All in the Family

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I arrived at the shop early in the morning, ready for a new day. Unlocking the door, I turned the sign to read "Open," and took my usual place behind the counter.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

It was time for me to go shopping. The house was quiet and I'd been alone a great deal, which was never good for me. Most of my time was spent singing to myself or practicing assorted little bits and pieces of skills, whatever struck my fancy.

Shahrizai and Sons- well, at least it would be shopping with family in some sense, though male Shahrizai were as bad at fashion as a rule as men of any other kind. The bell above the door rang and I matched tone with it as I stepped inside.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I looked towards the door as the bell chimed, and almost fainted when I saw who it was. "Elua, Sirena Shahrizai? What brings you here?" I stepped out from behind the counter to greet her properly. "Well-met, cousin," I said formally, giving her the kiss of greeting.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"The City," I replied simply and with a smile as I returned the kiss, indicating with my hand the world in general. "Bois de Millefleurs is the most lovely place in teh world for me, but there has to be a reason for the City to exist. I'm here to see it in all its facets."

Lettign the shop absorb my vision for a moment I smiled more widely. "You've done well with this place, cousin," I told him.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Business is booming," I said modestly. "I have several regular customers and more come every day."

I looked her up and down; she was as lovely as ever. "You look well," I said.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"Thank you," I replied. "Everything looks well here in the entire City, but it's too put-together. Where is the random events, like bonfires and waves. Where's the audible passion of blood?" Tal was right, this City could drive a person mad.

Shaking my head slightly I let my eyes focus again. "I'm looking to spend some money," I confessed. "Tell me all of the interesting things you have."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I chuckled. "If you want the audible passion of blood, the Valerian adepts really know how to scream," I said jokingly, though the underlying truth of the statement was evident in my tone.

"Everything I have is interesting," I said. "I have coffee, spices, vegetables, teas, anything you could ask me for that isn't from Terre D'Ange."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"valerians- I haven't been there yet," I mused. "Will there be a party there anytime soon? I would love to go if there was."

Thinking for a moment about foreign things I'd heard of I cocked my head sideways and asked, "Do you have cherries from the East?"

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"There hasn't, but I'm sure one can be arranged," I said. "And I believe I have a box or two left, my contact in Ch'n should be back with more in a few days."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"So many things you don't realize you've never tried until you try them," I replied thoughtfully. "What is your favorite thing here?"

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Coffee," I said, a guilty smile on my lips. "I buy it from myself quite often to enjoy at home. Now where are those cherries?" Bending down, I pulled a straw box off a lower shelf. "Here you are," I said. "On me."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"I couldn't," I replied, grinning. "It would set a bad precedent. After all, we have a very large family."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"So pay for them," I said, winking. "That suits me just fine."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"How much should I pay?" I asked, teasing slightly as I cocked my head sideways and let my hair flow over my shoulder. "Conventionally or unconventionally?"

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"4 ducats should do the trick," I said. "Three and a kiss, if you're feeling generous." I winked.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"how about one and a song?" I suggested, eyes speculative. "And I don't give kisses- I take them."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"You'll be cheating me," I said. "Three and a song."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"My voice is rarer and more precious than gold, that of a Shahrizai siren of the stones and flames and rough seas," I replied- he was a bargainer, and a good one, but still young. "One, a song and you can kiss me."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Agreed," I said. "As long as you don't tell anyone."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"I don't tell- but you may if you like," I replied, handing him a ducat. "Now, what song would you like to hear?"

[Aramis Shahrizai]

Sliding the ducat into my coffer, I thought a minute. "Know you 'The Briar and the Rose'?" I asked her.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"I believe so," I replied, then picked up the tone of the bell that had rung when I opened the door- and began. My voice had a good range and was trained by a tutor from the Academy, so it was in no way lacking as I performed the song with all of the passion and depth it deserved.

Once the last note had faded I looked over at him and smiled. "Did that suit?"

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Yes," I said, a little hoarsely; her voice really had taken my breath away. "It was very beautiful."

I smiled at her, a little evilly. "How do you like to be kissed, cousin?"

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"I like to be kissed well," I replied. "With as much skill and passion as one possesses. Everything else is details."

He was trying very hard and I could appreciate that. "But I am also impatient, cousin." Opening the box I took a cherry and popped it in my mouth gracefully, sighing with pleasure at the flavor, then catching his eye.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I stepped closer, putting my hands on her small waist and bringing her closer to me. "Then I won't keep you waiting," I murmured, before pressing my lips to hers. She tasted of spice and fire and cherry, and I effortlessly parted her lips with my tongue to more fully enjoy her flavor.

[Sirena Shahrizai]

Laughing lightly in my throat with glee and passion I rested my hands on his ribs as my tongue caressed his, taking a half-step closer to press my body even closer- let no one say he was not paid in full.

[Aramis Shahrizai]

I made a low sound of pleasure in the back of my throat as we deepened the kiss, plundering her mouth with my tongue and lips. Pulling slowly out of it, I said in a voice that was almost a growl, "Now we are even."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

"yes, I believe we are," I replied, not backing up and meeting his gaze unabashedly. "But I'm not sure I'm done shopping as yet."

[Aramis Shahrizai]

"Oh," I said dramatically, releasing her, "by all means, shop to your heart's content."

[Sirena Shahrizai]

Laughing lightly, this time free to do so, I twirled in place, sending my gown, the color of hour-old spilled blood, spinning about my ankles. It was good to play again. "I didn't mean that quickly, but suit yourself," I teased. "Can I pay in the same fashion every time?"