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 Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:22 pm
Elias & Tesla
Amies
The raven haired man opened the old wooden door that screeched loudly as it moved, the wooden panel mostly covered with unrelenting vines and dirty green hues of moss. It was obvious that the previous owner did not care for the house well, grey eyes immediately finding numerous cracks on the wall, rusty metal seals and splits on the wooden boards of the floor. Elias had just arrived from a few weeks of traveling, accompanied by his sister until a point they had found a few relatives in a nearby village who had fled from their hometown like they did. It was a welcome sight for both of them, not having seen anyone familiar for years. She decided to stay and despite his sister wanting him to stay as well, he knew someone had to have a steady income that the village could not provide and he knew Amies was just the place for that. With a promise of visiting him from time to time he had parted ways with his sister for the first time in years. When he left for a moment he wondered if it was indeed worth it after all.
To be frank the young man did not care much for the lively, bustling city of Amies. It was big, crowded and had too much people yelling and selling things. The only thing he had looked forward to was the house that he had purchased near the beach for a fair price, although now he was seeing why it was such a 'good' deal. But despite that he welcomed the steady gentle sound of the waves crashing into the sand and that distinct smell of saltwater in the air. It had been some time since he actually took some time to pause and take in simple pleasures.
Walking inside he let the big load on his back down on the floor, but more importantly also setting down the bright bottle that he had found on his journey here. The bottle was heavy and looked very fragile. He was not one to bring something just merely for its appearance so he did not have a clue on why he even bothered to drag the item all the way here. But even feeling that way he had that nagging feeling that he would regret it later if he had left it among the trees that it rested on, as if waiting for him.
His grey eyes locked on the bright yellow bottle, taking another deep breath. "Just you and me." he mumbled, immediately regretting it. He was talking to a bottle for heavens sake.
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:47 pm
Though she'd seen a young man walking down the way towards the small stretch of housing on the beach, she hadn't thought much of it. Tesla was used to seeing people come and go down the beach, finding the privacy of her neck of the sands to be alluring. It was a nice, quaint little community, hardly a handful of occupied homes that knew each other on a first name basis and were no stranger to helping one another out. To the red-headed farmer, it was a stretch of perfect living, not too far from the main cities but enough so that there was no neighborly noise or tourists to be bothersome.
As such, she had simply assumed the raven-haired man had been a passerby, not even offering a second glance as she swept her own modest abode in rhythm to the song she hummed wordlessly under her breath. It was only when she heard the door of the house next to her creak open - and what a creak it was! - that she gave pause and peered out the kitchen window from where she was cleaning. Catching only the booted heel of the man that disappeared into the long-abandoned house, Tesla felt a brief but honest thrill of excitement: would she be getting a new neighbor after a year of solitude? Leaning the broom against the kitchen counter, she quickly made her way out of the house, swinging her light cloak over her bare shoulders to stem of bite of cool afternoon air on her short journey.
Her soft leather boots were quiet as they fell upon the path leading to the front of the house, the fur collar of her cloak tucked around her top, fidgeting a little in her eager anticipation. Peeking in through the open door, she gave the place a once over, appraising the damage and neglect that the years had wrought on the natural make-up of the house. "Hello!" she called inwards cheerfully, her vibrant green eyes picking out the young man's form easily against the dirty surroundings. "Are you moving in here?" Tesla's expression was pleasant, if not chipper, though her eyes abruptly widened and one hand pressed work-worn fingers over her lips. "Oh, a thousand pardons -- it's been so long since I've had proper company!" Smiling in an abashed manner, she dropped her hand and spread her arms gracefully to her sides, knees bending in a polite curtsy. "I'm Tesla Grey, I live next door." Righting herself, she clasped her hands politely in front of her hips, tilting her head to the side in a spill of red locks over her shoulders. "I heard the door open here, it's a little...hard to miss."
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:30 pm
He was bending over to look at one particular crack on the wall when he heard the woman's voice, the cheerful tone and unexpectedness of the greeting making him jump in place, turning around with slightly widened eyes.
"G-greetings," he starts, voice a little husky and deep as if he had just woke up from sleep. Pausing for a moment to clear his throat he listened to this strangers enthusiastic greeting, finding it pleasant but still retaining his nervous disposition from his uncertainty with this new situation. "It's no problem at all. And, forgive me if that disturbed you.. I didn't realize that.. the door would make such an alarming sound." The man was at a loss for words, finding himself in a social situation he was not used to. He suddenly shakes his head, as if mentally scolding himself. "--I forget my manners. My name is Elias Theale," he gives a bow of the head, eyes watching her bright greens nervously, "And yes, I shall be living here from now on. Good-- to meet you." fiddles with the hem of his shirt, head still bowed at the woman.
Lifting his head he scanned the room, trying to distract himself from making a fool out of himself. A frown appeared on his face once again, quite embarrassed that his new neighbor had seen the place at this state, finding the itch to renovate it as soon as he could. "So.. uhm. Have you lived here long?" Tries to strike up a normal conversation, though awkward. He takes slow steps around the house, around Tesla, noting where the parts of the wooden floor creaked --he had to fix these things as soon as possible.
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 3:26 pm
Placing her slender fingers against a smooth portion of the splintered door-frame, keeping her distance from the seemingly agitated young man. "It's nothing to apologize for, Sir Theale. It's not like you purposely allowed it to happen." Smiling to try and ease the man's discomfort, she let her intense green eyes turn around the immediate room, almost dismayed by all the damage she saw. The years had not been kind, and how this Elias fellow was going to get it all fixed on his own - assuming he was on his own - was beyond her.
The question brought her attention back to the young man, prompting her brows to lift in the most bemused manner. "All my life," she responded warmly, following his measured steps around the room. "And you -- that is, what brings you here?" His dark skin and hair told her that he was used to living somewhere that got a lot of sun, but the strange markings she could see on his neck and just against the collar of his jacket indicated that he wasn't from anywhere local. He looked more like he belonged in a copse of trees than by the sea. Not that she was judging, of course - any handsome man could move in next to her as they pleased!
"Are you moving in...alone?" she asked tentatively, again noting his meager belongings on the floor and the lack of anyone else's presence. Tesla got the impression that the man was more a lone wolf than one to run with a pack. The notion made her again look over the room, brows furrowing slightly over her light eyes. "And if so...surely you don't plan to restore the house by yourself?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 12:50 pm
Elias breathed out audibly, deep in thought as his eyes caught even the smallest of flaws around the house, distantly wondering if it could even brave a simple rain shower. His focus went back to her as she spoke again, the youth's nervousness showing in his abrupt gestures. "I am here.. to start fresh,"he stopped in place to talk to the woman properly with hands resting on his sides. "--Yes I shall stay here alone---" he was surprised with all the questions, not that he minded at all but it felt unusual to him to have such a polite and eager conversation with an acquaintance. His experiences in meeting people had taught him that it was better to keep to himself, although he couldn't apply that to the cheery woman he was speaking to at the moment who kept on surprising the man with her pleasant demeanor.
"Yes, by myself. Of course... It'll take a while." he shrugs his shoulders as he does a sweeping gaze of the main room, "I have not checked the other rooms but I imagine that it will not be kind to me either." If he meant to inject a little humor in that statement it was muted with how neutral his expression was.
"Forgive me that you see this house in this state, there's not even a chair..." Moving over to his belongings he looked over to his big pack of belongings that was just beside the bottle, looking for something to offer his guest yet he found nothing to his dismay. Instead he decided to try and carry the conversation, lifting himself up. "So... you live close by?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 6:21 pm
"You picked a fine place for starting over," she responded warmly, utterly unaware that she might have been prying or shooting off inappropriate questions. Tesla herself was so open and honest in all that she did that the idea of harm from this nervous man was not even a glimmer of a thought in her mind. Giving Elias a sympathetic look, she offered a friendly smile. "I can help, if you'd like," she gave invitation easily, "I know how to mend the roof and peel off dead wood." Not wanting him to dismiss her simply because she was female, she continued, "I've been taking care of my own house by myself for some time now. I would be happy to lend a hand to get your new home into a livable condition."
The red-head laughed softly at the other's observation, and again at his question; it wasn't a condescending gesture, but more one of gentle amusement. It was more maternal than anything. "You've walked in all of five minutes ago, Sir Theale, you've no need to apologize! Sincerely! If my presence makes you wary, I will simply leave you be to inspect as you must. I've grown up with many siblings and I'm a little unsure of how to handle affairs that isn't just...gratuitously butting in." It was the best type of apology she could offer, given that she wasn't entirely certain she was being rude. Arching her neck to peer into the house as if she could see a window that would reveal her own home, she released her cloak to point in the direction of her house. "I live just there, a stone's throw, if that."
Because of the dismal disarray that the house presented, the bottle was practically a sun in the dilapidated room. Curious, the woman tilted her head to get a better look, only catching sneak-peeks of the warm, sunny color amidst the man's belongings. "That is a beautiful bauble," she commented lightly, indicating where she'd seen the bottle from where she stood at the doorway. "I've never seen such a colored glass!" Tesla, though inquisitive, did have some tact. She was curious about this Elias Theale but because he was so nervous and 'starting fresh,' she didn't want to pry about his past. If the bottle was a part of it, she'd give compliment and no more.
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:52 pm
"Yes this city.. moves rather fast I have noticed. Very progressive." He nodded his head at her, brows knitting instinctively at her offer. It was not that he disliked having her around nor did he think she couldn't handle the work, it was because he was so used to helping others rather than receiving the help. The man came from a place where values were very traditional, placing importance for politeness and gallantry especially when women were involved.
Of course he could not articulate this properly to her, instead speaking rather clumsily. "Ah-- that would be really helpful but you don't have to do that on my behalf. I just don't want to cause trouble for you, Lady Grey." He shakes his head immediately at her words, not wanting her to seem like she was unwanted, despite his nervous actions and clipped words. Above all. he did not want her to think ill of him. "No, you are not ..bothering me, I am just rather ..new to this all." All meaning talking to women by himself and basically trying to socialize like a normal human being. He sighed at himself, nodding back at her when she pointed to the direction of her house, making sure that he remembered.
When Tesla mentioned the bottle his eyes immediately went to the bright yellow glass that stood out from the dullness of the flooring and walls, looking very out of place in this setting. "That--- yes, I just found it on the way here," he started, kneeling over to it and touching its sides lightly. "I thought it was a waste to merely leave..." The surface was curiously warm on his fingers, looking at the woman and motioning at the bottle. "Do you like it?" It was a beautiful object, that was for sure but he couldn't help but think that it was a waste in his hands. But the moment he said that he could feel a strange heat radiating from that area, eyes widening slightly as his fingers tingle in surprise of the sudden sensation.
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:13 pm
Inclining her head in agreement, the young woman smiled. "The city moves at an intense pace," she agreed out loud, "which is why I prefer our land out here. There's nothing quite like working on acres of farm with the sea air on your skin everyday." Tesla's expression became slightly wistful, already looking forward to the weather that would allow her to work again. It was too cold to do much now, but soon, she'd be able to start tilling the earth and preparing for the year's harvest to come.
The words 'Lady Grey' gave her a start, lifting a hand to touch her cheek and looking rather abashed. "Goodness! My mother is Lady Grey; I am simply Tesla, please." Smiling in a slightly embarrassed manner, she dipped her head at his uncertain reassurance, finding his nervousness - which she was now attesting to shyness - to be utterly charming. "I would do it because I can, if you'd rather think of it that way. I'm not satisfied with idle hands and I've little to do in the chill of these months. I wont press, but if you wish the aid and perhaps a hot meal, I'd be more than happy to help." It wasn't like she wouldn't offer anyone else the same - it was just in her nature to want to want to support others in their endeavors, if not aid them with her own two hands.
Surprise writ her features clean, green eyes a touch wide. "Found it?" she repeated in awe, fingers idly twining in a lock of red hair that spilled over her fur-collared shoulder. "A waste indeed, and what a find! It's beautiful!" Tesla nodded her affirmation, remaining where she was though her eyes drank in the thick panes of the glass, the perfect bulbous curve and the way the contents seemed to shimmer. It was hypnotizing, reminding her of days as a child when she'd watch the sun make the beach sand glitter like a blanket of gems. It was a warm memory, eliciting a fond smile from the woman. "It certainly brightens the room. Such character for an innocent bottle!"
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Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:37 am
"Very intense" he agreed, thankful for the more quiet part of Amies by the beach. Although he did not appreciate the state the house at the moment, he still considered it much better than any of the other properties he could have purchased in the city. It area was open and nature mostly untouched, reminiscent of his old home. The man's expression turned more gentle with the other's words, he was a hunter who was so used to being out there in the sun and in the wilderness rather than being cooped up in a crowded area as strangers bump shoulders and shout out their available wares at the passerby's. For him that was already such chaos. The beach brought a peaceful stillness, especially now after everything that had happened to him.
Elias looked at her with a shy look of surprise when she wanted to be referred to as Tesla, "Ah--Lady--- I mean Tesla, then. Same, you can call me Elias if you wish." he says sincerely. Although he was always formal in his words and actions he always preferred a sense of familiarity, it made him feel more comfortable yet that was something he would never admit. When the other still offered her help Elias was rather humbled, the idea of a hot meal was so inviting to him. "No, that does sound very.. pleasant. Only if you want to--of course I understand if something more important comes up. --Either way I am thankful for your generous offer of help." His tone was softer despite the formality of his words. "But of course, I would have to make it up to you."
With his hand curled in a fist, surprised with the sudden heat of the bottle he almost didn't hear Tesla's words. "That it is... It was just left among trees." his face was still a little bit dumbstruck with how the temperature of the bottle strangely spiked. But he settled on the explanation that it was his imagination--or something else that was purely logical, also pushing aside the thought that it looked much brighter than when he first found it. He nodded his head, the brunette agreeing that the bottle did bright up the room considerably as the sunlight made the sandy content sparkle gently. A rather pretty ornament, Elias admitted.
He stood up in place and looked out through a broken window, seeing the sky dim a little. Though his body was asking for rest after his long journey he could not help but feel the need to accomplish more things as fast as he could, never one to be idle. But with the subtle tint of orange spilling into the sky, Elias noted that perhaps it was a little bit too late in the day to buy some supplies from the town. "I would need to buy supplies tomorrow then." he thought out aloud, making a list in his head.
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Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 3:25 pm
The woman didn't really understand Elias' shyness towards her, but she wasn't going to push, instead continuing to keep her distance and offer a warm smile when he looked her way. "If it pleases you, Elias. I sincerely appreciate the formality but I'm not really used to it." Laughing a little, she once more looked abashed. "We don't really get a lot of company -- especially since my family moved. So, were you to take me up on that offer, you'd be in no debt to me. Your company would be far greater a payment than preparing a meal. I have to eat, with or without company, so it is you that would do me a great service."
His distraction was interesting, wondering what it was about the bottle that captivated him, if there was something she was not privvy to from her location. Tesla wasn't about to ask, however - they were still on polite terms, after all - and instead addressed the part she could respond to. "Stranger still that someone else didn't see it previously. Such a bright countenance against the trees would surely draw attention." Curious, she thought to herself, feeling a small thrill of mystery in her. He's such a unique character.
The red-head's eyes brightened again as Elias spoke out loud, straightening and tucking her cloak more warmly around her shoulders. "If you've need of a cart to carry supplies, I have one I'm not using right now. I also need to head to town tomorrow for some fresh meat -- if you'd like a tour, I'd be happy to offer." The next part, however, she was a little more cautious about, glancing over her shoulder into the onset of night. "Will you be warm enough tonight, Elias? The nights are cold with a breeze off the ocean." With a meaningful look at the gaps, rot and holes in the walls and ceiling, she couldn't help but feel the dark-haired man was taking on a lot more than he could chew just then.
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:39 pm
Elias was the very opposite of that. Even though he had been traveling around the continent for a few years he still retained what he had learned when he was a boy--with strict emphasis on values and tradition with a high respectful sense of formality in their words. "Tesla, thank you." says his thanks once again, the woman's sincere generosity continuing to astound the man. But despite her insisting that his company was payment enough he was still determined to make it up to her.
He lifts his head, long dark bangs falling messily from their place. "Oh-- you live alone here?" he looked rather surprised, his old-fashioned ways hinting so obviously in their conversation. A woman at her age and physical appearance living alone would have been unheard of where he had originated. Then again he remembered that Amies wasn't the village he was from and the people were very different. "Takes some getting used to, this place I mean.." he starts, thinking out loudly to himself.
The next offer "Really-- Lad-- I mean Tesla-- I.. am really very thankful for all your help, especially since I am merely a stranger to you." he bows his head in thanks, his hand on his chest. "Ah? The breeze?" he straightens up, looking through one window that showed a generous view of the crashing tides. "I shall be fine." He lifted his thick coat that was lined with fur, propping it on his shoulders since the sky was dimming and the air getting chillier as they conversed. The young man was honestly used to cold weather, his skin learning to tolerate the winter nights when he was younger.With a thoughtful look towards the bottle he also thought that it would also help because without fail the glass had always been warm on his fingertips somehow.
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Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 11:21 pm
"It's the least I can do to welcome you to your new home." Tesla's words were kind but earnest; she didn't mean to be over-bearing. At the man's surprised look, she laughed abruptly, embarrassed and fully understanding his inquiry. "Ah, yes -- my family, they're in Idia, as my grandmother has fallen very ill. I stayed behind to keep the house clean and watch the fields. It's very...unorthodox, I know." Absently rubbing one of her cheeks, she tried not to look as embarrassed as she felt. She knew well she should have been married and starting her own family by now, but her parents still needed her, especially with the twins. She wasn't going to argue that. Then again, maybe there just hadn't been any potential suitors to hand the farm off to...
Elias speaking made her jump a little, pulling out of her thoughts to smile almost nervously at him. "You're not a stranger, Elias. You're my neighbor. If things pan out for you, we'll be living next to each other for a long time." Tugging her cloak around her shoulders, she glanced behind herself at the darkening night, more aware of the time given that the bottle shined so brightly. "You've no doubt had a long day, and have longer still on the morrow -- I will leave you to your rest, Elias Theale. Forgive my intrusion! I hope you'll sleep soundly." Bowing her head, the young woman stood upright and took a few steps back from the door frame, prepared to return to her own house. There were no lights in the dark abode, given that she'd left when the sun was still out; it was a good thing she kept candles by the doorway.
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Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 7:59 pm
"You are.. far too kind." says honestly and more in awe as he nods at her in thanks once again. With her answer even he could notice that she felt uncomfortable, the younger man bowing his head in sudden apology. "I--I didn't mean to pry. It's just that you seem very---able and physically ideal so--" he stopped himself there, putting a hand to his lips to silence himself, cheeks reddening as he already makes a fool out of himself. Not much of a fresh start and good first impression. He scolds himself mentally. "Forgive my prying." Settles on that, biting his bottom lip as he manages to raise up his head again.
He merely nods his head at her words, agreeing that hopefully things will pan out well. And despite his feet shuffling nervously on the hardwood floor and the way he put his hand to his lips in habit, he felt that he did want to live here for long. The hunter enjoying the light breeze of the oceanside as the day grew dark still. "Thank you very much ---ah but---" he stepped forward when she started to leave, peeking outside from the open doorway. It was almost pitch black save for the bright remains of the sun on the dark sky. "Can I walk you home?" asks immediately, stepping down from the damaged stairs, waiting for her answer.
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 1:39 pm
Tesla generally had an excellent composure when it came to discussions about why she was yet unwed. However, having this traditional, upstanding gentleman call her able and physically ideal made her cheeks surpass a red blush and instead turn a soft shade of pink. She wouldn't dare think that Elias actually thought she was pretty - he was, after all, being polite - but more to the point, it was like choosing livestock in the manner it was said: all business, making sure udders were ample and the coat was shiny. Nothing more.
"It's fine, Elias," she assured him once more despite the bright pink on her cheeks, "I appreciate the encouragement." Tesla was grateful she was against the doorframe then, as walking out would have been extremely awkward, feeling as she did. She was surprised when the dark-haired man instead stepped to her, green eyes wide over the stain of pink. "Ah, I'm just--" She followed after him and looked towards her home, only really visible as a dark silhouette against the wharf. Not wanting him to think she was offended, she nodded quietly before realizing he probably couldn't see her in the dark. Slender fingers extending from the warm fur of her cloak, she carefully took his arm, standing at his side. "Thank you; that would be nice."
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:45 pm
Walking out he shivered in surprise when a cool ocean breeze hit him, moving near the woman to accompany her home. He started to position himself not too close to respect her personal space nor too far as to seem like he was uncomfortable or that he didn't want to be alongside her. "Alright then----" He was yet again taken aback by her actions as his arm was held, stiffening at the touch but not pulling away at all. He let out a little nervous sound as they started to walk, his darker skin also tinted with a light shade of pink. "Let us.. be off." He murmured. Thankfully it was dark and she couldn't see his obvious embarrassment.
Elias could see the big silhouette of her house even from where they were. It was definitely noticably bigger than his own little 'shack', Elias admiring the solid and intricate construction of the worn but sturdy and well cared for house. The sand was comfortable below his boots, the gentle sound of the waves in the air as they walked. But all the while in this peaceful mood, Elias was very, very nervous.
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