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 Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 6:05 pm
Chancery and Chivalry
Who: Annelise Liard and her tainted dagger, as well as Kai Edalai. (crispywondermint, ex o ex snoof)
Where: Roserock, Mishkan
When: A somewhat cloudy afternoon
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Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 6:43 pm
Not for the first time, Annelise wondered if the bright splotches of sunlight added cheer to the city streets or merely pointed out the painful flaws. It was very much like looking at a gemstone: one was dazzled by the light reflected off the surface, but when turned just so, the flaws could readily be seen. Still, the shouts of traders hawking their wares and mothers searching for lost children had begun to feel like home, and the discarded servant couldn't imagine silence.
What was more difficult to imagine was a way to ignore the way the same sunlight glinted off of rosy-skinned appeals and other ripe treats meant to lure passerby. Tension still faintly hung in the air like a half-forgotten dream as she went, clusters of neighbors staying close together as they went about their daily needs. Despite the crowd, Annelise herself was given a respectable space, as though passerby were repelled if they came too close. That, at least, she'd become used to: carrying her brother's dagger had that affect. However alienating, she knew she was significantly safer with it than without. Despite her resolution to stay strong, the little blonde understood why children watched with wide eyes and trembling fingers, only to be swatted away or worse if caught. Hunger, it seemed, was a harsh mistress.
'I just need to give myself some time,' Anne reminded herself. Running her fingers through her disheveled hair, the notion of changing her usual route home suddenly seemed a wonderful idea. Certainly it would be a distraction from the gnawing pit in her stomach and the crowd alike.
Several minutes passed before Anne first noticed that something was amiss, that the hazy weather of the day had grown significantly more intense. Frowning, she shaded her eyes, only to discover that the movement was even more disorienting when shadows played with her vision. Her stomach grumbled rather pointedly in answer, demanding attention the way a child wants a new toy.
'I'm almost home, anyway. It won't be much longer.' Uncomfortable with staying out too long without a proper lock, straying simply wasn't an option...even if her gait was beginning to sway with every step. It wasn't until her knees inconveniently buckled that Anne realized she wasn't going forward, that the cobbled streets were most uncomfortable, and that she was surely making a spectacle of herself.
'Get up.' Her legs didn't seem to hear the mental command, content to act as near deadweight as the darkness at the corner of her eyes began to spread.
It just couldn't be a simple day.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 6:41 am
The heat was oppressive, especially for early Autumn. It was uncanny how different the temperature was everywhere in Panymium from one another, but especially compared to Helios. The Center was a cool and comfortable sort prone to no particularly extreme climate changes save for the odd rain storm. To its North was the harsh and extreme cold of the Shyregoedian mountains, of which he had never seen save for in the distance, and to the South was the balmy plains of Auvinus which caused apprehension in him for more than one reason. Imisus and Mishkan, to the East and West respectively, had more average climates while being on the same level as Helios but were still very different; Imisus, he had been told, had extreme weather changes so there was nothing constant while Mishkan was exceptionally mild in comparison and birthed excellent farming soil.
While initially he had been excited to pay a visit to Mishkan out of sheer curiosity, for the young Private had never before stepped out of Helios for any reason yet, even the Guard, Kai Edalai was now growing exceptionally apprehensive with precisely where on the map they had been landed. Still technically in the farming region, Mishkan's little leg that housed Roserock was smack dab between two established and well known hubs for the House in Auvinus and it was obvious from the occasional cloak and mask he saw. Though Kai was certain there was at least one established area for the House within Helios as well, they seemed to be much more secretive about their position and he had not seen even a fifth as many members weaving through the crowd in all his days.
"I don't like this," he mumbled through his teeth to his team, keeping a hand on the hilt of his sword strapped to his hip. He was the youngest in a team of four Privates lead by Private Taiga, a native of Auvinus.
In response, he felt a firm hand grasp his shoulder. His purple eyes glanced back and took note of his silent team mate, Ureth, giving him a reassuring glance over his face cover. Kai attempted a smile but it came out slightly crooked and he bowed his head when turning back to face front.
The hoof beats of their team leader's horse stepping beside them was comforting to the young Private, more so than the din of the crowd and decidedly more than the stray complaint or whine from Ro. "S'nice te back in Mishkan but did they 'ave te pick such a blisterin' day?"
"No one can predict the weather," Taiga chided, "Besides, our orders are simple and routine. We just wound up being the ones picked, so buck up and keep your eyes peeled." Their mission was to keep an eye out for any suspicious dealings within this trade city with an unbiased eye. While for most trained soldiers, or Privates with Honors in the case of Taiga, this would be an easy task it was difficult for Kai due to all of the stories he had heard of the black cloaked figures swarming dangerously like crows.
The horse stopped and his leader looked to them all, keeping his voice hushed but authoritative, "We're splitting up now. Keep your eyes open, do your job, take care of anything suspicious and above all--" he paused, making sure they were listening, "--get back up if you cannot handle something yourself." Getting back up was always the most relieving of Kai's orders. "We'll meet at the town's center in five hours." Salutes followed and the team acknowledged one another before branching off to all corners of the town.
If he knew Private Ro Condare like he thought he did, the blonde Mishkanite was likely to hole up in a pub for most of that time. At least, though fearful of this place and the people in it, Kai was still determined not to let his commanding officer down. Even more so, he was determined not to be considered expendable and removed from the ranks before he even received his tie.
It wasn't even half an hour after his orders were given and the mission truly started that he heard gasps not too far off. With a quick foot, Kai hurried to a break in the crowd and saw people were looking down, pointing and gasping at something while giving it a wide berth and keeping as far from it as they could. A slight breeze picked up then, offering relief from the heat of the day but not the brightness and the soldier had to lift his hand to his face to block out the sun's rays in order to see between the people.
A young woman had fallen and though she didn't appear hurt her head was against the dirt and cobbles which offered no cushion for a fall. "M-Miss!" Kai stuttered, holding the hilt of his sword as he ran to keep it from impeding his movements. He had to push past people in the crowd who were offering her no assistance and only when he broke through and was able to kneel beside her did he discover why. A putrid, rusty scent of death was permeating from her. It was not so strong as to completely envelope him but immediately a hand ducked into his jacket and retrieved a handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth with.
Obvious signs pointed to this woman having the Plague and perhaps she was near death but, as his eyes roamed what exposed flesh he could find on the girl, there were no obvious physical symptoms to be found. No buboes, no blackened skin, and she certainly didn't appear to be coughing up blood. Still, there were less obvious signs he knew of so perhaps her infection was in the early stages. Fainting, indeed, was one of those symptoms. "Miss, can you hear me?" he tried to call over the clamor of the crowd which had dulled somewhat as they gave him space to tend to the fallen girl. A small sound came from him as he saw her eyes flutter and he reached his free hand toward her, snapping his fingers to gain her attention. "Stay with me, Miss, stay with me please. Can you hear me? I need you to try and stand..."
His desire to assist the poor girl was overwhelming but, if she was in fact tainted by the touch of blackened death, he knew not what he would do for her once she regained consciousness. Touching her would be out of the question, that was how it spread wasn't it? No, he would have to get creative but one way or another this poor woman needed to get out of the street.
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 5:43 pm
It had been only a few moments in Annelise's mind since she'd collapsed, though perhaps the reality was that she'd remained on the uncomfortable cobbles longer still. What started as a scant few voices grew in number and anxiety until they buzzed like hornets, clustering around her as passerby took note and waited. Bright sunlight swam over her face, jarring her senses as she tried to pull herself together and get away before she could make a further spectacle of herself: some of the speakers, their exact words blending with those around them, were still distinctly hostile. Perhaps she heard someone trying to be heard over the crowd, perhaps not, but the thought alone was enough to enforce the thought that things would not go well if she stayed as she was for much longer.
An unexpected shadow momentarily broke the stream of sunlight, and the change was enough for Annelise to physically register, eyelids flickering as she tried to understand what was happening.
”Miss, can you hear me.” Something passed in front of her eyes, accompanied by a loud snap that pulled her focus, the voices receding into the background. Anne hadn't thought she'd gone so far as to start hallucinating, but there didn't seem to be any other plausible explanation. At least it was a consistent one, neither the figure nor the voice changing halfway through.
Or, much to her chagrin, it could be an actual person, novel as that might seem. As the young man, from what the sounded like, continued to coax her attention, Anne's eyes came into focus. Vivid purple eyes watched her intently from a distance, concern warring with caution as the youth made sure no contact was made.
“Stay with me, Miss...” Humiliation flickered across Anne's face as she recalled her own foolishness that had caused the problem in the first place. Her hands groped at the ground as she tried to sit up, a muffled noise her only reply to his questions. Could she stand? Heavens above, she wanted to run, to forget this was evening happening. The world spun as she rose too quickly, the crowd that gave the two such a wide birth blurring in a haze of color.
“I'm...not sure,” she grated after several swallows. It was then that Anne noticed the man's clothing, a oft-worn but respectable blue in a clean but stylish cut. A soft groan of remorse caught in her throat at her ill luck. Of all things! Of course it would be a soldier to find her. Who knew what else would come of it, especially if he found some fault with her behavior.
“Give me a moment, please.”
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:14 am
After the snap of his fingers, the fallen woman began to respond and Kai brought his hand away from her face. Lord knew she didn't need anything else intrusive or disorienting. A mumble as she attempted to sit up was his only response for the moment but he would take it; she was moving and that was a start. Instinct told him to speak again but he held his tongue, knowing very well the annoyance of being pressed by someone when you were in a right state. And, moments later, she provided a coherent reply.
"Y-yes, of course," the soldier offered quietly, leaning back from her so she could have space to breathe. The act was also for his own benefit, a hand still keeping his nose and mouth covered by a silken green cloth embroidered with gold. If one looked closer they would note the initials LE in elegant, gold threaded script upon one corner -- his uncle's. Eccentric as he was, if the cloth somehow became tainted Kai had to wonder if his caretaker would find interest in it.
After a few moments began ticking into minutes, young Kai was beginning to grow impatient and it seemed the gaggle of the crowd was as well with nasty looks being turned upon himself as well. Clearing his throat, he attempted to ease back into conversation with the young woman but now that there had been time for his professional air to break it was clear he wasn't exactly the most well trained in social matters, particularly those concerning women. "We should... get you out of the street, Miss," his voice wavered, not quite sure whether to take the tone of a soldier or a helpful bystander. "If you can hold onto my arm, I'll help you up, alright?"
His free hand twitched, exposed fingers from his half gloves demanding to be safely concealed and unable to be touched by this potentially diseased woman but there was little he could do. Phobias aside, he only had her having fainted and the scent of decay as his two clues to her infection. There was another possibility he had overlooked, one more rare but having become increasingly common over the last decade.
Could she, perhaps, be one of the haunted?
...No, that was preposterous. If that were the case, he would have to have been stricken by the devil's luck and his luck had never been so poor. In the event she was, however, the protocol for such matters eluded him. He had yet to be briefed on such matters, whether the Guard wanted them brought in, their items taken, or for them to be ignored.
Regardless of the truth between either matters, he wasn't sure which would be worse for him to have run into. At first glance, yes, indeed, having to touch and assist a plagued individual would have potentially dire consequences but at the same time, what if she had one of the living Plagues on her? What if it had grown? What if it intended to give him the death anyway?
As these thoughts ran through his head, obvious worry and apprehension crossed his face as he held his free arm out to Anne. He kept it low, fists clenched so as to silently indicate she should be holding onto the jacket and the crook of his arm rather than going anywhere near his exposed fingers. Kai kept his gaze forward as best he could, brows knitting tightly at the bridge of his nose while the heavy and distraught frown was kept hidden by the handkerchief.
"W-we should get you out of the sun, at least..." his voice trembled, unable to cloak his increasing paranoia. If he could get her somewhere dark, perhaps with some water, then maybe she could be someone else's problem. Then he could go see Taiga about what to do, surely he would know... Surely...
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:27 pm
Sunlight replaced shadow as the soldier leaned back, giving Anne a healthy amount of space as her head began to clear. He didn't seem hostile, which was a blessing, and was patient enough to wait and see what Anne herself would do. Considering that it was taking longer than she would have liked, part of the laundress was grateful. It was unfortunate that the rest of the crowd didn't have the same courtesy, their looks darting towards the man who had stopped to see if she was all right, rather than simply stare. Her cheeks tinged with irritation at those who had done just that, as though she were some sort of oddity to break the monotony of their day. In truth, she didn't blame them for worrying about someone who might carry the dreaded plague, but if they were truly so worried then they shouldn't have drawn a bigger crowd. It was an airborne illness, after all, even if she wasn't infected.
“Ah, yes.” Her attention was pulled back to the soldier as he spoke, offering a small smile of gratitude as he offered his assistance. Now Anne understood why his voice had the soft, muffled quality: a dark handkerchief was clapped over his nose and mouth with his free hand, warding off any potential danger a random stranger fainting on the street might provide. Gold glinted in the kerchief’s corner, its reflection painfully bright against the sunlight before the pattern was lost in another fold of cloth.
“Thank you,” she murmured as she took the proffered arm, careful to hold onto his jacket, rather than the fingers that had twitched with what might have been nervous regret. The young man's face was tense, his movements mirroring his worry. Anne's smile became grateful as she tried to rise, then apologetic when her knees threatened to give way. Thankfully they weren't both sent tumbling to the street: what little pride she had left at the moment surely wouldn't have survived. The soldier was obviously perturbed, watching her with warring instincts. Perhaps this was due to the cursed stench that came with carrying her brother's dagger, but there was little she could do about it now. When he suggested a safer, shaded place away from the street and the dark sentiments stirring in the crowd, Anne could only nod in relief.
The sooner they left, the better. The crowd was still giving them a respectable space for the moment, but there was movement within that pressed some of them closer towards Anne and the solider. It might have been due to lack of space, or it might not have. When she tried to recall their exact location, nothing came to mind, so the little blonde let the soldier lead the way. On her own, the crowd might let her pass by freely, but if there was little doubt in Anne's mind that they would find some way to harass her for potential infection if she were on her own.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 1:28 pm
Relief washed over him as she agreed to his assistance and smiled, forcing an awkward (and still hidden) one from himself. A little civility and kindness went a long way, especially for Kai, and though he was still nervous about her situation he was determined to do what he had set out to and help her. Being in the middle of the street, there were quite a few places they could go but not without a bit of walking to get there. His eyes honed in on the nearest enclosed area which turned out to be a pub. He couldn't help but scoff, wondering if his team mate was within this or a different one.
At her thanks, he met her gaze and upturned his brow before his expression settled into a calmer smile seen clearly through his purple eyes. "You're welcome, Miss..." They still had many paces to go but it would at least be spent pleasantly despite the paranoia gnawing at the back of his mind. The young Private held fast, locking his knees when hers threatened to give way, stiffening his arm so it would be a strong hold. Only once he was certain she was steady did he begin moving, keeping a slow and calm stride. Immediately he lead them toward the edge of the road, keeping her furthest from the passing people who continued to offer nasty and suspicious glances. Here and there he would detect the glint of porcelain in his peripheral but as soon as he searched for it dead on it was lost in the crowd.
"We'll be heading to the, erm..." Kai paused, squinting in the distance to try and read the pub sign, "The... The Barley Fountain...? So you can sit and rest." The confusion in his voice was obvious. Mishkan, it seemed, was more different from Helios than he initially thought. It was quaint, really. It seemed his Lordly uncle's opinions were beginning to rub off on him, despite his best efforts.
"Now, Miss..." he began quietly once they had reached a turn in the path, lifting the handkerchief slightly so it wouldn't muffle his words as he kept his voice low, "I don't mean to pry, but... c-could you tell me what happened there?" Had she fainted after all, as evidence seemed to suggest, or perhaps, with how nasty the glances she was given by the onlookers, had she been pushed? She certainly hadn't been attacked, there were no wounds on her and no blood. Even her head, where he could only assume had hit the ground upon her fall, was clean save for the dust of dirt which now clung to her hair and dress.
It was difficult, however, for the nineteen year old to keep a professional air with so much whirling about his mind. Worse yet, there was a woman clinging to his arm and a light headed one at that. Their movements together were clumsy as he attempted to keep her from knocking into anyone or anything and trying to do the same for himself but occasionally they would brush up against one another and he would stiffen considerably for a second or two. Suffice to say, this would be a short, interesting journey. Another few minutes of slow, careful walking and they would reach their destination.
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 2:31 pm
Anne froze at the soldier's reaction as he looked around, a moment of panic threatening to take hold as she tried to find the source of his contempt. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to her, however, so all she could do was offer up a silent prayer to whoever would heed it and tighten her grip on the jacket. Whatever thoughts lay behind those violet eyes were set aside at her thanks, the young man's smile evident despite the kerchief that hid most of his face.
At least she was able to stay on her feet, though that was a greatly due to the soldier's continued support. Her gait was unsteady as they made their way slowly through the street, pausing long enough to find a suitable destination among the dispersing crowd. Though she saw glimpses of porcelain hidden in shadow, Anne was didn't make the connection as her guide, the potential threat unperceived as she concentrated on keeping one foot in front of the other. Once they began moving, the suspicious glances seemed unable to worry her, little more than a normal occurrence in Anne's daily routine. She'd be more concerned if they didn't, it had become so expected. Having someone approach her who wasn't immediately condescending or blatantly suspicious was a surprise, though not an unpleasant one.
“That sounds wonderful,” she said with a small sigh. Her smile quirked at the confusion in his voice: it wasn't the first time someone had taken a double take or questioned the naming traditions of her homeland, and taverns were usually...unique in their choices to begin with. She fell silent at the soldier's question, concentrating on her balance at the turn in the road as the world threatened to blur for a few moments. Some of her tension eased when it passed, the tavern in sight.
“Ah yes, that.” A hint of humility mingled with regret as Anne recalled what had caused the whole disaster in the first place. How much more chaos would keeping the blade bring down around her, she wondered? Shaking her head, the once-servant reminded herself to keep on the conversation, lest the soldier think her worse off than she was.
“It's nothing overmuch, I'm afraid,” she admitted, eyes downcast as she considered just how much was necessary to keep his curiosity sated. Perhaps the young man would be content with the base facts, but if he wanted to know more, to dig deeper...she could tell him no, certainly, but what would happen then? He could easily jump to whatever conclusion he wished and, as a soldier, he surely wasn't alone. “T'was hunger, I'm afraid.” Another quirk of a smile, a dry humor shining through. “There's not much to be had lately, not with the plague raising fear and the price of bread alike. It's been...” Her brows furrowed as she tried to recall her last meal, failing once again. “A while since I've been able to restore my food supply.”
The Barley Fountain was gradually becoming closer, a welcome sight at the end of the day. “I'm sorry to have your duties disturbed by my foolishness, ser...?” It was undoubtedly the wrong title, but Annelise had never paid much attention to the ranks and matching honors that went with the militia.
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:00 pm
He kept the handkerchief over his nose and mouth, only lifting it slightly to speak. Their steps were slow and careful, but at a steady pace now that their goal was in sight. Kai couldn't help but smile at her quiet sigh of "wonderful", purple eyes casting to the ground for a brief moment of increased modesty in an already humble individual.
The young soldier listened closely to her explanation, glancing at her every few moments to make sure she was not looking pallid or faint. It was a relief to hear her dismiss the idea of the plague, but a doubt still lingered in his mind; if she smelled of it, then perhaps she was afflicted but did not know it herself or, more probably, was lying. He couldn't fault here there, for who was he but a stranger? If he were in her situation he would not go around advertising his sickness either but oh how he dearly hoped she was not infected.
"Well..." he sighed airily, continuing to outwardly believe the potential charade she was putting on, "I've a few spare coins. If you would allow... I would have no qualms paying for a meal." Oh dear... What if that went over wrong? He could see it now, this poor starving -- possibly plagued -- woman thinking he was making a pass at her, attempting to swoon her between sheets. Color rose to his tanned cheeks and he nearly missed her asking for his name before stuttering a flustered reply. "Oh, K-Kai Edalai, ma'am." He attempted to laugh it off but it came out awkwardly and any image of him being cool and collected was already spoiled, "I-I'm not a sir, truly... Just a mere private. And please, do not worry. I am only on a routine patrol, and--" his eyes wandered their surroundings briefly "--there truly wasn't anything to interrupt."
Removing his handkerchief for the first time since coming in contact with the woman, he subtly held his breath and pushed the door of the Barley Fountain open. The interior was slightly darkened, keeping the temperature cooler in the shade from the near blistering out doors. Kai lead Anne toward the nearest table, pulled a chair out and helped her to sit. "There we are. Sit here for just a moment, Miss. I'll fetch some water and ask what they have for you to eat," he smiled hopefully, waiting just a second or two for her reaction before heading off to the bar area.
Just a few moments later, a black cloaked figure with a porcelain mask stepped through the doors and was immediately given a few hesitant glances. The anonymous figure seemed to glide along the floor, its movements fluid, and as it passed to an empty table its blank eyes seemed to scan the room and then fall directly upon Anne. All of its features were hidden in black fabric, a face concealed by a long white beak accented only a red scarf around its neck. There it sat, motionless and silent, and there it stared.
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Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 2:00 pm
Anne was too busy concentrating to notice Kai's downcast eyes, grateful for his silence as he let her explain her situation without interruption. She fell silent at the offer of food, her cheeks heating as she shot a glance at him, opening her mouth to stave off any unwanted attention: if he was willing to pay for a meal, what did he want in return?
But there was no guile in Kai's gaze as he continued to watch her with obvious concern, and Annelise found herself smiling in spite of herself once more. From what she'd observed of the young man, he'd no more trade favors of that variety than shove an old woman in front of a wagon passing through the streets.
“That would be...lovely, thank you,” she managed after she collected herself from her near social misstep. Why he was going out of his way to continue helping her was beyond Anne, but she was willing to accept the gift he seemed to provide. The ege of her mouth quirked lightly as he struggled to introduce himself, noting that his uniform did indeed lack any decorations of honor. “So long as you're sure...” She trailed off as he assured her that she hadn't been an inconvenience, shaking her head in disbelief. “I'm Anne, for what it's worth. Annelise Davenport.” At last he dared to remove his handkerchief, the quiet hiss as he took a deep breath audible at such a close distance. For some ridiculous reason, his precautions made her uncomfortable, though she certainly couldn't blame him. Who knew what lies others in her position might have said, or worse – those actually ill? One woman, a stranger, was surely not likely to change the pattern, especially a poor laundress walking the streets.
The difference upon entering the tavern felt remarkable, the sun's intense heat warded by the walls as the door swung shut behind them. Anne breathed freely, a sigh of relief as she was led to nearby table. She accepted the seat with a small nod, wondering how someone so mannered managed to make it into the military without becoming crass or a cynic. It felt ridiculous, repeating herself so often as she thanked him, but she did so nonetheless. Watching Kai head towards the bar, Anne had to wonder how long it had been since she'd received a bit of kindness and found that she couldn’t recall anything since her brother's death. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall, seated with her ankles tucked behind a chair leg so as not to obstruct anyone else's path if they passed her by.
The sound of the door's opening again caused Annelise to open her eyes and sit a little straighter, tension rising in the room as a cloaked figure glanced around the shady interior. Her own gaze darted towards the bright scarf that stood out from the dark cloak for a moment before gazing out the window instead. She'd heard the rumors of the cultists just as anyone living so close to the border would have, and it was much harder to ignore the dark tales when one was so close. It was easier in the streets when there was safety in numbers and open air, a way to ensure one's safety without interfering with the masked members.
The hairs on the back of Anne's neck rose after a few moments, an unease settling over her as other patrons gradually went back to their drinks and conversations with hushed voices. She felt for all the world as though she were a mouse being stalked by the cat, and when she dared to glance around the room she found herself the focus of the cultist who had entered just moments before. From this distance, she was unable to see even a glint of color from the eyes that peered out of the ivory mask, all signs of humanity obscured as the cloak hid every sign of even gender. There was no telling who – what? - was staring at her so intently, but the angle of the mask and her own nerves assured Anne that she was indeed being watched. Their gazes locked, the petite blonde's unease growing until she purposefully shifted in her seat and forced herself to spot Kai amidst the other patrons.
'What if he saw me outside?' she wondered as she looked, unable to hide the shiver that crept across her skin. Would they try to start trouble, to bring up what had happened in the street? The thought alone was enough to drain the color from her cheeks, dread creeping up her spine as she though of what would happen if that were the case. At least in the streets she'd had a wide berth; protector or no, she wouldn't likely be able to get away from the already suspicious patrons within the commonroom.
'Please,; she pleaded silently. 'Please let me be imagining this. Just...just look somewhere else, or leave. Something - anything but stare. Please, please, please.'
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 7:51 pm
The unease within the bar was lost on Kai, and indeed most of the patrons. Only a few had turned to look, and as the imposing figure did naught but sit and stare, their attentions soon returned to conversation and drink. The clearly Obscuvan figure continued to stare, even as Anne's nervous eyes drifted away, until its gaze shifted and it slowly peered at the figure she was gazing at.
"Thank you," Kai offered as he held his hands out; a wooden bowl of rolls was placed in one, a mug of water in the other, and with a careful turn he returned to the table Anne was resting at. Eyes downcast at the items in his hands, he didn't notice her abrupt change in demeanor at first and accidentally stepped right in her line of sight where the figure had been staring, blocking it out completely. "This is just until they're able to cook a fresh meal for you," he began, none the wiser to her plight as he set the items down before her, "They have a beef stew, shepherd's pie, and I believe they also said there was some sort of chicken dish. Would you like any of tho--"
Then he noticed, looking up at her from counting the available meals out on his fingers. Immediately his expression shifted to worried and his hands moved, wanting to reach out and comfort her but refraining due to her being a lady and he not wanting to spook her anymore than she already looked. "Wh-what is it? ...Are you alright?" His first reaction was to nudge the mug of water closer to her, perhaps she was delirious considering she had already fainted due to wandering about in the heat without having eaten anything.
Worried and fretting, his eyes began to travel the entire bar but no one seemed to be paying her any mind or looking strange that he could tell. Kai moved then, stepping to the side while resting a hand on the top of one of their chairs, and the table that the figure had claimed prior was now vacant. In fact, there didn't seem to be any sign of the masked individual anywhere in the bar, nor any evidence that it had been there at all save for the few people who looked but were looking no longer.
Could it have been the imagination of a starving girl, or was something more mysterious at work here...?
After a few moments, Kai pulled his chair out and sat, looking pitifully worried at the poor woman before him. Hands clasped in his lap, lips taut in a pout, he nodded to the bowl in front of her. "You should try to eat for now. I-I'll keep an eye out for you, how would that be?" To show her that he was serious, Kai moved a hand to hold the hilt of the sword resting at his hip, giving a short but firm nod despite his pathetic expression. "You'll be alright."
But still, somewhere, there was the feeling of eyes.
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