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 Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:21 pm
Amerald was busily out and about this fine morning. It was almost midday and it was time for some lunch. Amelia and Annabelle were sweetly watching over the house while he took this day to truly feel free of any worries or cares.
He was quite hungry, so he went to his favorite restaurant, Hark's Hammy, a nice little place that served good meaty steaks and chicken legs or breasts as well as a side salad and they had the best clam chowder ever in the town of Nuan. Their clams were freshly imported from Korr. He was quite jealous of their talent. He wished he had half of that in the kitchen.
He went in, knowing the main manager and most employees and being close friends with Hank, he got himself a nice seat by the window like usual. "The usual please." he said to the waiter taking the order, as everyone knew what he wanted. He was definitely a regular in this shop.
Luckily it was only a few blocks down from his shop and he could quickly go back just in case something happened. It was only a matter of minutes before he had his food in front of him. "Thank you quite kindly! Oh, this looks so good." he commented to the waiter as he nodded. He could only imagine what this little trip would get him into.
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Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 2:16 am
"One last push for me sweetheart - nearly there," she said to her latest patient, who was literally second away from having her child now. Chandra had stayed with her for fifty hours now, an extended labour that had left the poor mother exhausted but thankfully still determinded.
Mere moments later Chandra held in her arms a precious little bundle, "Its a girl" she chirped with joy as she skillfully wrapped the baby up and gave her to her eagerly awaiting mother. "Congradulations." She said with a smile, although she was sure if anyone looked close enough her envy was clear, after years of trying to have a baby it simply eluded her and broke her heart. Her so called partner had left her shortly after, yelling something about her being touched by a devil despite looking like an angel, and that it should never take more than five years to get pregnant if the vessle was pure. A vessle.... was that all she had been to him? It was a bitter memory, and one that she forced swiftly from her mind as she looked at the woman before her and her child.
A hand reached for her shoulder causing her jumping as he turned to see who it was. "Melinda!" She chirped. "That time already?" Melinda was there to swap with Chandra since she had been on duty for so long, it was just typical that the change came after all the hard work was over. Nevermind, Chandra thought to herself as she took one last look at the baby before taking her leave.
She loved her work, she loved seeing the happy faces of the parents who are lucky enough to see and hold their children. And everytime a child didn't make it, it would deverstate Chandra just as much as the parents. To hold such a small creature who had never had a chance at life... well sometimes it was almost a blessing not being able to join in the lottery of life or death.
Yet no matter what happened, having a child of her own was just one dream that Chandra could not forget or ignore. It nibbled at the back of her mind like a raging beast that would not let her rest.
That was the reason why she found herself walking through the streets of Nuan now rather than going home to sleep, she had heard of a man who sold a variety of herds and remedies that could cure anything from the common cold to deformities of the skin. In fact it was also rumoured that he had found a mixture that could be brewed as a tea and would help with fertility. If it was true it would be her last chance, she wouldn't need or want a man in her life to stay with her and the child, but obviously she would need a plan for the mechanics later. Right now all she wanted to know was if it was true.
As always Chandra ignored those who would stop and stare at her appearance, despite the ban on those of 'different' blood she had always enjoyed dressing up with her costume wings. It was the perfect disguise for the one aspect of her that was truely different -her horn.
Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a folded piece of paper as the smell of meat and seafood hit her nose, she looked up to see the sign 'Hark's Hammy' but thought no more of it as she went back to her piece of paper. "Drats," she said as she looked at the directions and turned 360 degrees to catch her barings. She appeared to be lost -why did she always manage to get herself lost? She walked over to a couple who had just left the restaurant, holding on the piece of paper towards them with a smile, "Sorry to disturb you, you wouldn't happen to know where this address is do you?"
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Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:43 pm
Amerald had finished his food and with a large belch, had been full enough to leave. "Ahhh, that was great. Waiter! Check please!" he called. Within a few moments the waiter had taken from him what was an empty plate and in its place lie the bill. He happily laid down the coins needed to pay for the transaction and then a few extra for a tip.
With that, he began to leave the restaurant. As he left, he saw a woman that looked completely different than that of a normal human. He had to double take to be sure the wings were fake, but why would one wear them anyways? He was curious and had to know. He had promised the girls he would be back as soon as he finished, but a little detour wasn't going to hurt.
"Excuse me..." he started as he walked up to the woman. "...what exactly are the wings and horn for? Why wear them when all they get you is suspicion?" he asked, curiously. He was genuinely curious, but in the end, an answer was an answer and that's all he wanted.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 4:43 am
Chandra wasn't sure if the couple where actually going to answer or not, but as soon as a new voice entered the conversation and her head turned instinctively towards it they where gone like a bolt of lightning. It didn't surprise her, after all she was use to being different, use to be stared at -and in all honesty it didn't bother her, she actually liked standing out. It was actually the one thing that seemed to stop her real difference from being detected, not that she was about to share that with this complete stranger.
Still holding the piece of paper she folded it back up and turned completely to look carefully at the man who had spoken to her. Just like her father he sported long hair but of an opposite colour -white instead of black- but with what appeared to be almost iceblue eyes that she thought suited him. She smiled softly and asked, "Why do YOU wear such an outfit?" Placing her hands on her hips she tilted her head softly before giggling a little and answering, "....because I like to! Of course.... my family owns a cafe and because its called 'wings of the moon' they all tend to wear a winged headband - the fact that my parents also named us all after the moon may have been taking it a bit far though!" She pretended to pout before continuing in her usual chirpy nature, "So I guess I have two reasons...." she held one finger up, "I like to!" She held a second finger up, "It reminds me of home!" Plus a lot of her patients like it, a good distraction they would say -but the truth was she would have continued to wear it even if they all hated it. In a way, the costume was just part of Chandra.
She was about to turn from him but remembered the reason she had come over to the restaurant in the first place, "Em..... excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to know where this place is do you? I appear to be lost." She smiled softly at him, holding the now unfolded piece of paper with the address for Ameralds store towards him.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 10:40 am
Amerald chuckled lightly as he heard the woman speak. He was sure she was interesting. "Well, that is always a good way to look at something. As long as you like it, who cares what others thing, right? I like your style." he said, smiling, looking her over once again.
His eyebrows raised as she took out the folded piece of paper. "Haha, I bet I could help you out, miss. Lets see..." he said, taking the paper and reading. He suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Why do you have to go here, if I may be so blunt in asking? It's great you want to give that old man some business, but what are you looking for in an alchemist shop?" he said smiling, obviously playing with the girl. But of course, she had no idea who he was, so this made the game a bit more exciting for the old man. He folded the paper back up and stuffed it in his pocket. "Nevertheless, I'll take you there. We can chat on the way." he said with a light chuckle. He was sure positive of one thing, that he had his curiosities on this woman. She was definitely an interest to him, maybe he would get to know her a bit more and make a deal.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:06 am
"Exactly," she chirped happily. She had never been like her older sister Io, to Chandra there was little reason to worry about what others thought of her appearance. As long as she was happy that was all that mattered.
Her eyes lit up like magic as he confirmed that he knew it, but some of the sparkle faded as a light blush covered her cheeks as to the nature of her business. It wasn't exactly that she was embarassed about it, ok -maybe a little, but part of Chandra really didn't want some develing too deeply and dragging up memories of things she would rather lie dormant forever. Closing her eyes she composed herself swiftly before smiling and looking at the kind stranger once more. "Well.... I am in need of a few ingredients to make a tea. Mainly false unicorn root and red clover blossoms... I already managed to find rasberry and nettle leaves." She didn't know if the stranger would know that these ingredients when combined where said to have good properties to aid with fertility, nor was she about to volenteer the information unasked. "I heard that the store kept most things in stock, do you know it well? What's this old man like?" She asked curiously as she followed him. "I've heard good reviews of his skills."
Chandra had already noted that he had kept the slip of paper with the address on, and part of her was a little worried. Without the paper she wouldn't be able to get anyone else to aid her -that meant she would have to rely on the trust of this stranger.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:30 am
Amerald smirked as he began to walk towards his shop. "Ah, I see...I bet he has something to that effect there." he said with a nod. He knew that what he was doing was just fun for himself, but she would find out eventually that he was the owner, especially once they reached the shop.
"Well, he is quite good looking, I know that much. As well as very smart, wise. Your friends or family who referred you to him were quite right about his skills..." he said smiling, not allowing her to see his face, but keeping straight forward. He passed a few shops and neared his own.
"I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Here's the shop." he said, opening the door for the woman. He gave a smile and awaited her to go in.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:41 am
"I hope so...." she whispered.
She listened to him and followed eagerly, it had taken a lot of courage to do this. And even with the herbs she knew that it wouldn't exactly be an easy task to fall pregnant -especially since was lacking in the male deparment, that and the possibility she was infertile. Well.... life just seemed to be against her. It was typical that the one thing she wanted so much, the one thing she was surrounded by day in and day out, was the one thing that would forever elude her.
"Good looking?" She said as she watched the stranger walk ahead of him, "...but I thought he was old?" She cocked an eyebrow and was instantly curious about who this old man was, did he have a remedy for old age or something that allowed him to keep his good looks as he aged? It was true that most men aged better than women but still. Granted Chandra was only 23, anyone older that 40 was reaching ancient territory in her books. Ok, maybe not ancient but possible 'could be my parent' age.
Yet as she listened to the stranger talk about the old man she couldn't help but wonder if he was gay? Or maybe the partner of the man or something? After all he did seem to speak very highly of him. She chuckled softly, more to herself than the stranger, she had heard of this store from a friend of a friend.... it wasn't exactly something she had made public knowlegde that she was going to try.
It didn't take long to reach the store, which actually surprised her, it seemed she had not got herself as lost as she had first suspected. She bowed softly to him, a bright smile peeled upon her lips, "thank you for your help." And with that she turned and entered the store as he kindly held the door open for her.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:52 am
"I beg your pardon!? What does him being old have to do with his looks? You can be looking your best at forty and not know it until someone points it out to you." he said, rather flustered with the comment. Though, taking a deep breath, he kept his cool. He allowed the woman in and followed her.
"Now...I think you'll find what you're looking for in this area over here." he said, taking her to the corner of the store with the fresh herbs he would pick every other morning or so. On his little adventures, he would go bird watching as well as pick fresh herbs for his remedies and some extra for others, just in case something like this were to happen.
"Aha! Here it is!" he said, picking up the few pieces she needed and handing them to her. "Were these the ones you needed?" he asked her.
He smiled and stuffed them in his pocket as though he were 'stealing' from his own shop. He was having fun playing with this woman. It was quite rare to be able to do such things and honestly, he was having a great time with it.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 12:06 pm
Chandra was stunned by his outburst, and as he moved effortlessly around the store that obviously belonged to him she began to understand why. "Darnit... I'm sorry, I never meant to offend you. When you said old I guess I got the impression of a wrinkled little old man with a cane or something.... but well..." she smiled, hoping she could correct her earlier blunder just a little, "...you are very far from that. Strong jaw and nice eyes. Manly."
"Em.... yeah..." She coughed, deciding she was playing a game she couldn't win and she should probably just give it up before she digs a hole big enough to bury her in.
She watched him bring a little jar towards her, "Oh they seem perfect, would you mind if I smell the false unicorn root though? I hear the fresher it is the sharper the smell and the more... em... useful it is." She had no doubt that he only sold goods of the highest quality but Chandra had told herself from the start that if she was going to try this she was going to do it right. Or as right as she could manage.
Originally Chandra's plan had been merely to get the ingredients, pay and run. But as she looked at the ingredients she also saw a flicker of hope and wondered if she would brew it correctly when she got home. Biting back her pride she asked in a soft voice, almost shy although Chandra didn't really know the meaning of shy; "Do you happen to know the best way to brew the tea to help with fertility?" Ok, so she sounded insane. Insane but she had to know. Hopefully if everything went to plan she wouldn't need to seek out the ingredients again and therefore would be unlikely to see this stranger again -somehow that made making a fool of herself seem less important.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 5:25 pm
Amerald sighed. He was done playing. This woman wanted these herbs to create an herbal tea blend for fertility? That was definitely a concept Amerald was willing to work with. He smiled at her. "Miss, I am Amerald Laraan, owner of this shop. If you are in need of something like that, wanting to have a child I take it? Well, if that is so, I can help you out. And strangely enough, I think it would definitely benefit both of us." he said smiling.
He took into account that the hraapea he creates have wings...with her pretend wings and rather odd appearance, she could definitely make a great guardian. And her looking and searching for fertility herbs makes her even a better host, since she seems to genuinely care for children. This was the perfect guardian that Amerald had found thus far. She would be happy, content, and Amerald could get his hands on some more experience with this hraapea creation. He was definitely happy with the circumstances with which he found himself under now. It was only a matter of time until his next creation came to light.
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 8:32 pm
Chandra listened to him and her heart skipped a beat. He could help her? Really? But she was also suspious.... how exactly could he help her? Was he suggesting he had super fertile or did he have a blend that worked better than the tea she was planning to brew? Curious she couldn't resist asking. "How? How could you help me?" She blushed brightly but continued nonetheless, "I have been trying for a child for years and had no success. I...." She gulped and closed her eyes to fight back the tears and the pain, "....well, lets just say I have been accuse of being as a barran as a dessert." Chandra didn't know what he meant by 'it can help both of us' but she decided not to ask just yet in fear that the answer may break her heart.
She opened her eyes with a flutter, the moisture there was obvious to her but she hoped it didn't look like she was about to cry, she didn't want to cry. Not here, not now. So instead she tried to smile and change the subject slightly as she held out her hand. "It is nice to meet you Amerald, my name is Chandra. I am a midwife... I only recently moved here so currently I am just doing home jobs." She smiled brightly again, talking about her profession always brought a smile to her face. She loved meeting new people, helping them and most of all introducing an expecting mother and father to their newborn. There was no feeling like... expect maybe having on of her own.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 12:04 am
She seemed like as good a candidate as any. "Chandra...what if I told you I could create a child for you, that even contained your DNA?" he asked, bluntly. He figured that this woman was serious about all of this. Her weird looks combined with her determination to have a child struck Amerald as a perfect opportunity.
He definitely could think of a few feathers to use that he had lying around the basement. He knew that he wanted to expand his horizons and experiment more. She just seemed like such a willing participant in it all. She was even a midwife! Delivering the babies and everything. She was definitely one he could trust. He felt that from the moment she had said she wanted a child. That was the perfect time to act, and he knew that he wouldn't want to lose this chance at yet another creation.
He looked deep into her eyes. "Chandra...I can do such things using my experience. How would you like a child? One of your very own. One you could smother with love every moment of every day. One that loved you back and knew that he or she was yours and only yours." he asked, leaning upon his desk.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 12:37 am
Chandra thought her heart was about to stop and never start again, what was he saying? She didn't understand, she had always assumed that her child would have her DNA but he was talking about 'creating' one rather than the normal ways she assumed. How could he have the means to create one?
Either way she listened, her expression changing from shock to admiration to longing as he spoke. And she couldn't resisting taking the opportunity, after all she had been uncertain about her original plan anyways -since she didn't have a man anymore she was going to end up hunting one down for her plan to work.
"I would love that...." However things seemed.... too perfect? "...very much. She whispered to herself as he eyes looked to the ground, surely he wasn't playing with her again like he had earlier? Surely that would just be too cruel?
After a while of thinking about it she spoke softly, "...what would I need to do?"
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 11:15 am
Amerald nodded, smiling. He knew that this was just the beginning of something wonderful. "What you need to do? Wait here a moment." he said, instantly taking the time to go through his house, down to the basement. He grabbed a feather, extracted what he needed from it and then ran back upstairs with it behind his back.
Coming back into the shop he smiled. "All you need to do is give me a strand of that gorgeous blue hair of yours. And take this." he said, pulling out the feather and handing it over to the woman. It was a pretty feather, a black and white one...that of a crane. He smiled. "That is just for you. Whenever you're ready, a piece of hair will do, and then you just have to wait. I'll take care of the rest." he said, rather interested in how this would turn out.
His smile turned into a grin. "Then, you can come back within a day or two and this will all be done. You can then view a new child for yourself." he said.
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