|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:11 pm
 howthpost eightWhen they exited the shop an hour later, Howth's money pouch was significantly lighter. He had the fleeting thought that he should be doing something more virtuous with his wealth before he turned to watch Xaawo and Jasla as they walked beside him. The Vandrean seemed... amused today, curious perhaps, looking for... well... he wasn't sure. Maybe he wasn't as adept in antennae communication as he thought, but at least he recognized the telltale signs of someone in the throes of experimentation.
"Did that go the way you had planned?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:11 pm
 xaawopost nineShe shifted her full focus to Howth, deliberately pulling her thoughts away from their scholarly spiral. He seemed a bit preoccupied, even though all of his attention was on her, but that was nothing new. Ever since they had left Sauti, he had been accompanied by a ceaseless distraction that had no source, at least not one that had followed them on the road. Xaawo knew that would need to be dealt with eventually, but at the moment, she was not prepared.
"I think so. When we entered the shop I fully intended to be the one to ask about Jasla's clothing. But as soon as I saw Bysna, I wanted to see how the two of you would behave without interference." She smiled faintly, lips closed, as she recalled the salesman's silent acceptance of his customers' frivolous whims and lengthy pauses. "He is a very determined salesman. And you're... Howth."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:11 pm
howthpost nineThat he was.
"I feel like if you're going to continue conducting social experiments, I should give you a few tips. Perhaps, in exchange, you could give me some pointers on putting myself above others?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:11 pm
xaawopost ten"Do you mean being rude?" Xaawo laughed, the sound preceded by a snort. "I've found that disappointing people is easy when you know you'll never see them again." She busied herself with Jasla once more, suddenly glad that the animal was there as a buffer between them. "But you don't want to alienate the ones you will."
She made herself stop and look at him again, a strange pang of guilt catching in her throat. "The next time I notice you're standing in the way of your own happiness, I'll let you know. And I'll hear your tips. Just not now. I have a painting to finish."
Without further explanation, Xaawo ducked inside, Jasla taking a seat beside the door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:12 pm
howthpost tenHowth stood silently watching her go, unsure as to what had just occurred. He didn't think she was angry, but he doubted he would have truly been able to tell if she was. His offer to pool their knowledge had been sincere, but it seemed to slowly strike a nerve until Xaawo couldn't stand to be in his presence.
He shifted his weight.
What now?
Jasla chirped a question, then went inside without waiting for a response. After a moment's hesitation, Howth took a deep breath and followed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
