Thar Shaddin

Ko was used to getting slapped. He made a face. He wasn't used to it being done with such force. Ever conscious of how a wince ruined the rugged lines of his face, he bravely attempted to hold in the pain as he turned his head to gift the source of his anguish with an appropriately grievous look, spiced with a touch of indignation. The look, however, was ruined by another slap. Now that was just insulting. Clearly the woman was too touched in the head to realize a good chance when she had one, which left him to do the right thing. Spurn her!

He was conscious that they had a minor audience, being that it was in the middle of the day in the middle of Main Street (and, it should be noted what an absolutely splendid day it was, at that). He liked audiences. They usually insured things didn't get too out of hand, especially where jealous romantic partners might be concerned. He took a step back before the woman could get any more frivolous ideas in her head, and presented her with a very courtly bow. Granted it wasn't for her. It was for his audience. They deserved some semblance of gentility, even if the strumpet before him seemed to have lost the skill.

"My apologies, madam, I seem to have mistaken you for . . .someone else." He looked up as he straightened from his bow, flashing the grin he knew showed off his dimples quite admirably.

He spun on his heel. Things would go so much easier if he found someone else's bed to share for the evening, rather than having to procure his own. It was absolutely criminal he should be forced to pay for something so mundane as sleeping quarters!

Aargh! The headache was killing her and Soneya’s mood was gradually descending towards levels far below grumpy. It amused her even less that she had been summoned to her parents’ place without even a smidgeon of respect for her own free will.
What did amuse her however was the sight that suddenly presented itself to her in the middle of Main Street as a woman was slapping a rather handsome looking man silly. She was sure he deserved it in one way or another, and she wasn’t interested in the details anyhow, but it brought a small smile to her lips.

And he managed to try and save his face rather well, she was almost impressed, or would have been if her headache hadn’t decided to remind her just then that she was supposed to be feeling like an utter piece of shit. Slowly circling her head a little to ease the pressure on her neck muscles, she didn’t pay attention to the couple any longer.

Pushing her way past an overly curious elderly woman, Soneya didn’t see the man she had herself observed just a moment ago, step away from the beauty who had assaulted him – or maybe the other way around – and unceremoniously bumped into him as he stepped back and she moved forwards.
“Oww! Watch where you’re stepping, won’t you?!” Hissing in annoyance as the sudden collision had made her head spin a little, Soneya reached out a hand to steady herself, inadvertently using the man in question to do so. As soon as she realised the gesture though, she pulled her hand back, shot him a glare and made to move on.

Well, well, well. A little flower of a woman had latched onto him, though the way she pulled her hands from him indicated she had not meant to. That was all fun and rum, and he offered her a little half smile before she could run away. Ko wasn't easily distracted. Not normally. Not unless it was by something worth being distracted by. He gave one last suggestive look towards the woman who had thought to shame him on the street, and she turned away with her high-strung morals intact. Pity. Judging by the way her clothes cupped her shape, she would have been worth quite the night's entertainment.

He tossed his head and stepped after the little flower. He also dropped his upper-crust act (the woman had been the fifth to reject him, which meant more'n likely he'd have to adjust to middle class. He'd been in backwards towns before where the women guarded their virtue like it actually meant something) and relaxed his posture as he gained her side. "Now hold on, Miss, y'look in a right state. Maybe y'should take a breather, get you somethin' clean to drink or eat?"

Of course, all he had noticed about her was that she was attractive enough to make a pass at. That she actually didn't feel good wasn't anything he rightly cared about, or was likely to understand on his own.

Having him fall in step beside her, was not what Soneya had expected, not at all. Especially not after he had been busy elsewhere. What she had expected was a rude reply or even an insult to her not very charming question, but that did not seem to cross his mind, which in return instantly made her a little weary. He was different, but oddly so. Of course, it was refreshing, after the terrible day she had had so far, but she wasn’t going to just start talking to him merely because of tha... ‘Drink, eat..’ His words hit a spot and she stopped mid-stride. When was the last time she had drunk or eaten anything?

Looking at him properly for the first time, she tried not to let herself be distracted by the rather charming face. “What... why... I mean. I really could use something to drink. You’re right.” Had he actually offered to take her for a drink or had he merely reminded her? Either way, the reminder had been well called for, and she instantly started looking around for the nearest decent place, ignoring the stings in her neck and the throbbing of her head as it protested at the motion.

“Where... ah...” Confusion. Maybe she should just go home after all and just leave him be. No good could come of it. But when she looked back into his face, something about his looks made her stay where she was, for better or for worse. Nothing had happened so far and he hadn’t given her any reason yet to believe that he did not actually have her best interest at heart.

Ko shrugged. People stammering or losing their train of thought in his presence was something he had become used to, over time, though typically he had to be actively trying to achieve that very thing (and that, usually, only after he'd sized the man or woman up). Perhaps this one was simple? No matter, his goal was his goal, and whether all the women in Marn had heads filled with feathers and dust or not was not the point. Their ability to procure him a place to sleep -- preferably with one of them in it, though he would not mind a nicely shaped man -- was his primary concern.

Besides, she was such a sweet little flower. It would hardly do to disappoint her.

He bent his head forward, closer than necessary, so that she could properly hear him. It was deliberate flirtation, as was the hand that hovered around (no touching yet, though that could certainly be arranged should she provide biddable) the small of her back. "I'll tell ya a secret," he said, voice deliberately on the quiet side, if only to get her to lean into him. "This is only m'first day here. Not that I've got anything 'gainst exploration," he winked at her and drew back, though he kept his hand partially extended around her lower back. It was a protective gesture. "If y'got no complaint, I can always ask real quiet for directions t'the nearest restaurant so y'might think me more'n a bumblin' idiot." His smile broadened, without hint of cruel mockery. Put together with his dancing eyes, however, and it was full of congenial teasing.

No, no, no! She refused to accept his closeness and her hand instantly came up to press itself against his chest, in between them, so she could procure herself a little bit of private space. However, her fingers never touched him though she left her hand hovering in the air for a while.

“Huh?” Soneya looked at him, trying to piece together what he had meant. Was he... or wasn’t he...? Was that mockery? Narrowing her eyes at him, she involuntarily leant towards him as she grumbled a reply. “I know where to go. I live here after all. Please don’t take me for an idiot.” She knew herself that she wasn’t actually making the best figure right at that moment, not particularly proving that she actually had a bit of a brain inside that fair-haired head of hers, but when she wasn’t suffering from a migraine and thus stammering like an idiot, she could be a fairly normal and not at all silly girl. Unless she got herself into a stupid situation again, which happened regularly enough. Far too regularly, come to think of it.

Shaking her head, Soneya took a step away from the man. “So I assume you would like to join me?” Any thought of having to follow her parents’ summons was forgotten for the time being as her mind was taken over by the thought of filling her stomach in hopes of it making her feel better. “There actually is a nice little place not too far from here,” she continued when she had finally gotten her bearings, her eyes glancing down the road towards an alley branching off to the right not too far from where they were standing.

It was obvious she wanted her space. Amused, Ko gave it to her. His hands returned to neutral positions at his sides, though not before holding them up to reply, "Perish th'thought, swear on me mum," to her accusing him of thinking her an idiot. He hadn't exactly thought that. Besides, what harm was there in being simple? It had its own particular charm to it, expecially when someone like Ko might take full advantage of it.

Food was still a cheery thought, as was the prospect of having a conversation without getting the treatment that he was the enemy of all womankind. Really, another rejection like the last and he'd be in the right mood to search out a little rougher company for the night. Not that he minded rougher company, but it usually meant keeping a hand on a blade -- no euphemism, there -- the entire night, and that wasn't how he wanted to be spendin' a nice evening after such a nice day.

"Food and pretty company? Y'might just be makin' me day, Miss." He strolled after her, one hand sweeping out in indication that she should lead the way.

Why oh why had she agreed to go somewhere? Why oh why had she practically invited him to join her? Peace and quiet, that would have been the way to go and she was reminded of that fact as soon as they stepped over the threshold. There wasn’t too big a crowd, but enough people to make sure that she wasn’t completely on her own with the guy. Not that Soneya didn’t believe in the good in people, but she had learned a few things over the course of the past years, and not everything of it had been good.

She had ignored his jibe before they had made their short way here but she was certain it hadn’t been the last one. This man seemed to be born to make comments now and then, whether mocking or sincere, and even though she almost hated to admit it to herself, she was rather pleased by the change this offered to the company she usually found herself in.

Forcing herself to make a bit of an effort as well once they were seated and their drinks order had been taken, Soneya attempted a half-smile as she began to question her company. “So what brings you to Marn if this is your first day here? Oh... and, I assume you have a name?”

He tilted his head at just the precise angle it took to cause a clump of hair to dangle over one eye. "I do if you do," he said, all impish smile, but then relented enough to say, "Ko. M'friends and pretty lasses call me Ko. As for why this. . .fine. . .city? Lookin' fer work, I guess. Needed t'stretch me legs, get away from th'coast."

He could not shake the impression that she did not like him. It was almost a prim, polite version of the stiff formality and retaliation the wealthier-looking women had dished out to him earlier. Teasing her seemed to have an adverse reaction. It was meant to get her to laugh, or at least to crack a smile, but instead it seemed to assist in her drawing away from him. He could give her space, though at this rate it would end with them on separate sides of the city. Was this worth his time? They'd certainly see by the end of their meal.

"How'd you end up here?"

And just like that, Ko had Soneya’s interest. “The coast? You come from the coast? Would you tell me about it? I have never travelled further than the village of Shim, but I would love to see the open sea at some point.” A wistful expression passed over her face and she didn’t even bother trying to hide it. Her curious questions had done the trick of giving away how she felt about this particular topic, so why should she bother to repress her excitement.

“Oh, well I have lived here all my life. Born and bred. My parents’ are native Marnians as well.” The mention of her parents reminded her that she should actually be somewhere else rather than sitting in this tavern with a random man she bumped into on the streets. His name had a nice ring to it however, even if it seemed a little short to her. Ko... Almost as if...

“Oops, so sorry, Ko. My name is Soneya. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The sentence may have sounded a little stiff, but she actually did mean it this time, aside his silly comments every now and then. If he was a traveller, the conversation might yet prove to be rather interesting, if he didn’t mind the questions.

Of course the lass would want to know about that. Bittersweet memories tried to worm their way in under his smile. He ducked his head, chuckling at her eagerness. This time, it didn't come so easily. Still, she was a pretty young thing, and it wasn't none of her fault he'd opened his gob and she'd taken a shine to something he'd said. For the first time since they'd sat down together, he looked away from her. He brushed a hand over his mouth, feeling the comforting itch and tickle of his scruff against his hand. He gazed past Soneya, past the people, past the sounds and smells of any restaurant worth its salt, past the walls and the city and time. . .

"Well, Soneya, it's like the sky got turned to water and landed atop the earth. It's flat, and it continues on and on what seems forever. Not so different'n all the endless grass and dirt here, jes' water. Though, pardon me sayin' so, nothin' gets better'n th'sea and a deck under your feet." His voice had gotten softer, but this time it wasn't out of any desire for her to get closer to him.

The sea had always been his first love, past any number of heartbreaks that had followed him down through the years. But him and the sea, they'd better days between 'em, and things hadn't ended so well last time he'd touched her shining surface. Naw, they hadn't ended well at all. He didn't even know if he'd ever touch her again. The thought made him want to shiver.

He refocused on her, and for a moment he felt a pang of regret for all the things he had been, and could have been, but he was Ko and regrets like that didn't suit him none. His rakish smile grew a little to see her watching him, and he gave in a little. Just a little. "I ain't no poet, and I won't pretend t'have any pretty things t'say," not unless they were of a woman's attributes, at least, "but what'd y'want t'hear?"

Letting herself be drawn in by the sound of his voice, instantly noticing the change of tone, Soneya kept her eyes on Ko. It was the voice more than the picture he was painting with his words that was drawing her in to what he was saying, even if it wasn’t much. And even if he sounded a little as though he were waving off her dream of the wild open sea by comparing it to normal grassland, she didn’t let herself be put off by his seeming negativity because she could hear the loving nostalgia underneath the words.

Some time while he had been talking, their drinks had been brought over and Soneya had completely blanked the woman, who had merely smiled knowingly as she looked from Soneya to Ko and back again with a mischievous grin on her face. Soneya would have been mortified at this, but she was too indulged in listening to what Ko had to say rather than examining the expression of one of the gossipiest barmaids ever.

Unnoticed by herself even, the distraction helped to relieve her headache a little and before she knew it, a genuine smile crept up on her face as she took a first sip of her drink. She wouldn’t have minded listening to Ko for a while longer but he didn’t continue. It seemed like ages before he finally spoke up again, and she couldn’t help but notice the glint in his eyes that betrayed just how much he did enjoy answering her questions despite the fact that he had seemed so dismissive at first.

“There are so many things, to be honest,” she replied, pleased that he had made such an offer and rather willingly returning his smile. “Tell me about your sea travels if you don’t mind? It sounds like you have done many of those. What is it like being on deck of a ship? Feeling the wind in your hair, breathing the sea water...” It was all Soneya could do to keep from sighing wistfully over something she had never even experienced.

Ko noticed the barmaid. He took her in, though it only took a glance. Wenches were too oft a bad tumble; they always had cramped rooms and no idea of what to do. Dead fish. He looked back at Soneya. Compared to the wench, she really did look like a sweet little flower, all unspoiled and innocent-seeming. It affected him, as most pretty things did. Ko was vain. He didn't, wouldn't deny that. He knew the worth of his looks, and he saw no point wasting time on things that could not match that standard. Still, his smile went a little soft around the edges.

At the very least, the girl in front of him had to have a bed.

He casually swiped his own drink off the bar, holding it loosely between his fingers. A swallow helped, though he couldn't help but grimace at the flavor. Swill. Backwards town like Marn was, he should have expected it from the beginning. Sure was a sideways game he was playing, tempting her with the one thing sure to tempt him.

Still, when it came to his love, his true love (irritating faded memories of a woman and a time when nothing and everything had mattered aside), he never tried to hide the truth behind flattery.

"Yeah?" he said, amused by her enthusiasm despite himself. His voice went gruff. "Sea stinks. Salt and rot and slimy things. There's some can't tolerate that, but once it gets under your skin, ain't no perfume'll smell so sweet. There's that, and the sound of it, can't miss th'sound of so much water jostlin' together, like that. . ." His lips twitched, though it wasn't quite into a smile.

This was a game.

"M'life started on th'deck of a ship, 'show I reckon things. See, I was a tarboy. Know what that -- naw, I'll just say it. See, standin' on a ship, y'might feel all secure an' firm in her construction, but what's so great about th'sea is that she's a right cruel bitch, and she'll take you apart and toss you aside if y'even turn yer back on 'er for a second. . ."

He found himself telling her of the different types of ships that were used on the water, how their construction changed depending on the job. He bragged of his favorite type, and how one rigging was better than another, how any ship what needed people rowing wasn't a proper ship at all. He rattled off numbers of crew, and how when you was out on the sea, the order of command was set into stone. Then, he told her a story about his time spent as a tarboy, about how he'd once buggered a patch job on the outer hull.

". . .arse was sore fer days," he finished, a rakish smile spreading all the way up to the corners of his eyes. Some crinkles formed there, though they smoothed when he took a break for a drink. He chuckled to himself. "Took th'Cap'n two straight hauls t'forgive me."

All the while Soneya listened with an odd fascination, unable to tear her eyes away from the way his lips moved or his face lit up every now and then. Whether his enthusiasm and his smiles were real or fake, it did not matter to her, nor did she even see a difference, she only cared about what he was telling her. She soaked up the information as though she were a dried-out plant, her own face lighting up and her posture relaxing more and more, the longer Ko kept talking. Not once did she interrupt him, simply too amazed by what he was saying.

“You really have experienced quite a bit already,” she said, a smile still hovering about her lips. She briefly wondered how old he might be. He seemed fairly young but that might just be an illusion enforced by his playful attitude. Then again, how young was young? He was definitely older than her, that much was for certain. She had only barely celebrated her twentieth birthday and sometimes felt extremely old, despite the small number of years on her back.

“So you miss the sea quite a lot, huh?” Soneya mused after she took another sip of her own drink. For just a moment, she considered asking him to take her along when he went back there but that was a ridiculous notion she instantly dismissed again. He was a stranger and how could she even trust that he was really going to bring her to the coast? No, no.

“I have never been anywhere,” she continued, an oddly reminiscent tone creeping into her voice. “Always just Marn, sometimes Shim. Never had the opportunity to do anything with my life. Not that it matters. Not that I’d really know what to even do with myself.” Realising she was dragging down the mood, she quickly shook her head – a motion she shouldn’t have done. She couldn’t help but groan as a wave of dizziness hit her. “Uurgh, my head is killing me.”

His smile was slow and thoughtful. This girl. . .he could imagine how her parents must want for her to settle down with some boring boy so they could have boring babies and keep the place populated. That was how it always turned out in such places, and why Ko always delighted in taking a bite out of the forbidden fruit. But, what his body wanted most right then was the promise of a soft place to spend the night in. He'd his fill of the ground.

"Why," he teased, that spark of mischief lighting up his face, "d'you want t'run away an' see th'world?"

Maybe there was even part of him that meant it, a little, though Ko never done well with anyone tying him down for long. Not since he'd left Rigger behind, and his ship, and the crew he'd grown up alongside.

A headache, this early? And he hadn't even propositioned her for sex. Not that women often complained of headaches with him. Or men, for that matter. "Chamomile and gingerroot tea, fer that," he grunted, slipping his elbow onto the table. He leaned his head on his hand, and tried not to think of the woman who had taught him so many remedies for so many of life's little pains. "Y'got that?"