[Traveler's Row] Acclimatization (Altaira Readva)

[Khalatinu]

OOCI hope this thread hasn't turned out too much longer than you had imagined. I just read the PMs again, and there was mention of 'a short little thread'. "Words of advice. Don't. Insult. The Knights." "Unless, of course, you want to get on the city's bad side." Advice? He thought. He hadn’t imagined that the encounter would end up in the Kelvic giving him advice. Much less the kind that, if withheld, could very well have lended him in the clutches of disgruntled authorities, which after all that had happened, would be what he’d expect her to want. The fact that she didn’t seem to, made him lament, somewhat, the way that he had conducted himself previously, and even reexamine the stranger. Sure, she was neither of a mighty racial heritage, nor as appreciative of his as would be ideal, but she hadn't really done all that much to deserve his ire. Yet he disliked doubting his past decisions, much less acting in ways that would indicate it to the outside world. That would have likely prevented him from any reciprocity in geniality if the woman hadn’t decided to add to her side of the proverbial scale: "The squires, too." "They're the future Knights, and I doubt that they'd simply forgive and forget any run ins once they achieve a standing with power. At the same time, however, they're not nearly as hard as their patrons." He looked at her, his tone softened in to one muffled by confidentiality,“I take it you had some run-ins with them yourself? A bunch of power-crazy thugs if you ask me!” The bitterness still in his voice, was now clearly directed at what he interpreted as a mutual antagonist.

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | Others | oocEhhh, I don't mind Another two or three posts and this thread will be pretty well summed up

She couldn't help but give a giggle as her new found acquaintance announced his vexation for the order, thinking with a cringe of a certain squire or two who held rather low regard for her. "Everyone has they're own motives, it shouldn't be much of a surprise to hear that those whose desires are centered on power and wealth chose a life as a Knight."

She felt like she owed those not so dirty a good word, and continued after a short pause to ensure that they were acknowledged. "That being said, there are a noble sum who do indeed serve for the 'greater good,' it is just a manner of finding them, and not accidentally offending them when you do." She gave a bit of a look, then, hinting strongly that this was her own case, without having to openly admitting it.

She regarded the Eypharian for a moment more, before thinking that perhaps it would be a good thought to introduce herself. Although it was really quite lovely to have had a chat to the odd long term stayer within the lodgings, maybe learning their name for once would aid her on keeping tract of who everyone was? "My name is Altaira, by the way. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[Khalatinu]

OOCGlad it doesn't bother you And yes, it is coming to a pretty neat conclusion He couldn’t tell if the giggle had been an outward agreement or the result of some thought that his statement had prompted, he was however, by his very nature, prone to believe the former; a belief which her next words seemed to confirm. As far as the knights went, her sentiment was agreeable, though there was a nuance to the aversion Khalatinu felt towards the desires that he assumed on the part of the knights and squires in question. It was the way they kept and gained their power - with sword and fist - that repelled him more than the desire itself, which he was not above. It had probably been the Jackals, and their rejection of him that made him form this particular opinion as a sort of a shield or rationalization for why the dismissal from their ranks was not a reflection of his shortcomings. Her second statement about the noble ones in the order however did not please him as much. He disliked the way it blurred his conception of the bunch, and was not inclined to acknowledge these alleged exceptions to the rule. Deciding however not to express this disagreement he instead gave an ever so slight smirk of accord. "My name is Altaira, by the way. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The Eypharian paused for a moment at the friendly gesture before calmly responding with a nod: “Khalatinu,” then wavered again before adding: “A pleasure.”

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | Others

Khalatinu. Quite the exotic name, she thought. Fitting. She couldn't help but feel that their quaint conversation had drawn to a close, with little more to say than perhaps rather random inquiries about the Eypharian's business. Although she always felt the tug of curiosity, she had her own work she had to attend to, and slights that she had to make up for.

There was also the fact that Khalatinu himself was required for conversation to run its course, and he was a being of his own life and will, and was yet to even sort out his stay in the place. She gave a tight smile, and an appreciative nod of her head. "Good day to you then," Her smile was appreciative and genuine, having found the man quite likable. "If there is something you require," She shortly added, side stepping him as she prepared to take her leave. "I'm in most evenings - I'll let Miss Owens know to direct you to my room should you ask." There was a certain good feeling that came with offering someone help, having found that she herself would have thrived far more should she have had at least had the assurance that there was someone she was able to rant and rave to should things turn south. Whether or not Khlanatinu wished to accept her offer, she didn't mind. On one hand she'd gain another acquaintance, on the other she'd not need to bother herself. Quite the win-win situation, was it not?

Ensuring her pace was reasonable and gaze keen, in searching for others she may run into, she could scarcely help the satisfied look that took her expression as she left the establishment.

[Khalatinu]

As Altaira took her leave with an amicable goodbye, Khalatinu gave a short, sedate, but cordial “Good day” accompanied by a nod acknowledging her offer. He did not know whether he was going to take her up on it, but then again, he knew very little at that moment outside of the fact that his limbs were sore and that he needed to find a bed or a chair at least, on which to rest them. He followed the directions that the Kelvic had given him, towards a room at the end of a hallway. He hesitated a moment before pushing open the wooden door and entering the converted apartment. With no sign of Miss Owens or anyone else, the Eypherian looked around for the bell that he had been advised to sound in such a case. He pulled twice or trice the knotted ending of a rope, feeling the weight of the bell as it swung and rung somewhere in the building, though he could not hear its knell. As he turned around to see the room in full he noticed a sweet scent of sugar and herb that pervaded the air of the office, emanating from a plate of cookies and a pretty pot placed upon the table in front of an inviting lounge. He found no reason not to, so he sat on the cushioned seating and raveled in the tension of his muscle slowly dispersing upwards as he closed his eyes for a short moment. Quite some time had passed before Khalatinu heard the door creek slightly and Miss Owens entering through. He didn’t mind the wait, enjoying the moment of repose as he did, though even if that wasn't the case, he had no intention of delaying himself with another petty argument. To that end, he returned the courtesy of her smile. “Good morning, what is it you need?” said the Konti hurrying to her desk where she presumably kept change for the coin that was likely seldom exact. “A room, for the winter." “That will be 9 gold mizas and 2 silver,” came the immediate response of the woman whose mind had probably absorbed enough orders to know most of the prices by heart, with no need for calculation. He reached inside his pouch and set ten gold-rimmed coins on the desk between them, receiving in return eight edged with silver and a key. He mumbled a distant ‘thank you’ as he exited the office for the room a few doors down the corridor.