One Creator

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai forced herself to retain her smooth expression. This elf didn't seem to like getting out much. She stifled about ten or so rude comments about that, then wondered what his reaction would be if she actually spoke her thoughts. She decided to give it a shot. He seemed determined to stay for some reason... and if he couldn't deal with this then that was his problem. "Countin' monies? That saends sae damned borin'."

She didn't look ashamed for what she was saying, mostly because she wasn't sorry. "Nae wonder yer employer a'sent ye oot tae find some crackpot hae has a'wantin' o' some big pooerful weapon. Et's a'cause iff'n ye count monies all'o yer life yer life'll be a waste o' time an' space."

She sat back and smirked slightly to herself. That was more like it, no pretending to be little miss demure blind girl. She'd gotten into trouble for her mouth before, but it wasn't like she particularly cared about trouble... and staying out of or getting into it. Life was more fun when you could speak your mind. And she always had to make her own fun.

[Valthonis]

Valthonis paused for a minute, slightly stunned, and then he smiled and let out a really awkward high pitched laugh. He liked this girl, it was always best to be honest. He knew what it was to speak ones mind, and he had found a balance between being overly open and being "too nice". At least they would get along together, as long as she didn't discover how truly pitiful he was.

"Well, its truly just a mite bit dull. I think Sarian's just getting senile as I've said before. This will be good for me though to be out in the real world, meeting real people... Real nice people."

He winked at her as he said this, not being as good of a flirt as he could be. But he was hoping that Cai was the type of a woman who didn't mind a different man, as long as it was a good kind of different.

"Barkeep, could I have another bottle please? I'm not sure if I'll need it for the night or not. So just leave it here and I'll open it myself if need be."

He shouts this, just in case he'll need the extra bottle later, knowing it will be brought eventually.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

The laugh grated on her ears, and she couldn't see his smile. Drawing her own conclusions from that she smirked a bit and sipped at her wine. Since it appeared she could go ahead with the rude comments... "A mite dull? Hae long did et take ye tae fig'r that'un oot? All ye dae es sit an' coont monies--were ye nae an elf yer eyesight'd be as bad as me own."

The wink was completely lost on her. She could guess that he'd tried to do something slightly flirty, though, and raised an eyebrow in his general direction. "Real nice people, ye sae? I sinc'rly hope ye donnae mean mesel'. I can assure ye I em nae all that nice. Thaegh ye can a'probably be a'tellin' that fer yersel'... and iff'n ye cannae, ye ere blind es blind as me, 'cept in the brain. I donnae knoow hae t'sae et."

Shouting for the barkeep annoyed Cai. She was always annoyed by people who shouted when they could simply ask politely... and she was conviently ignoring the fact that she herself shouted occasionaly as well. Cai felt that she was allowed to shout, simply because it was, well, her. Other people were allowed to see, Cai was allowed to shout. She wasn't that taken with the idea of others shouting about their wants. Anyway, the shout was loud, and her ears were sensitive.

The shout drew a scowl aimed in Valthonis's direction. "Dae ye mind? Some o' us hae bet'r hearin' than we shaed, ann'a ye a'shoutin' round te whole bar donnae dae anythin' gud fer me ears, ye hear?"

[Valthonis]

The merriment of the moment gone and a few of her comments stinging quite pointedly. Valthonis relaxes and calms down. He looks at her, his body language relaxes and gives off a feeling of....disappointment?

"I'm sorry."

He says it quietly, in a normal tone, but quiet enough to show he understood. The words were meaningless to him. Or rather, they were a formality. One said it because it was what was always done. The true depth in an apology lied in the actions. He knew now not to laugh the way he had laughed in front of her, and he knew now to not be so unsubtle. His actions would reflect a thousand times over that which his words could never do. But he said the words anyway, and there was true meaning behind them, because when something like this happened it was probably the best way to start off trying to correct the situation.

Some things needed time too, but this didn't seem to be one of those things....

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai bit back a few choice words, directed more at the situation than at Valthonis himself. It was apparent that she couldn't be as vocal about her thoughts around this elf as she had thought, as her rather barbed comments had caused him to clam up and go all submissive.

She settled for a light sigh instead. "Donnae be s'ry. I shaed a'learn tae guard me mouth more, an' be a'watchin' what'n I sae. Ye were jest tryin' tae be friendly."

She wasn't really all that sorry, but she was a good liar and it sounded like she was. A lie would be better at this point than more rudeness, Cai felt. She placed her forearms on the table and rested her chin on the pale skin, seeming to look up at him, even though it was obvious she couldn't really tell where he was. "Sae tell me, beyond yer search fer a war'ir tae weild thae perfect weapon, es there anythin' else that draws ye away from this lit'l toown?"

[Valthonis]

Valthonis smiled a bit, regardless of the authenticity of the apology, it had been made, at this point it was what mattered.

"It's fine, I was just as blatant."

He did notice that she seemed a bit more reserved now, as if she reverted to a version of herself that was more under control. Valthonis had had similar experiences, he had learned to compose himself even in situations where he might have wanted to kill the person. He knew that was not the case here, but such was the degree of this control. Now, he looked at her again as she settled forward and he relaxed in his chair just a little bit. Though his voice was a bit quieter now, almost a whisper.

"Well, to tell the truth, it does seem just a little bit boring here. It's always the same people who want the same things and who have the same problems. Ninety nine years in this town and nothing has really changed. I thought humans were supposed to be dynamic, and well, maybe they are, but here... here there's nothing at all that makes this town any different."

He paused for a moment, taking a breath to get himself under control and he caught himself just then, realizing that he was venting about humans to a human girl, thinking quickly, he changed the subject, and spoke even just a bit more quietly hoping she would still hear him with her enhanced hearing.

"To tell you the truth though, everyone here isn't exactly fond of magic... to put it lightly. And ever since Sarian mentioned it to me, I've wanted to learn, but that meant getting out of here first. As crazy as that old man is, I think he and I were on the same page in sending me out, though it may have been for different reasons."

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Oh, you were no such thing, Cai thought to herself. But she still didn't feel too badly about what she'd said. Elf boy here wouldn't last long outside of Shim if he didn't get some backbone.

She raised her eyebrow again at him when he went on a short rant about humans. "Oh, come nae... we ain't all horr'bl people. There ee some, yea, but nae all."

The eyebrow went just a touch higher when he mentioned magic. He was either bold or stupid to talk even quietly about that, though they were in a bar. "Ye'd dae well tae nae mention astral things, especial' en Marn. I heard aboot a girl who was accused o' bein' a shifter, 'cause she mentioned et a few times er sommat like'n that. She almost get hauled off'n tae prison, thae she got the barkeep en trouble afore that happened."

She sat back and ran a hand through her hair, dark bits falling over her face. She brushed them back irritably. "Sae I'd jest watch et, when ye talk aboot astral events."

[Valthonis]

"You're right, this wouldn't be the place for such a conversation... tell you what, if you still want that tour I can give it to you, but heck, other than resting for tonight, I really would much rather leave this town as soon as possible. If you don't mind."

Just at that moment the waiter walked up to the table and spoke to Valthonis for a moment, hanging him the bill. Valthonis nodded and told the waiter to put it on the bill for the morning.

This was a passing strange girl that he had met. He kind of liked her yet at the same time she did have qualities that would grate on him later, though for the time being he let those go because he had only just met her. He relaxed a bit, visible, as he finished taking another sip of his wine, and was almost done with the glass. Perhaps they would get along, perhaps they would not, but at the very least they would make it to the next town together, and whether it was duty that kept them together, friendship, or something more, he was content with that. He had company, and for that he was grateful, as he feared solitude and abandonment above all things. As if by change, his insecurity seemed to show even.

"You are willing to leave town with me, right? I mean we've just met but... I'd prefer to have some company..."

He had back bone to be sure, but really, he hadn't had a chance to have shown it yet.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai muffled a sigh with a slight yawn. She was bored. This town was boring. This pub was boring. Valthonis himself was... well, she amended, he had some potential. Maybe. Although, turning his fingernails light purple would liven things up a bit.

She began to plan ways to slip a little powder into his drink when she heard the thunk of an empty glass being set on the table. Damn. She'd do something interesting to him tomorrow, but now she'd have to go pretend to sleep. Cai didn't like sleeping--giving up what little sight she did have, and willingly at that, made it very hard for her to get rest. And for some reason she found that she didn't need much sleep anyway.

Her thoughts turned to her last encounter in a bar. With that strange healer, Ra'Nali. Valthonis remined Caiomhe of Ra'Nali--there was that same sort of desperate don't-leave-me feeling around them. Caiomhe sighed, not muffling this one. Why was she a magnet for emotional people? She didn't deal with them well. She didn't have an easy temperment and she knew it. In fact, she welcomed her rude nature, as it made it easier to get rid of unwanted people.

She pulled her mind back to the present and gave Valthonis a bland smile. It looked like she was tired when she said, "If ye desire me comp'ny I shall give et. We be leavin' en thae mornin', ye sae?"

[Alter Corin]

Alter's travel worn feet carried him down the road to Shim. He had been walking for a long time now, about five hours ago he had left Marn, and the sun had begun to sink behind the horizon and bathe the countryside in an orange-red light. His green eyes shimmered as they took in the site of the small farming village. It didn't look particularly interesting, but Alter imagined he could get a decent meal and bed that wasn't full of fleas. And, if he was just lucky enough, he could score a pretty penny from a dull farmer.

He entered the limits of the small town, and saw a few people moving sluggishly about through the town square. He closed the distance between him and a young woman who appeared to be around twenty four. She wasn't homely, but she was quite a ways away from true beauty. She wore a rather poor looking dress made of some pale green fabric. Around her shoulder, a matching purse hung on loose straps. Perfect. He offered her a kind smile, which she returned.

“Hello, young lady. I'm just coming in to town and I was curious if you could possibly point me in the direction of a tavern?”

“Uh, sure. Theres one on the western side of Main Street. You can't miss it.” She said and pointed over in the right direction.

“Ah. Thank you, lovely. If you'd like to join me there later, I'd love to treat you to a good time.” He said and offered a sincere smile. She began to frown and he quickly said. “But its alright if you don't. I understand. A beautiful young lady such as yourself has prior commitments, I'm sure. Well, I'm off, thank you for your help.” As he spoke, he pulled out a tiny blade that wouldn't call any attention. As he walked past her and she began to walk away from him, he slit the string holding her purse and quickly slid it into a large pocket on the inside of his cloak. By the time she realized it was gone, Alter was in already in a tailor's.

As he entered, the shopkeeper called out, “If you could hurry, friend, I'd appreciate it. I'm just about to close up shop.”

“Alright. I just want to pick up a souvenir for my wife. Any suggestions?” The shopkeeper moved over to one of the racks in the store and began to thumb through the hanging dresses. He pulled out a rather conservative blue dress and showed it to Alter. He considered it for a moment. But, he decided it wouldn't work for what he wanted.

“Do you have anything more...revealing?” The tailor smiled and began to thumb through the clothes once more. He paused for a moment then pulled out a low cut red dress with black roses stitched into it. Alter smiled.

“Perfect. I'll take it. How much?”

“Forty bishani.” Alter pulled out his wallet and peered inside. He had fifty. He wondered how much was in the purse he had taken. He hoped it was enough to cover a room. He handed the money to the tailor, who pocketed it before wrapping up the dress in a box. He slipped the box under his arm and stole away from the tailor's.

He entered into the Red Chalice, and made his way to the front desk. He paid for a room, taking all but two bishani. Before going upstairs, he decided to look around the bar to find his mark. He sat down at a chair at a table near the middle of the room and ordered a drink and ate a bowl of stew as he listened to the conversations. Finally he heard something that made him pick his target.

“I count money.” An accountant elf? Perfect. He slipped out of the bar room quietly and moved up to his room. He locked the door behind him and began to work on his new appearance. His hair began to change from blond to a deep orange-red. It grew down past his shoulders and began to curve in long waves. His body first began to slim and shrink, then curves began to take shape. His facial structure slimmed down to a softer version. His lips became fuller, his cheeks grew a rosy color, small orange freckles graced the bridge of his nose. He looked into the mirror and took off the loose, male clothing. He stared at the graceful feminine body, perfecting the small points as he looked on. He picked up the dress from the bed and slowly slipped into it. He walked over to his cloak and took a small bottle of perfume out and applied it lightly. He did one final inspection before leaving the room and reentering the bar.

He walked with a wicked sway in his hips, that could corrupt holy men. It had taken a long time to get the mannerisms down just right, but he could finally pull it off. He approached the table where Caiomhi and Valthonis sat.

“Oh, pardon me, but do you mind if I sit here? I just couldn't feel right sittin' alone with these nasty brutes around. But a big, strong, elf like you can keep 'em away from li'l ole me.”

[Valthonis]

"I would much appreciate your company. Cai, the town square at noon tomorrow? I think its a fair guess, as I'm sure you have errands to run, and I have a few loose ends to tie up as well."

He was just about to leave and go up to his room, as it had been getting quite later, when Alter came up to both of them. He looked at the woman interested a little bit, as she was quite attractive. But Valthonis was not thinking too much of her at the moment because even if there was no romance with Cai, his need for companionship, someone to talk and travel with, had been met, and that made him content, at least for the moment. Not that he didn't have other desires, but he did have more control over them at this time.

"You may sit if you like, though I should warn you, I was about to go to bed, and I believe Cai was too."

Valthonis again looked the woman up and down not to take in the beauty but wondering why... well, he wasn't too sure, perhaps it was just the smell of the perfume, he was on edge. This type of timing, having a visitor approach them as they were about to adjourn for the night, was bad luck. His superstitions being off the wall as they were, he was certain about it.

Taking that into consideration, he continued act upon things at their face value, while searching for any subtle meanings or hints within the body language, styles, and gestures of his two table companions.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai coughed to hide her laughter at the new lady's comment. Big strong elf? Cai had only met a few elves before, before she'd got lye dumped in her eyes by idiotic and sadistic soldiers, and none o them had been big and strong. She highly doubted that Valthonis was any different... especially if he was an accountant. She didn't think accountants got out much.

After clearing her throat and taking more like a swig rather than a sip of her wine, Cai turned her attention to the new woman. The cloth of the dress she was wearing whispered to Cai 'expensive' and the perfume murmured of secrets. Cai mentally scowled at herself for the stupid comparisons. Dresses didn't talk, and neither did perfume. "Maybe et's mesel' that is needin' tae get oot..." she muttered under her breath.

She didn't meet the new woman's eyes. Instead she kept her 'gaze' directed at the darkness of the table and smiled a little bit. "I em Caiomhe, ye can call me Cai. Ye may set yersel' doown, I donnae mind." Much politer than she normally was, but she swallowed her rude comments and was nice.

[Alter Corin]

Alter sat down at the table. His long, feminine fingers interlocked and he rested his chin upon them, as he smiled at Valthonis. His green eyes drank in his figure, trying to find where he kept his money stashed, and where any weapons would be held.

Alter shifted his gaze for a moment out of politeness. He stared at the young woman hiding her eyes. He wondered if she had any money. He doubted it was any more than what he had gotten from the local earlier. Hardly worth risking his cover for.

“So, your name is Cai, is it? Very pretty name, darlin'. I'm Vera. And whats your name, handsome?” Alter smiled a seductive little grin. He might be laying it on a little thick. Especially for an elf, who seemed half queer, as it was. He definitely wasn't a normal man. The majority of men would have been slobbering over this figure, even if their wives sat at the table with them. Alter wondered if he would go to bed soon. That'd provide a perfect time to strike. And, well, if he didn't, Alter had a back up plan.

[Valthonis]

Valthonis looked again at the woman, and contemplated ordering another drink. He did, as he motioned the barkeep over, but instead he ordered a tonic & lime... a non-alcoholic drink designed to make other people believe you had a drink. He did this quietly with a small amount of subtlety. He didn't need to bother with paying the waiter at the time, because he would pay for everything on his bill for the room the next day. He looked back at Vera.

"I am Valthonis. If you're familiar with Sarian's small shop, I help him keep track of his business there. A modest profession to be sure, but I've decided to move on and perhaps, get out a bit more..."

He lingered on his words as he said this. The situation to him was awkward, and he wasn't entirely sure what Vera's intentions were, hence he skipped the normal politeness and false flattery and pretenses out of nervousness, the more brusque side of his personality taking over and trying to get things all to the point. He was also curious what Cai's take on the situation was, but there was no way he could discreetly ask without attracting attention to the fact that he had suspicions of his own.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Caiomhe was fighting not to laugh. Valthonis was apparently extremely oblivious, and this Vera woman obviously wanted something. Cai wasn't too sure as to what that something was, but she had a pretty bad case of the giggles and she was pointedly not looking at either of the two. Not that it would make a difference.

She tried tuning into other conversations around the bar. "I ordered a dark wine, you blasted idiot!" That was, from the sound of it, some spoilt out-of-towner who didn't know that... well, Cai didn't exactly know what he didn't know, but when she found out... She stopped her thoughts again. Her last one hadn't even made sense in her head. And she wasn't distracted.

She fiddled with the edge of her robe, blocking as best as she could the antics and flirtations of Vera and the uneasy elf. She stayed silent, biting her lip hard and trying not to let her expression waver from mildly amused.

It had been a long time since she'd felt like laughing as much as she did now. Being blind meant not finding many funny things in life, and she was rather bitter when it came to sight in general. And she never giggled. But she felt like she was about to, and simply didn't say anything. It was a little unnerving for her, being on the brink of laughter. She felt that Valthonis would likely not appriciate her laughing--since it certainly wouldn't be laughing with him, more at him.

She coughed a few times and traced her hand along the wall, trying and failing to focus her attention on something other than the conversation in front of her.