Completed Moving In and Meeting a Friend

[Noah Amuel]

Noah listened in on the women’s conversation, moving beside Elann eventually. The cup came down with a tap against the wooden desk as Elann fished for her money. He exchanged a glance with Matilda. She smiled to him and he smiled back. In the smile Noah attempted to communicate that Elann seemed like a nice girl and that no problems would come from her. The Row would continue to be quiet, so he hoped.

Elann produced coins for a week’s stay at the Row, coins that Matilda took before scratching at her ledger with her quill. When she looked up, a kindness appeared in her eyes. “One week’s stay it is, then,” she said. He watched as Matilda turned on her heel to the wall where the keys hung. Each key hung on a hook with a number plaque above them telling the room they went to. She brought one back to Elann and whispered something to the girl that Noah could not hear. He assumed, though, that it was the number and direction to her room.

“Noah, dear,” Matilda said to him now. “Are you going out this morning?”

Noah nodded. “I’m going to the Bazaar before it rains,” he stated. With a quick interjection he continued. “I mean, I think it’s going to rain today.” He did not want to reveal that Zulrav spoke to him much like a mother spoke to her child. He was unsure how the two of them would react and the chances weren’t going to be taken today.

Matilda nodded slowly before continuing. “It would appear that this young miss here would need some new clothing, coming fresh off of a boat and all. Perhaps she could accompany you to the Bazaar and you could show her around the city before you turned in or before the rain – whichever comes first.” The Konti woman glanced to Elann expectantly.

Noah felt his heart quicken in pace. The word “no” didn’t come to mind instantly but it was what he felt like saying. He looked at the girl, an obvious anxiety quivering in his eyes. “I-I can,” he stumbled out loud. Elann wasn’t exactly an unwelcome guest but it would mean that he’d have to speak in order to make this trip bearable. That is, if she did come along. But why wouldn’t she? Clothing seemed to be something needed by all, wasn’t it? Not that it mattered Noah any difference. If he had it his way, he’d be in the nude all the time, unbothered by his own skin. However, due to the nature of humans and their need for modesty, he knew clothing was a necessity for them – especially a woman so striking as Elann. “If she’d have it,” Noah said, looking to Elann with the same expectant look.

[Elann]

Elann did not know the signs of the land, when it would rain and when it wouldn't. In the desert it was easy to tell. The striped striated clouds that lined the sky would turn a soft pink to a dark red and the next day you knew to bring your clothes inside early. Here however she had no such inkling of any idea of what the weather was like. The only thing she had really heard of this land was that it was harsh to non-humans, colder than where she was from, and it smelled. All such things seemed to be true so far.

As Matilda volunteered her to go out and travel with Noah she was unsure. She did have a nice robe to wear in her pack and while simple, it would get her by in the meantime. She looked over with a steady look to Noah as he seemed to struggle with the idea of letting her go out with him. Sure he was put on the spot, but her theory was becoming all to solidified that he did not enjoy her company thus far in their brief meeting. Out of a necessity to appear civil she guessed he accepted her, but she was not one to coddle to someone who wouldn't have her company. She most certainly didn't hate him, no quite the opposite. She hoped him every blessing in the world, but she wouldn't put him through such a torture if he didn't really want it.

"It's okay...no", she shook her head to Matilda and bore a smile that asked for forgiveness. "I...I have this robe. It's okay...here in my pack. I will go see my room I think. Then maybe look for a work." thinking it perhaps a bit cruel she lent to offer him a chance at redemption, though doubting he would take it. She looked over to him and spoke in a kindly voice, "If you want you are welcome to come see this room. But I am sure you are busy. I don't want to trouble you. Just if you want to see, then it is okay." It was just a room anyways, no need to get excited, though if she were to see him much more this morning he would actually have to take an interest in her and extend her a larger courtesy rather than just giving her a cookie. She had a nice sized pack that she began to lift and scooted toward the stairwell to see where this room was.

Matilda nodded and with a smirk said, "Well welcome to the Traveler's Row. Feel free to grab some cookies and such whenever they are out. Free of Charge." Elann smiled widely and nodded a thank you to her, then looked expectantly to Noah to see the outcome of what this would bring.

[Noah Amuel]

Noah felt a sudden sadness as he heard Elann stumble out her rejection. He had presented himself to her as an escort for the day and an ear to talk to – if she felt the need – albeit reluctantly, yet the deal still stood. In the seconds following his decisions he found himself quite wanting to enjoy some company out into the city. He doubted he’d be the best one to show Elann through the city due to how foreign it still was to him after living here for three seasons, but he did want someone to learn the ropes with. It seemed like a much needed human connection for him. But why?

Yet when Elann offered Noah a chance to see her newly assigned room, hope swelled up quickly in his heart. He looked to Matilda who seemed to nod in approval, as if saying ‘don’t make the same mistake twice’. Even though he was eager to take the given opportunity he couldn’t help but feel he was neglecting the responsibility given to himself. If rain did come, he’d be stranded inside for he could not go outside without something to protect the parcels and letters given to him by his clients. A confliction entered Noah’s mind as his eyes went from Matilda to the door to Elann waiting in the wings with a backpack.

He moved around his jaw in contemplation. If he helped Elann here then further run-ins wouldn’t be so filled with awkward discomfort if he did choose to leave in order to reach the Bazaar before the rain reached the ground. On the other hand, if he left here now – neglecting to aid Elann – he could find himself out of a potential friend quite quickly. He cleared his throat and took a step towards the door, half decision made before a guilty conscience seized him. In the same movement he moved towards Elann with an outstretched hand. “Let me help you,” he said in a more demanding tone than intended. “Please,” he added, softening his tone considerably. He even threw in a smile, allowing his dimples to reappear in the depths of his cheeks.

Once beside Elann he tilted his head, trying to take on caring posture with an outstretched hand.

[Elann]

Fortunately for Noah, Elann wasn't as observant as she could have been. Perhaps it was on purpose for the sake of Noah, for if she saw him turn to the door she probably would have marched right up the stairs. However he was a good friend and turned to not only accompany her, but also managed to come around and be all galant. Gladly she handed the somewhat large bag over. While it boasted in size, it was incredibly light in weight. All it had in it was her robe, a small eating knife in it's sheath, some toiletries, money, and her slingshot. The money was likely to be the heaviest thing in there and it in of itself was quite light. She was putting a large amount of trust in him, handing over her entire life in this bag. Only the familiar looks to him from Matilda made her feel more comfortable. The smile that had forsaken her face returned and all was forgiven in him it seemed, especially as he smiled at her.
"Of course." She said placating to his kindness. With the lifting up of her shin length tunic she headed up the stairs ahead of him with her key in hand. Upon reaching the top of the first flight she could see just the expanse of this building as she let go of her clothing. She had paid her 3 silver Mezas for the room, showing her that she wanted one with a small living room and that's what she hoped to find. Moving down the corridor she eventually came to the door marked the same that was on her key. The key was of simple iron make and looked to have been cast into a forge and then shaped by a keysmith. For that reason her key would only work for her door. The dark hallways were lit with candles and torches letting off a faith yellowish glow, but she hoped to find that since she didn't purchase the lowest form of room, perhaps there was a chance for some sunlight. What she really wanted was a double room with a nice window and elegant features, having heard of them even far to the south. As she got to the door her hands fumbled with the key, also not quite prepared to use it. Rarely had she ever even turned a key and found it difficult to angle it right and get it set perfectly.

"Uhh..." a couple more tries "Hmm?" one more try "It's not working", She looked briefly to Noah for aid as unknown to her, with these old iron doors you had to angle the key perfectly and give it a quick turn. It would take some learning for her to get it right. If he wished to help her she would gladly take the pack back from him while he worked on the door.

[Noah Amuel]

Noah hummed to himself in quiet verses as he followed Elann up the stairs to her room. When they stopped taking the stairs and broke off into a dimly lit hall, Noah’s heart quickened again. The floor she had veered too was the same floor that Noah’s room occupied. He struggled with himself, wondering if he should say anything as they walked. The candles burned, propped against the walls in their holders and he watched as the flames licked against the cobblestone their holders called home. He walked closely behind Elann as he watched the walls and her steps.

Noah inspected one of the candleholders as they passed by. It was an old contraption made of iron. It was mounted into the wall with a bold, whose head could be seen peeking out from the wall. The holder possessed a place where the candle could slip down into. The holder also possessed a well of sorts to catch the candle’s wax as it burned lower and lower. Noah appreciated the work it did so that the candles didn’t make a mess of the floor they were suspended above.

Fortunately when Elann stopped suddenly, Noah stopped as well, coming dangerously close to colliding with her if his attention had been elsewhere for a mere second more. Instead now he stood very closely to her, perhaps invading a personal space of hers. He watched from above her in a hovering manner, his eyes watching her fumble with the key given to her. It was amusing to watch and Noah felt a chuckle rise in his throat that he quickly suppressed. Does she need help? He wondered.

As she fumbled Noah inhaled, smelling the scent that streamed off of her. It was a melody of smells that could be described as a rainbow of color. The smell of salt was the heaviest. He attuned that to that of the Suvan Sea where she resided on a boat for a time period Noah knew none of. He could only imagine the cramped spaces and annoying residents that occupied the same space as she for an unknown amount of time. He nearly shuddered at the thought and thanked his family for sending him from Zeltiva on a carriage with few other people. The other scents he smelled were sweet like flowers, dry like the earth, and homely like a place of comfort.

It was that feeling that her scent brought him now. He, disregarding how close he was to her, remained stationary until he heard her speak. It was about the key and how she thought it wasn’t working. Noah smiled and exhaled from his nostrils in a laugh. His eyes caught sight of hers as she looked to him for assistance. Elann raised the key for him to take and he plucked it gingerly from her hand. He threw the backpack around his back with one strap hanging off his shoulder awkwardly. In another motion he reached around her, arm hooking behind her neck to reach the lock. This motion brought him closer to her where her scent intensified for a moment.

With a slight of hand he drove the key into the lock and twisted. The latch clicked audibly. He tucked the key into his palm and used his free fingers to turn the knob with another click. Noah grunted, pushing the door open now. He untucked the key from his palm and held it in front of Elann’s face. “There you go,” he said in a gentle voice.

[Elann]

There was a strange sound emanating from behind her as she marched up the stairs. It was the sound of humming? She couldn't picture a man with the focus that Noah seemed to exude to be a humming musical person. She considered this as she continued. She was of course a very melodic woman and was always singing, but the more she listened it sounded as though he was almost speaking. Really she just couldn't pinpoint what he was doing. Whatever it was must have been quite distracting because he nearly collides with her in the hallway. He was close now, far too close for her comfort, but he was after all helping her. She let it off with a slight chuckle, figuring he didn't mean to do it and it made her fumble all the more. For such accurate hands with her weaving, making micro movements to self correct herself and various turns and loops, she was clumsy with the large bulky key. She could hear his chuckle at her failure and couldn't help but let another one out at herself in frustration.

Elann gave way eventually, letting the door have its victory without breaking her key and handed it with a slight smug look to Noah. She was prepared to move aside but he must have been anxious to give it a try, for before she could even react, he had swooped in next to her, close, and was working the lock to the door. A feeling that she had not felt in a long time washed over her. It was the same feeling when a lion stalked your herd on the high desert. You knew it was close, but couldn't see it. The goats knew where it was but you didn't, and the only hope you had was to be quick with your slingshot. It made her tense up and the hairs on the back of her neck tingled as his breath drew close to hers. Any moment now, like a rush of release the door would open and she would be free, but for now as he twisted the lock he was too close for comfort.

The resounding click and the lock thudding out of the door meant freedom was at hand. She had to resist her first instincts which were to bolt through the door, possibly tripping him and careening both into the room. She patiently waited and watched to the side as he maneuvered the door handle like a professional. Once the door was opened and they were righted in posture, she took the key.

"Thank you", she said once more with nearly no accent added. A soft light filled the room, and it was not the light of candles but rather the light from a window. Stone walls and grey floors meant nothing to her now as they were filled with light and color. The sun had managed to creep between two tall buildings and shone right in her window it seemed. For the moment at least it seemed as though this room was blessed for her. She took in a deep breath and moved inside. The interior left much to be desired, but should she stay long term, it could be a very nice place for her. She looked around in silence, her sapphire green eyes scanning this and that as she wandered. Seeing Noah with the pack after a chime had passed (should he still be holding it) she would take it and set it down near the hearth. Sheepishly she looked to him and asked "Do you like it?". There being a double room at the very least she could perhaps have a bed and a table at some point.

[Noah Amuel]

Noah watched Elann take the key from his hands and as the door swung open, her expression changed to that of what could only be described as wonder if not relief. A brow raised on Noah’s face as he watched her with an intense curiosity. This girl was proving to be quite a puzzle for the Kelvic but he felt compelled to aid her in any aspect she needed. She took steps into the room now, the scent that Noah smelled going with her through the door and into the room. He followed closely behind her. The sudden sunlight that flooded the room through undrawn curtains hurt his eyes, making him squint. Sensitive as they were, he struggled to not leave the room altogether.

He came to a stop when she did. Noah inspected the room. It was larger than he imagined, nearly twice the size of his own single room and an envy filled his gut. The window that possessed Syna’s rays was positioned to the right of the door, shining the rays onto the ground in front of them. The once gray cobble was now a bright white, enchanted with Syna’s bright and possessive rays. The room was seemingly transformed from that of a bland gray and black room to that possessing a shining white and several refracting colors.

The room was mostly empty save for a small sofa facing the door they came in and an old wooden sitting chair beside that. Under the window was a small shelf that held only dust and under it short table meant to hold a display. Right now it held nothing. Opposite of the window, to the left of them, was another door, probably leading to the bedroom. Directly to their left was a small table, surrounded by two sitting chairs and in the middle of the table was a candleholder resembling the ones propped on the cobble walls in the hall.

When Noah returned his focus to the woman she was approaching him with a hand held out. He assumed it was for her bag and promptly gave it to her after retrieving it from around his back. She set the pack down by the hearth to the right of them, then she turned around to face him and asked him if he liked the room. He paused to consider his answer, eyes searching over the room once more. In truth, he did, so he nodded. “It’s bigger than mine,” he admitted with a smile, the statement supposedly being a jab at himself. “I hope she has more like it,” he continued with a wider smile, dimples showing again.

He took steps towards the couch but stopped cold in his tracks. Noah looked to Elann for confirmation for she had never truly invited him in. He backed up towards the door some now, prepared to leave if she had that in mind. “Would you like me to go now?” he asked, smile faded into that of a hopeful look.

OOCThis is what I imagine her room to look like. Excuse the crude drawing.

[Elann]

She was quite grateful he didn't take her bag and leave. It was a scary thing to put your trust in someone you didn't know, but she has had experience. Perhaps she was too trusting at times because of those she has put her trust in have never let her down. As she explored the room he followed her it seemed like a little puppy. He however seemed to be intelligent and thoughtful, not like a youthful dog, but more like a wise owl. He was always looking, like a statue it seemed to her when it focused for years in a direction. His looks about the room as he considered it made her think of him as a very thought heavy man, one not swift to speak, which was a good thing in her book. Her family seemed very boisterous at times and loud, while she was peaceful and silent. She fiddled with her tunic as he looked about and she found herself matching his glares about the room, trying to briefly see what it was he was evaluating. Each time his head moved a different direction her beautiful blues would shoot back to his eyes to see if he had found his answer yet.

Eventually he did and he had nodded, speaking about how it was bigger than his. He said so with a slight bit of humor though and perhaps a hint of playful jealousy. Something she hadn't done before came out of her mouth, it was melodic and high pitched with that same raw undertone to it. This was no mere chuckle though, but rather a delightful full-on laugh. She nodded swiftly, her hair showing some spring of life to it, though it was like the last dying act of her hair before it seemed to want to fall out and lay prostrate on the floor. The sea air had not been kind to it, and yet it still held a sheen to it that many women craved. The scent of coconut oil and henna filled the small room for a brief moment and then it was gone.

"I hope so too." she chuckled. "It is very nice though." She slowed her laughter, bringing it to a quiet close as she looked around her room with a sense of nobility in her. With her hands clasped at her front, her long neck and womanly features seemed to almost be as though they were enhanced in the light; showing her true qualities, aside from the dirty grime and wasting away she had experience in the bottom of the holds of the ship. Now she seemed almost as if she was a daughter of the sun herself, radiating the suns rays and golden hues off her creamy light skin. It felt so good for her to stand in the sun for a moment, even if it was only to be a short moment before it dipped behind a building again. She watched peacefully as he moved a bit toward the couch and with a bit of shock she chuckled, she was being rude, however she did have things to do.

"Well I would hate to keep you busy today. I'm sure you have things you are doing yes? I need to unpack and..." she grinned. "It might be rather nice to take a nap in the bed." she of course didn't want him to feel unwelcome so she treated him with respect as she moved closer to the door. The last thing she wanted to do was to crush him.

"How about you give me ohh...three or four days", her eyes dancing back and forth as she counted in a cute way. "You come by, and we can go out and do something. Maybe swiming or picnic. Who knows? Is this okay?" she gave him a sad look to empathize with him, she just couldn't host anyone right now properly and really was tired. She ever so slowly moved to the door to indicate for him to go, but didn't want him to feel rushed in the least.

[Noah Amuel]

Noah could tell by the tone in her voice the answer to his question was yes. The way she moved towards him now made him feel uneasy. She was slowly shooing him, or so he felt, and therefore made him feel unwanted. Even though he felt this, he smiled and nodded his head, watching her with his eyes. He backed up further, catching the lasting glimpses of the room as she closed in on him. For some reason he felt that her tone of voice was slightly chiding, scolding him for overstaying his welcome so quickly.

He stepped into the hall and watched as her hand went to the open door. He listened to her parting words and shared her saddened look. In truth, he was saddened by leaving for he had imagined spending at least a bell or two more with the woman, but she had different plans. Noah had no choice but to accept that, unless he wished to force himself into her new home and life, but that was the last thing on the Kelvic’s mind. When she finished her piece he nodded. “I live down the hall if you need anything,” he said, pointing in the direction that they came from. “Only about five doors down on the right,” he added before smiling his parting smile and turning on his heel.

The door closed with an audible click when he was halfway down the hall, carried by his large strides. He took a turn towards the staircase and walked down them with heavy feet. When he came into the lobby again he made eye contact with Matilda. The fresh smell of brewed tea filled the room and Noah’s mouth instantly watered, begging to be graced with the freshly brewed goodness. “How is the dear?” she asked with that small smile of hers.

“She is settled in now,” he returned, walking up to the desk that Matilda stood behind.

Matilda hummed in approval. “Are you off now?” she asked.

Noah shook his head. Any plans of going out had been forgotten and pushed to the back of his mind. A crack of thunder affirmed that. Matilda jumped slightly, causing the Kelvic to smile at her expense. “I came for another cookie,” he said, moving towards the tea-table once more.

“With the rain, it’d be wise to turn in now,” Matilda said, bringing her shawl closer to her body.

Noah agreed and took two cookies from the tray before moving back towards the staircase. “Have a good day, miss,” he said, before stepping up the stairs. A restful day of lounging about with the window open was on the agenda now. Elann was right. It was the perfect time for a nap.

[Sayana]

Don't forget to edit/delete your grade request. If there's anything I may have missed, please PM me and I'll be happy to look into it.

 

Noah

Skills

• Observation: 5
• Planning: 1
• Intelligence: 4
• Socialization: 5
• Hosting: 3
• Interrogation: 1
• Persuasion: 1
• Flirting: 3

Lores

• Location: Traveler's Row
• Hosting: Offering a guest food
• Elann: Benshira from the desert
• Matilda: Owner of Traveler's Row
• Intelligence: Identifying someone's race through social cues
• Hosting: Assisting someone with their bags
• Elann: Friend on Traveler's Row
• Location: Elann's room

 

Elann

Skills

• Observation: 5
• Socialization: 5
• Intelligence: 5
• Flirting: 2

Lores

• Location: Welcome Center
• Location: Syliran Harbor
• Location: Traveler's Row
• How to Open Doors
• Noah: Quiet spoken, thoughtful, almost birdlike
• Matilda: Owner of Traveler's Row
• Syliras has different welcoming customs than Yaheba
• Intelligence: Identifying someone's race through social cues
• Securing a room at Traveler's Row
• Noah: Friend at Traveler's Row

Comments
It looks like your Summer 515 Living Expenses account for the expenses at Traveler's Row. Please indicate that these are the costs for living at Traveler's Row during the summer. Remember, you'll also need to pay regular seasonal expenses for basic living costs (food, candles etc). Typical seasonal expenses are 135 gm (Common) or 45 gm (Poor). As long as these are added to your ledger by the end of Summer, all will be in order.

Comments: What a lovely thread. It was very cute seeing the quiet yet meaningful conversation between the two of them. And it was nice that Elann had someone to welcome her.

Your Grader,

Sayana

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