off the lingering effects, for a few moment he had ceased to be Manuel and had become part of the audience, swept up in the songs that had enveloped that. It was a strange experience, one that had left him unsure of what has happened in the haze. He regained his bearings as she reached the seat, choosing not to mention what had happened to him, he suspected she knew of it anyway. So Manuel just nodded at her and clapped softly, a small smile playing at the corner of him mouth.
"Well Miss Alaya you certainly didn't go easy on your competition, I think you made our drunken singer rush out weeping." His tiny smile twitched in apparent humor locked eyes with her. "I hope you didn't strain yourself however, for it is my turn to ask you a question." His fingers drummed on the table as he let her settle down before he continued. "So Alaya, do you have family in Marn?"
Re: Snake Charmer
Alaya clearly looked uncomfortable, her family was not a favored subject of hers and it was showing.
But if nothing else, she could lie, at least, usually, but she felt she should be honest with him, at least to an extent.
She took a swig of her drink and slammed the cup onto the wooden surface of the bar before turning back to Manuel.
"I have a sister, but she's only eight, and I have to care for her. We live alone together, not too far from here."
She had not known what to say, although she often though conversation was indeed her forte, she was slipping, as if something had happened, who was this man? She did not know but she was as intrigued by him as he seemed to be by her. She had to continue, if for no other reason than to sate her thirst for knowledge.
"What about you? You got family here?"
She lingered for just a moment before jumping back in, not allowing him time to respond.
"Do you feel like getting out of here, it's only early I know but I feel like going elsewhere, I should check on my sister too, would you walk with me?"
And then again, as if she already knew the answer, which she was certain she did, she added.
"You can tell me about your family on the way."
And with that she jumped up from the stool, and began to slowly stride towards the door, waiting for Manuel there.
But if nothing else, she could lie, at least, usually, but she felt she should be honest with him, at least to an extent.
She took a swig of her drink and slammed the cup onto the wooden surface of the bar before turning back to Manuel.
"I have a sister, but she's only eight, and I have to care for her. We live alone together, not too far from here."
She had not known what to say, although she often though conversation was indeed her forte, she was slipping, as if something had happened, who was this man? She did not know but she was as intrigued by him as he seemed to be by her. She had to continue, if for no other reason than to sate her thirst for knowledge.
"What about you? You got family here?"
She lingered for just a moment before jumping back in, not allowing him time to respond.
"Do you feel like getting out of here, it's only early I know but I feel like going elsewhere, I should check on my sister too, would you walk with me?"
And then again, as if she already knew the answer, which she was certain she did, she added.
"You can tell me about your family on the way."
And with that she jumped up from the stool, and began to slowly stride towards the door, waiting for Manuel there.
-
Manuel
- Citizen
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:39 pm
- Name: Manuel Aknin
- Race: Black Mamba Shifter
Re: Snake Charmer
Her reaction was somewhat odd. The way she responded made Manuel feel like he has stepped into forbidden territory, but then she brushed it away and left him wondering what exactly she was trying to avoid. She mentioned a sister and he tucked that fact away, just in case it became important later on.
"What about you? You got family here?"
He nodded and was about to reply when she spoke again, asking him to accompany her somewhere. That was a pleasant surprise, though he suspected that it was more of him not posing any threat, rather than her taking an actual interest in him. Still you take what you get in this life, so he stood and followed the musician out the door.
The crowd had thinned down a bit, now just somewhat packed instead of uncomfortably tight, so he followed her rather easily as they wove their way through it. Increasing his pace to wake beside her, he nudged her softly before speaking.
"My family is rather simple. My parents teach at the university, my sisters and I hunt." He cracked his neck, swiveling it to get the stiffness out. "So, where is this mystery place we're heading to?
"What about you? You got family here?"
He nodded and was about to reply when she spoke again, asking him to accompany her somewhere. That was a pleasant surprise, though he suspected that it was more of him not posing any threat, rather than her taking an actual interest in him. Still you take what you get in this life, so he stood and followed the musician out the door.
The crowd had thinned down a bit, now just somewhat packed instead of uncomfortably tight, so he followed her rather easily as they wove their way through it. Increasing his pace to wake beside her, he nudged her softly before speaking.
"My family is rather simple. My parents teach at the university, my sisters and I hunt." He cracked his neck, swiveling it to get the stiffness out. "So, where is this mystery place we're heading to?