An Afternoon's Delight

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

I was free for the time being, having no patrons to entertain and nothing else pressing enough that I couldn't put off until tomorrow so I decided to entertain myself with an afternoon downtown, certainly that could be a fine place for wasting time.

I chose to dress somewhat casually, wearing a light green dress of silk and chiffon that didn't exactly expose my marque, as it was unfinished, but revealed just enough of everything else to let one know that while I wasn't looking for that sort of entertainment, I wasn't opposed to it if the chance came by.

I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the comings and goings of the people around me and was certainly enjoying the sights and the afternoon sunshine as I strolled through the main avenue of Mont Nuit. Poking inside several of my favorite shops and peeking into others I settled in to enjoy an afternoon of delightful sightseeing.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I had some time to myself and thus I went exploring to Night's Doorstep. Keeping Yvan's warnings in mind I had the dirk strapped to my wrist and hidden under my loose fitting poets shirt of light blue. Dark breeches finished my attire as I wandered the area with no particular place to go.

Truth be known I was more people watching than anything attempting by observation to learn more about this country. I had learned much alrady through my interaction with others and was starting to feel more and more at home. So it was I strolled along slowly occasionally glancing in the window of a shop.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

I had just looked up from a shop window I had been gazing in and found a rather handsome young man doing just the same thing I was standing one window down from me. I smiled, thinking to have a bit of fun and perhaps walk into him, accidentally of course, and quickly went back to window shopping, hoping his path would soon cross with mine.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I noticed a young lady down not far from me as she glanced my way. I inclined my head to her politely and then straightened up from gazing in the shop window and wandered on down the street a bit in that direction. As was often the case when out and about I spent most my time studying those who were making their way about and haggling and the like.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

I saw him nod in my direction and couldn't help but smile. I did want to talk with him but I wasn't sure if he'd make the first move or if I should. So I found myself debating whether or not to boldly walk up to him and introduce myself or pretend not to notice him and let him walk into me, all the while hoping he'd make the decision for me.

[Pièter Kolcei]

After a bit I paused a few windows down from where I had seen the young woman and peered into the shop. It was a fudge maker and they were busy concocting another batch. I became engrossed in watching as was often the case amazed at how someone who does a task often could make it seem so easy when really it was not.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

He stopped at another window and I grinned, taking the opportunity to walk over and see which shop he had found so interesting.

Ah, chocolate. That was a good sign. I loved anything that had to do with chocolate, handsome young men included, and I put on a smile as I got closer, appreciating the view I had of him.

"This is one of my favorite places to visit," I said as I drew my gaze from him to look dreamily into the window, smile still in place.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I heard a voice behind me and turned to see the pretty young lady that was about my age had approached and spoken. I gave her a big smile and sniffed the air. "Yes, and it smells wonderful also." I looked back in the window "Not to mention the way they go about their task is interesting."

My Illyrian accent was slight as I had practiced my languages well in study but I am sure it was still noticeable to a people as fair as those of this land. "Though to be honest I was just wandering along and doing a bit of people watching. I did not know this place was here until I happened on it."

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

"Hmm, it does smell wonderful, and it certainly is a good place to watch people." I replied, noticing his accent but couldn't place it just yet, "I've always loved coming here, if only to watch, but I am known to splurge on occasion. Once you start you can't stop, so it's pointless to resist and you might as well give in. Besides, it only gets better that way." I added, shrugging.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I chuckled "I have not been int he City that long to develop such habits. But fudge is one of those things you can indulge in until you are in pain if you are not careful without even realizing you are doing it."

I then extended my hand to her "By the way I am Pièter Kolcei." Please Gods of the Deep do not let her recognise my surname I thought.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

The strange gesture, his accent, and his name were all foreign to me, but like as not I had seen many a strange thing in my life so I didn't even bat an eye at his form of introduction and simply accepted it.

Taking his hand in mine I held it firmly for a moment, "Jillene nó Valerian, I am an Adept of the Night Court," I told him, smiling pleasantly as I released his hand.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I shook her hand in mine "Nice to meet you Jillene" my hand was as soft as hers as I drew it back and I considered a second. I recognized the House name of course and it put a small smile on my face. Seems tastes were a bit similar.

"I could tell by the name you are an adept" and since we were giving more detail I did as well "I am the Illyrian ambassador.." As normal I left out the bit about my high born blood.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

Ah, so that was where his accent was from, I hadn't been able to figure it out myself, but it made sense now that he spoke of it. "I'm glad to have met you," I said, placing a curtsy along with my words out of respect. "Are you enjoying your stay then?" I asked, picking up a light topic of conversation, I hoped.

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Very much so" I nodded to her as she curtsied. I then decided to be a bit accommodating as one never knew what tidbits of information striking adepts might have if you approached it right. "Would you like to share some fudge?"

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

My eyes sparkled when I smiled at his suggestion, "That's very kind of you, my lord. Actually I haven't been here for a while so it would be a nice treat." I replied, my gaze straying to meet his. I only caught a brief look but his blue eyes were so alive with intensity it made my breath catch in my chest for a moment and I had to look away to gather another breath.

I looked to the window for a moment and kept smiling the best I could, turning back to him again, this time keeping my gaze at his lips as before. "I'm flattered." I managed, blushing ever so slightly.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I felt myself grin a bit more "It is just a little fudge and it keeps me from eating all of it myself." I motioned to a bench "Go have a seat and I will go procure the makings of decadence." I then went into the shop and captured one of the shop keeper's attention. I purchased a full pound of their finest and riches fudge which they placed in a small box for me. After paying for it I returned to the outside to look for Jillene.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

I nodded in reply, keeping another grin to myself, and went to sit on the bench and wait for him.

It only took a few minutes time but I was a very exciting few minutes, watching him from where I was and throughly enjoying every second of it. He came back out of the shop and I smiled, pleased that he had decided to keep my company.

[Pièter Kolcei]

I settled onto the bench at Jillene's side "Well that did not take long." I offered as I opened the box and broke off a piece of the fudge then held it out to her. "Here is a piece if you would like to indulge a little" The hustling and bustling market was a pleasant backdrop to the whole setting and I was rather enjoy the mellow afternoon.

[Jillene nó Valerian (I)]

The smell of fresh chocolate fudge waifting to me made me smile, goodness how could I resist? "Thank you," and I took the piece from him and tasted a bite, savoring the sweet sensation as it melted in my mouth. "Oh, this is fablulous," I said, taking another small bite, the perfect treat for a perfect day.

[Pièter Kolcei]

"Your welcome" I broke myself off a piece and nibbled it till it was gone. I then began delicately licking my fingers clean of lingering fudge as I had nothing else to clean them with. I peered at Jillene and agreed "Yes, it is sinfully delicious. Would you like another piece?"