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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 23:34:31 GMT -6
Elaina was anything but subtle as she trekked through the thick woods. Peanut was always by her side but she cried very loudly as they went. Everything lately was just becoming so hard. So much to handle. First she met Sir Cen as a bodyguard just before the assassin struck the manor and EVERYTHING was destroyed. But then she met Sir Grimm, and he was so friendly and helpful. He was going to take her to meet his friends. She would join them and sing their praises to spread their fame. Fulfilling her role as a new troubadour.
Then they were attacked. They were separated and now she was alone again. She knew nothing of this world and it was so difficult to figure it out now. She missed her home, her bed, her father, and her mother. She took hold of her mother's necklace and let its warmth radiate. Still, it felt good but she just ended up crying. She slumped against Peanut with each step becoming clumsier. Sir Grimm, and Sir Cen had been so nice and now she did not know what happened to them. She still needed to return Sir Grimm's shirt to him. It could not be her tunic forever. It worked but it was a tad too short. She still needed shoes too and the things on the forest floor hurt to step on. Splinters, so many splinters.
She managed to stifle her crying down to sniffles when she heard commotion up ahead. Commotion meant people, and people meant a town... right? Elaina hurried along as best she could stumbling upon the road. To her left she saw it. A town in the woods. Carefully she remounted Peanut the saddle stirrups reminding her of the splinters. Slowly she managed to ride into town where she saw the focus of the commotion.
A caravan had come to the village and with it they brought trade and to many, more importantly, entertainment. A makeshift stage had been prepped and atop it stood a man telling a story with others gathered to play music. It added a sense of eeriness and Elaina felt shivers. She loved it however. Elaina was focused on the story teller taking it all in but as soon as he finished he threw down something that created smoke. As it faded the music changed becoming faster, stronger. New instruments were added into the symphony. It was beautiful and energetic. As the smoke faded the man was gone and in his place a woman was there bent back in a flexible but very alluring pose.
The woman moved to the beat, every muscle in full control, every movement deliberate. Her dress was enough to make even Elaina blush. Never before had she seen someone reveal so much of her body and intentionally. It did not take long before she realized the woman was dancing. Elaina was entranced. More importantly she was interested in what was happening. The woman acted so playfully. She was enjoying herself and having fun. The spectators were equally pleased as well. Elaina had to learn from this woman. She loved dance and if she could add this to her skill set as an entertainer then all the better.
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Ajari
Manakete
Posts: 40
Profession: Monk
Dragon Element: Water
OoC Alias: Wyatt
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Post by Ajari on Oct 11, 2014 23:54:34 GMT -6
Ajari had seen a good deal of vileness in her time exploring the 'land below'. Still, it was always nice to find places where the concept of hospitality and compassion still existed. In the mountains, visitors were rare, but it did happen from time to time. Someone would get lost exploring the mountains and require help. There was one time when a Pegasus Knight had crash landed on the mountain not a stones throw from the monastery.
And each and every time, they were welcomed as an honored guest. No request of services or repayment was expected, or even allowed. The monks had trained her to always be kind and compassionate to guests, but her brief time had suggested this was a rare trait among these lands.
But yesterday evening, when she arrived at this village, she found it was not so. One of the local farmers had insisted that she stay as a guest, and had extended that same hospitality to her. Ajari knew that their honor would forbid them from accepting payment from her, so she paid them in another way. She offered guidance, advice and stories to the family, keeping them entertained through the dinner and the onset of the evening.
She'd planned to take her leave this morning, but the family had insisted she at least stay and partake in the small party they had with the arrival of the caravan. There wasn't much excitement in places like this, but they enjoyed it when they could.
Ajari had been enjoying the local flavor, when her acute senses picked up a new arrival. It wasn't too hard to notice, the girl was riding a horse. Such an animal would be rare here, since they'd be mostly used for field work. The caravan had them of course, but having the horse easily meant you were not from around here.
The poor girl also looked like she'd hit some very hard times. She was dressed in little more than rags, and her face was red with the scars of recent tears. Still, she smiled now, but Ajari could not simply leave things as they were.
Ajari's own hunger tended to be ravenous, which lead to her holding a wicker basket of various natural foods. Grapes, apples and assorted nuts, to name a few. Without any hesitation, she walked up to the young girl who was enchanted by the dance that was being performed. She held up the basket with a smile, finally making her presence known to the girl.
"A good morning to you, sister. You look like the road has not been treating you kindly. Come, eat, drink and relax," Ajari offered, extending her hand to help the girl dismount if she needed it.
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Post by Charlotte on Oct 12, 2014 0:46:23 GMT -6
It had been some time since Charlotte had travelled with a caravan like this. After her time with working with the Bernese rebels, she’d decided she needed a break from such organized work, needed to feel free for a bit. So while on her way back to Lycia, accompanied by Rogus, she slipped away in the middle of the night and hitched a ride with a small caravan of entertainers. Charlotte couldn’t help but feel a little bad about leaving Rogus high and dry, especially after all that had happened on the job, but when it was time for Charlotte to move, she couldn’t help but be moved by her need for freedom. After a few weeks, the caravan ended up in a small village on the outskirts of Santaruz, perfect considering it was Charlotte’s intended destination. She had business to attend to, but she wasn’t ready to leave the group of dancers and musicians just yet. While by trade the young blonde was a merchant and a thief, Charlotte had an utmost appreciation and love for the arts, especially dancing. The beauty of a dancer’s body was always something to behold, and Charlotte prided herself in being someone who knew how to control and move her body beautifully in time with music. Her love for dance was quickly noticed by the caravan, who oftentimes spent their nights of rest dancing and playing music merrily around a fire as they told stories of their travels. Not being interested in sharing where she had been, Charlotte partook in the former, her lithe body twirling and swaying as she allowed herself to forget her schedules and clients, if just for a little while. The troupe was impressed, and while they couldn’t incorporate this traveler into their rehearsed, intricate performances, they had allowed Charlotte to display her dances as something of a precursor to their main performances of contortions and song. By the time the troupe reached the village outside of Santaruz, Charlotte had danced on her own twice before, so she had her “routine” down in her mind as she stood in her place, ready to appear when the smoke was thrown. Her clothing was risqué, of course, but it allowed her body full range of motion and was absolutely gorgeous, the royal blue, light fabric of the skirt and sleeves rippling and flowing with her every movement. It was a shame it wasn’t hers, as she’d had to borrow it from one of the other dancers as her traveling leathers weren’t meant for dancing like this. Maybe Charlotte would have to offer the woman a trade so she could keep the outfit. As soon as the smoke cloud burst to life, the crowd gasped in unison, which was Charlotte’s cue to take her opening pose. As the smoke cleared, the blonde woman held her bent back pose for a moment, a long, sheer fabric held between her hands as a prop for her to use as she danced. As soon as the music picked up and the flute struck one, two, three, four! It was time. Her muscles burned as she burst into action, using the entirety of the stage as she moved to and fro, the fabric in her hands flowing as it moved in front, behind, over, then in front and above. Her revealing outfit showed every tensing muscle, every curve and dimple in her torso. Her back revealed, it also showed many scars of her past, only covered by her long, silken hair. But just as the fabric of her closing flowed as a rushing river during her dance, so too did Charlotte’s blond mane, moving as yet another untamed piece of this carnal, corporeal dance. Her back would bend forward, then back, then forward again, her hair whipping, flowing, following. Her feet seemed to carry her perfectly in time with the winds, her knees bending in response to the wailing strings, her arms articulating the staccato of the singular horn. In moments like this, Charlotte wondered why she had left this life at all, so lost in the moment and so alive in the song. Every dance has both a beginning and an end, though, and of course Charlotte’s would come to its close too quickly for her liking. She could hear it in the band’s quickened pace, so she sped her dance, rolling her hips quickly and twirling with the thin fabric overhead. The crowd had even begun clapping in time with the music as she spun, until the young woman heard the band finally come to the end of its speedy crescendo, so she made her final twirl, dropping to one knee and bending her back in a way that allowed her to place one hand on the stage while the other reached for the sky, fabric in hand. Both band and dancer ended in time, and the crowd applauded the blonde, whose chest rose and fell quickly as a grin curled her lips. After holding her final pose for a few more seconds she stood, sauntering off of the back of the stage to remove her sleeves and indulge in a long drink of water. Compliments came from those of the troupe who had been able to watch her dance, though Charlotte merely responded with a nod here, a hollow “thanks” there. While performing was exhilarating, she did it for no one but herself. Charlotte found it easiest to express herself with her body in many avenues, with dancing being the easiest and most fulfilling to the young woman. Still, the woman enjoyed the attention, her cheeks still flushed from her wild movements only a few moments prior as she stripped the sleeves off and placed them at the cart. She wanted to watch the main dancers, in the mood for more entertainment tonight, so instead of changing and missing their dance, Charlotte moved into the main, albeit small crowd near the back to observe. Of course as she passed she garnered a few gaping looks and positive comments, but Charlotte regarded them as she did the troupe’s and simply took a spot, her eyes waiting in ready to see the next dance.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2014 1:32:31 GMT -6
The dance was beautiful, playful, and dare she say it sexy. It took a great deal to pull her attention away from it. But another woman came from her flank offering her food. "Hmm?" Elaina took a look and was floored. Almost literally. She was offering her a basket of fruit. How long was it? Two days, maybe three? Regardless she was famished. Forgoing all manners and pretenses she grabbed a liberal handful and began to eat. She mostly grabbed smaller fruits such as grapes in order to maximize the pace of her devouring. Her teachers and maids would have a heart attack if they saw her now.
"Thank you so much my lady." She shoved a strawberry away now. "I haven't-" More grapes, "Eaten in days!" The girl continued like this until the woman offered her a hand and asked her to join her. Elaina took the woman's hand but stepping down prooved to be quite painful. The splinters in her feet burrowed themselves deeper with every step. "My name is Elaina. Pray, do tell, what is yours my lady?" She asked with a small curtsy.
It was now that she noticed. It was odd, her necklace seemed to react to this woman's presence. The warmth it naturally offered seemed to be intensifying. It did not hurt, but all the same it felt to be too much. Beads of sweat were forming on her chest around the stone. Letting go of the woman's hand the heat receded back deep within the stone once more. What was that? Had the woman felt it too?
Before another word could be uttered the dance had ended, "It was beautiful, don't you think? But how could she- "Her face was bright red just thinking about it. Against her fair complexion and raven hair you could mistake her for being unwell. "Wear clothing so... revealing?" It almost felt wrong but there was something horribly attractive about them. It was as if... nah, there was no way she wanted to wear them. Recounting lessons she was previously taught she reminded herself.
A proper lady does not dress or dance like a harlot. Her instructors seemed most displeased to address the subject, then again she was a jealous woman who thought herself unattractive. No, no, the lessons were there for a reason. A proper lady is delicate and graceful. Her body is to be seen and touched by only one man, her husband. Anything else is harlotry and filthy. It is seductive and sinful. To throw your body around in this manner would be provoking men into unpleasant thoughts and asking to be violently deflowered. At least, that is what her instructors would say.
Seeing it now she wanted to try it. Besides, what better way to hide than to act against her teachings. She was always the picture of perfect lady prior, so now she should be far less. Does not mean she had to go against her morals. After all, she had taken big steps recently. The over-sized 'tunic' did not fit very well and the shoulder would frequently fall. She had gotten tired of fixing it and traveled great distance without adjusting it. Never had she dreamed of showing as much skin as that. Maybe dancing would be much the same.
The dancer suddenly moved into the crowd becoming one with the masses and catching the eyes of those she passed. Including Elaina. Elaina watched her go by before quickly addressing the woman. "Um, thank you again so much my lady." She turned and quickly moved to give chase. Her feet pained her and her clumsiness took hold, falling over her own feet she landed in the dirt with a thud. If nothing more, the girl was determined, she called out to the dancer to get her attention.
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Ajari
Manakete
Posts: 40
Profession: Monk
Dragon Element: Water
OoC Alias: Wyatt
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Post by Ajari on Oct 12, 2014 11:13:14 GMT -6
Ajari raised an amused eyebrow as Elaina attacked the food. "Easy now, you don't want to get sick. Eat slowly," she instructed, as if feeding a child. The poor girl, she certainly looked far from home. Her mannerisms gave her away as someone raised in a life of excess, but her attire said otherwise. What had this girl been through to bring her to this. Ajari also observed the obvious pain walking seemed to cause this girl. Her feet must have been injured as well.
Ajari felt he bracelet throbbing softly as she grasped this girl's hand. She looked down at her curiously, as the girl seemed to feel something as well. How curious, her bracelet had never reacted like that before unless she was taping into her super natural powers. Who was this girl?
"I am called Ajari. It is a pleasure, Elaina." She saw that the girl was transfixed by the dancer, and Ajari had to admit that the performer had no small amount of skill. She moved with a grace and fluidity that mimicked Ajari's own, though the motions were more enticing and alluring than the practical and powerful steps Ajari used. "She simply does not care what others say. Her clothing is chosen to catch the eye of her audience, and I do believe it worked," she added, watching the girl seem to mull something over in her mind.
Elaina didn't wait, and went to give chase almost immediately. Ajari saw the spark of pain in her eyes again, and went to stop her. She reacted too late, and the girl took a fall to the hard earth. Ajari was at her side in an instant, helping her back to her feet.
"Easy now. If you've just eaten for the first time in three days, you shouldn't be exerting yourself. The caravan isn't going anywhere quite yet." Ajari wanted to find some place for Elaina to sit down. The poor dear looked like she'd been run ragged. Filthy and torn clothing, irritated and injured feet, malnourished... it was a miracle the poor girl could even move as she was.
However, Ajari was also familiar with the self-destructive determination that existed in abundance down here. It would be pointless to try and stop this girl from killing herself over this, so perhaps she should just make it easier. She'd already made a bit of a scene from her outfit and her fall.
"Excuse me, Dancer?" Ajari called in a louder voice. "I believe you have an admirer who wishes a moment of your time." She couldn't be sure the dancer would even entertain the idea, but it couldn't hurt to ask.
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Post by Charlotte on Oct 12, 2014 14:55:15 GMT -6
Not long after Charlotte took her place at the rear of the crowd, the music began again, the beat once again bright as more dancers filtered onto the stage. Charlotte recognized all of them, of course, able to name each one in her head as they were revealed in a similar fashion as Charlotte herself had been. Reiana was first, of course, considering she was the newest besides Charlotte to the troupe. Stringy get oddly graceful, she only graced the stage alone for a few moments before she was joined by Alecia, a dark haired woman who seemed to have the utmost control of her body.
The two twirled and twirled around one another, readying for what Charlotte already knew to be the reveal of the third and veteran dancer of the troupe, Eve. Eve was an ethereal presence on the stage, though she moved to cautiously for Charlotte’s taste. Her movements were always so deliberate, so pointed, when Charlotte’s were wild, loose, flowing. There was a place for both, the blonde supposed, but Charlotte much preferred her own style as superior. It was nigh impossible to coordinate with others; after all, Charlotte was a lone wolf, wasn’t she?
Before Charlotte witnessed the reveal, however, her attention was caught by two female voices calling to someone in the crowd. She wouldn’t have paid it any mind if whoever was being called to hadn’t been referred to as “dancer.” Considering there was no one in her line of sight dressed as such save for Charlotte and the three on stage, she only assumed the voice was calling to her.
Her blue eyes moved first, looking to the side and being greeted with the unfortunate sight that was the small, raven haired girl. Barely clothed and dirty, the girl reminded Charlotte of a darker time, one she purposely avoided reflecting on. Lips pursed, Charlotte wanted nothing more but to look away and forget what she had seen, forget the pain it made her remember.
Instead, Charlotte turned to face the girl and her companion, who looked much better off than the small, frail-looking girl. She moved closer to the young lady, a sad smile coming to her features as she looked down at the petite, pale-skinned girl.
“You appear to be correct,” Charlotte replied to the other woman, her gaze moving to her momentarily before locking back onto the black-haired girl in front of her, a sad smile coming to her features. It wasn’t often that Charlotte was moved by her past, but her emotions were still running high, uncontrolled after her dance, so the usual Charlotte hadn’t settled in quite yet.
Still, Charlotte couldn’t help herself from speaking freely. “What in Elibe are you wearing, love?”
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2014 15:19:03 GMT -6
Ajari's words proved true. Despite the sweet release from hunger granted it did upset her gut slightly. Still, it was most certainly worth it. Elaina herself had failed to garner the attention of the dancer but the other woman called out as well, for the girl's sake. Referring to her as a dancer seemed to have been a far more effective method. "Thank you," She offered.
The dancer turned and approached with elegance and grace. It was almost as though she were still dancing, even now. She looked down with, what was it? Disgust perhaps? She did look like little more than an urchin at this point. No, not disgust, perhaps pity. But not only pity, there was something else hidden behind those blue eyes. Something that Elaina was unable to read.
The woman addressed her poor state of apparel. It certainly was a horrid mess. "Um," Elaina began trying to hurry to her feet. She got caught up in her hurry and she simply fell to the ground a second time. "Oof!" Slower this time she stood to face the dancer. Wow, she sure is pretty, she thought. Realizing her sleeve was still hanging low she cautiously slid it back over to a normal state as though someone would disapprove.
"I am wearing... uh," A man's over-sized shirt with the sleeves rolled up so it could function as a 'tunic.' But who is splitting hairs? "A, a tunic." She gave an awkward and toothy smile. Remembering her manors all at once she quickly curtsied and added, "My lady."
"Um... I uh, I really loved your performance!" She threw in for good measure.
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Ajari
Manakete
Posts: 40
Profession: Monk
Dragon Element: Water
OoC Alias: Wyatt
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Post by Ajari on Oct 13, 2014 16:19:29 GMT -6
Ajari wasn't exactly up-to-date on fashion, but the fact that the 'tunic' was a man's cut wasn't exactly hard to determine. Just what had this girl been through on her way here?
And Elaina went right back to tripping and falling all over herself. The poor dear could barely stand, let alone walk. "If I might interject, perhaps we should find a place to sit? I may not be a physician, but you are not in any condition to be moving so hastily. Listen to your body, it is trying to tell you something. Would you be kind enough to join us for a spell, Ms. Dancer? I'm not sure my friend here will contain her excitement easily."
Ajari gave a knowing smile to Charlotte.Such stubborn people inhabited these lands. Pain and weakness were messages sent by your body, to ignore them was profoundly foolish. This girl, however, was young and clearly inexperienced. She needed to be nurtured and guided, lest she fall victim to... whatever happened to her in the past. "Come now, Elaina. The caravan won't be leaving for at least a few hours, if they are even leaving today. Take some time to recover your strength. And perhaps one of locals can find something more practical for you to wear."
The people here had been kind and generous to her, but Ajari would not depend on such charity. She had some coin she carried with her in case of times like this. It should be more than enough to at least get Elaina protected from the elements. Just looking at the poor girl raised a motherly concern in Ajari, like when she would care for one of the sick children... well, when they were children. She'd lived there so long that she saw many of them be born, raised, marry and die, over and over again. Still, she felt a great connection to each and every one of them.
Elaina needed help, and Ajari would provide it.
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Post by Charlotte on Oct 15, 2014 11:37:02 GMT -6
Charlotte hadn’t been close enough to help the young lady back to her feet the first time she stumbled towards the blonde, but as soon as she tripped over herself a second time as Charlotte inquired about her apparel, the thief found herself bending down to try and help the destitute girl back to her feet. As soon as she tried to call what appeared to be a man’s oversized, dirty, and torn-up shirt a “tunic, Charlotte couldn’t help but let a small “tch” escape from her. One had to wear whatever it was to survive, it seemed, but the state of it was vile, to say the least.
As soon as the girl curtsied, though, Charlotte knew something was off about the situation. The blonde lived on the streets for the majority of her life, and never once had she seen any of the children – or adults for that matter – pay any heed to etiquettes. They simply weren’t needed on the streets, where manners didn’t get you the last piece of bread from the trash or the shoes off of the dead bum’s feet.
“Thank you,” Charlotte replied politely to the girl’s compliment, though it was a politeness shown simply for the benefit of the dirtied young woman. Charlotte could tell she was not used to living on the streets, and worse, that she was likely not used to being poor either. Charlotte couldn’t help but wonder if the girl was a runaway who might fetch a nice finder’s fee, her mind quickly switching back into work mode as it often did. While not her main concern for the moment, it was certainly something to consider, so Charlotte determined it was best not to burn any bridges.
“It’s Mirya, and I’d be glad to,” Charlotte smiled, briefly returning the other woman’s gaze. Charlotte wasn’t sure who the woman was, but she didn’t appear to be just another villager. It could be assumed she wasn’t traveling with the young woman, Elaina, since her compassion would have kept Elaina from ever getting to this point. Her clothing, work boots, and way she referred to the villagers as “locals” suggested some sort of traveler, but as to her profession, Charlotte wasn’t sure.
“I’d have to agree with your new friend here, Elaina,” Charlotte said, laying her hand gently on the raven-haired girl’s shoulder as she continued. As much as the dancer in Charlotte wanted to finish watching the show, the ‘consultant’ in her had other plans. “It would probably be best for you to get off of your feet for a while,” she continued. “Besides, maybe if you’re up for it later, I can introduce you to some of the other dancers!” Charlotte feigned excitement as she wouldn’t necessarily want to take the young girl around, but it was definitely something she could do to gain the girl’s trust. Maybe then Elaina would tell Charlotte how she’d come to be here, and then the blonde could determine if there was business to be had.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2014 19:46:43 GMT -6
Ajari urged Elaina to rest and recuperate. Elaina felt embarrassed and her face was noticeably red. It was not that she could not walk, while the splinters certainly drove her insane with the frequent sharp pains it was simply her own clumsiness that drove her into the ground again and again. "It is only splinters," she protested. "It is entirely owed to my own clumsiness." Perhaps not the best statement when you wish for someone to teach you to dance but she really was graceful with her partners.
Elaina appreciated the aid to stand. Just as well calling a shirt a tunic made some laugh, others think her strange, but here it made the woman disgusted. Or, that was how it appeared to Elaina at least. Soon as the dancer gave her name Elaina commented, "That's a beautiful name."
It seemed that everyone would insist upon her sitting for a spell so who was she to refuse at this point? "Okay. ... and as far as clothing I may be able to pay for it myself. I got some in a tavern recently." The girl looked embarrassed about it for whatever reason.
Elaina flinched the moment the woman touched her. She was not used to being touched. While she was known to offer little regard to other's personal space when it came to her own people tended to shy away from her. "I-I guess we could go to the tavern or inn or something right?" In truth she still was not very certain what commoners did on the road and an inn sounded more like a distant rumor to her. She had yet to stay in one.
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Ajari
Manakete
Posts: 40
Profession: Monk
Dragon Element: Water
OoC Alias: Wyatt
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Post by Ajari on Oct 19, 2014 12:48:58 GMT -6
Ajari showed a compassionate look to Elaina as she struggled to keep up her own composure. The poor girl looked like she just wanted to sit down and cry. Still, she refused to do so, not willing to be pushed aside. Ajari rolled her eyes playfully, but then gestured toward the wagons.
"This town doesn't have such a place, being a small farming town. Would it be all right if we went to sit by the wagons?" she asked to Mirya. "I am Ajari, by the way. Forgive me for forgetting my manners. Also, the dance was indeed lovely. Such passion is rare to see."
It was a compliment, in her own way.
A thought passed through Ajari's mind, and she snapped her fingers with a smile. "Ah, leave the clothing issue to me. It is, after all, everyone's duty to help those in need. And, my dear, you look desperately in need of a little help. I don't imagine you two will go running off too far?" she asked rhetorically.
Honestly, she could see that Elaina really wanted to talk to the dancing girl, so Ajari would leave them with some time alone. The girls more immediate needs had to be addressed, and Ajari had every intent on helping the girl however she could.
Now then, where to check? Someone elderly would likely have some older clothing for a younger person. It wouldn't be the dancer's dress, but it would be a far cry better than being half naked on the side of the road. A few coins should be able to get a set of old, but functional, attire for the girl.
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Post by Charlotte on Oct 19, 2014 22:08:55 GMT -6
“Of course,” Charlotte said, looking to Ajari as she suggested the wagons as a resting place. “And it’s a pleasure meeting you both.”
The blonde’s lips curled into a smile as she was handed another compliment for her dance. If she had been a different person, maybe simply being a dancer in a troupe of entertainers, a circus, or a noble’s court would have been enough of a life for her. She was good enough at it, after all. But Charlotte could never do the same thing for long; constant change was inherent in who she was, so she’d leave the dance in favor of something different soon as she often did.
Charlotte was considering extending some of her own coin to help the young woman find some more appropriate garments, but it seemed Ajari was already on top of that particular issue. Charlotte wondered what the woman gained by being so willing to help the young woman would likely give nothing in return, besides her thanks and admiration. Personal fulfillment, knowing she’d helped someone else in need, Charlotte guessed? It was rare Charlotte found that kind of satisfaction from an act of selflessness; in fact, Charlotte couldn’t remember the last time she’d done something with someone else completely in mind. A woman of her profession couldn’t afford placing others before herself, especially when there was coin to be made.
“Not far at all,” Charlotte smiled yet again, looking down over to Elaina for a moment before pointing over to the circle of wagons behind the makeshift stage, “We’ll be just over there.” After watching Ajari walk off in search of better clothing for the raven-haired young woman, Charlotte gently ushered her towards the small area she’d pointed out, doing her best to move slowly so the girl wouldn’t be in too much pain. Though what would appear to be a kind gesture was just another step Charlotte took to try and gain the trust of the young girl, hoping she’d be willing to talk and potentially reveal more than she’d have liked.
“Now, you’re not from around here, are you Elaina?” Charlotte questioned, though her words were gentle. It was a simple question, though one that could come across as light or weighted, depending on what happened to bring the girl all this way.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2014 12:02:28 GMT -6
Elaina let Ajari go without a fuss. She smiled at her genuinely and nodded her thanks. Of course to tell her she desperately needed help down to appearance was in her mind a bit harsh. She already knew this and now she was being reminded of it again. Regardless of words she had been fortunate despite her tragedies. She had met one kind person after another. She never would have made it out of the manor if not for Cen, then Grimm sacrificed his spare shirt for her and then now. She did not engage these women, nor did they have cause to speak with her and yet they volunteered their aid. It was enough to make her want to cry. But she would not allow it.
Elaina let herself be led over to the carts. She did not mind even with the splinters. In fact she liked that they moved closer. Getting to look over the many colorful carts with the arabesque patterns was refreshing. It was rather flamboyant however, and was certain to attract bandits to them, perhaps they too had bodyguards. Elaina pulled herself up into the back of a wagon to admire the contents. It was full of stage gear and props including the ever so classic comedy and tragedy masks. In truth Elaina always found them creepy.
"I-I'm from around here." It was not a lie but it certainly felt like one. The girl was from Santaruz but she had never walked beyond the manor until now. Supposedly within the territories of her house's influence and yet it was all so foreign to her. "I am from here in Santaruz." Ask her anything, she could tell you all about the land. Yet nothing on a personal level or preference.
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Post by Charlotte on Nov 3, 2014 12:52:09 GMT -6
Charlotte could tell the young girl was excited to get to see the carts up close; however much pain she was in, she fought through it so she would be able to enjoy the beautiful drapery and colors around them. Some thought it to be garish, but Charlotte loved the borderline-gaudy displays, seeing them as more complex than anything. The blonde hated things that were plain, and the dancer’s dark wood carts, multi-colored banners, and fanciful costuming were anything but.
As Elaina climbed up into one of the prop wagons, Charlotte listened carefully to her words. So she was from around here then? The consultant began to wonder if the young lady truly was just a street urchin from this small town, which would no doubt explain her destitute appearance. But when she clarified as being from “Santaruz,” Charlotte thought otherwise again. The town could technically be considered a part of the greater area of Santaruz, but they were far enough out that walking alone in her condition would have been a terrible struggle.
“Oh really?” Charlotte perked up, crossing her arms as she smiled. “I spend a lot of time in Santaruz, but I’m from Laus myself. Santaruz is practically my second home, though.”
The blonde paused, wondering how she should word her next question. “Santaruz is a pretty big place,” Charlotte finally commented, having mulled over her words enough. She wanted to figure out how she had gotten to this small town, as it could tell Charlotte if her gut was right. “You can’t tell me you walked all the way to this little village like that, did you darling?” Her words were sugared and personal, still looking to build up trust between her and Elaina.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 0:06:30 GMT -6
(OOC: Really sorry for the long delay)
"No, no. I rode in on Peanut, my horse." The horse seemed to whinny in agreement. It even almost looked proud of the fact. Of course that was not her meaning behind the question and Elaina relented part of the truth. She reminded herself of several rules she had learned growing up. one: A proper lady NEVER tells a lie, but that was always met by a hushed, unless it should help to improve her station. A vile and corrupt idea but it was effective many times. Two: A proper lady never reveals her true state of discomfort to any but her husband in privacy. She must always look dignified and pleasant as a flower in the breeze.
Elaina then put on the best act as she could. It was a talent she was forced to learn and her tears were real. The memory was still so fresh and the event still so recent. "I- I- I was a servant at the estate of the Gall homestead. Have you ever heard of them? They have influence here and in Bern. O-o-or at least they did." Elaina looked fit to burst.
"People were dying and everything was burning! I just... I just ran! I ran as fast as I could! I went to the stables and got away but it was dark and I was thrown into the river!" She sniffed hard her face a complete mess and very unattractive. "I was the lord's daughter's servant but I still just ran. I was so scarred. I could even have called her a friend but I left her! And now everything there is gone and destroyed!"
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