Open Getting Lost

[Eada Vine]

14th of Fall, 513 AV

Eada turned the next corner of the numerous hallways that twisted through Stormhold Citadel. How many times would she get lost here before finally getting to grips with the turns of each corridor? It took a good part of yesterday afternoon to find her apartment again, even when she stopped several times to ask directions from the Knights she bumped into.

At least this area has windows, she thought to herself. The hearth in her apartment had to be alight whenever she was in there, just to give something to see by. Her mother used to moan at her for reading too late at night, should she ruin her eyes, but now Eada scoffed to herself; if only her mother could see her here.

She turned another corner and gasped as she bumped into a woman, almost dropping her fiddle. “Sorry,” said Eada and hurried away from the woman’s muttering. She had only been in Syliras for three days, but she already had enough of being moaned at. She couldn’t practice her fiddle in her apartment because the man next door banged on the wall, shouting that it drove him mad.
But that at least encouraged her to get out of the apartment. She hadn’t busked in years, not since her father caught her and dragged her home, but she had to start somewhere in this big city.

She looked up the hall and sighed. She was out of the deepest section, where her apartment was, and there were some small shops and a handful of people. It didn’t seem she was going to find her way out of this place by lunchtime anyway, so she supposed she may as well stop here.

She leant her backpack against the wall and sloped down to the dirty floor alongside it. She glanced at the people shuffling past, but no one gave her much mind. Well, just get on with it then, she told herself and lifted her fiddle to her chin.

She hadn’t even thought about a hat or bowl to collect any money in, but if she was honest, she didn’t really think anyone would take pity on her. It doesn’t matter. She sighed. It didn’t matter for the moment anyway, she had a week’s worth of food, but after that…

“Okay,” she muttered and finally began to play. She had to close her eyes to concentrate on the sound, concentrate on the patterns her fingers had to shape on the strings and the movement of the bow. She wasn’t a good enough player for it to be easy, especially with the constant sound of footsteps and general bustle in the background. Her finger would slip, or the bow would catch the string at the wrong angle and she would flinch, her eyes opening to check that no one was cringing with her or quickly walking away from the music.

[Matthew]

Matthew stepped through the busy streets, bright blue eyes intense as he made his way to work. He was feeling somewhat energetic, and it made him want to get some work done at the Herald's Arms. Perhaps clean the room that he was always put in, or spruce it up to match the profession a bit better. Even though he was deep in thought, something managed to make its way through. Blinking a bit as music registered in his busy mind, the man looked up and glanced about. He was certainly a sight, with snug clothing that showed off a firm body, and pristine features that held oddly pure skin. He looked like he went the extra mile to take care of himself. Even his clothes were fancily worn, with a simple white shirt and black pants styled in such a way that they looked slightly... alluring, almost. He was showing off a patch of firm muscle here, had the pants hugging his defined rear there. It would perhaps be odd to Eada, if she had taken notice of him yet. He certainly carried it very casually, like it was a natural skin for him. It was a very stark contrast to the rest of the manly men that Syliras mostly consisted of. Eventually his blue eyes found the source of music, and he stared. If she made eye contact, he didn't flinch or glance away, merely continued to watch. He watched very carefully, studying her slowly, his mind working quickly behind his window-like blue eyes. Even her mistakes didn't make him flinch. Slowly biting his lower lip, the man suddenly started towards her. He moved slowly and gracefully, though with purpose. His white teeth tugged at his lower lip in a very slow way, as if showing off for a split second. When he finally eventually came face to face with her, he quietly looked down before speaking in carefully pronounced words. "Hello. You play well. Do you peddle on the streets for a secondary source of income?" He was quick and too the point, his eyes studying hers still. He wasn't trying to be rude, he really wasn't. He was just the sort that said what was on his mind. He felt that she was talented, and felt that she should be able to get a job with that sort of talent. The fact that she was busking made him curious, so here he was.

[Eada Vine]

Eada avoided making eye contact with the man that was watching her from across the street. She wasn't shy, working at her parents' restaurant all those years took care of that, but that didn't mean she felt comfortable with those intense eyes on her face. They brought a tinge of colour to her cheeks that she blamed on the slight warmth to the air. She hadn't expected anyone to notice her music, let alone stop to listen and now she knew someone was listening, the mistakes seemed all the worse. She closed her eyes instead, pretending she had never noticed him to begin with. There was only her and the music, but she was sure she could still feel the gaze.

She didn't notice him come over until she glanced to her left and saw a pair of shoes. "Hello." Eada jumped at the smooth voice and the music halted abruptly. "You play well. Do you peddle on the streets for a secondary source of income?" She swallowed and followed the legs up to a well-toned body and finally found his face. His skin was flawlessly even and long eyelashes rimmed the sharp blue. His clothes seemed more close-fitting than the majority of the men that walked down this street. She glanced at her own outfit, scruffy from sitting on the street and her white shirt was slightly fraying at the sleeves. She was almost embarrassed to know this well-kept, clean man was looking at her.

"I, er..." She blinked and pushed a streak of hair back from her face. What's wrong with you, Eada? She shook her head and stood up, barely coming up to his shoulders. "No. I've only been in Syliras for a few days. I haven't got anything else." She shrugged and tried to keep eye contact for more than two seconds.

[Matthew]

"I see." He tilted his head at her explanation, then took a moment to look her up and down. She was attractive enough, and her clothes were probably a bit dirty and frayed only from peddling on the streets. Chewing at his lower lip in thought, he tilted his head in the opposite direction like a little curious puppy. As she stood up, he didn't move an inch, putting them almost at an uncomfortably close distance. He seemed quite as ease still, comfortable in his own skin and comfortable with her. Abruptly, he held out a smooth hand, long fingers extended for a handshake. "I am Matthew, a male prostitute at the Herald's Arms. It is a pleasure to meet you." He admitted his profession without a hint of shame, announcing it like he was just informing that he was a blacksmith, or something else equally as normal. It certainly would explain his up-kept appearance, and now that she was close enough to notice, why he was wearing some sort of nice-smelling perfume. "Would you like me to help you find a job? One playing music, of course. I think you are good enough to find something a bit better than these streets, though I am no expert on musical matters." He offered a polite smile, giving her a moment to consider his offer. Perhaps she did like it better out here. Some people enjoyed the thrill of performing on the streets, and he didn't question their preference. Working the streets usually didn't turn out as well for his particular profession, which is the only reason he hadn't given it a try himself.

[Eada Vine]

She shuffled as his eyes roamed over her, but kept her head up, trying not to step backwards. That would probably seem rude. Besides, there was a look in his eye that suggested he wanted to make her uncomfortable and she couldn't let him have the satisfaction. For half a second she wondered what he thought of her, but dismissed the idea. She'd rather not know. He held out a hand. "I am Matthew, a male prostitute at the Herald's Arms. It is a pleasure to meet you." Eada's eyes narrowed for a second. She supposed it made sense: he was well-toned, wore tight clothes and was very confident. She wondered if the abruptness was again, to make her uncomfortable, but she was beginning to get the idea there was something else too. He seemed like the kind of person to get to the point.

She took his hand. "Would you like me to help you find a job? One playing music, of course. I think you are good enough to find something a bit better than these streets, though I am no expert on musical matters." She returned his smile. It was kind of him - suspiciously so. She wondered what his interest in her was, as she'd spent enough time around men to know that most of the time they only offer something when they want something in return. But he seemed too kind to try to come onto her and demand money for his services. Either that, or she was too trusting.

Besides, help finding a job was too good to decline. "That would be great. If you're sure you don't mind. I'm Eada, by the way," she added.

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- OOC: I am assuming Matthews and Adara know each other since this would be after that flashback thread even though we have not finished it. I can change my post if I am incorrect with this though. IC: Her dark orbs were dulled. Even though she had eyes darker then a night without a moon they had some life and even color to them. If one knew her well enough they new when her dark eyes were expressing anger or sadness or pure joy, which was never there often. At this moment they were a dulled tone for she was tired, just getting off from work at the Soothing Waters. It was a job so she should be happy. There were those in other cities who could not even hope for such things. Also to be a healer some would think as a privilege. Adara did not. She wanted to be a tattoo artist, and this boring city did not have a shop. So that meant either for her to move to achieve her dream or open one herself. Both of them equally hard, neither of them attainable at this moment. So she was here; and walking through the shops at this moment. Her gaze wandered over the many items on display. Her long fingers grazed over some fine silks on one stall that earned her an ugly look from their seller. She gave him one equally as ugly, wrinkling her little nose with the look before moving on. I suppose she did not look like the kind of customer he wanted dealing with his fine things. She had on a simply white linen shirt that clung to her body in certain areas and sagged in others with old and dusty breeches on. Her leather boots were obviously worn and old and in need of retirement; but she would wear these babies until they fell right off of her soles. She would like to splurge on a few items though. A tattoo kit would be the very first on her wish list. A pair of dancing shoes. I guess a healers kit would be good for her job. Adara groaned at the very thought of buying such a thing. She would even like a skirt. Yes, yes, she was not one who walked around in such things. When one thought of a lady Adara was not one on that list. She had grown up boxing with her father and the other city boys, so wearing skirts had never been one of her things. However she was finding a love for dancing and the loose fabric left so good against her bare legs, plus it made her mediocre dancing look better. She had the money, but living a life in want of the basics of life she did not give up her money easily. And that was when her ears caught the sound of music. Turning her head her eyes caught the eyes of the young women, around her own age playing the little fiddle. Adara tilted her head in curiosity listening to the tunes. No, she could not play a note, but a dancer knew a little about music; even a novice one. A smile formed on her large lips and swaying to the notes the bronzed skinned mixed blood made her way closer. Then Matthews got in the way and stopped it all. A scowl replaced Adara's smile instantly as the music halted. She stood there a few feet away as the two conversed and her dark orbs scanned the man. When she had first met the smooth going Matthews she had questioned his sexuality. She had only seen two men ever in her life with clothes as tight as his, and they were lovers, visiting the city and openly scorned by many of the people here. So she had assumed this one was the same for the way he dressed. She still wasn't quite sure, but it did not really matter. The other thing about this man was the way women stared at him as he walked past. Well....men too! She did not know what was the big deal. A life boxing and fighting with half dressed men though had left Adara a little dead to certain things when it came to males though. The poor dear. Now he was taking her away! "Matthews." Adara said softly as she came closer, saying his name with an 's' in the end. "You are taking away my lovely music box. I was rather enjoying her playing until you stopped her. So rude you are." There was a hint of teasing in her tone as her eyes shifted to Eada and she offered a small friendly smile. Adara had never gotten along very well with her own sex. They were so petty and......girly, weak; but that did not mean she was mean or rude to them. She would speak to other women, even if she was disgusted by a number of them. ----   Skills Skill EXP Total Proficiency Cooking 5 SP 5 Novice Dance 9 SP 9 Novice Medicine 10 SP 10 Novice Seduction 5 SP 5 Novice Tatooing 5 SP 5 Novice Boxing 10RB, 16SP 26 Competent   Posessions -Linen Shirt -Simple Pants -Linen Undergarments -coarse wool coat -leather boots 1 Waterskin 1 Backpack which contains: -Comb (Wood) -Brush (Wood) -Soap -Razor -Balanced Rations (1 Week's worth) -1 eating knife -Flint & Steel - 100 Gold Mizas ----- -1 Gloves, Boxing/Sport - two square yards of silk   Ledger Purchase Cost Total Starting +100 GM 100 GM Boxing gloves -3GM 97 GM

[Eada Vine]

Eada spun round and caught the woman's smile. It seemed a little forced, a little I'm-smiling-because-I-have-to, but Eada smiled back. After all, she had complimented her playing. The woman looked slightly irritated, but there was a hint of teasing behind her words. Eada assumed she must already know Matthew. She cast a glance at him and turned to the woman.

"Hi, I'm Eada." She held out a hand. Eada bit her lip, slightly intimidated by the woman's beauty. She looked strong too, like she wouldn't be afraid to fight. Not that Eada was looking for a fight. She'd be as likely to hit air than an actual attacker. "Matthew was just offering me a hand." She smiled, suddenly feeling like she had embarrassed herself. Don't be ridiculous, Eada. She shook her slightly head at herself.

[Matthew]

His handshake was firm and professional, a polite smile touching his lips as they shook. He let her hand go and glanced around, nodding as she agreed to his idea. He just needed to get his bearings and then he would be able to lead her to the Herald, and maybe they would like her. Better employees meant better business, and better business meant more money for everyone involved. It was the logical thing to do. He had just managed to get an idea of where he needed to go when a voice rang out, causing his blue gaze to slide and take in the newest member of their growing party. "Hello, Adara." A brief puzzled look crossed his face at her words, his stare glancing from Eada and then back to Adara. "Well, she isn't really in a bo-" He instantly paused, biting the tip of his tongue, a very brief flush lighting his cheeks and then fading. It had been a figure of speech. His time in Syliras had made him incredibly aware of how oblivious he was to a lot of things, and with that awareness came the ability to flush and blush. He wasn't very happy with it. Chewing the tip of his tongue lightly for a moment, brow furrowed, he soon gave it another try. "I apologize for stopping her from playing. I was just thinking she was good enough to get a job off the streets. Did you think she was good too?" Critical eyes turned to Eada as she introduced herself, the harlot clasping his hands behind his back and watching. He supposed it was a good a opportunity as any to see if she was actually good at interacting with others. It was probably something that the Herald would want in an employee of theirs. Even if she was going to play music, eventually she would get spoken to. Probably by some lustful men and women at some point. Should he bring that up? He'd bring it up later. Eada and Adara were getting to know each other now. He briefly glanced at Adara, curious to what she did for a living. He momentarily considered seeing if she would like to work at the Herald as well, but he didn't think she would enjoy it. She just didn't really seem the type for the specific job he thought the woman would be best suited for.

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- "What a lovely name. I am Adara." She said with a small nod extending her own hand for the young woman's. Sure, men shook hands and women tended to curtsy, but Adara was not the typical woman. Plus a simple handshake allowed her to learn a little about the person. Were they confident? If so they tended to give a strong, firm handshake? Were they strong, either physically or mentally? It was almost a little game she liked to play in her head. Seeing if she could figure out enough truths about the person in just a moment. Her dark gaze shifted to Matthew as he attempted to break apart her little tease before realizing it was just that. Her smile grew larger and was more for real this time. "Always apologizing you are! Do not apologize for the way you think and the person you are." She stopped for a moment, head tilted to the side. "Yes, I thought she was good as well. Please, do not let me stop you from doing on." ----   Skills Skill EXP Total Proficiency Cooking 5 SP 5 Novice Dance 9 SP 9 Novice Medicine 10 SP 10 Novice Seduction 5 SP 5 Novice Tattooing 5 SP 5 Novice Boxing 10RB, 16SP 26 Competent [/tab]

[Eada Vine]

Eada smiled as Adara took her hand and shook it. Her fingers were cool. Eada looked between Matthew and Adara as they spoke - spoke about her. "Thank you," she added at the end. "Matthew's being very helpful." She wasn't convinced she deserved these compliments, but they were nice to receive nonetheless.

Maybe they were right. While she didn't have her mother's skill, she could learn and what better way to develop her skills than by playing? Besides, if Matthew really was going to help her find a job, she could get payed for developing her skill. She blinked back the thoughts. She dreamt of being as skilled as her mother, entertaining people, changing people with her music, but it dreaming seemed too dangerous. You can't be let down if you don't dream.

But you can't achieve unless you dream.

"Do you play at all?" Eada asked Adara. "You seem to enjoy music, at least."