• Closed • Founder's Feast

Regarding boys, girls, and a cat?

115th of Ashan 718

Seated on the shores of Lake Lovalus, Rharne serves as the home of the Lighting Knights, the Thunder Priestesses, and the Merchant's guild. This beautiful trade city is filled with a happy and contented people who rarely need an excuse to party.

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Finnegan O'Connor
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Founder's Feast

Founders Feast

113-115th Ashan, 718

When he arrived in Rharne a few trials ago, there'd been a certain buzz in the air he'd been unable to put his finger on. Excited murmurs, sales in the shops, construction workers flocking to the central plazas... some sort of event, it seemed. It wasn't until he asked the innkeep what was going on that he got an answer.

"You never heard of the Founders feast?!" Brimtattle was a man of who existed too much broad-wise and too little length-wise and Finn had noted with some amusement that the floor behind the bar had been raised to make the stout man appear taller than he truly was. "The founders feast is when the city celebrates well, it's founding! Didn't your parents- Oh! I see, you're not from 'round here are you?"

There was no point in being secretive, not with innkeeps anyway, they could sniff out foreigners from half a mile away.

He'd rented a room for a gold piece a-day including two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening. This presented a new problem, the journey to Rharne had not been cheap and he'd been steadily outgrowing his old clothes. His boots weren't what they used to be either and frankly, during this time of year, boots were much too warm anyway. He’d known it all along, but when he went over his remaining gold that night, in the privacy of his room, he knew for sure: he’d have to find a job and soon too. With what he had left he could last maybe half a season, maybe the entire season if he kept his boots and his old, travel-worn clothes, and even then he’d be pushing it.

The next morning he woke early and remembered the many “sale” signs he’d seen on his way into the city. If there was ever a time to purchase himself some new clothes and start a new life under a new name, now would be it, and after he’d wolfed down his breakfast he headed straight into the heart of the city with an enthusiasm he’d rarely felt for shopping before.

The twin suns were already on their descent by the time he returned to the inn, his face half-hidden behind the pile of clothes he’d purchased and relieved of half his gold. It was a gamble, but he figured he was more likely to get a job if he looked presentable rather than some washed-up stowaway.

He paid the innkeep extra that night in exchange for a hot bath and a bar of soap and made good use of the extra expense, scrubbing himself relentlessly until every patch of skin was cleaned of the Etzos filth that clung to him. The water still held some warmth when he was satisfied half a bell later and rested his head against the hardwood of the tub before closing his eyes, trying to think of a good new name. It would have to be something easy to remember, preferably of similar length as his current name so he was less likely to mess it up. By the time he dried himself he’d settled on Noah for the time being, though he wasn’t quite sure if he needed a new surname too. In his experience, not many people asked for his surname, but perhaps he’d have to mention it when he’d get a job.

He awoke that night to the sound of…drums? Rubbing his eyes he sat up in his bed and tried to peek out of the small window in his room. He couldn’t spot much movement on the street below, but in the distance he noticed a colorful glow. Curious, he slipped out of bed, opened the window and let a fresh breeze tousle his hair before sticking his head out. The music was definitely coming from the heart of the city, higher up the hill, then he remembered what the innkeep had said about the Founders feast.

For a while he remained thusly, simply enjoying the view and the occasional gentle breeze, it was hard to sleep in this warmth anyway. When a bout of laughter erupted in the street below he made up his mind, turned away from the window and changed into his new clothes, picking a light, white shirt and a pair of dark three-quarter pants as the base of his charm offensive. After all, what better place to find a job than at a feast? The people would be in a good mood, perhaps a little inebriated and with a bit of luck he could maybe show his willingness to lend a hand and score a job that way.

Confident with his plan, Finn headed out with just a few nel and his door-key in his pockets all while reminding himself that he’d have to call himself Noah, not Finn. Somewhere he wondered if it would really make a difference, but he could at least try to make it difficult for his enemies to find him.

The whole of the glass quarter had been transformed, the neat and tidy roads were now cramped with stalls and countless arrays of lanterns hung between the houses, bathing the streets in a colorful splattering of light. There was plenty music, plenty dancing and the ale flowed richly as Finn squeezed himself through a sea of bodies, moving closer and closer to where the crowd was thickest. He paused a few times along the way to ogle some of the wares on display but refrained from purchasing anything, he’d spent too much as it was.

At last there was a break in the crowd and he arrived at the main attraction of the feast, a large plaza on which rows upon rows of tables had been lined up, each filled to the brim with food and drink and laughter. He’d barely blinked at the banquet when a man, dressed in the most hideous, brightly colored clothes came up to him, the scent of spirits on his breath.

“Ah, young man, handsome young man, I have just the thing for you!” He revealed a long stick with little branches from which many trinkets dangled: armlets, bracelets, necklaces, rings, buttons. “Anything the modern lady or girl,” the man added with a fat wink, “could possibly want! I can especially recommend this gemstone beaded bracelet,” he fished a tangle of pinkish stones from the stick and showed Finn the fine craftsmanship. “It brings good luck, and it’s only two golden nels! That isn’t such a high price to gain entry into your lovers heart, is it?”

Finn eyed the gemstones with some suspicion, thinking that their bright pink hue was largely the result of the many lantern lights than an inherent quality in the translucent stones. The whole thing couldn’t possibly be worth more than one golden nel. “No thanks,” he said politely. “Besides, I don’t have a lover I’m just wanderi-”

“Even better!” the man answered enthusiastically, waving the beaded bracelet in front of him. “The stones connect to your emean soul and will help you find your destined love-”

“I don’t need it, thanks.”

But the man wouldn’t be quite as broad as he was if he was a poor salesman. While Finn had rejected the gemstone bracelet, the man had slipped on a cheaper wristband made out of a thin strip of leather and colored wooden beads.

“It looks great on you. You know,” he lowered his voice somewhat, “I think I saw some girls eyeing you just now- don’t look!”

Finn arched an eyebrow at the salesman, he hadn’t seen many girls so far, but then again, he’d largely been distracted by the stands, the lights and some of the performers.

“Now then, what’s your name?”

He’d trained himself a little too well and blurted out his new identity a little too abruptly.

“Well, you want to be careful Noah,” the man said as though they were the closest of friends. Finn barely noticed that the man had untied the thin leather strip and was picking out lettered beads from a satchel at his side, forming the letters N-O-A-H, “Rharne girls have got a temper and you’re not from Rharne, are you?”

He shook his head and silently cursed himself for it. There was something about the red-faced jovial little man that made him trust… but no, he was not an empath, he could not sense any ripple in the ether surrounding the man. “Well my handsome friend,” the man said as he re-tied the leather strip around his wrist, “that will be two golden nels then.”

Finn looked confused for a moment, then relented. Paying the man seemed the fastest way to get rid of him.

“Have a great night!” the red-nosed man beamed as his greedy fingers closed around the shimmering gold before making a jester’s bow. Within trills the salesman had turned around, spotting some hapless victims entering the plaza, this time in the form of a group of giggling girls. “Girls!” he smiled, waddling toward them, “lovely, pretty girls! What if I told you, you’d meet the love of your life, tonight!

Aside from a little chuckle, Finn didn’t linger too much longer, fearing the jovial little fellow might come back for him and try to sell him fortune cards. He eyed the overpriced wristband, feeling rather dumb for having purchased it. If anything it reminded him of his goal which was to try and find a job.

He made his way further onto the plaza, squeezing past lords and ladies one instant and common folk the next. Some feast this was, it looked like the entire city had come out to celebrate and be merry. He paused a moment when he’d crossed the plaza, eyeing a fire breathing act, resisting the temptation to mess with the performer and bend the flames to his will. Too dangerous and probably not worth the effort, he didn’t know what the laws on magic were in Rharne and Fiona had often warned him against letting anyone know he possessed any magic at all. It tended to attract the wrong sort of attention.

Smiling, he continued his search and headed into one of the side-streets. A scent of warm bread wafted toward him and a group of loudly chatting women well into their thirties (and well into the barrel of wine behind their stand) waved him over, giggling as he approached with mild trepidation.

They demanded to know his opinion on who of them had baked the better bread, forcing him to taste various kinds, though he was happy to oblige. Their merry mood seemed to improve even further when he tactically refused to name one bread the best and called them all equally worthy contestants in their own right. In the end they insisted he take some of the bread with him and refused to let him go before he’d pecked all five of them on the cheek as a token of his gratitude. As soon as he rounded the next corner, he wiped his lips with the back of his hand, he could’ve asked for a job, he considered, but then shuddered at the thought of having to be around the drunk, giggling women for more than a bell. At least he had enough bread to last a fortnight, and he hadn’t paid a copper for it, so in a way he’d earned a little money already.

It wasn’t long before he found a quiet spot at the edge of the bustling feast and plopped down on some empty crates stacked against a bare wall of a closed bakery. As he tore another bit of the bread he noticed two small shadows overhead. Were those feet? He took a step back and squinted his eyes. They did indeed appear to be two small feet, dangling over the edge of the bakery, swinging back and forth.

Chewing idly on the bread, Finn retreated a few paces from the bakery so he could make out the mysterious figure who’d gone through the considerable effort of scaling the bakery’s rooftop. It did seem like a rather good idea as he imagined the kind of view one would have from up there.

“Hey!” he called out to the shadow, not quite able to make out any exact features other than a curved silhouette. He gave a friendly wave, in case he’d startled the stranger. “How did you get up there?”
Last edited by Finnegan O'Connor on Wed May 09, 2018 10:18 pm, edited 1 time in total. word count: 2144
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Pepper
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Founder's Feast

115 of Ashan, 718
Rharne
Pepper was in an uncharacteristically bad mood. She had probably been a bit naive in expecting that she'd instantly find her place in the city. Or that her family would suddenly realise she wasn't a child any more just because she had moved here. Maybe it was coz she was still staying with family, even if not her parents specifically. She liked her aunt and uncle, she did. But right at this moment she wished her brothers would get a ten days worth of rashes in unmentionable places.

It was the first evening of Founder's day festivities and she was in no mood for parties and dancing. As she stomped through the lanes leading to the plaza, she thought she wouldn't have minded punching stuff instead. Any of the excitement that had built up after watching the whole inn in a tizzy of preparation for the festival had leached away. She missed the forest the most at times like these. Granted she wouldn't have gone there after dark.. Or maybe I would have a rebellious part of her interjected with clear irritation. They think I'm still eleven. Or maybe seven! Her sendings to Miret were choppy with suppressed anger and something darker.

Miret didn't reply in words, just returned a wash of love and patience back. Ever so slowly, Pepper's dark mood began to recede. She found herself in a street very near the main plaza. Finally paying attention to her surroundings, she noticed the colourful stalls, the lights and the sounds of gaiety.. She wasn't in the mood for parties herself, but her mood couldn't help but improve further as she saw the citizens of Rharne letting loose and having fun. She patted her knapsack, which contained the string bag of apples, the bottle of blackcurrant cordial, some tarts and pasties that she'd talked the cook into giving her for her dinner. Nita hadn't needed much persuading to be honest, the girl wasn't likely to return to the inn for dinner with the festival going on and had handed over the food happily enough. Pepper's eyes had still been stormy from her earlier fight with her brothers and the cook had been more indulgent than usual.

The street she found herself in was packed with kiosks selling last years festival clothes on sale, cheap jewellery and cosmetics. Come my lovely! You need to look a bit more festive! It's a festival after all. The smiling, middle aged woman had a tankard in one hand and gestured at the table and the rack behind her. Go on! Take a look! Looking doesn't cost a nel She laughed.

Go on.. It's the end of the season and you deserve a small treat. Miret encouraged her from her side. You've been pretty good about being careful with your money till now, and you'll be getting paid soon enough

Pepper nodded, feeling another bit of gloominess and anger lift away at the prospect. She still had some nels with her, she would see if she could find anything she liked. Finally she picked up a yard of amber cord for her hair, a pair of silver earrings with dangling beads and multi coloured feathers, a length of blue-green chiffon for use as scarf, and a stick of slate grey kohl. She also picked up a few charms she thought she might use in her jewellery making attempts later. Borrowing a mirror and a comb from the stall owner, she braided the cord in her hair again in a slightly fancier braid, and applied a few bold strokes of kohl. Putting on the earrings and knotting the scarf around her waist so the ends dangled to one side, she left the stall after paying for her purchases with an almost jaunty step. The stall owner had nodded appreciatively at her selections that brightened up what had been a simple outfit of cream shirt and charcoal pants.

She roamed the more popular streets and plazas for a break or two. There was a fire-breathing performance going on at a corner, the next street over a drummer and a fiddler were performing a lively dance tune. Even as she watched the crowd made a space large enough for a few couples to dance. She was offered a taste of ale or lager at many of the tables where the feast was being held. It was quite lively all in all. But she was getting tired of the noise and the crowds, and she may even have been the slightest bit tipsy from all the ale she'd ended up sipping. She didn't want to go home yet though. It was time to find a roost.

Pepper had preferred finding a good fork up in the tree to rest in when in the woods. She liked being up in the air, being hidden from the ground level, and yet able to look down and observe a bigger area. So instinctively, she began assessing the buildings around her for one she could climb. She soon found a good tree she could climb and the branches would allow her to reach the roof of the building nearby. It was closed, some kind of herbalist's shop she thought. She swiftly climbed up to the roof, and then continued clambering over the abutting roofs till she reached the end of the lane. Here she had a good view of plaza, there was a breeze and so Pepper plopped herself down at the edge of the roof, with her legs dangling down and prepared to enjoy the rest of the evening with Miret's company.

She had just opened her bag to take out her dinner when a voice called from below. Peering over she saw a boy, roughly her own age wave at her. How'd you get up there? He asked.

You planning on climbing up too? Pepper called down? She hadn't been in the mood for company but perhaps the boy was as tired of the noise as she was. Call him up. You need distractions. Miret urged her silently. You know you tend to have more bad dreams when you are upset. I doubt you want that added to everything. This all had barely taken a trill.

Pepper agreed reluctantly, and called to the boy again. If you can climb a tree, there's one at the end of the lane, she pointed with her hand, Then you have to scrabble along the roofs till you get here. Another trill's pause as she decided she may as well be welcoming. No point raining on someone else's evening. Come on up, the view's nice, and there's a breeze too! She smiled at the boy, though she wasn't sure he could see her face from the street.
Last edited by Pepper on Sat May 12, 2018 2:29 pm, edited 1 time in total. word count: 1169
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Finnegan O'Connor
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Founder's Feast

Founders Feast

113-115th Ashan, 718

He offered a shrug to the shadow above. “Dunno if I’ll come up, should I?” Even though he still couldn’t make out her features, her voice betrayed her gender and confirmed that she wasn’t some crazy old coot or worse, a figment of his imagination. Even someone with his experience of sneaking through dark, forbidden alleyways couldn’t be too cautious when it came to dealing with strangers.

He arched an eyebrow at the shadow when she started to explain how he could get up there too. Was that an invitation? He shot a glance over his shoulder, back toward the feast and the lights, the dancing, and the music. The very reason he’d come out had been to search for job opportunities, not converse with the sort of strangers that thought it was a good idea to climb shoddy-looking rooftops. He crossed his arms over his chest, unsure what to do when she called down again, urging him to join her. A light breeze carried itself through the alleyway, washing him and the stranger in the lingering Ashan warmth.

“Alright…” he relented after a few trills of silence. “Can you catch?” He didn’t wait for an answer as he stepped forward, swung his arm back, squinted his eyes at the target and then threw the remaining bread high up in the air, hoping she’d manage to catch the tasty projectile. Whether she did or didn’t, by the time she’d look down again he’d already jogged off toward the tree at the end of the lane.

A little voice in the back of his head warned him that this might very well be some prank, maybe even a trap by the local authorities to ensnare daring youngsters like himself. But just as soon as the thought had emerged he dismissed it again. With a feast this large the guard would have better things to do than to worry about petty crime. Besides, if he managed to get up the roof, he could come down just as quickly.

Admittedly it took him more effort and time to climb the tree than he thought it would but after a few close calls where his feet slipped and scraped over the bark, he finally made it over the edge, staining his fresh clothes with some dirt along the way. A familiar shadow seemed to look at him, waiting patiently for him to close the remaining distance. The hardest part was over now as the rooftops in this part of the city were made out of flat limestone and easy to traverse. The only challenge was in crossing from one building to the next over some broad planks.

Maneuvering across steep chasms on a creaking plank wasn't among his favorite activities, even though he could recount several instances of having done so in Etzos. Heights didn’t scare him much, but he prefered not to consider the steepness of the fall he’d make if he made a misstep, and so he kept his eyes fixed on the girl seated on the far end of the roof. Of course she had to sit as far away as possible from the tree, he thought to himself. For a moment he considered that perhaps she’d scooted a little further away whilst he’d been climbing the tree, to see if he had the guts to come up. If so, he'd show her what Etzori bravery looked like and presently it looked like an overconfident boy with dark hair in an already stained, white shirt, struggling to keep himself balanced as he placed one foot in front of the other. Just when he reached the middle of the crossing the wind played a little prank on him, surprising him with a sudden gust, wiping the arrogant smirk from his face. “Whoa,” he leaned sharply to his left and stretched out his arms reflexively, struggling to maintain his footing. “Not funny,” he mumbled ever so softly as he hurried the last few steps over the wooden board and made it to the second rooftop.

There was one small jump separating him from the third and final roof. A few trills later he landed with a crack of his kneecaps in a puff of dust, bearing a cheeky grin. With only a few feet between them he could start to make out the girl’s features, her silver earrings shone in the moonlight and he caught a dash of auburn in her hair.

“Just give me a trill,” he breathed as he carefully sat down, keeping a little distance between them. He wasn’t tired but he’d be damned if the ascend hadn’t been at least a little challenging. A quick glance in her direction betrayed that the girl had put some effort in prettying up, presumably for the feast. Only...she had chosen to sit up here instead and he wondered what had prompted her to escape the buzz of the feast. Puffing his cheeks he said. “I admit, you’ve got balls coming up here. I’m Noah. You?” He offered a handshake, then continued whether she’d take it or not. “So you’re not a party person then?” he noted as he jutted his chin in the direction of the feast which had been reduced to a mere glow of distant lights and muffled noises from where they were seated. It was an impressive sight but the splattering of a thousand stars shining down upon them from a clear, black sky was far more impressive.
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Pepper
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115 of Ashan, 718
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The boy, apparently hadn't actually been thinking about climbing up originally. Pepper found herself genuinely smiling as he hesitated even after her invitation. And then with barely any warning, just a quick 'can you catch', he lobbed something towards her. She almost went tumbling off the roof as her body instinctively lurched and her arms shot up, but thankfully the aim had been good and her seat secure. She looked down again, intending to yell at the idiot boy, she could've fallen trying to catch that! But he was already disappearing back towards where the tree was.

What was it that she had caught anyway, she brought the lumpy, slightly warm object closer to her eyes, but the smell of warm bread told her almost immediately that the boy had thrown his dinner to her. Her irritation cooled a bit, but seriously, who does that! What if the bread had been too far to catch? What if she fell trying to catch it? Would have been better to warn her before pulling such a stunt. Ah well.. I guess boys never have much sense. Her lips quirked with rueful amusement as she remembered her mum's favourite lament from her childhood. Jeremy had done the most rattlepated things when he had been her age...

She had moved towards the flatter part of the roof to keep an eye out for the boy. She could hear some sounds and the sense of tree branches shaking in the dark, and then he was there on the farthest roof. He was still just an outline though, dressed in a light coloured shirt and darker pants. She watched as he very carefully and slowly started across the plank she'd left across the first gap. Is this too difficult for him? she sent to Miret.. Miret just shrugged, floating near her shoulder. It wouldn't do to talk and distract the boy now.

The gap was about four or five feet across, the plank was a solid piece of wood about eight by three. She suspected it was used for just this purpose by the people who lived in this lane. This made her consider something else, the flatter roofs in this section of the city meant that the residents most likely made some use of the roof in pleasant weather.. Maybe there was an easier way down? She made a mental note to herself to at least look around before going back the same way she had come.

Pepper swallowed a gasp and an instinctive movement towards the boy as he seemed to almost lose his balance midway, but thankfully he made it across to the solid roof safe and sound. Soon enough he had landed on the final roof and was standing a few feet away. His voice betrayed slight nerves as he carefully sat down, and Pepper followed suit companionably. Watching the boy make his way doggedly, even though he'd clearly not been very confident, had banished any lingering resentment she'd had at the unexpected company. In fact, she raised her face up to the sky and thought, it's nice to sit here with someone else. Being on your own is better than being in a noisy crowd, but perhaps having another to share thoughts and views with was the nicest of all.

I'm Pepper, she shook hands with Noah, then explained in a wry voice, I might actually have been too distracted to notice the danger. How's that for sense? She picked the bread she'd set aside earlier, and extended it to Noah, Here's your dinner. You should have given me a bit more warning. I almost fell catching it.. But no harm done.

Pepper scooted backwards till her back was resting comfortably against a wide chimney. I soaked in the party mood earlier. A break or two is a lot more than I can usually tolerate. A trill's pause and she called to him again. If you scoot back to here, we can share food. I've got some dinner too.. and something to drink.. Would he want to do that though, with a complete stranger, she wondered.. Where are you staying at? Pepper absent-mindedly tucked the brown-black tendrils that had escaped her braid back behind her ears. She'd noticed Noah looking at the stars sprinkled overhead earlier, and she rested her head against the chimney, looking up at the far off night sky. Truly, it was hard to stay upset when you noticed how very huge and beautiful the world was..
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Finnegan O'Connor
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Founder's Feast

Founders Feast

113-115th Ashan, 718

He flashed a signature smile while he shook her hand enthusiastically, and his smile soon turned into a grin and then a snorted laugh as he caught her name. “Pepper? As in salt and pe-” He stopped himself there. It was likely the girl had heard that comparison a thousand times over already and decided there was nothing to be gained from aggravating the girl, or give her any inclination to give him a little shove in the back so he’d fall the way he’d come. “Sorry,” he added while he held on to Pepper’s slightly cold, delicate fingers. It took him a few more trills to wipe the grin of his face and when he did, he gave a little squeeze and nod before finally letting go. “You look nice- I mean,” it was a good thing the darkness obscured the color rising to his cheeks. “Wait, that’s not what I meant. Well, I mean... well, you do look nice but I- It’s just… I’ve never heard of someone called Pepper before.” He looked out of breath at the end of his terrible monologue.

Fortunately, she seemed preoccupied with other matters and forced him to mutter a second apology within the span of a few trills, a feat only Fiona O’Connor (also known as Zipper the menace) had accomplished before. In the end, his transgressions appeared to be forgiven as he was handed back his meal. “Oh… thanks,” he said, quickly tearing his gaze away from Pepper who, despite her name, resembled nothing like a pepper except for (with some imagination) an hourglass-shaped pepper grinder in silhouette.

He’d almost started to resume stuffing the bread in his mouth to distract himself from sending inappropriate glances in her direction when she caught him off guard again and invited him to share food and drink. A lovely scent wafted into the spring air as he tore the remaining bread in two and tossed one half into her lap before scooting over to the spot she’d pointed out and resting his head against the chimney.

“I’m staying at the Harpy Inn,” he said as he kept his eyes trained on the night-sky even as he was tempted to lower his gaze and take in her features once more. “It’s cheap,” he added with a shrug, “works for me though. Just got to find a job in the city. You wouldn’t know if there’s any openings...well anywhere really?” Now he did look at her, even though he hadn’t meant to, and as he met her blue-green eyes he bit down on his lips and swallowed down the memory of Molly whose eyes had been just as inviting. But she wasn’t here. He wondered what she would’ve thought of him, how easily he was flustered by the first girl he met in Rharne, how much he wore his heart on his sleeve. She wouldn’t have liked it much, he thought, that was the reason Molly and Zipper had gotten along to begin with, they’d both berated him for how stupidly naive and trusting he’d always been.

Yet again he looked away, focusing all his will and attention on chewing the delicious bread instead. He was saved from an awkward silence by a pigeon that came swooping down from a nearby tree, pecking at the crumbs at his feet. He tore a little chunk from the bread and threw it in the bird’s direction, happy to have been given something else to be distracted about other than the sweet Rharnian girl.
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Pepper
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115 of Ashan, 718
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Pepper had mentally shaken her head as Noah came up with the old salt and pepper comment.. and she had to work at not grinning too widely by the time he finished tying his tongue in knots about how nice or not nice she looked. Thanks, I did some shopping to cheer myself up earlier in the evening. It's good that it didn't go to waste! She gave a tiny sigh, then continued Yes, I haven't met anyone named Pepper either, but I don't mind. It's at least memorable, and better than the ten Roses every village is sure to have! she shrugged.

Once Noah had scooted back near the chimney as well, she took out her dinner, handing him an apple first, then unknotting the bundle with the tarts and the pasties. Gesturing to it, and taking a bite from the bread he'd handed her, she said Go on, I was just about to eat when you called from the street. The apple, when she tried it, was sweet, if slightly wrinkled from the winter stores. I also have some cordial, but it'll need to be mixed with water, like this.. She uncorked her waterskin and took a decent sized gulp of water, then filled it up with the cordial. Corking everything securely again, she handed the bottle to Noah.

The Harpy Inn huh.. Hearing that he was looking for work, she frowned in thought, Well.. what sort of work do you want? There are trade shops and craft shops and such if you have specific skills.. Or you could see if any of the taverns and the inns need help, I know the Turning Wheel does.. She took a few more bites of food and some sips from her water-skin. Some of the better inns have stables too.. She met Noah's eyes with a smile, I'm sure we can find something for you..

There was a peaceful lull then for some time which was occupied with food. As they were about done, a pigeon landed near them, startling Pepper. That's strange, shouldn't that pigeon have been roosting for the night? She wasn't really expecting Noah to reply, and herself proceeded to answer the question, It's probably disturbed from all the light and the noise.. Oh I forgot to ask you, She turned to Noah, Are you from the stormlands? Or somewhere farther off?
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Founders Feast

113-115th Ashan, 718

She gracefully accepted his fumbled compliment and when she mentioned it was better to be called Pepper than Rose his smile was only partially forced. His mind drifted back to Etzos, and returned to the rose-garden Ms. Dunnen maintained behind her pet shop, where her cats snoozed alongside the dogs in the shade of a great, wild apple tree that blossomed white early in the hot season. He remember the tea she drew from elderflower and the tales she’d told him of her own youth. She had luck in many regards: a good house, a fine garden, plenty customers and more than enough savings for her old age, but the one thing she had always lacked, the one thing she’d been denied was the second, empty chair that he’d sometimes sit in. There was a legend that said the true creators of the heavens and the skies had shattered, each split into two halves, one part male and the other female, and both parts were forever doomed to wander in search of their lost other half.

He shook himself from his thoughts, and gave Pepper a sheepish look as she handed him an apple and some cordial. He took a polite swig of the sweet juice before wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “It’s good,” he said, though his voice sounded distant, as though he wasn’t quite there. It wasn’t until Pepper mentioned a “we” that his attention returned to her in full and he arched a sly eyebrow at her. “We?” he repeated, amused. “I don’t see anyone else.” Just to be safe he looked around. Maybe she had a pet of sorts, she seemed the type for it.

When she pointed out the pigeon he was certain she was the type for it. Clearly she knew a great deal more about birds than he which would’ve been a compliment if it wasn’t a wholly unremarkable feat to know more about birds than a boy who’d rarely paid attention in school. He could write his own name, read some letters, count, and that was about it. Everything else he’d learned from his sister or from hearsay.

“I’m not from the stormlan- is it really called that? Anyway, no, not from around here.” He turned the apple over in his hand but didn’t eat from it. “I’m from E-” he shut his mouth just in time. “Someplace else. But you,” he bounced the apple against her shoulder and caught it again, “you’re from Rharne for sure. You have the accent.” She had more than the accent, she had the looks and attitude too, but he hadn’t the courage to mention that yet. Instead he bounced the apple against her shoulder a few more times while he mulled over his next words.

“You don’t happen to be a tour guide, do you? You know what, you show me around, and you can have this,” he jutted his chin toward the apple, “aaand I’ll tell you where I’m from. Maybe,” he smirked. “Heck, I’ll even read you your future.” He lowered his voice as he leaned in conspiratorially. “I do hope magic isn’t forbidden in Rharne, is it?”
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Noah had seemed a bit lost in thought, not really seeming to hear the reply to his enquiry about work options.. But he perked right up at the merest hint of a 'we'. Pepper rolled her eyes, this was the kind of meaningless teasing she understood. Yes, we. Continuing in overly pompous tones she teased him right back Consider it my good deed for the day. She narrowed her eyes at Noah, You did say you wanted to look for work? She hesitated a bit, but continued, I myself moved to the city just this season and I know I appreciated being given an overview of the options available.. Noah didn't need to know that it was her uncle and aunt who'd given her the quick primer.

Some time later, when she asked him where he was from, he seemed to want to avoid answering straight off. Well that was fair, they were strangers after all. In fact, she thought as she watched Noah play with the apple, she should have remembered that earlier. There was no real reason for her to be extra friendly. She'd do well to remember that folks from the wider world had their own stories and agendas. And so there was a slight reserve in her voice as she answered Noah, Yes, I've family here. And more family within a trial's ride.

She wasn't sure though why this boy thought she needed to have an apple bounce off her.. It wasn't a ball, and she certainly wasn't a wall! So when Noah asked her to be a tour guide for him, for the grand reward of an apple she had provided.. her tone was tart. Well, playing tour guide may be what it takes for you to stop bouncing that apple off me! Seriously, Noah, eat it or put it away. She felt immediately contrite though, it wasn't as though it was hurting her as such.. Well I am free during the festival, my work place is closed. It might be nice to wander around.. But I am not a true native, like I said, I only moved here this season. So if you are okay with that, I'm game. What all do you want to see? She used to be perfectly happy with her own company, back home, had the city messed with her head? Absently she answered Noah, Magic? I wouldn't know.. I think it needs to be registered or something.. She sat forward as her curiosity was piqued You know how to do magic? Is that the tricksy kind? Or the dangerous kind?
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He grinned sheepishly. Clearly he was starting to get on her nerve, but if he had to guess he supposed he was still succesfully walking that line between being playful and being genuinely annoying. "Well I know a magic trick," he said as he juggled the apple with one hand. "Two to be precise." With a smack the apple landed in his hand and he smirked as his fingers closed around it. "The first requires deep concentration. Think you can do that? Good." He unabashedly grabbed one of her hands and turned it palm upwards as he stroked his chin. "Hmm. Interesting. Yes, yes... I see..." He hummed under his breath. Before she could get truly annoyed with him, he let go of her hand and met her gaze with a mischievous one of his own. "It's quite clear, dear: tomorrow you'll be giving a very handsome young man a tour of the city. He's a of a doofus at times, but he's well-meaning, far as I could tell, and if you help him find a job, he'll be very grateful to you indeed."

"Now for the second trick," he said as he scooted back a pace. "This apple is going to magically disappear. Take a good look at it because I can guarantuee you, this will be the last time you see it like this. Ready?" He mounted the tension with a faux drumroll on his lap, lifted the red apple into the air and took a bite out of it.

And then another.

And another.

"Hmm! Itws pwettwy gwood!" he declared with a full mouth. Well, almost full, he found his own magic trick so amusing that he couldn't prevent a few bits of apple falling out of his mouth as he grinned at her. When the forbidden fruit was finally consumed he took a swig from the offered juice, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and, possibly for the first time that night, gave Pepper a serious look. "I am not sure what I'd like to see. Well, that's not true. I think I'd like to see you again, you seem nice enough, and not too easily startled either, are ya?" He stood up suddenly, took a few paces back and placed his hands on his hips as he stared into the distance. "I'd like to see that, I think." She could trace his finger to the spire of the Lightning Cathedral that grasped at the clouds above. "You don't have to help me though," he added in a lower voice. "You've been awfully nice already, sharing all this," he motioned toward the food and drink. "I'll find a way to repay you but first-" He stretched out his arms and yawned, "first I better find my way back. What direction is the Earth Quarter again?"
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Well Noah was quite clearly a scamp and no mistake. Pepper couldn't help but grin back, admiring his theatrics. He grabbed her hand without even a hint that it might be something strange or forward to do, and surprisingly enough, it made her let go of any such considerations herself. His hands were somewhat clammy to touch but the thought didn't register for long. Instead, the memory of her one foray into noticing boys threatened to surface but Pepper ruthlessly pushed it down. She would just pretend it didn't happen, and that it was a territory best left alone for a good long while yet.

Noah's voice soon brought her back to the present, it was definitely a good thing that whole thoughts and feelings could be compressed into such a small moment of time, a small flashback, the heavy feeling of regret and the shaky nervousness of lost confidence... As Noah let go of her hand and met her gaze with mischief, she found herself smiling, and if the smile was initially forced, and her gaze a tad shadowed, it was only for a moment or so. Her eyes held nothing but mirth by the time Noah finished predicting her future and she cleared her throat to make sure she wouldn't start laughing. A handsome young man is it.. She pretended to think about it, a finger tap tapping her chin for emphasis. Maybe it's one of Max's city friends.. I better clean up nicely tomorrow She couldn't pretend seriousness any more and was soon snorting with laughter, at some level recognising that it wasn't all that funny, and sure enough Miret mimed whispering into her ear at that point. You are just a bit buzzed aren't you?

Pepper forgot herself enough to nod still laughing, and then with a small effort brought it under control. Lightly slapping at her cheeks in an effort to induce sobriety, she watched smiling, as Noah finished devouring the apple (finally). She nodded at his remark on the apple's sweetness, and recognising that Noah was being serious now, paid strict attention to his words and tone, waiting until she was sure he'd finished before replying.

Well.. I'll point you towards the Earth quarter once we find our way to the streets, don't worry. And I definitely didn't mind sharing the food, it was too much for me anyway.. I think they are trying to fatten me up or something.. She flashed a sudden grin at the thought of pigs being fattened for slaughter, then brought her mind back to the conversation. Looking for work's stressful and lonely enough on its own, and you are new to the city, and most important of all, she felt comfortable enough to start gesturing in accompaniment to her words, her fingers ticking off every point she brought up, my work place is closed while the festival is on, and I'd much rather not run into some people by myself. Her mind flashed to a suspicion that given her strange luck this season, she'd end up running into her brothers as well as Arlo and Vega all together sometime this five-trial. Plus, the weather's too nice to stay cooped up indoors anyway.. She smiled at Noah, not wanting him to feel obligated for something that hadn't taken much effort on her side.

That, she gestured towards where the Lightning Cathedral lay, is where Ilaren lives, and her priestesses, and their knights. She was feeling a bit too muddled to make complicated plans so after a few trills trying to think, she gave up with a shrug. I think we are both feeling a bit buzzed from the cordial, she gestured to the bottle Noah was still holding, and when he handed it back, took another swig, coz why the heck not. Let's just meet at the Earth Market tomorrow, at about the 10th bell? We'll think about where all to go then.. Absent mindedly beginning to collect the remains of the impromptu picnic, she tried to look about and muttered, almost to herself There ought to be a ladder or rungs hammered into the wall or something nearby. There has to be an easier way for the folks to come up with all the flat roof there is.. No point breaking our necks trying to go back the old way..
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