Soap and water: Hal and Alayne

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

continued from: terredange.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=silkshop&action=display&thread=7528&page=1

I turned onto the street with the Cockeral and smiled over at Alayne. "I could tell you about the time we were set upon by wolves in winter, or maybe the time the neighboring Oakenbear tribe came to raid us... But as far as assassins or damsels..." I smiled at her warmly, "I guess I didn't save you, but you'd count as a damsel I suppose. Wouldn't you?"

[Alayne Lombard]

“You're saving me from hunger,” I replied with a little shrug, and I felt my mouth twisting a touch sourly. “But I don't think I'm a damsel, no.” I shrugged again, and because I wanted to hear about Skaldi tribes much more than I wished to talk about myself, I asked, “Tell me about the raid, Hal? Please?”

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I started to comment on what she said but then thought better of it. I nodded as she asked about the raid.

"It was the beginning of winter, and we'd just settled in a new place, prepared to burrow in for the next few months. I was only eleven, but old enough to wield an axe. They came screaming in from the north, hellbent on blood and women. They'd slain our scouts, so we had no idea they were on their way. Confusion reigned at first, and they managed to slay a couple of our warriors before we rallied. The fighting was fierce and,"

As I speak I can see that day clearly, and my muscles twitch beneath my shirt,, my hands balls into fists.

"the fallen leaves crunched underfoot as men fought and some of the women grabbed the young ones and fled. I remember the way the screams echoed through the trees, the way the leaves on the ground grew slippery with blood.

But we held them off and managed to fight them back. I held my axe, but I never got to fight..." My voice was tinged with regret.

[Alayne Lombard]

I'd listened ot the tale attentively, trying to imagine the tale, and I had a vision of Hal wielding an axe – I reckoned it fit him, and he would look fierce, as he did at the Philistin.

“.... but you saw,” I replied, eyes wide. I could imagine the sound of crushed leaves, the screams of bloodshed and though Hal hadn't mentioned fire, I could almost smell smoke, as if the raiders had set the village on fire, too. “--- what --- what would they do with the women?”

I was well placed to have a guess, but still, it was something I couldn't quite fathom either. I'd never had to deal with something I didn't somehow want, even if betimes it was twisted

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

"I did." I said, nodding. Then she asked about the women and I considered. At the time I'd never really thought about it. It was a way of life, and when you grew up with it, everything else was the unusual.

"I imagine they were taken, some willingly, some forcibly. Some may have grown to love their captors, yet others likely fought every step of the way. we were lucky though, and in all few died or were taken."

[Alayne Lombard]

I felt my mouth open and my eyebrows come together, and I stared at him, feeling suddenly queasy to my stomach. “--- but – did you get them back? It's --- it's heresy to --” I couldn't even think of the word to describe it, and I felt suddenly like the world was a much darker place than before.

I couldn't reconcile that Hal would be as kind as he was, and come from a place where forcing women was casual as day, and so I just stared at him in further confusion.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I nodded. "We did, though there were some that were slain. As far as heresy goes, the Skaldi don't worship the same gods, nor live by the same rules as you d'Angeline. Both worlds, both cultures, have their own darkness. And their own light." I paused then, as we'd reached the Cockeral. "Are you still willing to share a meal with me?" The question was loaded in a way, but I still had to know. Would she be the first here in Elua to shun me to my face?

[Alayne Lombard]

I looked up at him and felt a strange kinship - there were many who wouldn't be seen eating with me, for fear of losing a reputation of honor and grace. And this Skaldi, who'd been falling over himself trying to be kind seemed to worry. I found him kinder than many, and my free hand reached to come rest on his.

“Aye,” I replied. “An it please you, I'd love a meal with a goodly man such as you.” I smiled a little, and said, “You're very tall, will you come here, and hear a secret?” I wanted him just a little closer, so as I could kiss his cheek, before we went inside. The kiss would be given freely – not for the meal. It was important, somehow.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I could not pin down the way she looked at me. Was it pity? Admiration? I almost started as her hand touched mine and then I bent down, unsure of just what she wanted to tell me.

[Alayne Lombard]

I could feel my lips quivering a little, I was made timid by the circumstance, and though I wasn't short either, I nonetheless stood on my toes and leaned up to kiss Hal's face, just a sweet kiss on his cheek, not quite chaste as I didn't know how to make them, but not intentionally lewd.

I smiled a little more when I pulled away, and said, “The kiss was for free.” I felt proud, as if I'd learned something new, and I was trying it out eagerly.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

The small sweet kiss surprised me, in all truth. And it brought a smile to my face as well. Despite whatever she claimed, it seemed there was a sweet woman beneath the defiant exterior. I smiled warmly at her as she spoke and then bowed with a flourish as I opened the door for her. "Please m'Lady, enter and enjoy yourself." I gave her a wink and entered behind her.

I'd been to the Cockeral a few times before, and in fact it had been the place Mine and I had first eaten together. I spotted a small empty table and gestured to it. I purposely ignored any looks or whispers we got. I simply didn't care. I liked Layne (as I had come to call her in my head), and held her chair for her as she sat. I tucked her in and took the chair across from hers. I smiled as charmingly as I culd, which was likely not too charming for a half-Skaldi, and said, "Only the finest dining for you, my sweet. Order whatever you wish." I was joking of course, but wondered what the other patrons might think. Not that I cared.

[Alayne Lombard]

I giggled, surprisingly, and said, “Alayne,” softly when he called me m'lady, and ushered in, tucked in and catered to like a princess, I grinned all the way to the arrival of the waitress, who gave me a pointedly arch look, staring at my black eye.

“I'll have a pint of cider, and some chips,” I ordered without waiting, then catching myself I blushed and looked at Hal. “--- I'm sorry, you first! You should go first!”

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I could not keep the grin from my face as she said her name and that smile was only marred when the waitress came. I frowned slightly, but Alayne let it pass so I did as well. Then she deferred to me and I nodded.

"I'll have a stew, make that a double, a loaf of bread and a pitcher of your best ale. As well as the pint of cider and the chips."

As the waitress took the order and then left I looked at Alayne. I got enough in case you want some too. I doubt I can eat all that. I'd love to share. 'Coure, I know you have to keep your girlish figure." I winked teasingly.

I figured I had a good idea, but the subject had not yet been broached. "So, what do you do for a living? Just to let you know, I'm not too long back from Tiberium."

[Alayne Lombard]

I was impressed by Hal's order, but I figured a man of his stature could hold a pitcher of ale easily. “Tiberium? That sounds lovely, egad, you've been everywhere, m'lo--- Hal,” I said enthusiastically.

I was purposely avoiding the question – that I was a whore was no secret and I didn't care so much usually, but he was kind and treated me like a friend, and I didn't want him thinking I was trying to get him for coin, or maybe treating me otherwise, simply.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I laughed softly and shook my head. Hardly everywhere dear Alayne. My father shipped me there for 'discipline and education'. What else was he to do with a Skaldi boy? I did learn much, though, so I do thank him for it." I considered her for a moment and was keenly aware of her avoidance of my question. Perhaps she was embarrassed.

"Alayne, I respect you as a person no matter what you do. And frankly, I don't care. I was just making conversation." I smiled at her then, warmly, and the waitress returned with the pitcher and a couple mugs. I nodded my thanks and poured one for me and one for Alayne. I held up the drink in a small toast. "To new friends?" I posed it as a question, unsure of just what Alayne might think.

[Alayne Lombard]

I colored, and hid my lips in the pint of cider, taking a long drink of courage. “To friends, Hal, though you should know,” I said after some debate. “The clerk at the Philistin spoke the truth.” I put the pint down and waited for the inevitable scorn. It seemed to me that a whore was much less loved than a Servant of Naamah, or an adept. Perhaps it was because we were doing the same thing, but without the excuse of religion. Damn hypocrits.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

"Oh Alayne..." I said softly. I did not look down on her. In truth it was an honest living in many ways, and really no different than the adepts. "I truly do not care. And do not think I will try to take advantage of you. I just..." I'm sure I looked embarrassed as I gestured weakly. "For some reason I wanted to help you. Not out of pity. You just looked like you needed a friend. That's all."

It was the truth, silly as it sounded. I wondered if she would accept it.

[Alayne Lombard]

“What's the difference between needing a friend and inciting pity?” I asked moodily. “Though it's a nice change from men who want the goods for free, or those who spit in my wake, I suppose.”

I shrugged and downed my ale, made moody by the turn of the conversation.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I noticed the change in demeanor. I slowly lowered my mug, slightly confused. I sat in silence for a moment. How was I to answer a question like that? I mulled it over for a moment, and took a drink, watching as she downed her whole mug. I filled her cup again and said softly, "The biggest difference is that a person who needs a friend holds to themself. A person who incites pity shares their troubles with the world, telling everyone their woes.

I do not see you doing that Alayne. You're a strong person."

[Alayne Lombard]

I blushed and drank a bit more, and I could feel the liquor starting to warm my blood. “Still, I'm a whore, Hal. A whore, you hear? I wear this because a job didn't pay me well and I tried to pay myself.” I frowned. “I'm strong, thank you. I do what I have to do.”

I drunk again, then put the pint down, and looked at him again, adding, more softly, “And you are very kind. You're not afraid that I'll try to take advantage of you?”

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I listened to her and watched her reactions. Had anyone ever just been kind to her? Without wanting something in return? I nodded as she spoke. I heard her. And what could I say to that? Deny it? I didn't see her that way. But then, my view didn't matter much I supposed.

Her words cut at me, and in truth... I sighed as she asked her question of me and I shook my head. "Take advantage? In what way? Try to stiff me out of money? Use me in some way? No, I don't think you'd do that."

I took a drink and thought about things for a moment. My staff still hadn't arrived yet... I wondered...

"Alayne, what if I offered you a job? Not anything that would take all your time, just... something to maybe help your pocket a little? But one where you'd have to work, you know, so you don't think it is just a charity case." I wanted to try and set her mind at ease.

[Alayne Lombard]

I could tell Hal meant well – and that my situation made him unhappy, that he wanted to fix me. The truth is, I wasn't broken – not really, not beyond repair, but I didn't fell like I needed a change of life.

I sighed a little. “Hal, I... thank you, it's very kind of you, but...” I shuffled a little. “I'm not unhappy, it's – truly, it's fine, and if I had employment on the side, and made more coin, I'd have to justify it, and ---”

I squirmed in my chair. “-- thank you. May I please think upon it?” In all truth, I wanted to consult with Tigris, or perhaps with Yves, and see what they thought of it. I wasn't indentured, I was free to leave when I wished, but the question was.... to go where?

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I nodded. "I understand. I'm looking to hire some staff at my house. You know, someone to help clean and the like. Nothing difficult, and I do everything myself now. I should have some staff arriving at some point, but they've not shown up yet. Of course, seeing the turmoil near Camlach, and that is where my home is, they might be quite some time."

I lifted my mug and there came our food. The waitress deposited the large tray and then was off again. "Take all the time you need Layne. And even if you decide not to, I understand. I'm not trying to pressure you." I didn't think I was anyway, but we saw the world differently.

[Alayne Lombard]

I listened and understood, and I wasn't sure that I wanted to be a maid – though the bathhouse wasn't really a palace, it was where I'd grown up, it was home, and Hal was sweet, but we barely knew one another.

“I'm honored,” I replied as politely as I could, “I'll think about it, I promise. But thank you.” And as the food was served, I took a chip and ate it heartily. “So you've been everywhere, haven't you?”

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I nodded as she promised to think about it. Then the subject was changed and I rolled with it. "Not everywhere, sweet Layne. Just Skaldia, Camlach, Tiberium and now here in Elua. I cannot even say that I've traveled much of Terre d'Ange, nor even Tiberium. Just what I needed to, I suppose. How about yourself? Have you ever left the city?"

I looked at her quizzically as I began to eat, taking the bread and breaking off large hunks to dip into the stew.

[Alayne Lombard]

I shook my head and stuffed another chip in my mouth, then washed it down with some cider. Through the mouthful, I replied, “Never been anywhere else. Some johns, they think I'm Eiran or something, you know, because of the hair.” I shrugged, chuckled. “Let'm think it. I'm a mutt from Night's Doorstep. Grew up here, work here, probably will die here too. It's home, though, so it's fine.”

And truly it was. There were harder times than others, but there were good times too, when the street thugs teased me but protected me, too, when some johns made me feel a bit like a princess, when I could laugh at the stuffy noblewomen, too.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

I nodded. Home was always home, no matter where you traveled or what you did. Skaldia was my home. And I was just as much mutt as she. Perhaps more. At least she was likely full D'Angeline.

I was truly at a loss for what to say. "Do you think you'll be in trouble? I mean, is it ok that you're here with me. Like... this." I knew what I was trying to say, but the words were difficult.

[Alayne Lombard]

“Having lunch?” I grinned and ate a few more chips. “Oh, yeah. Tigris – that's my mackerel dame – she gave me a couple days off because of the knocker. I mean, I'm free when she says I am, right? And now I am, so.”

I gave him a wink, teasing, and added, “Though if you were to show up at the bathhouse asking for me, she'd think even better of me for getting her business even on my day off.” It was a light tease, but also an open invitation. I wouldn't mind rubbing his shoulders or giving him whatever job he'd like. He was sweet and good looking, and I'd had worse johns than he, oh yes I had.

[Hjalmar Fellstone (I)]

"Oh good." I was relieved and it showed, I was sure. "I might just do that. And I can give you some coin for your time this afternoon as well. Even though it's your day off." I wasn't sure if that was insulting or not. I didn't mind paying her for her time, no matter how it was spent.

[Alayne Lombard]

I almost felt bad for Hal that he'd wanted to pay for my time, and I shook my head, refusing. “Save it for when you come to the bath house,” I replied with a crooked smile. “That way you'll know when you're with Alayne the whore, and when you're with Alayne your friend, aight?”