The Art of First Impressions

by **Dor'gen** on July 22nd, 2014, 2:49 am

Timestamp: 5th Day of Summer, 514 AV

As the Sun began its voyage into the heavens, the darkness of evening was rent asunder. Pale rays of light reached across the Cyphrus region, spreading warmth wherever they touched. With its presence came the blossoming of flowers and the chiming of birds; a new day had dawned. As if heralding the start of a new day, rapid footsteps broke the relative quiet of the morning. One after another, simple boots deviated from the famed Kabrin Road; bearing a warrior along its length. With impressive swiftness, the Akalak known as Isley Vey'rd made his way down the beaten path; dedicated to reaching his destination promptly. Despite his not being a morning person, the midnight-skinned warrior had arisen quite early this morning: for there was an employer to become acquainted with.

Having left the relative comforts of his home in Riverfall, the time came for Isley to put his skills to good use. As such, upon making his intentions to stick around Kenash quite clear, he was afforded the opportunity to work for one of the many Dynasties which held power within the city. Known as the Lynint Dynasty, this particular family was known for sugarcane of all things; a resource that Isley was far from being familiar with. However, what he knew was the arts of combat...and apparently that was something that could potentially make him a decent sum of coin. However, even though he had spent decades honing his skills, Isley was leagues away from being a famed Sellsword. In fact, there was nothing to set him apart from the other mercenaries which moved about the region.

And so, the Akalak resolved to stand out through one of the simplest methods: tact.

Ah yes, the "ancient" art of manners was one that Isley knew quite well. Compliments of his mother, the warrior was well aware that first impressions were oftentimes the last impression! As such, he decided that arriving several chimes early for his appointment would speak volumes of his work ethic. After several minutes of steady jogging, Isley's pace ultimately slowed to a halt; for he had arrived before the gate of the Silverbite Plantation. Taking a moment to mop the sweat from his brow, the Akalak noted the "moat" which circumvented the estate...and the beasts sunning themselves upon the rocks. Swallowing, Isley rested his offhand upon the pommel of his "free bound" Bastard Sword, before announcing his presence to the acting guards.

"Hail! I am here to meet with the Lynints and have an appointment for this morning!" he said. Of course, the guards would verify this claim, but the Akalak was promptly admitted within the gate. A pair then took up places on either side of the man and promptly escorted him across the grounds; ultimately coming to a halt before the estate's steps. Now it was only a matter of awaiting a member of the Dynasty to meet with; and hopefully all would go well.

by **Adrienna Lynint** on July 22nd, 2014, 8:02 pm

It was silent within the carriage as both occupants minded the time in thought. Lucian was, as ever, an introspective individual with a desire to be alone, even when it came to having to spend time in private with his owner. Adrienna, like-minded in her drive for solitude and independence, favoured his silence and the acceptance within. It was a rare moment in a day when both were not besieged with business or familial matters.

The store was closed. The animals had been locked away. Another day of business had come and gone as any other day would. The ride was uneventful as they passed along the plantations lining the Kabrin and moved through Bloodflower lands, passing slave and warden, field and river. Birdsong pierced the silence, a welcome home to the Lynint and her slave. Even though they were not yet on Silverbite, Adrienna did fancy the sound to be a herald to their arrival. She was cheered by it, her state of brooding diminishing as she shifted in her seat. Lucian paid her no heed.

The following chimes took place in a more strained environment, the awkwardness of their situation pressing upon both slave and mistress. Neither wanted to breach it and neither enjoyed the bite of discomfort it brought with it. How people could think they were more than owner and slave utterly astounded Adrienna; she and Lucian were too similar with too many likenesses to be anything more than they were and they functioned well because of it, however in instances like this things grew strained to the point where she might detest his companionship. Of course, it was no fault of his. She simply loathed awkward situations.

"Many plans tonight?" Lucian broke the silence abruptly, voice a low thrum amidst the clattering of hooves upon the beaten road.

"The usual," Adrienna responded, meaning she would likely settle down somewhere with a cup of tea and enjoy the evening before it wore away into night and she was requested for a meal. What he would be doing did not require asking. He was a slave. She was not curious as to what he did in his private time so long as it didn't endanger his life. It was an unspoken sentiment as Adrienna required him to run her business and she'd be wasting time and money to train a new slave.

He nodded his understanding and they returned to their silence, more comfortable now that they'd breached the situation. A smile dimpled faintly in her left cheek as she stared out the window over the acreage of land. Slaves toiled in the setting glare of the sun, bodies streaked with the filth of their labours. Ah, it seemed to have been a good day on the plantation.

Now that they were on Silverbite land, she was pleased to be home again. It would not be long before the house was in sight- there it was. Her smile did not grow but the atmosphere within the carriage warmed. They were both home.

Chimes later had the carriage coming to a halt. Lucian slid from his seat and exited, holding the door open so Adrienna could also exit and offering his hand for stability. She'd had to hitch up her skirt to dismount and his assistance was very welcome. She patted his hand when she was on the ground and the carriage made its departure... once she'd paid the driver of course. "Have a good evening, Lucian." 

He nodded, murmuring his own farewell, and started off to the slave quarters. Adrienna herself turned to face her home and made her to the steps, halting only when she saw the new arrival. Her brow furrowed. Akalak, but not the prime specimens the Konrath toted about proudly. Freeborn, then, as no slave would wear what he was. Lovely.

"Can I help you?" Adrienna had to strain to be courteous; she had a noted dislike of non-humans and Freeborns.

Carriage-3 gm, 5 sm from ledger.

by **Dor'gen** on July 22nd, 2014, 10:52 pm

In the blink of an eye, the attention afforded to the Akalak by his "esteemed escorts" disappeared. Instead, their gaze focused upon the pristine carriage that made its way onto the Plantation grounds at a leisurely pace. Judging from the response of the guards, Isley was left with the impression that whomever sat within was an individual of importance. As such, he turned away from the front stairs of the estate and placed his attention upon the carriage. For chimes, the trio stood silently and marked the progress of the vehicle as it approached...until finally, the warrior spoke.

"So...whose carriage is that?" he said, making the simplest of inquiries. Despite the fact that he was Freeborn and very much foreign to Kenash, the look the guards responded with made him feel...dumb. After a few seconds of judging whether or not the Akalak was joking, one of the two spoke up. "That would be Adrienna's Carriage. Adrienna Lynint: a daughter of the Lynint Dynasty." he said. Now, while there was no way in the world that Isley would know this particular chunk of information, the guard huffed in a dismissive manner.

"And here I thought the natives would be a touch nicer." whispered the all-too familiar voice in the rear of the Akalak's mind. 'Twas none other than the "other" soul residing within Isley's body: a darker individual known as Rigard. Keeping flawless composure, the warrior made a short, mental response. "Let's reserve judgment until we've at least met our employer, alright?" he said, whilst folding his arms briefly. Isley then continued to watch as the carriage rounded the final corner and slowed to a halt only a few paces away.

At once, the door opened and a male stepped out before turning the instant his feet touched down upon the ground. His hand immediately was offered to the one who followed: a woman of immense beauty by Isley's standards. Upon being assisted down, the two parted ways whilst the Carriage began to move once more. When the Lynint placed her attention upon the trio, the Akalak felt himself instinctively straightening his posture. He then lowered his head, both out of respect and greetings, before introducing himself.

"Good evening miss, my name is Isley Vey'rd. I am a Sellsword by trade and had made an appointment to meet with your kin in order to discuss employment." he began, promptly raising his head once more. "And might I add, it is an honor to make your acquaintance." Once the words concluded, he hoped to all heaven that the lessons his mother all but beat into his skull worked; for first impressions supposedly meant everything. Especially when it came to employment.

by **Adrienna Lynint** on July 23rd, 2014, 8:13 am

Adrienna regarded him with a placid expression, betraying little of what disgust she felt. Really, it was bad for business to curl one's lip at the potential clientele. It curled regardless, of course, but in more of a little smirk than something cruelly vindictive.

"Yes, yes. Charmed, of course." A glitter of something mischievous and insincere sparked in the dark grey of her eyes as her head inclined. "I am Adrienna Lynint, welcome to House Silverbite. What sort of employment do you seek with my family? I'm not sure you're cut out to work in one of our businesses." She maintained the sense of propriety raised into her even while addressing this man. As she spoke she stepped delicately around him as if circling to the stairs. Her eyes flitted to the guards at either side of him and in a show of faith, or maybe because she thought they would be more useful doing something else, she dismissed them with few words to return to their posts. They were not being payed to gawk at the short Akalak.

She awaited his response with a level of patience shown rarely to people below her who were not buying from her. It might not be her place to question potential workers, but she was curious.

by **Vice** on August 11th, 2014, 5:02 am

Isley Vey'rd :

Adrienna Lynint :

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