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 Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:13 pm
As it turned out, shopping on their parent's coppers could only get a person so far in life. At some point, a way to earn their own money to spend had to be found.
Now that she was able to get out further into the world, Zuri found more and more that she wanted to purchase for herself. She had expensive tastes and ideals that she couldn't afford on her own, and she was limited on how much she could weasel from her mothers' pockets. The time had come. She needed to find work. Something that wasn't too laborious was preferred. Something that wouldn't require sweat and dirt.
She had heard about a well-to-do arts center that provided for various crafts. Surely there was paperwork involved, and it could help her gain contacts with those that could afford lessons and those pricy hobbies!
Bonus, the building was gorgeous to look at! Zuri felt fancy just approaching the ornate front doors! With her back straight and head up, she headed inside. She closed her parasol and held it primly in both hands to hide the quiet nerves that rattled around under her cool exterior. "Hello?"
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Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:21 pm
A mountain of paperwork nearly blocked Omari's line of sight from where it was gathered in the center of the large ornate desk in his office. The room had always held parchments and documentation for students, his mother had some form of organization during her years as the school master, but since Omari had started expanding buildings and turned the school from studying dancing to encompassing all of the arts the documentation had multiplied. He had for the most part gotten it under control but with the start of the new semester the applications had flooded in. There was also the historical research on digs that he had helped sponsor, the parchments recording artifacts and the like which had been slowly added to the museum he was building inside of the academy. "I don't think there's enough here." Omari mused his voice heavy with sarcasm as he glanced over the dreaded pile of documents, his fingers slowly reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose where pressure had gathered to warn of an impending headache. "Perhaps a break is in order." He glanced down at the final piece of parchment he had reviewed and signed, the hybrid carefully plucking it from the to-do pile and adding it to the box of acceptances. After that he had to organize the proposals from the treasure hunters he had gathered and then get the approvals sent out to the noble families who were helping to sponsor all of the explorations....it was nice to gather some lost history, but feeding a crew and getting them the supplies they needed definitely required coin. Which meant more paperwork in addition to whatever he needed to get the school ready for the season. There would be festivals in a few months as well...the very thought filling Omari with dread. He truly had to consider getting a secretary, if only he could trust someone else to help him without finding ways to slip additional coin into their pockets that were not in his budget.
Straightening his silk tunic, Omari smoothed down any wrinkles that had accumulated from hours of sitting behind a desk and tightened the golden sash that kept the deep indigo material snug around his waist. A yaotl swerved up the edges of the tunic with golden scales to brighten the outfit against the darker indigo color and it matched the pearl and golden accessories that he was wearing for today. Despite being cool against his body the attire felt a bit too fancy, but Omari had been wearing finer clothing since living more in Sulburi since he never knew when a meeting with a potential student or noble sponsor would occur now that he was in charge of the academy. Mother was far too eager to retire to that little school she started up back in Matori, I should have known this was a trap. He shook his head at the thought, walking across the office and quietly closing the heavy wooden door behind him. Perhaps he could go to one of the nearby cafes just for a cup of tea and something sweet? Then again that would be detrimental....well not the tea, but the sweets if he was to practice later since twisting and turning so much on a full stomach did not always turn out so well for the dancer.
Classes were not starting until next week so Omari did not expect anyone else to be in the manor today. His ancestor's home had been expanded by a wing over the last decade and turned into a boarding school for dancers before Omari had purchased nearby buildings and turned them into classrooms and even a dormitory as well for writers, artists, musicians and even actors...anything to do with the arts then he would find a way to support it with a group of mentors and scholarships to help those who were not from nobility and wealthier families that had the talent to join the academy. Those buildings were fairly quiet due to the recent holiday, minus those few students who lived permanently within the academy and worked to help maintain the buildings for scholarships while practicing their art, and the manor itself should have been completely empty save for Omari today. So hearing someone at the door took him by surprise. "That's not Noelani or anyone else..." He mused quietly before walking down the grand staircase to find himself facing a stranger, a hybrid of some sort with unique features. She was dressed rather properly and so he doubted she was staff that he had not been introduced to...."May I help you? I was not expecting visitors today." Omari managed finally, the hybrid slowly taking a few steps closer to study the other hybrid. He wasn't against visitors nor did he try to appear distant, but rather he was somewhat perplexed. Was she applying to be a student or did something else bring her here to the academy?
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Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:43 am
How grand it must have been for the people that had lived here before it had been turned into an arts center. Fit for a queen! She could only imagine what it could be like having so much space to store precious possessions! She heard the shuffle of feet approaching and raised her eyes up from her wandering thoughts. ...Well. The young man walking down the stairs was certainly an image to take one's breath away. She would fit right in! "I certainly hope you can. My apologies for the intrusion, of course. I was not aware of any way to contact this place aside from just coming in; otherwise, I would have made an appointment." She probably would still have just walked in, but it felt right to say otherwise. "I am hoping to speak to the fine folks who run this establishment. Is anyone available? Perhaps you yourself?" Zuri gave a small nod of her head. The young man looked as likely to be a teacher as a student, but considering he was the one to come greet her in an an otherwise empty place, the former was probably more likely.
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Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 12:26 pm
Omari's lips curved upwards into a slight smile, the hybrid's amusement rising as he listened to the girl's words. At least she recognized one of the fine folks. Omari took the final few steps forward until he was at the same level as the visitor so that he could study her thoughtfully. Now that she was closer he recognized Elarian blood, something he only knew more about thanks to working with Noelani on projects, but it was surprising to see that she had Oban heritage mixed in. It was definitely not something one would expect, especially from someone dressed in fine clothing that insinuated a wealthier background. Then again he was also a strange one, wasn't he? Omari's smile brightened at the thought before he finally nodded in acknowledgment. "I suppose I am the fine folk that you are looking for, miss?" He tilted his head thoughtfully towards her before adding. "My name is Omari and I'm the current headmaster, our applications are nearly completed and usually are hard to acquire around this time I'm afraid. Are you looking to study the arts?" If she was from a noble family then they would have known to contact him or his mother, some even approached him after social gatherings to inquire about sending family members to the school. Scholarships also were appointed based on recommendation even though he was looking for more ways to open the process to allow more talents to apply rather than from being stumbled upon or by showing up at his door without warning. So based upon both of those things...he didn't think she fit quite in with either unless she was really doing her best to impress with dress and speech today. Perhaps a merchant family or someone he wasn't quite acquainted with? That would be Omari's best guess based upon all the interactions he had since taking over the school from his mother. Well, I suppose only time will tell. He mused as he continued watching the girl, curious about her response.
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Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 1:53 pm
'This is the headmaster?' Zuri couldn't help blinking a couple times before she caught herself. Omari must know the right people to be in such a position at his age. Of course, he could simply look younger than he is. "My name is Zuribali, Omari. Zuri, if you prefer." She pursed her lips slightly and shook her head. Practice arts where one made a spectacle of themselves for the entertainment of others? Not likely! "No, I am not here seeking lessons, actually. I was hoping.." She found herself pausing a moment, suddenly uncertain. Was this really a good idea? Well, the worst this Omari could do was turn her down! There would be other places plenty lucky for her employment if that happened! "I've come to inquire if your school might have need of a secretary. I know my way around an office and various filing systems to fit whatever your needs might be."
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Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:45 pm
"Zuri it is." Omari replied with a small nod, the young dancer even more amused when he recognized the few confused blinks. It wasn't his first time receiving such a reaction nor would it probably be his last. "My apologies if it seems a bit surprising, but I inherited the position from my mother when she retired to a smaller school in Matori." He explained lightly before blinking in surprise himself when he was not asked about classes but rather about...a secretary position? Hmm. Now that was interesting!
"No offense, but you seem like you're doing decently enough. Why inquire for a position like this?" Omari was somewhat wary, but mostly confused by the request. Out of everything he could have imagined that was not what he had been anticipating from the young girl who appeared to be from wealth. Had something drastic occurred to make her look for such work here? She seemed rather composed, not desperate at all even though she was requesting to work. Or was he simply just making a dramatic story up since he was so accustomed to theatrics after taking over the academy like this? Perhaps, but either way he was still very much interested in finding out the story if he could. Still, his mind did wander to the mountain of paperwork upstairs and Omari would be lying to say that he wasn't intrigued. It was even more obvious with the way his posture changed, the man angling himself closer to the girl as if trying to get a better sense of her and any motives behind the request. He could use the help....there had been quite a few projects lately and he didn't want to bother his family by seeming incapable of handling matters on his own. Not that many of his siblings had expressed interest in the school, Cahira would visit but she much preferred her swordsmanship while the rest were busy with their own adventures or professions.
"Also, you do know this is an academy for the arts? You're solely here for a secretary position...do you have any interest in the arts, at all?" He found himself asking, checking over her as he waited on an answer. If it was good enough then he would consider showing her around and then introducing her to the mountain of paperwork. If that didn't scare her away and she proved competent then there was a very good chance that Omari could indeed offer Zuri a position within the academy.
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Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 7:58 pm
Ah, it was an inheritance then! Money in the family... "Oh, no apology is necessary. Rather, I feel it's quite impressive. It's quite the responsibility to take on. There must be some big expectations on you with your own mother being the previous headmaster." Her knowledge of such concepts was, of course, hearsay from other business owners she had visited. One had to do their research if one wanted to marry rich and successful. Omari's inquiry did manage to send a slight heat to her cheeks. She dressed for the station she wanted rather than the station she was... Her chin dipped bashfully, but she forced it back up firmly. Stay strong! "I do try to present myself as well as I am able. I assumed me expressing my desire to work would be more important than my clothing looking as though I am some street urchin. I may not be starving, but I still need to earn money." Her mothers seemed content with their current lifestyle, but Zuri wanted more. Of course, that meant she had to earn a little extra now. "..As it is, this position is more in line with my abilities as a worker as opposed to something more laborious" "We all have our strengths and I know where mine are. These arts.. while I am sure I would do well with practice, I prefer to observe. I am content to support others in their journeys while following my own path." She managed a light smile. "And what better way to support them than to take the secretary work off of their hands so that they may focus on their own practices?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:20 am
A faint smile crossed Omari's lips as he nodded, trying to make light of the actual weight that was constantly wearing him down as of late. "It is fairly impressive, I suppose. Sometimes it's hard to remember that when facing piles of paperwork, but one must keep things operational somehow." Not that he could blame his mother for all of his stress, Omari had taken on much more by his own choice after deciding to expand the school to cover more than simply dancing. As much as he enjoyed dancing, the hybrid was keen on keeping up with his own performances as a mentor within the school, there was simply so much more to the arts that he wanted everyone to enjoy. It also was fueled by the letters and stories he had heard from his siblings during their stay in Belrea, a country swarming with knowledge and the arts full of museums and other amazing places. Why not push for the same in Sulburi with an academy that accepted everyone and encouraged swapping knowledge, such as performances and artwork, from across the world?
Ah, perhaps he had touched on something? Omari had nearly missed the blush, his mind swarming with thoughts about the academy, but he had focused back on the other hybrid in time to catch the shift in her expression. "Fair enough. I was simply not expecting it, I suppose that's a fault for judging by appearances which I should remedy." Perhaps he had spent a bit too much time mingling with nobles as of late, their daughters mostly looked towards eligible bachelors to marry for success rather than wanting to find a job such as this. Both Omari and Calix had endured quite a bit within higher society since forming a partnership, he truly had to remember to not allow Calix's opinions to invade his own initial impressions of strangers. The younger noble was far more prickly and wary of others than Omari ever had been before taking over the academy. "As it is then if you are willing I am inclined to test your abilities for tackling paperwork and helping to keep track of things. A small trial and then we can discuss actual working hours and pay, if everything works out."
Omari did consider the sentiment of Zuri's musings, his lips actually curving up into a genuine smile of appreciation as he pondered the offer some more. "You definitely communicate well enough for a performance." He acknowledged finally, pondering the option of actually hiring a secretary. "Would you like a tour of the Academy? I can show you around before approaching the actual work I need assistance with."
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Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2023 7:58 pm
At least the guy knew how to take a compliment. Though the comment on her clothing had been a strike against him, Zuri found herself still leaning toward being impressed. It was good for one to appreciate their own strengths and abilities. Especially one in such a position as Omari had. Plus, he could acknowledge his shortcomings, as superficial as the judgement on clothing was. Not that she was one to talk when it came to judging others based on appearance... "A trial?" She pursed her lips slightly as she contemplated the risk. It was likely the trial meant she wouldn't get full pay for the time if it didn't work out... While she wasn't too fond of the idea, she could consider it a trial for Omari as well! This would give her the chance to see if this would even be a good place to work. "Well, I think a small trial period will be acceptable." The smile admittedly caught her a little off guard, but she quickly recovered and smiled as well. "A tour would be most welcome. It would be best to know the place that I will be working for." Unless she found something utterly dastardly about the place, she had little doubt that she would find herself settling into a good, cushy paper pushing job there in no time! While getting paid was her main focus, she had no intention of doing any less than her best at the work itself!
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 1:57 pm
Omari chuckled. “It won’t be that long of a period, I promise.” He thought of the piles of paperwork waiting back in his office and knew that if she survived that then maybe there was hope yet. Would it take longer than a day or two to complete? Perhaps. Either way he wouldn’t let her go without compensation, not when he had the coin to spare for someone that was helping out the academy. Things could have been tighter, but since expanding the studies and getting students enrolled from wealthier families the budget had definitely increased without relying upon the treasures left behind by his grandparents. Though he did have to tap into that for some of the original expansion…it was still a relief knowing that he could somehow balance expenses with income for the future.
“I agree.” Omari nodded before gesturing around them. “You’ve obviously entered the main hallway of the academy. It was a manor which we converted into offices and guest rooms for family and special visitors. We have a dining hall down this way for important events and gatherings with a smaller performance stage nearby for demonstrations and private lessons.” The hybrid turned and glanced at the stairway, still wary of showing off what awaited them upstairs. “Once we walk the grounds we can return to this place and go into my office upstairs which is in a private library with records and more delicate research. I loan some to students, but the parchments are older and I prefer to keep them nearby to spare them from others who may get a bit too eager with research. As my secretary you’ll be spending quite a bit of time up there, the kitchen staff will gladly bring meals to the side room but no food or drinks inside the library itself…just as a precaution.” He was a bit more of a stickler than others in his family, but Omari did like to be a bit more cautious when it came to certain matters like ancient tomes and artifacts.
“Let’s walk the grounds, shall we?” Omari turned away from Zuri, his steps faltering for a moment as he waited for her. Should he offer his arm or would that be inappropriate for an employer and potential employee? He wasn’t at some society event so it was probably best to just walk alongside of her rather than offering such courtesies….right? Omari took a breath at the thought, giving a moment to see if Zuri would walk up to take his arm before preparing to walk through the hallway past the rooms he had mentioned. Beyond a final room with a servant’s staircase there would be another set of large doors that would open up and take them outside to the back courtyards. A fountain with several of the Oban gods in various poses would be in the back surrounded by native flowers, the succulents trailing around on vines with other delicate flowers in various colors of peach, amber, pink and white blooming throughout the gardens. Benches throughout the curving walkway that led to several other buildings, a gardener’s hut for biological studies and basic groundskeeping, the smaller dance studio and classrooms, a dormitory and even a larger building that was newly constructed towards the eastern gate of the estate where Omari had begun his plans for a museum of arts. The family manor had taken over two surrounding estates to give life to his dream and every time Omari walked into the back courtyard and pointed out the nearby buildings he felt proud of the work that was slowly coming together for the academy.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:28 pm
Zuri paid close attention for the sake of the job, but also out of awe from how flat-out gorgeous the mansion converted to academy was. It was clear the home had been lavish and solid, and many of those traits continued into the new rendition. A dining hall! They had a dining hall! Food would be brought... Zuri's heart was fluttering in her chest with desire at this point. Why in the world would her mother have left a life like this? "That is quite understandable. Food has its place, and around delicate documents is certainly not one of those places," she agreed with a chuckle. "I can't see myself eating around the regular documents either, to be honest. I hope there is a side table available there that I could use for eating at." She nodded and joined Omari's side as they headed to the grounds. She did pause to see if Omari would offer his arm out of habit, but a similar thought crossed her mind and prevented her from prompting the motion. If she was to be an employee, perhaps it wasn't appropriate? Instead, she kept her regal hold on the parasol to continue the tour. Gods, the flutter in her chest turned into a full on beating of wings when they got outside! The front of the building was of course lovely and inviting, but this-! Her breath was stolen by the beauty now surrounding her. How much it must cost just for the upkeep of these plants alone! Plus adding on buildings and planning further growth... "Omari, this place is magical." She was unable to help herself from gushing the slightest bit, now reaching to rest a hand gently on Omari's lean but firm upper arm for emphasis. This gentleman was such the opposite of that Valek cretin! "I promise I will do my best to help this place flourish."
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Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:04 pm
A small smile crossed Omari's lips, the hybrid amused by the reaction from Zuri. "That can be easily arranged." He acknowledged the request with a nod before pausing thoughtfully. "There is on better days the option of a break for you to eat outside, if you'd prefer. Towards the left there's an outside patio connected to the dinning hall which we also use while hosting events since it allows guests to mingle and easily wander the gardens." For now it was simple enough with just two tables set in case Omari or some students wished to eat outside, cushions sitting around them for those who sat down in the Oban fashion around the lower tables, but during events the columns with their open archways facing the gardens would have decorative garlands or ribbons with several other tables being brought from storage to allow plenty of room for those wishing to lounge. Currently the sheer curtains fluttered in a rare desert breeze, the thin material protecting guests from any insects or sand while also allowing them to see through to the gardens and leave as they pleased. "I can arrange for some tea there once we finish our tour. I was planning on taking a break from paperwork so your timing is perfect for this." He admitted quietly, his crimson gaze warm despite his professional attitude.
Though it was hard to keep the professional appearance when he was warming up quickly to Zuri, the other hybrid's sincere comments making Omari smile even more. "I'm glad you think so. It was beautiful in the past, my mother restored it and now I'm determined to make even more enchanting than ever before." He supported her, not flinching away but only smiling brighter at her promise. "Is that so? You're truly selling yourself now, it's going to be hard to not take you onto staff." He teased lightly before stopping along the path, the hybrid taking one final look around. "Should we venture back upstairs? The museum is still being worked on else I would show off more, but we do have some artifacts in the library that I've been researching for the collection."
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Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2023 2:05 pm
Zuri nodded with approval, but it was getting difficult to pay attention to what Omari kept talking about. She could just imagine herself sitting primly at a sweet little table laid out with a delicate cup of tea and a plate of tiny sandwiches. Having a warm breeze tousle her curls as she ate while she looked over these gardens... She gave her head a gentle shake to bring herself back to the present. "Tea would be lovely." She looked down at her hand and blushed the slightest bit as she pulled it back to grasp the parasol again. She was letting her glorious surroundings get the better of her. She was still trying to get a job, not live here! At least, not yet. Why would she want to go back home after being here? "A library. Is there anything you don't have here? Though I am eager to see where it is I will be working as well."
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Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2023 11:17 am
"Alright." Omari nodded. "I'll have it arranged, take a moment to enjoy the gardens and I'll be right back." He advised before hesitating at her newest inquiry, another small grin crossing his lips. "It does help that the previous owners did enjoy their readings. In a few months I hope to show a full exhibit in the new building, so I suppose we do have a bit of everything here minus the Oban palace itself." A bold statement since he knew the palace had a lot more luxuries than this, but Omari was also proud of how much effort and time had been placed into the creation of this academy. A simple Oban manor turned into something so much more that he hoped would help generations to come.
Holding a hand out, Omari motioned for her to enjoy the garden paths that twisted around the courtyard and even an outdoor stage with the fountain blocking him from view as he went towards the kitchens to order a plate of snacks and tea to be served in the outside patio. It would arrive by the time that they would be finished with their excursion, Omari appearing again to look for Zuri in the gardens once he was finished speaking with the staff. Both the older Oban woman and the young server were curious about the stranger, Omari filling them quickly in before leaving them to prepare everything. He took his time strolling back out into the gardens, wanting to give Zuri plenty of time to explore for herself before he emerged again by the fountain to look for her.
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2023 10:33 am
Take a moment? Oh, she needed longer than a mere moment! With a deep breath to rein in her excitement, Zuri opened her parasol and went to explore as suggested. Every look around only solidified her decision in her mind. It was even tempting to think about picking up a few classes here so that she could just live on the grounds! Going home after this would be almost impossible! Zuri spotted Omari waiting for her.. and took a moment to enjoy the view. Yes.. every part of this place was exquisite. Sighing, she left the cover of the path to approach the fountain. "It's just as lovely as I imagined," she reported happily. "How do you ever leave?"
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