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 Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 9:59 am
A week or so after his original arrival in Belosh, Zephyr had finally opened his coffee shop - a not so simple coffee shop called Espresso Yourself due to the fact that it not only was a coffee shop, but a place for local musicians to come and play, and there seemed to be a small library that was barred off as it was still being worked on. The shop was a decent size - a little larger than most - but the menu was simplistic but could easily be modified to the personal tastes with a variety of syrups and other additions.
Having opened the shop around midday on a sunday, Zephyr was the only one manning the shop as he had yet to actually go out to try and hire people - then again he was used to mostly working on his own - and was doing a decent job of it to. As the day turned into the afternoon and then slowly to the start of the evening, the shop started to gain more business as the rumor that a local street performer would be showing up and playing circulated as the time for it drew closer.
He himself couldn't do much about telling people about it as he had been so busy manning the shop, but he had been glancing up to the stage every so often as local musicians took the stage for fun after getting the okay from him.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:16 am
Hexxis had spent more time on a low key note as requested. She had attempted to play in just in the apartment but it didn't feel the same, and then a noise complaint got her to stop. She'd spend a lot more time at the library than usual and Ameila was starting to get concerned.
Eventually, Hexxis called one of the business cards that had been left at the front desk for her from the many people that had wanted to sign her. She researched each one, and found the least mainstream agent possible. A gentleman by the name of Rynis Lugarr, she called and requested he had meet her in one of the small library meeting rooms. He ironically had been the same man to approach her the first time and did apologize for scaring her before with a charmed smile and sympathetic bow. It didn't much matter to her now, so she accepted his apology. She worked out a deal, expressing her concern for staying out of major public eye. He had found it absolutely weird, but hey, if that's what she wanted, he was willing to oblige just to get her to sign with him, hoping that she would change her mind later.
Her redebut would be at his friend's coffee shop that was opening up at the end of that week. He swore it would be small venue, indoors, she could play for the whole time slot he prepared for her or she could choose to leave earlier if she wanted to. Hexxis thought it a generous offer in thought of her medical conditions even if there had been ulterior motives to her being given the choice. She eventually agreed to the one gig as a trial but refused any permanent contract for now and set on her way for the rest of the day. She spent no extra time or thought to her gig, her thoughts preoccupied by the missing mercenary that still hadn't shown by now.
She didn't even take off that day from the library even at Ameila's suggestion. Getting home early enough to get ready for the show that evening. Getting into disguise, staring into the mirror as it might very well be the last time she put it on, being that it was two days before she'd finally have to make the call to find out why Zephyr hadn't come to Belosh. Sighing, she grabbed her purse and case and headed out.
There was a blank somber look on her face as she made her way to the shop she was to play at. Rynis was already outside waiting for her, excited to see that she came. There was a crowd that had developed, but it was still within reason that it only made her slightly nervous but not turn back.
"Hey, Lorelei, just in time, you can queue up to the right of the stage inside, you're next up actually." he let her know with a smile.
She gave a single nod of understanding and moved inside, keeping her head down as she could feel the stares of those that had waited with bated breath for her arrival. Making her way to the side near the stage, she waited patiently, not talking, both hands gripped into the handle of the case her guitar held. Appearing meek and nervous as she stood there stiff and unsure. This was different, she wasn't used to all this. She took a deep breath when the full weight of the smell of coffee hit her and she relaxed instinctively, memories of times when her home smelled of rich, fresh coffee in the mornings. A memory she lingered on for more than a moment as she waited for her turn.
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:38 am
As the time started to tick closer to the hopeful redebut of Lorelei Heart, Zephyr finished up the last rush of drinks, setting out large Carafes of coffee and hot water and one of a sweetened ice tea for people to take from as he had left this slot to be the last one as his friend Rynis had stated to be the big draw for the night. Even though he wanted to keep the shop open late, he was only one person, and the current crowd was actually taking more of his stock than he had anticipated.
When Rynis walked in with the musician, he waved his friend over and made him a fresh cup, happy to see that things seemed to be working rather well for the two of them. Granted, under Zephyr's current laid back attire of a basic pair of jeans and a loose fitting printed t-shirt with a bistro apron tied around his waist, he had clearly had a rough night. With a couple bandages on his face, he grinned at his friend as he set the cup down on the counter. "Good to see you again, Rynis. I see your musician is as beautiful as you said she was. I hope her voice can be on par with the voice I miss so much." he chuckled a little bit, quite clearly having an ache in is heart that he couldn't fix.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 12:07 pm
Hexxis kept her eyes down in thought before she heard the clapping of the people in the shop as the previous artist finished and descended the stage. It was her time. How long had her hands been shaking, she had no idea. Was this fear? Why. She took a steadying breath and made her way to the center of the small stage, setting down her case, opening it and pulling out her guitar. She sat against the barstool that was there and rested the body of the instrument against her right leg and kept her head down. It was silent as they waited, obviously familiar with how she went on about singing. She took in a deep inhale, three soft taps against the wood to get the beat before she began to play the guitar, her eyes focused on the fret, finger placement on the cords, but it was all the same. Then she began,
♫ I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I'll never let you go."
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone,"
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight ♫
Her voice was soft, but just loud enough to be heard, the harmony in her words to the sadness in her heart.
♫ Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound ♫
She closed her eyes, tapping her foot slightly as she just let the music fill her, more emotions just pouring out, building slightly, but still hindered by her nervousness.
♫ Don't you dare look out your window, darling.
Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone ♫
She lifted her head, eyes closed as she sang, slightly coming to a stand as the words left her mouth. Her voice gentle and passionate.
♫ Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound ♫
Her voice built in volume and depth as she played the guitar and she opened her eyes only slightly enough to move a bit forward, not even taking in how her voice carried to attract more people now, even the little bit that had either not heard she'd be playing here or those that hadn't heard of her.
♫ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
La, la
La, la
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
La, la ♫
♫ Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound... ♫
♫ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, oh, oh ♫
Her voice built up and then softened in tune with music she produced, her face looked pained and somber, more expression than she usually expressed on a normal basis. As the song came to an end, she let out a breath and the crowd clapped and cheered. She continued on for the time she knew she had there, then bowed as she finished the songs. There had been a larger crowd than she had expect, much more now than before as she began to feel even more nervous, like she should go home. Maybe this was too much attention again, it was hard to tell. Although, Rynis caught her as she was packing her guitar, asking her to stay afterwards to meet the owner of the shop. Hexxis was hesitant but nodded. She wanted to at least thank them for letting her play in their shop. She began to consider making it a place she'd frequent but then reminded herself of the fact she'd likely be returning to Tri soon, so it was best not to make such future arrangements, a faint frown on her lips as she waited.
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 12:21 pm
Having intended to watch the one known as Lorelei Heart perform, Zephyr was quickly dragged away right after she had started to start making drinks again, as there was a clamoring to get into the cafe once she had been confirmed to be playing. His mind rushing around to keep the orders in line as he went about completing the transactions and making the drinks as fast as possible. Luckily the people didn't have to wait too long for their drinks to be completed, though it was difficult for him to make sure people go the right drinks. During the entire time that Lorelei had been singing, he had been making drinks, and was still making them as people started to shuffle out once she had finished her set.
As about 75% of the crowd left the shop after she had finished, Zephyr finished up the last couple drinks in line and let out a soft sigh. "He said she was popular, but damn.." he muttered, laughing to himself a bit as he ran a hand through his hair and started to clean up the counter. 'I didn't even get to hear her sing for myself, which is sad, as he kept urging me that she had a fantastic voice..' he thought to himself before he finished cleaning the counter and looked over to the cafe.
Seeing that Rynis had stopped her from leaving just yet, he grabbed a bottle of water from the small cooler behind him and headed over to the stage after making sure that there was no line for the coffee. "Rynis, you jerk, you didn't tell me how popular she was!" he joked as he walked over to the two, chuckling a little. Turning to Lorelei, he smiled softly and handed her the bottle of water, "Here..you probably need it." his words were soft, but tired, clearly the day had worn him out in a way he wasn't used to.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 12:53 pm
There was a flicker of a thought that broke through her own, she had barely heard it over the roar of the people there, but she was sure it was familiar. His voice. Maybe he had tried to see her performance, not realizing it was even her. She wondered if she should pursue him, but it was likely he was gone now. Or it could have just been a figment of her imagination, just like Ashral's voice had been. She'd listen for it later, see if it was real or not. Right now, she had matters to deal with.
She waited calmly with Rynis, her eyes shifted to the ground as she just wanted to get it over with and go home already. Then the owner started heading over and she tensed slightly.
Rynis just smiled with jokingly sly grin, "So you noticed. Come on now, with the voice of a goddess and a pretty little face like that, who couldn't help but love her!" he laughed playfully.
Hexxis paused, hearing the owner's voice joke with Rynis and she shifted her gaze up from the ground to look at him. Was this..? She froze, just staring, her heart straining and her chest hurt. And honestly, she didn't know how to react. She was fairly certain who this person was, the only doubt in her mind being the way her thoughts betrayed her into thinking she was only imagining things and the refusal to believe this man was standing right in front of her like this.
He offered the water and she looked down to it. "Thank you." she responded quietly and took the bottle of water. "For the water.. and for allowing me to play at your est-.. coffee shop." She took a breath, so incredibly conflicted as she stared at him.
Rynis watched her carefully then chuckled, "I know he's got a rough mug, but I promise he don't bite. Usually, he's quite the charmer." he teased.
Hexxis was still staring then blinked as Rynis called her out on it, and she shifted her eyes away and a faint frown flickered over her lips. "It wasn't-.. I apologize." she muttered blankly. She seemed to be debating something for a moment before bowing her head slightly. "It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Lorelei Heart."
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:08 pm
Zephyr grinned at Rynis before sticking out his tongue a little bit, "Well I didn't get to fully hear her sing, we had a rush of customers coming in when they heard her through the door though, so I guess I can rely on that for now." he put his hands on his hips and looked over to Lorelei after she took the bottle of water, smiling at her, though as she spoke, he seemed to freeze for a second. 'Wait...' his eyes narrowed for a moment, as he started putting two and two together, but he didn't want to make a big scene out of anything right then and there.
Taking a breath, he nodded a bit, "You're welcome. Though, I do wish you can stay a little longer. I could make you some hot chocolate perhaps, as it's getting a little later and I know not everyone likes to have coffee at such an hour." his smile was soft and gentle, a smile that was warm and loving - one that was reserved for Hexxis.
As Rynis mentioned his face, he rolled his eyes and groaned, "I told you this morning when you came in that some younger mercs were trying to start a fight last night with me, even though I'm not registered anymore. I don't get why they thought they could even try and harass me now, as that's considered to be causing unrest within the public, as you're not supposed to cause a fuss with the public.." he started to ramble but stopped himself, though as Lorelei spoke again, he was now certain who it was. Holding out his hand, he smiled at her again, "Zephyr Kardos." he said simply.
'Though, if I'm right, you know that...'
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:41 pm
"What, really? Ahh, well that's a shame. But hey, business is good." he laughed. He noticed their locked gazes but thought it more than a mutual interest.
She was so conflicted, on one hand, this is what she wanted, to see Zephyr, to know he'd come here like he promised. But on the other hand, she still felt unworthy of him, finding herself nowhere near the amazing person she saw him for. She stared at him and, despite her blank face, there was softness to her eyes. "I can stay." she managed to say over the roaring beat of her heart. "For hot chocolate. If you don't mind." she added, keeping her eyes on him, watching him smile at her, a very faint smile gracing her lips.
Rydis laughed at Zephyr's story. "Those new upstarts trying to get the drop on you thinking they can make a name for themselves. Jealous if you ask me. But the hub will deal with them from what I've heard." he turned to look at Lorelei. "Yeah, this guy used to be a top ranking mercenary but don't worry, he went soft, retired, and opened this shop." he explained with a wink before realizing she wasn't even paying attention, her focus was all on Zephyr as he introduced himself.
'..... You would be correct....'
He paused then grinned. "Well, looks like you two really hit it off quick. Don't let me get in the way of you crazy kids." he began to move away. "Just call me, Ms. Heart if you want to do more shows, I'm sure he'd love for you to do more singing here again. Maybe next time, he'll listen to it. Ha." he waved a hand and moved off.
She nodded in confirmation to Rynis but never looked away from Zephyr. "Maybe once you are done here for the day, we can talk more. I have no other plans tonight, so I have the time." she offered in a blank voice.
'...we have a lot of catching up to do..'
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:55 pm
Zephyr waved Rynis off and motioned for Hexxis to follow him to the counter, happy to see that most of the rush had calmed down now and that he could actually talk to her. Making his way behind the counter, he grabbed a silver cup and poured in 12 ounces of milk and put it under the steam wand, pulling it back a little bit as he hit the button before setting it back down once the hissing of it died down.
'I'm happy you seem to be doing well. I didn't think you'd take a disguise though, very clever.'
He turned to smile at her again as he picked out a mug for her hot chocolate, one that he seemed to be fond of himself - a larger mug that was deep purple with a gold rim.
'Rynis is correct though, I did retire from being a Mercenary. I figured it would just be....easier.'
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 2:13 pm
Hexxis followed him as he motioned for her to, her steps slow as she moved to the counter and watched him make the hot chocolate for her.
'Things have been complicated. However, at the moment, I am still recovering from serious injuries. If you have not heard about it, I'm sure you will. The disguise is to hide from my warrant. So that the City of Criel cannot try to come claim me and offer me to Haven who are still attempting to contest my transfer to them upon my apprehension.'
She eyed the mug, and she softened her gaze at the color choices on it. Before looking up to him with only a glimmer of surprise.
'Retired. That would explain the dissolved team.' she sighed. 'I went to reprint my mercenary identifications and was told my team was dissolved. I am still a registered mercenary so that I may use my connections to try to find my brother. He's still missing.'
She looked at the bottle of water in her hand and thought for a moment.
'So you really came here like you promised... I just have one question.' she frowned slightly, eyes sliding away in pain.
'Why do you love me when I have nothing to offer you..? I am not worth your effort.. and yet you are still here... I don't understand.'
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 5:38 pm
As the milk steamed with the steam wand, Zephyr put five pumps of chocolate syrup in the mug and waited for the steamer to stop. Once it did, he carefully removed the cup with the steamed milk in it and started to pour it into the dark purple mug with the syrup in it, stirring the milk and chocolate together. Listening to Hexxis' words, he paused as she asked her question. Letting out a soft sigh, he finished up the hot chocolate - a simple one with just the hot milk and chocolate, and put it gently on the counter in front of her.
'Of course I would come here... and why I love you..' he paused and leaned forward, setting his arms on the counter and stretching before standing up and looking ever so slightly up into her eyes and smiling. 'You offer me more than you think - you offer me understanding and balance, you offer me kindness that I haven't had in years, you offer me a home that I want to keep sharing with you.. you offer me love, a love that is genuine....unforced...untainted...it's yours to give, and you gave it to me.'
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 6:20 pm
The silence that felt like an eternity of waiting. Letting him finish his actions, letting him think. As he set it on the counter, she didn't reach out for it at first, just standing there and staring off. Her eyes shifted to him as he moved to lean on the counter and then looked up at her slightly. Her eyes were filled with worry and a dreaded anticipation for the answer.
As he gave his answer, every word resonated in her that built up a feeling like she was going to start crying right there in front of him, it was clear in her eyes as she looked at him even if most people wouldn't be able to tell. She held the water bottle at her side and eventually dropped it, far to concentrated on his words than what she was doing.
'....Zephyr..'
Her hands were shaking and her left knee was buckling from pain as she moved to pick up the mug.
"Thank you." she spoke calmly without hiderance of trying to hold back emotions.
'.. I need to sit down.. I will wait until you close..'
She moved to sit at a table off to the side, looking like she was have some difficulty standing and moving. Once she was settled, she stared down at the chocolate, thinking deeply.
'You are so kind to me... It oddly makes me feel worse... unworthy of those compliments. ' she frowned and sighed.
'I had two more days to wait for you before I would return.. Now this is where I choose... Zephyr,... I'm staying with you if you will have me.'
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 6:35 pm
His brows furrowed as his heart started to ache when it looked like she was going to cry. Looking rather worried himself, he watched her move to one of the closer tables, he seemed to be hesitating on if he should go help her, but she settled quickly. 'Hexxis - You are extremely worthy and you're a beautiful person because of them..' he paused, listening to her last few words.
She had to choose? Really? That seemed unfair, given her want to be with both Tri and himself.
Letting out a soft sigh, he turned to look at her, wanting to meet her eyes as he answered.
' I will always welcome you back. I will love you until the end of time.' Zephyr let out a soft, sigh as he stared at her, smiling a bit.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 8:53 pm
She set her hand around the sides of the cuo, feeling the warmth but still reluctant to drink it. She kept focus on it, acting as normal. Some people had approached her for some kind of signature and she obliged when asked but said nothing verbally.
As he spoke, there was a faint somber smile on her face. The idea that he would always take her back, somehow felt overwhelming like something she had wanted and finally had.
'..come what may...I will always love you...'
Hexxis waited until the shop was empty and simple stayed there, focusing down at the drink She had barely touched. Just as always. She was silent though thoughtful. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and slide it open, looking over the Zephyr, she snapped a picture of him whether he happen to be looking or not. Also to pass the time as she waited for him to be ready.
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Broken_Illumination Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 9:09 pm
After awhile, he called for people to leave the shop as he was closing in five minutes, and eventually people had started to exit the shop. Soon enough, it was just Zephyr and Hexxis, and once everyone else was gone, he moved to close and lock the front door. Letting out a soft sigh as it was closed and locked, he turned the open sign off and walked over to sit down next to her. Looking over, he smiled softly, worn down and looking quite tired and pretty beat up too.
There was a tiredness in his eyes, and not just from having opened the shop for the first day and running it solo for twelve hours straight, but a tiredness of being away for so long from the person that he had loved with all of his heart. "I did miss you.. I would've come here sooner, but..." he let out a soft sigh, "I needed to recover a bit more from...well, from the stab...and I was also trying to just collect my own thoughts before I did anything." he looked down at his hands and laced his fingers together as he set his hands on the table.
Leaning forward a bit, he let out a sigh, "After you two had left, I had asked a friend to find all of the public records of us interacting.... I needed to see if I had ever during our interactions manipulated you. I never did - but it took him a week to get all of the files..and then two full days going through it, even fast forwarding through it...to look at it all just to make sure." he leaned back in the chair and let out another sigh as he closed his eyes. "I retired from being a mercenary because it just... it felt...like it would be easier to live a life with you that way...and I wanted you to feel not like a weapon. It just...we work so well together, but looking back on it now, I just... I don't want you to ever think I'm using you in any way, specifically as a weapon. I never want you to feel like that..."
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