A little of everything. (Fallon)

[Markus Andres]

20th of Spring 515

Markus wasn't too thrilled about being back to his native city. There were many obligations in the city, some that he had yet to tell S'Essy. Some he could not get himself to tell his pregnant girlfriend, not yet, at least. Not until after her birthday. He glanced at the midday sun. Not awfully high in the sky, but it was getting better for each day into spring they got. He didn't like sleeping this close to the harbour. The salty air always evoked memories he'd prefer that laid dormant.

The knight pushed the thought aside as he walked towards where he'd heard Fallon and Zandelia, as he had come to know her by. Supposedly her real name, but Markus would never really know her real name. Perhaps she didn't know herself. He owed the woman a lot, more than just gold, for that matter. As with her lover, he owed her a lot too, but today he would try to remedy that fact. But there were also questions. Things he wondered about. Which made Markus think of the two set of items he carried with him. Gone were the cumbersome armour and weapons of Sunberth. Only the dagger gifted long ago was strapped by his waist. Under his right arm he carried something unusual for him. A book. Balancing precariously upon this journal sized book was the quill and ink.

He was not sure what he intended to write. Depended on how open Fallon was to his suggestion. For he suspected the woman was a projectionist. Only Fallon could tell, but if he kept asking and subtly interrogating the woman, should she decline his offer, he might garner some insight into this magical discipline and turn over the research to the knights. Probably something they already knew, but since he had been absent for almost a year, it was the least he could do.

The other item he carried was the heavier of the two. A chest of sorts. Quite heavy, even for the huge knight, but he didn't mind the weight. He could use a workout. Even one so mundane. He felt restless. First caught on a ship – he hated that trip – now in a city surrounded by mountains and waiting for a day he didn't want to see.

Markus looked up and realized he had made it to the address where Fallon resided. Guiding the journal and quill plus the ink over onto the chest, Markus managed to stack it all under one arm. His huge fist knocked on the door. He had not seen the woman in the past few days. The knight had been busy. Stuck in his room writing a letter to the knights. Explaining his continued absense and the expected date of departure and thusly, arrival in Syliras. It would be another twenty days in the city, he thought. Now he could only wait for Fallon to respond. Or for Zandelia to respond to the door.

Ledger Change-1 GM for small chest.
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[Fallon]

It was with a deep inhale that Fallon leaned back within her now claimed arm chair, having now marked it as so by the careful placing of a sheepskin over the back of it and the kukri belt hanging off the arm. Her head for the moment leaned back into the fur, eyes staring into the hearth with thought. It was too warm at the moment for partaking in additional heat, she reasoned as she stared upon the hot coals that glowed with their embers - too much more and she would have to begin to open the windows to let the sea air in. And while that sounded tempting at the moment, she resigned herself from it. Today was to be a day of relaxing, of enjoying easy things, to gather her notes together and prepare herself for a life of relatively normal work. Her own notebook sat upon the floor, the papers scribbled in her own hand - smudging at the edges where she brushed against it wrong. The script became blurred and her hand ached in response, leaving her to massage into the palm and the scarring that rested along them.

With a sigh that she considered them, feeling the muscles tense beneath before once more she returned to her idle staring. Discomfort was the first thing that came to mind, the fingers twitching as she existed in her silence. Zandelia was away and out the house - no doubt at her new found employment was keeping her busy. Though the actual nature of it did confuse her, spy to bath house attendant - there seemed to be a step missing somewhere along the way.

The knocking was what dragged her mind away however, her gaze snapping up and towards the hallway. For a moment there was a dulled expression going over her face, she was not expecting anyone - she reasoned as she continued to stare - a courier perhaps? Or an unexpected guest? Sitting herself up she continued to let the thoughts move around, body easing up. Bare feet gave a pad against the floor, the blouse and trousers being the only thing on her immediate person at the moment with her mind continuing to work through the possible persons. It was only when she finally opened it however that her brow rose to the tall knight.

For a moment she was silent, her eyes looking him up and down as she considered what was before him - mainly a questioning expression as to why he was here exactly, followed then down to the chest and writing tools balanced precariously on top. It was with her holding open the door slightly more that she gave a gesture for him to enter, her words low as she considered him, "Can I help you Markus?" Her lips gave a curl then, a slither of a humour creeping into her voice, "S'Essy throw you out? No? Thought not."

Sweeping her hand in and allowing him proper, her hand gesturing to the other empty arm chair for him to take - while the free promptly closed the door behind him. It was with a collapse back down into her own that she once more began to speak, "So, what drags an esteemed noble knight to this quaint abode of a deviant?" Teeth gave a flash, a flicker of amusement resting there before she once more calmed it down, "Drink? Water? Tea? Spirits? Or too early for alcohol?" Her fingers steepled together, her eyes turning then to the embers of the hearth. It was then that the softer tones rippled out, her brow creasing as if in thought, "How is Zeltiva fairing for you? Quiet, isn't it?"

[Markus Andres]

The knight heard the sound of someone on the other side of the door. In a different time it would've been the sound of an eager wolf. But these sounds were not of a slobbering beast, but rather quiet ones of a human not in a particular hurry to open the door. Considering the occupants of this building and the trauma and stress they had been through, he could not fault them for this. The door opened and Markus who had looked away for a moment turned to face the woman. He smiled brightly as the ever-observant woman immediately looked to check the items in his arms. Book and quill - not usually what was found in the hands of this particular knight. As she observed him, he looked back. Noticed the lack of clothing - bare feet. Blouse and trousers. Had he interrupted some leisure time between her and Web? The hair, though, did not look disheveled - she looked warm, however... He pushed those thoughts aside. She opened the door further and Markus' smile was a little brighter as he understood the gesture. Fallon had always been tricky to understand, but she was a private person in many things - so he doubted she'd let him enter if he had interrupted the leisure time. He moved into the house. First time he had seen their new home. Impressive how quickly they had acquired this place. Instead of words, she got a snort in response to S'Essy kicking him out.

"You might. I hope I am not disturbing?" He added as a courtesy when she invited him in more properly and gestured for one of the armchairs. The other belonged to Fallon no doubt. Markus looked at the place. The warm hearth. Explained why Fallon looked so warm. He looked to the floor. Notebook. Scribbled, but too far for the knight to read and he looked away as he placed his own things on the ground. Separated the chest and writing equipment and pushed it a little further away. Hoping to spark the interest of the 'deviant' as she called herself. She had always been curious.

"Uhh, yea, sure - I'll have what you're having. Even if nothing." He'd continue, even if Fallon rose to fetch something to drink. "Wanted to see your new place. Oh, an ensure the 'deviant' wasn't up to something... strange. Part of being a knight." The flicker of amusement. Something he had missed since leaving Sunberth. Sailing. Dealing with his family. It soon waned in favour of a more relaxed smile as he sank into the armchair. He ignored the first part of her question. Zeltiva was not his

"Quiet. Yes, also a bit bored. This is a cozy and quiet place you have carved for yourself here." He gestured at the hearth. "Are you also bored?" Markus asked as he pushed the chest between his feet with one foot. He looked a little hopeful that Fallon was not going to be boring instead of bored - and choose to sit and read all day. "I mean... Zeltiva is quite different from Sunberth." He let that sentence hang.
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[Fallon]

Fallon released a snort, fingers sweeping back the fringe as Markus entered with his own attempted witty remarks. There was a pause as she eased herself down into the back of the chair, a small click as she eased herself up and adjusted to what was before her. Why was he here was the first question to come to mind, a feeling around the situation . Her eyes gave only the briefest flicker to the small chest, he seemed to be quite fond of it for some reason or another - why however? Was it merely to serve as a distraction tool? A method in which to gather her attention onto a single point? Where was his hands? Her eyes flickered to them, and then up to Markus' own - refusing to give as he continued to speak, "If you were disturbing then I would not have answered the door. Simple as Markus."

There was a flicker to the warm coals of the fire, the sparking ember and flames continuing its radiating heat. She knew somewhere behind her was the kettle and cups, the tea leaves stored safely in their jar. Pushing herself up she moved around the back of the chair and towards the kitchen area behind her - a small affair but serving the needs of the two women well enough. She gave a lift of the kettle, briefly showing it to Markus before beginning the process of tending to it. Filling the kettle from the water tank, she threw the tealeaves into the belly of the pot before grasping the cups and returning back over. It was there above the flames she hung the kettle and proceeded to ease herself back down, "Tea it is then."

"Yes, this is the new place. Renting it out from the council, same as my office," Fallon gave a small shrug, "I plan to get the business up and running here too. More of a niche for my line of work I feel. You know, politicking, uncovering information, tying up links. Less hitting." She frowned then, her gaze flickering to the tulwar she had hung above the fireplace - serving as a more decorative piece than something of actual use. She spoke at lower tones then, "Which is for the better." She offered Markus the empty cup then, ready for when the tea was brewed and boiled, "There is always much to do in Zeltiva if you know where to look. You merely have to open your eyes and lift the veil to see what is beyond. Or, you could just keep your visor down and value everything as inferior and dull." She shrugged, "Though, Sunberth is indeed different to Zeltiva - they are different cities after all with their different values and cultures. It is to be expected."

A low hum escaped from her throat, her eyes resting upon him once more as he nudged the chest once more, before turning her attention down to her notes. It was with a sigh she slowly gathered them together neatly, sliding the sheets into her notebook where appropriate and at last closing it firmly. It was with a careful piling upon the floor that Fallon lifted her gaze upon him, "So, why are you really here Markus? Why do I feel you are here for more than just simple checking up on things?"

[Markus Andres]

The knight smiled calmly as she said the door would've remained closed to him had he been 'disturbing' some private actions. He was pretty sure the reverse would have been the truth as well. Unless if it was life threatening, he was pretty sure his friends could wait a bell for his company. It would appear it was tea that would be the drink of the day. He had no opinions on that, better than plain water, he supposed. Fallon explained her plans for her life in Zeltiva. More snooping about and less hitting. He followed her gaze to the tulwar. Had seen plenty of action last season as had his own blade. Now he would return to a move structured life once this little adventure was at an end. Return home and start a family.

Those thoughts was cut short when he accepted the cup from Fallon. Though the conversation seemed to have shifted from pleasant and simple to a somewhat harsher and condescending line towards Markus. He was a little surprised by the sudden shift in nature. It was at times like this that Markus was surprisingly happy that Fallon had left him behind. For the volatile nature of Fallon was not something he'd enjoy living with for an extended period of time - it would be a downright nightmare. How Web managed to endure it he did not know. At the moment he felt more like leaving than actually continuing the conversation, but he was here for a reason and he owed her, even if she was being haughty and condescending. The bemused expression turned into a disarming smile revealing some of his teeth. There was no reason to start arguing.

"I grew up here, so I know the city well enough to know its shortcomings." Markus said with his zeltivan accent easily rolling off of his tongue. "Though, you were only a squire, so you might not have known, but knights don't wear veils."

As his gaze found her notes, she began to shuffle them together and put them in order. Apparently it was not for his knightly eyes. He wasn't bothered by this, Fallon seemed to hold her cards very close, another thing he would have found annoying another small blessing. He shifted the cup from one hand to the other when she began to speak.

"Several reasons actually. S'Essy and I owe you and Web a debt, letting us stay at your place, keeping us... reasonably safe. And I never did pay your lover for her services." Markus pushed the chest over to Fallon with a foot. "And I was hoping you'd join me for a walk - S'Essy's birthday is coming up and I'd appreciate having your opinion." He shut his mouth and let Fallon open the chest, filled with gold rimmed mizas. He'd counted them, oddly enough, and it tallied up to a total of 999 gm. He had inadvertedly taken the missing miza from the pile he had counted and gotten a chest. "A token of our appreciation and hope that you and Web can start a more comfortable life here in Zeltiva."

Ledger Change-999 GM
-1 chest.

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[Fallon]

"I see," Fallon hummed, gently swirling the cup. The eyes drifted again, looking to the surfaces this time, the small shelves and the few littered ornaments that had been placed there to decorate the room. Lowering the cup down the Inspector brought herself to stand and begun to shift her notes away - the simple act of tidying up and keeping the place presentable. With the loose sheets bound she placed them upon the shelf with a collection of other books before running her finger along the edge. She squinted at the thin layer of dust that came with it before at last sitting herself back down, "I never would have guessed. And you don't? Here was I thinking you would look fabulous in a nice silk dress with little heels upon your feet."

There was a quickest dart of the tongue, the expression turning devilish for a flash before she took up the cup once more. If she did not know better she would have coined Markus as being paranoid, or suspicious without reason. Perhaps that was where she stood now, her record tarnished due to her associations and what she was. Did she care? Not really, none could convince one to unbelief what they hold true. She would leave him to his doubts and the veiled thoughts he did wear despite him saying otherwise.

"Zandelia, or Web if you prefer, are more than a lovers now. Fiancée, is the term to use now," there was a very smug look peering out from across the rim of the cup then - who could blame her? It was a wonderful turn of events that filled her with much needed peace and hope. She felt her cheeks tint and then looked back down to her cup as she composed herself. Her expression darkened to that of Sunberth and the events that happened there, "Didn't keep anyone safe in the end. Really petched that one up. It's why we're all here now after a city turned on my faults and failures. I..." she silenced herself with a shake of the head and turned her thoughts upon the present, "So, you require help picking out gifts for your lady?"

Raising the brow she looked down as he pushed the chest over, pausing at it briefly as she weighed up her choices in response, "I will be honest, I do not know S'Essy as well as you do. Nor, for that matter, am I particularly adverse to the tastes of the female side of the species. I'm not exactly lady like material," A playful wink, she used a finger to flip open the chest. Her gaze blinked at the coins that glittered back, expression going blank as she tried to comprehend what she was looking back at. It was finally she spoke after a long pause, "Are you trying to buy me off Markus?" she snorted, then let out a chuckle. Closing the lid she decided that she would count it out later, now was not the time, "Very well, your token is excepted and appreciated. I am sure it will be put to some form of good use. Somehow."

Standing she gave a stretch, a rock up onto her heels as she drained the rest of her cup. With a saunter over towards the stairs she took up her boots, fingers tugging at the buckles as she returned over and collapsed into the chair. It was there that she began to pull them on, "So, to the task at hand. Gift for your lady. Let me think. Konti, ocean... maybe nice shells?" Hands tugged at the buckles, "Or jewellery. Does she like jewellery?" A testing step, she took up the belt and harness that her kukri and other tools hung from and strapped it to her person, "Or books. Hobbies, flowers, cooking? We'll market browse."

[Markus Andres]

Markus was prepared for her retort, yet it was still amusing so the easy smile that came to him appeared as he shrugged as his only response. He could retort in the same manner, she'd feel as weird in a dress as he would. Markus lent back in the chair and let himself relax. He needed to relax a little. Soon he'd be out again and worrying about getting S'Essy a gift that said 'sorry I dragged you to Sunberth' while also saying 'congratulations with your birthday and Syna's mark'. There were quite a few things he wanted to convey with this gift. Good thing he might acquire the assistance of Fallon. She had a better skill at tracking down things than he did. Even if those things were a gift. She had tracked down a good gift for him, something he still had and used semi-regularly. Especially in Sunberth the gift had proven its worth on several occasions.

Markus opened his eyes wide when Fallon revealed that her and Web, or Zandelia - although he had never really taken to that name... It was one of those absurdly weird names that he didn't understand the origin of, much like Fallon. - That the two were engaged. To be married! Markus after a brief moment of shock, didn't seem like Fallon to get married, to cracking a huge smile.

"Congratulations! That's so great! I am happy for you Fallon, truthfully so!" He gave her a moment of respite. "So, who asked who?" He asked eagerly once the respite was over.

There were darker things to discuss. Fallon seemed to blame herself for what happened in Sunberth. Markus had as much a part to play in that fight, he kept poking the hornets nest and his mere presence as a knight constantly digging into the slave trade... Could easily have been a backlash at him rather than at Fallon. She stopped herself and inquired about the gift. Markus looked at her for a few long ticks. Should he poke into the subject or just follow her change of topic.

"Yes. Yes I do. Two opinions is better than one." And he smirked as she picked up the chest. "What happened to the woman who just knew exactly how good I would look in a dress and high heels? Just put that eye to dressing a woman nicely." He laughed a little as he sipped the tea again.

"Consider it a wedding gift as well. " Markus rose with Fallon. Put down the cup and let the remaining tea stay. He wasn't that interested in the tea at the moment. The moment of relaxation seemed to be over as a barrage of questions were thrown at him.

"I was thinking some jewelry? I mean. Can't go wrong with that, I suppose? We can just look around? Make a fun trip out of it? Look around and see what the city has to offer."



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[Fallon]

"I proposed to her. Turns out I'm the man out of both of us," Fallon gave a testing stamp of her boot to check it was on correctly. Pleased that it did not give she gave a stretch as she took up the house key and tucked it into her pocket. From the other she drew out her gloves, tugging them on and flexing her fingers in the soft leather, "I got down onto one knee, offered my hand and did it the way they do in the stories." The cat-like smile found itself in place again, "She said yes, and the rest is history." The cheeks gave a small burn, the gaze averting as she gestured out of the home and out onto the street. Once both of them were outside she locked the door and ushered them along in the direction of the stores, "Lots to arrange, lots to sort out. But that will be then. Don't know when yet. But..." She just fell into smirking - she was wasting words now.

Markus continued his words, the knight seemed to be generally pleased with the subject - her ears twitching as he gave out his congratulations and moved onto their new goal. Gifts, she often knew what would be suitable for her partner, but for another person all together? She found herself pulling her lips about, twisting them as she thought. Jewellery was an option - and it seemed one that Markus had already in mind to pick out. It was just then the simple case of finding somewhere that actually sold such desired objects - she suspected some stalls near the docks may hold a potential point of purchase.

"Jewellery then," she shrugged, "And you can, potentially. I mean, poor quality goods, what it's made from, the design and shapes made. Need to consider the materials used as well, such things can change a price quickly." Fallon released a hum, "So, a pretty pendant? Or brooch, or maybe rings to match?" She teased, tongue darting out at him as she continued the stepping. She enjoyed the idea of stretching and walking without having to constantly look over her shoulder for danger. It did not mean that the gloved hand strayed far from the kukri hilt, tapping against it as a reminder it was there, "But looking around is good as well. Might see something else - a nice scarf perhaps. I don't know. Let me think Konti... Konti... Konti. Sea shells?"

It was as far as her ideas could get at the moment - she would need more information on the woman and for Markus to feed the idea fire with factual fuel. With an exhale, Fallon guided them right and down one of Zeltiva's main streets, her pace slowing down to allow the soaking in of the atmosphere, "Go on then gift hunter. Lead the way, I'll be following right behind and ready to give out my thoughts - though be warned, I don't know her as well as you."

[Markus Andres]

Markus chuckled a little when Fallon described herself as the man, on her knees and proposing to Web. It would've been fun to have been present for that occasion, but understandably it was to be a private moment for the two. Like it was to be for Markus once he got around to making his union with S'Essy more official. But no, S'Essy deserved more for putting up with him for almost an entire year on the road and him dragging her from city to city while she was pregnant.

"You know how to organize a party- just one similar to the one you had in Sunberth and you'd be golden." Markus said before a brief pause. "Perhaps stop the knight from drinking after mug number six... For future reference." He smirked as he looked around outside. In Sunberth he would have glanced around the moment he came out, looking for suspicious people looking at the gate or for familiar faces that seemed out of place. Markus thought back on the gift for S'Essy. Jewelry was a cliché but a good one. Neither he nor S'Essy had any special attraction to signs of wealth. But if it enhanced S'Essy's beauty he could hardly deny he wouldn't spend considerable sums of his money on such a gift. As he thought about it, Fallon began to think out loud. The teasing tone was lost on Markus, not entirely sure what merited that particular tone at that time, perhaps matching rings? He let it pass him by unanswered and he looked around at the different places they passed, hoping to catch a glimpse of something that might warrant a closer inspection. Scarf... Sea shells?

"Hmm, naw, not a scarf. Too practical." Sea shells. It would fit her background and race. But that didn't need enhancing where they were going. Besides, sea shells was not something he'd like to see upon the special occasions where the gift would be used. "That is the second time you mention sea shells~ trying to tell me you'd like some sea shells? Should I discreetly tell Web about this desire?" The tease was weak, but he didn't care as he had already left the mood behind as he looked at the place.

"I was thinking a necklace. Or a pendant... Not sure what the difference is, honestly. But yes, something simple to wear around her neck... Perhaps with a rock to match her eyes- ooo, or to match the colours of her scales... Are there any ehh...indigo coloured jewels? or things that match her - " Markus closed his eyes for a brief moment as the various colours of his lover came to mind. As his eyes were closed he spoke on. "Violet and blue-ish hues of her scales? Perhaps the chain to be made of silver?!" Markus' voice had picked up speed as he spoke and got a little more into the task at hand. He was not a prolific shopper and was not fond of going around picking up things. Perhaps that was the reason he had no special attachment to material wealth either. He opened his eyes and looked to Fallon. See if this information gave her anything to go on. Markus paused a little. Perhaps gold was better if available? Would that not reflect the colour of Syna better? Was silver not the colour of Leth? He did not know, but he doubted if any jewelry could come close to matching his specific desires.


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[Fallon]

"No matter which way you look at it she's a creature of the sea," Fallon blinked, "And creatures of the sea belong to Laviku, no? Just makes sense in my head. Could always give her kelp and fish bones if you think that's better." She gave a snort then, "The only shells I like are the ones you can eat from. And rest assured Markus," Her hand gave him a pat upon the arm then, her eyes peering at him from beneath her brow, "She knows already."

With a suggesting smirk Fallon peeled away, ushering him to go forward to inspect and find whatever thing he was looking for. She was merely making ideas and thus largely placed the incentive onto him to go out and find. With the suggestions discarded and the thoughts left largely flowing in his mind it was the case of simply standing back and allowing him to do. So, she merely gestured to the world before him and took a step slower behind. There was no need to lead.

"Yes, that in Sunberth was... good. Though, I cannot assure that I would stop you from devouring so much. Besides, it seems the Zeltivan came out in you then," She let the comment hang for a moment, and then let the orbs turn forwards, "Go on then Markus, lead the way. You're the one who's buying, I'm merely following. And remember, there is nothing wrong with practical. But it sounds as if you do like to dress your S'Essy up in pretty baubles." Still, he seemed prone to become easily excited regardless, and so allowing him to verbally work through his trail of thought Fallon nodded encouragingly - though not necessarily with the idea.

"So, you want to bring attention down to her scales and eyes then?" she offered a shrug, "Thoughtful at least." With a frown she gave him another shrug, "Perhaps. If you can find one. You're going to have to go look for it though. Silver is good though, more so for paler skin. Gold is a strong colour too, but more expensive. Could always try and find a white gold instead, perhaps." She offered the thought there, and allowed herself to be distracted by a group of children sitting on one of the steps and playing a card game - what it was exactly she did not know, only that it produced a raucous roar of cheering at the end of a long focused silence. She uttered another, "Perhaps," while promptly returning her gaze to the surroundings and drinking in the world, "It is your choice to make."