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 Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 9:00 pm
The sun was kind to those in the market that day. It hid behind large clouds, and gave enough light to be pleasant without coming on too strong, like it had been for much of the week. The fact that this was the first relatively breezy day in the past few days showed, as taurs from all walks of life mingled through the dirtied streets to sell their wares.
Mildred was one of those taurs. Dainty cloven hooves weaved around a pack of wolves, and leaped over a puddle that brought her to the heart of the shopping area. It was far from nice, with filth as far as the eye could see, but to her it had charm. For all of it's grime the area was just as beautiful with the fresh flowers that were being sold, lovely garments worn by the foxtaurs who flitted by, and singing from the nearby travelers road. It brought a timid smile to her face.
Over her pelt were tied several quilts, each with varying complexities of designs and colors. So far she had been lucky enough to sell two, which is how she was able to afford the lunch she was currently looking to buy. Mildred clutched her coins to her chest, looking this way and that for a food vendor when a bump from behind had her stumbling forward, her coins spilling out into the mud. When she looked back, a pair of centaurs just chuckled and kept walking.
With a little sigh, her ears as low as her spirits, the cervi attempted to bend down to collect her coin.
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 9:33 pm
 Korbin wove through the crowds at the market, thankful for the nimble feet his cattaur body gave him. He wasn't much of one for markets, he didn't have a whole lot to sell. But few extra fish could fetch him a little of the coin he needed to purchase a few more seeds for his mother's garden. He frowned a bit, trying to keep the bag carrying his fish from getting banged around too much by the passing 'taurs.
The young male pushed through the crowd and couldn't help but noticed a pretty cervitaur knelt down, picking up some coins. He crouched next to her, picking them up with her and wiping them off before putting them into her hands. "Miss.. I'm sorry. Some people aren't very polite around here, are they? My name is Korbin, Korbin Lyric." Once he collected her coins, he helped her to her feet. "Is there anything I could do to help? Anywhere I can take you to?" He gave her a friendly smile. "I can muscle my way through a crowd pretty well."
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 9:42 pm
At first, she had been so wrapped up in her poor luck that she hadn't seen the cattaur at first, but when she looked up, she couldn't help squeaking. Goodness gracious, what a sight she must have looked! Loaded down like a mule, scraping up coins from the street. She accepted the coins meekly, giving into the urge she had to crouch herself down as small she she could get.
"...Thank you, Korbin," she said at length, giving him a timid smile. "It's my fault, really, I shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the street." Even as she said it, her logical side was blaring at her. She'd been as tucked up against the crowded stalls as she could have been.
Though now that she was on her feet, thanks to the charming cat, she felt a bit lost. It wasn't every day that strangers turned out to be helpful! "My name..." She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. "M-my name is Mildred McKenna, and if you could, would you mind showing me to where I can buy some food? Only if you really want to, of course!"
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 10:46 pm
Korbin smiled gently. This girl seemed really frail, shy.. too gentle to be allowed to be bullied by this big crowd. He couldn't allow her to be pushed around anymore. "I can help you carry that, if you like, Mildred.." he offered his hands to her, to take her load.
"I'm afraid I haven't been from this market too much.. But I'm sure we could find something. I have a little bit of coin. Lunch could be my treat, maybe?" he gave her a friendly smile, looking around at the stalls for anything that would be... safe. There was an inn that looked nice enough, on the edge of the marketplace. The outside was cleaner than anything else around. "I don't eat meat, except for the occasional fish. My father and sister are cervitaur, like you. What sort of foods do you like?" he looked at her with his mismatched eyes, gently soothing her nerves a little with his magic.
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Posted: Sun May 26, 2013 12:29 pm
Mildred's nerves were practically doing somersaults within her! Her tanned skin was flushed, palms had begun to sweat, and the girl couldn't stop shuffling her little cloven hooves in the dirt. "Oh, OH no, no I couldn't let you do that. You've been so kind to me already, and...well, they're not that heavy, honest, just a little troublesome." Even as she said it, she looked behind her at the quilts, and all the strappings she had worked on to get them in place. Though, now, with all the jostling she'd had to endure in the market, it looked like a hot mess. "Though, if you really don't mind paying for lunch, I'll let you take your pick of my works." She smiled.
He really was too kind for his own good.
"Oh, really? I've never heard of a cattaur and a cervitaur mating before. Is it common where you're from?" Eve now she felt...calmer. Almost like she could breathe a little easier without sitting on the verge of having a panic attack. It helped her smile to become a little softer, and eased her into being able to look at his face occasionally, instead of just his paws. "I...well, I was raised with a wolftaur myself, so I'm fine with eating almost anything. If he ever fed me meat, it would have been because he hid it so well in a stew."
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Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 8:33 pm
Korbin smiled broadly at the idea of bringing one of her beautiful works home with him. Then he remembered he only had a few coins tied around his waist, just enough to buy a few lunches.. "I don't mind playing for lunch at all.. Oh! but a lunch couldn't possibly pay for a work so lovely.." Very carefully, he helped straighten out the quilts on Mildred's back, to at least make the load easier on her since she wouldn't let him carry them. "They're quite beautiful.. You're very skilled." The male with the mismatched eyes couldn't help but smile.
He took her hand, unconsciously giving her a little more comfort with his magic. Leading her to the inn by helping her through the crowds, he glanced back to answer her. "No.. I don't believe their mating was exactly normal. But they're very in love with each other." His ear twitched and eyes widened in surprise. "A wolftaur? I never would have guessed that.. What was he like?" Korbin took a step in front of her, opening the door to the little tavern and holding it for her. It was cleaner than the rest of the marketplace, but not exactly the fanciest place. There were a few tables, enough for maybe 10 small groups to sit comfortably. The serving maid and cook was a heavy set centaur woman, with a friendly smile. She proudly announced that they had delicious stew, full of the best produce these lands had to offer. And the price was well affordable. Korbin grinned at his new friend. "I think I'll have a bowl of that. How about you?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:18 pm
"Oh, but it could!" Realizing that she had just agree to her works being exquisite, Mildred held up her hands in the air and waved them in an "x" pattern. "N-n-not that they're exquisite, it's just...I really..." Mildred flushed and closed her mouth, settling into a welcomed silence. Any more babbling and she might scare him away! Still, to have him take the time to carefully fix her wares, and compliment them..."Thank you."
Even with his comforting influences, she was falling back into her same patterns. However, it only came in spells now, instead of being a constant influx. She held his hand like a proper lady, smiling and looking around the square as her nerves settled into that of a normal taurs. "I wish them all the happiness, then. A love like that is a rare find, and should be celebrated." Granted, he probably already knew that...They were his parents after all!
She dipped her head in a silent 'thank you' and walked into the tavern, gawking at every little sight. It wasn't often that she ventured into the outside world, and even if it wasn't the most upscale establishment, to her it was a Grand Palace. "If it's as lovely as you make it sound, I might have two," Mildred grinned, her empty stomach gurgling with ascent. She flushed, and looked down, even while the larger centaur clapped her on the shoulder with a laugh. Spying a table near the back, with a perfect view of the inn and it's patrons, Mildred made a bee line for it, her hand never leaving Korbin's. "I'm sorry, you were asking about my brother, weren't you? His name is Vaughn, and he was really young when he took me in. He was already living on his own, though, but his parents didn't like me being around too much. They were just worried; me being what I am, and him a wolf. He's a real sweet heart, though! I couldn't ask for a better brother."
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Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:45 pm
Korbin did not mind listening to her talk, even if she did ramble a bit. He just wondered why she couldn't see the worth in her own work, like he did. But, the world was mostly gilded and wonderful to the young cattaur. He smiled when she mentioned his parents again. "I hope to find a love like theirs some day."
He happily sat across from her at the table she chose, ordering two bowls from the friendly miss running the place. He knew he had enough coin to get them both a fair meal. The cattaur's tail flicked peacefully as he listened to Mildred's story. "Your brother sounds quite nice. I've never met a wolftaur, but I have heard that they're very protective of their family and friends." He smiles, "it sounds like you were in good, caring hands..." The male frowned a little when he realized she wasn't raised by her own parents, but didn't have the heart to ask about it. About the time he had resolved not to ask, the centaur brought them their food. The stew was quite hearty, and steaming with warmth. Korbin felt like he'd made a good choice.
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Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:23 pm
A love like this parents? Now wouldn't that be nice! Such a love that transcended species to bring them together. She had no grand illusions of being so lucky as to find it herself, but she would wish him well. Korbin certainly was charming enough; he shouldn't have any problem at all finding a lady to share his life with.
Mildred laughed, a smaller, quieter sound, and smiled a little brighter. "Oh, he is! Any time I wanted to play with others as a fawn he wouldn't be far behind." She clasped her hands, and held them together above her forelegs. "Thank you, for your kindness. I love my brother very dearly, and couldn't begin to imagine where I would be without him."
When their stew arrived, and she had sufficiently cooled it by blowing on her spoon a solid few minutes, Mildred took a bite, and sighed. "This is wonderful!"
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Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:05 pm
He took his own first bite, a little surprised with her thanking him. The stew was good, but the taste didn't sink in right at first. Honestly, he wasn't too sure what to say. Not many people had thanked him before.. They usually got onto him. The woman he'd stayed with had said he was too kind, that he'd just end up being a doormat to everyone. But he didn't mind. If someone wasn't kind in this world, who would be? "This may sound strange but.. Thank you for saying thank you," he took another bite of stew, being especially careful while eating, and pretty much doing anything, in front of his pretty new friend.
"I'm glad you had him," Korbin laughed a little. "My sister kept me on track. When I was a kid, I couldn't focus on anything... She helped me keep focus." he had fond memories of his childhood. Ever curious and wanting to learn more about Mildred, he looked back up at her instead of at his stew. "What sort of things do you like to do?" he wasn't quite sure how to go about the getting to know each other part...
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Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:17 pm
It did sound strange. Mildred wasn't in the business of gossip, but she was curious. What sort of life did he thanked people for simple kindness? She took small spoonfuls, her mind wandering back to the thought, but not dwelling like it usually did. There was too much of a calming influence to keep her jittered for long.
"Your sister sounds wonderful." Not many could handle energetic children; much less those with focus issues! "Oh, well, let's see. I like to knit and sew, when I get the chance. We've got a friend that is a sheep herder, and she let's us by her wool at a good price. I also really like to cook, when I get the chance." Mildred, pushed her bowl away, already full and near bursting. "What about you?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:02 am
Korbin listened intently to every word she said, unable to help himself from picturing her doing the actions he spoke of. Having seen an example of what her work looked like made it easier to imagine. He easily brought his attention back to the present world, his ears twitching at her question.
"Hm.. I enjoy fishing.. It's how I've been making a living lately. I started travelling on my own as a late teen. I saw a lot of things that way, and met many other 'taurs, but I think I am ready to settle back down somewhere quiet, have a home, and start a big garden," Korbin grinned a bit. "I feel most at home when I'm surrounded by plants." His paws kneaded at the ground in happiness at his dream. The way he saw it, even if he had no mate to share his life with, he'd still have his plants. "Maybe I could bring some of my fresh vegetables to you, once I have some. Do you stay in this marketplace much?"
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Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 9:26 pm
"I've never been fishing," Mildred commented openly, "though I would love to try it sometime. Is it very hard? Making a living off of it, that is?" From the stories she'd heard you had to have a lot of patience for fishing, which she was in no short supply of, but having to kill the poor things...that she couldn't do. "It must have been hard, to leave home so young. I'm glad to see that you were unharmed in your travels." She smiled. "And to have settled with such a garden! Oh my, is that what your magic is? Does it-?" Mildred's breath hitched and she sat back in her seat a bit, a flush bright on her face. "I'm sorry, I've asked too much. You'll have to excuse my babbling, I really don't talk this much."
She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear after shaking her head. "Oh, no, I live a full days travel away, but I would like to meet with you, if you'd be so kind as to share them with me. I'll be sure to compensate you for whatever you can spare."
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 11:21 am
Korbin grinned, listening to Mildred's questions. "I could always take you. I've been staying around here lately." He had to think for a moment. Hard to make a living off of? "Well.. Fish do not always bring in the most coin, but I've been able to manage well. It can take a long time to get a good bunch worth keeping, and I usually end up having to eat about half of what I catch.." he smiled a little, remembering how he always apologized to the fish before eating them.
"Going out on my own took a lot of preparing. I was really scared to, at first. But I realized the world is a beautiful and good place. I haven't had much trouble, at all," he frowned just a little at her apology. But her blush was quite cute. "Oh, don't worry. I love talking to people, and I don't mind questions at all. You've been nothing but nice since we met," Korbin's expression got a little softer and he placed his hand on the table, focusing his energy on the wood. A small, living flower sprouted from the dead piece. "As long as I am in contact with earth, or something natural from the earth, I can nurture and create new growth. I guess you could say I have a really green thumb." He carefully picked the flower from the table, carefully tucking it into her hair with a smile. "I don't mind sharing at all."
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Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 9:04 pm
"I'd like that, Korbin," Mildred nodded. "So long as you're making enough to support yourself, then you're doing just fine, in my book. Maybe I can even help you out, if I'm any good at it." Oh goodness, wouldn't that be something! She probably wouldn't even catch a fish as big as her thumb, but maybe it could bring in something.
Mildred's flush deepened for a moment, thinking he meant to grab her hand, when instead he helped to make a flower grow. It was a singularly glorious act that had her speechless for a moment. Though, her gasp and the fact she leaned in said it all. "I've never heard of magic like that. You can help the Earth, Korbin, instead of tear it down like so many others..." When he placed the beautiful flora in her hair she felt as if she couldn't breathe.
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