Wandering the city (Closed)

[Tressa]

7th day of summer, AV 510

Tressa stumbled out of the Rearing stallion, giving one last glance up to the sign that hung above the entrance. It was a nice establishment, lacking in service, but she'd settle for whatever was left in her pack. Feeling foolish and clumsy and just a tad embarrassed by her ungraceful exit, she scolded herself. Stupid, stupid, how could you trip? Clumsiness was a rarity and she put herself down for it when it did occur. Who was that woman? She questioned herself, having no clue to the answer, only a name. Putting her attention to the city she observed the dwindling crowds. Various establishments were spread around, each serving it's own purpose. Making her way to the street she realized she had no idea where she was going, only that she was going somewhere.

She decided to head up the street away from the gate and the guards, going deeper into the city. Caught up in her own thoughts she payed no attention to where she was going. I need to find a job, begging is a last resort. Maybe someone needs a cook, or an assistant or something. I'm sure there is something I could do, even with my issues. I'll promise not to eat anyone or anything not already intended for consumption. I need to go to the employment office. Why are there no large trees? I miss climbing, though i'm sure it would cause a scene if I scaled some poor inn. Where am I going? Her last thought brought her focus back to her path just in time to see another person walk out into where she would have stepped. Making a noise that was unmistakably the growl of a large cat she stopped in her tracks preventing the collision.

An impulse to confront the stranger flared in her, yet she fought it back. No Tressa, no. Instead she only stood there intently watching them before her, like a predator focused on it's prey. She lacked people skills and it was obvious. Instead of the confrontation her mind screamed for, she offered a forced “Hello”. Her expression as neutral as she could make it with the animal inside her fighting to be free. She wasn't up for making enemies just yet.

[Leon]

The city, a place he hated to almost no end. There was the smell of the unbathed and of course the people who just didn't know what they were doing. People were always walking about, no one seemed to pay attention to anything that was going on around them. He could mostly attest that to the unmistakable fact he had gotten ran into on more than one occurrence. He had to check his pockets to make sure everything was still there after every bump or nudge. He hated being so distrusting of everything that walked, it made him feel judgmental to say the least Leon was getting fed up with the Market. He had been traveling around stall to stall looking for someone who might make a reasonably deal on gear. He was disappointed to say the least. It was already getting dark and he had planned to be out of this hell of a place by now but that didn't work out to much. To make matters worse he actually was lost. He was use to the market place and that was it. This was a place where he could sell goods and collect. Never before did he go wandering at brink of night. It was so unlike him. In a panic he looked around and saw nothing he could remember. " So much for tracking, I'm completely lost in the cities. This is just great!...Maybe if i go over here!." He started walking down an alley only to see people standing in it. He wondered if that was the right choice and decided not to risk it and made for the more open areas. As he was turned down a path he was almost once again ran into. The person made a very strange cat like sound, almost like a growl or something? He couldn't place it but it was more than enough to make him stop in his tracks and stair blankly at the almost assailment. The figure stood there for amoment seeming to be conflicted to say something to him, but instead it mustered out a simple Hello. He was very impressed by what he could see and hear. It wasn't the brightest out but he could still make out some of the better features about her. She wasn't the tallest women he had seen in all his travels, but she looked far better than the common filth that seemed to inhabit this area. Not to mention she had the voice of an angel. " Hello to you to., I must apologize I think I might have almost run into you. I am just a little on the lost side and really in a hurry to leave before they shut the gates. But I fear I'm already to late.?" He dropped his head, he hated sleeping in Inn's something about the way the room smelled just irked him. But this girl was breath taking, he had seen very few like her. The sight of her alone made him forget all about the sound he had herd. " I would love to know if the name matches the beauty before me? If you don't mind relinquishing that secretive information to a stranger."

[Ash'eny]

OOCThere needs to be a date set at the top/first post. Such as "10th Day of Summer, AV 510"

Leon would, without a doubt, feel a light tugging at the back of his shirt/cloak as he was talking to the Kelvic woman. Ash'eny, a man who looked particularly like said filth that Leon saw so often, dressed in a worn patched cloak, was trying to get his attention. The young man's face was almost entirely hidden by the hood of the cloak that he wore, and the hand he used to pull on Leon's clothing was the left, obviously missing the pinkie finger. From the shadows of his hood, Ash'eny stared at the man's head, the back to be precise, until he eventually would turn around to face Ash'eny, which he assumed he would, though since there was a rather captivating woman in front of him, his efforts might have been for naught. "Could you spare a coin? My family has lost everything, just a few coins so that I may feed them a small meal tonight. I'd much appreciate it." Ash'eny had been following the man for a while, overhearing several things about being "completely lost in cities". Obviously he wasn't from Syliras, or anywhere else. He was as good a target as anybody in this town. Ash'eny moved to the side slightly and glanced at Tressa, taking a closer, deeper look at the woman. It was as Leon said, she was a beauty, but not so much that Ash'eny was going to turn to rubber or trip and stumble into love-at-first-sight. Ash'eny knew better than that. Seduction was easy to play on fools, he had he own experience of this (both as the victim and the seducer), perhaps not an amazing amount, or even enough to really get him anywhere, but he had knowledge of it. Again, it wasn't like she was attempting to seduce Leon and Ash'eny though, not intentionally at least. He was near to collide into Leon because of his sudden halt when he nearly ran straight into Tressa. A three person pile-up wouldn't have been to pleasant for sure. "Hello Miss. Please forgive us, these streets can be quite crowded at a time like this. My name's Tolby, though I can't see you really wanting the name of a man down on his luck. Twice now I ask for forgiveness and by my honor as a man, there shall not be reason for a third." Ash'eny grinned lightly as he glanced back at Leon, mainly to check on whether or not gave even a small sign of being willing to part with a few coins or not.

[Tressa]

Tressa let a small smile cross her face, she felt awkward, out of her element to say the least, but she was glad that she hadn't gone with her first instinct. Granted almost walking into someone was never a good thing, but by his friendly demeanor she was happy to have almost collided with this particular person. It could have been worse, way worse Lost as to what to say she pondered his greeting for a moment, before replying.

"It was I who almost ran into you, I wasn't paying attention. I believe the gates are closed, though I didn't pay them much mind. Her words came as a mumble at first, then clearer. She could feel him observing her and it made her skin prickle. Nobody ever noticed her, let alone looked over her. She could see him almost perfectly in the darkness, her eyes moving over him. She figured he was just as lost as her, by the look of him he was most definately out of place, his actions made her curious. This wasn't the typical slum she had seen around since her arrival, no he was different. His dark hair and dark eyes, deeply tanned skin, she'd never encountered someone like this before.

Grasping the skirt of her dress in one nervous hand she looked to her feet. She felt docile, no predatory urge filled her and she wasn't sure why. It was a nice feeling to not see through a hunter's eyes, but it was strange. Raising her gaze slowly back to him she fought off the shyness and her appearance took a more friendly form. "My name is Tressa, and yours would be? Her words came crystal clear this time, but cautiousness still gleamed in her eyes. Friend or foe? Everyone has an agenda, he could of just passed me by, or something, but he chose to speak to me. Thoughts crossed her mind quickly, almost in a blur.

[Leon]

There was without a doubt a very annoying tugging sensation on his cloak. He was so lost in the Mistress before him that he never even felt the approach of this person behind him, or had he been here all along? He was unsure either way, what ever the case was he was bothering him, trying to gain his attention. With a reluctant sigh he turned around and faced the Hooded stranger. His first thoughts were at the mans choice of words. Playing on ones emotions was what the beggars around here were good at. They rarely spoke the truth and to be honest he didn't have one bit of faith In this mans story. He looked back at the girl and trying to make an impressive gesture looked back at the smelly person. But as he was about to hand him a few coins he looked from him and started an idle conversation with the Nameless lass behind him. Leon gave a small "phht" sound as the man grinned. All this talk was just bothering him. He knew now he wouldn't make it to the gate for sure, he was stuck here. When the hooded man returned his attention back to him. Leon shook his head in disbelief that he was about to really give up some of his hard earned coins to a stranger, a filthy stranger none the less. It was like a double strike in his books. But Leon dug in in his side pocket grabbing the small amount of coins he kept in it, and handed the stranger Nine SM. It was more than enough to give him a nice meal for the night, maybe even a room so he could bathe.... " I'm sorry I do not have more to offer my unfortunate friend." And with that he turned back to the Lady from before he was eager to learn as much about her as possible. She was too strange for him not to try. "Tressa? That is a very nice name. It is more than suitable for someone like yourself. You should feel honored to have such a title as that. As for me my name is Leon Archfield, and It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." Leon was unsure why he felt so happy all of a sudden, it was like this Girl, this Tressa light up a spark somewhere down deep inside him. He had almost forgotten that the man was behind him, but the stench reminded him... he gave a sigh in protest to the smell, but said nothing hoping he would leave him to his conversation but fearing he would not.

[Wystern]

Another day at the market outpost. Wystern's higher-ups knew just how much he "loved" the markets and bazaars, so they stationed him here every now and then. Not that they didn't have a motive, he was acting out every now and then, and the people he worked for believed in the black and white enough to aggravate the Knight by putting him on the guard duties in either the busiest or the most boring streets. Wys let out a deep sigh, somebody, somewhere, must really like him if he is still nobility. World and its never-ending supply of ironies.

He was trying to talk to a merchant woman selling something baked and a bit distant when he faintly heard the all-too-familiar words: "Could you spare a coin? My family has lost everything, just a few coins so that I may feed them a small meal tonight. I'd much appreciate it." He smirked, damn, that line was really popular! That's when he saw the beggar setting his eyes on a girl nearby. He hated these situations, but that's what he was paid for.

He smiled at the woman he was talking with, politely and quickly trying to end the conversation about some recipe he had never heard of(or cared about for that matter) and make his way to the people nearby. Almost ramming into somebody several times, he shakily dodged the crowd.

"Hello there, you seem lost. May I help?" Wys said with a smile, scratching the back of his head, and not addressing anyone of the trio in particular. His cloak widely displayed a white-over-black crest of the Windoak that reached shoulders on the back.

[Tressa]

Tressa glanced to the cloaked figure, taking a startled step back. She hadn't noticed him before. She had been distracted by the man before her, but now the begger was all too obvious. His scent was strong, not as bad as some she'd come across, but in no way was it pleasant. Still she treated him with decency and replied, taking note of the well played lie in his tone."It is fine, no apology needed." She spoke swiftly turning her attention back to it's previous place.

She watched his actions of obvious annoyance, but also kindness and smiled, carefully to not reveal her enlongated canines, as he handed the begger the coins. Most people would have cursed him, or chased him off. Decency was a virture rarely practiced. She held her smile even after he turned back to her. Meeting his gaze immediatly, she held her retreated position. "Thank you, but someone like myself? His statement puzzled her 'like herself' it had so many possible meanings. Pondering this she finished. Your name is also nice, it is foreign? She nodded in agreeance, seeming more at ease, it was also a pleasure to meet him. Something about him made her docile. She liked it and wished to push it away at the same time.

The sound of a new voice drew her attention away once more, another man had approached. He was also cloaked. No, not lost, simply taking the scenic route" She answered with laughter in her tone, casting him a second glance. Unsure of where he had come from and what the contrasted symbol on his cloak ment.

She could see them all and she felt out numbered and slightly threatened. In her present form, weaponless and unable to morph she was in a way helpless if things turned sour and she took another cautious step back from the group. It was awkward, to feel like the prey. Never had she been the prey. Her face lost all expression and her nervousness returned. Wringing her hands together in a restless way she shifted her weight between sides, glancing around at all three faces.

[Ash'eny]

Ash'eny graciously accepted the coins and began to rattle out several thanks. "No sir, you have been very generous. May the Gods bless you!" Ash'eny spoke, but was almost certain Leon did not hear him. In fact, it was painfully obvious that Leon was absolutely captured by the woman. It was so amazing, a beautiful situation that he couldn't help but comment. Surely they didn't mind a little bit of fun, did they? Ash'eny slowly moved his gaze from Tressa to Leon's eyes, and slowly down to his crotch. It was unlikely that he actually 'saw' anything, but he had to play a prank. Ash'eny jumped back, accidentally bumping into Wystern as he did so, and pointed a shaky figure straight at the man's private regions. On his face he gave the most ridiculous, horrified, frightened look he could muster as he let out a crude wail of terror. The Petch is that?!" Ash'eny practically shouted as he pretended to be frozen in that stance, pointing a judging finger at the man's groin. It most likely wouldn't get the woman to fall for Ash'eny himself, which he didn't give to petching shykes about, but the comedy of the situation would probably cause a few people of the crowd to giggle, or at least glance over in curiosity. "I can't believe what I am seeing!" Whether he was making a crack about 'size' or just that perhaps Leon was a little more 'aroused' by Tressa than he though, whether either was true or not, Ash'eny was making one hell of a big deal about it (or nothing). The whole thing would last a good twenty seconds from Ash'eny before he would lose his composure and begin laughing, and obviously long ago dropped his begging act. The man would probably demand his money back, but who cared, it wasn't like Ash'eny actually needed it, it would just be another free meal than one paid for. Perhaps the change in the mood would lighten Tressa's anxiety a bit as well, though not the intended effect.

[Leon]

Leon fumbled around, he was unsure what was going on. One minute he was talking and the next It seemed he was the center of attention. He looked around clueless to what was going on. " What!!? Whats going on...?" And thats when he saw the man pointing at his..."area." Leon blushed brighter than he ever thought he could have. And in one quick motion he was on the ground sitting, looking around not even concerned about anything. His pride was shot, this man defiled him in a way he could never hope to recover from. " This is not acceptiable!" Leon loked down at the ground he was so ashamed of himself. He half expected the girl to turn around and leave calling it a good night. He had to start thinking of a realy good appoligy.

[Tressa]

Tressa stared shocked by the man's sudden outburst. What is going on? Without realizing it her steady gaze followed his pointing hand and immediatly she turned her attention elsewhere. Embarrassed by her curiousity and where it had led. Suddenly it made sense and a pinkish glazed came over her cheeks and the heat of humilty followed, flushing her cheeks a rosey red. She couldn't help but giggle, her yellow eyes laughing with her, if not at the situation, then at the sight of the acusser's face, or maybe even his words. Her smile was wide, showing the pointed fangs she usually hid. She was almost positive it wasn't true, but not fully and she glanced to Leon, unable to meet his eyes which were lowered to the ground. It was obvious his pride was injured, she would feel the same. "Its.." She started, but let her sentence trail off realizing that telling him it was ok was pointless.

Looking to the cloaked begger and making eye contact she giggled again, it was a cruel joke, but funny nonetheless. Cruel worked well with her. She thought to applaud him for his acting skills, but wanting to spare Leon's feelings from further injury she heisitated. Her nervousness had been lost in laughter and confident again she fought to regain her composure. She stepped forward to make herself part of the crowd once again, all feelings of negativity gone.

Over the hilarity of the moment Tressa focused on Leon, he had settled to the ground and appeared distrout and embarrassed amongst other things. "There is no shame to be had by another's prank"She told him, her voice barely above a whisper. Never had she tried to reassure someone and she wasn't quite sure how, but trying was better than nothing. The pink had begun to fade from her face, but her own embarrassment still lingered.

She was unsure what to do, settle with him, or keep her upright stance. The other man seemed to still be enjoying himself and she wondered if he felt the least bit sorrowful at his actions. His joke had lightened her mood but at the cost of another's mood. She decided against settling but leant down instead, reluctlantly reaching out and letting her fingertips graze his arm in an attempt to draw his attention. "It's ok" She spoke in the most reassuring tone she could muster. Atleast she thought it was a reassuring tone.

Slightly reembarrassed and the pink returning to her cheeks she stood quickly turning her view back to the begger. "You never spoke your name" In an attempt to change the subject, after all laughs had been had. Cruelty in it's best form. She thought attempting to meet his eyes.