[Open] Soap and water

[Alayne Lombard]

I'd been beat a little too harshly by one of the clients in the bathhouse - the bruise under my cheek was painfully swollen, and I was told to get out and go where I would for the day, so long as I brought back soap and a fresh order of towels.

It was a rare occasion, and I didn't really have anywhere to go, so I found myself treading my tattered skirts and weathered corsage on the cobbled sidewalk, wandering and looking at the shops.

I dreamed of going inside and buying something just because I could, but I only had enough ducats for soap, and they weren't mine.

The temptation was strong, but it was early in the day. Maybe I'd give in later. Heh. It wasn't as if I had anything to lose.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

Walking along through Night's Doorstep I had stopped outside of a shop window to look at the wares. People behind me on the street payed no mind and I observed them as well. A brilliant colored mop of hair was what I first noticed, then the womanly shape. Thinking it was Mine I turned with a smile, which faded only somewhat as I realized it wasn't her.

That smile, however, did fade completely as I saw the nasty bruise on the lovely woman's face. A bolt of anger shot through me. Her dress and general appearance did not paint her as an adept. I didn't like physical markings on them either, but some of them enjoyed it.

I wrestled with my conscience for a moment, knowing I was horribly overstepping my bounds. But I could not help myself. Quickly taking a few steps t catch up with her I caught her gently by the elbow. "Excuse me miss, but are you alright?" I had immediately let go of her arm as I spoke, unsure of how she might react. I had my hand up to my face, ready to indicate, on myself, where her bruise lay.

[Alayne Lombard]

I was so absorbed in my day dreaming, and particularly in my appreciation of a beautiful Siovalese vase - I thought it was Siovalese, anyhow, though had no true way of knowing, that I startled when a lord touched my arm, immediately withdrawing and taking a step back that almost made me trip over the uneven road.

"M'lord," I replied, eyes very wide. I could feel my heart beating a little too fast, for fear more trouble would come. "--- am I --" and then I caught sight of his hand, pointing to his cheek, and felt blood rushing to my cheek.

"It's nothing," I replied quickly. "All's well, my thanks for your kindness."

I didn't know what to make of it, or how to respond to his ways. He seemed angry, and didn't look like he wanted a piece of me - it was something I had no idea how to handle, in all honesty.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

My eyes flashed with anger. Not at her. Not in any way at her. But she likely did not know that. "Who did that to you?" I asked, feeling my ire rise. I tried to calm myself a little and held out a hand to her. "I won't hurt you. But if you'd like a little payback on your behalf, you can show me where he is."

After a second I realized I had not introduced myself. I bowed slightly and decided to change how I had been doing it so far. "Hal de Valliers, at your service."

[Alayne Lombard]

I well couldn't do that - give away the bastard who'd done this. It didn't matter, he'd been dealt with, well and good, and if I had the right of it, he'd never come to the bathhouse again.

"It's well, m'lord, pray breathe -- I would be loath to see such power lost on an oaf who can barely stand this day," I lied, urgently, eyes yet wider. "The guards gave him his due, and it's been done, in truth, I swear it in the name of Blessed Elua and his loyal companions."

Yes, I swore an oath that was untrue - what of it? It didnt' matter, I wasn't anyone who should really be bothered with those things, so long as I had food in my belly and a roof over my head.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I smiled then. "Good, I hope he gets better than he gave." I looked her over and smiled softly. I would be more than happy to buy you a meal on behalf of all considerate men everywhere. If you would be so nice as to tell me your name."

I could have simply walked away, left her to her ways. I'm not sure why I didn't. Lingering guilt over an injury I didn't even cause? The desire I had to protect her perhaps? My mind strayed to Grace, the woman I had left at my home in Camlach, pregnant and running... I hoped she was faring well. But this woman here, recently beaten. I still fought the urge to seek out her attacker, whether he had been punished or not. But I waited for her answer.

[Alayne Lombard]

“Alayne, m'lord,” I replied quickly, and I hoped my eyes weren't betraying how glad I was for the offer, for he had fine clothes, fine ways, and he was offering me a free meal. “And an it please ya, m'lord, I'll gladly join any table you wish, so long as it's not alone, aye, a girl has to be honest, hm, and shouldn't be seen eating alone with men they don't know.”

I was pushing my luck, aye – he seemed the goodly man indeed, and didn't seem up to any odd business, but I reckoned, he'd offer me the meal and then would want perhaps a tumble, and I looked him up and down, and decided I could live with that.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I blinked, and then took her meaning. I low laugh shook me for a moment and I nodded. "It is a great pleasure to meet you Alayne. And just call me Hal." I extended an arm for her to take and then asked, my eyes alight with mirth, "Shall I escort you proper, or is that something else a proper woman such as yourself should avoid? I would not wish to besmirch your honor, in any way." Though his eyes laughed, his voice spoke the truth, and it was obvious. Hal would not do anything to smear her name, and would do as she bid.

[Alayne Lombard]

Hal, then, it was, and I blinked at his arm and thought maybe it would do for once to try and be a lady, even if I'd no idea what that meant. And so I slipped my hand over his arm, unsure what to do next.

"Hal, that's a short name," I said, "should I call you only that, ever, m'lord, even if you're getting the lunch? I reckon, you're doing things for my honor's, not a lad ever done before, egad."

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I smiled and nodded. "It is short for Hjalmar, though I find many people have trouble pronouncing it. Hal is just easier for everyone. And yes, just Hal is fine. I don't stand on titles and peer down my nose. Perhaps, if I truly dislike someone I may command such respect, but normally I do not."

I looked over at her then and smiled. "Why would I not do things for your honor Alayne? That's just how things are done. I would offer to buy you a new dress before we go eat, but I have a feeling you'd refuse." I paused and looked at her earnestly as we walked along. "Would you?"

[Alayne Lombard]

For the first time in a long time, I blushed – I could feel my cheeks burning, and egad, I wondered if he could see how touched I was by the offer. It made me suspicious, though – too good to be true, and a man who wants to buy you both lunch and a dress must be after more than just a romp in an alley.

I couldn't tell how much of it was a play, and I didn't even know how I'd handle a new dress. What would I do with it? Bring it back to the bathhouse, and have it stolen, ripped, soiled perhaps? Would Tigris believe this wondrous tale of a charming prince who'd given me more than a day's pay because he could? I had no idea, and I wasn't sure I wanted to find out. Heh. I could always sell it, I supposed.

“You're too kind, m'lord,” I replied after debating just a short moment, “but I don't even think they'd let me in them fancy shops, all raggy's I am, aye. But if you please, t'would be discourteous to refuse.”

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

She seemed t take her time thinking about it, and I was worried that somehow I'd offended. Did she see it as charity, as pity? It certainly wasn't, but how would I explain it? In truth, there were likely bruised and beaten women all over the city, despite whatever appearance the d'Angline wanted to give to the rest of the world. There's no way I could explain it to her. The blush on her cheeks and the look in her eyes showed her embarrassment and her suspicion. She likely thought I was in it for a cheap fuck. Truth be told, I could likely get some quim much cheaper than a dress and a meal.

She simply looked like she could use a little kindness.

As she finally accepted I could not keep the smile from my face. I'd be thrilled simply letting her pick out something she liked, the expressions on her face and the brightness in her eyes all the reward I would need... even if she could not keep the dress. Whomever had given her that bruise would likely not approve of such a gift, be it husband, lover, or door jamb.

I patted her forearm softly and looked at her then. She truly had a beautiful countenance, but then, who had ever heard of an ugly d'Angeline? I would ask to know her better, but then, that would certainly go beyond the pale, even moreso than I already had. So I said nothing, just walked with her, an easy smile on my face, until we reached The Philistin. I gestured that was our destination and opened the door for her.

[Alayne Lombard]

_{Continued here.}