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 Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2012 7:36 pm
x x x x x █║ WHO: Nadezhda & Asad
x x x x x █║ WHAT: A meeting with the tailors for 'business' yields something of interest...
x x x x x █║ WHEN: Midday turning into early evening.
x x x x x █║ WHERE: Faleen's Frills
x x x x x █║ WEATHER: The first breath of autumn can be tasted, but it's still rather warm.
The laughter came easy, as soft and warm as the desert he came from. The sound was from his chest and rich with honey, but it always was. It was his standard.
Leaning against the front counter, Asad wore sunshine in his smile and casual confidence in the arch of his brow, politely attentive as one of the women tittered and bat dark eyelashes at him. It was all a game of intrigue and wordplay, all these deals and traveling contracts, a game he was rather adept at. The Khan loved his life; he carried the weight of his Shah where it mattered and the charm of a cozy night if it didn't, working with the finest material in the world and all the attendants and company he could hope for. The road could be long some days but he was never without his worldly pleasures and comforts. It made him a bit arrogant at times, but it was something he could warm into confidence to his benefit, and this was one of those times.
He struck an exotic figure, mostly playing to the Palisadian notion of easterners. His sleeves draped comfortably to his elbows, the cloth fitted to the rest of his body in such a manner as to flatter and display as richly as the silk itself, the color that of a deep crimson lined in gold. Asad layered himself in the very silks he was peddling, deep brown and lining of pine greens, and from the carefully tended pile on the counter next to him ranging from cream to royal purple, he presented as having a hell of a handle on dyes and properly airing and maintaining the folds. He was no swindler, no charlatan, and he clearly had no qualms with asserting his knowledge and expertise. To him, the deal would close and he'd be in business with Faleen's Frills. He just needed a little more schmoozing -- and information, or in this case, gossip.
"You've all be such stunning company," he purred, his voice as rich as his clothes, low and smooth, "that I've no need for the rest of the day but to bask in the thoughts of you." Gathering himself and standing upright, he drew his dark fingers down the seam of his clothes, his golden eyes lidded with all the suggestion of the simple gesture. "But I must ask as is polite and professional of me -- where might one leave orders for the tailoring requests so I might send them your way, hmm?" His motives, while ulterior, were kind all the same, as he always treated women with a quiet respect and consideration. It could be tedious to flower every sentence with suggestion and honey, but such was the story of his proud life. It was his job.
Just another day looking for another fascination, searching for something to hold his attention for more than the turn of the sun.
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:47 pm
While the fellow foreigner was busy working the ladies out front with his magical silver tongue, in the back Nade was busy checking the wares and adjusting a few of them how they were settled. A new shipment had come in, and was nicely tucked in with the rest of the goods. All the various folds of fabric were lined up in the vast cabinets and shelves, a few dresses, trousers, and blouses hanging up on a wall as well, ready to be picked up or worked on. She'd already tended to a few of them, and just needed to wait for her customers to arrive to get them.
Once everything was taken care of, in their rightful places, Nade smoothed back some loose strands of her dirty blonde hair that had escaped the bun she'd made from her wavy locks. Bangs swept across her forehead, daring to cover an eye due to how thick they were, the extra strands tucked behind her ears to hang loosely. Though most of the women kept their straighter hair more tightly done, hers still kept a very elegant look, along with her exotic features. It was important to keep ones appearance up in such a setting, unfortunately. In all truth, Nade could care less for her looks, or how she was presented to the public... but it was all to keep her cover... to keep a way of getting information from the fools that were stuck up in their land of riches and luxury. The fools... They were so easy... like plump chickens ripe for a fox to sink its fangs into. Slender arms lowered to gently brush at her royal blue dress, the fabric smooth and saturated to show it was clearly one of high value as well. There was only a simple amulet around her neck, one made of pure gold, that rested on the exposed just above her chest, and a pair of gold tear drops dangling from her earlobes. Making sure she was fully presentable, she made her way out of the back room to head to the front.
All the ladies up there already were full of giggles, which trickled back to the assassin, catching her interest. Olive green eyes instantly drew to the gaggle of ladies, then the man, whose face she could not see from her current position. Ah... well of course the other young women would all swoon over such a gentleman. He looked well dressed, after all... good stature from the bit she could see. Internally rolling her eyes, she forced herself into the fake character that she'd molded for this particular shop, hands gently taking to one another in a delicate motion, smile softly spreading on her face that was just so faintly dusted with sweet freckles. The other women hardly noticed she was there... but once one of them did, an older woman at that, a red hue took brighter to her already rosy cheeks. Clearing her throat, the other woman rose a hand to cover her flushed expression, excused herself, and moved towards Nade. She whispered something then into the young woman's ear, something about taking care of the sir... as she had to go due to... some sort of... made up event. Containing any sort of irritated response, the Russian native simply gave a subtle nod, paying attention back to the stranger in their shop.
While the other ladies continued to fawn and stare at him in awe, she kept behind the desk, while they were around it in front of him, and spoke up in a calm, and collected voice, "Is there something I can help you with, sir?" she asked smoothly, accent completely covered up from years of practice.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 11:49 am
musicaloner7 School started again, sorry for the delay!
Asad was no stranger to brief battle; he was a Khan, and a politician. When endangered, he felt the headiest sensation of time slowing down - or perhaps it was his adrenaline kicking up - but no matter how it happened, it was as though his senses went into overtime and he could move amongst the slowed chaos efficiently and with a cool head. It was peculiar then, that there, in the tailor shop in the middle of Palisades where he had no danger to his well being, that it was happening to him again. Time seemed to falter and trip, giving him a distorted sense of his surroundings: the women he'd just parted ways with, his fingers still withdrawing from the last of their pale digits, their voices almost blocked out in the sudden white nothingness of the moment; the filter of sunlight through the fancy design of the store, the tiny particles of dust and movement catching and dancing; and his eyes, entirely filled with her, the owner of the voice who had set about this new and unusual experience of fight or flight. She was all golden hair that threatened to tumble down by the few strands that framed her foreign features, set with vivid green eyes (which prompted a distant, foggy note to try and recreate in a dye, for it was such a green as he'd not yet seen reproduced) and lips that were curved in a polite, professional smile. She was softness and delicacy but there was something else to her - perhaps the something that had started this strange occurrence in him - but he could not put his finger on it, so stricken as he was.
What felt like a lifetime of staring across the room was in fact mere heartbeats in length, the world crashing back down to reality around him. He never missed a step or paused and though he seemed unphased, a woman of her caliber might have noticed the acute rise of brow and the slight part of lips he'd offered when he had first looked at her. Asad may have just found his fascination there at that simple tailor's shop. Approaching the counter with great interest, the man's lips returned to his previous smile, small but warming in the way his eyes curved into slight crescents, a touch of earnest intent in his bid to garner her interest in the way he drew a thoughtful breath before he spoke. "Forgive me, I did not mean to draw you from your work," he started, bowing his head slightly though his eyes did not leave hers. "Not that I would bid you return, mind you; I'm not so rude as to refuse the aid of such a kindly offer as you've shared." A light upward curve of one side of his lips, a faint lift of his brow, and the honeyed approach had returned.
"But perhaps you can help me." Placing one hand on the counter that separated them, he shifted his weight in a subtle lean towards the blonde, the gesture offered as though giving them some sort of privacy from the others. "I've had the delight of meeting your fellow tailors," his words were still rich, but his voice had softened, audible for her ears only, "but I've not had the honor of yours."
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 5:12 pm
While the man had his own reaction to their locked eyes, Nade had her own. Right off the bat she could tell he was a man of... the finer things in life. Handsome, well dressed, and the charisma just oozed from him, etched on his suave features. It made her give a quick blink so as to kick into her usual gear of heavily guarded walls. By the looks of the other women he'd chatted with, he was one that could melt a heart with ease... but she wasn't like most women.
But... she was a woman who fancied gentlemen, and couldn't help but be appreciative of his appealing physique. It wasn't often men came into the store, and if they did, they were usually the grumpy old types. Ones who just wanted fancy, expensive materials for their materialistic wives. But this would lead her to wondering just what his purpose was here... Perhaps he was a boyfriend or husband of one of her fellow tailors. That seemed the most plausible. It was rare that such a man, especially by gauging his age, would be without a woman at his side. But that mattered not. He was another customer just like any other. As he approached, the women he'd just been flirting with were all stares and whispers once the mysterious man began to engage with Nade. Not paying much mind to them, her olive green eyes kept locked onto his... a habit she'd gained from her undercover job. One never backed away from anyone... Always let them make the first move, and be the first to fall.. Of course, such things weren't useful in this case, but she couldn't help it. Such acts had been ingrained into her.
His presence was very overpowering, to most women like those uttering softly behind him, the evident poise and grace he held very similar to that of a serpent. So fluid, and smooth.. The space that was cut out between them didn't cause Nade to falter, though a hand did lift to smooth back a strand of hair that'd slipped back over her ear against her will, tucking it back into place as Asad played his part. She was used to these types... all talk for any kind of woman. Her brother had warned her and taught her how to deal with these kinds of men. Being in the store somewhat helped, too. It forced her to keep in character, and to keep things... 'civil'. Smile just barely lifting a little more from the comfortable position it was, those long lashes of hers batted only once in a lax manner, a silent exhale through her nose showing the repress of a chuckle. He really did know what he was doing, didn't he? Much like a rehearsed part...
"You may call me Nade, sir, and it is no problem at all. My work is nearly finished for the day." this was true. She'd done her part. All that was left was waiting around for anyone else who may make a late peek into the shop. And for her name? Well.. hardly anyone in this country could pronounce it correctly... and she didn't take a liking to hearing it butchered like a swine so much... "Are you here for a pick up, perhaps? Or do you have an order that you'd like to request?" The woman who'd given her the duty of taking care of the young man before her reappeared from the back room, looking flustered and all a twitter upon glancing to Asad again, hurrying off out the door, adjusting her fancy hat. Nade spared the woman a small glance, using all her control to refrain from glaring.
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Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:05 pm
How fascinating! This blonde beauty - Nade, she had said her name was - could not have been more different from the other women if she tried. Where Asad's smile had been enough to earn a response from the ladies he'd parted company with, Nade was composed, unfettered, even. It would figure, he supposed, that the one to grab his attention was the one who was least attentive to him in turn. It was of no consequence, really; the man enjoyed a challenge, as he firmly believed anything worth doing was worth the efforts and trials, even if the path to reach good favor was obscure and potentially booby-trapped.
"Nade," he repeated the name in a soft tone, almost reverent, "lovely name, so light and elegant for someone so bright and beautiful." The compliments may have fell easily from his lips, but it wasn't a rehearsal or play; his part was in tact, certainly, but his interest was genuine. "You are unlike any I have set eyes on here -- or anywhere, truth be told. Where do you hail from, Nade, that the sun shares her glow to be spun amongst your hair and the earth bears treasures for your eyes? Ah--look at me! Seeking your attention before I've offered my name!" He stood upright for a moment then, but only long enough for the introduction, one hand on his chest and the other slightly outstretched to his side as he bowed his head. "I am Asad and, have I my way with this fine establishment, I will be your imported silk supplier. Goodness willing, that means I'll be seeing a lot more of your sweet smile." Returning to his subtle lean, he was entirely prepared to see just how far he could reach this woman with his words alone...but she had asked him a question and he, distracted or not, did have business to attend beyond the silk trade. There was a distinct reason he'd picked this tailor to peddle to and not the others that were scattered amongst the generously sized city.
Still leaning on the counter, he offered a slightly less personal smile, his business auto-pilot kicking in. "A question for you, my lady; is it to your fair hand that I place any orders in the future? You see..." His free hand lifted, procuring an order between his index and middle finger as though from thin air. Asad was a master of his trade and all the folds he could conceal items within; paper was of no consequence to make a show of. "...I've already an order, from the road here. One I need tended to with haste, but, ah," he flit the paper from its position to rest on the side of his index knuckle, thumb holding the edge in place as he handed over to Nade, "I want to be sure I am following the proper avenues for the requests."
Unabashed, he fixed his most laid back, charming smile he could upon her, almost eager for business to conclude. Then, he could flirt and praise and pursue the apple of his eye to his heart's content.
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Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:29 pm
As the 'kind' words were laid out like caramel dripping from a ladle, it took a great deal of effort for Nade to keep from snickering, or wrinkling her nose in response... or giving a sigh. The poor fellow was wasting such niceties, really. Living the life she had, the woman had become hardened, as she needed to be... but such words were still somewhat rare for her to hear in such abundance that it made it more comical than anything. Certainly much more fancy that the usual... most gents would merely comment about her beautiful features, never elaborate... But she remained composed, unwavered by his sugary compliments, responding to him appropriately, "I am from {Russia}, sir." there is a clear hint of her true accent as her homeland is revealed, but is quickly masked with her following words. It was unwise to have a voice texture that stood out from the norm in her true line of work...
Once his name and business was stated, she gave a subtle nod of acknowledgement, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance then, sir." she politely replied with, internally crooking a brow. Her sweet smile? Ah, the fake one she wore now... What an amusing character this man was...
Taking note to his features shifting to one that reasembled a more serious tone, the woman's interest was piqued mildly, a few of the ladies that had been speaking with Asad inching a touch closer, straightening out some of the dresses, and jackets on display, wanting in on what the two at the desk were on about. Earthen dyed eyes slid to the obvious women, before resting back on those golden ones that the foreign man was adorned with, "If it is a request for constructing or repairing clothing, than I can assure you that I or any of my fellow tailors are able to service you, Mr. Asad." she replied smoothly, though she did extend a hand to accept the slip of paper. One of the nearby girls was peeking over, gritting her teeth behind pressed lips, hands gripping perhaps a bit too tightly to the dress she was 'straightening out'.
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Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 12:48 pm
musicaloner7 Did we want this to be just a quick meeting and move on, or should he try to barter her time for a tour or something? XD
Molten eyes slid subtly to the side as he noted her flick of attention, aware they were being encroached upon. He was quiet for a turn, considering to continue their banter or to make a more direct play, ultimately settling on a gentle play against his professionalism. "Be that the case, I'll do my best to see the orders to your able hands." The golden gaze again returned to Nade's face without moving otherwise, almost a bid to hold onto the lingering moment that was going to be taken from them by the idle fancy of the other women. Asad decided that this woman alone was worth the business, the song and dance to win them over; so very rare was it that there was someone so composed in his dealings. If he wasn't keeping so covert in his intentions, he would have asked her to work for himself instead. Let it never be said Asad was not forward.
"Then I suppose that concludes our business?" he asked in a gentle voice, the last vestige of their privacy.
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Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 1:45 pm
Chrystali I'm up for what ever! c8 If you want to continue it on, maybe do a little time skip to when she's done with work, and he waits for her/finds her again? or if you want to start anew, that's fine too! c|
"You are too kind, Mr. Asad." she replied just as seamlessly as she had the entire time conversing with him, "We are grateful for your business, and your orders shall be carried out without problem~ You are more than welcome to check in on their progress should you ever so desire." It was custom to give the whole business run down, ensuring customers that there would be no worries to be had! Her lush lips were parted to continue on, before she was intrrupted, one of the young ladies eavesdropping nearby stepping up closer to Asad's side, all smiles and shimmering eyes,
"Yes do come see us again! Your company is so delightful, Asad!" the rather bolder girl proclaimed, all giggles and beaming smiles. Nade glanced to her, fighting a smirk, and slid her jewels for eyes towards the second woman that now felt it ok to approach Asad from the other side as well, encouraging him with her fellow awe-struck comrade. The softest of exhales escaped the Russian's nose, the start of a chuckle, seeing as it was her time to leave now.
"Until the next time, Mr. Asad." she muttered, giving a polite bow, before turning to return back to the hidden work rooms.
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