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Post by ☆|Atrium on Feb 18, 2018 21:55:54 GMT -7
Time seems to drag out for the two ladies as they try to sell their wares. They have a few people to stop and look to see what they have but they just leave without buying anything. It isn't until three hours later that someone walks up and stays. This is a man looking in his early thirties, due to him wearing white robe and some iron plating for some protection, with an old black fedora, he was easily spotted. He had been stopping at almost every seller and asking questions before moving on, sometimes buying thing. He walks up in front of Keska. He looks at that is being sold and smiles a bit, then looks up at Keska.
"Good morning ladies." He says then bows. "How are you doing on this fine morning?" Once he gets his answers he says, "I see that you are selling some quality rope as well as a potion, what is their price? Did you make both of them or did you find them?"
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Post by ★|Sayu on Feb 19, 2018 15:25:02 GMT -7
As the day goes on Chi starts to become a little discouraged. It's nothing new and even one gold is better than normal but she can't help but feel disappointed regardless - part of her instinct from having worked so many years with the caravan. For a brief moment she reminisces about her days traveling, the kind of nonsense ideas she had come up with and the kind of trouble she would cause for the others... and in a karmic turn the kind of trouble Keska initially caused for her when they first met.
A soft smile forms on the corners of her mouth but she is then immediately pulled back to focus. "One day..." she thinks to herself. It's about that time that she notices the curious man make his way through the crowd, stopping at each stand for a brief moment seemingly inspecting their wares. She raises an eyebrow as he gets closer, but does her best not to stare in any rude manner.
Sure enough he stops in-front of her partner and inquires about the wares. Chiharu can't help but internally smile a smug grin. Keska always attracted those who traveled and never found the time to make a home. After all a pretty young girl like her would be an ideal catch for any wayward fellow settling down.
She barely catches herself as her expression changes a little bit in jealousy and flashes a smile instead, moving next to Keska and laying an arm on her shoulders. "A wonderful morning to you," Chiharu greets the man. She analyzes him by instinct taking note of his unique robes and plating, and the curious but admittedly attractive choice of head-wear.
She internally sighs in defeat of his question. People who made their own wares were always highly regarded - just like most of the others. But all her life she had been taught to scavenge by her parents. Between that and her rigorous training there was never any time for hobbies of the craft. Externally she smiled best she could, her eyes closed and her tail swinging from side to side. Keska by now understood that to be a trait of Chiharu's nervousness although most people seemed to mistake that with a comforting and welcoming attitude. "Ah, yes. Well... we make our living through scavenging and trading with other merchants. No sense throwing out a good potion, I say." internally a shiver runs down her spine as she thinks "I'm sure whatever fellow that used to belong to doesn't need it if he never got the chance to drink it." She tucks in one elbow and points her open palm towards the rope and the potion. "You'd be surprised how many people are desperate for some coin down here. Our business thrives on the opportunity to help them out." she nods and pats Keska lightly on the shoulder - a sign for her to take over while she grabs the wares in case the man is interested.
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Post by ☆|Dazai on Feb 21, 2018 13:15:43 GMT -7
After a good chunk of time passes, Keska’s legs begin feeling slightly fatigued. Standing in place for so long was hard work! After yet another customer wandered off without buying anything, Keska’s confidence faltered slightly, replaced with frustration. "Window shoppers." She whispered with a bit of venom. The elegant noblewoman lets out an irritated sigh as she takes a self-prescribed break and sits down on the rug. She figures Chi would gripe at her almost immediately, but any sort of relief was better than nothing. After a few seconds without reprimand, Keska gives a look over to her partner. Where Keska felt irritation, a somber smile seemed to form on Chi’s lips. The girl was truly a natural beauty in her opinion. Not solely in looks... The way she interacted with people, she seemed to get on their good side no matter what background they had. She wasn’t a brute either, despite the solid walloping she could dish out. Chi had plucked Keska from the streets, and she in turn, aimed to return that kindness in any way possible. Despite Keska’s outward haughtiness, she knew she owed Chi her life.
As Keska’s thoughts leave her aloof, a man with a peculiar taste in clothing approaches their shop. “Good morning ladies.” the man says, mildy startling Keska. “Eep!” A shrill, mouse-like squeak escapes from the girl as she immediately stands up to greet their new customer. Though feeling a bit woozy, she immediately replied, “Good morning sir! I’m doing very well, thank you. Welcome to Kes ‘N Co! I'm Keska and this is my best employee, Chiharu.” The Royal Freeloader decided to forgo her usual act for now. She had already drawn a few negative glances, and she didn't want to cause any more trouble. Around this time Keska feels Chiharu leaning her arm on her shoulder, as the latter greets the man as well. The man then inquires about their wares and their origin. This was a sensitive subject for her partner, and Keska had a feeling that his question hit its mark. She steals a small glance toward her companion and sure enough, the girl’s tail was nervously pacing and her eyes were closed. Oh Chi… Keska thinks to herself, as her friend politely answers back. It broke her heart to see her unhappy. She gives a fleeting look of concern, but resets her expression as soon as she receives a pat on the back.
“If you don't mind me asking, what brings you out today?” Keska says, trying her best to make small talk. It wasn’t her forte, but she tried her best regardless. She rests her cheek in her palm, donning a curious expression as she continues, “Are you a scholar? I have an eye for these sorts of things you know~” She gives a hushed giggle as she attempts to charm the man. Though she feigned intuition, her eyes were obviously looking towards his hat.
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Post by ☆|Atrium on Feb 21, 2018 18:33:03 GMT -7
The man smiles sweetly at the girls. He couldn't help but relax a bit when he sees the one named Chiharu wagging her tail. "There is nothing wrong with scavenging and trading. You can find items that people who make their inventory can't sell. Why throw away something that still has use and quality? Speaking of, do you know what kind of potion you are selling?"
He look over at Keska and nods at her. "Why yes I am a scholar. My name is Doctor Atrium but my friends just call me Doc." When he introduces himself, he removes his hat and bows before putting his hat back on. "I am on the hunt for items and people to add me today. I am going to make the trip out of town and I am not sure when and if I will return to this wonderful town."
He then bends down and looks at all of the items, nodding to himself as he likes what he is seeing. He stands back up and looks at Chiharu and asks, "How fresh is the meat here? Although it looks delicious and doesn't seem to be too old but I would much rather not have meat that is starting to go bad." While he waits for his answer, Doc picks up one of the daggers and tests its balance and how sharp it is. He does this for all three of them before putting them on top of the rope.
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Post by ★|Sayu on Feb 21, 2018 18:52:42 GMT -7
Chi nods at the doctor with her eyes still closed in a smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She ponders to herself as she reaches out a hand to greet him.
The man then inquires about the meat and there-while examines the daggers one by one. Chiharu is about to answer when a thought pierces her mind in a fashion not unlike the smell of a finely cooked, well marbled, juicy steak after a week without food. "...Inventory." she thinks to herself and her smile widens as her eyes open into a sharp and confident expression. "Ah~ Yes~ The meat is from just last night - it's been cured to preserve for the next few days and to season it well. I happen to be a bit of a master when it comes to cooking." She rests one hand on her hip, shifting her weight onto her other leg as her tail sways very softly. "As far as the potion goes - It's a healing potion. Not the best one around but it'll do the job when you need to be invigorated."
Another thought comes to mind and her ears visibly twitch at that. "Aeee...? You mentioned you are looking for people? If it's not too rude to ask, what kind of a trip are you planning. Maybe visiting the beautiful seaside near Recudor? Or the grand city of Leirotuet perhaps? I hear they've started construction on an academy there recently."
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Post by ☆|Dazai on Feb 21, 2018 23:30:38 GMT -7
A doctor? With iron plating? Keska thinks to herself as the man known as Doctor Atrium, gives a proper bow with his hat off. And so well mannered… The man was interesting, she gave him that. He was a hard one to pinpoint though... She simply returns a smile after he leans back up, allowing Chiharu to talk about the merchandise. Upon the mention of Chi’s cooking skills, Keska nods enthusiastically in agreement. There wasn’t much for her to say herself, so she simply listens as the two converse for the time being. The art of the deal was a bit beyond her narrow realm of expertise, so it couldn’t be helped.
After describing the shop’s limited wares, Chiharu’s voice gains a subtle sense of curiosity. She had a tendency to ask the right questions for the right reasons. It was something Keska picked up on as she spent time with her. As much as the slums were dreadful, I do miss the sea. Keska muses while crossing her arms. Of course, she wouldn’t want to travel solely to sight see. The two had a business to run, and ends to meet. In their current state, she doubted they could compete in the more grandiose cities. Street vending of this nature was passable in Soiyam, but there was only so far that Keska’s looks and Chi’s tongue could take them in a place like Leirotuet; they needed better merchandise. Of course they couldn’t just stay here forever…
Waiting her turn to speak, Keska adds, "I imagine travelling alone can be rather perilous...” She gives a concerned look at the Doctor while she plays with a strand of her hair. If Chi is going after what Keska thinks she is, perhaps the man would extend an offer to travel... This could be their turnaround! The girl's heart pounds intensely in her chest as thoughts of the old caravan surface. Safety, comfort, certainty. No more living day to day, just scraping by. It could all be theirs again! Chi could learn to make anything she wanted! The excitement was overwhelming, but Keska does her best to maintain her composure. If this really was the start of something, she dared not spoil it.
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Post by ☆|Atrium on Feb 25, 2018 23:45:20 GMT -7
Doctor Atrium nods and smiles. "I will take everything here. As for my trip, I am traveling Freyacre. I haven't been there in years and wanted to see my old teacher once again. I was at Recudor two years ago, such a good place. I was there with a group if friends and we went to Castle Vuur" He then looks over at Keska so he can answer her question. "I traveled alone for a good part of my life, luckily I have a great friend and a daughter to keep me company now." It is easy to see that he is thinking of something as he smiles warmly.
After a few moments be shakes his head. "I'm sorry about that. I was just thinking about how far my daughter has come. What about you two? How long are you going to be here before you two leave?" While he waits for his answers, he digs into his robe for his coin pouch.
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Post by ★|Sayu on Feb 27, 2018 6:20:29 GMT -7
Chiharu smirks confidently when Atrium mentions he's interested in buying everything. "Inventory." she thinks to herself and begins packing up all the rest of their wares that the doctor has expressed interest in. "That'll be..." she cocks her head upward as she goes over the math in her head. "...2 gold 11 silver for all of it." she smiles happily at the prospect of making another two gold. At this rate they would be able to invest in a better business - or at least the cosmetics that suggested one.
She then answers his question. "Ah, you mean right here? Well..." she looks back at the slightly dirty carpet with the only wares left to sell being the wood. "You just bought, basically, our entire inventory. We will have to restock so we will likely head back home." For whatever reason the sight of that firewood makes Chiharu anxious- no, perhaps sad. Uncertain. She isn't really sure what is bringing that kind of feeling about in her as by all means she should be head over heels lost in excitement over their profits today. "Say... doctor? This town you're speaking of, how far away is it?" she asks a little sheepishly.
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Post by ☆|Dazai on Feb 27, 2018 22:45:29 GMT -7
Oh? Castle Vuur? Keska’s ears twitched attentively at what Atrium says about Recudor. Vuur was insignificant as far as she was concerned. Rather, it was the idea of a castle that enthralled her. The girl’s imagination takes over for a second as she envisions extravagant halls filled with the finest decor, exotic masterpieces from artists all over the world, and countless maids and butlers at her beck and call. Keska’s fantasy was likely very far from reality, but she knew no different. She held a childlike naivete that few wished to ruin.
The man continues talking about his friend and his daughter. He gives a pleasant pause at the mention of the latter. It was heartwarming to see the love of a parent. Though Keska didn’t care about whoever brought her into the world, she was glad to see a happier circumstance for someone else. Unbeknownst to her, a smile forms on her lips.
In true ‘Kes ‘N Co.’ fashion, Chi is the one does all the work, while her partner daydreams. The eggplant-haired girl finally glances back and forth a couple of times before realizing exactly how much stuff the doctor was buying. “O-oh my…” she quietly gasps. They actually managed to sell everything they had somehow. Even with their expected clientele, it was pretty uncommon for someone to outright buy them out. Well, at least from what Keska knew, it was uncommon. It was clear she didn’t consistently pay attention to anything but herself... and occasionally Chiharu. In this particular instance, the latter was the subject of her gaze. What Keska didn’t see, slightly worries her. Usually Chi would usually be clicking her heels together like a loon in this situation, but today she just seemed… unhappy. Perhaps unsatisfied? If selling all their stock didn’t bring her happiness, Keska wasn’t sure what would. Maybe a once-in-a-lifetime Keska Back Rub™ would do the trick…
Not long after, Chi vocalizes her interest in the Doctor’s destination with a hint of embarrassment. Such a charmer. Keska thinks to herself with a wry smile.
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Post by ☆|Atrium on Mar 1, 2018 23:41:00 GMT -7
Doctor Atrium pulls his shoulder hag over, opens it and starts digging inside of it. It doesn't take him long to pull out three gold coins. He looks at the coins for a moment and frowns before looking back at Chiharu. "Err...I'm sorry, you wouldn't happen to have some change on you would you? It would appear that I just have gold coins." He then smiles warmly. "You must be happy at the thought of going home early. Where are you two holding up?"
He then thinks about what Chiharu just asked him. He scratches the back of his head as he thinks. "I would say it is about a two day trip if we took our time and enjoyed the sights, A day and a half if we just went straight there. Why do you ask?" As he waits for his answer, he looks over at Keska and sees her smiling to herself as she thinks. He then looks back at Chiharu for his answer.
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Post by ★|Sayu on Mar 5, 2018 15:37:57 GMT -7
Chiharu nods and pulls out her purse to get Atrium's change. "Shouldn't be a problem, here you go." she exchanges the appropriate amount with him before answering his question. She slides an arm around Keska's waist and pulls her close. Not forcefully, but in a friendly way. "The two of us live in a small apartment nearby." she gestures in the general direction with her free hand. "It's not much, but it's home."
She frowns for a brief moment at her mention of home. The caravan was home, this was more of a solution. It wasn't bad but her instincts demand so much more than being weighed down here. The eternal conflict between her mercantile expertise and her passion for the outdoors. Her body encourages her to suggest the two of them joining him. It might be a bit crazy and impulsive but it would only be two days and then they could come right back. "Well... four days, I guess... but then we wouldn't have enough money left to upgrade our business..." Her brain, her logic, can't make any sense of it. They could just stay here and continue to make money. A little at a time, hopefully without their landlord once again increasing their rent at complete random. Their life here was okay. "...And at least we have each other."
A small blush forms on her face but she snaps out of it quickly, finding herself staring blankly into space. Her ears twitch and Chiharu can't help but be frustrated out of no where. "Well anyway." She says in a stern tone. "It was just a silly idea." She squeezes Keska's side a little more. Then in a more relaxed manner she continues: "We're in need for vacation, but this klutz couldn't survive a day out there without a full carriage of twenty different sets clothes and a years supply of make-up." She laughs and waves her free hand. Of course her making fun of her colleague is only to mask her own conflict about the topic, although who knew if Chiharu is even aware of it. "Plus, we need to sell off this 'magic' necklace we got today." she emphasizes the word 'magic' with the utmost sarcasm to further poke fun at Keska. "That'll take a while, since we have no way to currently appraise it."
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Post by ☆|Dazai on Mar 6, 2018 14:06:31 GMT -7
Keska listens to Doctor Atrium talk about traveling while he and Chiharu make change. She suddenly feels the latter’s hand slip around her waist to pull her in. Physical contact was something that Keska usually involuntarily made. Almost all of it came from people she didn’t care for, but she felt a sense of calmness from Chi’s touch. It was several other things, reassuring, consistent, gentle… It was a positive feeling, no matter how minor the interaction. Yes their current apartment was home, even more so the caravan, but so was Chi herself. “It’s quite lovely,” the noblewoman adds to Chi’s description of their apartment. “It’s simple, but sometimes that's enough!”
Keska dons a devious smile as she notices the mental battle Chiharu is having with herself. I knew it. She wants to go. As expected!~ As if reading her thoughts, Chi blushes slightly before she dismisses it in frustration. Giving Keska a good squeeze, she continues to make a joke at the expense of the girl to her side. “E-Excuse me!” Keska’s voice climbs to a comical pitch. She was totally caught off guard. A snake! A snake!! There was no escape for anyone now. They would hear her lengthy (and quickly blurted-out) retort. “I cannot believe you would say that like it's bad! I'm royalty! Of course I need my extra clothes and makeup! I'll have you know it takes a lot to look this good all the time! And don't get me started on the other part! I'm elegant! My motor skills are top notch! In fact-” at this point, her speech becomes incoherent. She was simply speaking too fast and too furiously to be understood by anyone, but her dramatic displeasure with Chi’s remark was more than clear. After a couple of seconds, Keska takes a moment to catch her breath before continuing in her normal tone, “That said, while I think there might possibly be some merit to your statement, I’d love some time off… Perhaps I'd only pack 1 extra set of clothes.” She playfully pouts and turns her head away with her eyes closed, only to then peek at Chiharu with one eye. “And that is definitely magic! The lady even said so! We just have to figure out what it… does.” Her voice trails off as her confidence in the necklace wavers. Not that she blamed the old woman entirely. When one has to survive, few things are beneath them.
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Post by ☆|Atrium on Mar 6, 2018 22:57:44 GMT -7
Doctor Atrium couldn't help but laugh at how Keska was acting. All though he thought she was pretty, she at no point acted as though she was as royal as she claimed. He had seem royalty in his past and there was no way that she was cut from that cloth, however who was he to burst that bubble for her. This delusion isn't harming anyone so who cares. When Keska is done talking and screaming at the top of her lungs, he puts the silver in his pocket and starts to pick up all of his items. He smiles at Chiharu, "You sound like you want to come along. As much as I have found I enjoy company, I am afraid you wouldn't want to go to where I am heading. However if you wanted to tag along and scavage the land for you to sell when you get back, I wouldn't be against the idea."
He then points down the road from where he was seen coming from. "I will let you two talk about it. We aren't planning on heading out of town right away. If you choose to tag along, we are staying at the inn that is attached to the Hollow Wyvern Tavern. I am sure you will find me and my partner there, we kinda stick out." He chuckles to himself. "If you decide not to, that is fine, I understand. Either way, I hope you two have a great day." He then turns and walks off, heading in the direction that he pointed.
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Post by ★|Sayu on Mar 9, 2018 1:01:17 GMT -7
Chiharu leans slightly further away as Keska has her moment. She can't help but put on a smug smile. In her mind she sometimes wonders if she isn't really secretly 70% cat. But her attention is dragged away when Atrium elaborates on his situation more. She mulls it over in her head, wanting to just tell the man "Sure, let's get going right away! Who cares wherever you are going." but she just can't justify it to herself. Her parent's had always taught her to listen to her instincts but her family at the caravan were all about taking it safe and only placing risky bets when in reality there was never any risk at all. The conflict continues to gnaw at her in the back of her mind as she waves the doctor goodbye with one hand as she scratches Keska's back with the other - more for her own comfort than anything.
"Well, I suppose we should pack up." She says and fumbles with the money for a moment. She pulls out another gold coin and flicks it in Keska's direction. "This one's yours, too. We'll figure out dinner later. You did great today." Although she catches herself in the act of praising and a jolt goes through her body. "W-well, I mean as good as someone like you could be I suppose." She quickly turns around to hide her embarrassment and begins rolling up the rug. "I got the rug!" she says in a mildly annoyed tone.
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Post by ☆|Dazai on Mar 10, 2018 15:48:04 GMT -7
“Of course, of course. Thank you for the offer!” Keska replies, giving a small curtsy. She was surprisingly content with their situation as it was now. In the past, she would have been vying for any opportunity to expand their material wealth, but the duo’s time in Soiyam gave room for Keska to figure out what she really wanted. Of course, a part of her would always yearn for pretty things, but she was beginning to understand that it wasn’t the most important thing. It’s was important to emphasize ‘beginning’. She wasn’t always aware of what she felt, and it seemed this was simply part of her nature. In this case however… If Chiharu wanted something badly enough, her best friend was determined to help her attain that goal.
After Atrium leaves, Keska feels Chi’s nails softly on her back, and the two spend a few moments together in silence. Chi somehow always knew the best spots to scratch even if she was only doing it subconsciously, causing the Noble’s tail to flicker left and right in a trance-like state.
“Well, I suppose we should pack up.” Chiharu says as Keska catches the coin the former tossed her way. It was quite a generous gesture considering her partner’s frivolous grasp on monetary moderation. What was even more generous, was the subsequent praise Chi gave afterwards. At the time, Keska’s attention was on the coin, but as soon as the compliment registered in her brain, she audibly spun on her heels. Chi seemed to realize her mistake as Keska’s ego attains critical-mass. Though she hastily attempts to correct herself, the damage is done. Eh..hehehheheheheheh “Yes yes, you may praise me!” The flamboyant girl exclaims, placing a hand on her chest and acquiring an intensely smug expression. “An impressive display of social interaction and physical beauty, even for one such as myself! Though you hold me to such high standards, it’s only natural that I, Keska Jacques, shatter them with ease!~” It seems even Chi’s correction was somehow assumed to be praise. “Of course, with equal effort, an equal reward must be provided, no?~” A devious air begins to surround her as she attempts to put Chi in a bear hug. “I deserve a vacation, and as my indentured servant, I implore you to take me on this trip.” she pleads, putting her head on Chi’s shoulder. Keska wasn’t the wisest person, but she figured it would be good for her partner to have a bit of an adventure; a way to break up the monotony.
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