Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 2, 2013 15:35:57 GMT -5
Whispers pervaded the bazaar, chased by silence in some areas and more than a few suspicious faces. Woodlings weren't often seen in Novaria, seldom less out in the open, and yet this female couldn't be anything else. Tall and slender, with pointy ears and sharp features, she wore forest colors: a short, light green dress with thigh high leather boots of similar color. The bow and quiver on her back drew few glances, the knife at her side quite a bit more.
An uneasy look graced, Nerida's face as her dark eyes took in the streets and the distrusting looks directed her way. She thought for a second that if she had Shadow with her she'd feel better, then shook her head. The wolf was right to agree on staying at forest's edge. Merah, insisting on coming anyway, now rode on her shoulder. His twitching nose and tail giving away his nervousness.
She had come to Novaria in hopes of setting up a sort shop or stand, to sell herbs and possibly some small bit of alchemy to those in the need for it. Her father hadn't really liked the idea, but didn't discourage her exploration either. Her people warned her to be careful, as well she knew. There was a great distrust towards woodlings. Some calling them magick for their knowledge of herbs and way with animals. Nerida wanted to try and change their minds, even if she had to do it one person at a time.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 2, 2013 16:54:27 GMT -5
Tight leather black pants, and a white long sleeved shirt with a black trim, was her outfit of choice today. A gold chain hung from her pocket, disguising the silver military watch hidden within. A red amulet hung from a gold chain rested around her neck, a family heirloom passed down from her biological mother; the sword which hung from her waist was also an heirloom. The blade had a winged hilt with a blue stone; with silver that shown like the stars. Her long wavy hair was pulled back away from her face in a long braid. Her large gull colored wings which almost brush the ground were folded neatly on her back.
She rested in a stool on on the patio of a local coffee shop, sipping a baileys spiked coffee. Her icy eyes scanned over her coffee cup, watching as the crowd went by. Something struck her a bit odd about the crowd...more jumpy then usual. The answer she soon discovered to be a young woodling, strolling about through the town. A dark eyebrow went up, woodlings didn't usually wonder about in the city...they weren't exactly welcomed with open arms...much less when carrying weapons. As to why a woodling was running about...she supposed it would be her department as to find out why. Capital wasn't to keen on not knowing the coming and goings of there subjects.
She downed the rest of her coffee and put the money on the table to pay. Getting up she kept an eye on the young woodling and fallowed.
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 2, 2013 18:05:56 GMT -5
Nerida saw the fraya at the coffee shop and didn't think anything of her. She was dressed nice, and no one was giving her dirty looks, but then fraya were accepted in society. Some were even aristocrats or in the military, this one appeared to be both if her clothes and weapon were any indication.
The woodling didn't say anything or really appear to look any where but straight. She walked briskly, seemingly on a mission though she really had no idea where she was at this point. Nerida didn't notice the winged figure get up and begin to follow her, but Merah did. He chattered in her ear, pulling her hair and pointing his little paw behind her. She sped up a bit, bumping into someone who promptly cursed her. Apology under her breath, she ducked into a small walkway between what appeared to be a book and trinket store. If the woman meant to confront her, she'd rather it out of sight.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 2, 2013 18:27:59 GMT -5
Her lip twitched a bit, in a small hidden smile as the young woodling sped up; if she had somewhere to run maybe this one was worth her interest...at least for a bit. As she neared the alley way the girl had ducked into, Rowan placed a hand on the hilt of her sword. She was unsure of the woodlings intentions; best be prepared tho not over aggressive. After all she didn't really want to confront the woman...just find out why she was here. She had been hopping just to fallow and find out, then be on her way...Rowan wasn't one to enjoy talking to new people.Rowan kept her pace steady as she calmly turned into the ally way. She made sure her face was stern, with out an emotion on it. A hallow gaze was fixated on the women. Yes they were in an ally way and this restricted the use of her wings. So if she had actually had the intent to go after the girl then this was a smart move on her part. But she wasn't interested in fighting...just information.
Rowan stopped just in the entrance of the ally way; she would let the girl make the first move onto how this would go about. Her eyes flicked to the squirrel that rested on the girls shoulder...better keep off the streets...a lot of stray cats would think the large rat a good meal....Her eyes returned back to the woodling.
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 2, 2013 20:54:51 GMT -5
Nerida stopped once she was in the middle of the alley. She turned to slowly to face the winged woman, distrust and some fear reflected in her dark eyes.
One hand rested lightly on her knife handle, her only defense at close range.
"Why are you following me? What do you want?," she asked quietly. Her voice was soft and light, like wind through the trees. "I mean no harm here," she said, hoping that the other woman would believe her despite Nerida's visible weaponry.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 2, 2013 21:11:54 GMT -5
Well obviously if she was going to jump her, then the girl would have done so as soon as Rowan had entered the ally. The woodling was in defensive mode, understandably. So to calm her nerves Rowan took the watch from her pocket; it was good as a badge in the city. It showed her association with the intelligence section of Novarian military.
"My name is Rowan Darkwood; what I want is simply to know what one of your kinds doing here during this time."
Rowan believed her when she said she meant no harm; she didn't blame the woodling for carrying defensive weapons...Her kind wasn't particularly welcomed with open arms by everyone. Rowan had a particular interest and like for the woodlings; she after all owed her life to them. But unless this girl was one of the ones in the village she was with, then she didn't need to know that.
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 2, 2013 21:33:33 GMT -5
Nerida relaxed visibly. So, the fraya WAS with the military, by the look of her watch. It was probably her job to be curious, then. Woodlings in the city weren't a common sight, after all, or so she had been told. Perhaps she should have taken the warnings and the elders' caution more seriously.
"I am Nerida. I am also sorry if I have caused you any concern. The elders told me woodlings weren't often seen in cities and that I would cause a stir, but I had thought they over-exaggerated." She paused for a moment, her voice oddly fading out instead of simply stopping like a humans. "I left my people, the woodlings of Crystal Springs, to come and try to make a life here. My goal is to set up a small shop, of sorts, to sell herbs and alchemy. Through such a shop and interaction with people, I hope to earn some trust for woodlings as a whole."
Nerida finished and continuing to watch Rowan. She hoped that this woman wouldn't laugh, or worse escort her from the city. She realized that her goal was a bit of stretch, but as her elders said 'she was young and inspired'.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 2, 2013 22:19:46 GMT -5
She pocketed the watch; her gaze still on the young woodling. A glimmer of amusement flicked through her hallowed eyes. During her stay with the woodlings she had learned they were a serious bunch; and a cautious bunch. They very well knew they were mistrusted by the outside world. But they were a kind folk that loved nature; and respected it. Rowan liked that about them, and it was always nice to visit them.
"Only thing your people exaggerate about is how rare the herbs there selling are...."
Rowan satisfied her curiosity...now it was time to go satisfy her need for some food. She pulled out her watch again and checked the time.
" Well if that's it Nerida then good luck; have a nice day"
Rowan turned to go; what the woodling did now was up to her and non of Rowans interest. This talk of crystal lake made her think perhaps she'd go take a relaxing trip to the cities bath house.
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 2, 2013 22:51:57 GMT -5
Nerida laughed and was going to let Rowan walk away. A moment's hesitation and quick thinking, however, prompted her to stall the fraya's parting.
"Wait! Maybe you could help me? Can you tell me who I need to see about setting up a shop? I just arrived here and I'm already quite lost, to be honest."
Nerida had pride, and it was taking a bit of a hit to ask for this help. However, it would do her no good to simply wander around clueless in the capitol. She would only attract more attention that way, and possibly not the good kind like Rowan.
"Any other tips or advice you have would also be appreciated," she added in her calm voice.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 3, 2013 10:24:14 GMT -5
Rowan was already out of the ally way when Nerida called out to her. Rowan paused looking back at the girl. Perhaps the girl was wise in asking for help; she needed it by the looks of it. But her elders had given her advice and she had brushed it off. Quite possible Rowan would be wasting her breath by giving out her own device. A slight look of consideration crossed her face as Rowan debated on what to do. Part of her said no this would just take to much of her personal time; the other said it may be interesting after all she really had nothing else to do for that day.
"....Well...I first would recommend you learn the lay out of the city and get in contact with the alchemist guild as soon as possible. Selling alchemy is a dangerous profession...being apart of the guild will earn you less enemies and offer some protection."
She began to walk; assuming the woodling would fallow.
"Once you establish yourself with the guild, you'd be going to gain a business charter. You have to have a license before you sell anything here, you'd be getting yourself into unneeded trouble otherwise."
Rowan looked over at the woodling; analyzing her appearance.
"Unless you have money magically stuffed up a place I wouldn't want to know, your going to need to be looking for a loan as well; you go to the bank or find an investor for one of those...Do you even have a place to stay yet?"
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 3, 2013 13:35:57 GMT -5
As Nerida listened to Rowan's instructions, a strange look crossed her face. She seemed to be troubled and relieved at the same time. Following behind the fraya as she left the alley, she realized she hadn't really thought this through very well and didn't realize it was going to be this complicated.
"I'm not worried about a place to stay. The forest will be fine for the time being. I don't have much money, no, so can you tell me where I might find a bank? And perhaps give me directions to the alchemist guild as well? I should probably go there first." She said quietly.
Her plan was quickly filling with details and steps, but she smiled to herself anyway. She liked a good challenge. Novaria seemed, to her, to be the biggest yet.
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numaire
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Post by numaire on Jan 4, 2013 8:16:17 GMT -5
Forest was good enough as any she guessed...though the capital was big...unless she planned on staying on the outskirts she'd have quite a hike. The woodling didn't sound like she was very prepared...
"The alchemist guild is located in the Arch of ages; a large tree made into a building...They are very picky who they let in so I hope you have a way to impress them. Otherwise your out of luck and might as well go home. "
It was good that she had that spiked coffee...she hated talking this much. She pulled out her watch and looked at the time again...bout time for another drink if this keeps up.
"On a side note...has your squirrel gotten all of its shots...."
She looked straight at the little beast that most likely gave her away. It was doubtful the little fluffy rat was up to Novarian pet health regulations. If the woodling was going to have her little friend with her, it would need its shots and health papers.
"The tree's no where near here, its on the other side of the forever forest."
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Roxanne
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Wisdom begins in Wonder
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Post by Roxanne on Jan 6, 2013 1:59:43 GMT -5
Nerida's face fell and a sinking feeling began to grow in her chest at the continued directions and the questions. This was a lot more complicated than she planned. How was she, a young unassuming woodling, supposed to gain favor with the alchemist guild if they were so picky? The Arch of Ages was probably a week's journey on foot, and foot it would have to be since there was no way she'd take an air ship.
"I'm going to go and try. Perhaps I'll get lucky," she sighed, then tilted her head at the next question. A look of confusion crossed her face for a moment, chased by understanding and then regret. "No, Merah hasn't had his shots. Nor has Shadow. I'll go do that then prepare and set off for the Arch."
Nerida offered the woman her thanks and then turned away, already calculating what little gold she had and the things necessary for a week's travel.
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