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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 18, 2009 11:15:52 GMT -5
"My carriage is just over there." I said, pointing. I had spent probably more than I should have on it, but I was accustomed to comfort, and so I had bought the top of the line for my own personal use. The driver was from home, though we did not ride in carriages there, he had picked up the skill quickly, and spent much time poring over maps of the City.
Once ensconced in the carriage, I told the driver to take us to the Artisan District, and then settled back in the plush seat. I was still nervous, but time was helping to calm my nerves. After all, Idaeus was right, I would have a signale, there was really nothing to fear. There seemed to be a void in the conversation at this point, and I thought for something to say, though Idaeus did not seem like one to be bothered by silence.
"So..." I began, thinking even as I spoke that that was the worst opening for conversation ever, but there was nothing for it now. "You said that you have made your marque? What typically happens then?"
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 18, 2009 11:33:39 GMT -5
I sat back into Daenara's carriage. It was very plush and quite nice. I looked around until she spoke, then I turned my attention back to her. She liked comfort and she had money. Two important pieces of information. I thought of Yvan. It would be quite nice to have regular patron, with money, again. I missed how well he lined my money bags.
"Now that I have my marque I am free to quit my work at Mandrake. I am no longer filling a contract of indebtness." I paused for a moment, druming my fingers lightly on the cushion, wondering how much would be wise to reveal to her. Decideing that the truth may win some sympathy from her I said, "I will admit that I am growing weary of my time there. I want to make my own way, but as an adept my skills are limited. I don't have marketable skills other than doing the same thing at another venue."
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 18, 2009 12:31:42 GMT -5
I nodded sympathetically, after all, was I not here because I had tired of the sameness in my life? I reached over and touched his hand lightly, surprised a bit by my own boldness, but I wanted to comfort him in some small way.
"Might you not learn a new trade?" I asked, then added. "I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with all of the customs here." I wasn't sure I'd heard of an Adept who became something other, but then, I hadn't been looking for such, either.
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 18, 2009 20:34:20 GMT -5
I smiled internally when she touched my hand, exactly the response I was looking forward. I did not show this on the outside, however. I moved my other hand on top fo hers, but lightly so that she could move her hand if she wanted too. "Thank you," I said in refrence to her comfort. "I could learn something new, but sometimes finding time is difficult. Training also costs money. It can be difficult to save for both training and having a healthy money bag to leave." Of course if I wasn't chasing women in expensive bakeries then I could probably do as much, but I liked entertainment. I thought of her mention of buisness, something my father did as well. The life I would have if I had not been dumped by my own family.
I looked off toward nothing for a moment as if I was thinking, wishing for that something better. Though the idea had just recently come to my head. "I think I would like to follow my families buisness, to be able to help out at home instead of living at and helping out Mandrake. I have more than paid my dues to them, at some point I need to return to my roots."
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 19, 2009 15:27:59 GMT -5
I nodded, still sympathetic to his plight, and actually feeling quite guilty for having plenty of money while Idaeus hadn't enough to do what he wanted. I had learned quite a long time ago, though, that people didn't care for it when you tried to simply give them money, although I couldn't fathom why not. I certainly did not wish to offend him by offering, but my mind was already thinking about what I knew of his culture, and how I might help in less obvious ways. The feeling of his hand on mine was distracting, however, and I had to force myself to focus on his words.
"Oh, the family business, that is a wonderful idea." I said, nodding and smiling. "There is nothing better than being with one's family and working together." I thought nostalgically of Uncle Stavros back at home, and other members of my family who had always made me feel loved and welcome. "That sounds like the perfect solution."
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 20, 2009 1:39:34 GMT -5
I felt like laughing at her statement about family, but I held back. Instead I nodded as if I could understand. "It sounds like you have a good relationship with your family." I said, leaving it open for her to talk, and fill me in on details without me having to pry.
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 20, 2009 19:23:50 GMT -5
"Oh yes," I replied, smiling at the fond memories of growing up with Uncle Stavros and the rest of the family. Even the servants had been like family. "Family is so important in life; it's so comforting to know that whatever happens, you have people who will love you and be there when you need them." I sighed then, wondering if I was crazy to leave all that behind to come to a strange land. "I do miss them, being alone in so far away can be difficult sometimes. It even takes ages to receive so much as a letter. Does your family live nearby?" I asked, hoping that he at least had them to fall back on while making the switch from Adept to the family business.
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 21, 2009 1:06:27 GMT -5
I still had my hand on Daenara's so I gave it a small squeeze when she mentioned being lonely. I did not want the subject to turn into information about my family, if she did learn who they were then she might find out that they really only recognize one son. I did not know if I would see her again after tonight, but it was better to take precautions.
"They do not live overly far," I said, "Less than a one day triip." It was true, but it was also true about a large number of people. I smiled again, giving her a distraction and said, "if it would not be imposing to much, perhaps I could make sure you do not feel to alone here."
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 21, 2009 14:59:46 GMT -5
I blushed slightly, though I was utterly thrilled at his words. "I would like that, Idaeus." I said shyly, peering at him through thick lashes. It was true, I was lonely here, accustomed as I was to a large family and flurries of activity. The pace here was more sedate, and I hadn't ventured out enough to make friends.
I realized I had been paying no attention to where we were going, and really I did not care. I was enjoying being in Idaeus' presence and I didn't want that to end anytime soon. My mind drifted ahead to what might yet happen between us and the butterflies in my stomach began to do somersaults. I squeezed his hand in return and schooled my thoughts.
"I'm not sure if I am in the mood for sightseeing..." I began, smiling at him and hoping that my boldness wasn't too much, "...perhaps we could simply go to your House for the afternoon?" I could feel the heat of a blush on my neck, but it was my nature to take the bull by the horns when I had made a decision.
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 22, 2009 0:00:10 GMT -5
I raised my eyebrows slightly at her suggestion at going to Mandrake, but smiled. I thought of the most mundane room there, one set aside for beginners and I was not sure if she was really ready for that. Though if I did not open any of the closets than she would probably be ok.
"We could go to Mandrake," I said, agreeing that sight seeing was not the most opertune thing to do at this moment, "however you would have to pay a contract fee to use one of their rooms. There are plenty of inns, with nice rooms that we could rent for quite a bit cheeper." My smile turned a little more seductive and I added, "this way I could still show you some of my skill without having to charge for it."
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 22, 2009 10:33:56 GMT -5
Money was no object to me, but I was willing to follow his lead; after all, he was at home here and would obviously know what was best. I nodded, saying, "That sounds perfect, Idaeus." I could already feel my blood heating, and all we were doing was discussing rooms! Everything about Idaeus made me feel weak-kneed; from the graceful, fluid way he moved to the soft feel of his hand on mine. His presence filled the carriage, and it made me feel things I'd never felt. I wanted to please him, I realized suddenly, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I would never know unless I took this chance, however nervous I was.
"Is there a place you can reccommend?" I asked, trying to keep my scattered thoughts together and focus on the task at hand.
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 29, 2009 0:19:58 GMT -5
I thought for a moment. I did not want to suggest a place that was too pricy, not right now. Maybe if we had a future outting. I needed a place, however, that did not monitor who was using its rooms. I thought of a place I had frequented before and smiled, "How about The Generous Patron?"
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Post by Daenara Kutsouris (H) on May 29, 2009 13:10:21 GMT -5
"The Generous Patron." I said the name, testing it on my tongue. It felt right, so I leaned up and gave my driver his new instructions. Settling back in my seat, I smiled shyly at Idaeus. "It sounds perfect." I said, my fingers worrying at a knot in the fabric that covered the seat of the carriage.
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Post by Idaeus nó Mandrake on May 30, 2009 22:32:48 GMT -5
I laid a hand over her busy fingers and said with a confident smile, "don't worry, it will be." I had been with new and unsure patrons at Mandrake before, but I don't often bother with those who don't find at least a little pleasure in my arts. It would be a little different with Daenara. I was, however, feeling up to the challange. I would give her a unforgettable evening and amke her wonder why she had not moved here earlier. To have a non-submissive want to look me up again would be a true show of my skills.
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