At the mention of Keris’s coin, Aunt Kayli raised her hand palm out, making a sound of disapproval as she frowned. “My business is baubles, girl, not charity,” she said. “That is never bought or paid for.” She stepped forward and studied Keris, her gaze remaining cool and detached, though not devoid ...

That heartbreakingly hopeful tone in Keris’s voice nearly brought tears to Nora’s eyes. Instead of answering outright, she reached across the table and gave the other girl’s wrist an encouraging squeeze. “Don’t you worry. Even if this plan of mine doesn’t work, I’ll make sure you land on your feet ...

“Oh, think nothing of it!” Nora said with a casual flap of her hand. Outwardly she gave her attention again to the tea kettle, but her smile slipped more to one side. She wasn’t fooled: Keris carried a secret with her. Something about the mysterious necklace? Perhaps it was a charm or had a ...

Short post, but I didn't want to bring Kaylith up to the house just yet. Let's give the girls a little more time just by themselves.

Nora had set about preparing a pot of tea, preferring to let her clothes dry through movement rather than sit too close to the fire. When Keris pulled out the hidden necklace, she set the kettle back down leaned forward with interest. She brushed her fingertips against the polished metal surface ...

No worries at all, work has been stupidly busy on this end as well.

For a moment Nora’s eyes misted over, and her smile softened, turned sad. “My mother,” she replied. The two girls crossed the common room to where Nora had hung up cloak, and during that time she regained her cheerful composure. “She had the most beautiful voice in all the world,” she continued ...

The tune was a familiar one in this part of the world, and many songs had been written to it. The version Nora chose wove a tale of a farmer’s daughter trying to win the affections of a noble’s son, and the lengths she would go to in order to gain his attention. From leaving gifts of fruit and ...

I think we're off to a decent start just the two of us, but if someone expresses interest in joining, and the character fits, I certainly won't object.

Nora didn’t know what to make of the stranger’s persistent stare, nor her silence. Even with Parn’s music and the general tavern conversation, unless the young woman was deaf she couldn’t have failed to hear the question. With a confused frown, Nora shook her head, then turned when Keris spoke again ...

Sounds like a good plan.

No worries, Keris. I think the times have been busy for most people around here.

Meh, my apologies, my last post was entirely uninteresting.

Nora looked to where Keris pointed. Without her glasses the table in front of them and its occupant looked fuzzy about the edges, but there was no doubt that the other young woman was staring at them. Slowly she shook her head. “No… I don’t know her.”

She squinted a little, bringing the stranger’s ...

Nora’s smile grew a little wider at one side as she slipped into the empty chair. The other girl’s apprehension was practically painted on her face, which probably meant she wasn’t supposed to be in a place like this. Almost immediately Nora liked her; it was far too rare to see someone with a ...

As the late afternoon drifted closer to evening, the rain only intensified. The outdoor shops and sidewalk stalls closed early, vendors and shoppers alike scurrying about to escape the growing downpour. Clutching her waterproof cloak, Nora splashed through puddles and wove her way through Main ...