Thabara
It was early afternoon when the door to Twilight Designs opened rather abruptly, and a young woman stumbled in, looking quite a bit as if she had been pushed. Her face was flushed deep red, her arms hugging a portofolio as if clinging to it for her dear life.
“Ah …” She said, remaining frozen on the spot once she'd regained her balance, and generally looking every inch the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. “Good day …?”
With an expression of utter desperation upon her face she turned her head to look over her shoulder, mouthing a quiet: 'Don't leave me alone!' at whomever was waiting outside. To no avail, the door mercilessly fell shut.
“Ah …” She said, remaining frozen on the spot once she'd regained her balance, and generally looking every inch the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. “Good day …?”
With an expression of utter desperation upon her face she turned her head to look over her shoulder, mouthing a quiet: 'Don't leave me alone!' at whomever was waiting outside. To no avail, the door mercilessly fell shut.
Reyna Crelos
At the sound of a customer having entered the shop Athan headed towards the front room and abandoned the newest trinkets and baubles he had been tinkering with. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of the woman whom had entered. She seemed terribly flustered.
"Hello," he replied smoothly as he strode towards her, "Is there something I might assist you with?"
"Hello," he replied smoothly as he strode towards her, "Is there something I might assist you with?"
Thabara
“Ah …” She kept glancing back over her shoulder, eyes wide behind her half rimmed glasses. From beyond the door a cheerful, clearly audible 'Go for it! You can do eeeeeet~!' could be heard. The young woman's shoulders sagged, and she drew a deep breath, apparently resigning to her fate.
“I-I-I was wondering …” She stuttered. “I mean. This is clearly a well established shop, and you probably don't have the need, lest alone interest at all in, erh …” She drew another deep breath, apparently forcing herself to speak more calmly. The knuckles of her fingers clasping around the portofolio were white though. “I design jewelry. And create it. And I was wondering if you might be interested in selling it, on a comission base?” Her gray eyes blinked owlishly behind her spectacles. “Am I talking to the right person even?”
“I-I-I was wondering …” She stuttered. “I mean. This is clearly a well established shop, and you probably don't have the need, lest alone interest at all in, erh …” She drew another deep breath, apparently forcing herself to speak more calmly. The knuckles of her fingers clasping around the portofolio were white though. “I design jewelry. And create it. And I was wondering if you might be interested in selling it, on a comission base?” Her gray eyes blinked owlishly behind her spectacles. “Am I talking to the right person even?”
Reyna Crelos
Athan chuckled good naturedly as he listened to the young woman stammer. Poor dear, she was beyond nervous! She must have been also why Hawk had positively insisted he dress only in his more basic attire. The ever present robes had been left at home. His typical ominous air, which he was quite partial to, likely would have made her faint. He also figured his rather plain black slacks and dress shirt also lead to her assumption that he was not in charge of the shop and merely an employee.
He reached forward to pat her gently upon her shoulder in an attempt to reassure her. "You are indeed speaking with the owner of this establishment. My name is Athan," he told her in a low, calm voice, "I am actually looking into hiring additional artisans on to the shop. We are also considering expanding the shop to include the neighboring vacant storefront towards the beginning of this next year. We have one main artist here, but with the holidays swiftly approaching she is doomed to be overloaded with work."
And it was best to not overwhelm the demoness. She was cranky on a normal basis, and though she was loathe to admit it for even a moment, she was in dire need of help on the influx of holiday orders they always recieved shortly before the beginning of the winter season.
"I don't suppose you've met her?" he questioned as he peered at the young woman curiously. He was not certain if he had seen her before, but if she had met Reyna previously, well, it would certainly account for her anxiety.
"Regardless," he spoke up with a pleasant, if not outright charming smile, "I would very much like to see examples of your work."
He reached forward to pat her gently upon her shoulder in an attempt to reassure her. "You are indeed speaking with the owner of this establishment. My name is Athan," he told her in a low, calm voice, "I am actually looking into hiring additional artisans on to the shop. We are also considering expanding the shop to include the neighboring vacant storefront towards the beginning of this next year. We have one main artist here, but with the holidays swiftly approaching she is doomed to be overloaded with work."
And it was best to not overwhelm the demoness. She was cranky on a normal basis, and though she was loathe to admit it for even a moment, she was in dire need of help on the influx of holiday orders they always recieved shortly before the beginning of the winter season.
"I don't suppose you've met her?" he questioned as he peered at the young woman curiously. He was not certain if he had seen her before, but if she had met Reyna previously, well, it would certainly account for her anxiety.
"Regardless," he spoke up with a pleasant, if not outright charming smile, "I would very much like to see examples of your work."
Thabara
“I'm Miranda. Luciere. Miranda Luciere. Geez, you must think I'm not even able to remember my own name … Pleased to meet you. And, ah, it's my first time coming here, I haven't met anyone yet. A friend recommended I come here and try my luck. The one that's standing outside and laughing at me failing,” she added with a sour expression, seemingly having calmed down enough at least for a little bit of gallows humor.
“Examples. Yes. I have them.” She finally seemed to remember about the portofolio she was holding in a death-grasp, and thrusted it at Athan as if it had suddenly become burning hot. “It's photos only, of pieces I already sold. Online.”
“Examples. Yes. I have them.” She finally seemed to remember about the portofolio she was holding in a death-grasp, and thrusted it at Athan as if it had suddenly become burning hot. “It's photos only, of pieces I already sold. Online.”
Reyna Crelos
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Miranda," Athan told her in earnest. He accepted the portfolio from her with a smile. "Would you perhaps care for refreshments?" he offered politely, "I have just brewed a fresh pot of tea."
He headed towards the back of the shop and motioned for her to follow. "Do join me," he said. "I believe Reyna, whom is the resident artist I mentioned, also has sodas and other such..." he paused for a moment with a brief look of distaste, "... confections available as well."
He paused briefly as he re-entered the backroom itself to lay her portfolio upon the coffee table before pouring himself a cup of tea. "Online?" he repeated with a look of curiosity. He knew of the internet and its uses, but as he was not technologically inclined he was rather unaware as to how commerce worked 'online.' Really, it wasn't so much that he lacked the talent or knowledge in how to operate a computer and much more of an issue of how his magic had the overwhelming tendency to corrupt, melt, and otherwise ruin perfectly good (and expensive) pieces of modern equipment that relied upon the use of electricity and integrated circuitry.
His business partner of choice was not much better. If her presence didn't wholly cause things to malfunction, her delightful temperament typically led to things being broken anyhow. If it weren't for his clever spell usage and impeccable record keeping he was well aware his shop could easily be considered archaic in nature simply due to its old-fashioned inventory and accounting practices.
He settled himself onto the couch with his cup of tea and picked his portfolio back up. "Running a successful business of your own is certainly a strong point in your favor," he said as he opened the portfolio and flipped through the pages with thoughtful reverence. "Hmm. These are very nice," Athan spoke up, "You have a gift for design. I am especially fond of your color choices."
He often opted for silver due to its properties in spellcasting, but his fondness of earthy tones and bronze was eternal due in part to his natural element.
He headed towards the back of the shop and motioned for her to follow. "Do join me," he said. "I believe Reyna, whom is the resident artist I mentioned, also has sodas and other such..." he paused for a moment with a brief look of distaste, "... confections available as well."
He paused briefly as he re-entered the backroom itself to lay her portfolio upon the coffee table before pouring himself a cup of tea. "Online?" he repeated with a look of curiosity. He knew of the internet and its uses, but as he was not technologically inclined he was rather unaware as to how commerce worked 'online.' Really, it wasn't so much that he lacked the talent or knowledge in how to operate a computer and much more of an issue of how his magic had the overwhelming tendency to corrupt, melt, and otherwise ruin perfectly good (and expensive) pieces of modern equipment that relied upon the use of electricity and integrated circuitry.
His business partner of choice was not much better. If her presence didn't wholly cause things to malfunction, her delightful temperament typically led to things being broken anyhow. If it weren't for his clever spell usage and impeccable record keeping he was well aware his shop could easily be considered archaic in nature simply due to its old-fashioned inventory and accounting practices.
He settled himself onto the couch with his cup of tea and picked his portfolio back up. "Running a successful business of your own is certainly a strong point in your favor," he said as he opened the portfolio and flipped through the pages with thoughtful reverence. "Hmm. These are very nice," Athan spoke up, "You have a gift for design. I am especially fond of your color choices."
He often opted for silver due to its properties in spellcasting, but his fondness of earthy tones and bronze was eternal due in part to his natural element.
Thabara
With nothing left to cling to now, Miranda nervously ran her fingers through her dyed hair. She'd opted for a new hairstyle only a few days ago, and she still wasn't quite used yet to just how short it was now. She did like Mr. Athan's hair, she decided. Most people with dreads she knew were of the 'alternative' kind, yet he pulled it off in a way that was … stylish.
“Tea is fine.” She said with a small nod, curiously glancing left and right as she followed after Athan. It wasn't her first time entering the 'backstage' of a store, but it always was interesting to see what it looked like. Until she'd picked up her first part-time job in a bookstore, she'd had no idea there usually was a room in the back with … say, a coffee machine, an electric kettle, maybe a small fridge, a table to eat at, and, oh, a bathroom. Somehow, she'd always imagined people working in stores spent their whole day behind the counter, never requiring to eat, never having to pee …
“Mh. I actually have my own little online store, but, ah, as it sort of fails to be found by search engines I might just give up on it. I make most of my sales on 'HandMade'. Basically I pay a small fee to them for every item I put on sale, and then a percentage for every item that actually sells. Then there's packaging and shipping to deal with, issues with shipments that get 'lost',” (she fingerquoted that), “not to mention pieces returned to me with gems or whole charms missing.” She made a face. “That's basically why I decided to give it a try and sell things in Real Life. Though I couldn't possibly afford running a store of my own. Rent, all those bills for electricity and stuff, paying employees …” She looked positively terrified at the sheer idea of it, though it wasn't as much the costs as it was having to deal with the … legal stuffs and people that came with it.
“Does this shop actually have a website?” she inquired, sitting down. “Not for selling, but sort of as a business card? If not, I have a friend who could-” She stopped mid-sentence, the pale skin of her face flushing once more. “I'm getting ahead of myself, I think, sorry. And I'm probably talking too much. Because I'm nervous.” She cast down her glance, apparently having discovered something infinitely interesting about her knees. She had noted though, that this shop sort of had an 'oldschool' feel about it. Most stores had a flatscreen sitting on the counter, and a keyboard, whereas this one still featured a beauty of a good old mechanical cash register.
She remained quiet while Athan browsed her portofolio, only occasionally daring to dart a quick, curious glance at his face. His eyes were fascinating, they had the most vivid emerald green she'd ever seen on a person. She briefly wondered if these were contacts.
“Ah, really?” She finally dared to look up upon Athan's compliment. “It's, uhm, the look of antiqued bronze and brass is very popular right now.” She couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever heard about 'steampunk'. “I've only recently started using precious metals, so there isn't much in that regard in the portofolio. And, uh, those lampwork beads there?” She leaned over the table to point at a specific photo. “I made them myself. The photos too, by the way.”
“Tea is fine.” She said with a small nod, curiously glancing left and right as she followed after Athan. It wasn't her first time entering the 'backstage' of a store, but it always was interesting to see what it looked like. Until she'd picked up her first part-time job in a bookstore, she'd had no idea there usually was a room in the back with … say, a coffee machine, an electric kettle, maybe a small fridge, a table to eat at, and, oh, a bathroom. Somehow, she'd always imagined people working in stores spent their whole day behind the counter, never requiring to eat, never having to pee …
“Mh. I actually have my own little online store, but, ah, as it sort of fails to be found by search engines I might just give up on it. I make most of my sales on 'HandMade'. Basically I pay a small fee to them for every item I put on sale, and then a percentage for every item that actually sells. Then there's packaging and shipping to deal with, issues with shipments that get 'lost',” (she fingerquoted that), “not to mention pieces returned to me with gems or whole charms missing.” She made a face. “That's basically why I decided to give it a try and sell things in Real Life. Though I couldn't possibly afford running a store of my own. Rent, all those bills for electricity and stuff, paying employees …” She looked positively terrified at the sheer idea of it, though it wasn't as much the costs as it was having to deal with the … legal stuffs and people that came with it.
“Does this shop actually have a website?” she inquired, sitting down. “Not for selling, but sort of as a business card? If not, I have a friend who could-” She stopped mid-sentence, the pale skin of her face flushing once more. “I'm getting ahead of myself, I think, sorry. And I'm probably talking too much. Because I'm nervous.” She cast down her glance, apparently having discovered something infinitely interesting about her knees. She had noted though, that this shop sort of had an 'oldschool' feel about it. Most stores had a flatscreen sitting on the counter, and a keyboard, whereas this one still featured a beauty of a good old mechanical cash register.
She remained quiet while Athan browsed her portofolio, only occasionally daring to dart a quick, curious glance at his face. His eyes were fascinating, they had the most vivid emerald green she'd ever seen on a person. She briefly wondered if these were contacts.
“Ah, really?” She finally dared to look up upon Athan's compliment. “It's, uhm, the look of antiqued bronze and brass is very popular right now.” She couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever heard about 'steampunk'. “I've only recently started using precious metals, so there isn't much in that regard in the portofolio. And, uh, those lampwork beads there?” She leaned over the table to point at a specific photo. “I made them myself. The photos too, by the way.”
Reyna Crelos
Athan stood rather abruptly and placed the portfolio back down on the coffee table next to the various items he had previously been working on. "Do forgive me," he said, "I just realised you said you would like tea, and I was too distracted to get you a cup as well."
He strode away towards the small kitchenette and poured a second cup before returning to his spot on the couch. He set the cup a safe distance away from both her portfolio and his materials. "Please sit and stay for a moment. Unless of course you're in any hurry to be leaving," he instructed.
He went back to viewing her portfolio and pondered her offer of help with a potential website. "Oh there is no need to apologize," Athan told her, "The offer is hardly obtrusive. It would actually be quite helpful given that both my business partner and I... well... let's just say that electronics often cease to function should we attempt to make use of them."
He fell silent for a long moment as he admired the lampwork beads that she had referred to. "I am not so fond of costume jewelry particularly, or glass, but I have had requests for it," he commented, "The fact that they are handmade would certainly suit the shop. We take pride in that nearly all that we sell is hand crafted. Even our gem quality stones are set by either Reyna or myself."
Athan closed the portfolio and handed it back to her with a smile. "I don't typically work with artists by contract only, but would you perhaps consider employment instead? You would be salaried, and you would be allowed to set your own hours. We have part time employees on hand that work the storefront, so ultimately all that would be needed from you, unless we find ourselves suddenly short staffed, is your skills as an artist."
He paused briefly before adding in afterthought, "You would also be provided supplies. I do have wholesale contracts with a number of people from across many worlds, so our costs are quite low." He smirked for a moment and a brief look of mischief crossed his face. "That of course, also enables us to undersell our competitors."
There was also the surprising benefit of having a demon that negotiated the vast majority of the shop's contracts, but he thought it best not to overwhelm her with that part just yet. She would find that out soon enough on her own.
He strode away towards the small kitchenette and poured a second cup before returning to his spot on the couch. He set the cup a safe distance away from both her portfolio and his materials. "Please sit and stay for a moment. Unless of course you're in any hurry to be leaving," he instructed.
He went back to viewing her portfolio and pondered her offer of help with a potential website. "Oh there is no need to apologize," Athan told her, "The offer is hardly obtrusive. It would actually be quite helpful given that both my business partner and I... well... let's just say that electronics often cease to function should we attempt to make use of them."
He fell silent for a long moment as he admired the lampwork beads that she had referred to. "I am not so fond of costume jewelry particularly, or glass, but I have had requests for it," he commented, "The fact that they are handmade would certainly suit the shop. We take pride in that nearly all that we sell is hand crafted. Even our gem quality stones are set by either Reyna or myself."
Athan closed the portfolio and handed it back to her with a smile. "I don't typically work with artists by contract only, but would you perhaps consider employment instead? You would be salaried, and you would be allowed to set your own hours. We have part time employees on hand that work the storefront, so ultimately all that would be needed from you, unless we find ourselves suddenly short staffed, is your skills as an artist."
He paused briefly before adding in afterthought, "You would also be provided supplies. I do have wholesale contracts with a number of people from across many worlds, so our costs are quite low." He smirked for a moment and a brief look of mischief crossed his face. "That of course, also enables us to undersell our competitors."
There was also the surprising benefit of having a demon that negotiated the vast majority of the shop's contracts, but he thought it best not to overwhelm her with that part just yet. She would find that out soon enough on her own.
Thabara
Miranda accepted the tea with a grateful little smile, her slender fingers wrapping around the delicate cup. “Mh, I'm not in a hurry, no.” Given, there was still Sumie waiting in front of the store, but she'd leave once she got bored, Miranda had no doubt about that, so she wasn't overly concerned. She'd probably message her in half an hour or so.
Her heart sank, when the owner explained how he wasn't overly fond of costume jewelry. She ought to have noticed, she thought to herself, the displays had been all precious metals and gems. Maybe she should have tried some small fashion boutique, or something-
Waitwhat, had he just said employment?
Miranda almost spilled her tea out of surprise, and she stared at Athan wide-eyed, her mouth hanging open for a moment.
“Seriously?! I-I-I don't know what to say …” She breathed, looking as if about to faint. This was sounding just too good to be true. “Why, yes! Of course! And I'd so help out with the storefront even. And haul my friend into making a website.”
She took another quick sip from her tea, her fingers actually trembling a little from giddiness. This was so exciting! “I have been wanting to work with precious materials, but, you know, with the teeny-tiny amounts I need it's hard to get anything for a decent price- Erh, not like I'm trying to take advantage of this.” She added hastily, fearing she was about to give off a bad impression. But somewhere in the back of her mind a little cash register had just gone 'ka-ching!' …
Her heart sank, when the owner explained how he wasn't overly fond of costume jewelry. She ought to have noticed, she thought to herself, the displays had been all precious metals and gems. Maybe she should have tried some small fashion boutique, or something-
Waitwhat, had he just said employment?
Miranda almost spilled her tea out of surprise, and she stared at Athan wide-eyed, her mouth hanging open for a moment.
“Seriously?! I-I-I don't know what to say …” She breathed, looking as if about to faint. This was sounding just too good to be true. “Why, yes! Of course! And I'd so help out with the storefront even. And haul my friend into making a website.”
She took another quick sip from her tea, her fingers actually trembling a little from giddiness. This was so exciting! “I have been wanting to work with precious materials, but, you know, with the teeny-tiny amounts I need it's hard to get anything for a decent price- Erh, not like I'm trying to take advantage of this.” She added hastily, fearing she was about to give off a bad impression. But somewhere in the back of her mind a little cash register had just gone 'ka-ching!' …
Reyna Crelos
"Well then," Athan replied with a smile, "Should there be any material in particular you would prefer to work with, please let me know. There are few things I cannot obtain." Finding obscure things for customers was actually one of his guilty pleasures. It meant traveling to other realms which was something he never grew tired of.
"I should have an employment contract drawn up foryou by tomorrow. I assume you can start right away? " he queried with a look of interest. "We need to build up our inventory of pre-made jewelry before the holiday rush hits, so anything you might contribute would be helpful."
He took a sip of his tea and set the cup aside before standing from where he sat. "I supposed you'd like to see where supplies are kept, yes?" He offered her a genuine small and strode over towards the wall just behind her. He pressed one hand to the wall and a bright outline of a door appeared before disappating the space contained within the outline with a glittering of runes. "As I said previously we need to expand the shop, so for now we simply have spelled storage rooms in the mean time."
He paused there in the doorway with a look of pride. "I did not quite anticipate the success of this shop and did not adequately account for the space that would be needed it seems." He shrugged his shoulders and stepped inside the storage room which was perfectly white and lined with shelves. His dark hair, clothes, and skin were a stark contrast to the room. "All of the wire, tools, and crystals not in use are stored here," he explained, "More precious stones are stored in the vault. And there is ... another space similar to that, but that only I may access."
He stepped back out of the room so that Miranda might have space to look around. "Oh," he spoke up again, "I ... should probably warn you ahead of time. The other artist, whom is my business partner? Reyna? Well. She is ... well known for her temper." He paused for a moment as he contemplated how to word his explanation properly without causing her too much cause for concern. "I don't recommend taking anything she says personally or seriously in any manner. Should any problems arise, please let me know. I will handle her."
Athan moved to retrieve his tea and frowned a bit as he contemplated explaining about the ... other denizens of the shop. It would only be fair, he figured, but how to go about it without scaring her off?
"I should have an employment contract drawn up foryou by tomorrow. I assume you can start right away? " he queried with a look of interest. "We need to build up our inventory of pre-made jewelry before the holiday rush hits, so anything you might contribute would be helpful."
He took a sip of his tea and set the cup aside before standing from where he sat. "I supposed you'd like to see where supplies are kept, yes?" He offered her a genuine small and strode over towards the wall just behind her. He pressed one hand to the wall and a bright outline of a door appeared before disappating the space contained within the outline with a glittering of runes. "As I said previously we need to expand the shop, so for now we simply have spelled storage rooms in the mean time."
He paused there in the doorway with a look of pride. "I did not quite anticipate the success of this shop and did not adequately account for the space that would be needed it seems." He shrugged his shoulders and stepped inside the storage room which was perfectly white and lined with shelves. His dark hair, clothes, and skin were a stark contrast to the room. "All of the wire, tools, and crystals not in use are stored here," he explained, "More precious stones are stored in the vault. And there is ... another space similar to that, but that only I may access."
He stepped back out of the room so that Miranda might have space to look around. "Oh," he spoke up again, "I ... should probably warn you ahead of time. The other artist, whom is my business partner? Reyna? Well. She is ... well known for her temper." He paused for a moment as he contemplated how to word his explanation properly without causing her too much cause for concern. "I don't recommend taking anything she says personally or seriously in any manner. Should any problems arise, please let me know. I will handle her."
Athan moved to retrieve his tea and frowned a bit as he contemplated explaining about the ... other denizens of the shop. It would only be fair, he figured, but how to go about it without scaring her off?
Thabara
“Oh, wow. That is … just wow. I can't possibly think of anything right now, but I bet as soon as I'm back home …” All those sites she'd bookmarked for possible future use, she'd have to look at them. And to take notes. Lots and lots and lots of notes. Well. More like scribbling up one hell of a shopping list.
“Starting right away is not a problem, not at all. I do have a part-time job in a bookstore, but apart from that, I basically work from home. And, ah. As I don't really know what type of customers this shop gets, is there anything you'd be looking for in particular? I'm flexible, really.”
She craned her neck to follow Athan with her gaze when he got up to show her the storage. She didn't see anything of note at first, but then the door appeared, and she found herself staring at the shimmering runes with a look of sheer awe upon her face. Her mouth was hanging open once more. Magic! Honest-to-goodness, genuine, real magic! Sure, she'd known 'practitioners' back at school and the like – her history teacher had actually been one – but this … was a wholly different level from anything she'd ever seen before.
“That. Is just. So. Awesome.” She exclaimed, getting up from her seat to get a closer look. Her legs were feeling like jelly. “Goodness, I feel like I just took a trip down the rabbit hole – could you pinch me? Because I seriously think I'm dreaming.”
She basically tip-toed into the room – feeling very much like Aladin who'd just entered the treasure cave – and if she hadn't still been holding on to her cup of tea, her hands would have been tightly clasped behind her back to OMG not accidentally touch anything she shouldn't have.
“It's okay,” she said, giving Athan a quick glance over her shoulder before she ogled the shop's supplies once more. Holy s**t, those strands, is all of that larimar? And, ooooohhh, frosted agate beads! “I've had my deal of bitchy co-workers. I, uh, managed to get along with them.” By trying to turn invisible as much as possible, yeah, right. “I certainly wont do anything that might tick her off.” Not on purpose, that was. Little did she know that her mere presence might be enough.
“Starting right away is not a problem, not at all. I do have a part-time job in a bookstore, but apart from that, I basically work from home. And, ah. As I don't really know what type of customers this shop gets, is there anything you'd be looking for in particular? I'm flexible, really.”
She craned her neck to follow Athan with her gaze when he got up to show her the storage. She didn't see anything of note at first, but then the door appeared, and she found herself staring at the shimmering runes with a look of sheer awe upon her face. Her mouth was hanging open once more. Magic! Honest-to-goodness, genuine, real magic! Sure, she'd known 'practitioners' back at school and the like – her history teacher had actually been one – but this … was a wholly different level from anything she'd ever seen before.
“That. Is just. So. Awesome.” She exclaimed, getting up from her seat to get a closer look. Her legs were feeling like jelly. “Goodness, I feel like I just took a trip down the rabbit hole – could you pinch me? Because I seriously think I'm dreaming.”
She basically tip-toed into the room – feeling very much like Aladin who'd just entered the treasure cave – and if she hadn't still been holding on to her cup of tea, her hands would have been tightly clasped behind her back to OMG not accidentally touch anything she shouldn't have.
“It's okay,” she said, giving Athan a quick glance over her shoulder before she ogled the shop's supplies once more. Holy s**t, those strands, is all of that larimar? And, ooooohhh, frosted agate beads! “I've had my deal of bitchy co-workers. I, uh, managed to get along with them.” By trying to turn invisible as much as possible, yeah, right. “I certainly wont do anything that might tick her off.” Not on purpose, that was. Little did she know that her mere presence might be enough.
Reyna Crelos
"Mmh. Yes, well. Should she ever lose her temper entirely, let me know and I will take care of her," he cautioned. He chuckled a little at the wide-eyed, awestruck appearence she had taken on.
"As for our customers," Athan said as he casually folded his arms and leaned against the side of the couch while watching her look through the storage room with that look of wonder still firmly upon her face. "They vary. Some are looking more for costume jewelry - which we currently lack in quantity. The majority are looking for high quality, unique, hand crafted gifts. The biggest sellers tend to be matching sets be it a combination of a necklace, earrings, and bracelets. Custom settings and wire wrapping of gems is also a common request."
Then there were those who showed up to the shop less for the jewerly and more because of the peculiar creatures that follow them about thanks in part to the spelled gems the shop harbored. He couldn't help but wonder how Miranda might react to that part. She seemed so easily exciteable, though not entirely in a negative sense.
"For the first week or so, I think I shall have to request you be present in the shop. Just to get you acclamated to the way we do things and our... clientele," he spoke up, "After that you would be free to work at home or here in the shop as you please."
"As for our customers," Athan said as he casually folded his arms and leaned against the side of the couch while watching her look through the storage room with that look of wonder still firmly upon her face. "They vary. Some are looking more for costume jewelry - which we currently lack in quantity. The majority are looking for high quality, unique, hand crafted gifts. The biggest sellers tend to be matching sets be it a combination of a necklace, earrings, and bracelets. Custom settings and wire wrapping of gems is also a common request."
Then there were those who showed up to the shop less for the jewerly and more because of the peculiar creatures that follow them about thanks in part to the spelled gems the shop harbored. He couldn't help but wonder how Miranda might react to that part. She seemed so easily exciteable, though not entirely in a negative sense.
"For the first week or so, I think I shall have to request you be present in the shop. Just to get you acclamated to the way we do things and our... clientele," he spoke up, "After that you would be free to work at home or here in the shop as you please."
Thabara
“Of course.” Miranda nodded, with a grateful little smile upon her lips. Last few times she'd had to deal with bitchy co-workers, it had inevitably ended up with her caving in under the pressure and quitting. Of course, she could have gone see the manager about this … if she hadn't been way too timid in the first place and wholly convinced they were on their side anyways.
She turned to listen attentively when Athan explained about their customers. She could do that, she was quite confident in that regard at least. Maybe she could bring some half-finished pieces along with her finished jewelry to work on them while she was here … She probably should do that even, yes. And check back with the bookstore about her schedule there.
“Ah, what should I wear?” She asked. “Is there some sort of dresscode for the store?” Nothing too conservative, she hoped. “And, uh, can I bring my laptop?” She hadn't taken for serious at all what Athan had said about his possible disastrous influence on electronics … It was just something people said, she figured, when they didn't get along well with modern technology. And Athan certainly seemed the type – quite oldschool what with his formal expressions and all. It made him seem older than he actually looked. But, she mused – not without admiration – it also gave him quite an air of authority.
Just as carefully as she'd entered the storage she left it, but not without casting one last longing glance at its contents.
She turned to listen attentively when Athan explained about their customers. She could do that, she was quite confident in that regard at least. Maybe she could bring some half-finished pieces along with her finished jewelry to work on them while she was here … She probably should do that even, yes. And check back with the bookstore about her schedule there.
“Ah, what should I wear?” She asked. “Is there some sort of dresscode for the store?” Nothing too conservative, she hoped. “And, uh, can I bring my laptop?” She hadn't taken for serious at all what Athan had said about his possible disastrous influence on electronics … It was just something people said, she figured, when they didn't get along well with modern technology. And Athan certainly seemed the type – quite oldschool what with his formal expressions and all. It made him seem older than he actually looked. But, she mused – not without admiration – it also gave him quite an air of authority.
Just as carefully as she'd entered the storage she left it, but not without casting one last longing glance at its contents.
Reyna Crelos
He very much wanted to declare that the standard attire was business casual, but he knew all too well that Reyna would walk in wearing torn up jeans or possibly even a miniskirt fit for a night club. Instead, much to his dismay, he said in as pleasant a voice as he could muster despite his discontent over the issue, "There is no actual dress code in particular. Just so long as whatever you wear isn't horribly revealing."
Which was also something Reyna did anyway. He had long since given up on that particular fight. It just wasn't worth it. He hoped at least he could influence Miranda in that regard.
"And you may certainly bring your laptop but ... well..." he replied slowly.
'You have a fifty-fifty chance that it may end up completely fried by the end of the day,' a voice that clearly was not Athan's spoke up and finished his sentence. Hawk phased through the wall and glided over towards Athan and wrapped himself about the man's shoulders.
"There's that," Athan agreed with a look of consternation as he scowled down at Hawk who simply beamed at him with an impish look upon his face as his fox-tail swished to and fro.
'Forgetting something, aren't we, minion?'
"You have that horribly backwards, and no I have not forgotten anything," he insisted in a tone that carried a distinct undercurrent of annoyance. He scowled darkly at Hawk and waved one hand to close the door to the storage behind Miranda.
He had hoped that he would have had an oppurtunity to explain the situation with the Shadows prior to one showing up. That, quite clearly, as not meant to be.
Which was also something Reyna did anyway. He had long since given up on that particular fight. It just wasn't worth it. He hoped at least he could influence Miranda in that regard.
"And you may certainly bring your laptop but ... well..." he replied slowly.
'You have a fifty-fifty chance that it may end up completely fried by the end of the day,' a voice that clearly was not Athan's spoke up and finished his sentence. Hawk phased through the wall and glided over towards Athan and wrapped himself about the man's shoulders.
"There's that," Athan agreed with a look of consternation as he scowled down at Hawk who simply beamed at him with an impish look upon his face as his fox-tail swished to and fro.
'Forgetting something, aren't we, minion?'
"You have that horribly backwards, and no I have not forgotten anything," he insisted in a tone that carried a distinct undercurrent of annoyance. He scowled darkly at Hawk and waved one hand to close the door to the storage behind Miranda.
He had hoped that he would have had an oppurtunity to explain the situation with the Shadows prior to one showing up. That, quite clearly, as not meant to be.
Thabara
“I don't like revealing,” she waved off, first and foremost relieved she wouldn't be required to dye her hair back to something more 'natural'. “And,” she laughed, “I really don't think you're that bad with electronic dev...ice...es...”
There was a thing, a ghost-like thing, which had just come floating through the wall. And it had spoken to her inside her head. The cup, fortunately empty, slipped from her fingers, but the young woman didn't even notice. She stared, she swallowed, it went wrong, and the next moment she was choking and coughing.
“There,” she wheezed once she had recovered some, and pointed. “There's a-a-a ghost thingy. Right there.” There was a small 'hic' audible afterwards, and inwardly Miranda cursed. She always got a hiccup rather promptly after having been startled by something. Well, this was definitely hiccup-worthy.
“It talked. Inside my head.” She added slowly, realizing that she did sound quite crazy. But Athan reacted to it, and talked to it, so it had to be something real. He didn't seem all that surprised either. “I think I do need you to pinch me now," she said weakly. “Seriously.”
There was a thing, a ghost-like thing, which had just come floating through the wall. And it had spoken to her inside her head. The cup, fortunately empty, slipped from her fingers, but the young woman didn't even notice. She stared, she swallowed, it went wrong, and the next moment she was choking and coughing.
“There,” she wheezed once she had recovered some, and pointed. “There's a-a-a ghost thingy. Right there.” There was a small 'hic' audible afterwards, and inwardly Miranda cursed. She always got a hiccup rather promptly after having been startled by something. Well, this was definitely hiccup-worthy.
“It talked. Inside my head.” She added slowly, realizing that she did sound quite crazy. But Athan reacted to it, and talked to it, so it had to be something real. He didn't seem all that surprised either. “I think I do need you to pinch me now," she said weakly. “Seriously.”
Reyna Crelos
Athan's eyes widened. He glanced towards Hawk who simply had the same, half-lidded, smug look upon his face that he had had when he came in. "You knew you were going to startle her," he spat, "You are cruel."
He rushed over to Miranda and retrieved the empty cup in one hand and with the other wrapped a supportive arm about her shoulders. "Come along, dear," he told her, "You should have a seat so that I might... explain." He shot another dark, accusing look at Hawk as he eased her down onto the couch.
'For the record,' the Seer spoke up as he too settled himself on the couch next to Athan so that he could snuggle up against his side, 'I am not a ghost thingy. I am a Shadow Fiend.'
"Hush, you," Athan gritted out with a look of irritation before continuing in a much calmer, sweeter tone as he directed his attention back towards Miranda, "You... are not familiar with such magic?"
His brow furrowed in worry, and for a moment he looked puzzled. "Have you not been on Gaia long? Perhaps it is my own ignorance speaking as I have admittedly not fully explored this realm, but I was under the impression that such things were far more.... common."
Okay, so maybe the ghostly apparitions that weren't really ghosts weren't commonplace, but he had certainly come across other strange manner of beasts within the realm of Gaia.
He rushed over to Miranda and retrieved the empty cup in one hand and with the other wrapped a supportive arm about her shoulders. "Come along, dear," he told her, "You should have a seat so that I might... explain." He shot another dark, accusing look at Hawk as he eased her down onto the couch.
'For the record,' the Seer spoke up as he too settled himself on the couch next to Athan so that he could snuggle up against his side, 'I am not a ghost thingy. I am a Shadow Fiend.'
"Hush, you," Athan gritted out with a look of irritation before continuing in a much calmer, sweeter tone as he directed his attention back towards Miranda, "You... are not familiar with such magic?"
His brow furrowed in worry, and for a moment he looked puzzled. "Have you not been on Gaia long? Perhaps it is my own ignorance speaking as I have admittedly not fully explored this realm, but I was under the impression that such things were far more.... common."
Okay, so maybe the ghostly apparitions that weren't really ghosts weren't commonplace, but he had certainly come across other strange manner of beasts within the realm of Gaia.
Thabara
“Oh,” she breathed. “Sitting is good. Very good.” Because, really, even more than before, her legs felt like jelly. Was this what you felt like when you were about to faint? She had no idea. She'd never fainted. 'Hic.'
“I'm, uhm. My parents are kinda conservative.” She admitted, looking down at her knees, her slender fingers clasping around them. “And the part of town I grew up in is kinda conservative.” 'Hic.' “And the school I've been to … Well, I figure you get the drift?” She finally looked up, seeming seriously embarassed and … ashamed?
“The 'we normal humans keep to ourselves' kind of conservative. So, uhm, yeah. I haven't been exposed much to this kind of supernatural … magic … ghostly kind of stuff.” She breathed a deep sigh and hung her head. 'Hic.' “Gods, this is so lame, sorry.”
“I'm, uhm. My parents are kinda conservative.” She admitted, looking down at her knees, her slender fingers clasping around them. “And the part of town I grew up in is kinda conservative.” 'Hic.' “And the school I've been to … Well, I figure you get the drift?” She finally looked up, seeming seriously embarassed and … ashamed?
“The 'we normal humans keep to ourselves' kind of conservative. So, uhm, yeah. I haven't been exposed much to this kind of supernatural … magic … ghostly kind of stuff.” She breathed a deep sigh and hung her head. 'Hic.' “Gods, this is so lame, sorry.”
Reyna Crelos
"Well," Athan began slowly, "I can certainly understand that. Parental figures often shelter their children in order to protect them from things they themselves do not quite comprehend. There was even a time in the world that I am originally from that the Kelos'nan, those without magic, and the Mhiros'nan, those who possess magic like myself, did not associate with one another either because of the same prejudice."
Hawk seemed for a moment as though he wanted to add on to what Athan had said, or otherwise make some sort of caustic comment, but instead remained silent with a faraway look upon his pale face.
Athan glanced away with a quiet sigh and propped his chin up in one hand as he peered over at Miranda with a small smile. "All of the jewelry within this shop is crafted by hand in a traditional sense, though there is a great deal of magic here as you have already witnessed," he explained in a quiet, solemn tone.
"The Shadow creatures here, such as Hawk," he said as he nodded towards the pale Fiend curled so closely next to him, "Are here because of me."
'That's only partially true,' the Shadow in question spoke up in a cryptically disjointed voice as though he were trapped in some memory or vision, and not quite there with them. 'We are here because of Doran. This is not your doing, minion.'
Athan scowled darkly and folded his hands in front of him with as worried and an as ashamed a look upon his face as Miranda had held. "I cannot ignore my responsibility. I am still partly to blame for this mess."
Hawk seemed for a moment as though he wanted to add on to what Athan had said, or otherwise make some sort of caustic comment, but instead remained silent with a faraway look upon his pale face.
Athan glanced away with a quiet sigh and propped his chin up in one hand as he peered over at Miranda with a small smile. "All of the jewelry within this shop is crafted by hand in a traditional sense, though there is a great deal of magic here as you have already witnessed," he explained in a quiet, solemn tone.
"The Shadow creatures here, such as Hawk," he said as he nodded towards the pale Fiend curled so closely next to him, "Are here because of me."
'That's only partially true,' the Shadow in question spoke up in a cryptically disjointed voice as though he were trapped in some memory or vision, and not quite there with them. 'We are here because of Doran. This is not your doing, minion.'
Athan scowled darkly and folded his hands in front of him with as worried and an as ashamed a look upon his face as Miranda had held. "I cannot ignore my responsibility. I am still partly to blame for this mess."
Thabara
'Sheltered'. Ugh, how she hated that word – especially as it had a tendency to come up in all sorts of unpleasant arguments. “I don't see anything bad,” Miranda said, “about using magic? Or other, uhm, 'abilities'? That is, as long as they're not abused.” She spoke slowly, hesitantly. She was aware that this was a topic she was quite ignorant about and thus trying to treat it with care.
Curiously she leaned forward a little to get a closer look at the shadow creature. What had he said? Shadow Fiend? That did sound kind of dangerous. She could see, though, where that 'shadow' bit came from. The shadows (and there were plenty, with the room so dimly lit) seemed to be part of the creature, melding with its ethereal body.
“Uh … Hawk, right?” Her gaze dropped a little, her attention momentarily captured by the gem upon the creature's chest. Hawk because of 'hawk's eye'? “Can I … Can I touch you?”
“And who's Doran?”
Curiously she leaned forward a little to get a closer look at the shadow creature. What had he said? Shadow Fiend? That did sound kind of dangerous. She could see, though, where that 'shadow' bit came from. The shadows (and there were plenty, with the room so dimly lit) seemed to be part of the creature, melding with its ethereal body.
“Uh … Hawk, right?” Her gaze dropped a little, her attention momentarily captured by the gem upon the creature's chest. Hawk because of 'hawk's eye'? “Can I … Can I touch you?”
“And who's Doran?”
Reyna Crelos
"Rightly so," Athan agreed, "To abuse one gifts is a terrible thing where magic is involved. It wreaks havoc and chaos upon the spell caster's soul in addition to harming those who associate with them. This I know very well."
He fell silent for a moment and watched with a smirk as Hawk slithered over towards her. He curled about her shoulders with a smug look upon his face before languidly making his way back towards Athan to snuggle in his lap. 'Doran was a terrible man. A magic-user like Athan whom went made with power. He trapped first his enemies' souls within gems, but as his madness progressed… no one was safe. Not even his allies, or those who bore him no ill will.'
Athan nodded in agreement, eyes downcast as he idly reached to pet at Hawk's hair. Of all the Shadows it was the Seer who knew the story best. Mystic, he assumed, was probably next in line if only because he was the eldest of them all. "I helped write the spell," he admitted, "It was not intended to be used. I did not finish the spell for fear that it would be used, but ... Doran found a way to complete it. So now my quest is to release them."
'But we are only shadows of our former selves,' Hawk spoke up again as he leaned against Athan's chest and curled there, fox-tail swishing about playfully in a way that made him seem very much like an overgrown feline. 'We are not yet whole, and require a soul bond to thrive.'
Silence spanned for a time as Athan mulled over his own thoughts before interjecting with a bemused chuckle, "Oh. And the reason I warn you of Reyna's temper is that, well, she's a demon. But truly the only thing you have to worry about from her is her temper. She's awful at spell casting."
He fell silent for a moment and watched with a smirk as Hawk slithered over towards her. He curled about her shoulders with a smug look upon his face before languidly making his way back towards Athan to snuggle in his lap. 'Doran was a terrible man. A magic-user like Athan whom went made with power. He trapped first his enemies' souls within gems, but as his madness progressed… no one was safe. Not even his allies, or those who bore him no ill will.'
Athan nodded in agreement, eyes downcast as he idly reached to pet at Hawk's hair. Of all the Shadows it was the Seer who knew the story best. Mystic, he assumed, was probably next in line if only because he was the eldest of them all. "I helped write the spell," he admitted, "It was not intended to be used. I did not finish the spell for fear that it would be used, but ... Doran found a way to complete it. So now my quest is to release them."
'But we are only shadows of our former selves,' Hawk spoke up again as he leaned against Athan's chest and curled there, fox-tail swishing about playfully in a way that made him seem very much like an overgrown feline. 'We are not yet whole, and require a soul bond to thrive.'
Silence spanned for a time as Athan mulled over his own thoughts before interjecting with a bemused chuckle, "Oh. And the reason I warn you of Reyna's temper is that, well, she's a demon. But truly the only thing you have to worry about from her is her temper. She's awful at spell casting."
Thabara
Miranda’s mouth formed a quiet, reverent ‘oh’. This was the first time she ever heard about magic actually being harmful for those who abused it. It seemed like she was about to say something, but the only sound to leave her lips was a startled “Eep!” when all of a sudden the Shadow … Thingy … Fiend! was all over her, or at least that was what it felt like in her surprise. Still, it’s touch wasn’t unpleasant … She’d expected it to be cold, but it wasn’t. More than anything, however, it convinced her that this was real, that she wasn’t experiencing some exceedingly vivid and weird dream.
She listened enraptured as Hawk related the story of how the Fiends first came to be, and when Athan admitted his involvement, she couldn’t help but feel a little teary-eyed. He looked so terribly sad and guilty!
“So, this Doran,” she said, her fingers nervously intertwining in her lap, “he was, like, a villain? A real one?” That was kind of scary. Villains were something that happened in movies and comic books. If you ever heard about real ones, then it was usually in history lessons. “Whatever happened to him?” she inquired timidly. The overall impression she got, was, that he wasn’t around anymore, but she’d rather like to be sure …
“And, just how many people did he, uhm, curse?” She hoped that was the right expression to use, she didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, lest alone those of her employer-to-be. But, she was so terribly clueless about stuff like magic! She’d definitely have to read up on that, once she was back home, maybe even dig for the phone numbers of her classmates from Way Back When she’d still been at school.
She fully ignored the comment about that Reyna being a demon (certainly that hand to be only a figure of speech, and who cared about her anyway?), but the bit about the Fiends requiring a ‘soul bond to thrive’ sort of got stuck. Maybe … “Is there, uhm, some way I could help out?” she mused, thinking aloud rather than really addressing anyone in particular.
She listened enraptured as Hawk related the story of how the Fiends first came to be, and when Athan admitted his involvement, she couldn’t help but feel a little teary-eyed. He looked so terribly sad and guilty!
“So, this Doran,” she said, her fingers nervously intertwining in her lap, “he was, like, a villain? A real one?” That was kind of scary. Villains were something that happened in movies and comic books. If you ever heard about real ones, then it was usually in history lessons. “Whatever happened to him?” she inquired timidly. The overall impression she got, was, that he wasn’t around anymore, but she’d rather like to be sure …
“And, just how many people did he, uhm, curse?” She hoped that was the right expression to use, she didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, lest alone those of her employer-to-be. But, she was so terribly clueless about stuff like magic! She’d definitely have to read up on that, once she was back home, maybe even dig for the phone numbers of her classmates from Way Back When she’d still been at school.
She fully ignored the comment about that Reyna being a demon (certainly that hand to be only a figure of speech, and who cared about her anyway?), but the bit about the Fiends requiring a ‘soul bond to thrive’ sort of got stuck. Maybe … “Is there, uhm, some way I could help out?” she mused, thinking aloud rather than really addressing anyone in particular.
Reyna Crelos
"A villain," Athan repeated, "You could certainly have called him that. He certainly became one in his own right. I think he enjoyed the infamy."
'He did,' Hawk quipped as he twined his arms around Athan's neck and nuzzled over against his face in an effort to cheer him up. Mostly he succeeded in grating on his nerves to a small degree rather than comforting him, but seeing as the man had yet to shove him away he was quite content to stay right where he was at. That, and he was curious as to how things with Miranda worked out. He had foreseen her initial entrance into the shop but nothing further.
"As for the number," Athan spoke up again, brow furrowing in worried lines as he did so, "I... I cannot be certain. Countless, I'd imagine. He lived for a great long while. As have I."
He closed his eyes for a moment and pressed one hand against his face in attempt to thwart the mounting tension headache he could feel on its way. He arched a brow his and his bright eyes snapped back open to glance over at Miranda with a curious look.
"Help?" he said quietly, "Well. These Shadows do require a soul bond to a guardian, but... that's not something I'd ask of you."
Hawk chuckled, but what he said next he kept between he and Athan so as to not scare off Twilight Designs' newest employee. 'No, but you have forced many a stone upon an assortment of unsuspecting individuals.'
Athan said nothing, but his feelings about the situation were enough of an explanation to the Shadow that currently occupied his lap. Miranda was different, if only because she appeared so truly innocent.
'He did,' Hawk quipped as he twined his arms around Athan's neck and nuzzled over against his face in an effort to cheer him up. Mostly he succeeded in grating on his nerves to a small degree rather than comforting him, but seeing as the man had yet to shove him away he was quite content to stay right where he was at. That, and he was curious as to how things with Miranda worked out. He had foreseen her initial entrance into the shop but nothing further.
"As for the number," Athan spoke up again, brow furrowing in worried lines as he did so, "I... I cannot be certain. Countless, I'd imagine. He lived for a great long while. As have I."
He closed his eyes for a moment and pressed one hand against his face in attempt to thwart the mounting tension headache he could feel on its way. He arched a brow his and his bright eyes snapped back open to glance over at Miranda with a curious look.
"Help?" he said quietly, "Well. These Shadows do require a soul bond to a guardian, but... that's not something I'd ask of you."
Hawk chuckled, but what he said next he kept between he and Athan so as to not scare off Twilight Designs' newest employee. 'No, but you have forced many a stone upon an assortment of unsuspecting individuals.'
Athan said nothing, but his feelings about the situation were enough of an explanation to the Shadow that currently occupied his lap. Miranda was different, if only because she appeared so truly innocent.
Thabara
She hesitated, wondering if maybe she ought to pat Athan’s hand or something. It was what people did in this kind of situation. But the shadow – Hawk, she corrected herself – seemed so possessive of the man that she refrained from it. Besides, it would likely end up to be terribly awkward.
“Why not? I’d like do something.” Miranda, giving a small nod as if to emphasize her words, but also to reassure herself. She offered a slightly nervous, but genuine smile, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. In the back of her head, a small voice of reason kept argueing she was about to get herself into something way over her head: After all, what did she know what a ‘soul bond’ actually was?
She shifted in her seat. “I mean, it’s not like my soul will get eaten or something, right?” She laughed nervously, remembering that one of her new co-workers supposedly was a demon. It seemed … more real now, and less like a figure of speech. “What do I do? Does it hurt?” Oh, it would be awful if it’d hurt, and she’d likely chicken out if it did.
“Why not? I’d like do something.” Miranda, giving a small nod as if to emphasize her words, but also to reassure herself. She offered a slightly nervous, but genuine smile, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. In the back of her head, a small voice of reason kept argueing she was about to get herself into something way over her head: After all, what did she know what a ‘soul bond’ actually was?
She shifted in her seat. “I mean, it’s not like my soul will get eaten or something, right?” She laughed nervously, remembering that one of her new co-workers supposedly was a demon. It seemed … more real now, and less like a figure of speech. “What do I do? Does it hurt?” Oh, it would be awful if it’d hurt, and she’d likely chicken out if it did.
Reyna Crelos
Athan stared over at her a bit wide-eyed. She obviously had no clue as to what she was currently asking for. "Well," he began slowly, "It doesn't hurt, no. You should not feel much of anything at all. Their voices are telepathic, and they are also highly empathic. They cannot read your mind, but they can sense how you feel."
He felt a bit at a loss as to what to do. No one had ever readily volunteered to take on a Fiend without one first having awakened and more or less having latched onto them. "Are you certain you actually want one? They are quite troublesome," he blurted out, quite lacking his usual eloquence.
He couldn't fathom wanting one.
'That's not nice,' Hawk informed him with a swish of his tail. 'I don't always cause you trouble,' he said with a playful look of indignation.
He felt a bit at a loss as to what to do. No one had ever readily volunteered to take on a Fiend without one first having awakened and more or less having latched onto them. "Are you certain you actually want one? They are quite troublesome," he blurted out, quite lacking his usual eloquence.
He couldn't fathom wanting one.
'That's not nice,' Hawk informed him with a swish of his tail. 'I don't always cause you trouble,' he said with a playful look of indignation.
Thabara
Oh. She blinked. That certainly was reassuring that they couldn’t read her mind. The thought that they might be capable of this hadn’t even remotely crossed her mind.
“Then I’d definitely like to give it a go,” she announced enthusiastically, quite unaware there was no turning back once the soul bond was established. “What else do I need to know? Do they feed of anything? Do they sleep?”
It was rather obvious that, at this moment, she expected this to be no more trouble than, say, taking care of a homeless kitten or somesuch.
“Then I’d definitely like to give it a go,” she announced enthusiastically, quite unaware there was no turning back once the soul bond was established. “What else do I need to know? Do they feed of anything? Do they sleep?”
It was rather obvious that, at this moment, she expected this to be no more trouble than, say, taking care of a homeless kitten or somesuch.
Reyna Crelos
Athan laughed quietly. Partly because he was amused by her enthusiasm and because he had no idea how else to react. Sweet child! She wanted so desperately to help. He sighed and shook his head with a small smile.
"They do not feed, and do not necessarily require sleep though some do," he answered, "They are creatures made of darkness and shadows so–"
'Don't expect to take one of us to a picnic in the park,' Hawk spoke up with a smug look upon his face, 'Unless it's by moonlight, of course.'
"They can go outside during the day," Athan amended, "But they will not appreciate it. It weakens them and is painful upon their senses. That is why the shop is so dimly lit."
He paused for a moment as he reached for Miranda's hand. He held it in his and looked at her with a sincere look upon his face. "Are you certain you want to become a guardian for one of these stones?" he asked tentatively. "There is no way to be rid of one once the bond is made," he warned.
"They do not feed, and do not necessarily require sleep though some do," he answered, "They are creatures made of darkness and shadows so–"
'Don't expect to take one of us to a picnic in the park,' Hawk spoke up with a smug look upon his face, 'Unless it's by moonlight, of course.'
"They can go outside during the day," Athan amended, "But they will not appreciate it. It weakens them and is painful upon their senses. That is why the shop is so dimly lit."
He paused for a moment as he reached for Miranda's hand. He held it in his and looked at her with a sincere look upon his face. "Are you certain you want to become a guardian for one of these stones?" he asked tentatively. "There is no way to be rid of one once the bond is made," he warned.
Thabara
Well. That did sound rather easy, didn’t it? If they didn’t even require food … The sleeping habits, however, might prove to be somewhat of a problem. When she’d first gotten her cat Verne several years ago, his nightly activities had driven her nuts. Then again, his temperament had mellowed down as he grew up, and it had been when she was still required to get up early for school.
“Got it,” she said, laughing a little. “Do not expose to bright lights, do not get it wet, and never feed it after midnight.” She rather doubted any of those present actually got the reference – that movie was old, after all – but she didn’t really mind, and after hearing Hawk’s warning she just couldn’t help it.
She quickly grew serious once more, though, as Athan reached for her hand.
No, she wasn’t certain at all, and part of her sensed that she might be about to make a very big mistake. Her will to help, however, was sincere. She wouldn’t chicken out of this now!
“I’m certain,” she said, amazed at how calm her voice did sound.
“Got it,” she said, laughing a little. “Do not expose to bright lights, do not get it wet, and never feed it after midnight.” She rather doubted any of those present actually got the reference – that movie was old, after all – but she didn’t really mind, and after hearing Hawk’s warning she just couldn’t help it.
She quickly grew serious once more, though, as Athan reached for her hand.
No, she wasn’t certain at all, and part of her sensed that she might be about to make a very big mistake. Her will to help, however, was sincere. She wouldn’t chicken out of this now!
“I’m certain,” she said, amazed at how calm her voice did sound.
Reyna Crelos
Athan simply smiled before he relinquished his hold upon Miranda's hand. "I suppose that settles it," he announced. He stood from where he sat and moved to pour himself another cup of tea to calm his nerves. He shoulders heaved with a heavy sigh, and he turned to lean back against the kitchenette's counter so that he was facing Miranda.
"I shall search for a suitable stone for you," he told her. He was by no means going to hand her one blindly. No, that would be dangerous. She was much too sweet to be handed something of that nature. "You, Seer," he told the Fiend that was still perched on the couch sitting next to Miranda, "Will help me with this task."
His expression softened as he turned his attentions back upon Miranda and offered her a warm smile. "And I expect you here tomorrow to complete necessary paperwork and contracts for employment."
"I shall search for a suitable stone for you," he told her. He was by no means going to hand her one blindly. No, that would be dangerous. She was much too sweet to be handed something of that nature. "You, Seer," he told the Fiend that was still perched on the couch sitting next to Miranda, "Will help me with this task."
His expression softened as he turned his attentions back upon Miranda and offered her a warm smile. "And I expect you here tomorrow to complete necessary paperwork and contracts for employment."
Thabara
“Yes, Sir~!” She rose from her seat and picked up her portfolio. “I’ll bring some actual samples of my work too, so that you can properly judge its quality. Who knows, perhaps you don’t want to hire me after all.” She smiled a little impishly, actually rather confident in that regard. Only very little of the jewelry she sold online ever got returned to her, and she took pride in that. “I’ll drop in, ah, at about ten if that’s alright.”
“It was nice to meet you. You too, Hawk.” She smiled, pulled off somewhat of a curtsy, and then she was on her way out, hoping Sumie would still be waiting for her. She had so much to tell her now!
“It was nice to meet you. You too, Hawk.” She smiled, pulled off somewhat of a curtsy, and then she was on her way out, hoping Sumie would still be waiting for her. She had so much to tell her now!
