A Chance Encounter (Sade)

[Ronin]

Timpstamp 75th of Winter 510 AV

A Chance Encounter

It was Ronin's day off, and he was happy to get some time to himself. His plan was to go Inclement Weather escape for a few hours. He had never been a very talented dancer, but he enjoyed the music and wanted a chance for some social interaction. Tensions had been high in Wind Reach this winter and Ronin was eager to get some relaxation. Now that the food stores had been broken into, he was sure they would run out of real food before it thawed, and he knew that once that happened it would wise to spend his time away from the on-edge people.

He got ready in his quarters, changing into clean clothes and making sure he looked decent. He wore black Bryda with a simple belt. The belt had a few glass beads on it which Ronin had made himself. Ronin pushed his hair back as he walked out the door. He was never one who spent long on his appearance, although he never really looked disheveled. This suited him, because he didn't really like to stand out. His simple appearance helped him fade into the background and go unnoticed by most.

Ronin made his way to the Inclement Weather slowly. Although he knew he would enjoy his time there, he saw no point in rushing. It seemed to him like this was the first time all winter that he didn't have to urgently be somewhere, so he had decided to enjoy taking his time. As he walked he paid attention to the people. Studying them was sort of a hobby of his, and in stressful time like this there was bound to be some interesting interactions. On his way he saw a couple small fights, one verbal, but one the men were having to be held back from beating each other. Ronin simply chuckled and walked on. He knew he would be no help to the situation and he figure it was probably just a quarrel over something trivial that would resolve itself shortly.

When he finally reached the Inclement Weather he stopped in the doorway and looked around. There were not a lot of people there since it was in the middle of the day, but still there was a fair spattering of them seated in small groups around the room or dancing to the live music being played on stage. Ronin found a seat, away from any of the groups of people, and waited. He had come to find someone he thought seemed interesting, someone who he could spend a the day with and have fun. Preferably, he wanted to meet a woman, as their company was always more pleasant. Even then, he was not looking for a someone to spend the night with. Ronin was looking for a friend, even if he did happen to find that friend attractive.

[Sade]

Sade had heard of this new dance club, and was not impressed. She did not get the attraction of dancing around embarrassingly, not attractive at all, with music too loud that you could near hear anything, and lights so dark you couldn't tell exactly who it was you were grinding up again. The whole thing sounded frivolous and a waste of time. Amon had come home the other day and ranted about just how "in" and "happening" this place was. She had no idea why the man was so happy - frankly, it was strange - and she sincerely hoped she never heard her brother use such lame terminology ever again. Amon and Sade usually had similar tastes, so as such, she decided to go and check this place out. She was sure it was going to be a waste of time. Walking swiftly from the Eagle Aeries to the dance club, she did not bother to take in the same old scenery and greet the same old people. She saw most of them everyday, anyway, and she had no desire to prolong this experience. She planned to get there, look around, confirm it's uselessness and get the petch out again. She was not even entirely sure why she was doing this. Boredom, she supposed. Finally, she reached Inclement Weather. Her eyes surveyed the lackluster scene and had her suspicions thoroughly confirmed. The place was underwhelming and boring, with about six people dancing and the rest sitting around at tables and socialising. If they wanted to socialise, she did not understand why they could not do it anywhere else. She debated leaving the place instantly, and going and doing something half decent, but she thought of how much fun Amon would make of her that night. The man was protective, but he was a dear brother and, as was the nature of such a relation, loved to tease his sister. No, Sade would stay for a bit and have her opinion of Inclement Weather being the lamest place ever thoroughly confirmed. Sade spotted, seated a little ways off from the rest of the occupants, a man sitting by himself at a table. Never one to stay silent about her opinions, she decided to join the man. She swiftly walked towards him, taking in his black-streaked red hair, pale eyes and skin. Arriving at his table, she plunked herself down unceremoniously without asking permission. "Sexy hair. This place is boring. Agree?" Sade was wellknown for speaking her mind without considering the consequences. If the man told her to go away, she would go without any complaint on her part. If she were allowed to stay, she would continue her complaint session. Either way, Sade did not mind. Life would go on regardless of whether one Inarta with nice hair rejected or accepted her.

[Ronin]

Ronin had been watching the door when Sade arrived. He figured she was her to dance like most of the others and thought little of it. The only thing he made note of was her appearance. There were plenty a beautiful women in Wind Reach, and they were almost all clad in the rather revealing Vinati. However, this woman stood out for some reason. Ronin could tell she had a feel years on him, not because she was showing signs of age, but simply that she carried herself in a more confident and mature manner than the girls his age. He thought that this might have been what made her stand out, but he didn't know.

Ronin had gone back to scanning the room and watching the people go about socializing, when she sat down. It was a pleasant surprise, and Ronin was happy that someone engaged him so that he would not have to. He turned to face her more squarely and nodded his head toward her. Her compliment was much appreciated, though Ronin had little doubt that he looked good. He always considered his hair to be his best feature, and if nothing else it was unique. He instinctively ran his hand through his hair, making sure it looked its best. Ronin figured it would be best to return a compliment. That was something that would certainly be easy.

"Nice body." He replied. He meant what he said, but he hoped that his overt bluntness would come across has humorous as well. Ronin wasn't about to tell her, but he had come her on a couple different occasions before. He had a higher opinion of the place, and he assumed that since she was there she probably didn't find it boring as she said. "Its not so bad. Let me buy you a drink, and you can tell me more about how boring this place is." Ronin smirked as he said it. He also motioned for the waitress to come over.

Ronin had been sitting near the back, farthest away from the music. That made it so that speaking could be done a relatively normal volume. "By the way, I'm Ronin. And you are?" His introduction was came with a friendly smile and nod. Ronin hoped he mad found a drinking partner, assuming she could hold her liquor.

[Sade]

Sade snorted out loud when the man immediately ran a hand through his hair as she sat down and complimented it. She laughed even more when he told her that she had a nice body. Men, she had noticed, always pointed out the obvious. If you had blue sparkling eyes, it was "nice eyes". In Sade's case, she had curves, so it was "Nice body." Which was male code for "nice breasts." She laughed and leaned forward on her elbows, making sure ample cleavage was showing. "So, basically, you think I'm hot. Right?" Sade loved being blunt. It threw people off. She raised one eyebrow in disdain as he assumed that she would accept a drink from him. Eager to sort this out now, she asked the main question that would determine how the rest of this experience would go. "Do you or do you not want to sleep with me?" The stupid dance club might have been boring, but the people in it were fun to shock. This man being number one. She nodded back at him, a smug smirk gracing her lips, quirked up at the sides. "Sade." She wanted the drink. Even if he did want to sleep with her, she would accept the drink. Drinks were good. Liquor was good.

[Ronin]

Ronin did his best to keep from staring at her breasts, but the occasional glance was unavoidable. The way she sat suggested that was where she wanted his attention. However, Ronin had a feeling something else was going on here, like he was being played. She had been blunt with him so far, and, though it was not what he had expected, Ronin knew how to play that game. He sat back in his chair in order to give her a good view of his well-muscled chest.

"I just thought we were stating the first obvious observation we made. I could be more specific about what I like if you want."

Ronin smiled flirtatiously. Her next question was probably the most blunt statement yet. This was one that even Ronin didn't expect. None the less, he kept his cool and answered as straight forward as he could. He wasn't going to show weakness by being the first one to cushion his intentions by pussy-footing around the questions.

"Who wouldn't? Once gain, if you would like me to be more specific about what I would like to do to you, I can."

This time he kept spoke softer than he had before. By her clothing, Ronin thought she may be an Avora, and speaking to her in such way might be considered disrespectful. If she took offence to what he had said it would be best if there were not a dozen witnesses to back her up. If she was going to toy with him he was going to have some fun of his own.

[Sade]

Sade laughed outright at him, though he probably thought it was in glee at the game they were playing, everytime she saw his eyes wander to her breasts. Men were exceedingly obvious. And visual - they were visual. The sighting of anything the least bit "attractive" on women (or men.... though she doubted Ronin would respond to men) and there were whipped up into a frenzy, panting and urging the woman to mate with them - as if they were nothing more than common animals. They were these base creatures, and yet they assumed a position of superiority over women so often - Mena, a prime example of this. Yes, men were obvious, and these fact was even more exemplary when Ronin leant back in order to give Sade a tasty view of what was on his chest. Muscles. Big deal, most people in Wind Reach had muscles. Despite the undeniably impressive hair, Ronin himself was nothing special - at least, not visually. She had yet to be impressed by him intellectually. His attempt at seduction and flirtatious smiling was almost pitiful. It occured to Sade that she could play the man, fake flirt with him only to drop him at the last moment, but she was not that cruel. Sade was nothing if not forthright, and she would never sacrafice that reputation for the sake of putting one man in their place. Besides, in being honest she usually shocked the men anyway. "Most men want to sleep with me. My brother lost an eye because a man wanted to sleep with me. You could be honest about what you wanted to do to me, but the disgusting nature of your thoughts would probably mean I was obliged to slap you for my honour. Just giving you a heads up." She smiled brightly at him, no false flirtation or pretenses at all in her giant grin. "So! Where's that alcohol?"

[Ronin]

Ronin was disappointed. He had simply been trying to be what he thought she wanted, and now she chastised him for him. It was time her was honest with her.

"I apologize, I believe I have mislead you. It is time for me to drop the facade." Ronin sat forward again and spoke with a much more serious look on his face. "I admit, you are very attractive, and as such, I have certain instinctive urges. However, I believe I'm civilized enough to control myself and have a nice drink with you. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable in my attempt to seem appealing."

This too was an attempt to get her to like him, but not in a sexual way this time. Though, he would have no qualms with it going it that direction. He had gone to far and now he would have to work hard at getting his foot out of his mouth. Perhaps the alcohol would help.

Just as he was thinking this, a young woman who worked at the dance club approached them. She took their orders and left hurriedly. Ronin thought she seemed far to clumsy and absent minded to work a job like this, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he decided to say nothing at all. He would let her control the conversation at this point. He had been burnt once by his over-eagerness to say what she wanted to hear. He was not going to do it again.

[Sade]

The man, Ronin, leaned forward with a serious look on his face - and Sade could not help giggle. It was as if he was taking part in some investigation that was life and death, not discussing the fact that many men wanted to sleep with her. She attempted to have the same serious look right back at the man, but failed epically. She smiled at the man. She was glad he had decided to apologise. Men did not usually apologise for leering, they seemed to think it was their entitlement to Sade's body - as if she were a female only for the fun they could have with her. He had admitted that he found her attractive and that he had certain instincts - that scored him a point. Men rarely were forthcoming about such information. "I know I'm attractive," nor was she being arrogant. It was simply true. "But I don't sleep with just any man with sexy hair. If you want to sleep with me, you're going to have to prove your worth - there's a challenge for you tonight. Never know what might happen." Ah! The alcohol. Sade grabbed her tankard of ale and gulped half of it down in one sitting. Forget being attractive, she loved her ale. She drank like a man. "So, what do you usually do at a dance club? Never been here before, and you have. Enlighten me."

[Ronin]

Ronin was glad that his apology seemed to smooth things over a bit. Now he could relax and just be himself. If she liked him for that, good, otherwise, too bad. Ronin liked confident women, but this was a new extreme. Sade hadn't exaggerated her appearance. However, Ronin thought it was odd for her to regard herself with such little humility. Ronin didn't really know how to respond to her challenge. One moment she seemed disgusted with him, the next she came right out and said she would sleep with him if he played his cards right. "That seems like quite a challenge. Maybe some alcohol will help me chances." He took a long sip from one of pint-sized mugs. "There a men more attractive than me, more powerful, and better in 'most every way. So why is you give me a chance? You have a thing for people who sit alone in a crowded room?" Ronin smiled. He doubted she would delve into her intentions, since he now figured she was just playing him to get a couple drinks. Regardless, he was glad to have some company. "I don't do what most people do here. They are here to dance and feel free to join them, but I don't dance. I come here and watch people, and not in the creepy way it sounds. I just like to see how people interact with each other. You can tell a lot from people's actions." Ronin pointed across the room at a young couple attempting to dance and watched them. "Take them for example. He buys here a few drinks and then asks her to dance. After five or ten minutes she stumbles out of here on his arm, undoubtedly for a night of further debauchery." He looked back at her, careful to keep his eyes on appropriate places. "If it happens again now, it will be the fourth time I've seen them do that exact routine." Ronin didn't know what she would think about his odd habit. He found people interesting. Not in the way one normally would, but rather as creatures to be watched. They were no different then the animals on the woods. Going through the same routine to accomplish the same goals, each thinking they are the gods' greatest creation. Ronin look down on them for it though. He realized, in his own way, he was one of them. He did was pleased him. It just happened to be watching them instead of falling into the same mold.

[Sade]

She chuckled at Ronin's question. All men seemed to think they had something special going for them. This man had cool hair, and he wasn't supremely ugly - but he wasn't all that special either. When men went for the self-deprecation avenue, with the whole "Why me" sop fest, it was very rarely genuine. They only wanted their ego boosted. And Sade was not the type of person to boost ego for no good reason - especially when it was not warranted. "Don't flatter yourself, Sexy Hair Man. I'm here because talking to anyone else in the room would have been awkward, as I would have had to chime into their conversation to talk to them." Finishing off half the tankard in one sip, she sighed and grinned mischeviously at the man. "Sure, there are men better looking than you - but they're all already occupied by women better looking than me." She lifted to take another sip, then paused, as if she remembered something else. "Oh, and, good luck. You're going to need it." Ronin's observation skills were interesting, and she followed his finger to watch the couple in question. She listened intently to his words - then got bored. Who cared what other people did? They could do whatever they wanted, as long as it didn't involve Sade. Sade couldn't give a shyke if a man and woman slept together, it was their own choice and she didn't understand why Ronin sat there watching them. What got Sade really interested in what he had to say was the amount of times he had said he had seen them ... "Four times? You've been here four times? Watched them dance four times? Watched them stumble out to do dirty things four times? What are you, some kind of pervert?" She was only half joking. It was a little weird that he sat there and did nothing but stare at these people. Didn't he ever feel the need to get involved or something? Sade abruptly stood up, downing her drink and marching round to his side of the table. She plunked herself down on the table before him, sitting on the top with her legs resting on his chair, one leg either side of his body. She picked up his tankard and drank from it - hey, he'd offered to buy her a drink and hers was finished. What else was she going to do? She stretched out an arm in front of him. "Ronin, you're a sad case. Stop sitting here watching people and actually do something with your life. Want to dance?" The abrupt change from reprimand to request happened at a dazzling speed, and left everyone but Sade wondering what had just happened. It made sense in her mind, though.