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 Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2020 1:17 pm
With the harvest season came a boom in business for Mya's family bakery. Aurick's mother was busy from sunup to sundown crafting as many pastries, specialty breads and any other delicacies her mind could concoct. Of course many were old family recipes handed down from one baker to the next, but some were newer additions thanks to her marriage to his mama, Petra.
Aurick helped out as much as he could. As the eldest son it was expected of him to do most of the heavy lifting, even when he had so many cousins hanging around the bakery at any given moment. They all came to the city from time to time to avoid work on the farm with the excuse of 'bringing the last of the roudnd up to market'. He was dumb, but not that dumb. Seeing them lazing about, laughing and stuffing their faces, while his mother hustled in the later months of pregnancy was enough to get to him. He was supposed to be working on his schooling, but how could he?!
So, instead of studying, he shooed them all out and set about helping. Any minute now they would be receiving a trade from another bakery; some much needed flour for a hefty sum of excess apples. Prices for ingredients tended to shoot up this time of year, and with supplies being in high demand trades were often far more valuable then any outright purchases. He knew the bakery wasn't exactly local, in a different city, maybe?, but they were on friendly terms so it tended to work itself out.
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Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2020 2:10 pm
Those better be some damn delicious apples, Tyri. Quipped Chrysanthe quietly as she tugged along a cart from the café. The owner had quite a few connections and Chrysanthe had been asked to help with a delivery of flour to Valmon. Thankfully Hafelle had a great transportation system so it wasn't horribly awful to get to Valmon but once they had arrived at the station, Chrysanthe still had to deal with tugging along the cart that had pounds of flour on it. Soon enough it would be exchanged for apples that Tyri had bartered with an old friend for. They both knew that the harvest season was up and the stored flour from their bakery always was a benefit whenever demand for apple based goods were high. She just hoped that the other bakery was ready with their apples and that they were packaged well enough for her cart to make it to the station and back to Hafelle.
Hitting a bump along the paved street, Chrysanthe had to hold her breath before relaxing as she realized that everything was still in place. "Good deal." She breathed before glancing about. She had been in Valmon a few times since moving to Belrea but it was still amazing exactly how much bigger it felt that the capital was in comparison to her city. I suppose the Academy really attracts a lot of people. Then there was also the entertainment sector that had thriving theatres and shops here that brought in a lot of people. If not for the airships being docked at Zenner, Chrysanthe could see this being the true travel hub of Belrea. Okay enough looking around like some country bumpkin. Even though without gaping at every store she knew that her looks would be enough to make it obvious that she was from out of town....or rather country. Still, Chrysanthe forced herself to focus on her task and turned right around the corner, based on the directions Tyri had instilled into her, to find the bakery. At least Chrysanthe assumed it was the bakery with the fresh smell of bread floating about and whatever else was baking. It smelled nice despite the other city smells and she found herself grinning. I suppose they must have good stuff for Tyri to respect them and trade with them. Her golden gaze flitted about until it landed on a rather well built lightning boy. "Hey there!" She called out with a wave. "Looking for a flour delivery?" She certainly hoped so because he made her hopeful that unloading with his help would be a lot easier than doing it on her own!
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Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2020 2:06 pm
With cousins like his it was little wonder why Aurick had grown so beefy. His Aunties and Uncles were as hard working as the next Geian, but the younger generation just wanted to goof off. Which, in all actuality, is something Aurick would have preferred so much more than work, but he couldn't just leave his mama. She would have struggled enough as it was, but carrying that baby in her belly just made it so much harder!
It just looked beyond uncomfortable, and Aurick tried his best to keep her happy.
Everything was better when mama was happy.
And yet...she did have her moments of hormonal rage and at that moment he was outback preparing for that delivery. Needless to say that when the representative from the other bakery showed up Aurick was floored. "Woah! I didn't know they'd be sending a foreigner. And a cute one, to boot." He didn't care that she was older than he was; Aurick didn't do much thinking before he spoke. The teenager was all smiles though as he approached. "Name's Aurick, my mom's the one waiting for the flour. She's been pretty stressed out about orders lately so you'll be the apple of her eye."
He grinned and waggled his eyebrows.
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 7:48 am
Well he was rather enthusiastic. Chrysanthe blinked in surprise before flashing the teen a small smile. "Surprise?" She replied with a chuckle. "I didn't realize that I would have such an energetic and forward welcome." Her cheeks flushed slightly at his compliment. Surely he was just being a goof and she simply brushed off the comment with a shake of her head. At least she had help unloading, even if he was perky and full of puns. Chrysanthe could only shake her head once more at his joke. "Well I'm glad to be here. They're craving apples up north real bad and we're thankful that your mother saved us once again this year."
"Nice to meet you, Aurick." Chrysanthe set down the handle to the cart carefully on the ground. "I'm Chrysanthe but you can also call me Chrys if thats easier. So where should we take the flour?" She grinned sheepishly. "That is at least I was hoping you were here to help and not just be a nice face to greet me."
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:26 pm
She was even prettier when she smiled. Aurick had a hard time looking away from pretty women on a good day, let alone those with such unique features. Were her....were her ears finned? "Better than a quiet one, though, right?" He was sure she'd seen her fair share of anger in the city just by simply being a foreigner. Aurick wasn't about to add to that.
"That names a mouthful. I'm glad you've got a nickname that I can use, though; as pretty as it is hearing you say it, I know I'd just butcher it later." Or worse, forget it all together. He'd probably call her Christine, Crystal, Chrysanthemum....all sorts of mumbo jumbo before he got it right. Aurick tried his best, he really did, but big words tended to slip out of his brain. Chrys he could remember, though.
"Oh, we'll bring it through the back door. There's a larder just to the left where we can put it all." At first what she said really didn't hit him. He simply stepped up to the cart, lifted two heavy bags of flour over each shoulder and stepped back until she was ready with her load. When they were ready to go inside it dawned on him and he couldn't help grinning like an idea.
"Don't go talkin' me up, miss, or I won't let you stop." Aurick walked through the open doorway and listened to the noises coming from the kitchen. The others were hard at work, but it didn't sound like his mama was alone so instead of going to check on her he went straight to the larder. The bakery itself was older and the smaller storage showed it; it was already busting at the seems, but the flour was necessary. So, he simply kicked a few totes of peaches out of the way and housed the flour into the corner with a grunt. "We've been keeping the apples in the kitchen; not much space here, ya know? We're not as big as some of the bakeries, but I can guarantee mama's tarts will beat out anything else you'll get in Valmon."
He knew they'd likely need to make more trips to get the rest of the flour, but at least this way she wouldn't think they'd forgotten about the apples.
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:05 pm
"Just depends, I 'spose." Quipped back Chrysanthe playfully as she thought about receiving a quiet welcome instead of this one. Sometimes the louder ones were a bit rude but this guy seemed pretty nice so far. Her lips pursed at his comment about her name and she had to hold back a laugh. He wasn't completely wrong after all. That was why she often preferred to go by Chrys whenever she was with others considering how lengthy her name felt, especially in a foreign city where it stood out. Aurick was nice and simple as well so she was confident in her ability to remember it. Chrys found herself glancing over him once more as he spoke and realized that his eyes were two different colors. Now that was unique. She smiled faintly at the thought. Did that also explain how easily he seemed to accept her own different appearance?
Chrysanthe chuckled at his reaction to her compliment. "Duly noted." She replied as she picked up a couple of bags of flour for herself. Despite being slender the girl was fairly strong and it showed in the way that her arms tightened around the hefty bags of flour. Her ears twitched at the sound of lively noises coming from the kitchen and Chrysanthe felt a sense of familiarity with everything. It was a lot like her own bakery and the loud kitchens that she often dealt with. A good environment for baking. Who wanted cold and callous food after all? She could already see why her employer had formed a relationship with this place and its owner. Aurick's words only confirmed her assumptions and Chrysanthe nodded. "I'll believe you though I may have to try them for myself before leaving." It had been a lengthy ride to get here after all and would definitely be taking some time to enjoy the day before heading back home. "I haven't been to Valmon but maybe once since coming to Belrea, you know. I may drop off the flour first and then return for the apples after a tour of the city." Commented Chrys as she continued following him towards the larder.
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:43 pm
"Now there we go." Aurick beamed. Seeing her heft the heavy flour put a bit of warmth in his heart. How often was it that folk, men and women alike, would make deliveries and expect him to do all the work? "Still think I've got you beat in the arm, but I'd wager you could toss me across this floor if you wanted."
He wiped his sweaty palms off on his pants, but hearing her only made his smile brighten. "If that's the case then you should stay with us! You can bunk with my sister; no sense wasting coin when there's a good meal waiting for you. My mothers would agree." Astra would probably love to have someone else around to talk to besides the younger kids and himself. Besides, it wasn't as if they never had visitors, anyway. "So long as you're alright with little ones, that is. I've got a pretty big family and it can be a little much if you aren't used to it."
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:04 pm
She couldn't resist laughing at Aurick's comment. "Oh really?" Chyrsanthe quirked a brow before shaking her head in amusement. "I definitely do think that you have me beat there." She didn't even want to think about tossing him cross the floor either! Just the thought made her cheeks flush lightly before she shifted the flour in her arms. "Let's just get these bags put up." Chrysanthe managed as she glanced about the area some more. Now where did those bags go? Perhaps over there or maybe towards the right instead? She focused on looking everywhere save for towards Aurick.
Though her gaze widened and she found herself pausing as his offer registered with her. "Stay here? You think she would be okay with that, really?" Chrysanthe hesitated at the idea of a big family but at the same time the idea of saving coin was very tempting. She was trying to keep up with her savings and inns could be rather pricey, especially in the cities. I suppose it wouldn't hurt if they truly were okay with me staying for just one night. She reasoned before slowing nodding her head. "I think I can manage with little ones. How big is your family even for you to say that?" Chrysanthe found herself asking since she wanted to be prepared for exactly how much a little much truly was.
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:31 pm
[5/10]
The second load wasn't much lighter than the first, but then again neither was the third. Of course there wasn't much left by the time Aurick got his fill; each time he got just as much as the first and the boy was only just starting to tire. He lugged the flour into the larder, tossing it in much the same place as the first, not even bothering to hide his fascination with Chrys even as she seemed to be looking anywhere but his way. What was the big deal? Did he have something in his teeth? On impulse the big lug took his look and dug around his teeth, then with a frown his brought his hand up to his mouth and huffed. Probably smell like garlic.
He just....he just had so many questions. Why were her ears like that? What was with the spots? Were they sunspots or some kind of skin thing? Or was that normal? "If I thought they'd say no I wouldn't have offered. You'll be the apple of their eye. Get it? Because of the apples." Laughing at his own joke, Aurick cleared his throat. "Well, there's my mother, Petra, and mama, Mya. She's the one who works here." Which if the noises were anything to go by his cousins had returned and were likely, finally, helping her out. "I have six siblings and one on the way. The youngest ones are ten and they'll put honey in your socks if you aren't watching so...make sure to watch."
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:51 pm
"Oh my spirits, Aurick." Chrysanthe shook her head at his awful pun though a smile did cross her lips in some amusement at the stupidity of it. As he explained his family the girl gave a slow nod. "I suppose that is a decently sized family." She mused lightly as she helped to put away more of the flour. If anything it was almost like the reverse of her situation considering she was the youngest. At least he had sisters instead of all brothers. Just the thought of her testosterone filled family back in Sauti made her sigh quietly. With some brothers it hadn't been quite so bad while others weren't really ones that she would be happy to see again in the future....if she ever did go back home. At this rate Belrea seemed more a home to her than Sauti, a thought which made her smile slip.
"So I guess I should keep my boots on even while I sleep then. Got it." She finally managed with a forced chuckle. "I hope that we can get along....minus the honey of course. I always wondered what it would be like to have sisters but all I ever had were older brothers." Though she never had put honey into anyone's shoes while growing up but she kind of wishes that she had honestly. All she had done was pick fist fights and make her mother upset that she was more of a tomboy than any delicate daughter she ever wanted. The thought made Chrysanthe toss another bag of flour rather harshly into the pile before she glanced towards Aurick. "If anything I can always help with baking or something tomorrow as appreciation for letting me stay. I'm not just a delivery service, you know."
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Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:18 pm
"You really autumn know by now, Chrys, that I'm not going to stop." He gave a hearty guffaw and gave a pretty bold stance, complete with his signature eyebrow waggle. Honestly, Aurick was so gaudy and bold that he was practically high off it. "Just decent? What's your family like, then? Bigger than mine?....Oh come on now, where's that smile at, eh?" Noticing the slip he'd been quick to move on it. Maybe family was a touchy subject? It wasn't like he didn't know about strife in the bloodlines, considering some of his lightning kin weren't too keen on them.
Still...He stepped outside to get some fresh air and looked over the last of the bags. There was exactly four left which meant technically he could get them all in one load, but the boy was getting pretty sweaty. "Just a quick break, yeah?" Aurick moved over to a little bucket next to the door. "It's not fancy fruit water, but it's clean. Just put it out myself before you came." Scooping up two cups full he offered one to her.
"Brothers, huh? Must have treated you like a doll, as pretty as you are. I know I would have. Astra's the same age as me, practically a twin, and Lavinia's five years younger. Bit spoiled, that one, but I don't mind it so much." Hearing her talk about helping out just made his smile grow. "Oh, mam'll like that. She's due to have her baby any day and an extra pair of hands would be appreciated."
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Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 1:09 pm
Chrysanthe burst out into laughter at the horrible pun. "You really are something else, Aurick." She managed before his question had her mouth turning downwards into a frown again. "Ah, sorry. My family is a bit complicated. I have about..." Here she paused thoughtfully as she ran through the names in her mind, both the ones that she felt fond of and others that made her frown deepen more. "Nine older half-brothers? I had so many siblings but I wasn't lucky enough to have sisters like you do." Just a bunch of bigger, grumpier men for the most part. Well save for the brothers that she did think fondly of like Harrgit and sweet Tivis. Not that she blamed her other brothers that did dislike her considering the circumstances of her birth. Chrysanthe shook her head and forced a small smile again. "So maybe staying here for a day will at least let me get to know what having sisters could be like. Here's just hoping I can avoid that honey."
Chrysanthe followed Aurick outside and gladly took the cup of water. "Clean water is fine by me. Much better than that dirty water I get served all the time back in the other towns." She quipped back playfully before taking a drink and letting out a breath. This is nice. It was nice to get out and interact with others on occasion, but Chrysanthe wouldn't admit that to her employer of course. She simply had too much pride for such a thing. Her gaze did drop down and Chrysanthe let out a small chuckle at Aurick's compliment and comments about his sisters. "Me pretty? You're simply too nice. You must be a great brother to them from the sounds of things. I was a bit pampered by my family but I turned out too tomboyish for such things." It was far easier to slap someone in the face with some mud or throw a few things at bullies instead of simply crying in a corner and waiting on some hero. She was a fighter and not some dainty princess for certain.
"Oh?" Chrysanthe's golden eyes brightened as she looked back at Aurick. "Then I'll be even more glad to help. It must be so hard to have so much going on while having to deal with....well that as well." She gestured towards her belly sheepishly as she referenced the baby. Chrysanthe could only imagine how much harder everything would be with a child growing inside of someone's stomach.
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2020 2:41 pm
Aurick let out an impressed whistle. "Nine brothers, huh? You'd think there would have been at least one other girl in the bunch." Maybe her mom just wasn't all that great at making them?
Dipping his fingers into his own cup, Aurick rubbed the fresh water onto the back of his neck and even went as far as to splash some of it on his arms as well. While the temperature may not have been that warm the lad had worked up a sweat! He'd been so busy cooling off that he'd thought he might have heard her wrong, but something about it really stuck. "Dirty water? What kind of lowlife's been giving you dirty water? You tell me who did it and I'll deck'em." He meant it, too!
Thinking on it, or at least as much as he was capable, just made Aurick's brain hurt. "That's what I don't like about a lot of people. Girls are supposed to be dainty and boys are supposed to be....well, like this-" He raised his arm and smacked his bicep. "S'not always like that. Girls can be just as pretty when they're swingin' an iron rod as they are a parasol; don't you let anyone tell you different."
His own mothers may have fit a more stereotypical role, but his grandmother didn't and neither did his cousins.
As if on cue he heard several familiar voices coming their way, and by the time he looked towards the doorway a cute little Geian woman was stepping outside. Her apron was covered in remnants of dough and something he hoped was cinnamon. The woman looked as rough as a toy ball, even more so when you looked at her distended stomach. For a moment her eyes were on Aurick, soft and happy as any mother, and then she saw Chrys.
"Oh, you must be our delivery girl, I'm so happy you're here." She beamed and held out her hand, got a look at it and sheepishly pulled it back to wipe it on her apron. "Have you had anything to eat, yet? Aurick's been treating you good?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:44 pm
Chrysanthe simply shook her head at the statement. Nope and that's why we had this problem in the first place. She quipped silently since she would rather leave that topic alone and in some dark corner far, far away. There was a reason that she probably would never return to Sauti after all. Surely one of her brothers would give her mother granddaughters soon anyways to satisfy her desires for more daughters. That was close enough, right?
"Woah there, folmar." Chrysanthe chuckled and rested a hand lightly against Aurick's upper arm. "I was just kiddin' so no need to get all riled up for lil ole me. Honestly have found a lot more kindness in Belrea than I expected. Seems to be a common trait for you people." Her gaze was warm as she teased him playfully. It was almost adorable how he had quickly risen to the occasion to defend her! It was commendable to say the least....even if she didn't need the protection.
Chrysanthe quickly moved a step away from Aurick, her gaze fixated on the geian woman as she nodded with a small smile. "Aurick's been the best host so far. I never though a delivery exchange could be so pleasant. But you don't...." Chrysanthe's cheeks flushed slightly as she started to reject the offer of food but her stomach rumbled in protest before she could finish her words. "I mean I suppose I haven't had food since arriving in the city. Actually....is there anything else that I could help with?" She began almost sheepishly, chewing on her bottom lip thoughtfully before continuing. "Aurick mentioned that if I did need to stay a night in the city that you might have room for me? I can help with whatever you need so that I'm not just lounging about."
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:58 pm
[8/10]
His cheeks warmed as he gave her an awkward little smile. Having her hand on his arm seemed to ground him, and in his embarrassment he calmed down a bit. "Sorry, just seems pretty shady is all." Aurick was always the 'get things done and ask questions later' type of guy. He wasn't one for fighting, even if he looked like a brawler, but he'd do just about anything for a pretty face.
His mother's face softened all the more. "You can help me out by having lunch with us. My nieces and nephews are tending to the store now so I think it's safe for the three of us to sneak away for a bit." She unhooked the apron from around her stomach and placed it just inside the doorway on a peg. When she returned she held her arm out for Aurick to take, and he helped her down to street level.
"Oh, of course! I wouldn't have it any other way." She tucked her arm in with his and gave her beefy son a pat on the arm. "We live a few blocks away; I was thinking we could just head home for a bit and grab a bite. Then when we're done I can show you around the bakery and you can help out if you want."
He'd tried to take her out for lunch so many times Aurick lost count. It's a waste of money! We have food at home. She would always say, but he knew what it really was. She knew that sometimes Mama Petra would be home and she wanted to see her.
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