Something new (open)

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

Dressed in a gown of apricot, I stepped into the perfumery and inhaled deeply. I always loved the mix of scents, trying to see if I could pick each individual one out.

Stepping deeper into the shop, I began to look around. I was in the mood for a new scent and hoped I could find one that appealed to me.

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I made my way inside of the perfume store. I was hoping to look for something that would be perfect for my debut. A scent that was a pleasant, subtle and not overpowering, but somewhat irresistible.

My lips curved up slightly when I saw a blond adept with the lightest color of blue eyes that I've ever seen, "Hi." I spoke shyly at the woman. I wasn't sure if she would be open to conversation or not.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

A soft voice got my attention and I smiled to the girl next to me. Oh, she had the loveliest color of hair!

“Hello,” I replied. “Wonderful shop, isn’t it?”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I nodded to the woman. I offered her my hand, "I'm Jessamine de Verreuil no Valerie. Yes, this shop does seem pretty nice. I hope they have the right scent that I'm looking for. What are you looking for?" The woman seemed very pleasant and friendly. I was curious to learn more about her.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

"Zoeline no' Cereus," I said as I took her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. as for what I'm looking for, nothing special, just browsing mostly. What about you?"

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I was excited when I learned that she was a member of the Night Court. I had never met anyone from Cereus House. I knew that the Dowayne represented all of Night Court in parliament, and I looked forward to going to their fete' this year. I had been unable to do so this year.

"Are you a adept?" I asked curiously.

Then I answered her question, "I'm hoping to look for something special for my debut, actually. "

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“I am,” I said, smiling at her eagerness and her mention of her debut. “I’m Second at Cereus actually. Congratulations on your upcoming debut, may Naamah bless the day.”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

"Thank you. I'm nervous and excited....anxious and worried. I just hope I don't mess anything up. How was your debut? I hope you don't mind sharing. I love to hear everyone's story on their first time," I spoke to her. I picked up a perfume bottle and put it to my nose. It was far too strong! My nose crinkled and I placed it back. Then I tried another and found it better, but still not what I was looking for.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“It was everything I had hoped for,” I told her, my voice pitched for more intimate conversation in such a public place. “I’d actually met my would-be patron when I was fourteen and serving at the Longest Night fete. He was so taken with me he returned on my 16th birthday to contract me. He was passionate and had a laugh that I can still here.”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I listened to her story, touched by the man who had come back for her. I nodded, "Wow, that must have been a wonderful experience. Did you have assignations with him afterwards?" I was curious to learn how close patrons became with their adept. I liked the idea of having a regular long lasting patron, but I was open to many short term ones.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“I did, several until he and his family moved to Aragonia,” I answered. I took a vial that was labeled lilac blossom and smelled before offering it to her. “This is nice.”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I took the offered bottle and sniffed it, "Mmm...it's a nice light fragrance. This might be a keeper..."

Then I turned to her, "That must have been nice to have a long term client. Did you get to say goodbye to him before he left?" I was curious to learn more about her experience.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“I did. It was one of those bittersweet moments you think only ever happens in stories,” I said, chuckling softly. “No matter how long I live, I shall never forget him.”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

"That was a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with me, Zoeline..." I gave her a genuine smile. I wondered if I would ever have a patron that would like me so much that he would continue to come back and give me the chance to say goodbye to him before leaving.

I picked up another bottle of perfume and smelled it. I handed it to Zoeline, "This one is kind of strong, but it smells nice."

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“You are very welcome,” I said, smiling.

I leaned in and sniffed at the scent she held. “It is nice, but you’re right, it’s a little strong. What scent do you normally wear?”

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I set the perfume down, "I like to wear really fresh and clean scents. Like apple, strawberry and vanilla. Vanilla is my favorite scent. Oh! I hope they have that here... What do you like to wear?" I began looking through the shelves for the scent I wanted.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“I have a variety of scents, it really depends on my moo and the occasion,” I said, looking through some other vials.

“Oh here, this one is vanilla with a little spice in it too,” I said, picking one up and offering it to her.

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I looked to her when she mentioned that she found vanilla. I took the offered bottle, "Oh, that's perfect." I sprayed some on my wrist and then sniffed the scent. "It's perfect...now if they have the bath oil and lotion, I'll be all set."

I picked up a basket so that I would have a place to carry my things.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

“I’m certain they should” I said, smiling and glancing around. “Ah, that stuff seems to be over there.” I pointed to a little alcove.

[Jessamine Verreuil nó Valerian]

I looked over at the alcove, "Thank you." I made my way over there and looked at the various bottles. I picked up a bottle of vanilla bath oil and a bottle of lotion. I placed them in my basket and then made my way over to the clerk.

"Hello, yes- I would like to purchase these. How much for all of them?" I asked. The clerk gave me a reasonable price, so I paid the man and had my things placed into a bag.

Once I had my purchases in hand, I turned toward Zoeline, "It's been a pleasure, Zoeline. I hope to see you again some time soon. Have a good day." I began making my way toward the exit.

[Zoeline nó Cereus]

I furrowed my brow as she exited, a little shocked at her quick departure. Valerian must not be training its adepts as well as Cereus was. Feeling even more pride in my House, I turned back to the scents.