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 Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:41 pm
Closing the shop and leaving his house was a once in a lifetime deal for the silver-haired man. He wasn't going to be gone long, with just enough time to run to the market before they closed for dinner, for he was in need of a good rice bowl. Amelia and Annabelle were in need of some sustenance as well, thus his leaving.
As he neared the market in Nuan, he immediately took out what pocket change he had and counted it, still walking. A few dollars and he was fine. Rice wasn't an expensive commodity and so his few cents would go a long way.
He rushed in and began looking through the many different herbs and spices they had there. Those herbs were always something to look at in his case, being that of an alchemist. He stood, hand on his chin, stroking it as though in deep thought. His glasses glared with the light from above as he bent down to look at the many herbs before him. There were some pretty nice ones, others were too expensive. He had to look at them even if it was just out of curiosity.
He picked up a cheap bottle that contained a special herb he needed in making his main headache medication. He then ventured off into the other department where he would find the fish needed to cook for the special meal. "Fish...fish...fish...tuna fish? No...salmon. Uh uh...Hmmm...maybe I should make a more fruity dish tonight." he said to himself aloud. He often talked to himself just to spite others around him. Anyone who found him strange or irritating, he found enjoyment in their suffering.
The strange man then made his way towards the fruits and vegetables. "Aha! Here we are!" he said, picking up a little basket of strawberries. He knew that he could create a very nice desert from strawberries, rice, and cinnamon as well as a little milk. He loved it. Rice for dinner and desert, his favorite. "Yum! Can't wait to make this hahaha!" he said aloud.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 3:02 pm
To tell true, Eldrick was rather tired of making his way around this little town. Whilst he'd had a couple of tutoring sessions with the younglings of the more prominent town citizens (who wanted to ensure, obviously, that their treasured little ones were getting an adequate learning), it had soon petered out when they were assured that yes, despite their hideous scrawling, wee lil' Jane and Junior could, as a matter of fact, read and write more than their own name. Heh. There really were some atrocious expectations out here, especially amongst those with any amount of money. License for stupidity, apparently.
Whatever the case, it was annoying, and meant the budget for the next week had spiraled right down into the territory known as dismal. So he was nitpicking at the various fare available at the market, wondrously relieved just now that he was only buying for himself. If he ever did wind up producing those grand-munchkins his mom was always writing to him about in the hopes of it actually coming to fruition...he was going to have to actually find a steady line of work.
Whilst perusing the oranges, tossing one from one hand to the other, he couldn't help but overhear an odd fellow talking to himself on the subject of dinner. Wrinkling his nose, he had to admit that there were certainly a few interesting articles about the town...most notably amongst its populace. Well, it really couldn't hurt to be friendly now could it? The worst that could happen was he'd be ranted at, like that old codger with the place down by the river. So much for gleaning any interesting tales from him.
"So what're you plannin' t'make...?" He inquired conversationally of the seemingly good-natured bugger, eyeing that orange again, noting that the fruit dealer was keeping his eye on the historian, as though he might bolt with an armful of citrus. Sheesh, such was the problem with small towns. "I was rather thinking...fish with orange glaze, myself." At least that was one thing that every person in this world seemed able to hold a conversation about. Even the primitive farmers seemed to be able to pour out pages and pages if information concerning their daily fare.
That and Eldrick didn't know more than a handful of people in Nuan. Even the acquisition of enemies would have seemed a blessing at this point.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 3:15 pm
Amerald jumped a tad in surprise. He hadn't expected anyone to be talking to him, much less a complete stranger. He wasn't super well known within Nuan, but if they had any questions about medication, generally Amerald was the one to go to for that. He knew that he was only popular with the less fortunate, sickly people of the town. Once, he had a customer come in and speak with him all the way from Korr. That was a surprise. He didn't want to be too well known however, just because he didn't want his past to catch up with him.
He smiled at the man and nodded. "Well, just a desert for myself really. My favorite is rice, it can go with almost anything. Especially rice and fruit together, it can be so good. But fish...with an orange glaze? That sounds to die for! I've never tried it personally, but I do love fish as well." he said smiling. He was quite excited to be talking to someone, especially if he was not actually a customer of his shop...or not yet anyway. He seemed to be a kind man, one that would definitely make for an interesting friend, in Amerald's opinion.
Placing a hand out for the man to grab, Amerald spoke, "I'm Amerald Laraan. I run the local apothecary here in Nuan. Well...apothecary, pawn shop, it's all the same really haha! It's nice to meet you."
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 3:45 pm
Well it wasn't as though Eldrick had ever been particularly shy. If nothing else he'd caused his dear mother no end of consternation as a youngster, having no particularly developed sense of social logic. Now, however, he was far more experienced, but he still managed on occasion to offset those around him via the few eccentricities that he harbored. This chap, mind, seemed to have a few peculiarities about himself as well, not that there was anything wrong with that. In fact, it could be quite refreshing, so long as those habits did not include yelling at younger generations to scram off their lawn.
"Rice is a very versatile dietary staple..." He agreed, though he took a second take of the other in surprise at his lack of gourmet experience. "And it's wondrous, you really ought to try it sometime. My mother had the most fabulous recipe. I know it by heart, if you remind me, I'll jot it down for you...I was somewhat keen on havin' it tonight, y'see. Hell, if you so desire, and I haven't completely branded myself in your mind as an oversocial oddity, I don't see why we couldn' collaborate on dinner." Hmm, in that case, he'd better pick up a few more oranges instead of simply playing with the one in his fingers. Hnnn, as that grocer looked fit to burst with anticipation.
"I'm Eldrick Lawrence..." Gods but the other had a flowing name, it sounded like something out of one of the old books, heroic tales and poetically embossed names, the lot of it. Taking that hand, he shook it firmly, handsome features lighting up in a warm smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Amerald. I'd yet to stop by the apothecary, I would suppose that's why we haven't met before. What's it like to run one in this place?" Setting up shop in an out of the way part of the world couldn't have been the easiest feat.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 3:59 pm
Amerald was now thoroughly surprised by this man's actions. He was actually suggesting the two collaborate on dinner? That would be a good idea, except his daughters. He couldn't show a complete strangers who spoke to other complete strangers his secret business...not yet anyway. He knew he was intrigued by this man, quite actually. Amerald smiled and figured that the idea of dinner was a great one. He could cook a separate dinner for his daughters later. But first, he wanted to get to know this man, for everything that he was. This was definitely going to be an interesting meeting.
"That would be fantastic! I wouldn't mind whatsoever having dinner with a boy of the younger generation. You can teach me your customs and what you youngsters do nowadays hahaha!" he said, smiling. He was definitely interested in what this boy had to offer. Making this dinner date was not what Amerald had in mind, but it would probably benefit him in the long run, making a new friend, a new possible new customer, and probable new guardian. Interesting people like this didn't just walk into the shop, oh no, this was definitely a breath of fresh air.
"Well, it was a challenge, but once my name got out there and was put throughout the town, I get customers quite often. Not many alchemists in this town with my kind of credentials. To be honest, however, it can get boring and lonely being all alone over there. I'd love for you to stop by sometime." he said, letting go of the grip the man held and then folding his arms over his chest, bag of rice and box of strawberries in hand, making him look a bit awkward for sure.
"Well, how about we go to your place tonight? If that's alright with you. I'd love to see how the younger generation lives, and then I'll give you the address to my shop and you can come by in the next few days and get a free item from there. Sound fair?" he older man said with a chuckle. He was definitely going there for more than just dinner, mind you. He definitely had an ulterior motive.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 5:23 pm
Eldrick, for his own part, since he lived alone, could hardly see a reason to decline the suggestion. His current housing was a bit bachelorish, less than s**c and span at the moment, but then again, he supposed the other might gather that without too much added help. Raising brows a bit at being termed a 'youngster' (he hadn't heard that one for about five years or so), he supposed that this fellow might have earned the right, it did seem to have driven him a little batty, but then again, he was so good-natured that it was hard to dislike him. "I don't know if my customs are so peculiar, but I would quite enjoy dinner with you." He joked back easily, smiling all too easily at the other. Never was he one to deny a chance to make another friend...though sometimes his straightforward nature ruffled a few feathers.
"Ah so you're an alchemist. I used to know a few of them when I was a lad, but..." He shrugged, "Already you seem far more interesting and less of a dry individual than they." Perhaps that was why he lived all the way out here, instead of the capitol. There Eldrick had found himself far too confined, longing for a different life, a fresh view on the world as a whole. That he'd certainly been given throughout his travels, finding living, modern history to be of far more interest than musty tomes that unimaginatively recorded the doings of the past. If only all of the ancient authors had been into epic sagas. Now that might have kept the kids involved.
"Sure thing. Just let me buy these oranges, hmm? Then we c'n head on over." Picking up a few more promising citrus globes, he went over to the crochety grocer to pay up. Really, the business must be flagging these days to put the old codger in such a bad mood. "That is..." He continued, as a thought seized him, "If you wanted to go right now, I'm sorry, am I hurrying you along?" Handing over coins, he tucked the oranges away securely so that they wouldn't get bruised on the way home.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 5:42 pm
A smile crept upon the face of the elder man. He was extremely happy that the invitation was accepted and the two could head over to his place for the dinner. Amerald would be thrilled to learn more about him for sure. "That's great, I would like nothing but the same, sir." he said, smiling. He was definitely becoming rather giddy, realizing that he was this much closer to where the boy lived. What kind of man was he really? Was he going to make for an interesting guardian? Amerald sure hoped so.
He nodded with the boys words and ended with a chuckle. "That's great to hear! I'm quite glad I'm not a boring, rusty old geezer. Especially coming from one of the younger generation, that's quite a compliment I presume." He was nearing fifty within the coming years and he was not at all happy about that, for he still felt so young on the inside, and he had looked, yes, older, but still younger than forty. Though most of the time, his white locks gave the impression of wisdom, which he felt he was worth those compliments.
"No, of course you're not rushing me. What am I to do? Being a lonely old man has its perks you know. Hahah! I can go out without my mother being too upset or the wife getting on my nerves." he chuckled softly. He was definitely right about that. But his daughters, those he failed to mention, would wonder where he was at. Then again, after he returned, he would tell them of his newest plan for yet another hraapea.
He went to the teller as well with his rice and strawberries, he too grabbed a bit more than he would need, for he wanted to take some home with him after the two's little meeting. He pulled out the coins necessary and followed Eldrick out. "Alright, where to Mr. Lawrence?" he questioned, following behind a few steps.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 6:03 pm
Eldrick almost shook his head at that way that the other kept referring to himself as old. God, the other surely couldn't be more than a decade away from the historian's own age. And if he was older, well, damn, he was aging rather well in that case. Lips quirking faintly, he rather supposed he should allow Amerald that peculiarity. Some people had a certain fascination with age that Eldrick himself had never understood. He was in the prime of his life, after all, at least that's what he always told himself, and that meant it was far from over. There was so very much to be done what use was it to count the days and years in that fashion? Ah well, to each his own.
"No indeed, sirrah, I think instead y'be quite interesting, at least from what m'observing thus far." Brows went up, and he gave the other a sidelong glance. Despite the pale hair, really, his companion was looking quite hale for a supposed geezer. Perhaps he had the impression that Eldrick was younger than he was, that was likely enough, so the tutor decided to run with it as a compliment. As conversation continued, he thought he'd stumbled upon a moment of enlightenment on the topic, however, as Amerald mentioned that he was lonely. Heh...perhaps that added age to a person, when not surrounded by family.
"Ah, just a couple streets over..." He murmured, gesturing towards the set of rooms he was currently renting out, and he strode forward with purpose, though not so quickly as he might, to ensure that Amerald could easily keep up. "And please, by all means...call me Eldrick. Mr. Lawrence sounds so formal, and it's what my students call me, you see. I teach when I can..." An easy shrug followed, "It pays the rent at least, and he children aren't terrible, usually it's their parents I have more issues with. Times do change..."
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 6:17 pm
Amerald chuckled in acknowledgement of the man's opinion of him. He was feeling the same, obviously. He was quite excited to view the abode of a younger individual, seeing if he was all that much different from Amerald when he was his age. He smirked and that grew into a grin with every step, realizing that it was much closer than he had expected to go. Amerald knew what he needed, and Eldrick's house was the perfect place to get it.
"A teacher, you say? My oh my, that must be quite exciting. I can definitely relate to angry parents though...mine weren't all that great to my teachers back in the day, haha! My father especially. My mother was quite relaxed when it came to schooling, but what's over is over. I've learned what I need to know and have been doing well ever since I must say." he replied. A teacher? Amerald was quite delighted in that. Sati had been a teacher, but only of children and women, and that was a dance teacher. This one was a real teacher. That was such a pleasant thought in Amerald's mind. He was quite elated by that fact, making this 'want' to get that specific item more of a 'need' in his mind.
"So, how long have you been here in Nuan, Eldrick? It's true, I haven't seen you around. I would love to get to know you more. I'm always looking for a friend haha." he said. He was glad to have met this man. He reminded him a bit of himself, making conversation with strangers and becoming close right then and there. It was all so exciting for him. He held the bag of goods in his hand, switching it over to the other every now and again when it became a bit heavy in one arm. He trailed behind Eldrick, who was kind enough to keep a speed Amerald could pace himself at.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 6:56 pm
"Well that's good, despite any abrasion, it seems that your teachers did their work well..." Sounds like it had been quite a time, tutoring Amerald, but then he supposed that that was what his mother liked to call 'back in th' day', as she was always going on about. Hnnn. Bygones were likely bygones with whatever hapless teacher had been under the employ of the other's parents. Having no idea what the nature of Amerald's interest was in him, Eldrick blissfully continued on his way, taking a couple of the more convenient shortcuts he knew to get to the building he was residing in.
"I've been here...a mite over a month. I'm a historian as a bit of a sideline t'tutoring, see, and I like to get a feel for the culture and past of places." He grinned wryly, "It's been an interesting enterprise thus far, dun think my mam's particularly happy about it, she'd be far more satisfied if I settled down and gave her grandkids, but..." An elegant shrug of broad shoulders followed. "I've had nothing by way of relationships to work on makin' her any, and I dun see that changing juuust yet." That and women seemed to baffle him, nice enough, but the opposite sex was one of those things that Eldrick had never fully fathomed.
"Well, so long as my cooking endeavors don't scare of you off...I don't see why we can't become acquainted." Arriving at the building that he was currently calling home, it sported two sets of doors, not unlike a townhouse, and his landlady, her sister, and their fifteen or so cats lived on the other side. One of which came up and rubbed itself on his legs rumblingly, "Now stop that, Petit, m'not your mam and I'm not going to feed you either..." However, he obliged the critter by reaching down to give her ears a scratch, to which she expressed her pleasure vocally. "You'd think they were mine, as friendly as they get." Smiling sheepishly at his guest, he let the other inside.
The place was fairly clean, though there was an unwashed shirt or two draped over furniture here and there, as well as a wooden cup that had been set on a windowsill, likely from earlier in the day. Otherwise, things were in not such horrible disarray as to frighten off intruders. "This is m'place. Not too ostentatious, but it does well enough for yanno, just me..." Heading straight into the kitchen, he set his grocery satchel down and began to pull out the other ingredients out from the cabinets and onto the counter. "Please, feel free t'make yourself at home, and if you need anything....ask and I'll letcha know where it is."
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:01 am
Amerald was definitely curious of this man, that was completely sure. He chuckled when the other man spoke. "Well, thank you quite kindly, sir. I don't think I've ever been told that before." he said as he continued to follow the man through the streets.
As they neared the house, he actually talked about his mother and how she wanted grandkids one day. Oh, Amerald couldn't pass up this chance now. He had his own place, worked with children constantly as a tutor, and his mother wanted him to settle down. That was perfect and more than enough motive for him to want to create a hraapea from this man's DNA. "That definitely seems like an interesting ideal. But I'm a man, I know how these things work. Settling down takes time, women are somewhat of a rarity. You definitely have to find one that clicks with you, otherwise all hell will break loose one day." he said, smiling.
Amerald chuckled at the man's words. He was quite excited to 'get acquainted' further. He bent over and pet the stray cat after the other man. He was interested in these little creatures as well. They were definitely cute. He smiled as he stood and entered the building. He was definitely shocked to gather that it was quite nice. He too followed the man to his kitchen quarter and placed his bag on the counter top. "Haha, I definitely have one question. Where is your bathroom?" he said with a smile. He wasn't quite prepared for anything at the moment, but he would definitely need to give this man some kind of feather. He always kept random things in his pockets. Other feathers, pens, pencils, little notepad for notes. Luckily for him, earlier that day he had gone out of the town through the forests searching for any new feathers and had found a few. Now he just had to wait for a response.
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:25 am
"Mmm...perhaps it's a feminine notion..." He murmured, nodding sagely. That would explain so very much...his mother had always seemed to expect him to agree with her, as though it were second-nature for anything born of her genes to be utterly agreeable. Heh. If he had been, it wouldn't have come from her side of the family, he was fairly certain. Not that he didn't adore her, love her dearly with every fiber of his being, it was simply most tedious at times to deal with the woman. They saw the world on completely different levels, and oft from opposing sides. She'd rather the stable and comfortable, whereas Eldrick entertained a desire to experience everything...really get it between his fingers. Though kids someday...wouldn't be so bad really.
Amerald's affection towards the aggressively loving Petit also inspired not a little approval. The other truly did seem a kind man, even if he was a touch off. Eldrick would not at all mind adding him to the list of friends he had obtained over the course of his journeys. Though Nuan tended to be fairly quiet, the historian had to admit that it was certainly one of the cozier, happier places in which he'd dwelled. Oh right, the other had asked him a question. "Ah...go through the sitting room, and just before you get to the bedroom down the little hall there'll be a doorway on y'right!" He called, rolling up his sleeves and preparing ingredients, best to be prepared when the other finished whatever business he had.
Getting to work on the salmon, he also pulled down a couple of sauces. Ah damn, where had he put that white wine? Rummaging in the cabinets, he found what he was looking for and uncorked it. Whilst he kept sherry and the like for the sole purpose of cooking, were he to drink recreationally, Eldrick's poison of choice just happened to be spiced rum. Be assured that that could be found in his cabinets as well. Heating up the stove, he set out an array of pans and utensils, including one grater that looked slightly worse for wear. There were things, he'd discovered, that one should simply not attempt to shred.
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:29 pm
Amerald was definitely ready to get what he had come for. "Thanks." was all the man said before he made his way down the hallway and into the bathroom. He found this man to be charming, well-to-do, and in need of some spice in his life. A hraapea would be perfect.
As he made his way down the hallway, his heart raced, sure he was just going to be stealing away some hair, not that big of a deal. But then again, what if he was caught with it? He'd be suspected of something for sure, and thought to be more eccentric than he probably already was.
He had followed the directions as given and found his way to the bathroom. Shutting and locking the door he then began to rummage through the cabinets and shower or anything, for any piece of hair or DNA he could find. "A toothbrush? Hairbrush? Aha! One of these will work...perfect...some hair right there." he whispered, a grin forming upon his countenance. He was thrilled he had finally found something. He pulled some strands from the brush and stuck it in his pocket, placing the brush back where he had found it.
He then took out, from his other pocket, a feather. "Ah, this will do." he said quietly to himself as he plucked a few strands of it and stuffed those into the same pocket as the hair. This feather, he left on the sink counter and smiled slyly. He flushed the toilet as if he had done something, washed his hands and slowly made his way down the hallway once more.
'I have to think of some way to get out of having dinner tonight...' he thought to himself. He figured he needed to get away from there as fast as possible, but without making things seem as though he or someone else was in peril. He made his way back into the kitchen.
A yawn escaped his mouth and as he did, a stretch as well. "You know...maybe tonight wasn't the best night to do something like this. I am a bit tired from the days adventures. I'm really quite sorry for causing you so much trouble. B-but maybe we can continue this again tomorrow evening? Only this time, I'll cook you dinner? How does that sound?" he said, smiling and acting as though he was quite groggy. He wasn't really, he would be up all night experimenting and such. He wasn't really going to bed by any means. But maybe it would let him off the hook, if only for tonight.
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:46 pm
When the other reemerged from the bathroom, he tilted his head to one side, listening thoughtfully whilst filleting and grilling the salmon. Ah. Well it seemed that he wouldn't have dinner guests tonight, though he had to admit that such a quick retreat was a little odd. Then again, perhaps not, what with how Amerald kept carrying on about being elderly, despite evidence to the contrary. Chuckling, he shrugged, moving over to wash his hands so that he could dry them off and offer one to the other as a passing farewell. "Well thanks for comin' over anyway. And it's no trouble." He smiled widely, "Here..."
Fetching a notecard off of the counter, he offered it to the other, "It's the recipe for the salmon and orange glaze. I did promise it to ya...and it would be a shame if you didn't get to try it for want of a likkle nap, mmm?" After all, this new acquaintance had done him no ill, in fact, he'd been most personable, a trait that was oft-lacking in the world these days. "Do take care goin' home and don't fall asleep amblin' home, a'right?" Mind, being a well-traveled fellow with not a little paranoia, Eldrick was going to do a quick run-through of the house once the other had adjourned...but he was not such a rude host as to do it whilst Amerald was still present.
Though he'd certainly be puzzled when he stumbled upon Amerald's tiny gift. "Tomorrow then? Same time differen' place?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:55 pm
Amerald was pleased that he wasn't too upset. With the card in hand he went to the door. "Thank you for your time. It was quite enjoyable actually! Sorry it had to end so quickly though. But yes, I shall be fine, thank you for the concern. And same time, my place haha." he answered, walking out the door.
He scurried home as quickly as he could, quite excited to get things rolling on this new creation for a man he had only known for but an hour. It was time...to begin.
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