Blessed with Friends (Pulren)

by **Firenze** on July 7th, 2015, 6:44 pm

He walked over and Firenze smiled wide, he asked the clerk to get it and it made her pleased that he liked the item she picked out for him. It was kind of feminine but he asked the clerk to add it to the list so she assumed that he was happy with her decision. Standing there, smiling from ear to ear, she watched him. He didn’t move for a moment and the silence stretched between the two. She wasn’t sure what else he needed or if he was finished shopping. As she was going to ask him what he would like to do next, then he spoke.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, her head turned slightly toward it as he asked if she actually lived in a cave. It dawn on her suddenly that it might seem odd that she lived there because he didn’t know what she was. She didn’t know if she could trust him to tell him that she could shift form so she was lost on how to tell him why she lived in a cave.

“Ah… yes. I do live in… a cave. It’s not that bad, a bit dusty, but not bad. I can show you if you want?” Reaching a hand up she slid her fingers lightly around his wrist, trying to let him know that she was not offended that he questioned her living in a cave and that it was truly not as bad as it sounded. It didn’t have the amenities that a cottage or apartment might but she’d made a comfortable sleeping area with dried soft long grass and her blankets on top, a nice little fire ring and even dug out a small “shelf” to put her things on.

She watched as Palaren continued his shopping, the clerk happy with having such a large sale he all but hopped around Pal, eagerly writing down the requests. As he dismissed the clerk and his attention came back to her he spoke again. She didn’t know what to say! He wanted her to live with him? But why? Was this a joke and he was playing her? A heat tinged her cheeks and she dropped her head slightly, looking down to her hands.

Her eyes scanned him, he didn’t look like he was joking. “You want me to live with you?” She was still in a moment of shock, but the idea of having a real place with real walls and a door excited her. It wouldn’t be all hers of course, but it would be a step up from where she was. “I don’t want to burden you…” Wringing her hands she felt a bit ashamed, she didn’t want him to take pity on her and that be the reason he had her come live with him. She wanted him to invite her because he wanted her to stay with him.

“I mean if you want me to stay I don’t want to be rude and decline your offer.” If he was indeed okay with her staying she would let him know, “If you’re okay with it, I could stay for a bit while I look for my own place?” Otherwise, she would not be bothered at all if he didn’t have enough room for her. She clasped her hands in front of her and red tinged her cheeks as she tried to be humble and grateful for his offer.

“Can I see your place?” If he agreed, Fire would take his arm again, and prepare herself to leave. She didn’t know if he had anything left to purchase or not, but there was not much in the store that she needed at the current time. She’d have to come back for the fabrics that she liked to have them crafted into clothing and pick up a few other odds and ends.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

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by **Pulren Marsh** on July 12th, 2015, 5:44 am

She actually lived in a cave. Pulren's heart sank for her.She didn't seem offended by it, her touch an indicator that relieved the young man. Nevertheless, he couldn't let her go on that way. Even if she wasn't beautiful, he just couldn't sleep in his comfortable bed knowing that she was sleeping in a cave. There was no reason for it. Her eyes and face seemed to register that he was serious, however. He had no hesitation in his decision. "I'm very serious. You aren't a burden. Your days of living in a cave end today, Fire." He looked at the clerk, whose eyes were set again on the girl and her assets. Pulren gave him a little bit of a look like he might do better in life by keeping his attention on the assets of business.

"So..let's get all of these things together and bring them over to the house. I'll wait outside for you and show you the way." The clerk nodded, gathering two others who had gravitated to the situation. It was a large sale and they had little else to do, it appeared. As they began gathering the items, Pulren turned his attention back to Fire. "I don't want you to worry about it anymore, okay? You can stay as long as you need to stay. I want you to be there. Let's step outside until they get everything together." As the pair exited the store and came back out into the bright light of the Summer day, he placed his hand on her shoulder again. "You can come with me as soon as the clerks come out. I have to take them over to deliver the goods and pay them off. We can all go."

A few chimes later, the rickety rolling of wooden wheels came from behind the shop as two clerks pushed a cart with Pulren's purchases on it while a third followed along to make sure nothing fell. He might have been a third for security as well, considering Pulren's outstanding balance. It didn't really matter to him. He knew that he was legitimate. he took Fire by the elbow as the group began the procession to his home.

by **Firenze** on July 12th, 2015, 7:00 am

Relief flooded through her as he confirmed that he did indeed want her there. A smile came to her lips as he gave his confirmation. As she was watching him she noticed that his attention turned to the clerk with a glare. Her eyes following his she noticed that the clerk was watching her. Her eyebrow rose, wondering why he wasn’t trying to finish up the sale instead. She turned her attention away from him and back to Palaren, the clerk didn’t bother her she just found it odd for him to stare.

“I really appreciate this, if there’s anything you need or would like for me to do, just let me know okay?” She smiled, slipping her arm through his and watched as the clerk hopped around the store commanding a few other men to start getting the items together. Palaren had ordered quite a bit and it amazed Fire that someone could have so much mizas on their person.

Stepping from the store a cool breeze off the water whipped at her blonde locks, musing them about her head. Pulling her arm out from his she moved her hair from her face, tucking the wild strands behind her ears. Shivering slightly she stepped a little closer to Palaren for warmth. Eyes watched as the men from the store came around the corner with a wagon, items loaded to the top and began to move along the street.

He told her that she’d be coming back with him to take the items to his place and the turn of events that the night had taken became a pleasant surprise. Coming into town she’d not imagined that she’d find someone that she’d felt such a connection with, let alone having him invite her to live with him. She knew it was a risk on his part, they hadn’t known each other long but there was always an ease about it that made her comfortable, even when they were in Sunberth together.

Palaren’s hand came around her elbow, looking down to it and then back up to him she smiled. As he lead the way, they walked the darkening streets. It was lighter than the shop had been but the sun had begun to descend quickly and Leth was high in the sky waiting to cast his blueish glow. As they walked Fire decided to fill the quiet with some conversation to catch up. Watching the men with the cart she asked, “So when did you come back to Zeltiva? Do you mind if I ask why you came back?” Cold stones clacked under her feet, moving her closer to the new place that she was going to be staying and it caused her heart to race with excitement. Her mind tried to picture what the place would look like.

With her mind elsewhere, she moved the arm that had his hand on her elbow and slipped it around his, her hand resting on his forearm. The wind pulled at the hair that she had tucked behind her ears and she casually watched the cart wheels as they moved toward their destination. Quite a few people were still milling around the street, even at the gloaming hour. Soft conversation floated around them on the breeze. The contrast between Sunberth and Zeltiva surprised Fire more and more every time she walked the street.

They approached a small cottage and the cart came to a stop, she assumed this was the place. It seemed cozy from the outside and she almost danced with excitement to see the inside. She’d never been in anyone's place before except for Aider and she vaguely even remember what it looked like considering she hadn’t been there long. Opening the door the scent of man was strong. It wasn’t a bad smell, in fact quite the opposite, it played with her senses and for some reason relaxed her more than she already was.

Following into the house, her eyes wide she scanned the area. None of the candles or the hearth were lit and shadows cast across the walls from the windows but she could still make out the furniture. It was a lot more lavish than she expected, the furniture was finely made, there was a bookcase and a desk with a book on top. She’d only seen one book before, unable to read it, it hadn’t interested her. It didn’t surprise her that he would have a book, he seemed to be an intelligent person.

Running her fingers along the chair, her eyes still taking in everything she watched and waited as the workers from the store began unloading the items. There was quite a lot and she wondered where everything might go. Fire knew they weren’t her things, she hadn’t purchased them and that the house wasn’t hers but she let her imagination run for a little while. Pretending for a moment that this was her house, that her parents lived in a cottage just down the street and that she had grown up in Zeltiva and played by the bay everyday. Creating a quick little imaginary world in her mind in just a few ticks. She released that dream and came back to the present, her eyes watching Palaren as he moved around.

“Um,” she hesitated for a moment, unsure how exactly to ask, “when do you want me to get my things? I can leave them there if you want or I can go and get them in the morning… or whenever really.” The corner of her mouth came between her teeth as she chewed on her lip. Shifting from one foot to the other, her hand still on the chair she came up with an idea. “Or if you want I can take you tomorrow and show you that stream I was telling you about?” A smile came to her lips, hoping that he would want to go with her so she could spend more time with him.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

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by **Pulren Marsh** on July 19th, 2015, 10:03 am

It felt very natural, having Firenze so close to him. The warmth of her skin, the glow of Syna above Laviku, as if showing Pulren another nightly union. The creak of the cart behind them put his mind to how even more items and possibly a woman would fit into his ever shrinking cottage. It would be a problem that he would welcome to puzzle over, however. They were already passing the docks and they would arrive before long. She brought up a question that he guessed that he should probably answer. He had hoped to pierce the topic behind closed doors, but trust was tantamount to any long term relationship.

"Well, do you know of the group in Sunberth known as the Scars? I was among their number while I was there." Group was the nicest word he could think of and it was mostly being used because of the mixed company and the ever present Wave Guards. Most of them knew Pulren and nodded at him, though he was fairly sure that the rank and file weren't aware of his previous gang affiliation. Now that he was cut loose from them, he saw no reason to add this sliver of information. He knew that this would give them something in common to talk about, but fortunately the trip had come to an end, the cottage in view and the caravan coming to a stop. She was opening the door and having a look, so Pulren took the moment to meet with the clerks.

They were already unloading the cart, so he approached them, taking the small cage in hand first. "I have a bird inside, so I would prefer to load everything inside. How much do I owe you?" The lead porter took his little ledger book up in hand as the others carefully unloaded the goods on to the small porch of the cottage. " Let's see, after your initial payment of forty mizas, your balance is..." The younger man's hand traced over the figures, seeming to do additions in his head. Pulren waited patiently. "Fire," he called out. "Keep the door closed so my bird doesn't get out, okay?" The clerk cleared his throat, his voice a little wavering. "Umm, it appears to be ninety six and a half golden mizas, Sir."Pulren looked over to the clerk. He knew that the store owner's reputation would not allow for gleaning.

"Alright. I'll give you an even hundred and you can split the remainder among yourselves as you see fit for the trouble." The clerk's countenance rose like a rogue wave, his very spirits lifted by the very generous tip. The other clerks murmured between themselves, giddy with the thought of probably a day's pay extra a piece. "Just a moment, please.", Pulren said, as he entered the cottage. It was dark, for sure, the cooing of the dove coming from the rafters upon his entrance. Her form was markedly apparent in the fading sunlight as she stood near the bed. Pulren was anxious to get the clerks moving.Opening his chest, he began counting out the mizas until he had reached a hundred, pulling them two at a time.

"We can go any time to get your things, Fire. Let's wait until tomorrow though. Creeping about in the woods and caves at night seems unnecessary, don't you think?" Her idea was much more agreeable. "Yes, we'll go tomorrow for sure. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll just be a few moments. I'm sorry that I don't have anything lit in here." He needed to rectify that problem. Coming back out, he had an armful of mizas, depositing them with their strange and familiar clanking sound on the wood of the cart. "Feel free to count it up. I was also wondering if one you would help a guy out and get me some fire?" Gathering up some of the items on the porch, he brought in the hammer, nails, lock and keys, placing them on the table inside.

Stepping out once more, one of the clerks had returned with a burning torch. "Thanks again, guys. Have a good evening. Get one of the Wave Guards to escort you back to the store." Giving a polite wave, he walked in and put the torch to the hearth. There had been wood in it for some time, considering Pulren hardly ever used it. Light began to filter in to the room, her features glowing from the flames. A few more chimes and he had brought all of the remaining items in, taking a seat on the bed. Well, there they were.

Ledger :

by **Firenze** on July 22nd, 2015, 9:23 pm

Palaren hadn’t followed her into the house, instead called out to her to make sure the door stayed closed because there was a bird in the house. She hadn’t noticed it before, possibly it had been sleeping. Glancing up indeed there was a fat little white body sitting, it’s eyes squeezed shut. Not wanting to upset Palaren and lose his pet she tipped toed back over to the door and closed it as quickly and quietly as she could. Catching a glimpse of him speaking with the clerk, bird cage in hand.

Golden eyes flicked back up to the bird, the instinct to want to eat it fighting against her morals. It was a pet, not food. She sighed and the bird cooed softly, almost as if it knew that she fought the urge and that she wasn’t going to snatch it up and shove it in her mouth.

Turning, she glanced around, moving over toward one of the beds, wondering which Palaren would pick for her to sleep it. Her excitement bubbled over and made her absolutely giddy, it took everything not to bounce around and fiddle with everything in sight. It was his place still and invading his privacy seemed… wrong. At that time, she turned on her heel as the door opened, Palaren walking through the entry. Fingers twined behind her back, hiding the itch they carried, feigning complete innocence, her previous thoughts making her feel slightly guilty.

He went to a chest, moved around some things and answered her question. It was a good idea; waiting until tomorrow. At the request to become more comfortable, she shifted and looked around. Maybe she shouldn’t feel so guilty for being snoopy. He exited the cottage again. The cage sat next to the chest and she eyeballed it for a moment, wanting to be helpful she wondered if stuffing the bird into the cage would help her to resist the urge, but then putting her hands on it might not be the best idea. She decided to leave that task up to Palaren and help in some other way.

Noticing that none of the men from the cart had brought any of the wares in, she thought that maybe unloading would be a better suited task for her. Definately a lot less temptation. Eyes flicked up to a window and a fire bobbed near it, someone carrying a torch was coming closer to the house. At the same time, Palaren pushed the door open and this time his arms will filled with supplies. One of the men from the cart followed behind with a torch and handed it over to Palaren, who then threw it into the hearth.

It did help to provide some light within the cottage, it’s low glow throwing shadows over his features, she watched as he thanked the men and began moving items. Popping up from her spot on the bed she hurried over to help move items, most were heavier than she could lift but there were a few items that she managed to squeeze into the increasingly shrinking cottage.

Standing off to the side, she tried to squeeze out of the way best as possible as he unloaded items. The flames in the hearth were starting to grow, sliding over she grabbed a twig that sat over to the side from kindling and held it to the licking flame. Catching the tip of it, the delicate bark glowing under the tiny flame, her hand cupped to shield it from blowing out. Carefully she began lighting the candles that sat around, tossing the twig back to the large flame once finished to be devoured.

As she turned, he was sat on the bed, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead from the heat of the summer and the heavy lifting. His muscles more visible as they’d flushed with blood. Her eyes roved over him as she leaned against the cool wall near the hearth. The heat from the fire and the coolness of the stone contrasting against her skin. “So… you already have two beds? Is there another roommate?” Glancing around almost as if she expected to find another person in the cottage now that it was lit, or find them walking through the door any moment.

She shifted from one foot to the other, “Are there any rules that we should go over? Where would you like for me to sleep?” Her inquisition causing her eyes to glance between the beds, wondering which would be his and which hers. The thought of sleeping in the same room had the heat rising in her cheeks all over again, flushing her face. She hoped that he wouldn’t be able to read her, see what thoughts she was having. The last time she’d slept in the same room with a man it had been her bond mate. That brought a whole new set of thoughts to mind.

Shaking her head, she tried to clear those thoughts and focus more on getting settled in. It was getting late and they hadn’t eaten yet, she wondered if he might be hungry. Her cooking skills were almost nil, but if he wanted she could try to put something together. “Are you hungry? Should I make something to eat?” Trying to think of what could be put together to make something palatable, raw meat sounded fine to her, but didn’t know if he would want something or could eat something like that. Vegetables? Her eyes glanced around looking to see if there were any about. She could try making a stew, in the bars it always had vegetables and meats of some sort, the broth probably from water? She wasn’t sure. Water, vegetables and meat would probably make something close to a stew.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

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by **Pulren Marsh** on August 1st, 2015, 2:07 am

Although it was becoming dark outside, the effort of moving had brought a sheen of sweat to Pulren's brow. He was happy to have ti all done; happier still to have a beautiful woman in his house. Standing, he opened the small window by its latch and opened it slightly to allow a bit of a breeze to enter. The candles inside flickered in defiance briefly but did not go out. "Thanks for lighting the candles. Makes it homey in here." Her question about the beds seemed pointed to him, though he did try to keep in mind that she at least seemed leagues more innocent than he.

Gesturing nonchalantly to the bunk in the corner as he wiped his forehead dry with his sleeve, he answered. "The bunk there came with the cottage. I've never used it, having brought my own furniture from Sunberth. It is yours if you want it. Same for the older chest there, to keep any of your items in. That chair came with the cottage as well. You may do with them as you wish." He sat on the edge of the bed, aware that he had never actually answered the question offered. "No, no other roommate. Just you and me now." The next question seemed to dance with his answer. The room became warmer still, hearth be damned.

With a noncommittal shrug, he gave her the answer he wanted to give. "You can use the bunk or you can sleep with me. I would be a liar if I said I didn't want you to sleep with me, but I would never force you to. The bunk is yours if you need your own space. My bed is plenty large enough for the two of us." Unbuckling the straps of his boots, he slowly loosened and kicked them off, wiggling his toes with a gesture of relief and freedom. "It's completely up to you." Standing from the bed, he took the boots and placed them outside on the small porch. They needed a good airing out. He certainly didn't want to smell them. The opening of the door created a greater draft that nearly put the candles out. He closed the door back and stepped over to the items gathered in a pile near the bed.

Picking up the lock and the keys, he looked over at her. "I don't have any food here. I generally eat rations or go out to eat. Come here and have a seat, please. " He gestured to the bed or to the chair at his desk. It was up to her where she wanted to sit. Fingering the lock and looking it over, he slid a key into it and listened to the well oiled click as it opened before him. "Ground rules? The main thing I can think of is security. I have plenty of valuable items as well as my money here. I also have the bird, which is sentimentally valuable to me as it is a gift from Priskil. I bought the lock to make sure that my stuff was safe. I bought the second key for you. I only ask that if you ever bring anyone here, they are someone you implicitly trust. I am trusting you with a key, after all."

It brought up other things, like his name, but he would cover them after he gave her a moment to take things in.

by **Firenze** on August 4th, 2015, 8:09 pm

A smile crossed her face as he thanked her for lighting the candles, a little pride blossoming in her chest for pleasing him. It was an enjoyable feeling, one that she could get used to if she wasn’t careful. At the same moment a twinge of panic welled up as the thought of Dor’gen disappearing flashed across her memory, causing her to want to throw walls up and not get too comfortable. She tried to stay relaxed and not let the quickly appearing fear show, keeping the small smile on her face.

Palaren pointed to the bunk in the corner and explained that it could be hers, if she wanted. Well of course she wanted! Reaching out from the spot where she stood brushing her fingertips across the blankets as he spoke, explaining that along with the bed she could have the chest and chair that came with the cottage. They were the same sort of outfit that had come with her cottage in Sunberth but it was noticeable that even though they were well worn they were in much better shape than the original ones she’d owned temporarily. She hadn’t been able to move or bring them in the rush of leaving and honestly it would have been more trouble to move them than not.

Her eyes stopped from their inspecting the room for the other roommate and flicked to his sea green ones. He’d pointed out that it was just them and it made it more apparent that they were indeed alone. Not noticing as much before, having been enthralled with moving into a more stable place than the one she’d resided at before. Her full attention was on the fact that it was just them alone in the room, her anxiety rose slightly making her wonder if she’d moved too quickly, too soon.

For some unknown reason, one that she would ponder at a time that she was more alone with her thoughts, she seemed to be comfortable with him and have more trust in him then she normally would with someone. It didn’t bother her per se, it made her slightly wary because of her past situations with men, but it didn’t scare her. This in itself kept her from panicking entirely and instead feel flattered that he’d asked her to stay.

Palaren shrugged and then offered her to sleep with him instead if she didn’t want to sleep in the other bed alone. Did he know that she was a prostitute? Was that why he’d invited her here? So that she’d sleep with him. Her heart, already on an emotional roller coaster, sank. She hoped that wasn’t the case and that he was just wanting company on his own accord. As he continued she realized that he may not know what her profession was and that he was offering because he wanted to. Her eyes flicked to the bed that he was sitting on when he mentioned how large it was, it was indeed large enough for them both to lie together.

Did she want to? It sounded nice, but at the same time she didn’t want him to be boxed in the category that she put her clients in, in her mind. Fire wanted him to be more than that… what exactly she wasn’t sure but sleeping in the same bed with him on the first night may not be the best idea, even if she was interested in the offer.

Voicing her opinion, she watched as he slipped off his boots and placed them outside, her voice catching as she flustered over his statement and the thought that it created in her mind. “I...ha, I appreciate the offer, your bed does look comfortable…” red flushed quickly through her face as she realized how her words sounded out loud and tried to quickly correct it, pointing to the bed next to her, “I mean, I… This works for me, it looks comfortable. I mean, I can sleep in it… er.. this works for me.” Smacking herself mentally, she closed her mouth quickly trying to keep from rambling more than she’d already done and keep from digging herself a bigger proverbial hole.

Palaren moved over by the items that he’d purchased and she stared wide eyed and red faced, her lips squeezed together so more embarrassing words would keep from falling out, she turned the corners up in a smile hoping that he missed her awkward ramble. He grabbed something from the pile and answered her question of her fixing him something to eat. She wasn’t sure what the rations were but eating out every night would be quite expensive and she wasn’t sure if she could exactly afford to do that, even if it may work for him. Fire made a quick mental note to go for a hunt and shop to get some food for the cottage when she had some time.

He gestured for her to sit near him, the object that he’d picked up in his hand. Moving closer she took the spot that was closest, the chair, her foot folding up under her other leg, arm resting along the backside, her eyes watched his hand curious at what he might be holding. It looked like a metal block with a metal half loop on the top. Along with the lock there were little metal keys. She tried to put the embarrassing moment behind her and focus on the information that he was giving her. The lock clicked after he slid the key into the hole and the metal ring popped up. In all honesty, it was fascinating and she wanted to give it a try, her fist clenching she refrained from grabbing it so she could give it a go, she’d have plenty of time to figure out how it worked once he was done.

He brought up the security of the cottage, making sure that she locked up as she came and went, a nod went with this as she completely agreed. Palaren did have quite a few valuable things, she’d noticed that this evening when they’d gone shopping. The mention of his bird had her glancing toward it, it had been a gift from Priskil, she wasn’t sure who that was but she was sure glad that she hadn’t eaten it. A gift was something special and if that was what the fat little while bird was, then she wasn’t even going to touch it unless necessary.

Eyes moved from the bird back to the lock and keys as he mentioned that one of the keys was for her. It was for her? Had he already had an extra key or did he purchase it while they’d been shopping? It made her feel special, the warmth coming back into her chest again as he handed the key over to her. Holding it delicately, flipping it over she inspected it, excitement sprang up again at the chance of getting to use it, on a place that she now lived. A wide smile spread across her face, she’d have to figure out the best way to secure it so she wouldn’t ever lose it.

As he continued to speak she caught that he didn’t want her bringing people here unless she trusted them. She’d never bring a client home, considering that could be quite hazardous to her health if one of them weren’t… quite stable in the mind. She had no intention of ever doing that, so that was out of the question. Was there anyone else that she knew that she’d even want to bring here? No, not really. Not really knowing anyone that well in town. Palaren seemed to finish the rules, “Thank you for the key,” looking up to him from where she sat, a grin on her face, “I can understand why you would need it, I’ll definitely make sure to use it. I won’t bring anyone here either, I don't really have anyone to bring anyway, besides you,” she chuckled a little at her terrible joke.

Holding the key up, the fatter part between her fingers, “How does it work? I suppose I’ve never actually used one before…” she motioned for the bigger piece of the lock, wanting to get her chance to make the the top pop like he’d done. It wasn’t as though she’d never seen one before, she’d just never had one before or gotten to use one. The weight was heavy in her hand, she did the same motion as he had done and tried to slide the skinny part into the hole on the lock. It didn’t fit and she tried again. Unsure of what she was doing wrong, she reversed it and tried to put it in again, this time the key slid in as Palaren’s had done the little teeth clicking, the vibrations felt on her fingertips. Turning it the top of the lock popped up and she laughed at it, “Well, I am not going to lie, that is rather entertaining. I wonder how it works?”

Palming the key, she handed the larger piece back to Palaren, the smile still plastered on her face. The thought of her looking silly at being so amused by something so little hadn’t even crossed her mind, she was just intrigued by what he’d shown her and was glad that it had been him to teach her.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

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by **Pulren Marsh** on August 9th, 2015, 5:38 am

It seemed obvious that his directness had only complicated things and Pulren felt bad for being so forward with the girl. He remembered how in Sunberth she had seemed so innocent and now she still seemed to act as if she was a child, though her body was definitely that of a woman. It made him feel guilty for thinking of taking advantage of such a person and he wondered again as he had in the city of anarchy if she might have some sort of deficiency. He'd keep it in his pants for the time being, happy to just enjoy her company and have a friend.

It was really something special to watch her in action. It reminded him of the bird that hopped around in its cage and of Priskil. The glowing radiance of Firenze really sparked that same feeling he had when he was around Priskil. Was her appearance and her company another gift from the Goddess? He certainly couldn't blaspheme and say no.Her apparent wonder at the mechanism inside the lock made such a mundane thing amazing. He pushed it down and let is slide open with a click before handing it to her for her own examination. He still wanted to kiss her. Damned blood.

She seemed to understand his need for security. It was just as much for her as it was for him and his own items. He really didn't especially care about the fancy furniture and clothes. A year ago he had nothing and he survived, even flourished. It was mostly the idea that being invaded in such a way would cause Pulren to become Uncle and he wanted to keep that thing at bay for as long as possible. At least until he found an avenue for its malevolence. He certainly couldn't imagine Firenze having to deal with the bastard.It was so much easier to just be Pulren. Or Palaren, as she still believed him to be. She had a key to his house. It wouldn't be much longer before he let her in a little deeper.

He took the lock from her hands and stood by the door, sliding the ring of it through the corresponding holes near the frame on it. Beckoning to her, he showed her how to turn the lock and slide the ring through before licking it into place. "See? Now we are safe and we can sleep without worrying about people coming in during the night. I wouldn't worry about that as much here, considering we have Wave Guard patrols, but it still helps me sleep a little better after Sunberth." That was actually a stretch considering the safety and security of the Quay. It sounded better to him than 'I want to keep you and my gold safe.' It didn't sound very nice, regardless of its truth.

Being in such close proximity was a real bitch. Pulren smiled at her comments and sat back on the bed. He usually slept in the nude but he wasn't going to be so indiscreet right in front of her. They did lack much privacy, though. Sitting back against the headboard, a pillow propped behind his back, he looked around the room, trying to think of ways to make it work. His eyes traveled to the rafters that ran along the length of the roof." You know, I might be able to nail up a sheet or something to give you some privacy if you liked." Nodding to himself, he opened his wardrobe and looked around for something that might work as he pulled a few nails and the hammer out.

by **Firenze** on August 10th, 2015, 2:50 am

After she’d handed it back he made his way over to the door, he motioned for her to come over and she followed, heels clicking light against the floor. He showed her how the lock worked, sliding it into the holes and clicking it into place. It was was fascinating to watch. He explained about not having to worry anymore and that had her turning her eyes up toward his green ones. “I can understand that, I think I’m going to sleep very well here. I didn’t even have a lock on my door in Sunberth. Thankfully it was so shabby I think most people assumed it wasn’t worth trying to steal from.” She laughed because the truth rang so profoundly in what she’d said. She wondered for a moment what it had been like for him in Sunberth, or if he would even want to talk about it. It would be obvious that although she talked about the general things of that place, the darker things that had happened was something that she was a little more tight lipped on.

They moved back into the house and he sat back onto the bed, trying to get into a comfortable position, a pillow behind his back and the headboard just behind that. She moved back to the chair that she’d been sitting on before, a leg tucked up underneath her, sitting sideways to face him. “Thanks for showing me how it works,” a small smile, “It's nice that we’re in here safe, even though there are Wave Guards like you said. It does give you an extra sense of security.” Looking around she made another comment, “I’ll say too that I really like it. It’s much better than my cave,” a soft laugh, “and I like the windows so that you can be inside but still know what’s going on out there.” She pointed toward the city, through the windows into the darkness that was now set upon them.

Glancing over she noticed that he was looking up to the rafters and around the room, his attention was slightly distracted. She followed his gaze, looking to see what he might be checking out, then he spoke of putting up a sheet to give them privacy. It did sound like a decent idea, but she didn’t really see the need for it. She was quite comfortable in her own skin, maybe he was more shy? Though he’d said that it was for her privacy.

Shrugging, she watched as he moved to the wardrobe and began moving things around, she moved over next to him putting a hand on his arm near his shoulder, “It’s okay, it’s not really that big of a deal for me, if you don’t mind? You can put one up if you need, but I think it’ll make things feel a lot smaller in here and block quite a bit of light wouldn’t it?”

“I mean, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your own place if it bothers you,” her hand slid along his arm and towards his shoulder blades, concern now beginning to knit her brows just slightly. Not wanting him to go out of his way to completely alter things just because she was borrowing a bed from him. It was still his place even though she’d be staying there.

After he decided whether to put up the sheet or not she moved back to the other bed, smoothing the blankets out. She kicked off her own heels and slid them neatly under the bed towards the end. She figured if it made him that uncomfortable that she could purchase a dress to sleep in, but for now her purple top was just long enough that it would do for the evening. Slipping out of her skirt she folded it and laid it on the chair near the bed.

She walked gingerly over to the candles that were glowing, the floor cold on her feet, she gently blew out the flames. Pulling back the cover, she slid underneath, warming her exposed legs. Undergarments weren’t a worry for her at this point since Lilienne had thrown out her old ones, so she didn’t have anything else that needed removed and wouldn’t be too hot in her sleep. That was another thing she needed to do when she went shopping, get underthings that were more suitable.

Her eyes went to the other side of the room, watching Pulren, her heart still light with gratitude at him sharing his cottage. She wondered if the excitement of it all would keep her awake. “Thank you again for letting me stay, I really appreciate it. I’ll see you in the morning.” Lying back, she curled onto her side. Golden eyes still shone from the glow of the hearth as she looked around the room, waiting for sleep to claim her.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

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by **Ball** on December 7th, 2015, 1:41 am

Well written thread! I kept getting distracted and had to re-read it several times. That's okay though as I had a few things I wanted to keep reading anyway.

Pul, sorry I couldn't find much in regards to skills for you, if you feel I have missed something please let me know.

Please mark your request as graded and as always PM me with any questions of concerns.

Skills

Observation	+2
Tracking	+1
Socialization	+3
Land Navigation	+1
Gadgeteering	+1

Lores

Tracking: Urban Tailing
Zeltiva: Sailor's Quarters
Zeltiva: Sailor's Quarters – General Store
Zeltiva: Old Quarters – Pul's Home
Trust and a Key
Gadgeteering: Key Slides into lock, turns and Lock opens
Living with Pulren Marsh

Loot: A Key to Pulren's Home

Pulren Marsh

Skills

Land Navigation	+1
Socialization	+2
Persuasion	+1

Lores

Falling for Firenze?
Living with Firenze
Firenze: Acts like a Child

Closed Blessed with Friends (Pulren)